New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 26, Issue 3, Jan. 26, 2018 by Neighborhood News

Volume 26 Issue 3 January 26, 2018

Inside:

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“Build it, and they will come,” says Nagesh Nayak

CRICKET IN NEW TAMPA

A large Indian community would benefit from a local field. By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

(Photo above)Naufil Keshwani batting at Rodney Colson Park. (Photo by Nagesh Nayak) (Left) Nagesh Nayak (left) and Satish Hanumanthu are trying to find support for a permanent cricket field closer to the New Tampa area.

News: Sports: News,Former Business INSIDE Surprise! Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Wharton& High Football Also Inside Blvd. Is Our Area’s Worst Road Players Declare for NFL Draft-

This Issue:Pages 3-17

Education Updates

Pages 34-37 Pages 3-32

Nagesh Nayak is on a mission. The Tampa Cricket League (TCL) president, a K-Bar Ranch resident, has taken his power point presentation to Hillsborough and Pasco county commissioners, emailed and spoken to local politicians, shown up at town halls and, even in the midst of the heated budget battle last year, where Tampa City Council members argued over spending, Nayak stood up and asked for money to build what to him seems logical. A cricket field in the New Tampa area. Sure, he says, land is sparse these days. Business development of what land is available takes precedence. But, look around New Tampa, in places like Cory Lake Isles, Arbor Greene and Tampa Palms, and you might notice Tampa Bay’s largest concentration of Indian residents.

Neighborhood Magazine: The Readers Have Spoken! Here Are Their Favorites! Pages 39-52

See “Cricket” on pg. 6

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Rotary Club Updates On A Unique Exchange Student & The Taste!

An editorial by Gary Nager Despite my best efforts to keep our readers informed about all of the wonderful things New Tampa’s two Rotary Clubs do to help people both here and internationally, there’s no doubt that both clubs do many amazing things to live by Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self.” Rotary International (RI) is the world’s largest service organization, with more than 1.2 million members in thousands of clubs worldwide. RI is the organization that has now all but eradicated polio, once a dreaded scourge afflicting millions without discriminating for race, color, creed or national origin. Today, there literally are only two countries in the world — Pakistan and Afghanistan — that still have new cases of polio being reported, with only eight such new cases in those two war-torn nations because they won’t allow Rotary and the World Health Organization vaccinate everyone in certain areas where those new cases still pop up. But, RI and the thousands of Rotary Clubs across the globe are about so much more than just eliminating polio. Rotary Clubs — including the 20+-year-old Rotary Club of New Tampa (which still meets Fridays at 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club) and the 15-year-old New Tampa Noon Rotary (which meets Wednesdays at noon at Pebble Creek Golf Club) — provide service to their local communities, the Tampa Bay region and the world. One way clubs get involved globally is by exchanging outstanding students in their communities with students from foreign countries to live for a year (there are shorter programs, too), where they get to travel, spread the word about Rotary and immerse themselves in other cultures. The New Tampa Noon club, of which I am a member, has never really been big enough

New Tampa 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 Marketing/Advertising Representative Tom Damico Advertising Sales & Office Assistant Jannah McDonald Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Brad Stager • Andy Warrener WCNT-tv Video Producers/Editors Gavin Olsen • Giuliano Ferrara Graphic Designers Bill Ramsey • Georgia Carmichael

Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 26, Issue 5, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, February 12, 2018. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

note cards, and sold some homemade cakes to raise money. And, while she will be representing all of District 6890 during her visit, she also is now receiving the proceeds of the New Tampa Noon Club’s weekly “Brag Bucks.” In addition, she plans to compete in next month’s Rotary District 6890 club speech contest. If she wins at the “club” ($100 for first place) and “group” levels ($250), she will advance to the District Finals in March, where the prize is $1,000. “That would really help me out a lot,” says M’Kya, who will likely do at least some portion of her speech en Français. “But, I’m prepared to do even more to raise all of the money before I leave for France.”

to sponsor a Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Scholarship student before; but even though our club still has fewer than 20 active members, we recently jumped on the RYE bandwagon in a big way. Wharton High graduating senior M’Kya Gonzalez-Richardson is the president of the A “Tasty” Connection? school’s French club and French Honor Society, I’m also proud to announce that the New and is already fluent in “la langue” (the French Tampa “Breakfast” Rotary Club, which is again language), so the fact she was interested in trave- the organization putting on the Taste of New ling to France was no big surprise. What was surprising to learn was that M’Kya and her mom, Thelsuice Gonzalez (who was disabled from an accident at work when M’Kya was only 9) were actually homeless a few years ago. Although they live in a home in the Wharton attendance district today, their situation isn’t typical of most RYE exchange students — and that’s another reason this very well spoken, excellent student was selected by the New Tampa Noon club to receive the prestigious RYE Scholarship. “It costs $5,500 for room, board, tuition and a small monthly stipend to spend one academic year overseas,” says Helen Chan (with me and M’Kya in the photo), the RYE coordinator for Rotary District 6890, which includes both New Tampa Rotary Cubs and 43 others in Hillsborough, Highlands, Hardee and Polk counties. “So, most RYE students are somewhat affluent themselves, so they can pay those costs. But, the goal is to select high-level students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, to be RYE Scholarship recipients and M’Kya is exactly the type of student — and ambassador for our District — who deserves this type of honor.” Despite their time living on the street (and moving from one relative’s home to another), and her mom’s disability (“I had to grow up faster than most kids because I had to be the one doing the shopping and cleaning for us at a young age,” she says),M’Kya has always thrived at school, whether in Thel’s tough hometown of Gary, IN, or from her time attending Benito Middle School and Wharton here. And, she’s not afraid of having to do some fund-raising of her own to help pay for her year in the northern French city of Normandy. M’Kya and Thel have created and sold hand-made holiday cards and blank thank-you

Tampa & Wesley Chapel (see ad on pg. 15) — on Sunday, March 25, noon-4 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice (in conjunction with the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce) — has agreed to give $1,000 of this year’s Taste proceeds as a thank-you to my Noon Rotary Club, for the efforts of not only yours truly as the restaurant coordinator for the event again, but also for our club’s assistance with day-of registrations for the 2018 Taste. I was able to secure nearly 50 restaurants and beverage providers for last year’s Taste and hope to surpass that number this year. I also hope my club will donate at least a portion of those proceeds for M’Kya’s trip. For more information about the 2018 Taste, including how to pre-buy tickets at a discount before February 1, visit TasteofNewTampa.org!

Table of Contents

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

FHCI Concludes “Transformational” First Year........4 Bruce B. Downs Picked As Worst Road...............8 Meadow Pointe II Fighting Proposed 7-Eleven...10 Readers Sound Off Kinnan-Mansfield Debate.........11 New Tampa Community Calendar..............................14

Local Business Updates..............18-33

Ferrera Dental Listens, Then Fixes Problems.........18 Dr. Manalo Is Proud Of Florida Family Practice......22 Premier Heart & Vascular Keeps The Beat Going...24 Murtha & Murtha Handles The New Tax Laws.....28 Beach House A First For Wesley Chapel..............30

Local School & Sports Updates...34-37

‘Serenity Garden’ Spruces Up Wharton...................34 Two Former Wildcats Heading To NFL Draft............36

Neighborhood Magazine

Reader Survey Results: Stonewood Is #1.........39, 50 Survey Results: More Restaurant Winners!.....40-41 Survey Results: First Watch Tops Breakfast List...42 Survey Results: FHWC Wellness Center #1 Gym...43 Survey Results: New Tampa Plastic Surgery Wins!...44 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........46 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds..........48 Survey Results: Best New Businesses Of 2017......50 @NTWCNews

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Florida Hospital Center Ice Wraps Up First Year As Game Changer By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com There are many businesses that excite, fill a need in and make an impact on a community. Very few, however, could be called “transformational.” In 2017, Florida Hospital Center Ice was truly transformational. “I think that’s the right word,’’ said Hope Allen, the CEO of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. “It has made such an important impact on our community. It has really changed the landscape.” After officially opening on January 25, FHCI’s impact was felt immediately. The first night attracted 300 skaters, the weekend drew more than 600, and nearly 400 signed up for Learn To Skate classes. That was just the beginning. From hockey tournaments and leagues to figure skating to corporate outings, the $28-million, 150,500-sq.-ft. FHCI made nearly every weekend in 2017 a big one. By the end of the year, roughly a million visitors had passed through the doors of FHCI, located just northeast of the S.R. 56 and I-75 interchange. “Definitely the demographics are good, the population is ripe for what we do,” says Gordie Zimmerman,

managing partner of FHCI developer ZMitch, LLC. “The community is just totally excited about the facility. We have been blown away by the response and turnout. It’s been great.” FHCI is the largest ice skating and hockey facility south of New York. Zimmerman estimates that more than 1,500 local kids have enrolled in vari- The puck drop that officially opened Florida Hospital Center Ice on Jan. 25, 2017. (Photo: John C. Cotey) ous hockey and ice competitions and exhibitions as well, and skating programs at FHCI, including a youth travel FHCI hosted the Statewide Amateur hockey program that was expected to Hockey of Florida (SAHOF) high school start with four or five teams, but in- championships, where Wiregrass Ranch High, coached by Zimmerman, finished stead has nine. There is curling on Saturday nights, as the runner-up. But FHCI, which is expected to and FHCI’s adult hockey league has 46 teams, and grows every 12 weeks when deliver an economic impact of roughly the next new season begins. In July, a $20 million a year, is more than just an roller hockey tournament attracted 120 ice rink, “which is kind of our slogan,” teams, and is already scheduled for a Zimmerman says. To that end, it hosted events like the return. There have been figure skating

Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (which returns March 25), “American Idol” auditions and dozens and dozens of corporate events and things like holiday parties in 2017. “It has become a facility for many in terms of sports and corporate, and the two blend very nicely together,’’ Zimmerman says, adding that 71 corporate outings and meetings are already on the books for 2018. Zimmerman says that to pick his 2017 highlight is a difficult task. “There have been a bunch of them,” he says. “Every weekend, there was something happening.” But, while FHCI has already scored a number of coups leading to national exposure, the biggest “get” for the new facility was landing the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey team. Since September, the team has trained at FHCI in preparation for the 2018 Winter Games next month in Pyeongchang County, South Korea. Wesley Chapel is mentioned prominently in practically every article written about the team, and their presence has helped ignite an interest in developing women’s hockey in Florida. The U.S. beat Canada 4-1 at FHCI in a Four Nations Cup exhibition in November, and tickets sold out.

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‘Cricket’

Continued from page 1 Their game is cricket, and they would like a place to play it. “So much of the population would be interested,” Nayak says. A large portion of the more than 26,000 or so households in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code are of Indian and Asian descent, a number Nayak says he believes may be as high as 10 percent. Another zip code with a heavy Indian population, 33620, borders New Tampa at the University of South Florida. In fact, the USF Cricket Club, founded by TCL chairman Satish Hanumanthu in 2007, is one of the top programs in the American College Cricket (ACC) league. The ACC, founded in 2009, has more than 70 teams, and holds its national championship in South Florida during spring break. “USF has won 80 percent of the (collegiate) tournaments it has played in,” Hanumanthu says. “I would safely say, without any disrespect to anyone, you could safely call us the (New England) Patriots of college cricket,” Nayak adds. The program is so esteemed, Hanumanthu says, that the club is often the deciding factor for Indian students coming to attend college in the U.S. “It helps them choose USF over other universities,” he says. “It’s important they have a place to play.” Nayak feels the same way about the New Tampa (and Wesley Chapel) Indian

population, which he says continues to grow and includes the Tampa Palms Cricket Club, which Nayak says has roughly 80 members. The TCL, which has 18 teams of roughly 22-25 players each – 65 percent of whom live in New Tampa — currently plays many of its matches on a small field at Hamilton Park near Tampa International Airport, but it has no lights and can be an hour drive from this area. “We would really like two fields with lights,” Nayak says. Nayak sees a cricket field — which is a rectangular pitch (like a baseball infield) surrounded by a large oval field (like a baseball outfield) — offering a recreational opportunity for adults to play and teach their children the sport they grew up playing, like U.S.-born families do with baseball, basketball and football. He has already looked into attracting new players from Freedom and Wharton high schools, and has led some youth clinics teaching the sport. He also sees a permanent field as a business opportunity, as some of the U.S.’s largest cricket tournaments can draw tens of thousands of spectators over the course of a weekend, filling hotel rooms and local businesses.

About The Game...

Cricket has many nuances but most closely resembles baseball, in that the object is to score runs by hitting a ball thrown by a pitcher, or in cricket parlance, a bowler, who hurls it on one bounce towards a wicket. There are 11 fielders, and the batsman continues to hit

until he makes an out (or is dismissed). A batted ball that makes it through the defense on the ground and to the boundary of the field is worth four runs. A ball hit over the boundary in the air, like a baseball home run, is worth six. Championed by Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham, the county, at a cost of $800,000, opened its first designated cricket fields at Evans Park in Mango back in 2015, and there also is a dedicated cricket field at Rodney Colson Park in Seffner. Nayak has had discussions with Tampa’s District 7 City Councilman Luis Viera, and asked Viera and Hillsborough County District 5 Commissioner Ken Hagan at a town hall last year about making room for a cricket field at a potential K-Bar Ranch park being developed by the city and county on roughly 60 acres of land. Hagan said it sounded like a good idea, while Viera has promised to look into it. But otherwise, Nayak says, the response from Tampa and Hillsborough County has been lukewarm.

Go North, Young Cricketers?

But, just north in Wesley Chapel, Nayak has found a friend in District 2 commissioner Mike Moore, who sees the potential in a cricket field, from a business perspective, and also a chance to please a large base of his constituents. Moore likens the game to lacrosse, which he says has grown from being a niche sport to one of the most popular youth games in America. And, with Pasco County’s focus on capturing a big

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

chunk of the sports tourism market, he sees it as another opportunity to potentially fill hotel rooms Moore put Nayak and Hanumanthu in contact with RADD Sports, the Clearwater-based sports facility management & development company that is building a large indoor/outdoor sports facility, with a Residence Inn by Marriott hotel on site, in Wiregrass Ranch. “I definitely think there is potential (for cricket) to do very well,’’ Moore says. Until then, Moore and the county have provided a large patch of currently unused land that is designated for future development behind the soccer fields at Wesley Chapel District Park (WCDP) for Nayak and his league. The TCL poured $20,000 into removing the dirt and replacing it with rocks and clay to create the pitch, as bowlers throw their pitches on onebounce to the batsman and need a smooth, hard and level surface. They say the field is still a work in progress, but they are hugely appreciative of Moore’s efforts to help. In fact, TCL will host the Wesley Chapel Invitational Championship February 3-4, at their makeshift home. The Minnesota Strykers Club, three-time MN Cricket Association Champions, will compete against the Tampa Stars and USF Bulls. Nayak says the Minnesota team will be staying at the Wesley Chapel Holiday Inn Express, showing the sports’ potential value to sports tourism. Nayak hopes it is the start of something big. For additional information, visit TampaCricketLeague.com.

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The Worst Road In New Tampa? Well, Duh!

The Worst: The intersection at I-75 and S.R 56.

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Will the construction on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. ever end? And, if so, will it no longer be the most hated road in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel? By JOHN C. COTEY than half (56 percent) who responded john@ntneighborhoodnews.com listed BBD as the worst road in the area. Poll results also showed a frustraWhen putting together our antion with other roads. nual “Best Of New Tampa & Wesley S.R. 56 was second, and S.R. 54 Chapel” Readers Poll, was third in our voting. we couldn’t resist askIt’s likely no coincidence ing — based on how many of that those roads, like comments and emails we BBD, lead commuters & receive each year complainonto I-75 (No. 4), which ing about various roads and takes them to I-4 (10 traffic — about some of the miles south of the BBD worst things about the area. exit) many mornings. Namely — which is the So, while the work worst road (although we had our obvicommutes can prove frustrating, it is ous suspicions) and what are the worst exiting those roadways that seems to intersections (which we figured would cause the most consternation. be a toss-up). The big question now: will the When it comes to the worst road, completion of the widening of BBD Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., aka by the end of the year keep the road S.R./C.R. 581, it was obvious that it from again claiming the top spot in next never had a chance not to win. year’s Reader Survey? “Is this a serious question?,” one reader wrote on his form. As the spine of both of our distribution areas, BBD runs all the way through from north of E. Bearss Ave. all the way to S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Bruce B. Downs himself was a deputy Hillsborough County public works administrator who passed away at age 56 in 1983. Three years later, on April 17, 1986 (his birthday), the WORST ROAD county renamed the portion of N. 30th 1. Bruce B. Downs Blvd. St. in Tampa from Fowler Ave. to the Pasco County Line as “Bruce B. Downs 2. S.R. 56 Boulevard” in his memory. It wasn’t until years later that Pasco renamed its 3. S.R. 54 portion of 581 for Downs. At the time, it was a quiet road to 4. I-75 nowhere (with cement blocks at the 5. I-4 county line) with few travelers, offering a pleasant drive from county to county. 6. Fletcher Ave. Then, development happened, and so did the snarling traffic and seemingly 7. Cross Creek Blvd. endless construction. According to our readers, more

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Meadow Pointe II Residents Fighting Proposed 7-Eleven On Mansfield Blvd. By JOHN C. COTEY Wesley Chapel may be developing at breakneck speed, but hundreds of Meadow Pointe residents think there are still lines that need not be crossed. One of those lines is at the southwest corner of Mansfield Blvd. and County Line Rd., where developers are hoping to build a 3,010-sq.-ft. 7-Eleven gas station and convenience store — adjacent to the Kids R Kids Learning Academy of Meadow Pointe (see map). A petition started by Meadow Pointe II resident Chris Dillinger is nearing 1,000 signatures at our press time, as residents have expressed concern about having a 16-pump gas station located so close to a preschool. “That is our No. 1 concern,” said Dillinger, a 39-year-old high school counselor at Sunlake High in Land O’Lakes. “The way the school is set back off of (Mansfield Blvd.), it will basically be blocked in by 16 fuel pumps. It’s not a good set-up. It makes the school less safe.” Dillinger and other Meadow Pointe II residents have been in contact with Pasco County governmental officials, voicing their concerns. Trout Creek Properties, Inc., is either making a request for a special exception to sell gas under its current C-1 (neighborhood commercial) zoning, or asking to be granted a Substantial Modification Request to have the 5.32acre parcel rezoned from C1 to C-2, which is general commercial. Trout Creek’s first meeting with the county’s Development Review Committee (DRC) in Dec. was first continued to Jan. 11, but in the face of mounting opposition, it was continued again; no date had been set at our press time. According to Pasco County senior plan-

ner Corelynn Howell, the developers will need to re-notice the development, which involves mailing notices to all of the property owners abutting the proposed development, as well as re-posting signs. “The county has concerns about it, so we’re going back and forth with the applicant, negotiating the issues on both sides,” Howell says. “Everyone needs to get their ducks in a row.” Howell did say the county is leaning away from granting a re-zoning to C-2, because it prefers the property remain residential commercial. In that case, a special exception appears to be the way forward for Trout Creek. Meadow Pointe II has an ally in Pasco County District 2 commissioner Mike Moore, who represents the area on the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Moore told organizers that if the re-zoning request made it to the BCC — which he chairs — he would vote against it. “I agree with them,’’ Moore said. “This is a terrible location for these gas pumps. With a daycare center right behind it, it’s just not compatible with the area, in my opinion.” Another proposed 7-Eleven also is working its way through the permitting process, near yet another preschool. Developers are looking to build a 2,988-sq.-ft. 7-Eleven at the corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Sunday Vanguard Open St., in front of the existing Goddard School and th as well! Feb. 9Center the new Premier Heart & Vascular (see story on pg. 24 and the ad on pg. 7). The developers had their pre-application meeting with county planners in October. For more information about the Meadow Pointe II petition, visit http://bit. ly/2CvXWYw.

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The Kinnan-Mansfield Debate Will Likely Continue Through 2018 I have lived in Meadow Pointe II since 2000 and my subdivision straddles Mansfield Blvd. and County Line Road right behind Meadow Pointe II Clubhouse and I beg to differ with your analysis of our opposition to connecting Kinnan St. to Mansfield Blvd. What you find is B. S. really are the problems of connecting the two roads. Traffic studies (and there have been numerous ones over the years) have shown and proved it would cause traffic bottlenecks at the three intersections and thru the school zones as well as safety issues at the schools. I believe what is a waste of money is another traffic study when Mansfield and County Line Roads are in such bad shape! Money should be spent repaving roads period. Meadow Pointe Blvd. has the expandability to be four-laned and there are no schools until after intersection SR 56. and not that far from Kinnan street. I find reading your paper that you basically take Hillsborough’s side and provide no voice for the people who have to live with this harassment every two to three years. Pasco County Commissioners should put an end to this idea once and for all.

Ray Kobasko Meadow Pointe ll Long Leaf (at MP) Resident Mr. Nagel: Reference is made to your editorial concerning the objections to the connecting of Kinnan St. to Mansfield Blvd. Firstly I am not a resident of Meadow Pointe II but of Meadow Pointe III and I object to the connection you so much desire. Using your same description of why MP II objects to the connection your claim that the traffic will only increase during the evenings and on weekends is, as you said before, BS. As soon as the connection is made, and trust me as soon as enough financial arrangements are made to the benefit of those in power, the connection will be made, those residing in the so called “New Tampa Area” will start

using Mansfield to 56 as their home to work to home route therefore increasing, the already overloaded route, with additional traffic, to think otherwise is at least identical to the use of smoke and mirrors. The dream that residents from Cross Creek/Live Oak would travel down Mansfield and then would turn left (eastward) on Beardsley can only be described as the unreachable dream once you have reached that point why would you desire to take a longer route, such an action is not to be expected from the American humanoid unless forced by physical barriers. Furthermore, those who reside adjacent to Beardsley Dr. lived for many years with the expectancy that once the constructions, due to the lengthening of 56, would cease, peace and quiet would reign in Beardsley where many master bedrooms are less than 10 feet from the roadway and now you and those of Cross Creek want to return the noise and excessive speed, speed limit in Beardsley is posted at 35 MPH, a speed limit that will not be observed since Pasco County’s Sherriff will have many other problems to tend to. But your routing from Kinnan to Mansfield north and an easterly turning from Mansfield thru Beardsley will take you to Meadow Pointe Blvd, which has the space and was planned to eventually become a four lane route, why them planners cannot reroute Kinnan to connect with Meadow Pointe Blvd. is beyond my understanding. If Pasco County is offering that alternative get the engineers back to the drawing board and have them reroute the traffic from the Cross Creek/Live Oak area to connect with Meadow Pointe Blvd, it seems to me as a logical, economical and fastest solution and beneficial to all parties concerned. Sincerely,

other communities, (Meadow Pointe II). I’m tired of these folks trying to hold the rest of us hostage because they are stuck up and don’t want progress. I have been living in Meadow Pointe I way before any of those houses were even built, but they want to slow progress. They do not own the whole area! Not to mention those schools have different start times and is no different than any other morning traffic. As far as the two lane/ four lane non issue, they can merge the 4 lanes into 2 with those permanent barriers that you see on roads. More connections mean more access to businesses on both sides of the line. I’m pretty sure CVS and the Mall wouldn’t be opposed to that road opening. It only makes sense! It’s time! MPII can’t hold us hostage any longer!

Thanks, Warren Mr. Gary Nager, You are wrong in getting involved with something that does not involved you. You can’t even get the Streets involved correct. Kennan is the four lane road that will dump excessive traffic into a development were the narrow two lane cannot be widen due the already villages along Mansfield. You don’t seem to understand that there are three schools plus a college already established on Mansfield. I live in the village of Lettingwell which has a very limited visibility to traffic approaching from the left as we try to exit. We have already had a serious accident at this intersection. When school traffic is using Mansfield in the morning, it is almost impossible to make a left turn to go to County Line

Road. I do not believe you are getting any positive feedback for residents of Meadow Point 2. As a concerned resident of Lettingwell, I am a 100% Disable American Veteran who is very concerned about your unauthorized involvement in this situation. Dick Arens dickarens@verizon.net Editor’s note-I do so love a spirited debate, but the fact is that when the idea of connecting Kinnan (not Kennan) to Mansfield was first discussed probably 15 years ago, it was Hillsborough County officials who opposed it... and I was not only there, I told those folks they were wrong back then, too. I have seen many (but not all) of the traffic studies for this area, but I’ve never seen anything in those studies, at least not to date, to support not connecting roadways that have always been planned to do so. I probably take the concerns of Mr. Arens, a disabled U.S. vet, to heart the most of any of these commentaries, but as someone who has given his personal health to protect all of our liberties, I’m surprised to hear him talk about my “unauthorized involvement” in this situation. As a free American and as the only member of the local media who has lived and/or worked in and reported the news of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for 24 years (as of next month), I stand by my words and hope that Mr. Arens and everyone else who disagrees with me still stands behind my right to voice my opinion, as I stand behind their right to be “heard” disagreeing with me...in these pages. — Gary Nager (not Nagel)

Rafael Rivera MP III resident. Gary — The idiots who oppose the connection live in the same area that don’t want to share their clubhouse with the

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JANUARY 2018 Saturday, January 27

21st Annual Kumquat Festival - In celebration of this unique gem of the citrus industry, the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the 21st annual Kumquat Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., on the streets of historic downtown Dade City. With free admission, a great arts & crafts area, a car show, farmer’s market, health & wellness section, great food, including kumquat pies and other products and live entertainment, come celebrate the kumquat with your entire family! Bay Chapel Food Pantry - Free food for needy families. Open every Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., behind Christian Brothers Automotive at 20300 Trout Creek Dr. (off BBD). For more info, visit BayChapel.com/foodpantry.

Sunday, January 28

Meditation Group - All faiths and all levels of meditation experience are welcome at this free meeting at Sanctuary Wellness Center, 8903 Regents Park Dr., Suite 120, 10 a.m-11 a.m. For more info, search “The Sanctuary Wellness Center in New Tampa” on Facebook or “New Tampa Intuitive Development Center” on Meetup. 21st Annual St. Mark the Evangelist Golf Tournament - Join the fun at St. Mark the Evangelist’s 21st Annual Golf Tournament, Dinner & Live Auction at Hunter’s Green Golf & Country Club. Shotgun start at noon. Singles, Doubles, foursomes welcome. $150 per golfer covers golf, cart & dinner. For more info or to register: contact vmainguy@ stmarktampa.org or call Val at 813-508-2735.

Tuesday, January 30

Keep It Local - This seat-specific networking group emphasizes small, local businesses every Tues., 11:30 a.m., at GrillSmith at The Shops at Wiregrass. For info, call Marino Cecchi at (813) 513-9001.

North Tampa Veterans meeting - All armed forces veterans are invited to weekly lighthearted Dutch-treat breakfast at Steak and Shake just off BBD Blvd. (17509 North Palms Village Place) every Thursday at 8:00 am. Get acquainted and your tell tales, new and old. Bring your spouse and your brag sheet.

Friday, February 2

Rotary Club of New Tampa - The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday for breakfast at 7 a.m. at TPGCC. For more info, including the speaker schedule, contact David Lanigan at (813) 760-6548 or dave@davidlanigan.com or visit NewTampa Rotary.org.

Saturdays, February 3 & 17

Fresh Market at The Shops at Wiregrass - First & third Saturdays of every month, more than 50 vendors offer local food and crafts, with live music, at The Shops at Wiregrass Fresh Market, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/events.

Tuesday, February 6

Getting Down to the Bare Bones - Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel hosts a Q&A session with a Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. Bring your questions about shoulder, hip or knee pain. No cost to attend. For more info, visit www.FloridaHospital.com/wesley-chapel/events. Wednesday, February 7

Wiregrass Ranchers Kids Club - Free entertainment for kids, featuring Mr. Tommy, the first Wednesday of every month at The Shops at Wiregrass, from 10-11 a.m. More info at TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/events.

Thyroid Issue Discussion - Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel hosts an information session with Dr. Mia Fronteras, Board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. 12-1 p.m. No cost to attend. More info at www.FloridaHospital.com/ wesley-chapel/events. Wednesday, January 31

English As A Second Language (ESL) - The ESL group meets Wednesdays at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd. in Pebble Creek), 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Classes are taught by native English speakers. The cost is $40 each semester for the workbook & class materials. For info, call Holly at (813) 360-2077. BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets Weds. at Heritage Isles Country Club (10630 Plantation Bay Dr.), at 7:15 am. The cost is $13 to attend, which includes a hot breakfast. Call Lisa Jordan at (813) 621-6015 for info. Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI meets every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at Mulligans inside Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). Call Rob Montgomery at (813) 679-6446. Partners In Network (PIN) - Partners In Network is a group of professionals, one specializing in each area of business. Meets Weds. for lunch at (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.), 11:30 am. Call Georgianna Strickland (813-477-7306) or Ken Fernandez (813334-6000) or email georgianna@strategicmarketingarts.com. Rotary Club Of New Tampa Noon - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at noon at Mulligan’s Irish Pub (in the Pebble Creek Golf Club). Guests are always welcome. For more info, search “New Tampa Noon Rotary” on Facebook. Also on this day, the club will participate in an outrageous, charity “Drag BINGO” event at Hamburger Mary’s in Ybor City (1600 E. 7th Ave.) to benefit Trinity Cafe (2801 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa). Everyone is welcome to support this outstanding nonprofit organization serving the homeless and hungry in Tampa. Reservations are required; call 813-241-6279 and say you are with Trinity Cafe. $10 minimum food purchase required. $10 per BINGO card, cash only. Open for dinner at 5:30 p.m., BINGO starts at 7:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 2018 Thursday, February 1

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Communication, Education Keys To Comprehensive Care at Ferrera Dental By ANDY WARRENER

If you’re coming in for an appointment at Ferrera Dental Care, located just off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., south of E. Bearss Ave., be prepared to use your mouth — and not just to “open wide.” General and cosmetic dentist Robert Ferrera, D.D.S., believes that effective, two-way communication is key to achieving excellent results. “I know it sometimes drives my staff crazy because they are looking at the appointment books,” Dr. Ferrera says, “but I always like to have a conversation with my patients before we start any kind of procedure.” Those conversations help familiarize the patient with their dentist, which helps build the kind of patient-doctor relationship that makes any local practice thrive. As a result, Dr. Ferrera has had some clients who have been with him for most of his 30-year career, like Bob Cornett. “I have known Dr. Ferrera for many years, in fact I was his first patient,” Cornett says. “Over the years, I’ve been blessed to have been associated with him. I can’t say enough for the respect I have for Dr. Ferrera and his entire staff. I’m there every three months, and have been doing this for many years.” The initial conversation also helps Ferrera ascertain what the patient is or is not doing that could be causing his or her problem. Oftentimes, it’s not something quite as simple as forgetting to brush your

Age 65 Lost 49 lbs.

Age 62 Lost 49 lbs.

General & cosmetic dentist Dr. Robert Ferrera of Ferrera Dental Care, located just off BBD Blvd.

teeth. Permanent and full mouth damage can be caused by certain habits that patients develop, sometimes unbeknownst to them. “Most people who come in needing full mouth rehabs did the damage to their teeth unintentionally,” Dr. Ferrera says. Full mouth rehabs are a specialty at Ferrera Dental. Teeth grinding is one of the leading causes for patients requiring full mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Ferrera says that grinding is not only something people do while

Age 43 Lost 43 lbs.

Mid 50s Lost 55 lbs.

sleeping, but something they also may be doing while they are wide awake. Having a conversation with patients prior to a procedure can reveal clues about the causes of other dental/mouth issues. Whatever the solution, a friendly, familiar environment is provided where the patient can relax, even when undergoing an otherwise uncomfortable procedure. (Don’t worry, though — Dr. Ferrera’s office offers sedation dentistry for patients who want it.) “Full mouth rehabs are not just prob-

Age 51 Lost 67 lbs.

lems with your teeth, it’s where the uppers and lowers don’t fit together properly anymore,” Ferrera says. “The work is partially cosmetic, but we give patients function they haven’t had before.” It’s not an overnight process, Dr. Ferrera says. There’s a strategic approach that he takes in order to start moving forward in the treatment process, using implants, crowns, bridges and veneers. Sometimes, if the case warrants it, Ferrera will refer a patient to one of the orthodontic specialists or oral surgeons he has worked with before. “I try to work with specialists who have worked with me for a long time, so we can get the result the patient wants in the long run,” Dr. Ferrera says. “Some of these specialists I refer patients to have worked with me for 15 to 20 years.” That familiarity helps Ferrera Dental maintain a level of consistency. This is especially important when it comes to patients who require ongoing treatments. “I happen to be one of those individuals that needed extensive dental work,” Cornett says. “Dr. Ferrera not only diagnosed my problems, but set me up with the appropriate surgeons to have the surgeries performed. After the surgeries, he took care of all the dental fixtures that were required.”

Continuing Education & New Technology

Even though Dr. Ferrera says he has been a practicing dentist for more than 30 years, he never stops learning. While the State of Florida requires 30 hours of continuing education every two

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years, Ferrera says he takes 60 hours every two years. At each course or seminar, he says he looks for at least one new piece of information that he can apply to his practice. “Technology and procedures are constantly changing and evolving,” he says. Cerec Restoration is one of those developing technologies. Cerec is a dental restoration system that allows dentists to produce and place custom-fitted ceramic dental restorations using a variety of computer-assisted technologies. Ferrera got involved with Cerec in 2009, during the nationwide economic downturn. Domestic laboratories were raising prices for lab work and many dentists turned to sending crowns offshore to keep costs down. “I never wanted to send anything offshore,” Dr. Ferrera says. “I realized that I could control my costs by using the Cerec machine.” Today, instead of multiple appointments and sometimes a weeks-long process, Dr. Ferrera can now create and place a crown in only one day. There are two parts to the Cerec machine. The first uses two tiny cameras to map a 3-D image of the patient’s tooth or mouth. The information is sent to a second machine that processes the information and mills a piece of porcelain right there in the office. The system can be used to produce any permanent, single-tooth ceramic restoration, including crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays.

A Hometown Guy

Ferrera has deep roots in the Tampa Bay community. He graduated from Tampa Catholic High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from the University of South Florida. He graduated at the top of his class in 1985 from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in Columbus, with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree. His first job upon returning to Tampa after college was with the late Dr. Richard Valdes, who had an office in northeast Tampa near what is now Florida Hospital Tampa on BBD. Ferrera’s father, Robert, worked at the American Canning Company in Tampa until the plant closed down and shipped production overseas. Robert Sr. then got a job as a security officer at Avila. It was there that he met Dr. Valdes, one of the few residents the elder Ferrera felt was gracious and down-toearth. One day, Ferrera’s father waved down

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Valdes and asked him to counsel his son. “I was very fortunate (Dr. Valdes) chose me,” Ferrera says. “I see him as my mentor. If there’s anything I’m good at, it’s because of him.” Dr. Ferrera worked in an associate position for Valdes for seven years, until his mentor passed away in 1991. By then, Ferrera was already involved in the Temple Terrace Rotary Club. He would soon team up with his friend and neighbor Bill Leonard (as well as Tom Wade) to help create the Rotary Club of New Tampa in 1995, which still meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. Ferrera has held every chair position in the Rotary Club of New Tampa with the exception of president. Participation in community events attracted Ferrera to other organizations, like the Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago & Sant’ Yago Foundation, and the Rough Riders, which both are part of Gasparilla. The Sant’ Yago Foundation connected Ferrera — whose grandfather was from Spain and grandmother was from Cuba — to his Latin roots. The foundation provides full-ride scholarships to 22-25 junior and senior students at USF, the University of Tampa and Hillsborough Community College who are of Hispanic origin. Ferrera joined the Rough Riders in 2017. The Rough Riders are a 501(c)(3) non-profit group whose members dress in regalia reminiscent of U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, who camped in Tampa on their way to Cuba during the Spanish-American War. In addition to participating in Gasparilla, they organize their own Saint Patrick’s Day in Ybor City and go on teddy bear runs, delivering plush toys to children in hospitals; they also visit veterans in VA hospitals. Ferrera has lived in Tampa Palms with his family for the last 26 years. His wife Cheri manages the accounting department at Ferrera Dental and his daughter Morgan runs the office. Dental hygienists Diantha Higdon and Marie Crenshaw each have 20 years each of experience, as does dental assistant Lisa Snow, who works the front desk. “I can actually say I look forward to my visits,” Cornett says. “If you’re looking for a dentist with exceptional skill and compassion, give his office a ring.” Ferrera Dental Care will celebrate its 20th anniversary at its 15047 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. location in March. For more information, call (813) 558-6684, visit DrFerrera.com or see the ad on pg. 28 of this issue.

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Florida Family Practice Has Two Locations Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN

celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com Ronald S. Manalo, M.D., opened Florida Family Practice less than a year ago, seeing patients at both his Wesley Chapel office (in the Cypress Glen Professional Center off S.R. 56 near I-75), and in his Tampa office on E. Fletcher Ave. Dr. Manalo and his family have lived in Wesley Chapel for the last several years. His wife, Dr. Hoka Nyanda, practices with a local dermatology group. They moved here when she began practicing a few years ago, even while he did his residency at the Mercer School of Medicine in Macon, GA. He finished in 2015, then worked as a hospitalist at Navicent Health Hospital in Macon for a year before making the transition to living full-time in Wesley Chapel and opening his private practice here. “I love Wesley Chapel,” he says. “It’s great. It’s not busy like Tampa. It’s nice and quiet, but has a lot of growth and potential to grow, and I look forward to growing with the community.” He says opening his practice is the culmination of many years of hard work and planning. “Since medical school, it’s been my dream to own my own practice,” he says. He received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Meharny Medical College in Nashville, TN, in 2010. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor of Science

Dr. Ronald Manalo, M.D., offers caring, personalized service for those who want to truly develop a relationship with their primary care doctor. Visit him at his Wesley Chapel office or at his Tampa location on E. Fletcher Ave. (B.S.) degree from Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, GA, in 2001. Now, Dr. Manalo is a family practice physician who sees people in all life stages, from infant to geriatric. “As a family doctor, you grow with your patients,” he says. “You get to know them, and they become part of your family, too.” While many parents choose to take

their children to a pediatrician, the whole family can see one doctor at Florida Family Practice. Dr. Manalo says anything a pediatrician can do, he can do, too, but a patient who comes to him as a child doesn’t have to transition to a different doctor when they reach a certain age. “I recently saw a husband and wife who brought their infant to me,” he says. “They’re a young couple, just starting

their family, and it’s just a joy. It is really rewarding to take care of the whole family.” He says his practice is different than what’s typical in our area these days. “We’re personal, patient, caring and compassionate,” Dr. Manalo explains. “You’re not here for a certain time slot and then out the door.” Instead, he adds, “We want to get to know you. When you come to see me, it’s not just about your diabetes or high blood pressure, but you as a whole person. We treat your whole body and we get to know you well.” Dr. Manalo believes that this whole person philosophy, “promotes wellness within.” He also says that he and his office administrator Dayna Yannello are always building these types of relationships with their patients and creating a different atmosphere in the practice. “As a new practice,” he says, “we have the ability to take time with the patients we see, and to really get to know (them). (We’re) unlike other practices around here.”

Happy, Healthy Patients

José Bernardo and his wife, Lillian Ayala, agree that Florida Family Practice is unique. “When we moved here from Puerto Rico six years ago, we came from a different culture, where it’s more of a family relationship built with you and your kids,” José says. “Our experience here with doctors is that it’s been impersonal,

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and the feeling that your doctor cares about you just hasn’t been there.” But, José explains, “Dr. Manalo is completely different from that. He cares. He follows up, emails you, calls you. And, Dayna is amazing. They have been available for us on the weekend, after work hours. We have not been able to find this type of treatment and care from anybody else, and we have tried plenty.” Dr. Manalo explains it this way: “For me personally, the care and services I provide to my patients is a partnership or a trust. A lot of doctors say, ‘do this, take this,’ and that’s that. I like to have more of an open dialogue. We’re developing a relationship; it’s not one-sided where I’m the boss telling the patient what to do.” He says his dream to own his own medical practice is rooted in caring for his community. “I’m getting to know communities and families and want to be the best doctor I can be,” he says. “My vision is to streamline medicine. Some people don’t think primary care is necessary. In the future, I hope to combine family practice and urgent care, so that people who come in just for urgent care can get the follow up they need from a family practice doctor.” In a way, he says, his office already functions similarly to an urgent care facility. “If you need a sick visit, we can accommodate that.” The practice offers same-day visits, so you don’t have to schedule months in advance, and you can even schedule online, through FLFamilyPractice.com. Florida Family Practice is currently

seeing patients at the Fletcher Ave. office on Mondays and Tuesdays, and in Wesley Chapel on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday and after-hours appointments are sometimes available, if needed. “I’m here and I’m available,” Dr. Manalo says. “I have a new vision of how a practice should be. You can reach us by phone, email or text, and you won’t have to wait several days to hear back from the doctor. You’ll see it as you get to know us. Community is key.” Florida Family Practice’s Wesley Chapel office is located at 2412 Cypress Glen Dr., Suite 102, and its Tampa office is at 3000 E. Fletcher Ave., Suite 205. For more information, visit FLFamilyPractice.com, call (813) 812-4133, or see the ad on page 44.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Premier Heart & Vascular Opens New, Freestanding Wesley Chapel Office that could not be done in the previous office is called a nuclear stress test. “We used to have to send patients to our Zephyrhills office for that,” Dr. Gupta says. “Now, we can do it here.” He adds that, as people grow older, they may have heart problems they are not aware of. He encourages anyone with symptoms such as chest pains or shortness of breath to make an appointment with the practice. “We also encourage anyone who is 50 or older to come in for baseline testing,” he says.

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com

As development continues along Bruce B. Downs Blvd., especially in the area around Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC), one of the area’s most noticeable new buildings is the standalone office of Premier Heart & Vascular Center. Premier Heart & Vascular Center was founded by Sunil Gupta, MD, FACC (Fellow of the American College of Cardiology), more than 15 years ago in Zephyrhills. Dr. Gupta earned his medical degree from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India. He completed a cardiology fellowship in cardiovascular diseases at Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, NJ, and in interventional cardiology at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. As the practice has grown, it has expanded to include more doctors, staff and locations. It now includes eight cardiologists and a total of more than 50 people on staff. In addition to its Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills locations, Premier Heart & Vascular Center has additional offices in North Lakeland, South Lakeland and Carrollwood. The practice’s first Wesley Chapel office opened in the Summergate Professional Park near Seven Oaks eight years ago. It moved to the new, expansive, 8,000-square-foot building, almost directly across the street from FHWC (and next to the new Goddard School of

Meet The Premier Team

Dr. Sunil Gupta (left), who founded Premier Heart & Vascular Center more than 15 years ago, and nurse practitioner Morgan Jones, see patient Ricky Holloway in Premier’s new, freestanding Wesley Chapel office, located across and just south of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel on BBD Blvd.

Wesley Chapel), last November. Outside, its large footprint and distinct tile roof attract attention; inside, it’s a bustling cardiology practice where doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other staff members are busy treating patients who suffer from heart ailments such

as coronary artery disease, arterial blockage and cardiovascular disease. “It’s easier to see patients in this larger office,” says Dr. Gupta. “We have more exam rooms, can do additional testing, and it’s easier for the physicians to function.” For example, Dr. Gupta says one test

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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All eight cardiologists see patients at the practice’s five locations, as well as at the five hospitals Premier serves, including Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Florida Hospital Tampa, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Lakeland Regional Medical Center. “We work as a team,” explains Dr. Gupta. “We have a culture of team — from our front office staff and medical assistants to our mid-level staff of physician assistants and nurse practitioners, to our physicians — that I’ve never seen in any other medical group anywhere.” He adds that doing the right thing, being nice, and not greedy, has resulted in practice growth, both in the number of patients, and in the number of highly skilled and highly qualified cardiologists who want to work at the practice. The practice’s eight physicians are all Board-certified cardiologists, each with

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Premier Heart & Vascular’s new Wesley Chapel office is located just a few minutes north of most of New Tampa and offers plenty of parking, as well as a professional staff and excellent service.

advanced training in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease. Each physician also brings unique knowledge and skills that emphasize particular aspects of the field. The physicians and their specialties are: • Dr. Sunil Gupta: Cardiac catheterizations with coronary stenting • Dr. Ketul Chauhan: Cardiac catheterizations with coronary stenting, pacemaker/defibrillator implantations, peripheral vascular disease/varicose veins • Dr. Chetan Khamare: Cardiac catheterizations with coronary stenting, peripheral vascular disease/stenting • Dr. Vikas Soma: Cardiac catheterizations with radial stenting, pacemaker/defibrillator implantations • Dr. Rajesh Lall: Cardiac catheterizations with coronary stenting • Dr. Konstantinos Marmagkiolis: Cardiac catheterizations with coronary stenting, structural heart disease (specializing in valves) • Dr. Jaime Caballero: Cardiac catheterizations with coronary stenting • Dr. Iosif Kelesidis: Electrophysiology (specializing in the electrical system of the heart) Robert and Mary Lou Mary Lou

Neighborhood News

Luzzi are a married couple who have been patients of Dr. Gupta’s for at least 10 years. “He’s always very concerned, goes over everything, asks about your concerns, and is a nice man,” says Mary Lou. “I’ve seen the other doctors, too, and they’re also very nice. The whole staff is great and they go out of their way to help you.” Mary Lou also says that she is always seen quickly when she arrives. “He (Dr. Gupta) is never late for an appointment,” she says. Premier Heart & Vascular accepts a long list of insurance plans and is willing to add to it, according to Robbie Balbontin, RN, who is the practice’s clinical manager, responsible for coordinating its administrative operations. “We take everything,” Balbontin says. “If we don’t take it, we’ll apply for it.” Premier also accepts Medicare and even Medicaid, which Balbontin says is not typical. “We’re one of the few cardiology practices that accepts Medicaid.” Premier Heart & Vascular Center’s new Wesley Chapel office is located at 2477 BBD Blvd. For more information, visit PremierHeartandVascular. com, call (813) 788-1400, or see the ad on page 7 of this issue.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

What you mis Featured Business: Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (01-06)

News: Center Ice, Costco & Irish 31 (01-07)

Events: Light Up The Night & Taste of New Tampa ’17 (01-08)

Join WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager & Florida WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager & Susanna The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Hospital Wesley Chapel’sTracy Clouser, Martinez have news about the status of presents “Light Up The Night,” a 5K road in this exclusive sneak peek at hospital’s Irish 31 at the Shops at Wiregrass & the race & concert event dedicated to the recent expansion. opening of Florida Hospital Center Ice. fight against human trafficking.

Views: 3,370 • Reach: 7,618

Views: 3,809 • Reach: 10,889

Views: 2,741 • Reach: 6,694

Dining News: Vuelo Mexican Grill Spotlight (02-08)

Dining News: Tampa’s Greatest Steak Houses (02-11)

Dining News: Gulfport Restaurants (02-13)

WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager & Mollyana Ward interview Celebrity Chef Mark Estee, who was the chef consultant at the new Vuelo Mexican Grill.

WCNT-tv anchor & dining critic Gary Nager discusses three of his favorite Steak Houses located throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Find out why the quaint waterfront town of Gulfport is famous for its variety of unique dining experiences, with WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager.

Dining News: Ford’s Garage Opening (04-12)

News: Virtual Map of New SR-56 Locations! (04-12)

Views: 3,761 • Reach: 8,226

Views: 3,148 • Reach: 6,901

WCNT-tv was at Ford’s Garage, the WCNT-tv Co-Anchors Gary Nager & Prime Burger & Craft Beer restaurant, Susanna Martinez highlight the most which is now open off SR 56 across from noteworthy restaurants and storefronts the Tampa Premium Outlets! opening on SR 56.

Views: 10,060 • Reach: 20,335

Views: 9,809 • Reach: 21,288

Dining News - Fushia Asian Bistro (06-08)

News: Diverging Diamond Interchange Hands-On (06-22)

Join Gary as he visits Fushia Asian Bistro & Fushia Hot Pot Buffet, which are located in the Shops at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms.

The Diverging Diamond Interchange scheduled to be built at I-75’s SR-56 Exit is discussed by WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager and Susanna Martinez.

Stories: American Idol Comes to Wesley Chapel (08-07)

Dining News: Wiregrass’s Noble Crust & Irish 31 (08-15)

Views: 1,580 • Reach: 12,704

Views: 5,730 • Reach: 31,717

More than 400 Wesley Chapel and New The Shops at Wiregrass is now home to Tampa singers signed up for a chance two more delicious restaurants and bars, to perform on the newest edition of so check out Gary’s special report about “American Idol” these new eateries!

Views: 6,457 • Reach: 16,673

Views: 3,218 • Reach: 16,416

Views: 2,434 • Reach: 5,210

Dining News: Top Restaurants in Wesley Chapel (01-09)

Dining News: Taste of New Tampa 2017 (01-20)

WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager reveals the top three Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel, as voted by more than 500 Neighborhood News readers!

On Saturday, March 18, more than 40 restaurants & beverage providers will gather inside Florida Hospital Center Ice for the 2017 Taste of New Tampa!

News: Crystal Lagoons, Costco’s Opening (02-17)

Dining News: Taste of New Tampa 2017 is Coming! (02-18)

Views: 5,375 • Reach: 13,440

Views: 6,296 • Reach: 10,764

Featuring Epperson Ranch’s Crystal The Taste of New Tampa will be in full Lagoon, the newly opened Costco & the swing as more than 40 restaurants will newest restaurants coming to the Wesley gather inside Florida Hospital Center Chapel and New Tampa areas. Ice following a four-year hiatus.

Views: 2,473 • Reach: 17,457

Views: 3,598 • Reach: 8,912

News: WC Area Restaurants On the Horizon (04-25)

News: Wesley Chapel Aldi Location Changed! (04-26)

News: Popeyes Opens on SR 54 (04-27)

Irish 31, Mellow Mushroom, Newk’s & several more restaurants are getting ready to open or begin building in Wesley Chapel.

Join WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager & Susanna Martinez as they reveal the newly announced new site for the Wesley Chapel Aldi grocery store.

News: Diverging Diamond Construction Dates (06-22)

Facebook Live ‘WCNT-tv One Year Anniversary’ (06-27)

Views: 3,415 • Reach: 6,966

Views: 4,951 • Reach: 10,811

In this second report, Gary & Susanna A special Facebook Live concert event discuss the planned construction timeline featuring Little Silvio & the Disciples of of the Diverging Diamond Interchange off Restless Soul helps us celebrate the I-75 at SR 56. One Year Anniversary of WCNT-tv.

Views: 2,717 • Reach: 13,347

Views: 1,537 • Reach: 9,375

Special Report - Remembering the Late Tom Petty (10-06)

Entertainment: Breast Cancer Awareness Walk (10-13)

Views: 2,830 • Reach: 5,288

WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager Martinez help the commu for Florida Hospital Cente Opening “Puck Drop,”

Views: 4,656 • Reac

Dining News: Best Be In The Bay Area (0

WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager te his favorite Beach Bars in Bay area in this classic N Dining News segm

Views: 3,369 • Reac

Dining News: Little Monstah Calzone (

Gary sits down with own Viewers are raving about the new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen on SR 54, but Jessica Meyers of Little It Restaurant in Lutz to sh is the eatery’s new location causing traffic restaurant’s “gone viral” ca problems getting off I-75?

Views: 2,488 • Reach: 5,660 One Year Anniversary & A Special Proposal (06-30)

WCNT-tv’s One Year Anniversary Concert features a Special Surprise Marriage Proposal. Congratulations to Gary and Jannah!

Views: 2,033 • Reach: 6,949 Entertainment Report Wesley Chapel Jazz Festival (10-16)

WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager takes a few Two charitable organizations left their Smooth jazz, local vendors, and food! moments to remember the late, great mark in Wesley Chapel this past fall, with All this & more were available at the 5th Tom Petty, as well as the victims of our two great events to raise awareness of annual Wesley Chapel Jazz Festival!... nation’s tragic Las Vegas shooting. their respective causes. and WCNT-tv is there!

Views: 4,709 • Reach: 8,660

News: Center Ice “Pu Cost-Co Opening (

Views: 4,567 • Reach:10,195

Views: 3,947 • Reac

Highlights & Bloope Year of WCNT-tv! (

After the first 12 months o news segments & exclu interviews, the WCNT-tv fa to celebrate by having a

Views: 1,853 • Reac

Fashion Focus: Mich Plum for Fall (10

The first in a series of cu made in partnership with Premium Outlets, to inform the latest fall fashion

Views: 5,750 • Reac

missed in 2017

nter Ice “Puck Drop,” o Opening (01-21)

Gary Nager & Susanna p the community prepare ospital Center Ice’s Grand “Puck Drop,” & more!

656 • Reach: 33,179

ws: Best Beach Bars Bay Area (02-22)

Calendar: Exciting January Festivals (01-22)

The Suncoast Music & Art Festival is returning to the Shops at Wiregrass & WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager & Susanna Martinez have all the details.

Views: 3,485 • Reach: 9,010

News: Mosque Arson, Movie Theater Shooter on Trial (03-06)

Featured Business: Fl. Hospital Wesley Chapel Pt. 2 (01-23)

For advertising information, call Tom Damico at 813.910.2575 News: Fl. Hospital Center Ice Open & Ribbon Cutting (02-03)

News: Little Italy’s ah Calzone (05-02)

own with owners Carl & ers of Little Italy’s Family in Lutz to show you the gone viral” calzone video.

947 • Reach: 9,163

Views: 2,461 • Reach: 5,768

Views: 2,921 • Reach: 7,148

Views: 2,393 • Reach: 6,126

Views: 5,106 • Reach: 10,337

Dining News: Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (03-06)

Special Report: Seminole Heights at the Taste! (03-28)

Special Report: Taste of NT & WC ‘Noble Crust’ (03-29)

Featured Business: Jennifer Cofini/Parks Motors (04-11)

ts & Bloopers: One f WCNT-tv! (07-05)

12 months of informative ments & exclusive local e WCNT-tv family is proud e by having a little fun!

853 • Reach: 6,962

Focus: Michael Kors m for Fall (10-20)

a series of custom videos tnership with the Tampa tlets, to inform viewers of st fall fashion trends.

750 • Reach: 11,816

Views: 2,434 • Reach: 6,075

Views: 3,074 • Reach: 7,538

Views: 2,625 • Reach: 5,153

Commentary: Hailey Acierno New Tampa Remembers (05-09)

News: Wiregrass Ranch Expands (05-11)

News: Wiregrass Sports Complex & More! (05-12)

New Tampa remembers Hailey Acierno, a 17-year-old Wharton High junior whose body was found in Flatwoods Park on April 7th.

The Wiregrass Ranch development is expanding, with multiple residential projects, in Wesley Chapel’s fastestgrowing community.

News: Chick-Fil-A & Starbucks Coming Soon to SR-54 (07-11)

News: Wiregrass Update - Audi, Road Extension & More! (07-14)

Views: 3,564 • Reach: 11,353

WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager and Susanna Martinez discuss everything currently under construction on Wesley Chapel’s portion of SR 54.

Views: 4,006 • Reach: 20,935 Entertainment Report: Wesley Chapel Fall Festival (10-25)

Views: 3,895 • Reach: 14,443

Noble Crust owner TJ Thielbar tells Gary WCNT-tv’s Mollyana Ward sits down about the Ricotta Gnocchi served at the with Jennifer Cofini, the Marketing Taste, as well as the upcoming Shops at Coordinator for Parks Motor Group, as Wiregrass location of Noble Crust. this episode’s WCCC Featured Business.

Views: 8,605 • Reach: 17,307

Views: 2,587 • Reach: 5,669

News: Burn Ban Remains in Effect (05-22)

Special Report: Bryan Blue Show (05-30)

RADDsports will be developing a new A burn ban remains in effect for all of Inspired to facilitate debate, the indoor & outdoor athletic complex, in Pasco County, as emergency r conservative-minded Bryan Blue and his partnership with Pasco County, near The esponders successfully control liberal-leaning co-host, Jamie Knight, Shops at Wiregrass. wildfires in New Tampa’s Flatwoods Park. explain the origins of their relationship.

Views: 3,762 • Reach: 15,372

Views: 2,578 • Reach: 8,873

Views: 1,859 • Reach: 7,095

News: Lexus of Wesley Chapel In First Gear! (07-17)

Noble Crust Wiregrass - Entrée Spotlight (07-21)

Story: Zammy Pup, Shriners Hospitals for Children (07-28)

Zammy the Sheepadoodle and his A new Audi dealership, new road The Williams Automotive Group’s Patrick Featuring traditional Italian Dishes with a extensions and an apartment complex Abbad reveals new information regarding Southern twist, check out Gary’s favorite successful career as a therapy dog at built in the Wiregrass Ranch DRI are the Lexus of Wesley Chapel coming soon dishes from Noble Crust’s current menu Shriners Hospital for Children Tampa are specials and more! covered in this Special Report. discussed in this episode. to SR 54.

Views: 2,616 • Reach: 12,007

Views: 2,410 • Reach: 12,721

Views: 5,464 • Reach: 19,301

Views: 4,236 • Reach: 8,901

Fashion Focus: Mimmic Jewelry & Travel Bags (10-27)

Fashion Focus : Fall Accessories! (11-09)

Crystal Lagoon Grand Opening Reveal (11-17)

View, Like & Share Every Episode of WCNT-tv on YuTube & Facebook!

A quick run-down of the activities and WCNT-tv’s Mollyanna Ward & Sarah The third installment in a series of custom The Crystal Lagoon being constructed in events that took place at the 13th annual Rasheid of the Tampa Premium Outlets videos made in partnership with Tampa the Epperson development has begun Wesley Chapel Fall Festival at The give you the inside scoop on what to Premium Outlets, a Simon center, being filled with water and WCNT-tv Grove shppping plaza! wear for the fall season! about Fall Fashions! gives you a first-hand look!

Views: 3,624 • Reach: 7,661

Dining News: Taste of New Tampa 2017 Update! (02-05)

WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager & Florida Hospital The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager attended FHCI’s Check out our preview, as dozens of Wesley Chapel’sTracy Clouser are of Commerce has been busy welcoming Grand Opening ‘Puck Drop’ and has the restaurants will be gathering inside back in Part II of our inside look at the exciting new businesses to the Wesley inside scoop on the exciting services the Florida Hospital Center Ice for the 2017 hospital’s recent expansion. Chapel & New Tampa areas! ice skating facility plans to provide. Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

ary Nager tells you about Join WCNT-tv Co-Anchors Gary Nager Join 50 great restaurants & beverage WCNT-tv’s Gary Nager was live at The Beach Bars in the Tampa & Susanna Martinez for this informative providers for the 2017 Taste of New Taste of New Tampa, talking about all his classic Neighborhood WCNT-tv News Update about an arson at Tampa & Wesley Chapel in this of the local eateries that participated, g News segment! the New Tampa Mosque. installment of Neighborhood Dining News. including two in Seminole Heights.

369 • Reach: 6,616

Featured Business: Florida Hospital Center Ice (02-04)

Views: 2,436 • Reach: 5,180

Views: 2,700 • Reach: 5,073

Views: 6,599 • Reach: 14,057

Murtha & Murtha, LLC, Is Ready To Help You Tackle A Tough Tax Season By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Sometimes, your taxes can be a snap. Buy a computer program, plug in some numbers, and voila! Tax return! But oftentimes, it’s not that simple. In fact, for many, it can be a long, painful, costly and needlessly confusing experience. It doesn’t have to be, though. The father-and-son team of Tom and Patrick Murtha, of Murtha & Murtha, LLC, specialize in making tax season a smoother ride for individual filers and businesses. Stop by, meet the Murthas, hear what they have to offer and experience what the duo refers to as the “Murtha & Murtha Difference.” “It’s true,’’ says Tom Murtha, CPA (Certified Public Accountant). “We really are different.” The Murthas, partners and owners of their firm in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 (across from Sam’s Club), have decades of combined experience. Along with sharing a friendly and an affable nature, they pride themselves on building relationships with clients as much as they do their skill in detangling financial numbers that can mire even the most diligent filer or business person in a maze of numbers, forms and laws. “We’re very approachable,” Tom says, “and that makes a big difference. People are sometimes afraid of going to professionals with all these licenses. They wonder, ‘Will I be able to talk to them?’ But, we are approachable, and we return phone calls.” Returning calls may not sound like that big of a deal, but when it comes to

Murtha & Murtha Tell You 5 Things You Need To Know About The New Tax Bill:

Most of the changes won’t impact this year’s filings. Most go into effect for the 2018 tax year (due April 15, 2019).

The penalty for not having adequate health insurance will still be in effect for 2017 and 2018. It will phase out in 2019.

The Standard Deduction will double, but there will be no more personal exemptions or miscellaneous itemized deductions.

4 Tom Murtha, CPA (left), and his son Patrick, of Murtha & Murtha, LLC, go over some of the new tax codes that will take effect next year. (Photo: John C. Cotey) tax season, it is. A lot of the customers the Murthas will see this tax season are those looking for an accountant because theirs have gone missing. “I’ve been getting a ton of people saying “I don’t know where my CPA is,” Patrick says. “It’s kind of unbelievable.” Patrick grew up around tax codes,

spending lots of time at his father’s business. He also became friends with the firm’s senior accountant, Kyle Flischel, the son of one of Tom’s former business partners, while they were both in high school and helping their dads with tax returns. Patrick and Kyle both attended the University of South Florida. Patrick now holds a

The Child Tax Credit will double to $2,000, and will phase out at a much higher AGI level than the current amount.

In any divorce commenced after Dec. 31, 2018, the spouse paying alimony can’t deduct it, and the spouse receiving the money to pay taxes on it. (Note-the new rules do not apply to

divorces commenced before that date.)

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Finance and a B.S. in Accounting, while Kyle holds a B.S. in Accounting and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Accounting with a tax concentration. They say this tax season will be the busiest yet, but unlike others who get bogged down and are slow to reply, the team at Murtha & Murtha is ready. The firm added marketing manager Heather Harris to the squad last summer. “She was a big addition,” Tom says. “We’re really excited about that as we get ready for tax season, because it’s going to get really crazy.” The Murthas offer free consultations — and often, peace of mind for those whose tax questions are keeping them up at night — but prefer to do those consults in person. They ask potential clients to bring in their last 2-3 years of tax returns, which Murtha & Murtha will examine and, in quite a few cases, find errors that lead to amending those returns and earning a larger refund (or paying less tax) for their clients. And, the Murthas promise they will always be honest with their clients, whether the news is good or bad. “We ask people to come in; let’s meet eyeball to eyeball and make sure we want to work together,” Tom says. “I don’t want you to commit to me unless we like each other and can work together. That’s so important.” Tom earned his B.S. degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, in 1976, and his M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, in 1981. While he was working on his MBA, Tom also worked as assistant controller in the non-bank financial segment of a major New York City bank. He moved to Brandon in 1987 and opened Accutax Services, Inc., a non-CPA public accounting business. One day, his wife told him it was time to leave behind the fire ants and cow patties of Brandon for the surf. Around the same time, he received an offer to sell Accutax Services, which he did in 1997. The Murthas moved to Gasparilla Island, and it wasn’t long before Tom joined another CPA firm in nearby Englewood, FL, that he eventually bought into — Flischel, Murtha & Associates.

An Educated Educator

When Tom passed his Florida CPA test in 2000, he says it was with the fourth

(From l.-r.) Patrick Murtha, Heather Harris, Tom Murtha and Kyle Flischel are ready to tackle the tax season head on. (Photo: John C. Cotey) highest score in the state. He’s also taught nancial reports — “valuable for getting loans accounting courses at both Hillsborough and bringing on investors,” Patrick says — Community College (HCC) in Tampa and and create a budget for the business. at the American Institute of Banking in New “It’s a big deal, because it really makes York City. a business look at numbers and compare Tom says that gives him an edge over it to expectations,” Tom says. “A lot of others when it comes to his ability to easily business owners go day to day, thinking it is explain complicated tax situations in plain what it is and the economy is what it is. But, language to his clients. there’s so much a business can do to bring “I kind of consider myself to be an in more business.” educator,” Tom says. “I make sure when While most accountants focus on clients walk out of here that, after a com- the previous year as they file returns, the plex situation, they understand what’s Murthas also choose to look forward. going on. I’ll ask them to repeat things Because they do valuations as part of their back to me. We go over everything again CFO Retainer Package, businesses can find and again and again. I don’t want people out what they need to do to raise their value walking out of here if they don’t underand sell at the price they desire. stand what’s going on. That doesn’t help The CFO package also offers unlimited anyone.” consulting time with the Murthas. Patrick graduated in 2009, and joined “It’s really intended for business ownhis father in opening a firm in Tampa in 2010 focusing on mergers and acquisitions. One of Patrick’s first tasks was to sell Tom’s Englewood accounting firm. “Within a month, a contract was on my desk,” Tom says. “That was his first success.” In 2013, the Murthas expanded to full service, and in 2015 moved to their current location in Wesley Chapel.

CFO Retainer Packages

At their new location, Patrick conceived of another success — a “CFO Retainer Package” to help businesses and those who are self-employed whose company may need a Chief Financial Officer but don’t have the budget to hire a full-time manager or accountant. For a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO, the Murthas will provide monthly fi-

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ers in growth mode, who are excited about it and want it to grow,” Patrick says. And, for those wondering how the new Republican-backed tax bill might affect their returns, now is as good a time as any to find a trustworthy and reputable CPA firm, like Murtha & Murtha, to prepare. Patrick says that deductions, exemptions and tax rates are all changing, as he plopped a 200-plus page “summary” of some of the new changes coming in 2018 on the table. “I’ve learned it,” Tom says. “I got it.” The Murthas handle a wide spectrum of filers, from individuals to businesses that bring in from $100,000 a year to those with $80-million stock portfolios. Patrick says Murtha & Murtha specializes in big issues, like helping those with rental properties, those who are self-employed, have complicated investments and especially those coming off big life changes like a divorce or an inheritance. “But we help anyone who needs it,” Tom says. With tax season ready to kick into high gear, the Murthas are excited for another busy few months. “The tax season is the best time of the year,” Tom says. “We really enjoy helping people, making a difference with businesses who see their businesses is growing because of us. That keeps me excited. Why do it if it doesn’t make a difference and if you can’t take the worry away?” Murtha & Murtha, LLC, is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit TampaTaxFirm.com or see the ad on pg. 36 of this issue. To schedule a free consultation, call (813) 991-1120.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Beach House At Wiregrass Ranch For Assisted Living & Memory Care Mena refers to the lifestyle offered at Beach House as “resort-style senior living.” Assisted living amenities include outstanding group and private dining options, arts and crafts, a movie theater, wellness programs, grooming/haircuts and fireplaces. Memory care amenities include a variety of personal and social dining settings and dietary options to choose from, as well as activities that focus on the patient’s remaining physical abilities, memories and capability to enjoy them throughout what Mena calls, “the attrition of life.” There also is a secure outdoor area for memory care residents. That means assisting a wide range of residents. “We go from an independent resident to end-of-life needs,” Mena says.

By BRAD STAGER

New Tampa and Wesley Chapel families who want to live near their aging loved ones who require more health and daily living support than can be provided at home will have a new option when Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care at Wiregrass Ranch holds its Grand Opening next month. Even though it’s at least an hour from the nearest beach, the name Beach House is intended to evoke memories of the many splendid summers experienced over a lifetime. The new 93,000-sq.-ft. facility includes 100 residential units, with 67 of them available for seniors looking for assisted living accommodations and 33 suites dedicated to residents who need memory care, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Housing options for assisted living residents range from alcove-style units (basically a studio apartment with a partitioned-off area) ranging from 450-480 sq. ft., to two-bedroom/two-bath floor plans ranging from 782–796 sq. ft. As the first full-service assisted living and memory care facility located in Wesley Chapel, the Beach House offers a number of levels of accommodations and services to its residents, ranging from assisted living (where the Beach House staff provides help with a variety of daily activities, such as shopping and medication management) to memory care programs to support memory function, including discussion groups centered on reminiscing about the past, discussing current events and studying languages and cultures. The Wesley Chapel location joins two

The Full Spectrum Of Care

The Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care at Wiregrass Ranch administrative team: (from left) business office manager Chelsea Rice, director of community relations Callie Sears and executive director Linda Mena. existing Beach House facilities in JacksonHouse at Wiregrass Ranch’s daily operations ville and Naples, FL. They are all owned is executive director Linda Mena, who brings by the Dallas, TX-based Prevarian Senior to her position more than 25 years of experiLiving, LP, which has assisted living and ence working in senior housing. memory care communities in Texas, Florida, Mena earned her Bachelor of Health Oklahoma, and Arizona. Care Administration (BHA) from the UniverDay-to-day operations at the Beach sity of Phoenix, AZ. In 2015, Mena received House are managed by employees of Life her Master of Business Administration (MBA) Care Services, a Los Angeles, CA-based degree, with a focus on Health Care Adminiscompany serving the needs of more than tration, from the University of Central Florida 33,000 senior citizens at facilities throughin Orlando. Prior to assuming her role in Wesout the U.S. ley Chapel, Mena was the executive director of Overseeing all aspects of the Beach the Beach House facility in Naples, FL.

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To deliver services to that wide range of residents, Beach House is licensed as an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) facility, which (according to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs website ElderAffairs.state. fl.us) certifies Beach House’s ability to cover the spectrum of needed care, from limited assistance to total help with many basic needs. According to Mena, Beach House will be staffed to provide 24/7 nursing care. “They truly can age in place in our community and that’s important to residents,” Mena says. “With the attrition of life, their needs become much greater and they don’t want to have to move or make a transition at that frail part of their lives.” Mena notes that 85 percent of the people she and her administrative staff will work with are adult children of prospective residents. She recognizes that many of them are knowledge-

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able about the process and options available, but family members also provide a clear picture of their loved one’s character and history to help in meeting daily needs and creating a meaningful program of activities for them. “It’s really important that we listen when they come in,” says Mena, who adds that knowing as much as possible about the residents, especially those in memory care, helps the staff engage with them more Coming soon to S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel: The Beach House at effectively. As part of those conversations with residents Wiregrass Ranch Assisted Living & Memory Care. and family members, Mena accept payments directly from the insurance makes a commitment on behalf of her Beach companies, if residents or their families have House staff to those they serve at what can be long-term care insurance, it will, as a courtesy, a very rough time of their lives. send the insurance company billing informa“There are a lot of mentoring, assisting, tion so the families can be reimbursed by the and bonding relationships established because insurance company. it’s the trust factor that makes this transition, if Mena says costs will vary, depending you want to say, ‘smoother,’ for this caregivupon the specific support needs of each paer,” says Mena. “My guiding principle is to tient, which are evaluated annually. just be very transparent, honest and forthright With a location that’s convenient to many with them.” of Wesley Chapel’s commercial and cultural She adds that the goal for herself and her activities, such as the Shops at Wiregrass mall staff of Beach House is clear. only 2.5 miles to the west on S.R. 56, a Beach “We make sure the needs of the residents House residency means families can easily are met in every aspect,” Mena says, ‘from embark on multi-generational excursions with the clinical to the dining experience to life their loved ones residing there. enrichment; really addressing the needs of each Temporary Assistance, Too resident as a whole.” The Beach House lifestyle also is available Beach House is a private pay operation, on a temporary basis for what is known as which means they do not accept insurance “respite care,” which according to the Beach plan coverage, and the cost is borne by the House website, “is a temporary stay at a senior residents or their families. Medicaid payments are not accepted. While Beach House does not living community.”

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Senior patients recovering from surgery or illness may find temporary support helpful in their recovery. Caregivers of people normally residing outside of Beach House may also find that respite care is a way to manage vacations or just get a helping hand with assisted living and memory care levels of support. Respite residents at the Beach House will have access to the same services as other longer-term residents, with whom social interaction also is part of the routine. Whether seniors are residing at Beach House for a short respite or to “age in place,” meals are an important part of daily living and socializing, as well as supporting a healthy lifestyle. According to the Beach House website, the chef-created recipes use “fresh, seasonal, local ingredients” and “accommodate any special dietary requirements.”

Beach House not only brings new housing and health care options to Wesley Chapel, it’s also creating jobs, especially in the areas of patient care at the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) level, as well as housekeeping and dietary workers. Mena says the response from our area has been tremendously positive and that 30 percent of the units had deposits paid on them at our press time. If you’re looking for assisted living for yourself or a loved one, arrange a tour at the new Beach House at Wiregrass Ranch (30070 S.R. 56). For more info, call (813) 508-6677, see the ad on pg. 24 or visit BeachHouseWiregrass.com. Beach House’s official Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening is Wednesday, February 21, 11 a.m., with the ribbon cutting scheduled for noon.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Members of the Wharton High “Beautification Club” hope to raise funds to add some green to this serenity garden, which serves as both a memorial and a place of peace and quiet on the school’s campus.

Garden Provides Serenity For Wharton By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN

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Several years ago, students in Wharton High’s Key Club created a place on campus to remember students and faculty members who had passed away. But, the quiet corner it’s tucked into doesn’t have sprinklers, so grass won’t grow, and plants planted in the “serenity garden” wither. Over the years, it fell into disrepair. In fact, says Jennifer Bell, an English teacher at the school, “It became a weed-choked barren thing with a picnic table — not the kind of memorial garden we wanted.” So Wharton’s “Beautification Club,” which Bell co-sponsors with fellow English teacher Lindsey Glenn, went to work. Back in September, with the help of the school’s head custodian, Junior Cintron, club members completely overhauled the area, adding raised plant beds with drought-friendly plants. Now it’s much improved, but members of the club think it still has a way to go. While other solutions have been tried, such as mulch (which washed away in heavy rain), it was decided that the best way to improve the space would be with artificial turf, since no water is available to keep grass alive. The turf is expensive, so the club hopes members of the community might help to make this project happen. The turf is estimated to cost about $1,200. “We know there are people in our community who have been touched by those who were lost,” says Bell. She emphasizes that the area is not only a memorial, which is why it was named the serenity garden.

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“We want to make it a place that is uplifting and beautiful, as a place of reflection,” she explains. “So, if you need to go and re-center yourself, it’s off the beaten path a little, so you can take a quiet moment to yourself if you’re having a rough day.” She says that is already happening. “We’ve heard there are definitely students who have noticed the improvement and have been sitting out there if they are upset and need to take a moment to themselves.” Bell says that the serenity garden isn’t the only project the Beautification Club has undertaken since its inception last year. “One thing that’s striking at Wharton is that everything at the school is gray,” she says. “We felt like the lack of color and beauty was hurting morale at Wharton.” She explains that while the club hopes to overcome the gray with some color, it’s about more than that. “We want to boost morale and improve the overall climate around the school,” she says, explaining that the club takes on a couple of large and a couple of small projects each year. “We’ve placed anonymous PostIt notes to encourage students, we’ve made sensory bottles — also called calm-down bottles — to help autistic students, and painted murals at our oncampus preschool playground.” To support the Wharton Beautification Club’s efforts to install artificial turf in the school’s serenity garden, contact the club’s sponsors via the school: (813) 631-4710. Checks, made out to “Wharton High School” and designated for the Beautification Club, can be dropped off at the school. @NTWCNews

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Former Wildcats Litton, Tate Declare For NFL Draft By ANDY WARRENER

In 2003, the last year Wharton High’s football team went to the playoff, Wildcats’ quarterback Chase Litton was throwing passes to wide receiver Auden Tate. Next year, they may both be on NFL rosters. Tate, a starter for Florida State at wide receiver last season, and Litton, the starting quarterback at Marshall University in Huntington, WV, have both declared for the 2017 NFL draft, scheduled for April 27-29 in Philadelphia. The former WildChase Litton cats just completed their junior years in college, passing on their final years of eligibility. If they ended up drafted, as expected, that would make three members of the 2012 Wharton football team, including Tampa Bay Buccaneer Vernon Hargreaves, on NFL rosters. Tate will forego his senior season at FSU after catching 40 passes for 548 yards and a team-leading 10 touchdowns in 2018. At 6-5, 225, he has all the measurables NFL scouts want these days in a wide receiver. He has

draft “experts” have him being selected in the first three rounds. USA Today ranked Tate as the 39th best prospect in the draft. One mock draft, WalterFootball. com, has Tate going 77th overall to Cincinnati, with Washington taking Litton a pick later. At 6-6, 235-pounds, Litton also has many of the tools NFL scouts drool over, including a lively arm to go with his height. Litton graduated from Wharton a year earlier than Tate, and was a threestar recruit (Rivals.com, 247Sports) who initially committed to hometown USF and reportedly had offers from LSU and Western Kentucky, but settled in on Marshall, where he was a three-year starter. He became one of only two quarterbacks in school history to complete at least 60 percent of their passes in three straight seasons. Auden Tate catches a touchdown pass for Wharton in a 2014 game against King. Tate Litton’s draft prognosis, however, and former Wharton quarterback Chase Litton have both declared that they will be is not as rosy as Tate’s, as he is coming entering the 2018 NFL Draft. (Photo: Andy Warrener) out in a quarterback-heavy year and with very good speed and hands, exceptional paign and the changing of the coaching some scouts feeling he could benefit staff at FSU nudged him to go pro. height and a physical style that gives from an additional year of college. CBS Sports ranks Tate as the No. 7 him an edge against smaller defensive And, although both former Wildwide receiver in the upcoming draft. A backs in the red zone. cats were very good basketball players mock draft at DraftUtopia.com has Tate Shoulder and foot injuries limited in high school, it looks like football has going 10th overall in the first round to his playing time at FSU in his first two turned out to be the right choice for the Los Angeles Rams, while other mock both of them. seasons. However, a solid junior cam-

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Our Readers Pick The Best Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! Stonewood Tops List as Best Restaurant Operating partner Dave Rathbun (photo) says he is often amused when he sees people trying to leave his popular Stonewood Grill & Tavern after a meal, only to bump into a neighbor or someone they know and delaying their exit. Those moments, as much as any other, are when Rathbun can smile and truly appreciate the success of his restaurant. “We tried to create a culture where it feels like the ‘Cheers’ of New Tampa,’’ Rathbun says. And indeed, for Rathbun, it is a place where everybody seems to know his name, because they keep coming back. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the familiarity between the customers and Rathbun and his carefully selected staff (the folks he says “bring the place to life”), and a menu and bar area that almost never fail to deliver one of the best dining and imbibing experiences around are why, once again, Stonewood Grill & Tavern is the Neighborhood News “Best Restaurant in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel,” as voted on by our readers, for a second straight year. Stonewood, a Tampa Palms staple since opening in September 2002, beat out Bonefish Grill and newcomer Noble Crust — the reader’s top pick for best new business (see list, on pg. 50) — which are both located in Wesley Chapel, for the top spot. “It’s just an honor to have people vote for you,” Rathbun says. “I’m humbled by every vote.” Despite a not-so-great location — Stonewood is tucked behind a 7-Eleven and McDonald’s on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of Commerce Park Blvd. — it has thrived as an upscale family restaurant because, well, Rathbun is kind of like family. He has lived in North Tampa for more than 20 years, including Richmond Place the last 16 years. He knows most of his customers, and their kids, and where those kids go to school. “It’s wonderful to work in the community where you live,” he says. Stonewood, a small chain which has 10 locations statewide, is best known for its steaks and seafood. Rathbun says the restaurant receives all of its steaks from only three different plants in Iowa, and “it’s all Midwestern beef, aged for 28 days, then hand cut to our specs and cooked the way you want them.” The restaurant has popular main dishes like delightful short ribs with butternut squash ravioli, hearty grilled rosemary and garlic lamb loin chops, tender oven-baked herb-encrusted grouper

BEST RESTAURANT 1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 2. Bonefish Grill 3. Noble Crust 4. The Hungry Greek 6. Grillsmith 7. Cafe Ole’ 8. Ford’s Garage 9. Texas Raodhouse 10. Burger 21 11. Ciccio Cali 12. BJs Restaurant & Brewhouse 13. Yamato Japanese Restaurant 14. First Watch 15. Capital Tacos

READER SURVEY WINNERS $200 in Gift Cards to the Restaurant of Her Choice:

and cedar plank roasted salmon in an apricot mustard jalapeño glaze, to name a few. Or, you can hunker down at Stonewood’s popular bar and order tavern wings or oak grilled shrimp or anything else from the full lunch or dinner menu. “One of my customers once told me, ‘You know, I can come in here and have a real nice dinner and a bottle of wine with my wife and celebrate an event, or I can come in with my guys and

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BEST MEXICAN

BEST BURGER

BEST THAI

BEST SUSHI

1. Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant

1. Burger 21

1. Arroy Thai (S.R. 54, WC)

1.Bonsai Sushi

2. Cantina Laredo

2. Burger Monger

2. Sukhothai

2. Sushi Cafe

3. Tijuana Flats

3. Red Robin

3. Thai Ruby

3. Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi

4. Capital Tacos

4. Ford’s Garage

4. Thai Lanna

4. Hibachi Express

5. Chipotle

5. Oakley’s Grille

5. Orchid Thai

5. Ginza

6. TacoSon

6. Five Guys Burgers & Fries

6. Liang’s Bistro

6. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

7. Cantina Mexican Bar & Grill

7. The Fat Rabbit

7. Ginza

7. Yamato Japanese Restaurant

8. Casa Ramos (OOB)

8. Grillsmith

8. Yamato Japanese Restaurant

8. Fong’s Sushi

BEST PIZZA

BEST STEAK

BEST CHINESE

BEST ITALIAN

1. PizzaMania

1. Outback Steakhouse

1. Liang’s Bistro

1. Olive Garden

2. Marcos Pizza

2. Texas Roadhouse

2. China Wok

2. Noble Crust

3. 900º Woodfired Pizza

3. Dempsey’s Steak House

3. Asian Buffet

3. Little Italy’s Family Restaurant

4. NY NY Pizza

4. Longhorn Steakhouse

4. Gonna China

4. PizzaMania

5. Cappy’s Pizza

5. Stonewood Grill & Tavern

5. Ho Wok

5. 900º Woodfired Pizza

6. Precinct Pizza

6. Grillsmith

6. Panda Express

6. Bosco’s Italian-to-Go

7. Woody’s Pizza & Wings

6. Bonefish Grill

7. China Gourmet

7. La Prima Pizza

8. Amici Pizza (temp. closed)

7. Glory Days Grill

8. Kwan Ming

8. Ciccio Cali

8. Café Olé

BEST YOGURT/ ICE CREAM 1. Happy Cow 2. Menchies 3. Coldstone 4. Twistee Treat 5. Brusters 6. La Berry 7. Culver’s 8. Baskin Robbins

BEST BBQ 1. Sonny’s BBQ 2. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 3. Union 72 Barbecue 4. Texas Roadhouse 5. Mission BBQ (BBD, N. of Fletcher) 6. Glory Days Grill 7. Grillsmith 8. TGI Friday’s

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If anyone is interested in buying Oakleys Grille or knows anyone who is interested please call Keith Oakley at 321-287-0157 to set up an appointment to discuss. 17631 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33647 • 813.523.5075

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Best Breakfast: First Watch

BEST LUNCH 1. Panera Bread

1. Publix

2. Hungry Greek

2. Don Pan

3. Capital Tacos

3. Panera Bread

4. Ciccio Cali

4. Stonemill

5. Grillsmith

5. Buttermilk Provisions

6. Chick-Fil-A

6. The Cake Shop

7. Asian Buffet

7. 7 Layers Bakery (OOB)

8. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

8. La Macaron

BEST BAR/ HAPPY HOUR First Watch Wesley Chapel manager Kerri Hagerman is proud that First Watch has been voted as having the “Best Breakfast in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel” by Neighborhood News readers. When it comes to places to grab chalkboard at the front of the restaurant. If they end up being a hit, they make it a hot and healthy breakfast in New onto the regular menu. So, items that Tampa and Wesley Chapel, our readers some across the country are experiencing left no choice that their favorite place to for the first time now, the Wesley Chapel do so was First Watch. location featured a year ago. While the area doesn’t have a Items currently being featured: wealth of breakfast options, readers still a Mediterranean tomato stew called managed to name 20 places they would Shakshuka with Moroccan red harissa call their favorite. But, it was First stew topped with cageWatch, located on Bruce free poached eggs, a B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in supergreen frittata wrap, the Shoppes at New Tampa of an acai bowl topped with plaza in Wesley Chapel, fruit and granola, rainbow and then everyone else, as & toast featuring ricotta the Bradenton-based chain cheese-covered brioche garnered 56.5 percent of toast topped with berries, the votes. No other style of mango and local honey restaurant dominated their and a blue booster drink category in the Best of New with white grape juice, blueberry, lemon Tampa & Wesley Chapel the way that and basil. First Watch did. Hagerman says First Watch’s juices, But that is of little surprise to anylike the popular Kale tonic that was one who has waited in line — and who tested here but is now a regular menu hasn’t? — to dine there. item, are always big hits. While the “I think it is multiple things,’’ says restaurant has a reputation for innovaKerri Hagerman, the manager for the tive healthy foods, there also is plenty Wesley Chapel location, which happens for those looking for something more to be the fourth-ranked performing traditional. First Watch of more than 300 loca“We do serve healthy foods, but tions nationwide. “One of the biggest we also have a large variety of indulgent reasons is that we focused on quality as items as well,” Hagerman said. “There’s a company — quality of the food, qualis definitely plenty for those looking for ity of the service and the quality of the something heartier as well.” — JCC people we have working for us.” Hagerman says it all leads to achieving the company’s mission stateBEST BREAKFAST ment: “You First.” The restaurant offers a unique 1. First Watch menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch items, like its popular avocado toast, 2. Wolf’s Den lemon ricotta pancakes, a “chick3. Cracker Barrel ichanga” burrito with whipped eggs, chicken, chorizo sausage, various 4. Panera Bread cheeses, a mild Veracruz sauce and a variety of skillet hashes. 5. Noble Crust Every made-to-order menu item is made with the promise of fresh, and 6. Waffle House often local, ingredients. 7. Tarek’s Cafe The Tampa Bay area, including the Wesley Chapel location, also is First 8. Ciccio’s Watch’s test market for limited time offerings. Every 10 weeks or so, five new items are colorfully displayed on the

Best

BEST KARAOKE 1. O’Brien’s Irish Pub

1. PrimeBar

2. The Brass Tap

3. Applebee’s

3. Irish 31

4. Peabody’s Billiards & Games

4. Linksters Tap Room

5. Joe Whiskey’s

5. The Fat Rabbit 6. O’Brien’s Irish Pub 7. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 8. Peabody’s Billiards & Games

NEW TAMPA WESLEY CHAPEL

BEST BAKERY

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

If you don’t see your favorite restaurants listed on these pages, look for publisher Gary Nager’s 2017 Dining Favorites in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel next issue.

p m s i n e

m h d v

t q d q a p t o h l e e s q u

r c d e f

e o n t e a e p v n s v r p Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Best Gym: FHWC Wellness Center

BEST MASSAGE 1. Massage Envy

1. Oasis Nails

2. Hand & Stone

2. Nail Country & Tan Spa

3. Essentials Massage & Facials

3. Nails at New Tampa

4. Saddlebrook Resort & Spa

4. Happy Nail Salon

5. Ideal Massage

5. Serenity Nails & Spa

6. Massage Green Spa

6. Venetian Nail Spa

7. FHWC Health & Wellness Center

7. CND Nail

8. Caribbean Mystique

8. A Nails

BEST HAIR SALON If you’ve never seen the amazing array of fitness equipment aon the 2nd floor of the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Wellness Center, you owe it to yourself to take a tour. Although we have many wonderful The Health & Wellness Center also fitness facilities located in New Tampa and has a great Fit Fresh café and smoothie Wesley Chapel, our Neighborhood News bar that also sells nutritional supplements readers have voted the Health & Wellness and healthy snacks for people on the go, a Center inside the Wellness Plaza adjacent membership referral program (receive $20 to (and owned by) the same Adventist in “Wellness Bucks” for each new memberHealth Care System as Florida Hospital ship you refer), a Fit Friends Kids Club Wesley Chapel as their favorite. which offers unlimited two-hours-per-day And, who could blame them? Situated babysitting for 1-2 children for just $30 per on the first and second floors of the Wellmonth or $7 per hour child care, whether ness Plaza, the 50,000-sq.-ft. you’re a member of the facilfacility includes two heated, ity or not. indoor pools, a huge variety of Other fee-based services of cardio and strength equipinclude personal training & ment (including free weights), (although members get one men’s and women’s saunas, free consultation with a cera 1/9-mile indoor track and tified personal trainer), small group training, licensed more than 100 group fitness classes, including Les Mills, massage therapy, nutrition Zumba, barre, hot yoga and coaching (members also get indoor cycling. There’s even a circuit trainone free nutrition assessment with a regising area that allows you to get a full-body tered dietitian), swim lessons for adults and workout in just 30 minutes. children, Pilates Reformer and more. Memberships start at $57 per month “It’s definitely the best gym I’ve ever or $684 for a one-time annual payment belonged to,” I heard one satisfied female (save $114) and you can add a second famcustomer tell another. “I’ve lost 20 lbs. and I ily member, age 13 and over (living in the feel the best I’ve felt in years.” same household) for just $34 per month or With its convenient location on Bruce $408 for a one-time annual payment. B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., between S.R.s 56 The FHWC Health & Wellness and 54, the FHWC Health & Wellness Center (2700 Healing Way) is open Center is a short drive from I-75 and a Mon.-Fri., 5 a.m.-10 p.m. & 7 a.m.-7 visit for a tour is well worth the trip from p.m. on Sat. & Sun). For more info, anywhere in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel visit FHWCwellness@ahss.org or call and beyond. I recently took my second tour of the (813) 929-5252. — GN facility with Fatima, one of the enthusiastic front desk staffers, and, even though I live at least 12-15 minutes away and the memBEST GYM bership prices aren’t cheap, Jannah and I are seriously considering joining because 1. FHWC Heath & Wellness Center you can’t beat the variety of equipment and 2. LA Fitness classes you get to use or the true community feeling you get any time you visit.

Best

BEST NAIL SALON

BEST GOLF COURSE

1. New Identities

1. Pebble Creek

2. Hair by Michelle

2. Saddlebrook Resort & Spa

3. Great Clips

3. Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club

4. Sports Clips

4. Lexington Oaks Golf Club

5. HQ Salon Aveda

5. Hunter’s Green Country Club

6. Studio 56 (Jenny Youmans)

6. Heritage Isles Golf Club

7. Salon Tre’ Anne

7. Quail Hollow Country Club

8. InSignia Hair Salon

NEW TAMPA WESLEY CHAPEL

3. Anytime Fitness 4. Crunch!

5. New Tampa Family YMCA 6. Orangetheory 7. Fit 4 Life (see ad, right) 8. Shapes

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Best Plastic Surgeon-Peter Fakhre, MD

Although we have quite a few excellent plastic surgeons advertising with us, we congratulate G. Peter Fakhre, M.D., of New Tampa Plastic Surgery, for farand-away receiving the most votes in this year’s “Best Of” Reader Survey, as the Best Plastic Surgeon in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. But, that’s not the biggest news to announce, as Dr. Fakhre and his professional staff will soon be located of in a new building on Cypress & Ridge Blvd. (a half-mile or so off S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel. Dr. Fakhre, who specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery (one patient calls it “surgical artistry”) of the face, breasts and body, expects the new, freestanding, 10,000-sq.-ft. office (photo) to open by sometime in October, “as long as the weather cooperates,” and notes that he has up to 4,800 sq. ft. of space available for lease, as New Tampa Plastic Surgery will occupy only 5,200 sq. ft. of the new space. “It’s still more than double our existing space (at 2541 Windguard Cir., behind the Grow Financial branch on Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd., across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel),” he says. “Our current office is only about 2,000 sq. ft.” Dr. Fakhre and his staff have been located in the Windfair Professional Center since 2011. At that time, he noticed the

Best

NEW TAMPA WESLEY CHAPEL

BEST PLASTIC SURGERY 1. New Tampa Plastic Surgery 2. Ambay Plastic Surgery

lot at the corner of Oak Myrtle Lane and Cypress Ridge Blvd. He told his wife if that lot ever became available, “I’m going to buy it. Fortunately, that lot became available in late 2014 and I kept my promise to buy it.” The new building will offer opportunities for New Tampa Plastic Surgery to expand its non-surgical options, provided by Nurse Practitioner Christina Ahrens, which currently include Botox and dermal fillers, skin care products and chemical peels. And, Dr. Fakhre says that although the practice has earned the trust of many patients outside of our distribution areas (through word of mouth), he is particularly proud to have won the “Best Of” award from our readers. “Advertising in both the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News has been a big help in branding our practice, and the stories about us have always brought us new patients. Thank you, Neighborhood News readers!” For info about New Tampa Plastic Surgery, call (813) PLASTIC (7527842), visit NewTampaPlasticSurgery. com, the practice’s page on Facebook, or see the ad on page 13 of this issue. To rent space in the new office, call (813) 929-1800 or email info@ newtampaplasticsurgery.com. — GN

3. Bella MedSpa (pg. 31) 4. Artisan Aesthetics (pg. 9) 5. Elite Facial Plastic Surgery 6. Wesley Chapel Dermatology (pg. 3) 7. Vitale Institute

BEST URGENT CARE 1. Florida Medical Clinic 2. MedExpress 3. CVS One Minute Clinic 4. Fast Track Urgent Care 5. Baycare Urgent Care 6. Centra Care 7. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel 8. Lifetime Family Urgent Care

BEST DENTIST

BEST VET

1. Dr. Michael Green (pg. 47)

1. Quail Hollow Animal Hospital

2. Dr. Rodney Holcombe

2. Seven Oaks Pet Hospital

3. McIlwain Family Dentistry

3. Pebble Creek Animal Hospital

4. Dr. Tom Frankfurth

4. Banfield Pet Hospital

5. Dr. Nicole Mitchell

5. Cypress Creek Animal Hospital

6. Dr. Paul Duga (pg. 37)

6. Wesley Chapel Vet Hospital

7. Pediatric Dentistry of NT (pg. 22)

7. PetSmart

8. Dr. Robert Ferrera (pg. 18)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News In Dining, Shopping & Business In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! By GARY NAGER

Casa Ramos Closes

Those of us who have been in New Tampa for the last 20 or more years recognize that certain restaurant locations just can’t seem to find a successful concept to stick around longterm. And, while Kobe Steakhouse seems to have finally stabilized the freestanding space in front of the Pebble Creek Collection that first opened as Harris & Co., there’s little doubt that the space first occupied by Good Fellas in the plaza now known as the Shoppes of Amberly still has not found a long-term winner. Since Good Fellas, the space has been Crabby Bill’s, a New Tampa Oyster House and Sushi Tsu Japanese Steakhouse, all of which had some success but didn’t stick around as long as some of us had hoped (especially Sushi Tsu), but now, the most recent eatery at 15363 Amberly Dr. — Casa Ramos Mexican Restaurant — which opened in 2013, also has gone the way of the dinosaur. The family-run chain of more than 20 upscale Casa Ramos and Azteca restaurants at one time had 40 locations in Oregon, Washington state and Orlando, although we were not able to get in touch with anyone about why Casa Ramos closed sometime around the first week in January.

Oakley’s Grille Is For Sale

If you love the hamburgers and sandwiches at Oakley’s Grille, located at 17631 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (next to Supercuts), as much as I do, maybe you should consider buying the place. Owner Keith Oakley, who has received first place burger and/or sandwich honors from yours truly every year since Oakley’s opened in 2011, says that after decades in the restaurant business, he is ready to turn his “baby” over to someone else. Keith says Oakley’s isn’t closing, but if you have any interest in taking over a successful, turnkey operation with awardwinning food and service, give him a call on his cell at (321) 287-0157. For more info about Oakley’s Grille, see the ad on pg. 41 for a great BOGO deal on your choice of ribeye or chicken Philly sandwich with fries.

Mellow Mushroom Opens On SR 56

Even though I’ve never been the biggest chain restaurant fan, I am really enjoying the new Mellow Mushroom that opened last week as the anchor tenant of a new plaza on S.R. 56, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO).

Only open a few days at our press time — Aspen Dental, T-Mobile and Mattress 1 all opened a week or two earlier (with Men’s Wearhouse, Great Clips and Noire Nail Bar all set to open shortly) — Mellow Mushroom (25662 Sierra Center Blvd.) already is attracting crowds with its thin- and crisp original (thicker) crust pizzas, delicious meatballs, salads, oven-baked wings and the most spacious bar area near TPO this side of Ford’s Garage. For more info, stop in, call Mellow Mushroom at (813) 948-7337 or visit MellowMushroom.com.

Congrats Go Out To...

The Dimmitt Automotive Group and its new Audi Wesley Chapel dealership on S.R. 56 in the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI) on S.R. 56 (at 2500 Lajuana Blvd.). The Dimmitt family hosted an awe-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

some VIP event on Jan. 18 which included the dignitaries shown above: (l.-r.) Pete Hamilton, the southern region president of Audi of America, Dimmitt Auto co-president Peter Dimmitt, Cian O’Brian, the executive VP and COO of Audi of America and Audi Wesley Chapel GM Allen Majewski. Not pictured is Dimmitt CEO Scott Larguier, who hosted the event. For more info about Audi Wesley Chapel, visit AudiWesleyChapel.com, call (813) 607-3100 or see the ad on pg. 51 of this issue. We also congratulate the expanding Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCC) for its move to its new office at 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd, Suite A-1, in Lutz (not a misprint!). For membership and upcoming event info, visit WesleyChapelChamber. com or call (813) 994-8534. — GN

@NTWCNews

We are with you every step of the way

Robert Marvin 813-230-6648

NEW TAMPA

Exquisite home. 3964 sq. ft. with 4 BD, 4 BA, office, bonus room, formal living & dining rooms, family room. Located on conservation. Heated pool and spa. $629,900.

Debbie Marvin 813-892-3917

Fabulous townhouse in Gated Community. 3 BD, 2 ½ BA, and 2 car garage. First floor master bedroom suite. Large screened lanai to enjoy the beautiful pond lot. $185,000

MEADOW POINTE

Impeccable Villa in Gated Community. 1743 sq. ft. with 2 BD, plus den/office, 2BA, screened lanai and 2 car garage. Lots of upgrades. $199,900

We have more villas coming on the market, give us a call

Expires Dec. 31, 2018

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Office 813-977-3500 • 19026 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. • www.DebbieSellsTampa.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHING.COM Soft pressure exterior house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing and deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big or small. Experience the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning professional. Licensed and insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate or visit our website. 813-433-6015. DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional & personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. Call 813-215-1177. GREG’S PAPERHANGING. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed and insured, clean, quick and reasonable. Call 973-2767 for a free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING. Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References avail. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate: 813-7845999. MILLENNIUM HOME REPAIR.Professional Handyman. Cabinet Installation, dry wall repair, tile installation & 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, seal baths & showers, TV mounting & more. Call 813-400-1408 or email TYCOONUNION@YAHOO.COM. DALE’S HOME MAINTENANCE Pressure washing, screen repairs, garage cleaning and organizing, shelving, re-grout tile and caulking, and more. 813-727-2582.

Classifieds

ANTIQUES & MORE FOR SALE! SUSAN’S ANTIQUES, VINTAGE ART, BRICA-BRAC, GLASS & OTHER TREASURES! In Annett’A’s Attic, 2nd Flr, 14136 8th St, Dade City. For more info, see our display ad!

HELP WANTED CNAs/HHAs NEEDED: Established Senior Homecare Service is seeking CNA’s and Home Health Aids to work with our company. Contact (813) 9851200 for more information. 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. 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.

POOL SERVICES TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call Chris today @ (813) 8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com Highest quality salt and ozone generators, pumps, motors, filters. Marcite, quartz and pebble finishes. Pool cleanups and acid washes, paver and river rock sealing. Paver decks and driveways. Mention this ad for $69 pool service. Call or text 813-244-7077. Visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com

CLEANING SERVICES

SPACE AVAILABLE

G&E Cleaning Services: Over 15 years experience. Commercial & residential: Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. New house & post-construction clean-up, move-in or move-out cleanings, pressure washing and window cleaning. Free estimates. References available. Call 813-325-6446 or email Pinheiro.FG@hotmail.com

SERENITY SALON & SPA SUITES Wesley Chapel. Booth rental for Stylist available. Can be either full time or part time. Give us a call!: 813-3125247 or 813-997-6302.

PIANO LESSONS PIANO LESSONS Children or adults, beginners or advanced. Master’s Degree in Music Composition, SUNY Stony Brook. Over 55 years of piano study. Contact Andre Garneau: studiog.newtampa@ gmail.com

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING. Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA SPECIAL & FREE ESTIMATE! For more info, call (813) 420-4465. HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC High-quality professional Services: Weekly or bi-weekly year-round full-service lawn care starting at $90/month: Mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring Clean-Up. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554.

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

Are You Looking For Better Results From Your Advertising Dollars? Call (813) 910-2575 to order your

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CLEANING SERVICES B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 16 years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 400 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS WITH MORE THAN 400 CUSTOMERS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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TOPASH PAINTING, L.L.C. FREE ESTIMATES

Doing business in Pasco and Hillsborough County area since 1978

We Don’t Cut Corners, We Dust Them

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SUNSHINE CLEANERS Top Quality...Great Prices

Join our Customer Rewards Program and get a punch for every $10 you spend. After your 10th punch, receive $10 oﬀ your next order of $10 or more.

Whole Home re-pipe

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813-343-4951

$1.69 Men’s Business Shirts * Some garments incur additional charge.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

‘Stonewood’

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Continued from pg. 39

1. Noble Crust

have a burger and a beer at the bar and watch a basketball game,’” Rathbun says. “They love the flexibility.” A new and improved lunch menu, plus weekday specials which can be ordered at the bar or at your table, also help keep people coming back. For example, on Tuesdays, Stonewood offers specials on craft beer and craft burgers (see photo). Wine Down Wednesday features half-off discounts on almost a dozen wines, and Thursday is Stoli Martini night. “We offer something for everyone, and I really like that I’ve been able make so many relationships with my customers over the years,” Rathbun says. “I’m glad so many people enjoy it.” Stonewood Grill & Tavern is located at 17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Tampa Palms. For info, call (813) 978-0388 or visit StonewoodGrill.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

2. Costco 3. Pinot’s Palette 4. The Fat Rabbit 5. Menchie’s Yogurt 6. Buttermilk Provisions 7. Capital Tacos 8. Life Skills In Action

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Portfolio of Fine Homes 18130 Longwater Run Dr.

8482 Dunham Station Dr.

COMING SOON

16310 Turnbridge Ct.

COMING SOON

17221 Broadoak Dr.

COMING SOON

4 Bed +Office +Bonus Rm | 5 Bath | 4,304 SF | 3 Car Garage | Built 2005 Stunning Upgrades Throughout, Custom Millwork, Stainless Steel Appliances, Built In Cabinetry, Coffered Ceilings, Crown Molding Pavered Lanai, Outdoor Kitchen, Custom Pool/Spa Package Conservation, Pond Views | O ffered for $699,000

9338 Deer Creek Dr.

17205 Broadoak Dr.

10101 Whisper Pointe Dr.

16416 Burniston Dr.

JUST LISTED

18131 Longwater Run Dr.

9138 Highland Ridge Way

6314 MacLaurin Dr.

17709 Emerald Green Pl.

Beautiful Golf Course Homesite | 5 Bed +Office +Loft | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 5,099 SF | 3 Car Garage |Custom Upgrades Throughout, 12 Foot Ceilings, Crown Molding, Hardwood Flooring, Rich Wood Cabinetry, Plantation Shutters, Gourmet Kitchen with Upgraded Appliance Package Pool, Heated Spa, Cabana Kitchen | Offered for 925,000

6539 Stonington Dr.

17727 Grey Eagle Rd.

10238 Grant Creek Dr.

7807 Tuscany View Ct.

SOLD IN 1 WEEK SALE PENDING

SALE PENDING

4 Bed +Office +Sitting Rm | 4 Bath | 3,574 SF | 3 Car Garage Remodeled Kitchen, High End Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Counters, New Interior & Exterior Paint, Wood Grain Porcelain Tile, Newer AC & Pool Heater | Over Sized Lot with Pond, Conservation Views, Heated Pool/Spa | Offered for $569,000

4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,500 SF | 2 Car Garage | New Roof, New AC, New Interior and Exterior Paint, Stainless Steel Appliance Package, Granite Throughout, Travertine and Wood Flooring, Plantation Shutters | Mature Landscaping, Stone Tile Lanai, Screened Pool Offered for $375,000

5105 Tollbridge Ct.

15826 Sanctuary Dr.

16102 Washburn Pl.

20057 Heritage Point Dr.

SOLD IN 3 DAYS

SALE PENDING

SOLD

SOLD

Phone: (813) 931-6700 • KristyD@Realtor.com • RealEstateNewTampa.com 52

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 3 • January 26, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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