Special to The Laker/Lutz News

County and United Way help during shutdown

January 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County and United Way of Pasco have stepped up to help keep some local nonprofit agencies operating during the federal government shutdown.

The Pasco County Commission approved a $400,000 temporary loan to help the agencies in danger of ceasing operations during the federal government shutdown, due to funding shortages.

The county is loaning the money to United Way, which will act as an intermediary — lending the money to the agencies in need, which will reimburse the United Way, which, in turn, will repay the county’s loan.

Chuck Anderson, director of United Way, told commissioners: “The federal government shutdown has had a huge impact on agencies, individuals, a lot of people.

“A survey was done of our agencies, two in particular who are in danger of not being able to continue their programs if they do not receive some type of interim funding between now and the first of the upcoming month,” he said.

The funds must be repaid within 60 days of the conclusion of the federal government shutdown.

Anderson thanked commissioners for stepping in to help.

“There are so many people who would go unserved without this support, so thank you on their behalf,” Anderson said.

Published January 30, 2019

Rain didn’t deter beauty at Suncoast Arts Fest

January 30, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

More than 100 artists turned out for the Suncoast Arts Fest, which also featured live music and activities during the weekend of Jan. 19 and Jan. 20 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Light rain and gusty wind, at times, made for less than ideal weather conditions, but artists offered plenty of choices for patrons who ventured out. Proceeds from the event support the ‘Art for Kids’ grant that supports arts education in Pasco County schools.

Shannon Macklin, of Flagstaff, Arizona, sits among his cedar wood and copper water fountains at the Suncoast Arts Fest. (Christine Holtzman)

Steve McLeod, of Wesley Chapel, looks over a large canvas painting created with high-end acrylic paints. The painting was called ‘The Sun Garden’ by artist Jim Tucker, of Kansas City, Kansas.

Making their way down Paseo Drive, the Emmel family from Minnesota, Kate, left, Tom and 18-month-old Grace head toward the stage area where the musician, Mr. Harley, was performing a show geared toward children. The Emmels were in town visiting cousins in Lutz.

The shows, and the food, go on at Grand Horizons

January 25, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

On Jan. 8, a lunch bunch was held at Fresh Country Café and about 25 women attended. There was a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, grilled chicken, fried chicken, tenderloin tips and more.

Ron and Rachel Gamache (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

The luncheon was hosted by Helene Rubenstein and there were two door prizes. There was conversation throughout the entire meal and it looks like all had a good time.

There were several shops where you could go shopping that were nearby or people could go straight back to their homes.

There were over 50 residents at the lunch connoisseurs at Beef O’ Bradys on Jan. 11.

The menu was varied and had lots of choices. There was a chicken, steak or veggie bowl, along with chicken dinners, hamburg plates, shrimp platters, salads and so much more.

There were several door prizes, which was a very nice touch, and the waitresses were very nice and helped if someone had a question.

Once again, it was close to home, so we didn’t have to travel too far and we could go shopping after lunch or back to our homes.

Our host and hostess were Tom and Laurie Carter, and our thanks go out to them for doing a splendid job.

Later that night there was a show called “Re-Creation” in the community center. There were approximately 125 residents, family, friends and visitors.

It was a show that was spectacular and magical, hosted by Terry Gardner.

Before the show even started, a video presentation was on the screen in the front of the room. There also were men and women dressed in red, white and blue costumes greeting everyone and distributing a brochure to all.

Then, at 7 p.m., the show started by the director of Re-Creation, Jay Muller, where he explained about the group and the shows that they perform. He then introduced the first group that consisted of four women and three men, who were dressed in sparkling costumes and sang some songs, and also did some dancing.

Each song had a different singer with the rest of the group singing backup.

This was followed by classic American music, such as “Bill Bailey, Won’t you Please Come Home,“ “Music, Music, Music” (Put another Nickel in, In the Nickelodeon ) and also “Pennies from Heaven” and “Let me Call you Sweetheart” (with men dancing steps and singing to the women performers that were on chairs on the stage.)

Performers in ‘Re-Creation’ (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

A beautiful rendition of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” was done with a tap dancer in front of the stage. The singers then went to dance with people in the audience.

Songs such as “Tennessee Waltz,” “Fever,” “New York, New York” and more were performed to an excited audience. They did a great job.

Several disco songs were performed to an ecstatic crowd.

The performers then continued with several more songs, such as “YMCA” that had the audience clapping and singing along.

Also performed were several country tunes like “Country Boy,” “Mountain Music,” “God Bless the USA” and several others.

From left: Robbie Lockard, Linda Hillman and Haraldi Coombs

The women and men came to perform some rock n’ roll, and the women were in poodle skirts. They did a fine job of “Johnny B Goode,” “Chantilly Lace” and others. The seven performers walked through the audience singing songs like “Do Run Run, Do Run Run” and others.

They performed some classic rock and then came out on the stage dressed all in stars and stripes, and sang songs including “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and more.

They closed out the show singing the hymns of the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Merchant Marines, while the people who served in each individual branch stood to be recognized when the song was sung.

“America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America” were performed to a standing crowd. This marked the end of a terrific show with unforgettable entertainment.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Rosemarie Weingartz, left, and Siggi Ziotowsky

Exciting New Year At Asturia

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There is much to look forward to this New Year at Asturia, the master-planned community in Odessa that is one of the most desired neighborhoods along the popular State Road 54 corridor in central Pasco County.

After almost three years of development, Asturia is now in its third phase, having completed 300 homes and releasing another 100 lots to its builders. Hines, the developer behind Asturia, is looking forward to an exciting spring with several new model homes under way by its builders.

Ryan Homes is celebrating the grand opening of Asturia’s first townhomes on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. Visitors will enjoy the festivities as they tour two beautifully decorated model homes. Both floor plans offer 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car rear garages, and unique courtyards between the home and garage. Square footage is 1,580 in the Chopin model, and 1,740 square feet in the Haydn. Prices begin in the low $220s.

“We are very excited to be offering townhomes in Asturia,” said Creighton Call, project director for Hines at Asturia. “Many families are looking for the convenience, affordability and low-maintenance that comes with the townhome lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming first-time homebuyers coming out of apartments, and more families wanting to downsize their living space.”

Upon completion, Ryan Homes will have 105 townhomes in Asturia, all just a short walk to the community’s expansive Amenity Center. For families wanting to move soon, five quick move-in townhomes will be available.

Asturia’s traditional homebuilders are award-winning Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes. Builders are offering homesites nestled near the community’s nature preserves, and will be opening new model homes this spring in Phase III.

“We’re seeing a lot of pent-up demand for our traditional homes in Phase III, because of the outstanding reputation of our builders, and because some of the deepest and most beautiful conservation lots available are located in Phase III,” said Call.

David Weekley Homes, which has been building in Asturia since the community opened in 2016, has seven quick move-in homes available in a variety of one- and two-story floor plans and homesites. Prices begin in the low $300s.

ICI Homes is Asturia’s other premium builder, and is known for its open floor plans and Florida-lifestyle features, such as summer kitchen patios, open balconies, lots of windows and the ability to customize any floor plan. The builder has four move-in ready homes available, with prices beginning in the high $300s.

Families with children often choose Asturia for the outstanding public schools its children are zoned to attend — Odessa Elementary, Seven Springs Middle and J.W. Mitchell High. All are top-ranked by the Pasco County School District.

Another allure is Asturia’s unique amenity package, which includes a trail network, recreational parks and contemporary-style clubhouse, with a resort-style pool and state-of-the art fitness center. Neighborhood parks boast a Kompan play structure, a GaGa Ball court, and open event lawns to foster imaginative play and healthy, family fun.

Asturia’s system of picturesque walking trails and pocket parks feature bridges over sensitive land areas and trails that weave throughout the natural environment, resulting in one of Tampa Bay’s most sustainable, eco-friendly communities.

The community is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, with close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75. It encompasses 500 acres of the former Behnke Ranch, which under Hines’ vision and management, has become an award-winning blend of shopping, office space, luxury apartments, single-family homes and townhomes.

Published January 23, 2019

Discover Your Dream Community With Cardel Homes

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If your New Year’s dream is to build a new home on a beautiful conservation lot in a small, private community with no CDD fees, Cardel Homes gives you two exceptional choices.

The first is Oakwood Reserve in Lutz on Clement Road, located just 10 minutes from USF and 25 minutes to downtown Tampa. Clement Road is one of Lutz’s most idyllic rural roads, tucked between Livingston Avenue and Hannah Road. This unique community has magnificent, mature trees and will be home to just eight families, with lots ranging from 1 to 1.55 acres.

The Enclave at Lake Padgett is a secluded, gated community of just eight Cardel homesites off U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

Land O’ Lakes is home to another unique Cardel Homes community—the Enclave at Lake Padgett. This secluded, gated community of just eight Cardel homesites has convenient access off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard (U.S. 41), just two miles north of State Road 54.

All homes in the Enclave will back on to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett, and can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski or pontoon boats.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes. “This is an incredible opportunity for families wanting waterfront living on one of Pasco’s largest lakes known for fabulous water skiing and excellent fishing.”

Home prices begin in the low $500s at both Oakwood Reserve and the Enclave at Lake Padgett. Because of the limited number of lots available, Phillips expects both communities to sell out quickly.

One home site at Oakwood Reserve has already been sold, and an inventory home is being built on a second site, leaving only six remaining homesites in this unique community.

This inventory home will be a 3,939-square-foot Henley model, with 5 bedrooms, 4 baths and a 3-car garage. Features and upgrades include a 26 x 23 great room with 12-foot ceiling, 16-foot sliding glass doors that open to an extended covered lanai, upgraded kitchen cabinetry, quartz countertops, upgraded wood plank tile, tray ceiling in the master bedroom and foyer, coffered ceiling in the master bathroom, mosaic master shower floor tile, and an upper level with a large bonus room and fifth bedroom.

Priced in the low $700s, Oakwood Reserve’s inventory home will be ready this Spring for a family looking to move, before the start of the 2019-2020 school year.

Minimum homes sizes in Oakwood Reserve begin at 2,507 square feet, and at 3,000 square feet in the Enclave at Lake Padgett. The Henley plan is available in both communities, and is Cardel’s largest and most popular floorplan.

“The Henley offers our biggest great room and bonus room,” said Phillips. “At almost 4,000 square feet, it’s a lot of house for the money, and one of the best values we offer.”

For those wanting to build their home and select their options, interior colors and finishes, Cardel Homes is currently offering a 50 percent discount at its design center, up to $50,000.

“This is one of our most generous discounts ever, and we’re excited to be offering it to welcome in the New Year,” said Phillips.

Cardel also has an inventory home at the Enclave at Lake Padgett — the elegant one-story St. Lucia, which is 3,336 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3-car garage.

This one-story beauty boasts 12-foot ceilings, a den off the entry, formal dining room with coffered ceiling, expansive great room, huge bonus room and a master suite with a sitting area and private lanai at the back of the house. Interior features include white cabinetry, quartz countertops, wood-plank tile throughout and tray ceilings in the foyer, bonus room and master bedroom.

The home sits on a private wooded lot, and features a large front porch and covered lanai in the back. An oversized dock is just steps away from the backyard, and is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural waterfront view. This fabulous inventory home, including its waterfront dock, is selling for $679,000.

“This St. Lucia is the best of both worlds,” said Phillips “You can enjoy all the recreation that Lake Padgett has to offer, without the boat noise and traffic directly in your backyard.”

The unique communities of Oakwood Reserve and the Enclave at Lake Padgett offer families the most desired locations in suburban Tampa. Residents can enjoy beautiful conservation and waterfront views, acre-plus homesites and privacy in exclusive communities without CDDs. Be sure to call Cardel Homes to make an appointment to tour these communities before its best kept secrets are gone.

Published January 23, 2019

Asturia, Bexley and FishHawk Are Home To ICI Homes

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most acclaimed builders, is building new homes in three of Tampa Bay’s most desirable communities — Asturia in Odessa, Bexley in Land O’ Lakes and FishHawk in Lithia.

All are master-planned communities with beautiful homes sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle. They are conveniently located close to major transportation arteries for quick access to downtown Tampa, MacDill AFB, the Westshore business district and area beaches.

ICI Homes’ award-winning model, the Shenandoah, is located in FishHawk Ranch and is a two-time grand showcase winner in the Parade of Homes.

Because so many families are currently buying homes while the economy is booming and interest rates remain low, ICI Homes is building inventory homes in all three communities, with several homes ready now.

“A lot of families have been waiting for Phase III to open because of our pristine homesites with conservation views and affordable pricing,” said Leah Turner, sales manager for ICI Homes. “We’re seeing lots of first- and second-time buyers because they love Asturia’s affordability, convenient location and outstanding amenities.” ICI Homes in Phase III begin in the low $300s.

The popular 4-bedroom, 3-bath Costa Mesa floor plan is one of the builder’s models. This 2,565 square-foot, one-story home 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.

ICI Homes has 38 homesites available in Phase III, and over a dozen distinctive floor plans. The builder also has a few homesites remaining in the Asturia’s almost-completed Phase II, including three inventory homes and its Serena model home.

Bexley
For families 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 Communities, located just east of Asturia along the State Road 54 corridor.

ICI Homes has permitted and is beginning construction on its three remaining homes in Bexley. The Costa Mesa, which is being built now, is 2,565 square feet and features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3-car garage. Another inventory home is the slightly smaller Egret VII, at 2,512 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 2-car garage. Both are very open plans with lots of windows and natural lighting.

FishHawk
In the south Hillsborough community of FishHawk, ICI Homes is building new homes in WestLake — one of the last areas being developed in this master-planned community in Lithia.

WestLake is an enclave of 50 homes, with just 15 homesites remaining. Lots are uniquely positioned to take advantage of lake views and to protect massive oak trees and other mature trees. ICI Homes has two Acadia inventory homes — a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home open plan with quartz countertops and wood flooring. The Acadia begins in the mid $400s.

FishHawk Ranch is also home to ICI Homes’ award-winning model, the Shenandoah —a two-time grand showcase winner in the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. This unique plan is over 3,000 square feet and includes a detached garage with studio apartment. It is available on a leaseback option for $1.1 million.

FishHawk Ranch is a close-knit community that includes five preschools, three elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school all inside or within 1.5 miles of the development. Amenities include over 25 miles of paved nature trails, including the Lake House, Central Park pools and Born to Run Dog Park.

Build on Your Own Lot
With so much land available in Pasco and south Hillsborough, many families want to build a new home on land they already own. ICI Homes is one of the few semi-custom builders to offer a “Build On Your Lot” program.

“Many buyers with their own lot enjoy working with ICI Homes because they can easily customize our floor plans, and walk through our models to get a real feel for what their new home will be like,” said Turner.

Since ICI Homes was established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, including the Tampa 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. In FishHawk Ranch, the sales center is at 13925 Lake FishHawk Drive in Lithia, (813) 217-5200.

Published January 23, 2019

Mattamy Opens Second Townhome Community In Lutz

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There’s more good news from Mattamy Homes for families looking for affordable new construction in Lutz that offers excellent schools and one of the best locations in Tampa Bay.

Avea Pointe is a new townhome community located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Drive. It is directly across from Lakeshore Preserve — Mattamy Homes’ very successful townhome community of 102 homes, which is closing out sales after opening in the fall of 2017. Only one home remains — a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath well-appointed Ormond model home.

“The demand for our townhomes in Lakeshore Preserve was so incredible that we are very happy to be offering families more townhomes with the same great location,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes.

Avea Pointe will begin sales to the public on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m., with the first residents expected to move into their new home in late spring. The community will offer amenities that will be completed later this year, including a resort-style pool, cabana, sun deck and tot lot. At completion, Avea Pointe will have 224 homes.

The gated community will offer three spacious floor plans designed very much like single-family homes, incorporating large open kitchens, optimized living spaces 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 is an interior unit with 2,230 square feet and 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice at 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. All homes feature 2-car garages and covered lanais.

Base prices of these townhomes are anticipated to begin in the low $300s, and come in three attractive exteriors — West Indies, French Country and Craftsman.

“We offer some of the most spacious townhome floor plans in the market, and their unique designs meet the needs of first-time homebuyers, families with children, empty-nesters and retirees,” said Dec.

Avea Pointe’s home designs can be experienced by visiting model homes at Lakeshore Preserve (directly across Van Dyke Road) and other Mattamy communities in Citrus Park, Oldsmar and Riverview.

Mattamy’s Lutz communities are just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, and are convenient to shopping, dining and entertainment in Carrollwood, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Their close proximity to the Veterans Expressway is an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

“Our location is one of the main reasons our homes at Lakeshore Preserve sold so quickly,” said Dec.

Excellent schools are the other reason Mattamy’s Lutz townhomes are so much in demand. This location is zoned to some of Hillsborough County’s best schools — Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary. All are located less than 3 miles away at the public school complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road. In addition, charter school Sunlake Academy of Math is less than a mile away.

Lakeview at Citrus Park
It’s only been six months since Mattamy Homes opened Lakeview at Citrus Park — its gated townhome community off Ehrlich Road at the Veterans Expressway — and already 23 townhomes have been sold.

“This is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our homeowners love being less than 2 miles from Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and their easy access to downtown Tampa just 15 miles away.”

Mattamy Homes found a perfect location that overlooks Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, which gives resident access to the lake for fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding from its community pier. Other amenities include a children’s playground.

Lakeview at Citrus Park has three model homes that will open in early February. Upon completion, it will have 124 townhomes, ranging from 1,670 to 2,620 square feet, and offering 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 4 baths, and 1- or 2-car garages.

Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with a nearly 40-year history of operations across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps 7,000 families realize their dream of home ownership. Visit MattamyHomes.com for more information, or call (813) 580-7303.

Published January 23, 2019

Festival offers heaping helpings of barbecue and blues

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

People of all ages headed to the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival to sample some ribs, barbecue chicken or pulled pork — and get their fill of the blues.

Smoke emanates from the grill, as Edwin Alvarez, of Kissimmee, prepares chicken on a stick, which is called Pincho. Alvarez and his boss, Luis Merced, of Largo, were preparing food for patrons at the barbecue festival. (Fred Bellet)

The scent of barbecue filled the air, Benny the Pig made the rounds and people sported pig hats — as they strolled around the Zephyrhills Community Venue, at 5200 Airport Road.

Some barbecue chefs traveled from far-off places to take part in a competition involving about 60 teams who vied for bragging rights and prizes, and a chance to advance to the World Food Championship.

Besides being able to enjoy barbecue, event-goers could check out items being offered by various vendors and could listen to blues musicians.

There was a car show and an aviation show, too.

Proceeds benefit community organizations, such as the YMCA, and for scholarships for Zephyrhills High School students.

First-timers at the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival, left, Coral Etshman, of Tampa, gives friend Reggie Bowers, of Tampa, a taste of pulled pork.

The Ellie Lee Band was among the lineup of bands performing at the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Other bands playing were the Dave Shepard Band, Chuck Riley’s All Stars, The Bird Tribe and headliner Damon Fowler.

Jerry Newell, of Zephyrhills, had his own pig hat, which he wore to the festival.

Washing cars, to help Zack

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Members of the National Honor Society at Zephyrhills High School, under the supervision of science teacher and cross-country coach Vincent Baez, had a car wash fundraiser on Jan. 12 to benefit 18-year-old Zack Springfield, a member of the school’s cross-country team. Springfield is battling Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. The car wash was held at Coney Island Drive-In, at 5327 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills High junior Abigail Boyko has a little fun, in between car washes, by blowing suds bubbles toward her friends, 15-year-old Samantha Wilkes, left, and 17-year-old Angel Bicknell. The young women are members of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society. (Christine Holtzman)

Seventeen-year-old Ethan Vest, a senior at Zephyrhills High School, washes and dries the back window of a sedan. The group washed dozens of cars in the quest to help Zack Springfield and his family.

Zephyrhills High School National Honor Society students scrub a car during the ‘Carwash for Zack’ fundraiser on Jan. 12 at Coney Island Drive-In, 5327 Gall Blvd.

Wrestlers test their mettle at tournament

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Wrestlers from several Tampa Bay area schools took part in the Bill Combs JV Invitational wrestling tournament on Jan. 15, at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Both female and male wrestlers competed. The tournament is sponsored by Bill Combs, of Brooksville, who is a National Wrestling Hall of Famer and Florida wrestling advocate. The competition is in its third year, and Sergio Matos, Sunlake’s wrestling coach and former student of Combs, is the event’s organizer.