The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County names new county engineer

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The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the appointment of Nick Uhren to serve as the county’s director of engineering services.

His annual salary was set at $160,000 and his starting date will be May 30.

He is a registered professional engineer, with experience in both the public and private sector, according to information in the county board’s April 18 agenda packet.

He holds a bachelor of science and master of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky, and has been a licensed professional engineer in Florida for 20 years.

He previously served as executive director of the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency and as a senior engineer for Palm Beach County.

Uhren is filling the vacancy created by the departure of Margaret Smith, who recently retired.

Published May 03, 2023

Putting a spotlight on the environment

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club provided craft materials and instruction to kids at Crews Lake Wilderness Park, in celebration of Earth Day. The youth learned the importance of monarch butterflies in the ecosystem and about tagging the butterflies to track their annual migration and life span. Visitors also could see real butterfly eggs on a milkweed flower and craft their own beaded caterpillars on leaves. Club members Karen Phillips and Helen Fornino participated and showed the learning materials and craft used to help bring awareness to the environment.

A showcase of talent, and imagination

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(Mike Camunas)

The Chalk Art Festival, held at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, gave about 10 artists the chance to show off their talents — and imaginations — through works of chalk art on parking spots. See more photos in story above.

Discover The Mattamy Homes Difference and Area Communities

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With every new home community, Mattamy Homes demonstrates its dedication to thoughtful details and meaningful value for its customers.  Mattamy focuses on the intrinsic value of a given area such as the Tampa Bay area — scenic beauty, natural features, nearby attractions, local culture and accessible conveniences. Then it delivers a variety of floor plans specifically designed for comfort, space, light and air — including the most sought-after features, according to satisfied customers.

So who is Mattamy Homes? Since 1978, Mattamy Homes has been building homes that break the mold with inspired designs. As the largest privately-owned homebuilder in North America, Mattamy’s commitment to excellence has been evident since the beginning, and numerous Customer Satisfaction awards and Parade of Homes wins are frequent and ongoing reminders. Visit a Mattamy community and you’ll experience the Mattamy difference with beautiful streetscapes and exterior styles. Attention to detail is evident inside and outside of each home, with open and airy layouts that include charming, versatile living spaces.

Timberdale amenities

Three New Neighborhoods at Chapel Crossings in Wesley Chapel
Mattamy has just opened two new home neighborhoods in the popular Wesley Chapel master-planned community located off State Road 54 and Curley Road. A third neighborhood, Twin Creeks, is slated to begin sales on June 1, for spacious townhomes that complement the paired villas and single-family homes that are now available.

Timberdale at Chapel Crossings brings Mattamy Homes’ award-winning paired villas to Wesley Chapel with open and airy layouts that truly live like single-family homes. Three paired villa home designs — the Largo, Oceana and Regatta — offer 2 to 3 bedrooms plus a flex room or study. These range from 1,431 square feet to 1,765 square feet and include lawn maintenance for easy living, so you have more time to do what you want. Timberdale features three exterior styles for the paired villas — Coastal, Craftsman and Modern. 

Asbury Pelican exterior

For those homebuyers looking for single-family homes, Mattamy’s offerings at Asbury at Chapel Crossings include nine single-family home designs from 1,506 square feet to 2,810 square feet and have 2 to 5 bedrooms. Asbury offers two homesite sizes — 40-foot wide homesites and 50-foot wide homesites.

Three new models are open daily for touring  — two new decorated paired villas and one single-family home model. An array of quick move-in homes is available in both neighborhoods for move-in this spring.

Twin Creeks will offer stylish townhomes, with 1,667 square feet to 2,574 square feet and 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 1- to 2-car garages. These two-level townhomes are open, airy and spacious – and models of these townhomes are currently open at Mattamy’s nearby Parkview at Long Lake Ranch and Volanti. Sales for Twin Creeks will begin on June 1, and models will open in late June. Interested parties should join the VIP list by visiting MattamyHomes.com/Tampa.

“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting new master-planned community — and offering three new home types to meet the needs and wants of today’s homebuyer,” says Kathleen Dec, director of marketing for Mattamy Homes’ Tampa and Southwest Florida division. “Both of these new neighborhoods share an emphasis on curb appeal, well-being and lifestyle to make everyday living a joy.”

All three Mattamy neighborhoods will have Florida Green Building Certification and offer energy-efficient green features and a smart home tech package. All homes also will receive HERS certification, which reflects the energy efficiency and cost savings of each home.

Conveniently located just a short drive from premiere Pasco County destinations, such as The Shops at Wiregrass and the Tampa Premium Outlets, Chapel Crossings offers the best of Tampa and West Central Florida living.

Mattamy residents will have access to the Chapel Crossings master-planned amenities that are now under construction and opening later this year. These will provide fun for all ages, and include a distinctive clubhouse with a fitness center, dog park (the perfect place to make your pet’s day), resort-style pool and a lazy river. These amenities will be a great place to connect with friends, family and neighbors — and give residents access to well-being, sun, shade and happiness all year-round.

“Chapel Crossings’ new amenities under construction are meticulously planned, with a relaxing, down-home feel with modern features,” Dec continued. “The lazy river and beach-entry pool are just two of the ways homeowners can spend the summer making new memories.”

Volanti

Volanti in Wesley Chapel
Located just 4 miles from Interstate 75, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, Volanti offers stylish, low-maintenance townhomes and boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area. This gated-entry community is nearby premier shopping and dining destinations including the Tampa Premium Outlets, the Grove and The Shops at Wiregrass. Quick move-in townhomes are available with beautiful designer finishes.

Volanti recently was awarded the prestigious 2022 Community of The Year award by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, as well as the 2023 Grand Award for the Sebring model in the 2023 Parade of Homes.

Four home designs — the Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice — currently are available for quick move-in, and offer 1,667 square feet to 2,574 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2.5 to 3 baths. All have 1- or 2-car attached garages and large lanais. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary.

The gated community will have 200 homes at build out and offers brand-new amenities including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit. Four model homes are open for tours daily.

Parkview amenities

Parkview at Long Lake Ranch in Lutz
Perfectly situated just off State Road 54 at Sunlake Boulevard is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Parkview also has fun-filled amenities including the Parkview Pavilion — the hub of the community that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park, two tot lots and fun park areas. 

There currently is a great selection of quick move-in homes available, as well as nine stylish floor plans to choose from. There is truly something for everyone.

Six designer-decorated model homes are now open daily.

Citron Grove in Odessa
Only six townhomes remain in this Odessa enclave of 60 new townhomes just off Gunn Highway. This community, Citron Grove, offers unique Craftsman-style townhomes. Two floor plans are available — the Marianna and Ormond. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall, and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. It’s an easy commute to work or to all the sports, recreation and arts that Tampa offers.

Great savings and reduced pricing are available for a limited time
With Mattamy’s GO TIME National Sales Event going on now, it’s easier than ever to own a new Mattamy home. For a limited time, Mattamy currently is offering new lower pricing and additional savings on select quick move-in homes that will close by May 30. 

Homebuyers have their choice of an array of quick move-in homes that are available and attainable now in top locations throughout the area, so there is no need to wait. Mattamy invites you to contact a New Home Counselor to learn more about these special savings and  move-in homes.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned home builder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all Mattamy Homes’ local communities, go to MattamyHomes.com/tampa, email , or call 813-252-2715.

Published April 26, 2023

Del Webb Bexley: Final Opportunity — Just 50 Homes Remain

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Del Webb Bexley is excited to announce the sale of their 800th home, a milestone for the thriving community. 

With that sale, however, that means there are just 50 homes still available. The clock is ticking for prospective residents to secure their spot in the 55+ active adult community, which ensures its residents stay healthy, active, and connected — achieved through its prime location, seemingly endless amenities, and luxury features.

Bexley Countour

Living the Ultimate Lifestyle
Just east of the Gulf Coast beaches and northwest of Tampa, Del Webb Bexley offers easy access to workplaces throughout Tampa Bay and an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Del Webb Bexley has made it its mission to transform the idea of “living a fulfilled lifestyle” into an all-encompassing development.

“It’s truly the community here that makes it special; they are people who love life and are having fun living it. Sports, dinner parties, clubs, art, and now gardening, you name it,” says Brittany Young, marketing director.

One unique feature of Del Webb Bexley is its 19,000-plus square-foot amenity campus, The Meridian. This all-encompassing social and activity hub is the center of operations that brings the entire community together every day.

It is here you can meet for a game of mahjong, enjoy a snack or watch TV while playing a game of cards. There are also scheduled monthly in-person and virtual events, seminars, and programs.

Inside The Meridian, the Maritime Fitness Center features cardio machines, as well as free weights and weight machines. It sits across from the Floriblanca movement studio that houses all the fitness classes. Outside there are sports courts for tennis, bocce ball, and pickleball. The resort pool sits conveniently around the corner with a spa and cabanas. The expansive yoga lawn is always available with coinciding classes for residents, and the entirety of the outdoor region is interconnected by a span of scenic bike and jogging trails.

For those looking to relax, the Bellamy Arts and Crafts Room offers a variety of classes for the pursuit of knowledge or hobbies. The Soleil Royal Ballroom hosts year-round events and houses demonstration kitchens for cooking clubs and classes. The amphitheater on the event lawn does the same for music performances. At the center of it lies the Crow’s Nest Bistro & Sports Lounge with its selection of beer, wine, specialty meals, trivia nights, games, and Super Bowl parties.

GenYou Floor Plans™ — Your Next Innovatively Designed Home
Del Webb Bexley’s new, exclusive GenYou Floor Plans™ are all about you. You can expect luxury features such as zero-entry showers, point-of-use storage, widened hallways, and open flowing spaces in every plan.

The GenYou Floor Plans™ are offered in three series; the Scenic, Distinctive, and Echelon. The Scenic series is perfect for homeowners looking to downsize while maintaining a larger space, the Distinctive series is well-suited for homeowners looking to further customize their space, and the Echelon series offers the most options, flexibility, and refinement.

Del Webb Bexley’s model park, 19265 Del Webb Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, has six GenYou models that are open seven days a week — the Contour, Hallmark, Mainstay, Mystique Grand, Stardom, and Renown.

Bexley Hallmark

Contour
Starting from $386,990, the Contour (2 bed, 2 bath and 1,405-plus square feet) makes use of natural light and openness to make the space feel bigger than it is, from the foyer to the large covered patio. 

Hallmark
The Hallmark lets you live big while keeping life simple. Starting from $399,990, the largest plan in the Scenic series (2 bed, 2 bath, and 1,655 square feet) offers additional space while still remaining manageable. 

Bexley Mainstay Grand

Mainstay
Starting from $459,990, the Mainstay offers an abundance of space and light. The floor plan (2-3 beds, 2 baths, 1,948-plus square feet) provides a close connection to the outdoors with its placement of the gathering room in the back of the home, with clear views to the patio.

Mystique Grand
Starting from $542,990, the Mystique Grand floor plan is a social butterfly’s dream. By placing the covered patio next to the café and gathering room, this plan (3-5 beds, 3 baths, 2,748-plus square feet) creates a versatile indoor/outdoor entertaining space that is sure to be the site of many gatherings. 

Bexley Stardom

Stardom
If you plan to live with a roommate or sibling, consider the Stardom floor plan. Starting from $524,990, this floor plan (2-3 beds, 2.5-3.5 baths, 2,269-plus square feet) has an additional bedroom that can easily become a second Owner’s Suite, already equipped with a private bath and walk-in closet.

Renown
Starting from $564,990, the largest in the GenYou series, the Renown offers the ultimate luxury with a standard 3-car garage, dual walk-in closets in the Owner’s Suite, extended cabinetry in the kitchen to store small appliances, plus 2 private secondary bedrooms with individual ensuites.

For more information on Del Webb Bexley’s GenYou Floor Plans™, go to DelWebb.com/Bexley.

 

The Del Webb Bexley sales office and model park are open seven days a week for tours. For more information and to learn about current incentives, call 813-412-8842.

Published April 26, 2023

Welcome to Ashton Oaks 

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Is it possible to combine the serenity of wide open spaces with the bustling activity of urban life? We believe so! Located on the northern border of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve in Pasco County, we offer 1 & 2 bedroom apartment homes with tranquil, natural settings conveniently located just minutes from Tampa’s most sought after shopping, dining and recreational venues. Ashton Oaks offers a discount program for First Responders in the Tampa Bay Area. Recipients of this program include Law Enforcement, Nurses, Doctors and more! Discount includes monthly savings and saving at move in. We are currently under renovations and cannot wait for you to see all the stunning features coming to our community! Open Monday- Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  We invite you to join us for our Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday May 6th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Boy scouts sell mulch for fundraising

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Troop 339, based out of Lutz, has been organizing a mulch fundraiser since 2019 and selling the bags to local homes in Land O’ Lakes and surrounding areas.

What started out with just five homes has grown to nearly 50 homes, averaging 15 to 25 bags per house, with one house even needing nearly 100 bags.

Troop 339 delivered and spread mulch in The Groves community in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Gilberto Brooks)

The troop sells mulch by the bag, based on what the homeowner needs, and on a designated day, the troop delivers and spreads all the mulch in one day.

Besides individual homes, the troop also sold and spread mulch in common areas in a single community with about 3,000 bags of pine bark nuggets. In addition to the pine bark, the troop offers premium shredded hardwood mulch in varying colors.

Proceeds of the fundraiser go to the Scouts’ annual dues, equipment refresh and camping fees, such as when the troop used the monies raised during the fundraiser to camp at the Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna in the Panhandle in the last weekend in March.

The fundraiser is held twice a year: March and September.

This March, Troop 339 delivered and spread mulch in The Groves community in Land O’ Lakes, as well as took mulch to Asbel Creek and Estates, Connerton, Wilderness Lakes Preserves, Tierra Del Sol, Lake Padgett Estates, Lake Talia, Willow Bend, Indian Lakes and a home in Cheval in Lutz.

Common areas of an entire community can be done any time of the year.

For more information on the troop and its mulch fundraisers, contact the troop’s leadership at , or visit http://www.troop339.net.

Published April 26, 2023

Putt-putt golf course opens at the Grove

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Though it took a little while longer than expected, the Grove at Wesley Chapel now has a new attraction to play through.

Grove Mini Golf, 6201 Wesley Grove Blvd., is the newest attraction to come to the Grove at Wesley Chapel and features a traditional, 18-hole putt-putt course with a tropical feel and is family friendly. (Mike Camunas)

Grove Mini Golf finally opened its doors on April 15, with a soft opening for the 18-hole mini golf course located near the B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel.

Opening on the heels of PopStroke — the two 18-hole putting and entertainment attraction co-owned by Tiger Woods now in Lutz — Grove Mini Golf is a family owned and family friendly amenity.

The golfing attraction’s completion was delayed by supply chain and permitting issues, among other things, according to Ryan Mortti, its owner.

However, it opened to light crowds over its first weekend and during the Chalk Art Festival and Market on April 16.

While PopStroke and Grove Mini Golf aren’t too far from each other, the courses are quite different.

Grove Mini Golf is a more traditional course, but with a tropical feel of volcanoes, lots of fountains and waterfalls, sea creature statues and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant bridges and paths. Each hole also has LED strips that light up each hole with different programming.

Grove Mini Golf also is available for parties and fundraising and corporate events, and has a small snack bar at the front desk.

Prices per golfer start at $16.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under age 10, military and seniors over age 60. There also is an unlimited play option for $24.99.

The attraction is located at 6201 Wesley Grove Blvd. 

For more information, call 813-815-7888, or visit GroveMiniGolf.com.

Published April 26, 2023

Splash Pad, new park coming to Dade City

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A ceremonial groundbreaking marked the beginning of a new project aimed at giving Dade City children a new place to play, as well as more park space in the city’s downtown. (Mike Camunas)

Dade City officials, staff members and even kids from local elementary schools took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking on April 10, kicking off the construction of a family-friendly splash pad and park.

The new amenities are coming to downtown Dade City, next to the beginning of the Hardy Trail, near the town’s visitor center at 37800 Church Ave.

The new park also will include some new trails, restrooms and an amphitheater.

The project will be built by Borregard Construction.

The 2,500-square-foot splash pad will include an Aqua Dumping Bucket, Aqua Water Castle, aqua features such as jellyfish, a crab and butterfly, and even an Aqua Kumquat Tree, as a nod to the city’s fruit — which is celebrated in an annual festival. 

The $1.2 million project has been allocated through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The splash pad cost is estimated at $800,000. The adjoining restroom and mechanical room is estimated at $557,720.16.

The splash pad is expected to be done in the latter part of January next year.

Published April 26, 2023

Pasco County breaks ground for new fire station

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This sign proclaims the latest Fire Rescue project being paid for through general obligation bonds approved by Pasco voters. (Courtesy of Pasco Fire Rescue)

Pasco County Fire Rescue broke ground on April 6, on a new fire station coming to Zephyrhills. 

County officials and representatives were on hand for the late morning ceremony. Station No. 18 will be located at Chancey Road and Yonkers Boulevard, just across the street from the Samuel Pasco Recreation Complex.

The state-of-the-art, four-bay fire station is designed with firefighter health, safety and wellness in mind, and includes hot, warm and cold zones designed to help reduce firefighter cancer rates by allowing firefighters to clean carcinogens off their bodies before entering the fire station’s living quarters. 

The station also will include larger bays to accommodate specialty apparatus, a built-in 16-member training classroom to support multi-station training, a flex room to house additional firefighters during a significant emergency, and advanced station alerting to improve firefighter health and wellness.

The groundbreaking marks the fifth new station to be paid for by the G.O. (general obligation) bond approved by Pasco voters to pay for fire rescue improvements.

Published April 26, 2023