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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Bexley by Newland Communities

Region offers plenty of ‘Independence’ celebrations

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Residents within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area will have plenty of options for celebrating the nation’s independence this year.

With various Fourth of July celebrations occurring, one common event will be fireworks shows, illuminating the sky with much color. (File)

Some festivities are being held before the Fourth of July, some are scheduled on the holiday itself, and there are a couple being held at the end of the holiday weekend.

Whether you enjoy watching a parade, like to run, enjoy listening to live music or get a kick out of fireworks — you’ll be able to find a place locally, or within the region, to celebrate the way you like best.

Enjoy the festivities, and be careful out there.

Here’s a roundup of area and regional activities:

LAND O’ LAKES
Connerton’s Independence Day Party
Where: Connerton Community, 21100 Fountain Garden Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: June 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to a pre-Independence Day celebration consisting of games, live music, local crafters, food trucks, bounces houses and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 996-5800

Fourth of July Concert for a Cause Celebration
Where: Bexley by Newland Communities, 16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be comprised of a concert, food trucks, a kids’ bike parade and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 425-7555

LUTZ
Red White & Blue Sunday
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road
When: June 30 at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $7 per person; $25 per family
Details: Celebrate Independence Day early, with a Sunday service followed by a barbecue meal.
Info: call (813) 949-7727 or email .

Lutz Family Fireworks Celebration
Where: Idlewild Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.
When: June 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy an evening filled with a choir and orchestra performance, a guest speaker, topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515

Lutz Independence Day Race
Where: Lutz Train Depot in front of Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road
When: July 4 at 8 a.m.; yoga stretches will proceed the race at 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
Cost: Online: $25 for the 5K; $10 for the 1-mile; $27 for both 5K and 1-mile run
Same day registration: $30 for the 5K; $15 for the 1-mile; $27 for both
Details: Participants can either walk or run in the 5K run or the 1-mile sprint that follows.
Info: To register, visit  https://www.active.com/lutz-fl/running/distance-running-races/lutz-independence-day-run-2019.

July 4th Parade
Where: The parade begins at the intersection at Lutz-Lake Fern Road and Crooked Lane heading east to U.S. 41. (Most spectators gather along the parade route, or near the Lutz Branch Public Library)
When: July 4 at 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The parade will consist of dozens of floats. There will be vendors, a cake/bake competition, snow cones and other foods. The winner of the title of the honorary Lutz Guv’na also will be announced. Trophies and prizes also will be awarded that day for runners and for winning parade entries.
Info: Call Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or email

Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Cheval Golf & Athletic Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd.
When: July 4 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate Independence Day at the golf club with food, games, water slides, bounce houses, a live band and finished off with fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 949-4231

WESLEY CHAPEL
July 4th Picnic
Where: Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road
When: July 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 907-9081

Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park West
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy Independence Day with a bike parade, a pie bake-off, live performances, food trucks and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515 or email

ZEPHYRHILLS
Fourth of July Celebration at Skydive City
Where: Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane, Zephyrhills
When: 8 a.m. July 6 to 9 p.m. July 7
Cost: Free
Details: The one-day event will have an open field for recreational vehicles to park. Patrons can enjoy custom-made hamburgers and adults will have special beverages reserved.
Info: Call (800) 888-5867 or visit www.SkyDiveCity.com/Event/4th-of-July-Celebration/

DADE CITY
El Cuatrofest
Where: Barrington Hill Farm, 16117 Lake Lola Road, Dade City
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket
Details: At this outdoor event, guests can listen to live music while enjoying watermelon-eating contests, artisan vendors, food trucks, various games and topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (727) 643-6128; for tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/el-cuatrofest-food-trucks-fireworks-fun-at-the-farm-tickets-61433026837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

REGIONAL EVENTS
American Victory’s Freedom Fest
Where: American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa
When: July 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $13 for age 13 and up; $7 for ages 4 to 12; $10 for active military or veterans
Details: Aboard the historical World War II ship SS American Victory, guests can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a kids zone, games and view a fireworks show.
Info: Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/2KnjcYh. For further inquiries, call (813) 228-8766 or visit www.AmericanVictory.org.

Tampa Red, White and Blue Fest
Where: Grand Central at Kennedy, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
When: July 4 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate America’s birthday with southern food, ice cream, a dog walk and prize giveaways.
Info: Call (813) 226-0988

Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Competition
Where: Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
When: July 4 at 4 p.m.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Details: Hosted by local comedian Chuck Glass, the contest will offer both beef and vegan hot dogs to choose from. Contestants will have the chance to win a $500 gift card, a $100 gift card, a championship belt and t-shirts.
Info: Email . Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fourth-of-july-hot-dog-eating-competition-tickets-62875790181?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR3nKaUVDR3g1GMkBQjmHVaLhophgDf3EJISD78VSDw97DidaaO2fyiTRAA

Published June 26, 2019

Bexley Is Showcase Community At This Weekend’s Parade of Homes

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It is estimated that homebuyers visit 10 homes before they find “The One.” Potential buyers will have a chance to walk through dozens of model homes at the annual Tampa Bay Parade of Homes, which is being held the first two weekends in March.

This year, Bexley by Newland Communities will play a prominent role as the featured Showcase Community. Seven models representing three of Bexley’s award-winning builders will be on display during this popular two-weekend event.

“We’re honored to be this year’s Showcase Community, and to have the opportunity to show potential homebuyers what the Bexley lifestyle has to offer,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, developer of Bexley.

The Bexley Club is a popular meeting place for residents and the surrounding community.

The Parade of Homes is an exceptional time to see the floor plans, interior designs and architecture of model homes, which are also judged by a panel of industry experts.

Featured homes in Bexley will include models from popular builders Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes and Homes by WestBay.

Parade visitors can tour Cardel Homes’ Henley and Savannah models. The two-story, four-bedroom Henley provides more than 3,900 square-feet of living space, while the four-bedroom Savannah floor plan features three baths and more than 3,300 square feet of living space in a single-story design. Both models have three-car garages and have been newly decorated.

David Weekley’s Stonebrook model is a two-story home with four bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a rear entry two-car garage. This popular builder’s newly designed Tangelo floor plan features four bedrooms and 3.5 baths in a single-story home with just over 3,000 square feet.

The Sandpiper and Cypress models from Homes by WestBay offer stately four-bedroom and two to 2.5-bathroom floor plans. The one-story Sandpiper provides just over 2,000 square feet and a two-car garage, while the Cypress is a two-story floor plan with more than 2,700 square feet.

As one of Pasco County’s premier master-planned communities, homeowners at Bexley have access to a wide range of amenities and activities.

The central hub of the community is The Bexley Club. This lakeside clubhouse is a popular meeting place for residents and the surrounding community. Many come in to enjoy great food at the Twisted Sprocket Café, which serves breakfast, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.

Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, including mountain and electric bikes, gear and clothing. The shop also offers repairs. If you’re looking to cycle around the community or hit the Bexley BMX pump track, you’ll find everything you need at this one-stop shop.

In addition to two resort-style pools and a fitness center, residents also enjoy miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Fit Stations located along the trails add fun and variety to workouts.

Want to know what it’s like to live at Bexley? Sign up for the “Resident for a Day” program, which lets prospective homebuyers utilize many of the community’s amenities to get a true feel for what it’s like to live there.

“We love giving people an opportunity to experience life in Bexley firsthand. The Resident for a Day program gives prospective buyers an opportunity to enjoy the amenities, talk with residents, and see for themselves why so many families have chosen to make Bexley their home,” said Parisi.

Bexley’s Parade of Home models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Sunday. A guide to the models is available onsite at The Bexley Club, or download a copy at TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com.

For more information, visit BexleyFlorida.com, or call (813) 425-7555.

Bexley Offers Homebuyers Luxury Custom Options

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Building a home is part of the American dream. It’s exciting to select a lot and choose a floor plan that fits your needs. You watch expectantly as builders construct your home. And since you’re the very first person to live in a newly constructed home, many builders allow you to put your very own stamp on it by selecting the finishes, cabinets and flooring that you want.

Bexley by Newland Communities, one of Pasco County’s newest and most popular master-planned communities, is adding more luxury options with new floor plans from Cardel Homes and the introduction of Arthur Rutenberg to the community.  Both offer new homebuyers ample ways to turn their house into a dream home.

Bexley Cardel Homes, Savannah Living Room

Cardel Homes
With two new floor plans featuring four bedrooms and three baths to choose from, Cardel Homes places a premium on design. Homebuyers have access to the Cardel Design Center where they can build their home according to their lifestyle, as well as select upgrades such as a Whirlpool appliance package, more than 20 different styles and colors of tile, travertine windowsills and much more.

“As a family-owned builder, we pride ourselves in offering quality workmanship and outstanding customer service,” said Brian Phillips, Cardel Homes’ vice president of sales and marketing. “Our design team works with homebuyers so that we can customize floor plans and offer a variety of structural options with those floor plans. This way, families are able to build their home according to their lifestyle.”

Cardel Homes’ two new model homes at Bexley – The Henley and The Savannah – are now open for prospective homebuyers to explore the 3,308 – 3,939-square-foot floor plans. Cardel Homes has a variety of floorplans within the community which range from approximately $400,000 – $600,000.

Arthur Rutenberg Homes/Custom Craft Homes
It’s one thing to select the finishes and colors that you want in your home. It’s another to create the exact floor plan you want with an architect. That’s what custom builder Arthur Rutenberg Homes offers its customers.

“Being in Bexley was just the natural thing to do,” said Ernie Lashlee, building company president for Arthur Rutenberg Homes/Custom Craft Homes. “We have been building custom homes in Newland’s FishHawk Ranch community for more than a decade. Being in Bexley gives us the presence we wanted in the northern part of Pasco County.”

Arthur Rutenberg/Custom Craft Homes, Avalon Model

Arthur Rutenberg has just 14 custom home sites on their exclusive cul de sac.

Lashlee, a certified architect, notes that he can assist homebuyers by making changes to existing floor plans. That may mean increasing the size of a master bedroom, or changing the elevation of a home so that it stands out from others in the neighborhood.

“Most of our buyers are looking for something different from the person next door,” Lashlee added. “They want something unique and we’re able to offer them the expertise and flexibility to bring their vision to life.”

A model home for Arthur Rutenberg Homes/Custom Craft Homes is expected to open in Spring of 2019 and pre-sales will begin soon. Homes will start in the high $500,000 – $800,000.

Whatever your home style or budget, Bexley has something for you including single family and luxury homes and townhomes priced from the low $200s to over $600,000.   Located north of State Road 54, Bexley’s 1,825-acre community offers a wide range of activities and amenities just minutes from your doorstep, including resort style pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, miles of dual-surface trails and a BMX pump track, plus the Twisted Sprocket Café, and Suncoast Trailside Bicycles which are both open to the public.

For more information, visit www.bexleyflorida.com or call (813) 425-7555.

Bexley seeks permit for on-site borrow pit

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Bexley by Newland Communities won approval from the Pasco County Planning Commission to operate a borrow pit at the master-planned community, off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

Approval also is required from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, also known as Swiftmud, and the matter also needs approval from the Pasco County Commission.

If approved, the conditional use permit from Pasco would allow up to 1 million cubic yards of sand and dirt to be excavated and hauled away over four years.

The borrow pit would be reclaimed afterward.

This rendering shows the master-planned community of Bexley by Newland Communities, at State Road 54, east of Suncoast Parkway. (File)

The infill dirt is for internal uses at Bexley. However, some portion of the dirt would cross over Tower Road, a road used by the public.

The borrow pit site is south of Tower Road, west of Sunlake Boulevard, and about half-mile east of Ballantrae Boulevard.

“The fill dirt is being removed and will be used for development of the office portion of the project,” said attorney Andrea Zelman.

Though some trucks will cross over Tower Road, all of the dirt will be used as part of the Bexley development, Zelman said.

The borrow pit’s operating hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will not operate on Sundays or holidays.

Once work begins, signs will be posted to alert motorists of trucks accessing Tower Road.

Bexley is a master-planned community with about 1,700 acres located on the north side of State Road 54, east of the Suncoast Parkway, and on north and south sides of Tower Road.

The community is approved for up to 1,200 single family residences and 520 multifamily dwellings, as well as about 94,500 square feet of commercial and retail, and about 563,000 square feet of offices.

By Kathy Steele

Published August 22, 2018

Amenities, Lifestyle Set Bexley Apart

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Choosing the right home and community are two of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Not only do you want to find a home that meets your family’s needs, you also want to be sure that the community offers plenty of ways to enjoy Tampa’s spectacular year-round weather and fosters a connection with neighbors.

Moving to Bexley by Newland Communities, one of Pasco County’s premier master-planned communities, means having a wide range of activities and amenities minutes from your doorstep.

Located in Land O’ Lakes in central Pasco County, north of State Road 54 and just east of the Suncoast Parkway, Bexley is in a prime location that is convenient to many areas of Tampa Bay.

The community’s 1,825 acres of pastoral ranch lands, mature woodlands and cypress wetlands have earned it numerous awards, including best master-planned community and best recreational facility from the Southeast Building Conference, and a Best in American Living Award for best single-family community from the National Association of Home Builders.

“The amenities at Bexley truly set our community apart,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities. “We designed Bexley so that residents can be as physically and socially active as they want. Or, they can just relax at The Bexley Club and enjoy the lakefront view.”

The Bexley Club
At the heart of the community is The Bexley Club, where residents and community members enjoy great food and scenic lakefront views at the Twisted Sprocket Café. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, and offers an outstanding menu of breakfast items, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.     

Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles will open soon, offering bike sales, rentals and repairs.

Two additional buildings make up The Bexley Club: a cardio-focused fitness center and a screened-in game room with air hockey, foosball and pool table. There are also two resort-style pools, an outdoor fire pit, and an event lawn for community festivals and gatherings.

Get Fit
Bexley was designed so that residents could enjoy the great outdoors. The community is home to miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Along the way, check out the Fit Stations, which add fun and variety to workouts.

Custom Adventures
Some of the most unique community parks in Tampa Bay are located at Bexley. Kids spend hours on the custom-built Wonderland designed by Asheville Playgrounds. And, sports lovers of all ages use Mud, Sweat and Gears Park for impromptu soccer or football games. Bexley’s bicycle pump track is for daredevils who want to try out some new tricks. And, of course, four-legged residents have the BarkYard, a park to call their own with separate spaces for big and small dogs.

Best of all, Bexley allows families searching for a new home to test out all of the amenities through its exclusive Resident for a Day program. To learn more about all that Bexley has to offer, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

Published April 25, 2018