The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

The Shops at Wiregrass

Choices abound for living a thriving life in North Tampa Bay 

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Newcomers to the area, and those who have been here for ages, have something in common: They’re in a place that encourages them to thrive.

There’s no age limit on living a life here that offers a chance to stay fit, to learn, to enjoy diversions, to dine on good meals and to give back to others through service.

Besides being able to take advantage of myriad shopping and dining options, those living in North Tampa Bay can dip into history. One way would be to check out the new Dade City Historical Self-Guided Tour. The 1909 Historic Pasco County Courthouse is the first stop among 82 places of interest. (File)

The North Tampa Bay area really does have it all.

So, how do you thrive at 55 and above? By taking advantage of the area’s many offerings, that’s how.

Explosive growth within The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area has created a buzz — and that has greatly expanded the options available for residents.

Pasco County has been having record years, in terms of construction permits, the property tax has expanded and the county’s population continues to grow at a fast clip.

The local economy has attracted large businesses to locate in Pasco and has spurred new business startups.

The population and job increases have resulted in new restaurants, more shopping options, additional housing choices and increased recreational offerings.

Hot spots for shopping and dining can be found near the interchange of Interstate 75 and State Road 54, and at I-75 and State Road 56.

Some of North Tampa Bay’s major shopping options include:

  • The Grove at Wesley Chapel, west of the I-75/State Road 54 interchange, offers shopping, restaurants and special events. The center, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., also is home to KRATE, a collection of unique shops and restaurants.
  • Cypress Creek Town Center: This development, which flanks State Road 56/State Road 54, west of I-75, offers a wide variety of restaurants, shops and stores, as well as Tampa Premium Outlets, an outlet center which attracts customers from across the region.
  • The Shops at Wiregrass: This pedestrian-friendly shopping mall offers a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as comfortable places for people to rest and relax. It also is the venue for various community events.
Tampa Premium Outlets attracts shoppers from across the region, with its name-brand goods at bargain prices. It has a Key West vibe and is in the midst of all sorts of shops and restaurants at Cypress Creek Town Center, west of Interstate 75, on the south side of State Road 56.

The I-75/State Road 52 interchange also is poised to become a major job generator and will have housing, office and retail components.

On top of all that, the county has the deeply rooted areas of downtown Dade City and downtown Zephyrhills, which offer their own unique appeal.

The region also is expected to play a larger role in the world of research, as Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco campus, known as Speros, develops over time.

When the project gained initial approval, then County Administrator Dan Biles described it as a “generational” type of project, which will have ripple effects for decades.

He and others have said it’s hard for people to fathom the profound impacts Moffitt will have on the area, over time.

For one thing, the cancer center is expected to attract researchers from around the world, as well as enticing global life science companies to locate here. It also is expected to generate high-paying jobs, yield enormous opportunities and open the door for myriad collaborations with local partners.

This rendering depicts what Moffitt Cancer’s Speros FL campus is expected to look like, as the development takes shape. (Courtesy of Moffitt Cancer Center)

Pasco County Schools and Moffitt already are working on plans to create learning experiences for students at Angeline Academy of Innovation, a new magnet high school that opened in August, in the community of Angeline, an emerging “new city” in Land O’ Lakes.

But it’s not all work and no play in North Tampa Bay.

There are plenty of ways to have fun.

People who enjoy outdoor concerts and outdoor events can check out the offerings at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park; at Starkey Ranch Theatre Library and Cultural Center; at the Grove at Wesley Chapel; at The Shops at Wiregrass; and at the county’s many parks, trails and wilderness areas.

Those who enjoy immersing themselves in history can find historic places to explore in the communities of Dade City, St. Leo, San Antonio and Zephyrhills.

Visitors can roam those areas to experience some of Old Florida’s beauty and charm. Those who enjoy an active lifestyle can embrace the challenge of riding San Antonio’s rolling hills, sign up for adult recreation leagues and run 5Ks and other races at local events hosted around the county.

Plus, there are loads of health and wellness classes offered by area health care providers, private gyms and elsewhere.

So, if you’re ready to go for the gusto — you simply have no excuse not to do just that.

Go ahead, get started. The path to living a thriving life awaits you.

Published October 18, 2023

 

Business Digest 10/04/2023

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Pasco Disaster Recovery Center opens
The State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Pasco County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by Hurricane Idalia. The center is at the Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., in Hudson. The hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents are welcome to visit any open DRC — you don’t have to reside in that county.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, people can apply by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply with FEMA is Oct. 30, 2023.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

New leader of development services
The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the appointment of Roy Mazur to serve as the county’s assistant county administrator for development services. Mazur previously worked in that department but left the county.

County Administrator Mike Carballa recommended Mazur for the post, saying he has a good mixture of private and government experience, as well as solid technical skills.

Commissioner Ron Oakley raised objections to the selection and furnished the clerk with a copy of Mazur’s previous resignation letter, which he asked Nikki Alvarez-Sowsls, the county’s clerk and comptroller, to read into the record.

Other county board members either offered support for Mazur’s selection, or supported Carballa’s right to choose his own administrative team.

Mazur said he believes he can be a catalyst to help county developments to create collaborative relationships to lead the county to the next level.

Mazur’s start date is Oct. 9 and his annual salary is $189,000.

Warby Parker Shops opens
Warby Parker, a vision care company, opened its 15th location in Florida at The Shops at Wiregrass on Sept. 30. Warby Parker Shops at Wiregrass expands the company’s access for customers with vision care needs. It offers eye exams, eyeglasses and contacts.

It is located at 28249 Paseo Drive, Suite No. 100, at The Shops at Wiregrass, which is at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

ISI Elite Training to set up
ISI Elite Training will be opening in downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, according to news announced by Avalon Group/sitEX. The fitness center, expected to open in early 2024, is owned by Mark and Tamara Henderson, their daughters Kyrah and Kaylah and their son-in-law EJ McCallum.

The fitness center is committed to providing personalized training in a group setting, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment like the InBody Scanner to help clients achieve their fitness goals. Nutritional guidance, group/team accountability, and fostering a strong sense of community are integral parts of its offerings.

For more information about ISI Elite Training and its services, visit ISIEliteTraining.com.

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

Business banking
Learn about banking essentials — accounts, financing, risk management — for entrepreneurial success. The free session is on Oct. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the SMARTstart Grove Entrepreneur Center, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 202, in Wesley Chapel. The speaker is Michael Anselmo of 5/3 Bank. To register go to SmartstartPasco.com, and click on the events tab.

Free SCORE webinar
Pasco/Hernando SCORE member Bill Gelbach will share pointers on “How to really start your own business” during a free Oct. 10 webinar, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar will review the basics of starting a business including such topics as business structure, establishing a business name, cash flow, and financing. Visit SCORE.org to find the Pasco/Hernando chapter to register for the webinar.

Vending machines with the power ‘to change’ kids

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Pricilla Shillingford, as a mom and nurse, knows how to be prepared with supplies — specifically baby supplies.

And as a mom and a nurse, Shillingford knows there are times when those supplies are forgotten or, unexpectedly, run out.

“My husband and I were always like,” the 31-year-old Land O’ Lakes woman said, “we wish there was a vending machine where you just just grab some wipes or diapers or whatever you may need, where you didn’t have to go into a big store to get it.”

Land O’ Lakes mom Pricilla Shillingford, inspired by one of her kids, thought: ‘Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have vending machines that dispensed needed-in-a-pinch baby supplies, such as formula, diapers, wipes and even snacks and toys?’ So, four years ago, Shillingford started Go Baby Vending and put up a couple of vending machines that supplies on-the-go parents with those items, with locations at the Glazer Children’s Museum and The Shops at Wiregrass. (Mike Camunas)

“When my 4-year-old was an infant,” she continued, “we were always forgetting something or it wasn’t in the car when we were out. So, we thought: “What if those were in a vending machine? I knew plenty of parents like that, where we could spend more time at the event or venue instead of having to leave or stop at Walmart or CVS.”

Schillingford started Go Baby Vending — which is just an ordinary vending machine, however, it is stocked full of baby supplies, such as formula, diapers, wipes, and even snacks and toys. All are necessities an on-the-go parent might need in a pinch.

Schillingford brought in the machines in 2019, originally setting up two locations: at the Tampa Premium Outlets and another in Orlando.

Now, her two locations are at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, and another located The Shops at Wiregrass, inside the restrooms’ alcove between JCPenney and Macy’s.

“These are the first in Florida I’ve seen,” Schillingford said. “It’s so helpful to moms, dads, parents, grandparents — and I like to keep the prices reasonable. I’m a parent — I get it. I’m not going to overpay for something that isn’t that expensive in a store.”

Prices for items start as low as $1, but Schillingford isn’t a total capitalist. She donates 5% of the proceeds to various charities, usually ones geared toward helping children, such as St. Jude’s or All Children’s hospitals.

Choosing locations for the machines involves a bit of strategy, Schillingford said. The vending machine needs to be in venues that will, usually, have plenty of children and families out and about. 

Places such as zoos, museums and parks are typically good spots, as she’s also working on securing locations at Bounce House in Tampa and Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland.

“I also talked to the managers of these places and see what items they think they’d like to see in the machines,” she said.

She gets her inventory from big box stores and local businesses and also occasionally adds new selections. For instance, she just added portable chargers for tablets.

Go Baby Vending has two machines, including this one at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, that dispenses baby supplies such as diapers and formula.

“Those seem to always run out of power as the kids watch them,” she explained.

The VA nurse said her husband, Shomari, and their kids, Jayden, Jovani and Selena, help to maintain and stock the machines.

So far, she’s relied on word of mouth and social media to get the word out about the vending machines.

“When parents find out about it, they think it’s a great thing to have available,” she added. “Parents will spread the word and then at least they have this option if they ever need anything or something else they forgot — as parents, we’ve all been there!”

Go Baby Vending Machines
Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel; and, Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
Details: Two locations (with possibly more to come) of vending machines that dispense much-needed baby supplies, such as formula, diapers, wipes, and even snacks and toys, for parents on the go or in a pinch.

Published August 30, 2023

Mattamy Homes Welcomes Newest Community in Chapel Crossings

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Mattamy Homes is excited to open its newest community, Timberdale at Chapel Crossings, in the Chapel Crossings master-planned community in Wesley Chapel.

Timberdale at Chapel Crossings brings Mattamy Homes’ award-winning paired villas to Wesley Chapel with open and airy layouts that truly live like single-family homes. Three paired villa home designs, the Largo, Oceana and Regatta, will offer 2 to 3 bedrooms plus a flex room or study, and range from 1,431 square feet to 1,765 square feet, and include lawn maintenance for easy, low-maintenance living. Timberdale will feature 3 exterior styles for the paired villas – Coastal, Craftsman and Modern. The Modern design is a new and unique exterior that Mattamy is thrilled to bring to Chapel Crossings. Sales for Timberdale at Chapel Crossings will begin in late February, and two decorated model homes are slated to open in early March.

Conveniently located just a short drive from premiere Pasco County destinations such as The Shops at Wiregrass, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and The Tampa Premium Outlets, Chapel Crossings offers the best of West Central Florida living.

Parkview Myrtle kitchen

Chapel Crossings amenities include a grand clubhouse perfect for private events, an impressive state-of-the-art fitness center with the most modern equipment, a dedicated dog park — the perfect place to make your pet’s day, and a resort-style pool, as well as its very own lazy river, which is the core of the Chapel Crossings experience. Chapel Crossings will be sure to give its residents sun, shade and happiness all year-round.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting new master-planned community, and especially to be offering three types of new homes to fit the changing needs and wants of today’s homebuyer,” says Kathleen Dec, director of marketing for Mattamy Homes.

“Chapel Crossings has meticulously planned fun amenities that are under construction, with an emphasis on beautiful streetscapes and curb appeal, which is something that Mattamy Homes builds into every community and home.”

This 425-acre master-planned community includes single-family and townhome living in addition to the paired villa homes at Timberdale, as well as retail and office space for added convenience. The goal of this community is to allow its residents to enjoy nature-filled surroundings, with a laid-back, homestead feel and fun-loving “creek chic” style that never gets outdated.

Following Timberdale, Mattamy also will be opening a neighborhood of single-family homes — Asbury at Chapel Crossing. Asbury will offer nine single-family home designs from 1,506 square feet to 2,810 square feet and have 2 to 5 bedrooms. Asbury will begin sales in early March, with a designer-decorated model home opening later in March.

Pelican lanai

Both Mattamy neighborhoods will have Florida Green Building Certification and offer an array of energy-efficient green features and a smart home tech package.

Mattamy Homes also will be opening an additional neighborhood of stylish townhomes, Twin Creek at Chapel Crossings, in Spring/Summer.

Volanti Wins 2022 Community of The Year
Located just 4 miles from Interstate 75, off Wesley Chapel Blvd., Volanti offers stylish, low-maintenance townhomes and boasts excellent access to the best of the Wesley Chapel area, including premier shopping and dining destinations at Tampa Premium Outlets, the Grove, and The Shops at Wiregrass.

Volanti was recently awarded the prestigious 2022 Community of The Year by the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

Four home designs – the Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice – are currently available, ranging from 1,667 square feet to 2,574 square feet, with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2.5 to 3 baths. All have 1- or 2-car attached garages and large lanais. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary.

The gated community will have 200 homes at build out, and fun-filled, family friendly amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool with an open-air pavilion, a barbecue area and a fire pit.

Making the community even more attractive is free lawn maintenance, and no Community Development District (CDD) fees.

Four beautiful models are open for tours daily, with private appointments available.

Move-In Ready Homes Available at Parkview at Long Lake Ranch
Positioned along State Road 54 at Sunlake Boulevard is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Parkview also has fun-filled amenities at its amenity center, Parkview Pavilion, that features a resort-style pool, shaded breezeway, cabanas and social gathering areas. Residents of this gated community also enjoy a paw park for dogs, tot lots and fun park areas. Parkview offers low HOA fees for residents.

Topsail great room

There are currently 18 move-in ready homes and townhomes, as well as nine floor plans to choose from, including the Myrtle, which is a thoughtfully crafted 2-story home with 2,713 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 3-car tandem garage.

Parkview at Long Lake Ranch has 6 designer-decorated model homes that are open daily.

Citron Grove
Mattamy Homes also brings its award-winning townhomes to Odessa at an enclave of 60 new townhomes just off Gunn Highway. This community, Citron Grove, offers distinctive Craftsman-style townhomes. Two floor plans are available — the Marianna and Ormond. Citron Grove is just 1.5 miles from the Veterans Expressway, 2 miles from Citrus Park Mall and 12 miles from Tampa’s Westshore Business District and International Airport. The community includes a number of trees and was formerly the Be Mac Nursery. It offers low-maintenance living, value-oriented price points and is zoned for outstanding schools. Two decorated model homes are open daily for tours.

Now is the Time to Buy
Mattamy Homes is now offering generous financing programs buying down mortgage interest rates and closing cost incentives paying most, and in some cases, all closing costs for a limited time at its Tampa area communities. There are also a number of quick move-in homes under construction so buyers can move in sooner, including homes that are already completed. Mattamy invites you to contact a Mattamy New Home Counselor for more information on these special savings and to learn more about the wide selection of available quick move-in homes.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned home builder in North America, with 40-plus years of history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 8,000 families realize their dream of homeownership. In the United States, the company builds homes in Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

For more information about all of Mattamy Homes’ local communities, go to MattamyHomes.com/tampa.

Published January 25, 2023

ICI Homes Finishes The Year Strong

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2022 was a successful year for ICI Homes, one of Florida’s best known and most prestigious home builders.

“I’m proud to say that in 2022, we moved in almost twice as many homeowners in the Tampa Bay and Pasco County areas than the prior year,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

All of these homes, in the spirit of ICI’s brand, were fully customized to each and every homeowner’s interest and style. 

“We’re looking forward to continuing this momentous growth in 2023 in an area that we all love and are thankful to be living in.”

Here are the current updates and future developments of the communities ICI Homes works with here in Pasco County.

MOVE-IN READY HOME AVAILABLE AT LAKE JOVITA
Lake Jovita — an established, flourishing, master-planned community located just north of Tampa in Dade City — currently has one move-in ready home, The Charlotte, available. 

The Charlotte is reminiscent of a quaint cottage with its highly-pitched roof. The floor plan is designed for optimal convenience, allowing owners to enter through a mud room area attached to the garage. The walk-in pantry is just steps away from the mud room, making bringing in the groceries an easy chore. From there, enter the kitchen and open living and dining areas, perfect for entertaining or spending time with the family. This home features a rear master suite for owners to retreat to at the end of the day for privacy.

The Bexley South Series: Rose

SECOND PHASE IN BEXLEY NOW OPEN
Phase Two of Bexley, a planned community embracing a natural setting in Land O’ Lakes, is off to a great start. 

The second phase will feature 32 homesites that are a short walk to Bexley’s premier amenity center, which features a resort-style pool, game room, well-equipped fitness room, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a community cafe.

There are two inventory homes — the Primrose and the Lantana — currently under construction that will soon be available to purchase and ready to move into by the spring.

The Bexley South Series: Iris

The Lantana’s floor plan, which is nearly 1,800 square feet, boasts 12-foot-high ceilings throughout, with several transom windows to allow the beauty of the Florida sunlight in to brighten rooms. A great selling feature of this floor plan is its outdoor, covered lanai that provides ample space for outdoor relaxation.

The Primrose is a two-story plan featuring nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, with a master bedroom suite on the main level, along with one guest bedroom and bathroom. The spacious living area is connected to a beautiful kitchen and dining area, with plenty of gathering room. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room.

CONNERTON IS ALMOST SOLD OUT
Rose Pointe at Connerton — Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community — is almost sold out. One inventory home —  The Egret  — will be available for purchase and move-in by the end of January.

The Egret, one of ICI Homes’ most popular floor plans, has more than 3,000 sq. ft. in space. As owners walk into the home, they’re 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 nook. The master suite features plenty of privacy as well as large his and hers walk-in closets and a spacious bath with separate vanities. Two guest bedrooms and a bathroom on the other side of the home allow enough space for everyone. A functional utility/laundry room is located nearby the two-car garage for all your storage needs with an option for a three-car garage.

PHASE TWO OF PERSIMMON PARK IS UNDERWAY
ICI Homes’ land development team is working hard on Phase Two, which is almost completed. 

“With the continued high demand for the Wesley Chapel area, we are excited to be finishing up phase two,” says Jones.

Located in Wesley Chapel by The Shops at Wiregrass, all Persimmon Park homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home. 

ICI has two model homes — The Primrose and The Lily — up for sale with a leaseback opportunity.

The Lily is just under 1,900 square feet and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an open floor plan concept which is perfect for gatherings. The master suite is privately located in the back of the home and features a large walk-in closet and spacious bath.

ICI Homes model homes 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; the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City; and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Greg Jones at .

Published December 28, 2022

Lighting up the holidays — through fun and décor

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Dozens of Land O’ Lakes boaters took to Lake Padgett on Dec. 17 for the neighborhood’s annual boat parade around the body of water.

It’s that time of year again, when local communities are brimming with holiday spirit — evident through the lighted displays and decorations on homes, storefronts and in town squares, throughout The Laker/Lutz News region.

There have been plenty of celebrations, too, with festivals, gatherings and events — some being held for the first time in about two years due to COVID restrictions.

The Old School House in Lutz reopened for its Christmas Celebration. The Golf Cart and Boat Parades resumed in Land O’ Lakes.

Other festivities have included the Christmas parades in Dade City and Zephyrhills and, of course, the Symphony of Lights, a nightly display at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

Here’s a collection of images we gathered of holiday displays and celebrations around Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Consider this our seasonal greeting to you.

Also, as we approach the New Year, we want to extend our very best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2023.

Published December 21, 2022

 

Downtown Dade City had its annual Christmas Stroll on Dec. 3, featuring vendors, shops and entertainment — up and down Seventh Avenue. There also were Clydesdale-drawn carriage rides.
The City of Dade City decked out a massive Christmas tree outside the historic courthouse at 37918 Meridian Ave.
Jo-Jo Tompkins, left, and Benjamin Robinson, right, pose with Santa and The Grinch, while Andrea Tompkins takes a photo before the Lake Padgett Annual Golf Cart Parade began on Dec. 10.
‘Snow’ falls during the Symphony of Lights night show at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, as the hundreds in attendance watch and film with their smartphones.
Three-year-old Maya Ditmar, an All That Dance performer, poses at the end of a Christmas routine at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. The seasonal event has featured nightly shows from dancers and the Symphony of Lights show.
The Old Lutz Schoolhouse once again was open to the public with its Christmas display. The building had been closed for a two-year hiatus, due to COVID restrictions. It reopened, with its Tree Room, Train Room and Nutcracker Room. It also hosted its Breakfast with Santa and showed Christmas movies on a projector in a small tent outside.
Members of the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team perform a Christmas show on Lake Padgett in Land O’ Lakes on Dec. 17.
Hundreds of golf carts rolled down Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes during the Lake Padgett annual Golf Cart Parade on Dec. 10. The route went through the neighborhood. Both residents and parade participants tossed out candy, beads and other trinkets.
Lyla Jarrett, left, and Bev Jarrett, right, enjoy the Dade City Christmas Parade on Seventh Avenue on Dec. 9.

Thirteen-year-old musician Nikki Lang, of Dade City, plays the piano for people passing by on Seventh Avenue during Downtown Dade City’s Christmas Stroll on Dec. 3.
The Pasco High Marching Band makes its way down Seventh Avenue at the center of Downtown Dade City at Meridian Avenue during the town’s Christmas Parade on Dec. 10.
All That Dance instructor Corina Gallego holds up one of her students, Sophia Landeros, while posing for a fun Christmas picture at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.
AdventHealth Zephyrhills put up its annual Christmas Tree Display and Stroll in front of the main building at 7050 Gall Blvd.

‘Building’ holiday spirit, one bear at a time

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Cindy Ross, of RP&G Printing in Wesley Chapel, knows the importance of every child experiencing the joy of the holiday spirit.

For the last six years (2016 to 2022), Ross has been hosting a Build-A-Bear fundraiser — donating all the stuffed animals to the ABC Program to be distributed to local underprivileged students.

Guests were invited to visit the Build-A-Bear store at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, choose an animal, have it stuffed, pick an outfit and even give it a name. The store’s staff then printed out a ‘birth certificate’ for the child recipient. Monetary donations also were collected, which were put toward building more bears.

The total haul this year for the ABC Program was 161 stuffed animals, said Ross.

Audra Krause, Lisa Moore and Jennie Yingling were happy to ‘build’ stuffed animals to donate to the ABC Program fundraiser, at Build-A-Bear in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Cindy Ross)
Cathy Dileo and her daughter, Olivia, chose several different animals to have stuffed and clothed for the ABC Program fundraiser, at Build-A-Bear in Wesley Chapel. (Cindy Ross)
Fred, left, and Charley were two of the numerous bears chosen, stuffed, clothed and donated to the ABC Program fundraiser at Build-A-Bear, at The Shops at Wiregrass. Participants had the choice to give their animal a name, which was printed on a ‘birth certificate’ for the child recipient. (Mary Rathman)
Barbara Beals has her arms full as she participates in the annual Build-A-Bear fundraiser for the ABC Program for underprivileged students. (Cindy Ross)

ICI Homes’ Second Phase in Bexley Now Open

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ICI Homes, one of Florida’s best known and prestigious homebuilders, has officially opened its second phase of homes in Bexley, a planned community embracing a natural setting in Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s great to be back in Bexley. It’s a wonderful, flagship community,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

“There’s so much the area has — from shops, restaurants, parks and trails — Bexley is able to offer all of that because of its superb location.”

Phase two will feature 32 homesites that are a short walk to Bexley’s premier amenity center, which features a resort-style pool, game room, well-equipped fitness room, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a community cafe.

“It’s basically like having the amenity center in your backyard,” says Jones.

Ranging from 1,500 square feet to 2,800 square feet, the homesites will start in the upper $400s, will have one- and two-story options, and will feature alley garages. Also, due to the homesites’ floor plan elevations, many of them will be offering lake, park or preserve views. All of these homes, in the spirit of ICI’S brand, will be fully customizable to each and every homeowner’s interest and style.

The Primrose is one of the featured floor plans at Bexley. This two-story plan features nearly 2,500 square feet of living space, with a master bedroom suite on the main level, along with one guest bedroom and bathroom. The spacious living area is connected to a beautiful kitchen and dining area, with plenty of gathering room. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room.

Phase Two of Persimmon Park is Opening Soon
Located in Wesley Chapel by The Shops at Wiregrass, all Persimmon Park homes have open floor plans with front porches, and garages and alleys at the back of the home.

One floor plan in particular is the Lantana, which features nearly 1,800 square feet of living space with eight-foot doors throughout the home. The dining area features plenty of space for entertaining, and the spacious kitchen comes with an extra-large island, big enough to sit six people. The Lantana comes with a master bedroom with a luxurious bathroom, two additional bedrooms, a guest bathroom, a flex room and laundry room. It also features a breezeway — perfect for entertaining, no matter the weather.

ICI Homes has one showcase home, The Lily, which is move-in ready. It’s just under 1,900 square feet and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an open floor plan concept which is perfect for gatherings. The master suite is privately located in the back of the home and features a large walk-in closet and spacious bath.

Lake Jovita Continues To Have Great Success
ICI Homes continues to have great success in Lake Jovita — an established master-planned community in Dade City.

One of the inventory homes that will be offered in Lake Jovita is the Costa Mesa.

The Costa Mesa’s 2,500-square-foot open floor plan allows for the living room, kitchen and dining room to be one expansive space sharing plenty of Florida sunlight. A cup of coffee can be enjoyed on the covered lanai. The master suite is at the rear of the home, featuring a large walk-in closet, double vanities and a roomy walk-in shower.

Connerton is Almost Sold Out
Rose Pointe at Connerton — Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community — is almost sold out. One showcase home —  The Egret V — is currently available.

The Egret V is perfect for those who want to enjoy a large, open floor plan. A grand gallery-style foyer provides an immediate view into the open living room, covered lanai, and backyard. The living room is complemented by the gourmet kitchen and nook. The master suite features a large walk-in closet and spacious bath. A functional utility/laundry room near the garage helps with all storage needs.

ICI Homes model homes 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; the Lake Jovita Sales Center is at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City; and the Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa. To schedule a VIP appointment, call 844-349-6401, or email Jones at .

Published October 26, 2022

D.R. Horton’s Westgate at Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel Now Selling Single-Family Homes and Townhomes

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D.R. Horton — the country’s largest homebuilder by volume since 2002* — is currently selling single-family homes and townhomes in its new community, Westgate at Avalon Park, in Wesley Chapel.

Westgate at Avalon Park offers new homes conveniently located off State Road 54 in the center of the fast-growing city of Wesley Chapel. The community is just six miles to Interstate 75, offering easy access to major surrounding cities such as Tampa and Lakeland. Additionally, homeowners will find themselves just minutes from the Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops at Wiregrass, the Grove at Wesley Chapel, countless dining options, and an up-and-coming town center. Schools within the highly rated Pasco County district also are located near Westgate.

Plans for the community include a total of 994 homes, consisting of 768 single-family homes and 226 townhomes. Homesites are a combination of 40-foot, 50-foot, and 60-foot lots, with many lots backing up to conservation sites and idyllic views of the water.

Westgate offers residents a quiet, suburban setting and encompasses 285 acres in the back of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, about a mile from its entrance on SR 54. The community is expected to include its own set of amenities, including a resort-style pool, an open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, a playground, open sports field, and a beautiful picnic area with pavilions.

All D.R. Horton homes come equipped with a Home is Connected® smart home automation system. Both townhomes and single-family homes are expected to be built with concrete block on the first and second floors, which is deemed a superior construction process across Florida. D.R. Horton is the only production builder locally that utilizes concrete block on both floors of its two-story homes.

Available Floor Plans
D.R. Horton offers its Express series townhomes in Westgate at Avalon Park – the Glen and Vale floor plans. These townhomes range from 1,673 to 1,758 square feet with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and start from the low $300s. These open-concept floor plans come equipped with stainless steel appliances — a refrigerator, a built-in dishwasher, an electric range, a microwave, a washer and a dryer.

D.R. Horton also has its Express series single-family lineup of homes starting from the low $300s. Available floor plans include the Allex, seen above.

D.R. Horton also has its Express series single-family lineup of homes starting from the low $300s. Available floor plans include the Allex, Aria, Cali, Darwin, Elston, Ensley, Robie, and Hayden. All floor plans include a two-car driveway and range from 1,504 to 2,605 square feet with three to five bedrooms. These floor plans include open-concept kitchens that come with stainless steel appliances and an outdoor lanai perfect for relaxing, entertaining or outdoor dining.

D.R. Horton recently introduced its Preferred series 60-foot homesite lineup, which includes the Lantana, Coral, Hemingway, Holden, Hawthorne, Camden, Jordyn II, and Torino floor plans. Each of these open-concept homes will have extended tile in the living areas, granite countertops throughout, and other upgraded interior features. These floor plans range from 2,045 to 3,975 square feet, four to five bedrooms, and start from the low $400s.

About D.R. Horton
D.R. Horton Inc., America’s Builder, has been the largest homebuilder by volume in the United States since 2002*. Founded in 1978 in Fort Worth, Texas, D.R. Horton has operations in 105 markets in 33 states across the United States and closed 81,469 homes during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022. The company is engaged in the construction and sale of high-quality homes through its diverse brand portfolio that includes D.R. Horton, Emerald Homes, Express Homes and Freedom Homes, with sales prices generally ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million. Through its mortgage, title and insurance subsidiaries, D.R. Horton provides mortgage financing, title services and insurance agency services for its homebuyers. The company also constructs and sells both single-family and multifamily rental properties, and is the majority-owner of Forestar Group Inc., a national residential lot development company.

About Avalon Park at Wesley Chapel
Avalon Park at Wesley Chapel is a 1,650-acre master-planned community designed to live, learn, work and play. Once completed, it will comprise approximately 4,400 single and multifamily residences and accommodate around 10,000 residents. Its downtown area will boast more than 560,000 square feet of retail spaces and 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space, with new apartments built above the storefronts. For more information, please visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or call 813-783-1515.

D.R. Horton’s Westgate at Avalon Park Sales Center is located at 5327 Oxford Gray Road, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. For more information, call 866-475-3347, or email

D.R. Horton is an equal housing opportunity builder. *As reported by Builder magazine. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Certified Builder Contractor License Number CBC039052

Published October 26, 2022

Pasco board honors Porter family’s approach to growth

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If you’ve ever made a purchase at The Shops at Wiregrass, taken a class at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, or attended an event at the Wiregrass Sports Complex of Pasco County — you’ve benefited from the way the Porter family chose to manage the development of its land holdings.

Acreage once owned by the Porters is now occupied by a multitude of developments — which make up the building blocks of community life.

The family purchased the land in the 1940s, which would become Wiregrass Ranch — a cattle and citrus operation in Wesley Chapel.

Don Porter was known for his visionary and patient approach to growth. The Porter family has played a key role in laying the groundwork for the building blocks of a community that provides places to learn, to heal, to work and to play. (Courtesy of Porter family)

The family pursued and obtained permission for a Development of Regional Impact, and, over time, it sold portions of its land for projects such as Saddlebrook Resort, The Shops at Wiregrass, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, medical offices, apartments, subdivisions and other developments.

It also donated land for Pasco-Hernando State College and the Wiregrass Sports Complex of Pasco County.

The family was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 20 for its contributions toward improving the quality of life in Pasco County.

In previous interviews with The Laker/Lutz News, J.D. Porter explained the family’s philosophy of growth.

He said the family has been selective about the types of projects it brings into Wiregrass Ranch — making sure the user is a good fit and using care to ensure the pace of development allows ongoing projects to become successful before introducing new ones.

The idea, he added, is to have a mix of large and small users, to avoid relying too much on large users, in case they go away.

The family also has cultivated a mix of uses, such as boutique restaurants, shops, and locally owned businesses — as well as the kind of development needed to address basic needs, such as health care and education.

“We could’ve easily sold out to a bunch of different developers, but none of them represented the legacy that my dad and my grandfather really embraced,” Porter previously told The Laker/Lutz News.

The family has shared a collective vision and a collective will for what has been done so far, and for the foundation that has been laid for the future, he added.

One of the family’s contributions to the community was the donation of 60-plus acres for Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

When the Porter campus opened in January 2014, it represented the first opportunity for Wesley Chapel students to attend college in their own community.

In its resolution of appreciation, the Pasco county board recounted some of the family’s history in Wesley Chapel.

James H. and Martha M. Porter established Wiregrass Ranch in the 1940s, raising their sons, Don, Tom and Bill there, the resolution says.

The name Wiregrass Ranch stems from a postcard sent in 1950 by Ed Madill, one of James Porter’s friends. Madill addressed it to “Wiregrass Porter, Gatorville, Florida, USA” and it reached its intended recipient, the resolution adds.

The resolution also notes Bill Porter, the president of Wiregrass Ranch, and the next generation of Porters — including J.D, Quinn, Colby, Haley, Hatcher, Alexis, Rachel, Lynda and Debbie — is continuing the family’s tradition of commitment to the county.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who sponsored the resolution, said the board wanted to acknowledge the Porter’s contributions, not only to Pasco, but also to the region and state.

The Porter family has played a role in shaping the development of Wesley Chapel. They were honored with a resolution of appreciation by the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 20. (Courtesy of Pasco County/Andy Taylor)

Moore characterized the family as being philanthropists, innovators, community-minded and trailblazers.

Moore expressed gratitude for the Porters’ approach.

“They could have sold this land off years and years and years ago. They could have had more money than God, because of this.

“But they’ve been very methodical, in the way they’ve done things, because they wanted to do things right. They want to continue to do things right.”

“They really have this sense of community,” Moore said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano added: “Your family’s commitment from the get-go was always to do this first class. You took your time, you made sure you had it right, you waited for the right people to come in. And the way that you did it methodically, every step of the way, has been fantastic.

“Pasco is so much better off, because of the Porter family,” Mariano said.

J.D. Porter, who spoke on behalf of the family, told the board he appreciated the kind words.

“We still have a long, long path to go,” he said. “We’ve got a long runway that we’re working with, but on behalf of my entire family, thank you guys for making it an environment that we can succeed in, and for continuing to grow.”

“Working with you all and working with staff has become a lot easier and we look forward to a lot more great years, and we’ve got plenty of good stuff to come.”

Published October 26, 2022