Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Issue 4, February 14, 2015 by Neighborhood News

Volume 23 Issue 4

Inside:

OTB Delight Café Is Healthy & Delicious! See Page 30!

February 14, 2015

Named The 2014 ‘Small Business Of The Year’ By The Wesley Chapel Chamber Of Commerce! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: WESLEY CHAPEL: Aberdeen • Belle Chase • Bridgewater • Brookside • Chapel Pines • Country Walk • Lexington Oaks • Meadow Pointe • New River • Northwood • Pinewalk • Pine Ridge Saddlebrook • Saddleridge Estates • Saddlewood • Seven Oaks • The Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Watergrass • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg OUR NEW TAMPA EDITIONS ARE MAILED TO: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Easton Park • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • The Hammocks • West Meadows

Cypress Creek Ice & Sports Complex To Break Ground This Month Wesley Chapel’s claim to ice hockey fame could open late this year, if all goes to developer Gordie Zimmermann (of Z Mitch, LLC)’s plan, which includes breaking ground on the state’s largest ice hockey facility in our area within the next week or two as you’re reading this article. Zimmermann says that he had hoped to break ground on the 150,500-sq.-ft., four-ice-pad Cypress Creek Ice & Sports Complex — located on 13.5 acres adjacent to American Consulting Engineers on Cypress Ridge Blvd. (just off I-75 and S.R. 56 — in January, but he’s still working out final details with scheduling so that the complex’s ground-breaking ceremony can accommodate the schedules of all parties involved with the project. “We’re trying to time the groundbreaking properly so that everyone can attend,” he explains. “There are going to be some special guests, including professional athletes, and we want to make sure that everybody involved gets to be part of it.” Zimmerman says that the complex received its building permits in December and should only take between 8-9 months to construct, once things get moving.

“We’re still shooting for an opening in the fall of this year,” he says. In addition to the four ice pads (including one larger-than-NHL, Olympic-sized rink and one removable pad that can double as a multi-purpose floor for basketball and even graduations), the $20-million facility also will be home to a sports-themed, family restaurant, although Zimmermann says he can’t yet release the name. “Let’s just say there will be a view of all four rinks from the restaurant,” he explains. Zimmermann says that he’s excited to be part of the overall development of the S.R. 56/I-75 interchange, which will have significant developments under construction on three of four of its corners once the ice facility that can accommodate hockey, figure skating, curling and other winter sports, breaks ground. Simon Property Group’s Tampa Premium Outlets broke ground on the southwest corner of the interchange in December in the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and the Sierra Property Group has been prepping land for development on the north side of the DRI for the past several months. “Pasco has this label of a ‘bedroom community’ (meaning a bedroom com-

If you missed the first-ever Wesley Chapel Jazz Festival last August, you may have heard how great it was either from talking to someone who did attend or from checking out the pics and recap of that awesome first event in these pages. So, rather than kick yourself for missing it again when the second Wesley Chapel Family Jazz Festival returns to the Wesley Chapel District Park (7728 Boyette Rd.) on Saturday, February 28, noon-9 p.m., we hope you’ll remember to mark your calen-

dar and be sure to check out this great event the second time around. There will be more outstanding jazz, including the return from last time of Abnique & Friends (whose set was cut short by rain last time), the Cypress Creek Dixieland Jazz Band, Standing 8 Count and Marlon Boone, plus Festival newcomers the Rick Dahlinger Trio, Phillip “Jazz Dad” Thomas and Midnight Soul. The headliner will be smooth jazz saxophonist and national recording artist Chris Godber (photo right)

By Matt Wiley

This is an artist’s rendering of the planned Cypress Creek Ice & Sports Complex, located off S.R. 56 & I-75, which is expected to host a groundbreaking event later this month.

munity for Tampa),” Zimmermann says. “But, with two malls and the rink right here, that’s really going to change.” He adds that the facility will help drive business in the area, especially for local hotels, like the Hampton Inn & Suites located across Cypress Ridge Blvd. and a proposed Holiday Inn Express which is planned to be located next to the ice rink. Zimmermann explains that several ice sports tournament groups interested in hosting events in Wesley Chapel have already approached him. Currently, the clos-

est ice facilities are in Brandon (20 miles to the south off I-75) and Ellenton (50 miles to the south off I-75), respectively. The Wesley Chapel facility will allow for larger-scale tournaments than what currently can be held at the other two facilities (which both only have two ice pads), Zimmermann says. “This project is going to be a huge benefit to the Wesley Chapel community,” he says. Stay with the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News for updates about this exciting development.

Two Great Events Feb. 28 — The WC Health & Fitness Fair & Jazz Festival

Also Inside This Issue!

News, Business, Sports & Education Updates

Neighborhood Magazine

FDOT Introduces Toll Road Project, The Latest On Morris Bridge Rd., More Arrests In Escaped Convict Case; Plus, Lots Of Local Business Features & More!

Operation Homefront Helps Military Vets Move Into Wesley Chapel Home, Wrapping Up The Suncoast Arts Festival & More Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 1-24

Pages 25-40

W e s l e y Chapel Jazz Festival organizer Tim Hancock of Jazz Tyme Productions, LLC, also promises more food and beverage vendors, more family-friendly activities (including bounce houses for the kids) and more fun than last time around. The second Wesley Chapel Jazz Festival is being sponsored by Hyundai, Chevrolet & Mazda of Wesley Chapel, Sam’s Club, The Fox Cool Jazz Club in Tampa, Ierna’s Heating & Cooling, Jazz 1 Café, Adi Khorsandian State Farm Insurance, Wesley Chapel Nissan, Sleep Inn of Wesley Chapel, Kaptain Krab, WXJB-FM News

& Talk 99.9 and the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News. For more info, please visit WesleyChapelJazzFestival.com or call Tim Hancock at 609-2531.

Health & Fitness Fair Returns To Wiregrass Mall

If you’re still sticking to your New Year’s Resolution of getting fit — or you need some motivation to get back up off the couch — the second annual Wesley Chapel Health & Fitness Fair is here to help you be the best you can be. Also being held on Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., the Health & Fitness Fair will bring together more than 100 exhibitors and vendors from the See ‘Fitness Fair’ on page 15.

Happy To Be A Part Of The Wesley Chapel Chamber & Rotary Club!

An editorial by Gary Nager For those of us saddened that the formerly annual Taste of New Tampa wasn’t held in 2014, the good news is that our area is now at least one step closer to bringing back the best-attended singleday event in New Tampa. How? Well, the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) has finalized an agreement with the now-defunct New Tampa Chamber of Commerce that will allow the WCCC to re-start the Taste. WCCC executive director Hope Allen says that former New Tampa Chamber president Neil Heird signed off on the agreement that will allow the WCCC to absorb the remnants of the New Tampa Chamber. In fact, the WCCC’s new logo, which can be found on the organization’s website (WesleyChapelChamber.com), now says “Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa,” and Allen promises that the wheels are in motion to create a committee to help bring more New Tampa-area businesses under the WCCC’s auspices and to discuss reviving the Taste. Allen has begun recruiting a few local business leaders, including yours truly, to help get that ball rolling. And, although no meeting had been set at our press time for the initial get-together of that group, the WCCC got a great indication of the interest in New Tampa when it held its “Final Friday” Happy Hour on January 30 at Glory Days Grill on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa and somewhere between 80-100 people attended, at least half of which were New Tampa residents and former New Tampa Chamber members in-

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

Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager General Manager Nikki Bennett Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Nate Ciurla Office Assistant Jillian Reilly Advertising Sales Rep Mary Dorey Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 23, Issue 6, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, March 2, 2015. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

terested to see what the WCCC is all about. I’m also happy to have attended the WCCC ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Anytime Fitness Anytime Fitness (27325 Wesley Chapel Blvd., next to Winn-Dixie; 994-1912), on Jan. 16. Also in attendance were the Wesley Chapel Ker’s WingHouse girls (food was provided by both the WingHouse and the Beef O’Brady’s in the same plaza as Anytime), as well as Jonathan Martinez of LittleDinosaurProductions.com and Be Scene Tampa Bay, who produced a short video about the Grand Opening. A certain newspaper editor was one of those interviewed for the piece. The WCCC has several other great events this month, including:

Tues., Feb. 17, 8 a.m. — Monthly Coffee Social at McDonald’s (1733 BBD, just south of S.R. 56). Thur., Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. — “Lunch & Learn” Business Forum, at the WCCC Office (6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105). The speaker will be attorney Dineen Wasylik. Sat., Feb. 28, 11:30 a.m. — 2015 Health & Fitness Fair at the Shops at Wiregrass Mall. See page 1 for details.

It seems our club keeps attracting not only inspirational speakers, but also inspirational members, such as new member Steve Hopper (who officially joined the club on Feb. 4), who will launch his book From Prison to Purpose, A Journey to Answering Life’s Greatest Question, on Friday, February 20, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., with a book launch party at the Verizon Event Center (8718 Trouble Creek Rd., New Port Richey), hosted by radio personality and comedian Pete O’Shea. Hopper, who also is a motivational speaker and networking coach, also has a business called “The Ability to Influence.” For more info, visit AbilitytoInfluence.com or SteveHopperBooks.com. For WC Rotary info, visit Facebook.com/RotaryClubofWesleyChapel.

For more information about these events or the WCCC, call 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Rotary Exits (to) Stage Left!

Those of you who read this publication regularly also know how proud I am to be a member of the Wesley Chapel (Noon) Rotary Club, which now meets Wednesdays at noon at Stage Left, my favorite new restaurant and nightspot, located a couple of miles west of Wesley Chapel on S.R. 54 in Lutz in the Eagle Plaza. Stage Left owners Brian and Isabelle Dunleavy, who I am proud to call my friends, are both long-time New Tampa residents who have opened their delicious place to our still-growing club (now hovering right around 100 members) and so far, not only has the food been great, the guest speakers and new members also have been impressive. The first Rotary speaker at Stage Left (on Jan. 21) was inspirational local documentary filmmaker Brett Culp. His film “Legends of the Knight” was inspired by Culp and his wife Tricia’s son Kai, who was diagnosed with leukemia. Kai, like many people, found strength in the comic book hero Batman (aka, the “Dark Knight”) and Culp’s movie tells their amazing stories of inspiration and hope. Check out the “Legends” trailer at BrettCulp.com.

Correction From Last Issue

In our previous issue (cover dated Jan. 17, 2015), we included a story about Medi-Weightloss Clinic, located on S.R. 54 in Lutz (just west of S.R. 56). In that story, we mistakenly referred to Medi’s weightloss programs as “holistic,” which they are not. Holistic approaches to weightloss do not involve prescription drugs, such as prescription appetite suppressants. However, in the first stage of Medi’s three-stage weightloss program, appetite suppressors sometimes are prescribed. We apologize for this mistake and any confusion it may have caused.

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Table of Contents

Local News Updates............................4-15

No Immediate Plans To Widen Morris Bridge Rd..................4 FDOT Introduces Tampa Bay Express Toll Lane Project........6 Wesley Chapel News Briefs............................................8 Brawl After WCH/WRH Basketball Game Trial Date Set For Grove 16 Shooter CCTC Shopping Plaza Update Lutz Woman Embezzles $100K From WC Biz Addtional Arrests Made In Escaped Convict Case...............10 HART Won’t Change Route That Connects WC...............12 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar............................14

Local Business Updates.......................16-24

WCCC Takes Tour Of Legacy At Highwoods Preserve...16 Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss........................18 Mobile Meals Delivers Your Favorite Restaurants.............20

Neighborhood Magazine......25-40

Suncoast Arts Fest Invades Shops At Wiregrass......25,28 OTB Delight Café Celebrates A Year In Business.........30 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’............34 WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS.....36 Operation Homefront Gives Couple WC Home........38

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 4 • February 14, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Growth Continues, But Not Much Planned For Rural Morris Bridge Rd. By Matt Wiley

Traveling south on Morris Bridge Rd. from S.R. 54, it’s hard to imagine that there are thousands of homes planned for developments on both sides of the twolane road (both north and south of the Pasco County line) that currently looks out over mostly rural and agricultural land. However, even with a massive amount of development on the horizon, there aren’t many improvements in Pasco County’s long-range transportation plan for the road that connects Wesley Chapel and Temple Terrace. On the Wesley Chapel side alone, the River Landing Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) was approved back in 2010 for nearly 2,000 residential units and 179,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and borders Morris Bridge Rd. to the west, while the Two Rivers development borders the road to the east. Two Rivers was approved in 2008 for 6,400 single- and multi-family residential units, as well as 630,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and 2.67 million sq. ft. of office space for a large employment center. In addition, New River, Meadow Pointe, Wiregrass Ranch and Avalon Park West also continue to grow, adding more traffic to Morris Bridge Rd. is one of the main north-south arteries in the area. Even so, there are no immediate plans to widen the road in Pasco County’s “Mobility 2040” long-range transportation plan.

Pasco transportation planning manager Jim Edwards explains that the regional model for the area does not show the traffic volume to necessitate widening, but he also notes that the LRTP is re-examined every five years. Edwards explains that there currently are no county improvements scheduled for Morris Bridge Rd. through 2029, except for intersection improvements at S.R. 54. But, he emphasizes, the plan will be constantly re-evaluated. “Traffic accidents could necessitate safety-related improvements based upon the types of accidents that occur,” Edwards says. Edwards explains that currently, between 8,000-10,000 vehicles traverse Morris Bridge Rd. between S.R. 54 and County Line Rd. per day and that by 2040, that number is expected to double. Additional traffic relief on Morris Bridge Rd. will come in the form of several other north-south connections between Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, Edwards says, citing the dead end at Kinnan St. in New Tampa with Mansfield Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, as well as a possible future connection between Meadow Pointe Blvd. into K-Bar. Also in the Pasco LRTP are plans to extend both Chancey Rd. to Morris Bridge Rd. and Oldwoods Ave. in Meadow Pointe through Morris Bridge Rd. to Coats Rd. in Zephyrhills. However, none of these plans mean any widening for Morris Bridge—at least not yet.

Although Zephyrhills Pasco has few plans for Morris Bridge Rd. in the Wesley Chapel coming years, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is in negotiations River Landing with landowners between Meadow 2,000 homes Pointe Blvd. and 6,400 homes U.S. 301 to obtain the right-of-way necessary for the 6.7 mile extension Pasco County of S.R. 56 east into Zephyrhills, Hillsborough County an estimated $60 million project. Although the River Landings and Two Rivers developments (above) will bring Funding for that thousands more homes and vehicles to Morris Bridge Rd., there currently are no project is not plans to widen the road through 2040 in either Pasco or Hillsborough County. programmed until make a connection with Morris Bridge Rd. fiscal year 2017-18. Edwards says that as Although development is not as imdevelopment continues along that corridor, minent in New Tampa between Cross Creek traffic studies will be conducted. Blvd. and County Line Rd., other than in “There can always be safety imK-Bar Ranch, the population and amount of provements that come on line over time, traffic in that area still is expected to grow including left turn lanes off (Morris Bridge during the next few decades. Rd.) at intersecting streets,” Edwards Hillsborough County Planning Comexplains. “But, these would be evaluated mission senior planner Bud Whitehead on a case-by-case basis. If development explains that the most recent traffic count occurs that accesses one of the intersectnumbers are from 2014 and show that an ing streets (with Morris Bridge Rd.), the average number of about 13,000 vehicles developer would be required to do a study travel between I-75 at the Fletcher Ave. to determine if intersection improvements interchange and Cross Creek Blvd. each day. are needed. It’s all a complicated ‘what if’ Between Cross Creek Blvd. and the Pasco game, but that is the nature of our busiCounty line, there’s an average of about 7,641 vehicles using the road each day. ness.” Whitehead adds that the number of The Other Side vehicles using Morris Bridge Rd. is expected While construction continues to widen to grow to 14,000 vehicles south of Cross Cross Creek Blvd. and homes continue to Creek Blvd. and 21,000 vehicles north of sprout up within the K-Bar Ranch DeCross Creek Blvd. The population along the velopment of Regional Impact (DRI) in road is expected to grow from 13,375 to New Tampa, there also aren’t many plans more than 16,800. for improvements to Morris Bridge Rd. in However, despite this anticipated Hillsborough County’s “Imagine 2040” growth, Morris Bridge Rd. still would be long-range transportation plan. operating within its capacity. Just last month, current K-Bar Ranch Like Pasco County, Hillsborough developer M/I Homes applied to the City County also updates its plan every five years. of Tampa for a rezoning that will allow for For more information about these the construction of an additional 1,400 long-range transportation plans, please homes, as well as the construction of an visit Mobility2040Pasco.com and Planeast-west road within the DRI that will Hillsborough.com.

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FDOT Presents Express Toll Lane Project At Public Workshop By Matt Wiley Attention Wesley Chapel commuters: if you could, would you pay a little extra to avoid snarled interstate traffic on the way to work? The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) hopes so, as it has announced a concept that could add express toll lanes to several of the Tampa Bay area’s most congested interstate highways. One of those express lanes could begin and end just south of Wesley Chapel. A public workshop was held in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on January 29 at T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa to gather input from the public about the proposed express toll lane project, entitled “Tampa Bay Express.” More than 100 people attended to learn more about the proposed toll lanes and put in their “two cents” on the idea. The project’s website (TampaBayExpress.com) explains that, although FDOT still is in the process of developing a Master Plan for the projected $6-billion project, express toll lanes could be constructed alongside existing interstate lanes on I-75, I-275 and I-4 to ensure “reduced congestion, greater mobility, fewer delays and more predictability in traffic times.” One or two toll lanes are proposed in either direction for I-75 from south of U.S. 301 (near the Fowler Ave. exit in Temple Terrace) to north of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. interchange in New Tampa. Another express lane is proposed for along I-275 from north of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to north of Bearss Ave. However, no express toll lanes are proposed near or north of the apex of I-75 and I-275 near the S.R. 56 interchange, where traffic regularly stacks up during the daily rush hours. FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson says that “the initial traffic and revenue study by the (Florida) Turnpike Enterprise did not show enough of a demand for an express lane in that area. An additional lane may be needed in the future, but the congestion doesn’t get bad enough to support tolling the additional lane.” Carson adds that there always is the opportunity to re-assess the need in a future study for the apex area. where I-275 ends and merges with I-75, near the Pasco County line.

Carson says that this project is still in its early stages and notes that the agency is in the process of gathering input to see if the concept is something that Tampa Bay-area drivers will accept and use. “We do not have funding (for the project) at this point,” Carson explained, adding that the estimated cost of the project More than 100 residents from around Tampa Bay attended the Florida could be more Department of Transportation’s public workshop to check out the proposed than $6 billion. ‘Tampa Bay Express’ project, that will add express lanes to several sections of “Due to the Tampa Bay’s interstates. congestion in the a capacity to accommodate that growth.” Tampa Bay area, we are studying a traffic Alan also pointed out that because the management concept that has helped cities lanes are tolled and that the toll prices will across the nation improve traffic flow.” fluctuate based upon demand, some people Because funding is not yet available probably wouldn’t be able to take advanand the Master Plan has not been completed, an official timeframe for this project tage of them. Seminole Heights resident Frank has not yet been proposed, but Carson says Ender said that he’d much rather see a that the project is something years down mass transit system like light rail instead the road and it could take up to a decade of an express lane, although Carson noted to complete the necessary traffic studies that the lanes could accommodate an and obtain funding. express bus route. “We’re just introducing the idea and “I think an express lane will help (conseeing what people think,” Carson said. “Right now, we just want to get information (about the concept) out to the public. These lanes will be good for people that are running late and we want to be able to give people that option. What we’re trying to find out now is if people would use (the toll lanes).” Alan and Patricia Cohn, of Grand Hampton, said that even after seeing the project’s concept displayed in detailed maps at the meeting, they still had more unanswered questions. “We want to learn more about it,” Alan said. “Will it actually solve the (congestion) problem? How long will it take? How will it be paid for? The bottom line is that something has to be done because our population in New Tampa is growing, but our roads and highways aren’t expanding at

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gestion) eventually,” Ender added. “But, I’d much rather just see another normal lane or light rail.” Eitan Green, also of Seminole Heights, who says he regularly uses the I-75 corridor through New Tampa, noted that adding an express lane won’t solve the area’s bigger transportation problems. “I think that this is going to cost a lot of money that could be used to address other more important issues on our interstates, like wrong-way driving,” Green said of the problem that resulted in 11 deaths last year on Tampa interstates. “This might improve traffic congestion, but it won’t improve drivers.” A video on the project’s website explains that the lanes will be well-marked, easy to enter and exit and that tolls will automatically be charged using the SunPass system. Toll revenue would then be used to pay for the operation and maintenance of the lanes. Express lanes currently are used across the U.S. in major cities such as Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and San Diego. Express lanes also currently are used along I-95 in Miami. Additional meetings about this possible future project will be held, but those dates have not yet been set. Stay with the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News for updates. For more information, please visit TampaBayExpress.com.

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Wesley Chapel Brawl After WCH/WRH Basketball Game

It turns out that naming a high school basketball rivalry game the “War on 54” may have been a decision that was taken too literally, after several fights broke out involving students after the boys basketball game between Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH, located off Mansfield Blvd.) and Wesley Chapel High (WCH, located on Wells Rd.) on January 30. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), following the WRH Bulls boys basketball team’s 64-56 home loss to the WCH Wildcats, numerous fights erupted in the parking lot. “There were several ‘balls’ of fights,” says PCSO spokesperson Melanie Snow. “One fight would get broken up and another would break out nearby.” So far, the Pasco County School District (PCSD) is in the process of disciplining four WRH students, says PCSD spokesperson Linda Cobbe, adding that it appears that the fights were unrelated to the rivalry and were about issues between students at the school. Because the altercation broke out on school grounds and during a school-sponsored function, Cobbe says the students involved likely will receive 10-day suspensions. Snow says that many spectators were not able to get into the gymnasium toward the end of the game, which also could have raised tensions outside. Cobbe says that although people were not being allowed in, the gym was still slightly below capacity and not oversold. “We’re looking at videos from students on social media to try to figure out how it all started, but so far there haven’t been any arrests or any charges filed,” Snow says. PCSO is interviewing anyone whose name comes up in the investigation and asking students to come forward with any videos from their cell phones that could help identifying those involved. “We’ve heard that it wasn’t about issues between our schools,” says WCH principal Carrin Nettles. “We have a spirited rivalry (with WRH) that attracts big crowds, but everyone’s behavior was fine during the game. It’s always a shame

News Briefs when other situations like this one have to cloud that rivalry.” WRH principal Robyn White could not be reached for comment.

Trial Date Set For Grove Theater Shooter

More than a year after fatally shooting a man in a Wesley Chapel movie theater, a trial date finally has been set for retired Tampa cop Curtis Reeves, Jr. According to court records, Pasco Sixth Judicial Court Circuit Judge Pat Siracusa officially set Reeves’ trial date for Monday, August 24, 9 a.m., in Dade City. Reeves is charged with second degree murder for the Jan. 13 fatal shooting of Land O’Lakes resident Chad Oulsen, 43, during an argument about texting before a movie inside the Cobb Theatres Grove 16 movie theater in The Grove shopping plaza in Wesley Chapel. Reeves, 72, has entered a plea of not guilty. Siracusa originally had scheduled the trial for the State of Florida v. Curtis J. Reeves to begin in early March, but that date was tentative. Another pretrial hearing is set for April 30. Prior to the fatal shooting last January, Reeves reportedly asked Oulsen several times to stop texting during the previews before the matinee showing of “Lone Survivor,” a film about the U.S. war in Afghanistan, and even complained to theater management. Oulsen said he was texting his young daughter’s babysitter before he was shot in the chest. The bullet also hit the finger of Oulsen’s wife Nicole, who had her hand on her husband’s chest. Reeves’ attorneys have argued that he fired the shot at Oulsen because he feared he was going to be beaten up and because Oulsen had just thrown something at his face, which turned out to be popcorn.

CCTC Shopping Plaza Update

Last issue, we told you about a proposed shopping plaza inside the Cypress Creek Town Center (CCTC) Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and we provided a map that displayed the area that would be redeveloped by Elevation Development, LLC, at the northwest cor-

ner of S.R. 56 and Wesley Chapel Blvd. After further research, we’ve discovered that the 130,000-sq.-ft. shopping plaza with six outparcels actually will take up more space than we initially thought. In fact, Elevation Development’s website displays a conceptual site plan that stretches from Wesley Chapel Blvd. east to the current Memorial Dr., which is to be vacated “to allow for the consolidation of parcels within that section of the DRI,” says Avid’s planning director Peter Pensa. The plan also says that development will include several national tenants, including a grocery store, several restaurants and a gas station/convenience store. Pensa adds that there still are several steps that Avid and Elevation have to take before development can begin, including meetings with the county about vacating the right-of-way along Memorial Dr., as well as a rezoning and a project development and environmental (PD&E) study of the land. Pensa says the county indicated at the meeting that each step would happen sequentially, so development likely wouldn’t begin until after more than a year of permitting.

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and the consequences can be real, as one Lutz woman recently discovered. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Kimberley Sadie Dixon, 46, embezzled nearly $120,000 from Wesley Chapel-based First In Property Management (located in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center off S.R. 56). The arrest report states that Dixon’s job duties included collecting payments from the tenants of the company’s clients and making sure that those clients received those payments. Dixon also was responsible for collecting rental application and pet fees, as well as security deposits for clients. However, during the investigation (which was Dixon sparked by a complaint from the company’s owner), it was discovered that Dixon had been re-routing checks to her own bank account for two years. PCSO also found out that Dixon was altering money orders issued to First In Property Management by putting her own name down on them as the recipient. Dixon is accused of embezzling a total of $119,590.13. She admitted to the crime after she was arrested on Jan. 14, when she was charged with grand theft of more than $100,000 and was released on a $50,000 bond later the same day.-MW

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More Arrests Made In Case Of Escaped Convict; Contraband Ring Busted By Matt Wiley

Four months after an inmate who escaped near Wesley Chapel was recaptured in Tampa, several additional arrests have been made in the case as the investigation revealed that several people helped smuggle contraband into a prison. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), three additional arrests have been made in connection with the escape of Sumter County Correctional Institute inmate Jason Adams, 27, who walked away from a five-man work detail on S.R. 54 near the intersection of Oak Grove Blvd. in Lutz, about two miles west of S.R. 56, on September 8. During the investigation — which was still ongoing at our press time —PCSO discovered evidence that “conjugal visits” were being allowed, alcohol was being consumed and that contraband, including tobacco and the synthetic pot known as “Spice,” was being delivered to inmates from civilians to later be smuggled into the prison using buckets and suppositories. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said during a January 14 press conference that all of the illegal activity occurred under the supervision of the work crew’s supervisor, former Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) officer Henry Blackwelder. “What we know is that (the suppositories) are used for transporting things like Spice and tobacco into the prison,” Nocco said. “Most people take suitcases when they go on trips and need to carry stuff.

Criminals don’t. They’re going into a prison and need to hide (their contraband). They put it somewhere else.” Blackwelder officially resigned three days after (Left, l.-r.) Henry Blackwelder, Jessica Morgan & Stacy PetAdams initially was ty; (Right) Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco presents the findings of recaptured (after his office’s investigation into the contraband ring. being missing for station in downtown Tampa a day), but he was one of the three people arrested on January at 4:44 p.m. Deputies say that Blackwelder falsified the 13 and charged with official misconduct, accepting unlawful compensation or reward timeframe of Adams’ escape to conceal his own involvement in during official duty, introducing contrathe smuggling of the contraband into a state correctional facility and band. Through interviews with Adams and giving intoxicating beverages, articles of clothing and food to inmates. Blackwelder additional surveillance footage, it was discovered that Adams also left the work crew would receive cash for the smuggling opon August 28 long enough to purchase eration, Nocco explained. booze and cigarettes. “(Blackwelder) was basically allowing Detectives learned that inmates had it to be a party out there,” Nocco said. been receiving contraband from Hudson PCSO reports that Blackwelder resident Stacy Ann Petty, 46, who said that concealed Adams’ escape from FDC and PCSO for about two hours, before report- her car broke down near a work camp in November of 2013. She told detectives ing it at around 4:30 p.m. Blackwelder told PCSO deputies that he last saw Adams that the inmates helped her and that she around 4 p.m. However, surveillance foot- became romantically involved with one inmate and, over time, with several of them, age from the convenience store at S.R. 54 including Adams. and Foggy Ridge Pkwy. showed Adams Nocco said Petty later brought her purchasing cigarettes just before 3 p.m. friend Jessica Morgan (24, also of Hudson) Adams then crossed S.R. 54 and had an to the work details, adding that Morgan employee of the Florida Medical Clinic also became romantically involved with facility call him a cab at 3:15 p.m., which several inmates. The women were former dropped him off at the Greyhound bus

co-workers at the Calendar Girls strip club in Hudson. Nocco said that the women would bring tobacco and Spice to the inmates at work detail sites around the county for smuggling in exchange for money. Petty’s arrest report indicates that she admitted to delivering contraband once per week for an entire year, as did Morgan. Petty and Morgan also were both arrested on January 13 and charged with introducing contraband into a state correctional facility, as well as giving intoxicating beverages and articles of food and clothing to inmates. At our press time, Petty was still in custody in lieu of $20,000 bond, but Morgan was released on Jan. 14 on a bond of the same amount. Blackwelder also was released Jan. 14 on a $40,000 bond. No additional information was available at our press time.

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HART Won’t Change Route Connecting To Wesley Chapel By Matt Wiley

Although it’s not always obvious, public opinion sometimes can have a strong effect on shaping policy. In the case of a proposed change to the Hillsborough-based bus route — Route 51X — that picks up and drops off passengers in Wesley Chapel, public comments apparently made all of the difference. After several public meetings in the summer and fall of 2014, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) has decided against changing the express bus route service that takes riders from New Tampa and Wesley Chapel to downtown Tampa and back in the mornings and evenings during the work week. HART spokesperson Sandra Morrison says that the only change that will be made to the bus route will be the future closure of the Park & Ride stops for Wesley Chapel riders at Victorious Life Church (located on Old Pasco Rd. behind The Grove shopping plaza) and the former Crossroads Community Church (now the Tampa Korean United Methodist Church, located on County Line Rd.). However, those stops will not close

until a planned future Park & Ride stop is completed at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC), located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., which also will serve as a stop for Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT). Mike Carroll, PCPT director, says that details about the stop are still being finalized and reviewed and declined to comment further. In addition, HART also is planning to expand to add local service from the Shops at Wiregrass mall off S.R. 56 south to the University Area Transit Center, located across BBD from the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus, south of the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, although those possible stop locations have not yet been released. That route would require two additional buses and 3-4 more drivers. “That local service is targeted for either July or November of 2015,” Morrison explains. “This will all depend on having vehicles and personnel in time for the planned service changes.” Morrison says that comments received during several public meetings last year at the New Tampa Regional Library (located on Cross Creek Blvd.) had a lot to do with the decision not to

change the route. At the time, HART had proposed three different changes to Route 51X. The most popular of the three proposals to change the route involved adding additional stops along BBD in the mornings and afternoons in between the Park & Ride stops, before the bus would hop onto I-75 south to I-4 and downtown Tampa. While many said that this change would be the most acceptable if any change had to be made, several current riders argued that the proposed additional stops would

add more time to the route and make it considerably more difficult to make it to work on time. With this option, local service along BBD would have been added, as well, in between the express routes in the morning and afternoon. The other two options completely eliminated the express service to downtown altogether, but added two different versions of local service for the New Tampa area. For more information about HART Route 51X, please visit GoHart.org.

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February 2015

Sunday, February 15

Biker Bash & Charity Poker Run — Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.) is hosting a biker bash and $10 charity ride to raise money for the “Buddy Break” program at Victorious Life Church (18924 County Line Rd.) that helps kids with special needs. The ride begins at 10 a.m. and will feature three stops, but begin and end at the country club. For more info, call Kevin at 766-0751.

Monday, February 16

Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP) — ENP meets Monday mornings at 8 a.m. for breakfast and networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more info, call Brad Benson at 973-1814. Free Networking International (FNI) — FNI, a group of area business owners, meets Mondays for networking and discussion at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For info, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499. Professional Business Connections (PBC) — PBC meets Mondays at 7:30 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For more info, call Chris Thurow at 546-6860. Wesley Chapel Speaks’ ToastMasters — The “Wesley Chapel Speaks” ToastMasters Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month, 6:15 p.m., at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). For info, call David West at 610-1650 or visit WesleyChapel Speaks.ToastMastersClubs.org. Celebrate Recovery — Celebrate Recovery is a purpose driven recovery resource group for healing from addictions that meets at Victorious Life Church (6224 Old Pasco Rd.) on Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The group focuses on the habits that have affected members and others. For info, call 973-2230.

Tuesday, February 17

Business Networking International (BNI) — BNI, a group of business pros supporting each other through qualified referrals, meets Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m., at Heritage Church (1854 Oak Grove Blvd., off S.R. 54, Land O’Lakes). For more information, email Tim at Tim@TampaHomes24-7.com.

Friday, February 20

FREE Health & Fitness Seminar — Pure Health & Fitness Studios is hosting a FREE health seminar at its Wesley Chapel location (2653 BBD, Suite 205) from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Pure Health’s founder Samantha Taylor will lead the seminar (which begins at 6 p.m.) and coffee and dessert will be served. For info, or to RSVP, visit PureHealthStudios.com

Sunday, February 22 FREE Couponing Class — BayChapel church (which meets at Turner-Bartels K-8

Center [9020 Imperial Oak Blvd.]) is hosting a FREE couponing class at noon to show you how to save some serious money by just clipping coupons. For info, call Lee at 731-4040.

Monday, February 23

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) Support Group — Did you or someone you know suffer the loss of a child, grandchild or sibling? TCF is a not-for-profit organization that supports parents, grandparents and siblings after the devastating loss of a child of any age that meets the fourth Monday of each month at the Lexington Oaks Community Center (26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). For info, visit TCFPascoCounty.org or call 273-8721.

Saturday, February 28

BayChapel Food Pantry— BayChapel will be opening its FREE food pantry to the community at Christian Brothers Automotive (20303 Trout Creek Dr.) from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for anyone in need. For more info, call Lee at 731-4040. Wesley Chapel Health & Fitness Fair — See story on page 1.

March 2015

Monday, March 2

FHWC ‘Slice For Life’ Golf Tournament - Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) is proud to announce its third annual ‘Slice For Life’ golf tournament at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.), with all proceeds benefitting the FHWC Foundation. The cost to play is $175 per individual or $600/foursome, which includes greens fees, a box lunch, cart, dinner & prizes. For more info, email Connie.Bladon@AHSS.org.

Mental Disorder Support Meeting — The Pasco County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a support group for family and friends of those with mental illness. The group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). For more info, call (727) 992-9653.

Wednesday, February 18

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club — The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday, 12:15 p.m., at Stage Left (24400 S.R. 54). For more info, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

Thursday, February 19

Networking For Your Success — The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd, off S.R. 54). All are welcome and a continental breakfast is served for $5. An annual membership costs just $79. For more information, call (813) 073-1657. Food Addicts In Recovery (FA) — FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experiences and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. The group meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Seventh Day Adventist Church (33420 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel). For additional information, visit FoodAddicts.org.

Saturday, Feburary 28 Noon-9 pm Wesley Chapel District Park 7727 Boyette Rd.

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‘Fitness Fest’ Continued from pg. 1

health, wellness and fitness industries will again converge upon Paseo Dr. in the Shops at Wiregrass mall to share their services and products and to help inspire local residents to get outside and take better care of their bodies. Our friends at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce have teamed up with Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) to present this familyfriendly event that also will feature medical screenings, live fitness equipment demonstrations, a Blood Mobile, live entertainment in the mall’s center pavilion, children’s activities & more. Screenings are scheduled to include

blood pressure, blood glucose, vision, balance, scoliosis and body mass index, conducted by local health care professionals. “Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is dedicated to helping our community get, and stay, well,” says FHWC spokesperson Tracy Clouser. “We are happy to partner with the Chamber to sponsor this wonderful community event that features screenings and healthy information so people can get actively involved in their own health.” During last year’s event, nearly 25,000 people came through the mall and this year’s event is expected to draw even more. If you’re a vendor who wants a piece of the action, booth space still is available. The cost is $150 for Chamber members, $200 for non-members and $75 for nonprofits. For more info, please visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or call 994-8534.

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WCCC Takes ‘Hard Hat Tour’ Of New Legacy At Highwoods Preserve Most people don’t even want to hear the words “assisted living facility” when it comes to caring for an elderly loved one. But, The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve is out to change all of that. During the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC)’s Economic Development Committee meeting on January 22, attendees were treated to a “hard hat tour” of the $14-million, 60,000-sq.-ft. building that still is under construction on the west side of Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, in the West Meadows community of New Tampa, a few miles south of the Pasco County line, with easy access from I-75. The Legacy project is a joint effort between Houston, TX-based PinPoint Commercial, LP, and Thrive Senior Living, LLC (which is based in Atlanta, GA), and will offer care for both the elderly and those in need of memory care for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, with a focus on resident comfort and technology. Legacy community relations director Aarene Alessi served as the hard hat tour director and took groups of ten Chamber ambassadors through a concept that she says will “break the mold” of assisted living facilities. “We’re bringing hospitality and technology into everything we do,” Alessi said. Because The Legacy has an identical

sister property in Eatonton, GA, Alessi was able to show ambassadors photos of what almost every room inside the facility would look like (while they were standing in them) when the project is finished. Once complete, The Legacy will become home to 60 residents and 22 memory care patients. Room sizes range in price between $4,000-$6,000 and those prices are all-inclusive. So, residents will have access to all of the facility’s amenities, including its putting green (yes, you read that right), market, theater, game room, exercise room, spa and five dining rooms, all included in the price of their room, which also will each include a smart TV and tablet computers. “Our main customer is the adult child who is looking to find a quality place for their loved one,” Alessi said. “But, we’re going to help people stay connected with Skype and social media.” Alessi said that staff members will help residents set up and use technology to help stay connected with their families if they do not live in the New Tampa area or close by. Technology also will be used for safety. Alessi said that residents will be given a wristband or pendant that emits a radio frequency that works as a key for doors throughout the facility. It also will allow for The Legacy’s staff to monitor the locations of residents, especially those

(Above) Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ambassadors gather for a tour of the new Legacy at Highwoods Preserve assisted living facility on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in the West Meadows development in New Tampa. in the memory care unit. “The Legacy is going to be a beautiful place,” said WCCC executive director Hope Allen following the hard hat tour. “It’s very resort-like. This will be a huge asset to the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities, especially for those of us with aging parents.” For more information about this exciting new facility,, please visit LegacyAtHighwoodsPreserve.com. — MW

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Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss Can Help Improve Your Self-Image By Celeste McLaughlin

At Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss, located on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. next to Acropolis in the Oak Ramble Plaza (just south of Tampa Palms, only seven or eight miles south of the Hillsborough/Pasco county line), aestheticians offer a comprehensive portfolio of skin care and weight loss programs to help people look and feel their best, under the medical direction of Mohamad Saleh, M.D. Dr. Saleh owns the practice with his sister-in law and Florida Aesthetics managing director Abida Saleh and Abida’s husband, Bilal Saleh, who helps with marketing, planning and growth, but is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. Dr. Saleh is a neurologist who has been in private practice since 1992. He completed his medical degree from Damascus University in Damascus, Syria, in 1980. He received a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 1988. He is also a member of the American Association of Neurology and the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. He runs a neurology practice in Brandon, which expanded to include weight loss about eight years ago and aesthetics in 2013. He and his partners are opening a neurology practice in New Tampa (on Morris Bridge Rd. near Cross Creek Blvd., as was announced in New Tampa Neighborhood News in July 2013) and decided to house their aesthetics prac-

tice in a more accessible location. “We offer comprehensive, non-surgical aesthetic treatments,” says Abida. “We have a very experienced injection technicians and offer the highest level of integrity and patient care.” That “experienced injection technician” is Ann Tran, a registered physician’s assistant (P.A.) with 14 years of experience in aesthetics. Ann graduated from the University of Kentucky in Lexington in 1993 with a B.S. degree in Biology, after which she completed her two-year P.A. degree. Ann explains that skin doesn’t age much until 30, but after that, we begin to lose the volume in our faces. “Our faces actually deflate, as fat and collagen migrates to our jowls.” Injectable dermal fillers, she says, are used to replace the “migrating” collagen, giving instant results. “We actually change the structure of the face to rebuild what’s lost in a way that looks very natural,” says Ann. “If someone wants to go beyond their natural structure – if they want an overinflated look like some celebrities – I refuse to treat them.” “I am trained in all fillers, so I can give you what you need,” says Ann. She explains some doctors might only be comfortable with one type of filler, or may want to use whatever inventory they have on hand. However, Ann’s broad experience and many years of continuing education allows her to help each individual with the specific fillers that will help them the most. “To do injectables, you must be a

P.A., nurse practitioner (NP), or doctor,” explains Ann. “But you should ask your provider how long they’ve been doing injectables, and how often. I’m an advanced injector with continued high-level training in aesthetics. I do this every day, six days a week.” For an allnatural way to build collagen, Florida Aesthetics Managing director Abida Saleh and Licensed Medical Aesthetician offers plasma-rich Bianca Marrero of Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss invite you to come in and see how they can help you reach your ideal image. platelets (PRP), which uses your which allows the plasma to better penetrate body’s own blood supply to help rebuild the skin). “It gives dramatic results on collagen in the face, and microneedling, stretch marks, acne, and wrinkles,” says which uses a small electric pin to create tiny Ann. She also says it can be used to stimu“injuries” on the surface of the skin. The late hair follicles and regrow hair in people process of healing these injuries regenerates who have lost hair due to cancer treatments the skin and helps produce collagen. or some cases of natural balding. “Artificial fillers give you instant gratiDana Butler is a Pebble Creek resident fication,” explains Abida, “while PRP and who has lived in the New Tampa area for microneedling will help rebuild collagen in 25 years. She has been receiving aesthetic the face for long-term, natural maintenance treatments for nearly 15 years and recently of the skin.” began treatments at Florida Aesthetics and With PRP, the practitioner draws your Medical Weight Loss with Ann. blood and spins it to separate the plasma, “At some places, people act snooty, which is then injected or applied topically but here they are so friendly and treat you (often in conjunction with microneedling, so nicely,” Dana says.

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Weight Loss since May 2014, who often provides microneedling. She explains it is an exceptional antiaging treatment that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, scars and stretch marks, and tightens skin to remove dimpling. “The next day you see results, and within a few weeks, when we take our ‘after’ pictures, it’s completely different.” “We are qualified, experienced providers who are knowledgeable in all areas of aesthetics,” says Ann. “We can help you make the best An example of how microneedling at Florida Aes- choice for your aesthetic needs because we are not catering to what thetics & Medical Weight Loss can improve your skin. we offer, but are trained in all areas: lasers, injectables, microneedling, She receives microneedling and PRP, and PRP.” and has received Botox and Voluma fillers. Bianca began her career in dermatol“I see so much recovery from sun damogy, assisting a doctor in New York. Her age and aging,” Dana says,” but, it looks four years in that position helped begin her very natural and has improved my appearpassion for skin care. When she moved to ance. I’ll be 65 in September, and I want Tampa in 2012, she began attending the people to think, ‘Wow! She does not look aesthetics program at Keiser University in her age!’ I want to stay as young as I can Tampa and became an LME in 2013. without any invasive procedures.” “The practice has grown tremendously She says she doesn’t consider any since I started here,” says Bianca, who adds procedure she’s had at Florida Aesthetics that her job is all about building relation“invasive” because there is no significant ships. “I want to make connections with recovery time. “I trust Ann implicitly,” she my clients,” she says, “to help them look says, “and I trust her experience.” better and feel better about themselves.” Dana also says she appreciates Florida Aesthetics’ willingness to work within her Medical Weight Loss budget. “I can take advantage of their Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight specials and do what I feel is reasonable. Loss also offers physician-supervised medThey’re not pushy.” ical weight loss, which includes behavior Bianca Marrero, LME (Licensed modification, coaching and prescription Medical Aesthetician), has been a pracappetite suppressants. titioner at Florida Aesthetics & Medical

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“We’re teaching people to modify their lifestyles,” Abida says. “Supplements are not a cure, but they do help to change habits, which leads to long-term success.” For people with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30, the office offers Optifast, a physician-provided total meal replacement program that addresses high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other weight-related health issues. Anyone wanting to lose weight meets first with Bianca, who is the practice’s weight coach. She says she relates to her weight loss patients because it’s a journey she’s still on, too. “I’ve lost 30 pounds, and want to lose 20 more, so I’m going right along with my clients.” After the initial consultation, the patient then meets with Dr. Saleh, who creates a plan for the patient to follow, with Bianca’s help. Dr. Saleh closely monitors progress through weekly reports to ensure the patient’s body is responding well to the weight-loss program. Patients also meet with the practice’s nutritionist, Sarah Bingham, who holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition & Food Science from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and has more than 35 years of experience in nutritional counseling. “We have credible providers here, not people who are fresh out of school, trying to figure out if aesthetics is for them,” says Abida. “Also, we’re aware of med spas that have opened and closed in the area, and we really want people to know that if they’ve had a bad experience with a med spa, we are a credible place

they can try. For local people who may go to South Tampa for their aesthetic treatments, we want them to know they have an option right here in Tampa Palms that offers the highest level of skill and service.” Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss shares space with Shuayb Dental at 14945 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Oak Ramble Plaza (just south of Tampa Palms). Ann and Bianca are available by appointment Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and some Saturdays. To make an appointment, or to schedule a free consultation, call 3454044. Or, visit FloridaAesthetics.com for more information.

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Mobile Meals Brings The Restaurant To Your Home With Just A Click By Matt Wiley

Cravings for meals from restaurants located outside of the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area are many times easily extinguished by thinking about the travel time and traffic that will be encountered on the way to the eatery. However, one local company is making it as easy as a few clicks on a computer to have food from more than 140 restaurants from around Tampa Bay brought straight to your door, usually in less than one hour. Started in 2009 by siblings and Hunter’s Green residents Jennifer Mekdeci, 31, and Chris Shelton, 28, Mobile Meals is a far-reaching fooddelivery service that delivers meals from restaurants from Apollo Beach to Wesley Chapel. Mobile Meals started in Brandon and keeps expanding, with a focus on technology and customer service. “We started working with about eight restaurants (in Brandon) before expanding into South Tampa and eventually New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, because we’ve lived here for more than 20 years,” Jennifer says. The entrepreneurial siblings are products of New Tampa’s schools, as each attended Hunter’s Green Elementary, Benito Middle School and

Wharton High, before both graduated from the nearby University of South Florida, Mekdeci with a degree in elementary education and Shelton with a technical writing degree. “But, we wanted to do our own thing,” Jennifer says. “Neither of our degrees sounded that appealing to us (when we graduated), so we started thinking of ideas we could get behind,” Chris explains. “We decided on Mobile Meals because convenience is king, right now. We figured, ‘Everybody eats, so why not a food delivery service?’ We had seen it being done before, but we didn’t think that it was being done properly, so we decided to take the idea and improve upon it.”

How It Works

Whether you’re hungry for a burger from Oakley’s Grille, sushi from Yamato Japanese Steakhouse (in the Shops at Wiregrass mall), some hot wings from the BBD/Fletcher Ave. Hooters, a gyro from Acropolis Greek Taverna (also on BBD) or a slice of pizza from 900 Degrees (also in the Shops at Wiregrass), but don’t feel like going out, just go online. Specifically, go to MobileMeals. com. At the site, several tabs will

greet you, including “Order,” “Catering,” “Support” and “Blog.” Whether you’re ordering for just you or for a few, just click on “Order.” You’ll be taken to a page with featured restaurants, announcements and coupon codes for discounts on deliveries from specific restaurants and the options to search by zip code to see which restaurants in If you take advantage of the food delivery service offered by Mobile Meals, the area are availa ‘mobile waiter’ like Stephen (above) will bring hot food from your faable for delivery by vorite Tampa restaurants straight to your door. Mobile Meals. Once the order comes in, one of Once a restauthe seven staff members at Mobile rant is chosen, a full menu for the Meals’ customer service center calls eatery pops up. By simply clicking on the order into the selected restaurant. a menu item, the dish or drink will be Once the meal is ready, one of Mobile added to your “shopping cart,” just Meals’ 35 “mobile waiters” picks like online shopping. Ordering by the order up from the restaurant and phone also is an option. delivers it to the address provided in “About 90 percent of our cusan insulated “hot box.” tomer base utilizes our online orderThe charge for delivery is only ing,” Jennifer says. “It’s very easy to use. Delivery usually takes between an additional $3.99 charge on top of 35-50 minutes, depending upon the what the meal costs at the restaurant. restaurant.” Using Mobile Meals is just like order-

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ing a pizza; only it can be almost any meal from almost any genre of restaurant in Hillsborough County, as well as several in Wesley Chapel, including Cantina Laredo in the Shops at Wiregrass. And, Mekdeci says that at the core of their entire business is taking proper care of customers. “Customer service is extremely important to us, and we strive to always ensure that our customers’ are completely satisfied,” Jennifer says. Scott, a local Mobile Meals customer, agrees. “My wife and I use Mobile Meals two to three times per week,” he says. “In this day and age of lackluster customer service, I am amazed at the level of service given by the staff who answer the phones, all the way through to the delivery drivers who get us our food while it is still hot. Mobile Meals is fast and accurate. This is a great service with fantastic people working for it.” In addition to residential meal deliveries, Mobile Meals also offers catering services for both businesses and private celebrations. A mobile waiter will deliver everything necessary for a self-serve catering event, including the food, utensils, napkins and plates. “The beauty of our business is that you can use us not only for individual meal deliveries to businesses and homes, but also for catering,” Jennifer explains.

Expansion Plans

Jennifer says that Mobile Meals is planning on expanding into the Carrollwood area this spring. “We have had many requests by customers and restaurants to expand to that area and are excited to be able to serve customers in that area very soon,” Jennifer explains, adding that Mobile Meals will be offering some of the same great restaurants already available and currently is in the process of adding restaurants in Carrollwood. She says that customers and potential restaurant partners can visit the “Announcement” section of the Mobile Meals website next month for more information and specific dates for the beginning of Carrollwood service. “We’ve been lucky that our business has grown as fast as it has,” Jennifer says. “For Chris and I, the things we worried about with the business four years ago are things we’d probably laugh at now.” Looking for a fast and convenient restaurant meal, but don’t want to have to drive to get it? Visit MobileMeals.com or call 907-MEAL (6325). Delivery hours are Mon.-Thur., 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.– 9 p.m. The Fri.-Sat. hours are the same, but deliveries are available until 9:30 p.m. both days, & noon–9 p.m. on Sun. To partner with Mobile Meals, visit MobileMeals.com, click on the “Support” tab, and then click on “Partnerships.”

SPOTLIGHT ON... Spa Moritz In Tampa Palms! Spa Moritz is under new ownership, and the new owners are passionate and excited about their vision for this highend Tampa Palms spa and salon, located on Commerce Park Blvd. across the street from Freedom High, minutes south of Wesley Chapel. Patricia and Martin Annello recently moved to Tampa Palms from Madrid, Spain, where they lived for the past 15 years. “We love traveling, visiting spas and have enjoyed five-star spas all over the world,” says Patricia. Their busy lifestyle in Spain led them to consider a move that would allow them a different way of life. They came to Tampa to visit a dear friend, and began searching for a business in Tampa that would be a good fit for their professional experience and the things they enjoy. Spa Moritz was the first business they visited and Patricia says that as soon as she walked in, she was amazed. “This place is really special,” she says. “It’s so beautiful, and very similar to a spa I used to go to in Madrid.” The couple purchased the spa in November, marking the second time Spa Moritz was sold during 2014. “It has a lot of potential to bring European style to Tampa,” Patricia explains. “As we’ve traveled and visited Madrid, London, Paris, Milan, Rome and other European cities, we can bring the beautiful details we’ve seen and experienced to Tampa Palms.” Patricia and Martin have plans to offer new and enhanced services, and

Spa Moritz in Tampa Palms owners Patricia & Martin Annello heighten the level of customer service at Spa Moritz, which offers a complete array of salon and spa services to make anyone feel relaxed and pampered. In the salon, stylists offer cuts, color jobs, manicures, pedicures and other luxurious services. Spa services also are plentiful, with many options to make you look and feel your best, from relaxing massages by licensed massage therapists (LMTs) to world-class skin care. Also available are lash extensions, teeth whitening, spray tans and microdermabrasion. Spa Moritz is located at 17401 Commerce Park Blvd., Suite 103, across the street from Freedom High and is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.8 p.m., and 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday. To learn more about the spa and see current specials, which are offered both monthly and weekly, see the ad on pg. 30 or visit SpaMoritz.com. To make an appointment, call 971-4772.

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The Tenth Annual Suncoast Arts Festival Rocks The Wiregrass Mall! By Gary Nager

Congrats to the organizers of the tenth annual Suncoast Arts Festival — presented by Ed Morse Cadillac and hosted once again along Paseo Dr. at the Shops at Wiregrass mall to benefit “Arts in Education” in Pasco County the weekend of Jan. 17-18. We now have the names of the actual juried prize winners who were among the more-than-125 talented artists and artisans who took part in the event and we congratulate them all:

• Chalk Artists: Peoples’ Choice & 1st, Bridget Lyons of Tampa; 2nd Roni Frances; 3rd Tim Ritter. • Emerging High School Student Artists: 1st Jasleen Rehsi; 2nd Emma Cunningham & 3rd Amy Laks. • Best in Show: Rolly Ray Reel in the 3D category. • Jewelry: 1st Patty Sledge; 2nd David Reif; 3rd Caleb Barnaby. • 3D Art: 1st Shanti Yard; 2nd Eric Shupe; 3rd Jake Asuit. • 2D Art: 1st Colin Mergerum, 2nd Ed Meyers, 3rd Thomas Styczniki. I believe everyone

in the estimated crowd of about 100,000 who took part and/or attended this year’s biggestever Arts Fest was a winner, thanks to the nearly perfect weather and the amazing selection of artworks and crafts in every possible medium, from handmade jewelry to oil, watercolor and acrylic paintings to hand-made chairs and so much more that yours truly ended up supporting three of the artists on hand by purchasing not only three framed rock music illustrations for our office, but also an incredible, handmade Albert Einstein puppet (below left) for GM Nikki Bennett and even some hand-carved (of wood), hand-painted birds of paradise (below right) for my mom. I also again came away impressed with the beautiful sidewalk chalk art displays, the great children’s art areas, the “Random Acts for Art” entertainment stage and so much more. Among the events that weekend I didn’t get to shoot were the high school “emerging” artist displays, the Duncan McClellan Glass Etching Experience and even a “Phoneography” contest sponsored by Rasmussen College. For more Arts Festival in-

formation, please visit SuncoastArtsFest.com.

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‘Suncoast Arts Fest’ Continued from page 25

Although the 2015 Arts Fest itself was again a smashing success, I don’t believe that enough of the throngs of people who marched up and down the mall’s Paseo Dr. all weekend made it out to the WCCC’s “Arts & Business Showcase” on Piazza Ave. on Saturday. Pictured on this page are a couple of the businesses who advertise with us who also participated in the business showcase, which I hope will somehow be able to join the artists on Paseo Dr. next year so they can get the benefit of all of that foot traffic. Again, for more pics from the festival, visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com.

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OTB Delight Café Celebrates A Delicious Year With A New Menu! By Gary Nager

It’s only been about a year since owner Dirson De Mesquita opened his “Only The Best” (OTB) Delight Café directly across Bruce B. Downs Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, but in that short time, the hard-working owner and his always-friendly staff have built a nice local following. In fact, in addition to his Top-25 finish among our readers in our 2014 Reader Dining Survey & Contest and his much-better #6 finish in Wesley Chapel in my “Gary’s Favorites” for his first full year in business, Dirson also is extremely proud to be ranked #1 overall of nearly 100 restaurants in Wesley Chapel by TripAdvisor.com. It’s been an exciting year,” says Dirson, who recently unveiled a newly expanded menu and already has followed that up with an exciting new dinner menu, all with the same type of fresh, wholesome ingredients — many of which are organic — which has made his available-all-day menu so popular.

Amazing Breakfast!

I know not everyone believes the way I do that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if you enjoy any of OTB’s outstanding breakfast items, it may at least be the most delicious meal of the day for you. “We crack real farm-fresh, locally

sourced eggs from cage-free hens fed an all-vegetarian diet,” Dirson says. “Plus, all of our vegetables are locally grown and certified organic, whenever possible.” My favorite of the breakfast items — “Omelette’ing You Go,” is a threeegg monster and you can add up to three Among our office’s favorite items at OTB Café on BBD Blvd. across fillings, including from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel are the Shanghai chicken rice not only cheddar bowl (above) and our editor’s favorite Artisan burger. (right). or provolone but also Havarti, bleu or Expanded Lunch Selection! pepper Jack cheese, plus baby spinach, You can’t go wrong at the home tomatoes, mushrooms, black olives, of my fourth favorite place for lunch in diced ham and turkey and more. New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. OTB’s Another breakfast favorite is the expanded new menu features every“Good Morning Ciabatta,” which is thing from a variety of great “Lettuce overflowing with eggs your way, some Entertain You” salads, different-eachof the best turkey bacon I’ve ever tasted, day “Soup for You” soups, “Rice, Rice fresh tomato, avocado and provolone Baby” salad-and-rice bowls, “Too Hot on a grilled multi-grain ciabatta roll. to Handle” hot sandwiches, “Bodacious But, whether you choose one of Burritos” and “Funky Cold Cucina” those or OTB’s breakfast burrito, veggie cold sandwiches. breakfast wrap or “Wake Up Turkey!,” My favorite salads, hands down, you’ll get a side of oatmeal, fresh fruit are the “Asian Orange Ahi,” which has or sliced tomatoes and my suggestion is romaine lettuce, perfectly seared ahi to enjoy it with OTB’s dark roast Java tuna, Mandarin orange slices, toasted or house coffee (my third favorite coffee almonds, sprouts and more with my fain New Tampa & Wesley Chapel). vorite (at OTB) sesame ginger dressing;

and the “Seared Steak Delight,” which offers seared slices of grass-fed steak atop mixed greens (arugula, grilled onions and bleu cheese crumbles, which I get those on the side) and a zesty balsamic dressing. Other salads include the Mediterranean spinach, southwestern chicken, shrimp Louis, blackened portabella Caesar and “Salmon Gone Wild.” My favorite OTB rice bowl is the Shanghai chicken, which also features the sesame ginger dressing, although the Rio Rancho chicken and “Kitchen Sink” vegan (no cheese) salads also are popular, both in our office and among OTB’s customers. My favorite hot sandwich is still the amazing grass-fed Artisan burger (my third favorite burger in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel for 2014; try it with

Check out breakfast at OTB Café with the huge and outstanding three-egg omelettes stuffed with your choice of ingredients (left) or the “Good Morning Ciabatta” breakfast sandwich (center). The new Santa Ana chicken (right) is just one of several great new dinner entrées available at OTB Café.

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Other favorites at OTB Café also include (clockwise from above left): The “Asian Orange Ahi” s& “Seared Steak Delight” salads, the vegan “Kitchen Sink” rice bowl and the chipotle club sandwich. provolone cheese), although the “San Diego Chicken,” “Shrimp Po’ Boy,” veggie burger and “wild caught” salmon burger also are popular selections. I’m not too big on burritos, but Dirson says that the “Veggin’ Out,” “Santa Fe shrimp” and both chicken burritos all get high marks from his customers, especially for the organic jasmine rice, whole wheat tortillas and side of sesame slaw, which is still my favorite side dish at OTB Café. As for the cold sandwiches, my fave is the Chipotle Club, which is piled high with turkey, ham, turkey bacon with cheddar cheese and a semi-spicy chipotle aioli. I always ask for extra sauce, ‘cause it rocks. I hear vegetarians love the “Cool Hand Cuke” sandwich, too.

And Now, Dinner, Too!

Dirson literally rolled out his new dinner menu only two weeks before we went to press with this issue, so I have only had a chance to sample two of the great new selections, including my favorite, the new OTB sirloin, which is again a grass-fed top sirloin served with jasmine rice and mixed veggies. The steak is a thick “baseball cut,” which is very juicy and nicely seasoned. The meal includes a house or Caesar salad, delicious sautéed spinach and jasmine rice. Other dinner additions are the “Salmon Gone Wild” entrée with homemade pesto sauce, steak with balsamic caramelized onions and my other new favorite, the “Chicken Ana Bella,” a free-range chicken in a delicate, light

Monday & Thursday Only

and dinner. For info, call 973-8880, visit OTBDelightCafe.com (online ordering available) or see the ad on page 55 for some great money-saving coupons. And, be sure to tell Dirson and his crew that you read about them in the New Tampa Neighborhood News!

We Deliver!

LADIES NIGHTS

cream sauce with broccoli and tomatoes served over jasmine rice. And of course, OTB Delight Café also has amazing catering, plus a new line of sugar- and gluten-free cupcakes, cookies and more for dessert and even very reasonably priced beer and wine. In other words, if you’re not already a big fan of OTB Delight Café, I suggest you check it out today! OTB Delight Café (2653 BBD) is open every day for breakfast, lunch

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The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

Chili’s To Open Feb. 16!

If you’ve been looking forward to the opening of Wesley Chapel’s newest “neighborhood” bar, the wait is almost over. A spokesperson for Brinker International, the parent company for Chili’s, says that the new location (located in front of the Wesley Chapel Walmart on S.R. 54, directly adjacent to Applebee’s) is scheduled to open on Monday, February 16. The new Chili’s (photo) has online “Ziosks” at every table, great flatscreen TVs and some new menu items, so it’s certain to make S.R. 54 more of a dining destination for local residents. For more info, visit Chilis.com. Please tell our friends at Chili’s that you read about them in the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News!

Buffalo Wild Wings Eyes Mid-June Opening

The chicken wings are coming. And if you’re one of the first 100 in the door, you could be chowing down on free wings for an entire year. Popular sports, beer and wing spot Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) officially broke ground on the chain’s S.R. 56 loca-

Bank Of America Coming To Wiregrass Ranch

Bank of America customers living in Wesley Chapel along S.R. 54, could have another option when it comes to where they manage their money this summer, as the national banking giant is set to build a new location on the northern edge of the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI). According to the Pasco County Development Review Committee (DRC), a site Inside the Wesley Chapel Chili’s. Photo by Matt Wiley and construction plan was approved January 20 for Bank of America to build a 3,685-sq.tion, just east of Cypress Ridge Blvd. (a half- ft. bank branch with a two-lane drivemile east of I-75), a few weeks back. BWW through on 1.34 acres adjacent to both spokesperson Mark Ansley says that if all Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. and Advanced Auto goes according to plan, the restaurant could Parts on S.R. 54 (near the new Walmart). be open by mid-June of this year. A Bank of America representative “We’re really excited about the (Wesley told the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Chapel) location,” Ansley says. “We’d been that construction should be under way by looking for years to get into the area. So, the time you’re reading this and that the when found this spot, we jumped on it.” planned completion date for the branch is Ansley says that the more-than-7,000late July-early August 2015, but he declined sq.-ft. location (with patio seating) will offer to release any more details. free wings to the first 100 patrons in the Documents indicate that the Bank of door the day it opens. Stay with the Wesley America site previously was approved for a Chapel Neighborhood News as we follow Wells Fargo banking branch, but that develthis development. oper pulled out in September of 2014.

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Dr. Levin Named FPMA Pres.

The Florida Podiatric Medical Association (FPMA) is proud to announce Dr. Stephen Levin of Tampa has been named 2015-16 President of the FPMA. The announcement was made on January 16, 2015 during the Association’s annual Science and Management Symposium in Orlando. Dr. Levin has two convenient locations to serve his patients (one in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center off Cypress Ridge Blvd. in Wesley Chapel and another on Euclid Ave. in South Tampa) and has been living and practicing in Tampa since 1998. Dr. Levin and his wife Diane have three children–David, Sam, and Sarah. The family resides in New Tampa, where they are proud sponsors of the Wharton High Music Boosters. Dr. Levin is Board-certified in Foot Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and served as President of the Hillsborough County Podiatric Medical Assn. for ten years. In 2005, he was selected as Young Practitioner of the Year by his fellow FPMA colleagues. Dr. Levin currently serves on the staff at Florida Hospital Tampa, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital North, Tampa

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General and the nearby New Tampa Surgery Center. For more info, call 973-3535 or visit NewTampaFootandAnkle.com.

Signarama Adds EmbroidMe

We regret that it has taken a couple of months for us to congratulate Signarama of New Tampa (located at 1821 BBD Blvd., next to Bella MedSpa) owner Beatriz Cardona-Hiller for opening an EmbroidMe franchise inside her Signarama location. “(Signarama) corporate has had our back from the minute we agreed to open a Signarama to our decision to join the EmbroidMe family (in Nov.),” Cardona-Hiller says. “Customers love the idea,too. For them, it provides great convenience to meet all their branding needs under one roof. For us, since we already know about each customer’s preferences and needs from business done with them in Signarama, we can

expedite the same process in EmbroidMe.” In 2012, Cardona-Hiller won both the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year and the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Medium Business of the Year awards; in 2013, she won the Pasco Economic Development Council Manufacturing Industry of the Year Award; and CardonaHiller also received accolades from Signarama for the success of her franchise, winning Gold Star Achievement awards because of the store’s outstanding sales volume. “The overwhelming success we had was motivating. But I knew we could do more,” says Cardona-Hiller. “Now, we provide everything you need to open and brand your business — from business cards to the sign on your building and more.” For more info, call 994-0101 or visit Signarama. com/fl-new-tampa-wesley-chapel— GN

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Dr. Bill Scheu *MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: CIGNA, MEDICARE, AETNA, UNITED, BCBS. THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE FOR ANY PAYMENT OR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE, SERVICE, EXAM, OR TREATMENT.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 4 • February 14, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HELP WANTED REAL ESTATE AGENT - Award-winning Real Estate team with an overflow of serious buyer leads is seeking to hire talented experienced and motivated full time real estate agents whose desire is to earn more money, expand their horizons and have a fulfilling life. Great training available.. Keller Williams Tampa Properties. Contact Annette with Team Bohannon (813) 431-2840. 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. 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. Please forward your resume to: Richard.Jones@solarusmedical.com. WING ZONE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR POSITIONS - Including shift leader, cooks, cashiers and delivery drivers. Wing Zone offers flexible scheduling, competitive pay wages, advancement opportunities and much more. Come join out team of flavorholics and wing lovers at Wing Zone. Applications are available at store location: 19062 Bruce B Downs. Corner of Cross Creek in the New Tampa Center. HAIRSTYLIST WANTED! Up-scale hair salon seeks hairstylist. Contact (813)994-9455 ROUTE SALES, MEDICAL Fills customer orders by driving to customer accounts within Florida; unloading and shelving product, inventory verification, order retreival. 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

Classifieds

HELP WANTED

Now Hiring! Growing insurance agency is seeking a licensed and experienced 4-40 customer service orientated and represent the agency with the highest ethical standard with a minimum 3 year industry experience. Contact (813)-994-1143 Pristine Dry Clean & Alterations now hiring customer service representative full time/part time positions; Saturday availability is a plus; Apply in person at 23388 State Road 54 Lutz, FL 33549 or contact by phone (813) 909-8222 or email PristineDryClean@outlook.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

DRY WALL SPECIALIST - Not just a ‘handyman.’ Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 26 years of experience Wesley Chapel resident. StateCertified. Call Ron for a free estimate at 784-5999. 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, walkways, roofs, gutters and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed & 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 (813) 994-5124. Offering pressure washing and screening services. Call Dale’s @ 973-0194 or 727-2582.

UPHOLSTERY- All types-Sofas, chairs, stools, pillows, select window treatments.For more info & pricing call Glen or Sheryl (813)-245-9719

HAIR & BEAUTY

SPACE AVAILABLE - Private suite in busy upscale Salon / SPA available for Hairstylist / Aesthetician / Massage Therapist / Tattoo Artist or Makeup Artist Located Behind Sam’s club on SR 56 / Bruce B. Downs, near Wiregrass Mall. Equipped with wireless internet, wash/dryer, wheelchair access washroom, reception area. 24 x 7 accesses to your suite. Few equipment provided Utility, maintenance included in rent. Lowest rent in the Area. If you have established clientele, opportunity to work on commission basis as well. Call 813-997-3414 for more information.

CLEANING SERVICES

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710. Power House Cleaning Services - Offering Residential cleaning for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly & occasional. Services available: one time, deep cleaning, move in / move outs, Real Estate, Holiday and Event cleaning. Owner Operator with Personal Care! Personal Touch! For scheduling or a free in home estimate Call (813) 356-8287 or e-mail phcservices1@gmail.com. Try Power House Cleaning Services - you will be powerfully pleased! Tampa Clean Maid Service - a residential cleaning service with flexible scheduling, offering basic and custom cleaning weekly, bi-weekly and monthly service. For more information, Call 813-502-9452. Joy’s Cleaning- Honest, reliable, excellent references, supplies furnished. 20 years of experience. Call Joy at (813)-562-4890

______FINANCIAL SERVICES_____ Bookkeeping, Tax, Payroll and business support services for small businesses. Let us help with ALL your business needs so you can focus on growing your business and delivery! Experienced, business- minded professionals consisting of CPAs, Accountants, MST, experienced professionals. References available. Call us 813-922-5234 or visit our website at: www.bertramclark.com/accountingservices.html

EDUCATION / BABYSITTING TUTORING - Infinite Edge is located in Tampa Palms & offers tutoring in all subjects, including Math, English & SAT, ACT & FCAT tests, 1st-12th grade. We also offer AP classes and last year, our students scored a 5 on any AP subject in which we helped. Please call (813) 971-6500. Great Hope Preschool - We offer preschool for ages 6 weeks to 12 years. We accept the ELC School Readiness program, offer FREE VPREK and offer multi child discounts. New owner and renovated classrooms. Now enrolling all age groups. Infants-Afterschool. Mention this ad and receive 1/2 off enrollment fees. TOUR TODAY!!! 30126 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 813-929-6276 or 813-323-8030. PIANO LESSONS/TUTORING-Located in Live Oak Preserve for children, teens, and adults. I am a highly qualified/certified Florida teacher specializing in piano, music theory, language arts, reading, writing, geography, elementary math, beginning Spanish, and FCAT/test preparation. Mention this ad and receive your first session for FREE! Now scheduling for 2015!!! Contact Mrs. Daley at 813-468-1424 to reserve your spot!

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, sod replacement, and pressure washing. 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. TAMPA LAWN SALON, INC. has been providing New Tampa & Wesley Chapel residents service for more than 10 yrs! We not only provide weekly landscape maintenance but are also licensed in pest control. Our services include: Lawn & Ornamental Fertilization, Pest Control, Landscape Design, Landscape & Sod Installation, Lawn & Landscape Maintenance, Landscape Lighting, Irrigation, Pressure Washing. Please call us for an estimate at (813) 417-7301 & ask us about our FREE irrigation inspection!

CASH NOW

TURN YOUR CLUTTER INTO CASH - Garage and estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it for you online! We evaluate and appraise your products then get you top dollar. We do the work you get the cash. Ask me how. Contact Mary at (813) 428-5793.

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.

MISCELLANEOUS

Are you looking for a relationship? Are you 20-80 years old and single? Call Tampa Bay’s ONLY Certified Matchmaker and Life Coach to schedule your complimentary consultation. Our clients are ready to meet you! (813) 907-0410 or www.TampaBayMatchMakers.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 email Wsica@wsica.com today!

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 4 • February 14, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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POOL SERVICES

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! Licensed, bonded and insured. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today at (813) 8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. 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.

PET SERVICES

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

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 4 • February 14, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Operation Homefront Provides Veteran Couple With Home In Wesley Chapel By Matt Wiley

Purchasing a home can be a stressful experience for any family, especially the first one. Luckily for one Wesley Chapel couple, Operation Homefront and Wells Fargo have teamed up to thank them for their service to our country, so they won’t have to worry about mortgage payments, only the memories they’ll make. On January 27, Michael and Danielle Morlock Barone officially moved into their four-bedroom, two bath, 1,500-sq.-ft. home in the Bridgewater community of Wesley Chapel, located off Curley Rd. While there might still be boxes lining the walls and filling the garage, the couple says that they’re thrilled to have the first home they can call their own. “This is our first home that’s an actual house and not an apartment or military dorm,” Michael says. “It’s super nice. It’s more than we expected and more than we ever could have imagined. It’s like a brand-new home.” Built in 2006, the home was a foreclosure that belonged to Wells Fargo, which donated the home to Operation Homefront’s “Homes on the Homefront” program, which provides homes free of charge to honorably discharged veterans who have never owned a home. Operation Homefront spokesperson Jason Moody says that more than 8,000 applications have been received and 450 mortgage-free homes have been awarded to veterans since the program’s inception in 2012, with 130 awarded nationwide

MARCH 15, 2015

in 2014 alone. Once a home is awarded, Moody explains, the veteran or family that moves in must be committed to living in and maintaining the home for at least two years (including paying all applicable taxes and homeowners association fees), after which it is deeded to them. Michael says that it’s a lot of space to start out with, but that he and Danielle won’t have trouble filling it. What will begin as a computer room and spare bedroom could be transformed into kids rooms. The computer room will be getting lots of use, Michael says, as both he and Danielle currently are working on graduate certificates in mental health at the University of South Florida Tampa’s campus. The two already hold B.S. degrees in Criminology from the University of Tampa and both plan to officially begin graduate school in the fall at USF to earn their Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees. Michael and Danielle both originally are from Chicago, but never met while living there. It wasn’t until they both enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and were stationed in Albuquerque, NM, as military police personnel at the same time that they got to know each other. After receiving honorable discharges, they decided to move to Tampa. “I had come (to Tampa) as a kid a few times, so I felt like I knew a little bit about it,” Michael explains. “We almost moved to California, but it was too expensive. The military showed me traveling and that there’s a lot more to the world than just

being ‘home.’” He says that a veteran first told him about the “Homes on the Homefront” program while the two were attending a kayaking event in Weeki Wachee for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps provide aid and support programs to wounded vets. Michael & Danielle Morlock Barone moved into their mortgage-free home Michael says he and from Operation Homefront’s ‘Homes On The Homefront’ program in Danielle applied and Bridgewater on January 27. were in the running for another home in Tampa, but didn’t end up being the chosen recipients. Wanting to Great Hope Preschool stay in Tampa Bay, Michael says he saw the home in Bridgewater and they decided to give it a try again. “I knew Wesley Chapel was right outside of Tampa, so we applied and ended up $ $11 0 receiving the home,” he says. Week0 The couple says that they’ve already ly Ages met some of their neighbors, who dropped 2-5 Y ears off some pies. “We just really want to thank Operation Homefront and Wells Fargo for NOW ENROLLING this opportunity,” Michael says. “It’s the New Owner - Renovated Classrooms first time we’ve owned a home and we’re Infants - School Age going to use it to our advantage and try to 813-929-6276 give back to the community.” 30126 SR 54, Wesley Chapel For more information about Operation Homefront, please visit OperationHALF OFF ENROLLMENT Homefront.net. #CO6PA0267

MARCH 15, 2015

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 4 • February 14, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 4 • February 14, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 4 • February 14, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews