Volume 22 Issue 22
Inside:
Last Chance To Win A 2-Day Clearwater Stay! In Neighborhood Magazine!
October 25, 2014
Named The 2014 ‘Small Business Of The Year’ By The Wesley Chapel Chamber Of Commerce! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: WESLEY CHAPEL: Aberdeen • Belle Chase • Bridgewater • Brookside • Chapel Pines • Country Walk • Lexington Oaks • Meadow Pointe • New River • Northwood • Pinewalk • Pine Ridge Saddlebrook • Saddleridge Estates • Saddlewood • Seven Oaks • The Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Watergrass • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg OUR NEW TAMPA EDITIONS ARE MAILED TO: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Easton Park • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • The Hammocks • West Meadows
A Hot Time Was Had By All At The 2014 Wesley Chapel Fall Festival! By Gary Nager Despite a mid-October heat index that somehow reached close to 100 degrees, the sixth annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival, presented by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) and the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club, was another amazing day of free entertainment, wing battles, cute pets for adoption and outstanding vendors. Thankfully, the Chamber, Rotary & Wesley Chapel Lions Club all provided plenty of ice cold water and there were other great food and beverage items for sale to keep everyone hydrated and happy. Congratulations to all of the day’s major sponsors (visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com or WesleyChapelChamber. com for a complete list) and to Chamber event chairs Ken Chase and Jennifer Cofini and Rotary event co-chair Sabrina di Roma (all of whom are WC Rotary members, by the way) for a job more than well done We also congratulate the day’s winners: Little Miss & Mr. Pumpkin Patch, respectively, Madison Bahs & Logan Verosic; and Wing Battle winners Beef O’Brady’s (Best Mild Wing & People’s Choice winner), Lexington Oaks Golf Club (Best Hot Wing), and Ker’s WingHouse (Most Creative Wing). The entertainment also was top-notch
tos on this page were provided by OurTownFla.com.
By Matt Wiley After years of legal battles, development officially is on the horizon for the long-awaited outlet mall off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. Pasco County’s planning & development department officially approved the preliminary site development plan for the Tampa Premium Outlets on October 3. Pasco planner Owen W. Young confirms that Simon Property Group has received approval to being construction. “Tampa Premium Outlets can begin the construction of infrastructure, but no vertical
construction can commence until the building permits (which currently are under review for this site) are issued,” Young explains.” In addition to the building permits, Young says the “west ring road” connecting S.R. 56 to the planned Wesley Chapel Blvd. Extension (see map) also still is under review, but won’t delay infrastructure construction. Simon’s outlet mall sits on 56 acres south of S.R. 56 and will be capable of accommodating 1.1 million square-feet of retail space. Although not much is known about what retailers currently are in talks with Simon to come to the new mall, Saks 5th Av-
News, Business, Sports & Education Updates
Neighborhood Magazine
Massive, Crystal Lagoons Coming To Wesley Chapel, A Look At Local Political Candidates; Plus, Lots Of Local Business Features!
Peabody’s Is A Nearby Spot For Food & Sports; Plus, Our Dining Contest & More Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes!
Pages 1-26
Pages 27-40
all day, from a great Wonders of Nature show to performances by the Song & Dance Company, to the great bands (Bryan Edwards, Time Bandits & 10th Concession), pet costume contest, the Fall Festival was hot, indeed! Some of the pho-
Tampa Premium Outlets Site Plan Gets ‘OK’ From Pasco To Move Dirt
Also Inside This Issue!
enue announced in May of 2012 that the department store is planning an “Off 5th” outlet store at the site. “We don’t have any (other) tenants to announce at this time,” says Simon spokesperson Les Miller. “It’s still too early for that.” Miller notes that Simon is planning a groundbreaking (event) in the near future and many announcements — including future stores and a timetable to open to shoppers — will likely be made at that event. “As this project moves toward a ground breaking, we are thrilled to welcome each (future) store to our community,” says Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce exec- The yellow shape above is where Simon Property Group utive director Hope Allen. “The (out- will soon begin construction on the Tampa Premium let mall) is ideally located and will atOutlets near the S.R. 56/I-75 interchange. tract new visitors to the marketplace, generate permanent employment and bring new revenue to the area.” Check WCNeighborhoodNews.com every day for updates on the Premium Outlets as soon as they become available.
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Making Strides & My Take On A No-Win Governor’s Race An editorial by Gary Nager Before I get into the ugliest — and stupidest (which is saying a lot) — gubernatorial race in our state’s butt-ugly political history (especially recent political history), I wanted to give a little space to help promote a wonderful, major event in our area. This year’s American Cancer Society (ACS) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) of Pasco Walk (a noncompetitive 5K, or 3.1-mile, stroll between the Shops at Wiregrass mall and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) isn’t being held until the day after most of you have received this issue in your mailbox — Saturday, October 25, 8 a.m. But, at our press time, the 2014 “MSABC of Pasco” on October 25 already included an incredible 161 teams, nearly 1,150 participants and (here’s the best part) had raised nearly $55,000! Not too shabby for a community that already raised $50,000 on May 9 for the ACS’ other biggest annual local fund-raising event, the Wiregrass/Wesley Chapel Relay for Life, held at Wiregrass Ranch High. It’s therefore easy to understand why my fellow Wesley Chapel (Noon) Rotary Club members and ACS community reps Jannah McDonald and Robyn Liska were on hand to accept the honors at this year’s Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce “Excellence in Business” awards ceremony on September 18 (as we reported last issue), when ACS was named “Civic Association of the Year.” The good news is that you can still participate in this year’s Making Strides event. All you have to do is wake up tomorrow morning, throw on a pair of “kicks” and
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager General Manager Nikki Bennett Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Kelly Miller Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Chelsie Rosatone Mikaela Williams Advertising Sales Rep Mary Dorey Sales & Marketing Assistant Antwon Gildon Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 22, Issue 24, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, November 10, 2014. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.
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a pink shirt (although I believe they’ll be on sale at the event, too) and bring a few dollars with you to take your morning constitutional with more than a thousand of your closest friends for a wonderful cause. “Large & Small, Let’s Save Them All!” Thanks to all of the 2014 “Making Strides of Pasco” event sponsors and to all of the teams and individuals on those teams for already making our local Making Strides event the ti...um, I mean, the ta-tas! Lol.
Pink Premier Sponsor Hyundai, Chevrolet & Mazda of Wesley Chapel; Gold Sponsors The Parilo Boys/Dane Parilo, The Shops at Wiregrass & Janice L. DeLucenay; Silver Sponsors Bay Care Breast Centers, Florida Cancer Affiliates, the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring, Parks Motor Group, Tower Radiology & the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon; and Bronze Sponsors Florida Cancer Specialists & Moffitt Cancer Center; and Media Sponsors ABC Action News, the Tampa Bay Times & 105.5 WDUV-FM.
seat he really wants? I mean, really, Charlie, are you ever actually running for anything or merely running from the fact that you care more about yourself than you do the people of this state? I did go to meet Gov. Scott when he made a recent appearance at Benedetto’s Italian Restaurant on S.R. 54 in Land O’Lakes. Despite the fact I simply couldn’t bring myself to vote for or endorse him in 2010, I don’t think he’s done a bad job overall, other than the fact that he singlehandedly turned down billions for high-speed rail, after the people of the state of Florida voted that they wanted it. Call me crazy if I don’t want the guy who headed up the company that debunked the Medicare system for billions making moral or monetary decisions for me or my state. But, instead of primarily pounding Gov.
Crist for his ever-shifting political party and positions, Gov. Scott keeps harping on how he “created” hundreds of thousands of jobs while Gov. Crist lost a similar number during his four years in office. Well, his math is not only fuzzy, he’s taking credit for the change in the national economy over the last two years in particular, as though he was the sole reason more people have been working under his “watch” than under Charlie’s. Ugh. And, if the Libertarian candidate Adrian Wyllie isn’t even allowed to participate in this year’s gubernatorial debates, why waste a vote on him, even if you like him? Is “no vote” a bigger waste than voting for a candidate who can’t win? I’ll definitely still be voting on Tuesday, November 4, but sadly, mark me down for “None of the Above” in the race for our state’s highest office.
d. None Of The Above?
As someone who has been able to make a living here on the west coast of Florida for more than 20 years, I’ve usually gotten at least a little offended by those who see our Sunshine State as little more than the land of confused old people and wrong-way drivers. Or, at least I used to get offended. Today, after months of being pounded by incessant “Charlie did/didn’t do this” and “Rick did/didn’t do that” muckraking ads, I’m sort of ready to throw in the towel. The bottom line, to be totally honest, is that I believe that neither of these two clowns should be leading our state over the next four years. “Fangate?” “Medicare Fraud?” “Jobs Created/Lost?” These are the best and brightest people we have to run our state? To start off with, whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, I just don’t see how anyone can vote for former Gov. Charlie Crist. The guy has never served more than one term in any major political office, can’t decide which party he belongs to and ultimately, he was the guy sitting in the chair in Tallahassee when the state economy went into the crapper in 2008-10, and our unemployment levels were somehow a national embarrassment (at a time when everyone’s unemployment figures were unimpressive, at best). Why would I want him to have a second chance to lead our state for four years before declaring himself eligible to run for the U.S. House or Senate
Table of Contents
Local News Updates............................4-17
Crystal Lagoons Coming To Epperson Ranch....................4 Burgess, Ledbetter Battle For Dist. 38 State Rep. Seat.........6 Moore, Remsberg Square Off For Dist. 2 Commission Seat..9 Financing Plan Submitted For Baseball Complex...............10 Wesley Chapel News Briefs...................................12-13 FDOT Activates Dynamic Message Signs USF Federal Credit Union Robber Arrested Hit & Run Car Recovered Wrong-Way Crash Update Grove Shooter Trial Update WC Man Dies In Single-Car Crash BBD Contract Awarded Mysterious Powder Closes WC Bright House Office Pasco To Install Traffic Signal On County Line Rd...............14 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar............................16
Local Business Updates.......................18-26
Pasco Cardiology Keeps Your Rhythm Regular....................18 Vantage Benefits Solutions Hosting Medicare Seminar.......22 Get More Offers Helps Get Exposure For Your Home......24
Neighborhood Magazine......27-40
Peabody’s Is A Great Spot For Food, Sports & Fun!....28 Enter Our 2014 Dining Survey & Contest!......33-34 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’............38
WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS....36
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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First-Ever ‘Crystal Lagoons’ In U.S. Coming To Wesley Chapel? By Matt Wiley
Wesley Chapel soon will be home to a beach. Well, not really. But, when development is complete at the Epperson Ranch South (ERS) Master-Planned Unit Development (MPUD) — located north of the Bridgewater community off Curley Rd. — it will be home to the first Crystal Lagoons pools in the U.S. More than 300 Crystal Lagoons — massive, self-sustaining, crystal-clear swimming pools — already have been built or are in development in 60 countries around the globe, and now the technology company that created them (Miami-based Crystal Lagoons US, Corp.) has made an agreement with the ERS developer — Tampa-based Metro Development Group — to install several in Epperson Ranch. The original Epperson Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI) has been dormant for years, after the original developer (Miami-based Lennar Homes) sold the property to Metro in 2007. The DRI since has been split into three MPUDs that also include the Epperson Ranch Town Center (also located north of Bridgewater on Curley Rd., just south of Elam Rd.) and EPCO Ranch North, which is located off Curley Rd., north of Elam Rd. Metro received approval from the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for the development in 2009, and is poised to break ground by the beginning of next year, says Metro president Greg Singleton. “(This community) is a real game-
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changer,” Singleton says. “This is the first (Crystal Lagoon) being built in the entire country.” Singleton explains that the final site plans are still going through the approval process with Pasco County, but that Metro is going to build 1,516 homes in four separate communities, each with its own six-acre lagoon, which will serve as a sort of community pool and gathering place. “An Olympic-sized pool is about 0.3 acres,” Singleton explains. “This is 20 times that size.” The lagoons will feature various depths to provide something for everyone. Singleton says that there will be beach-style wade-in areas for toddlers and those who are looking for a shallow water experience, as well as deeper areas (some up to eight-feetdeep) for swimming and water sports, like kayaking and paddle boarding. Crystal Lagoons US Corp. CEO Kevin Morgan says that, although these lagoons are massive, they can be constructed and even maintained for about the same investment cost of a resort-style, Olympic-sized (25 meters x 50 meters) pool. “Developers will say, ‘If it’s so inexpensive to build, it must be really expensive to operate,’” Morgan explains. “But, the answer is ‘no.’” In fact, Morgan says that in a 12-month operating period, a six-acre lagoon can be run for the same cost as a heated, Olympic-sized pool. He explains that the lagoons initially will be filled using local well water, but then will be refilled naturally throughout the year
— with rainwater. “It will require very little ‘makeup’ water,” Morgan says. “Based upon the amount of rain throughout the year (in Florida), there’s usually a high accumulation during the summer, and the lagoons act as a major Above is the first-ever Crystal Lagoon, a 20-acre lagoon-style catch basin. That pool at San Alfonso del Mar in Algarrobo, Chile. rainwater then burns Epperson Ranch South also is focusing on off through natural technology. Singleton explains that each evaporation. After the initial fill, you’re ushome in ERS will be outfitted with fibering hardly any new water. In fact, they use optic ULTRAFi technology that will allow much less than golf courses. (The lagoons) exceptional Internet download and upload are both very sustainable and eco-friendly at speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (1,000 the same time.” megabits for downloads and uploads). Morgan adds that, “(The lagoons) use To put that into perspective, Verizon only two percent of the energy consumption Wireless’ fastest Internet service features you normally would for other traditional speeds of 500 megabits per second. The pool filtration systems. And, they use 100 ULTRAFi technology allows for double times less chemicals and have a 98-percent those speeds and for homeowners to utilize savings in energy consumption. Through online entertainment services on multiple a process called remote telemetry, we have devices simultaneously without interruption. sensors fixed to all of our lagoons around The community will be the first in the counthe world. We then use Internet-based iCloud technology to monitor each lagoon’s try to use such technology, Singleton says. “You’ve got two huge things that functionality and water quality from our headquarters in Miami. That’s our responaren’t being done anywhere else,” Singleton sibility to the developer, maintaining that explains proudly. “And, we’re doing them crystal-clear water.” here in Florida — specifically right here in Wesley Chapel.” And Another First... For additional information about In addition to the lagoon, through a Crystal Lagoons, please visit Crystalpartnership with Bright House Networks, Lagoons.com.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
Ledbetter Squares Off Against Burgess For District 38 State Rep. By Matt Wiley
After years of representing Wesley Chapel in the Florida House of Representatives, including the last two years as Speaker of the State House, Rep. Will Weatherford (R-Wesley Chapel) has reached his term limit, leaving his District 38 seat up for grabs on November 4. Two Pasco residents hope to fill Weatherford’s empty seat as the Wesley Chapel area’s representative in Tallahassee. One of those candidates feels that the state can be “Led-better.” A long-time Pasco High social studies teacher, recently retired Dade City resident and St. Leo University adjunct education professor Beverly Ledbetter (D-Dade City) hopes to replace Weatherford in Tallahassee. “It’s important that people have a choice (in candidates),” Ledbetter says. “In the past, we haven’t had a candidate run against (Rep. Weatherford). I feel like I’m a candidate who represents the diversity of the area.” Ledbetter adds that her more than 35 years in education has helped her gain the experience necessary to do the job in Tallahassee. “I understand the demands of mandates and what standardized testing is doing to the morale of our students and teachers,” Ledbetter says. “I was there in the classroom, too. I’ve learned valuable skills as a teacher, like the ability to look at both sides of an issue and try to find commonalities. I’ll be going to Tallahassee with the mindset that Republicans are not always wrong, and Democrats are not always right.” In addition to her educational experience, Ledbetter says her experience as a union member has helped her understand the concerns of working families — and that being a cancer survivor has taught her the importance of accessibility to quality health care. Ledbetter says that she wants to improve our district’s poverty rate. She says that since 33 percent of the residents of District 38 live at or below the poverty line, she wants to give them a voice. “Everyday people need a voice just as much as paid lobbyists,” she says, adding that since she moved to the Tampa Bay area and graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1974 with
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cil member Danny a Bachelor’s Burgess says that he Degree in Education (before also is ready to take moving to Dade his experiences to TalCity), she has lahassee. watched the Burgess, 28, Wesley Chapel currently a practicing area grow, anattorney at Dade Cityother factor that based Johnson, Auvil, will help her Democrat Beverly Ledbetter (left) squares off Pratico & Chane, P.A., succeed, if she is against Republican Danny Burgess in the race for has been involved with elected. Will Weatherford’s Dist. 38 State House seat. local government since “There he was elected to the used to be nothing along Bruce B. Downs Zephyrhills City Council at the age of 18 (BBD) Blvd. or S.R. 54,” Ledbetter exin 2004. He was re-elected in 2007, before plains. “I’ve seen tremendous growth and shortly serving as mayor in April of 2013. how that growth can lead to overcrowded He says he decided not to remain in office schools and can have a negative effect on as Mayor so that he could run for State transportation.” Representative. Gene Whitfield took over The biggest issue in the district, she as mayor in April. says, is education, specifically the overBurgess was born and raised in reliance on standardized tests. Zephyrhills and attended Pasco County “We need to focus not only on educa- public schools throughout his life, before tion in terms of schools, but we’ve also graduating from the University of South got to educate, train and ‘up-skill’ our Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Political workforce so that they can get higher payScience in 2008. He earned his Juris Doctor ing jobs, she says. “When people have jobs, degree from the Barry University School of that creates demand, which creates more Law in Orlando in 2011. jobs and also increases the tax base for the “I’m running because I want to give area.” back to the area that has given so much So far, Ledbetter has raised more than to me,” Burgess says. “I want to bring my $33,000 for her campaign and received experience of serving the community on endorsements from the Florida Alliance for a local level to the state level. I think my Retired Americans, the Florida Fraternal experience with local issues here in this Order of Police, the Florida AFL-CIO District is important to bring to the table (American Federation of Labor – Congress in Tallahassee.” of Industrial Organizations), the West Although he only served as mayor for Central Florida Federation of Labor, the one year, Burgess says that his experience in Florida Chapter of the National Organiza- office will be valuable, if he is elected. tion for Women, the Florida Education Burgess says that, as a Captain and Association, the Florida Association of Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserves, School Administrators, the United School he wants to work to help make Florida a Employees of Pasco Tiger Pride, Democmore veteran-friendly state. He also wants racy for America, the Florida Democratic to continue to help grow the local area, Environmental Caucus, the Florida Demo- economically, as he says he did in Zephycratic Veterans Caucus and the Democratic rhills by working closely with the ZephyWomen’s Club of Florida. rhills Economic Development Coalition For more information, please visit and the Pasco County Economic DevelopBeverlyLedbetter.com. ment Council (EDC). “I firmly believe in a model of Young & Aspiring economic development wherein the loLedbetter is not the only candidate cal government and community serve as running for District 38, and despite his setting the demand, and the state works young age, her competition boasts several years of political experience in local offices. as a clearinghouse for determining what Former Zephyrhills mayor and City Coun- economic incentives go where and how,”
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
Burgess explains. A good example, he says, is the extension of S.R. 56 (from Meadow Pointe Blvd.) east to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, something that the growth in Wesley Chapel helped to spur. “This is going to link S.R. 56 to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, which is going to make a big economic impact for the district and Pasco County.” Burgess says that it took the state government and local governments coming together to show the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) that S.R. 56 was a necessary artery. The project was bumped up into the state’s five-year plan last November and construction on the extension could begin as soon as 2017. As far as education is concerned, Burgess says that he strongly believes in vocational programs, because not every high school graduate goes on to college. “If we can promote the expansion of our vocational schools and programs, that’s going to arm a lot of our graduates with certifications and licenses that qualify them for a particular area in the workforce,” Burgess says, adding that it would help meet the demand from local employers who might be looking to employ from within the community, but can’t find qualified candidates. “Serving as mayor has really honed my ability to understand the meaning of public service,” Burgess says. “The local government is the government closest to the people. You run into the people you’re making decisions for every day at Publix and Walmart. You’re not removed at all from the decisions you’re making.” Burgess adds that perspective is what he will take with him, if he is elected to represent District 38. With more than $135,000 raised for his campaign, Burgess has collected numerous endorsements from elected officials, including House Speaker Will Weatherford, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano, State Senator Wilton Simpson, State Senator John Legg, Pasco Schools superintendent Kurt Browning and current Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield, just to name a few. For additional information about Danny Burgess, please visit VoteDanny Burgess.com.
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Erika Remsberg Squares Off Against Mike Moore For County Commission By Matt Wiley
Erika Remsberg (D-Land O’Lakes) says that she has no ties to any outside interests, and hopes that Wesley Chapel voters will consider that fact when they head to the polls for the November 4 General Election when they decide who will take over the District 2 seat on the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. So far, Remsberg, of Land O’Lakes, has raised nearly $9,000 for her campaign against Republican opponent and Wesley Chapel resident Mike Moore, who has raised nearly 20 times that much ($170,000). The two are vying for longtime Comm. Pat Mulieri’s seat on the BOCC, as Comm. Mulieri is retiring at the end of this term. This election is Remsberg’s first foray into politics, she says. Remsberg is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked as the Homeless Liaison for the Pasco County School District (PCSD) since 2006. She also worked as a therapist for the BayCare Health System for five years. Remsberg earned a B.S. in Community & Human Services from the State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College in 1998 and earned her MSW (Master in Social Work) degree from New York University in 2001. “I had been speaking to some civic groups,” Remsberg explains. “A woman had seen me speaking about working with impoverished students within the (Pasco County) school system. She suggested that I run for county commissioner. Initially, I was surprised because I’ve never been politically involved. But, the more I thought about it, being a community-based social worker, I’m in a unique position to understand what families are going through all over Pasco and I have the training to help assist the county in moving it in the direction of really helping its residents.” Remsberg says that she has seen poverty all over the county, from Lacoochee to Wesley Chapel. She says that the county has poverty rates ranging from five to more than 30 percent. To combat poverty, as well as any other issues in the county, Remsberg says that her vote is solely hers. “I have no investments in any businesses, lands or developments, so I don’t gain from anything I vote on. My vote will simply be based on the best interests of
understand what the residents of focus will remain on letting voters know their representaPasco,” she says. that he plans to work on the county’s tives are voting Remsberg public safety and on bringing high-paying, for and how it will adds that she also secure jobs to the area. impact them. If wants to focus on “People leave (Pasco) county for work I’m elected, the public transportaevery day,” Moore says. “I want to work tion, unemployonly motive I have to bring jobs here and become a premiere ment and growth for my vote (on an county, where every citizen can live,work planning, which issue) is to help my and play. I want to see the county prosper she says go handcommunity.” for everyone.” in-hand. For more inIf elected, Moore says that accessibil“I’d like to Mike Moore (left) & Erika Remsberg both hope to fill formation, please ity will be one of his major concerns, with see more focus on the Dist. 2 Pasco County Commission seat being vacat- visit ErikaRemsplans to hold regular “town hall meetings” ed by Comm. Pat Mulieri. socio-economic berg.com. in the district. development in the areas of the county To date, Moore has been endorsed that have the highest amount of poverty Moore Wrapping Up Campaign by the Fraternal Order of Police, Pasco and unemployment,” Remsberg says. “I Meanwhile, Moore, who lives in Seven County Sheriff’s Lodge No. 29, the West think the dollars to create jobs need to go Oaks, has been campaigning hard, as we’ve Central Florida Police Benevolent Associato areas that need them the most. Movcovered several times since he announced tion and the Pasco County Professional ing forward, I would shift attention to the his candidacy last summer. Firefighters Local 4420. wings of the county that are starving for “We’re thankful for the support in In addition, Moore also has been jobs. This would help Wesley Chapel allevi- the primary,” Moore says of his surprisendorsed by several elected officials, includate congestion, because I’d also work to try ingly easy victory against two better-known ing outgoing Florida House Speaker Will to increase public transportation options.” Republican candidates (including former Weatherford, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, As far as planning, Remsberg uses the State Rep. Ken Littlefield). “That victory U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Pasco new Walmart Supercenter on S.R. 54 in was due in part to the hard work of our BOCC chair Jack Mariano, Dist. 18 State Wesley Chapel as an example. volunteers. We’re still walking neighborSenator Wilton Simpson, Pasco County “I want to see the people with jobs superintendent of schools Kurt Browning, hoods, waving signs and meeting with be able to get to work,” she explains. “Yes, future constituents.” Pasco property appraiser Mike Wells, San Walmart is creating jobs, but a lot of those Antonio Mayor Tim Newlon and former Moore, who owns VR Business Sales employees aren’t going to be able to afford & Mergers & Acquisitions — a Wesley Zephyrhills Mayor Danny Burgess (who to rent apartments in Wesley Chapel. So, also is running for District 38 state repreChapel-based company specializing in they’re driving to work from Zephyrhills, sentative; see pg. 6). buying and selling small businesses — as Dade City, maybe even Tampa, which is For more information, please visit well as serving as president of the Wesley adding to congestion.” Remsberg says that she wants to work Chapel Republican Club, says that his main MikeMoore2014.com. on a comprehensive strategy when creating jobs to also create housing in those areas that people can afford. “For the jobs we’re creating, are the people that area going to be working those Now jobs going to be able to live in that area?” Open she asks. “I think we’re missing the mark there, but I believe we can do better if we plan better.” Remsberg has received endorseTreatments ments and support from the Democratic VARICOSE VEINS | SPIDER VEINS | LEG PAIN AND SWELLING | NIGHT CRAMPS Women’s Club of Florida, the West Central Florida Federation of Labor, the Heritage Pines Democratic Club, as well as many local individuals, including Beverly Ledbetter, who is running for the District 38 seat in the Florida House of Representatives (see separate story on page 6). “Local government impacts people’s lives on a daily basis,” Remsberg says. “I think it’s really important for people to
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Financing Plan Submitted For Baseball Complex By Matt Wiley
It’s the bottom of the ninth, there’s a full-count with two outs. There’s the pitch, a swing and a base hit to keep the project that could bring a world-class baseball training complex to Wesley Chapel alive. After two deadline extensions, Blue Marble Sports has submitted a financing plan to Pasco County that representatives from the company hope will allow for the release of millions of dollars in county funding that will finally secure the project and get it moving. On October 13, the county received Blue Marble’s financing plan, but Pasco Tourism manager Ed Caum said in an October 14 press release that it would take at least a week to review the materials. However, there was no update as we went to press with this issue on October 17. “This project is the culmination of years of searching for a key partner to help create a sports destination in Pasco County that will serve the entire Tampa Bay region,” Caum said in the release. “Pasco County and (Blue Marble Sports) are looking forward to working together to start building what is expected to be a one-of-a-kind, 19-field sports complex.” In order for the county to release the $11 million in tourist taxes and bond revenue that it has committed to bringing the baseball facility to fruition,
Blue Marble was tasked with showing that the company had at least $23-million in financing. The facility is to be built on 200 acres of land donated by the Porter family inside the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI), and once completed, the 19-field complex will include nine MLB-size fields. Blue Marble’s James Talton could not be reached for comment, but he told the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) during an Economic Development Council meeting on September 25 that he and his partner, retired MLB great Gary Sheffield, would be working until the last minute to secure a financing plan. Sheffield told WCCC ambassadors that he has been in talks with representatives from the Atlanta Braves about potentially moving their current spring training operation to Wesley Chapel from Walt Disney World’s Wide World of Sports complex. In addition, he also said that former big leaguers Bo Jackson and Cal Ripken, Jr., are interested in possibly hosting some of their respective Little League Baseball camps at the Wesley Chapel facility. “We are excited this is moving forward and hope the county reviews the plan quickly,” says Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce executive director Hope Allen. Stay tuned for updates about this project as they become available.
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Wesley Chapel FDOT Activates Dynamic Message Signs
If you’ve ever merged onto I-75 only to come to an immediate stop in a gridlocked traffic jam, the tall, new electronic signs along S.R. 54, S.R. 56 and I-75 itself can help you avoid this annoyance. As part of the I-75 and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. widening projects, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has installed “dynamic message signs” on the shoulders east and west of the S.R. 56 & S.R. 54 interchanges on I-75, all of which are now running test messages. These signs will allow for electronic messages to be programmed and displayed for drivers to see, well in advance of getting onto or off of the interstate. FDOT says that the signs are used strictly for safety and transportation messages or regulatory, warning and guidance information related to traffic control. For example, if an “Amber Alert” is issued, FDOT can work with law enforcement agencies to broadcast information about what type of vehicle to be on the lookout for. Or, if a wrong way driver is reported, the signs provide a way to warn other motorists.
USF Federal Credit Union Robber Arrested
A suspect has been arrested and released on bond, three days after robbing and fleeing the USF Federal Credit Union branch in New Tampa. According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), at 12:30 p.m. on October 7, a black male in his early 20s, wearing a Philadelphia Phillies hat, white T-shirt, navy blue basketball shorts and gray tennis shoes, walked into the credit union, located at 6417 E. County Line Rd. in the WinnDixie shopping plaza off BBD. After developing leads, TPD detectives were able to identify the suspect as Derrick Anthony Landers, 26, of the Grand Reserve at Tampa Palms apartments. TPD reports that Landers handed the teller Landers
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News Briefs a note, after which he was given cash and fled on a dark blue mountain bike. A silver 2013-14 Toyota Camry was caught on surveillance footage driving suspiciously in the parking lot at the same time as the robbery. Landers was arrested at The Walk at Highwoods Preserve shopping plaza in New Tampa on Oct. 10 at 12:52 a.m. and booked at the Hillsborough County Jail. His booking info lists his employer as the U.S. Army. Landers was charged with one count of strong arm robbery, third-degree grand theft and one charge of intent to defraud. He was released just before 9:30 a.m. the same day on a $11,500 bond.
Hit & Run Car Recovered
The vehicle used in a September hitand-run crash that injured a Wesley Chapel resident has been recovered. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), troopers have recovered a red 2010 Jeep Liberty that is believed to have been involved in the September 21 crash that injured 56-year-old Julio Vivo. However, the driver and the owner of the Liberty still were unknown at our press time. FHP reports that just after 8:30 a.m. on September 21, the Jeep was traveling northbound on Bellamy Brothers Blvd, north of Bayhead Rd, a few miles southeast of Spring Hill. At the same time, Vivo also was traveling northbound on the road on a bicycle. The FHP report says that for unknown reasons, the driver of the Jeep failed to observe the bicycle, causing a collision, after which the Jeep fled. Vivo was taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. FHP troopers are continuing to try to identify the hit-and-run driver and are seeking information from the public. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact FHP at 6314020 or call Crime Stoppers at (800) 873-TIPS (8477).
Wrong-Way Crash Update
A toxicology report indicates that the wrong-way driver who struck an ambulance driven by a Wesley Chapel resident in August was under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs. According to the Florida Highway
Patrol (FHP), Edward Jose Duran, 23, of Tampa, died on I-275 near downtown Tampa, after a head-on collision with a Transcare ambulance in the early hours of August 15. The toxicology report indicates that Duran had a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.21 (0.13 percentage points above the legal 0.08 BAC limit). Duran also tested positive for cocaine. On August 15, just before 3 a.m., FHP received a call about a wrong-way driver in a 1997 Honda Accord (later identified as Duran) headed west on I-4 near 50th St. in the eastbound lanes near Tampa. Duran continued west and merged into the inside, southbound lane of I-275 heading north. At the same time, Tarel Omar Peralta, 24, of Wesley Chapel, was driving a Transcare ambulance with Kemecia Tasha Gaye Smith, 24, of Lutz, headed south on I-275, just north of Floribraska Ave. The two vehicles collided head-on, causing the ambulance to spin counterclockwise and roll onto the driver’s side, landing on the inside southbound shoulder of I-275 facing north. No patients were inside the ambulance at the time of the crash.
Grove Shooter Trial Update
A Pasco Circuit Court judge has granted a motion that will allow members of accused Grove 16 shooter Curtis Reeves’ defense team to access the theater in which the shooting took place to gather info and help to recreate the scene for jurors during the trial. According to court documents, on October 8, Pasco Sixth Judicial Court Circuit Judge Pat Siracusa approved Reeves’ attorney’s October 1 motion for access to the theater. Reeves’ attorneys say that allowing them to have access to the Cobb Theatre at The Grove shopping plaza (located off I-75 on Wesley Grove Blvd.) will allow defense experts to take photos, video and measurements that will help the defense recreate the scene at the time of the shooting, specifically the lighting. The documents state that the defense team needs to fully understand the lighting conditions at the time of the shooting, which occurred on January 13 during the trailers before the afternoon showing of the hit film “Lone Survivor.” The defense says that there are three different lighting conditions leading up to a
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movie: “pre-show,” “trailer” and “feature.” Each lighting condition features more dim lighting conditions, which could play a large role in the case. Members of Reeves’ defense will be allowed into the theater prior to the beginning of the business day. The trial for the State of Florida v. Curtis J. Reeves is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2015, although that date is subject to change. Reeves is charged with fatally shooting Land O’Lakes resident Chad Oulsen, 43, for texting.
WC Man Dies In Single-Car Crash
A Wesley Chapel man is dead, following a single-car crash. According to the Florida High Patrol (FHP), Anderson Arias, 20, of Wesley Chapel, was driving his 2005 Honda Accord south on Curley Rd. at around 3 a.m. on October 5. The report says that Arias was approaching Keifer Rd., where there is a slight left curve. FHP says that Arias’ right tires hit the western grass shoulder, which caused him to overcorrect his Accord. Arias’ overcorrection caused his vehicle to spin counter clockwise, before traveling southeast across Curley Rd. and colliding with a tree on the eastern shoulder. Arias died of his injuries at the scene. FHP reports that a seatbelt was worn and that it was not known at our press time if alcohol was a factor in the crash.
BBD Contract Awarded
The land has been acquired and the contract has been awarded, so the widening of “Segment A” of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. is imminent. At the October 1 Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, commissioners approved awarding the $36 million Segment A widening project to Prince Contracting, LLC. Prince will be responsible for widening the 3.5-mile segment of BBD from Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms south to Bearss Ave. from four lanes to eight lanes. Prince also will be responsible for constructing sidewalks, widening the bridge over Cypress Creek (just south of Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms), making improvements at the Tampa Palms Blvd. and Amberly Dr. intersections with BBD (including removing and replacing the existing
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cue (PFR) responded to a call about a mysterious, white powdery substance found in the mail at the BrightHouse Networks office, located at 30432 S.R. 54. PFR arrived on the scene and called the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Hazardous Incident Mysterious Powder Closes Team because of its capabilities with testing BrightHouse Office In WC unknown substances. It sounds like the opening scene of a Tobin says that tests determined that political movie: an employee opens an enthe substance was calcium carbonate, which velope and a mysterious white powder falls is similar to talcum powder. from it, sparking a quarantine. However, Tobin says that two employees were this was a reality for the employees of the taken to Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel BrightHouse Networks office on S.R. 54 in (FHWC), one of whom touched the powder and the other who complained about Wesley Chapel. According to Doug Tobin of the Pasco feeling nauseated. Tobin says that the “all-clear” was County communications office, at around given at 1:22 p.m. — MW 10:30 a.m. on October 1, Pasco Fire Restraffic signals) and creating retention ponds. Currently, Prince also is the contractor finishing the widening of the one-mile stretch of BBD beneath I-75, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Pasco To Install Traffic Signal At County Line Rd. & Northwood Palms Blvd. By Matt Wiley Waiting for several minutes just to make a left or right turn onto County Line Rd. from Northwood Palms Blvd. is nothing unusual. For many Wesley Chapel residents, it’s a daily nuisance, which also can make negotiating County Line Rd. tricky for those living in New Tampa south of County Line Rd. during the morning and afternoon rush hours. However, that may not be the case for much longer. A recent study by Pasco County engineers has revealed that the busy intersection along the two-lane road should, in fact, have a traffic signal. On September 23, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) signed an Interlocal Agreement with Hillsborough County to install and maintain a temporary traffic light signal to replace the current stop signs that seemingly do little to control traffic at the busy intersection. Since the road likely also will have to be widened in the not-sodistant future, the signal erected will be a temporary one Pasco Traffic Operations manager Robert Reck says that it’s now up to Hillsborough County to sign off on the agreement. Because of how County Line Rd. is situated, some parts of the road are located in Hillsborough County, while others are located completely in Pasco County. In some spots, the county line falls right in the center of the road. For this reason, an agreement between the two counties about the design, construction and maintenance
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Pasco County is set to install a traffic signal at the intersection of County Line Rd. & Northwood Palms Blvd. just east of Grand Hampton. had to be made. “We’re trying to get things worked out with Hillsborough County,” Reck says. “As soon as we get the necessary permits, we’ll get started.” Hillsborough County engineer Mike Williams says that the agreement details had been worked out with Pasco before it was taken to the Pasco BOCC. “We’re on board,” Williams said. “We just have to take (the agreement) to the Hillsborough BOCC for approval.” Williams says that the agreement could be voted on either in October, or in November at the latest, adding that it really depends upon how quickly Hillsborough County staff receives the document. The agreement was not yet on the Hillsborough BOCC agenda at our press time. The traffic study, which was completed nearly two years ago, found that the intersection met three of the eleven
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requirements to warrant a traffic signal, as laid out in the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. However, an intersection only has to meet one of the federal requirements to warrant a stoplight. Among the requirements met for signalization in the study were the traffic volumes during an eight-hour period, a four-hour period and during the intersection’s peak hour. The study found that during an average 24-hour cycle, nearly 14,000 vehicles traveled through the intersection, with 11,762 of those traveling along County Line Rd. During the time of the study, seven traffic crashes occurred at the inter-
section. But, it’s important to note that the study doesn’t take into account any increase in traffic or accidents that have occurred since it (the study) was concluded in October of 2012. Per the agreement, Pasco County will be responsible for the design of a temporary, span-wire traffic signal, held up by wooden poles. Hillsborough County will have the opportunity to review and approve the design. Pasco County also will be responsible for the cost of permitting and actual construction of the signal. Once the final design of the intersection is determined in the future, Pasco will pay to remove and replace the temporary signal with a permanent structure.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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October 2014
meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Seventh Day Adventist Church (33420 S.R. 54). For additional information, visit FoodAddicts.org.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Shops at Wiregrass mall — See page 3 for details.
Friday, October 31
Saturday, October 25 Monday, October 27
Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP) — ENP meets Monday mornings at 8 a.m. for breakfast and networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more info, call Brad Benson at 973-1814. Free Networking International (FNI) — FNI, a group of area business owners, meets Mondays for networking and discussion at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd., off S.R. 54). For info, call Stacy Dalton at 469-5499. Professional Business Connections (PBC) — PBC meets Mondays at 7:30 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., Lutz). For more info, call Chris Thurow at 546-6860. Wesley Chapel Speaks’ ToastMasters — The “Wesley Chapel Speaks” ToastMasters Club meets on the first and third Monday of every month, 6:15 p.m., at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). For info, call David West at 610-1650 or visit WesleyChapel Speaks.ToastMastersClubs.org. Celebrate Recovery – Celebrate Recovery is a purpose driven recovery resource group for healing from addictions that meets at Victorious Life Church (6224 Old Pasco Rd.) on Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 pm. The group focuses on the habits that have affected members and others. For info, call 973-2230. NAMI Pasco Education Event - The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Pasco County & North Tampa Behavioral Health (NTBH) are proud to partner with Pasco ASAP in presenting a 7 p.m. screening of “External High,” by Bryce Mackie, a teenager’s experience with addiction, depression, suicide and recovery, followed by a Q & A with Chrissie Parris, coalition coordinator for the Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention. The event will be held at North Tampa Behavioral Health (29910 S.R. 56). Registration is not required. For more info, visit NAMIPasco.org or call (727) 992-9653.
WC Sunrise Rotary Club — The WC Sunrise Rotary meets Fridays, 7:15 a.m., at Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). Call Lynne at 695-6466.
Saturday, November 1
Free Shredding Services – Shred360 is providing FREE shredding services from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Cooper Financial Services (5430 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 101) as part of a FREE identity theft workshop being conducted. Members of the public are not required to attend the workshop in order to take advantage of free shredding and may bring up to five boxes or bags of binders, clips, rubber bands, wire folders, CDs, DVDs, etc. No separation is required. For info, call 944-2223 or visit Shred360.com/Tampa.
Friday, November 7
Women-N-Charge - Join the vibrant ladies of Women-N-Charge from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pebble Creek Country Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). Each lunch has a featured speaker and time to network. The cost is $15 for members (RSVP Tues. before the meeting) and $18 for guests (and members Wednesday and after). Please register at WomenN-Charge.com or Admin@Women-N-Charge.com or call Judy at 600-9848.
Saturday, November 8
Helping Hands’ Pancake Breakfast — Helping Hands Food Pantry is holding its annual “Stock Our Shelves” Pancake Breakfast at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54) beginning at 8 a.m. until noon. For $5, enjoy a pancake breakfast that helps raise money to purchase food and supplies for the church’s food pantry ministry that feeds more than 250 less fortunate people in the area each week. For info, call Yvette Williams at 907-6505 or visit AtonementLutheranChurch.net.
Tuesday, October 28
Business Networking International (BNI) — BNI, a group of business pros supporting each other through qualified referrals, meets Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m., at Heritage Church (1854 Oak Grove Blvd., off S.R. 54, Land O’Lakes). For more information, email Tim at Tim@TampaHomes24-7.com.
Wednesday, October 29
Wesley Chapel Rotary Club — The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday, 12:15 p.m., at Ciao! Italian Bistro (2001 Piazza Ave., in the Shops at Wiregrass mall). For more info, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.
Thursday, October 30
Networking For Your Success — The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd, off S.R. 54). All are welcome and a continental breakfast is served for $5. An annual membership is $79. For more information, call (813) 073-1657. Food Addicts In Recovery (FA) — FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experiences and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. The group
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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SPOTLIGHT ON... Grandeur Hair Design! There’s no doubt that the Wesley Chapel area has many wonderful salons from which to choose, but if you appreciate being able to say “WOW” when you enter or leave a salon, you might consider visiting Grandeur Hair Design, located just south of the Pasco County line in the small plaza facing the WinnDixie supermarket and L.A. Fitness, at the intersection of County Line Rd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Owner and stylist Master Stylist Maher Al-Aghawani invites you to visit his truly elegant, modern hair design studio, where he says you will be treated the way you hope to be treated — and you will leave with both a good feeling and a great hair style. As a young man, Maher began his career at a local salon in his native Syria, where he showcased his talent and ambition. He soon became the head stylist and then, he made the move to the more prestigious LeMeridien Hotel Hair Salon. He later worked at L’Oreal Academy du Paris, before moving to Boston and then Tampa, where he opened Grandeur Hair Design in 2010. Maher has assembled a team that will take extra special care of your locks, including Spanish-speaking Master Hair Designer Hector Rojas, Master Stylist & Colorist Vickie Sanchez and Stylist &
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Colorist Anya Bruner. “I think a trip to the salon should be exciting,” Maher says. “We invite everyone who lives in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel to experience the difference at Grandeur Hair Design. Maher says that your satisfaction is not only his expectation, but also his promise to every client. “If you’re ever not completely satisfied with any service we provide, bring it to my attention and we will make it right,” he says. “We are all about customer service and satisfaction here. Our goal is to maintain a friendly, approachable environment, offering the highest quality service possible. Our stylists are highly educated and experienced and are here to provide you, our guests, with the best experience possible.” Grandeur Hair Design is located at 6431 County Line Rd., Suite 107. For more information, please visit GrandeurHD.com.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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You Can Trust Pasco Cardiology Associates To Keep Your Heart In Rhythm! By Kelly Miller
Have you ever gone to the doctor’s office and felt so rushed through the appointment that you left without all of the answers to your medical questions? At Pasco Cardiology Associates — located across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) in the Windfair Professional Center — the doctors spend quality time with their patients discussing not only their medical problems but also preventive steps they can take to help them avoid future health issues. Dr. Binu Jacob, MD, FACC (Fellow of the American College of Cardiology), and Dr. Ramanath Rao MD, FACC, focus on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiological conditions for adults ages 18 and over. In 1988, Dr. Rao opened the first Pasco Cardiology Associates office in Zephyrhills. Dr. Jacob joined the practice in 2010 and is now a full partner. They opened the Wesley Chapel office together in 2012, when the doctors discovered that 30 percent of their patients already came from our area. Dr. Rao and Dr. Jacobs rotate between these two main offices and their three satellite offices in Dade City, Lakeland and on N. 56th St. in Tampa. Dr. Jacob earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from the University of Miami, FL, where he also earned his M.D. degree. He
completed a cardiology fellowship at the University of Florida in Gainesville, followed by an electrophysiology fellowship at both the University of Miami and at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland. Dr. Jacob says, “This is my calling, my purpose. If I’m giving my patients good care, that’s what makes me happy at the end of the day.” An electrophysiologist and heart failure specialist, Dr. Jacob performs Holter monitoring (devices that continually keep track of electrical activity in the heart), electrophysiology studies, tilt table testing (which assess heart rate and blood pressure response when moving an individual from a supine to a tilted position), ablations and device implantation and management (of pacemakers and defibrillators). Dr. Jacob’s mother was a nurse for 33 years and says that he never forgets the advice she gave him, “Don’t ever be a dumb doctor because there are plenty of them out there and don’t ever cheat your patients because you’re only cheating yourself.” So, Dr. Jacob says he always tells his patients, “I’m always going to give you ethical care, I’m only going to order the tests you need and I’m going to do the best that I can by you as if you were my own mom or dad.” Dr. Ramanath Rao earned his M.D. degree from the University of Mysore Medical College in Mysore, India. He
completed his cardiology fellowship at the prestigious Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in The Bronx, NY. Dr. Rao focuses on clinical cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, interventional cardiology and varicose vein treatment. Both Dr. Rao and Dr. Jacobs have cardiology and interventional privileges at Bayfront Health Dade City, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and at Florida Hospital Tampa. As Dr. Jacob likes to explain to his patients, “I’m the electrician of your heart, and Dr. Rao Dr. Binu Jacob of Pasco Cardiology Associates checks patient is the plumber.” That means that Hector Sotomayor at the practice’s Wesley Chapel location in the Windfair Professional Center off BBD Blvd. while Dr. Jacob takes care of the • Aneurysms (bulges in the wall of electrical aspects of the heart, Dr. a blood vessel) Rao focuses on the valves themselves. • Angina Pectoris (chest pain) Meadow Pointe resident Chandra • Arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) Amin went to see Dr. Jacob after a hos• Atrial Fibrillation (abnormal heart pitalization for a heart condition. She’d rhythm) seen cardiologists in the past when she • Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle lived in New York, but she really liked disease) Dr. Jacob’s reassuring nature with her • Peripheral Artery Disease (oband her family. “I especially apprecistruction of large arteries) ated the follow-up (Dr. Jacob) gives his • Ventricular Fibrillation (uncoordipatients,” she says. “He called me back nated contraction of the cardiac muscle) personally to answer all of my ques• High Cholesterol tions. He is very knowledgeable and • Congenital Heart Disease knew exactly how to handle my case.” • Congestive Heart Failure Pasco Cardiology Associates treats • Heart Attack a variety of conditions, including:
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d — e t ( h c d h p a a a t p l s b
a t S H h a p a e a A
• Heart Failure • Heart Murmurs • High Blood Pressure • Hypertension • Obesity • Stroke
At Pasco Cardiology Associates, a doctor sees patients during each visit — there are no “mid-level” practitioners. Dr. Jacob also spends just as much time focusing on preventive techniques (such as weight loss and proper diet) as he does treating his patients’ medical conditions. “I’ve been trained to do very complex procedures, but if I haven’t taught a patient how to eat properly, how to watch his sodium and sugar, check his blood pressure and watch for symptoms and signs of angina and stroke, then I haven’t done the basics,” he says. He adds that if patients make important life changes like reducing caffeine, nicotine and stress, medication or surgery may not be necessary. Dr. Jacob currently is developing a program called “Walk With a Doc,” that he hopes the Adventist Health System (the parent company of Florida Hospital) will sponsor. He says that he wants to practice what he preaches and get out once a week to walk with participants to promote exercise, while also sharing his cardiovascular knowledge. Pasco Cardiology Associates also partners with the American Heart Association on different topics each
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month. In November, the practice will be sponsoring a team for the 2014 5K Heart Walk, which will be held on Saturday, November 15, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Dr. Jacob lives in Arbor Greene and will soon be moving into the new Estancia at Wiregrass. “My family and I are a part of this community, and I want to service the people who live here.” Dr. Rao is a Tampa Palms resident.
Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine expert now seeing patients in Wesley Chapel
Vein Treatments, Too!
Special to the Wesley Chapel office is the Vein Center. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, more than 25 million people in the US suffer from venous disease, which affect the veins in the legs, causing heaviness, aching, swelling, rash, skin color changes and unsightly veins (including varicose and spider veins). Dr. Rao screens patients in his office and will prescribe the best course of action depending upon the severity of the condition. If needed, vein ablation treatments can be done in the office on an outpatient basis. The Wesley Chapel office of Pasco Cardiology Associates is located at 2649 Windguard Cir., Suite 102. You can make an appointment at any one of their locations by calling 788-0439. For more information about the practice, visit PascoCardiologyAssociates.com.
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Trey Remaley, DO, has joined USF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. His clinical interest is osteopathic medicine. Dr. Remaley specializes in arthroscopic treatment of shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, and ankle injuries, as well as trauma and hip and knee replacements.
Appointments: (813) 396-9422
USF Health 2700 Healing Way, Ste. 300 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
doctors.usf.edu
USF Health Morsani Center for Advanced Healthcare 13330 USF Laurel Drive Tampa, FL 33612
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Vantage Benefit Solutions Hosts A FREE Medicare Seminar Oct. 30! By Celeste McLaughlin When Ken Bass turned 65 this year, he was inundated with information about Medicare and available health insurance coverage options. He needed someone to help him navigate the deluge of information to choose the perfect policy for his individual circumstances. “We turned to Jerry Mann and Vantage Benefit Solutions to assist us in making the best selection,” says Ken’s wife, Sharen. Gerald R. Mann, CLU, ChFC, CLTC (Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified in Long-Term Care), who goes by “Jerry,” is the owner of Vantage Benefit Solutions. He is a pension consultant and licensed securities representative who has provided insurance and investment services to small businesses and individuals in North Tampa since the 1970s. Sharen first met him in 1989, when she was setting up shop as a solo practice attorney in Temple Terrace. He stopped by to welcome her into the community. “Jerry has been our trusted insurance advisor for many years,” she says. “He is very informed about the products available on the market and is willing to share his extensive knowledge and experience with his clients to select the product(s) that will best suit their individual needs.” Vantage Benefit Solutions (VBS) provides this type of personalized service to anyone needing help navigating Medicare and other complicated decisions. In fact, Jerry is offering a free educational seminar for those who are 65 or older, or are turning 65 in the
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next six months, to teach those who qualify for Medicare about the enrollment process (see ad on page 29). “We are not trying to sell anything (at the seminar),” says Jerry. “As I have aged, and my clients have aged, we’re facing new issues. Because of the large population of baby boomers who are hitting this milestone, I have become an expert on Medicare. It’s a critical need for older people.” The next VBS Medicare educational seminar will be held at Pebble Creek Country Club on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa, on Thursday, October 30, 10 a.m. To RSVP, or for other dates and locations, call Elizabeth at 769-1825 or email Elizabeth@vantage-benefits.com. The Medicare seminar is not a sales presentation, and there’s no cost to attend. Jerry explains that the seminar will help people understand the difference between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private companies contracted with Medicare to provide healthcare services. Although the two plans offer the same services, Medicare Advantage plan members must go to approved facilities, and Jerry says there are many medical centers that do not accept those plans. He says that once you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can’t go back to Medicare, so it’s extremely important that you get it right the first time.
Services Offered
Jerry owns a family of companies that work seamlessly to provide employee ben-
efits plans to companies and the people who run them. “Our goal is to be a single-source provider for clients, to provide whatever they need in the benefit world,” he says. This includes group insurance plans for employees, such as health, dental, vision, life and disability. VBS’ services include plan design, consulting, administration, and vendor selection for employee benefit plans. Through another one of his companies, Jerry Mann (back left) and his staff at Vantage Benefit Solutions Executive Tax Benefits of can help you navigate the confusing world of Medicare & insurance. Florida, Inc., Jerry also area, having grown up in Temple Terrace, provides corporate retirement plans, such where his dad was an insurance agent. Jerry as 401(k) plans, including plan design and attended college at USF, but left before employee education. graduating to serve in the military durIn addition, a company he started in ing the Vietnam War. In 1974, he went to 1986, called COBRA Administrative Serwork for his dad and his business partner vices, Inc., offers full service COBRA plan at Executive Tax Benefits. In 1985, Jerry administration, helping employers comply bought the firm and began expanding it with this complex law. quickly. Two employees he hired in the early Additional consulting specialties inyears are still working for him today, as plan clude business continuation planning, estate administrators: Rick Thompson was hired in planning, disability income planning, invest1987 and Mark Lasota was hired in 1991. ment strategies, life insurance planning, Jerry says that Rick, Mark, and the rest long-term care planning and retirement of his staff provide excellent service and topincome planning. notch expertise to their clients. His expertise comes from decades of “I surround myself with great people,” experience helping businesses and individuhe says. Elizabeth Vilchis is his executive als in these areas. Jerry has deep roots in the assistant and office manager. The rest of the
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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team includes VP Troy Dimsdale and case managers Jean Gaad and Jessica Thompson. Longevity seems to be a theme with Jerry. “I have a lot of long-term clients, building deep and long-lasting relationships,” he says. “In fact, many clients who first started working with us in the 1980s are still clients today.” One such client is San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, whose membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in East Hernando and East Pasco counties, including Wesley Chapel. Tim Baldwin is president of the credit union, and says San Antonio Citizens has worked with Executive Tax Benefits to provide 401(k) plans to its employees — now a staff of 38 people — since 1985. “The service to our credit union and our employees has been good, and the plan has grown nicely over the years,” Tim says. “When our employees need counseling or advice, they ask Jerry’s staff members, who are always responsive and helpful.”
Business Consulting
“Business owners have special needs,” says Jerry. He meets a wide variety of those needs for companies and the people who lead them. Some examples of the services he provides include: • Business continuation planning — helping business owners come up with an exit strategy for when the day comes that they will no longer run their business. • Key person insurance — identifying “the small cadre of talented key employees who would cause a lot of grief if you lost them.” This insurance offers a dollar benefit to the company to help with the financial
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impact of diminished sales, hiring a new employee, etc. • Estate planning — Federal law says estate taxes are due within nine months of a person’s death, and tax rates are generally 35 to 55 percent of the value of the estate. Jerry says it’s essential that business owners have a plan so that family members are not forced to liquidate a business in the event of a business owner’s death. One of Jerry’s certifications (CLTC, or Certified in Long-Term Care) includes special training to help people address longterm care. He says the federal Department of Health & Human Services says the odds of someone needing long-term care between the age of 65 and death are 2/3. This means it’s essential for people to plan for these substantial expenses. He explains that many baby boomers have seen their parents fail to plan and some have exhausted their own resources taking care of their parents. They now want to be sure they don’t put their own children in such a difficult predicament in the future. “I meet people every day with no will, no estate plans, and no long-term care plans,” says Jerry. “I consider it my personal responsibility to motivate them to get their affairs in order. I want people to know they can count on me to help them get it done.” Vantage Benefit Solutions is located at 13065 N. Telecom Pkwy., in Telecom Park on E. Fletcher Ave., west of I-75. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, or to register for the Oct. 30 Medicare seminar, call 769-1825 or email Elizabeth@ Vantage-Benefits.com. The company’s website is Vantage-Benefits.com.
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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GetMoreOffers.com Promises The Most Exposure To Sell Your Home!
Real estate broker Keith Gordon is the co-owner of Florida’s largest discount real estate brokerage firm, ADDvantage Real Estate Services. Keith and his partner, Erin Knorr, created GetMoreOffers.com (ADDvantage’s website) in 2005, with the belief that the traditional real estate commission model is flawed. If you’re thinking about selling your New Tampa or Wesley Chapel home, you might consider the discount route via ADDvantage Real Estate Services and GetMoreOffers.com. The company’s hybrid-full-service “Professional ADDvantage” plan is just $499 up front, with only 3.25 percent of the sale going towards commission, which is about 46-percent cheaper than a traditional agent, says Gordon — who negotiates with buyers’ agents for you. GetMoreOffers.com also features a popular “MLS (Multiple Listing Service) ADDvantage” plan, which costs just $299. With this MLS plan, there is no fee at closing and the seller is completely self-represented through all aspects of the listing, including negotiations, buyer vetting and all contract paperwork. “We market for them extensively on the Internet just like any other agent and we still support them with our live phone service seven days per week,” Knorr explains. “But, the client doesn’t have representation.”
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Keith and Erin’s intention was to build a “customer first” discount real estate brokerage and the company has grown to carry an average of more than 500 active listings state-wide, with sales of more 553 homes valued at more than $157 million in the past 12 months alone. Gordon and Knorr believe real estate should be more transactional, allowing sellers to gain more control while saving a considerable amount of money in commissions. But, at the same time, ADDvantage clients have access to experts who can navigate the selling process and net you the most possible. “We sold more than 500 homes sold statewide during the past 12 months, 80 of which are here in the greater Tampa Bay area,” Keith says, “including 15 homes in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area.” Erin adds, “Our services are discounted, but when it comes to marketing and service, we are exceptional. We have a social media director, web developers, professional listing administrators, professional team specialists and general office staff on hand to help our agents service our customers and prospects. We believe in seven-days-perweek live support.” Keith says that right now, Wesley Chapel and New Tampa have a similar market strength to Westchase, stronger than Trinity, but not as strong as some parts of South Tampa. However, he
says, both of our distribution areas currently have good market conditions for sellers. “Our last large sale in Wesley Chapel sold in 35 days, at a sales price of $725,000 — a commission savings of $19,440 — and the appraisal came in $75,000 lower than the asking price,” Keith exKeith Gordon of GetMoreOffers.com & ADDvantage Real Estate plains. “A combiServices will personally negotiate the sale of your home. nation of a strong market in Wesley short term top) and now there are signs Chapel and my appraisal shortfall skills of rates heading up.” were enough to convince the buyer to Will this hurt the market? The close at $725,000, despite the appraised answer, he says, is yes for properties value of only $650,000.” on the low-end, although not so much He adds that, lately, he has been for those on the high-end. Short term sending his customer base a weekly though, he adds, “a bounce in (interemail encouraging sellers to be vigilant est rates) should stimulate the market about price and to not hesitate to drop by motivating both buyers and sellers prices now, as opposed to later, if that to get busy.” With his 30 years as a fits their plan. Broker, you can trust that Keith always “Mortgage interest rates are artifiknows how to properly analyze current cially low and the stock market is sendreal estate market conditions. ing a clear signal that the Fed will raise He adds that, “The factors currentrates in the short term,” Keith explains. ly influencing the economy are: strong “The real estate market is already weak, industrial production numbers, an prices in Tampa Bay have been trending upward trend in wages (sorely needed in down since August of 2013 (a possible the U.S.) and an extremely bullish stock
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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market. But, the backdrop is a weak real estate market. New home builders are now competing with existing homes for customers and there is no stopping large corporate home building corporations from chasing building profits. We know this from 2004-06.” Gordon says that he thinks that there is a fundamental problem with the housing market. The top end is healthy, he explains, because the stock market has made many middle-to-upper-class Americans wealthy the past five years. “These days, I find that selling a $600-800k home easier than a $150,000 home,” Gordon explains. “The $150k buyer is tough to get approved for financing, while the high-end buyer is generally well-qualified.” ADDvantage and GetMoreOffers. com help sellers succeed in selling at any price. Gordon attributes this to his company’s comprehensive marketing and superior customer service. Other factors may have an influence on the market health as well, Keith says. “Mortgage rules have made getting a loan more difficult than ever and the short sales of 2008-11 hurt the poor, not the rich. The low-end home buyer that sold their home short is now renting instead of building the next breeding ground for the $200k-300k market. That is what is fundamentally wrong with our real estate market.” Gordon adds that he also feels that the investor groups have once again affected the current state of the market. “Greed strikes again, as hedge
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funds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) bought massive numbers of low-end ($220,000 range and under) three- and four-bedroom homes in the Tampa Bay area during the past four years,” he explains. “They took this irreplaceable inventory away from the low-end buyer, creating a larger gap in housing disparity. These corporations are now landlords extracting money from Tampa Bay and giving the revenues to shareholders. So, we lose!” He adds, “Instead of the prices going down or staying low in 2011-13, allowing market conditions to balance and get the low-end buyers buying again, they just gave up and rented. These buyers were supposed to sell and buy again in 2016-20 to help fuel and support the market.”
On track to sell more than 600 homes this year through GetMoreOffers.com, Gordon says, “I personally negotiate more than 250 of the transactions each year and can say, without any doubt, that most buyers never bring up Zillow, just my sellers. I tell my buyers to pay no attention to Zillow. The homes that have views and great kitchens that are located in the best school zones sell the fastest and for the most money, regardless of their ‘Zestimate!’” ADDvantage Real Estate Services is located in downtown St. Pete (2515 1st Ave N). ADDvantage also is affiliated with Frontier National Title. GetMoreOffers/ADDvantage can be reached at (727) 942-2929 or by visiting GetMoreOffers.com.
So, What’s The Real Story With Zillow.com?
Gordon notes that many folks look to Zillow.com to find out a home’s value, but he says he believes that Zillow is misleading. “I have been a Florida broker since 1984, licensed in Colorado and currently studying for my California brokerage license and I love the dynamics of real estate, but this Zillow phenomenon that sellers are enamored with amazes me,” he says. “No one should be. The listings on Zillow are based upon an algorithm that doesn’t take into consideration what actually makes one home worth more than another.”
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Peabody’s Billiards & Games — For Great Food, Fun & Entertainment! By Gary Nager Photos by Matt Wiley
Although everyone here at the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News loves our new Wesley Chapel office, one of the things most of us miss most about our old location in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms is that we used to be located directly next to Peabody’s Billiards & Games. But, even though we moved a few miles away, Peabody’s is still very near to our hearts — and our appetites. Peabody’s used to be a smoking bar, but now, with no smoking and an improved and expanded menu — and still with eleven beautiful, professional pool tables, electronic dart boards and other games, dozens of big-screen and other flat screen TVs and great entertainment — we still go out of our way to visit on an ongoing basis. Always known for great wings and attractive servers and bartenders, Peabody’s is really so much more than that. Yes, the wings are still hot, crisp and large and available with a variety of great sauces, from mild, medium, hot and nuclear Buffalo sauce to my new favorite, the spicy and sweet Heaven & Hell sauce. I normally order the sauce on the side, but for the purposes of these pictures, I ordered assistant editor & photographer Matt Wiley’s second favorite sauce, the Daytona spicy BBQ sauce to get your taste buds salivating. And yes, Peabody’s still has some of the best burgers in town, including my new favorite new menu item, the breakfast burger, which comes topped with perfectly melted cheddar, applewood-
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smoked, crispy bacon and a sunny side up or over easy fried egg. And, all of Peabody’s burgers and delicious sandwiches and wraps are served with some of the crispiest, tastiest fries in town. I order mine without the seasoning salt usually added to them because everything is made Among our editor’s favorites at Peabody’s in Tampa Palms are from scratch, so the kitchen can happily and (clockwise from above) the new margherita pizza, the breakfast burger, the signature strip steak and the wings & fries. easily accommodate special orders. turkey wraps, the Peabody’s club and My other favorite new menu item the authentic Italian sub. is Peabody’s margherita pizza, which When you add this excellent cuiis usually served without pizza sauce sine to Peabody’s ongoing entertain(although I will probably add it to mine ment, like weekly beer pong, darts and the next time I try it), but it is generpool tournaments, NFL and college ously topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, football packages, pay per view boxing fresh mozzarella, a little olive oil and and UFC matches (all with no cover lots of fresh garlic. Double yum. charge), live music and DJs, plus PeaBut, probably the best deal at body’s own liquor store, I’m sure you Peabody’s (in addition to the great new can understand why $5 “You Pick Two” sandwich & side or we miss this place entrée salad lunch special) is on Fridays, so much. when the tasty and tender signature Peabody’s 10-oz. NY strip — which is served with (15333 Amberly grilled corn on the cob, fries and topped Dr.) is open every night until 3 a.m. with caramelized onions and normally sells for $15.29 — costs just $9.99! I’m For more info, call 972-1725 or pretty sure you won’t find a better deal visit PeabodysBilon a better steak anywhere else. liards.com. Also, Peabody’s also has great appetizers see page 57 for a like spinach artichoke dip, bistro onion recap of a recent soup, homemade chili, Spanish nachos fund-raising event and more. Among our favorite sandwiches are the roast beef and West Coast at Peabody’s.
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Your menu options just got powered up. At the Health & Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, fitness is only the beginning. You are what you eat, so be 100% awesome. Crafted from all-natural ingredients, Fitlife meals are delicious, perfectly-portioned and always fresh to help you make it through your day like a champ. • Fresh and healthy prepared foods to go • Made-from-scratch, preservative-free, never frozen • Controlled for sodium, fat and added sugars • Low-glycemic carbs paired with the appropriate amount of protein for optimal performance
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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Win A Two-Night Clearwater Beach Stay In Our 2014 Dining Survey & Contest! This is your absolutely last chance to enter this year’s 20th annual Reader Survey & Dining Contest, which may this year surpass last year’s record number (nearly 2,000!) of entries, thanks to having our biggest & best Grand Prize ever! Just for filling out the entry form on these pages and sending it by mail, fax or email (you also can enter at WCNeighborhoodNews. com), you can win a two-night stay at the totally revamped (and beautiful) Shephard’s Beach Resort on Clearwater Beach (look for a full-length feature on Shephard’s in our next issue), plus a one-hour Jet Ski ride & a $100 gift card to use at any of Shephard’s revamped restaurants, including the “interactive” new Ocean Flame restaurant. This spectacular Grand Prize has a total value of about $700! And, as always, our contest is still 100% free to enter! There are 18 categories on these two pages. To be eligible to win our Grand Prize (or ANY of our other great dining prizes; see below for details), you MUST vote for FIVE (5) restaurants in the two categories below, and ONE (1) restaurant in AT LEAST HALF OF THE CATEGORIES ON THE NEXT PAGE! The restaurants in our two distribution areas really do appreciate your votes, so we hope that this year’s prize will attract more voters who will take the time to give us as much input as possible. Yes, we know that some restaurants try to have their loyal customers stuff the ballot boxes every year, but so many of the people who enter at the restaurant locations themselves only fill in one name for every category or just a couple of categories and those ballots will NOT be counted, nor will those who don’t fill in enough categories be eligible for either the Grand Prize or our runner-up prizes of a $50 gift card to the restaurant of your choice, or any of three other dining gift certificates worth at least $25 each. And, we’re making it easier than ever for you to enter, by providing the names of all of the independently-owned and small (fewer than 20 locations) chain restaurants in each of our categories. And yes, you can still write-in the names of the larger chain restaurants in any category, but we only provide the names of the “Mom-and-Pops” because they don’t have the benefit of being able to afford the regional and national TV, national magazine and local radio ads that the large chains have running all year-’round. So, have fun, but get those entries in! Only one entry per person will be accepted, and the entry deadline for this year’s contest is Monday, November 3, 2014. No purchase is necessary and the Grand Prize winner must be age 18 or older. — GN
Your FIVE Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa (NT) Your FIVE Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel (WC)
(Number your 5 favorites #1-#5; You also may write-in your favorites not listed here in the spaces provided) (Number your 5 favorites #1-#5; You also may write-in your favorites not listed here in the spaces provided)
__Acropolis (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Biagio’s II Pizza & Pasta (CC Blvd.) __Big Papa’s Pit (Bearss Ave.) __Burger 21 (Trout Creek/BBD) __Café Olé (Cross Creek Blvd.) __Cappy’s Pizza (City Plaza, TP) __Casa Ramos (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __China City (City Plaza, TP) __China Wok (County Line Rd. off BBD) __Ciccio’s Cali (The Pointe @ Tampa Palms) __Cross Creek Deli (Shell station, CC Blvd.) __Full Circle Pizza (Pebble Creek) __Fushia Asian Bistro (Sh. of Amberly, TP) __Hawkeye NYS Pizza (CC Blvd./BP) __Heritage Isles CC Restaurant (CC Blvd.) __Ho King (BBD/Highwoods) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __Kabob House (BBD/Live Oak) __Kobé Japanese Stkhs (BBD/PC) __Koizi Hibachi Grill (Tampa Palms) __La Cubanita Café (BBD/New Tampa Ctr) __La Fuente Mexican Cuisine (Closed!) __Lanna Thai (CC Blvd.) __Las Palmas Café (BBD/Pebble Creek) __Liang’s Bistro (North Palms/BBD) __Little Greek (BBD/New Tampa Center) __Mr. Dunderbak’s (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC)
__New China King (CC Blvd. @ MB Rd.) __Asian Buffet (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Oakley’s Grille (BBD/North Palms Vlg.) __Amici Pizza (Grand Oaks Plaza, SR 54) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __Bagelicious & More (Freedom Plaza/54) __Petra Mediterranean (Highwoods Psrv.) __Best NY Pizza (Pinebrook Plaza/S.R. 54) __Bonsai Sushi (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Pita’s Republic (County Line Rd.) __Pizzazone (The Pointe @ Tampa Palms) __Bosco’s Italian To Go (Freedom Plaza/54) __Burger Monger (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (E. Bearss Ave.) __Café Fresco Express (S.R. 56) __Saffron Indian Cuisine (CC Blvd.) __China Taste (BBD/Shoppes at New Tampa) __Seasons Fresh Café (E. Bearss Ave.) __China Wok (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Soho Sushi (E. Bearss Ave.) __City Grill (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Stonewood Grill & Tavern (TP) __Ciao! Italian Bistro (Wiregrass Mall) __Sushi Café (BBD/Highwoods) __CineBistro (The Grove/54 off Oakley) __Sushi Ko (BBD/New Tampa Center) __D’Alessio Italian (Across BBD from FHWC) __Sushi Raw (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Dempsey’s Steak House (Saddlebrook) __Sukhothai (Across from Muvico) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __Takara Sushi & Sake (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Dolce Gelato & Crepes (C.Line Rd./MP) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __Don Pan Int’l Bakery (Shoppes @ NT ) __Taste of New York Pizza (Highwoods) __Fine Thai Express (SR 54) __Thai Ruby (TP, Shoppes of Amberly) __Gonna China (Hollybrook Plz, BBD@54) __Toast Wine & Café (BBD/Oak Ramble) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Top Thai (BBD/Live Oak) __Hibachi Express (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Vallarta’s (City Plaza at Tampa Palms) __Ho Wok (BBD next to Target) __Woodfired Pizza (E. Bearss Ave.) __Hungry Greek (across BBD from FHWC) __Write-In (must name)_______________ __Kwan Ming Bistro (S.R. 56) __Write-In (must name)_______________ __La Prima Pizza (BBD, next to Target) __Write-In (must name)_______________ __Latin Twist Café (across BBD from FHWC) __Write-In (must name)_______________ __Lexington Oaks Golf Club (off SR 54) __Write-In (must name)_______________ __Meadow Pte Café & Deli (C.Line Rd./MP)
__900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass Mall) __NY NY Pizza (BBD in Seven Oaks) __OTB Café (Across BBD from FHWC) __PDQ (S.R. 56) __Pinchers Crab Shack (Wiregrass Mall) __PizzaMania (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __PrimeBar (Wiregrass Mall) __Quail Hollow Country Club __Shang Hai Chinese (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Taste of Boston (Shoppes at New Tampa) __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __365 Caffé Italiano (Wiregrass Mall) __Tokyo Grill/Sushi (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Vallarta’s (Village Mkt, BBD@54) __Woody’s Pizza/Wings (WC Village Mkt) __Wolf’s Den (S.R. 56) __Yamato Japanese Stkhs (Wiregrass Mall) __Write-In (must name)_________________ __Write-In (must name)_________________ __Write-In (must name)_________________ __Write-In (must name)_________________ __Write-In (must name)_________________ Please only put each numeral (#s 1-5) on each of the two lists on this page only once each, including any write-ins. We apologize for any inconvenience to independent restaurants in NT & WC somehow not listed here.
Now Under New Management
L i v e M u s i c E v e r y We e k e n d ! Ask for our entertainment schedule
Monday - Wednesday, Lunch Only (11am - 2pm)
Cannot be combined with other offers Expires 12/11/14
(Expires 11/30/14)
Located across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
31
Your Favorite
(Pick or write-in one)
(Pick or write-in one)
__Asian Buffet (Shoppes @ New Tampa, WC) __China City (City Plaza, TP) __China Taste (Shoppes @ New Tampa, WC) __China Wok (County Line Rd., off BBD) __China Wok (Village Mkt/BBD@54, WC) __Fushia Asian Bistro (Shps of Amberly, TP) __Gonna China (Hollybrook Plz, BBD@54) __Ho King (BBD/Highwoods)
__Ho Wok (BBD next to Target) __Kwan Ming Bistro (S.R. 56) __Liang’s Bistro (North Palms/BBD) __New China King (CC Blvd. @ MB Rd.) __Shang Hai Chinese (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Sushi Ko (BBD/New Tampa Center) __Write-In (must name)_________________
Your Favorite Japanese/Sushi Restaurant In NT & WC (Pick or write-in one)
__Asian Buffet (Shoppes @ New Tampa, WC) __Bonsai Sushi (Shoppes @ New Tampa, WC) __Hibachi Express (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Kobé Japanese Steakhouse (BBD/PC) __Koizi Hibachi Grill (Tampa Palms) __Soho Sushi (E. Bearss Ave.) __Sushi Café (BBD/Highwoods)
__Sushi Ko (BBD/New Tampa Center) __Sushi Raw (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Sukhothai (Across from Muvico) __Takara Sushi & Sake (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Tokyo Grill/Sushi (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Yamato Japanese Stkhs (Wiregrass Mall) __Write-In (must name)_________________
Your Favorite Thai/Indian Restaurant In NT & WC (Pick or write-in one)
__Fine Thai Express (S.R. 54, WC) __Lanna Thai (CC Blvd.) __Saffron Indian Cuisine (CC Blvd.) __Sukhothai (Across from Muvico)
__Thai Ruby (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Top Thai (BBD/Live Oak) __Write-In (must name)_________________
Your Favorite Pizza Place In NT & WC
(Pick or write-in one) __Amici Pizza (Grand Oaks Plaza, SR 54) __900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass Mall) __Best NY Pizza (Pinebrook Plaza/S.R. 54) __NY NY Pizza (BBD in Seven Oaks) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __Biagio’s II Pizza & Pasta (CC Blvd.) __Bosco’s Italian To Go (Freedom Plaza/54) __PizzaMania (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Cappy’s Pizza (City Plaza, TP) __Pizzazone (The Pointe @ Tampa Palms) __Ciao! Italian Bistro (Wiregrass Mall) __Taste of New York Pizza (Highwoods) __Ciccio’s Cali (The Pointe @ Tampa Palms) __Woodfired Pizza (E. Bearss Ave.) __D’Alessio Italian(Across BBD from FHWC) __Woody’s Pizza/Wings (WC Village Mkt) __Wolf’s Den (S.R. 56) __Full Circle Pizza (Pebble Creek) __Hawkeye NYS Pizza (CC Blvd./BP) __Write-In (must name)_________________ __La Prima Pizza (BBD, next to Target)
Your Favorite Hamburger In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
(Pick or write-in one) __Burger Monger(BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __OTB Café (Across BBD from FHWC) __Burger 21 (Trout Creek/BBD) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __Café Fresco Express (S.R. 56) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (E. Bearss Ave.) __City Grill (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Taste of Boston (Shoppes at New Tampa) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __Lexington Oaks Golf Club __Wolf’s Den (S.R. 56) __Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC) __Oakley’s Grille (BBD/North Palms Vlg.) __Write-In (must name)_________________
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Your Favorite Latin/Mexican Restaurant In NT & WC
Chinese Restaurant In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
__Café Olé (Cross Creek Blvd.) __Casa Ramos (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Don Pan Int’l Bakery (Shoppes @ NT ) __La Cubanita Café (BBD/New Tampa Ctr) __La Fuente Mexican Cuisine (Closed!)
__Las Palmas Café (BBD/Pebble Creek) __Latin Twist Café(across BBD from FHWC) __Vallarta’s (City Plaza at Tampa Palms) __Vallarta’s (Village Mkt, BBD@54) __Write-In (must name)_________________
Your Favorite Greek/Mediterranean Restaurant In NT & WC (Pick or write-in one)
__Acropolis (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Hungry Greek (across BBD from FHWC) __Kabob House (BBD/Live Oak) __Little Greek (BBD/New Tampa Center)
__Petra Mediterranean (Highwoods Prsv.) __Pita’s Republic (County Line Rd.) __Write-In (must name)_________________
Your Favorite Bar, Tavern or Pub In NT & WC
(Pick or write-in one) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __Acropolis (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Heritage Isles CC Rest. (off CC Blvd.) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (E. Bearss Ave.) __Ciccio’s Cali (The Pointe @ Tampa Palms) __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __PrimeBar (Wiregrass Mall) __CineBistro (The Grove/54 off Oakley) __Quail Hollow Country Club __City Grill (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Skinny’s Sports Bar __Dempsey’s Steak House (Saddlebrook) __Stonewood Grill & Tavern (Tampa Palms) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __Halftime Sports Lounge (NT Center) __Toast Wine & Café (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __The Brass Tap (Wiregrass Mall) __Lexington Oaks Golf Club __Linkster’s Tap Room (Highwoods) __Write-In (must name)_________________ __Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC)
Your Other Favorites
(Write-in one in each category below) Your Favorite Bakery In NT & WC Your Favorite Lunch In NT & WC _________________________________ _________________________________ Your Favorite Coffee In NT & WC _________________________________
Your Favorite Pasta In NT & WC _________________________________
The Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant In NT & WC _________________________________
Your Favorite Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/ Dessert Place In NT & WC _________________________________
Your Favorite Chain Rest. In NT & WC ______________________________________
Restaurant w/The Best Service In NT/ WC _________________________________
Your Your Your Your Your
Name ______________________________________________________________________ Community (Tampa Palms, Meadow Pointe, etc.) __________________________ Mailing Address __________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone #__________________________________________________________ Valid Email Address _______________________________________________________
Please submit BOTH pages by fax, mail, email or on our website (see pg. 3) by Monday, November 3!
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
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See our full holiday menu at www.shop.wfm.com.
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This coupon not valid in combination with any other coupon, special, promotional offer or team member discount. Coupon only valid at the Whole Foods Market at 3802 Northdale Blvd, Tampa, FL. No duplications, copies or facsimiles will be accepted. This coupon may not be used toward the purchase of a Whole Foods Market Gift Card. No cash value. Please, only one coupon per customer. Coupon good for $10 off total one time purchase of $50 or more. Coupon valid through 11/30/14.
Neighborhood News
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EHRLICH RD.
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3802 NORTHDALE BLVD. • TAMPA, FL 33624 813.264.3600 • OPEN DAILY 8 AM - 9 PM
facebook.com/wholefoodsmarketcarrollwood twitter.com/wfmflorida www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/carrollwood
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
33
Integrity. Passion. Excellence. Teamwork. NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENTALS Tenants- are you looking for a condo, townhouse or house to rent? Call Sonia at (813) 690-5427 Owners- do you own a property that needs to be rented out and managed Terry Hill by the best management company in Terence M Hill PA New Tampa and Wesley Chapel? (813) 956-2383 Contact Terry Now!
NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE TOWNHOME
LAKE BERNADETTE
thill@bhhsfloridaproperties.com www.RentAhomeWithUs.com
MAINTENANCE FREE Cynthia Filippi 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2 Car Garage 813-784-1634 2,416 Sq Ft | Pool | Tennis | Fitness & more! Super Investment at $188,900
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 3 Car Garage Great Pond View | Open Floor Plan Offered at $229,900
Natalie Miller 813-907-8200
nmiller@bhhsfloridaproperties.com nmiller.bhhsfloridaproperties.com
CFilippi@BHHSFloridaProperties.com CynthiaSellsTampaHomes.com
MEADOW POINTE VILLA
4149 WATERVILLE AVE
PRICE REDUCED 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | Office | 3 Car Garage 2,350 Sq Ft | Conservation Lot
Robert Marvin & 2 Bed | 2 Bath | Den | Sunroom Debbie Marvin Gated Community | Low Fees Move in Condition | Offered at $154,900 813-892-3917
Debbie Gibson 813-892-1587
dgibson@BHHSFloridaproperties.com
DMarvin@BHHSFloridaProperties.com DebbieSellsTampa.com
NEIGHBORHOOD WEST MEADOWS
NEIGHBORHOOD PLANTATION PALMS When the most respected brand in the world, Bershire Hathaway, puts its name on a real estate sign, that’s a good sign for the market and a great sign for you. Prudential Tropical Reality is proud to join them as Bershire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Properties Group. Find experienced, knowledgable sales professionals at bhhsfloridaproperties.com. Good to know.
TownHome | 2 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1,272 Sq Ft Pond View | Move-in Ready!
Angela Mora Hablo español 813-482-1452
AMora@BHHSFloridaProperties.com AngelaMoraRealEstate.com
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | Office | Bonus Room 3,961 Sq Ft | Amazing Grotto Pool Offered for $399,900
CFilippi@BHHSFloridaProperties.com CynthiaSellsTampaHomes.com
FEATURED BUILDER - ICI HOMES
NEIGHBORHOOD GRAND HAMPTON
*NEW CONSTRUCTION* 5 Bed | 3.5 Bath | Study | Bonus | 3 Car 4,076 Sq Ft | Tile Roof Many high quality upgrades From $465,900
Cynthia Filippi 813-784-1634
NEIGHBORHOOD GRAND HAMPTON
Tim Wilson 813-918-9374
twilson@bhhsfloridaproperties.com
*NEW CONSTRUCTION* 5 Bed | 4 Bath | Study | Bonus | 3 Car 3,441 Sq Ft | Tile Roof Many high quality upgrades From $454,900
Tim Wilson 813-918-9374
twilson@bhhsfloridaproperties.com
“New name, same outstanding service from the company which has been locally owned and operated for more than 50 years.”
34
Your Full Service Real Estate Provider (813) 907-8200 Residential - Commercial - Property Management - Mortgage - Title - Insurance - Home Warranty - Building and Maintenance Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel The Shoppes of New Tampa, 1830 Bruce B. Downs, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Additional Languages Spoken: English - Portugese - Tagalog - Hindi - Pelugu -Neighborhood MandarinNews Chinese For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com @NTWCNews
The Best Care it’s your choice at Florida Medical Clinic Whether it’s your child’s sore throat or your father’s diabetes, you can rest assured that our exceptional team of board certified doctors will treat you like their own. At our Adult and Pediatric Primary Care office, our family focused physicians are dedicated to caring for your family as well as educating you on prevention and wellness strategies to keep your family healthy, active, and safe. We offer convenient appointments for both well and sick visits. After hours our Wesley Chapel Urgent Care office is available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week - and everything is connected on one electronic patient record. The best care for your family is at Florida Medical Clinic. Make an appointment today in our Wesley Chapel office.
813.528.4898 WESLEY CHAPEL
2236 Green Hedges Way
ALLISON HULL, DO
American Board of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
ALYSSA ZWARYCH, MD
American Board of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
Free Prenatal Consultations For Expecting Parents
At this location only!
Request your appointment online: www.FloridaMedicalClinic.com Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
35
New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HELP WANTED
REAL ESTATE AGENT - Award-winning Real Estate team w/an overflow of serious buyer leads is seeking to hire talented, experienced & motivated fulltime real estate agents whose desire is to earn more money, expand their horizons & ave a fulfilling life. Great training available.. Keller Williams Tampa Properties. Contact Annette/Team Bohannon (813) 431-2840.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT) - An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080.
POOL SUPERVISOR - Weekend Pool Supervisor Wanted at New Tampa Community Pool. Saturdays & Sundays, noon-6 p.m. $10 - $12 per hour, must have CPR. Send resume to Chet.Benson@verizon.net or call (813) 977-1160 MEDICAL BILLER - Spanish-speaking Medical Biller wanted for New Tampa Medical Equipment Company. Duties: Gathers billing information by reviewing patient records; checking for completeness. Bills insurance carrier by inputting billing info to database; initiating electronic transmissions. Resolves disputed claims by gathering, verifying & providing additional information; following up on claims. Resolves discrepancies by examining and evaluating data; selecting corrective steps. Skills/Qualifications: Data Entry Skills, Microsoft Office Proficiency, Time Management, Organization, Professionalism, Customer service and Attention to Detail. Please forward your resume to: Richard.Jones@solarusmedical.com.
OFFICE PERSONNEL WANTEDLooking for disciplined detail oriented Office personnel responsible for Order Entry and Light Shipping. Knowledge of FedEx and Sage Software is a Plus. This is for Full Time Employment. Please send your resume to bob@omnicontrols.com.
GREAT FLORIDA INSURANCE: Now Hiring! Growing insurance agency is seeking a licensed and experienced 4-40 customer service oriented and represent the agency with the highest ethical standard with a minimum 3 year industry experience. Contact (813)994-1143 HAIRSTYLIST WANTED! Up-scale hair salon seeks hairstylist. Contact (813)994-9455
EDUCATION / BABYSITTING
TUTORING - Infinite Edge is located in Tampa Palms & offers tutoring in all subjects, including Math, English & SAT, ACT & FCAT tests, 1st-12th grade. We also offer AP classes and last year, our students scored a 5 on any AP subject in which we helped. Please call (813) 971-6500.
MISCELLANEOUS
ALL SEWN UP LLC. Custom alterations & tailoring Services. Free pick up & delivery...No Alterations too big or too small. Will also do fittings so all your clothing fit perfect! We Specialize in Alterations on prom & wedding wear. Hems, take ins, zippers, let outs, etc... Will beat any tailor or dry cleaner’s prices... guaranteed! Call SARAH: 813-476-3085 or email smccorry12@ yahoo.com. Mention this ad and receive 20% off your entire order.
Classifieds
POOL SERVICES
TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned and operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! Licensed, bonded and insured. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today at (813) 857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. MONSTER POOL CLEANING - Summer Special — 50% off your 1st two months of service. Family owned and operated. 20+ Years of Experience. Competitive rates! Same service tech each week. *Our 15 point weekly full service will keep your pool looking great! Refer a customer and get ONE MONTH FREE! Call Today - (813) 489-9967.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
DRY WALL SPECIALIST - Not just a ‘handyman.’ Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 years of experience Wesley Chapel resident. State-Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate at 7845999. RAYMOND PAINTING - Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks and wood rot repair. Interior: 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. DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. Pool decks and screen enclosures, all fencing, driveways, walkways, roofs, gutters and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed & insured. Call (813) 215-1177. GREG’S PAPERHANGING - For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed and insured, clean, quick and reasonable. Call 973-2767 for a free estimate.
FITNESS & WELL-BEING
LAWN & LANDSCAPING
CLEANING SERVICES WHITE TOUCH CLEANING SERVICES - A professional, reliable, and affordable company. We have been in business for more than 11 years. With over 80 satisfied clients throughout Tampa. Customers are our first priority. References are provided. Please contact Cristina or Francisco at (813) 325-6917.
ANNA’S HOUSEKEEPING - A BBB-Accredited Business Servicing Florida since 1991. $68 introductory special, Mon-Wed. Cleaning, Laundry, You Name It! Make your list, put us to work! We have private housekeeper rates with agency backup coverage! Licensed and all housekeepers are background checked. Call 813.985.1150. SQUEAKY CLEAN HOME SERVICES is a residential cleaning company offering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services. We also specialize in move-in/ move-out cleanup. All supplies and equipment provided. We are an Owner Operator company with over 20 years of experience. “If it needs to be clean, we’re your team!” Call (813) 625-6045 for a free in-home estimate today!
D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710. CLEAN HOME - Give yourself the Ultimate Cleaning that you deserve. Responsible, Reliable, and Honest with references. Call (727) 645-7779 for FREE estimates. Ask for Ybonne.
HAIR & BEAUTY
SPACE AVAILABLE - Private suite in busy upscale Salon / SPA available for Hairstylist / Aesthetician / Massage Therapist / Tattoo Artist or Makeup Artist Located Behind Sam’s club on SR 56 / Bruce B. Downs, near Wiregrass Mall. Equipped with wireless internet, wash/dryer, wheelchair access washroom, reception area. 24 x 7 accesses to your suite. Few equipment provided Utility, maintenance included in rent. Lowest rent in the Area. If you have established clientele, opportunity to work on commission basis as well. Call 813-997-3414 Angie’s Hair Styling - Special offer: $25 OFF on your next chemical service with cut and blow dry (new clients only). I am a Paul Mitchell hair stylist specialized in hair cutting and color with 7 years of experience. Please call Angela for an appointment at 813-846-5677 Located 27607 SR 56 Suite 109 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. Inside Nirfa’s Beauty Salon.
PET SERVICES
LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST Available seven days a week, 9am -9pm. $55 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available. Visit BarkdollMassageTherapy.com or call (727) 372-6389 Lic #MA47546
CAT SITTING - Tampa Cat Lady Professional CatSitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. You can submit a service inquiry at TampaCatLady. com or call 994-9449.
INDIVIDUAL & COUPLES COUNSELING Over 90 years of personable and experienced therapy and testing services. Better Business Bureau-Accredited. With 6 clinicians, we’ll find the best therapist for you. Call (813) 418-7188, email DrP@phonepremier.com or visit Tampa-Therapy.com.
READY TO MOVE IN....1000 SFT Office Suite on Bruce B Downs /Regents Park (8913 Regents Park Dr. Suite # 680, Tampa, FL 33647). Two Individual Offices along with Great Conference room with Brand New Furniture Available for Rent with or without Furniture. Great Deal. Contact bdm@pinnacletek.com or (813)6013533
REAL ESTATE
JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING - Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm & hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning & more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for any of the items mentioned above or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA Special & FREE Estimate! For info, call (813) 420-4465.
AMERICAN PRIDE LAWN CARE SERVICE, LLC Our services include weekly lawn maintenance with mulching decks on all mowers, precision edging, string trimming, hedge, shrub, palm, and tree trimming. We also offer landscaping, pruning, sod replacement, and pressure washing. Free estimates. Licensed and Insured. We are an Owner/Operator Company built on service and trust. References available. For more information, call (813) 458-4778. TAMPA LAWN SALON, INC. has been providing New Tampa & Wesley Chapel residents service for over 10 years! We not only provide weekly landscape maintenance but are also licensed in pest control. Our services include: Lawn & Ornamental Fertilization, Pest Control, Landscape Design, Landscape and Sod Installation, Lawn and Landscape Maintenance, Landscape Lighting, Irrigation, Pressure Washing. Please call us for an estimate at (813) 417-7301 & ask us about our FREE irrigation inspection!
ERRANDS & PERSONAL SVCS CAR RIDES - Call SMILES CONCIERGE @ 813-2634244 for: Errands- Airport Rides/Car Transportation Services- Doctor Appointments- Grocery Shopping Assistance- House Sitting- Girl Friday/Office Support and Personal Concierge Services- Event Planning. Hourly, Daily & Long Term Rates: Tampa Palms/New Tampa Area. Friendly, Trustworthy, Responsive, Reliable. www.SmilesConcierge.com.
GET A RIDE - Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded. Call Jay at (813) 966-1530.
COMPUTER / BUSINESS SERVICES
PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT — in your home or small business. A+, Certified computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. Remote assistance available. References available upon request. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate. DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residential & businesses, w/ more than 25 years of experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 9734507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica. com today!
CASH NOW
TURN YOUR CLUTTER INTO CASH - Garage and estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it for you online! We evaluate and appraise your products then get you top dollar. We do the work you get the cash. Ask me how. Contact Mary at (813) 428-5793.
Proudly Servicing Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties
Residential and Commercial
Water Heaters and Tankless Heaters Water Softeners Garbage Disposals Toilets and Faucets Clogged Drains Broken Pipes And So Much More!
Service
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Repairs Installs CFC 057162
24 Hour Emergency: 727-546-2059 OR 813-777-5780
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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e r g .
Celebrating our sixth year serving the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Communities!
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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
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The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!
City Grill Under New Management
While I was a little concerned that the delicious City Grill (5429 Village Market, at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and S.R. 54), perhaps my favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel, was suddenly under new management, I have to say that Eric, the native Frenchman who took over, seems to have found the proper niche for it — as a great place for hosting live evening entertainment. City Grill still has the same outstanding menu (some of the best and most reasonably priced steaks and fresh fish in either of our distribution areas, plus great blackened wings), but now, it also has trivia on Tuesday nights, karaoke (photo below) with my buddy Gary Carmichael of Heart & Soul Karaoke on Wednesday nights and live bands Friday and Saturday nights, as well as some amazing wines from Eric’s native land that you simply won’t find anyplace else. For more info about City Grill, visit CityGrill.us, call 973-9988 or see the ad on page 31 of this issue.
‘Dr. Stan’ To Host Chamber Breakfast At PHSC!
It appears the pace has finally slowed for the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) in terms of the number of ribbon cuttings the Chamber is hosting. Of course, as we reported last issue, the Chamber did put on its “Cel-
ebrating Excellence in Business” Awards Banquet on Sept. 18 and its annual Fall Festival (see page 1 of this issue!) on October 11, so it’s not as though anything has really slowed at all for this vibrant Chamber of Commerce. The next big event for the Chamber is the monthly Business Breakfast, which will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 8 a.m., at Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC)’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. Sponsored by Central Bank on BBD in New Tampa, just south of Pasco County line, this month’s guest breakfast speaker will be my new friend Dr. Stanley Giannet, Ph.D., the Provost of the Porter Campus of PHSC. The cost to attend is $15 in advance for Chamber members and $20 the day of the event and for non-WCCC members. For more info about WCCC membership, or about other upcoming WCCC events, call the Chamber (6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., #105) at 9948534 or visit WesleyChapel Chamber.com.
Fit 4 Life Martini Party Recap!
Congratulations go out to
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my friends Travis and Fiona Monday, the owners of Fit 4 Life Personal Training & Physical Therapy Studio in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off Commerce Park Blvd., and their staff (photo above) for hosting a successful Open House & Martini Party on Sept. 10. More than 50 Fit 4 Life personal training and physical therapy clients and several others who were interested in touring the facility were on hand for the fun event, which included great free appetizers and martinis provided by the nearby Stonewood Grill & Tavern. I’ve been training off and on (mostly on the last several months) since Fit 4 Life opened a dozen years ago in another location in Tampa Palms and I can assure you that whether you want to lose weight, get in better shape or rehab an injury, you won’t find better equipment, better trainers or better people. For more info about Fit 4 Life (17419 Bridge Hill Ct.), call 907-7879, or visit Fit4LifeTampa.com.
Updates On Wendy’s, La Fuente, Smoothie King & WingZone
I’m always sad when a mom & pop restaurant with promise closes in our area, so I wasn’t happy that La Fuente Mexican Restaurant, which was located in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, had closed about a month ago.
For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 22 • October 25, 2014 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com
Sadly, we had no update from owner Roger Rubio about why La Fuente closed, nor do we yet have any information about what might replace it in the plaza. Also now closed, but only temporarily, is the Wendy’s on S.R. 54, just east of I-75. A sign in front of the Wendy’s construction site says only that the WC Wendy’s will reopen “shortly,” although we don’t know when. In the meantime, there are available jobs posted for the location at Wendys.com. And, while I’m not that big a fan of smoothies myself, I do know that a lot of New Tampa residents were thrilled to see that Smoothie King — which previously was open in the space now occupied by Jimmy John’s (next to Starbucks) on BBD in the Highwoods Preserve area — had reopened to the newest section of the same plaza, at the intersection of BBD and Doña Michele Dr., next to Tijuana Flats, at 17501 Preserve Walk Ln., Suite 104 (visit SmoothieKing.com). In fact, although we weren’t on hand for it, the WCCC did cut a ribbon at the new Smoothie King back on September 11. And finally, the first Tampa WingZone is set to open in New Tampa on Saturday, November 15, in the New Tampa Center shopping plaza, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., two miles south of the Pasco County line. The event will include a DJ, wing eating contest, discounts and other activities. Kyle and Toya Tucker, who live in Bassett Creek, decided to open the Wing Zone (with about 100 locations in the U.S. and several other countries) while Toya was in rehab. She went into surgery to remove a lump in her breast and died on the operating table for eight minutes before being brought back to life. Kyle and Toya have owned a business before and decided it was best for their family to go back into business for themselves. For additional information, visit WingZone.com. — GN & MW
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