Volume 26
WESLEY CHAPEL
Inside:
NEWS
New Chef Makes Little Italy’s Even Better In Neighborhood Magazine!
Issue 14 June 29, 2018
Please View, Like & Share Every Episode Of WCNT-tv On YouTube & Facebook! The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! For the complete list of neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in Wesley Chapel (zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545), see page 42!
Trouble In The Lagoon Paradise?
What Exactly Were Epperson Residents Promised About The First Crystal Lagoons® Amenity In The U.S.? By JOHN C. COTEY
john@ntneighborhoodnews.com
After years of anticipation and months of positive press clippings, the country’s first community to be home to a Crystal Lagoons® amenity in Epperson, is facing choppy, albeit crystal clear, waters. First, summer is here and the lagoon isn’t open, thanks in part to Pasco County ordering Metro Development Group, which is building the high-profile project, to halt construction back in May when it discovered 19 buildings had been built without proper permits. While construction has resumed, even more disconcerting to Metro might be a host of current residents — and others under contract and waiting to move into Epperson — complaining publicly about what they feel are broken promises and false advertising that have led to additional fees, despite paying premium prices for homes in the community. That group, which it says numbers roughly 70 homeowners and those who have placed deposits or are under contract, hired the Kovar Law Group to represent themselves when, they say, they did not receive any answers from Metro. They took their complaints public on June 15, when the group called local media outlets for an impromptu press conference at the lagoon. That has exacerbated strained relationships, mostly through Facebook posts and comments, and residents who say they are pleased with Metro and who fear
Construction has resumed at the Crystal Lagoons® amenity in Epperson, after a delay due to permitting. The delay in opening the lagoon, combined with the cost of amenities, has riled many in the community. (Photo: Gavin Olsen) the bad publicity will bring down their property values and cast an unfair stain on the new community. Metro responded to the Neighborhood News through public relations firm Tucker/Hall with a prepared statement: “The Epperson neighborhood has been extraordinarily popular, and we are honored that so many families are moving here and enjoying the area. We want all families to enjoy the neighborhood and amenities, and we have already extended new discounts and benefits to early residents. We want to hear feedback from residents about their questions so we can work with them to make the area even better as this neighborhood grows.” Those angry with Metro, however, say they haven’t received any clear answers. They say they were promised an idyllic paradise, presented for months in beautiful renderings where one monthly
fee of $25 gets you full run of the lagoon, all packaged as “Lagoon Living.” Instead, those residents are discovering a number of things they claim Metro and Epperson did not market — additional costs for amenities, including rides down an inflatable water slide and kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as rules against bringing in your own chairs and coolers, as well as memberships for non-residents. “The people complaining are the ones who looked at stuff without asking questions,” says Epperson resident Ken Shere. “They obviously didn’t read the bylaws” which, he adds, states clearly that Metro has the right “to set and adjust pricing.” Bill Rowe, who moved into Epperson June 1 with his granddaughter, agrees, but only to a certain point. See “Lagoon” on pg. 4
Wesley Chapel’s Professional Fireworks Spectacular Returns To Avalon Park West!
By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com
Not too many small towns can say they have their own Fourth of July fireworks display but, thanks to Avalon Park West (APW), Wesley Chapel can. For the fifth consecutive year, APW will host a celebration that, in past years, has drawn crowds in the thousands. And, for the third straight year, it is the only place in Wesley Chapel to catch a professional fireworks display, since the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel stopped hosting its Freedom Fest celebrations at the Shops at Wiregrass. But, it’s not just about fireworks at
Avalon Park West, a growing mixed-use community located off S.R. 54, adjacent to (and technically a separately-developed part of) New River Township. The party actually begins at 5 p.m., with a host of family-friendly activities leading into the rockets’ red glare, which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. “Our Independence Day Celebration is meant to bring all of the region together for an event they will remember,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior VP at Avalon Park Group, the developer of APW. “We take great pride in providing unique opportunities to play in Avalon Park West.” The activities include: • A pie bake-off.
News: Business: News: Sports: News,Former Business INSIDE New BusBruce RouteB.Provides Fit 4 Life Is Not& Just AFootball Gym, Surprise! Downs Access (BBD) Wharton High Also Inside INSIDE To The VAArea’s Hospital & TIA A Philosophy. Blvd. Is Our Worst Road PlayersIt’s Declare for NFL DraftEducation Updates Page3-17 14 This Issue:Pages
Pages 24-25 34-37 Pages 3-32
Neighborhood Magazine: Neighborhood Magazine: Pickle Juice Slushies Not Bad, The Readers Have Spoken! But Are NotTheir GreatFavorites! Either. Here Pages Page39-52 32
• A bike parade, with kids showcasing and decorating their bikes. • Wet & dry slides, for kids of all sizes. • Dozens of vendors featuring crafts and other goods • Food Trucks Last year’s crowd was estimated at 3,000 people, and Marielle Fernandez, APW’s marketing and events coordinator, says “we expect even more this year.” Fernandez adds that there also will be bounce houses and community performers this year. “The idea is to bring the community together,” she says. “This event is for them.” For additional information, visit AvalonParkWest.com.