The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

The Shops at Wiregrass

Business Digest 05/04/2022

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(Courtesy of San Antonio Credit Union)

Credit union celebrates history
A six-panel display has been installed to showcase the history and mission of the San Antonio Citizens Credit Union.

Local artist Kent Ross recently completed the display, which celebrates the credit union that was founded in 1955 and recently opened a new Operations Center in San Antonio, according to a news release.

Patty Sarne, the credit union’s president and CEO commissioned the art panels, which are on display at the main entry.

The panels illustrate the story of the credit union, through the people who have helped it prosper, and also reflect how the credit union’s membership has grown through the years.

In the news release, Ross said he was pleased to take on the project, “the history of this credit union was rich and they supplied me with some great memorabilia to incorporate into my design along with great stories – the first days business was conducted out of a cigar box!”

He also noted that he has been a member of the credit union for 40 years, so he’s personally seen how it has transformed through the years.

Hiring employees to help you succeed
This free workshop, presented through Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s SMARTstart program, helps employers hire employees that fit within the culture and brand of their business.

The workshop will be on May 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at SMARTstart @ The Grove, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 202, Wesley Chapel.

To register, visit SmartStartPasco.com/the-grove-entrepreneur-center.

Chamber seeking award nominees
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has set is annual awards celebration for Aug. 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Southport Springs Golf & Country Club.

Nominees are being sought in these categories:

  • Small Business of the Year: Up to 25 employees
  • Large Business of the Year: Over 25 employees
  • The Diamond Award (nonprofit)
  • Leadership in Government/Economic Development Champion
  • Citizen of the Year
  • Alice Hall Community Service Award (for a lifetime of contributions toward the betterment of Zephyrhills).

Last year’s winners are not eligible in the same category this year.

For more information, visit the chamber’s website at ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Grand openings/ribbon-cuttings
These grand openings and ribbon-cuttings were announced by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce:

  • Optum Dental Arts, on May 5 from noon to 1 p.m., at 5721 Gunn Highway. Lunch provided by Capital Tacos.
  • Woodie’s Wash Shack, 17322 State Road 54, in the Ballantrae area of Land O’ Lakes. Prizes and giveaways were included during the April 29 event.

This grand opening and ribbon-cutting was announced by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce:

  • Jamm Gymnastics, 5048 Airport Road, in Zephyrhills. Held on April 30, the event featured activities, prizes and tours.

Connecting small construction business to lenders
The Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County and Valley Bank are hosting a construction and contractor small business loan conference at Hotel Haya, 1412 Seventh Ave., in Tampa. The free event is set for May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Advanced registration is recommended. Call 813-204-9267, or visit HCFLGov.net/FSBDC for more information.

Upcoming free SCORE webinars

  • May 11, noon to 1 p.m.: Hiring to grow your business
  • May 19, noon to 1 p.m.: Five challenges when starting a business
  • May 31, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Creating and using your business plan

Register today at PascoHernando.score.org.  

Pasco Hernando SCORE also offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring.

New offerings at The Shops at Wiregrass
The Shops at Wiregrass is expanding its directory of permanent tenants.

Jabz Boxing recently opened. It offers High Intensity Interval Training (HITT) group fitness classes for trainees of all fitness levels. Its signature fitness circuit incorporates kickboxing, cardio, plyometrics, agility, and functional training exercises.

These businesses are coming soon:

  • Signature Workspace: Signature Workspace offers a variety of spaces for freelancers and growing businesses alike. Signature Workspace aims to provide an elevated remote-working experience for Wesley Chapel residents starting in early 2023.
  • The Living Room: The Living Room invites guests to experience their culinary creations beginning this summer. Dishes are served as they are ready, rather than all at once, to ensure freshness and create a unique tasting experience for guests. Serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and a variety of craft cocktails.
  • Leonidas Chocolates: Beginning this summer, Leonidas Chocolates will offer assorted chocolate boxes to single-serve chocolate treats. Its chocolates are made with 100% pure cocoa butter.
  • Body Details True Laser Treatment Center: A one-stop shop for cosmetic laser treatments. Body Details features a team of advanced practice Nurse Practitioners. They provide services ranging from laser hair and tattoo removal to skin rejuvenation procedures such as the removal of acne scarring and dark spots. Body Details will accept new patients beginning this summer.
  • Crazy Sushi: Creating an all-you-can-eat dining experience, Crazy Sushi features a menu of fresh and savory, sushi and hibachi dishes that guests can keep ordering until they’re full, for a flat rate. Crazy Sushi is set to open this fall.

To view full directory, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/directory/.

New sandwich shop opens
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop has opened a shop at 1948 Collier Parkway, in Lutz.

This is the first of 15 locations that entrepreneur Scott Crawford plans to open across the Tampa Bay area, with each shop adding 20 to 25 jobs to the local economy.

This is Carpriotti’s second Florida location, according to a news release.

The shop serves cheesesteaks, turkey subs and more.

Crawford is no stranger to the restaurant industry. With his first job out of high school as a pizza delivery driver, Crawford now has over 20 years of experience in the food service industry.

The Lutz Capriotti’s will offer a convenient order-ahead option, in addition to third-party delivery services.

Capriotti’s is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily. For additional information, visit Capriottis.com, or call the location at 813-553-3745.

Commercial growth popping up in Pasco

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Brick-and-mortar projects are rising rapidly, expanding Pasco County’s booming growth.

Construction crews are building shops, restaurants, Class A offices, gas and convenience stores, and car washes — on sites with “Coming Soon” signs.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction at the Cypress Creek Town Center, off Sierra Center Boulevard, next to Bonefish Grill. (Kathy Steele)

The county’s major commercial corridors – State Road 54 and State Road 56 – remain the epicenters of a construction juggernaut.

But Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41, is an emerging source of expanded commercial and retail development.

Workers in hard hats and construction equipment engaged in projects are common sights on primary corridors in Pasco County.

Beginning on State Road 56, east of Interstate 75, options at The Shops at Wiregrass are expanding, or have expanded, to include Body Details; Crazy Sushi; Leonidas; and The Living Room.

New arrivals nearby include the Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Morningstar Storage.

On the west side of I-75, on State Road 56, new businesses are opening at Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center.

Zaxby’s opened in September on an outparcel on the south side of State Road 56, as part of the Cypress Creek Town Center. A Chicken Salad Chick restaurant is expected to open in a shell building under construction next door.

Tampa Premium Outlets, on the south side of the state highway, is adding Zumiez, according to the outlet’s website. The store features “cutting-edge” clothing, shoes, accessories and brand names for skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing.

Zaxby’s fast-food chicken restaurant opened in September on an outparcel of the Cypress Creek Town Center expansion, also on the south side of State Road 56, between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Sun Vista Drive. Chicken Salad Chick is expected to occupy space in a new building under construction next to Zaxby’s, according to county permits.

On the north side of State Road 56, a Carrabba’s Italian Grill is under construction, next to Bonefish Grill in the Cypress Creek Town Center.

El Dorado is a 70,000-square-foot furniture store that will showcase as many as 20 storefronts offering furniture choices from contemporary to traditional. It is being built in front of Brighthouse Crossings apartments, near the Cypress Creek Town Center and Tampa Premium Outlets. A June opening is anticipated.

Also, a January 2023 opening is expected for the 300-unit, four-story Silversaw apartment homes, on Garden Village Way, off the town center’s Sierra Center Boulevard. Work also continues for the 260-unit Garrett Apartments at Cypress Creek Town Center..

Heading toward Land O’ Lakes, the Avila Living apartment complex is rising at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard. Brick-and-mortar also is visible now at EOS Fitness.

U.S. 41, heading west from State Road 54, has had activity in recent months, too.

Circle K and 7-Eleven opened new gas stations and convenience stores on the federal highway, which locally is known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The Circle K replaced a demolished older strip mall at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Hale Road. The 7-Eleven and a Radiant car wash filled out a vacant corner at the Bell Lake Road intersection.

Land O’ Lake residents are eagerly awaiting the opening of Stonewater Grill, which fronts Bell Lake.

Stonewater Grill is a waterfront restaurant that is expected to open on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard in early May. The restaurant will offer a range of menu options, craft beers and cocktails, a wine room, and an outdoor bar with patio dining.

In its previous renditions, the restaurant operated as Rapscallions, was rumored to be a future Hooter’s location that never came to fruition, and then served customers as Mosquito Grill and Bar, before closing and falling into disrepair.

Years ago, county officials moved to demolish the vacant and dilapidated structure.

But co-owners Dominic Difante and Scott Harris saw potential and now plan to open Stonewater Grill in early May.

They tore down most of the old structure and replaced it with a modern, stone-infused restaurant that will offer what Difante describes as an “elevated casual” dining experience.

The menu will include burgers, wings, tuna, steaks, chicken, and other options to please all tastes, Difante said.

There also will be patio dining with a bar, a wine room, a large event room with a bar, and an outdoor lounge area. He hopes to see customers dining, watching sports on large screen television, and returning two to three times a week, he added.

He hopes in the future to build a 75-foot dock, also suitable for outdoor dining.

“It’s a good area, a visible area,” Difante said. “I’m glad to be here.”

Projects galore on State Road 54
On State Road 54, moving west of the U.S. 41 intersection, an array of shops, restaurants, Class A offices and new apartments are transforming former pastureland.

The Shops at Ballantrae and the Cypress Ranch residential and commercial development especially are busy.

The Hub at Bexley is a new shopping and activity center at Bexley by Newland master-planned community, off State Road 54. Several shops and restaurants are scheduled to open by the end of 2022.

At Ballantrae, on Aprile Drive, the 54 Crossings Professional Center is under construction. The Class A office project includes two 60,000-square-foot office buildings. It will offer luxury flexible office space, lush landscaping, bicycle racks, a pavilion and walking trails, according to its website.

A shell building is under construction, also on Aprile, that will include a Five Guys restaurant and Trulieve, a medical marijuana store, according to county permits.

Opposite Ballantrae, Cypress Ranch is adding apartments and retail. Aldi’s grocery store, on Skybrooke Road, and Panda Express, on Harpers Run, are under construction. County permits also show work underway for EOS Fitness, Pacific Dental Services, The Learning Experience, and Chick-fil-A.

Next to a new Circle K gas and convenience store, Burger King is serving burgers and Woodie’s Car Wash is cleaning cars.

4 & Co. is a luxury business center and co-working space under construction on Bexley Village Drive in Bexley by Newland master-planned community.

Further west toward the Suncoast Parkway, The Hub at Bexley, off Bexley Village Drive, plans to open by the end of 2022. Its website lists future tenants for what is promised as a community gathering center, where residents can “come, stay and play.”

Among future tenants are Amazing Lashes; Bubbakoo’s Burritos; Checkmate Escape Rooms; Downright Deli & Donuts; Dr. Bawany dental office; Duckweed Liquors; Headlines Barbers; Haute Nails and Spa; P-Fit Fitness; Revolution Ice Cream; and The Poke Company.

Off Bexley Village Drive and Early Riser Drive, 4 & Co. Is planned for a summer 2022 opening. The company will offer about 35,000 square feet of Class A offices and co-workspaces. Amenities include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, a treatment room for acupuncture, and conference rooms.

The Springhill Suites by Marriott, also on Bexley Village Drive, is checking in guests.

In Odessa, commercial development at Starkey Ranch is expanding.

A new retail center – Shoppes at Starkey Crossings – is scheduled for an early 2023 opening on the north side of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway, opposite the Starkey Ranch Town Square, anchored by Publix. Details on tenants are not announced, but the shopping center will have 20,000 square feet of leasable space, including a drive-thru window at one end.

Stay tuned. There’s more to come in Pasco, soon.

By Kathy Steele

Published April 20, 2022

The Demand is High for ICI Homes in Pasco County 

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There’s a large increase in buyers from all different markets across the country trying to move to the Tampa Bay area and Pasco County.

“We’re seeing an overwhelming amount of interest from the East to West coasts,” says Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes.

Because of the high demand, ICI Homes is offering limited releases on a monthly basis in Lake Jovita and Connerton.

“We are seeing a lot of growth in Dade City. Families love the short, 20-minute drive to Wesley Chapel and the old-fashioned charm of downtown Dade City,” says Jones.

Only one inventory home, with the Arden floor plan, is still available and move-in ready in the residential community.

The Arden is a 2,402-square-foot, 4 bed/3 bath one-story home that is designed for entertaining and gracious family living. The foyer leads to a large living room centrally located for maximum convenience. A spacious gourmet kitchen and dining area are perfect for entertaining guests or spending quality time with the family. Views from the dining room look out on the covered lanai and large backyard.

“My favorite part about the Arden is the open living area, along with the master suite and bathroom,” says Jones.

The master suite features a luxurious bath and a large double-entry walk-in closet. The home is designed so that children and guests can enjoy their own separate spaces. It also includes a 3-car garage.

As for Connerton, Jones says demand is equally as high.

“Connerton, Pasco County’s largest, master-planned, mixed-use community is located in Land O’ Lakes and is one of the developments that many people are interested in,” says Jones.

Rose Pointe, a small gated community within Connerton, offers a clubhouse with a full-time activities director, fitness center, gym, large resort-style pool and more. This small gated community is one of the many features that makes Connerton stand out to potential homebuyers.

Another gem in the Rose Pointe community is the Connerton Nature Preserve, which features a scenic 2-mile trail that winds through natural wilderness, lakes and wetlands. The trail’s 10-foot-wide sidewalks allow for easy biking and walking through Connerton’s picturesque landscape.

Phase Two of Persimmon Park Is Progressing
The land development team is working hard on phase two, and Jones is excited for the recent progress.

“With the continued high demand for the Wesley Chapel area, we are excited to have finished phase one of Persimmon Park and are looking forward to starting phase two as soon as possible,” 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. Its amenity center includes a unique, T-shaped luxury pool with cabanas and a grilling area.

The Primrose is Persimmon Park’s most popular floor plan. 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 room for family and friends to gather. The second story includes two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a bonus room that is perfect for gaming, entertaining, family time or guest privacy.

Asturia Is Temporarily Sold Out
Asturia, a 550-home master-planned community situated on 500 pristine acres in Odessa along the State Road 54 corridor, just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway, is sold out of lots.

“Even though we are currently sold out, we are still welcoming VIP appointments to potential buyers in Asturia,” says Jones.

ICI Homes is the exclusive builder in Asturia and has built plenty of inventory homes, including the one-story, 2,193-square-foot Juliette III, for families looking for open and spacious floor plans that include Florida-lifestyle features like summer kitchen patios, open balconies, and tons of windows.

“Asturia is one of the most successful developments in Pasco County, which residents love for its smaller size and convenient location to major roadways,” said Jones.

Asturia offers a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with dog parks and pocket parks. Its distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center includes a fully equipped fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

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

Published February 23, 2022

Pasco plans to take a look at its transit services

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GoPasco — Pasco County’s public transit agency — is planning to take a look at the services it provides and whether it needs to change them.

Kurt Scheible, the county’s director of public transportation, discussed the upcoming study with the board of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Pasco MPO board — made up of elected leaders of Pasco County, Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port Richey — is the transportation planning agency for the county.

Scheible said a study, which will be awarded based on a request for proposals, will aim at helping the county deliver the services based on customer needs and demand.

Essentially, he said, the question is: “What can I do to make it better for people in Pasco County go get to where they want to — easy? How do I help them overcome transportation barriers to get to where they need to go?

“I don’t care what the destination is. That’s what we’re looking for. Nothing is off the table,” Scheible said.”

Some ideas he would like to explore, include:

  • Can we get to some of the beautiful sporting complexes?
  • Is there a way we can serve Saint Leo University better?
  • What about providing a shuttle during the holidays between The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets? That way, motorists could park at one place, and go back and forth to shop and dine.

He told MPO board members that he wants a robust public participation process and told the board that its members will have the chance to weigh in on the issues.

Pasco County plans to study its transit services, with the aim of finding ways to get as many people as possible to where they need or want to go. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“We’re looking at every aspect of the county,” he said, and the goal is to let the citizens and the MPO board have a significant impact on where the transit agency is going.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez welcomes the opportunity.

“I’m happy that we’re having this conversation,” she said. “I look forward to being included.”

Scheible said possible approaches could include a “mobility system on demand.”

He said he may be unfamiliar with such systems, but a consultant with experience of seeing transportation systems across the nation might be knowledgeable.

“I may have read about it in an article or heard about it from somebody, but they have actually helped design it somewhere across the country,” he said. “Maybe they can put something in place like that.”

Scheible made it clear: “I’m not saying what needs to be done. The citizens, the stakeholders, are telling me what needs to be done.”

The study should reveal the centers where people are traveling to, he said.

“We won’t be able to meet everybody’s needs, but we’ll come up with the best solution that we can do and move forward,” Scheible said.

Zephyrhills Councilman Lance Smith said that transit is likely to play a larger role, as increased traffic continues to slow movement for motorists across the county.

“It takes 20 or 30 minutes to get to a place where I used to be able to go to in 10 minutes,” Smith said.

“Every one of you knows how bad the traffic is, and it’s not going to get any better,” Smith said.

“So, I think people may be willing to ride public transport.

“I think we all need to work together on it.

“Thanks, Kurt, we’ll put on our thinking caps.” Smith added.

Bus shelters
On another issue, Scheible updated the board on the status of pursuing some new bus shelters across the county.

Jacksonville’s transit agency has a bus shelter contract that Pasco can use to speed up the process, Scheible said.

“The good news about this is that the company will actually be able to design what we would like to have done and they’ll tell us what the price is, and we can move forward from there,” Scheible said.

“So, we’ll be able to present some options to you and you’ll have some input on which shelters you’d like in your area.

“The other good news is that we actually got the concrete and the civil engineering contracts in place to be able to put the bus shelters in.

“We’ll pour the concrete and make sure that we meet all of the codes, and so forth,” Scheible said.

Published January 19, 2022

Looking to make your holidays merrier?

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If you want to amp up your holiday cheer, you have plenty of choices throughout Tampa Bay.

From a floating pirate ship light display in the Hillsborough River, to visits with Santa at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, to ice skating rinks at the St. Pete Pier, Curtis Hixon Park and Tropicana Field — there seems to be something for everyone who wants to get out for some fun.

Here’s a sampling of highlights:

Celebrate Christmastime at Snowcat Ridge theme park in Dade City by chilling out in a snow play dome, ice skating, snow tubing or renting an igloo. (Courtesy of Snowcat Ridge)

PASCO COUNTY

• Through Dec. 31: “Symphony in Lights,”  at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, features snowfalls, Christmas trees, and lights dancing to music. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; free. TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

• Dec. 15: Holiday Movie Night in the Garden, with “Christmas Vacation” and an ugly Christmas sweater contest, at Florida Avenue Brewery, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. 7 p.m.; free. FloridaAveBrewing.com; 813-452-6333.

• Dec. 18: Mrs. Claus Craft Fair, at Harley-Davidson of New Port Richey, 5817 State Road 54, New Port Richey; noon to 4 p.m.; NPRharley.com; 888-296-4819.

• Dec. 21 to Dec. 23: Church Street Christmas, along Church Avenue in downtown Dade City. This features carolers, dancers and musicians, decorated homes, luminary-lit sidewalks and more. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; ChurchStreetChristmas.org for parking information.

• Daily: Ice skate and snow tube, play in a snow dome, even rent an igloo at Snowcat Ridge theme park, at 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. The alpine snow park also features shopping, food and drinks. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., or 11 p.m., depending on date. Tickets, $39.95, sold at SnowCatRidge.com. 813-576-1450.

ZooTampa celebrates with ‘Christmas in the Wild,’ showcasing light displays, holiday enter-tainment, music and a holiday marketplace. (Courtesy of ZooTampa)

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

• Through Dec. 23: 40th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll, at the Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, with Christmas past exhibits, tiny antique Christmas trees, vintage Santas, a 14-foot tree adorned with antique ornaments; holiday music, refreshments and more. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advanced tickets required. Adults, $16, seniors, $14, youth, $10. Buy online at PlantMuseum.com; 813-254-1891. Masks required.

• Through Dec. 30: “Christmas in the Wild,” at ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, features light displays, entertainment, and Twinkletown Marketplace with holiday treats and ornament displays. A red-and-white lit Candy Cane Carousel and Mrs. Claus’ Sweets Shoppe are other delights, along with Christmas treats and drinks for sale. Times vary per night. Reservations encouraged for timed tickets selling for $29.95, for ages 3 and older. Buy at ZooTampa.org; 813-935-8552.

• Through Jan. 2: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, features thousands of twinkling lights, holiday shows, Santa visits, ice skating and fireworks shows, music, food, and train rides under lights. Admission starting at $90 for adults. Nightly; BuschGardens.com; 813-884-4386.

• Through Jan. 2: The Polar Express 4-D Experience, at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Dec. 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids can make socially distanced Santa visits. From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Snow Days features a Winter Wonderland Dance Party, interactive activities and times when visitors can throw snowballs at “pollution monsters plaguing our oceans.” Advance, timed tickets are encouraged and sold at FLaquarium.org. Prices vary by day but are generally about $30 for adults, $27 for ages 3-11, and free for ages 2 and younger. 813-273-4000.

The Victorian Christmas Stroll, at the Henry B. Plant Museum on the University of Tampa cam-pus, in downtown Tampa, features trees adorned with antique ornaments, exhibits of Christ-mases past, as well as holiday music and refreshments. (Courtesy of the Henry B. Plant Museum)

• Through Jan. 2: Downtown Tampa’s Winter Village, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, offers ice skating, a cafe, shopping and holiday activities sponsored by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hours vary by day. For details and ice skating tickets, see WinterVillageTampa.com.

• Dec. 18: Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River downtown. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. See from The Tampa Riverwalk, lit up with Christmas lights and twinkling trees now through Jan. 2. Also, see floating light displays – think pirates and a pirate ship – in the river, buy drinks and food in restaurants and bars along the walk. For directions and parking information, see TheTampaRiverWalk.com.

• Dec. 18: Watch the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade aboard the American Victory Ship & Museum, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Enjoy entertainment, spirits and eats from food trucks. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4-12, free for 3 and younger. AmericanVictory.org. 813-228-8766.

PINELLAS COUNTY

• Through Jan. 2: “Enchant Christmas,” at Tropicana Field, Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, features a Christmas light maze and village, an ice skating trail, thousands of lights, holiday treats and music, Santa, an artisan Christmas market and more. Adults, $25 to $35; ages 3 to 17, $25. Christmas brunches and dinners are an additional fee. Hours vary by date. See EnchantChristmas.com for details. 833-362-6445.

• Through Jan. 17: Winter Beach, at St. Pete Pier’s Spa Beach Park, 600 Second Ave., N.E., St. Petersburg, cools things down with a real-ice ice skating rink, Santa, an arcade, free holiday concerts, and a holiday market with local vendors and artists. Free admission. Skating fee, $17 for 75 minutes, which includes skate rentals.  See WinterBeachStPete.com to purchase timed skating tickets and to view skating hours. The pier district is generally opened from 30 minutes before sunrise to 11 p.m.

• Dec. 16: Christmas Extravaganza Market, 612 Cleveland St., Clearwater, with 50 local artisans and businesses at pop-up shops circling a Christmas tree. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. TheMarketCulture.com.

• Dec. 16 to Dec. 20: Christmas at the Station, at the Dunedin History Museum, 349 Main St., Dunedin, presents a North Pole Christmas experience with elves, visits with Santa, children’s activities, snow, snowball contests and musical performances. Hours vary by date. Tickets, $20, (free for age 1 and younger) must be purchased in advance online at DunedinMuseum.org. 727-736-1176.

• Dec. 18: Brunch with Santa at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, includes admission to the aquarium, brunch and a family photo with Santa. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $54.95 for adults, $44.95 for children. Reservations encouraged. Buy tickets online at CMaquarium.org. 727-441-1790.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published December 15, 2021

Enchant Christmas transforms Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg into a winter wonderland, with an illuminated ice skating trail, a light maze, artisan market and more. (Courtesy of Enchant Christmas)

 

 

 

Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass features decorated trees, snowfalls, and lights dancing to music. The Wesley Chapel event draws big crowds. (Courtesy of The Shops at Wiregrass)
Sonny Masterson, of Tarpon Springs, serves up hot chocolate at the ‘chocolate bar’ at Snowcat Ridge. (Courtesy of Penny Carnathan)
Sonny and Sierra Masterson, of Tarpon Springs, get a thrill on the snow tubing slide at Snowcat Ridge. Sonny wanted to play in snow for his fifth birthday. (Courtesy of Trent Alyse)

 

Temporary lane added to help handle holiday traffic

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To help ease the flow of holiday traffic, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has added a temporary third lane on eastbound State Road 56, from east of Grand Cypress Drive to east of Interstate 75.

The extra lane is expected to remain open until after the New Year’s holiday period, according to a news release from Kris Carson, of the District Seven office of FDOT.

Also, motorists who are headed to southbound I-75 from eastbound State Road 56 need to know that the entrance ramp entry point to I-75 has been moved to the west, meaning motorists will need to exit State Road 56 sooner to get onto the interstate.

A temporary third lane has been added on eastbound State Road 56, from east of Grand Cypress Drive to east of Interstate 75. The lane is intended to help ease the flow of holiday traffic. (Courtesy of the District Seven office of the Florida Department of Transportation)

The additional lane and the relocation of the exit are just the latest changes near the I-75/State Road 56 interchange — one Pasco County’s most traveled areas.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of I-75 on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a magnet for motorists.

Add to the mix a major construction project that’s now underway to create a new configuration at the interchange — and the ingredients are there to create traffic migraines.

The state road department previously issued a playbook, of sorts, aimed at helping drivers avoid the frustrations of holiday traffic jams.

Their first word of advice is to avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the Exit 279, which is the County Road 54 (Wesley Chapel Boulevard)/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

Or, drivers can head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some additional suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

Published December 01, 2021

Pasco’s growth fuels economy

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Apartment construction is dominating residential development along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor — a magnet for development in the midst of Pasco County’s surging growth.

As rooftops on luxury apartment homes pop up, retail is following, as evidenced by roadside signs and county permits.

Signs like these, east of Odessa, off State Road 54, are popping up on former pastureland up and down the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor. (Fred Bellet)

Former pastures along the heavily traveled road are occupied now with shops, restaurants, apartments, auto dealerships and Class A offices.

The Shops at Wiregrass, near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel, has added Athleta; go! Calendars & games; and, siKicks (a footwear and collectibles shop); Charming Charlies; and, Hickory Farms. Coming soon are Body Details; JABZ Boxing; and The Living Room.

Besides expanding its retail, Cypress Creek Town Center, a massive development west of the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange, is jumpstarting its residential plans.

County building permits indicate that Garrett Apartments are coming to Grand Cypress Drive, and Silversaw at Wesley Chapel is rising along Garden Village Way and Citron Boulevard.

Valentino’s Fine Jewelers and The Good Feet Store have opened on Sierra Center Boulevard, the town center’s prime east-west road, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill is coming.

Construction on Miller’s Ale House, meanwhile, is ongoing at the Wesley Chapel Boulevard entry into Tampa Premium Outlets, on the south side of the highway.

Zaxby’s restaurant has opened on Sun Vista Drive near Costco. New offerings at Tampa Premium Outlets will include a Frosty Cart by Wendy’s and new jewelry selections with Banter at Piercing Pagoda.

BMW of Wesley Chapel is building a six-story building on State Road 56. (Fred Bellet)

Just west of Wesley Chapel Boulevard, on the north side of State Road 54, owners of El Dorado furniture store are laying groundwork for a 70,000-square-foot store.

When it opens, expected around June, shoppers will be able to stroll along a streetscape, enjoying more than 20 storefronts showcasing furniture styles from contemporary to traditional.

The Capo family, who is developing El Dorado, opened their first store in the late 1960s in Miami.

The family opened a store in St. Petersburg in late 2019, before the COVID shutdown and, despite the timing, it has fared well, according to Pedro Capo, chief operating officer at El Dorado.

Now, Capo said he expects to hire and train about 50 employees for the Pasco store, likely beginning in March or April.

Capo is optimistic about the Pasco store’s prospects, noting that the county’s residential growth bodes well for building a strong customer base.

El Dorado will join WaWa, Firestone and Burger King along State Road 54 frontage at the Brighthouse Crossings apartments.

Just west of Brighthouse, a Woodie’s Wash Shack has opened at the Shoppes at Cypress Creek. Fazoli’s Italian restaurant is another potential tenant for the new plaza.

More housing and dining options

In Land O’ Lakes, the Avidity Living apartment complex is being built off State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard. The 252-unit development is scheduled to open in 2022.

Also, coming to this location, is EOS Fitness.

Willow Bend Town Centre, at State Road 54 and Collier Parkway, recently added Ayoki Japan restaurant. Esporta Fitness is a rebranding of the former LA Fitness. And a sign near the center’s entrance off the state road suggests Pasco will get another car wash – Vortex Express Car Wash.

A new apartment community, Avidity Living, is being built at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes. EOS Fitness will be built at the intersection. (Fred Bellet)

West of U.S. 41, vacant land at Ballantrae and Cypress Ranch is sprouting “coming soon” signs as construction begins on apartment units, new retail, and a proposed Class A office complex, known as 54 Crossings.

On the south side opposite Ballantrae, the Cypress Ranch development includes Azora, a new apartment complex, with a spring 2022 opening. Signs in front of the complex show a cornucopia of proposed shops including ALDI grocery store, Chick-Fil-A, another EOS Fitness, Honest-1 Auto Care, and The Learning Experience.

“We are happy to confirm that we will open our newest Lutz, Florida location next year, with construction scheduled to begin soon,” according to Matt Thon in a statement provided by email. Thon is the Haines City division vice president for ALDI.

No further details were provided regarding the construction schedule or opening date.

A Circle K is under construction at this location, and a Woodie’s Wash Shack, is coming.

On the north side, 54 Crossings is a proposed 60,000-square-foot Class A office building, at Aprile Drive, adjacent to Ballantrae’s row of fast-food restaurants that includes Taco Bell and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.

East of the Suncoast Parkway, the master-planned community of Bexley at Newland is moving dirt for a major retail and business center, off State Road 54 and Bexley Village Drive. Known as the Hub at Bexley, the commercial complex is scheduled for a summer 2022 opening.

Bexley’s website describes the Hub as a “retail and business destination,” with a summer 2022 opening. Bexley residents can walk or bike along connecting trails to enjoy dining, shopping, live concerts and family events. But it also is envisioned as an attraction for Tampa Bay residents with easy interstate access.

Construction continues at The Towns of Oakstead, on the north side of State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes. (Fred Bellet)

The Hub also includes a large outparcel on Bexley Village Drive, adjacent to the Springhill Suites hotel and opposite the delivery entrance into the Amazon warehouse. The site will become home to 4 & Co., with about 35,000 square feet of Class A offices and co-work spaces. Memberships and limited passes will be offered. Amenities will include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, a treatment room for acupuncture and massages, and conference rooms.

West of Suncoast Parkway, the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard initially welcomed HotWorx and Jimmy John’s restaurant. New signs in the development indicate additional tenants will be there, including Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists, PTI Solutions, Touch Nail Spa, and Shauby Dental Institute.

Another apartment complex, Avilla Suncoast, is under construction at Redstone Way and Crossings Boulevard, immediately behind the new Hooters restaurant.

Next along the route, The Preserve Marketplace, off South Branch Road, is increasing its retail and business options with Caring Paws Animal Hospital, 100% Chiropractic, PostNet, Lin China restaurant, Papa Johns restaurant, Burger Fi, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and the USF Federal Credit Union. The shopping center is anchored by the Greenwise Publix grocery store.

Starkey Ranch Town Center, at Gunn Highway and State Road 54, is expanding, too. A shell building is under construction, but the new tenants are not yet identified.

Starkey Ranch Business Park on Heart Pine Avenue recently added Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop. Tropical Smoothie Café has a ‘coming soon’ sign. Butcher’s Mark Fresh Meats and Marinades is another shop on its way.

Clearly, there’s a lot going on, along State Road 54/State Road 56 — and there’s no indication that the pace of activity will slow anytime soon.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

By Kathy Steele

Tips to help avoid holiday traffic jams near I-75/State Road 56

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Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have offered a bit of a playbook to help motorists avoid holiday traffic jams near the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of the intersection on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a busy area.

Add the holidays and a major construction project into the mix, and traffic jams could become a real source of frustration during the holidays.

So, the folks at FDOT’s District Seven office are offering some practical suggestions that could help during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

Their first word of advice? Avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the State Road 54/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

At the same exit, head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some other suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

In addition to issuing this guidance, the FDOT “will adjust traffic signals for seasonal traffic patterns and the project team is working on other plans to help improve travel times,” according to a news release from Kris Carson, spokeswoman for FDOT’s District Seven office.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Making strides, against breast cancer

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club volunteered, as they traditionally do, at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at The Shops of Wiregrass. The club also manned an information booth and dispensed water to the walkers, as did its affiliate club, the GFWC Little Women of Lutz. The women dressed in shades of pink embellished with attention-getting headgear, tutus and boas. Members Linda Mitchell (Chair) & Debbie Cardona.

Model Townhomes By Mattamy Homes Now Open in Wesley Chapel

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Mattamy Homes has opened four new decorated model townhomes with contemporary exterior styling in its all-new Wesley Chapel community of Volanti, located on Wesley Chapel Boulevard at Hay Road. Models are professionally decorated and open for tours daily, with private personalized appointments available.

“Mattamy Homes is delighted to open these new, thoughtfully designed townhomes in one of Pasco’s most desirable locations,” said Lisette Minnick, the homebuilder’s Tampa & Southwest Florida Division Vice President of Sales. “The community is ideally located in a peaceful setting, but close to everything any homebuyer could want or need.”

Volanti is the debut of Mattamy Homes’ new contemporary exterior style of townhomes.

Four floor plans are available, ranging from 1,667 to 2,574 square feet, with three to four bedrooms and 2.5 to three baths. There are three exterior styles available at Volanti — Craftsman, French Country and Contemporary. Base pricing begins in the low to mid $300s.

“Volanti is the debut of our new Contemporary exterior style of townhomes, designed to offer a more modern, fresh look,” said Minnick. “We are excited to show off our models and invite people to stop by to see all this community has to offer.”

Four distinct floorplans are available at Volanti — Marianna, Ormond, Sebring and Venice. All have one- or two-car attached garages and large lanais. 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.

Volanti Sebring

Making the community even more attractive is free lawn maintenance, and no Community Development District (CDD) fees. Townhomes are released for sale regularly, but home offerings may be limited for a temporary time frame, due to the current high demand for homes and labor and material constraints.

Located just 4 miles from I-75, Volanti 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.

For pleasure or business flyers, the Tampa North Flight Center is close by to Volanti, and provides flight opportunities with an airstrip, hangars and a café.  Many of Tampa Bay’s top employers are within easy driving distance, and Pasco County Schools are highly rated, including Veteran’s Elementary, which is just minutes away on Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The Volanti community is surrounded by lakes and golf courses, and offers homebuyers endless recreational opportunities, including nearby Saddlebrook Resort, historic Tarpon Springs and the Gulf’s white-sand beaches.

Volanti Venice

Lutz Communities – Parkview at Long Lake Ranch and Avea Pointe
Located along State Road 54, close to U.S. 41 and Sunlake Boulevard, is Parkview at Long Lake Ranch, which offers single-family homes and townhomes. Last month, Parkview opened a new amenity center, called 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. Homesites in Parkview, which have a low-cost HOA, are released regularly.

Just south in Hillsborough County, on Van Dyke Road, just minutes from the Veterans Expressway, is the townhome community of Avea Pointe. Children at this popular community are assigned to some of the best schools in the area, including Steinbrenner High. Only 11 townhomes remain at this community, and buyers are encouraged to call or visit now while there is still an opportunity to live in this top location.

Volanti Venice

Citron Grove Coming Soon
Mattamy Homes recently announced that it also is building 60 new townhomes in Citrus Park, on Gunn Highway. Called Citron Grove, the Craftsman-style townhomes will be similar to those at Avea Pointe, with updated exterior styles. Two floor plans will be available — the Marianna and Ormond. Pre-sales will begin in January. 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 gated community includes a number of trees and was formerly Be Mac Nursery. It offers low maintenance living, value-oriented price points and outstanding schools. Potential buyers of Citron Grove, who want to see similar floor plans before its grand opening, can visit Avea Pointe’s sales center, which is just 10 minutes away.

Mattamy Homes Sales Process
Mattamy Homes is thrilled that the level of interest and excitement for our communities is heightened. Mattamy takes pride in providing a fair and easy process to allow prospective homebuyers an opportunity to purchase homes, as they become available. The availability of homesites vary in each Mattamy Homes community, and New Home Counselors can provide guidance on how and when buyers will have an opportunity to purchase. Please call or visit to learn more.

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes is the largest, privately owned homebuilder 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 (where its U.S. head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida.

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

Published October 27, 2021