44 minute read
OUTSTANDING STUDENT
PEOPLE
Fabiola Gordo
Hardworking JROTC student receives aviation scholarship to get pilot’s license this summer, plans to join the Air Force.
STORY AND PHOTO: CINDY PETERSON
VITALSTATS
• Straight A student/Junior at Eustis High School. • Moved to Florida at age 6 from Puerto Rico. • Daughter of Leixa Acevedo and Jose Gordo. • Wants to major in astrophysics. • 1 of 200 students to receive an aviation scholarship to Embry–Riddle
Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. • Plays on the varsity volleyball team . • Student Council vice president.
How I fell in love with aviation:
I joined the Air Force JROTC at Eustis High School just for fun and Major Wise told me he saw potential in me. He encouraged me to join the aviation program that was started at our school this year. Little by little, I started to fall in love with it, and realized I could make a career out of it.
My plan to become a pilot: I heard
they were giving out scholarships to a program this summer at Embry–Riddle where they will train you to get your private pilot’s license. I applied and took the test on the last day just for the experience because I didn’t think there was any way I would get it since they were only choosing 200 kids worldwide. I cried so hard when my sergeant handed me the acceptance paper. I can’t even cook yet but at 17 years old, I’m going to be ying an airplane.
Future goals: I plan to attend Air Force Academy after high school, and I want to major in astrophysics. I plan to retire from the Air Force and live my life. I want to travel and see the world. Biggest supporters: My parents.
When I told them about the scholarship, they were so happy, they started crying. I was such a shy person when I began all of this, and they say they have seen me come out of my shell.
What’s on top of my music
playlist: I have two most-played songs at the moment: “Freak on A Leash” by Korn & “You Right” by Doja Cat.
If I could meet anyone in the
world: I would like to meet J.K. Rowling because I love Harry Potter.
Two words to describe me: Strong
and determined. I’m on the varsity volleyball team where I started out on the bench and worked my way up to captain in previous years. I really want to work hard and do my best in everything I do.
Know an outstanding student? Fill us in! Email your
recommendations to editorial@akersmediagroup.com
N OW AC C E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S
Saroj Tampira MD, FACC
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New developments sprouting up as Lake and Sumter draws buyers from afar eager for nice quality of life in the Sunshine State. STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL ≈ DESIGN: VOLKAN ULGEN
he coronavirus pandemic has played a vital role in the local housing boom as more families around the country are able to work remotely, so they seek to live a more a ordable lifestyle in
Florida, where the sun often shines, the weather is warm, and there’s no state taxes.
Many developers, builders, and local government o cials in Lake and Sumter County are responding to the need for housing as they roll out the welcome mat and prepare for increased growth.
Currently, hundreds of new residential developments are in the works in the area, with the city of Leesburg having 51 named projects, all set to provide a total of 25,214 housing units.
“I’m not sure I have a good answer for why all the development other than economic and geographic reasons,” Leesburg City Manager Al Minner says, adding it appears to be Leesburg’s turn to manage growth issues as more people seek to call this area home. The more tranquil, nature environment of the area and living away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities appeals to some newcomers.
“People are coming from all over,” says Kara Wisely, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Realty in Mount Dora, who has worked with buyers moving from California, New York, South Florida, and even as far away as Switzerland, where one family was happy to buy horse property in Lake County.
“Because of the pandemic, you see a lot of families are conscious of family time,” says Kara. “They want some time and space with their family and to still be able to work from home.”
Out-of-state buyers also have told her they appreciate the more a ordable cost of housing here and the lower taxes.
According to the latest U.S. Census data, Lake County’s population is 383,956. Elevate Lake, Lake County’s O ce of Economic Development, expects the county will experience more growth in the decades ahead, predicting the population will be 450,300 in 2030 and 510,300 in 2040.
Sumter’s current population is 139,822 (with 80 percent of that being The Villages), and Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research projects Sumter to have 190,000 residents in 2030, and nearly 224,000 in 2040.
NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
Local o cials in smaller municipalities are preparing for increased growth, too, including Groveland, which has 12 projects that will provide nearly 3,300 homes.
Groveland’s current residential developments are Belleview at Estates at Cherry Lake, with 131 homes; Preserve at Sunrise, 439 homes; Trinity Lakes, 1,153 homes; Silver Eagle Reserve, 23 homes; Arborwood, 110 homes; Wilson Estates, 87 homes; Cypress Oaks, 405 homes, along with the proposed developments of The Village at Cherry Lake, 418 homes; Cypress Blu , 386 homes; Preserve at Lake David, 76 homes; Parkside at Estates at Cherry Lake, 70 homes; and Milestone Apartments, 120 units.
“I believe the draw in Groveland is that it still provides a ordable housing options, proximity to a major metropolitan area, a positive future trajectory and an unbelievably unique community with charm and natural vistas,” says Groveland City Manager Michael Hein, adding Groveland is embracing its brand as the “City with Natural Charm.”
He says Groveland has produced a master parks plan, completely revised its development code to foster walkable communities, and has revised its future land use to dedicate over 50 percent of its land mass to remain undisturbed with an open space to foster a sense of decompression and connection with nature.
“We’re also the rst city in Florida seeking to become a ‘Dark Skies’ certi ed community so that our residents can see the stars at night and witness lightning bugs and other natural experiences that aren’t available in many other places,” says Michael.
Corey DeVogel, planning technician for the City of Minneola says there are seven residential developments in the works in Minneola, which will provide over 1,000 homes.
“The way I see it the growth has spread out from Orlando to Clermont,” says Corey, adding it has now “spilled over to Groveland and Minneola.”
Seasons at Hillside
Summerbrooke
Bella Collina
Mascotte is growing, too, with subdivisions like Gardens at Lake Jackson Ridge, built by KB Home Orlando, LLC., which features 212 single-family homes. A second phase of 100 homes is in the works, says Camille Leachman, sales counselor for KB Home.
“The building is continuing,” says Camille. “People love this community for the larger lot sizes, they’re about an acre, and they love the a ordability. We are just outside Clermont, so that 15-minute drive can be a di erence of $50,000 to $100,000 (savings), and a majority of the folks want to be away from the hustle and bustle. We are surrounded by farms so it’s a little quiet. It’s close enough and yet it’s away at the same time.”
She says the homes range in size of 1,541 to 3,016 square foot, with a starting price point of around $325,000.
KB has an in-house lender, says Camille, adding the average mortgage is $1,800 to $2,000 a month on three-bedroom, two bath home with a two-car garage.
“And because we have the larger lots here, you can go with three car garages, and that’s de nitely a pull for a lot of people,” says Camille. Branded as “Nature’s Hometown,” with about 4,000 people, Umatilla is preparing for a new subdivision, Magnolia Pointe, to be developed by DR Horton in the area south of County Road 450A, according to Umatilla Mayor Kent Adcock.
Kent says the 439 units of workforce housing is expected to have a price point of high $200,000 to mid $300,000, and the project is undergoing preliminary plan approval with a build out anticipated by 2025.
“We found that were some in the Umatilla community that were apprehensive of us approving it, but it was approved years ago, and we just resurrected what was already approved,” says the mayor. “Umatilla is a smaller community of people who moved there because they like the rural environment and we collectively wrestled with the increased growth.”
O of Radio Road, behind Lake Square in Leesburg, is a small development of 50 homesites to be called Seasons at Silver Basin, which will be built by Richmond American Homes. The community will feature six di erent oor plans, the smallest being a three-bedroom home of 1,600 square feet, and all the way up to six bedrooms at 2,800 square feet, according to Shaleena Lott, sales associate at Seasons at Silver Basin.
She says the price point of the homes start at $290,000 and goes up to $350,000, and soon after the community started its presales, 10 homes were sold.
“A lot of people are still working from home because of the pandemic, so they are looking for space that they can work comfortably, where the kids can have space, and not get on each other’s nerves,” says Shaleena. “People are shopping for homes now more than ever before.”
Richmond American Homes also is building 97 homes at Seasons at Park Hill, and 48 homes at Seasons at Hillside in Leesburg, with standard features of stainless-steel appliances, premium hardwood cabinets with 36-inch uppers, an enclosed summer patio, barn doors, and special amenities of RV/ boat garages.
Park Square Homes has several building projects in Lake County, including Las Colinas at Mission Inn Resort & Club, in Howey-in-the-Hills.
The company announced it will complete the 20 remaining homesites in the current phase of Las Colinas, where the square footage ranges from 1,987 to 3,957, and they will break ground on a new phase this year of 272 homesites at
3-22 Seasons
West Builders Elysium
Bella Collina
Bella Collina
Woodbury Las Colinas
Woodbury Woodbury
Las Colinas, with anticipated sales in 2023. Four di erent product lines will be available in the new phase, including paired villas and single-family homes.
“Park Square Homes, just like Mission Inn, is a family-owned and operated business. We are delighted to have a partnership and shared vision for the future growth of Mission Inn Resort & Club. This is a storied community, a Central Florida treasure, and we look forward to continuing its legacy as a destination to live, play and enjoy,” says Laurie Tarver, vice president of sales and marketing for Park Square Homes. “The future of Mission Inn real estate is in excellent hands with Park Square Homes, and we are very pleased with our shared vision for Las Colinas,” Bud Beucher, president and general manager of the Mission Inn Resort & Club, said in a news release. “The company’s plans for the community have exceeded all of our expectations.”
Park Square Homes has several land acquisitions in Lake County, and the company announced it plans to build over 1,500 single family homes and townhomes in the next ve to six years.
The builder recently closed on 156 acres in Fruitland Park, o U.S. Highway 27 and Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., which will become the Arbor Park community of 509 single-family homesites, designed to be an a ordable alternative for empty nesters and retirees, as well as people that work in and around The Villages seeking a shorter commute. Amenities planned for Arbor Park include a resort-style clubhouse with catering kitchen, pool, playgrounds, dog park and walking trails.
“We anticipate very strong interest for Arbor Park given our unique oorplans and the community’s prime Lake County location,” says Laurie. “Single-family housing is in high demand, and we are pleased to bring our exceptional designs and outstanding customer service to another beautiful community in Lake County.”
Land development of Arbor Park is slated to begin in the spring of 2022, with sales anticipated to begin in early 2023.
Currently, Park Square Homes is building Woodbury in Mascotte, a community of 78 single-family homes starting from the low $300,000, with six di erent one- and two-story oorplans ranging from 1,301 to 1,900 square foot.
They’re also building Summerbrooke in Mount Dora, which will be 165 single-family homes starting from the mid $300,000. The community o ers eight of Park Square’s most popular oorplans, ranging from 1,525 to 3,075 square foot, and the builder has opened a new phase of this community for new home sales in 2022. Summerbrooke also has luxury neighborhood amenities such a newly decorated clubhouse with a pool, expansive recreation areas and gathering spaces.
Bella Collina in Montverde is an exclusive lakefront and country one- and two-story, single-family luxury estate homes in a private, gated community surrounded by 1,900 acres of picturesque lakes and hills.
Toll Brothers are among the builders in this gated community, constructing $1.2 million homes of coastal, Palm Beach, Mediterranean exteriors, all which range from 4,238 to over 7,000 square feet.
The homes o er an array of included features, such as two-story foyers and great rooms, double staircases, and more, according to Nicola McLean, marketing specialist of Toll Brothers, who noted buyers can select from hundreds of options including wine rooms, multi-gen suites, and an abundance of outdoor living options. “When the pandemic hit, I had four buyers from Seattle and California tech companies who all came to Bella Collina,” says
–SHALEENA LOTT
Matt Wheatley, broker with Wheatley Realty Group in Clermont, adding the buyers were young and happy by the idea of working remotely in a beautiful, spacious home with golf course views over the tiny apartments they had out west.
Matt says the buyers didn’t balk at spending $10,000 a year in taxes. “They said, ‘that’s cheap because ours is $20,000 (out west).’”
Tavares is another area that is booming with seven new residential developments in the works, including:
• Avalon Park Tavares, a 1,000 unit planned development that proposes a mixed-use of single-family, multi-family, and commercial properties behind AdventHealth Waterman across the street from
Tavares’s newest School Pinecrest Academy. • Elmwood, featuring 115 single-family homes under construction south of the YMCA along David Walker Road. • Seaport Village will be 146 single-family homes located north of Slim
Haywood Avenue and west of State Road 19. • Leela Reserve is 69 single-family homes located south of Slim
Haywood Avenue west of State Road 19. • Lakeside Forest is 134 single-family homes located west of State
Road 19 just north of the Howey Bridge. • Lake Harris Reserve is 45 single-family homes located off Woodlea
Road west of Captain Haynes Road. • Greenbrier at Baytree will feature 92 single-family homes located off Dead River Road at Baytree Blvd.
Mark O’Keefe, public communications director for Tavares, says people are drawn to town for the attraction of seaplanes “and the quality of life and cost of living.” He adds Tavares is business-friendly with access to quality healthcare with AdventHealth Waterman Hospital and a large medical park, and has responsive and progressive government services, natural amenities of the surrounding lakes, six schools, and the Tavares Waterfront Entertainment District which is golf-cart accessible.
Being golf-cart accessible is one of the big attractions of The Villages, the largest master-planned 55-plus community in the world. The Villages continues to grow and has numerous developments in the works. “It is an amazing process watching The Villages grow,” says Villager Don Wiley, who serves on The Villages’ District 10 Board of Supervisors of the Community Development District. “Based on what we know they have acquired; we are looking at another 20 to 25 years of building.”
Don says the current generation of the developer, the Morse family, are building neighborhoods with a lot more greenspace. And while the bulk of The Villages growth has been in Sumter County, soon Lake County and the Leesburg area will bene t from The Villages’ expansion plans.
The Villages’ economics incentives package for a $100 million mixed-used district was approved by Lake County o cials, and the district will reportedly be located on about 435 acres at the intersection of Florida’s Turnpike and County Road 470. Some of the commercial space is projected to be used for a healthcare-focused multi-use complex, anchored by a UF Health regional hospital. The Villages is also at work on an all-new community— Middleton by The Villages—which will o er a variety of housing, shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities, speci cally designed to meet the needs of the families and business partners who work, serve, and care for residents of The Villages community.
The Villages says on its website “that it makes perfect sense to expand our school and housing options for all the employees who support our community.”
Middleton will feature single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, even brownstone-type of housing options, all in a variety of styles and price ranges. The website noted the planning teams are working with the renowned architectural rm, SchenkelShultz to expand The Villages Charter School by building a second K-8 campus as well as an expanded state-ofthe-art high school and athletic center.
Middleton is projected to come to fruition in 2023.
FLOORING CUSTOMERS
WITH SUPERIOR SERVICE
When it comes to quality, Floors of Distinction
outshines the rest. PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
looring provides functionality to any home. Homeowners have a broad assortment of types and colors they can choose that re ect their personality while adding warmth, beauty, and character to their house.
Of course, before anyone starts deciding between hardwood, carpet, tile, etc. there’s a more important question to consider. Who’s going to be installing it? Remember, homeowners will be living with their ooring style—and its installation— for years or decades afterward. The perfect oor may not come to fruition without nding the perfect ooring company.
With that said, let’s look at the dictionary de nition of the word distinction. “Excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.”
Customers should look for a ooring company that meets that de nition. Fortunately, Lake County residents won’t have to look very far.
For 31 years, Floors of Distinction has lived up to its name in every way imaginable. It’s a company where a level of trust is established immediately. It’s a company that educates customers to make the best decision regarding their ooring needs rather than pressuring them into buying a speci c product. It’s a company that maintains open communication so customers’ wants and needs—styles, budgets, expectations—are thoroughly understood, allowing projects to ow smoothly and be completed with the desired result.
Located in Leesburg, Floors of Distinction has been the choice of countless Lake County residents in need of ooring products and installation services. Customers who step into the spacious showroom are greeted with a large selection of ooring styles, including
Your Home Is Our Signature
L-R: Pete Peterman, Zach Peterman, Tiffany Hobgood, James Hobgood, Kim Allie, Mary Beth Kilma, Tony Kilma
wood, tile, carpeting, laminate, vinyl, and natural stone.
Now, owner Tony Klima is excited to o er new services and develop meaningful relationships with even more customers. Floors of Distinction remodels kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are the heart of the home and may be the most frequently used room in a household. Many homeowners wish to modernize a kitchen that is a bit outdated. Similarly, remodeling a bathroom can make a home much more attractive, functional, and enjoyable.
“The same principles that we hold dear to the ooring side apply to our kitchen and bathroom remodeling services,” Tony says. “Whether it’s simple cosmetic changes or more extensive renovations, each project will be completed with the utmost professionalism from start to nish. Just like in ooring, we’re trying to give customers what they want and we’re letting them be the deciding factor.”
Tony learned the importance of customer service at a young age. At 17, he was hired by the original owners of Floors of Distinction, Steve and Patti Singer, to work as a helper. He eventually became an installer for the company and worked alongside the Singers’ son, Jim, who was a close friend.
Jim was expected to take over the family business. However, he died unexpectedly at age 29.
“At that time, I had a lot going on in my life,” Tony says. I also had a ooring demolition company that I let dissolve because Floors of Distinction was where all my attention was.”
Five years ago, Tony purchased Floors of Distinction from the Singer family.
“I didn’t know how to do business any other way than how I was taught by Steve and Patti,” Tony says. “They helped the company establish a great reputation by providing quality products and installation at a fair price and delivering exceptional customer service throughout the entire process.”
Tony has witnessed much change in the industry. The market is ooded with more and more ooring companies. As a result of the erce competition, some of those companies have become more product-driven than customerdriven After banging in that last piece of ooring, most companies quickly move on to the next job site, rarely given a second thought to their last customer.
As a result, Tony is re-branding Floors of Distinction by emphasizing the company’s proud heritage of meeting the needs of its customers and building longstanding relationships. The company culture will be built around people and the human experience.
“We’re seeing that some ooring companies today are operating on a money-driven mindset,” Tony says. “I feel the best way we can compete is to remain true to our roots. When customers come into our store, I want to give them a completely di erent feeling than the other ooring stores they go into. The experience is what we’re selling here. To ensure they have a di erent experience, we explain the ooring
process, qualify the customer with what they think they know about products in the industry, and make sure they are the ones deciding what they want rather than us pushing what’s popular. We want to create fun and successful experiences for our customers in everything we do.”
This approach has certainly worked well for Floors of Distinction. More than half of the company’s business is repeat customers. In addition, much of the company’s new business comes via referrals from existing customers. That’s a point of pride for Tony, who openly admits that the sales side of his business is much more enjoyable than the business side.
“I love working with customers,” he says. “I enjoy hearing where they’ve been and why they’re here. I can spend hours talking to them. The people side of the ooring industry is what drives me. It’s about the personal relationships. It’s about talking with customers and getting to know them on a personal level.”
Like Tony, the company’s team of enthusiastic salespeople and top-notch installers are equally excited to interact with customers and oversee the successful completion of each project. The familyowned company includes Tony’s fatherin-law, Jon Peterman, and Tony’s brotherin-law, Zach Peterman. Ed Snay, who has worked at the company for 10 years, is described by Tony as “the company’s go-to guy when issues need to be addressed.” Customer service representative Kim Allie greets all customers who enter the showroom with a warm smile and friendly hello.
General manager James Hobgood began working at Floors of Distinction at age 18 as a helper. He spent nearly seven years there before starting a new venture. Three years ago, he returned to the company as a full-time employee. He works alongside his wife, Ti any.
“I’m a Christian, so developing relationships on a personal level is very important to me,” James says. “Therefore, I enjoy working for a company that has the same mindset about relationships that I do. The relationships that we develop and build with customers are very special. We just had a client come in this week who hired us to put in ooring for her 25 years ago. She is wanting a new oor, and the reason she returned to us is because she had a great experience the rst time around. She never forgot what a wonderful customer experience we provided for her.”
Whether customers desire new ooring or a kitchen or bathroom remodel, they can trust Floors of Distinction to provide outstanding customer service along with the highest-quality, professional work from start to nish.
352.787.7909 / floorsofdistinctionfl.com / 411 N. 14th St. Suite 100, Leesburg
—TONY KILMA
GROWTH SPURT
GROWTH SPURT
New housing demands, increasing costs of materials keep builders hopping.
STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL ≈ DESIGN: VOLKAN ULGEN
ew housing developments are sprouting up, indicating developers and builders are striving to meet the growing demand of buyers who want to call Lake and Sumter County home. “Some of the top reasons people move to the Sunshine State include retirement, lifestyle, family and jobs, which is especially true for our community. Trends also suggest that people are moving to less-dense places, such as Lake County. We enjoy a centralized location that is just far enough away from the Orlando area while still being access,” says Tracy Garcia, interim executive director of economic growth for Lake County.
According to the latest U.S. Census data, Lake County’s population is 383,956. Elevate Lake, Lake County’s O ce of Economic Development, expects the county will experience even more growth over the coming decades, with forecasts predicting the population will be 450,300 in 2030 and 510,300 in 2040.
“What we are seeing at the Lake County property appraiser’s o ce is continued strong growth,” says Lake County Property Appraiser Carey Baker. “We are experiencing the strongest growth in the South Lake region, so the Clermont, Groveland area still dominates the population growth, and a lot of that is driven from those working in Orange and adjacent counties.”
Carey says South Lake has a lot of young families looking for a great place to raise their families. “They enjoy our beautiful lakes, they frequent our shops, they pay taxes, and they add so much to our community, and it’s good to see the healthy growth. Lake County is a magnet for people who want this wonderful lifestyle … And thanks to The Villages, Lake County is still doing good very well with retirees; we are still growing our retiree base and they just make wonderful citizens.”
Real estate values on existing homes have increased over the past ve years to a yearly rate of 5 to 8 percent, says Carey. However, lately he says some of the values are exceeding to double digits.
Matt Wheatley, broker of Wheatley Realty Group in Clermont, says he has seen house values go up 25 to 30 percent in some areas of Clermont, Groveland, and Minneola.
“A $350,000 home now was probably priced in the high $100,00s or low $200,000s ve years ago in 2017,” says Matt. Two years ago, he purchased a three bedroom, two bath home in Groveland for $183,000, which he says needed a little bit of work and a new roof. “And it’s now worth $283,000.”
Regarding residential real estate, Carey says brand-new homes re ect the latest market value.
“So, when we look at home values, we look at neighborhoods that are ve years old or maybe 10 years old. We look at those homes and the increases of existing homes are the more modest increase,” says Carey. “The homes that you see the big increases are the brand-new homes where they (builders) are paying the high price for lumber, they’re struggling to nd appliances, struggling to nd doors, windows. Developers are having to pay a premium, so it’s really driving
the price of the new homes up at a much greater percentage than the existing homes.”
Lou Buigas, director of operations, licensed builder, and a partner of West Construction Services, a custom home builder based in Mount Dora, says it is a challenging time in the construction industry.
“Just like every other builder, we are having issues with attaining materials, and supply and demand issues,” she says. “We have projects right now where we are sitting and waiting on truss engineering, which is paperwork to be able to permit.”
She adds that it’s also taking longer to get windows and other materials.
“We are ordering windows before we are even at the point of breaking ground,” says Lou, adding West Construction is keeping its clients informed every step of the way, while also juggling with increased costs of lumber, concrete, etc.
“In over 30 years in business, we have added a clause in our contract that says that if the materials go up, we will show you the invoice of what it was when you signed the contract and where we are at build time,” she says.
One reason for the longer delays getting building materials, according to Lou, is during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, many plants up north were closed, causing slow production of items. Plus, some needed supplies have been sitting in containers out at sea.
“It’s a very unpredictable and erratic market on our industry. I don’t think anybody right now can work any magic,” says Lou. “And if the interest rates go up, that will throw things into quite a spin and hurt the industry. It’s very challenging for the consumer and contractor as well.”
Sharon Bassett has eased o doing new home construction projects because of the latest challenges.
“I’m a builder, but I haven’t pulled the trigger on it because of getting materials,” says Sharon. “I have some lots to build on, but it makes me nervous in getting materials. The whole supply chain has been interesting. Builders are having trouble getting doors, windows, lumber, or siding, and the latest is roof shingles. Everything is changing and it is a challenge.”
She’s also a broker and owner of Bassett Premiere Realty, Inc., mostly serving in The Villages and neighboring 55-plus communities of Spruce Creek South and Stonecrest.
“We have seen a huge jump,” Sharon says of increasing home values. “Five years ago, you could nd a home for around $100,000 and now that three-bedroom, two-bath is at least $200,000. Homes have doubled in ve years.”
However, the higher cost of housing hasn’t stopped buyers from wanting to move to Central Florida.
“We have seen a huge in ux of people from the north and coming up from the South Florida, where housing prices have been astronomical,” says Clay Chapman, sales associate for Richmond American Homes’ new subdivisions of Seasons at Hillside and Seasons at Park Hill, located o Sleepy Hollow Road in Leesburg.
“Because of the pandemic, families have been home more, and they’re nding they need more space, especially for a lot
—SHARON BASSETT
—LOU BUIGAS
of people that are able to work remotely,” says Clay, adding buyers are purchasing lots to build 1,600 to 2,800 square foot homes in the high $200,000 to mid-to-high $300,000 range, with features like tall ceilings, tall doors, and stainless-steel kitchen appliances. Some of the homes even have three-car garages with space to park an RV.
“We focus on structural things that are standard. We also have a design center where you can select from 30,000 di erent options to make your own selections in your house,” says Clay. “You’re not getting a cookie-cutter house; you’re able to pick everything from oors, and baseboards, to the color of your doorknobs.”
As some areas of Florida struggle with nding skilled labor to build homes, the need for building trades is being addressed at four local high schools. Leesburg, South Lake, Eustis, and The Villages Charter High School o er construction academies for youths to learn building trades through classroom study and obtain hands-on experience and supervision on building homes through Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter. Overall, 48 students are enrolled in the academies.
“These construction academies are a win-win for both the industry and the students,” says Don Magruder, chief executive o cer of RoMac Building Supply.
“RoMac Building Supply is very involved with both the Villages Charter High School Construction Academy and the Leesburg High School Construction Academy, and our reason for supporting both is that the industry desperately needs new, young talent and the young people coming out of school need great jobs with good pay,” says Don, adding the construction industry o ers greater pay and more exibility than the retail, hospitality, and service industries.
“Innovations in technology and tools have made the work easier to perform than in the past, and it o ers real bene ts for those students who don’t want to pursue college,” says Don. “What we are nding, more importantly, is that female students are beginning to realize there are great positions in construction and the work is comparable to other industries. These construction academies are introducing students to a whole new world of possibilities, and we actually see students redirecting their futures toward construction.”
South Lake Construction Academy is building a home in Mascotte, The Villages Charter High School Construction Academy is constructing a Wildwood house, and Leesburg and Eustis academy students are building homes in their cities.
Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter is pleased to be a vehicle for the students to learn building trades, and the nonpro t organization is also busy with construction plans for additional homes.
“We are currently building ve homes in Eustis, Mascotte, Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Leesburg, and after those, we will start nine more during 2022, including two in Eustis, one each in Leesburg and Wildwood, four in Tavares, and one in Mascotte,” says Danielle Stroud, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter.
She says the homes will range from 730 to 1,250 square feet with appraised values of $160,000 to $200,000. Five homeowners have been selected for the rst homes under construction, and Danielle says applications will open in late spring to select the remaining homeowners.
“Families pay no more than 30% of their household income, which is typically below $900 a month and that includes taxes, insurance, principal and interest,” says Danielle.
And just like other builders, Habitat also is experiencing long delays on building materials and access to skilled labor.
“The wait times are unheard of,” says Danielle. “We are trying to re-group and plan our build schedule out for the next three years so we can start placing orders way in advance.”
Another big project for Habitat is its partnership with Villagers for Veterans to build Ashley’s House, a 4,000-squarefoot transitional group on Grove Street in Eustis for female military veterans, dedicated to the memory of First Lieutenant Ashley White-Stumpf, 24, who was killed by an improvised explosive device during combat operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan in 2011.
“I’m most proud of the collaborative spirit of our projects,” says Danielle, adding the construction academies not only build houses but also the next generation of workers. “And our partnership with Villagers for Veterans on the Ashley’s House project is a way for us to join forces and support our female veterans when they need us most.”
Local professionals provide their expertise on everything you need to know about your home.
PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Solar
Jazmin Felix, Owner ≈ Kenkay Solar
352.460.0402 / KenkaySolar.com / 413 E. ALFRED ST., TAVARES
Q.Why should I choose to have a solar roof?
A. There are several reasons. First, you’re helping the environment. Using energy from the sun is one of the cleanest forms of energy. In homes without solar, much of the electricity running through the house comes from fossil fuels, which create lots of pollutants. With solar, homeowners reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and as a result it lowers their carbon footprint. At the end of the day, we want to make sure we’re leaving a cleaner world for our kids and grandkids.
Second, switching to solar will increase your property values and save you thousands of dollars. Solar panels create a natural source of energy that has the powers your home. By cutting down on the amount of energy you use, your electric bill will be less, allowing you to save money. Homeowners will enjoy a return on their investment in no time.
Third, homeowners can protect themselves from a power outage by adding a home solar battery bank. These battery systems store solar energy and o er emergency backup power when the grid goes down. This o ers peace of mind for homeowners, especially in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, when power may be out for days or weeks. We partner with well-known manufacturers to be able to o er a customized solar battery based on a homeowner’s speci c needs. As a result of these partnerships, we can provide backup systems to power the entire home, including the air conditioner, which would have been impossible 10 years ago. This has become extremely important for homeowners, especially here in Florida.
“CALL US AND JOIN THE MOVEMENT TODAY!”
—EMILY GAULIN, OFFICE MANAGER
Q.Why should I choose Kenkay Solar?
Emily Gaulin, Office Manager
A. We are a local, family-owned company that prides ourselves on honesty, fairness, and integrity. We are truly passionate about transforming your existing roof with solar modules that can power your home for decades. Also, our solar systems are customized to a homeowner’s speci c needs, allowing us to provide that personal touch. Kenkay Solar has partnered with third-party insurance companies and can o er 30-year roof penetration warranties that extends the inverter and module for 30 years, as well. In addition, we have also partnered with Women in Solar LLC to provide customers with safety and quality in every installation. For customers who qualify, we o er nancing with zero money down so customers don’t have to worry about upfront costs. From initial permitting through project completion, we stay with customers every step of the way to ensure the solar roof-buying experience is as seamless as possible. We are always committed to a customer’s complete satisfaction, and we enjoy establishing strong relationships with each of our customers.
Custom Homes
Joseph(L) and Dale(R) West ≈ West Construction Services, Inc.
352.483.9378 / westconstructionfl.com / 1004 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Q. How to navigate building a custom home in 2022?
A.The home-building process is a di erent landscape today than it has been in the last few years, and it’s important to choose a knowledgeable, experienced builder who is on top of the market and is aware of the ever-changing nature of the business.
Dale West, Joe West, and Lou Buigas are partners of West Construction Services, Inc., and they hold the distinction of being the only Lake County construction company where all three partners are licensed builders. They work to stay ahead of the curve and keep their clients informed along the way.
West knows there are shortages of various materials, such as windows and trusses. So, they work with their clients to ensure they are ahead of schedule to minimize any time waiting on shortages that all builders are faced with in the industry presently. Luckily, they bring a combined 60-plus years’ experience in the building industry, and have the knowledge to navigate the di erent challenges of building in 2022.
Throughout the years, West has built all di erent styles of homes, everything from farmhouses, modern, Spanish style, Craftsmen, etc. They bring their experience to each job. Lately, the most desired look has shifted from the rustic farmhouse look to building homes with modern lines and neutral colors. A lot of people are also wanting outdoor living spaces as part of their home’s amenities, so they can enjoy more of the Sunshine State – one big reason why people are moving to the area.
West is in constant contact with their clients, with each other, and everyone they deal with in the business. It is a very integrated system. “Our clients appreciate the open communication and we develop great relationships with them. We’ve even remained in contact with a lot of our clients years after we’ve built their homes.”
West takes pride in building good, true relationships with their clients; they are not just another job number. “In this day and age, it’s easy for businesses to assign a number, but not with us. We want to ensure everybody is always happy with the services they are receiving and that we are happy as a builder to work with them.”
West Construction plans to build custom homes for many more years to come. Nathan West, 8 months old, just may follow the footsteps of his father and grandfather. “We’ll get a hammer in his hands pretty soon,” Nathan’s dad Joe says with a chuckle.
Kitchen and Bath
Robert Burns ≈ Burns Woodworking
352.307.0697 / 15259 S. Hwy. 441, Summerfield / 10973 N. U.S. Hwy. 301, Oxford / burnswoodworkingandmore.com
Burns Woodworking is a family business dedicated to o ering only the highest levels of creativity, personalization, and customer service.
From concept to completion, our focus remains on the needs of our customers, always bringing innovative solutions and a problemsolving mindset. Amidst creating beautifully curated spaces, our goal is to bring out each customer’s individual style with ease and charm.
To be a custom manufacturer, we realize that much of the innovation we bring to the marketplace is derived and inspired from this experience. It’s a learning process for both the customer and our design team as we create and explore. We seek the most elegant and functional materials, hardware, and con gurations.
We believe there is no shortcut to success. Our main goal is to provide customers with exceptional service.
We pride ourselves on being the best and treating our customers like family. We go out of our way to exceed their expectations, by providing service that exceeds industry standards, and all while providing the best value to our customers.
Our company is renowned for its superior choice of products selected from the world’s nest quarries. We have over 20 years’ experience in global sourcing, importing, fabrication, installation, innovative design, and detailed craftsmanship.
From complete remodels to custom cabinetry, we can do it all, while combining beauty and style with quality and functionality.
Our top-notch carpenters can build any type of custom unit made to your exact dimensions, species of wood, and color. Our skilled craftsmen who install the quartz, granite and marble tops are experts in placing the most beautiful stone surfaces in an array of formats and nishes in the best locations in your kitchens, baths, and other rooms.
We install all types of ooring including ceramic, porcelain, waterproof laminate, hardwood, and travertine. Our company is a one-stop shop for turning your dreams into reality. We
Q.What makes Burns Woodworking a great company? will beat any written estimate for countertops, cabinets, and ooring. We guarantee you will be completely satis ed with the nished product!
A.
Top Row (L–R): Heidi Daigle, Zee Anderson, Laura Monteleone, Awilda Lopez, Daniel Sierra, Kate Raber, Sarah Wall, Brittany Eddy, Pam Howell, Cheré Carr Bottom Row (L–R): Wendy Harrington, Kayla Cardenas, Denell Behan, Brandon Smith, Jessica Rush, Alison Wheatley, Matthew Wheatley, Claudia Hubbard, David Wilson,Loran Wheatley Angelica Aponte
A personal
touch When Wheatley Realty Group opened its doors in downtown Clermont recently, a sense of excitement lled the air and it all started with Broker/Owner Matt Wheatley’s vision for the company. Matt says he made sure the building they call home, was transformed into something visually, technologically, and functionally pleasing; but beyond that, he’s bolstered its presence as a hub for learning, growth, and community for all who enter. In real estate, “We’re trying to be part of the community resource and a guide to downtown, more than just a real estate o ce for people looking to move to Clermont,” Matt says. “We’ve also gotten to know a lot real relationships of the downtown business owners, developers, and city leaders, and a lot of them are friends, colleagues, and contacts who we support and who support us, so it’s nice.”mean everything. Matt says another of his biggest priorities is that his agents are taken care of when it comes to inner-o ce exibility and accommodations for family, health, and personal well-being so that
PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE they may succeed in every way possible.
“We’re like a family; we’re here for one another, and we celebrate each other’s successes,” Matt says.
For their clients, he encourages every agent to invest in ‘the snowball e ect.’
“I tell all my agents that although real estate can be a good business, it takes time to build what I call the snowball e ect, and the best way I can think of describing it to them, is to think of building a snowman,” Matt says. “The hardest part is getting that rst ball rolling, getting it together, but once you get it rolling, and get that momentum going, it just compiles and compiles, and becomes much easier.”
Matt says what that translates to, as far as dealing with people, is treating them right on a consistent basis and being there for them in whatever way necessary, whether they are interested in buying, or just looking.
“Our tagline is personalized service with unparalleled results, and that’s what I truly believe has led to much of our team’s success,” Matt says.
He says he and his agents believe in going the extra mile by doing little things that matter greatly, like answering the phone after closing, researching a service that may really prove bene cial to a customer, referring a client to the right person when their need ts in better with what they may o er, and so on.
He adds those things are what success, as well as personal growth and satisfaction, thrive on.
“Be yourself, and come from a genuine place, work with the people you connect with, work with the people in your circles, and build that up, because it takes time,” Matt says. “I don’t want to say that we are anti-sales here, but we do take a di erent approach.”
With that, he wants clients to understand that at Wheatley Realty Group, they are much more than just a potential sale.
“I’m not a Realtor to sell houses. I’m a Realtor to help people,” Matt says. “That’s why I stress working with each person, nding out what their goals are, and what they are trying to achieve, and going the extra mile to help them get there.”
In return, those types of practices garner referrals from happy customers and that pleases him.
“We treat people right consistently over time and they continue recommending us; they remember us,” he explains.
Besides the inner workings of the company, Matt and the more than 20 agents and sta that work for him, believe in giving back to community, and therefore, consistently get involved with city events, and help e orts throughout Central Florida.
“That’s a big part of who we are too, and we really want to help the community when we can,” Matt says.
At their South Lake Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting in January, all proceeds of a 50/50 ra e went to helping two families whose children are battling cancer. Also, at Christmastime for the past couple of years, the Wheatley team has partnered with Magic 106.7 on a toy drive for families in need throughout Central Florida. In 2021, Matt was one of the sponsors of the Citrus Tower’s ChickFil-A Christmas Spectacular Light Show, and he has no plans on slowing down any of those platforms.
“My goals are to make our o ce as welcoming and inviting as possible and staying involved, and that’s why we love being downtown now,” Matt says. “We can walk around and interact with local businesses, with people moving here, and people can easily stop in to see us for whatever it is they may need, whether it’s learning more about the community, buying or selling a home or property.”
—MATT WHEATLEY
352.227.3834 / WheatleyRealtyGroup.com / Downtown Clermont – 664 W. Montrose St., Clermont
agenda EVENTS. TRAVEL. PEOPLE.
J Alan Six finds great pleasure and success in new stage of his life.
