The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

105 years young…

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In 1913, Hazel Mae Adams was born in Perry, Ohio, one of seven children. On January 18, she celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by friends and family at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills.

After high school, Hazel worked at the Salem China company from age 16 to 21 when she married the love of her life, Albert Bruckner, in 1934. They settled in Salem, Ohio, where their son, Ronald, was born in 1939.

Hazel and Albert were homebodies, taking only two vacations during their years together. Hazel always had a garden, and loved to can food and bake. She enjoyed crochet, embroidery and sewing.  Hazel and Albert were happily married for 68 years until he passed in 2002, at age 90.

Hazel decided to move to Zephyrhills in 2012 to be near her son Ronald, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. About a year ago, she and her family began the search for an assisted living community nearby, where Hazel would feel at home, and be able to make new friends and enjoy her golden years. When they toured Rosecastle, they knew they’d found the perfect place.

Rosecastle Marketing Director Jennifer Hancock, who organized Hazel’s birthday celebration, said having Hazel as part of their community is a delight.

“We love having Hazel here,” said Hancock. “We believe assisted living is about enjoying life without the worries that come with aging. Our residents are our family, and their concerns and comfort are our top priority.”

A highlight of the party was when Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield presented Hazel with a proclamation from the City. Hazel said the best part was being surrounded by family and friends.

“These milestone events are my favorite,” said Hancock. “Our motto is ‘It’s never too late to live happily ever after.’ Seeing the big smile on Hazel’s face all afternoon tells me that’s true.”

Rosecastle of Zephyrhills is located at 37411 Eiland Blvd., Zephyrhills. They offer assisted living and memory care options. For more information, call (813) 783-8100.

 

Published January 31, 2018

A Place for Community

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When asked what she most likes about managing Zephyrhills Under Par golf course, Aya Burkhart said it’s all about community.

“We’re here for the community. We really are like a family, and that family includes our golfers and their families,” said Burkhart. “Some people come just to talk, some to eat. And of course, to play golf.”

A glance out the clubhouse windows at the lush, rolling green sprinkled with tall oak trees makes it easy to understand the appeal. Golf carts go by as clubs swish and click. The whole scene is quintessentially Zephyrhills.

Burkhart is quick to say it’s not just about golf. Families bring their kids to learn the game, even as seasoned vets play through in leagues.

“We have something to offer for everyone, all year-long,” said Burkhart. “During the winter season, the golf leagues and tournaments are the big draw. In the summer, the club’s early hours and reduced greens fees are very popular.”

Burkhart’s words and smile are as warm as the smell of fresh-baked brownies wafting from the kitchen in the clubhouse. The casual café serves a variety of specialty sandwiches and dogs. Detroit Dogs, Steak House Dogs, Reuben Dogs. If dogs aren’t your thing, you can get a classic Reuben sandwich, or a Reuben Philly Cheesesteak, a classic burger or a dripping fresh patty melt. In the mood for something cold? Go with a freshly made chicken salad sandwich. Thirsty? There’s soda on tap and beer by the bucket. Dessert? Those brownies do smell amazing.“All of our food is made fresh. Handmade,” said Burkhart. As for the low pricing, she chalks it up to Under Par’s penchant for people. As long as the place is bustling with people to talk to, she feels like business is good. “People are our business.”

Zephyrhills Under Par is definitely a place for people. It’s a hub for the community that happens to have 18 holes, beer on tap, and great food at great prices.

Zephyrhills Under Par is located at 39248 B Ave., Zephyrhills, FL 33542, near the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The 18-hole course features 5,054 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 68. The course rating is 70.0, and it has a slope rating of 113. The golf course opened in 1978. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Call (813) 782-0714 for more information.

Published January 24, 2018

A Menu For All People

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Dennis, Mireya, Tati, Joseph, Dan, and Shellie

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Here’s one for you: A family walks into a restaurant. The mom wants an upscale seafood entrée and a glass of wine. The kids are thinking more along the lines of spaghetti, or maybe chicken tenders with a soda or chocolate milk. The dad, he just wants a country-fried steak with mashed potatoes.

The solution to this riddle is pretty simple: The family has obviously walked into Franky D’s Family Kitchen in Lutz, where there’s something for everyone.

Twin brothers Dan and Dennis Demarco saw the need for such a place in the community, and decided to tackle it head on. They come well-qualified, too. Dennis has degrees in culinary arts and nutrition from Johnson & Whales University. He and his wife, Mireya, are the ones making the magic happen in the kitchen. Dan and Shellie have the business and marketing end covered.

“So long as they stay out of my kitchen, I’ll do whatever Dan and Shellie ask,” Dennis says, half jokingly. “But seriously, we’re a family. We all work hard at what we do, and we want this to be a place where others can bring their family and friends and enjoy!”

Dennis also prides himself on having a kitchen with no microwave. “All our food is served fresh and cooked properly. No nukes!”

With an obvious sense of family pride, Dan adds that the name “Franky D’s” is a tribute to their father. “He’s truly a wonderful and hard-working man. And, our 50-seat, private meeting room honors our mother, Jackie Mae. Growing up, her kitchen was a place where all were welcome, and no one left hungry.”

Shellie likes to point out that the Jackie Mae room has a large screen TV, that can be used for PowerPoint or other video presentations. “Instead of holding yet another meeting in the ‘bored’ room, why not get your staff out of the office for a change?”

Franky D’s has recently begun serving breakfast as well, making it an ideal place to visit morning, noon or night. So whether it’s a simple burger, or a savory prime rib, there really is something for everyone at Franky D’s.

18450 N. US 41 • Lutz, FL 33549

813-591-6139 • Franky-Ds.com

Published January 17, 2018

One Yard At A Time

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We all dream of what the perfect yard looks like. For one person, that means river rock, and lots of it. For someone else, a beach volleyball court comes to mind. If you’re young (or just young at heart), it might even mean the ultimate playground set up. Whatever the case, Rogers Landscape Supply can make your landscaping dreams a reality.

Whether you need several dump truck loads of clean fill dirt or just a yard of certified playground mulch, Rogers has it. Maybe you’d like to add a culvert to your property for better drainage. They’ve got that, too. And, they’ll install it.

Glenn and Cathy Rogers have worked tirelessly to serve both the everyday do-it-yourselfer and larger commercial vendors alike for more than 25 years. That kind of honest, person-to-person contact is irreplaceable. “I’ll gladly help anyone calculate what kind of volume they’ll need for their project,” says Glenn. “No pressure.”

Located in the heart of Lutz, they also do heavy hauling and land clearing, culverts and asphalt millings for driveways. Heck, they even have clay for baseball diamonds. “I guess you could say we have all the bases covered,” quips Cathy with a wink.

Glenn got his start long ago while working for his father’s dump truck business in the late 70s. Over the years, that evolved into landscape supply and delivery. A third generation, his nephew, Jason, joined the fold in 2000. “No job is too big or too small,” he adds. “We’ve done everything from county playgrounds and backyard beaches.”

If you’re fed up with paying “by the bag” at home-center stores, give Rogers Landscape Supply a call. From accurately calculating your needed volume, to free estimates, to delivery and installation, let the Rogers family come over and play in your dirt.

813-849-8339 • rogerslandscapesupply.com

 1126 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Lutz, FL. 33549

 

Published January 10 2018

Not the Same Old Routine

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The Joint’s president of business operations, Alex Pierroutsakos (left) discusses his own subluxation issues with Dr. Barnabas Bickerton, D.C. (right).

It’s a story as old as healthcare. You get a nagging injury. Head over to the chiropractor for an adjustment. You feel better, and don’t return. That is, until the pain returns.

“Unfortunately, that’s really the wrong approach,” says Dr. Barnabas Bickerton, D.C. of The Joint chiropractic clinic in New Tampa Center. “Chiropractic is really about preventative care and correcting our bad body mechanics.”

No one understands this more than The Joint’s president of business operations, Alex Pierroutsakos. After a tragic car accident at the age of 23 left him without a right arm, and with severe nerve damage, he slowly came to understand the real benefits of chiropractic medicine.

At first there were a lot of surgeries, physical therapy and message therapy, but there was also a lot of pain. Fortunately he was able to avoid the pitfalls of opioids, but when the pain would get severe, he’d go in for an adjustment. Then pretty much ignore the urging of his chiropractor to schedule regular visits.

After many years of this revolving door approach he recognized that maybe chiropractic care is a lifestyle, like his doctor had insisted, instead of the quick fix he was using it as. “It finally dawned on me that because of my injuries my body is obviously out of alignment. It’s easy to see now how it’s improved my overall health and well-being,” he waxed reflectively.

Through manual manipulation of the spine chiropractic care works to restore and maintain proper communication from your brain to your body by relieving what chiropractors refer to as subluxation, or spinal misalignment. Restoring proper alignment can assist with relief of back and neck pain, migraines, joint discomfort, as well as sciatica and fibromyalgia.

Dr. Bickerton proudly added, “The Joint’s philosophy is a core value in the practice of chiropractic. I’m grateful to be working with them, specifically because the people I work closely with understand this approach and enthusiastically share my dedication to our purpose in the community.”

Whatever symptoms you may be experiencing, The Joint invites you to join the millions who have a found a pathway to wellness with chiropractic’s natural, drug-free approach to healthcare. You never need an appointment or referral to visit them. To find out more call or check out The Joint’s website.

813-995-7380 • thejoint.com

 19014 Bruce B. Downs. • Tampa, FL 33647

Published November 8, 2017

Many opportunities for camaraderie

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On Feb. 3, more than 100 people attended egg-in-a-bag that was hosted by Paul and Freda Williams. This breakfast was at the community center, and people came early so that they could catch up on the news of what transpired in the past few days.

JoAnn Fisher and Sue Parker toasting with tea. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

The egg-in-a-bag consists of eggs that are made into omelets with such ingredients as onions, green peppers, cheese, bacon, ham and more. You can choose whatever ingredients you want.  The omelets also are served with home fries, biscuit and gravy, plus orange juice and coffee.

Jim Leitzke said grace before the meal, while everyone bent their head in prayer.

The breakfast ran very smoothly and efficiently with the help from Sue and Galen Parker, Doris Sutfin, Tom Cooper, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Paul and Freda Williams (the hosts), and Carol George.  Her husband, Clayton, was out this day, but usually is a volunteer.

At the end of the delicious breakfast, cupcakes were given out to everyone at the tables. These were given out to celebrate the birthdays of Jim Leitzke and Rick Huey. Jim’s was on this specific day, while Rick’s was the very next day. The cupcakes were supplied by Joan Lawrence and hit the spot. Jim’s and Rick’s chair was decorated with balloons with “happy birthday” on them. It was a nice way to start off the morning. 

Outside the Angel Tea Room.

A couple of days later, on Feb. 6, 20 women went to the lunch bunch that is held once a month by a different person.

This month, it was held by Rosie Semian who did a fabulous job in arranging it. 

The place was nice and cozy, and the service was superb. Each place setting had a gorgeous napkin ring holder with a cloth napkin, and tea was served in dainty little cups and saucers.

On the menu was chicken salad with walnuts in wraps or croissants, egg salad sandwiches or croissants, and so much more.

There were all types of tea, hot or cold.

As it was, the Grand Horizons people took up most of the restaurant, but a few pictures were still taken. It was delightful, and I can’t speak highly enough. Thanks again, Rosie!    

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

 

Horses, quilts and homespun skills

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Attendees snapped open lawn chairs to settle back and watch festivities at the annual Farm Festival and Quilt Show. (Richard K. Riley)

Pioneer Florida Museum & Village put the spotlight on farm life, and the homespun skills passed down through generations at its annual Farm Festival and Quilt Show.

The event was held on museum grounds in Dade City on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5.

Large crowds gathered during the Draft Horse Pulling Competition to cheer their favorite teams. The contest pitted 20 horse teams against each other, each demonstrating horse power and strength.

Two horses went head-to-head in the horse pulling contest.

Local quilters exhibited their sewing skills, with displays of quilts in all colors, sizes and designs. Quilts, clothing remnants and supplies also were available for purchase.

Festival-goers could watch cane grinding and syrup-making, stroll through an arts and crafts show, shop with vendors and enjoy folk musicians.

A 1914 Ford Model T was among several antique cars on display.

Published February 7, 2018

Linda MacDonald, of Zephyrhills, inspects the stitching on a quilt being judged at the Farm Festival and Quilt Show in Dade City.
Dulcimer Connection entertained with classic and folk music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill Scaife makes adjustments on a quilting machine that is for sale at his business, Itching for Stitching.
Joyce Duncan, of Dade City, sat in her husband’s 1914 Ford Model T at an antique vehicle show.

Ashton Woods Homes In Asturia Come In Every Size and Price

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Many families looking to move to Asturia choose Ashton Woods as their builder because it offers homes in every size and price range. Plus, it has a large selection of quick move-in homes that are ready to close within 90 days.

“At Asturia, we have something for everyone,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder. “Because we offer four distinct homes series at Asturia, we offer price points and home sizes for every budget and lifestyle.”

For many first-time homebuyers, as well as those looking to downsize, the Grove and Evergreen series offer an ideal new home solution. Their unique floor plans place the garage in the rear of the home, which opens up the front to large covered porches.

“We call this front-porch living, because it takes advantage of Florida’s wonderful year-around weather and makes it easy to get to know your neighbors,” said Reny. “We’re also seeing a big demand for alley-load homes because their smaller size makes them low maintenance and more affordable.”

Ashton Woods is the only builder in Asturia to offer alley-load homes. It has three quick move-in homes ready now, and another seven will be available in the spring. Homes are one or two stories and range from 2,003 to 2,502 square feet. Prices in the Grove and Evergreen series begin in the $240,000s.

Ashton Woods also has traditional one- and two-story homes built on larger home sites in its Heritage and Classic homes series. Prices begin in the $280,000s, and living areas are between 1,802 and 3,129 square feet.

“Our goal is to always have a good supply of quick move-in homes because so many families need to move fast,” said Reny. “Many buyers have sold their existing home sooner than expected, or they are renting and do not want to renew their lease while a new home is being built.”

Known for its commitment to personalized design, every home Ashton Woods builds comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes.

“Other builders may talk about having a focus on design,” said Reny. “But we often hear from people who walk into one of our award-winning model homes that they don’t just see the difference, they literally feel it.”

Ashton Woods is so well-regarded that it was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer magazine. And, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

“With Ashton Woods, you’re partnering with more than just a homebuilder—you’re partnering with a team of expert designers and builders whose main goal is to help you create your perfect home,” said Reny. “Not only do we blaze new trails in design, we offer buyers highly personalized service every step of the way.”

From the sale of its first home in 1989, to being recognized today as the nation’s largest private homebuilder, Ashton Woods is well-positioned for the future. Headquartered in Atlanta, in addition to Tampa Bay, Ashton Woods sells new homes in Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Dallas, Houston, Naples, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio and Sarasota.

Asturia is centrally located on State Road 54 in Pasco County, with close proximity to the Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and Interstate 75. When completed, the community will have 550 homes in the heart of one of Tampa’s fastest-growing suburban corridors.

Set among parks, playgrounds, trails and shade trees, Asturia is a master- planned community where neighbors greet each other from their front porches, lounge together at its resort-style pool and work out at the community’s state-of-the-art amenity center. Asturia is a place where families thrive, kids make friends easily and neighborhood schools that are among the best in Tampa Bay.

 

Published on January 24, 2018.

ICI Homes Opens New Model In Asturia

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Here’s a great way to win a $500 gift card and tour a brand new model home.

Come out to Asturia this weekend for the grand opening of its latest model — the four-bedroom, three-bath Serena built by ICI Homes, the community’s newest builder.

The grand opening celebration of the Serena model is Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. (Jan. 27 and Jan 28), at 15134 Aviles Parkway. Asturia is located in Odessa on State Road 54, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

“We are excited to be building in Asturia. Its location in the heart of Pasco is ideal for both first-time homebuyers and those moving up to a larger home,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of ICI Home’s West Florida Division.

ICI offers two series in Asturia — seven distinct plans on 55-foot lots that begin at $288,900 and start at 1,789 square feet, and six larger homes on 65-foot lots that begin at $377,900 and start at 2,402 square feet. Both home series are being built in Asturia’s heavily wooded second phase that recently opened.

“These home sites are some of the most beautiful conservation and water lots in all of Pasco County,” said Ferguson. “We are very pleased to offer these gorgeous home sites to families looking for both smaller homes and those moving up to larger, more expensive models.”

The new Serena model home is one of ICI’s best-selling plans. This one-story home features a large gathering room with views out to a covered lanai. A spacious gourmet kitchen and dining area are perfect for spending quality time with family and for entertaining guests. The large owner’s suite has a master bath that leads into a large, double-entry walk-in closet. Two bedrooms at the front of the home share a bath, plus a separate guest bedroom and bath all provide living spaces away from the main living areas.

In addition to this furnished model, ICI Homes is building three showcase homes that will be move-in ready within the next few months. A Serena will be completed in the next few weeks, a two-story Santa Maria in late February and a one-story, 2,500-square-foot Costa Mesa in late March.

ICI Home also builds home in Bexley, another master-planned community located close-by in Land O’ Lakes.

“We’ve been in Bexley since its inception, and our homes there are larger with a minimum 3,000 square feet,” said Ferguson.

“Because we do not offer smaller homes in Bexley, we are pleased to now be able to refer families who want the quality of an ICI home in a smaller floor plan to Asturia.”

ICI Homes does have one move-in home that will soon be ready in Bexley, the Pamela. At 3,089 square feet, the four-bedroom, three-bath, three-car garage home is one of ICI Homes’ newest floor plans. It features a 12-foot-high foyer that offers the unique option of walking into a flex space/study, the kitchen and gathering area, or straight into the private owners suite. A gourmet kitchen is just steps away from the large gathering and dining rooms, both of which open to a large covered lanai.

ICI Homes sets itself apart from other builders with its unusual ability to make custom changes without sacrificing affordability.

“We believe in a hands-on approach with all of our new homebuyers, offering custom changes by experienced design professionals that help make decisions for the homebuyer easier and affordable,” said Ferguson.

ICI 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.

Always on the cutting edge of Florida new-home design and technology, ICI Homes takes pride in offering a wide variety of architectural styles and floor plans to match its buyers’ lifestyles and price range. From spacious, affordable homes to one-of-a-kind mansions, each home reflects the benchmark quality and affordable customization for which the company is known.

Established in 1980 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, ICI Homes is the recipient of countless prestigious awards for design and innovation, and has long enjoyed local, regional and national acclaim.

New Division Manager 

Ron Ferguson is the new West Florida division manager for ICI Homes. He oversees the company’s communities in the Tampa region, including Asturia and Bexley in Pasco County.
Ferguson joins ICI Homes after 12 years with David Weekley Homes, where he served as project manager in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area for the past five years. He has more than 18 years experience in construction management and has earned high customer satisfaction results throughout his career.

Ferguson supports several charitable community organizations, including Paint Your Heart Out Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Illinois State University.
Published on January 24, 2018.

Asturia is a Neighborhood — Not Another Sprawling Community

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Caring father helping son put on bicycle helmet – Outdoors

Asturia’s uniquely small size makes it stand out among other new home developments along the in-demand State Road 54 corridor in Odessa and Land O’ Lakes.

While nearby planned communities have between 3,000 to over 5,000 homes in their master plan, and are looking at several years of construction, Asturia is building just 550 homes and will complete construction in just a few years.

“Asturia feels more like a neighborhood than a sprawling community because our nature trails, pocket parks, first-class amenities and community events encourage you to get to know your neighbors,” said Lane Gardner, managing director for Hines, Asturia’s developer.

“And, because Asturia offers a variety of lifestyles, it is perfect for families with school-aged children looking for larger homes, and young families buying their first home.”

Lane continues that Asturia also attracts empty-nesters wanting to downsize to a new home with all the latest upgrades. “These folks chose Asturia because we are a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle,” he said.

Hines, which is based in Jacksonville, professionally manages the design and development of Asturia’s master plan, including overseeing residential neighborhoods, community amenities, parks and primary infrastructure. It also is responsible for community branding, marketing and the sale of multifamily and commercial parcels.

It’s this commitment to the integration of natural resources, high-quality design standards and thoughtful master planning that has earned Asturia several prestigious regional design and planning awards.

It’s been just two years since Asturia began selling homes, and already the development has moved into its second phase.

Phase Two opened in December and is selling 157 large home sites, most with conservation and water views, and all providing privacy and peaceful, quiet surroundings. A boardwalk connects the two neighborhoods within Phase Two, and will intersect with Asturia’s multi-use pathway that meanders for miles through residential areas, parks, playgrounds and the Amenity Center.

Three Premier Builders

Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes, some of the best builders in the country, are Asturia’s exclusive builders.

ICI Homes is the community’s newest builder and is celebrating the grand opening of its Serena Model this weekend, Jan. 27 and Jan. 28. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and can enter a $500 gift card raffle.

Ashton Woods and David Weekley Homes, Asturia’s builders since the community opened, both boast of successful sales during Phase One.

“We’ve successfully sold out of the Garden Series homes, and only one Cottage Home remains available in Phase One,” said Jennifer Cole, senior marketing director of David Weekley Homes.

And Kristin Wilson, sales and marketing manager for Ashton Wood, reports, “We’ve sold over 100 homes in Asturia and are very pleased with the keen interest in this community.”

“Our buyers are fortunate that they can choose from such premier builders like ICI Homes, David Weekley Homes and Ashton Woods to build the home of their dreams in Asturia,” said Gardner.

Award Winning Amenity Center

Asturia’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse earned the prestigious Silver Aurora Award for the Best Recreational Facility at the 2017 Southeast Building Conference.

This contemporary-design Amenity Center includes a fully equipped, modern clubhouse; covered outdoor dining areas; a luxurious, beach-entry, resort-style swimming pool; and an expansive event lawn for spontaneous outdoor games, such as Gaga Ball, volleyball and soccer.

For kids, there is a Kompan dome, swings, slide and spinners in the playground area that are designed to promote imaginative play and build strong bodies.

Asturia has wide, meadow-like spaces, lovely ponds, thick stands of cypress and hardwood trees, and large tracts of scenic wetlands. It is an exceptionally kid-friendly and family oriented community surrounded by miles of multi-use trails that are interspersed with playgrounds, dog parks and pocket parks.

Make Asturia your new home by visiting its models, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published on January 24, 2018.