The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Bargains and games

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A community yard sale was held on March 17 at the community center of Grand Horizons, as well as some individual houses.

Linda Tutin, left, Bartie, and Carolyn Fink get ready for a game of dominoes. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

This is the time of year that several people look forward to, as they may be able to find certain hard-to-find items either at one of the many homes or in the community center.

There were several houses that had sales, and you could find items such as shorts, books, housewares and much more. 

You could also find a big variety of items at the community center. Here, there were shoes, slippers, games and more.

In the community center, they also had a book sale that was headed by Linda Tutin and many helpers. There was a bake sale that was headed by Mim Gardner, where you could purchase cupcakes, peanut butter, mini-pies of several different flavors, cookies and other goodies. In addition to these sales, Chuck Carlson and Ron Bell made their famous hot dogs and fries. I never got to try one of them, but I heard they were delicious,

Domino players filled the tables.

On Monday, March 19, we had our weekly game of dominoes. This is a fast game that keeps you on your toes.

There was an unusually large crowd of domino players, and we had approximately six or seven tables, with several people at each table. 

Friendly banter went back and forth among the players at the same table, and you could hear comments like, “I’ve got a small train” or “You knocked my train off its course” and several other remarks. 

We have fun with this weekly game, and it is a good opportunity to socialize with others.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Testing the weight-bearing load of bridges

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Have you ever wondered how many pounds of rocks a bridge made of 200 Popsicle sticks would support?

Saint Leo University student, Kenneth Wybicracki, a first-timer in the competition, places his bridge, ‘Dumpster Fire,’ on a scale to be weighed as part of the contest’s requirements. (Randy Underhill)

Students who wanted to find out took part in the Bridge-Breaking Competition held by Saint Leo University’s Department of Mathematics and Science on March 6.

The competition includes teams who constructed model bridges from lightweight wooden sticks and glue.

Each team relied on their own ideas, and their knowledge of physics and engineering to build the bridge.

The bridges had to be 47.2 inches in length and no more than 7.87 inches in height.

Each bridge also needed a name.

Dr. Howard Carey, professor of biology at Saint Leo University, strategically places a large bucket on one of the 16 bridges constructed of Popsicle sticks.

Most of the bridges were built in a truss style of construction, but a few were beam style.

Sixteen bridges entered the competition, which was conducted by Leo Ondrovic, professor of biology and physics; Thomas Ricard, professor of engineering and physical sciences, and Dr. Howard Carey, professor of biology.

The tone of the evening was lighthearted.

Teams watched as rocks were piled on — and ultimately destroyed — their bridges.

The strongest bridge supported 75 pounds of rocks.

By Randy Underhill

B.C. Manion contributed to this report.

Published March 21, 2018

Eighteen-year-old Katieri Smith, left, stands by as Thomas Ricard, professor of engineering and physical science, reads the weight of ‘Ann Marie,’ the bridge she constructed.
Saint Leo University student Christian Jones carefully places his team’s bridge — 4.7 — on the concrete blocks for the fifth annual bridge building contest at Saint Leo University.
Thirteen-year-old Alex McILroy, left, of Tampa, looks on as Dr. Howard Carey, professor of biology, pours 25 pounds of rock into the large blue bucket suspended from the bridge. McIlroy, who was competing for his third time, took five days to construct his bridge.

‘Spotlight on Talent’ announces winners

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“Spotlight on Talent,” a regional performing arts competition in its 35th year, has announced winners from its March 10 competition at the Center for the Arts in Wesley Chapel.

Showstoppers took first place among older competitors in the group competition with their musical theater number. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

The competition, presented by the Heritage Arts Center Association, involved 140 finalists, competing for more than $5,000 in trophies, ribbons and cash prizes.

Victoria Neukom was the winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship.

Winners in various categories are:

ACT I, the younger students:

Category 1

  • First: Vincent Pham, piano
  • Second, tie: Emory Rudolph, jazz dance

Keaton Ward, musical theater

  • Fourth: Samuel Wu, piano
  • Fifth: Alynza McBride, ballet dance

Category 2

  • First: Kasey Lang, piano
  • Second: Jasmine Crew, lyrical dance
  • Third: Brooklynn Ryan, vocal
  • Fourth: Madison Fouche, lyrical dance

Category 3

  • First: Lilyana Gargano, jazz dance
  • Second: Taylor Kriisa, tap dance
  • Third: Michaela Mezzei, contemporary dance
  • Fourth: Sailor Wade, lyrical dance
  • Fifth: Faith Phaller, ballet dance

Groups

  • First: Showbiz, musical theater
  • Second: Songbirds, musical theater, Bianca Horodecki and Gabrielle Smedley

ACT II, the older students:

Category 1

  • First: Flavio Eduardo Carreno-Olivo, piano
  • Second: Julianna Mazza, pointe dance
  • Third: Victoria Conn, jazz dance
  • Fourth: Gracie Scaglione, contemporary dance
  • Fifth: Agnes Hernandez, piano
  • Sixth: Andrew Eskut, piano

Category 2

  • First: Zachary D’Onofrio, jazz vocal
  • Second: Shelby Surratt, musical theater
  • Third: Maria Hernandez, piano
  • Fourth: Georgia Piersall, vocal
  • Fifth: Dorothy Ferguson, vocal and piano

Category 3

  • First: Victoria Neukom, contemporary dance
  • Second: Haley Sanders, musical theater
  • Third: Hannah Knight, original vocal and guitar
  • Fourth: Kamryn Belloise, musical theater
  • Fifth: Kiersten Herman, musical theater

Groups

  • First: Showstoppers, musical theater
  • Second: Star Company, lyrical dance

For more information, call (352) 567-1720, or visit www.HeritageArts.org.

Published March 21, 2018

Recognizing our volunteers

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On March 9, a lunch connoisseurs was held at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. It was hosted by Dale and Terri Satterlee.

Eileen and Ed Goldstein (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

From what I heard from those who attended, the food was delicious, and they had several dishes to choose from. The menu was varied with quite a bit of Cuban influence. Before people placed their order, Cuban bread, plus butter, was served to each individual table. Salads were out of this world, as they are known for their house salads.

From what Terri mentioned to me, the fact was that 51 residents and friends attended this lunch connoisseur.

Chuck Carlson grills hamburgers.

The restaurant was set up in a way where there were 10 or 12 people at a table, and there were several tables. Terri went on to say that there were Spanish tiles on the outside of the restaurant and partially inside. She also said that there was a huge chandelier when you first walked in the restaurant, and she also mentioned that the waiters were dressed formally. This restaurant was established in 1903 and has the same family running it.

A few days later, on March 11, a volunteer lunch was held at the community center and hosted by Chuck Carlson. Close to 80 people attended.

Everyone was greeted with “thank you” signs posted throughout the community center and cute “thank you” cards, with a table number, on each individual table.

Chuck and Susan Reams

Before table numbers were called, Jim Leitzke said grace, while the people attending observed a moment of silence. There were several helpers in the kitchen, and everyone had a specific job, so everything ran smoothly and efficiently. 

These helpers included Ron and Joyce Bell, Chuck and Shirley Carlson, Ron and Rachel Gamache, and Mim and Terry Gardner. 

In addition to the delicious hamburgers with buns, they had tomatoes, lettuce, onions, baked beans, potato salad, Cole slaw, cake and ice cream, plus coffee and lemonade.

There was much conversation among all of the people who attended, and some people played dominoes after the meal.

A great time was had by all. Thanks go out to all who participated in this lunch.

By Helen Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Pinewood Derby offers Cub Scouts fast fun

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Cars zoomed down a 34-foot-long track at Lake Myrtle Elementary School on Feb. 24, during Cub Scout Pack 323’s Pinewood Derby Cup Series.

Reme Rovi-Garcia took first place; Aiden Gehle took second place; and, Wesley Swank took third place, overall. There were eight categories in the competition: Lions, Tigers, Wolf, Bear, Jr. Webelos, Sr. Webelos, Outlaws and Supercharge. (Randy Underhill)

Sixty-five Cub Scouts, from the Land O’ Lakes pack, tested their racing skills as they pitted cars they had designed against each other.

Contestants had to create their models from pinewood, add wheels and weights, and give them a paint job, too. Then, the vehicles were inspected and weighed, just like in a real race.

During the event, cars were lined up in three lanes at the top of a steep incline and then were released, letting gravity carry each car to the finish line, where official times were recorded.

Greg Mark, chairman of the event, said he enjoyed working on his pinewood with his dad when he was young and wanted to share the experience with his son, Ryder, who is 8.

“He did the majority of it this year,” Mark said. “I want him to learn how to build a race car.

The project begins with a box of wood, four wheels and four axles. Then, it’s fashioned into a car, which is painted. Weights are added to get as close as possible to the maximum weight, so it will perform well in the race.

Gabe Heinzmann, one of the starting officials, stands by as three cars are lined up to start the first round of racing.

“I think it’s an awesome thing for the boys to do with their dads,” he said.

To make the event enjoyable for families, there were other activities, too, including crafts. Food was also available.

“Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves,” Mark said.

The pinewood derby has been part of local Cub Scouts since around 1975.

The creation of a Pinewood Derby dates back much farther.

Dan Murphy, a Cubmaster from Ohio, came up with the idea in 1952. He wanted to do something for kids who were too young for the Soap Box Derby. The Pinewood Derby swept the nation in the mid 1950s and is still part of the Cub Scouts today.

Sponsors of the local event were Christian Brothers Automotive, Cameo Salon and Spa, Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, Jerry McCarthy State Farm, Russel Marine, Tampa T-shirts, Parker Pest Control, Accurate Signs On Time, 67 Design Co., and Studio 54 Tattoo.

By Randy Underhill

(B.C. Manion contributed to this report)

Published March 14, 2018

Nine-year-old Kenneth Huffman, of Land O’ Lakes, gets a helping hand from Joann Tabarres, of Land O’ Lakes, as they put together a toolbox, which was just one of many activities at the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby race at Lake Myrtle Elementary School.
A collection of Pinewood cars used in previous derbies was on display during the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Cup Series held Feb. 24 at Lake Myrtle Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes.
Starting officials, Gabe Heinzmann, left, watches as Rob Heinzmann, middle, releases the cars and Jon Urban talks with other starting officials at the annual Pinewood Derby competition.
Antonio Rivera’s Jumanji, right, is in the lead, with Michael O’ Conner’s lizard car, middle, close behind, and Jacob Caltron’s red racer trailing, during the Pinewood Derby at Lake Myrtle Elementary.

Political groups hold forums, talk strategies

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Democratic Progressive Caucus of Pasco
The Democratic Progressive Caucus of Pasco will have a Democratic candidates’ forum on March 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. The forum will feature Stephen Perenich, Robert Tiger, Kimberley Walker and Kathy Lewis. The public is invited, but due to limited space, please RSVP at tinyurl.com/ybsx6cw.

Pasco Teenage Republicans
An informational meeting has been set for Pasco Teenage Republicans, a group that will promote Republican beliefs in Pasco County and will help in elections by supporting Republican candidates. The meeting will be March 31 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 100.

Firefighters endorse Mike Moore
Mike Moore, candidate for District 2 of the Pasco County Commission, has announced that he has received the endorsement of the Pasco County Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 4420.

Susan MacManus talks mid-terms
Dr. Susan MacManus, a widely known expert on Florida politics, will talk about the upcoming 2018 mid-term election at the Republican Club of Central Pasco’s March 26 meeting, which begins with a social hour at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite, Suites 100. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information, call (813) 996-3011.

Over 250 Homes Sold In Bexley In Its First Year

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Six builders, fabulous amenities and new elementary school

It’s been just over a year since Bexley debuted in Land O’ Lakes, and already this master-planned community has distinguished itself as one of Tampa Bay’s top selling properties with over 250 new homes sold.

“Bexley is the result of years of planning and research, and it’s rewarding to see so many families choosing to make their home here,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, the developer behind Bexley.

“It’s become a vibrant community for people at all stages of life, especially those who are looking for an active lifestyle and greater connections with each other and the outdoors. It’s just a wonderful community to live in, whether you’re a family with kids, just starting out, or looking to downsize,” Parisi adds.

Bexley is located in central Pasco County, north of State Road 54 and just east of the Suncoast Parkway. Its prime location provides direct access to the Suncoast Parkway and is convenient to many areas of Tampa Bay.

The community consists of 1,825 acres of pastoral ranch lands, mature woodlands and cypress wetlands, with Newland dedicating 1,200 acres to remain in its pristine natural state.

Residents access this preserved wilderness using the community’s 13 miles of planned hiking and biking trails, which may one day link to the 42-mile Suncoast Trail.

Fit Stations, designed by outdoor-living pioneer AvidTrails™, are located throughout Bexley’s trail system to keep workouts interesting and fresh. There are also open spaces for sports fields, a BMX pump park bicycle course, children’s playgrounds and two dog parks.

Bexley Club

The pulse of the community is Bexley Club, an award winning, lakefront amenity center that features two resort-style pools, a cardio-focused fitness center, screened-in game room, outdoor fire pit, and an event lawn for community festivals and gatherings.

Inside the clubhouse is the popular Twisted Sprocket Café, where guests enjoy great food and scenic lakefront views. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, and offers a unique breakfast menu, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.

“The amenities at Bexley truly set our community apart,” said Parisi. “With its resort-style pools and calming lakefront views, The Bexley Club is a perfect place to relax by the water, unwind by the fireplace, or meet friends for coffee or lunch at the Twisted Sprocket Cafe. There’s truly nothing like this in the area.”

Resident for a Day

Bexley invites local residents to sign up for its free Resident for a Day program. Registration is online at BexleyFlorida.com, and guests pick up their pass at the Bexley Club, which includes a $20 voucher to The Twisted Sprocket Café (one voucher per family).

“Our Resident For a Day program lets potential homebuyers experience for themselves everything that Bexley has to offer. They can enjoy the amenities, talk with other residents and really be able to envision what living in Bexley would be like,” said Parisi.

National Awards

In January, Bexley received a Best in American Living Award from the National Association of Home Builders, winning the highest honor of a Platinum Award in the category for Best Single-Family Community having more than 100 homes.

Last summer, the Southeast Building Conference recognized Bexley with its highest honor, a Grand Aurora, for best recreational facility, and the coveted top master-planned community in the Southeast.

Homes in Bexley begin in the mid $200,000 and include single-family, townhome, courtyards and villas. Its builders have nine homes in the 2018 Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. Parade models were entered by CalAtlantic Homes, Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Homes by Westbay, ICI Homes and Lennar Homes.

The Parade of Homes is the first two weekends in March: March 2-4 and 9-11. For more information, go to TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com.

Schools and More

Bexley Elementary School opened its doors in August to accommodate families moving to Bexley. Located within the community, the new elementary school features a state-of-the-art media and computer center. For upper grades, top-rated schools assigned to Bexley are Charles S. Rushe Middle School and Sunlake High School.

Several commercial businesses are underway at Bexley, and a freestanding emergency room by Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel recently opened. Under construction is a 110-room Springhill Suites by Marriott and a Race Trac gas station. A seven-acre shopping center is also planned.

Bexley is the fourth master-planned community for Newland in the Tampa Bay area,joining FishHawk Ranch, MiraBay and Waterset in south Hillsborough County. For information, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

 

Published February 28, 2018

Tour Asturia’s Model Homes During the Parade of Homes

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Once again, Asturia’s builders are participating in the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, which this year is the first two weekends in March.

ICI Homes has entered its brand-new Serena model, which opened in January to rave reviews. At 2,216 square feet, this one-story home features a large gathering room, spacious gourmet kitchen, and open dining area. An oversized owner’s suite has a master bath that leads into a large, double-entry walk-in closet. Base price is $331,900.

Ashton Woods’s Parade model is the Ferrara, a 2,890-square-foot, two-story home perfect for a growing family with four to six bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage. Base price is $366,990.

And, while it does not have a Parade model, Asturia’s third builder, David Weekly Homes, will have its decorated Mendocino model open daily. Base price is $369,990.

Just 550 Homes

Asturia stands out among other new home developments along State Road 54 because of its uniquely smaller size. While nearby master-planned communities have between 3,000 to more than 5,000 homes planned over several years of construction, Asturia is building just 550 homes over the next few years.

“Asturia feels more like a neighborhood than a sprawling community, said Lane Gardner, managing director for Hines, Asturia’s developer.

“Our nature trails, pocket parks, first-class amenities, and community events encourage residents to get to know their neighbors. Families choose Asturia because we are a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle,” he adds.

Because Asturia’s builders offer a variety of home sizes and prices, it is ideal for families looking to buy their first home, and for growing families with school-aged children needing larger homes. The community also attracts seasonal residents and empty-nesters who want all the latest technological upgrades in a smaller home.

Asturias’s Phase Two, which opened in December, offers 157 large home sites, most with conservation and water views, and all providing privacy and peaceful, quiet surroundings.

A boardwalk connects to Asturia’s multi-use pathway that meanders for miles through the community’s residential neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds and Amenity Center.

Award Winning Amenity Center

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

for the Best Recreational Facility.

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, peaceful 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 trails interspersed with playgrounds, dog parks and pocket parks.

About Hines

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.

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

 

Published February 28, 2018

Crystal Lagoon Excitement At Pulte Homes

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No community in Tampa Bay has generated as much excitement as Epperson and its Crystal Lagoon in Wesley Chapel.

Pulte Homes has been building homes at Epperson since the community opened last April. And in just eight months, its sales team has sold 40 homes, and recently began selling homes in its second phase of 207 home sites.

“The energy at Epperson is contagious. Not only here at Pulte, but in the entire community,” said Alexandria Fowlow, a Pulte sales associate at Epperson.

“Of course, people are excited about the Crystal Lagoon. But, it’s more than that. People want to live in a new town where they’ll have everything they want – a beautiful place to live, play and even work,” said Fowlow.

The 7.5-acre Crystal Lagoon is now filled with turquoise water reminiscent of the Caribbean, and that is driving even more people to Pulte’s sales center at Epperson. When Pulte kicked off sales of its second phase in January, Fowlow and her sales colleague, Mark Hofferberth, sold 14 homes during the first week.

“Now that people can see the lagoon, the demand has been incredible,” said Fowlow. “Plus, our homes are among the closest in distance to the Lagoon, so that is another big draw.”

Pulte’s homes are an easy walk or bike ride to the Crystal Lagoon, with most homes being just a half-mile away from the community’s massive amenity center. The lagoon is a 7.5-acre environmentally sustainable pool with its own private sand beaches, tidal pool, swim-up bar, and kayak launch. Surrounding the lagoon will be lush tropical landscaping, restaurants, an event pavilion, cabanas and water sport rentals.

In addition to the lagoon, Epperson also offers residents the fastest Internet and Wi-Fi speeds in the nation because it is part of Wesley Chapel’s Connected City Corridor. This means that every Pulte home in Epperson is offering residents 1 gigabit of Internet speed.

“Being part of the Connected City is important to buyers of all ages, because everyone wants the fastest online connectivity and wants to live in a community that offers the latest technology,” said Fowlow.

After deciding Epperson would be a great place to live, many future residents select Pulte as their builder because of its wide variety of floor plans, the ability to personalize and customize their home, and because of Pulte Homes’ affordability and exceptional value.

Pulte homebuyers have 11 floor plans to choose from, and each offers five or six different elevations.

“Our communities do not have a cookie-cutter look — our homes have great curb appeal, and every home can be customized inside and out,” said Fowlow.

Epperson Pulte models are between 1,500 to 3,200 square feet, with base prices ranging from $240,000 to $328,000. Every Pulte home is energy-efficient and comes with an exclusive 10-year limited warranty.

“Home sites are available on 40-foot, 50-foot and 60-foot lots, and most back up to water or conservation. Plus, every backyard offers privacy, and many are oversized,” said Fowlow.

Currently buyers receive a $10,000 flex cash incentive, if they use Pulte’s preferred lender, which they can apply toward closing costs and design center options.

Pulte’s Sales Center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Please stop by to visit Alex and Mark at 7905 Olive Brook Drive, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33545. They can also be reached at (877) 251-3076, or by emailing or .

PulteGroup has been providing the American Dream of homeownership to families for more than 60 years. What started as a single home built and sold by the entrepreneurial spirit of an 18-year-old Bill Pulte, has grown into the industry’s sole multi-brand homebuilding company with the ability to serve customers in all phases of life. Today, PulteGroup operates in approximately 50 markets throughout the country.

 

Published February 28, 2018

ICI Homes Ready For The Parade at Asturia and Bexley

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Just in time for the 2018 Parade of Homes, ICI Homes has two beautifully furnished models and four move-in-ready homes for tour in Bexley and Asturia, two of Pasco County’s most prestigious communities along the in-demand State Road 54 corridor in Land O’ Lakes and Odessa.

ICI Homes has been building in Bexley since the community opened in the fall of 2016. It addition to its beautifully decorated, two-story Brooke Parade model that features five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, the one-story Pamela is also available to tour as a move-in-ready home with four bedrooms and three baths.

Over in Asturia, ICI Homes has a brand new Parade model, the Serena, which just opened to January to rave reviews from prospective homebuyers and Realtors.

“Between our public grand opening, and an exceptionally well-attended Realtor event a few days before, we couldn’t be more pleased with the large number of people who came out for the Serena’s opening weekend,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of ICI Home’s West Florida Division.

“People love the Serena’s grand foyer that pulls you through the house with its 12-foot ceilings and open floor plan that sweeps you from the front of the house to the back,” said Ferguson.

“The Serena feels so much larger than a 2,200-square-foot house. Its large kitchen and great room gracefully flow into a covered lanai that stretches along the back of the home. This home never feels crowded, whether you’re relaxing with family or entertaining friends.”

Easily Customized Homes

Many families are looking for premium construction and high-end finishes in a smaller home, Ferguson adds, which is why the Serena works so well as a starter home for young professionals, for families with school-aged children and empty-nesters looking to downsize.

“People want well-designed homes with quality construction and workmanship that can be easily customized, built on conservation home sites in a community that provides an active lifestyle and great location. ICI Homes is that kind of builder, and Asturia and Bexley are those kind of communities,” said Ferguson.

ICI offers two home series in Asturia, built on 55-foot and 65-foot lots in the community’s heavily wooded second phase that opened in late 2017. “These home sites are some of the most beautiful conservation and water lots in all of Pasco County,” said Ferguson.

In addition to the Serena model, ICI Homes has three move-in ready homes in Asturia. A Serena and a two-story Santa Maria floor plans will be completed in the next few weeks, and in April, a one-story, 2,500-square-foot Costa Mesa will be ready. Homes range from 1,789 to 3,196 square feet, and base prices go from $288,900 to $419,900.

At Bexley, the 3,089-square-foot Pamela is also ready now for quick move in. This four-bedroom, three-bath home, three-car garage is $549,030. 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 owner’s suite. A gourmet kitchen is just steps away from the large gathering and dining rooms, both of which open to a large covered lanai.

About ICI Homes

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. It offers a wide variety of architectural styles and floor plans to match its buyers’ lifestyles and price ranges. 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 several prestigious awards for design and innovation, and has long enjoyed local, regional and national professional recognition.

The Asturia sales center for ICI Homes is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. At Bexley, the sales center is at 16754 Courtyard Loop in Land O’ Lakes, (813) 530-9069.

 

Published February 28, 2018