The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

D.R. Horton’s Westgate at Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel Now Selling Single-Family Homes and Townhomes

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D.R. Horton — the country’s largest homebuilder by volume since 2002* — is currently selling single-family homes and townhomes in its new community, Westgate at Avalon Park, in Wesley Chapel.

Westgate at Avalon Park offers new homes conveniently located off State Road 54 in the center of the fast-growing city of Wesley Chapel. The community is just six miles to Interstate 75, offering easy access to major surrounding cities such as Tampa and Lakeland. Additionally, homeowners will find themselves just minutes from the Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops at Wiregrass, the Grove at Wesley Chapel, countless dining options, and an up-and-coming town center. Schools within the highly rated Pasco County district also are located near Westgate.

Plans for the community include a total of 994 homes, consisting of 768 single-family homes and 226 townhomes. Homesites are a combination of 40-foot, 50-foot, and 60-foot lots, with many lots backing up to conservation sites and idyllic views of the water.

Westgate offers residents a quiet, suburban setting and encompasses 285 acres in the back of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, about a mile from its entrance on SR 54. The community is expected to include its own set of amenities, including a resort-style pool, an open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, a playground, open sports field, and a beautiful picnic area with pavilions.

All D.R. Horton homes come equipped with a Home is Connected® smart home automation system. Both townhomes and single-family homes are expected to be built with concrete block on the first and second floors, which is deemed a superior construction process across Florida. D.R. Horton is the only production builder locally that utilizes concrete block on both floors of its two-story homes.

Available Floor Plans
D.R. Horton offers its Express series townhomes in Westgate at Avalon Park – the Glen and Vale floor plans. These townhomes range from 1,673 to 1,758 square feet with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and start from the low $300s. These open-concept floor plans come equipped with stainless steel appliances — a refrigerator, a built-in dishwasher, an electric range, a microwave, a washer and a dryer.

D.R. Horton also has its Express series single-family lineup of homes starting from the low $300s. Available floor plans include the Allex, seen above.

D.R. Horton also has its Express series single-family lineup of homes starting from the low $300s. Available floor plans include the Allex, Aria, Cali, Darwin, Elston, Ensley, Robie, and Hayden. All floor plans include a two-car driveway and range from 1,504 to 2,605 square feet with three to five bedrooms. These floor plans include open-concept kitchens that come with stainless steel appliances and an outdoor lanai perfect for relaxing, entertaining or outdoor dining.

D.R. Horton recently introduced its Preferred series 60-foot homesite lineup, which includes the Lantana, Coral, Hemingway, Holden, Hawthorne, Camden, Jordyn II, and Torino floor plans. Each of these open-concept homes will have extended tile in the living areas, granite countertops throughout, and other upgraded interior features. These floor plans range from 2,045 to 3,975 square feet, four to five bedrooms, and start from the low $400s.

About D.R. Horton
D.R. Horton Inc., America’s Builder, has been the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States since 2002*. Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 105 markets in 33 states across the United States and closed 81,469 homes during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022. The company is engaged in the construction and sale of high-quality homes through its diverse brand portfolio that includes D.R. Horton, Emerald Homes, Express Homes and Freedom Homes, with sales prices generally ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million. Through its mortgage, title and insurance subsidiaries, D.R. Horton provides mortgage financing, title services and insurance agency services for its homebuyers. The company also constructs and sells both single-family and multifamily rental properties, and is the majority-owner of Forestar Group Inc., a national residential lot development company.

About Avalon Park at Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park at Wesley Chapel is a 1,650-acre master-planned community designed to live, learn, work and play. Once completed, it will comprise approximately 4,400 single and multifamily residences and accommodate around 10,000 residents. Its downtown area will boast more than 560,000 square feet of retail spaces and 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space, with new apartments built above the storefronts. For more information, please visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or call 813-783-1515.

D.R. Horton’s Westgate at Avalon Park Sales Center is located at 5327 Oxford Gray Road, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. For more information, call 866-475-3347, or email

D.R. Horton is an equal housing opportunity builder. *As reported by Builder magazine. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Certified Builder Contractor License Number CBC039052

Published October 26, 2022

Here’s a treat for you: Some ways to make those pumpkins tasty

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It’s that time of year where everywhere you go, you’re bound to run into some pumpkins.

They can be found in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used in various ways for the autumn season.

Pumpkins can be carved and decorated for Halloween, used as fall décor, or served as part of a meal.

Pumpkins can be a very nutritious addition to your diet.

In fact, they are quite versatile and can be used in a variety of food preparation and cooking methods.

Pumpkin can be prepared sweet or savory, and pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a snack or added to foods as a crunchy topping for a nutritional boost.

Of course, when we’re talking about cooking with pumpkin, we’re referring to the edible kind.

The ornamental pumpkins are the ones you would carve for Halloween, and are not best for eating.

They usually have a watery texture and don’t have much flavor.

The seeds, however, are definitely edible, so be sure to save those.

Culinary pumpkins, as implied, are best for cooking and baking.

While the store may simply label them as “pumpkin” within the produce section, there are a number of varieties good for eating, including baby bear, Cinderella, blue doll, and others.

They are smaller, less stringy, and have a sweet flavor.

Cooking with fresh pumpkin calls for it being pureed in most recipes.

While the canned pumpkin puree is great for baking, pureeing fresh pumpkin is more versatile and can be used in nonbaked dishes, too.

They are a low-carb food, and packed full of vitamins and minerals.

A fiber-rich food, adding pumpkin to your diet can help improve cholesterol levels and support healthy digestion.

Fiber-rich foods also help to manage blood sugar levels and help you feel fuller longer. Steamed or roasted, pumpkins can be served as a side dish; they make great soups and can be baked into muffins, pies, and breads.

They can even be used in place of other winter squash, such as butternut, or even sweet potatoes.

Pumpkins are a great source of vitamins A and C, which have many great benefits for the body.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin A supports vision, cell growth, and supports healthy immune function, which is great for the cold and flu season that is prevalent this time of year.

Vitamin C is essential for muscle and collagen formation.

Vitamins A and C also are antioxidants, which scavenge free radicals in the body helping to prevent and to protect the body against heart disease, cancer and other health disparities.

An article in Women’s Health Magazine recommends giving your breakfast a boost by adding pureed pumpkin to your oatmeal or adding a scoop to your morning smoothie or pancake batter.

Do the same for your favorite sauces for a nutrient boost.

Pumpkin seeds are just as beneficial. They contain healthy fats, are good for brain and nerve function, and provide protein, which aids in muscle development and cellular growth. Seeds also contain zinc, magnesium and copper. NIH says that these minerals are necessary for recovery, energy production and metabolic processes. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of your yogurt, oatmeal or just eat them alone.

Looking to add more pumpkin into your diet this fall?

Try this easy pumpkin soup recipe, from the University of Illinois Extension.

If using canned pumpkin, make sure to buy canned pumpkin puree (which is just pumpkin) and not pumpkin pie filling (which has added sugar and seasonings).

Quick and Easy Creamy Pumpkin Soup, from University of Illinois Extension:

Ingredients:
2 cups finely chopped onions
2 green onions, sliced thinly, tops included
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 green chili pepper, chopped
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
3 cans chicken broth (14-1/2 oz cans) or 6 cups homemade chicken stock
2 cups pumpkin puree or 1 can (16 oz) solid pack pumpkin
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 cup undiluted, evaporated skim milk
Salt and pepper to taste (Canned chicken broth and canned pumpkin may contain added salt.
Taste the finished soup before adding salt, as additional salt may not be needed.)
Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley

Directions:

In a 6-quart saucepan, sauté onions, green onions, celery and chili pepper in oil. Cook until onions begin to look translucent.

Add broth, pumpkin, bay leaf and cumin.

Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove bay leaf.

Add evaporated milk and cook over low heat 5 minutes.

Do not boil.

Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, if desired.

Transfer hot soup to pumpkin tureen.

Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Serve hot. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

By Shari Bresin
Pasco County Extension intern, Syreeta McDonald, contributed to this article.

Published October 26, 2022

Toys For Tots gearing up for holidays

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Toys for Tots Central Pasco is gearing up for the holidays.

It is recruiting businesses that would like to have a box for a toy collection in their office or building, to collect toys for the coming holiday season, according to a news release.

If you’d like to help, call 813-803-2040.

It also is registering local families to receive the gifts that are collected.

The collection boxes will be dropped off on Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, and then collected on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15.

Toys collected in the Land O’ Lakes region will stay within the community for local families.

Central Pasco/Land O’Lakes will have a Toys for Tots distribution day on Dec. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required in advance by calling 813-803-2122.

Families will be given a time slot to pick up toys. Organizers ask that only adults pick up the toys, if possible, with the goal of preserving the magic of the holidays for children.

Pickup will be at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park community center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Schools in the community have been notified.

Toys for Tots serves children from ages 1 to 12. Registration is open and ends on Dec. 1.

If you or your organization would like to give a donation to help purchase toys, please call 813-803-2122 and someone will be in contact with you. You can also reach the organization by emailing ">.

Published October 26, 2022

A pumpkin big enough for a carriage

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A group of children from Steps to Maturity, an Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County provider, was the first to experience Florida’s largest pumpkin on Oct. 12, at Bearss Groves, 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd. The children watched as the 969-pound pumpkin was transported by tractor and placed in front of the farm stand. The children, ages 3 and 4, participated in an immersive sensory activity as they explored the insides of a pumpkin. (Courtesy of Bearss Groves)

Bearss Groves, a family run farmers market at 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., has once again become home to Florida’s largest pumpkin.

Two years ago ,after putting a nearly 1,000-pound pumpkin on display right before Halloween, Bearss Groves welcomed a 969-pound pumpkin from Michigan on Oct. 12, encouraging locals and nearby residents to come gawk at and pose with the large fruit. The pumpkin display is in addition to the farmers market pumpkin patch, as well as its large Live Oak Tree that is estimated to be more than 400 years old.

Seeing the large pumpkin is free of charge, pets are welcome and the market is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Published October 26, 2022

A Sense of Hearing

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The human body has five senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste—and each one of them diminishes as we age.  Only one of them—hearing—can be restrengthened through digital technology.

“Hearing is an extremely sophisticated, complex, and individual process of the human anatomy,” Dr. Judith L. Reese explains. “The natural ear includes a series of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, membranes and nerves that convert sound waves into electrical impulses. These impulses are sent to the brain and then translated into recognizable sounds, as in speech, all in microseconds.” Reese has been an audiologist for nearly 30 years, and has served thousands of patients at her clinic, JC Audiology, in Lutz. “When such an intricate and complex sense begins to diminish,” she continues, “it can affect an individual’s entire brain function, including their memory and sense of balance.”

Dr. Judith Reese and her husband, Charlie

Dr. Reese has studied the science of hearing and hearing loss for decades, and her research has been lauded by national journals as the best in the nation. She also has studied extensively on the new technologies that emerge for treating hearing loss. As a private practice, independent dispenser of hearing devices, she can make recommendations to patients that are free from the incentives manufacturers place on many franchise dispensers. This unbiased approach serves the patients she sees well, and her recommendations are based on what devices she knows will be best for the patient first, and not some corporate office elsewhere.

With hearing aids now being offered over the counter, Dr. Reese feels this will enable many people to begin trying hearing aids earlier than they might have previously. “The earlier you address your hearing loss,” she explains, “the better it is for your overall quality of life, emotional well-being and cognitive health.” There are caveats to self-treating hearing loss, however. Dr. Reese said that over-the-counter solutions are limited, and are intended to help those with a mild hearing loss who can self-adjust their devices to the amplification they desire.

The more significant a hearing loss is, she says, the more attention you should spend on a comprehensive hearing test and professional calibration of devices to better match your individual loss. “Your hearing and hearing levels are a part of that sophisticated auditory system,” Dr. Reese continues. “It’s not a place most people want to take a shortcut on.”

In addition to testing hearing levels and calibrating devices to match in a more natural way to individual hearing levels, Dr. Reese stresses the importance of proper maintenance of hearing devices. “We service more than 150 devices in our clinic every month. These devices are little computers that are worn upwards of 16 hours per day in a humid ear canal where the temperature is 98 degrees. They need specialized maintenance care and, at times, additional professional care.” Dr. Reese said that her “Hearing Aid Hospital” is busy every day, with many devices coming in needing complete revitalization.

Dr. Reese offers complimentary hearing aid consultations at her clinic, JC Audiology, 1519 Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 105, in Lutz.  For appointments, call 813-949-1331.

Little efforts helping in a big way

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(Courtesy of Judith Moore)

Students of Sunlake Academy Math and Science in Lutz collected dozens of donations and supplies through a weeklong drop-off during the school’s morning drive. See our full feature story on how the community pitched in to help the victims of Hurricane Ian.

School board members share joy over Kirkland opening

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During board member comments at the Oct. 4 Pasco County School Board meeting, Allen Altman expressed his appreciation for the dedication ceremony held last month at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

School board member Allen Altman said this photo of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, at 9100 Curley Road, in Wesley Chapel, perfectly captures the nature of the special celebration to dedicate the new high school. The school is designed to prepare students in an array of current and emerging technical and career fields. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The new high school, at 9100 Curley Road, in Wesley Chapel, has an emphasis on preparing students for a wide range of technical careers, in both current and emerging fields.

Altman, who is retiring from the board, has persistently pushed to increase opportunities for students living on the east side of Pasco County, which for years lagged in programming options behind other parts of the county.

Altman asked that a photo taken during the evening be shared with those attending or viewing the board’s meeting.

He praised Andy Dunn, a multimedia specialist for the district, for the excellent quality of the photograph.

“I thought this was an artist’s rendering when I first saw it, but it is an actual photograph,” said Altman, referring to a photo showing the school set against a stunning sky.

The school board member said the photo aptly recorded the special nature of the celebration.

“It was a tremendous night. The weather could not have been any more spectacular. Great turnout. Room was full.

“Everything was wonderful.

“We had some business partners that were there, that were in the tours, that have already reached out to us about participating and partnering in some other programs.

“So, it was well-received and very well done.

“So many students that were there that we heard just tremendous stories from, and what their intentions are and how motivated they are,” Altman said. “I’m really, really, really excited about this.”

School board member Allison Crumbley, who attended the dedication ceremony as well, said that Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation “is  such a beacon for the future for so many students.

“The school is beautiful.

“It’s truly a gem in our school district,” said Crumbley, adding that like Altman, she’s excited about what this school will do to support students’ futures.

Published October 12, 2022

First Dade City Art Walk a success

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Artist Jayde Archbold at Lighthouse Books, at 14046 Fifth St., in Dade City. (Courtesy of Jasmine Wright)

The weeklong, first-ever Dade City Art Walk, featuring 22 local artists, was well-received by those checking out the displays, and by shop owners in the area.

The Dade City Center for the Arts and the Dade City Merchants Association featured artistic displays in shops along historic downtown streets, including Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street.

The event kicked off on Sept. 17, at the Florida National Guard Armory, and ended on Sept. 24, at Dade City Brew House. The final event featured live music, the Pre-Casso Kid craft area, and the release of a special beer made to “pair” with an art piece by Mark Hannah.

“It was just a nice way to tie a tidy bow on the end of the art walk,” said Jasmine Wright, who is an Arts Center board member, Art Walk organizer and the owner of Treehouse Mercantile.

Published October 05, 2022

Artist Katie Sutton at Treehouse Mercantile, 37834 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.
Artist Keith Martin Johns at Lowman Law Firm, at 14206 Fifth St., in Dade City.
Artist Kaitlyn Muldez at Arts Eclectic, at 14115 Seventh St., in Dade City.

Keeping an eye out for healthy food options, at school and events

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If you’re like most adults, you likely remember school lunches.

Maybe it was an encounter with ‘mystery meat.’ Or, perhaps, a serving of nachos and cheese.

I remember in school, during the ’90s, the lunch line would have Snickers ice cream bars.

Those days are gone, much to the dismay of many kids.

Foods served in today’s schools must comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) “Smart Snacks” standards.

Those changes were adopted in the 2014-2015 school year. The standards include:

  • A grain product with 50% or more whole grains by weight, with whole grain listed as the first ingredient
  • Foods that have a fruit, vegetable, dairy food or protein food, listed as the first ingredient
  • Combination foods with at least ¼ cup of fruit and/or vegetable
  • Total 200 calories or less for a snack; 350 calories or less for an entrée
  • Have 200 mg or less of sodium for a snack; 480 mg or less for an entree
  • Contain 35% of calories or less for total fat, in snacks and entrees; nuts are exempt from this rule
  • Contain 10% or less of saturated fat for snacks and entrees
  • Have 0 grams of trans fat for snacks and entrees
  • Contain total sugars for snacks and entrees of 35% or less, by weight
  • Milk must be unflavored or flavored fat-free milk; flavored low-fat milk; unflavored low-fat milk, and milk alternatives
  • Juice must be 100% fruit or vegetable juice

Outside of school hours, however, the rules are different.

The Pasco School Wellness Policy suggests 50% of concession food follow the Smart Snacks standards, but that is not mandatory.

So, what should spectators choose to eat when they’re out watching their favorite athlete?

Concession sold at many events is similar to what is found at a county fair or festival. Those foods tend to be high in calories and low in nutritional value.

So, foods sold at school concession stands — and concession stands, in general — often run counter to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

There’s one initiative that soon will be arriving at select Pasco County parks.

This initiative, called Fun Bites, will create healthier options at sporting events.

The Pasco Department of Health is working to bring this to Pasco parks, following a similar initiative pursued by the Pinellas Department of Health a few years ago.

It isn’t about removing current choices from concession menus; rather, it’s about adding healthier options to give consumers more options.

The initiative also aims to ensure that the healthier options are not more expensive.

The standards for Fun Bites products are based on the USDA Smart Snacks guidelines, listed above.

It was quite well-received in Pinellas.

In fact, at one aquatic center in Largo, after implementing the healthier concessions food options, revenues rose 40%.  A Little League park in Clearwater reported a 20% boost in revenue, after adding some of the “Fun Bites” approved foods.

Before the Fun Bites program was implemented, surveys were conducted in six Pinellas locations.

A total of 119 people responded to a question asking them how much they value healthy eating. Of those, 88 reported they value it highly.

Survey respondents reported the three main barriers to eating healthy at concession stands are: a lack of selections, cost of the items and dissatisfaction with the options.

The Fun Bites project addressed these issues and made nutritious food more accessible at parks and recreation events.

So, if you like the idea of having healthier options available, keep an eye out because some Pasco parks soon will be offering good nutritional choices to their concession menus.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published October 05, 2022

Local youth create art for festival

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(Courtesy of Dade City Garden Club)

The Youth Group from St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Dade City helped create some artwork that will be featured during the upcoming Monarch Butterfly Festival, hosted by the Dade City Garden Club and Dade City Youth Council. The festival will be held Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Polly Touchton Park, between Fifth Street and Seventh Street, and Bougainvillea Avenue and Southview Avenue, in Dade City. This art project was arranged by Lee Taylor out of Out of Our Hands Gallery, a home and garden gift store, at 14245 Seventh Ave., Dade City. For more information about the festival, visit tinyurl.com/3dmru69d.