The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Avalon Applauds

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Since its founding, American Legion Post 108 of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel has been a vital part of the community — for veterans, of course, and also for the families of veterans, students and community members of all stripes who have benefited from services the Post provides. This is why Avalon Park Wesley Chapel would like to applaud the excellent work American Legion Post 108 is doing in support of our community.

Post 108 was founded in 1937 and covers northern Hillsborough County, an area of 270 square miles. It has 250 members — known as Legionnaires — all of whom are veterans coming from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

We spoke with Commander Randy Holeyfield who explained that Post 108 is the local outpost for the national American Legion. Formed in 1919, the American Legion is our country’s premiere veterans organization. It routinely advocate for veterans and their families, and lobbying efforts have been instrumental in the establishment of key resources and benefits for them, including the G.I. Bill and the Veterans Administration.

The local post supports a number of the Legion’s national programs, including JROTC in schools and the Stanley Johnson Nursing/Health Science Scholarship and the Boys State Scholarship. 

Post 108 also is engaged in a number of local service projects. This year, the post has been working to revitalize Lutz Cemetery, which had become run down. 

“It’s just something we wanted to do. When we told the cemetery association — literally, the treasurer almost cried,” Holeyfield shared. “They didn’t have the money to do anything, and for us to come in there to do this project — they’ve been praying for someone to help them.”

The Post has a number of events on the horizon open to the public. On Sept. 2, starting at 10 a.m., it will host a Post 108 Picnic at East Lake Park. Its second annual Golf Tournament, to be held at Plantation Palms Golf Club, will be Oct. 27 starting at 8 a.m. Closing out the year will be a Christmas Party on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., at Lake Pagett Estates Clubhouse, where all veterans from the community are invited. And early next year, there will be another picnic celebrating the American Legion birthday — mark your calendars for March 16, 2024 at 11 a.m., at East Lake Park.

Holeyfield tells us that being a “homeless post” is hard — they have no permanent building to call home and host events. But Post 108 hasn’t let that get in the way of its commitment to supporting veterans and service to the community. 

To learn more about American Legion Post 108, visit AmericanLegionPost108.org.

Published June 14, 2023

Hillsborough County’s parks and recreation get national attention

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation is one of four finalists across the country for the quality of its parks and recreational facilities and programming. (File)

Hillsborough County’s Parks & Recreation has been named one of the top parks and recreation programs in the country, according to a county news release.

The program is one of four national finalists in the Class 1 Category for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence.

This is the second consecutive year that the program has been singled out for its excellence, by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

Class 1 includes the nation’s largest parks and recreation departments, serving populations of more than 400,000.

Only one department will receive the highest award, the Grand Plaque, which will be awarded in September.

Here are some key facts about Hillsborough’s parks and recreation department and its programming:

  • It offers offers more than 1,700 partnered, athletic programs that have 503,000 visits annually.
  • It manages 167 parks, 223 sports fields, 118 playgrounds, 54 recreation centers, 47 athletic complexes, 10 dog parks, six cemeteries, and five splash pads.
  • It is estimated that these facilities result in nearly $50 million in increased property values.
  • Its $9 million Athletic Turf Initiative aims to ensure high-quality playing conditions for 40,000 youth athletes and a $3.5 million Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan assists in removing physical barriers.
  • Lucy Dell Community Pond, once an overgrown, littered water basin dividing two neighborhoods, has been transformed by installing a boardwalk, fitness station and walking trail, creating an urban oasis.
  • A $10 million investment turned a decommissioned wastewater treatment plant into a destination park, which attracts more than 603,000 visits a year.
  • A former landfill site has been converted into the county’s first drone racing park.
  • Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports (HCAS) is the only team representing a government agency in the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL).
  • Hillsborough County Adaptive Sports hosted the USAWFL tournament at the Tampa Convention Center in August 2022.
  • A Wellness Access Pass was created to promote healthy lifestyles. For $10.75 per month, participants receive access to county-owned fitness centers and open gyms.
  • Move Hillsborough activities served more than 78,000 people in 2022.
  • The annual Hillsborough County Hiking Spree encourages residents to “Take a hike!’’ and highlights 22 trails that encompass everything from paved neighborhood trails to primitive treks.

Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal awards program honors park and recreation agencies in the United States and military installations worldwide that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and community engagement. Applicants are placed into six classes, with five based on population and one class for Armed Forces installations. The award is given by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

Published June 14, 2023

Local partnership yields regional award

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A collaboration between the Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service and Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Entrepreneurship Program has received an award in the 29th annual Future of the Region Awards.

Here’s a look at some of the commercial equipment used at the incubator kitchen, which operates at the Stallings Building, also known as The One Stop Shop, in Dade City. The kitchen resulted from a partnership between The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences-Pasco County Extension, Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Entrepreneur Program and Pasco County. (File)

The honor recognizes the partnership for creating an incubator kitchen at the One Stop Shop in Dade City, according to a Pasco County news release.

“It’s an absolute honor to receive this award,” Dr. Whitney Elmore, director of Pasco Extension, said in the release. “Our goal for the kitchen is to help local businesses launch, grow and contribute to our economy.”

The incubator kitchen uses commercial kitchen equipment donated by Welbilt Inc.

Since the kitchen began operation in 2019, it has attracted 17 incubator members, who are now operating successful locations or catering businesses throughout the area, according to the release.

“It has been extremely fulfilling to provide guidance and support to the incubator members and watch as this partnership helped launch 45 new, food-related businesses right here in Pasco County,” Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director, said in the release.

To learn more about the Incubator Kitchen, visit MyPas.co/IncubatorKitchen.

The Future of the Region Awards recognize programs and projects that exemplify regionalism and also recognize outstanding achievements and contributions benefiting the Tampa Bay community.

To learn more about the regional awards, visit TBRPC.org/for/.

Published June 14, 2023

Tampa temporarily changes water disinfection process

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The Tampa Water Department is temporarily using a different water disinfection process, which will continue until July 3.

The switch began on June 12 and is part of the city’s routine maintenance to preserve drinking water quality, according to a city news release.

Customers may experience a change in their drinking water’s smell, color, and taste during this time, the release says.

The department is temporarily using chlorine instead of chloramine — which is a mix of ammonia and chlorine—  to disinfect its drinking water.

This is a routine and temporary adjustment to help prevent bacteria from developing in water mains and service lines, according to the city.

Customers who are sensitive to chlorine can take several steps to minimize the effects of the change, the release says.

Those options include:

  • Running the tap for a few minutes before using the water
  • Filling a pitcher of water and letting it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlorine to evaporate
  • Considering the installation of a carbon filter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads or replacing existing filters with new ones

This routine change was delayed due to seasonal drought conditions. The Hillsborough River Reservoir is now back to normal levels thanks to recent rains.

For more information, contact the City of Tampa Utilities Department at 813-274-8811, or visit Tampa.gov/ChlorineDisinfection.

Published June 14, 2023

Music, dancing and camaraderie

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Hope Services hosted ‘Dance Your Dream,’ a free prom-attire dance party to celebrate people living with disabilities, on May 20, at the Wesley Chapel District Complex.
More than 200 people ages 15 and older delighted in an evening of music, dancing, refreshments, raffles, a silent auction, and Chick-fil-A for everyone.

Danica Bray walks the red carpet. (Courtesy of Toyita Rivera, Hope Services)
Madison Boatright and her mother, Lisa Boatright
More than 200 people hit the dance floor at the ‘Dance Your Dream’ event.

Hugh Embry finishes $2-million renovation, reopens to public

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Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, reopened to the public on May 30, after a two-year hiatus, for renovations.

Patrons were eager to begin using the updated library, which encountered some delays during its upgrade due to COVID and supply issues.

Hugh Embry Library in Dade City reopened its doors on May 30, following a $2-million renovation that included a complete overhaul and remodel of the branch. (Courtesy of Pasco County Libraries)

The library now features new furnishings, lighting, computer, printers and even faster broadband.

It was cleared of its contents in early to mid-2021, to set the stage for the $2 million renovation.

It was the first time the branch had been renovated since 1991, when it was expanded under a $10 million bond referendum that Pasco County voters passed in 1986 to improve public library services and build new parks countywide.

Founded in 1904, the Hugh Embry Library is the oldest in Pasco County. Its namesake, the then 25-year-old Embry, had exhausted books he could borrow from friends. He raised $50 to start a library and called it the Shakespeare Club. He chose books and ran the library out of his family home until his death from tuberculosis in 1907.

The Pasco Library Association was established to manage the library, and aided by The Dade City Woman’s Club. In 1927, the woman’s club began loaning books to the general population for free, out of a room in the Herbert Massey Building. Within a month of its opening, the library had attracted 440 registered borrowers.

For years, the library was unincorporated, though it continued to grow. It wasn’t until 1952 that Dade City gave property across the street from City Hall for a library building, and in 1953, the City took over responsibility for the library.

It would take another 10 years before the library finally moved to its current location.

After the Pasco County Library Cooperative was founded in 1980, it began operating and maintaining the Hugh Embry Branch under a no-cost lease. In 1988, the Dade City Commission sold the library to Pasco County for $150,000.

Additionally, Pasco County Libraries is reaching out to the public to complete its 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey can be taken at any Pasco County branch or online at bit.ly/423cTMH until July 22.

Published June 07, 2022

Construction to reroute U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes

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(Mike Camunas)

The northbound U.S. 41 left turn lane to Sunterra Drive, in Land O’ Lakes, will close for reconstruction work beginning around 7 a.m. on June 5. Northbound U.S. 41 access to Sunterra Drive is expected to be closed approximately into the last week of June.

Access to Sunterra Drive will continue to be available from southbound U.S. 41, while northbound drivers can access Sunterra Drive by taking a U-turn onto southbound U.S. 41 at the Ensemble Boulevard intersection or by continuing north and turning left onto Asbel Drive to access the Tierra Del Sol and Asbel communities.

For information on this construction, visit https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/257/256324-2-52-01.

Published June 07, 2023

Saint Leo names interim athletic director

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Marcal Lazenby has been named interim athletic director at Saint Leo University.

That announcement came from Saint Leo University President Dr. Edward Dadez, in a news release issued on May 30.

Marcal Lazenby (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Lazenby, who is associate athletic director, will assume his new position overseeing Saint Leo’s Intercollegiate Athletics, Wellness and Recreation departments on June 30, following the departure of longtime Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy, who is retiring.

The athletic director oversees Saint Leo’s Intercollegiate Athletics, Wellness, and Recreation departments.

As associate athletic director at Saint Leo, Lazenby has been responsible for oversight of compliance, athletic communications, facilities ticketing and concessions, merchandising and sponsorships. He was promoted from the assistant athletic director for compliance, athletics diversity and inclusion designee in August 2021 and first joined the university in 2017 as director of NCAA compliance.  

“I am honored and look forward to the challenge of building upon the proud athletic and academic traditions at Saint Leo,” Lazenby said in the release. “I made a strategic decision about my career when I left Glenville and came to Saint Leo to learn about the Sunshine State Conference and how to operate a high-level athletic program under Fran Reidy. I look forward to leading the great staff we have in place and aligning athletics, wellness and recreation with the university’s strategic plan as we create a vision of excellence for the future.”

Lazenby came to Saint Leo after serving as the director of athletics at his alma mater, Glenville State University in West Virginia. While Lazenby earned his bachelor’s degree from Glenville, he also was a four-year member of the university’s football team.

Published June 07, 2023

Discover The Mattamy Homes Difference at Area Communities

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With every new home community, Mattamy Homes demonstrates their dedication to providing thoughtful details and meaningful value for their 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 they deliver 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 their inspired designs. As the largest privately-owned homebuilder in North America, Mattamy has a commitment to excellence that has been evident since the beginning, along with numerous Customer Satisfaction and industry award wins. Visit a Mattamy Homes community and you’ll experience the Mattamy difference with beautiful streetscapes and exterior styles. Attention to detail is apparent inside and outside of each home, with open and airy layouts that include charming, versatile living spaces.

Timberdale Largo dining room

3 New Neighborhoods at Chapel Crossings in Wesley Chapel
Mattamy has just opened two new-home neighborhoods in the popular Wesley Chapel master-planned community, Chapel Crossings, located off S.R. 54 and Curley Road. A third neighborhood, Twin Creeks, is slated to begin sales in late June for spacious townhomes, which complement the paired villas and single-family homes that are currently 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 3 exterior styles for the paired villas — Coastal, Craftsman and Modern. 

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’ wide homesites and 50’ 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 and summer.

Asbury Pelican exterior

Twin Creeks at Chapel Crossings is slated to open 4 new models and begin sales in late June. This community will offer stylish townhomes, with 1,667 sq. ft. to 2,574 sq. ft. and 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, and 1- to 2-car garages. These award-winning 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 communities. Four decorated townhome models at Twin Creeks will open in late June, when sales begin, and quick move-in townhomes will be available. 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 in order to fill the needs and wants of today’s homebuyer,” says Kathleen Dec, director of marketing for Mattamy Homes’ Tampa and Southwest Florida division. “Our Mattamy homes and neighborhoods at Chapel Crossings are designed to provide a true sense of community, a fun-filled lifestyle, and promote well-being to make everyday living a joy.”

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

Conveniently located just a short drive from top 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 opening later this year. These fun-filled amenities include a distinctive clubhouse with a fitness center, dog park (the perfect place to make your pet’s day), resort-style pool, lazy river and more. 

Volanti

“Chapel Crossings’ new amenities are designed for all ages, with a relaxing, down-home feel and modern features,” Dec continued. “This will be a great place to connect with friends, family and neighbors — and give our homeowners access to well-being, sun, shade and happiness all year round.”

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

Volanti was recently 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 — are currently 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 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, 2 tot lots and fun park areas. 

There is currently 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.

6 designer-decorated model homes are now open daily.

Citron Grove in Odessa
Only 4 townhomes remain in this Odessa enclave of only 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 the all the sports, recreation and arts that Tampa offers. These final opportunities are being sold by appointment only.

Great savings and reduced pricing are available for a limited time
Special savings and reduced pricing are available for a limited time, and make it easier than ever to own a new Mattamy home.  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 quick 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 May 31, 2023

Del Webb Bexley — 70 Years of Experience Building Quality Homes

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Del Webb prides itself on employing the highest quality build standards. And with over 70 years in homebuilding, Del Webb wants to put their experience to work for you. 

Del Webb follows strict quality control measures to ensure accuracy and attention to detail, and through their signature Build Quality Experience, they communicate with you every step of the way. Del Webb homes are packed with energy-efficient features and quality building materials from industry leaders. And all is backed by a limited warranty you can rely on. 

Now is the time of your life to focus on you. Here’s more about why you can trust a Del Webb home to meet your every quality need.

Build Quality Experience
When you go into the building of every Del Webb home, you’ll find their construction standards are set high to meet your expectations. When they build your new home, they follow a process that focuses on quality and attention to detail. And they believe communication is key — their signature Build Quality Experience is a step-by-step process that ensures they’re with you every step of the way.

Here’s how it works. You will meet with your Del Webb Construction Manager during these four steps:

  1. Introduction – you’ll meet your Del Webb Construction Manager who will be your partner throughout the process. You’ll go over every step together and address your questions before construction begins.
  1. Pre-Closing Orientation – The Construction Manager will provide you a guided tour through your new home to review the expectations of the products, functionality, maintenance, and warranty.
  1. Pre-Drywall Orientation – Before they put up the drywall, you will be given a guided walk-through to show you your home’s mechanical systems that will soon be enclosed.
  1. Celebration – After rigorous inspections and evaluations, construction is complete. As you tour your new home, you’ll see how every aspect of craftsmanship and quality comes together in your new home.

Inspections
Del Webb believes in going above and beyond industry standards to ensure your house is a quality, well-constructed home. Several of the Build Quality steps involve inspections including your home’s foundation, frame, and mechanics. These help them make sure they uphold their high standards.

The 10 Step Build Quality Experience™
The Del Webb process is firmly rooted in quality control measures and consistently refined with feedback from customers like you. They keep you involved along the way so you can see the high level of craftsmanship and construction standards at every step. You’ll get to know your new home before you even move in — and once you do, you and your family can enjoy all your personalized features, and thrive in the new place you call home.

The Complete Del Webb Build Quality Experience

  1. Introduction
  2. Foundation Inspection
  3. Frame Inspection
  4. Mechanical Inspection
  5. Pre-drywall orientation
  6. Final Inspection
  7. Home Complete Confirmation
  8. Pre-Closing Orientation
  9. Celebration
  10.  Feedback

Energy-Efficient Features
Del Webb homes are outfitted with energy-efficient features to help reduce your home’s energy consumption. Some you can see working day in and day out to save on energy, while others are behind the scenes. Here are some of the top energy saving features that you may find in a Del Webb home:

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Appliances – Helps keep energy and water usage lower to reduce waste and manage utility costs
Compact Fluorescent and LED Lighting – Reduce energy usage, generate less heat and last at least 5X longer than conventional bulbs.
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems – Heating and cooling systems that provide better comfort and enjoyment of your new home.
Low-Emissivity Windows – Have a special coating that reflects infrared light and keep heat inside during winter and outside in summer.
Radiant Barrier Roof Decking – Reduces heat absorption in warmer climates and improves HVAC efficiency.
Programmable Thermostats – Control energy usage by helping you regulate your home’s temperature according to your schedule and needs.

Quality Building Materials
Del Webb partners with industry leaders who strive for the same excellence as they do, because quality matters. Pushing innovation and delivering quality products and services, their partners help make a Del Webb home a place you will love for years to come.

Lennox® – Lennox heating and cooling systems lets you stay comfortable and on top of energy costs.
Moen® – Moen allows you to turn everyday tasks into extraordinary experiences.
Mohawk® – Step into spaces that inspire with Mohawk’s innovative and quality-crafted floorings.
Shaw® – Transform your room with Shaw flooring that’s both stylish and durable.
Sherwin-Williams® – Your new home is a blank canvas — paint something beautiful with Sherwin-Williams.
Whirlpool® – Go from to-do to done in a snap with the ease and durability of Whirlpool appliances.

10-yr Limited Warranty
Del Webb promises they won’t just build you a new home, they’ll also stand behind it. They understand that for prospective homeowners, peace of mind comes from an industry leading 10-Year limited structural new home warranty they can rely on.

Here are warranty highlights:
10 year coverage – Covers the structural integrity of the home
5 year coverage – Covers various types of water infiltration and internal leaks
2 year coverage – Covers the workability of plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other mechanical systems
1 year coverage – Covers materials and workmanship
— And, the warranty is transferable.

Del Webb believes in life well led in your own beautifully designed home, built with open and consistent communication, quality craftsmanship, energy-efficient features, top-of-the-line materials and covered by a warranty you can trust to make your life easier.

For more information on how Del Webb has the highest quality build standards, visit delwebb.com/best-retirement-living/best-home-builders

Published May 31, 2023