Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 31, Issue 14, July 11, 2023

New Contract Postal Unit To Open By August?

Entering Our 2023 Reader Dining Survey & Contest Is Easier Than Ever!

By GARY NAGER Editorial

Whether or not you’ve ever entered one of our previous Reader Dining Survey & Contests, I hope you’ll consider entering at least once this year.

Yes, while we still have at least three (there could be more) free dining prizes, from $35 to $100 — to the restaurant of your choice, no less — we’re making it easier than ever before for you to enter.

Instead of a full page or more of different dining categories, all we’re asking you for is to answer one or two questions in every issue between now and Thursday, November 16, and you’ll receive one entry into those random prize drawings for each Survey question you answer.

This issue, we’ll start with one question that asks you for FIVE (5) answers — “Name your Five Favorite Restaurants (of any kind) located in Wesley Chapel or near the Tampa Premium Outlets (aka Lutz).”

For your entry to be valid, you must name five different restaurants. If you only name one or two restaurants or fill in the name of the same restaurant in all five spaces, you’ll only have one or two votes counted and your entry will not be eligible for any of our prizes.

Then, in each of the next five issues, we’ll ask you to name only one or two of your favorites — for example, your Favorite Chinese Restaurant, Coffee Shop or Pizza Place — and we’ll give you one additional entry into our random prize drawings for each valid entry you submit. We feel as though this should stimulate more people to enter the contests, because the task won’t be as daunting as having to completely (or nearly completely) fill out an entire page of favorites.

As always, there’s no purchase necessary to enter or win a prize. All we ask is that you follow the following rules:

1. Enter by filling out the entry form on this page or on our website — NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net.

2. You can drop your filled-out entry form in the mail (send it to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest,” 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544) or even email it to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. *Note-Entries filled out on our website do not need to be mailed or emailed to us.

3. Please check the address and zip codes of the restaurants you choose, as only votes for restaurants in zip codes 33543, 33544 and 33545 (Wesley Chapel) and zip code 33559 (Lutz, within 1-2 miles of the S.R. 56 exit off I-75) will be counted as “Wesley Chapel” votes. When we ask you next issue for your “Five Favorite Restaurants (of any kind) in New Tampa,” only restaurants located in zip code 33647, or in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (in zip code 33613) and in or near the Palms Connection Plaza on E. Bearss Ave. (zip code 33559) will be counted as “New Tampa” votes.

4. In order to be eligible to win any of our free dining prizes to the restaurant of your choice, your entry form with a response to at least one of our questions over the next five months must include your name, full mailing address (including your zip code), the community you live in (Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Seven Oaks, etc.), a daytime phone number where you can be reached and your valid email address. We look forward to seeing how this year’s contest shakes out. Good luck!

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Each issue, you’ll be asked one or two Dining Survey question to answer to be entered to win $100, $60 or $35 in free dining prizes. One entry per person, per question. This issue, please name 5 different restaurants for your top 5. Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at the address below right or enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. — GN

Your Name _________________________

Question #1: Name your Five Favorite Restaurants (of any kind) located in Wesley Chapel or near the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Correction From Last Issue

In last issue’s article about all of the auto dealerships already located in or planned for Wesley Chapel, I somehow left a few out.

First of all, I never mentioned the Volvo showroom (albeit not a full dealership) coming to The Shops at Wiregrass.

My bigger mistake, which was brought to my attention by reader Stephen Bennett, was that although I mentioned Ferman Buick/ GMC, I somehow left out Ferman Chrysler/ Dodge/Jeep/Ram. Ugh!

Community You Live In (Epperson, Lexington Oaks, etc.)

Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________

Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

And, speaking of local auto dealerships, please let my new friends at BMW of Wesley Chapel know that you read about it here how much I love my new “Beamer!” — GN

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News

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

Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales

Gary Nager

Correspondents

Celeste McLaughlin • Nidhi Jani Anna Gorman

Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano

Advertising Sales Director

Jannah Nager

Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist

Charmaine George

Graphic Designers

Morgan Conlin • Valerie Wegener

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

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 31, Issue 16, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Thursday, July 27, 2023.

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

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

© 2023 JM2 Communications, Inc.

Wesley Chapel’s New Contract Postal Unit

Expected To Open By August!

The new postal contractors say no exact date has yet been set for the CPU to open in Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54.

By GARY NAGER

So, I recently found out — after telling you last issue that the Zephyrhills Post Office folks said they didn’t know when, where or even if the Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit (CPU) was going to re-open — that there is, indeed, a new location for the CPU that is currently under construction and is expected to open by the end of July or the first week in August.

The CPU — which is still not a “full” post office but which is able to match U.S. Postal Service prices for stamps, Express and Priority Mail and is able to offer Certified and Registered Mail options — will likely be completed by new contractors Jevon and Cindy Williams by the end of this month, but once the construction has been completed, about a week of training is still required before the CPU can officially reopen. “Although we already have shadowed people at the Zephyrhills Post Office to see how it all works,” Jevon says.

Although no one at the Zephyrhills Post Office spoke with me “on the record,” my friends at Bosco’s Italian-to-Go at the eastern end of what is known as the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 (about 1/4-mile east of where the CPU on Boyette Rd. that closed at the end of January was located) told me they had met Jevon and Cindy, who told me how excited they are to serve the Wesley Chapel community.

This husband-and-wife team of Realtors based in Wesley Chapel, with EXP Realty, say

they also will sell a variety of items (which haven’t been decided on just yet) and provide free coffee to their customers.

“Plus,” says Jevon, “this location will have a lot more visibility from S.R. 54 than the previous location on Boyette Rd.”

Parking Concerns

There’s no doubt that the biggest challenge whenever Wesley Chapel’s long-awaited CPU opens in its new location will be parking.

Freedom Plaza is already pretty busy, as the main portion of the plaza facing S.R 54 includes popular restaurants like Bagelicious & More and Taco Son, plus a nail salon, a barber shop, a martial arts studio, the Grey Wolf Armory and Your CBD Store of Wesley Chapel.

The biggest concern about the location in Freedom Plaza (above and below) for when the new Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit opens by the end of this month or early August is a lack of parking, although new contractors Jevon and Cindy Williams say the new CPU will have more visibility from S.R. 54 than the former location on Boyette Rd.

The post office will be located in the separate building which actually sits parallel to 54 and already includes the Great Hope Preschool, a Smoke Shop, the new Bath to the Bone dog grooming studio, as well as Bosco’s. The lot already gets pretty crowded and doesn’t really have room for expanded parking.

There also is a drainage ditch located between Taco Son and the post office and the property behind the CPU’s building is owned by a different property owner.

How much more that parking will be strained remains to be seen, but if you ever tried getting anywhere near the old CPU the last two or three weeks before Christmas, you know that parking at the new location during the holidays will definitely be a major issue.

Jevon and Cindy agree with Bosco’s owners Nancy and Charles Frankulin, who said they are “excited to have the (CPU) next door, but, we are a little bit concerned about how the parking is going to work.”

However, Jevon adds, “All I can say is that we are going to make it work.”

Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. To Officially Open & Other Community Updates

By GARY NAGER

Considering how long people have been driving through the barricades “blocking” the nearly two-mile-long stretch of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. from north of Chancey Rd. to just south of the Walmart fronting S.R. 54, it would be nice if the road finally could be declared “officially” open.

Well, a source close to the project who asked not to be identified has told the Neighborhood News that although no exact date can yet be revealed, Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. should be officially open to traffic within the next couple of weeks, with conveyance to Pasco County expected to follow shortly thereafter.” Our source has confirmed that the landscaping along Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. is what has been holding up the opening.

I personally saw people moving the barricades both near Walmart and north of Chancey as long as three months ago, so being able to legally drive the important connector roadway will certainly be welcome by those who live in the Wiregrass Ranch community.

The same source also provided a number of other updates, including:

• The Wiregrass Ranch developers hope to start construction on the 4th (the eastern) leg of the roadway extending from the new (northern) Eagleston Blvd. signal (opposite the new Jacobs Mitsubishi of Wesley Chapel dealership) within about a

year from now. Our source says that the construction of this portion of Eagleston is being held up by the drainage permit.

• The developers also have begun work on the east-west extension of Chancey Rd., which should be done by the end of this year.

• Now that the construction of the Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant has gone vertical (photo above), the hope is that the long-awaited restaurant and wine tasting

bar should be open by sometime this fall.

• For those who haven’t been able to figure out yet exactly where Wesley Chapel’s third major hospital will be located, you now can’t miss the red silt fence (photo below) just east of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. on S.R. 56 or the sign denoting that Orlando Health Wesley Chapel is currently under construction.

Although the 300bed hospital has not yet gone vertical, the ground has begun being cleared and we have been told that Wesley Chapel’s largest hospital (with more beds than AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and BayCare Wesley Chapel combined) should be completed by late 2024. Of course, we’ll keep you posted!

(Above) People have been driving past the barricades on Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. just behind the Walmart on S.R. 54, for months, but the word is that the roadway should officially open to traffic within the next couple of weeks.

(Below) The construction of the Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant has gone vertical.

(Bottom) The clearing of the ground for the Orlando Health Wesley Chapel hospital has begun.

How Does Curley Rd. End At Two Different Locations On S.R. 54?

New Signage Posted At The Entrance To Chapel Crossings Community Off S.R. 54 Likely To Change

By GARY NAGER

So, as I was driving eastbound along S.R. 54 (heading towards Zephyrhills), I noticed something that struck me as strange, for two reasons:

1) There were signs that said “Curley Rd.” in two different locations on 54 and

2) It was the first time that I had noticed this phenomenon.

Now, it may not seem like that big a deal to you, but it was to me. Why?

As our editorial researcher Joel Provenzano — who until very recently worked for the Florida Department of Transportation (aka “FDOT”) and in conjunction with the transportation planners for Pasco County — pointed out, although the left turn at the original Curley Rd. sign was often a dangerous one, the plan was for Curley Rd. to be realigned to the east and come south to meet up with Meadow Pointe Blvd., leaving the existing Curley Rd. to basically cul-de-sac at the entrance to the Chapel Pines subdivision, less than a mile north of Curley’s intersection with S.R. 54.

But, when the recession hit our area hard in 2008-09, Pasco County didn’t have the funds to realign Curley and it wasn’t until several years later that the existing intersection was even widened.

Fast forward about another decade, when Crown Community Development, which also developed Seven Oaks, begins developing the new Chapel Crossings community (see map), a pretty subdivision of about 1,100 total single- and multi-family residential

Chapel Crossings

units, the westernmost portion of which is the now-under-construction Story Wesley Chapel rental apartments. The

only entrance to Chapel Crossings currently is on S.R. 54, at the traffic signal for Meadow Pointe Blvd. But somehow, if you turn into that well-landscaped entrance to Chapel Crossings, the sign says that you are turning onto Curley Rd. Then, once you get into the community, the name of that same street is Chapel Crossings Blvd. What the heck?

I stopped in on at least two of the new home builders in Chapel Crossings — David Weekley Homes and Centex Homes — both of which have nice maps on their walls, showing not only their respective sections of the community, but all of Chapel Crossings. Those maps only show that main north-south thoroughfare as Chapel Crossings Blvd.

Before I continue, let me just say that I really like Chapel Crossings. It has a super-modern-looking clubhouse (photo above) that is under construction, and it will have not only a resort-style pool, fitness center and dog park, but also a lazy river. Can you say “Sold!?!”

Another interesting factoid is that, when the Story apartments are completed

Curley Rd. MP Blvd.

Zephyrhills Bypass

Clubhouse

Chapel Crossings Blvd.

Chapel Crossings map provided by David Weekley Homes & modified by Neighborhood News

sometime later this summer, the longawaited Zephyhrills Bypass (photo above) also will open — or, at least, the first leg of it — which means that Chapel Crossings could have had north-south and east-west thoroughfares providing connectivity for the rest of Wesley Chapel.

The operative words, however, are “could have had.”

Joel told me that although Curley is no longer planned to be realigned through Chapel Crossings, when he left his job at FDOT, the signs at the Chapel Crossings/Curley Rd. intersection on S.R. 54 across from Meadow Pointe (MP) Blvd. had already been ordered because the county’s GIS map already had shown the southern terminus of Chapel Crossings Blvd. to be Curley Rd.

He adds, however, that Pasco also will likely still require developers to

extend Chapel Crossings Blvd. further north to meet Curley Rd. at some point in the future, which would then provide that north-south connectivity mentioned earlier, just as the extension eastward of the Zephyrhills Bypass beyond Chapel Crossings will provide the east-west connectivity for Wesley Chapel.

Confused? Yes, me too. But, Joel says that, at some point, he expects Crown will request to the county to change the name of the entire length of the existing road to Chapel Crossings Blvd., which also would add some clarity and consistency with Pasco’s Vision Road plan, and so that entire roadway would have the correct same name.

In the meantime, even a Google search of Chapel Crossings shows just the end of Chapel Crossings Blvd. as Curley Rd.

New Tampa’s ‘No-Name’ Storm Opens Hurricane Season With A Bang!

By GARY NAGER

Uprooted trees, 60-mph winds, accumulations of hail, relatively brief, but heavy rains, named storms and possible tornadic activity aren’t unusual occurrences anywhere in Florida once hurricane season begins on June 1 each year, but on June 4 of this year, the New Tampa area got pounded by such a storm that was too brief and didn’t originate over water to be given an A-Z moniker.

Even so, the no-name storm that was pretty much localized to New Tampa, portions of Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’Lakes, San Antonio and Zephyrhills that day did lots of damage and definitely made folks in our area recognize that the 2023 hurricane season had indeed begun.

During the storm, which took place as District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera (photo below) was returning to his home in Hunter’s Green, dozens of tree limbs were knocked down in not only Viera’s home community, but also in Cross

Creek, Heritage Isles and Cory Lake Isles. Viera, seeing just a small portion of the devastation, took to his Facebook page to tell people to keep an eye out for downed power lines, trees that had actually hit homes and any other major damage that would result in the need for Tampa Fire Rescue officials to visit and lend their usual helping hand.

“I’ve never seen anything like that here,” Viera said afterward. “It was just so quick and powerful and I feel very fortunate that, as far as I know, no one was hurt or killed.”

Viera also said that he did see some people working together to try to lift a downed tree and that firefighters from Tampa Fire Rescue Station Nos. 21, 23 and 24 were definitely called out or at least on alert throughout the storm.

Once I saw Viera’s plea online, I made one of my own, asking our Facebook followers to share photos of the damage they saw and several of them — although none who said they live in Wesley Chapel — responded with the impressive photos on these pages.

Some asked that we not use their names in the story that I said I would first publish in our June 27 New Tampa issue. Others didn’t mind either way, so only those photographers will be identified. I do, however, want to thank everyone who contributed.

Hopefully, more of us in both of

our distribution areas will take this year’s hurricane season a little more seriously. Get your preparedness kit together now and please evacuate in the unlikely event you are told to do so.

Some of the photos on these pages were provided by Shannon Briones, Demene Benjamin, Said Iravani and Luis Viera’s Facebook page, while others were provided by local residents who asked to not be identified in this story.

Check Out ‘Grease” At The NTPAC!

If you love songs like “You’re the One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Grease (Is The Word)” and “Beauty School Dropout” from the Broadway musical and subsequent movie (starring John Travolta and the late, great Olivia Newton-John) “Grease,” I can personally guarantee, in all sincerity, that you will not be disappointed if you check out the New Tampa Players (NTP) production of the 1972 Tony Award winner later this month.

The performances will be presented at the all-new New Tampa Performing Arts Center (PAC) off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. the weekends of July 21-23 and July 2830 and tickets are already selling very well.

“We had less than 100 tickets left (of

the 350 available for each performance) for the two Sunday matinee shows (on July 23 & 30),” said NTP producing artistic director Nora Paine shortly before we went to press with this issue. “We definitely expect to sell out all six shows.”

The hard-working cast (photo above), under the direction of G. Frank Meekins with choreography by Sarah Walston, features the tremendous talents of Dylan Fidler as Danny, Olivia Carr as Sandy, Kyle Fisher as Kenicke and Alyson Gannon as Rizzo. But honestly, as someone excited to be playing a minor character (Vince Fontaine) in this show, the entire ensemble is amazing.

For tickets & more information, see the ad on this page (right) or visit NewTampaPlayers.org. — GN

Business Briefs — The Latest On Sam’s Club Gas & More!

By GARY NAGER

Research by Joel Provenzano

One of the most common complaints we hear about the Sam’s Club on S.R. 56 is how hard it is to get in and around the superstore’s gas pumps — which usually have among the lowest gas prices in town.

Well, Sam’s is planning to expand its gas station pumps to deal with those frustrating backups. It appears, based on the diagram near right that will be reviewed at an upcoming preapplication meeting with Pasco County, that Sam’s will expand from twelve fueling positions to sixteen.

It appears as though the existing kiosk, car wash and underground fuel tanks will remain, but that there may also be an additional inbound lane to those pumps, and some other changes. In other words, vehicles should be able to get in and gased up a lot quicker, with the addition of four more fuel nozzles and two more queue lanes.

Of course, we’ll keep you posted.

Moe’s To Add A 2nd WC Location

Despite still having only one lane in each direction for much of its length, Wesley Chapel (WC) Blvd. continues to add new restaurants, retail and office space.

With our area’s first-ever Slim Chickens restaurant currently under construction just north of where WC Blvd. meets Old Pasco Rd., a new retail plaza, to be called Post Oak Crossings — anchored by Wesley Chapel’s second Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurant — is under construction on WC Blvd., just north of the entrance to Lexington Oaks.

The new 11,000+-sq.-ft. plaza (see below) being developed by Aprile Real Estate, has a total of five spaces, the anchor of which will be the new Moe’s, according to

Aprile Real Estate president Jason Aprile.

Aprile says that, in addition to Moe’s, a national dental group and a high-end med spa are planning to move into the building, leaving two available spaces, suitable for retail, office or quick-service restaurant uses.

“With S.R. 54 getting ready to be widened and 500 new apartment units in the area, it’s an ideal location for many different kinds of businesses,” he says. Aprile Real Estate, which has three generations in both the cattle and real estate business in Tampa Bay, currently also is handling properties in Riverview and Temple Terrace.

For more information about Post

Oak Crossings, call Jason Aprile at (813) 532-6432 or email him at Jason@ aprilerealestate.com.

Amberlin Outparcel Coming Soon

While the Amberlin Wiregrass Ranch apartments, a 216-unit rental community for ages 55+ on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (across BBD from the new BayCare Wesley Chapel hospital), has gone vertical and should be ready for residents by sometime in early 2024, a new commercial project to be located just north of the Amberlin entrance on BBD has been approved for development.

“Outparcel B,” which will be called the PSP Commercial Strip Center, will feature both retail and restaurant uses, although no specific users or names have yet been mentioned with regard to who the retail or restaurant will be.

Meanwhile, there also is an Outparcel A, on the south side of the Amberlin entrance on BBD, which has only been approved for clearing and leveling. No permits have yet been approved for that spot.

New Retail KRATEs

Although most of the restaurants at The KRATE Container Park at The Grove have done a good job of building a following, quite a few of the retail stores at the largest container park in the Tampa Bay area

haven’t been as fortunate — despite some success stories (like Maeberry Co., Katie Beth’s Boutique and a few others).

Two new retail KRATEs (both pictured below) now have signs up and although we have no additional information at this time, we wish both Fitness Fashioness (in the former location of both The Rebellious Hippie and Mythos) and Sunglass Krate the best of luck and hope to bring you more information about both once they get closer to opening.

St. Luke’s Wesley Chapel To Open July 10!

Although it didn’t yet have its permanent sign up when we went to press on July 2, the website for St. Luke’s Cataract & Laser Institute Wesley Chapel (visit StLukesEye.com), located at 25232 S.R. 54 (just west of Miller’s Ale House) said that the new eye surgery center was planning to open on July 10.

As someone who had cataract surgery on both eyes at the St. Luke’s surgery center in Tarpon Springs, I can vouch for the professionalism and caring doctors and staff and the “Life Changing Vision” I received there — I just remember thinking that it would have been nice if it was located a little closer to us.

Well, that has just become a reality, as Robert M. Lee, M.D. (not to be

confused with the Civil War general), a really nice, personable physician I happened to meet when he visited Dr. David Scamard at Excellence in Eye Care at the nearby Costco, will be the eye surgeon in residence at the new St. Luke’s. According to his bio, Dr. Lee has performed more than 50,000 cataract surgeries during his career.

Also available at the new St. Luke’s are LASIK vision correction surgeries, comprehensive eye exams, dry eye treatments, help for patients with diabetes-related eye issues and exams to help diagnose glaucoma at its earliest stages.

For more info about St. Luke’s Wesley Chapel, call (813) 953-1170 and please tell them I sent you. — GN

Two Local Elementary School Students Win National Invention Honors

Although both girls attend school in New Tampa, our sincere congratulations go out to Mahi Patel and Wesley Chapel resident Lillian Long. These two young inventors recently won some impressive honors at the seventh annual Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW)-Youth National Invention Convention June 5-8, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.

Lillian is a 4th grader at Clark Elementary who invented a “derm-friendly” slime that is suitable for people who have eczema and other skin sensitivities. Meanwhile, Mahi, a 5th grader from Chiles Elementary, created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program through coding to help better — and more quickly — recognize lung cancer in body scans.

First, the girls entered their projects in the Hillsborough Regional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Fair back in March, after winning first place at their respective school STEM Fairs. Both were entered in the Invention categories in their respective grade levels. Out of more than 1,500 projects at the District-level elementary fair, the girls were then chosen to represent Tampa Bay at the ICW-Youth National Invention Convention.

Going for the experience and to share their passion for their respective inven-

tions, both girls ended up walking away from the National Competition with two outstanding awards each. Mahi won 1st place overall in the country for 5th grade entries and Top Show Board award for the entire event, while Lillian won 2nd place overall in the country for 4th grade entries. She also won top Medal/Health award of all projects K-12 in the entire event. These were surely some huge accomplishments, considering that there were 366 students

who were selected to attend the 7th Annual ICW nationwide event.

Both students have personal connections to their inventions and sought out solutions to help others.

Lillian hopes to create a product line that can be used for many purposes in dermatology offices, child psychology offices, and occupational therapy offices as well. She says her primary goal is to create an inclusive product that is safe for everyone.

Mahi hopes that her product, which uses a different algorithm, can help identify a variety of cancers at a much faster rate, allowing more people to have quicker care and less chances for misdiagnosis. Both girls also have been selected to represent the US and have their inventions at the worldwide virtual competition, which will be held at the end of July, with the awards to be announced on Aug. 11! Good luck, young ladies!

(Left, l.-r.) Wesley Chapel residents Brittany Carnes and her daughter Lillian Long, with New Tampa residents Reha, Mahi and Rudra Patel and Nicole Tuminella, the Tampa Bay Invention Convention Worldwide affiliate for Hillsborough County Public Schools. (Right) Representatives from the U.S. Patent Office enjoy checking out Lillian’s unique, award-winning slime.

Family-Owned One-Stop Landscape Supply For Expertise & Quality Service!

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Neighborhood News Corespondent

At One-Stop Landscape Supply on S.R. 54, just west of Eiland Blvd. and across the street from the New River Branch Library, owner Elijah Pratt says his family business is the culmination of generations of his family’s experience in the industry.

“Our family has worked in landscape businesses from my great-grandpa down to me,” says Elijah. From lawn maintenance, to landscaping maintenance and design, and now the garden center, the decades of experience help Elijah to understand what customers need when they visit One-Stop Landscape Supply.

Whether someone is looking for a few plants or wants a complete overhaul of their entire yard — or somewhere in between — One-Stop Landscape Supply is ready to help with a wide variety of products and exceptional customer service.

“We have nursery and garden center expertise and plant knowledge,” says Elijah, “We pretty much always have someone walking around with you, talking through ideas and answering questions, such as which zone a specific plant goes in or how a certain tree will work in a specific location in your yard.”

Many times, that person walking around with you is One-Stop store manager Jay Ewanish. While he’s not part of

and his dad, Matt, Jay has been at the store since it opened in July 2020.

“We’re a family-owned business, so we take a lot of pride and joy in our work,” Jay says. “We always have smiles on our faces.”

Jay explains that he previously worked for his brother in a family-owned business, so he takes his responsibility very seriously. In a corporate environment, a single employee might not be too concerned if each and every customer is happy, but it’s different at One-Stop.

pride in their lawns here in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa,” Jay says. “So, I learn more, to be sure I’m giving out the right information.”

Jay adds that the store’s Google reviews — an average of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars — speak for themselves, as many customers rave about the great experience they’ve had, and often mention Jay and Elijah by name.

“People pick us because of the knowledge we have and the pride we take in everything we do,” Jay says. “We go

above and beyond for every customer.”

Chuck Battino lives in Forest Oaks in Wesley Chapel and says he’s a frequent customer of One-Stop Landscape Supply, purchasing many palm trees, shrubs, topsoil and mulch since the store opened three years ago.

“When you call,” Chuck says, “there’s always someone knowledgeable who can answer your questions and give you recommendations.”

He adds that when he bought his new home, it needed a lot of landscaping work. Purchasing a few items at a time from One-Stop Landscape Supply was a budget-friendly way to improve his yard over time. He says every recommendation given to him has worked out well.

“I’ve lived in Wesley Chapel for 10 years and, based on my experience, I can say they are the best — the most accommodating and the least expensive company in the area.”

Chuck adds that he often takes advantage of the delivery service, which has impressed him. “The delivery staff is well trained and they are hardworking people,” Chuck says. “Most of the time they can deliver within a few hours and it’s right to my home.”

In addition to the wide variety of plants and trees at One-Stop Landscape Supply, the store offers a selection of rocks, mulch and soil. Its 3,000-sq.-ft.

a new home. Often, they’ve built a new house and want to upgrade their buildergrade landscaping. But, some homeowners call or stop in after they have purchased a home that’s new to them and they want to re-do their entire yard.

For those clients, Elijah schedules an appointment to come to your home for a free consultation, then uses software to map out a design for your front yard, back yard, or whatever area of your home you want to spruce up. He then provides an estimate that can include delivery and installation.

Elijah adds that many new customers find One-Stop Landscape Supply when they see what a great job the company did for one of their neighbors.

“We’ll do one house in a section of a neighborhood we haven’t been in before,” he says, “and, all of a sudden, a bunch of the neighbors are calling.”

Since One-Stop opened in July 2020, its customers have had to navigate ongoing road work on S.R. 54 in front of the store. While that has been a challenge, Elijah hopes the end is finally in sight.

He hopes the sign will help his busi ness to be more visible to passers-by and help customers find it more easily.

Coming from the west, One-Stop Landscape Supply is on the right and is easy to turn into. However, coming from the east, Elijah says there’s now a median, so customers need to pass OneStop on the left, then make a U-turn to get back to the store. Alternately, he says anyone coming from the east can turn left at the new Taco Bell. That road leads

ing to make that U-turn.

One-Stop Landscape Supply (34100 S.R. 54) is open MondayFriday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday. For more information, follow One-Stop Landscape Supply on Facebook (@OneStopLandscapeLLC) and Instagram (@OneStopLandscape). Or, visit OneStopLandscape.com, call (813) 355-3480 or see the ad on page 36 of this issue.

Totally Blu Pools For Pool Repairs, Supplies, Service & Even Lawn Care

By GARY NAGER

Over the past 16+ years in the pool service business, Totally Blu Pools co-owner Sunil Mohammed says he’s seen it all.

His business has survived the last major U.S. recession (2008-09), the pool-building boom and supply chain shortages of the Covid era (2020-22) and pretty much everything in between.

So, what made Sunil and his wife Rashmi Maharaj decide to finally open their first-ever brick-and-mortar store in the Publix- and Home Depot-anchored Summertree Plaza at the corner of S.R. 54 and Eiland Blvd.?

“There are just so many new homes being built here in Wesley Chapel,” Sunil says. “And, most of them have swimming pools. I felt there was definitely room for a new mom-and-pop pool supply store here. Plus, we live 5-10 minutes away from the store.”

Unlike pool supply chain stores, Sunil is able to reassure his customers that he only carries quality pool supplies and will help them keep the water in their home pools clean, with the right pH levels and that he will stake his 16-year reputation on his ability to keep them happy.

“We give good service,” Sunil says, “and I know we have the best prices.”

And, Sunil adds that even though Home Depot is located in the same plaza, “the Home Depot guy is not our customer. He already knows what he’s looking for and wants to take care of his pool himself. We attract the customers who are new pool owners or who have no idea how to take care of their pools and who want to ask questions of someone who has that expertise.”

Part of that expertise is testing the pool water for what Sunil calls “the four basic food groups” of your pool — chlorine (or salt) level, the pH, as well as calcium and stabilizer levels. “We have everything you need to make sure that all four levels are properly balanced,” he says. “If all of those levels aren’t correct, you could have a problem.”

And, although Sunil says that he handles both residential and commercial clients, “We are really focused now on residential pools. Back in 2008-09, we had mostly commercial clients, but when that recession hit, we could have lost the business. So now, I’m very selective about taking on commercial clients. I have to know who they are.”

He adds that because of Totally Blu’s great reputation, some developers do get in touch with

him to service or even help design their community pools, including Siena Cove and Bridgehaven here in Wesley Chapel.

“I have licensed contractors working with me,” Sunil says, “so now, not only can I service your pool, I also can help complete, refinish or repair your pool. With all of the fallout from local pool companies that didn’t treat their customers fairly during Covid, we may even get into designing and installing pools in the future, too.”

Totally Blu Pools also has a current special on an ICHLOR salt chlorine generator from Pentair. Sunil says you can buy it for $1,000, “or, if you become a new service customer with me, I will install one for free. In that case, I would still own it and I’d take it back out if you fire me, but I know it’s a great deal. I love Pentair because the replacement parts for their systems are so much less expensive than others.”

Totally Green Lawns, Too

For the last four years, Sunil also has had his Totally Green Lawn Service. Even though he had never had a lawn service before, when one of his pool customers asked if he knew anyone who could cut their grass, he said he could do it. Four years later, he now has 700 residential lawn accounts, mostly in the Wesley Chapel area.

“We cut, do the fertilizing and even pesticide application (in partnership with another company that is licensed to do that),” Sunil says. “We can take care of your pool and your lawn.”

Sunil adds that giving back to the community also is important to him, and he has raised funds to help buy ice time for the Wiregrass Ranch High hockey team that his son Savir plays for (although Savir actually attends Wesley Chapel High).

“We have helped people who couldn’t afford their lawn or pool service,” he says. “And we currently have a promotion where if you spend $50 with us, we’ll give you a $5 discount and match that with a $5 donation to a local elementary school in need.”

See the ad on pg. 35 of this issue for more info about that promotion. You’ll also find coupons for 15% off all chemical purchases and a Buy One, Get One Free offer on liquid chlorine.

Totally Blu Pools is located at 32781 Eiland Blvd. For more information, call (813) 788-7665, or visit totallybluh20.com.

Chapel Legal Can Help With Family Law & Estate Planning

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Neighborhood News Corespondent

When Cela Webster opened Chapel Legal just eight months ago, it was both a homecoming and the culmination of a career that has prepared her to help clients in the areas of family law and estate planning.

Chapel Legal is located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Palms Blvd., near the Bruce B. Downs exit of I-75. While Cela is available for in-person consultations at her office location, she says many clients prefer to talk on the phone or meet virtually via a videoconferencing app.

Most often, she helps families who need custody arrangements for children, or need to modify arrangements that have already been made. She can help with divorce, adoption, and other family matters, as well.

Chapel Legal also helps people create a will, designate a healthcare surrogate, set up power of attorney or guardianship, and other important areas of estate planning.

And, Cela also has developed a specialty in church law, where she helps churches with all types of legal questions — from employee matters to Covid compliance. “A couple of them (churches) have me on speed dial,” she

says. “I just never know what they’re going to ask.”

But, Cela says, she’s always prepared no matter what they ask her, thanks to a long and varied career that has exposed her to many courtrooms and legal opinions in both Florida and New York.

Cela left her hometown of Temple Terrace after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida. She says the plan was to go to New York for law school and then return home to practice.

She started off on that path, earning her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Syracuse University College of Law in Syracuse, NY, in 2000. She then took an extended stay of almost two decades before she came back.

“I tell people I was there ‘on accident’ for 19 years,” she

During those years, Cela started off in family law, worked for legal aid and served as an attorney in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. She also served as Chief of Staff for a judge within that district, learning the ins and outs behind the scenes and writing legal opinions.

When it was finally time to come back to Florida in 2015, she and her husband, J. Matt Webster, Ph.D., moved their family — including three children — to Wesley Chapel. As we reported last issue, their son Jack recently graduated from Wiregrass Ranch High and will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, this fall. Their daughter Eliana is now 16 and their son Nathan is 12.

Upon her return to the Tampa Bay area, Cela went to work for Bay Area

Legal Services. Looking for a change of pace, she then served as general counsel for Hernando County for three years.

With her wide variety of experience, she says, “I’ve worked on every kind of case on the planet.”

That’s when she decided to take the leap into her own private practice. Cela says this gives her the opportunity to serve clients exactly the way she wants to, which starts with being a good listener and explaining to her clients that — although they may not get everything they want — they will be heard, have good representation, and an attorney who truly cares about them.

“Family law isn’t like the ads you see on TV where lawyers promise to win your case for you,” she says. “It’s got its own rules and standards. Everyone compromises a little bit so that the settlement is fair. It’s not black and white like prosecution and defense.”

In addition to family law, Cela is an expert in estate planning who can help make sure you have the necessary documents in place to protect your loved ones.

A Very Personal Example...

She shares her own personal story so that people understand how important estate planning can be. Even as an attorney who specializes in this area, she unexpectedly found herself

ning & family law needs. (Photo by Charmaine George)

in a situation where her mom became temporarily incapacitated, but Cela couldn’t make decisions on her behalf in the hospital because she didn’t have all of the required paperwork beforehand to do so.

Thankfully, her mom recovered quickly and they immediately signed the necessary paperwork so that would never happen again. While Cela certainly didn’t expect to find herself in that situation, she uses her story to help people understand that the time to execute documents such as a Power of Attorney and Healthcare Surrogate is long before you think they will be needed.

Cela is licensed to practice in both New York and Florida, but she is fully focused on serving families in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

A local business owner named Ann recently hired Chapel Law to help with an amendment to her will.

“Cela was wonderful to work with,” Ann says. “She’s professional, supportive and clearly knows her stuff.”

Ann says the process was educational for her and her husband, as Cela coached them through nuances and loopholes. “Cela helped us through some tough decisions and was a very good coach,” Ann says. “She is an excellent attorney all around.”

Cela says she considers it a privilege to serve her neighbors and work as a small operation, answering her

own phone calls and making it a priority to be available to her clients, including quickly and personally answering all of their emails.

“I’m just a regular person who loves what I do,” she says.

While many attorneys don’t offer a free consultation, Cela says it’s important to her that people have an opportunity to ask questions before they determine whether or not to hire her.

“In fact, if people have a question about whether or not their issue is even an issue, I’m happy to discuss it. Will a judge consider making the change you’re asking? Let’s talk about it,” she says.

And, she’s happy to talk about it in Spanish or English.

As someone who is Cuban and Salvadorian — and a native Spanish speaker — Cela has no problem working with those who only speak Spanish or who prefer to communicate about the sometimes complicated issues of family law in their native language.

Chapel Legal is located at 17425 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite 202. If you need help with a family law or estate planning matter, Chapel Legal attorney Cela Webster offers a free phone consultation. For more information, visit ChapelLegal. com, call (813) 524-6393, or see the ad on page 27 of this issue.

Cerillo Family Dentistry Now Has Two Offices To Serve You Better!

By ANNA GORMAN Neighborhood News Corespondent

With more than 30 years of experience in this area, Louis (Lou) Cerillo, DDS, of Cerillo Family Dentistry, has established himself as a trusted and highly skilled dentist in the New Tampa community and beyond. For the last five years, Dr. Cerillo has had a second Cerillo Family Dentistry office, in order to reach those who live in Pasco County. That newer office is located off S.R. 52, on Curley St. in San Antonio, just north of Wesley Chapel. And, after nearly a decade in a nearby retail strip center, Dr. Cerillo moved his Tampa Palms office to his own building in the Somerset Professional Park in Tampa Palms in 2001.

Dr. Cerillo earned both his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. He then completed his general practice residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln. He also has completed continuing education at the Daw son Center in St. Petersburg, the Engel Institute in Charlotte, NC, and at the University of Florida in Gainesville. After working as an associate in a dental practice in Nebraska for some time, Dr. Cerillo says he moved to Spring Hill, FL, to escape the cold.

After five years, Dr. Cerillo decided to move to the New Tampa area with his family in 1993 to open his own dental practice. He says he was attracted to the area because of the amount of activity in the community and because he and his wife Pam agreed that it seemed like a good place to settle with their four children. Since then, the Tampa Palms and New Tampa areas have experienced significant population growth, which in turn has brought a need and demand for additional medical and dental services. This steady, continued growth in not only New Tampa, but also in Wesley Chapel and San Antonio, led to his opening the second office, “and that office has continued to grow with the increasing population coming into Pasco County,” he says.

Working alongside Dr. Cerillo in the Tampa Palms office is Affan Siddiqui, DMD. Dr. Siddiqui earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida (USF) before earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton.

The San Antonio office also includes Katelyn Radner, DMD, who earned her B.S. in Biology and DMD degrees from the University of Florida, as well as a Master of Science in Medical Science (MSMS) degree from USF. Dr. Radner also is certified to treat patients with Invisalign clear aligners. Also working in the San Antonio office is Zayna Javeed, DMD, who earned her B.S. degree from USF and her DMD degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dentistry.

Cerillo Family Dentistry offers many comprehensive services within its general dentistry practice. This includes preventive care, such as routine cleanings, low-radiation digital X-rays, extractions and fluoride treat-

health is equally important, Cerillo Family Dentistry also provides a wide range of restorative options, including dental implants and dentures, as well as crowns, bridges and partial dentures to further improve the appearance of your teeth. Available cosmetic dentistry solutions also include veneers and dental bonding, as well as teeth whitening (including take-home whitening kits), reshaping teeth, closing spaces between teeth and restoring worn or broken teeth.

Patient Dave O’Connor says he has had a great experience with Cerillo Family Dentistry. “As soon as you walk into the office, everyone is super friendly and helpful.” Dave says. “We just moved to the area and couldn’t be happier with this office. I would highly recommend (it) if you are looking for an office that is professional and friendly.”

Both offices accept most insurance plans, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Delta, MetLife and more. Also welcome are patients with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to receive dental services, Cerillo Family Dentistry is happy to provide one.

Dr. Cerillo — who is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Florida Dental Association, the West Coast District Dental Association, the Hillsborough County Dental Association, and the Florida Academy of Dental Practice Administration — prides himself not only on the quality dental work both of his offices provide, but also on his commitment to the communities

ing member of the New Tampa Italian Club (along with local orthodontist Dr. Mark Farina and photographer/DJ Paul Gigante). His offices also have sponsored many local athletic programs and schools. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Cerillo loves boating, fishing, traveling, cooking, and enjoying a glass of wine with family and friends.

Meanwhile, Dr. Radner is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AAGD) and the ADA who enjoys exercising, traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Javeed is a member of the AAGD, the ADA and the Florida Dental Association. She enjoys interior design, baking desserts and makeup artistry. All of her hobbies require close attention to detail and a steady hand, which aid her in creating beautiful smiles for her patients.

Dr. Siddiqui also enjoys spending time with his family, trying new foods and watching soccer. He also is an avid exerciser, which he says is non-negotiable when you’re a food-

dental care to anyone in need. No matter how busy he gets, though, he says his all-time favorite activity is spending quality time with his loving wife.

The San Antonio office of Cerillo Family Dentistry is located at 11938 Curley St., and is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and 8 a.m.-noon on Friday. For more information, call (352) 268-9630, visit cerillofdsanantonio.com or see the ad on pg. 31 of this issue.

For the Tampa Palms office (15277 Amberly Dr.), which is open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, and 8 a.m.noon on Friday, call (813) 791-7871 or (656) 206-0147. Or, visit cerillofdtampa.com.

(Above left) Dr. Lou Cerillo (left) and Dr. Affan Siddiqui are the primary dentists at the Cerillo Family Dentistry office on Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms, while Dr. Katelyn Radner and Dr. Zayna Javeed (below, l. & r.) are the dentists you’re more likely to see at the newer Cerillo office at the corner of S.R. 52 and Curley St. in San Antonio. Both offices feature low-radiation digital X-rays (above right).

Dr. Hasan Suleiman Of Your DPC Wants To Be Your Primary Care Doctor!

By NIDHI JANI Neighborhood News Corespondent

Seeing a primary care medical provider is very important – but it isn’t cheap — espe cially (usually) for those without health insur ance. However, Dr. Hasan Suleiman, the phy sician and founder behind Your DPC, a newly opened doctor’s office in the Pebble Creek Professional Park that offers a more personal ized approach to primary care without break ing the bank, is trying to change that.

DPC stands for “Direct Primary Care,” a healthcare model that allows physicians to offer primary care services without traditional insurance billing. Instead of paying copays or deductibles, Your DPC charges a fixed monthly “membership” rate for primary care appointments — just $59/month for children from birth to 17 years old and $99/month for adults ages 18 and older.

Members have access to unlimited visits with Dr. Suleiman with no copays or hidden fees. Appointments can be same day or next day and are never rushed, to allow for comprehensive exams and thorough doctorpatient discussions. If you are unable to see the doctor in person, you also can reach him by phone, text, e-mail or virtually.

After appointments, if members need to get lab tests or imaging performed outside of the office, or medications from the pharmacy, Dr. Suleiman negotiates directly with clinical labs, radiology offices and pharmacies to offer discounted rates to Your DPC’s patients.

Dr. Suleiman is experienced in treating high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, weight management and urgent care needs. “Primary care — annual physicals, check-ups, follow-ups, urgent care, preventative care, and thorough patient education — is my bread and butter,” he says.

Dr. Suleiman is a Board-certified family medicine doctor with more than 10 years of experience. He received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from the University of Illinois Chicago and his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados.

After graduation, he completed three years of family medicine residency training with Wayne State University School of Medicine at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospi-

tal (formerly Crittenton Hospital) in ochester, MI.

He has been married for seven years to his wife Lisa and together, they have four children — two daughters and two sons. Moving from Chicago to Wesley Chapel in 2021, the Suleiman family enjoys outdoors time of all inds, from the beach to amusement parks to walking on nature trails.

“We’re very happy to have moved here — with no regrets,” says Dr. Suleiman. “This is a family-friendly area with lots of parks and things to do.”

Can you picture that traditional family doctor dashing over with his briefcase to make house calls? Dr. Suleiman has that vision for himself and his patients, too.

“I was deliberate in picking my home and office locations,” shares Dr. Suleiman. “I wanted to work close to home and live close to my patients so that I can see them during odd hours and respond to urgent calls. I am always available in times of need for my patients.”

Will I Still Need Insurance?

As with the 1,600+ other DPC offices across the country, Your DPC does not accept insurance — intentionally — in order to bypass the complicated paperwork, higher charges, and time spent back and forth when billing insurance companies for routine healthcare services.

Dr. Suleiman explains this powerfully

with a common example.

“Take a patient who tears the rotator cuff in his shoulder,” says Dr. Suleiman. “Normally, if he goes through his insurance, he would get a physical exam first, then an xray. An exam and x-ray might not be enough to show internal injuries, but usually insurance companies do not allow you to order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) right away. The patient may need to take medication and receive physical therapy for 3-6 months first before his insurance will cover an MRI. But, this recommended order of events may delay surgery and worsen the injury.”

He adds, however, “If I can see the patient without insurance, I could order an MRI if warranted right away for typically 80-90% less than with insurance,” Dr. Suleiman says. “An MRI with insurance may cost $2,000-$6,000, but I can charge $200$300. This can confirm whether surgery is needed quickly, without delay.

But, the doctor stresses that — yes — you still should carry insurance with Your DPC because specialty medical services and hospital care do not fall under Your DPC’s primary care services.

“Your DPC increases accessibility, convenience and affordability for primary care,” Dr. Suleiman explains. “Our goal is to optimize your health and minimize specialist visits and hospitalizations, but you should still not pay out of pocket for emergency room visits, specialist appointments, and hospitalizations, if they are needed.”

(Photo by Charmaine George)

Your DPC has a referral system in place to coordinate care with specialists and hospital physicians. “I have met with many specialists and hospital staff in the area to build relationships for situations that require referral or hospital admission,” says Dr. Suleiman. “For example, I have talked with the AdventHealth hospitals and we have an agreement that if any of my patients receive hospital care with them, I would be able to access my patients’ electronic medical records. This helps me stay informed of any treatment or medication changes, so I can continue them after discharge and monitor my patients’ progress.”

Truly, the sweet spot for someone with employer-based insurance to combine their insurance with the DPC model is to obtain a high deductible health plan (HDHP). This type of insurance has lower monthly payroll deductions but higher deductibles than the preferred provider organization (PPO) health plans. This means less money from your salary goes towards your healthcare, but if you do need outpatient healthcare services, you will have to pay a much higher deductible first, before your insurance kicks in, and your copays will be higher too. Thankfully, Your DPC bypasses insurance, so HDHP patients won’t have to pay that deductible, just the monthly membership rate.

This may all sound complicated and perhaps too good to be true, but the best way to understand how it works is to meet with the doctor to see if Your DPC can work for you. That’s exactly what David Schoonover of New Tampa says about his experience with Your DPC.

David has had HDHP insurance through his job for years. He learned about DPC through a friend and after doing his own research, and decided to get a Your DPC membership about three months ago, as it is one of the only DPC offices in the area.

Since then, he has already seen Dr. Suleiman four times. “The first appointment was an introductory visit, but I went back because I needed to change medications,” says David. “After that, Dr. Suleiman scheduled a follow-up appointment to check on my progress and I’ve continued to see him as needed since.”

He adds, “It is really nice to be able to see the same doctor each time and appointments are not stacked right on top of each other, so he has always enough time for me.

Previously, I got my primary care at a clinic and I could never get same-day or even nextday appointments. Also, I usually did not see the same doctor each time. It is really nice to build a relationship with just one doctor.”

Dr. Suleiman says that for the average patient, navigating getting the right amount of insurance to supplement a Your DPC membership can be tricky. But thankfully, Your DPC partners with insurance specialists who can build custom insurance plans to avoid redundancies between insurance coverage and Your DPC membership services.

In fact, one specialty of Your DPC is to help self-employed people and small business owners create self-funded insurance plans through Your DPC to provide health insurance to themselves and their employees.

“We’ve been able to save families nearly $1,000 a month and many businesses up to 50% while providing a higher level of care,” says Dr. Suleiman proudly.

Can Medicare patients join Your DPC? The answer is not now, but soon.

“At this time, Medicare recipients are able to join our waiting list,” says Dr. Suleiman. “Our office has to opt out of Medicare and that process takes some time. Medicare does not cover DPC so Medicare patients will need to sign a one-time waiver to declare that Medicare should not be billed for our primary care services. But, Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications or hospitalizations prescribed by our office.”

He adds that, similar to people with HDHP insurance, people with Medicare, “can save money by switching to Plan A and Plan D coverage only and put the money saved by not paying for Part B towards a Your DPC membership.”

Call or e-mail Your DPC to schedule a free initial visit or get more information about tailored insurance plans. Right now, Dr. Suleiman is waiving the $100 enrollment fee during the grand opening of his new office, which ends July 1st. But, if you mention the Neighborhood News at your first appointment, Dr. Suleiman will extend that offer to you until August 1.

Your DPC is located at 8907 Regents Park Dr., Suite 370. The office is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, call (813) 563-9542, visit YourDPC.net, e-mail info@yourdpc.net or see the ad on pg. 37 of this issue.

Introducing Astro Craft Ice Cream’s New Ice Cream Chef!

By GARY NAGER

All photos by Charmaine George

It was only six months or so ago when we first told you about the new Astro Craft Ice Cream, located in the same plaza on the north side of S.R. 56 as Mellow Mushroom.

Even so, there’s so much new happening at Astro that we knew we needed to update that story.

Still owned by Ferdian Jap and Gio Tran, the co-owners of Zukku-San Sushi (located about a 1/4-mile east of Astro) and Ato at the KRATE Container Park, Astro now has a new ice cream chef — Adrian Carter. Carter, who is proud of his love of ice cream, completed an online course through the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts based in Boulder, CO, and also completed the intensive one-week Penn State University Ice Cream Short Course in University Park, PA, now in its 128th year — where representatives of Ben & Jerry’s, Baskin-Robbins, Blue Bell, Haagen-Dazs and many others have learned the secrets of ice cream making.

“It’s super-competitive,” Carter says of the course. “But you really learn the best ways to make the best ice cream.”

Carter, who first met the Astro owners at their location at Armature Works near downtown Tampa, is proud of the changes he’s already made to Astro’s already delicious flavors and he promises to continue to add new varieties, starting with the unique new passion fruit-raspberry sorbet, which is made

with oat milk, “so it still has a creamy, more ice cream-like texture and taste,” Carter says.

He also has made subtle changes to many of my already favorite flavors at Astro — including adding real bananas to the banana pudding peanut butter cookie flavor (which is still my #1 favorite).

Carter says that most months, Astro offers a new “signature” creation. For June (which still has a few days left), the Father’s Day-inspired special was the brown sugar whiskey cookie dough (made with a newly upgraded whiskey), with chocolate-covered pretzels, a caramel “flavor shot” and a sprinkle

of brown sugar. Also new is the ube ice cream with dark chocolate chunks. Ube is a purple Fillipino yam (sweet potato) with a mellow flavor that blends well with the chocolate.

And, despite my concerns, Carter also has begun baking Astro’s brownies and chocolate chip cookies in-house, rather than buying them from Mike’s Pies. I loved the Mike’s brownies, but the house-baked brownies are equally delicious, chewy and decadently dense — so good as the base for a brownie sundae with a chocolate, caramel or honey flavor shot.

One thing Carter didn’t mention chang ing was Astro’s exclusive Cuban ice cream

(Above left) This is just a sampling of the delicious flavors at Astro Craft Ice Cream on S.R. 56. (Above right) New Astro ice cream chef Adrian Carter prepares the signature sundae for June (below). (Next page, clockwise from top left) Astro’s exclusive Cuban ice cream sandwich; an ube chocolate chunk ice cream cone; the revamped brownie sundae & a dish of the new passion fruit-raspberry sorbet with a honey flavor shot.

brulée café con leché ice cream. So good. Photographer Charmaine George and I both also raved about the cinnamon snickerdoodle marshmallow ice cream, made with marshmallow Fluff, graham crackers and lots

white & blue vanilla ice cream, “for the kids,” Carter says, adding that Astro’s mobile ice cream van also is available for catered events.

Astro Craft Ice Cream (25700 Sierra Center Blvd.) is open Mon.-Thur., noon9:30 p.m.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sun. For more info,

Check Out The New Azteca D’Oro Mexican Restaurant!

By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George

Congratulations to co-owners Victor and Armando Ramos of the ninth familyowned location of Azteca D’Oro, in the space previously occupied by Cantina Laredo in the Shops at Wiregrass.

Azteca Wesley Chapel opened on June 19 and hosted an incredible Grand Opening event the weekend of June 24-25, with a mariachi band and dancers all in traditional Mexican garb — and Victor says that mariachis will play “every Thursday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.”

However, while the “fiesta” music was great and the completely revamped restaurant — which now features not only outdoor seating, but seats both inside and out at the extra-large bar — is beautiful, without great food, it would all mean next to nothing.

But, while Azteca D’Oro definitely isn’t an inexpensive place to eat, the food options include such upscale authentic entrées as borrego (marinated, seasoned and baked lamb shank) and mol cajete (steak, chicken, chorizo sausage and shrimp over onions and green peppers in a mildly spicy sauce), plus favorites like the thickest-ever chicken-stuffed taquitos appetizer (far right), which four people can share, and, of course, great combo faji tas (shown, near right), of which

(Above left, l.-r.) Azteca D’Oro general manager Cristina Casimiro & co-owners Victor & Armando Ramos. (Right) Churros & ice cream for dessert? Yes, please!

my favorites were the pork carnitas fajitas, and a huge menu of other authentic specialties for lunch and dinner, including delicious tablesidemade guacamole finished with real bacon.

And, do not miss the caramel-stuffed churros and ice cream (photo on previous page) for dessert!

The ultra-premium bar features many up scale tequilas and mezcals, as well as a unique margarita flight of four different favorites, plus specialty cocktails like the Mexican classic Paloma (José Cuervo Tradicional Reposado tequila, fresh lime & Squirt grapefruit soda).

Azteca D’Oro (2000 Piazza Ave., Unit 170) is open every day for lunch and dinner.

(Above left) Coctel de camarones (shrimp cocktail) & (right) tableside guacamole.

Paleta Mia For Artisan Ice Pops, Waffle Sticks, Shakes & More!

Although co-owners Luis Ledezma and his wife Olimar Cedeno are from Venezuela, they say they were inspired by a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, to open the first-ever Paleta Mia shop in Wesley Chapel in the KRATE Container Park at The Grove.

Luis and Olimar already owned the successful Mojo Grill Latin Fusion restaurant at the KRATEs, but when they saw another KRATE directly across from Mojo Grill go out of business, they decided to expand what they already were doing in their Paleta Mia food truck into its own former shipping container.

“We have been bringing the Paleta Mia truck to schools, local sporting events and even the monthly Market Elaine events at The grove for a while,” Luis said.

“And everyone who’s tried them have told us how much they enjoy them,” added Olimar. “So, we figured, why not?”

Luis and Olimar agreed that they loved the freshness of the Mexican paletas, but she has added gluten-free and vegan options to a huge variety of not only fruit flavors (like mango, kiwi and pineapple), but also paletas made with Oreo cookies, Nutella, bubble gum flavor and more.

Paleta Mia also offers a variety of delicious toppings, from marshmallows to sprinkles, fresh milk and white chocolate, M&Ms and more. The toppings also can be added to Paleta Mia’s amazing waffle sticks, which Luis said they first tried during a trip to London, although these light and delicious sticks originated in India.

“But we added the toppings to make them more mouth-watering, too,” he says.

“Our whole goal is to offer healthier op-

tions using tropical flavors,” Olimar adds.

Olimar took classes at both the Pregel Institute in Miami and from Fany Gerson, aka “The Newyorkina,” a famous master paletera.

Paleta Mia, which Luis and Olimar hope to expand into a franchise business in the future, also offers delicious hand-made shakes and organic aguas frescas using many of the tropical flavors. The shakes even include a whole paleta!

“Paleta Mia is dedicated to our 14-year-old daughter Mia, to teach her the importance of hard work,” Luis says.

Paleta Mia (5854 Goldview Pkwy) is open Mon.-Thur., 3 p.m.-9 p.m., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & noon-7 p.m. on Sun. For more info, see the ad on pg. 37, call (813) 451-6142 or visit MyPaletaMia.com.

— GN, photos by Charmaine George.

(Clockwise from top left photo) Genesis Bermudez, co-owners Olimar Cedeno & Luis Ledezma and toppings to your favorite paletas, which come in a rotating variety of flavors. Our editor’s favorites

Zio’s NY Bagels Now Open In Pebble Creek Collection!

The last time New Tampa had its own bagel place, it was called The Ul timate Bagel, which closed its location in Tampa Palms about 20 years ago.

In other words, the people in the community just south of Wesley Chapel have been waiting quite a while for a true New York-stye bagel place to open in zip code 33647.

Well, the wait it over, as Jeff Cofini (left in photo) and his nephew Nick Cignarella have opened Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli in the Pebble Creek Collection (at 19651 BBD Blvd.) and yes, the bagels are legit!

but also everything cheddar, cheddar bacon (with real strips of bacon baked in) and more Breakfast, including freshly-made omelets, is available y, but don’t forget the Boar’s Head meat-and-cheese sandwiches, like The Melvin (above, right) with pastrami,, corned beef, melted Swiss & cole slaw.

For info, call (813) 388-9498 or visit “Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli” on Facebook. — GN, photos by Charmaine George & GN

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