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Bruce B. Downs Boulevard

Families Will Soon Begin Moving Into Persimmon Park In Wesley Chapel

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Afrika and Dawvel Brooks researched just about every homebuilder in Tampa Bay before deciding ICI Homes was the best one for their family.

“We wanted the ability to move walls and customize our new home, and ICI Homes was the only builder to welcome structural changes, and to do so at an affordable cost,” said Afrika.

The Brooks family discovered ICI Homes in the Asturia community in Odessa, and learned that the builder had just opened a new community in Wesley Chapel called Persimmon Park.

“While we loved ICI Homes’ floor plans in Odessa, Wesley Chapel was a better location for my family,” said Afrika. “It is the middle of so many things — shopping, restaurants and entertainment, and also close to hospitals and health care services. Especially for our two teenage daughters, building our new home in Wesley Chapel was a huge draw.”

The Brooks family is one of the first homebuyers in the new Persimmon Park community in Wesley Chapel. Shown here are Afrika and Dawvel Brooks, and their 14-year-old daughter, Amaya. (Courtesy of Mercedes Brooks)

The Brooks family is one of the first to buy in Persimmon Park, which is located off Bruce B. Downs within the master-planned development of Wiregrass Ranch. The community is directly behind The Shops at Wiregrass and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and across the street from a new $200 million hospital and health care complex being built by BayCare Health Systems.

“My husband and I both work in the health care field, so being so close to two hospitals is very attractive,” said Afrika, who recently retired from the U.S. Air Force. (Dawvel is still active duty and based at MacDill Air Force Base.)

The family choose the two-story Primrose floor plan, which, at over 2,400 square feet, is the largest home ICI Homes builds in Persimmon Park. All homes in the community have two-car garages in the rear, which are accessed by private alleyways and provide ample parking.

Afrika loves that the master suite in her new home is downstairs, as is a second bedroom and adjacent bath that is ideal for an office. Her girls’ bedrooms are upstairs with a shared bath, along with a large game room.

“Because ICI Homes can make structural changes very affordably, we decided to add a studio/bonus room above our garage to give our family the additional space we desired,” said Afrika. “I’ve been told that our bonus room idea has worked out so well, that other buyers are adding it to their homes.”

The Brooks’ home is in the drywall stage of construction, and the family expects to move into their new home in November.

“The entire homebuilding experience with ICI Homes has been excellent,” said Afrika. “From our salesperson, Carmen Worrels, to the architects who added our bonus room, to our project manager and customer service team. Everyone has been so helpful, nice and responsive.”

“In addition to Persimmon Park’s desirable location, buyers are excited that the community’s amenities will be completed in late November,” adds Greg Jones, Tampa Division Manager for ICI Homes.

Amenities include a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area. Coming soon are dog parks for small and large breeds, and trails that wind through the community and connect to the Wiregrass Ranch trail system.

In Persimmon Park’s first phase, ICI Homes is building 40 homes; at build out, 97 homes. Prices begin in the high $200s, and buyers can choose from two, one-story and four, two-story homes, with more plans coming soon. There are four inventory homes available for families needing to move quickly.

“Our cottage-style floor plans feel open and airy with lots of windows, and exemplify Florida’s casual lifestyle,” says Jones. “Our homes are designed for people wanting to simplify their life, who want less square footage to clean and maintain, yet want all the upscale finishes and details offered by ICI Homes.”

Jones adds that many builder upgrades are standard features for ICI Homes, including 6-foot windows, 8-foot doors and energy-efficient construction that boasts a 50-SEER rating. Persimmon Park offers low CDD fees at less than $2,000 a year, and its affordable HOA fee includes internet and cable television for just $90/month.

Families with school-age children are drawn to Persimmon Park because the community is zoned to the area’s highest-rated schools —Wiregrass Elementary, Dr. John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High.

ICI Homes is currently offering an exceptionally low interest rate of just 2.75% on 30-year mortgages, when using the builder’s preferred lenders. A lower interest rate increases a buyer’s spending power and allows them to more quickly build equity in their home.

Persimmon Park is the first Wesley Chapel community for ICI Homes, which is celebrating 40 years of business. Based in Daytona Beach, the company is family owned and managed, and is proud of its very personalized, no-pressure approach to sales.

Published August 26, 2020

An overpass at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs?

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It’s a long way from reality, but Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore wants to begin taking steps toward the possibility of an overpass at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

The commission chairman broached the idea during the commission’s Aug. 19 meeting.

“If you know the intersection of 581, that’s Bruce B. Downs, and (State Road) 56 — that’s one of the largest intersections in the nation. It’s huge,” Moore said.

“For bikers and walkers, that is impossible to cross,” he noted.

“It’d be great for our citizens to have access, especially bike access, all across there,” Moore said. “All four corners have numerous things to benefit the citizens.”

In addition to The Shops at Wiregrass, there also are a number of shops and restaurants along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, the county leader said.

There’s also a multi-use path, and State Road 56 has been extended over to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

“I would love to see if we can look at possibly getting — I’m going to call it a flyover —  for bikes and walkers. I mean, golf carts would be cool, too, but if that can’t happen, at least for bikes and walkers,” Moore said.

Creating this overpass would help the county move closer to its concept of creating walkable communities, Moore added.

“We have a number of neighborhoods, very close to that intersection,” he said, mentioning Seven Oaks and Northwood, as well as numerous townhouse and apartment communities.

“It’s just hard for them to get over,” Moore said. “If you want to make this bike-able, walkable — you need to have access.

“We have the new brewery coming, that’s going to be one of the largest in West Florida,” he added.

Moore said he raised the issue because he wanted to get a conversation going about the potential improvement.

Fellow Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told Moore:  “I think that would be great to have something like that over there, it’s just a process.”

To move forward with the idea, she advised him to get in touch with Tina Russo, who heads up the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Starkey also added that getting an improvement like that built would need to go through the Metropolitan Planning Organization process.

Published August 26, 2020

Symbolic funeral procession

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Members of Citizens Against Discrimination and Social Injustice, the Pasco County chapter of Black Lives Matter, and the Pasco Young Revolutionaries organized a peaceful ‘funeral procession’ protest on a rainy July 18 afternoon on Beardsley Drive near Meadow Point Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel. A procession was held, instead of a march or rally, because of concerns about COVID-19.The simulated funeral procession included a hearse, provided by Wilson Funeral Home , located in Tampa. The protest was meant to draw attention to black lives lost to police actions taken across the United States. The procession headed north along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to State Road 54 and concluded at Walmart, at 28500 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Maya King, left, and Christina Boneta, both of New Port Richey, display a sign representing Black Lives Matter. The women are affiliated with the Pasco County chapter. (Randy Underhill)
Marlowe Jones, of New Port Richey, president of Pasco Young Revolutionaries, organized the peaceful protest, in concert with the Pasco County chapter of Black Lives Matter and Citizens Against Discrimination and Social Injustice.
Diane Scott, of Wesley Chapel, an advocate of Black Lives Matter, places a sign on her vehicle, while preparing to take part in the procession.
A protest parade, intended to simulate a funeral procession, made its way down Beardsley Drive in Wesley Chapel, on a rainy afternoon on July 18. Those taking part included members of Black Lives Matter of Pasco County, Pasco Young Revolutionaries and Citizens Against Discrimination and Social Injustice.

Top Parade of Homes Awards For ICI Homes

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It’s always exciting for a builder to be recognized in a community’s Parade of Homes competition, but this year ICI Homes outdid itself by winning two of the most prestigious awards in Tampa Bay.

In early March, a total of 79 homes were entered in the Parade of Homes from a variety of builders and developers, in the competition organized by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. And, once again, ICI Homes — a relatively new builder in the Tampa market — was chosen to receive two of its top honors.

The top award went to its Costa Mesa model in Asturia, a master-planned community in Odessa where ICI Homes has been building for the past three years. The Costa Mesa was honored with the Grand Award in the $600k-$649k price range — one of the most competitive categories in the Parade of Homes.

This 2,565-square-foot model home is absolutely stunning. A huge kitchen and extra-large island sets apart this spacious, one-story home that features four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. One of its most unique features is a closet-size, walk-in pantry that is hidden behind beautiful kitchen cabinetry.

The builder’s second big win is for its Lantana model, which won a Silver Award in the $350k-$399k price range. This 1,800-square-foot home is one of six new floor plans that ICI Homes is introducing in Persimmon Park, a brand new community in Wesley Chapel within the master-planned development of Wiregrass Ranch.

The Lantana model at Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel won a Silver Award at the recent Tampa Bay Parade of Homes.

Located off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and directly behind The Shops at Wiregrass and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch is a 5,000-acre, walkable community with trails that lead to parks, schools, entertainment, recreation and top-notch medical facilities.

“Persimmon Park gives our residents immediate access to all that Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel have to offer,” said Rosemary Messina, vice president of marketing and sales. “And, adding to the community’s appeal are amenities that families want, but without going overboard — a unique T-shaped pool and cabana, outdoor grilling, interconnecting trails, and dog parks for small and large breeds.”

The winning Lantana floor plan has a spacious kitchen/great room, with a large dining room and open flex room connecting to the kitchen. The master bedroom is at the rear of the home to give easy access to the garage, covered lanai and main living area. The one-story model is the craftsman elevation and, at 1,793 square feet, also offers two bedrooms and a bath at the front of the home.

All of ICI Homes in Persimmon Park have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The first phase has 40 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s.

Light and bright with lots of windows is how Messina describes the cottage-style floor plans at Persimmon Park. “Our plans feel open and airy, and exemplify Florida’s casual lifestyle,” she says. “These homes are designed for people wanting to simplify their life, who want less square footage to clean and maintain, yet want all the upscale finishes and details offered by ICI Homes.”

Inventory Homes In Asturia
In Asturia, ICI Homes has four inventory homes that are ready now or will be available soon. Two homes are of the award-winning Costa Mesa floor plan and one is a two-story Palisade. A one-story Arden will soon be completed.

“All of our floor plans are perfect for entertaining,” said Messina. “Our gathering rooms, gourmet kitchens and dining rooms blend together as one expansive space, highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light.”

ICI Homes has over 25 homesites remaining in Asturia, with many backing up to conservation and water. Prices begin in the high $300s. This 550-home community includes a unique trail system that winds through wetlands, parks and neighborhoods, and an award-winning Amenity Center that is known for its zero-entry pool, contemporary community center and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Bexley Showpiece
This is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in the first phase of Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes with thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, miles of recreational trails and a great location off State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway.

The builder’s Egret VII inventory home is one of the most beautiful and functional move-in ready homes available in Bexley. This one-story, four-bedroom, three-bath home has 2,813 square feet of living space, and features luxury finishes, an extended lanai, deluxe kitchen, huge gathering room and, at the home’s grand entrance, a large dining room and flex room. Separate from its side-entry two-car garage is a tandem garage ideal for a compact car, golf cart or storage.

This beautiful home sits on a 70-foot corner homesite in one of Bexley’s most prestigious neighborhoods, located close to the clubhouse and pools.

Published June 24, 2020

Peaceful protesters call for justice

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Dozens of peaceful protesters stood in front of The Shops at Wiregrass on the rainy evening of June 6 — joining the chorus of voices across America calling for the end of police brutality and systemic racism.

Those gathered in Wesley Chapel were there to speak up in the aftermath of the May 25 death of George Floyd.

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, according to a video that went viral and national news reports.

Jasmine Sanchez, Elijah Sanchez, Isaiah Sanchez and Kimberly Morin raised their voices during a protest at the corner of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. (B.C. Manion)

Chauvin initially was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but  Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison later added a second-degree murder charge against Chauvin. The three other officers — Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane — were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, news reports say.

Protesters in Wesley Chapel walked from the main street of the mall — which had been closed at 3 p.m., by management — out to the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

Greg Lenners, the mall’s general manager, said the decision to close was made in an abundance of caution.

“Obviously, we value the beliefs and the opinions of the community,” he said. “It’s just that we have the obligation to protect the safety of the businesses and our employees, and customers,” he added.

So, protesters made their way to the area in front of the mall, which is public property.

They carried signs with messages such as “Silence is Violence,” “Amplify Black Voices,” ”Justice for George,” and “No Justice, No Peace.”

They stood under umbrellas, wore rain ponchos, or simply got drenched.

This protest and others across Tampa Bay came on the same day a second memorial service was held for Floyd, in Hoke County, North Carolina, where he was born. A third, and final service will be held on June 9 in Houston, where Floyd grew up.

Many at the Wesley Chapel event said it was their first protest.

“We feel like this is the time,” said Susan Boyle, who was there with her 16-year-old daughter, Emma. “I’ll cry if I talk.”

She paused for a moment and said, “It’s something black people have experienced all their lives. We really have to say something. White privilege – there’s a huge part of the population who have no idea what’s going on.”

Wesley Chapel resident Tonya Reavis, 52, and several family members walked with a small group that left the mall area and headed to the intersection in front of the mall.

“We’re just tired,” Reavis said. “We’re here showing our solidarity. We want equal pay, equal justice. Every equality. We just want to be treated as human, not three-fifths of a human.”

Tre Moore, 23, who stood next to Reavis, held a sign that said: “Love Black Lives Like You Love Black Culture.”

“We’re peacefully protesting injustice, and against racism,” Moore said.

Protesters stood on the side of the road at the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, chanting slogans to try to raise awareness for the need to take action to end systemic racism.

Protesters alternated chants, repeating phrases including: “We want justice. We want justice. We want justice.” And, “Say their names. Say their names. Say their names.” And, “Black lives matter. Black lives matter. Black lives matter.”

Cars streaming by beeped their horns. One motorist shouted to the crowd: “I support you.”

Some protesters told The Laker/Lutz News they’d heard about the plan to gather through social media.

Jenifer Pepen, who lives in Live Oak, said it was important to be there.

“I’ve been a supporter of the Black Lives movement for many years now. It was time to come out. George Floyd’s death, I think, punctuated what is really centuries of systemic racism and injustice and brutality, in this country.

“It’s important to not be silent, in moments like this,” she said.

“Even in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel, it’s important to show that black lives matter, and come out. Even on a rainy day.

“The system needs reform. It needs reform in the suburbs. It needs reform in the inner cities. It needs reforming everywhere.

“It’s a system that affects the lives particularly of black and colored communities, but it is a system that impacts all of us, and we really all should be involved in reforming it,” she said.

She advocates the passage of laws to ban chokeholds and knee-holds, and also calls for improved training.

“I believe de-escalation needs to be something that is a part of training in the police departments across the United States. We’ve unfortunately seen the complete opposite in many situations, as these protests have been carried out throughout the United States.

“I also believe that the purging and the suppression of the records that detail the violence and brutality of bad police officers needs to stop. They need to be held accountable. They need the full weight of justice, when things happen. I think police unions play a role in that, as well.

“I also believe every city, every county, needs to reevaluate their budget, as it pertains to how we fund police departments,” she said.

“I don’t think that police departments that have been found to brutalize the community should be receiving funds. I think those funds should be much better allocated in the education system, the health care system, in places where we make positive impacts in the communities of color.

Tonya Reavis came to join the protest, held in front of The Shops at Wiregrass, in the early evening of June 6. ‘We want to be treated as human, not three-fifths human,’ she says.

“I also think it’s absurd that taxpayers are the ones that have to pay for the civil lawsuits that are brought against police officers, who brutalize families, brutalize communities.

“We should consider, if I am being perfectly frank, taking it out of certain pension funds,” Pepen said.

Kimberly Morin, who lives in Meadow Pointe, explained her motivation for attending the protest this way: “I am very much against the brutality that is in the police force today, the inhumane way they treat not only citizens, but most black citizens.”

She suggests these reforms: “More training for how to handle situations, not to restrain with their knees on their necks, and not to draw guns on unarmed people for no reason.”

Jasmine Sanchez, who lives in Aberdeen, off State Road 54, came to the protest with her sons, Isaiah and Elijah.

“This is not their first protest,” Jasmine Sanchez said. “Their first protest was for Trayvon Martin.”

Martin was 17 when he was fatally shot by George Zimmerman. Zimmerman acknowledged shooting the teenager but claimed self-defense and was acquitted of second-degree murder, according to news reports.

Isaiah Sanchez explained why he wanted to be at the Wesley Chapel protest.

“I came out today for racial equality, for government change and for justice for all those we’ve lost to police,” Isaiah Sanchez said. “I’d like see reforms in police de-escalation, and the equality of all races in all walks of life — if you’re gay, if you’re black, or you’re white, or you’re Asian. If you’re Hispanic.

“Everybody gets equal treatment,” he said.

His brother, Elijah, added: “I came out here today to bring justice to all of the fallen black people, and just make all of the people who made the black families suffer — they need to pay. They need to be in jail.”

Jasmine Sanchez said she’s sensing a growing awareness.

“You’re seeing everybody coming together for this,” she said. “This group is so diverse. It shows a connectedness that I have never seen before.

“I think a lot of people just didn’t realize what was going on. You live in a quiet community.

“You don’t realize what’s going on in the next neighborhood, in the next city. It’s very easy to become closed off in your own little world.

“Thank God for social media. The information is spreading,” she said.

Others speaking out:

The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.
Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC, issued a statement that reads in part: “Today, many of our friends, our families and our neighbors are suffering for many difficult reasons.

“We continue to support everyone in our community who feels they are treated unfairly and that their voices are not being heard.

“We are saddened by all of the recent violence taking place around the country and for all of those affected by it, along with all of those impacted by the global pandemic.

“Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it…and no reaction is still a reaction. For this reason, Pasco EDC is reacting by publicly reaffirming its commitment to the equality of all.”

The statement goes on to offer specifics on the organization’s commitment to equal opportunity, diversity and fairness.

Benedictine Sisters of Florida
The Benedictine Sisters of Florida extend their condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd whose death is a grave violation of the values of justice, equality and peace. Our prayers are with those suffering through this tragedy and the aftermath of the demonstrations and civil unrest. We acknowledge the inequities that once again have been exposed and raise our voices praying for good people to come together to “be the change” that will bring peace, compassion and justice to our communities.

This statement, according to the Sisters, was adapted from the original by Sister Beverly Raway, OSB Prioress, at St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota.

The Archdiocese of St. Petersburg
Bishop Gregory Parkes, of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, issued a statement, which says in part:

“The manner in which George Floyd died is an atrocity to the humanity and dignity that each person has as a child of God. As a Church, we stand in solidarity with peaceful protesters who demand justice and respect for black individuals who have suffered the effects of racism for generations.

“As is stated in the 2018 USCCB Pastoral Letter, Open Wide Your Hearts: ‘Racism arises when—either consciously or unconsciously—a person holds that his or her own race or ethnicity is superior […] When this conviction or attitude leads individuals or groups to exclude, ridicule, mistreat, or unjustly discriminate against persons on the basis of their race or ethnicity, it is sinful. Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal a failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love (Mt 22:39).’

“As Bishop of this local Church, with sincere concern for the souls of all within our Diocese, I urge all people of goodwill to seek peace, unity and just changes that will affirm the dignity of all lives, regardless of color, status, age or stage of life. I also urge an end to violence and destruction that victimizes communities and destroys hope.”

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis
In a June 5 newsletter, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis shared the results of a survey he did on the issue of “the civil unrest that we’ve seen throughout Tampa Bay and around the nation.”

The congressman said he frequently sends out surveys to get feedback from constituents.

“However, last week I was surprised by how an issue that appears in the media to elicit such division actually garnered more consensus than any other survey I’ve sent to date.

“The vast majority of my constituents who responded to the survey on civil unrest indicated that they want to see our Constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful protest protected, they want action to stop the illegal activity that is occurring (rioting, looting, arson, etc.), and they believe that there are systemic racial issues in our criminal justice system that must be addressed immediately.”

Bilirakis goes on: “These lawless actions by a relatively small group of people silence the cries of those who are hurting and detract from meaningful change.”

At the same time, Bilirakis recognizes the difficult work of law enforcement.

“Our law enforcement community is comprised of men and women who bravely place themselves in harm’s way to protect us. Their jobs are dangerous, complex and ever-evolving. “We must always support them as we work to find solutions for how to come together as one nation under God.”

Kathy Steele contributed to this story.

Published June 10, 2020

Moffitt cancer center coming to Wesley Chapel

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Construction on a $44 million outpatient cancer treatment center in Wesley Chapel is nearing completion.

The three-story, approximately 100,000-square-foot medical building is expected to open on schedule in late fall.

A new Moffit cancer outpatient treatment center is under construction at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

The new center is part of the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel campus, at 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

A medical partnership between Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth was announced last year, and construction on the outpatient center began in May 2019.

The new outpatient center will provide area cancer patients with up-to-date, cutting-edge medical and radiation oncology services.

There will be four operating rooms, 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion stations and two linear accelerators.

Cancer patients who are in remission or are post-treatment will have access to screenings and survivorship programs.

“The goal is to stop people from driving so far and bring treatment to where they live,” said Ashley Jeffery, AdventHealth’s manager of corporate communications for the West Florida Division.

Moffit Cancer Center, in Tampa, is recognized as a top-tier cancer hospital. It is one of only 50 with a designation from the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

AdventHealth, formerly Florida Hospital, is a faith-based, nonprofit hospital with several locations in Pasco County.

In a news release announcing the partnership with Moffitt, Mike Schultz, president and chief operating officer of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said, “Our partnership allows us to strengthen our network of care by expanding the type of health care services we can provide to our communities and gives cancer patients greater access to the country’s leading-edge research, clinical trials and cancer treatments at Moffitt.”

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, which opened on Oct. 1, 2012, wasn’t even three years old when it announced a $78 million expansion, which included additional emergency rooms, inpatient rooms, surgical suites and related surgical services, Heart Catheterization Lab, recovery/observation rooms and shelled space for future growth.

The hospital also added Inspiration Place in 2018, which is a women’s center in an adjacent building on its campus.

Published May 27, 2020

ICI Homes Opens New Wesley Chapel Models With 2.75% Financing

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Sometimes the most difficult of times, such as the challenges presented by COVID-19, also create unexpected opportunities.

This is true for buyers of ICI Homes in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. This premium builder has 12 inventory homes available now or in the next few months, including four cottage-style homes in its first Wesley Chapel neighborhood, Persimmon Park.

The two-story Primrose model is light and bright with lots of windows and exemplifies Florida’s casual lifestyle.

Not only does ICI Homes have a larger than usual inventory of unique one- and two-story homes, it is also selling homes in the high $200s for the first time in Tampa Bay.

“We are known as a premier, semi-custom builder, and typically build homes from the $400s to over $1 million. So to come into Wesley Chapel with moderately priced floor plans is very exciting for us, and more importantly for our customers who want our quality and craftsmanship in a smaller, more affordable home,” said Paula Spitler, Tampa sales manager for ICI Homes.

Almost as important as the quality and pricing of its homes, ICI Homes also is offering an exceptionally low interest rate of just 2.75% on 30-year mortgages, when using the builder’s preferred lenders.

“We call this our buy-down program, because a lower interest allows our buyers to increase their spending power, and more quickly build equity in their homes,” said Spitler.

“There are only a limited number of these special loans being allocated across our 20-plus communities in Florida, so please don’t wait. It’s first-come, first-served, and once these loans are gone, they’re gone,” said Spitler.

Many families are drawn to Persimmon Park because of its desirable Wesley Chapel location, and also because its students are zoned to the area’s highest rated schools — Wiregrass Elementary, Dr. John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High.

“One of Persimmon Park’s biggest draws is the schools our students are zoned to attend,” said Spitler. “We have families moving from nearby subdivisions, such as Seven Oaks, that were recently rezoned to other schools. Many families want to keep their children enrolled in the schools they have traditionally attended or have been assigned to attend.”

Persimmon Park is located within the master-planned development of Wiregrass Ranch —located off Bruce B. Downs and Chancey Road, directly behind The Shops at Wiregrass and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. Wiregrass Ranch is a 5,000-acre, walkable community with trails that lead to parks, schools, entertainment, recreation and top-notch medical facilities.

Persimmon Park is Wiregrass Ranch’s newest new home community, with ICI Homes committed to building 97 homes in this unique subdivision.

“Persimmon Park gives our residents immediate access to all that Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel have to offer,” said Spitler. “Plus, our amenities are everything a family wants without going overboard — a unique T-shaped pool and cabana, outdoor grilling, interconnecting trails, and dog parks for small and large breeds.”

ICI Homes is introducing its first neo-traditional homes in Persimmon Park, featuring open floor plans with front porches, and garages at the back of the home. The first phase has 40 homes on 40-foot home sites, and ICI is premiering five new floor plans with prices beginning at $292,900.

“Light and bright with lots of windows,” is how Spitler describes these floor plans, having a cottage look and feel that are open, airy, and exemplifies Florida’s casual lifestyle.

“These homes have been designed for people wanting to simplify their life, who want less square footage to clean and maintain, yet want all the upscale finishes and details offered by ICI Homes,” said Spitler.

Two beautifully furnished model homes are available for tour at Persimmon Park. The one-story Lantana model is the craftsman elevation and, at 1,793 square feet, features three bedrooms and two baths, with an open kitchen and unique breezeway for outdoor living.

The two-story Primrose model is the coastal elevation and, at 2,434 square feet, offers the master bedroom downstairs, and a game room and three additional bedrooms upstairs.

“Families love the rear-load design because it gives the home a very nice front elevation with no garage blocking the home’s curb appeal,” said Spitler. “Plus, rear garages make for easier access to the kitchen when it’s time to unload groceries, and also creates more backyard privacy with covered breezeways and summer kitchens.”

Model homes are open daily for tour, with or without an appointment. Sales staff strictly follow COVID-19 safety protocols and always make sure families tour models by themselves, without other people in the model.

Families also can tour the homes virtually, via video, at icihomes.com.

“Our 3D virtual tours allow you to view and walk through our homes at your own pace, right from your couch,” said Spitler. “You can move from point to point for a complete 360° view to get a sense of the home’s space, finishes, floor plan and measurements. It’s truly the next best thing to being there.”

Published April 29, 2020

Local karate academy kicks to virtual

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The dojo is closed for now, but karate lessons press on.

The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has put a halt to many organized recreational activities, but Wesley Chapel-based Keiko Shin Karate Academy has found another way to keep members sharp, while staying home — via virtual classes using the Zoom online video conference platform.

Sensei Ernesto Fuentes now is offering virtual karate lessons from the Keiko Shin Karate Academy in Wesley Chapel. Fuentes opened the academy about 15 years ago. (Courtesy of Keiko Shin Karate Academy)

Many Keiko Shin students find themselves training in their living rooms. Others find enough space in their bedrooms, backyard or lanai.

Even Sensei Ernesto Fuentes, who operates Keiko Shin, makes it a point to change up his own backdrop when facilitating karate activities and workouts to students.

Though it’s not quite the same as the traditional Keiko Shin dojo on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, students make do to practice katas and kick-punch combinations.

“Our kids are so dedicated that they made room, they found room,” Fuentes said. “They moved some furniture, and you’d be surprised to see how much space they have.”

The online classes have been continuing for the past month or so, around when the Pasco County School Board suspended all in-person school events and extracurricular activities until at least May.

To Fuentes, the virtual offerings help maintain students’ progress in achieving their karate goals, also keeping them active and motivated.

“We train hard. Virtually or no, we do train hard,” said Fuentes, who started the academy 15 years ago. “Parents are happy to not see their kids sitting on the couch, playing video games.”

Even in cyberspace, the academy has maintained a full schedule, Monday through Friday.

Keiko Shin karate students practice forms and techniques from the comfort of their homes. (Courtesy of Keiko Shin Karate Academy)

Classes are offered for beginners and advanced athletes of all ages, including adults.

As many as 28 students have joined in at once for an online class, Fuentes said.

To help monitor and ensure proper techniques are followed by all, the sensei enlists the help of black belt-level teenagers to monitor the many split screens “and make sure the kids are doing it right.”

Fuentes said the handful of helpers frankly has made the transition to online easier. He explained it allows those younger, beginner students to get more personalized attention and correction — perhaps the biggest “limitation” of virtual classes, as compared to live, in-person instruction at the academy’s physical facility.

Either way, the virtual classes have kept entire families occupied with something positive to do.

Les Borowski is an adult black belt student at Keiko Shin. His two children, Nicholas and Olivia, are students, too. His wife participates in early morning workout sessions that are offered through the academy.

The regular activities — albeit online — have kept the family up to speed in their respective karate and fitness progression.

“It doesn’t seem like we’re affected, to be honest, by the COVID-19, because we’re still in shape, still doing what we’re supposed to. The only drawback is we cannot compete because all the tournaments are closed,” Borowski said.

He said his children “love” the virtual setup, because there’s no commute, which ultimately gives them more free time. “As soon as they’re done with karate, they can come back into their Minecraft or Fornite (video games), or whatnot,” he said.

Borowski noted he also makes it a point to jump in on his children’s regular Wednesday classes, as a bonding mechanism. “The three of us are bouncing around, so it’s pretty neat, actually,” he said.

This is how Sensei Ernesto Fuentes normally interacts with his students at Keiko Shin Karate Academy. (File)

Besides teaching varied karate forms and techniques, Fuentes has developed improvised at-home strength and conditioning warmups and workouts for both Keiko Shin students and anyone in the community, in lieu of full-service fitness centers now closed.

That includes bodyweight exercises, such as pushups, sit-ups and squats, along with plyometrics, like jumping in place. He’s also resorted to water bottles and one-gallon water jugs as makeshift dumbbells.

Borowski finds the creative workouts “very helpful” for families without home gyms or specialized equipment.

“Sensei’s very adept at using all the items you find around the house — chairs, water bottles, things like that — so he builds the exercises around everyday stuff that everybody has at home already,” Borowski said.

For 17-year-old black belt Lauren Anderson, Keiko Shin’s virtual classes keep her moving and focused through the relative monotony of this new temporary stay-at-home lifestyle.

“If it weren’t for this,” Anderson said, “I would be on my couch, and I would feel like I’m lazy and not doing anything productive.”

Anderson, a student at Wiregrass Ranch High School, simply connects to the classes each week through her smartphone.

While she admits it’s “not the same as being at the dojo,” Anderson said the online instruction is “a really good way to stay in shape, and keep my karate going.”

She added:  “I get a full workout, I’m sweating, I’m sore, even though I’m at home.”

Anderson has been a member of the karate academy for six years.

Though the virtual setup is right now the only option to maintain karate skills, the teen is hoping to someday return to the Wesley Chapel dojo she loves, after the coronavirus pandemic passes.

“It’s just nice to be there and have that open space, and have that communication and personal connection with people, and I actually get to talk to people, and sensei can actually go up to me and say something,” Anderson said.

Meanwhile, Fuentes insists Keiko Shin will follow guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other state and federal health officials, before reopening the academy.

That means virtual karate lessons will continue indefinitely, he said.

“We try to keep everyone safe and the families safe,” Fuentes said. “To be honest, I’m dying to have my kids back in the academy, but whenever it’s safe and when (health officials) decide it’s safe to come back, then we’re going to open our dojo.”

For information, visit KeikoShin.com, or email .

Published April 15, 2020

ICI Homes Opens New Wesley Chapel Model in Persimmon Park

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ICI Homes, Florida’s premier family owned builder, has been so pleased with its success in Asturia in Odessa, and Bexley in Land O’ Lakes, that it has expanded its Pasco footprint with a new community in Wesley Chapel called Persimmon Park.

Located in the area’s most prestigious neighborhood — the master-planned community of Wiregrass Ranch —  Persimmon Park is Wesley Chapel’s newest new home community. ICI Homes is building 97 homes in this unique subdivision located off Bruce B. Downs and Chancey Road, directly behind The Shops at Wiregrass and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

The Lantana is the beautifully furnished model home at Persimmon Park, with three bedrooms, two baths, an open kitchen and unique breezeway for outdoor living.

“This is our first project in Wesley Chapel, and we are very excited to have been invited by the Porter family to build our homes in this vibrant community,” said Paula Spitler, Tampa sales manager for ICI Homes.

The Porter family is the owner and developer of Wiregrass Ranch, and homesteaded and lived on this land for generations. It was the Porters’ vision that brought together the unique land use plan that creates a live, work, play and learn environment with single and multi-family homes, a regional county park, large and small business centers, shopping malls and restaurants, schools and colleges, regional employers and medical facilities.

“The Porters interviewed multiple builders, and we’re very honored that they saw the value ICI Homes is bringing to Wiregrass Ranch,” says Spitler.

The result of such foresight are neighborhoods like Persimmon Park that are tucked inside Wiregrass Ranch and designed as walkable communities with trails that lead to parks, schools, entertainment, recreation and top-notch medical facilities.

“Persimmon Park gives our residents immediate access to all that Wiregrass Ranch and Wesley Chapel have to offer,” said Spitler. “Plus, the communities’ amenities are everything that a family wants without going overboard — a unique T-shaped pool and cabana, outdoor grilling, interconnecting trails, and dog parks for small and large breeds.”

ICI Homes is introducing its first neo-traditional homes in Persimmon Park, featuring open floor plans with front porches, and garages at the back of the home. The first phase has 40 homes on 40-foot homesites, and ICI is premiering five new floor plans with prices beginning at $292,900.

“Light and bright with lots of windows,” Spitler describes these floor plans as having a cottage look and feel that are open, airy, and exemplify Florida casual living inside and out.

“These homes have been designed for people wanting to simplify their life, who want less square footage to clean and maintain, yet want all the upscale finishes and details offered by ICI Homes,” says Spitler.

The beautifully furnished model home at Persimmon Park is the Latana. At 1,793 square feet, this one-story home features three bedrooms and two baths, with an open kitchen and unique breezeway for outdoor living. It’s a great home for first-time buyers, as well as empty-nesters wanting to downsize. The builder’s second one-story floor plan is the Jasmine, which is slightly smaller at 1,552 square feet, and also has three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage.

ICI Homes also is introducing three, two-story floor plans, ranging from 2,020 to 2,434 square feet. The largest home is the Primrose, which offers the master bedroom downstairs, and a game room and three additional bedrooms upstairs. The Magnolia and Orchid also are four bedroom, three bath homes, and designed specifically for Persimmon Park.

Great public schools are another reason families are choosing Persimmon Park. Students are assigned to highly rated Wiregrass Elementary, Dr. John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High. “These are some of the best public schools in all of Pasco County,” said Spitler.

From the huge success it had in Bexley and Asturia, ICI Homes is continuing to build its legacy in Pasco County with its new community of Persimmon Park.

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

Persimmon Park
VIP Appointments
Pre-Opening Pricing
Feb. 28 – March 5
To schedule, call (813) 359-9818.

VIP buyers can purchase a home before open house pricing is set.

February 26, 2020

ICI Homes Has Beautiful Inventory Homes Ready Now In Asturia and Bexley

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ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most innovative builders, has beautiful inventory homes available now at Pasco’s most desired planned communities of Asturia and Bexley.

In Asturia, this award winning builder has a Costa Mesa quick move-in home — the same floor plan as its newest model home in the community. This spacious, one-story plan backs up to a beautiful conservation view of woodlands and prairie.

“People are absolutely in love with the Costa Mesa’s huge kitchen and its extra-large island, which is a standard feature in this home,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager for ICI Homes. The home has four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage.

Costa Mesa’s huge kitchen has an extra-large island, which is a standard feature in this home.

For families wanting a two-story home with the master suite downstairs, a Santa Maria floor plan is also ready now on a deep conservation lot in one of Asturia’s most desired neighborhoods. At 2,912 square feet, this home offers four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage.

Off the entry is a flex room that can be used as a study, office or den. The gourmet kitchen has a large island and a large dining area. The gathering room is located just past the dining room, which opens into the covered lanai to bring outdoor living inside the home.

And unlike most two-story homes, the master suite is on the first floor, offering seclusion from three upstairs bedrooms. Also upstairs is a game room, which could become a fifth bedroom.

ICI Homes’ third inventory home in Asturia is its original model, the Serena. This spacious one-story home has four bedrooms, three baths, and sits on a gorgeous conservation lot. For families wanting a turn-key home, this home can even include the model’s professionally selected furnishings.

“All of our floor plans are perfect for entertaining,” said Ferguson. “Our gathering rooms, gourmet kitchen and dining room are one expansive space, highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light.”

ICI Homes has over 30 homesites remaining in Asturia, with many backing up to conservation and water. Prices begin in the high $300s.

Asturia is an award-winning, master-planned community in Odessa, located one mile west of the Suncoast Parkway on State Road 54. 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.

Final Homes In Bexley
This is the last chance to buy an ICI home in Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes with thousands of acres of preserved wetlands, miles of recreational trails and unique amenities, including a bike shop and café.

One of the most beautiful and functional move-in ready homes in Bexley is ICI Homes’ Costa Mesa inventory home. This four-bedroom, three-bath home includes luxury finishes, an expansive lanai, mud room with built-in bench off the garage, huge walk-in pantry, and tandem garage ideal for a compact car, golf cart or storage.

The Costa Mesa’s open floor plan flows with 2,565 square feet of living area designed perfectly for the active lifestyle Bexley extols. It sits on a 70-foot corner homesite in one of Bexley’s most prestigious neighborhoods, located close to the clubhouse and pools.

The sales center for Asturia and Bexley is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, (727) 432-3069. Models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday.

Coming Soon – Wesley Chapel
The next ICI Home community in Pasco County is Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel, located in the prestigious Wiregrass Ranch area. This new, 5,000-acre community opens in March and is located behind The Shops at Wiregrass off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

“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.”

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. ICI Homes prices will begin in the mid $200s, with larger homes selling in the $400s.

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.

Published January 29, 2020