The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Ukulele Brand’s —Lakeside Setting With A Local Flavor

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This could be you at Ukulele Brand’s restaurant and bar in Land O’ Lakes.

You’re seated on a covered outdoor deck sipping a rum runner cocktail, watching the sun set over East Lake Ellis and enjoying live local music, while waiting for your gator tail and grilled grouper to emerge fresh from the kitchen of Executive Chef Chris Boemmel.

“All these things make us a local favorite,” Boemmel said. “We’re one of the only places to have live entertainment four to five nights a week, a beautiful lakeside setting, and an atmosphere that is casual and fun.”

Boemmel has been the chef at Ukulele Brand’s for the last 13 years, and naturally brings the conversation around to his food.

“Our menu covers everything —  pasta, steaks, burgers, seafood, chicken wings,” said Boemel. “We make just about everything from scratch. We bread our own clams and chicken tenders. Our burgers are delicious and huge, like all of our portion sizes. Nobody leaves here hungry.” Ukulele Brand’s has a full liquor bar and several craft beers, indoor and outdoor seating, and several large-screen televisions, to give you a unique dining experience—right down to wire sandwich baskets shaped like ukuleles.

Lunch is always busy at Ukulele’s. It has daily lunch specials, and does a good job putting food out fast so guests can enjoy their lunch break and get back to work on time.

Favorite dishes include Uke’s Jammin’ Jambalaya, Southern Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad, Uke’s Famous Seafood Chowder, and a large selection of specialty burgers, including the Uke’s burger, which is topped with blue cheese, sautéed onions and mushrooms.

But by far, it’s most popular items are grouper and gator tail.

“We get fresh grouper in almost every day from the Gulf of Mexico, and go through 80 pounds of gator tail a week,” said Boemmel.

In addition to its excellent food, the chef attributes his restaurant’s success to the longevity of its staff.

“We have servers and bartenders who have been here 12 years or more,” said Boemmel. “Our customers love seeing the same servers, and even request them by name. They know what you want to drink, your family members and are genuinely happy to see you.  In addition, we have experienced chefs who have worked here for many years, who consistently put out great food.”

Being a fixture in the community since 1995 from its iconic location on U.S. 41, Ukulele Brand’s gives back in several ways, from sponsoring local sports teams and high school events to participating in poker runs.

Check the restaurant’s calendar of events on its Facebook page, or at UkuleleBrands.com, for its live band schedule and special event of the day.

4805 Land O’Lakes Blvd. • Land O’Lakes, FL. 34639

813-995-0608 • www.ukelelebrands.com

 

Published 4/24/19

Tarpon Springs Is More Than Greek

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Less than 45 minutes from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, Tarpon Springs is someplace new to go for  date night, or a weekend outing with the family.

“What really breathes life into our downtown is our variety of restaurants,” said Kelley Riedy, operations manager for Tarpon Arts. “There’s a pizza and pasta place, a little bistro that makes its own flavored olive oils, and American, Greek and Italian fare.”

Before or after you dine, it’s fun to explore the city’s many museums.

The Historic Train Depot Museum is right in the heart of downtown, the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art has more than 6,000 exhibits of contemporary and modern art, and the Heritage Museum has a permanent Greek heritage exhibit.

Perhaps the best known museum is the Safford House, which has docent-guided tours of this 1883 Victorian home, and is the only museum on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

“Something the kids will enjoy is the Replay Amusement Museum, home to the world’s largest pinball machine, and filled with vintage video games, pinball machines and memorabilia,” Riedy said.

Tarpon Springs hosts a full calendar of special events year-round. In fact, this weekend is Night in the Islands — an after-hours festival on the Sponge Docks, on June 29.

“This is a fabulous way to enjoy our beautiful cool evenings,” said Riedy. “The streets of the Sponge Docks are blocked off, and there are two stages for live music, including Ellada, considered the premier Greek music band in Florida. We even have a dance troupe giving free, Greek dance lessons.”

“Nights in the Islands really captures the Greek heritage of the city,” said Reidy. “Several restaurants set up outside tables, so people can dine next to the music and dancing, and enjoy our beautiful waterfront.

You can also explore Tarpon Springs through rosé-colored glasses—as in glasses of rosé wine—at the next Wine Walk on July 20. In August, there is the Hippie Fest on Aug. 10, and the quarterly Arts and Crafts show on the Sponge Docks is Aug. 31. Fall events include Salsa on the Sponge Docks on Oct. 12 and the Seafood Festival from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10.

For outdoor fun, Tarpon Springs has two beaches —Fred Howard Park and Sunset Beach, which hosts the Sunset Beach Concert Series on the first Thursday of every month. Tarpon Springs also has a free Splash Park, hiking trails, playgrounds, dog parks, fishing and kayaking.

ExploreTarponSprings.com

Published 6/26/19

Extend Your A/C’s Life

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Tyler Wood, Owner

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Your air conditioner is the most expensive appliance in your house, and when it breaks, you want to call a company that will do everything possible to prolong its life. Bay Harbor Services is that kind of company.

Bay Harbor has recently expanded into residential services, after many successful years in commercial air conditioning sales and service.

“On the commercial side, the goal is to keep a company’s equipment going as long as possible,” said Jay Civitillo, management consultant with Bay Harbor Services. “If you’re a big-box retailer, you don’t want your A/C switched out every few years, because that’s really expensive.

Bay Harbor has taken that same philosophy to residential.

“We treat our residential customers just like we treat our commercial business,” said Civitillo. “Our goal is to keep a homeowner’s equipment running as long as possible to maximize their investment.”

With a metal shop and Riverview Crane division, Bay Harbor has an unusual depth of resources that allows it to execute its service-first approach in the residential air conditioning market.

“We try to do everything in-house as much as we possibly can,” said Tyler Wood, general manager. “Because we have our own cranes and equipment, it allows us to give better quality service and often better prices. Plus, our installers and service techs are masters in the air conditioning trade.”

One of Bay Harbor’s most popular services is its filter replacement program, especially for families with allergies.

“If you have allergies, you can put in a thicker filter. However, it’s not as straightforward as you would think because, with a thicker filter, you could impede the performance of your A/C. So it helps having a company get the right filter,” said Civitillo.

Bay Harbor also has products designed to clean a home’s air.

“It’s not just about having cool air,” said Civitillo. “We have products that focus on cleaning air, including Blue-Tube UV, that use ultraviolet blue light to kill microbes.”

Bay Harbor also installs mini-split or ductless systems for home renovations and room additions, but they recommend consulting a professional whenever any major air conditioning system changes are made.

“Mini-splits arereally popular, but many people don’t realize it is important to have an expert come out and look at your usage area, because sometimes having a bigger unit can do more harm than good,” said Civitillo.

Bay Harbor recommends performing maintenance on your air conditioner twice a year and changing the filters every two months. If it’s time to replace a unit, the company carries industry-leading Trane products, as well as Trane’s more economical line, Ameristar.

(813) 740-8662

BayHarborServices.com

Financing options are available

Published 6/19/19

Hot Dogs, Ice Cream and Fun at Moody Judy’s

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Owner, Judy Lambert

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Moody Judy’s specializes in hot dogs, Cubans and unique sandwiches, and of course ice cream—and fun. Judy Lambert owns the café, and would not have it any other way.

“I love food, meeting people and making sweet memories,” Lambert said. “My goal is to create a meeting place where family and friends can enjoy good food and laugh together.”

Lambert jokes with her guests, suggests tasty food combinations and sets everyone at ease with her playful sense of humor. She is not really moody — she thinks of herself as creative and silly.

A good example are the fun names on her menu: Junkyard Dog, Garbage Dog, Inferno Dog, Fancy Schmancy Grilled Cheese, Gator Tracks and Fat Elvis.

For hot dog lovers, Moody Judy’s is the perfect place to indulge because it carries Vienna Beef and Sabrett dogs, both in the natural casings, as well as a skinless Nathan’s.

“We make an authentic Chicago dog from the poppy seed bun to the sport pepper,” said Lambert. “Our Coney and footlong dogs are served with our homemade chili, onions, mustard and sometimes Fritos. We have the best coleslaw, and use it not only as a side, but also as a topping for a dog, burger or chicken sandwich.”

Moody Judy’s also has salads and sandwiches, including its popular Fajita Clucker that is loaded with grilled chicken, onions and various types of peppers. Also, on the menu is their Cuban with fresh roasted Mojo pork and Cuban bread Italian roast beef, cheesesteaks and burgers, served on fresh bakery bread or tortilla.

For dessert, the shop offers 31 flavors of ice cream, many that are chocolate based, like its Fat Elvis, which is chocolate, peanut butter and bananas. It even has a special frozen concoction called Exhausted Parents — a blend of ice cream, bourbon, espresso and bittersweet chocolate. Nondairy choices include soy vanilla chocolate chip and mango carrot and Italian ices.

Lambert is not limited by the options on her menu.

“If we have it, we will make it any way you want, the way you want it,” said Lambert. “People associate food with memories, or want something they had before. I love recreating those memories and duplicating what you’ve experienced in the past.”

In addition to taking care of her customers, Lambert also believes in taking care her community.

“One of the gifts of being a small business is being a part of the community,” said Lambert. “We participate in local fundraising events for schools and the Moose Lodge, and this summer we’re participating in a food drive for underprivileged local children.”

Moody Judy’s is located in the Arbor Square Plaza at Connerton on U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

(813) 995-0900

Published 6/12/19

Public input sought on naming new Pasco high school

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Pasco County Schools is seeking the public’s help in suggesting names for a new high school that will be focused on technology and business programs, and is set to open in August of 2022 in East Pasco.

The school will be located at Curley Road and Keifer Road in Wesley Chapel on the former Kirkland Ranch property, according to a news release from the Pasco school district.

Program plans for the school include academies for business, finance and marketing; digital technology; engineering technology; health science and human services; transportation technology; and building technology.

The school will serve grades nine through 12, and will offer industry certification in high-demand career fields.

School Board policy encourages community members, educators and students to provide suggestions for school names.

The board will have the final say on the school’s name, and once adopted, the name will be considered permanent unless the facility or its use changes, the news release adds.

Suggested names should be accompanied by a brief explanation. Submit individual name options by email to , with the subject line “school name.” Submissions also can be faxed to (813) 794-2716.

Published July 10, 2019

Enjoying summer food gatherings — safely

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Summer is a popular time for eating outdoors — whether it’s at the beach or a park, or in someone’s backyard for a pool party or barbecue.

A pasta salad with chickpeas makes a nice meatless side dish for barbecues, pool parties and other summer gatherings. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

Most of us are thinking more about having fun than thinking about food safety.

But, it’s a good idea to keep food safety in mind, as you prepare your summer get-togethers.

After all, foodborne illness rates typically increase during the summer months, and the Centers for Disease Control says that one in six Americans gets a foodborne illness each year. Some of those easily preventable illnesses can lead to a costly hospitalization.

Here are some basics to keep your food safe, whether you are packing up for a picnic, or having a party in your own backyard.

  • Wash your hands with hot soap and water. If you will be at an outdoor space without sinks, be sure to pack moist towelettes.
  • Use separate utensils. The spatula that you used to place the raw burger on the grill should not be used when serving the cooked burgers. If you are going to an outdoor public space, make sure you pack plenty of utensils, plates, cutting boards and so on.
  • Have a food thermometer, and use it. Color is not an indicator that food is done; be sure to check the temperature with a food thermometer.

As a reminder, the cooking temperature should read as follows:

  • Beef, pork, veal and lamb (roast, steaks, and chops): 145 degrees F
  • Ground meat (hamburger, fish patties): 160 degrees F
  • Poultry – whole, part, or ground (such as a turkey burger): 165 degrees F
  • Egg and egg dishes: 160 degrees F (Be sure the yolk and white are both firm)
  • When using an insulated cooler be sure to keep it in the shade and, if possible, avoid opening it repeatedly. The temperature of a full cooler stays lower than one that is half-full.
  • Perishable food should not sit out for more than 2 hours. (If it is sitting out in 90-degree heat or higher, the window of time is only 1 hour. Bacteria thrive off of this warm temperature and can replicate much faster).

Florida is known to get hot, so let’s not take any chances — when planning an outdoor gathering, be sure to keep food safety in mind.

It may not be the most exciting or enjoyable part of your day, but it will keep spoiled food from spoiling the experience.

By Shari Bresin, Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups tri-color rotini pasta (or any shape), cooked

2-3 medium heads of broccoli, chopped

1 head of cauliflower, chopped

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1 6-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 medium onion, sliced

3/4 cup sliced black olives

3 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1 avocado, chopped

1 can of beans (chickpea or kidney)

Directions:
Combine the cooked pasta with the broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, artichoke and onion.

Toss with the dressing (recipe below), then cover and chill for 4 hours.

Before serving, add the black olives, chopped tomato, avocado and beans.

Serves 8-10

Italian Dressing:
1 ½ cups olive oil

¾ cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t forget: Transport this in a cooler, if you are serving it outdoors. Also, don’t let it sit out for more than 1 hour to 2 hours.

Published July 10, 2019

New ICI Homes Opens New Model In Asturia

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ICI Homes is celebrating the grand opening of its new model home in Asturia this weekend, June  29 and 30. In addition to enjoying a guided tour and light refreshments, visitors can enter a $500 gift card giveaway being sponsored by Caliber Home Loans.

“Our new model, the Costa Mesa, is one of our most popular floor plans, and this model is absolutely stunning,” said Leah Turner, Tampa sales manager for ICI Homes. “The decorating is gorgeous, and the lake view is incredible. This is definitely a model home that must be toured to be fully appreciated.”

The spacious Costa Mesa kitchen features an extra-large island, and opens graciously into a large great room that overlooks the home’s outside living areas.

The Costa Mesa model is easy to find not far from the entrance to Asturia, an award-winning, master-planned community in Odessa. It is conveniently located just west of the Suncoast Parkway along the in-demand State Road 54 corridor in Pasco County, giving residents quick access to downtown Tampa, the Westshore district and area beaches.

The new Costa Mesa model is located in Asturia’s recently-opened Phase III. Visitors can also tour ICI Homes’ other model, the Serena, located in Asturia’s second phase in the rear of the community. Models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The Costa Mesa is a one-story home that showcases 2,565 square feet of living area, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a three-car garage.

“This home’s 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,” said Turner. “It is perfect for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and couples who are downsizing.”

Turner adds that one-story plans are always in demand because of the natural flow from one room to the next, and the convenience of having everything on the same level.

ICI Homes has 38 homesites available in Asturia’s Phase III, and offers buyers over a dozen distinctive floor plans to choose from. The builder also has a few homesites remaining in the community’s Phase II, including its Serena model home and several showcase homes at various stages of construction.

ICI Homes in Phase III begin in the mid $300s, which include the home, lot and design center options. Many homesites back up to conservation and water.

“A lot of families have been waiting for Asturia’s Phase III to open because of its pristine home sites with conservation views and attractive pricing,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager for ICI Homes. “Buyers love Asturia’s affordability, convenient location and outstanding amenities.”

Amenities in this 550-home community include a unique trails system that winds through wetlands, parks and neighborhoods, and an award-winning Amenity Center that includes a zero-entry pool, contemporary community center and state-of-the-art fitness center.

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 and easily accessible 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 will soon be ready, 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 homes sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle.

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 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, (813) 359-0264.

Published June 26, 2019

Be Comfortable and Safe If Your Power Goes Out

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With Hurricane season officially underway, many families are looking at installing a whole house generator to keep their family comfortable and safe in case the power goes out.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing generators in their homes in case their power goes out due to summer thunderstorms and hurricanes,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes. “This is especially true when a family member has medical issues that require treatments needing power.”

Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest and most advanced manufacturer of backup generators that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Silva.

Because generators can be costly, Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing in place to make monthly payments affordable.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to give us call,” said Silva. “We do everything possible to make a generator fit their budget and payment ability. Plus, we’re currently offering $150 off all generator installations.”

Modern generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances, all at the same time.

“Many people think of backup generators as giant, noisy units that can be heard all around the neighborhood. This is no longer the case,” said Silva.

A generator will prevent almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

Plus, the American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators because they are a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

“Because all generators emit carbon dioxide, which is a dangerous, odorless gas that can kill, proper installation and venting is imperative for all generators,” said Silva. “Our technicians specify the safest and most economical location for a generator, and pull all necessary permits from the county to complete the install.”

Silva adds that portable generators can also be dangerous if they are not properly installed.

“A new transfer switch is usually needed for portable generators, so that a home’s electrical panel is not blown up when the utility turns the power back on,” said Silva. “And, when that happens, the homeowner has no power until the panel is replaced, plus it can be a very dangerous situation if someone is near the electrical panel when it blows.”

Cornerstone Pros pulls all the permits needed to install a generator, and the permitting process typically takes between two and five weeks.

“Because of the time permits take, people need to call now to get their generator installed before the peak storm and hurricane season,” said Silva.

For homes with natural gas, Cornerstone Pros technicians do the plumbing that ties the generator directly into the home’s natural gas line, so the homeowner never has to worry about filling a gas tank. Homes without natural gas require a propane tank, which Cornerstone Pros connect to during its installation.

“Generators provides protection 24/7 whether you’re home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva. “Plus, most models today offer Wi-Fi connectivity, so no matter where you are, you can monitor the status of your power and generator’s operations from a smartphone, tablet or computer.”

Call Cornerstone Pros with your generator questions and to request a quote at (813) 990-0561.

Published June 26, 2019

Quick Move-In Townhomes Now Ready at Mattamy Homes

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Mattamy Homes’ popular townhome communities in Lutz and Citrus Park have an array of Quick Move-In townhomes ready now, just in time for a summer move in and to get settled  before the 2019-20 school year begins.

This beautiful kitchen flows into the dining and living areas of the Santa Rosa, a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome available at Avea Pointe in Lutz.

A wide selection of thoughtfully-designed townhomes is available at both Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park, with special savings and paid closing costs available for a limited time. Models are open daily, and Open House events are being hosted every weekend in July at both communities.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
This community’s first residents recently began moving into Avea Pointe, Mattamy’s second  Lutz community located off Van Dyke Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway.

“Our floorplans are perfect for first-time homebuyers, families with children and even empty-nesters,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes. “We offer some of the largest townhomes in Tampa Bay, all designed to live like single-family homes.”

Avea Pointe offers three unique floor plans that feature open floor plans and 2-car garages. The sales center just debuted on location, and is open daily at 5653 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

All townhomes feature large open kitchens, optimized living spaces, covered lanais and 2-car garages.  The Santa Rosa is 1,913 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with an owner’s suite on the first level; the Sebring is 2,230 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice is 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. Prices begin in the low $300s.

This gated community’s pool and cabana are nearing completion and will be ready for residents to enjoy in late July.

In addition to its convenient location, excellent schools are another reason many families choose Avea Pointe. Children attend Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Avea Pointe is just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and the Veterans Expressway, which makes it an easy commute to Tampa Regional Airport, the Westshore district, downtown Tampa and area beaches.

Lakeview at Citrus Park
Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area. Mattamy Homes has been selling in this community for less than a year, and has already sold close to 50 homes in this 124-townhome community.

“Our new Lakeview models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel as spacious and private as single-family homes. Plus, prices in this community are very affordable, beginning in the mid $200s,” said Dec.

Five floor plans are available. The Marianna (1,667 sq. ft.) and Ormond (1,888 sq. ft.) have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and single garages. The Santa Rosa (1,928 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, one of which is located downstairs, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. The Sebring (2,230 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. The Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage.

“Both Avea Pointe and Lakeview at Citrus Park are selling fast because buyers love the fantastic assortment of close-by things to do, from recreational outings to fabulous shopping to an epicurean array of restaurants,” said Dec.

Avea Pointe is five minutes from Hillsborough County’s expansive Lake Park with its non-motorized boat access, hiking trails, BMX track and multiple playgrounds. Homes in Lakeview at Citrus Park overlook tranquil Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, where residents have a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

When it comes to shopping, Avea Pointe is a mile or so from shopping on Dale Mabry.  Lakeview at Citrus Park is literally minutes away to Westfield Citrus Park Mall. Both communities are a quick trip down the Veterans Expressway to International Plaza and Westshore Plaza in Tampa.

“Our buyers at Avea Pointe and Lakeview love being close to so many things to do,” said Dec. “These are perfect communities for people who want fun things to do with family and friends of all ages.”

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings and incentives.

Published June 26, 2019

Third Generation Owns and Manages Lutz Stanley Steemer

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It’s hard to miss the gleaming new, 7,500-square-foot Stanley Steemer building on State Road 54, across the entrance from Oakstead. It sits proudly by itself on this premium piece of real estate in the booming Lutz and Land O’ Lakes communities, surrounded by thousands of new and existing homes and businesses.

The White family owns the Lutz Stanley Steemer operation. (left to right) CJ White with daughter, Olivia; Natalie White with son, Landon; Brandie Ballard and Chet White.

Most people passing by do not realize that this Stanley Steemer is locally owned and part of a decades-old business that employs three generations of family members.

The Lutz operation is co-owned by Chet and CJ White, a father-and-son team that has owned the Stanley Steemer operation in Pasco for five years.

CJ is a Lutz resident, living off Newberger Road with his wife, Natalie, and their two young children. Natalie also works in the business, in Human Resources. CJ’s sister, Brandie Ballard, heads up sales and marketing for the company, and his mother, Jo, handles Accounts Payable for their franchises.

“Business is very personal to us – we are local owners who live here,” said CJ. “This is not an out-of-town franchise — we are vested in our business and in a position to grow as Pasco continues to grow.”

The Whites invested $2.2 million in their new Lutz building, which opened in May 2018. The building has six bays that can house up to 18 service vehicles, a customer service area for reps, a large training room and several offices.

Currently, the Lutz operation employs 13 technicians, three customer service reps and CJ. All employees live in the area, and many are involved in local chambers of commerce and civic organizations.

“Our building is designed for future growth, and is a reflection of the commitment we have to Pasco County and the future,” said CJ. “We are building our business for another 41 years of operation.”

Forty-one years is a significant number for CJ, because it was 41 years ago, back in 1978, that his father and grandfather, Chester, opened their first Stanley Steamer franchise in Lake County. The Whites came from Columbus, Ohio, which is where Stanley Steemer was founded in 1947. When Chester retired in 1978, the company had just begun selling franchises, and he saw it as an opportunity to start a business with his son.

After a successful first year, the Whites bought a second franchise in Citrus County, and have continued to add locations almost every year since. Today, the family has franchises in 66 counties in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

Lutz is one of the company’s eight regional offices, with others in Inverness, Leesburg, Ocala, Gainesville, Tallahassee and Panama City, as well as in Dothan, Alabama. The Whites plan to take the design of their new Lutz office and replicate it in in their other regional locations.

When Chet and CJ decided to expand into Tampa Bay, they looked first to a longtime Pasco franchise in New Port Richey, another family owned Steemer franchise that had been in Pasco for 35 years, and was a second-generation operation.

“It just goes to show how important family owned franchises are for Stanley Steemer,” said Chet. “CJ and I are very proud to be carrying on the family legacy tradition in Pasco.”

The Whites have expanded Stanley Steemer’s presence in Pasco, and now services homes and businesses from Dade City and Zephyrhills in the east, to Hudson and New Port Richey in the west. Much of their business comes from the middle portion of the county, in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

“If you walk on it, we can clean it,” said Chet. “We clean carpet, tile and grout, laminate, hardwood, and even luxury vinyl flooring.”

Stanley Steemer is the only carpet cleaning company that manufactures its equipment, which uses hot water and steam to extract dirt and grime from flooring. Its proprietary equipment is considered the best in the industry, and its customers get the same quality service every time, no matter where they live.

Companywide, the Whites’ franchises clean 250 houses a day, employ 135 people and maintain a fleet of 55 service vans.

All of their employees meet high standards – including background checks and extensive training before going out in the field. They wear Stanley Steemer uniforms and take great pride in their appearance.

“We are very cognizant that we are welcomed into someone’s home, and we make sure our employees meet the high standards we set for them,” said CJ’s sister, Brandie.

Stanley Steemer never uses subcontractors, and its techs always work in teams of two.

“Most homeowners feel safer with two techs in their home, plus two techs move furniture better and get the job done twice as fast,” said Brandie. “We also stand behind our work with a 10-Day Redo Policy, which fortunately we are seldom asked about, because we strive to get the job done right the first time.”

You can schedule same-day service with The Lutz Stanley Steemer, by calling 1-800-STEEMER, going to StanleySteemer.com, or locally calling (727) 372-7296.

Published June 26, 2019