Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Mayoral candidates take bribes, give back to charity

November 27, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Sherri Lonon

It’s not every day that politicians give kickbacks from their campaign coffers rather than get them from shady types hoping to get a favor or two during a victor’s time in office.

That was exactly the case, however, Nov. 20 when the two candidates in the Wesley Chapel Honorary Mayor’s Race doled out donations to three local charities. While the candidates did, in fact, buy their way into the positions they’ll assume on Jan. 1, there wasn’t anything “shady” going on.

The honorary mayor’s race is staged annually by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce as a way to raise awareness about the organization and its members while garnering money for its efforts and charities in the community. Candidates in the highly unofficial event buy their way into office by earning “votes,” which are actually cash donations, similar to the annual Lutz Guv’na race. A portion of the money they raise in the mayoral race goes back to charities of their choosing.

“It gives us an opportunity to provide a figurehead to Wesley Chapel” for ribbon cuttings and other events, explained chamber president Jeff Novotny. It also delivers “benefits on many levels” for the community and chamber.

This year’s race had two candidates and two winners — Cathy Bickham bought her way to the “mayor’s office” and Mary Ann Yaney gets the honor of serving as Wesley Chapel’s deputy mayor in 2014. Bickham and Yaney collected $637 for their charities of choice while running for office.

Bickham, who is a market strategist for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, donated proceeds from her campaign to Support the Troops, a Wesley Chapel-based nonprofit that sends care packages to soldiers serving overseas. Yaney, the assistant vice president of Central Bank in Wesley Chapel, donated her share to Tampa Leads & Philanthropy and the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club.

Both women say they got involved in the race to have fun, give back to the community and raise awareness for their businesses and the chamber.

While running takes a lot of work, Yaney recommends the challenge to other area businesspeople.

“If you want to work for your community and you want a way to get more” public relations, it’s a great opportunity, she said.

Bickham is no stranger to the mayor’s race. She’s worked on the campaigns of others in the past, so she knew what she was getting into, she said.

“I truly love Wesley Chapel,” she said. “I really care about the people and the prosperity of the town.”

For more information about the chamber, visit it online at WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Experiencing the sites and sounds of Georgia

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Lee Heffelfinger

We have certainly survived the summer heat and the daily summer rains. It really made the flowers beautiful and the grass cutting was a weekly job, or I should say every five days a clipping was due.

Russ and I, along with Joe and Ann Casey, motored to the Oktoberfest festivities in Helen, Ga. We did a lot of visiting local landmarks such as Babyland General, home of the original, and still going strong, Cabbage Patch Dolls and all their accessories. We got to see firsthand how the Cabbage Babies are born. Everyone should see this at least once, and I think it’s about the 14th time we have seen it.

We visited the gourd place where they grow all the different kinds and shapes of gourds, clean and dry them, and design everything imaginable, from dessert dishes to candle holders to musical instruments.

The day we spent in Dahlonega, Ga., was great. We ate our noon meal at the Smith House, a Gold Rush-days boardinghouse, and saw the gold mine shaft that started the gold rush craze way back before the gold rush in California of 1850.

We tramped through at least 15 antique shops, and Ann did find a few missing pieces to a set of dishes she had.

On the way back to Helen, we stopped at three different wineries, and by the time we got to the Oktoberfest, where we unwound with a beer garden brewski and tried our version of the chicken dance, listened to the genuine German polkas, and smelled the fresh wurst and sauerkraut. We were glad to get out in the fresh air and walk back to our motel.

What a wonderful vacation that was. If only Helen was not so far from Zephyrhills.

The attendance for our coffee and doughnut social was strong all summer, certainly not back to full capacity, but picking up. Hosts for October were Janet Clarks, Richard and Dea-Ann Burgess, Al and Deanie Bennett, Sy and Mabel Budzinski, John Raab, and Russ and myself.

We’ve had our share of bad luck. Madeline Macomber had a bad fall with surgeries and bruising to her face. John Phillips had surgery on his legs. And his daughter, Judy, has been here from Belfast, Maine, to help take care of him.

John’s son, John Jr., also is spending some time with his father. Vernita Perdue is struggling with chemo for multiple myeloma and kidney problems. Hopefully she will be able to come to her home here for the winter since we are so much closer to medical facilities here.

We lost several of our members: Sally Cavanaugh, Rosemary Leibrook and Harold Palmer. Our sincere sympathy to their spouses and families.

Harold Palmer’s family had a memorial service at the Faith Baptist Church for him, and his wife Bessie was brought from the rehab center where she is recuperating. Also in attendance were his four children: Denise, Roy, Mary and Kathy, all from western New York. A luncheon was served at our clubhouse for those that wanted to honor his memory.

Harold was a helper with so many projects during his 20-plus years as a resident of our park. He helped with shuffleboard, card games, coffee and doughnuts, and served on the board of directors. We are going to miss seeing him riding his lawn tractor down the street as he was heading to mow the many lawns, during the heat of the summer for the people from the north, even though he was having health problems and advancing age.

Our bus trips are once again on the go. We’re looking forward to our trip to Branson, Mo., for nine days of music, shows and entertainment. We will be there at the time you are reading this.

On Dec. 7, we go to the Early Bird Dinner Theater in Clearwater to enjoy “Boeing Boeing,” and Dec. 17-18, we go to Fort Lauderdale to enjoy the Christmas lights along the Jungle Queen Cruise route. Plus we can’t miss going to a casino, or two.

What a great way to participate in the holiday excitement. If you want to go along, call me at (813) 780-1012.

Good hauntings at Grand Horizons for Halloween week

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Helene Rubenstein

As more and more people return to Grand Horizons, so many activities seem to start up once again.

We just returned from Connecticut, and we find more new neighbors to get to know and to socialize with. Yes, our community is certainly growing in leaps and bounds.

On Oct. 26, there was a pancake breakfast in the community center hosted by Terry and Mim Gardner. I spoke to Mim and she mentioned that about 65 people attended this breakfast, which had good food, much laughter and loads of friendship.

Mim also went on to say that Paul and Norma Oi, David and Joyce Billig, and Rosemary Semian helped out with the serving and cooking. They did have a drawing and there were two winners who went home with a smile.

In addition to this, Chuck Carlson volunteered to help out in future pancake breakfasts.

So you see, there are always people to help out in any way that they are asked for. There is a definite pride within our community.

Bob and Sandi Blais portrayed a German couple and earned honors as the best-dressed couple at a Halloween potluck on Oct. 31. (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)

On Oct. 31, we had a Halloween potluck party at the community center hosted by Robbie Lockard. She had loads of help but “special” thanks go out to Ken and Barb Holzapfel, and Ron and Joyce Bell.

There were many more helpers who pitched in to make this party a success and there were about 90-95 people. There was a variety of music by Gary Wilcox.

It was difficult to pick out the best costume as all the witches, goblins, ghosts, and a variety of other costumes, were out in full force. A prize was awarded for the best costume and, let me tell you, it was one tough decision. I didn’t envy the judges.

Best costume for a woman was Marie Paolantonio who was dressed as the merry widow, while Ernie Rice won for best male costume as he dressed as Columbo. Finally, the best-dressed couple was Bob and Sandi Blais dressed as a German Oktoberfest man and woman.

On Nov. 1, there were 77 people who filled the community center for the first “egg n’ bag” of the season. We all had a fun time, and like last year, the eggs were fantastic and the potatoes were delicious.

Then, on Nov. 2, there was a fashion show sponsored by Bon Worth and hosted by Kathy Cribbs. I can just see Kathy, along with a group of women, getting ready to model their clothes. Behind the stage, I am sure you would find hectic moments and so much talking.

I spoke to Kathy and she told me that she got six models and they donned three outfits each. A terrific job was done by one and all. They also had door prizes won by some lucky people. After the show, they served some cookies and coffee.

Let us not forget the Nov. 16 yard sale at each individual house. In addition to this, there will be a book sale, bake sale, and lunch will be served at the community center. Who knows, you may be able to find the exact trinket that you have been looking for, so please circle the date on your calendar and come and see.

They fly the friendly skies to help those in need

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Sherri Lonon

Two local residents were nominated for pilot of the year honors for their dedication to the nonprofit that flies missions of mercy throughout the Southeast.

John Hanselman and David Trilling are on a mission to give back to others in need.

As pilots for Angel Flight Southeast, Trilling of Lutz and Hanselman of Odessa, give their time and donate their personal aircraft and fuel to take patients in need of medical care to appointments. Whether it’s transporting a child to another state for cancer treatments or flying a transplant organ from a donor hospital to a patient in need, Hanselman and Trilling stand ready to answer calls for help when they arise.

For their efforts, Angel Flight Southeast has nominated both Hanselman and Trilling for its pilot of the year award. The award is the highest honor Angel Flight bestows on its volunteer pilots.

Angel Flight Southeast is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that serves Florida. Through a network of about 650 volunteer pilots, the agency helps those who are unable to take commercial flights — whether for financial or medical reasons — get to their appointments within the state, or in other states. It’s part of the Air Charity Network, which logs more than 22,000 missions annually, according to Angel Flight’s website.

Trilling won pilot of the year during a ceremony Sunday night, while Hanselman received the “Above & Beyond” award, given to pilots who not only volunteer their time, planes and fuel for Angel Flight missions, but also work to raise awareness for the charity, and will often help with fundraising.

Hanselman and Trilling both say they are honored by the nominations and wins, but admit they don’t take to the skies in hopes of earning awards.

“Most pilots just absolutely love to fly, and they love to fly with purpose,” said Hanselman, who has been flying for Angel Flight for about a year.

Hanselman first learned about the organization in the 1980s while he was working on his pilot’s license. He promised himself if he was ever in a position to take part, he would.

When Hanselman retired and sold his stake in a business, he bought a Cessna 206h and kept that promise to himself. His first flight for the nonprofit was a year ago.

For Hanselman, being a part of such a “noble enterprise” is reward enough.

“I enjoy flying, and at the same time, it’s giving back,” he said.

Trilling’s motivations are similar.

“After five years of flying, earning ratings and certificates, I wanted to use the acquired flying skills to do interesting flying as well as give back to the community,” he said.

Trilling learned how to fly after working 35 years in the food research and development arena.

“After retiring, I consulted and learned how to fly, always having been interested in planes and the magic of flight,” he said.

Now a flight instructor and volunteer with Angel Flight, Trilling uses his personal plane, a Mooney, to conduct missions of mercy.

As for the nomination, Trilling is honored, but says that “all of the pilots who contribute their time and planes for this purpose are pilots of the year.”

For more information about Angel Flight, visit the nonprofit online at www.AngelFlightSE.org.

From paramedic to foot and ankle physician

November 13, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. William Trabulsi, a family foot and ankle care physician, wants your feet to be happy. Your feet are the foundation of the body. A sore, cut or bruise can adversely affect your ankles, knees or hips, especially if you’re changing the way you walk to keep the pressure off the problem. Minor issues can turn into major problems later on if they’re not taken care of quickly.

“Foot pain is an indication that something is wrong,” says Dr. Trabulsi. “Just like the dentist, everyone needs regular preventative checkups to avoid complications that can lead to significant problems later on especially if you’re diabetic.

Children are particularly at risk for foot problems. The bones in the child’s foot aren’t fully formed until about the age of eighteen. If a child has flat feet, it is much easier to treat at a younger age. As the bones fuse, the problem may be permanent requiring more aggressive treatment.

November is national diabetes month. “Diabetes throws off the immune system and makes it harder for healing to occur,” says Dr. Trabulsi. “Diabetes can cause a condition called neuropathy which is nerve damage causing lack of sensation.” Diabetes is a leading cause of nontraumatic lower limb amputations.

The smaller blood vessels in the feet and legs are susceptible to blood circulation issues. People with diabetes or coronary heart problems need to pay particular attention to their feet. Keeping the weight off is also a big issue, especially for diabetics.

Dr. Trabulsi provides foot and ankle care for children through senior adults. He has been providing this service to the area for eight years now. He and his family reside in Land O’ Lakes.

He graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2002. After completing his residency in 2004, he moved to Florida to be near his wife’s family. He’s originally a resident of New York City and still has family living there. He and his wife have been married for 20 years. In his spare time he enjoys playing golf.

Podiatry is Dr. Trabulsi’s second career. Before this he was a paramedic. “I wanted to further my medical career and podiatry seemed like a good fit,” says Dr. Trabulsi. “I saw a definite need for this type of care.”

Dr. Trabulsi has office hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. He can usually get people in the same day and has good rates for those without insurance. He has good rapport with local primary care physicians and is affiliated with Florida Hospital Tampa.

He is located at Greystone Professional park, 19013 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. He can be reached at (813) 406-4806.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Helping people prepare for the unexpected

November 6, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Jerry McCarthy, owner of the State Farm Insurance office at 1531 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, worked for 13 years in the Florida educational system before he became an insurance agent.

Jerry graduated from college with a degree in English in 1972. A single telephone interview landed him a job in the Florida school system teaching language arts. Jerry continued his education receiving a master’s degree in counseling, and additional coursework to achieve certification in administration and supervision.

He worked three years as a guidance counselor and then opened the Pine View Middle School in 1978 and assumed the role of school principal for five years. “It was a brand new school,” says Jerry, “and a terrific learning experience.”

He finished his educational career as a high school principal. “The transition from teaching to sales isn’t that big of a leap,” says Jerry. “I always wanted to get into sales. The truth is that all great sales people are teachers.”

Jerry was born and raised in Chicago, the oldest of seven children. His mom is 92 and still lives there. His family visits up north are just long enough to remind him why he never wants to leave Florida.

This is Jerry’s 29th year with State Farm. He opened his own office in 1985 in the Land O’Lakes/Lutz area. “I started from scratch,” says Jerry. “That means I had no clients, no mailing list, just a strong desire to help people prepare for the unexpected.”

He moved to his current location on N. Dale Mabry Highway in 1990. Jerry has only one office. A lot of insurance sales people are independent agents who represent multiple insurance companies, but Jerry works only for State Farm. “It is our goal to be the first and best choice for your insurance needs,” says Jerry. “State Farm is a good wholesome company that provides excellent customer service.”

“State Farm is a great company for both employees and customers,” says Jerry. “They know the employees are an integral part of the problem resolution process. The claims people are very compassionate. They understand they’re helping customers at a time when they’re going through the worst situations.” Insurance is all about preparing for and protecting people from the unexpected. “No one expects to have an accident or a loss,” says Jerry. “The purpose of insurance is to help people recover from a problem. It feels good to know my customers are adequately covered.”

“These days change is the only constant,” says Jerry. “People need to be prepared for sudden and unexpected problems. Everyone needs homeowners insurance because things happen in a house. Years ago lightning was a huge source of loss in the home.”

Jerry is now insuring multiple generations. First he insured the parents and now the children are coming to him also. “State Farm is a great partner to have on your side when you have a problem,” says Jerry. “We strive to provide the very best coverage to our customers.”

Jerry is pleased with both of his career choices. He’s still involved in the school system, though now as a spectator watching his grandchildren participate in school events. And he’s still teaching, helping people prepare for their future in a constantly changing world.

His State Farm Insurance office is located at 1531 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. He can be reached at (813) 949-3669, or at .

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

‘Li’l Abner’ brings comic strip laughs to local stage

October 30, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Musical theater lovers are invited to take a trip back in comic strip time as a group of young performers bring the antics of Dogpatch, Ark. to life on the Pasco Middle School stage.

Arts in Motion’s production of the musical comedy “Li’l Abner” begins its run Nov. 8, featuring a cast of student performers from all over central and eastern Pasco County.

‘Li’l Abner’ director Capria Pichette, left, reads through some lines with actors in the play set to premiere Nov. 8 at Pasco Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Arts in Motion)

Inspired by Al Capp’s famous comic strip that was syndicated throughout the United States from 1934 to 1977, the musical comedy is focused on the lives of Li’l Abner Yokum, Daisy Mae Scragg Yokum, and other residents of the fictional mountain town of Dogpatch.

Two Pasco teens are sharing the responsibility of portraying Daisy Mae in the Arts in Motion production. Kailey Holyoke, 16, a junior at Wiregrass Ranch High School, and Melanie Kender, 17, a junior at Pasco High School, will take turns on the stage during the show’s two-week run.

Sharing a leading role can be tricky, the girls said. But, split time in the spotlight does have its perks.

“We help each other learn lines and get to work on teamwork skills,” Holyoke said.

“When you share a lead role, you get different perspectives,” Kender added.

Theater is a passion for both girls. Holyoke, who has been performing with Arts In Motion off and on since she was in elementary school, hopes to pursue the arts as a career.

Kender began working with the nonprofit youth community theater group in 2009, and has been involved in every production ever since. She hopes to become a linguist down the road, but says theater will remain a part of her life.

As for “Li’l Abner,” both girls say the show is a “must-see.”

“It’s fabulous,” Holyoke said. “It’s a really fun show. It’s catchy and it has really great dance numbers.”

Director Capria Pichette agrees, and points out those who attend the show not only get to enjoy live theater, but they gain an additional benefit as well.

“It’s a great way to support your local community as well as support children and the arts,” she said.

Arts in Motion provides students in kindergarten through 12th grade an opportunity to learn about the performing arts. Its mission is to make sure youngsters have access to the educational opportunities theater can provide, said the group’s president, Patti Corjay.

The nonprofit got its start back in 1995 as public schools began to cut arts funding. Since it’s geared toward theater education, Arts in Motion makes sure every child who auditions for a production receives a role, Corjay said.

Donations, sponsors, ticket sales and a small fee charged for participation funds the group. Children whose families cannot afford the fees are provided with scholarships.

The next production for Arts in Motion is “High School Musical,” with auditions for the spring show set to begin in January, Corjay said.

For more information on how to join Arts in Motion, and how adults can support the mission, visit the group’s website at ArtsInMotionPasco.com. The group stages two productions each year, one in the spring and the other in the fall.

If you go
Arts in Motion will present ‘Li’l Abner’ at Pasco Middle School, 37350 Florida Ave., Dade City.
Shows are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8, Nov. 9, Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 10 and Nov. 17.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, and $7 for students.
For tickets and more information, visit ArtsInMotionPasco.com.

By Sherri Lonon

Returning to Grand Horizons in November with a bang

October 30, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The month of October rolled on at Grand Horizons with new activities and old. This community certainly can keep people busy as much they want to be.

We have our old reliable fun things to do like card playing, mahjong, shuffleboard, exercises, bingo, dominoes and so much more. That’s in addition to new and exciting things like the movies that Rich Wagner is showing in his home and other things to come.

A train rolls through on the Essex Steam Railroad. (Photo by Marty Rubenstein)

From what I understand, “Fun with Art” with Luella Wheeling, and other activities that were put on hold during the summer, will start shortly.

In the meantime, Grand Horizons had its monthly connoisseur luncheon on Oct. 11. This month the connoisseur lunch was at Golden Corral.

“We had 50 people and we filled the Tuttle Room,” said Sandy Lindke, who hosted this event along with her husband, Al Lindke. “It took us a good hour to get our fill of food and friendship.”

Denise Stewart and Pidge Elliott found smiley face stickers on their chairs, indicating that they had won the thank you prizes of $10 gift cards for Walmart. After the luncheon, about 20 people gathered together in the Lindke carport to spend the rest of the afternoon with drinks and laughter.

There also was something that we never had before, and it was taco night on Oct. 16 in the community center. It was hosted by Andy and Margaret Castonguay. Helping out in the kitchen to do the cooking and serving were Annmarie and Chick Shackewyc. There was additional help, as almost everyone helped out in several different ways.

I spoke to Andy and he told me that they served 91 people and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. They had taco bowls with toppings made from scratch.

These bowls were made in a deep fryer and for toppings they had lettuce, diced tomatoes and onions, salsa, cheese, black olives, and sour cream. The toppings on the meat created a nice meal.

After the main meal, they had cake and coffee or iced tea. Later in the evening they had poker, plus hand and foot. So it was a day to be remembered.

Marty and I will join our friends at Grand Horizon shortly, but in the meantime, on Oct. 13, we took a day trip which was a 1.5-hour cruise from Haddam, Conn. We took this ride on the River Quest and experienced the lower Connecticut River.

It was a lovely crisp day, and we passed by the Goodspeed Opera House that was built in 1870 and has terrific plays and musicals like “Annie” and “The Sound of Music,” and so much more. We saw a swinging bridge that is 100 years old and is the fifth oldest swing bridge. We also saw on this trip the Gillette Castle and several yacht clubs.

On the river we saw many canoes and speedboats with people fishing, and we saw some beautiful homes and some schools, plus some inns that were converted into apartment buildings.

At one point on our cruise we observed, from the water, the Essex Steam Railroad. This was a beauty of a train with many cars.

We also saw the Chester Ferry that took passengers across the river, and we actually got to see another tour boat called the Betty Thatcher. We just waved and hooted to one another as we passed. We observed many birds such as the tree swallows and several nests being built by the birds. Some were completed, and we actually saw a bald eagle in one.

One thing in particular that was something to see was a helicopter taking off. It was some site, and the airport had several more planes and gliders.

We enjoyed the ride and that it was fully narrated. All in all, it was a relaxing day.

By Helene Rubenstein

Local shop owner has a passion for party decorating

October 30, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Cheryl Friesen, owner of the LOL Party Shop, believes that parties are one of the best ways to show someone how much you appreciate them. “That’s what we’re all about at the LOL Party Shop,” says Cheryl. “Parties are a great way for people and families to establish important memories.”

Prior to opening the party shop, she worked for 20 years as a professional banker. “I just couldn’t see myself doing that for another 20 years,” says Cheryl. “I wanted to do something fun, something I could really invest myself into.”

She started putting the pieces into place a year earlier by joining a buying network. The buying group helps independent business owners pool their resources and their purchasing power. This enables Cheryl to keep her prices low and compete effectively with places like Party City, the largest party supply chain in the U.S.

The buying network also helped her to set up the store by providing advice about organizing the store and stocking an optimal selection of party items. “I’m still an independent business, and I choose all of my own merchandise,” says Cheryl. “The buying group just took a lot of the pressure off setting everything up.”

LOL Party Shop has a little bit of everything in stock. The buying network gives Cheryl immediate access to 47 suppliers, enabling Cheryl to handle just about any theme a customer has in mind. “I’m planning to bring in a lot of pirate theme items for the Gasparilla Pirate Extravaganza in January,” Cheryl says.

There are many places where party supplies can be purchased, but Cheryl gives her customers a great deal more. “How many sales people are truly interested in helping you to plan your party?” says Cheryl. “I’ll probably be just as excited about putting together their party as they are.”

Cheryl has taken courses to become a certified event decorator and is preparing to take the certification exams. She is planning to get more involved in decorating as the business grows. Right now she can help you plan and organize your special event in full.

This was a passionate decision for Cheryl. She’s been planning and decorating family parties for years. Lately she’s been doing it for local groups such as homeowner associations and business networking groups. “I’ve always enjoyed creating an atmosphere of enjoyment,” says Cheryl. “Even when I was a banker, I was always looking for opportunities to express an enjoyable side of life.”

Cheryl wants the LOL Party Shop to be a very community-oriented business. We want to be able to support our community and other local independent business owners. She wants to build relationships with other party-oriented business owners so she can further assist her customers in planning a complete event.

“I want to be able to help people create an event their friends and family will love and remember for years to come,” says Cheryl. “I get really excited about this. It’s hard to believe it’s my job.”

Cheryl’s husband, Bruce, is a sociology professor and is currently helping out with the business part-time. They’re looking forward to helping people set the stage for a really amazing party. They’re also looking for input from their customers about the types of themes they’re looking for.

LOL Party Shop is open for business right now. Their grand opening is November 10th. They are located at 24720 State Road 54, Lutz. Call them at (813) 388-2932, or visit them at LOLPartyShop.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story is a feature of the advertising department.

Connerton boasts over 60 sales as ‘Home Town’ continues to grow

October 30, 2013 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The past few months have been very exciting at Connerton! Since the Grand Re-opening in June, there have been over 60 sales, and new visitors stop by weekly to cash in on the enthusiasm. And speaking of “cashing in,” Connerton is currently offering the opportunity to win a $1,000 cash card just for visiting the builder’s models and Club Connerton. The Grand Tour of New Homes is taking place right now!

Four distinctive builders are currently presenting floor plans from approximately 1481 sq. ft. to 4895 sq. ft. Ryland Homes offers 7 models with varying elevations and many options, priced from the high $100s. One and two-story floor plans with 3 and 4 bedrooms offer charming features like front porches, bungalow columns and opulent master suites. Visit the Frost II, a popular floor plan with first-floor master bedroom and 3 bedrooms on the second level. Ryland’s efficiently designed homes help save on monthly utility bills and help preserve the Earth’s resources.

M/I Homes is now building 7 new homes priced from the mid $200s, with floor plans from 2163 to 3976 sq. ft. These homes are designed especially for Connerton with features such as 3-car tandem garages, split floor plans, and flex spaces with game or theatre rooms for today’s busy families. The Roxbury model is well designed with complete living on the first floor and a spacious bonus room plus bath on the second floor. M/I’s Confidence Builder Program makes the process of buying a home as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Taylor Morrison is building in the gated Gardenia Glen neighborhood of Connerton. This neighborhood offers maintenance-free living with single family homes. Floor plans from 1768 to 4367 sq. ft. are available with prices ranging from the low $200s to the low $300s. Two model homes are currently available for viewing: the Kentwood, a 2-story home with first-floor master suite and the Pinehurst III, a 1-story with great room, 3 bedrooms, plus den and 2 full baths.

Homes by WestBay presents the Key Largo II model in the idyllic neighbor- hood of Jasmine Abbey. This award-winning floor plan provides comfort and practicality for those who like to entertain, host family gatherings, work from home and more! Coming soon in the prestigious Rose Pointe neighborhood is a dramatic Mediterranean design, the Terracena II. This 5 bedroom, 4. 5 bat home is 4895 sq. ft. and boasts 20 ft. ceilings in the grand room, a gourmet kitchen, bonus room , the- atre and 3-car garage.

There are many choices for the discriminating buyer in Connerton, with floor plans ranging from 2306-4895 sq. ft., priced from the low $300s to the low $700s.

Connerton is a “New Town” planned community spread across 4,800 acres in Land O’ Lakes. Hundreds of species of indigenous birds and wildlife on the 3,000 acres of nature preserves call it home. Residents can walk, jog, hike, bike and bird-watch along the beautiful community trails and through the Conner Preserve. Several parks are also a part of the Connerton lifestyle with beautiful playgrounds that families can walk to and enjoy. A brand new dog park has been added where everyone in the family can make new friends.

Many of the premium homesites cap- ture the natural beauty of Connerton with conservation, water and wooded views. The many open green spaces create a feeling of living in a park-like setting. Club Connerton, the 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, super pool with unique aquatic playground and children’s wading pool. A café, meeting rooms for resident and community use, plus tennis and basketball courts are all available as part of the Connerton lifestyle.

Visit Connerton, enjoy the beauty of its location, tour the models, and as a bonus, you might be the winner of $1,000 cash card just for stopping by!

Connerton is located on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, six miles north of State Road 54. Call them at (813) 996-5800, or visit them at Connerton.com.

This story is a feature of the advertising department.