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The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

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Dale Mabry Highway

Selection process set to change for planning board

November 3, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a proposal that will change the way its members are selected.

The planning board took the vote at its Oct. 28 meeting.

The action stemmed from the Pasco County Commission’s previous direction to county planners to pursue changes to the land development code to alter the selection process.

County board members said they wanted to be able to make an individual appointment to the planning board, rather than voting collectively for the entire planning board.

Under the proposed process, each of the five county board members will appoint a member to the planning board, and the board will act collectively to appoint a sixth planning board member.

One seat, which is occupied by a representative for Pasco County Schools, will not be affected by the new system.

The proposed terms of the planning board members would coincide with the term of the county board member who selected him or her.

The recommendation now goes to the Pasco County Commission for final action. Once approved, the new process would become effective Feb. 22, 2022.

While each county board member will be able to appoint one planning board member, there are no restrictions on where the planning board member must live, said Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator.

Currently three planning board members live in County Commissioner Mike Moore’s district and three live in County Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick’s district, while no planning board members live in the other three districts.

In other action, the planning board:

  • Recommended approval of a rezoning request that would allow 238 multifamily units on 37.9 acres, within a master-planned unit development on the southeast side of Dale Mabry Highway/U.S. 41 intersection and abutting Hillsborough County to the south.
  • Recommended approval of a change to the county’s land map from a residential designation to a neighborhood commercial category on 4 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Foxwood Boulevard and State Road 54.

Published November 03, 2021

Mattamy Townhomes Feature Island Kitchens and Spacious Lanais

August 28, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Carmen Livingstone recently moved to her new townhome at Lakeview at Citrus Park and could not be happier with the quality of her new home, and the outstanding service she received from Mattamy’s staff.

“Everyone was so helpful, and just wonderful to work with,” said Livingstone, who downsized from a 4,000-square-foot home in a nearby community. “I love that everything is brand new, and that I do not have to worry about maintenance or upkeep. Plus, this is a gated community, so I feel very safe and secure.”

The Marianna floor plan has a beautiful island kitchen and an abundance of cabinets. (Randy Underhill)

Livingstone bought the Marianna floor plan which, at 1,660 square feet, is the smallest townhome of five floor plans available in this 124-townhome community.

“My home feels so spacious, with an amazing great room/kitchen/dining combination, three large bedrooms and two baths upstairs, plus a half bath down,” said Livingstone.

Livingston likes that all of her bedrooms are on the second floor.

“I like having the bedrooms upstairs for the privacy, and because it gives me so much room downstairs,” said Livingstone. “While I am retired, I am healthy and active, and going up and down the stairs is good for me because it gives me exercise and keeps me moving!”

Livingstone’s lanai, which stretches across the entire back of her home, is one of the favorite places in her new home.

“My lanai overlooks a stand of trees that is great for bird watching, plus they give me privacy,” said Livingstone. “I love to garden, and my lanai is the perfect amount of space for my plants and to enjoy the outdoors.”

Carmen Livingstone’s spacious lanai in her new Mattamy townhome is perfect for gardening and enjoying the outdoors.

Because Livingstone loves being outside, another big draw for Livingstone is the community’s access to tranquil Gant Lake, where residents share a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

“Just about every evening, I walk down to the lake and enjoy the magnificent sunsets from the pier,” said Livingstone. “And, in the morning, I enjoy coffee on my lanai — there is so much nature here to enjoy.”

Lakeview at Citrus Park has recently released a new building and has several quick inventory homes available beginning in the high $200s. Currently, Mattamy is offering an incentive of paid closing costs on select homes.

In addition to retirees like Livingstone, residents include young families, whose youngsters enjoy the community’s tot lot, and professionals looking for an easy commute to the airport, the Westshore business district and downtown Tampa.

Lakeview at Citrus Park offers one on the most convenient locations in the north Tampa area. It is adjacent to the Veterans Expressway, located just south of the Ehrlich Road exit at the end of Tom Fuller Road.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Five miles north of Lakeview at Citrus Park, also located next to the Veterans Expressway, is Mattamy Homes’ Lutz community of Avea Pointe.

Located off Van Dyke Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway, Avea Pointe is especially popular with families because of the excellent schools its children attend: Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary. Plus, Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, a charter school for grades K-8, is just a mile away on Dale Mabry Highway.

This gated community’s new amenity center just opened and features a resort-style pool and cabana with grill area.

Avea Pointe offers unique, open floor plans, all with 2-car garages. It will soon be introducing two additional floor plans with one-car garages, for those looking for smaller homes. Current base pricing for these smaller plans begin in the upper $200s. An array of quick move-in homes is available with special savings, with HOA fees paid on select homes for a limited time only.

Model homes are under construction and slated to be complete in October. The sales center is located onsite and is open daily. At 5653 Van Dyke Road in Lutz (Van Dyke Road, just West of Lakeshore Road).

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings and incentives. Please see a New Home Counselor for terms and conditions.

Published August 28, 2019

Enjoy the Outdoors at Mattamy Townhomes

July 24, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Carmen Livingstone has found the perfect home at Lakeview at Citrus Park. The active retiree recently moved to this Mattamy Homes community and says she could not be happier with the quality of her new home, and the outstanding service she received from Mattamy’s staff.

“Everyone was so helpful, and just wonderful to work with,” said Livingstone, who downsized from a 4,000-square-foot home in a nearby Westchase neighborhood. “I love that everything is brand new, and that I do not have to worry about maintenance or upkeep on my home. Any little problem that I’ve had, even just a nick in the wall, Mattamy took care of it very quickly.”

Carmen Livingstone enjoys reading at tranquil Gant Lake, which touches the shores of Lakeview at Citrus Park. (Randy Underhill)

Livingstone chose the Marianna floor plan, which at 1,660 square is the smallest townhome of five floor plans available in this 124-townhome community.

“My home feels so spacious, with an amazing great room/kitchen/dining combination, three large bedrooms upstairs, plus a half bath down and two baths up,” said Livingstone. “But, what I love best is my lanai, which stretches across the entire back of my home.”

Livingstone’s lanai is 17 feet in width and overlooks a stand of trees that gives her privacy. She loves to garden, and the lanai is the perfect amount of space for her to enjoy her hobby and the outdoors.

“As a single woman, I wanted to live in a community where I felt safe, plus was close to shopping and all the things I enjoy,” said Livingstone, who has lived in Tampa for seven years, after relocating from New Jersey and, before that, Chile.

In addition to being a gated community, another big draw for Livingstone was the community’s access to tranquil Gant Lake, where residents share a community pier for fishing, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

“Just about every evening, I walk down to the lake and enjoy the magnificent sunsets from the pier,” said Livingstone. “And, in the morning, I enjoy coffee on my lanai — there is so much nature here to enjoy.”

For families looking for a townhome community with a lot to offer, Lakeview at Citrus Park has recently released a new building, and has eight quick inventory homes available. Homes range in size from 1,888 to 2,608 square feet, with prices beginning at $292,513. Currently, Mattamy is offering an incentive of paid closing costs on select homes.

Lakeview at Citrus Park offers one on the most convenient locations in the north Tampa area, as it is adjacent to the Veterans Expressway, just south of the Ehrlich Road exit at the end of Tom Fuller Road. Mattamy Homes has been selling in this community for just a year, and has already sold over 50 homes in this very popular community.

Lakeview has three models that are beautifully decorated and furnished, which feel as spacious and private as single-family homes. Prices are very affordable, beginning in the mid $200s. In addition to retirees like Livingstone, residents include young families, whose youngsters enjoy the community tot lot, and professionals wanting an easy commute to the airport, the Westshore business district and downtown Tampa. All residents enjoy private access to Gant Lake for kayaking, fishing or enjoying the scenic views.

Avea Pointe In Lutz
Five miles north of Lakeview, also located next to the Veterans Expressway, is Mattamy Homes’ Lutz community of Avea Pointe.

This gated community’s new amenity center is now open, also with a resort-style pool and cabanas. A grand opening celebration is open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 3 from noon to 3 p.m., with complimentary food from two popular food trucks.

Located off Van Dyke Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway, Avea Pointe is especially popular with families because of the excellent schools its children attend: Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary. Plus, Sunlake Academy of Math and Science, a charter school for grades K-8, is just a mile away on Dale Mabry Highway.

Avea Pointe offers unique, open floor plans, all with 2-car garages. In August, it is introducing two new home designs that are smaller homes with one-car garages, to complement the spacious floor plans of its other townhomes.

Current base pricing for these smaller plans begin in the upper $200s. An array of quick move-in homes are available with special savings, with HOA fees paid on select homes.

Model homes are under construction and slated to be complete in early October. The  sales center just debuted on location, and is open daily at 5653 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

Visit MattamyHomes.com, or call (813) 580-7303, to learn more about these communities. Buyers of quick move-in homes enjoy special savings and incentives. Please see a New Home Counselor for terms and conditions.

Published July 24, 2019

Quick Move-In Townhomes Now Ready at Mattamy Homes

June 26, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published June 26, 2019

David Maus Family Buys Gordon Chevrolet

December 12, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Gordon Chevrolet, the only automotive dealership in Carrollwood, has been sold to the David Maus family and is now Maus Family Chevrolet.

Located on north Dale Mabry Highway, midway between Van Dyke Road and Bearss Avenue, it is the only dealership in the north Tampa area until the State Road 54 corridor in Lutz.

“Our location makes us unique, because we’re the only dealer for several miles and we’re surrounded by residential neighborhoods that have grown up around us,” said David Maus Jr., who co-manages the dealership with Patrick Abad, a family friend and longtime Maus employee.

This holiday photo of Nicole and David Maus Sr., their children and grandchildren was taken at Lake Park in Lutz. From left to right: David Maus Jr., daughter Selah on his shoulders, and daughters Ella and Ava in front of his wife, Stacie. Nicole and David Maus Sr., and their daughter, Faith, in front. Son Tyler Maus with brother Gabriel on his shoulders. Savannah and Nick Bentley and their daughter, Kylie, the youngest Maus grandchild born Aug. 7, the same day as her Uncle David.

“Patrick and I are proud to be an integral part of the community, and excited to be enhancing and expanding automotive services for our neighbors,” said Maus.

“We love shaking the hand of everyone who stops by, and welcoming them to the Maus family. We like to say we’re small enough to know you, but big enough to serve you.”

In addition to selling new Chevrolet vehicles, the dealership has a large inventory of pre-owned trucks, SUVs and cars, a customer-focused service center and a professional body shop.

“We believe it is important to be a full service dealership, so our customers can count on us for all their automotive needs,” said Maus.

Maus adds that the dealership sells all makes of pre-owned vehicles, and that its service center and body shop take care of vehicles from just about every automobile manufacturer.

Family is at the heart of every Maus dealership, and is the center of its core values.

“We operate using Biblical principals, and look to Jesus as an example of how to serve people,” said Maus.

For over 10 years, the Maus family has managed its businesses following a corporate philosophy they call IMPACT.

“IMPACT stands for ‘Implementing More Positive Actions Creating Togetherness,’” said Maus. “And, that’s truly what we do — we are a positive, forward thinking company that works hard to do the right things to bring us together as a family.”

One reflection of this is the position his sister, Savannah, heads up for the company — Customer Appreciation. Her job is to make sure every customer has a positive experience, whether they are buying a new vehicle or having their vehicle serviced.

Another example is the David Maus Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to children’s charities throughout Florida, including Pasco Sherriff Charities and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

There are close to 20 family members who work for Maus family dealerships in New Port Richey, Homosassa, Crystal River and now north Tampa.

“Every member of our family adheres to these values,” said Maus. “We all live in this area, attend church here, send our children to school here. We are committed to this community, which is why we believe so strongly in treating everyone we serve as members of our family.”

David Maus Sr., started his automotive career in the mid 1990s in Orlando, where he eventually owned several auto dealerships. In 2014, he sold those dealerships and moved to Tampa Bay, where he bought a Nissan dealership in New Port Richey from Ferman Automotive.

“We knew we wanted to be in the north Tampa area as well, and my father had his eye on Gordon Chevrolet for several years,” said Maus. “We couldn’t be more happy for the opportunity to buy Gordon Chevrolet and add it to our family of dealerships.”

Maus has worked closely with his father his entire life, and credits his dad for making him the man he is today.

“I am so proud of my Dad. He is a man of faith and family, driven by hard work to succeed and provide for his family. Everything we do here is because of the lessons learned from our father,” said Maus.

David is the oldest of five children. His older siblings also work in the business — Savannah in customer appreciation, and his brother, Tyler, as a used car manager.

Before becoming general manager and vice president of Maus Family Automotive, Maus worked in several positions at the company, learning the business from the ground up.

“On my 15th birthday, my dad asked me what I wanted, and I said a job, and he gave me a job stocking parts in the service department,” said Maus. “When I turned 16, dad moved me to the service counter and I began helping customers. At 17, I became a full-time detailer, probably the most fun job I’ve had – cleaning, buffing and detailing vehicles, and seeing the customer’s excitement when their vehicle was delivered.”

At 18, Maus’ father told him it was time to go into sales, and he began selling vehicles at David Maus Toyota in Sanford.

“I was working with sales people in their 40s with many years of experience, and I doubted that I could succeed,” Maus said. “But, I learned that sales is mostly about listening and serving, and asking the right questions to put a customer in the right car that works well for their lifestyle and budget.”

Instead of going to college, Maus continued to learn on the job about management, financing, communicating, writing and providing excellent customer service.

“I always wanted to be very good at every position I held in the company before moving up to the next one,” he said. “I want to earn everything I have by working hard, just like my father did.”

Maus invites you to meet him and his staff at Maus Family Chevrolet.

“Please stop by anytime so we can shake your hand and welcome you to the Maus family,” he said. “This is the best time of the year to buy a new vehicle, and the Maus family is here to help you,” said Maus.

Published December 12, 2018

Lakeview at Citrus Park Has Park-Like Setting and Superb Location

August 22, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Next to the Veterans and just minutes to Carrollwood

Mattamy Homes is launching its second townhome community in north Tampa —Lakeview at Citrus Park. The community is opening soon at an idyllic location overlooking Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, located just south of Ehrlich Road and east of the Veterans Expressway.

VIP-only presales are taking place this weekend, Aug. 24 to Aug. 26, with sales opening to the general public on Saturday, Sept. 1.

To qualify for VIP presales, register at MattamyHomes.com/Tampa. VIP benefits include first selection of homes, VIP pricing and other incentives.

“This is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy’s West Florida Division. “Our homeowners will enjoy living less than two miles from Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and will appreciate the easy access to Tampa via the Veterans Expressway.  Plus, Tampa International Airport is only 12 miles from the community.”

In addition to its great location, this gated community will boast a community pier with resident access to Gant Lake for fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding, and also a children’s playground.

Upon completion, Lakeview at Citrus Park will have 124 townhomes. Buyers will choose from five floor plans that are similar to the popular plans sold at Mattamy Homes’ Lakeside Preserve community in Lutz.

Home sizes will range from 1,670 to 2,620 square feet, and offer 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, and 1- or 2-car garages. Pricing begins from the mid $200,000s.

To learn more about Lakeview at Citrus Park, visit MattamyHomes.com, call Melanie Sikorski at (813) 278-1760, or email .

Last Chance For Lakeshore Preserve
In less than a year, the Mattamy Homes community of Lakeshore Preserve in Lutz has sold 80 percent of its townhomes in the 102-home community, located on Van Dyke Road and Lakeshore Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway.

“We’re down to our last 20 homes, and expect all to sell by the end of the year,” said Marketing Manager Dec. “Lakeshore Preserve has sold very well in the year since we opened because of its great location and unique floor plans that optimize living spaces to fit an array of buyers’ needs.”

Lakeshore Preserve has two contemporary townhome designs still available that offer 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and 1- or 2-car garages. Townhomes are larger than many single-family homes, ranging from 1,888 to 2,333 square feet. Prices start in the mid $200,000s.

The community is less than two miles from the Veterans Expressway and Dale Mabry Highway, and close to shopping and dining in Carrollwood, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

“Plus, our kids attend some of the best schools in all of Hillsborough County, which is a huge draw for many of our residents,” said Dec.

Lakeshore Preserve students are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all located less than three miles away on Lutz Lake Fern Road. Charter school Sunlake Academy of Math and Science is less than a mile away.

This gated community offers a beautiful amenity center, which includes a large resort-style pool, outdoor area equipped with a covered cabana and breeze fans, outdoor kitchen, hammocks, shaded seating areas and game area.

To learn more about Lakeshore Preserve, visit MattamyHomes.com, call Melanie Sikorski at (813) 370-1254, or email .

Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with a nearly 40-year history of operations across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps 7,000 families realize their dream of home ownership. Visit MattamyHomes.com for more information.

Published August 22, 2018

Last Chance To Buy At Lakeshore Preserve

July 25, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you’re looking for a beautiful, maintenance-free townhome in Lutz close to the Veterans Expressway, you need to move fast.

In less than a year, the Mattamy Homes community of Lakeshore Preserve has sold 75 percent of its townhomes in the 102-home community, located on Van Dyke Road and Lakeshore Road, just west of Dale Mabry Highway.

“We’re down to our last 25 homes, and expect all to sell by the end of the year,” said

Lakeshore Preserve

Kathleen Dec, marketing manager for Mattamy’s West Florida Division.

Dec said Lakeshore Preserve sold quickly since holding its grand opening last August because of its great Lutz location, and because homes offer optimized living spaces that fit an array of buyers’ needs.

“Our homeowners love being less than two miles from the Veterans Expressway and Dale Mabry Highway, and enjoy being close to all of the shopping and dining in Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel,” said Dec.  “Plus, our kids attend some of the best schools in all of Hillsborough County.”

Lakeshore Preserve students are zoned to Steinbrenner High, Martinez Middle and Schwarzkopf Elementary, all located less than three miles away at the public school complex on Lutz Lake Fern Road. In addition, charter school Sunlake Academy of Math and Science is less than a mile away.

This gated community offers a beautiful amenity center, the hub of its 13,672-square-foot outdoor activity area that incorporates a large resort-style pool, outdoor area equipped with a covered cabana and breeze fans, outdoor kitchen, hammocks, shaded seating areas and game area.

Lakeshore Preserve has three contemporary townhome designs still available that offer 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 bathrooms and 1- or 2-car garages. Townhomes are larger than many single-family homes, ranging from 1,888 to 2,605 square feet, and priced starting from the mid $200,000s.

Four quick move-in homes are available now with special, limited timesavings in the spacious Sebring floor plan of 2,230 square feet. Downstairs features a two-car garage, island kitchen, large dining and great rooms, half bath and large, screened-in covered lanai. Upstairs is an open loft, private master suite and bath, two additional bedrooms, another bath and laundry room. Well-appointed, move-in-ready homes are priced from $307,000.

To learn more about Lakeshore Preserve, visit MattamyHomes.com, call Lisa Malone at (813) 477-6483, or email .

First Chance To Buy At Lakeview at Citrus Park
The overwhelming success of Lakeshore Preserve encouraged Mattamy Homes to explore a second townhome community in north Tampa — which will open soon as Lakeview at Citrus Park.

They found a perfect location that overlooks Gant Lake at the end of Tom Fuller Road, just south of Ehrlich Road and east of the Veterans Expressway.

“This is one of the prettiest and most convenient locations in the north Tampa area,” said Dec. “Our homeowners will enjoy living less than two miles from Westfield Citrus Park Mall, and will appreciate the easy access to Tampa via the Veterans Expressway.  Plus, Tampa International Airport is only 12 miles from the community.”

Lakeview at Citrus Park

In addition to its great location, this gated community will boast a community pier with resident access to Gant Lake for fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, and also a children’s playground.

Upon completion, Lakeview at Citrus Park will have 124 townhomes. Buyers will choose from five floor plans that are similar to the popular plans sold at Lakeside Preserve. Home sizes will range from 1,670 to 2,620-square-feet ,and offer 2 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 4 baths, and 1- or 2-car garages.

VIP-only pre-sales are Aug. 3 to Aug. 5 for those who sign up on the community’s VIP List on Mattamy’s website at MattamyHomes.com/tampa. VIP List registration is being accepted now, and is required to qualify for all VIP benefits, including community updates, first selection of homes and VIP pricing and incentives. For those not on this list, public pre-sales will begin Aug. 6.

To learn more about Lakeview at Citrus Park, visit MattamyHomes.com, call Melanie Sikorski at (813) 278-1760, or email .

Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with a nearly 40-year history of operations across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps 7,000 families realize their dream of home ownership.

Published July 25, 2018

Digital billboard lights up Land O’ Lakes

July 11, 2018 By Kathy Steele

The digital age of outdoor advertising is coming to central Pasco.

Motorists may be familiar with a two-sided “Tri-Vision” billboard on U.S. 41, north of State Road 54. The Champion Outdoor billboard flips through a trio of advertisements on each side, as slats rotate and marketing messages change.

But, the area’s first digital billboard is being installed on the west side of the apex where Dale Mabry Highway and U.S. 41 meet, in front of the WalMart Super Store, according to county permitting records.

Workers are installing a digital billboard for Clear Channel Outdoor at 1714 Dale Mabry Highway, in front of a Walmart Super Store.
(Kathy Steele)

Thousands of motorists pass through the juncture at North Dale Mabry Highway and U. S. 41 daily, making it a prime site for outdoor advertisers.

The location is one of four digital locations in Pasco County planned by Clear Channel Outdoor, Inc. as the company moves ahead on the digital campaign it began about nine months ago in the county.

Another location in central Pasco is slated for digital at 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Activity in west Pasco also is changing the billboard landscape.

Permits for demolition of several static billboards and installation of two digital billboards happened in 2017 at 2310 U.S. 19 in Holiday, and on State Road 54, east of Little Road, in New Port Richey, according to county records.

A representative of Clear Channel couldn’t be reached for comment.

The Pasco County Commission approved an ordinance in early 2017 to allow permitting of new billboards as part of a strategy to reduce visual blight on the county’s major corridors. Until then, a ban on new billboards had been in effect for about 17 years.

Outdoor advertising representatives lobbied for the ordinance, which allowed new billboards and established rules for converting static to digital billboards. Provisions also were included for Tri-Vision billboards.

It took nearly two years of negotiations to strike that bargain.

County representatives wanted to eliminate a glut of static billboards dotting the roadways, including those in disrepair. Outdoor advertising representatives wanted to get their digital messages in front of passing motorists.

Clear Channel, OUTFRONT Media and The Champion Family of Companies participated in crafting the ordinance.

So far, Clear Channel in its agreement with Pasco has removed about 8,220 square feet of static billboard advertising. During the next months, another approximately 8,220 square feet will be taken down by Clear Channel, according to data provided by Pasco County.

The ordinance targeted billboards on major roadways including segments of State Road 54, U.S. 41, U.S 19, State Road 52 and Interstate 75.

A cap permits a maximum of 37 digital billboards in the county, with more digital allowed in some areas than others.

County officials estimated about 190 static billboards would be eliminated through the new regulations.

Some sites are off limits to digital including The Heart of Land O’ Lakes Vision Plan, Connerton New Town, the Villages of Pasadena Hills Stewardship District, and the State Road 52 gateway into Dade City.

Published July 11, 2018

Birchwood Preserve in Lutz Opens Phase II

May 23, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published May 23, 2018

New emergency room services available for local residents

February 7, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Two new emergency rooms have opened in Pasco County, giving local residents more convenient choices in times of need.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel had a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of its Central Pasco ER in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital-West Florida Division)

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel opened the doors to its new free-standing Florida Hospital Central Pasco ER in Land O’ Lakes, located offsite from the hospital, on State Road 54, just east of the Suncoast Parkway. The hospital expanded its health services in order to serve more residents in the growing area of central Pasco County.

Construction began last spring, and the new 18,000-square-foot facility features a year-round full-service emergency department with 24 beds and state-of-the-art on-site imaging, such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan and onsite laboratory services.

The new emergency room is staffed with board-certified emergency medicine physicians, as well as nurses who specialize in emergency care.

The Medical Center of Trinity’s new ER 24-7, in Lutz, is now open at 1430 Dale Mabry Highway. (Courtesy of Medical Center of Trinity)

Ambulance services also will be offered for patients who come to the Central Pasco ER and need to be admitted to the hospital.

The offsite emergency room officially began to treat patients on Jan. 29.

The Medical Center of Trinity’s new free-standing emergency department, ER 24-7, in Lutz, is now open at 1430 Dale Mabry Highway, next to Walmart.

The facility offers access to emergency care 24-hours a day, seven days a week, with a multitude of resources for acute care of a serious illness or injury.

The full-service ER provides more advanced emergency services than an urgent care center and will accept patients via ambulance. It also has onsite CT scan, ultrasound and laboratory services, and is staffed by physicians board-certified in emergency care and nurses with emergency care experience and certifications.

Published February 7, 2018

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08/20/2022 – Food Drive

St. Mark’s Chapter of The Order of the Daughters of the King in partnership with The Community Food Pantry will host a Food Drive on Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Road, off Gunn Highway in Tampa. Items needed include canned vegetables, fruit, chicken, tuna, beans and soup; breakfast cereal and grits; granola bars; macaroni and cheese; and peanut butter and jelly in plastic containers. Visit the pantry online at TheCommunityFoodPantry.com. For information, call 813-962-3089, or visit StMarksTampa.org. … [Read More...] about 08/20/2022 – Food Drive

08/20/2022 – Talking Tots storytime

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12119 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a “Talking Tots” storytime on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. Speech therapist Bridget Cibulskis will share tips and tricks for increasing a child’s language development at home, and will read a book to the kids while modeling skills for parents. There also will be a Q&A session. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 08/20/2022 – Talking Tots storytime

08/21/2022 – Book club for adults

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08/23/2022 – Active shooter seminar

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08/23/2022 – Learn about shapes

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host story times about shapes on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24. Toddlers can attend at 10:15 a.m., and preschoolers at 11:15 a.m. Each session includes songs, stories and movement. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 08/23/2022 – Learn about shapes

08/23/2022 – Ride free to polls

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Friendly reminder: #EarlyVoting runs thru Aug. 20, just as it does at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel! #localpolitics #localnews

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