Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 29. Issue 14, July 6, 2021 by Neighborhood News

WESLEY CHAPEL

NEWS

Volume 29 Issue 14 July 6, 2021

Red-Hot Market! By John C. Cotey John@NTNeighborhoodNews.com When it came time to sell his home in West Meadows, Glenn Schmidt and his wife Gretchen (photo) knew they were entering a pretty good local housing market. So, when they finally listed their home with long-time New Tampa Realtor Kristy Darragh of Florida Executive Realty, the Schmidts were hoping there was enough interest that they’d at least get their asking price. On a Friday, the Schmidts’ four-bedroom, three-bath house was officially put up for sale. On Saturday, they had 33 people show up for a showing. On Sunday morning, there were 22 more scheduled showings by 2 p.m. “I had to stop setting appointments,” Glenn says. “My phone would not stop blowing up.” By the end of the weekend, they had 15 offers, including two buyers offering to pay in cash, and they eventually accepted a bid well over their asking price. “We significantly more than doubled what we originally paid for the house,” he says. “It’s one thing

to hear that you’re going to do very well when you sell, but then to see (this)? It was ridiculous.” The Schmidts’ story would have been highly unusual just a year ago. But nowadays, it’s normal. “This market, it’s a phenomenon,” says Darragh. “It’s mind boggling.”

**** Chris Henry, another long-time local Realtor who lives in New Tampa, has had similar experiences recently. For example, he aggressively listed a client’s home for $25,000 more than he normally would have because the market was heating up, and it led to 74 showings over the next two days, resulting in 33 written offers. The house sold for an additional $30,000 over that already-inflated asking price. “You know, it’s cliché to say, but this is really unprecedented,” Henry says. He adds that a number of factors are creating a local market that is moving at breakneck speed. He says that home builders slowed down their pace after the 2008 housing “bubble” hit, building only half of what they would normally have built over the next 10 years. But now, those builders have been delayed in See “Red Hot Market” on pg. 4

Have You Ever Tried The Peruvian Cuisine At Lima? To find out why you should, see pages 32-33!!

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Congrats To Hope & The Bolts; Condolences To Samantha An editorial by Gary Nager When North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) president and CEO Hope Kennedy asked me to write her a recommendation letter to help her get into the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at my alma mater, the University of Florida, I was proud and honored that she asked, but I warned her that I didn’t know how much pull I actually had at the school I graduated from 30 years ago. Well, now I’m proud to report that my letter didn’t prevent Hope (photo, right) from getting into U-F, as she posted her letter of acceptance to the program (which is weekends-only) on her Facebook page, which said “...We feel you will be a great addition to our incoming class, and your academic and professional background will be a terrific asset inside our MBA classroom.” Hope said that because the program is weekends only, there will be “no changes for my role at the NTBC.” Congrats, Hope. Go Gators!

INSIDE:

My Condolences...

It is with great sadness that I send my condolences to Samantha Taylor for the recent passing of her husband Drew, who would have turned 51 this month, after a three-week battle with pneumonia. Samantha, of course, is the owner of four Samantha Taylor Fitness studios for women, including here in Wesley Chapel, and Drew was her personal trainer and the reason she started her studios. Jannah (who works out at Samantha’s Wesley Chapel studio) and I share her grief. To make a donation to help, search “Please pray for Samantha Taylor’s husband, Drew” at GoFundMe.com.

Which national grocery store is coming to The Grove? Everyone has a preference!

Pages 8-9

Pasco Dental is a family affair. Pages 22-23

Go Bolts!

As I went to press with this issue, the Tampa Bay Lightning had just advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second year in a row, following a thrilling, seven-game series win — capped by a hard-to-breathe 1-0 squeaker at Amalie Arena in Game 7 — over the New York Islanders in the Cup Semifinals, to claim the Prince of Wales Trophy usually given to the National Hockey League’s Eastern Conference champions. Just as they did last year before they ended up beating the Dallas Stars 2-0 in the sixth game of the 2020 Cup Finals in Edmonton, Alberta, Captain Steven Stamkos and his teammates (including team chiropractor Dr. Tim Bain, photo below) touched (but did not hoist) the Prince of Wales Trophy. Many teams advancing to the Cup Finals have avoided touching the Conference trophies, but the Lightning proved that superstition wrong when they took home the 2020 Cup in the NHL’s Edmonton “bubble,” meaning that Tampa Bay fans did not get to see any of those wins at home. The Montreal Canadiens — who were the underdogs in all three of their previous Cup series this year, including before their shocking five-game shellacking of the heavily favored Vegas Golden Knights, to win the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl (traditionally given to the NHL’s Western Conference champs) — chose to not touch the Bowl before heading to the Cup Finals. By the time you receive this, either the Bolts or the Habs would have to have swept the Cup Finals in four games for this item to be old news. However they end up winning, however (and I’m calling it in five games) — Go Bolts! Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Total Wine & More Opens In Former Earth Fare Location! Page 34 Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News

OUR NEW ADDRESS: 28949 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Rodney Page Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 29, Issue 16, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, July 19, 2021. 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.

Red Hot Market: Resale Homes Are Selling At An Unprecedented Pace! Continued from page 1.

playing catch-up, due to labor and materials shortages, as well as rising lumber prices. Inventory of re-sale homes has been at an alltime low because people aren’t moving. Locals are staying put because there are very few homes on the market from which to choose. These homeowners are enjoying increased equity in their homes, and the record-low mortgage/refinancing rates have made home improvements more attractive. Couple all of that with a massive influx of new residents running away from coronavirus-ravaged states to Florida, which also has friendlier tax policies, and “you have a perfect storm,” Henry says. He also says that there are 20 buyers for almost every house being sold, and anything listed under $350,000 sells almost instantly, usually for more than the asking price — and often with cash. In Tampa, the median number of days on the market for resale homes was 9 days in April of this year, compared with 21 days in April of 2020. In the early- to mid-2000s, a similar boom was instigated by poor lending practices and rampant investor speculation. That led to the average list price in New Tampa rising from $272,000 in 2003 to $443,000 in 2006. Then came the crash of 2007-08. By 2011, the median home in New Tampa was down to $236,000. Economists and Realtors alike will tell you that this boom is related primarily to the migration of people to Florida, from places like New York, California and all points in between. The ability to work remotely here has been another driving factor. In fact, Henry says that four of his last six sales have been to New Yorkers. Because of Covid-19 and the economy, thousands of people each day are leaving states that are not as “open” as Florida, or as tax-friendly, selling their homes and showing up on the doorsteps of local Realtors flush with cash. Is our area at risk of another real estate bubble/crash reminiscent of 2007-08? According to Darragh, the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel markets are healthy and finally realizing the growth in appreciation it has long deserved. “These markets have been undervalued for more than eight years, with a slow growth in appreciation, due to the amount of new construction available,” she says. “But, now that the new construction inventory in Wesley Chapel has come to an abrupt halt, and the re-sale market pricing in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel has jumped up almost overnight.” If there’s an end in sight, Darragh 4

once we go back to normal,” Darragh says. “The cat is out of the bag.” Meanwhile, Henry says that higher interest rates will eventually cause some paralysis. He says it happened in 2018 for a brief period, stopping home owners from selling out of their historically low mortgage rates and also slowing demand. But, that situation could be at least a year or two away and would merely level the market. But, as available homes get snatched up, they aren’t being replaced on the market. In New Tampa, there is almost no new construction other than in K-Bar Ranch, which currently only has a few homes for sale. And, fewer people are re-selling their homes because, quite frankly, there is no place for them to go. Realtor Chris Henry says that the current craziness in the local real estate market isn’t likely to suffer another “housing bubble” anytime soon. (Photos by Charmaine George)

Glenn and Gretchen Schmidt started building in Wesley Chapel’s Estancia community last July, before things got crazy in the housing market. When their new house was ready, they were able to sell the home they owned in New Tampa pictured above, in just two days.

doesn’t see it — and she is far from alone. Over the past six months, home prices across the country have risen by 17 percent. Nationally, the typical home asking price in May was $380,000, up 15% from last year. “Absorption rate is a term used in the real estate industry to describe how fast homes are selling,” Darragh says. “A normal absorption rate for Tampa for the first quarter of this year should have been 40-50% per month. That means that each month, when new listings come on the market, the number of buyers will buy up 40-50% of those new listings. This year, that number was a staggering 179%-200%!” That means this aggressive absorption rate is sucking up not only everything that is being built, but also every new listing that comes on the market, as well as the existing inventory of homes. Realtors agree that supply and demand

in both of our markets are dangerously out of balance, and question whether this is economically sustainable. The only thing that can slow it down, they say, would be more inventory. But, there’s no indication of an inventory build-up anytime soon “We know the migration of out of state buyers are a big factor in the low inventory and surge in pricing,” Darragh says. “These are real buyers who are highly qualified and have a lot of cash.” Florida is in the national real estate spotlight. Affordable housing, low taxes, white sandy beaches and great weather have made the Tampa Bay area one of the fastestgrowing post-pandemic areas in the nation. Once the pandemic passes, will the flood of new residents recede? Local Realtors don’t believe it will. “I doubt that the buyers who moved here to escape the pandemic will go back

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Speaking Of No Place To Go...

Gustave (Gus) Zader and his wife Diane bought a custom-built home in Stafford Place in Tampa Palms in late 2018, and planned to retire there. But, when one of their neighbors made $100,000 selling their home, the Zaders decided to down-size and sold their home for cash — and a tidy profit — last month. At the same time, they closed on a home in Tampa Palms, but with one contingency — they can’t move into it until September. They considered renting until then, but couldn’t find anything. Gus, a retired Navy commander and currently the executive director of a strategic research program at USF, secured a spot at the Macdill Air Force Base FamCamp, where the Zaders live in their 26-foot Winnebago View. And, Gus says they are not alone. Others at the camp are living in RVs after selling their homes and waiting to find another place to live. “Everybody’s kind of shifting around and making do with what they have,” he says. “It’s a good market to sell in, but if you need (to buy) a place, it can be tough.” While, traditionally, 3-4 months worth of inventory is considered good, the latest numbers say there isn’t even a month’s worth of homes for sale. The number currently is 0.7 months supply, meaning that if nothing new came on the market over the next three weeks, there still would be zero houses for sale in New Tampa. “We are accustomed to low inventory, but I think we are all surprised to see the influx of buyers from out of state coming to the Tampa Bay area,” says Darragh’s fellow Florida Executive Realty Realtor Judi Beck. “To have less than one month Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

of inventory is really uncharted waters.” The inventory in the Greater Tampa area in April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, was right around 10,700 homes for sale, with an average selling price of $271,000. Just 12 months later, that inventory was down to just 2,500 homes, but the average sale price had soared to $358,000. In New Tampa, there were only 34 single-family homes listed for sale as of June 11, and 14 of those were asking for more than $500,000 — pricing a lot of first-time buyers out of the market. Only five homes were listed under $300,000. For a 3BR/2BA, the prices ranged from a low of $324,900 to $408,000; for a 4BR/3BA, the range was from as little as $307,000 to $1.25 million. Darragh has spent hours poring over the data to figure out the current market. Her desk is covered in pie charts and graphs, while her computer constantly refreshes to update her on the local housing market in real-time. With her 30 years of experience selling in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel and, with over $1 billion in sales over that time, she is downright giddy right now looking through her pages of housing statistics. “This market is a once-in-a-generation kind of market, because of what stimulated it (a pandemic),” Darragh says. “It’s a very good market for both buyers and sellers — and people don’t think about it that way — but looking at the charts and listening to real estate experts and economists, they don’t think this is going to end anytime soon. This could be the beginning of something that, in theory, goes on for years.” The pricing surge has been eyeopening, especially in places like Seminole Heights and South Tampa, but while the urge to cash out may be strong, Darragh insists the market is still good for buyers, especially in New Tampa. That’s because, she says, New Tampa is only just now catching back up Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

from the crash of 2007-08. Based on a Florida Executive Realty “Pent Up Equity” chart, New Tampa’s median home price was $236,000 in 2011, well below the $289,000 it should have been, according to a normal rate of appreciation of 3.5 percent per year. New Tampa’s median home price is currently $380,000, but the normal rate of appreciation says it should be $407,570. “We haven’t even gotten back to normal yet,” says Darragh. “There’s still plenty of room to run before you see a bubble.” That means deals can still be found. In other areas of Tampa, the average “Sold” price far exceeds the price in a market with a normal rate of appreciation. In South Tampa, for example, it’s $175,000 over normal market value; in Carrollwood, it’s $125,000 over; in Seminole Heights, it’s plus-$120,000; and, in Wesley Chapel, it’s almost $100,000 over. But, Darragh says that deals can be had, and that selecting the right Realtor might be the most important decision you ever make. “If you ever needed a local expert, it’s now,” she says. And, of course, a little luck never hurts. When Glenn and Gretchen Schmidt decided they were ready to move out of their West Meadows home, they started building in Estancia in Wesley Chapel. They bought last July, right before things got crazy, and got what Glenn says was a good deal. “We hoped the market would be okay over the next year when we needed to sell the house,” he says. Then, due to Covid-related building delays, construction of the Schmidts’ new home stretched into this summer. They were able to ride the wave of the current market and, with their new home ready for move in, they could sell their old one for significantly more than they would have, say, a few months ago on more of a regular timeline. “Sometimes,” Glenn says, “it’s just pure dumb luck.” For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

There Are Some Interesting Listings In Wesley Chapel! By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

several species of fish,” a well and water source “designed and installed to avoid contamination and ensure an independent water supply, in case They say Wesley Chapel has a little something of local services shutting down.” for everyone. Secure living lifestyle, indeed! Newly buily communities? Check. And, to answer your obvious question —yes, Homes with land? Check. there’s even a hot tub, too. Crystal clear lagoons? Check. The listing agents are Molly Nye and AnA house that can survive a missile strike? Check. thony Grampietro of Century 21 Bill Nye Realty. Wait…What? Nye says since the location has drawn some meYes, you read that right. Built on a 4.5-acre lot dia attention, interest in the home is heating up. and located right off Quail Hollow Blvd. at 25910 But, this isn’t the first listing in the area Queen Sago Pl., this $500,000 listing has just what to generate some serious buzz. Back in May, a someone expecting the end of the world could want. manufactured home at 3650 New River Rd., The listing actually sounds pretty peaceful — with 1,089 square feet of living space, was listed the home “provides the luxury of being close to for a whopping $450,000 (it can now be had for all the shopping centers, biking trails, and hiking $399,000). routes while living in a peaceful wooded abode.” That may still seem outrageous, until you Then, you get to the part about the 8-inchconsidered that the garage is twice the size of the thick, 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi) concrete home and can accommodate six cars, and probroof, and you realize, that these folks weren’t messThis home in the Quail Hollow area is listed for $500,000 and offers protec- ably more important for whoever built it, a Class ing around when it came to home security. A motor coach. tion against a potential missle strike. The home, or fortress if you prefer, was built in While the 2BR, 2BA living area may be small The VanDercars were quite thorough, however, in 1982 by David VanDercar, a survivalist, and his wife — and the garage a tad oversized — for most of prepping for that missile strike. Candy. It is 3,000 square feet, has two bedrooms, two us, the property is located on more than an acre of land The property has a hidden trail through the heavily- gorgeously landscaped with flowers and bamboo trees, bathrooms and, naturally, a bunker. wooded area to ensure “adequate area land and wildOh, and did we mention that the master bedroom and also featured a botanical garden and beautiful rocklife in the nearby vicinity,” according to the listing on scaped pool with a tiki hut. doubles as a panic room, which features a thick bulletRealtor.com, plus a 10-foot deep pond “stocked with But, that garage though! proof picture window and steel door? Check.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

New Grocery Store At The Grove Stirs Online Debate By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com The social media team at The Grove put out a Facebook teaser that a national coffee chain and national grocery store were coming to their ever-expanding property this year. As far as a national coffee chain, well, we’d be shocked if it wasn’t...wait for it....Starbucks. But, a new national grocer? Now that is intriguing. So, naturally, because this is Wesley Chapel and everyone seems to go ga-ga for anything new coming to town, the Facebook post exploded with people using ALL CAPS and multiple exclamation points to demand that their choice be the one, ordering The Grove to make it so and seemingly ready to fight anyone who disagreed. And, that (of course) were just the Trader Joe’s fans! Some cast their votes/begged for their favorite and made predictions, while others — transplants from other states, we’re guessing — clamored for their

Commentors on a Wesley Chapel Community Facebook post pleaded for their favorite grocery stores to come to The Grove, which is expected to announce its decision soon.

favorite grocers from their hometowns in the Midwest and Northeast. More than 350 comments rolled in, and we read every one of them, and the winner — if the locals were allowed to make the choice — was Trader Joe’s.

Uhhh, we mean TRADER JOE’S OR BUST!!!!!! That’s no surprise, of course. When we ran a similar poll on our Facebook page, asking what should replace the old Sweetbay on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

New Tampa, Trader Joe’s trounced the field — although, ahem, we don’t recall anyone threatening to move away if it wasn’t a Trader Joe’s. The Grove post was a mishmash of grocery store debate, which led us to wonder what could be coming. PUBLIX: The obvious, predictable choice, even though the Publix on the corner of S.R. 54 and BBD is just down the road. But, since when has having a nearby location mattered to Publix? Heck, in New Tampa, you can throw a BOGO bag of lettuce from the Cross Creek Blvd. location at Morris Bridge Rd. and hit the New Tampa Blvd. at BBD store. Besides, the Hollybrook Plaza Publix is going to relocate to the east one of these days back (near the Walmart), creating some additional distance from the new store in The Grove. Here’s the thing, though — while we all love Publix, it’s still just Publix. And it’s literally everywhere. Does it really fit the fresh, hip new energy coming from The Grove, even though one could argue that a Publix chicken tender sub trumps fresh, hip

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

new energy any day, and we wouldn’t necessarily disagree? However, you know what’s hipper than Publix? A new Publix, like the prototype store that opened in December on Gandy Blvd. in South Tampa. The 48,000-sq.-ft. store has two floors, with a large dining area on the second floor. It has a fresh, cleaner design that seeks to modernize the usual Publix. There are self check-out lanes, lots of grab-and-go fresh foods, a free-standing deli, two grocery pickup spots and drivethrough service at the pharmacy, according to progressivegrocer.com. There’s also a Publix Aprons Cooking School kiosk located in the center of the new store. While the Gandy location is a prototype, landing the first actual “new” Publix would give off lots of that exciting energy The Grove developer Mark Gold prides himself on generating. WHOLE FOODS: The popular and pricey organic grocery chain, headquartered in Austin, TX, and now owned by Amazon, was mentioned by more than a dozen Facebook commentors. Whole Foods would certainly fill a void left by Earth Fare, Wesley Chapel’s first, albeit ill-fated, organic grocer, which shut down after less than a year in existence in 2019 and is now a Total Wine & More (see pg. 34). Today, there are no large organic grocers in the area — although Nutrition Smart on BBD is a nice, smaller option — and Whole Foods would no doubt be a perfect fit in an area that still clamors for family-friendly, fresh organic offerings. It also fits The Grove’s vibe better than just about any other option. TRADER JOE’S: This would be a home run for Gold, although also a tough get, but as made clear by the Facebook comments of more than 50 posters, by far the most popular one. Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and Carrollwood wanted a Trader Joe’s so badly a few years back that there was a campaign to petition the store online in the hopes of landing a location. Hillsborough County commissioners even got involved in the Tampa efforts. But alas, nothing. New Tampa has since added a Sprouts, an Aldi and it appears a Lotte Super Market is coming as well. Trader Joe’s still has just its location on Swann Ave. in South Tampa. Could Wesley Chapel break through and succeed where New Tampa didn’t? IT BETTER OR WE’RE MOVING!!! (Kidding….kind of). Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

WEGMANS: You think we have a lot of Northeasterners living here in Wesley Chapel? Consider this: Wegmans received more online interest than Publix, Aldi and Sprouts combined. In fact, the Wegmans discussion spun off into its own little debate. We half expected someone on the thread to start a Wegmans podcast. Wegmans, based in Gates, NY, has a large organic food selection, a hot food bar and really, really happy employees, making some transplants downright misty-eyed in the comments talking about the store. Wegmans has a pretty impressive resume, being named the best or favorite grocery store in the country by Food Network, Consumer Reports subscribers and marketforce.com. Apparently, new openings draw thousands willing to wait in lines. Janette Vazquez Driesslein used many exclamation points in pleading for a Wegmans, and commented that when she moved to Florida in 2004 she reached out to Wegmans about moving stores here. “Here we are almost 20 years later and nope. So, sadly, I think it’s pretty unlikely.” Janette, we agree. Wegmans stores generally only come as far south as North Carolina, and don’t appear to have any plans to expand here. Road trip? KROGER: Some transplanted Midwesterners have a soft spot for Kroger, and while the chain has no Florida locations, a May announcement that the chain is beginning deliveries from a new fulfillment center in Tampa at least gives reason for hope, right? If you love Kroger that much, for a $9.95 fee, you can order your groceries right off the company’s website or app. As for Kroger coming to The Grove? Probably not. But, stores in Florida could be in the future. THE OTHERS: Judging by some of the passionate responses, everyone has their favorite grocery store. Thank goodness the Piggly Wiggly folks didn’t show up en masse, or there might have been an actual online brawl. Some others that were mentioned more than once in the grocery thread include the three-location, family-owned Detwiler’s Farm Market based in Sarasota, Texas-based H-E-B, which has a cult-like following, Sprouts, Fresh Market and yes, even another Aldi, which would be ironic because the location on S.R. 56 was originally approved to be built near The Grove. For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Meadow Pointe Blvd. Connection To New Tampa On The Way By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com After years of debate over connecting Mansfield Blvd. in Wesley Chapel to Kinnan St. in New Tampa for through traffic, the consolation prize (for those who unsuccessfully fought for that connection) could be completed by the end of this year. MI Homes, which is developing New Tampa’s K-Bar Ranch community, located directly to the south of Meadow Pointe, has targeted Dec. 31 as a completion date for the K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. connection to Meadow Pointe Blvd., opening up traffic in both directions. Although the Pasco County side of the connection is completed, there are still some permitting issues to resolve that could stretch that completion date into 2022, but the goal is sometime this year. The Meadow Pointe Blvd. connection will be the only northbound way out of K-Bar Ranch or southbound way into KBar Ranch (other than Morris Bridge Rd.) when K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. is completed. The roadway is currently under construction. About 100 feet of dirt road

The connection between Meadow Pointe Blvd. and K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. is currently under construction and could be completed by the end of 2021. (Photo: John C. Cotey)

separate the southern end of Meadow Pointe Blvd. and the connector, which will lead to K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. After the debate over Kinnan-Mansfield intensified in 2018, and after years of negotiating with Hillsborough County, Pasco County commissioned a study that recommended connecting those two roads for emergency use only.

A gate that can only be accessed by emergency response vehicles is supposed to be keeping motorists from crossing the Pasco and Hillsborough county lines, although (as we reported in a previous issue), vehicles have been bypassing the gate. However, the study did recommend instead making a connection at the unfinished Meadow Pointe Blvd., as well as at

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Wyndfields Blvd. further to the east. The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) also conducted a Connections Survey, and 67 percent of approximately 1,200 residents who voted made the connection to Meadow Pointe Blvd. the No. 1 choice. One of the primary arguments against Kinnan-Mansfield, but for Meadow Pointe Blvd, made by District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore and others, was the ability of each road to handle the additional traffic — the Roadways Report suggested it could add as many as 4,000 vehicles — from Hillsborough County. Mansfield Blvd. is a two-lane road. Meadow Pointe Blvd. is four lanes and connecting to it instead was the “most sensible choice,” according to District 5 commissioner Jack Mariano. K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. is being constructed in segments and, once each road segment is completed, it will permit the developers to build more homes in that area. Segment C, starting at the Kinnan St. entrance, is currently completed. Segment D, which is partially completed, will connect to the Meadow Pointe Blvd. extension, which also is under construction.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Teen’s Passion Is Making Old Typewriters New Again By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Like most kids his age, 16-yearold Jack Armstrong can sit in front of a keyboard for hours on end, expertly manipulating the keys with his fingers to get the desired result. There is one major difference, however. Instead of doing so in front of a computer, Armstrong is sitting in front of an actual typewriter, which are sometimes 100 years older than he is. Whether it’s an 1880s Caligraph 2, a 1907 Handler or a 1914 Annell, Armstrong takes great delight in dissecting these machines from another time and restoring them to their original working condition, which he then sells, trades or displays on a shelf in his bedroom. “It’s a passion,” he says of his craftsmanship. “I just love it.” Armstrong is a rarity in the world of typewriter collectors and repairs, due to his age, but he is far from alone. He estimates that there are roughly 5,0006,000 typewriter enthusiasts across the country who gather at small conventions and actively collect, trade and sell machines that may be outdated, but still stoke a deep love and appreciation from their admirers. Armstrong has loved typewriters since he was a young kid, when his mother Rebecca would drag him with her on her Saturday afternoon antiquing expeditions. Always a mechanical sort with a knack for taking things apart to see how they work, Armstrong was always drawn to the old typewriters he would see, with so many gears and type bars. He was 12 when he asked for one for Christmas, and his parents bought

For Jack Armstrong (top) restoring typewriters like the 1890 Caligraph No. 2 (above) is a passion that he has turned into a successful business. (Photos: John C. Cotey)

him a 1949 Royal. It needed repairs, so that didn’t work and make it like new,” he found some tips on YouTube and, an Armstrong says. “I got addicted to that, hour later, the Royal was back in service. and it’s been snowballing ever since.” “I was able to take this old antique An online high school student who

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

is practically on the computer 24/7, Armstrong says he finds the tactile experience and ability to disconnect while he types refreshing and necessary. He types and mails 3-4 letters a week to friends and other collectors. And Armstrong has turned his passion into a business— the Tampa Typewriter Co. People from around the world now send him their typewriters, paying — and praying — for a miracle restoration. He says he made $20 on his first repair job, though that same job would cost $100 now. His slogan: “I can repair any typewriter from 1880 to 1980.” “It just clicked at that moment that I’ve tapped into a niche,” Armstrong says. “I can turn this into a genuine business.” While others may just paint or spruce up older typewriters for customers who want a display piece, Armstrong says he tries to keep the original finish, even if that means a good helping of elbow grease. He will source the parts and replace things like the felt soundproofing, the rubber feet and everything in between. “What I focus on is making them work,” he says. “I make them as nice as possible, and as new as possible.” That means zero short cuts, which might include polishing a part of the typewriter that you will never see again. “I shine it up to a mirror finish, even though you won’t see it unless you take the machine apart.” Armstrong’s latest effort was restoring an 1890 Caligraph No. 2 with a matching table. He put in more than 25 hours on the project, and has it listed for $2,000 on tampatypewriter.com. He wouldn’t hate keeping it as his own, either.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

So Many Stories...

In his Wesley Chapel home, which includes a workshop in his garage, Armstrong has roughly 100 typewriters — 80 are his, and the other 20 he is repairing. Typewriters that still work are rare. Of the 100 or so he says he has purchased via eBay over the years, only three arrived without needing anything more than a new ribbon. He’s always looking. The one typewriter he would like to own? A Commercial Visible 6, a sleek silver machine with a gold decal that uses a type wheel that can be switched with another to change the font. It originally sold for $50 in 1898. Armstrong says only 35 are known to still exist. “It’s one of the most beautiful typewriters ever produced,” Armstrong says. His most valuable typewriter is This 1914 Willard P. Smith Co. typewriter may only be a Willard P. Smith Co. Armstrong worth $2,000, but Armstrong says it would take 500 times more than that for him to give it up, as it means says everything he has can be had the most to him. (Photo: John C. Cotey) for a price, but the Willard P. Smith would require a hefty bounty. Vogue Royal with a sans serif typeface He won the typewriter in an aucwill sell for roughly $3,500. A rusty tion on eBay, bribing other bidders to Annell is one of only 11 known to exist bow out. It cost him $800 total. and has a pharmaceutical keyboard, as “No typewriter has ever sold for well as a sans serif typeface, making it over a million dollars. But, I would need even rarer, while his Mignon Model 2B over a million dollars (to sell the Willard has a Blackletter typeface called Fraktur. P. Smith),” Armstrong says. “It’s just The typewriter was produced during too special to me.” a time when the Fraktur typeface was Armstrong’s prized possession, obsolete and not used, he says. however, is an Armstrong typewriter, Thanks to some recent media expowhich he wanted because of the shared sure, Tampa Typewriter Co. is growname. There are only 14 in existence, ing. Armstrong has restored nearly 250 and he owns two of them. typewriters, and as word of his dedica“They are my obsession,” he says, tion and prowess spreads, more business and they share a shelf with the Willard P. keeps coming his way. He has made Smith in his room, which he refers to as more than $50,000 in sales to date, and his own personal typewriter museum. says he would one day like to open a When it comes to actual museums, physical location. Armstrong will soon have some of his Typewriters themselves may be obown handiwork on display in one. A solete, but this Wesley Chapel teenager few typewriters that he restored for is working hard to keep them alive. collectors Mark and Christina Albrecht “I’m 16, and I think people like the of Bradenton were bought as part of a idea of this young gun working on these larger collection for a soon-to-be-built old machines,” Armstrong says. “It’s museum in Dubai, “which is pretty an unmatched level of work, and I just cool,” Armstrong says. have this insane passion for it that most Every typewriter in his room has a people don’t.” story, and Armstrong revels in telling For typewriter repairs, rethem. There’s the Type-a-Tune, a 1949 furbs and resales, or just to check machine used to teach typing that also out some of the many collectibles Armstrong has repaired, visit Tamplays music, and he was offered $800 paTypewriter.com, send an email to just for the instructional book alone. Tampatypewriter@gmail.com or call A Simplex typewriter has attracted (813) 992-9799. offers of more than $5,000, and a Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

USF Awarded $44-Million To Study Alzheimer’s By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com A team of professors at the University of South Florida (USF) has a new weapon to fight Alzheimer’s disease and dementia — a $44.3-million grant for the next five years to continue a study that has shown some positive results. Jerri Edwards, Ph.D., a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is heading up the school’s Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (aka “PACT”) study. Dr. Edwards says the grant could help finally find a way to prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, which are among the most expensive medical conditions to treat — along with heart disease, diabetes and cancer. They also are becoming more and more common. “Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia are an increasing public health crisis,” Dr. Edwards says. “One in every nine persons 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease right now and the prevalence of the disease increases with age. It could be that as many as 33 percent of people 85-plus have dementia. We’re living longer so that means the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is increasing exponentially.” Edwards and many of her colleagues have been investigating an intervention commonly known as

brain training for the past decade. “It is the first intervention ever shown in a randomized clinical trial to reduce the risk of dementia,” she says. “So, we’re very excited.” Brain training is basically using computerized programs to train the Jerri Edwards, Ph.D., a cognitive abilities of parProfessor of Psychiatry & ticipants. The trial, called Behavioral Neurosciences the Advanced Cognitive at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, recent- Training for Independent ly received a $44.3-million & Vital Elderly (ACTIVE), grant to conduct a clinical had more than 2,800 study on Alzheimer’s dis- healthy older adults ages 65 and older participating. ease and dementia. The trial was essentially focused on the functional ability of older adults when it came to things like managing their finances, driving and going grocery shopping — essential tasks required to remain independent with age. “Dementia essentially is diagnosed when you lose that functional ability,” Edwards says. That study, after 10 years, showed that participants had a 29-48 percent lower incidence of dementia than people who received no training.

The PACT study will be expanded to across the U.S. at five different sites and will be enrolling 7,600 older adults. “We really believe this intervention can reduce people’s chances — reduce their risks — of Alzheimer’s disease,” Edwards says. “It’s a very exciting opportunity to be a leader in the field here at USF and engaging our Tampa Bay community area.” Edwards encourages anyone healthy and age 65 and older in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa to participate in the PACT study. She says that one of the goals of the study is to have a diverse sample. She also says blacks are twice as likely as other adults to get Alzheimer’s, and Hispanics are 1.5 times as likely, yet both are typically less willing to participate in clinical studies. Participants will be screened and tested during their first two visits — at a choice of the Cognitive Aging Lab on USF’s Tampa campus off E. Fletcher Ave., the St. Petersburg campus, as well as at locations in Lakeland and Winter Haven in Polk County — and will be asked to continue the brain training for three years at home. “We really need people who are interested in joining the fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Edwards says. “We need healthy, older adults 65-plus willing to do that. It’s low burden — we’re asking for a threeyear commitment.” If you want to volunteer for the PACT study, call (813) 974-6703, or visit PACTStudy.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Pebble Creek Golf Club To Close At End Of Month untenable. Built in 1967, he says the course still has its original irrigation system and that “it failed miserably during this recent drought. “It was time.”

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

The letters went out the first weekend in June, but were probably not a surprise to anyone living in Pebble Creek. The golf course, the oldest in New Tampa, is shutting down for good July 31. Pebble Creek Golf Club (PCGC) owner Bill Place, who has been trying for years to sell the 6,436-yard golf course he bought in 2005, says he can’t continue losing money on something with no future. After a few failed attempts to finalize a deal with developers the past few years, as well as unsuccessfully trying late last year to get a brownfield designation from Hillsborough County that would have helped cover almost 3/4 of the cost to decontaminate the soil, Place says he was out of options. The club, heading into what is usually its slowest time of the year (from Aug.-Oct.), currently has 70 members, 13 of whom live in Pebble Creek. Although golf courses have struggled in recent years, especially as amenities in large communities, the number of rounds played in 2020 actually were up 13.9

A Familiar Scenario

The Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area will lose another golf course this month, as Pebble Creek closes to make way for more homes, as Quail Hollow did in 2017. (Photo: Charmaine George)

percent from 2019, according to Golf Datatech, primarily because of people looking for relatively safe recreation activities during the pandemic. It is the largest increase in rounds played since Golf Datatech started tracking stats in 1998. But, Place says that surge was short-lived at Pebble Creek.

“Even though we had a little bit of a bump from Covid-19, I’ve already started to see it back off as people go back to work,” Place says. “We’re on a path to repeat 2018 and 2019, when we lost money those years.” Place also said that merely maintaining the course had become financially

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

It is the second golf course in the area to shut down, following the closure of Wesley Chapel’s Quail Hollow Country Club in 2017. Quail Hollow was even older than PCGC, having been built in 1965, when the decision was made to raze it and build roughly 400 homes on the site. Like Pebble Creek, Quail Hollow suffered from a decline in members, a lack of interest in golf that plagued the industry and an owner who could make significantly more money selling to developers. Place says he has quietly told brokers over the last six years that he was looking to sell the golf course. After having his brownfield designation rejected in Dec. 2020, he has continued entertaining suitors. DR Horton, one of the original interested buyers of PCGC, had done preliminary testing two years ago and discovered

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

that there were contaminants on the golf course before withdrawing its interest. A brownfield site is a property that is contaminated, which hinders efforts to expand or redevelop it. But there are significant tax credits offered to help clean up brownfield properties. Without those tax credits, Place will likely foot the bill. He has paid $150,000 to have the site tested by an environmental testing firm, and is awaiting results. A preliminary estimate, he says, indicated it would take 6-9 months to decontaminate the soil. That alone could cost Place $1 million.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

But, he still has potential developers lined up — he will choose one in the next month or so — and says he is including the two Pebble Creek homeowners associations, who serve roughly 1,300 homeowners, in the process. Regardless, he expects a significant number of residents to protest when rezoning of the 149-acre property gets under way. “No matter what, we are trying every which way we can to work with the HOAs,” Place says. “I know they would rather have the golf course, but we are looking for the best possible solution.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Excel Music Owners Eager To Reopen Doors To Students By JOHN C. COTEY the end of this month or in August.

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

At Excel Music in New Tampa, the rooms are cozy and the lessons have always been intimate, as children and adults file in each day to work on honing their musical skills with professional instructors. But, cozy and intimate don’t work well with Covid-19, so like so many small business owners, John and Sheri Thrasher had to make some drastic adjustments, primarily going virtual with their lessons. It wasn’t easy, but they have survived. Now, in their 15th year of running Excel Music, which is located in the Cory Lake Isles Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd., the Thrashers are hopeful things are getting back to the old normal. “We are starting out by just having all instruments, except voice and wind instruments,” John says. “We’ll start with that and see how comfortable everyone is with it and how things continue to proceed over the summer.” However, they continue to proceed cautiously, John adds. The school, whose physical building has been closed since March 2020, is hoping to be fully open by

“Like most of the school systems around the country, we’ll want to be back to full in-person lessons by the fall,” he says. “We’ve been maybe accused of being a little overcautious, but that’s always been my nature. (Safety) has always been really important. I just didn’t want our school being responsible for bad things happening to anybody.” Fortunately, John says, Excel Music’s virtual lessons have been a success. Although often confused with online lessons, which are more like videos that students follow along with, the virtual lessons have kept Excel’s staff of music teachers — all of whom are either university trained (many with Master of Music degrees) or with at least 10 years of study and performing experience — engaged with those receiving lessons. John says the staff adapted during the pandemic and has now mastered the art of virtual lessons. “The results we’re seeing from students and hearing from teachers is that the kids are still progressing very well,” he says. Bill Effingham has been teaching guitar at Excel Music since it opened. He says he would never have considered virtual lessons prior to the pandemic, but now sees it as

an additional tool. He says the Thrashers were able to make the transition seamless. “Considering that everything happened so quickly and last minute and that it was a totally new thing, John and Sheri were right on top of things,” Bill says. “Obviously, I was a little panicky that first week, but I think by week 2 or 3 we were totally transitioned over. They did a great job with it.” While they may not have the same effectiveness of handson, in-person lessons, virtual lessons won’t be completely abandoned by Excel Music once students return to the classrooms. While some parents declined to even try the virtual route, it did offer some convenience to others who, for exam- John and Sheri Thrasher of Excel Music on Cross Creek. Blvd. have survived more than a year of virtual music lessons only. ple, travel during the summer. John says. “We can now adjust more quickly John estimates that students to what students and parents want. That’s taking a month off require two months to probably been the one advantage of us jumpget back to where they were before. ing head-first into the virtual lessons.” “It’s been one of these weird things However, John says that everyone at Exthat’s helped us become more fleet of foot,”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

cel is eager to get the classrooms back open. “We have some wonderful parents and students that stuck it out, and we’re looking forward to getting back to what we’ve always done,” he says.

A Variety Of Programs & Ages

The music school has always offered lessons in voice and practically every instrument, with piano, violin, guitar and drums being the most popular, although quite a few students study brass and woodwind instruments, too — including trumpet, tuba, saxophone and clarinet. While Excel’s choir program remains on hold for now, John hopes to get the popular pre-school program up and running again this summer. John says the music school has had students as young as 5 years old and as old as the 86-year-old trumpet player who once took lessons at Excel. Both John and Sheri have strong backgrounds in music, giving them perspective on the value of learning an instrument. John, who continues to play in a band with friends, was the drummer for country singer Mickey Gilley for many years, which gave him the opportunity to perform on TV on “The Joan Rivers Show,” “Solid Gold” and “Hee-Haw,” as well as on telethons hosted by Lou Rawls and Jerry Lewis. He also played at such venues as the White House

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. In the 1990s, John and Sheri had success together with a band of their own in Japan called Tz, where he says they sold tens of thousands of CDs. It was in Japan, where there is a culture that reveres teachers, that led them to start thinking about something like Excel Music, which they opened in 2006. “There’s so much data about how great studying music is for your brain for spatial learning and big-picture thinking,” John explains. “There are always studies coming out saying that because music is a whole brain activity, when kids learn music, their math and other school skills improve, too.” Bill is one of two teachers who have been with Excel Music since it opened in 2006, and a number of others have stayed with the Thrashers for five, six, or eight years. “We definitely have stability,” John says. “We’ve been doing this for a long time.” Like several instructors at Excel Music, Bill teaches and plays gigs. He is in a band called Lorelei On The Rocks (check them out at loreleirocks.com) and hopes to instill in his students the same love of playing that he has had for more than four decades. “In the beginning, they memorize notes and learn the mechanics,” Bill says. “But, when they start to ‘hear’ the music and a little light bulb goes off and you know they got

it, that’s what I love about teaching.” Soon, John hopes lots of little light bulbs will go off in the heads of local music students who return for in-person lessons. “We’re just eager to get back to what we usually offer,” John says. “This has been really, really challenging for everybody. “It’s been a trying and learning experience, but like anything that is hard, you grow from it, you learn from it and you’ll be better for it.” Excel Music, located at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite I, is still open for virtual lessons only right now. For more information, visit ExcelMusic.org, call (813) 991-1177 or see the ad on page 24 of this issue.

Is Looking To Overpay A Part-Time

Office Assistant!

(15-20 hours/week) In order to get the job, you must be • A super-organized self-starter • Have experience with Quickbooks • Have a pleasant phone manner Resumes only (no phone calls!) to: ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Pasco Dental Does It All To Give You That Perfect Smile By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com In almost every medical-related field these days, one visit to the doctor could mean multiple trips to see multiple specialists. Sore throat? Bad back? Throbbing knee? Specialist, specialist, specialist. And, dentistry usually is no different, which is why Daniel Hwang, D.D.S., of Pasco Dental takes great pride in his advanced knowledge of all aspects of dentistry and can pass that on to patients instead of passing those patients on to dental specialists. At Pasco Dental, located in the Wesley Chapel Executive Center on S.R. 54, a little more than a mile east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., “Dr. Dan” takes care of everything from a simple teeth cleaning to more complex matters. “It makes things convenient for our patients,” Dr. Dan says, “because we offer all phases of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign aligners, sedation dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery and periodontal surgery.” Dr. Dan also owns Lutz Dental, located at 19105 U.S. 41. Both practices receive high marks from customers — Pasco Dental has 197 Google reviews with an average 4.9-star rating, and the office in Lutz has 133 ratings and a perfect 5-star rating. And, at Pasco Dental, you get two Dr. Hwangs for the price of one. Two years ago, Dr. Dan’s son, Dr. Ben Hwang, D.M.D., joined the practice. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Dan was raised in Mt. Vernon, VA, and moved to Brooklyn, NY, for middle school and Queens, NY, for high school. He received both his Bachelor of Sci-

The staff at Pasco Dental on S.R. 54 includes (l.-r.) Dr. Ben, Dr. Dan, office manager Trisha and assistant Jan. (Photos: John C. Cotey)

ence (B.S.) degree (in 1987) and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (in 1991) from prestigious Columbia University in Manhattan, NY, and spent twelve years learning the ropes of the dental business with his brother, who had a thriving dental practice in Ft. Lee, NJ. When he was ready, Dr. Dan opened his own chain of Price Dental offices in the Metropolitan New York area. But, having so many offices took a toll on a father with three young children at home. And, Ben had grown into a budding tennis prodigy. So, the family moved to Florida, and settled in New Tampa before moving to Wesley Chapel. Dr. Dan, who played tennis at Columbia, trained Ben, who went on to be a key member of three straight State championship teams at Wharton. His senior year in 2011, Ben – ranked

as the No. 10 player in Florida — led the Wildcats to the team title at No. 1 singles, and the next day, also captured the Class 4A individual singles title. Ben went to prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, where he earned a B.S. degree in Behavioral Biology. But, he also made the most important decision of his life. “John Hopkins is pretty well known for medicine and its students becoming doctors, so that is what I was going to do,” Dr. Ben says. “I ended up deciding that wasn’t the best for me. So, I started looking for dental schools and one thing led to another.” Ben remembered all the time his father had been able to spend with him, training him in tennis and traveling to tournaments. A dentist’s schedule is far different than what a doctor’s might be.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

“He was always able to make time,” Ben says. “I thought that might be something I would want to do as well when I have a kid.” That decision led Ben to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree, and after earning his degree, joined his father at Pasco Dental and Lutz Dental. “In school, they always talked about how important it was to find yourself a great mentor,” Ben says. “To have my dad, who’s been practicing for 30 years, I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.” That gives Pasco Dental two Ivy League-educated dentists, an impressive feat. Next year, Dr. Dan’s younger son Thomas is expected to join the practice after he graduates from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, also regarded as one of the best in the country. There’s probably a good chance the Hwangs already buy their scrubs in bulk, as Jan Hwang, Dr. Dan’s wife, helps in the office when she’s not working as an emergency room nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center, while daughter Nina is an oncology nurse at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Doing It All

Dr. Dan has said that in New York, most general and family dentists provide all dental services, whereas in Florida, many dentists refer their patients elsewhere for braces, dental implants and even gum or root canal procedures. However, at Pasco Dental, they do all of that, and more. There is an emphasis on patients looking for cosmetic work and implants. Dr. Dan has taken hundreds of hours every year of continuing education, and says he rarely refers patients elsewhere.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

new teeth after many months of hiding behind a mask.” Pasco Dental also includes some hightech solutions for determining which dental procedures are needed, like a 3D CT Scan Sirona Orthophos machine that offers more accurate 3D depictions of a patient’s full head, jaw and sinus cavity, which helps when it comes to being as accurate as possible when creating dental implants. All in all, Dr. Dan says that everyone at Pasco Dental is eager to give you the perfect smile in as little time as possible. “We are focused on saving time for our patients by minimizing wait times, and getting the job done with fewer appointments,” he says. And, when the job is done, you’re not rushed out the door. Pasco Dental has a post-op room for patients recuperating Dr. Dan (right) and Dr. Ben go over an X-ray at the office on S.R. 54. from oral surgery. The room features two Dr. Dan is a Fellow of the Internathe same thing, Lumineers are considered large massage chairs, a large flatscreen tional Congress of Oral Implantologists to be an easier and more durable solution. TV and a fireplace. Recent patient Kara Psolla recently and in Orthodontics, where he focuses on And, they’re quicker, too. A patient made the switch to Pasco Dental, and Invisalign, rather than traditional braces. can be fitted with a set of Lumineers in walked away smiling. Dr. Dan says his office also is the only just two visits. “The staff is extremely friendly, the one locally that is both a Lumineers and “We can show before and after smile Snap-On Smile provider. Lumineers is a makeovers with a Lumismile digital smile office is clean, and the exam rooms are popular brand of porcelain veneers, which makeover,” Dr. Dan says. “We can make comfortable,” she wrote in her review. “Love the standing X-ray machine! Very are used to correct things like gaps, chips your smile look amazing in just two happy with my new dentists.” and discolored teeth. While veneers do visits — just in time to show off your

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Assurances About Insurance

Pasco Dental accepts most major dental insurance plans, and Dr. Dan always works closely with his patients to make sure they understand the costs associated with any work they have done. “I have years of experience in maximizing patients’ dental insurance, and minimizing out-of-pocket costs,” he says. Dr. Ben says Pasco Dental isn’t like most of the larger dental chains popping up all over. The practice’s business model is not to suggest unnecessary work, or inflate things like the number of cavities. Instead, the Hwangs say they like to keep it simple and honest, by providing easy-to-understand treatment plans, sterling delivery of their services and making sure the bill offers no surprises. It’s like the logo says – Bad Teeth? Hate To Smile? Call Pasco Dental. “We love to see our patients smile,” Dr. Dan says. Pasco Dental is located at 29450 S.R. 54. Its office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and noon-7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. For more information, call (813) 502-0531, visit PascoDentalTampa.com or see the ad on page 32 of this issue.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Trust The Law Office Of Elizabeth Devolder For Estate Planning By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN It’s been six months since Elizabeth Devolder launched the Law Office of Elizabeth Devolder, a boutique firm located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center located off the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit of I-75 in New Tampa. Her divorce from attorney Bryan Devolder, with whom she launched the Devolder Law Firm in 2016, was finalized in December, and Elizabeth began a new journey in her new solo practice in January 2021. Elizabeth’s new firm handles estate planning and probate matters, the same areas of law she handled as a partner at the previous practice. “Ultimately, we’re doing the same things,” she explains. “We’re just doing them separately.” Elizabeth says her new practice has started strong. “I have been very well supported through referrals over the last six months from people in the community.” Elizabeth earned her law degree at the Tampa campus of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Riverview in 2016 after a successful career in advertising and sales management. She had previously earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Corporate Communications from the College of Charleston, in South Carolina, in 1997. The Law Office of Elizabeth Devolder’s case manager is Rachael Alexander, who has worked with Elizabeth for the last four years and helped found the new firm. Rachael recently graduated from law school herself and passed the Florida bar exam. “The firm is already growing,” Elizabeth explains. “With Rachael, you’ll get a very experienced case manager, and

Attorney Elizabeth Devolder of the Law Firm of Elizabeth Devolder in Tampa Palms, poses with art created by her client Mishou Sanchez and other pieces from her personal collection. “Joy – Get Your Jar” appears prominently in the background, and was a recent acquisition from Mishou. (Photos: Susanna Martinez Photography) we’re currently expanding to also have a someone has the authority to care for you legal assistant.” if something happens (to you).” Elizabeth specializes in helping peoIf a young adult becomes incapacitatple get their affairs in order, whether they ed, they need someone to be able to tell have recently moved to the state, have a child who just turned 18, need legal advice for long-term care, or many other situations. She says her services are valuable for everyone. “Everyone needs a Power of Attorney document to manage (their) financial and practical affairs if they’re ever incapacitated,” she says. This even applies to young adults, who often think they don’t need estate planning because they don’t yet have an “estate” of their own. “Even if you have nothing,” says Elizabeth, “you still want to make sure

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

companies to stop withdrawing money from their account or stop billing them for services, for example. Companies have a responsibility to protect their customer’s privacy, so Power of Attorney documents are required. Records and decisions about medical care don’t automatically go to a parent once a child turns 18. “It’s so much more expensive if you don’t have these documents in place,” says Elizabeth. She also says she has loved living in Florida, since a corporate relocation brought her here in 2006. Her experience and eye for detail means she understands what families need to do to update their estate planning documents to respond to and take advantage of Florida laws. Elizabeth also is developing a specialty helping artists to protect their legacies and collectors to protect their collections. For example, she says, what happens if an artist puts art in a gallery and the gallery closes? Can the creditor take the artwork? Or, what happens if you collect art and antiques and leave them to someone who doesn’t recognize the value of these keepsakes? How do you protect the art from “walking off” during a period

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Elizabeth Devolder (left) opened her private firm in Tampa Palms this January.

of incapacity? How do you maximize the value of it and make it more valuable? “There are a lot of issues with art,” says Elizabeth, “but not a lot of art lawyers.” Her thoughtful questions have led one of her clients, local artist Mishou Sanchez, to think about things she’s never considered and take actions to protect her body of work. “I’ve been working with Elizabeth for years now,” says Mishou, “and she’s fantastic, charming, and knowledgeable about navigating this almost uncharted territory of art law.” Mishou says her art is now included in her estate plan and Elizabeth has helped her to consider new and interesting ideas, especially related to ownership, copyright and social media. “She’s really smart,” says Mishou, “It’s kind of fantastic to deal with an educated and knowledgeable woman in the industry.” Elizabeth also helps artists and others understand their digital assets. “I got interested in that because I have a client who is making a lot of money off of online instructional videos,” Elizabeth says. “The terms of service for the website say his account is cancelled at his death, but a new law was enacted in 2016 that would allow someone to override the terms, if those are written into his (or her) estate planning documents.” She says this also could include online photos or statements that come to email. “If you need to get into the iPhone of someone who has passed away, for example, you need special language in your power of attorney and in your will to give very specific authority for that,” she says. “The process has only been in existence since 2016, so if your will is from before Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

2016, you need to update it to include that language.” Elizabeth wants the families she helps to be sure their heirs know what they have and how to get it. For electronic content, she says the family needs access to the catalog (or list) of emails, the content of those emails, and to their loved one’s device so they can get information during incapacity or after death. She also helps clients with asset protection when they’re facing long-term care costs, and serves clients who have assets in bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and non-fundable tokens (NFTs). “There’s a whole new way to make money that we haven’t considered before,” she says, “and it’s important to consider those things in your estate.” The Law Office of Elizabeth Devolder is located at 5383 Primrose Lake Circle, Suite C, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. It’s open Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (813) 319-4550, visit ElizabethDevolderLaw.com, or see the ad on page 27 of this issue.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Visit My Friend Lavern At Her New Clip Art Hair Studio In Wesley Chapel By GARY NAGER When I last checked in with my friend Lavern Houston at the beginning of 2020 (before the Covid-19 pandemic shut everything down), I was singing her praises as a Master Hairstylist (and part-time therapist, at least for me) at the Great Clips salon on S.R. 56, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets. Well, after that Great Clips location closed for good a few months ago, Lavern considered taking her skills to another Great Clips salon in South Tampa, but chose instead to open her own studio in the “Blo N Go” building in the Summergate Professional Center, located directly north of the Sam’s Club on the north side of S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel, less than a mile east of I-75. Her Lavern’s Clip Art studio is modern-looking, cozy and private and she still offers both her great hairstyling services and her always attentive ear. And, while she says she does plan to add hair coloring services at her new location, she currently is only offering shampoo, style, bang and beard trim and blow-out services, but she has been doing

Master Hairstylist Lavern Houston always starts out talking with her clients about the type of style they’re looking for at her Clip Art Studio in the Blo N Go Building in the Summergate Professional Center, located behind Sam’s Club in Wesley Chapel. (Photo: Charmaine George)

a great job on my hair for more than a year-and-a-half (not including the time when Great Clips was temporarily closed during the pandemic) and is equally comfortable with women’s and children’s cuts and styles for seniors as she is with men’s

haircuts — and her prices are always extremely reasonable. For my money, Lavern is equally as adept at listening as she is at styling hair, so whether you want to talk about what’s happening in your work or personal life or

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

just want her to get your style exactly the way you like it (or both), her styling and conversational skills and natural warmth will make you feel right at home — and you’ll always end up looking your best. “I have more than 15 years of experience,” she says. “My goal is to listen to what my clients need to create an everyday hairstyle that looks good and is easy for them to maintain.” So, whether you’re looking for a tight fade, pixies, blunt bobs or layered cuts, Lavern has cut it all. And, although she has only been open in her new studio for a few months, she already has all fivestar reviews (18 of them) on the Booksy. com app, where you also can book an appointment with her. In other words, don’t just take my word for it: “Lavern is the best!,” says client Charles W. on Booksy, adding that she, “takes the time to understand the look you’re going for. The whole family only lets Lavern cut our hair and highly recommend your family do the same.” Diana L., another reviewer on Booksy, says, “We love Lavern! She does a perfect job cutting my three sons’ hair and my husband’s too.”

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Our editor has been getting his hair cut by Lavern for more than a year and a half and is always happy with his results. (Photo: Charmaine George) at 2241 Twelve Oaks Way, Suite 102 If you still need a little more incen(Salon Suite #2) and is open Tues. & tive to give Lavern’s Clip Art studio a try, Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. with the coupon in the ad on pg. 38 of this issue, first-time customers can save $2 on Thur.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Fri.; and 9 off any haircut, which start at just $20 for a.m.-4 p.m. on Sat. For appointments men and women, and $18 for seniors and or more info, call (813) 599-8924 or kids ages 12 & under. download the “Booksy” app and type Lavern’s Clip Art Studio is located in “Lavern’s Clip Art.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Congrats To Our SVB Contest Winner!

Congratulations to the super-excited winner of our Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis & Wellness Center contest winner — Jennifer Pedraza of Avalon Park West! When she picked up her prize package valued at more than $500 at our office, Jennifer told us that she’s been wanting to “check out the new tennis center in our community.” She also was thrilled that, in addition to winning a 60-minute massage and a 25-minute Salt Room session, plus brunch for two at the Vesh Bistro (that we reviewed in our last issue) and an SVB “swag bag” (which included an SVB logo mask, Mahala cup, lip-

stick, sunstick, black cup & borosilicate verre water bottle) for herself, she was happiest to receive one week of Recreational Kids Summer Camp for her son. If you didn’t win the contest, check out all there is to offer at the SVB Tennis & Wellness Center, located less than 20 minutes from most of Wesley Chapel (at 6585 Simons Rd. in Zephyrhills) — from the amazing variety of tennis courts, to the padel and pickleball courts and the delicious Vesh Bistro for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch or dinner. For more info, call (813) 361-6660 or visit SVBTennisCenter.com. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Lima Peruvian Cuisine Celebrates One Year With New Menu Items! By Gary Nager I remember very clearly when I first met Oscar Escudero, the owner of Lima Rotisserie Chicken & Peruvian Cuisine in the New Tampa Center plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. It was when Oscar opened, only a couple of weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the world in March of 2020. We wondered together not just if, but also how long, the pandemic would affect his new eatery. Needless to say, it wasn’t an ideal time to open a new restaurant. But, while Lima is a true sit-down restaurant, it also adapted very well to take-out (and delivery) only and, while it’s been a rough 15 months, Lima has weathered the storm, thanks to its outstanding food and an owner committed to success. When I did my first review of Lima, I mentioned that Peruvian food has long been considered the best of the Latin cuisines and

was actually named the #1 cuisine in the entire world by Bloomberg.com in 2017. But, whether Peruvian food is already among your favorites or you’ve never previously tried it before, you owe it to yourself to give Lima a try. When you walk into Lima, the heady aroma of Peruvianspiced rotisserie chicken immediately lets you know you’re in for a delicious meal. But, while the crispy skin and moist, delicious chicken is hard to resist, it’s far from the only reason to visit Oscar’s place. Last year, I told you about the Conchitas Parmesana (baked scallops on the half-shell, topped with butter and parmesan cheese) and the perfect fresh fish Ceviche de Pescado (far right) appetizers (there also is a fish ceviche served with a trio of sauces, and a shrimp, mussels and calamari ceviche, too), as well as the Lomo Saltado Lima (near right), which is hearty beef tenderloin tips woksautéed with spices, sliced onions,

Try our editor’s favorite dishes at Lima in the New Tampa Center plaza, including (clockwise from top left on this page) the Pescado a la Chorillano, Tallarin Saltado de Pollo, Ceviche de Pescado, Lomo Saltado Lima and Peruvian rotisserie chicken. (Photos by Charmaine George)

fresh tomato wedges, cilantro and a touch of soy sauce and vinegar, served over a bed of crispy French fries. Speaking of wok-sautéeing, I also mentioned that I was surprised that Peruvian cuisine was heavily influenced by the Chinese engineers and builders who came across the Pacific and settled in Peru to help build the railroad that went from the desert coast of Lima on the Pacific Ocean to and through the Andes mountains that divide the north from the south of the west coast South American country. Among the wok-sautéed dishes available at Lima include the “lo mein”-style Tallarin Saltado de Pollo (top right photo) that features pulled “a la brasa” (rotisserie) chicken (although you also can have it with steak or seafood), with sliced onions, tomatoes and cilantro, blended

with delicious lo mein noodles, soy sauce and vinegar. The fried rice (top right photo on next page) has scallions, egg and a distinctively nutty taste and is topped with everything from chicken and crispy noodles to the Arroz con Mariscos (seasoned rice topped with mixed seafood — shrimp, clams, calamari and mussels) shown at the top of the next page.

Speaking Of Seafood...

As you long-time readers know, I’m highly allergic to shrimp, mussels and lobster, so I can’t indulge in many of the newer seafood dishes on Lima’s menu. However, since my last review of Lima in these pages, I have found at least one new favorite — the Pescado a la Chorillano (fresh snapper or basa fillet, lightly fried and topped with sautéed

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

onions, tomatoes, cilantro, spices and a splash of wine) shown in the top left photo on the previous page. However, in addition to the new fish dish I love, Oscar says the pandemic caused him to add some new menu items to make sure he utilized all of the seafood he already was ordering, so I had photographer Charmaine George, who took the pictures on both of these pages, sample Oscar’s other new seafood options on the menu. Among those are the Jalea (near right), which is breaded and seasoned seafood deep-fried and topped with Peruvian salsa, and the Pescado a la Macho (bottom right), which includes a mix of seafood atop a breaded filet of fish sautéed in a creamy yellow pepper/wine sauce. Charmaine and another patron at Lima the day we shot most of these photos gave enthusiastic thumbs-up to all of these dishes. Lima also features Cusquena Peruvian and other domestic and imported beers, plus delicious soups, salads and chicken and beef tenderloin sandwiches, as well as sides of yuca, tostones (fried plantain slices) and some of the tastiest black beans and rice I’ve ever tasted. Lima Rotisserie Chicken & Peruvian Cuisine (19062 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.)

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

opens every day at 11:30 a.m. and stays open until 7 p.m. on Sun., 8 p.m. Tues.Thur., and until 9 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For more info, call (813) 304-0205, visit LimaTampa.com or see the ad on pg. 35 of this issue for a great 15%-off coupon!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Pick Of The Week 1: Falabella Family Bistro! Pick Of The Week 2: Congratulations to Steve and Micaela Ice Dreammm Shop! Falabella and their entire family and staff on the

opening last month of the amazing Falabella Family Bistro, located at 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd. in the Village at The Grove plaza in Wesley Chapel! Steve, who also owns 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass, also is looking forward to the opening of his second 900º Woodfired location in The Grove, right next to his family’s “delicioso” new Italian bistro. No date for that opening had been set at our press time, but only because, according to Steve, he’s still having trouble finding pizza makers and servers to staff the new location. The Bistro is a casually elegant new place for tasty — and affordable — Italian favorites using the Falabella family’s recipes from both New York (where Steve grew up) and Milan, Italy. Also offering beer, wine, wine cocktails and espresso drinks, Falabella Family Bistro has everything from (top to bottom photos) small plates like bruschetta and chicken parmigiana to full-sized entrées like a savory vongole (spaghetti with white clam sauce) to items not shown here like true Italian-style lasagne (with bechamel sauce instead of ricotta), Sam’s meatballs, antipasto boards (shaped like Italy), gnocchi, sauAlthough we still don’t know exactly sage & peppers heros, pressed panini sandwiches when it is expected to open, the Miller’s and more. Best of all, almost all of the items on Ale House to be located on the south side the menu are only $8.95-$14.95 (with only the of S.R. 54, across the Wesley Chapel Blvd. large-size antipasto boards costing more). Top it all off with house-made desserts like Extension from Aldi, the Tidal Wave Car tiramisu and NY cheesecake and a perfect cappucWash & and the soon-to-open Zaxby’s chicken restaurant, has now gone vertical. cino and you’ll become a regular at the Bistro. Falabella Family Bistro is open every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Sat.-Sun.). For We’ll keep you posted with any news we more information, call (813) 428-6957 or visit FalabellaBistro.com. — GN receive about the new Ale House. — GN

Miller’s Ale House Goes Vertical!

Shortly after Falabella Family Bistro opened in The Grove, owner Joe Schembri (photo above) opened his second location of the Ice Dreammm Shop directly across from Falabella in the Village at The Grove plaza. Featuring the same creamy, delicious homemade ice cream (including those amazing alcohol-infused flavors for adults only) as in the original Ice Dreammm Shop on S.R. 54 in Lutz, Schembri promises that the new location will soon add more freshly baked goodies to go with the decadent chocolate chip cookies (upper pic below), hand-made waffle cones (bottom pic), hand-spun shakes and dairy- and gluten-free ice cream options to the mix at the new location. “Ice cream is my passion,” Schembri says. “I gave up my corporate job (to do this) and I’m excited to scoop for everyone in the Wesley Chapel community.” The new Ice Dreammm Shop (6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., #101) is open every day 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (& until 10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat.). For info, visit icedreammmshop.com or call (813) 586-3767. — GN

Pick Of The Week 3: Total Wine, Spirits, Beer & More!

You long-time readers know how bummed out I was about the closing of the old Earth Fare “green” grocery store on the north side of S.R. 56 at Wesley Chapel Blvd. And, while many had hoped that Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s would open in that space, I am just as excited that a new Total Wine, Spirits, Beer & More has now opened in that location. I did a Facebook Live video that received several thousand views in front of the store the morning Total Wine opened and there’s no doubt that the 15,734 different options (over 8,000 wines, nearly 5,000 spirits and 2,700 beers) inside are all at or near the lowest prices you’ll find anywhere. Store manager Albie Johnson Escoto, who came from Total Wine’s Clearwater location, said she “jumped at the chance” to open and manage the new store in our area — and I may be about the only person as or more excited than Albie, although Total Wine’s happy, friendly staff is right up there, too. I picked up some outstanding Grand Opening deals on Opening Day, including a 750-ml bottle of my favorite value Irish whiskey, Wolfhound, for only $16.99, plus great deals on Italian reds like Barolo and Amarone, French Meursault (white burgundy) and so much more. And, while they didn’t advertise the deals in this publication, the American bourbons, in particular, appeared to be flying off the shelves. Hopefully, Total Wine’s marketing department will see fit to advertise some of its upcoming Tastings and other special events in these pages. Total Wine & More is located at 25535 Sierra Center Blvd. and is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. every day (until 11 p.m. on Fri. & Sat.). For more info, visit TotalWine.com or call (813) 435-1207 — and tell Albie and her staff I sent you! — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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 REP. 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, 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. 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.

Classifieds

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. CAREGIVER/HOUSEKEEPER URGENTLY NEEDED! This is a live-out position. Work Mon-Thurs, $650/wk. Childcare & light housekeeping. Must be able to interact w/children & speak English. Non-smoker, please! MUST HAVE REFERENCES & BE RESPONSIBLE! If interested, email Linda at flowershop998@gmail.com. CNA/HHA available to do private duty care in your home. 30 years of exp. Will attend to all of your daily needs. References upon request. Call Rhonda at 850-586-1868. 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. See our ad on pg. 32 or call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate.

MISCELLANEOUS

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 - $35 (one way, 24/7). 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.

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: 813-4621270. 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 COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE_____ 1,850-sq.-ft. Commercial/Medical Space Available to Lease. Address: 24420 SR 54, Lutz (in the Medi-Weightloss Building). For more info, call 813-293-4377 or email: gwillett@mediweightlossclinics.com.

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.

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 & inground 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.

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.

TREE SERVICE

FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE. 25-yrs of Prof. Service. 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.

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! For more info, visit TheExerscienceCenter.com, call 813.464.0313 or see the ad on pg. 19 of this issue.

Break It Down Productions. Customized Private Yoga Sessions w/Susanna Jones. Develop strength & flexibility, while learning how to breathe & relax. I specialize in working w/beginners and those requiring a more gentle approach than most group Yoga classes. I explain everything, and provide variations so that you actually feel good in the stretch instead of strained. Gift certificates available. www.breakitdownproductions.com or Call (813) 802-8393.

Neighborhood News Needs A PT Office Assistant!

For details, see the ad on pg. 21 of this issue or email your resume to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 14 • July 6, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews