Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 24, Issue 22, October 21, 2016 by Neighborhood News

Volume 24 Issue 22

Inside: Your Last Chance To Win FREE Dining Prizes!

Octover 21, 2016

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Wesley Chapel’s ‘Connected City’ Project Passes A Major Hurdle By John C. Cotey After more than a year of debate since it was first introduced to local residents last fall, the Connected City project slated for northeast Wesley Chapel has passed its first test and is moving forward. At the October 13 Pasco Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting in Dade City, concerns over some of the wording in the Connected City’s comprehensive plan were addressed, changed and then approved by a unanimous vote. It was the first vote held for the project, with many others yet to come. The members of the DRC — comprised of county administrator Michele Baker, assistant county administrators Heather Grimes (internal services), Cathy Pearson (public services) and Flip Mellinger (utility services), vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council John Walsh and Chris Williams of the Pasco District School Board — were satisfied with the changes made in the Connected City land development code, which proponents say will help expedite construction and eliminate unnecessary and costly delays in building, while attracting industry to the project. The Connected City project was created by a Growth Management Bill (SB 1216) in 2014, which speeds up the process for creating city-connected corridors. Metro Development Group of Tampa, currently the only developer involved and owners of 30 percent of the land in the grid, is leading the planning for the project. Pasco County — namely the Wesley Chapel area running north from Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel to S.R. 52 in San Antonio, and west from I-75 to Curley Rd. — was selected as a 10-year pilot program, although the build-out of the

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates Cybersecurity A Concern To Many, More Assisted Living Facilities Earmarked For Our Area, High School GGG Boundary Debated, RADDSPORTS Leader For Sports Complex, Lacrosse Tourney Seeks Sponsors, Bye Bye Bins, Wiregrass Ranch XC Teams Sweep & More Local Business Features!

Pages 3-32

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Former ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’ Star Brings Film Festival To The WC, Check Out Minerva Indian Restaurant, Your Last Chance To Win Free Dining; Plus, More Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes!

Pages 33-48

7,800 acres is expected to be a 50-year project that could bring 37,000 homes and attract as many as 100,000 new people to the primarily rural (for now) area. Bigger hurdles still await the Connected City, as the financial, master roadway and utility plans will be presented for approval on Thursday, November 10. Ultimately, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will have the final vote on the project. The changes in land development code gives additional leeway to developers, but Ernie Monaco, the assistant planning and development administrator for the county, says there will still be oversight from the BCC. Monaco sees the new comprehensive plan revisions as a chance to try new, and possibly more efficient, ways to develop. “Please keep in mind, this is a pilot program,’’ Monaco told the DRC. “We have the freedom to do things that we can change later. We a have better code that works for the (Connected City), but there are some elements that, if they work, can ultimately be carried over to The planned 7,800-acre Connected City project (shown in blue) has some neighbors in the area conthe (entire) county.” A key component of the project is an cerned about possible traffic, water and other issues. Expedited Greenlight Process, which creopers to begin on multiple portions of their proates a new process for fast-tracking construction approvals. The county already has an jects that have been approved while waiting on expedited process, but the new one written into other approvals that might normally need to be the Connected City land development code will secured first. “We have to experiment,’’ he said. “If it is have incremental reviews and approvals, which will create timeframes for review that are shorter more efficient and faster, we should consider extending it to the rest of the county.” (due to less information in each increment). The Connected City promises to be an Monaco said the incremental review process would save 4-5 months by allowing devel- engine for economic and technological develop-

ment in Wesley Chapel as the first-of-its-kind, built-from-the-ground-up gigabit-internet connected community in the country. There will be an emphasis on alternative transportation and integrated roadways, and the Connected City will feature amenities such as the first-ever man-made crystal lagoon in the U.S. Part of the project already is under construction. Metro has begun work on a $100-million, 2,000-home residential development called Epperson of Wesley Chapel in the Epperson Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI), as well as a 4,000-home community called Mirada on the former Cannon Ranch property at I-75 and S.R. 52. There was little public disagreement with any new land codes, but a few Wesley Chapel residents were on hand to express their displeasure with the project in general. Jennifer McCarthy, who lives on Kenting Rd. in the south central part of the proposed project grid, expressed frustration that the parcel of land she had hoped to live on and ride her horses on for the next 50 years will soon undergo an urban transformation. McCarthy also voiced her concerns at the Sept. 15 hearing. Other concerns by other residents have been raised in the last year as well, mostly concerning urban sprawl encroaching upon their rural lifestyles, people potentially being forced to sell property that has been in their families for decades, the potential for sinkholes during construction of the 8-acre crystal lagoon and the loss of nature. The DRC noted that existing residents located within the proposed project overlay don’t have to join the Connected City corridor, but cannot enjoy all of its benefits if they choose not to participate.

12th Annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival To Be Held Oct. 29-30! By John C. Cotey The 11th annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival was great, according to Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce CEO Hope Allen. But, Allen says, the 12th annual Fall Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., & Sunday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at The Grove of Wesley Chapel, will be even better. And, Allen doesn’t mind saying that, even if the WCCC is taking a step back when it comes to organizing and putting on the festival. Because the event, which drew an estimated 5,000 people last year, is such a huge undertaking, the WCCC has reached out to event management company Simply Events to take it over. The 2016 Fall Festival will be presented by the Suncoast Credit Union & The Grove. “We wanted the event to stay,’’ Allen says. “We knew it was an asset to the community, but we didn’t know if we were capable of having another great event, because it does take a lot of man hours. So, we part-

nered with Simply Events. Same event, same location, but we contracted with a company that puts on events because the Chamber is getting out of the event business.” Simply Events has organized the Westfield Mall Back to School Bash, Hudson’s Sun West Crab & Shrimp Festival and the recent Beer & Burger Unfortunately, there will not be a Little Mr. & Miss Pumpkin Throwdown at Ray- Patch pageant at this year’s Wesley Chapel Fall Festival Oct. 29-30. mond James Stadium. Allen expects the Fall Festival to shine again. “It will look better,’’ Allen said. “It will be larger, and there will be a lot more activities.”

See “Fall Festival” on page 28.

Hillary Trounces Trump In Debates, But I Can’t Vote For Either One An editorial by Gary Nager So, like millions of other Americans, I have watched every second of the first two Presidential Debates between Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. And, I will admit that the former First Lady, U.S. Senator from New York and Secretary of State has been wiping the floor with the businessman/real estate developer/reality TV star who somehow fooled Republican voters into thinking that he would be a better choice than the dozen or so much more qualified GOP candidates he ended up besting during the primary process. Does anyone...even the staunchest Republican supporters...still believe that the unprepared, unimpressive “La Donald” was the best choice for the GOP to try to take back the White House after eight years under President Obama? Seriously? Trump hasn’t just lost the debates; he has embarrassed himself and his supporters. Registered Republicans across the country let out a collective “uh-oh” as the billionaire stumbled, bumbled and sniffed (what was that anyway? a cold? allergies?) his way to the worst on-stage performance by a Republican since Sarah Palin in the first go-round between the candidates. As I mentioned in my editorial after the first Republican debate in August 2015, I’m a registered Republican who could have happily supported Jeb Bush, John Kasich, Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson or Marco Rubio (I voted for Rubio in the primary, even though I don’t agree with all of his Tea Party positions), saying that I could get behind almost any Republican other than Trump. The only other major candidate who gave

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 Advertising Sales & Office Manager Mary Dorey Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Anu Varma Panchal • Brad Stager • Andy Warrener WCNT-tv Sales & Production Assistant Gavin Olsen Graphic Designers Blake Beatty • Georgia Carmichael 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 24, Issue 24, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, November 7, 2016. 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.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has slipped in the polls since losing the first two Presidential Debates to his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, but our editor says he can’t vote for either of them. me similar pause was the second-place Republican Ted Cruz, who would attempt to make Christianity our national religion, despite our country’s diverse population. Trump may have sold GOP voters on the “fact” that he was the only non-politician in the field — just as he sold unsuspecting students on the bogus Trump University and unsuspecting condo buyers in New York, Tampa and other locations on buildings with his name on them that he ultimately walked away from without completing — but his “non-politically-correct” responses did nothing throughout the campaign but convince me he was the wrong choice, even as he built up his treasure trove of delegates. So, obviously, I can’t see myself voting for Trump — or recommend that anyone else should either. Even so, I also can’t throw my support behind Clinton, as I twice did Obama. A few weeks prior to their first debate, I heard the former Secretary of State take credit for being in the “war room” as Pres. Obama and our top military officials came up with the plan to ultimately “take out” Osama bin Laden, but where was the First Lady when her husband was President? Whether or not the Clintons met multiple times (as some have reported) with the al Qaeda leader after he had made his first attempt to blow up the World Trade Center or not, Philip D. Zelikow, the executive director of the 9/11 Report, recapped at least four planned operations to capture or kill bin Laden that were vetoed by-then-President Clinton. Have we ever even once heard Hillary say, during either of her Presidential campaigns, that, “We should’ve taken out that SOB when Bill had the chance” all those years ago? No. Instead, we have been (since the 1990s) — and continue to be — told about the “stand by her man” relationship between Hillary and her husband, who surely didn’t

begin and end his process of wooing White House interns with Monica Lewinsky. I don’t believe the Clintons are in any way, shape or form a loving couple, nor do I believe that she is a truthful person. I say Hillary has stuck with her hubby only because she feared that she would never become president herself if she divorced him, despite his blatant philandering. Hillary claims to be fighting for you and me, but I honestly believe neither candidate cares as much about us as they do themselves. Yes, Mrs. Clinton has dominated Mr. “You’re Fired” in the first two debates, and with the third and final debate being held Oct. 19 (after we went to press with this issue) — and more and more GOP leaders pulling their support from Trump seemingly daily — unless the “red” candidate rebounded with a vengeance in Round 3, the red will be on the faces

of not only the Republican power base but also of all those voters who praised (and voted for) Trump’s no-nonsense style that helped him secure the nomination. Even so, I will be at the polls on Tues., Nov. 8, voting for other offices. I just can’t see myself casting a ballot for either of these two, even though one of them will win. Heavy sigh.

My Hurricane Miscalculation

I’m usually the guy looking at the weather map saying “no way that storm’s going to hit us” and being right about it. But, as actual meteorologists kept looking at Hurricane Matthew as it crossed Cuba and promising that the storm would make a right turn away from the west coast of Florida, I feared a buzzsaw wreaking havoc here as Charley did Polk County in 2004. I was glad to be very wrong in this case.

Table of Contents

Local News Updates....................3-15

PHSC Offers Cybersecurity Tips..............................4 Beach House Assisted Living Unveiled....................5 Parents To Chime In On HS GGG Boundary. ...........6 Wiregrass Athletic Complex Has 1st Winner...........10 Pasco Asks For Help For Lacrosse Tourney...........11 Comm. Moore’s Bin Ordinance Gets Closer............12 Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Business Briefs.............16 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar........................16

Local Business Updates.............20-26

Nelson Dentistry Can Help With Sleep Apnea.......20 SPOTLIGHT ON: Bliss Facial Spa....................21 Artisan Aesthetics Gets New Cellulite Treatment...22 IGTech365 Keeps Small Business Data Safe.........24 Sweet Party For Halloween & More....................26 SPOTLIGHT ON: Cell Phone & Computer Repair..27

Local Sports Updates.............30-31 Wiregrass Ranch Boys & Girls Run To XC Title

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Former ‘Dukes’ Star Brings Film Fest To WC.....33, 46 Our 2016 Dining Survey & Contest.........35-36 Cappys Pizza For Great Pizza & Salads................38 Minerva Offers Authentic, Tasty Indian Food.........40 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........42 Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Classifieds.........44 @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Students & Local Community Get An Update On Cybersecurity At PHSC By Brad Stager

As people spend more of their time working, shopping and socializing online, they’re risking real-life consequences to their financial, professional and even personal well being. That’s the message that a group of experts delivered on Oct. 11 during a recent cybersecurity symposium at the Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel. Speakers presented information about protecting yourself from identity theft and social media risks, as well as about internetbased crimes such as human trafficking. The event was co-hosted with the Florida Center for Cybersecurity (FCC) at the University of South Florida (USF) and is part of PHSC’s Community Awareness Series. Keynote speaker Sri Sridharan, the managing director USF FCC, told the audience that cybertheft of consumers’ financial information and money has become so common that it is usually unreported by the media and not investigated by law enforcement. “Just because you don’t hear about it doesn’t mean the problem isn’t there,” Sridharan said, adding that identity thieves target public Wi-Fi networks such as those made available by coffee shops, restaurants and stores to intercept personal information from people using those networks. Another trend, called ransomware, allows hackers to encrypt information on a computer or data network, preventing users from accessing their files. Users regain access by paying money to the hackers. Sridharan said one way people can avoid identity theft

is taking personal responsibility for online behavior. “Cybersecurity is a serious problem and people have to practice good cybersecurity ‘hygiene’ to protect their personal information,” he said. Using complex passwords that are unique to each login, shopping at wellSri Sridharan, the managing director of the Florida Center for known commercial websites, not using Cybersecurity, lectures the audience about how to protect their financial information and identities in the “internet age.” unknown USB drives or memory cards technologies we take for granted can easily you’ve found laying around and becoming cause us to lose our identities,” House said. savvy about malicious links in emails and He recommends shredding sensitive websites are some of Sridharan’s suggestions documents before discarding them, positionfor maintaining your online security. ing yourself away from the prying eyes of Dumpster diving (going through peo- people around you when working online or ple’s garbage looking for discarded docu- using bank cards in public and taking a good ments with personal information on them), look at point of sale terminals at registers and shoulder surfing (peering over someone’s gas pumps to see if they appear to have been shoulder to steal a password or PIN) and altered with information-stealing skimmers. skimming (a small device that scans your credit card when it’s inserted at the gas sta- Social Security Protection Staking out your Social Security account tion, ATM or other automatic money machine) may sound like extreme sporting online long before claiming your benefits activities but they’re actually some of the was the advice from Daryl Rosenthal, a pubcommon techniques used by identity thieves lic affairs specialist from the Social Security according to Jeff House, associate director of Administration. He says going online to SoPHSC network services, who also spoke dur- cialSecurity.gov and creating your account (called “my Social Security account”) allows ing the symposium. “The main thing is being aware that the you to review your earnings history for accu-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

racy, learn about benefits and keep someone else from accessing your account and stealing your benefits. Rosenthal said it’s not easy for someone else to access your account, but it can happen if they acquire enough personal information about you. “To get an account, you have to enter information you know about yourself beyond your Social Security number,” he said. Rosenthal also advises that people shouldn’t routinely carry their Social Security cards with them, and that they should resist providing their Social Security number to businesses that request it. The internet has become a virtual playground and shopping center and Corporal Alan Wilkett of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) says there’s a dark side to that activity, with human trafficking taking place online. He says the practice of human trafficking involves economic slavery, body organ harvesting and the sex trade. “The auctions of people are taking place online and it’s one of the most diabolical things around,” Cpl. Wilkett said. “Most of the adults I talk to have no idea this is going on.” According to Cpl. Wilkett, the best way to combat human trafficking is increasing public awareness of the problem and a willingness to get involved. Bullying is the topic for PHSC’s next Community Awareness Series event, which will take place Wednesday, November 16, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. It will be held in the Building B conference room of the Porter Campus, located at 2727 Mansfield Blvd. For more information, you can visit PHSC.edu or call 527-6629.

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Beach House Assisted Living Facility Unveiled At WCCC Economic Briefing By John C. Cotey

The assisted living landscape in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area promises to be more crowded by the end of next year, as two new facilities are scheduled to open, including the Beach House at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel. Allan R. Brown of the Dallas, TX-based Prevarian Companies, unveiled his company’s third Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care community — there also are locations in Jacksonville and Naples — at the Sept. 22 Economic Development Briefing put on by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) at Pebble Creek Golf Club. Located on S.R. 56 less than a mile east of the Shops at Wiregrass mall, the Beach House will be the largest assisted living facility in Wesley Chapel when it opens, and will have approximately 50 employees. Brown said the community will feature 67 assisted living apartments in studio and one- and two-bedroom setups (for residents who need assistance with 1-2 activities each day), as well as 33 private memory care residences (for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia). Lifecare Services, which serves more than 33,000 older adults nationwide, will serve as the operator of the Beach House. “(We) will be applying for an extended congregate care license, which allows us to do more in an assisted living setting,’’ Brown said, noting that there will be a nurse on staff and people to help with medications, but no medical facility on-site.

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Allan R. Brown (left) of Prevarian Companies talks to local business leaders at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Briefing on Sept. 22 about The Beach House at Wiregrass (above), which will become the fourth assisted living facility in our area when it opens in December 2017.

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Brown says the community also will have a secure, enclosed courtyard, multiple dining venues, a wellness center and even a bar. The name Beach House is meant to evoke old memories of renting a beach house for the summer. “Many of the elderly we serve have that in their family histories,” he said. “It’s a really positive memory.” The newest entry into our area’s expanding assisted living market is expected to begin construction any day now, and hopes to sign up its first residents for a December 2017 opening. “It’s going to be a beautiful community and a great complement to the other

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things going on in Wiregrass Ranch,’’ Brown said. The average resident in assisted living facilities, according to Brown, is an 86-yearold woman, and the average stay in a facility is 28.3 months. The Beach House will join the three assisted living communities already located or under construction in New Tampa, including The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve (see ad on page 4), which was the first such community in the area when it opened in May of 2015. A few months later, Memory Lane Cottage in Tampa Palms, a facility for persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related

disease, opened with 20 private suites. Discovery Village, which is located right across the street from Freedom High in Tampa Palms (and less than two miles from both The Legacy and Memory Lane), recently announced the opening of its onsite Preview Gallery. If you’re wondering why so many assisted living facilities are popping up in our area, Brown cited statistics that say more than 900,000 people nationwide currently live in such settings, and the number of cases of Alzheimer’s is increasing. Brown said 5.1-million were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010, and, by 2050, that number is expected to be 13.5 million.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 12 • June 3, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

High School ‘GGG’ Attendance Boundaries Still Not Finalized By John C. Cotey Wesley Chapel’s newest high school is set to open off Old Pasco Rd. next fall. But, while High School GGG may not have an official name yet, it is getting closer to having a pool of students to draw from in order to fill its hallways. A third meeting to determine the new school’s boundaries was held on Oct. 20 in Wesley Chapel High’s media center, after we went to press with this issue. But, you can read the story on what happened at WCNeighborhoodNews.com. The meeting was expected to finally set Pasco’s School Boundary Committee (SBC)’s proposed boundaries for GGG, which will open in time for the 2017-18 school year, and relive crowding at the other Wesley Chapel secondary schools. GGG will serve grades 6-12 (although there will be no senior class in the school’s first year). The SBC, which is made up of staff representatives from every school as well as two parents from each, was expected to finalize its boundary proposal on Oct. 20, but those boundaries will be presented to the public on Tuesday, November 29 (where parents will be in attendance and allowed to weigh in) — before the Pasco County School Board can vote to approve them or not. The new high school is being built to alleviate the overcrowding at all of Wesley Chapel’s middle and high schools. The most congested schools are Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH), which currently has 2,495 students (which means it is at 153 percent of its capac-

ity of 1,633), and its primary feeder school, Dr. John Long Middle School (MS). Long, with 1,870 students, currently is at 147 percent of its capacity of 1,327. And, both schools are located in the fast-growing Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI), so something has to be done to accommodate an ever-growing numThe Pasco School Boundary Committee was expected to finalize its prober of students. posed attendance boundaries for High School GGG on Oct. 20. At the first SBC meeting on Sept. 16 Visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com for an update. (photo), committee high school. A group call Seven Oaks Voice members worked on filling GGG’s zone with students, mostly submitted a six-page recommendation at the from schools west of I-75. But, that did little Sept. 29 meeting, hoping to spare their subto alleviate the pressure at the schools east of divisions — which are located east of I-75 and the highway. At the second meeting on Sept. north of S.R. 56 — from being broken up. According to maps provided by the 29, they looked more closely at individual county, 20 percent of the current WRH popsubdivisions. “We talked about some of the op- ulation, or 509 students, live in Seven Oaks, tions from the first meeting but really tried and 22 percent of John Long enrollment, or to focus on the changes that need to be 414 students, live there as well. If the plan is made between Wesley Chapel (WCH) and to reduce the student bodies at those schools, WRH, John Long and Weightman (Middle an examination of Seven Oaks is unavoidable. “The hard part is the sheer volume of Schools),’’ said Chris Williams, the director students who live there,’’ Williams said. of planning for the Pasco School District. Some parents have already taken the “Moving those big chunks around, that’s initiative in an effort to protect their neigh- what makes it difficult.” borhoods from being zoned for a different In its proposal, Seven Oaks Voice sug-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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gested beginning the rezoning process with communities located west of I-75 (Westbrook Estates, Lexington Oaks, etc.), as well as those east of Meadow Pointe Blvd. (Union Park, Windsor, Country Walk and the Double Branch Elementary zone). The recommendation says the current Seven Oaks DRI provides stability and won’t be a future strain due to limited future growth potential, while the other communities are in high-growth areas. Seven Oaks Voice also suggests that established communities should have priority over newer communities with the same proximity to John Long MS and Wiregrass Ranch High. Also, by leaving Seven Oaks in its current school zone, the county also can avoid transportation issues, as it claims the subdivision is one of the furthest away from GGG. One Seven Oaks Voice proposal, without touching the Seven Oaks subdivision, reduces WRH enrollment by 688 students, making the school over capacity by only 10 percent, or by 174 students. The same plan reduces Long MS by 563 students, getting it to 20 students under capacity. Another more aggressive “expanded proposal” by Seven Oaks Voice would get both schools under capacity. The SBC is charged with considering socio-economic balance, maintaining feeder patterns, future growth in certain areas (especially in Wiregrass Ranch), transportation and subdivision integrity before finalizing a proposal. Parents get their chance to be heard at the SBC’s meeting on Nov, 29, at the WCH media center.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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RADDSports Begins Negotiations With Pasco For Indoor Facility In Wiregrass By John C. Cotey

Pasco County has been here before. Can county leaders close the deal this time? After past failures at luring an athletic complex to the Wesley Chapel area, the county is set to begin negotiations with RADDSPORTS after the Sarasota company was chosen to lead the way to a new indoor sports complex in the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI). RADDSPORTS was one of four companies to submit bids to build and operate the proposed complex, and was one of two finalists, along with Sports Facilities Management of Clearwater, to appear and give a presentation before a special selection committee on Sept. 30. RADDSPORTS beat out Sports Facilities Management, and its Request for Proposal (RFP) was on the consent agenda at the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting on Oct. 11, where it was accepted. Pasco County staffers have begun the negotiating process with RADDSPORTS and the Porter family, which has donated 120 acres of the land for the Wiregrass Ranch indoor sports complex project. “It’s exciting to see this move forward,’’ said Pasco commissioner Mike Moore of District 2, which includes the Wiregrass Ranch area. “I think this will be a great project.” If a deal cannot be finalized with RADDSPORTS, the county could turn back to Sports Facilities Management. RADDSPORTS is led by Richard Blalock, who was formerly a popular parks

and recreation director credited for turning Newberry, FL into a sports tourism hotbed. RADDSPORTS is partnering with Mainsail Development Group, Inc., which develops resorts and hotels. RADDSPORTS is proposing a $14-million, approximately 100,000-sq.-ft. indoor sports facility with eight basketball courts, plus a 100+ room hotel, an open-air amphitheater with event lawn, sports turf fields for soccer and other sports, trails and playgrounds. The cost of the hotel would be $15 million, but the deal Pasco County has with the Porter family prohibits a hotel on the site and will need to be negotiated. A 92room Fairfield Inn & Suites is being built on land sold by the Porters just south of the proposed facility off S.R. 56. The outdoor amphitheater shell will accommodate 500 to 1,500 attendees for a variety of events such as concerts, festivals and theater performances. RADDSPORTS’ plan projects 36 events per each year’s ninemonth season. A second phase of the project will include baseball, soccer and other outdoor sports fields. The company also proposed 700kw solar panels for the roof of the facility, which it says will produce 1,075 MwH of power annually, enough to offset current energy prices by $140,000 each year. Sadly, the county has been here before. There have been three failed attempts since 2001 to build some sort of athletic complex, with proposed tennis, baseball and outdoor complexes somewhere in Wesley Chapel all falling short when none

A computer rendering shows RADDSPORTS’ plans for an indoor sports facility surrounded by a park with fields for outdoor sports like soccer and baseball.

of the deals could be completed. “I’m optimistic this time,’’ says tourism director Ed Caum, the program manager of Visit Pasco. “I was here for the last two and watched them go by the wayside, but I think there are more players at the table this time. And, we have great support from the (Wesley Chapel) Chamber of Commerce, which is really, really, really helpful.” The last project to fail was a proposed baseball complex in the same area of Wiregrass Ranch in 2014, when a group led by former Major League Baseball star Gary Sheffield failed to secure financing for the project. Since then, the county hired Johnson

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Consulting, which steered the conversation to an indoor facility that could serve not only Wesley Chapel, but would be a draw throughout the entire state, particularly central Florida. “Here’s the beauty of an indoor facility,” Caum says. “The bottom line is hoteliers in the area have asked the sports commission and tourism folks to find a way to get people into rooms in July, August and September when it’s too hot to do outdoor sports. Indoors, there’s no rain, no lightning, no heat stroke. The stars have aligned. I think it’s the perfect fit for central Florida. All of central Florida is going to benefit from a facility like that.”

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Pasco Seeking Sponsors To Help Keep DICK’s Lacrosse Tourney Here By John C. Cotey

Pasco County will end up writing a $90,000 check to support this year’s 11th Annual DICK’s Sporting Goods Lacrosse Tournament of Champions but, for the first time, county officials are reaching out to the community to help offset those costs and ensure that the popular tournament stays in Wesley Chapel. Pasco has enlisted the help of the Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) to find supporters of the event, which provides an estimated $3-million economic impact to the area’s restaurants, hotels and retailers, according to Ed Caum, the program director of Visit Pasco. “We have (Florida Hospital Center Ice) opening (see page 42) and we will have an indoor sports complex coming, but we only have a finite amount of dollars,’’ says Caum. “We’ve kept the lacrosse tournament here on our own dime. We’re hoping to share that burden (going forward); it just makes more sense because (of how many local businesses benefit).” The longest-running national tournament of its kind, put on by Colorado-based National Development Program (NDP) Lacrosse, the DICK’s tournament — scheduled every year for Thursday-Saturday, December 29-31— is going on its ninth year of being played at the Wesley Chapel District Park and nearby Wesley Chapel High. It previously was held at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA. Last year’s event attracted 73 teams from 16 different states, including teams

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from New Tampa and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) programs, although, in past years, the number of teams has been as high as 115. The numbers were down 23 teams from 2014, due in part to a nearby lacrosse tournament at Bradenton’s renowned IMG Academy. “We need to win those teams back,’’ Caum says. Pasco spent $100,000 on the tournament last year, and received $13,000 from the Florida Sports Foundation to help offset costs. Caum says the county is again asking the foundation for assistance. “If we didn’t spend the tourism money the last 10 years, we would have lost the tournament,’’ he adds. Last year was the last of a five-year NDP Lacrosse contract with Pasco County, but in May a new two-year deal, with an option for a third year, was announced. According to Hope Allen, the CEO of the WCCC, Pasco had to stave off challenges from other sites hoping to host the event. “They approached us last year when the contract negotiations came up,” says Allen. “We were approached to step in and not let this amazing tournament leave the area, as there were other locations courting the event to host it. We realize the significant economic impact to a lot of our members, and wanted to see if we were able to help.” Caum says NDP Lacrosse is adding a number of activities and events to the tournament, and the Holiday Inn Express on S.R. 56 is opening on Nov. 1, which will provide a new option for players and their

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The Pasco Lions of the WCAA were among the 73 teams to compete in the DICK’s Lacrosse Tournament of Champions last year. families to stay closer to the event. Although there are hotels on S.R. 54 itself that have been utilized in years past, Caum has said that as many as 60 percent of the rooms booked for the event have been in Hillsborough County (many in New Tampa). Wesley Chapel, however, is in the midst of a hotel boom, with plans for a Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, Fairfield

Inn & Suites and Hilton Garden Inn to be completed within the next three years. “It’s going to make the drive time better for the families, so in that sense, it is very good for us,’’ Caum says. “According to industry (analysts), 15-30 minutes is all people want to drive. So, having hotels closer is excellent for us, not only for the bed tax but also the driving.” Because so many of the DICK’s tournament participants turn the event into a Florida vacation, the growth in Wesley Chapel makes it imperative that those vacationers stay nearby and spend their money in our area. “Within two years, that will make a major difference,’’ Caum says. The success, and staying power, of the DICK’s tournament also plays a significant role in the success of another large, local lacrosse tournament — the Derek Pieper Memorial Cup, which was established in 2006, the year former WCAA player Derek Pieper was murdered. The tournament is a qualifier for the DICK’s National Championship and drew 55 teams last year. This year’s Derek Pieper tourney is scheduled for the weekend of November 19-20 and will be played at the Wesley Chapel District Park. For more information about the DICK’S Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, visit NDPLacrosse.com. To learn more about the Derek Pieper Memorial Cup, visit WCAASPorts.org/ derekpieper. For additional information about Pasco County Tourism, visit VisitPasco.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Unsightly Donation Bins On The Way Out If Commissioner Moore Has His Way According to the proposed ordinance, in some cases, the bins are placed on private and public property without approval from the landowners. The county currently has no standards or permitting procedures for site location, number of bins, signage, maintenance, or security of donation bins, but Moore says the ordinance would change that.

By John C. Cotey

District 2 commissioner Mike Moore is hoping the sight of mattresses and couches stacked against overflowing donation bins will soon fade from the view of residents throughout Pasco County, now that his fellow county commissioners have voted to introduce an ordinance to more closely regulate these sometimes-eyesores. A public hearing was held on the proposed ordinance Oct. 11 in Dade City and received no opposition, with another scheduled for Oct. 25 in New Port Richey. Moore said he did not expect any public opposition to his proposal, which has been endorsed by the other commissioners. “I’ve talked to many constituents about it, and they say, ‘It’s great to hear you talk about it, now let’s do something about it,’’’ Moore said. “And we are.” Moore, whose district represents much of Wesley Chapel, including the Wiregrass Ranch area, said he has had enough of driving past unsightly stacks of garbage masquerading as donations to the needy. Among the offending bins he cites most are one on a private service road off S.R. 54 by the Super WalMart that was visible to passers-by and attracted dumpings, and another on Ancient Oaks Blvd. by the Sam’s Club on S.R. 56.

Some Provisions...

Anyone placing a bin

Bins like this one will face stricter regulation when a new within the county first has to ordinance proposed by District 2 Pasco County commisprove it is authorized to consioner Mike Moore receives final approval on October 25.

Those are just two of the sites Comm. Moore has noticed in Wesley Chapel. “There are multiple ones across the county too,’’ he says, adding that if he had to put a number on the donation bins in the county — and he admits that not all of them have become dumping spots — he would estimate there are more than 200, although an exact number is hard to tell. The owners of those bins, however, will now have to obtain county permits and be held responsible for ensuring that the areas where they place their bins remain junk- and vandalism-free — if and when the ordinance is enacted into law.

duct business in the state and county. They also must produce a site plan showing the location of the proposed donation bin and have written consent from the property owner to set up the bin. Moore says the bin he cited near the Sam’s Club, which has now been removed, had no markings on it indicating who owned it or what it was even for. It attracted people looking to get rid of tattered mattresses, kitchen appliances, rugs and other items just dropped off in its vicinity. The owners of the property, Moore says, had to pay to the have area cleaned up. “He told me it was about the seventh time he had to do that,” Moore says.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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The removal and regulation of donation bins isn’t a new problem. Some cities in California and Michigan have banned the bins or have begun stricter regulation of them in recent years. While many bins are marked as nonprofit, not every bin is for charity and many have no markings of any kind on them. Moore says it is hard to tell them apart, as many for-profit businesses have collection bins, and sell the contents to recycling companies, which then ship them overseas. The clothes and other items are then re-purposed as rags or furniture padding and sold. Without regulations, however, Moore says for- and not-for-profit businesses can put bins wherever they like, and not even bother to keep the area clean. In many cases, Moore says, it appears they bins aren’t even emptied in any sort of timely manner. On S.R. 54 just east of Advance Auto Parts and across the road from Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, Moore drove by an unmarked bin collecting junk almost every day until something had to be done. “We actually went out there and did it ourselves, it got so bad,’’ Moore says. “We used county staff, though, and that’s paid for by taxpayer money.” Moore said the problem was finally solved with the county removed the bin and placed a sign banning the dumping of anything in that area.

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New Tampa & Wesley Chapel CHAMBER GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS: The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is offering a great luncheon seminar called “Get Down to Business,” which will be held Tuesday, November 15, at Saddlebrook Resort Tampa off S.R. 54. There will be a Trade Show & Registration at 11 a.m., with lunch from noon-1:30 p.m., featuring Keynote Speaker Julie Jenkins, the CEO of Churchill Leadership Group. At ChurchillLeadershipGroup.com, Jenkins writes, “We believe there is so much untapped potential in leaders and teams. That’s why we turn talent into performance. Churchill is a global provider of leadership development solutions including Executive Coaching & Corporate Leadership Programs.” For reservations & info, call 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com. — GN HYATT PLACE UPDATE: The Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel hotel has announced it will begin construction in early 2017 on the latest hotel to go up in the busy S.R. 56 corridor. The hotel will have 130 rooms and will be developed by Impact Properties. It will be built on the northwest corner of S.R. 56 and I-75, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) mall. “After owning this property for 30 years and knowing its potential, we are delighted to see this project materialize,” said Michael Sierra, vice president of Sierra Properties, in a statement. The new hotel will feature: 130 rooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play; free Wi-Fi throughout; 24/7 Gallery Menu

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Business Briefs

& Market available any time of the day; a “Kitchen Skillet,” providing free hot breakfast for guests; a 6,000-sq.-ft., high-tech conference center and a 24-hour StayFit gym. Sierra also said that in addition to Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel opening, Phase 1 of Sierra Properties’ development of the land located between I-75 and Wesley Chapel Blvd., across S.R. 56 from TPO will see the completion of 230 multi-family luxury apartments and 10 new places to eat. Sierra named places like Ford’s Garage, Pollo Tropical, Wendy’s and Taco Bell that are currently in permitting. And, BJ’s Brewhouse (see page 42) and Longhorn Steakhouse also are expected to open soon almost directly across S.R. 56 from the Sierra site. Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel will be the first Hyatt property in Pasco county, and will also be the first hotel within the 500-acre mixed use Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI), which has more than 2-million-sq.-ft. of retail space, hotel, multi-family and office space, including TPO and the under-construction Costco. The new hotel joins others being built along the S.R. 56 corridor, such as the 123room Hilton Garden Inn (which broke ground this month near the Texas Roadhouse restaurant and hopes to open in summer of 2017), the 80-room Holiday Inn Express located next to Florida Hospital Center Ice (both of which are expected to open later this year) and a 92-room Fairfield Inn & Suites Wiregrass (currently in permitting) near the Shops at Wiregrass mall. TAMPA PALMS EXPANDING: Cal

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Atlantic, which began site work on a new housing community called Stafford Place at Tampa Palms in the spring, is targeting completion by the end of 2017, with a model opening in February of 2017. It expects its first residents next summer. Stafford Place is being built on 52 acres of land just south of BJs Wholesale Club off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. , between the Emerald Pointe Townhomes and I-75. The Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel hotel (red arrow) will begin construcAccording to tion across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets in early 2017. makes us different.” Need more info? Check Danielle Tocco at CalAtlantic, the community will have direct ac- out Facebook.com/GoCraftYourselfFL. cess to a future City of Tampa park abutting the property. “This community will provide DOUBLE FAULT!: Internet shopping residents one of the last opportunities to pur- has claimed another victim. And this time, it’s chase a new home in all of Tampa Palms,’’ MP Tennis. Tocco wrote in an email. The New Tampa store, located next to Bigel Music at 20437 Bruce B. Downs CROSS CREEK CRAFTERS: Sa- (BBD) Blvd., closed for good on Sept. 17. mantha Harrison, who lives in West Mead- The store did well when it first opened, taking ows, is in permitting now and hopes to open advantage of an area heavy with tennis players Go Craft Yourself, a do-it-your-self creative from nearby communities, but the popularity of online shopping was too much for the store studio, by early November. Go Craft Yourself will be located in the to overcome. In its final weeks, the store was carrying Cory Lake Isles Professional Center at 10311 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite A, and will fewer and few racquets, shoes and clothing, offer classes in things like wood framing, met- although its racquet stringing services were still popular. MP Tennis still has a retail loal stamping, canvass painting and more. Or, she says, “You can walk right in and cation at 14845 N. Dale Mabry Highway do it right there, if you don’t want to sign in Carrollwood. — John C. Cotey & Celeste up for a class,’’ Harrison said. “That’s what McLaughlin

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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OCTOBER 2016 Saturday - October 22 - 8:30 AM

Wells Rd.), the purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to bring freedom from dysfunctional, compulsive & addictive behaviors through biblically-based principles. Dinner & free childcare available. For more info, call 907-1313.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pasco - See story on next page.

Friday - October 28 - 7:15 AM

Monday - October 24 - 8 AM

Saturday & Sunday - October 29 & 30 - 10 AM - 5 PM

Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise meets every Friday at 7:15 a.m. at QHCC (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For info, BayChapel Food Pantry - Free food to help needy families. Open every Saturday call Lynne Morgan at 695-6466. behind Christian Brothers Automotive on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., at 20300 Trout Friday - October 28 - 2 PM Creek Dr., New Tampa. For more info, visit BayChapel.org. Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Monday - October 24 - 7:45 AM Pasco is a support group for adults in Pasco County living with mental illness or in Professional Business Connections (PBC) - PBC meets Mondays at 7:45 recovery. The group meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). For info, visit NAMIPasco.com. Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For more info, call Chris Thurow at 546-6860.

Saturday - October 22 - 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP) - ENP meets Monday mornings at 8 a.m. for breakfast and networking at Quail Hollow Country Club (QHCC, 6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For information, call Brad Benson at 973-1814.

Tuesday - October 25 - 6 PM

Wesley Chapel Lions Club - The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets every 4th Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel. For more information about volunteering, community efforts, meetings, helping the vision impaired and more, visit the club on Facebook or at WesleyChapelLionsClub.com.

Wednesday - October 26 - 7:30 AM

Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business pros dedicated to helping their member businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (10441 Cory Lake Dr.). Call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143.

Wednesday - October 26 - Noon

Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (Noon) meets Wednesdays at noon at Quail Hollow Country Club (QHCC, 6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

Thursday - October 27 - 7:30 AM

Wesley Chapel Fall Festival - See story on page 1!

Monday, October 31-Thursday, November 3

CineFlix Fest Film Festival at CineBistro - See story on page 33!

NOVEMBER 2016 Tuesday - November 1 - 7 PM

NAMI Friends and Family: Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Pasco support group for friends and family of those with mental illness. The group meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). Visit NAMIPasco.com.

Wednesday - November 2 - 7:30 AM

Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club - The WC Breakfast Club brings business people together to network and present their businesses to the group. The club meets the 1st and 3rd Wed. of each month at 7:30 a.m. at QHCC (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). Call Bill at 992-3370.

Saturday - November 5 - 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM

3rd Annual Connerton Challenge 10K, 5K and Kids Fun Run - Participants BNI Networking Meeting - BNI, a networking organization, has a new chapter in show their support for the military to benefit Operation Helping Hand (Op HH) of Wesley Chapel. Business professionals are invited to attend on Thursdays at Quail Tampa, which assists severely injured and medically retired service members and Hollow Country Club. Call Vicky McShane to RSVP @ 714-6513. their families who are being treated at Tampa’s James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. The 10K and 5K courses are USATF certified. More info at Connerton.com. Thursday - October 27 - 8 AM Networking For Your Success - The Networking For Your Success group meets Monday - November 7 - 7:45 AM Thursdays, 8 a.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26133 Lexington Wesley Chapel Speaks - Wesley Chapel Toastmasters meets the first and third Oaks Blvd.). All are welcome. For more information, call 994-9944. Mondays at 6:30 p.m. with networking at 6 p.m. at the Hyundai Dealership at 27000 S.R. 54 (Wesley Chapel Blvd). For info, call Martin at 693-0969. Thursday - October 27 - 11:30 AM RGA Network Weekly Meeting - The RGA Networking Group meets weekly for Thursday - November 10 - 6:30 PM networking at GrillSmith at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Networking begins at Wesley Chapel Republican Club - The club meets the second Thur. of each 11:30 a.m.; lunch is noon-1 p.m. For more info, visit RGANetwork.net. month, 6:30 pm., at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel, 27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd. New members & guests are welcome to enjoy networking, coffee, and dessert. Call Thursday - October 27 - 7 PM Celebrate Recovery - Meeting Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Bridgeway Church (30660 Peter Cracchiolo at 360-9813.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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‘Making Strides Pasco’ At Wiregrass Tomorrow! As the number one cancer killer among women, most adults in Wesley Chapel — and around the nation — have had a close friend or family member who has had and/or succumbed to breast cancer. But, whether you’ve been touched by this scourge personally or you just want to go for a 5-km (3.1mile) walk for a good cause, we hope you’ll wake up tomorrow morning — Saturday, October 22 — throw on something pink and head to the American Cancer Society (ACS)’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pasco” walk at the Shops at Wiregrass mall in time for the 8:30 a.m. start. ACS of the South Nature Coast of Florida (serving Pasco, Hernando & Citrus counties) senior market manager Robyn Liska says the 2015 walk between the Shops and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel attracted an estimated 5,000 people, including more than 1,250 registered participants on 176 teams and

raised more than $175,000. A week before this year’s event, Liska said there were 116 teams and 724 participants registered that had already raised nearly $60,000, and that figure doesn’t include sponsorship money. According to the ACS website (Cancer.org), “Making Strides walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities with a shared determination to finish the fight.” For more info about tomorrow’s walk, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/ PascoFL or MakingStridesWalk.org/ RealMeanPascoFL. — GN

Fisher House Golf Classic At PCGC Oct. 28! Whether you’re a golfer or just someone who likes to support a great cause, the New Tampa Noon Rotary — which meets Wednesdays at noon at Pebble Creek Golf Club — will host the 10th annual Fisher House Golf Classic on Friday, October 28, also at PCGC (see ad, right). Although the tournament has had other names, it has always supported the Fisher House, the 20-bed residence where the families of the wounded service men and women being treated at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital can stay for free. Noon Rotary president Valerie Casey and the club have raised more than $200,000 during the previous nine years of the event, including more than $30,000 last year alone. “And, every penny we raise is donated directly to the Fisher House,” says Casey, who is now serving her second year as the Noon Rotary president. and is from a military family herself. “Our club supports all first responders with our events, but the Fisher House is so important to the families of these wounded veterans that we, as a

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club, always want to support it. Tampa Fisher House director Paula Welenc always shows up at the event itself — which will have lunch served at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. — and she always expresses her appreciation for the efforts of Casey and her fellow Rotarians. “We certainly couldn’t have housed more than 850 family members of our wounded soldiers at the Tampa Fisher House without all of you supporting events like this one,” Welenc said after last year’s Fisher House Classic. The suggested donation to play in the 2017 tourney is $125 per golfer and Casey and her crew are hoping for a full field of golfers again this year. Among this year’s major sponsors are Pepin Distributing, PaverWorks, the Stay in Step Recovery Center and Patriot Divers; plus Delta Air Lines, Harder Law, AT&T, Iberia Air Lines, Charles Schwab, Sun Coatings and Vital Network Services. For more info, call 317-8886 or email ValCasey3@aol.com. — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Do You Have Sleep Apnea? Call Dr. Jay Nelson Of Nelson Dentistry! By Brad Stager

There are a lot of good dentists out there, but few combine the ability to maintain your oral health and improve your ability to sleep without snoring like Dr. Jay Nelson, D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and his Nelson Dentistry & Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Nelson’s practice, located in the Highland Oaks Medical Center off S.R. 54 (west of Livingston Rd.) provides an extensive list of services that has grown over his 35-year career, as dental research and technology have created more patient options and his expertise to deliver them has grown. Building on what he learned while earning his D.M.D. (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, Dr. Nelson earned advanced certifications from professional organizations such as the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics (ACE) and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Dr. Nelson says his practice is the only AADSMaccredited facility in Florida. Nelson Dentistry is a full-service dental practice, offering procedures that can help you have attractive, healthy teeth that are capable of chewing and grinding food. General dental services include teeth cleanings, fillings, root canals, periodontal therapy, dentures, veneers, whitening and even fullmouth reconstruction.

Dental Sleep Medicine

Dr. Nelson says that just because

someone spends eight hours a night in sleep mode, it doesn’t guarantee their body is getting the rest it needs to be recharged for the waking hours to follow. Dental sleep medicine is a practice area that addresses some of the health issues affecting sleep quality, such as obstructive sleep apnea (a condition whereby sleep-time breathing is interrupted, depriving the body of a steady flow of oxygen), and it’s one way Dr. Nelson says he can deliver a higher level of patient benefit. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, the official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, “moderate-to-severe sleep apnea is independently associated with a large increased risk of all-cause mortality, incident stroke, and cancer incidence and mortality.” “In general dentistry, we’re saving teeth and helping people get healthier,” Dr. Nelson says. “With dental sleep medicine, we’re saving lives.” Dental sleep medicine uses FDAapproved oral appliance technology and dental expertise to relieve sleep-disturbing problems like snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Nelson says the severity is wideranging in terms of how often a sleeper’s breathing pauses. “People with sleep apnea stop breathing in their sleep from five to one hundred times an hour,” he says. According to Dr. Nelson, obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to developing high blood pressure and heart disease and can increase your risk of having a stroke. He also says that besides the risk of chronic dis-

Jay Nelson, DMD (center), and his amazing staff at Nelson Dentistry on S.R. 54 in Lutz. ease, people who don’t get enough quality testing center. “There are two ways a patient sleep are less alert and increase their risk of might enter our (dental sleep medicine) injury from car or work-related accidents. practice,” says Dr. Nelson. “One is referSnoring is sometimes a symptom of or ral by a physician, or we sometimes have a precursor to obstructive sleep apnea and patients (with other issues) and refer them can disturb the sleep of others. Dr. Nelson for a sleep study, where a sleep medicine says dental sleep medicine offers a way to physician would evaluate them.” help bring relief not only to the person snorThe standard treatment for obstructive ing, but also those who are sleeping within sleep apnea has been to pump a continuous hearing distance of the noise. stream of air into a patient’s nose or mouth “Someone snoring doesn’t just affect while sleeping. This method — using a them, it affects their bed partner,” Dr. NelContinuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) son says. “We’re saving marriages, allowing system — is effective but many people find couples to sleep in the same bed.” the CPAPs ugly and uncomfortable to use, Obstructive sleep apnea is a mediDr. Nelson says, resulting a high failure rate cal condition that requires a physician’s usually due to patient non-compliance. diagnosis. Patients become candidates for Instead of the unwieldy, scary-looking treatment by American Board of Sleep CPAP machine, today’s dental sleep mediMedicine-certified Sleep Medicine specialcine uses an FDA approved oral appliance ists after undergoing an evaluation at a sleep that is adjusted to position the tongue and

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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jaw to allow greater airflow to the lungs while sleeping. Treatment effectiveness is evaluated and adjustments are made, if necessary. “Many people find the oral appliances more comfortable than the CPAP,” Dr. Nelson says. “People with mild to moderate sleep apnea often prefer an oral appliance to using a CPAP.” Dental sleep medicine professionals have only been using oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea for about 10 years and Dr. Nelson has been doing so for seven years. It is another dimension to his practice, which Which would you rather wear to help with your snoring — the has served the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities from traditional CPAP (left) or the oral appliance on the right? Joyce Miguel echoes those sentiments: his Lutz office since 1987. “Dr Nelson and his entire team know how “It’s just something different, to to create a positive experience for their help people in a different way than I usupatients,” Miguel writes. “ Their caring and ally do,” says Dr. Nelson, who is a New compassion are evident in all they do.” Tampa resident. And, sleep apnea treatment reviewer Whether he is easing the pain and disRosemarie Rohatgi writes, “Dr. Jay Nelson comfort of a patient with a dental cavity, or is a genius at helping people solve their sleep helping someone get more restful sleep, Dr. Nelson abides by the same guiding principle: problems. Not only that, he is absolutely tenacious in making sure you get what you “We treat everyone as an individual, need. I highly recommend him.” with respect, and do the best we can.” Nelson Dentistry also received 5 out of 5 stars from 148 reviewers at HealthSome Glowing Reviews A survey of online Google reviews sug- Grades.com, which scores medical practigests Dr. Nelson’s dental practice has a lot of tioners on items ranging from level of trust to waiting times. satisfied patients, with 38 reviews unaniDr. Jay Nelson’s Nelson Dentistry mously giving the office 5 out of 5 stars. & Dental Sleep Medicine is located at “Dr. Nelson and his staff are great,” 1928 Highland Oaks Blvd. in Lutz. For wrote patient Traci Jurek. “I have been additional information, visit DrJayNelgoing there for over 10 years and really apson.com or SleepBetterFlorida.com, call preciate the professional and personal way 333-9265 or see the ad on pg. 26. they treat you.”

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SPOTLIGHT

ON...Bliss

Bliss Facial Spa already offers a full menu of personalized facial options, but why rest on those laurels? Bliss owner Vicky Lysenko has recently announced that the spa is now offering hair salon services to complement its menu of facials, massages by Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs), teeth whitening, eyelash extensions by a specialist, waxing services and even couples’ treatment rooms (which have two massage tables for people who want to experience facials or a massage together). In keeping with the high quality of its existing services, Bliss Facial Spa’s new salon services will feature the highly regarded Goldwell hair color system. Bliss also is now offering the Brazilian Blowout hair smoothing system, a 90-minute (or so) process that uses a blend of amino acids to leave your hair shiny and healthy. Bliss also carries Moroccan oil, which promises to leave your hair with a silky finish and brilliant shine. Give it a try — Bliss currently is offering $10 off your first salon hair service! Or, try out one of the many other services that make the drive to the spa’s location just off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in the Redfern Professional Park worth the effort. In addition to the new salon services, Bliss still provides a wide variety of facials in its 3,000-sq.-ft. spa, with eight treatment rooms for its licensed skin care specialists to provide the many services. “All of our treatments are customized based on what your skin needs,” explains Vicky. “We’re not a one-size-fits-all solution.” There are options to fit varying budgets and time constraints, from the 30-minute

Facial

Spa!

Eyelash extensions are popular at Bliss Facial Spa, which has now added hair salon services. express facial to the 60-minute elite facial. Bliss Facial Spa is one of just a few locations in the Tampa Bay area that offers HydraFacial, and the only one in Wesley Chapel, according to Vicky. The HydraFacial provides a deep exfoliation, along with microdermabrasion and chemical peel. It uses disposable tips — called vortex tips — that remove skin cells and impurities and infuse the skin with a rich serum that includes antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid and nutrients to benefit the skin. “You’re not just going to get someone rubbing your face for an hour so you feel relaxed,” Vicky says. “Instead, you’ll see a real difference in your skin here.” And now, your hair, too. Bliss Facial Spa is located at 3750 Maryweather Lane in Wesley Chapel. It is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday. For appointments and more information, call the spa at 428-5991, visit BlissFacialSpa.com, or see the ad on page 46.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Artisan Aesthetics Center Now Offers A New Long-Lasting Cellulite Treatment By Celeste McLaughlin

At Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Tampa Palms, Stan Castor, M.D., is always happy to offer his patients the newest technologies available in his field, and he personally treats every patient in his office. That’s the philosophy Dr. Castor has embraced since he opened Artisan Aesthetics in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Park Blvd. (15-20 minutes from most of Wesley Chapel) in 2007. He offers facial cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, body contouring surgery, liposuction, laser treatments, dermal fillers, facial treatments and peels, and “mommy makeovers,” as well as the latest development in reducing cellulite (see below). We’ve reported about Dr. Castor’s expertise and penchant for keeping up with the latest techniques and technologies in previous stories about Artisan Aesthetics. But, no matter how many times we write about him, he always has something new to share. And yet — whether you’re a new or returning patient — you’ll still always consult with and have your procedure performed by Dr. Castor himself. “I don’t use a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner in my office,” says Dr. Castor. “I do all consultations and procedures myself, including minor procedures such as Botox or a dermal filler. If you come to my office, you see me.” Dr. Castor, who is Board-certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of

Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia in 1992, after earning a B.S. degree in Biology in 1987 from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. In 1997, he completed a five-year internship and residency in General Surgery at Emory Dr. Stan Castor University Hospitals in Atlanta, GA, before taking on two years of intensive training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the renewed Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, OH. He also completed a cosmetic surgery fellowship, offered to only two plastic surgeons each year, with world-renowned plastic surgeons Drs. Thomas J. Baker and James M. Stuzin in Miami, FL.

Cellfina Cellulite Treatment TM

“I tend to invest in the newest technologies,” says Dr. Castor, “because I want to stay state-of-the-art.” So, Dr. Castor is now offering CellfinaTM, which is a minimally invasive procedure that has been clinically proven to treat the primary structural cause of cellulite for at least two years, which he says is the longest FDA clearance for a cellulite treatment. Dr. Castor explains that cellulite is caused by the connective fibrous bands woven throughout fat in the thighs and buttocks. These tight bands pull down the skin, which creates puckering on the surface. Similar to a rubber band under tension,

once released, the treated skin bounces back to smooth itself out. “There are probably 25 to 30 devices on the market to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but they only last about six months,” says Dr. Castor. “Once you stop doing the treatment, the cellulite returns. This is the only device out there that The new CellfinaTM cellulite treatment available at Artisan has approval for permanent cellulite removal. It’s much Aesthetics in nearby Tampa Palms can help drastically reduce the appearance of cellulite and keep it off longer than any other more effective than any treatment currently available in the Tampa Bay market. temporary device.” Dr. Castor notes that she says, “and fairly quick. Although I have the procedure is minimally invasive in that a bruising and swelling right now, it’s only small blade — about the size of a needle — is been a couple days and I can already see a used to cut through the fibers. The first two difference.” women to get the procedure done by Dr. Vicki says patients appreciate that she Castor both work in his office. and others who work in the practice have ex“I was worried about the blade,” perienced the procedure and can explain what admits Angela Hooker, a Registered Medical it’s like. “We can connect with our patients Assistant (RMA) and the practice’s surgical because we’ve had the procedure done, too,” coordinator. “But, I was completely numb. she says. And I was able to go right back to work after Dr. Castor notes that, “Cellfina is much the procedure.” more technologically advanced than any“Most people have cellulite, so a lot of thing else out there.” And, because it is more people are candidates for this procedure,” she invasive than procedures that only temporarily says. “I think it’s worth the investment.” reduce the appearance of cellulite using treatVicki Blount works in the front office ments on the outside of the skin (such as the and schedules surgeries for the practice. Accent machine that has been in use at Arti“I would love to wear shorts and not san Aesthetics for reducing cellulite and tighthave dimples poking out,” Vicki says, so she ening skin), he says it will work better and recently underwent the Cellfina procedure last much longer. But, it also does also have a with Dr. Castor. higher cost than those other treatments. The “It was a very positive experience,” Cellfina treatment starts at $3,000.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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And Still More New Technologies

Dr. Castor says Cellfina is just one of the latest technologies he has brought into his office to ensure that his patients have access to the newest and best options. He cites GPSLipo® Laser LipoControl, an FDA-approved body-shaping treatment for removing unwanted fat, as the safest and most precise laser liposuction procedure available for removing fat and tightening skin. Another is the VASERlipo® System liposuction procedure, which he says uses sound waves to melt fat so that patients aren’t bruised and swollen afterward. These procedures are not as invasive as traditional methods of liposuction and don’t require general anesthesia — and you can see just one example of the results he can achieve in the photos above. Over the years, Dr. Castor has built a reputation for himself through the work he’s done with his patients, so much so that the Consumer Research Council (a Washington, DC-based research organization that provides guides to consumers about professionals in different industries) named him in the 2010 Guide to America’s Top Surgeons, and he has appeared in the Guide every year since. Vicki says that in the six months she’s worked at the office, she’s been most im-

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pressed with the way Dr. Castor communicates with his patients. “Whether it’s Cellfina or Botox or anything, Dr. Castor takes his time, discusses everything, and doesn’t try to talk his patients into something or sell them something,” she says. “When people leave our office, they don’t have a question that’s not answered.” Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is located at 5383 Primrose Lake Cir. in Tampa Palms and is open Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, see the ad on page 7, visit DrCastor.com or call 971-2000.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Let IGTech365 Become The IT Department For Your Small Business! By Brad Stager

Business bookkeeping these days is more likely to involve digital spreadsheets than binders full of paper. While that may mean a tidier desk for entrepreneurs and accountants, maintaining your important records on a desktop computer or mobile phone carries risks of information loss through device damage or theft. IGTech365, located in Wesley Chapel’s Medallion Corporate Park off S.R. 56 near I-75, offers services that can help ensure a company’s important records are secure and business can continue with minimal disruption when digital assets are damaged, destroyed or lost due to things like stormy weather, fire, leaky pipes or even misplacing your laptop. IGTech365 CEO Eron Iler says that backing up important files to consumergrade internet services or separate physical storage may not be adequate to keep a business operating when a digital disaster strikes, so he recommends using cloud-based solutions to keep data safe. Cloud storage means data is kept on remote servers that users can access from anywhere via the internet. “You have to address not only the backup, but also the recovery time, a recovery process and understand what your down time might be,” says Iler, who is a New Tampa resident. “If you are in a business where high availability is a requirement, you’ve got to have many different layers of protection to address down time.” For example, he says, “In our business, our customers simply won’t tolerate

Eron Iler (left) reviews technical data with Patrick Bambrough at IGTech365 off S.R. 56. not having access to their systems, which is meet a client’s digital needs, whether it why we are proponents of Microsoft Office involves managing emails or getting the 365.” Office 365 is a collection of internet- most out of Excel spreadsheets. He adds based Microsoft services providing the that using Microsoft’s cloud-based services company’s suite of products that are typimeans that Microsoft handles the backup cally used on computers, such as MS Word, components, provides redundancy and alExcel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Iler says lows easy accessibility to users who can log using Microsoft’s internet-based resources in from any computer. and technology helps facilitate data backup “What we facilitate,” Iler says, “is peoand restoration. ple getting into that environment and then Iler also notes that, as a certified we help them maintain that environment Microsoft partner, IGTech365 is able to as processes change, as people come and deliver the latest updates and solutions to go from their organization, tweaking the

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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systems to do things through group policies that allow them to be more efficient in a cloud environment.” Iler says his company also can help your business manage your own computer networks and systems, either onsite or by locating them to a facility that is designed to withstand severe weather events like hurricanes and is equipped with the latest technology to provide both security and fire suppression. IGTech365 focuses on supporting the information technology (IT) needs of smallto medium-sized businesses that don’t have their own IT department, including services like help desk support and monitoring your networks and workstations to detect problems. Iler and his staff also assist with special projects like transferring documents to digital files. The important thing, he says, is to serve the different needs of each client. “What we do is look at technology that’s available from technology specialists, whether it be Microsoft, IBM or some other technology provider,” Iler says. “We evaluate that platform and then we introduce that platform to the customer, based on what the customer wants and needs.” Iler characterizes his customers as small businesses growing beyond their ability to handle their expanding IT requirements, ranging from real estate developers to wholesale electronics vendors. “We’re the bridge to technology that makes people more efficient,” he says. Steven Canavan, the chief operating officer (COO) for Character Oaks Real Estate in Summerfield, FL, says he needed support

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so employees could work remotely with a total conversion to cloud-based resources. “Finding a company that delivers excellence in planning, execution, service and quality is becoming rare these days,” Canavan says. “IGTech365 has exceeded our expectations in each of those areas.” Joe Anderson expressed his appreciation for IGTech365 by writing a five-star review on the company’s Facebook page: “IGTech 365 really does provide full service IT services. For someone like myself with limited IT expertise, IGTech not only provides thoughtful answers but also helps me ask the right questions. I don’t need full time support but I need full services on call and that’s what I get from IGTech 365.”

management (MDM) services that enhance security or remotely delete sensitive data if a device is lost or stolen. Besides helping businesses protect data and related technology with IT expertise, Iler encourages comprehensive protection of digital resources, including carrying cyber insurance to complement the technology solutions his company offers. Health privacy laws extend to phone systems as well and Iler says IGTech365 can accommodate that requirement for a health care industry client if needed. “We’re bringing on a new phone system product that has a HIPPAA-compliant component,” Iler says.

Health Care Applications

Chris Black, the owner of Chris Black Insurance in Lutz, says companies are dealing with risks they didn’t have to previously consider. “Cyber risk insurance (often referred to as ‘Cyber Liability’ or ‘Privacy Insurance’) should be something almost every business is considering in our digital age,” Black says. “It’s important for a business owner to consult an expert to understand the exposures, potential for financial loss and how to transfer that risk to an insurer. Ideally, cyber risk insurance is part of a layered approach to cyber risk mitigation.” IGTech365’s service even extends to providing internet-based phone system support. Iler says such systems are cost-effective and allow employees to communicate from any location. Tailoring IT technical support to the needs of each customer allows IGTech365 to balance services with each client’s

Iler says that one of the biggest areas of potential growth for IGTech365 is supporting the needs of health providers who not only manage their own information, but also are responsible for sensitive patient information. It’s an industry that is experiencing technological advances and has significant regulatory requirements as well. “We want to help companies that are in the health industry maintain their HIPPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance with IT solutions,” Iler says. For example, he says medical practices face expensive fines for mishandling patient records, or the devices in which they are stored. As more medical providers opt for the mobility that portable devices like iPads and laptops provide, managing them becomes more critical and Iler says his company can help do that, with mobile device

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Cyber Risk Mitigation

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budget and operating requirements. “We can help your company grow with technology, and we’re local,” says Iler. “We’ll be able to sit with somebody and talk with them about their problems. We’re not an internet service provider pretending to be an IT company.” Iler says the measure of his company’s quality of service is whether anyone even has to think about technology while taking care of business. He takes the client’s perspective when evaluating the success of his company’s service. If they never know it’s there, then he feels he has done his job. IGTech365 is located at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Suite 101. You can learn more about the company’s services by visiting online at IGTech365.com or by calling 704-0523. Or, see the ad on the back cover of this issue.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa’s Sweet Party Store Is Your Halloween Headquarters! By John C. Cotey If you’re trying to judge party stores, you are probably going to start with, well, the party. Holding a luau? Sweet Party has you covered. Mardi Gras? Bridal Shower? Gasparilla? Check, check and check. And the list goes on and on. “We are filling so many themes that you can’t find elsewhere,’’ says Maher Alagal, who owns the largest party store in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area with his wife, Leslie. Sweet Party, located in the Trout Creek Commons plaza, off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (less than a mile south of the Pasco-Hillsborough county line), and right behind the Bay Breeze Castrol Lube Express and Burger 21, has been open since May, and seems to be finding its footing in the area as a one-stop shop for party planners. You can find most any theme (say, LEGOs, princesses or ninjas) that can include streamers, cups and napkins. Candy and prizes have their own aisles at Sweet Party, along with balloons, confetti and gift bags. “We have been thinking about doing this for 3-4 years,’’ says Leslie, who has lived in Tampa since 1992. “There was no large party store to provide for the people of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, so we jumped in and did it.” The 7,000-sq.-ft. party store seems to have everything, and if they don’t, Maher says they can find it for you. Case in point: one customer was looking for party cups and napkins in the hard-to-find color of robin’s

Maher and Leslie Alagal opened the Sweet Party store in the Trout Creek area of New Tampa in May. The store is loaded with an array of party themes, supplies and accessories. egg blue. Now, right near a seemingly endless wall of colored cups, napkins and plates, sits a robin’s egg blue display of those items as well. And, Maher and Leslie offer a 10-percent discount to military and first responders, as well as various other community members. Mention that you read this article, or visited Sweet Party’s Facebook page, and he’ll give you 10-percent off, too. “This place is incredible,” wrote Tampa’s Amanda Gill on Sweet Party’s Facebook page. “Just went to browse for my son’s upcoming party and this place has everything…. If you’re looking for anything

party-related, or even just extras for a get together, this place has it! And I even heard him telling another customer if there is something they don’t have, let them know and they’ll try and get it! But I’m telling you, they have EVERYTHING!”

Making Halloween Costume Shopping Less Scary The store is now prepped for Halloween as well, with dressing areas in the back. On the back wall are more than 400 pictures of the Halloween costumes the store has in stock, ranging from Ninja Turtles and The Avengers for kids, to a host of costumes for

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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adults as well. There is a colorful aisle filled with feather boas of almost every color, plus other costume accessories, such as tights, wigs and masks. Thanks to Sweet Party, you can go to your Halloween party as a pirate, a nurse or a 1970s rock star. If you really want to be obscure, hurry in and snatch that Richard Simmons costume off the hook. “We expect Halloween to be one of our biggest days,’’ Leslie says. While themed birthday parties are the most common, another popular party theme these days are the “gender reveal” gettogethers, says Leslie. Sweet Party has an entire display devoted to the big day, with a slew of different ways, including scratch-off cards, to unveil to your friends whether your family is expecting a boy or a girl. One gender reveal party Leslie was planning for two weeks ago involved a 36inch balloon (Sweet Party is the only place around where you can find latex balloons that large) that she was going to be filling with pink streamers and confetti before inflating. At the big reveal, the balloon would be popped and the secret would be out of the bag…or balloon, as it were. “Gender reveal parties are a big thing today, much bigger than when (our generation) was having babies,’’ Leslie says. “We’ve had people bring in their containers with the unopened envelope in it, because they don’t want to know (until the reveal) either.” Behind the front counter of the store is a wall of inflated mylar balloons for every occasion. There are super heroes, “Star

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Wars” characters, Elsa from “Frozen,” Pikachu of “Pokemon” fame and dozens of others — with more than 100 inflated balloons covering the wall and another 100-plus packaged in their own aisle. Leslie says Mickey and Minnie Mouse continue to be the best sellers, but you can purchase a 46-inch Iron Man or even a 70inch “Star Wars” Storm Trooper balloon. The store also carries 34”-tall inflatable letters — Leslie says no one else in the area stocks them — so you can spell out Looking for Halloween costumes & accessories? Sweet Party has you covered! B-A-B-Y or the name of party supplies adorned with the logos of your party’s guest of honor. both teams was sparse. There is a section Sweet Party will inflate your balloons with party supplies for the Tampa Bay Lightfor you, or you can rent a helium tank and ning, Tampa Bay Bucs and the most popular do it yourself. NFL teams, like the Green Bay Packers, and “Balloons and candy are our biggest even more generic supplies if you’re putting sellers,’’ Leslie says. “But, it all depends. A on a party for the future All-Star in your week ago, the bachelorette party stuff was home, like large soccer ball paper lanterns. flying off the shelves. And, graduation was “The New Tampa and Wesley Chapel pretty good for us, too.” communities have been great,’’ Leslie says. Leslie and Maher say the business is “It’s been fun to interact with customers. growing, and they have made a lot of new friends in the New Tampa and Wesley Chap- We have found out that people party every day of the week.” el communities by helping out with school Sweet Party is located at 20310 parties as well. The word is getting out, they Trout Creek Dr. and is open Mon.-Thur., say, as people putting on graduation parties 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Fri.-Sat. from Zephyrhills drove all the way to Sweet and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sun. For more Party for supplies. info, visit SweetPartyTampa.com or The store also has a display for sports Facebook.com/SweetPartyTampa, or call parties. On the Monday following Florida 994-4900. Or, see the ad on pg. 25. State’s 55-35 win over USF, the shelf with

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SPOTLIGHT ON...Cell Phone + Computer Repair! What started out as an experiment by Gustavo “Gus” Romero and Zoleidy Mejia is now a successful electronics business that is still going strong after almost six years. Gus and Zoleidy are the owners of Cell Phone + Computer Sales & Repair, which is located in the Village Market shopping plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. at S.R. 54. The owners of Sunshine Tanning & Nails (located on S.R. 54, just west of Curley Rd.) decided to diversify and Gus began buying and selling smart phones on the side. “When we started the business,” says Zoleidy, “we were asked if people really did repairs on their phones because at that time they really didn’t do repairs. They’d just throw it away and get a new one.” The repair business was growing and Gus and Zoleidy were in the perfect place to capitalize on that growth, which they did in 2010, when they opened Cell Phone + Computer. The business started in their home, became big enough to move to a trailer on S.R. 54 and now, not only is there a location at the Village Market shopping plaza, there also is another shop on N. Armenia Ave. in Tampa. The business grew to doing full repairs on cell phones, tablets and computers, as well as selling new and used devices and accessories. Gus says he buys and sells phones, whether they are “locked” for service with specific carriers or already “unlocked.”

For repairs at Cell Phone + Computer, Gus says the diagnostics are completely free, so that customers can know what they’re going to be paying before the repair is done, and they guarantee the best price around. “We guarantee to beat any price, not just meet it,” Gus says. He adds that Cell Phone + Computer’s most popular services are screen repairs on phones, tablets and computers. Since the screens of many devices are made of glass, they break very easily. “We really are faster because we have things pre-assembled. We can fix a (cell phone) screen in 15-20 minutes,” Gus says. Cell Phone + Computer Sales & Repair is located at 5339 Village Market. For questions about repairs, call 9073086 and be sure to “Like” the company’s page at Facebook.com/pages/Wesley-Chapel-Cellphone-Computer-Repair. Or, see the ad on page 39 of this issue.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Fall Festival’

Continued from page 1

Although the Fall Festival officially begins Saturday, on Fri., Oct. 28, there will be carnival food, games and rides provided by Dreamland Amusements, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., continuing through the weekend. Unlimited ride wristbands are $30 per day, though individual ride tickets can be purchased for $1.50 (most rides require three tickets), or $25 for 20 tickets and $50 for 50 tickets.

Great Entertainment!

• There will be more than 120 vendors in the Arts & Crafts and Business Expo, featuring free crafts for the kids. • 10 different food vendors/trucks. • Photo booths, face painting, bounce

house activities and more. • Live entertainment by The Rory Ellis Band, The Time Bandits, River Crossings, the M&M’s, Kriece Pierce and music by John Jay the DJ. • Pumpkin Painting with Pinot’s Palette & Mini-Scarecrow Creation with the Rotary of New Tampa, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. both days. • Trunk & Treat for the kids at 5 p.m. on Saturday, along with costume contests. Trunk or Treat will start in the Business Expo area, with local businesses passing out tasty treats and candy for the community. Community members also can participate by decorating their vehicles, dressing up and passing out tasty treats. There will be prizes for the best decorated trunk/vehicle and best family costumes. For more information, contact Simply Events at (727) 674-1464.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Girls & Boys Cross Country Teams At Wiregrass Ranch High Win SAC Titles! By John C. Cotey

Senior Julia Blankenbaker didn’t just beat a muddy course to help her Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) team win the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) cross country meet on Oct. 8. She also beat some pretty sizable odds. Diagnosed a month ago with anemia and running on a sloppy course, the Bulls runner somehow looked to be back in top form, finishing the 5K (3.1-mile) course in 21 minutes, 33 seconds, as WRH won its eighth conference championship in the school’s 10 years of existence. The Bulls boys also won, earning their second straight SAC title. Blankenbaker led the charge for the girls, finishing fifth overall at the SAC meet, tops among the pack-oriented Bulls. She was followed by junior Reis Ehman (21:50), freshman Kylee Ehman (22:07), senior Lauren Payne (22:09) and Abbie Dodge (22:10), who finished eighth, ninth, 10th and 11th, respectively. The top five finishers at the SAC for WRH all finished within 37 seconds of each other, which Bulls head coach Don Howard calls a recipe for success. A month ago, Blankenbaker couldn’t imagine running such a good race, much less in harsh conditions. The course was beat up by heavy rains and winds from Hurricane Matthew and, as a result, most of the runners posted slower times than usual. “It was really muddy at the start,’’ Blankenbaker says. “People were kind of shocked. You could here people gasp when the race started.”

The Wiregrass Ranch boys and girls cross country teams both captured their respective Sunshine Athletic Conference championships on Oct. 8. It was the second straight title for the boys, and for the girls in was their eighth title in the last nine seasons. However, Blankenbaker said once she reached the paved portion, “It felt like you were flying.” She finished only two seconds off her best time despite the conditions...and her condition. “At the very beginning of the season, I was running a lot slower,’’ Blankenbaker says. “I was so tired during the meets.” A trip to the doctor for some blood work revealed that Blankenbaker had anemia. “Since then, she says, “I’ve been taking iron supplements and getting better. I had a lot more energy (at the SAC meet). I don’t

know what 100 percent will feel like until I get there.’’ She’s pretty close now, says Howard. “She is ready to run,’’ he said. “She’ll be ready to go in the postseason. That was the first time she ever ran No. 1 for us, and it was the best race of her career.” As a team, the Bulls girls scored 43 points, bettering Land O’Lakes, which was second with 55. Wesley Chapel was sixth. The WRH team reclaimed a title it had won seven straight years before being upended by the Gators in 2015.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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“We wanted to get our title back,’’ said Howard. “I know you’re probably not supposed to say that, but it felt like ours after winning it seven straight years.” Howard thinks Blankenbaker is ready to make her mark in the postseason. Howard has once again proven his mettle as arguably Pasco County’s top cross country coach. He went into this season without his two best runners because of injuries — Kerry Reilly, who was fourth at the SAC in 2014, and Brenna Moran, who was sixth and fifth the past two years, respectively

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— because of injuries. Without a front-ofthe-pack runner, which he has had almost every year at WRH, Howard molded his current roster to run together in a tight pack. “We have had a really good year and have won a couple of invitationals,’’ Howard says. “None of the girls are super elite, but all of them are good, good solid runners who run together. We have two (injured) No. 1 runners walking our halls, but we have depth. We benefit from having a large school, and I think we’ve created a program that good athletes want to be a part of.” That pack mentality suits Blankenbaker perfectly. She qualified twice for the state championship meet as a diver on the Bulls swim team, but she was the only diver on the team. The solitude of the sport made her decide to focus on cross country this year. “I love the team atmosphere,’’ Blank-

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enbaker says. “Everyone is out there pushing each other, not just running their own race.”

Boys Not Shabby, Either

The boys team at WRH scored 45 points, outdistancing runner-up Sunlake, which scored 81. Senior Joseph Salerno was the Bulls’ top runner, finishing fourth in 17:16. Salerno was followed by juniors Kevin Jaquez (sixth in 17:34), Giovanni Duran (eighth in 18:04) and Carlos Cruz (12th in 18:14). Sophomore Christian Velez round out the WRH scorers, with a 15th-place finish and a time of 18:21. Note-Wesley Chapel High senior Dominic Moreno, the defending individual champion, was the top finisher for the Wildcats, taking third in 17:16. The Wildcat boys team finished seventh overall.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Former ‘Dukes Of Hazzard’ Star Brings Film Fest To Wesley Chapel! By John C. Cotey John Schneider has starred in hit television shows like “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Smallville,” where he played Superman’s father on earth, and is currently starring in Tyler Perry’s popular “The Haves and the Have Nots” on the Oprah Network. Schneider also has had five singles reach No. 1 on the country music charts and has made and starred in dozens of films. His latest adventure, however, may be the one he finds the most exciting. Monday, October 31-Friday, November 3, Schneider and producer Alicia Allain (founder of Maven Entertainment) are bringing the CineFlix Film Festival to the Cobb Grove 16 & Cinebistro in Wesley Chapel as part of what Schneider says is a first-of-its-kind independent film festival. The concept: to showcase new filmmakers while also giving them a cut of the festival’s sales proceeds. John Schneider, best known for his role in the 1980s as TV’s Bo Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” is “It’s our first year, so there may be heading up the CineFlix Film Fest, which will make a stop in Wesley Chapel Oct. 31-Nov. 3. some bumps in the road,’’ Schneider says. to realize that I thought somebody needs to thing else,’’ Schneider says, adding that all “Not only have we never done this before… 75,000 square feet of floor space was under start a filmmaker-centered film festival, and no one has done this before.” wouldn’t it be cool, since I used to travel on at least three feet of water, with some places Schneider then chuckled. “In two country music tours, to take it to the people as deep as six feet. weeks, I’m sure we’ll be saying, ‘What in Because they had no power or Wi-Fi, instead of people having to search out indethe world were we thinking?’ But, we’re all he and Allain went to a nearby hotel and pendent films?” about trying new things and helping folks watched the film festival entries there. The tour, though, almost didn’t have a new experience.” “This is going to slow us down, but this happen. Louisiana, where Schneider started The idea to take the film festival on the is not going to stop us,’’ Schneider said. John Schneider Studios to help indepenroad, with seven other stops in three other The flood also inspired Schneider to dent filmmakers, was beset this summer southeastern states, including Lakeland and make a new country album, which will be with its second flood in this calendar year, Palm Beach Gardens in Florida, arose from Schneider’s career as a touring country music almost completely submerging all 58 acres of called “Ruffled Skirts.” The album was cut with other southern musicians in the ruined Schneider’s property, which includes a film singer. Schneider recorded 10 albums and living room of the house. set, a bamboo forest, a lake, a swamp and a had five No. 1 hits, three of those coming Although he is still best known for his large home that was built in 1910. Almost after his role as Bo Duke on “The Dukes of role as Bo Duke, one of three rabble-rousing half of the movies he helps make are filmed Hazzard” came to an end in 1985. cousins — Luke and, of course, Daisy Duke and edited there. “I noticed that film festivals seem to be “I tell everyone that the first flood took were the others — who spent their days more about the festivals than they are about everything, and the second flood took every- outfoxing Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in their the filmmakers,’’ Schneider said. “I started

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customized 1969 Dodge Charger, aka the General Lee, Schneider grew up in southern New York running around filming things on a Super 8 camera and making movies even as a kid. “I’ve always considered myself a filmmaker,’’ he says.

A New Career Path

When his run as Bo Duke ended, Schneider became a country music star. But, technology, he says, helped get him back into filmmaking. It doesn’t take nearly as many people to make movies today as it once did, and running your own movie studio doesn’t require the millions of dollars it once did. It was an easy decision to return to his roots. Independent films are often stereotyped as low-budget, off-the-beaten-path movies that aren’t profitable enough for the major studios to bother with. Schneider, who has a lead role in one of the films that will show in Wesley Chapel, as well as cameos in a few others, says there are plenty of hidden gems in the field. “The great thing about independent filmmakers is they have an idea, they have a story they want to tell, they have a perspective, and they carry that story and perspective all the way through to the end,’’ Schneider says. “So, you see an A+ term paper.” Schneider says there are movies and documentaries. One of the movies, “Hate Crime,” opens with police surrounding a suspect who is holding a weapon as dead bodies lay scattered around him. The police then proceed to take the weapon in for questioning, and the film follows the prosecution of the weapon all the way through trial. “It is absurd and wonderful all at the same time,’’ Schneider says. “A Salute to Honor” revolves around See “Schneider” on page 46.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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One More Important Update For Our 2016 Dining Survey & Contest! I feel really badly that, despite our updating of this year’s Dining Survey & Contest in our last issue, I still left one more mom & pop restaurant off the list — and this issue will be the last time you can enter this year’s contest. Therefore, I hope those of you who love Capital Tacos as much as I do will look for it on our list of restaurants located in Wesley Chapel (below, right) and in the “Favorite Mexican or Latin Restaurant” category on page 36. If you already sent in a survey, you can send us a replacement entry until Friday, October 28, to include Capital Tacos, or just keep the entry you submitted without it. Just for filling out the entry form on these two pages (35 & 36) and sending it by mail (to Neighborhood News Dining Contest, 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B, Wesley Chapel 33543) or filling it out at WCNeighborhoodNews.com, you can win $50, $100 or even $200 in absolutely FREE dining at the restaurant of your choice, whether it’s located in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel or not! To be eligible to win our Grand Prize (or either of the other two big dining prizes), you MUST vote for FIVE (5) restaurants in BOTH of the two categories (“Your Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa” & “Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel”) on this page, and at least ONE (1) restaurant in AT LEAST HALF OF THE CATEGORIES ON THE NEXT PAGE or your entry will be disqualified and none of your votes will count! 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-&-Pops” because they don’t have the benefit of being able to afford regional and national TV, national magazine and local radio ads that the large chains have running all year-round, which makes it hard for them to compete for your attention and name recognition. Please do not write in or vote for any restaurant more than once in any category, it just disqualifies every one of your votes. Please also do not write in a restaurant located in Wesley Chapel (zip codes 33543-45) as your favorite in New Tampa (zip code 33647) or vice-versa, as those votes will not count. Entries without enough categories filled in or with the same restaurant voted in every category will be disqualified. No purchase of any kind is necessary to win. — 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 Greek (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Big Papa’s Pit (E. Bearss Ave., off BBD) __Burger 21 (Trout Creek off BBD) __Café Olé (Cross Creek Blvd.) __Cappy’s Pizza (City Plaza, Tampa Palms) __Capri Pizza (formerly Biagio’s; CC Blvd.) __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 (inside Shell station) __Fong’s Sushi (formerly Sushi Raw, TP) __Full Circle Pizza (Pebble Creek Coll.) __Fushia Asian (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Ginza Endless Sushi (County Line Rd.) __Hawkeye NYS Pizza (CC Blvd.@BP Gas) __Ho King (BBD/Highwoods) __Hoosiers Grille (in Heritage Isles CC) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __Kobé Japanese (Pebble Creek Collection) __Koizi Hibachi Grill (The Pointe @ TP) __Lanna Thai (Cross Creek Center) __Las Palmas Café (BBD/PC Coll.) __Liang’s Bistro (North Palms Vlg./BBD) __Little Greek (New Tampa Center) __Minerva Indian (New Tampa Center) __Mr. Dunderbak’s (Oak Ramble Plaza) __Mulligan’s Irish (@ Pebble Creek CC)

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__New China King (CC Blvd. @ MB Rd.) __Amici Pizza (Grand Oaks Plaza, SR 54) __Arroy Thai (Pinebrook Plz/54) __Oakley’s Grille (North Palms Village) __Asian Buffet (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Orchid Thai (The Pointe @ TP) __Peabody’s Billiards (Shoppes of Amberly) __Bagelicious & More (Freedom Plaza/54) __Petra Mediterranean (Highwoods Psrv.) __Best NY Pizza (Pinebrook Plaza/SR 54) __Pita’s Republic (County Line Rd. off BBD) __Bonsai Sushi (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __PJ Dolan’s Irish (E. Bearss Ave. off BBD) __Bosco’s Italian To Go (Freedom Plaza/54) __Saffron Indian Cuisine (Cross Creek Ctr) __Buttermilk Provisions (BBD/ FHWC) __Seasons Fresh Café (E. Bearss Ave./BBD) __Burger Monger (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Capital Tacos (S.R. 56) __Señor T’s (Out of Business!) __Chick & Peas Grill (Freedom Plz/54) __Stonewood Grill (The Pointe @ TP) __China Taste (BBD/Shoppes at New Tampa) __Sushi Avenue (E. Bearss Ave./BBD) __China Wok (Village Market/BBD@54) __Sushi Café (Highwoods Preserve) __CineBistro (The Grove/Off Oakley/54) __Sukhothai (Across from Muvico) __Tabla Indian Cuisine (BBD/Live Oak) __Dempsey’s Steak House (Saddlebrook) __Takara Sushi & Sake (Oak Ramble Plaza) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __Don Pan Int’l Bakery (Shoppes @ NT ) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __Gonna China (Hollybrook Plz, BBD@54) __Tarek’s Café (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Taste of NY Pizza (Highwoods Preserve) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Hibachi Express (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Thai Ruby (Shoppes of Amberly/TP) __Ho Wok (BBD next to Target) __Top Thai (BBD/Live Oak) __Hot Wok 88 (Town Centre/SR 54) __Vallarta’s (City Plaza, Tampa Palms) __Woodfired Pizza (E. Bearss Ave. off BBD) __Hungry Greek (across BBD from FHWC) __Zaytoun Mediterranean (CC Blvd @ MB) __Kwan Ming Bistro (SR 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)_______________ __Little Italy’s (SR 54/Lutz) __Write-In (must name)_______________ __Meadow Pte Café & Deli (C.L. Rd./MP)

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__900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass Mall) __NY NY Pizza (BBD in Seven Oaks) __O’Brien’s Irish Pub (WC Village Mkt) __OTB Café (Across BBD from FHWC) __PDQ (SR 56) __Pinchers Crab Shack (Wiregrass Mall) __PizzaMania (BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook Resort) __PrimeBar (Wiregrass Mall) __Quail Hollow Country Club __Shang Hai Chinese (Eiland Blvd./off 54) __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook Resort) __365 Caffé Italiano (Wiregrass Mall) __Tokyo Grill/Sushi (Eiland Blvd./off 54) __Vallarta’s (Village Mkt, BBD@54) __Woody’s Pizza/Wings (Village Mkt) __Wolf’s Den (SR 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)_________________ Note- Please only put each numeral (#s 1-5) on each of the two lists on this page only once each, including any write-ins. Only one entry per person will be accepted. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience to independent restaurants in NT & WC we somehow still forgot to include here (see story above).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Your Favorite Chinese Restaurant In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (NT & WC; 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) __Hot Wok 88 (Town Centre of WC) __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) __Write-In (must name)_________________

Your Favorite Japanese/Sushi Restaurant In NT & WC

(Pick or write-in one) __Asian Buffet (Shoppes @ New Tampa, WC) __Sushi Café (BBD/Highwoods) __Bonsai Sushi (Shoppes @ New Tampa, WC) __Sukhothai (Across from Muvico) __Fong’s Sushi (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Takara Sushi & Sake (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Ginza Endless Sushi (County Line Rd.) __Tokyo Grill/Sushi (Eiland Blvd./Publix) __Hibachi Express (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __Yamato Japanese __Kobé Japanese Steakhouse (BBD/PC) Seakhouse (Wiregrass Mall) __Koizi Hibachi Grill (Tampa Palms) __Sushi Avenue (E. Bearss Ave.) __Write-In (must name)_________________

Your Favorite Thai/Indian Restaurant In NT & WC

(Pick or write-in one) __Tabla Indian Cuisine (BBD/Live Oak) __Arroy Thai (S.R. 54, WC) __Lanna Thai (CC Blvd.) __Thai Ruby (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Minerva Indian (New Tampa Center) __Top Thai (BBD/Live Oak) __Saffron Indian Cuisine (CC Blvd.) __Write-In (must name)_________________ __Sukhothai (Across from Muvico)

Your Favorite Pizza Place In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Amici Pizza (Grand Oaks Plaza, SR 54) __Best NY Pizza (Pinebrook Plaza/S.R. 54) __Bosco’s Italian To Go (Freedom Plaza/54) __Cappy’s Pizza (City Plaza, TP) __Capri Pizza (CC Blvd.) __Ciccio’s Cali (The Pointe @ Tampa Palms) __Full Circle Pizza (Pebble Creek) __Hawkeye NYS Pizza (CC Blvd./BP) __La Prima Pizza (BBD, next to Target)

__Little Italy’s (SR 54, Lutz) __900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass Mall) __NY NY Pizza (BBD in Seven Oaks) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __Taste of New York Pizza (Highwoods) __Woodfired Pizza (E. Bearss Ave.) __Woody’s Pizza/Wings (WC Village Mkt) __Write-In (must name)_________________

Your Favorite Hamburger In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel

(Pick or write-in one) __Burger Monger(BBD/Shoppes @ New Tampa) __Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __Burger 21 (Trout Creek/BBD) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (E. Bearss Ave.) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __Quail Hollow CC (Old Pasco Rd., WC) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __Hoosiers Grille (@ Heritage Isles CC) __Tarek’s Cafe (Shoppes of Amberly, TP) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __Lexington Oaks Golf Club __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC) __Oakley’s Grille (BBD/North Palms Vlg.) __Wolf’s Den (S.R. 56) __O’Brien’s Irish (Village Mkt/BBD@54) __OTB Café (Across BBD from FHWC)

__Write-In (must name)_________________

Your Favorite Latin/Mexican Restaurant In NT & WC (Pick or write-in one)

__Café Olé (Cross Creek Blvd.) __Cantina (Cross Creek Blvd.) __Capital Tacos (S.R. 56) __Casa Ramos (Tampa Palms) __Don Pan Int’l Bakery (Shoppes @ NT ) __Las Palmas Café (BBD/Pebble Creek)

__Latin Twist Café(across BBD from FHWC) __Señor T’s (Out of Business!) __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) __Meadow Pointe Café (County Line Rd.) __Acropolis (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Petra Mediterranean (Highwoods Prsv.) __Chick & Peas Grill (Freedom Plaza/54) __Hungry Greek (across BBD from FHWC) __Pita’s Republic (County Line Rd.) __Zaytoun Mediterranean (CC Blvd.) __Kabob House (BBD/Live Oak) __Little Greek (BBD/New Tampa Center) __Write-In (must name)_________________

Your Favorite Bar, Tavern or Pub In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (Pick or write-in one)

__Acropolis (BBD/Oak Ramble) __Heritage Isles CC Rest. (off CC Blvd.) __Ciccio’s Cali (The Pointe @ Tampa Palms) __CineBistro (The Grove/54 off Oakley) __Dempsey’s Steak House (Saddlebrook) __Dempsey’s Too Lounge (Saddlebrook) __GrillSmith (Wiregrass Mall) __Halftime Sports Lounge (NT Center) __Hunter’s Green Country Club __Lexington Oaks Golf Club __Linkster’s Tap Room (Highwoods) __Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek CC) __O’Brien’s Irish (Village Mkt/BBD@54)

__Peabody’s Billiards & Games (Amberly) __PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub (E. Bearss Ave.) __Poolside Café (Saddlebrook) __PrimeBar (Wiregrass Mall) __Quail Hollow Country Club __Skinny’s Sports Bar (SR 54, WC) __Stonewood Grill & Tavern (Tampa Palms) __Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club __TD’s Sports Bar (Saddlebrook) __The Brass Tap (Wiregrass Mall) __Write-In (must name)_________________

Your Other Favorites

(Write-in only one restaurant in each category below) Your Favorite Bakery In NT & WC Your Favorite Lunch In NT & WC _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Your Favorite Chain Restaurant In Your Favorite Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt/ Dessert Place In NT & WC New Tampa & Wesley Chapel _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Your Name _______________________________________________________________________ Your Community (Tampa Palms, Meadow Pointe, etc.) _____________________________ Your Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________ Your Daytime Phone #____________________________________________________________ Your Valid Email Address _______________________________________________________ Please submit BOTH pages by mail (to: “Neighborhood News Dining Contest,” 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543) or at NTNeighborhoodNews.com by Friday, October 28, 2016!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Cappys Pizzeria Of Tampa Palms By Gary Nager

ven if I never tell you that Cappys Pizzeria, located in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center, is my absolute favorite pizzeria in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, I will say that I have never had a bad meal at this inviting, uniquely decorated little gem. Cappys Tampa Palms managing partner Harold Hasselback says that even though his pizzeria has never been #1 in either our annual Reader Survey or on my list of favorite pizzerias in the area, he’s proud that the five Cappys locations together have won the “Best of the Bay” title from Creative Loafing’s readers an amazing nine times. “People always ask us why we don’t do wings or pasta or other Italian specialties, like other pizzerias,” Hasselback told me during my most recent visit. “I tell them that, at Cappys, we’d rather do everything we do the best we can do it and the fact we’ve won so many awards from not only Creative Loafing, but also Tampa magazine tells me we’re doing it right.” And, that logic is hard to argue, as Cappys is unassumingly always packed for lunch and dinner and offers great craft beers (like Cigar City Brewing’s Jai Alai) on draft, although I still prefer the mass-produced Italian Peroni beer, as well as house red and white wines and six different wines available by the bottle or glass (including a chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, a chianti, pinot noir, merlot and cabernet sauvignon). Salads & Starters

Whether you choose the Caesar, tossed or Greek salad at Cappys, I assure you that the “small” could feed two people for dinner if they ate nothing else, or at least four people as a normal side dish/starter. The large salads are really family-sized, feeding at least 4-6 (or even 8) people each, depending upon how much other “stuff” each person also plans to eat. Our office favorite is definitely the Greek salad shown at the top of this

Looking for delicious, but not too-thick Chicago deep-dish pizza (above)? Try Cappys Pizzeria in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center. Other favorite dishes shown on this page include (top to bottom) include the large Greek salads, the NY-style veggie pizza, the classic Caesar salad, Peroni on draft & cheesebread appetizer.

pys thin-crust NY-style pizza, because I love any pizza crust that crunches and even Harold’s too-thick-for-me-butnot-as-thick-as-most-Chicago-deepdish pizza is crisp enough to cut the roof of your mouth (Note-if the roof of my mouth isn’t both burnt and cut, I probably didn’t enjoy my pizza). On our most recent visit, we sampled “The Cappy,” with ham, pepperoni, green peppers, onions, mushrooms and some extremely tasty sweet Italian sausage (other meat and fish pizza toppings include anchovies, tasty meatballs and even grilled chicken). But, speaking of sausage, I will admit that my favorite deep dish pizza at Cappys is a large with pepperoni and sausage only. You have to eat it with a knife and fork and it still is covered in an outstandingly chunky tomato sauce that I genuinely love, so really, who’s complaining? I also have friends who highly recommend the “The Veggie” at Cappy’s, which is topped with green peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives and Crust Me! fresh tomatoes, although I’m not the While it may not be what I remember from when I lived on Long Is- biggest veggie pizza fan. Vegetarians land or New York City, I do enjoy Cap- also can add artichoke hearts, green page. It’s got the usual iceberg lettuce, pepperoncinis, onions and black olives, all topped with a zesty, authentictasting Greek dressing, feta cheese and enough potato salad for two or more people to enjoy as its own side dish, in addition to your salad course. I did say they were big, right? I also really love the “small” tossed salad, which is served with a mild Italian (not balsamic) vinaigrette dressing over a variety of mixed greens, including plenty of tasty red cabbage that gives the salad a unique flavor. And, the Caesar dressing and croutons are spot on, too. Our office also highly recommends Cappys crispy calzones and especially, the cheesebread appetizer and garlicky breadsticks served with a savory marinara sauce for dipping. My personal opinion is that ordering any of the three is overkill if you’re also getting pizza and salad, but Cappy’s cheesebread, breadsticks and calzones are all excellent.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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olives, basil, broccoli, feta cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and of course, pineapple.

Don’t Miss These Specials! Although Cappys doesn’t have an ad in this issue, if you check out

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the Cappys ad on page 47 of the most recent New Tampa issue at WCNeighborhoodNews.com, you’ll find coupons worth $3 off any purchase (dine in or carry out) of $20 or more and $5 off any purchase of $30 or more. The coupons can’t be combined with any other offers, but they save you a little bit of money on what I am confident

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will be a tasty meal at Cappys, which is perfect for everyone from families with kids to senior citizens. Cappys Pizzeria (16019 Tampa Palms Blvd.) is open seven days a week for lunch & dinner every day. For more information, or visit CappysPizzaOnline.com, Facebook. com/CappysPizzeriaTampaPalms.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Minerva Indian Restaurant Now Open In The New Tampa Center!

(L.-r.) Chili Pakora, Curried Eggplant, Tandoori Chicken & Rice

Minerva Restaurant — Casual, Comfortable & Delicious!

By Brad Stager

our dining adventure begins as soon as you step inside Minerva Indian Restaurant. Suddenly gone is the bustle outside at the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., less than two miles south of Wesley Chapel. Inhale the fragrance of jasmine incense and come faceto-face with a figurine of the elephant-headed Hindu deity Ganesh. This initial stimulation of sight and smell will warm up all of your senses to enjoy the wide range of flavors featured on Minerva’s menu, which spans India’s cuisine from south to north, and even includes some IndoChinese fare. Owner Venkat Reddy has gathered the ingredients he needs to offer a taste of Indian home-style cooking to New Tampa gourmands and foodies. “We have our own recipes from India and all of our spices come from India,” says Reddy, who grew up in Hyderabad, India. Minerva has only been open since June — in the location previously occupied by Sushi Ko — but it’s already gaining a loyal following of repeat customers, like David Britton, who says he typically eats there once-aweek for lunch. “It’s got some of the best Indian food in the area,” Britton said. “I can’t always pronounce what I’m eating, but I really like the spiciness.” How spicy to prepare the food is one of the toughest culinary calibrations a chef can make. According to Reddy, guiding first-time visitors through the menu to accommodate their preferences and tolerances is part of the customer service at Minerva. “We have a lot of varieties and I’ll ask them first how spicy they like their food,” says Reddy, who also is a New Tampa resident. While consideration is given to the varied palates and expectations of patrons, Minerva 40

stays true to delivering an authentic Indian dining experience, according to Perry Compton, who lived in India as a religious missionary and learned to cook in the local tradition. He sampled the lunch buffet for his initial visit to the restaurant and vowed to return. “It’s my first time here but it won’t be my last,” Compton, a Wesley Chapel resident, says. “This food is some of the best I’ve ever eaten.” Compton was particularly impressed with Minerva’s butter chicken. “I make a pretty good one myself, and it takes so many ingredients to make.” Butter chicken may qualify as comfort food for fans of Indian cuisine, and is a popular item on Minerva’s extensive lunch buffet. The spiciness manifests as a creamy assortment of subtle flavors rather than a searing burn to the taste buds. Allowing diners to savor those flavors is characteristic of the dishes at Minerva, especially the buffet items, which are all prepared in the mild-to-medium range of spiciness. The lunch buffet is offered seven days a week and is changed daily, offering a good introduction to Indian cuisine. A la carte items can be ordered during lunch as well as dinner hours. There are no beef or pork dishes on Minerva’s menu, but meat eaters have plenty of chicken, lamb, goat and seafood options. Goat curry is a good introduction to the red meat, which is a staple of diets around the globe, if not so much in the U.S.

Butter Chicken

featured as part of Minerva’s lunch buffet. Chinese foods like fried rice and chow mein assume an Indian flavor with the addition of ingredients like cumin and chilies. Minerva combines rice and soft noodles with vegetables, chicken and shrimp for the various Indo-Chinese entrees like hakka veggie chow mein and mixed fried rice. Neighborhood News publisher and dining reviewer Gary Nager raves about the Indo-Chinese chicken fried rice. “It has a uniquely peppery, mild spiciness,” Gary says, “and lots of veggies.” Gary also enjoyed the garlic naan bread and the medium-spicy tandoori-style chicken. Beverages include American and Indian soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, wine and domestic and Indian beers like Taj Mahal, Old Monk 10000 Super Beer and Kingfisher. There also is a great selection of authentic Indian desserts to sample. The wine list is actually pretty extensive, ranging from Clos du Bois chardonnay to 14 Hands Hot to Trot red blend. Minerva offers a spacious and comfortable environment with light, modern decor

and instrumental Indian pop music providing the soundtrack. The successful pairing of food and space is key to creating a positive dining experience, and according to the McCoy family of Wesley Chapel, Reddy has put it all together at his Minerva. “What really enhances the food here is the ambiance,” says Anthony McCoy. His wife Rita also enjoys eating at Minerva, which has helped her become a fan of Indian cuisine. “I’m trying all the different flavors because this is something I’m going to be cooking with more,” she said. The McCoys’ son, Shawn, appreciated the low-key spiciness of the buffet. “This has spice, but it’s within my tolerance,” he said. Reddy named his restaurant Minerva after a popular cafe chain of that name in his hometown. He says he earned his certificate as a food service professional and moved to the U.S. Reddy comes to New Tampa after owning and operating restaurants in Dallas and Temple Terrace. As word gets around about Minerva, people like Sam Abrahani are coming from

The Cuisine For Vegetarians

Vegetarian dining takes on a whole different aspect with Indian food. Vegetables are often main dishes and are cooked with spices that imbue them with appetizing flavors, such as bagara baigan, which has eggplant as its basis. Even humble lentil beans take on a bold taste when served as the curry dish tadka dal. Masala dosas, which are thin rice crepes filled with curry-glazed vegetables, also are

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Masala Dosa

The Hindu Deity Ganesh Chicken Fried Rice & Garlic Naan Minerva, Reddy says he sticks to basic princias far away as Zephyrhills to dine at his ples to achieve customer satisfaction. restaurant. “Good service, good food and maintain “I drive 20 miles to eat (here),” Abraa high-quality of product,” he says. hani said. “You don’t have to go to India to Minerva Indian Restaurant is located get authentic Indian food. You can come to at 19050 BBD Blvd. and is open daily, New Tampa.” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m.-10 In addition to the inviting sit-down p.m. for dinner. Be sure to check the ad in restaurant, Reddy provides catering services, this issue on page 42 for coupons offerincluding onsite food preparation to ensure ing 15-percent off your check or $2 off a optimal freshness. But, whether he’s serving lunch buffet. For more information, visit a wedding party of a thousand guests at the MinervaTampa.com or call 978-8586. India Cultural Center or the lunch crowd at

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Now Open!

Although it wasn’t actually officially open yet as we went to press, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse — located at the corner of S.R. 56 and Grand Cypress Dr., in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) — opened its doors on October 17. Of the chain restaurants near the outlet mall, BJ’s is definitely my favorite, so I was happy to not only attend one of the “Friends & Family” pre-opening events the previous week but also show the first pictures and video inside the new eatery on Episode 9 of WCNT-tv, which was released on YouTube on Oct. 15. Our table (I was joined by WCNT-tv sales and production assistant Gavin Olsen and Hope Allen and Jennifer Tussing of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce {WCCC}) enjoyed some tasty grilled

cheese sandwiches and some of the crispiest fries in town (photo, left), as well as a really nice Southern fried chicken breast with potatoes, corn and gravy. The food is the same as you’ve experienced in Citrus Park or any of the 183 other BJ’s restaurants in 23 U.S. states. The place is attractive, the drink prices aren’t outrageous, the in-house craft beers are excellent and the ambience is that of a real restaurant. For more info, stop in & tell ‘em we sent you or visit BJsRestaurants.com!

WCCC Ribbon Cuttings

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is still cutting plenty of ribbons and holding other free events for those who want to get out, network and enjoy some free food and beverages. The four most recent free WCCC events were ribbon cuttings at Goin’ Postal (located at 2653 Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd., across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) on Oct. 12; at The Gift Box Boutique (17032 Palm Pointe Dr. in Tampa Palms; photo on next page) on Oct. 6; and at Kiran Indian Grocery Store (10042 Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa; photo, above right) on Oct. 4. We also attended another great, free WCCC Chamber mixer at Florida Blue at

15030 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in the Northdale area of Carrollwood on Oct. 13. For more info, including a complete Calendar of Events, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, call 994-8534.

Vuelo’s also will be owned by Señor T’s owner Tom Reynolds, but both the menu and the concept will be revamped, although it will still be a Mexican restaurant.

Señor T’s To Become Vuelo’s

Congratulations to Lalitha Raguthu, M.D., for purchasing Tendercare Pediatrics (27432 Cashford Cir., Suite 102, in the Summergate Prof. Park behind Sam’s Club off S.R. 56) from the former owner, Radhika Ranganathan, M.D. Dr. Raguthu earned her BBMS (Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Surgery; equivalent to the M.D. degree in the U.S.) degree from the Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College in Kalaburagi, India. She also did her residency at Brookdale University Hospital

Speaking of restaurants we liked that had closed, Señor T’s Mexican Grill, which opened in the former location of Romano’s Macaroni Grill on BBD in New Tampa in November 2015 and closed in August of this year, held a well-attended two-day Job Fair Sept. 27-28 for people interested in working for a new restaurant — to be called Vuelo’s (incorrectly called “Buelo’s” in our Oct. 7 New Tampa edition) — which should open within a few weeks.

Dr. Raguthu Buys Tendercare

Open 7 Days

19050 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa FL 33647

We are specialized in catering services. South Indian, North Indian & indo Chineese. We cook on-site Dosa, Naan, Tandoori.

BUFFET MENU Changes everyday includes South Indian, North Indian & Indo Chinese, Fish, Live Masala Dosa, Naan, Fresh Fruits, Salads, Desserts & Masala Tea

Cannot be Combined

Dinner Menu Only. Expires: 11/30/16

Lunch Buffet M-F Only Expires: 11/30/16

www.minervatampa.com | 813.978.8586 42

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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& Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. She also served a one-year fellowship in Neurology at New York University in Manhattan. Dr. Raguthu also had three years of emergency room experience at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn and one year of Urgent Care experience at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. She was previously affiliated with Blossom Pediatric Care in Tampa and still also works at Night Owl Pediatrics on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa. Tendercare Pediatrics is accepting new patients and walk-ins, and Medicaid and private insurance plans are accepted. For info, call 973-9900 or see the ad on page 26 of this issue.

Dr. Jasthi Adds 2nd Dentist

General, family and cosmetic dentist Neeraja Jasthi, DMD (left in photo, right), of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, located at 20441 BBD Blvd. (in the same plaza as Amscot in New Tampa), is proud to announce the addition of Sandra Pojtek, DMD (right), to the five-year-old (in its current New Tampa location) dental practice. Dr. Pojtek, who also is a general dentist, relocated from Mt. Olive, NC. Dr. Pojtek was raised in Canada and obtained her DMD degree at the University of Montreal. She pursued her passion for dentistry and completed a year-long residency program at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Dr. Jasthi says she is proud to add Dr.

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Pojtek to her practice. “Let our family be here for yours,” she says. Dr. Pojtek says she is committed to broadening her skills and knowledge by engaging in continuing education opportunities. Dr. Pojtek takes pride in being a patient, instructive and gentle health care provider who values her relationship with her patients. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, water sports and watching Netflix. For more information about all of the family, cosmetic and general dentistry services available at Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, or for a free consultation for any new patient, call 866-9913, visit DrJasthi.com or see the ad on page 25. P.S. - The owners of The Brass Tap in The Shops at Wiregrass mall will open Union 72 BBQ in the space previously occupied by 100 Montaditos next month. Look for details next issue! — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 •WCNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT 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 and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and 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. RAYMOND PAINTING Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References avail. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 994-5124. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate: 813-7845999. MILLENNIUM HOME REPAIR.Professional Handyman Service. Services include: Cabinet Installation, Dry wall repair, Tile installation and repair, Some plumbing, Laminate flooring, Light fixtures, Interior painting, Appliance installation, Pressure washing, Paneling, Window repair, Awning installation, Carpentry, Garbage Disposal, Fence repair, Crown molding, Window blinds installed, Re-sealing baths and showers, TV mounting, and more. Call 813400-1408 or email TYCOONUNION@YAHOO. COM. CONTRACTOR Kitchen and bathroom remodeling or any major repairs. Floor, windows & door installation. Licensed, insured & bonded. LICENSE # CRC 1331258 Call Pablo for a free estimate: 813.391.9644. www.innovativeresidentialremodeling.com

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Classifieds

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COMPUTER/BUSINESS SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT in your home or small business. A+, Certified computer tech with 20 years exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained. Remote assistance available. References available. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate. DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & businesses, more than 25 years exp. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com

SPACE AVAILABLE Serenity Salon & Spa Suites, Wesley Chapel. 1 suite available for rent. Call for details: 813-3125247 or 813-997-6302. Great location!

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA SPECIAL & FREE ESTIMATE! For more 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, and sod replacement. Free estimates. Licensed and Insured. We are an Owner/Operator Company built on service and trust. References available. For more info, call (813) 458-4778. HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC High-Quality Professional Services: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Year-Round Full-Svc LawnCare starting at $90/month: mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring CleanUp. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554.

POWER HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES Residential cleaning weekly, bi-weekly, monthly & occasional. One time, deep cleaning, move in/move outs, real estate, holiday and events. Owner operator with personal care! Licensed and Insured. For free in-home estimate, call 813-356-8287 or e-mail powerclean16@gmail. com. You will be powerfully pleased! B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 14 years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@ hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 •WCNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Schneider’

Cont. from page 33 three World War II veterans, each of whom had to give up their dream to serve in the military during the war. And, another film centers around two sets of parents, one dealing with the death of their son at the hands of the son of the other parents. “It’s really terrific,’’ Schneider says. “It will make you think, it will make you cry, it will make you wonder and somewhere in there, it will make you want to be a better parent.” Schneider understands that even though “The Dukes of Hazzard” went off the air 30 years ago, his star power is still enough to draw people to the festival just to see him. But, he hopes those who do come for that

reason will end up sticking around for the movies themselves. “There will be a tent outside, I’ll be there and so will other filmmakers,’’ he said. “We’ll have some Q-and-As, some music, some private time. This is really for people interested in the process of filmmaking and film distribution what goes into telling a story. Yes, people can come out and bring their ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ lunchbox and that’s fine, but I’m hoping to skew more towards film students and musicians and artists, really, who want to know how it works.” The Neighborhood News is a proud sponsor of the CineFlix Fest, which is scheduled for Mon.-Thur., Oct. 31-Nov. 3, at the Grove 16 & Cinebistro at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. For more information, check out CineFlixFest.com, or call Cinebistro at 948-5444.

(L.-r.) John Schneider, Catherine Bach & Tom Wopat starred in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Schneider is bringing his CineFlix Fest Film Festival to The Grove theaters Oct. 31-Nov. 3.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 22 • October 21, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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