New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 24, Issue 26, Dec. 15, 2016 by Neighborhood News

Volume 24 Issue 26 December 16, 2016

Inside: What’s New At Cantina Laredo & Little Italy’s? See Neighborhood Magazine!

Named The 2014 ‘Small Business Of The Year’ By The Wesley Chapel Chamber Of Commerce! The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! For the complete list of neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in Wesley Chapel (zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545), see page 46!

School Boundary Committee’s About-Face Sets Wesley Chapel Ablaze...Again

By John C. Cotey With a smattering of black shirts with the crossed out number 12 — representing Option 12 — serving as a backdrop, the Pasco School Boundary Committee (SBC) surprised many in attendance and changed course on Dec. 2. The SBC unanimously rejected its initial recommendation of Option 12 for new school zones for all three Wesley Chapel high schools in order to populate Cypress Creek Middle & High School off Old Pasco Rd., choosing instead Option 20 to pass on to the Pasco County School Board for final approval. The vote wasn’t close, with 16 of the 21 voting members raising their hand for Option 20. Option 13 received five votes from the committee comprised of school principals, parents and county administrators, while Option 12 didn’t receive any. While Option 12 didn’t rezone the Seven Oaks community, the SBC’s new option (20) did, leaving dozens of residents of Seven Oaks as incensed as the residents of Meadow Pointe and Union Park were about Option 12. Option 20 will now be passed on to Superintendent Kurt Browning and his staff, and then to the School Board for public hearings at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, and Tuesday, January 17. “Our neighborhood was saved,’’ said Union Park representative Tom McClanahan, who was supporting Options 13 or 20, neither of which rezoned his community and kept their kids going to John Long Middle School and Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH). McClanahan had formed an alliance with Seven Oaks, as Option 13 didn’t rezone either of their neighborhoods. “We just wanted to come

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates ‘Diverging Diamond’ Work Moved Up, ‘Connected City’ Pitches BCC For Transportation Credits, District 2 Commissioner Mike Moore To Chair BCC, Wawa Opens, WCNT-tv & Stevenson Win Chamber Awards, New Tampa Cultural Center To Partner With Straz & More Local Business Features!

Pages 3-30

Neighborhood Magazine

Former Wiregrass Ranch High Student Wins Big Street Fighter 5 Tourney, Little Italy’s Introduces New Lunch Items, Cantina Laredo Adds New Menu Items, Plus, More Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes!

Pages 35-52

out against Option 12, that was the biggest issue,’’ he said. “I still think Option 13 makes more sense for the community, but 20 still makes sense for us.” Parents can attend and mount a challenge to Option 20 with the upcoming board members, which Seven Oaks intends on doing. But Linda Cobbe, the District spokesperson, said Browning told her “he doesn’t have any intention of changing any decisions made by the committees on the new boundaries.” The SBC’s 16-5-0 vote caused muffled rejoicing and a few silent high-fives from many of the 80 or so parents in attendance at the Wesley

Chapel High (WCH) gymnasium. Option 20 will keep Meadow Pointe III and IV, Country Walk and Union Park in their current feeder zone (Double Branch Elementary to John Long Middle to Wiregrass). While none of the SBC members said it had anything to do with their vote, the selection alleviates many parents’ fears of their kids being transported to school via Meadow Pointe Blvd. and S.R. 54, which was a prevalent theme of the Nov. 29 parent town hall that was attended by more than 1,000 people at WCH (photo above). “I’m glad the feeder patterns stay the way they are,’’ said Michael Degennaro, who has a

9th grade daughter at WRH. “Every other option broke them up. This keeps the communities intact. Really was no reason to take (us out). There’s 1,600 of us vs. 700 (in Seven Oaks). You displace too many students (with Option 12).” Residents of the Seven Oaks community, some of whom were in attendance, were not as happy. Students will now be zoned to attend Thomas E. Weightman Middle School and WCH, except for current juniors at WRH, who will be grandfathered in to graduate at the school they attended for three years. Seven Oaks Voice, the group that has been representing the community during the process, immediately scheduled a number of meetings to formulate a response, including one on Dec. 15 (a week after we went to press with this issue), where local media were invited to attend. We’ll update you on that meeting in our next issue. Option 20 was originally among the final three choices for the SBC, but was the first one dismissed for two reasons — it didn’t provide as much relief to the overcrowded schools as did Option 12, and it rezoned Seven Oaks, which could need to be rezoned again in four years. But, some eagle-eyed Meadow Pointe residents disputed the attendance numbers. Kevin Croswell, representing Meadow Pointe III, spoke at a School Board meeting on Nov. 15, saying the original enrollment numbers presented by the county to the SBC in Option 20 were incorrect. Their numbers — which turned out to be the correct numbers and were later adjusted by the district staff — showed that Option 20 offered almost the same relief as Option 12. “I think certainly the numbers helped,’’ said Chris Williams, the school district’s director

See “New School” on page 5.

‘Symphony In Lights’ Continues At The Shops At Wiregrass Through 12/31 If you haven’t yet seen this year’s “Symphony in Lights” at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, presented by CalAtlantic Homes, you have two more weeks to get out and enjoy the seasonal music, dazzling Christmas tree light show and yes, even snow. The Symphony in Lights has been presented at the Shops, located at 28211 Paseo Dr. (at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and S.R. 56), since the mall first opened in 2008. That makes this the ninth year of the holiday program. The choreographed light show is set to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and is played every night, every hour on the hour, at 6, 7, 8, and 9 p.m. “Over the years, this community has really embraced the show,” says Shops at Wiregrass general manager Greg Lenners. “Some people see it 15 or 20 times during the holiday season. People like to show it off to their friends and family who visit. It’s something you can bring your families to that has become a tradition.” He explains that the original tree was replaced last year, due to technology evolving at

a lightning-fast pace and the wear and tear of taking the tree down and putting it up over many years. While he admits that last year’s shows had a few kinks, this year, a new programmer was hired to ensure everything runs smoothly. The presentations at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. uses the same music that has been played since the first show eight years ago. It’s been popular because it uses traditional holiday music and people seem to enjoy the music year after year. The 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows have been redesigned a few times, and they are brand new again this year, with different music (still by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and a light show that is customized and programmed, one CalAtlantic Homes presents a “Symphony in light at a time, based on the music chosen. Lights” four times a night, every night, through So, Lenners has advice for you. “If Dec. 31, at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. you’re coming out to see the Symphony in Lights again – if you’re a seasoned veteran – come to the 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. shows,” he says. “If you’re brand new, it doesn’t matter. Come on out, you won’t be disappointed.” — Celeste McLaughlin

WCNT-tv Hits Two Milestones & A Taste Of New Tampa Update An editorial by Gary Nager I was really excited when I reviewed the analytics compiled by my production and sales assistant Gavin Olsen of the first twelve episodes of WCNT-tv — Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Television — and I’m proud to say that we’ve reached two milestones a lot faster than I had expected when my partner and producer Craig Miller (of Full Throttle Intermedia; see ad on pg. 43) started our YouTube-based TV show a little more than five months ago — Episode 1 of WCNT premiered on June 23 of this year. After posting a new episode every two weeks since that debut, we took one week off — so Craig and I, Gavin, my news co-anchor Susanna Martinez, the host of our exclusive Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) Featured Business segment Mollyana Ward and director/cameraman Brad Hall (of Brad Hall Studios) and everyone involved with the show could enjoy Thanksgiving and Black Friday with our respective families. The good news is that the 12 episodes of WCNT-tv and all of the individual segments we’ve released have now reached more than 260,000 people on Facebook and more than 100,000 total views (closer to 110,000, actually) of all of our full episodes and individual segments — on YouTube and Facebook combined — as Episode 13 debuts the same day this publication arrives in your mailbox (Fri., Dec. 16). The even bigger news is that Episode 12 featured the first of several segments about Florida Hospital Center Ice (see ad on pg.

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 Billing Manager Stephanie Smith 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 25, Issue 2, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Tuesday, January 3, 2017. 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.

29), aka the largest skating facility south of New York, which won’t be fully open until early January 2017. We used some of that footage shot inside the facility for Episode 12, but we also have released several individual cuts from that interview and promise to add new footage every time something new happens at FHCI. Episode 13 also will feature a look at the newest restaurants and businesses to begin “going vertical” on both S.R. 56 and S.R. 54, plus a look at what’s still to come to our area for 2017. Although its two-week run at the Studio Movie Grill at University Mall in North Tampa ends the same day you’re receiving this issue in your mailbox, I also hope you’ll check out my second big celebrity interview on our WCNTtv Special Entertainment Reports — following on the heels of our extremely popular segments with actor/director John Schneider of CineFlix Fest (and of course, “Dukes of Hazzard”) fame. This time, I got to interview the great Mariette Hartley (still best known to me for her eight-year run in Polaroid commercials with the late James Garner) and her young co-star Colton Tapp from the independent film “Three Days in August.” “Three Days” also stars the great Barry Bostwick (perhaps most famous for his role as the silver-haired Mayor on “Spin City” with Michael J. Fox) and looks like it should be a great film. Like we did with the Schneider interviews, we released individual cuts from that Skype interview with Hartley and Tapp leading up to (and after) the nationwide debut of the film on Dec. 2. In future episodes of WCNT-tv, we will provide you with an exclusive look inside the 100,000+-sq.-ft. expansion of our Studio Sponsor — Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) — and provide you with the fastest updates available on all of the restaurants and businesses opening in our area over the next several months. So, if you haven’t yet checked out WCNT-tv, go to YouTube and search “WCNTtv.” It may show you results for “WNCT-TV” and ask if you really meant “WCNT-tv.” Click on that link and you’ll have access to all of the full episodes (all between 7-10 minutes each) and individual segments we’ve released to date. Please feel free to “Like” and “Share” as many of those segments as possible and, perhaps most important of all, please also “Subscribe” to the WCNT-tv YouTube channel. Everyone who subscribes to the channel will be entered into a random drawing by the end of January to receive a free $100 gift card to the restaurant of your choice in the Tampa Bay area.

Next stop (I hope) — a total reach of 1 million people! If you’re interested in having your business or restaurant featured on WCNTtv, email Gavin Olsen at ads@WCNT-tv.com or call our office at 910-2575.

This ‘Taste-y’ New Logo Is Just The Beginning!

Congratulations go out to my WCNTtv partner Craig Miller for designing the new logo (above) for the Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, which (as we’ve been reporting) will return after a three-year hiatus and be held inside FHCI on Saturday, March 18! One thing I can promise is that the Taste will be bigger and better than ever before, inside the best venue ever to host it! Karen Frashier, the president-elect of the

Rotary Club of New Tampa (which meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club) who is chairing the return of the Taste for the club (in partnership with the WCCC), already has held a few Taste meetings and, as the guy responsible for getting what I hope will be between 30-50 food and beverage providers, I need as much help as I can get. I now have five volunteers for that committee, but need at least one or two more in order to get the word out to as many potential providers as possible in these months before the event. Wanna help? Send an email to Gary@ NTNeighborhoodNews.com ASAP!

Table of Contents

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

I-75/S.R. 56 ‘Diverging Diamond’ Moved Up.........4 ‘Connected City’ Woos Pasco Commissioners..........6 Mike Moore Named Pasco BCC Chair For 2017......8 WCNT-tv Among Honorees At WCCC Breakfast...10 Turkley Gobble Feeds 100s On Thanksgiving.........12 New Tampa Cultural Center Delayed.....................14 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar..........................15

Local Business Updates..............18-25

Generations OB/GYN Adds New Doctor..............18 SPOTLIGHT ON: Fast Track Urgent Care................19 Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic Serves Seniors...........20 ‘Wilde Team’ At RE/MAX Guarantees Success......22 GL Homes To Open Clubhouse At The Ridge...........24

Local Education & Sports Updates...28-29

New Adventist School Coming To County Line Rd...28 Wesley Chapel Players At Football All-Star Game......29

Neighborhood Magazine

Wiregrass Ranch Grad Is Street Fighter 5 Champ.....31 Mama Mia! Little Italy’s Hits HR With Lunch.......34 Cantina Laredo Expands Its Menu..........................36 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’...40-41 Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Classifieds.........44 Wiregrass Wobble 5K Draws Another Crowd..........46 @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Diverging Diamond’ Exchange For S.R. 56 At I-75 Moved Up To 2018 Start By John C. Cotey

Relief is coming to the congested, frustrating and oftentimes maddening S.R. 56 interchange of I-75 sooner than expected, as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced it was moving up its plans to build a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). That project is now slated to begin in fiscal year 2018, the beginning of which is July 1 of 2017. “That is great news,” says Mike Moore, the new Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) chair who represents District 2, which includes most of Wesley Chapel. “I thought the diverging diamond was a great idea from the start, and the other commissioners did too. I’m glad we can start it sooner.” Moore and District 38 State Rep. Danny Burgess (R-San Antonio) played key roles in getting the project, which will cost around $18.5-million, fast-tracked. FDOT officials presented their new proposal to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization Dec. 8 at the Dade City Courthouse. Construction of the DDI was originally scheduled to begin in 2024, but last November was moved up to 2020. The additional shortening of the timeframe will be good news to many travelers, especially around the holiday season, who have seen the lines of traffic to get off or on I-75 or through the interchange at S.R. 56 increasing. DDIs, according to the website DivergingDiamond.com, are designed to create fewer conflict points when traveling through them, have better sight distance at turns,

Above is a rendering of a Diverging Diamond Interchange, like the one planned for the S.R. 56 exit off I-75, which has been moved up to a Fiscal Year 2018 start date. Source: FDOT. shorter pedestrian crossings and wrong-way be the state’s second DDI interchange. ramps that are extremely difficult to access. The I-75/S.R. 56 junction continues to Despite looking like a confusing, dia- be one to avoid if at all possible for those in mond-shaped jumble of roads in pictures, the the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area, and diverging diamond is said to cause virtually no the 2.3-mile-long northbound exit routinely driver confusion. A Springfield, MO, study experiences back-ups of a mile or longer, showed a 60-percent reduction in collisions sometimes even reaching the I-275 apex at in a five-month period compared to a tradi- the Pasco County line. The opening of the tional exchange, and the website claims that in Tampa Premium Outlets on S.R. 56 west of a five-year span of a DDI in Versailles, France, I-75 last year hasn’t helped. only 11 crashes have been reported. The S.R. 56/75 interchange was opened Florida is building its first DDI at the over a decade ago, and in 2011 a new ramp University Pkwy. exit (No. 213) off I-75 in was constructed to ease congestion, to the deSarasota. The Wesley Chapel location would light of many in the community.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Roughly 100,000 drivers (combined heading east or west) pass through the I75/S.R. 56 interchange, according to FDOT. Steve Domonkos, the specialty leasing manager for the Shops at Wiregrass mall and a member of a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) transportation task force, is happy to see the DDI construction moved up. But, Domonkos worries that even by 2018, with the rapid rate of development happening in both Wesley Chapel and Lutz, it still may be too late. The sooner the better, he says, “but sooner than sooner would have been even better. It’s great to hear they are finally moving it up because traffic is already horrendous,’’ Domonkos says. “It’s a shame that the state and county didn’t get together before the Outlets opened, though. That intersection is already maxed.” Moore, who drives through the intersection almost daily, says he has heard the same complaints from his constituents. But he thinks they will be happy to see progress considering the project was initially slated to begin in 2024. “This shows what can happen when everyone works together to get something done,’’ he says. Public hearings on the DDI project were scheduled around the region on Dec. 14, which was after we went to press with this issue. The Florida DOT will accept written comments until Tuesday, December 27, through D7wpph.com, by U.S. Mail (Attn: Ed McKinney, Florida Department of Transportation, 11201 N. McKinley Drive, MS 7-500, Tampa, FL 33612) or by email to D7wpph@dot.state.fl.us.

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‘New School’

Continued from pg. 1

of planning. “We corrected those numbers...and basically 20 became comparable to 12.” The possibility of rezoning Seven Oaks again in four years when a new middle school is built on Old Pasco Rd. next to the new Cypress Creek Middle & High School, seemed to be less of a sticking point. The new middle school also could be built 6-7 years or longer down the road, said Williams, depending upon how quickly the money, raised from impact fees, becomes available. That longer timeline seemed to cause a few SBC members to have less of a concern about “double-dipping” Seven Oaks in the rezoning pool, and to take a closer look at Option 20. “It’s not about the community (of Seven Oaks), it’s about keeping the schools together and keeping the integrity of the feeder pattern schools together, that’s the most important thing,’’ said SBC member and Seven Oaks resident Denise Nicholas, who also is the Pasco County Council PTA (PCCPTA) president. “I did not vote for 20, because I truly don’t believe in rezoning twice,’’ Nicholas added. “I don’t think it’s fair for any community, whether it be Seven Oaks, Meadow Pointe, Union Park, Stagecoach, whoever, to be double-dipped and to have to be moved twice.” Many SBC members attended the Nov. 29 town hall meeting at WCH, where the large crowd made clear its disdain for Option 12. WCH, a C-rated school in 2015 after four straight years as a B school, also took a bit of a beating throughout the town hall, as did Weightman, which is a B school, while WRH is a B and Long MS is an A. Most in attendance at the town hall meeting seemed to favor Option 20, with one parent telling the panel that a petition with more than 1,100 signatures backing that option already had

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been sent to the School Board. The biggest loser at the town hall? S.R. 54. “It’s horrible. It’s horrendous. It’s dangerous,’’ said one speaker. A large majority of the supporters cited traffic as their main concern, since Option 20 will keep their students from having to be transported up Meadow Pointe Blvd., and then across S.R. 54, in order to get to WCH. No one wants to travel on S.R. 54, especially considering a widening project right in front where 54 crosses Meadow Pointe Blvd. begins in 2017. Supporters of Options 13 and 20 were emboldened by a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) review by Joel Provenzano. A permits review manager and traffic engineering specialist for FDOT, Provenzano concluded that, “the best traffic pattern for the state roads (by far) is Option 20.” Provenzano’s professional opinion was debated at the town hall, with some suggesting it was just that — an opinion. No official study (Provenzano’s study was considered a courtesy) has been completed by FDOT concerning the school options and the traffic patterns. Some Seven Oaks parents said their path to WCH, north on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and east of S.R. 54, also would be fraught with danger. Nicholas claims the intersection of BBD and S.R. 54 has proven more dangerous than the one at Meadow Pointe Blvd. and S.R. 54. Williams said the county typically doesn’t consult with FDOT — or the Pasco Fire Department or Sheriff’s Office — when drawing its school zones.

The Multi-Student Issue

Another concern voiced at the town hall came from parents with two children in the same school. One parent who has two children in the band at WRH said the rezoning would be a logistical nightmare, since her senior-to-be

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would allowed to stay under grandfathering rules but her junior-to-be would be moved to WCH under Option 12. This is a legitimate concern echoed by a number of parents during the night. Students who will be seniors next year don’t have to change schools, but their siblings who are incoming freshman or rising sophomores or juniors will have to. “Friday night is going to be very hard,’’ the mom said, as she will have one student performing in band at WRH while the other is performing at the same time at WCH. Williams suggested at the Dec. 2 meeting that parents use school choice as the best option to keep their kids together, although there are no guarantees. A number of band and athletic parents, as well as a few band members themselves, weren’t happy about the possibility of changing schools. Citing scholarship offers and exposure, they argued that leaving a band at WRH that finished 4th in the state for a new band that likely will not be as good was detrimental to their college hopes. One parent was distraught that her daughter had taken all of the prerequisites for WRH’s culinary program, and now would have to attend a school that didn’t have one. A WCH student was concerned that the sign language courses she had been hoping to take would not be offered at Cypress Creek. Both were also told to look into school choice. Eva Cooper of Meadow Pointe III, who has a sophomore and a senior at WRH, lobbied for Option 20 because she claims Option 12

only kept six communities together, while Option 20 didn’t split up any. She asked why the SBC had originally decided to keep the Seven Oaks community intact at WRH, where 19 percent of the school’s students live, while splitting up Meadow Pointe, which has 46 percent of WRH’s students. “Why are we accommodating so few, and affecting so many?,’’ she asked. Another Option 20 supporter and Country Walk resident, Tina Dosal, submitted a proposal based on maintaining the Double Branch Elementary feeder pattern. Maintaining feeder programs is one of the considerations the SBC was tasked with, but Dosal was one of the few to actually make the feeder argument. The panel at the town hall was comprised of Williams (the director of planning), WCH principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles, area superintendent for east county Dr. Monica Isle, Ed.D, strategic initiatives and allocations program manager Kimberly Poe, area superintendent for central county Dr. David Scanga, Ed.D., assistant superintendent for support services Elizabeth Kuhn, director of transportation Gary Sawyer and county athletic director Matt Wicks.

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

‘Connected City’ Makes A Pitch For Impact Fee Credits At BCC Workshop By John C. Cotey The Connected City project, approved last month by the Pasco County Development Review Committee (DRC), which was comprised of four county administrators and representatives from the Pasco School District’s Economic Development Council (EDC), is now looking towards getting the same support from the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), which will have the ultimate say. At the first of two scheduled BCC workshops, on Dec. 6, at the Dade City Courthouse, attorney Joel Tew, who is representing the Metro Development Group, and Ernie Monaco, the county’s assistant planning and development administrator, took turns explaining the benefits of the Connected City in an effort to persuade the commissioners to eventually vote for it. “Let’s capture the opportunity at hand,’’ Monaco pleaded. That opportunity is to build a Connected City, essentially a new city in eastern Pasco County, even though it won’t have city limits. The project is part of a 10-year pilot program created by a new statute (SB 1216). Adopted in 2015, it allows for an expedited planning and approval process for creating city-connected corridors. For the length of the pilot program, there will be no state oversight, although there will be two-year reviews. The Connected City — a 7,800-acre area running north from Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel to S.R. 52 in San Antonio, and west from I-75 to Curley Rd. — is touted by developers and planners as being the first-ever gigabit community built from the ground up. A first-of-its-kind high-tech community, developers say the Connected City will promote major job creation, alternative transportation along integrated roadways, two first-in-thecountry, man-made crystal lagoons and a detailed 50-year plan. Metro has taken the lead in the project. “The county has zero risk,’’ Tew said. “The risk of failure is truly on the private partner.” Metro owns 35 percent of the property within the Connected City area and has been the primary developer in the process. It is looking to build communities at Epperson Ranch South, EpcoRanch North, Ashley Groves and Mirada (formerly Cannon Ranch). One of the sticking points in the process revolves around Metro receiving transportation mobility fee credits from the county for building the primary roads in exchange for setting aside 72 acres of site-ready employment centers with necessary infrastructure in

place and government permits in hand. Tew argued that Metro deserves the credits. While many areas of the country that have tried similar projects have had to rely on a big company coming in, like Google, to foot the bill, or money from a local governmental entity, Metro has assumed all of the financial responsibility for the project so far. “We decided to put our money where our mouth is,’’ Tew said. “The hope is that one day we can use ‘paper’ credits, and not have to wallpaper the office with them.” Tew said that the Villages of Pasadena Hills, the county’s largest development landwise (22,000 acres) which is located immediately west of the Connected City site, received similar credits for building roads and had to do a lot less. “We don’t get credit for the roadways if we don’t do about 6-8 more things that are very specific, very onerous,’’ Tew said, citing the requirement that Metro provide 7.2 million sq.-ft. of employment-use property, meaning commercial/residential uses. Tew estimates there could be another $318-million investment in infrastructure improvements by Metro, including roadways to accommodate the employment uses. “It’s simple math,’’ he said. “For the county (giving) $92-million worth of credits, the county is getting (almost a) 4-to-1 return on infrastructure provided, when compared with the credits given.” “With all respect,” Tew added, “we are going to get credit for building those additional roads that you are requiring us to build for these employment uses. The deal has to make economic sense.” The additional credits, however, could leave Pasco with a $43-million shortfall for its other road projects. That concerned new BCC chairman MIke Moore, since three of the road projects suggested for potential postponement are in his district. “There are going to be impacts of giving credits,’’ Monaco said. “That’s the reality here.” But, he added, another reality is the thousands of jobs that the Connected City will attract to the area, as well as the millions of additional tax dollars from new residents. A University of Florida Bureau of Business & Economic Research study says Pasco County could have 250,000 new residents by 2040. Monaco says that the Connected City’s liberal home occupation development code, surcharges being imposed to fund start-ups and having service-ready business sites ready will attract companies to the area.

Tew said he already has met with various school officials about building new schools in the Connected City, including a high school with a special high-tech program. He said in order to attract the best businesses, the area needs the best schools for workers to send their kids to, “Or else we’re dead in the water.” Pat Gassaway of Heidt Design said that if you include the fivemile radius around the Connected City, the development plans could consist of 12 new schools — six elementary, three combined K-8 schools and three additional high schools. He said a surcharge of $579 per unit would be imposed to fund that part of the project. There are two more hearings scheduled for Tuesday, January 17 & Tuesday, January 24. The official vote is expected to take place sometime in March of 2017. Monaco said that if the Connected City fails, land reserved to produce a state-of-the-art community that provides jobs and additional lustre to the county — and The Connected City, located at the north end of Wesley Chapel, the growing Wesley Chapel area — still has a few hurdles to jump through before it brings thouwill instead become just another sands of new homes and businesses to the area in purple. series of typical developments. ment code (in the Connected City plan) other “We want a premier county,’’ Monaco said. “This is what has motivated us counties will copy, I am sure of it. This has never been done before.” to work really hard on this deal.” For more information about the Con“We have an amazing comprehensive plan,’’ Monaco added. “There are measure- nected City, visit PascoCountyFL.net/inments every two years. There is land develop- dex.aspx?NID=2319.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Mike Moore Named Chair Of Pasco’s BCC By John C. Cotey District 2 commissioner and Seven Oaks resident Mike Moore, who represents most of Wesley Chapel south of 54 (including all of Wiregrass Ranch) has been elected to lead the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in 2017 as its new chairman. Moore was unanimously approved as chair by his follow commissioners, after serving last year as vice-chair. Every year, the Board elects a new chair and vice chair. Moore succeeds Dist. 3 commissioner Kathryn Starkey as the chair. “I was humbled they unanimously voted me in,’’ said Moore. Moore’s vote on the five-member Pasco’s 2017 Board of County Commissioners includes BCC — which includes new Dist. 1 (l.-r.) Ron Oakley, Kathryn Starkey, Mike Moore, Mike commissioner Ron Oakley, who represents much of Wesley Chapel north of Wells & Jack Mariano. Photo courtesy of OurTownFla.com. And lots of ground in Wesley Chapel S.R. 54 — still only counts as a single vote, but he will have added responsibilities, will be moved around in 2017. The extension like leading the meetings and workshops held of S.R. 56 to U.S. 301 is expected to begin, perhaps as soon as later this month, and the by the BCC. Moore will head up the Board in a year long-awaited diverging diamond ramps at the that should see major changes and develop- intersection of I-75 and S.R. 56 should begin ments throughout Wesley Chapel. Although construction sometime after July (see page 4). And of course, Florida Hospital Center he is responsible for voting on projects countyIce will open next month, giving Wesley Chapel wide, his home turf will be bustling. There will be a vote on the Connected another jewel in its crown. “We will focus of the quality of life for City project in March (see story on page 6), negotiations continue for a new indoor sports Pasco’s residents,’’ Moore said. “Things like facility in Wiregrass Ranch and a number of big taking care of the Sheriff’s Office and Fire road projects await as the county continues with Rescue. And, we’re continuing to focus on economic development and our support of right of way acquisitions to complete them. “We have big decisions we’re going to small businesses. We see a lot more businesses make this year,’’ Moore said. “We have to keep coming to Pasco County…there’s so many things on the schedule.” moving on with a lot of the process.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Psst! Wawa’s Is Open On S.R. 56! No, Seriously...It Really Is Open! By John C. Cotey As pieces of the building were put together on S.R. 56 just east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., the anticipation built. The gas pumps went in, the convenience store took shape. The signs were put up, and turned on. When it will open? How will it open? Answer: Quietly. Just like that, on Nov. 28, Wesley Chapel’s first-ever Wawa was open. No pomp. No circumstance. Just cheap gas, free coffee and deals on the chain’s famous tasty sandwiches. “Man, I just went to the bank this morning, and the teller asked me if I knew Wawa was open today,’’ said Juan De La Torres, a retired first responder who lives in Seven Oaks. “I was like, ‘What?’” I had just driven by, I didn’t even notice. So, I rushed right over here.” For many like De La Torres, the opening of the Wesley Chapel Wawa was a surprise, albeit a pleasant one. While certainly one of those places with a cultish following like Chick-Fil-A and Costco, this Wawa location eschewed the normal fan-friendly grand opening and chose instead to let local residents be surprised. “I’m just glad they are finally open,’’ said De La Torres, who snagged himself a free blue Wawa tee-shirt, and then stuck around for the opening ceremonies and a few free samples of things like a ham sub sandwich, peppermint iced coffee and cinnamon oatmeal. “I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.” Wawa was open for business at 8 a.m., but at 10 a.m., area manager Rich Morton and Wally Goose, the Wawa mascot, welcomed a quickly growing crowd to Wesley Chapel’s

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newest hot spot. Two firefighters from Pasco Fire Station 13 in Meadow Pointe, Frank Torres and Bobby LaBella, took on some of the store’s staffers in a sandwich-making contest — when they weren’t throwing handfuls of shredded lettuce at each other and into the crowd. Torres and LaBella won the contest, earning a big trophy and a couple of $1,000 checks from Wawa to benefit the Juan De La Torres (left) holds up his free Wawa shirt that he snagged after hearing the store on S.R. 56 had finally opened on Nov. Firefighters Charities 28; (right) firefighters Frank Torres (left) & Bobby LaBella pose with checks for the Firefighters Charities of Pasco & Wally Goose. of Pasco. (Below) Torres and LaBella also were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Wawa store on Nov. 28. Everyone posed for pictures. Then, they cut a ribbon. That about making suggestions as he’s been driving around made it official. For Morton, it was a big moment. Wesley Chapel. “The real estate guys Though he manages a number of Wawas from are real frustrated with me, northern Hillsborough County throughout all of Pasco and Hernando counties, the idea of a because I’m like ‘Look at new store right across the street from where he this site, look at this site, look at this site,’’’ he said, lives was exciting. “Very cool,” Morton said. “I’ve been chuckling. Morton thinks the waiting since I first moved down here four-anda-half years ago. We bought a home right in current location is perfect, (Seven Oaks) right away, and I’ve been waiting catching a lot of the eastbound traffic between the for a store close to home.” Morton had nothing to do with the site Tampa Premium Outlets friendly benefits, often stick around for years, if selection, but he jokes that he hasn’t been shy and the Shops at Wiregrass malls. He says this won’t be the last Wawa we not decades, which has helped the company desee here locally. “We’re definitely opening here velop. “You don’t see a lot of companies doing again,’’ he said. health benefits for part-time employees,’’ Morton said. Taking care of his employees, he adds, trickles down to the customer service, which is A Little History... Formerly a dairy company, Wawa opened often lauded in surveys. Denise Bee, who lives in Meadow Pointe its first food market in Folsom, PA, in 1964. It has expanded to many areas in the mid-Atlantic III, said she was just driving by Monday mornregion, but didn’t come to Florida until one ing on her way home from a doctor’s appointopened in Orlando in 2012. The Wesley Chapel ment when she noticed people walking in and location is the 102nd Wawa store to open in the out. Like everyone else, she was surprised that Wawa had finally opened. state since then. And pleased, too. Wawa has succeeded by taking the con“It’s about time,’’ said Bee. “I’ve been venience store concept to another level with competitively-priced gas, fresh drinks and ex- driving by and watching it go up little by little, pertly-prepared sandwiches and other quality wondering if it was close. Now I don’t have to food items that can be ordered right off an in- drive all the way to Bearss Ave. to get gas...and hot chocolate.” store computer touch screen. Wawa is located at 27866 S.R. 56, “Ninety percent of the time, I just come across from Sam’s Club, just west of BBD. for the food,’’ said De La Torres. Wawa’s employees start at $10 per hour, For more information, visit Wawa.com, or above the minimum wage, and because of the call (302) 758-6873.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

WCCC Honors WCNT-tv & Wesley Chapel Nissan’s Troy Stevenson! I love a good surprise as much as the our in-the-process-of-being-

next guy, but I was absolutely stunned by the turn of events when I attended the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) annual meeting, which was held Dec. 6 at Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC)’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, and which was the program for the Chamber’s monthly business breakfast. Outgoing Board chair Tracy Clouser of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel thanked this year’s deserving “Volunteer of the Year” and Ambassador Troy Stevenson of Wesley Chapel Nissan, who not only actively participates in every Chamber and Wesley Chapel Rotary Club (see page 12) event, but also supports the community with his awesome Acme Outdoor Movies truck. But then, between the introduction of the Chamber’s ambassadors (below) and new Board chair Jennifer Cofini of the Parks Auto Group and her Board of Directors (bottom right) for the 2017 Fiscal Year, Clouser made an announcement I truly was not expecting — that WCNT-tv (see editorial on pg. 3), the five-month-old partnership between yours truly and outgoing WCCC Ambassador/new Board member Craig Miller of Full Throttle Intermedia, had won the 2016 Chairman’s Award. Clouser, the marketing director at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC), has spent quite a bit of money on behalf of

expanded, state-of-the-art hospital in these pages, and she bought into the project created by myself, Craig and WCCC president and CEO Hope Allen by agreeing for FHWC to be the Studio Sponsor of WCNT-tv for the first 16 episodes of the show, 12 of which have already aired since our launch on June 23. In other words, I should be giving Tracy and Hope an award, not the other way around. The cheers from the crowd of more than 100 people when the surprise announcement was made was proof positive that we’re doing something right with the show, but neither Craig nor I had any idea or we would’ve prepared speeches, instead of the dumfounded looks and silly muttering we mustered. For more info about the WCCC, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or call 994-8534. — GN

(Clockwise, l.-r.) WCCC CEO Hope Allen with Troy Stevenson and WCNT-tv co-creators Craig Miller and Gary Nager. (Above) New Board president Jennifer Cofini and her Board were sworn in by the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year winner at November’s awards banquet, attorney Kevin Astl of Brandon Legal Group.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Wesley Chapel Rotary Serves More Than 800 Meals During 2016 ‘Turkey Gobble’ In the spirit of the holidays, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, which meets Wednesdays at Quail Hollow Country Club, once again has served up some holiday cheer — and some delicious food — for those in need, at the club’s seventh annual Turkey Gobble Feast on Thanksgiving Day. About 80 volunteers from the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary and its Satellite Club (which meets Friday mornings in Land O’Lakes) served a total of 800 meals at Atonement Lutheran Church on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel and at Keystone Community Church, also located on S.R. 54, in Land O’ Lakes, In addition to those locations, more than 100 meals were provided to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society in San Antonio. All of the meals were provided by Noon Rotary member Trevor Campbell, the owner of Cash for Gold, located just north of S.R. 54 at Eiland Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Trevor and his family also took time to volunteer on Thanksgiving at the Atonement Church. Other needs for the meals were provided by Noon Rotary members Rick Soriano of Soriano Insurance; event co-chair Jody Sullivan of Fun Services; Ron Oldano of Ameriprise Financial; the club’s president Pablo Rivera of CORE Chiropractic; event chair Chris Casella of Primerica of Wesley Chapel; Hungry Harry’s BBQ in Land O’Lakes; Publix; Wesley Chapel Nissan and Wesley Chapel Toyota. The club also thanks the local Boy Scouts and the Wiregrass Ranch High Interact Club for their help. For more info, call 862-8989 or

These photos were taken at the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Clubs seventh annual Turkey Gobble Feast, held again at Atonement Lutheran Church on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. More than 800 meals were served on Thanksgiving at Atonement and at Keystone Community Church in Land O’Lakes.

391-3895, or visit WCRotary.org or the club’s Facebook page. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Crist Announces New Tampa Cultural Center Delay & New Partnerships By John C. Cotey The New Tampa Players (NTP) non-profit community theatre troupe unveiled its 201718 schedule on Nov. 18 at the Hunter’s Green Country Club clubhouse, but not before receiving a little bad news to kick off the festivities. District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist, who represents New Tampa’s District 2, speaking before the group of local actors and supporters, said plans to finally get NTP its new home — the New Tampa Cultural Center (NTCC), to be built across the street from Hunter’s Green on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa (about two miles south of the Pasco County line) — had hit a speed bump. “There’s good news and there’s bad news,’’ Crist told an audience of about 50. “The good news — I got the money. The bad news — I don’t like the timeline.” Crist says that the county is now looking to have the foundation for the NTCC in place by April of 2019, meaning the center likely won’t be ready to open until 2020. The news drew a collective groan from the audience. “I am going to go back and work on that schedule and see what I can do to speed it up,’’ Crist said. Until then, the NTP will put on its 2017 season at the University Area Cultural Development Center (UACDC) on N. 22nd St., where so many of the troupe’s previous shows have been performed. Next year’s slate of performances includes “Jesus Christ Superstar” (in Mar.-Apr.), “The Wiz” (July & Aug.) and “The Addams Family” (Oct. & Nov.). The NTCC will be part of the tenativelynamed Village at Hunter’s Lake development, which is being built on 17 acres of land by Harrison Bennett Properties, LLC. In addition to the cultural center, the project was approved

in Dec. 2014 by the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) by a unanimous (7-0) vote to include a three-acre dog park, a green grocery store, shops, restaurants and 100-250 condos, townhomes or boutique apartments. Land-use, permitting and rezoning issues have slowed the project. David Harrison, who runs Harrison Bennett Properties, was hoping the inspection and approval process would On Nov. 18, Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist upend by Apr. 2017 so dated the New Tampa Players on the progress of the New Tampa construction could fiCultural Center at Hunter’s Green Country Club. nally begin. “The City of Tampa is giving (the de- quality arts-based programming center.” The hope is that the notoriety provided velopers) a difficult time and that’s where I by such partnerships will help lure the deepthink I might be able to help,’’ Crist said. He also said that because the NTCC has pocketed residents of South Tampa north for to be self-sustaining, he is working on bringing additional cultural opportunities. Crist also said in multiple partners who will be able to create that he sees that relationship as being reciprocal. Crist also announced a third partner, the those revenue streams. While stressing that the NTP will be the primary resident of the NTCC, Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, which reaches Crist said he has negotiated a deal to bring the more than 3,000 Hillsborough County youth David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing annually who live in high-risk neighborhoods Arts and the Patel Conservatory on board as or have been diverted from the Juvenile Justice well. He said the NTCC would serve as an an- System. And, while Crist told the NTP that he nex for Patel in North Tampa. doesn’t want the NTCC to be a place where “This will be Patel North,’’ Crist said. That is a huge partnership, Crist added, people just walk in off the street, he stressed that because, “it brings ethos, huge credibility to the it needs to be inclusive, not exclusive. The NTCC itself will still be a facility and elevates it from just being a neighborhood cultural clubhouse to a real, high-scale, 25-35,000-sq.-ft. facility that will cost $10-mil-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

lion (according to the county), although Crist thinks the figure should be closer to $15 million. He said the county currently has $5.5-million to spend, and is looking for the rest. “Let me assure you, it is going to be something you’re very proud of,’’ Crist said, even if it gets built in stages. Crist noted that when he was spearheading the construction of the UACDC, where NTP currently practices and performs, it was built in five phases, while he raised money throughout the three-year construction phase to get it finished. As for where he will get the money, Crist simply said: “I’ll find it.” One of the only concerns raised during the 15-minute presentation was how the partnership with the Straz and Patel centers at the NTCC would impact local dance studios like New Tampa Dance Theater and America’s Ballet School. Crist, however, said that he thinks there are more than enough aspiring performers in New Tampa to support everyone. And, Adam Shoemaker, one of the NTP performers, asked if once the NTCC is completed, will his group of local thespians finally have their own home to practice and perform on their own schedule? Crist wrapped up his comments by promising him they would. “You are a guest at the UACDC, a second thought,’’ Crist said. “It was built for Prodigy. But, this will be your permanent home. You will be the lead tenant in that space, and anybody else would have to work around you.” That final line drew the loudest applause of the night. For additional information about the NTP and their schedule for 2017, visit NewTampaPlayers.org or Facebook.com/ NewTampaPlayers.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

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 info, call 907-1313.

Friday, December 16 - 7:30 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, call Lynne Morgan at 695-6466.

Fri., Dec. 16-Sat. Dec. 31 @ 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM & 9 PM Nightly

Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass - For more info, see the story on pg. 1 of this issue or visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com. Holiday Concert & Sing-Along - The St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (9724 Cross Creek Blvd., New Tampa) Music Ministry Concert Series presents the Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble performing favorites of the season. Enjoy a singalong, holiday sweater contest & refreshments with your family & friends. Tickets at the door: $10 adults, $8 students/seniors, children under 10 are free. For more info, visit StMarkTampa.org.

Saturday, December 17 - 9:30 AM-11:30 AM

Friday, December 23 - 7:15 AM Friday, December 23 - 2 PM

Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Pasco is a support group for adults in Pasco County living with mental illness or in recovery. The group meets the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). For info, visit NAMIPasco.org.

Tuesday, December 27 - 6 PM

BayChapel Food Pantry - Free food to help needy families. Open every Saturday Wesley Chapel Lions Club - The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets every 4th Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). behind Christian Brothers Automotive on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., at 20300 Trout For more information about volunteering, community efforts, meetings, Creek Dr., New Tampa. For more info, visit BayChapel.org. helping the vision impaired & more, visit the club on Facebook or at WesleySaturday, December 17 - Noon-4 PM ChapelLionsClub.com. Pasco County Animal Services Adoption Event - For more info, visit PascoCountyFL.net/PAS or see the story on the next page.

Saturday, December 17 - 6 PM

JANUARY 2017

Monday, December 19 - 7:45 AM

Tuesday, January 10-Thursday, February 2 - 9 AM-3:30 PM

Movies Under the Stars - FREE holiday-themed outdoor movie at Tampa PremiMonday, January 2 - 7:45 AM um Outlets (2300 Grand Cypress Dr.) every Saturday until Christmas, presented Wesley Chapel Toastmasters - The Wesley Chapel Toastmasters club meets by Acme Outdoor Movies. On December 17, the movie is “Beethoven’s Christthe 1st & 3rd Mon. of each month at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 mas Adventure.” For more info, visit m.PremiumOutlets.com. Wesley Chapel Blvd.). For info, call Martin at 693-0969. Professional Business Connections (PBC) - PBC meets Mondays at 7:45 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For more info, call Chris Thurow at 546-6860.

Monday, December 19 - 8 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, December 20 - 6 PM

Pasco Fine Arts Council Member Show - Members will display their artwork at the Pasco Fine Arts Council (4145 Fairford Dr., New Port Richey). The exhibit is open Tues.-Thur., 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. For more information, visit PascoArts.org.

Wednesday, January 11 - 7:30 AM

Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club - The Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club brings business people together to network & present their businesses to the group. The club meets the 2nd Wed. of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Cracker Barrel (5636 Oakley Blvd.). Call Bill at 992-3370.

NAMI Friends & Family: Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Pasco support group for friends & family of those with mental Thursday, January 12 - 6:30 PM Wesley Chapel Republican Club - The club meets the second Thur. of each illness. The group meets the 1st & 3rd Tues. of each month, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at month, 6:30 pm., at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). New Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54). For info, visit NAMIPasco.com. members & guests are welcome to enjoy networking, coffee, and dessert. For Wednesday, December 21 - 7:30 AM speaker schedules, call Peter Cracchiolo at 360-9813. Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business pros dediVisit NTNeighborhoodNews.com to add your upcoming events that are open to the cated to helping their member businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets public to our online calendar. Once approved, they appear in the “Events” section on every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (10441 Cory Lake Dr.) in New Tampa. Call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143. our home page. With enough advanced notice (at least 3-4 weeks), events that happen in our readership areas may also appear in print, as space allows. Wednesday, December 21 - Noon Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (Noon) meets Wed. at noon at Quail Hollow Country Club (QHCC, 6225 Old Pasco Rd.). Firsttime guests attend for free. For more info, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

Thursday, December 22 - 7:30 AM

BNI Networking Meeting - BNI, a networking organization, has a new chapter in Wesley Chapel. Business professionals are invited to attend on Thursdays at Quail Hollow Country Club. Call Vicky McShane to RSVP @ 714-6513.

Thursday, December 22 - 8 AM

Networking For Your Success - The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). All are welcome. For more information, call 994-9944.

Thursday, December 22 - 11:30 AM

RGA Network Weekly Meeting - The RGA Networking Group meets weekly for networking at GrillSmith at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch is noon-1 p.m. For more info, visit RGANetwork.net.

Thursday, December 22 - 7 PM

Celebrate Recovery - Meeting Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Bridgeway Church (30660 16

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Save A Pet From The Grinch Tomorrow!

Have you been thinking about bringing home a furry friend for yourself or your family this holiday season? Tomorrow — Saturday, December 17, noon-6:30 p.m. — you can meet the Dr. Seuss character The Grinch, take pictures with Santa, and “name your own adoption fee” on cats and dogs that are at least 8 months old and weigh more than 25 pounds at Pasco County Animal Services, located at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’Lakes. In this photo, Pasco County Animal Services education coordinator Andrea Ciesluk poses with Ron Oldano (left) and president-elect Kent Ross of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon (see pg. 12 of this issue). Ciesluk was the guest speaker at the club’s meeting on December 7. Oldano, who won the 50-50 drawing after Ciesluk’s presentation, graciously donated it to the shelter’s charitable support arm. For more info, stop in & adopt a dog or cat tomorrow or visit PascoCountyFL.net. — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Dr. Delaura Patel Joins Generations OB/GYN’s Wesley Chapel Office fully staffed on more days of the week.

By Celeste McLaughlin Delaura Patel, M.D., may be the newest doctor at the obstetrics and gynecology practice of Generations OB/GYN, a division of Women’s Care Florida, but she says she’s already been present for the birth of 600 babies, including many she has personally delivered since joining the practice in September. She now sees patients at all three Generations OB/GYN locations, including Wesley Chapel (at the Cypress Ridge Professional Center located off S.R. 56), Carrollwood and on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. south of New Tampa, near the University of South Florida (USF). Dr. Patel is a Tampa Bay-area native who went to medical school at USF, completing a seven-year combined B.S./M.D. (Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine) degree program, graduating in 2012. She then completed an OB/GYN residency at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, working at hospitals in New Orleans, where she completed the program this past summer. Generations OB/GYN is one of many Women’s Care Florida offices that are located throughout the Tampa Bay area and the state of Florida. Generations OB/GYN traces its roots to 1995, when Richard Dillon, M.D., and Brian McNulty, M.D., joined together after about 10 years of each doctor practicing on his own, in an office near their current BBD location. Soon after, Dr. Vicar Qureshi, M.D., joined the office. Over the years, more doctors have joined the growing practice to better serve patients, including Kristen Segall, M.D., Gem Ashby M.D., and Tiffany Patrick, M.D. With Dr. Patel, that brings the total

“All seven doctors go to all three locations,” she explains, “so you can see whatever doctor you want at whatever location is most convenient for you.” All of the practice’s doctors are Board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology, except Dr. Patel, who is Board-eligible, meaning she has passed the written portion of the certification but must practice for several years before receiving her certification. Dr. Patel also is a Junior Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG), while the other doctors are all ACOG Fellows.

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The doctors of Generations OB/GYN are (l.-r., front row) Dr. Gem Ashby, Dr. Richard Dillon, Dr. Brian McNulty & Dr. Delaura Patel; and (back row, l.-r.) Dr. Kristen Segall, Dr. Tiffany Patrick and Dr. Vicar Qureshi. number of doctors in the practice to seven. “It’s great because we rotate so that there are always two doctors at each of our three offices, plus one doctor at the hospital for any pregnant moms who are in labor,” says Dr. Patel. She says this is unique because many doctors don’t arrive at the hospital until a patient is ready to deliver her baby, but that timing can be unpredictable. “With us, the doctor who is working

in the office doesn’t also have to see patients at the hospital, so your appointment is not going to be rescheduled because a baby is being born,” she says. “It also means that the doctor at the hospital is not trying to rush back to the office to do a pap smear.” This arrangement isn’t new. Dr. Patel says Generations OB/GYN has always done it that way, but that when she joined the practice, it allowed the other offices to be more

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Dr. Patel says that most women visit Generations OB/GYN for well-woman exams, contraception, STD testing, urinary issues, menstrual issues and pelvic pain. The doctors serve these women, plus provide extensive gynecological and obstetric services, including infertility evaluations, counseling and treatment; prenatal and preconception care and services, in-office three-dimensional (3D) and 4D ultrasounds, plus all aspects of labor and delivery; as well as general women’s health care, such as cancer testing and screening, sterilization, hormone therapy and more. Many surgical procedures are available, including tubal sterilization, a permanent birth control method that does not require incisions or a local anesthetic. The practice also offers an alternative to the traditional hysterectomy called an endometrial ablation, which helps to treat painful menstrual cycles and requires no incisions, along with less than

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48 hours of recovery time for most women. Other minimally invasive alternatives to hysterectomy also are available, which Dr. Patel says are called hysteroscopic myomectomy, and laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. “These are really fantastic options,” says Dr. Patel. “The techniques have really expanded in recent years. While it’s still a major surgery on the inside, on the outside there’s really not much evidence of it. Women have less pain and less need for pain management, and much faster recovery, making for a much better experience than with a traditional hysterectomy.” Generations OB/GYN also offers a weight-loss program and aesthetic services, such as Botox. “Our weight-loss clinic was established as an adjunct to our other services,” explains Dr. Patel. “We refer patients from all of our offices to the Wesley Chapel office, where we have the weight-loss program.” Dr. Patel says obesity and smoking are the biggest health issues in this country. As doctors who already have relationships with women who say they want to lose weight and are struggling to do so, they decided to bring a program into the Wesley Chapel office to be able to meet the needs of those women without having to refer them to outside sources. “Patients can choose to use medications or do the program without appetite suppressants,” says Dr. Patel, who explains that the program also includes counseling on healthy diet and exercise.

Dr. Patel’s Perspective

Dr. Patel says she first became interested in the OB/GYN field in high school, when she had the opportunity to shadow several physicians in the operating room. She got to

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see several procedures, including a hysterectomy, and said it was so different than her concept of what “work” would be. “This isn’t work,” she remembers thinking. “This is helping people.” She says it’s important to her to help women who are facing health issues, including problems like fibroids and abnormal bleeding. “Your period should not take over your life,” she says. “It is truly satisfying to be able to help someone who has been having problems that interfere with their ability to work and enjoy life.” Dr. Patel adds that she feels that all the doctors at Generations OB/GYN practice in a similar way. “We build relationships with each of our patients as an individual,” she says. “For complex situations, we lean on each other and work together to decide what’s best for the individual patient.” She says this is essential because, “When you’re talking about pregnancy, there are a lot of things that can happen that aren’t by the book,” says Dr. Patel. “I believe our approach leads to better outcomes for moms and babies.” Dr. Patel also says that working at Generations OB/GYN is, “like a dream come true. Here, we grow with the field. We follow all of the latest guidelines to ensure that we’re doing what’s best, according to evidence-based medicine. So, we are willing to change and say to our patients, ‘We used to do this, but now we do this.’” For more info, see the ad on pg. 12, visit GenerationsOBG.com, or call the office of your choice. The practice has locations at 26823 Tanic Dr. in Wesley Chapel (929-7377); 13601 BBD, a mile south of Tampa Palms (972-9300); and at 3321 W. Bearss Ave. in Carrollwood (269-2528).

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SPOTLIGHT ON...Fast Track Urgent Care Center If you’re sick or injured and can’t be seen by your primary care doctor right away, urgent care facilities offer a convenient alternative. Much less expensive than a visit to the emergency room, and with expanded hours when compared with a typical doctor’s office, it’s no wonder urgent care facilities are popular with people in need of medical care all over the U.S. One urgent care facility in Wesley Chapel takes its role in helping meet the healthcare needs of the community to the next level. Fast Track Urgent Care Center, located just off of S.R. 54 west of I-75, calls itself a “boutique” urgent care facility, because it offers not only a personal touch, but also expanded services that can make the inconvenience of a sudden illness or an unexpected injury a little easier to deal with. For example, the center offers what it calls “Fast Pass,” an online check-in system. Although appointments are not required, patients can fill out their paperwork in advance and skip the line when they arrive at Fast Track Urgent Care. “Our goal is to get you in and out within 30-60 minutes,” says Paul Nanda, M.D., who is the medical director for Fast Track’s four locations, including Wesley Chapel, South Tampa, Westchase and Carrollwood. “We know you didn’t wake up that morning with plans to go to urgent care, so we want to make you better and get you back to your life as soon as possible.” Dr. Nanda says Fast Track also offers free home delivery of medications. “If you’re

not feeling well and have a fever, we know you don’t want to wait in line at the pharmacy,” he explains. “So, after your appointment, you can go home and we’ll bring your prescriptions to you within two hours.” He adds, “We also handle all referrals in-house, so we actually make the phone call, ensure that the facility we refer you to will take your insurance, and set up the follow-up appointment for you,” says Dr. Nanda. “We help you navigate the healthcare system. And, we don’t just tell you to follow up with your primary doctor if you don’t feel better in a few days. We tell you to come back to us. We’re a boutique facility, so we give a higher level of care.” Fast Track Urgent Care Center’s Wesley Chapel office is located at 5504 Gateway Blvd. and is open seven days a week, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. To make a reservation with Fast Pass or for a complete list of the medical providers at the Wesley Chapel office, go to FastTrackUrgentCare.com or call 925-1903. Also, see the ad on pg. 23.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic Serves The Community’s Health Care Needs By Brad Stager

In the healthcare business, an ounce of prevention can be less expensive than 10cc of medicine. That approach to treating patients is one of the core principles of Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic, located in the Canterbury Professional Park, off SR 54, two miles east of I-75. Welcoming senior citizen patients insured by Medicare Advantage plans is one way Dr. Mahmud Ahmed, M.D., fulfills his medical practice’s healthcare vision. ““The concept of Medicare Advantage plans is to provide the best possible care with the least use of medical resources — such as tests and medications — without cutting corners, which also saves money,” he says. “The idea is to keep the patient from getting sick.” Medicare Advantage plan providers that Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic accepts are Freedom Health, Optimum HealthCare, Humana Gold Plus, CarePlus Health Plans and WellCare. You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan from three months before your 65th birthday to three months after, during the annual election period between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 of each year, when Medicare beneficiaries can change their coverage. They also can enroll during the general enrollment period Jan. 1 through March 31 of each year, with coverage beginning July 1 of the same year, and during special enrollments based on individual circumstances. More information about enrollment options can be found online at Medicare.

gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227). Dr. Ahmed’s professional perspective was shaped by practicing medicine for 13 years in Canada, which has a substantial national health plan, after earning his M.D. degree from Dow Medical College of Karachi University in Karachi, Pakistan. He completed his medical training at Winnipeg General Hospital and St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Dr. Ahmed is Board-certified in internal medicine and specializes in cardiology. He is happy to explain how his clinical experience in Canada compares with medical practices in the U.S. “Here, doctors do test after test after test,” he says. “In Canada, you do the test that provides the most information.” Established in 2000, Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic provides primary medical care with an emphasis on providing services for senior citizens. According to Marcus Dunmire, Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic’s office manager, taking proper care of patient health with medical screenings before a medical emergency arises or chronic health condition develops is an important part of Dr. Ahmed’s approach to medicine. “We do offer a lot more tests (on-site) than a typical internal medicine practice would offer,” he says. Among the tests that can be performed onsite include glucose checks, electrocardiograms (EKG), spirometry to check lung capacity and tuberculosis skin tests. The clinic also offers a non-invasive onsite colon cancer

The Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic team includes (l.-r.) Mahmud Ahmed, M.D., office manager Marcus Dunmire, Dawn Umsted & Kirti Patel, PA-C. Not pictured: Neeraj Mahajan, M.D.

screening as an alternative to a colonoscopy. Other services available include school and sports physical exams, Department of Transportation physicals, flu shots, vaccinations for things like tetanus and the flu (but no children’s vaccines), anti-inflammatory injections like cortisone shots, blood tests (phlebotomy) and nebulizer treatments for respiratory distress. Dunmire adds that the staff works hard so the patient experience goes beyond encounters with stethoscopes and tongue depressors. “The staff is a big part of the experience,” Dunmire says. “With patients, we always want them to feel important. We

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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take pride in how we treat our patients and in making sure that whatever issues they have are taken care of here.” And when it comes to treating illness, sooner is almost always better than later. “So, when we have a patient who needs to see a doctor, we’re always going to try to get them in the same day,” Dunmire says. That’s an approach to medicine appreciated by George Taber, who says he has been a patient at the Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic for eight years. “Dr. Ahmed and his crew are all great,” the Zephyrhills resident says. “He has a very caring attitude. He doesn’t rush you in and

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out and you’ll have answers to your questions before you leave.” Elaine Faria, also a resident of Zephyrhills, likewise speaks highly of the medical treatment she’s received at the clinic. “I think they’re the best around,” she says. “It’s a triple plus. The staff is wonderful, Dr. Ahmed is wonderful and the physician assistant, Kirti is wonderful.” Certified Physician Assistant Kirti Patel, PA-C earned her MPAS (Master Physician Assistant Studies) from Nova Southeastern University in Orlando and is Board-certified in her profession. She says an attentive ear is as important as a healing hand. “It’s hard to treat the patient if you can’t listen to them,’’ Kirti says. “Listening to the patient’s concerns allows me to bring whatever clinical knowledge I have to help them.” One of the reasons Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic is able to respond in a flexible and caring manner is the availability of two medical doctors and a physician assistant to accommodate its patient population. In addition to Dr. Ahmed, Neeraj Mahajan, MD also is on the staff. He is Board-certified in family medicine and graduated from Gajra Raja Medical College of Jiwaji University in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. He completed his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse, NY.

Mental Health Services, Too Besides having their physical health taken care of, patients also can avail themselves of mental health counseling through Mindful Inspiration Counseling, LLC. Erum Ahmed, LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist) provides the

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counseling services. She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida’s School of Behavioral Sciences in Tampa. “It’s not just taking care of medical problems, but the whole person,” says Erum, who is Dr. Ahmed’s daughter. Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic also carries out its work beyond the patients who come through its doors. The practice often holds presentations about medical issues for Wesley Chapel residents gathered in their community clubhouses and churches. “We are glad to speak on any health issue,” says Dr. Ahmed. “The idea is to keep our community healthy.” The good work performed by Dr. Ahmed and his team recently received an award from Freedom Health/Optimum HealthCare for achieving high marks on the Healthcare Effectiveness Data & Information Set (HEDIS), which health plans use to measure a provider’s performance level of care and service. Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic is one of three clinics operating as Healthflo Medical Clinics, Inc. The other two clinics are in Bushnell and Ridge Manor. Readers interested in a healthcare relationship with Dr. Ahmed and his team should use the name “Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic” if they do their own research online and to determine if their insurance plan is accepted. For more information, call Wesley Chapel Medical Clinic at 994-0800 or see the ad on pg. 24. The clinic is located at 5819 Argerian Dr.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Looking To Buy Or Sell A Home? Check Out The RE/MAX Wilde Team! By Brad Stager Buying or selling a home can be one of life’s most daunting tasks, but doing business with the Wilde Team of real estate professionals at RE/MAX Premiere Group in the Cypress View Square shopping plaza on S.R. 56 means you won’t go into the deal alone. Realtor Bruce Wilde (pronounced “Will-dee”) has more than 30 years of real estate experience and has assembled a team of experts who work with clients to get top dollar on a home sale or guide them into the home of their dreams at the best possible price. The team includes real estate agents to show homes, marketers to ensure maximum exposure, title insurance professionals who make sure the property’s paperwork is in good order and a closer to seal the transaction. The goal, says Wilde, is to, “help a buyer achieve what they’re looking for, and that’s (to buy) a home, and also to help a seller get the most money out of a sale of a home.” The team approach to real estate arises from the idea that selling and buying homes is a complicated process and that a hard-working agent gets involved in the details and aspects of a deal that go beyond the basic functions of listing and selling homes. “Most real estate agents try to do everything, from the beginning to the end,” says Wilde. “We have the team so everyone can do what they’re best at. I decided to find the best people who can help us get the job done on a day-to-day basis.” Among those recruited by Wilde are

A few members of the Wilde Team at RE/MAX Premiere Group on S.R. 56 include (l.-r.) Karen Barnaba, Kristie Lee Kramarz, Bonnie Amador and Bruce Wilde. Karen and Bill Barnaba, owners of Bay people will leave the closing table happy. City Title Partners. Bill says they take “They are the best at what they do,” care of a lot of the administrative “heavy Wilde says. “I’ve never, ever had a problifting” that can accompany a home sale, lem with them. When I turn a deal over to so that the real estate agent can focus on them, I know it’s going to close.” Wesley Chapel and New Tampa are digenerating sales. verse communities and Wilde Team mem“That’s what any real estate agent wants to focus on,’’ Bill says. “They don’t ber Bonnie Amador is often called upon to work with clients whose primary language want the technical headaches that are is Spanish, especially at closing time. involved with the process.” “They always feel more comfortable Wilde expresses confidence that with when somebody speaks their language,” the Barnabas involved, it’s a sure thing

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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says Amador, who is a business development manager, also with Bay City Title Partners. In addition to the expertise of his team, Wilde harnesses the power of marketing to give his clients the benefit of the latest housing market information via his newsletter Market Watch, which is printed and mailed to customers, and through the website FindTampaBayHouses.com. Wilde’s website provides a convenient way to check out the homes available through his team and includes more than 2,000 listings in Tampa and about 400 in Wesley Chapel alone. He says there are about 1,500 registered users checking the listings — which range from a 9,469 square-foot home in Cory Lake Isles in New Tampa with five bedrooms and five baths, selling for a little over $2.9 million, to a 2,000 sq.-ft., three-bedroom, two-bath manufactured home in Wesley Chapel’s Angus Valley for $33,900. In addition to being able to browse the extensive inventory of homes, Wilde’s website has informative and useful articles like “27 Seller Tips” and “How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Two Homes,” that empower home buyers and sellers with knowledge.

The RE/MAX Difference

As part of the RE/MAX Premiere Group, the Wilde Team benefits from a corporate brand with international recognition and reach, that can attract business from across the country and around the world. Real estate Broker Florin Patrascoiu’s business card identifies him as the

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Premiere Group’s “Chief Inspiration Officer,” and he says his job is to support the Wilde Team in the work it does for its clients. “I’m here to help Bruce be the best he can be in running his own business,” Patrascoiu says proudly. While RE/MAX is a global company, its impact locally goes beyond satisfied home buyers and sellers. A portion of every sale through RE/MAX Premier Group is donated to charities such as the Children’s Miracle Network and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, among others. “We believe in the communities we do business in,” Patrascoiu says. “It’s not just about making money, it’s what we do with our money.” Wilde says the local housing market has turned around since home prices dropped and available inventory went up a few years ago, and that now actually is a very good time to be operating a real estate business in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa. “The market has grown very well this year with an increase in values,” Wilde says, adding that new construction, especially in the Wesley Chapel area, will contribute to a healthy housing market and that the community’s reputation for good living extends beyond the Tampa Bay region. “Wesley Chapel is one of the most looked-at areas on the internet throughout the country,’’ Wilde says. “It’s a great family place to live. It’s close to everything and the schools are very nice schools.” While Wilde has the benefit of working in a busy housing market where homes can sell quickly, he knows that home sellers are looking for a sure bet. That’s one reason Wilde says he offers to guarantee to sell

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a client’s home within four months or he will buy it. Restrictions apply to the offer, but Wilde says he will work with a client to assess a home’s value to make that deal.

Join The Team!

Looking toward the future, Wilde anticipates that the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa housing markets will continue to generate a lot of sales, and with that in mind, he’s planning on adding new staff to help out. “We’re going to start recruiting in January,” he says. “What I’m looking for are people who enjoy doing this and want to give back to the community.” As he builds his business, Wilde says his purpose is serving clients’ needs. “My goal is to continue to build a team to help out buyers and sellers and to go over and above their expectations.” Linda and Vasilios Dinamidis are happy to testify to Wilde’s commitment to that goal. “Without Mr. Bruce’s help, we would have never sold our property,’’ the Dinamidises wrote. “Not only did he get it sold for us, he made sure to get us more money than we thought we would ever get! He is extremely knowledgeable and did all the negotiating and hard work to make it smooth and easy for us.” You can huddle with Bruce Wilde and the Wilde Team about your real estate needs at the RE/MAX Premier Group Office, located at 27219 S.R. 56 in the Cypress View Square Shopping Plaza, or call 929-7600. To check out home listings and access useful real estate information, visit FindTampaBayHouses.com or see the ad on pg. 2 of this issue.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

GL Homes’ The Ridge At Wiregrass Ranch To Add Clubhouse Soon By Celeste McLaughlin As those who live or go to school in the area already know, a couple of miles east of the Shops at Wiregrass mall on S.R. 56, behind a stunning entrance with an eye-catching waterfall feature, a brand new community called The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch is taking shape. Families who want to enjoy the best possible Florida lifestyle in luxurious, custom homes began moving into the community earlier this year. Of the more than 180 homes that have been sold in the community so far, 50 have been completed. The Ridge is expected to eventually include 562 homes. Homes in The Ridge are priced starting from $295,000 to $615,000, with sizes from just under 2,000 sq. ft. to more than 5,000 sq. ft. Most homes back up to ponds or conservation areas, and the few homes that back up to another home feature deeper lots and green space in between. The Ridge is being developed, built and sold by Sunrise, FL-based GL Homes. GL Homes is a privately owned company that has been in business for more than 40 years. It started in Palm Beach and Broward counties and has grown to include communities throughout Florida. The company is different from many community developers, because it also is the builder. “We purchase the land, work with engineers to create a site plan, go through the approval process, develop each home site and build each home,” says Marisa Lufkin, project manager for The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch.

This beautiful 12,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse and other amenities at GL Homes’ The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch are expected to be completed and open by February 2017. Although Marisa just recently began working at The Ridge, she says she has been with GL Homes for 17 years, most recently at Valencia Lakes (the only other GL Homes community in the Tampa Bay area), which is for adults ages 55 and older and located in the Sun City Center area of southern Hillsborough County. She explains that being both the developer and the builder has its advantages. “We control the standard of the overall aesthetics,” Marisa says. “We start with the entrance and follow through with the elevations of the homes. We tie it all together, from the guardhouse to the landscaping, to the exterior of the clubhouse and the homes themselves.” The elevations of the homes in The

Ridge all include concrete roof tile, stacked stone exterior details, a covered patio, and brick pavers on driveways, walkways, entries, and covered patios. “These are standard features in all of our homes,” explains Marisa. She adds that the high-end standard features continue inside, as well, where you won’t need to upgrade to get stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, 42” upper cabinets in the kitchen or luxury bathroom finishes. “In this community, you really can have it all,” Marisa says.

Clubhouse & Pools

As homes are being constructed throughout the community, so is The Ridge’s amenity center. The 12,000-sq.-ft.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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clubhouse currently is under construction and GL Homes plans to open it in February. The clubhouse will include a fitness center with 24-hour resident access, aerobics room, indoor sports court, game room, kids room and even an arcade. Outdoors, a resort-style pool is accompanied by a lap pool, kids water play area and a water slide. There also are four tennis courts, a shaded tot lot, a full-size, full-court basketball court, open play field and party pavilion. “There’s nothing else like it in a community this size,” says Marisa. “We’re different for the market, and that’s what attracts buyers to this community.” When the clubhouse is complete, a social director will be hired to build programs based on what the residents want, and schedule those programs based on when they want them. “That’s the beauty of a brand new community,” she says. “We can mold it into an outstanding (facility), and the residents will dictate what those programs will be.” “I can’t wait for the clubhouse to open,” says Steven Nguyen, a resident at The Ridge. “No doubt my two kids will use the pools.” Steven says he moved from New York, “to get away from the cold weather.” The family moved into the new home in May. “We bought a four-bedroom home,” he says, “where I live with my wife, my children and my parents. My brother lives next door.” He adds that the entire family chose to move into The Ridge because, “This community is definitely one of the

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Elementary and Wiregrass Ranch High. Marisa says Steven and his brother aren’t the only families who have purchased two homes next door to each other; other families have their parents next door. She adds that a wide variety of people are coming to live at The Ridge, “from newlyweds to families with children to empty nesters.” She says many of the buyers are local. “Our community gives people who have outgrown their New Tampa homes an opportunity to build a bigger home in the area,” she says, adding that other local buyers Spectacular, quality homes are the norm at The Ridge. are looking to downsize once they become empty best in all of the Tampa Bay area.” nesters. “Other families just want to live He adds, “Here, everything is convein a brand new home with all the finishing nient. Shopping is just minutes away, and touches and these amazing community everything is close.” amenities.” Steven has that in common with many In addition, she says, “GL Homes other residents of The Ridge, who also offers the whole package. From the say they were attracted to it because of the multi-million-dollar entry that makes you location. In growing Wesley Chapel, with feel like you’re coming into an upscale close proximity to The Shops at Wiregrass, community, to our many floor plans and Tampa Premium Outlets, and I-75, the hundreds of options for customization, community is where families want to be. along with the great lifestyle.” Steven also researched local schools The sales center at The Ridge at and liked where students in The Ridge Wiregrass Ranch is open every day, 10 were zoned to attend. The community’s a.m.-6 p.m. For additional information rear entrance, which is not yet open (and about The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch, will be gated for residents only), backs up you can stop in, visit GLHomes.com or to Dr. John Long Middle School. Students call (855) 671-1700. also are zoned to attend nearby Wiregrass

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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New Adventist Private School Breaks Ground On County Line Rd. By Celeste McLaughlin Wesley Chapel families looking for a private, Christian education for children in grades pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) through high school will soon have another option — thanks to the Florida Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. Scheduled to open for the 2018-19 academic year, the still-unnamed school will be located on County Line Rd., on the New Tampa (south) side of the road. A groundbreaking ceremony for the school was held at its future location on Nov. 6. The Florida Conference of SeventhDay Adventists has hired Georgia-based School Growth to manage all aspects of the school’s opening, aside from the design and construction of the building. “We work with the Department of Education and the Florida Conference to design everything from the structure of the school, its operation, brand, and curriculum, to human resources strategies,” explains Scott Barron, the founder and CEO of School Growth. The campus will occupy about 43 acres of land. In the fall of 2018, it is expected to be open to students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, although Barron says the school would enroll a ninth grade class if there is enough demand for it. Higher grades will be added in subsequent years. “We expect to attract families looking for a more personalized approach to learning,” says Barron, who explains that the school will emphasize project-based learning and will provide, “awareness and

A private, Christian Pre-K-through-high school will open on County Line Rd. in New Tampa for the 2018-19 school year. Photos provided to NTNN support for each student as an individual.” an estuary and outdoor classroom, and organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Barron says his company works with Church, is supporting the school by providtake advantage of retention ponds on the public and private schools all over the world property, so that students will be able to ing resources for its development. and can take best practices from these Architects for the project are Fieldlearn about birds and other wildlife that schools — as well as the best professional ing Nair International, a global firm that are attracted to the campus. development strategies — to implement one “We can do this in a way you can’t in builds schools worldwide, which has an of the most advanced schools anywhere. many other locations,” says Barron. “First office in Lutz, and St. Petersburg-based “It’s kind of like a dream school,” he says. of all, because of the weather, and then also Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. because of the natural features of the land.” The new school will be located at The school will integrate outdoor Barron says Florida Hospital Wesley 5814 E. County Line Rd., Tampa. For learning as an essential focus of its curmore information, visit SchoolGrowth. riculum. Barron says his company is work- Chapel, which is owned by the Adventist Health System, part of the worldwide com/tampa-new-school. ing with an ecological architect to create

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Austin Named Top All-Star Lineman But West Falls To East In OT By Andy Warrner Wesley Chapel High (WCH) defensive lineman Christian Austin wreaked havoc on the West team’s offensive line to earn Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman, but it wasn’t enough to lift his fellow All-Stars to victory Dec. 8 in the second annual Pasco County East-West Classic, which was played at Sunlake High in Land O’Lakes. The East team, with Austin and 13 other players from WCH and Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) on the roster, fell to the West 27-21 on a quarterback scramble in overtime. WRH and WCH had seven players each named to the team, which is comprised of only seniors. The event was sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. “This is a great thing, what we’re doing here,” said WRH head coach Mark Kantor, who was the head coach of the East team. “We should keep it rolling. It’s fun to coach the kids (from other schools) and just to be part of this.” Wesley Chapel-area players showed up early and heavily on defense for the East squad. WRH’s 6-foot, 180-pound linebacker Ryan Scamardo made a touchdownsaving tackle and had a quarterback pressure on the West’s opening drive, but the West still found the end zone on a third-and-goal for the game’s first score. A fumble recovery then set up a short field for WCH quarterback Jacob Thomas and the East offense. Thomas completed a first down pass to the 13, and then Zephy-

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Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman Christian Austin rushes the quarterback (left) while Wesley Chapel High QB Jacob Thomas prepares to get the snap from Wiregrass Ranch High center Aaron Beardsley in the second annual Pasco County East-West All-Star game, which was played on Dec. 8.

rhills Christian’s Mykh’ael Chavis ran it in from there to tie the game. Austin, who is undersized for an interior player at 5’-10’ and 190 lbs., but able to use his edge in quickness to make plays, was a menace from his defensive line position. He beat behemoth 6-8, 350-pound lineman Darrin Bright of Ridgewood for a tackle-for-loss on the West’s fourth drive, forcing a punt. On the next West drive, they tried a halfback option play, and Scamardo was there to break it up for a loss of yardage and force a fourth down. Scamardo’s WRH teammate and fellow LB Jason Winston, tripped up the West quarterback on the ensuing drive to force

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another fourth down. Another Bulls player, safety Dylan Bryan, made a huge play on the next drive, intercepting the ball and returning it to the West 36. In the third quarter, the West took a 13-7 lead but local defenders kept making plays, as Winston and Bryan combined to force another West fourth down. The offensive players from WCH and WRH began making their marks, as well. On first-and-goal from the 5, Thomas ran a bootleg to his left and beat the West defense to the corner for a touchdown to give his squad a 14-13 lead. And then, Austin logged another sack on the West’s ensuing possession. With time winding down, the East got

in the end zone again to take a 21-13 lead with 1:12 left to play, but the West charged right back with a touchdown and two-point conversion with 18 seconds left to send the game into overtime. But, even though the West team fell short, WCH coach Tony Egan, who served as an assistant for the East squad, said, “This was an awesome experience, mixing it up with other coaches, no one wanting to give up any secrets, keeping it very vanilla. It’s also another chance for some of these players to get something on film.” Egan mentioned that Thomas had finally received his first of what Egan expects to be multiple scholarship offers, from Ave Maria University near Naples, FL.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Dang! Wiregrass Ranch High Alum & Pro Gamer Is The Street Fighter V Champ! By John C. Cotey

Du Dang says he wasn’t the most popular or well-known kid when he lived in Wesley Chapel and went to Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH). But right now, he might just be the most famous graduate of WRH’s 2014 class. The 20-year-old professional video gamer, who now lives in Tampa and is better known by his gamer tag “NuckleDu,” has won the 2016 Street Fighter V Capcom Cup championship. In the world of professional video gaming, that’s a big deal. Dang flew out to Anaheim, CA, for the big tournament, and came home $230,000 richer after winning every best-of-5 match by either a 3-1 or 3-0 score. His purse was the largest in the history of fighting games, and his winning performance on Dec. 3 was televised live by ESPN 2. Not bad for a kid who just five years ago was a reluctant player getting beat on a routine basis by his uncle. Today, he’s one of the top eSports players in the world. “I was never really a gamer,’’ Dang said. “I hated the concept of fighting games. It was just up-down-left-right. But, I was playing my uncle and he kept beating me, so I started practicing and finally beat him.” The son of Vietnamese parents, it was expected that Dang would study hard in school and become a doctor or an engineer, he says. His older brother and sister are both nursing students. “I just wanted to keep getting good and kept playing,’’ Dang says. “It’s hard to convince your mom at age 17 to let you fly to a tournament.” So hard, in fact, that Dang didn’t tell her he was flying to a tournament in Chicago. When he returned with prize money to help pay the bills, she changed her mind. Dang has lived in tough places in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi and Jackson-

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ville, FL, and he grew up poor. That is changing now, and he wants to be careful with his newfound wealth. “The win took away a lot of problems,’’ he says. He also says that he wanted to invest his Capcom Cup winnings, but not before splurging on an SUV, which would help him get his dogs around town. Onyx (a mastiff), Tieu Bach (a chihuahua) and Tofu (a pit bull) are Dang’s escape from the world of eSports. “They are family,’’ he says. He has to be away from them more than he likes, due to the travel required to stay at the top of his game. Playing mainly the Mike and Guile characters in Street Fighter V, Dang has no plans for letting up in what is left of the year. He has delivered a diagonal jump heavy kick to 2016, winning almost everything in sight during his breakout year. After winning roughly $11,500 in prize money from 2012-15, according to esportsearnings.com, Dang has now pocketed more than a quarter of a million dollars in 2016 alone, thanks largely, but not only, to his big Capcom Cup haul. He was the first American to win a big tournament like that in more than two years, he says. The tournament featured players from Japan, China, Singapore, France, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the U.S., as well as other countries. That win was his third straight in a big

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tournament this Wiregrass Ranch high grad Du Dang (left) is overcome with emotion (above) year, and eighth overall, including after winning the Capcom Cup in Anaheim, CA, earlier this month. The a Canada Cup championships were televised on ESPN 2. win in October Liquid, which is sponsored by a number of that netted him another $6,900. All told, he companies, and was recently bought out by has won 13 championships. the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Dang has It’s definitely not as easy as he has been met all of the Warriors players, and Golden making it look, he says. State has been joined by other NBA teams, “There are definitely a lot of obstacles,’’ like the Orlando Magic and Washington WizDang says. “I missed my niece’s first steps. I ards, in investing in video gaming teams in an have missed a lot of birthdays. You have to effort to reach younger audiences. be willing to make sacrifices, and you have to “It’s pretty amazing how it has have a strong head. I thought about quitting grown,’’ Dang says. “It’s very overwhelmmany times.” ing to play video games for a living. It’s The eSports genre – which is comprised pretty awesome.” of quickly growing competitive gaming Dang hopes to grow along with the leagues and tournaments – is entering the eSports industry. He continues to hone his mainstream at a dizzying pace. In 2016, craft on the Street Fighter platform (played eSports are expected to become a $500-milon the Sony PlayStation 4), and is looking to lion business, and tournaments and chamcontinue his winning ways into 2017. pionships are now being broadcast live on “I didn’t know until last year when I channels like ESPN. Your kids are as likely started winning everything that this is what I to watch their favorite players compete on would be doing,’’ Dang says. “That’s when I Twitch.tv as you were to watch your favorite started seeing real money. And this year, it’s baseball players growing up. Dang plays for a team called Team just blown up.”

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Little Italy’s Restaurant & Catering Adds An Amazing New Lunch Menu!

Lasagna & Salad

Madison Marie, Carl & Jessica Meyers of Little Italy’s By Gary Nager; Photos by Gavin Olsen & GN

LLOW ME to start this review by saying that although Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering isn’t actually physically located “in” New Tampa or Wesley Chapel (it is located on S.R. 54 in Lutz, two miles west of the Tampa Premium Outlets), it is the only place we have in our area serving authentic, delicious sit-down Italian food in a casual eatery that’s more than just another pizza place that also happens to serve Italian specialties. The husband-and-wife team of Carl and Chef Jessica Meyers takes pride in being not only my favorite Italian place located close enough to our distribution areas for me to include it in our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, but also one of the favorite places of so many of our readers. But, the big news is that Jessica and Carl have added a new lunch menu with smallersized (for them, anyway) lunch portions of so many of our favorite dishes that we felt that

Spinach Ravioli Alfredo

these new lunch options warranted their own the tender chicken parmigiana over spaghetti (also full-length feature article in these pages. And served with a side salad). yes, all of the food pics shown here are the Meanwhile, Gavin said the actual portions you’ll receive for only $6-$9 apiece, with the seafood selections shown here hand-crafted individual selling for just a few dollars more. And, lunch pizza (we preferred the meat lovers, but the veggie is served at Little Italy’s Tuesday.-Friday, ‘za photographed better) noon-3 p.m., although the full dinner menu is available anytime the place is open. was his favorite. Although I didn’t So Simple...So Yummy include a picture of it on Although the shellfish dishes pictured on these pages, my favorite the facing page don’t actually appear on the item also could be the mini new lunch menu, Jessica usually includes both meatball (it’s also availthe shrimp fra diavolo and mussels marinara able in chicken or eggplant shown here on her daily specials board, along parm) “grinda,” featurwith the only shellfish option I can still eat ing the meatballs (photo) my entire staff has without an allergic reaction — the linguine deemed the best they’ve had, at least in the with white clam butter sauce. I will say that Tampa Bay area, to date. The mini-sub roll the people whose shrimp over linguine Gavin comes out properly crispy and Jessica’s red photographed for this article were getting a sauce — what her family back in Brooklyn still little impatient waiting for him to finish. calls “tomato gravy” — is second to none in My favorite item off Little Italy’s new our area. One of those perfect meatballs also lunch menu is definitely the still-huge lunch is served as a lunch menu item over spaghetti portion of meaty baked lasagne, which comes with a side salad. with a side salad. Umm, actually, I think it’s Another lunch option not pictured

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here is the personal-sized traditional cheese calzone, which, at just $8, is definitely a lot smaller than the regular size calzone that sells for $13 on the full menu, but it’s still big enough for two to share, especially if you add Buffalo chicken or any kind of meat (pepperoni, sausage, etc.) to it for just $1 per item. I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing daily ravioli special, including the one shown above — spinach and cheese raviolis over Alfredo sauce with

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Individual Veggie Pizza

Linguine with Mussels Marinara

Linguine with Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Chicken Parmigiana over Spaghetti

sautéed spinach in the sauce. I was surprised at how much I loved it because I’m not usually a cream sauce fan, but the spinach was the perfect complement for it and Jessica’s homemade raviolis are to die for...literally.

Help For The Holidays!

If you’re getting ready to host a holiday party for 2-to-200 people (up to 40 if you host it at the restaurant), you owe it to yourself to let Little Italy’s cater it for you. Jessica says she can do anything

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from a huge antipasto salad to big servings of bruschetta to eggplant rollatini, chicken Francese and even a roast beef carving station. Just don’t forget to order a few dozen meatballs. Oh, and maybe also get a dozen hand-piped cannolis filled with Jessica’s house-made cannoli cream for dessert. For more info about Little Italy’s (24436 S.R. 54, Lutz), visit LittleItalyFamilyRestaurant.com or call 909-2122. And, be sure to mention this article or the ad on pg. 36 for a special offer.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Cantina Laredo Adds New Menu Items, Offers Offsite Catering & More!

New Cascabel Pepper Bone-In Ribeye Steak By Gary Nager

HEN I talk to most people about Cantina Laredo, the upscale Mexican restaurant located next to the new Union 72 BBQ (see ad on facing page) in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, the first thing many of them tell me is that “it’s too expensive.” OK, so this Texas-based chain, which now has 37 locations in 18 states, is a little pricy. If you’re looking for two-for-one fajitas for $9.99, you’re in the wrong place. But, that doesn’t mean Cantina Laredo doesn’t have very good food or good value for your money. It just means that if you’re looking for a Mexican place that’s a little more elegant, with better-quality food and a gorgeous bar area featuring a nice variety of everything from agave tequilas to red, white and sparkling wine and from premium vodkas and whiskeys to Mexican and domestic beers with great Happy Hour specials (see below), I recommend a visit to Cantina Laredo,

whether during your next shopping trip to the mall or for a drink and a bite after work. And, Wesley Chapel general manager Chris Cintino and his outstanding staff promise to make every trip to the Cantina well worth the cost. Before I get into the new menu items, I just have to say that normally, I’m not a big fan of guacamole. Superfood or not, avocados are virtually tasteless to me, but when you add just the right amount of diced tomatoes and onions, jalapeños and a generous amount of fresh-squeed lime juice — and the whole concoction is prepared tableside for you, I think this gluten-free delight is well worth the $10.29 pricetag, especially with Cantina Laredo’s endless free chips and salsa. There’s also a new Queso y Guacamole Combinacion, which includes chili con queso (queso cheese dip with chili peppers) and the guacamole, but I haven’t sampled it yet.

So, What Else Is New

Our office enjoyed a recent trip to the Cantina and we did sample some of the great, new items on the menu.

Guacamole Made Tableside

There’s new chicken tinga, chicken fajita, ground sirloin and other new burritos and billing manager Stephanie Smith said her ground sirloin burrito was delicious and filling. Staff writer Celeste McLaughlin also had high praise for the new Monterey chicken enchilada topped with poblano pepper sour cream sauce and poblano drizzle in a soft taco filled with fajita chicken and topped with lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. I enjoyed the new Arroz con Pollo (chicken with rice) soup. But, my surprising favorite new item at Cantina Laredo is the new cascabel peppermarinated, 16-oz. bone-in ribeye steak, which was just so tender after 21 days of aging and perfectly done to my medium rare liking. The steak was served with sliced red potatoes covered with cheese (I wish they were crispy, but they were very tasty) and grilled asparagus. The cascabel pepper isn’t overly spicy, but it adds a unique flavor that I’m betting

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most will love but I know some won’t. If you love sizzling fajitas, I’ve always enjoyed Cantina Laredo’s skirt steak and chicken fajitas, but someone else will have to let me know if they like the new shrimp or portobello mushroom fajitas. I’m allergic to the former and not partial to the latter. Other new tapas items include the chicken tinga Flautitas (flautas) with poblano pepper sauce, tamales and camaron (shrimp) and chorizo (sausage) empanadas. Other favorites on the menu include the

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New Burritos

Chicken Chipotle Lunch Special fresh Fish of the Day special (like an awesome pan-seared sea bass in a jalapeño beurre blanc sauce), the chicken chipotle lunch special and the grilled steak tacos. I also love the chewy Mexican brownie sundae shown above.

Catering, Brunch & More!

Cintino says that Cantina Laredo has a complete off-site catering menu and can also cater a private party on-site for up to 30 people in a private room or 75 people in the main part of the restaurant. Cantina Laredo also recently added Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. With

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Sea Bass w/Jalapeño Beurre Blanc

Mexican Brownie items like the crab cakes benedict shown at the bottom of the previous page to chorizos con huevo (sausage with eggs), all Sunday brunch items come with one complimentary mimosa, Bloody Mary or soft drink. Happy Hour specials (served at the bar only) are available Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-7 p.m. & 9 p.m.-close, plus 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sat., with domestic beers for just $2, imports for $3, well drinks/house wines for $4 and Casa Ritas cost just $5. For info, stop in at 2000 Piazza Ave., see the gift card special in the ad on pg. 38, call 907-3068 or visit CantinaLaredo.com.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! Chapel Community website, I really enjoyed the BBQ brisket, collared greens and macand-cheese (left) I tried on my first visit, as well as the southern hot fried chicken on my second visit and I like that all of Union 72’s smoked meats come without sauce on them. For more info about Union 72 (2000 Piazza Ave., #150, next to The Brass Tap), visit Union72.com or see the ad on pg. 43.

Union 72 BBQ Opens In Shops At Wiregrass

If you’re looking for some good, downhome, yet surprisingly upscale barbecue, I definitely suggest a visit to the new Union 72 Barbecue in the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Union 72 is a chef-inspired barbecue restaurant with a modern and innovative take on sauces, rubs & pairings. According to Union72.com, local restaurateurs Jeff Martin and Bharat Chhabria have at least two things in common. They love barbecue and they’re both impressed by the increasing use of global spices and flavors in American culinary scene. Their idea became a reality when Geoff Zukosky, whose cooking technique and vision resonated with their own. Union 72 was born, with Geoff as the Pitmaster. I’m not the biggest BBQ guy myself, but like so many have posted on the Wesley

Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen Getting Closer

Although yours truly isn’t a big fan, the Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen being built on S.R. 54, on previously vacant land located directly adjacent to O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill (see below) in the Wesley Chapel Village Market, does have a building rising out of the ground and should be completed by sometime in early 2017. The 44-year-old, New Orleans, LAbased fried chicken chain now has more than 2,000 locations not only nationwide but around the world. And, with its location right off the S.R. 54 exit of I-75, Popeye’s is likely to enjoy success here in Wesley Chapel, too. We’ll keep you posted as the opening gets closer.

O’Brien’s Adds Thursday As Second Karaoke Night

Regular readers of these pages know that

I really like the food, the drink prices and the staff at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill (photo above) in the Wesley Chapel Village Market. About the only thing I didn’t like about O’Brien’s was the fact that management reduced the number of karaoke nights from two to one by keeping it on Wed. nights but doing away with it on Thur. nights. Well, thanks to popular demand, karaoke with my buddy Gary Carmichael of Heart & Soul Karaoke (see ad on page 44 of this issue) is back at O’Brien’s on Thur. nights, too, usually starting no later than 8 p.m. For more info, see the O’Brien’s ad on pg. 39 of this issue, call 973-9988 or visit ObriensWesleyChapel.com.

Fushia Adds Chinese Hot Pot Buffet

If you’re looking for a healthier and more fun way to enjoy an authentic Chinese meal, Fushia Asian Bistro has re-created a portion of its space in the Shoppes at Amberly

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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plaza in Tampa Palms (just 15-20 minutes from most of Wesley Chapel) as our area’s first-ever Chinese Hot Pot Buffet. Although it isn’t cheap (it costs $25.99 per person, although it’s $2 off per person if you bring in the coupon in the ad on the next page), Fushia co-owner Sharon Wang says the hot pot buffet can be addicting (in a good way, of course). Sharon says to think of it as a kind of a “melting pot” for Asian cuisine. Each diner chooses one of 8 broths as the “base” for their own hot pot (photo on next page), which simmers on burners at each table. Then, choose from more than 30 different kinds of meat, chicken, shellfish, fish and veggies. Throw it all in your hot pot, let it simmer and then you scoop out all of the goodies and drop them in your plate and enjoy them with more than 20 different sauces — from sweet and mild to multiple kinds of hot & spicy. Your meal comes with soft drinks and dessert. I wouldn’t try the hot pot buffet with the kiddies. Go on a date night, bring the coupon in the ad (on the next page) and try the sensation that’s sweeping large cities across the nation! And, Fushia does still have delicious New York-style Chinese fare next door, too. For more info about Fushia’s Hot Pot Buffet (15315 Amberly Dr.), call 903-6705 or see the ad on the next page.

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Joe Whiskey’s Thriving In Former Skinny’s Location

If you’re a smoker, but you happen to prefer to drink alcohol to beer or wine, you might want to check out the new Joe Whiskey’s Sports Bar, located at 27429 C.R. 54, in the Pinebrook at The Grove shopping plaza, in the same plaza as Best NY Pizza,

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right next to Cody’s Original Roadhouse. Yes, like Skinny’s Sports Bar, which previously was in the same location, Joe Whiskey’s is still a smoker-friendly sports bar with pool tables, some electronic video games, karaoke and live entertainment. The difference is that Skinny’s only served beer and wine, while Joe Whiskey’s has a full, premium alcohol bar with very fair prices. For info, call 973-8336, see the ad below or stop in noon-2 a.m. them that the Neighborhood News sent you! Also, if you haven’t yet seen Episode 12 of WCNT-tv on YouTube, check out my interview (and series of special reports) with Gordie Zimmermann of Florida Hospital Center Ice and Mollyana Ward’s interview with Todd Di Leo, DC, of Intrinsic Wellness Clinic (see ad below). And, don’t forget to Like, Share & Subscribe to WCNT-tv!— GN

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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 813-994-5124.

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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

PET SERVICES CAT SITTING Tampa Cat Lady Professional CatSitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. You can call 813-994-9449 or submit a service inquiry at TampaCatLady.com.

HELP WANTED HIRING PERSONAL TRAINER Private Women’s Studio with Boot Camp & Personal Training in Wesley Chapel & Land O’ Lakes owned by Samantha Taylor. Please no phone calls or walk ins.To apply part time: www.lolfitbodybootcamp.com/hire-pt PIZZAMAKERS & LINE/PREP COOKS WANTED (exp’d. preferred) at New Tampa’s favorite authentic Chicago-style pizza place. Bring Resume during business hours to Full Circle Chicago Pizza at 19651 BBD Blvd. (in the Pebble Creek Collection). PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT) An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide custom, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080.

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

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 400 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710.

Not getting the calls you know your business deserves?

SQUEAKY CLEAN HOME SERVICES is a residential cleaning company offering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services. We also specialize in movein/move-out cleanup. All supplies and equipment provided. We are an Owner Operator company with over 20 years experience. “If it Needs to be Clean, We’re your Team! Call us for your free in home estimate today! 813-625-6045.

Our Classified Ads are the ones your neighbors actually READ!

R HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES To Keep Your House clean, call Marlene! Working now in Wesley Chapel and the New Tampa areas. Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. We can help: Call 562-637-5974 or email kolungaa@ hotmail.com. FREE estimates.

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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

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Ronnie’s Carpets, Inc. “Our Prices Are Simply Better” WOOD - VINYL - CERAMIC TILE CARPET - LAMINATE

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Cell: 813-312-6853 johnny@ronniescarpets.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 26 • December 16, 2016 •WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Wesley Chapel Resident Defends Her Title At The 4th Annual ‘Wiregrass Wobble’ 5K Race! Before presumably indulging themselves with turkey with all the “fixins” and pie for dessert, nearly 1,7000 local runners started their Thanksgiving Day with a little exercise, kicking off the 4th annual “Wiregrass Wobble” 5K at the Shops of Wiregrass. The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) race drew another spirited crowd, with 1,690 registered for the event. Runners as young as 5-yearolds Amelia Baldwin of Tampa and Isabella Saa of Lutz and as old as 83-year-old Mary Toulan of Land O’Lakes all competed, with some runners dressed up as pilgrims, some wearing turkey hats on their heads, and others just there to get in some serious racing. Michael Poole of Lutz was the top overall finisher, winning with ease. The 25-yearold finished the 3.1-mile course in a brisk 16 minutes, 14 seconds. Ray Friedman of Tampa, 41, finished second, 16 seconds behind Poole, in a time of 16:30. Wesley Chapel’s Joe Salerno, a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High, was third in a time of 16:34. The top women’s finisher was again Jenn Walton, also of Wesley Chapel. Walton, 30, was the 16th overall finisher and completed the course in 18:06. That was 32 seconds faster than last year, when Walton was also the top female. Tampa’s Micaela Torres, a senior at King High, was second in 18:16. Pioneer Medical Group in Wesley Chapel was the presenting sponsor and the race was again put on by the FITNiche store at the mall and the Rotary Club of New Tampa. The proceeds of the 2016 Wiregrass Wobble — which has raised more than $75,000 since the inaugural run in 2013 — will support the Florida Hospital Wesley

Chapel Foundation, FITNiche Foundation and the Rotary Club of New Tampa’s selected charities. The Brass Tap hosted the post-race festivities. — John C. Cotey

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 24 • November 18, 2016 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

It wasn’t all about winning and losing at the Wiregrass Wobble 5K (above), held at the Shops at Wiregrass, although overall female winner Jenn Walton (left) was happy to successfully defend her title.

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