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Feed business finds new home in Lutz
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By Michael Murillo mmurillo@cnewspubs.com
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3319 Crenshaw Lake Road began in 2008, but a construction permit for it expired in 2009, according to county officials. Construction itself likely stopped at around the same time, leaving concrete block walls, and wood, insulation and unfinished windows to simply rot under the Florida sun. Country Squire Estate Custom Homes LLC bought the lakeside lot and two others like it in late 2006 for $756,000, according to county property records. It used a $605,000 mortgage from Capital City Bank to fund it. Construction began in February 2008, but the first liens against the property start-
When the Feed Depot was forced to leave its longtime home on Nebraska Avenue, the Keith family began the search for a new location. And when they settled on 19002 First St. S.W., near Lutz Lake Fern Road and North U.S. 41, it was the location, size and affordability that made it a good fit. But it was really a color that first attracted their eye. “We started looking, but didn’t get anything solid,” said Shayne Keith, whose mother Deborah owns the business.“Mom hopped in her Jeep, headed down this way and this was the first building she saw because it was painted barn red.” The Feed Depot officially opened the doors of its new location March 1, but had its official grand opening last weekend. The business, Keith said, has been in the family since the 1970s and was started by his paternal grandfather.About 12 years ago, his mother took over as owner. The Feed Depot remained on Nebraska, but its landlord had been looking to sell its property for several years. And when a Walmart opened in the area, the land became attractive enough to finally sell. Moving after such a long tenure in one location has required some important adjustments, Keith said. The business is acclimating to one-third less space — from approximately 6,000 square feet to around 4,000 — and is trying to get a feel for what Lutz customers want. Keith wants to make sure the business is able to meet their specific needs.
See MANSION, page 12
See FEED, page 12
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An 8,700-square-foot home on Crenshaw Lake Road in Lutz was never meant to be, apparently, as Hillsborough County-contracted work crews bring the structure down. It had been in a half-built state for six years, and had fines of more than $254,000.
Unfinished mansion finally demolished By Michael Hinman mhinman@cnewspubs.com
In just a one-mile stretch of Crenshaw Lake Road, eight higher-end homes are under construction, a testament to the return of the housing market. But one fossil from the housing boomgone-bust had cast a shadow over this growing neighborhood for years. On Monday, the unfinished 8,700-square-foot home on an overgrown lot came crashing down — one of the largest single-family homes to ever be demolished by the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement department. Construction for the three-story home at
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Jo Van Bebber’s nurturing ways left an imprint By B.C. Manion bcmanion@cnewspubs.com
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When people talk about Alice Joan “Jo” Van Bebber, they’re quick to mention her nurturing ways, her zest for life, her culinary skills, and the fact that she was the first person to win the honorary title of Lutz Guv’na. Van Bebber, who was laid to rest on March 8, spent decades of her life serving her community. She was a vital member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, serving the organization as its president and in nearly other capacity, said Cheryl Benton, one of Van Bebber’s dear friends. She always made newcomers feel welcome, quickly taking them under her wing and teaching them the ins and outs of the club, other members said. “I was a walk-in to the club,” Pat Serio said, noting she was attracted to the organization by its work to help survivors of spouse abuse. Serio recalled that as soon as she arrived, Van Bebber greeted her and began introducing her around. By the end of the meeting, Van Bebber already had figured out how to put Serio’s talents to work to help the club and the community. Beyond serving the local club, Van
Bebber also was involved at the district, state, national and international levels. When Van Bebber took ill, it was an “egregious blow” to the community, said Edwina Kraemer, another former woman’s club president and former Guv’na. Kraemer credited Van Bebber as being among a trio of women who recruited her to join the woman’s club. “Jo was my mentor,” Kraemer said. Van Bebber was vivacious and enjoyed entertaining, but she could be a stickler for details, club members said. COURTESY OF CHERYL BENTON “She could be a general,” Kraemer said.“She knew parlia- Jo Van Bebber was a fixture at community events in Lutz, mentary procedure, our bylaws including this holiday event where she joins Marilyn and standing rules. She could Wannamaker, right. quote the page and paragraph,” Kraemer said. dined together on the weekend, Besides her dedication to the woman’s Wannamaker said. “To me, we lost a truly club and to Lutz,Van Bebber was a devoted great lady.” mother and grandmother, said Marilyn Van Bebber died March 5. Her husband Wannamaker, another one of Van Bebber’s Bill preceded her in death, and she is surclose friends.Van Bebber also was involved vived by three sons: Bill, Greg and Wynn, and at the First United Methodist Church of a daughter Pam. Lutz. Van Bebber also is survived by nine Both women were widows and often grandchildren.