The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

email:

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

A fond farewell to one of our own

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The lunch connoisseurs gathered at the Longhorn Steakhouse on State Road 56, near Tampa Premium Outlets, on Aug. 11 for their monthly lunch and to celebrate Sandy Lindke’s 79th birthday,

Adrianne Ayres digs into a pizza during a party in her honor. (Courtesy of Sandy Lindke)

Al and Sandy were the hosts for this month. A nice crowd of 38 Grand Horizons residents had a great lunch and lots of laughter.

A dessert of pretty decorated cupcakes was furnished by the birthday girl.

I received this information from Sandy, as she was kind enough to tell me about their good time.

Then, since it was near the mall, I am sure that many people went shopping.  It turned out to be a full day, and our thanks go out to Al and Sandy for arranging the luncheon.

A large contingent of Grand Horizons residents joined together on Aug. 12 to give Adrianne Ayres a pizza party and good wishes on her move to join family in California.

Ed Goldstein, Jim Leitzke and Sandy Lindke spoke a few words of appreciation and praise for her dedication to the HOA Board, the Social Club and the people of Grand Horizons.

From left are Jim Leitzke, Eileen Goldstein, Cheryl Leone, Judi Leitzke and Nancy Huey in the kitchen during the ‘Just Because’ potluck.

The party was in the community center, and Adrianne will be greatly missed by all.

The Social Club furnished a variety of pizzas, while the residents provided the friendly atmosphere.

Once again, Sandy Lindke was nice enough to provide the information and several pictures.

Since Marty and I were in Connecticut and unable to attend, our best wishes go out to Adrianne on her move. She will be missed by so many.

A potluck was held Aug. 13 in the Community Center. The following was related to me by Sandy Lindke.

Vic Dyson and Joe Diemicki must have coordinated their outfits for the potluck in the community center.

Sandy mentioned that the “Just Because” potluck was hosted by Nancy Huey, and 77 residents came to have a good time. They all brought a dish to share and enjoy with Nancy’s tasty sloppy joes.

The food table was loaded with quite a few homemade dishes. There were plenty of salads, baked beans, German potato salad, deviled eggs, sausages, meatballs, and just about any kind of dessert you would want. No one left hungry.

Grand Horizons residents enjoyed an afternoon of good food and friendship.

Nancy had a helpful crew for setting up and cleaning up. The crew consisted of Nancy Huey, Cheryl Leone, Eileen Goldstein, and Jim and Judi Leitzke.

Our thanks go to all who helped out and to Nancy Huey for arranging it.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Published August 23, 2017

Ringing in a new school year in Pasco County Schools

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Parents and students stream toward Bexley Elementary School, a school that had its first ‘first day of school’ on Aug. 14. (B.C. Manion)

Pasco County public school students began a new school year on Aug. 14, and some of those students headed to schools that were opening for the first time.

At Bexley Elementary, in Land O’ Lakes, parents and children appeared eager to begin a new year, in a new school.

The message on the school’s marquee was summed up in three words: “Believe. Engage. Succeed.”

Cypress Creek Middle High School students make their way to their second class on the first day of school on the new campus in Wesley Chapel.

 

Things were running smoothly at Cypress Creek Middle High in Wesley Chapel.

Students streamed across campus for their second-period class. Most appeared to know where they were heading, but for those who were lost, there was plenty of help.

“I can help. If you need help, I can help,” Tico Hernandez, the school’s Graduation Enhancement teacher called out, as students changed classes.

Published August 16, 2017

 

First Day photos

Kate and Sean Cancelliere are in line with their son, Maxx, waiting for the first day of school at Bexley Elementary. Maxx was excited to be heading to kindergarten, in a class taught by Sarah Johansen.

We know that you took them, so why don’t you share them?

It’s an annual tradition for many families to take ‘First Day of School’ photos.

We’d love to share some of your photos with our readers.

The number of photos we will be able to publish depends how many we receive, the quality of the photo and whether we have sufficient information.

If you would like your photo to be considered, please email us a digital copy. Include the name or names of the student, the grade of the student or students, and what school they attend. Also include contact information, in case we need to get back to you.

Finally, feel free to send us your photos whether you took them at home before leaving for school, or whether you took them at the school itself.

Please submit the photos by Aug. 25 by emailing them to .

Celebrating with cake and ice cream

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Lamar and Rudi Lawson (Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

A Ladies Lunch Bunch was held July 11 at the Sunrise Eatery. Even though it was in the midst of the summer months, there still were 11 women who attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

My husband and I have gone to the Sunrise Eatery several times before, and they have an extensive menu with something for everyone. The staff is delightful and happy to help if you if you have a question.

The restaurant supplied two orders of appetizers for the group as a thank you for attending. From what Pat McKain told me, there were enough appetizers for every woman to have some.

The birthday girls: Sandra Lindke and Barbara Holmes

Our thanks go to Pat for organizing this luncheon, and I look forward to it being one of the restaurants that we go to when I return.

During the month, Grand Horizons had other functions and several get-togethers in the community center, including the coffee/doughnut hour that is held every Wednesday morning. I understand from talking to Sandy Lindke that the turnouts were quite large for coffee and doughnuts.

At the event, you can get the news of the latest happenings, and hear the birthdays and anniversaries that are coming up the following week, over a nice warm cup of coffee.

There are also card games that people like to join in on, as they are not only fun, but the people are cooler in the community center.

Chris and Jerry Buckley

I realize several of the activities are put on hold during the summer, but Grand Horizons still keeps everyone busy with different functions, such as the ice cream and cake that was at the community center hosted by Barb Holmes and Sandy Lindke.

Sandy gave me the following news that the party was on Aug. 5, and since this was a double birthday celebration, 46 residents were treated to cake and ice cream.

The cake was cupcakes made to look like a sheet cake, and decorated in shades of blue and white.

As Sandy went on to mention, since she and Barb were both turning 79, it was a big practice for the following year when they will be 80.

Way to go Sandy and Barb, and we all wish you the best!

Besides the fact that ice cream is pure heaven on a hot and humid day, quite a few stayed in the cool community center to visit and entertain each other telling stories. Everyone had a very pleasant time.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Published August 16, 2017

Diane and Bill Taggart
Shirley and Chuck Carlson

An island oasis, a day-trip away

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Maybe because it’s an island.

Or, maybe because it’s close to home, but feels so far away.

Or, maybe because Anna Maria Island lulls you with its watery beauty and makes you forget the world outside.

Maybe, for all these reasons, this island is an ideal place for a day-trip.

Anna Maria City Pier, looming out into Tampa Bay, can be seen from this spot in Bayfront Park, a popular place to set up umbrellas and stroll the beach. (Karen Haymon Long)

For years, Tampa families have escaped to their second homes on the island on weekends just to get away. Most were nothing fancy, white cottages an easy stroll from long stretches of sandy beaches. If they got up early enough, they might be the only ones on the beach for miles.

Some modest cottages and little houses are still there. But, more and more have been torn down and replaced by much larger homes on the water, more often owned by out-of-staters than by Tampa Bay area locals. Many new and old homes are now vacation rentals, which gives the island a more transient feeling than ever before.

That didn’t hurt the vibe, though, on our recent day visit to Anna Maria, the northernmost of the three cities on the island. (The others are Bradenton Beach to the south and Holmes Beach in the middle).

It was enjoyable to watch other tourists like ourselves fishing and sitting on the city pier, riding bikes down the middle of South Bay Boulevard, or lining up for a first-come, first-served lunch at the popular Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar.

The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar offers indoor and outdoor dining with water views.

Before noon, retirement-aged couples sat at picnic tables on the city pier chatting and drinking canned beer, while an older man fished from his wheelchair, using shrimp as bait. A little boy in a red baseball cap sat watching a sheriff’s boat with deputies aboard idling beside the pier. A young couple fished under the watchful eyes of hungry pelicans.

On land, groups of families and lots of couples walked the beaches, rode rental bikes up and down narrow, sea grape-lined streets, and ducked in and out of shops.

We enjoyed strolling past homes, some named: “After All,” “Serenity Now,” “Casa del Mar,” “Starfish,” “Three Palms,” “Manatee House …”

A man on a bike wore a T-shirt that said “Island Bum,” an enviable statement on such a pretty day.

No one seemed in a hurry. No one seemed the least bit interested in what was going on in Washington D.C., or anywhere else.

A woman in a little shop called Just Beachy shopped for an Anna Maria Island T-shirt, but sounded conflicted about buying one or not.

Anna Maria, the northernmost town on Anna Maria Island, offers picturesque views of Tampa Bay.

“I don’t want more people to come here,” she said. “I want to keep it our secret.”

“Too late for that,” another woman said. Then they laughed.

The secret’s long been out.

But, Anna Maria still isn’t too crowded to make it stressful on an off-season weekday in May. Weekends, though, are another story.

One of the best things about Anna Maria is that once you park, you don’t really need a car. Water – the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway – are all an easy walk from anywhere inland. If you tire, you can hop on the free trolley, rent a bike or sit a spell in a cozy bar, cafe or ice cream shop.

Or, you can shop in one of the local boutiques or gift shops. I particularly like The White Egret, at 10006 Gulf Drive, specializing in an array of coastal home decor and gifts, and its sister store, The Egret’s Nest, at 10010 Gulf Drive, a high-end women’s and baby boutique.

Both stores have friendly service and attractive gifts hard to find in chain stores. They’re also a fun place to eavesdrop on other visitors.

Anna Maria Pier is a popular place for locals and tourists, alike.

“I wish I could move here,” one young shopper told the sales clerk. “My hair always looks so much fuller and better in this humidity than it does at home.”

When the clerk asked where she lived, she told her, “Orlando,” which sounded funny, considering all of Florida seems so humid and muggy in late spring and summer.

Many visitors head to the beach and stay all day, a smart idea, since it’s sometimes tough to find a parking spot. We drove up and down the beach-side streets and never found a place that didn’t require a local permit. Those who came early got the free, no- permit spots. We figured most people who aren’t staying on the island in one of the houses or at an inn or hotel must go to Holmes or Bradenton beaches to the south that both have large parking lots.

We ended up parking in a free spot near the city pier and walked from there down the pier, then along Bayfront Park, a spit of beach on Tampa Bay. Then, we headed to lunch at The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar, where we sat outside with a view of the bay.

Anna Maria stretches along the Gulf of Mexico, drawing visitors during the day and later for sunsets.

We had been before, and remembered the good food and watery views. This time, I had excellent crab cakes, loaded with lump crab, atop a tropical salad for $15. My husband enjoyed his carnitas, pork braised in orange juice and seasonings, and served on tortillas with cheese, avocado, chimichurri and lime for $12. Another diner raved about her steamed mussels, $12.

It’s such a peaceful setting, with kayakers gliding east and west, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge as a backdrop. If they time it right, kayakers can paddle to Bean Point Beach to watch the sun set over the Gulf with others gathered there.

Or, they can just paddle around, enjoying the green, tranquil waters of the bay and maybe even see a dolphin or two – all on island time.

Tips for the Trip
How to get there: Anna Maria is in Manatee County. Once over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Interstate 275 South, take U.S. 19 south to south Tamiami Trail. Go left (south) on the trail, then go right (west) on State Road 64. When that dead ends at the beach, turn right on Gulf Drive, which leads to Anna Maria.

Where to eat: We liked The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar, at 111 South Bay Blvd., that offers indoor and outdoor seating and a dark-wood bar that serves 13 craft cocktails. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Visit TheWaterfrontRestaurant.net or call (941) 778-1515.

We’ve also enjoyed eating at The Sandbar Restaurant, at 100 Spring Ave., on the Gulf of Mexico, a wonderful place for sunsets and grouper sandwiches. Call (941) 778-0444.

Anna Maria has many other restaurants, cafes and bars as well. Find them, along with places to rent kayaks and paddleboards, at AnnaMariaIslandChamber.org.

Where to stay: If you want to stay overnight on the island, there are lots of options – from homes to inns, motels and resorts. For listings, see VisitAnnaMaria.com.

Fun fact: According to legend, Anna Maria Island was named by a Spanish explorer for the Virgin Mary and her mother, Ann.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published August 9, 2017

Time Well Spent

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Jaime’s Adult Day Centers was founded by sisters Julie (left) and Jaime Goddard.

Jaime’s Adult Day Centers offers an affordable solution to help loved ones stay active, make new friends, and experience life based on their own unique abilities. This brainchild of sisters Jaime and Julie Goddard opened in January in North Tampa.

“As the name implies, members spend the day on-site, but return to their own homes in the evening,” said co-owner, Jaime Goddard, a registered nurse by trade, who is clearly passionate about her work in senior care.

Initially, the siblings considered opening an assisted living facility, but decided that the emerging niche of private adult day care was where they could do the most good. Right out of the gate, they sought to break the mold of those government-run senior centers.

The result is a welcoming atmosphere that truly feels like home, right down to the authentic vintage photos of their family hanging on the walls. Beyond the obvious curb appeal, Jaime’s is a considerably less-expensive option than standard ALFs, or in-home caregivers.

An, on-staff, certified recreational therapist uses innovative, daily activities to engage creativity and socialization. Things like chair zumba, drum circles, and walks to the nearby lake are commonplace. As are tending to the members’ vegetable garden, brain games, karaoke and even playing Wii.

“The activities we provide are based on the five pillars of wellness: social, emotional, intellectual, physical and the spiritual,” beams big sister Julie, who herself has 17 years experience as a trustee/conservator for the aged.

The staff at Jaime’s truly understands the challenges families face and offers a calming, supportive environment. The super sisters work with members and their families to provide everyone with peace of mind. To schedule or tour, or to find out more about their flexible full or half-day memberships, give them a call.

813-263-6735 • JaimesAdultDayCenters.com

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Monday – Friday

 18950 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. • Lutz, FL 33548 • (in Sunlake Professional Center)

Discover Twisted Sprocket Café

By

Ashley Davis

The new community of Bexley in Land O’ Lakes is getting lots of recognition for its parks and trail system, beautiful homes from prestigious builders, and new elementary school that opens this fall.

Yet to be discovered by many, however, is Bexley’s best-kept secret —The Twisted Sprocket Café.

This gem of a café is located inside The Bexley Club, which is part of the amenity center for Bexley residents. People are often surprised to learn that the community’s restaurant is also open to the public, and that the cafe offers so much more than a traditional grab-and-go menu found at most clubhouses.

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

One of the café’s most popular sandwiches, the Bexley Club, received outstanding kudos by blogger Mike Sylvester, who posts at The Geeky Traveler website.

“The Bexley Club,” Sylvester writes, “is jammed, packed full of goodness and wrapped in a soft, but warm, crispy Tuscan baguette and layered with a little ranch dressing.”

Sylvester describes the Twisted Sprocket Salad as “overflowing with flavor and textured with walnuts, dried cranberries, tomatoes and bacon, all served on a huge bed of spring mix. The honey mustard vinaigrette that was chosen rounded this salad off perfectly.”

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 Cafe overlooks a lovely lake in a serene woodland setting that is a mile or so from busy State Road 54 to the south and the Veterans Expressway to the west. 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.

“We’ve created an inviting, comfortable restaurant that is perfect for eating inside or out,” said Davis. “The décor has an eclectic feel that is neither modern nor rustic, but something in-between. It’s perfect for morning coffee with friends, someplace different for business meetings and a relaxing restaurant with no wait for families getting together for a weekend breakfast or lunch.”

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.

Working alongside Davis, are Assistant Manager Ashley Fairbanks, and café attendants Leah Palacio and Adrianna Caruso.

HOURS: 10 to 6 Mon – Sat • 12 to 6 Sunday

16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

(813) 491-4879 • bexleyflorida.com

Happy Birthday, America

By

Ray and Ruth Weick
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

An Independence Day luncheon was held in the community center on July 4, and 110 people celebrated the holiday.

The dinner consisted of fried chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, baked beans and cupcakes for dessert, and it was hosted by Sandy and Al Lindke. The social club provided the free meal.

Ken and Barb Holzapfel

There also were many willing hands to help with the setup and cleanup. Helpers were Chris and Jerry Buckley, Barb and Bob Williams, Barb Holmes, Judy and Jim Leitzke, Pat McKain, and Sonya and Mitch Mitchell.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and there was a lot of visiting and laughter.

Sandy Lindke was nice enough to supply me with the information provided, and she added that the Pledge of Allegiance started the event, and Jim Leitzke blessing the meal with prayer.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published July 12, 2017

Jenny and Dave Molinek
Jim McMullen, Sandi Whiteside and Donna Dawes