New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 29, Issue 19, September 14, 2021 by Neighborhood News

Volume 29 Issue 19

INSIDE: Your 2nd Chance To Win FREE Dining! See pgs. 28-30!

September 14, 2021

AdventHealth Care Pavilion Now Open In Hunter’s Green! The Pavilion Is Reshaping Primary Care With New Technology & An Enhanced Patient Experience! By John C. Cotey

john@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Going to the doctor may never be described as a fun experience. From the dreary waiting room to being shuffled in for the poking and prodding to the inevitable stop at the pharmacy on the way home or, even worse, a separate trip to another dreary waiting room at an imaging center or somewhere else for more tests, it’s an experience many people aren’t thrilled to go through. However, AdventHealth Care Pavilion is opening on Sept. 14, and is

happy to try and change some of that. Located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. at Hunter’s Lake Dr. in front of Hunter’s Green, the area’s newest facility also is its most innovative. The emphasis was on taking everything that patients find most frustrating about going to see a doctor and improving it. That means easier and more convenient registration, modern waiting rooms and in addition to being home to eight primary care physicians, there will be no need for additional trips elsewhere in most cases because the new facility boasts in-house labs, imaging for x-rays and MRIs to name a few, and even a pharmacy. “We tried to think through some of the little things that make it easier and more convenient and comfortable for people,” says John Johannessen, senior executive officer for non-

(Above) The 50,000-square-foot AdventHealth Care Pavilion at Hunter’s Green is now open in the former LifePoint Church building on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. at Hunter’s Lake Dr. (Drone photo by Charmaine George)

(Left) A rendering of the futuristic-looking lobby at the new AdventHealth Care Pavilion will set the tone for the doctor’s visit. (Rendering provided by AdventHealth)

acute services in the West Florida division of AdventHealth. “That’s the mindset of what a care pavilion is. We make it easier, make it comfortable and add a higher

level of service so it’s just simply a destination location that you want to come to for your care and to stay healthy.” See “Care Pavilion” on pg. 4

Fire Up Your Taste Buds At Acropolis Greek Taverna! For the delicious details, see pages 32-33!

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AHCI Introduces New Global Prospects Academy Hockey Director An editorial by Gary Nager success, “also has to do with the Lightning’s sucIf both of your kids played cess.” He also said that he expects the rink’s GPA program to double in size this school year (to 30 high school ice hockey, as mine or more students) and ultimately, to 300 or more did, more than a decade ago, — and promised to expand the GPA to include there was no way (or place) figure skating in the future. locally for kids who were good Stephen Herr, the Head of School at enough to play travel hockey to play youth or high school hockey NTCA, also spoke at the press conference and said that the school will offer GPA students at the highest level while also in-person classes at both NTCA and at the rink receiving a great education. My kids both decided to play hockey, instead (with on-site teaching staff), plus Zoom classes. “Our primary goal is the same as Advent of the competitive sports they grew up with, after Health Center Ice’s goal,” Herr said, “helpthe Tampa Bay Lightning won their first Stanley ing students to become people of character and Cup championship back in 2004. They weren’t alone, as many outstanding young athletes at that leaders.” For additional information, visit AHCenterIce.com/global-prospects-academy. time also either first took up or decided to focus on hockey because of being bananas for the Bolts. Thirteen years later, the same developers who built the Brandon Ice Sports Forum — where kids from high schools in and near Tampa had been practicing and playing — finally opened Florida Hospital (now AdventHealth) Center Ice (aka AHCI), right here in Wesley Chapel. The new place was (and still is) a palace for both hockey players and figure skaters, especially when compared with any other ice skating facility in the entire Tampa Bay area — with three NHL-sized rinks, one (larger) international-sized rink and a mini-rink, plus a great pro shop and an actual restaurant. AHCI, the largest skating facility south of New York, even offers curling, a cult favorite Winter Olympics sport. In 2019, the Lightning were again favored to win the team’s second Stanley Cup at the start of the 2019-20 season, despite a disappointing first-round sweep at the sticks of the Columbus Blue Jackets to close out their 2018-19 campaign, which saw them win the President’s Cup for having the NHL’s best regular-season record. Of course, the Covid-19 pandemic shortened that 2019-20 season and caused the entire Cup playoffs to be played in two “bubbles” in Canada, but somehow, the Bolts did prevail and brought Lord Stanley’s chalice home to Tampa. And of course, the Lightning then repeated as Cup champs to end of the 2020-21 season. It just so happens that 2020-21 also was the first year that AHCI offered its Global Prospects Academy (GPA), combining top-notch hockey training and lots of ice time for 15 young players, as well as a full-fledged private school experience affiliated with North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA), which is located just three miles from AHCI on County Line Rd. in New Tampa. AHCI co-owner Gordie Zimmermann hosted a press conference on August 12 to announce the intended expansion of the rink’s GPA program and the hiring of new Academy Director of Hockey, former NHL player Glen Metropolit, whose career included 400 games with six NHL teams (including two games with the Lightning), followed by six years of international experience with top-level European clubs. “Our goal is to establish an elite hockey program,” Zimmermann said at the media event, “in order to keep them here in Florida before they turn 16 and move up north to Boston or Michigan to play. There haven’t been any programs here with academics and hockey training.” Zimmermann also introduced former Lightning star Brian Bradley (who still works for the team) at the event, and admitted that AHCI’s Neighborhood News

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(L.-r.) Gordie Zimmermann of AdventHealth Center Ice, AHCI’s Global Prospects Academy Director of Hockey Glenn Metropolit & Stephen Herr of North Tampa Christian Academy.

INSIDE:

The City of Tampa’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget has some good news for Tampa Palms. Pages 6-7

Dr. Nelson changes focus from dentistry to patients struggling with sleep apnea. Page 18

New owners making Acropolis Greek Taverna even more delicious! Pages 32-33

New Tampa Neighborhood News OUR NEW ADDRESS: 28949 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Isabella Douglas Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 29, Issue 21, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, September 27, 2021. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News also reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

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Care Pavilion: AdventHealth Continued from page 1.

Johannessen says AdventHealth is so serious about making it a pleasant experience, they hired a longtime Disney hospitality employee who will be specifically dedicated to the building’s consumer experience. In fact, Johannessen doesn’t call it a reception desk that greets you upon entering, he says it’s more of a conciergelevel welcome center. “Obviously nobody likes registering,” he adds. “You register for the doctor and then when you have to go for the lab, you have to register for the lab, and then when you need to go get an image you have to register for the imaging. It’s a nightmare. It’s easy for people to say, ‘Why don’t you already have this information, why do I have to tell you this 10 times?’” In addition to primary care, there will be other offerings, like subspecialties offered, such as cardiology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and general surgery. By the end of the year, Johannessen expects to have a pediatrician on staff as well. While it is not labeled as an urgent care, the pavilion will accept walk-ins and

The large-bore MRI at the AdventHealth Care Pavilion at Hunter’s Green.

thinks new approach is just what the doctor ordered.

can provide emergency care. The facility is roomy, going more for an open-air mall type of feel than your traditional doctor’s office. A lot of thought has been put into the light, the music and even the colors, according to Johannessen, so a better mood and tone can be set. When you are brought to your exam room, that’s where everything, even bloodwork, will happen (unless you need an X-ray, which is just a short walk away). The focus is on connecting services for the convenience of patients. Another convenience – a kids club for families who have children and can’t find a babysitter. The hours at the Advent Health Care Pavilion are Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, so parents have flexibility and don’t have to schedule their doctor visits around childcare or work. ‘We try to make it easy,” says Johannessen , who adds that the pavilion will initially be closed Sundays but the goal is to add enough to make it a seven-days-aweek facility. The pavilion also offers a café, although it won’t be ready on day one at the New Tampa location. But, until it is ready, there will be a refreshment center. The on-site Imaging Center will offer a separate women’s suite, focused on services that are important to them, like mammograms. Imaging also has a large-bore MRI, which is the same as a traditional MRI but has a larger bore opening that adds more comfort and less stress for those who may suffer from claustrophobia. “We tried to think through (many) of the little things that make it easier and more convenient,” says Johannessen. The Hunter’s Green location actually is the second Care Pavilion center opened by AdventHealth. The first one

opened in Westchase in June, to great response , according to Johannessen. But, the New Tampa location, which is roughly 50,000-sq.-ft. compared to its 20,000-sq.-ft. counterpart across the county, has more room to offer and room for expansion as well. AdventHealth The exam rooms at the AdventHealth Care Pavilion at Hunter’s had been looking Green will look like the one above at the Care Pavilion in Westchase. for a site somewhere along BBD And, that is exactly what he hopes for a year, and had all but settled on one the AdventHealth Care Pavilion at when the previous owners of the propHunter’s Green will do for those looking erty, which was most recently home to for quality, innovative and easy-to-naviLifePoint Church (and Winn-Dixie before gate healthcare. that) elected to sell. The AdventHealth Care Pavilion The new site was perfect — close to at Hunter’s Green (8702 Hunter’s an intersection, linked to a large comLake Dr.) is now open. For more inmunity like Hunter’s Green, and was formation, call (813) 467-4700, visit the right size with plenty of parking. “It AdventHealthCarePavilion.com or checked all our boxes,” Johannessen says. see the ad on page 5 of this issue.

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Tampa Palms Blvd. Repaving Gets A Budget Boost By John C. Cotey

john@NTNeighborhoodNews.com When City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor presented her $1.8-billion fiscal year 2022 budget to the Tampa City Council on August 5, it did not include any money for one of Council member Luis Viera’s sought-after projects — the repaving of Tampa Palms Blvd. Viera, who represents District 7 (which includes most of North Tampa and all of incorporated New Tampa), was crestfallen. But, while he understood some of the budget constraints, he didn’t give up hope. With the urging of community activists and Tampa Palms residents — many of them the same folks who fought for the funding for the New Tampa Recreation Center (NTRC) a few years ago — as well as plenty of Viera’s own door pounding, Mayor Castor announced on August 24 that an additional $3.3 million would be added to the budget to repave and rejuvenate Tampa Palms Blvd.’s south loop. “That is a really, really, really big thing,” Viera says. “It’s a big win for our area.” For the south loop, or segment 1, the price tag is $2.3 million. The north loop, which runs from Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. to Ebensburg Dr., will cost is $1 million. An initial public meeting on the project is

Tampa Palms Blvd. could end up being repaved as well as receiving other upgrades if the City of Tampa budget passes as is. scheduled for Tuesday, September 28. Money for the Tampa Palms Blvd. repaving was originally expected to come from the $500 million raised via the All for Transportation one-cent surtax. However, the penny surtax was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court in

February, ironically a day after Viera met with Tampa Palms residents at a town hall. “I promised the residents that night that if the penny sales tax failed that I would fight really hard for it in this year’s budget,” Viera said. “Flipping it into the budget when it wasn’t originally there was a big ask.”

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Viera pushed for the money, with an assist from local activists — who made phone calls and sent emails to Mayor Castor. One Tampa Palms resident, Mike Marlowe, wrote to Castor on Aug. 21 that his community had been promised repaving of the road “which now looks like a quilt instead of a roadway” — last year. He added that in 22 years of living in New Tampa, he has “never seen the road this bad.” A week later, Brandie Miklus, the city’s infrastructure and mobility program coordinator, responded to Marlowe with the good news — that the city’s mobility department was moving forward with resurfacing plans. In her address to the City Council, Castor seemed determined not to let the Florida Supreme Court decision freeze her efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure needs. “I won’t sugar coat how big a blow it was to lose the All for Transportation money that was so overwhelmingly supported by our constituents,” Mayor Castor said. “I will provide a path to forge ahead on our own, one that includes a citywide mobility plan.” Castor’s budget includes $22 million for road safety and maintenance. “We’ve all heard the calls from our community to make our streets, sidewalks and trails safe and to improve our road maintenance,” she said.

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A refreshed Tampa Palms Blvd., which Viera says is presently “a failed road,” is currently in the design phase (the money for which was in last year’s budget), with actual construction occurring in two phases and expected to begin within the next year. According to Miklus, it will include resurfacing, multimodal and safety improvements, traffic calming, enhanced crosswalks with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and separated bicycle lanes. After years of complaints about being ignored by the City of Tampa, this could be a year in which New Tampa’s cup runneth over, as a number of New Tampa projects are in the city’s plans to receive money. The budget has $1.67 million scheduled for the long-awaitd inclusive playground, which will have play elements, wheelchair access and autism-friendly features, to be built near the New Tampa Recreation Center (NTRC). The FY 2022 budget also includes $650,000 to begin the planning and design of Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 24, which will be located in the K-Bar Ranch area. Another $11.5 million is expected to be allocated in the FY 2023 budget for construction of what would be New Tampa’s fifth fire station. Until then, Viera says he also is working on the construction of a possible road off Morris Bridge Rd. that would allow for quicker access into K-Bar Ranch to help reduce some of the response times of the two fire stations on

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Cross Creek Blvd., both of which rank among the slowest in the entire Tampa Bay area. Viera also said the budget includes $50,000 to design New Tampa Blvd.’s future renovation ($50,000), hopefully leading to its repaving in the next year or two. Like Tampa Palms Blvd., New Tampa Blvd. was initially slated for improvements using All For Transportation money. As backers of the NTRC know, just because the money is in the budget for a project doesn’t mean it can’t be moved or taken out. The City Council held a first public hearing on the budget on Sept. 13, after we went to press with this issue. The budget has to be approved by Friday, October 1.

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Business Notes: SideSplitters Is Open In The Grove; More Cannabis In NT HA HA HA: If you’re looking for a laugh, the new Wesley Chapel location of comedy club Side Splitters is now officially open. The club, which is located inside the Grove Theater, Bistro & Entertainment, had a soft opening the second-tolast weekend in August with comedian and TikTok star Ben Brainard. Brian Thompson, the Side Splitters owner, says both shows were sold out. “We’ve had good crowds,” Thompson says. “They weren’t huge, but they were all there to laugh. And, we got a lot of positive feedback.” While most of the comedians booked through the rest of the year aren’t necessarily huge names, Thompson did book well-known Nick DiPaolo, a former regular on shows like “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn” and the “Comedy Central Roasts,” for one show on Friday, September 24. Other upcoming shows include Frankie Paul (Sept. 16-19) and Sean Finnerty (Sept. 30-Oct. 3), with more to be scheduled through the end of the year.

For more information, visit SideSplittersComedy.com. To throw your hat in the ring for open mic nights, which are held Fridays after the scheduled shows, email comicsnightout@gmail.com. HOT BUSINESS: As we reported earlier, a new cannabis dispensary is opening in New Tampa, at the former site of the Batteries Plus Bulbs location next to Wendy’s on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., across from the Pebble Creek Collection plaza. Curaleaf, which is currently under renovation, is a standout in a crowded and competitive market that is growing, according to Bloomberg.com. According to an August article on the business website, Curaleaf’s sales jumped 166% last quarter. CEO Boris Jordan said that was “almost double other companies in the market.” Curaleaf has more than 20 locations throughout Florida, including dispensaries in nearby Lutz, Tampa (on N. Florida Ave.) and Brandon. — JCC

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K-Bar Resident Shares His Story Of Tragedy To Triumph By John C. Cotey

K-Bar Ranch resident Pete Radigan has a story to tell, and he’s been waiting 20 years for people to read it. On Oct. 4, Tragedy to Triumph: The Story of Tom’s Heart will be officially released for sale by Red Penguin Books. “Oh my God, I can’t wait,” says Radigan, who moved from New Jersey to K-Bar Ranch in 2019. “If there was ever a made-for-TV (story), this book is it.” Decades in the making, it is the personal story of Radigan’s battle with his health, his life-saving heart transplant and Jan Mauk’s healing from the loss of her son Tom, the teen whose heart keeps Radigan alive, and the rare relationship between the parent of a donor and the donor recipient. Radigan says he and Jan have talked about writing the book for many years. Radigan, who had kept a journal during his long hospital stays while waiting for a transplant, had written his version of it years ago, and Jan surprised him with her version at Christmas in 2018. A friend of Radigan’s, writer Jim McGrath, weaved it all together. “Over the last 10 years, when was the last time you heard of a major story about organ donation?,” Radigan asks. “They are few and far between. This book talks about what the experience is like from the view of the mother of a deceased donor — how she felt and went through the grieving process — and also about the recipient and what they go through together. It’s the first time something like this has been catalogued in a book. I feel like it’s a healing guidebook for those on both sides of the organ donation process.” Born on Staten Island, NY, in 1965 and raised in East Windsor, NJ, Radigan’s story certainly is unique. In 1987, he was first diagnosed with hypertrophic cardio myopathy,

Pete Radigan today (left) & with Jan Mauk in 1999.

which is an enlargement of the heart. It was later discovered he was actually suffering from Emery Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, which affects the heart. By age 30, Radigan’s health had deteriorated to the point where he was having difficulty walking up stairs. He says he was teaching a corporate class in Orange County, CA, and couldn’t even wear shoes because his feet hurt so much. He was unknowingly already in end-stage heart failure. “I thought, ‘When did I get in such bad shape?,’” he recalls. “I was embarrassed.” Radigan returned to the east coast and underwent a battery of tests that made it official. He needed a heart, or, his doctors told him, he was going to die. That led to months in the hospital. His first transplant was canceled after Radigan, surrounded by his family, had been prepped for the surgery. The heart he was to receive, doctors said, was damaged. A week later, at 7:15 p.m. on Aug. 4, 1997, a new donor heart had been found, and Radigan received his heart at the New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Just two days earlier, 16-year-old Tom Mauk was driving his motorcycle when a car struck him and sent him flying more than 150 feet.

Jan says she struggled for a day with the decision to donate Tom’s organs, but knew that was what her son would have wanted. On Sept. 13, Radigan walked out of the hospital with a cane and a new lease on life. Jan mourned. That’s the tragedy. The triumph came more than a year later, when, after a few letters back and forth, Pete and Jan agreed to finally meet on Feb. 5, 1999, in Niagara Falls in Toronto. Radigan says it was one of the most emotional moments of his life. He brought Jan flowers and asked her if she wanted to

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listen to her son’s heart. She leaned in and pressed her ear to his chest. “It was not like listening to the quality, rhythm, or rate of a heartbeat or detecting arrhythmias, which I practiced as a nurse,” she wrote. “Listening to his heart brought a connection to Tom, joy to my soul, in contrast to the previous sadness, as tears formed in my eyes….The sound of his heartbeat was a melody to my ear, as I wanted to permanently affix my head to (Pete’s) chest to hear it continually. It brought comfort to me.” Radigan says that the last third of the book details their friendship, and includes the letters and emails they wrote to each other over the years. “When I asked Jan what made her want to write the book, her answer was pretty simple: ‘It gave me the opportunity to leave a legacy for my son, the man he was and the gifts he provided,’” says Radigan. For Pete Radigan, it was another chance to say “thank you.” To purchase the book or for more information on donor and tissue donation, visit TragedyToTriumph.net. Tragedy to Triumph also is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Google Books.

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For PTSD, Covid Concerns & More, Try Tampa Palms Psychology By Gary Nager There’s little doubt that, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the past two years have been especially tough to deal with for most of us. For many people, whether or not to wear masks everywhere we go, whether or not to take a Covid-19 vaccine and not being able to go out to eat, to a movie, sporting event or concert has put more strain on us emotionally than perhaps any other situation in most of our lifetimes. That’s where Brian Wilson, Ph.D., of Tampa Palms Psychology, comes in. Dr. Wilson (no relation to the co-founder of the Beach Boys rock group with the same name) says that although he doesn’t treat couples, adolescents or young children, he can help individual adults with a wide range of emotional problems — including depression, anxiety, work stress, aging, surviving abuse, dementia, compassion fatigue, insomnia, grief, relationship concerns and more — deal with their issues. He also offers ongoing psychological treatment for people with chronic medical problems, including geriatric patients.

Dr. Brian Wilson can help adults with a wide range of emotional issues, from PTSD to Covid-19 fears and more, with his telehealth practice based in Tampa Palms. (Photos by Charmaine George)

“These are challenging times,” he says, “so working with a skilled psychologist can help you navigate them with success. I am focused on helping you cope

with the demands of the modern world through compassion, careful listening and comprehensive psychotherapy.” Dr. Wilson graduated with a Bachelor

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of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville and earned both his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He also completed a psychology residency at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital, where he specialized in PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as an adult generalist. He has been practicing since 2003, and moved to Tampa in 2009 and to New Tampa in 2013. He says his private practice today is exclusively telehealth and, to that end, says that it was important to invest in good technology, with a nice computer and fast internet, even though he does also have a physical office location in Tampa Palms. He isn’t sure when he will begin seeing patients again in person, but says that transitioning to a telehealthonly practice hasn’t affected his ability to help his adult patients. “The ripple effect of the Covid-19 pandemic is that everyone’s overall stress level is up,” Dr. Wilson says. “Even without Covid, however, many adults feel that there is often not enough time in the

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day to both accomplish our goals and care for ourselves. Responsibilities and commitments can be overwhelming. Raising children, pursuing career advancement, helping aging parents, retirement and coping with losses can leave us emotionally depleted. Such stressors and setbacks can feel even more difficult to manage with the state of affairs in the world.” Because of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) rules, Dr. Wilson doesn’t offer online testimonials but he says he has had a lot of success treating veterans and others with PTSD, and says that many people’s fears and concerns about Covid-19 (especially for those who have lost loved ones or seen them hospitalized long-term, as well as medical professionals treating Covid patients) have caused many of the same issues. “It helps to have a professional to talk to about these concerns,” he says. “A lot of my current patients have been referred to me by a friend or family member I’ve been able to help.” And, while he says that word of mouth is still the best way to build a practice in his profession, he has had a lot of success with his ads in this publication, too. “Building a practice is very much a grassroots thing,” Dr. Wilson says. “But, I’ve found that the Neighborhood News

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is the best way to do that locally. My ads have generated a lot of calls.” Dr. Wilson’s wife, Jessica, is a psychologist with the Department of Veterans Affairs and they have a six-yearold son who attends Chiles Elementary in Tampa Palms. And, even though he’s no Beach Boy, Wilson says that he enjoys not only playing, but also buying, selling and refurbishing guitars (“to fund my habit”) and working out. For appointments with Dr. Brian Wilson and more info about Tampa Palms Psychology, call (813) 4919343, visit TampaPalmsPsychology. com or see the ad on pg. 19.

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Mosquito Shield Keeps Those Pesky Biters Away By Celeste McLaughlin

Joe adds that the natural oils also help block the carbon dioxide that you breathe out, which also attracts mosquitoes. “I spoke with someone recently who told me he turned his garage into a gym,” says Joe. “I explained to him that because you’re exercising, you’re breathing heavy and basically putting out a neon sign for a mosquito buffet.” But, Joe says the natural oils Mosquito Shield uses can help to turn out those neon lights, keeping mosquitoes from bothering you anywhere on your property.

Correspondent

In Florida, mosquitoes are everywhere, and most people assume you just have to put up with them. But Joe Rakocy, the owner of Mosquito Shield of North Tampa, says it doesn’t have to be that way. “Everybody’s got mosquitoes because they don’t think they can get control of them,” Joe says. “But, what we do is different.” Joe explains that basic pest control companies and other mosquito control companies come out monthly to treat your home and spray to kill mosquitoes. “If you look at their labels, (the sprays are) supposedly good for 30 days,” he explains. “But really, you begin riding a roller coaster where it works for two weeks, then it doesn’t.” So, after Mosquito Shield first treats your property, the technician comes out again seven days later, and then every 10-17 days after that, depending upon the weather. When there’s more rain, the technicians will come out more often.

A Company Trusted Nationwide

(L.-r.) Mosquito Shield of North Tampa owner Joe Rakocy, with his wife Wanda, who does the bookkeeping, and son Frank, who is a Mosquito Shield technician. (Photos courtesy of Joe Rakocy)

Joe says Mosquito Shield kills mosquitoes with a small amount of pesticide, similar to his competitors. But, Mosquito Shield technicians do something else, too, creating an invisible “shield” made from

an assortment of natural oils, such as garlic, cedar and flower oils. “These natural oils build a barrier around your property so the mosquitoes don’t want to come in your yard,” he explains.

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Mosquito Shield is a franchise, with more than 100 locations across the nation. In 2021, the company is celebrating its 20th year in business — and it is continuing to grow. About nine months ago, Joe brought Mosquito Shield to North Tampa, and his territory includes both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. He is a long-time Wesley Chapel resident, having lived in the same home for more than 30 years. He says his family

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“grew up here” and he still lives in Wesley Chapel, and both his son and son-in-law work for Mosquito Shield as technicians. So, even though it’s a franchise, “it’s very much a family-owned business,” says Joe, who answers the phone when customers call, and whose wife Wanda does the bookkeeping and helps with office work and marketing. He’s pleased to bring the Mosquito Shield franchise to this area, where he says it is definitely needed. “Mosquitoes are pests and they’re a health hazard,” he says, because they bite and have the potential to spread disease. “We spray a product that is unique to us. No one else has it,” Joe says. “It was developed and patented by Mosquito Shield.” The technicians use the knowledge and experience the company has built over the last 20 years to know when and how much to spray, too. “We spray a heavier concentration around congregating areas, such as a your fire pit, barbeque, or outdoor kitchen,” he says. “We build a heavier barrier around that.” Joe says the service is often needed in the beautiful, new subdivisions, where there are lots of ponds and water features. That water is where the mosquitoes breed, and Joe says they breed heavier where there’s fertilization. That makes newer subdivisions

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couldn’t access the dock in her backyard because the mosquitoes were so bad. She and her family were frustrated to be kept away from the lake and trapped inside, away from the mosquitoes. She says she has been nothing but pleased since she first reached out to Mosquito Shield. “They were prompt, came right out, and went through their process with us,” she says. “I don’t know the owner outside of hiring them, but he’s very friendly, attentive and answers emails right away.” Carol was concerned about choosing a service that would not cause harmful pesticides to run off into the lake. with their heavily fertilized St. Augustine “With the Mosquito Shield product, grass a hotspot for mosquitoes. it doesn’t affect the lake life, fish and He says he often fields phone calls plants,” Carol says. “They actually went from homeowners who are hosting a out and sprayed the dock, so now we party or wedding and want to be sure can just stand out there — and even go their guests don’t have to contend with fishing — where before, we couldn’t get mosquitoes. Mosquito Shield can work close to the lake.” with those homeowners to ensure their She also appreciates that the techniyard is perfect for that big day. cians come out as often as needed. At Mosquito Shield also offers a tick first, it was very frequently, until she says protection product, although Joe says that she saw relief and a big improvement. service is not as popular as the mosquito Now they come out regularly — once service in the Tampa Bay area. every 14 days. Carol Nofsinger moved into her lakeCarol says the technicians and Joe front home in April, but quickly found all seemed to care that the problem was there were points in the day that she completely resolved, and that she contin-

ues to have no mosquitoes. She took advantage of their offer to come out and treat at the optimum time before she hosted an outdoor party for her daughter’s graduation — at no additional charge. Mosquito Shield has no contracts and Joe says his services are 100% guaranteed. And, you can cancel at any time. Currently, the Mosquito Shield ad on pg. 24 of this issue offers a special introductory rate of $39 for the first month of service, which includes three sprays — the initial spray, then seven days later, then every 14 days after that. After the introductory pricing, homeowners pay a monthly fee at a regular rate. Please call Mosquito Shield for pricing for your home and property. Joe spent decades in food sales and as the owner of a food sales agency that he sold in 2013. Shortly after, he purchased a furniture repair franchise called Furniture Medic, where he still has two technicians who do furniture and cabinet repair and refurbishment. Joe says that’s an offshoot of his hobby, which is woodworking. For more information or to set up your treatment, call Mosquito Shield at (813) 693-5604, visit moshield.com or see the ad on page 24 of this issue.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 19 • September 14, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Gas N Grills Is Ready To Upgrade Your Grill Game By John C. Cotey

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

Football season has arrived which, for many people, also means grilling season. With cooler weather (finally) around the corner, it’s time to invite those fantasy football buddies over for some beer, beef and football. It also might be time to upgrade your grill game. Gas N Grills, located on Livingston Ave. just north of E. Bearss Ave. and a 1.2mile west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., likely has everything you need to make all of your friends envious. Not only does the location offer grilling accessories, charcoal, wood chips and propane. The store’s selection of gas and other grills also can help transform your outdoor cooking space into a charming culinary oasis. Gas N Grills owner Joe Baker says that while it is tough to compete against the bigger box stores and online shopping, those who prefer to spend their money with smaller, local businesses will be pleasantly surprised by the quality offered at his store, which has been located in the same plaza since 1989. “We specialize in high-end grills,” Joe says. “You get a good product here, not the

Gas N Grills on Livingston Ave. (at Bearss Ave.) in Lutz has plenty of options to help transform your outdoor cooking space into an awesome outdoor kitchen. (Photo: Charmaine George) Joe says Blaze is his best seller and boasts cheap stuff. Good quality products, with commercial-grade cast stainless steel burngood warranties.” What you won’t find at Gas N Grills ers, as well as a lifetime warranty, and Tec are the same, basic $199 grills you see lined uses infrared heating, which puts a good up outside the big box stores, especially char on your meat. All are ideal for any during the spring and summer. outdoor kitchen, according to Joe. Joe also sells the Weber brand, arguably At his store, Joe offers everything from the most popular and highly-rated grill in simple Broil Master grills to a number of high-priced stainless steel beauties from top the country. Naturally, any grill store would be inname brands like Alfresco, Blaze and Tec. complete these days without kamado grills, Alfresco grills are made in the USA,

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which are the popular kettle-shaped grills with a ceramic shell that offer both charcoal grilling and smoking versatility. At Gas N Grills, Joe sells the Saffire Grills, which are similar to the more-wellknown Big Green Egg grills but are even higher quality, he says. The Saffire uses charcoal, and can be used to grill, smoke, bake, roast and BBQ. Not only can you cook steaks and burgers on it, you also can slow-cook some ribs, and even use it to make a true wood-fired pizza, if you so desire. “It gives you better results than a regular grill,” Joe says. “The food stays so juicy that once you eat food cooked on it, you will never go back to just a ‘regular’ grill.” The Saffire grills are definitely a little pricey — although they are available in multiple sizes, a medium-sized one will set you back about $1,000 — but they all come with a lifetime warranty and Joe says it will probably be the last grill you’ll ever buy. In fact, that’s the case with many of the grills Joe sells at Gas N Grills, which are more for the dedicated and serious grilling enthusiasts who like to cook outdoors more than they do inside, moreso than the usual weekend chefs just looking to cook up a few burgers and hot dogs every once in a while.

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“We target those customers who are looking for a better cooking experience,” Joe says. ”People who know the difference are very interested in what we have. Spending $1,000, though, may be overkill for some people. But, I have customers who cook on their grills five times a week.” At Gas N Grills, the high-end grill choices feature large cooking areas and added perks like rotisserie kits, side burners, adjustable warming racks, shelves, cabinet storage and even blue LED lights for nighttime grilling. Gas N Grills also sells camping stoves, turkey fryers, pizza ovens and grilling accessories, like a wide variety of different types of smoking wood with some flavors that Joe says you cannot find anywhere else. Gas N Grills also specializes in various grill replacement parts, which can be ordered in-store or online and are a big part the store’s business. Even during Covid-19, when parts are hard to come by, Joe was able to help out customer Charles Sailor. “I was looking for igniters for my

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(grill),” Sailor wrote in a review. “No one had it or it was back ordered 10 days. Also, this was all during the Covid-19 stay at home. I called Gas N Grills, (Joe) answered the phone and was Saffire ceramic kamado very helpful.... grills come in a variety of ordered both parts sizes at Gas N Grills. on a Wednesday (Photo: Charmaine George) and (it came on Thursday). Efficient, quick and very helpful. If you have a hard time getting or finding parts, this is the place. I dealt with five other companies, but this was the only one that came through for me.” Gas N Grills is located at 14615 Livingston Ave. For more information, visit GasNGrills.com, call (813) 9724984, or see the ad on pg. 33.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 19 • September 14, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Ditch Your CPAP With Sleep Apnea Treatment From Dr. Jay Nelson By Celeste McLaughlin

Correspondent After decades of practicing dentistry, Dr. Jay Nelson, D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine), has sold his dental practice in Lutz to focus exclusively on dental sleep medicine. It’s been his passion for more than a decade, since he first took a course that he says sparked his interest. As his knowledge, expertise and dental sleep medicine practice have grown over more than 10 years, it led Dr. Nelson to sell his dental practice, located off S.R. 54 in Lutz, in January. He had originally opened that practice in 1987, about the same time he moved to New Tampa, where he still lives. In April of this year, he opened Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine on Foggy Creek Rd., in the Cypress Creek Professional Center off of S.R. 56 (less than a mile east of I-75). The move to the new office allows him to focus fully on treating those who suffer from sleep apnea “We’re actually saving lives,” Dr. Nelson says.

Dr. Jay Nelson has sold his dental practice and now focuses dental sleep medicine and specifically helping those who suffer from sleep apnea at his Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine practice located off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. (Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Nelson)

Building on what he learned while earning his D.M.D. degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, Dr. Nelson has since earned advanced certifications from professional organizations such as

the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE) and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine is the only facility in Florida and one of the first

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20 dental offices in the U.S. to be accredited by the AADSM. Recently, Dr. Nelson was one of only two dentists asked to speak before the 21st annual Current Concepts in Sleep medical conference, where he taught virtually to a national audience. His team at his new office includes Frances Cameli, who worked in his previous practice for more than 10 years and serves as the dental sleep manager in the front office, while Betsy Ramos, who also came from Dr. Nelson’s previous practice, serves as the office’s clinical assistant. Dr. Nelson offers a free consultation to people who wonder if their snoring might be a sign they have a serious underlying condition. And often, it’s not the patient who suggests they visit Dr. Nelson, but those who have to sleep within earshot of them. “We save marriages, too,” Dr. Nelson says, referring to those couples who sleep separately because of the disturbances from snoring. To find out if you’re at risk for sleep apnea, Dr. Nelson suggests using Google to search for the “STOP BANG” survey

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questionnaire. It asks questions about snoring, tiredness and other risk factors. There also is a similar assessment (that requires personal information to be entered) on the Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine website: SleepBetterFlorida. com/take-our-quiz. Sleep apnea is a condition affecting more than 200,000 people in the U.S. each year. It causes patients to stop breathing for brief periods of time during sleep, which can lead to drowsiness that increases risk for auto and other accidents, as well as an increased risk of overall mortality, strokes and cancer. “If you have symptoms of sleep apnea,” he says, “get tested or get treated.” Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition, so those who see Dr. Nelson will be referred for evaluation at a sleep testing center, as well as to their primary care physician for diagnosis. The standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea has been to pump a continuous stream of air into a patient’s nose or mouth while sleeping. This method — using a Continuous Positive Air Pressure (or CPAP) system — is effective, but many people find the CPAP machine cumbersome and uncomfortable to use, Dr. Nelson says, resulting a high failure rate, usually due to patient non-compliance. “We know that 50% of people who start on a CPAP give it up within a year,” explains Dr. Nelson, “so we provide an alternative to that.” Instead of the unwieldy, scary-looking CPAP machine, Dr. Nelson makes an FDA approved oral appliance that is adjusted to position the tongue and jaw to allow greater airflow to the lungs while sleeping. “Many people find the oral appliances more comfortable than the CPAP,” Dr. Nelson says, explaining that those who have been diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea can begin using an oral appliance, while those who have severe sleep apnea should start with the CPAP. If they are not able to comfortably use the CPAP, they then become a candidate for an oral appliance. Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine does offer both types of appliances. Ed Sapiega is one of Dr. Nelson’s patients, who first came to him about three years ago. Tired of the hassle of lugging his CPAP machine around while he traveled, Ed was thrilled with the appliance that Dr. Nelson made for him. “I had lived with a CPAP machine for years,” Ed says, “The noises it made prevented my wife from sleeping almost as much as my snoring did.” Recently, Ed’s original oral appliance broke, and he went back to Dr. Nelson Neighborhood News

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Frances Cameli (left) and Betsy Ramos both worked with Dr. Nelson at his dental practice and have now joined him at his Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine office.

for a new one. However, he found out that since he first became Dr. Nelson’s patient, an even better device (above) has become available. “It’s quite fantastic,” he says. “It’s easy to use, and there’s no pain and no strain. I didn’t have to go through a process of learning to sleep with it.” He says that while he was very happy with his first device, times have changed, and his new one, while from the same company, is much better. “Compared to the CPAP, it’s very convenient and extremely effective,” Ed says. “Dr. Nelson is very good with these devices and keeps very current. I’m extremely pleased.” Ed adds that Dr. Nelson was able to accommodate him very quickly, and he has nothing but good things to say about him. “He’s a very pleasant dentist and professional to deal with.” Because the treatment is for a medical condition, Dr. Nelson and his staff help patients navigate the confusing world of medical insurance and accept Care Credit, which offers payment plans for those who have out-of-pocket expenses. Nelson Dental Sleep Medicine is located at 26907 Foggy Creek Rd., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. To make an appointment or for additional information, see the ad on page 38 of this issue, visit SleepBetterFlorida. com or call (813) 733-4169. For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 19 • September 14, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

NTDT — A Tradition Of Outstanding, Safe Dance Instruction! Special to Neighborhood News Whether you or your child likes to dance for fun or dreams of a career on stage one day, the New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT) offers dancers a world-class, professional experience that is unmatched in the Tampa Bay area. Located on Cross Creek Blvd. (across from Heritage Isles) in New Tampa, the 7,500-sq.-ft. NTDT is the largest professional dance training facility in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. Owner and artistic director Dyane Elkins IronWing is in her 27th season of creating dance memories and futures for her students, many of whom have gone on to study dance in college and/ or dance professionally. “As always, I’m so proud of our students,” says Elkins IronWing. “Our dancers become excellent college students, with their impressive time-management skills, perseverance and creative thinking. Our hearts are bursting with excitement, seeing our beautiful students again. We are continuing to give back to the community during this pandemic with our “Pay It Forward” program and offering all new students $25 per month tuition for every class!” NTDT’s complete schedule of classes is being offered with in-person classes. Elkins IronWing says that the safety of her students has always been her top priority, so social distance guidelines, extra disinfecting nightly with hospital-grade products and wearing masks are all required at this time. “Our students are extremely excited being back dancing at the school again and spending time with their dance family,” says Elkins IronWing. “We’re extremely proud of our faculty and students’ dedication and perseverance during this pandemic. They are all truly living up to the NTDT motto of ‘Respect, Responsibility and Teamwork.’”

A Chance To ‘Do As I Have Done’

Elkins IronWing says she started dancing at age 5, later trained in New York City and performed with Ballet Metropolitan in Columbus, OH. She moved to Tampa in 1995 and immediately opened NTDT in the Pebble Creek Collection. In 2002, she purchased the current NTDT property on Cross Creek Blvd, and moved her school to the new building in January 2006. With the bigger location, Elkins IronWing was off and running, offering smaller class sizes and larger, more varied schedules. She says NTDT also has a larger pool of students today, with the ongoing explo-

physical therapist ensures the health of the dancers. NTDT also features a café offering light meals, snacks and drinks.

The Training You Need

Located on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, the 7,500-sq.-ft. New Tampa Dance Theatre is the largest professional dance training facility in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. sive growth in Wesley Chapel, as well as in large studio space that can accommodate up New Tampa. to 200 people. “Our name might say New Tampa,” Sprung floors provide shock absorption she says, “but our location is much closer to to protect the dancers’ joints and an on-site Wesley Chapel than one might assume. We are extremely convenient to all of the current growth (there). Wesley Chapel families are shocked to discover just how close we are and are excited because of how quickly they can drive to our school.”

NTDT has developed a reputation for creating strong, professional dancers with alumni who have moved on to highly respected dance companies, Broadway productions, national tours and even the Walt Disney Company. Because NTDT students learn to be proficient in multiple art forms, these students have an edge in the competitive world of dance and many of them have been accepted into prestigious summer intensive programs, including the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theater in New York City, The Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and the Boston Ballet. “With just passing our milestone 25th 2.0 anniversary celebration season, it’s a time for reflection with extreme gratitude and love for all the amazing people who have been a part of our dance programs and family,” says Elkins IronWing. One local former student certainly agrees with that assessment.

All Ages & Experience Levels

NTDT caters to both the recreational dance lover as well as the devoted pre-professional — and every level in between. The studio’s leveled curriculum offers multiple art forms for students to explore. Through personalized attention and professional expertise, NTDT’s professional faculty strives to provide a positive educational experience. Children ages 3-4 can participate in the school’s Early Childhood Program, ages 5-8 can take part in the Children’s Program and ages 9-18 are invited to join NTDT’s Youth Program. In addition to classical ballet, NTDT offers full programs in creative movement, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop. Each program has its own directors and specific syllabuses guiding students in a structured manner through their studies. The facilities at NTDT are as top notch as the instructors, and include maple flooring for the tap classes, 20-25-ft.-tall mirrored walls, student locker rooms and a

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“I credit all of my success as a professional dancer to the foundational training I received at NTDT from ages 6-18,” says Victoria DeRenzo, who today is a professional dancer and choreographer who has toured internationally in 28 countries on four continents, most notably with the renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre in Washington Depot, CT. “I loved every second of my experience growing up there,” DeRenzo adds, “but I had no idea how spoiled I was until I graduated. Not many people receive a top-notch dance education in multiple artforms during their lifetimes, let alone at the age of 6.” If a student doesn’t choose to pursue a career in dance after high school, they can still reach a level of artistry to be accepted into many college dance programs, says Elkins IronWing. “Believing in yourself, respecting the process of working towards a goal, and having a well-rounded dance education give our students the tools and confidence to continue discovering new passions throughout their lifetimes,” she says.

Great Productions, Too!

All students have the opportunity to perform in NTDT’s “Spring Production” and — through the studio’s nonprofit partner, the Dance Theatre of Tampa (DTT) —

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“The Nutcracker” is in its 22nd Dance Theatre of Tampa season, and this year will be held Friday-Sunday, December 17-19, at the USF Tampa College of Arts Theater 1. in the winter production of “The Nutcracker,” as well as the “Summer Concert Series,” held in June at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. DTT provides more than 300 free tickets to NTDT’s corporate sponsors, local community supporters, alumni members and students. A small costume rental fee for productions is the only cost over the tuition that parents have to pay at any time — Elkins IronWing says there is never a requirement to buy advertising or pay performance fees. New Tampa residents Gary and Charity

Hartley relocated here in 2018 from Virginia, and enrolled their daughter Hope at NTDT. “The New Tampa Dance Theatre and the entire staff were the linchpins for our transition into the New Tampa area,” Charity says. “The warmth of the studio, quality of instruction and wonderful students have made us feel right at home. We especially love the way (NTDT) manages the educational aspect of their DTT company members, ensuring they have exposure to various dance forms in their weekly training, master classes and dance performances they attend as a group.”

Every holiday season, Elkins IronWing says local residents look forward to the community’s largest and longest-running interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” now in its 22nd DTT season. This year, it will be held Friday-Sunday, December 17-19, at the USF Tampa College of Arts Theater 1. “It’s all about the children at NTDT, always has been and always will be,” she says. “We are a company that enables children to succeed. The key is setting high expectations, all while having fun and building self-confidence. With the transition season ahead of us, we would like to thank all of our trusting and loyal families over the years and the organizations that continually support our vision. Without their recognition and time, NTDT wouldn’t be the magical place it has become!” The New Tampa Dance Theatre offers year-round free trial classes for prospective dancers of all ages. To tour the facility or to rent it for a meeting, party or function, visit NTDT at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd. For more information and to check out the exciting lineup of fall 2021 classes, visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com, call (813) 994-NTDT (6838) or see the ad on page 27. You also can follow NTDT on Facebook and Instagram at “New Tampa Dance Theatre.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 19 • September 14, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 19 • September 14, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Education Notebook — Heroes, The Road To Success & Flying High! By Celeste McLaughlin

King High Seniors From NT Collecting School Supplies

Correspondent

Saving A Student’s Life: All In A Day’s Work

On any “normal” day on a high school campus, the most extraordinary things can happen. On Aug. 17, a Wharton High student started experiencing a medical emergency, and the school’s resource officer and nurse are credited with jumping in to save the student’s life, working together until paramedics arrived. Video from Deputy William Mellana’s body camera was released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, showing him performing CPR on the student with the assistance of an automated external defibrillator (AED), which he continued until paramedics arrived. Prior to his arrival on scene with the AED, school nurse Alicia Robertson already had started CPR. Thankfully, the student has since returned to school. Alicia deflects any praise directed toward herself and Deputy Mellana, saying it was a team effort to aid the student.

Deputy William Mellana (left) and Wharton High nurse Alicia Robertson helped save a student’s life at the school on Aug. 17 (Photo courtesy of Hillsborough Schools)

“Several educators and a student who sought out an adult, who initiated help, all played roles in responding in a timely manner to assist the student that day.” Hillsborough County Public Schools

released a photo of the pair and said, “We could not be more proud and thankful to have these two incredible people at Wharton High School to protect our students and staff.”

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Three King High seniors from New Tampa have launched the Road to Success School Supply Drive to support students and teachers in their school and throughout the wider community. Toluwa, Onella and Emma launched the drive with collection boxes at businesses, including Mahana Fresh in New Tampa, Staples and The Salvation Army in Wesley Chapel, and the Ice Dreammm Shop in Lutz. Their goal is to support students who need tools to be successful in school, and supplement teachers who often have to pay out of their own pockets to keep their classrooms stocked with basic supplies. The drive is to benefit the Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), a local nonprofit that distributes school supplies to the county’s schools and students with the greatest needs, with some of the collected supplies directly benefiting King High, where the students attend. Although their collection for the drive has ended, the teens invite supporters to donate to HEF online at EducationFoundation.com/programs/do-

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nate/ and note that it’s part of the “Road to Success School Supply Drive” in the instructions section. For more information, visit RoadtoSuccessDrive.com and see the latest news about the drive on Instagram @ roadtosuccessdrive.

Wharton Physics Experiments Soar To 80,000 Feet

Wharton High physics teacher Christopher Hart says his AP Physics C class jumped at the chance to develop an experiment that could be tested during the launch of a weather balloon up to 80,000 feet at an educational event held at Tampa’s MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) on Aug. 28. The launch was organized by Space Trek, an educational company based out of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island, FL, and was part of a Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) event encouraging students to get excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts. Hart says HCPS executive director of science education Larry Plank invited his students to design and place and experiments in the balloon, knowing of Hart’s previous experience with the type of pro-

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Wharton High teacher Christopher Hart and students in his AP Physics class prepare to launch a weather balloon practically into outer space during an event at MOSI.

gramming required to execute them. AP Physics C is one of four Advanced Placement physics classes offered at Wharton, and Hart says the students in the class have previously had at least one or two years of physics prior to entering the class. But, it still wasn’t an easy feat to start school on August 10, and have everything designed and ready to launch less than

three weeks later. The class brainstormed a wide range of ideas and came up with two different experiments. One used four ultraviolet sensors to test different brands of sunscreen, while another measured how the size of different volumes of foam insulation changed with temperature changes as the balloon rose. Hart says 80,000 feet is teetering

toward the edge of space, where the highest-flying spy aircraft fly. “There are pretty dramatic temperature changes, from below zero in some layers of the atmosphere, to spike really high when leaving the atmosphere,” Hart explains. He says he told his students that the items they touched in designing the experiments would go to the highest point away from earth, farther than anything they’ve ever touched. “They outsmarted me,” he laughs, saying that one of his students touched a moon rock at MOSI just to prove him wrong. He says opportunities like this can be inspirational for students. “It shows them the real world application of what they’re learning in the classroom,” says Hart. “They’re taking something that is very math-oriented and sometimes very abstract, and they can see it, feel it and touch it. It shows them how that math is applied, and hopefully encourages them to continue their education in this path.” The students who participated in the event include Dillon Cao, Alex Lopez, Sean Grass, Adriana Salazar, Alex Devers, Dane Devers, Timothy Norwood, and Harshavardan Yuvaraj.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 19 • September 14, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Your 2nd Chance To Win Free Dining In Our Annual Survey & Contest! We have continually tweaked our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest every year, but we had our best response ever (1,500+ entries!) from our readers to the 2019 contest. So, when we received about half as many entries last year (during the pandemic) as we did the previous year, I decided to go back to a modified version of our 2019 survey entry form, with more choices (to reflect the increase in the number of local restaurants) and to again split the contest by distribution area. In other words, the entry form on pages 39-30 (front and back of the same page if you cut/tear out the entry form and mail it in to us) asks you to name only your favorite restaurants in New Tampa. New Tampa residents will have a chance to pick their favorite Wesley Chapel eateries in our Oct. 12 New Tampa issue. On page 29 (right), we have listed what I believe is every non-fast-food restaurant located in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code, plus those located in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave., just west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., and the Oak Ramble plaza on BBD just south of Tampa Palms. As always, in case I missed any New Tampa restaurants (or if you really prefer Steak n Shake or Jersey Mike’s to the restau-

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rants we’ve listed), you can write in up to five restaurants in the spaces provided, as long as your write-ins are located in the 33647 zip code (you can always Google search them to make sure). Then, on page 30, there are five additional categories — Favorite Pizza Place, Favorite Dessert Place, Favorite Latin and Asian Restaurants and Favorite Bar in New Tampa. In order for your entry to be considered for one of our three free dining prizes — $100, $60 and $35 gift cards to the restaurant of your choice in the Tampa Bay area — you must select or write-in five restaurants on page 29 and select or write-in one place in at least three of the five categories on page 30 or none of your votes will count! You also must include your first and last name, complete address (including zip code and the community you live in) and valid daytime phone number and email address and mail the entry form to us no later than Monday, November 8, in order to be eligible to vote and win. You also can enter by going to NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net and completely filling out the entry form with the same info by the same date. Good luck and Bon Appetit! — GN

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2021 Reader Dining Survey & Contest! Your Chance to Win $100, $60 or $35 in FREE Gift Cards to the Restaurant of Your Choice in the Tampa Bay Area! Please Circle or Select Your Five (5) Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa from the list below!

(*Note - Do not number your selections in order, just circle, select or write in your five favorites. All write-ins must be located in zip code 33647.)

Acropolis Greek Taverna Al-Sham Palace Aroi Thai Tsuyu (BBD) Atithi Indian Vegetarian Bayscape Bistro (at Heritage Isles Golf Club) Bearss Tavern & Tap (Bearss Ave.) Brunchery Burger 21 Cali Tampa Palms Cantina Real Mexican Restaurant Cappy’s Pizzeria Capri Pizza-n-More Chili’s Grill & Bar China City China One China Wok Chipotle Cracker Barrel (Bearss Ave.) Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant (Bearss Ave.) DosaHut, Tampa First Watch

Fish Fiesta Seafood & Pizza Five Guys Burgers & Fries Frammi Italian & American Fresh Kitchen Full Circle Pizza Ginza Endless Sushi & Hibachi Glory Days Grill Grain & Berry Gu Wei Noodles & Grill Ho King Hummingbird Jerk House Hunter’s Green Country Club Ice Spice Indian Street Food Café India Gate Fine Indian Cuisine Island Fin Poké Co. Juice Factory Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery Las Palmas Latin Grill Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine

Lima Rotisserie Chicken & Peruvian Cuisine Luv Fresh Mahana Fresh Michi Ramen Minerva Indian Restaurant Moe’s Southwest Grill Mulligans Irish Pub at Pebble Creek GC (closed) Mr. Dunderbak’s New China King Olive Garden Oronzo Honest Italian Palm Thai Panera Bread Peabody’s Grill & Bar PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (Bearss Ave.) Poké Island Plus (NEW) Precinct Pizza Raaga Indian Kitchen & Bar Red Lobster Saffron Indian Cuisine Sake House Sushi Stonewood Grill & Tavern

Sushi Avenue (Bearss Ave.) Sushi Cafe Taaza Mart Café Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club Taste of New York Pizzeria TGI Fridays Thai Lanna & Sushi Thai Ruby The Fat Rabbit The Little Greek Tijuana Flats Via Italia Wood Fired Pizza (Bearss Ave.)

WRITE-INS (Must be located in zip code 33647):

______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________

YOU’RE NOT DONE YET! SEE PAGE 30 TO ENTER THIS YEAR’S DINING SURVEY! Neighborhood News

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2021 Reader Dining Survey & Contest (Page 2)! Win A FREE Gift Card to the Restaurant of Your Choice! Your Favorite Asian/Middle Eatern Restaurant In New Tampa Your Favorite Place For Pizza In New Tampa

(Please circle, select or write in only ONE — no more, no less!) All of the New Tampa restaurants listed below are either pizza places or have NY-, Chicago- or flatbread-style pizzas on their menus.

Cali Tampa Palms Cappy’s Pizzeria Capri Pizza-n-More Domino’s Pizza Fish Fiesta Seafood & Pizza Full Circle Pizza Glory Days Grill Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs Marco’s Pizza Oronzo Honest Italian Panera Bread

Papa John’s Pizza Peabody’s Grill & Bar Pizza Hut Precinct Pizza Taste of New York Pizza TGI Fridays Via Italia Westshore Pizza Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) WRITE-IN: _____________________

Your Favorite Latin Restaurant In New Tampa

(Please circle, select or write in only ONE — no more, no less!) All of the New Tampa restaurants listed below specialize either in Mexican, Southwestern U.S. or Latin American cuisines

Cantina Real Mexican Restaurant Chili’s Grill & Bar Chipotle Cross Creek Deli (in Shell station) Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant

Las Palmas Latin Grill Lima Peruvian Cuisine Moe’s Southwest Grill Tijuana Flats WRITE-IN: _____________________

Your Favorite Dessert Place In New Tampa

(Please circle, select or write in only ONE — no more, no less!) All of the New Tampa places listed below specialize in desserts, they’re not just restaurants offering desserts — no matter how yummy!

35 Below Rolled Ice Cream Baskin Robbins Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Coffee Speaks & Tea Talks Cold Stone Creamery Dunkin’ Donuts Grain & Berry Ice SSScreamin’

Ice Spice Café Smallcakes Cupcakery Sprinkles Ice Cream The Cake Shop Twistee Treat You Do the Dishes WRITE-IN: _____________________

YOUR FIRST & LAST NAME: ___________________________________________ YOUR STREET ADDRESS: ______________________________________________ YOUR CITY & ZIP CODE: _______________________________________________ YOUR COMMUNITY: ___________________________________________________ (Heritage Isles, West Meadows, etc.)

(Please circle, select or write in only ONE — no more, no less!) All of the New Tampa restaurants listed below offer Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern/Mediterrnean, Thai and/or Vietnamese Cuisine.

Acropolis Greek Taverna Al-Sham Palace Aroi Thai Tsuyu Atithi Indian Vegetarian Cuisine China City China One China Wok DosaHut, Tampa Fish Fiesta Seafood & Pizza Ginza Endless Hibachi & Sushi Gu Wei Noodles & Grill Ho King Ice Spice Indian Street Food Café India Gate Fine Indian Cuisine Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi

Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine Luv Fresh Michi Ramen Minerva Indian Restaurant New China King Palm Thai Raaga Indian Kitchen & Bar Saffron Indian Cuisine (new location) Sake House Sushi Sushi Avenue Sushi Cafe Taaza Mart Café Thai Lanna & Sushi Thai Ruby The Little Greek WRITE-IN: _____________________

Your Favorite Bar Or Tavern In New Tampa

(Please circle, select or write in only ONE — no more, no less!) All of the New Tampa places listed below have an actual bar area (not a sushi bar) to sit at and offer beer, wine and/or hard liquor, whether they serve food or not.

Acropolis Greek Taverna Bayscape Bistro (at Heritage Isles GC) Bearss Tavern & Tap Cantina Real Mexican Restaurant Chili’s Grill & Bar Cigar Lounge (Pebble Creek) Glory Days Grill Hunter’s Green Country Club Kobe Japanese Steakhouse Linkster’s Tap Room Mr. Dunderbak’s Mynt Hookah Lounge (CC Center plaza) Olive Garden

Peabody’s Grill & Bar PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub Raaga Indian Kitchen & Bar Red Lobster Stonewood Grill & Tavern Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club TGI Fridays The Fat Rabbit Truth Wine Beer & Hookah (Bearss Ave.) Via Italia WRITE-IN: _____________________

If You Write-In A Restaurant Or Bar That Isn’t Located In New Tampa’s 33647 Zip Code, Your Write-In Vote Will Not Count! This Includes Any Place Located In Wesley Chapel! YOUR DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER (w/area code): __________________________________________________________________________ YOUR VALID EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Enter online at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or mail your COMPLETELY FILLED IN entry form, by Monday, November 8, 2021, to: NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS 2021 DINING SURVEY & CONTEST • 28949 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 30

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Acropolis Greek Taverna — If It’s Been A While, Try It Again Now! By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George & Gary Nager

When Acropolis Greek Taverna opened a dozen or so years ago in the Oak Ramble Plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (just south of Tampa Palms), it became an instant hit, with its great Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and entertainment every weekend. Neighborhood News readers and yours truly both kept Acropolis at or near the top of our respective annual surveys (see pages 2830) for “Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa,” as there were nor or few other places in or near zip code 33647 for authentic Mediterranean food or the great vibe you felt every time you visited Acropolis. The last few years, however, several other less expensive restaurants began opening in New Tampa, and while some of that competition has since closed, Acropolis had started dropping both with our readers and with a certain hungry editor.

A Fresh Approach

But, on April 1 of this year, new owners Stacy Esposito and her husband Adib (Eddie) Nasr took over the New Tampa location of what is now a five-restaurant mini-chain (with other locations in South Tampa, Ybor City, Riverview and St. Pete) and have brought new energy to what was already a great concept. Together with new general manager (but long-time employee and manager) Jason Stiger, the New Tampa Acropolis is definitely waking up taste buds once again in our area. Eddie, who is Lebanese, has upgraded this location’s fried kibbe appetizer and a couple of other dishes with his mother’s recipes, but he and Stacy also have improved other dishes simply by selecting the finest produce and quality meats available — and it shows. My two favorite dishes at Acropolis always have been (and still are) the Frenched rack of lamb lollipops (top center photo), which are all-natural, antibiotic-free and no added hormones) and the Athenian fish (photo on next page), which is a lightly breaded and seasoned filet of whatever fresh fish is available each day

and topped with a dollop of a unique fresh pesto sauce. The lamb chops are served over lemony Greek-style potatoes and the fish is served with fresh roasted seasonal veggies over Greek-style orzo rice. Both of my favorite dishes are even better now than they were when Acropolis first opened. Another long-time favorite on the menu is the yummy saganaki cheese appetizer (top and center right photos), which is set on fire and served with perfect pita triangles. We also loved the authentic spanakopita (spinach pie) appetizer, the calamari and photographer Charmaine George gave thumbs up to the shrimp appetizer in a creamy lemon sauce, topped with cheese and served with toast points. Those seeking more adventurous, authentic tastes should try the grilled octopus,

Ouzo mussels, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), tirosalata (a creamy blend of feta cheese and garlic topped with oregano and extra virgin olive oil), avgolemono (lemon) or lentil soups, hummus or baba ghanouj. Among the other great dishes to try are the gyro trio (traditional lamb, pork and chicken, served on pita and with crispy fries; above right), the authentic “Yia Yia’s Recipe) mousaka (Greek-style lasagne, but with potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, ground beef and

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creamy bechamel sauce with tomato sauce and feta cheese), the whole grilled red snapper, or the pork, chicken, beef or kefta (ground beef) kabobs. Mine and Jannah’s newest favorite is the chicken Rhodes — two grilled breasts in a garlic parmesan wine sauce sautéed with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and olives, topped with crumbled feta. It’s a true taste sensation! Do not skip dessert at Acropolis, either. Stacy and Eddie are rightfully proud of the decadent chocolate “bombe” (filled with white and milk chocolate mousses), the outstanding

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baklava (shown topped with Haagen Dazs ice cream, right), baklava cheesecake and the addictive pineapple upside down cake (next to the baklava) that also is set on fire to give it a creme brulée-style outer crust. OMG! And yes, Acropolis still has weekend entertainment like George, the kabuki player, the incredibly talented and lovely belly dancer Gypsi and Stacy promises that the dancing servers and plate-breaking will be coming back soon. Stacy and Eddie also are proud of the recently revamped outdoor patio, which offers a variety of your favorite hookah water pipe flavors. And, both indoor and outdoor bars offer the finest in Greek beers and wines, plus premium alcohol and so much more! Can you say “Opa?”

Acropolis Greek Taverna is located at 14947 BBD Blvd. and is open

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(Clockwise from top left) Acropolis New Tampa owners Eddie Nasr & Stacy EsposiSunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight) to. New Tampa GM Jason Stiger. The flaky and 11 a.m.-1 a.m. on Friday and Satand delicious Athenian fish. George provides urday. For great money-saving coupons, kabuki entertainment and the lovely Gypsi see the ad on pg. 28 of this issue. For elevates the art form of belly dancing. Try more information, visit DineGreek.com the fired-up pineapple upside down cake and or call (813) 971-1787. authentic baklava with ice cream desserts.

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Pick Of The Week: Sweet Party Is Closing!

Jeremiah’s To Expand To WC

Congrats to partners Pete and Dru Patel, who opened their first Jeremiah’s Italian Ice franchise earlier this month at 7936 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, which was opened at its original location in Winter Park, FL, in 1996 by founder and Philadelphia native Jeremy Litwack, now has 60 locations in Arizona and throughout Florida. The good news for Wesley Chapel isn’t just because of Jeremiah’s unique gelati (Italian ice layered with soft-serve ice cream), but also because the partners also plan to open two Wesley Chapel locations. Visit JeremiahsIce.com or call (813) 438-5754 for more info.

Very soon, New Tampa will have no party stores, as the Sweet Party store located at 20310 Trout Creek Dr., west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (behind Burger 21) will close, most likely sometime immediately after Halloween (Sunday, October 31). Owner Maher Alagal (photo) says that although Sweet Party is still making money, he is ready to retire and spend more time with his family. He also has been looking to sell the store, which became the only party store in New Tampa after the Party Scene store in the Pebble Creek Collection on BBD closed in 2017. “People said I put Party Scene out of business when I opened, but I actually tried to buy that store from its owner before it closed,”

Maher says. “I honestly believed that there was room for two party supply and costume stores in this area.” But now, with Halloween less than six weeks away as this issue arrived in your mailbox, Maher says that everything in his store must go, including his huge selection of Halloween costumes for men, women and children. And yes, at our press time, the selection of available costumes at Sweet Party was still pretty sizable, but moving fast, especially with the entire inventory of costumes up to 70% to 80% off their regular prices. Maher says similar savings are available on party supplies, balloons and other unique

merchandise — but don’t blame me if anything mentioned here is gone before you get there! For info, call Sweet Party at (813) 9944900 or visit SweetPartyTampa.com. — GN

Provisions Coffee & Kitchen Is The First To Open At The KRATE Container Park!

A couple of weeks before we went to press with our Aug. 31 Wesley Chapel issue, the new location of Provisions Coffee & Kitchen (previously Buttermilk Provisions) — the first repurposed shipping container (photo, right) to open in the KRATE container park (at 5862 Goldview Pkwy., #s 102 & 104) at The Grove in Wesley Chapel had opened, with a larger menu for breakfast and lunch, a new coffee supplier (MADE Coffee, which is based in St. Petersburg) and tasty regular donuts to replace the gluten-free ones that were so popular at the old location on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel (although there are still some gluten-free goodies, like pumpkin bread). Owner Dana Morris said that although it’s

taken about two years since she signed the lease to get open at KRATE, “Our customers seem to believe it’s been worth the wait.” Morris also is getting ready to open another Provisions location in the former Seasons Fresh spot in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave. (just west of BBD)

and she says the new location also will feature her much-improved, expanded menu. Sadly, neither she nor a spokesperson for developer Mark Gold knew when the other KRATE containers were likely to open. — GN

The Grill At Morris Bridge Set To Open On CC Blvd.! Although we don’t know exactly when, New Tampa is getting yet another non-chain restaurant. After years of being home to a Beef O’Brady’s and then, for a short time, the ill-fated Chefs of Napoli (and for about a minute, Regina Margherita), the westernmost corner location in the Cross Creek Commons plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Morris Bridge Rd., will apparently be home to The Grill at Morris Bridge. Located to the west of Great Expressions Dental Center (photo) and just two doors down from Publix, which owns the 18-year-old plaza, The Grill

at Morris Bridge is currently under construction, a $250,000 job that, according to plans filled with the City of Tampa, will include a restaurant and bar. We’re also not sure what kind of food the new place will be offering, but the new restaurant will be about 2,400 sq. ft. inside, and will have seating for roughly 145 customers. The Grill also will have a 240-sq.-ft. outdoor patio on the far west side parallel to Meadows Rd. (facing Heritage Elementary), as well as a bar with 16 seats. Here’s hoping The Grill at Morris Bridge will be opening sooner than later. — JCC

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Falabella Family Bistro Adds New Executive Chef We told you last issue that local restaurateur Steve Falabella now owns three restaurants in Wesley Chapel, but here’s a feel-good story — Steve and new Falabella Family Bistro Executive Chef Chance Drake (photo), who started as a dishwasher with Steve’s 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass ten years ago, have been reunited at the Bistro. Chance, who honed his chef skills at Noble Crust, Rocco’s Tacos and Lake Jovita Country Club, has already brought new creativity to the Bistro’s menu, with weekend specials like amazing pan-seared mahi-mahi and rich cauliflower ciabatta toast. In addition, gnocchi Genovese, lobster ravioli and tasty sides like crispy broccoli have been added to the Bistro’s already-delicious menu! For more information about Falabella Family Bistro (6027 Wesley Grove Blvd.), see the ad on pg. 28 or call (813) 428-6957. — GN

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CUSTOM INT. WINDOW COVERINGS! Cust. fabrication of all types of window coverings — plantation & hurricane shutters, vert. blinds, roller, cellular, woven wood & Roman shades, cellular vert., panel tracks, retract. awnings, motorization experts, alum., wood & faux wood blinds & more! FREE installation on orders over $250! Call Henry @ 813-948-6363, email TampaBlindsbyDesign@ gmail.com or visit TampaBlindsbyDesign.com. TOM JOSEPH HANDYMAN: FREE ESTIMATES! Serving residents, Realtors & property mgrs. 30+ yrs home construction exp. Move in/out setups & repairs. Repairs for sale/rent. Hang flatscreen TVs. Setup wifi & home theater. Install closet organizers. Cabinets, pullouts, shelving. Gen’l carpentry. Crown molding. Kitchen backsplash. Door install/repair & more! Call 813-751-4998 or email JosephHomesllc@outlook.com AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years of exp. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere. Google us to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises. See our display ad at the bottom of this page! JUNK HAULING SERVICE! • We handle all types of furniture removal — bdrm sets, chairs, mattresses & box springs • Hot water heaters & hot tubs - take apart & remove • Construction material • Carpet removal • Estate, eviction, yard, garage & attic clean-outs • Ofc, home & factory • Comm’l/res’l. GorillaJunkremovalExperts.com. For appts, call/text Nigel @ 888-346-5865. WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHING.COM Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small. Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate or visit our website. 813-433-6015. RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Ext: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Int: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124. CHARLES POPPE ELECTRIC. Electric of all kinds: pools, spas, svc changes, new circuits, low-voltage, repairs, upgrades, changes to existing, troubleshoot’g, GFCI performance testing, generators. We are experts w/40+ years exp. Discount of 50% off labor for senior citizens! Lic’d & Insured Master Electrician (EC 13002399) - free phone estimates. Call 813-477-9068. MILLENNIUM HOME REP. Prof’ Handyman. Cabinet install, dry wall rep, tile install & rep, some plumbing, laminate flooring, light fixtures, int. painting, appliance install, pressure washing, paneling, window rep, awning install, carpentry, garbage disp, fence rep, crown molding, window blinds, seal baths & showers, TV mount & more. Call 813-400-1408 or email TycoonUnion@yahoo.com. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 26 years exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-784-5999. TJ’s PRESSURE WASHING LLC. Houses, Fences, Driveways, Lanais & Screened Enclosures. Most resdt’l 2-car driveways & vinyl fences start at $75. House washing starts at $150 /1-story home, $199/2-story home. Need an instant quote? Text me a picture of the job you need done. Call Tj at 727-808-7775.

Classifieds

HOME HEALTH CARE

HOME DIALYSIS PARTNER: Why travel for dialysis? Home Hemodialysis Partner LLC ‘s Cert. Home Health Aide & Phlebotomy Tech will come to you! We attend mandatory training at your clinic, assemble your machine at home, check vitals, start & finish treatment w/you, maintain contact w/an on-call nurse & safely remove you from the machine. Accepting new clients June 21! Email YourDialysisPartner@gmail.com or call 813.841.3754. CAREGIVER/HOUSEKEEPER URGENTLY NEEDED! This is a live-out position. Work Mon-Thurs, $650/wk. Childcare & light housekeeping. Must be able to interact w/children & speak English. Non-smoker, please! MUST HAVE REFERENCES & BE RESPONSIBLE! If interested, email Linda at flowershop998@gmail.com. CNA/HHA available to do private duty care in your home. 30 years of exp. Will attend to all of your daily needs. References upon request. Call Rhonda at 850-586-1868. SENIOR OVERNIGHT COMPANION SITTERS Two kind senior sisters seeking work safeguarding your loved one during the overnight hours. We’ve been working w/the senior population for 10 years & have seen a need for local, English-speaking, backgroundchecked, Covid-tested, dependable companions w/their own transportation. Very reasonable rates. Call Diane or Elisa at 813-938-8614.

COMPUTER & BUSINESS SERVICES

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com. PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+, Cert. computer tech w/20 years exp. Maintenance & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate.

MISCELLANEOUS

ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2020 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $35 (one way, 24/7). Driver vaccinated w/two shots. Cory Lake Isles resident. Call/text 813.765.2037. GET $500 TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS... when you buy a NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME with Florida Homes with Geri at Epperson OR Mirada. Schedule a PRIVATE TOUR of both Communities by a Resident Realtor. Join @LifeAtTheLagoon with @RealtorGeri Call/Text 813-609-0966. Connect with me on Instagram & Facebook.

CLEANING SERVICES

PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 years of exp. Free estimates. Call 813 943 6054 or email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com. A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. Family-Owned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly / Deep Cleaning/ Move-In / Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813-4621270. Local references supplied upon request. B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 18 years exp.! Comm’l & Resid’l; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & postconstruction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in & move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates.; Refs. avail. Call 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com

LAWN & LANDSCAPING _

ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, LLC. Complete resid’l & comm’l landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone. Patios, decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn care. Sod & lawn install’n, artificial turf, fencing, railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials. NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repairs, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. CALL BILL @ (813) 973-3825. A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service. Lic’d & insured, serving the Tampa Bay area 20+ years. Family owned & operated. Quality work, affordable rates. Gutter clean-outs, screen repairs, pressure washing & sprinkler repairs. Landscaping & property maint., including sod, tree & hedge trimming & clean ups. Other services avail. CALL 813-907-LAWN (5296). Jasmine Landscaping, Inc. Complete lawn maint.: Tree, palm & hedge trimming, planting, mulching, stones, sod replacement. Gutter cleaning, leaf removal & more. Cited by your HOA? Ask about our HOA Compliance Special, our Fall/Spring Special & FREE estimate! Lic’d & insured. Accepting new resid’l & comm’l accounts. Visa, MC, PayPal, Zelle, AmEx. Call or text 813-420-4465. Now hiring FT workers. HEAVY HITTER LAWN CARE: Veteran owned & operated lawn care maint. service, focused on lawn mowing, trimming, edging & blowing (flexible w/extra svcs.). Well maintained & professional laborer ensuring cust. satisfaction & on-time cuts. Rain or shine, quality & schedule will be kept. Lic’d & Insured. Call or text 678-673-7856 for your FREE Estimate.

TREE SERVICE

FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE. 25-yrs of Prof. Service. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding. Dead-Wood Removal. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

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POOL SERVICES

ALLSTARPOOLSOFTAMPABAY.COM. Pool cleanups, & acid washing of old pool finishes. Marcite, quartz & pebble finishes from $3K. We offer cool decking, Eurocrete & paver decking options. Paver, river rock sealing, leak detection & inground vinyl liner replacements avail. Quality salt & ozone generators, pumps, motors & filters. Mention this ad for a $79 pool svc. (restrictions apply). Serving NT & WC since 1990. Call/text 813-244-7077 or visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com. TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing w/outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call or Text Chris today @ 813-857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim-safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-312-5694 TODAY and get ONE MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com. NEIGHBORHOOD POOLS Wesley Chapel owned & operated since 1999. Weekly service. No long term contracts. Mention this AD for one-month Free service. Call 813-907-7322 for details or text Joe at 813-758-7608.

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHER AVAILABLE! Retired Professional Photographer (45+ years experience) in the Tampa Bay area. Corporate Events, Personal Occasions, Portraiture, Pets, Commercial Photography & Real Estate. Reasonable rates. Ask me about “Front Porch Portraits,” taken from the safety of your front porch, FREE OF CHARGE! Great for Families, Children, Pets & more! Call or Text (813) 748-3901 or Visit: russellleprephotography.com.

FITNESS & WELL BEING

YOGA, PERSONAL TRAINING, NUTRITION & PHYSICAL THERAPY w/DR. LAUREN LEIVA, DPT! Phys Ed for everyone, including all children, w/a certified personal trainer who also is a degreed Dr. of Physical Therapy. Ask Dr. Leiva about her PE4ME sliding scale pay program! For more info, visit TheExerscienceCenter.com, call 813.464.0313 or see the ad on pg. 12 of this issue.

Neighborhood News Classified Ads Are the Ones Your Neighbors READ! All Classified ads appear in our New Tampa & Wesley Chapel issues, which means that they reach more than 55,000 homes, apartments & businesses & more than 150,000 people every four weeks! To order yours, visit neighborhoodnewsonline.net/Classified Listings

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