Osprey Observer 2016-08 Riverview/Apollo Beach by Osprey Observer

Riverview/Apollo Beach

See Pgs. 11-19

August 2016 Volume 14, Issue 8 Ph: 657-2418

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County’s Fall Budget Public Hearing To Include Funding For New Fire Rescue Unit in Riverview

P O S I T I V E

See Ad On Page 47 C O M M U N I T Y

Zero Energy Homes Coming To Waterset By Candace Rotolo

By Tamas Mondovics

crew, with transportation capacity. Given the recent study of calls and responses for alarms within Riverview, Lithia and FishHawk Ranch, the idea seemed sound and according to Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones, would have meet the needs of all affected communities better. “This proposal is not about saving money, but about savRescue vehicles cost about $300,000 and more ing lives,” Jones said adding than $1 million a year to staff and equip. that all fire stations in the Hillsborough County recent pilot projhave fire engines, which are county ect proposal to temporarily relocate a Fire manned by equally trained paramedics Rescue vehicle and ambulance crew and are equipped with emergency med(Rescue 2) currently placed at Fire ical equipment to respond to critical emerStation No. 2 in Lithia, to Riverview was calls, but they cannot transport gency met with mixed feelings last month. The them to the hospital. rescue unit in question is identified as an

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advanced life-support or ALS truck and

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T R A I N I N G

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Representatives from Greenergy and Newland Communities celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Eco Village at Waterset. Residences will be powered by solar energy.

Homebuyers who want to reduce their dependence on traditional energy sources will have a new and unique option to choose from at Waterset. Homebuilder, Greenergy, broke ground recently on its first net zero energy model home in the master-planned community, scheduled to open before the year end. Greenergy will offer 77 high performing net zero electric homes in Waterset that will be entirely powered by solar energy. The homes will feature designs and high performance elements not commonly found in homes throughout Florida. During construction, many eco-friendly materials will be utilized to ensure a truly eco-healthy home. Rooftop solar panels will produce the power that is used throughout the home to run all aspects of the home. Other features will include air ducts located below the attic to improve airflow and reduce costs, and smart home automation to turn off lights, pull down window shades and regulate climate when the homeowners are away. Natural gas will be used for cooking and other needs. Since the homes are expected to produce as much energy as is spent with average use, homeowners should not have an electric bill. Greenergy will offer both single story and two-story homes. The four open floor plans will feature three to four bedrooms with dens, two car garages and range from 2,300 sq. ft. to 3,000-sq. ft. Home prices are expected to start in the $290,000s. “Energy efficiency is becoming an important consideration for more and

more homebuyers,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities. “We believe the option of net zero electric homes will not only be unique in the Tampa Bay marketplace, but also appealing to many prospective buyers. We are very happy to welcome Greenergy as a new builder in Waterset.” Greenergy has also launched other Net Zero Energy neighborhoods in Port St. Lucie, Kissimmee and Bakersfield, California. Newland Communities is the master developer of the community. Waterset is one of more than 30 communities that the NORTH AMERICA SEKISUI HOUSE, LLC-Newland partnership owns together in 11 states across the United States.

In This Issue LENNAR BUYS LITTLE HARBOR.............PG 3 HOA HOT TOPICS..................................PG 7 SOUTHSHORE CHARTER ACADEMY......PG 8 SPORTS CONNECTION.........................PG 29 CHALKLINES.........................................PG 32 WEDDING SECTION......................PGS 35‐39

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT..................PG 43 FISH TALES.........................................PG 46