New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 30, Issue 1, January 11, 2022 by Neighborhood News

Volume 30 Issue 1 January 11, 2022

MMMMMM! Our 2021 Reader Survey Results! See pages 22-37!

EDITORIAL

The good & bad sides of Wesley Chapel’s explosive growth. See page 3

NEW TAMPA’S BEST!

Here are New Tampa’s Teachers of the Year for each school. See page 4

NEW SCHOOL FOR 2022

Dr. Kiran Patel is adding an elementary school to his campus in 2022. See page 10

CHECK OUT THE BEAN BAR! The popular local food truck now has a storefront in Tampa Palms. See page 40

Tommy Tonelli Gets His 500th Career Win At Wharton! Story on page 8! 1

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The Good & Bad Sides Of Wesley Chapel’s Explosive Growth By GARY NAGER all of our growth — nearly all of which has on Editorial been on the books and records for as long (or

We recently changed printers again, and since it had been a while since we updated our distribution numbers, I decided to log onto the U.S. Postal Service’s website to see just how many residences and businesses we were now mailed to and how many people that included. I’ve been saying for years that it was only a matter of time before Wesley Chapel and its planned (and ongoing) explosive growth would one day cause our direct-mail distribution to Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes — 33543, 33544 & 33545 — to surpass the number of homes, apartments and businesses (and the number of people those households include) in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code. Well, it’s finally happened. With the Dec. 21 Wesley Chapel issue, we are now mailed to 28,900+ residences and businesses in The Chap and, according to the Post Office’s Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) website, which give estimates of the number of people per household in every postal carrier route, those households represent nearly 82,500 people. By contrast, this Jan. 11 New Tampa issue was directly mailed to 28,700 residences and businesses and a Post Office-estimated 74,000+ people. So, when you combine those numbers, businesses that place ads in both of our markets are now reaching more than 57,500 residences and businesses and more than 156,500 total people every four weeks! If New Tampa, which is located in Hillsborough County, and Wesley Chapel, which is in Pasco, could be considered together as one market (as I sort of always have considered them), that would make the Wesley ChapelNew Tampa “metro area” as large as Decatur, AL, which is the 268th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the U.S. For me, as the owner of the Neighborhood News, that is both good and bad news, but mostly good. That reach is larger by far than any local online community and significantly larger than any other publication distributed to our areas. And, it has helped us increase the total number of advertisers both expressing interest in advertising and actually buying ads with us by more than 40% from our Covidrelated drop from March-December 2020. But of course, it also means that in order to reach that unique audience, I have to be willing to pay to continue to grow with our two communities — as I have for nearly 28 years (my 28th anniversary of owning the Neighborhood News is Feb. 25, 2022; with my first issue as publisher and editor Apr. 1994).

Not Everyone Is Happy...

It’s been an amazing journey for me personally to see this growth, even though, throughout the years, people living and working in both of our communities have complained about all of the new homes, apartments and businesses being built here. The ironic thing about it is that if the folks who have been unhappy with all of the growth in our two markets, especially now in Wesley Chapel, had been reading our publications from the beginning, they’ve had a pretty good idea that it was all coming. We certainly have been the primary, if not the only, local news medium that has been reporting about Neighborhood News

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nearly as long) as I’ve owned this publication. I didn’t go back to our old issues to figure out exactly when we knew about the plans for Wiregrass Ranch, Epperson, Watergrass, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, the Connected City and not-yet-developed areas like Wyndfields (located east of Wiregrass Ranch), but rest assured, whenever we did know about those plans, we’ve been reporting about them. And yes, I’ve known for at least 10-15 years that Wesley Chapel’s expansion of master-planned communities would one day see its population surpass New Tampa’s. But, while I agree with the sentiment

that the plans for expanding our roads have not progressed as quickly, or kept up with, the growth of our markets, the simple fact is that most of us who live and/or work here (me included) moved here from someplace else, too, and Florida in general and Wesley Chapel in particular are extremely desirable places to live — so that growth is likely to continue. But, while many applauded the picture shown here and the Wesley Chapel Community Facebook page post about it, I say that not only is it a crime to deface a sign that Lennar Homes paid good money to put up on its own private property, anyone who believes that actions like these are a good way to slow down our growth is sadly mistaken.

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Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin Isabella Douglas Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Morgan Conlin Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 30, Issue 3, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Friday, January 28, 2021. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2022 JM2 Communications, Inc.

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TPE’s Sonya Kelly Named A Hillsborough Teacher Of The Year Finalist! By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Correspondent Sonya Kelly was taken by surprise on December 7, when Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools Addison Davis and an entourage of school officials filled her third grade classroom at Tampa Palms Elementary with cheers. They were there to announce that out of 15,000 teachers countywide, Kelly was chosen as one of five finalists for Hillsborough County’s Teacher of the Year. How did she feel in that moment? “A little bit overwhelmed, honestly, and kind of shocked because I just didn’t see it coming,” she said, as she choked back tears. “It’s a huge honor.” Kelly has been teaching in Hillsborough County public schools for the past 12 years. She was selected by her peers at Tampa Palms Elementary (TPE) as the school’s Teacher of the Year and became one of 228 nominees for the District-wide title. “Mrs. Kelly is so deserving of this recognition,” said TPE principal Maryann Lippek. “She makes a lasting difference in the lives of her students. She believes in all of her students and helps them to believe in themselves.” Of the five county finalists for Teacher of

the Year, the five finalists for the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, and the three finalists for Instructional Support Employee of the Year, Kelly is the only one chosen from any of New Tampa’s public schools. Kelly’s principal says she sets an example for other teachers. “Her dedication and commitment to education is inspiring,” Lippek said. “Tampa Palms Elementary is very proud of her!” While she appreciates the accolades, Kelly notes that they are not the most important thing to her. “I know I am truly making a difference in the lives of my students and I am honored that my colleagues have recognized me for Teacher of the Year at my [school],” she says. “It’s an incredible moment to be celebrated by my peers, but the true gift comes from the gratitude in the eyes of my students.” A winner in each of the three categories will be named at the 2022 Excellence in Education Awards, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, and hosted by the Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), on Thursday, January 20, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa. For more information about the 2022 Excellence in Education Awards, visit EducationFoundation.com/EIE2022.

DENISE LONG Chiles Elementary

District 3 Hillsborough County School Board member Jessica Vaughn (left) and Superintendent of Schools Addison Davis congratulate Tampa Palms Elementary teacher Sonya Kelly for being one of five Teacher of the Year finalists for the entire Hillsborough District.

JACQUELINE KOEHLER Hunter’s Green Elementary

COREEN FASSEL (right) Pride Elementary

KYLA BAILEY Turner/Bartels K8 School

MECHELLE WILLIAMS Clark Elementary 4

MONICA MUKHERJEE Heritage Elementary

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KELLY BROADBELT Benito Middle School

MARGRETTA JOY BOGERT Freedom High

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JASON PRATT Liberty Middle School

MICHELLE BOTH Wharton High

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Tonelli Looks Back On 500 Basketball Wins At Wharton

“N

By JOHN C. COTEY

o doubt it’s an accomplishment, but I’m very in tune with the fact that I’ve been very very fortunate to have had some great players from Day 1 when the school opened.” — Wharton coach Tommy Tonelli on winning 500 games.

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On Dec. 7, Wharton High’s Tommy Tonelli joined rarified air when his Wildcats beat Chamberlain 75-46 to give him his 500th career win. Among current public school coaches in Hillsborough County, Tonelli has no peers. We caught up with Tonelli before Christmas to talk about milestones, both current and past. NN: What does 500 wins mean to you? TT: No doubt it’s an accomplishment, but I’m very in tune with the fact that I’ve been very very fortunate to have had some great players from Day 1 when the school opened. NN: Did you ever imagine something like 500 wins when you got into coaching? TT: No matter what age, what level, I’ve always been very competitive. I want to win no matter what I’m doing. I didn’t get into coaching to win 500 games, I just wanted to win every game. That’s the approach I took. NN: So you’re 10-1 this season, looks like you’re on your way to the next 500? TT: (Laughs) I doubt it. This is my 23rd year. I can’t imagine coaching 23 more years, no chance…. I’m just proud I’ve done it at one school. At a public school, you’re at the mercy of who shows up and I’ve been really lucky over the years to have some outstanding players. NN: Do you remember any of the other milestone wins? TT: I do remember No. 400. The only reason I didn’t talk about it is because it was a District semifinal game and we were playing at Sickles against Wiregrass. The winner of that advanced to the District final and State playoffs, and I didn’t want to put any additional pressure on so I didn’t mention it to anybody. NN: What about the first win ever? TT: Of course. It was the school’s first-ever game, a home game vs Leto. They had Mike Jenkins (Ohio State football, Atlanta Falcons WR) and Ricky McConnell (6-foot-8 All-County forward). We didn’t even have padding on the walls at the end of the court yet. We beat them 70-63. The guys played great. We had a good team from Day 1, with no seniors, but great players like Terrell Farris, Joe Colangelo, Cliff Russ, Chris Christie. NN: Was that the most memorable win? TT: The first game was special, but I really think when we beat University High 41-39 to get to the State final four in 2013, that was the most memorable. It was a great game, and we had a special team with CJ McGill, Chase Litton, Sir Patrick Reynolds, Jaken Grier…my son Thomas was on that team, too. CJ made a free throw with 4.5 seconds left and their point guard drove the length of court and got all the way to the basket, but Chase Litton came over and had the kid shot it, I’m sure Chase would have blocked it. The kid had the presence of mind to

Wharton basketball coach Tommy Tonelli celebrates win No. 500 with his team on Dec. 7 (photo courtesy of Karl Greeson) know he wasn’t going to get the shot off, TT: I’m just looking forward to this and he double clutched and whipped this afternoon (which turned out to be a 63-49 bullet pass to the corner…and (his teamwin over Hillsborough High). I’m not in mate) wasn’t expecting it. It hit him in the my 30 and 40s any more. The demands stomach and caused him to bobble it, and have gotten harder. by time he gathered it and shot, the buzzer We’re just finishing four games in had gone off. He made the shot, it was 5 days, 7 games in 12 games. Plus my close. The refs gathered to talk about it. If it responsibilities as guidance counselor are was a three-pointer, we lose. greater. I take a lot of pride in that as well. It seemed like forever. They broke NN: Other than a State title, there’s from the huddle and waved off the basket. probably not much left to accomplish. You I’ll never forget that game. have to be proud of what you’ve done at NN: Is there a loss you’ll never forget? Wharton though. TT: Yes. The two Regional playoff

TT: We haven’t won a State championship, but those are so hard to come by. There’s so many variables, so many things you can’t control. I think Sickles is the last Hillsborough County public school to win one, and that hadn’t been done prior to them doing it since 1982. It’s just really hard. But I feel like, sure, we haven’t won a State championship, but in many regards we have a State championship program. We’ve never had a losing season, that’s one thing I’m really proud of. I’d venture to say there’s not many schools that have been around the last 25 years that can say they haven’t had a losing season. Would I rather have some losing seasons mixed in there and be able to say we won a State championship, sure. But, we’ve sustained excellence. The winning tradition is a credit to all the kids. We’ve built a program (with the kids from Benito, Turner-Bartels and around the area) and I think we built something the community can be proud of.

games back-to-back at Windermere Prep (2019 and 2020). I don’t think I’ve ever had two more devastating, sickening, crushing losses than those. And both (59-57 loss in 2019, 54-53 loss in 2020) were games I could have done more to help the team and help determine the outcome of the game. I don’t feel like I made good decisions down the stretch to help us, and I think I’ve prided myself on that over the years. NN: What’s your best-ever Wharton team? TT: I know for sure the all-time Wharton team is 2007. That team had Shawn Vanzant, Adam Noble, Anthony Gomez, Leonard Simmons. Our only losses were to (national prep powerhouse) Mount Verde and Lake Howell in the Regional championship. That Lake Howell team was incredible. We lost by 11, the closest anyone came to beating them. They won the 5A State championship game by 43. Any other classification, with no Lake Howell, our team wins the state title. NN: If you had to put together an all-star team of all the guys you’ve coached, who’s on the All-Time All-Wharton team? TT: That’s a tough question. I think you start with Shawn Vanzant and Darin Green. Xavier Owens, A.J. Astroth, Damian Dixon, Anthony Gomez. Oh man. Who am I missing? Danny Green, Terrell Farris, Joe Colangelo. Man oh man, this one caught me off guard. Sir Patrick Reynolds, CJ McGill, Chase Litton. There’s others, but those guys are all in that top group. NN: Are you going to be around for win No. 600?

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Dr. Kiran Patel To Open Elementary School On Charter Campus By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Correspondent When Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School opens this fall, it will complete the campus that currently houses Patel High School for students in grades 9-12 and Terrace Community Middle School for students in grades 6-8. The 32-acre campus is located on Raulerson Ranch Rd. and is visible from I-75 near E. Fowler Ave, just 15 minutes south of New Tampa. Patel High opened its doors for the 2019-20 school year and has continued to increase in popularity, with 450 students already signed up with hopes of being chosen by lottery to fill one of the 150 available slots at the school for the 2022-23 school year. Terrace Community Middle School has been operating for more than 20 years and moved onto the Patel campus at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year in August. After establishing the high school and working to bring the middle school onto the campus, Dr. Kiran C. Patel has turned his attention to younger students with the latest campus expansion. “I think education in the formative years is what will create the future for any-

(L.-r.) Co-founder Ashok Bagdy, Dr. Kiran C. Patel and former Chiles Elementary assistant principal Ashley Galfond are the driving forces behind Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary, which opens Aug. 2022.

body,” says Dr. Patel, a local entrepreneur and philanthropist who is both the founder and financier of the school. “Here we have an educational institution that focuses on a well-rounded person who has qualities of being a better human being. We don’t just focus on the grade of the school. There’s no question we want students to achieve a high standard of measurable goals, but

there’s a lot more to education than that.” After initially committing $20 million to launch the high school, Dr. Kiran has spent another $20 million to build the elementary school and has spent an additional $5 million on upgrades to the campus, such as adding a covered outdoor court and restrooms by the sports fields. The Tampa resident’s business enterprises

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include luxury real estate development, medical software, healthcare solutions and commercial property acquisition and management. The success of these businesses allows him to make impactful contributions on a global scale, which he has done through the establishment of schools, colleges and hospitals on three continents. “Construction on the elementary school was completed this summer,” says Ashok Bagdy, who is a co-founder of the school, along with his wife, Kavita Jain, and Sonali Judd, who is Dr. Patel’s daughter. Bagdy explains that the 84,000-sq.ft. building is L-shaped. The elementary school is housed in one half and the middle school in the other. The two schools are completely separated with no interaction and TCMS remains a completely independent charter school. Bagdy also says the campus was built with security in mind. Classrooms have key card entries, there are security cameras, a school security officer, and the school can be locked down in an emergency, with “one click to lock all doors.”

About The Elementary School

New Tampa’s Ashley Galfond has been hired as the first-ever principal of Patel Elementary. Galfond was most recently the as-

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sistant principal at Chiles Elementary in Tampa Palms. She taught elementary school since her graduation from USF in 1998 until she moved into school administration seven years ago. While she says it was not an easy decision to leave Chiles, she is extremely excited about the smaller focus at Patel. “I like that everything within the organization is focused on the kids of Patel Elementary,” she says. “Here, everyone who has any stake in the school is just focused on our students.” In fall 2022, the school will open with students in just three grades — kindergarten, first and second grade. “Each year, as those children move to the next grade,” Galfond says, “we will add that grade until — four years from now — we will have K through five.” Patel Elementary will open with a total of 270 students. There will be five classes in each of the three grades. Each class will be limited to just 18 students. Although the physical size of each of the classrooms was expanded just before construction, it was to allow kids to spread out more for physical distancing because of Covid, not to make space for more kids in each classroom.

The Three ‘Pillars’

Galfond says that faculty members explain to parents and students that there are three crucial “pillars” at Patel Elementary.

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dents who attend Patel Elementary. “We will have a holistic approach and the goal of producing a student who is going to be an asset to the community,” explains Dr. Patel. “The purpose of education should not be to become a CEO. That should not be the primary goal, but to say that I will be a better human being and leave the earth better than I found it.”

Students Chosen By Lottery

Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary will open this fall with kindergarten, first and second grade students, about 270 students total.

“First,” she says, “we will focus on the whole child, including mental, physical and academic health and growth, with great outdoor learning opportunities as well as in the classroom.” The second pillar, she says, is social emotional learning, which will be woven into the academic curriculum every day. Galfond explains that this includes teaching children to support one another, helping them to learn to express their own opinions and views, and figure out ways to calm themselves when they become upset. She

adds that teacher training is a crucial part of the program. The third pillar, according to Galfond, is project-based learning. “It is inquiry-based,” she says. “We start with a question to engage students – something that affects the community in some way — and then, all disciplines are tied in to solve the problem, from reading to science to math.” Dr. Patel notes that while academic achievement will be emphasized, it is not the only measure of success for the stu-

Parents whose students will be entering kindergarten through second grade for the 2022-23 school year and are interested in attending Patel Elementary must apply online at PatelElementary.org. Students are chosen to attend the school through a random lottery process. “This is the year with the best chance to get in,” explains Galfond. “It’s the most spots we will ever have.” Every Tuesday in January, at 6 p.m., the school will host a new applicant Open House where families can meet the principal, with food and drinks provided. “I am excited that everything materialized,” says Dr. Patel. “It was a big, big endeavor. I am very happy and proud to provide this option to the community.” Patel Elementary is located at 10739 Raulerson Ranch Rd. in Tampa. To apply online for a spot for the 202223 school year, visit PatelElementary. org. For more information, call (813) 444-0660 or see the ad on page 18.

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Samantha Taylor Fitness Helps Women Stick With Their Resolutions By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN When the Covid-19 pandemic forced gyms to close in March of 2020, it took Samantha Taylor Fitness studios just 48 hours to completely pivot their method of delivery so that clients of the private and small-group training studios could continue their workouts virtually. “We were doing 13 virtual workouts a week within two days,” says Samantha, the CEO who began her career in the fitness industry nearly 30 years ago and launched her own business more than 20 years ago. Today, there are four Bay-area Samantha Taylor Fitness studios — including Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Carrollwood and Palm Harbor — that have helped more than 7,700 local women lose 54 tons of lbs. The studios have reopened and clients are given many options to work out safely, both in-person or online. “During this difficult time, one thing you don’t want to do is put your health and fitness on the back burner,” says Samantha. “That’s not going to help you reduce your risk.” She says that the CDC website lists obesity as one of the highest risk factors for not only contracting Covid-19, but also for having increased complications. “Everyone’s body responds differently, but you have a better chance of it not affecting you as much if you’re healthier and have balanced blood sugar,” Samantha

“Samantha Taylor Fitness centers are private studios,” she explains, “not overcrowded gyms. We have plenty of space to spread out in all four of our studios.” The Wesley Chapel location has its own standalone building off of S.R. 56, near I-75, in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center. Samantha moved the studio there in 2018 from its former location on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The new studio is bigger, with a larger personal training room, specialty rubber floors, and a private, first-floor entrance. Sara (left) an instructor at the Wesley Chapel Samantha Taylor Fitness studio located just north of S.R. 56, demonstrates an exercise during a recent small group class. “Some people might think gyms explains. “Statistically, if you’re healthy, are where Covid-19 is spreading, but it’s even if you do get Covid-19, you’re more not true,” says Samantha, in part because likely to get over it easier.” people coming to the gym are often not Samantha says she understands that as high-risk (because high-risk people are some people still may be fearful of going to choosing to stay home) and have stronger a gym in person and if so, Samantha Taylor immune systems as a result of being generFitness continues to offer virtual options, ally healthy. including recorded workouts that can be She encourages anyone concerned followed at home or virtual workouts with about coronavirus transmission to visit a private trainer via Zoom. her website at SamanthaTaylorFitness. But, she’s quick to point out that com to see a comprehensive list of how the a study of 2,873 gyms by the IHRSA studios have responded to Covid-19 (in(International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association) analyzed millions of gym cluding the new Omicron variant) — with check-ins to determine that only 0.002% protocols such as limited class size, social of the active gym members studied had distancing within classes, and sanitizing contracted Covid-19. equipment between each class.

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For Women Only!

All of the Samantha Taylor Fitness studios offer a women-only environment where clients can choose personal training in the form of 1-on-1 private training, group training, semi-private personal training or “fitness boot camp” classes. All workouts last just 30 minutes. Before choosing between the programs at Samantha Taylor Fitness, a potential client is invited to participate in a body transformation analysis, where you meet with a membership specialist in person, on the phone or via Zoom, to go over the many options available at the fitness studio. But, it’s not just about working out. “The only way to make lifelong, lasting changes is to learn how to eat,” explains Samantha. “It’s not about being on a diet or starving yourself, but figuring out how

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to eat in a way that you really enjoy that is simple and maintainable (for you).” She says people can diet temporarily, but if they don’t learn to eat in a way that’s realistic and sustainable for them, they won’t stick to it. She adds that the pandemic has led to many people complaining about weight gain, and it hasn’t slowed. “The ‘Quarantine 15’ has now turned into the ‘Quarantine 20 or 25,’” says Samantha. “If you don’t start making changes in the new year, that could possibly continue to increase, and you’ve increased your risk factors for Covid-19 even more.” Samantha Taylor Fitness also has licensed dietitian Shannon Barker on staff, who is available for consultations with clients.

A Supportive Community

At Samantha Taylor Fitness, women also find a supportive community, which Samantha says makes it fun and helps women stay on track. At 81 years old, Lynn Smith (on the right with Samantha in the photo above) is a Realtor who doesn’t yet have an eye towards retirement. She has been working out with Samantha for more than a dozen years. When she first started, she had never exercised in her entire life. “I want to live to be 100,” Lynn says, “so I figured I’d better do something about my health.” Lynn adds that those early days were extremely hard. “I had no muscle strength,” she admits. And, while she wasn’t obese and didn’t have a lot of weight she needed to lose, she says she lost about 10-12 pounds and has kept the weight off. “Samantha taught me the importance of muscle strength.” She says now it’s easy, and even fun. “I go three times a week, and the trainers challenge us every day,” Lynn says. “I look forward to it. The sessions are nonstop for 30 minutes, which is doable for just about anybody.” Lynn likes that she works out in a very small group and that it’s for women only. “The trainers are very experienced and compassionate,” she says. “They want everyone to be successful.” Among the tools to help make women successful at Samantha Taylor Fitness are an integrated accountability program, which gives them direct accountability to their

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coach through the Samantha Taylor Fitness custom app. “Accountability is huge for getting results” Samantha says. “Our clients have to be more accountable to their workouts, how they’re eating, how much water they’re drinking and how their weight loss is going on a more detailed, ongoing basis with their trainer.” She adds, “We’ve also added some very effective supplements for those who want to use them, to help expediate their results from a supplement line created by a Ph.D. in biochemistry who previously only provided these supplements for Olympic athletes before making them available to the public.” STF also offers a 3D body scan machine that takes your measurements digitally once each month and provides more accurate readings of your measurements, body fat and muscle tone. “It’s not just about weight loss here,” Samantha says. “We focus on how their body shape is changing, not just weight loss,” Samantha says. “So those measurements really help with that. The studios also offer a variety of payment plans, including new weekly payments and month-to-month options. The Wesley Chapel Samantha Taylor Fitness Studio is located is at 26908 Ridgebrook Dr. For Samantha’s free New Year’s goal-setting master class, go to SamanthaTaylorFitness. com/new2022. For more information, visit SamanthaTaylorFitness.com, call (813) 377-3739, or see the ad on page 38 of this issue.

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Gun Safety Is The Priority At Hamblen Security By JOHN C. COTEY john@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Jeb Lewis knew more than most about firearms when he took Garrett Hamblen’s Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) class last year. But, he didn’t realize how much else there was for him to learn. “That class was awesome,” says Lewis. “I mean, I don’t know if you’ve ever taken one, but the information he throws at you is amazing. It’s everything. He’s very good at what he does.” Lewis got so much out of the class, he has taken another more advanced class with Hamblen, who owns Hamblen Security. Although he started the security company in 2020, Hamblen — who is certified by both the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) to teach CCW classes — has been helping people get their CCW permit for a long time before that. Lewis’ eagerness to learn more is exactly what Hamblen is hoping for when he instructs prospective gun users. He says he grew up around guns all his life. He is the son of a Marine, and learned at an early age the importance of properly handling a firearm. Now, as an adult, Hamblen, a strong defender of

Garrett Hamblen started Hamblen Security after teaching people for years about gun safety and getting concealed carry permits. (Photos courtesy of Hamblen Security).

the Second Amendment, is passing on to others his knowledge of how to safely do the same thing. And, safely is the key word. “The second amendment is your right to own a gun,” he says. “I feel that people should be able to protect themselves, and if you’re going to have a gun, you absolutely need to be able to do it safely. You need to know how to use it. Not everybody is going to buy a

gun, but if you do, you definitely should take a class and understand gun safety.” Hamblen and his small staff at Hamblen Security, which is based in Wesley Chapel, have a private range in Zephyrhills they use for actual shooting, and they rent out space for a classroom for lessons. He also takes his class on the road. That’s how Jeb Lewis became a client. After a service at Spark Church (which meets at The Grove movie

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theater) where he (Hamblen) is the Pastor, Hamblen met a group of 10-11 members of the Calvary Chapel on Livingston Ave. for a CCW class. Lewis says the 3-4 hour class — which primarily teaches gun safety but also focuses on the laws relating to where and when you can (and can’t) carry a firearm — convinced him and just about everyone else to sign up for the next level class that teaches how to shoot the gun. A .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol is used for the CCW class, but you can bring your own gun for the class on how to properly and safely shoot a firearm. “I would say at least half of the students come back to take the second class, because that one actually teaches you how to shoot,” Hamblen says. “The first class is how to get your concealed carry license; the second class teaches you what to do with the pistol, how to use it and how to shoot it. Some people don’t want a concealed permit, they just want to learn how to use their gun.” The CCW class, which costs just $59 per person, is Hamblen’s most popular, he says, one of many of his classes to have seen a rise in participation in the last year. He recently instructed 20 residents in a local community at their

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clubhouse and says he has taught more than 500 people who have applied for and received their CCW permits. “In 2020, with all the unrest in the country, (gun safety classes) have exploded,” Hamblen says. “We had a pandemic and we had protests around the country and I think that is what really triggered a new wave of gun owners.” Hamblen’s CCW class is between three and four hours long, and covers everything from gun safety to laws like Stand Your Ground, as well situational awareness and a little shooting to cap it off. The follow-up basic pistol class, which focuses mostly on using the gun and shooting, is also roughly four hours. He says he is very thorough, whereas some larger ranges rush through the class to get students out shooting on the range, which is where they make their money. “We really wanted to do better,” Hamblen says. “Our core model is do better and let’s go above and beyond.” Hamblen says there are three most important gun safety rules he teaches during his first class: 1. 2. 3.

Never point the gun at anybody Make sure the gun isn’t loaded Keep your finger off the trigger

While gun safety is paramount, situational awareness is just as vital, Hamblen says. What do I do if someone

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breaks into my house? What do I do if somebody attacks me? What do I do if somebody mugs me on the street? “I don’t tell them what I would do or what they need to do,” Hamblen says. “What I do is talk about all the different options, and what to expect with each option….my goal is to teach people to be as safe as possible.” Hamblen can teach anyone, and lately, he’s been surprised by the people who have been showing up the most for both group and private instruction. “We’re seeing now that my classes are probably more than half women, coming to learn how to shoot and to be able protect their families,” Hamblen says. “That’s what was surprising to me. It’s not just this macho man thing.” But, the classes aren’t limited to the adults. Hamblen’s ability to make it fun and informative draws all ages. “We’ve got folks who will bring the whole family to take gun safety classes,” he says. “Multiple families can get together and take it. I’ve taught kids as young as 7, 8 and 9 years old. We’ve even got a marksmanship program for kids. We do it all.” To schedule a class with Hamblen Security, visit PascoCCW.com, where you can book online, or call (813) 444-8050. Mention this article or the ad on page 31 to receive 10% off your first class.

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Ring The Bell! Jabz Boxing Is Now Open In Wiregrass! By JOHN C. COTEY

john@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

You already can walk, row, cycle and stretch your way to getting in shape at various locations at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, and now, you can punch your way to better health as well. Jabz Boxing, a 2,400-sq.-ft. studio located next to the Barnes & Noble bookstore at the mall, was offering free classes ahead of its expected Grand Opening on Jan. 8 (after our press time), with boxing- and Mixed Martial Arts (or MMA)-inspired training to get you toned and ready for the new year. Co-owners Amanda Greenleaf and Troy Miller are excited to finally get the new place open. Plans were launched in 2019, but they faced a number of obstacles along the way. “To be honest, it’s been a long time coming,” says Amanda, who grew up in Clearwater. “First there was Covid, then I was pregnant, then we couldn’t find a space. I think we looked at like 80 places.” They did, however, finally get the location they really wanted. While there are 11 Jabz Boxing locations in four states, including six in Arizona, this will be the first one in Florida. Troy and Amanda have plans for opening

Jabz Boxing co-owners Amanda Greenleaf (pictured above) and Troy Miller hope to blend fitness and female empowerment at their new boxing studio, which was expected to open in the Shops at Wiregrass on Jan. 8. (Photo: Charmaine George)

two more in the Tampa Bay area. “Troy came across Jabz Boxing and showed me the idea, and I thought it would be perfect,” Amanda says. “Florida is a fitness state, and we’ll be the first ones here.”

A Unique Fitness Option

Amanda describes Jabz Boxing as circuit training with kick boxing ele-

ments. The focus is on making members fit, not fighters. Each workout begins with six minutes of stretching, followed by transitioning through roughly 20 stations lined up around a boxing ring, with things like torrent bags (for both kicking and punching), speed bags, battle ropes, weighted balls, kettle bells, free weights and rowing machines.

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In between each 45-second station, there will be a 20-second “cardio blast.” After completing the 20 stations under the watchful eyes of certified trainers, you do it again, for a workout that clocks in at just under an hour. While actual sparring isn’t allowed at Jabz, “We do teach them how to get in the proper stance, how to throw the punch, how to deliver the punch, how to recover from the punch,” Troy says. “So, there is a lot of that training.” There are 5-6 coaches on staff who are all certified personal trainers. Some have nutrition backgrounds as well, and lead trainer Caitlyn has 10 years of boxing experience, according to Amanda. Jabz Boxing is geared towards women, although men are allowed. Amanda says it is a “no judgment zone,” and no matter your level of fitness or gender, there is a place for you at Jabz. The Jabz Boxing mantra, the first thing you see painted on the wall inside the studio, says, “Come As You Are, Leave Stronger.” “This workout is no joke,” Amanda says, “but you don’t have to be a crossfitter to come try it out and that’s why it stood out to me.” At Jabz Boxing, you will never get the same workout on back-to-back days.

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Classes are programmed a year in advance by the main office to keep the workouts fresh, although the trainers are allowed some autonomy to change things up.

Community Partners, Too

Troy and Amanda say they don’t want to just be business owners in Wesley Chapel, they want to be a part of the community. Both say they come from abusive relationships, and have already forged a relationship with Sunrise of Pasco County, a domestic and sexual violence shelter for women in Dade City. One of the Sunrise employees came across the Jabz Boxing information table at an event one day and suggested they do a class there, and Amanda ran with the idea. The class, which showed the participants how to defend themselves if they were ever in a bad situation again, was a success. “We definitely want to go back,” says Amanda, who adds that she was moved to tears by some of the stories she heard. She hoped that some of the women who either watched or participated felt a sense of empowerment afterwards. Troy says that is what Jabz Boxing hopes brings to the Wesley Chapel market that isn’t already here — a place where women can rally around each other and have the best 55 minutes of their day, or week. The Jabz Boxing team already has provided free workout classes at the

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Shops at Wiregrass center court area, at Florida Avenue Brewing Co. on S.R. 56 and in the Epperson community to attract members. “So far, everyone seems to love it,” Troy says. Jabz Boxing is still working on a weekly schedule, but it is likely to offer a variety of morning, afternoon and evening classes. A lot of that will depend on what its members want. “If we have enough ladies who want to do a 4 a.m. class, we’ll do it,” Amanda says. The gym currently is offering “Founder Memberships,” which includes unlimited classes each month and a swag bag that includes MMA gloves (which are required), a water bottle and other goodies. And, Troy says, you’ll get a good experience. While the workouts are important, so is the environment. “I always say the best thing about Amanda is that, when she walks into a room, she brings oxygen into it,” Troy says, “and she has hired people who do the same thing.” Jabz Boxing officially opened its doors Dec. 18, with its Grand Opening held on January 8. It is located at 28152 Paseo Dr., #140, at the Shops at Wiregrass. For more information about class times and memberships, visit JabzBoxing.com/locations/Tampa-FL, call (813) 495-6677 or see the ad on page 30 of this issue.

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Although we didn’t quite reach our all-time record of more than 1,500 entries in this year’s annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, we did receive nearly 1,200 entries — with nearly 700 votes for Wesley Chapel favorites and just under 500 for New Tampa eateries. This year’s Survey did break one record, however — we had to disqualify nearly half of all of the entries, by far a new record — because they either didn’t include the person’s first and last name or the community they live in, or they didn’t include exactly five favorite restaurants in one of our areas (some had as few as only one favorite, others named 6-7) or they didn’t pick a favorite in at least three of the other five categories in this year’s Survey. The rules clearly stated all of these requirements, but most (but definitely not all) of the entries we disqualified were people who were just as clearly attempting to “stuff” the ballot box for one or more local restaurants. The sad part about it is that if these folks had actually followed the rules, all of the results shown on these pages would have looked significantly different because we did count every “legitimate” entry — even if it was clear that the person who filled it out was doing their part to support just one or more of their favorite(s). In fact, the reason that Noble Crust — which took home this year’s overall Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel crown by only three votes over Treble Makers — won the title is because at least five other restaurants with more votes had so many of those votes DQed by yours truly. It was clear that most, if not all, of those who included Noble Crust in their surveys were not the owners, employees or other ballot-stuffers for the Southern Italian mini-chain — they were just people who liked it enough to name it as one of their five favorites in The Chap. Treble Makers, which finished as your #2 Favorite Restaurant and #1 Favorite Bar in Wesley Chapel this year, was the clear #2, even with a few disqualifications. This year’s favorite new restaurant in Wesley Chapel was the outstanding Falabella Family Bistro, which finished fourth and I believe it may have been even higher on the list if more of you had sampled its amazing weekend specials (and its many DQed entries). Another WC newcomer that could

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have finished higher on the list with fewer disqualifications was Omnivorous, located inside Double Branch Artisanal Ales, which ended up tied for 36th with the most DQed entries of any eatery. Restaurants that serve only breakfast and lunch also made quite a splash this year in The Chap, as First Watch was this year’s surprise #3 favorite, the new KeKe’s Breakfast Café (located the same Shoppes at New Tampa plaza) finished 8th overall, Brunchies was 33rd, the now-out-ofbusiness Wolf’s Den finished 44th and the Happy Hangar Café at the North Tampa Aero Park was 53rd. But, in New Tampa, which had a lot fewer disqualifications overall, Stonewood was again the big winner, which should come as no surprise, considering that it has now won the title of New Tampa’s favorite for six consecutive years and eight of the last ten. This year’s biggest surprise in New Tampa was probably Mr. Dunderbak’s, which moved up to #2, despite all of the new restaurants which have opened here the last two years, and after never having finished higher than third in years past and not finishing in the top-10 three of the last ten years. The top newcomers in New Tampa with our readers in 2021 were next-door neighbors in The Village at Hunter’s Lake, as First Watch (#6) and Fresh Kitchen (#10) both received plenty of attention. Other significant finishes included Via Italia (#4 overall, after finishing 9th in 2020), Acropolis (#5 overall after not making the top-10 in 2020) and Cantina Real Mexican (first-ever win for Favorite Latin & #15 overall Favorite in New Tampa).

So, Did You Win?

As for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, here is the list of winners of this year’s gift cards to the restaurants of their choice (I even added a fourth winner): $100 Gift Card — Kevin Ullery, Epperson $60 Gift Card — Jane Worden, Tampa Palms $35 Gift Card — April Parrish, Lexington Oaks $25 Gift Card — Toni Lawrence, The Ridge Congrats to all! See you next year! Neighborhood News

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OUR READERS’ 25 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN NEW TAMPA FOR 2021!

1. STONEWOOD Our readers’ favorite in New Tampa for six straight years! 2. MR. DUNDERBAK’S After 50 years in USF/New Tampa area, still a favorite. 3. LIANG’S BISTRO A top-six favorite with our readers every year since 2010. 4. VIA ITALIA Outstanding pizzas and pasta, and the charcuterie is a treat. 5. ACROPOLIS New Tampa’s favorite Mediterranean returns to the top-5. 6. FIRST WATCH New location, same old results for bougie breakfast fans. 7. CALI Tampa Palms staple drops after 4 straight years at No. 2. 8. SUSHI CAFE The best sushi in New Tampa, according to our readers. 9. GLORY DAYS The place to go for good food, football & beer. Nice patio, too. 10. FRESH KITCHEN Another newcomer bowls into our Top 10, for good reason. 11. FAT RABBIT Tampa Palms hangout has all the ingredients of a perfect bar. T12. KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE New Tampa’s only teppanyaki tables moves south on BBD T12. LAS PALMAS Fabulous pork and Cubans sold from a food truck, for now.

14. BRUNCHERY Super specials for breakfast & lunch, tasty skillets and more. T15. CANTINA REAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT Has built a loyal following on Cross Creek Blvd. T15. CRACKER BARREL Still attracting attention & votes despite more competition. T17. BURGER 21 The last to finish No. 1 ahead of Stonewood, back in 2015. T17. FRAMMI Area is flush with delish Italian food, don’t sleep on Frammi. T19. CAPPY’s The Chicago- and New York-style pizzas are reader favorites. T19. RED LOBSTER In an area lacking seafood, Red Lobster remains popular. 21. PANERA Fast & healthy breakfast & lunch options. Pastries, too! T22. CHIPOTLE Hit or miss, but folks like their big bowls & big burritos. T22. LITTLE GREEK Falafel pita, hummus, gyros & Greek salad popular choices. T24. OLIVE GARDEN The Garden is always packed & not just for the breadsticks. T24. CHILI’S Not a great location, but folks like what they like. 25. MICHI RAMEN New Tampa’s first ramen place also has great appetizers.

OUR READERS’ 25 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN WESLEY CHAPEL FOR 2021!

1. NOBLE CRUST Unique Deep South Italian always ranks near the top. 2. TREBLE MAKERS Your favorite bar also is a favorite locale for dinner. 3. FIRST WATCH Even with more competition, still area’s top breakfast spot. 4. FALABELLA FAMILY BISTRO Our highest-finishing newcomer has great weekend specials. 5. FLORIDA AVE. BREWING CO. The food might be better than the beer — a big compliment. 6. VALLARTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Wesley Chapel’s Latin favorite has its highest finish ever. 7. BAHAMA BREEZE Still high among your faves despite all of the new eateries. T8. KEKE’S BREAKFAST CAFE Breakfast newcomer finishes in the top-10. T8. GRILLSMITH Last year’s No. 1 has been the top choice six of last 10 years. 10. 900º WOODFIRED PIZZA Your favorite pizza place also makes your top-10 overall. 11. BJ’s BREWHOUSE Its huge menu and fair prices keep BJ’s near your top-10. T12. BONEFISH GRILL Two-time Reader Survey winner survives moves to S.R. 56. T12. THE HUNGRY GREEK Voted as Wesley Chapel’s top Greek restaurant, again. Neighborhood News

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14. ZUKKU-SAN SUSHI Your fave Asian has high-end, creative sushi & outstanding Japanese-inspired entrées T15. AMICI PIZZA Your 4th-fave pizza place also has great Italian food. T15. ROCK & BREWS KISS-themed bar with classic American food from scratch. T15. KING OF THE COOP Our readers clearly like a little spice in their lives, as the King’s Nashville hot chicken grabs lots of votes. T15. TEXAS ROADHOUSE This year’s highest-finishing steak place has great prices, too. 19. RICE-N-BEANS Your 2nd-favorite Latin choice features Puerto Rican cuisine. 20. CHUY’S TEX-MEX Super-fun atmosphere & tasty Tex-Mex specialties. 21. UMU JAPANESE & THAI Great setting, fresh sushi and the lobster rolls are a hit. T22. GLORY DAYS GRILL Quality bar food and one of best places to catch all the games. T22. BUBBA’S 33 Another fave for “upscale” bar food & TVs galore. 24. FORD’S GARAGE A top spot for a classic burger, fries & a craft beer. 25. CAPITAL TACOS Unique taco/burrito/bowl combinations made fresh for you.

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2021 READER DINING SURVEY

Favorite Restaurant in NT:

1. Stonewood Grill 17050 Palm Pointe Dr. (813) 978-0388 Stonewoodgrill.com Based on the results of our Annual Reader Dining Survey every year since 2011, it doesn’t matter how many new restaurants — chain or otherwise — open in New Tampa, the nearly unbeaten (it “only” finished second once, in 2015) champion is Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms. After winning by a comfortable margin again this year with its third managing partner in as many years, Stonewood has shown that it doesn’t matter who’s in charge, its combination of delicious American cuisine, great drinks and outstanding service continue to make it top-of-mind with our readers — despite the fact it always has been one of the most expensive eateries located in zip code 33647. Stonewood’s extensive menu includes everything from fresh seafood to great steaks and chops, plus big salads, pasta dishes and more, and it likely has become even more popular with our readers since it began opening for lunch (with a smaller, and less pricey, lunch menu, although the dinner menu also is available at lunch time). Among the favorite starters at Stonewood are the tasty and ever-popular bruschetta (served with a delicious balsamic dressing) and sesame-seedseared ahi tuna served with wasabi

cream and sesame ginger dressing. Salad lovers definitely go for the Asian chicken salad (with ginger lime-marinated chicken, chilled sesame noodles and sesame ginger dressing) and the Stonewood salad (with blue cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, blackened walnuts and blue cheese vinaigrette). Handheld favorites include the oak-grilled cheeseburger, two-hand chicken club and the veggie quesadilla. And, with great steaks like two sizes of filet mignon and prime rib, a unique sweet tea brined pork chop and blackened chicken pasta. Market Fresh Fish options include everchanging favorites like Chilean sea bass, grouper and the menu options like Atlantic salmon and yellowfin tuna. Stonewood also has New Tampa’s second favorite bar with our readers this year and a great Sunday brunch with bottomless bubbles and unique menu items like creme brulée French toast, shrimp and grits and crab cake and prime rib Bennies. — GN

2. Mr. Dunderbak’s

17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 978-1225 LiangsBistroTampa.com

(813) 977-4104 Dunderbaks.com

All photos above by Charmaine George

3. Liang’s Bistro

14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

J.B. Ellis bought Mr. Dunderbak’s with the intention of owning a bar, but over the years, he says the place has shifted from being 66% bar and 33% restaurant to 33% bar and 66% restaurant. Ellis has only himself to blame. A combination of old-time classics (the sandwich board has barely changed in 50 years) to derivations of old family recipes Ellis has tweaked just a little keeps the crowds coming back for seconds. The food (like the Bavarian Bratwurst, warm potato salad and Späetzle pictured) must be getting better every year. After a No. 4 finish in 2019, and No. 3 in 2020, Mr. Dunderbak’s inches up another spot in our 2021 Reader Survey., its highest-ever finish.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern continues to dominate our annual Reader Dining Survey in New Tampa, thanks to delicious dishes like the seared ahi tuna appetizer (above) and (clockwise from upper left photo below) crab-crusted Chilean sea bass, Bistro burger, Asian chicken salad and sweet tea brined pork chop.

Mr. Dunderbak’s is an experience. It also boasts this year’s No. 1 bar with our readers, featuring a seemingly unlimited variety of beer, a gift shop, a deli, and atmosphere that is pure Oktoberfest, with the best German dishes around. Choose from authentic favorites like schnitzel, Spaetzle, Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Sauerbraten, to name a few, and wash it all down with a delicious Hefeweizen. — JCC

Like Stonewood and Mr. Dunderbak’s, Liang’s Bistro is another perennial favorite with our readers. Although it is more of an Asian fusion restaurant — which also includes Japaneseand Thai-style options — than a classic New York-style Chinese place, Liang’s has been the favorite Chinese or Asian (depending upon which of those options have been offered in the Survey each year) place in New Tampa pretty much every year it’s been open and has never finished lower than sixth Favorite Restaurant overall. Although I love it for menu items like the crispy pork egg rolls, Liang’s BBQ ribs, sautéed string beans (I order them spicy)

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and sizzling Shanghai steak, our readers always mention Liang’s signature dishes — like General Tso’s, sesame, orange, pineapple or tropical chicken — as their favorites. Liang’s also offers lunch specials and currently is the only sit-down Chinese place in New Tampa, where you can enjoy a variety of wines and bottled beers. — GN Neighborhood News

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2021 READER DINING SURVEY

Favorite Restaurant in WC:

1. Noble Crust 28330 Paseo Drive (813) 703-2602 Noble-Crust.com When a new restaurant opens in Wesley Chapel, it typically become’s a reader’s favorite in its first year, and then gradually fades to the middle of the pack. Not Noble Crust. A testament to an innovative and delicious menu, maintaining a steady staff in these difficult times for restaurants and focusing on excellence and consistency, Noble Crust has placed third in our Reader’s Survey every year since opening in 2017. Not this year, however. This year, Noble Crust has moved up to No. 1. “That’s huge for us,” says operating partner Danny Autrey. “To be able to stand apart from our other two locations (in Carrollwood and St Petersburg) is great. We pride ourselves on our great staff, and it’s nice to see them rewarded by the community.” There is much to like about Noble Crust, which is located at the Shops at Wiregrass — the service, the bar, the ambiance and let’s be honest, the place just smells terrific. Billed as Deep South Italian, Noble Crust combines farm-fresh flavor with unique pairings to create tasty dishes. It is likely so popular with our readers because it does so many things well. You could make the case that it has the best fried chicken (Autrey confesses that it’s so good, he enjoys a piece almost daily), best pizza, best weekend brunch and maybe even the best

Italian food around. The fusion of Deep South and Italian is where it shines, however. Traditional Chicken Marsala is served over four-cheese grits and chicken sausage, the chicken fried chicken parmigiana is countryfried for a more rustic result, the BLT is served with fried green tomatoes, pork belly and pimento cheese and one of its most popular dishes, the bronzed salmon (bottom right), is highlighted by pickled raisins that bring it all together. And, don’t sleep on the pasta dishes, either, like the super-popular rigatoni + short rib ragu. Noble Crust’s brunches on Saturdays and Sundays are exceptional, with its popular friend chicken and waffles, lemon ricotta pancakes and steak-andeggs among the standout favorites. The service ties it all together. Autrey says his grandfather would never return to a restaurant if a manager hadn’t stopped by see how the meal was, and he has taken that to heart running the Wesley Chapel location. When we stopped by last week, he was busy helping deliver dishes and checking in with customers. “The personalized experience is important,” he says. “It’s something all of us here strive for, and I think it keeps our customers coming back.” — JCC

Great servers like Bri Small (on the left, holding the rigatoni + short rib ragu) and Josh Salinas (with the bronzed salmon) serving delicious food are a big part of Noble Crust’s win as this year’s Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel. (Photos: Charmaine George)

2. Treble Makers

3. First Watch

6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., #101

(813) 406-4371 TrebleMakersofWC.com

1648 Bruce B Downs Blvd (813) 929-3947 FirstWatch.com

Rather than resting on its laurels after debuting as our readers’ fourth (and yours truly’s #1) Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel last year, Treble Makers Dueling Piano Restaurant & Bar has continued to upgrade its menu and service under executive chef Kevin Maggard, GM & co-owner Lee Bevan and co-owner Jamie Hess and his family. In fact, Treble Makers is this year’s Favorite Bar in Wesley Chapel with our readers this year (see page 35), after adding great new bartenders and entertainment options to go with the popular

Located in The Shoppes at New Tampa, Wesley Chapel’s popular breakfast chain is well-known for its long lines (especially on Sundays) as it is for its delicious and healthy breakfast and lunch menu. We can’t remember a time that First Watch wasn’t the top vote getter for breakfast joints, and it’s third-place overall finish this year is a testament to its terrific food. The breakfast menu has traditional eggand-bacon dishes, omelettes, and Floridian French toast (photo) gigantic pancakes, but items like the healthy turkey omelette, superfoods bowls & power wraps set it apart.

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weekend dueling piano shows. But, for me, the best thing about Treble Makers is the food. With better fresh fish — like the grilled wahoo on pg. 23 and the coconut curry grouper — than most seafood restaurants and top-quality steaks, lamb chops (above) more, I hope you’ll check out Treble Makers soon.—GN

Now serving beer, wine and unique mixed drinks, too, First Watch’s all-natural healthy juices and lunch items like a variety of salads and sandwiches (ham and gruyere melt, mmmm) have kept people coming back in droves for more than a decade. —JCC

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2021 READER DINING SURVEY

Favorite Latin Food in NT:

1. Cantina 10032 Cross Creek Blvd (813) 406-4856

Camila Jaramillo (left), Maria Burbano and Melissa Acosta serving up chips and salsa, the popular chicken fajitas and a steak burrito during lunch at Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar.

2. Las Palmas

3. Tijuana Flats

6431 E County Line Rd #104 (813) 803-3903 LasPalmasLatinGrill.com Las Palmas has now had two locations in New Tampa — three if you count the food truck it currently is operating out of after a fire late in late 2021 damaged its County Line Rd. store — and it has always remained something of an under-the-radar local favorite, thanks to its award-winning Cuban sandwiches and a variety of delicious Latin-infused pork and chicken dishes. The roasted pork entrée is a favorite, and you can try the vaca frita, or crispy beef (although “fried cow” is the literal

Owner Yecid Cardenas opened Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar six years ago with the idea of filling what he saw as a hole in New Tampa’s dining options with a fusion of old Mexican cuisine with what he says is “new era” Mexican cuisine. After some mixed results when he first opened, Cardenas now has achieved one of his goals: Cantina is this year’s top choice with our readers in the Latin category of our annual survey. Cantina rose to the top of the charts this year with an improved and packed menu, and the consistency also was much improved. Cardenas also says many more people were exposed to the restaurant (which is tucked away behind a Shell station on the corner of Cross Creek Blvd. and Kinnan St.) due to a pandemic-influenced increase in to-go orders, and more customers equaled more votes. “We try to do the same thing every day,” he says. “We want to be consistent. These are ‘Grandma’ flavors here, with new era fusion.” The menu is extensive and varied. One of the stars of the menu is the 12 oz. ribeye served up a handful of different ways — you can get it topped with ranchero chile sauce or chorizo and fries, for example. The carne asada steak is another of the most popular dishes, along with the fajitas, and of course, the tacos and burritos. There are a host a seafood choices available, as well. A bar with 12 different Mexican beers and, of course, tasty margaritas, complement your meal, which according to our readers, is the best Latin choice around. — JCC

17501 Preserve Walk Ln #103

(813) 975-0483 TijuanaFlats.com

translation) as an entrée or in a taco. And, while owner/chef Ramses Garcia says the menu at the truck is being expanded, the sides — yellow rice, black beans, plantains, etc. — are still the perfect complements to whatever meaty dish you choose, and don’t forget a Tres Leches dessert.—JCC

For a large chain, Tijuana Flats has a pretty simple recipe but is regarded for having some pretty good food. The regular burritos and dos tacos (hard or soft shell) are good, the nachos are enough for two and the chicken tinga burritios and tacos have a little extra kick. Speaking of a little kick, one of the fun things about Tijuana Flats is the wide variety of different salsas, which are always worth trying out and comparing. Locals also are raving about Tijuana Flats’ new wings, available with red chili

rub, “bangin’” sauce, chipotle BBQ and smack jalapeño lime varieties. Although tucked away off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just north of I-75 in Highwoods Preserve, Tijuana Flats continues to draw a good local crowd, and is always a fun spot to be on Cinco de Mayo. — JCC

The rest of the 2021 Latin Favorites with our readers: (4) Chipotle; (5) Lima; (6) Don Julio; (7) Moe’s; (8) Chili’s; (9) Cross Creek Deli

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Favorite Latin Food in WC:

1. Vallarta’s 5335 Village Market (813) 907-5161 VallartasRestaurants.com

Rafael Jarnica serves up a combo platter, taco salad and burrito at Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant in the Wesley Chapel Village Market plaza, which is one of our area’s oldest restaurants and consistently one of the most popular with its huge menu of Mexican and Latin cuisine options.

2. Rice-n-Beans

sadillas. There also are 30 different $10 combination plates available. Vegetarian tastes will appreciate the variety of veggie options, from bean and potato burritos to vegetarian fajitas. And, save room for the authentic churros, flan and fried ice cream. Vallarta’s, which features a full-liquor bar, also is know for its “as big as your head” margaritas and variety of Mexican and domestic beers. — GN

3. Capital Tacos

27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 803-7974 RiceNBeans.com

For those in Wesley Chapel who prefer Puerto Rican cuisine to Mexican, the relocation of Rice-n-Beans from its much smaller former location on S.R. 54 in Lutz to the former location of Remington’s Steakhouse and Cody’s Roadhouse on Wesley Chapel Blvd. was a revelation. This much larger, sit-down restaurant with full premium liquor bar and live entertainment (Wed.-Fri.) has only been open for a couple of years, but it has attracted a loyal following of those who crave chicharrons (fried chicken or

Wesley Chapel has an ever-growing number of Latin restaurants, from Mexican and Tex-Mex to Puerto Rican and even Venezuelan options, but the one that’s been around the longest and always finishes at or near the top of our readers’ list is Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant in the Village Market plaza. Vallarta’s is part of an extended-family-owned local mini-chain where you always get good value for your money. Its entrées like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and other Mexican specialties are always served with rice, refried beans, which means you’ll never go home hungry. Vallarta’s features great appetizers like a variety of nachos, guacamole, bean dip, taquitos and even a Mexican shrimp cocktail. There’s also large entréesized salads and a deliciously spicy Mexican chicken soup. Lunch combos start at just $6 and offer everything from tacos to chile rellenos, and from chalupas to que-

27209 S.R. 56 (813) 973-3777 CapitalTacos.com

pork), mofongo, fried whole snapper (photo), Puerto Rican-style empanadas and more. Also be sure to ask for the daily lunch specials. — GN

Capital Tacos, located in the Cypress View Square plaza, takes your traditional tacos or burritos and turns them on their heads. Instead of a tortilla (or bowl) stuffed with the typical meat, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese, you can choose from delicious slow-cooked pork, carne asada, shaved steak, chorizo sausage, fried chicken and vegetarian options, complemented by Texican BBQ sauce, dirty potatoes, corn salsa, Chihuahua cheese, carmelized onions and spicy slaw, to name a few.

Capital Tacos, now with five locations, bills itself as “Tex-Mex Done Right,” with hand-crafted and handspiced favorites like quesadillas, crazy fries, epic nachos, Mexican street corn and more. -- JCC

Rest of the 2021 Latin Top 10: (4) Latin Twist; (T5) Cantina Laredo; (T5) Chuy’s; (T7) Tijuana Flats; (T7) Chipotle; (T9) Taco Sun; (T9) Señor Tequila; (T9) Taco Bus.

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Favorite Pizza in WC:

1. 900º Woodfired 28152 Paseo Drive #195 (813) 527-6940

900DegreesWoodfirePizza.com

(L.-r.) Preston Parilo, Cynthia Andujar, Joe Carrion & Ivan Plumb obviously enjoy serving — and eating — the delicious New York-style pepperoni pizza at 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass Mall. (Photo by Charmaine George)

2. PizzaMania 1734 Bruce B Downs Blvd. (813) 907-0005 MyPizzaMania.com

Pizza continues to be a favorite option for lunch and dinner with our readers and none is more popular this year than owner Steve Falabella’s 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass, which won this year’s Favorite Pizza in Wesley Chapel with our readers by a fairly wide margin. And, considering that Falabella opened not only his Falabella Family Bistro (our readers’ fourth favorite restaurant in WC) but also a second 900º Pizza location (900º New York Pizza, which finished a solid sixth with our readers in its first year) in The Grove at Wesley Chapel in 2021, the fact that so many still selected the original 900º location as their favorite pizza place is a testament to Falabella’s commitment to quality food at superfair prices. The primary difference between the two 900º locations is that only the original pizza shop in Wiregrass offers Neapolitan-style woodfired pizza (like the Margherita pizza in the photo, right), as well as the New York style ‘za available at both locations.

But, thanks to its other great Italian specialties, 900º Woodfired Pizza also finished 10th as our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel. Among the favorite appetizers are the deep-fried calzones known as Panzeretto and the bruschetta, while my favorite pasta dish is the authentic pesto Genovese, although the penne alla vodka, Alfredo and Bolognese sauces also are all pretty popular. And, wash them down with ice cold Peroni on draft, as well as bottled beers and wines by the glass or bottle. — GN

3. NY NY Pizza 3757 Bruce B Downs Blvd. (813) 528-8771 NYNYPizzeria.com

One of the first pizza places to Technically, the New York New York open in Wesley Chapel also is still high Pizza in Wesley Chapel is part of a small among our readers’ favorites, as the eight-unit chain (including one in Tampa NY/NJ-style pies and Italian specialties International Airport) of no-frills Tampaand cold subs, calzones and strombolis, en, offers a large variety of pizza-by-thecontinue to earn lots of votes. area pizza places that serve excellent trueplus wings with a variety of sauces, lasaslice and whole-pie options, including Not only is there ever-popular reguNew York-style pizza. But, chain or no gna, baked ziti, stuffed shells, gnocchi everything from cheese and pepperoni to lar pizzas, but also gourmet options, like chain, the Wesley Chapel location has been Sorrentina and pasta with vodka, white meat lovers and white and from cauliBut, of course, pizza, including gourmet clam and pesto sauce and even a seafood among the top five favorite pizza places flower crust to my favorite Grandma’s options like Margherita, white sauce and with our readers since it first opened. combo of mussels, shrimp and clams that pizza with a garlic red sauce in our area. more, but PizzaMania also offers everyNY NY, which finished third to helped it finish tied for 34th Favorite NY NY also has a nice selection of thing from fried ravioli and bruschetta to second-place PizzaMania by only two Restaurant in Wesley Chapel with our salads, sandwiches and even burgers plus arancini (traditional rice balls) and other votes and ahead of Amici by a half-dozreaders. — GN baked pasta options. — GN appetizers, plus a variety of salads, hot The rest of the 2021 WC Pizza Top 10: (4) Amici; (5) Mellow Mushroom; (6) 900 NY; (T7) Fratelli’s; (T7) Best NY; (T7) Blaze; (T10) Papa John’s; (T10) Bosco’s. New Tampa’s Top-10 Favorite Pizza Places for 2021: Taste of NY, Villa Italia, Cappy’s, Marco’s, Woodfired, Full Circle (closed), Precinct, Papa John’s, Capri, Westshore Note—Taste of NY & Via Italia declined interviews & pictures for this feature, so we did not include write-ups of New Tampa’s Favorite Pizza Places in this issue. More favorites appear on pgs. 32-37.

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If you’ve never been to Liang’s Bistro, you may be the only person living in New Tampa (or Wesley Chapel, for that matter) who hasn’t. You also may be one of the few local residents who didn’t vote this year for what has been 17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. the Favorite Asian restau(813) 978-1225 rant with our readers pretty LiangsBistroTampa.com much every year since it opened in North Palmas Village, in a former Burger King location off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Liang’s features amazing appetizers like the amazing Liang’s BBQ ribs (top) and pork-and-veggie egg rolls (right), but also has its fried signature entrées, Mongolian beef, Thai-style wok dishes with basil, yellow, green and red curry, and both Japanese and Vietnamese-style fried rice, as well as Chinese and Singapore-style fried rice, and Singapore and pad Thai noodle dishes. Liang’s also offers smallerportioned Lunch Combo specials with Sichuan, Thai curries and even Korean BBQ wok classics (with your Sean Kim serves up two of Liang’s Bistro’s most popular dishes -- the sesame chicken and some cheese choice of white meat chicken, beef or shrimp. There also are excellent vegetarpuffs. (Photo: Charmaine George)

2021 READER DINING SURVEY

Favorite Asian/ Mediterranean in NT

1. Liang’s Bistro

2. Acropolis 14947 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Oak Ramble Plaza (813) 971-1787 AcropolisTaverna.com Although new owners Stacy Esposito and her husband Eddie Nasr probably weren’t concerned about our Reader Dining Survey when they took over the ownership and management of New Tampa’s Acropolis Greek Taverna, they were determined to return what always had been one of New Tampa’s favorites to its former glory, after dropping out of the top-10 with our readers for the first time in a decade in 2020. Well, even though it has always been in the top-5 Greek, Mediterranean or (this

ian dishes like Thai basil tofu, Buddha’s delight with mixed veggies and more. And yes, you can enjoy a sit-down meal at Liang’s, with beer and wine.— GN

3. Sushi Café

year) Asian favorites, Acropolis is back, as it is back up to #5 Favorite overall with our readers, with its delicious Greek specialties, from appetizers like spanakopita (above), saganaki (flambéed cheese) and grilled octopus, to entrées like lamb lollipops, whole red snapper, Athenian fish and more. And of course, Acropolis offers a great full liquor bar, weekend entertainment and an outdoor hookah lounge. — GN

18051 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. The Walk at Highwoods Preserve (813) 977-7800 New Tampa residents who love great sushi have fewer options today than they did when Sushi Café opened several years ago, but many of you still turn to Sushi Café for great, creative and fresh sushi, plus Japanese specialties and more. Sushi Café was not only the #3 Asian or Mediterranean restaurant in New Tampa with our readers this year, it also finished as the #8 Favorite Restaurant overall, it’s highest-ever finish in our survey. Although I’ve never sampled the Hawaii roll pictured above, we have enjoyed

everything from the unique tuna tataki to the soft shell crab roll, plus entrées like the chicken katsu, teppanyaki (although not made at your table) favorites like filet mignon and chicken and the Japanese-style fried rice. And yes, beer, wine and hot and cold sake are served. — GN

The rest of your 2021 NT Asian/Mediterranean Top 10: (4) Kobe; (5) Thai Lanna; (6) Little Greek; (7) Koizi; (8) Thai Ruby; (9) Michi Ramen; (10) Minerva & China Wok.

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Favorite Asian/ Mediterranean in WC

1. Hungry Greek 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 345-8526 TheHungryGreek.com

General manager Khan Ly (second from left) and his staff have made sure that The Hungry Greek is not only the best Greek restaurant around, but one of the best overall.

2. Yamato

28347 Paseo Dr., #150 (813) 907-8701 YamatoWesleyChapel.com As Wesley Chapel’s only teppanyaki (hibachi) table Japanese restaurant, Yamato Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar’s location in the Shops at Wiregrass mall helped guarantee that people would at least try it, but it is Yamato’s excellent fare and reasonable prices (especially when compared with other Japanese steakhouses) have continued to keep it high on our readers’ list of favorite restaurants year after year. While Yamato has never finished higher than fifth overall in the Favorite Restaurant

3. Zukku-San

The Hungry Greek may be known as that fast and casual Greek place right across the street from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, but it wasn’t that way when franchise creator George Constantinou originally opened the doors to this first link of his now10-location mini-chain on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 5, 2008. “It was two lanes and there were cows across the street,” Constantinou says. “It was in the middle of the housing recession, and everyone pulled out and it was just us and a balloon store. My dad looked at me and said ‘I hope this was a good move.’” As it turns out, it was. It just required some patience. Now, the Hungry Greek is smack dab in the middle of a booming area with two malls, countless homes, businesses and restaurants, across from one hospital with a second being built a mile or so away. And, as it pretty much always has been, The Hungry Greek is once again the most popular Mediterranean restaurant in Wesley Chapel, according to our readers.

Something of a spinoff of his father’s former Happy Greek restaurant in Dunedin, the Hungry Greek — in 2015 and 2016, it was the No. 2 overall favorite restaurant with our readers — serves up food made from his family’s recipes. While they did at one time also serve food like burgers, it was a change to a more traditional Greek menu and an emphasis on the things they did best — Greek salads, gyros (gyro platter shown below), chicken souvlaki and tzatziki sauce, to name a few — made with the best ingredients. The steady hand of local owner Khan Ly has the BBD location humming along as one of the mini-chain’s best, and the local Greek favorite year after year. — JCC

in Wesley Chapel (it finished tied for 29th this year), it has always been in the top five favorite Asian restaurants and had we not combined Mediterranean and Asian cuisines in the same category this year, it would have been #1 this year, losing to Hungry Greek by only four votes and finishing a dozen ahead of 3rd place Zukku-San. — GN

25916 Sierra Center Blvd. (813) 419-1351 ZukkuSushi.com

When it opened in 2020, we were excited by the possibilities of a new and unique sushi restaurant with predominantly Japanese (and some Korean) specialties Grove in Wesley Chapel. in what is surely the most beautiful Asian Although many locals choose Zukkurestaurant in Wesley Chapel. San for the sushi, if you haven’t tried the Zukku-San, owned and operated by gyoza dumplings, the super-crispy spring Ferdian Jap and his family, also has less forrolls, the chicken and steak yakitori (bemal locations in Charlotte, NC, at Tampa’s low), the Japanese fried rice or full-liquor Armature Works and coming soon is Ato, bar, you’ve been missing something special. which will feature sushi bowls and “bur— GN ritos” in the KRATE container park at The The rest of the 2021 Asian/Mediterranean Top 10: (4) China Wok; (5) Bonsai; (6) Umu; (7) Hibachi Express; (T8) Asian Buffet; (T8) Arroy Thai; (10) Gonna China. Neighborhood News

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2021 READER DINING SURVEY

If you drive by New Tampa’s Twistee Treat on just about any night, you are likely to encounter an overflow line in the drive through. That’s a testament to the variety and flavors offered by the familiar “Big Ice Cream Cone” on the corner of BBD and New Tampa Blvds. The 25-foot coneshaped building serves up tasty ice cream on cones, in cups and between cookies (below left), to name just a few ways to enjoy it. Whatever you choose, however, seems to agree with local sweet tooths — in an area with some very good competition, Twistee Treat is No. 1 according to our readers. Its Twirls — with the ice cream of your choice topped with more than 15 different kinds of cookies and candies of

Favorite Dessert in NT

1. Twistee Treat 8810 New Tampa Blvd. (321) 445-9103 TwisteeTreat.com

your choice — are among the most popular items. Twistee Treat also has Waffle Tacos made to order, Cookiewiches (we got ours with Reese’s Pieces), brownie sundaes and banana splits, as well as shakes and slushies. With the exception of cakes, if you can make it with ice cream, Twistee Treat can make it for you, with the kind of endless varieties that might also explain the long lines. After all, a carful of kids can make choosing between nearly 30 flavors of ice cream to put on more than a halfdozen different cones with a variety of toppings an adventure, but a tasty one at that. — JCC

Naya Navas loves making carloads of kids smile. Here she is serving a chocolate ice cream Twirl with Oreos, and a Cookiewich with Reeses Pieces.

2. Cold Stone 17519 Preserve Walk Ln. (813) 977-0024

ColdstoneCreamery.com/stores/21217

“Welcome to Cold Stone” might be four of the happiest words you can hear. Once inside, the ice cream parlor serves up delicious and creamy ice cream (mmmm, butter fat!) prepared with your favorite toppings (like Oreos, Kit Kats and M&Ms....or just a shmear of regular old peanut butter), on a cold stone while you watch. You can get regular ice cream flavors, but the signature creations, like a Birthday Cake Remix, Cookie Minster or Mud Pie Mojo, are the most popular way to go and perfect for any movie night at home.

And while ice cream with mix-ins is king here, Cold Stone may be almost as well known for its crazy-good ice cream cakes as well. The Cake Batter Fudge (above) or Cookie Dough Delirium might change your life.— JCC

3. Bruster’s 20303 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 907-7458 Brusters.com/newtampa Bruster’s Real Ice Cream is a long-time staple of New Tampa, having survived the Frozen Yogurt Wars of the early- to mid2000s, and it is always among the dessert favorites in our reader survey. Why? The ice cream is creamy, rich and delicious and the choices are seemingly endless. No, really, you might spend as much time choosing your ice cream as you do eating it.

There are more than 30 flavors, and all kinds of ways to order -- cones, shakes, sundaes, mixers, pies and on and on and...— JCC

The rest of your 2021 NT Dessert Top 10: (4) Smallcakes, (5) The Cake Shop, (6) Grain & Berry, (7) Dunkin’, (8) You Do The Dishes, (T9) Ice SSSScreamin’ & Coffee Speaks & Tea Talks

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Joe Schembri knows people love the ice cream he makes at his popular Ice Dreammm Shop at The Grove. But sometimes, he can 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd #101 be surprised, overwhelmed (727) 495-6730 and humbled at just how IceDreammmShop.com.com much the locals love it. Last week, Schembri received an order from a longtime customer of his original store in Lutz. It was for the customer’s mother-in-law, who was going into hospice. One of her last requests was a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a scoop of coffee ice cream. The next morning, at 10 a.m., the order was picked up. It was a surreal moment, one that had Schembri catching his breath. “I mean, you always want to see customers love what you sell,” he said. “But this, this was crazy. Crazy.” Schembri’s Lutz location already was among the top choices for best dessert in or near Wesley Chapel, but adding to his legion of fans by opening a Wesley Chapel location has launched him to No. 1 — a runaway victory. Made with the best, all-natural Joe Schembri scoops some cookie butter ice cream onto a waffle cone. Schembri spent a year developingredients he can find, the flavors he ing his ice cream flavors before opening his first store, and the results have made his Ice Dreammm spent a year perfecting in his garage Shop our readers’ favorite dessert place in Wesley Chapel.

before opening his first location continue to satisfy, and Schembri continues to concoct new delights. He says his Cookies & Dream flavor is the best seller, and the Cookie Butter is coming on fast. And, don’t miss out on the seasonal Santa’s Cookies and Milk, Sweet Potato Pie and even Coquito ice cream, as well as a dozen other creamy delights, with many new flavors swapped in weekly, and you can even have them made into amazing ice cream pies (below). And, speaking of new flavors, Schembri has, as he promised when the Wesley Chapel shop opened, added a variety of new baked goods, including fudge brownies, triple-layer peanut butter brownies and more. — JCC

2. Twistee Treat

the moistest cakes you’ll find anywhere. You can choose between 10 flavors in different sizes — bitesized bundtinis, mini bundtlets or special order full-sized bundt cakes — and they’re always a perfect treat to bring to any holiday party. — JCC

Favorite Dessert

1. Ice Dreammm Shop

3. Nothing Bundt Cakes

5258 Village Market (321) 445-9103 TwisteeTreat.com

Sometimes, you may be in the mood for something other than sitting inside and enjoying a rich, fancy exoticallyflavored helping of ice cream. And, when you just want some soft-serve ice cream, Twistee Treat is a super-popular choice. You can get your ice cream on a waffle taco, brownie boat, between two cookies or as part of a sundae or banana split. But, the most traditional way Twistee Treat serves up its 25 or so flavors might be its most popular — through a drive-thru

window on the side of its unmistakable ice-cream-cone-shaped building, twirled on top of a cone of your choice. And since your car will probably be full of kids, don’t forget to ask for extra napkins! — JCC

28354 Willet Way (813) 536-1447 NothingBundtCakes.com Since opening at the Shops at Wiregrass in 2017, Nothing Bundt Cakes has been a consistent top choice for favorite dessert. In 2018, it was voted as the area’s No. 1 Favorite Dessert, and the last three years, including 2021, it has finished in the Top 3 of Wesley Chapel faves. And why not? While it doesn’t offer a crazy variety of cakes, this national chain with more than 400 bakeries across the U.S. has mastered its products, which are, hands down,

The rest of the 2021 WC Dessert top 10: (4) Crumbl Cookies; (5) Culver’s; (6) Dairy Queen; (7) 365 Cafe Italiano; (8) Menchie’s; (9) Dunkin; (10) Starbucks.

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Favorite Bar/Tavern

1. Mr. Dunderbak’s 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

(813) 977-4104 Dunderbaks.com

Patrick Paterson and Brianna Miranda are proud to serve you a hard-to-find beer in a traditional beer stein (above) at Mr. Dunderbak’s. (Photo: Charmaine George)

2. Stonewood

offers beer and wine and no hard liquor. A charming curmudgeon, Ellis is definitely old school. He was at ground zero of the craft and home beer explosion in Tampa Bay, and offers more beers (500+) that you can’t find anywhere else than anyone else in the New Tampa, including favorites like Hacker Pschorr and many others. “Your chances of finding a candy corn-flavored, lactose-infused cookie dough bull---- beer is just not going to happen here,” he says. Which is why he proudly sells T-shirts that say “Beer Flavored Beer” on them at his popular location. Of all the winning restaurants and bars in this year’s survey, no one has a better Google rating than Mr. Dunederbak’s — an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars average, with more than 2,000 reviews. Our readers are definitely among those who agree. — JCC

3. Fat Rabbit Pub

17050 Palm Pointe Dr. (813) 978-0388 StonewoodGrill.com Although it hasn’t always finished as high with our readers for Favorite Bar as it has for Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa (including this year), one of the highest compliments you can pay the local location of this mini-chain is that there may be no more New Tampa crowd at any bar in our area year after year than at Stonewood Grill & Tavern. The drinks aren’t cheap, but neither are they overpriced, and many locals (including Jannah and yours truly) prefer to dine at the bar instead of the more private

When J.B. Ellis bought Mr. Dunderbak’s 25 years ago, it had just six beers on draught and he says the first thing he did was get rid of the Natural Ice and Bud Light. Don’t be shocked. He replaced those popular favorites at other bars, and expanded the bar, with the kinds of beers you would expect in a European pub: a variety of English, Belgian and German lagers, just for starters. You could argue, by the cases and cases of beers throughout, that the joint looks like a beer hoarder had moved in to live there. When Ellis moved the bar/restaurant from its original space in University Square Mall to its current location on BBD, he cut a hole in the wall of what used to be a hair salon next door and added an in-house brewery, “so I could brew things I want to brew.” The wide and traditional selection of beers, along with a quirky and comforting setting and a menu featuring German goodies like sandwiches, sausages and schnitzels that draw in big crowds, make it New Tampa’s best bar this year (at least, according to our readers), despite the fact it only

16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. (813) 252-3004 FatRabbitPub.com

tables and booths in the main dining area. Part of the reason for that is the crowd itself — which is usually made up of Stonewood’s well-dressed regulars — but it’s also because of the outstanding service provided by the always-attentive bartenders. In other words, Stonewood is your place for great food, drinks and conversation. — GN

There aren’t too many things that The Fat Rabbit Pub does wrong, hitting the triple crown of bar services — great food, great bar and a relaxing and clean atmosphere. It caters to both drinkers and eaters, and a plethora of TVs makes it a perfect place to catch a game after work. The Fat Rabbit has a wide variety of beers, the lineup being regularly tweaked with craft and local beers, as well as a full offering of premium liquor and wine. It may also be the sharpest-looking bar in town. When it comes to food, Fat Rabbit,

which was the No. 4 overall favorite restaurant last year (#11 this year), can make the case for having both the best (and widest variety of) wings, as well as the best burgers in New Tampa. Oh, and the tater tots (try the New Tampa Truffle) are a treat, too. The Fat Rabbit isn’t an entertainment venue, but its food, drinks (try a bourbon flight) and service are outstanding. — JCC

The rest of your Favorite Bar in NT top 10: (4) Glory Days; (5) Acropolis; (6) Via Italia; (7) Peabody’s; (8) Chili’s; (9) Bayscape; (T10) Red Lobster and Olive Garden.

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2021 READER DINING SURVEY

As we already told you on page 24 of this issue — Treble Makers Dueling Piano Restaurant & Bar was named our readers’ second-favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel with its outstanding menu created by 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 101 executive chef Kevin Maggard. (813) 406-4371 But, considering that no TrebleMakersofWC.com fewer than two dozens restaurants and bars received votes in the Favorite Bar in Wesley Chapel category this year, being named their #1 Favorite Bar for 2021 by our Neighborhood News readers was something of a surprise to co-owner Jamie Hess, even though he and his GM/co-owner Lee Bevan have worked hard to add great new bartenders and entertainment options to go with the already popular weekend dueling piano shows. Jannah and I have spent a lot of time at Treble Makers piano key bar, enjoying dinner and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey games or NFL or NCAA football games on the giant screen. We also loved singing karaoke there, as the dueling piano stage Treble Makers not only has great food, but the piano key bar, dueling piano shows and other enter- provided such a great opportunity to sing along with our favorite tainment provide one of the best spots in Wesley Chapel to spend a night with friends.

Favorite Bar/Tavern

1. Treble Makers

2. Florida Ave. Brewing Co.

2029 Arrowgrass Dr. (at S.R. 56) (813) 452-6333 FloridaAveBrewing.com Remember when you basically had one option in the area for a good craft beer? Well, now you have a few choices and, according to our readers, there are none better than Florida Ave. Brewing Co. on S.R. 56. In just a little more than a year, Florida Ave. has established itself as one of the area’s go-to destinations, thanks in part to a tap room offering a wide variety of beers — many now brewed just a few feet away in what may be the State of Florida’s largest craft beer operation (photo) — a

terrific chefcreated menu, a fantastic atmosphere and an outdoor seating area that is always packed. Tours of the brewery are coming soon, and don’t forget to hit the beer cave

songs. Sadly, karaoke wasn’t a consistent crowd-puller, so Hess, Bevan and Co. decided to do away with those shows on Wednesday nights, replacing it with a rotting schedule of live music. Other fun events at Treble Makers include live jazz on Mondays (and sometimes on Sundays), Team Trivia competitions on Tuesdays and free acoustic music on Wednesdays and Thursdays. With delicious specialty drinks, and a variety of great beer and wine, Treble Makers truly is a great local bar. — GN

3. Double Branch Artisanal Ales 5956 Wesley Grove Blvd. (813) 492-8800 DBAA.com

Double Branch Artisanal Ales (DBAA) hit the ground running when it opened in 2020, producing a creative assortment of beers and growing a loyal following. Now that it has added Omnivorous, the local craft brewery’s in-house and tasty food kitchen, it is complete as a perfect hangout for craft beer aficionados. And, the location is lovely, right there in the Village at The Grove, where strung lights and lots of foot traffic make it a happening locale and the patio is a nice place to enjoy an outdoor drink. And, with Wesley Chapel’s

No. 2 (Treble Makers) and No. 4 (Falabella Family Bistro) restaurants and No. 1 Dessert Place (Ice Dreammm Shop) a few steps away, DBAA just might be on the hottest corner in the area. — JCC

The rest of the Favorite Bar top 10: (4) Bahama Breeze; (5) Rock & Brews; (T6) BJ’s Brewhouse; (T6) Glory Days; (8) Rice-N-Beans; (9) Chuck Lager; (10) GrillSmith.

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The Bean Bar Co. — New Tampa’s Place For Coffee & Delicious Treats! By GARY NAGER Danielle Henry is a busy young woman — she’s married with two young kids, she just completed her MBA degree online (from King University in her native Knoxville, TN), she owns and operates a food truck and oh yeah, she recently opened The Bean Bar Co., her first-ever storefront business, located in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms (next to Koizi restaurant). Danielle says she started working for her friend Gina Malone-Evans’ mom Georgina Malone’s business — which sold coffee out of a tent at the Florida State Fair, Straberry Festival and other large-scale events — when she was just 14 years old. In December of 2017, she purchased the equipment from Georgina and continued to operate out of a tent for two years before building and opening the first Bean Bar food truck in September of 2020. Danielle’s brother Kyle Trina opened the family’s second Bean Bar food truck in March of 2021. Only a month or so later, I met Danielle when she brought the original Bean Bar truck to Palms Pharmacy’s fifth anniversary celebration (so Palms Pharmacy’s Shahida Choudhry, Pharm.D., could provide free coffee beverages for everyone who attended the event, in April of 2021), Shahida told me at that time that Danielle was going to bring The Bean Bar to the plaza and I knew (after so enjoying my free caramel macchiato) I was going to become a regular customer. “I would never have found New Tampa and this plaza if not for Shahida,” says Danielle, who lives with her husband Mark and their 4-year-old son Peyton (named for Peyton Manning) and 18-month-old daughter Layne in Wesley Chapel. “But, after I was told that the KRATE container park in The Grove at Wesley Chapel already had a deal with a coffee place (Provisions Coffee & Kitchen; see pg. 42), I was looking for another location.”

Sipping Something Delicious

So, only six months or so after I met her, Danielle opened The Bean Bar Co.’s

(Clockwise from top left) Delicious Made Coffee is made fresh at The Bean Bar Co. in The Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms. Danielle Henry (left) and her manager Peyton. The fried chicken and waffle sandwich is amazing, even if you don’t order it “Gary’s Way” (with crispy bacon).

first-ever storefront, serving her delicious coffee beverages made (no pun intended) with Made Coffee, which is headquartered in Clearwater. I’ve yet to have a bad cup of coffee at The Bean Bar, and I’ve sampled everything from the freshly brewed hot regular coffee, the hot latte, cappuccino and cafe con leche to the homemade hot chocolate and what may be the most delicious caramel macchiato I’ve ever tasted. I’ve yet to sample the hot Irish nutcase (which comes only in a large size and includes six shots of espresso), any of the flavored specialty lattes (including cookie butter and s’mores) or any iced beverages, but Jannah definitely loves both the hot and iced chai tea. Speaking of tea, Danielle says that the storefront has allowed her to stock a variety of delicious teas for the first time, and they also are served hot or iced, and The Bean Bar also offers fruit smoothies and refreshers. And of course, you can add a variety of flavored syrups (many also available sugar free), from basics like vanilla,

caramel and hazelnut, to more exotic options, like lavender, pumpkin spice, rose and white chocolate. You also can substitute almond, coconut, soy or oat milk for the regular or non-fat milk (or cream). But, unless you have an allergy or lactose intolerance, why would you?

Delicious Munchies, Too!

Because man (or, at least, this man) can not live on delicious beverages alone, The Bean Bar also has some tasty food options, starting with the perfect waffle chicken sandwich shown above right). It includes crispy fried chicken, egg and cheese served between two fluffy waffles. Order it “Gary’s Way” (no, my way is not on the menu) with crispy real bacon (there’s also turkey bacon and turkey sausage available). The waffles are so tasty it doesn’t even need the syrup served on the side. We also are partial to the bacon,

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egg and cheese “sami,” which is available served on an English muffin, but I definitely prefer it on a fresh croissant. The croissants are delivered fresh from Douce France Bakery in Winter Garden. But, definitely save room for dessert, too. The Bean Bar stocks delicious cookies from St. Petersburg-based Kathie’s Fine Cookies. And, Danielle also is supplied with fresh-baked muffins, brownies, pastries and other delicious and different-eachday treats from Petite Bouchees, whose owner lives in Epperson in Wesley Chapel. I’ll be honest that I haven’t sampled all of these treats (I’d weight 1,000 lbs. if

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I did), but the chocolate chunk cookies are chewy and decadent and both the peppermint and regular fudge brownies are supertasty, too...and fudgy! “Considering that both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were in health care administration and management,” Danielle says, “I definitely changed course by opening this store. But, I’m glad I did. I love what I do and I have a great staff, which I know is hard to find these days.” So, whether you see Danielle when you visit The Bean Bar, her manager Peyton (no relation to Danielle’s son) or any of her other friendly employees, go and enjoy a sip and a nosh in a relaxing atmosphere.

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(Clockwise from top left) Danielle and her brother, Kyle Trina, at his Bean Bar food truck. Gary’s favorite caramel macchiato. The Bean Bar’s delicious pastries, brownies and cookies. You don’t have to be a nutcase to enjoy an Irish Nutcase. The croissants are legit and the bacon, egg & cheese “sami” is a hit with our editor.

The Bean Bar Co. (17018 Palm Pointe Dr.) is open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-5 p.m., and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (813) 442-7699, visit BeanBarCo. com or visit them on Instagram (beanbar_co) or Facebook (The Bean Bar Co.). Or, see the ad on pg. 35 to save 15% off your entire order.

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The Grill At Morris Bridge Opens On CC Blvd!

Provisions Opens 2nd Location On Bearss Ave.

Congratulations to owner Dana Morris on the opening of her second location of Provisions Coffee & Kitchen (the first is in the KRATE Container Park in The Grove at Wesley Chapel) in the Palms Connection plaza at 2816 E. Bearss Ave. The new location, which opened last month, is larger and will have a slightly larger menu than the KRATE location, but you can get the tasty fried chicken biscuit sandwich above at either location. For more info, visit “Provisions Coffee & Kitchen” on Facebook. — GN

For those who have been hoping for a great new restaurant to open in the location that was originally Beef O’Brady’s on Cross Creek Blvd. at Morris Bridge Rd., The Grill at Morris Bridge is off to a pretty good start since hosting its friends & family event on December 18 and opening the following day. Yes, the location has had a couple of Italian restaurants open and close over the last couple of years, but co-owners (and brothers) Frank and James Gouveia are hoping that great food, premium liquor, an outstanding 250-bottle wine list (with some bottles only $25) and a casual, but elegant atmosphere will help The Grill succeed where those others failed. Frank (photo) says he spent more than 20 years in the wine business, so he definitely knows how to pick great grapes, but he also is thrilled to have an outstanding Executive Chef — Daniel Friley — creating a unique menu with a great variety of starters, entrées and desserts. Both the Gouveia brothers and Friley are from Massachusetts and the menu definitely is New England-inspired. For example, the starters include a zesty authentic New England clam chowder and stuffed giant clams known as quahogs, plus non-New England options like excellent Chesapeake crab cakes (top right photo) with a roasted padron pepper remoulade, charcuterie boards and more. We’ve also gotten to sample some great entrées, including a tender and delicious filet

mignon au poivre with potatoes au gratin and fresh asparagus (right) and a pan-seared black grouper served with herbed butter broccolini. There’s also a 10-oz. NY strip, a blackened chicken tscoupitoulas, a grilled dry aged pork chop, fresh Atlantic salmon and more. For dessert, try Chef Daniel’s house-made creme brulée (botom right photo) or Key lime ginger cheesecake. And, while Jannah says The Grill’s cosmopolitan was one of the best she’s ever had, please also check out The Grill’s outstanding fine wine selection, too. The Grill at Morris Bridge (10920 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open for lunch (at 11 a.m.) and dinner (until 9 p.m. Sun.-Thur., 10 p.m. on Fri.-Sat). It is open for dinner only Mon.-Tues. For more info, visit TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com, call (813) 388-5353 or see the ad on pg. 29. — GN

Shake-A-Salad Is The Second KRATE To Open At The Grove! Congratulations to owners Colleen and Leighann for opening Shake-A-Salad, the second former shipping container to open at the KRATE container park at The Grove. With fresh salads, wraps

and rice bowls and amazing homemade dressings (try the creamy Caesar!), Shake-A-Salad is a welcome newcomer at 5817 Goldview Pkwy., #105. Visit ShakeASaladFL.com or call (813) 501-8340.-GN

Mint Cocktail Café Also Open In Palms Connection! We first told you a couple of months ago about the Mint Cocktail Club, located in the Palms Connection plaza at 2810 E. Bearss Ave. Mint, which opened last month, is owned by Cody Jay, who also owns the Bearss Tavern & Tap in the same plaza. Well, Mint is a beautiful, self-proclaimed “Tropical Hideaway” with some unique drinks — many made with the variety of quality rums available, although I loved the tropical High Tide (the yellow drink in the far right pic), which is made with banana-infused bourbon, toasted

coconut, pineapple and lime — and what appears to be a great “sneak preview” menu. Although our bartender Nia assured us that the menu will be expanded, Jannah and I really loved the queso frito appetizer, which is a lightly fried, crispy-coated Mexican cheese with guava rum and a slightly spicy papaya salsa. While Mint definitely caters to USF students with some free-drinks on Ladies Nights, it should also attract New Tampa adults of all ages. For more info, visit MintTampa.com or call (813) 219-3478.— GN

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The new Mint Cocktail Club has a delicious queso frito appetizer & a variety of great drinks.

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New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT

CUSTOM INT. WINDOW COVERINGS! Cust. fabrication of all types of window coverings — plantation & hurricane shutters, vert. blinds, roller, cellular, woven wood & Roman shades, cellular vert., panel tracks, retract. awnings, motorization experts, alum., wood & faux wood blinds & more! FREE installation on orders over $250! Call Henry @ 813-948-6363, email TampaBlindsbyDesign@gmail.com or visit TampaBlindsbyDesign.com. TOM JOSEPH HANDYMAN: FREE ESTIMATES! Serving residents, Realtors & property mgrs. 30+ yrs home construction exp. Move in/out setups & repairs. Repairs for sale/rent. Hang flatscreen TVs. Setup wifi & home theater. Install closet organizers. Cabinets, pullouts, shelving. Gen’l carpentry. Crown molding. Kitchen backsplash. Door install/repair & more! Call 813-751-4998 or email JosephHomesllc@outlook.com AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years of exp. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere. Google us to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises. See our display ad at the bottom of this page! JUNK HAULING SERVICE! • We handle all types of furniture removal — bdrm sets, chairs, mattresses & box springs • Hot water heaters & hot tubs - take apart & remove • Construction material • Carpet removal • Estate, eviction, yard, garage & attic clean-outs • Ofc, home & factory • Comm’l/res’l. GorillaJunkremovalExperts.com. For appts, call/text Nigel @ 888-346-5865. WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHING.COM Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small. Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate or visit our website. 813-433-6015. RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Ext: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Int: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124. CHARLES POPPE ELECTRIC. Electric of all kinds: pools, spas, svc changes, new circuits, low-voltage, repairs, upgrades, changes to existing, troubleshoot’g, GFCI performance testing, generators. We are experts w/40+ years exp. Discount of 50% off labor for senior citizens! Lic’d & Insured Master Electrician (EC 13002399) - free phone estimates. Call 813-477-9068. MILLENNIUM HOME REPAIR. Prof’ Handyman. Cabinet install, dry wall rep, tile install & rep, some plumbing, laminate flooring, light fixtures, int. painting, appliance install, pressure washing, paneling, window rep, awning install, carpentry, garbage disp, fence rep, crown molding, window blinds, seal baths & showers, TV mount & more. Call 813-400-1408 or email TycoonUnion@ yahoo.com. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 26 years exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-784-5999.

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Think you can write for print? Do you shoot & edit videos? Want to get paid? The Neighborhood News is looking to add freelance writers & /video editors. Email your resumé & no more than one writing or video sample to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, Attn: Gary Nager

HOME HEALTH CARE

HOME DIALYSIS PARTNER: Why travel for dialysis? Home Hemodialysis Partner LLC ‘s Cert. Home Health Aide & Phlebotomy Tech will come to you! We attend mandatory training at your clinic, assemble your machine at home, check vitals, start & finish treatment w/you, maintain contact w/an on-call nurse & safely remove you from the machine. Accepting new clients June 21! Email YourDialysisPartner@gmail.com or call 813.841.3754. SENIOR OVERNIGHT COMPANION SITTERS Two kind senior sisters seeking work safeguarding your loved one during the overnight hours. We’ve been working w/the senior population for 10 years & have seen a need for local, English-speaking, backgroundchecked, Covid-tested, dependable companions w/their own transportation. Very reasonable rates. Call Diane or Elisa at 813-938-8614.

COMPUTER & BUSINESS SERVICES

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com. PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+, Cert. computer tech w/20 years exp. Maintenance & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate!

CLEANING SERVICES

PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 years of exp. Free estimates. Call 813 943 6054 or email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com. A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. Family-Owned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly / Deep Cleaning/ Move-In / Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813462-1270. Local references supplied upon request. B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 18 years exp.! Comm’l & Resid’l; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & postconstruction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in & move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates.; Refs. avail. Call 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHER AVAILABLE! Retired Professional Photographer (45+ years experience) in the Tampa Bay area. Corporate Events, Personal Occasions, Portraiture, Pets, Commercial Photography & Real Estate. Reasonable rates. Ask me about “Front Porch Portraits,” taken from the safety of your front porch, FREE OF CHARGE! Great for Families, Children, Pets & more! Call or Text (813) 748-3901 or Visit: russellleprephotography.com.

POOL SERVICES (Cont.)

MISCELLANEOUS

AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campers/small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any condition, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, call (813) 461-0062. Want To Buy A Home, Starting With $1,000? I’d Like to be your Realtor & share a list of beautiful homes & loan officers who can get you approved! I’m familiar w/ Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance! Call/Text (941) 400-2833. Robert Leonard, Future Home Realty (27552 Cashford Cir., #101, WC 33544). Or, send me an email to Robert@HomeSeminar.Info. ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2020 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $40 (one way). Driver vaccinated w/two shots. Cory Lake Isles resident. Call/text 813.765.2037. GET $500 TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS... when you buy a NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME with Florida Homes with Geri at Epperson OR Mirada. Schedule a PRIVATE TOUR of both Communities by a Resident Realtor. Join @LifeAtTheLagoon with @RealtorGeri Call/Text 813-609-0966. Connect with me on Instagram & Facebook.

POOL SERVICES

ALLSTARPOOLSOFTAMPABAY.COM. Pool cleanups, & acid washing of old pool finishes. Marcite, quartz & pebble finishes from $3K. We offer cool decking, Eurocrete & paver decking options. Paver, river rock sealing, leak detection & in-ground vinyl liner replacements avail. Quality salt & ozone generators, pumps, motors & filters. Mention this ad for a $79 pool svc. (restrictions apply). Serving NT & WC since 1990. Call/text 813-244-7077 or visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com. TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing w/outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call or Text Chris today @ 813-857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim-safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-312-5694 TODAY and get ONE MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD POOLS. Wesley Chapel owned & operated since 1999. Weekly service. No long term contracts. Mention this AD for one-month Free service. Call 813-907-7322 for details or text Joe at 813-758-7608.

LAWN & LANDSCAPING____

ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, LLC. Complete resid’l & comm’l landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone. Patios, decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn care. Sod & lawn install’n, artificial turf, fencing, railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials. NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repairs, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. CALL BILL @ (813) 973-3825. A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service. Lic’d & insured, serving the Tampa Bay area 20+ years. Family owned & operated. Quality work, affordable rates. Gutter clean-outs, screen repairs, pressure washing & sprinkler repairs. Landscaping & property maint., including sod, tree & hedge trimming & clean ups. Other services avail. CALL 813-907-LAWN (5296). Jasmine Landscaping, Inc. Complete lawn maint.: Tree, palm & hedge trimming, planting, mulching, stones, sod replacement. Gutter cleaning, leaf removal & more. Cited by your HOA? Ask about our HOA Compliance Special, our Fall/Spring Special & FREE estimate! Lic’d & insured. Accepting new resid’l & comm’l accounts. Visa, MC, PayPal, Zelle, AmEx. Call or text 813-420-4465. Now hiring FT workers. HEAVY HITTER LAWN CARE: Veteran owned & operated lawn care maint. service, focused on lawn mowing, trimming, edging & blowing (flexible w/extra svcs.). Well maintained & professional laborer ensuring cust. satisfaction & on-time cuts. Rain or shine, quality & schedule will be kept. Lic’d & Insured. Call or text 678-673-7856 for your FREE Estimate.

FITNESS & WELL BEING

YOGA, PERSONAL TRAINING, NUTRITION & PHYSICAL THERAPY w/DR. LAUREN LEIVA, DPT! Phys Ed for everyone, including all children, w/a certified personal trainer who also is a degreed Dr. of Physical Therapy. Ask Dr. Leiva about her PE4ME sliding scale pay program, volunteer opportunities and more! For more info, visit TheExerscienceCenter.com, call 813.464.0313 or see the ad on pg. 28 of this issue.

All Neighborhood News Classified Ads appear in both New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News! 7 issues — $120; 13 issues — $200; or 26 issues (1 year) — $300! To order yours, visit neighborhoodnewsonline.net/Classified Listings

TJ’s PRESSURE WASHING LLC. Houses, Fences, Driveways, Lanais & Screened Enclosures. Most resdt’l 2-car driveways & vinyl fences start at $75. House washing starts at $150 /1-story home, $199/2-story home. Need an instant quote? Text me a picture of the job you need done. Call Tj at 727-808-7775.

TREE SERVICE

FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27-yrs of Prof. Service. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding. DeadWood Removal. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

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New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 30, Issue 1, January 11, 2022

Articles inside

The popular local food truck now has a storefront in Tampa Palms. See

The good & bad sides of Wesley Chapel’s explosive growth. See

Here are New Tampa’s Teachers of the Year for each school. See