Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside welcomed eight families to their new homes in the Longlake Preserve community Dec. 12. A dedication ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion.
The Adianova/Rudchenko, Agbanlog, Blachaniec, Ingram, Mims, Torres, Washington and Weaver families were presented with their keys at the event.
The families were expected to begin moving in last week, Habitat president and CEO Mike Sutton said.
“All home dedications are special, and each one is a huge milestone for the families, but when they are tied into the holidays, it’s just extra special,” he said. “To know these families are going to be able to celebrate their first Christmas in their brand-new homes, it touches the heart.”
Habitat’s Longlake Preserve development, at 1756 S. Dr. MLK Jr. Ave. on the Clearwater-Largo border, will have 52 units upon its completion. The project’s first four phases are now finished, and the fifth phase is currently under construction.
Longlake is the largest townhome community the organization has ever built. Habitat welcomed the first group of families in March, Sutton added.
The homes feature both three bedroom and four bedroom layouts. Selection is based on the size of the family.
Kristen Mims, a sales support administrator at healthcare company Centene Corporation, was the recipient of Habitat’s 2025 Women Build. She will be moving to the community with her two sons, Jaylinn and Elijah.
This annual project brings female leaders together to build a home for a woman-led family.
“There are no words to put into a sentence to describe how much this will impact our lives,” Mims said. “I never thought I would be a homeowner. I never thought that I would even get as far as being able to rent a three-bedroom place for us. That’s how crazy it’s been the last few years.”
She added that working with Habitat has been a positive experience, adding that she had to apply several times before being selected.
“The team really does want you to succeed. The vetting process at the beginning can be a bit rigorous, but they don’t leave you alone in that process. They let you know what’s needed if something doesn’t work out the first time.”
Habitat’s permitting project manager Jessica Ingram is also a new homeowner at the Longlake Preserve community. “Being a part of the building process has made it even more meaningful,” she explained at the dedication ceremony.
“Every hammer swing and every volunteer hour spent on each home reminds us that it’s not just about building a house, but it’s also about helping to lay the foundation for a better future for our families.”
Each of the families chosen earn 30% to 80% of the Area Median Income. To purchase a home through Habitat, new homeowners must complete hundreds of sweat equity hours (volunteering with the organization). Additionally, they must attend 38 home buyer education classes, Sutton added.
Once the recipients close on their homes, they will pay a 0% APR mortgage with no interest.
The former American Collegiate Academy property, adjacent to the Longlake Preserve site, was acquired by Habitat in October. It will be used to create 100 townhomes, and demolition is set to begin within the next few weeks, he said.
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