New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 31, Issue 15, July 25, 2023

The Avenue We’re Taking You To — 42nd St.?

Drone photo of Cypress Cay Blvd. (road at far right) by Charmaine George. In front are the Lantana apartments. The bluer buildings behind them are the Sage apartments & the orange roofs near the top are the Cottages at Cypress Cay. To the south, Cypress Cay Blvd. attaches to where 42nd St. meets Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

See the story on pages 12-13!

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

By GARY NAGER Editorial

Whether or not you’ve ever entered one of our previous Reader Dining Survey & Contests, I hope you’ll consider entering at least once this year. Yes, while we still have at least three (there could be more) free dining prizes, from $35 to $100 — to the restaurant of your choice in the Tampa Bay area — we’re making it easier than ever before for you to enter.

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

This issue, we’ll start you off with two questions, each of which asks you for FIVE (5) different answers.

The first question, on this page, asks you to “Name your Five Favorite Restaurants (of any kind) located in New Tampa” (including all of zip code 33647 — Bruce B. Downs Blvd. from south of the Pasco County line to where E. Bearss Ave. meets Livingston Ave. — and all of Cross Creek Blvd.).

Then, on page 35 of this issue, we ask you to “Name your Five Favorite Restaurants (of any kind) located in Wesley Chapel or near the Tampa Premium Outlets (aka Lutz).”

For your entry to be valid to win prizes for these questions, you must name five different restaurants for each of them. If you only name one or two restaurants or fill in the name of the same restaurant in all five spaces for either question, you’ll only have one (or two) votes counted and your entry will not be eligible to win any of our prizes. Please also do not name restaurants located in Wesley Chapel as among your favorites in New Tampa or vice-versa.

Then, in each of the next five issues, we’ll ask you to name only one or two of your favorites — for example, your Favorite Chinese Restaurant, Coffee Shop or Pizza Place — and we’ll give you one additional entry into our random prize drawings for each valid entry you submit. We feel as though this should stimulate more people to enter the contests, because the task won’t be as daunting as having to completely (or nearly completely) fill out an entire page of favorites — and doesn’t everyone who lives in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel have at least five favorite restaurants located in or near our distribution areas?

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

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

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

3. Please check the addresses and zip codes of the restaurants you choose, as we will only consider votes for restaurants in zip code 33647, the portion of zip code 33559 (Lutz) on Bearss Ave., from BBD to Livingston Ave., and in the Oak Ramble Plaza (33613) as valid New Tampa votes, and only votes for restaurants

located in zip codes 33543, 33544 and 33545 (Wesley Chapel) and zip code 33559 (Lutz, on S.R. 54 no further west than Oak Grove Blvd.) will be counted as valid “Wesley Chapel” votes.

4. In order to be eligible to win any of our free dining prizes to the restaurant of your choice, your entry form with a response to at least one of our questions over the next five months must include your full name, the community you live in (Hunter’s Green, Grand Hampton, etc.), a daytime phone number where you can be reached and your valid email address.

We look forward to seeing how this year’s contest shakes out. Good luck!

Don’t forget to also check the entry form on page 35 of this issue to tell us your favorite Wesley Chapel restaurants!

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Each issue, you’ll be given 1 or 2 Dining Survey questions to answer to be entered to win $100, $60 or $35 in FREE dining prizes. One entry per person, per question. This issue, please name 5 different restaurants for your top 5. Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at the address below left or enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. — GN

Question #1: Name your Five Favorite Restaurants (of any kind) located in New Tampa (in or near zip code 33647; see rules).

Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________

Community You Live In (Tampa Palms, K-Bar Ranch, etc.)

Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________

Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

New Tampa Neighborhood News

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

Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales

Gary Nager

Correspondents

Celeste McLaughlin • Nidhi Jani Anna Gorman

Ad Sales/Marketing Director

Jannah Nager

Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist

Charmaine George Graphic Designers

Morgan Conlin • Valerie Wegener Nylah Alahmary

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 31, Issue 17, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, August 10, 2023.

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.

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Checking In With Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s Tampa Palms Office!

By GARY NAGER

Unbeknownst to many, including yours truly — at least until a couple of months ago — U.S. Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-Brandon), who was elected to serve in the newly redistricted District 15 in the U.S. House of Representatives in November, quietly opened a local office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center.

So, when District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera told me about her new office, I knew I wanted to at least try to speak with the former Florida Secretary of State (who resigned to run for Congress) about a number of important issues. My first question, however, was “How did Rep. Lee decide to open an office in Tampa Palms?”

And, while I didn’t speak directly with the Congresswoman, her communications director Grace Bartlinski was able to send me answers to most of my questions, including to the one above:

“This location is right along 75, allowing constituents from all over the district to have access (to it).”

As to what constituent services are available at the Tampa Palms office, Bartlinski said, “Constituents can call our District Office or visit in person to receive help with any issues they might have. Our office can help those who need help with a federal agency, have questions about VA (Veterans Administration) benefits, getting a passport, or who have questions about open case -

work. Constituents also can call in to voice their concerns, so the Congresswoman can best represent Florida’s 15th District.”

I also wanted to know how often Rep. Lee would be at the local office and whether or not she would host/attend any meetings in our area.

“When the House is out of session,” Bartlinski said, “the Congresswoman is in the District taking meetings with constituents, local businesses and community leaders throughout the District. (She) is planning (to host) community meetings and more telephone town halls in the future. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter (see info at the end of this story) and follow her on social media to stay up to date on when the next events will be announced.”

As to what bills Rep. Lee has so far authored or co-authored, Bartlinski said:

“The Congresswoman is very busy with committee work and voting on legislation when in D.C. She has introduced several bills and looks forward to them being brought to the House Floor to be voted on.”

She added that, last week, the Congresswoman had the following two bills pass out of committee and they now head to the House Floor for final passage:

• H.R. 4470, the “Protecting & Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2023.” This bill will extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) authority to ensure that regulatory standards dictating the practices

of chemical facilities are reauthorized.

• H.R. 4563, the “American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act of 2023.” This legislation will equip states with election integrity tools to ensure all Americans’ First Amendment rights are safe. Additionally, this legislation will prevent non-citizen voting, ensure that the men and women serving our country have their ballots counted, and (will provide) direct federal resources to increase election security measures.

Additionally, Bartlinski said that Rep. Lee has co-sponsored the following bills that have already passed the House:

• H.R. 662, the “Block Grant Assistance Act of 2023.” This bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide as block grants to states and territories certain funding available to assist agricultural producers with losses due to droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos (wind storms), excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freezes, smoke exposure, and excessive mois-

ture occurring in calendar year 2022.

• H.R. 277, the “REINS Act.” This bill revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking.

• H.R. 5, the “Parents Bill of Rights.” This bill establishes various rights of parents and guardians regarding the public elementary or secondary school education (including secondary career and technical education) of their children. Local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools must comply with the requirements of the bill in order to receive federal education funds.

Elected in November, U.S. Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-Dist. 15) already has been actively sponsoring bills. Rep. Lee has a constituent office now open in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. (Photo provided by Rep. Lee’s communications director Grace Bartlinski)

• H.J. Res. 27, which provides for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army’s Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States.’”

• H.J. Res. 44, which provides for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives relating to “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces.’”

In addition, Bartlinski said, the following are bills the Congresswoman has introduced or cosponsored, and letters:

• “National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act” (bipartisan and introduced with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor). This legislation would require entities that contract with the National Human Trafficking Hotline to cooperate with state and local law enforcement when receiving tips through the Hotline. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and 35 other state attorneys general recently contacted House and Senate Leadership to express outrage that the Hotline is not reporting human trafficking tips to law enforcement unless the victim self-reports. This disrupts the federal-state partnership to end human trafficking.

• “OPIOIDS Act” (bipartisan and she introduced). This legislation will increase training for state and local law enforcement officers, update systems used for drug tracing and provide federal grants for training and resources to stop secondary drug exposure to first responders.

• “Saving Our Invaluable Land (SOIL) Act” (bipartisan). This bill would prohibit China, Iran, Russia and North Korea from owning or renting land within 10 miles of a sensitive site (military bases, important research facilities, and other locations containing sensitive/top-secret information or resources).

• Rep. Lee is a member of the Everglades Caucus (bipartisan) and signed a letter to President Biden requesting he include $725 million for Everglades Restoration in his Presidential Budget. This bipartisan caucus advocates for restoration projects in the Everglades and works closely with our state partners to ensure this land is protected.

• The Congresswoman voted in support of an Amendment that would prevent offshore drilling off the coast of Florida.

• She cosponsored H.R. 314, the “Force Act.” This bill would prohibit the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism until Cuba’s communist regime stops terrorizing its citizens.

• She also signed appropriations letters for Israel’s defense.

• Rep. Lee also was the original cosponsor of H.R. 4162, the “Land Grant Research Prioritization Act.”

The Congresswoman serves on the House Administration, Judiciary, and Homeland Security Committees. Bartlinski said that Rep. Lee looks forward to the National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act (introduced with Rep. Kathy Castor, D-FL 14) and the OPIOIDS Act

(she introduced both) being brought to the House Floor to be considered. Additionally, her bills, H.R. 4470 and H.R. 4563, passed out of committee and now head to the House Floor for final passage.

Priorities & Positions

Bartlinski also said that one of Rep. Lee’s top priorities is securing our southern border and ensuring community safety. In May, the House passed the most comprehensive border security bill to date, H.R. 2, aka the “Secure the Border Act.” Additionally, the Congresswoman is working to stop government overreach and restore Congress’ role to check the regulatory actions of federal agencies. She cosponsored the REINS Act, which will rein in government overreach and ensure government accountability.

“The Congresswoman also is committed to making goods and services more affordable,” Bartlinski said. “Inflation is hurting Americans’ pocketbooks — we have seen prices at the gas pump and grocery stores skyrocket.” Rep. Lee co-sponsored the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which would keep taxes low for small businesses and all Americans: “When we keep taxes low and curb wasteful spending (in) Washington, we put more money back into Americans’ pockets.”

In addition, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Bartlinski said, “The Congresswoman is working to secure the southern border. (She) believes securing our border, enforcing our laws and taking steps to ensure we stop unchecked illegal immigration is the humanitarian thing to do. The border is not secure and when we fail to enforce our laws, we empower criminals. The House recently passed the most comprehensive border security bill to date (H.R. 2, the “Secure the Border Act,” for which Rep. Lee voted ‘yes’). A few weeks ago, the Homeland Security Committee launched an investigation into Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ dereliction of duty. Through this investigation, the Committee will get answers for the American people.”

In addition, said Bartlinski, “The Congresswoman also believes that the U.S. has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. We cannot keep spending our grandchildren’s money — to get our budget under control, Congress has to cut spending. Rep. Lee looks forward to working to get our fiscal house back in order and put money back into Americans’ pockets.”

Bartlinski also noted that, as a former judge, the Congresswoman respects the law and Constitution and is deeply committed to upholding the law and will support those rights granted to American citizens.

In April, Rep. Lee also became the first Florida member of the U.S. Congress to endorse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for President in 2024.

For more information about Rep. Lee’s position on various issues and policies, please visit https://laurellee.house.gov/ services or follow her on social media. For a complete list of bills she has introduced, co-sponsored and voted on and more info about each bill’s text, visit https://www. congress.gov/member/laurel-lee/L000597?q

=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22laurel+l ee%22%5D%7D&s=2&r=1.

Freedom Run Raises $2K For Athletic Booster Club

By SUSAN McAVEETY

Our first Freedom Firecracker 5K (and 1-mile fun run) turned out to be a huge success on the morning of the 4th of July. When all was said and done, 98 people had registered for the race — after the numbers were much lower (at only about 30) until the last several days before the event.

Race day was bright, clear, sunny, hot and humid and there was lots of red, white and blue. America-themed pop music played over the loudspeakers. Several members of the Freedom PTSA were there to help with setup, face painting and providing course directions for the runners. A number of student volunteers from Freedom’s Key Club also came out to help with face painting, handing out bead necklaces and providing water to runners at stations along the route.

After the playing of the national anthem, the race began promptly at 8 a.m., with an actual firecracker start! The course took the runners off Freedom’s new track, and then twice around the back of the school, up past the New Tampa Recreation Center along Commerce Park Blvd., and back through the parking lot, finishing up back on the track.

Hot dogs and red, white and blue popsicles were enjoyed after the race ended!

Medals were given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in male and female categories. The fastest runner overall was

Mason LaBlance, who finished the 3.1-mile (5K) run in a time of 17:35.2.

Mason, a student at King High, finished more than a minute ahead of his nearest competitors!

The other 5K medal winners were:

Male:

2. Joseph Kuhns18:44.5 (Freedom student)

3. Noah Brucculeri18:51.5

Female:

1. Elsi Rehberg22:08.5

2. Madelyn Ammirati - 23:22.3 (Freedom student)

3. Abigail Lawley - 23:27.2

The link at the end of this story will take you to a complete listing of the race results. Thanks to Freedom’s track coach Alex Hernandez for providing the link so everyone who participated can check their official results!

The 5K was followed by a 1-mile run/ walk around the Freedom track. Mostly parents and some staff members participated in that event.

Freedom assistant principal Jenna Lamour and Coach Hernandez did an outstanding job organizing our school’s first-ever Firecracker 5K event. Thank you

to them, the runners and their families, the Freedom PTSA and Freedom Key Club for their participation and support of the Freedom Athletics program.

Ms. Lamour says that the event generated about $2,000 in proceeds, which will be used to purchase athletic equipment, supplement uniforms, support coaches at clinics, recognition banquets, varsity letters/pins, etc.

To check your Firecracker 5K results, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ Results/147920#resultSetId-390901;perpage:100.

(Above) Nearly 100 runners took part in the first-ever Freedom Firecracker 5K run & 1-mile fun run at Freedom High in Tampa Palms on a hot and humid July 4. (Below) Eight-year-old Lochlan Lawley finished the 3.1 miles in 24.48, or almost exactly 8 minutes per mile. (All photos by Charmaine George)

(Above) The overall winner at the Freedom Firecracker 5K was Mason LaBlance. (Below) The top-three female finishers were (l.-r.) Elsi Rehberg, Madelyn Ammirati & Abigail Lawley.

Wesley Chapel’s New Contract Postal Unit Expected To

Open In August!

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

By GARY NAGER

So, after recently reporting that the Zephyrhills Post Office didn’t know when or even if the Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit (CPU) was going to re-open — there is, indeed, a new location for the CPU that is currently under construction and is expected to open by the first week in August.

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

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

This husband-and-wife team of Realtors based in Wesley Chapel (with EXP Realty), say they also will sell a variety of items (which

haven’t been decided on just yet) and provide free coffee to their customers.

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

Parking Concerns

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

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

The biggest concern about the location in Freedom Plaza (above and below) for when the new Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit opens by the end of this month or early August is a lack of parking, although new contractors Jevon and Cindy Williams say the new CPU will have more visibility and parking than the former location on Boyette Rd. tween Taco Son and the post office and the property behind the CPU’s building is owned by a different property owner and can’t be used at all.

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

There also is a drainage ditch located be -

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

Jevon and Cindy agree with Bosco’s owners Nancy and Charles Frankulin, who said they are “excited to have the (CPU) next door, but, we’re a little bit concerned about how the parking is going to work.” Jevon adds, “All I can say is that we have more spaces than the previous CPU and are going to make it work.”

‘Grease’ Is Still The Word — At Least Through This Weekend!

By GARY NAGER

Although there already has been a New Tampa Players (NTP) preview show and a Penguin Productions presentation of “Beauty and the Beast” at the sparkling new New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC), “Grease” — the first official show of NTP’s 2023-24 season — made its debut at the NTPAC last weekend.

Unfortunately, due to the timing of our issues, we aren’t able to share pictures of actual scenes from ‘Grease” in this issue, but as a minor player in the cast, I am able to share these preview pictures we were able to take of some of the cast members, in their costumes.

I will tell you that, even the week before the cast premiered the 1972 Tony Award-winning musical, that “Grease” is a super-fun show with an awesome cast that you should still be able to check out this weekend — although tickets were already getting a little scarce at our press time.

According to NTP producing artistic director Nora Paine, the six performances of “Grease” over two weekends (July 21-23 and July 28-20) were already nearly 70% sold out as this issue went to the printer (on July 16), with the Sunday matinee (3 p.m.) performances both weekends having the fewest tickets remaining.

More tickets, however, still remained for the Friday and Saturday night (at 8 p.m. both nights) performances, but after what I’m certain was a smash opening weekend —

under the direction of G. Frank Meekins with choreography by Sarah Walston — all I can say is don’t wait too long to get yours!

The outstanding ensemble cast delivers too many standout performances to name everyone here, but rest assured, all will be praised (and hopefully, pictured) in our next issue.

Among my favorite moments from the show include Tripp Peavyhouse (“Roger”) and Anna Jeffries (Jan) performing “Moon-

ing,” Heather Rich (Marty) singing “Freddie, My Love,” Kyle Fisher (Kenicke)’s “Greased Lightning,” Alyson Gannon (Rizzo)’s mocking “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” the perfect falsetto of Trevor Lloyd (who portrays both Teen Angel and Johnny Casino) on “Beauty School Dropout,” and Olivia

Carr (as Sandy) on both “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and her duet with Dylan Fidler (“Danny”) on “You’re The One That I Want.”

Michael Figueroa (Sonny) and Heather, Tripp and Anna, Kyle and Alyson and Makayla Raines (as Cha-Cha) and Dylan provide standout dance performances. Don’t have your tickets yet? Visit NewTampaPlayers.org or see the ad below to get yours now!

(Above, l.-r.) Jan (Anna Jeffries), Rizzo (Alyson Gannon), Kenicke (Kyle Fisher), Danny (Dylan Fidler), Sandy (Olivia Carr), Frenchy (Ariyonna Thomas) and Marty (Heather Rich) headline the cast of ‘Grease’ through July 30, at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. (Right) Vince Fontaine (a certain local publisher & editor) and Miss Lynch (Suzanne Bainbridge) will be cutting a (very brief) rug again this weekend. (Photos by Charmaine George)

It’s All On The Avenue We’re Taking You To (Or Near?) — 42nd St.!

By GARY NAGER

For years, whenever anyone headed southwest from Tampa Palms on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. towards the Lake Forest subdivision, there really wasn’t much between the two on the west side of BBD other than a gas station, a flower shop (A Special Rose Florist, now located in Tampa Palms), a do-ityourself car wash, an Ob/Gyn office and the North Oaks condominiums.

Just north of North Oaks, a street labeled as 42nd St. already was home to the Palma Verde apartments, a small rental apartment development built in 1965 made up of ten one-bedroom units in five buildings.

Then, roughly eight years ago, Angels Senior Living at New Tampa Assisted Living & Memory Care, which has a sign at the corner of 42nd and BBD, near the Palma Verde apartments (which are managed by Martino Chillura Management), became the second establishment to open on 42nd St., and both Angels and Palma Verde have Tampa addresses in zip code 33613.

The 42nd St. location, which offers 102 beds and 89 total units (including 24 secured memory care apartments), is one of eleven senior living facilities the Angels Senior Living parent company operates throughout the Tampa Bay area. Photographer Charmaine George and I toured Angels and I will say that it is quaint, super-clean and provides its seniors with home health care, therapy, pharmaceutical services, adult day care, respite care and a lovely place to live.

What prompted me to write this story, however, was the fact that until more of the property on BBD began being cleared a couple of years ago, to add more than 750 total additional rental units (see below), I honestly didn’t even know Angels was there. Yes, we had published stories about the new apartment units that had begun construction at that time, but now, as you head north on 42nd St. from Angels, you realize that not only are there sparkling, new apartments for rent, but also that the street seems to change names to what is now called Cypress Cay Blvd.

This mile-or-so-long stretch of Cypress Cay Blvd. actually does have a separate curb cut on BBD just north of 42nd St. In addition, even though Palma Verde and Angels are located in zip code 33613, the new

apartment communities — the separate Lantana and Sage at Cypress Cay rental communities located north of Angels — actually have Lutz addresses in zip code 33559.

Cypress Cay Blvd. continues past the 252-unit Lantana (which just welcomed its first residents a couple of weeks ago and is not yet 100% completed) and 304-unit Sage (which has been open for about a year) communities and winds its way towards a new multi-family development known as the Cottages at Cypress Cay, which will include 198 total additional rental units in 71 buildings.

Although we don’t yet have much information about the Cottages at Cypress Cay, based on the photo of its sign (below), it appears that, like Lantana and Sage, it also will be seeking to reach upscale apartment renters. Lantana and Sage feature 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,800 to more than $3,000 per month. And, while they are located near USF, these are not your usual student apartments, with their beautiful lobby areas, upscale amenities and gated security.

Both Lantana and Sage are being developed by RangeWater Real Estate, which has developed dozens of apartment communities in 11 states, including Ascend Grove West and Beacon Epperson in Wesley Chapel. We were told that Sage, which is nearing its capacity, is now under contract to be sold.

Meanwhile, The Cottages are being developed by Capstone Communities, which also has developed thousands of units in over half the U.S. (including 8 projects in Florida), but is making its debut in the Tampa Bay area.

And, just northeast of where Cypress Cay Blvd. meets BBD (see map on next page), there is an undeveloped commercial lot. We don’t yet know what is planned for that site, but will update that for you in a future issue.

(Top) For about 50 years, the for-lease Palma Verde apartments at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. & 42nd St. were the only buildings on 42nd St. But, eight years ago, the Angels Senior Living Assisted Living & Memory Care residence (middle and bottom photos) opened, and the beautiful lobby area has been welcoming residents to its 102 studio, 1- and 2-bedroom and 24 memory care apartments ever since. (Photos by Charmaine George)

(Top to bottom) Today, Cypress Cay Blvd. extends north from 42nd St. and is home to the Lantana at Cypress Cay apartments, the Sage at Cypress Cay apartments (two middle photos) and (bottom) the coming-soon Cottages at Cypress Cay rental townhomes.

Lantana Apts.

Sage Apts. Cypress Cay Blvd.

Angels & Palma Verde

42nd St.

Comml. Propty.

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

By GARY NAGER Research by Joel Provenzano

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

Well, Sam’s is planning to expand its gas station pumps to deal with those frustrating backups. It appears, based on the diagram near right that will be reviewed at an upcoming preapplication meeting with Pasco County, that Sam’s will expand from its current twelve fueling positions to 16.

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

Of course, we’ll keep you posted.

Moe’s To Add A 2nd WC Location

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

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

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

Aprile

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

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

For more information about Post

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

Amberlin Outparcel Coming Soon

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

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

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

New Retail KRATEs

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

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

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

Real Estate president Jason Aprile.

BayCare WC Hospital

Eagleston Blvd.

Stockton Dr.

Amberlin Apts. Outparcel A

Two Local Elementary School Students Win National Invention Honors

Story provided by BRITTANY LONG

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

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

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

Going for the experience and to share

their passion for their respective inventions, both girls ended up walking away from the National Competition with two outstanding awards each. Mahi won 1st place overall in the country for 5th grade entries and the Top Show Board award for the entire event, while Lillian won 2nd place overall in the country for 4th grade entries. She also won the top Medal/Health award of all projects K-12 in the entire event. These were surely some huge accomplishments, considering that there were 366 students who were selected to attend the 7th Annual ICW nationwide event.

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

Lillian hopes

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

Mahi hopes that her product, which uses a different algorithm, can help identify a variety of cancers at a much faster rate, allowing more people to have quicker care

and less chances for misdiagnosis. Mahi’s brother Rudra, who is going into his junior year at Middleton High, also has competed in (and won) science fairs in the past. Both girls also have been selected to represent the U.S. and have their inventions at the worldwide virtual competition, which will be held at the end of this month, with the awards to be announced on Aug. 11! Good luck, young ladies!

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

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

By ANNA GORMAN Neighborhood News Correspondent

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

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

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

Working alongside Dr. Cerillo in the Tampa Palms office is Affan Siddiqui,

Medicine (DMD) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton.

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

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

Implants, Crowns & More

Recognizing that restoring dental health is equally important, Cerillo Family Dentistry also provides a wide range of restorative options, including dental implants and dentures, as well as crowns, bridges

(including take-home whitening kits), re shaping teeth, closing spaces between teeth and restoring worn or broken teeth.

Patient Dave O’Connor says he has had a great experience with Cerillo Family Dentistry. “As soon as you walk into the office, everyone is super friendly and helpful.” Dave says. “We just moved to the area and couldn’t be happier with this office.

I would highly recommend (it) if you are looking for an office that is professional and

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

Dr. Cerillo — who is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Florida Dental Association, the

(Above left) Dr. Lou Cerillo (left) and Dr. Affan Siddiqui are the primary dentists at the Cerillo Family Dentistry office in the Somerset Professional Park on Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms. Both Cerillo Family Dentistry offices (including the newer office on Curley St. n San (Photos by Charmaine George)

the dentists you’re more likely to see at the Cerillo Dentistry office at the corner of S.R. 52 and Curley St. in San Antonio.

serts and makeup artistry. All of her hobbies require close attention to detail and a steady hand, which aid her in creating beautiful smiles for her patients.

The Tampa Palms office of Cerillo Family Dentistry (15277 Amberly Dr.) is open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, and 8 a.m.-noon on Friday. For more information, call (813) 791-7871 or (656) 206-0147. Or, see the ad on pg. 36 of this issue or visit cerillofdtampa.com. The San Antonio office (11938 Curley St.) is open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and 8 a.m.-noon on Friday. For more info, call (352) 268-9630, or visit cerillofdsanantonio.com.

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

Dr. Siddiqui also enjoys spending time with his family, trying new foods and watching soccer. He also is an avid exerciser,

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

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

Dr. Javeed is a member of the AAGD, the ADA and the Florida Dental Association. She enjoys interior design, baking des-

Running Great Auto — 26 Years Of Trusted, Family-Owned Repairs

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Neighborhood News Correspondent

When Glen Yudman purchased Running Great Automotive on N. Nebraska Ave (just south of Skipper Rd.) in North Tampa in 1997, his two sons were just kids.

Now, 26 years later, Glen’s sons Robby and Danny work right alongside him every day at the shop that has grown to earn a reputation for honesty and reliability. And, Glen’s wife Barbi helps with the books and sometimes answers the phones.

That makes Running Great a true family business — despite the fact Glen says he actually encouraged his sons to do something else. “It’s long hours,” he says.

On the other hand, it’s also rewarding, knowing that the business helps people and provides the kind of honest, quality service that is harder and harder to find these days.

A staff of 11 handles automobile maintenance and repairs at Running Great — from oil changes to brake service to new tires and more — while an additional seven employees provide services in the body shop.

As an independently-owned, neighborhood automotive center, there are no sales commissions, no quotas, and no dealer prices.

“The body shop world is mainly franchises,” Glen says. “It’s not personal.”

Not so at Running Great, where the service is personal and the customers span generations. There are now young people who bring their cars in for maintenance and repairs who are the grown children of parents who have been Glen’s customers for decades.

That’s the case with Helen Lucht, who moved to the area in 1996. At that time, the air conditioning went out in her 1989 Honda Accord. She started asking around and was referred to Running Great.

“We’ve been going there ever since,” she says. “Because they’re honest.”

Raising two teenage boys who were hard on cars, Helen says she’s had all kinds of work done over the years, including replacing transmissions, A/C systems and even motors.

Now those boys are grown and they bring their own cars to Running Great, too, which might not be remarkable, except that one currently lives in Atlanta.

“Whenever he comes down for a visit, we go to Running Great,” Helen says. “He doesn’t have a mechanic in Atlanta.”

She says she appreciates that the technicians at Running Great advise her of issues with her car, but also let her know which things are urgent and if anything can wait.

Most of all, she’s grateful for the relationship that has been built over so many years. “It’s nice to call and say, ‘It’s Helen,’ and they know who we are,” she says.

That’s possible because of the longevity of the employees who work at Running Great. Glen says the shop has many longterm employees and very low turnover.

For example, Chris Bach is a certified Master Mechanic by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and has been working at the location for 32 years, starting out when Nebraska Ave. was just a two-lane road and the business was called Mad Hatter Mufflers, Brakes & Transmissions.

Running Great for 10 years or much longer, which is something else that sets it apart from franchise or dealer shops.

“We don’t follow any franchise rules. No one works on commission here,” Glen says. “Nobody out in the shop is going to profit by saying you need something. Whether you buy new brakes or you don’t, it’s all the same to the mechanic.”

He says Running Great has no need for quotas, as the shop is always busy, but never so busy that it can’t take in new customers and their vehicles. “We can’t promise every job can be done the same day, every day,” he says, while adding that his mechanics do their best to finish every job as quickly as possible.

The New Normal Glen says that, as cars get more expensive, people are keeping them much longer. While it used to be the norm to trade in cars every few years, it’s not as common these days.

“We see cars with more than 100,000 miles literally every day,” he says. “Most people used to only take a four-year loan; now there are seven-year loans.”

He says the key to keeping your car in tip-top shape is still oil changes. Being in Florida, the oil gets really hot, so it’s important to change it ever y 3,000 miles for conventional oil and every 5,000 miles for synthetic oil. When you bring your car to Running Great, your oil change will include a complimentary — and legitimate — vehicle inspection.

“If you go to the quick oil change place, they don’t usually care if your steering is about to fall off or if you have a bald tire,” Glen says. “Most are not trained to look.”

He says his customers tell him all the time that they’re surprised that the people at the oil change place didn’t tell them about problems with their brakes or other systems, but Glen emphasizes that’s not what a quick oil change place is in business to do.

And, he advises, if your brakes make any noise other than just a squeak, get someone to look at them right away. “The longer you wait,” he says, “the more it will cost you.”

As a NAPA-certified auto care center, any repairs done at Running Great use NAPA’s better quality parts and have a nationwide guarantee. Glen says that means if you take a road trip or move, if something fails, it will be fixed at no cost to you. He adds the he will get parts from dealers when needed,

work is still guaranteed and can be repaired at no cost at any NAPA-certified repair shop.

Over in the body shop, Glen says a steady stream of cars that have been in accidents come in for repair, with many more fender benders than they used to see.

Running Great uses a computer matching system for paint that has a camera with an eye that goes up against the body of the car to match the color. If it’s not perfect, the body shop can make adjustments based on what they see. They tint the paint on site so adjustments can be made as needed.

Drivers who have been in an accident have the right to take their car to any body shop they choose, so even if the insurance

He says Running Great works with directly with all insurance companies and he recommends that you never pay out of pocket if your car needs body work.

“Always go through insurance,” he says. “Otherwise, you won’t get a rental and, if someone else agrees to pay for your repairs, they aren’t going to pay more if we find something else wrong. But, the insurance company will.”

Running Great Auto (14513 N. Nebraska Ave.) is open Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and 7:30 a.m.-noon on Sat. For more information, call (813) 971-0642, visit RunningGreatAuto.com or see the ad on pg. 27 of this issue.

Glen Yudman has owned Running Great Automotive on N. Nebraska Ave. (top photo on next page) for 26 years.

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

By GARY NAGER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Totally Green Lawns, Too

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

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

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

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

See the ad on pg. 27 of this issue for more info about that promotion. You’ll also find coupons for 15% off all chemical purchases and a Buy-One, Get-One-Free offer on liquid chlorine.

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

Look To MariMark Mortgage For Expertise & Great Communica-

By ANNA GORMAN Neighborhood News Correspondent

Since its founding by Mary Catchur in 2006, Marimark Mortgage has been a trusted mortgage brokerage for potential home buyers in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

Mary received both her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Accounting and Bachelor of Arts degree in French from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She also has earned licenses as both a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and as a Realtor in Florida.

Before founding Marimark, she worked as an auditor for public accounting firm Klynveld, Peat, Marwick & Goerdeler and also served as both the chief operating officer (COO) and chief financial officer (CFO) of New Homes Realty. Mary says that this experience allowed her to learn the business from the financial side.

“Between my background as a CPA and then as the CFO for a real estate company, I think my skills are somewhat unique (for the mortgage business), particularly the CPA background, because I understand the financial part of it.”

Since its origination here in Florida, Marimark has been able to expand to also provide mortgages in Pennsylvania, where Mary is originally from, as well as in Virginia, where she says she had multiple clients due to the solid housing market there.

Recently, Mary has been joined at Marimark by her sons Matthew (Matt) and Nicholas (Nick) Catchur. Matt works as a loan originator while studying at USF, while Nick is a real estate agent as well as a loan originator. With all of this combined expertise, Marimark strives to be a one-stop shop for people looking to buy real estate in New Tampa.

Marimark specializes in fixed-rate mortgages, which Mary says are the mortgages that her buyers are looking for the most, as well as being the most commonly recommended by Marimark.

“I do a variety of different types” she says, “but I think that most people are still looking for the standard, fixed-rate mortgage, not as much the adjustable rates

anymore.” She adds that the reason is that conventional, fixed-rate mortgages often of fer lower down payments, such as 3 percent down, for first-time buyers.

Other loans offered by Marimark are Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, which are government-backed and also offer low (usually only 3.5 percent) down payments, as well as Veterans Administration (VA) loans, which allow U.S. military veterans to buy a home with no money down.

Another type of loan that doesn’t require a down payment is a USDA (U.S Department of Agriculture) loan, which was originally offered as a way to develop areas that may not have been built up, although this type of loan is not as common in the New Tampa or Wesley Chapel areas due to the increased amount of development seen in our communities.

Marimark also offers reverse mortgages, which allow borrowers over the age of 62 with equity (meaning the house is worth more than what is owed on it) to eliminate mortgage payments altogether, leaving only taxes and insurance to be paid.

Marimark also focuses on helping selfemployed people find mortgages, as Mary says that finding a mortgage when self-employed can be harder because the tax return documentation needed can be harder to

bank statements are used to determine their income, as well as what loans they would be qualified to receive. Bank statement loans also provide pre-qualification letters, which can be obtained through a phone call. These pre-qualification letters allow buyers to get an idea of the amount of credit they may be given by a lender during the mortgage process. Pre-qualification letters then allow home buyers to effectively negotiate with sellers.

Another thing that Mary says is becoming more popular these days is what is known as a debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) loan. This type of loan is useful for people looking to buy investment properties. Like bank-statement loans, DSCR loans don’t look at a borrower’s overall income, but instead consider how much money is going to come in from the investment property, and the borrower is qualified based on that amount. Debt-service refers to principal, interest, taxes, insurance, as well as Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. DSCR loans look at whether the income from the rent of the property will cover these fees, rather than looking at whether or

not other income made by the owner will

Despite the local real estate boom cooling off somewhat, as people wait for home ices to drop more, Mary says that business at Marimark is still busy. Although there may not be as many people refinancing their existing homes, people are still moving into the area and are still looking to buy here. Even the refinancing market, which seems to have been somewhat slowing of late, is still a big part of Marimark’s business.

“One of the main things I do in refinancing is where people want to consolidate their higher-interest credit card and other debt,” she says.

Overall, the thing that Mary says sets Marimark apart from other mortgage brokers in the area is its borrower-focused approach without sales pressure. While some who get into the business are taught a sales-first approach, “That’s never been my way,” says Mary. “My method is I’m going to explain to you why this mortgage is the best thing for you or give you the options of what you have and explain the pros and cons of them. My approach is from a financial standpoint and an educational standpoint.”

Mary also says that she has some clients who have come to her after negative experiences in more high-pressure sales environ-

(Above l.-r.) Matt, Mary & Nick Catchur of Marimark Mortgage, which is located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center (Photos by Charmaine George)

allowed to make their own decisions.

Another thing that sets Marimark’s approach apart from other mortgage brokers is its attentive communication with its clients. This is evident from what clients have said about working with Marimark when obtaining mortgages, as well as home refinances.

“Refinancing with Mary has been an absolute pleasure,” says client Bret Brennan. “I had never been through the process before and she took the time to explain each step…The communication line alone made

“I’ve been doing this for 17 years and it’s changed every year,” Mary says. “Either there are new rules or new documentation… but the one thing that remains constant is communication. If you just do that and educate people, you’ll still do good business.”

Marimark Mortgage’s office is located at 5327 Primrose Lake Cir. in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. For more info, visit MarimarkMortgage.com or call (813) 910-8020. Or, see the ad on pg. 29 of this issue.

Check Out The New Azteca D’Oro Mexican Restaurant!

By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George

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

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

However, while the mariachis are always fun and the completely revamped restaurant — which features not only outdoor seating, but seats both inside and out at the extralarge bar — is beautiful, without great food, it would all mean next to nothing.

But, while Azteca D’Oro definitely isn’t an inexpensive place to eat, the food options include such upscale authentic entrées as borrego (marinated, seasoned and baked lamb shank) and mol cajete (steak, chicken, chorizo sausage and shrimp over onions and green peppers in a mildly spicy sauce), plus favorites like the thickest-ever chicken-stuffed

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

of which my favorites were the pork carnitas fajitas, and a huge menu of other authentic specialties for lunch and dinner, including deli cious tableside-made guacamole finished with real bacon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Our whole goal is to offer healthier op tions using tropical flavors,” Olimar says.

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

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

cious hand-made shakes (see ad on pg. 1) and organic aguas frescas using many of the tropical flavors. The shakes even include a whole paleta!

For more info, see the ad on pg. 35, call (813) 451-6142 or visit MyPaletaMia.com.

— GN, photos by Charmaine George.

Tell Us Your Favorite Restaurants In (& Near) Wesley Chapel To Win FREE Dining!

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

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

Question #2: Name your Five Favorite Restaurants (of any kind) located in Wesley Chapel or near the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________

Community You Live In (Richmond Place, Lake Forest, etc.)

Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________

Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

As promised in my editorial on page 3 of this issue, we are giving you two separate chances in this issue to win FREE dining prizes!

Whether or not you’ve already told us your five (5) favorite New Tampa restaurants on the entry form on page 3, you’re still eligible to have a second chance to enter and win free dining by also telling us your five (5) Favorite Restaurants in (& near) Wesley Chapel by filling out the entry form above and mailing your entry to us at 2023 Neighborhood News Reader Dining Survey & Contest, 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 or by emailing it to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. You also may enter

this year’s contest by visiting our website — NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. Each time you answer a different Dining Survey question, you’ll receive an additional chance to win FREE dining prizes of $100, $60 or $35 — to the restaurant of your choice located anywhere in the Tampa Bay area!

Please check the zip codes of the restaurants you choose and remember not to name any New Tampa restaurants as your Wesley Chapel favorites on the entry form above, or any Wesley Chapel restaurants as your favorites in New Tampa on the entry form on page 3 — where you also will find the complete rules, including the areas we “count” as being located within our two distribution areas. Bon Appetit! — GN

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

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

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

Well, the wait it over, as Jeff Cofini (left in photo) and his nephew Nick Cignarella have opened Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli in the Peb

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

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

Do you want to write for the Neighborhood News?

• News Reporters

• Business Feature Writers

• Sports Reporters

• Human Interest Story Writers

All of these are paid freelance writing positions with the opportunity to advance to a full-time staff position.

To apply, email your resume & one writing sample to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. No phone calls!

HOME IMPROVEMENT

NEED HELP PACKING, UNPACKING & ORGANIZING? Let us help you! We LOVE putting things in their place. We specialize in helping you de-clutter, organize & purge unwanted/unused items. We can unpack & organize your new home or help you prepare & pack for your move. Call 813-523-2421 or 813-469-7935 or visit homesweettampabay.com.

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.

AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years of exp. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere. Google us to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises. See our display ad on pg. 39!

WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHINGCOM

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.

COMPUTER SERVICES

PROF’L TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+ Cert. computer tech w/25 years of 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!

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.

LAWN, & LANDSCAPING_____

JOHN IDEAL LAWN & LANDSCAPES. We provide all normal lawn & landscaping svcs: •Mow •Edge •Turf Trim •Air-Sweep •Right-of-Way Weed Control •Bed Edging •Resod •Design Your Lawn •Mulch •Shrub Trim/Shape •Hedge Trim •Yard Cleanup. “For no lawn stress, just join John’s Curb Appeal Success!” Save 12%/mo for 6 mos w/a 1-yr contract. Call Maitland John @ 813.327.1039.

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.

TRANSPORTATION _

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SVC. C&R Transporta-tion Services of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a shuttle service that provide safe & reliable transportation to & from your destinations.• New Tampa Transfer, $69 • Wesley Chapel Transfer, $79 • ZHills Transfer, $89 • Dade City Transfer, $129. Book Online @ Crtransportation.org or Call (813) 895-7413. Receive a FREE T-shirt w/every transfer.

AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campers/small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any condition, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, call (813) 461-0062.

ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2023 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $45 (one way). Cory Lake Isles resident. For more info, call or text 813.765.2037.

MISCELLANEOUS

Prof’l Resume Guru & Consulting Services LLC. Ready to unlock your full career potential? At PRG, we specialize in resumes, cover letters, residency statements, editing & much more! Transform your documents into a powerful tool that gets you noticed! Contact us today @ 813-405-5065 or email resume_guru@outlook.com.

BuyYourDreamHome.com. Steven Kessel, REALTOR® with Future Home Realty, Inc., is a member of Stellar MLS. I have IDX authorization to pull MLS listings for consumption by the general public. I’ve created a FREE search engine for you. It is the most advanced up-to-date user-friendly property search engine for homes for sale in the Tampa Bay and Central Fla. area. BuyYourDreamHome.com

Equip yourself with the skills to stay safe! Register for 2A Rated Training for self-defense training classes. Our NRA Certified Instructors provide training to help you gain confidence & proficiency to protect yourself & loved ones responsibly. Don’t compromise your safety. Visit our website & register at 2ARatedTraining.com. Train with us. Empower yourself. Email: info@2ARatedTraining.com.

RAYSPHOTOGRAPHS LLC! Do you have a special occasion/moment you’d like to capture? Specializing in weddings, engagements, portraits, headshots & events, allow me to capture the moments that matter most to you! Visit raysphotographs.com for samples. Call/text (813) 380-2655 or email ray@raysphotographs. com. Mention this ad & receive 20% off! Well-Appointed Prof’l Ofc Space for Rent. 600 sq.ft. in New Tampa (across from Publix on BBD Blvd., behind Chase Bank). Two offices — one w/laminate floor & another w/carpet. Plus, a carpeted secretarial area & wide hallway. Large closet with shelving, refrigerator & microwave. Fully equipped bathroom with supplies. For leasing info, please call 813-468-9110.

DOES YOUR LOVED ONE NEED CARE AT HOME? Faith Compassionate Home Care

Provides Medical & Non-Medical Home Health Care svcs: Nursing care, medication mgmt, case mgmt, companion care, home health aide, respite care, bowel care services, training to caregiver & more. Flexible pymt options. We accept private pay only. For info, call 813-602-4431.

360 BOOKKEEPING LLC - We focus on your Bookkeeping so you can focus on your Business. Est’d business? We’ll clean up your books to get you back on track. New Business? We can set up your chart of accounts to get you organized & efficient. Call now & get peace of mind—plus 20% off set-up fees—(813) 336-1363.

Hughes School of Music now accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory with a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also available! Contact us at 813-748-3216.

CLEANING SERVICES

ANA PARRA HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES.

Professional House Cleaning — Best prices & quality, Licensed & Insured. We offer: • Routine clean • Deep Cleaning • Move-In/Move-Out clean-up. Serving New Tampa /Lutz/Wesley Chapel & more. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly cleaning or special needs. Avail. Mon-Sat. References avail. We supply our own cleaning products & equipmt. Call or text for free estimate: (305) 338-0981.

A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. FamilyOwned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly/Deep Cleaning/Move-In/Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE NoObligation Quote: 813-462-1270. Local refs. supplied upon request.

MARY’S CLEANING SERVICES. We provide flexible domestic & office cleaning. “Jesus is the Lord.” Give us a call at 352-206-8809 for a free estimate or email marynovociclo@ gmail.com.

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.

TREE SERVICES

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