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‘Wow’ Kitchen Makes New Model Top Seller For ICI Homes

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In late June, ICI Homes opened its new Costa Mesa model in Asturia, and already it has become the community’s best-selling floor plan for this premium builder.

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

The Costa Mesa’s closet-size, walk-in pantry is hidden behind this beautiful kitchen cabinetry.

The Costa Mesa model overlooks a tranquil lake not far from the entrance to Asturia, an award-winning, master-planned community in Odessa, located one mile west of the Suncoast Parkway on State Road 54.

Located in the community’s recently opened Phase III, this one-story home showcases 2,565 square feet of living area, with four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. It is designed for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and empty-nesters.

“The Costa Mesa’s open floor plan is perfect for entertaining,” said Ferguson. “Its gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room are one expansive space highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light.”

Costa Mesa’s ‘hidden’ walk-in pantry.

ICI Homes has a second model, the Serena, in Asturia’s second phase. This beautiful home has recently become available for sale, and can even include the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings for families wanting a turn-key home that is ready now.

The builder has 38 homesites available in Asturia’s Phase III, and a few remaining in Phase II, with many lots backing up to conservation and water. Prices begin in the high $300s, which include the home, lot and design center options.

ICI Homes has over a dozen distinctive floor plans to choose from, all which are easily customized. For families not wanting to build, the builder has several quick inventory homes available now or within the next few months.

Amenities in this 550-home community include a unique trails system that winds through wetlands, parks and neighborhoods, and an award-winning Amenity Center that includes a zero-entry pool, contemporary community center and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Coming Soon – Wesley Chapel
The next ICI Home community in Tampa Bay will be in Wesley Chapel in the prestigious Wiregrass Ranch area. This new community will be called Persimmon Park, and is located behind The Shops at Wiregrass, and south of the Estancia entrance off of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Chauncy Road.

“This is our first project in Wesley Chapel, and we are very excited to be in this vibrant community” said Ferguson. “We will be introducing our first neo-traditional homes in Persimmon Park, with all-new floor plans that feature front porches, and garages at the back of the home.”

Construction on the community’s infrastructure is underway, and model homes and sales are expected to open in the spring of 2020. ICI Homes prices are expected to begin in the mid $200s, with larger homes selling in the $400s.

Persimmon Park is being designed as a walkable community with a downtown park and trails that lead to shopping and dining at The Shops of Wiregrass, to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and to neighborhood schools.

Final Homes In Bexley
If you’re looking for a new home in Land O’ Lakes, this is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in Bexley, an award-winning community next to the Suncoast Parkway with thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, miles of recreational trails and unique amenities, including a bike shop and café.

ICI Homes is building its final three homes in Bexley, all on large 70-foot lots. A Costa Mesa quick move-in home will be ready in September, and the slightly smaller Egret VII will soon be under construction. Both homes have very open floor plans with lots of windows and natural lighting.

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 Asturia and Bexley is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. Models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Published August 28, 2019

Over 700 Homes Sold In Avalon Park West

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Avex Homes and Beazer Homes are the exclusive builders in Avalon Park West, a 1,650-acre master-planned community in Wesley Chapel, located 7.5 miles east of I-75 on State Road 54.

“We have built over 500 homes in the past five years, and 200 more are under contract,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for Avalon Park Group. “It is very rewarding to offer local residents affordable homes for first-time homebuyers, as well as luxurious, move-up homes for families wanting a larger home in a community like ours that offers great schools and so much to do.”

Avex Homes and Beazer Homes are the exclusive builders at Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel. This is the St. Augustine III by Beazer Homes.

Single-family homes in Avalon Park West start in the mid-$200s, and are built on a variety of lot styles, including conservation, corner and pond view. The final 40 lots are selling fast in Cypress Village — the first neighborhood built in the community. And, both builders are also building in the new Hawthorne Village neighborhood, with Avex Homes also offering the first townhomes in Avalon Park West.

“Our builders have 13 inventory homes ready, right now, for quick move-in,” said Lerret. “We can get families into their new home before the holiday season begins.”

Avex Homes are solidly built with rich architectural detail, and a traditional focus on front porches and garages behind the home, which are accessed through an alley or ribbon driveway. Its neo-traditional floor plans encourage families to wave at neighbors walking by, and to get to know them and invite them inside their home.

Avex has three inventory homes ready now that come with $7,500 in closing costs. Two quick move-in homes are the one-story Escambia at 1,832 square feet, for $257,010 and $258,890. A two-story home, the Alexander, is also available at 2,145 square feet, for $269,720.

Avex Homes also is accepting presales for its new townhome series. Three floor plans are available, all with two-car garages at the rear of the homes. Square footage ranges from 1,608 to 1,834 square feet, with one of the three plans offering a master suite on the first floor. Presale pricing begins at $229,800.

Beazer Homes wants homebuyers to know about its Choice Plans — flexible floor plan options that allow customers to personalize the layout of the most commonly used living spaces for no additional cost.

Jesup II by Avex Homes

The ability to personalize a floor plan is a feature touted by many new home builders, but often comes at a hefty price tag. Beazer homebuyers don’t have this worry.

For example, its Choice Plans kitchen options allow buyers to personalize their kitchen area based on predetermined options, such as an oversized island with a breakfast bar, in lieu of a separate dining breakfast nook, without any added cost.

Beazer Home’s smaller series, the Bay Series, has limited opportunities remaining to choose a homesite and build a home from the ground up. Homes in this series start from $249,990, and range from 1,676 to 2,254 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms. Beazer’s larger series, the Gulf Series, only has inventory homes remaining starting at $272,000, which also offer 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 2.5 bathrooms.

Beazer Homes has five inventory homes available now, with prices reduced up to $38,000 off. These move-in ready homes come complete with washer, dryer, fridge and blinds, so all a buyer needs to do is bring their furniture. Beazer is offering closing cost assistance on its inventory homes, as well as its to-be-built homes that currently have half-off design options. For complete details, visit the Beazer sales center, or call (813) 422-5549.

Avex and Beazer model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. For more information, stop by the Welcome Center at Avalon Park West, located at 33613 State Road 54.

Published August 28, 2019

Mattamy Townhomes Feature Island Kitchens and Spacious Lanais

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Carmen Livingstone recently moved to her new townhome at Lakeview at Citrus Park and could not be happier with the quality of her new home, and the outstanding service she received from Mattamy’s staff.

“Everyone was so helpful, and just wonderful to work with,” said Livingstone, who downsized from a 4,000-square-foot home in a nearby community. “I love that everything is brand new, and that I do not have to worry about maintenance or upkeep. Plus, this is a gated community, so I feel very safe and secure.”

The Marianna floor plan has a beautiful island kitchen and an abundance of cabinets. (Randy Underhill)

Livingstone bought the Marianna floor plan which, at 1,660 square feet, is the smallest townhome of five floor plans available in this 124-townhome community.

“My home feels so spacious, with an amazing great room/kitchen/dining combination, three large bedrooms and two baths upstairs, plus a half bath down,” said Livingstone.

Livingston likes that all of her bedrooms are on the second floor.

“I like having the bedrooms upstairs for the privacy, and because it gives me so much room downstairs,” said Livingstone. “While I am retired, I am healthy and active, and going up and down the stairs is good for me because it gives me exercise and keeps me moving!”

Livingstone’s lanai, which stretches across the entire back of her home, is one of the favorite places in her new home.

“My lanai overlooks a stand of trees that is great for bird watching, plus they give me privacy,” said Livingstone. “I love to garden, and my lanai is the perfect amount of space for my plants and to enjoy the outdoors.”

Carmen Livingstone’s spacious lanai in her new Mattamy townhome is perfect for gardening and enjoying the outdoors.

Because Livingstone loves being outside, another big draw for Livingstone is the community’s access to tranquil Gant Lake, where residents share a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

“Just about every evening, I walk down to the lake and enjoy the magnificent sunsets from the pier,” said Livingstone. “And, in the morning, I enjoy coffee on my lanai — there is so much nature here to enjoy.”

Lakeview at Citrus Park has recently released a new building and has several quick inventory homes available beginning in the high $200s. Currently, Mattamy is offering an incentive of paid closing costs on select homes.

In addition to retirees like Livingstone, residents include young families, whose youngsters enjoy the community’s tot lot, and professionals looking for an easy commute to the airport, the Westshore business district and downtown Tampa.

Lakeview at Citrus Park offers one on the most convenient locations in the north Tampa area. It is adjacent to the Veterans Expressway, located just south of the Ehrlich Road exit at the end of Tom Fuller Road.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Five miles north of Lakeview at Citrus Park, also located next to the Veterans Expressway, is Mattamy Homes’ Lutz community of Avea Pointe.

Located off Van Dyke Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway, Avea Pointe is especially popular with families because of the excellent schools its children attend: Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary. Plus, Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, a charter school for grades K-8, is just a mile away on Dale Mabry Highway.

This gated community’s new amenity center just opened and features a resort-style pool and cabana with grill area.

Avea Pointe offers unique, open floor plans, all with 2-car garages. It will soon be introducing two additional floor plans with one-car garages, for those looking for smaller homes. Current base pricing for these smaller plans begin in the upper $200s. An array of quick move-in homes is available with special savings, with HOA fees paid on select homes for a limited time only.

Model homes are under construction and slated to be complete in October. The sales center is located onsite and is open daily. At 5653 Van Dyke Road in Lutz (Van Dyke Road, just West of Lakeshore Road).

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings and incentives. Please see a New Home Counselor for terms and conditions.

Published August 28, 2019

If Your House Floods, Don’t Wait To Call For Help

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There is nothing as worrisome as coming into your home after being away, or waking up in the middle of the night, and finding wet carpets and standing water on your floors.

“The first thing many people do is get out their shop vac, but the first thing they should be doing is calling a professional water extraction company,” said C.J. White, owner of the Stanley Steemer franchise in Lutz. “Using a shop vac is a bit like trying to save the Titanic with a bucket — all it does is delay the homeowner’s call for help.”

It’s important to quickly get water extracted from a flooded area, because it doesn’t take long for water to find its way under baseboards, and then be absorbed by drywall.

“Drywall is like a water wick that sucks up water as is seeps under your baseboards,” said White. “And, when water becomes trapped in your drywall, the lack of airflow and direct sunlight in the wall cavity create a perfect environment for mold growth once moisture is introduced to the drywall.”

The most common reasons homes flood is because a water supply line leaks or breaks in the kitchen or bathroom, the A/C unit backs up, or the washing machine’s drainage hose jumps out of its outlet pipe.

“None of these sources of water are ‘grossly contaminated’ and can all be easily resolved without further problems, as long as a professional extracts the water within 24 hours,” said White. “Unfortunately, many people wait three or four days before they call and, by then, the drywall is saturated and mold spores are beginning to grow.”

White explains that what could be an inexpensive extraction job, can end up costing thousands of dollars by waiting.

“If you get the water sucked up before it gets into the drywall, it may only be an $80 to $100 job. But, if you wait, the cost increases tenfold, and this can happen in as little as 12-24 hours,” said White.

White says when his crew walks into a house and there’s a musty smell, it’s already too late, which means the carpet and pad need to be thrown away, and the saturated drywall cut out and replaced.

Stanley Steemer complies with standards set by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), a nonprofit, certifying body, for the cleaning and restoration. For over 45 years, this organization has trained and certified experts to do the hands-on hard work needed to clean up the mess left by water damage.

The Stanley Steemer operation in Lutz has seven IICRC technicians who are certified to handle most kinds of residential and commercial flooding problems. Plus, every Steemer truck is equipped with a subsurface extraction tool that gets under the carpet, pad and baseboard to successfully extract water from small spills.

“If the flooded area is limited to a 10 x 10 space, this extraction tool can suck up water from the carpet and pad so that it does not need to be replaced,” said White. “The cost is just $85, compared to thousands of dollars if you wait too long and the carpet, pad and drywall have to be removed and replaced.”

As an IICRC-certified company, the first thing Stanley Steemer technicians do when arriving at a job is access what Category the water is rated at, according to industry categories:

Category 1: Flooding originates from a sanitary water source and poses no substantial risk from exposure. Within 48-72 hours, this water can deteriorate to Category 2.

Category 2: Water containing significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Within 48-72 hours this water can deteriorate to Category 3. Examples include discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, A/C drain pan backups, or Category 1 water losses that weren’t properly resolved quick enough.

Category 3: Grossly contaminated water that can cause adverse reaction to humans if contacted or consumed. Examples include sewage, toilet backups that originated beyond the trap, rising water from storms, and Category 1 or 2 water losses that weren’t properly resolved quick enough.

“In a Category 3 water loss, the IICRC requires most affected materials be removed and replaced. This includes any wet carpet, carpet padding, drywall and baseboards” said White. “When this happens, we have no choice but to remove everything in order to ensure the health and safety of the home’s occupants,” said White.

White adds that much of the damage that he sees is not due to the water itself but from occupants of the home not responding quickly and appropriately.

“The only thing that stops this from happening is by promptly calling a professional water restoration company,” said White.  “We are always here to help you — please don’t hesitate to call.”

Published August 28, 2019

Park Square Homes Is New Builder In Asturia

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Hines, developer of the master-planned community of Asturia in Odessa, is proud to announce the addition of Park Square Homes to its lineup of premier home builders.

“We welcome Park Square Homes to the Asturia family, because they have a good reputation and bring over 35 years of experience building quality homes,” said Lane Gardner, senior managing director for Hines. “We look forward to Park Square Homes offering its quality homes in the final phase of our community, which is currently under way.”

Asturia residents enjoy a beach-entry pool, a contemporary clubhouse with large relaxing porches and event rooms, and a fully equipped fitness building next to the clubhouse.

Park Square Homes is a recognized leader in planning, design, development and sales of residential and resort-style homes. Every home is built with the highest quality products, attention to detail and exceptional customer service.

Homebuyers receive a New Home Road Map to make the buying experience easy and simple, so they understand the process every step of the way.

“Our commitment is to provide our homebuyers with an extraordinary home buying experience, keeping them informed and involved throughout the process,” said Laurie Tarver, vice president of sales and marketing for Park Square Homes.

Based in Orlando, Park Square Homes has been building homes in Central Florida since 1984, and expanded into the Tampa Bay market in 2007.

Park Square Homes joins Asturia’s other prestigious builders, David Weekley Homes, ICI Homes and Ryan Homes. All have quick, move-in-ready homes available for families looking for a new home now. Prices in Asturia range from the $220s to $550s. Park Square Homes will be built on 50-foot lots, and prices are expected to fall in the middle range.

Asturia is located on State Road 54, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway. It encompasses 500 acres of the former Behnke Ranch, which under Hines’ vision and management, has become an award-winning blend of shopping, office space, luxury apartments, single-family homes and townhomes.

Since Asturia opened three years ago, families of all ages and sizes have chosen this master-planned community as their new home because of its strategic location, beautiful lots and excellent schools.

Many of Asturia’s homesites back up to long, wilderness views of wetlands, cypress trees and rolling ranch land. Wildlife is everywhere, and residents enjoy community trails and boardwalks perfect for bird-watching, and often catch glimpses of deer, gopher tortoises, racoons and other native animals, during an evening stroll or morning run.

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.

Setting Asturia apart from nearby master-planned communities is its manageable size of just 550 homes at build out, compared to thousands of homes and years of development in other communities.

“We feel more like an established community of neighborhoods, than a sprawling development that will be under construction for several years,” said Gardner. “Our residents like knowing that the size of their community is set, and that our amenities have been designed to provide enjoyment without the worry of overcrowding.”

Asturia is a friendly, walkable community that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle with its many trails, walkways, parks and recreational amenities. Neighborhood parks include a Kompan play structure, Ga-Ga Ball court, dog park and open event lawns. Its award-winning Amenity Center has a zero-entry, resort-style pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and contemporary clubhouse.

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 has received several prestigious awards, including Best Mixed-Use Community from the Florida Home Builders Association.

International developer Hines is known for its intelligent, ecologically smart design. It manages the community’s master plan with its high standards, which makes Asturia the most sustainable, eco-friendly community in Tampa Bay.

Learn more about Asturia by visiting AsturiaFlorida.com, or call (813) 227-4148. Model homes are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

Published August 28, 2019

Protect Your Family If Your Power Goes Out

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With almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, and the busiest months of the hurricane season upon us, many local households are installing whole-house generators to keep their family comfortable, safe and secure if their power goes out.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing generators in their homes in case their power goes out,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical in Land O’ Lakes. “We are installing an average of 10 whole-house generators a month, and will install many more units during the storm season.”

Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest and most-advanced manufacturer of backup generators that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Experience matters when it comes to generators, because in addition to the install, Cornerstone is qualified to service and maintain these systems, which can have a life span of 30 years, if properly maintained,” said Silva. “It’s no different than maintaining your vehicle — generators must be serviced to ensure they work properly, and to protect the homeowner’s investment.”

Because today’s technology is essential to most families, it is critical to have electricity to power these devises that families count on.

“While you obviously need power to keep your lights on and fridge running, you also need power to keep your cellphones, computers and home security cameras going,” said Silva. “Plus, electricity is especially important if a family member has medical issues that require equipment needing power to operate.”

A generator will prevent almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators, because they are a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.

“Because all generators emit carbon dioxide, an odorless gas that can kill, proper installation and venting is imperative for all generators,” said Silva. “Our technicians are trained to specify the safest location for a generator.”

Because generators can be costly, Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing in place to make monthly payments affordable.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to give us call,” said Silva. “We do everything possible to make a generator fit their budget and payment ability. Plus, we’re currently offering $150 off all generator installations.”

Modern generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances, all at the same time.

“Many people think of backup generators as giant, noisy units that can be heard all around the neighborhood. This is no longer the case,” said Silva, who adds that Cornerstone Pros pulls all the permits needed to install a generator.

For homes with natural gas, Cornerstone Pros technicians do the plumbing that ties the generator directly into the home’s natural gas line, so the homeowner never has to worry about filling a gas tank. Homes without natural gas require a propane tank, which Cornerstone Pros works with local contractors to connect.

“Generators provide protection 24/7, whether your home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva. “Plus, most models today offer Wi-Fi connectivity so, no matter where you are, you can monitor the status of your power and generator’s operations from a smartphone, tablet or computer.”

Call Cornerstone Pros with your generator questions and to request a quote at (813) 990-0561.

Published August 28, 2019

Enjoy the Outdoors at Mattamy Townhomes

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Carmen Livingstone has found the perfect home at Lakeview at Citrus Park. The active retiree recently moved to this Mattamy Homes community and says she could not be happier with the quality of her new home, and the outstanding service she received from Mattamy’s staff.

“Everyone was so helpful, and just wonderful to work with,” said Livingstone, who downsized from a 4,000-square-foot home in a nearby Westchase neighborhood. “I love that everything is brand new, and that I do not have to worry about maintenance or upkeep on my home. Any little problem that I’ve had, even just a nick in the wall, Mattamy took care of it very quickly.”

Carmen Livingstone enjoys reading at tranquil Gant Lake, which touches the shores of Lakeview at Citrus Park. (Randy Underhill)

Livingstone chose the Marianna floor plan, which at 1,660 square is the smallest townhome of five floor plans available in this 124-townhome community.

“My home feels so spacious, with an amazing great room/kitchen/dining combination, three large bedrooms upstairs, plus a half bath down and two baths up,” said Livingstone. “But, what I love best is my lanai, which stretches across the entire back of my home.”

Livingstone’s lanai is 17 feet in width and overlooks a stand of trees that gives her privacy. She loves to garden, and the lanai is the perfect amount of space for her to enjoy her hobby and the outdoors.

“As a single woman, I wanted to live in a community where I felt safe, plus was close to shopping and all the things I enjoy,” said Livingstone, who has lived in Tampa for seven years, after relocating from New Jersey and, before that, Chile.

In addition to being a gated community, another big draw for Livingstone was the community’s access to tranquil Gant Lake, where residents share a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

“Just about every evening, I walk down to the lake and enjoy the magnificent sunsets from the pier,” said Livingstone. “And, in the morning, I enjoy coffee on my lanai — there is so much nature here to enjoy.”

For families looking for a townhome community with a lot to offer, Lakeview at Citrus Park has recently released a new building, and has eight quick inventory homes available. Homes range in size from 1,888 to 2,608 square feet, with prices beginning at $292,513. Currently, Mattamy is offering an incentive of paid closing costs on select homes.

Lakeview at Citrus Park offers one on the most convenient locations in the north Tampa area, as it is adjacent to the Veterans Expressway, just south of the Ehrlich Road exit at the end of Tom Fuller Road. Mattamy Homes has been selling in this community for just a year, and has already sold over 50 homes in this very popular community.

Lakeview has three models that are beautifully decorated and furnished, which feel as spacious and private as single-family homes. Prices are very affordable, beginning in the mid $200s. In addition to retirees like Livingstone, residents include young families, whose youngsters enjoy the community tot lot, and professionals wanting an easy commute to the airport, the Westshore business district and downtown Tampa. All residents enjoy private access to Gant Lake for kayaking, fishing or enjoying the scenic views.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Five miles north of Lakeview, also located next to the Veterans Expressway, is Mattamy Homes’ Lutz community of Avea Pointe.

This gated community’s new amenity center is now open, also with a resort-style pool and cabanas. A grand opening celebration is open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 3 from noon to 3 p.m., with complimentary food from two popular food trucks.

Located off Van Dyke Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway, Avea Pointe is especially popular with families because of the excellent schools its children attend: Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary. Plus, Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, a charter school for grades K-8, is just a mile away on Dale Mabry Highway.

Avea Pointe offers unique, open floor plans, all with 2-car garages. In August, it is introducing two new home designs that are smaller homes with one-car garages, to complement the spacious floor plans of its other townhomes.

Current base pricing for these smaller plans begin in the upper $200s. An array of quick move-in homes are available with special savings, with HOA fees paid on select homes.

Model homes are under construction and slated to be complete in early October. The  sales center just debuted on location, and is open daily at 5653 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings and incentives. Please see a New Home Counselor for terms and conditions.

Published July 24, 2019

Keep Your Family Healthy With A Free Air Duct Inspection

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CJ White has two very good reasons to keep his home’s air duct system free of dust and dander – 3-year-old Olivia and 6-month-old Landon.

“Nothing is more important than the health of my children, and I know how important indoor air quality is to their well-being,” said White, the children’s father.

White and his wife, Natalie, understand why they need to keep their air ducts clean, because the family owns the Stanley Steemer franchise on State Road 54 in Lutz.

Stanley Steemer in Lutz has invested in a $150,000 Caddy Vac vacuum truck for air duct cleaning, shown here in front of the business’ State Road 54 location.

“We want people to know that harmful mold growth can be prevented with regular inspections and cleaning of their air ducts,” said White. “To prevent mold from growing, the best action is to be proactive – to have your air ducts inspected before dust accumulates to a level that can support mold growth.”

White explains that mold needs two things to grow — moisture and food.

“In Florida, we have plenty of moisture because of our humidity. And, because so many homes have hard surfaces like tile and wood flooring, there is also plenty of dust in the air,” said White. “Dust and other organic materials are gourmet food sources for mold. When allowed to accumulate in your air ducts, you can be creating a breeding ground for mold growth,” said White.

The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) identifies the following symptoms of mold growth: runny and stuffy noses, itchy throat and ears, hives, swollen and itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, some people are more sensitive than others, especially young children.

“If your air ducts have mold spores, every time someone turns on their air conditioner, these spores are spread throughout your home and recirculated multiple times a day,” said White.

NADCA, which Stanley Steemer is a Certified Firm of, recommends that homes be inspected every two years by one of its certified technicians. If excessive dust is found, it recommends a powerful vacuum removal of this debris to prevent mold from growing.

“This is why our company does not charge to do air duct home inspections —we want families to be proactive, and not wait to have their ducts inspected before it is too late, and the mold cannot be safely removed,” said White.

Powerful airflow safely removes dust and debris.

Stanley Steemer’s air duct inspectors are NADCA certified, which means they work for a licensed contractor, have extensive field experience and industry-specific knowledge of approved procedures to safely clean air ducts.

Heading up the company’s air duct division is Earl Thompson, who has worked for the White family for 17 years. Thompson and his team typically conduct two air duct cleanings and up to seven inspections daily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

“Earl is very experienced, and regularly trains his cleaning technicians on the proper use of our vacuum truck and other equipment, so that all dislodged debris is properly removed from the home,” said White.

White’s company has invested in a powerful Caddy Vac vacuum truck for its air duct cleaning division.

“Our truck is huge — the size of a fire truck — and has an airflow of 12,500 cubic feet per minute,” said White, who adds that his company’s investment in air duct removal is over $150,000. “There’s no comparison between the effectiveness of our powerful vacuum truck, compared to much smaller, Rotobrush systems used by other air duct companies. These units only provide around 400 cubic feet per minute of suction.”

Before sending its air duct cleaning truck out, White’s technicians inspect a home to determine the necessity and scope of a cleaning.

“About half the homes we inspect do not warrant a cleaning, and there is no charge for the inspection,” said White. “In homes where air ducts need to be cleaned, we give homeowners a written estimate of the cost to clean their air ducts, and schedule the truck for another day.”

Most homes today use fiberglass duct board, which is an absorbent material. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of chemical usage in cleaning air ducts, and states there is currently no biocides, sanitizers or disinfectants that are legally allowed to be sprayed on this form of ductwork.

“If a company advertises that they can remove mold by “fogging” or “sanitizing,” they would be in violation of federal law by doing so and, depending on what they’re spraying, it can be potentially harmful to the inhabitants of the home.”

People often wait until it’s too late to clean their duct system, White said. If an inspector finds active mold growth on fiberglass ductwork NADCA recommends the removal and replacement of that ductwork.

“Mold cannot be safely cleaned from duct board and replacement can be very costly, often costing between $8,000 and $10,000. This is why being proactive and maintaining clean ductwork is so important. ” White said.

Cleaning your air ducts may not seem as important as having your carpet cleaned, but it is, according to White.

“It’s what you breathe – the air that you’re A/C system is pumping into your home all day long, The EPA estimates the average person spends upwards of 90% of their day indoors,” said White. “For the sake of your family’s health, please give us a call for our free home air duct inspection.”

To schedule your free home inspection, call (813) 996-2436.

Published July 24, 2019

Live In Avalon Park West — Wesley Chapel’s New Downtown

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel.

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

Artist rendering of downtown Avalon Park West. It’s first phase, with 130,000 square feet of mixed commercial, will open next summer.

Avalon Park West has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, east of I-75, began building its first homes. Today, 700 homes have been completed or are underway, and 1,500 people live in the community enjoying its unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Residents can choose floorplans from the community’s builders, Avex Homes and Beazer Homes, who offer a variety of home styles, including single-family homes and townhomes. Apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases.

“Our builders offer homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret. “Avalon is just like a real town — we have homes priced for everyone, from teachers to physicians.”

In addition to its desirable selection of homes ranging from the low $200s to over $400s, Avalon also offers residents places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

Construction began last fall on the first phase of downtown Avalon Park West, which includes 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space, with 100 apartments being built above the storefronts.

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

And, unlike most subdivisions, Avalon Park West’s commercial area is not strip centers facing the busy road at the community’s entrance.

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

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park West will open next summer, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed to become a four-lane road.

“We already have a traffic light installed at our residential entrance, and a second light has been approved for our downtown entrance. With these lights, and the widening of State Road 54, it will be easier and quicker for our residents to get to I-75 to the west, and U.S. 301 to the east,” said Lerret.

Downtown Avalon will continue to be built over the next several years, as more residential units are built. Eventually, there will be more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space, in its bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown.

“Our community will not only be a place to live and learn, but also a place to shop and work,” said Lerret. “Joining our retail stores will be small businesses in office parks that will employ our residents, such as doctors, dentists, veterinarians, service businesses and satellite offices of larger companies.”

At the same time that the community’s downtown opens, a new charter school, Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, will open at the community’s entrance.

Students who live in Avalon Park West are zoned to excellent public schools, including New River Elementary (located inside the community), Thomas E. Weightman Middle School and Wesley Chapel High School.

When not in school, youngsters and families enjoy a wide array of amenities at Avalon Park West, including a community garden, swimming pools, tot lots, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will interconnect with its downtown.

Opening later this summer is a second amenity center with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, workout area and spa, and covered picnic area. Looking ahead, a Regional Park with soccer, football and baseball fields is planned for Avalon Park West, in conjunction with Pasco County Parks & Recreation.

Avalon Park West will continue to be developed for the next several years. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and become home to 10,000 residents.

“We have been planning Avalon Park West for many years, and have a clear vision of its future,” said Lerret. “Our owners bought the land in the mid 1980s from the Bill Brown family – one of Wesley Chapel’s pioneer families, and have always been committed to being good stewards to this beautiful land, and making it the premier community in the area.”

Avalon Park West

Wesley Chapel
– State Road 54, 7 miles east of I-75

1,650-acre master-planned community
– Developer: Avalon Park Group, Orlando

Single-family homes and townhomes
– Today: 700 homes and 1,500 residents
– Build Out: 4,400 homes and 10,000 residents
– New homes begin in low $200s

Schools
– New River Elementary
– Weightman Middle
– Wesley Chapel High
– Pinecrest Wesley Chapel charter school opens fall 2020

New Amenity Center
– Opens fall 2019
– Zero-entry pool, splash pad, covered picnic area

Town Center
– Opens summer 2020
– First phase: 130,000 sq. ft. of mixed commercial
– Apartments above retail

Builders
– Avex Homes
– Beazer Homes
– Homes beginning in low $200s

Published July 24, 2019

New, High-Performing Charter School Coming To Avalon Park West

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Families with school-aged children who live in Avalon Park attend some of Pasco County’s best public schools located within a few miles of their homes. Soon, they will have the option of going to a brand-new charter school at the community’s entrance.

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel is being opened by Pinecrest Academy Inc., one of the top charter school operators in Florida. In the past few weeks, the school’s walls were erected at the entrance to Avalon Park West.

“Now that the walls are going up, our dream of offering families a top-notch charter school is finally becoming a reality,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group.

The walls are going up at Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, a new charter school being built at the entrance to Avalon Park West.

The new school will open in time for the 2020-21 school year with 650 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, and plans to expand to serve up to eighth grade. The school’s opening will coincide with the completion of the widening of State Road 54, which runs in front of the school.

Pinecrest Wesley Chapel will offer a core curriculum of English/language arts, mathematics, social science, science and electives, such as performing and fine arts, and world languages. Parents who are interested in the school can go to the website (PinecrestWesleyChapel.com) to fill out an interest form.

“Our goal is to have the very best school in the entire state,” said Lerret.

Pinecrest Academy Inc., received approval of its Wesley Chapel charter application in 2017 from the Pasco County School Board.

Judith Marty, founding board chair of Pinecrest, expressed enthusiasm at the school’s Wesley Chapel groundbreaking in June.

“Thank you for being here, and thank you for believing in us,” Marty told those gathered.

Marty shared with the crowd that Pinecrest has 16 schools and is opening more. Most of its schools operate in South Florida, but it also has four charter schools in Nevada and will be opening one more in August.

“All of the schools are high-performing,” Marty said. “For example, Pinecrest Prep High School is graduating 99 percent, with a population that is predominantly Hispanic. We also are placing 97 percent of those students in college. Once we commit to a community, we’re not going to let you down.”

The Florida Department of Education recently released school grades for the 2018 school year. All Pinecrest Academy schools earned an “A,” and one of the schools was the top-performing K-8 school in Florida.

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel is supported by Academica. Academica is an education service and support provider for nearly 200 schools across the country. Serving fourteen National Blue Ribbon schools, Academica is one of the nation’s longest serving and most successful charter school support organizations.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group, spoke at the groundbreaking and told how in the mid-1980s, he invited two dozen real estate agents to ask them for recommendations of what would be good to offer people east of Orlando, at what would become Avalon Park East.

Kahli suspected they would tell him to build golf courses, or a waterpark. Instead, they told him: “We want good schools.”

From that, he learned, “If you have a good school, everything else follows.”

Now, Kahli is involved in creating Avalon Park West.

When the master-planned community is completed, Kahli said, it “will be a town, where you never have to leave if you don’t want because you will be able to satisfy all of your needs.”

“It’s great to be here in Wesley Chapel,” he said. “Let’s build this downtown. Let’s start with the most important — the school.”

Interested families can visit PinecrestWesleyChapel.com to find out more.

Editor’s note: Portions of this story were previously published in the June 19, 2019 issue of The Laker/Lutz News.

Published July 24, 2019