The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Cardel Homes Earns 3 Top Parade Awards

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Cardel Homes was recognized at the 2019 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes with three prestigious awards, including a top level “Best In Class.”

The builder took the two top honors for homes in the $750,000 and $799,000 class for its models at Bexley. The Grand Award went to its Savannah model, and the Silver Award to its Henley model.

Cardel Homes’ “Best In Class” designation was received for its Master Suite & Bath in its Savannah model at Bexley.

“We’re excited and proud to be recognized as one of the top builders in this year’s Parade of Homes,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes. “These awards are evidence that our homes’ thoughtful floor plans and unique design features truly set us apart from other builders.”

Cardel Homes is one of few builders to offer communities of all sizes and price points — from move-up developments like Bexley with its many active lifestyle amenities, to the Enclave at Lake Padgett and Oakwood Reserve, with their acre lots, pristine privacy and luxury custom features.

Bexley
Cardel Homes is a premier builder at Bexley — a master-planned community by Newland along the State Road 54 corridor in Land O’ Lakes. It encompasses 1,200 acres of preserved wilderness and 13 miles of breathtaking trails.

The Henley floor plan is a two-story, four-bedroom home with more than 3,900 square feet of living space. Its four-bedroom Savannah plan features three baths and more than 3,300 square feet of living space in a single-story design. Both models are beautifully decorated and have three-car garages.

Cardel Homes has been building in Bexley since the community opened in 2016, and recently expanded into Phase 2A, with beautiful lots and floor plans beginning in the upper $300s. Two quick inventory homes are available in this new phase, as well as the St. Lucia model home in Bexley’s first phase.

The Enclave At Lake Padgett
There are only a handful of lots remaining on Lake Padgett, which is why Cardel Homes is so excited to be building homes in the Enclave At Lake Padgett.

This secluded, gated community of just 18 homes is conveniently located off U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, just two miles north of State Road 54. All homesites back up to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett, and all lots can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats.

“We have eight large homesites remaining — all very private and perfect for families wanting a waterfront home with no CDD fees,” said Phillips.

Cardel Homes is offering three, one-story plans at the Enclave, all with tile roofs and brick paver driveways as standard features. Homes range from 3,000 to 3,308 square feet, and offer four bedrooms, three or four baths and three-car garages.

The St. Lucia model home is ready now for a quick move-in. This stunning home is 3,336 square feet with four bedrooms, three baths, and a large front porch and covered lanai. An oversized dock is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural backyard setting.

Oakwood Reserve
If you’re looking for a new home in Hillsborough County that’s close to USF, Oakwood Reserve may be the perfect community for you.

Only five lots remain in this exclusive community of 1-acre homesites on Clement Road  — a quiet, rural street tucked between Hannah Road and Livingston Avenue. Oakwood Reserve is just 25 minutes to downtown Tampa, and minutes from Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa.

This rural community has lots ranging from 1 acre to 1.55 acres with magnificent mature trees. Two homesites have already been sold, and an inventory home is under construction and will be ready in May.

“Our first two buyers are young professionals who love the location and wanted a small community with no CDD or HOA fees,” said Phillips.

Homes in Oakwood Reserve begin at $447,990, and range from 2,507 square feet to 3,939 square feet. All have four to five bedrooms, three to four baths and three-car garages.

Cardel Homes’ models are open Mondays through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

CardelHomes.com/Tampa, (813) 510-4429: Sales Center in Bexley at 4081 Epic Cove, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

Published March 27, 2019

Biscayne Homes Opens Model In Epperson

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Biscayne Homes is a new homebuilder in Tampa Bay whose partners bring 30-plus years of expertise in superior construction practices and innovative design to the Wesley Chapel community of Epperson.

“Compared to other homes in our price range, we believe we build a better home with superior construction methods and floor plans never seen before in Tampa Bay,” said David Adler, a partner in the business.

All Biscayne Homes residences are just a short walk or bicycle ride to Epperson’s unique Crystal Lagoon pool.

Working with Adler is Emmanuel Stern, who also heads up the company’s Epperson community of 107 single-family homes.

“All of our homes are built on 75-foot lots — the largest homesites available in Epperson,” said Stern. “And, our homes have the closest proximity to the Crystal Lagoon in the community.”

All Biscayne Homes residences are just a short walk or bicycle ride to Epperson’s unique Crystal Lagoon pool and recreation area. This 7.5-acre, 16-million-gallon amenity has crystal clear water that is perfect for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, sailing on small boats and relaxing in its quiet cabana coves.

“We chose Epperson as our first community because we want to be part of the Crystal Lagoon phenomenon and the fabulous amenities it offers our buyers,” said Stern.

Grand Opening
Biscayne Homes is celebrating the grand opening of its Sabal 3 model home this weekend, March 30 and March 31, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., both days. Open houses will continue the following two weekends: April 6 and April 7, and April 13 and April 14.

Culminating its grand opening celebrations is a ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 11 from 4 to 6 p.m., which is being hosted by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.

The Sabal 3 model is beautifully decorated and offers a spacious floor plan at 4,271 square feet. The home has coffered ceilings in its oversized living room, master bedroom and dining room, a high-end kitchen with an oversized island, 3 bedrooms on the first floor, a large bonus room, and 4th and 5th bedrooms on the second floor, and 4.5 baths.

All Biscayne Homes floor plans have the option to convert a side garage and adjacent flex room to a large and airy in-law suite with a bedroom, private living area, full bath and lots of windows for natural lighting.

The side garage is also ideal for active families to store bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards and even golf carts — all which enhance their Crystal Lagoon lifestyle.

Biscayne Homes executives are also excited to be introducing its superior construction process to the Tampa market.

“Our homes are built to the high standards required in south Florida, which means our homes are more wind and water resistant than most homes built in Tampa,” said Adler. “An example is our use of concrete block, instead of wood, to build the second floor of our homes.”

Biscayne Homes also incorporates the latest in international design trends that are popular in south Florida, but new to this area.

“We design our homes so that all space is truly usable, and that all living areas flow smoothly together,” said Adler. “We also offer as standard features 10-foot ceilings and large bedrooms that easily accommodate queen-size beds and dressers.”

In addition to the Sabal 1, 2 and 3 floor plans, Biscayne Homes offers six more distinct floor plans, offering three unique elevations — Key West, Modern and Mediterranean. As a semi-custom builder, their floor plans can be customized to meet the needs of the buyer, including moving walls to create larger rooms.

Homes begin at 3,174 square feet with the one-story Sabal 1, and go up to 5,227 square feet with the two-story Canary 3. Prices begin in the mid $400s.

Epperson Amenities
Epperson’s Crystal Lagoon is the length of five football fields with fingers that stretch out 1/4 mile in length from the main lagoon. The lagoon’s average depth is 8 feet, with some areas as deep as 12 feet, and features swim-up bars and restaurants along its shores.

Located inside Pasco County’s Connected City corridor, Epperson residents have ULTRAFi, which offers 1 gigabit of Internet speed and up to 1 gigabit at individual homes.

“Living in an ULTRAFi community means there are no buffering delays as residents play, watch, game, surf and stream by the pool, on the trails, at the playground and right inside their homes,” said Stern.

About Biscayne Homes
Biscayne Homes’ partners have decades of experience, including leadership positions with Builders Association of South Florida Past President and earning the top distinction of Builder of the Year. Together, this team has been responsible for creating 30,000 new homes in Florida, Texas, and other key destinations around the world, with homes ranging in price from $300,000 to $15 million.

“With our key focus on craftsmanship and personalized customer service, we invite you to visit our new model and see firsthand the unique homes we build at Epperson, along with the community’s unique lagoon lifestyle,” said Stern.

Tour Biscayne Homes’ model home at 7858 Roma Dune Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. For more information, visit BiscayneHomes.com, call (813) 291-4886, or email .

Published March 27, 2019

More Savings at Mattamy Homes’ Spring Sale

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With two new townhome communities now open in Lutz and Citrus Park, Mattamy Homes is offering extraordinary savings on quick move-in townhomes in its Avea Pointe and Lakeview at Citrus Park communities.

“All of our quick, move-in homes are available with special savings on these spacious three- and four-bedroom townhomes,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes. “Plus, for a limited time we are paying closing costs, so it is important to call now to take advantage of these significant savings.”

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Avea Pointe is Mattamy Homes’ newest townhome neighborhood in Lutz, located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Drive, and directly across from Mattamy Homes’ Lakeshore Preserve community.

Avea Pointe’s first residents will be moving into their new homes this spring. The community’s amenities will be ready in the fall, including a resort-style pool, cabana and sun deck. At completion, Avea Pointe will have 224 homes.

This fabulous kitchen in the Venice townhome is one of many reasons why Mattamy Homes was honored with a silver award at the 2019 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes for homes between $350,000 and $399,000.

This gated community offers three unique floor plans designed to live like single-family homes. All feature large open kitchens, optimized living spaces, covered lanais and 2-car garages.

Avea Pointe offers very distinctive plans— the Santa Rosa at 1,913 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with an owner’s suite on the first level; the Sebring at 2,230 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice at 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. Base prices are from the low $300s.

“We offer some of the largest townhomes in the area,” said Dec. “Their unique designs meet the needs of first-time homebuyers, families with children and empty-nesters.”

Avea Pointe is just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, and convenient to shopping, dining and entertainment in Carrollwood, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Located within two miles of the Veterans Expressway, the community is an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

“This desirable location is one of the main reasons our homes at Avea Pointe are selling so quickly,” said Dec. “Excellent schools are another reason, because parents want their children to attend the area’s best schools.”

Avea Pointe children are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road. Also close-by is the Sunlake Academy of Math and Science charter school.

New Models in Citrus Park
Mattamy Homes has been selling in Lakeview at Citrus Park since August, and has already sold more than 35 townhomes. With the recent opening of three professionally decorated models, Mattamy expects sales to move even faster in this gated community off Ehrlich Road and the Veterans Expressway.

“Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our homeowners love being so close to Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and value their easy access to the Veterans and downtown Tampa.”

“Our new models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel as spacious and private as single-family homes,” said Dec.

The Marianna (1,667 sq. ft.) and Ormond (1,888 sq. ft.) have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and single garages. The Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage. Prices begin in the mid $200s.

The community, which will have 124 townhomes when completed, overlooks Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road. Residents have access to the lake for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding from its community pier. Other amenities include a children’s playground.

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities, the Spring Sales Event, or to schedule a VIP appointment.

Published March 27, 2019

Bexley Trail Blazers Club Enjoys Outdoor Camaraderie

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Living in Tampa Bay means enjoying outstanding weather year-round and ample outdoor activities. For residents in Bexley by Newland, one of Pasco County’s premier master-planned communities, the Bexley lifestyle also means having a wide range of activities and amenities just minutes from your doorstep.

The Bexley Trail Blazers is a group of residents, nearby neighbors and friends who enjoy monthly walks through the community’s trails. Pictured L-R: Robert Krahn, Stephanie Krahn (and their dog Nala), Daniela Pavlik, Bryan Cooper, Denise Semeniuk, Nick Grimaudo, Jay Michlin, Jean Grimaudo, Jodie Johnson, Scott Waite, Larry Oliver and Jessica Robinson.

Nestled among 1,825 acres of pastoral ranch lands, mature woodlands and cypress wetlands, Bexley offers exceptional trails to walk, bike and run. The newly formed Bexley Trail Blazers, whose members are residents and guests, gather each month to explore one of the community trails, which vary in length between a quarter mile to nearly two miles.

The group usually meets on the second Friday of the month, not only for exercise, but also camaraderie. All are welcome to join. A schedule of Trail Blazers events is available at BexleyFlorida.com, or on the Bexley by Newland Facebook Page.

“We help members discover places within their community they might not have known about,” said Jessica Robinson, marketing manager for Bexley. “Our residents enjoy getting to know each other in a fun, casual setting. Not only have residents been exploring the trails together, they’ve been sharing them with their friends from other nearby communities and inviting them to join the group.”

Along their walks, Trail Blazers get a chance to enjoy the canopy of cypress trees, listen to the variety of bird songs and even catch a glimpse of an alligator or two.

The Allure of Amenities
Bexley’s dual-surface trails were designed by outdoor-living pioneer Avid Trails. Several of them include Fit Stations to keep workouts interesting and fresh. The community also offers open space for sports fields, a BMX bicycle pump park, and custom-made playgrounds, as well as two dog parks, one for large breeds and the other for small.  

Suncoast Trailside Bicycles is also located right within the community. The business offers sales, repairs and rentals six days a week at the lakefront Bexley Club, which is also home to the Twisted Sprocket Café. The public cafe offers a menu of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, coffee, wine and beer.

Two additional buildings make up The Bexley Club: a cardio-focused fitness center and a screened-in game room with air hockey, foosball, and a pool table. There are also two resort-style pools, an outdoor fire pit and an event lawn for community events and gatherings.

Residents Connect
The Trail Blazers club isn’t the only way for residents to meet and connect. From October through May, Bexley hosts a monthly Saturday Morning Market, which features an array of unique vendors and goods. The next Morning Market is April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community’s Spring Garage Sale is being held in conjunction with the April market, and invites residents to host individual sales, all on the same day.

On the third Friday of each month, residents and guests gather for Happy Hour at the Twisted Sprocket Café from 5 to 8 p.m. with drinks, café specials and complimentary snacks.

Located in Land O’Lakes in central Pasco County, north of State Road 54 and just east of the Suncoast Parkway, Bexley provides a prime location that’s just 26 miles from downtown Tampa and convenient to many of the area’s diverse attractions.

Not only do residents rave about all there is to do at Bexley, the community has garnered numerous awards, including a Best in American Living Award for best single-family community from the National Association of Home Builders. It also was recognized as the best master-planned community and best recreational facility from the Southeast Building Conference.

Want to know more? Bexley allows families searching for a new home to test out all of the trails and amenities through its exclusive Resident for a Day program. To learn more, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

Published March 27, 2019

The Serena by ICI Homes Earns Top Parade Awards

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ICI Homes was recognized at the 2019 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes with two prestigious awards for its Serena model home in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa.

The Serena received a Silver Award in the very competitive, $500,000 to $549,000 price category, and also the exclusive “Best In Class” award for Merchandising, in recognition of the model’s superior features and interior design.

ICI Homes’ new model, the Costa Mesa, with an open floor plan that brings together its gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room.

ICI Homes also received the Grand Award for homes in the $1 million to $1.2 million class for its Shenandoah model at FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County. This is the third year that the Shenandoah received top honors in the Parade of Homes competition.

“It is truly an honor to once again be recognized by Parade judges for our innovative floor plans and excellence in design,” said Leah Turner, sales manager for ICI Homes. “As we move into Asturia’s newest phase, we are especially proud that our Serena model home received awards for both its floor plan and the interior design.”

More Homes In Asturia
ICI Homes is one of the premier builders in Asturia, a master-planned community of just 550 homes along the State Road 54 corridor in Odessa. Buyers can choose from over a dozen distinctive floor plans, all which can be customized to meet a family’s unique needs to build their dream home.

ICI Homes, which has been building in Asturia for the past two years, is now selling in the community’s newest phase with 38 new home sites, many of which back up to conservation or water.

“A lot of families have been waiting for Phase III to open in Asturia, because they love our pristine homesites, as well as our affordable floor plans that begin in the low $300s,” said Turner.

Families of all ages and sizes chose Asturia because of its convenient location just minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, its unique trails system that winds through wetlands, parks and neighborhoods, and its award-winning Amenity Center that includes a zero-entry pool, contemporary community center and state-of-the-art fitness center.

“We’re seeing lots of buyers who appreciate Asturia’s more intimate size, especially when compared to nearby communities where thousands of home are being built,” said Turner.

The builder’s new model home, the Costa Mesa, will open later this spring as a beautifully furnished model.

This one-story home is 2,565 square feet with four bedrooms and three baths. Its open floor plan brings together the gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room in one expansive space that incorporate lots of windows to bring in natural light and sunlight.

In addition to its Phase III lots, ICI Homes also has a few homesites remaining in the Asturia’s almost-completed second phase, including three inventory homes and its award-winning Serena model.

Final Homes In Bexley
If you’re looking for a new home in Land O’ Lakes, this is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in Bexley, an award-winning development by Newland that is located just east of Asturia next to the Suncoast Parkway.

Bexley offers thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, parks and playgrounds, and miles of walking and bike trails. Other amenities include a clubhouse, pools, fitness center, bike shop and café.

ICI Homes is building its final three homes in Bexley, all on large, 70-foot lots. A Costa Mesa quick move-in home is currently being built, and the slightly smaller Egret VII will soon be under construction. Both homes have very open plans with lots of windows and natural lighting.

ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most acclaimed builders, builds new homes in desirable master-planned communities that offer beautiful home sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle.

In Tampa Bay, its communities are conveniently located close to major transportation arteries for quick access to downtown Tampa and Westshore business districts, close proximity to shopping, dining and entertainment, and access to Florida’s best beaches in Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

Since ICI Homes was established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation. The sales center for Asturia and Bexley is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264.

Published March 27, 2019

Cornerstone Gives You Endless Water With A Tankless Hot Water Heater

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Nothing is worse than running out of hot water when your family is getting ready for school, work or play. Which is why many households are converting to a tankless hot water heater and replacing their traditional 40-gallon tank that sits in the corner of their garage.

“Endless hot water is the number one reason why local families are going tankless,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes.

Silva and his team of 11 plumbers install between seven and 10 tankless water heaters a month, and that pace is accelerating with the introduction of a new tankless system powered by electricity.

“Tankless systems for homes with gas have been around for many years, but it’s only recently that the technology has become available for electric heaters,” said Silva. “We work with a manufacturer out of Arizona called trutankless, which has a fantastic system that even has an app that makes it fun and easy to keep track of your water usage and to send alerts.”

The trutankless system is adaptable for homes from one bathroom to four. It provides endless hot water 24 hours a day, for half the cost of a traditional hot water tank.

“The energy efficiency of a tankless system will save a family at least 15 percent on their monthly power bill,” said Silva. “In less than five years, your tankless system will pay for itself!”

Another benefit of a tankless water system is that it mounts directly on your garage wall, freeing up space on the floor that a traditional water tank requires.

“The trutankless system is contained in a neat, 2-foot by 2-foot square that juts out less than a foot from the wall. The unit is hardly noticeable and really cleans up the look of the garage,” said Silva.

Manufactured in Arizona, the trutankless system is a U.S. company that boasts an outstanding service record.

“Cornerstone has installed over 100 trutankless systems in the past two years, and we’ve had very few service issues,” said Silva, who adds that the system is virtually maintenance-free.

Many homeowners decide on a tankless hot water system when their old tank begins to leak, or no longer keeps up with the family’s hot water demands.

“After comparing the cost of replacing their old water tank, which is 100-year-old technology that is very energy inefficient, most homeowners switch to a tankless system because it costs 50 percent less to operate, plus gives them hot water on demand with absolutely no fuss,” said Silva.

Traditional water tanks work 11 hours a day to keep water hot, even in the absence of hot water demand, and wear out and need to be replaced every seven to 10 years. Replacement cost to install a traditional hot water tank is between $1,200 and $1,500.

By comparison, Silva said a tankless system costs about $3,000, which includes upgrading a home’s electrical system to accommodate the installation of the trutankless system, as well as a plumber.

“Cornerstone always sends a plumber and an electrician to the home for a tankless water system install. This is not a do-it-yourself project, and requires both electrical and plumbing permits,” said Silva.

Most Cornerstone installs are completed in less than a day, and there is almost no inconvenience to the family. Same day installs are scheduled for emergency jobs, especially when a family’s old water tank starts leaking.

The manufacturer of the trutankless system reports that $8.1 billion could be saved annually in the U.S., if American families switched to tankless heaters.

“Tankless technology also eliminates corrosion, leaks, scalding and explosions that sometimes occur with old-style tanks, all which can be hazardous to your family,” said Silva.  “The trutankless product is something that Cornerstone is very proud to offer —a sophisticated solution that gives families something they dream about – endless hot water.”

Ready to say goodbye to cold showers? Contact Cornerstone today at (813) 990-0561 and ask about a $75 discount it is offering Laker/Lutz News readers interested in buying a tankless water system for their home.

Published March 27, 2019

WUSF seeks storytellers for ‘One Small Step’ initiative

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As one of just six public media stations nationwide selected, WUSF will be part of a new StoryCorps initiative designed to reclaim America’s civil discourse, according to a news release.

Funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and StoryCorps, One Small Step brings two people together who have differing political perspectives and asks them questions that reach the core of their beliefs, and the emotional experiences that brought them there, the release says.

The purpose of these interviews is to provide an opportunity for people to share personal feelings and experiences, and to enable those who disagree to listen to each other with respect. Rather than spark additional political debates, One Small Step encourages answers to questions like, “Was there a moment, event, or person in your life that shaped your political views?” and “What scares you most when you think about the future?”

These kinds of questions help people discover the root of their own political stances on various issues. The format allows participants and listeners who may disagree on policy to understand better why others may feel differently. There is no blame, no right answer, only lived experiences that participants can share with one another, the release adds.

“Our station is honored to be a part of this very special and important initiative,” JoAnn Urofsky, WUSF general manager and associate vice president, said in the release. “We are excited that the people of Tampa Bay will have their voices represented on a national scale.”

WUSF is eager to hear from voices in the Tampa Bay and hopes to obtain a diverse selection of participants for One Small Step. All backgrounds and opinions are welcomed and encouraged. For those interested in participating please visit WUSF online at WUSF.usf.edu, and click on the “One Small Step” tile for more information.

Published March 27, 2019

Land O’ Lakes music fest crowd gets in the groove

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Tyler Dusek, of the band Stonegrey, drives the beat for this popular local band. (Randy Underhill)

With temperatures in the 80s, and lots of local entertainment, the fourth annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival seemed to hit a high note with the crowd.

People relaxed on lawn chairs, grabbed a bite to eat and chatted with friends, as four popular local bands entertained.

Solar Exposure, Peace of Woodstock, Stonegrey and the Bearded Brothers brought their own brand of music to this year’s fest, which drew its largest crowd to date.

Guitarist Kenny Brown, of Solar Exposure, rocks the rhythm as the opening act at the fourth annual Land O’ Lakes Music Fest.

People arrived early, to claim spots in the shade, or in the center of the park near the stage.

Food and beverage vendors, as well as local business sponsors, lined the outer edges of the park.

Solar Exposure took the stage at 4 p.m., and Peace of Woodstock followed. Stonegrey took the third slot and Bearded Brothers finished up the evening, with a concert at 10 p.m.

The music was high energy — bringing spectators to their feet, with singing and dancing throughout the day and into the night.

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park spent months planning the festivities and, based on the size of the crowd and the enthusiasm of concert-goers, it was a smash hit.

By Randy Underhill

Published March 27, 2019

People relax and enjoy the music of four popular local bands at the fourth annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.
Bassist Alvaro Torres, of Land O’ Lakes, brings back the looks and the sound of the ’60s as Peace of Woodstock reflects the music of the 1969 event.
Dee Dee Cook, of Land O’ Lakes, and husband Wally Cook grab some food and drink from the Mr. Paella tent. Employee Martha Massaro serves up the meal.
Lead singer for the Bearded Brothers, Thomas Giano, entertains the crowd, while performing one of the group’s many numbers at the fourth annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.

Elvis was in the building

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We started off on March 5, when we had a monthly lunch bunch at Ruby Tuesdays with a nice group of women attending. There were 21 in all, and it was hosted by JoAnn Fisher. She picked the right place.

From left: Shirley Carlson, Robbie Lockard and Rachel Gamache (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

It was a lively crowd, and we were given two long tables, somewhat secluded, so we could talk and have a good time.

There was quite a variety on the menu, including “specials” of the day, chicken dinners, meat dishes, salads and so much more. The waitresses were more than helpful in any way, if they were needed.

Before the lunch started, we all met at the community center to make sure we had a ride. It was a lovely afternoon and great company.

On March 8, our monthly connoisseurs met at Lings Buffet, where we had a huge lunch.

From left: Nancy Huey, Maxine Hudson and Carol Jones.

When we entered the restaurant, we saw Koi fish swimming on the left and also on the right.

The inside of the restaurant was decorated very nicely.

It had several dishes like chicken chow mien, fried and white rice, shrimp, lo mien, vegetables, several kinds of soup, and desserts, such as ice cream, cookies and much more.

It was hosted by Sandy Lindke and what a fine job she did. It was a very nice day and 26 people attended.

The management gave us the back room, which made it good to converse with each other.  We left full to capacity, and we had a lovely afternoon.

Elvis gives Bobbie Weidendorf a kiss and presents her with a scarf.

In the morning of March 13, we had our weekly coffee hour. Here we get together and share coffee and doughnuts, plus hear the birthdays and anniversaries of the coming week. We also hear the ‘thought of the day’ provided by Gary Wilcox in a very entertaining way. It is a very enjoyable hour and we look forward to it.

After the coffee/doughnut hour, some people stayed over for the social club. This is when we hear about upcoming events, but you also can discuss any issues that you may have questions about. It is very informative and interesting.

Later that night about 45 people met at the community center for a meal that was put on by Meals on Wheels and hosted by Joyce Bell. Before the meal started, grace was said by Beth Aker from Meals on Wheels to a crowd of people who bowed their heads in a moment of silence. The meal consisted of beef stew with carrots and potatoes, a side of fruits, rolls and several types of desserts.

Elvis entertains the crowd.

On March 15, there was a huge crowd of residents and visitors at the community center to see a show that was entitled  “A Tribute to Elvis.”

Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without a bunch of screaming women.

This was a 90-minute show with song after song and a little trivia thrown in.

The show started off when Terry Gardner introduced the show and when he said “ladies,” 10 women went down the center aisle to await Elvis (Gene Styles).

When Elvis started to sing, the 10 women came up to the stage screaming and with arms raised. I think this was a surprise.

Germaine Marion shows off her teddy bear from Elvis.

Elvis then continued with “Heartbreak Hotel” and a whole lot of shaking going on, and several facial antics, plus snapping of the fingers.

Elvis continued with a little story and said the following song was just for the girls, and then sang “Devil in Disguise.” He walked among the audience and sang to all.

He proceeded to sing the song “Memories,” which was from the ’67 comeback special. It was a lovely job and then he did several more songs, like “Hound Dog.”

He did numerous more, but a highlight was when he sang “G.I. Blues” with some shuffling.

Elvis presents a scarf to Sharon Corcoran.

He then did a quick change and came out with a white jacket, and a snazzy black shirt and slacks, and proceeded to sing “Rock-A-Hula Baby” with castanets.

He did a lovely rendition of “Teddy Bear” and threw stuffed teddy bears to the audience. At one point in the evening later on he also threw out some scarves.

He performed “Peace in the Valley,” which was truly lovely and followed with “All Shook Up,” while the audience was clapping to the song.

He then brought his wife on-stage, and they performed two lovely songs.

Elvis looking sharp in his white suit with a scarf.

The first one was called “For the Good Times,” and they sang so well together and the antics between the two of them made the songs special.

He did a special performance of singing “I Don’t Have a Wooden Heart” to Mim Gardner. It was a cute moment, and he did a good job.

During the intermission, he changed into a white suit and promptly sang “CC Rider” with all types of motions like strumming a guitar and shaking a leg.

He sang a few more and then asked for someone to do the twist with him. Germaine Marion, Judi Leitzke, Karen Donlon and Chris Fulton did the twist while Elvis sang “Blue Suede Shoes.”

Elvis performed a few more songs including “Love Me Tender” and the same four women who did the twist now did the electric slide while Elvis sang the song, “There’s a Fool Such as I.”

A few more songs and audience dancing, and then the “American Trilogy ” was performed to a standing ovation to end the show.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Hobby Lobby opens at Cypress Creek Town Center

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About two dozen shoppers were waiting when the Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., held its grand-opening celebration of its newest store, in Lutz.

They joined store employees and members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce for the 9 a.m., ribbon cutting ceremony on March 18.

Brooke Pancoast, manager of the new Hobby Lobby in Lutz, does the honors of cutting the ribbon during the grand opening festivities. (Diane Kortus)

The store, at 25675 Sierra Center Drive, is Hobby Lobby’s 865th store. It is located in the Cypress Creek Town Center, which is west of Interstate 75, off State Road 56.

Suzanne Beauchaine, executive director of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Manager Brooke Pancoast and her team to the chamber, which has a 44-year history of promoting the interests of businesses and supporting community organizations.

“Our new location is great for many of our customers, who have been driving to our stores in Zephyrhills and New Port Richey,” Pancoast said.

“While we expect to keep many of our loyal store customers in Zephyrhills, many will now shop at the new Lutz store because it is closer and more convenient,” said Kevin Ross, Hobby Lobby’s Zephyrhills store manager.

Monica Salter, right, and her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Salter, measure a ‘distressed’ end table that caught their eye during Hobby Lobby’s grand opening in Lutz.

Shoppers were eager to check out the new store.

“We love the home accessories and art supply areas of the store,” said Monica Salter, who attended the Lutz grand opening with her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Salter. “Plus, Hobby Lobby has wonderful discounts on holiday items that we always appreciate.”

Both women reside in Wesley Chapel, and have also shopped Hobby Lobby stores in Zephyrhills, North Carolina and Colorado.

Shopper Lynn Eberhart said, “I’m learning to quilt, and we came by to see what Hobby Lobby has for quilters.”

She came to the grand opening with her  husband, Joey, who said he enjoys looking at the memorable and clever signs Hobby Lobby stocks.

Hobby Lobby is a privately held national retain chain of craft and home décor stores.

Each store offers more than 70,000 crafting and home décor products, including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies, according to a company news release.

The Oklahoma City-based private corporation got its start in 1970 as Greco, a miniature picture frame company. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

Published March 20, 2019