Special to The Laker/Lutz News

ICI Model Homes Now For Sale in Bexley and Asturia

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

One of Tampa’s most preeminent builders, ICI Homes, is selling its model homes in Bexley and Asturia in central Pasco County.

“Both homes have top-of-the-line upgrades and are a tremendous value for families looking to move this fall,” said Sales Manager Leah Turner.

Both Asturia and Bexley are master-planned communities located on State Road 54 close to the Suncoast Parkway. In Asturia, ICI Homes’ model is a one-story Serena loaded with elegant upgrades that is built on a beautiful conservation lot.

ICI Homes is selling its model homes in Asturia and Bexley, including the spectacular Brooke plan with five bedrooms and four baths.

At 2,217 square feet, the Serena has four bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. Its unique grand foyer pulls you through the house with 12-foot ceilings, and its large kitchen and great room gracefully flow onto a covered lanai that stretches along the back of the home. Currently priced at $515,775.

“This home never feels crowded, whether you’re relaxing with family, playing with the kids or entertaining friends,” said Turner.

In Bexley, the spacious two-story Brooke model is 3,609 square feet with five bedrooms, four baths and garages for three vehicles. Currently priced at $835,280.

“This remarkable home has cathedral ceilings in the living room that complement the open floor plan,” said Turner. “The owner’s suite is separated from all the other rooms, and has his-and-hers walk-in closets, a luxurious bath, enclosed shower and separate vanities. Upstairs are four additional bedrooms, two shared bathrooms and a multifunctional game room.”

In addition to these beautifully decorated model homes, ICI Homes also has three, one-story inventory homes in Asturia that are ready now or will be by the end of the year. The Serena, Arden and Oakland range from 2,115 to 2,402 square feet, and have four bedrooms, three baths and two-car garages. Inventory homes, including the lot, begin at $397,421.

ICI Homes are specifically designed for families with school-aged children, and offer the latest technology and innovative, open floor plans that connect large family gathering spaces to secluded study enclaves.

Families living in Bexley and Asturia are zoned to some of the best schools in Pasco County, including Land O’ Lakes and J.W. Mitchell high schools. Bexley has an elementary school located within the community that opened in 2017, and youngsters in Asturia attend highly rated Odessa Elementary.

“We are ready to move quickly on all of our inventory homes, and will do everything we can to get a family settled as soon as possible,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of the company’s West Florida Division.

More Homes at Asturia
ICI Homes is continuing to build in Asturia with new models and inventory homes in Asturia’s recently announced Phase Three, with new models and sales beginning in early 2019.

“We’ve had tremendous success since we began building in Asturia in late 2017, and many families are looking forward to our new floor plans and pristine conservation and water lots available in Phase Three,” said Ferguson.

ICI Homes will have 22 large home sites on 55-foot lots, and 16 premium, extra large 65-foot lots in Phase Three. Two new models are being built, with pricing beginning in the low $300,000s.

“We are very pleased to be offering families new homes in this mid-point range that come with all the quality features, designs and construction methods that ICI Homes is known for,” said Ferguson. “Buyers are excited to get into a prestigious, ICI Home at this lower price point.”

ICI Homes is one of Florida’s most premier builders, and for many years has been ranked in the Top 100 Builders in the nation by Builder Magazine. Established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, and is the recipient of several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

The Asturia sales center for ICI Homes is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. At Bexley, the sales center is at 16754 Courtyard Loop in Land O’ Lakes, (813) 530-9069.

Family Fun At Asturia’s Fall Festival!

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa, is celebrating its third Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. New residents, future residents and families from neighboring communities are all invited to this free event open to the public.

Fun activities for children and adults include hayrides, crafts, face painting, carnival rides, a bounce house, local vendors and a balloon artist. Hay will be provided for those wanting to stuff their own straw scarecrows (please bring your own pillowcase and old clothing). A variety of food trucks will be at the event.

A portion of vendor proceeds will benefit Pasco Kids First, a nonprofit that is engaged in the prevention, assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

Beautiful Models
When Fall Festival guests are done enjoying the activities, they are invited to tour Asturia’s beautifully decorated model homes.

Ashton Woods Homes, David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes and Ryan Homes are Asturia’s exclusive builders. Model homes have on-site agents to assist homebuyers in selecting their next residence.

Builders offer a range of home sizes and architectural styles, with prices ranging from the mid $200,000s to over $500,000. Many inventory homes are available for families looking to move before the end of the year.

The community’s newest builder is Ryan Homes, which has begun construction on rear-load townhomes that will sell in the mid $200,000. Townhomes will be located near the front of the community, walkable to Asturia’s Amenity Center.

It’s been just three years since Asturia began selling homes, and already this award-winning development has moved into its third phase. Over 200 homes have been sold in its first two phases, and builders are planning new models for the opening of Phase Three in early 2019.

Great Amenities
Asturia residents enjoy a kid-friendly, family-oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Kids especially love the unique, domed-shaped Kompan playground.

Everyone enjoys Asturia’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse, with its fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

When Asturia’s development is complete, it will likely have less than 550 single-family homes, compared to nearby planned communities with over 3,000 homes. Many people chose Asturia because they prefer the intimate neighborhood experience that comes with its modest community size.

Asturia is a mixed-use, master-planned community located in the high-demand State Road 54 corridor in Pasco County. The community’s central location is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway and provides close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75. Its master plan incorporates retail, office, multifamily and a variety of single-family residential offerings.

More information is available by visiting Asturia’s model homes, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 510-3601.

Published September 26, 2018

14 Beautiful Ashton Woods Homes Ready For Your Family

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Ashton Woods is in its final sales phase at Asturia, with 80 percent of homesites sold since the community opened two years ago.

“We’ve had tremendous success in Asturia, selling over 100 single-family homes in this much-desired community,” said Sales Manager Kristin Wilson. “We have under 40 homes available for sale, and expect all to be completed by the end of the year.”

Because most families want to move into their new home as soon as possible, Ashton Woods received permits from Pasco County for all of its remaining Asturia homesites.

“This saves our buyers up to three months in the building process,” said Jillian Harris, Ashton Woods’ community sales manager in Asturia.

“Our designers have put together beautiful combinations of flooring, countertops, design features and colors that will excite the vast majority of buyers,” she said. “Plus, we have a great combination of homes that convert flex space to extra bedrooms, add bonus rooms and extra baths, and have great outdoor living areas with front porches and extended lanais.”

While construction is underway on many homes, Ashton Woods buyers are still able to select flooring, countertops, cabinets and other nonstructural customizations on several homes that will be completed in November and December.

Inventory Homes
Ashton Woods offers classic one- and two-story homes in its Traditional Home Series. All feature open floor plans, large living areas, beautiful master suites, high-end finishes and lots of storage. Homes have two- or three-car garages, and many back up to private conservation lots.

Spacious Classic Series
Five traditional, inventory homes are ready in the Classic Series, including two, one-story homes. The versatile Odessa plan has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths in 2,243 square feet. The larger Naples plan offers four bedrooms, three baths in 2,321 square feet.

Also ready now are three, two-story homes with two-car garages, including the Ferrara model home at 2,890 square feet with its four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. The Milan is 2,722 square feet with four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. The largest home Ashton Woods builds in Asturia is the 3,365-square-foot Athens, which boasts four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths.

Affordable Heritage Series
Many first-time homebuyers and downsizing families choose the Heritage Series. Ashton Woods has two move-in ready, one-story homes available in these well-designed floor plans — the Truman at 1,961 square feet with four bedrooms and two baths. The slightly smaller Adams plan is 1,829 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths.

Evergreen and Grove Series
Ashton Woods is the only builder in Asturia offering single-family homes with garages at the rear of the house. There are seven, quick move-in homes available in these series, all conveniently located close to Asturia’s Amenity Center.

There are three Arlington plans at 2,003 square feet, and also four Ortega plans at 2,189 square feet. These homes begin at $279,000.

Great Schools
“For families with children, Asturia is a very popular community because it is zoned for some of the best schools in Pasco County — J.W. Mitchell High, Seven Springs Middle and Odessa Elementary,” said Harris.

Asturia buyers prefer the community’s smaller size of just 550 homes, compared to thousands of homes being built in neighboring developments. Plus, they appreciate that construction will not be ongoing for several years.

Ashton Woods was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine and, for the fourth consecutive year, has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

For more information, go to AshtonWoods.com/tampa/Asturia. You can also call the sales center at (813) 446-8362.

Published September 26, 2018

Bexley Concert Series Offers Music, Meals and Hope

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Enjoy an evening of live music and helping neighbors in need. That’s what residents in central and east Pasco have the opportunity to do when they attend Bexley’s annual Concerts for a Cause.

The Bexley community, located in Land O’ Lakes just off State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway, is gearing up for its third season of Concerts for a Cause, which begins on Oct. 6 and runs for four consecutive Saturday evenings through the month. Concerts are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The series culminates with a Fall Festival on Oct. 27, complete with a pumpkin patch, face painting, food trucks, and costume contests for adults, children and pets.

In lieu of an admission fee, concert-goers are asked to bring nonperishable food items, or make cash donations to Feeding Tampa Bay. Donations stay right in the Pasco County area, meaning neighbors who attend the concerts are truly helping their neighbors in need.

Bexley’s concert series isn’t just for residents. The public is always welcome to attend. The community’s popular Twisted Sprocket Café is open until 9 p.m. on concert nights, and offers a variety of food and drink options.

Robin Graffam started attending the Bexley concert series even before she moved into the community last August. She’s been to nearly every Concert for a Cause since.

“We enjoy the music, and the kids enjoy running around and playing with each other,” said Graffam. “It’s cute to see all the kids and dogs dressed up for the Halloween costume contest. Plus, we always meet new people at the concerts.”

As a newcomer to Bexley, Graffam credits the Concert for a Cause series for helping her family develop close friendships with fellow neighbors.

“Now, the families meet up with each other for holidays and kids’ play dates,” Gaffam added.

Deirdre Bowman often brings her daughter and grandchildren to the concerts when they visit from California.

“The music is appropriate for all ages and the concerts are a very family friendly environment,” she said. “I’m so glad they offer them.”

“Concerts for a Cause has become one of the most popular events at Bexley,” noted Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, developers of Bexley. “Not only is it a great way to bring the community together, but the donations collected help so many people.”

During last year’s Concert for a Cause series, concert-goers donated more than 4,000 meals to Feeding Tampa Bay.

The lineup for this year’s Concerts for a Cause includes some of the most popular bands in the region. From Me 2 You headlines on Oct. 6. The Rhythmics belt out pop, funk and dance music on Oct. 13. The acclaimed band, Frequency, takes the stage on Oct. 20, and Raydio will get the crowd on its feet during Bexley’s Fall Festival on Oct. 27.

Concert-goers should bring blankets and lawn chairs, and get ready for a great evening of music and fun for the whole family! For more information and directions, visit BexleyFlorida.com, or call (813) 425-7555. In case of inclement weather, be sure to check the Bexley Facebook page Facebook.com/bexleyflorida for updates.

Published September 26, 2018

Hearing on Ballantrae rezoning delayed until Oct. 9

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County Commission has continued a request to rezone the Ballantrae Professional Center until Oct. 9, to provide additional time for county staff to research the issue.

The request has raised issues relating to the center’s current uses, the proposed zoning and who has authority to request the proposed zoning.

The center, on the south side of State Road 54 at the intersection of Hunting Bow Circle, in Lutz, is currently zoned as a PO-1 Professional Office District.

The request, by the Ballantrae Center Owners Association, is to change the designation to a PO-2 Professional Office District, which allows a wider array of uses.

The county planning department and the Planning Commission have recommended approval of the rezoning.

However, during the County Commission’s public hearing on Aug. 21, an owner of a condo office building within the development objected to the proposed rezoning.

That objection prompted a discussion during which questions were raised about who has the authority to request the rezoning and how a failure to rezone would affect uses that are in the office park that are not allowed under PO-1 zoning.

At one point, a portion of the office park had been temporarily zoned PO-2 to permit Imagine School to operate there.

However, the PO2 zoning was always limited to the school and expired when the school left the office park, according to county staff.

The applicant’s representative also noted that the county appraiser’s website lists the property’s zoning as PO-2 and said there currently are businesses operating at the location which require PO-2 zoning.

The County Commission’s meeting on Oct. 9 will be at the Historic Pasco Courthouse, at 37919 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. Commissioners consider rezoning issues during their afternoon session, which begins at 1:30 p.m.

Published September 26, 2018

Public workshop scheduled regarding Pierce Lake

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is holding a public workshop on Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m., regarding minimum and guidance levels for Pierce Lake, according to a news release from the water management district.

The workshop will be at Connerton Elementary School, 9300 Flourish Drive, in Land O’ Lakes.

The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed minimum and guidance levels for Pierce Lake in Pasco County.

Water management staff will provide information regarding the technical basis for the proposed minimum levels for Pierce Lake.

Minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands, and the minimum level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment, according to the news release.

The workshop allows local government, citizens and others to provide input regarding the proposed minimum and guidance levels. Information will be summarized and made available to the water management district’s governing board.

At the governing board’s meeting in November, the board will decide whether to recommend adoption of the minimum levels into water management district rules.

The governing board meetings are open to the public, and brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.

The Florida Legislature requires the water management district to set minimum flows and levels for priority water bodies within the district.

Minimum flows are established to protect streams and rivers from impacts associated with ground water and surface water withdrawals, while minimum levels are established to protect lakes and wetlands. Minimum flows and levels serve as guidelines for the district’s permitting programs and for development of water resource projects.

A draft report summarizing the proposed minimum levels for Pierce Lake will be posted before the meeting on the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/MFLreports.

For more information regarding the proposed minimum levels, call David Carr at (800) 423-1476, ext. 4246.

Written comments can be submitted via mail or email to David Carr, staff environmental scientist, Water Resources Bureau, at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604 or .

Published September 26, 2018

Judson was a trailblazer

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco-Hernando State College community is mourning the recent death of Dr. Robert Judson Jr., the college’s second president.

The educator began his career at Pasco-Hernando State College in 1972, when the college was a community college — known as the college without walls — and was in the process of opening its doors to Pasco and Hernando county communities, according to a news release from the state college.

Dr. Robert Judson Jr., was a trailblazer at the college now known as Pasco-Hernando State College. When he was there, it was Pasco-Hernando Community College, and Judson made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System. (Courtesy of PHSC)

Judson was hired as the college’s first instructor and counselor/recruiter, subsequently teaching the first course the college ever offered.

The following year, Judson moved into a role as the college’s first coordinator of financial aid, where he wrote grants for student aid programs and was responsible for veterans’ affairs.

He received his doctoral degree in education in 1976, and in 1977 became dean at East Campus. In 1983, he took on the role of East Campus provost, followed by college vice president and executive vice president, according to the release.

In 1994, Judson succeeded Dr. Milton O. Jones — the man who had hired him — and made Florida history by becoming the first black to be named president of a community college in the Florida Community College System.

Under Judson’s leadership, the college experienced exponential growth.

“Bob Judson was a remarkable leader,” Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., current PHSC president, said in the release. “He worked his way up the ladder, knew every inch of the college, understood our students, and helped realize the college’s potential. He was admired and respected for his vision and his authenticity.”

Judson opened a three-story health building, housing state-of-the-art equipment on the college’s West Campus. He also helped establish radiography, and drafting and design programs still popular today.

Judson also led the building of a child care center on West Campus.

He opened the Public Service Technology building on East Campus in Dade City, where aviation, law enforcement and corrections, and fire academy programs are currently housed.

He remodeled North Campus in Brooksville.

And, he purchased the land for a permanent Spring Hill Campus, which was erected in 2010.

Judson also facilitated a partnership with the University of South Florida to offer formal four-year degree programs on PHSC campuses.

In an interview for the College’s 30-year anniversary commemorative book, he said: “I want to be known as a president who intelligently expands the college for the good of all concerned.”

He added: “I hope I’m remembered as a president who was sensitive to the needs of our students, faculty and staff. Most of all, I hope I’ve distinguished myself as a president who helped make PHSC a great college, and a wonderful place to learn and work.”

Beard, who now holds the same role as Judson once held, put it like this: “The college community will remember his leadership. He will always have a place in college history, and in the hearts and minds of the many PHSC faculty, staff and students he influenced.”

A funeral service is planned for Judson on Sept. 29 at 12:30 p.m., at Hopewell Baptist Church, at 890 N.W. 15th St., in Pompano Beach.

PHSC is planning a memorial service to honor Judson on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m., at the PHSC Performing Arts Center on its West Campus, at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

Published September 26, 2018

Benefit supports Future Farmers of America, 4H, high school scholarships

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

About 100 people turned out to the Boots and Roots Bash, at Al’s Famous Pizza, 11929 Curley St., in San Antonio, despite the stormy weather during the early part of the evening, said R.J. Huss, president of The Boots and Roots Foundation.The fundraiser was hosted by the nonprofit foundation, as well as Al’s Famous Pizza and Charlie’s St. Joe Market. Tickets were $25 for all you can eat pizza, non-alcoholic beverages, kiddie land attractions and the chance to win an all-weather Bluetooth speaker. Tickets also were sold for chances to win a variety of gift baskets and prizes donated by local businesses. The event benefits the local Future Farmers of America, 4H and high school scholarships.

Nine-year-old Wyatt Dorr, of Dade City, left, and his cousin, 9-year-old Kailyn Ostovich, also of Dade City, played a game called ‘The Flip N Fish Contest’ during the Boots and Roots Bash. (Christine Holtzman)

Wearing her cool sunglasses in the rain, 4-year-old Audrey Sachs, of Dade City, gets ready to play a very large game of Velcro soccer darts inside the kiddie land area of the Boots and Roots Bash fundraiser.

Three-year-old Raylan Paoli, of Wesley Chapel, right, runs through the grass with his 1-year-old little brother, Gavin, as they play a game of chase during the Boots and Roots Bash. The boys were there with their parents, Heather and Jason.

Dana Maggard, left, and her husband, Matthew, of Dade City, pose for a picture holding their twin 14-month-old daughters, Morgan, left, and Paige. Matthew serves on the Boots and Roots board.

Clinic offer kids a chance to learn tennis techniques

September 26, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The youth tennis clinics at the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, give players a chance to work on the basics and improve their skills.

The clinics are being taught by Karen Turman, a United States Pro Tennis Association instructor. The instructor also coaches tennis at Land O’ Lakes High School and has been the recreation complex’s instructor for the past 20 years. For more information, contact Turman at (813) 468-1047.

Coach Karen Turman, far left, has her two volunteers and students do a fun tennis ball toss in the air at the end of a recent tennis clinic she was teaching at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. (Christine Holtzman)

Eight-year-old Haliegh Rhymer, of Land O’ Lakes, participates in a drill. The clinics are offered on Tuesdays, for ages 8 through high school, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, throughout the school year and cost $38 for a four-week session. Starting on Oct. 25, Thursday sessions will be added. This was Haliegh’s first time on a tennis court.

Eight-year-old Christian Quandt, of Land O’ Lakes, decided to give tennis a try, and is shown here jumping to hit a ball back to Lauren Hallauer, a Charles S. Rushe Middle School student. Hallauer is helping at the clinics to earn volunteer hours for the National Junior Honor Society. Coach Karen Turman can be seen on the far left.

Delivering an expression of appreciation

September 19, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When terrorists attacked the United States on the morning of Sept. 11, first responders rushed to the scenes of the attack, with many first responders losing their lives in the quest to save others. The Land O’ Lakes Rotary Club marked the anniversary of those terrorist attacks this year by delivering breakfast to first responders at a fire station in Lutz and to a fire station in Land O’ Lakes. This was the second year in a row that the service club showed its appreciation for first responders by presenting a breakfast on Sept. 11, and it intends to expand its efforts by including additional fire stations in the future.