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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Odessa

Hometown kids to watch in college football

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Before becoming college football standouts regularly seen on national television and in massive stadiums across the country, these athletes distinguished themselves on the gridiron locally, in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Big-time college football has returned this fall — later than usual and with a pared-down schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that won’t stop several locals with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area from enjoying the big stage and making plays on Saturdays in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Southeastern Conference (SEC) and American Athletic Conference (AAC), among others.

Here’s a closer look at a handful of hometown players to keep an eye on throughout the 2020 college football season:

Isaiah Bolden, receiver
College: Florida State University, redshirt sophomore
Local tie: Wesley Chapel High School

Wesley Chapel High product Isaiah Bolden is a redshirt sophomore receiver/kick returner at Florida State. (Courtesy of Florida State University sports information department)

After spending his first two years working as a defensive back at FSU, the 6-foot-2, 196-pound Wesley Chapel High product has shifted to the offensive side of the ball — to wide receiver. Throughout preseason, FSU coaches have raved about Bolden’s size, athleticism, big play ability and passion for the game.

But, just how much playing time the redshirt sophomore garners at the position remains up in the air, as he tries cracking a deep, experienced position grouping.

At the very least, expect to see plenty of Bolden as a co-starter on kick return duties. Playing in all 13 games last season, he returned six kickoffs for 156 yards, including a career-long of 41 yards, and one punt return for seven yards.

Bolden was a three-sport star at Wesley Chapel, shining in football, basketball, and track and field. In addition to his pigskin talents, Bolden was the varsity basketball team’s leading rebounder (8.5 rebounds per game in 2017-2018) and collected a bronze medal in the 100-meter dash at 2018 Class 3A state championships.

The former Wildcat was a consensus four-star recruit and courted by some two dozen Division I FBS college football programs, including several other blue bloods.

Donovan Jennings, left tackle
College: University of South Florida, junior
Local tie: Gaither High School

Gaither High product Donovan Jennings is looking to build off a respectable 2019 campaign along the offensive line for USF. (File)

The massive 6-foot-5, 338-pound Gaither High alumnus is cemented as USF’s starting left tackle in a new up-tempo offense, and is looking to build off a strong 2019 showing where he saw action in 10 games and made eight starts.

In fact, Jennings last season was the team’s highest-graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (66.9), a website that focuses on thorough analysis of the National Football League (NFL) and NCAA Division I football.

He’s been lauded by coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game, a combination of quick feet, balance and strength. He often was tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations last season.

Expectations remain high again in 2020. He’s been named to the Athlon Preseason All-Conference Fourth Team and Phil Steele Preseason All-Conference Fourth Team.

Jennings, surprisingly, didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, as size limitations in youth leagues prevented him from playing the sport. However, he blossomed in four short years at Gaither, earning All-State honors and scholarship offers from the University of Central Florida, and Virginia, Marshall, Old Dominion and Toledo universities, among others.

Odessa native Devontay Love-Taylor brings an experienced presence to Florida State’s offensive line. Love-Taylor prepped at Mitchell High School. (Courtesy of Florida State University sports information department)

Devontay Love-Taylor, right tackle
College: Florida State University, redshirt senior
Local tie: Odessa native

The Odessa native is set to make an immediate impact for Florida State — penciled in as the team’s starting right tackle following his transfer from Florida International, where he made 16 starts in 32 career games and last season earned honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition.

The sturdy 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman is being leaned on for his experience, work ethic and maturity. The website Pro Football Focus graded Love-Taylor an above-average rating (74.2) on 721 snaps last season in an FIU uniform.

Love-Taylor prepped at Mitchell High School, where he earned first-team All-Conference honors and pushed the program to the 6A state playoffs. He also played basketball.

Tre’ McKitty, tight end
College: University of Georgia, graduate student
Local tie: Wesley Chapel native

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty is listed as the starting tight end at Georgia, an SEC program with legit national championships aspirations this year. (Courtesy of University of Georgia sports information)

The Wesley Chapel native looks to be entrenched as the starting tight end on a Georgia team with legitimate aspirations of hoisting a national title and ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound McKitty transferred to Georgia from FSU in January following a coaching change. He played in 35 career games in three seasons at FSU, hauling in a combined 50 receptions for 520 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

In camp with his new squad, Georgia coaches raved about McKitty for bringing a gritty demeanor and showing aptitude in blocking, along with making catches.

Prognosticators are likewise bullish on McKitty’s final season, as he was named to a preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, awarded to the nation’s top tight end.

McKitty grew up playing in the Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators youth football league. He played his freshman year at Wesley Chapel High then prepped at Bradenton’s IMG Academy, where he was a blue-chip recruit

Steinbrenner High alum Noah Ruggles is in a kicker position battle at North Carolina. He was the team’s primary place-kicker last season. (File)

Noah Ruggles, kicker
College: University of North Carolina, junior
Local tie: Steinbrenner High School

Ruggles emerged as North Carolina’s primary kicker as a sophomore last season, converting 19 of 27 field goal attempts — including a long of 49 yards — and perfect on all 45 of his extra-point attempts.

The former Steinbrenner High standout was nearly automatic for the Tar Heels on kicks inside 40 yards, but struggled on some longer kicks, including going 0-for-3 on attempts of more than 50 yards.

His defining moment in 2019 came when he kicked the game-winning field goal in a 20-17 home win against conference rival Duke in a late October contest. It was just a week removed from UNC head coach Mack Brown benching Ruggles, after he missed two overtime field goal attempts in a road loss to Virginia Tech.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound kicker will need to prove himself once again. He’s listed second on the team’s depth chart behind All-American Furman transfer Grayson Atkins, but is still expected to earn ample opportunities.

Closer to home, Ruggles earned All-State honors at Steinbrenner and was named most valuable player of the East-West Hillsborough County Senior All-Star Game in 2016.

Zephyrhills High alum Ja’Quan Sheppard is poised for a bigger role this season for Cincinnati. (Courtesy of University of Cincinnati sports information department)

Ja’Quan Sheppard, safety
College: University of Cincinnati, sophomore
Local tie: Zephyrhills High School

The Zephyrhills High product is pressing for a larger role this season for a Cincinnati program favored to finish atop the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

As a true freshman in 2019 for the 11-3 Bearcats, the 6-foot-2, 197-pound safety played in nine games, mostly as a special teams ace, where he ranked among the team’s top special teams defenders with six stops on kickoff coverage. Sheppard collected two tackles in his Cincy debut at Marshall, and also tied that mark with two tackles at Houston.

In high school, Sheppard was mostly known for his skills as wide receiver at Zephyrhills, where he registered a combined 91 catches for 1,649 yards and 25 touchdowns across four varsity seasons. His impact helped guide the Bulldogs to arguably its best season in program history in 2018 — winning 11 straight games and reaching the Class 5A region semifinal. He was no stranger to accolades, earning All-State and All-Conference honors, and being invited to the Pasco County Senior All-Star Football Game. Sheppard was a consensus three-star recruit with more than 20 offers from Temple, Marshall and Kentucky, among others.

Published September 16, 2020

A BMX park in Pasco County?

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Pasco County has marketed itself in recent years as a premier amateur sports and recreation tourism destination.

Its tourism arm —  Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — has leveraged that credo, with state-of-the-art athletic facilities springing up. Those include the AdventHealth Center Ice skating rink, Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus and Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center.

Could a large-scale BMX (bicycle motocross) park be the county’s next major attraction?

Delaney Morrison, and her team, would like to see that happen.

Morrison operates Pinellas Park’s J&R Bicycles BMX Super Store. She’s also president of Ride Local Inc., a nonprofit group committed to providing safe and well-organized environments where enthusiasts can hone their skills in extreme sports.

This is a basic rendering of what a BMX track could look like in Pasco. A project is believed to cost a minimum of $1.7 million to $2 million, without additional frills, such as an open-air covered roof for year-round use. (Courtesy of Ride Local Inc.)

She outlined the Ride Local’s concept at the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC)’s August meeting.

“We’re eager to work with you, and hopefully bring BMX to Pasco County. It has been a passion of ours for decades now,” Morrison told the TDC, as she unveiled a 40-page proposal on the initiative.

The idea is to partner with the county to construct a BMX track and bike park on a 23-acre tract situated of the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in the Odessa/Trinity area. The land is presently owned by Pasco County Utilities.

Under the proposal, about 3 acres would be used for a BMX dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers.

That would mark the first stage of a larger, surrounding bike park that would include a pump track, skatepark, mountain bike obstacle course, casual bike path and other features.

There would be opportunities for recreational leagues and a beginner’s program for newcomers to the off-road racing sport. It also would host large-scale competitive events sanctioned by USA BMX.

The open space also could be used for drone races, truck rallies, and Boy Scouts of America and All-Pro Dad meet-ups, among other activities, Morrison said.

“Our goals for this project are to establish a world-class track for locals and visiting riders, regardless of age or skill level,” Morrison told the TDC. “With the work that Pasco County already has done as a bicycle community, we know that BMX can just round out your offerings for bicycle activities.”

Location, location, location
Over the past year or so, Morrison and her team have had ongoing discussions with Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources.

The identified location seems ideal for multiple reasons.

Morrison praised its high visibility along the booming State Road 54 corridor, sitting along the Tower Road extension and a future high school, whose adjacent lot could be used for overflow parking for large events.

The ability for commuting motorists to see a BMX track from afar is a luxury other like-minded BMX facilities don’t have, Morrison said. Often, she said, they’re “hidden in the back of a park somewhere.”

A 23-acre tract situated of the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in the Odessa/Trinity area has been targeted as a possible location for a future BMX track and bike park. (Courtesy of Ride Local Inc.)

Case in point: Tampa BMX at Lake Park in Lutz.

“They have good ridership there, but you can’t see anything from the road. You just have to be in BMX and know that it’s back there,” said Morrison, who grew up in Lutz.

However, she said a Pasco BMX park would pair well with Tampa BMX and Oldsmar BMX, which is under construction — to attract regional and national tournaments.

The trifecta of facilities, she said, “would really set us apart from most other locations in the country.”

The close proximity of the tracks to each other is a selling point, she said.

“You can drive to any one of these tracks within 20 minutes and we could see, aside from bigger events, people from all over Florida wanting to come into our area to be able to ride a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and hit three tracks in the same weekend,” explained Morrison. Plus, she noted, local hotels, shops and restaurants would benefit from the business.

Continuing on the tourism piece, Morrison pointed out BMX is the fastest-growing sport/fitness activity. A study from the Sports and Fitness Association puts it ahead of other activities, such as cardio tennis, skiing, pickleball and rugby, among others.

The sport is pandemic-proof, too, she argued.

Morrison detailed a three-day BMX event last month in Toledo, Ohio — the Buckeye Nationals — drew representatives from 37 states.

If Ohio can attract that kind of crowd, during the summer in the middle of a pandemic, she said, she’s confident that Tampa Bay — with its beaches, Busch Gardens and easy access through Tampa International Airport — would see a rise in tourism.

Finding funding
Money appears the biggest hurdle in getting the project off the ground.

The park has an estimated base cost of $1.7 million to $2 million, Morrison said.

That’s without additional frills, such as an open-air covered roof on the BMX track, to allow for year-round use.

That’s an amenity that Morrison highly encourages, should the county assist in a partnership: “You don’t have to worry about a rainout. You really cut down on the heat. We think we’d get some regulars, a larger local draw than what some other tracks that aren’t covered do.”

Tyler Heinrichs is mid-air during a ride at Tampa BMX in Lutz. (File)

Cities and counties in other states have generally “put up quite a bit of money” with funding such projects, Morrison told the board.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who chairs the TDC, indicated the county could negotiate or support some type of land use or lease deal.

Providing upfront funding for construction, though, is all but a non-starter, at least for the present, given the COVID-19 pandemic and funding of other projects, such as the $44 million Wiregrass Sports Campus, he said.

“We just don’t have money in the tourism budget right now for additional capital projects,” said Moore.

“Not saying in the future there might not be, but right now, the cash, whether it be a million, million-and-a-half, two million or three million dollars, it just is not within the tourism budget,” Moore said.

With that, Morrison acknowledged her organization hasn’t fully gone “down the rabbit hole” in terms of capital funding mechanisms.

But, Ride Local Inc., is toying with some creative ideas, such as leveraging a corporate naming sponsorship or partnering with an electric company to install solar panels on a would-be covered roof to offset costs.

The group is prepared for the legwork needed to cultivate creative partnerships and alternate funding sources, she said.

“Really, for lack of a better term, we’re not scared,” Morrison said, there may be some other sources of funding within the state or region they can seek out.

Funding complications aside, TDC members expressed enthusiasm for a BMX facility of some sort.

“I love the idea,” said TDC vice chairman Wendy Longman, owner of Windsong Boat Charters in New Port Richey. “I think it would add a lot of value to the county and with the state of how things are, it’s a great social distancing sport, so I think it’s a phenomenal idea.”

TDC member Judy Sutton, owner of Quality Inn-Port Richey, concurred, hyping up the tourist benefits: “Between the United States and Canada, I also know people that do BMX, and you do travel a lot, and there’s an opportunity to bring it to Pasco.”

Published August 26, 2020

Consumers have more grocery options in Pasco

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Grocery shoppers now have two more options in Pasco County, as GreenWise Market and Aldi have opened new stores.

The 25,147-square-foot GreenWise Market, at the Preserve Marketplace Shopping Center, 2175 Sembler Drive, is GreenWise Market’s fourth location in Florida. The Preserve Marketplace is off State Road 54, in Odessa.

GreenWise Market just opened a location in Odessa. Shoppers can sip coffee or wine, as they peruse through the store’s broad array of specialty, natural and organic foods. (B.C. Manion)

“Our GreenWise Market is about exploration, community, enticing the palate, and a place for the foodie, as well the food connoisseur. We celebrate food, and have an extended offering of natural, organic and prepared foods,” said Maria Brous, director of communications for Publix, via email.

The store offers specialty, natural and organic foods. Its personal care offerings include  vitamins, nutritional supplements, natural soaps and shampoos, and more. Its meats have been raised with no antibiotics or added hormones, and it offers sustainably-sourced seafood.

Shoppers also can pick up made-to-order meals and grab-and-go foods, such as handcrafted gourmet sandwiches and freshly baked pizza.

They also can select from a curated collection of wines and imported cheeses.

Another feature: Shoppers can enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee, wine and beer on tap, or other selections, which they can drink while shopping, or when relaxing at the bar.

The Odessa store expects to have about 130 employees, Brous said.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Brous said, “our stores continue to be busy.

Do you enjoy buying some foods in bulk? You may want to check out the selection available at GreenWise Market, in Odessa. (Courtesy of GreenWise Market)

“We ask our customers to shop as they normally would, but not to stockpile, so that their friends, family and neighbors have the same opportunity. The grocery industry is resilient, and we just needed to be patient and allow the industry an opportunity to recover.

“We are seeing better conditions in most categories; however, paper and cleaning products have been slower to rebound. For this very reason, customers may see limits in place. In addition, limits will vary by store depending on high demand for certain items,” she said.

GreenWise Market is owned and operated by Publix Super Markets Inc., a privately owned company. Publix is one of the 10 largest-volume supermarket chains in the country.

Aldi also opened a new store in Pasco market, at 2215 Sun Vista Drive in Lutz, near a broad array of shops, restaurants and stores at Cypress Creek Town Center.

Matt Thon, the Haines City Aldi division vice president, said the grocer considered a variety of factors when choosing a store location.

“We want the best sites that are closest to our shoppers and can support a high daily traffic volume,” Thon said, via email.

Aldi just opened a new location in Lutz, at the edge of the Cypress Creek Town Center. The store is part of the company’s expansion efforts. It aspires to be the third-largest grocer in the nation, by store count, by 2022.

“As the demand for Aldi grows, so do our real estate options. Bottom line, we want to be conveniently located for our shoppers,” Thon added.

He noted that Aldi’s “priority focus is saving people money on the food and products they want most.”

He said the store achieves that by “offering shoppers a curated selection of Aldi-exclusive brands.

“More than 90% of our store consists of Aldi-exclusive products,” he said.

He also noted that “when it comes to value, Aldi won’t be beat on price. For the past decade, Aldi has held the esteemed title of Value Leader among U.S. grocery stores by Market Force Information.”

Thon also said that each of Aldi’s stores, including the one in Lutz, employs 15 to 20 people.

If you enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, chances are you’ll find something to your liking in the Aldi produce section. (Courtesy of Aldi)

During COVID-19, Aldi has been focusing its efforts on ensuring essential food and household goods are available, Thon said.

The new location is part of Aldi’s national expansion, according to a company news release. The grocery chain has nearly 2,000 stores across 36 states and aspires to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer, by store count, by the end of 2022, the release says.

Aldi offers its own line of gluten-free products, antibiotic-free meats and organic products, including bananas, tomatoes, avocados, apples and salad mixes, and organic milk, almond butter and salsa, among other things, the company reports.

Aldi also has integrated several new safety features in all its stores across the country, to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees.

GreenWise Market
GreenWise Market features foods for the health-conscious, as well as gourmet foodies, including specialty, natural and organic foods. GreenWise Market is owned and operated by Publix Super Markets Inc.
Where: 2175 Sembler Drive, Odessa
When: Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily
Info: GreenWiseMarket.com

Aldi
Aldi offers its own line of gluten-free products, antibiotic-free meats and organic selections. It prides itself on its affordability, and is aiming to become the nation’s third-largest grocer, by store count, by 2022.
Where: 2215 Sun Vista Drive in Lutz
When: Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Info: Aldi.us

Published July 29, 2020

Rasmussen College moving to vacant Target store

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Rasmussen College soon will bring higher education to a vacant Target Super Store — the shuttered anchor at Suncoast Crossing plaza, off State Road 54 in Odessa.

The college plans to relocate from its current 25,000-square-foot education center at State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes.

Developers are proposing to repurpose the former Target store, which closed in 2016.

Rasmussen College will be moving down the road and will soon be making a transition to Rasmussen University. (B.C. Manion)

A conceptual plan filed with Pasco County shows Rasmussen occupying more than 44,000 square feet. One and possibly two other tenants would fill the remaining shell space, separated from Rasmussen by an enclosed courtyard.

The flexible plan allows about 100,000 square feet to 115,000 square feet for a single business, or a split design with two businesses at 60,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet, respectively.

“It’s great to see something is moving in there,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “We never want to see an empty building. It seems like Rasmussen is growing. We’re definitely happy they are here. It’s a good location for them.”

The approximately 173,000-square-foot Target property is owned by 24/7 DeBary LLC, which acquired the site from Target in July 2017.

A May 11 preapplication meeting is scheduled with Pasco County planners to consider the “Suncoast Crossing 1” redevelopment proposal, according to county records.

24/7 DeBary is an affiliate of MVP Holdings Inc., a Tampa-based owner of restaurants, including PDQ and Glory Days Grill. A company representative could not be reached for comment.

The Target store – in a mall with about 30 stores – opened in 2006, as growth along State Road 54 was taking off. The Great Recession that began two years later with the real estate and housing market collapse ushered in hard times for Pasco County’s economy.

But, the closure in January 2016 caught many by surprise just as a turnaround and renewed growth was taking hold.

Target officials closed 13 stores nationwide due to what they described as poor performance. The Suncoast Crossing store was among those singled out.

This Target Super Store, which has been vacant since 2016, is expected to become the new home to Rasmussen College. Besides changing its location, the college also is expected to become a university.

More than 140 employees lost jobs, though Target officials said employees would be offered transfers.

“I was very upset when Target closed,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “I called corporate office to reconsider.”

After Target’s departure, she had hoped the site might attract new tenants that would create a retail and business complex similar to nearby Northpointe Village – at State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway. The complex in recent years attracted new businesses along Northpointe Parkway, including Mettler Toledo, a global manufacturer of precision scales and services used in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals; and TRU Simulation + Training,  which provides flight-training solutions, technical support and customer service for commercial and military markets.

But, she said, “I think Rasmussen will do well at that location (Suncoast Crossing). I’m heartened they are a for-profit college, so they will stay on the tax rolls.”

Rasmussen plans to make an announcement on its relocation plans in the “near future.”

“Due to key regulatory steps that still need to take place, Rasmussen College cannot yet share information regarding plans to relocate to a new campus,” according to an email from Molly Andersen, spokeswoman for Rasmussen College.

The new site, with substantially expanded space, comes as Rasmussen College is preparing for a new direction in its education model. By October, the college is expected to become Rasmussen University.

“This transition is more than a name change,” said Rasmussen President Trenda Boyum-Breen in a video message. “This is our next step toward a vibrant future. We are student-centered in our approach and future facing in our impact.”

Andersen in her email said additional details on Rasmussen’s transition to a university would be available soon.

Minneapolis-based Rasmussen College traces its beginnings to 1900, as a business school. The private college is a regionally accredited institution with more than 20 campuses nationwide. Its focus is on workforce and career-oriented education programs and degrees across several fields, including nursing, health science and business.

Of six Florida campuses, two are in Pasco — in New Port Richey and the soon-to-be closed location in Land O’ Lakes.

It’s not clear what is next for the Land O’ Lakes site.

Bayshore Properties LCC, affiliated with BayCare Health System, purchased the property in January for about $6.5 million, according to county records.

Representatives for Bayshore declined to comment at this time.

By Kathy Steele

Published April 22, 2020

Aldi opens Odessa store

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Customers were ready when the Aldi in Odessa had its grand opening celebration on March 12.

The Aldi store is one of the grocery chain’s new locations in Pasco County, and new stores are planned off State Road 56, near Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and another off U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Customers were lined up on March 12, waiting for the new Aldi in Odessa to celebrate its grand opening. The store is one of Aldi’s new locations in Pasco County. (Brian Fernandes)

Patrons were lined up awaiting the store to open in Odessa.

Store Manager Katherine Garner oversees the Aldi store. She held the scissors for the ceremonial ribbon cutting outside.

Matt Thon, Aldi division vice president, helped officiate at the grand opening.

“We’re really excited to open the Odessa, Florida store,” he said. “It’s our 93rd store in our division here [and] about the 150th in Florida.”

It also is now among 1,900 Aldi grocers in the U.S.

Thon also noted that Pasco County’s growing population is what appealed the grocery chain to build a number of its stores within the region.

The newest Pasco store adopts the same interior design found in many of those in the country.

The aisles are filled with various food items – some commercial brands, but mostly Aldi brands.

The store also offers healthy food alternatives, such as vegan and organic products.

Many of these foods can be found in the new refrigerated section, which provides additional space to stock.

New and already-existing stores will follow this model, as well.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the more popular items, Thon said.

“From the consumer feedback that we’ve received, and what our customers tell us each and every day, is produce drives their shopping decisions,” he said.

The key is to put fresh food with high quality on the line within a timely manner, Thon said.

Shopper Cynthia Cameron, of Hudson, came to the store to support the opening of the Odessa branch.

Aldi’s Matt Thon, Haines City division vice president, is joined by Store Manager Katherine Garner and District Manager Sopheap Bednarski. The trio took a moment to pose for a photo during the store’s March 12 grand opening.

Cameron noted that even when she’s in another county, she’ll shop at the nearest branch.

“I do like Aldi, and I think they’re a great store to shop at,” she said.

She enjoys Aldi’s chicken and its produce. She’s impressed by the store’s prices.

Thon noted that the store’s Keto bread is a popular item.

It sells quickly, he said, noting the Keto diet — which avoids carbohydrates — has helped popularize the bread, Thon said.

One aisle alone is stocked with various Aldi name-brand wines.

Also, items like Barissimo coffee and Elevation energy bars are placed at the front end of aisles as stand-out products.

This includes the gluten-free LiveGFree products.

“What I hear from customers is they come in for our gluten-free line and they’re shocked at the price points,” Thon said.

Cost-efficient items are what keeps loyal shoppers, he added.

The store also stocks appliances and décor items.

Items include bedroom accessories, shelves, chairs, ovens and handicap equipment.

Those who enjoy gardening also can select from a variety of flowers and plants.

The carts used at the store are interesting, too.

Each can be pulled from its space when a quarter is inserted in a slot, located on the bar handle. Customers get the quarter back once they return the cart.

Thon noted that he wants customers to have that same comfort level when they walk into the new Odessa store.

The upcoming Lutz-Wesley Chapel branch is scheduled to open in the summer.

Published March 18, 2020

Touchpoint opens global headquarters in Pasco

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TouchPoint Healthcare, located in Odessa, had a grand opening for its new global headquarters.

It’s an unprecedented mark in Pasco County, as it houses the flagship base for the company that supplies 90 countries with manufactured medical supplies.

TouchPoint Healthcare had its ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 20. It is the worldwide headquarters for the medical supply distributor, in Odessa. (Brian Fernandes)

Visitors at the Feb. 20 ribbon cutting had the chance to go on a guided tour of the building, which is a two-story structure of 142,000 square feet.

The building, at 2200 Touchpoint Drive, is off of State Road 54, and home to TouchPoint Healthcare’s two businesses – TouchPoint Medical and iTD.

It represents a $23.8-million capital investment for Pasco County.

Brian McNeill, the president and CEO of TouchPoint Inc. – the parent company, told those gathered: “The investment that we’re making here in Pasco County is an example of our long-term commitment to our businesses, to our people and to the communities in which we live and work.

“We work with every major medical device manufacturer in the world who focus their efforts on imaging and software.”

The company is located in The Preserve, a residential community off State Road 54.

Since selecting its Odessa location in 2018, TouchPoint has been working alongside the county and the Pasco Economic Development Council (EDC).

The county was ultimately chosen because it would grant more access to engineers, technicians and accounts, McNeill said.

The area also “attracts a type of person that wants to have a balanced life, wants to enjoy the water [and] wants to enjoy the outdoors,” he added, saying that this reflects the company’s values.

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC, praised the new facility.

“You now are at the entry point of a life sciences corridor here for Pasco County, and that’s huge,” Cronin said.

He noted the economic benefit that the new headquarters brings.

Life sciences, as he put it, is a recession-proof industry because everyone needs health care.

The warehouse manufactures various equipment that is brought into hospitals and other health care facilities.

Such products include computerized medication dispensers with multiple draws, and a scanner.

There are even miniature refrigerators to preserve those medicines that need to be kept at a low temperature.

Medical equipment, such as carts designed to mount computers, are built there, as well.

The facility also operates as a storage unit, with aisles lined up with thousands of parts for production.

Machinery can be found throughout the building that manufacture items like metal components, and that paint and provide coating to supplies.

There’s also a spacious cafeteria to accommodate workers.

And, the site is eco-friendly, as it’s incorporated with LED lights and charging stations in the parking lot, for electric cars.

“Very few companies have managed to adapt and stay in existence for more than a century,” said Edward Putnam, chairman of the board of directors for TouchPoint Inc.

He took the time to summarize the company’s history, which first began manufacturing pipes to transport oil in the late 19th century.

David Engel, manager of the county’s office of economic growth, and Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells and Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles were recognized for their role in bringing the company’s headquarters to Pasco.

The headquarters can hold up to 298 employees and currently has 139.

Employment also is expected to continue to grow.

McNeill said there are future plans to expand the headquarters, doubling in size.

Published 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

Under Construction 12/18/2019

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(Brian Fernandes)

New performing arts center
Pasco-Hernando State College is constructing an Instructional Performing Arts Center at 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. The 37,000-square-foot structure will include a theater, dressing rooms, a storage area, a catering kitchen, a lobby, classrooms and office space. It is on the same campus as Cypress Creek High School, and Cypress Creek Middle School, which also is under construction. The new performing arts facility will be used by both students from the state college and Pasco County school district students. The performing arts center is expected to open in Fall 2020.

Banking customers to get new option
The Florida Central Credit Union bank will open a new branch in Trinity. The 4,350-square-foot building, going up at 10175 State Road 54, will include main offices, bank teller stands, three drive-thru lanes and an ATM lane. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2020.

 

 

Plaza to emerge in Odessa region
A retail plaza is being built at 15985 Preserve Market Place Blvd., in Odessa. The building is adjacent to a Publix, which is also under construction. The new retail plaza is the latest commercial development to be erected at the front entrance of The Preserve residential community. The plaza is expected to open in May 2020.

 

Under Construction 12/04/2019

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(Brian Fernandes)

Convenience store coming
Lutz soon will add a 7-Eleven convenience store, at 19677 State Road 54. The 3,000-square-foot store is expected to be completed in March. An opening date has not been announced.

 

 

 

 

New banking branch in Trinity
Chase Bank customers, in Trinity, will have another service branch. The 3,470-square-foot building is being constructed in The Starkey Ranch Business Park. It will have multiple offices, a teller stand and an outdoor drive-thru. Construction is expected to be finished in April 2020.

 

 

 

PharmaWorks expanding
PharmaWorks Inc., in Odessa, is expanding with an additional building next to its current facility. The 19,788-square-foot structure is being constructed at 2346 Success Drive. The company manufactures pharmaceutical products. The addition is expected to open in mid-2020.

 

 

 

Office building expected soon
Trinity Professional Center, under construction, will house financial, county and medical offices. The 13,980-square-foot building is being built at 1900 Duck Slough Blvd. Construction of the one-story facility is expected to be completed in January.

 

 

 

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to .

Lutz Arts & Crafts Show offers unique gift selections

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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has been busy prepping for the 40th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show, which features hundreds of vendors offering gift selections.

Jim Murray, of Geneva, stirs this giant kettle as the intense heat rapidly pops kernels into kettle corn, during a previous arts and craft show. (File)

The annual event draws vendors from all over the country, and is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It also draws shoppers who make the event an annual tradition, in their quest to find just the right gift for someone on their holiday list.

Over the years, the show has grown and changed locations — but it has always served as an important way for the club to raise money to support local scholarships and other causes.

The show is a big hit with families because it provides an outing to a festive holiday venue.

Items that will be sold include handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, photography, woodcrafts and metalwork, candles, soaps, plants and yard art.

The event will be Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa. There’s a $5 charge for parking, which benefits the school. There is no admission charge.

Vendors also have the opportunity to win cash prizes and ribbons in a juried show.

For more information, email .

40th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
Where: Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa
When: Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; parking $5 (Parking fee benefits the school)
Details: Over 300 vendors will be offering shoppers myriad options for unique holiday gifts and handcrafted items.
Info: Call the arts and crafts show director at (813) 833-3962.

Published December 04, 2019