Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 24, Issue 2, Jan. 15, 2016 by Neighborhood News

Volume 24 Issue 2

Inside: Our Editor Reveals His Favorite Local Eateries!

January 15, 2016

See Neighborhood Magazine!

Named The 2014 ‘Small Business Of The Year’ By The Wesley Chapel Chamber Of Commerce! The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! For the complete list of neighborhoods that receive this Wesley Chapel issue by direct U.S. mail, see page 46!

Tournament Of Champions Organizers Hope To Keep Lacrosse Event Here By John C. Cotey

The fields were lined with parents, some standing, some sitting in lawn chairs, many of them amazed that they were wearing shorts in December. Players raced back and forth, chasing each other, moving a small rubber ball forward with sticks with webbing attached. The weather was, thankfully, beautiful after a couple of previous years when the tourney was marred by clouds and rain. “The best weather ever,” said veterans of the event. “It was perfect,’’ said Pasco County tourism director Ed Caum, declaring the 10th annual Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions lacrosse tournament a success. “We had great feedback from the players and their parents.” The tournament, which was held Dec. 29-31 at the Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Rd. and Wesley Chapel High on nearby Wells Rd., welcomed 73 teams from 16 different states competing in five different youth divisions, including four teams from Pasco County comprised primarily of Wesley Chapel players. This year’s National Champions hailed from New York (the 11-under Arctic Blast), Pennsylvania (13u Rising Sons), Maryland (FCS Lacrossers, Rising Stars) and Ontario (Grand River in the 15u and Everest Academy in the Elite). Now that the five-year contract between Pasco and Colorado-based National Development Program (NDP) Lacrosse has ended, Caum and other Pasco officials are back at work trying to ensure the tournament stays

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates Wesley Chapel Boy Survives Snake Bite, A Kind Gesture Makes A Family’s Day, Green Grocers Headed Our Way, ‘Little Dynamo’ Helping K-9 Cops ‘Vest Up’ & Lots Of Local Business Features!

Pages 3-30

Neighborhood Magazine ‘Coach Lolo’ Is Ready To Whip You Into Shape, Stage Left Expands Menu With Tasty Choices, Gary Picks His Local 2015 Favorites, Plus Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 31-48

The Pasco Lions 13u team, with several players from Wesley Chapel, had the best finish of any of the local lacrosse teams at the 2015 Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, which was held at Wesley Chapel High & the District Park the weekend of December 29-31. in town. The Office of Tourist Development, president of business operations. “That’s Tampa for the weekend this year. But, Caum said the Shops at Wiregrass Pasco County Parks & Recreation and the something that we’d ideally (like to anmall, the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) nounce) within the next month.” Caum estimates that the tourney is Grove of Wesley Chapel give our area “the are close to a new deal with NDP, which runs the tournament that started in 2006 with 25 worth about $3 million annually to the Tam- trifecta” of shopping, where much of the teams competing at Gettysburg College in pa Bay area, although only a third of that money providing the economic boost to PasGettysburg, PA, before seeking the warmer impact is felt in Pasco, the host county, due co from the event has been spent every year. mostly to a dearth of hotel rooms here. Pasco County spent $100,000 to help winter-time climate of Wesley Chapel. He said 60 percent of the hotel rooms cover costs for the event this year, but Caum “I would say we are fairly close to a new agreement to keep us there for the next cou- are generated in Hillsborough County, in- is seeking more community support to offset See “Lacrosse” on page 46. ple of years,’’ says Josh Gross, NDP’s vice cluding filling all of the hotels in nearby New

Suncoast Arts & Kumquat Festivals On Tap This Month There also By Celeste McLaughlin will be an art

On Saturday-Sunday, January 1617, the “main drag” through the Shops at Wiregrass – Paseo Drive – will again be filled with all kinds of art for the 11th annual Suncoast Arts Festival (SAF). Created and produced by Fine Arts of the Suncoast, the Festival typically attracts about 100,000 people (photo from last year, right) over the two days of the event. About 125 fine artists and craftsmen will have their art on display, including sculpture, jewelry, painting, drawing and even sidewalk chalk art. “Artists travel here from all over the country,” says Jennifer Douglas, who owns Jennifer Lee Events, which is managing this year’s festival. “They’re coming to participate in our juried competition, which will award $10,000 in prizes.” Kids can participate in the free handson art garden, with activities and take-home crafts throughout the weekend, and can complete a scavenger hunt to earn prizes.

“makerspace,” a creative place for older kids. According to Douglas, the makerspace environment helps kids, “understand the symbiotic relationship between art and technology, and shows them how art translates into many areas of our lives.” This year’s “Chalk Walk” will be the first to feature only professional street artists. In the past, the Chalk Walk has been an amateur competition, but this year, it’s a commissioned exhibit, sponsored by Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts. Other highlights of this year’s SAF

include a glass-etching experience and an emerging artists exhibit, where artwork by Pasco County high school students will be on display. See “Art & Kumquats” on page 17.

Yes, This Is Our Biggest Wesley Chapel Issue Ever! An editorial by Gary Nager Judging by all of the new “stuff” that’s still coming to Wesley Chapel (see page 14), it’s easy to understand why the longest continuously published (by the same owner) publication directly mailed to all of the single-family subdivisions (and many of the multi-family units in the same communities) in Wesley Chapel continues to break through barriers in terms of local advertising sales, readership, popularity and ability to help the local businesses who choose to advertise in these pages. Although we have been directly mailed to Wesley Chapel since I purchased the Neighborhood News in February 1994, our separate (and separately-mailed) Wesley Chapel edition has not yet reached double digits in years. Even so, the reason I split it off from what used to be two issues per month mailed to both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel was because I saw how quickly the Wesley Chapel area was growing between 2005-08 and I was also the only local publisher regularly following — and providing updates in print and on-line about — everything that was still to come to Wesley Chapel, which once had a concrete barricade on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. separating Wesley Chapel from what is now called New Tampa at the Pasco County line. Even so, I couldn’t in my wildest dreams imagine the kind of growth I’ve seen while doing the same job since Feb. 1994 — much less the last ten years — in U.S. Postal zip codes 33543, 33544 and 33545. And yes, it’s still coming, which I know has many of us concerned about the traffic and other issues all the continuing growth

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Corrections From Last Issue

The advertisement for Budget Blinds which appeared on page 35 of our Dec. 19 issue was an incorrect ad that did not include the showroom’s address (1208 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa), phone number (813.968.5050) or website (BudgetBlinds. com/northtampa). The ad also mentioned a “30%-off” sale, but the correct amount was supposed to be “25% off.” All of the information is correct in the Budget Blinds ad on pg. 10 of this issue, but we apologize for any inconvenience our error caused. Please also note the new date of the Spa Moritz ribbon cutting in this issue’s “Nibbles & Bytes” column on pg. 42.—GN

‘Taste-y’ News Coming Soon?

I know I’ve teased this a few times before, but yes, there should soon be news about the return of what was once my favorite annual local event, the Taste of New Tampa! I can’t say any more right now, but I will be involved and I will be excited to provide more info...as soon as next issue!

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Advertising Sales & Office Manager Mary Dorey Billing Manager Jillian Reilly Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Editorial & Office Assistant Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Anu Varma Panchal • Andy Warrener Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Amanda Rankin

Table of Contents Local News Updates...............4-17

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 24, Issue 4, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, February 1, 2016. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

will bring, but it certainly also has helped your direct-mail community news magazine continue to grow along with Pasco County’s fastest-growing community. A case in point is this issue, which is the first time we’ve had to expand to 48 pages in the shorter history of our Wesley Chapel issue — which we both split off from New Tampa and switched both editions from their one-time quarter-folded newspaper style to their current oversized magazine format — back in 2008. In a little less than eight years, the Wesley Chapel edition has grown from its original 28 pages back then to average more than 40 pages the last two years, including our previous high page count of 44, a barrier we had reached several times in both 2014 and 2015, but had never had quite enough advertising to warrant a 48-page issue. That is, until this edition. But, everyone who works with us knows that no matter how many ads we sell, if we don’t continue to do the little things to help as many of you keep reading every page of every issue — and keep those advertisers as happy as we possibly can by continually improving and refining our finished product every two weeks (our next New Tampa issue will hit mailboxes in 33647 on Jan. 28-29) — it all can go away...in a hurry. My 22-year commitment (as of next month) has been and continues to be to bring more news and information that’s pertinent to the lives of our readers in both of our markets to keep you reading, not just the “advertorials” that are still part of what we do, but certainly not the only or even the most important thing we do. Anyone can tell you about a local business, but we believe it takes the Neighborhood News to keep the people in both of our distribution areas informed about what’s happening in those areas — and maybe even entertained a little. As always, I thank you again for the unique opportunity and privilege I have to serve our wonderful readers and advertisers.

Community Rallies To Help Family After Fire.......4 Veterans Elementary Student Survives Snake Bite... 6 Wesley Chapel Family’s Feel-Good Story..............8 Meadow Pointe Girl Raising $ For K-9 Cops.....12 Wesley Chapel News Briefs...........................14 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar..............16

Local Business Updates..........18-27

Berkshire Hathaway Is A One-Source Solution....18 Florida Pain Medicine............................................20 Samantha Taylor Fitness Studios For Women......22 NutriMost Offers Unique Weight-Loss Program.....24 Hyperbaric Center Serves Up Oxygen Therapy........26

Neighborhood Magazine.....31-39

Let ‘Coach Lolo’ Help You Get In Shape!......31 Gary’s Dining Favorites For 2015.......32-35 Stage Left Shows Off Its New Menu...38-39 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’...42

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WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS..44

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Community Rallies To Help Neighbors After Fire Destroys Their Home By John C. Cotey

Donna Kriston Farley hadn’t lived in Wesley Chapel long enough to expect her Heatherstone at Meadow Pointe neighbors, many she didn’t even know yet, to rally to her aid when her house caught fire on New Year’s Day. But, that’s exactly what happened. Thanks to neighbors like Jessica Beagle and Alyssa Hall, who sprung into action almost immediately, Farley, the mother of a 17-year-old son and 8-yearold triplets, watched as a section of the community clubhouse soon filled up with tables piled high with children’s clothes, toys, scooters, bikes, toiletries and “a ton of gift cards,’’ Beagle said. Farley’s neighbors also set up a page at Facebook.com/HelpTheFarley Family) to coordinate donations and a GoFundMe.com page at GoFundMe. com/6jhgwc7k. Farley was inside the home on New Year’s Day when she smelled smoke and realized something was on fire. The blaze started in the garage, which served as a playroom for the kids, and soon engulfed the front of the house. Beagle, who teaches 6th grade at John Long Middle School, was down the street playing outside with her daughter, who thought she saw fire. Beagle told her daughter since there were no fire trucks, they we’re okay.

“But, that’s when we heard the fire trucks,’’ Beagle says. Neighbors tried to control the fire with extinguishers, and Beagle said she said a prayer for Farley and the family. Soon after, she was asking what she could do to help. “Everything just escalated from there,’’ Beagle said. By Saturday, the help poured in. Farley, who moved to Wesley Chapel from California three months ago, was in tears as she explained to Beagle how overwhelmed she was. “These people don’t even know me,’’ Farley said. “I’ve never even met any of my neighbors. I feel so bad now. I was questioning whether Wesley Chapel was the area for me. But no more.” That’s the way every community should be, Beagle thinks. It didn’t matter how many friends Farley had made, Beagle said she knew she had to do something and it wasn’t long before dozens of others in Heatherstone had banded together with her. She reached out to Hall, who was able to reach even more people to help. “The most amazing thing is, there were kids who were bringing their Christmas presents, that they had just gotten, to the clubhouse to donate,’’ Beagle says. The house is being rebuilt, and Farley says she plans to move back in to the neighborhood.

This Jan. 1 fire rallied the Heatherstone neighborhood in Meadow Pointe into action.

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Wesley Chapel Kid Bitten By Cottonmouth Lives To Tell The Story By John C. Cotey

Sabrina Mize was watching her 8-year-old son Dylan jumping on a trampoline in a friend’s backyard in Quail Hollow before he jumped off to chase a ball barefoot through the grass. A few seconds later, he was running towards her. “Mom, I got bit by a snake,’’ he told her. Sabrina didn’t believe it at first. “Did he just say what I thought he said?,’’ she thought. Sure enough, upon further inspection, Dylan’s left ankle had two small, but very defined, puncture marks. While Dylan had snake venom in his veins, Sabrina must have had ice water running through hers. After getting some ice for his foot, she went hunting for the snake, hoping to identify it and praying it wasn’t poisonous. About a foot-and-a-half long, she found it where her son had likely stepped on it, prompting the bite. She inched closer, within ten feet or so, and snapped a quick picture of the red-andorange-colored snake on her cell phone before returning to her son. All the while, she stayed calm, cool and collected. “Because my son was calm, I was calm,’’ Sabrina says. “He was upset when I went to go find the snake, but that was really it.” Sabrina sent the picture to a friend, asking if she knew what kind of a snake it was. That’s when Facebook sprung into action. Shortly after her friend took the photo and posted it on the more-than8,000-member-strong Wesley Chapel Community Facebook page, local animal specialist Chris Wirt (we featured him in our issue dated October 24, 2015) received a message on his cellphone. He had been tagged in the Facebook post. There is a friendly, running joke on the Facebook page about snakes and Wirt, the former Wesley Chapel resident who owns A All Animal Control of Tampa Bay. It seems like at least once a week, someone in the Wesley Chapel Community is tagging him and hoping he can identity some creature that has camped out on someone’s porch or driveway to help determine the level of danger to the

(Left) Dylan Mize heads home after a few days at Tampa General Hospital. (Right)The swelling in Dylan’s left leg. The puncture marks are directly below his left big toe. Photos courtesy of Sabrina Mize.

home’s inhabitants and pets. And, it doesn’t just happen on the Wesley Chapel Community page. Wirt estimates that he receives five requests a day calling on his expertise with all kinds of critters from across the Bay area. In this case, Wirt knew the snakebite was nothing to trifle with — he replied that Dylan had been bitten by a cottonmouth, a highly venomous type of water moccasin. Sabrina already was at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) when she received the news, about an hour after Dylan had been bit. Dylan was then transported to Tampa General Hospital, which was better equipped and had the necessary anti-venin needed to treat the dangerous bite. Sometimes, anti-venin isn’t necessary, even when the victim is bitten by a venomous snake. According to the Tampa Poison Center website, 25 percent of snakebites are “dry bites,” where no venom is introduced to the body. In Dylan’s case, the swelling had worsened, and had moved up his leg and was now creeping up the back of his calf. Sabrina said the bottom half of his leg “blew up so much you couldn’t touch the skin; it was so tight and so hard.” Dylan received a treatment of antivenin at 8 p.m. His body reacted well to it, so he received two more treatments

over the next twelve hours. Sometimes, like in the case of Hope Allen, the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce president, more drastic measures are required. In 2014, Allen was bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake — which Wirt says is the most common snake he comes across in Wesley Chapel — and required 18 vials of anti-venin and a five-day stay at FHWC, including two in the Intensive Care Unit. “(Dylan) might have only gotten a little tiny bite of the venom,’’ Wirt said.

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“But if you don’t pay attention to what’s going on and keep running around or whatever, it could start eating away at the muscle or nerve…and it could absolutely be fatal. The 5-to-6 deaths we see every year, though, are usually because the people bit are someplace where they can’t get medical care.” After two days in the hospital, Tampa Poison Control cleared the Veterans Elementary second-grader for a Wednesday release. The hospital kept him an additional night, just to be safe. Sabrina said Dylan, who returned to school last week and is now off crutches, was probably more upset about the extra night in the hospital than he was about getting bitten by the cottonmouth. On Thursday, Dylan was cleared by his doctors and left the hospital in a wheelchair. The next day, he was back at the same friend’s house, whose yard had been cleared and treated for free by Wirt. Dylan spent most of New Year’s Eve sitting in a chair with his leg elevated, holding a stick wrapped in the skin of the snake that bit him, compliments of a neighbor who had killed it. Wirt is currently offering his snake service for $175 (it normally costs $250), which includes clearing the yard of any snake dens or nests and treating the perimeter of the yard and the house. He can be reached at tampa@aallanimalcontrol, or visit AAllAnimalControl.com/tampa.

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Local Mom Celebrates Another Family’s Simple Act Of Kindness By John C. Cotey

Bruce Leggett didn’t think much of it. He heard a child screech uncontrollably. He saw a mother turn red, fraught with worry. So he smiled, and waved to the girl. He explained to his 8-year-old son Connor that sometimes, children have disabilities, and can’t control their actions. So, Connor also smiled and waved to the little girl. The girl, 9-year-old Ragan Thursby, smiled back. She also clapped her hands and giggled. Her mother, Kasi Thursby, turned to see who her daughter was waving to, but she didn’t recognize anyone they might have known. Bruce, his wife Melissa and their six children finished their dinner at the Olive Garden on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa and went home, hardly thinking for a second he would ever hear from the little girl or her family again. Ragan suffers from autism and Pitt Hopkins Syndrome (PHS), and Kasi says her daughter is one of only 500 people diagnosed with PHS in the entire world. PHS is an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects Chromosome 18. Among its symptoms are developmental delays, breathing problems, seizures and epilepsy, gastrointestinal issues and lack of speech. (Note-You can learn more by visiting Ragan’s Facebook page at Facebook. com/RagansDiaryLivingWithPittHopkinsSyndrome.) Kasi first knew something was wrong with Ragan when she was slow to walk and talk, and was beset with horrible stomach pains and a host of other issues, like enhanced sensitivity to noises and light. When she was 2-1/2, Ragan was the first pediatric patient at the Undisclosed Diseases Program at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. It took roughly six years and countless trips to hospitals all over the country, visiting with endless geneticists, neurologists and neurodevelopmental specialists, before she was finally diagnosed. Kasi Thursby, whose family recently moved to Wesley Chapel from Tallahassee, enjoyed her dinner that night at Olive Garden, maybe as much as she has ever enjoyed any dinner out with her family. Her stomach was full, and so was her heart. “Ragan was staring and laughing when she realized they were responding to her. She started clapping her hands, and he encouraged his kids to wave to her,’’ Kasi said. “When I realized what he was doing, I was kind of taken aback. When his 2-year old kept waving and waving and waving…. well, no one wants to cry in public, so it took everything I had to not have tears running down my face.” It wasn’t the typical reaction they receive during hair-raising moments in public places. In fact, it was the first time Kasi could remember anyone smiling or waving. Usually, she says, she hears people muttering under their breath that she needs to control her children. To be clear, Kasi completely understands why people can grow annoyed. She can even sympathize with them. As a result, every meal her family eats out gen8

(Above) Reeslyn (left) and Ragan Thursby. (Right) Bruce (far right, holding Riley) and Connor Leggett. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Leggett).

erally starts with a large helping of anxiety. “I wouldn’t want to hear a screaming child at dinner either,’’ she says. But she always tends to her daughter, making every effort to quiet, distract and entertain her with an iPad and to keep everyone else from being disturbed. “It would be one thing if I was ignoring my child and texting on my phone and my kids were running wild,’’ she says. “That’s not the case.” Ragan, who attends school at Connerton Elementary in Land O’Lakes, can make uncontrollable ear-piercing sounds because it’s her only form of communication. She does it when she is excited, and sometimes when she grows frustrated. Kasi says there are times she has to take her daughter out to the car while the rest of the family — her 11-year-old daughter Reeslyn and fiancé Milton Pulliza, a software developer who works in Tampa — finishes their meal. That night at the Olive Garden, Bruce Leggett heard the screech, and instead of ushering his family away or rolling his eyes, he embraced Ragan from a distance, which seemed to soothe her. “It just wasn’t the reaction we are used to,’’ Kasi said. Kasi she was moved to post her experience on Facebook, to share with her 400 or so friends, many of them with special needs children, about this simple act of kindness.

friends and family a little embarrassing. He says he simply heard a screech after entering the restaurant, but he did not find it unusual in a place that was packed with families, and certainly not to the ears of a father who has six kids all under the age of 10, including three he and Melissa adopted. In other words, he has had his share of nervous restaurant moments. “I could see in the mom’s face she was a wreck,’’ Bruce said. “It was easy to see she was really concerned that (her daughter) was going to bother someone. It wasn’t even that bad. I told her it’s not that big of a deal.’’ Perhaps the person affected most by the gesture was Reeslyn, who attends Veterans Elementary in Wesley Chapel. Reeslyn also took part in the smiling and giggling that night. Many of Reeslyn’s childhood experiences are different because of Ragan, Kasi said. But on the way home after dinner and into the next morning, Reeslyn kept talking about the man and his wave. “Going to a restaurant (for her) is not like everyone else’s experience, it’s not the same and can be very tough for Reeslyn,’’ Kasi says. “She wants normalcy, but she doesn’t want people to be mean to her sister. She gets worried about her. People can be mean.” Not Bruce Leggett. “It seems we have such a low toler-

ance for everything,’’ he said. “A lot of people have lost that neighborly touch. Everything has to be a big ordeal. A cute little girl made a noise...it happens. Sometimes, all you need to do is smile at them, make them laugh, and then, the whole thing is done.” Kasi said she was most impressed with the way Bruce handled it with his son, Connor. Many people will try to shield their children from someone with a disability, she says, but the man with the smile and wave gave his son a lesson in empathy. “I told him if she’s acting up, there’s a reason for it,’’ Bruce recalled. “He became less worried that she was making a noise and became more curious about what exactly was wrong. When we got home, we looked it up.” Kasi has had a chance to thank Bruce. She said since moving to Wesley Chapel from Tallahassee, she has noticed that people are more understanding and patient. “It’s just different here,’’ she says. Not perfect, she says, but for one night, and one moment, it was as close to perfect for her as it can be. One smile and one wave from a father and a family who think we should all smile and wave more.

Message Received...

The reaction to her post, she says, was joyful. Someone suggested Kasi post it to her local community page, to find the man who smiled, to let him know how much the small gesture meant to her and how it moved her to tears. It wasn’t long after she posted it on the Wesley Chapel Community Facebook page, which has almost 8,000 members, that a screenshot of that post found its way to Melissa Leggett. It was 5 a.m. when Melissa walked into the room where her husband was taking care of their adopted newborn and said: “Hey, I think this lady is talking about you.” Bruce Leggett, who lives with his family in Meadow Pointe, frankly says that he finds all the attention he has received from

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Sand Pine Elementary Student Sells Lemonade To Protect K-9 Officers By Celeste McLaughlin

need 11, so she really wants to raise enough money to buy 11 vests.” According to the Pasco Sheriff’s K9 Association website, there are currently nine active K9 officers and Jason says he is aware of at least one more joining the Sheriff’s Office soon. Sophia says she charges 50 cents for each cup of lemonade, but that she often receives much more, even $20, for one cup, once people know the cause they’re supporting with their purchase. Although her first lemonade stand made just a small profit, she has received much more financial support from her Facebook page. Her dad says they have received donations from as far away as New Hampshire and Illinois, and donations to her campaign had totaled more than $1,000

Meadow Pointe resident Sophia Contino (left) sells lemonade to help purchase bulletproof vests for Pasco County’s K-9 deputies. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco accepts a $10,000 check for K-9 vests from (l.-r.) Richard Bowen, Troy Stevenson, Mehdi Medrek & Wesley Chapel Nissan owner Jay Rosario. The dealership is one of Sophia’s lemonade stand “locales.” permission for Sophia to sell lemonade at as we went to press with this issue. the dealership. Closer to home, Sophia has gotten “Sophia is a dynamo,” says Troy. “I support from local businesses, including Jefferson Bank, which set up an account where wish I had her selling cars for us. She could raise $10,000 herself before she’s done.” anyone can walk into any branch (including Want to support Sophia’s efforts? the one in Tampa Palms at 15302 Amberly Come out and buy lemonade at her next Dr.) and make a donation to “Sophia’s lemonade stand, which will be on SaturPasco County Sheriff’s K9 Fund.” She also day, January 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. It will has been invited to set up a lemonade stand be held in conjunction with a free shredat Wesley Chapel Nissan (located at 28519 ding event by local business Shred360 at S.R. 54, which she did for the first time on the Wesley Chapel Chamber of ComJanuary 9). merce office (6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Troy Stevenson of Wesley Chapel #105, in The Grove at Wesley Chapel Nissan, a member of the WCCC who was plaza). Or ,check out her Facebook instrumental in bringing awareness of the page, where you’ll find a link to make a issue to the group, has helped the dealerdonation via PayPal. You can also make a ship (which is owned by Jay Rosario) raise donation at the Jefferson Bank branch in $10,000 to donate to PCSO to get the Tampa Palms. ball rolling for the K-9 vests. He also got

NN1

Sophia Contino, who lives in Meadow Pointe and attends Sand Pine Elementary, is an eight year old who wants to save lives. More specifically, she wants to save canine lives by providing the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO)’s K-9 officers with bulletproof vests. Sophia’s dad, Jason, first heard about the need to supply vests for the Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 unit at the June 2, 2015, meeting of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), of which he is a member. He told Sophia what he had heard, and she came up with the idea of having a lemonade stand, where all of raised the money would be donated to the K-9 cause. “The reason I am raising money is, I love dogs and I love people,” says Sophia in a video on her Facebook page, which already has been viewed more than 1,000 times (at our press time) at Facebook. com/SophiaPCSOK9 (or search “Sophia’s PCSO K9 Association Campaign”). Her dad says the Continos don’t currently have a dog at home, and Sophia may be trying to fill a void left by the loss of their beloved black lab, Payton, who passed away when Sophia was five. Her first goal is to raise $2,500, which is the cost of one higher-end canine bulletproof vest that also measures the dog’s biometrics. Once she meets that goal, she plans to present the money to Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco in person. And, her dad says, “Sophia asked me how many vests the Sheriff’s Office needs. I was told they

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North & South Sides Of S.R. 56 Adding New Businesses In 2016 By Gary Nager & John C. Cotey Since everyone who receives this publication in their mailboxes lives in Wesley Chapel, I have little doubt that you’ve been stuck in the seemingly-ever-increasing traffic on S.R. 56 recently. If so, you’ve surely noticed the construction activity near the new Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) mall, as well as around the Shops at Wiregrass mall and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, both just north of S.R. 56 at Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.. Costco is slated to become the third membership warehouse in the New Tampa/ Wesley Chapel area this summer when it opens at 2225 Grand Cypress Dr. in the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI). The new Costco, like the other warehouse clubs in the area, will include a gas station and tire sales. It’ll be located west of the new Tampa Premium Outlets mall, on the west side of Grand Cypress Dr., approximately 600 feet south of S.R. 56.  Costco has some company in the developing 540-acre Cypress Creek Town Center DRI on both sides of S.R. 56. CWC Restaurants is building a new Culver’s, known for its burgers and frozen custard. That 4,527-sq.-ft. restaurant with outdoor seating and a drive-through just held a job fair at the southeast corner of S.R. 56 and Wesley Chapel Blvd. A Cheddar’s Casual Cafe also is being built at the corner of S.R. 56 and Grand Cypress Dr., as is a new Panda Express.

Speaking of food, just across from TPO, at the northeast corner of S.R. 56 and Wesley Chapel Blvd. (aka S.R. 54) is one of four locations in Wesley Chapel with site plans being submitted now that include major new grocery stores. Three of those sites are on or near S.R. 56 and at least three of them seem to have intentions of being “green” grocery chains, such as Sprouts, Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. The other three grocery store locations are: 1) in The Grove plaza (off S.R. 54 at Oakley Blvd.), 2) at the planned eastward expansion of the Shops at Wiregrass and 3) on a separate parcel directly adjacent to the proposed grocery store in the Shops expansion on 56. Less than a mile north of S.R. 56 on BBD, the new 85,000-sq.-ft. Florida Medical Clinic (FMC) office, which will have views of FHWC to the north, is getting closer to completion. The last we heard, the FMC office was still expected to open as early as March of this year. The 200,000-sq.-ft. FHWC itself, which opened in 2012 with 83 inpatient rooms and 18 emergency room suites, has begun adding another 112,000 square feet of space, and that $78-million project — which should be completed by the end of this year — also includes nearly 11,000 sq. ft. of renovations to the existing $116-million hospital. Back closer to the interstate, Florida Hospital also is the naming sponsor of the 150,000-sq.-ft. Florida Hospital Center Ice ice skating and hockey facility, the largest in Florida, which is being developed by Wesley

Chapel High ice hockey coach Gordie Zimmerman and Z-Mitch, LLC. The ice complex, which was delayed due to some design issues with the huge underground cooling system for the complex’s four ice pads, is now expected to be completed sometime later this year. A smaller project on S.R. 56, between Buffalo Wild Wings and the new Racetrac gas station and convenience store (see below) is the 23,000-sq.-ft., two-building plaza being built by Dr. Sree Reddy, D.V.M., of Seven Oaks Pet Hospital. Originally expected to be completed by the end of 2015, the 10,000-sq.-ft. first building (which will include Dr. Reddy’s relocated pet hospital and a 3,000-sq.-ft. pet store), is now nearing completion.

The 18-pump Racetrac Gas Station itself, now the fifth gas station located on S.R. 56, opened at the corner of 56 and Northwood Palms Blvd. on Dec. 31. Racetrac, which previously had a location on S.R. 54, is headquartered in Atlanta and operates more than 330 retail gasoline convenience stores in Georgia, Florida, Texas and Louisiana. The S.R. 56 RaceTrac includes a 4,000-sq.-ft. convenience store with more than 4,000 products, including fresh food, drinks and staples like cigarettes and beer, as well as some of the lowest gas prices in the area. Now, if someone can just fix the traffic signal at that S.R. 56/Northwood Palms/ Arrowgrass Dr. intersection, which is one of the worst in our area. (sigh)

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JANUARY 2016

ness) of Pasco has a new support group for adults in Pasco County living with a mental illness and in recovery. The “Connections” group meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month from 2-3 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). For info, visit namipasco.com.

Professional Business Connections (PBC) - PBC meets Mondays at 7:45 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For more info, call Chris Thurow at 546-6860.

Saturday - January 23 - Noon

Monday - January 18 - 7:45 AM Monday - January 18 - 8:00 AM

Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP) - ENP meets Monday mornings at 8 a.m. for breakfast and networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For information, call Brad Benson at 973-1814.

Tuesday - January 19 - 7:30 AM

Business Networking International (BNI) - A new BNI group is starting up and will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.) to help business owners generate more referrals, income and grow their businesses in the Wesley Chapel area. For info, call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143.

Tuesday - January 19 - 7:30 AM

Home Buyers’ Seminar – If you are thinking about buying a home, this seminar is for you! You will receive information about getting your finances in order for this very important purchase. You may find out that you are all set to go home shopping and you can find out how much you can spend. This event, at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive, Tampa, FL 33647, is free and open to the public. Please call Faith Jackson-Curry at 813-785-4912 to register.

Saturday - January 23 - Noon

New Tampa Lacrosse Golf Outing – The third annual New Tampa Lacrosse Golf Outing, supporting the lacrosse programs at Freedom & Paul R. Wharton High in New Tampa and the New Tampa Raiders, has registration at 12 noon & a shotgun start at 12:30, at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). The cost to play is $95 per person. For more info, whether to play or for sponsorships, email NTLAGolf@NewTampaChill.com.

New Tampa Tri Club - The New Tampa Tri Club is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists & triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. The club hosts Tuesday - January 26 - 6 PM group bike rides/runs leaving from Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Wesley Chapel Lions Club - The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets every 4th Bridge Rd.; not from the BBD entrance) every Tues., Thur. & Sat., 7:30 a.m. For Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel. For more information about more info, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com. volunteering, community efforts, meetings, helping the vision impaired and more, visit the club on Facebook or at wesleychapellionsclub.com. Wednesday - January 20 - Noon Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (Noon) meets Wednesdays at noon at Stage Left Bar & Kitchen (24400 S.R. 54, Lutz). For more information, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

Wednesday - January 20 - 7:30 AM

Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club - The WC Breakfast Club brings business people together to network and present their business to the group. The club meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more info, call Bill at 992-3370.

Thursday - January 21 - 8:00 AM

Network For Your Success - The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). All are welcome. Call 994-9944.

Friday - January 22 - 7:15 AM

Rotary Club Of Wesley Chapel Sunrise - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise meets Fridays at 7:15 a.m. at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For info, call Lynne Morgan at 695-6466.

Friday - January 22 - 9:30 AM - Noon

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Entertainment will be provided all weekend long at the main stage across from Macy’s, with headliners De Lei’ed Parrots and The Black Honkeys. Proceeds from the Festival are donated to Pasco County schools through the Fine Arts of the Suncoast’s grant program. Any teacher in a Pasco County school (public, private, or charter) can apply for these grants for any fine or performing arts discipline, including dance and music, to supplement art programs in the school, giving students special experiences beyond their school’s typical curriculum. Recipients of the 2016 grants will be announced at the festival on Sunday. For more information, visit SuncoastArtsFest.com.

Kumquats Return To Dade City! Downtown Dade City’s always-fun 19th-annual Kumquat Festival will be held on Saturday, January 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. “It’s real, authentic, old Florida featuring a unique and funky little fruit,” says John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the event. Kumquats are small citrus fruits grown near Dade City. Moors says this year’s crop is plentiful and is being harvested now, in advance of the Festival. With more than 425 vendors and 40 sponsors, historic downtown Dade City will be transformed to include arts and crafts, a car and truck show, live local entertainment (see below), a farmer’s market and all kinds

Headlining Sponsor

of kumquat pies and products. “Our vendors offer a wide variety of interesting, eclectic, and homemade items,” says Moors. “And, of course, all of our shops and restaurants will be open.” About 40,000 people attended last year (photo), and Moors expects that this year’s Festival will attract a similar crowd. He says Dade City’s downtown has new restaurants, including a Mediterranean/ Greek restaurant and a cigar lounge, which complement the great southern food people have come to expect in the quaint old town. And, those who attend the Festival will see another sign of downtown revitalization, with the opening of a new City Hall and police headquarters this month. Admission and parking are free, and free transportation also is provided from multiple satellite lots. New this year, Moors says vendors will offer their kumquat pies for sale in the parking lots, so guests can purchase theirs right before they head home and not have to carry their pies around during the event. For more info, see the ad on this page or visit DadeCityChamber.org.

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• Health and Wellness Section • GREAT Food • Kumquat Pie & Products • Live Entertainment

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Brought to you in part by Pasco County/Pasco County Tourism Development Council

Beef O'Brady's-Dade City, Bluegreen Vacations, Boltin Pest Control, Busch Gardens, CenterState Bank, First National Bank of Pasco, Florida Blue-BAAI, Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, Hampton Inn Dade City/Zephyrhills, IR Staffing, Morningside RV Estates, Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, Sam's Club, Senior Helpers, Staywell, The Brass Tap Dade City, The Residence at Timber Pines, Wireless Sales, LLC

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Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Can Manage Your Property, Too! By Anu Varna Panchal

Real estate may seem like the ideal investment, but managing that property can be an onerous task, particularly when you want to travel or live part of the year somewhere else. That’s when having property managers like Rick and Sue Wedig on your side can be a lifesaver — especially when they’re aligned with a world-class “brand” such as Berkshire Hathaway. The Wedigs are the newest additions to the Wesley Chapel branch of Florida Properties Group, a member of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. Both are residential asset managers, but Rick serves as Broker associate/Realtor, while Sue is the marketing director. Managing Broker Robert Hilliker explains that the office, which sits in the Shoppes of New Tampa plaza at the corner of S.R. 56 and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (between Publix and Bealls) in Wesley Chapel, is a one-stop shop for all of your residential real estate needs. Hilliker manages the 70 agents here and 13 more in a Zephyrhills office. The company traces its roots back to Tropical Realty, founded in 1959, which was purchased by Dewey Mitchell and Allen Crumbley in 1988 and aligned with the Prudential Real Estate Network. Berkshire Hathaway (whose chairman and CEO is billionaire financier Warren Buffett) acquired the group in 2012, and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida

Properties Group has 16 offices in a fourcounty area. Hilliker says that the office is the only one in Florida to be a Certified Residential Management Company, a lengthy and prestigious certification issued by the National Association of Residential Property Managers. “We are real estate solution providers,” explains Hilliker. “It’s a one-source solution for the consumer. Everything’s there at their fingertips.” The Wedigs, who operate as independent contractors affiliated with the Wesley Chapel office, offer full-service property management, which includes everything from leases, collecting and depositing rents, maintenance, marketing, evictions and dealing with attorneys, inspectors and Homeowners Associations. “[Full service] means you have your cell phone at your headboard at 2 a.m.,” says Rick wryly. They are able to offer Berkshire Hathaway clients a true team effort, seasoned by decades of experience learned on the job in the “school of hard knocks,” as Rick explains. The Wedigs were married 35 years ago at the ages of 17 and 18, and two months later, Rick joined the U.S. Air Force. They were stationed in Germany, and almost immediately, Sue began working as a personnel clerk in Germany. She found that she enjoyed working with people, and continued in similar positions, culminating in serving as director of personnel at the various U.S. Air Force bases to which Rick was attached. When

(L.-r.) Rick and Sue Wedig, with Managing Broker Rob Hilliker of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Properties Group in the Shoppes of New Tampa in Wesley Chapel. Rick got out of the service, Sue found a 2003. Shortly before his retirement, he job as marketing director of the Chamstarted buying properties and soon had a paign Convention and Visitors Bureau in portfolio of 35 properties he was managChampaign, IL. ing for himself. He then decided to parlay It was a perfect fit: “Public speaking, that experience into a profession. Around event planning, I really enjoyed being out 2000, he obtained his real estate license there,” she says. and soon became so successful that he After serving in the Air Force from quit his day job in 2003 and began buy1979-95, Rick retired as a financial ing, selling and managing real estate full analyst, found a job with the U.S. Postal time. Sue joined him in 2008. Within six Service, and worked as a mail carrier until years, they were managing 310 properties

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belonging to 120 different owners. After talking about moving south for years (Sue confesses to being a beach girl at heart), they handed the property management business over to one of their sons and their daughter-in-law, and made the move to the Tampa/St Petersburg/ Clearwater area. In November 2014, they joined Hilliker at Berkshire Hathaway.

Not Just A Profession...

Many times, an owner buys a property simply for investment purposes. Other times, someone moving cannot find a buyer immediately and decides to rent the property for a while. Either way, the Wedigs say they approach the job of finding the right tenant almost as a matchmaker would. “I think what sets us apart is that we build a relationship with the owner,” says Sue. “Everyone has an emotional attachment to their home. We sit and listen to the stories. We go through the house; we let them tell us everything.” Knowing that an owner wants a particular plant in the garden watered a certain way, for example, is the kind of information Sue keeps in mind when finding a tenant. For tenants, she can explain not only the legalities of their lease, but also the idiosyncrasies of the homeowner and the property. Once a match has been made, the Wedigs screen the application and present it to the owner. They then handle everything house-related, including collecting and depositing the rent, and handle all financial and maintenance matters (Rick’s purview). He explains that they always do

their best to save the owner money. For example, a tenant calling about a faulty garbage disposal in the sink may not need an expensive service call. Instead, Rick can guide them over the phone to find the reset switch themselves. Owners also have an internet portal through which they can view all activity relating to their house. Mostly, the match works — partly because Sue has built up such a good relationship with the tenants that they think twice before breaking any of their lease terms. Clients confide their marital problems, financial troubles and even their good news to her, and she advises them about how their home should be their first priority. Clients still send her Christmas cards and tell her they miss her homemade cookies. Rick also gives seminars and speaks to potential investors frequently. Many people want to invest in real estate, but are not sure how to go about it. That’s where he comes in. He takes them to lunch, explains the benefits and can then help them find and buy a property and manage it for them afterwards. “We show up, form relationships and do what we say we’re going to do,” says Rick. “Eighty percent of people don’t do that. We like hard work. We like change. We like controlled chaos.” You can reach Rick Wedig at 712-8421 or (217) 621-5773, or at rwedig@bhhsfloridaproperties.com. To reach Sue, call (217) 621-5773, email swedig@bhhsfloridaproperties.com, or by visit RentAHomeWithUs.com. Visit the office at 1830 BBD Blvd. For info, call 907-8200 or see the ad on pg. 36.

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Florida Pain Medicine — When You Want Your Pain Managed Responsibly! By John C. Cotey Dr. Maulik Bhalani M.D. knows that when people hear of pain clinics, some think of the so-called “pill mills.” He understands that after years of headlines about abuse of certain pain medications, particularly in Florida, the reputation is tough to shake. But, at Dr. Bhalani’s Florida Pain Medicine at Windguard Cir. (across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, or FHWC, where he moved in May from his former location on Ashley Oaks Cir. in Seven Oaks), he says the perceptions are not even close to reality. “The typical working class person doesn’t want to see a pain management doctor because they think that doctor is going to get them hooked on medication,’’ says Dr. Bhalani. “Little old ladies, grandmothers, will come in and tell us...I know those stories that are out there on the news. But, when they come in here, from minute one, it’s a totally difference experience.” The office is clean and lively, the doctors are open and friendly and the approach to managing your pain, which employs the latest technological advances, is always, they say, measured and restrained, yet effective. “There’s not a bunch of guys outside in the parking lot smoking, looking disheveled, looking for pain meds,’’ Dr. Bhalani says. “That’s not the kind of practice we are.” The kind of practice Florida Pain Medicine is, Dr. Bhalani says, is one that focuses on interventional pain management. “Startto-finish pain care,’’ he says. Sometimes, in the best cases, that means opioid management, ice and injections until the patient can complete physical therapy.

Medicine in Omaha, NE. He also spent two years as a resident at Maryland General Hospital in Baltimore in 2005; was the chief resident at the University of South Florida’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency Program; and completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Pain Medicine Fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine at USF in 2010. He is Board-certified in Interventional Pain Medicine and in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Bhalani’s credentials also Dr. Navdeep Jassal (left) and Dr. Maulik Bhalani of include sitting on the Board of the Florida Pain Medicine, located off Bruce B. Downs Florida Society of Interventional Pain Blvd., across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. Physicians (FSIPP) as a Director-atin July after completing a Pain Medicine FelLarge, and he is proud of the work the FSIPP did in helping craft the so-called “Pill lowship at USF, where he was a student of Dr. Bhalani’s. Before that, he was a resident Mill Bill” in 2011, which forced clinics to at North Shore-Long Island Jewish (LIJ) register with the state and banned doctors A Little Info About The Doctors from dispensing opioid prescription painkill- Health Systems and Hofstra North ShoreLIJ School of Medicine in Great Neck, NY. Dr. Bhalani, a huge local sports fan and ers like Vicodin and Oxycodone from their Most patients Drs. Bhalani and Jassal 10-year Tampa Bay Buccaneers season ticket offices. The Prescription Drug Monitoring see are what you might expect — those sufholder who dons a Jameis Winston jersey for Program also was implemented, which Drs. fering from back, neck and joint pain. OthBhalani and Jassal reference to look at a home games, has followed in the footsteps ers have more serious conditions, like poor patient’s prescription drug history. of his father, who is a pain medicine doctor recovery from back surgery, painful diabetes Dr. Jassal says he heard about all the in the Ormond Beach area of Florida, as well and even cancer. Each treatment plan varies. “wild wild west stories” about Florida’s pill as several of his uncles and aunts. The doctors at Florida Pain Medicine In fact, Dr. Bhalani is one of 13 cousins mills when he was studying in New York. say they prefer a conservative approach. “I didn’t believe it until I came down in his family – and all are physicians. Patients generally will not be prescribed here,’’ he says. “But, it’s improved dramati“We don’t know how to do anything any controlled pain medications on the first cally (since 2011), thanks to the efforts of else,’’ he says, chuckling and joking that he visit. The doctors are careful to give a full Dr. Bhalani and others.” might raise his kids, who are ages 3, 1 and exam — surprising to patients who have A car enthusiast and avid runner who 10 months old, to be NFL punters. been to other pain medicine doctors — and sometimes puts in 15 miles on a weekend as Dr. Bhalani received his M.D. degree look over X-rays and other images and notes a way to relax, Dr. Jassal joined Dr. Bhalani from the Creighton University School of “Then, we wean them off pain meds, hopefully with the goal of we never see them again, which means they are doing great and back to living their life,’’ Dr. Bhalani says. Florida Pain Medicine also offers Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound therapy. In other cases, like patients with terminal cancer, Dr. Bhalani says his goal is not to let them live out their last days in misery. Whatever the malady, “We never force anything on anyone,’’ Dr. Bhalani says. Pain management means different treatments for different people. Every patient is unique, but the main goal for Dr. Bhalani and his associate at Florida Pain Medicine, Dr. Navdeep Jassal, M.D., is to help their patients return to a normal way of life. Their motto is “Restore Function, Relive Life.” “We want to get you back to where you can live your life the way you like living it,” Dr. Bhalani says.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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from the referring doctor. as well as run a urine drug screen. Dr. Bhalani said he and Dr. Jassal will sometimes suggest a smaller dose of medicine than the patient is currently taking. Others are often offered alternatives to stronger prescription drugs, like local anaesthetic injections (epidurals, for example), anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy or even weight loss to relieve pain. “If that doesn’t work, we’ll use more aggressive measures,’’ Dr. Bhalani said. “We really try to be kind of conservative initially.” Dr. Jassal says that since joining Florida Pain Medicine in July, he has seen as many patients in six months as he expected to see in nine months or a year. On average, Drs. Bhalani and Jassal see 25-27 patients a day, a number they think is perfect to give them time to give each patient individualized care. Business has been so good that Dr. Bhalani, who opened his second Florida Pain Medicine on Arbor Ridge Dr. in Zephyrhills on Nov. 16, says he hopes to open another this summer or in early 2007, in Brandon. The expansion speaks to the popularity of the doctors and the office’s friendly, comfortable environment cultivated by Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Louann Brown and office manager Stacye Ciegler. Dr. Jassal thinks the office’s reputation, which includes strong relationships with local pharmacists and doctors, comes from the way the patients are cared for at Florida Pain Medicine. Dr. Bhalani says he recommends for his patients the same things he would for his own parents: “Literally, that is how we treat every single patient,” he says proudly. A soft, personal touch and firm recom-

mendations are something Dr. Jassal thinks patients appreciative. Sometimes, an injection, which can relieve pain for months, is suggested instead of a prescription. “Sometimes, they are like wow, I wish someone had recommended this 4-5 years ago.” Dr. Bhalani says he recently treated a 90-year-old patient who told him, “Well, Doc, if this works as good as the last one, that’d be great,” to which Dr. Bhalani replied, “Oh, the last one helped you?,” and the patient told him that was the reason he hadn’t been back for seven months. “And I’ve been golfing the whole time!,” he said. Not to be outdone, Dr. Jassal has a 97year old patient who receives periodic injections, which he says, “keeps her happiness, and her happiness is dancing with her son,’’ Most of the office’s business, Dr. Bhalani says, comes from referrals. He thinks he treats as many local physicians and their family members as anyone in the area. Dr. Bhalani can do procedures at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, where he is the director of the Intervention & Pain Program, and at New Tampa Surgery Center on Cypress Ridge Blvd. However, state-of-the-art pain management procedures are often performed in his Wesley Chapel office, as opposed to the hospital or at ambulatory surgery centers, which helps save patients money. “The whole spectrum of care gives us flexibility,’’ says Dr. Bhalani. For more information, visit Florida PainMedicine.com or see the ad on pg. 6. To reach either the Wesley Chapel Florida Pain Medicine office (at 2553 Windguard Cir.) or the Zephyrhills’ location (38011 Arbor Ridge Dr.), call 388-2948.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Samantha Taylor Fitness Studios Help Women Reach Their Goals By Celeste McLaughlin

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year for 2015 is helping local women achieve their health and fitness goals. At the two Samantha Taylor Fitness Studios, women get a great workout and much more, including support, camaraderie, and education to completely transform the way they eat and live. Samantha’s second location, which opened about a year ago, is located across the street from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) in the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Samantha’s first location is nearby in Land O’Lakes, off of S.R. 54 on Knight Rd. Both studios offer her popular personal training program, known as Pure Health & Fitness and also offer a special Fit Body Boot Camp membership. Samantha is a Certified Personal Trainer who began her career 23 years ago and launched her own business 16 years ago. During that time, she estimates that she has trained 4,500 local women. Her goal is to increase that number to 10,000 by the year 2020. Samantha says that when a client begins to make healthier choices, it affects more than just that client’s life. In most cases, it affects her whole family’s lifestyle. In fact, Samantha says, a recent six-week challenge she held helped more than just the women who participated. In fact, she says, “Ninety percent of

(L.-r.) Samantha Taylor, Savanna Ford and trainer Amy Singletary can help you get in the best shape of your life at the Samantha Taylor Fitness Studio in the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel plaza.

the men whose wives signed up also lost weight. At our celebration event at the end of the challenge, so many men came up to me to shake my hand and say thank you,” says Samantha. “They told me, ‘My wife is happier, she’s more involved with the kids, and I can’t believe how much it impacts our family.’” Samantha explains that her model is to teach people not only proper physical training, but also how to eat healthier. She uses her experience as a personal trainer,

seeing what works and what doesn’t with her many clients, and years of intensely studying the human body to coach women about healthy eating. She says that most woman aren’t making diet food for just themselves, but are making food differently for their entire families. “As moms get their kids off sugar, they tell us there are so many changes, especially in their behavior and how well they do at school.” The impact to these women’s families

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

led Samantha to launch her first-ever couples challenge. Her next six-week body transformation challenge will begin on Monday, January 18. To get registered for, or for more information about the challenge, go to 6weekbtc.com. The woman who loses the most weight in this six-week challenge will win a cruise for two. And, while only women are allowed to work out at Samantha Taylor Fitness Studios, their husbands can participate in the weight loss challenge, with prizes for the couples who lose the most weight. Arlene Hein, a photographer who lives in the King’s Landing community in Wesley Chapel, lost 12.2 pounds and 12.25 inches during the most recent six-week challenge. Arlene says her doctor had been warning her that she was pre-diabetic. Arlene says she met Samantha at an event she was photographing, where she told Samantha about her health issues. She recalls that Samantha’s eyes lit up and she told Arlene that, “You don’t have to become diabetic. You can change.” When Arlene lost a dear friend to medical issues, including diabetes, she says, “It catapulted me into getting healthy. I didn’t want to go down that road.” Arlene says she signed up for Samantha’s six-week challenge. “I received so much support from Samantha and the trainers,” she says. “I went to all these seminars and learned how to eat, because

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there’s a difference between eating to live and living to eat. Now, I make more conscious decisions because I have so much information.” And, after just six weeks, Arlene says she’s no longer on a path towards becoming diabetic. She says she does blood work every three months, and the difference between her blood work prior to the six-week challenge and after has been phenomenal. “My doctor gave me a gold star,” she says. “He told me to keep up the good work and that I may be able to stop taking medication for high blood pressure soon, too.” “We see that all the time,” says Samantha. “We have had several people get off diabetes or cholesterol medication. Our program makes a huge impact in so many areas.” Samantha says getting fit benefits people in many ways, completely transforming many aspects of their lives. “Women who are overweight tend to be self-conscious and insecure,” says Samantha. “They don’t go out and interact with a lot of people.” She says the women who work out together at her studio often lean on each other for support through tough times, and start attending events together. “There’s a culture created in our facility,” Samantha says. “People are connected together.”

Workout Options

At Samantha Taylor Fitness Studios, women can choose individual or semiprivate personal training, or a Fit Body

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Yes, you’ve seen these pics of Chris Williams in the ads for the Samantha Taylor Fitness Studios, but they’re worth showing again here. A Certified Trainer, she now trains clients for Samantha.

Boot Camp membership. To get started with personal training, each woman meets individually with Samantha for a Body Transformation Analysis. This is a completely free, no-obligation consultation to determine a fitness program that will be customized based on each woman’s individual goals and level of fitness. Samantha says this is the most personal and private option she offers. In addition to personal training sessions, each client also meets with an assigned results coach monthly, to be sure they’re progressing. Fit Body Boot Camp membership is another available option at Samantha Taylor Studios. Women who choose this

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membership start off with a consultation with membership director Savanna Ford. Clients attend regular or beginner Fit Body Boot Camp sessions, which vary in cardiovascular intensity levels. Several classes are offered every day, and women choose three or more times each week to attend. Attendance is tracked, and there are monthly weigh-ins and body fat tests, so clients can be sure they’re making progress toward meeting their goals. “We expect change, and you should, too,” explains Samantha. Although she helps women of every age, she says many of her clients are in their 50s and 60s. “Women in this age group are starting to see bad health habits catch up with them,” she says. “They are seeing consequences and need to make a change for the future.” Samantha says one reason women see such success is because her staff is “amazing.” One of her full-time trainers is Paula Girven-Pittman, a former U.S. Olympian who competed in the high jump in Montreal in 1976. Another trainer is Chris Williams, who first became a client of Samantha’s in 2007. “I had been gaining a few pounds a year for several years and couldn’t seem to get it off,” Chris recalls. But, thanks to Samantha and her program, Chris (pics on this page) lost 80 pounds. (Note-To see other before-and-after photos, visit SamanthaTaylorFitness.com.) “I was so happy with what I’d achieved that I wanted to help other women achieve the same thing,” Chris

says. She became a Certified Personal Trainer by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and has been on Samantha’s team ever since. The best part? Chris has kept that weight off for eight years now! Samantha also is active in the community, often partnering with the U.S. Marines recruiting station located in the same plaza. Recently, Samantha and her clients have collected Toys for Tots (a Marine Corps-sponsored program) and raised money to help a Marine whose son passed away. Samantha also is proud to offer a fund raiser to support local schools and nonprofit groups. Groups can promote a 14-day program called “Fat Furnace” and the group receives 100 percent of the proceeds from the program. She says groups can raise more money – and certainly end up being a lot healthier – than traditional fund raisers, such as selling candy bars. In addition to winning the Wesley Chapel Chamber’s Small Business honors, Samantha has been involved with the Chamber for many years. She has served as a volunteer for its Ambassador Council, where she says she enjoyed meeting other businesses and helping them get more familiar with the community and what the Chamber has to offer. The Wesley Chapel Samantha Taylor Fitness Studio is located is at 2653 BBD Blvd., Suite 205. For more info, see the ad on page 47. To sign up for the six-week challenge beginning January 18, or for more information, visit SamanthaTaylorFitness.com or call 377-3739.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NutriMost Gives You The Tools To Keep That Extra Weight Off Forever! By Anu Varma Panchal

Losing up to 32 pounds in 40 days (if you’re a woman; for men, it’s up to 45 pounds) may seem like a pipe dream to most people. But, according to Mitze Richeson of NutriMost of Wesley Chapel, not only is such a dramatic, but permanent, weight loss possible, it can be done without living in the gym, eating prepackaged frozen meals or counting calories. Mitze says the NutriMost program even comes with a side benefit of overall improved health. “This (program) is transforming (people’s) health,” says Richeson, health coach and director of the chiropractic physiciansupervised weight loss program NutriMost, the newest addition to Cypress Creek Chiropractic & Wellness (the office of Mitze’s husband, Micah Richeson, D.C., or Doctor of Chiropractic), located just off S.R. 56, one traffic light east of the I-75 interchange. This unique weight loss program utilizes state-of-the-art technology to create truly customized supplements and programs for each patient, without using traditional prescription “diet” medications. Mitze says the practice’s philosophy is that wellness is a three-legged stool, comprised of emotional, chemical and physical wellness. “We have to address all three components to have true wellness,” she says, noting that having chiropractic care in the same office can help take care of many of the physical aspects but, “NutriMost will address the other two.”

dieting alone nor only hitting the treadmill are effective ways to lose weight permanently. Mitze, who spent four days training with Dr. Wisniewski to learn about the technology behind NutriMost and how the system works, says that part of what she learned is that weight gain, or fat “storage” is usually linked to other health issues, and those issues vary with each individual because, Dr. Wisniewski believes, we all gain and/or retain weight differently. Mitze says Dr. Wisniewski also believes that fat storage is directly Certified Chiropractic Physician’s Asst. Mitze Richeson & the Nutri- linked to imbalances Most program, which is based at Cypress Creek Chiropractic off S.R. 56 in the body caused by in Wesley Chapel, can help you lose weight & keep it off permanently. “micro toxins” such as bacteria, parasites and fungi. “On average, we First, A Little History NutriMost was founded by Ray Wis- are exposed to literally thousands of toxins niewski, D.C., a chiropractic physician and a week,” says Richeson. “They are on and radio and TV talk show host based in Pitts- in the food we eat, in the air we breathe and burgh, PA, who created the technology and on everything you put on your skin or into the protocols for the program, and who, your mouth.” Mitze says has successfully treated more She adds that these “micro toxins” are than 30,000 clients at his eight clinics. The the root cause of conditions such as horpremise behind NutriMost is that neither monal imbalance, too much toxicity in the

body, adrenal exhaustion, cellular dehydration and thyroid problems which, taken singly or in different combinations, can be (and often are) the cause of someone’s weight gain. By cleansing the body of certain foods that are harmful to you (and they can be different foods for different people), using natural, homeopathic supplements created especially for you and teaching you how to eat and live healthier, Mitze says, “weight loss becomes an automatic result.” When you come to Cypress Creek Chiropractic, your intake forms will be overseen by Dr. Richeson, a third-generation chiropractic physician who opened this practice in 2008 after eight years in his father’s practice in Gainesville. Dr. Richeson has his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from the Univ. of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and his D.C. degree from Parker College in Dallas, TX.

How It Works

After your consultation with Dr. Richeson, Mitze (who received her Certification as a Chiropractic Physician’s Assistant in 2013 from the Cleveland Chiropractic College) takes over with the NutriMost Resonant Frequency (NRF) biocommunication technology. The premise behind NRF is that all matter is comprised of energy and thus gives out vibrations. The frequency of these vibrations is like an ID number. As a NutriMost client, you will undergoes a painless, 12-minute procedure to get a reading of the different frequencies in

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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your body. You put your hand on a hand cradle sensor (see photo, right) and a computer will run the NutriMost Ultimate Fat Loss Scan, which checks 2,600 factors in your body, such as for the presence of certain parasites or bacteria, and for various hormone levels. The technology then spits out an 8-9 page report that becomes the client’s After placing your hand on the NutriMost Resonant Frequency (NRF) NutriMost Ultimate bioscanner (right), Mitze will provide you with a printed report showFat Loss Road Map. ing you which NutriMost supplements and tinctures (left) will optimize your body’s ability to burn fat, instead of retain it. The Road Map tells you which of the proteins (chicken, fish, beef, etc.), fruits your organs that affect weight loss are the and vegetables ranked from those which will most out of their normal range (some exam- be the most effective for your body to burn ples include your adrenal glands, pancreas, fat and heal itself; down to the bottom six small intestine, etc.). These “biomarkers” foods on each person’s list, which should (measurable indicators of a biological state only be eaten in moderation. Any foods not or condition) are then brought into proper on your list should not be eaten at all. balance using three primary types of excluMitze says that clients are often sursive NutriMost supplements. Together, the prised to learn (as she did herself) that even supplements will address detoxification and though some foods are considered healthier cellular healing, hormonal balance/imbal- than others — such as kale, for example — ance, and weight loss. Each formula will be they can still end up on some people’s list to custom-created at Mitze’s office, utilizing consume only in moderation or not on their the tinctures of various nutrients that will list to eat at all. best address the biomarkers that are most NutriMost clients are on a 40-day proaffecting your body’s ability to get rid of ex- tocol, and come in once a week for weighcess fat, rather than retain it. ins and checkups. After the initial 40-day In addition, the Road Map generated phase comes a 21-day phase when the body from the NRF scan also will provide a list of metabolism is “retrained” in keeping with

its new weight. Patients also learn about burst or interval training and exercises that can keep the body in fat-burning mode, although exercise is not required with the NutriMost program. Mitze notes that her clients report better sleep, higher levels of energy, less or no hunger, improved skin tone and an overall clarity of thinking. “When your body is brought back into balance and you’re eating the right foods for your body, the increased energy you’ll have on this program will make you want to exercise more and live healthier.,” Mitze says. “We don’t want people to just survive, we want them to thrive. And, it works!” Richard Felix is one such thriving client. He says he has struggled with weight gain since his 20s, and after failing to lose weight and keep it off despite trying numerous diet programs, he managed to lose 46 pounds in 40 days with NutriMost. Not only has he managed to keep it off, he plans to do another cycle in the spring. He admits that the program is “not for the faint hearted,” or for those who are likely to cheat and not stay on it. But, after spending years unhappy with the 304-pound person in the mirror, and being afraid of not being able to live to enjoy retirement with his wife or see his son graduate from college, Richard says he was determined to do it right this time. He says his program began with about ten days of cleansing the body by drastically reducing caloric intake and eliminating certain foods, especially those with processed sugar and saturated fat. He admits that although initially difficult, he was surprised by how manageable it eventually became,

especially because the results he could see and feel started so quickly. Richard also notes that drinking plenty of water, choosing the right foods for fat burning and taking all of the homeopathic drops and supplements helped keep his hunger at bay. And, although his ideal daily caloric intake has now been fixed at 2,500 calories, Felix says he no longer craves junk food or other fattening treats, such as creamy salad dressing or the French Vanilla creamer of which he used to go through three half-gallon jugs every month. Felix also says that another major benefit of the program for him is how it has taught him about food — for example, that peas, corn and kale could cause his body to retain fat, while cucumbers would help him burn it. He’s learned to use pink salt or low-sodium liquids to season his food rather than table salt, and how to snack on walnuts, plums or celery when he feels hungry. “Just making these little changes — it’s big,” says Felix. Although NutriMost is a new program at Cypress Creek Chiropractic, it has been around for years and is available at hundreds of franchised offices around the country, including five in other parts of the Tampa Bay area. But please, consult your primary care physician before beginning any weight-loss program. For more info or to schedule an appointment, see the ad on pg. 29 or call 241-7098. Or, visit 813thin.com, Facebook.com/NutriMostofWesleyChapel or NutriMost.com or stop in at Cypress Creek Chiro at 2304 Crestover Ln. in the Cypress Ridge Professional Park.

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Hyperbaric Chambers Of Florida — Unique Treatments For Your Health By Celeste McLaughlin

Just east of Wesley Chapel, on 6th St. in Zephyrhills, patients from all over the country come to an unassuming building for a unique medical treatment that many say will change their lives. Stephanie Janca Davis, CHT (Certified Hyperbaric Technician), co-owns Hyperbaric Centers of Florida with Carol Janca, CHT, who is the wife of Stephanie’s father, Phillip Janca. Patients receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy by entering a chamber that pressurizes oxygen, which increases the amount of oxygen in the patient’s blood, in many cases leading to medical benefits. Hyperbarics uses technology that is similar to a scuba dive. In fact, the treatments are nicknamed “dives” and simulate the pressure of being under 3050 feet of sea water. Stephanie says Hyperbaric Centers of Florida, “is a family business,” explaining that her family has been involved with hyperbarics for 30 years. “Dad builds the chambers,” Stephanie explains. Phillip Janca serves as the company’s hyperbaric safety officer. He also owns Tekna Manufacturing, a medical device manufacturer, which builds U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k)-cleared hyperbaric chambers for use in facilities across the country and around the world. And, he leads Caribbean Hyperbaric Medicine, a company he founded in 1981 to teach the physics and physiology of hyperbaric medicine to physicians. Through this 35-year-old company, he teaches and provides certifica-

Certified Hyperbaric Technicians Stephanie Janca Davis (left) and Carol Janca invite you to find out if hyperbaric therapy could help improve your health issues at their Hyperbaric Centers of Florida, located a few miles east of Wesley Chapel in Zephyrhills.

tion for hyperbaric technicians to receive the CHT designation. Phillip’s career has transitioned seamlessly through both scuba diving and hyperbarics. He says he has been a scuba instructor since the 1960s and spent two decades working as a researcher in the Caribbean. At the University of West Indies, located in Jamaica, he studied the benefits of hyperbaric treatments, while also rescuing people who had diving accidents. In 1998, he moved to Texas, where he started Hyperbaric Centers of Texas. In 2012, he sold that business and moved to

Zephyrhills, where he helped Stephanie and Carol open Hyperbaric Centers of Florida. “For my family, we live, eat, sleep and breathe hyperbaric medicine,” says Phillip.

Who Can It Benefit?

Phillip explains there are currently 15 approved indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the U.S. Stephanie says these indications, such as those suffering from air embolisms (aka “the bends,” or air bubbles in the body, usually from scuba diving), carbon monoxide poisoning, and diabetic and other non-healing wounds, can be treated at her

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

facility. But, by far, most patients come for the “off-label” treatments. If someone has an approved indication and their doctor prescribes hyperbaric oxygen treatment, they will often go to the hospital, where insurance may cover their treatment. At Hyperbaric Centers of Florida, all patients self-pay. A full round of treatment (explained below) costs a total of $5,000, with one-hour treatments starting at $155. Stephanie says the facility’s prices are much less than what hospitals charge, and some patients come to Hyperbaric Centers of Florida because the treatments end up being less expensive than even what their co-pays would be at a hospital. Phillip says there are many people suffering from conditions that may not be approved indications for hyperbaric treatments in the U.S., but a physician can prescribe hyperbaric oxygen therapy for “off-label” use. (Many of these indications are approved in other countries, according to Phillip, who says other countries use hyperbaric oxygen therapy much more, with an average of 60 approved indications.) “We see a lot of patients with Lyme Disease,” says Stephanie, “because there aren’t a lot of places they can go for treatment. We also have many autistic children who come in for treatment.” She says other conditions patients may come to them with include cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia (chronic widespread pain and painful response to pressure), those who have had a stroke or traumatic brain injury, and many others conditions. (Note-Visit HyperbaricCentersOf-

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Florida.com for a more complete list.) Stephanie explains that the treatments don’t provide a cure, but often will give people relief from their symptoms. She says that many patients come to the center with prescriptions from their physician, but those who don’t can be evaluated by the center’s medical director, Michael A Duchesneau, M.D. Dr. Duchesneau received his Doctor of Medicine de- Two people can receive their hyperbaric treatments at the same time gree from the University in the “multiplace” chamber at Hyperbaric Centers of Florida. of South Florida College of detoxification, flooding the body with of Medicine in Tampa in 1996, after receiving his Bachelor of Science fresh oxygen to flush out nitrogen and any (B.S.) degree from the University of Central toxins in your system. “(The oxygen) kills bacteria and mobiFlorida in Orlando in 1991. “Everyone who enters the chamber, in- lizes stem cells, which is what your body uses cluding caregivers, has to go through a med- to repair itself,” she says. Stephanie explains that the best proical screening to be sure they are physically a candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy,” tocol is for patients to receive treatment for says Phillip. “Just like before scuba diving, one hour, twice a day, for 20 days. “This the patient’s chest X-rays have to be clear gives you 40 hours of oxygen,” she says. “We don’t skip Saturdays, Sundays, or holiand unremarkable.” days. I was here on Christmas and I was here on New Year’s Day.” How It Works She says you can take your phone or “We have ‘monoplace’ and ‘multiplace’ chambers,” explains Stephanie. “A mono- other device in the chamber, and caregivplace chamber is designed for one person, ers can be in the multiplace chamber with and multiplace means it meets the safety the person who needs treatment. “It doesn’t harm anyone who is healthy, and can provide standards for more than one person.” Patients enters the chamber, which is a variety of benefits,” Stephanie says. For safety, there are always two certified pressurized with 100-percent medical grade oxygen. Stephanie explains that this is a form hyperbaric technicians (CHTs) watching the

patient in the chamber, typically Stephanie, Carol and/or Tammy Lewis, RN, CHT, a semi-retired registered nurse who works at the center. “We help a broad spectrum of people,” Stephanie says. “And usually, results are seen six to eight weeks after treatment is stopped.” She says that after a patient receives 40 hours of oxygen over 20 days, when the treatment is ended, “that’s when the angiogenesis and neurogenesis start.” She explains that angiogenesis means the body begins to build new blood vessels and neurogenesis causes new neurons to develop in the brain, according to numerous peer-reviewed medical studies. Phillip says, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy puts the body on a level playing field so we can heal ourselves.” He calls it, “a therapy in search of a disease” because it helps people in so many different ways. Stephanie concurs, “Sometimes people receive treatment for something and find it heals something else completely.” She says she then recommends that patients – especially those who have seen great results – do another round of treatment, “sooner, rather than later,” to continue the benefits of the treatment. It can be continued throughout a patient’s lifetime. Stephanie says she and her son, Dalton, 14, both “dive” a few times a month to benefit their overall health.

Changed Lives

“I love my job because I help people with a therapy that’s healthy for them,” says Stephanie. “And we see amazing results, like when I get to see someone’s kid speak for the first time, or walk for the first time.” One family that’s seen such amazing re-

sults is Julie Lovinger’s. She lives in Tampa and has three children, ages 14, 16, and 18. She says all three have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, and two have received treatment at Hyperbaric Centers of Florida. “Our youngest son received treatment first, and it really helped him,” says Julie, who explains that all three of her children suffer from both physical and mental symptoms, such as depression, and have missed years of school because of the disease. “Then, our daughter was suffering a relapse and experiencing pretty extreme symptoms, so we tried the hyperbaric treatment with her, too. It’s powerful.” Julie says the treatments have changed her family’s life. “We just went on vacation,” she says. “We haven’t been able to do that in a long time.” She adds that her experience has been that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has healed her children’s bodies, not just, “put a bandage on it,” which is how she describes medicines such as anti-depressants. She says that Lyme disease can’t be cured, but she saw a remarkable difference in her children after they completed their treatment, which was 90 minutes a day for 26 consecutive days. (Stephanie says this option is a good alternative to the most preferred protocol, which is 60 minutes, twice a day, for 20 consecutive days.) “I want my oldest son to do this therapy, too,” says Julie. “And I’m definitely planning on bringing my other two kids back every couple months for maintenance.” The Hyperbaric Centers of Florida (5610 6th St., Zephyrhills) office is open seven days a week by appointment. For more info, visit HyperbaricCentersOfFlorida.com, call 788-3969 or see pg. 14.

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ExerScience Center Owner Wants To Help With Your New Year’s Resolutions By John C. Cotey

Personal trainer Lauren (aka “Coach Lolo”) Leiva, who describes herself as an “Underground Super Nerd,” melds her two favorite things — exercise and science — into one of the area’s more diverse fitness concoctions at The ExerScience Center at Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club (HIGCC) on Cross Creek Blvd. in nearby New Tampa. The 31-year-old bundle of energy offers personal training classes, group fitness and boot camps, after-school enrichment programs that include exercise and yoga, as well as private yoga classes at the brand new HIGCC fitness center. Don’t let the location fool you – Lauren’s classes, like the semi-private golf club and restaurant in the main building about 40 yards away, are always open to the public. (Above) ExerScience Center owner and certified trainer Lauren “Lolo” Leiva offers everything If you’re looking to make good from yoga instruction (above) to personal training (right) and so much more. on those New Year’s resolutions, Lauren to attend. She currently is attending Nova vidually, even in a group class.” currently is offering a special to assist your Southeastern University in Tampa as a Lauren’s experiences with health efforts — $80 a month for unlimited classfourth-year Physical Therapy student. have stoked the fires in her teaching. She es (which normally cost $10 per class) for Lauren’s knowledge of how the was on bed rest for almost four years after three months. Those who prefer personal body’s joints and muscles work together the birth of her son Elijah, who needed training can lock in a $50-per-session rate physical therapy. By fighting to get healthy has been a godsend for client Christine by pre-purchasing the first five sessions, again and going on the journey of physical Collins. Christine says she has never felt and if you auto renew, you can keep that therapy with Elijah (who is now 100-per- better after workouts, after years of workrate for the whole year. cent healthy), she was inspired to focus on ing with many personal trainers. Lauren promises hands-on training “I love that Lauren has a physical the therapeutic effects of exercise. that you can’t find just anywhere. therapy background,’’ Christine says. “She With a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) “I’m not an instructor, I’m a guide,’’ has helped me find some cool alternatives degree in Biomedical Science & Physics she says. “I don’t just look at myself in the to certain moves. More than any other mirror and have everybody exercise behind from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Lauren was accepted into medical trainer, she has truly customized my plan me,’’ Lauren says. “I modify and teach. I school at USF but ended up not being able to suit me.” love being able to help each person indi-

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Christine drives from Lutz 3-4 days a week to work out with Lauren at the brand new Heritage Isles exercise center, a drive she says is well worth it. “I was always told that the best personal trainers are in South Tampa, but who knew that one of the best ones was right here in my backyard?,” Christine asks. Lauren also teaches yoga at an after-school program at Academy at the Lakes in Land O’Lakes, and one of her classes at HIGCC is a chair yoga class, for people who may not be physically able to perform every move on their feet. The ExerScience Center is located at 10630 Plantation Bay Dr., to the right of the golf clubhouse and next to the basketball courts. For more info, call or text Lauren at 464-0313, email info@TheExerScienceCenter.com or visit TheExerScienceCenter.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Every year for at least the last 20, I have named the restaurants I liked the most in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. On the next four pages, I have named my favorites for 2015. And, as always, my list again varies greatly from that of my readers (as presented last issue), for two big reasons — I get the benefit of going after all (more than 600 readers submitted ballots this year; more than 1,000 last year) of you, so: 1) I can sample new restaurants that didn’t

open until after all of you submitted your ballots, so I can include restaurants none of you knew existed or at least didn’t get to sample when you submitted your surveys, and 2) As the editor of and primary dining reviewer for my publications, I also have the

Gary’s Top 25

luxury of being able to add restaurants that aren’t located within the geographical/ zip code boundaries of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel in my survey one year and then add those restaurants to your survey list the following year. This year, one new restaurant in particular actually perfectly fits both catego-

Oakley’s Grill

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

Woodfired Pizza (E. Bearss Ave.)

Las Palmas Spanish Café

The Little Greek

Señor T’s Mexican Grill

Sushi Raw

Burger 21

Saffron Indian Cuisine

Vallarta’s (TP)

Fushia Asian Bistro

Petra Mediterranean

Sushi Café

24 Takara Sushi & Sake

Peabody’s Billiards & Games

Still serving great flame-grilled burgers and perfect fries, plus my favorite roast beef au jus sandwich in New Tampa.

I still love the cracker-thin-crusted pizzas with amazing toppings, unique salads and new entrées, plus craft beers & great, reasonably priced wines by the glass at Woodfired.

I really enjoy the gyros, Greek salads with a real Greek-style dressing and lamb, beef & chicken skewers at Little Greek. Always packed for lunch, it’s also a great value for dinner.

Cafe Olé Authentic Spanish Cuisine

Café Olé continues to reign as my first choice in New Tampa for authentic Spanish cuisine, plus always-fresh fish (you still can’t find a better buy than Café Olé’s flounder or grouper lunch special) with amazing sauces. And, with specials like the incredible bone-in ribeye steak pictured above with jumbo shrimp I can’t eat because of my shellfish allergy, and even crusty, freshly baked bread served with every meal, there really is no place in New Tampa that compares.

Acropolis Greek Taverna

Although I don’t eat there as often as I used to, Acropolis is still one of New Tampa’s best for delicious lamb chops, fresh grouper and mahi-mahi entrées and a great variety of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean favorites.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern

Despite being a little pricy, Stonewood continues to be one of our area’s top choices for steaks, fish and more, and the service, especially in the popular bar area, is second to none in New Tampa.

Ciccio’s Cali

Although I still miss some of my old Ciccio & Tony’s favorites, Ciccio’s Cali’s menu is still filled with some of the best rice bowls and seared tuna entrées in our area, all at fair prices.

Sukhothai

Even though it’s a Thai place, Sukhothai’s sushi is a consistent winner and the Thai cuisine (amazing duck and ginger sauce) keeps Sukhothai near the top of my list every year. And of course, everyone loves the below-floor seating, too.

Zaytoun Mediterranean Grill

My favorite new restaurant (even without alcohol) in New Tampa for 2015 has amazing lamb chops, some of my favorite salads in the area and the best Mediterranean desserts anywhere.

Thai Ruby

Always just a notch below Sukhothai for me because it doesn’t have sushi, the elegant ambiance matches the food at Thai Ruby in Tampa Palms, which has my favorite crispy duck and Thai-style fried rice in New Tampa.

ries. Little Italy’s Family Restaurant, which even I didn’t know about until after our Reader Survey ballots for this year’s contest were created in September, is now my #2 favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel, even though it actually is located on S.R. 54 in Lutz. In addition, Stage Left Bar & Kitchen, which also is located outside of Wesley Chapel “proper” (near Little Italy’s), also has been added to my Wesley Chapel favorites (at #5). There is precedence for adding res-

It’s not a hibachi grill, but of all the great non-Thai sushi restaurants in New Tampa, Sushi Raw still has some of the freshest, most delicious and most creative sushi in town.

New Tampa’s favorite Indian restaurant has my favorite sizzling lamb chops, amazing vegetarian dishes and a delicious lunch buffet.

I don’t know if the karaoke side is successful or not, but Fushia still has my favorite spicy beef with Chinese broccoli and New Yorkstyle fried rice in the New Tampa area.

Another great choice for fresh and creative sushi (including a huge selection of specialty rolls), Sushi Café also has very good hibachi fare, although it isn’t prepared tableside

The best wings and fries (in my opinion) in New Tampa, plus great NY-style pizza, burgers, sandwiches and even an excellent 10-oz. NY strip steak special.

I still feel it’s a little bit pricy, but Kobe does have very good teppanyaki fare as well as good sushi & a nice, separated sushi bar for those who don’t want to sit at a hot table.

Although there are plenty of places with good Cuban sandwiches, if you like truly authentic Cuban cuisine, Las Palmas is once again your only choice, especially for crispy merluza.

Actually, the newest Mexican restaurant in New Tampa also is the most upscale, with filet mignon, grilled ribeye steaks and the best mahi-mahi fajitas in town.

I really enjoy the thick, juicy burgers, thicker shakes, decadent cookies and even a tasty chicken parmigiana “burger.” It may never make #1 on my list, but Burger 21 is a hit.

The portions are huge and the prices are very fair (especially for the huge portions of fajitas). Vallarta’s attract crowds to Tampa Palms.

It’s almost too casual for my taste, but I still love the beef shawarma platter, lamb and chicken gyros and the zesty salads and sides at Petra Mediterranean Express.

Yet another great, fresh sushi place which also features some very good Korean fare, Takara is another great place in a plaza loaded with very good and popular eateries.

Thai Orchid

I was so blown away by the delicious chicken with spicy Thai-style fried rice lunch special and crisp spring rolls at this new eatery in the former Pizzazzone locale that I added it to my top-25.

Gary’s Next 25 New Tampa Favorites (in alphabetical, not numerical, order)

Biagio’s II Cantina Cappy’s Pizza Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill Liang’s Bistro Casa Ramos Still the best value for your money in Liang’s is still my first choice for NY-style Five Guys Burgers/Fries Japanese cuisine in New Tampa or Wesley egg rolls and BBQ spare ribs in New Full Circle Pizza Chapel, especially for lunch! The sushi Tampa, plus great sautéed green beans Hawkeye’s NYS Pizza is very good and the endless hibachi fare (order ‘em spicy) and even great fresh fish Ho King (plus beer, wine & sake) is a great combo! and variety of fried rice options. Hoosiers Grill 32 For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016• WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Hunter’s Green CC Jersey Mike’s Subs Lanna Thai Mr. Dunderbak’s Mulligan’s Irish Pub Olive Garden Panera Bread Pita’s Republic RubyNeighborhood Tuesday News

Season’s Fresh Café Soho Sushi Sushi Ko Tampa Palms Golf & CC Taste of NY Pizza Toast Wine & Café WingZone (see pg. 50!) @NTWCNews

taurants outside of our distribution areas. Back when I first started this thing two decades ago, our readers first started voting for many of the restaurants in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave., so I have always included the names of those restaurants on the surveys for New Tampa since we first started including the names of the mom-and-pop places on the surveys themselves a few years back. The most recent example was that I added Amici Pizza in the Grand Oaks Plaza (on WC Blvd. in Lutz) to my survey one year and yours the following year. Other newcomers which made the WC list that actually are located in Wesley Chapel are Capital Tacos (in the former

Café Fresco location on S.R. 56), which didn’t open until November but is already proud to be my #4 favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel, and Chick & Peas Mediterranean Grill on S.R. 54, which also made my WC top-25. My top 2015 newcomers in the New Tampa area were Zaytoun Mediterranean Grill (#7), Señor T’s (#20) and Thai Orchid (#25). Restaurants I didn’t include on my list because they closed after all of you had already voted include Dine or Dash in New Tampa and Ciao! Italian Bistro in the Wiregrass Mall. I liked both places, but at least I didn’t “waste” my vote for either one, as I did with Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor (see pg. 42). — GN

Gary’s Top 25

Outback Steakhouse

CineBistro at The Grove

City Grill

Quail Hollow Country Club

GrillSmith

Wolf’s Den

OTB Café

Bonzai Sushi

Texas Roadhouse

Cody’s Roadhouse

La Prima Pizza

Kwan Ming Bistro

Fine Thai Express

The Tropic’s

Hibachi Express

Vallartas

Yamato Japanese Steakhouse

Chick & Peas Grill

Wesley Chapel’s recently remodeled Outback continues to keep the prices and portion sizes fair and both the steaks and the grilled lamb chops are well worth the cost.

It may have dropped a few spots on my list, but City Grill continues to offer great fresh fish and steaks, plus authentic French cuisine, live entertainment almost every night and non-mall drink prices.

The recent menu revamp, including a much better selection for lunch, and affordable “combo” meals all day, continues to keep GrillSmith in my top 10.

Although others have passed it in my top10, OTB Café is still a great choice for fresh salads, one of the best all-natural burgers in our area and a recently revamped décor.

I’d still prefer it if they stopped making all the servers line dance every dinner hour, but there’s no arguing that Texas Roadhouse’s steaks are tasty & very fairly priced.

Dempsey’s Steakhouse @ Saddlebrook Resort

Despite the beautiful-looking bone-in ribeye from Café Olé on the previous page, I still think the pricy Dempsey’s Steakhouse may have the best cowboy ribeye in the Tampa Bay area, as well as the best tableside Caesar salad, still-swimming fresh fish and among the best service you’ll find anywhere.

Little Italy’s

The highest-rated newcomer on my Wesley Chapel list, even though it’s actually located in Lutz, I had to expand our WC area a smidge to add the best spaghetti & meatballs and red sauce in our area to my list. See the ad on pg. 43!

Boneﬁsh Grill

With perhaps the best seared tuna appetizer outside of my own kitchen, plus always-changing fresh fish and even excellent steaks and service, Bonefish may be a chain, but it’s a really good one.

Capital Tacos

I can’t even believe it myself that I would rate any place with the word “Tacos” in its name this high, but so far, I have loved everything I’ve tried at the newest eatery in Wesley Chapel. Neighborhood News

Stage Left Kitchen & Bar

While it also isn’t located in Wesley Chapel proper, Stage Left is close enough to deserve consideration, especially with all of the new menu items announced on page 35 of this issue. And I love the nightly live entertainment, too.

900° Woodﬁred Pizza

Most love this Shops at Wiregrass staple for the fact is has both very good woodfired-crisp and NY-style pizza, but I love the pasta dishes and the very fair prices even more.

The Hungry Greek

With the best pricing points on very tasty Greek and Mediterranean fare, including the best gyro platters in either of our distribution areas, there’s no misunderstanding as to why Hungry Greek rocks.

The best, most authentic NY-style pizza in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel is paired with delicious Italian specialties, next to Target.

With the same owners as Thai Ruby in Tampa Palms, Fine Thai has the same delicious crispy duck without the elegant prices.

Still the best value in Japanese cuisine in our area, you can’t beat the hibachi lunch and dinner specials or the sushi prices at Hibachi Express.

I appreciate the variety of teppanyaki table fare at Yamato, from seven different kinds of hibachi steak to combo meals with chicken, shrimp, scallops & even lobster. The sushi is good, but a little pricy.

I still prefer dining in the attractive bar area to dining in my movie seat, but CineBistro would finish higher on my list if the prices were a little more reasonable.

Quail Hollow has dropped a few notches this year, but is still a very good restaurant, with tasty steaks, sandwiches and flatbreads, plus a full, premium liquor bar, all at very fair prices.

Under new ownership for almost a year, the revamped Wolf’s Den would finish higher if it brought back the best fried chicken in our area. Soon to be adding dinner, too.

The best sushi in Wesley Chapel and very good Japanese (and some Korean) fare keep Bonsai Sushi popular with readers & editors alike. Great seared tuna & combo meals!

Another appealing steak place with lots of free peanuts, Cody’s is another chain that I still occasionally enjoy. I’m kind of partial to the slow-roasted prime rib.

It’s never finished this high on my list, but my last few meals at Kwan Ming have been great, especially the combo fried rice.

Saddlebrook’s “other” fine restaurant, also a little pricy, even for the breakfast/ brunch buffet or I’d rate it higher. (Village Mkt.)

You can’t beat the value or the service at any Vallartas location. The portions are huge and the cuisine is always consistent. Great drink prices, too. See the ad on pg. 42!

Yet another new entry in the Mediterranean cuisine proliferation in our area, with a great variety of kabobs and shawarma sandwiches, Chick & Peas Grill also has outstanding lunch prices.

Gary’s Next 25 Wesley Chapel Favorites (in alphabetical, not numerical order) 100 Montaditos Bagelicious & More Amici Pizza Burger Monger Cantina Laredo China Taste Dempsey’s Too @ Saddlebrook Resort Dolcé Gelato & Crepes

Don Pan Int’l. Bakery First Watch Gonna China Ho Wok Hot Wok 88 Jersey Mike’s Subs Ker’s WingHouse Lexington Oaks GC Meadow Pointe Café

PDQ Panera Bread PizzaMania Red Robin Sonny’s BBQ Taste of Boston Tokyo Grill/Sushi Woody’s Pizza & Wings

For@NTWCNews more of Gary’sFor 2015 Favorites, see pgs. 34-35! Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Gary’s Favorite

Restaurants in NT & WC

Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine

I like a lot of our local Chinese restaurants, but Liang’s is the most consistent in terms of quality, with many of my Chinese faves.

4 5

6 7

8 9

Fushia Asian Bistro Kwan Ming Bistro Sushi Ko Hot Wok 88 Ho Wok Gonna China China Wok (WC Village Mkt) Ho King China Gourmet

Gary’s Favorite Restaurants in NT & WC

Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill

For hibachi and sushi at the best prices anywhere, you still can’t beat Koizi. But wow, we do have a lot of really good sushi places.

4 5

6 7

8 9

Sushi Raw Sukhothai Sushi Café Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge Bonsai Sushi Soho Sushi Hibachi Express Sushi Ko Kobe Japanese Stkhs (tie) Yamato Stkhs

Sukhothai

Our list of Thai and Indian places grew by two, but Sukhothai is still my favorite, still just ahead of Thai Ruby.

Thai Ruby 3 Saffron Indian Cuisine 4 Fine Thai Express 5 Thai Orchid 6 Lanna Thai 7 Top Thai 2

Gary’s Favorite

Restaurants in NT & WC

La Prima Pizza

Still the toughest of all the categories for me, with all of the good NY-style places, as well as very good Chicago and woodfired options in both of our distribution areas, but La Prima & NY NY are still 1-2 to me.

NY NY Pizza 3 900º Woodfired Pizza 4 Best NY Pizza 5 Woodfired Pizza (Bearss) 6 Amici Pizza 7 Taste of NY Pizza 8 Peabody’s Billiards 9 Full Circle Pizza 10 Cappy’s Pizza 11 Ciccio’s Cali 12 Westshore Pizza 13 Biagio’s II 14 Hawkeye’s NYS Pizza 15 Woody’s Pizza & Wings 2

Oakley’s Grille

Oakley’s is still #1, but thanks to our former GM Nikki Bennett, I gave Sonny’s flame-grilled burgers another try & have now moved them up to #2.

4 5

6 7

8 9

Sonny’s BBQ OTB Café Stage Left Burger 21 Peabody’s Billiards Five Guys Burger Monger Red Robin Hunter’s Green CC

Gary’s Favorite Restaurants in NT & WC

Café Olé

My favorite restaurant in New Tampa is still my favorite Latin place in our area, but I do enjoy all the places on this list, including the newbies at #3.

4 5

6 7

Las Palmas Spanish Café (tie) Capital Tacos & Señor T’s Cantina Laredo Vallarta’s (WC) Cantina Vallarta’s (TP)

Casa Ramos Latin Twist Café 10 Don Pan Int’l Bakery 8 9

Acropolis Greek Taverna

Our other fastest-growing segment (along with Mexican), I actually really enjoy all of these places.

4 5

6 7

Zaytoun Mediterranean Hungry Greek The Little Greek Petra Mediterranean Chick & Peas Grill Pita’s Republic

Gary’s Favorite

in NT & WC

Stage Left

Long live the new #1. Great drink prices on super-premium adult beverages and outstanding entertainment (see story on pg. 38!).

4 5

6 7

8 9

10 11 12

14 15

Peabody’s Billiards & Games Stonewood Grill & Tavern City Grill Acropolis Greek Taverna Toast Wine & Café Quail Hollow CC Café Olé GrillSmith CineBistro Mulligan’s Irish Pub Cantina Laredo PrimeBar Ker’s Winghouse PJ Dolan’s

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Gary’s Favorite

Restaurants in NT & WC

in NT & WC

Restaurants in NT & WC

in NT & WC

Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill

The lines for lunch every day indicate I’m not alone in my love of Koizi, but I could name 25 great lunch places in our area.

4 5

6 7

8 9

Ciccio’s Cali Hibachi Express OTB Café Café Olé Stonewood Grill Bonefish Grill Hungry Greek City Grill Wolf’s Den

4 5

6 7

8 9

Still not a good category for our area, but when you include freshly baked cookies & brownies, here’s my faves.

4 5

6 7

8 9

Café 365 Panera Bread Publix Don Pan Int’l. Bakery Sprinkles Ice Cream Happy Cow Yogurt Burger 21 Starbucks (Wiregrass) La Berry Yogurt

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

A much more competitive category when you add the word “dessert,” but while Bruster’s is still my favorite, I really enjoy all of these places & more.

4 5

6 7

8 9

Coldstone Creamery Sprinkles (OOB) Baskin Robbins Twistee Treat Dolcé Gelato & Crepes Café 365 Happy Cow La Berry Yogurt Little Italy’s (cannolis!)

Gary’s Favorite

in NT & WC

Restaurants in NT & WC

I drink less coffee out now than I once did, but I do love a good cup of Joe at these and other fine local establishments.

Stonemill Artisan Bakery

Gary’s Favorite Tropic’s @ Saddlebrook

Season’s Fresh Café Toast Wine & Café OTB Café GrillSmith Barnie’s Coffee Zaytoun Mediterranean Stonemill Artisan Bakery Panera Bread Starbuck’s (Wiregrass)

Little Italy’s Family Rest.

More than just the best spaghetti & meatballs in town. Try the linguine with white clams and butter. Mangia! 2

4 5

6 7

8 9

Ciccio’s Cali Best NY Pizza GrillSmith PizzaMania La Prima Pizza Full Circle Pizza Stonewood Grill Biagio’s II Amici Pizza

Bonefish Grill

I don’t promote many national/ regional chains, but those on this list are most of the ones I actually like. 2

4 5

6 7

8 9

Stonewood Grill Outback Steakhouse GrillSmith Texas Roadhouse Cody’s Roadhouse Jersey Mike’s Subs Cantina Laredo Five Guys 100 Montaditos

Peabody’s Billiards & Games

My kids are grown, so I replaced my favorite Kid-Friendly places with my favorite French fries, ‘cause I’m an addict.

4 5

6 7

8 9

Oakley’s Grille Red Robin Sonny’s BBQ McDonald’s Wolf’s Den GrillSmith City Grill Burger 21 Burger Monger

Gary’s Favorite

Steak

in NT & WC

Dempsey’s Steakhouse

This is the first time I’ve had this category for a while, but we really do have some great options for steak. 2

Café Olé The Tropic’s @ Saddlebrook

4 Stonewood Grill & Tavern 5

6 7

8 9

Tampa Palms G&CC Texas Roadhouse City Grill Yamato Japanese Stkhs Cody’s Roadhouse Quail Hollow CC Kobe Japanese Stkhs

12 (tie) Koizi & Peabody’s

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For most people, the bigger risk is heart disease. For most people, a once in a lifetime skydive is far less dangerous than a lifetime of poor eating and inactivity. Thankfully, Florida Hospital WEsley Chapel has the knowledge and technology to prevent, diagnose and treat Tampa Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one killer, heart disease. From education and outreach efforts to emergency medical care and advanced surgical procedures, our lifesaving expertise is your best defense against the danger of heart disease. Visit IsYourHeartatRisk.com or call 813-929-5432 to find your Florida Hospital cardiologist.

THE HE A RT E X PERT S

Stage Left Celebrates One Year In Business With New Menu Items!

Steak Teriyaki Rice Bowl

By Gary Nager

HAVE now known Stage Left Bar & Kitchen owners (and New Tampa residents) Brian and Isabelle Dunleavy for several years, but it was maybe a year-and-ahalf ago when I stopped in at what was then a construction site at the Eagle Plaza on S.R. 54 in Lutz (only about two miles west of the new Tampa Premium Outlets mall). I remember thanking my friends for planning to open the closest non-chain, real restaurant to my apartment (even though I actually live a little closer to the restaurants in the Shops at Wiregrass mall) and excitedly asking to see the menu. “It’s a work in progress,” Brian said. “We know what we want to do and what kind of food we want to serve, but there’s a lot of trial-and-error, seeing what people like and what they don’t. We have to be able to adapt the food to what our customers want.” So, a little more than a year after opening and a little more than a month after finally

hosting a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 1, the Stage Left menu, which started with three delicious soups and vegetarian-based dishes that you could add a variety of proteins (steak, chicken and fish) to, has now added some heartier “comfort foods” to go with the from-Day-One live entertainment five nights a week that Isabelle and Brian have always been proud to bring to the Stage Left stage. “We keep adding new musical groups and bringing back the ones that are the most popular,” says Isabelle. “But, we’ve really been working on the menu.” In fact, some of the items pictured here (and a few others) are so new, they still weren’t on Stage Left’s menu when we went to press. “But, the new menus should be here by the time your story comes out,” says “Izzy” (as Brian likes to call her). So, if you haven’t yet tried any of Stage Left’s new rice bowls, with either marinated, grilled flank steak teriyaki (with grilled pineapple, which I didn’t think I would like, but it works), grilled red snapper (or whatever fish

is available fresh that day) or grilled chicken, take a look at the pics on these two pages and tell me your mouth isn’t watering. There’s also a great new bacon, lettuce & tomato sandwich, Brian’s new favorite, the homemade, perfectly-pressed Cuban sandwich and Isabelle’s new fave, the snapper/fresh fish of the day tacos. I can’t tell you exactly what’s in the creamy sauces served with the grilled chicken bowl and snapper tacos (because the menu wasn’t printed yet, lol), but they’re both truly outstanding. But, perhaps my favorite new item is the perfectly fire-grilled cheeseburger. It’s thick, juicy and, like all of the sandwich offerings, comes with crispy kettle chips and homemade cole slaw. “We’re still all about fresh, casual dining,” Isabelle says proudly. “We just have had a lot of requests for burgers and more steak and fish dishes and so far, everyone who’s tried these items as ‘blackboard specials’ has given us great feedback on them.” And, although I simply can’t eat smoked foods, I also hear customers raving about the

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Neighborhood News

Isabelle & Brian Dunleavy

different new smoked items, especially the new pulled pork sandwich. Try it and let me (and Brian and Isabelle) know what you think. I also appreciate that although the Dunleavys have added a second TV to the main dining area, Stage Left still more music venue than sports bar. And, with Brian always asking his customers what liquid refreshments they prefer, he is constantly updating his stock and always charges way less for super-premium brands than anyplace at the mall, all still in a smoke-free environment. I spend a lot of time at my fifth favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel (see page 33), including every Wednesday at noon with my Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club, so I’m glad Stage Left is still under the same great ownership, but new management. “We’re back to our Stage Left standards and that personal touch,” Isabelle says. For more info, see the ad on pg. 35, visit Facebook.com/StageLeftTampa, stop in at 24400 S.R. 54, Lutz, or call 9494334. Stage Left also has a an events room available to host private functions.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! Coming Soon To The Shoppes At Wesley Chapel

You may have noticed that there’s been quite a bit of activity at the Shoppes at Wesley Chapel plaza, located across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC). The plaza, which recently added a new Florida Orthopaedic Institute office, will soon be home to the eighth Tampa Bay-area office of Bay Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, which Shoppes leasing agent Barry Jackson of Momenta Real Estate says is, “an upscale plastic surgery office” that surely will benefit from its proximity to FHWC. Of course, those who were hoping that the Bay Dermatology office — which is taking over the space vacated by D’Alessio Italian Restaurant in the plaza — was going to be another eatery will obviously be disappointed, although Jackson says the same plaza will soon be home to Buttermilk Donuts & Coffee, in the space just south of The Hungry Greek restaurant. Jackson also notes that the plaza also is adding a number of executive office suites, just north of Dickey’s BBQ, but with their main entrance to the rear of the building Call Jackson at 574-1144 for infor-

mation about available space in the plaza or about the executive suites.

Sprinkles Closes

Shortly after I went to press with my January 1, 2016, New Tampa issue, where I named it as my third favorite ice cream or dessert place in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, I was saddened to learn that Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor, located in the Northwood Plaza between the SuperTarget and Marshall’s, had closed. A note (photo) posted in the shop’s door shortly after Christmas said, “We have made the difficult decision to close Sprinkles effective immediately. We appreciate your support and will treasure the friendships we have made.”

Wesley Chapel Chamber’s Brief Breather!

Although the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) took a little breather from December 10 through the end of 2015, at least in terms of ribboncutting ceremonies and other free events, the busy Chamber added a new member each day since January 4, and has a number of events scheduled that anyone can attend,

whether they’re WCCC members or not. On Monday, January 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Chamber office at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd. will welcome 8-year-old Sophia Contino (see pg. 12) and her lemonade stand, in conjunction with another free paper shredding event hosted by Shred 360. Come out to shred some old documents and enjoy some great lemonade as Sophia tries to raise money to buy bulletproof vests to benefit K-9 Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies. The Chamber also will cut two ribbons on Wednesday, January 20. The first will be at Florida ENT & Allergy (26853 Fog-

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gy Creek Rd., Suite 101)., 8 .a.m., and the second will be at Spa Moritz (17401 Commerce Park Blvd.) in Tampa Palms, at 4 p.m. The Spa Moritz ribbon cutting will include free mini-spa services, light refreshments and prizes, so you won’t want to miss it! On Friday, January 22, Profits & Gains will host a WCCC ribbon cutting and Grand Opening event at its office at 2607 Windguard Cir., off BBD (across from FHWC), at 4:30 p.m. Profits & Gains also will host an Open House at its office on Saturday, January 23, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. In addition, on Friday, January 29, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.) will host the latest installment of the Wesley Chapel Chamber’s popular, free, “Final Friday” networking events. And finally, on Tuesday, February 2, 7:30 a.m., the WCCC will host its Monthly Business Breakfast at Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC)’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. No speaker was announced for the event at our press time, but although it isn’t free, it’s always a great breakfast and an event better opportunity to network with Chamber members. For more info, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 2 • January 15, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL CLEANING SERVICES B CLEANING SERVICES Over fourteen years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, call 758-9710. FULL FORCE HOME CLEANING We provide full service home cleaning and move in/move outs throughout Pasco County. We supply top cleaning products that will make your home and appliances shine like new. Licensed and Insured. Affordable rates! Cleaning you can trust! (813) 297-6116 M & Y CLEANING SERVICES Residential & Commercial cleaning. Complete cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living rooms and more. Weekly, Bi- weekly, monthly, one time cleaning. References available. 8 years of cleaning experience. We clean your properties like our own. Call TODAY for a FREE estimate. Mila (813) 516-3554. POWER HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES- Offering Residential cleaning for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly & occasional. Services available: one time, deep cleaning, move in and/ move outs, Real Estate, Holiday and Event cleaning. Owner Operator with Personal Care! Personal Touch! Licensed and Insured. Try Power House Cleaning Services - you will be powerfully pleased! For scheduling or a free in home estimate, call (813) 356-8287 or e-mail phcservices1@gmail. com. SQUEAKY CLEAN HOME SERVICES is a residential cleaning company offering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services. We also specialize in move-in/moveout cleanup. All supplies and equipment provided. We are an Owner Operator company with over 20 years experience. “If it Needs to be Clean, We’re your Team! Call us for your free in home estimate today! 813625-6045 GET YOUR HOA OFF YOUR BACK! Unbelievable Driveway/Sidewalk Pressure Washing Special Limited Time Only! 4 quarterly cleanings for $49/each. That’s a full year for the price of a single service! Your time is precious. Go to www.cleanlisting.com to enter your contact information and a representative will contact you to set up your services. Or contact us today at (813) 562-0166 or cleanlisting@gmail.com.

ERRANDS & PERSONAL SVCS GET A RIDE Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You & Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or stranded. Call Jay at (813) 966-1530.

Classifieds

HELP WANTED EXPERIENCED DENTAL TEAM MEMBER NEEDED Unique opportunity for experienced, expanded-function dental assistant with great communication skills to join our awesome team. Private practice with no HMOs, PPOs, evenings or Saturdays. We emphasize excellence and individualized attention to patients and offer generous salary and benefits. If you want to love coming to work, e-mail your resume to nelsondentistry@gmail.com. AWARD WINNING REAL ESTATE TEAM with an overflow of serious prospects. Seeking professional full-time real estate agents who want to expand their horizons, make more money and have a fulfilling life. Great training available. Keller Williams Tampa Properties. Contact Annette Bohannon - 813-431-2840. MEDICAL BILLER Spanish-speaking Medical Biller wanted for New Tampa Medical Equipment Company. Duties: Gathers billing information by reviewing patient records; checking for completeness. Bills insurance carrier by inputting billing info to database; initiating electronic transmissions. Resolves disputed claims by gathering, verifying & providing additional information; following up on claims. Resolves discrepancies by examining and evaluating data; selecting corrective steps. Skills/Qualifications: Data Entry Skills, Microsoft Office Proficiency, Time Management, Organization, Professionalism, Customer service and Attention to Detail. Send resume to Richard.Jones@solarusmedical.com. PIZZAMAKERS & LINE/PREP COOKS WANTED (exp’d. preferred) at New Tampa’s favorite authentic Chicago-style pizza place. Bring Resume during business hours to Full Circle Chicago Pizza at 19651 BBD Blvd. (in the Pebble Creek Collection). PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT) An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080. PROTENTIAL SPORTS is looking for part time youth sports coaches as well as part time vehicle drivers. Flexible schedules available. Please call 813-8439460 for more information. ROUTE SALES, MEDICAL Fills customer orders by driving to customer accounts within Florida; unloading and shelving product, inventory verification, order retrieval. Increase sales volume by providing customer service and suggestive selling techniques. Fills order by verifying inventory; loading vehicle. Monthly overnight travel requirement 2 nights a month. Retrieves damaged/defective products from customer locations; keeps vehicle operating by following operating instructions; scheduling maintenance and repairs. Send resumes to: richard.jones@solarusmedical.com

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JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA SPECIAL & FREE ESTIMATE! For more info, call (813) 420-4465. AMERICAN PRIDE LAWN CARE SERVICE, LLC Our services include weekly lawn maintenance with mulching decks on all mowers, precision edging, string trimming, hedge, shrub, palm, and tree trimming. We also offer landscaping, pruning, and sod replacement. Free estimates. Licensed and Insured. We are an Owner/ Operator Company built on service and trust. References available. For more info, call (813) 458-4778. HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC High-Quality Professional Services: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Year-Round FullSvc LawnCare starting at $75/month: mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring Clean-Up. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554.

POOL SERVICES TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa’s #1 Choice!! Call Chris Today @ (813)857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! ALL-STAR POOL SERVICE & REPAIR Expert repairs and installations of pumps, motors, ﬁlters, timers, salt and ozone generators. Pool reﬁnishing from $2,400. Tile repair and acid washes, paver and river rock sealing, pressure washing and deck repair, paver and eurocote decks. Mention this ad and receive 1 FREE MONTH Pool Service. Call or text 813-244-7077. See our display ad.

COMPUTER/BUSINESS SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT — in your home or small business. A+, Certiﬁed computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. Remote assistance available. References available upon request. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate. DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residences & businesses, w/ more than 25 years of exp. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or send an email to Wsica@wsica.com today!

HOME IMPROVEMENT DALE’S HOME MAINTENANCE Pressure washing, screen repairs, garage cleaning and organizing, shelving, re-grout tile and caulking, and more. 813-727-2582. DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. Call 813-215-1177. GREG’S PAPERHANGING For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed and insured, clean, quick and reasonable. Call 973-2767 for a free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References avail. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 994-5124. WEST COAST FLOORING, INC. Carpet and Laminate Flooring. Quality repairs on all floors. Commercial Flooring Install. Licensed and Insured. Free Estimate, Call (813)-215-4817 TAMPA HARDWOOD INSTALLERS We take pride in installing your new hardwood or laminate flooring. We can install any hardwood flooring you have purchased, or we can bring an assortment of flooring samples that best fit your flooring needs. Free estimates! Call 813690-4789 or check us out on the web at www.TampaHardwoodInstallers.com. Licensed and Insured.

PET SERVICES CAT SITTING Tampa Cat Lady Professional CatSitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certiﬁed in pet ﬁrst aid/CPR. You can submit a service inquiry at TampaCatLady.com or call 813-994-9449.

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‘Lacrosse’

Continued from page 1 those costs. The Florida Sports Foundation also gave Pasco County $19,000 to offset tournament costs. “They know it’s important for the region,” Caum said. Just as important as the national event is a regional qualifier hosted by the WCAA, where teams can play their way into the NDP event. The Derek Pieper Memorial Cup Tournament — named for a WCAA Warriors lacrosse player who tragically passed away at the age of 17 and held in November each year — drew 55 teams this year, and the monies from that event helps fund other programs, like soccer, at the WCAA. “I look at the national tournament as important because I’m invested in Wesley Chapel and Pasco County, and I want to see Pasco County be an epicenter for youth sports, not just lacrosse’’ says longtime WCAA president Tom FitzSimons, who started the lacrosse program here 15 years ago, when it was one of the only rec programs in the area. “Losing the Tournament of Champions would not only hurt,” he adds, “but it might also mean losing the other tournament (the Derek Pieper). The proceeds from that tournament are used to augment the expenses of playing (everything) else.” The number of teams at this year’s ToC was less than previous years, but Gross attributed some of that to increased airline fares, which he said were about 30 percent higher than last year at the same time. He said NDP already is working on possible solutions. Gross praised the efforts of the WCAA, which he says often doesn’t receive enough

credit for putting on smoothly-run annual events. FitzSimons says he relies on 80-100 volunteers to pull off the event each year. The local teams from the WCAA, the Pasco Lions, had some good moments as well. The 13u Lions lost their first match to the Michigan Mavericks, but won their next four while allowing just eight goals. The 13u squad won more games than any other WCAA team, finishing with a 6-3 record and beating Pennsylvania’s Stars & Stripes team 6-4 to take 11th-place out of 22 teams, the best finish among the WCAA teams. “It was a lot of hard work by the kids, that was the biggest thing,’’ said 13u cocoach Mike Gambrell, whose team had players from Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Sarasota and Delray Beach playing on it. “They played well together, and complemented each other. It was a good tournament.” In the Rising Stars Division, the Lions lost their first four games but rebounded to win three of their last four to take 9th place out of 10 teams. The 15u team only won one match, beating the Central Illinois Cyclones, but Joseph Kanowitz and A.J. Tallagsen were both named to the All-Tournament team. When the tournament wrapped up on Dec. 31, FitzSimons saw a lot of smiling faces walking to the parking lots, some saying, “See ya next year.” “It’s fun to watch the parents come in from New England, sunning themselves at games,” FitzSimons said. “It’s such a family event. When people walk off and say we’ll be back next year, well…that’s what we want.” For more information about the Dick’s ToC and NDP Lacrosse, visit NDPLacrosse.comn. For WCAA info, visit WCAAsports.org.

Reserve your ride today.

1928 Highland Oaks Blvd., Lutz, FL 33559

(813)949-0424

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