The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Last Chance To Buy At Lakeshore Preserve

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If you’re looking for a beautiful, maintenance-free townhome in Lutz close to the Veterans Expressway, you need to move fast.

In less than a year, the Mattamy Homes community of Lakeshore Preserve has sold 75 percent of its townhomes in the 102-home community, located on Van Dyke Road and Lakeshore Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway.

“We’re down to our last 25 homes, and expect all to sell by the end of the year,” said

Lakeshore Preserve

Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy’s West Florida Division.

Dec said Lakeshore Preserve sold quickly since holding its grand opening last August because of its great Lutz location, and because homes offer optimized living spaces that fit an array of buyers’ needs.

“Our homeowners love being less than two miles from the Veterans Expressway and Dale Mabry Highway, and enjoy being close to all of the shopping and dining in Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel,” said Dec.  “Plus, our kids attend some of the best schools in all of Hillsborough County.”

Lakeshore Preserve students are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all located less than three miles away at the public school complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road. In addition, charter school Sunlake Academy of Math and Science is less than a mile away.

This gated community offers a beautiful amenity center, the hub of its 13,672-square-foot outdoor activity area that incorporates a large resort-style pool, outdoor area equipped with a covered cabana and breeze fans, outdoor kitchen, hammocks, shaded seating areas and game area.

Lakeshore Preserve has three contemporary townhome designs still available that offer 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 bathrooms and 1- or 2-car garages. Townhomes are larger than many single-family homes, ranging from 1,888 to 2,605 square feet, and priced starting from the mid $200,000s.

Four quick move-in homes are available now with special, limited timesavings in the spacious Sebring floor plan of 2,230 square feet. Downstairs features a two-car garage, island kitchen, large dining and great rooms, half bath and large, screened-in covered lanai. Upstairs is an open loft, private master suite and bath, two additional bedrooms, another bath and laundry room. Well-appointed, move-in-ready homes are priced from $307,000.

To learn more about Lakeshore Preserve, visit MattamyHomes.com, call Lisa Malone at (813) 477-6483, or email .

First Chance To Buy At Lakeview at Citrus Park
The overwhelming success of Lakeshore Preserve encouraged Mattamy Homes to explore a second townhome community in north Tampa — which will open soon as Lakeview at Citrus Park.

They found a perfect location that overlooks Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, just south of Ehrlich Road and east of the Veterans Expressway.

“This is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our homeowners will enjoy living less than two miles from Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and will appreciate the easy access to Tampa via the Veterans Expressway.  Plus, Tampa International Airport is only 12 miles from the community.”

Lakeview at Citrus Park

In addition to its great location, this gated community will boast a community pier with resident access to Gant Lake for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, and also a children’s playground.

Upon completion, Lakeview at Citrus Park will have 124 townhomes. Buyers will choose from five floor plans that are similar to the popular plans sold at Lakeside Preserve. Home sizes will range from 1,670 to 2,620-square-feet ,and offer 2 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 4 baths, and 1- or 2-car garages.

VIP-only pre-sales are Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 for those who sign up on the community’s VIP List on Mattamy’s website at MattamyHomes.com/tampa. VIP List registration is being accepted now, and is required to qualify for all VIP benefits, including community updates, first selection of homes and VIP pricing and incentives. For those not on this list, public pre-sales will begin Aug. 6.

To learn more about Lakeview at Citrus Park, visit MattamyHomes.com, call Melanie Sikorski at (813) 278-1760, or email .

Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with a nearly 40-year history of operations across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps 7,000 families realize their dream of home ownership.

Published July 25, 2018

Lake Park: It’s a go-to place for fun

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The common lament — ‘there’s nothing to do,’ could not be farther from the truth at Lake Park, a one-stop shop for solitary getaways and fun family activities at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.

Fourteen-year-old Dalton Gerbase, No. 9, of Odessa, is leading 14-year-old Evan Hall, No. 111, of Hudson. Trailing in third place is Thomas Flint, age 13, from Palm Harbor, as they race for the finish line at the Tampa BMX Raceway. (Randy Underhill)

For $2 per car, visitors to the 589-acre park will find themselves surrounded by recreational options.

There are pavilions and grills for those wanting to picnic, plus nearby playgrounds for the kids.

There are five lakes, as well as a boat ramp, canoe rentals and kayaking.

There also are places to fish, to watch birds and to go horseback riding.

For people who enjoy fitness activities, there’s a 2-mile path for walkers, joggers, runners and bicyclists.

And, for those who prefer a bit of solitude, there are plenty of spots where you can sit back and relax.

Marsha Johnson, left, and Andrew Johnson, both of Ruskin, fish for brim (bluegill) at one the five lakes at Lake Park. The park also offers a boat and kayak launch, and canoe rentals.

Lake Park also boasts some unique features, too, including the Tampa BMX Raceway, the Gasparilla Bowmen Archery Club and the Hurricane R/C club.

The Tampa BMX Raceway track was established in 1974 and revamped in 1989. It is operated by volunteers and through donations. Competitive racing starts on Fridays at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 4 p.m.

The track hosts local competitions and larger BMX-sanctioned events. BMX Raceway is open to the public, except when there is an event.

The Hurricane R/C club track, not far from the BMX Raceway, is a dirt track laid out with jumps and tight curves. The challenging terrain requires the radio-control operators to stay focused in order to keep the cars upright and moving. This track also is open to the public, except during events.

David Humphrey gives his 11-year-old son, Meric, some instructions on arrow placement, as Meric prepares for target practice on a Sunday morning at the Lake Park archery range. The father-son duo is from Land O’ Lakes.

The Gasparilla Bowmen Archery Club operates on a range that is tucked away in the woods for safety reasons. Those using the range must follow a trail to the secluded area, where they will find an array of paper targets attached to bales of hay. The targets are stationed at varying distances.

The club holds competitive shooting, along with raffles, and different archery-related events. Gasparilla Bowmen Archery Club, a well-established organization, is widely known throughout Tampa Bay.

So, whether you’re looking for a place to have fun with your family or friends, or merely wanting to enjoy some solitary time, chances are you’ll find what you need at Lake Park.

The park is open during the spring and summer from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and during the fall and winter from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

By Randy Underhill

Published July 25, 2018

Five Business Join IERNA’s Neighbors In Need Give-Away

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A local air conditioning company’s idea of giving a free air conditioning system to a deserving family resulted in a group of five local businesses coming together to make a huge difference in one family’s life.

It began last December when IERNA’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing launched its newest charity, Neighbor In Need Give-Away, and asked local residents to nominate a person or family who selflessly helped others, while in need of help themselves.

Rhodes family and Neighbors In Need business partners, left to right: Pete Berberich, Carrier Enterprise; Rob Kress, IERNA’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing; Charlene Ierna, owner of IERNA’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing; Jase Rhodes, Cristine Rhodes, Sage Rhodes, Jason Rhodes; Chris Wirt, A-All Animal Control of Tampa Bay; Joshua Rector, Arry’s Roofing Services; and Mario Maffeo, Gulfside Insulation.

Owner Charlene Ierna committed to removing the winner’s old equipment, installing the new A/C unit and taking care of any permitting fees. And, Jeff Hoffman of Florida Carrier Enterprises agreed to help by donating a Bryant Coastal Air Conditioner.

This generous partnership allowed IERNA’S to kick off its Neighbor In Need Give-Away. Nearly 50 nominations were submitted, all with a written summary on why their nominee deserved the free A/C system.

To select the winner, Charlene assembled a panel of six judges to review the entries.

“It was a very difficult decision for our judges,” said Rob Kress, IERNA’S director of marketing and public relations. “Many of the stories of these selfless people moved our judges to tears. We truly wish we could have given every nominee a new A/C system.”

The Winning Family
Judges selected Jason and Cristine Rhodes of Spring Hill as the first winner of the Neighbor In Need contest.

“Jason was overwhelmed and nearly in tears when I called him with the news,” said Kress. “Their central heating and cooling system had stopped working three years ago, and this family of five had endured extreme summer temperatures and sometimes-frigid winter temperatures.”

The Rhodes are known in central Pasco for their work with The Inspire Foundation, a nonprofit music and arts program that uses the arts to help children with autism and other disabilities. Much of the work done by The Inspire Foundation is at no cost.

The Rhodes established their foundation after helping their autistic son become verbal by using music to connect and communicate with him. As professional music instructors, the couple wanted to share what they learned by helping their son with other families.

“The Rhodes family is constantly raising funds to keep their program going, and have forgone their own personal needs to help others,” said Kress.

The Prize Grows
IERNA’s sent its service manager, Rich Register, to the Rhodes home to evaluate its existing air conditioning system and to properly size their new equipment.

During the inspection, Register noted severe damage to the home’s existing ductwork, and saw that animals had gotten into the attic through holes in the roof.

Because of the poor condition of existing ductwork, IERNA’S decided to also donate all materials and installation for a complete new duct system.

But, first the raccoons living in the attic had to be removed. Kress reached out to Chris Wirt, an animal removal expert and owner of A-All Animal Control of Tampa Bay, who agreed to help.

At the Rhodes’ home, Wirt found that critters had entered through a severely damaged roof and soffits. The problem was so severe that it had to be resolved before the new air conditioning system could be installed.

So Kress contacted Matt Housh, owner of Arry’s Roofing Service of Tarpon Springs, who also agreed to help and, upon inspection, found the roof not reparable.

“Arry’s Roofing really stepped up,” said Kress. “A full roof replacement was the only option, and was a huge task. Arry’s team worked for three days at cost for materials only.”

With a new roof in place, Wirt returned to remove critters living in the attic and found that the attic insulation was saturated with animal urine and feces, and needed to be replaced.

So Wirt reached out to Mario Maffeo, owner of Gulfside Insulation, who agreed to donate his services and materials to safely extract and dispose of the contaminated insulation. Once extraction was complete, Wirt sanitized and disinfected the attic space, making it safe for HVAC technicians to do their work.

It took a lot longer than expected, but today the Rhodes family is enjoying the comfort of their new Bryant® Heating & Cooling system in a dry, critter free home, just in time for another sweltering Florida summer.

“We are proud to be a part of such an amazing community of people and local businesses,” said Charlene Ierna. “We’re grateful to Florida Carrier Enterprises, A-Animal Control, Arry’s Roofing Services and Gulfside Insulation for their kindness, generosity and willingness to be part of something that means so much to a family who lives to help others.”

And, most thankful of all is the Rhodes family.

“We are so honored and blessed to have been chosen by Charlene, Rob and the rest of IERNA’S team to receive a new air conditioner,” said Jason Rhodes. “This is a huge relief for us, and we plan on paying this kind deed forward in many ways. Thank you so much.”

Rhodes Nominations
“They work to help children in their community, raise money to buy instruments, provide free in-home music instruction for children with disabilities, and do all of this selflessly. Through hardships that were unavoidable, they have been unable to afford a replacement A/C unit for the past two years. They are proud people and don’t ask anyone for financial help.”

-Donna Israel

“This family (kids included) works very hard running their nonprofit organizations, The Inspire Foundation and Inspire Studios. Many kids and people on the autism spectrum need art, theater and music to express their emotions. This family is a blessing! Always giving their time and effort to others, never asking for a thing themselves in their personal lives.”

-Joan Gunther

Published July 18, 2018

Prepare your kindergartener for success

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Kindergarten is supposed to be fun and educational, and allow children an opportunity to blossom. It is usually the first time the tykes are away from their parents for a significant amount of time.

While most kindergartens don’t exactly have GPA requirements, for a child to succeed there are a few milestones that should be reached before they toddle through the door, according to Alise McGregor, founder of Little Newtons, an early education center in Minnesota and Illinois.

(MetroCreative)

“New parents especially can have a hard time understanding that there are actually things their child should know prior to kindergarten,” McGregor said, in a news release.

Children should know some basics to make kindergarten a better experience, she said.

McGregor recommends these typical things a child should know before entering kindergarten:

  • Basic shapes. The child should have learned basic shapes like the square, circle, rectangle and triangle in preschool. If not, parents should teach them. In kindergarten, they will likely be introduced to the hexagon, star, heart and octagon.
  • The letters of the child’s name. They should at least be able to recognize the letters of their name. In kindergarten, they will learn uppercase letters and begin lowercase letters. They also will begin to learn how to write freehand without tracing.
  • Numbers 1 to 10. Some children will be able to count to 100 by the time they reach kindergarten, but all should at least be able to count to 10. Numbers will be used starting the first day of school.
  • Social skills. The child should be able to follow directions, to be able to be separated from the caregiver, and be able to use a restroom independently. Children who scream and cry when separated disrupt the rest of the class. Teachers simply do not have time to supervise individual students who cannot independently use a restroom.

Getting your child off on the right foot early is important, McGregor says.

By teaching basic skills prior to attending kindergarten, success will come easier.

Published July 18, 2018

Local garden club celebrates National Garden Week

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The Dade City Garden Club recently celebrated National Garden Week, with a variety of activities in Dade City.

Diane Scott, of Dade City Garden Club, demonstrates how to make a floral arrangement to one of the city employees.
(Courtesy of Dade City Garden Club)

The club received a proclamation from the Dade City Commission in May, asking the club to share their knowledge with Dade City residents.

In response, the garden club set up 21 floral displays and three conservation exhibits in 17 Dade City businesses, according to a news release from the Dade City Garden Club.

The exhibits were “Storm Water Runoff,” “Plight of Springs” and “Threats to our State Parks,” the release says.

The floral displays were placed at Hugh Embry Library, Peterson Insurance, Centennial Bank, Historic Courthouse, Matter of Taste, City Hall/Exhibit, Kiefer’s, Center State Bank, Williams Lunch on Limoges, Nye Commercial, Wells Fargo/Exhibit, Pioneer Museum/Exhibit, Sun Coast, Garden of Eden, The Custom Frame Shop, Law Office of Sarah Sultenfuss, and Law Office of Laurie R. Chane, the release said.

The club also hosted a free “Nature Detective” workshop at the library.

And, it hosted an open house on June 9 from 9 a.m. to noon, where they showcased all of the floral designs and exhibits that have been at area businesses.

The club’s historic ornaments also were on display. The club has created 24 ornaments since 1994.

Club members also were on hand to give garden tours and answer questions.

Light refreshments were served.

Published July 11, 2018

Lutz Independence Day has tradition, flair

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The atmosphere was festive as thousands converged on the community of Lutz to celebrate the Fourth of July, on a bright, sunshiny day.

A large crowd gathers along the parade route and watches as Canine Companions proceeds to downtown Lutz.
(Courtesy of Randy Underhill)

The event included a 5-K, a 1-mile fun run, a baking contest, a flag-raising ceremony, a baking contest and, the main attraction — a parade.

 

This Independence Day marked the nation’s 242 birthday, and was the 74th time that Lutz to celebrate.

Vendors were there early, along with a small display of antique farm tractors.

Hundreds of runners for the 5-K and for 1-mile fun run were there early, too, warming up for their races.

The color guards for Boy Scout Troop 12 and the Civil Air Patrol presided over the flag-raising ceremony in front of the Lutz Branch Library.

Jennifer Rankin, right, swears in Domenic DiFante as the new Honorary Guv’na of Lutz, on the platform of the Lutz Train Depot.

People set up their chairs and blankets along the parade route, or sat on the bleachers across from the library.

And, the colors of the day were red, white and blue.

Parade-watchers had plenty to see in a fun-filled, parade that lasted nearly two hours and boasted 63 entries this year.

Vehicles drove by, with flashing lights and sirens, and parade participants tossed candy and beads to the delight of children along the route.

The stage of Lutz’s Train Depot building was the setting for annual changing of the guard, as last year’s Honorary Guv’na Kori Rankin passed along the coveted sash to Domenic DiFante, this year’s winner.

This year, the fundraiser brought in more than $13,600 in donations.

The cake auction was a big hit, as the 22 entries — including cakes, cupcakes and a 5-pound apple pie — fetched bids ranging from $25 to $125.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, Inc., the Lutz Civic Association and several local businesses sponsored this year’s celebration.

By Randy Underhill

Published July 11, 2018

Grandmother Luz Breton, of Lutz, holds onto 2-year-old Eva Jimeno, as 7-year-old Sofia Caban, 4-year-old Bella Jimeno, and 4-year-old Victoria Caban, watch the parade and hope for candy and beads to be tossed their way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The top bidder for the Army Truck cake was June Mussleman, who won with a bid of $25. The cake was created by Sarah Robison, age, 15, of Lutz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Delaney, age 9, a Trinity Oaks student, sits atop an antique Ford tractor as grandpa Rohn Harmer,75, stands by. Both grandpa and grandson took part in the run, with Andrew placing third in the 1-mile run.
Brian Zebrowski, of Lutz, hands his 6-year-old daughter, Gabriella, a treat from the Atomic Trolle, while 4-year-old Tre’Anna Harrison and grandmother Michelle Bollman,owner of the treat mobile, look on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flag-raising ceremony was conducted by the color guards of Boy Scout Troop 12 and the Civil Air Patrol, Carmen Rae singing the Star Spangled Banner, in front of the Lutz Branch Library during the Lutz Independence Day festivities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The start of the 8 a.m. 5-K run heading west on Lutz Lake Fern Rd. There were 337 runners in the 5-K and 108 runners in the 1-mile run. Sixteen-year-old Jake Turner, from Brandon won the 5-K with a time of 16:20.

 

Land O’ Lakes transforms into ‘Land O’ Liberty’

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Members of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes hit the ground running last week, spreading out in a quest they call “painting Land O’ Lakes Red, White and Blue.”

Justin Levitt adds a special touch to a tree in the median of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. (Christine Holtzman)

Of course, they weren’t painting — but they were giving the community a patriotic flair, by tying red, white and blue ribbons and bows to trees in the median along Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41.

They also tied ribbons to fences at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

This is the fourth year that the club has taken on the decorating challenge, which aims to create a sense of patriotism while paying tribute to liberty.

Jim Engelmann, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, hands out decorative ribbons and bows that will be used to give Land O’ Lakes a patriotic flair.

It’s done each year just before the Fourth of July, in a salute to the nation’s birthday.

Volunteers offered different reasons for taking part in last week’s decorating blitz.

Ayancy Caicedo, of Wesley Chapel, said she’s been in the United States for two years and that helping out was a nice way to show her respect to the nation.

Rotarian Rick Buzzee said the annual effort serves a dual purpose — it brings the community together and raises awareness about the Rotary Club.

Jim Engelmann, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, put it this way: “There’s not enough patriotism in the world; let’s do what we can.”

By Christine Holtzman

Published July 4, 2018

Cesar Rabi and his 20-year-old daughter, Maddy, put the final touches on a patriotic ribbon wrapped around tree.
Nine-year-old Nan Peake, a student at Classical Prep, flashes a peace sign, as efforts get underway for the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes’ salute to liberty.
Rotarian Rick Buzzee adds some bows to a chain-link fence, in another show of patriotism. It’s the fourth year that he’s pitched in on the decorating effort.
Volunteer Ayancy Caicedo studies her bow to make sure it looks just right, while helping to create a patriotic feel in Land O’ Lakes.

 

Enjoy the Fourth of July, but be safe, too

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The Fourth of July is known for its picnics, parades, fireworks and fun — but it’s also a time when festivities can be marred by accidents and injuries.

To make the most of your Independence Day celebrations, while keeping you and your loved ones safe, keep in mind these safety tips compiled from a variety of news releases and websites.

These tips are from the American College of Emergency Physicians:

Fireworks safety

  • Leave fireworks displays to the professionals. If you do plan to shoot off fireworks, avoid using them near residential areas.
  • Do not handle fireworks if you are drinking alcohol, or are supervising others who may be relying on you if an emergency occurs.
  • Avoid purchasing or using illegal fireworks. Do not attempt to make your own.
  • Read warning labels and follow all instructions. Do not use fireworks in any way other than suggested on the label.
  • Have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Light fireworks one at a time.
  • Do not re-ignite a firework that did not function properly.
  • Avoid burns or other accidents by not standing or crouching over a firework you’re attempting to light. After lighting the firework, back up a safe distance away.
  • Do not point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Dress properly. Loose-fitting clothing can be a fire hazard.
  • Do not set off fireworks in a glass or metal container that can create fragments and can cause severe injuries.
  • Dispose of all fireworks properly. Soak them all in water before throwing them away.

General safety tips

  • If you are outdoors, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid become dehydrated.
  • Apply and reapply sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Be aware that young children and senior citizens are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
  • Monitor your alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can lead to avoidable accidents. Do not drink and drive. It puts you, your friends, your loved ones and strangers at risk. If you’re going to drink, have a designated driver or have someone drive you home.
  • Keep in mind that alcohol accelerates the effects of heat-related illnesses.
  • Refrigerate food that needs to be kept cold. Food poisoning can occur in as little as one hour when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods that must be kept cold should be placed in a cooler on ice.

Water safety

  • At the pool, lake or beach: Be sure there’s a lifeguard or chaperone keeping an eye on the children.
  • Boaters: Be sure you have a current license, updated safety equipment and life jackets on board. Also, be aware of current boating laws and safety procedures.

Grill safely

Be mindful of the risk of open fires and gas lines. Keep family football games, other recreational activities, children and pets a safe distance away from flames.

Hiking and camping safety

When hiking or camping, be sure to protect yourself with the appropriate gear and insect repellent. If you are planning to hike in a remote location, be sure your family or other loved ones are aware of your departure time and approximate route.

For more safety and health tips, visit EmergencyCareForYou.org.

These tips are from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Avoiding harmful sun exposure

  • Try to avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., because that’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Children should avoid direct UV rays as best as possible.
  • No sun at all is best for infants younger than 6 months old. If they are outdoors, be sure to cover them with a hat and cover their neck and extremities. It is best to avoid using sunscreen on babies less than 6 months old.
  • Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. The sunscreen should be broad spectrum, which is is effective against both UVA and UVB rays, and at least 15 SPF, although there is little evidence that anything above 50 SPF provides additional protective effects.
  • Regularly reapply sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreen does not mean it should be applied only once. Applications should be made every 2 hours or so, especially if one is sweating, and in and out of the water.

These tips come from AAA

The summer holidays are a popular time for vacations. Stay safe while traveling by following these suggestions:

  • Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive.
  • Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads during the most popular times of the year. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.
  • Keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area.
  • If you’re traveling with children, remind them not to talk to strangers. Go with them on bathroom breaks and give them whistles to be used only if the family gets separated.
  • Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road.
  • Keep a cellphone and charger with you at all times.

Finally, a word from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe over the Fourth of July weekend by following these suggestions:

  • Always buckle up. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature.
  • Designate a sober driver and never drive impaired. Remember: even one drink increases the risk of a crash while driving. Do not let anyone who has been drinking get behind the wheel, including you.
  • Check your tires before you take a trip. Properly maintaining and inspecting your tires before a long trip is a key step in keeping your family safe while traveling. It is crucial that motorists educate themselves on the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure, and inspect tire tread and damage on a regular basis in order to avoid potentially fatal tire failure and rollover crashes.
  • Do not drive distracted. Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior that not only puts drivers and passengers in danger, but also pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road. Focused attention on driving helps to prevent crashes overall.
  • Use caution when traveling through an area where there is smoke, especially at night.
  • Call the FHP at *347 to report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or suspicious incidents on the road.

July 4, 2018

Empty Nesters Find Bexley a Hidden Gem

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With their children grown, Monique and Monty Trice were looking for a dream home that both they and their visiting families could enjoy. After months of searching in communities south of Tampa, they decided to focus on finding a place closer to their existing townhome in Westchase. Their search led them to Bexley in Land O’ Lakes.  After exploring the new Pasco County community, just off State Road 54, the couple knew right away they had found what they were looking for.

“We got to Bexley, and immediately I thought, ‘this is home’,” said Monique.

Monique and Monty Trice found their forever home in the new Pasco County Community, Bexley, in Land O’ Lakes.

The semi-retired couple settled on The Willow floorplan by Lennar, a 2,500-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-story home with two large master suites, one on each floor.

“Having a bedroom on the first floor was very important to us,” added Monty. “We have older family members who visit, and it’s important to us that they’re comfortable and they don’t have to climb any stairs.”

Bexley’s location, approximately 26 miles from Tampa, was a big draw for the couple.

“It’s really a hidden gem,” noted Monique of the community. “It’s a very easy commute for us to get to work.”

The couple also appreciated the unique home styles, the distinct architecture found in Bexley and the outstanding amenities.

“There’s so much to do, it feels like you’re at a resort,” said Monty. “Our weekends are full of adventure with the different community activities that are scheduled, such as concerts and the Bexley Morning Market.”

Set within 1,825 acres of pastoral ranch lands, mature woodlands and cypress wetlands, Bexley residents enjoy two resort-style pools, a game room and miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails for biking, jogging or walking. For kids and grandkids, there are custom-built playgrounds to enjoy, Mud, Sweat and Gears Park for soccer or football games, and a BMX bicycle pump track. There’s even the BarkYard Park for four-legged residents, with separate spaces for big and small dogs.

“We designed Bexley so that it would be the ideal community for people at all stages of life,” said Pam Parisi, Vice President of Marketing for Newland Communities, which developed Bexley. “There are single-family homes, along with low-maintenance townhomes and villas. So whether you’re a single professional, a growing family or an active retiree, we have a home for you at a variety of different price points.”

Monique agrees.

“Whatever stage you are, Bexley is a fit! We love that we have such a diverse set of neighbors. Some have children, and we get to watch them grow up. Others are retirees. We love to have impromptu gatherings together. They’ve all become like family to us.”

To find out what it would be like to live in Bexley, try the community’s exclusive Resident for a Day program. Learn more about all that Bexley has to offer by visiting BexleyFlorida.com.

Published June 27, 2018

Ashton Woods Excels at Interior Home Design

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Your dream home is finally coming together. You’ve decided where you want to live, and found the perfect floor plan for your family by a builder with a great reputation.

After you formalize the details with a signed contract, the next step at the design studio is perhaps the most fun of all, because you and your designer will transform your floor plan into the home of your dreams.

It’s this interior design phase where Ashton Woods excels, both because of its talented and experienced design staff, and because it has the ability to customize and personalize home interiors more than most production builders.

“If we can make it happen, we will,” said Viana Ayuso, an Ashton Woods design consultant at the company’s design studio in Brandon. “We encourage our customers to dream big, because we are more flexible and have more options than most builders.”

Ayuso and her colleague, Kristin Wilson, have designed hundreds of homes for Ashton Woods families in Tampa Bay. Together, they have close to 20 years experience in new home interiors, and understand the cyclical nature of design that drives a client’s desires and expectations.

“Our goal is to achieve the look our buyers want, within the budget they have to spend,” said Ayuso. “We guide them to make sure their desired look flows seamlessly throughout the house, and help them make the many decisions needed to specify their home’s interior.”

Ashton Woods design consultants typically spend between four and six hours working one-on-one with buyers to select finishes that reflect their lifestyle, their design style and, of course, their budget.  Their overall objective is custom personalization that makes a home unique to the buyer.

“Before we meet, we ask buyers to think about what they hate about their current home, and what they love. That gives us a good starting point,” said Ayuso.

Viana Ayuso is an Ashton Woods design consultant at the company’s design studio in Brandon.

Because of HGTV and the plethora of interior decorating magazines and internet sites, most customers come in with a clear vision of what they want, and often bring Pinterest boards, fabric and paint swatches, magazine tear sheets and even photos of interiors from other models, Ayuso explains.

“Homebuyers are more educated than when I began designing homes five years ago — they know what they want by name and style,” she said.

Ayuso and Wilson begin their design sessions by asking lots of questions and closely listening to their buyers.

“Flooring is the most expensive element and extends to all living spaces, so it’s a great place to begin,” said Ayuso. “Next is the kitchen, because it is the heart of the home and the centerpiece of the living area.”

Ayuso advises clients to select timeless design features, using a neutral color palate with white or ivory cabinets and simple back-splashes, so that their home does not look dated in a few years as design trends change.

“You can change your style with accent pieces, new area rugs and paint,” Ayuso said. “That’s much more affordable than replacing dark cabinets and multicolor backsplashes. Our goal is to design a home that can be inexpensively updated as styles change.”

Most clients want their new home to be move-in ready, Ayuso said, because they don’t have time to take care of details like blinds and painting after they close.

“Plus, they can add the cost of their interior finishes to their mortgage, which is very attractive for many buyers,” Ayuso said.  “The general rule is for every $1,000 in design features, it adds just $6 a month to a mortgage. So, if you’re looking at $30,000 in upgrades, that comes to just $180 per month.”

Viana, who has a design certificate from NY Institute Art & Design, as well as an MBA in Advertising, loves her job at Ashton Woods.

“I come from a family of musicians, and creativity is a big part of me,” she said. “I’ve always had a knack for design, and love sharing with clients which colors work best, and explaining the theory and history behind their design choices.”

In Pasco County, Ashton Woods is building homes in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa located on State Road 54, just west of the Suncoast Parkway. For more information, go to AshtonWoods.com/tampa, or call Ayuso  at (813) 324-8815

Top 5 Design Trends

#1. Wood Plank Tiles – the look of wood with the durability of tile, generally for less money than real wood

#2. White Cabinets — always in style, transitional and timeless

#3 Farmhouse Style — casual lifestyle is the rage, with lots of classic Americana elements

#4. Quartz countertops — have replaced granite because they’re heat and stain resistant, and need no special care

#5. Personal Retreat — luxurious master spa to unwind with rain showerheads off the ceiling and stand-alone tubs in middle of bath

Published June 27, 2018