The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hop Into Sweet Frog

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If you crave a tasty and healthy treat, and want to support a business based on Christian principles, then it’s time to check out Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt in Lutz, at the corner of Collier Parkway and State Road 54.

Upon entering Sweet Frog, customers known as ‘froggers’ are embraced with vibrant greens and purples that brighten the store, lift the spirit, and transport customers to a fun “Candy Land” atmosphere.

Sweet Frog carries 18 flavors of yogurt, including its combination swirls. Owner Jai Thomas says his most popular flavors are vanilla, chocolate, cake batter, cotton candy and caramel. With the yogurt comes 42 different toppings of fruit, nuts and candy, plus syrups to pour over the top

Maraschino cherries, blueberries, kiwi, peanuts, almonds are some of Sweet Frog’s healthiest options, and chocolate chips, caramel cup pieces and a wide selection of candy will sweeten any frozen yogurt creation.

“With the health benefits from frozen yogurt, you can indulge a little, with less guilt,” said Thomas.

Sweet Frog premium yogurt contains active live cultures that aid in digestion, and provides generous amounts of calcium and vitamin B2 that increase metabolism and replenish yeast levels.

Sweet Frog makes its frozen yogurt fresh daily in both low- and no-fat flavors. For those with restricted diets, it also makes yogurt with no-sugar, gluten-free and dairy-free.

“We have a suggestion box here, so I get an idea of what flavors and toppings people want,” said Thomas.

Sweet Frog prides itself on its Christian principles. The word  “FROG” in its name is an acronym for “Fully Rely On God.” To give back to the community, Sweet Frog sponsors schools, collaborates with teachers through its Leap Forward program, and offers Scouts ways to earn merit badges through its Groups and Troops program.

Sweet Frog also helps charities raise money by offering gift card fundraisers and benefit nights, allowing nonprofits to earn back up to 25 percent of sales.

“We want people to know how much Sweet Frog can do for the community,” Thomas said.  “Our staff is friendly, the store is clean, and most people come back again and again. They tell their friends, and that’s the way most people learn about us.”

Regular Sweet Frog customers join its loyalty program to receive 10 percent off their entire order. On their 10th visit, they get a free cup of yogurt up to $5 in value, as well as a free cup on their birthday.”

Sweet Frog will soon be adding catering and smoothies with optional protein.

For more information, call (813) 591-1402, visit SweetFrog.com, find them on Facebook, or hop over to the Sweet Frog near LA Fitness in the Willow Bend Towne Center for a sweet and healthy frozen treat.

Published 4/10/19

No Long Lines and Free Delivery At Land O’ Lakes Pharmacy

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Land O’Lakes Pharmacy

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Land O’ Lakes Pharmacy is a neighborhood pharmacy in the Wilderness Lakes plaza on U.S. 41 that offers local delivery, no long lines and a quiet environment for private consultations.

Its pharmacists are your advocate, and gladly call your doctor and health insurance company to gather information about your care.

“We have a lot of people who come in and say they’re so glad we’re local, and take the time to call their doctors and insurance company,” said Pharmacist Carrie Heinz. “They

Carrie Heinz

appreciate our attentive service, especially in navigating the complicated intricacies of the medical and insurance businesses.”

Land O’ Lakes Pharmacy prides itself on taking the time to get information, and resolving a customer’s problem, the same day, or as quickly as possible.

“A lot of people just don’t understand what to ask for when they call the insurance company, so we’ll do that for them,” said Heinz.

Land O’ Lakes Pharmacy works with the same major vendors as larger pharmacies and stocks a full range of major medications, as well as some specialty items. It also performs services like adult immunizations, medication flavoring and some compounding.

“Being small does not mean we can’t get the same things for customers as large chains. Plus, we offer local delivery — something few chains do,” said Heinz.

The pharmacy has recently started carrying CBD oil made from hemp, which is often confused with a similar product made from marijuana. It buys its CBD oil from a company that only sells to pharmacies, which guarantees its quality.

“Because it is made from hemp, we are allowed to sell CBD oil in the store,” said Heinz. “It is used to help relieve pain, and also helps with stress and sleep. It can be a good alternative to using prescriptions or over-the-counter pain relievers.”

Over-the-counter medications stocked at Land O’ lakes Pharmacy include remedies for coughs and cold, stomach issues and allergies. It also carries a full line of vitamins, minerals and supplements, and stocks cold packs, blood pressure monitors, humidifiers, health and beauty aids, and some household products.

 Heinz likes her job for the personal connection she makes with her customers, and the communal feeling she receives working at a small, independent pharmacy.

 “I feel connected to this store and our customers, who really appreciate that you know them personally and remember something about them. This makes it very comfortable for customers to ask questions,” said Heinz.

Land O’ Lakes Pharmacy accepts most major insurance coverage, including coverage from companies owned by other pharmacies. For more information, call (813) 803-7303, or drop by the store and introduce yourself to a pharmacist who is part of your community.

Published 4/3/19

Lakeside Setting With A Local Flavor

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Lake Ellis Sunset

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

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 Boemme

Flow Sisters

“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.

Stuffed Salmon

“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.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

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

813-995-0608 • www.ukelelebrands.com

Published 4/24/19

Biscayne Homes now in Epperson

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Biscayne Homes is a new homebuilder in Tampa Bay whose partners bring 30-plus years of expertise in exceptional 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.

This fabulous, high-end kitchen in the Sabal 3 model home flows gracefully into a large dining area that overlooks a huge covered lanai.

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.

Open House This Weekend
Biscayne Homes is hosting an open house of its Sabal 3 model home this weekend, April 27 and April 28, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and also the following weekend, May 2 and May 3.

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; and, 3 bedrooms on the first floor. The second floor boasts a large bonus room and 4th and 5th bedrooms. The home also has 4.5 baths.

Every Biscayne Homes floor plan has the option to convert a side garage and adjacent flex room to a large and airy in-law suite, featuring 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 to enhance their new 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, which we use 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 offer as standard features 10-foot ceilings, and large bedrooms that easily accommodate queen-size beds and dressers.”

Homes Starting In The Mid $400s
In addition to the Sabal 1, 2 and 3 floor plans, Biscayne Homes offers six more distinct floor plans, each with three unique elevations — Key West, Modern and Mediterranean. As a semi-custom builder, its floor plans can be customized to meet the needs of every 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 and earning its top distinction as 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 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, while exploring 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 April 24, 2019

There’s So Much To Do Close-By Mattamy Homes New Townhomes

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Hiking, biking, shopping and epicurean delights!

Mattamy Homes two new townhome communities in Lutz and Citrus Park are selling fast because buyers love the fabulous assortment of close-by things to do, from recreational outings to fabulous shopping to an epicurean array of restaurants.

“Our buyers at Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park are active, engaged families who love being so close to so many things to do,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager at Mattamy Homes. “These are perfect communities for people who want fun things to do with family and friends of all ages.”

This fun and spacious loft in the Venice townhome won a Best Feature award at last month’s Tampa Bay Parade of Homes Awards Reception. The Venice’s whole floor plan, including this alluring kitchen, received an overall Silver Award.

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

Both communities also are an easy drive to Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, with its flats fishing, walking trails and observation tower. Plus, there are nearby golf courses and equestrian stables, ice skating in Wesley Chapel, and even hot air balloon rides in Lutz when the weather is right.

When it comes to shopping, Avea Point is just 20 minutes to Tampa Premium Outlets and The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, while Lakeview is minutes away to Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and a quick trip down the Veterans Expressway to International Plaza and Westshore Plaza in Tampa.

An array of well-appointed townhomes are ready this spring at both communities, with quick move-in homes available for families wanting to get settled before the 2019-20 school year begins.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Avea Pointe is located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Road , directly across from Mattamy Homes’ Lakeshore Preserve community, and offers three unique floor plans designed to live like single-family homes.

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 being in 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, within two miles of the Veterans Expressway and an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

Excellent schools are another reason families move to Avea Pointe, whose children are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Lakeview Already 30% Sold Out
Mattamy Homes has only been selling in Lakeview at Citrus Park since August, and already over 30 percent of its homes have sold. The community will have 124 townhomes when completed.

“Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our new models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel as spacious and private as single-family homes.”

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) 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. Prices begin in the mid $200s.

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

Published April 24, 2019

Bexley Wins Big at Parade of Homes

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Bexley and four of its outstanding builders were big winners at last month’s 2019 Parade of Homes. The annual event is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

In all, builders at Bexley earned three Grand Awards and three Silver Awards for model homes, along with two Best in Class Awards. The community’s model homes were the winningest of any other community competing in this year’s Parade.

Model homes throughout Bexley were judged by a panel of industry experts. Bexley also had the honor of being the Parade’s featured Showcase Community.

Parade of Homes award winners at Bexley include the elegant Savannah model by Cardel Homes and the Bayshore II model from Homes by WestBay, with its beautiful outdoor living area shown here.

Pulte Homes’ Summerwood in the Del Webb at Bexley 55-plus community earned a Grand Award in the $350,000 – $399,000 price range category. In the $600,000 – $649,000 price range, the Bayshore II model from Homes by WestBay also earned Grand Award honors.

Cardel Homes’ Savannah and Henley took home both the Grand Award and Silver Award in the $750,000 – $799,000 price category.

Homes by WestBay’s Cypress Model received a Silver Award in the $400,000 – $449,000 price category while David Weekley’s Tangelo also earned a Silver Award in the $550,000 – $599,000 category.

Best in Class honors went to Cardel Homes for its Master Suite and Bath in the Savannah model. The single-story floor plan features four bedrooms, three baths, a three-car garage and more than 3,300 square-feet of living space in a single-story design.

Homes by WestBay also earned a Best in Class Award in Outdoor Living for its Bayshore II model.

“We’re honored to have several of our outstanding builders recognized,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland. “This year’s Parade of Homes also recognized Bexley as its Showcase Community. It was wonderful to host so many prospective homebuyers during the event because it offered them the chance to experience Bexley’s unique and vibrant community first-hand.”

Bexley is one of the top-selling communities in the Tampa area, with a variety of home styles ranging from low-maintenance townhomes to single-family and luxury homes.

Nestled among cypress domes, oak hammocks and pine flatwoods, Bexley features significant conservation areas and a myriad of opportunities for recreation, exercise and social entertainment and connection.

The Bexley Club, a lakeside clubhouse is the centerpiece of the community and home to The Twisted Sprocket Café. This popular meeting spot is open to the public and serves breakfast items, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks. Next to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, gear and clothing, and offers repairs. If you’re looking to cycle around the community or hit the Bexley BMX pump track, you’ll find everything you need at this one-stop shop.

Bexley residents also enjoy miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails with Fit Stations to add fun and variety to workouts, whether walking, biking or jogging. And don’t forget about the custom-built playgrounds, two dog parks and sports fields.

At Bexley, prospective homebuyers can tour a variety of home options all in one visit. Best of all, the community offers an exclusive Resident for a Day program, which gives potential residents a chance to experience what Bexley has to offer. To learn more, visit www.BexleyFlorida.com or call (813) 425-7555.

Published April 24, 2019

New Models Open in Asturia’s Final Phase

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Award-winning, custom home builder David Weekley Homes has opened a new model, The Crestview, in Asturia — a Hines signature community.

Intimately scaled, Asturia has over 300 completed homes and is excited about entering its final phase of development. Asturia is located on the much-desired State Road 54 corridor in central Pasco County, just minutes from the Suncoast Parkway.

From one of the nation’s largest home builder, David Weekley Homes’ new one-story Crestview model is beautifully furnished, showcasing 2,100 square feet of living space with three bedrooms, a study, two full bathrooms and a two-car garage.

The Crestview is David Weekley Homes’ new model home in Asturia.

Features include a lanai, gourmet kitchen and owner’s retreat with tray ceiling and oversized walk-in closet. Priced from the high $200s, the builder’s Village Series of homes range in size from 1,650 to 2,700 square feet and are situated on 45-foot homesites.

David Weekley Homes also offers larger homes in Asturia on 55- and 65-foot homesites. For more information about David Weekley Homes, call (866) 493-3553.

Another premier builder in Asturia is ICI Homes. It’s new model, The Costa Mesa, will open in May.

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 lots of windows to bring in natural light and sunlight.

Townhomes is the newest product in Asturia, and Ryan Homes sold 18 homes since its February opening. Its Chopin and Haydn models feature open floor plans, designer options and rear-load, two-car garages that give plenty of space to store sports equipment and vehicles.

Families of all ages and sizes chose Asturia because of its convenient location to several transportation hubs, 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.

Asturia’s unique amenity package also includes neighborhood parks, Kompan play structure, Ga-Ga Ball court, dog park and open event lawns to foster imaginative play and healthy, family fun.

The community 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.

To learn more, visit AsturiaFlorida.com or call (813) 227-4148.

Published April 24, 2019

Enjoy Lake Padgett With A Waterfront Cardel Home

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There are more lakes in Land O’ Lakes than anywhere else in Tampa Bay. And, one of the area’s most desirable is Lake Padgett, a spring-fed, 200-acre lake that is home to an exclusive Cardel Homes community.

Cardel is the newest homebuilder on Lake Padgett, which has been home to beautiful waterfront homes for over 50 years because of its peaceful cypress-lined shores, and stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Lake Padgett families enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing, paddle-boarding, canoeing and kayaking. And, today, they can also enjoy boating to lakeside destinations.

Just south of Cardel’s community, The Enclave At Lake Padgett on the lake’s western shore, are fun boating destinations that have opened in the past few years.

This includes The Tiki Cove, which has a dock for boaters to tie up to, live music and beach volleyball games on the weekends.

Even closer to The Enclave is another waterfront destination, In The Loop Brewery, where boaters anchor close to the beach and planning for a dock is underway. This popular local spot has an on-site brewery, tap and tasting room, and a huge outdoor deck and beer garden overlooking the lake.

“Most lakeside communities offer homeowners traditional waterfront views and boating, but living on Lake Padgett offers even more, because it has destinations you can easily boat to,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes.

There are only a handful of  homesites remaining on the lake, which is why Phillips is so excited about The Enclave At Lake Padgett.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett. It’s exciting as a builder to be offering such beautiful, large lots in such a premium location,” said Phillips.

Many people who discover The Enclave At Lake Padgett say it’s one of the best kept secrets in Land O’ Lakes.

“Part of this community’s intrigue is that one would never expect to find such a gem tucked away in the heart of Land O’ Lakes,” said Phillips.

Conveniently located off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard (U.S. 41),  just two miles north of State Road 54,  the secluded entrance to The Enclave assures residents of privacy that they will share with just a handful of other homeowners.

All of The Enclave’s homesites can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats. And, unlike other developments on Lake Padgett, none of its docks are shared between homeowners.

“This prestigious community has just eight large homesites available — all very private and with no CDD fees,” said Phillips.

In addition to its waterfront living, The Enclave is just 15 minutes from Wesley Chapel’s shopping and dining destinations, including Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops of Wiregrass and the newly opened Cypress Creek Town Center.

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 4,260 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.

The home is on a wooded lot, and has 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 setting.

The St. Lucia inventory home, including its waterfront dock, is listed at just $650,000. If you prefer to choose your homesite and select a floor plan, colors and finishes, a Cardel home in The Enclave begins at $494,900.

“The Enclave At Lake Padgett is a perfect community for families wanting to move up to an exclusive, private, lakefront community with no CDD,” said Phillips. “It offers the best of both worlds —all the recreation and things to do on Lake Padgett, with the convenience of being close to so many shopping and dining options.”

CardelHomes.com/Tampa
(813) 598-6646
Sales Center in Bexley at 4081 Epic Cove, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

Published April 24, 2019

Movers for Moms helps survivors of domestic violence

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When moms and their children escape from a dangerous situation at home, they may not have a chance to pack clothing or personal care items, or other belongings.

This is the 11th year that Two Men and a Truck has organized the Movers for Moms Program, with the goal of giving back to mothers in need each Mother’s Day.

During 2018, the program, which operates nationally, collected more than 365,000 items for mothers and their children staying in hundreds of shelters, according to a company news release.

Locally, the Two Men and a Truck franchise will pick up items at a number of collection points, where businesses or other organizations have volunteered to accept donations.

Businesses accepting donations within The Laker/Lutz coverage area are:

  • Chris Black Insurance, 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Lutz
  • Cornerstone Air & Plumbing, 4946 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
  • First in Property Management, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • First National Bank of Pasco, 13315 U.S. 301, Dade City
  • First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54, Lutz
  • Florida Luxury Realty, 24646 State Road 54, Lutz
  • Future Home Realty, 27552 Cashford Circle, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel
  • Mason Title, 27544 Cashford Circle, Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco County Sheriff, 1195 Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel

Donations will be picked up by Two Men and a Truck during the week of May 6, and will be delivered on May 10 to Sunrise of Pasco County and The Spring of Tampa Bay.

Some of the program’s needs are:

WISH LIST
Curtains and curtain rods

Laundry baskets

Washcloths

Closet organizers

Alarm clocks and wall clocks

Calendars

Nail polish remover

Cotton swabs

Cotton balls

Batteries (AA, AAA,D,9V)

Nail clippers

Flip flops

Electric plug covers

Sponges

Pillowcases

Shower curtains

Blankets

Twin sheets

Twin comforters

Bath towels

PAPER PRODUCTS
Toilet paper

Paper towels

Copy paper

Two pocket folders

Kleenex/tissues

FOOD
Dairy products

Juice

Fruit

Vegetables

CLEANING SUPPLIES
Mops for industrial use

Brooms

Dust pans

Dishwasher detergent

Dishwashing soap

Comet

Bleach

Laundry detergent

Toilet bowl cleaner and brushes

Appliances
Microwave

Toaster

Washer

Dryer

Iron

Blow Dryer

New or gently used clothing

CHILDREN’S NEEDS
Diapers (sizes 3,4,5,6)

Pull-ups

Baby wipes

Baby bottles

Baby/kid shampoo

Kids toothpaste

Kids toothbrushes

Baby lotion

Baby over-the-counter medicine

Thermometers

Diaper rash ointment

Pacifiers

Bibs

Breast pump

Night lights

Breast-feeding pads

MEDICAL NEEDS
Cough/cold medicine

Pepto-Bismol

Alka-Seltzer

Rubbing alcohol

Peroxide

Triple antibiotics

Burn cream

Bandages

Cortisone lotion

Published April 24, 2019

A fond farewell to the snowbirds

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The time has come where the snowbirds are leaving their Florida homes to go back to where they reside in the summer. I guess all good things must come to an end, eventually.

Cheryl Leone making sure the ham looks good. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

Before the end of the season, we had a potluck on March 31, and over 122 residents and guests attended. This potluck was hosted by Ilene Nutting and several helpers, and what a superb job they did. The helpers consisted of Cheryl and Ken Leone, Donna and Bill Quinn, Paul Nutting, Cindy O’ Brien (who created the lovely baskets that were a giveaway), Jim Leitzke (said grace), and Marcie Baker plus her mother, Barbara Stetson (who did all the decorations and they were lovely).

The evening started off with Jim Leitzke saying grace while everyone bowed their heads in a moment of silence. We thank Jim for this, as he did a fine job.

Paul Nutting (front) and Ken Leone cooking up a storm.

After grace, individual tables were called to get their food. What a variety of dishes presented to us!  In addition to the ham (that was provided by the social club), there were deviled eggs, a pineapple dish, coleslaw, boiled and mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, vegetables and so much more.  The meal wouldn’t be complete without desserts, and there was a full table of them that included peanut butter cups, cake, pie, cookies and  more.

We also had a winner at each table, which was a real nice touch. The winners got to take home the little baskets that were filled with Easter candy to recall the good time that they just experienced.  These lovely baskets were made by Cindy O’ Brien.

From left: Cheryl Leone, Ilene Nutting and Donna Quinn

I spoke with Ilene and she mentioned the fact that with all the help she got, how could she go wrong?  She went on to say that after dinner, there were more people to help out. She thanks  one and all, and the social club.

On April 2, there were 16 women at our monthly lunch bunch. It was at the Green Door restaurant and was hosted by Fran Boulay.

The restaurant was a cute little place located in Dade City and had a very nice menu. Everything was delicious, and some of the choices included a chicken wrap or grilled turkey, with a side of potato chips and coleslaw. They had several other dishes and I didn’t hear a complaint.

Terry Gardner working on the tickets.

We were seated toward the back of the restaurant, which made it easier for us to converse. Upon entering the restaurant, I noticed that there was a slight tint of green on the door and the inside of the restaurant was cleverly done with headboards plastered on the walls.

Before going to the restaurant, we met at the community center where we made sure everyone had a ride and found out that Robbie Lockard will host the next luncheon for the month of May.

On April 6, 91 residents and guests attended the pancake breakfast in the community center, hosted by Dave and Mary Heim.

The breakfast include blueberry pancakes, sausage and French toast, plus coffee, tea and juice.

Happy Easter!

At the end of the breakfast, they presented the helpers that helped out the entire year, and they included Paul and Norma Oi,  Linda Rogers, Rosie Semian, Pat Bond, Tom Carter, and Dave and Mary Heim. Our sincere thanks go out to all.

On April 14, a special event took place in our community center. It was a tax day/bon voyage party and approximately 120 people attended. Pizza was served and a show was put on by Billy Williams.  There was dancing and the dance floors were full. We all had a great time. The pizza and music were a nice addition.

That will do it for this year for us, as we are going back to our winter homes, but Grand Horizons still goes on with activities, such as another potluck being presented by Ilene at the community center on May 4, plus, on the same day, horse racing (the Kentucky Derby), presented by Rita and George Gattos. They will have a hat contest (I wonder what this is about), more karaoke (on April 19) and many more exciting things.

So Grand Horizons will continue with lots of fun and games.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons