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Parade of Homes

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

Don’t Miss ICI Homes’ Statewide Open Houses This Sunday

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Visit Asturia, Bexley or FishHawk Ranch to Win $500

Area residents looking for a new home are fortunate to have one of Florida’s most unique semi-custom builders, ICI Homes of Daytona Beach, building in Tampa Bay’s most in-demand communities — Asturia in Odessa, Bexley in Land O’ Lakes and FishHawk Ranch in Lithia.

And now, for the first time ever, move-in ready ICI homes in these communities are participating in a company-wide, statewide sale this weekend that offers buyers some of its lowest prices ever, along with unique design features and options not available with other builders.

To celebrate this year-end pricing, the ICI Homes Statewide Open House is Sunday, Nov. 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Families visiting during open house hours are eligible to win a $500 gift card by registering when they tour a quick-delivery showcase home.

“If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit one of our models, this is the weekend to make that happen,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager for ICI Homes. “Many of our showcase homes are ready now, and you could be living in one of these homes by the first of the year.”

In the Pasco communities of Asturia and Bexley, five showcase homes are available, including the Serena, which was the builder’s model home in Asturia’s Phase II. This innovative, one-story home has four bedrooms and three baths on a deep conservation lot. For families wanting a turn-key home, the model’s professionally decorated, high-end furnishings are available.

Also ready now in Asturia is the Arden, another four-bedroom, three-bath home on a conservation lot that also offers a separate dining room and a full three-car garage. This one-story home is located in a secluded area in the back of the community.

The Costa Mesa is another one-story showcase home with four bedrooms and three baths, and features the same floor plan as the builder’s new model in Asturia. It is being built on a conservation lot that overlooks a pristine lake near the front on the community.

“The reception to our new Costa Mesa model has been overwhelming,” said Ferguson. “People absolutely love its huge kitchen and its extra-large island, which is a standard feature in this home. Plus, the model’s closet-size, walk-in pantry, which is cleverly hidden behind cabinetry, is a standout feature that everyone wants.”

One-story homes are always in demand because of the natural flow from one room to the next, and the convenience of having everything on the same level. It is the preferred floor plan for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and couples who are downsizing.

“ICI Homes offers more one-story plans than other builders in our price range,” said Ferguson. “Plus, we give buyers the ability to customize their floor plans to meet their special needs and satisfy their secret desires. Most production builders do not allow for structural changes, and this is something we gladly do for our customers.”

A Costa Mesa showcase home also is available for tour in Bexley, another master-planned community located just a few miles east of Asturia, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. Located on a large, 70-foot interior lot, this home is the lowest price of all Costa Mesa showcase homes.

For families looking for a larger home, a two-story Santa Maria is underway in Asturia, and features a first-floor master suite, and three bedrooms and a game room on the second floor. The home has three-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage, with one space designed as a tandem garage.

FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County is home to ICI Homes’ award-winning home, the Shenandoah —a three-time grand showcase winner in the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. This unique plan is over 3,000 square feet and includes a detached garage with studio apartment, and is the only ICI showcase home open for tour this weekend in Hillsborough County.

ICI Homes’ models are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The sales center for Asturia and Bexley is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and in FishHawk Ranch at 13925 Lake FishHawk Drive in Lithia. For more information, visit ICIHomes.com, or call (813) 252-1108.

ICI Homes builds primarily in master-planned communities with beautiful homes sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle. The privately held company was established in 1980, has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

Published November 06, 2019

Bexley Wins Big at Parade of Homes

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Bexley and four of its outstanding builders were big winners at last month’s 2019 Parade of Homes. The annual event is sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

In all, builders at Bexley earned three Grand Awards and three Silver Awards for model homes, along with two Best in Class Awards. The community’s model homes were the winningest of any other community competing in this year’s Parade.

Model homes throughout Bexley were judged by a panel of industry experts. Bexley also had the honor of being the Parade’s featured Showcase Community.

Parade of Homes award winners at Bexley include the elegant Savannah model by Cardel Homes and the Bayshore II model from Homes by WestBay, with its beautiful outdoor living area shown here.

Pulte Homes’ Summerwood in the Del Webb at Bexley 55-plus community earned a Grand Award in the $350,000 – $399,000 price range category. In the $600,000 – $649,000 price range, the Bayshore II model from Homes by WestBay also earned Grand Award honors.

Cardel Homes’ Savannah and Henley took home both the Grand Award and Silver Award in the $750,000 – $799,000 price category.

Homes by WestBay’s Cypress Model received a Silver Award in the $400,000 – $449,000 price category while David Weekley’s Tangelo also earned a Silver Award in the $550,000 – $599,000 category.

Best in Class honors went to Cardel Homes for its Master Suite and Bath in the Savannah model. The single-story floor plan features four bedrooms, three baths, a three-car garage and more than 3,300 square-feet of living space in a single-story design.

Homes by WestBay also earned a Best in Class Award in Outdoor Living for its Bayshore II model.

“We’re honored to have several of our outstanding builders recognized,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland. “This year’s Parade of Homes also recognized Bexley as its Showcase Community. It was wonderful to host so many prospective homebuyers during the event because it offered them the chance to experience Bexley’s unique and vibrant community first-hand.”

Bexley is one of the top-selling communities in the Tampa area, with a variety of home styles ranging from low-maintenance townhomes to single-family and luxury homes.

Nestled among cypress domes, oak hammocks and pine flatwoods, Bexley features significant conservation areas and a myriad of opportunities for recreation, exercise and social entertainment and connection.

The Bexley Club, a lakeside clubhouse is the centerpiece of the community and home to The Twisted Sprocket Café. This popular meeting spot is open to the public and serves breakfast items, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks. Next to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, gear and clothing, and offers repairs. If you’re looking to cycle around the community or hit the Bexley BMX pump track, you’ll find everything you need at this one-stop shop.

Bexley residents also enjoy miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails with Fit Stations to add fun and variety to workouts, whether walking, biking or jogging. And don’t forget about the custom-built playgrounds, two dog parks and sports fields.

At Bexley, prospective homebuyers can tour a variety of home options all in one visit. Best of all, the community offers an exclusive Resident for a Day program, which gives potential residents a chance to experience what Bexley has to offer. To learn more, visit www.BexleyFlorida.com or call (813) 425-7555.

Published April 24, 2019

Choose The Best Cardel Homes Community For You

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Cardel Homes is one of few builders to offer buyers communities of all sizes and price points — from move-up developments like Bexley with its many active living amenities, to those like the Enclave at Lake Padgett and Oakwood Reserve with acre lots, pristine privacy and luxury custom features.

Here is a quick look at communities where Cardel Homes is building that are attracting buyers from Pasco and north Hillsborough counties.

The Enclave At Lake Padgett
There are only a handful of lots remaining on Lake Padgett, which is why Cardel Homes is so excited to be building homes in the Enclave At Lake Padgett.

This secluded, gated community of just 18 homes is conveniently located off U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, just two miles north of State Road 54.

All homesites back up to a natural lagoon that flows into Lake Padgett, and all lots can be permitted for docks that are large enough for fishing, waterski and pontoon boats.

“It’s almost unheard of to find new home construction on Lake Padgett,” said Brian Phillips, vice president of sales and marketing at Cardel Homes. “We have eight large homesites remaining — all very private and perfect for families wanting a waterfront home with no CDD fees.”

Cardel Homes is offering three one-story plans at the Enclave, all with tile roofs and brick paver driveways as standard features. The Henley, Wesley and Savannah plans range from 3,000 to 3,308 square feet, and offer four bedrooms, three or four baths and three-car garages.

If your family is looking for a new home now, the St. Lucia model home is ready for a quick move-in. This stunning home is 3,336 square feet with 12-foot ceilings, white cabinetry, quartz countertops, wood-plank tile and tray ceilings in the foyer, bonus room and master bedroom.

The four-bedroom, three-bath home is on a wooded lot with a large front porch and covered lanai. An oversized dock is perfect to dock a boat and enjoy the natural backyard setting.

“Living in the Enclave is the best of both worlds — all the recreation that Lake Padgett offers in a private oasis setting, and the convenience of Land O’ Lakes’ central location and top-rated schools,” said Phillips.

Oakwood Reserve
If you’re looking for a new home in Hillsborough County that’s close to USF, Oakwood Reserve may be the perfect community for you.

Only five lots remain in this exclusive community of 1-acre homesites on Clement Road  — a quiet, rural street tucked between Hannah Road and Livingston Avenue. Oakwood Reserve is just 25 minutes to downtown Tampa, and minutes from Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and AdventHealth Tampa.

This rural community has lots ranging from 1 to 1.55 acres with magnificent mature trees. Two homesites have already been sold, and an inventory home is under construction and will be ready in May.

“Our first two buyers are young professionals who love the location and wanted a small community with no CDD or HOA fees,” said Phillips.

Homes in Oakwood Reserve begin at $447,90, and range from 2,507 to 3,393 square feet. All have four to five bedrooms, three to four baths and three-car garages.

Bexley
Cardel is being showcased in this year’s Parade of Homes over the next two weekends with two model homes in Bexley — a master-planned community being developed by Newland Homes along the State Road 54 corridor in Land O’ Lakes.

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

Cardel Homes has been building in Bexley since the community opened in 2016, and recently expanded into Phase 2A, with beautiful lots and floor plans beginning in the upper $300s. Two quick inventory homes are available in this new phase, as well as the St. Lucia model home in Bexley’s first phase.

Bexley is known for its pools, parks and trail system designed for active family living. It encompasses 1,200 acres of preserved wilderness and 13 miles of breathtaking trails that connect to the renowned Suncoast Trail.

Sandhill Ridge
Located across the street from FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County is Sandhill Ridge — one of Cardel Homes’ newest communities.

This private, gated community of just 33 Cardel homes is selling quickly because of the affordability of its large family homes and its A-rated schools. Prices begin in the high $200s for homes that range from 2,010 and 3,132 square feet.

“We have already sold nine homes in Sandhill Ridge, and anticipate that this community will sell out quickly,” said Phillips. “The land is beautiful, with a canopy of oak and pine trees, and people want to live in a quiet community like this with no CDD fees.”

Cardel Homes’ models are open Mondays through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Visit CardelHomes.com/Tampa, or call (860) 501-4429.

Bexley, Enclave at Lake Padgett, Oakwood Reserve
Sales Center: 4081 Epic Cove, Land O Lakes, FL 34638
(813) 510-4429

Sandhill Ridge
Sales Center: 11409 Tanner Ridge Place, Riverview, FL 33569
(813) 571-7171

Published February 27, 2019

Asturia, Bexley and FishHawk Are Home To ICI Homes

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ICI Homes, one of Florida’s most acclaimed builders, is building new homes in three of Tampa Bay’s most desirable communities — Asturia in Odessa, Bexley in Land O’ Lakes and FishHawk in Lithia.

All are master-planned communities with beautiful homes sites, excellent schools and expansive amenities that promote an active lifestyle. They are conveniently located close to major transportation arteries for quick access to downtown Tampa, MacDill AFB, the Westshore business district and area beaches.

ICI Homes’ award-winning model, the Shenandoah, is located in FishHawk Ranch and is a two-time grand showcase winner in the Parade of Homes.

Because so many families are currently buying homes while the economy is booming and interest rates remain low, ICI Homes is building inventory homes in all three communities, with several homes ready now.

“A lot of families have been waiting for Phase III to open because of our pristine homesites with conservation views and affordable pricing,” said Leah Turner, sales manager for ICI Homes. “We’re seeing lots of first- and second-time buyers because they love Asturia’s affordability, convenient location and outstanding amenities.” ICI Homes in Phase III begin in the low $300s.

The popular 4-bedroom, 3-bath Costa Mesa floor plan is one of the builder’s models. This 2,565 square-foot, one-story home brings together the gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room in one expansive space that incorporate lots of windows to bring in natural light and sunlight.

ICI Homes has 38 homesites available in Phase III, and over a dozen distinctive floor plans. The builder also has a few homesites remaining in the Asturia’s almost-completed Phase II, including three inventory homes and its Serena model home.

Bexley
For families looking for a new home in Land O’ Lakes, this is the last chance to buy an ICI Home in Bexley, an award-winning development by Newland Communities, located just east of Asturia along the State Road 54 corridor.

ICI Homes has permitted and is beginning construction on its three remaining homes in Bexley. The Costa Mesa, which is being built now, is 2,565 square feet and features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 3-car garage. Another inventory home is the slightly smaller Egret VII, at 2,512 square feet, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and a 2-car garage. Both are very open plans with lots of windows and natural lighting.

FishHawk
In the south Hillsborough community of FishHawk, ICI Homes is building new homes in WestLake — one of the last areas being developed in this master-planned community in Lithia. 

WestLake is an enclave of 50 homes, with just 15 homesites remaining. Lots are uniquely positioned to take advantage of lake views and to protect massive oak trees and other mature trees. ICI Homes has two Acadia inventory homes — a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home open plan with quartz countertops and wood flooring. The Acadia begins in the mid $400s.

FishHawk Ranch is also home to ICI Homes’ award-winning model, the Shenandoah —a two-time grand showcase winner in the Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. This unique plan is over 3,000 square feet and includes a detached garage with studio apartment. It is available on a leaseback option for $1.1 million.

FishHawk Ranch is a close-knit community that includes five preschools, three elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school all inside or within 1.5 miles of the development. Amenities include over 25 miles of paved nature trails, including the Lake House, Central Park pools and Born to Run Dog Park.

Build on Your Own Lot
With so much land available in Pasco and south Hillsborough, many families want to build a new home on land they already own. ICI Homes is one of the few semi-custom builders to offer a “Build On Your Lot” program.

“Many buyers with their own lot enjoy working with ICI Homes because they can easily customize our floor plans, and walk through our models to get a real feel for what their new home will be like,” said Turner.

Since ICI Homes was established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, including the Tampa area, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation. The sales center for Asturia and Bexley is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. In FishHawk Ranch, the sales center is at 13925 Lake FishHawk Drive in Lithia, (813) 217-5200.

Published January 23, 2019

Everything Is Alive and Blooming In Connerton

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Spring brings new life, and everything is coming alive in the beautiful, award-winning community of Connerton in Land O’ Lakes.

Flowers are blooming, trees are budding and wildlife is nesting. New families are also nesting, with 60 new buyers choosing Connerton as their home since the beginning of the year.

Connerton was honored to be one of the 2018 Showcase Communities for the annual Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, held March 3 to March 11. More than 200 visitors came to Connerton during the Parade, with many looking to find their dream home in this premiere Central Pasco community.

Love of Nature
With the advent of spring, Connerton comes alive not only with new homes, but also with Florida wildlife that is abundant in its conservation areas, wetlands and ponds that make up this eco-friendly community.

New homebuyers choose Connerton because they want to enjoy nature at their backdoor and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Drive through Connerton and you may encounter a gopher tortoise crossing the road, sandhill cranes teaching their chicks the ways of the world, or perhaps a new fawn prancing through the woods with its mother. So be sure to be careful on Connerton’s roads, especially this time of the year.

Connerton residents are very protective of their wildlife. It is not uncommon to see cars stop to pick up a turtle and move it to a safe place, or become crossing guards for families of sandhill cranes and deer that want to cross the road.

New this year at Connerton is a Butterfly Garden Club organized by residents. The butterfly gardens, located at Rose Cottage, are being designed to help sustain the declining honeybee population, and provide a rest area for migrating monarch butterflies.

Monarchs are the only two-way migrating butterflies in North America, and Connerton is in a prime location to help the monarchs in their 3,000-mile journey from Mexico to as far north as Canada. Connerton plans to allow local schools to use its garden to study the monarchs and for other educational purposes.

Commitment to Preservation
When Connerton was developed almost 20 years ago, 3,000 acres were donated to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The Conner Preserve, as it is known today, is located on the north end of Connerton, but is open to the public with access from State Road 52.

This area offers a stunning landscape of steep sand-hill ridges, expansive marshes, dense cypress sloughs and lush pine flatwoods. The preserve is a vital part of a wildlife habitat corridor envisioned by Pasco County, and is a living laboratory of natural Florida.

With approximately 15 miles of multi-use trails and 17 miles of hiking-only trails, nature lovers enjoy Connerton’s recreational and educational activities where possum, armadillo, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer and many other species make their home. The SWFWMD offers downloadable field guides on its website that identify the animals, birds, butterflies, trees and wildflowers located on the premises. Visit: swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/species/.

Fresh Ideas
Spring also brings thoughts of spring-cleaning, and that often leads to thoughts of moving to a new home. Connerton offers a variety of new homes by five of the area’s quality builders — Homes by WestBay, M/I Homes, Inland Homes, Arthur Rutenberg Homes and Lennar.

Floor plans ranging from 1,500 to over 4,000 square feet, and priced from the low $200s to over $700,000. Homes are available with 3-6 bedrooms, 2-4 car garages, and many exciting new design and energy-saving features.

Stop and visit Club Connerton, and take a tour of this beautiful community that was awarded the Gold Award for Best Lifestyle Program in the Nation by the National Association of Home Builders. Visit the model homes, take a walk or bike ride on the trails, or fly a kite and enjoy one of the beautiful parks. You will be happy that you did, and you may even decide to live here!

For more information, visit Connerton.com.

Published March 28, 2018

Five Models at Starkey Ranch Receive Top Parade of Homes Awards

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Starkey Ranch, a 2,400-acre master-planned community in Odessa, received more recognition at the 2018 Parade of Homes in March than any other community in Tampa Bay.

Five model homes at Starkey Ranch took either a grand or silver award for their floor plans, interior design and outdoor areas, winning in categories with homes priced from $350,000 to $1.2 million.

“We are very proud of the recognition our homebuilders received in this year’s Parade of Homes,” said Matt Call, who leads the development team at Starkey Ranch. “We have five of the most successful builders in the Tampa Bay area, based on sales volume, customer satisfaction and awards. In fact, three of our builders—Pulte Homes, CalAtlantic Homes and Taylor Morrison—are in the top 10 of the national 2017 Builder 100 rankings.”

Buyers like what they see at Starkey Ranch, as evidenced by the volume of new home sales in the community.  In just the first 11 weeks of 2018, Starkey Ranch builders have written 94 sales contracts, a 42% increase over the same period last year. Since sales began in May of 2015, 660 homes have been sold.

Starkey Ranch was initially approved for over 5,000 homes, but Call projects the actual number will be closer to 3,000, due to the high demand for single-family homes on larger homesites. Home prices currently range from the upper $200,000s to over $800,000 on lots that back onto Starkey Preserve.

In 2018, Starkey Ranch is introducing several new neighborhoods: Monroe Commons featuring Pulte Homes; Anclote Reserve featuring Homes by WestBay; Albritton Park featuring M/I Homes; and Whitfield Preserve featuring Taylor Morrison.

Starkey Ranch lives up to its motto, ‘Alive and Thriving,’ says Call. “In less than three years, we’ve gone from no residents to 435 families living in beautiful new homes, and enjoying all the community amenities and programs. More families are moving in each week as their homes are completed.”

Call credits the success of Starkey Ranch to three factors – the place, the product, and the people.

“The place itself is incomparable,” he says. “This is legacy Starkey family land, the last segment of what was once a 20,000-acre working ranch. Most of the ranch became the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve, and we enjoy this forever-wild neighbor along the community’s northeastern boundary. On the other hand, we have three miles of frontage on State Road 54, making access easy for our residents.”

As evidenced by the Parade of Homes awards, the home products are something special, too. Starkey Ranch has rigorous design guidelines that require builders to enhance the exteriors of each home with elements like stone, siding, shingles, porches, decorative trim and upgraded roofing materials.

They also must vary the home plans and color palettes on each block, creating a more interesting streetscape. “You won’t find any cookie-cutter stucco boxes here,” says Call. “It may cost a bit more to build in Starkey Ranch, but the community is looking great and we think it will stand the test of time.”

The last key to success is people. The builder sales counselors, the Welcome Center ambassadors and the community’s Lifestyle team members all recognize that a sense of community is more important than a floor plan to most people.

“Our primary goal is to help new neighbors become friends, and we do that through amenities and community activities that bring people together—with a big focus on nature and outdoor recreation,” said Call.

Of Starkey Ranch’s 2,400 acres, 800 will forever remain as open spaces, parks, lakes and preserved wetlands. More than 15 miles of the planned 20-mile paved trail system within the community is complete, and it will connect with trails in the Starkey Wilderness Preserve and the regional Suncoast Trail.

The newest amenity, Cunningham Park, includes a lake with canoes and kayaks for resident use, a community hall for classes and social events, and a community garden. Neighborhood pools, pavilions and parks are disbursed throughout the community.

The 80-acre Starkey Ranch District Park, Pasco County’s newest recreational complex, opened late last year in the community. Its first phase includes a lighted Little League baseball/softball field, three lighted multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse and football, six multipurpose practice fields, a playground and picnic pavilions.

Pasco County has announced plans for the 2021 completion of a K-8 school co-located with the District Park. A public library, community cultural center, and additional recreational facilities will be built with the school.

Coming soon to the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway is the Publix-anchored Starkey Ranch Town Square, which will also include shops, restaurants and apartments. A small business park is planned for the intersection of Heart Pine Avenue and State Road 54.

For more information, visit the Starkey Ranch Welcome Center at 2500 Heart Pine Ave, Odessa, FL 33556. You can also call (813) 925-9777, email or visit StarkeyRanch.com. Welcome Center hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Recognized builders and their models are:

$350,000 to $399,000
M/I Homes – Grand Prize
Chatham Model

$400,000 to $449,000
M/I Homes – Silver Prize
Sheridan Model

$500,000 to $549,000
Homes by Westbay – Grand Prize
Ballast Point Model

$600,000 to $649,000
Taylor Morrison – Silver Prize
Farnese Model

$700,000 to $799,000
Pulte Homes – Grand Prize
Heatherton Model

Published March 28, 2018

Live in Asturia For Under $300,000 in a New Ashton Woods Home

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Here’s a great opportunity if you’re looking to move up to a new home in one of the master-planned communities along the State Road 54 corridor in central Pasco.

Ashton Woods is selling beautifully finished, inventory homes beginning at $257,990 in Asturia — the prestigious Odessa community that’s known for its award-winning amenity center and miles of nature trails.

The Blackwater

While the average home price in Asturia is close to $400,000, Ashton Woods has several quick move-in homes ready for under $300,000 in its charming Grove and Evergreen series of alley-load homes.

These spacious, one and two-story homes have over 2,000 square feet of living area and feature three to four bedrooms, two to three baths and two-car garages. Seven quick-sale homes are available in five floor plans.

“To get into Asturia for under $300,000 in a 2,000-square-foot home is a fabulous opportunity for someone wanting a new home with top-quality construction and premier home finishes,” said John Reny, Florida president for Ashton Woods, the nation’s largest privately held homebuilder.

For many first-time homebuyers and empty nesters, the Grove and Evergreen series offer an ideal home solution with their unique alley-load garages that open up the front of the house to large living areas and covered porches. Ashton Woods is the only builder in Asturia to offer alley-load homes.

“We call this front-porch living, because it takes advantage of Florida’s wonderful year-around weather and makes it easy to get to know your neighbors,” said Reny.

Heritage and Classic Series
In addition to its quick move-in homes in its alley-load homes, Ashton Woods also has several homes available in quick inventory in traditional floor plans with the garage in front of the house, which are either ready now, or will be by June.

“Our goal is to always have a good supply of quick move-in homes in every price range, because so many families need to move fast,” said Reny. “Many buyers have sold their existing home sooner than expected, or they are renting and do not want to renew their lease while a new home is being built.”

The Suwanne

This includes the Ferrara model home in the Classic Series, which was featured in the recent Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. At 2,890 square feet, the two-story Ferrara is a perfect home for a growing family, offering four to six bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage.

In addition to the Ferrara model, families looking for inventory homes in the Classic Series can choose from two Milan floor plans, at 2,722 square feet, which be ready in May.

Families wanting traditional homes, but with less square footage, can choose from several one- and two-story options in Ashton Woods’ Heritage Series, including three quick move-in homes, including two — The Monroe and Lincoln — which are ready now.

Ashley Woods is known for its commitment to personalized design, and every home comes with the same standards of top-quality construction and finishes. It is so well-regarded that it was named the 2017 Builder of the Year by Builder and Developer Magazine. And, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been ranked among the top three for Most Trusted Builders in America.

“With Ashton Woods, you’re partnering with more than just a homebuilder. You’re partnering with a team of expert designers and builders whose main goal is to help you create your perfect home,” said Reny. “Not only do we blaze new trails in design, we offer buyers highly personalized service every step of the way.”

Alley Load Quick Move-Ins 

The Arlington – Ready in April
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2465 Claymore: $279,990

The Arlington – Ready in April
2,003 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14810 Caravan Avenue: $280,490

The Ortega – Ready in April
2,193 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
14818 Caravan avenue: $294,490

Halifax – Ready in May
1,964 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
14902 Caravan Avenue: $283,490

Halifax – Ready in May
1,964 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
2463 Delancey St.: $281,702

Suwanne – Ready in May
2,204 square feet
4 bedrooms, 3 baths
14795 Promenade Parkway: $304,031

The Blackwater – Ready in April
2,309 square feet
4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
2514 Portico St.: $349,990

Published March 28, 2018

ICI Homes Wins Two Top Parade of Homes Awards

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It was an exciting March for ICI Homes, which received two prestigious awards from the Tampa Bay Builders Association during its recent Parade of Homes.

Two of the builder’s homes received top honors from Parade judges, including its Brooke model home at Bexley, which won a silver award for homes priced between $650,000 and $699,000.

“The Brooke is a very flexible home with a unique, open floor plan and fabulous outdoor living area that appeals to a multiple buyers,” said Ron Ferguson, division manager of ICI Homes’ West Florida Division. “It is an exceptionally well-designed home with no wasted space, and has a style that is not too modern, and not too country.”

One of the Brooke’s strongest selling features is its first-floor master suite. “Many people are looking for a large home with the master bedroom on the first floor. With this separation from four bedrooms and two full baths upstairs, the Brooke works well for multi-generational families,” said Ferguson.

ICI Homes also won the Grand Diamond Award, the Parade’s highest honor, for its Shenandoah model at FishHawk Ranch in south Hillsborough County.

“Our team is very excited and extremely proud to be recognized during the Parade of Homes in both Bexley and FishHawk,” said Ferguson. “We are thankful to work with such a conscientious and futuristic developer as Newland Communities, the company behind both Bexley and FishHawk. Our home designs complement Newland’s vision, and obviously appeal to homebuyers of all ages.”

ICI Homes also builds in Asturia, a Hines community of 550 homes located west of Bexley on State Road 54. It offers two home series built on 55-foot and 65-foot lots in Asturia’s heavily wooded second phase that opened in late 2017.

ICI recently completed its brand-new Serena model in Asturia, which has received rave reviews from prospective homebuyers and Realtors. The Serena is a one-story, 2,217- square-foot home with four bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. Its base price begins at $331,900.

“People love the Serena’s grand foyer, which pulls you through the house with its 12-foot ceilings and open floor plan, sweeping you from the front of the house to the back,” said Ferguson. “It feels so much larger than a 2,200-square-foot house, because its large kitchen and great room gracefully flow into a covered lanai that stretches along the back of the home. This home never feels crowded, whether you’re relaxing with family or entertaining friends.”

ICI Homes has three move-in ready homes available in Asturia. A Serena and the two-story Santa Maria at 2,933 square feet will be ready later this month, and another one-story home, the 2,500-square-foot Costa Mesa, is under construction and will be ready this summer. Base prices for ICI Homes in Asturia are between $288,900 and $419,900.

Over at Bexley, ICI also has a move-in ready home, the 3,089-square-foot Pamela. This home features four bedrooms, three baths, and a three-car garage and sells for $549,030. The Pamela has a 12-foot-high foyer that offers the unique option of walking into a flex space/study, the kitchen and gathering area, or straight into the private owner’s suite. A gourmet kitchen is just steps away from a large gathering and dining rooms, both of which open to a large covered lanai.

Easily Customized Homes
“People want well-designed homes with quality construction and workmanship that can be easily customized, built on conservation home sites in a community that provides an active lifestyle and great location. ICI Homes is that kind of builder, and Asturia and Bexley are those kinds of communities,” said Ferguson.

ICI Homes sets itself apart from other builders with its unusual ability to make custom changes without sacrificing affordability. “We believe in a hands-on approach with all of our new homebuyers, offering custom changes by experienced design professionals that help make decisions for the homebuyer easier and affordable,” said Ferguson.

ICI is one of Florida’s most premier builders, and for many years has been ranked in the Top 100 Builders in the nation by Builder Magazine. Established in 1980 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, ICI Homes is the recipient of several prestigious awards for design and innovation, and has long enjoyed local, regional and national professional recognition.

The Asturia sales center for ICI Homes is at 15134 Aviles Parkway in Odessa, (813) 359-0264. At Bexley, the sales center is at 16754 Courtyard Loop in Land O’ Lakes, (813) 530-9069.

Published March 28, 2018

Over 250 Homes Sold In Bexley In Its First Year

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Six builders, fabulous amenities and new elementary school

It’s been just over a year since Bexley debuted in Land O’ Lakes, and already this master-planned community has distinguished itself as one of Tampa Bay’s top selling properties with over 250 new homes sold.

“Bexley is the result of years of planning and research, and it’s rewarding to see so many families choosing to make their home here,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, the developer behind Bexley.

“It’s become a vibrant community for people at all stages of life, especially those who are looking for an active lifestyle and greater connections with each other and the outdoors. It’s just a wonderful community to live in, whether you’re a family with kids, just starting out, or looking to downsize,” Parisi adds.

Bexley is located in central Pasco County, north of State Road 54 and just east of the Suncoast Parkway. Its prime location provides direct access to the Suncoast Parkway and is convenient to many areas of Tampa Bay.

The community consists of 1,825 acres of pastoral ranch lands, mature woodlands and cypress wetlands, with Newland dedicating 1,200 acres to remain in its pristine natural state.

Residents access this preserved wilderness using the community’s 13 miles of planned hiking and biking trails, which may one day link to the 42-mile Suncoast Trail.

Fit Stations, designed by outdoor-living pioneer AvidTrails™, are located throughout Bexley’s trail system to keep workouts interesting and fresh. There are also open spaces for sports fields, a BMX pump park bicycle course, children’s playgrounds and two dog parks.

Bexley Club

The pulse of the community is Bexley Club, an award winning, lakefront amenity center that features two resort-style pools, a cardio-focused fitness center, screened-in game room, outdoor fire pit, and an event lawn for community festivals and gatherings.

Inside the clubhouse is the popular Twisted Sprocket Café, where guests enjoy great food and scenic lakefront views. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and happy hour, and offers a unique breakfast menu, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.

“The amenities at Bexley truly set our community apart,” said Parisi. “With its resort-style pools and calming lakefront views, The Bexley Club is a perfect place to relax by the water, unwind by the fireplace, or meet friends for coffee or lunch at the Twisted Sprocket Cafe. There’s truly nothing like this in the area.”

Resident for a Day

Bexley invites local residents to sign up for its free Resident for a Day program. Registration is online at BexleyFlorida.com, and guests pick up their pass at the Bexley Club, which includes a $20 voucher to The Twisted Sprocket Café (one voucher per family).

“Our Resident For a Day program lets potential homebuyers experience for themselves everything that Bexley has to offer. They can enjoy the amenities, talk with other residents and really be able to envision what living in Bexley would be like,” said Parisi.

National Awards

In January, Bexley received a Best in American Living Award from the National Association of Home Builders, winning the highest honor of a Platinum Award in the category for Best Single-Family Community having more than 100 homes.

Last summer, the Southeast Building Conference recognized Bexley with its highest honor, a Grand Aurora, for best recreational facility, and the coveted top master-planned community in the Southeast.

Homes in Bexley begin in the mid $200,000 and include single-family, townhome, courtyards and villas. Its builders have nine homes in the 2018 Parade of Homes sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association. Parade models were entered by CalAtlantic Homes, Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Homes by Westbay, ICI Homes and Lennar Homes.

The Parade of Homes is the first two weekends in March: March 2-4 and 9-11. For more information, go to TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com.

Schools and More

Bexley Elementary School opened its doors in August to accommodate families moving to Bexley. Located within the community, the new elementary school features a state-of-the-art media and computer center. For upper grades, top-rated schools assigned to Bexley are Charles S. Rushe Middle School and Sunlake High School.

Several commercial businesses are underway at Bexley, and a freestanding emergency room by Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel recently opened. Under construction is a 110-room Springhill Suites by Marriott and a Race Trac gas station. A seven-acre shopping center is also planned.

Bexley is the fourth master-planned community for Newland in the Tampa Bay area,joining FishHawk Ranch, MiraBay and Waterset in south Hillsborough County. For information, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

 

Published February 28, 2018