The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Baby Boomers Await Del Webb Bexley

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If you’re a baby boomer looking to retire in the next few years, imagine a 55-plus community that offers an active lifestyle located within one of Tampa Bay’s most desirable master-planned communities, where your children and grandchildren live just minutes away.

This is the vision Del Webb is bringing to Pasco County, in the Land O’ Lakes’ community of Bexley — a 1,825-acre development by Newland Communities, one of the most respected developers in the country.

“This is the first brand new Del Webb community in the Tampa Bay Region in a long time, and the anticipation and interest we’re seeing is incredible,” said Kelli Bailey, vice president of sales for the Pulte Group, which has owned Del Webb since 2001.

“With very little marketing, 2,800 people have already registered on our VIP list to receive regular updates about Del Webb Bexley,” said Bailey. “We’re seeing a huge pent-up demand for this community, especially from local residents.”

Bailey reports that about 70 percent of the community’s VIP members already live in Tampa Bay, and in particular Pasco County, where many members have long-term connections to the area through family, friends and work.

“Tampa Bay is a great place to live, no matter your age,” said Bailey. “And, as one gets closer to retirement, having an active adult community close-by like Del Webb Bexley, gives retirees the opportunity to continue living near friends and family, enjoy the area’s great shopping, dining and entertainment, and relax at beautiful beaches less than an hour away.”

Construction of Del Webb Bexley began this spring with roads and infrastructure at the 489-acre site. Work begins later this summer on the community’s  first model homes and amenities. An official grand opening is planned for early 2019.

Pre-sales will begin in late November to members on its VIP list, and the first residents will begin moving into the community next summer. At completion, Del Webb Bexley will have 850 homes.

Residents will not have to worry about lawn care and landscaping, because the community’s homeowners association will take care of all lawn maintenance.

“People really are looking forward to never having to mow their grass again and instead focus on enjoying Del Webb’s unrivaled lifestyle,” said Bailey.

Del Web Bexley is offering 17 floor plans designed with features desired by older residents. Homes will include integrated outdoor living areas, kitchens and laundries with raised appliances, bedrooms that easily convert into offices, dens and hobby rooms, and an abundance of storage to accommodate downsizing.

Home sizes will range from 1,200 to 4,000 square feet, and prices will begin in the low $200s. Home sites will be on 40-, 50- and 60-foot lots, with many backing up to water and conservation.

Pulte chose Land O’ Lakes for its newest Del Webb community after extensive market research to identify the best location for its Tampa development.

Focus groups identified top priorities as easy access to downtown, the Westshore district and Tampa International Airport; close proximity to beaches and other recreational activities; and top-rated medical facilities.

These priorities brought Pulte’s search to central Pasco County, and ultimately to Bexley, because of its convenient location next to the Suncoast Parkway, its closeness to several hospitals and medical specialists, and availability of many diverse recreational activities.

Another bonus is Del Webb’s location within Bexley’s master-planned community.

“We expect many home-buyers will choose Del Webb Bexley because they want to live close to their children and grandchildren,” said Bailey.

“It’s the best of two worlds,” said Bailey. “As people get older, many want to live in an age-restricted community like Del Webb because of the social and recreational activities designed just for them. But, they also want to live close to their families and younger generations.”

Bexley’s elaborate trail system will connect to Del Webb, so families can walk or bicycle between neighborhoods, and to and from Bexley Elementary, which is located just west of Del Webb homes.

Setting Del Webb apart from the rest of Bexley will be its top-tier amenities, which will open in early 2020.

The centerpiece is a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse and recreational complex, which will employ an on-site lifestyle director to help organize clubs, seminars, classes and fun things for everyone to do. The clubhouse will include a fitness center, aerobics studio, billiards, and neighborhood café and bar.

Outdoors, there will be a resort-style swimming pool with lap lanes, and a separate resistance pool for water exercises. Two tennis courts, six pickle ball courts and four bocce ball courts will offer competitive play for residents. An outdoor amphitheater with an event lawn will host live bands and performances.

Del Webb families can walk or bike along Bexley’s 10-plus miles of winding trails that connect neighborhoods, parks and gardens, dog parks, community gardens, scenic lakes and wildlife areas.

Del Webb has been building 55-plus communities since the 1960s, including Sun City Center in south Hillsborough County. Del Webb Bexley is located about one mile north of State Road 54, where Sunlake Boulevard intersects with Tower Road. For more information, and to register for the community’s VIP list, go to BexleyFlorida.com/del-webb.

Published June 27, 2018

You’re Invited to Independence Day – Connerton Style!

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Connerton is extending an invitation for Tuesday, July 3, to all who want to join in an Old-Fashioned Independence Day celebration.

The community is kicking off the biggest holiday of the summer with its fifth annual Nation Celebration. The festivities are free and take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you’re looking for some good, old-fashioned fun, then gather family and friends and head to Connerton, the “Community of More,” in Land O’ Lakes.

LIVE MUSIC, GAMES, FIREWORKS
Connerton’s annual Independence Day Celebration has become Central Pasco’s gala event for the holiday. Live music under the big top, games, local crafters, DJ, and bounce houses for kids are just a few of the activities at the celebration. Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano is providing some of the food and drink, and is also the major sponsor for the gala Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. Food trucks with a variety of culinary options will also be present.

All ages will find something to keep them busy, whether it’s bungee jumping, climbing a rock wall, or simply relaxing and listening to live music while enjoying a beer and sampling a variety of food. Connerton is expecting a large crowd this year, so plan on coming early to set up your chairs and blankets in the outdoor amphitheater for a front row seat for the fireworks.

TAKE A TOUR
While you’re at Connerton, you will want to tour this beautiful “New Town” that was once again chosen as one of the Showcase Communities for the 2018 Parade of Homes by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

Hundreds of people attended the Parade to view model homes by M/I Homes, Lennar, Inland Homes and Homes by WestBay. Many parade-goers also became Connerton homeowners, and are now enjoying the beautiful resort-style clubhouse and its many activities. In addition, residents enjoy top-rated schools, and the Arbor Square retail area. This busy shopping center is anchored by Publix Super Market, and also offers banking, restaurants, hair and nail salons, pool store, liquor store, insurance agencies, UPS store, pet grooming and a veterinarian clinic. Across the street is a Walgreens drugstore.

NATURE & CONSERVATION ABOUND
Connerton’s commitment to nature and conservation, with its winding trail system and preservation of trees and wetlands, has made this community a place to enjoy the camaraderie of neighborhood living with natural protected spaces for generations to come.

COME JOIN US
If this sounds like the place where you can enjoy good old-fashioned fun for the holiday, then join the party and celebrate our Nation’s Independence on Tuesday, July 3, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Shuttles will be available from Connerton Elementary School, so don’t worry about parking. The shuttles will take you right to the event grounds.

Connerton is located on U.S. 41, seven miles north of State Road 54, and 3 miles south of State Road 52.  For additional information, visit Connerton.com, or call us at (813) 996-5800.

Published June 27, 2018

Hurry, entries due soon for this year’s Water Wise awards

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Does your yard have what it takes to be a winner of a Water Wise Award?

The University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences Pasco County Office Extension and Tampa Bay Water would like to recognize attractive, yet water-efficient landscapes.

Your yard could be a contender for a Water Wise Award if you already follow these simple steps:

  • Put the right plant in the right place
  • Fertilize and mulch appropriately
  • Attract wildlife
  • Manage yard pests responsibly
  • Recycle yard waste
  • Reduce storm water runoff
  • Protect the waterfront

Water is a precious resource that some take for granted.

This is an example of a landscape that uses a variety of techniques that creates an attractive appearance, while using water wisely.
(Courtesy of Jim Moll)

In Pasco County, the UF/IFAS Extension Office has a Florida Friendly Program Manager and Program Coordinator funded by a partnership with Tampa Bay Water.

One of the efforts of our partnership is to recognize landscapes that are attractive and utilize water efficiently — whether the landscape is at a home, business, industry or government location.

How do you know if you are water efficient?

For some gardeners, this may be a very simple question to answer, if you only use rain, or harvest rainwater and store it in rain barrels, or you use an irrigation system only when necessary during drought.

Sometimes, though, it is too dry and you might need to irrigate.

You can quickly figure out your indoor water use with this simple formula: For each person living in the home, assume 2,000 gallons of water is used, per person, per month.

Additional usage is likely to be used outdoors.

Efficient landscape watering uses about 460 gallons for every 1,000 square feet of irrigated landscape. So, a 5,000-square-foot yard would need about 2,300 gallons per irrigation event.

Many Pasco County residents have created interesting and relaxing landscapes that use even less water than the 460 gallons per 1000 square feet.

Residents deserve to be recognized for water savings. They also can serve as examples to others through demonstrating ways to balance attractive design, right plants in the right place, beautiful landscaping elements, and water efficiency.

Please take a few moments to submit your landscape for an evaluation, by simply going to TampaBayWaterWise.org. The deadline for submissions is June 30.

You can learn more about Florida Friendly LandscapingTM by attending one of the many gardening classes offered by the Pasco County Extension Office by going to our website http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/ or https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/.

Jim Moll is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Manager at UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension.

Published June 27, 2018

Stroll showcases spirit of patriotism

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Walkers took an old-fashioned patriotic stroll during this year’s SummerFest in Zephyrhills.

Supporters, hospice staff, volunteers and student groups from Zephyrhills schools take a patriotic stroll around the lake at Zephyr Park.
(Richard K. Riley)

The charity walk was a new element at the festival, but is expected to become an annual event.

The walk raised money to benefit hospice patients and families, with suggested donations of $10 for adult walkers and $5 for kids.

The walk took place around the lake, shortly before the fireworks display at sunset.

“We are honored to be invited to take part in the festivities at SummerFest, and I think the Old-Fashioned Patriotic Stroll will be a nice addition to the family friendly atmosphere,” Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, said in a news release.

SummerFest, a free event, took place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Other activities at SummerFest included dance and watermelon-eating contests, food vendors, bounce houses, family games and a crafter area.

Published June 27, 2018

 

Buzzin’ about bees at the Hugh Embry Library

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Ginny Geiger, a member of the Dade City Garden Club, delivered an entertaining and informative program on the importance of bees at the Hugh Embry Library.

Ginny Geiger delivers a high-energy lesson on the importance of bees. (Christine Holtzman)

Geiger led the “Nature Detectives Bee Workshop,” dispensing information and, at one point, demonstrating how a bee might act, if a wasp — an enemy of the bee — approached the hive.

In her hour-long workshop, Geiger talked about the importance of bees as pollinators.

The western honey bee, according to the University of Florida, IFAS Extension, is conceivably the most important pollinator in Florida and American Agricultural landscapes.

Three-year-old Miguel Alvarez, of Dade City, proudly shows off his bee that he made during the workshop.

Bees are critical to the food chain, and without them much of the fruits and vegetables at local supermarkets would disappear.

Besides talking about the importance of bees, Geiger also gave the children a chance to try their hand at making a bee.

The workshop, held during National Garden Week, was sponsored by the Dade City Garden Club, in coordination with the Hugh Embry Library.

The program was first developed by the St. Augustine Garden Club and is recognized by the American Library Association.

Everyone who took part received a bee swag bag — containing things to do, fun facts, a packet of flower seeds, honey samples and a copy of the book “You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Bees.”

By Christine Holtzman

Published June 20, 2018

With her model bee in hand, 9-year-old Glorie Todd, of Dade City, listens to instructor Ginny Geiger as she speaks about the next activity, which will be sampling honey.
Seven-year-old Annabelle Harris, of Dade City, and her brother, 9-year-old Anderson, construct their model bees during a hands-on activity at the Nature Detectives program.

Deborah Roberts, of Zephyrhills, helps her grandson, 5-year-old Kaeden Roberts, construct a model bee during one of the hands-on activities given recently at the Nature Detectives Bee Workshop at the Hugh Embry Library.

Six-year-old Annette Sanchez and her mom, Leticia Alvarez, from Dade City, work together as they glue the wings on a model bee. The bee was included in the little girl’s ‘swag bag.’

Always Tired? Sleep Problems? Call Evolution. Functional Medicine Solutions That Last A Lifetime

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Have you been to more than one doctor looking for a diagnosis on why you always feel tired, have difficulty sleeping and/or have trouble remembering things?

Erin Bolton Functional Medicine

And, have these doctors prescribed various treatments and an array of medications, yet after following their recommendations, you still do not feel well?

If this sounds like you, it’s time to call Evolution and see Erin Bolton, a functional medicine specialist with 10 years experience, and her colleague, Dr. Robert Hannum,a physician who has been practicing in Tampa Bay for 28 years.

Bolton and Dr. Hannum recently joined forces to offer patients innovative, functional medicine at their new Land O’ Lakes office.

“Functional medicine gets to the root of what ails you – be it obesity, hormone issues, thyroid problems or fatigue – and then treats it once and for all,” said Bolton. “There is no guessing. Through our testing, we will figure out a solution to treat your symptoms, and put together a complete package for lifelong body solutions.”

Robert Hannum, D.O. Family Physician

Dr. Hannum, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, further explains, “Traditionally, an osteopath is taught to treat the person as a whole. We look at a patient’s whole body, and don’t focus on just one disease and one body part. We are trained to look at the causes behind all the problems in the body.”

Dr. Hannum began his medical career as a family practitioner. He started focusing on alternative medicine 20 years ago, taking a functional approach to healing that complements Bolton’s practice at Evolution.

At first, Bolton specialized in just nutrition and weight loss, as she is certified in Obesity and Individual Weight Management by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

But, because her patients had other medical issues, she expanded her practice to treat a wide variety of conditions, including hormonal imbalances, inflammation, toxicity, food allergies, digestive problems, adrenal fatigue, depression and fibromyalgia.

With the addition of Dr. Hannum, the team at Evolution can now address most medical conditions presented by their patients, using their functional medicine approach.

Bolton and Dr. Hannum like to compare the body to an orchestra, in which different instruments represent the organs of the body.

“At Evolution, we tune the entire orchestra, rather than concentrate on just one or two instruments, and then customize that orchestra to the patient’s budget, lifestyle and medical test results,” Bolton said.

This functional approach often attracts patients seeking answers for complex, chronic conditions. New patients often come to Evolution as a last resort, after seeing four to seven specialists over time, Bolton said.

Bolton is quick not to disparage the place and necessity of traditional medicine, which is why she partnered with Dr. Hannum, a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania.

“We always do what is right for the patient, whether the solution includes a prescription or not,” said Dr. Hannum. “Patients are always listened to at Evolution by every member of our dedicated, caring staff.“

If you are struggling with your health, Evolution wants you to know there is hope.

“Please give us a call — we promise that we will always do the right thing for you,” said Bolton.

Evolution is located in Land O’ Lakes at 5420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 101, and offers early morning and evening hours. For more information, call (813) 333-5593, or go to, Evolution4Health.com.

Published 6/6/18

Insurance Agent – Still Serving and Protecting the Public

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Steve Papola, Agent Centurion Insurance and Financial Services, Inc.

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When the World Trade Center collapsed during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Steven Papola was close enough to see it fall, as he was on his way to begin the recovery effort at ground zero.

That was the day he gave up a successful insurance business in Blue Point, New York, to resume full-time work as an officer for the New York Police Department, where he had worked previously for 15 years.

After assisting with the 9/11-recovery effort, Papola moved to Florida and served a 10-year stint as a deputy sheriff with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. This past March, he returned to insurance sales, opening an Allstate office in Lutz.

Steve views insurance as a natural extension of serving and protecting the public.

“A customer is a customer, whether you’re wearing a uniform serving them in one capacity, or wearing a suit and serving them in another capacity,” says Steve.

He also considers Allstate, informally called Big Blue, a natural business partner for a former police officer from the NYPD Blue.

Now, Steve protects people against financial loss.  His agency offers many types of insurance — automobile, homeowners and property, flood insurance, and business and commercial.  He is especially proud of the specialty lines offered, including motorcycle, boat, recreational and off-road vehicle insurance. Papola also offers more than just Allstate products, including life insurance, annuities and retirement plans.

Allstate allows us to access alternative markets that it has selected to be stable enough to meet the standard of Allstate’s quality control, when Allstate has determined the risk to be unacceptable to its underwriting. Those alternative markets are in Property and Commercial Insurance. This allows agents to access additional Homeowners Insurance companies, as well as other companies, not affiliated with and not part of Allstate. Allstate has re-entered the homeowners insurance market with the introduction of Castle Key Indemnity Insurance Company on a limited basis and, if the risk qualifies, the insured is likely to save significantly.

Steve likes to compare the quality of customer service at his agency with those of online, toll-free number insurance services.

“I own this business,” Steve said.  “This is me.  I represent Allstate, I have skin in the game, and will never treat you like that 800 number.  I’m going to make sure you are treated well and are satisfied.”

Steve believes that Allstate agencies like his are an integral part to a community.

“We help communities grow, because we open agencies and employ people who come in and work with us from the local area,” Steve said.  “An Allstate agency is not just a place that sells insurance. It’s a business that contributes to the community and puts people to work.”

Papola’s Allstate office is located at 1528 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 102, in Lutz, in Tropical Village Plaza across from WalMart.  For more information, call (813) 995-6013, or visit Agents.Allstate.com/Steve-Papola

Published 5/16/18

McDannold Law Helps You Prepare for Tomorrow

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Andrew C. McDannold, of Lutz, is not your typical attorney. In his office, a warm and inviting space near Lutz Preparatory School, McDannold deliberately takes the time – frequently, over a cup of coffee – to learn as much as possible about his clients. By understanding their stories, he says, he’s able to create legal solutions tailored to achieve each client’s unique goals.

“No one knows what tomorrow will bring. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan in place today,” said McDannold. “We help you build a legal framework that provides additional support if you lose the ability to make medical or financial decisions, ensures your minor children will be appropriately cared for, and defines exactly how your assets will be distributed after your death.”

One of McDannold’s biggest challenges is the natural tendency of people to avoid thinking about death. “Everyone expects to wake up tomorrow. We all know in the back of our minds that it may not happen, but we persist in our expectation because it’s unpleasant to think about the alternative. So, most people remain blissfully unprepared for the future.”

To help you take the first step, McDannold offers a free initial consultation and handles most matters on a flat-fee basis. He can help you create wills, trusts, medical directives, and a wide range of specialized planning solutions, regardless of your age or economic situation.

In addition to traditional estate planning, McDannold Law helps clients with legal issues unique to seniors and persons with special needs; estate administration and the probate process; and guardianships for minors or incapacitated adults.

McDannold also fights to ensure disabled veterans receive the benefits to which they’re entitled, and he has successfully advocated before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in Washington, D.C.

McDannold, a Tampa native and graduate of North Carolina State University, is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Air Force. During his military career, he commanded a squadron responsible for managing aircraft maintenance, created logistics plans for U.S. Central Command, and served two tours of duty in Iraq as a military advisor.

When the time came to prepare for his second career, McDannold’s planning and problem-solving experience drew him to the legal profession. He attended Stetson University College of Law, graduating cum laude and earning the Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law.

17894 N U.S. 41, Lutz

(813) 397-6330

McDannoldLaw.com

Published 5/9/18

A Passion for What They Do

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Owning and managing a successful business requires a lot of time, energy, experience and knowledge. A key ingredient, however, is passion, and Eddie and Tamara Griffin are overflowing with it for their business, Mac Daddy Sales and Service in Land O’ Lakes.

The couple launched the business in 2000, equipping the shop with the latest in hydraulic lifts, ultra-sonic cleaners, and a staff certified to work on all major brands and types of small engines. As an authorized warranty repair shop for Honda, Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Dyson and other brands, they also service vacuum cleaners, generators, scooters and boat engines. Their motto is “If it has a motor, we can fix it!”

Eddie Griffin is a longtime resident of Land O’ Lakes who met his wife Tamara in Lutz. Speaking with great pride, she says her husband is a natural-born genius with engines. “He has an inner ear for mechanics,” she says. “His combination of hands-on experience and training allow him to solve any glitch that comes along. He’s dogmatic in neatness and quality, personally checking every repair before releasing it back to the customer.”

Tamara Griffin previously worked for USAA, where she learned to multitask, listen to customers, document service and submit claims. She is the friendly voice on the phone and the smiling face customers see when they visit the shop. Like her husband, she is committed to providing excellent service.

“Mac Daddy blends technology and mechanics in a way that makes our service unique,” she explains. “We take pictures of the equipment and make videos of the mechanic explaining the repairs needed. We then email these to our customers in advance with the estimate. Plus, all their old parts are returned to them when they pick up the repaired equipment. We want to be their service center for life, not just today.”

Besides servicing and repairing engines, Mac Daddy’s also sells new and refurbished mowers, air compressors, pressure washers, blowers, chain saws, and ATVs and golf carts. Brands they carry include Encore and Bad Boy mowers for both commercial and residential use, Honda and Simpson pressure washers, and Campbell Hausfeld air compressors.

“We stand behind every item we sell,” says Eddie Griffin. “That’s easy to do because we sell the best – like top of the line Zero Turns with welded framed and decks. Plus, we educate our customers on the proper maintenance they can do to avoid future performance issues. You won’t get that kind of support at a box store.”

The public is invited to attend Mac Daddy’s Cinco de Mayo Customer Appreciation Day on May 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They’re located at 6630 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, just north of S.R. 54.

6630 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O Lakes, FL 34638

(813) 406-7796 •"> 

Published 5/2/18

Service and Style – with a Smile!

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Brian Villega and Luis Ortega

Growing up in New Jersey with five sisters, Luis Ortega discovered his love of hair styling at an early age. From simple braids to updos for prom, he was the go-to guy in his house for the latest look. Ignoring his passion, his first job out of high school was with Quest Diagnostics.

“I thought the medical field was a smart choice,” says Ortega. “I enjoyed that work, but when I turned 35, I knew something was missing.” Having moved to Tampa, he enrolled at Bene’s Career Academy, and earned a degree in cosmetology and barbering, clocking 1,500 hours of classroom and field work.

It wasn’t long before Ortega was making a name for himself in the hair industry. When an opportunity to partner with stylist Brian Villegas came along, the two decided to open Stilos Salon and Barber in Land O’ Lakes. With a combined 14 years of experience, the duo offers a wide range of services to make their clients look and feel their best.

“We love to pamper our guests with the details they want, including colors galore and special treatments,” says Ortega. “We value our client relationships and are dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, using only quality products, and furnishing an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere at an acceptable price.”

To keep their skills current, they attend at least three national hair shows each year. Ortega says they’re very excited about the upcoming international trade show in Orlando. “Attending the Premiere Orlando event is the highlight of our year,” says Ortega. “We get to rub elbows with stylists from all over the world, like Sam Villa, the education artistic director for Redken. He’s one of the most inspirational teachers in the industry. We love that we can bring the latest techniques, products and trends back to our customers.”

What they love best, however, is seeing the smiles on their customers’ faces. “I enjoy taking people’s ideas and making them reality,” says Ortega. “The services and care we provide are very personal. We have a very loyal customer base, and it’s a joy to watch individuals evolve and to be a part of their personal transformation.”

Call Stilos Salon today to schedule an appointment for the best haircut of your life. It is conveniently located in Land O’ Lakes on U.S. 41 in the Wilderness Commons plaza, about four miles north of State Road 54.

7016 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard

813-428-6412

Published on 4/25/18