The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Charting a Course for Excellence

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Dr. David Scamard of Excellence In Eye Care has practiced locally for over 15 years.

Just when you thought you’d seen everything, things begin to change. Menus seem to be printed smaller. Someone has clearly messed with the font size on your smartphone. And, the print on your prescriptions has become a blur.

“Unfortunately, the world isn’t changing as much as your eyes probably are,” says Dr. David Scamard, O.D., of Excellence In Eye Care, at Cypress Creek Town Center. “Like the rest of our bodies, the eye’s efficiency as an organ will change over time.”

While that’s not really a newsflash to anyone over the age of 45, or to those that already wear glasses, Dr. Scamard feels that it’s important to recognize that other factors could be contributing to your changing vision.

“Regular eye exams are important because when left undiagnosed, or not addressed promptly, things like glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachment can lead to much more serious eye problems,” he says.

Dr. Scamard, a Tampa native, has been practicing for more than 15 years and has rightfully earned quite the local following. Last February, he opened his new full-scope optometric eye care practice in the optics center inside the Costco at Cypress Creek Town Center.

With a lab, designer frames and prescription lenses literally steps away from his clinic, the value-added services create a combination that’s tough to match. What’s more, because all of his equipment like the auto refractor, the visual field analyzer and the digital phoropter are state-of-the-art, digital, most exams can be conducted in less than 15 minutes. If you need to budget your time, an appointments is encouraged, but even walk-ins are usually seen with little or no wait time as well.

Beyond all of that, Dr. Scamard is also leading the way in the emerging field of Sports Vision Training with his recent acquisition of a Sanet Vision Integrator. The SVI as it’s called, is a key component in Sports Vision Training, which sharpens athletes’ reaction times, while at the same time improving their balance. At all levels, the training can be a valuable tool for players (and coaches) in virtually all sports. Excellence In Eye Care is one of only a handful of clinics in the state to offer SVI services to the public.

Excellence In Eye Care also specializes in contact lenses and pediatric eye care. To schedule your eye exam or to find out more about Sport Vision Training, give Dr. Scamard a call, or check out Excellence In Eye Care’s website.

(813 279-7038 • ExcellenceInEyeCare.net

2225 Grand Cypress Dr. • Lutz, FL 33559 (inside Costco at Cypress Creek Town Center)

Alternative Positioning Statement

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Teachers at Sun Yoga Tampa include (seated from left): Willow, Roxanne, and Richard and (standing) Amy, Laura, Joy, Deb and Linda.

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Nowadays it seems the word “yoga” almost instantly conjures one of two images. The first is that of someone contorting themselves to resemble a pretzel. The other is the seemingly ubiquitous trend in women’s pants.

Sun Yoga Tampa in Lutz understands that yoga really isn’t about the outfits. Neither is it a contest of who can twist themselves into the most difficult pose. While yoga is exercise, it’s not competitive or comparative in the way many other workouts can tend to be.

“Yoga, when practiced correctly, exercises not only the body, but the mind and the soul as well. In fact, it’s a union of the three,” says Willow Marcotte, the studio’s owner, and one of eight certified instructors on staff.

People find yoga for many reasons. Some use it as a workout to unwind from daily stress, others to stretch and strengthen muscles, while others still use it as a means of meditation. No matter if you’re a beginner or an old pro, the teachers at Sun Yoga Tampa will meet you where you are on your journey and offer solid guidance as you progress.

To that end, their studio is more familial than formal, and offers a variety of styles to meet the needs of all who enter their doors. They truly strive to maintain the concept of being a place where people from all walks can come together to practice as a community.

In Sanskrit, the word “yoga” basically means union, and Sun Yoga Tampa represents a mindful approach to a healthier lifestyle where body, mind and spirit can all function as one.

Regardless of age, flexibility or physical condition, yoga has benefits for everyone. To find out more about which classes best suit your needs and when they are offered, give them a call or check out their website.

Daily Classes: Monday – Saturday

Once A Month: Sunday

 

19026 Geraci Rd. • Lutz, FL 33548

813-955-1262 • SunYogaTampa.com

“YOUR YOGA COMMUNITY”

New London’s landmarks and glory

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Marty and I left early in the morning on Aug. 25 from our home in East Hartford, Connecticut, for a leisurely drive to New London, Connecticut, where we took a mini-cruise.

The cruise was absolutely delightful and was narrated the entire two hours that we were on board.

New London Harbor Light is the oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

The trip included several islands that were explained to us thoroughly, and three forts.

One fort was Fort Wright, which was built in the early 20th century; and, another was Fort Griswold, which is a tall granite monument honoring those killed defending the fort during a battle.

The third fort was Fort Trumbull that was built in 1777, and was attacked and captured by British forces under the command of Benedict Arnold.

We got to view the General Dynamics Electric Boat Division, where the first nuclear-powered submarine was built and where subs continue to be built today.

Also on this tour, we got to view the New London’s historic waterfront, which was once the third busiest whaling port in the world. It is now home to the United States Coast Guard Academy and home port for the Coast Guard’s tall ships.

We also got to see, up close and from the water, nine different lighthouses. Some of them we had seen previously from taking a land tour but somehow, from water, it seemed more picturesque.

The very first one we saw was the New London Harbor Light, which is the oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. It is privately owned to this day.

We also saw the Avery Point Lighthouse, which was the last lighthouse in the state built as an official navigational aid and wasn’t lighted until over a year after its 1943 completion, due to concerns about a possible Nazi attack during World War II.

We then saw the New London Ledge Lighthouse, which is uniquely shaped for a lighthouse and also it is reportedly haunted by the ghost of an early keeper.

We then viewed several others, including the North Dumpling Light. During Prohibition, the keeper of the Light was accused of signaling to liquor smugglers.

One of the many boats seen on the way back to shore. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

On to the Race Horse Light that was built on a ledge, where fast current and conflicting seas are the norm. The foundations alone took seven years to build. This lighthouse is also said to be haunted.

When we were in this area, the seas were rougher than usual, and winds were quite fierce.

The next lighthouse that we viewed was the Little Gull Light. It was destroyed by the hurricane of 1815, and this lighthouse is said to have a colorful past. The tower that stands today dates from 1868.

We then took a long look at the Long Beach Bar (Bug) Light. This charming 1870 Victorian structure was set ablaze by arsonists in 1963 and restored by the East End Seaport Museum in 1990. They say it looks like a bug walking on water.

We then had the opportunity to view the Orient Point Lighthouse, also known as the Coffee Pot Lighthouse. The cast-iron clad and brick-lined lighthouse was marked for demolition by the Coast Guard in 1970, but was saved by public outcry.

The final lighthouse we saw and heard about was the Plum Island Lighthouse. It is also known as Plum Gut Light. This 1869 historic granite lighthouse was decommissioned in 1978 in favor of an automated light that now sits a short distance away.

This marked the end of the tour, but while going back to port to leave, we saw many sailboats, schooners, floating restaurants and wildlife in the water.

Once we got back to shore, we went home.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Aurora awards

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Bexley may be less than a year old, but its already an award-winning community.

The Southeast Building Conference (SBC) recently named Bexley by Newland Communities the top Master Planned Community in the Southeast, awarding the community its highest honor, a Grand Aurora award. The Bexley Club, the community’s hub, also earned a Grand Aurora award for Best Recreational Facility.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Southeast Building Conference,” said Pam Parisi, vice president, marketing for Newland Communities. “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. In just a short time, Bexley is already a vibrant community for people at all stages of life who crave an active lifestyle and greater connections with the outdoors and with each other.”

The Aurora awards encompass all facets of the residential, commercial and remodeling industries; and are presented annually to outstanding residential and commercial builders, planners, architects, developers, designers, interior merchandisers and other housing-related professionals. Award winners were selected from entries representing industry professionals in 12 Southeastern states and the Eastern Caribbean.

 

Published September 27, 2017

Discover Twisted Sprocket Café

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Chef Ashely Davis

Have you discovered Bexley’s best-kept secret —The Twisted Sprocket Café?

This gem of a café is located inside The Bexley Club at the community’s amenity center. People are often surprised to learn that the cafe is open to the public, and that it offers much more than just grab-and-go items found at most clubhouses.

The Twisted Sprocket Café is headed up by clubhouse and café Manager Ashley Davis, a talented young chef and Florida International University graduate, who has created a surprising menu of delightful recipes that are getting rave reviews from local food bloggers.

Most menu items are made from recipes created by Davis, including smoothies and milk shakes, French toast, omelets, pastries, sandwiches, flatbreads, quesadillas and desserts.

The café’s popular Twisted Sprocket Salad is overflowing with flavor, and textured with walnuts, dried cranberries, tomatoes and bacon, all served on a huge bed of spring mix. A honey mustard vinaigrette perfectly rounds off this salad.

The Cafe overlooks a lovely lake in a serene woodland setting. Decks overlook the lake with cabin-like chairs and tables, and guests enjoy the view inside from tables, booths and a friendly, old-fashioned counter. During cooler months, folks enjoy fireplaces located inside the café and on the deck.

Davis invites area residents to bring their laptops to the café and spend a few hours catching up with work, or staying in touch with family and friends. The Café serves Buddy Brew, a rich specialty coffee made in Tampa, craft beers from Big Storm Brewery in nearby Odessa, and has a respectable section of wine.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon – Sat

Noon to 6 p.m Sunday

16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

(813) 491-4879

BexleyFlorida.com

 

Published September 27, 2017

The Bexley Difference Where miles of trails lead you home

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What a difference a year makes.

Since Bexley by Newland Communities debuted in Land O’ Lakes 10 months ago, this outstanding community has already distinguished itself as one of the Top 10 selling communities in the Tampa Bay market, and has been recognized as the best master planned community in the Southeast.

“We couldn’t be happier with the response we’ve received to Bexley,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, the developer behind Bexley. “Our residents love the uniqueness of Bexley. It’s just a wonderful community to live in, whether you’re a family with kids, just starting out, or looking to downsize.”

Centrally located in Land O’ Lakes, at State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway, Bexley is an 1,825-acre community with significant conservation areas, that offers residents a sporty, social lifestyle that maximizes its pristine natural surroundings.

No doubt, people are taking notice of Bexley. The Southeast Building Conference recognized Bexley as the top master-planned community in the Southeast, awarding the community its highest honor, a Grand Aurora.

Central, Accessible Location

Bexley’s prime location next to the Suncoast Parkway offers fast, convenient access to many areas of Tampa and area beaches.

Bexley Village Drive has been open since the spring providing direct access to the Suncoast Parkway. It connects Tower Road to State Road 54, allowing residents to bypass Ballentrae Road for State Road 54 access.

Several commercial businesses have announced development plans in the area, including a convenience store and hotel. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is also building an emergency department within the Bexley community, which is scheduled to be complete in 2018.

Welcome to the Club

The Bexley Club, an award-winning lakefront clubhouse, is the hub of the community, with the popular Twisted Sprocket Café, a gathering place that is open to the public. Guests can enjoy a delicious menu of breakfast items, gourmet lunches, dessert, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks served by Chef Ashley Davis and her team.

The second phase of The Bexley Club opened earlier this summer. It includes two resort-style pools, cardio-focused fitness center, screened-in game room, outdoor fire pit and an event lawn for community festivals and gatherings.

Best Schools

The newly constructed Bexley Elementary School opened its doors to students in August to help accommodate the many families that are 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.

Trails and Parks

Spanning Bexley’s 1,200 acres of preserved wilderness are exceptional trails to hike, bike and run. Designed by outdoor-living pioneer Avid Trails, several outdoor Fit Stations are located throughout the trail to keep workouts interesting and fresh. The community also offers open space for sports fields, a BMX pump park bicycle course and custom-made playgrounds, as well as two dog parks (one for large breeds and the other for small).

About Newland

Bexley is the fourth master-planned community for Newland in the Tampa Bay area,

joining other award-winning communities of Fishhhawk Ranch, Mirabay and Waterset in south Hillsborough County.

For information, visit BexleyFlorida.com. • 16950 Vibrant Way ∙ Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

 

Published September 27, 2017

Inland Homes Joins The Connerton Family

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Young families are discovering the master-planned community of Connerton in Land O’ Lakes. Since the beginning of the year, more than 175 homes have been sold, with many buyers choosing homes between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet.

“This is a perfect size for the first-time homebuyer looking for an affordable home in an established community with excellent schools and resort-style amenities,” said Reed Williams, president of Inland Homes and Connerton’s newest builder.

“Many families are coming out of apartments and find these smaller homes with three or four bedrooms quite spacious, and perfect for their growing families,” said Williams.

Inland’s floor plans match up perfectly with this family profile. In Connerton, it is offering one- and two-story floor plans that are 1,708 to 2,800 square feet, and begin at $234,000.

Inland’s model home, the Magnolia, is nearing completion, and will open in October alongside Connerton’s other model homes built by Lennar, M/I Homes, Homes By WestBay, and Taylor Morrison. Most models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday.

This is the second time Inland Homes has built homes in Connerton — it was one of the community’s original builders in the early 2000s, when Connerton first opened.

“We are excited to be back in Connerton, and pleased to offer homebuyers five new floor plans and some of the most beautiful home sites in the community,” said Williams. “Many of our lots back up to conservation, water or both, and offer outstanding views and privacy.”

Inland Homes differs from other moderately priced builders because its floor plans offer buyers some structural options. Plus, Inland Homes buyers make personal selections at its design center for flooring, cabinets and other finishes. Jack Suarez, whose family has been building homes in the Tampa area since 1940’s, owns the company.

Connerton Is A ‘New Town’

When Connerton visitors stop at Club Connerton, the community’s beautiful 10,000-square-foot clubhouse and amenity center, they often ask, “Why does Connerton feel so different than other communities we’ve visited?”

They discover that Connerton is different because it is one of only three communities in Florida that has been formally recognized as a “New Town” by both state and local governments. Like Seaside in Destin and Celebration in Orlando, Connerton earned its “New Town” designation for its community design, which reduces residents’ reliance on cars and promotes a more sociable, pedestrian culture.

Connerton’s vibrant “New Town” live/work/play design is master planned over the next decade to potentially make the community wholly self-sustaining. At full build out, Connerton may include up to 5,000 residential units of various types and densities, 730,000 square feet of retail services, 1.4 million square feet of office / medical office/ industrial space, 150 hospital beds and 100 nursing home beds, a government center, and approximately 1,800 acres of parks and protected, natural spaces. Close to 1,000 families live in Connerton today.

As the town of Connerton grows, it is opening new neighborhoods and expanding its unique Town Center with a mix of residential, retail, professional and commercial space. The Town Center is the community’s focal point and will connect its main streets, open spaces, gathering places, and educational and recreational opportunities.

Trails, boardwalks and pathways wind their way through the community. North of Connerton’s planned developments is the pristine, 3,000-acre Connerton Preserve that protects its lakes, natural wetlands and wildlife. The Preserve is home to a bounty of wildlife, including alligators, otters, deer, bats, and birds such as anhinga, little blue herons, wood storks, hoot owls and sand hill cranes. Strict rules are posted and enforced to maintain the preserve’s natural beauty and to protect its wildlife.

Diverse Residents

People also choose Connerton because of the community’s diversity in ages and the wide variety of interests found among residents. It makes living at Connerton interesting, fun and easy to make new friends.

At community gatherings, you’ll find people asking, “what brought you to Connerton?” Many say the community’s connection to the outdoors with its extended trails, bike paths and parks, as well as Connerton’s preservation of its natural beauty and pristine environment.

Others talk about Connerton’s hometown American feel and its Norman Rockwell look. And, just about everyone enjoys the amenities at Club Connerton, especially the fabulous resort-style pool and waterpark.

With its “New Town” designation and plan, unspoiled environment, and exceptional on-site amenities, Connerton offers an unrivaled setting that enriches the lives of its residents.

Please stop by for a personal tour. We’re located on the east side of U.S. 41, about six miles north of the intersection of State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, and three miles south of State Road 52. For more information, visit Connerton.com.

Published September 27, 2017

Be Sure To Attend Asturia’s Fall Festival!

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Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa, is celebrating its second Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. New residents, future residents and families from neighboring communities are all invited to this free event open to the public.

Fun activities for children and adults include hayrides, corn hole, bounce houses, sand art crafts, face painting, carnival games and a balloon artist. Hay will be provided for those wanting to stuff their own straw scarecrows (please bring your own pillowcase and old clothing). A variety of food trucks will be at the event, for those who want to buy lunch, snacks or sweets.

And, when Fall Festival guests are done playing and eating, they are invited to tour Asturia’s decorated model homes at Asturia.

Unique Models and Amenity Center

Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes are Asturia’s exclusive builders. All have model homes with on-site agents to assist homebuyers in selecting their next residence. ICI Homes is the community’s newest builder, and is opening its Costa Mesa model in late October.

Builders offer a range of home sizes and architectural styles, with pricing ranging from the mid $200,000s to over $500,000.

Asturia offers residents a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Kids especially love the Kompan Playground.

Everyone enjoys Asturia’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse, with its fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

Second Phase Opens

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

This new second phase has 157 large home sites, adding to Asturia’s first phase of 248 lots. Most Asturia homes back up to conservation areas, and all provide homeowners privacy and a peaceful, quiet surrounding.

Many families have been waiting for Asturia’s second phase to open because its 55- and 65-foot lots offer some of the best woodland conservation views in the entire community.

“These lots are some of the most beautiful in all of Pasco County,” said Kevin Jund, the community’s project manager. “Asturia really is an enclave, surrounded by 360-degrees of protected preserves of mature cypress and lush native vegetation.”

A boardwalk has been built to connect the two smaller neighborhoods within Phase II, which will tie into the community’s multi-use pathway that meanders for miles through residential areas, parks, playgrounds and the Amenity Center.

About Asturia

When Asturia’s development is complete in a few years, it will likely have less than 550 single-family homes.

“What makes Asturia stand out from other new home developments in the area is our smaller size,” said Jund. “Other communities are looking at 3,000 to over 5,000 homes, and many years of construction. Many families prefer the intimate neighborhood experience that comes with our modest community size.”

Asturia is a mixed-use, master-planned community located in the high-demand State Road 54 corridor in Pasco County. The community’s central location is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway and also provides close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75. Its master plan incorporates retail, office, multifamily and a variety of single-family residential offerings.

More information can be obtained by visiting Asturia’s model homes, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published September 27, 2017

Asturia Receives Prestigious Awards for Design and Marketing

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Walter O’Shea, Carla Luigs and Lane Gardner of Hines accept awards for its Asturia community at the recent Aurora Awards dinner at the Southeast Building Conference in Orlando.

Asturia, a master-planned Hines community located on State Road 54 in Odessa, recently earned two prestigious awards at the 2017 Southeast Building Conference in Orlando.

Asturia was honored with the Excel Award for Best Mixed-Use Community of the Year for sales and marketing excellence in the building industry. The community was also honored with a Silver Aurora for Best Recreational Facility for its architectural and interior design.

Established in 1979, the Aurora Awards are presented annually to outstanding builders, planners, architects, developers, designers, interior merchandisers and other housing-related professionals.

This year’s competition drew over 400 entries in 58 categories from residential and commercial construction professionals actively involved in projects throughout the Southeast. The awards encompass all facets of the residential, commercial and remodeling industries.

The entries were judged by a panel of four building industry leaders selected from among the most creative and successful individuals within the homebuilding industry.

Judge Sarah Breen said this year’s competition was exceptionally diverse coming from across the Southeast. “Creative ideas in design do not know boundaries,” she said. “We found the variety and level of excellence to be particularly heartening this year.”

About Asturia

Asturia is a mixed-use, master-planned community located in the high-demand State Road 54 corridor in Pasco County. It incorporates retail, office, multifamily and a variety of single-family residential offerings.

The community’s central location offers close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75, and is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, and its direct link to Tampa International Airport and the Westshore business district.

Asturia offers residents a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by community-wide multi-use trails, interspersed with a dog park and pocket parks. Kids especially love the Kompan equipped playground, and everyone enjoys the beautiful amenity center, with its expansive lawn areas, resort-style pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Second Phase Opens

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

 “This is a great time for Asturia right now,” said Lane Gardner, Hines managing director. “Home sales are very strong, and we are thrilled to be releasing a new phase of incredible lots to our builders.”

Asturia’s first phase of 248 home sites has been completed, with beautiful single-family homes built by David Weekley Homes and Ashton Woods. Hines recently announced that ICI Homes has been selected as its third homebuilder.

“It’s a perfect time to add another great builder to the lineup and provide even more home offerings for homebuyers at Asturia,” said Gardner.

Many families have been waiting for Asturia to open its second phase because they offer some of the best woodland conservation views in the entire area.

“The second phase of Asturia features some of the most beautiful lots in all of Pasco County,” said Kevin Jund, the community’s project manager. “It’s really an enclave surrounded by 360-degrees of protected preserves of mature cypress and lush native vegetation. There’s nothing quite like these lots anywhere along the State Road 54 corridor.”

There are a total of 157 large lots in Phase II, with a majority backing up to conservation areas. All lots provide homeowners privacy and a peaceful, quiet surrounding.

A boardwalk connects the two smaller neighborhoods within Phase II, which will tie into the community’s multi-use pathway that meanders for miles through residential areas, parks, playgrounds and the Amenity Center.

When Asturia’s development is complete in a few years, it will likely have less than 550 single-family homes.

“What makes Asturia stand out from other new home developments in the area is our smaller size,” said Jund. “Other communities are looking at 3,000 to over 5,000 homes, and many years of construction. Many families prefer the intimate neighborhood experience that comes with our modest size.”

More information can be obtained by visiting and registering at the community website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Hines, a privately owned, global real estate investment, development and management firm that was founded in 1957, is developing Asturia. It is one of the largest and most respected real estate organizations in the world.

Published August 23, 2017

Not All Communities are Created Equal

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It’s been such an exciting year at Connerton that visitors and residents continue to be amazed by “The Community of More.”

The year began with Connerton being named the 2017 Showcase Community for the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. The month-long Parade brought hundreds of people to the Land O’ Lakes community for the first time in April, and many became new homeowners, with more than 30 homes being sold during the Parade.

Also in April, a brand new, mortgage-free home was presented to David Roca, a deserving Army veteran and his family. The dedication of the Roca home was an emotional outpouring of community support by local residents, Connerton’s developer Hayman Woods, and Lennar Homes, which built the Roca home.

Then, on July 1, more than 8,000 people came to Connerton for an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with music, games, food and fireworks. Many other special events are held throughout the year for Connerton residents, which bring neighbors together to mingle and get to know each other in a friendly neighborhood setting.

 Discover the Connerton Difference

When Connerton visitors stop at the community’s beautiful clubhouse, they often ask, “Why does Connerton feel so different than other communities?” The answer is that Connerton is different because it is one of only three communities in Florida that has been formally recognized as a “New Town.”

Connerton earned its “New Town” designation because of its outstanding community planning and design, which reduces residents’ reliance on cars and promotes a more sociable, pedestrian culture. The mature trees, picturesque ponds and many conservation areas preserve the beauty of nature, and allow native foliage and wildlife to flourish.

As the town of Connerton grows, it is opening new neighborhoods and expanding its unique Town Center with its of mix of residential, retail, professional, commercial space and 20 acres set aside for a future government center. The Town Center will be the focal point of the community, connecting a hometown main street, open spaces, gathering places, and educational and recreational opportunities.

Everyone Loves A Winner

Connerton is an award-winning community. In May, it brought home trophies for Best Consumer Promotion for its Independence Day Celebration, and for Best Mobile Website, at the annual Award Presentation of the Sales and Marketing Council of the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

In July, Connerton won an award for Best Special Charity Event at the Southeast Builders Conference in Orlando. Numerous other awards have been presented to Connerton over the years, and are proudly displayed at Club Connerton, the resort-style clubhouse where the new Visitor Center is located.

Why Residents Chose Connerton

The diversity in ages and wide variety of interests are just two reasons why residents chose Connerton as their home.

At community gatherings, you’ll find people asking, “what brought you to Connerton?” Varied responses include the community’s connection to the outdoors, and its preservation of the natural beauty and pristine environment of the land.

Others love the “hometown American feel and the Norman Rockwell look about it.” The extended trails, bike paths and parks are favorites for many families, and pet lovers enjoy the dog park where even their four-legged family members can make friends.

It is interesting to note that 44 percent of new homeowners who purchased their home this year came from the Land O’ Lakes/Lutz area, 25 percent from Tampa, 7 percent from Wesley Chapel, 6 percent from West Pasco and 5 percent from other Florida counties. Another 13 percent are buyers from outside Florida, with the largest percentage of those coming from the northeast Atlantic area.

 Home Builders

Five quality builders offer beautiful floor plans and furnished models where homebuyers can choose their home site and style of home. Taylor Morrison, Homes by WestBay, M/I Homes and Lennar continue to build in The Arbors and Gardens villages. Most models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

In September, Connerton is welcoming Inland Homes to their model lineup. Inland will be offering homes from 1,700 to 2,000 square feet priced in the mid $200,000. Watch for their grand opening invitation.

Connerton is located approximately six miles north of the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41. For more information, visit Connerton.com.

Published August 23, 2017