The Laker/Lutz News

Dade City

ICI Homes Introduces New Model in Lake Jovita

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ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious homebuilders — has opened its newest model in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, a beautiful master-planned community with rolling hills and large homesites, off State Road 52 in Dade City.

The Egret Model is a one-story home that features 3,137 square feet of living area with three bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. As one walks into the model, they are greeted by a large dining room on one side and a flex room on the other. The giant gathering room is the heart of this home and includes a luxurious gourmet kitchen with a breakfast nook.

The master suite features plenty of privacy, as well as large walk-in closets and a spacious bath. Two guest bedrooms and bath are on the other side of the home, and provide plenty of space for children and guests. A functional utility/laundry room is located nearby the two-car garage, and for buyers with a need for additional storage space, a three-car garage is optional.

“I don’t think there’s a better homesite in the area,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “I think what separates us in the market with this model is the 12-foot ceilings. They are absolutely stunning.”

ICI Homes has lots in three Lake Jovita neighborhoods: Parkside, Meadows and The Bluffs. Its semi-custom homes range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, with pricing starting in the high $300s. Homesites in The Bluffs, which is located at some of the highest elevation in Florida, are suitable for floor plans up to 10,000 square feet, with many buyers building their forever home.

“All of our neighborhoods in Lake Jovita have homesites that back up to the golf course, conservation area or lakes and ponds,” said Jones. “It is almost unheard of today for a master-planned community to offer homes for less than $400s on such large lots with privacy and pristine views.”

And, because Lake Jovita began building over 20 years ago, today there are no CDD fees, saving buyers thousands of dollars a year in additional taxes. The only community expense is a $900 annual fee from the Homeowners Association.

In addition to Lake Jovita’s enviable homesites, families are drawn to the community because of its easy access to I-75, and all the shopping, dining and entertainment in nearby Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

“The State Road 52 exit that leads to Lake Jovita is just 10 miles north of Wesley Chapel,” said Jones. “It’s literally just a 20-minute drive into the heart of Wesley Chapel, plus we’re just five minutes to the east of downtown Dade City and all of its old-fashioned charm.”

To schedule a VIP appointment to see the new Egret model, call 855-215-2054, or email Jones at . The Lake Jovita Sales Center is located at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526. 

Persimmon Park and Asturia
ICI Homes continues to build in Persimmon Park, located in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. All homes in this community have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. The community will have 150 homes, with prices beginning in the high $200s. Its amenity center includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and grilling area.

Asturia is situated on 500 pristine acres in Odessa on the north side of State Road 54, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway. The community offers residents a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Its distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center includes a fully equipped fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

Model homes in Asturia and Persimmon Park are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. The Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa.

Customization
ICI Homes excels in its customization services. Whether a buyer wants to move a wall, add a room, or choose a specific style of doors, ICI Homes can accommodate customers, so they can create their dream home. The company does this by showcasing all of its different models, which come in all shapes and sizes.

“It helps people understand, whether we are selling a home in the $300s or for $1.5 million, the customization we offer and the things we can do at every level,” says Jones. “The process, service and quality are going to be the same, regardless the cost of the home.”

Inventory
Inventory for ICI Homes goes pretty quickly, Jones says. Due to demand, Jones says they limit the amount of homesites they release each month.

“We do this so we can provide excellent customer service to our existing customers who are building homes, and to give realistic time frames to new customers,” says Jones.

For families needing a home now, ICI Homes does sell its showcase model homes.

“You won’t get to pick your options and customize it, but the home will be ready now, and it will be a beautiful home,” says Jones.

Published August 25, 2021

From a fortune teller to a fire station roof, this agenda has it all

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Often, it’s the items that aren’t discussed at all that can yield some of the most interesting details, at Pasco County Commission meetings.

On the Aug. 10 agenda, for instance, the county board voted on issues ranging from approval of a fortune teller’s application to do that type of business in the county, to awarding a contract to replace a flat roof at a fire station in Dade City.

They didn’t utter a word about those issues because the items were on the board’s “consent agenda.”

The way it works is this: During each board meeting, the board chairman reads out a “pull list” from the consent portion of the agenda. If anyone wants an item to be pulled for discussion, that item is moved to the regular portion of the agenda.

Items remaining on consent are approved in a single action.

Here’s a look of some items approved on the Aug. 10 consent agenda:

  • An application by Suanne Lynn Gould to engage in the occupation of a fortune teller, and similar occupations. To qualify, an applicant must gain approval from the board,

which requires the applicant to live in Florida and to be of good moral character. If the applicant wishes to conduct fortunetelling at home, she must acquire a Home Occupation special exception from the county.

  • A contract for $96,950 to JD Contractors LLC, to install a flat roof at Fire Station No. 24, in Dade City. Information contained in the agenda packet says the flat roof section at the fire station is more than 20 years old and has reached the end of its life span. There have been several leaks in that section of the roof during the past several years.
  • Additional purchasing authority for technology upgrades, in a not-to-exceed (NTE) total amount of $195,343.68, over a three-year period. The new cumulative total NTE will be $468,534.97 for the five-year contract term.
  • Nearly $1.2 million for future purchase of marketing, advertising and funding programs to support the county’s tourism efforts.
  • Spending $70,125 for the purchase of four-channel multimode phase selector traffic signal preemption devices for emergency vehicles, through a Florida Department of Transportation bid. Emergency vehicles that are equipped with the phase selectors can change traffic signals to a green phase, as they approach the signal. That makes it possible for them to reach their destination more quickly. Like any electrical device, the phase selectors will go bad and need periodic replacement.

In addition to the consent agenda, another part of the meeting that can be illuminating involves the reports made by individual commissioners.

During that portion of the meeting, commissioners essentially bring up whatever they want to talk about with their colleagues.

Sometimes, it involves commissioners wanting the county to deal with problems with illegal dumping, or the lack of landscaping in new developments, or the possibility of a new approach for vacation rental homes in the county.

At the Aug. 10 meeting, Commissioner Mike Moore used the platform to give his colleagues an update on how the county is faring this year on the tourism front.

Moore, who is chairman of the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, reported that the figures for May 2021 were actually up 96% from May 2020.

While indicating that’s not terribly surprising, given the impact from COVID-19 in 2020, Moore noted: “If you look at May (2021) TDT (Tourist Development Tax) collections they’re actually up from May 2019, so we’re on track to have our best year ever.”

Moore also applauded the Pasco County Public Transit department for securing three paratransit vehicles for free from the Florida Department of Transportation.

“Now, we have more paratransit vehicles out in the community for our residents and it didn’t cost our local taxpayers any additional dollars,” Moore said.

During his report, Commission Chairman Ron Oakley asked his colleagues to support the initiation of a special planning effort focusing on Lacoochee.

Decades ago, the community thrived when it was home to Cummer Sons Cypress Company, a company that employed hundreds and created a “town within a town,” according to historical accounts.

After the plant closed, about 60 years ago, the jobs disappeared and the area languished.

But efforts have been made to attract manufacturing to the area, and the interest is growing.

Oakley said the county needs to look ahead, so it can prepare to have workforce housing the area will need, as well as planning for the services, such as doctors and a grocery store, the residents will need.

His colleagues agreed to give direction to the county’s planning department to prepare a scope of services for a consultant to develop a “non-binding” concept plan for the area.

During that portion of the meeting, County Administrator Dan Biles typically announces achievements of county staff and updates the board on various issues.

Published August 25, 2021

Pasco EDC offerings

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The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., which works to expand economic development opportunities in Pasco County, has a number of upcoming events. They include:

  • CO.STARTERS: A nine-week course being offered at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City, from Oct. 19 through Dec. 14, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In this program, entrepreneurs work through their business model with a trained facilitator and discover repeatable steps that can used throughout the life of a company.

  • NetFest: This event, which has a Back to the Future theme, will be held on Sept. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Edison Suncoast. The event features food and drink, and a chance to connect with Tampa Bay area business and community leaders.

There are charges for both programs. To sign up for either SMARTstart or NetFest, or to find out more, visit the Pasco EDC’s website at PascoEDC.com.

Bellamy Brothers headline Thomas Promise fundraiser

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The Bellamy Brothers — the iconic country music duo from Darby — will return to their East Pasco County roots to headline an event to benefit the Thomas Promise Foundation.

The concert fundraiser, “An Evening With The Bellamy Brothers,” is scheduled for Aug. 26, at the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

The Bellamy Brothers will headline an Aug. 26 fundraiser to benefit the Thomas Promise Foundation. Their last performance in East Pasco may have been at the 2019 San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival. (File)

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner, with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The concert is a private event, maxing out at about 320 guests.

Select table purchases remain available, with prices based on the table chosen. Each table will hold up to eight guests. Table purchases are tax-deductible.

All proceeds from the event go toward the Thomas Promise Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that provides meals for food-insecure students on the weekends when no school programs are in operation. The organization has provided more than 1million meals to students since its inception a decade ago.

The Bellamy Brothers — Howard and David Bellamy — are scheduled to perform a 90-minute set at the event.

The playlist of songs “absolutely” will feature some of their greatest classics, Joe Simmons, executive director of the Thomas Promise Foundation, told The Laker/Lutz News.

That’ll probably include their 1976 chart-topping country pop hit, “Let Your Love Flow,” which spearheaded a career of 20 No. 1 hits and 40 million album sales worldwide.

Howard and David Bellamy graduated from Pasco High School in the 1960s before embarking on their successful music career.

They had their first official gig in 1968, when they performed on stage with their father during the Rattlesnake Festival at San Antonio Park.

The Thomas Promise Foundation is a local nonprofit organization that provides meals for food-insecure students on the weekends when no school programs are in operation. (Courtesy of Thomas Promise Foundation)

Fame and fortune have followed, over the ensuing five-plus decades.

The Bellamy Brothers usually are booked for dozens of gigs set across multiple states and countries each year.

Their last performance in East Pasco is believed to have been in 2019, at the 53rd annual Rattlesnake Festival.

They have, however, performed multiple times at the annual Florida Cracker Christmas festival in Spring Hill.

Simmons expressed his gratitude that the in-demand performers were willing to set aside a date to help the Thomas Promise Foundation, and the hometown community at large.

The fundraiser has been in planning for several months.

“The Bellamys are extremely busy,” Simmons said. “You know, they have a tremendous tour schedule coming up, and we felt very fortunate for them to be able to do something for us, and we’ll be able to help kids in our community, too, so we do appreciate the opportunity for them to play and give back.”

“We’re really looking forward to this being a tremendous event,” he said.

Simmons pointed out the event sets up as Thomas Promise Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year.

And it comes at a critical time, he said, with rising food costs and others hardships brought in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simmons put it like this: “We help more kids now than we’ve ever helped before. We’ve helped more schools now than we’ve ever helped before, so opportunities like this to be able to raise funds for the foundation are extremely important to us.”

The Bellamy Brothers are known to spend any downtime amid their frenetic showbiz schedule on their 200-acre family ranch in Darby, just outside the Dade City limits.

But downtime isn’t very synonymous with the hometown celebrities — juggling multiple side projects over the years, besides performing and putting out new music.

Last month they garnered national headlines in teaming up with actor Dennis Quaid to record and perform a cover of Billy Swan’s 1974 country crossover hit, “I Can Help.”

The single release was featured on the Bellamys’ hit reality television series, “Honky Tonk Ranch,” which airs on the Grand Ole Opry’s Circle Network.

They also released an autobiography in 2018 titled, “Let Your Love Flow: The Life and Times of the Bellamy Brothers.”

Call 813-782-0000 for concert reservations. Visit TheThomasPromise.org for more information.

Published August 18, 2021

Pasco stormwater utility fee expected to stay the same

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The Pasco County Commission has decided that the county’s stormwater utility fees will remain unchanged for the 2021 fiscal year.

The current rate is $95 per equivalent residential unit — which is based on an average amount of impervious area of 2,890 square feet for a single-family home, according to agenda background materials.

County staff recommended that the ERU rate and square footage remain the same for the 2021 tax year, and commissioners signaled their approval, without discussion, during their June 22 meeting.

The public hearing for the Annual Stormwater Management Utility System Rate Resolution is scheduled for 9 a.m., on Sept. 14, in the board room at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.  At the hearing, the board must adopt a final rate resolution. It can reduce the fee, but cannot increase it, at that hearing.

In other action, commissioners approved these items, without discussion, as part of their consent agenda:

  • The award of a professional services agreement with HDR Engineering Inc., to provide the required roadway design services for the widening of Old Pasco Road, from north of Deedra Drive to north of Overpass Road, in an amount not to exceed $2,570,032.37. That figure includes $595,973.19 in optional services for fiscal year 2021.
  • The appointments of Dennis Baker, representing Tampa North Aero Park, and Spencer Brass, representing Pilot Country Estates Airport, to the Airport Zoning Commission. Zephyrhills Municipal Airport Manager Nathan Coleman will continue to serve on the commission, too.
  • A contract to Pacscon GeoEnvironmental Inc., for as-needed gopher tortoise surveying, permitting capturing transporting and after-action reports. The contract is for an amount not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2021; not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2022; not to exceed $110,000 in fiscal year 2022 and not to exceed $90,000 in fiscal year 2024. The total not to exceed amount is $400,000.
  • A task order revision in the amount of $109,910 with Stroud Engineering Consultants to cover additional design and construction inspection engineering services due to the addition of a 16-inch pipeline. The Florida Department of Transportation is fast-tracking the completion of the widening of U.S. 41, from north of Connerton Boulevard to south of State Road 52. After the original task order was approved, additional improvements were identified, which consist of construction of a new 16-inch diameter force main along U.S. 41 to provide wastewater capacity for new development expected to be built in the vicinity in the near future.

Including the piping now will help meet future demands and avoid costly work later, according to the agenda materials.

Published July 07, 2021

Dade City library closed for remodeling

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The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, as of June 26 is closed for remodeling.

The library’s new look will include a complete floor-to-ceiling renovation, with updated technology, new furnishings, high-efficiency air conditioning and high-speed internet.

The Hugh Embry Library in Dade City will get a new look, with extensive work expected to start soon. (Courtesy of Pasco County Libraries)

The modernized interior will offer new spaces for adults, teens and kids, meeting spaces, and a central service desk.

The extensive work is expected to begin soon.

To see a rendering of the proposed library updates, visit PascoLibraries.org/hugh-embry-library-remodel/.

“Most of the libraries were built in the 1980s, and we’re excited to completely reimagine the library experience for everyone in Pasco County,” said Bob Harrison, libraries program manager, in a news release.

The renovations are part of the General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) Referendum that Pasco County voters passed in November 2018.

The library is expected to reopen in the spring of 2022.

Patrons can continue to check out books and other materials at open library locations throughout the county, including the newly renovated New River and Centennial Park branches.

The South Holiday Library also remains closed for remodeling.

Published June 30, 2021

Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers Opens its Doors in Dade City

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Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers, a nonprofit that offers support to women experiencing a planned or unplanned pregnancy, recently has opened its fourth location in downtown Dade City.

Pete Castellani cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of the Dade City Oasis Pregnancy Care Center, standing between Lora Novak (left) and April Beck (right). They are joined by local Dade City residents and dignitaries. (Katie Fernandez)

The nonprofit, founded by Pete Castellani, got started in 2009 when it opened in Land O’ Lakes. Over the past 12 years, Oasis has successfully expanded into other areas like Wesley Chapel and Tampa.

In late 2020, Castellani got a call from two local Dade City figures about an opportunity for a fourth location.

Randy Huckabee, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dade City, and Larry Guilford, founder of Make A Difference, reached out to Castellani and suggested he take over a vacant center located at 37522 Meridian Ave.

“We brought the idea to our board, discussed it with the church, and low and behold we opened our fourth center on May 11,” says Castellani.

Castellani has been overwhelmed by the success and response he has received in Dade City.

“The whole community, including different organizations, churches, and political figures, has given us so much support. It’s been such a welcoming, friendly, great experience coming into this area,” said Castellani.

As of now, the center is only open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but Oasis Dade City Director Lora Novak hopes to expand those hours as more people take advantage of its services.

Every service that’s offered to mothers and their partners are completely free, including pregnancy tests, a free ultrasound at less than 22 weeks, and Bright Course lessons that are carried until the baby turns 1 year old.

Lora Novak and Pete Castellani (Nicole Sanchez)

Bright Course lessons, which are in both English and Spanish, educate mothers and their partners on what to expect in their pregnancy, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and so much more.

Mothers earn points as they complete the different lessons, which can be redeemed at Oasis’ in-house baby boutique filled with new and gently used baby items.

“We provide bibs to cribs, and everything in between,” said Novak.

Oasis stresses the importance of mothers taking time to make their decision on childbirth.

“We always want them to choose life, but that’s ultimately their decision,” said Novak, “We would be there for them for counseling and services in the future, no matter what choice they decide to make.”

For more information on the Dade City center and its services, go to OasisPregnancyCenter.org, or to donate, visit HeartsForOasis.pronetwork.us.

By Nicole Sanchez

A grand, grand opening

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Mary Katherine Mason, also known as Lanky Lassie, is in her new storefront in downtown Dade City. (Courtesy of Mary Katherine Mason)

The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., helped Mary Katherine Mason celebrate the grand opening of Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread, at 37845 Meridian Ave., in downtown Dade City.

Two days of festivities included a ribbon-cutting attended by area dignitaries, a performance by bagpiper Gemma Briggs, a parade, cookie-decorating for kids, and shortbread paired with various libations, for adults.

Mason, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, launched her business after being furloughed from her design career in the hotel industry, during the pandemic.

Lanky Lassie’s Shortbread has been a member of the Pasco EDC SMARTstart program since it began using the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen in Dade City to help its business grow, Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director, said in a news release.

Mason used many of the tools that SMARTstart has to offer, and she grew from a cottage food business to opening her own shop, Mitchell added.

County board takes action on land use issues

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The Pasco County Commission has awarded a $1.5 million contract for renovations at Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City.

Commissioners selected Blackwater Construction Services LLC to do the work, out of nine responses received.

In other action, at the board’s May 18 meeting, commissioners:

  • Approved a rezoning to allow Cypress Ridge Professional Office Center on a 9.1-acre site on the west side of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, north of State Road 54/State Road 56
  • Approved a rezoning to allow a light industrial park district on a 5-acre site in East Central Pasco County, on the west side of Old Lakeland Highway, north of Townsend Road
  • Forwarded a land use request for state review involving a proposal to allow a mixed-use development on a 35-acre site at the southwest corner of Roaches Run and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41. Once the state review is done, it will come back for a final vote by the county board, which is scheduled for July 6. A companion rezoning also must be approved before the development could proceed.

The proposed development would include retail, as well as a number of other uses that could include office/medical office; health care-related uses; light industrial; distribution; multifamily; single-family attached residential; senior retirement/assisted living; aggregate home and public/institutional uses.

Board members also continued:

  • A rezoning request by Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers on the south side of Parkway Boulevard, about ½-mile east of Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes, for a residential subdivision on 75.15 acres.
  • Continued to a date uncertain a request by Kiddie Campus University Inc., for a rezoning to allow a general commercial use at the southwest corner of the intersection of State Road 54 and Meadowbrook Drive. County commissioners recently rejected a request to change the land use designation on the land from a residential designation to one that would allow commercial use. Area residents strenuously objected to the proposal because the potential buyer of the site wanted to build a gas station there. Neighbors said they don’t oppose the use of the site for a non-residential use, but they want one that is less intense, such as a professional office development.

Published May 26, 2021

Museum seeks help for maintenance costs

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The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s Blanton Packing House has termites and will have to be tented in the coming weeks to resolve the issue. The nonprofit is asking for donations to help cover the cost.

The open-air museum in Dade City includes Overstreet House, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a train depot, a train engine, and a museum exhibition of tools, household items, antiques and farm equipment.

The museum hopes to show that “the men and women who were here before us, struggled, made do, and sometimes won and sometimes lost their battles with nature. In essence, they were people much like us,” according to its website.

Donations can be made online through PayPal at tinyurl.com/ypywc8ns, or by mailing a check to Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, P.O. Box 335, Dade City, FL 33526-0335.

Published May 26, 2021