New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 29, Issue 15, July 20, 2021 by Neighborhood News

Volume 29 Issue 15 July 20, 2021

Pebble Creek Golf Club Saying Goodbye By JOHN C. COTEY were sent out informing residents that the 6,436-yard golf course, the oldest in New john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Tampa, was shutting down for good.

Chuck Leisek has spent many of his Place said there is no special event or mornings the past 15 years hitting golf farewell scheduled for the club. The last balls at the Pebble Creek Golf one out on the 31st will turn Club (PCGC), where he lives off the lights, lock the door just off the 12th hole. and that will be it. The 86-year-old never Place is currently negobroke 70, but shot his age tiating with Pulte Homes on plenty of times, has just missed building 230-240 single-family a hole-in-one on the No. 2 and homes on the golf course. No. 6 holes, and loved every “Never once when I day he was out on the course. bought the course was I even When he found out that thinking it would be a develthe golf course was shutting opment site,” Place says. “We down for good on July 31, he “We’ve had a lot of took what was then a failing and his wife Janice, also an avid good times here. It’s golf course that was horribly golfer, were crestfallen. very depressing. Very maintained, and we put in “We never thought in our upsetting.—Pebble Creek probably $2 million over the wildest dreams this golf course first five years. We put in new resident Chuck Leisek would ever be closed,” says greens, built a new banquet Leisek. “It’s deeply disappointroom, and really got the club ing. And that’s an understatement.” making money initially.” Included in the improvements was The writing, however, had been on Mulligans, the popular Irish pub that the wall for the past few years, as owner opened in 2007, but also will close July 31. Bill Place, who bought the club in 2005, Place says the 2008 recession stopped has been actively trying to sell the propthe club’s momentum, and it has been on erty the past five or so years. and off ever since. The first weekend in June, letters

This view from the first tee at Pebble Creek Golf Club could soon be replaced by the addition of new homes. The club shuts down for good on July 31. (Photo: John C Cotey)

Leisek says he remembers when Place bought PCGC and restored the course to its previous glory, but says he is one of many who questions how much money Place actually has been losing. And, although he says he had heard rumors of Place “skulking around trying to sell it,” it was still a surprise to everyone he knew when they received notice that PCGC was officially closing.

Place says club members like Leisek, however, were far and few between at Pebble Creek. Although there are roughly 1,400 homes in the community, only 13 residents are among the club’s 70 current members. He describes the support from the community as non-existent. “I don’t mean that negatively, like See “Pebble Creek” on pg. 4.

Check Out The New Menu Items At Bubba’s 33! For all the details, see pages 32-33!

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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!

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.

INSIDE:

New Tampa Performing Arts Center finally breaks ground. Page 10

Uptown Cheapskate in Tampa Palms offers premium brands at discount prices. Pages 22-23

Go Bolts!

As I went to press with my July 6 Wesley Chapel issue (on July 27), 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-tobreathe 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. At that time, I called my shot — Bolts in 5 games over the Montreal Canadiens — and not only did they capture their second Cup in a row, they did so in the five games I predicted. 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, right) chose to touch 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 last year, 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), and again at home at Amalie Arena this year. The Canadiens — who beat the Vegas Golden Knights in five games and have won more Stanley Cups (23) than any other NHL team— chose to not touch the Clarence S. Campbell bowl usually given to the NHL’s Western Conference champions before heading to the Finals, where Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy outdueled Habs’ netminder Carey Price to claim the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP. Neighborhood News

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Bubba’s 33 off S.R. 56 has added some delicious new Italian menu items. Pages 32-33

New Tampa 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 • Isabella Douglas Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 29, Issue 17, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, August 2, 2021. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News also reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

RIP, PCGC: The Oldest Golf Course In The Area Is Shutting Down Continued from page 1.

people despised the golf club,” Place says. “There’s just not that many golfers (living) in Pebble Creek.” He says that when he approached the HOAs about having all homeowners pay for a social membership to keep the club alive, it was rejected. “We do get a fair amount of public play,” Place says. “That’s essentially what kept us going as long as we did.” Golf courses have struggled in recent years, especially as amenities in large communities, but the number of rounds played in 2020 actually were up nationally 13.9 percent from 2019, according to PCGC owner Bill Place 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, which specializes in golf market research, started tracking stats in 1998. 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 says that merely maintaining the course had become financially untenable. He says that PCGC still has its original irrigation system and that “it failed miserably during this recent drought.” He adds, “It was time.” Pebble Creek was built by a group of nine investors and opened in 1967, at a price tag of $500,000, 20 years before

Arnold Palmer visited to help dedicate the opening of Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club by playing the first round. PCGC was once dubbed the “grandaddy of New Tampa golf courses.” At its outset, the semi-private Pebble Creek Golf and Country Club was a hit. It quickly reached 300 members in 1967 and stopped accepting any additional members so there was room for the occasional non-member golfer. Over the years, improvements were made (the course actually opened with no bunkers) so it could host bigger tournaments, and membership ebbed and flowed.

******* When it comes to selling the 149-acre course to a developer, which appears to be Pulte Homes, Place knows he will have a fight on his hands. Efforts to rezone the property and getting Pebble Creek’s two homeowners associations (HOAs) on board will be an uphill battle. “Everyone is devastated,” says Wayne Rich, the president of the Pebble Creek Village HOA, which represents about 300 homes. “Nobody is excited about it.” Rich says roughly 100 homes between the two HOAs are located on the golf course, and could have their backyards replaced by new neighbors. He has seen what Pulte is proposing, and says he’s “not crazy about it.” A group on Facebook, as well as another group of residents, have already mobilized to oppose any development, emboldened by last year’s success at stopping Place from getting a brownfield designation for the course.

Mulligans Irish Pub (left) also will close when PCGC closes on July 31.

DR Horton, one of the original interested buyers of PCGC, had done preliminary testing two years ago and discovered 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. Hillsborough County commissioners voted against the request. Without those tax credits, Place will likely foot the bill. A preliminary estimate, he says, indicated it would take 6-9 months to decontaminate the soil. That alone could cost Place $1 million. But, he still has potential developers like Pulte lined up. Leisek will get in a few more rounds

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before then, and he says his golf membership is being transferred to Plantation Palms in Land O’Lakes, roughly 20 minutes away and also owned by Place. He says it won’t be the same, and will miss member dinners in the clubhouse and even visits to Mulligan’s. But, what he’ll miss most is a golf course he shared 2-3 times a week with his friends and neighbors. “We had a lot of good times here,” Leisek says. “It’s very depressing. Very upsetting.” For Rich, who remembers the many Mother’s Day banquets he attended at the club, July 31 will mark the end of an era. “The golf course is part of the heritage of this community,” he says. “It’s sad to see it go.”

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Wharton Grad Earns A Trip To The Tokyo Olympics! By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com New Tampa’s Matt Sanchez is off to the Olympic Games 2020 (2021), which begin in just a few days. The 2020 Wharton High graduate and Heritage Isles resident found out last month that even though he finished third at the U.S. Olympic Trials to qualify as an alternate, he would join the U.S. Air Rifle Olympic team at this year’s games and has been in Japan since July 16. Sanchez, 18, was at a shooting competition in Georgia eating dinner with his father, Freddy, when his dad left the room to take a phone call. When he returned, he told his son the good news. “He was very proud,” says Sanchez. “I was really surprised. I didn’t think I would be going.” Sanchez finished third at the Olympic Air Rifle Trials in February 2020 at Colorado Springs, CO, out of 16 of the sharpest shooters in the country. Only the top two finishers — 2016 Olympian Lucas Kozeniesky and University of Kentucky junior Will Shaner — were se-

New Tampa’s Matt Sanchez thought finishing third at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials ended his chances of going to Japan. More than a year later, however, he found out he is indeed making the trip to Tokyo as an alternate for the U.S. Air Rifle team. (Photos: Charmaine George)

lected to compete for the U.S. team, and at the time, alternates typically wouldn’t get to make the trip to the Olympics, which ended up being delayed for a year by Covid-19, with the team.

At that time, Sanchez turned his attention to the 2024 Games in Paris. But then, the call came. “It was well over a year of thinking I was not going,” says Sanchez, who

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thinks that with Covid still prevalent and the chances of someone getting sick always a possibility, it made having the alternate available essential this year. Sanchez spent the last month poring over online modules and general policy training for the Olympics, getting his Covid vaccination info and gun serial numbers together and preparing for two weeks in Japan. Because shooting is traditionally among the first events held at the Olympics — this year, the competitions are from July 24-August 2 — Sanchez won’t be staying for the entire Games, but he will be walking with the team during the opening ceremonies. Because he is still unlikely to compete, Sanchez, who started shooting when he was 9 years old, is somewhat muted in his excitement. His reaction will be different in 2024 if he finishes in the top two at the trials. “When I made the team as an alternate in 2020, it didn’t really set me off too much,” Sanchez says. “I was happy with my placement. But, it gave me the drive to make the team for the next

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The Covid pandemic made competing more difficult, but did not throw Sanchez off his goal of competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Olympics. I missed out this time by four points; that’s not too big a margin.” Sanchez is emboldened by the advanced training he will receive between now and then as a member of the U.S. National team, as well as being a team member at 19-time NCAA champion West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, where he just finished his freshman year. Former Wharton Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps rifle teammate Ben Salas, who signed with North Carolina State, and Sanchez are believed to be the first Hillsborough County athletes to sign full shooting scholarships at Division I universities. After the year Sanchez has had, the Japan trip is a welcome consolation prize. Because of Covid, his performance at the Olympic Trials turned out to be his last serious competition for roughly 15 months. The last half of Sanchez’s senior year at Wharton was wiped out by the pandemic, and he had nowhere to train or compete during the summer, except in his makeshift home set up. Because the Air Rifle target — the size of a 12-point font period — is 10 meters (or nearly 33 feet) away, Matt sets targets on one wall in the garage and, because the garage isn’t quite long enough, he shoots at it from inside his home’s foyer. In college, Sanchez’s training hasn’t been different than any other scholarship sport — it takes a good portion of his time. Prior to college, Sanchez would practice shooting a few times a week, ramping up for competitions. In college Neighborhood News

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it’s been more like 5-6 days a week, 5-6 hours a day. Preventing burnout, as well as balancing schoolwork, and not having an outlet to compete because everything was locked down, was definitely a challenge, although Sanchez was one of three rifle team members recently named to the 2020-21 Academic AllBig 12 Rookie Team. In his second semester at WVU, the Mountaineers were able to compete in some modified matches, and advanced to the NCAA Championships, where they finished fourth, but Sanchez was unable to participate because he was contact-traced for Covid a few weeks before the event. Finally, in May, he was able to return to top-flight competition, competing at the National Rifle Junior Olympic Shooting Championships at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where he finished third in men’s smallbore competition, which is shooting a .22 caliber rifle in three positions — standing, kneeling and prone. Air Rifle is basically firing 60 shots in a 75-minute time limit from a standing position only. “Everyone was pretty rusty,” Sanchez says. When he returns from Japan, the Wharton grad will be back at college training with one of the country’s best programs, planning for more international competitions with the U.S. National Team and with Paris always in his sights. “That’s what I’m shooting for (no pun intended),” Sanchez says. “That’s the ultimate goal.” For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

County To Begin Upgrading Branchton Park In 2022 By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Tucked away off Morris Bridge Rd. a little south of Cross Creek Blvd., Branchton Park is a quiet, underpopulated spot in New Tampa that few local residents have ever visited. However, those who do know about it will probably agree — it is a park with limited amenities that is showing its age and is in desperate need of a facelift. And now, Hillsborough County has plans to do just that. Branchton Park as you know it will cease to exist, and will be “relocated” immediately south of its current location at 15701 Morris Bridge Rd. The new Branchton Park will be more modern, with a lot more amenities, and will serve a lot more people’s needs, at a cost of around $5.5 million. District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan said he secured the funding for the improvements in previous county budgets. The park currently has a small shelter and playground, a basketball court in need of a refresh and parking for a few cars. It also has a paved trail and plenty of open space, but no bathrooms (other than Porta Potties) or water fountains. Once the new park is completed, the site of the current park will be home to future development, which could include a restaurant, sports bar or even new homes, Hagan says, adding that he can envision something like The Village at Hunter’s Lake development on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The nearly 500 responses to a county survey about what to make the new park look like were exactly what you would expect. Residents would like to see a dog park, a covered pavilion and play area, pickleball and tennis courts, roller hockey, more basketball courts, soccer fields and cricket pitches, a disc golf course, a splash pad, a skate park, walking and running trails, bathrooms, an amphitheater and more activities for the area’s senior population. Or, in other words, everything. Many of the resident requests are included in the plans, according to the county’s website. The project will be funded in phases and, in the first phase, there will be additional parking, walking trails, dog parks, restrooms, shelters and multipurpose courts, though the county notes 8

that likely means four pickleball courts and two basketball courts, which also can be used for volleyball, according to the conceptual site plan. The separate dog parks for small and large dogs will include shelters, benches, dog agility equipment and water and even wash stations. Subsequent phases will include other things on the resident wish list, like a more robust playground and a splash pad. There is a possibility, according to the survey, that the splash pad could make its way into Phase 1. Hagan says count on it. “There will be a splash pad, I can promise you,” Hagan says. “And it will be in Phase 1. I’m not going to let that (not) happen.” Final decisions on what may be added in subsequent phases will be made after Phase 1 has been completed. According to the conceptual site plan, the new park also will include a park office, concessions, event pavilion, open area and 70 parking spaces. There also are plans further down the road for a public-private partnership (PPP) on a zip

Branchton Park is currently an obscure park located south of Cross Creek Blvd. on Morris Bridge Rd., with plenty of open space, but will be transformed when it gets a $5-million makeover from Hillsborough County, including the addition of all-purpose courts, a playground and a pond.

line or “challenge” course for the park. Hagan says he may also push for a Hillsborough Sheriff’s substation in the Branchton area as well. In 2017, the county acquired four parcels of land totaling 10 acres just south of the current Branchton Park. The newly

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acquired land will be home to the new park. Hagan hopes to get the process moving in the next few months, with the start of construction sometime in early 2022. “I’m pretty excited about it,” Hagan says. “I think this is a great opportunity to build a really nice community asset.” Neighborhood News

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County Breaks Ground On The Performing Arts Center! By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Nearly 20 years to the day that the idea of a New Tampa cultural center was hatched by a nine-member volunteer committee comprised mostly of Hunter’s Green residents, the project’s very long and very winding road finally has come to an end, ironically, right across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from the entrance to Hunter’s Green. Ground was officially broken July 8 on what is now called the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (PAC) behind the new Village at Hunter’s Lake retail center. Hillsborough County Commmissioners Ken Hagan (District 2) and Gwen Myers (District 3), New Tampa Players president Nora Paine and deputy county administrator Greg Horwedel used gold shovels to sling a few piles of mud (thanks, Elsa!) to officially kick off the construction of the PAC. “What a great day it is here in New Tampa,” Hagan told a crowd of about 60. “Elsa passed, last night the Tampa Bay Lightning secured their place in history with back-to-back championships and today, we’re breaking ground on this longawaited and much-needed facility.” The 20,000-sq.-ft. PAC was designed by Fleischman Garcia Architects. It is expandable to 30,000-sq. ft. with the addition of a second floor, which would require additional funding down the road. The PAC features a 350-seat theater and four other rooms that can be used by the community for a variety of purposes, as well as a state-of-the-art lobby. After years of complications and reboots, the County Commission, with opposition from District 5 commissioner Mariella Smith and District 6 commissioner Pat Kemp, voted 5-2 to approve

Rendering of the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (above).

a $7.3-million construction contract to Dunedin-based Bandes Construction. While Hagan was the driving force to get the project to the end of the road, he thanked previous commissioner and Hunter’s Green resident Victor Crist for his years diligently shepherding the project, and current District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera, who rallied the city to contribute to the operating costs when the project appeared to be hitting another snag in April of this year. The original idea behind the New Tampa cultural center was to find a home for local acting troupes like the New Tampa Players (NTP), which has had a gypsylike existence. The group staged their first production, “They’re Playing Our Song,” at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club in September and at Hunter’s Green Club in October of 2022. It was former NTP leader Doug Wall’s dream to see the PAC become the troupe’s primary home. Wall passed away in 2017 after a bout with cancer. “This means a ton to us,” said Paine, holding back tears. “It’s been a long

time coming. He’s not here but he really should be. I know he’s here with us in spirit, though.”

Hillsborough County Dist. 2 Commissioner Ken Hagan (top) called it a “great day in New Tampa” as he joined (above) New Tampa Players president Nora Paine, Dist. 3 Commissioner Gwen Myers and deputy county administrator Greg Horwedel at the groundbreaking of the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on July 8. (Photos: Charmaine George)

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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 everyone in Wesley Chapel 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

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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 (near the Walmart) one of these days, 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

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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 Wesley Chapel — although Nutrition Smart on BBD is a nice, smaller option — and Whole Foods would no doubt be a perfect fit in an area that is still hungry 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 is opening soon (see pg. 34) 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

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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 (in western New York state), 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: Many transplanted Midwesterners have a soft spot for Kroger, and while the chain has no Florida locations, it is beginning local deliveries from a new fulfillment center in Tampa, which 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 still 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 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Diverging Diamond Interchange At S.R. 56 Hits A Roadblock By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Unable to meet the milestones set forth by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), D.A.B. Constructors has been defaulted and removed from the diverging diamond intersection (DDI) at S.R. 56 and I-75. One of those milestones needed to be met by June 28, but was not. In addition, on June 25, “D.A.B. notified FDOT they were demobilizing from the project,” according to FDOT spokesperson Kristen Carson. Carson said FDOT will work with the surety company, which is required to provide a replacement contractor, to complete the project. A message left with D.A.B. vicepresident Bill Bachschmidt was not returned. The DDI construction has been ongoing since early 2019, and had an original schedule of 800 days, resulting in a finish date of April 2021. That did account for delays due to rain and holidays, but Covid-19 made a major impact when it caused delays and shortages of materials for the project. But last fall, Pasco County and FDOT addressed issues with D.A.B., when Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who represents District 2 where the diverging diamond is located, delivered a harsh attack on what he saw as lackluster progress. Moore criticized the lack of urgency and number of D.A.B. workers he noticed when driving through the construction site, and the Cypress Creek Town Center Property Owners Association (POA) — which includes the Tampa Premium Outlets, Costco and

This is how the diverging diamond interchange at S.R. 56 looked as of June 15. (Photo: FDOT)

more than 20 other businesses located west of the interchange — made their concerns known as well. David Gwynn, the FDOT secretary for District 7, imposed penalties on D.A.B. Constructors and threatened more if the deadlines could not be met. According to Carson, in November 2020, FDOT issued a Notice of Intent to Default (NOI) to the contractor due to concerns they were not proceeding at the pace required to meet the contractual completion date. “D.A.B. Constructors’ response included a recovery schedule showing a project completion date of October 2021,” Carson said. “From this schedule, (FDOT) established interim milestone dates that the contractor would need to meet in order to avoid being defaulted.”

Moore said that after the public admonishment, he had seen some improvements early in 2021, but once again was noticing a lack of workers at the DDI

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site. The most recent news of the default was not shocking, and the project will likely not be completed until 2022, and will have to be completed by another construction company. “I’m not surprised, I’m disappointed,” Moore says, “because they (D.A.B.) stated on multiple occasions they would be able to meet the deadlines.” More than 100,000 vehicles pass through the I-75/S.R. 56 interchange on a daily basis. The long-awaited DDI is designed to create fewer conflict points at the interchange, and despite looking more confusing to many locals, similar interchanges (like Florida’s first DDI at Exit 210 at University Pkwy. off I-75 in Sarasota) has been lauded for being safer and more efficient than your traditional junctions. Carson says that FDOT is empathetic to the impacts any project delays may cause to motorists, residents, and businesses, and will make adjustments to traffic signals and any other traffic control devices to accommodate the extra traffic volume in the area during the upcoming holiday season.

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USF Gets $44M For Study A $44-million grant will allow the PACT study to enroll 7,600 older adults in effort to battle Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 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. These diseases 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 cognitive abilities of participants. The trial, called the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent & Vital Elderly (ACTIVE), had more than 2,800 healthy older adults ages 65 and older participating. 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. 16

Jerri Edwards, Ph.D.

“Dementia essentially is diagnosed when you lose that functional ability,” Dr. 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.” Dr. 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 that 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 three-year commitment.” If you want to volunteer for the PACT study, call (813) 974-6703, or visit PACTStudy.org.

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Pasco Dental Adds Former Wharton State Champ To Fold 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

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

Science (B.S.) degree (in 1987) and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) 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 in the meantime, 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.

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“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 City, NY.

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.

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Dr. Dan (right) and Dr. Ben go over an X-ray at the Pasco Dental office on S.R. 54.

Dr. Dan is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and in Orthodontics, where he focuses on Invisalign, rather than traditional braces. Dr. Dan says his office also is the only one locally that is both a Lumineers and Snap-On Smile provider. Lumineers is a popular brand of porcelain veneers, which are used to correct things like gaps, chips and discolored teeth. While veneers do

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the same thing, Lumineers are considered to be an easier and more durable solution. And, they’re quicker, too. A patient can be fitted with a set of Lumineers in just two visits. “We can show before-and-after smile makeovers with a Lumismile digital smile makeover,” Dr. Dan says. “We can make your smile look amazing in just two visits — just in time to show off

your 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 from oral surgery. The room features two large massage chairs, a large flatscreen TV and a fireplace. Recent patient Kara Psolla recently made the switch to Pasco Dental, and walked away smiling. “The staff is extremely friendly, the office is clean, and the exam rooms are comfortable,” she wrote in her review. “Love the standing X-ray machine! Very happy with my new dentists.”

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 your 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 38 of this issue.

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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 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 If a young adult becomes incapacitatpeople get their affairs in order, whether ed, they need someone to be able to tell they have recently moved to the state, have a child who just turned 18, need legal advice for long-term care, and 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

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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

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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

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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 25 of this issue.

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Get Cash For Clothes & Buy Great Brands At Uptown Cheapskate By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN After the Covid-19 pandemic shut retailers down last spring, Uptown Cheapskate reopened in May 2020 with owner Amber Watt feeling cautiously optimistic that the store would be able to recover from the devastating hit it took during its closure in late-March and all of April. What a difference a year makes. The trendy resale clothing store in the Publix-anchored City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center is thriving — and continues to grow. “We’ve been doing really great,” Amber says. “Every month is better than the last.” In fact, the store’s sales are above where they were pre-Covid and it seems that, every month, there are even more customers looking for great deals on brand name items and wanting to sell their unwanted clothes. Amber thinks that’s because Uptown Cheapskate is a win-win for the community. First, the store pays cash for clothing, shoes and handbags that are just taking up space in your home. Those items that you no longer want

can put cash in your pocket and keep the clothes from hitting a landfill. And that’s not the only environmental impact. According to Uptown Cheapskate’s website at UptownCheapskate.com, buying used instead of new clothing can reduce your carbon footprint by at least 60 percent, more than if you were to quit using your car. It’s also a lot easier on your wallet, with prices on “upcycled” clothing at Uptown Cheapskate selling for a mere fraction of what the on-trend, designer pieces sell for new at retail stores. The savings can be 70 to 90 percent. Some popular brands the store currently sells — and is looking to buy — include American Eagle, Vans, adidas, lululemon, Levi’s, Free People, Nike, Coach, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, H&M and more. Uptown Cheapskate is part of a national franchise that started in Salt Lake City in 2009, and now has 80 locations across the U.S., including three in Florida. At 4,800 square feet, the Tampa Palms location is larger than most Uptown Cheapskate stores, which are typ-

ically closer to around 3,000 square feet. The large store means lots of inventory for shoppers, and it’s all kept organized and neat, to feel more like an upscale boutique than a thrift store. While Covid had its impact, the store is pretty much back to pre-pandemic protocols. Employees are wearing masks, but vaccinated customers are not required to wear masks in the store. And, all dressing rooms are open. Amber says customers love when the Owner Amber Watt says business at Uptown Cheapskate in the City store offers additional deals, such as the recent Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center is better than ever, but if you have clothes you’d like to sell, come on in! (Photos: Charmaine George) Dollar Days, which save customers the 7.5% sales tax typically ended July 18. During charged at the store. this sale, clearance items were sold for as While sales at Uptown Cheapskate low as a $1. Also, the state of Florida’s are brisk, Amber says that means there’s a sales tax holiday for back-to-school will be constant need for new items to sell. held July 31 through August 9, which will

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With 4,800-sq. ft. of space, there are plenty of options for the thrifty shopper to find designer

“We still need more stuff,” she says. “Especially spring and summer items — we cannot get enough of those here in Florida.” While Uptown Cheapskate buys all seasons all year round, Amber says Florida is essentially a one-season state and items for warm weather are always in the greatest demand. “We never have enough shorts, tank tops, short sleeves and dresses,” she says, adding that the local Uptown Cheapskate store just added a vintage corner for the first time.

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Sellers receive a cash offer for any items the store wants to buy, or 25 percent more if they choose store credit instead of cash. If any items are not purchased by the store, the seller has the option to leave them to be donated to the Salvation Army, which picks up from the Tampa Palms location two or three times a week. You can always choose to keep them if you prefer. With customer service and a boutique atmosphere the priorities of the store, shopping at Uptown Cheapskate won’t feel like thrift store shopping. Even as shoppers rave about how neat and tidy the store is, and the great customer ser-

vice, Amber strives to keep improving. “We’ve been trying to step up our game in terms of organization,” she says. “We are making things more consistent, and becoming even more detail-oriented.” Amber says she pushes her team every day to the goal of “making sure the experience is perfect every time.” Uptown Cheapskate is located at 16031 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. Store hours are Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.8 p.m.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (813) 2878696, visit UptownCheapskate.com or see the ad on pg. 31.

“It’s so fun,” says Amber of her new vintage department, “and very popular right now.” Amber says windbreakers are flying off the shelves, along with oversized sweatshirts and graphic tees from the 1980s and 90s. While she says a lot of the store’s customers are USF students, there also are a lot of customers from both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. If you want to sell clothing and other items to the store, just stop in anytime it’s open, but at least one hour before closing.

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New Tampa’s Favorite Florist Relocates To Tampa Palms! By Gary Nager If you live in New Tampa, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve visited my long-time friend Rose O’Berry at her A Special Rose Florist & Event Specialist on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just south of Tampa Palms. Well, after 18 years, New Tampa’s favorite flower shop has a new location — at the eastern end of the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms, next to You Do The Dishes. Rose says, “I’ve been working with flowers since I was 16 and it was always a dream of mine to open my own shop, so in 2003, I opened A Special Rose on Bruce B. Downs.” But, because Rose did so well in that location south of our direct area, she started talking to me several years ago about expanding her business into New Tampa proper, and jumped at the chance to be able to be in a busier plaza to generate more walk-in traffic. “We bring in flowers from Ecuador, Holland and all over the world fresh every day,” she says, “so we can provide whatev-

Rose O’Berry has moved her A Special Rose Florist to the Shoppes at Amberly in Tampa Palms, where she offers fresh-cut flowers from all over the world for any occasion. (Photos: Charmaine George) er types of flowers you want, from a nice other delicacies, plus flowers, plants, plush variety of roses, plus hydrangeas and lilies toys, balloons and other unique items. to tulips and even seasonal flowers.” When you walk into A Special Rose, A Special Rose also can put together Rose, floral designer Erica Daniell or custom-designed gourmet baskets, with another employee will ask you if you hand-dipped chocolates, fresh fruit and want the flowers you choose wrapped

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or in a vase, “and we work with them to determine if they have a favorite flower or flowers, and if they want a certain color scheme.” In addition to weddings, Rose says A Special Rose also does flowers for a lot of corporate events, Christmas parties, memorial services, sweet 16s, quincañeras, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and will deliver what you need when you need it, “all over Tampa Bay. We also can do nationwide delivery, where we work with other (flower) shops in other states.” As for what sets A Special Rose apart from other florists (don’t event talk to her about flowers from the local grocery stores)

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Rosie Cione wants you to know that A Special Rose also has a great selection of stuffed plush toys.

is, “Our experience. I have been working with flowers since I was 16 and have trained Erica since she was 16, so you always get your choice of the freshest flowers arranged the way you want them. We also bring in fresh flowers every day, whereas some shops only get theirs once a week.” And, through the end of this month, A Special Rose is offering 20% off roses, as

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the new store’s primary Grand Opening special, so you know a certain editor is going to take advantage of that one. A Special Rose Florist & Event Specialist is now located at 15353 Amberly Dr. For more Grand Opening specials and other information, call (813) 979-9453, visit ASpecialRoseFlorist.com or see the ad on pg. 27.

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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 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 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.”

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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. 31 of on Thur.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Fri.; and 9 this issue, first-time customers can save $2 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.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Chip In For Education To Benefit New Tampa Schools By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Emerging from a pandemic and a year when most Parent Teacher Associations (PTSAs) had a hard time organizing and hosting fund raisers and, in most cases, weren’t even allowed on campus, the Hunter’s Green Community Association came up with an idea to give a boost to the three schools where the community’s kids are zoned to attend. For the past 25 years, residents of Hunter’s Green have sent their kids to Hunter’s Green Elementary, Benito Middle School and Wharton High. This Labor Day, on Monday, September 6, those three schools will benefit from the “Chip In For Education” golf tournament at Hunter’s Green Country Club. “There are a lot more students at these schools than just Hunter’s Green residents,” says Rob Larsen, the president of the Hunter’s Green Community Association, who has been a resident of Hunter’s Green since 1992 and whose three kids attended the local public schools. “So, this is an opportunity to build community. We have good schools and teachers and this is something we can do to promote

that and get people together.” In fact, the three schools combined serve nearly 4,000 students. Volunteers from the elementary school PTA and the middle and high school PTSAs (Parent Teacher Student Associations) are helping to make the tournament a reality. AdventHealth, which is planning (L.-r.) Wharton PTSA president Jenny Giraldo, Hunter’s Green Elemento open its Care tary PTA president Rebecca Towner, Hunter’s Green Community AssociPavilion (se ad on ation president Rob Larsen and Benito/Wharton PTSA treasurer Jamie pg. 2) outside the Priest are helping to organize the Chip In For Education golf tournament Hunter’s Green fund raiser for Labor Day (Mon., Sept. 6). (Photo: Charmaine George) neighborhood (in the former LifePoint Rebecca Towner, the president of the Church building) in September, has signed Hunter’s Green Elementary PTA and a on as the title sponsor of the event. Hunter’s Green resident, says the funds The tournament will be open to 144 will be allocated according to the number golfers, with proceeds from registration, of students at each school, and it will be up sponsorships, and a silent auction going to to each PTA how to spend the money. the PTA/PTSAs at each school. “This is a way for schools to work

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

together instead of being segmented and thinking only about where you are now,” says Rebecca. “Right now, I only have kids at the elementary school, but what’s going on at Benito and Wharton matters to me, too, because one day that’s where we’re going to be.” Rob, Rebecca, and the team of volunteers helping to make this tournament happen hope that members of the community will sign up to play, donate auction items, and consider becoming sponsors to make the event a success for the local schools. The day’s events will include a familyfriendly luncheon with activities for kids. Non-golfers are invited to participate in the luncheon and silent auction. The Chip In For Education Golf Tournament will be held at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). The four-person team scramble tournament will have a 9 a.m. shotgun start and will be followed by family-friendly festivities with a silent and live auction and luncheon. For more info, visit HuntersGreen. com and click on “Chip In For Education Golf Tournament” under the “Resident Life” tab of the menu.

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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-

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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 30 minutes from most of New Tampa (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

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Bubba’s 33 In Wesley Chapel Adds More Italian-Inspired Fare By Gary Nager

I have been a fan of Bubba’s 33, located next to its sister restaurant, Texas Roadhouse (just east of the S.R. 56 exit off I-75), since before the location officially opened at the end of 2019. We attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Bubba’s 33’s first Florida location in September of that year, and even though we didn’t get to sample any of the delicious food at that event, there was a great energy that day that I have personally seen flow through the restaurant’s management, employees and patrons ever since. Our first sample of the Bubba’s 33 menu came in December of that year and the burgers, wings, pizza and other predominantly sports bar-oriented fare we were given that day gave us a pretty good idea of what to expect — always-made-from-scratch food at very fair prices, with great adult beverage prices, too. New managing partner Joe Vergona has only been with Bubba’s 33 since January of this year, but as a fellow New Yorker, he and I were both excited to see Bubba’s recently expand its Italian options beyond its not-quite-NewYork-style (but still delicious) thin-crust pizzas, which definitely are made with fresh ingredients and served extra crispy (the way I prefer). “We have added an Italian-style meatball appetizer,” the native Brooklynite says, “as well as both a chicken parmigiana sandwich and a chicken parmigiana pasta option. They’re all already doing very well.” And for good reason. The Momma’s Homemade Meatball starter offers three nicesized beef-and-pork meatballs in a semi-spicy tomato sauce, covered with melted cheeses and served with spot-on garlic bread for dipping up the extra sauce and cheese. It definitely has been added to mine and Jannah’s ever-expanding list of Bubba’s favorites. I haven’t sampled the chicken parm pasta dish yet, but the sandwich is a generous portion of breaded chicken strips, topped with a slightly different-tasting tomato sauce and mozzarella and provolone cheeses (I might order the pickle slices served on top on the side instead), plus a generous portion of crispy French fries (or your choice of sides, including fresh broccoli, sweet

(Clockwise from top left) The delicious, new semi-spicy meatballs with garlic toast, new managing partner Joe Vergona, tasty new chicken parmigiana sandwich, Starbucks® espresso-marinated signature ribeye steak and 12-inch Dickie V pizza are all at Bubba’s 33 off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George)

potato fries, mac n’ cheese, chili and more).

Speaking Of Favorites...

Although we had tried several of Bubba’s pizzas before, on our most recent visit, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I were all really excited about The Dickie V pizza, named (of course) for long-time college basketball commentator and Tampa Bay-area resident Dick Vitale. This zesty, flavorful pizza includes Italian sausage, a hint of cherry peppers, fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese and a garlic buttered crust. As Dickie V himself would (and the menu does) say, “It’s awesome, baby!”

And, for every Dickie V “Pizzas for Victory” sold, Bubba’s 33 donates to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, so it’s a super-tasty way to support a worthy cause. Other Italian-oriented items on the Bubba’s 33 menu include strombolis (the “Super” version includes pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, mozzarella, provolone and marinara; there’s also a meatball stromboli), garlic knots (with marinara and cheese dipping sauces), “Crooked” fried cheese, really good lasagne and even an Italian chopped salad (with salami, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, smoked turkey and mozzarella).

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Other great pizzas on the menu include an Italian margherita (with smoked tomatoes and basil), the Meaty Meaty, the fresh veggie and the pepperoni. There’s even a goat cheese arugula option I’ve never tried. And, I also really love both the grilled ribeye and the Signature ribeye Texas Roadhouseinspired steaks. The Signature is marinated in a Starbucks® espresso blend and both steaks are hand-cut and served with two sides. Our other favorites include the crispy traditional and boneless wings (try the raspberry chipotle or Habanero Heat sauces), the California chicken (grilled chicken with avocado

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(Above) The boneless raspberry chipotle wings and beef and the doible-patty bacon grind bacon burger also are among our editor’s favorites at Bubba’s 33. (Photos by Charmaine George)

and pico de gallo), bacon grind double-patty and halfpound Angus beef burgers, the bacon mac n’ cheese and Charmaine also offers a happy shout out to the chipotle chicken and shrimp pasta.

A True Community Partner

Bubba’s 33 also is one of our area’s best community partner eateries, offering fund-raising events to local PTAs and other nonprofits, and working with the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, where there’s a Bubba’s 33 MVP of the Month board (photo, right) honoring young athletes, as well as AdventHealth Center Ice and more. “We really do have something for everyone,” Joe says proudly, “so come check us out!” Bubba’s 33 (26340 Silver Maple Pkwy.) is open Mon.-Thur., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Fri. & Sat.; and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call (813) 522-5090, visit Bubbas33.com or see the ad (which has a free appetizer coupon with the purchase of an entrée, valid Mon.-Thur. only) on pg. 35.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Pick Of The Week 1: Total Wine & More!

ALDI Set To Open July 29!

Matt Thon, the Haines City, FL, division vice president for ALDI has told us, “Our new Tampa, Florida, store is on track to open Thursday, July 29. We look forward to serving Tampa residents and providing them with the best grocery shopping experience and will reach out with more information closer to the Grand Opening.” — John C. Cotey

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. And, Total Wine’s marketing department has contacted me about advertising some of the new store’s 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 information, visit TotalWine.com or call (813) 435-1207 — and please tell Albie and her staff that I sent you! — GN

Skipper’s Smokehouse Almost Ready To Reopen!

Although we don’t know when the legendary Skipper’s Smokehouse (910 Skipper Rd., off N. Nebraska Ave.) will officially reopen, I did visit the closed-since-Covid restaurant and live music venue on one of its soft reopening days the day I went to press with this issue. “We still don’t have a firm official reopening date,” said spokesperson Cricket Larson, “but we’re definitely getting close.” Back when New Tampa had only a handful of restaurants of its own, Skipper’s was famous for its great drink prices, outstanding live music, fresh fish (like my grilled wahoo, below), raw oysters and great wings (bottom pic), like the ones my new friends Terri and Michael (middle pic) enjoyed and so far, so good. Call (813) 971-0666 or visit SkippersSmokehouse.com for reservations & more Grand Reopening info). — GN

Pick Of The Week 2: The 2nd Location Of The Ice Dreammm Shop! Shortly after Falabella Family Bistro opened in The Grove (as we reported last issue), owner Joe Schembri (photo, near right) opened his second location of the Ice Dreammm Shop directly across from Falabella and the second location of 900º Woodfired Pizza (see below) in the Village at The Grove plaza. Featuring the same creamy, delicious homemade ice cream (including those amazing alcohol-infused flavors for adults only, like my favorite peanut butter fudge, made with peanut butter whiskey ) 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 (right), hand-made waffle cones (far right), hand-spun shakes and dairy- and gluten-free ice cream options to the always-tasty 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 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 more information, visit icedreammmshop.com or call (813) 586-3767.

900º Woodfired Pizza Needs More Help To Open!

Speaking of Falabella and his 900º Woodfired, at our press time, Steve said that his new location of one of Wesley Chapel’s favorite pizzerias was ready to open, but that he still needed additional people to join his team before he could make any opening announcements. Steve was looking for experienced (in the pizza business) cooks, plus prep cook, dishwashers and more. To apply for any of these positions, email 900Info@gmail.com and Steve will respond ASAP. — GN

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Stop Sign Skateboarding Now Open (Next To Cali)! Considering that he’s younger than both of my sons, I can’t really blame Stop Sign Skateboarding owner Brian Gardner (photo) for not having his cool shop open when Jared and Jake were making me drive them to the Skate Park of Tampa (25-30 minutes away) 15-20 years ago. Today, not only do New Tampa residents have a great local skate park (at the New Tampa Community Park in Tampa Palms), Stop Sign has everything those skaters need — including great name-brand boards, protective gear, T-shirts and accessories — between Cali Tampa Palms and Smallcakes Cupcakery (at 17006 Palm Pointe Dr., in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza), only a mile or so from the skate park. For more info, stop in or call (813) 210-4974. — GN

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New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Is Willing To Overpay A Part-Time Office Assistant! For details, see ad on next pg. or email your resume to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com!

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.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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.

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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

Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 15 • July 20, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews