New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 24, Issue 3, Jan. 29, 2016 by Neighborhood News

Volume 24 Issue 3

Inside: Recapping Our ‘222’ Speakeasy Party!

January 29, 2016

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Arbor Greene Couple Fights To Help The Injured Stay In Step By John C. Cotey

Romulo “Romy” Camargo rolls past Derrik Amarral, who is working hard with physical therapists to bring legs that were damaged in a car accident back to life. “Come on, Derrik,’’ Romy encourages Amarral. “Let’s go!” Across the room, 69-year-old Vietnam War veteran William Stevens is lifting a weighted bar, screaming loudly as his personal trainers urge him on. Meanwhile, Gabriella (“Gaby”) Camargo, Romy’s wife, smiles as she looks out from her office. At the Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Recovery Center in Tampa, a 5,000-sq.-ft. haven for paraplegics, quadriplegics and those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, it is not uncommon to see Romy trying to fire up those fighting through a workout. Conveniently located in the University Center Drive Business Park off N. 30th St. (near both the University of South Florida and the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital), Romy and Gaby are reaching beyond just service to wounded war veterans. So Amarral, a civilian who drives from Spring Hill, works side-by-side with Stevens, a military vet. “It’s very important people know that this is for military and civilians,” Gaby says. Romy — who is serving as the 2016 Gasparilla Parade of Pirates Grand Marshall this weekend — and Gaby have devoted their lives to helping wounded warriors,

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates New Tampa Nurse Honored, Shawn Harrison Jumps Out To Fund-Raising Lead, S.R. 56 Sprouting New Businesses & An Extension, Wharton Basketball Standout Makes A Turnaround & Lots Of Local Business Features!

Pages 3-36

Neighborhood Magazine Recapping The Neighborhood News ‘Speakeasy Party,’ Local Artist Wants To Create A Masterpiece For You, OTB Delights Café Celebrates A Delicious Anniversary; Plus, More Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 37-52

Arbor Greene residents Romy Camargo and his wife, Gabriela, at the Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center in Tampa. many who battle daily to remain viable and Continuing To Serve... healthy despite having lost the use of their While on a humanitarian mission in legs, their arms and, in many cases, both. Afghanistan in 2008, Chief Warrant Officer On Valentine’s Day (Sunday, Febru- 3 Romy Camargo and his fellow soldiers in ary 14), 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m., All American the Green Beret 7th Special Forces Group Music Productions is hosting the “Valen- were ambushed in Zabul Province by Talitines For Veterans” benefit dinner at the ban fighters. Stone Chef Events facility in Ybor City. All As they scrambled to dodge a hailstorm proceeds go to support Romy and Gaby’s of rocket-propelled grenades and machineStay in Step Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non- gun fire, a bullet smashed into the back of profit organization. Romy’s neck. “We can’t do what we do without the Bullets continued to fly as an emergensupport of the community,’’ Gaby says. cy tracheotomy was performed on Romy,

saving his life. The soldiers managed to repel the attack and get to safety, and Romy was flown to Germany and then to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C. It was on Gaby’s birthday — September 19, 2008 — when he arrived at Walter Reed. Romy was hooked up to countless wires and machines, a ventilator so he could breathe, and he was lucky to be alive. The bullet had shattered his C3 vertebrae. He was paralyzed from the shoulders down. Doctors said he would never breathe on his own, but Romy is always proud to say he proved them wrong. Doctors also told him he would never walk again. Romy told Gaby the doctors were wrong on that claim as well, as he continues to strive towards his goal of one day getting out of his wheelchair forever. Thus began the toughest mission of the Green Beret’s life. He spent 18 months at Walter Reed before he could leave. Shortly thereafter, he petitioned the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army for permission to try an aggressive treatment to help him recover. In May of 2011 in Lisbon, Portugal, he became the first active duty service member to receive Olfactory Mucosa Autografts, where stem cells from the base of his nose were used to stimulate the recovery of his injured spine. Romy couldn’t distinguish temperatures and tell if the weather was hot or cold before the surgery, but he could after the See “Romy’’ on page 12.

Visit The 2016 Kumquat Festival On Sat., Jan. 30! By Celeste McLaughlin

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 citrus fruit,” says John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the event. Kumquats are small (lime-sized, orange-colored), 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 for this year’s Festival, historic downtown Dade City will again be transformed to include arts and crafts, a car and truck show, live local entertainment (see below), a farmer’s market and all kinds 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, to.” About 40,000 people attended last year’s Kumquat Festival, and Moors expects that this year’s one-day event will attract a similar crowd. He says Dade City’s downtown has new restaurants, including a new 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 Dade City’s revitalization, with the opening of a new City Hall and a new police headquarters, also this month. Admission to the Festival 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 additional information, please visit DadeCityChamber.org.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host the 2016 Kumquat Festival on Jan. 30!

New Tampa Rotary To Re-Launch ‘The Taste Of New Tampa’ In 2017! An editorial by Gary Nager It’s official! The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) has agreed to allow the Rotary Club of New Tampa — which meets Friday mornings for breakfast at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club and which celebrated its 20th anniversary last month — to “take over” and resurrect the Taste of New Tampa, which was last held in Primrose Park in Tampa Palms in 2014. The WCCC took over the right to put on the Taste in Feb. 2015, when the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce agreed to be Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce CEO absorbed by the Wesley Chapel Chamber. Hope Allen (left) and Rotary Club of New Less than a year later, with the WCCC Tampa media rep Karen Frashier met with our already having divested itself of its other editor earlier this month to discuss the Rotary major event — the Wesley Chapel Fall FestiClub’s possible “adoption” of the Taste of New val (by turning it over to an event company) Tampa. That arrangement was finalized on — WCCC CEO Hope Allen was happy Jan. 21, when the Rotary Board unanimously to meet with New Tampa Rotary media voted to take over and revive the Taste. honcho Karen Frashier earlier this month to discuss the possibility of the Rotary Club “Our Board members were very extaking over what had been (for 20 years) cited to move ahead with this opportunity the premier single-day event held in (and to revive a very popular community event around) New Tampa. for our area,” Zajac said following the vote. I am proud to say that I helped OK, So...When? facilitate and sat in on that meeting, where Zajac’s term as New Tampa Rotary the two reached an agreement in principal president ends on July 1 of this year, when that Frashier brought back to current New Tampa Rotary president Lesley Zajac, presi- Wolford assumes the reins of the club. Sometime between now and then, after dent-elect Brice Wolford and the rest of the the agreement has been finalized, Wolford club’s Board. The vote was unanimous, but says it makes sense for the Rotary to host while the agreement and trademark transfer an initial meeting — that we will prostill have to be finalized — “dotting all of mote in these pages — to find out who is the ‘i’s and crossing all of the ‘t’s,” as Zajac interested (in addition to yours truly) in called it — the good news is that there will being involved in what promises to be a again be a Taste of New Tampa. six-to-eight-month plan to revive the event New Tampa Neighborhood News sometime in March (and no later than early Address: April) 2017, at a site also to be determined. 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B That means the planning stage won’t Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 start in earnest until Wolford takes over the Phone: (813) 910-2575 presidency and the long-time New Tampa Advertising E-mail: Rotarian says he’s excited to add a new Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com spring-time event to pair with the club’s anEditorial E-mail: nual “Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot 5K,” EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com the major annual fall event the club has Publisher & Editor hosted the last three years. Gary Nager The Taste also will replace the New Advertising Sales & Office Manager Tampa Rotary PigFest, which the New Mary Dorey Tampa “Breakfast” Club ran for eight years, 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

Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa 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 5, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, February 15, 2016. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa 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.

with the last one being held in 2012, as the Rotary Club’s major springtime event. “We really appreciate the trust the Wesley Chapel Chamber has shown in us by allowing us to be the organization that revives the Taste,” Wolford said. “We see it as a tremendous complement to our fundraising efforts for this community.” I already promised the Rotary Board that I would be happy to once again help with attracting restaurants — which was my primary function for most of the 20 previous Tastes, although I also was the event chair or co-chair several times and a twoterm president of the now-defunct New Tampa Community Council, which created the event in 1994. The Council ultimately

became the New Tampa Chamber, which then put on the last few Tastes. The bottom line? Considering the amazing work the New Tampa Rotary Club has done in not only the New Tampa community but also regionally and even internationally, I know the event I used to call “my baby” is once again destined for greatness.

Correction From Last Issue

A recent snakebite victim was transferred from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) to Florida Hospital Tampa (FHT) because FHWC does not have inpatient pediatric beds, not because the hospital doesn’t have antivenin. Our story in our previous issue inferred otherwise. We apologize for any inconvenience the error may have caused. — JCC

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Table of Contents

Local News Updates....................4-20

Local Nurse Honored For Saving Student’s Life.......4 Rep. Harrison Raises $ & Gets Help Pitching A Law...8 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel News Briefs.........10 S.R. 56 Extension Will Be Four Lanes...................14 New Tampa Community Calendar.............................16

Local Business Updates.............20-29

The Legacy At Highwoods Preserve Asstd. Living...20 Inland Homes Building In New Oak Creek Phase.....22 Olympus Pools Helps You Design Your Dream Pool...23 Fl. Pain Medicine—Responsible Pain Management...24 Pura Cycling Is Living The ‘Pura Vida’................26. .

Local Sports Updates.................30-35

Dick’s Tourney Helps Lacrosse In New Tampa..........30 Wharton’s Crawford Makes A Major Turnaround....32 Freedom Hoops Ready To Defend District Title........34

Neighborhood Magazine

Recapping Our ‘222’ Speakeasy Party.............37, 50 Wesley Chapel Resident Is A Master of Fine Art......38 2016 Suncoast Arts Festival Recap......................40 OTB Café — New Look, Same Great Menu...........44 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........46

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Nurse Wins Citizen Award For Saving Girl’s Life On Dec. 9, Hunter’s Green resident Rosalie Kayian was given a Citizen’s Award from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) for her efforts to save the life of a teenager at Tampa Bay Technical High (Tech) on Orient Rd., where she works as a Registered Nurse (RN). The ceremony was held at the HCSO complex on Falkenburg Rd., which honored several deputies for their extraordinary work. One of those honored was HCSO Deputy Richard Robinson, the school resource officer assigned to Tampa Bay Tech, who received a Life Saving Award for his role in the same incident. Because Kayian and her fellow school nurse, Mary Bauman, LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) aren’t deputies, they were each recognized with HCSO Citizen Awards. When asked about the incident, Kayian was humble. “Well, I’m a nurse,” she says, “so that’s part of my job.” Kayian, as an RN, supervises the LPNs at one or more schools. Over the last 12 years, she says she has worked at every New Tampa school (except Louis Benito Middle School) and she currently is assigned to both Dr. Harold H. Clark Elementary in West Meadows and to Tampa Bay Tech. Back in October, Kayian and Bauman, were working at Tampa Bay Tech. They received a call that a 14-year-old girl had fainted and joined Dep. Robinson to administer help to the girl. Armed with an automated external defibrillator (AED), the three found the girl unable to speak or move her arms and legs. Kayian says the girl then gasped and became completely non-responsive. That’s when Kayian cut away the girl’s

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(L.-r) Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, Dep. Richard Robinson, Rosalie Kayian & Mary Bauman. Photo courtesy of HCSO. clothes and attached the AED pads. Following the directions on the AED machine, Bauman gave the girl chest compressions, and then Kayian gave her breaths with an “Ambu bag,” a hand-held device designed to provide air to patients who aren’t breathing. After 90 compressions, Kayian says Bauman was winded and asked Dep. Robinson to take over. After 20 more compressions, Kayian says the girl opened her eyes and said, “Someone’s hurting my chest.” At that time, emergency services arrived and took the girl to the hospital. Although it was still unknown at our press time exactly what caused her to faint, she reportedly continues to experience fainting spells that, unfortunately, have kept her out of school. While Kayian says she has seen and dealt with a lot of medical trauma in 20 years at Tampa General Hospital, where she started her nursing career, she says it’s unexpected at a high school. In fact, in her twelve years at various schools, she says this is the first time she’s experienced such an incident. “It was probably the most stressful thing I’ve ever done,” she admits. — Celeste McLaughlin

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Rep. Harrison Raises Funds & Brings A Local Kid To Tallahassee By John C. Cotey

In what is expected to be a hotlycontested race for the Florida House District 63 seat currently held by Republican Shawn Harrison, the incumbent has jumped out to a sizable lead – at least in terms of raising funds. According to fund-raising totals reported on Jan. 11, Harrison pulled in $31,700 from donors in December, pushing him to just above $100,000 for the 2016 race. After the Dec. figures were released, Harrison said (in an email to his supporters), “Thank you all for your help in my December fund-raising surge, now it’s time for the 2016 session!” And, those figures surely received a boost from Harrison’s last pre-legislative session fund raiser on Jan. 7 at The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve assisted living facility in New Tampa (see story on pg. 20). He said roughly 70 people attended that event. “There were a lot of folks from New Tampa there,’’ Harrison said. “I’ve been in elected office for many years and built up quite a good network of friends and co-workers who would like to see that service continue.” District 63 includes much of Northern Hillsborough County, including New Tampa and the University of South Florida. Harrison will be opposed by whichever Democrat emerges from the looming August 30 Primary Election battle between current District 7 Tampa City Council member Lisa Montelione and Mike Reedy, a state organizer for Equality Florida, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)-advocacy group. Harrison won the Dist. 63 seat in 2014, defeating Democrat Mark Danish, who had beaten Harrison for the same seat in 2012. While December isn’t considered a great month for political fund raising, because of the holidays, it is an important one for House members like Harrison, who are prohibited from raising money during the state legislative session, which convened again on Jan. 12 and runs through Mar 11. “It’s obviously a pretty big number, $30,000 in one month, and it was a quite a successful month for fund raising,’’ Harrison told the Neighborhood News. “It

Florida District 63 State Rep. Shawn Harrison, seen here (far left) speaking at a Jan. 7 fund raiser at The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve assisted living facility (see story on page 20), has raised more than $100,000 for his upcoming campaign to retain his seat in the state legislature in November.

was a nice little push before session to get some money into the account.” Harrison, who will be pushing a number of important items related to the University of South Florida during the session and who has already pushed a bill forward to move the Second District Court of Appeals from Lakeland to Tampa, said he was just as pleased to break the six-figure mark for his campaign, a personal goal of his. Montelione raised $5,020 in December. She said she is not surprised by Harrison’s fund-raising numbers nor the timing. “If you look at them, I think there’s (45) contributions, mostly all $1,000, which is the maximum and mostly from companies that will want something from him this upcoming season.” Of Harrison’s 45 December contributions, 25 were for the maximum $1,000 allowed. Montelione was pleased with the amount she raised. “I think that’s pretty decent,’’ she said. Since entering the race in November, Montelione has raised $14,313. “Considering I only got in the race a few months ago, I feel fabulous about where I am,’’ Lisa Montelione she said. “That’s in only about three weeks of fund raising.” Reedy had his slowest fund-raising

month since filing on Jan. 26, 2015, to challenge Harrison. In December, Reedy raised $130.64 to bring his campaign total to $16,478.32. Reedy has picked up some key endorsements since entering the race, Mike Reedy however, including one from former Rep. Danish himself.

Harrison’s Contest Winner Helps Pitch New E-Cig Law

Congratulations to Tampa Palms resident and Liberty Middle School sixth grader Christian Breslin, who sparked the

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idea for the bill Rep. Harrison selected as his favorite in his recent “That Should Be A Law” contest. Rep. Harrison says he was proud to present House Bill 1143 on Jan. 6, a proposal that will regulate the use of e-cigarettes and “vaping” devices under the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act. Thanks in part to Christian’s presentation before the legislative committee (photos), the bill passed its first committee by an 11-2 vote. “The best part is that this idea came to me from a young constituent in my District as a result of my contest,’’ Harrison said. “And, it’s actually good public policy because there currently is no regulation (in Florida or the U.S.) about what chemicals can go in these things.” Harrison also noted that many of the proposed bills he considered for the contest were about smoking, “but Christian’s was the most innovative. Until they (ecigs) are regulated by the Federal government, I think it’s best to err on the side of caution and regulate their use (in Florida), just like regular cigarettes.” We’ll keep you posted about the bill’s progress in the legislature. — GN & JCC

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News Briefs New Tampa & Wesley Chapel

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Local Attorney Looking Into District 7 City Council Run

Luis Viera lives in New Tampa and his son attends school here. Now, the Hunter’s Green resident and Tampa attorney says he may be interested in representing New Tampa on the Tampa City Council. Viera told the Neighborhood News that he is exploring whether or not to challenge for the District 7 seat currently held by Lisa Montelione. Since Montelione has filed to challenge Shawn Harrison in the House District 63 race (see pg. 8), state law requires that she resign and vacate her council seat by Election Day (November 8, 2016). Tampa will hold a special election to replace her. In the meantime, Viera is on a factfinding mission to decide whether or not to pursue a job that he admits intrigues him. “Its a really unique seat,’’ says Viera, an attorney with Ogden & Sullivan, P.A., a civil trial practice firm in Tampa. “It’s the only seat for the City of Tampa that represents North (and New) Tampa. I’m lifelong from this area. I grew up in Temple Terrace, right next door, and have lived in New Tampa for the last 10 years or so. My son goes to school at Lawton Chiles Elementary. I’m a stakeholder in this area.” Viera has no timetable for declaring his candidacy for the city’s nonpartisan elections, and is hoping to line up bipartisan support before doing so, even though

Luis Viera

he can’t run as a Republican or Democrat. Having lived in New Tampa during the seemingly endless construction work on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Viera says one of the main issues he would tackle would be transportation. “I’m not saying that by getting on Council and making efforts its going to be a panacea, a heal all. It’s not,’’ Viera admits. “But, you can certainly make targeted (transportation) investments that I think will make things better.” Some other issues mentioned by Viera include strengthening the link between North and New Tampa, fighting for more assistance for the city’s police and fire departments and ensuring that New Tampa gets its fair share of the city’s tax pie.

Viera helped found and is the President of the Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation, which has raised roughly $40,000 for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and does an annual “Sensory Friendly Santa” event for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. He has served on the Board of Tampa Bay Best Buddies (2011-15), is presently the chair of the City of Tampa’s Civil Service Board (which hears the appeals of city workers who have been terminated or disciplined and wish to appeal). He also is the incoming president of the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association. “I’ve always been involved in civic issues and always had an interest in politics,’’ Viera said. “(Running for City Council) would be an extension of that.”- JCC

Arrest Made In Fatal DUI

A Wesley Chapel man was arrested and charged Jan. 15 with DUI manslaughter stemming from a two-vehicle crash that happened on March 21, 2015, that left the other driver, a motorcyclist, dead. Tyler Alan Jones, 28, was driving a 2014 Toyota Tacoma north on Old Pasco Rd. approaching Dayflower Blvd. around 9:30 p.m. on March 21, as Dean Allen Crislip, 50, of Wesley Chapel, was driving southbound on Old Pasco Rd. Jones turned left into the path of Crislip’s Yamaha motorcycle, which caused the accident. Crislip was taken to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, but later died from his injuries. Jones was not injured in the crash.-JCC

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But, they also understand the trouble some have in paying for treatment, and that everyone does not have the support and conContinued from pg. 1 nections they had. One of Gaby’s goals this treatment. It was a big moment. Since that year is to begin a supplemental program, to surgery four-plus years ago, he says he has help pay for an hour or two of time for clihad no setbacks and he has seen great iments who can’t afford to pay. provement. The surgery, however, required The money they hope to raise at the intensive rehabilitation. For two-and-a-half Valentines for Veterans event will go towards years, Romy drove to Longwood, FL, to that cause, and they also recently received a work out at Project Walk Orlando. He says $300,000 donation from the U.S. Special the twice-a-week commute Forces Charitable Founsometimes felt as gruelling dation. as the workouts, taking as “This is such imporlong as 4-5 hours round tant work,” Gaby says, trip, but it was worth it. “that we want to take off ”It was a great place, some of the financial burit was awesome,’’ Romy den.” says. “And it made me Because of the sestronger.” riousness of many of the Gaby, however, had injuries they see, Romy an idea to start their own and Gaby know how imfacility, to do the same portant it is for their pagreat work here in the tients to remain as active Tampa Bay area. They as possible despite their began raising money. As physical limitations. The they approached the grand long-term process, they opening date of the Stay In say, is as much mental as Step SCI Recovery Center it is physical. While Romy, in June of 2015, Toyota who retired from the sercontributed $300,000 to vice after 20 years in Ocgive the Camargos the tober, doesn’t promise $1.2 million total they CW2 Romy Camargo in his U.S. Army anyone they will ever walk needed to launch. again, he does promise to Special Forces days. The center currently make them feel better and services roughly 20-30 clistronger, which will iments with its action-based therapy and fam- prove their quality of life. ily- and team-oriented treatment, and the “It’s attitude,’’ he says. “Never give up. Camargos hope to have 50 patients and even These guys are happy to be here. They come more someday. and work out and they want to come more.

That’s why we’re so thankful for the donations we receive, so they can help with the financial burden. This is a family issue for most of them.” To that end, the Stay in Step facility doesn’t just boast top-of-the-line equipment — like the $115,000 RT600 that provides electrical stimulation to patients working out in the standing position, or the $30,000 RT300 that does the same for those in a sitting position — it also has a playroom stocked with books, art supplies and video games for children. For adults, there is a home-like waiting area, designed like a liv- Derrik Amarral (above) drives from Spring Hill two days a ing room with comfortable fur- week to rehab at Romy and Gaby Camargo’s Stay In Step center. niture, computers with internet He takes the greatest pleasure in seeing the connections and warm surroundings. “Everything is state of the art,’’ Romy same fight he has in those trying to recover, — and pushing them even further. says, proudly. Having circled the facility to give a tour, That includes the people who work there, he says. The employees include lead Romy looks back at Amarral and Stevens, trainer Steven Hill, the Special Forces medic whose progress continues to be marked by who performed the emergency tracheotomy decibels as he achieves a personal best in the that saved Romy’s life, and certified train- weight he is hoisting. Romy motions his ers who are invested and passionate, Romy head towards them, offering more words of says. The center’s medical advisor is Dr. John encouragement to both of them. Amarral looks over and smiles. Merritt, MD, one of Romy’s doctors at Wal“These guys are awesome,’’ he says, ter Reed and the retired chief of the Spinal Cord Injury Center at the Haley’s Veteran’s loudly. “This place is awesome.” The Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury Hospital. Romy, who directs his hi-tech motor- Recovery Center is located at 10500 Uniized wheelchair (equipped with an iPad and versity Center Dr., Suite 130, in Tampa. iPhone that he operates with a mouth stick) Visit StayInStep.org for more info. For that operates on sensors he can trigger via his about the “Valentines For Veterans” gala, headrest, couldn’t be happier to give back. visit AllAmericanMusicEvents.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Finally! S.R. 56 Extension Gets Okay From Pasco Commissioners

By John C. Cotey Pasco County District 2 Commissioner and Wesley Chapel resident Mike Moore could barely hide his joy as the long-awaited vote to approve funding to extend S.R. 56 neared. “It’s been a long time coming,” Comm. Moore told his fellow commissioners and those in attendance just moments before the vote was taken. “It’s a perfect example of a public-private partnership done right.” A few minutes later, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously to approve funding to extend S.R. 56 from Meadow Pointe Blvd. to U.S. Hwy. 301/S.R. 41, a planned 6.13-mile roadway that has caused a great deal of consternation the past few years. What was once discussed as a two-lane road will now go forward as a four-lane project using a $22.7-million loan from the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB), which provides revolving investment funds for surface transportation projects. Construction on the S.R. 56 extension is expected to begin this fall.

Developers Pitching In

The planned extension means that S.R. 56 will pass though four developments representing what could be as many as 10,000 additional homes in the future, and will no longer end at Meadow Pointe Blvd. (below) in Wesley Chapel.

A Boon To The Local Economy

The extension was touted as a huge victory for economic development opportunities and increasing the tax base in Zephyrhills and southeast Pasco County, as well as for relieving traffic on both S.R. 54 and S.R. 56 and providing easier access to I-75. The $65-million project also will open a new path to Morris Bridge Rd., connecting into the New Tampa area. Comm. Moore said the extension also will be a boon to the Shops of Wiregrass mal. “You’re going to have direct access to that area from Zephyrhills,’’ he said. “It’s gonna be huge. What I foresee is opening up more office spaces and more manufacturing and distribution.” The road project is a complicated one, involving partnerships with the City of Zephyrhills and four developers/land owners. After plenty of long nights negotiating with all of the players involved, the deal required the BOCC to approve seven different agreements, including the SIB loan, plans to repay

the loan through developer surcharges and financial agreements with the City of Zephyrhills and private developers. The road is expected to be delivered in its entirety by 2019, the same year annual payments of $1.5-million to repay the loan begin. “It’s definitely a great start to 2016,’’ says Moore. “And to start it in 2016, and complete it by 2019, that’s just amazing.” District 3 Commissioner and BOCC chair Kathryn Starkey called it a “historic day.” She was so relieved afterwards, she wondered aloud if the other commissioners and those in attendance at the Jan. 12 meeting in the Dade City Courthouse second-floor boardroom could celebrate. “I almost feel like I want to applaud,’’ Comm. Starkey said. “Can we?” And almost everyone applauded. Richard Gehring, the strategic

policy administrator for Pasco County, praised the deal both for its complexity and its forward thinking. “We avoid a lot of future costs this way,’’ Gehring said. “We’re taking a project that was originally envisioned as a two-lane road and making it a fourlane road,’’ he said. “If you (built) two lanes and two years later — or five years later or 10 years later (needed to add more lanes) — it would be $10-15 million dollars (of costs and re-permitting issues) that are avoided.” District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed. “To add these extra lanes is a huge success,’’ Comm. Mariano said. Gehring gave much of the credit for the deal to “mastermind” David Goldstein, the chief assistant county attorney whom Gehring said worked tirelessly to overcome numerous “hurdles” in the way of the roadway extension.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Funding for the project, which will cost less than $58 million (not including $8 million in interest), is being provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Pasco County, the City of Zephyrhills and the developers of Wesley Chapel Lakes, Wyndfields, River Landing and Two Rivers Ranch. FDOT is expected to contribute $35.1 million of that total. The four developments are expected to add more than 10,000 homes along the extended S.R. 56 from where it currently ends at Meadow Pointe Blvd., to Zephyrhills. The cooperation of the four developers building these new developments was crucial in completing the deal, Gehring said, as they are contributing money and fill dirt to the project and right of way: • Two Rivers’ developers are contributing $14.4-million via mobility fee surcharges towards repaying the SIB loan. They also are responsible for 49 percent of cost overages if road and bridge construction company Cone & Graham, which is handling the project, defaults on its obligation. • River Landing’s developers will contribute $6.6 million to the project, and are responsible for 23 percent of the cost overages. • The developers of Wyndfields will contribute $4 million and agree to pay 14 percent of cost overages. • Wesley Chapel Lakes developers had already previously agreed to pay $2.7 million for the extension per an agreement reached last spring. The county will be responsible for any shortfall or cost overages in the Wesley Chapel Lakes segment (14 percent). Wyndfields’ developers also conceptually agreed to relocate a planned district park site to the east of River Landing, where a new high school is planned. The high school and park will now be built as a joint use site. The BOCC will submit the SIB Loan Agreement Package to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for approval. At our press time, we didn’t know how long that would take.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

JANUARY 2015 Tuesday - January 30 - 7:30 AM

Sunday - January 31 - 10:00 AM

Zen Meditation Group - Looking for a new way to relax? Check out the FREE Zen Meditation Group that meets Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Arbor Greene Community Center (18000 Arbor Greene Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.) Aerobics Room. People of all faiths are welcome. For info, call Jeremy at 528-6285.

Sunday, January 31, 6 p.m. & Monday, February 1 - 7 p.m.

ferrals, meets every Wed. morning, 7:30 a.m., at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Morris Bridge Rd.). Call Steve Hopper at 918-8609.

Wednesday - February 3 - 12:00 PM

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wed. for lunch at noon at Café Olé (10020 Cross Creek Blvd., in the Cross Creek Center plaza, behind the Shell gas station). Guests are always welcome.

Thursday - February 4 - 7:30 AM

Christian Business Connections (CBC) - The Christian Business Connections (CBC) networking group meets every Thur. at 7:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5338 Primrose Lake Cir., off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms). For more info, email Shawn@TPACorp.com.

Friday - February 5 - 7:15 AM

New Tampa Players - Auditions for the upcoming production of Something’s Afoot will be held January 31 from 6-9 p.m. and February 1 from 7-10 p.m. at the University Area Community Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St. in Tampa. Show dates are April 7, 8, 9, 10, 16 & 17, 2016. For more information, visit NewTampaPlayers.org, find the New Tampa Players on Facebook, or call 386-6687.

New Tampa Rotary Club - The original New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday for breakfast at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). For more information, contact Kim Payne at 388-6299 or visit NewTampaRotary.org.

FEBRUARY 2015

GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club - The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club meets the second Monday of every month at the New Tampa YMCA at 16221 Compton Drive. For more information, email pr@gfwcnewtampajuniors.org or visit the website at gfwcnewtampajuniors.com.

Tuesday - February 2 - 7:30 AM

Business Networking International Wesley Chapel - A BNI group meets 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 - February 2 - 7:30 AM

Monday - February 8 - 6:30 PM

Tuesday - February 9 - 7:00 PM

Florida Native Plant Society - Nature Coast Chapter meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Land O’Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/U.S. 41, Land O’ Lakes. This month’s meeting is “Florida’s Native Milkweeds in the Wild and in your Garden.” For more information, visit PascoNativePlants.org or call 727-207-1853.

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 group bike rides/runs leaving from Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Friday - February 12 - 2:00 PM Bridge Rd.; not from the BBD entrance) every Tues., Thur. & Sat., 7:30 a.m. For NAMI: Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illmore info, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com. ness) of Pasco has a new support group for adults in Pasco County living with a mental illness and in recovery. The new “Connections” group meets the 2nd & Tuesday - February 2 - 9:30 AM 4th Friday each month from 2-3 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. English As A Second Language (ESL) - The ESL group meets Tuesdays 54). For more info, visit namipasco.com. at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd.), 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Classes are taught by a native English The cost is $40 each semester for the workbook & class materials. For more info, call Heather at 753-8567.

Tuesday - February 2 - 6:30 PM

GriefShare Support Group - This video-seminar support group is for anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. The cost is $20 for a workbook & 13 sessions (but you may begin any week) to find healing & hope. The group meets Tues., 6:30 p.m., at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church (2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Rm. 310). For more information, call 892-2191.

Wednesday - February 3 - 7:15 AM

BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets every Wednesday at Heritage Isles Country Club (10630 Plantation Bay Dr.) at 7:15 a.m. The $13 meeting fee includes a hot breakfast. Call Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for info.

Wednesday - February 3 - 7:30 AM

Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business pros dedicated to helping their member businesses grow through qualified re16

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Legacy At Highwoods Preserve Redefines Assisted Living! By Anu Varma Panchal

When Penny Kauffman was 4 years old, a new, soon-to-be-adored person entered her life. Her 15-year-old halfbrother, who had been in boarding school in England, moved in with his mother and step-father in Tampa. Kauffman was immediately captivated, and the sibling bond blossomed, with Anthony Hamilton (her brother) even allowing his kid sister to tag along on his dates with him to the roller skating rink in Tampa. Three quarters of a century later, Hamilton, a former reporter and photographer for Tampa’s WFLA-TV (Ch. 8), suffers from Alzheimer’s, and when it became impossible for the 79-year-old to stay in his Seven Oaks home, Kauffman and her husband, Ken, had to find a better alternative that would allow them peace of mind and proximity to Penny’s beloved brother. After stays in three different facilities, they finally struck gold close to home: the brand new Legacy at Highwoods Preserve, on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., less than two miles from Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. “We’ve hit out of the ball park with this one,” says Kauffman. “We’re very pleased with The Legacy.” The Legacy (owned by Georgia-based Thrive Senior Living) opened its doors last summer and boasts spacious rooms, an extensive array of facilities and amenities, expansive views over a nature preserve outside and even a putting green at the center

When you or your loved one checks into The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve assisted living facility, you (or they) can enjoy gourmet meals (prepared by Chef Fred, inset) with other residents (and chat with staffers), like these happy ladies. The Legacy is located on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in New Tampa.

of one of the facility’s courtyards. The Legacy has the capacity to house 88 seniors in 82 private, self-furnished suites, and community relations director Aarene Alessi says, “we are on target with projected occupancy goals.” Five floor plans range from 330-sq.-ft studios to 525-sq.-ft. deluxe suites. There are 60 suites for assisted living, as well as

room for 22 residents in the secured memory care wing of the impressive building. As part of The Legacy’s all-inclusive package, residents are served three meals a day at the Palm Pavilion (think fine linens and menus). They also can grab a snack from the Key Lime Bistro any time of the day or night, meet for a drink at the Hurricane Sports Bar, or book the Coconut

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Grove private dining room for a meal with visiting family members. There’s also a full-service salon, game room, theatre, library, a grand piano a putting green and a fitness center. Residents’ medical needs are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) with oversight from Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Both the salon and the fitness center also are open to the community at large. Alessi says that the public will also be able to book meeting space for up to 75 people in the facility. “We want to be a resource for the community,” she says. Technological innovation is at the forefront of all of The Legacy’s offerings. The fitness center boasts state-of-the-art HUR equipment for senior exercise, which residents can activate with a touch of their radio-frequency ID wrist bands that also alert the machines to the user’s preferences and goals. With no weights or chains to struggle with, this unique equipment minimizes

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falls and injuries, which is so important for active seniors. The wrist band, which they also can wear as a pendant, also functions as the resident’s room key. For Francene Newbury, whose mother, 96-year-old Laura Augustyn, moved into The Legacy last October, that technology has made all the difference in the world. “For the first time in years, I am sleeping at night,” says Newbury. “That’s huge for me.” In the nursing home where Augustyn lived before she moved into The Legacy, Newbury says her mother would often fall at night. Because she would have had to crawl to her bedside and pull a cord for help there, Newbury got her mother a pendant with a button that linked to Newbury’s cell phone. She says she got numerous calls from her mother for help, and by the time she would make the 15-minute drive from her Tampa Palms home to her mom, she says the staff there were often just becoming aware that there was a problem in the room. But now, at The Legacy, Laura and all of the residents wear pendants that can alert caregivers on staff instantly. Health care providers also use handheld mobile devices, called Point of Care Solutions, to electronically record all interactions with residents and even send electronic prescriptions to pharmacies. Cameras and 18 monitors keep a watchful eye on public areas, and residents are protected (privacy intact) inside their suites with the Quiet Care System, a motion monitor that gets to know their behaviors and patterns. If something is out of character —

The Legacy combines the homey look and feel of a beautiful hotel with its outstanding amenities and top-notch 24/7/365 medical care for both assisted living and Alzheimer’s/dementia patients.

such as a resident getting up unusually often at night — the system alerts the CNAs so they can monitor the resident for conditions such as a possible urinary tract infection, a common problem among both male and female residents. Kauffman says this system helped alert the staff that her brother was waking up too many times at night, and helped them make a decision to switch the timing of his medications because they may have been keeping him up. Anyone entering the facility, whether they are family members, third party providers or doctors, is checked out by

Accushield, a digital sign-in kiosk that verifies providers’ credentials, time spent in the building, and even criminal and health backgrounds. All visitors are issued a badge with a photograph, but the ink on the badge will disappear after 24 hours. “Technology gives us the cutting edge,” says Alessi. “But, (it’s the) people (who) take care of the residents. It’s very important to us to hire and have a team that is passionate about senior living.” Recreation is an important part of The Legacy’s offerings, and area residents may already have seen the bright Legacy logo adorning the motor coach that takes

residents to restaurants for lunch, to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa or the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. “My mom would just sit in a chair and snooze,” says Newbury about her mother’s former assisted living facility. Today, Newbury’s mother participates in movies, Bingo, musical events and some outings. “It makes her feel like she’s not just stuck in a place living out her remaining days,” she says. Another attraction? Chef Fred (photo on pg. 20). Not only is the chef part of the group that sets up each resident’s “wellness plan,” he also is eager to accommodate residents’ individual tastes. When Hamilton’s son brought his father a traditional plum pudding from England to celebrate Christmas, Hamilton said he would like to introduce such a dessert to his fellow residents. So, Chef Fred agreed to whip one up which Hamilton will share on Super Bowl Sunday. “They’re onto something,” says Newbury of The Legacy. “This is the way of the future. As boomers get to the point where we need added care, this is the type of arrangement that makes sense. We’re finally moving away in Tampa from the nursing home concept to an engaged, safe arrangement for senior parents.” The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve is an assisted living and memory care center located at 18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. For more info, call 3759858, see the ad on pg. 33 or visit LegacyatHighwoodsPreserve.com. You can walk in or schedule a tour Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Inland Homes Now Building New Homes In Oak Creek In Wesley Chapel By Celeste McLaughlin

North of S.R. 54, just off of Eiland Blvd. in nearby Wesley Chapel, Inland Homes is building new homes in Oak Creek, a subdivision that boasts great amenities, a quiet atmosphere with plenty of mature trees and nature, as well as home prices that can be tens of thousands of dollars less than similar homes in the heart of Wesley Chapel or New Tampa. “We really want to get the message out to people that if you’re willing to drive 20-25 minutes from the (Shops at) Wiregrass mall, you can save $50,000 or more,” says Reed Williams, director of sales and marketing for Inland Homes Central Florida. In addition to the cost savings that being “off the beaten path” provides, Williams says many Oak Creek buyers benefit from a special designation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that allows buyers with moderate incomes in rural areas to qualify for home loans with no down payment. “Our buyers can make a total payment of about $1,350 a month, with no down payment, for a home that’s 1,842 square feet,” says Williams. Amenities in Oak Creek include a community pool, fenced-in dog park, playgrounds, sidewalks throughout the community, basketball courts, barbeque grills and natural fishing ponds. Williams says that nearly all of the home sites throughout the community back up to conservation areas or ponds, so most residents don’t have to look out their back door and see a neighbor. The more rural location provides not only peace and quiet, but ani-

The Inland Homes Devonshire model in the Oak Creek community of eastern Wesley Chapel is located only 20-25 minutes from the Shops at Wiregrass mall and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. mal visitors, too, with deer being spotted fre- 1989, Inland Homes has built thousands of quently. In fact, when I visited the model and homes in Florida and has even expanded to sales center, I even watched a large otter cross Texas and Georgia. one of the neighborhood streets. And, while many large, national buildInland offers seven floor plans in Oak ers went out of business during the economic Creek, ranging in size from 1,842-3,378 downturn of 2008-10, Inland Homes is still sq. ft. of living space. Prices start at around here, still building and even growing. $180,000. Inland Homes has one decorated “Inland Homes offers a great home built model, and several inventory homes already by a local builder,” says Williams. “We can are built for people who want to purchase a do anything the big guys can do, and being home and be able to move in quickly. smaller allows us to offer great customer serWilliams says Inland Homes is a local vice, so you’re not just a number.” builder, established by Jack Suarez of the He says Inland Homes is one of just Suarez family, which has a long history of three builders in Florida that has received a homebuilding in the Tampa Bay area. Su- prestigious “Diamond Builder Award” from arez Homebuilding also is selling homes in 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, a company that the Oak Creek community at this time. Since provides warranties to Inland Homes buyers.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Williams explains that the award was presented to Inland because the builder’s homes had so few warranty calls. “Even a great warranty still inconveniences a buyer,” says Williams. “In a perfect world, we would have no warranty issues.” The award means Inland Homes is close to living up to that “no warranty issues” ideal. And, that quality is being noticed. “We see advertisements for people selling their homes, and they note that it was built by Inland,” says Rae Mims, senior sales professional, who has been with Inland Homes for 25 years and who now works at the Oak Creek sales center, along with Jason Economopolos. One buyer who is looking forward to the “country calm, city convenience,” as the comRae Mims munity advertises, is Ron Lesieur. He moved to Wesley Chapel from Boston in 2012, but quickly found that his 3,200-square-feet home was too big for him. Lesieur sold that home and started looking for his new dream home in Wesley Chapel. Lesieur says he chose the community because of the incredible value: “I like Oak Creek because the lots are very private, with green space and water behind the homes, and the prices are some of the best around.” He is getting ready to close on his home, the Sanibel model, and is looking forward to move in. Lesieur says the location also is perfect for him. Since he works in Telecom Park off of E. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, he can get to

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work via Morris Bridge Rd. without getting on I-75. “I haven’t closed yet, but I have rave reviews,” says Lesieur. “Rae’s the most knowledgeable salesperson I’ve ever dealt with.” Oak Creek originally opened in 2005, and Inland was one of the builders in Jason Economopolos “Phase I.” Inland also built in “Phase II” of the development, then left the community for a few years. The third and final phase of development in Oak Creek is what is happening now. Inland opened its new model and sales office in the community in April 2015, with 45 lots available for sale. In the past couple of months, Williams says the builder has sold about 12 homes. If home sales continue at

this pace, it won’t be long before the builder’s 30 remaining homes are sold. “Once we’re gone, you won’t be able to touch this square footage for this price in this area,” says Williams. “There’s no question. The next neighborhood built in this area will be more expensive.” See Inland Homes’ ad on page 35 of this issue. In addition to Oak Creek in Wesley Chapel, Inland Homes Central Florida currently is building new homes at four other communities, including developments in Riverview, Seffner and two in Spring Hill. Visit the Inland Homes Oak Creek model home & sales center at 6443 Sparkling Way in Wesley Chapel, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. You also can get more information by calling the sales center at 388-6542 or visiting InlandHomes.com/OakCreek.

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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 on 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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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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Pura Cycling Studio Offers Indoor Cycling, Personal Training & More By Andy Warrener

Getting into shape shouldn’t be torture. Yet, on the other hand, if your instructor isn’t pushing you, it can be difficult to attain your fitness goals. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a place that struck a balance between the two? Tucked into the Shoppes at New Tampa Plaza on the southeast corner of S.R. 56 and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, a place like that just happens to exist. Pura Cycling Studio, a locally-owned fitness center, aims to get clients sweating off those extra pounds with a good workout burn, mixing a small comfortable setting with just the right amount of intensity. “We try to present a welcoming, relaxing environment where it’s not so intense and overwhelming, but where people can still achieve results,” co-founder Stephanie Carroccetto says. Stephanie and her husband Alfio opened Pura Cycling Studio in November of 2012 when they were only dating, and they didn’t draw up the concept out of thin air. They say they were inspired after a trip to South America. “I did some volunteer work in college in Costa Rica and I fell in love with the people there,” Stephanie says. “They know when to play hard and when to work hard, too. I wanted to bring that

Stephanie Carroccetto (center) leads one of the new fitness classes at Pura Cycling Studio, located in the Shoppes of New Tampa plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. just south of S.R. 56. Stephanie’s husband Alfio Carroccetto (inset) also is an instructor (and the marketing whiz) at Pura.

type of feeling back here.” The mantra in Costa Rica is “Pura Vida,” which translates literally from Spanish as “pure life.” However, Pura Vida is more of a concept, a philosophy, an idea. Stephanie was so taken by the concept that it made its way into the name of their new business.

When the Carroccettos opened the studio, it was just that, purely an indoor cycling facility. Over the last three+ years, however, Pura has grown into a multi faceted fitness and nutrition center. Pura now employs or contracts out 10 different trainers of varying fitness disciplines. All instructors have to be certified by

a nationally a ccredited association and also be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). “After more than three years of training in Wesley Chapel, and helping hundreds of people lose weight and feel better about their lives, I couldn’t be happier with what Pura has become,’’ says Alfio. “It’s truly amazing to be able to do this as a lifestyle.” Indoor cycling is still the primary program at Pura, but the Carroccettos and their studio also now offer resistance and strength training, as well as yoga and core classes. Class settings range from small groups of 5 or 6 to as many as 17, says Stephanie, who also offers 1-on-1 personal training sessions. Indoor cycling classes are offered in 45- and 60-minute sessions, where more than a dozen participants work the resistance dials on the bikes to increase or decrease the intensity of their respective workouts. Core and yoga classes, usually 30-minutes long, often precede or follow a cycling class. The strength training ses-

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sions are 50 minutes long and are broken up by specific muscle groups. Non-cycling classes have a maximum of 10 participants. “We want people to know we are much more just than a cycling studio,” Stephanie says. The Carroccettos are both local Tampa Bay-area products. Stephanie graduated from Palm Harbor University High and played for the girls soccer team, one of the top programs in the state. She continued to play club soccer while attending Florida State University in Tallahassee, where she studied marketing and entrepreneurship. A knee injury forced her off of the soccer pitch and running trails she enjoyed. That’s when she discovered indoor cycling. Alfio graduated from Zephyrhills High, and has a background in advertising and sales. “He knew how to push the business, I knew how to start it,” Stephanie says. It was a match made for both business and life partners. “We saw an opportunity in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area and we wanted to bring both indoor cycling and the idea of Pura Vida to the community,” Stephanie says. So, Pura Cycling launched and grew quickly. A handful of clients ballooned into dozens of long-time members, all working towards their individual fitness goals, many of which have been laid out by Stephanie and Alfio.

“We’re a results-oriented studio,” Stephanie says. “If our clients aren’t getting results, we’re not doing our job.” Clients who “buy into” the programs at Pura Cycling tend to stick around. At our press time, Stephanie and Alfio had roughly 200 clients for their indoor cycling classes, and another 60 or so for the other training services. “Most of our clients have been with us for years,” Stephanie says. Take Sue Andreychuk, for instance. The wife of former Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk, Sue has been a Pura member for the last two years and says she feels like she’s found a place to stay. “I’ve been to a lot of bigger gyms but I like the smaller, group setting,” Sue says. “There’s a lot of support and they’re great people. They come in every day with smiles on their faces.” Even first-timers leave with a good impression. Melanie Mainwaring suffered from knee injuries similar to the ones that kept Stephanie from running before she opened the studio, but now has little problem getting in a good workout. “They’re really good people, friendly instructors and helpful,” Mainwaring says. “They made me feel at ease and the workout was pretty hard.” Pura Cycling uses Spinner NXT bikes, which Stephanie likes because of their “heavy fly wheel” and “durable base.” “You can really beat them (the bikes) up and they won’t fall over,” she says.

Stephanie also notes that she likes to use popular music to spice up her classes. “It’s easier to get people into it when you put on a beat they’re more familiar with,” she says. “Everybody wants to rock out to their favorite jam.” Pura Cycling Studio is as much a social group as it is a gym. Members often participate in group challenges outside of the studio. Stephanie, whose knees have recovered enough for her to run again, has taken her clients to the Ocala National Forest to run trails. And, more recently, she took a group of 15 Pura members to Airheads in Tampa, where they worked out on trampolines. She also has run a hula-hoop class and other challenges. Pura Cycling brings fitness full circle

as it offers a FitPro Accelerator Program, which bundles everything together: workouts, nutritional guidance and monthly assessments from either Stephanie or Alfio. Pura Cycling even has a partnership with PlateJoy, an online meal-kit delivery service that offers personalized meal plans based on your weight-loss goals, your dietary restrictions and the amount of time you have to exercise. Looking for a boost to your exercise regimen as well as a little nutritional guidance? Pura Cycling Studio is located at 1822 BBD Blvd., next to Firehouse Subs. For more info, visit PuraCycling.com, call the studio at 501-2124 or see the ad on page 4 of this issue.

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‘Tournament Of Champions’ Helping To Grow New Tampa Lacrosse Story and photos by John C. Cotey

The fields were lined with parents, some standing, some sitting in lawn chairs, many amazed that they were wearing shorts in December. Players raced back and forth, chasing each other, moving a small rubber ball forward with their sticks. 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 (ToC) 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 at Wesley Chapel High on nearby Wells Rd., welcomed 73 teams from 16 different states competing in five different youth divisions. New Tampa Lacrosse (NTL) did not have any teams playing in it this season, but many current and former NTL players competed for other teams, primarily Wesley Chapel, which fielded four teams at this year’s Dick’s ToC. “Tournaments like this only help to grow the sport,’’ said Elliott Mason, the former president of NTL. “Lacrosse

Over the last several years, many New Tampa Lacrosse (NTL) players have competed in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, held each year in Wesley Chapel.

is growing fast, especially if you look at places like Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami. For this area, the Dick’s tournament has such strong teams it helps the kids see how the game can be played and it definitely helps facilitate the interest, which you need.” This year’s National Champions hailed from New York (the 11-under Arc-

tic 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 that the

tournament will stay in this area. “It’s a great tournament, they do a great job with it,’’ said NTL vice-president Dave Shuma, who is currently prepping for the upcoming season. “Losing it would definitely have an negative impact on lacrosse in Wesley Chapel, and in (the New Tampa) area.” The Office of Tourist Development, Pasco County Parks & Recreation and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) are close to new deal with NDP, which runs the tournament that started in 2006 with 25 teams competing at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA, before seeking the warmer winter-time climate of Wesley Chapel. “I would say we are fairly close to a new agreement to keep us there for the next couple of years,’’ says Josh Gross, NDP’s vice president of business operations. “That’s something that we’d ideally (like to announce) within the next month.” Caum estimates that the tourney is worth $3-million annually to the Tampa Bay area, though more of that impact is likely felt here in New Tampa, which has more hotel rooms, than in Wesley Chapel.. Jackie Ramos, the manager at La Quinta Inn & Suites on Doña Michelle Dr., said her hotel noticed a definite increase in booked rooms that week, estimating as many as 25 were booked to visiting lacrosse teams.

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Less than two miles from the La Quinta, at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Tampa Palms, general manager Barbara Scott said she was sold out the week of the lacrosse tournament. “You can’t overlook 250 kids running around your lobby,’’ Scott said, laughing. “It definitely financially impacted our hotel. It was a considerable number, and we are thankful for that.” Caum said 60 percent of the hotel rooms booked for the lacrosse tournament are generated in Hillsborough County. But, he said the Shops at Wiregrass mall, the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Grove of Wesley Chapel give the Wesley Chapel area a “trifecta” of shopping, where much of the money providing Pasco’s economic boost is spent. Pasco spent $100,000 to help cover costs for the tournament this year, but Caum is seeking more community support to offset 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, drew 55 teams this year, and the monies from that event help 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 there 15 years ago, when it was one of the only rec programs in the area.“Losing the tournament would not only hurt, but it might 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 Dick’s ToC was less than previous years, but Gross attributed some of that to airline fares, which he said were on average 30 percent more 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 the smoothly-run event. FitzSimons says he relies on 80-100 volunteers to pull off the event each year. When the Dick’s tournament wrapped up on New Year’s Eve afternoon, 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.” New Tampa Lacrosse is currently holding registration, and is looking primarily for players in the younger divisions. For more information, visit NewTampaLax.com. For more information about the Dick’s ToC and NDP Lacrosse, visit NDPLacrosse.comn. For more info about the WCAA, visit WCAAsports.org.

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Crawford’s ‘Turnaround’ Sparking Wharton’s Boys Hoops Success By John C. Cotey

Josiah Crawford, a 6-foot-3 senior forward at Paul R. Wharton High in New Tampa, has improved his scoring average this season, and improved his rebounding totals as well. Crawford’s numbers, however, while impressive, don’t tell the most important part of his story. Coach Tommy Tonelli does. Tonelli describes Crawford in glowing terms like “respectful, committed and determined” to describe a player he says has grown into “a great teammate.” The long-time Wharton boys basketball coach has not only been impressed with Crawford’s turnaround as a basketball player, but moved by his turnaround as a person. “In all my years of coaching, I have never seen a greater transformation,’’ says Tonelli, now in his 17th year of running Wharton’s successful hoops program, of his talented swingman. Crawford, who can basically play every position on the floor, is a big part of the reason why the Wildcats are approaching their seventh straight 20-plus win season and head into next week’s Class 7A, District 8 tournament (which will be held at Wharton) as the No. 2 seed. He is averaging team-highs in points (16.8) and rebounds (8.7) and has been a leader on the court. Crawford says his journey to arrive

Paul R. Wharton High standout Josiah Crawford (left) tries to block a shot against Freedom earlier this season. The senior swingman leads the Wildcats in points and rebounds per game, and Wharton is headed for another 20-win season. (Photos: Andy Warrener)

at that court, however, required overcoming some self-inflicted obstacles. As a freshman, Crawford decided he didn’t want to play basketball for the Wildcats, despite being a talented hoopster in AAU and at pick-up games at the nearby L.A. Fitness on County Line Rd. “I was just messing around, I didn’t want to go to practices,” Crawford says. “I was just lazy. I would just go home and hang out.”

For some of the Wildcats, many of them his friends, that was unacceptable. They told him he needed to be on the court, that he was wasting his talent. They told Tonelli, too. The coach, however, told his players that if Crawford wanted to come out for the team, he needed to stop by his office and ask. When Crawford finally stopped by towards the end of his freshman year, Tonelli says, he still had a hint of an at-

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titude problem. “I remember he walked in, and he was Mr. Cool,’’ Tonelli says. “He said, ‘You wanted to see me?’ I told him no.” The message from Tonelli was simple — if you want to play, come earn your way onto the team. That summer, Crawford did just that, competing in summer leagues with Wharton. “He was like a wild colt,’’ Tonelli says. Crawford was a standout during the junior varsity summer league at Berkeley Prep in the Westshore area of Tampa, opening Tonelli’s eyes. While the coach had never seen him play prior to him coming out for the basketball team, his players told him that Crawford needed to be on the Wharton roster. “He showed some real talent, and that carried right over into fall workouts,’’ Tonelli says. However, during his freshman year, Crawford was not only not playing basketball, he wasn’t performing well in the classroom either. Tonelli described him as a “knucklehead.” As a result, he was ineligible for most of the basketball season his sophomore year, despite his super summer. “I was disappointed in myself,’’ Crawford recalls. “If I would have played basketball my freshman year, coach would not have let my grades be the way they were.”

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It was during this time, Tonelli surmises, that Crawford began changing, accepting responsibility, working hard and growing into the young man he is now. Even knowing he wasn’t going to be able to play, Crawford showed up every day to practice with the ‘Cats. He came to every game. He helped with water and the towels, and became a better student in the classroom. In other words, Tonelli says, “He worked his butt off.” Crawford regained his eligibility in time to play the final two games for Wharton’s JV team, and has never looked back since.

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Boys Class 7A-8 District Basketball Tourney Schedule

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Crawford goes up for two against Freedom.

That summer, Crawford, who also stars in the 400- and 800-meter runs for the Wharton track team, took off. Playing on an AAU team with players from Wharton and Jesuit, his game improved every day. Last year, as a junior, he started every game for the ‘Cats and, for the first time, he actually made the honor roll in school. This year, he has been one of the best players not only on the Wildcats but in District 7A-8, where he ranks third in scoring and second in rebounding. “My jump shooting has gotten better, my rebounding is better,” Crawford says. “I’d just say that all around I think I’ve gotten better.’’ Two Saturdays ago, Crawford was named the game MVP in a 63-46 win against Clearwater at a tournament in Seminole. It’s been like that all year, Tonelli says. The player he describes as a one-time knucklehead continues to make every hustle play, shining both on the court and in the classroom. “What really moves me is the way he has given appreciation and thanks for all the people who brought him along this far,’’ Tonelli says. “It’s really a nice thing to see.”

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Feb. 2: Leto or Plant at Wharton, 7 p.m.; Gaither at Freedom, 7 p.m. Feb. 3: at Wharton; District Semifinals at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5: at Wharton; District Championship at 7 p.m.

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Freedom Boys Basketball Faces Tough Road To Defend District Title By Andy Warrener Riding the wave of back-to-back District championships, the Freedom High Patriots boys basketball team finds themselves facing an uphill battle in what is arguably the toughest district in Tampa if they hope to win another crown. “When I got here (to Freedom) five years ago, Sickles, Chamberlain and Wiregrass Ranch were all pretty good,” Pats head coach Cedric Smith says. “But then, Wharton went up to (Class) 8A.” This season, the Wildcats (17-4, 122) moved back down to Class 7A, and they have all but locked up the second seed in the upcoming Class 7A, District 8 tournament, where they will host the semifinals and finals. At our press time, Sickles (20-2, 12-1) was the District’s No. 1 seed; Freedom (164, 11-3) was at #3. Because the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) won’t be altering districts again until 2019, the Patriots need to get used to the stiffer opposition and tougher-to-win league titles. “We’re excited for the competition,” Smith says. “We want to play the best teams, we want to beat the best teams.” Freedom split the two-game regular season series with the ‘Cats and it’s almost an inevitability that the two New Tampa schools will face off in the District 7A-8 semifinals at Wharton, making for a potentially incredible evening. The previous two meetings between the schools have not disappointed, as both were close contests settled in the final quarter and with large crowds in the stands.

The Sickles fans, who will travel to see their team most likely play in the other semifinal at Wharton, will be rooting on this season’s tournament favorite. “Sickles has a good crowd and they’re playing so well right now,” Smith says. “This is the year they think they are going to get through to the Regionals to Lakeland.” Smith is well aware of the task in front of him and his team. “It’s nerve-wracking but I’m a competitive guy,” Smith says. “I want to have to play two of the best teams in the county (to advance in the District playoffs).” Smith, being the newest of the three coaches, says he has gleaned a great deal from both coach Renaldo Garcia of Sickles and Wharton’s Tommy Tonelli. “We try to model our success on what those guys have done,” Smith says. “I have the greatest respect for those guys as coaches and I try to model my program after them.” Smith might be the new kid on the block compared to his district rivals but the Patriots are red-hot as we go to press, riding the crest of a seven-game win streak that started with a December 18 win against Wharton. The Pats trailed 22-9 at the half before rallying to a 54-49 victory in their own gym. Since that near loss, the Patriots added six more wins, all by double-digits and with an average victory margin of 21 points, including a 60-41 victory over State championship contender St. Petersburg Gibbs (20-2). A big part of both that comeback against Wharton and the current streak has been the play of senior point guard Nasir Core.

Senior point guard Nasir Core (with ball) looks to pass in Freedom’s 54-49 win over Wharton on December 18. That was the first of seven consecutive victories for the Freedom boys.

“He (Core) has always been a big factor,” Smith says, “but this year, he’s got higher numbers and we’re asking him to do more. He brings leadership to the point guard position, and is like another coach on the floor; he’s been a big impact for us.” Core, one of Freedom’s three co-captains, had a team-high 16 points in the game against Wharton, and he averages just under 10 points a game this season. Core also is pulling down 3.2 rebounds per game and leads the team in assists-per-game with 2.7. “We’ve gotten to the point where Nasir is a big part of what we do,” Smith said.

Core certainly doesn’t do it alone. Forward and co-captain Sheldon Odunna is the team’s leading scorer (15.7 per game). Guards Chase Creasy and Alexander Oguinn make key contributions for the Patriots, too. “We usually know what we’re going to get from Nasir and Sheldon,” Smith said. “When those others come on and the light bulb goes on, we’re a tough team to beat.” The Pats will need all hands on deck as they wrap up the regular season this week and get set for a minefield of a District tournament beginning Tuesday, February 2, when they host a first-round game at 7 p.m.

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Did You Miss Our Neighborhood News ‘222’ Speakeasy Party? By Gary Nager Anyone who was there knows I had a great time...and so did about 70 or so other people, at our Neighborhood News ‘222’ Speakeasy Party at our office on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Thank you so much to Chef Peter Gambacorta of The Private Chef of Tampa & to Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering for the amazing food, The Hungry Greek for donating a tray of baklava, Gary Carmichael of Heart & Soul Karaoke and still-just-age-15 Michael McDonald for the outstanding entertainment, Charles & Cheryl Visalli of Time for Wine, our awesome bartender Kerstin, and to our downstairs neighbor Chris Lee of Cool Dims 3D Photo Studio for allowing us to turn our parking lot & his office entry into the coolest speakeasy this side of the hit HBO show “Boardwalk Empire!” I also want thank all of our advertisers who came to wish us well, as well as so many of our friends from the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, the Wesley Chapel (noon) Rotary Club and especially, most of the Board of Directors of the New Tampa Rotary (for making the “long” commute up BBD) and for showing up in force, including several in costume! And, most of all, thanks to my incredible staff, especially billing manager Jill Reilly, for working so hard to make me look good celebrating our two (2) years at our current location and 22 years that I’ve owned and edited this publication — thus, the “2-22,” which was the “password” to get into the VIP portion of the event.

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(Clockwise from top left) Our editor (center) was joined by Jannah & Michael McDonald on stage (and in costume) at the Neighborhood News “222” Speakeasy Party at our office in Wesley Chapel on Jan. 14. Julia, Vadim & Elina definitely got into the spirit of the event. Mike performed a 45-minute set before turning the stage over to Gary Carmichael of Heart & Soul Karaoke. Peter Gambacorta of The Private Chef of Tampa poses with some of his amazing food, which attracted nice crowds both in and outside of (below) our office on a cold Thursday night. Photos by OurTownFLA.com &Jayne Baker. The party featured a free wine tasting of excellent Neighborhood News private label (and other) wines from the Visallis and Time for Wine (see the ad on the facing pg. 36); free samples of six different (two Irish, two bourbons and two single-malt Scotch) whiskeys; plus delectable platter of fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, all finger foods like chicken satays with peanut provided by The Private Chef of Tampa (ad sauce, beef tenderloin chunks, mozzarella, also on pg. 36). tomato and basil on a stick and a gorgeous Continued on pg. 50

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Andrew Krance, Master Of Fine Arts, Can Create A Masterpiece For You By Gary Nager I’ll freely admit that I don’t know nearly as much about art as I do about food, wine or single-malt Scotch (go figure!). But, as someone who was born and raised in and near New York City, I was definitely exposed to a lot of art and I have found that whether it’s surrealist, impressionist or cubist, I just know what I like when I see it. “And that is the thing about art,” says Wesley Chapel resident and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Andrew Krance. “It’s such a personal thing. You don’t always know why you like or don’t like a piece of art, you just know if you do or not.” But, if you’re moving into a new home or redecorating an older one and you want something really cool to tie together that huge new living room or you just like the idea of purchasing original art directly from the artist rather than buying a signed and numbered print, lithograph or giclet, I believe that if you visit Andrew’s home studio in the Villages of Wesley Chapel and see just how much original art he has displayed in a wide variety of genres and styles, you might end up becoming a customer of his.

A Little Background...

Andrew’s father, Casimir Krance, who also was a renowned concert pianist, had inherited a munitions factory in France before World War II. When the Germans invaded France, the native of Poland moved his family to New York City but they eventually ended up in Wisconsin, where Andrew earned his MFA degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Whether you’re looking for a cool portrait of Stevie Ray Vaughn or something that looks more like a Picasso (right), Master of Fine Arts Andrew Krance can fill your home with beautiful, original art. An accomplished musician himself, An- dabbling in a wide variety of artistic genres. drew’s artistic bent helped him find his way “She had Van Goghs, Rembrandts and back to the Big Apple, where he lived with a 40-foot Monet in her home,” Andrew an aunt on Manhattan’s posh Upper East recalls. “Her collection today is worth in the Side, near Gracie Mansion, the residence billions of dollars.” Johnson took the young that is home to New York City’s mayor. artist under her wing, as she had many othIt was while working for Dorothy ers, and introduced him to everyone from Maynor, the opera star who founded the the governors (at the time) of Texas and Harlem School for the Arts (which provides Arizona to Leo Castelli, whom the actor college curricula in performing and visual Dennis Hopper called “the godfather of the arts in Upper Manhattan), that Andrew contemporary art world.” met Barbara Johnson of the Johnson & The Castelli Gallery was one of the Johnson family, one of the world’s foremost most famous in the world and helped launch collectors of fine art, and where he began or further the careers of everyone from Rob-

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ert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns to Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. And, for a while, a young Andrew Krance. Andrew says the artists under Castelli’s “wing” would have drinks together at a place called Magoo’s off Canal St. But, “Andrieu,” as his late, Israeli wife Eti (Esther) used to call him, ultimately went into the pet food and pet products business and later moved to Key Largo, FL, where he and his wife opened a lingerie store. They spent 20 years together on the east coast of Florida before moving to Wesley Chapel together a few years ago. She passed away three months after learning she had cancer. “I did throw myself more into my art after Eti passed,” he admits. Today, Andrew continues to go through different “periods” with his art, although he mainly uses acrylic paints and a more “pop art” style these days. “The paint just dries so much faster (than oil) and the colors and textures are amazing,” he says.

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So, his work ranges from emulating everyone from Picasso to Warhol to Jackson Pollack and some of his favorite pieces are his own “takes” on famous people, like the late music stars Stevie Ray Vaughn and Bob Marley and even Warhol himself.

Corporate Work & More

Today, Andrew says that he can create virtually anything in acrylics and he really enjoys being commissioned to create something unique. “I can fill those huge walls in a large corporate office or an upscale home,” he says. “Give me an idea and a style and I’ll come up with something great, in less time than you might think.” But, even if you’re not sure you want to buy anything, one thing I certainly would suggest is to make an appointment with Andrew to check out the art that’s already in his home. There’s more paintings on Andrew’s walls than at some art galleries I’ve been to and I have included some of my favorites (and his) on these page. So, sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee or a good Scotch with him and talk about art. The artist has become friends with one of his neighbors, Joe Lawler, and Andrew says, “Joe has bought five pieces from me, but not because we’re friends, but because he likes what I do.” Joe says, “You can just see the talent Andrew has. I love his art that looks like Picasso so much, I bought my favorite.” You also can check out most of Andrew’s art at KranceContemporary Paintings.com (which he says is being revamped a bit as we’re going to press), or see the ad on pg. 4 of this issue or call 994-0008 for more info.

Andrew’s perspectives on Bob Marley (top) & Andy Warhol are both definitely unique.

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Suncoast Arts Festival Draws Big Crowds With Eye-Catching Art Story and photos by John C. Cotey

Wesley Chapel artist Alan Metzger didn’t sell any of his original art all weekend, but when he packed up Sunday at the conclusion of the 11th annual Suncoast Arts Festival (SAF) at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, he did so with plans to return. “I thought it was a real good event,’’ said Metzger, who did sell 20-40 prints of his work, including a commemorative poster for the International Polo Club of Palm Beach for which Metzger won an award and some acclaim. “The (SAF) event was really well run, and I was impressed.” The SAF, held on Paseo Dr. down the heart of the mall the weekend of Jan. 16-17, got a perfect day of weather on Saturday for its biggest crowds, and then survived a major overnight storm to once again pull off a successful event. Artists came to the area from places like Satsuma, FL, Aurora, CO, and Eastham, MA, selling all kinds of fine art, jewelry and other crafts. “I’m really pleased with how everything went,’’ said Jennifer Douglas, who owns Jennifer Lee Events, which managed this year’s SAF. “Even the bad weather (early Sunday morning) did very minimal damage. The skies cleared just in time for another gorgeous day.” Proceeds from the festival are donated to Pasco County schools through the Fine Arts of the Suncoast’s grant program. Eleven grants were awarded Sunday to Pasco County art students, including

Neighborhood News

The 11th annual Suncoast Arts Festival featured the work of artists like Wesley Chapel’s Alan Metzger (left) , as well as artwork (right) by students like Matthew Scott of Wiregrass Ranch High.

Wiregrass Ranch’s Darcy Fermin. Fermin was awarded the grant so the school could work with its printing press to making etchings and linoleum carvings and create one-of-a-kind prints. Students there are researching the pros and cons of different printing press art. Douglas said that while she wouldn’t have official attendance figures for a few weeks, in recent years the event has drawn roughly 100,000 visitors over the course of the weekend and this year’s crowds were similar to those in the past. The festival had a free, hands-on art garden and art “makerspace,” where kids could create their own works of art. In front of the Dillard’s at the mall, sidewalk

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artists used chalk to create drawings of colorful frogs, a large octopus, a 3-D rendition of BB-8 (the droid from the latest “Star Wars” movie) and others. This also was the first year the street art was a commissioned exhibit, which was sponsored by Tampa Bay Business for Culture & the Arts. Metzger said the rough overnight weather did scatter the tent and some of the artwork of one of the artists across from him, but the festival’s staff did a great job of retrieving the tent and art and restoring it to its proper place. Some artists did choose to leave before the bad weather arrived on Sunday to be safe, Lee said, because their art was more

delicate, but she also noted that there was a total of 125 booths set up by artists and sponsors, and 116 confirmed artists, as well as seven sidewalk chalk artists, and that business was as brisk on Sunday as it was the day before. On the main stage across from Macy’s, De Lei’ed Parrots (photo on next page) provided musical entertainment on Saturday and the popular Florida-based band the Black Honkeys played on Sunday. The 2016 SAF’s Best of Show Award

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went to Maitland, FL artist Rolly Ray Reel, who has been exhibiting at art festivals all across the country for 45 years and has appeared at this event before. His booth featured mixed media pieces that toed the line between painting and sculpture, incorporating found items like chains, stones

and metal with acrylic and oils into some very interesting art that caught the eyes of many those passing by. For a complete list of the art winners, including chalk art and emerging artist winners, visit SuncoastArtsFest. com or TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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 H   J CALLJ I M AND CONSI DERI TDONE

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Only The Best (OTB) Delights Café Gets A Tasty New Look

Asian Orange Ahi Salad

Good Morning Ciabatta

By Gary Nager

HEN you meet Brazilianborn-and-raised Dirson De Mesquita, the owner and chef at Only The Best (OTB) Delights Café, located in the Shoppes at Wesley Chapel plaza across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC), you are immediately impressed by any number of things. Of course, there’s the cleanliness of his place and the way he tries to communicate with every patron, whether they’re happy (as almost all of his customers are; see below) or not. Anyone can see that the man is a tireless worker who aims to please. And, pleasing locals is what OTB has been able to do for a little more than a year now. With OTB’s healthy menu, featuring organic and locally-grown produce, no microwaves, fryers or freezers, it’s a perfect, casual (but recently redesigned) little spot where so many who work out at the FHWC Wellness Center or work at the hospital itself

have invited their friends and co-workers to sample OTB’s tasty food at very fair prices for the quality. Dirson has made some changes to his menu, but most recently, he decided to bring back his six-item dinner menu. For dinner, OTB has two kinds of grassfed, organic top sirloin (Dirson says to try it with balsamic caramelized onions and gorgonzola cheese crumbles), a Salmon Gone Wild entrée (which is a different dish than the Salmon Gone Wild salad on the next page) of wild-caught, baked North Atlantic salmon with pesto sauce, a chicken Ana Bella (free range chicken cooked in a cream sauce with spinach and tomatoes), all served with soup or salad and fresh veggie and rice sides. The dinner menu, which is offered any time of day (just as you also can get breakfast or lunch whenever OTB is open), also has two kinds of mini-quesadillas — with cheese or chicken and cheese. The dinner menu is so new, we don’t have pics of the new items to share, so all of the pics on this page are from OTB’s

breakfast and (primarily) lunch menus. But, OTB — which Dirson says he has consistently ranked #1 or #2 of all restaurants in the Wesley Chapel area on Trip Advisor.com and has maintained a 4.5-star (out of 5) rating on Yelp.com — already has lots of fans, including everyone here at the Neighborhood News office. In fact, OTB was the #10 Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel with our readers in the most recent Reader Survey & Dining Contest, and #11 on my own list of favorites (and my fourth favorite lunch place and third favorite hamburger joint in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel). From breakfast, where I flipped for the Good Morning Ciabatta (try it with over easy fried eggs although, I warn you, it’ll get a little messy), even though I really didn’t think I loved turkey bacon, to each of our office’s favorites so far, there’s something for pretty much everyone at OTB. Billing manager Jill Reilly loves the Kickin’ Chicken burrito, office assistant Celeste McLaughlin swears by the San Diego Chicken sandwich, office manager Mary

Dorey really enjoyed the Salmon Gone Wild salad, assistant editor John Cotey really enjoyed the Seared Steak Delight salad, which is one of my three favorites at OTB, the others being the Asian Orange Ahi Tuna salad and the killer Artisan Burger. I also can vouch for both the Rio Rancho and Shanghai Chicken rice bowls, which means there’s very little on the menu that I can’t recommend. I don’t eat too much vegetarian-only (and no gluten-free) fare, but OTB does have multiple salads, sandwiches and entrées catering to non-carnivores and those who prefer fresh, real food. Dirson even recently started growing fresh herbs right in OTB’s new planters to add to the organic feel of the place. OTB Café is open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sat. and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sun. Catering also is available. For 35-percent-off your second entrée when you buy one entree at the regular price, see the ad on pg. 50 of this issue. For more information, call 9738880 or visit OTBDelightCafe.com.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! Stage Left & Sprinkles Close

All of us at the Neighborhood News were truly saddened by the sudden closing following the close of regular business on Jan. 16 of Stage Left Bar & Kitchen on S.R. 54 in Lutz. Those who enjoyed (as we always did) visiting Stage Left for the Tuesday Open Mic night on Jan. 19 were notified by Stage Leftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Mic â&#x20AC;&#x153;hostâ&#x20AC;? Cal Olivier in a Facebook message on Jan. 18 that the popular restaurant and night spot, which featured live music every Tuesday-Saturday, would not be open the following evening. Later that same day, co-owner Isabelle Dunleavy posted this message on Facebook:

with great food in the middle of Lutz. A few weeks earlier, shortly after we went to press with our Jan. 1 New Tampa issue, where I named it as my third favorite ice cream or dessert place in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel in 2015, I was saddened to learn that Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor, in the Northwood Plaza between the SuperTarget and Marshallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, also had closed. A note (photo) posted in the shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s door shortly after Christmas said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have made the difficult decision to close Sprinkles effective immediately. We appreciate your support and will treasure the friendships we have made.â&#x20AC;?

that Martin prepared himself, imported chocolates and great wine and cocktails served by Martin and the Spa Moritz staff, the highlights of the evening were still the dozens of free spa services and the great raffle prizes given away, including beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x153;real stoneâ&#x20AC;? jewelry by Erika Williner, who sells her original jewelry designs at the spa. For more info about Spa Moritz, see the ad on page 14 of this issue, visit SpaMoritz.com or cal 971-4772.

Spa Moritzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elegant Grand Opening!

I consider Isabelle and her husband and co-owner Brian to be dear friends and I loved living so close to such a vibrant night spot

If you missed our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;222â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Speakeasy Party on Jan. 14, I at least hope you got to attend perhaps the most elegant Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) ribbon-cutting event ever â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when new Spa Moritz (located on Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms) owners Martin and Patricia Anello (at left in photo) decided to not only cut a ribbon with the WCCC but also open the doors of their spectacular, European-style salon to more than 100 Chamber members and other friends and existing clients. With truly delicious all-vegetarian food

In our last issue, we had an article about some of the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;stuffâ&#x20AC;? thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming on and around S.R. 56. Well, for those of you who live in New Tampa who have been waiting for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? grocer to come to the property located across from the main entrance to Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Wesley Chapel may beat New Tampa to the punch. There are no fewer than four supermarkets planned and all but one of them would have access to S.R. 56 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and at least three of them are being touted as possible â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? grocery chains such as Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Trader Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Sprouts.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes kids, the buzz is true....... The restaurant is officially closed. đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x201D; Thanks for reaching out but please understand & respect that it was a difficult decision to make and no, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to talk about the details...It hurts. But we know that God is good and His voice was very clear that it was time to pull the plug... Thanks for the love & support and know that we will be ok. We will miss our amazing employees (those that stayed loyal to us) and our nice customers and our awesome musicians!!!â&#x20AC;?

Green Grocers & More Coming To WC In 2016

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 24, Issue 3 â&#x20AC;˘ January 29, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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The four grocery store locations are: 1) just across from the new Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) at the northeast corner of S.R. 56 and Wesley Chapel Blvd. (aka S.R. 54); 2) in The Grove plaza (off S.R. 54 at Oakley Blvd.); 3) at the planned eastward expansion of the Shops at Wiregrass mall; and 4) on a separate parcel directly adjacent to the proposed grocery store in the Shops expansion on 56. In addition to those possible markets, 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 Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) to the north, is getting closer to completion. The last we heard, FMC was still expected to open as early as March of this year. The 200,000-sq.-ft. FHWC itself,

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which opened in 2012 with 83 inpatient rooms and 18 emergency room suites, has begun adding another 112,000 sq. ft. 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.

Doug Bohannon Wins ‘Best Realtor In Tampa’ Honors

Team Bohannon of Keller Williams Tampa Properties has once again received some very exciting news as the respected U.S. News & World Report had named Doug Bohannon of Team Bohannon the “Best Real Estate Agent in Tampa, FL.” The rankings were based on most residential sales and Doug placed first. According to the news magazine, the average agent in Tampa closed 4.5 sales per year.

By comparison, Doug Bohannon sold and closed 35 times more homes than the average Tampa agent and nearly 5 times as many sales as the average of the Top 10% of all Tampa real estate agents. For info, see page 2 of this issue, visit TeamBohannon.com or call Doug, Annette or Dale Bohannon at 979-4963.

Budget Blinds’ V-Day Special!

Budget Blinds (see pg. 41 of this issue) is having a special “Love is Blinds” sale for the month of Feb. with 30-percent-off Selected Signature Series window treatments & Inspired Drapes fabrics. For details, visit the showroom at 1208 W. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, BudgetBlinds.com/NorthTampa or call 9685050 and please tell them that the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you!

Monday - Thursday

Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel CLEANING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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. ANNA’S HOUSEKEEPING A BBB-Accredited Business Servicing Florida since 1991. $68 introductory special, Mon-Wed. Cleaning, Laundry, You Name It! Make your list, put us to work! We have private housekeeper rates with agency backup coverage! Licensed and all housekeepers are background checked. Call (813) 985-1150.

POOL SERVICES MONSTER POOL CLEANING - Summer Special — 50% off your 1st two months of service. Family owned & operated. 20+ Years of Experience. Competitive rates! Same service tech each week. *Our 15-pt. weekly full service will keep your pool looking great! Refer a customer & get ONE MONTH FREE! Call Today - (813) 489-9967.

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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.

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. IN YOUR HOME CAT SITTING OR IN MY HOME DOG SITTING. Fifteen-year Pet Care Industry Veteran, Pet First Aid Instructor, Licensed, Insured, and Bonded. Justaskjulie.com/Petfirstaidandcpr.com/813-892-9543.

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. PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN NEEDED Must have clean driving record, no criminal record and be able to lift 50lbs. Call VIP Pest Control at 813-234-8888 for details. HANAQ PRANA YOGA STUDIO We are looking for motivated yogis to join the team and be part of our karma exchange work program, where a yogi can work at the studio for free classes! Looking for help with office duties, online marketing and promotion and studio maintenance. Please contact the studio: (813) 333-1026 or info@hanaqpranayoga.com. 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. 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

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!

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.

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.

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Our Classified Ads are the ones your neighbors actually READ! Call (813) 910-2575 to order your Classified or Display Ad today!

Expires 2/28/16.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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TOPASH PAINTING, L.L.C. formerly Paul Topash & Son Painting

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Home Team Lawn Care SUNSHINE CLEANERS Top Quality...Great Prices

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$3.49 Drycleaning & Press* $1.59 Men’s Business Shirts

*MONTHLY PRICING NATURALLY INCREASES WITH PROPERTY SIZE & DIFFICULTY, AMOUNT OF TREES & HEDGES, ETC.

* Some garments incur additional charge. Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Speakeasy’

Continued from pg. 37

We serve the best cannolis in town!

• Sicilian-Style Pizza • Calzones • Grindas • Pastas • Burgers • Sandwiches • Salads • And More!

Also available for all attendees were to-diefor meatballs and linguine and mini-cannolis from my new best friends (have you tasted their red sauce?) Jessica and Carl Meyers of Little Italy’s family Restaurant & Catering (see the photo bottom right and the ad top right). I also chipped in with what I call my seafood specialty — sesame-seared ahi tuna “nibbles and bites” (served with wasabi and light soy sauce; at front of photo top right), which I’m proud to say was the first food item to be finished by our hungry horde of attendees, which included advertisers like Vickie and Becky from VIP Pest Control (right) and Bill Sullivan of Great Florida Insurance (see ad on pg. 3), who posed for the pic below left with his Neighborhood News ad sales rep (and our office manager) Mary Dorey. And, congratulations to young Michael McDonald, who kicked off the evening’s musical entertainment by performing three songs with yours truly and then doing a 45-minute set of music from the 1970s through today. Mike’s looking to play more gigs in the area, so contact our office if you’re interested.

• Dine-in • Take-out

Let Us Cater Your Next Party Large or Small! ‘Best New Restaurant in

Check our our Lil’ Goombas Menu, too!

“Homemade, Authentic Italian Food Wesley Chapel 2015’ -Neighborhood News Like Mama Used to Make!” 24436 SR 54, Lutz | 813-909-2122 | littleitalyfamilyrestaurant.com Open Tuesday-Saturday for Lunch & Dinner at Noon

(Expires 2/29/16)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 3 • January 29, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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