The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Homes Sales Booming At Birchwood Preserve

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Families are choosing Birchwood Preserve because of its A-rated schools and convenient location, a half mile away from Dale Mabry Highway and less than two miles away from the Veterans Expressway.

“Lutz is very attractive to many homebuyers because it provides quick and easy access to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, Tampa International Airport, Westshore Business District, International Plaza and the Gulf Coast beaches,” said Sean Strickler, president of Pulte’s West Florida division.

“Plus, Birchwood Preserve is surrounded by beautiful county parks, connecting trail systems and champion golf courses, such as Cheval and TPC Tampa Bay,” he added.

Excellent schools are another reason for the community’s brisk sales. Birchwood Preserve is the only new, single-family-home community in Lutz whose children are zoned to all three schools at the highly desirable public school complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road — Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and McKitrick Elementary, all just three miles away. Even closer is a new charter school, Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, which opens this month for students in kindergarten through seventh grade.

The entrance to Birchwood Preserve is gated and beautifully landscaped. Amenities include a private luxury community swimming pool with cabanas and hammocks, a multipurpose clubhouse room with kitchen, and a children’s exploration climbing dome playground, a swing set and additional discovery play equipment.

With just 196 home sites, there is no CDD requirement. Owners help support the shared amenities and common areas with an affordable HOA.

Birchwood Preserve is located west of Dale Mabry Highway at the end of Geraci Road. The property is set back far enough from Dale Mabry that there is no traffic or road noise to interfere with its peaceful, natural setting. Many home sites boast nature views, including waterfront lots.

All Birchwood Preserve homes are designed for the way families live today, with Pulte’s unique Life Tested home designs. “The ideas for our Life Tested designs come from our homeowners, whose suggestions we value and incorporate into our homes,” said Strickler. “An example is the Pulte Planning Center® — a unique, multifunctional area designed with counters and cabinets to help a family get organized in one place that is conveniently located off their kitchen or gathering room.” Pulte Homes’ designs also offer Everyday Entry® drop zones with built-in shelving, hooks and storage to accommodate backpacks, shoes, purses and jackets. Pulte’s interactive online design tools allow buyers to preview its Life Tested personal options to help them get the most out of their new home.

Every home in Birchwood comes with a Diamond rating in the Environments for Living Energy package. “Many people come to Birchwood Preserve looking for the peace of mind that comes with a new home that’s covered by Pulte’s unmatched warranty,” said Strickler. “We also have many folks coming in saying it would be way too expensive to try and update their current home, to get them close to par with the energy efficiency and current designs that our homes offer.”

Birchwood Preserve offers 10 single-family floor plans ranging from 1,904 to 4,600 square feet. Homes start at $318,990, and offer three to six bedrooms, two to six bathrooms and two- or three-car garages.

The Valleybrook is one of the most popular floor plans. At 3,320 square feet, it features four bedrooms upstairs and an optional fifth bedroom or den on the first level. Birchwood Preserve is also attracting empty nesters who want the latest in home design, but in a downsized, one-story plan. The Cascade model is a perfect fit with its spacious floor plan that offers three to four bedrooms and a tandem three-car garage that provides extra storage or hobby space.

The community’s model home is the 3,427-square-foot Millstone, which features from four up to six bedrooms and three and a half baths, with a three-car garage. The Millstone model center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Please stop by and meet sales associates Vince Kuntz and Amanda Barningham, who will gladly give you a personal tour and answer all your questions about Birchwood Preserve.

Published August 23, 2017

Grand Horizons celebrates Labor Day

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Grand Horizons’ Social Club furnished hot dogs for 100 residents on Labor Day. The “Pot Luck Lady,” Nancy Huey, hosted the event at the community center. It definitely was a cheerful crowd, and there was much positive conversation and laughter.

From left, Ernie and Rae Rice, and Ron and Pattie Molnar. (Courtesy of Sandy Lindke)

You had your choice of a “naked dog” or one with chili sauce. Then you moved on to the condiment table to load or dress it up. As this was also a potluck, there were also tables of side dishes, salads and desserts. Some people needed to go home for a nap, but a few stayed to visit to prolong the afternoon.

Nancy had plenty of help, as there are always volunteers to pitch in and help at Grand Horizons. It is like a “family.” Some of the helpers were Don and Ginny Jennings, Ron and Joyce Bell, Jim and Judy Leitzke, Susan Johnson and Sandy Lindke to serve the hot dogs, and other jobs. Ray Weicks kept the trash under control. Many hands make the job easier and faster.

Jim Leitzke was master of ceremonies, and he asked the residents for blood donors for the morning of Sept. 6, when the Big Red Bus was to come to the community center. He went on to say that our neighbors in Houston (and other parts of Texas) have depleted the local supply of ready blood.

Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone victimized by the terrible rain, wind and flooding. Jim also asked the Lord’s blessing for the people of Texas and Louisiana, and on the meal that everyone was about to partake in.

A Lunch Bunch outing was held Sept. 5, at ABC Pizza. It was hosted by Joyce Bell.

I wasn’t there to attend, but Joyce told me that all went smoothly, and the lunch was terrific.

There were several women who attended and considering that it is still the summer, and weather was a factor, I feel it was a good turnout.

Joyce went on to say that most of the women had the delicious buffet, and then sat around and talked. This was the first Lunch Bunch event for the fall/winter season, with more to come.

I have gone to the ABC pizza previously, and they have a variety of pizzas. Here again, if you walk out still feeling hungry, it is your fault.

From what I read in the newsletter, bingo started up again on Sept. 5. From past experience, I know that everyone has a good time.

The bingo hall is usually full of friendly conversation, but when the game starts, you can literally hear a pin drop. They do have a variety of games, and Terry Satterlee, Cathy Hepp and Diane Taggart, the ones who host it, keep it interesting.

Some winners walk home with a bright smile on their faces, while others think to themselves, “wait for next week.”

Twenty-two Grand Horizons residents drove to Lakeland on Sept. 8 to enjoy a late lunch at Lings Chinese Buffet. Al and Sandy Lindke hosted the outing, and they did a very nice job of organizing it.

A few who would have liked to join them stayed at home or evacuated because of the impending storm.

It was a very good turnout considering they knew the storm was coming.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Published September 27, 2017

‘He was our own Indiana Jones’

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After 91-year-old Bill Smith was laid to rest on Aug. 11 amid the emotionally riveting melody of bagpipes from quaint Smith Cemetery, a group of Smith’s fans gathered at Lake Jovita to swap stories and remember the rugged Wesley Chapel pioneer.

Dr. Christopher Darby Immer, the pioneer’s son, was among those paying homage to Bill’s memory.

Bill and Luther Smith on horseback in Wesley Chapel in 1940. (Courtesy of Madonna Jervis Wise)

“He was our own Indiana Jones!” said Immer, recalling his initial encounter with the legendary Bill Smith.

“Do you remember the Indiana Jones character that was created by Harrison Ford in “Raiders of the Lost Ark?” Immer asked.

“Well, I was 10 years old and star-struck by Indiana Jones. Around about that same time, I encountered Bill Smith.

“Modest and unassuming in demeanor, he shared a few quips on Wesley Chapel…ranching, open range and the like.

“Understanding a thing or two about the attention span of a 10-year-old, Bill pulled out his authentic Florida Cracker Whip and — reminiscent of Harrison Ford — Bill wielded his braided rawhide with painstaking precision.

“Just four effortless thrusts and he peeled each of the four letters from the label of the aluminum Coke™ can in sequence,” Immer said.

Timing was important to Bill Smith — along with honor, friendship, legacy and savoring life’s gusto.

Unpretentious and keenly aware, Bill was much more than merely his folksy humble Florida-boy persona.

He traveled the world with his beloved Lillian.

He had a map that chronicled their extensive travels and his hunting expeditions throughout the world—every continent.

He was well-read and, on things he deemed important, held strong opinions.

It was only after one got to know him well, that Bill would humbly reveal glimpses into a life well-lived.

For instance, his division was first to enter bomb-ravished Nagasaki, at the beginning of allied occupation of Japan at the conclusion of World War II.

And, during a 1963 work project on the Wesley Chapel overpass at the construction of Interstate 75, Bill remembered the fellow who waved him down off his tractor to tell him the sad news: “Our President was assassinated!”

Bill’s wife Lillian found a 2004 handwritten memoir, drafted in Bill’s classic self-effacing fashion.

Bill Smith, Michael Boyette and Ruth Smith Adams had a wealth of knowledge about the Wesley Chapel of long ago.

In part, it reads: “I was born William Rollie Smith on November 15, 1925, to Luther Daniel Smith and Louneta (Stanley) Smith in a two-story home about 200 yards from where I reside on Smith Road. A Fourth Generation Floridian, many would see my years as simple … it was a day-to day survival. I could not grow up fast enough to leave the farm during the Great Depression years.

“My sister, Ruth and I had a hard life but a good life, and we were always close. Everyone should have a sister like mine. We completed the eighth grade at a two-room schoolhouse with no electricity (electricity came in 1947), near the 1878 Double Branch Baptist Church, which was the center of the community, before subsequently graduating from Pasco High.

“My grandfather was Daniel Henry Smith, a man I dearly loved who told stories of the past. He died in 1955—a great loss. He and dad had cattle and hogs…running in the woods…from San Antonio to the present day site of the University of South Florida. This was the time of Open Range. You fenced the animals out of your yard or farm. Cities were fenced in!”

A descendant of homesteaders, William Riley Smith and Anne E. Sims Smith, Bill was eager to share that the Homestead Act of 1862, provided a 160-acre piece of land for a person who had resided on the land for five years and improved it.

Smith’s family was recognized at the September 1987 centennial ceremony, which commemorated the formation of Pasco County (including Precinct 4, Wesley Chapel). Fittingly, the homesteaded land now belongs to the Pasco County School Board.

Preserving history was an important mission for Bill.

In recent years, he lamented that his cohorts were decreasing.

His boyhood friend and close neighbor, Frederick (Dick) Tucker, passed away in 2012.

More recently, Wesley Chapel lost other keepers of the frontier history.

Michael Boyette, who spearheaded the placing of the Wesley Chapel historical marker, died on June 30, 2017. Bill’s own sister, Ruth Smith Adams, passed away on May 24, 2017.

The Smith cracker home is on display at ‘Cracker Country’ at the State Fairgrounds as a hands-on living legacy of frontier Florida. (Neighbors of Daniel H. and Elizabeth Geiger Smith built the cracker home in barn-raising fashion as a wedding present in 1894.)

The house was donated in 1979, as a tribute.

The fairgrounds exhibit reflects life on the Florida frontier, which included farming, ranching, charcoal producing, gator hunting, turpentine stills and moonshining.

Frontier independence permeated Wesley Chapel pioneer settlers who possessed a character of hard work and strength. Eking out an existence was a challenge, and Wesley Chapel was known for its gator hunting and moonshining.

Bill donated his moonshine still to the Florida Pioneer Museum in Dade City.

Wesley Chapel, as well as Bill’s many friends and family, will mourn the loss of his wisdom and insight.

One such lifelong friend and a member of Bill’s weekly fishing group is local sports hero Keathel Chauncey, who offered this reflection: “From the times that I spent with Bill, I realized that he was a straight shooter (literally and figuratively).

“Taught from early in his life what life is about, Bill experienced families that respected each other, worshipped together, and helped anyone in need. When you asked him a question or advice about anything, his answers came from his heart and his upbringing. ‘Find a quiet place, think of the teachings of the Bible, and you will find your own right answer, you don’t need me.’

“Bill Smith taught me self-respect, self-reliance, honor, patience,” Chauncey said.

By Madonna Jervis Wise

Madonna Wise, who lives in Zephyrhills, has written three local history books and is actively involved in preserving local history.

Published September 27, 2017

A Different Kind of ‘Navel’ Academy

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Kandy ‘Kadayif’ Sinquefield has taught the art of belly dance for over 20 years.

Much of what we think of as belly dancing has been shaped by its portrayal in scores of classic movies about the Middle East, like “Sinbad” and “Aladdin,” or perhaps by the opening credits of television’s “I Dream of Jeanie.” Some of those are accurate depictions of the folk dance, but many are just a bunch of tinseltown hokum.

At the American BellyDance Studio in Lutz you can learn numerous authentic styles, from traditional to fusion. ABS owner, Kandy Sinquefield, whose stage name is ‘Kadayif,’ has taught it for more than 20 years. “An ankle injury forced me to give up ballet because I could no longer do the pointe work, and that’s how I got into belly dance,” she said.

Belly dance is an aerobic form of exercise that limits the impact on joints, so everyone can participate. Moreover, it promotes grace, confidence, self-expression, and enhances mobility and offers a great cardio workout to boot.

Sinquefield is a registered nurse by trade, but has studied belly dance all over the world. She gives students safe, attainable goals for dance technique and exercise. Most of her ABS students are professional women like herself, who use classes as unwind time. Classes range from beginner to professional levels, and include basic instruction and specialization in styles such as Turkish Rom, Classic Egyptian, American Tribal, Tribal Fusion, and Gypsy. They even offer a few classes for children.

ABS dancers are featured performers throughout the year at events like the Florida State Fair, renaissance festivals, local parades, various charitable events and several showcases held on site, in their 60-seat, theater space. Performers dance to traditional and nontraditional music as well.

Kadayif works hard to promote a family atmosphere at American BellyDance Studio. “Many of our dancers’ spouses help out during the shows with staging, lighting and concessions. The children’s classes kind of grew out their desire to participate after seeing their mommies practice and perform. It was really kind of a natural progression,” she added.

It’s not all about belly either. ABS also features ballet, hip-hop and jazz classes, which are fused into the performances. For those who aren’t sure if this is the right fit for them, the studio offers free, no obligation, introductory classes, and a very flexible price structure to fit any schedule or budget.

If you’re looking for a fun and exotic way to get a fantastic cardio workout, then follow your gut instincts to American BellyDance Studio, 1.5 miles north of Bearss Ave., in the Sydney Center on the corner of U.S. 41 and Whitaker Road in Lutz.

American Bellydance Studio (logo)

813-416-8333 • AmericanBellyDance.com.com

 102 Whitaker Rd. • Lutz, FL 33549 • (in the Sydney Center)

Take steps now to reduce Hurricane Irma’s threats

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This is an updated version of a previous story that offers tips to help our readers prepare for possible impacts from Hurricane Irma.

The path of Hurricane Irma remained uncertain on the afternoon of Sept. 8, but residents were being urged by Gov. Rick Scott and local authorities to be vigilant and do what they could to protect themselves from the monster storm.

Here are some practical tips intended to help keep you and your family safe from Irma’s potentially deadly dangers, and to help protect your property.

Prepare ahead of the storm
• Remove loose and damaged limbs from trees. Secure and brace external doors. Board up external windows.
• Remove items around your home that could act as projectiles in high winds, such as potted plants, barbecue grills, garden gnomes, chairs and garbage cans.
• Place sand bags around low-lying areas near your house.
• Stock up on hurricane supplies, including flashlights, batteries, self-powered portable lights, waterproof sheeting, a nonelectric food storage cooler, a portable generator and reusable ice.
• Have personal items available, such as blankets and pillows; hygiene supplies, moisture wipes and toilet paper; waterproof and seasonal clothing; reliable shoes; a first-aid kit and special medications; tools; and, cameras.
• If you sheltering in place, be sure you have adequate supplies, in case you lose power and water for several days, and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. Be sure to have plenty of food. Suggested items include juices, crackers, breakfast and protein bars, canned and dried fruit, peanut butter, bread, canned protein (tuna, chicken, Spam), powdered milk and condiments. Also have on hand disposable utensils, plates and napkins.
• Secure your important documents in a watertight plastic bag or waterproof container.
• Have cash on hand, in case the storm knocks out power from gas pumps and ATMs.
• Park your car as far inland as possible and on higher ground, to protect it from possible flooding. Do not park it next to a tree.
• Take photos of the interior and exterior of your home, in case you need to file an insurance claim.
• If you have a pet, have a plan for it.
• Have a family emergency communication plan. Your loved ones need to know how to contact you before the storm, and especially afterwards, when communication infrastructure may be damaged or overwhelmed.
• Check on your neighbors to see if they need help.

Before losing power
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers these tips for steps to take before losing power:
• Keep appliance thermometers in both the refrigerator and freezer to ensure the temperatures remain food safe during a power outage. Safe temperatures are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the refrigerator and Zero degrees Farenheit in the freezer.
• Freeze water in one-quart plastic storage bags or small containers prior to the storm. These containers are small enough to fit around the food in the refrigerator and freezer to help keep food cold. Remember, water expands when it freezes, so don’t overfill containers.
• Know where you can get dry ice or block ice.
• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than four hours.
• Keep a few days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling.
If you evacuate
• If you choose or ordered to evacuate, know the local evacuation route and have a plan where you can stay. (Pasco County officials have advised residents that manufactured homes can only withstand winds of 90 mph. Those living in a manufactured home, follow the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating, if necessary. Officials also say that those living in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding should monitor the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating).
• Have a disaster supply kit you can take along with you. It should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, required medicine, first aid supplies, 2 gallons to 3 gallons of water per person, documents such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, insurance information and tax documents, a hand-crank or battery-operated radio and a cellphone with a charged battery.
• If you have a pet, know where you can take your pet with you. Be sure to prepare a hurricane kit for your pet, including food, any medicines, toys, a bed and so on.

During the storm
• Stay inside and away from windows and doors
• Close all interior doors
• Keep curtains and blinds closed
• Get into a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level
• Lie under a table or other sturdy objects

A potentially deadly waste of time:
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes warns that using masking tape, duct tape or window film on windows or door is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. These products can create larger, deadlier shards of glass, according to the nonprofit organization. Preparation time and money is better spent on proven products and techniques, it says.

Protect your business
Businesses are reminded to sign up for Florida Virtual Business Operations Center to receive up to date storm-related information. Businesses also will be able to fill out damage reports and post hours of operation during the storm. To sign up, visit http://flveoc.org/index.php?action.

Epperson Attracts Hundreds Of Homebuyers With First Ever Crystal Lagoon

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Epperson, with its jaw-dropping Crystal Lagoon, has quickly become the most talked about new planned community in Tampa Bay. This community is selling homes at an impressive pace, with over 100 new homes sold, a running waitlist and residents already moving in.

Located in Wesley Chapel, north of State Road 54 at Curley Road and Overpass Road, three builders have model homes open for tour: Express Homes by D.R. Horton, M/I Homes and Pulte Homes. Two other builders, Lennar and AH Avex Homes, have models opening this fall. Epperson’s other builders, Maronda Homes and Freedom Homes by DR Horton, are accepting reservations for their homes that will be available soon.

The demand for Epperson can be attributed to the community’s desirable Wesley Chapel location and its unique 7-acre lagoon. Already hugely popular around the world, this will be the first Crystal Lagoon to be built in the U.S.

Metro Development Group, who has several Metro Places communities in the area, is planning two of these lagoon communities in Wesley Chapel – Epperson and Mirada. Together, these communities will anchor the nation’s first Smart Gigabit Community built from the ground up on a framework of the fastest internet and WiFi speeds imaginable. This means acres of crystal clear blue waters and an area ignited by technology, all in Pasco County.

Additionally, Metro has two more planned lagoon communities under development; Southshore Bay in Southern Hillsborough and Brightwater in Ft. Myers.

WHAT IS A CRYSTAL LAGOON?

Epperson’s lagoon is an enormous 7-acre, 16-million-gallon swimming pool with crystal clear water that stretches the length of five football fields. It will be 200 feet wide and up to 8 feet deep, and include a series of arms that stretch out 1/4 mile in length from the main Lagoon. The pool’s average depth will be 8 feet, with some areas as deep as 12 feet.

Both lagoons will have crystal clear blue water with sandy beaches, swim-up bars and restaurants built along their shores. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Lagoon’s water slides, kayaking docks, snorkeling, paddle boarding and small sailboats. Those wanting quiet conversations and relaxing in the sun will enjoy the Cabana pools.

Crystal Lagoon’s advanced ultrasound technology system, uses thousands of sensors to keep the water crystal clear. Epperson’s lagoon will use between 14 and 15 million gallons of water that will be purchased from Pasco County. After the Lagoon is filled, it is estimated that it will use 50 times less water than a park of the same size, and 30 times less water than an 18-hole golf course. Crystal Lagoons also use 100 times less chemicals than a swimming pool and up to 50 times less energy than conventional pool filtration systems.

“The lagoon at Epperson will truly be a first-of-its-kind amenity, not only in this region, but in the entire nation,” said Jen Austin, marketing director of Metro Development Group. “There is nothing like it, and it’s why so many people are buying homes at Epperson.”

1 GIGABIT OF ULTRAFI SPEED

Because Epperson is included in Pasco County’s newly designated Connected City, it residents will have ULTRAFi —the fastest Internet and WiFi speeds available in North America. ULTRAFi offers 1 gigabit of speed throughout the community, and up to 1 gigabit at individual homes.

“Living in an ULTRAFi community means there are no buffering delays as residents play, watch, game, surf and stream by the pool, on the trails, at the playground and right inside their homes,” said Austin.

This technology also offers smart controlled features that allow homeowners to customize settings from the same room or their smart device, including dimming lights, changing temperature and setting security.

Upon completion, Epperson and Mirada will have around 3,000 homes. The entire Connected City corridor will have around 37,000 homes and over 12 million square feet of commercial space, including office, retail, and state-of-the-art education, medical and technology facilities. The plan for the Connected City spans 50 years.

ABOUT METRO DEVELOPMENT GROUP

A Tampa-based company founded in 2003, Metro Development Group is committed to bringing some of the most innovative technologies and amenities to homebuilders and homebuyers. With the introduction of the Connected City, Metro Places, ULTRAFi and Metro Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons, Metro continues to be the gold standard in the development of master-planned communities. For more information, please visit MetroDevelopmentGroup.com and MetroPlaces.com.

 ABOUT CRYSTAL LAGOONS

Crystal Lagoons is an international technology company based in Miami that has developed an innovative concept and technology that allows for the construction and maintenance of unlimited size bodies of water in crystal clear conditions at low cost. Founded in 2007, Crystal Lagoons’ impressive turquoise waters are revolutionizing not only the real estate world; but also water and energy production. For more information, please visit Crystal-lagoons.com.

Published August 23, 2017

Worth a Visit

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Susan Blackwell, manager of the BonWorth located in Merchant Square Mall on Highway 301 in Zephyrhills, believes her store is the best-kept fashion secret in town.

“Zephyrhills is the perfect location for a clothing and accessories store that caters to older women,” said Blackwell. “This area has so many retirees and seasonal residents who come seeking the relaxed, comfortable Florida lifestyle. We provide the fashion that fits that lifestyle.”

In an era of declining brick and mortar retail store sales, BonWorth has stayed the course by focusing its line of quality women’s fashion on style, comfort and ease of care for a predominantly 45+ market. Founded 1966 in Hendersonville, North Carolina, by the Wells family, the company expanded by opening over 290 stores across the country.

Upon retirement of the last member of the Wells family, the company was acquired in 2014 by a former supplier, Mr. Gurusankar Gurumoorthy, who saw the BonWorth brand ripe for growth and ready for a slight change that would include a younger demographic without losing the older one.

Blackwell said the daughters of loyal, long-time customers are now shopping her store, oftentimes with their mothers. “Today, women care more about feeling good in their clothing, while still wanting to be fashionable,” Blackwell said. “The clothes and accessories we carry enable them to do both.”

Blackwell began her career with BonWorth in 2013 as a part-time associate, with a promotion to store manager in 2015 – and with good reason. Under her direction, the store began providing offsite trunk shows at area assisted living facilities and now participates in many local fundraisers, such as the annual fashion show hosted by the Alzheimer’s Family Organization.

“I love doing trunk shows,” said Blackwell. “It’s so rewarding to help elderly women who aren’t able to come to the store, or who don’t like to shop on the internet. They get so excited when I show up. I believe they value having a personal relationship with someone who understands their unique needs.”

Blackwell believes BonWorth’s casual, one-stop shopping experience is what attracts shoppers. “There’s always something new. For example, the new fall line features coordinating collections and an abundance of mix and match separates in Misses and Petite sizes. Our designers constantly introduce new colors, fabrics and accessories while also bringing back, season after season, long-time customer favorites such as our uniquely BonWorth LeChute fabric.”

As to the future, Blackwell said her vision is to see the Zephyrhills location become a premier shopping destination for seasonal and year-round residents.

A Family On The Cutting Edge

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Mother and daughter, Jay and Sawyer Zurkan, are the co-owners of Salon Zed.

Every hair salon is a bit different, be it in the services they offer, the product lines they carry, or even the personalities within the shop. Opened since May, Salon Zed is a family-owned, full-service salon that offers their guests the latest trends in hair styling and body care.

They feature Redken and Pureology hair care lines and have also partnered with Eminence Organic Skin Care to ensure the best quality products and results for their guests. That combined with skin, spray-tan, message and natural mani-pedi services make Salon Zed a one-stop shop for any beauty needs.

The shop is co-owned by the mother-daughter partnership of Jay and Sawyer Zurkan. “It’s been our dream for quite sometime to open our own full service salon,” said Jay.

“Not all parents are able to work so closely with their children, but she truly is my best friend and I love working with her every day,” beamed Sawyer.

The family ties at Salon Zed run even deeper, as Sawyer’s father built the reception area and her brother put together the studio’s website. “So much of what’s gone in to this place is a reflection of the people we cherish. It’s been quite the family affair,” she added.

Another interesting aspect of Salon Zed is their leading-edge hair replacement services. Cancer patients and those dealing with genetic hair-loss issues will take comfort in the knowledge that Salon Zed can create a hair replacement solution for just about any lifestyle or budget.

This is truly a labor of love, as Jay has dealt with her own hereditary hair-loss for many years. As the voice of experience, she will candidly discuss the subject with prospective clients in complimentary, one-on-one consultations. These are done discreetly to keep clients at ease, and the end results are often remarkable.

With a full range of professional hair services, expert color application and techniques, color correction and the latest trends for men and women, customers can expect to come away looking and feeling their best. “Nothing makes us happier than to see our clients walk out of here beaming with confidence,” concluded Jay.

Salon Zed is conveniently located at the intersection of Lutz Lake Fern Rd. and N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in the Lutz Lake Crossing center.

813-406-5364• SalonZed.com

 19241 N. Dale Mabry Hwy

Lutz, FL 33548

(in the Lutz Lake Crossing center)

 

 

Helping People Take Back Their Yards

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In the Tampa Bay Area, bugs are as unavoidable as death and taxes. Unfortunately, because of the heat and humidity, this happens to be an ideal habitat for mosquitoes and other pesky insects.

But, mosquitoes are much more than just an annoyance. They can pose a health hazard to families and pets, causing allergic reactions and exposing our loved ones to dangerous viruses, such as Zika and West Nile.

In fact, Brandon Allen is quick to point out that worldwide, according to National Geographic, mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths annually than sharks, tigers, snakes, dogs, alligators, crocodiles, and man combined.

Allen and his staff at Mosquito Hunters of Tampa Bay can help. They offer effective, environmentally responsible mosquito control solutions for both residential and commercial properties throughout Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties.

Unlike much of their competition, Mosquito Hunters understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to outdoor treatments. A member of Allen’s team will work with you, surveying your outdoor space, to customize an effective treatment plan for your home or business that is both people and pet friendly.

Currently, Mosquito Hunters is offering a special for first time customers of $200 for the year pest control and 5% off on their mosquito packages.

They also can provide a “one-off” barrier treatment service for HOA common areas and special outdoor events like weddings, festivals, concerts, cookouts and family reunions.

More than just mosquitos

Just like the name implies, mosquitos are their specialty, but they are a fully licensed pest control service that can help rid you of other unwanted guests like fire ants, fleas, ticks and small rodents. To date, in-laws are just about the only unwanted visitors they can’t help you with.

Operations manager, Wes “The Ant Whisperer “ Rogers, doesn’t believe in a hard-sell approach. “Since not everyone is a native Floridian, we try to educate our clients about proactive measures they, themselves, can take, rather than us just showing up once a month and then sending them a bill,” he said.

Mosquito Hunters also offers a Client Happiness Promise, which allows for no hassle, no-questions-asked re-treatments in between the regularly scheduled treatments. Basically, they want you to be happy with their work. That’s why they also provide customers with a cost-effective rollover service for unused treatments, an option not offered by the competition.

“For us, it’s truly a partnership with our clients. We stand behind our work and remain accessible after the fact,” said Kirby Lavallee, the company’s business and marketing manager.

If you’re ready to take back your yard, contact the Mosquito Hunters team today.

(813) 365-3976

MosquitoHunters.com

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Cruise Over to The Hair Port and Refresh Your Style

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The Hair Port’s staff: Seated on bench (l to r): Brooke Gill, Cindy Caron and Linda Villar. Back row (l to r): Rebecca Barnes, Nina Edmisten, Tammie Brandl, Wanda Smith, Sara Barnes and owner Judi Barnes.

Life is sunny for the talented team of stylists at The Hair Port. Tucked behind Wendy’s off State Road 54, the quaint salon is an oasis of calm that feels miles away from the busy, day-to-day routine in Land O’ Lakes.

Come in and leave your sea of worries behind as you enjoy a bit of relaxation along with expert hair services. Judi, Nina, Cindy, Tammie, Wanda, Linda and Brooke each brings many years of experience working with people of all ages, and this makes The Hair Port a welcome destination for the whole family.

When you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a tranquil place reminiscent of an ocean-side cottage. A “Welcome Aboard” sign is displayed on the wall, as well as large oil paintings of beach landscapes and a red and white buoy. Seashells decorate shelves and countertops, and wicker ceiling fans offer a nice breeze on warm days.

Even though it may appear that you’re on a tropical getaway, you will also feel right at home with the salon’s friendly staff, who treat each other (and their clients) like family. And while the Hair Port ladies take their jobs very seriously, they also have a great sense of humor, which is evident in quirky signs hanging from some of the hair stations, such as “Beware of Attack Hairdresser.” This is clearly the happy environment that Judi had hoped to create when she opened the salon 13 years ago.

Hair Port customers can indulge in a variety of services — haircuts, full color, highlights, braiding and facial waxing — all at very reasonable prices. There are also plenty of women who come for their weekly wash and set, an option not offered in many salons today. The staff here use some of the most professional hair products on the market, including Redken, Paul Mitchell and Matrix, to keep your hair in the most optimal condition.

It’s time to depart once you’re styled to perfection and feeling your best. Little visitors can select a treat from a ceramic shell full of colorful candies at the front desk. It’s comforting to know you don’t have to travel far from home for a refreshing retreat with affordable style. As you leave, a message on the wall offers a sweet reminder of The Hair Port’s warm spirit and its parting wish for everyone that comes: “May all who enter as guests leave as friends”.

813-909-8710 • 813-909-1432

2346 Raden Dr. • Land O’Lakes