Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 24, Issue 4, Feb. 12, 2016 by Neighborhood News

Volume 24 Issue 4

Inside: Did You Miss Our ‘222’ Speakeasy Party?

February 12, 2016

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Wesley Chapel & Central Pasco Chambers Dueling Over WC Blvd. By John C. Cotey It’s just a 3.5-mile planned stretch of road running from S.R. 56 south to County Line Rd. through the Cypress Creek Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI), which has lots of progress on one side and undeveloped land on the other, but for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) CEO and the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, (CPCC) the road — an only partially built extension of what is now called (on public street signs) Wesley Chapel (WC) Blvd. — stands for a lot more than just some new pavement. The WCCC and CEO Hope Allen believe the road — like the entire Wesley Chapel area — is a big part of central and eastern Pasco’s future. But, to CPCC Board member Sandy Graves, the road — which she feels should be called something other than WC Blvd. — should serve as a tribute to the area’s past. The two sides are now awaiting a Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) decision that ultimately will decide if the road’s name should be changed or not. Graves, a longtime Land O’Lakes resident, is on the side arguing to have the stillunder-construction southern extension (southbound from S.R. 56) of what is already called Wesley Chapel Blvd. (Note-it also is the only roadway we’ve seen labeled “C.R. {or County Road} 54 South”), renamed “Circle O Ranch Parkway” to more accurately reflect the area through which the remaining three miles of the WC Blvd. extension will run. There already is a portion of that extension that is open to traffic, but it is only a half-mile long and currently mainly provides an alternative entrance to the existing Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO). To that end, Graves and other Land O’Lakes and Lutz residents asked the county to change the name of Wesley Chapel Blvd. and, on Jan. 19, the BCC voted to continue the item to a future date (that had not yet been set at our press time), to allow for consideration of alternative names to Circle O Ranch Pkwy. Allen says she didn’t know anything about the BCC meeting until she got a Google alert two days after the story was posted on the Tampa Tribune website TBO.com. She says she was surprised that she hadn’t heard about the meeting before it happened and that the name change could have been voted on that day. Even developer Bob Sierra said he also was surprised, although he told the Tampa Tribune he did find the time to rush to the meeting. Graves said there was nothing sneaky about the meeting – a public notice was posted in the printed editions of the Tribune and she claims the Land O’Lakes-Lutz plans had been in the news, although she did not elaborate as to what news media may have aired or written a story about the meeting. Besides, she claimed, it was more notice than her community got in 2004 when Wesley Chapel Blvd. sprouted along S.R. 54 “in the middle of the night,” according to Graves.

The ongoing debate between the Greater Wesley Chapel and Central Pasco Chambers of Commerce has its first new battleground since the “Wesley Chapel” sign that previously marked an area located on property with a Lutz address (right) was taken down. The two chambers are now debating what the southbound extension of Wesley Chapel Blvd. (near the Tampa Premium Outlets, or TPO) should be named. Back then, Graves and people in the Land O’Lakes-Lutz community thought the road was going to be named Worthington Gardens Blvd., but it ended up as Wesley Chapel Blvd. “I don’t know how that happened,’’ Graves says. “We were all very shocked. The county needs to do the right thing this time.” This isn’t the first time Graves has tangled with a Wesley Chapel sign. In 2013, the Florida Department of Transportation put up a green “Wesley Chapel” placemaker (photo on this page) sign a few hundred feet west of where Wesley Chapel Blvd. begins that was clearly on land in Lutz’s 33559 U.S. Postal Service zip code. Graves fought for eight months until the sign was eventually removed. Both sides will get their chance to make their arguments for and against the WC Blvd. name. At our press time, Pasco BCC chair/ Dist. 3 Comm. Kathryn Starkey was to have met with both sides. Meanwhile, Allen says that the dispute over the roadway, from her perspective, should be less about geographic borders and more about the thriving and ever-expanding number of businesses that are located on and near it. “Our Board of Directors believes that we are entitled to just as much conversation with the county as the other people who have petitioned this,” Allen says. “We have businesses that have a strong interest in (all of) Wesley Chapel Blvd. remaining as it is.” Allen says changing the name of the road could impact the businesses along that corridor by creating an intersection which would then need to include signs for S.R. 56, C.R. 54, S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel Blvd. and whatever new name is chosen for the southern extension. “It is our (the WCCC’s) position that

there not be an unnecessary change,” Allen says. “If it is a wanted change that has gone through a process, we will support that. But, we want to make sure the businesses in this area have the chance to voice their opinions, too.” While TPO and businesses now under construction like Costco and Culver’s today have Lutz zip codes, Allen says those businesses were sold as “being in Wesley Chapel” and being on or near Wesley Chapel Blvd. helps them market themselves as such. In fact, she says, most of the marketing and advertising materials of nearby businesses use the name Wesley Chapel Blvd. “Wesley Chapel has a brand, and a name that is appealing to business,’’ Allen says. Graves says Land O’Lakes and Lutz have a brand as well. “It’s about identity, it’s about branding for us, too,’’ Graves says. “It’s about our history and our reality. This is about the county that did something for one area at the expense of another.” The disagreement over Wesley Chapel Blvd. may have re-sparked an even bigger debate over community boundaries. Graves also claims that Wesley Chapel’s boundaries appear to be malleable and based on incorrect census maps, and as a result continue to encroach on Land O’Lakes and Lutz. “It’s a bigger issue,’’ Graves says. “We have a right to have a brand, too. You can’t create a map for your own agenda and expect people to say, ‘Okay, I’ll give all that up’” As an example, much of the burgeoning development in the S.R. 56 corridor is credited as being located in Wesley Chapel even though all of the property located west of I-75 on both sides of S.R. 56 have Lutz addresses, meaning they have Lutz’s 33559 zip code.

Pasco officials have said the BCC will address the boundaries prior to considering a name change for Wesley Chapel Blvd. Meetings will be scheduled with the Land O’Lakes and Wesley Chapel communities and coordinated with the county’s Planning & Development Department in the hopes of bringing forward a boundary recommendation to the Board in March or April. Allen says the WCCC also would like to see the boundaries of Wesley Chapel more clearly defined. Comm. Starkey is hosting a Town Hall meeting on Thur, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (20735 Leonard Rd., Lutz). It would be great to have some Wesley Chapel folks in attendance for that open-to-the-public event.

Also Inside This Issue:

News, Business & Sports Updates

Kinnan-Mansfield Link On The Table Again; S.R. 56 Extension Approved & Lots Of Local Business Features!

Pages 1-30

Neighborhood Magazine

OTB Delight Café Celebrates A Delicious Year & Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 31-44

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New Tampa Rotary To Re-Launch ‘The Taste Of New Tampa’ In 2017! An editorial by Gary Nager It’s official! The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) has agreed to allow the Rotary Club of New Tampa — which meets Friday mornings for breakfast at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club and which celebrated its 20th anniversary last month — to “take over” and resurrect the Taste of New Tampa, which was last held in Primrose Park in Tampa Palms in 2014. The WCCC took over the right to put on the Taste in Feb. 2015, when the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce agreed to be Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce CEO absorbed by the Wesley Chapel Chamber. Hope Allen (left) and Rotary Club of New Less than a year later, with the WCCC Tampa media rep Karen Frashier met with our already having divested itself of its other editor earlier this month to discuss the Rotary major event — the Wesley Chapel Fall FestiClub’s possible “adoption” of the Taste of New Tampa. That arrangement was finalized on val (by turning it over to an event company) Jan. 21, when the Rotary Board unanimously — WCCC CEO Hope Allen was happy voted to take over and revive the Taste. to meet with New Tampa Rotary media honcho Karen Frashier earlier this month “Our Board members were very exto discuss the possibility of the Rotary Club cited to move ahead with this opportunity taking over what had been (for 20 years) to revive a very popular community event the premier single-day event held in (and for our area,” Zajac said following the vote. around) New Tampa. OK, So...When? I am proud to say that I helped Zajac’s term as New Tampa Rotary facilitate and sat in on that meeting, where president ends on July 1 of this year, when the two reached an agreement in principal Wolford assumes the reins of the club. that Frashier brought back to current New Tampa Rotary president Lesley Zajac, presi- Sometime between now and then, after the agreement has been finalized, Wolford dent-elect Brice Wolford and the rest of the says it makes sense for the Rotary to host club’s Board. The vote was unanimous, but an initial meeting — that we will prowhile the agreement and trademark transfer mote in these pages — to find out who is still have to be finalized — “dotting all of interested (in addition to yours truly) in the ‘i’s and crossing all of the ‘t’s,” as Zajac being involved in what promises to be a called it — the good news is that there will six-to-eight-month plan to revive the event again be a Taste of New Tampa.

sometime in March (and no later than early April) 2017, at a site also to be determined. That means the planning stage won’t start in earnest until Wolford takes over the presidency and the long-time New Tampa Rotarian says he’s excited to add a new spring-time event to pair with the club’s annual “Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot 5K,” the major annual fall event the club has hosted the last three years. The Taste also will replace the New Tampa Rotary PigFest, which the New Tampa “Breakfast” Club ran for eight years,

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

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

Correction From Last Issue

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

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Table of Contents Local News Updates...............4-17 Kinnan-Mansfield Connector Getting New Life?.......4 S.R. 56 Extension Approved By County......................6 Former Green Beret Offers Helping Hand..............8 Busy Week For Nocco With Sting Arrests & More....10 Dr. Bonnie Clark Named New Provost At PHSC......12 Saying So Long To PHSC Provost Dr. Stan Giannet....13

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Wesley Chapel Business Briefs...................14 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar...............16

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 24, Issue 6, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, February 29, 2016. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

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

Local Business Updates..........18-25

Medi-Weightloss Clinic Delivers Great Results.........18 The Legacy At Highwoods Preserve Asstd. Living...20 Pura Cycling Can Help You Live The ‘Pura Vida’....22 Inland Homes Building In New Oak Creek Phase.....24

Local Sports Updates.................28-29

WRH Boys Tennis Tries To Make It 3 Straight..........28 Four WRH Girls Soccer Players Sign College LOIs...29

GUIDANCE • PERSONALIZATION • SOLUTIONS

Neighborhood Magazine.....31-44

Recapping Our ‘222’ Speakeasy Party.............31, 42 Wesley Chapel Resident Is A Master Of Fine Art......32 2016 Suncoast Arts Festival Recap......................34 OTB Café — New Look, Same Great Menu...........36 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........38

WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS....40

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Here We Go Again — Politicians Again Debating Kinnan St./Mansfield Blvd. Link By John C. Cotey

The infamous and befuddling barricades (photo) blocking Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe from Kinnan St. in the KBar Ranch/Live Oak Preserve area of New Tampa continue to stand as the area’s most notorious roadblock. But, whereas the barricades themselves have had zero movement in years, that can no longer be said of talks to remove them. Pasco County District 2 commissioner Mike Moore and Hillsborough County District 7 City Council member Lisa Montelione sat down for a conversation last month and the two have agreed to re-open discussions to resolve the long-standing Kinnan-Mansfield impasse. “Lisa and I met and had a great conversation,’’ Moore said. “We agreed to sit down with both of our sides either the first or second week in March. Obviously, there’s a lot of work to get through, but we both agree we want to do what is best for the region and the citizens.” Montelione placed tackling the Kinnan/Mansfield dilemma — which, if resolved, would give Wesley Chapel and New Tampa drivers an alternative north/south route to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (and the two-lane Morris Bridge Rd.) — on her list of things to do in 2016. She sent a letter, dated Jan. 21, to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in the hopes of sparking a new debate. Moore, however, already had agreed to meet with Montelione before the letter even arrived. He said his first priority has been seeing that the S.R. 56 extension was approved (see page 6), but once that was settled, he was going to set his sights on Kinnan/Mansfield. “There are a lot of people for (the Kinnan-Mansfield connection),’’ he said, “but a lot of people have concerns.” Moore said he will be accompanied at the meeting by Pasco County administrator Michelle Baker, assistant county attorney David Goldstein and Ali Atefi, Pasco’s transportation engineer.

A Scary Situation...

In her letter to the Pasco BCC, Montelione laid out the human side of the City of Tampa’s case for removing the barricades. She wrote that in early November of 2015, K-Bar Ranch (located off Morris Bridge Rd.

in New Tampa, just south of the Pasco line) resident Otto Schloeter was cooking lunch for his family when a pan caught fire and severely burned his arm. The 9-1-1 call from a cell phone ended up going to a tower in Wesley Chapel. The Pasco County 9-1-1 Dispatch Center transferred the call to Hillsborough County Fire Dispatch, which then alerted the wrong Hillsborough County station — nearly 20 miles away — in Thonotasassa, when there are two Tampa Fire Rescue stations (Nos. 21 & especially 22, which is only a mile or so from Morris Bridge Rd.) on Cross Creek Blvd. that are both only a few minutes away from K-Bar. Hillsborough County’s fire truck eventually made it to Schloeter’s, and called in a Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance. Due to the confusion, it took nearly two hours to get an actual ambulance to Chloeter and get him from his home in New Tampa to the emergency room at Tampa General Hospital. While Montelione suggests that more updated emergency responder technology be implemented near the border of New Tampa (which has both unincorporated Hillsborough and City of Tampa communities) and Wesley Chapel, she also says that the pathways that should be connecting counties and cities should be open and as easily accessible as possible. If Kinnan St. and Mansfield Blvd. had been connected, Montelione wrote, Pasco County Emergency Service Station 26 in Meadow Pointe would have been recognized as the closest station: “With the mutual aid agreement between our governments, I believe it is fair to say that the completion of this road could have prevented Mr. Schloeter from waiting 45 minutes for emergency responders.” A similar argument was put forward in 2012 by John Thrasher, the CEO of Excel Music (located in the Cory Lake Isles

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Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd.). Thrasher organized and submitted a petition with 61 signatures representing roughly 40 businesses on both sides on the county line, to the City of Tampa attorney’s office urging for the completion of the Kinnan/ Mansfield connection. “This is not only about commerce and convenience, but in an area of wildfires, sinkholes, floods and hurricanes, it is a matter of public safety to provide citizens with as many routes as possible in and out of an area,” Thrasher wrote. The issue of connecting Kinnan St. to Mansfield Blvd has been mired in dispute since the 2,000-ft.-long roadway was paved north to the county line in 2007 by the developer of Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa.

In November of 2012, Goldstein reached out to the City of Tampa attorney’s office about Kinnan/Mansfield and laid out of a list of Pasco’s requirements — which included a commitment from the City and/ or K-Bar to pay for traffic-calming improvements at the intersection of Mansfield Blvd. and Beardsley Dr. (which runs along the southern border of Meadow Pointe), as well as at Mansfield Blvd. and Wrencrest Dr. to the north, with a funding commitment by Pasco capped at no more than $500,000. Those requirements were rejected by Julia Mandell, senior assistant attorney for the City of Tampa, in February of 2013. Thrasher’s petition a month later also failed to bring about any action. One of Pasco’s requirements from 2012, however, could be part of any new 2016 negotiations. Pasco asked for four lanes of right of way, or land on which to construct the “Beardsley Extension,” which would link Beardsley Dr. east to Morris Bridge Rd. and take some of the traffic pressure off Mansfield Blvd. Montelione did not comment on the specifics of the Beardsley Dr. request from 2012, but is open to the extension if the two sides can agree to terms. She did say that it seems unlikely that a Kinnan/Mansfield agreement can be negotiated without the Beardsley Extension being a part of the deal. Moore says that after years of failed attempts, though, he has hopes for success in 2016. “I feel good about it,’’ he says.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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

By John C. Cotey Pasco County District 2 Commissioner and Wesley Chapel resident Mike Moore could barely hide his joy as the long-awaited vote to approve funding to extend S.R. 56 neared. “It’s been a long time coming,” Comm. Moore told his fellow commissioners and those in attendance just moments before the vote was taken. “It’s a perfect example of a public-private partnership done right.” A few minutes later, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously on Jan. 12 to approve funding to extend S.R. 56 from Meadow Pointe Blvd. to U.S. Hwy. 301/S.R. 41, a planned 6.13-mile roadway that has caused a great deal of consternation the past few years. What was once discussed as a two-lane road will now go forward as a four-lane project using a $22.7-million loan from the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB), which provides revolving investment funds for surface transportation projects. Construction on the S.R. 56 extension is expected to begin this fall.

Developers Pitching In

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

A Boon To The Local Economy

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

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

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

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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

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New Tampa Couple Fights To Help The Injured ‘Stay In Step’ Romy was hooked up to countless wires and machines, a ventilator so he could Romulo “Romy” Camargo rolls past breathe, and he was lucky to be alive. The Derrik Amarral, who is working hard with bullet had shattered his C3 vertebrae. He physical therapists to bring legs that were was paralyzed from the shoulders down. damaged in a car accident back to life. Doctors said he would never breathe on his “Come on, Derrik,’’ Romy encourages own, but Romy is always proud to say he Amarral. “Let’s go!” proved them wrong. Across the room, 69-year-old VietDoctors also told him he would never nam War veteran William Stevens is lifting walk again. Romy told a weighted bar, screamGaby the doctors were ing loudly as his personal wrong on that claim as trainers urge him on. well, as he continues to Meanwhile, Gabristrive towards his goal of ella (“Gaby”) Camargo, one day getting out of his Romy’s wife, smiles as she wheelchair forever. looks out from her office. Thus began the At the Stay in Step toughest mission of the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Green Beret’s life. Recovery Center in TamHe spent 18 months pa, a 5,000-sq.-ft. haven at Walter Reed before he for paraplegics, quadriplecould leave. Shortly theregics and those who have after, he petitioned the suffered traumatic brain Surgeon General of the injuries, it is not uncomU.S. Army for permission mon to see Romy trying to try an aggressive treatto fire up those fighting ment to help him recover. through a workout. In May of 2011 in LisConveniently located bon, Portugal, he became Romy Camargo in the University Center the first active duty service Drive Business Park off N. member to receive Olfactory Mucosa Auto30th St. (near both the University of South grafts, where stem cells from the base of his Florida and the James A. Haley Veteran’s nose were used to stimulate the recovery of Hospital), Romy and Gaby are reaching be- his injured spine. yond just service to wounded war veterans. Romy couldn’t distinguish temperaSo Amarral, a civilian who drives from Spring tures and tell if the weather was hot or cold Hill, works side-by-side with Stevens, a mili- before the surgery, but he could after the tary vet. “It’s very important people know treatment. It was a big moment. Since that that this is for military and civilians,” Gaby surgery four-plus years ago, he says he has says. had no setbacks and he has seen great imRomy — who served as the 2016 Gas- provement. The surgery, however, required parilla Parade of Pirates Grand Marshall on intensive rehabilitation. For two-and-a-half Jan. 30 — and Gaby have devoted their lives years, Romy drove to Longwood, FL, to to helping wounded warriors, many who work out at Project Walk Orlando. He says battle daily to remain viable and healthy de- the twice-a-week commute sometimes felt as spite having lost the use of their legs, their gruelling as the workouts, taking as long as arms and, in many cases, both. 4-5 hours round trip, but it was worth it. On Valentine’s Day (Sunday, Febru”It was a great place, it was awesome,’’ ary 14), 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m., All American Romy says. “And it made me stronger.” Music Productions is hosting the “Valentines For Veterans” benefit dinner at the Helping Others Do The Same Stone Chef Events facility in Ybor City. All Gaby, however, had an idea to start their proceeds go to support Romy and Gaby’s own facility, to do the same great work here Stay in Step Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non- in the Tampa Bay area. They began raising profit organization. money. As they approached the grand open“We can’t do what we do without the ing date of the Stay In Step SCI Recovery support of the community,’’ Gaby says. Center in June of 2015, Toyota contributed $300,000 to give the Camargos the $1.2 million total they needed to launch. Continuing To Serve... The center currently services roughly While on a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan in 2008, Chief Warrant Officer 20-30 clients with its action-based therapy 3 Romy Camargo and his fellow soldiers in and family- and team-oriented treatment, the Green Beret 7th Special Forces Group and the Camargos hope to have 50 patients were ambushed in Zabul Province by Tali- and even more someday. But, they also understand the trouble ban fighters. As they scrambled to dodge a hailstorm some have in paying for treatment, and that of rocket-propelled grenades and machine- everyone does not have the support and gun fire, a bullet smashed into the back of connections they had. One of Gaby’s goals this year is to begin a supplemental program, Romy’s neck. Bullets continued to fly as an emergen- to help pay for an hour or two of time for cy tracheotomy was performed on Romy, clients who can’t afford to pay. The money they hope to raise at the saving his life. The soldiers managed to repel the attack and get to safety, and Romy was Valentines for Veterans event will go towards flown to Germany and then to Walter Reed that cause, and they also recently received a National Military Medical Center in Wash- $300,000 donation from the U.S. Special ington, D.C. It was on Gaby’s birthday — Forces Charitable Foundation. “This is such September 19, 2008 — when he arrived at important work,” Gaby says, “that we want to take off some of the financial burden.” Walter Reed.

By John C. Cotey

Arbor Greene resident Romy Camargo and his wife, Gabriella, at the couple’s Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center in Tampa. Because of the seriousness of many of there, he says. The employees include lead the injuries they see, Romy and Gaby know trainer Steven Hill, the Special Forces medic how important it is for their patients to re- who performed the emergency tracheotomy main as active as possible despite their physi- that saved Romy’s life, and certified traincal limitations. The long-term process, they ers who are invested and passionate, Romy say, is as much mental as it is physical. While says. The center’s medical advisor is Dr. John Romy, who retired from the service after 20 Merritt, MD, one of Romy’s doctors at Walyears in October, doesn’t promise anyone ter Reed and the retired chief of the Spinal they will ever walk again, he does promise to Cord Injury Center at the Haley’s Veteran’s make them feel better and stronger, which Hospital. will improve their quality of life. Romy, who directs his hi-tech motor“It’s attitude,’’ he says. “Never give up. ized wheelchair (equipped with an iPad and These guys are happy to be here. They come iPhone that he operates with a mouth stick) and work out and they want to come more. that operates on sensors he can trigger via his That’s why we’re so thankful for the dona- headrest, couldn’t be happier to give back. tions we receive, so they can help with the He takes the greatest pleasure in seeing the financial burden. This is a family issue for same fight he has in those trying to recover, most of them.” — and pushing them even further. To that end, the Stay in Step facility Having circled the facility to give a doesn’t just boast top-of-the-line equipment tour, Romy looks back at Amarral and Ste— like the $115,000 RT600 that provides vens, whose progress continues to be marked electrical stimulation to patients working by decibels as he achieves a personal best in out in the standing position, or the $30,000 the weight he is hoisting. Romy motions his RT300 that does the same for those in a head towards them, offering more words of sitting position — it also has a playroom encouragement to both of them. stocked with books, art supplies and video Amarral looks over and smiles. games for children. For adults, there is a “These guys are awesome,’’ he says, home-like waiting area, designed like a liv- loudly. “This place is awesome.” ing room with comfortable furniture, comThe Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury puters with internet connections and warm Recovery Center is located at 10500 Unisurroundings. versity Center Dr., Suite 130, in Tampa. “Everything is state of the art,’’ Romy Visit StayInStep.org for more info. For says, proudly. about the “Valentines For Veterans” gala, That includes the people who work visit AllAmericanMusicEvents.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Sheriff Nocco Has A Busy Week! January was National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) ended the month by staging a two-day sting operation in Wesley Chapel that resulted in 20 arrests for prostitution and drug possession. PCSO used the Econo Lodge on S.R. 54 just west of I-75 as a staging ground for its sting operation, operating out of a handful of rooms to make a series of arrests. The Econo Lodge gave permission for PCSO to use its location. “The big issue for us was human trafficking, that’s what they were looking for,’’ said PCSO spokesman Eddie Daniels. “It’s an important, serious issue.” While the sting operation did not find any evidence of human or sex trafficking, it has been a point of emphasis for Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco’s department. Florida is third in the nation annually in cases of human trafficking (behind California and Texas), and nearby Hillsborough County is second to Orange County (Orlando area) in the state. According to a recent Neighborhood News story about trafficking as well as the PCSO website, there are roughly 300,000 cases of child sex trafficking reported every year, and it is estimated between 500,000 and 2 million people are trafficked annually worldwide, with an estimated 15-18,000 being trafficked into the U.S. each year. The proliferation of social media and websites have helped lead to more traffick-

ing, so the Sheriff’s Office used ads on a website to lure many of those arrested Jan. 29-31 to the Wesley Chapel motel. Among the 20 people arrested, two had Wesley Chapel addresses. The others were from as far away as Nova Scotia, Canada, and Ocala and Spring Hill, FL.—JCC

Sophia Presents Sheriff Nocco With $3.2K For K-9s! Wesley Chapel resident Sophia Contino (who was featured in our last issue) presents Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco with a check for $3,200 to help fund Kevlar vests for Nocco’s K-9 deputies. Sophia, whose father Jason works for Wesley Chapel Nissan, where Nocco held a fund raiser for his re-election campaign, has now raised nearly $6,000 in just a few months by selling lemonade at the dealership and other locations. ‘Sophia’s money will only be used for the K-9 unit, not my campaign,’ Nocco said. ‘I want to make that very clear.’— GN

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Dr. Bonnie Clark Named New Provost At Porter Campus Of PHSC By Celeste McLaughlin

A 17-year veteran of Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC), Bonnie Clark, Ed.D., M.S., has been named vice president of distance education/provost, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. The campus, located adjacent to Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) on Mansfield Blvd., opened just two years ago and is experiencing rapid growth. Before replacing the Porter Campus’ original Provost, Dr. Stanley Giannet, Ph.D. (see story on next page), last month, Dr. Clark was VP of Instruction and Provost of PHSC’s West campus, located in New Port Richey. Her many years at the school have included roles in both the student services side of PHSC’s operations (such as registration, advising and financial aid), as well as the academic side. Dr. Clark earned her Doctor of Education degree in College Leadership in 2013 from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, which she received in 1992 from Gannon University in Erie, PA, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Mercyhurst College, also in Erie, which she earned in 1984. She says she enjoyed her undergraduate experience so much that she wanted to work for Mercyhurst College after she graduated. “I love this atmosphere,” she recalls thinking, as she began her lifelong career in higher education. “Every job I’ve done has prepared me for the next one, and I’ve loved all my jobs,”

Dr. Clark says. “But, my favorite role was opening the Spring Hill campus of PHSC. Like Dr. Giannet did here at the Porter campus, I got the phenomenal opportunity to hire staff and really create a culture. Because the entire staff was starting something new, we really had the feeling of being tight-knit and ‘all in this together,’” she recalls. Clark says because the Porter Campus is so new, she senses a similar culture here. “I’ve only been here a couple of week,” she said at our press time, “but everyone has been so welcoming, and the people I’m meeting with seem very dedicated, and I’m pleased with their work.” As far as working at the Porter campus is concerned, she says, “It’s larger than the one I came from, and we’re growing by leaps and bounds. So, the challenges here are things like being sure we have enough classroom space and enough courses for our students.” She adds, “The student has to be the most important person here Dr. Bonnie Clark is the new VP of Diustance Education/ at PHSC,” explaining that without Provost of the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch of Pasco Hernando State College, located off S.R. 56. the students, there’s no need for the school to exist. After the age of 18-20 year olds, with many students students, the faculty members are the ones coming from Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Zephywho see the students every day and need to rhills, Land O’Lakes, and North Tampa (inbe supported, so Dr. Clark must be sure that cluding New Tampa). She says because the all faculty members have what they need to campus is so easy to get to from I-75 and do their jobs. S.R. 54, it may draw students away from Clark says PHSC has a high percentother campuses that aren’t as accessible.

She notes that about half the students at the campus are working toward an Associate of Arts degree, while others are working toward certificate programs such as nursing. PHSC’s Porter Campus offers both Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs. The campus also currently offers two bachelors degrees, a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing. PHSC meets the high demand for skilled nurses in the community by offering a fully online program where RNs can complete their BS degree. Dr. Clark says it was through meeting with community leaders that the school realized an online-only program would best suit the needs of the community. “I’m looking forward to meeting more people in the community,” she says, “and getting involved with the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and making connections.” She says that even though PHSC went from being a “community college” to a “state college” at about the time the Porter Campus opened, the school’s leadership has been careful to make sure that serving the local community remains a primary focus of activities at the Porter Campus. “Community is in our mission, even though it’s no longer in our name,” Dr. Clark says. The Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch of PHSC is located at 2727 Mansfield Blvd. For more information about all of the degree programs at the school, visit PHSC.edu.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Saying ‘Good Bye’ (Sort Of) To Former PHSC Provost Dr. Stanley Giannet By Gary Nager

Although we chatted several times since we first met a little less than two years ago, the picture on this page of Dr. Stanley Giannet, Ph.D., the now-former Provost of the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch of Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC), is how I remember him best — with a microphone in his hand, captivating anyone from his 3,000 or so students at the Porter Campus to emceeing the 2014 Wesley Chapel Rotary Spelling Bee, as he actually was in the photo. Thankfully, “Dr. Stan” (as I like to call him) isn’t gone forever or really gone at all — he simply got another job with PHSC. In January, Dr. Giannet assumed the role of Vice President of Academic Affairs & Faculty Development/College Provost for all of PHSC. In that new, “global” role, he says, “I am now overseeing curriculum and every element relevant to the academic programs at PHSC. “All of our campus provosts now report to and interface with me.” The good-bye part has to do with the fact Dr. Stan is now based at PHSC’s West Campus in New Port Richey. “But, I’ll have districtwide responsibilities, so I’m still involved in the academic programs and running all of the activities for all five PHSC campuses.” Even so, he admits, “The Porter Campus and the Wesley Chapel community are very dear and important to

me. We’ve done phenomenal things together and I’m proud to say that I know Dr. (Bonnie) Clark (see previous page) — whom I’ve worked with before (at PHSC’s North Campus in Brooksville) — will make sure that the Porter Campus continues to thrive.” He notes that Dr. Clark’s ascension Former PHSC Porter to VP of Distance Campus Provost Education for all Dr. Stanley Giannet. PHSC online programs now gives the school, “A true online division. I really look forward to working with her in her new role. It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of PHSC to grow.” Although it’s hard to not give Dr. Giannet a lot of the credit for the success of the Porter Campus, the former Honorary Mayor of Wesley Chapel and “Business Leader of the Year” for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce says that. “The team I’ve been fortunate to assemble is what has made {the campus} such a successful place. The team makes this beautiful campus — which is an architectural marvel — come to life. I will miss the team and, of course, the students.” He adds that he wants to express, “my

deepest gratitude to the Wesley Chapel community for the warm reception they’ve provided me and for the level of dynamism of this community.” The always-sharply-dressed and eloquent Dr. Giannet says that, the growth of the local business community will benefit not only the Wesley Chapel area itself but also the Porter Campus. “And, we know we will continue to grow and work hard to continue serving the needs of the business community in Wesley Chapel,” he says.

Hitting Some Highlights

Although he says he knew the Porter Campus — which graduated its first fouryear degree student last semester — would

be a success, Dr. Giannet was proud to have been part of the nearly doubling of the student population in two short years. “The Porter Campus had 3,000 students as of the last (Fall of 2015) semester,” he says. “We were happy to open with 1,800 students when we opened for the Spring 2014 semester.” Dr. Stan also says that PHSC’s Porter Campus still has two more phases of potential future expansion planned and room for that growth adjacent to the existing building. He notes that as he leaves the Wesley Chapel-based campus, “We have classes with very few gaps and very few spaces for more students, although the campus is not maxed out...at least not yet.”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Five Hotels, Another Movie Theater & NTBH Expansion On The Way

By John C. Cotey Where there is room to grow, there appears to be rooms growing, as the areas around the Tampa Premium Outlets, the Shops of Wiregrass mall, Florida’s soon-tobe-largest ice skating facility, a potential indoor sports facility and a host of other new retail projects is helping spur the growth of hotels and much-needed hotel rooms along S.R. 56 in the Wesley Chapel area. “We have five hotels moving through the permitting process,’’ Ed Caum, Pasco’s tourism manager said at our press time. Impact Properties is the latest looking to grab some of the expected hospitality dollars, with plans to build a six-story, 130room Hyatt Place-Wesley Chapel in the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI) on the west corner of S.R. 56 and Wesley Chapel Blvd., located at the east end of Sierra Center Rd. According to its website, Impact’s properties include the 255-room Westin Tampa Bay on the Courtney Campbell Causeway and the Castillo Real Resort in St. Augustine, FL, as well as the Cypress Ridge Professional Center on Cypress Ridge Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. The only hotel currently serving the S.R. 56 corridor is the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa-Wesley Chapel off S.R. 56 (next to the under-construction Florida Hospital Center Ice {FHCI} facility), which has 94 guest rooms. Overall, the county’s hotel occupancy rate is around 70 percent, said Caum. “If we’re at 75 percent capacity, new development will happen,’’ he said. “That’s why we’re seeing the development.” Caum said the average daily rate of a hotel room in Pasco County in December was $82.79, an increase from last year’s average of $78.29. In 2015, Pasco County reached a new “Bed Tax” high, collecting $968,263 between October 1, 2014 and September 31, 2015. Here are the hotels on the way on and near S.R. 56: • Brightwork Real Estate is planning to build a 100-room hotel at the northwest corner of S.R. 54 and Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Land O’Lakes, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets. • A Holiday Inn Express & Suites will be built just east of I-75, west and south of the Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI) that is planned to open later this year. The

Holiday Inn will have 80 rooms. • A Hilton Garden Inn has been proposed for S.R. 56 and Silver Maple Pkwy. in the Wiregrass Ranch DRI, east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. The Hilton will be six stories tall and will have 125 rooms. • A 92-room Fairfield Inn & Suites is expected to complement the potential indoor sports complex in the Wiregrass Ranch DRI, which we’ve reported about several times over the last year or so. Caum said the Urban Land Institute, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit research and education organization that focuses on land use and real estate development, issued a report two years ago saying that Pasco would experience an annual growth in hotel rooms of about 75 a year through 2020. “And, we are bearing that out,’’ Caum says. The reason for the growth is due in part, Caum says, to the county’s waiving of transportation fees for builders, saving them up to $100,000. “The incentive is definitely working,’’ he says.

Movie Theater To Be Part Of Wiregrass Mall Expansion

The Grove in Wesley Chapel has a movie theater, as does New Tampa. Now, in between those two established theaters, a new multiplex is expected to be part of the next phase of development at the Shops of Wiregrass mall. A 1,035-seat cinema is being planned by Cleveland-based developer Forest City Enterprises as part of a residential and commercial project to be located just east of the existing mall. Forest City is currently seeking permitting for the movie theater project, which does not yet have a name. The 39,000-sq.-ft. theater will be on the west side of the new development along S.R. 56, which will also include 249 upscale apartments, four restaurants ranging in size from 4,200 sq. ft. to 12,000 sq. ft, a specialty grocery store (one of four coming to our area we told you about in our last issue), as well as other yet-unnamed retail stores.

housing 48 additional beds by the end of this year, CEO Jameson Norton told members of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) at an Economic Development Council briefing on Jan. 28. Florida ranks 49th in the U.S. in per capita mental health services expenditures, Norton said. The $9-$10-million expansion (which will increase NTBH’s site from its current 53,000-sq.-ft. to 80,000) will bring the total number of beds at NTBH to 123, and is expected to bring approximately 50 new jobs to the area. Norton, who became Jameson Norton, the CEO of North Tampa Behavioral Health, CEO of NTBH in June of 2015, said his adults-only discusses the facility’s expansion plans at the Jan. 28 Wesley Chapel facility, which is the only one Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council meeting. be earmarked for treatment of veterans. in eastern Pasco that accepts “There’s a lot of need in the veterans Baker Act patients (who are either emergency room or involuntarily admitted for community,’’ said Norton, himself a retired psychiatric evaluation) and the only one in U.S. Marine Captain. The groundbreaking for the new wing all of Pasco accepting Marchman Act patients (which allows for the involuntary or volun- will be March 1, with an expected completary assessment and stabilization of a person tion date of December 30 of this year, Norallegedly abusing substances like drugs or al- ton said. For more information about North cohol), is growing to meet that need and also is planning to expand its services for military Tampa Behavioral Health (29910 S.R. 56), visit NorthTampaBehavioralHealth. veterans. Many of the new rooms at NTBH will com or call (877) 297-2192.

North Tampa Beahvioral Health Also Expanding

With an increasing demand for psychiatric care in eastern Pasco County, Acadia Healthcare’s North Tampa Behavorial Health (NTBH) on S.R. 56, less than two miles east of the Shops of Wiregrass mall, is expanding and will add a two-story unit

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FEBRUARY 2016

- Commissioner Starkey, the chair of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners will answer questions from the public at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (20735 Leonard Rd. in Lutz). Topics to be discussed include area growth, code enforcement, a parks & recreation master plan & more. For info, call (727) 847-8100.

Monday - February 15 - 8:00 AM

Celebrate Recovery Bridgeway Church - Thursday nights at 7 p.m. at Bridgeway Church (30660 Wells Rd.). The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to bring freedom from dysfunctional, compulsive, and addictive behaviors through biblically-based principles that lead to God’s healing power. Dinner available and free childcare. More info: 907-1313.

Monday - February 15 - 7:45 AM

Professional Business Connections (PBC) - PBC meets Mondays at 7:45 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For more info, call Chris Thurow at 546-6860. Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP) - ENP meets Monday mornings at 8 a.m. for breakfast and networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For information, call Brad Benson at 973-1814.

Tuesday - February 16 - 7:30 AM

Business Networking International (BNI) - A BNI group meets at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.) to help business owners generate more referrals, income and grow their businesses in the Wesley Chapel area. For info, call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143.

Thursday - February 18 - 7:00 PM

Friday - February 19 - 7:15 AM

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

Friday - February 19 - 9:30 AM - Noon

Tuesday - February 16 - 7:30 AM

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

Wednesday - February 17 - Noon

Tuesday - February 23 - 6 PM

New Tampa Tri Club - The New Tampa Tri Club is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists & triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. The club hosts group bike rides/runs leaving from Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Saturday - February 20 - 5 PM Bridge Rd.; not from the BBD entrance) every Tues., Thur. & Sat., 7:30 a.m. For more info, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com. FREE Movie Night - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel is hosting a free family movie night at Land O’Lakes Park. Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (Noon) meets Wednesdays at noon at its new location: Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

Wednesday - February 17 - 7:30 AM

Wesley Chapel Lions Club - The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets every 4th Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel. For more information about volunteering, community efforts, meetings, helping the vision impaired and more, visit the club on Facebook or at WesleyChapelLionsClub.com.

Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club - The WC Breakfast Club brings business people Thursday - February 25 - 4 PM together to network and present their business to the group. The club meets the Pasco County Schools Job Fair - Pasco County Schools is holding a job fair 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Quail Hollow Golf & Coun- from 4-6 p.m. at Sunlake High gymnasium (3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes) try Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more info, call Bill at 992-3370. for college graduates and soon-to-be graduates who are interested in being a teacher. For more information, visit PascoSchools.org.

Thursday - February 18 - 8:00 AM

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

Thursday - February 18 - 6:30 PM

Town Hall Meeting With Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey

MARCH 2016 Saturday - March 5 - 6:30 PM

Somebody’s Daughter Gala - Healing Root Ministry hosts this event to raise money for relief for victims of human trafficking. It will be held at the Museum of

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Science and Industry (MOSI) on E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. Tickets are $75 and include dinner, dancing and a keynote address delivered by Corporal Alan Wilkett from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. For info or to register, HealingRootMinistry.com.

Thursday - March 10 - 7:00 PM

Relay for Life Party - 2016 Relay for Life of Wesley Chapel/Wiregrass hosts a team party to celebrate fundraising efforts and give teams up-to-date information for the event on April 1. Held at Atonement Church (29617 S.R. 54). Open to everyone interested in Relay for Life. To form a team, register as a survivor or caregiver, or for more info, call 949-0291 ext. 5609 or email amanda.aufiero@cancer.org.

If your organization is sponsoring an event that is open to the general public — whether it’s free to attend or not — please submit your info (with photos in any digital format) at least 3-4 weeks in advance to: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. It will appear in these pages & on our social media for free.

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45 17

Local Medi-Weightloss Clinic Celebrates 10 Years Of Helping People Get Healthy By Celeste McLaughlin

On April 1, the Medi-Weightloss Clinics on S.R. 54 in Lutz (just two miles west of S.R. 56), will celebrate 10 years of helping people in Wesley Chapel, Lutz and the surrounding areas lose unwanted weight. In those 10 years, the clinic has helped patients lose about 40,000 pounds. “I love the business and am very proud of what we do,” says Gerri Willett, who co-owns this location of MediWeightloss Clinics with her husband, Tom. “Losing weight is difficult, so we do everything we can to help our patients.” Willett explains, “When people come in, they are often nervous. We’ve had people in tears.” She adds that these new patients are often caught in a “negative circle. They’ve tried so many things, and they beat themselves up for not succeeding. Then, they’re depressed, so they eat more.” She also says that Medi-Weightloss helps them to get into a more positive circle: “They lose weight, they feel better, they’re motivated to continue to lose weight,” Willett says. “They change their attitude, and they lose more weight.” The hallways throughout the local Medi-Weightloss are lined with “all stars” who have done just that and are proud to display their results. One wall in particular allows all patients to show how many pounds they’ve lost, and how that translates to the number of years they’ve added to their lives.

“For every 10 pounds a patient loses, that adds about one and a half years to their life.,” Willett says. “If a patient loses 100 pounds, they can expect to live 15 years longer.” She adds that the physicians at the Medi-Weightloss Clinics corporate office keep up on all of the latest research to back up these claims. One of the things that sets MediWeightloss Clinics apart is that it is a physician-supervised program. The staff includes two physicians who meet with patients, review every chart and customize each program to the unique needs of each individual who participates in the program. Howard Riker, D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), is a retired U.S. Air Force family medicine physician who earned his D.O. degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Before coming to Medi-Weightloss in 2008, Dr. Riker was the Chief of Medical Staff at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa for six years. Ian Matheson, M.D., is a retired plastic surgeon who also works at the Lutz/ Wesley Chapel location. Dr. Matheson earned both his M.D. and C.M. (Master of Surgery) degrees from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Dr. Matheson also is Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Three Phases For Success

“We’re the only program on a national basis that offers three phases,”

Wesley Chapel resident John Dellanini has lost 78.8 pounds with the help of the Lutz/Wesley Chapel office of Medi-Weightloss Clinics on S.R. 54, less than two miles west of S.R. 56. says Dr. Riker, explaining that the phases faster. The diet is supplemented with include an “acute weight loss phase,” a multi-vitamins, Omega-3 and calcium. brief “transition phase” and a “long-term Patients also receive weekly vitamin-based wellness phase.” injections to help with energy levels and The first phase is kicked off with a cravings. Appropriately portioned food physical exam, bloodwork, electrocardiois available for purchase, but is not a gram (EKG), and consultation with the required part of the program. doctor, who determines the appropriate Willett says key components of the diet for each individual that will be lowMedi-Weightloss system include support calorie, and designed to put your body through weekly appointments, accountinto “ketosis,” a state where it burns fat ability through journaling, eating healthy

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and having the right attitude. And, Dr. Riker adds, education is key. “We teach people to eat the right foods, in the right portions, at the right time, plus drink fluids and exercise.” The lessons begin at that first appointment, where patients receive tools to help them be successful, including a food scale. “We ask our patients to weigh everything they eat,” Willett says. “This helps them become educated so that, by the end of the program, they’ll see a plate of food and know how many calories it has.” Patients also receive a food journal that is checked at each weekly appointment. “Sometimes, you think you do things that you actually aren’t,” Willet says. “For example, how much water do you really drink? A food journal helps you see what is actually happening.” Patients also are given a binder with information about healthy eating, including what to order at many popular restaurants. “You can eat healthy anywhere, even McDonald’s, if you’re making the right choices,” Willett says. After the first visit, weekly appointments last 15-20 minutes. Patients are weighed on an advanced scale that determines how much of the weight they lost was fat and how much was water. They receive support, counseling, education and a vitamin injection. Patients remain in this “acute weight loss phase” until they reach their goal weight. Phase two is a brief time of transition, where doctors continue to monitor progress weekly, while introducing carbohydrates back into the diet and reducing some supplements.

New mom Nicolena Creese says she gained 80 pounds during her pregnancy, but has lost 50 in 16 weeks on the Medi Weightloss plan while developing better eating habits.

Dr. Riker says that phase three, the long-term maintenance phase, “is what sets us apart from our competitors. It’s also the most critical.” He explains that other programs let you go when you’ve reached your goal weight, even though statistics show that 80-85 percent of people who get to their goal weight on any program will gain the weight back within a year. “But, we cut that (statistic) in half,” he says. “On other programs, most people stay on maintenance for a couple of months. Generally, at that point, they start to deviate.” But, with Medi-Weightloss, patients

continue coming to the clinic monthly for at least six months, so the staff notices if they begin to slip back into old, bad habits. And, the clinic’s doctors can make quick changes to help the patient. “We can put them on our in-house supplement, called Stay Slim, to help control their appetite,” says Dr. Riker. “The patients who receive this help usually do well, because they see how easy it is to get back on track,” he adds. “If they weren’t (still) in our program, we would’ve lost them. But, once you’re a Medi patient, you’re always a Medi patient.” Willett concurs. “Even after patients

have completed all three phases of our program, we encourage them to pop back in whenever it’s needed,” she says. “Don’t feel guilty! Life happens, and it’s not perfect.” She adds, “We want you to be successful. That’s why we’re successful.” Nicolena Creese is one such patient who has experienced success with MediWeightloss. The new mom says she never really struggled with her weight before having kids, but had gained 80 pounds with her last pregnancy. She decided to try Medi-Weightloss, beginning last September, but felt like the program would probably end in yet another disappointment. Instead, Creese says, “It worked! It’s really simple, because they teach you how to eat the right way and made it easy. I use their recipes and buy all my own food at the grocery store. I’ve learned over time what to eat and am integrating good eating habits into my life.” She says she has lost 50 pounds in 16 weeks. With 82 locations throughout 24 states, Medi-Weightloss Clinics is headquartered in Tampa. The close proximity of the headquarters gives the Lutz office staff great access to the many resources available at the company’s headquarters, including training and experts, such as a bariatric physician and corporate dietitian. Visit the Lutz/Wesley Chapel Medi-Weightloss Clinic at 24420 S.R. 54. It is open five days a week: Mon. & Wed., 7 a.m.–4 p.m.; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Tues.; 9 a.m.–7 p.m. on Thur.; and 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Fri. For more information, see the ad on pg. 29, call 909-1700 or visit www.MediWeightlossClinics.com/Locations/Lutz.

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

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

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

preserve outside and even a putting green at the center of one of the facility’s courtyards. The Legacy has the capacity to house 88 seniors in 82 private, self-furnished suites, and community relations director Aarene Alessi says, “we are on target with projected occupancy goals.” Five floor plans range from 330-sq.-ft

studios to 525-sq.-ft. deluxe suites. There are 60 suites for assisted living, as well as room for 22 residents in the secured memory care wing of the impressive building.

Great Meals & So Much More!

As part of The Legacy’s all-inclusive package, residents are served three meals a day at the Palm Pavilion (think fine linens

and menus). They also can grab a snack from the Key Lime Bistro any time of the day or night, meet for a drink at the Hurricane Sports Bar, or book the Coconut Grove private dining room for a meal with visiting family members. There’s also a full-service salon, game room, theatre, library, a grand piano a putting green and a fitness center. Residents’ medical needs are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) with oversight from Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Both the salon and the fitness center also are open to the community at large. Alessi says that the public will also be able to book meeting space for up to 75 people in the facility. “We want to be a resource for the community,” she says. Technological innovation is at the forefront of all of The Legacy’s offerings. The fitness center boasts state-ofthe-art HUR equipment for senior exercise, which residents can activate with a touch of their radio-frequency ID wrist bands that also alert the machines to the

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user’s preferences and exercise goals. With no weights or chains to struggle with, this unique equipment minimizes falls and injuries, which is so important for active seniors. The wrist band, which they also can wear as a pendant, also functions as the resident’s room key. For Francene Newbury, whose mother, 96-year-old Laura Augustyn, moved into The Legacy last October, that technology has made all the difference in the world. “For the first time in years, I am sleeping at night,” says Newbury. “That’s huge for me.” In the nursing home where Augustyn lived before she moved into The Legacy, Newbury says her mother would often fall at night. Because she would have had to crawl to her bedside and pull a cord for help there, Newbury got her mother a pendant with a button that linked to Newbury’s cell phone. She says she got numerous calls from her mother for help, and by the time she would make the 15-minute drive from her Tampa Palms home to her mom, she says the staff there were often just becoming aware that there was a problem in the room. But now, at The Legacy, Laura and all of the residents wear pendants that can alert caregivers on staff instantly. Health care providers also use handheld mobile devices, called Point of Care Solutions, to electronically record all interactions with residents and even send electronic prescriptions to pharmacies. Cameras and 18 monitors keep a watchful eye on public areas, and residents are protected (privacy intact) inside their suites with the

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

Quiet Care System, a motion monitor that gets to know their behaviors and patterns. If something is out of character — such as a resident getting up unusually often at night — the system alerts the CNAs so they can monitor the resident for conditions such as a possible urinary tract infection, a common problem among both male and female residents. Kauffman says this system helped alert the staff that her brother was waking up too many times at night, and helped them make a decision to switch the timing of his medications because they may have been keeping him up. Anyone entering the facility, whether

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

logo adorning the motor coach that takes residents to restaurants for lunch, to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa or the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. “My mom would just sit in a chair and snooze,” says Newbury about her mother’s former assisted living facility. Today, Newbury’s mother participates in movies, Bingo, musical events and some outings. “It makes her feel like she’s not just stuck in a place living out her remaining days,” she says. Another attraction? Chef Fred (photo on pg. 20). Not only is the chef part of the group that sets up each resident’s “wellness plan,” he also is eager to accommodate residents’ individual tastes. When Hamilton’s son brought his father a traditional plum pudding from England to celebrate Christmas, Hamilton said he would like to introduce such a dessert to his fellow residents. So, Chef Fred agreed to whip one up which Hamilton will share on Super Bowl Sunday. “They’re onto something,” says Newbury of The Legacy. “This is the way of the future. As boomers get to the point where we need added care, this is the type of arrangement that makes sense. We’re finally moving away in Tampa from the nursing home concept to an engaged, safe arrangement for senior parents.” The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve is located at 18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. For more info, call 375-9858, see the ad on pg. 18 or visit LegacyatHighwoodsPreserve.com. You can walk in or schedule a tour Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sun.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

as it offers a FitPro Accelerator Program, which bundles everything together: workouts, nutritional guidance and monthly assessments from either Stephanie or Alfio. Pura Cycling even has a partnership with PlateJoy, an online meal-kit delivery service that offers personalized meal plans based on your weight-loss goals, your dietary restrictions and the amount of time you have to exercise. Looking for a boost to your exercise regimen as well as a little nutritional guidance? Pura Cycling Studio is located at 1822 BBD Blvd., next to Firehouse Subs. For more info, visit PuraCycling.com, call the studio at 501-2124 or see the ad on page 33 of this issue.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wesley Chapel Schools Make All ‘A’s & ‘B’s In Latest State Report By Celeste McLaughlin

Surveys and studies have already shown Wesley Chapel to be a great place for emerging businesses and a great place to raise your family, and the recently released grades for our area’s Pasco County School District schools show that it’s also a pretty great place to educate your kids, too. According to simulated 2014-15 grades already released based on the formula the State Department of Education (DoE) approved, all 11 Wesley Chapel elementary, middle and high schools received either an “A” or “B” grade, and nearly every school stayed the same or improved from last year. The final official grades, which are not expected to be different from the simulated grades on this page, were tenatively scheduled to be released Feb. 9 or later by the Florida DoE, or after we went to press with this issue. Quail Hollow Elementary, Wesley Chapel’s 12th school, did not receive a grade for 2014-15 because it just reopened this August after being closed for remodeling, so no students were tested at the school last year. Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH, located off Mansfield Blvd.) was once again rated “A,” the grade it has received every year since 2011. Wesley Chapel High (WCH, located off Wells Rd.) received a “B,” which is the same grade it has earned since 2012. “We are very pleased,’’ said WRH principal Robyn White. “It shows we are on the right course and the right track.” Our local middle schools also fared well, with Dr. John Long Middle School (JLMS, located next to WRH on Mansfield Blvd.)

receiving an “A,” as it Grade Grade Grade has every year since it School Name 2015 2014 2013 opened, and Thomas E. Weightman Middle Double Branch Elementary School A B A School (on Wells Rd.) New River Elementary School B C C receiving a “B,” which is the same grade it Sand Pine Elementary School A A A has received every year Seven Oaks Elementary School A A A since 2013. For elementary Veterans Elementary School A A A schools, Sand Pine, Seven Oaks and VeterWatergrass Elementary School B C C ans Elementary all kept Wesley Chapel Elementary School A A A their “A” ratings, while Double Branch imDr. John Long Middle School A A A proved to an “A” from B B B a “B.” New River and Thomas E. Weightman Middle School Watergrass improved Wesley Chapel High School B B B from a “C” to a “B,” Wiregrass Ranch High School A A A while Wesley Chapel Elementary dropped to rather as a reflection of the hard work of stua “B.” This year’s school grades are based on dents and teachers,’’ Wolff added. “It’s about the new Florida State Assessment (FSA) really bringing those good practices to the exam, which was given for the first time last classroom, and providing solid learning expeyear. Many school districts and principals riences for the students, and having them be criticized the exam, which was plagued by able to apply those.” New River Elementary is one Wesley numerous technical glitches. “Accountability is important but I think Chapel school that saw an improvement in in terms of what that looks like, I don’t feel its school grade this year. After two conit should be based solely on one test,’’ said secutive years of receiving a “C” grade, the Long principal Christine Wolff, whose school school moved up to a “B” this year. “I’m happy to see the improvement in scored 634 points on a scale of 900. “It student learning,” says New River princishould be many different things.” But, while the scoring system may not pal Lynn Pabst. “Our teachers embraced be perfect, area principals were still taking the unknown with the FSA and provided rigorous learning opportunities for our pride in their scores. “I don’t really look at it personally, but students. Our teachers and students all

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Grade 2012

Grade 2011

Grade 2010

Grade 2009

Grade 2008

worked very hard and did a great job.” Pabst attributes that success to what she calls, “collective responsibility.” She explains, “Every person here — from the custodians to the teachers — feels responsible for student learning.” She adds that she’s pleased with the improvement, and says it can be hard to compare “apples to apples” when dealing with school grades. Pabst says New River has a significant population of students who are autistic, about 10 percent of the school’s total, and these children take the same test as the school’s general population. For more information about the grading system, visit SchoolGrades.FLDOE.org or Pasco.K12.FL.US.

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Wiregrass Ranch Tennis Team Looking For 3rd Straight State Title WRH also won a “National By John C. Cotey

The spring sports season — which includes baseball, softball, track & field and tennis — is upon us, and with it comes one burning question: Can the Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) boys tennis team, which had just one senior while winning the State Class 4A Championship last season, do it again? The answer is not as easy as you might think. Coach Dave Wilson’s best player and No. 1 singles player, Agie Moreno, has transferred to a tennis academy, and has taken junior brother Daniel with him. The team’s No. 2 singles player, Foresight Okungbowa, has graduated and now plays for Florida Tech in Melbourne. And Wilson’s No. 3 player, Alejandro Feliciano, moved back to California for his senior season. So, instead of returning his entire state championship squad, as he had hoped after capturing the State title last April, Wilson returns hardly any of it. That doesn’t mean, however, that he thinks his two-time defending state champs can’t make it three in a row this season. The only Tampa Bay schools to ever win three straight boys tennis state championships are St. Petersburg Lakewood (1973-75) and New Tampa’s Paul R. Wharton High (2008-10).

Championship”last year — the DecoTurf High School Tennis Championships in Chattanooga, TN — beating the twotime defending champions from Illinois in the semifinals, and a team from Memphis in the final. “To be honest with you, we have a shot at going back to the state tournament,’’ says Wilson, who is also the school’s athletic director and boys soccer coach. “Whether or not we can win state again depends on whether or not we can get the right people in the right spots.” One of those right people would be junior Noah Makarome, one of the state’s top-rated players. A busy tournament schedule has kept Makarome, who is considered a blue chip, 5-Star college recruit, from competing for the Bulls in the past, but Wilson said the door is always open if Makarome thinks he can fit high school tennis into his schedule. Makarome’s addition alone would make WRH one of the favorites to win the Class 4A title. “I think it has sort of been left up to Noah,’’ Wilson says. “If he wants to, he can play, but he has a busy (junior) tournament schedule and I understand that completely. The door’s been open for him. If he has the interest or the time, we’d love to have him.” Without him, Wilson says the team still has enough talent to keep it’s current run — which includes an 89-1 record in

Sebastian Castillo-Sanchez will play No. 1 singles for the WRH boys this season.

Pasco County matches the past 10 years — going for another year. The Bulls will rely on senior and 3-star recruit Sebastian Castillo-Sanchez, who is undefeated the past two seasons and won the No. 4 singles State championship last year, and will move up to No. 1 for the Bulls this season. At No. 2, promising freshman Destiny Okungbowa takes over. Okungbowa’s brothers, Courage (now playing at Florida A&M in Tallahassee) and Foresight (Florida Tech) have been WRH standouts in the past, and sister Precious is the No. 1 player for the WRH girls team this season. “At this stage, he is so much bigger and stronger than his brothers were,’’ Wilson says of Destiny Okungbowa.

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While Wilson’s team lost a lot, it did gain Jared Abrams, a junior transfer from the Naples Tennis Academy, who will play at No. 3 singles. Senior Lorcan Cavanaugh, who was the No. 6 player for the Bulls last season, will move up to No. 4, and junior Miles Caesar will fit in at No. 5. Wilson, who led the WRH boys soccer team to a 21-3-3 record this season, said four players from that team have also come out to play tennis. In all, 16 players tried out, which Wilson attributes to the program’s heady success in recent years. “It definitely helps,’’ Wilson said. “All of our kids at school know how good the tennis program has been. There’s actually interest in tennis, I guess, after you win two straight state titles, and last year we won a national title, so they want to know, how do I become part of that? I don’t know if we are even close to being at the capability of last year’s team, but I know everyone wants to be part of it if we could.” The spring sports season is in full swing. Some upcoming games to check out involving local teams: Feb. 12: Wharton at WRH baseball & softball, 7 p.m. Feb. 22: WRH softball at Wesley Chapel High (WCH), 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26: Wiregrass Ranch Track & Field Invitational, 3:30 p.m. March 1: WRH tennis at WCH, 3:15 p.m.

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Soccer Players Score On National Signing Day By John C. Cotey

National Signing Day (NSD) is known for the fervor it creates and the hullabaloo surrounding the top gridiron players who sign their national Letters of Intent (LOIs), but all was quiet in Wesley Chapel on Feb. 3 when it came to football. “Futbol,” however, is another story. At Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH), four players from the Bulls’ successful girls soccer team — Striker Vanessa Jordan, midfielder Chloe Lipovetsky, defender Camille King and sweeper Hanna Erdman — signed college LOIs. The four have been teammates all four seasons at WRH, and helped lead the Bulls to a 16-6-1 record this past season. WRH advanced to the Class 5A, District semifinals, where it was eliminated 2-0 by Wharton. The quartet of soccer stars helped WRH compile a 68-18-4 record in four seasons, with two playoff appearances, including a District title in 2013. Jordan signed with Division II Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL. The Panthers compete in the Sunshine State Conference, along with nearby Saint Leo University in San Antonio. She scored nine goals this past season for the Bulls, after leading the team with 26 the previous season. In four seasons at WRH, Jordan

Wiregrass Ranch High soccer players (l.-r.) Vanessa Jordan, Chloe Lipovetsky, Camille King and Hanna Erdman, with their high school coach, Edwin Costa, on National Signing Day.

scored 58 goals and added 20 assists. Lipovetsky will play her college soccer at Division II Lander University in Greenwood, SC. She was the Bulls’ team MVP this season, scoring 18 goals and assisting on 12 others, both team highs. Lipovetsky scored 12 goals as a junior, but did not play her sophomore year. For her career, she scored 32 times, and added 23 assists. King signed with the University of West Florida in Pensacola. She will join a team that went 15-5-1 last season and qualified for the NCAA Division II Regionals. King was an offensive-minded de-

fender for the Bulls last season, picking up 33 steals in the back but also scoring seven goals and picking up 11 assists. She scored 22 times in her WRH career. Erdman is headed to Division III Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. Erdman was the Bulls top defensive player all four seasons at WRH, and was credited with 36 steals this past season, after notching 71 in 2014-15. In her four seasons, Erdman was credited with 168 steals. WRH football coach Mark Kantor said he still expects to have some of his football players sign in the coming months. Wesley Chapel High did not hold a NSD ceremony this year.

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

(Clockwise from top left) Our editor (center) was joined by Jannah & Michael McDonald on stage (and in costume) at the Neighborhood News “222” Speakeasy Party at our office in Wesley Chapel on Jan. 14. Julia, Vadim & Elina definitely got into the spirit of the event. Mike performed a 45-minute set before turning the stage over to Gary Carmichael of Heart & Soul Karaoke. Peter Gambacorta of The Private Chef of Tampa poses with some of his amazing food, which attracted nice crowds both in and outside of (below) our office on a cold Thursday night. Photos by OurTownFLA.com &Jayne Baker. The party featured a free wine tasting of excellent Neighborhood News private label (and other) wines from the Visallis and Time for Wine; free samples of six different (two Irish, two bourbons and two single-malt Scotch) whiskeys; plus delectable finger foods like chicken satays with peanut all provided by The Private Chef of Tamsauce, beef tenderloin chunks, mozzarella, pa (see the ad on pg. 30). Also available for all attendees were totomato and basil on a stick and a gorgeous See ‘Speakeasy’ on pg. 42. platter of fresh fruit, cheese and crackers,

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

A Little Background...

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

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

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

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

Corporate Work & More

Today, Andrew says that he can create virtually anything in acrylics and he really enjoys being commissioned to create something unique. “I can fill those huge walls in a large corporate office or an upscale home,” he says. “Give me an idea and a style and I’ll come up with something great, in less time than you might think.” But, even if you’re not sure you want to buy anything, one thing I certainly would suggest is to make an appointment with Andrew to check out the art that’s already in his home. There’s more paintings on Andrew’s walls than at some art galleries I’ve been to and I have included some of my favorites (and his) on these page. So, sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee or a good Scotch with him and talk about art. The artist has become friends with one of his neighbors, Joe Lawler, and Andrew says, “Joe has bought five pieces from me, but not because we’re friends, but because he likes what I do.” Joe says, “You can just see the talent Andrew has. I love his art that looks like Picasso so much, I bought my favorite.” You also can check out most of Andrew’s art at KranceContemporary Paintings.com (which he says is being revamped a bit as we’re going to press), or see the ad on pg. 14 of this issue or call 994-0008 for more info.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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

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

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

garden and art “makerspace,” where kids could create their own works of art. In front of the Dillard’s at the mall, sidewalk artists used chalk to create drawings of colorful frogs, a large octopus, a 3-D rendition of BB-8 (the droid from the latest “Star Wars” movie) and others. This also was the first year the street art was a commissioned exhibit, which was sponsored by Tampa Bay Business for Culture & the Arts. Metzger said the rough overnight weather did scatter the tent and some of the artwork of one of the artists across from him, but the festival’s staff did a

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

great job of retrieving the tent and art and returning them. Some artists did choose to leave before the bad weather arrived on Sunday to be safe, Lee said, because their art was more delicate, but she also noted that there was a total of 125 booths set up by artists and sponsors, and 116 confirmed artists, as well as seven sidewalk chalk artists, and that business was as brisk on Sunday as it was the day before. On the main stage across from Macy’s, De Lei’ed Parrots (photo on next page) provided musical entertainment on Saturday and the popular Florida-based band the Black Honkeys played on Sunday. The 2016 SAF’s Best of Show Award went to Maitland, FL, artist Rolly Ray Reel, who has been exhibiting at art festivals all across the country for 45 years and has appeared at this event before. His booth featured mixed media pieces that toed the line between painting and sculpture, incorporating found items like chains, stones and metal with acrylic and oils into some very interesting art that caught the eyes of many those passing by. For a complete list of all of the art (including chalk art and emerging artist) winners, visit SuncoastArtsFest.com or TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

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SPOTLIGHT ON... Don Pan International Bakery! If you’ve ever driven by the Don Pan International Bakery, located in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just south of S.R. 56 (on the same side as Office Depot), but never stopped in for any of Don Pan’s delicious desserts, pastries, sandwiches, empanadas or café con leche, I hope this spotlight will convince you to finally stop in and enjoy some tasty Latin cuisine. Don Pan is a small franchise that started in the Miami area, and eight of the current twelve locations are dotted up and down the east coast of Florida. There are two Tampa locations, both on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. (one in Carrollwood and the other in the South Tampa area), and the Wesley Chapel location is owned by Ricardo Perez, who is from Venezuela. “All of these (pastry-style) sandwiches are what I grew up eating in Venezuela,” Ricardo says. “Everyone who tries them really seems to love them.” Of course, Don Pan has empanadas in beef or chicken and pressed Cuban and other more “typical” Latin fare, but if you’re looking for a great ham and cheese sandwich, I recommend trying Don Pan’s cachitos instead. These Venezuelan delicacies have the ham and cheese baked into a tasty hoagie-shaped roll. The items from Ricardo’s native country that I liked best, surprisingly (at least to me), were the cachapas, which are slightly sweet yellow corn pancakes, similar to (but sweeter than) arepas (which also are available at Don Pan). The cachapas are baked

with a mild white cheese and I was told to try them covered with Don Pan’s unique shredded pork and then pressed (photo) and I’ll just say that I’m now hooked on ‘em. But, Don Pan also has chicken puff pastries, cachitos without cheese, spinach strudel, as well as a great variety of sandwiches and other Latin “finger foods,” such as definitely different cheese “fingers.” And, since it is still primarily a bakery, Don Pan also boasts a huge selection of a dozen or more cakes, cake slices and dessert pastries — from guava and cheese danish to different takes on tiramisu and Napoleons — that are well worth a try. There’s even Venezuelan-style flan and tres leches desserts, plus truly delicious espresso, cafe con leche, marron (less milk than a con leche) and other coffee drinks and fresh fruit shakes. Don Pan’s breakfast specials start at just $3.75 and fast and delicious lunch specials start at just $4.95. Don Pan can even cater your next party. So, stop in at Don Pan (1708 BBD Blvd.) any weekday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sat. or 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call 994-6734 or visit Facebook.com/Donpanwc, or see the ad on pg. 36 of this issue. — GN

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

Asian Orange Ahi Salad

Good Morning Ciabatta

By Gary Nager

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

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

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

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

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail &â&#x20AC;&#x2C6;More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! Irish 31 To Open Next To Panera In Wiregrass Mall!

As more than 20,000 of you already viewed on our Facebook page, former USF football star Jay Mize, who already has four successful Irish 31 restaurants (in Hyde Park Village, Westshore, Westchase & at the Amalie Arena), says he hopes to open his fifth & sixth locations by the end of 2016. One of those new locales is on Clearwater Beach & the other is in The Shops st Wiregrass mall, in a shared building that just began site work next to Panera Bread. Mize says the Irish 31 at Wiregrass will be 2,800 SF & will feature the same great chef-inspired (I call it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Irish-plus-gourmetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) cuisine as the other Irish 31 locations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sort of a race to see which of our new stores opens first,â&#x20AC;? Mize says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we hope both will be open by the end of 2016.â&#x20AC;? Mize noted that he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disclose the business that would share the building at our press time, but, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be good for us because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re compatible with everyone.â&#x20AC;? Visit Irish31.com for more details and stay tuned to NTNeighborhoodNews.com for updates.

Stage Left Closes

All of us at the Neighborhood News (especially yours truly) were truly saddened by the sudden closing following the close of regular business on Jan. 16 of Stage Left Bar & Kitchen on S.R. 54 in Lutz. Those who enjoyed (as we always did) visiting Stage Left for the Tuesday Open Mic night on Jan. 19 were notified by Stage Leftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Open Mic â&#x20AC;&#x153;hostâ&#x20AC;? Cal Olivier in a Facebook message on Jan. 18 that the popular restaurant and night spot, which featured live music every Tuesday-Saturday, would not be open the following evening. Later that same day, co-owner Isabelle Dunleavy posted this message on her Facebook page: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes kids, the buzz is true....... The restaurant is officially closed. đ&#x;&#x2DC;&#x201D; Thanks for reaching out but please understand & respect that it was a difficult decision to make and no, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to talk about the details...It hurts. But we know that God is good and His voice was very clear that it was time to pull the plug... Thanks for the love & support and know that we will be ok. We will miss our amazing employees

(those that stayed loyal to us) and our nice customers and our awesome musicians!!!â&#x20AC;? I consider Isabelle and her husband and co-owner Brian to be dear friends and I loved living so close to such a vibrant night spot with great food in the middle of Lutz (of all places).

Doug Bohannon Wins â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Realtor In Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Honors

Team Bohannon of Keller Williams Tampa Properties has once again received some very exciting news as the respected U.S. News & World Report had named Doug Bohannon of Team Bohannon the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Real Estate Doug Bohannon Agent in Tampa, FL.â&#x20AC;? The rankings were based on most residential sales and Doug placed first. According to the news magazine, the average agent in Tampa closed 4.5 sales per year. By comparison, Doug Bohannon sold and closed 35 times more homes than the

average Tampa agent and nearly 5 times as many sales as the average of the Top 10% of all Tampa real estate agents. For more information, visit TeamBohannon.com or call Doug, Annette or Dale Bohannon at 979-4963 and please tell them you saw them in the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News!

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

If you missed our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;222â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Speakeasy Party on Jan. 14 (see pg. 31), I at least hope you got to attend perhaps the most elegant Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) ribbon-cutting event ever â&#x20AC;&#x201D; when new Spa Moritz (located on Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms) owners Martin and Patricia Anello (at left in photo on next page) decided to not only cut a ribbon with the WCCC but also open the doors of their spectacular, European-style spa to more than 100 Chamber members and other friends and existing clients. With truly delicious all-vegetarian food that Martin prepared himself, imported chocolates and great wine and cocktails served by Martin and the Spa Moritz staff,

Bold New Changes and Fresh, Vibrant Style NEW Reinvention Coming Soon! Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green County Club is transforming the way Members enjoy the active Club lifestyle with exciting upgrades to their tennis, pool and fitness facilities!

â&#x20AC;˘ NEW POOL EXPERIENCE â&#x20AC;˘ NEW TENNIS CENTER ENTRANCE â&#x20AC;˘ NEW OUTDOOR RECREATION â&#x20AC;˘ NEW TENNIS CENTER GRILL â&#x20AC;˘ NEW FIRE PIT â&#x20AC;˘ UPGRADED FITNESS CENTER â&#x20AC;˘ IMPROVED LOCKER ROOMS

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for you to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next.

THE DESIGN PROCESS IS UNDERWAY!

Contact Ann Pereira, Membership Director to schedule a private tour of the Club!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 24, Issue 4 â&#x20AC;˘ February 12, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Blinds’ V-Day Special!

the highlights of the evening were still the dozens of free spa services and the great raffle prizes given away, including beautiful “real stone” jewelry by Erika Williner, who sells her original jewelry designs at the spa. For more info about Spa Moritz, see the ad on page 3 of this issue, visit SpaMoritz.com or call 971-4772.

Budget Blinds’ ‘Love Is

Budget Blinds (see pg. 19 of this issue) is having a special “Love is Blinds” sale for the month of Feb. with 30-percent-off Selected Signature Series window treatments & Inspired Drapes fabrics. For details, visit the showroom at 1208 W. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, BudgetBlinds.com/NorthTampa, see the ad on pg. 19 or call 968-5050 and please tell them that we sent you!

Rumor Has It...

Although we couldn’t get confirmation before we went to press with this issue, we’ve been told that another luxury new car dealership is coming to Wesley Chapel, as is a unique pizza restaurant franchise. We hope to be able to make formal announcements in our next issue. — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 • February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel CLEANING SERVICES B CLEANING SERVICES: Over fourteen years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710. POWER HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES Offering Residential cleaning for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly & occasional. Services available: one time, deep cleaning, move in and/ move outs, Real Estate, Holiday and Event cleaning. Owner Operator with Personal Care! Personal Touch! Licensed and Insured. 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! SQUEAKY CLEAN HOME SERVICES is a residential cleaning company offering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services. We also specialize in move-in/moveout cleanup. All supplies and equipment provided. We are an Owner Operator company with over 20 years experience. “If it Needs to be Clean, We’re your Team! Call us for your free in home estimate today! 813625-6045. GET YOUR HOA OFF YOUR BACK! Unbelievable Driveway/Sidewalk Pressure Washing Special Limited Time Only! 4 quarterly cleanings for $49/each. That’s a full year for the price of a single service! Your time is precious. Go to www.cleanlisting.com to enter your contact information and a representative will contact you to set up your services. Or contact us today at (813) 562-0166 or cleanlisting@gmail.com.

EDUCATION / BABYSITTING BLACK-I-STORY Book Club of Wesley Chapel. If Interested contact Kawan @ 813/787-0447.

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

Classifieds

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

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.

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

HELP WANTED EXPERIENCED DENTAL TEAM MEMBER NEEDED Unique opportunity for experienced, expanded-function dental assistant with great communication skills to join our awesome team. Private practice with no HMOs, PPOs, evenings or Saturdays. We emphasize excellence and individualized attention to patients and offer generous salary and benefits. If you want to love coming to work, e-mail your resume to nelsondentistry@gmail.com. AWARD WINNING REAL ESTATE TEAM with an overflow of serious prospects. Seeking professional full-time real estate agents who want to expand their horizons, make more money and have a fulfilling life. Great training available. Keller Williams Tampa Properties. Contact Annette Bohannon - 813-431-2840. PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN NEEDED Must have clean driving record, no criminal record and be able to lift 50lbs. Call VIP Pest Control at 813-234-8888 for details. HANAQ PRANA YOGA STUDIO We are looking for motivated yogis to join the team and be part of our karma exchange work program, where a yogi can work at the studio for free classes! Looking for help with office duties, online marketing and promotion and studio maintenance. Please contact the studio: (813) 333-1026 or info@hanaqpranayoga.com. MEDICAL BILLER Spanish-speaking Medical Biller wanted for New Tampa Medical Equipment Company. Duties: Gathers billing information by reviewing patient records; checking for completeness. Bills insurance carrier by inputting billing info to database; initiating electronic transmissions. Resolves disputed claims by gathering, verifying & providing additional information; following up on claims. Resolves discrepancies by examining and evaluating data; selecting corrective steps. Skills/Qualifications: Data Entry Skills, Microsoft Office Proficiency, Time Management, Organization, Professionalism, Customer service and Attention to Detail. Send resume to Richard.Jones@solarusmedical.com. PIZZAMAKERS & LINE/PREP COOKS WANTED (exp’d. preferred) at New Tampa’s favorite authentic Chicago-style pizza place. Bring Resume during business hours to Full Circle Chicago Pizza at 19651 BBD Blvd. (in the Pebble Creek Collection). PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT) An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080. ROUTE SALES, MEDICAL Fills customer orders by driving to customer accounts within Florida; unloading and shelving product, inventory verification, order retrieval. Increase sales volume by providing customer service and suggestive selling techniques. Fills order by verifying inventory; loading vehicle. Monthly overnight travel requirement 2 nights a month. Retrieves damaged/defective products from customer locations; keeps vehicle operating by following operating instructions; scheduling maintenance and repairs. Send resumes to: richard.jones@solarusmedical.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 • February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

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

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

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

Not getting the calls you know your business deserves?

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

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

FREE THE NEAT & TIDY PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATES

Thanks to all our customers for a prosperous 2015.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 • February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Speakeasy’

Continued from pg. 31

die-for meatballs and linguine and mini-cannolis from my new best friends (have you tasted their red sauce?) Jessica and Carl Meyers of Little Italy’s family Restaurant & Catering (see the photo bottom right and the ad on pg. 36). I also chipped in with what I call my seafood specialty — sesame-seared ahi tuna “nibbles and bites” (served with wasabi and light soy sauce; at front of photo top right), which I’m proud to say was the first food item to be finished by our hungry horde of attendees, which included advertisers like Vickie and Becky from VIP Pest Control (right) and Bill Sullivan of Great Florida Insurance (see ad on pg. 3), who posed for the pic below left with his Neighborhood News ad sales rep (and our office manager) Mary Dorey. And, congratulations to young Michael McDonald, who kicked off the evening’s musical entertainment by performing three songs with yours truly and then doing a 45-minute set of music from the 1970s through today. Mike’s looking to play more gigs in the area, so contact our office if you’re interested.

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Visit us for a FREE eyelash consultation and receive eyelash extensions for only $149.99, normally a $200 value!

Hours of Operation: Monday: 10am - 8pm Tues. - Sat.: 9am - 9pm Sunday: 11am - 6pm MM30617

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 4 •February 12, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL

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One hour couples relaxation massage with chocolate covered strawberries and a glass of champagne.

MINI SPA DAY

$95

One Hour European Facial, One Hour Relaxation Massage with light lunch and glass of wine. Includes gratuities.

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2230 Ashley Oaks Circle Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 essentialswesleychapel.com

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