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Tax Refund Is A Great Way To Fund Home Improvements

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You may already be thinking about how to best use your tax refund, which most people get in February and March, a few weeks after filing their 2019 tax returns.

Tax refunds are substantial income for many families. The IRS reports that 90 percent of American taxpayers receive a refund, with $2,725 being the average refund in 2018.

And, while it’s fun to fantasize about blowing your refund on a shopping spree or vacation, it’s much wiser and more beneficial to your family to use the money to update your home’s mechanical systems.

“If your home was built in the past 20 years, it is likely overdue for a new A/C system, water heater and electrical panel,” said Miguel Silva of Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes.

“A tax refund will often cover the full cost of converting to a tankless hot water heater or replacing your electrical panel. Plus, it can be a significant down payment toward a new A/C system. If you take care of these home improvement projects now with your tax refund, we’ll get your job done within a day or two, and are offering some great coupons to reduce your cost,” Silva added.

Replacing your aged A/C system with a high-efficiency air conditioner can lower your energy bills significantly, prevent energy waste and perhaps most importantly, give you peace of mind that you will have consistent, chilled air-conditioned relief all year-long.

“Many people wait until their A/C system completely fails, or end up spending too much money on repairs trying to keep it going,” said Silva. “Use your tax refund to be proactive and upgrade your home’s mechanical systems before there are problems that impact your family’s health and comfort.”

Silva explains that replacing your home’s mechanical systems typically pays for themselves within a few years. “Folks don’t realize that their hot water heater and A/C unit are appliances, just like their refrigerator, and all appliances have a life span. If you’re getting close to the end of their warranty periods, give us a call and be proactive, instead of waiting until you have no hot water or air conditioning on the hottest day of the year.”

Many families are upgrading their home’s electrical panel to a 200-amp service because they want to add LED light fixtures, electrical outlets with USB ports, outdoor lighting, and power for generators, hot tubs and pools.

“Most panels in older homes are wired for just 100 or 150 amps, which is not enough wattage for today’s myriad of home electronics,” said Silva. “Most tax refunds will easily cover the cost to replace your entire electrical panel with a new one.”

Cornerstone also sees many households converting to a tankless hot water heater because they want endless hot water.

“Nothing is worse than running out of hot water when your family is getting ready for school, work or play,” said Silva.  “After comparing the cost of replacing their old water tank, which is 100-year-old technology that is very energy inefficient, most homeowners switch to a tankless system because it costs 50 percent less to operate, plus gives them hot water on demand with absolutely no fuss.”

Cornerstone Pros was founded in 2006 as an air conditioning service company. It moved to its 4-acre site on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in 2011 and, the following year, added plumbing services. In 2014, it expanded again with electrical services, and in 2017, with generators.

In 2018, Cornerstone Pros built a 6,000-square-foot warehouse next to its headquarters on U.S. 41, to store air conditioning units of all sizes and stock high-demand service items for its air conditioning, electrical and plumbing operations. It also stocks tankless hot water systems, and portable and permanent generators, including whole-house systems by Generac.

“Every morning, our vans are fully stocked with everything our technicians need, which means on most calls, we are able to solve a customer’s problem on the first visit,” said Silva. “Please call us today to get a quote for your home improvement project, so you’re ready to go when your tax refund comes in.”

Tax Refund Specials:
FREE A/C Estimate
+ $150 off installation

$100 OFF Tankless
Water Heater Installed

FREE Nest Thermostat
With any 16 SEER A/C replacement

$50 Off LED
Lighting Upgrade

No Payments First 3 Months
With low-interest financing
up to 120 months

Published January 29, 2020

The New Year Is A Great Time To Begin Planning For Your Next Home

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The new year is an ideal time to start planning your next home, and Asturia invites you to visit its beautifully furnished models in Odessa.

Built by some of America’s top builders, models are open for tour daily at this master-planned community, located off State Road 54, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes, Park Square Homes and Ryan Homes are Asturia’s exclusive builders. Model homes are located in the community’s third and final phase, with on-site agents to assist homebuyers.

The community’s newest model is the Margate II by Park Square Homes. It features three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage at the rear of the home. This 1,966-square-foot home has an inviting foyer with spacious flex room, an island kitchen with an abundance of cabinets, and large den off the foyer. The Margate II starts at $319,990, and a model of this floor plan has just opened.

Asturia is Park Square Homes first entry into Pasco County. It brings over 35 years of experience building quality homes in Central Florida and expanded into the Tampa Bay market in 2007 with communities in south Hillsborough County.

David Weekley Homes has been building in Asturia since the community first opened in 2016. Its newest model is the two-story Mendocino. At 2,845 square feet, this spacious home features four bedrooms, an open study, three full baths, one half-bath and a two-car garage. Designer touches include an extended lanai, oversized kitchen island, an owner’s retreat with tray ceiling and wood beam accents, a spa-like bath and oversized walk-in closet.

Priced from the $340s, the Mendocino is included in the David Weekley Homes Lake Series, with homes that range in size from 2,200 square feet to 3,200 square feet built on 55-foot homesites.

ICI Homes has been building in Asturia since 2017, and recently opened its new Costa Mesa model near the community’s entrance on a peaceful waterfront homesite with long conservation views. This one-story, four-bedroom, three-bath, three-car garage plan is 2,565 square feet, and showcases a huge kitchen with extra-large island and closet-size, walk-in pantry that is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry.

ICI Homes also has a second model on a wooded conservation lot, the Serena, that is now for sale and can include the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings for families wanting a turn-key home ready now.

Asturia’s only townhomes are being built by Ryan Homes. Its three-bedroom townhomes range from 1,580 square feet to 1,770 square feet, and have two-car, rear-entry, detached garages. Townhomes feature private outdoor courtyards with paver patios and privacy fencing. Prices begin in the $220s. Ryan Homes has sold more than half of their homes and has fewer than 100 homes to go. They have no inventory of homes, which allows the builder to customize new construction townhomes for its buyers.

“The beautiful Asturia community has so much to offer with its first-class amenities, and our homes are at a perfect price that our sales have been brisk,” said Mona Cruz, one of the Ryan Homes sales team.

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

Currently in its third phase, when Asturia’s development is complete, it will likely have less than 550 single-family homes.

“What makes Asturia stand out from other new home developments is our smaller size,” said Lane Gardner, senior managing director for Hines, the developer behind Asturia. “Other communities in the area are looking at 3,000 to over 5,000 homes, and many years of construction. Our families prefer the intimate neighborhood experience that comes with Asturia’s modest community size.”

Outstanding schools are another reason why families choose Asturia. Children attend some of the best schools in Pasco County, including Odessa Elementary, Seven Springs Middle School and J.W. Mitchell High School.

A low-cost HOA and CDD are well worth the benefits of living in Asturia, with fees considerably less than other master-planned communities in Pasco County.

Asturia’s central location is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, and also provides close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75. Its master plan incorporates retail, office, multifamily and a variety of single-family residential offerings.

More information can be obtained by visiting Asturia’s model homes, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 510-3601.

Published January 29, 2020

Artists of All Kinds Live In Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is a community of over 1,500 residents that has attracted people from around the world, many with unique artistic gifts who enjoy sharing their talents with their neighbors.

Richard Terrill is such a resident. He is an accomplished contemporary painter, whose work was exhibited and sold in the museum shop at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.

Richard Terrill’s paintings have been on display in the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Terrill’s paintings are colorful, unconventional and political – work that you would not initially expect from someone who taught high school and college English for 39 years. But, after talking with the artist for a few minutes, you quickly realize that Terrill is also a knowledgeable historian, who artistically incorporates his world view points into his paintings.

Terrill’s work draws you in with his bright colors, high contrasts and whimsical tangents. And, as you admire his visionary style, you begin to see the political and historical context most of Terrill’s paintings explore.

“I like to use bright colors because they uplift the often serious and somber content of my paintings,” said Terrill. “And, I often add whimsical scenes into my paintings that poke fun at the seriousness of the human psyche.”

A large portrait of Rumi, the celebrated Persian poet from the 13th century,  dominates the artist’s studio in his Avalon Park home. Another bold painting is one of Terrill’s newest works, which he calls “Duende” — a Spanish word for a heightened state of emotion and expression.

Unlike almost every other artist, Terrill never signs his name on his paintings.

“I believe that the signature is the painting itself,” explains Terrill. “To put a signature on a painting takes away from the painting. If a buyer insists that I sign their painting, I will sign the backside of the pressed wood that I use as my canvas.”

Most of Terrill’s collectors are other artists, scientists, engineers and psychiatrists, who tell him that they like the deep thinking and intricate detail that goes into his work.

Terrill works on his art every day. “Even if I’m not actually painting, I am always thinking about the piece I am working on,” he said.

Terrill is looking forward to exhibiting his paintings at the Avalon Park Art Gallery located at the community’s Welcome Center on State Road 54, and also at the new Arts Center being built in downtown Avalon Park, when it opens.

“My wife and I love living in Avalon Park — our home is beautiful, there is so much to do, and everyone is so friendly and helpful,” said Terrill. “That it is also such a pro-art community is a big bonus, and something that makes me very happy.”

He also hopes to teach again. His experience is exceptionally broad, and includes working at an all-girl, inner-city school in Baltimore in the 1970s, and later in his career as an English professor at a community college and university in Maryland, and also teaching inmates in medium and maximum security prisons.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and the Pasco Fine Arts Council work together to bring arts and cultural events to East Pasco County. One of the main goals of this partnership is to introduce people to local artists like Terrill, with monthly exhibits and demonstrations.

“It is our vision that downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will be the cultural and event center for East Pasco County,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group. “It is exciting to discover artists like Richard Terrill who already live in our community, and are willing to share their great talent with their neighbors.”

Are You An Artist?
We want to profile artists who live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Please let us know about your talents, or those of a friend or neighbor, by emailing .

Published December 25, 2019

Professional Tile Cleaning Removes 96.5% of Allergens

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Stanley Steemer is best known for cleaning carpets, but a growing segment of its business is cleaning tile and grout.

“Many new homes have tile everywhere except the bedrooms, and tile is a popular upgrade for families remodeling their homes,” said CJ White, co-owner of the Stanley Steemer Carpet franchise on State Road 54 in Lutz. “People love the easy care and beauty of tile, but they forget that it needs regular cleaning, just like carpet.”

Stanley Steemer technicians use a high-pressure water and vacuum system to clean tile and grout.

If you don’t have your tile professionally cleaned once a year, grout can become saturated with dirt and grime, just like carpet does.

“Regular mopping of tile floors never reaches the hidden dirt that lies deep within the pores of your grout lines,” said White. “Our professional tile and grout cleaning service uses hot water extraction to clean out this grime, which removes 96.5% of allergens found in grout.”

White explains that grout is Portland cement — the same material used for driveways. And because cement is porous, it will stain just like your driveway does.

“Cement is very vulnerable to oil stains. And, since grout is made from cement, it picks up oil from your skin and cooking materials, just like your driveway does when it absorbs oil that leaks from your car,” White explains. “When you allow this stain to set into your grout, it becomes a permanent stain. We can clean the grout, but cleaning will not get out the stain — just like no amount of cleaning will get oil stains out of your driveway.”

The good news is that professional grout cleaning will remove dirt and grime from the grout, and will also restore a floor’s luster.

Stanley Steemer cleans tile and grout using a high-pressure water and vacuum system, along with a cleaning solution that doesn’t leave a residue.

“We use a water pressure of 1,200 psi, which is powerful enough to remove grime without damaging the grout. By comparison, water pressure to clean a driveway is usually 3,000 to 4,000 psi,” said White.

Stanley keeps the water temperature at 180 degrees — again, warm enough to help remove the dirt, but not too hot to damage the grout.

After pressure cleaning, Steemer’s trained technicians use an alkaline wash to remove oily substances from the tile and grout, followed up by an acid cleaner that etches clean the top level of the grout.

The final step is putting down clear grout sealant, which creates a protective barrier that protects grout lines from small spills and spots, and makes it easier to clean up spills before they soak in.

“We recommend cleaning and sealing your tile and grout once a year, which can be done the same time as your carpets,” said White. “Our technicians are fully trained on both carpet and tile cleaning, and have all the necessary equipment on their trucks to get the jobs done the same day.”

White and his father, Chet, have owned the Stanley Steemer franchise in Pasco County for five years. Last year, they opened their new Lutz headquarters, which employs 13 technicians and three customer service reps.

Stanley Steemer never uses subcontractors. All of its technicians are employees who meet the company’s high standards – including background checks, drug tests and extensive training before going out in the field. Employees wear professional uniforms and take great pride in their appearance.

“We are very cognizant that we are welcomed into someone’s home, and we make sure our employees meet the high standards we set for them,” said White.

Stanley Steemer technicians always work in teams of two.

“Most homeowners feel safer with two techs in their home, plus two techs move furniture better and get the job done twice as fast,” said White. “We also stand behind our work with a 10-Day Redo Policy, which fortunately we are seldom asked about, because we strive to get the job done right the first time.”

Start out the new year by getting your flooring professionally cleaned — especially your tile and grout.  Call now to schedule ahead, or request a same-day service. Call the Lutz Stanley Steemer at (813) 996-2436, or schedule online at StanleySteemer.com.

Tile & Grout Cleaning Tips
Always vacuum and/or sweep before mopping
Always rinse after you mop
Never use bleach — it can break down grout and sealant

Published December 25, 2019

ICI Homes’ Most Popular Floor Plan Ready Now In Bexley

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One of the most beautiful and functional move-in ready homes in Bexley, Land O’ Lakes’ top-selling community, is now available from ICI Homes.

The four-bedroom, three-bath Costa Mesa is on a 70-foot corner homesite in Bexley’s most prestigious neighborhood, located close to the clubhouse and pools. The semi-custom home includes luxury finishes, an expansive lanai, mud room with built-in bench off the garage, huge walk-in pantry, and tandem garage ideal for a compact car, golf cart or storage.

The Costa Mesa open floor plan is 2,565 square feet with four bedrooms and three baths.

The Costa Mesa’s open floor plan flows with 2,565 square feet of living area designed perfectly for the active lifestyle Bexley extols.

“This home is an entertainer’s dream. Its gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room are one expansive space highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light,” said Ron Ferguson, division president for ICI Homes. “People absolutely love the huge kitchen and its extra-large island, which is a standard feature and one of the largest islands offered by any builder.”

Families interested in this home also will be drawn to its location in Bexley, a Newland community located off State Road 54, just east of the Suncoast Parkway. Bexley was recently named the top-selling master-planned community in Tampa Bay, with home sales up more than 45 percent, compared to a year ago.

“ICI Homes has partnered with Newland for several years in both Bexley and FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County,” said Ferguson. “Pasco families looking to move up to a prestigious new home don’t have to travel far to experience Florida’s best privately held builder and master-planned community, right here in their backyard.”

Buying an ICI Homes in Bexley is a wise financial investment for families, and also one that offers an outdoor lifestyle attractive to families of all kinds.

Bexley is designed so residents can enjoy the great outdoors. The community is home to miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Several community parks dot the landscape, and sports lovers of all ages use the Mud, Sweat and Gears Park for impromptu soccer or football games, while younger kids spend hours playing on custom-built playgrounds.

At the heart of this award-winning community is The Bexley Club, where people enjoy scenic lakefront views at the Twisted Sprocket Café. Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, gear and clothing, and offers repairs and rentals. Two additional buildings make up The Bexley Club: a cardio-focused fitness center, and a screened-in game room with air hockey, foosball and a pool table. There are also two resort-style pools, an outdoor fire pit and an event lawn.

The schools zoned for Bexley residents are some of the best in Pasco County — Bexley Elementary, Rushe Middle School and Sunlake High School. Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes, a highly regarded charter school, is just minutes from Bexley.

This is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in Bexley. ICI Homes is building its final three homes in Bexley, which includes the Costa Mesa that is ready now, and the slightly smaller Egret VII, which will soon be under construction.

Since ICI Homes was established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

The sales center for Bexley is in Asturia, another ICI Homes community just a mile away in Odessa, at 2112 Secret Cove, (727) 432-3069. Stop by or call today to tour the Costa Mesa home in Bexley between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday.

Published November 27, 2019

Watercolorist Rita Wilson Opens Show At Avalon Park West

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Rita Wilson never imagined she would be a watercolor artist. A self-described workaholic, who worked as a project manager for AT&T until she retired six years ago, the Land O’ Lakes resident found that retirement gave her too much time on her hands.

“My daughter, Kimber,  told me I needed a hobby – something to stimulate my mind, and a few weeks later I received in the mail a package from her full of art supplies,” Wilson recalls. “I called Kimber and told her I didn’t know anything about painting, but she told me you never know whether you can do something, until you try it.”

One of Rita Wilson’s favorite subjects is coastal South Carolina, especially scenes of water and boats.

With that advice, her daughter suggested she take art lessons, and even went online for her and found the Pasco Fine Arts Council. Kimberly promptly signed her mom up for beginner painting lessons, and today, Wilson is an accomplished artist with her first solo art show opening next week.

The Pasco Fine Arts Council is sponsoring Wilson’s exhibit, which she calls “Thru My Eyes,” from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23, at the Pasco Fine Art Council’s East Pasco Avalon Park West Gallery, at 33613 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

An artist reception to celebrate Wilson’s work is planned for Friday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served.

Wilson will have up to 26 paintings on display at her show — all watercolors with scenes that depict her native coastal South Carolina, Florida scenes, florals, portraits of dogs and cats, and paintings of antique cars and trucks, which are often commissioned by owners who want paintings of their pets and collectible cars.

Wilson prices her painting very affordably — typically between $100 and $300, because she wants people to enjoy her work as much as she does. All of her paintings will be for sale during the show.

Wilson’s first watercolor lesson was taught by Jo Baughman, who today is the director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, the group partnering with Avalon Park West to bring the arts to the east side of Pasco County.

“Jo made learning to paint simple. She taught us some basic techniques, and then let us experiment and develop our own styles,” said Wilson. “I showed my husband my first few paintings, and he thought they looked pretty good. With his encouragement and Jo’s enthusiasm, I was hooked after the first class.”

That first six-week class led to another, and soon Wilson moved on to intermediate and advanced classes. Over time, she has developed her own style based on her interests, and moved from landscapes into painting antiques cars and trucks – a hobby of her husband. She describes her work as realism, and especially loves paintings water and boats.

After a few years, her husband, Otis, built her an art studio with lots of windows at their home in The Groves, where Wilson now paints two to three hours a day, with plenty of room to spread out.

“I love to paint because it is so relaxing,” said Wilson. “I don’t think about anything else but the picture I am working on, and never know when I begin how a panting will turn out. I usually think it will be a disaster, but most often it turns into something nice. I love the flow of watercolor, and that it does not have any exact lines. You don’t really have control over the water, but then the paint becomes something beautiful.”

Wilson says if she can learn to paint, anyone can, and encourages people to check out all the offerings at the Pasco Fine Arts Council, especially now that the Council has a location in Wesley Chapel, that is more convenient for people in central and east Pasco.

The partnership between the Paso Fine Arts Council and Avalon Park West began earlier this year, with a goal to bring arts and cultural events, exhibits and workshops to East Pasco County. This is the first time in the Council’s 40-plus year history that is has had a location in East Pasco to host its exhibits and art classes.

One of the main goals of this partnership is to introduce people to local artists like Wilson, with monthly exhibits and demonstrations, and also to offer art classes for youngsters and adults.

And, that is exactly the plan for the new East Pasco Gallery of the Pasco Fine Arts Center.

“We want to have art classes and workshops for our community, and a place to share artwork created by students and adults,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group.

“As it turns out, the Pasco Fine Arts Council has been providing these types of programs for years, and all it needed was a place in East Pasco to bring their programs and exhibits to our residents in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, San Antonio and Dade City.

“It is our vision to build Downtown Avalon Park West as the cultural and event center of East Pasco County,” Lerret said.

New Model Homes Open For Tour At Asturia

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Unique Floor Plans Offered By Four Premier Builders

The holiday season is a wonderful time to dream about your next home, and Asturia invites you to visit its model homes by some of America’s top builders, in Odessa.

The community’s beautifully furnished model homes are open for tour daily at this master-planned community, located off of State Road 54, just west of the Suncoast Parkway.

David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes, Park Square Homes and Ryan Homes are Asturia’s exclusive builders. Model homes are open daily in the community’s third and final phase, with on-site agents to assist homebuyers.

The Costa Mesa by ICI Homes is Asturia’s newest model home, located on a fabulous conservation homesite.

The community’s newest model is the Mendocino by David Weekley Homes. The beautifully furnished Mendocino is 2,845 square feet, and features four bedrooms, an open study, three full baths, one half-bath and a two-car garage. Designer touches include an extended lanai, oversized kitchen island, an owner’s retreat with tray ceiling and wood beam accents, a spa-like bath and oversized walk-in closet.

Priced from the $340s, the Mendocino is included in David Weekley Homes’ Asturia’s Lake Series, with homes that range in size from 2,200 square feet to 3,200 square feet that are built on 55-foot homesites.

To celebrate the holidays, David Weekley Homes is hosting a Sips with Santa special event on Sunday, Dec. 15 at it model home center. Celebrate the Christmas season with hot chocolate, coffee and s’mores, with Santa hearing Christmas wishes from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Other single-family home models in Asturia are available for tour by ICI Homes, and Ryan Homes has models of its townhome community. And, at the first of the year, a new model by Park Square Homes will open, with a rear-entry floor plan that will be priced in the high $300s.

In late June, ICI Homes opened its new Costa Mesa model near the community’s entrance on a beautiful waterfront homesite with long conservation views. This one-story, four-bedroom, three-bath, three-car garage plan is 2,565 square feet, and showcases a huge kitchen with extra-large island and closet-size, walk-in pantry that is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry.

ICI Homes also has a second model on a beautiful conservation lot, the Serena, that is now for sale and can include the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings for families wanting a turn-key home ready now.

Ryan Homes offers two floor plans in Asturia’s only townhome community. These three-bedroom townhomes range from 1,580 square feet to 1,770 square feet, all with two-car, rear-entry, detached garages. The homes feature private outdoor courtyards with paver patios and privacy fencing. Prices begin in the $220s. Ryan Homes hit their halfway mark and have only 108 units to go. They have no inventory of homes, which allows the builder to customize new construction townhomes for its buyers.

“The beautiful Asturia community has so much to offer with its first class amenities, and our homes are at a perfect price that our sales have been brisk,” said Mona Cruz, one of the Ryan Homes sales team.

David Weekly Homes and ICI Homes have inventory homes available for families who are looking to move now or at the first of the year. These homes have special year-end pricing, which includes both price discounts and other incentives.

Park Square Homes is Asturia’s newest builder, and is building its Margate II model that features three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage. This 1,966 square foot home has an inviting foyer with spacious flex room, an island kitchen with an abundance of cabinets and large den off the foyer. The Margate II starts at $319,990 and a model of this floorplan is expected to be completed in January.

Asturia is Park Square Homes first entry into Pasco County. It brings over 35 years of experience building quality homes in Central Florida, and expanded into the Tampa Bay market in 2007 with communities in south Hillsborough County.

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

Currently in its third phase, when Asturia’s development is complete, it will likely have less than 550 single-family homes.

“What makes Asturia stand out from other new home developments is our smaller size,” said Lane Gardner, senior managing director for Hines, the developer behind Asturia. “Other communities in the area are looking at 3,000 to over 5,000 homes, and many years of construction. Our families prefer the intimate neighborhood experience that comes with Asturia’s modest community size.”

Outstanding schools are another top reason why families move to Asturia. Children attend some of the best schools in Pasco County, including Odessa Elementary, Seven Springs Middle School and J.W. Mitchell High School. All three schools have received a minimum A or B school grade for the last three years.

A low-cost HOA and CDD are well worth the benefits of living in Asturia, with fees considerably less than other master-planned communities in Pasco County.

Asturia’s central location is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, and also provides close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75. Its master plan incorporates retail, office, multifamily and a variety of single-family residential offerings.

More information can be obtained by visiting Asturia’s model homes, registering at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 510-3601.

Published November 27, 2019

Don’t Miss ICI Homes’ Statewide Open Houses This Sunday

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Visit Asturia, Bexley or FishHawk Ranch to Win $500

Area residents looking for a new home are fortunate to have one of Florida’s most unique semi-custom builders, ICI Homes of Daytona Beach, building in Tampa Bay’s most in-demand communities — Asturia in Odessa, Bexley in Land O’ Lakes and FishHawk Ranch in Lithia.

And now, for the first time ever, move-in ready ICI homes in these communities are participating in a company-wide, statewide sale this weekend that offers buyers some of its lowest prices ever, along with unique design features and options not available with other builders.

To celebrate this year-end pricing, the ICI Homes Statewide Open House is Sunday, Nov. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Families visiting during open house hours are eligible to win a $500 gift card by registering when they tour a quick-delivery showcase home.

“If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit one of our models, this is the weekend to make that happen,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager for ICI Homes. “Many of our showcase homes are ready now, and you could be living in one of these homes by the first of the year.”

In the Pasco communities of Asturia and Bexley, five showcase homes are available, including the Serena, which was the builder’s model home in Asturia’s Phase II. This innovative, one-story home has four bedrooms and three baths on a deep conservation lot. For families wanting a turn-key home, the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings are available.

Also ready now in Asturia is the Arden, another four-bedroom, three-bath home on a conservation lot that also offers a separate dining room and a full three-car garage. This one-story home is located in a secluded area in the back of the community.

The Costa Mesa is another one-story showcase home with four bedrooms and three baths, and features the same floor plan as the builder’s new model in Asturia. It is being built on a conservation lot that overlooks a pristine lake near the front on the community.

“The reception to our new Costa Mesa model has been overwhelming,” said Ferguson. “People absolutely love its huge kitchen and its extra-large island, which is a standard feature in this home. Plus, the model’s closet-size, walk-in pantry, which is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry, is a standout feature that everyone wants.”

One-story homes are always in demand because of the natural flow from one room to the next, and the convenience of having everything on the same level. It is the preferred floor plan for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and couples who are downsizing.

“ICI Homes offers more one-story plans than other builders in our price range,” said Ferguson. “Plus, we give buyers the ability to customize their floor plans to meet their special needs and satisfy their secret desires. Most production builders do not allow for structural changes, and this is something we gladly do for our customers.”

A Costa Mesa showcase home also is available for tour in Bexley, another master-planned community located just a few miles east of Asturia, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. Located on a large, 70-foot interior lot, this home is the lowest price of all Costa Mesa showcase homes.

For families looking for a larger home, a two-story Santa Maria is underway in Asturia, and features a first-floor master suite, and three bedrooms and a game room on the second floor. The home has three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage, with one space designed as a tandem garage.

FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County is home to ICI Homes’ award-winning home, the Shenandoah —a three-time grand showcase winner in the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. This unique plan is over 3,000 square feet and includes a detached garage with studio apartment, and is the only ICI showcase home open for tour this weekend in Hillsborough County.

ICI Homes’ models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The sales center for Asturia and Bexley is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and in FishHawk Ranch at 13925 Lake FishHawk Drive in Lithia. For more information, visit ICIHomes.com, or call (813) 252-1108.

ICI Homes builds primarily in master-planned communities with beautiful homes sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle. The privately held company was established in 1980, has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

Published November 06, 2019

Help Bexley Celebrate Its 3rd Birthday!

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Milestones are worth celebrating. In November, Bexley by Newland rings in being a part of the Pasco Community for the past three years!

A lot has happened in that short period of time. Not only has Bexley earned accolades from Real Estate advising group, RCLCO, has the top-selling community in Tampa Bay and one of the top 50 in the U.S., it also has been honored with a host of national and regional awards.

As Bexley has grown up, it has become a vibrant, planned community. Families don’t have to travel very far to enjoy Bexley’s outstanding amenities, which include resort-style pools, parks, fitness center, café, bike shop, BMX track, and miles of multi-purpose trails.

Residents often share that what makes Bexley so unique is the close-knit, family feel they just haven’t experienced elsewhere.

“Bexley is growing into the community we envisioned,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland. “It’s truly a special place and offers something for everyone, especially those who are looking for an active, outdoor lifestyle, and greater connections with each other. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of, whether you’re a family with kids, buying your first home, or looking to downsize.”

Outstanding Schools
Bexley Elementary School opened within the community in the Fall of 2017 on 18 acres donated by Newland.

The schools zoned for Bexley residents — Bexley Elementary, Rushe Middle School and Sunlake High School — are all A-rated by the State of Florida. Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes, a charter school just minutes from Bexley, also has earned top marks.

Top-Notch New Builders
This year, Bexley added two new partners to its outstanding list of homebuilders. Arthur Rutenberg Homes and Pulte Homes join Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Homes by WestBay, and Lennar in offering a wide variety of single-family and luxury homes in the community.

Custom homebuilder Arthur Rutenberg recently opened its Avalon model home at Bexley. Rutenberg homebuyers can choose from 19 different floor plans that were created just for the community. Pulte, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, offers three flexible home designs located near Bexley Elementary. Pulte’s homes allow for personalization and feature the company’s 10-year protection plan warranty.

A New Vision for a 55+ Community
Pulte is no stranger to Bexley. Last year, the company opened its Del Webb at Bexley 55+ active adult neighborhood near the intersection of Sunlake Boulevard and Tower Road. Pre-sales for the community’s second phase of low-maintenance homes are expected very soon, with its sales center already open. Del Webb at Bexley’s expansive 17,000-square-foot clubhouse is on track to open in early 2020.

Nearby Community Comforts
Bexley residents enjoy all the comforts they need in a growing town. The community has attracted nearby conveniences, such as the AdventHealth Emergency Department, a SpringHill Suites hotel, and a RaceTrac gas station and convenience store. Additional dining and retail areas are also in the works.

In three short years, Bexley has earned many honors, but the best acclaim is from the hundreds of families who now call Bexley home, and are busy making memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Published October 30, 2019

Stanley Steemer Safely Cleans Area Rugs

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There is much more than most people think when it comes to cleaning area rugs. CJ White, owner of Pasco’s Stanley Steemer franchise in Lutz, says while area rugs can be cleaned in the home along with regular carpet, the most thorough job is done at Stanley Steemer’s Area Rug Cleaning Plant in Riverview.

Mike Little, one of two highly trained technicians at the Stanley Steemer Rug Plant in Riverview.

“Due to the more delicate dyes, materials and overall construction of most area rugs, we are limited to only cleaning the surface of area rugs when in a customer’s home,” said White. “But, at our Area Rug Cleaning Plant, your rug is cleaned using the specialized equipment that is needed to clean your area rug as safely and thoroughly as possible. Stanley Steemer has invested over $500,000 in equipment specifically designed for the deep cleaning of area rugs, in the Tampa Bay Area.”

In addition to their already state-of-the-art facility, this capital investment in equipment to clean area rugs is unmatched by any other carpet cleaning company in Tampa Bay. And, to make it easy for homeowners, White’s company will pick up your rugs, deliver them to the Area Rug Cleaning Plant, and promptly returns them once thoroughly cleaned.

No matter what style of area rug you have — a woven rug made with synthetic fibers that costs a few hundred dollars, to a luxury woven Silk costing over $35,000, or an antique oriental rug that is a family heirloom, all are cleaned using Stanley Steemer’s specialized equipment and procedures.

And, while sending area rugs to the Rug Cleaning Plant is more expensive than cleaning them at your home, it’s the only way to ensure the complete removal of damaging sand and soils, as well as odors caused by pet accidents. The end result is a clean, sanitary area rug with more vibrant colors that often makes your rugs look like new. Additionally, upon return, your newly cleaned rugs will be thoroughly dried, so they can be safely placed on wood floors without fear of water damage.

White has many customers who have their area rugs cleaned at the Plant that were not expensive to purchase, but match a home’s other rugs and décor.

“Often a particular color or pattern is no longer made, so it’s important to our customer that their existing rugs stay in top shape, because they match their home’s interior,” said White.

The largest area rug Stanley Steemer has cleaned at its Riverview operation was 20 X 30 feet  —the size of a 4-car garage.

“It was massive, but our equipment handled the size perfectly,” said Mike Little, one of two highly trained technicians at the Stanley Steemer Rug Plant.

Rugs get a final rinsing to ensure no cleaning solution is left behind.

One of the biggest advantages of sending your area rug to the Rug Plant is to ensure your rug can be safely cleaned. The more controlled environment and specialized equipment protects your rug from damages, like dyes bleeding,  shrinking, and cellolostic browning. Every job is customized to the rug, and specific shampoos and additives appropriate for a carpet’s fiber are added to the water tank, which fully immerses the rug during cleaning.

“And, if there is any bleeding, we have chemicals that control these excess dyes, so they cannot attach themselves to other fibers in the rug,” explained Little.

Most rugs are picked up by White’s crew, cleaned by the Rug Plant and delivered back to the customer home within 7-10 days.

“But, if someone needs a rug back sooner, we can turn them around within a week,” said White.

Because so many homeowners want their rugs cleaned before the holidays, White is offering his Pasco customers a 15% discount on all area rug cleaning at the Rug Plant, if the customer brings the rug to his State Road 54 location in Lutz.

You can drop off your rug at the Lutz Stanley Steemer, at your convenience, or arrange for an estimate and pickup by calling (813) 996-2436. You can also schedule appointments online at  StanleySteemer.com.

Our 5-Step Process

  1. We start by running the rug through our industrial rug duster. This loosens and removes dry dirt, dust and allergens.
  2. If you have pets, we apply a pet urine treatment to remove any urine odors.
  3. Next, the rug is placed in an automated washtub. Here, paddles gently agitate the rug, and our patented cleaning solutions safely lift any dirt from deep within the fibers.
  4. The rug is removed from the tub and gets a final rinsing to ensure no cleaning solution is left behind.
  5. Lastly, the rug is dried in a large centrifuge and hung in a climate controlled environment to dry completely.

Published October 30, 2019