The Laker/Lutz News

Avalon Park Group

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Aims to Provide A Sense of Belonging

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For Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the message: “Together for Mental Health.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a premier master-planned community in Pasco County, supports this message everyday by providing a welcoming community for its residents that supports the creation of meaningful relationships with their neighbors.

“Feeling accepted and welcomed by being a part of a community is where a sense of belonging begins,” says Beat Kahli, president of Avalon Park Group.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group

“A strong social network is one of those things that may not seem important but can make a big difference when life gets hectic. When you know your neighbors, they often become friends that you can relax with and check in on you, in good and challenging times,” Kahli said.

With Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosting routine events such as its “Movie Under the Stars,” quarterly festivals for the family (the next one is its July 4th festival), and monthly live jazz events, there are so many ways to stay in touch, face-to-face, with your neighbors.

Physical exercise also is another way to maintain good mental health, as it can provide focus, improve self-esteem, and help reduce anxiety and depression.

From taking a swim at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s community swimming pool, shooting hoops at the basketball courts, riding a bike through the trails, or playing with your dog at the community dog park, Avalon Park offers a wide range of ways to stay physically active.

Kahli’s wife, Jill, holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, so Kahli definitely understands the importance of mental health.

Kahli says he and his team continue to look for ways to improve the mental health opportunities for their community by adding programming that will create positive outlets for all needs. He recognizes that not everyone shares/responds to the same type of outlet to help with their mental health.

“This is why we are building Avalon Park to be programmed to provide outlets for all,” says Kahli. “From yoga in the park, youth sports, music and dance performances, art classes, local ministries and more, there will be something for everyone.”

One outlet that the residential community supports is local theater, which is a great way to practice expressing yourself and your emotions.

The residential community has partnered with The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a group that provides theater for adults. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel allows the theater group to use its welcome center as its temporary home for all of the group’s meetings and rehearsals. The group’s artist director, Rodney Bueno, also is a resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for the past five years.

“It’s definitely nice to bring something that I love to the community I live in,” says Bueno.

Kahli also believes giving back through community services helps with positive mental health.

“There are countless opportunities to give back and help in the community,” says Kahli. “I encourage you to look around to the local schools, nonprofits and service organizations to see where you can help the most.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel helps support local nonprofit and service organizations by bringing awareness to them through its monthly advertorial, Avalon Applauds, with The Laker/Lutz News. Featured nonprofits from the past include the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, The Stano Foundation (an organization dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans), and Hope Services (a service organization that seeks to find jobs for people living with disabilities).

(If you know a nonprofit that deserves to be in the spotlight, email your suggestion to ).

Another way Avalon Park supports the message of “Together for Mental Health” is through the community-based nonprofit, ProjecThinkForward. According to its website, ProjecThinkForward is committed to promoting optimal health and wellness by changing the stigma surrounding mental health and connecting those in need with the right resources.

The nonprofit also has a podcast on Spotify called ThinkForward Podcast, where its executive director sits down with therapists to discuss various mental health conditions.

By coming together, the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel community can help all of its members feel a sense of place and belonging, and support a culture of strong mental health through the multiple resources it provides.

Published May 25, 2022

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Founder Welcomes All to Community

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 In the mid-90s, Beat Kahli (president and CEO of Avalon Park Group) and his wife Jill moved from Switzerland to the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale in South Florida.

“It was a big change. I rarely saw anyone I knew when I would leave my home in the morning. There was no sense of community,” says Kahli.

This kind of environment was completely different from where Kahli grew up in Switzerland. He missed being in a town where he was able to live, learn, work and play.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group

“In my native hometown, Zurich, I could walk from my home to anything I need in my daily life… work, school, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.,” says Kahli. “That hometown culture was the blueprint for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Only my vision was to make it even better.”

And Kahli did just that.

“I love the peace of mind knowing that you can live your whole life, should you wish, in one place,” says Kahli.

“You can live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel at all stages of life. From a college student in an apartment, to an individual looking to purchase their first home, to a growing family looking to buy a larger home, and even an older couple looking to settle down in a smaller townhome/apartment.”

Kahli believes a healthy community is made up of a diverse body of people. A town where people of various racial, economic and cultural backgrounds can live together. Kahli says this melting pot of perspectives gives the community depth and allows its members to live life inclusive of every background and belief, regardless of generation, origin, race and income class.

“As a developer, one of the ways that we build diversity at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is by building an open community at every price point. I personally do not think gated communities with only single-family homes in one price point (often at the higher end) create a healthy community,” says Kahli.

Additionally, it is not uncommon in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to have families with four generations living within walking distance of each other.

“The grandparents can spend quality time with the grandkids after school, while the parents are at work,” says Kahli. “Building roots in a community is a healthy way to make a town, and family, strong.”

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, located on State Road 54 about 3 miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes in 2012. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Homes in the residential community range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Published February 23, 2022

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, located on State Road 54 about 3 miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes in 2012. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homes in the residential community range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

D.R. Horton Is Now Pre-Selling in Westgate
D.R. Horton is now pre-selling homes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, in its all-new community — Westgate at Avalon Park.

There are 14 single-family floor plans to choose from that include from 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, and range from 1,504 to 3,561 square feet. New townhomes are expected to come soon.

Initial sales will be conducted through D.R. Horton’s online sales team, and then move to the company’s sales staff working inside its model homes. Their model home will be open and staffed seven days a week.

D.R Horton home features include open-concept floor plans, granite kitchen countertops, a stainless-steel appliance package, and are equipped with Home is Connected, D.R. Horton’s Smart Home system.

Westgate Village encompasses 285 acres in the back of Avalon, about a mile from its entrance on State Road 54, which offers residents a quiet, suburban setting. It will embrace its own set of amenities, including a resort-style pool; open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions.

For more information, visit DRHorton.com, or call 866-475-3347.

A Celebration Planned to Remember
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel would like the public to know about a special event being hosted at the Pasco Fine Arts Council, located at its center at 4145 Fairford Drive, Port Richey, FL 34632, on Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

The event will be a celebration of life for Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, who passed away in September 2020.

It will feature 50 or so of her paintings, a live auction, music, wine, etc., and all of the profits will go to the center.

“We all miss Jo so much, and we wanted to do something special for her,” says Annie Harris, a friend of Baughman. “She put all her heart and soul into the council.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began its partnership with the arts council back in 2019.

It was just a year earlier that Avalon Park’s executive team met with Baughman to offer their Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent arts center in its downtown in coming years.

“This partnership is bringing great opportunities to expand the arts to not only our community, but the entire east side of the county,” says Lerret.

The loss of Baughman — who was 75 when she died on Sept. 18 after a short battle with lung cancer — was especially emotional for Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Jo’s desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret.

For more information about the Pasco Fine Arts Council, visit PascoArts.org.

Movie Under the Stars

For this month’s “Movie Under the Stars” event, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will be playing “The Little Mermaid.” The feature film will play on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Be sure to bring chairs and blankets, and be prepared for lots of family fun!
Avalon Applauds
Know an individual or nonprofit that goes above and beyond in the Wesley Chapel and/or Zephyrhills community?
Please include the full name, contact information and a summary as to why the person organization deserves to be recognized.
Spotlighted individuals/nonprofits receive a $50 gift card to a local business.
Published January 26, 2022

It’s All About Community at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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“One of the most important parts of building a town is supporting the community it is comprised of,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for Avalon Park Group.

Here are just some of the ways Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has supported its community this year:

Championing The Local Arts

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is collaborating with The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a new group that is banding together to create a local community theater for Wesley Chapel residents.

“It is our pleasure to support local, grass-roots organizations that build up the arts, especially when it provides opportunities to meet and build relationships with neighbors,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group.

One of those neighbors — and a resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for the past five years— is Rodney Bueno, artistic director for The Wesley Chapel Theater Group.

Bueno says he’s extremely grateful to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for allowing his group to use the welcome center for its meeting and rehearsal space.

“It’s definitely nice to bring something that I love to the community I live in. I hope to do that for a long time because I plan on living here for a long time,” says Bueno.

For more information on The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, email .

Giving Back To The Troops
To give back this holiday season, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel partnered with The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s entire team recently helped to make 100 care packages for the troops.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and we love every time we get to collaborate with The Stano Foundation,” says Marielle Fernandez, marketing and events coordinator at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not only an amazing community, but one that loves to give back to so many. We are so grateful for their partnership, as we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support,” says Paula Stano, founder of The Stano Foundation.

For more information on The Stano Foundation, visit Stano.org.

Partnership With The Pasco Fine Arts Council
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council and its East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery back in 2019.

The residential community offered its Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent arts center in its downtown, in coming years.

“This partnership brings great opportunities to expand the arts to not only our community, but the entire east side of the county,” says Lerret.

The vision the leaders at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel have for the arts in their master-planned community meshes perfectly with that of the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“We want to have art classes and workshops for our community, and a place to share artwork created by students and adults,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “As it turns out, the Fine Arts Council has been providing these types of programs for years, and all they needed was a place in East Pasco to bring their programs and exhibits to our residents in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, San Antonio and Dade City.”

For more information about the Pasco Fine Arts Council, visit PascoArts.org.

Published December 29, 2021

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Partners With Local Nonprofit To Give Back To Troops

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To give back this holiday season, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is partnering with The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans.

The nonprofit was founded by Paula Stano in 2015, two years after her son joined the Marines at age 17.

“We truly put the ‘care’ into care packages,” says Stano.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s entire team will help make care packages for The Stano Foundation’s next ship date. The packing party will take place on Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon.

 Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation are asking the public for donations, which includes items such as deodorant, hand lotion, protein cookies, beef jerky and more. These items can be dropped off at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center, at 33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our goal is to pack 100 care packages,” says Marielle Fernandez, marketing and events coordinator at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

This isn’t the first time Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has partnered with The Stano Foundation. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel was first introduced to the nonprofit back in 2018, when the residential community hosted several community drives for the organization, as well as a packing party.

Then in 2019, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosted a Jack Frost 5K, where all the proceeds from the race went to the nonprofit.

The nonprofit also was recently spotlighted for Avalon Applauds, a monthly story Avalon Park Wesley Chapel does in collaboration with The Laker/Lutz News, which recognizes local students and nonprofits in the area for going above and beyond in their community.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and we love every time we get to collaborate with The Stano Foundation,” says Fernandez.

“Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not only an amazing community, but one that loves to give back to so many. We are so grateful for their partnership, as we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support,” says Stano.

For monetary donations to help with postage fees for the care packages, visit Stano.org/donate/, and to check out The Stano Foundation’s Amazon wish list, visit tinyurl.com/59374kye.

For those interested in volunteering at the Nov. 6 packing party, sign up by emailing .

Why Families Choose Avalon Park
In addition to quality builders and frequent community events, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

“We are not just developers — we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, including two amenity centers with a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area, as well as a new amenity center being built in the new Westgate Village, in the northwest section of the development.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, a few miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, over 2,000 residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

 For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email , or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Donations needed for the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel and The Stano Foundation packing party:

Baby Wipes – travel size (18 ct)
Beef Jerky – snack size (.625 oz)
Combos – snack size (1.7 oz)
Cup O Noodles (2.25 oz cup)
Deodorant – standard size men’s
Drink Mix Pouches – 1 box (12 sticks, no lemonade)
Hand Lotion – Gold Bond, travel size (1 oz)
Nutella & Go (1.8 oz)
Protein Cookies – Lenny & Larry (2 oz pack)
Sour Path, Swedish Fish, Starburst (2 oz)
Sunflower Seeds
Tuna Kits

Please drop off any donations at:
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Welcome Center
33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published October 27, 2021

Don’t Miss All The 4th of July FUN At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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One of Wesley Chapel’s biggest events of the year is this Sunday’s 4th of July Celebration at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The fun begins at 5 p.m., with a bike parade, bake-off, local musical groups, bounce park, exhibitors and vendors, and ends with a bang at 9 p.m., with one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.

“If you have not yet visited Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, our 4th of July celebration is a great way to experience the fun, family atmosphere we offer every day of the year,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “Guests are also welcome to come by earlier in the day to visit our model homes and learn more about the big plans we have for our master-planned community.”

A New Hometown
Families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it is so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities. “We are not just developers — we bring together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future,” said Lerret.

Established in 2012, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is conveniently located on State Road 54, just a few miles east of Interstate 75. Over 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a great location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offer homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle.

“We have homes priced for all budgets and all times of life,” explains Lerret.

Two premier builders, Avex Homes and D.R. Horton, offer single-family and townhomes priced from the mid $200s to over $400s.

D.R. Horton is planning to build 30 new homes a month in its new community, Westgate at Avalon Park, which is located in the northwest section of the development. Its first homes will be ready for move-in later this year and in early 2022.

Avex Homes also is selling single-family homes and townhomes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. It offers several single-family floor plans, and 3-bedroom, two-bath townhomes that include two-car garages and private alleys in the rear.

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. A second amenity center recently opened, and it includes a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area.

Families also can enjoy a second swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will eventually interconnect with its planned downtown. Ongoing monthly events include Movies under the Stars, food trucks and large holiday celebrations.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret.

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel breaks ground this fall, and includes a community park with amphitheater and five distinct buildings; an office building, two mixed-use buildings with apartments above the storefronts, and two multi-family apartment buildings.

“We are building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

At build out, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of office space. This 1,650-acre master-planned community is approved for 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and is projected to be home to 10,000 residents.

FREE 4th of July Celebration
Sunday, July 4
Begins at 5 p.m. – Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Bike Parade, Bake-Off, Local Musical Groups, Bounce Park, Exhibitors and Food Trucks

For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Published June 30, 2021

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Artist rendering of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homebuyers can choose from several models from Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plan available from DR Horton. Single family and townhomes are currently for sale, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

New K-6 Charter School
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But, this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors this fall to over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer. The school will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years.

All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. Technology is an essential component of the new school, and laptops are provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

New River Library Reopening Soon
Pasco County Libraries will soon reopen its New River branch, which is located at the west entrance of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The library is being completely renovated, including expanding both the size of its building and outdoor areas. The county also is upgrading the library’s technology capabilities, and when it reopens, it will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

Visitors will love the library’s modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Pasco Fine Arts Council Partnership
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has a unique partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council, including hosting the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery in the community’s Welcome Center. This arts partnership began in 2019, with Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offering its Welcome Center as a new gallery for residents on the east side of Pasco County. The developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown in coming years.

Before COVID restrictions, there were bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. These shows and workshops will resume in March with an exhibit by Peter Watrous. A reception is planned for March 26.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Published February 24, 2021

Is history repeating itself?

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I think 2020 will be a game-changer and COVID-19 will be remembered as a turning point that has served as an engine of innovation.

Under lockdown, e-commerce as a share of American retail sales increased as much in eight weeks as it had in the previous five years. As people stayed home, almost overnight businesses began to run from spare rooms and kitchen tables, an experiment that would otherwise have taken years to unfold, if ever.

While this disruption is in its infancy, COVID-19 is proof that change is possible even in conservative industries like energy, education or health care.

Beat Kahli, president and CEO, Avalon Park Group

The year 2020 was not only a turning point for Avalon Park Group, it has been one of our most active years ever.

Ask any of my seven senior vice presidents (we are working a combined 80 years together), and they all will tell you 2020 has been our busiest year ever.

And, it is just the beginning.

While we should always proceed with caution, I encourage us to take the turn into health and prosperity this year. I am hopeful the vaccine will succeed, and I am optimistic for a great 2021 and beyond.

Learning From History
I personally think that if one believes that the world is turning differently in these times and that we can’t learn from history, they are making a mistake.

Is it still relevant today what caused the downfall of the Roman empire, or can we identify something for today’s society when we analyze what factors led to the French revolution?

Winston Churchill warned the House of Commons not to think in the short term and to not just pay attention to headlines when he said, “Those who are not able to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”

While that was 70 years ago, I think it fits the current social media age well.

This philosophy goes back even further, as Churchill borrowed his quote from the Spanish philosopher George Santayana, who writes in his book, “The Life of Reason,” that “Somebody who is not remembering his past is condemned to repeat it and paying a high price.”

This analysis is often used to analyze war activities. An example is the various wars of the different armies against Russia.

Sweden learned in the 17th century how difficult it is to win against Russia, how hard the winter is. A century later, Napoleon made the same mistake. And, in the second World War, history repeated itself when Germany lost almost 1 million troops by trying to take Moscow during the winter.

Often we are told that history is not so important anymore because the world is different than it was 100 years ago. But, even while new trends are developing, they can often be found rooted in the past because human nature has not changed.

We often think that this time things will be different, and while events from the past will not be repeated exactly, similarities between the past and present will always exist.

For myself, I believe in post-COVID-19, we will experience a new iteration of the Roaring 20s.

A hundred years ago, just ahead of the Roaring Twenties, was World War I. Additionally, 1918 to 2020, the Spanish Flu was infecting about one-third of the world’s population. After those horrific years, people around the globe were hungry to live.

The spirit of the Roaring Twenties was marked by a general feeling of novelty associated with modernity and a break with tradition. Everything seemed possible through modern technology, such as cars, movies and radio.

By the middle of decade, prosperity was widespread, with the second half of the decade known as the Golden Twenties. I think 2020 will be a similar game-changer and that COVID-19 will be remembered as its turning point.

And with those optimistic thoughts, my staff and I wish you a happy and health New Year!

By Beat Khali
President and CEO, Avalon Park Group

Published January 27, 2021

Art Lovers Invited To Join East Pasco Arts Committee

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Do you love art and also love your community? Do you live in Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, San Antonio, Zephyrhills or Dade City?

Then we have an opportunity for you to make a significant contribution to your community, and influence art appreciation and education in east Pasco County.

‘Under Repair’ is one of more than 20 of Lionel Sanchez’s painting that were on display at an exhibition that Sanchez called,”My World Through Watercolor.” The show was co-hosted by the Pasco Fine Arts Council ,and was one of many art shows the Council sponsored in 2020 at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for East Pasco residents.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is spearheading a new East Pasco Artists Committee to support arts and culture in east Pasco. This group will work under the auspices of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, which in 2019 established the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery inside the Welcome Center at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

To learn more about this opportunity, an organizational meeting is being held Feb. 4 at 10 a.m., at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. This is a hybrid meeting with attendance in person or via Zoom. For more information, please call 813-364-4918, or email Stephanie Lerret at  .

“We are looking for anyone and everyone who want to help with art programming and education for arts and culture in east Pasco County,” said Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group.

The Avalon Park Group is committed to building a permanent location for the East Pasco Fine Art Gallery in its new downtown that is currently under development. Until then, it will continue to share its Welcome Center with the Pasco Fine Arts Council for its East Pasco gallery.

Since the gallery opened in the summer of 2019, there have been bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, as well as several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. When the pandemic changed how people could meet, the Council organized virtual art shows and workshops.

The Pasco Arts Council Inc., was established in 1978 as the local arts agency for Pasco County to encourage community involvement in the arts, provide art education to the community, and to be a leader in stimulating art and cultural entities throughout Pasco County.

From this Council sprung the Pasco Fine Arts Center, where artwork by local and renowned artists has been exhibited, and a full schedule of year-round art instructions (including visual and fine crafts), workshops, demonstrations and programs for children are provided.

For more information about the Pasco Fine Arts Council, go to PascoArts.org.

Published January 27, 2021

Live, Learn Work and Play In Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Artist rendering of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing and community relations for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, east of I-75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homebuyers can choose from several floor plans from the community’s builder, Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plan options available from DR Horton. Single family and townhomes are currently available, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret. “Avalon is just like a real town — we have homes priced for everyone, from teachers to physicians.”

In additional to several amenity centers, recreational amenities will include a Regional Park with soccer, football and baseball fields that is being planned in conjunction with Pasco County Parks & Recreation

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel also will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

And, unlike most subdivisions, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s commercial area is not strip centers facing the busy road at the community’s entrance.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

The first phase is expected to open later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. About 4.5 miles of State Road 54 is being widened from two lanes to four lanes from east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. A sidewalk is being built on the north side of the roadway with a 10-foot-wide multi-use path on the south side.

Downtown Avalon will continue to be built over the next several years. Eventually, there will be more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space, in its bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and become home to 10,000 residents.

Published January 27, 2021