The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Phase III Underway In Asturia

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Asturia — one of Pasco County’s most successful master-planned communities along the State Road 54 corridor — has expanded into its third and final major phase.

“Our builders have been very successful, and the demand for more homesites has driven the opening of our Phase III,” said Creighton Call, projector director for Hines, the community’s developer.

And, with Phase III comes the addition of Asturia’s fourth builder, Ryan Homes, which is building townhomes on 108 homesites close to the community’s Amenity Center and entrance.

“Asturia has been embraced by our owners because they want to live in a community with a variety of builders and home sizes with unique streetscapes and world-class amenities that encourage an active lifestyle,” said Call.

Asturia’s builders offer multiple product types and home configurations that attract empty-nesters, first-time homebuyers, singles, young families, families with school-aged children and even multi-generational families.

“We have several extended families living in Asturia — empty nesters who have built a home a few blocks from their adult children and grandchildren. We even have siblings and cousins who have chosen Asturia because we offer an assortment of home sizes, floor plans and price points,” said Call.

Asturia is designed as a walkable community with winding streets that connect to neighborhood parks, trails and recreational areas. Most homes are easy walking or biking distance to the Amenity Center, which includes a resort-style pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and a contemporary clubhouse for community and family celebrations.

Every street has a mixture of homes by different builders with varying elevations that give neighborhoods a unique feel. “There are no cookie cutter streets in Asturia. Our premier builders offer a variety of architectural styles and customizations. We take great care in beautifully landscaping the curvilinear streets and common walkable areas,” said Call.

 In the three years since Asturia began selling homes, more than 250 homes have been sold out of the 550 planned for the community.

Upscale semi-custom builders, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes, are building new single-family models on 55- and 65-foot homesites in Phase III. Ashton Woods, which has been building in Asturia since the community opened in 2015, continues to offer multiple home types and styles.

Asturia’s Phase III consists of 224 lots, of which 108 will be townhomes by Ryan Homes. These affordable homes have two-car garages located in the rear and accessed by private alleys, which leaves the front of the home open for welcoming porches, sidewalks and landscaping.

Ryan Homes is launching its new, low maintenance, two-car garage townhome neighborhood with their model home opening in early 2019. Townhomes prices will begin from the mid $200,000s. Presales are already underway.

“Ryan’s townhomes will attract buyers looking for smaller homes with minimum lawn maintenance,” said Call. “We expect to see many first-time homebuyers coming out of apartments, as well as empty-nesters looking to downsize.”

Asturia’s smaller, intimate community size of just 550 homes is attractive to people who do not want to live in a large master-planed development with thousands of homes being built over several years.

“After Phase III is completed, there will be just 40 home sites remaining,” said Call. “People are moving to Asturia ahead of plan because of our attention to detail, the quality of life we’ve created, the excellent schools that our children attend and our convenient location to all of Tampa Bay.”

Builders offer a range of home sizes and architectural styles, with prices ranging from the high $200,000s to over $600,000. Many inventory homes are available for families looking to move before the end of the year.

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 that fosters strong bodies and imaginative play.

Asturia’s convenient location in Odessa is less than one mile 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 October 24, 2018

Snakes, scorpions and tortoises, oh my

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Whether it was to learn about snakes, check out a Wild West Show, do a bit of arts and crafts, shopping or listening to music — visitors to the 52nd annual Rattlesnake Festival had plenty of choices. A crowd, estimated at over 9,000, visited the two-day show with near-perfect weather this past weekend at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City.

Pam Mendenhall displays a common black snake. Part of the show involved teaching the audience the difference between poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes. (Fred Bellet)

The lineup for the festival, which moved this year from San Antonio, featured reptile shows, Croc Encounters, Gopher Tortoise Races, nonprofit wildlife exhibits and performances by several local bands, including Jesse and Noah Bellamy. There were also bounce houses, a petting zoo, carnival rides, and barbecue and other food vendors.

“Moving to the fairgrounds gave us twice the space to expand the festival, plus room to grow in the future,” said Joe Simmons, who headed up the event. “We had more to offer, including moving the wildlife shows inside fair buildings, and adding more businesses and arts and crafts exhibitors.”

Simmons also said the move allowed the organization to offer free parking that was close to the event.

All money raised at The Rattlesnake Festival, after expenses, supports The Thomas Promise Foundation, a nonprofit that provides weekend meal packages for 1,200 underprivileged children who attend 27 Pasco schools.

Published October 24, 2018

Conner Heimes gets a close view of a corn snake as he peers through a glass cage housing the slithering snake. It was part of the ‘live’ display of snakes at The Rattlesnake Festival at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. The 4-year-old was at the event with his mom, Christina Heimes, his brother, Hunter, 10, and grandmother, Rebecca Heimes, all of Zephyrhills.
Inflating a balloon to be snapped by a bull whip, Mike ‘Lefty’ Remmert, of Tampa, readies the target, still in his mouth, as Cowboy Tom Glasco, of San Antonio, cracks the whip during his Cowboy Tom Wild West Show.
A large wooden rattlesnake head is controlled manually by Pam Mendenhall to open its mouth to show what the snake’s fangs look like. Pam, and her husband, Jim, presented the Mendenhall Snake Show displaying a variety of snakes.
Bernice DellaPorte, of Brooksville, works on a ‘Tree of Life’ sculpture, part of her Copper Forest Design line. She makes the piece from copper wire. Each Sculpture uses 170 strands of copper, which are each 16 inches long. The sculpture takes a day to create.
An Asian Water Monitor climbs off the shoulder of reptile exhibitor John Anderson, of Brooksville. The 2-year-old critter’s name is ‘Precious.’ The J&T Reptile exhibit was a popular feature at the Rattlesnake Festival.
Pythons like to climb to the highest branch, which is why this snake made its way to the crown of Courtney Graham, Miss Pasco County. Derek Dykstra, who is with the Rattlesnake Conservatory, brought the snake to the Rattlesnake Festival. (Vic Anthony)

Blessing all creatures, big and small

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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, at 37015 Orange Valley Lane in Dade City, had a Blessing of the Animals service on Oct. 7 to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his affinity for animals. People brought their animals to be blessed, and shared a potluck meal together.

Though this is the first Blessing of the Animals that the church has hosted, the pastor says he began blessing in California in 1989 and has been doing so ever since. He plans to hold an annual blessing of the animals in October at the Dade City church. He said that the event is important because the word ‘animal’ comes from the Latin word ‘anima,’ which means ‘spirit.’ “Every living thing has the spirit in them,” the pastor said. “We have an obligation to the anima of the Earth to do this.”

Rio, a Biewer Terrier, gives his attention to Pastor Mark Reiff, left, as the pastor gives the dog a blessing. The canine’s owners Larry Comer, back, and Marcia Alexander look on. (Christine Holtzman)
While holding Zoie, Carl Wolf listens to Pastor Mark Reiff recite a reading from Genesis, as his wife, Joyce, follows along in the pamphlet. The Wolfs were eager to get a blessing for Zoie, because she suffers with cataracts.
Don Higgs, of Dade City, and his deer head Chihuahua, Ebony, wait for the start of the Blessing of the Animals service at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, at 37015 Orange Valley Lane. The event, which commemorates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, also included a potluck meal.

Pickin’ out the perfect pumpkin at a patch in Lutz

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Visitors to the Family Fun Festival at Seal Swim School, 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, could pick from a wide assortment of the seasonal orange orbs in a pumpkin patch, and could also enjoy pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, food, music, a bounce house and a costume parade. Proceeds from pumpkin sales and the festival help promote water safety and the school’s special needs program.

Despite the large crowds, 4-year old Kyle Floyd, of Lutz, is able to share a quiet moment in the pumpkin patch with his dad, Jason, while enjoying a frozen treat during the 11th annual Family Fun Festival hosted by the Seal Swim School located at 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. Hundreds turned out for the fun fall event. (Christine Holtzman)
This group seemed to be having a great time playing a game during the Family Fun Festival at Seal Swim School. They are, front row, from left: Kali Riddick, Aliyah Headley and Skyla Headley. Back row, from left: Stephanie Hosang (Kali’s Mom) and Mia Headley.
Two-year-old Finn Reilly — also known as a Red Power Ranger — channels his inner artist while painting his pumpkin. The little boy from Lutz was taking advantage of a paint station at the festival intended to allow people to add a personal touch to their pumpkin.

 

 

 

 

The Laker/Lutz News claims 18 awards in state contest

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The Laker/Lutz News brought home 18 awards from the Community Papers of Florida 2018 Awards for Excellence competition.

The annual statewide contest recognizes outstanding work in advertising, writing and photography.

On the advertising side, The Laker/Lutz News design staff garnered 11 awards in these categories:

  • Advertising campaign: First place, Stefanie Burlingame and Matthew Mistretta, The Lakes Floral & Gifts; and Second place, Stefanie Burlingame, New Age Medical Center
  • Professional Services Advertising – less than half page: First place, Stefanie Burlingame, Evolution; and Second place, Stefanie Burlingame, Pet Point Animal Hospital
  • Self-promotion: Stefanie Burlingame, First place
  • Theme promotion: First place, Matthew Mistretta, Faith and Worship; and Second place, Matthew Mistretta, Home Section
  • Automotive advertising: Third place, Matthew Mistretta, Bay Breeze Car Wash & Lube
  • Real estate advertising – half page or more: Third place, Stefanie Burlingame, Advantage Real Estate Services
  • Real estate advertising – less than half page: Third place, Stefanie Burlingame, Allen Collins Realty
  • Spot color: Third place, Stefanie Burlingame, Treasured Pets Resort & Spa
The Lakes Floral & Gifts ad campaign garnered first place for Stefanie Burlingame and Matt Mistretta in the Community Papers of Florida 2018 Awards for Excellence competition.

The judges provided comments only for entries receiving a first place honor.

For the Evolution ad, one judge wrote, “this ad looks three-dimensional. The blurry Christmas tree in the background makes everything in the foreground stand out. The use of space and offer is perfect.”

For the Faith and Worship Theme Page, a judge noted “the overall layout and presentation of this page gives the reader several easy-to-find church services in the community. Each ad is clean and easy to read.”

In the Advertising Campaign category for The Lakes Floral & Gifts, one judge commented, “These ads are in full bloom! The use of color and composition make the ad series consistent and appealing to the reader. Well done.” Another judge pointed out “the color really makes this campaign POP!” Another judge noted, “A consistent look with strong, dominant artwork and vibrant colors makes for an effective campaign.”

Diane Kortus, the newspaper’s publisher, received third place recognition for a personal column she wrote about Valentine’s Day. The column observed that Valentine’s Day is not just an opportunity to celebrate romantic love, but also love for family, friends and colleagues.

The editorial team of Fred Bellet, Christine Holtzman, B.C. Manion, Kevin Weiss and Randy Underhill received honors in four categories.

  • News Story: First place
  • Best Original Writing: Third place
  • Best Original Photographic Spread: Second place and Third place
  • Best Independent Photo Feature: Two second-place honors

Manion won first place for her news story about local students at Wiregrass Ranch High School, in Wesley Chapel, joining a national walkout in the wake of the Valentine’s Day shooting spree that left 17 dead and 17 injured at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida.

One judge said the piece was “well-sourced” and called it “a descriptive narrative of this event.”

Weiss won third place for his profile about a reality show featuring the Bellamy Brothers, their music and their life on a 200-acre ranch in Darby.

Holtzman took home two second-place photography honors in the best independent photo feature category. One was for her photograph of a small child blowing a bubble and the other for an appearance that Mr. Tommy made at a local library.

Bellet received second place in the Best Original Photographic Spread Category for his collection of photos of a softball team for players with special needs. Underhill captured third place in the same category for his photos of a father-daughter dance at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

Published October 17, 2018

Carballa appointed assistant county administrator

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The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the appointment of Mike Carballa to serve as the assistant county administrator for public infrastructure.

Carballa’s confirmation became effective on Oct. 14.

Mike Carballa is Pasco County’s new assistant county administrator for public infrastructure. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

County Administrator Dan Biles recommended Carballa for the position after a nationwide search, which attracted more than 40 applicants.

Carballa joined the county’s staff in April 2014 as director of utilities engineering.

He has been serving as the interim assistant county administrator for public utilities since June 2018.

Carballa has more than 12 years of directly related experience in the private sector working on projects for both private and public utilities, according to county documents.

He also served as a captain in the United States Air Force, where he oversaw various

utility projects, in the design, construction and maintenance side of utilities engineering and operations.

Carballa hold a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from theUniversity of South Florida, and a master’s degree in business from the University of Florida.

He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Florida.

Biles told commissioners that following the national search and a couple of rounds of interviews, “the whole team decided that the most appropriate person for the Public Infrastructure assistant county administrator position is Mike Carballa.”

Published October 17, 2018

‘Santa’s workshop’ at the library

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Volunteers are painting handmade wooden toys at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library to be donated to the Toys for Tots program. The library’s Foundry Makerspace woodworkers volunteered their time to create approximately 100 wooden toys. Now, it’s holding painting sessions to give the toys a bit more personality. The library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, could use some volunteers to get the work done. Anyone over 16 is invited to pitch in. Teens can earn volunteer hours and painting supplies are provided. To find out more, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

Volunteer Cherie Zellmer, of Land O’Lakes, begins to custom paint a toy truck. Toys that have already been painted, in the background, serve as an inspiration. Zellmer takes part in a regular drawing class at the library and was happy to pitch in when she heard help was needed to paint the toys. (Christine Holtzman)
Library Assistant Kerry Peters, of Lutz, paints a wooden car toy a bold color of blue during a recent Toys for Tots painting session.
Land O’ Lakes Library assistant and resident artist Jayde Archbold laughs, while painting a toy that will be distributed by Toys for Tots. The Dade City resident came up with the idea for the painting program after seeing all of the unpainted toys in the Toys for Tots donation bin that were made in the library’s Foundry Makerspace. Archbold thought: Why give children plain wooden toys when they can be colorfully painted?
Carmen Quiles, of Wesley Chapel, uses a paintbrush to paint a yellow door on a multi-colored truck toy. She wanted to help, as a way to give back to the community.

Celebrating National Night Out with the Zephyrhills Police

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Seven-year-old Gabriella Gaskins, of Zephyrhills, far right, scowls after seeing ink on her fingers. The girl was fingerprinted by Terry Rodenfels, a volunteer for the Zephyrhills Police Department. The volunteer was taking fingerprints during the National Night Out event Oct. 2 at the police department, at 6118 Eighth St. Gabriella, along with her siblings, 4-year-old Emily Chambers, center left, and 6-year-old Michael Gaskins, center right, were fingerprinted as part of a child safety campaign offered during the event. (Christine Holtzman)
Zephyrhills Police Det. John Oleson sported a false mustache and sunglasses during National Night Out. Shown here, he is soaking wet after being ‘dunked’ in the dunk tank. He was dunked repeatedly during the two-hour event, which aims to promote goodwill between the police department and the community.
Officer Rafael Rodriguez, left, and K-9 Officer Lorenzo Limoges demonstrate the bite sleeve with K-9 Bolt during the National Night Out event, hosted by Main Street Zephyrhills at the Zephyrhills Police Department. Besides the dunk tank and fingerprinting, there was food, music, station tours, balloons, and the chance to meet police officers and firefighters, as well as other activities.

Paddle Away At Wet Finz on Bell Lake

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There is probably no more peaceful way to spend the afternoon than paddling the sparkling ripples of Bell Lake.  And your passport to a lake-frolicking adventure can be found at Wet Finz Paddleboard Rentals and More in Land O’ Lakes.

For Jackie Jennings, owner of Wet Finz, Bell Lake is more than just a pastime.  It’s a passion that has always been there for the Jennings family, who has lived on the lake for three generations.

Jennings wants to see more people get outdoors and take advantage of her access to Bell Lake — something not previously available to the public.

“This is one of the only zoned commercial areas on the lake with waterfront access,” said Jennings. “We opened our shop because we wanted people to come out and try paddleboarding, do a little fishing and have just fun with their kids.”

Wet Finz is a dog-friendly business that rents paddleboards, kayaks and an occasional canoe. People especially enjoy paddleboarding, and Jennings even rents to people who do yoga on the boards.

If you work up an appetite while paddling your board or kayak around the lake, do not worry about going hungry.

“Our guests paddle right over to Larry’s Deli to get a sandwich,” Jennings said. “It’s two buildings over, and has the best subs in all of Land O’ Lakes.”

Wet Finz carries products that protect against the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays, including Sun Bum chemical-free sunscreen, Scales swim shirts and Saltwater Hippie clothing. It also sells flip-flops, fun floatation devices, hats and visors.

If Wet Finz is about anything, it’s about enjoying yourself and having fun in the sun.

“It’s all about people coming here close to home to enjoy paddleboarding, without having to drive all the way to the beach and saltwater,” said Jennings.

A relaxing paddleboard or kayak is waiting for you at Wet Finz. The store is offering a Laker rental discount of $9.99 for the first hour. You can find them on U.S. 41, about three miles north of State Road 54, in the heart of Land O’ Lakes.

(813) 996-3253. • 4608 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

By William Jacko

Published 10/10/18

Goldie Wants You to Discover Sugarshak Designs

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When you step into Sugarshak Designs in Dade City, Goldie — the store’s greeter and former farm dog — welcomes you with a wag of her tail and invites you to browse for that perfect gift or home decoration.

Sugarshak Designs specializes in home décor, upcycled and repurposed items, gifts, consignments, wedding and party decorations, flower arrangements, quirky signs and hats, one-of-a-kind jewelry, local honey and jelly, and handmade greeting cards.

Owner Denise Scopel creates many of the items in her store, including decorating bottles, tumblers, lampshades, mannequins and much more.

“I enjoy making and decorating things,” Scopel said.  “I look for things that I can either repurpose some way or upcycle, to make it different.  I do wreaths, flower arrangements, horseshoes. If you show me a picture, I can usually create something pretty close to what the item is.”

Scopel began exhibiting and selling her creations under a tent in the outdoor market scene, and then managed someone else’s store, before opening Sugarshak last spring. The store’s name is a tribute to Scopel’s five grandchildren, who call her “Sugar.”

“I wanted a store that wasn’t just antiques or purchased gifts.  I wanted to have local artists’ items, plus repurposed and recycled, so it’s an all-around kind of store,” said Scopel. “I keep my prices low, because I want people to find something they love and be able to afford it.”

Unique among stores specializing in home décor, Sugarshak has a Male Room, a space designed for items that interest and make appropriate gifts for men.

“We have something here for everyone,” Scopel said. “We created the Male Room because I wanted something for men to be able to look at and relate to while their wives are shopping.”

In addition to owning Sugarshak, Scopel also does planning for small weddings, and her store has a space devoted to wedding decorations.

“We have toasting glasses, cake knives, ring-bearer pillows and flower-girl baskets, fun things like socks for the bride’s fathers, tote bags for the wedding party and even little wedding signs with clever sayings,” said Scopel.

Scopel does as much or as little decorating and planning as a bride wants, and also helps with smaller events, such as baby showers and anniversary parties.

“Whatever the event, I’ll set it up and make it look pretty,” she said.

Because Scopel wants you to feel at home in her store, she provides a comfortable couch for weary shoppers and waiting spouses. The couch also gives people a handy place to lavish attention on Goldie, the store’s canine ambassador of goodwill.

“Goldie was my grandfather’s dog, and I brought her home with me about six years ago,” Scopel says. “Goldie was a farm dog who lived underneath the house, and she’s just the best dog ever — she doesn’t bark and is very friendly and laid back.”

Goldie may pass the day napping, but she loves her job at Sugarshak.

“She knows when it’s time to go to work, and lies by the back door waiting on me to leave,” Scopel said, “She’s become my mascot, and people always come in asking about Goldie.”

On your next visit to Dade City, be sure to visit Sugarshak, take a seat on the couch and be greeted by Goldie. And then take home something rustic, western, or just plain fun for that bare wall, baker’s rack or empty end table.

“There’s something here for everyone, and I’ll bet you’ll find something that you can’t leave without,” said Scopel.

(813) 526-6631. • 14247 7th St. • Dade City • www.sugarshakdesigns.com

Published 10/3/18