unreal estate AN ADVERTISING PUBLICATION OF TIMES TOTAL MEDIA
MAY 2025
Tampa Bay’s most opulent, quirky and surprising homes Discover a home of splendor and architectural authenticity, a true Tuscan farmhouse nestled in the waterfront community of Tierra Verde.
• Tuscan Splendor: A Surprisingly Authentic Tuscan Farmhouse in Tierra Verde • Homes Sold in the Tampa Bay Area • Curb Appeal & Garden • Home & Garden Events
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Curb appeal & garden
Urban Fertilizer Restrictive Period Begins Soon BY SUSAN HADDOCK Professional Horticulture/ Integrated Pest Management Agent IV, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Tampa Bay area county and municipal fertilizer and landscape management ordinances apply year-round; however, the seasonal ban on nitrogen and phosphorus applications is in effect June 1 through Sept. 30 in most areas. What is the purpose of fertilizer and landscape management ordinances? The ordinances aim to reduce nonpoint source water pollution (NPSP) from urban runoff, leaching and over-irrigation. NPSP includes contaminants from oil, pet waste, fertilizers, atmospheric deposition and faulty septic systems that are carried into water bodies by rain or over-irrigation. Nitrogen and phosphorus bans during the
rainy season may help reduce nutrients that contribute to algae growth and harmful aquatic vegetation in water bodies. Do the ordinance and rule apply to me? The ordinances apply to all individuals and entities, including residents, homeowners, homeowners association property managers, businesses, government agencies and commercial companies that apply fertilizer on nonagricultural property. What are the main components of fertilizer and landscape management ordinances? Most ordinances contain the following rules; however, always check with your county or municipality for any differences: • Fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus cannot be applied to turfgrass or landscape plants from June 1 through Sept. 30. • Fertilizers containing nitrogen must be at least 50% controlled or slow-release nitrogen. • Fertilizers containing nitrogen cannot be applied prior to seeding or for the first 30 days after seeding or
2H | Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, May 25, 2025
sodding, except under specific hydroseeding conditions (see ordinance). • Nitrogen-containing fertilizers must only be applied at the rates recommended in the DEP-UF/IFAS manual “Best Management Practices for the Protection of Water Resources”: ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ media/fflifasufledu/docs/ gibmp_manual_web_english. pdf. • Phosphorus fertilizers cannot be applied to turfgrass or landscape plants year-round unless a soil test shows a deficiency and the results are submitted to the county administrator before application. • Spreader deflector shields are required on all broadcast or rotary spreaders and must be used to deflect granular fertilizer away from all impervious surfaces and water bodies. • Fertilizer cannot be applied, spilled or deposited on any impervious surface. If this happens, it must be immediately and completely removed. • Fertilizer cannot be washed, swept or blown from impervious surfaces into storm drains, ditches, drain-
The seasonal ban on nitrogen and phosphorus applications is in effect June 1 through Sept. 30 in most areas. age conveyances, surface waters or roadways. • Fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus cannot be applied when 1) it is raining at the application site, or 2) during a flood watch or warning, or 3) during a tropical storm watch or warning, or 4) during a hurricane watch or warning issued by the National Weather Service, or 5) within 36 hours prior to a rain event expected to be greater than or equal to 2 inches in a 24-hour period.
• Fertilizer cannot be applied within 10 feet of any surface water body. • Grass clippings, vegetative material and vegetative debris must be immediately and completely removed and cannot be washed, swept or blown into storm drains. Where can I find these ordinances? The UF/IFAS Extension Florida Friendly Landscaping™ program hosts a mobile web application, Florida Fertilizer Ordinances, that
provides a quick reference to the state’s many local fertilizer ordinances. Find it at ffl. ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/ fertilizer-ordinances. For more information, contact Susan Haddock at szcrmchz@ufl.edu or 813-744-5519, Ext. 54103. An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean for UF/IFAS Extension.
Curb appeal & garden Timely Tendings
Late Spring and Early Summer Gardening Vegetable gardening winds down now, except for warm-weather crops: okra, chayote, sweet potatoes and blackeyed peas. Harvest ripe vegetables often. Warm weather encourages insects and diseases. Watch the number of days before harvest if using pesticides (even organic). Many require waiting a week or more, and if your vegetables are almost ready, it may be too late to apply. With night temperatures over 70 degrees, tomato production decreases. Some tomatoes that will produce well in Florida include the Everglades,
Florida basket, Florida petite, Florida lanai, patio, cherry and Sweet 100 varieties. Mangoes mature on the tree; otherwise, they won’t ripen properly. To check, pick a large one growing in the sun and cut it lengthwise. The fruit should have yellow flesh around the seed, indicating it’s ready to pick. Other mangoes the same size or larger are probably also mature and can be harvested. Summer brings vigorous growth. Here are a few tips: • Apply a layer of organic mulch 2 to 3 inches deep to conserve
moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch 2 inches away from the stem/trunk of all plants; never pile it against trees and shrubs. • Prune dead parts from shrubs/trees anytime. Dead wood/ stems invite disease and wood-eating insects. This is also good storm preparation. • Consider replacing shrubs that require constant pruning with more manageable shrubs like horizontal cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco ‘horizontal’), dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Schilling’s dwarf’) or golden creeper (Ernodea littoralis).
sweet potatoes Remove invasive exotic plants like Mexican petunia, lantana, Brazilian pepper, carrotwood, rosary pea, torpedo grass, camphor tree, schefflera and chinaberry.
mangoes
tomatoes
Source: Theresa Badurek, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension Service, an equal opportunity institution. For additional landscape and garden information, visit our website at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/ lawn-and-garden. Join us on Facebook to get regular tips and information at facebook.com/pinellasextension.
Sunday, May 25, 2025 | Tampa Bay Times | 3H
A vision of
Tuscan Splendor in Tierra Verde 7 bedrooms 8 full baths 3 partial baths 4-plus-car-garage 12,046 sq. ft. 1 acre Gulf front $12,995,000 Right: One of the seven bedrooms in the house features impressive Douglas fir beam and plank work. Top: One of many stunning views of the property, which feels authentically Tuscan.
Right: The exterior walls are 18 to 20 inches thick, including a 10-to-12-inch layer of limestone quarried in the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. Greenery around this doorway adds to the old world charm.
4H | Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, May 25, 2025
There’s a spacious, secluded estate nestled among the twisting live oaks of Tierra Verde that looks like it was plucked straight from the sun-warmed hills of Tuscany. Named “Tre Sorelle,” which means three sisters, no detail was spared in its design or construction to ensure its authenticity and its resilience against the elements. The original owners “fell in love” with Oceanview Drive in 1997 and went to work to identify and purchase a lot. Eventually the couple decided on Lot 24 (there was no street number yet) – at just under an acre, it was one of the largest on the street. There would be a neighbor on one side, but there would
never be any homes across the street (Pinellas County land), and their lot would be sheltered from storm surge by a barrier island. The owners saw a home nearby that they loved and tracked down its architect, Alberto Alfonso of Alfonso Architects in Ybor City. They learned that his practice concentrated on large civic and commercial buildings, such as the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, itself an architectural marvel. They also learned that he accepted only the occasional
residential project that excited him. Said the owner with a hint of amusement, “So now we had to audition to hire an architect!” After pursuing Alberto for some time, the parties came to an agreement: if the couple committed to building an authentic Tuscan farmhouse, Alfonso would take on the project. Explained the owner, “Many homes say ‘Tuscan farmhouse,’ but Alberto was determined to design a building that looked like it was in Strada di Borgo Pretale (a town in See Tuscan Splendor on page 6
Top: Windows throughout the home are flanked with wood shutters and provide an abundance of natural light. An aerial view of the Gulf front lot and Ludowici authentic Italian cap and pan terra cotta tile roof. One of the eight full bathrooms. Bottom: The open floor plan on the main level includes a gourmet kitchen and living room. Sunday, May 25, 2025 | Tampa Bay Times | 5H
Above: A view of a covered patio area that leads to the spectacular salt-generating chlorine pool. Below: Architect Alberto Alfonso’s impromptu watercolor sketch, painted on the flight home.
Tuscan Splendor from page 5
the province of Siena). So off we went to Tuscany – twice – to research buildings all over the countryside and take hundreds and hundreds of reference photos.” According to the owner, Alfonso’s Uncle Henry (who spoke “serviceable” Italian) “came with us or we would have been lost – many times.” The four visitors looked at scores of homes and toured several dozen. They took countless photos — of roofs, roof lines, doors (interior, exterior and barn), windows, shutters, stone, stonework, landscaping, fire pits and more. They tracked down window suppliers and quarries. They wanted real reference information to drive every detail of the design and ensure its authenticity. 6H | Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, May 25, 2025
On the flight back to Tampa, Alfonso and the couple sat together brainstorming and envisioned what the home would look like. “Then a magical thing happened,” the owner said. “Alberto took out a water-
color set from his case and – without a single architectural drawing — painted the building almost exactly as it appears today.” Alfonso’s impromptu watercolor sketch painted at 35,000 feet sits on a tiny easel in the family room today as it has every day since the house was completed in 2001. The Realtor managing the sale of this unique property is Robyn Gunn of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in St. Petersburg. She shares some details about the estate: “In addition to the concrete block outer shell of the home, the entire exterior wall features a 10-to-12-inch layer of limestone quarried in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani and container-shipped See Tuscan Splendor on page 8
Homes Sold in the Tampa Bay area
$860,000
613 79th Circle S. 2 bedrooms, 2½ baths
$620,000
4831 Royal Birkdale Way 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
$425,000
377 Knights Bridge Road 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
St. Petersburg: Waterfront oasis, stunning sunset views. Screened pool, boat dock and luxury updates. Minutes from beaches, dining and entertainment. This 1,760-sq.ft. home was listed at $960,000. Engel & Völkers / Ineta Kalnina
Wesley Chapel: Light and airy open concept. Chef’s dream gourmet kitchen featuring granite countertops, spacious island, breakfast bar and walk-in pantry. This 3,734-sq.ft. home was listed at $650,000. BHHS Florida Properties Group / Florida Living Group / Whitney Lohr
Spring Hill: Beautiful home, spacious, fenced half-acre lot. Stunning sliding glass wall opens to the lanai pool area, creating a seamless flow. This 2,190-sq.ft. home was listed at $425,000. Coldwell Banker F.I. Grey & Son Residential / Eugena Taylor
$750,000
$375,000
$525,000
60 Gulf Blvd., #212 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
2331 W. Del Webb Blvd. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
1 Beach Drive SE, #2311 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Indian Rocks Beach: Dreamy beachfront townhouse! Two levels, exceptional Intracoastal and Gulf views, heated pool, impeccably maintained. This 1,090-sq.ft. home was listed at $819,000. Coastal Properties Group International / Julie Folden
Sun City Center: Beautifully maintained home, located in a vibrant 55-plus community, offering serene water views of the rear pond. Two-car garage. This 2,122-sq.ft. home was listed at $389,000. Keller Williams South Shore / Cathy Griggs
St. Petersburg: Breathtaking 360-degree views of the city through massive floor-to-ceiling windows on the 23rd floor. Many upgrades. Tastefully renovated. This 1,945-sq.ft. home was listed at $585,000. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty / Michael Perez
$510,000
$280,000
$244,900
3488 Shady Bluffs Drive 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Largo: Harbor Hills. Newer flooring. Spacious, fenced backyard. High and dry. Near the iconic Belleair Causeway and close to gorgeous beaches. This 1,419-sq.ft. home was listed at $539,000. Coldwell Banker Realty / Sharon Deegan
701 Poinsettia Road, #302 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Belleair: Charming corner residence. Inviting open floor plan connects the family room and dining area. Ideal space for relaxing and entertaining. This 1,263-sq.ft. home was listed at $280,000. Premier Sotheby’s Int’l Realty / Janet Moore & MJ Benavente
2016 Golfview Drive 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Tarpon Springs: Fully remodeled, stainless steel appliances, elegant cabinetry, pantry, roll-out drawers, designer backsplash, breakfast bar. This 1,485-sq.ft. home was listed at $244,900. Coldwell Banker / Renee Gialousis
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$345,000
10147 Cross Timber Terrace 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Land O’Lakes: Immaculate home backs up to waterfront and preserve. Open great room. Upgraded stainless steel appliances, spacious island. This 1,554-sq.ft. home was listed at $365,000. Coldwell Banker F.I. Grey & Son Residential / A Team
$290,000
476 Santa Cruz Place NE, #C 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
St. Petersburg: Placido Bayou in northeast St. Pete. Incredible updated ground-floor condo. Desirable gated community. Interior decorator touches. This 930-sq.ft. home was listed at $322,900. Hofacker & Associates / Bob Sackett
Unreal Estate is produced by Times Total Media, the sales and marketing division of the Tampa Bay Times. To advertise, contact Cindy Ramsey at cramsey@tampabay.com. Sunday, May 25, 2025 | Tampa Bay Times | 7H
Above: The 12,000-plus square foot home, completed in 2001, features seven bedrooms, solid mahogany doors throughout and a formal dining room. Below Left: The home sits right on the Gulf, but is sheltered from storm surge by a barrier island literally called “Gods Island.”
Alberto was determined to design a building that looked like it was in Strada di Borgo Pretale.
Tuscan Splendor from page 6
from Italy. The exterior walls are 18 to 20 inches thick in total, which is extraordinary, but perfect for Florida weather and lifestyle. “Encompassing over 12,000 square feet of luxury living, the home has three floors, seven bedrooms, eight full baths, three half-baths, a library, two offices, an elevator, a gym and a four-plus-car garage. Design features of this home include soaring ceilings, impressive Douglas fir beam and plank work, solid mahogany doors throughout and, extending from the lower-level entrance to the top floor, a beautiful, cool honey-colored, pink-veined Corton limestone spiral staircase. “The main level comprises an open floor plan with a living room and gourmet kitchen, casual dining, a formal dining room, two offices and a guest suite. The upper level features six en suite bedrooms and a sunfilled library. The lower level has additional storage rooms and the gym. A tranquil oasis awaits outside, complete with expansive, covered lounging and dining areas, a fire pit surrounded by a moat and a salt-generating chlorine pool heated by an energy-efficient geothermal system.” If you are interested in viewing this extraordinary property, contact Robyn Gunn at 727-421-7234 to make an appointment. For more photos and details about 1571 Oceanview Drive, visit sothebysrealty.com. Below: At 13 feet above sea level, this home was constructed to withstand the tests of Mother Nature. No detail was spared in its design or construction to ensure its authenticity and its resilience against the elements. Among additional features are a four-plus-car-garage, a peaceful dock, and a fire pit area surrounded by a moat.
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Sunday, May 25, 2025 | Tampa Bay Times | 9H
Curb appeal & garden
Springtime gardening with iconic Florida citrus trees
BY BRAD BUCK Senior Public Relations Specialist, UF/IFAS Do you have a green thumb? Maybe you’re interested in growing something that will blossom in your yard. The spring gardening
season is a good time for planting a citrus tree. Such trees used to be a common sight around Florida homes. But citrus canker and greening have diminished residents’ ability to enjoy these iconic trees and the fruit they produce. Despite the challenges, people from Florida and across the country contact citrus nurseries this time of year, seeking to purchase trees for their yards and/ or homes. It’s a passion, say nursery owners and UF/IFAS citrus breeders.
Courtesy of UF/IFAS
Sugar Belle, developed in 2008 by UF/IFAS citrus breeder Dr. Fred Gmitter, remains a popular variety for residents growing citrus trees at home.
10H | Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, May 25, 2025
Nate Jameson, co-owner of Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery in Lake Panasoffkee (Sumter County), said Sugar Belle and Gator Bites are among the most requested varieties in Florida now. Meyer lemon and Key lime remain popular around the country. Customers who buy from the Jamesons are savvy. “Most of them understand about citrus greening,” Jameson said. “We have people request UF/IFAS rootstocks (the part of the citrus tree that grows below ground). They still want a tree that ensures they get the most out of their purchase.” Some of their customers are foodies, and they get many calls for finger limes, especially UF RedLimes and UF SunLimes. “You have a group of people that are interested in new things,” Jameson said. “The hot topic is finger limes. They’re being used in restaurants and cruise lines — as a garnish, in salads. People go out and eat and, all of a sudden, they want a finger lime tree.” None of this surprises Dr.
Courtesy of Tonya Weeks, UF/IFAS
Tracey Hobbs, a lab technician with the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, plants a citrus tree in Davenport, Florida. Fred Gmitter, a professor of breeding and genetics at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center. Among his many cultivars, Gmitter developed Sugar Belle in 2008. It’s a mandarin that can be grown in your yard. “It’s important for our nurseries to keep the businesses going,” said Gmitter, who has been breeding citrus for more than 40 years. “Nurseries like Brite Leaf are selling all over the country. There are a lot of people who would like to grow a little
citrus in their yards. People in Tennessee and Idaho are buying this citrus. They want to plant unusual trees. They’re hobbyists.” Gmitter and fellow UF/ IFAS citrus breeder Dr. Jude Grosser develop citrus trees largely to help keep Florida’s citrus industry going. Gmitter and Grosser provide rootstocks to growers interested in new varieties as well as nurseries so that anyone can grow and enjoy citrus from their homegrown trees. UF/IFAS offers numerous tips for successfully planting and maintaining residential citrus trees. Those tips are helping Gainesville resident Jane Ellis, who tends to a tangerine tree in her backyard. Ellis grew up in northern Brevard County, surrounded by orange groves, so she always enjoyed the smell of the orange blossoms. The woman who owned the groves was a family friend. “We called her the ‘orange fairy’ because we regularly opened our back door to find a bushel of oranges on the steps,” Ellis said. “She planted several trees in our yard as well.”
Ellis later moved to Gainesville, where she now works for the University of Florida. “I always thought of Gainesville as being too far north for citrus, but 15 years ago, I bought a house with a large lemon tree in the backyard,” she said. “It was a prolific producer, and I was again very busy processing citrus. I gave a lot away. One year, I picked over 600 lemons.” Eventually the tree succumbed to citrus greening and had to be removed. Ellis replaced the lemon tree with a new tangerine tree, which she just planted. She heard about a UF/ IFAS class that taught how to grow citrus at home and jumped at the opportunity. “Right now, I only have the tangerine tree, but I would like to have another lemon and a lime of some sort,” Ellis said. “This is my first time starting to grow a citrus tree, but I plan on doing everything I can to protect it from greening and freezes. I plan on following all the advice from UF/IFAS on growing backyard citrus.”
home &garden events Sunset Chapter Hibiscus Society Show and Plant Sale Sunday, May 25, 2025 Judging from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Plant Sale 1:00-3:00 p.m. Lealman Exchange Community Center 175 45th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL
Hundreds of hibiscus blooms compete for best blooms in their bloom categories. Their beauty makes people ask, “Are they real?” Hundreds of hybrid plants for sale from 1:00 p.m. until gone. Free admission.
Summer Gardening in Florida: Thriving Through the Heat
Sunday, May 25, 2025 3:00-4:30 p.m. by The Sustainable Living Project
918 West Sligh Ave. Tampa, FL 33604
Florida summers may be hot, humid and unpredictable, but your garden can still thrive. Join us for a one-hour interactive workshop to learn how to make the most of your garden through the summer months. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned grower, you’ll discover: • The best vegetables, herbs, and flowers for Florida’s heat • Proven techniques for managing moisture, pests and scorching sun • How to care for your soil during the off-season • A practical demo to get your hands dirty and get inspired • You’ll leave with resources, seeds or cuttings, and a planting plan that works
News & Notes
with the season, not against it. Let’s grow smart this summer! Bring a water bottle, a notebook and your gardening questions. We’ll provide the shade! Tickets $15 on Eventbrite
Summer Veggie Gardening and Plant Sale Saturday, May 31, 2025 12:30-1:30 p.m. Beech Kombucha 3100 Freemont Terrace S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Summer gardening in Florida can be exciting, but also intense because of the heat; come learn what delicious vegetables you can grow and how to enrich your soil. Our expert gardener will share tips on choosing the right plants, watering techniques, sun requirements and more. Taught by Desireé with
Peas & Love Gardening, tampabayediblegardens.com. Held in the botanical garden at Beech Kombucha. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to add some fresh produce to their summer meals. • Ages 12+ • Free venue parking Tickets are $24.80 per person on Eventbrite and include a glass of cold kombucha.
Bonsai & Brews
Dates and times vary by location. Check our website for more information. Tuesday, May 27 through Thursday, June 19, 2025 Mastry’s Brewing, St. Petersburg 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg Grand Central Brewhouse,
St. Petersburg Caledonia Brewing, Dunedin Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, Tampa Cigar City Brewing, Tampa Armature Works, Tampa Trellis at Buchman, Ybor City Brass Tap, Lutz Keel & Curley Winery, Plant City Tickets: $75 thunderstruckbonsai.com Unleash your inner botanist with a pint in hand! Learn from local bonsai artists as they guide you through the process of creating your own miniature tree. • All supplies included: We provide a pre-bonsai tree, pot, soil and tools. • Savor a selection of the finest brews as you work on your bonsai. • Take home your creation: At the end of the session, you’ll have your very own
bonsai to nurture and display. Limited tickets available! Reserve yours at thunderstruckbonsai.com/ bonsaiandbrews.
Tampa Bay Home Show
Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE Admission Florida State Fairgrounds 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301 Tampa, FL Everything for the home — inside and out! Discover exhibits, giveaways, door prizes and more. See the latest trends in home remodeling, from kitchens and baths to flooring and home protection. Find ways to make your home more energy-efficient. Register for your FREE admission tickets today at tampabayhomeshows.com.
Engel & Völkers Named Tampa Bay’s Top Workplace for 2025 Engel & Völkers has been recognized as the number one Top Workplace in the Tampa Bay area for 2025, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The prestigious award highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a positive, supportive work environment. Engel & Völkers stood out for its strong employee satisfaction, professional development opportunities, and collaborative culture. This recognition solidifies the company’s position as a leader in the real estate industry, attracting top talent and reinforcing its dedication to excellence in both service and workplace culture.
Sunday, May 25, 2025 | Tampa Bay Times | 11H
12H | Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, May 25, 2025