Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 31, Issue 12, June 13, 2023

June 13, 2023

Mirada’s Lagoon Is Now The Largest In The U.S.!

The 15-acre Metro Lagoons amenity is now open just north of Wesley Chapel. See pages 4-5!

EDITORIAL

Who knew? FDOT has spent $836 million on local road improvements; plus, our online ads.

See page 3

SADDLEBROOK PREP UPDATE!

For 2023-24, the golf & tennis academy will add non-boarding, academic-only students.

See page 6

MORE AUTO DEALERSHIPS?

Wesley Chapel is home to 19 auto dealerships but at least one more may be on the way.

See page 10

The Grill At Morris Bridge’s Updated Menu... For Brunch, Dinner, Happy Hour & Late Night! See pages 30-31!

MINERVA INDIAN RESTAURANT

Almost every year since it opened, Minerva has served our readers’ favorite Indian cuisine.

See pages 32-33

$836 Million For Local Road Improvements? Plus, Our New Online Ads

By GARY NAGER

Editorial

By now, anyone who regularly drives the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at S.R. 56 or the new Overpass Rd. exit at I-75 has to recognize that these transportation improvements have helped relieve traffic in our area.

And, with new lanes now open eastbound and opening soon westbound on S.R. 54 between Curley Rd. and Morris Bridge Rd., it appears that Wesley Chapel’s biggest traffic problems are continuing to improve.

Even so, I still hear (and see on Facebook) lots of complaints about our traffic issues and the amount of money that is or isn’t being spent to do something about fixing them.

Does $836 million in state transportation improvements sound like nothing has been done?

Although not all of that amount has been spent on alleviating traffic in Wesley Chapel “proper,” almost $530 million of it has been spent on a wide variety of transportation capacity projects serving zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545 since 2002 — and that amount doesn’t include the hundreds of millions more that Pasco and the developers of Wesley Chapel-based communities have spent to improve the roads in and around all of our area’s new subdivisions.

The remaining $300+ million of that $836 million total is what has been spent improving the state-owned roadways in the Wesley Chapeladjacent communities of New Tampa (nearly $187 million) and San Antonio ($94.5 million).

Thanks to our new editorial research contributor (and new local Realtor with Florida Executive Realty) Joel Provenzano, who previously worked for the Florida Department of Transportation (aka FDOT), I am proud to be able to break down just the state funds that have been spent to make traffic less of a nightmare for those of us who live and/or work in and around “The Chap” (see chart above).

And, while I understand that those who were here before the boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s miss all the cows, empty space and being able to have just one blinking yellow light from BBD (then C.R. 581) at S.R. 54 to one signal at BBD and I-75 in New Tampa, most of the locals who moved to this area once the development of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa started to take hold are appreciative of the improvements that have been made here since 2002.

I do realize that, with the continued explosion of new homes and businesses in our area, more money will need to be spent to keep our area from turning into another Dale Mabry Hwy. or Brandon Blvd. I, for one, however, am happy to not be sitting in traffic as often as I was before all of these improvements were made.

Check Out Our Online Ads!

Over the past few years, as online advertising has infiltrated pretty much every part of our lives, we have had just a couple of online ads on our website — NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

But, as the number of visits to our site has grown exponentially the last 2-3 years, I have always wanted to offer local businesses the opportunity to place ads on our site — which now averages 30,000 visits every month — I just wasn’t sure what to charge for those ads.

Well, those rates are now set and the first of those online ads should be up on our site by no later than June 15. So, whether you want to supplement your print ads or advertise with us online only, please call (813) 910-2575 or email ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com.

Wesley Chapel State Road Improvements, With Estimated State Costs & Completion Dates — 2002-23

New Interchange: I-75 @ SR 56-$31,933,544 (2002)

New Road: SR 56, WC Blvd.-BBD-$31,200,000 (2002)

SR 56 Ext.: BBD-Mansfield Blvd.-(Developers, 2009)

SR 56/SR 54 widening (4-6 lanes), Osprey Ln.-I-75-(Developers, 2009)

SR 56 Ext., Mansfield Blvd-Meadow Pointe Blvd.-(Developers, 2011)

I-75 & I-275 NB exit ramp lengthening to SR 56-$31,527,956 (2011)

I-75 @ SR 54, widen existing interchange-$17,943,359 (2012)

SR 54 widening (4-6 lanes), I-75 to Point Pleasant Blvd.Part of the $17.9 million above

I-275 widening (4-6 lanes), SR 56-Bearss Ave.-$95,000,000 (2012)

SR 54 widening (2-6 lanes), Point Pleasant Blvd.-Curley Rd.$13,000,000 (2012)

BBD widening (2-6 lanes), SR 54-SR 56-$13,000,000 (2012)

BBD @ SR 54, from 2-3 left turn lanes-$75,000 (2018)

SR 56 Ext.-Meadow Pointe Blvd.-US 301-$58,110,312 (2019)

I-75 @ SR 56, DDI-$34,368,806 (2022)

I-75 @ Overpass Rd., New Interchange w/Flyover ramp onto SB I-75$64,602,429 (2023)

BBD @ Ace Hardware Plaza, median opening closure & turn lane lengthening-$2,037,125 (2023)

BBD @ N Eagleston Blvd., New Traffic SignalPart of the $2 mill above (2023)

SR 54, widening (2-4 lanes), Meadow Pointe Blvd.-Morris Bridge Rd.$42,748,987 (to be completed in 2023)

SR 54 widening (2-6 lanes), Curley Rd.-Meadow Point Blvd.Part of the $42.7 million above (to be completed in 2023)

Wesley Chapel Total 2002-2023: $529,882,801

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Neighborhood News

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS! 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Phone: (813) 910-2575

Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager

Correspondents

Celeste McLaughlin • Nidhi Jani

Research Contributor Joel Provenzano

Sales & Billing Assistant Jannah Nager

Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George

Graphic Designers

Morgan Conlin • Valerie Wegener

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 31, Issue 14, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

© 2023 JM2 Communications, Inc.

Now Open At Mirada — The Largest Manmade Lagoon In The U.S.!

The Metro Lagoon is Open South of S.R. 52 & Will Host a Grand Opening Celebration the Weekend of June 24-25!

By GARY NAGER

“I made the call to make sure that Epperson got the potable water to open the first Metro Lagoons amenity in the U.S.,” District 1 Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said proudly at the VIP Lagoon Ribbon Cutting event at the new Metro Lagoons amenity at Mirada on June 2. “And, it’s awesome to be here as we open the largest (Crystal Lagoons®) amenity in the country right here in Pasco!”

Yes, while Epperson’s 7.5-acre Metro Lagoons amenity was the first in the U.S. when it opened in Wesley Chapel in 2018, the 15-acre lagoon at Mirada, located just north of Wesley Chapel in San Antonio, is now the largest manmade lagoon amenity in the country — and also is now open to the public.

There were lots of “oohs” and “aahs” as more than 100 visitors — including Oakley’s fellow Pasco Commissioners Seth Weightman and Jack Mariano, a representative from State Sen. Danny Burgess’ office and Board members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC) — joined most of the team from Metro Development Group, which now has three Metro Lagoons amenities in the Tampa Bay area (the other is at Southshore Bay in Wimauma), with a

several others planned throughout Central Florida.

Oakley added, “This amen ity will be for all of our citizens and visitors and I’m very grateful to have it. It’s also part of the Connected City and I made the motion to approve that, too.”

Oakley was introduced by Metro’s VP of marketing and communications Vaike O’Grady, who quickly ran down some of the stats about Mirada:

“This community is 2,000 acres and will one day have 4,500 homes from six different builders — DR Horton, Lennar, Lennar Active Adult Collection, Biscayne, Maronda and West Bay Homes — with prices from the high $200s to about $1 million,” O’Grady said. “This lagoon amenity includes about a mile of shoreline and is filled with 33 million gallons of water, or about as much as in 2,750 swimming pools. We also brought in 17.2 million pounds of sand, or enough to build four average-sized, two-story homes entirely out of sand.”

O’Grady then introduced Dist. 5 Commissioner and Pasco Board chair Jack Mariano, who noted, “Projects like this are what makes Pasco a premier place. We want to create quality places to live, work and play.”

Mariano was followed by Dist. 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman, who said, “What a great and beautiful way to kick off the summer!”

(Top) With 15 acres of lagoon, there’s lots to see & enjoy at the Metro Lagoons amenity in Mirada. (Above) Members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber, Pasco County government and the Pasco Economic Development Council were all part of the Mirada Lagoon ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Next, O’Grady introduced NTBC CEO Hope Kennedy, who said, “This is an absolutely wonderful day! We’re proud to have had a seat at the table on this project since, I think, 2012 or 2013, and we have been honored to stand by your side!”

Before multiple ribbons — well, pool buoy lines — were cut (by a saber-wielding pirate), Kennedy was then followed by Metro Lagoons

managing director Eric Wahlbeck, who said, “We have had the first and now the largest (lagoon amenity) in the U.S. What’s next? This is a massive project and pretty exciting stuff!”

On With The Festivities!

In addition to the ribbon-cutting pirate,

the VIP preview event featured three mermaids, one in a life-sized martini glass (left), one who appeared to be wearing a skirt surrounded by mimosas (photo on pg. 12) and another sitting on the side of the lagoon deck. There also were two gymnasts (see photo of one on page 1) wearing body suits

For more of the story & additional photos, see “Lagoon” on pg. 12

(Above, l.-r.) Metro Development VP of Operations Kartik Goyani, Pasco Commissioners Ron

Saddlebrook Prep To Accept Academic-Only, Non-Boarding Students

By Gary Nager

Since 1993, Saddlebrook Preparatory School, also known as Saddlebrook Prep, has been a place where outstanding young (middle and high school-aged) golfers and tennis players from all over the world have come to receive top-notch training in their respective sports while also receiving a quality education that truly — as the school’s name indicates — prepares these young athletes for college, the possibility of a professional career and even for life after college if they’re not among those lucky enough to reach the pinnacle of their respective sports.

Rob Riehle, the grandson of Saddlebrook Resort founder and former owner Tom Dempsey, graduated from Saddlebrook Prep and is one of those former athletes (he started out as a tennis player but soon found he was better at golf) who appreciates both the training and the tremendous education he received at the school. He also was one of the few students at Saddlebrook Prep who didn’t need to have room and board at the school, since he lived in the community.

Riehle, who is now the director of marketing for the resort, graduated with a B.A. degree in Critical Media & Cultural Studies from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. He says that Saddlebrook Prep was an important part of his life and now, he wants to expand the school’s reach beyond those who attend the school to receive concurrent enrollment in the prestigious Harry Hopman Tennis Program or Saddlebrook Golf Academy.

“When Mast Capital purchased Saddlebrook last year,” Riehle says, “there was some concern about what would happen to Saddlebrook Prep, as most of the other ownership groups who looked into buying the resort and adjacent property had no interest in the school. But, not only did Mast want to continue the school’s programs, it wanted to make an investment in its future;

Flowers

they definitely were interested in keeping the resort and school the way they were while also making them better.”

Included in the improvements Mast has planned, as we reported in a previous issue, is to move the driving range (which currently sits just inside the resort’s front gate on S.R. 54)to a portion of Saddlebrook’s two Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole championship golf courses, leaving Saddlebrook with 27 “outstanding golf holes,” according to Riehle, “instead of 36 mediocre ones.” He notes that although the courses themselves are still great, their irrigation and drainage systems will be replaced as part of Mast’s $25-million investment in resort renovations. “And,” he adds, “the new driving range will be two-sided — one for members and hotel guests and the other for golf academy students.”

A Private School For Wesley Chapel

The Mast group also recognized that, as a former Saddlebrook Prep student whose family had owned the resort since it first opened in 1981, Riehle was in a unique position in terms of being able to help grow the school’s student population, which has rarely exceeded 100 total middle and (mostly) high schoolers and currently is home to around 75 students. All of those are boarding students, including about 70% from other countries.

“One of the things we noticed,” Riehle says, “is that a lot of local residents are looking for a local private school option, whether because their public school is overcrowded, their kids can’t get enough one-on-one time with their teachers, they’re not happy with the curriculum, have safety concerns or for a com bination of reasons. We believed, and Mast agreed, that these locals should at least take a look at Saddlebrook Prep.”

He adds that, “This is a beautiful, gated community with on-site security, so your kids can feel safe attending here.”

Although the Covid-19 pandemic affected pretty much everyone and everything, Riehle says that Saddlebrook Prep was hit particularly hard and has never fully recovered. “With our students always having been so international, and with many countries not allowing their residents to travel, much less to the U.S., the school really suffered,” he

Event

attend Saddlebrook Prep.”

Riehle also notes that although Saddlebrook Prep’s middle school has traditionally been mostly younger siblings of boarding high school students, “that is one area we think will grow with this new opportunity. In fact, although we think our ideal student population is 100-120 students as of right now, and that number could grow if there’s enough demand because we can always add more faculty and staff to accommodate that greater need.”

(Above left) Students get to enjoy meals together in the Saddlebrook Preparatory School cafeteria. (Above right) Your child doesn’t have to be a future tennis pro to attend Saddlebrook Prep. (Below) The school’s small class sizes will help your child succeed.

News Briefs — Wesley Chapel Post Office & Eagleston Traffic Signal Updates

By Gary Nager

When we first told you in our Jan. 24 issue that the Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit (CPU) on Boyette Rd. had closed at the end of 2022, we also expressed hope — as did outgoing CPU contractor Kelly Rossi at the time — that Wesley Chapel would only be without a CPU for a couple of months once Kelly cleared out her entire inventory from the building by Jan. 31. Ummm, apparently not. Although we had been told by U.S. Postal Service (USPS) corporate officials and Zephyrhills Post Office employees that although it wouldn’t be in the same location, another contractor was planning to open a new CPU in what was then an unidentified location somewhere else in Wesley Chapel.

Unfortunately, that contractor fell through and, despite a lot of interest, no other contractor has stepped up to reopen a Wesley Chapel CPU — and there still is no USPS plan to open a full-fledged post office in any of our zip codes, like the one that has been located for more than 20 years in New Tampa’s 33647. That post office is actually closer to much of Wesley Chapel than is the Zephyrhills P.O., which is still responsible for the mail for zip codes 33543, 44 & 45.

In the meantime, Rossi’s former CPU location has become Velocity Custom Golf Cars (photo above left), which may or may not be open by the time this issue reaches you.

New Signal Now Operational At Eagleston Blvd.

If you check the list of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)-funded transportation improvement projects in our area on page 3 of this issue, among the line items on the list of completed projects is the $2,037,125 “Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. at the Ace Hardware Plaza (more commonly referred to as the Village Market) median opening closure and turn lane lengthening” project, which includes the new traffic signal at BBD and Eagleston Blvd.

Those projects were completed when the new traffic signal became operational on May 22 (above right photo; the license plates of the vehicles shown have been covered up).

With the median opening — from the Village Market on the west side across BBD

to Sonny’s BBQ and the Truist Bank on the east side — now closed, and the signal operational, anyone who exits from the east side of BBD at that location has to turn right and make a U-turn at 54 if they want to head southbound on BBD. And, anyone exiting on the west side of BBD near Twistee Treat must turn right out of the plaza and make the U-turn at the Eagleston signal to head north on BBD.

Warehouse On Old Pasco Rd. Not Built For Amazon

Several people have asked me about the huge new warehouse building located on Old Pasco Rd. a little south of Overpass Rd. A sales associate at the new Sanctuary Ridge single-family subdivision

under construction between Overpass Rd. and the new warehouse said he had heard the warehouse had been built on spec as a possible new location for Amazon.

However, Broker Rick Narkiewicz with the Newmark Group, Inc. — which has nearly completed the first 180,000-sq.-ft. building in what is planned as a three-building, 800,000-sq.ft. warehouse complex at the site — says that was never the case.

“Yes, we’re building the warehouse on spec, but it was never for Amazon,” Narkiewicz says of the Class A warehouse with 32’ clearance and plenty of parking. “It’s for us to lease ourselves.” For more info, call (813) 830-7884 or email rick.narkiewicz@nmrk.com.

Accepting:

Wesley Chapel Area Continues To Add More Auto Dealerships

By Gary Nager

When someone asks you what Wesley Chapel is known for, how do you respond? I used to say that we were known primarily for shopping malls and chain restaurants, but that was before the opening of the KRATE Container Park at The Grove gave us more than two dozen new non-chain eateries over the past year.

Yes, we do also have a lot of nail salons, storage facilities, car washes and mattress stores, but until I added them all up, I didn’t realize that there also are now 19 new-car auto dealerships in the Wesley Chapel area, with only one of those — Ferman Buick-GMC on S.R. 54 — having a Lutz address.

The remaining 18 dealerships — with Wesley Chapel Subaru (now open less than two months at our press time) and Jacobs Mitsubishi of Wesley Chapel (open about a month) as the two newest — are actually all located in one of the Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes (33543, 33544 & 33545).

The Subaru dealership on Silver Maple Pkwy. south of S.R. 56, is one of only two Wesley Chapel showrooms still owned by the Fink Automotive Group (the other is the adjacent Volkswagen of Wesley Chapel), headed by Scott Fink (known for his “Where volume makes the difference” TV ads), as the four others previously owned by the Fink group — the Chevrolet, Mazda and Hyundai (and Hyundai’s separate luxury brand Genesis, located inside the Hyundai dealership on S.R. 54) of Wesley Chapel dealerships — were sold to the Oregonbased Lithia Motors, Inc., in 2021.

Lithia, which also purchased Wesley Chapel Honda and Wesley Chapel Toyota from the Williams Automotive Group in 2019, now owns six Wesley Chapel auto dealerships among its more than 260 nationwide, making it one of the three largest owners of dealerships in the country.

Despite those dealership sales, Wil-

Wesley Chapel’s Automotive (New Car) Dealerships

Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel (Lithia)

Genesis of Wesley Chapel (Lithia)**

Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (Lithia)

Mazda of Wesley Chapel (Lithia)

Wesley Chapel Honda (Lithia)

Wesley Chapel Toyota (Lithia)

BMW of Wesley Chapel (Morgan)

Kia of Wesley Chapel (Morgan)

MINI of Wesley Chapel (Morgan)

Wesley Chapel Nissan (Morgan)

Wesley Chapel Subaru (Fink)*

Volkswagen of Wesley Chapel (Fink)

Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel (Parks)

Parks Lincoln of Wesley Chapel (Parks)

Audi Wesley Chapel (Dimmitt)

Ferman Buick-GMC of Wesley Chapel***

Jacobs Mitsubishi of Wesley Chapel*

Lexus of Wesley Chapel (Williams)

Mercedes-Benz of WC (AutoNation)

And...

Unspecified Auto Nation (Coming soon)

WC Harley-Davidson (motorcycles)

WC Super Center (Used cars/trucks)

*New (open less than two months)

**Genesis is located inside Hyundai of WC

***Ferman Buick is actually located in Lutz

liams retained its ownership of Lexus of Wesley Chapel just south of S.R. 54 on Eagleston Blvd., east of I-75, and its Wesley Chapel Super Center used car and truck dealership on Wesley Chapel Blvd., a mile or so west of I-75. The other company that owns the most Wesley Chapel dealerships is the Morgan Auto Group, owned by the father-and-son team of Larry and Brett Morgan, which purchased Wesley Chapel Nissan in 2019, Fuccillo Kia of Wesley Chapel and MINI of Wesley Chapel in 2020 and opened BMW of Wesley Chapel in 2022. The four Wesley Chapel showrooms are among about 60 that Morgan — which is either the 10th or 11th (depending upon

whose figures you use) largest owner of auto dealerships in the U.S. — owns throughout the Tampa Bay area.

The only other company which owns at least two dealerships in Wesley Chapel is the Parks Automotive Group, which started all of this in 1999 by moving its Heritage Ford (now Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel) dealership from Zephyrhills a few miles to the west on S.R. 54 (to just east of I-75, and the current Kia and Nissan dealerships).

The Parks group opened Parks Lincoln of Wesley Chapel (located adjacent to Parks Ford) earlier this year, after shutting down its Fiat and Alfa-Romeo dealership (in essentially the same loca-

tion as Parks Lincoln) back in 2020.

According to recent documents filed with Pasco County, Auto Nation, which already opened and operates the Mercedes-Benz of Wesley Chapel dealership on the north side of S.R. 56, has filed plans to open an as-yet-unnamed auto dealership in front of Main Event on the south side of S.R. 56, next to the underconstruction Paradise Grills outdoor furniture store.

Auto Nation, which operates both new and used car dealerships among its 300 locations throughout the U.S. (more than Lithia, but just behind it in terms of sales), is the fourth largest auto dealership company in the nation.

Both Jacobs Mitsubishi of Wesley Chapel (top) and Wesley Chapel Subaru (above) have opened recently, increasing the number of new car dealerships in the Wesley Chapel area to 19 (see chart), with perhaps one more on the way.

Continued from pg. 4

covered in water bubbles who struck some impressive poses while balancing themselves. It looked like the young lady on page 1 was actually swimming in the lagoon (at least to me it did).

There also was a steel drum playing island sounds, the bar was open and serving tasty tropical drinks and a delicious lunch was provided by local favorite Vesh Catering that featured coconut shrimp, chicken satés and roast pork.

A Metro staffer told me that there actually are multiple events every week planned and that the total number of planned events at the lagoon will number in the thousands.

of June 24-25, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., both days. It will include free carnival rides, games & tasty treats at the “Lagoon Shore,” the Mi rada Lagoon Bar will be open and there also will be food trucks, live music, activities and fun. You’ll also be able to meet the Mirada builders under the “Big Top” on the beach. In other words, even if you’ve already been a regular at the Epperson lagoon, you owe it to yourself and your family to check out the largest manmade Crystal Lagoons® amenity in

For free Mirada Lagoon Grand Open ing weekend tickets, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/reserve-your-spot-tick ets-574684235017 or MiradaStayCay.com.

“Saddlebrook Prep”

Continued from pg. 6

One of the things Riehle wants to stress is that this is the first time in Saddlebrook Prep’s three-decade history that being a golf or tennis player will not be a requirement to attend the school.

“We have been doing golf and tennis for 30 years and we’re very good at it,” he says. “But, let’s say your child is into gymnastics, or plays hockey. They can be done with school here by 1:30 in the afternoon and have plenty of time to pursue their own sports. Or, they can get extra schooling, or pursue hobbies or charities — whatever they’re doing to get ready for college, because preparing your child for whatever they decide to do after high school is what we’re all about. This school will give them the freedom to pursue their goals.”

Riehle also notes, however, that some people reading this story may not have known that there even was a golf and tennis academy right here in Wesley Chapel and that they may be interested in sending their kids to the school for those programs.

“How much better would it be for them to attend an actual golf or tennis academy, where they can practice and train every day with world-class instructors?,” he asks.

In fact, Saddlebrook Prep students also receive sport-specific exercise instruction for an hour every day with certified professionals.

He says that even though pros like Martina Hingis, Mardy Fish, Andy Roddick

and so many others got such great training at the school, your child doesn’t have to make it to that level to benefit from attending Saddlebrook Prep.

“It isn’t cheap to send your kid here,” Riehle admits. “But, we see it as investing in your kid now so that maybe they get that scholarship and you don’t have to pay as much for college. Plus, a lot of jobs look for kids who played college sports because they build dedication, time-management skills and perseverance — all the skills that you learn by playing a sport.”

And, he adds that, “When I speak to college coaches, they tell me they’re happy to get kids from Saddlebrook Prep because they come to college already ready. That’s a big advantage.”

What To Expect

Students enrolling in the AcademicsOnly program at Saddlebrook Prep will take six classes each day between 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Advanced tutoring is available most days. Core classes meet college admissions and NCAA standards and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available both on campus and online. There also are dual enrollment opportunities at Pasco Hernando State College, SAT prep courses, educational trips to locations of scientific and historical significance, school events throughout the year (including, for seniors, to Orlando’s Grad Bash), fitness courses designed, and with instruction by, certified pros and public service opportunities.

“The opportunity to learn with and from students from all across the globe is

another advantage,” Riehle says. “It’s a great way for local kids to be exposed to different languages and cultures.”

Riehle also notes that Mast Capital’s investment in the school will allow for upgrades to Saddlebrook Prep’s technology, transportation, campus and programs. Meet Deanna Garrett

Originally from nearby Dade City, Saddlebrook Prep Head of School Deanna Garrett earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Science

(B.S.) degree in Early Childhood Education from USF. She has been a member of the school’s faculty since 2016 and the Head of School since 2018.

Prior to joining the staff at Saddlebrook Prep, Garrett worked in the Pasco County School District for 22 years in a variety of teaching, instructional support and administrative roles.

Her educational philosophy is that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused academic team, an encouraging community, and supportive family.

For more info about Saddlebrook Prep, call (813) 907-4300 or email Nona Wagh at nwagh@saddlebrook.com.

The fitness facility and quality instruction by certified professionals also will be available for students who aren’t attending Saddlebrook Prep’s tennis or golf academies.

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Lillian Bischel’s Client-Centered Hypnosis & Coaching Is Here To Help!

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Neighborhood News Corespondent

A lifelong “Florida Cracker” and New Tampa resident for the past three decades, Lillian Bischel has spent years studying the human condition.

With Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Speech Language Therapy — all from University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa — Lil lian has been a speech language pathologist for the past 14 years. Prior to that, she was a legal assistant.

She says her varied educational pur suits and work experiences have led her to find her passion – as a certified hypnotist whose practice, known as Client-Centered Hypnosis & Coaching, helps people to meet their goals, whether they want to improve an area of their lives or overcome a particular fear.

She also has earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Transpersonal Psychology from Atlantic University (a distance learning university based in Virginia Beach, VA), is certified as a hypnotherapist (CHt), a master hypnotherapist (MHt), and is a member of the National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists.

Here in Florida, however, the title of “therapist” is reserved for those who hold a medical degree, so although her certification is as a hypnotherapist, she is

Lillian explains that transpersonal psychology takes the connection of mind and body that is central to traditional psychology one important step further. Transpersonal means that the therapy incorporates an unconscious element, as well.

“When you go to a ‘regular’ psychologist, they say they can fix you if you do what they say,” Lillian explains. “Transpersonal psychology is more that you have a challenge and I can help you find your own answers.”

The first session with Lillian is always an interview to allow her to get to know you and establish background informa-

tion. She coaches people to come up with their own solutions and suggestions, then uses their own words to write a completely customized hypnosis script, which is done in a separate session.

The client-centered approach means she focuses on active listening and understanding the issues, needs, and wants of her clients, and to guide them to find answers within themselves from a mind, body and soul (meaning the unconscious) perspective.

However, she says, sometimes her clients find the coaching so helpful, they don’t even need the hypnosis.

But, for those who do, the hypnosis starts with a relaxation process and deepening technique, which helps tap into the client’s subconscious. Then, Lillian can do a suggestive hypnosis, where she shares ideas from the interview that will help the client reach their goals.

Her “Master” certification allows her to do age regression and past life regression, as well.

She says that many clients don’t understand the spiritual connection to their personal problems. In fact, these problems can be hard to discuss because they’re usually deeply personal topics, and often bring up ideas that might sound crazy if the clients didn’t experience them. Lillian says that, based on her experience, she believes people are eternal beings.

“When our bodies die,” she says, “our spirit, our soul, our energy, continues.”

That philosophy allows her to help people who are interested in regression to a past life — which may help them overcome fears they are presently experiencing — or simply regression to a younger age.

All coaching and hypnosis sessions are completely virtual, via teleconference, so you can participate in these sessions from the comfort of your own home.

Lillian offers a free consultation to explain the process and “see if we’re a good fit for each other.”

She says most people who find her service valuable have something going on in their lives that’s not working for them. They might not know why it’s happening or how to change, but it’s interrupting their lives in some way. It might be stress that is affecting their health, relationships, or even their ability to work.

Lillian also can help people who have set a goal for themselves, such as to be more confident, to be able to speak in front of people, to develop healthier habits, or even quit smoking.

She says she has helped any number of people with debilitating phobias to be able to face their fears.

During the training and certification process, Lillian had to do many hours of hypnosis under the supervision of her college professors. She also is required to have continuing education credits to maintain her membership in the National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists.

Not For Entertainment Purposes!

One thing Lillian stresses is that therapy with hypnosis is not entertainment.

“I don’t do this for fun,” she says. And she further clarifies that she will never make people do anything while they are under hypnosis.

“You can’t make a person do some thing that goes against their morals,” she explains. “Even though we’ve reached an unconscious level, at all times your every day mind is still there, so you’re very much aware of everything that goes on and can stop at anytime, if you want.”

Brenda Murray says she has known Lillian a long time and that her experience with hypnosis therapy was even better than she had hoped.

“I was extremely impressed with her professional nature and calmness,” explains Brenda. “She was very detailed, guiding me through with ease. I was surprised at how easy and comfortable Lillian made it.”

Brenda says she was curious about hypnosis — as she thinks many other people also may be — and she wanted to work with Lillian to gain some ambition in a certain area in her life. “It did help,”

working with Lillian again to focus on another part of her life.

“I highly recommend her,” says Brenda. “She’s a natural. I saw a different side of Lillian than I knew and I was quite impressed by her.”

Lillian Bischel’s Client-Centered Hypnosis & Coaching offers hypnosis and coaching via virtual sessions. For more information or to set up a free consultation, call Lillian at (813) 390-2910 or email her at clientcenteredhypnosis@ gmail.com. Or, see the ad on page 36.

Need Window Treatments? Chris & Megan Taylor Have Gotcha Covered!

By NIDHI JANI Neighborhood News Corespondent

Windows bring light and air into our homes, stores, offices, and indoor facilities. In most cases, our windows need some type of window treatment — options to cover them after dark and for privacy. Whether you need something simple versus something statement-making, or you need motorization, insulation, or darkening, Gotcha Covered of North Tampa has “gotcha covered.” Available window treatments include hard options, such as blinds and shutters, and soft options, such as shades, draperies and curtains.

Gotcha Covered of North Tampa owners Chris and Megan Taylor pride themselves on offering an extensive selection of window treatments. The company has more than a dozen different types of blinds, including traditional aluminum and vertical blinds, but also stylish honeycomb and S-curve blinds as well as newer cordless and insulating blinds. There also are 11 types of shades, including exterior patio shades, banded or zebra shades, woven bamboo shades and sunscreens (or roller shades).

Also available are four different types of shutters, from wood and wood composite to Polycore (a PVC plastic polymer base with aluminum core) and vinyl, and a variety of drapery and curtain options and all window treatments are available in a

wide variety of colors and styles.

For each different type of window treatment, you can add motorization and “smart home” options that will allow you to open and close them with a remote or an app for your smart phone, or even set a schedule based on a timer or sun sensor. Want to go cordless or add insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency? Gotcha Covered can handle all of that for you, too.

Meet Chris & Megan

With so many options, where do you start? Whether you’re ready to bring your own ideas to life — or you just want help from the get-go — just contact Chris, your design consultant. It’s easy to make an appointment by phone or with only a few quick clicks on the company’s website.

At Gotcha Covered of North Tampa, you will work with Chris every step of the way. Although virtual appointments are avail-

with him should be in your own home.

“You can’t really design window treatments for your home (or office) online,” Chris says. “You need to see them against your walls. I always say that we should come to you. Our customers never have to leave the comfort of their couches. We can take measurements, show samples and give other recommendations based on seeing the design and décor of your home.”

Whether the new look you seek includes beautiful drapes (above left) or sun-blocking shades (next page), Chris and Megan Taylor (above right, with their children Penelope, George & Jackson) of Gotcha Covered of North Tampa literally have “gotcha covered!”

and residential building materials. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, OH, in 2002 and has worked for CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain, which make interior and exterior building and construction materials for North American and global markets. Chris’ wife and business partner, Megan, brings her background in pharmaceutical sales to the business.

Originally from the Midwest, Chris and Megan have lived in Wesley Chapel since 2020. They have three children, five-year-old Jackson, George (age 3), and 10-month-old Penelope, and they have a fourth little one on the way. The Taylors love exploring the amusement parks and beaches across Florida with their kids.

Family is important to Chris and Megan, so when they decided to go into business together, their shared vision was to be able to provide personalized service. Chris says that Gotcha Covered offered the right mix of having a wide selection and cutting-edge, quality materials with a boutique selling experience.

“Since we have locations across the country, we’ve developed great relationships with our vendors and have strong buying power,” Chris says. “We also have a tech-forward platform that creates a seamless buying experience.”

He adds, “At the same time, we make it easy to work with us. We believe in making clients for life and will help you with expert recommendations and planning within your budget.”

Chris notes that Gotcha Covered of North Tampa’s top sellers include roller shades, cellular or honeycomb shades and blinds, and motorized shades and blinds.

Reginald Summers recently worked with Chris to install motorized blinds throughout his home. “After (some) planning and placing orders, everything is finally together and I am very pleased with the final products,” Reginald says. “Good quality and (everything) looks very good in my home. I have gotten many compliments about the work.”

Another recent customer, Nicole Levy, purchased honeycomb shades for her home, and she highly recommends working with Chris and Gotcha Covered of North Tampa. “Chris came out to provide a quote and suggestions and was super helpful throughout the process,” she says. “[There was] a wide selection of blinds to choose from and we could not be more happy with the final product! From choosing the product to installation, Chris made the entire process quick and easy!”

Chris adds that another specialty of his business is providing treatment options for oversized windows.

“As homes get larger, windows get bigger, and not everyone offers single window treatments for these big windows,” he says. “When you have to do two roller shades instead of one on a large window, it changes the aesthetic. Most people love to have that clean look of just one roller shade.”

Gotcha Covered has 158 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with 27 locations in Florida. The company offers commercial and residential window treatments for interior and exterior windows. The North Tampa location is based in Wesley Chapel, but also serves the surrounding areas of New Tampa, Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills and San Antonio.

To schedule a free design consultation at your home or office, or virtually, with Gotcha Covered of North Tampa, call (813) 576-2740 visit GotchaCovered.com/north-tampa or see the ad on page 25 of this issue.

Noire Nail Bar, Your Peaceful Nail Oasis, Has Added Eyelash Extensions

By NIDHI JANI Neighborhood News Corespondent

As soon as you walk into Noire Nail Bar of Wesley Chapel, your stresses will begin to melt away. Looking at the massive nail polish wall and the opulent, yet cozy, seating areas for manicures and separated pedicure “pods” just puts your mind at ease.

Noire Nail Bar first opened its doors in 2018 on the north side of S.R. 56, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets, next to Mellow Mushroom. Owned by John and Vanessa Nguyen, the salon now has 18 employees to perform manicures, pedicures and a number of spa treatments.

The salon offers several packages beyond the basic manicure and spa pedicure, including sports spa, citrus, milk & honey and organic spa treatments. There is even a luxury six-step collagen pedicure to rejuvenate and moisture your feet. Hot stone and hot candle wax massages can be added to any pedicure as well. Need some waxing done as well? The salon offers waxing of eyebrows, upper lip, legs, arms, Brazilian and just about everywhere else. And recently, Noire also added eyelash extensions.

All guests are given a complimentary glass of water, soda, or wine to enjoy.

Technicians follow rigorous sanitization protocols, using buffers, files and paraffin wax only once before discarding them, to ensure a safe and clean experience.

Noire Nail Bar is very family- and group-friendly. The salon offers special manicures, pedicures, nail polishing and nail designs for children under age 10. And yes, men are always welcome, too.

Also, the layout of the salon with the manicure and pedicure areas separated and the pedicure chairs in small groups that face each other adds privacy from other customers and makes it easy to enjoy with family and friends.

John, who first learned about this industry from his sister, who operated a different nail salon 10 years ago, has firsthand experience with doing nails and spa treatments, but now has stepped back to focus on running the salon.

Even so, he is very hands-on and will

often answer the phone or greet custom ers walking into the salon himself.

“I used to do nails for customers myself, but now I am busy as a manager and running the business,” John says. “But, my experience helps me understand all the salon operations from beginning to end.”

John knows the business well, but is still hard-pressed to give you an answer when you ask him what the best and/or most popular services are at Noire.

“Everything we do is good,” he says. “When it comes to nails, we do all types — acrylic, gel, dip powder, ombré and nail designs. If you show us a picture of something you want, we can do it for you — weddings, proms, daily wear, or for any occasion.”

Looking at pictures on the salon’s website and Instagram, it’s hard not to agree with him. You can find dozens of designs by Amy, Rachael, Helen, and the other salon technicians, including holidaythemed, dipping and chrome powder and even rhinestone-enhanced designs.

Customers share John’s sentiment that Noire’s technicians deliver picture-

perfect work. “TL is wonderful!,” shares customer Cindy Baldwin. “She does a very nice, clean pedicure with a nice massage. Besides being very precise with your nail choice, if you want any art work, she is your girl! Any picture I have shown her she has duplicated to perfection! Another one of my choices in this salon is Vee — best pedicures ever!”

Kim Willis says she had a great first visit at Noire. “First visit for a fill at Noire with Amy,” she says. “Everything was perfect from start to finish! Amy not only did a beautiful job but did it quickly, so I didn’t have to spend half my Saturday morning at the nail salon. So happy I decided to come here! I will be back and I will be recommending Noire and Amy to everyone.”

Noire Nail Bar recommends appointments to ensure a leisurely experience, but walk-ins are always welcome. Readers of the Neighborhood News can receive 10% off all services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays by bringing the ad on page 36 of this issue with them to the salon, or by mentioning the ad when they check in.

Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd in Lutz, and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

To make an appointment, call (813) 536-0161. Be sure to visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel.com/ or follow @ noirenailbar_wesleychapel on Instagram to see a wide array of possible nail designs. Or, see the ad on page 36.

Tampa Palms Psychology, LLC

Personalized Psychotherapy | Telehealth | In-Person Visits

For appointments & more information, please visit TampaPalmsPsychology.com

Brian Wilson, Ph.D.

(Above, left) Co-owner John Nguyen is usually at the front desk when you visit Noire Nail Bar, across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets. (Above, right) You can get this birthday cake nail design, or literally just about any design you can think of, at Noire. (Next page, top) Many men visit Noire Nail Bar for manicures and pedicures. Pedicures also include relaxing foot massages. (Next page, bottom) Entire families can enjoy their pedicures together separated from other Noire customers. (Photos by Charmaine George)

The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm For Your Family Law Needs

By NIDHI JANI Neighborhood News Corespondent

Attorney Samah (“Sam”) T. Abukhodeir is a woman of many talents and interests. She’s the founder and managing partner of The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, which has its newest of six offices in the Som erset Professional Park in Tampa Palms. She’s an adjunct professor at her law school alma mater, Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, where she currently co-teaches a course on epistemology (a branch of philoso phy related to the theory of knowledge).

She also is a passionate advocate for the Arab-American community, as she and her team speak in Arabic, Spanish and English at Arab-American festivals, conventions and online groups about the importance of seeking legal help to a group that may not know or feel comfortable to do so. She’s also a fashion able social media presence and networking pro who attends conferences and classes to stay up to date on legal and business practices.

Wherever Sam goes, she builds connections as strong as family. When she first founded her law firm in South Florida in 2018, it consisted of only two people — Sam and a part-time law clerk, Anwar E. Hadeed. Over time, by word of mouth and reputation, she has been able to bring 24 more people on board, including her husband, José Ignacio Leon, as another partner, and that same law clerk (Anwar) now as an associate attorney. In just five short years, she’s also expanded her

firm from one to six Florida offices.

The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm can represent you in legal matters related to family law, guardianship, probate and estate planning. Family law includes adoption, child custody, child support, divorce, domestic violence, elder law, paternity, pre- and postmarital agreements, spousal support or, as Sam simply summarized, “anything relating to family.” Guardianship refers to when an individual is granted legal authority to make decisions or manage interests for another person.

“Probate is the process in court that an individual must go through when a family member or loved one passes away intestate (without a legal will or irrevocable trust) to receive an inheritance,” explained Sam. “For example, if parents pass away, leaving behind a house, their children or loved ones will need to go through probate to get that house in their name if the home’s title is still in the name of the deceased.” Estate planning involves drafting wills, trusts, or other legal documents while an individual is still alive and of sound mind to have control over how their estate (assets and liabilities) will be divided upon death or becoming incapacitated.

A Powerhouse Probate Couple

How did Sam decide to focus on these legal areas? While she was studying at the FIU College of Law, her fellow law student and law school sweetheart José was completing a clerkship with the Honorable Maria M. Korvick, an administrative probate judge. With this experience, José developed an interest in probate and told Sam that she should get this experience for herself. After José completed his clerkship, Sam then clerked for Judge Korvick. After they both graduated with their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees from FIU in 2013, Sam returned to work for Judge Korvick as a case manager and staff attorney.

In 2016, José started his own firm — The Florida Estate Planning Law Firm — and in 2018, Sam founded The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm. While Jose still has his firm, he

is increasingly working with his now wife since 2022, by becoming a partner at Sam’s firm.

Even if you’ve never thought of following a lawyer on social media, Sam and José make it so inviting. On Facebook and Instagram, you can find either Sam, or both Sam and Jose together, sharing video clips and words of wisdom about family law and probate. In 30 seconds or less, they discuss topics like four things to know about Florida probate law, the right timing as to when to call a lawyer to write a prenuptial agreement, and more.

The couple’s recent videos about estate planning for blended families were particularly informative. Sam points out that married partners in blended families should look into estate planning, especially if they have children from previous relationships. José added that certain children can get disinherited, depending upon which partner passes away first, so it’s important that estate planning documents have all children included. In fact, in a recent consultation with Sam, that’s exactly what happened. To illustrate how important this is, a couple who remarried and each had children from previous relationships, but no children in common, sadly both passed away in an accident. Because the husband died 10 minutes after the wife, the wife’s children were disinherited completely.

Meet The Team

Brenda Shapiro, a seasoned family law attorney, is the third partner with Sam and José at the firm. Brenda obtained her J.D.

degree from University of Miami (FL) School of Law and, after running her own practice for 25 years, she joined The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm as the chair of the family law department. Brenda has earned many accolades over the years, including receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Law & Letters degree from Pine Manor College in Boston and being a founding member of the Collaborative Family Law Institute, a nonprofit association that teaches about a family-focused alternative to litigated divorce.

Valeska Casanova-Chacon, Krizia L. Toledo, Yudislaidys “Yudy” Mallol, and Anwar E.Hadeed are the associate attorneys at The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm. In addition to bringing a variety of legal experiences to the team — including working at an immigration clinic, doing pro bono work with a special prosecutions unit and serving as victim

and witness counselors, the four associates also come from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including Puerto Rican, Cuban, Caribbean and Syrian.

The firm’s diversity in work experience, ethnic and cultural backgrounds continues with the paralegals and client relations, marketing, and operations team members who come from Colombia, Honduras, Venezuela, Mexico and Palestine.

“One factor that distinguishes us is that we are a diverse team of different faiths, cultures, and backgrounds,” says Sam. “I am always proud to say that we can connect with anyone.”

Clients of the firm agree. “Sam and her team were extremely helpful with my estate planning case,” says client Maricarmen Calo. “They were very responsive and made me feel comfortable. They were transparent through-

out the whole process, making me feel calm and reassured. Thank you, Sam and team, for bringing me peace of mind!”

What’s Next?

So, what made Sam and her successful team, with five offices in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale metropolitan areas, want to expand into Tampa? Not surprisingly, she says family was a motivating factor.

“I grew up in central Florida, in Lake Wales, and my parents and sister have lived in Tampa for years, so I’m quite familiar with the area,” Sam says. “I can provide dedicated time to clients in this area, as I am already making trips to Tampa every weekend to be closer to family. In addition, we’re actively expanding and looking to add team members from this area.”

Sam adds that she also is acutely aware

that you don’t see a lot of Arab-American lawyers in courtrooms these days and that’s something she’d love to help change. She and several other lawyers across the country are working to reactivate the Arab-American Bar Association. Also, maybe the most exciting challenge to date for Sam and José is parenthood, as they just became parents to a precious 3-month-old son named Jibril.

The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm’s newest office is located on 15257 Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms. To contact the firm for a free consultation, please see the ad on pg. 31, call (813) 999-3134, or visit FloridaProbateandFamilyLaw.com. Be sure to follow “The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm” on Facebook or “lawyerladyboss” on Instagram for helpful videos and legal tips.

Genesis Wellness Clinic — Providing Holistic & Integrative Medical Care

By NIDHI JANI Neighborhood News Corespondent

Genesis Wellness Clinic, formerly known as Genesis Medical Clinic (located on N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace), offers a unique variety of outpatient healthcare services in one convenient location. The practice combines a focus on prevention and wellness into a traditional medical clinic to provide an integrative approach to healthcare.

After operating for more than a decade as Genesis Medical Clinic, this long-standing clinic is “in the process of transitioning to this new name to reflect a shift in treating patients more holistically,” explained owner Ike Okeke. Holistic medicine refers to considering a person’s mind, whole body and environment when developing a treatment plan and can incorporate alternative medical treatments, too. When holistic medicine is combined with traditional Western medicine, it can be referred to as integrative medicine.

Ike Okeke is a pharmacist by trade. He received his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (B. Pharm) from the University of Nigeria in 1991. His pharmacy background helps him as the clinic owner to understand the work performed by the different Genesis providers and to bring new treatment options to the clinic.

Ike’s wife Yvonne also is a pharmacist, having graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree in 2011. She runs Temple Terrace Pharmacy, an independent community pharmacy, located

next door to the clinic, making it easy for pa tients who want to fill their prescriptions right after their clinic appointments.

There are three physicians at Genesis Wellness Clinic, each with different specialties and medical training.

Dr. George Bino Rucker, M.D., is an integrative medicine doctor. Dr. Rucker completed medical school at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 1995 and received urologic surgery training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York City.

In 2011, after a decade as a urologic cancer surgeon, Dr Rucker shifted to practicing in integrative medicine. Since then, he has developed expertise in hormone replacement therapy, IV infusions (including Ketamine, ozone, stem cells, etc.), comprehensive weight loss programs and more.

Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Mastaw, M.D., is an interventional pain management and regenerative medicine physician with more than 20 years of experience. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor in 2000 and completed residency training in anesthesia. After residency, he served as an anesthesiologist for the U.S. Navy for five years, including in Iraq and Spain. Afterwards, he went back to the University of Michigan to complete a one-year fellowship in interventional pain management.

Dr. Syed Hasan, M.D, completed medical school in 1990 at Dow Medical College in Pakistan and an internal medicine residency at New York University (NYU) Lutheran Medical Center (now known as NYU Langhorne Hospital) in Brooklyn, NY, thereafter. Dr. Hasan has been practicing in internal medicine since then,

and has experience in bariatric medicine (causes, prevention and treatment of obesity) as well.

In addition to the physicians, Genesis Wellness Clinic patients also may see Mary Rosario, a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) and Janelle Griffith, a physician assistant (PA).

Treatments & Services Available

Before anyone can receive treatment at Genesis Wellness Clinic, a doctor will first meet with you for consultation only to ask questions and gather medical information. Then, if you are deemed an appropriate candidate for treatment, the doctor will design a treatment protocol specific to you.

Hormone replacement therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment at the clinic. It can be uncomfortable to discuss, but patients are increasingly seeking hormone therapy with estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. “Men and women come to the clinic asking for hormone therapy because they are struggling with hot flashes, lack of sleep, mental fatigue and low sex drive,” Ike says. The clinic also offers many interventional pain techniques to help manage chronic body and nerve pain. Available treatments include anesthetic and steroid injections in various areas of the spine, injecting lubricating hyaluronic acid near the knees, and applying radiofrequency ablation (heat from radio waves) to tissues.

If you have a painful diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain) causing numbing and tingling in your hands and feet, Genesis Wellness Clinic offers a drug-free approach that combines deep

A variety of unique treatment options are available at Genesis Wellness Clinic on N. 56th St. in

tissue lasers, microvascular artery pneumatic pumps and nutrition to increase blood flow to affected areas and hopefully reduce that pain.

For those suffering from urinary incontinence, the clinic has a TeslaMax™ machine that provides electric muscle stimulation to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Combining the TeslaMax™ treatments with resistance exercises taught by the clinic’s practitioners can strengthen pelvic floor muscles and nerves and improve and even potentially eliminate urinary incontinence for patients.

“The TeslaMax™ machine helps patients in a similar manner to performing Kegel exercises but via electrical stimulation,” says Ike. Also available are injections with ozone, platelet rich plasma (PSP), Botox, vitamins and more.

Ketamine is a medication with many uses. It is gaining use in pain control, depression,

and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), especially if traditional treatments have been unsuccessful. “We also can treat anxiety, depression, ADHD and many other mental health conditions,” Ike says. For those needing help with weight loss or physical therapy, comprehensive programs with counseling, in office therapy, home exercise regimens, medicine and close follow-up also are available.

Walk-ins are always welcome. If patients have primary care providers or referring doctors, the providers at Genesis Wellness Clinic will be in communication with them as well.

Genesis Wellness Clinic is located at 9780 N. 56th St., Suite C. It is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more info or to book an appointment, call (813) 549-7465, visit mygenesiswellnessclinic. com or see the ad on pg. 32.

ABOUT OUR MISSION

At the Community Cafe our mission is to build a supportive and inclusive work environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through employment and step workforce training in the hospitality and food industry. We are a non-profit multi-functioning coffee and ice cream shop, smoothie bar, and gift store combined within a community center and staffed with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, our "Shining Stars".

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Visit our website and pass us on

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Check Out Everything New At The Grill At Morris Bridge!

By GARY NAGER

by Charmaine George

Anyone who has ben reading this publi cation since at least late 2021 knows that The Grill at Morris Bridge (located on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, in the Publix-anchored Cross Creek Plaza) has been high on my list of favorites from the moment it opened. It’s been so great seeing the brainchild of Frank and his brother and co-owner Jimmy Gouveia continue to adapt its menu to not only the owners’ tastes, but also to suggestions from their already super-loyal customers.

And, while The Grill continues to make changes to its already-popular dinner and Late Night/Happy Hour bar menus (see below), one thing that previously had been missing was a great Sunday brunch. But, no more!

Over the last month or so, The Grill has added a huge selection of uniquely tasty items for Sunday brunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), including:

•“Brunch Plates” like the deliciously cinnamon-y Berry, Berry French toast, topped with a variety of fresh berries and served with maple syrup,

•Handhelds like a fried egg, bacon, cheese & fries egg sandwich and the F.G.T.B.L.T (fried green tomato BLT),

•Two huge new breakfast “pizzas,” including the savory breakfast pizza frittata (made with scrambled eggs, linguiça sausage, peppers, onions and spinach),

•A variety of Benedicts (including very tasty short rib, smoked salmon and crab cake “Bennys”), and

•Your basic omelettes and grilled breakfast plates, plus shrimp & grits, steak & eggs and pancakes.

The Grill now also has a new Happy Hour & Late Night menu, available at the bar only. Among the tasty new items on this menu are short rib or pork tacos, stuffed, baked quahogs (pronounced “CO-hogs,” they’re giant New England clams), spicy Firecracker shrimp and tasty soft (but crispy outside) pretzel sticks,

Among the many new items on the menu at The Grill at Morris Bridge on Cross tata (top right), bacon & parmesan-crusted grouper (right), soft pretzel sticks with beer cheese dip (below) and seafood risotto (top of next page). Although not a new

served with a creamy beer cheese dip. I can personally vouch for the quahogs, the short rib tacos and the breadsticks. Yum!

Although The Grill is still open for lunch Tues.-Sat., there no longer is a separate lunch menu, meaning that the full dinner menu is in effect for both meals, although there have

tried it yet) smash burger (made with ground brisket, short rib and chuck), fried, blackened and Nash ville hot chicken sandwiches, as well as a grilled Cuban (with shredded caçoila pork, salami, ham & Swiss).

As for the new favorites on the dinner menu, The Grill offers one of the best values for a melt-in-your-mouth 3436-oz. tomahawk ribeye (for two) I’ve seen (just $105, including mashed potatoes and

•2-liter

All photos

seafood (shrimp & scallop) risotto and my new favorite clams linguine.

And, with the best wine list in New Tampa, a great bar vibe and superpremium cocktails, The Grill at Morris Bridge just keeps getting better!

The Grill at Mor ris Bridge (10920 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open every day for lunch (or brunch) & dinner except Monday. For more info, call (813) 388-5353 see the ad on pg. 37 or visit TheGrillat MorrisBridge.com.

Minerva Is Still Our Area’s Favorite Indian Restaurant!

By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George

Since it first opened in the Publixanchored New Tampa Center shopping plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (only a mile or so south of the Pasco County line) in 2016, Minerva Indian Restaurant has been among our readers’ favorites every year. In fact, even though our 2022 Reader Dining Survey was the first year we gave “Indian Restaurants” their own category, not only did Minerva dominate the voting this year, it also has received the most votes for “Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa” of any Indian restaurant in New Tampa between 2017 and 2022.

And, for good reason. Not only do Minerva owners Venkat Reddy and his wife Amrutha offer a huge menu (with more than 200 different food items), including North India, South India and Indo-Chinese favorites, they also feature one of the largest Indian lunch buffets in the Tampa Bay area, with about three dozen total items.

So, What Are Our Favorites?

Long-time readers of the Neighborhood News know that Indian food has never been at the top of my list of favorite cuisine types, although I have expanded my horizons enough to have multiple favorites at Minerva. And, the good news is that photographer Charmaine George enjoys Indian food more than I do, so we were able to sample quite a few options during our recent visits.

Of course, the Minerva lunch buffet is

aren’t sure what Indian appetizers and entrées they’ll like best and it includes everything from naan breads to vegetable samosas (deepfried veggie “pies” stuffed with potatoes and veggies) and veggie spring rolls (very much like Chinese or even Thai-style), plus entrées like butter chicken, Tandoori chicken (one of Minerva’s variety of meats cooked in a clay Tandoor oven), chicken tikka masala, goat curry and multiple biryani (rice) dishes, as well as desserts. I couldn’t possibly name and didn’t sample all 35+ items (40+ on weekends) on the buffet, but all I can say is that it’s super-popular and available seven days a week between 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Also available on the buffet are some of Minerva’s Indo-Chinese dishes, including the Hakka veg chowmein (with lo mein-style soft noodles) and veggie fried rice, although I also eally liked the full order of chicken IndoChinese fried rice I got on another visit.

One of mine and Charmaine’s absolute favorites was the garlic naan bread, one of about ten different naans — from butter to onion to spicy chilli — and 20 or so total bread options at Minerva.

Charmaine and I also sampled three different long-grain biryani rice dishes — goat, chicken and veggie. We agreed that the biryanis themselves aren’t as spicy as we’ve had at some other Indian restaurants, but when goat or chicken is added, the biryani does take on a spicier flavor.

Among the other dishes we tried were the tandoori lamb chops, always one of my favorite dishes at any Indian restau-

rant. Also available are Tandoori goat chops, lamb shish kababs, chicken shish kabobs, and chicken on the bone or boneless, as well as a mixed grill of lamb and chicken kababs. These dishes are all served fajita-style on a sizzling plate, with peppers and onions.

Charmaine and I also wanted to try a South Indian specialty, so Amrutha suggested we try the Upma, which is a traditional break fast dish made with semolina, vegetables, pea nuts, onion, chillis and ginger. It has a delicate flavor and a consistency that most reminds me of corned beef hash, but without meat.

And, although there are probably still 200+ items on Minerva’s menu we haven’t yet sampled, Charmaine and I both look for ward to trying the soups (e.g., the Minerva

bread stuffed with cheese), and perhaps one of Minerva’s shrimp or fish dishes, including

(Above left) This is just a small portion of three dozen or so options at the lunch buffet at Minerva Indian Restaurant in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza on BBD Blvd. (Above right) Among our editor’s favorites from Minerva’s buffet are the Tandoori chicken, the Hakka veg chowmein and the vegetable spring rolls and samosas. (Below) The chicken biryani is one of more than a dozen biryanis on Minerva’s South Indian Upma and gulab jamoon dessert at Minerva.

Minerva’s extensive menu.

ginger fish or shrimp, vindaloo (curried with potatoes) or tikka masala (in a creamy sauce).

And yes, we both also enjoyed the gulab jamoon dessert, which is basically Indian-style donuts served in a sugar syrup.

Minerva also offers a great variety of traditional Indian drinks (mango lassi, coconut water and more), as well as the best selection of Indian beers you’ll find anywhere. These Indian beers, like Taj Majal, King Fisher and Hunter, as well as red and white house wines (although there is a nice variety of other wines, too) are all just $1 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Speaking of specials, there are a lot of them in the ad on pg. 37 of this issue (including BOGO buffet and entrée deals), but one that isn’t in the ad is Minerva’s Biryani Special. On Thursdays and Sundays (only), all biryani dishes (usually $12.95-$16.95) are only $10 each all day. There also are a number of Value Meals, enough to serve 2-3 people, for $19.95-$27.95, on the last page of Minerva’s menu.

Minerva Indian Restaurant (19050 BBD) is open every day for lunch & dinner. For more info, call (813) 978-8586 or visit MinervaTampa.com.

Playa Bowls To Open June 17!

When Tabatha Castro and Pablo Reid open the newest location of Playa Bowls next to the Latin Twist Café at 2653 BBD Blvd. on or around June 17, you can expect not just the ever-popular açai bowls, but also coconut, banana, chia pudding, green and pitaya bowls, plus fresh fruit smoothies and juices, oatmeal & more. The beach-themed healthy eating place also known as “Pineappleland,” started at the Jersey Store and has grown to nearly 200 locations nationwide. For more info, visit PlayaBowls.com. — GN

Crazy Sushi Is Open At The Shops At Wiregrass; Azteca D’Oro To Open June 24!

Crazy Sushi Is Open!

If you love sushi and all-you-can-eat Japanese-inspired cuisine and haven’t yet checked out the new Crazy Sushi Wiregrass at the Shops at Wiregrass, you probably should.

Crazy Sushi is more than just another replacement for the several restaurants that have opened and gone out of business at 28152 Paseo Dr., #150 — it’s a much larger (having also taken over an adjacent store), real sit-down restaurant that just happens to also offer allyou-care-to-eat lunch (for $22.95 per person; available Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. only) and dinner (and Sat.-Sun. lunch, for $32.95) Japanese food that, based on our first visit, is well worth the price.

The sushi (the right photo is of a tasty sushi

Recapping Blush Champagne Bar’s Grand Opening Event!

Even though we told you that the Blush Champagne & Cocktail Bar had opened at the KRATE Container Park last issue, we didn’t get to show you any of the great pictures photographer Charmaine George took at the spectacular Grand Opening party on May 19 for the second KRATE (the other is the nearly adjacent Blush Wine Room) owned by Felicia and Nimesh Desai (top left photo). The event included a DJ, a 360º photo booth, the great Blush Wine Room food, a dozen frozen winebased cocktails, a variety of sparkling wines and hundreds of happy attendees! For info about the Blush Wine Room or Champagne & Cocktail Bar, call (813) 428-6247 or visit BlushWineRoom.com. — GN

Checking Out The Third Annual Rum & Seafood Festival!

Our congratulations go out to Florida Penguin Productions for putting on a successful third-annual Rum & Seafood Festival at the Tampa Premium Outlets on June 3, despite the constant threat of bad weather that could have caused the event’s cancellation.

A steady stream of adult visitors paid $15 per person to get into the Festival, which featured live music, dozens of vendors — including Siesta Key and Sailor Jerry rums, FishHawk Spirits and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey — and great seafood food trucks like Charm City Eats, Super Grouper, Got Lobstah? and From the Soul to the Sea. Among this year’s highlights were the Crab Races (that I unfortunately missed) and the “rooftop” bar.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber received a portion of the event’s proceeds. — GN

tempura veggies, fried chicken karaage (photo above), etc. — and lo mein are spot-on and the hibachi sirloin steak and chicken are both of a higher quality (at least, in my opinion) than what we’re used to getting at Ginza or 8989 or visit CrazySushiWesleyChapel.com and please tell our friend Edgar behind the bar that we sent you! — GN

WESLEY CHAPEL

The new Johnny C’s Italian Eatery has been open at 10970 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite A (on Morris Bridge Rd.), in the former location of Precinct Pizza, since May 15, and the reaction to the food, the family atmosphere and the service have so far been pretty great.

unwanted habits, relationship issues, call 813-390email clientcenteredhypnosis@gmail.com.

Client-Centered Hypnosis & Coaching

Client-Centered Hypnosis & Coaching

Johnny C’s, named for Johnny Ciaccio, the father of former Saddlebrook Resort

Lillian Bischel, CHt, MATPP Member of National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists

Ciaccio, is a partnership between Ciac cio and former Saddlebrook owner Tom Dempsey and Erik Ravenna, a trained chef who worked for years in food and beverage (among other jobs) at the resort.

Lillian Bischel, CHt, MHt, MATPP Member of National Association of Transpersonal Hypnotherapists

Indirect suggestive hypnosis / age and past-life regression upon request.

For relief from stress, fears, phobias, unwanted habits, relationship issues, call 813-390-2910 or email clientcenteredhypnosis@gmail.com

The restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner (11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.) daily, features New York-style pizza (like the Margherita pizza shown top right), plus a variety of Northern Italian comfort foods — from lasagna to chicken parmigiana, Italian meatballs (top left) & more.

a big variety of seafood options. We all do linguini with clams, but Johnny C’s also has shrimp marinara (shown being prepared above), parmigiana and scampi, as well as a spicy fra diavlo and even a frutti di mare (aka ‘Fruits of the Sea,’ right) with shrimp, mussels, clams and calamari over linguini.” (There’s also a mussels Posillipo appetizer.)

Indirect suggestive hypnosis / age and past-life regression upon request For relief from stress, fears, phobias, unwanted habits, relationship issues, call 813-3902910 or email clientcenteredhypnosis@gmail.com

“One thing we noticed,” Ravenna told me during the Johnny C’s Friends & Family pre-opening, “is that (the other Italian restaurants in) this area doesn’t have

Ciaccio added, “We want everyone who visits Johnny C’s to feel like family. My dad owned restaurants his entire adult life and we lost him a few years ago, so Johnny C’s is a tribute to him.” To which Ravenna added, “He would have loved to have been the ‘mayor’ here.” For more in formation, call (813) 278-8020 or visit JohnnyCsItalianEatery.com. — GN

NEW TAMPA

N ew T ampa & w esley C hapel Classifieds

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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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 @ 813-9486363, email TampaBlindsbyDesign@gmail. com or visit TampaBlindsbyDesign.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 on pg. 39!

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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 813-433-6015.

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DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, 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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JOHN IDEAL LAWN & LANDSCAPES. We provide all normal lawn & landscaping svcs: •Mow •Edge

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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.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED. Ofc Asst for Accounting firm needed. Must be presentable, have knowledge of Outlook, Excel & Word. Job duties include (but are not limited to) filing, answering telephones & putting together tax returns. To apply: Email var5889@gmail.com or call 415-889-2729.

MISCELLANEOUS

RAYSPHOTOGRAPHS LLC! Do you have a special occasion/moment you would like to capture? Specializing in Weddings, engagements, portraits, headshots and events, allow me to capture the moments that matter most to you! Visit www.raysphotographs.com for samples. Call/text (813) 380-2655 or email ray@ raysphotographs.com. Mention this ad and receive 20% off!

Well-Appointed Professional Ofc Space for Rent. 600 sq. ft. in New Tampa (across from Publix on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., behind Chase Bank). Two offices — one w/laminate floor & another w/carpet. Plus, a carpeted secretarial area & wide hallway. Large closet with shelving, refrigerator & microwave. Fully equipped bathroom with supplies. For leasing info, please call 813-468-9110.

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AIRPORT SHUTTLE SVC. C&R Transporta-tion Services of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a shuttle service that provide safe & reliable transportation to & from your destinations. • New Tampa Transfer, $69 • Wesley Chapel Transfer, $79 • ZHills Transfer, $89 • Dade City Transfer, $129. Book Online @ Crtransportation.org or Call (813) 895-7413. Receive a FREE T-shirt w/every transfer. Hughes School of Music now accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory with a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also available! Contact us at 813-748-3216.

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.

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TREE SERVICES

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

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REAL ESTATE

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SERVICES

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