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Ushering in 2021 with more retail
By Kathy Steele Special to The Laker/Lutz News
Shopping centers along State Road 54 and State Road 56 are continuing to attract more new stores and restaurants. The Cypress Creek Town Center,Tampa Premium Outlets,The Preserve Marketplace, the Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard, Starkey Ranch Town Square, Starkey Ranch Business Center, The Shops at Wiregrass and the Grove at Wesley Chapel are building and remodeling in anticipation of new openings. Total Wine & More is moving into the
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Cypress Creek Town Center in space formerly occupied by the Earth Fare grocery store. The building, at 25535 Sierra Center Blvd., will undergo “interior alteration” for a remodel, according to a permit filed with Pasco County. The town center, at the juncture of Interstate 75 and state roads 54 and 56, soon also will have a grand opening for Floor & Décor, now under construction on Sierra Center Boulevard.And, a Good Feet Store is on tap for the boulevard, too, according to county records.
Across from the town center, construction is underway on an outparcel at Tampa Premium Outlets for a Tidal Wave Car Wash. A Zaxby’s restaurant also is anticipated. Recent arrivals at the outdoor mall include Main Event, Cigars International and Rock & Brew restaurant. Along State Road 54, west of U.S. 41, online shopping will get a boost from an Amazon shipping center under construction at 17030 Mentmore Blvd.The facility is within the Bexley by Newland master-
See RETAIL, page 7A
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Steve Vinik, a member of The Laker/Lutz News Readership Club, recently captured these photos during the Lexington Oaks Santa Parade on Dec. 12, and generously shared them with our readers. The images convey a sense of joy that’s often been in short supply this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please turn to Page 1B, to see more of our seasonal coverage, from a Country Christmas & Vintage Market held earlier this month at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City. Above, Santa (also known as John Kostialik) hands out Christmas cheer. When he’s not busy during the holiday season, he’s the president of the Lexington Oaks security patrol. At left, Frosty the Snowman (also known as Bill Tumelty) and his reindeer chauffeur (also known as Mat Jones) drive along the Santa Parade route inside the Lexington Oaks community, in Wesley Chapel.
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Santa stops at each village entrance to greet children and parents.
Santa uses a modern device to alert his elves that he’s on the way to his next stop: The Lexington Oaks community room for a meet and greet (and hopefully some cookies?)
Not-so-random acts of kindness Compiled by B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
Even when life is ‘normal’ — it’s not always easy to find the time, energy or resources to help others who are struggling to get by, or whose spirits need a lift. During a pandemic when people are feeling pressures on all sides and many of life’s big moments must be delayed or canceled — the challenge is even greater. But, ingenuity and generosity prevailed in The Laker/Lutz News region, providing a counterpoint to the sadness and loss, and injecting a bit of joy. Check out more not-so-random acts of kindness that occurred during 2020 on page 6A.
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This giant spider is just one of the creepy creatures that goes on display on Oct. 31, at Sid Siamandl’s annual ‘Halloween House.’
Lifting spirits, at Halloween Sid Simandl has been decking out his “Halloween House” every year for 18 years, and this year was no exception. But, because of COVID-19, he changed things up. Instead of an enclosed Haunted House inside his garage, he created a haunted trail, instead. Simandl, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, gets a big kick out of treating visitors to a haunted spectacle. Indeed, it’s his favorite holiday. He nicknames himself Mr. Halloween for the occasion, and dons a pumpkin sports coat.