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Saying Goodbye To My Family Homestead After A Lifetime Of Looking For A Home That Feels Just Like It  

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We have been publishing a monthly Home Section in The Laker/Lutz News for several years, and each month I write the stories you read in this section. I’ve learned much about the developers and builders behind many of Pasco County’s master-planned communities, and enjoy telling their stories and those of the people who live in these new neighborhoods.

This month, I thought I would share with you my personal story about home ownership, and why a home means so much more to me than just its physical structure.

My first home, of course, was my childhood home in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was the fourth child in my family, and was 9 months old when my parents bought a farmhouse built in 1885 on five acres just outside the city limits. Six more children were born in this house, and it became our family homestead for the next 65 years.

This farmhouse, built in 1885, was the childhood home for Publisher Diane Kortus and her nine siblings in St. Paul, Minnesota.

I left Minnesota for Florida when I was 25, and when I went back home to visit once or twice a year, I always stayed at my childhood home. After my father retired, the house became his primary hobby, and Dad loved showing off his most recent home improvement projects to me, not long after I walked in the door.  As we became adults, the house remained the gathering place for all family occasions, and the house, my Dad and my siblings became forever intertwined.

After my father died in 2016, our stepmother stayed in the house until she decided she didn’t want to go through another Minnesota winter in a 135-year-old farmhouse. So, this summer she moved to a senior community with lots of activities and no worries about the furnace going out or waiting for the driveway to be plowed.

A few months later, our family home was sold to a young couple who “wanted to raise their children in an old home with character.” While we were happy a new generation would be making new memories in our family home, selling it was very emotional because it was the last physical connection with our Dad, and there would no longer be a place for large family gatherings.

For me, that old farmhouse symbolized the love and stability of my family. As a child, I always imagined that when I grew up, I would buy a house just like it to raise my children and live in forever.

Well, things didn’t quite work out that way. Over the course of my life, I have owned six homes, never living in any one of them for more than seven years.

But, I have never given up my fantasy of a forever home. When it was time to move and look for the next house, I always searched for what I believed would be the perfect home to live in for the rest of my life. And, when it was time to move again a few years later, I was always sad to say goodbye and begin the search for our next home.

As I got older, and my children went off to college and then their own lives, I began to spend more time gardening and taking care of my shrubs and plants. I have even added orchids to my landscape, and when they bloom, I send pictures of the flowers to my sisters, as I once sent photos of my kids.

I would rather be home than anyplace else — it’s a retreat that protects me and envelops me in serenity. It’s a place to display and enjoy family photos, favorite books and artwork from my daughter and local artists.

My current home in Land O’ Lakes is my all-time favorite — but then I’ve said that about every home I’ve owned. It’s the first brand new home I’ve bought, and I’ve lived here already for over three years. Right now, I see myself staying here forever, but I know from my personal history that I will likely be moving again.

Perhaps that is why I enjoy writing stories for this Home Section, because it lets my mind drift to the newest master-planned community coming to Land O’ Lakes or Wesley Chapel. I get to  learn firsthand the latest in home design with flowing floor plans, new trends in finishes and the adaption of digital technology for the home.

I hope that you, too, can close your eyes and visualize living in one of the communities or homes I have written about in this Home Section. Even if you are not looking to buy a home today, I hope that reading about what’s new in housing locally will help you find your next home, which perhaps will become your forever home.

Published November 25, 2020

Kia of Wesley Chapel Partners With Avalon Park

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Kia of Wesley Chapel believes nothing is more important than supporting its community, and is thrilled to be the fireworks sponsor for Avalon Aglow on Dec. 12.

When asked why giving back to the local community is so important to him and his staff, Shawn Visconte, who is general manager at the dealership, says it’s the right thing to do.

“People like that we’re involved with the community —  for folks who haven’t done business with us in the past, they see us and understand who we are, what we do, and what we believe in,” says Visconte.

Most of Visconte’s employees live close to the dealership, which is located on State Road 54, just east of I-75 and a few miles west of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Our employees call the Wesley Chapel area their home, and proudly contribute to our local community through their families’ involvement and support of area schools, community organizations and clubs, veterans groups and places of worship,” said Visconte. “We hope to sponsor many fun community events, such as Avalon Aglow, in 2021 and beyond.”

Know an organization that is looking for extra volunteers? Let Kia of Wesley Chapel know and they may be able to help! Email Emily Brun at or call (best number).

Shawn Visconte, general manager of Kia of Wesley Chapel, coordinated his dealership’s donation of 117 face shields to Advent Health Wesley Chapel.

Kia Gives Face Guards to Wesley Chapel Hospital
In August, Kia of Wesley Chapel received 117 face shields for staff to use while working and talking with customers. While thankful and appreciative of the corporate donation, employees at the local dealership preferred using traditional face masks, instead of the shields.

Rather than letting the face shields sit unused, General Manager Shawn Visconte had an idea.

“I thought to myself… our local hospitals could probably really use these face shields much more than us,” says Visconte.

So, he called AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and asked if they could use more face masks. “And they said, ‘Absolutely’,” says Visconte.

Visconte arranged for a meet-up with workers from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and gave them all 117 face shields.

“They told me, ‘You should see some of the face shields we use.’ Basically, a lot of them were old and beat up, so this was perfect timing for them,” said Visconte.

Published November 25, 2020

Avalon Aglow Kicks Off A Magical Month of Holiday Joy

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Of the many things that sets Avalon Park Wesley Chapel apart from other planned developments is its long history of organizing special events for area residents to enjoy. This year, the Avalon Park Group is launching its first ever HOLIDAY WEEK, with safe, family friendly activities every day of the week from Saturday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 18. All events are free, buy do require registration to allow for social distancing planning.

Call (813) 783-1515 with questions, or email info@Avalon Park WesleyChapel.com. You must register to reserve your place at these events by going to the community’s website at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Pictures With Santa
Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 am:
Inside Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Avalon Aglow
Saturday, Dec. 12, 5 to 8 pm.
Fireworks begin at 8, but be sure to come out sooner to check out exhibitors and enjoy fun activities.
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel

Cookie Decorating
Monday, Dec. 14, 6 to 8 p.m.
Frost gingerbread cookies with sprinkles and candy
Inside the Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Caroling Night
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Join neighbors and visit homes in Cypress Village and Hawthorne
Meet at Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Ornament Night
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
Two ornaments to choose from
Inside the Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

 Sleigh Ride Party
Thursday, Dec. 17, 6 to 9 pm
Enjoy a lazy sleigh ride pulled by tractors (reindeers were too busy)
Begins at Avex Model Home
5263 Little Stream Lane

Movie Night
Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 pm
Every month there is Movies Under The Stars, with hit movies perfect for families of all ages. In December, the movie is ELF, one of the most endearing Christmas movies ever made. The show begins at 7 p.m. and takes places outside the community center.

Published November 25, 2020

Downtown Avalon Park Is Also Downtown Wesley Chapel

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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel soon will offer residents places to shop and work when its downtown center is completed. Infrastructure construction has begun on the first phase, which will include two office buildings, two mixed-use retail/residential buildings and a community park.

Rendering of office buildings planned for Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We will be building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

In addition to shops and markets, the community’s downtown area will have over 500,000 square feet of commercial space.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town with family events all year-long,” said Lerret. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future.”

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, thoughtfully created for residents of all ages. New in 2019 was an expansive second amenity center with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa and picnic area. Avalon Park families also enjoy a wide array of other amenities, including another swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will interconnect with its planned downtown.

Already, 1,500 people call Avalon Park Wesley Chapel home, and over 750 homes have been sold since it opened in 2012. The community will continue to grow over the next several years and, at build out, will be home to 10,000 residents residing in 4,400 single and multifamily homes.

Published November 25, 2020

Experience Is Essential In This Ever-Changing Real Estate Market

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The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the upcoming Presidential election, has created an environment where sellers are holding off on listing their homes due to the uncertainty of the nation.

Because of this, this year’s real estate inventory is at an all-time low with only a 1-month supply of homes. To put it in perspective, a normal market is typically between a 4-month to a 6-month supply of homes.

A low inventory market makes it more difficult for buyers because they are now competing with a huge cluster of offers as soon as a house becomes listed for sale. Buyers have to act quickly, often offering well above the listing price.

Experience also is essential when selling a home in this market. Sellers need to evaluate all terms of the contract to determine which offer truly is the best for them. Price is an important component; however, the highest offer is not always the best. Having an experienced agent review the terms of every offer, and discuss the benefits and risks of each one is essential in positioning the seller for the best possible outcome.

“With over 39 years of experience in the local market, we have the knowledge to navigate these hurdles and make our clients successful in this challenging environment,” says Holly Molnar Ruhlig, owner of Advantage Real Estate Services.

Advantage Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate company representing buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property primarily in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties. Agents at Advantage Real Estate Services understand local market trends, area home values, and critical information about area schools, roads and growth that impacts decisions behind buying or selling a home.

Holly Ruhlig

“We have a diversified team of agents, many having over 25 years of local real estate experience,” said Holly. “Our agents are experienced professionals who pride themselves on the highest level of customer service.”

Advantage Real Estate Services, located in a small neighborhood plaza on Bell Lake Road and Lake Padgett Drive in Land O’ Lakes, is where Holly’s parents, Lou and Sharon Molnar, started their real estate company, which they founded in 1981.

Fast-forward to 2020, and Holly has taken the strong work ethic she grew up with to rebrand the company.

“Not many businesses can say they’ve been in the same location for 39 years,” said Holly.

Holly’s mother, Sharon Molnar Johnson, still works alongside Holly, as well as Holly’s sister, Stephanie Meid, and mother-in-law, Linda Ruhlig.

We’re truly a family business, and have created an environment where our agents and clients are extended members of our family,” said Holly, “It’s our collaborative approach that makes us different from other real estate offices.”

Holly and her sister grew up on Lake Joyce in Lake Padgett Estates, and both still call Land O’ Lakes home.

“We absolutely love Pasco County. Our lifelong experience living here is a big advantage when working with people buying or selling homes in the area,” said Holly.

Published October 28, 2020

Join The Fun At Avalon Park’s Holiday Wine & Food Pairing Party

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Join neighbors and friends on Nov. 18 for a Holiday Wine & Food Pairing special event at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. You can join the party in person at the development’s community center, or via Zoom. Either way, it’s a fun way to step back from the worries of the day and kick off the holiday season.

Cheryl and Charles Visalli, owners of Time for Wine

Co-sponsored by Time for Wine, a Wesley Chapel-based company that has been hosting wine tasting events for 17 years, participation will be limited to assure proper social distancing.

“We are planning for a small group of adults looking to have fun while learning about great wine options for your holiday dinners,” said Cheryl Visalli, who owns Time for Wine with her husband, Charles. “We will be tasting and sharing information about two Rieslings for our whites, three Pinot Noirs for our reds, and a port or sparkling for the dessert wine. We like to have a good mix of wines to please all the pallets of all our guests.”

Holiday foods to accompany the wines are being prepared by Chef Ghada of Dash of Salt ‘N Pepper, a New Tampa caterer known for its exquisite homemade cuisine and beautiful presentations.

“Our food-pairing events include fabulous food prepared by Chef Ghada — who brings a beautiful spread of appetizers and main course samplers, and of course, to-die-for desserts,” said Visalli.

Cost for the two-hour event is just $25 for those attending in person. For those joining by Zoom, there is no fee — only a request to buy two of the bottles of wine (at $20 each) being featured during the event.

Food pairings catered by Chef Ghada of Dash of Salt ‘N Pepper

“To make sure our Zoom guests are engaged in the tasting, we ask them to choose at least two of the wines we are serving, so they can join in the conversation and share what they like, and perhaps don’t like, about the wines,” explains Visalli.

Those joining by Zoom will be able to pick up their wine at the Welcome Center for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel on State Road 54.

About Time for Wine
Cheryl and Charles Visalli are wine experts who have traveled around the world visiting vineyards and selecting wines for their customers. Their journeys have taken them to Italy, France, Germany, Argentina, Chile, Australia, California and Oregon.

“We love to travel to meet new people, and it’s so rewarding to discover a new wine to share with our friends back in Tampa Bay,” said Cheryl Visalli.

Virtual wine-tasting party hosted by Charles Visalli

The company began 17 years ago doing home wine-testing parties, and has expanded to include “Teach ‘N Taste” classes, corporate events, custom gift baskets, an online wine shop and even a wine club.

It also hosts charity wine tastings for nonprofit groups, and wine seminars for businesses. A popular holiday program is its “private wine ” labels with company logos, which can include delivery to customers.

In this age of social distancing, Time for Wine has introduced a Virtual Wine Tasting program.

“With virtual tasting, you can see the difference and taste the bright, diverse flavors of your customized wine selection,” said Visalli, who adds that the virtual tasting experience includes wine delivery to clients’ homes, along with a tasting portfolio.

Groups who have enjoyed virtual wine tastings include Girls Night In, No-Travel Family Reunion, Back-To-School Teacher De-Stress and Virtual Clubhouse Gatherings.

Go to TimeForWines.net for more information.

Holiday Pairings
Wines by Time for Wine
And appetizers/desserts by Dash of Salt & Pepper
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Payment or RSVP must be made by Nov. 12
$25 per person, in-person
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
5060 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel
In person or by Zoom
RSVP or AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/holiday-dinner-wine-pairing/
For information, call (813) 664-1430.

More Avalon Park Events 

Drawing With Still Life
With Lionel Sanchez
Friday, Nov. 13
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Avalon Park Amenity Center
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Info: (813) 783-1515
Pasco Fine Arts Council Workshop

Avalon Aglow Holiday Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 12
FREE Family Event
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Community performances, pictures with Santa, bounce park, vendors, food trucks
Inside Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
State Road 54, 3.5 miles east of I-75

Published October 28, 2020

Meet Joe Barnes And His Incredible Gift

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Joe Barnes is a very unusual real estate agent. Every time he closes a deal — whether it is a buyer or seller — he takes up to $1,000 out of his commission and puts it into his customer’s pocket.

The only stipulation Barnes has is that this $1,000 gift be spent with a member of his local networking group of like-minded businesses in Tampa Bay — businesses who uphold the same high business ethics that he attests to.

This group, called the WBTHnetwork, includes Kia of Wesley Chapel, Go Bulls Moving Company, Crystal Springs Water, and home services that include lawn, pool and housecleaning.

“Our goal is to connect real estate clients to local businesses to help build stronger communities. We believe that by unselfishly giving cash incentives to customers to spend with local businesses, it will help create a stronger community that shares our vision,” said Barnes.

The $1,000 gift from Barnes and his Realtor associates is 100% transferable. “If a customer wants to give his $1,000 to a family member or friend, that’s absolutely fine,” says Barnes. “We want the money to go to the person who can use it most, and oftentimes the person who sold or bought the home can’t wait to share his incentive with someone who needs the money more than they do.”

While Barnes’ altruistic business approach is unusual, be assured there is no hidden agenda or alternative purpose.

“I’m asked all the time what’s in it for me, and the truth is that I fully believe that by incentivizing customers to spend their money locally on products and services they need, my generosity will be returned with repeat business and referrals,” said Barnes.

About the WBTHnetwork
Barnes and his WBTHnetwork are looking for partners in other business categories, including retailers, home furnishings, appliances, theme parks, hotels and restaurants, to name just a few. “As our network grows in more areas, we will continue to develop and grow loyal and lasting relationships in our community,” said Barnes.

Barnes is the founder and CEO of WBTH, an acronym for We Buy This Home. “In an age where e-commerce has shifted the way most companies operate, our network helps keep local businesses relevant by focusing their attention on one common denominator — the customer,” explains Barnes.

Barnes has over 25 years of experience in generating revenue and helping national brands such as Ford Motor Company, Ashley Furniture, Nestle Water and many others to achieve sales targets and growth potential. He currently is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in New Tampa.

Businesses interested in interviewing for the WBTHnetwork are asked to call Barnes at (813) 862-7713, or email . Home sellers and buyers also are invited to contact Barnes, to learn more about the up to $1,000 shopping spree they receive when closing a deal with the Realtor.

Published October 28, 2020

ICI Homes Now Building in Lake Jovita

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If you dream of a home in the rolling hills of North Carolina, but live in Florida because of its year-around sunshine, your work or family, here’s a new home opportunity that you’ll be glad you waited for.

ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best known and prestigious builders — is coming to Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club just north of Wesley Chapel. It will be building beautiful homes with unique floor plans on some of the largest and prettiest homesites in Tampa Bay.

The builder is opening a new sales center in mid-November, and is now taking VIP reservations on 65-foot lots and 95-foot lots, as well as estate homesites with long-range vistas — some as large as 100 feet by 250 feet.

“Lake Jovita is like living outside in North Carolina, and then stepping inside to an open and sunlit Florida home,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “It’s like flipping a coin that you always win, because both sides give you want you want.”

ICI Homes has 75 lots in three Lake Jovita neighborhoods: Parkside, Meadows and The Bluffs. Its semi-custom homes will range from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet, with pricing starting in the $300s. Homesites in The Bluffs, which is located at some of the highest elevation in Florida, can accommodate floor plans up to 10,000 square feet designed as a family’s forever home.

“All of our neighborhoods in Lake Jovita have homesites that back up to a golf course, conservation area or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is almost unheard of today for a master-planned community to offer homes for less than $400s on such large lots with privacy and pristine views.”

In addition to Lake Jovita’s enviable homesites, families are drawn to the community because of its easy access to I-75, and all the shopping, dining and entertainment in nearby Wesley Chapel.

“The State Road 52 exit that leads to Lake Jovita is just 10 miles north of Wesley Chapel,” said Jones. “It’s literally just a 20-minute drive into the heart of Wesley Chapel. Plus, just five minutes to the east is downtown Dade City and all of its old fashioned charm.”

Dade City, which was founded in 1884, is one of Pasco County’s oldest cities and also the county seat. It offers seven blocks of unique shopping and dining in a quaint downtown that boasts over 15 locally owned restaurants; art galleries; museums; fashion and vintage boutiques; antiques; and, shops for gifts, books, wine, pets and outdoor gear.

“People are attracted to Lake Jovita because it is close to all the urban action in Wesley Chapel and Tampa, while their residence is in a lovely rural community that boasts some of the best golf in Florida,” said Jones.

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club has two semi-private, 18-hole courses with challenging layouts. The 220-acre South Course opened in 1999 and was designed by PGA champion Tom Lehman. The course has played host to many important tournaments, including Stage 1 of PGA Tour Qualifying. The North Course opened in 2002 with a more modern style and dramatic elevation changes. Both courses provide expansive views of neighboring citrus groves and cattle ranches.

“This is an established development that already has over 700 homes, and is a unique opportunity for families looking to build a new home in a golf course community,” said Jones.

And, because Lake Jovita began building over 20 years ago, today there are no CDD fees, saving buyers thousands of dollars a year in additional taxes. The only community expense is a $600 annual fee from the Homeowners Association.

ICI Homes has chosen its most popular floor plans for Lake Jovita, all with family friendly layouts, where cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining happen cohesively. Homes feature an abundance of windows that bring the outside in. Floor plans include the Juliette, Costa Mesa, Egret II and Brooke, as well as the Heron, a brand-new floor plan that is being built as ICI Homes’ model home, which will be ready for tour next spring.

Be one of the first families to schedule a safe one-on-one or virtual appointment at ICI Home’s new sales center. Call (855) 215-2054, or email Jones at . The new Lake Jovita Sales Center will be at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526.

Persimmon Park
ICI Homes continues to build in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. All homes in this ICI Homes community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community will have 150 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s.

In November, residents will be celebrating the grand opening of Persimmon Park’s amenity center, which includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area. Coming soon will be dog parks for small and large breeds, and paved trails that connect to the Wiregrass recreational parkway system.

For information about Persimmon Park, please call the sales center at (813) 302-7563, or stop by the model center at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.

Published October 28, 2020

Cornerstone Pros Celebrates 16 Years As A Family Business

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When Dana Spears founded Cornerstone Pros in 2006, the company began as a small family business with just six employees. Today, 14 years later, it is still a family business, but now employs over 65 local residents who provide air conditioning, electrical and plumbing services to households in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties.

“Being bigger doesn’t mean we have lost the family values our company was founded on,” said Dana Spears, Cornerstone’s president. “It’s actually the reason we have grown so quickly, because family values allow us to retain and attract highly skilled workers who are dedicated to our customers.”

There is a misconception that because their overhead is greater, a big company charges more for their services than a small company.

“But, being bigger actually keeps our rates more affordable because we have low employee turnover and more buying power with our suppliers,” explains Spears. “It also allows us to offer our people year-around work, top pay and employee benefits that smaller operations often cannot afford.”

Spears and her husband, James, are hands-on business owners, and are joined by several members of their family in the daily operation of their business.

All of Cornerstone’s technicians are specialists who have specific training in their field. “This means our A/C guys are experts at air conditioning, and do not go out on plumbing and electrical calls,” said Dana. “We have certified plumbers and electricians for those calls.”

Cornerstone Pros hires people who are genuine, honest, trustworthy, clean-cut, and live their lives with good ethics and morals.

“Our employees live in our service area, and are very committed to their family and community,” said Dana. “Most have been with us for over five years, and we have techs who have worked here for all 14 years. In the trade industry, this kind of longevity is almost unheard of.”

Spears recognizes that providing excellent customer service begins with excellent employees.

“We’ve been successful because we’ve built our business on reputation and trust,” said Spears. “Our motto is to go above and beyond customer expectations, and every one of our employees strives to make that happen every day.”

Dana also attributes Cornerstone’s success to being a woman-owned business.

“Women understand that nothing is more important than being customer-centered. It’s the little things that we do in the first 30 seconds that sets the tone for exceeding customer expectations,” said Dana.

“When people call, they assume we have the technical expertise to solve their problem,” she continues. “What they remember is how they felt when they first talked to our customer service rep, or first meet our technician at their door. It’s the kind, helpful voice, the clean uniform and shoe covers, the tech who focuses on them and not their phone, that sets us apart.”

Every Cornerstone employee is trained to the company’s high customer service standards.

“As a mom and wife, I know how it feels to allow someone into your home,” Dana explains. “When we send a tech to a customer’s home, I feel just like I am sending them to my own home. Over two-thirds of our calls come from the woman in the family, and as a woman, I fully understand her concerns and expectations when she allows someone into her home.”

The Spears family has deep roots in the local community. James grew up in Tampa, and Dana graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School, as did three daughters and a son, all who now work for the company. The Spears’ youngest is a second grader at Land O’ Lakes Christian School.

The family’s connection to the community also is very strong. Cornerstone Pros supports Oasis Pregnancy Center, sports programs at Land O’Lakes High School, the American Cancer Society, Operation Stand Down to support homeless veterans, Tighten The Drag Foundation fishing tournaments to benefit spinal cord research, and fundraisers for Xavier Johnson, a former Sunlake High football player who was injured.

“We want to give back to our community, which has done so much to support our business over the years,” said Dana. “This is who we are.”

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.

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.

Phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Call at (813) 949-4445, anytime day or night. For more information, visit their website at CornerstonePros.com.

Published October 28, 2020

Pasco Art Community Loses Great Leader With The Passing Of Jo Baughman

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The recent death of Joanne (Jo) Baughman, long-time director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council (PFAC), has been especially sad for art lovers in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City because her leadership was instrumental in the founding of the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery.

It was just one year ago that the executive team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel met with Baughman to offer its community’s Welcome Center as a new gallery for the Pasco Fine Arts Council. The developer also committed to building an Arts Center in its new downtown, as a permanent location when its downtown opens.

Enjoying a reception at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery are from the left: Janet Franks, Lisa Owens, Jo Baughman and Carolyn Eckerty.

For Baughman, who was involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for 22 years, and director for the past five, the invitation from Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to work together accomplished a long-held dream.

“We’re very excited about expanding the presence of the Fine Arts Council to East Pasco County,” Baughman said, in an interview with The Laker/Lutz News in September 2019. “It will be thrilling to feature local artists and discover new artists through these events and educational opportunities made possible through this partnership.”

In the year that Baughman headed up activities at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, there have been bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. And, when the pandemic changed how people could meet, Baughman organized virtual art shows and workshops.

Baughman was 75 when she died Sept. 18 after a short battle with lung cancer. She passed away at her New Port Richey home while under the care of Gulfside Hospice, with her husband, Jack, at her side. The Baughmans were married for 57 years.

The loss of Baughman was especially emotional for Stephanie Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Jo Bauman with her paintings, photographed when she won third place in a competition for Historical Painting of Pasco.

“Jo had an unrivaled passion for the arts! Her desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. Our relationship with PFAC started with a couple of “what-if” conversations and quickly expanded into a blossoming presence of the arts in East Pasco County. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

Bob Langford, chairman of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, said replacing Baughman will be a formidable task.

“Jo meant a great deal to our organization. She was a very capable person who not only ran the center and all of its programs, but also continued her first love of teaching,” said Langford.

Opening the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery was one of Baughman ‘s proudest achievements, Langford said. “We had been trying to do something on the east side of the county for many years, and Jo was so proud of our new center at Avalon Park.”

Langford announced that board member Susan Ray has been appointed interim director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, and that a search has begun for a new executive director.

Jo Baughman was recognized for her many contributions to the Paso Fine Arts Council by Janet Litzel, a former board member, in this 2016 photo.

“Jo had so much energy and such dedication to the center,” said Ray. ”Her love of arts was contagious, and she was an inspiration to all of us. She was an excellent teacher and so encouraging to her students, whether they were taking their first lesson or were an experienced artist.”

Rita Wilson, a Land O’ Lakes watercolor artist who took lessons from Baughman, shared the following about her mentor.

“Jo never gave up on anybody. She was easy to learn from and was very good at gentle criticism that made you a better painter. She did so much for her students and the center‚ I can’t tell you how much she will be missed,” said Wilson, who also was one of the first artists to exhibit at the East Pasco gallery.

Dozens of art lovers and former students also shared their thoughts about Baughman’s passing, on the Facebook page for the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“When I began my watercolor journey, Jo was my first teacher and I was in her very first class, 19 years ago this month. She was so warm and friendly, eager to bring out the best in all her students, to help us find our artistic voice. She was the best kind of teacher and I have always felt so blessed to have found her. But most of all, she was my friend, my art ‘mom,’ always cheering me on. To say that Jo was the heart and soul of PFAC is true, but still seems inadequate. I was always in awe of her boundless energy. I will miss her warm smile, sense of humor, and our talks more than I can say. Such a wonderful, joyous lady. It has been such a privilege to know her.” – Suzanne McManus Natzke

“I’m really at a loss for words. She was a formidable mentor with boundless energy. She could juggle more tasks at one time than anyone I knew. I loved the way her students loved her and how she would encourage them. I’m so grateful she was able to keep the center going and thriving. If she was so loved, the greatest gift you can make to her memory is to keep the center moving and growing…as her legacy. Knowing her showed me there is a season for all things.” – Laura Knox

“I met Jo about 5 years ago, when I visited the Pasco Fine Art Center, after moving to Florida. I was looking for artists wishing to join the art community in the area. When I opened the Art Center’s door and introduced myself, Jo opened her heart and introduced me to her soul. Her smile was never absent on her face, and her usual greeting and good-bye was always a warm hug. Thanks to her I was able to organize my first solo exhibition in the States. She worked hard to keep the Art Center running, infusing energy to everybody through her love for the Art. Now Jo is not with us. She departed and left us her smile, her goodness, her passion. I am honored to have meet such a woman, such a person, such a friend.” – Ernesto Miguel Blanco Sanciprianm

A Catholic Memorial Service was held Sept. 28, which would have been Baughman’s 76th birthday, at Grace Memorial Gardens in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made in her memory to the Pasco Fine Arts Center, 4145 Fairford Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34652, or online as PascoArts.org/donate.

Published September 30, 2020