The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Laker/Lutz News wins ‘Best of Show’

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The Laker/Lutz News received Best of Show distinction at the 2017 Awards for Excellence competition sponsored by Community Papers of Florida trade association. This top award was presented to Publisher Diane Kortus at the group’s annual meeting held Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 at Hutchinson Island.

The Best of Show was awarded for a full-page ad, “Fun on 41 – Discover the Wonders,” that uses a hand-drawn map illustrating shopping destinations and restaurants along U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

The map’s illustrator is Laura Bloomer, a Land O’ Lakes resident and owner of The Blooming House. The Laker/Lutz News Graphic Designer Stefanie Burlingame and Account Manager Cheryl Michel were recognized for their work on this campaign.

Judges described the entry this way: “Creative and engaging. Fresh approach to display an advertising community.” Another judge added: “A wonderfully illustrated and colorful map referencing area businesses promoting result-oriented offers is sure to catch the reader’s eye.”

In addition to the Best of Show award, The Laker/Lutz News received six additional advertising design awards, and five editorial awards for stories and photographs.

“To have our work chosen as Best of Show is quite an honor, especially when considering there were over 400 entries in this statewide newspaper competition,” said Publisher Diane Kortus.

The newspaper received these awards in advertising categories:

  • First place: Theme Promotion: Fun on 41 Map and Business Legend, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Real Estate: Tapestry Lake Park Apartments, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • First place: Spot Color: Pete the Painter directory ad, Matt Mistretta and Rachel Thompson
  • Second place: Full Color Ad: Oasis Pregnancy Center, Stefanie Burlingame and Diane Kortus
  • Third place: Self Promotion: Outside Sales Rep Recruitment, Stefanie Burlingame and Carolyn Bennett
  • Third place: Best Special Section Cover Design: Congratulations Class of 2017, Matt Mistretta

The newspaper received these awards in editorial categories:

  • First place: Personal Column, “My Father Loved This Newspaper,” Diane Kortus
  • First place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Rattlesnake Fest hits half-century mark,” Richard Riley
  • Second place: Best Original Photograph: “Zoe Deimling just can’t stop looking,” Fred Bellet
  • Second place: Best Original Photographic Spread: “Cueing up for a good time,” Fred Bellet
  • Third place: Best Original Writing: “‘Dear World’ gives storytellers a voice,” Kathy Steele

Community Papers of Florida represents 86 publishers of free-circulation community papers that reach 3.5 million homes weekly. Members range from independently-owned publications such as The Laker/Lutz News to free paper/shopping guide divisions of major communications companies.

Published October 25, 2017

Volunteers keep Grand Horizons active

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The season is starting once again and volunteers at Grand Horizons help keep everyone active, with fun things to do.

As summer has ended and fall is here again, attendance at Grand Horizons increases every month.

Nancy Huey put on a pot luck on Oct. 1.

The pot lucks have been happening for several months and residents certainly look forward to them.

About 60 people attended the pot luck, Nancy said, and she noted the community has many good cooks.

Each couple brought a dish to share and from what Nancy said, “There was so much good food that it was impossible to try everything.”

This is a new activity and people really like the fact that everyone joins together at the community center for good food, laughter and lots of fun.

The ladies held Lunch Bunch on Oct. 3 at “The Great Catch Restaurant.”

Again, I wasn’t here for this lunch but I have been to restaurant before and know they have a varied menu, including lobster rolls, mahi mahi (dolphin), salads and more tempting dishes.

At this get-together, there were 16 women who had a lovely lunch at this restaurant. Mim Gardner organized the event.

They all had a real good time talking and eating. More people would have been there, if the weather had cooperated. It kept raining, off and on.

Another activity is dominoes, which is held each Monday night.

This is a real fun game and it keeps all players on their toes.

When I am in Florida, this is one game that I do not want to miss.

We also have other games that are fun and, with the volunteers, these games are covered nicely.

Other games include pinochle, bingo, euchre, mah jongg and rummikub.

We also have pool exercises, arts and crafts, sewing and so on.

These all sound interesting and someday I may join. We also have some shows and other entertainment that give us activities to look forward to.

As I sit here recalling all of the good times that we have at Grand Horizons, I am really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published Oct. 18, 2017

 

Mount Dora: A charming way to spend a day

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Arriving in Mount Dora is like walking onto a movie set: sparkling Lake Dora provides the backdrop. Panning out from the lake, front-porched homes, American flags flying, line shady streets, an easy walk from main street shops, parks and even a candy cane-colored lighthouse.

The Mount Dora Lighthouse on the shores of Lake Dora draws visitors with its candy cane colors. It is 35 feet tall and was dedicated in 1988 over the Port of Mount Dora. (Karen Haymon Long)

In the daytime, visitors – like movie extras – fan out to the lake on scenic boat tours, hikes on lakeside boardwalks, then strolls to downtown shops and cafes. They can even take seaplane rides over the lake or rent their own pontoon boat to watch for gators, turtles, otters, herons, egrets and other wildlife.

In the evening, they’re back at the lake to witness salmon-colored sunsets over the water and maybe later to stroll to historic Lakeside Inn for a nightcap.

Mount Dora, a town of 12,534 residents in Lake County, 40 minutes northwest of Orlando, looks like small-town USA, with its moss-draped oaks, flowering magnolias, hilly terrain and higher-than-normal – for Florida anyway – elevation of 184 feet above sea level.

“It’s an extra friendly town. Everyone is really welcoming,” says Henry Ollendick, who co-owns one of downtown’s most charming shops, Papilio, which is Latin for butterfly.

Renninger’s Antique Center in Mount Dora offers all kinds of interesting treasures. You never know what you might find at the center and at one of its antique extravaganzas. The next one is Nov. 17 to Nov. 19. (Karen Haymon Long)

When he and his partner, Joel Maas, opened their shop in 2013, other shop owners welcomed them and asked if they needed anything, which made them feel at home, Ollendick says.

That friendliness, as well as “the hills, the big oaks, the Spanish moss hanging from the trees – so different from the rest of Florida,” convinced them to leave Key West and move to Mount Dora. Now, they walk to work.
“You get to know your neighbors that way,” Ollendick says. “It’s very homey.”

The two were also drawn by the town’s many festivals, which earned it the nickname “Festival City.” Its 33rd annual Craft Fair, coming up on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, features the work of 400 crafters and artists. Its antique extravaganzas at Renninger’s Antique Center, — the next one is Nov. 17 to Nov. 19 — draws treasure hunters from around the world.

Years ago, the antique center and sister flea market next door helped make Mount Dora a darling of travel guide book authors. The flea market is open weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the antique center Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendor Stan Lawson, who owns Triple LLL Treasures in the antique center, says he meets people from all over the U.S., and from around the world in his shop. Not long ago, he sold his Native American jewelry to visitors from Iceland, and he often sells to Germans and Brits, he says.

His shop sells jewelry made by Native Americans in the Southwest who he’s known for years. In another area in the center, Steve and Barbara Gretchko sell hard-to-find barrister’s bookcases, wood filing cabinets and other early 20th century office furniture.

Dozens of other booths sell everything from antique glassware and furniture to books, toys, linens, sports

Mount Dora’s downtown shops and restaurants remind visitors of what they would think of as ‘downtown USA.’ (Karen Haymon Long)

memorabilia and paintings. Outside, vendors sell old birdbaths, yard statuary, vintage signs, plants and more, while the flea market next door sells plants and produce, garage-sale-type items, T-shirts and other new clothes.

Downtown shops vary from home decor to paintings and other art, clothing and even dog bakery items. At Papilio, Joel Maas sells his artwork made with real butterflies, as well as stationery, jewelry, garden and home decor, plants and other items.

Like their visitors, downtown restaurants span the globe, with cuisine representing Cuba, Peru, Great Britain, Mexico, India, Italy, China and the Caribbean, along with the usual pizza and pub grub. Florida celebrity chef and cookbook author Norman Van Aken owns a restaurant in a house built in 1921, called, appropriately enough, 1921 by Norman Van Aken.

We chose Magical Meat Boutique for lunch, partly because of its kooky name and partly because it got raves on the online travel site Trip Advisor. Housed in a British pub-style space, it specializes in British fare – think bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie. It also attracts British tourists. On our visit, two parties at nearby tables had British accents and talked nostalgically about how happy they were to find a little home so far away from their homeland.

Next time, we thought we’d try The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge, a fancier place with a book-lined dining room and delicious sounding rack of lamb, duck, quail, Idaho trout, and jumbo lump crab cakes with peach and chive chutney on its menu.

The Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge in Mount Dora looks as friendly inside as out. Its menu offers lamb, duck, quail, crab cakes and other fare. (Karen Haymon Long)

Visitors need at least two days — or three, four or five — to take a boat ride, go out fishing, hike along the lake or just drive around and look at some of the neighborhoods and some of the old Victorian houses, such as the Donnelly House, built in 1893 and now owned by the Masonic Lodge, and open to the public for special occasions.

The old railroad depot, built in 1915, now houses the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce offices and visitor center at the corner of Third Avenue and Alexander Street. The picturesque Lakeside Inn, opened in 1883, is an elegant place to stay and dine, get married or take a boat ride off its shores.

Some 36 years ago, Mount Dora was the setting for the movie “Honky Tonk Freeway,” starring Jessica Tandy, Beau Bridges, Teri Garr and Beverly D’Angelo. Townspeople were extras. The plot: The town – named Ticlaw – already has a wildlife safari park and a waterskiing elephant named Bubbles, so when residents hear a freeway is about to be built, they hope an off-ramp will lead to more riches. But, when the new freeway bypasses them without an off-ramp, they paint their downtown buildings pink to get people to come.

Today, Mount Dora doesn’t have to paint itself pink. It has charm enough to attract visitors – even without a waterskiing elephant.

Tips for the Trip
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Mount Dora from Pasco County is to go north on Interstate 75. That way, MapQuest says it’s an hour and a half, and 80 miles, from Wesley Chapel. Another route is Interstate 4 toward Orlando, then north to Mount Dora. For details, see MapQuest or another directions site.

Where to eat: We liked Magical Meat Boutique, at 112 W. Third Ave., where we had bangers and mash, a stilton, pear and walnut salad, and two Scottish beers for $37. For menu, visit MagicalMeatBoutique.com.

Where to stay: We’ve stayed at Lakeside Inn before and enjoyed its quiet elegance. The town also has a variety of bed and breakfast inns, and other hotels. See the chamber of commerce’s MountDora.com for options.

Festivals: This city of festivals has all sorts of offerings, including Renninger’s Antique Extravaganzas Nov. 17 through Nov. 19; Jan. 19 through Jan. 21 and Feb. 16 through Feb.18 at its antique center, 20651 U.S. 441. For details, visit Renningers.net.

Other events include:

  • 33rd Annual Craft Fair, with 400 vendors, Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 510 N. Baker St.
  • Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., begins on Lake Dora at the lighthouse across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Avenue, downtown.
  • Christmas Tour of Homes, Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $20; for details, visit WCFAMountDora.com.
  • 43rd annual Arts Festival, Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown, with park and ride options; for more, visit MountDoraArtsFestival.org.

For a more extensive list of festivals and events, go to MountDora.com, and click on annual events.

For a more extensive list of festivals and events, go to MountDora.com, and click on annual events.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published Oct. 18, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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