The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Excited about the fair!

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Jennifer Hykes said her daughter, Bria Rodriguez, saw the ad for the Pasco County Fair on the back page of The Laker and got excited about the ferris wheel, as you can tell by the expression on the little girl’s face!

Sanderson, Claude Deason (Dee) & Sheila Rae

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Sanderson, Claude Deason- (Dee) Of Dade City, FL. 72 Passed away January 31, 2022.

Known to his friends as Dee, he really never met a stranger. Son of Claude and Olieta Sanderson. Brother to Roy and Danny Sanderson. Born Oct 28, 1949, a true Dade Citian. Dee, Graduated top of his Class in 1967 from Pasco High School, where he met his wife (Sheila) of 52 years.

He went on to learn construction while building early commercial buildings in Fort Lauderdale, FL. and Charleston, S.C. He worked as a butcher at Kash n’ Karry, where he made dear friends, learning a skill he used all his life and shared with his daughters.

He went on to found Reliance Auto Center in 1979. He was the Founder/Owner/Operator of Reliance, Southland Auto Sales, Buds Wreaking Yard, Auto Zone Auto Parts-Dade City, and Reliance Towing all nearly until his “retirement” in 2020. Dee’s driving passion was all things automotive, especially Classic Cars. If he wasn’t walking miles at a car show, he was walking miles at an auto auction. It was hard to keep up with him as he never stopped! If he wasn’t at a car function he was with his family and dear friends.

He was blessed to spend many joyous hours with his daughters, grand-children and great granddaughters around many a bon fire listening to and singing old classic country songs into the evening’s starry sky Or, watching the setting sun over Hudson Beach where he spent weekends with his grandfather as a kid. A man of many talents; a brilliant cartoonist, artist and painter, a master of nick names for all that he knew, an accomplished mechanic, body man and automotive painter. He could visualize a project and he could build and fix just about anything but he didn’t care to mess with electricity. Dee was a brilliant story teller and world class embellisher. He worked hard every day of his life. Dee loved life and it showed. He was an inspiration to so many people & compassionate beyond measure. Always ready to lend a hand or tell you everything he knew about any given subject. An avid reader, lover of the Beverly Hillbillies, The Red Green Show and especially Tarzan, right down to his telephone ring. He was always quick with a bad joke and had a smile that lit up the room. Dee had a way all his own. The world lost a real gem when Deason’s light went out.

He is survived by his loving wife Sheila, daughters Annette Beasley (John) & Julie Eynon (Tony), Granddaughters Anjalena Beasley & Kaci Eynon, Grandsons Tyler & Ethan Eynon, Great granddaughters Presley, Johnnie & Delilah, his Brother Danny Sanderson (Teresa), Sister-in-Law Joanne Sanderson and numerous family and dear friends.

Sheila Rae Sanderson (Williams) Of Dade City, Florida Passed away February 12, 2022. She was 72 years old.

Daughter of George and Carlyn Williams. Born in Seymour, Indiana August 11, 1949. She was one of nine children. Sheila lived in Indiana for many years before moving with her family to Princeton, Kentucky. Early life was difficult in such a large family. She really was one that walked up hill, in the snow to get to school. She and her siblings were resourceful. As a child she learned to farm and to make molasses which they could sell to help the family. To the end, Sheila hated molasses.

Her family instilled a love of music in her and all of her siblings, which in no doubt would eventually endear her closer to Dee. When Sheila was a teenager her family moved to Dade City, Florida. It was in High School here where she met her future husband and love of her life Dee Sanderson. Sheila was a soda jerk at the local Fazos drive in where Dee would come to visit her. These high school sweethearts were married 52 years. After they wed Sheila worked as a secretary for a local insurance agency. From an early age Sheila was good with numbers and would later be the soul bookkeeper for Dee’s many business “ad”ventures. The two worked side by side for over 40 years. She kept him Balanced.

In her spare time, Sheila thoroughly enjoyed gardening and was an accomplished seamstress. She encouraged her grandchildren to try many instruments and enjoyed listening to them practice. Sheila was an extraordinarily patient person, and never one to be rushed. She had a quiet way about her that made one feel at ease. Sheila was always supportive and could be counted on if you ever were in need.

Sheila is survived by her Daughters Annette Beasley (John) & Julie Eynon (Tony), Grandsons Tyler and Ethan Eynon, Granddaughters Anjalena Beasley & Kaci Eynon, Great Granddaughters Presley, Johnnie & Delilah, Sisters Mary Sherrell (Harold), Carol Conway (Bruce), Janet Williams & Brother George Williams (Sharon). Brother-in-Law Danny Sanderson (Teresa), Sister-in-Law Joanne Sanderson, and Countless dear friends.

Services for Dee & Sheila will be at Hodges Funeral Home, Dade City, Fl. Viewing Feb. 25 4-7pm Internment Feb. 26, 1pm.

Published on 02/23/22

An act of generosity

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club filled 25 backpacks with cold weather wear, such as hats, gloves, sweaters, sweatshirts and scarves, for those in need. (Architectural Signage in Land O’ Lakes donated the backpacks.) Club president Elayne Bassinger and members Dee Knerr and Nancy Taylor delivered the backpacks to The Rope/Core Center in Hudson, which serves housing-insecure veterans and the homeless population. This was one act of kindness performed by the woman’s club in keeping with the ‘GFWC Florida Days of Service.’ For more information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.

The Demand is High for ICI Homes in Pasco County 

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There’s a large increase in buyers from all different markets across the country trying to move to the Tampa Bay area and Pasco County.

“We’re seeing an overwhelming amount of interest from the East to West coasts,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

Because of the high demand, ICI Homes is offering limited releases on a monthly basis in Lake Jovita and Connerton.

“We are seeing a lot of growth in Dade City. Families love the short, 20-minute drive to Wesley Chapel and the old-fashioned charm of downtown Dade City,” says Jones.

Only one inventory home, with the Arden floor plan, is still available and move-in ready in the residential community.

The Arden is a 2,402-square-foot, 4 bed/3 bath one-story home that is designed for entertaining and gracious family living. The foyer leads to a large living room centrally located for maximum convenience. A spacious gourmet kitchen and dining area are perfect for entertaining guests or spending quality time with the family. Views from the dining room look out on the covered lanai and large backyard.

“My favorite part about the Arden is the open living area, along with the master suite and bathroom,” says Jones.

The master suite features a luxurious bath and a large double-entry walk-in closet. The home is designed so that children and guests can enjoy their own separate spaces. It also includes a 3-car garage.

As for Connerton, Jones says demand is equally as high.

“Connerton, Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community is located in Land O’ Lakes and is one of the developments that many people are interested in,” says Jones.

Rose Pointe, a small gated community within Connerton, offers a clubhouse with a full-time activities director, fitness center, gym, large resort-style pool and more. This small gated community is one of the many features that makes Connerton stand out to potential homebuyers.

Another gem in the Rose Pointe community is the Connerton Nature Preserve, which features a scenic 2-mile trail that winds through natural wilderness, lakes and wetlands. The trail’s 10-foot-wide sidewalks allow for easy biking and walking through Connerton’s picturesque landscape.

Phase Two of Persimmon Park Is Progressing
The land development team is working hard on phase two, and Jones is excited for the recent progress.

“With the continued high demand for the Wesley Chapel area, we are excited to have finished phase one of Persimmon Park and are looking forward to starting phase two as soon as possible,” says Jones.

Located in Wesley Chapel by The Shops at Wiregrass, all Persimmon Park homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. Its amenity center includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and a grilling area.

The Primrose is Persimmon Park’s most popular floor plan. This two-story plan features nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, with a master bedroom suite on the main level, along with one guest bedroom and bathroom. The spacious living area is connected to a beautiful kitchen and dining area with plenty of room for family and friends to gather. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room that is perfect for gaming, entertaining, family time or guest privacy.

Asturia Is Temporarily Sold Out
Asturia, a 550-home master-planned community situated on 500 pristine acres in Odessa along the State Road 54 corridor, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, is sold out of lots.

“Even though we are currently sold out, we are still welcoming VIP appointments to potential buyers in Asturia,” says Jones.

ICI Homes is the exclusive builder in Asturia and has built plenty of inventory homes, including the one-story, 2,193-square-foot Juliette III, for families looking for open and spacious floor plans that include Florida-lifestyle features like summer kitchen patios, open balconies, and tons of windows.

“Asturia is one of the most successful developments in Pasco County, which residents love for its smaller size and convenient location to major roadways,” said Jones.

Asturia offers a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Its distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center includes a fully equipped fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

ICI Homes model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel; the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa; and the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Jones at .

Published February 23, 2022

Back 9 Bistro Wants to Serve You

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When Simone Tolley saw the opportunity to take over the restaurant in The Groves Golf and Country Club, she took it.

“When we first drove through, me and my husband thought to ourselves that the community clubhouse might be the best place to open a cute little quaint bistro,” says Tolley. “Golfers are awesome and we love the community!”

Simone Tolley teaches free line dancing on the first and fourth Wednesday of every month.

Being in the restaurant business is not new to Tolley. In fact, she’s been in the industry since she was 18 years old. Once she graduated from University of South Florida she pursued other ventures like owning her own marketing company and becoming a Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader. But, going back to her roots, she eventually opened up two restaurants and most recently opened her third here in Land O’Lakes.

Even though it’s in a gated community, Back 9 Bistro serves the public and offers American-style food like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads.

“We try to have a good variety to make everyone feel happy, so we offer a lot of side options too,” says Tolley. “We really want to try and give a comfort-food feel.”

The bistro has a full menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a daily happy hour.

“Our most popular dish is definitely our club salad, but I personally love our burgers and sweet potato fries,” says Tolley.

One of the biggest draws to the clubhouse in The Groves is the event hall that’s attached to Back 9 Bistro.

“The event hall can hold up to 150 people,” says Tolley. “It’s perfect for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and so much more.”

All the community has to do to rent the space is reach out to Tolley herself and get the event approved by the clubhouse.

“We have the liquor license, so we can cater food and drinks,” says Tolley.

On a weekly basis, the bistro holds free public events that have become a staple for locals, including Tuesday Trivia Night and Thursday Karaoke.

Tolley teaches free line dancing on the first and fourth Wednesday of every month. On the second Wednesday of every month, the Bistro hosts bingo that the public can participate in.

“I’m very excited to be here and I’m very excited to see where we can take this restaurant,” says Tolley.

Tolley has lived in Land O’ Lakes for three years, residing with her husband, Mike, and her 8- year-old son, Blake.

If you’re interested in learning more about Back 9 Bistro go to thegrovesgolf.com/golf-at-the-groves/the-groves-grill/or visit their Facebook Page.

Published February 23, 2022

Upgrade Your Home with a Tankless Water Heater from Cornerstone Pros

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Efficient water heaters are essential to your home comfort systems. From taking a shower to washing the dishes, individuals need hot water throughout their day.

That’s why Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes is offering tankless water heaters and suggesting that locals take advantage of this new technology that eliminates waste and significantly lowers energy bills.

Tankless Water Heating Specials
$100 Off New Tankless or Hybrid Water Heater Installed & Free estimates for Tank type and tankless water heaters replacements

James Reese, Plumbing Service Manager at Cornerstone Pros, explained that if your home was built in the past 12-20 years, it is likely overdue for a new water heater, A/C system and possible electrical panel.

“Unfortunately, water heaters age and eventually will start to fail. Some warning signs include corrosion buildup on pipe fittings, water leaks, hot water that doesn’t last long enough or hot water that is MIA,” says Reese.

With tankless, Cornerstone Pros is able to get rid of the enormous tank that takes up space in almost every closet or garage, and install a tankless water heater that carries a longer warranty than the average water heater.

“Tankless water heaters heat up on-demand for 99% operational efficiency,” adds Reese.

This guarantees that customers don’t have to pay to maintain the heat; they will only need to pay when they use the hot water. Tankless isn’t instant hot water, but it does warrant endless hot water throughout someone’s home.

“Tankless heaters were engineered with safety in mind; their designs incorporate numerous user-friendly features along with technologies like dry-fire defense, freeze protection, smart-grid capabilities and leak detection that prevent product failure,” says Reese.

Along with user-friendly features and reliable technology, some tankless are Wi-Fi enabled and customers can monitor their water heater from an app off their cellphones. Most plumbing malfunctions happen at inconvenient times, so this feature gives customers the ability to identify any issues before they’re too serious.

Cornerstone Pros is a woman-owned and family-operated business founded in 2006 in Land O’ Lakes. It has been serving our local community for more than 16 years showing customers the “Cornerstone Difference.” Over the years, it has built a strong, long-term relationship with the community that shows it truly is an elite home service provider for all of your home needs.

Owner Dana Spears says she is so proud of the dedication and service of her team to our community, and is honored to have over ten thousand online reviews showing full customer satisfaction.

For more information and/or to get a free quote for different water heating options, call 813-995-7558, or visit the Cornerstone Pros website, at CornerstonePros.com.

Published February 23, 2022

Don’t Trash It! How to Give Old Furniture a Fresh Look

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It could be your goal for this year’s spring cleaning: flip a piece of furniture.

Revitalizing an old piece of furniture into something you’d be proud to display (or even sell on Facebook Marketplace) has been deemed a laborious task. But with new revelations in paint technology, it really doesn’t have to be.

Bella Home Market in Lutz has always been known for its unique gifts and home décor finds, but it is also a proud, Elite retailer for the popular brand of chalk paint, Dixie Belle.

As an Elite Retailer, Bella Home Market carries the complete line of Dixie Belle Paint products, including their Silk line. Silk products are primer, pigment color and top coat – all in one product. Old dressers or nightstands can be transformed immediately in just a couple coats, with just one product. The durability of the furniture remains the same, as well.

Owner of Bella Home Market, Lou Malerba, holds classes in store to help guests learn the technique for working with the paint properly. It’s great for anyone looking to learn how they can truly transform their home this spring cleaning season.

For online orders and Dixie Belle class signups, visit BellaHomeMarket.com.

Published February 23, 2022

En-LIGHT-ening You and Your Home at Finishing Touches

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Finishing Touches is a new lighting and fans showroom located in the heart of the Wesley Chapel/Land O’ Lakes area. Locally owned and operated by Bill and Terry Richards, the store offers a wide variety of lighting, ceiling fans and home décor. Terry has been in the lighting industry in this area for 40 years and knows precisely how to combine the best lighting touches with your home’s décor.

“We are passionate about lighting and keeping up with new designs and technologies,” said Richards. “Our focus is on finding you the right lighting for the right space, at the right price.”

As soon as you enter the store, you’re greeted by a comfortable store setting boasting beautiful selections of diverse lighting, along with over 70 ceiling fans of all sizes, styles and price ranges. Unique furnishings and artwork adorn the walls and floor to create a boutique feel.

”We have fans from 20” to 120” – something for everyone!” says Bill. “Besides what we have in the showroom, maybe you have a different style in mind. We can help you find it with our Online Design Center in the showroom. With Terry’s expertise, she will find what you are dreaming of AND in your budget. Our software gives us up-to-date info on stock availability and online prices, which we will meet or beat in most cases.”

The showroom is located in the Tampa Premium Outlets across from Kate Spade, a well-known women’s boutique. Hours are Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Published February 23, 2022

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Founder Welcomes All to Community

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 In the mid-90s, Beat Kahli (president and CEO of Avalon Park Group) and his wife Jill moved from Switzerland to the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale in South Florida.

“It was a big change. I rarely saw anyone I knew when I would leave my home in the morning. There was no sense of community,” says Kahli.

This kind of environment was completely different from where Kahli grew up in Switzerland. He missed being in a town where he was able to live, learn, work and play.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group

“In my native hometown, Zurich, I could walk from my home to anything I need in my daily life… work, school, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.,” says Kahli. “That hometown culture was the blueprint for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Only my vision was to make it even better.”

And Kahli did just that.

“I love the peace of mind knowing that you can live your whole life, should you wish, in one place,” says Kahli.

“You can live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel at all stages of life. From a college student in an apartment, to an individual looking to purchase their first home, to a growing family looking to buy a larger home, and even an older couple looking to settle down in a smaller townhome/apartment.”

Kahli believes a healthy community is made up of a diverse body of people. A town where people of various racial, economic and cultural backgrounds can live together. Kahli says this melting pot of perspectives gives the community depth and allows its members to live life inclusive of every background and belief, regardless of generation, origin, race and income class.

“As a developer, one of the ways that we build diversity at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is by building an open community at every price point. I personally do not think gated communities with only single-family homes in one price point (often at the higher end) create a healthy community,” says Kahli.

Additionally, it is not uncommon in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to have families with four generations living within walking distance of each other.

“The grandparents can spend quality time with the grandkids after school, while the parents are at work,” says Kahli. “Building roots in a community is a healthy way to make a town, and family, strong.”

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, located on State Road 54 about 3 miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes in 2012. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Homes in the residential community range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Published February 23, 2022

Deal calls for Pasco to pay tolls

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The Pasco County Commission has approved an agreement to temporarily pay for tolls on the Suncoast Parkway — to accommodate the complete opening of the Ridge Road extension at that interchange.

The agreement is needed because Florida’s Turnpike Authority must collect tolls for users on the toll road, according to background materials in the county board’s Feb. 8 agenda packet.

The county opened two lanes of the Ridge Road extension, between Moon Lake Road/Decubellis Road and the Suncoast Parkway on Dec. 31.

“Two interchange ramps were opened, the ramp from Ridge Road to southbound Suncoast Parkway and the off-ramp from northbound Suncoast Parkway onto Ridge Road. The two remaining ramps (the on-ramp from Ridge Road to northbound Suncoast Parkway and the off-ramp from southbound Suncoast Parkway to Ridge Road) remain closed as a result of equipment backorders, which are preventing the completion of the toll sites along these ramps.

“Work is now nearing completion on all ramps between Ridge Road and the Suncoast Parkway. “However, due to supply chain delays, not all of the toll equipment has been delivered for installation,” according to the agenda packet.

“The county has found it to be in the best interest of the public to open the full interchange as soon as possible,” the packet adds.

Negotiations for the agreement are in progress. The provisions of the agreement address the method by which tolls will be estimated for the period of time that the toll equipment and its installation is delayed, which is expected to be two months or longer.

The amount of the tolls to be paid by the county will be based on the Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s traffic counters’ estimates of the number of vehicles that use the ramps during the period when no toll equipment is operational.

The county’s financial obligations are expected to potentially include payment to the turnpike enterprise for one-time costs of traffic counting equipment setup, data processing, and pickup , estimated at about $4,000.

The county also will pay recurring costs of traffic count collection and scheduled maintenance of the equipment, estimated at $1,300 per week, until the tolls are operational.

Additionally, for each vehicle detected by the traffic counters utilizing the ramps while the tolling sites are not operational, the county will pay the turnpike enterprise the blended average toll rate of 33 cents per vehicle.

The total of all of these payments is estimated at $55,000 based on a nine-week period before the tolls will be operational.

However, any delays could require the county board to consider the issue again.

The agreement is subject to review and approval by the county attorney’s office for legal sufficiency.

Published February 23, 20222