There’s no place like in PASCO & NORTH HILLSBOROUGH
Connerton - Where the Good Times Roll!
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onnerton residents are smiling more and more these days as their “New Town” community continues to develop the quaint flavor and feel of an old-fashioned town — and doing so without sacrificing the modern comforts of today. Residents enjoy the camaraderie of their neighbors, and love socializing at Club Connerton with its resort-style pool, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, and planned activities for all ages. They also enjoy a peaceful retreat from everyday stresses as they revel in the beauty of nature, watching blue herons, wood storks, sand hill cranes, deer and other wildlife that frolic undisturbed in Connerton’s abundant conservation areas. Families also chose to live at Connerton because they recognize the immense potential of their New Town as it continues to blossom. Interestingly, three out of four people who call Connerton home have moved from four surrounding counties — Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando. And as Connerton grows, so do the opportunities for residents to work close to where they live. Connerton’s master plan includes entitlements of 730,000 sq. feet of retail services, and 1.4 million sq. feet of office/medical office and industrial space. For the past three years, Connerton has averaged over 100 new home starts annually. Many of these new homebuyers are current residents finding their next home in Connerton. Other buyers are family and friends of current residents, who want to live down the street or around the corner from friends and
family so they can share in Connerton’s many amenities. In addition to Clubhouse amenities, residents walk or bike the trails, play and relax in the community’s four parks, and take their furry friends to exercise and play in the private dog park. Connerton parents rest easy during the summer as their kids enjoy Connerton’s summer camp program, where kids find their creative side with arts and crafts, stay fit while swimming in the resort-style pool and socialize through supervised daily activities. As Connerton continues to grow, so do businesses in the area. McDonald’s is breaking ground at the Arbor Square entrance and is
scheduled to open later this summer. Connerton is located just the right distance from the congestion and noise of I-75 and other trafficbound intersections. The stresses of commuting become a thing of the past because Connerton residents have ample routes to choose from. There is so much to offer in Connerton, that you must experience it for yourself. Currently, there are five builders (Ryland Homes, M/I Homes, Lennar, Taylor Morrison and Homes by WestBay), with new homes priced from the high $100s to the $700s. Be on the lookout for an exciting new addition coming soon to Connerton’s home options that is
being developed within walking distance to Club Connerton. This traditional neighborhood design will feature alley-loaded garages, front porches and charming exteriors. The good times will really be rolling at Connerton this July 4th weekend, when Connerton kicks off its Nation Celebration on Saturday, July 2, with fireworks, live music, great food, family games and a beer and wine garden. This celebration is open to the public. Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano restaurant is the major fireworks sponsor. To discover more about this engaging community, follow us on Facebook and visit Connerton.com.
Meet the Toolbox Sisters Expert New Home Specialists
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ou may be surprised to learn that the smartest way to buy a new home is to be represented by an independent Realtor — and not buy directly from the builder. “Most people believe they’ll get a better price if they buy direct from the builder because there’s no real estate commission to pay,” explains Realtor Allison Vaughn of Wesley Chapel. “But in reality, builders always include commission in their pricing, and don’t give the commission back as a discount if the customer buys direct.” If the price of a new house is the same, why call an independent Realtor? According to Allison and her sister, Amanda, who work as a Realtor team known as the Toolbox Sisters, here are three reasons why. 1.) Realtors keep track of builder incentives — including those that are not advertised. Incentives can be everything from a free washer and dryer, to money toward closing costs, to upgrades at the design
center. Builders are always changing incentives, and we know which builders have the best incentives. 2.) Realtors are trained to assess the strengths and weaknesses of planned communities in a market, comparing their CDD and HOA fees, clubhouse and amenity packages, resale values, school ratings, access to transportation and proximity to shopping and dining. 3.) Many buyers want a specific builder or floor plan. Realtors know what communities a builder is in, their floor plans and price points. “There are so many builders, and so many developments, that it’s easy for buyers to become overwhelmed,” said Allison. “We have the tools to keep the facts straight to help buyers compare homes and communities so they can focus on their new home search.” Call the Toolbox Sisters at (813) 756-8688 or (813) 563-7915 to find the home of your dreams at the best price, best location and with the most builder incentives.
How to get the best possible price on a new hoome?
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TOOLBOX SISTERS S Amanda and Alliison Va aughn
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TEXT T ANY YTIME: 813-756-8688 or 8 813-563-7915 To oolboxSisters@ @gmail.com
Hurricane Safety Tips By Jo-z Wilder, State Farm Agent
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ith hurricane season opening June 1, here are some steps to help keep your family safe. Plan Ahead – Ensure your family’s safety by creating a disaster preparedness plan in advance of hurricane season. This includes assembling a disaster survival kit and planning your emergency evacuation routes. Secure Your Property – When a hurricane warning is given, close window shutters and attach protective panels with previously installed fasteners. Videos on how to quickly and safely board up your home can be found at FLASH.org, the website for the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. Get to Safety – If you have not already evacuated inland, and there is no time to get to an emergency shelter, stay in the middle of your home, away from windows and glass doors.
Take cover under a staircase or a heavy piece of furniture. Do not stay in a manufactured home because they are easily overturned in high winds and pierced by flying objects. Be Sure Your Home Is Properly Insured – Think of homeowner’s insurance as financial protection for what the future may bring. Without an adequate policy, you will have to cover home repairs out of your own pocket. Homeowner insurance covers your house, your possessions and provides financial protection against lawsuits. “We’re here to help you prepare for the worst, by writing a policy that gives you the most protection and resources after the storm,” said Jo-z Wilder, a State Farm agent in Lutz. “I’ve sold insurance for over 30 years, and invite you to call to discuss your needs and concerns.” Jo-z and her team can be reached at 813-616-(JAKE)5253 and at Jo-z@mywilderagent.com.
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My Heart is Right Here in Pasco County
By Diane Kortus, Publisher
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love the name of this new monthly advertising section that you’re reading — There’s No Place Like HOME — because it makes me think of Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” as she tapped her ruby red shoes to get home to Kansas. Like many people of my generation, I’ve watched “The Wizard of Oz” dozens of times, and relished sharing this movie with my children as they were growing up. The lesson Dorothy learned — that home is where your heart is, no matter how dull and boring it may seem at times — is one we all come to realize, albeit some sooner than later. I am one of those in the later category. For many years after I moved to Florida, I always said my home was Minnesota, where I was born and where most of my family still lives. But as I’ve gotten older, that feeling of home has shifted in my heart to right here in Pasco County, where The Laker/Lutz News circulates in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Central Pasco has never been a fancy place to live — all you need to do is drive the U.S. 41 corridor between Lutz and Land O’ Lakes to see what I mean. But, the sense of place that residents find here — both old timers and newcomers — is very real. So real, that even though none of these communities are incorporated or legally considered a city or town,
people proudly state, without hesitations, that they live in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes or Wesley Chapel. This sense of home is why The Laker/Lutz News is so well-received. People here want to read stories about their neighbors, local organizations, businesses, schools, churches and youth sports. Our readership would not be 81 percent if people didn’t genuinely care about their neighbors and community. In the past 10 years, we’ve seen many planned communities come to be that have changed the face of our community. This includes established developments like Connerton, Seven Oaks and Meadow Pointe, and new ones like Asturia, Long Lake Ranch and Union Park. These planned developments are absolutely beautiful. All have large conservation areas with lots of wildlife, community parks and playgrounds, and fabulous amenities that feel like they belong in an elegant resort hotel, not a subdivision filled with families. I find it interesting that more than half of the people moving to our planned communities already live here in Pasco and north Hillsborough. They move for the same reasons people have always moved — a newer, nicer, bigger home, close-by parks, better schools and close proximity to family and friends. And after moving to their new community, it doesn’t take long for it to feel like home. Because people who live here are kind, welcoming and genuinely care about their neighbors and community. And, that’s why we’re launching this latest addition to the paper. We’ve created “There’s no place like HOME” so readers can learn about our planned communities, get to know the homebuilders in this area and find information about local businesses who provide home services people need.
Trust Your Floors to Gator Cleaning
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wo trusted and locally owned service companies — Gator Cleaning Services and Trinity Carpet Care — have joined forces to give customers a complete range of cleaning services managed under one roof. The merged company is keeping the Gator Cleaning Services name, and will continue to be owned and managed by Marcus and Erin Myers. Joining the company as manager of residential services is Tom Maloney, former owner of Trinity Carpet Care. “Trinity Carpet Care has an excellent customer service reputation and provided outstanding floor cleaning services for 15 years to over 3,500 customers,” said Marcus Meyer. “We’re so appreciative that Tom will continue to oversee his longtime customers in West Pasco, and is helping us grow our residential services in the rest of the county.” Gator Cleaning Services provides a full array of floor cleaning services for homes, businesses and industry, including carpets and area rugs, hardwood and laminate flooring, marble and stone floors, tile and grout, upholstery and wood floor
refinishing without sanding. “We have the expertise and the equipment to properly clean any flooring material found in a home or business,” said Marcus. “When floors are cared for and maintained the right way, the life of a floor can be extended for many years.” “It is much cheaper to take care of your flooring and have it cleaned professionally on a regular basis, than it is to replace it because of poor or inadequate care,” adds Tom. The Meyers founded Gator Cleaning Solutions 13 years ago and are considered experts in quality cleaning solutions. In addition to flooring services, the company offers commercial janitorial service, commercial window cleaning and construction clean up services. “Our industry-certified cleaners have the knowledge and skills to handle a job in any type of environment,” said Erin. “And, we’re committed to always take care of our customers professionally, reliably and competitively priced.” For a free quote on a cleaning service, call (813) 929-1122, or go to GatorCleaningSolutions.com.
813-929-1 1122 www.gator www. gatorcleaningsolutions.com cleaningssolutions com
Jo-z Wilderr, State Farm Agent 23604 State Road 54 Lutz, FL 33559-6778
813-616-JAKE (5253) jo-z@mywilderagent.com
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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
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Asturia Celebrates Amenity Center Grand Opening
ines recently celebrated the grand opening of its community amenity center within Asturia, the firm’s new signature mixed-use development in Odessa. Two grand opening events, a realtor luncheon and VIP event, were held to welcome current and prospective homeowners, Pasco County staff and elected officials, chambers of commerce representatives, Hines’ team members, consultants and contractors, and the original landowner’s daughter and husband – Ann Behnke Pepper and Ken Pepper. “Asturia is a signature Hines community, and we worked hard to deliver a new cutting-edge amenity center that sets Asturia apart from the competition,” said Lane Gardner, Hines managing director. “The new amenity center is unique, focuses on a healthy lifestyle, and complements the best-in-class home styles being provided by Ashton Woods and David Weekley Homes. Asturia is truly raising the bar.” Guests were impressed with the design and quality of the facility, and also that Hines completed the community’s amenities before its first residents moved into their new homes. With over 5,800 square feet of space, the center includes a community clubhouse, a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation. With its modern and unique architectural design, and its central location within Asturia, the new amenity center is at the heart of the new community, setting it apart from other residential developments. Ashton Woods and David Weekley Homes are the community’s homebuilders and have six model homes open daily with on-site agents to assist homebuyers in selecting their next residence. Many families have chosen
Asturia for their next residence; however, there are still great lots and homes available with excellent lake and preserve views. Both builders offer prospective homebuyers a range of home sizes and architectural styles, to make their home selection and design process easy. Asturia is located prominently on State Road 54 with great access to the Suncoast Parkway. More information can be obtained by visiting and registering at the community website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or calling (813) 227-4148. Ashton Woods is one of the nation’s largest private home building companies, blazing new trails in design and personalization to build homes as unique as the people who live in them. Collaborating with homeowners for over 25 years, the company and its team of world-renowned designers look beyond the conventional to draw inspiration from unexpected sources, resulting in exceptional design in every Ashton Woods home. Recognized as the 2013 and 2014
Most-Trusted Builder in America by the Lifestory Research Most Trusted Builder in America Study, Ashton Woods’ collaborative approach is a key driver of its best-in-class customer satisfaction scores. For more information, or to experience the excitement of becoming another satisfied Ashton Woods’ homeowner, visit AshtonWoods.com. David Weekley Homes, founded in 1976, is headquartered in Houston and operates in 22 cities across the United States. The company was the first builder in the United States to be awarded the Triple Crown of American Home Building, an honor which includes “America’s Best Builder,” “National Housing Quality Award” and “National Builder of the Year.” Weekley has also appeared nine times on Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. Since inception, David Weekley Homes has closed more than 80,000 homes. For more information about David Weekley Homes, please visit DavidWeekleyHomes.com.
Hines is a privately owned global real estate investment firm founded in 1957 with a presence today in 182 cities in 20 countries. Hines has $89.1 billion of assets under management, including $42.5 billion for which Hines provides fiduciary investment management services, and $46.6 billion for which Hines provides third-party property-level services. The firm has 109 developments currently underway around the world. Historically, Hines has developed, redeveloped or acquired 1,126 properties, totaling over 351 million square feet. The firm’s current property and asset management portfolio includes 457 properties, representing over 193 million square feet. With extensive experience in investments across the risk spectrum and all property types, and a pioneering commitment to sustainability, Hines is one of the largest and mostrespected real estate organizations in the world. Visit Hines.com for more information.
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
May 25, 2016
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May 25, 2016
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION IN THE LAKER/LUTZ NEWS • 813-909-2800 • LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM