The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

93 Models To Tour In This Year’s Parade Of Homes

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The 2019 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes, hosted by the Tampa Bay Builders Association (TBBA), takes place over the next two weekends — March 1 to March 3 and March 8 to March 10. This is one of the largest Parades in Florida, with 93 model homes representing 40 builders at locations throughout Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.

The Parade of Homes is a hands-on way to see the latest in floor plans, interior designs and architecture styles of the area’s most prominent builders and developers. There is no cost or appointment needed to tour Parade homes.

Included in today’s Laker/Lutz News is a 12-page Parade of Homes Guidebook, which gives detailed maps pinpointing the location of each Parade home. In Pasco and south Hernando counties, there are 40 homes to tour, and in north Hillsborough County, 12 homes.

You can create a self-guided map of homes you want to tour at the Parade’s website, TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com. You can also view individual model homes online by builder, as well as entries from custom builders and remodelers.

A great place to start your tour is in Land O’ Lakes at the Parade’s showcase community of Bexley, a master-planned development by Newland Communities, located on State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway.

Seven models representing three of Bexley’s award-winning builders are on display during the Parade, with entries from Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes and Homes by WestBay.

“It is a great time to buy a new home in Tampa Bay with a wide range of price points, including very affordable options, Cheryl McCormick Brown, chairperson of the 2019 Parade of Homes.

“The variety of plans, locations and price points that our 93 entries represent is truly indicative of the spectrum of buyers moving into this market every day. There truly is something for everyone at every life stage,” she said.

Parade of Homes models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday.

During the Parade, home entries are judged by an expert panel of building industry professionals from across the country, who consider site plan, curb appeal, design, materials, outdoor living spaces, architectural detailing and workmanship.

In addition to Bexley, other sponsors of the 2019 Tampa Bay Parade of Homes are MidFlorida Credit Union, TECO Peoples Gas, and Opendoor.

The TBBA has more than 800 members from the local building industry, including builders, developers, suppliers, subcontractors, lending institutions, architectural and engineering firms, as well as other related businesses. The organization promotes professionalism and continuing education within the tri-county building and development industry.

For further information, call (813) 571-TBBA, or visit TBBA.net.

Published February 27, 2019

Choose The Best Cardel Homes Community For You

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

Here is a quick look at communities where Cardel Homes is building that are attracting buyers from Pasco and north Hillsborough counties.

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

This secluded, gated community of just 18 homes is conveniently located off U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, just two miles north of State Road 54.

All homesites back up to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett, and all lots can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats.

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

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

If your family is looking for a new home now, the St. Lucia model home is ready for a quick move-in. This stunning home is 3,336 square feet with 12-foot ceilings, white cabinetry, quartz countertops, wood-plank tile and tray ceilings in the foyer, bonus room and master bedroom.

The four-bedroom, three-bath home is on a wooded lot with a large front porch and covered lanai. An oversized dock is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural backyard setting.

“Living in the Enclave is the best of both worlds — all the recreation that Lake Padgett offers in a private oasis setting, and the convenience of Land O’ Lakes’ central location and top-rated schools,” said Phillips.

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

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

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

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

Homes in Oakwood Reserve begin at $447,90, and range from 2,507 to 3,393 square feet. All have four to five bedrooms, three to four baths and three-car garages.

Bexley
Cardel is being showcased in this year’s Parade of Homes over the next two weekends with two model homes in Bexley — a master-planned community being developed by Newland Homes along the State Road 54 corridor in Land O’ Lakes.

Parade visitors will be touring the Henley and Savannah models. The two-story, four-bedroom Henley provides more than 3,900 square feet of living space, while the four-bedroom Savannah floor plan features three baths and more than 3,300 square feet of living space in a single-story design. Both models have three-car garages and have been newly decorated.

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

Bexley is known for its pools, parks and trail system designed for active family living. It encompasses 1,200 acres of preserved wilderness and 13 miles of breathtaking trails that connect to the renowned Suncoast Trail.

Sandhill Ridge
Located across the street from FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County is Sandhill Ridge — one of Cardel Homes’ newest communities.

This private, gated community of just 33 Cardel homes is selling quickly because of the affordability of its large family homes and its A-rated schools. Prices begin in the high $200s for homes that range from 2,010 and 3,132 square feet.

“We have already sold nine homes in Sandhill Ridge, and anticipate that this community will sell out quickly,” said Phillips. “The land is beautiful, with a canopy of oak and pine trees, and people want to live in a quiet community like this with no CDD fees.”

Cardel Homes’ models are open Mondays through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Visit CardelHomes.com/Tampa, or call (860) 501-4429.

Bexley, Enclave at Lake Padgett, Oakwood Reserve
Sales Center: 4081 Epic Cove, Land O Lakes, FL 34638
(813) 510-4429

Sandhill Ridge
Sales Center: 11409 Tanner Ridge Place, Riverview, FL 33569
(813) 571-7171

Published February 27, 2019

Mattamy Home’s Fabulous Spring Sales Event

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With two new townhome communities opening in Lutz and Citrus Park, Mattamy Homes is offering families special savings on new, quick move-in townhomes for a limited time only, including paying closing costs.  A variety of three- and four-bedroom townhomes are available for move in this spring, at Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park.

New Models in Citrus Park
Mattamy Homes been selling in Lakeview at Citrus Park in August, and already has sold more than 30 townhomes. And now, with the opening of three new, professionally decorated models, Mattamy expects sales to move even faster in this gated community off Ehrlich Road and the Veterans Expressway.

Townhomes by Mattamy Homes offer spacious floor plans and two-car garages.

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

New models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel just 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 Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage. Prices begin in the mid $200s.

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

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Avea Pointe is Mattamy Homes’ newest townhome neighborhood in Lutz, located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Drive, and directly across from Lakeshore Preserve —a Mattamy townhome community that sold out in less than 18 months.

“The demand for our townhomes in Lakeshore Preserve was so incredible that we’re very happy to be offering families more townhomes in the same great location,” said Dec.

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

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

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

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

In-Demand Location
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. Located within two miles of the Veterans Expressway makes them an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

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

Children at Lakeshore Preserve and Avea Pointe attend Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road. Also close-by is the Sunlake Academy of Math and Science charter school.

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

Published February 27, 2019

58 Years of Experience at Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply

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In a time when many families are exploring sustainability and growing their own food, a family operation like Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply is just the kind of store they need to answer their questions and guide them.

“Whether it’s backyard chickens or growing vegetables, our employees are an amazing resource for families who have limited experience in gardening or raising chickens,” said Greg Shell, whose family has owned Tampa’s oldest feed store since 1961.

Store Manager Dax Gonzalez, left, and Owner Greg Shell have worked together for over 10 years.

“Most of our employees have worked here for many years, and have an incredible amount of experience to share with customers,” said Shell. “Our customers come from as far away as Brooksville and Sarasota, not only because of the quality plants and products we carry, but also to seek advice from our staff.”

Shell’s Feed got its start when Greg’s father, Charles, was 21 years old and just out of the Army. It was 1961, and Charles was looking for something to do when a feed store came up for sale at Nebraska Avenue and Busch Boulevard in Tampa.

Charles bought the store and changed its name to Shell’s Feed.

“It was a good fit for my dad, since my grandfather sold Purina products for many years, and dad was familiar with the feed business. Plus, our family’s farm was in Lutz, and the store was close to our home,” said Shell.

Charles began updating the store, and in 1965 married Betty Tamargo, whose family owned a dairy farm off Casey Road in what is now Carrollwood.

Back then, Tampa Bay was still very rural, and Shell’s Feed took care of farmers and ranchers in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties.

“Dad started selling to Busch Gardens when it was just a two-man operation in the 1960s, and also serviced Hillsborough and Pinellas County Animal Services,” said Shell.

The city grew up around the feed store, and when Busch Boulevard was widened in 1967, the store moved four blocks north to its current location on Nebraska Avenue.

Shell’s first job at the store was picking up trash in the parking lot when he was 8 years old for 25 cents a day. As he got older, he began stocking shelves after school, and eventually became a manager at age 20.

Shell left the family business for eight years in 1999 to open a pet store in Lutz. By 2007, his parents wanted to be less hands-on at the feed store, and he returned to the family business.

Stop by at Shell’s Nebraska Avenue location and step back in time to an old fashioned feed and garden store with affordable prices and superb customer service.

Gardening and Pets
“When I came back, I spent the first six months as a regular employee, helping customers and asking what they liked about the store, and what they wanted to see,” said Shell. “This was when I learned our customers were very interested in gardening, and wanted more offerings in pet foods and supplies, so we expanded in both areas.”

“We carry pet food that is equal in quality to the brand names, but without the high prices,” said Shell. “We also sell a wide assortment of bulk treats, so you don’t have to buy a whole bag, like you do at most stores.”

Shell said many pets today have allergies, and most are food related. “We have hypo-allergenic dog foods that work great and won’t break the bank,” he said.

Gardening is also a big part of Shell’s business.

“Our vegetable plants are grown by a local grower, and are healthier than those sold in big box stores,” said Shell. “Our staff can answer questions on gardening from start to finish. We make sure you choose the right plants to grow at the right time of the year.”

Saturday Classes
Since many customers are inexperienced gardeners, and many want to learn how to raise chickens in their backyard, Shell’s offers Saturday classes for its customers.

Its next class is March 9, and the topic is growing and harvesting Earthbox gardens, which are ideal for suburban patios and urban balconies.  The class is from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration and information for all classes and events are at www.shellsfeed.com/store-classes-events/.

Shell’s also hosts free Saturday Seed Swaps once a month from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., for most of the year.   The next two Swaps are March 23 and April 20.

“Our Seed Swaps are a great way to swap seeds, cuttings and seedlings for something new. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people who also love to garden,” said Shell.

Through the years, chicken feed has always been Shell’s top seller, although much of today’s feed now goes to families with backyard chickens.

“Chickens are very easy to take care of. A family of four can keep three hens and have all the fresh eggs their family needs,” said Shell.

Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply is still the old-fashioned, down-home shop Greg’s parents started, but with products and services suburban families want today, including online ordering and shipping.

“We invite you to bring the kids and visit our store for an old fashion experience that the whole family will enjoy,” said Shell.

Published February 27, 2019

Civil War history comes to life at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village

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Civil War buffs had a chance to see history come to life at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village over the weekend.

Confederate Soldiers fire during a Civil War battle re-enactment at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

Re-enactors also had a chance to take part in battles and skirmishes on the museum grounds.

The sounds of soldiers shouting commands and the smoke from firing guns filled the air.

Little ones shielded their ears to avoid the loud sounds of the guns.

Besides seeing the soldiers in action, visitors could tour confederate and union camps, see re-enactors in character and get a glimpse of Civil War life.

They also could see traditional period demonstrations and a ladies fashion show feature clothing from that period. There was live music, too.

Six-year-old Gregory Jacobsen holds his ears during the booming sounds coming from the 12-pound Mountain Howitzers. This was the young boy’s first experience of seeing a Civil War re-enactment. He was there with his dad, Benjamin Jacobsen, of Tampa.
Portraying a Confederate courier, Chuck Sheridan, of Sanford, delivers a message to Gen. Harding.
The trio, 7 lbs of Bacon, entertained the crowd by playing music of the 1800s.
The Union soldiers defeated the Confederate soldiers on one day of the two-day event, and the Confederate soldier defeated the Union soldiers on the other day.
From the audience area, Samantha Johnston, of Seffner, portrays a Southern Belle. She was applauding the efforts of the 5th Florida Company B, at the end of the Civil War re-enactment event.

Locals invited to get involved with Lutz Fourth of July

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A planning committee preparing for the Lutz 4th of July Parade will have its first meeting on March 12 at 7 p.m.

The community is encouraged to attend and to offer fresh ideas for the annual holiday event, which has been a Lutz tradition for years.

The meeting will take place at the Old Lutz School at 18819 U.S. 41.

Future meeting dates will be announced during that initial assembly.

The Independence Day celebration will be hosted by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. It will include a parade, which begins on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or at .

Check out the action at Betmar darts league

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Members in the Betmar Acres’ darts league know how to compete and have fun. The mobile home community is for residents age 55 and older. Betmar has dozens of fun activities,  social events and clubs for their residents.

Fred Leger, a resident of Betmar Acres and 13-year member of Betmar’s dart league, practices ahead of the evening’s darts contest. (Christine Holtzman)
Ruth Kilsdonk, right, celebrates with other members of Betmar Acres’ darts league players as her name and score are announced over the loud speaker. Any player that scores more than 100 gets a special mention. Kilsdonk scored a 104. Her teammate, Betty Jedra, is on her left.
Betmar Acres resident Harry Taylor intently watches as his opponent takes his turn. A league member since 1996, Taylor explained that if the player scored a ‘double two,’ the other team would win.

Taking the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Connerton

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This isn’t the first time that Connerton’s adventurous residents have jumped into chilly water at the Land O’ Lakes community swimming pool. The annual Polar Bear Plunge debuted in 2011 and attracts an assortment of brave souls every year. Those who took part were offered free hot cocoa to warm themselves up.

On the count of three, the participants of Connerton’s annual Polar Bear Plunge jump into the brisk 72-degree pool water on Feb. 16. (Christine Holtzman)
Eleven-year-old Emersyn Stroka, of Land O’ Lakes, enjoys a cup of hot cocoa after taking part in the Polar Bear Plunge on Feb. 16 at Connerton. The hot cocoa was the best part, she said.
The Ringger family, of Land O’ Lakes, with family friend 9-year-old Oliver Lopez in front, boldly stand under a large mechanical bucket that dumps gallons of water in a matter of seconds. From left, the Ringgers are Kent, who is the father, holding 5-year-old Beckett; 9-year-old Hans; 12-year-old Corbin; and, 11-year-old Indee.

Doesn’t get much better than a quilt show and tacos

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Tom Carter, left, and Marty Rubensteinn (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On Feb. 8, we had our monthly lunch connoisseurs at Shells Restaurant hosted by Bill and Karen Donlon. There were 31 residents in attendance, and the menu had a good variety of dishes.  There were mainly fish platters or dinners, but other dishes as well.

We weren’t rushed, and the waitresses were very nice and tried to help if anyone had questions.  There was much conversation and everyone got along. It made for a nice afternoon with good company.

Whimsical quilt at annual Quilt Show.

The following day, Feb. 9, several women who are  members of the quilting club were at the community center, along with several helpers. They presented a quilt show and what a delight it was.

There were quilts all around the community center and some were really eye-catching and had so much detail.

The quilters were Margaret Castonguay, Joyce Billig, Naomi Sisk, Denise Hauser, Pat Otto, Pat Mengel, LuAnne Taylor and Jeanice Dalman. The quilters meet every week at the community center and create beautiful quilts, and these were displayed all over in the community center.

They also had some helpers, including Joyce Bell and Rachel Gamache.

This quilt by Denise Hauser won first place at the Florida State Fair.

There were well over 150 quilts, plus handbags, runners and more. Upon entering the community center, there were several quilts outside on display.

Everything was done to perfection and there were two lap-size quilts that were prizes for the raffle. Coffee and cookies were served at this festive show.

Several days later, on Feb. 13, a Taco Bowl dinner was held at the community center, with 110 people in attendance. This was hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay. They have had Taco Bowl dinners for the last several years, and each year they get better and better.

Jim and Dora Mae Sinner

Once again, they had several volunteers and each had a specific job and, therefore, it ran smoothly. The helpers were Joyce and Ron Bell, along with Ron and Rachel Gamache, Fred and Pat Mengel, Linda Rogers and, of course, Margaret and Andy Castonguay.

The taco dinner consisted of meat, diced tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, olives and onions. All of the toppings were placed on a table, so you could add them according to your taste. The  tortilla shells were handmade and deep fried by Margaret and, from what I heard, they were simply delicious.

Snowmen quilt by Pat Otto.

Two days later, on Feb. 15, we had our second karaoke night. It started out with Gary Wilcox singing a Conway Twitty song entitled “It’s Only Make Believe.” He did a splendid job of it, and he made it interesting by giving a little history of the song and the singer.

He sang several more songs, including “Amarillo By Morning” and, if you closed your eyes, you could visualize George Strait.

Paul Williams sang a few songs, such as “Blueberry Hill,” “Abilene” and several others. His deep voice and antics added to the songs.

Wayne and Jeanne Bloomfield

Chuck Reams also got up to perform several hits, including  “As Good as I Once Was” by Toby Keith. Chuck really got into it as the time progressed. His antics were fabulous and had many a person (in the audience) singing back up. He also sang a hit song by Randy Travis entitled “He Walked on Water.” and he did one marvelous job.

A great number of songs were done by Jim Leitzke, such as “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings,” “Okie from Muskogee” by Merle Haggard, and several by Marty Robbins like “El Paso.” Jim also looked directly at the audience and he sang like a pro.

During some songs, we had dancers like the Rockettes. We also had audience participation on the song “Family Tradition.” There were other songs like “Trashy Women” by Confederate Railroad, and even a little trivia thrown in.

We ended the evening with “God Bless the USA,” and we all went home after a lovely two hours.  The next karaoke will be on March 22.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Karen McDowell with Bill Donlon
Quilt by Luanne Taylor and her husband, Doug.
Star burst with vibrant colors by Pat Otto.

Parks Ford Unveils New Dealership Building

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There’s been a lot of speculation about what is going on at Parks Ford in Wesley Chapel, with its main building behind a curtain of construction since last summer, and large modular buildings put in place next door.

“We’ve gutted our old building and are completely rebuilding all major customer touch points, so that we can better accommodate our customers and employees,” said Ron Parks at his dealership on State Road 54, located just east of I-75.

When Parks Ford unveils its new building later this spring, it will feature a larger showroom to display its broad line of vehicles, an expanded and fully covered customer delivery center, and much larger service write-up and customer waiting areas.

“The design of our new building is very progressive, and will enhance the comfort and convenience of our customers and staff,” said Parks.

To limit the inconvenience created by such a major project, Parks Ford put in place modular buildings before construction began last July.

“We had the modular buildings ready to go before we started to make sure our customers and staff would not be inconvenienced by the construction,” said Parks.

This major expansion is just one example of Parks’ commitment to the Wesley Chapel community, his customers and staff. His dealership employs over 100 people, most of whom are long-time employees that live locally and are involved in area schools, youth groups, churches and service groups.

“The culture here is very employee-focused. We know that happy employees provide the best customer service, and I’m very proud that many of our people have worked here for many years,” said Parks.

Heading up the operations team at Parks Ford is Vice President Terry Mullane, who has worked with the Parks family for 25 years and is a partner in the business.

“Terry is the driving force behind our culture at Parks Ford — the person who leads our ship and keeps us on track,” said Parks.

Mullane oversees employee development programs to educate and grow his people so they can flourish in their jobs. This includes employee outreach programs, and hosting team building events, such as bowling parties and family picnics.

“Our employees are the focal point of our operation and paramount to our success,” said Parks. “We empower our people to make decisions, so they can do what’s necessary to accommodate our customers.”

Community Responsibility
Parks takes ‘community’ very seriously, and has a full-time employee whose primary responsibility is community relations. Jennifer Cofini has served in this role for the past eight years, and heads up Parks Ford’s involvement in community organizations and events.

Cofini is the past chairperson of North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and has been on the chamber’s board for the last six years. She also is involved in Rotary International.

“We are very proud of our partnership with Wesley Chapel High School’s Automotive Academy, which train students for well-paying technical jobs,” said Cofini. “Ellis Adams, our service manager, is on the school’s advisory council, and we’ve hired several academy graduates.”

Parks Ford hosts several Drive 4 UR Community events for area schools and service groups, including Sunlake, Wiregrass and Wesley Chapel high schools, and Double Branch Elementary.

Other organizations the dealership supports are March of Dimes, Helping Hands Food Pantry, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, OneBlood, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

“We give back to the local community because our customers are primarily from Pasco and north Hillsborough counties,” said Parks. “We give back because the community supports us!”

Dealership History
Ron Parks’ father, Jack Parks, spent his entire career in the automotive industry. He opened his first dealership in 1975 in Tampa — a Lincoln Mercury dealership on Florida Avenue, which the family still owns today.

In 1978, Ron joined his father in the family business after careers in banking and real estate. In 1984, they opened their first dealership in Pasco County — Heritage Ford in Zephyrhills, which was seven miles east on State Road 54. In 1999, the Parks moved Heritage Ford to their 15-acre site in Wesley Chapel, and renamed the business Parks Ford.

The Parks wanted to be closer to I-75 so their location would be more convenient for customers. Plus, they believed that central Pasco area was about to explode with new homes and businesses.

“We were the first automobile dealership to recognize the potential in Wesley Chapel and central Pasco,” said Parks. “We are proud to have been the very first dealership in the community, and proud to still be here today under the same family ownership.”

In 2013, Parks expanded again in Wesley Chapel when he opened a Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership next door to his Ford operation.

In addition to Parks Ford, the Parks family owns Parks Lincoln of Tampa at 10505 N. Florida Ave., and Stadium Toyota at 5088 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.

“We have a courteous and committed sales staff, as well as professional, expert service technicians, all with many years of experience satisfying our customers’ needs,” said Parks. “They are the reason we give the best service possible to every customer. Please stop by and find out how we can help you with your automotive needs!”

Published February 20, 2019