The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Stephanie Lerret

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Breaks Ground on Downtown Area

By

Do you dream of living where you work and working where you play? Look no further than Avalon Park Wesley Chapel!

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on July 14, to celebrate the start of construction on the first phase of its highly anticipated downtown area.

This well-attended event comes from a June 2 press release where Avalon Park Group announced they entered into an agreement with Lema Construction. According to the agreement, the three-story, 73,067-square-foot mixed-use building plans to include 40 multi-family apartments and 23,720 square feet of commercial/retail space on the ground floor. Initial plans for the commercial/retail space include an approximately 12,000-square-foot food hall called The Marketplace at Avalon Park, as well as a co-working space, The 5th Floor.

(Courtesy of OurTownFla.com)

“This phase of construction really helps us move even closer to that vision of building a place where families can build memories and traditions together in a town they can call their own,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO, Avalon Park Group.

“And while this may not be the most cost-effective time to begin construction, we feel like it is important to continue on to the next step in developing our vision for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.”

Additionally, a 2-acre community park with an amphitheater is in permitting and will begin construction later this year. The park will host community events such as Avalon Aglow and Fourth of July celebrations, as well as community partners like Jazz Under the Starz and The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, who are already hosting events and activities in the community. Construction of both the park and mixed-use building are scheduled for completion in late 2023.

Upon completion, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will encompass more than 1,800 acres and will host approximately 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of office space in its downtown. The initial construction in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began in 2019 with the addition of the Pinecrest Academy K-7 Charter School. Pinecrest also is now under construction of its second phase, which includes the addition of approximately 600 sixth- to eighth-grade student stations.

The Vision of Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
“We are creating a town very much like the footprints of small towns found across America,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for Avalon Park Group.

“Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will bring conveniences like dining, shopping, schools, grocery stores, and your neighborhood doctor all within a short walk or bike ride from your home,” says Lerret.

At Downtown Avalon Park, there will be room for everyone — from entrepreneurs wanting to showcase their businesses in storefronts, local marketplaces where chefs can serve and musicians play, schools for children to learn, medical centers where neighbors can receive exceptional care, and even a general store where artisans can share their wares. All of it will lie along the sidewalks of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s picturesque town.

This way of living stems from Kahli’s upbringing in Switzerland.

“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.

Kahli’s hometown culture was the blueprint for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, where his vision is to create a town where residents from all stages of life could live, learn, work and play.

For more information on Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, please visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or email

Published July 27, 2022

Live Jazz is Back at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

By

Supporting the arts and providing a venue for local artists have always been core goals of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a master-planned community located east of Interstate 75 on State Road 54. The latest addition to this vision is Jazz Under the Starz, which has been hosting monthly concerts at Avalon Park’s downtown area.

“There is something about music that soothes the soul and brings people together,” says Arlene Brooks, organizer of Jazz Under the Starz and owner of Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks in New Tampa.

“Music doesn’t have a color to it — it brings people together and makes your soul feel good. Music is my inspiration, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than watching people come together to share in this joy.”

“We are so excited to bring Jazz Under the Starz to our community,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We love offering things to do for our families, and especially have a passion for sharing the arts. Jazz under the Starz is exactly the type of organization we want to support, and fits perfectly with our goal of enhancing and bringing more attention to arts and culture.”

Jazz Under the Starz is held every third Saturday of the month, with a different band performing at each concert.

“These types of concerts and events really aren’t going on anywhere else in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel,” says Brooks.

“I want it to be a place where people can come and join together to celebrate the music. Everybody loves music, and it helps you forget about the hardships of life.”

The next Jazz Under the Starz concert will be on May 21, at 33501 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, located behind Pinecrest Academy, on Avalon Park property.

Project Necessary will be the headline act, and will bring a smooth mix of Jazz, Funk and R&B to Jazz Under the Starz.

For the past 20 years, Project Necessary has entertained audiences globally in places such as Hawaii, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Turkey and Egypt.

The group’s nucleus consists of Dave Chipman (drums), Sam Diego (keys), Al Chisim (Sax) and bassist Dale Horton.

General admission is $20, which can be purchased at JazzUnderTheStarz.com. Kids under 12 get in for free, and Brooks says pets are allowed as long as they aren’t aggressive and the owners are cleaning up after their furry friends.

Concert guests also can bring their own lawn chairs and coolers.

For more information about the musical events, visit JazzUnderTheStarz.com.

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel 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 Lerret. “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 April 27, 2022

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s Founder Welcomes All to Community

By

 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

By

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

By

“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

By

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

By

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

Jazz Under the Starz New Arts Series at Avalon Park

By

Supporting the arts and providing a venue for local artists have always been core goals of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a master-planned community located east of I-75 on State Road 54. The latest addition to this vision is Jazz Under the Starz, which recently hosted its first concert at Avalon Park’s community center.

Arlene Brooks, a resident of San Antonio, is the founder of Jazz Under the Starz.

“There is something about music that soothes the soul and brings people together,” says Arlene Brooks, organizer of Jazz Under the Starz and owner of Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks in New Tampa. “Music doesn’t have a color to it — it brings people together and makes your soul feel good. Music is my inspiration, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than watching people come together to share in this joy.”

Brooks began inviting professional jazz musicians to perform at her coffee shop after it opened in November 2019. Just a few months later, COVID closed the business, and when it reopened last summer, Brooks moved the musicians to the parking lot outside her Pebble Creek location and renamed it Jazz Under the Starz.

“Because of social distancing, we could not bring back live music inside the coffee shop, so we moved it outside. People liked this so much that our weekend shows were attracting 300 to 400 people, and the crowd became too large to continue in our parking lot,” explains Brooks.

Leroy Brim played jazz guitar at the April Jazz Under the Starz.

It was this challenge that brought Brooks and Stephanie Lerret of Avalon Park together. Both are members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber President Hope Kennedy brought them together to see if they could help each other out.

“When Stephanie suggested we move Jazz Under the Starz to Avalon Park, it was the perfect solution for today and the future,” explains Brooks. “I learned that Avalon Park is building an amphitheater in its new downtown, and Stephanie wanted us to locate there when it opens. And until then, she invited us to play at Avalon Park’s community center.”

It was a beautiful evening on April 24, when the first Jazz Under the Starz was held at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, with John Patti on steel drums, and Leroy Brim and T. Foxx on guitar. Folks brought chairs to relax in under the stars, mingled with neighbors and enjoyed the soothing music.

“The event was great and the atmosphere was awesome. Jazz Under the Starz is spreading like wildfire!” said Brooks.

In addition to musicians, Jazz Under the Starz invites other artists to exhibit and perform, including Shawn Rainey of Wesley Chapel, an abstract painter who painted a canvas during the April 24 event at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Jazz Under the Starz will be brought to Avalon Park every third Saturday of the month, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Music will feature smooth jazz, including musicians on guitar, sax, clarinet, keyboard, violin and steel drum. Brooks also invites other artists to exhibit and perform alongside the musicians. This includes painters (Shawn Rainey of Wesley Chapel painted during the April event) and dancers, including the Tampa Bay Ballet.

The cover fee to attend Jazz under the Starz is just $10, and children 12 and under are free. The next Jazz Under the Starz is Saturday, May 15.

“We are so excited to bring Jazz Under the Starz to our community,” says Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We love offering things to do for our families, and especially have a passion for sharing the arts. Jazz under the Starz is exactly the type of organization we want to support, and fits perfectly with our goal of enhancing and bringing more attention to arts and culture.”

This fall, Avalon Park is breaking ground on its new downtown, which includes an amphitheater for performing arts, and the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery in conjunction with the Pasco Fine Arts Council. The community began its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council in 2019, offering its Welcome Center as a new gallery for residents on the east side of Pasco County.

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.

The first phase will include five buildings and 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

At build out, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. This 1,650-acre master-planned community will be home to 10,000 residents.

For more information about Avalon Park and its events, call 813-783-1515, or email . Information is also available at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, and its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Jazz Under the Starz
Sat., May 15
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Community Center – Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
$10 cover charge; children 12 and under free
Reservations at JazzUndertheStarz.com

Published April 28, 2021

Absolutely Avalon Celebrates Spring with FREE Family Fun Activities

By

Of the many things that sets Avalon Park Wesley Chapel apart from other planned developments is its long history of organizing special events for area residents to enjoy.

In just a few weeks, the community is hosting Absolutely Avalon on Saturday, April 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This fun, safe event has family friendly activities, including local musicians, a rock climbing wall, stilt walkers, inflatable obstacle course and bumper boats, and a laser light show beginning at dusk. Parking is on River Glen Boulevard within the Avalon Park community. No preregistration is needed.

For art lovers, the Pasco Fine Arts Council continues its art exhibit featuring watercolor artist Peter Watrous through April 23, inside the Welcome Center at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. A reception was held last week to meet the artist and showcase his works. Several of Watrous’ works that are still on display can be viewed at PascoArts.org/peter-watrous-gallery, along with the prices.

The Watrous exhibit is one of many shows hosted by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, in conjunction with the Pasco Fine Arts Council.  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 Avalon Park Group also is planning to build a permanent Arts Center in its new downtown.

Why Families Choose Avalon Park
In addition to its many community events and art shows, 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.”

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 plans 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 more than 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.

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.

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.

Absolutely Avalon
Sat., April 17
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel FL 33545

Peter Watrous Exhibition
Through April 23
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F
Free admission
East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery
Avalon Park Welcome Center
33613 State Road 54

For more information about Avalon Park and its events, call 813-783-1515, or email . Information is also available at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, and its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Published March 31, 2021

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

By

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