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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Quick Move-In Townhomes Now Ready at Mattamy Homes

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Mattamy Homes’ popular townhome communities in Lutz and Citrus Park have an array of Quick Move-In townhomes ready now, just in time for a summer move in and to get settled  before the 2019-20 school year begins.

This beautiful kitchen flows into the dining and living areas of the Santa Rosa, a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome available at Avea Pointe in Lutz.

A wide selection of thoughtfully-designed townhomes is available at both Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park, with special savings and paid closing costs available for a limited time. Models are open daily, and Open House events are being hosted every weekend in July at both communities.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
This community’s first residents recently began moving into Avea Pointe, Mattamy’s second  Lutz community located off Van Dyke Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway.

“Our floorplans are perfect for first-time homebuyers, families with children and even empty-nesters,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy Homes. “We offer some of the largest townhomes in Tampa Bay, all designed to live like single-family homes.”

Avea Pointe offers three unique floor plans that feature open floor plans and 2-car garages. The sales center just debuted on location, and is open daily at 5653 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

All townhomes feature large open kitchens, optimized living spaces, covered lanais and 2-car garages.  The Santa Rosa is 1,913 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with an owner’s suite on the first level; the Sebring is 2,230 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice is 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. Prices begin in the low $300s.

This gated community’s pool and cabana are nearing completion and will be ready for residents to enjoy in late July.

In addition to its convenient location, excellent schools are another reason many families choose Avea Pointe. Children attend Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Avea Pointe is just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and the Veterans Expressway, which makes it an easy commute to Tampa Regional Airport, the Westshore district, downtown Tampa and area beaches.

Lakeview at Citrus Park
Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area. Mattamy Homes has been selling in this community for less than a year, and has already sold close to 50 homes in this 124-townhome community.

“Our new Lakeview models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel as spacious and private as single-family homes. Plus, prices in this community are very affordable, beginning in the mid $200s,” said Dec.

Five floor plans are available. The Marianna (1,667 sq. ft.) and Ormond (1,888 sq. ft.) have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and single garages. The Santa Rosa (1,928 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, one of which is located downstairs, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. The Sebring (2,230 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. The Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage.

“Both Avea Pointe and Lakeview at Citrus Park are selling fast because buyers love the fantastic assortment of close-by things to do, from recreational outings to fabulous shopping to an epicurean array of restaurants,” said Dec.

Avea Pointe is five minutes from Hillsborough County’s expansive Lake Park with its non-motorized boat access, hiking trails, BMX track and multiple playgrounds. Homes in Lakeview at Citrus Park overlook tranquil Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, where residents have a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

When it comes to shopping, Avea Pointe is a mile or so from shopping on Dale Mabry.  Lakeview at Citrus Park is literally minutes away to Westfield Citrus Park Mall. Both communities are a quick trip down the Veterans Expressway to International Plaza and Westshore Plaza in Tampa.

“Our buyers at Avea Pointe and Lakeview love being close to so many things to do,” said Dec. “These are perfect communities for people who want fun things to do with family and friends of all ages.”

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings and incentives.

Published June 26, 2019

Hiking, Biking, Shopping and Dining – All Close To Mattamy Homes’ Townhome Communities

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Mattamy Homes’ two new townhome communities in Lutz and Citrus Park are selling fast because buyers love the fantastic assortment of close-by things to do, from recreational outings to fabulous shopping to an epicurean array of restaurants.

“Our buyers at Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park are active, engaged families who love being close to so many things to do,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager at Mattamy Homes. “These are perfect communities for people who want fun things to do with family and friends of all ages.”

The floor plan of the four-bedroom, three-bath Venice townhome with its gorgeous kitchen received a prestigious Silver Award during the recent Tampa Bay Parade of Homes Tampa.

Avea Pointe is five minutes away from Hillsborough County’s expansive Lake Park, with its non-motorized boat access, hiking trails, BMX track and multiple playgrounds. At Lakeview, its homes overlook tranquil Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, where residents have a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Both communities also are an easy drive to Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, with its flats fishing, walking trails and observation tower. Plus, there are nearby golf courses and equestrian stables, ice skating in Wesley Chapel, and even hot air balloon rides when the weather is right.

When it comes to shopping, Avea Point is just 20 minutes to Tampa Premium Outlets in Lutz and The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, while Lakeview is minutes away to Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and a quick trip down the Veterans Expressway to International Plaza and Westshore Plaza in Tampa.

An array of well-appointed townhomes is now ready at both communities, with quick move-in homes available for families wanting to get settled before the 2019-2020 school year begins.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Avea Pointe is located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Road, directly across from Mattamy Homes’ Lakeshore Preserve community. It offers three unique floor plans designed to live like single-family homes.

All townhomes feature large open kitchens, optimized living spaces, covered lanais and 2-car garages.  The Santa Rosa is 1,913 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with an owner’s suite on the first level; the Sebring is 2,230 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice is 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. Prices begin in the low $300s.

“We offer some of the largest townhomes in the area,” said Dec. “Their unique designs are perfect for first-time homebuyers, families with children and empty-nesters.”

Avea Pointe is just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, within 2 miles of the Veterans Expressway and an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

Excellent schools are another reason families move to Avea Pointe, whose children are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than 3 miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Lakeview Already 30% Sold Out
Mattamy Homes has only been selling in Lakeview at Citrus Park since August, and already over 30 percent of its homes have sold. The community will have 124 townhomes when completed.

“Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our new models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel as spacious and private as single-family homes. Plus, prices in this community are very affordable, beginning in the mid $200s.”

Five floor plans are available. The Marianna (1,667 sq. ft.) and Ormond (1,888 sq. ft.) have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and single garages. The Santa Rosa (1,928 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, one of which is located downstairs, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. The Sebring (2,230 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. The Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage.

 Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings, including closing costs paid.

Published May 22, 2019

There’s So Much To Do Close-By Mattamy Homes New Townhomes

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Hiking, biking, shopping and epicurean delights!

Mattamy Homes two new townhome communities in Lutz and Citrus Park are selling fast because buyers love the fabulous assortment of close-by things to do, from recreational outings to fabulous shopping to an epicurean array of restaurants.

“Our buyers at Avea Pointe in Lutz and Lakeview at Citrus Park are active, engaged families who love being so close to so many things to do,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager at Mattamy Homes. “These are perfect communities for people who want fun things to do with family and friends of all ages.”

This fun and spacious loft in the Venice townhome won a Best Feature award at last month’s Tampa Bay Parade of Homes Awards Reception. The Venice’s whole floor plan, including this alluring kitchen, received an overall Silver Award.

Avea Pointe is five minutes away from the expansive Lake Park, with its non-motorized boat access, hiking trails, BMX track and multiple playgrounds. Over at Lakeview, its homes overlook tranquil Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, where residents have a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Both communities also are an easy drive to Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, with its flats fishing, walking trails and observation tower. Plus, there are nearby golf courses and equestrian stables, ice skating in Wesley Chapel, and even hot air balloon rides in Lutz when the weather is right.

When it comes to shopping, Avea Point is just 20 minutes to Tampa Premium Outlets and The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, while Lakeview is minutes away to Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and a quick trip down the Veterans Expressway to International Plaza and Westshore Plaza in Tampa.

An array of well-appointed townhomes are ready this spring at both communities, with quick move-in homes available for families wanting to get settled before the 2019-20 school year begins.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Avea Pointe is located off Van Dyke Road on Lakeshore Road , directly across from Mattamy Homes’ Lakeshore Preserve community, and offers three unique floor plans designed to live like single-family homes.

All townhomes feature large open kitchens, optimized living spaces, covered lanais and 2-car garages.  The Santa Rosa is 1,913 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, with an owner’s suite on the first level; the Sebring is 2,230 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths; and the Venice is 2,574 square feet with 4 bedrooms (including a first-floor bedroom) and 3 baths. Prices being in the low $300s.

“We offer some of the largest townhomes in the area,” said Dec. “Their unique designs meet the needs of first-time homebuyers, families with children and empty-nesters.”

Avea Pointe is just minutes from St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, within two miles of the Veterans Expressway and an easy commute to Tampa, the airport and area beaches.

Excellent schools are another reason families move to Avea Pointe, whose children are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Lakeview Already 30% Sold Out
Mattamy Homes has only been selling in Lakeview at Citrus Park since August, and already over 30 percent of its homes have sold. The community will have 124 townhomes when completed.

“Lakeview at Citrus Park is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our new models are beautifully decorated and furnished, and feel as spacious and private as single-family homes.”

The Marianna (1,667 sq. ft.) and Ormond (1,888 sq. ft.) have 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and single garages. The Santa Rosa (1,928 sq. ft.) has 3 bedrooms, one of which is located downstairs, 2.5 baths, and a 2 car garage. The Sebring (2,230) has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2 car garage. The Venice (2,574 sq. ft.) has 4 bedrooms, including one downstairs, 3 baths and a double garage. Prices begin in the mid $200s.

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities, Mattamy Homes’ Spring Sales Event, or to schedule a VIP appointment.

Published April 24, 2019

Birchwood Preserve in Lutz Opens Phase II

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It has only been a year since Pulte Homes opened Birchwood Preserve in Lutz, and there has been so much demand that the community’s second phase is opening ahead of schedule this summer.

“Since we opened our sales center last May, we’ve sold close to 80 homes out of 120 available in our first phase,” said Vince Kuntz, Pulte’s sales consultant in the community. “The demand has been so good, that we’ve sold most of our 60-foot home sites in our Elite home series, and have a waiting list of buyers wanting larger lots in our second phase.”

Birchwood Preserve’s second phase offers another 76 home sites, many with conservation and water views. Like the first phase, 60-foot lots are reserved for homes with three-car garages, and 50-foot lots for homes with two-car garages.

The community’s second phase is also introducing Pulte’s Classic series of homes, which are designed to be more affordable, with prices beginning at $310,000 for 1,851 square feet.

“Homes in our Classic series meet Pulte’s high quality standards, but offer finishes that are less expensive to make homes more affordable, especially for first-time homebuyers,” said Kuntz. “By comparison, homes in our Signature series on 50-foot lots begin at $333,990 for 1,904 square feet.”

Birchwood Preserve’s new Classic series has eight floor plans, ranging from 1,851 to 4,274 square feet. Pulte is building a new model home for its Classic series, the 2,855 square-foot Citrus Grove. This two-story home offers 4 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, an owner’s suite on the first floor and a large game room upstairs.

“This is very much a family community, and our large, two-story homes are most in demand,” said Kuntz. “Our most popular floor plans are those with four and five bedrooms with over 3,000 square feet of living area.”

Birchwood Preserve’s biggest draw is its outstanding A-rated schools. It is the only new, single-family home community in Lutz that is zoned to all three schools at the highly desirable public school complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road — Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and McKitrick Elementary.

“When people walk in the door at our sales center, the first question they ask is about our schools, and 95-percent of the time, when they learn all grades are assigned to these A-rated schools, they are sold,” said Kuntz. “Nothing is more important to our buyers than being zoned to some of the best schools in Hillsborough County.”

Kuntz adds that while other new, single-family home communities in the area may be zoned to Steinbrenner High, none are also zoned to top-rated Martinez Middle and McKitrick Elementary.

“We even have families with babies moving here, because in a few years they want their child to go to McKitrick,” said Kuntz.

After schools, the second top reason families are choosing Birchwood Preserve is because of the community’s convenient location, a half mile west of Dale Mabry Highway and just south of Sunlake Boulevard where Geraci Road dead-ends.

“We’re less than two miles from the Veterans Expressway, and just as close to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, and all the grocery, dining and retail on Van Dyke Road,” said Kuntz. “With our quick access to the Veterans, it’s easy to get to Tampa International Airport, the Westshore Business District, International Plaza and the Gulf Coast beaches.”

Homeowners in Birchwood Preserve share a fabulous amenity center in the heart of the community. This facility is already built and includes a resort-style swimming pool with cabanas and hammocks, a multipurpose clubhouse with kitchen, and a children’s exploration climbing dome playground with swing set and other discovery play equipment.

“Birchwood Preserve already has an active family lifestyle with many things to do for families with children of all ages,” said Kuntz. “Our residents quickly connect with one another, and have organized playgroups and their own online community network.”

When built out, Birchwood Preserve will have just 196 homes. Because of its small size, there is no CDD. Owners help support a beautifully landscaped gated entrance and the amenity center with an affordable HOA.

Most buyers are coming from surrounding neighborhoods in Lutz and Carrollwood, as well as Westchase and Citrus Park.

With its new second phase, Birchwood Preserve will offer a total of 18 unique single-family models, which range from 1,851 to 4,600 square feet, and offer three to six bedrooms, two to six bathrooms and two- or three-car garages.

Pulte’s Sales Center at Birchwood Preserve is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Please stop by to visit Kuntz and his associate, Amanda Barningham, at 18709 Birchwood Groves Drive, Lutz, Florida 33558

They can be reached at (813) 804-5705. You can also visit the website at
Pulte.com/birchwoodpreserve.

Published May 23, 2018

If you’re looking for holiday cheer, check this out

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There are plenty of local holiday happenings to appeal to young and old, but there’s a wide assortment of regional attractions to help brighten the season as well.

Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas at the 33rd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum. (Courtesy of Henry B. Plant Museum)
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas at the 33rd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum. (Courtesy of Henry B. Plant Museum)

If you’re looking for something fun and affordable to do, here’s a list of possibilities.

TAMPA
The 33rd annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at the Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. — Beneath the towering silver minarets of the former Tampa Bay Hotel, visitors have the chance to peek at 14 rooms decked out in 19th century themes for the holidays.

Carolers sing in the evenings in front of a 15-foot tree, and visitors are invited to sing along. Complimentary spiced cider and cookies are served on the veranda.

The stroll is being offered daily through Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for senior citizens, and $9 for kids between 4 and 18.

Wild Wonderland at Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave. — Enjoy a holiday stroll around the zoo and see a dazzling display of lights synchronized to holiday music, see lighted animal figures and possible snow flurries, enjoy rides, and see some penguins.

Admission is $15 for adults, 
$13 for children between 3 and 11, and free for children younger than 3.

Ice Palace at International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd. — The mall transforms into the Ice Palace, a 30-foot dome with snow, a light show, and interactive snow globes depicting scenes from the Disney movie “Frozen.”

Entertainment includes an icy handprint experience, size comparisons with Sven and Olaf — characters from the movie — and photos with Olaf on an ice throne.

The attractions run through Dec. 24 during mall hours.

For information, visit ShopInternationalPlaza.com.

Tampa’s Downtown on Ice at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive — Skaters can enjoy an outdoor rink in the park. Each 90-minute session, including skate rental, is $10.

DOVER
Nights of Shimmering Lights at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road — Drive through two miles of dazzling displays, illuminated tunnels, and dancing light-emitting diodes, while listening to holiday tunes on your radio.

The attraction includes more than 2,000 sculpted light displays.

After you drive through the light tunnels, stop at Christmas Village, where you can drink hot chocolate, watch holiday movies, and have a picture taken with Santa.

Admission is $15 per car Monday through Wednesday evenings, and $20 per car Thursday through Sunday evenings.

LARGO
Holiday Lights in the Gardens at the Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road — Every evening through Dec. 31, visitors can stroll through the gardens from 5:30 to 9:30, enjoying laser lights, flora and fauna displays, decorated trees, a 7-foot gingerbread house, and more.

There’s free entertainment, and visits from Santa Claus.

Admission is $4 for those 13 and older

WESLEY CHAPEL
Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive — The shopping center offers nightly synchronized music and light shows on the hour, from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m., through Dec. 31.

The free attraction features a 55-foot tree with more than 250,000 lights and snow flurries. 

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade at the Holiday Inn Harbourside, 401 Second St. — Come watch a parade of all kinds of boats decked out for the holidays.

The parade is open for all kinds of boats, including canoes and rowboats. It begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20, and starts and ends at the Holiday Inn at Harbourside.

SPRING HILL
The Celebration of Lights, at Safety Town 15325 Alric Pottberg Road — Drive along a mile-long route to see a dazzling display of animated lights.

The event was the vision of Dave Parrish, a community leader in West Pasco County, who died before his vision could come to life.

The event is open at dusk through Jan. 4. Entry fees are $20 per car, and $40 for a 14-passenger van.

Published December 17, 2014

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Coach set to close 70 retail stores

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Coach Inc., the maker of high-end accessories, handbags, shoes and clothing, says it will close 70 retail stores, possibly by early next year.

Coach didn’t tell investors which locations they plan to close, but the company has a store locally at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Suite 160.

The closure is part of what the New York-based company has called a multi-year transformation plan that will be focused on a new global branding strategy centered on the concept of “defining modern luxury,” according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The overall plan could have up to a $300 million hit to the company’s bottom line through next year.

Sales over the last nine months leading into spring were down nearly 5 percent for the company, according to public filings, dropping to $3.7 billion.

Coach operates 351 stores in North America, according to its filings with investors. The closures would account for nearly 20 percent of its total retail outlets. Other locations in the greater Tampa Bay region include International Plaza in Tampa’s Westshore District, Countryside Mall in Clearwater, and Brandon Town Center.