The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Closer Look

A Closer Look: Everglades Equipment Group — Central and South Florida’s Home for John Deere

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The Tampa area is home to Everglades Equipment Group, central and south Florida’s premiere dealership of farm equipment, with a total of 18 locations, including in Largo, Odessa, Plant City, Palmetto, and the newest in the area, Brooksville.

Starting as a farming operation in 1963, Everglades has blossomed into the go-to source for John Deere, STIHL, Honda and farm equipment from dozens of manufacturers,

And the reviews are true — Everglades is consistently rated one of the top dealers nationwide for customer satisfaction, due to their highly-trained staff’s relentless commitment to customer service, which was ingrained in the company by its founders John and Eleanor Schlechter.

We spoke with Rick Miller, site manager of the Brooksville location, about his Everglades journey and what sets his company apart.

“I have been in the equipment industry for over 30 years, starting shortly after leaving the U.S. Navy in 1989,” Miller told us. When John Deere wanted a presence in Hernando County, they partnered with Everglades, and soon Miller was on board, helping to open the location in 2019.

We asked Miller what sets Everglades apart from other dealers. “Easy, the employees and the culture ingrained at the very core of the company — we take care of one another, and most importantly, take care of our customers!” he explained. “All our employees have the authority to do whatever it takes to address our customers’ needs and problems as they arise. They do not need to contact a corporate manager to solve a problem, they can get it done themselves. As the saying goes, the buck stops here, at the store.”

And, Miller added, “We also do not charge dealer fees and all the rest of those ridiculous fees you see added on to the price after you decide to purchase it.”

Beyond their world-class reputation as farm suppliers, Everglades is an active member in the community, supporting and donating to a wide range of organizations, including agricultural organizations like the local FFA, and those supporting veterans and first responders including the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Plus they’re always looking for more ways to give back — “Not because it might win us more business, but because it is the right thing to do, and something the Schlechter family is very passionate
about,” Miller added.

Given their sterling reputation as a farm supplier, as well as their commitment to civic health, it’s clear why Everglades has been a valued and integral part of our community for over 60 years.

For more information about Everglades Equipment Group, visit EvergladesFarmEquipment.com.

Great food, Great Company at Keke’s

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By Trevor Lloyd

Not all breakfast nooks are created equal.

Some focus on more health-oriented menus, taking inspiration from the West Coast. Others want to bring you that old-fashioned, homestyle cooking just like mom used to make.

Keke’s Breakfast Café wants you to sit, relax and hear about your morning all while it fills you with pancakes the size of your plate. And don’t forget your leftovers — because you probably will have leftovers.

“We provide a different style of breakfast compared to our competitors,” said Maribeth Harrigan, server and day manager at Keke’s. “Thick, cakey pancakes; sliced, red skinned potatoes; huge pieces of French toast – it’s a traditional northern breakfast, and you’re getting your money’s worth.”

Every egg is freshly cracked — every fluffy pancake made to order. That’s the way it’s been for Keke’s by Collier Parkway and State Road 54 since November 2018 when it opened. A fan favorite, the cheesesteak omelet, delivers diners three large eggs, seared sirloin, melted white American cheese and roasted green onions and peppers. Good eats are easily found on every inch of the Keke’s menu, however, it’s not what sets them apart.

“We truly are a ‘comfort breakfast’ from our food to our staff,” said Harrigan, “The people working inside these four walls are really what makes this place special. We treat our guests like family. I’ve, personally, made so many friendships here over the years. Now, it’s as if when I see my regulars, I am inviting them to eat in my own home.”

“The atmosphere is great, it’s family friendly,” said server Connor Lloyd, “It’s a place where you can smile, laugh and enjoy yourself. I’ve made connections with all my guests as a server. We, as staff, are always looking out for each other too.”

When asked what he most recommends on the menu, “You can’t go wrong with the cheese steak omelet.”

Keke’s is known for the high quality of the food being directly impacted by the high quality of the staff. But don’t just take anyone’s word for it. The international breakfast chain, Denny’s, has taken notice to Keke’s quality as well. Denny’s now has plans to take the once, solely Florida based eatery, nationwide.

“We’ve expanded Keke’s upwards — Denny’s will now expand us outwards,” said Harrigan. “While this is a great new opportunity, we will still remain a separate entity and we have ensured policies and procedures in place to make that happen. We love our guests and we will continue to deliver what they love.”

A promise that’s just as sound as their determination to daily, fresh ingredients.

(813) 345-8495 • 22952 FL-54 Suite 510, Lutz, FL 33549

Published 06/15/22

Toni Hedstrom Gets Creative for Buyers and Sellers

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Toni Hedstrom, a Lutz resident for 13 years and real estate agent for Compass Realty, is always looking to be creative, and get buyers and sellers the best deal possible.

Luckily, Compass Realty offers a lot of programs that not only are helpful for Hedstrom as an agent, but also for people looking to buy and sell a home.

Compass Concierge, a highly recommended program by Hedstrom, offers sellers a no-interest loan that allows them to pay for updates, staging, professional cleaning and even temporary housing, while they are in the process of closing on their home.

“A lot of people have tons of equity in their homes, but can’t touch that money until they close,” says Hedstrom. “Compass Concierge will give the seller money up front, and once they close on their home, then they will pay back whatever they borrowed.”

Hedstrom’s primary market is in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel, but she has expanded into Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

“If I was to give any advice to someone looking to buy a home in 2022, I would suggest they ask about assumable loans. A lot of buyers who are worried about high interest rates don’t realize if they meet a certain criteria, they can assume a low-interest loan from a seller.”

Also, Hedstrom suggests that first-time homebuyers find a trustworthy agent that knows the market, rather than relying solely on Zillow and to never just call the listing agent.

“Especially in this kind of market, a buyer should rely heavily on the knowledge and expertise of a local agent. If you go in blindly against multiple offers, it’s very unlikely that you will secure the home,” says Hedstrom.

In regards to the housing market, Hedstrom believes that we’re going to start to see the market somewhat level out.

“Over the last couple years we’ve seen values increase by at least 20%, and I think that’s most likely going to calm down,” says Hedstrom. “The market’s going to stay strong because the low inventory of houses is going to trump high interest rates.”

Not only does Hedstrom want to get buyers and sellers the best deals, but she also focuses on helping local rescues, shelters, and foster homes by donating $100 after every closing through her Pads4Paws program.

“I’m really proud that over the last several years, Pads4Paws has raised over $23,000,” says Hedstrom. “I’m always looking for people who need help funding their projects and encourage locals to reach out to me.”

On a normal basis, Hedstrom works a lot with military families that are looking to buy and sell, so she suggests that active military and veterans in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes look out for the Tampa VA Network, a networking organization that is a consolidated resource portal comprised of businesses, military nonprofits, and veteran-related services.

For more information, visit www.DreamStyle360.com, or email Hedstrom at .

Avalon Applauds Rescue Pets of Florida

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Congratulations to Rescue Pets of Florida for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Rescue Pets of Florida’s mission is to rescue, vaccinate, spay/neuter, and find loving adoptive homes for stray, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs. The nonprofit also wants to increase public awareness of the companion animal overpopulation issue, and provide solutions to end the killing of adoptable animals in the Tampa Bay area.

The nonprofit did an outstanding 3,500+ adoptions last year. It routinely works with local shelters and the Humane Society, who are usually always at capacity (or over).

“It’s the fulfillment one feels when doing it, that makes it all worthwhile,” says Jeanine Cohen, founder of Rescue Pets of Florida.

Adoption is so important to the nonprofit that last year they spent over $150,000 just on vet care, which ensures each furry friend is healthy and ready to be adopted.

“I am super proud of how this rescue is able to fundraise to pay for life-saving operations that most people wouldn’t be able to afford,” says Cohen.

One of the nonprofits’ cats, DoSiDo, is a perfect example of this. DoSiDo had to have a Pectus Excavatum, which ran close to $4,000. Another cat, Sidney, recently had to have a liver shunt repair that cost $3,750.

“When you donate to us, every penny counts. We are committed to saving animals that may have otherwise been euthanized due to their high cost of care,” says Cohen.

According to Cohen, the two main ways you can help support Rescue Pets of Florida is by becoming a volunteer, or fostering a pet in need.

Cohen and her team will make sure to provide a foster parent with all the support and materials they will need, which includes a supportive group chat that will answer any questions and provide emotional support to help with the process.

The community can also help support Rescue Pets of Florida by sending monetary donations through its Paypal, Venmo, Facebook Page or by purchasing items on its Amazon wishlist, which you can also drop off at any of the nonprofit’s adoption center locations. Some of the nonprofit’s most needed items are wet cat food and pee pads.

Rescue Pets of Florida’s adoption centers, which are open seven days a week, are located at five PetSmarts in the Tampa Bay area. One of them is right here at the PetSmart at The Grove in Wesley Chapel.

“We would not be successful with our adoptions without PetSmart Charities,” says Cohen, “We show cats and kittens seven days a week at each of our locations. PetSmart donates a free bag of food, and coupons galore to each adopter.”

For more information, go to www.rescuecatsofflorida.org. To check out the nonprofit’s Amazon Wishlist, go to tinyurl.com/2s3u2fcs.

First Look: Eataly Brings Capri To The States

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If Capri, Eataly L.A.’s new restaurant, proves anything, it’s that there’s nothing better than good food. The feeling of experiencing a new favorite restaurant for the first time is a moment in time that is especially treasured by foodies, which is why we’re encouraging you to put Capri at Eataly on your list of dining to try when you’re traveling to SoCal. L.A. Weekly Food Editor Michele Stueven is a venerable expert in all things delicious, with her expertise going beyond the West Coast. She has reviewed dining and drinking experiences not just in California, but across the country and abroad as well. If you love to daydream about future dining adventures, or just love to live vicariously through others’ palates, you’ll love this piece that offers a first look at the much-anticipated Capri at Eataly.

Read more on LAWeekly.com here! 

First Look: California Meets Capri at Eataly

 

 

The Future of Health Care Takes Inspiration from the Past

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Does this scenario sound familiar? You arrive at your doctor’s appointment 15 minutes early only to wait another 45 minutes before the physician sees you. When they finally knock on your door, it feels as if their main priority is getting to their next patient.

Unfortunately, it’s a situation that plagues many, major medical institutions all over the country.

Anna Ferrer, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, opened Modern Health in Wesley Chapel to combat this very issue. Born and raised in the Ukraine, she moved to Florida to work as a nurse. She quickly realized this common plight that health care workers experience. According to Ferrer, doctors are not entirely to blame, but more so the insurance companies that put pressure on doctors to perform a certain way.

“Everything I used to do revolved around what the insurance companies wanted. I felt like I could never spend the time that I wanted with my patients, because I was always under the scrutiny of a third party,” said Ferrer.

Ferrer said insurance companies would analyze her every medical decision. Much of her day went to entering insurance codes that would hopefully justify the treatments she was providing to her patients, instead of spending time with them.  At the end of the day, if the insurance company didn’t agree with her, the treatment wouldn’t be covered.

The solution to all of this? A medical system called Direct Primary Care. Direct Primary Care is simple. At Ferrer’s office, members of Modern Health pay a monthly fee and receive all the professional and personal care they need, exactly when they need it. No insurance, no hidden fees, no co-pay, no deductible, and certainly no third parties are involved with medical decisions. This ensures every individual gets immediate attention and a guaranteed hour of medical consultation.

“It’s like going to a gym. You pay a modest fee once a month, and then everything is included in your unlimited number of monthly visits,” said Ferrer. Prices vary depending on the patient’s age and range between $60 to $120 a month.

This also includes more advanced medical offerings such as telehealth, bloodwork, injections, and minor procedures. Ferrer has found that many of her patients also have health insurance. They still choose to pay per month at Modern Health so they can reap the benefits that Direct Primary Care has to offer.

“I did not choose this path to make money. I chose this to sincerely help my patients in the way I always intended to,” said Ferrer.

For more information on rates, services and appointments visit modernhealthdpc.com, or email the practitioner at

Garden Shop Teaches Self-Nurture, with Nature

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It’s been shown that those who regularly connect with nature feel more joy, tranquility and wellness in life. They believe that everyday should include a little magic, and a lot of plants!

Garden Shop in Land O’ Lakes brings their love for all things natural and creative by providing unique gifts of wellness that nature has to offer — in a way that is carefully crafted for the home. The clean, green, “unique boutique” inspires customers to reconnect with their roots, as soon as they walk through the door.

“During the pandemic, I really grew my love for gardening and learned the importance of all-natural, home essentials,” said owner Kim Bowering.

Bowering opened Garden Shop earlier this year in the Elite Pavers building in Land O’ Lakes. The combined expertise of the local businesswomen at Garden Shop makes for a tranquil learning environment, great for any seasoned green thumb or plant novice.

The store’s focus is on houseplants that stand alone, as indoor decor. The shop also features driftwood carefully crafted with natural elements of moss, plants, shells, wood flowers and more. Some plants such as bromeliads, orchids and air plants actually attach themselves to the wood, making it truly a beautiful one-of-a-kind design of living art.

“The earth grounds us. Planting is an essential part of our well-being,” said associate Nicole Clancy. Clancy has had experience is garden centers before working at Garden Shop.

Every avenue you can explore while visiting — essential oils, hand soaps, candles, bug repellent, lip balm, lotions, salt scrubs — all will lead back to the importance of plants. For example, most mosquito repellent contains harmful DEET that puts your health at risk with cancer-causing chemicals. They also carry organic plant fertilizers as well. Garden Shop provides the safe, plant-based alternative.

“Everything here is all natural,” said Clancy, “and everything here gets its proper attention.”

This specialized attention is evident in the stock Garden Shop is able to carry. Air plants have been popular among shoppers as of recent, however, most larger stores choose the cheaper option due to lack of required care. Garden shop is able to host a variety of more expensive air plants, as every plant in the store is individually cared for.

“We care for each of our customers, just as we care for each of our plants,” said Bowering.

Bowering has hopes to create a Terrarium Bar where customers can carefully design their own terrarium, and enjoy the art of working with tiny plants and miniature garden décor while sipping drinks. To stay up to date on all things current visit their social media or EliteGardenShop.com.

813-820-6105
Located at Elite Pavers of Tampa, 7337 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

It’s All About Family at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

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Holy Trinity Lutheran Church welcomes all individuals seeking God’s love to its congregation.

The church was founded in 1973, when a small group of Lutherans would meet up at the then Land O’ Lakes community center, near the post office. In 1976, they bought a property in Lutz, just south of State Road 54 and U.S. 41, where the church still resides today.

“We might be a little congregation, but we have a big heart,” says Beverly Schmidt, who has been with the church since 1978.

When asked how the church has changed throughout the years, Schmidt says in its most important aspect, it hasn’t.

“We’re still the loving, caring, warm family we were from the very beginning,” says Schmidt. “We’ve always been a close-knit congregation. We have a very strong family core here.”

One way the church supports its family is through its Shepherds Group.

“There’s about eight of us that are ‘Shepherds’ and we have church members that are referred to as ‘lambs’ that we watch out for,” says Schmidt, “If we haven’t seen them in a while, we reach out and make sure they are okay. You have to care about your people.”

Duwayne Johnson, current president of the church, echoes Schmidt’s sentiments. He adds that another one of the church’s strengths is going the extra mile to welcome its members.

“We’ve heard many stories of people going to other churches, and no one would even say hi to them,” says Johnson. “Here, we go out of our way to express Christ’s love to you with genuine, heartfelt warmth.”

Johnson has been a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for almost 32 years. As current president, he handles all of the day-to-day operations of the church.

His main goals? To always add new members to the church’s family and to continue giving back to the community.

The church achieves this by supporting several local shelters and nonprofits such as Christian Social Services, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, Salvation Army, and the Special Olympics.

A popular outreach program at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is child care services. It has a Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) for 4 year olds, which is state funded, and a preschool program called Little Lambs.

Little Lambs is a nonprofit and offers a unique Christian-based program that is licensed by the State of Florida, and is led by experienced, certified teachers and assistants. The curriculum’s focus is on the development of the total child: spiritual, emotional, cognitive, social and physical aspects, through academics and creative interaction.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s worship service always begins at 9 a.m., and can be streamed online for free.It is then followed with Sunday School, then fellowship.

For more information on Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, go to HolyTrinityLutz.com.

Celebrating Quality of Life During National Hospice and Home Health Care Month

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November is National Hospice and Home Health Care Month, and there’s much to recognize and celebrate at Gulfside Healthcare Services.

The Land O’ Lakes-based nonprofit has been providing end-of-life hospice and palliative care services to local residents and families for over 32 years, and since April 2019, home health care with skilled nursing for patients needing short-term rehabilitative care.

Linda Ward (Courtesy of Jessica Leigh Photograph)

“In our two-and-a half years of providing home health services, we have grown to over 130 patients a day,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. “And, with the COVID pandemic, home health has never been more important than it is now, because keeping patients at home while they recover is always the safest choice.”

Patients typically receive home health services for between 30 and 60 days after hospitalization, accident or injury. Gulfside’s staff provides skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapies, wound care treatments, and social services. It currently serves patients in Pasco and Pinellas counties, and is expanding into Hillsborough County in 2022, and Hernando County in 2023.

“We are one of the few nonprofits in the area to offer home health, which means no one falls in between the cracks,” said Ward. “While most of our patients are covered under Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, some are not. And as a nonprofit, we never have to turn anyone away because of a lack of coverage.”

This same inclusive philosophy holds true for hospice and palliative care — all of Gulfside’s services are provided to anyone who needs its help, as long as they are medically qualified. The cost to provide these services to uninsured people comes from donations, proceeds from five area thrift shops, and several fundraising events held throughout the year.

“We have a very generous community and active group of over 250 volunteers, who help us raise money so that no one is ever turned away,” said Ward.

Gulfside Hospice ZH Care Center

One of the benefits of adding home health to the Gulfside family is that many of its home health patients transition to palliative and hospice care as they age and/or their illness progresses.

“This means there is a continuum of care for the patient and their family,” said Ward. “We provide the same outstanding services – nursing, psychosocial and spiritual — in all of our service lines. This holistic, interdisciplinary approach allows our staff to be aware and prepared to handle a situation when a care crisis comes up.”

Ward stresses the importance of Gulfside’s clinical social workers. “They have master’s degrees and work much like counselors to help patients with depression, anxiety, financial, family dynamics and, if needed, placement in facilities outside of the home,” she explains.

In Pasco County alone, Gulfside Healthcare Services helps over 3,000 families every year. On a daily basis, this translates to 630 hospice patients, 200 active palliative care patients and 130 home health patients.

Gulfside Healthcare Services takes care of this large and growing client list with 420 employees — with the vast majority being medical professionals providing health care services.

“Every day, and especially during the month of November, we recognize the home care and hospice community by honoring the hundreds of skilled nurses, licensed therapists, social workers and committed volunteers who make a remarkable difference every day in the life of our patients and families,” said Ward.

“These heroic caregivers play an essential role in our health care system, especially today with the challenges caused by COVID-19, and we call upon our community to commemorate the power of caring with us during National Hospice and Home Health Month,” said Ward.

Linda Ward has been a Gulfside leader for the past 15 years, and credits her employees for the organization’s growth and success.

“I can’t tell you how much I care for our employees and volunteers. We have decades of experience with our team members – from ages 18 to 96, representing seven generations,” said Ward. “At 61 years of age, I am learning so much every day from my staff, especially those in their 20s, who keep our organization progressive and relatable.”

Gulfside Healthcare Services
Hospice – philosophy of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families that provides support for the whole person, wherever they call home
Palliative Care – specialized medical care for people with serious, chronic illnesses that focuses on providing relief from pain and stress of a serious illness
Home Health – skilled nursing and rehab at home to help patients remain independent while recovering from an illness, injury or surgery

Published November 03, 2021

IV Joint Makes Health and Wellness More Accessible 

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IV Joint is bringing wellness to Pasco County from the inside out.

IV Joint — an intravenous (IV) therapy and oxygen bar clinic in New Tampa— began as a mobile lounge bus in Ohio in 2019 before the owners decided to relocate to Florida and market to people who are focused on health and wellness.

“We want to cater to the everyday person,” says Brittany Osburn, co-owner of IV Joint. “It’s really important for us to give customers the ability to get their vitamins, nutrients, fluids and hydration so they stay hydrated and healthy.”

Brittany Osburn, co-owner of IV Joint

IV Joint’s South Tampa location opened in October of 2019, and about a year and a half later the company opened its newest location in New Tampa. It offers clients two different memberships, with a choice of one or two IV treatments a month.

According to Osburn, IV therapy is the fastest and most efficient route to absorb or receive something in your body. The absorption rate of an IV is 100%, compared to taking something orally, like a vitamin, where the absorption rate averages just 20%. Using IV therapy allows people whose bodies have difficulty absorbing things, such as someone with Crohn’s disease, to get the nutrients they need.

“75% to 90% of our population is dehydrated,” says Osburn, “Most people don’t know it, especially in Florida. Luckily, one of our IV treatments is equivalent to drinking two to three gallons of water.”

Another service IV Joint offers is an oxygen bar, which is 95% oxygen paired with essential oils, and gives customers a nice boost for the day, helps with productivity and alleviates symptoms like headaches or nausea.

If you’re looking for a great detox, IV Joint offers ozone sauna therapy. In this treatment, the client sits in a machine that covers his entire body, except for the head. The ozone attaches to the body’s water molecules, which aids penetration deep into lymphatic and tissue levels.

One major benefit to ozone sauna therapy is that it helps with weight loss. Sessions are offered for 15 to 40 minutes, and clients can burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories. Currently, this treatment is only available at the company’s New Tampa location.

According to Osburn, one key factor in IV Joint’s success is its staff of registered nurses and the leadership of their medical director, Dr. Victor Cruze.

“We have an exceptional staff and are very proud of the care they provide, which includes taking vitals before and after IV therapy,” says Osburn.

Looking ahead, Osburn sees the company growing and expanding locally. “Our goal is to someday give our nurse practitioners the opportunity to open their own stores,” says Osburn.

By Nicole Sanchez

Published October 27, 2021