New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 30, Issue 15, July 26, 2022 by Neighborhood News

Volume 30 Issue 15 July 26, 2022

Get Out & Vote, New Tampa! See pages 3, 10 & 12-13!

SAY ‘HI’ TO ‘NESSY’ FOR US!

Photo by Charmaine George

Is Angie Ng (above & in 1st place in inset photo) just bored, or crazy? Maybe a little of both, as she heads off to swim the famed lake known as Loch Ness in Scotland. See the story on pages 4-5. HAPPY TRAILS

Tampa Palms Blvd. is set for a 2023 reclamation project. See page 6

ELECTION TIME!

Grand Hampton’s Alan Cohn hopes to be your next District 15 U.S. Congressman. See pages 3, 10 & 12-13

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SCHOOL GRADES OUT

As usual, New Tampa’s schools post some of the best scores in the Tampa Bay area. See page 28

BUBBA’S 33

From NFL games to Music ‘Bingo,’ Bubba’s is your place for food & fun! See pages 34-35

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If You Care About Our Country & Our Community, Please Vote Aug. 23! By GARY NAGER Editorial

I know I’m like a broken record when it comes to New Tampa’s history of voting (or lack thereof) in most elections — especially Primary Elections, like the one coming up on Tuesday, August 23. My hope this year, with primaries to select Democratic opponents to face Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody in November, and the recent craziness in U.S. and world politics (e.g., the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Jan. 6 Capitol Insurrection hearings, the economy, Ukraine,

NEW TAMPA’S AUGUST 23 PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT

County Commission District 7 (Countywide) Republican Primary *To face Kimberly Overman Chase Harrison (REP) Joshua Wostal (REP) School Board District 6 (District-Wide) • Karen Perez (NPA) Roshaun Gendrett (NPA) Alysha Legge (NPA) Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit, Group 37 (Nonpartisan Election) Nancy L. Jacobs Jared Smith Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit, Group 6 (Nonpartisan Election) Belinda Noah Wesley Tibbals County Court Judge, Group 14 (Nonpartisan Election) Melissa Black Alicia Whiting Bozich Linette “Starr” Brookins Mike Isaak School Board Millage Election Referendum for Public School Students Shall The School Board of Hillsborough County levy an ad valorem operating millage of 1 mil annually for fiscal years July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027, to (i) increase compensation to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers and staff, (ii) expand art, music, and physical education, (iii) expand workforce development, sharing funds with charter schools proportionate with student enrollment as required by law, with annual reporting to ensure proper stewardship of funds to taxpayers? Yes or No U.S. Senator (Democratic Primary) (* To face Marco Rubio) Ricardo De La Fuente Val Demings Brian Rush William Sanchez Representative in U.S. Congress, District 15 (Democratic Primary) Gavin Brown Alan M. Cohn Eddie Geller Cesar Ramirez William VanHorn Representative in U.S. Congress, District 15 (Republican Primary) Demetries “Commander” Grimes Laurel Lee Kevin “Mac” McGovern Kelli Stargel Jackie Toledo Neighborhood News

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the Middle East, etc.) that more people than usual from our area will cast ballots on Aug. 23. But, as I’ve said so many times before, even without a “big” national election this year, I wish that more of you would consider casting ballots in local Primary and General Elections as “important,” too. Whether you believe it or not, those who are elected to serve you on the Hillsborough School Board and County Commission actually have at least as much, if not more, effect on your everyday life than your U.S. Senator, Congressman and even the President. And, if you care about how much teachers are paid and other School District needs, this year’s Aug. 23 Primary also is asking you to vote for or against adding a School Board

millage to your tax bill, and we have a plea to vote for that millage from our local (District 3) School Board member (and Tampa Palms resident) Jessica Vaughn on pg. 10 of this issue. The millage referendum will not also appear on this year’s Genera Election ballot in Nov., so the Aug. 23 Primary is your only chance to have your say on this issue, for or against. So, please get out & vote, New Tampa!

NEW TAMPA’S AUG. 23 PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT (Cont.)

Florida Governor & Lieutenant Governor (Dem. Primary) (*To face Ron DeSantis) Charlie Crist Cadence Daniel Nicole “Nikki” Fried Robert L. Willis

Florida Attorney General (Dem. Primary) (*To face Ashley Moody) Aramis Ayala Jim Lewis Daniel Uhlfelder Florida Commissioner of Agriculture (Democratic Primary) *to replace Nikkie Fried Naomi Esther Blemur J.R. Gaillot Ryan Morales Florida Commissioner of Agriculture (Republican Primary) *to replace Nikkie Fried James W. Shaw Wilton Simpson • - Indicates incumbent in a race

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Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin Isabella Douglas • Rodney Page Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Morgan Conlin Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 30, Issue 17, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, August 11, 2022. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2022 JM2 Communications, Inc. For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 15 • July 26, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Swimmer Tackles Loch Ness (The Lake, Not The Monster!) By JOHN C. COTEY

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When people find out that Angie Ng is training to swim across a treacherous lake halfway across the world in 55-degree water, they usually have only one question: “Why?” And, Angie’s answer is almost always the same: “Why not?” A 52-year-old Seven Oaks resident and mother of two college students, Angie has decided to tackle the onset of her empty nester years with what will be one of her biggest challenges ever, swimming on a relay team with three childhood swimming friends from Hong Kong to cross the 23-mile Loch Ness in Scotland. Angie left for Scotland on July 22. She was unsure what day she would get to swim the lake. Her team has hired a boat, and will start the swim when the captain decides the conditions are the best. “It will be between July 23-30, and they can call you at anytime that week,” Angie says. “They can call at 5 a.m. and say, ‘The wind is most favorable and you need to come now.’” Angie’s has been swimming since she was 3 years old, to combat her chronic bronchitis since swimming is good for respiratory issues. She continued to swim as she grew up, competing on the Chinese National Team in

didn’t mention the temperature of the water she’d be swimming in. While she has been training at the 89-degree Seven Oaks pool, the water in Loch Ness averages around 59 degrees in July. “I just told him that all I know is it’s a pretty lake, a famous lake,” said Angie, referring to the long-necked Nessie, aka the Loch Ness Monster, who lives in the lake, according to Scottish folklore. Angie eagerly jumped into training to be part of the first relay team from Hong Kong to even attempt the challenge. “It’s a little bit out of my normal routine, but it’s doable,” she says. “It’s an adventure I think I can make. And it’s better than being a couch potato.” Because she was rusty, she could only swim 500 meters when she started, but soon added more distance, with 24 laps Seven Oaks resident Angie Ng and three of her friends from Hong Kong will attempt to swim the 23-mile- becoming 250 laps and more this summer. long Loch Ness (see map on next page) as a relay team later this month. (Photo: Charmaine George) Most days she will swim 5,000 meters, or a little more than three miles; and has maninternational and Junior Olympic events. ter Kristen is at the University of Central aged a few longer (10,000m) workouts. Florida and son Kelvin is at the University She continued to swim competitively She says her long swims are a pleasof Washington (in Seattle), Angie’s mornfor two years at the University of Massaant escape from the world’s depressing chusetts at Amherst, before work, marriage ings are free for swimming. current events, and she passes the time and children took her out of the pool. She just needed a mission. thinking about food. One day, around In January, one of her former teamDespite participating in the milethe 7,000-meter mark, she couldn’t stop long Hong Kong Cross Harbour Race in mates called with an idea: let’s get two thinking about pork belly, and then roast 2016 and 2018, the last year the event others and swim across the Loch Ness. pork with eggs and noodles. was held due to Covid (until resuming in It sounded crazy, but Angie pitched “I have hours and hours to think,” December 2021), she barely has had time the idea to her husband Victor, who she says, laughing. “For my 10,000-meter to get in the pool. But, now that daughapproved — although Angie admits she

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swim, my calorie burn can reach almost my daily diet requirement. No wonder I keep thinking of food!” A month ago, she started filling her bathtub at home with ice and water 3-4 times a week, and taking 15-minute soaks hoping it will prepare her for the loch. “At first, I was just trying to get used to cold temperatures,” Angie says, “but wow, it was actually very good for my muscle fatigue recovery.” Angie and her group started a Facebook page documenting their preparation, and hoping to raise money for charity. A nurse practitioner at the University of South Florida, Angie is donating 100% of her portion to Doctors Without Borders. As for the adventure, Angie expects she will swim six miles, or right about the 10k distance of her longer swims. Her team

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isn’t competing against others, just looking to finish the challenge on a high note. “Just completing it would be a success,” Angie says. “The goal is to finish the whole thing from one end to the other. Then (we’ll be) happy. I’m just happy I have done this, that’s all. To me, I think, at this stage of my life, I have taken up a challenge and I will do my best and enjoy the process.”

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Path Is Clear For Tampa Palms Blvd. Repaving Project By JOHN C. COTEY

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The City of Tampa may have had some grander plans for Tampa Palms Blvd., but after some back and forth with residents, the road to getting the project completed appears to be...well...paved. A second online presentation by the city went better than the first and, barring any major changes, the plans for repaving and adding safety enhancements to Tampa Palms Blvd. should be ready by October. If the city can settle on two contractors — bids are in, so it should be a timely process — for the roadwork, the $3-million-plus project should begin sometime in the first half of 2023, if not sooner, and will be completed by the end of next year. One full-depth reclamation project contractor will be hired to basically churn up the base material, take out all of the old asphalt and repack it, while a paving contractor will “come in and makes it look all pretty,” said Cal Hardie, the City of Tampa’s capital projects manager, who added that the repaving should only take roughly three months. “The good news is that Mayor Jane Castor has put some ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act Grant Program) money into the project, so we’re able to expedite the repaving,” Hardie told those participating in the online presentation. “It’s a high priority.” The repaving of Tampa Palms Blvd. will go forward in two segments — the south loop (or Segment 1), which runs from the north intersection of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. to the south intersection through Tampa Palms Area 3, and the north loop, or Segment 2, which runs from the south intersection of BBD to Ebensburg Dr. in Tampa Palms Area 2. Not only will the road — which is showing its nearly-40-year-old (in some sections) age and has been labeled “failed” by a few city officials — be repaved, a num-

ber of enhancements will be added in the hopes of addressing a number of concerns, including speeding, intersection safety, pedestrian access and school pick-ups and drop-offs. The multimodal paths, used by pedestrians, skaters, bikers and even golf carts, will not be reconditioned as part New signs and crossings will bring added safety to the Compton Dr. inof the project. “We only have tersection with Tampa Palms Blvd., one of Tampa Palms’ most dangerous, according to the City of Tampa. the budget for inside they would be effective in a different the curbs,” Hardie said. “I’m reserving area, they can be easily transferred, unlike funds because construction costs are skyyour typical cement speed table. rocketing. Even though we have a healthy Hardie said enhanced crossings will budget, I’m actually a little nervous about be added throughout the road at key being able to fund everything once the points. He showed a map that had four bids come in. There is no extra money.” marked crossings, and two marked crossThe city is proposing narrowing the ings with Rectangular Rapid Flashing width of the four road lanes to 10 feet Beacons, or RRFBs, at Compton Dr. each, making room for 2-foot striped (southern intersection) and Tampa Palms buffer on the outside of each lane (curb Trail (the TECO easement). However, and median sides). since the trail at the TECO easement And, while residents previously shot is not an official road and is on private down the idea of losing a lane which property, a few residents suggested movwould have made room for a dedicated bike path, there will be shared lane markings added to the outside lanes as a reminder to drivers that bicyclists also may use the lanes. Hardie said the biggest and most common complaints the city receives about Tampa Palms Blvd. is speeding. The speed limits in various parts of the 4-mile loop are 35 and 40 miles per hour, and the city is recommending a 35 mph speed limit throughout. There likely will be speed tables or removable street cushions placed at key locations. The removable street cushions are rubber speed tables that are uniquely spaced to allow emergency vehicles (with their wider wheel base) and bikes to pass through unimpeded. If it is determined

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ing the RRFB to another location, with which Hardie said he agreed. RRFBs are pedestrian-activated, and Hardie said St. Petersburg installed quite a few of them and found that they were effective in increasing the numbers of cars yielding for pedestrians. “They (RRFBs) do work very well,” Hardie said. RRFBs will be a good option at Compton Dr. and Tampa Palms Blvd., which Hardie says is the most dangerous intersection along the roadway. A roundabout was suggested by a few residents. “A roundabout is not off the table,” Hardie said, “but, with safety needs across the city, we’d have to have a crash history study to fund a roundabout because they are quite expensive. We’re not saying no, but they are not a part of this project.” The residents online for the presentation, which was followed by a Q-n-A session, seemed in favor of most of what Hardie had to say, a far cry from the first online presentation in September 2021. At that presentation, Hardie pitched the idea to convert the four-lane Tampa Palms Blvd. into two lanes — one in each direction — as a traffic-calming measure. That concept, however, was soundly rejected by residents, who sent more than 100 emails of displeasure to the city.

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Late August Is The New Date (Hopefully) For The MP Connector By JOHN C. COTEY Creek and K-Bar Ranch areas, who have been awaiting the chance to get to Wesley Chapel without having to use the Residents of K-Bar Ranch waiting for busier Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. another way in and out of their commuWhen it was open, the new connecnity, as well as a quicker ride to Wesley tor made the drive from K-Bar Ranch Chapel, will have to wait a little longer. Pkwy. to S.R. 56 (just a few miles east After opening the connection between of the Shops of Wiregrass mall) just a Meadow Pointe Blvd. and K-Bar Ranch 4-minute trip. Travelers also could use Pkwy. for utility workers to finish their the connector as a shortcut to the Super work, with the unintended consequence of Target and other stores in that area at having eager K-Bar Ranch residents driving the corner of BBD and County Line Rd. on the new extension, the long-awaited The City of Tampa will organize connector is back to being closed. a formal opening ceremony when the The latest update from District 7 roadway has been completed. Tampa City Council member Luis Viera The Meadow Pointe Blvd. conis that the road may not be open until nector is one of four connection points August, or even later. originally planned on K-Bar Ranch “The City of Tampa staff has signed Pkwy. for the K-Bar Ranch community. off on the plat, but cannot open the The first, where Kinnan St. meets Mansroadway until the item is approved by field Blvd. in Meadow Pointe II, was City Council,” Viera says. “The developdenied by Pasco County and continues er and utility company report that they to only be open to emergency rescue vewill not be ready to bring the Meadow hicle and police traffic. Meadow Pointe Pointe plat for approval to City Council Blvd. is the second, and the other two until late August. Until that time, the — at Wyndfields Blvd and Morris Bridge roadway will remain private property.” Rd. — are both at least two years away. M/I Homes, the K-Bar Ranch “Please know that the City is working developer, will retain ownership of the diligently with all parties involved to ensure roadway, and the barricades will stay up, that this critical connection opens as soon until City Council makes its approval. as possible for residents,” Viera says. “We’ll That’s a bummer for New Tampa have a formal opening announcement imresidents, especially those in the Cross mediately following final approval.” john@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera says the Meadow Pointe Blvd. connector to K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. should officially be open by the end of August.

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How The Millage Referendum Could Help Our Community Since being elected to represent District 3 on the Hillsborough School Board in 2020, myself, my fellow School Board members and the superintendent have Opinion by all worked diligently Jessica Vaughn, to overcome the Hillsborough financial challenges County School that have plagued Board, District 3 this District for close to a decade. We are proud to state that by the end of this fiscal year, Hillsborough County Public Schools is slated to overcome a $150-million deficit, realizing a more stable financial stature that will translate into a brighter future for our organization and, most importantly, for our students. As a District, we emerged from this financial shortfall partly by having to make extremely difficult staffing decisions at all levels, which undoubtedly had a negative impact on our students and families. Florida currently is ranked 43rd in per-pupil funding, leaving many school districts like ours without adequate funds to recruit and retain

highly qualified teachers as we all contend with rising inflation that is leaving educational systems with severe staffing shortages. Twenty-one other districts in Florida have had to pass a millage referendum in order to properly fund their school districts. On August 23, 2022, the Hillsborough County School Board voted to place a millage referendum on the ballot that would provide an estimated $126 million per year over four years to our District if approved by voters. If this measure passes, 75% of this money would go toward providing salary increases for teachers and support staff. We realize the crucial role our educators play in the lives of our children and families, and we must continue to examine proactive solutions to illustrate their importance to our community and its collective success. If approved, the additional funds would also be utilized to expand Art, Music and P.E. for our youngest learners, offering equitable access across all grade bands. These funds also would provide us a unique chance to elevate our Workforce Development Programs to develop a talent pipeline for students in medical, construction and logisticsrelated fields.

You may be wondering how this would impact you if approved. Using a $300,000 property value as an example, the millage increase would translate to an additional $22.92 per month, or $275 per year for a homeowner. Hillsborough is the only large school district in the state that has not passed a millage increase. While we understand the referendum may be a heavy lift for some families in a time of such uncertainty, it has the potential to make an enormous difference in the lives of our teach-

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ers, staff, students and families. If you see the value that strong and thriving public schools bring to our community, I strongly encourage you to vote “yes” for the millage referendum during the Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, August 23. All voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote for this Millage Referendum. The funding from this referendum increase will allow us to work together to adequately support our schools, teachers and staff while creating a brighter future for our students and our community as a whole.

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New Tampa’s Cohn Wants To Make A Difference In Congress By JOHN C. COTEY John@NTNeighborhoodNews.com If you’re looking for a political candidate that you can trust to stand up for what is right for you, your family and your neighbor’s family, Alan Cohn says he’s that guy. The long-time Grand Hampton resident is running for the redrawn U.S. Congressional District (CD) 15, which covers parts of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, and Cohn thinks the voters’ familiarity with his work as a former investigative reporter with ABC News in Tampa (and Sarasota) shows the kind of member of Congress he would be. “What people have seen from me, from my work on ABC in Tampa, is a guy who has gone out and uncovered political corruption by both Democrats and Republicans,” Cohn says. “While people are skeptical (of politicians), they find in me a candidate who has called it out on both sides and has worked to make the community a better place already.” This will be Cohn’s third attempt at winning a Congressional seat. He lost in 2014 to incumbent Republican Dennis Ross (60.3 percent to 39.7 percent) and in 2020 defeated Adam Hattersly in the Democratic primary before losing to Scott Franklin (RLakeland) 55.5%-44.6%. However, the new congressional map for this election shifted CD 15 more

Congressional District 15 candidate and Grand Hampton resident Alan Cohn with his family (l.-r.) wife Patricia, daughter Ann and son Aaron. towards Cohn’s favor as a Democratic 1,000 voters that separate Democrats and candidate, while Franklin is now running in Republicans. This is a swing District.” Florida’ 18th Congressional District. The According to the Cook Political Renew map doesn’t change CD 15 from being port’s 2022 Partisan Voting Index (PVI), it a Republican-favored seat but it’s closer to a also will be Florida’s closest, with whoever 50-50 split than it was in 2020 and encomthe Republican representative ends up being to be a 4-point favorite. The Republican passes more of Cohn’s home turf. field includes some well-known names in “This is not the same Congressional GOP circles, including former Secretary District,” says Cohn, who was the last Demof State Laurel Lee, Sen. Kelli Stargel and ocrat to enter the five-candidate field. “I Rep. Jackie Toledo and political newcomers waited for the maps to be final and looked Demetries Grimes and Kevin McGovern. very hard at this District. There’s only about

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Cohn is running against four others in the Democratic primary — comedian Eddie Geller, political consultant Gavin Brown, third-generation Army veteran Cesar Ramirez and 30-year postal service veteran Bill VanHorn. The heart of the new CD 15, Cohn says, is New Tampa, where he and wife Patty have raised their family. Their children, Ann and Aaron, graduated from Wharton High; Aaron is now pitching with Class A Stockton in the Oakland A’s organization. Not only is Cohn recognizable from his time as a television reporter, but he has been a familiar face around New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. “This is where we are ingrained in our community,” Cohn says. “Most people have seen me on the ballfields. Patty and I have been so involved with the community. It’s such an incredible opportunity to serve now.” Upon entering the race, Cohn quickly collected several big endorsements from the likes of former Governor and current gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, former State Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, former Florida Education Commissioner and USF president Betty Castor and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the co-chair of the Florida Congressional Delegation who also is the co-chair of candidate recruitment for

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the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Cohn told FloridaPolitics.com he raised more than $100,000 in the first 14 days after filing to run on June 16. “We have worked in this community and have voted in this community and will win because, in the short time I’ve been in the race, I have raised the resources to reach the voters that we need to reach,” Cohn says. And, he says, those need-to-reach voters are predominantly independents. According to Cohn, how those with no party affiliation break in their voting, especially in CD 15, could determine the results of the upcoming election. “That’s really our key,” Cohn says. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 23, and the general Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8. “We have been working with people who are interested in candidates who do reach across the aisle, who are problem solvers. That’s what I aspire to be,” Cohn says. “The fact of the matter is the last 9-10 months I’ve doing a lot of writing on the national level and here in Florida and calling out both parties when it’s been needed to be done.” Cohn has a number of issues he is focused on, such as lowering taxes, fighting against rising prescription drug costs, veterans’ issues, investing in education and much-needed improvements to our transportation infrastructure. And, he thinks he can get other mem-

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bers of Congress on board as well. Despite the frayed nature of this country’s political discourse these days, where sides are taken based solely on political affiliation, and working with the opposition is frowned upon by the fringes of both parties, Cohn thinks his record shows an ability to reach across the aisle to get things done. And, Congress has to be fixed, he believes. “If we fail, the country is in danger,” he says. As one example, Cohn cites his work with District 12 Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis in 2010, when Cohn exposed companies charging veterans large illegal fees. The law, however, had no teeth, and Bilirakis saw the report and filed a bill to give the law more of a bite, via criminal penalties. Cohn, a 1985 graduated of Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, has a won a number of awards for his investigative reporting, most notably the prestigious 2007 Peabody Award for uncovering that defective parts had been installed on U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. “My record stands apart from anyone else’s,” Cohn says. “If you are a Republican, a Democrat or an independent, you’re frustrated and understandably cynical. And I’m a guy who not only wants to get results but has gotten results. Voters are tired of the nonsense they see on TV and read in the newspapers. I’m the guy who they remember getting solutions to real problems in this community, and I think that stands above anything.”

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‘Grand Hampton’ Shoots At Tampa Theatre! A few dozen extras rolled into the Tampa Theatre July 1 for a shooting of the Season 3 premiere of “Grand Hampton: The Movie,” a YouTube series conceived by Grand Hampton resident Antony Capers, starring only residents of that community. The three-hour shoot will be incorporated into the new season’s debut and shown on the big screen at the Tampa Theatre in October, during the “Nightmare on Franklin St.” horror series the theatre has put on for the last 10 years. “It was an amazing experience,” Capers said. “It was the best experience I’ve had with actually filming something. It was our first time on a location, and it went well.” Capers’ show about strange creatures harvesting the organs of children in a community filled with people living in the witness protection program has filmed two seasons and 27 short episodes, and previously had been filmed exclusively in Grand Hampton. The show has 250 subscribers and 15,000 views on YouTube. — JCC

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The Cathedral Of Worship & Praise — A Product Of The Pandemic By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN Correspondent The Cathedral of Worship and Praise Christian Center started as a way for people to connect virtually online during the pandemic in December 2020. Once it was safe to do so, Bishop Carl R. Curry — who prefers to go by “Bishop Carl” and is the independent Pastor of the church — says, “God presented the opportunity,” and The Cathedral began holding services in person on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. in the Healing Plaza building next to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. The first service was held on Easter Sunday of this year. He says the services are “concentrated” to last no more than an hour and 15 minutes, and focus on the Word of God, instead of the big production elements (such as lights and smoke) that are often popular in big churches. “I grew up in big churches, where the lights and the glitz and the gospel singing were stirring and moving,” says Bishop Carl. “But, when it’s all said and done, my moment was good, but it did nothing for my spiritual journey, as far as something that I could take with me when I left the building.” So, at The Cathedral, Bishop Carl says he focuses on “rendering experi-

Bishop Carl Curry, who also is a Chaplain at AdventHeath Wesley Chapel, came to Tampa from New York City with his family and started a new church — The Cathedral of Worship & Praise, located in the Healing Plaza building next to AHWC. (Photos provided by Bishop Carl Curry)

ences that are life-changing.” He says his church is nondenominational, but that he sees all of humanity as the church’s denomination. While many denominations have been created because of disagreements — with some people splitting off to form a new denomination — Bishop Carl is all about unity and, he says, the power of God that comes from the Bible. “I give people freely what I learned in seminary,” he says. “Sometimes, what you hear from the pulpit is opin-

ion, not rightful interpretation.” Bishop Carl was first ordained as a Senior Pastor 12 years ago in New York City and was consecrated a Bishop in August 2021 by Churches of The Body of Christ Fellowship. He is part of the Joint College of Bishops for the organization, which is a fellowship of believers, rather than a specific denomination. Curry holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Theology from New Life Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC,

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and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Christian Family Counseling from New Hope Institutional Academy in Amityville, NY. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in psychology from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and is currently working on a M.S. degree program in spiritual care from AdventHealth University in Orlando. After 40 years of ministry in New York City, Bishop Carl says he and his wife (and Co-Pastor) Yonnicka moved their family to Tampa six years ago because God called them here. They both took jobs at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel — Yonnicka as a respiratory therapist and Bishop Carl as a Chaplain — and then moved into Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa with their three children — 13-year-old Zidan and 6-yearold twins Mordecai and Abiana. From their home to their jobs, to church, their entire commute is a total of six minutes. “All of it happened effortlessly,” Bishop Carl explains. While he wasn’t seeking to move away from New York, he and Yonnicka felt called to the area and to starting a new church here.

The Light & The Pandemic

He says that starting during the Cov-

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where she got there early in the morning and often stayed most of the day, but now, many people don’t want to sit in church all day. She says the 11 a.m. time on Sundays is perfect for her and that she likes that the service only lasts for a little more than an hour. “The service is awesome,” she says. “I like the music and I like the preaching. (Bishop Carl is) very articulate, very knowledgeable and Bishop Carl’s wife and Co-Pastor Yonnicka (left) also is an important part of The Cathedral of Worship & Praise, well-versed in the Word where everyone seeking the Word of God is always welcome to attend online or in person. of God.” Bishop Carl’s experiid-19 pandemic was a way to meet people meet you right where you are. ence as both a counselor in New York and where they were, even as churches went “We’re not called to be perfect or now as a Chaplain in Wesley Chapel has into lockdown phase and some churches created to be perfect,” says Bishop Carl. given him a lot of insight into how people couldn’t survive it. “We’re called to be holy.” are feeling about the world we live in right “We were able to help people deal Toni is a Wesley Chapel resident now, saying that many are feeling bombardwith what was happening to them on a who attends church at The Cathedral and ed with local, national and global problems. day-to-day basis,” he says. asked that we only use her first name. “There’s a lot of depression and anxiNow, he’s bringing people together “I started watching the church serety with the rise in the housing market, who are looking for more than just a vices on Zoom,” says Toni, who also said inflation, parents feeling disconnected “ritualistic worshipping of God on a speshe had Covid early on in the pandemic and was mostly staying home, rather than from kids, and kids are feeling disconnectcific day at a specific time.” ed from parents,” he explains. “There’s a attending services in person. “Then, when He says it’s all about relationships, lot of separatism going on, and we want they had their first (in-person) service, I and letting people know that everyone to move the mindset and focus onto went and it was very good.” has value, and that both God and the something greater than ourselves.” Toni says she grew up in a church people at The Cathedral are willing to

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Voices For Unity Concert

The Cathedral plans to be a voice for unity in the community, having hosted a program in downtown Tampa bringing Christians together to support Ukraine and co-hosting (with Churches of The Body of Christ) an upcoming Voices for Unity Concert on Friday, August 12, 7 p.m. (at the Healing Plaza), calling for people of every denomination to come together as one. “The theme is ‘Many Denominations, One Voice,” says Bishop Carl. “It will be a fellowship concert of praise, worship, liturgical dance, prayer and coming together for all humanity. Come and receive your miracle!” Previously, the church’s online services have been held via Zoom but, beginning in August, they will be live-streamed through a platform called FaithLife. Bishop Carl says links to the live stream will be posted on The Cathedral’s Facebook page, which you can find by searching “The Cathedral of Worship and Praise Christian Center” on Facebook. The Cathedral of Worship and Praise Christian Center meets at 2950 Healing Way in Wesley Chapel in the Healing Plaza building on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. For more information, visit TheCathedralofWP.com, email TheCathedralofWP@gmail.com, call (813) 943-9773 or see the ad on page 27 of this issue.

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Cort Of Appeal Brings Style To Your Fashions & Interior Design By ISABELLA DOUGLAS Correspondent Cortnie Roshaune Hordge lives by the motto: life isn’t perfect, but your home and wardrobe can be. The New Tampa resident is known among her friends and family as being “extra” — from her bright, bold apparel to her contemporary modern home décor. Her passion for fashion and interior design fueled her to create Cort of Appeal, a client-focused fashion styling and interior design business, which she started in October 2021. Her mission is to bring style to both wardrobes and homes, not only in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities, but also nationwide. Cort of Appeal derives from Hordge’s first name and her goal to appeal to her clients’ fashion and interior design expectations. “Fashion is really about how you feel and how you want to feel in the clothes or in the environment that you’re in,” she says. Her online business is made up of two parts: Cort Fashion and Cort Design. She also has created a shop called Cort’s Curvy Closet for curvy women, where new and gently used apparel from her own wardrobe can be purchased. From updating a client’s wardrobe

attention to every detail. “She’s extra with everything,” Simmons said. “She amps everything up.”

Your Home, Your Personality

Cortnie Roshaune Hordge of Cort of Appeal gave one of her clients “the glam I didn’t know I needed” with her design of the living room and kitchen above. (Photos courtesy of Cortnie Hordge).

to on-call styling assistance, Hordge says Fashion Cort is for bringing out the beauty in her clients. Treesa Battles, another New Tampa resident and creative consultant at Cort of Appeal, said both the business and Hordge’s apparel are distinctive and fashionable. “She has really unique pieces, very

bold pieces, very bright, vibrant pieces and it’s really what folks are looking for when they are fashion forward,” Battles says. Hordge’s mom, Natalie Simmons, inspired her daughter to always look her best. Simmons says she is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments and knows the business will excel because of her daughter’s love for beauty and her

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Hordge’s business is best known, however, for its interior design consultations. From homes to offices, Cort Design works with clients — virtually or in-person — to create a personality for each space, and works with wholesalers for home décor items she thinks will fit the vibe she is shooting for to make her clients happy. “There’s a lot of cohesion, there’s a good vibe and energy feel from what she puts together,” Da’na Langford of the Village of Healing Center (a health care center in Cleveland, OH), one of her clients, says. “It’s very beautiful, it’s unique, it stands out. It looks very modernized and professional…there’s a flow to everything.” Hordge worked virtually with the Village of Healing Center from late December to February of this year to renovate its building’s interior. Langford, the center’s co-founder, hired Hordge to create a space where Black women could feel safe and become better educated about healthcare services. The Center was designed to showcase

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Black history, with photos and descriptions on acrylic signs. Without Hordge, Langford says the space would have had printed photos framed on walls and would lack the emphasis on Black culture. “We wanted Black women to be able to walk in and see themselves,” Langford says. “And so, Cortnie just brought all of that very much to light for us.” When Langford hired Hordge to complete the job, she was initially concerned about the interior design being too time consuming. She was pleased to find out she only had to say “yes” or “no,” and Hordge and her team would do the rest. “She’s very bubbly, professional, down to earth and, if she does not think that something will gel well with what you’re thinking, she will definitely let you know that. And then, we’ll send another option, instead of just saying ‘no,’” Langford says. Hordge’s favorite interior design is her most recent house project because she was able to convince her client, Neoshia Woodson, to step out of her comfort zone. Woodson hired Cort of Appeal to design her newly purchased home in Wimauma. She wanted to use all of her furniture and elevate her space while still maintaining her budget. Hordge introduced Woodson to wallpapers and convinced her to have a teal accent wall — additions Woodson was initially unsure about. “Cortnie gave me the glam, and she gave me the glam that I really didn’t want and didn’t know I know I needed,” Woodson says. “She took my place to another level.” Although Hordge’s business currently is primarily online, she still believes in an in-person presence. Hordge and her team have attended pop-up shops in Tampa to showcase their fashion and interior design items from her business and will attend another pop-up event on Sunday, August 14, at 200 East Madison St. in Tampa. She also will compete in an event as a stylist at Fashion’s Finest Tampa Bay on Saturday,

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New Tampa’s Cortnie Hodge has a knack for designing a new look for you, and your home.

August 20. Next year, she hopes to open a shop at Wesley Chapel’s Krate at the Grove container park. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (813) 421-0054, visit CortAppeal.com or see the ad on pg. 25. Cortnie also can be found on Facebook and Instagram by searching @cortappeal.

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Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon Opens Third Location By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN

kind of grooming he desired for his pup. He set out to create what he was looking for, but now, he’s become passionate about helping all pets, not just his own. “When we first opened the store, it was all about Max, but our focus has changed,” says Paul. “Now, it’s all about your pet. We offer the highest-quality advice, products and grooming that you can get in the New Tampa or Wesley Chapel areas. We have your dog or cat’s best interest at heart, and they are the number one reason why we open our doors every day.”

Correspondent

When Paul Spalvieri opened the first Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon in 2019 on S.R. 54 (about a mile east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., near the entrance to Saddlebrook Resort), he brought a boutique concept in pet care and grooming that is completely different from the big box pet stores to Wesley Chapel. In just three years, Max’s has now grown to three locations, proving that people want and appreciate the premium nutrition and impeccable grooming in cage-free facilities that Max’s offers. Last December, Paul’s business partners Gregg and Gabriel Clavijo-Hopper opened a franchise location in New Tampa in the shopping plaza on the southeast corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and County Line Rd. On July 1, Paul opened a new store in Mirada, a new master planned community just north of Wesley Chapel in San Antonio, FL, that will offer a 15-acre lagoon and dog parks, which Paul believes will be a good fit for his business. “We’re following the same model of being cage-free for grooming, focused on diet and nutrition for dogs and cats, and having pets at the forefront of what we do,”

Cage-Free Grooming

Paul and Martina Spalvieri and their family (l.-r. Max, Matthew, Missy, Martinka & Kristinka) have opened the third location of Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon in the Mirada community, just north of Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George)

Paul says. “And the grooming area at the new store is also 50-percent bigger than the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa salons.” The Mirada location provides convenient access to Max’s for customers who live in the northern portions of Wesley Chapel, such as Epperson and Watergrass, as well as nearby communities such as Tampa Bay Golf Country Club in San

Antonio and Lake Jovita in Dade City. Paul and his wife Martina live in Watergrass and are pet parents to both Max, a Bichon Frise, and Missy, a Havanese, as well as three human kids — Matthew, Martinka and Kristinka. Paul opened Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon when he couldn’t find the type of store he wanted to shop in locally with the

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At all three locations, the cage-free grooming environment means your dog will never be locked up. Appointments run strictly on time to avoid pets feeling stressed and anxious in a cage while waiting to be picked up. The new store has the same hightech features that Max’s customers have come to love at its other locations — customized for small to large dogs. Bathing tubs are oversized to accommodate very large dog breeds — even those more than 150 pounds — and are walk-in and electronically raised and lowered for comfort and safety. Those same tubs also have a sizing adaptor to be comfortable for tiny dogs, such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies.

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Groomers have the technical expertise to give breed-specific cuts, with certifications such as National Certified Master Groomer, as certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America. The groomers are led by Misty Garcia, services director, who is responsible for both grooming and in-store dog training. Misty has 26 years of experience as a groomer, and also been training dogs for more than 20 years. She has two Australian shepherds, including one she shows competitively.

In-Store Dog Training

As a one-stop-shop for pets, the Wesley Chapel and new Mirada locations both offer pet training in the store (although the Mirada store has not yet begun its instore training). The five-week program is geared toward new puppies or beginners with no training. It lays the foundation to teach both owner and dog commands, which they practice in store. Then, the pet parent continues the training at home. “The following week we do a review and build on those skills with new skills,” explains Paul, “such as sit, stay, watch me, how to walk on a leash and avoid distractions.” Advanced training also is offered. The training schedule is on the store’s website at MaxsPetMarketAndSalon.com. Sign up online or call the store to register. The next beginner class starts July 28 in Wesley Chapel and will be held on consecutive Thursday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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Pet Nutrition

In addition to grooming and training, Max’s Natural Pet Market is focused on providing highly nutritious food and treat options, along with educated sales associates who can help customers make the best decisions for their pets’ diets. Scott Kresh discovered the original Max’s shortly after it opened. He and his wife, Lorri, have two pit bulls — 14-yearold Maya and Niko, who is 3 — and a cat named Kara. Maya had always had allergy and skin issues, and the staff at Max’s offered some ideas to help. Over time, Scott tried various diet changes suggested by Paul and his sales associates, and he says that Maya’s issues have been almost completely resolved. “It’s too bad she’s so old because this is the best she’s ever looked,” says Scott.

“In the past, she would get bumps that would ooze, but now she gets no bumps and no yeast flare ups, and I credit that to Paul’s food knowledge.” Scott says every issue he’s had with his pets — from needing a specialized harness for his strong, young Niko to trying to address spraying with his older cat — Paul has been able to address. “He’s got an answer for everything,” says Scott. “It’s amazing. I’m not exaggerating at all. I credit him with helping us so much.”

Future Growth

Paul says his business will continue to grow as he is working toward potential franchises across the state and country, including in Fort Myers, Sarasota, Jacksonville, and even as far west as Arizona. “We’re looking at future growth,”

says Paul, “and I will continue to be very involved in both our corporate and franchise stores.” Anyone interested in Max’s franchise opportunities can get more information and submit a request for details on the store’s website. Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon has three locations that are open every day from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. The original Max’s is located at 28838 S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel and can be reached at (813) 649-3939. The New Tampa store is located at 6431 E. County Line Rd. and can be reached by calling (813) 591-5368. The Mirada location is at 30945 Mirada Blvd. and can be reached at (352) 437-6677. For more information, visit MaxsPetMarketAndSalon.com or see the ad on page 26 of this issue.

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Three Generations Of Painters Set Topash Apart By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Correspondent

When K.T. Topash of Topash Painting is out working on a job with his son, Cole, it reminds him of when he was younger, painting the exteriors and interiors of local homes and businesses alongside his dad, Paul, before K.T. bought the company from Paul in 2009. Cole became part owner when he turned 18 and, over the past few years, has grown into a partner his dad trusts to carry on the family name with the same commitment to excellence and customer service that he and his dad built a generation ago. That’s three generations of Topash men who have been painting homes in Wesley Chapel and the surrounding areas since Paul started the company in 1978. So much has changed since then, but K.T. and Cole still hold on to the values that have helped them build a business with a stellar reputation and customers who have been loyal to them for many years. First and foremost, K.T. and Cole always do the work themselves. When you hire Topash Painting, you know exactly who will be painting your home, and it’s never going to be a subcontractor. Typically, both father and son will be on the job site together. But, even if they bring on another employee to help the business, either K.T. or Cole will always be on site with them, and you can be sure their helper will be someone who is trustworthy, reliable, safe and will do the job with excellence. “So many times in this industry, the customer hires a company, but the company subs it out to some-

who you’re hiring. It’s just K.T. and his son, so I don’t have to worry about my daughters or be concerned with day laborers or background checks.” Jason was first introduced to Topash Painting close to 10 years ago when he saw the trailer in his neighborhood. He says K.T. painted his house then, and has been his go-to painter ever since. Topash Painting has painted Jason’s home and office, both inside and out. In fact, Jason hired him to paint the exterior of his house again, even though K.T. told him his previous paint job was still holding up and he didn’t need to do it. “I like to be proactive, so I Cole (left) and K.T. Topash of Topash Painting are part of three generations of told him I wanted to get it done,” Topash men who have been painting homes in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa dating says Jason. all the way back to 1978. (Photos: Charmaine George) Jason also says that he has always found Topash Painting’s one who has no responsibility,” says K.T. “That’s not who we want to be.” pricing to be appropriate for the market. “He’s not high, That’s why Jason Christiano says he continues to he’s not low,” Jason says. “He’s fair.” hire Topash Painting for all of his painting needs at both K.T. says that he always tries to give the best possible his home in Grand Hampton in New Tampa and for his prices and that he has absorbed many of the cost increases business in Wesley Chapel. that have happened over the years. However, right now, “The work is very high quality and the pricing the cost of materials is extremely high. is fair,” says Jason. “What’s most important to me is “Our paint and materials costs have gone through

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Despite rising costs, K.T. says Topash Painting will not skimp on its always-high-quality paints just to save a buck. the roof,” K.T. says, “and we’ve seen at least a 45% increase over the last 18 months or so.” He says that he keeps costs down as much as possible, but won’t skimp on the quality of the products he puts on (or in) your home. “A lot of customers don’t know that there’s good, bad, and ugly in the painting product world,” he says. “Even Sherwin Williams offers so many lines of paint, from new construction paint that is cheap and won’t last long, to paint that currently costs $100 a gallon.” K.T. says his experience means he knows exactly how to purchase the right products and do the work in a way that will allow you to enjoy your paint job for many years to come. “We use a lifetime warranty paint,” K.T. explains. “If the painter does the prep work right, you’ll never have to worry about the warranty. It’s definitely not enough to just slap some paint on a wall.” It’s always been hard for professional, high-quality painters such as Topash Painting to distinguish themselves from the guys who just want to get paint on the wall and collect their payment. Topash Painting has always distinguished itself by being licensed, insured and bonded, so K.T. and his wife Hollie, who handles the bookkeeping for the business, were shocked when they learned that the state of Florida no longer offers painting licenses. In the past, K.T. had to take a test and pay a fee to be licensed, but now there is no licensing available. That means it’s even harder nowadays to distin-

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guish the true pros from the non-pros. Topash Painting continues to carry liability insurance to protect its customers. “As a consumer, you have to ask those questions,” K.T. says. “Most people’s biggest asset is their home, and it’s in your best interest to protect it.” So, while they feel like doing away with licensing just makes it more difficult for consumers to find the best professionals for the job, K.T. and Cole are committed to continuing their family tradition of providing quality paint jobs at the best possible prices for homes and businesses, year after year. “It’s more important than ever to do your due diligence,” K.T. says. “Check references and be sure the painters are using the materials they say they are. You don’t want to hire some weekend warrior who is just trying to make a buck.” K.T. says he loves working with Cole, who makes him very proud. “He is a huge asset to me,” says K.T. “And, it’s a lot of fun.” K.T. says Cole knows everything about the business and represents Topash Painting well. “Sometimes better than I do,” K.T. says. “You find out truly who your kid is when you’re working with him. When I see Cole talking with a customer and handling himself the way an adult does, it’s very rewarding.” For estimates or appointments, call Topash Painting at (813) 7802511 or e-mail topashpainting@gmail. com. Or, search for “Topash Painting” on Facebook or see the ad on page 38.

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Seven New Tampa Schools Notch Perfect State School Grades By JOHN C. COTEY

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Despite a number of serious challenges the past few years, New Tampa’s schools continue to be among the best performing in the state. The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released its school grades for the 2021-22 academic year, and seven of the area’s 11 schools received “A” grades. New Tampa’s elementary schools went 6-for-6 when it came to receiving A grades, thanks to two schools that haven’t

received the top grade for a while. Heritage Elementary, which ended a string of four straight years with C grades, received its first A grade since 2012. And, Hunter’s Green Elementary received its first A grade since 2011. The other four elementary schools — Chiles, Clark, Pride and Tampa Palms — also received A grades, continuing their long-term trends. Pride and Chiles have never received less than an A, beginning with their first grades in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Clark has received As every year since

2001, while Tampa Palms incredibly has earned all As since 1999. Benito Middle School received its 19th straight A, and its total score of 610 was tops among all of New Tampa’s schools. The total scores are determined by adding the testing scores in a variety of categories — including English Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and others. Liberty Middle School got a B grade, down from last year’s A, while Turner-Bar-

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tels K-8 School received its fifth straight B. Both area high schools, Wharton and Freedom, received C grades for the fifth consecutive year. Grades were up throughout Hillsborough County, which achieved top-20 status among Florida’s 67 school districts following the release of school accountability data, as 100% of the schools that graded F in 2019 improved their grades in 2022. NOTE: No grades were given in 2020, and 2021 grades were optional.

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The Living Room Set To Open In Wesley Chapel!

By GARY NAGER • Photos by Charmaine George Zach Feinstein, the co-owner of The Feinstein Group, which has opened three successful restaurants in Dunedin (including the original Living Room on Main St.) since the group was established in 2014, says “The Living Room should be open in Wesley Chapel by the first week in August.” Zach and his wife Christina (bottom photo on this page), who took over The Black Pearl on Main St. together when they were just dating (“My friends told me I was crazy,” says Christina. “But obviously, it’s all worked out.”), are not only the proud owners of The Living Room and The Black Pearl, but also the Sonder Social Club, located on Douglas Ave. (off Main St.), and all three restaurants are completely different from each other. The Sonder Social Club is primarily a cocktail lounge featuring, according to Zach, “some of the best craft cocktails in the Tampa Bay area,” although it does have a few food items, including charcuterie boards and cauliflower-crusted artisan pizzas. The Black Pearl, which Zach says he and Christina have “greatly upgraded” since taking it over, is the most upscale of the three, with starters like escargot en croute and white truffle lobster risotto and entrées like Hereford filet mignon, Chilean sea bass Lyonnaise and Maple Leaf Farms seared duck breast. The Black Pearl is ranked #1 of 133 restaurants in Dunedin on Tripadvisor. But, the Feinsteins say, The Living Room is the most “mainstream” of their three eateries, which Tripadvisor ranks #10 of 133 restaurants in Dunedin. “We’re perfect for a ‘Big Night Out’ or date night,” Zach says, “but our menu pricing is very fair, so we’ll also be a great place to meet your friends for a craft cocktail and some appetizers anytime throughout the week.” Zach and Christina, who got married in 2017, say they looked at South Tampa and other locations to open their fourth restaurant before they decided to bring The Living Room to Wesley Chapel. “With all of the growth out here near the mall,,” Zach says, “we felt that Wesley Chapel was our best option.” Although Zach adds that the menu will be similar to the Dunedin location, which has starters like flash fried pork dumplings, beef tenderloin empanadas and tuna poké, shareables such as a smoked salmon flatbread and Korean BBQ lettuce wraps, and entrées like brown butter diver scallops (photo at the top of this page), sautéed red grouper and a spicy pork chop, “our Executive Chef Joshua Rhynes will have a few new surprises on the menu, too.” The Feinsteins have spared no expense when it comes to their newest restaurant. When

you walk in, the first thing you’ll see is a 100-year-old bookcase and hand-carved hostess stand that both came from a historic home in Hyde Park. The bar area, although similar in size and orientation to what used to be in Ciao! at the mall, “is being completely redone,” says Zach, as are the spacious main dining area inside (with a huge wine selection), the expanded (soon to be covered) outdoor patio (with live music), and two interior private dining areas, one with seating for up to about 70 people and the other an almost-speakeasy-like room for up to 12 people that even has its own private entrance/exit door hidden inside a bookshelf. “There’s definitely no place like The Living Room in Wesley Chapel,” says Zach. “No one can beat our food or our craft cocktails. And, Christina has outdone herself designing the place. Welcome Home!” The Living Room is located at 2001 Piazza Ave., Unit 100, in The Shops at Wiregrass.For more info, visit TheLivingRoomonMain.com, and stay tuned to our Zach & Christina Feinstein are excited to be bringing The “Neighborhood News” Living Room to the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, which Facebook page for the is expected to open by early next month. latest updates.

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Bubba’s 33 — Where Delicious Food & Drinks Meet Great Music & Fun! By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George

From the time that it opened in 2020, Bubba’s 33, the elevated sports bar and restaurant concept from your friends at (and located next to) Texas Roadhouse off S.R. 56, has been a popular place with New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents for its great food and craft cocktails at very fair prices and its TVs-everywhere sports bar feel. It also offers great music video channels to keep everyone upbeat and having fun. Bubba’s is a place for everyone from rabid adult NFL and NHL fans to families with young children and the made-from-scratch menu literally offers something for everyone.

Let’s Talk Food First!

The menu at Bubba’s hasn’t changed much since it first opened but that’s probably because so many of the long-time offerings have proven to be so popular. For “Party Starters,” the Big O’Rings (photo below right) are always sliced fresh, hand-battered and fried crisp, served with the delectable Bubba’s sauce (which is like a cross between thousand island dressing and remoulade sauce). Photographer Charmaine George also loves the Shotgun Shrimp, which are lightly breaded shrimp topped with a creamy, spicy sauce and topped with green onions that the menu says, “You won’t want to share.” Other Party Starters include Crooked Fried Cheese, Layered Cheese Fries, a Chorizo sausage Queso Dip and Crispy Fried Pickles.

Bubba’s also has great wings, available with eight different sauces and two different dry seasonings. Salad and “Seinfeld” fans have to love “The Big Salad,” which is, like, “a really big salad with a lot of stuff in it.” There also are Italian Chopped, Grilled Chicken (or Chicken Tender), Salmon and Kale Quinoa salads on the menu, but Jannah and I love to just get a side salad with our meals, with Bubba’s zesty balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Our favorite items on the “Hearty Dinners” menu include the Southern Fried Chicken breast and garlic mashed potatoes (I get the creamy white gravy on the side), the California Chicken (grilled chicken topped with avocado, pico de gallo and jack cheese; we also order the honey lime sauce on the side) and the two Texas Roadhouse-quality ribeye steaks — the Grilled 12-oz. Ribeye and the Signature 14-oz. Ribeye shown above right, which is marinated in a Starbucks® espresso signature blend. Among the many sides are great sweet potato fries, steamed broccoli and mac n’cheese.

Great Sandwiches!

Even Bubba’s 33’s Hand-Crafted Sandwiches are special, from the Philly Cheesesteak and Chicken Phillys to the Fried Fish (cod) sandwich (left), which is fried in a housemade Samuel Adams® Boston Lager batter. Mine and Jannah’s favorite burgers at Bubba’s are the Classic Cheeseburg-

(Clockwise on this page) The Shotgun Shrimp, Signature Ribeye steak, Big O’Rings and Fried Fish sandwich are some of our favorite menu items at Bubba’s 33 off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel er (we add crispy bacon to it) and the bacon grind bacon cheeseburger. We prefer the Classic because it’s one thick patty, instead of the twopatty bacon grind burgers. Charmaine’s favorite is the Bacon Guacamole burger (with sweet potato fries) on the next page. She says the guacamole and pepper jack cheese are perfect complements to the crispy bacon.

Italian Specialties!

One of the things that sets Bubba’s 33 apart from most other sports bars/restaurants is its variety of Italian specialties, from Signature Pastas (including favorites like layered Lasagna and Chicken Parmesan Pasta), as well as a huge variety of Homemade, Stone-Baked Pizzas. Although, as a native New Yawka, I can’t call the pizzas “true NY style,” I will say that the crusts are always crispy, whether you get the Buffalo chicken, the “Dickie V” (named for

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sportcaster and former college basketball coach Dick Vitale, it combines Italian sausage, cherry peppers, fresh basil, grated parmesan and a garlic buttered crust. “It’s awesome, baby!”), or my current favorite, the “Meaty Meaty” (with bacon, homemade Italian sausage and pepperoni; photo at the top of the next page). There are even “Artisan” options like Goat Cheese Arugula and Italian Margherita pizzas. And, while I can’t call this a truly Italian

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pasta dish, our favorite pasta option may be the Chicken & Bacon Mac N’ Cheese (bottom photo), which features a blend of five cheeses, grated parmesan and sprinkled with bread crumbs.

Music Bingo!

On our most recent visit, Jannah and I attended Bubba’s 33’s super-fun “Music Bingo Tuesday” event. It starts at 7 p.m., is free to enter and you can win from gift certificates for $5-$20 off and other swag. But honestly, it’s not about the prizes. Your host, Jerry, gives out Bingo cards with four games on them and each game has a theme (“Guys & Girls,” “Live, Love & Hate,” etc.). Everyone has all of each game’s songs on their cards, but you have to mark them when they are played and there are multiple ways (across, up & down, 4 corners, etc.) to win. You just have to be the first to yell “Bingo” when you complete each way to win. The really fun thing about it is that even if you don’t know all of the songs yourself, no one minds telling you, since no one has the same order of the songs on their cards. In other words, if you don’t “get” it, go try it! Bubba’s 33 also has Monday Madness ($8.99 for almost any burger) and Tuesday Pizza Night (when any 12” pizza is just $10.99) specials. Bubba’s 33 is located at 26340 Silver Maple Pkwy. It is open every day for lunch & dinner. For more info, call (813) 5225090, visit Bubbas33.com or see the ad on

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pg. 37 for a Free Appetizer with Purchase of Any Entrée (dine-in or take-out). The coupon is valid Mon.-Thur. only and only one offer available per table or per order.

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The Fat Rabbit Celebrates Five Years In Tampa Palms! Congratulations go out to The Fat Rabbit Pub, located at 16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. (in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center) for celebrating its fifth anniversary. Always near the top of the New Tampa rankings in both our Reader Survey and with yours truly, Jannah and I visited Fat Rabbit for its anniversary celebration on July 16. Executive chef Cole McBride, who has been coming up with the Fat Rabbit’s unique better-than-bar-food dishes from Day One, offered a number of specials for the day, including those top-rated wings topped with “Apocalypse” wing sauce (which has earned an 8/10 on the “heat” scale), a red velvet cake/cheesecake dessert special (photo, right, shown with the Rabbit lager special served in a 5-Year Anniversary glass, while supplies last) and a new burger that Cole says is being added to the menu: “The Rabbit 13 (photo below),” which is a short rib and brisket patty topped with tortilla strips, roasted poblano peppers, pepper jack cheese and pico de gallo (shown on the side here), topped with a creamy queso cheese sauce and served with your

Nova Pizza Replaces Windy City! As this issue hits your mailbox, a new NY-style pizzeria should be open to replace Windy City Pizza (formerly Full Circle Pizza) in the Pebble Creek Collection. Nova Pizzeria, from former Full Circle owners Julia and Freddy Nova, was expected to open the first week in August, so it should be open as you’re reading this. Although Freddy says he knows a lot of customers miss the Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas at the old Full Circle (and from the short time Windy City was open), “My experience before Full Circle was with New York-style pizza and Italian specialties, so we hope the New Tampa community will come give us a try and enjoy the new Nova Pizza! — GN

Chicken Salad Chick Opens! The new Chicken Salad Chick, located on the Wesley Chapel Blvd. extension south of S.R. 56 (in the new building next to Zaxby’s), was expected to open on July 20, which was after we went to press with this issue. The same building (photo) also will be home to Ann’s Spa & Nails Lounge. — GN

choice of the greatest tater tots in our area, crispy fries or the awesome, super-crisp onion rings shown here for just $1 more. Perhaps best of all (at least for me) is that Cole says he should soon be bringing back his weekly fresh fish specials. So good! For more info, call (813) 252-3004 or visit FatRabbitPub.com. — GN

Flip’n Fries & Falafel Factory The Newest KRATEs To Open At The Grove! More and more new restaurants have been opening at the KRATE Container Park at The Grove at Wesley Chapel and the newest entries have “factory” themes. The Flipn’ Fries Factory opened as promised (near Bebo’s Cheesesteaks & Rhythm Pon de Grill Jamaican Cuisine) on July 13 and although the menu only offers French fries with a variety of toppings, the fries are crispy and always served hot and delicious, no matter what you toppings you choose — whether you pick one of the Flip’n Fries menu favorites or make-your-own. Jannah and I were surprised how much we loved the bacon & beer cheese fries (top right photo) from the menu, which are loaded with real bacon and topped with the mildest beer cheese sauce ever. That same day, we also stopped in at the new Falafel Factory, which is located next to Palani’s Hawai’i Noodles. We enjoyed the organic chicken shawarma wrap (far right photo), which comes with hummus and your choice of up to four of the Factory’s fresh

veggie salad bar toppings. Other options at the Falafel Factory are, of course, falafel (fried chick peas balls) pita and wrap sandwiches, a pita burger and even a classic hot dog and a variety of fresh salads. Also close to opening is Ato at KRATE, the newest Japanese place from the owners of Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill on S.R. 56, who are giving away a year’s worth of poké bowls or sushi burritos (photo below). To enter to win, visit toneden.io/bigcity-events-2/post/pokebowl-pr-sushi-burritofor-a-year. Other KRATE restaurants that are all getting close to opening include Bakery X Authentic French Bakery, Boba Mac’s, Café Zorba, Pisco Express Peruvian Chinese Cuisine and 365 Café. — GN

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New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT

CUSTOM INT. WINDOW COVERINGS! Cust. fabrication of all types of window coverings — plantation & hurricane shutters, vert. blinds, roller, cellular, woven wood & Roman shades, cellular vert., panel tracks, retract. awnings, motorization experts, alum., wood & faux wood blinds & more! FREE installation on orders over $250! Call Henry @ 813-948-6363, email TampaBlindsbyDesign@ gmail.com or visit TampaBlindsbyDesign.com. 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! 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 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. 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.

Classifieds

CLEANING SERVICES

A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own MISCELLANEOUS supplies. Affordable & Reliable. Family-Owned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly / Deep FAITH COMPASSIONATE HOME CARE. Providing medical & non-medical home health care ser- Cleaning/ Move-In / Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813vices: Nursing services, Friendly companionship, 462-1270. Local references supplied upon request. Home health aide, respite care, live in, bowel care service & education, medication & case manageMARY’S CLEANING SERVICES. We provide flexment, Spinal Cord Injury patient care & more. Call ible domestic & office cleaning. “Jesus is the Lord.” (813) 602-4431 for information & pricing. Private Give us a call at 352-206-8809 for a free estimate pay only with affordable rates. or email marynovociclo@gmail.com. AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campers/ PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any condicleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 tion, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, call (813) years of exp.Free estimates. Call 813 943 6054 or 461-0062. email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com. ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2020 B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 18 years exp.! Comm’l Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, & Resid’l; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courtepost-construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in & ous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates.; Int’l Airport - $40 (one way). Driver vaccinated Refs. avail. Call 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@ w/two shots. Cory Lake Isles resident. Call/text hotmail.com. 813.765.2037.

___ 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. JASMINE LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn maint, including 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.

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.

PROF’L TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+ Cert. computer tech w/20 years exp. Maint. & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than chains! Friendly, personal svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate!

Reach more than 150,000 of your neighbors! Buy your Neighborhood News Classified ad today!

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

TREE SERVICES___

FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27-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 813495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

POOL SERVICES

ALLSTARPOOLSOFTAMPABAY.COM. Pool cleanups & acid washing of old pool finishes. Marcite, quartz & pebble finishes from $3K. We offer cool decking, Eurocrete & paver decking options. Paver, river rock sealing, leak detection & in-ground vinyl liner replacements avail. Quality salt & ozone generators, pumps, motors & filters. 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 @ 813-8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE!

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.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 15 • July 26, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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