New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 30, Issue 5, March 8, 2022 by Neighborhood News

Volume 30 Issue 5 March 8, 2022

WANNA PLAY, EVERYONE?

Those with special needs will soon have a playground to call their own ...and share with others...in New Tampa. See page 4! Photo by Charmaine George

EDITORIAL

Our editor’s takes on Ukraine, Curtis Reeves & the loss of a friend. See page 3

NEW PARKS FOR NEW TAMPA Pride Elementary and Branchton parks poised for overhauls. See pages 6 & 8

FEEL THE BURN!

Burn Boot Camp is ready to whip you into shape. See pages 24-25

WILDCATS WIN!

Wharton wins first Regional basketball championship since 2013. See pages 28-29

Check Out What’s Cookin’ At The KRATE Container Park! See story on pages 36-37! 1

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Shaking My Head Over Ukraine, Curtis Reeves & The Loss Of A Friend By GARY NAGER minds and feelings of the six jurors enough them to acquit him of all charges — but Editorial for after only 3-1/2 hours of deliberations?

The events of the past few weeks have really left me shaking my head. While I still was able to enjoy the Winter Olympics, the political overtones and the disgrace of the Russian figure skater who was allowed to compete, despite testing positive for a banned substance a couple of months earlier, definitely put a damper on the festivities for me — even though it didn’t keep me from watching many hours of the Beijing Games. But, speaking of Russia, the situation in the Ukraine is just horrifying and definitely has me fearful for the world my young grandchildren will inherit. As of the date of this editorial, the undeclared war in Ukraine appeared to not be going as planned for Russia and its President Vladimir Putin and, while it’s impressive how well the Ukrainians have done at defending their homeland and their young democracy, Putin’s obvious instability has made the threat of what might still be to come in eastern Europe even scarier. I don’t know how the war for Ukraine will turn out — it might even be over, I suppose, before this issue reaches your mailbox — but seeing how the world has supported the Ukrainians willing to fight for their freedom reminded me again how lucky we are to live in what is still the greatest democracy in the world, despite our own issues here at home. I pray for a reasonable resolution for the people of Ukraine and for all of us, but I am more fearful than I ever have been for the safety of this world.

Meanwhile, In Dade City

Speaking of shaking my head, I honestly can’t believe that 79-year-old Curtis Reeves was acquitted of all charges after shooting and killing 43-year-old Chad Oulson eight years ago in what was then known as the Grove 16 movie theater in Wesley Chapel. I couldn’t understand how the trial didn’t come to pass for eight long years. I thought our criminal justice system was supposed to guarantee the “right to a speedy trial,” but Reeves’ defense team basically engineered the delays — all with their client on house arrest, instead of being held in a jail cell as he waited — apparently to great effect. I have many problems with Reeves’ acquittal, especially through the eyes of a father. I can only imagine my son Jake texting with my grandson’s babysitter during the previews of a movie and being told to turn off his mobile phone by a gruff elderly man and, if he didn’t do so right away, having the man return from a trip to the theater manager’s office to engage my son again. I don’t think Jake would throw the man’s popcorn at him, but I could see him getting angry enough to at least get in the man’s face (he is his father’s son, after all). What I can’t imagine is him being shot and killed because some guy in a movie theater didn’t like the way he was being spoken to or treated. And please, don’t get me started about whether or not Oulson threw his cell phone at Reeves. Not one witness corroborated that testimony, nor was there any video evidence of it, and honestly, who throws their $1,000 phone at anyone for any reason? Reeves clearly made up an excuse to shoot Oulson, and then gave his “I’m an old man who feared for his life” excuse that somehow played on the Neighborhood News

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But, Speaking Of Good Guys...

I don’t believe for a second that Reeves — the former Tampa Police Captain who surely faced significantly worse situations without shooting those who were mean to him — feared at all for his life. He didn’t like being told to get out of a younger man’s face and clearly shot him without due provocation. In my opinion, Reeves should be spending the rest of his life in prison for destroying a young family, but now, my fear is that others will be emboldened enough by this sham of a jury decision to take the same action — and also get away with it. Score one for the bad guys.

Speaking of fathers, I was moved to tears by the news that Christoph “Chris” Trina (photo), age 58, passed away after a heart attack and multiple strokes while on vacation with his family in Wisconsin. I reconnected with Chris as I became acquainted with his daughter Danielle Henry, the owner of The Bean Bar Co. in Tampa Palms, who has since become an advertiser of ours. What I didn’t remember, without Chris reminding me, was that he also had advertised with us about 20 years ago, when he coowned KMD Modeling in Tampa Palms. He always said such nice things about me and the Neighborhood News and I know that Danielle and her brother Kyle and their entire family

are still suffering the after-effects of this sudden — and devastating loss. “He raised us as a single dad for 12 years and he literally didn’t put up with any nonsense,” Danielle says. “We’re successful at a young age because he knows he didn’t let us do any less than our best.” Chris was a passionate sports coach and cheerleader for his family and was loved by many — a wonderful man taken too soon. R.I.P., Bubba.

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Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Rodney Page Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Morgan Conlin • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Office Assistant MJ Martinez 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 necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 30, Issue 7, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Friday, March 25, 2022. 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. © 2022 JM2 Communications, Inc. For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 5 • March 8, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

New Tampa All Abilities Playground Begins Construction By JOHN C. COTEY

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When K-Bar Ranch resident Pauline Sturtevant lived in California, she would drive 30 minutes, sometimes more, to the nearest all-abilities park for her son Caleb, who has Downs Syndrome. It was the only place she could find with swings that were designed to hold his neck up properly, slides with higher sides to prevent him from falling off, or even a ramp to accommodate Caleb’s still-developing walking skills. Caleb is 17 now, and while he may be too old for it, Pauline Sturtevant is thrilled that other parents will have a similar park closer to their homes in New Tampa. “It’s important, you just don’t realize how much,” she said. ‘‘For the parents to feel like someone took the time to think about (a project like this), to make sure their kids were included and had a place to go, was super important.” On Feb. 14, ground was broken at the New Tampa Community Park on the City of Tampa’s first disability and sensory-friendly playground. District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera, who championed the New Tampa All Abilities Playground almost immediately after being elected in 2016, echoed Pauline Sturtevant’s message at the groundbreaking. “You are not alone,” Viera told the crowd, which included members of the New Tampa Players’ Penguin Project, a theatre program for children and young adults with special needs. “You have friends, you have family, you have people who have been through this many many years before...and you have the City of Tampa having your back

Making the city’s parks more accessible to everyone is a movement she strongly supports. “I feel everything starts at parks and recreation, out on those fields,” Castor said. “That’s where children learn the life skills, that’s where they make lifelong friendships, and that’s where healthy skills and attitudes are (Left) Zach Mueller told the crowd he was thrilled about the New Tampa All Abilities Play- developed. It all starts with ground. “I was happy to hear a park was being built for kids like me and my friends, and now they ‘Hey, you wanna play?’” will have a park that is fun to play in and just be themselves. Thank you.” (Right) City Council For children with member Luis Viera has championed the unique park for years. (Photos: Charmaine George) special needs, regular playgrounds can be a haand making sure everyone has a place at the table.” ven for emotional discomfort and even injuries, and it is The 10,000-sq.-ft. park will cost roughly $2 million easy for them to shrink away in fear. Pauline Sturtevant — paid for by city money and American Rescue Plan says it always pained her to see special needs children Act (ARPA) federal funding — and will include multiple sitting on the sidelines at most other parks, and “develplay pieces that are wheelchair-accessible, a sensory area oping a mentality that they are different and should be geared towards children with autism and other sensory or in a different place.” cognitive challenges, a new art mural based on a “FantasNow, they will have their own place. tic Florida Nature” theme, and more. “The families are excited,” said Melissa Ewen, the At the groundbreaking, City of Tampa Mayor Jane director of fellowship and special connections, a special Castor said that the park will have “16 different opportuneeds ministry at St. James United Methodist Church, nities involving all of the sensory abilities in that park. It also located in Tampa Palms. “Most of the ones I talk to will be fantastic.” have older high school or adult-aged family members, Mayor Castor said the importance of parks in the debut for them it’s a sigh of relief. They know the chalvelopment of a number of skills in children is sometimes lenges they faced; others won’t have to.” taken for granted.

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Is A New Recreation Center Headed New Tampa’s Way? By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com New Tampa does not lack for amenities, but if you don’t live in one of the many gated communities, your chances of actually using them usually depends upon an invite from someone who does. Aside from being a member of the New Tampa YMCA or living in Cory Lake Isles, Arbor Greene, Hunter’s Green, Pebble Creek, Tampa Palms or West Meadows, it can sometimes be tough to find a place to play. If District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan gets his way, however, there will be another option available. The county is about to begin, according to the commissioner, the process of building the first public gymnasium at Cross Creek Park in New Tampa, adjacent to Pride Elementary and just off Kinnan St. While New Tampa has a YMCA (which requires a membership to use) and the New Tampa Recreation Center (which is tailored towards dance and gymnastics), there is no indoor gym or recreation center that caters to basketball, volleyball and pickleball players, to name a few sports that Hagan envisions being played in the new facility.

A potential recreation center at Pride Park would likely be modeled after the Northdale Park & Recreation Center (above), Northdale, with indoor basketball/volleyball/pickleball courts and meeting rooms, as well as (next page) outdoor courts and a splash pad. (Photos: Charmaine George)

“We have the Y, we have some school gyms and the city has the gymnastics center, but this will be the first gym that’s open to the public,” Hagan says. “This would fill a much-needed void that exists in New Tampa.” The facility would be modeled after the other gymnasiums built by the county, and Hagan says it would likely compare to the Northdale Park & Rec-

reation Center in Carrollwood. It would include multipurpose indoor courts and meeting rooms. Currently, Cross Creek Park has a playground, a small pavilion area, two basketball courts that are showing their age, and two baseball fields that have not been manicured in years — the dirt on the fields is mostly overgrown with grass. There are no bathrooms (one portable

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potty, sometimes two, fill that need) or water fountains. It remains, popular, however, on the weekends. The entire park would be upgraded. The baseball fields might be built over, and a new playground and updated outdoor basketball courts could be part of the package. “We’re looking at doing a splash pad there as well,” Hagan says. “And the parking lot would be upgraded, which would improve access to the school.” Hagan said while the facility would also provide morning programs for seniors, open basketball and volleyball play in the evenings and plenty of league play as well, the proximity to Pride also would open the center up for after-school and summer programs. Hagan says one of the park directors with the county told him, “Trust me, it will be at capacity the day it opens.” Hagan says he has secured $1.5 million for the project, and is looking at the rest of the funding to come from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding. Hillsborough County received $285 million from the federal program. “I anticipate it being fully funded this year and ideally breaking ground in the summer or fall,” he said.

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New Branchton Regional Park Set To Begin Permitting! By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com A splash pad, pickleball courts and hiking trails are just some of the amenities that could be available to New Tampa residents by the end of this year, or early next year. According to District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, the county is ready to move ahead on a new park for the Branchton area off Morris Bridge Rd. south of Cross Creek Blvd. Hagan says the county staff is ready to submit plans for the park’s permitting. “Ideally, after that’s approved, we should be able to have a groundbreaking out there probably in the April-May range,” Commissioner Hagan says. If that happens, Branchton Regional Park will likely be completed sometime in early 2023, although Hagan says he is hoping the park can be finished by the end of 2022, if the summer weather and supply chains cooperate. The park will replace the current Branchton Park, which sits on the southwest corner of Morris Bridge Rd. and Cross Creek Blvd. While the current park has an outdoor basketball court, playground and trails, it only has parking for roughly 10 cars and no bathrooms.

A Little History

In 2017, the county acquired four parcels of land totaling an additional 10 acres just south of the existing Branchton Park. The newly acquired land will be home to the new park, which will be developed in two phases. The first phase of construction includes 130 parking spots, walking trails, two dog parks, restrooms, shelters, four pickleball courts and a multipurpose court that can be configured as two basketball or two volleyball courts, according to a conceptual site plan provided last year. The separate dog parks for small and large dogs will include shelters, benches, dog agility equipment, water and wash stations. The new park also will include a playground and a splash pad. Hagan says he has already secured the $6.1 million to construct the first phase in previous county budgets. He added that he also has talked with Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister about building a mini-substation at the park, and that Chronister was in favor of that possibility. “He likes the idea,” Hagan says. “I spoke to him about it and we agree that it would help increase the Sheriff’s Office’s presence around the park and also increase its presence throughout New Tampa.” Although nothing has been formalized, Hagan also says that there also has been continuing conversation with private sector companies about a possible public-private partnership (PPP) about a zip line or “challenge” course for the park, perhaps in Phase 2. The county already has completed the public survey portion of the project. Last year, nearly 500 people responded online to a survey with their requests for what they would like to see the park include. Many of the residents’ choices are included in the plans, according to the county’s website. Plans to build some kind of new park in the Branchton area have circulated in Hillsborough County for years, going as far back as 2005 when the county had plans to build an athletic complex south of the existing Branchton Park. Those plans, however, never materialized. As for that old Branchton Park, it will remain intact for the most part, but Hagan envisions re-developing it into a business center that could include a sports bar and other restaurants.

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The Push Is On For The New Tampa PAC To Recognize Doug Wall Unfortunately, Doug Wall didn’t live long enough to see his vision of a New Tampa cultural or arts center come to fruition, but those who remember his impact on the local arts scene say his contributions shouldn’t be forgotten. The founder of the New Tampa Players (NTP), a local acting troupe, Wall succumbed to cancer in 2017. But, in a recent letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera urged the board to give Wall “a place of named honor” in the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, which is cur-

rently under construction in the Hunter’s Lake area off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and is expected to be completed later this year. “He came to New Tampa long before we became a booming suburban area,” Viera wrote. “He quickly became the backbone for the performing arts scene in New Tampa....Mr. Wall was here as one of the early pioneers of (zip code) 33647. He needs to be honored on this building.” Others, like former Hunter’s Green

resident and former State Rep. Shawn Harrison and his wife Susan, also support recognizing Wall. Wall founded NTP and held its first event, a membership gala, in June 2002, and began auditions for its first production “They’re Playing Our Song” the next month, with plans to perform it later that year and Hunter’s Green and Tampa Palms Country Clubs. For two decades, he fought to help make the Performing Arts Center a real-

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ity, while putting on productions and holding youth theater camps in the area. Nora Paine, the producing artistic director for the NTP, says it would be a fitting honor to include Wall in his long-hoped-for dream. “Community performing arts in New Tampa are Doug Wall’s legacy,” she said. “Starting in 2002, he set in motion and promoted the efforts that have finally come to fruition in the New Tampa Performing Arts Center...We miss Doug every day, and we are proud to continue his legacy at New Tampa Players.” — JCC

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Another Coup For Wesley Chapel’s AdventHealth Center Ice By JOHN C. COTEY

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You probably have already heard that last July, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated Montreal in Tampa, earning the Bolts a second straight Lord Arthur Frederick Stanley Cup. But, did you know that Lord Stanley had a daughter named Isobel, and a trophy bearing her name is handed out to the best professional women’s hockey team? It’s true, and next month in Wesley Chapel, the winner of the 2022 Isobel Cup will be decided at AdventHealth Center Ice. The six teams in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) will square off March 25-28, with preliminary round games tipping things off on Friday, the semifinals on Sunday and the final to be contested live on Monday at 9 p.m., on ESPN2. The PHF championship game will mark ESPN’s first linear broadcast of professional women’s hockey. And, although NBCSports.com reports that no current members of the Olympic medal-winning U.S. and Canadian women’s national teams have played in the PHF since 2019, a recent influx of new capital — a reported $25 million — will more than double each PHF team’s salary cap (from $300,000 to $750,000) and provide health care and maternity leave benefits for all PHF players. “We’re pumped about it. This is a

In another notable event landed by AdventHealth Center Ice, the Boston Pride will defend their Premier Hockey Federation Isobel Cup trophy in Wesley Chapel in March. The PHF playoffs will be free to attend and the final will be televised live on ESPN2. (Photo: Michelle Jay/NWHL)

pretty big deal,” said AdventHealth Center Ice CEO Gordie Zimmermann. “The women are trying to develop and move into the pro ranks and the gain the respectability that they have always been looking for. So I think this is a great platform. The hockey development here is like no other in the nation and they recognize it as great place to present their format. Girls hockey is growing in Florida as well, so this is a great thing for all the developmental programs in the area to come and watch.” Zimmermann says all the girls hockey programs will be invited to watch the

playoffs. The general public also is invited to the event. AdventHealth Center Ice seats roughly 1,000 spectators. It’s surreal and somewhat ironic that both the Stanley and Isobel cups, awarded to best teams playing the national sport of Canada, would be decided in….Florida. But, the opening of Center Ice in 2017 opened up a lot of previously unimaginable possibilities. The PHF playoffs is another coup for Zimmermann. Other than the many men’s hockey events Center Ice has hosted, some of its most noteworthy events have involved

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women’s hockey. It was the training site for the 2018 Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey team and hosted Team USA, Canada, Finland and Sweden for the 2017 Four Nations Cup. In 2019, a virtual women’s hockey museum opened inside Center Ice. Each spring, the rink complex also plays host to USA Hockey’s Women’s Nationals. “We have been a catalyst for the growing interest in hockey in Florida since our opening, and in women’s hockey in particular,” Zimmermann says. Seven of the 25 players in Center Ice’s elite Global Prospects Academy are girls, and the facility also is home to the Crunch travel program, which has 14-under and 16-under teams. The PHF was established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League before re-branding itself. The league is made up of the defending champion Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan (New Jersey) Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps and the Toronto Six. The pairings aren’t set yet because the regular season is still ongoing, although Connecticut and Toronto are currently in first and second place, respectively. For more information, visit PremierHockeyFederation.com or AHCenterIce.com.

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PopStroke, Co-Owned By Tiger Woods, Breaks Ground!

Photo above by Charmaine George; others provided by PopStroke.

other — featuring synthetic turf greens designed to mimic putting on real golf courses. There won’t be any windmills, rivers or other obstacles, just rolling, undulated greens designed to challenge golfers of all ages. “It’s one of the only concepts I know of anywhere in world, really, where you can find a 3-, 8-. 27- and 80-year-old enjoying it to the same extent,” Bartoli said. Golfers can see their scores displayed on a large scoreboard, and even order drinks, via an app, that will be delivered to them on the course. The mini-golf is complemented by a 10,000-sq.-ft. restaurant and kid’s playground. The restaurant, Bartoli says, will feature premium food and drinks, as well as 24 different flavors of ice cream.

“PopStroke is really about being friends and families together across generations and across socio-economic backgrounds,” Bartoli said. “It’s affordable and it’s accessible, and we take great pleasure in that.” If you can’t wait until October, Bartoli recommends taking an hour drive to the nearest location in Sarasota, which is opening next month next to the University Town Center mall. The Sarasota location will be the third PopStroke, joining courses in Port St. Lucie and Fort Myers, and Wesley Chapel will be the fourth. Additional expansion to Orlando, Houston and Scottsdale (AZ) also is planned. For more information, visit PopStroke.com. — JCC

(Above) The official groundbreaking of the Wesley Chapel PopStroke was held Feb. 2. Players of all ages will enjoy PopStroke’s two mini-golf courses, which look more like real golf courses than mini-golf. stop in at the site. He wants to be certain it’s Golf legend Tiger Woods may not enjoyable for all ages.” attended the Feb. 2 groundbreaking of With a few heaves of dirt, the project PopStroke, the tech-driven, family-oriented officially got under way just north and east mini-golf and restaurant concept he coof the intersection of S.R. 56 and Wesley owns, but rest assured, he’ll have a big hand Chapel Blvd. in how it ends up looking. Greg Bartoli, the PopStroke founder “Tiger is involved in the whole proand co-owner with Woods, says he expects cess,” said Bryon Bell, the president of TGR the Wesley Chapel/Lutz location to open Design, which is Woods’ golf course design sometime in October. company. “He will look at the holes, see if he thinks his kids would enjoy it and if he The local PopStroke will feature two 18would enjoy playing it. If he’s in town, he’ll hole courses — one will be harder than the

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Medi-Weightloss Of Lutz Can Help You Lose Unwanted Pounds By JOHN C. COTEY

“Our patients refer their friends because we do a really a good job,” Gerri says. Tina says that when people ask her if they should do it, she doesn’t hesitate with her response. “Do it,” she says. “One hundred percent, do it!”

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Tina Russell was like many who have struggled with their weight their entire life. She was a yo-yo dieter, who tried the all of the usual get-skinny plans, and in the end, found herself more miserable, and heavier, than before. After adding more weight while working at home during Covid-19, she finally got serious. In February 2021, she signed up at the Lutz location of MediWeightloss weighing 236 pounds. One year later, Russell, a 36-year-old mother of two living here in Wesley Chapel, is tipping the scales at 134 pounds, a remarkable 102-pound loss. “I feel completely different,” she says. “I feel younger than I was when I was in my 20s.” While Medi-Weightloss is available for weight problems of all kinds, owners Tom & Gerri Willett say the pandemic has ultimately driven many new patients, like Tina, to the practice, which is located on S.R. 54, less than two miles west of where it meets S.R. 56 (near the Tampa Premium Outlets). Since it opened in 2006, Gerri says Medi-Weightloss of Lutz has helped patients lose nearly 141,000 pounds. It’s easy to get started, as completely free

Medically Supervised

Tina Russell lost 102 lbs. a year ago with the help of Medi-Weightloss, which is located on S.R. 54 in Lutz, less than two miles west of the Tampa Premium Outlets. passion for the past 16 years. assessments are always offered. Today, there are 91 Medi-Weightloss The success patients see when they locations nationwide. Tom & Gerri own try the Medi-Weightloss program is what the locations in both Lutz and Brandon, continues to drive people to the practice. operating the two as a local, familyA large part of their new patients come owned business, which has been their from patient referrals.

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The Medi-Weightloss program is supervised by Howard Riker, D.O., and Mandy Johnson, P.A. The program combines diet and exercise plans with supplements, managed by a doctor and a physician’s assistant to help people lose weight and keep it off. And, to accommodate those still uncomfortable due to the pandemic, “We also offer telemedicine,” says Gerri. “We do whatever you feel comfortable with, whether that’s telemedicine, or coming in to be weighed when we’re otherwise closed to patients, so you’re the only one in the office, or driving through the parking lot to pick up a prescription.” Those who take part in the MediWeightloss program have a built-in support group. Gerri says the staff is compassionate and understanding, cheering their patients on to reach their goals. “It can be very difficult for people to step foot into a weight-loss clinic because,

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a lot of times, they have already tried so many different things,” says Gerri. “People beat themselves up horribly about their weight.” Whether it’s newfound weight gain as your body changes due to age, weight that was lost in the past but has crept back on, or pounds put on during the pandemic, Gerri says, “We want people to know we’ll figure it out and we’ll get them to be successful.”

Getting It Done

During the first phase of the program — also known as the acute or weight-loss phase — clients come in once a week. After an initial consultation with weight measurements, blood work and an electrocardiogram (EKG), patients receive a binder to store educational handouts, recapping the information shared at each session. They also receive recipes for delicious, healthy meals, with ingredients that are easy to find. Patients also start a detailed journal to log their eating, drinking and sleeping data. They also receive vitamin supplements, a food scale to help with portion control and ketone sticks to detect their level of ketosis. (Note: Physiologic Ketosis is a normal response to low glucose availability, such as from low-carbohydrate diets or fasting.) Medi-Weightloss has many ways to help during the weight-loss phase, including injections of Methionine Inositol Cho-

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line (MIC Combo) to put B12 vitamins and amino acids into the bloodstream, both of which help with fat metabolism, liver function and fat excretion. Patients also can receive Vitamin B6 and B1 injections (which help reduce water retention and keep your energy up while battling food cravings), as well as B Complex and Vitamin C injections. Mandy says the goal is always to reduce medications that patients may be taking. She says one of her favorite things is getting patients off blood pressure medications, which is often the result of a significant drop in weight. After the acute phase of the program ends (once a client reaches his/her target weight), they check in less often during the maintenance and wellness phases. But, if a client should re-gain weight after completing the program, Gerri says there’s no reason to worry. “Life happens and we are here to help,” she says. “It doesn’t mean you failed. It means you had stress in your life, or something happened. Just pop back into the program! There is no restart fee.”

Caring, Helpful Staff

Medi-Weightloss of Lutz has a staff of caring professionals who truly understand what it’s like to be in their patient’s shoes. In fact, some are former patients. Erin Jones had lost her husband in 2010, and ate her way through her

depression. In 2011, she started the MediWeightloss program and lost 50 pounds. After that, she joined the team. Erin is now a full-time medical assistant and the office manager at Medi-Weightloss of Lutz and Brandon. “Patients can take comfort in knowing that we’ve been down their road before and that we can truly say we know what they’re going through,” Erin says. Medical assistant Patty Pinson has been with Medi-Weightloss for a decade and is a retired Registered Nurse (RN). Medi-Weightloss’ Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) include Karina Gonzalez, Krystal Adams, Kristina Ford and Shannon Bresnen, while Raquel Sanford manages the front office. Tina says the support may be the best thing about the program. “They are super helpful,” she says. “If you gain one week, they are like, ‘It’s okay, it’s not the end of the world, we can do this.’ I don’t think I could have done it without them.” Dr. Riker is an Osteopathic Physician, who earned his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Family Practice, and was a Medical Staff Chief for many years with the U.S. Air Force in New Jersey, South Carolina and Tampa before coming on board at Medi-Weightloss more than 14 years ago.

While the goal is to help its patients lose weight, Riker says he also is focused on preventing weight gain, which he says may be different than primary care. “The main difference is that with primary care, you’re already treating a patient’s disease,” he says. “Here, we’re working strictly with prevention.” He stresses all three legs of the weight-loss process: diet, exercise and appetite suppression. Dr. Riker and Mandy agree that you have to do all three in order to succeed. Tina said she was very strict when it came to following the plan, and never cheated. She is maintaining her weight, even though she continues to drop a pound here and there. She still goes monthly, even after proudly earning her gold star for a 100-pound weight loss. “I was depressed, which made me eat a lot, before I started this,” Tina says. “This has given me something I can stick with. The food is good, it works and it has really taught me how to enjoy food in a healthier way. It’s been great.” To schedule a free assessment at Medi-Weighloss of Lutz (24420 S.R. 54), call (813) 909-1700. The office is open five days a week: 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday and 1 p.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday. More information is available at MediWeightloss.com/locations/lutz/, or see the ad on page 29.

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Dr. Benjamin Ghaly Finds A Home At Blue Water Dental By JOHN C. COTEY

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Like any young professional starting out in a business, Benjamin Ghaly, D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine), was looking for the right place to build his career as a dentist. Luckily for him, his fiancée had a desire to live in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area, and although he was working in Lakeland at the time, he started to look around. As it turned out, long-time New Tampa dentist Nicole Mitchell, D.M.D, was looking for someone to work at her still relatively new Blue Water Dental office in the Pebble Creek Collection. “Personality is huge, and I think he has the right temperament, personality and approach,” says Dr. Mitchell, who specializes in family implant and cosmetic dentistry. “You can’t ever really teach that kind of stuff. And it was important to me.” Dr. Mitchell says she not only found the dentist she was looking for when she hired Dr. Ghaly in October 2021, but Ghaly found just the kind of person he was looking to work for, too. During his interview, he discovered many of his goals — to provide quality dental care in a friendly and honest way

Dr. Benjamin Ghaly says finding a good dentist is like finding a good car mechanic — you want someone you can trust, someone who will be honest with you. And, he says, at Blue Water Dental in the Pebble Creek Collection, that’s exactly what you will get. (Photos: Charmaine George)

— were shared by Dr. Mitchell. He liked that Blue Water Dental was not focused on high-volume and “cranking them out,” as they block off an hour for each new patient visit. “I like dentistry, I compare it a lot to going to an auto shop, or mechanic,”

Ghaly says. “You want someone who is really honest. (Like cars), people don’t really know much about their teeth and what treatments they need or don’t need. That is something that Dr. Mitchell and I are big on, and that’s why we get along really well. We’re not trying to rip people off.

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We’d rather educate our patients.” Ghaly, 28, graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Integrative Animal Biology in 2016, and then earned his D.M.D. degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Although he considered medical school or physical therapy as a career, dentistry had always stuck with him since high school, when he shadowed the father of one of his friends, who was a dentist. Ghaly says he also was influenced by his father Helmy, a pharmacist. “He always had a passion for medicine, and he was a big inspiration for getting me into health care,” Dr. Ghaly says. He believes he has found his calling, and is excited to add new patients. Ghaly does a little bit of everything at Blue Water Dental, from general dentistry to root canals to surgeries like extractions. But, he says he focuses on the “bread-and-butter dentistry,” making sure patients teeth and mouths are disease-free and clean. “I focus on exactly what the patient needs,” he says. “And, if they need additional treatment, we always try to provide affordable options.” He complements his dental skills — “I like working with my hands” — with a comforting bedside manner, which is vital

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in dentistry, which always has a high percentage of nervous patients. In fact, Dr. Ghaly sees one of primary roles as being an educator and confidant for his patients. “I really like the personal interactions,” he says. “I want the patients to know that we are here to take care of them. They have a fear of the unknown, and we try to explain everything to them.” Dr. Mitchell also is a USF graduate who received her D.M.D degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville. She has been a dentist in New Tampa since 2006, moving here after receiving advanced dental training and serving four years with the U.S. Army in Fort Benning, GA. She opened her own practice in Dr. Benjamin Ghaly, a USF and Nova Southeastern grad, is eager to make New Tampa/Wesley 2010 in Highwoods Preserve, and Chapel his long-term home. moved to her current, and much other benefits, with a similar adult plan larger, location in February 2020. for only $35 a month. “I’m happy to be in a bigger spot For those who need more care, a now,” Mitchell says. “I honestly did it so I perio (gum) maintenance plan is offered could help more people. I feel we provide for $53 per month, the difference bea really good quality of care, and I want to ing periodontal maintenance every 3-4 offer that to more people.” months instead of just twice a year. Blue Water Dental offers the full Dr. Mitchell says she has wanted to range of dental services: teeth cleaning, offer plans like this for years, but finally dental implants, root canals, Invisalign had time during the Covid downtime to braces, fillings, sealants, gum disease treatresearch and implement the plans. ment and sedation dentistry. “It’s great for people who don’t have And, if sedation dentistry is a little insurance,” Dr. Ghaly says. “And we stress too much for some patients, Max and dental hygiene here. Half of the (eight) Mandi are there to help as well. Brother offertories (dental treatment rooms) are and sister, Max (short for “maxilla,” the dedicated to hygiene, so you don’t get to bone that forms your upper jaw) and the point where you need a crown or deep Mandi (short for “mandible,” or the lower cleanings.” jaw) are Maltese/Shih-tzu mixes that Dr. Because, as Dr. Ghaly and most denMitchell has trained as therapy dogs. tists will tell you, “taking care of it yourself Blue Water Dental also makes it easier with brushing and flossing is really the to afford good dental care. They are inmajority of dental health.” network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Blue Water Dental is located at MetLife, Guardian Dental and Humana 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite Dental insurances, and also accepts all A-1, in the Pebble Creek CollecPPO plans. tion. It is open Monday, Tuesday and For those without insurance, or Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and 8 a.m.-1 those who have bad insurance, they offer p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. For three plans — a standard child plan for more information, visit NicoleMitch$30 a month that includes a prevenellDMD.com, call (813) 957-5887 or tive cleaning every six months, X-rays, see the ad on page 30 of this issue. 25-percent off any needed treatment and

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Touch Nail Spa Celebrates Its 5-Year Anniversary In Wesley Chapel! By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Correspondent On Sunday, March 27, Touch Nail Spa on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a special event. The first 50 people at the Wesley Chapel location (not available at the New Tampa spa) when it opens at 11 a.m. will receive a free “Simple Touch” pedicure (a $27 value). Simple Touch is the spa’s basic pedicure that includes nail trimming, shaping and buffing, cuticle grooming, callus treatment, pineapple sugar scrub, hot towel wrap, lotion massage and polish with one of Touch Nail Spa’s 1,700 colors. The husband-and-wife team of Timmy Pham and Tiffany Ha opened Wesley Chapel’s Touch Nail Spa in 2017. At that time, the Wesley Chapel location was 3,200 square feet, but the spacious, clean salon with great customer service soon saw a need to expand. Now, at 5,000 sq. ft., it is the largest nail salon in Wesley Chapel. Timmy and Tiffany expanded their business again in December 2020 by opening the second Touch Nail Spa location in The Village at Hunter’s Lake, near Sprouts Farmers Market off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The pair is excited that later this spring, they will be launching yet another new location in the Odessa/Trinity area. That Touch Nail Spa is expected to open in mid-April.

Treat yourself to a royal experience in Touch Nail Spa’s queen-like thrones and wide variety of services provided by a friendly staff at either the Hunter’s Lake location on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. or in Wesley Chapel on S.R. 56. (Photos: Charmaine George) The two current Touch Nail Spa salons is no longer required, the staff will gladly clean and disinfected. While this cleanliness both offer high ceilings for better ventilaaccommodate anyone who asks to be seated has always been part of the Touch Nail Spa tion, rows of comfortable leather pedicure more than six feet away from others. For experience, it has been especially emphasized chairs, plenty of manicure stations and a manicures, plexiglass partitions separate during the Covid-19 pandemic. complimentary beverage with any manicure, the technicians from their customers, with “The most important thing people are pedicure or other services, including eyelash enough room on the bottom to slide your looking for right now is that everything is extensions, waxing, facials and massage. hands through. clean and sanitized,” Timmy says. Complimentary beverages include bottled “We want people to be comfortable,” The salon’s cleanliness and bright water, soda, or a glass of chardonnay, caberTimmy says, explaining that while CDC atmosphere is one of the reasons it has been net sauvignon, moscato or sangria, served in guidelines have relaxed and many customso popular since it opened five years ago. a chilled glass (wine is for adults age 21 and ers are no longer seeking social distancing, In addition to the Simple Touch Pediolder with proper identification, of course). the salon still follows strict health and safety cure, Touch Nail Spa offers other services While Timmy tells us social distancing procedures to be sure all areas are always with an even more spa-like experience, in-

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Touch Nail Spa co-owners Timmy Pham and Tiffany Ha, with their “little princess” Tia, are celebrating the five-year anniversary of the Touch Nail Spa location on S.R. 56. They will give a free “Simple Touch” pedicure to the first 50 people at the Wesley Chapel location only for the event on Sunday, March 27. cluding a variety of “Hot Touch” and “Organic Touch” pedicures, ranging from $47 to $62. These include a hot stone massage for your legs and feet, plus your additional treatments, such as specialized exfoliation for the bottom of your feet and a mask for your legs and heels. Timmy says the Orange Burst and Milk & Honey pedicures are among the services most requested by customers because of the excellent results they provide in leaving feet feeling soft and smooth. Whether you prefer a simple mani/ pedi to keep your fingers and toes neat and polished, or are looking for the perfect technician to provide the latest trend in nail shapes and designs, the experts at Touch Plexiglass partitions keep Touch Nail Spa’s Nail Spa can help. clients separated from their nail technicians. At both locations, Touch Nail Spa prices for children age 11 and younger. offers dipping power, acrylic nails and all Both locations have plenty of technikinds of nail designs. French manicures and cians waiting to serve you, and Timmy gel polish (which lasts longer than regular promises that the customer service experipolish) are available. The color choices are ence will always be top-notch. The Wesley seemingly limitless. Touch Nail Spa carries Chapel Touch Nail Spa has 48 employees, roughly 1,700 colors, available in both while the slightly smaller New Tampa salon regular polish and gel. For those who prefer currently has 32 employees and Timmy is dipping powders, which add a layer to your looking to hire a full-time receptionist for nails that is as strong as acrylic but healthier that location. Please call either location if for your nails, there are 2,000 choices. you would like to apply. While Timmy says the pandemic has Touch Nail Spa also now has e-gift been difficult for the entire industry and has cards available for all occasions that can be increased his costs, the prices at Touch Nail used at both locations. They are available for Spa have remained the same. purchase at the spa’s website, TouchNail “We also haven’t cut the quality beAndSpa.com. cause of the economy,” Timmy says. “EveAppointments are welcome if you want rything is more expensive now and a lot a service with a specific nail technician. For of salons have had to increase their prices, services with any available technician, please but we haven’t done that. We have kept the just walk in. prices the same, but also kept the quality of The Wesley Chapel (27233 S.R. our products the same or better.” 56) and New Tampa (8630 Hunter’s Touch Nail Spa’s Customer Rewards Village Rd.) Touch Nail Spas are both Program helps keep the services even more open Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m., affordable. Upon arrival at either salon, and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sun. To make an customers sign in on one of Touch Nail appointment with a specific nail techniSpa’s iPads. There, you register for your free cian or for more information about the membership and start earning points. MemWesley Chapel location, call (813) 973bers receive 1 point for every dollar spent. 4111. For the New Tampa location, call When you reach 500 points, you receive (813) 536-1003. Also, see the ad on pg. $25 off any a pedicure service. 5 for more info. Touch Nail Spa also offers discounted Neighborhood News

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Need A Workout? Feel The Burn (Boot Camp)! By JOHN C. COTEY

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Kathy Wasserman was looking for a new place to work out just as Burn Boot Camp was opening its doors in New Tampa for the first time roughly four years ago. She jumped on one of the grand opening offers and has been a member ever since. “They offered a free 30 days, and, by the end of the 30 days, I was hooked,” says Wasserman, a Tampa Palms resident. “Not only were the workout programs well thought out and varied, but the community of people is the nicest group of people I have ever worked out with.” Owner Tammy Henrici deserves some of that credit. When she took over Burn Boot Camp, located in the Big Bear Plaza off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. between BayCare and Mahana Fresh, in September 2021, Covid had sucked some of the life out of the gym. Now, with new equipment and trainers and under her direction — Henrici even leads some of the 45-minute boot camps herself— the place is popping again. “There’s increased energy and enthusiasm from the trainers,” Wasserman says. “I have never enjoyed working out more.” Henrici is a self-described workout buff, who has been a member of many gyms over the years. She joined the Burn Boot Camp in New Tampa shortly after Wasserman did and found it just as satisfying. So, she decided to buy the New Tampa franchise. “I was addicted. I was so excited about going the next morning I couldn’t sleep,” Henrici says. “I have been in the corporate world for 40 years and working out at Burn gave me the confidence to make a change in my life. When I saw how Burn can change

1% better than the day before.” Henrici says she has built a family atmosphere at Burn New Tampa, and Wasserman says that is probably what she likes most about it. “There is a level of inclusiveness and positivity you don’t normally see in gyms,” Wasserman says. “Everyone seems happy to see each other and work out next to each other. They high-five each other. There’s a positive, competitive nature I haven’t seen at other places.” But, don’t mistake that camaraderie for being part of an easy workout. The workouts at Burn New Tampa are anything but, Henrici says. There are a variety of weights and resistance bands, along with foam jump boxes, a boxing bag and other equipment that keeps Tammy Henrici liked the workouts so much at Burn Boot Camp she decided to buy the New Tampa location. After adding new trainers and equipment, she says her gym now offers the you moving from station to station. For those who don’t work out due most complete workout around. (Photos: Charmaine George) to creaky knees and sore joints, Burn people’s lives, I knew I had to own one thing out of each boot camp. has a floating floor which cushions the to finally help other people realize their “We meet each member at their jumps and lessens the impact on your potential, too.” level of fitness,” says Henrici. “We have body. And, if you can’t jump, trainers Henrici used to work in IT for some people who have never worked can provide modified techniques. a major health company, and now out before. We have some former col“The floor was the initial physical focuses on fitness. She is a National legiate athletes. We have moms and thing that attracted me to the gym and Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)dads, people who are young and not it makes a big difference in a workCertified Personal Trainer and also is a so young anymore. No matter your out,” Henrici says. second-degree black belt in Krav Maga background, we push everyone to do Burn New Tampa offers camps six Martial Arts. Burn New Tampa offers a combination of strength training and high intensity interval training (HIIT) in each 45-minute camp. On Sundays, a protocol is released online and through an app explaining what lies ahead for the next week. No two workouts are the same, says Henrici, so no matter what days you come, the workouts will be targeting different parts of the body and range from strength to cardio. Wasserman says she goes to 5-6 classes a week. There are other people like her, while others show up 2-3 times a week. There’s literally something for everyone, Henrici says, and anyone of any skill level can get some-

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with more than 330 locations across the U.S. All of its trainers are NASM CPTs (Certified Personal Trainers) and also have to be CPR-certified, including the four at Burn New Tampa. But, they also need to have the energy to run a boot camp and get to know each and every member’s needs. “No one is a number, and we take pride in providing personal attention to every member,” Henrici says. “We can be giving Jane form correction while calling out to those at the next exercise to get three more reps in and addressing the entire camp about how much time is left, all at the same time.” Burn New Tampa offers 6-, 12and 18-month memberships, as well as month-to-month memberships. There are Camp Packs (5-8 camps per month) and Fit Cards, which are good for a year. Wasserman, who travels to visit her Each 45-minute boot camp includes a variety of strength training and high intensity inchildren in Nashville and Chicago, loves terval training, under the watchful eye of trainers and the support of fellow gym members. that Burn has universal memberships so days of the week, with multiple camps — provement via weight loss and muscle her membership can be used at any Burn usually some in the morning and some in gain which, in turn, help decrease the Boot Camp facility in the U.S. the early evening — each day of the week need for a variety of medications you If it all sounds too good to be and two on Saturday morning. For four may be taking, as well as mental imtrue, Burn New Tampa is currently ofof the camps during the week, Burn New provement by providing stress-reducfering a 7-day complimentary trial for Tampa offers a complimentary “child ing and endorphin-releasing workouts. you to try it out and see for yourself. watch” room (Burn is not a licensed day “That’s why so many members say With so many fitness options, care provider, however). All the camps this is their ‘happy place,’” Henrici says Henrici thinks Burn New Tampa is the are open to both men and women, proudly. best choice because she says it is the although Henrici says that her current total package. members are predominately women. About The Burn “We provide unlimited 45-minute The goal is to provide physical imBurn Boot Camp is a franchise camps a week,” she says. “We offer

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1:1 Focus Meetings with the trainer to set goals and monitor them. We also provide nutritional guidance. Members can also access daily virtual workouts when they can’t make it to the gym.” The Focus Meeting is to help define what a member wants to get out of the boot camps. And while there are no certified nutritionists at Burn, the trainers do recognize the importance of a proper diet when it comes to being in shape and asks members to track their food intake in an app. They will suggest increases or decreases in their fat, carb, and protein intake. “We aren’t focused on the scale but rather on the inches, fat loss and muscle gain,” Henrici says. The Burn Boot Camp app allows members to check in to camp for the child watch room, trainer and workout schedules for the week as well. And, the support from other members, Henrici says, is unrivaled. “Your best friend may be here waiting for you.” Burn Boot Camp New Tampa is located at 17512 Doña Michelle Dr., and is open Monday-Friday, 5:15 a.m.-10:30 a.m., and 4:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; and 7:45 a.m.-10 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit BurnBootCamp.com and check under “Locations,” call (813) 563-6700 or see the ad on page 32.

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Award-Winning High School Artists Featured In Local Exhibit By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Correspondent Submissions by 11 New Tampa teenagers were chosen as award winners in the 2022 Hillsborough Region Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Exhibition. Of more than 1,200 entries, judges chose 231 art awards and 95 writing awards. Wharton High senior Brianna Lee (below) picked up three photography awards, including Three Bodies (right) being chosen as one of just five American Visions Nominees. The nominees are chosen from among all Gold Key winners, and one of the five will be selected the overall winner by Brianna Lee’s Three Bodies was one of a national panel. Brianna Lee just five America Vision Nominees in the Brianna won a 2022 Hillsborough Region Scholastic Art second Gold Key & Writing Awards Exhibition. award for Caked On Disguise, and Faultless was chosen as a Silver Key • Terance Eady won a Gold Key winner. award for the photograph The VulnerBrianna describes their artwork as ability of Black Men (top right photo). inspired by Aphrodite, the Greek godHonorable Mentions were dess of love, lust and beauty. awarded to Isabella Ancheta for the “There are only two models in this photograph Reflections and to Pranpicture: one model with a beautiful shu Modi for the painting Tokyo. full figure with well-defined curves and These students are all taught by the other with a tall, slim frame,” she Wharton art teacher Curt Steckel. says. “By overlapping the two photos of the two different body types creates Honorable Mentions also were a semi-distorted, unusually small body awarded to Benito Middle School in the middle. This is also another students in the drawing and illustration body type that some people strive to category. change themselves to. I hope this work • Ananya Dongre won for The can show that there really is no perfect one who makes me smile and Frances body type and that it will constantly McKoen won for Medieval Battle. change time and time again, and no These students are taught by art one should feel the need to change teacher Cheyenne Causby. along with it.” Freedom High had three writing Gold Key winners will be submitaward winners, all taught by English ted to the Alliance for Young Artists & teacher Robert Counts. Writers in New York City, where they Frankie Vilsaint won a Silver Key could be selected as national winners and award for his dramatic script The Egg Thief. recognized in a ceremony this summer. In the science fiction and fantasy category, two students were awarded Several other Wharton students an Honorable Mention, Haileigh Mealso were recognized: reness for Beating Hearts and Jayden • Sabrina Valencia won a Gold Mujica for Dark World. Key award for the digital art piece The Scholastic Art & Writing Body Water, which also won a Judges’ Awards, established in 1923, is the Award, and a Silver Key award for Dyslongest-running, most prestigious recsoconnected. ognition program for creative teens in • Taylor Vanderpuyl won a Gold the United States and claims to be the Key award for the photograph We Eat largest source of scholarships for young the Mushroom The Mushroom Eats Us artists and writers. Previous winners in(lower left photo) which also won a clude Stephen King and Andy Warhol. Judges’ Award, and an Honorable This is the eighth year that the Mention for Megan. Hillsborough County Public Schools and 26

the Hillsborough Education Foundation are serving as the regional affiliate for the national award program. The Hillsborough Region Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards virtual awards ceremony is available online at EducationFoundation.com/2022Sch olasticArtandWritingAwards. These and other awardwinning works are on display at the University of Tampa’s Scarfone/Hartley Gallery (310 North Blvd., Tampa) through Friday, March 25. The gallery is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Vulnerability of Black Men (above) by Wharton’s Terance Eady won a Gold Key photography award. We Eat the Mushroom The Mushroom Eats Us (right) by Wharton’s Taylor Vanderpuyl was one of Taylor’s two award-winning pieces.

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WILDCATS PUNCH TICKET TO STATE!

By JOHN C. COTEY

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The last time Wharton High won a Regional basketball championship, in 2013, the Wildcats needed a miracle. After making a free throw with 6 seconds left, Orlando University hit a three-pointer from the corner as the buzzer sounded. After a huddle by the officials, a few moments that Wharton coach Tommy Tonelli says were the most agonizing of his coaching career, they determined the shot was taken a micro second after the clock expired. The second-ever Regional championship win for Wharton on Feb. 25 was more like it. Behind a stifling defense that may have turned in the greatest performance in the school’s storied basketball history, the Wildcats advanced to the Class 6A State final four with a stunning 50-11 win over Sumner High before a mostly full house at Wharton. While Wharton has a long history of great defensive performances, this may have been the greatest one yet. “The defense was just incredible,” said Tonelli, who won the 500th game of his 25-year Wharton career earlier this season. “We prepared the kids for this, but they deserve all the credit for the execution. They were outstanding.” The Wildcats were set to take on Martin County in one 6A state semifinal on March 3 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, looking to advance to a first-ever State championship game appears on Saturday, March 5. To read the state previews and game coverage, check out our website at neighborhoodnewsonline.net.

Wharton High coach Tommy Tonelli celebrates his team’s 50-11 victory over Sumner High (additional photos on next page) on Feb. 25 that sent the Wildcats to the State Class 6A Final Four. All photos by Charmaine George.

While the Wildcats (28-2) were expected by most to win the game, no one envisioned holding Sumner to 11 points. Three Wharton players — Trevor Dyson, Chandler Davis and Lucean Milligan — all scored that many or more. “That’s amazing,” said senior Carlos Nesbitt, who scored 10 points for the ‘Cats. “We pride ourselves on our defense, and tonight we just executed the game plan. That’s what we do, we’re known for our defense.” But, 11 points? “I don’t know if we expected that,” said Dyson, a senior forward who led the Wildcats with 13 points and had a huge game on the boards. This is the kind of night it was

for Sumner: When guard Tyrell Smith took a pass along the baseline and swished a tough fade-away jumper over the outstretched hands of a Wharton defender to give the Stingrays a 2-0 lead, Tonelli turned to one of the referees and said, “If they keep making those kind of shots, we’re in for a long night.” Sumner made only four more baskets all game. The 11 points were the fewest ever allowed by Wharton in a playoff game, and was 27 points less than Sumner’s worst game of this season, a 45-38 loss to Bloomingdale, whose coach, Wharton hoops legend Shawn Vanzant, might have learned a few things about defense in his time as a Wildcat.

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After Smith’s game-opening salvo, Wharton scored the next 12 points as Dyson hit a three-pointer, Davis blocked a shot and got the ball on the break for a lay-in, and guard Trent Lincoln found Nesbitt for an alley-oop jam. Tonelli said it was the best game of Nesbitt’s career. “He did everything on both ends of the court, things you don’t even see,” Tonelli said. “He was the unsung hero.” Following a Sumner basket to make it 12-4, Wharton scored 14 straight points, including three consecutive three-pointers in a 2:30 span in the second quarter by Milligan (twice) and Davis.

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And the rout was on. By halftime, the Wharton lead had ballooned to 30-6. “The threepointers got us hyped up,” said Davis. “And on defense, we just locked them up. They had six points at halftime, and we were hitting our shots. They’re a good team, but we played great defense.” Even with a 30-6 lead, Tonelli says the Wildcats were taking nothing for granted. However, Sumner only scored twice in the second half, and didn’t even score in the fourth quarter, missing all 13 of their three-point attempts for the game. It was easier than Tonelli thought it would be. The night before the game, he woke up in a full sweat, and had to change his clothes. The game was weighing so heavily on him, his wife Kristin said she thought he might be having a heart attack. But ,she also said it was nothing new. Tonelli is the ultimate tactician, and had prepared non-stop for the

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Stingrays. “We watch film every day,” said Lincoln, the Wharton point guard. “We probably watch more film that anyone. We knew their plays. We knew what was coming.” Dyson and Nesbitt, a pair of 6-foot, 4-inch forwards, controlled the boards, despite going up against Christian Henley, listed as a 7-footer, and 6-5 D.J. Jones. Neither player scored for the Stingrays. “The coaches told us we were going up against some tall players,” said Dyson. “But I wanted to show them who the big dog was.”

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Wharton High Baseball Primed For Another Big Season By RODNEY PAGE

Correspondent

Michael Burgess was content to be an assistant coach on the Carrollwood Day School staff for the 2022 high school baseball season. But, when the Wharton High head coaching job unexpectedly opened up, Burgess figured it was too good to pass up. “I really just wanted to be a hitting coach,” Burgess said. “But then, this job just fell into my lap so I thought, why not? It’s a great opportunity to get some coaching experience and help prepare guys for the next level.’’ Burgess, 33, takes over for Scott Hoffman, who spent 18 years as the Wildcats’ coach, winning 267 games, including last year’s District championship. Burgess inherits a team that went 21-5 and returns several key players. Not that he’s had much time to get to know his players — Burgess was hired only about a month ago and has had to hit the ground running. He is no stranger to Hillsborough County baseball, however. Burgess was a star outfielder at Hillsborough High and helped the Terriers reach the State championship in 2006. In 2007, after a stellar senior season, he was selected in the supplemental first round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft by the Washington Nationals as the 49th overall player selected. While Burgess never played in a major league game, he did manage to have a 12-year professional career. He played a total of 1,256 minor league games for four different Major League Baseball organizations (Nationals, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Baltimore Orioles), in the Mexican League as well as the Independent League, hitting a total of 185 home runs before retiring in 2018. He returned to Tampa, but hadn’t gotten baseball out of his system. “It’s going to be a fun and great experience,’’ Burgess says of coaching the ‘Cats. “I’ve been down this road once

Big things are expected from Elijah Dukes this season, and he opened the 2022 campaign by going 3-for-3 with a home run in a Wharton victory. (Photo: Charmaine George) before in high school. I’m familiar with all the competition. I can’t hit for the guys though. They’re always asking me, ‘Hey coach, you think you can beat such and such in a home run derby?’ I just tell them, ‘Y’all have no idea what I can do.’’’ Burgess will have several top-notch players returning from last year’s playoff team as his nucleus. It starts with the one-two combination of senior pitchers Ryan Fry and Evan Chrest. Both are right-handers who combined to win 14 games last season. Fry, who is committed to University of Miami, was 6-1 with a 1.88 ERA last season, and struck out 12 in six innings to get a 2-1 win in the 2022 season opener. Chrest, a Jacksonville University commit, was 8-2 with a 1.93 ERA last season. Burgess expects left-handed seniors Vijay Wadhwani and 6’-7” Jaythan Wilson to provide relief for his two starters. “We’ve got two horses coming back,’’ Burgess says. “They have a dog mentality on the mound and throw a lot of strikes.

We’re going to ride those guys all season. We have some guys who are going to come in on the back end and close out some games.’’ Offensively, senior Elijah Dukes is primed for a breakout season, and opened the 2022 season with a homer after lead-

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ing the team last year with four (to go along with 24 RBI). The son and namesake of the former Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Hillsborough High standout, Dukes is a 5-foot-11, 240-pound prospect who can play the infield or outfield. Burgess has known Dukes since he was born and has watched him grow up. “I keep an eye on him and help him with his swing,’’ Burgess says. “His swing is very similar to mine. I’d say almost identical. I can really help him stay under control. “He’s got some high expectations. He has pop to all fields. He can run. He’s not as fast as his dad, but he can run. He has good hands. We’re going to try to get some great things out of him this year.’’ Dukes won’t be the only bat to deal with for Wharton. Fellow seniors Billy Eich, a 6’-6” first baseman and the Wildcats’ leading returning hitter after batting .360 last year, Quentin Meadows (14 RBI) and David Limbach (.315, 20 RBI) are all expected to provide offense. With 11 seniors on the roster, expect the Wildcats to make a lot of noise in Class 6A for the next three months. “We’re just looking for a couple of guys to step up,’’ Burgess said. “Once those couple of guys step up it’s going to be a great season.’’

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FREEDOM BASEBALL PREVIEW COACH: Tripp Merrell (fourth season) LAST SEASON: 12-13 (5-4, third place in Class 5A, District 6) KEY RETURNERS: Raul Olivera, Sr., Util; Gio Mendoza, Jr., C; Lucas Richardson, Sr., INF PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Evan Mobley, Sr., P/INF; Logan Lambert, Jr., 3B. BREAKOUT STAR: In his first game as a member of the Patriots, Evan Mobley threw a shutout in a 6-0 season-opening win over Alonso. The Tampa Bay Tech transfer certainly got off to a good start and will be counted on to eat up innings this season. He also will play the infield when not on the mound. Mobley hit a team-best .340 for the Titans in 2021. OUTLOOK: This is the fourth season for Merrell, which means this will be the first class he has coached from freshmen to seniors. There are eight seniors on the roster and plenty of depth in the lineup, and his top five returning offensive players are top hitter Raul Olivera (.430, 34 hits, 13 RBI, six doubles — all team bests in 2021). In addition to Mobley, senior Michael Morrison, junior Joey Wey and senior Marshall Chastain (combined 34

WHARTON SOFTBALL PREVIEW COACH: Amber Lamb LAST SEASON: 8-11 (2-5 in Class 7A, District 11). KEY RETURNERS: Riley Collins, Sr. P; Lexi Cowles, Jr. 1B/C (photo); Isabella Rittle, Sr., INF; Haleigh Self, Sr., 3B. PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Hannah Lopez, Fr.; Samantha Leyva, Fr.; Brooke Loomis, So., P/INF (Brooks-DeBartolo transfer). BREAKOUT STAR: As the only returning pitcher with any experience, senior Riley Collins will be heavily relied upon. She threw 104 innings as a junior and had a 3.62 ERA. She struck out 40, so she will have to increase that total this season. Collins, who also hit .244, will be asked to throw strikes and should have a better defense behind her this season. She was 6-11 as a junior, but she could easily completely flip that record this season. OUTLOOK: Lamb, who missed the Covid-shortened 2020 season due to maternity leave, had a hard time fielding a team in 2021. But, at least she fielded one — this year, Freedom High will not have a softball team, due to a lack of players. Although Lamb’s best player, Tieley Vaughn, is now at USF after rewriting Neighborhood News

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appearances) should provide pitching depth. One of the difficulties for the Patriots almost every season is the competition. District 5A-6 Righthander Evan Mobley includes threw a shutout in Freeperennial dom’s season opener. (Photo: Tampa powPerfectGame.org) ers Jesuit, Jefferson and Hillsborough. But, with a veteran roster, Freedom has as its best chance in recent memory to compete with those top-tier teams. COACH SAYS: “There is a lot of optimism going through this program right now. We’ve got seven of our nine offensive starters returning, we’ve got a deep pitching staff. If we can improve on what we’ve been working on during the offseason then we should be in pretty good shape. Our district is very tough, but that’s Hillsborough County baseball. It’s a challenge every year.” — Freedom baseball coach Tripp Merrell

much of the school record book, the roster is fuller and Lamb says she has depth and has improved at just about every position. Junior Lexi Cowles may have been overshadowed, but she was outstandLexi Cowles was first or ing last year, second in virtually every leading the team in dou- offensive category for the Wildcats last season. bles (7) and RBI (28); she also was second in hits (27), runs (20), triples (3) and home runs (3). Lamb says she also is very impressed with freshmen Lopez and Leyva, and Loomis could pick up some innings to give Collins a breather. COACH’S QUOTE: “There is definitely optimism this season. We had so many more girls try out this season than last season. We were so scarce on numbers. But now, it’s very encouraging. We are trying to win the District (6A-6). That is definitely a goal.’’ — Wharton softball coach Amber Lamb

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900º New York Pizza At The Grove Is A New Wesley Chapel Favorite! By GARY NAGER Photos by Charmaine George & Steve Falabella I have known Steve Falabella for more than a decade, since he first coopened 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass in 2011. Today, not only are Steve and his wife Micaela the sole owners of 900º Woodfired, they also opened (in 2021) two new restaurants, which are located next to each other in The Village at The Grove at Wesley Chapel — Falabella Family Bistro and 900º New York Pizza. We’ve been telling you about all three of these outstanding eateries, not only in Dining Feature stories but also in our annual Reader Dining Survey and Gary’s Favorites features, where Falabella Bistro finished as the #3 Favorite restaurant with me and #4 Favorite Restaurant with our readers for 2021, and both 900º Woodfired and 900º New York finished in the top-6 for Favorite Pizza with both yours truly and our readers — for good reason. But, no matter how nice a guy and well-liked Steve, his family and crew may be, if his places were all just so-so, they wouldn’t finish as high in our annual rankings. But, the fact is that this native New Yorker whose family roots (Clockwise from above) Wesley Chapel’s favorite restaurateur Steve Falabella’s Meat can be traced to Italia knows great ItalLovers and other pizzas continue to attract hungry locals at his third area restaurant ian food and he definitely has brought — 900º NY Pizza in The Grove. Check out this delicious fettuccine Alfredo with that knowledge to his Bistro and pizza grilled chicken and oven-baked calzones. places. Only quality ingredients are thicker-crust, square Sicilian-style pizza, Pizzeria in the Williamsburg section of used, and it shows, at all three local which is another long-time favorite of Brooklyn, NY. Falabella-owned restaurants. mine at both of Steve’s pizza places. “Carmine and I are friends from In fact, while I usually order fresh Brooklyn and he showed me how to OK, Let’s Start With The ‘Za round pies with pepperoni and sweet make his most famous pizza,” Steve Steve’s 900º Woodfired pizza may Italian sausage (or just plain cheese), says. “That’s why I named it The Caralso offer traditional Neapolitan-style I also am a big fan of the Meat Lovers mine. We only sell it by the slice, and it wood-burning oven pizza as well as pizza shown above. But, Steve says that takes two hours to make one pan of it. New York style, but he only offers the one of his most popular by-the-slice opIt always sells out almost right away.” NY-style at his pizzeria at The Grove. tions is what he calls his Carmine pizza, And of course, 900º NY Pizza also But, that’s just fine with yours which is a square pie with a slightly difserves a wide variety of other pizzas — truly, as I have always preferred NYferent crust than his Sicilian pizza. The from 12” and 18” pies with your choice style, which also has a thin crust, but Carmine is covered in “baby” pepperoni of toppings to Keto-style; low-carb with a little more crust on the outside and a zingier almost-Grandma’s-style options made with a cheese crust in 12” ring, made in a traditional pizza oven sauce, as the pizza made famous by or 16” sizes; gluten-free 10” personal on what is known in the biz as a pizza Carmine Gangone of Carmine & Sons pizzas made with a cauliflower crust; “stone.” I also have always enjoyed the

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and about 20 different Specialty Pizzas, from his version of Grandma’s pizza to barbecue chicken pizza with white sauce, Calabrese (with spicy Calabrese salami, Ortolano (with cherry tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, artichokes and no sauce) and many more. There’s even “Pizza Metro” party pizzas (36” x 18”) that serve 10-12 people, make-ityourself pizza kits (which were superpopular during Covid) and of course, an always-changing variety of NY- and Sicilian-style pizzas sold by the slice.

Calzones, Appetizers & More!

But, what if you’re in the mood for something other than pizza? Steve’s

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got you covered at 900º NY Pizza, too. There are delicious salads, like the grilled chicken Caesar shown on this page, Mediterranea (with romaine, kalamata olives and feta cheese) and more. For other starters, 900º NY Pizza also has a great Caprese (with fresh mozzarella and slice tomatoes), bruschetta, mozzarella sticks, fried calamari and delicious oven-baked wings (naked or with your choice of BBQ, Buffalo Hot or garlic parmesan sauce), plus some of the best garlic knots in town. There also are deep fried calzones called panzerotto, fried cheese ravioli and traditional Italian Arancini (rice balls). I’m personally not the biggest fan of calzones (photo on previous page), but if you are, people rave about them at 900º NY Pizza. You can choose from a base calzone with shredded mozzarella, to classic (mozzarella, fresh ricotta and ham), Americano (with pepperoni and Italian sausage) and a vegetarian style “Farcito,” with spinach, black olives and tomato. And, don’t sleep on the hot subs at 900º NY Pizza, either. Both the chicken and meatball parm subs (the latter is shown far right on this page) are served on crisp crust sub rolls with mozzarella and tomato sauce. They’re also delicious.

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Pasta, Everyone?

In addition to the pizzas, my other favorite reasons to visit either of Steve’s 900º locations are the delicious pastas. From specialty baked pastas, like the lasagne, ricotta or blue crab-filled ravioli, baked ziti or the excellent chicken parm entrée (top right photo on this (Clockwise from top left) Penne with authentic pesto Genovese is one of our editor’s favorite at both of Falabella’s 900º locations. page) served with Other must-try items at 900º NY Pizza are the Caesar salad with grilled chicken, chicken parmigiana dinner, meatball parm hero a side of spaghetti and oven-baked wings. Steve Falabella says the unique Carmine pizza is one of his best-selling options by the slice. or penne in tomato For those who want an adult beverage There’s also an affordable kids menu sauce, to delicioso create-your-own pastas with everything from chicken fingers to with their meal, 900º NY Pizza has pinot with your choice of pomodoro (homemade grigio (white) or cabernet blend (red) wines spaghetti or penne with meatballs, meat tomato), alla vodka, Bolognese (meat), Alby the glass, 20-oz. Peroni Italian beer on sauce, butter or pomodoro, four pieces of fredo (cream) or Pesto (with basil, pine nuts, fried ravioli or a kids-cut pizza slice (all just draft, a variety of other domestic and imgrated parmesan and olive oil), you really ported beers, plus White Claw hard seltzers. $4.95-$5.95). can’t go wrong. 900º NY Pizza (6027 Wesley Grove And, while I don’t usually save room I’m not usually the biggest Alfredo fan, Blvd.) opens every day at 11 a.m. and is for dessert at 900º NY Pizza, a variety of debut the fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicklicious options is available — from pizza Nuopen until 9 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 10 p.m. on en shown on the previous page is as good tella (a 12” pizza crust covered with Nutella Sat. & 8 p.m. on Sun. Dine-in, pick-up as I’ve had in our area — super-creamy, but hazelnut spread and dusted with powdered and delivery (through Uber Eats, Door not overly heavy. sugar), which also is available topped with Dash & ezCater) are available. For info, My favorite pasta is still the pesto strawberries and bananas. There also are Nucall (813) 406-4500 or visit 900degrees“Genovese” style shown top left on this tella knots (deep-fried dough draped with woodfirepizza.com, which also has info page, to which I add not only grilled chickNutella and topped with powdered sugar), about 900º Woodfired. For Falabella en, but also some sautéed fresh spinach. plus a variety of real Italian ice flavors. Bistro info, see the ad on pg. 45.

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The KRATE Container Park At The Grove Keeps On Growing! The KRATE Container Park, the longawaited jewel of developer Mark Gold’s redevelopment of The Grove at Wesley Chapel, is really taking shape these days. On these pages is an update on all of the new signs that have gone up at KRATE since we told you about Provisions Coffee & Kitchen and the thennew Shake-A-Salad back in November. We also showed you pictures of and/ or mentioned all of the dining- and/or drinking-oriented establishments that had their signs up at that time — Café 365, La Creacion Express Puerto Rican Bakery, The Bacon Boss, Mojo Grill Latin Fusion, TJ’s Famous Hot Dogs, Tacos el Patron, Åto Sushi Burritos & Poke Bowls, Palani’s Hawai’i Noodles, Tasty Ramen, The Fry Room, Urban Sweets, Yummy Tablas, El Prince Mediterranean, Blush Wine Bar, Boba Macs Tea & Eat and The Fry Room. We also mentioned the other places with signs up that weren’t about food or drink — Center Ed Education, Reset Natural Remedies, We Rock Rocks, SmartStart Market Space, Budget Blinds, The Rebellious Hippie and All Good Things Gifts. As we went to press with this issue, the only additional KRATEs that had opened since November were The Fry Room (we’ve sampled not only owners Donny & Lori’s delicious apple cider donuts, but also their crispy chicken tacos and French fries — all excellent), All Good Things and El Prince, as everything from Covid to supply chain issues have not only delayed the construction, the complete shutdown of the few parking spaces around

Although a lot more signs announcing places set to open have gone up at the KRATE Container Park, the only additional restaurants to open by our press time are The Fry Room, El Prince Mediterranean Cuisine & Palani’s Hawai’i Noodles. Other new eatery signs that have gone up since November include (on this page) SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Chamo Bites Venezuelan Cuisine, (clockwise from top left on next page) Bakery X Authentically French, Flipn’ Fries Factory, Rhythm Pon Jamaican Cuisine, Bebo’s Cheesesteaks, Sugar Pop! and Café Zorba. the open KRATEs have had many people Chinese Fusion Food and Cafe Zorba. thinking that none of them were open. We’ve also included some of the signs for new stores and boutiques we hadn’t On these pages are all of the addimentioned before, such as The Toy Jungle, tional eateries coming soon that we found: MaeBerry Co., 2 Extreme Tattoos, Grove SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Chamo Cigars, Katie Beth’s Boutique, Tonella’s Bites Venezuelan Cuisine, Bakery X Handpicked Flower Shop, Valiart JewAuthentically French, Flipn’ Fries Factory, Rhythm Pon Jamaican Cuielry, Pup Protectors and the second Wesley Chapel location of Gadgets Emergency sine, Bebo’s Cheesesteaks, Sugar Pop!, Room. Are you excited yet? — GN Brew Bar, Pisco Express Peruvian

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Although All Good Things Gifts (two left photos) opened for Valentine’s Day on Feb 14, we haven’t been able to get a peek inside, as the store was not open on the days and times we visited since then. The interior picture is from the All Good Things Facebook page. Other food and drink KRATE photos we didn’t previously announce that aren’t open yet are Pisco Express Peruvian & Chinese Fusion (far right) and Brew Bar (bottom far right) beer bar. The other bottom pics on this page are of Palani’s Hawai’i Noodles, which a spokesperson said was getting ready to open (hopefully) by April, and El Prince Mediterranean Cuisine, which opened just as we went to press. Both eateries also have their menus posted on their respective Facebook pages. Please support all of these new local, nonchain businesses! — GN

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Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. Adds Authentic Carnegie Deli Menu Items! By GARY NAGER Photos by Charmaine George

When I lived in New York City in the early 1980s, the two most iconic Jewish delicatessens in Manhattan were the Stage Deli, which closed for good in 2012, and the Carnegie Deli, which permanently closed its doors at the end of 2016. The two delis, which also were bitter rivals, were located about a block from each other on 7th Ave., near Carnegie Hall, and both were known for their huge, overstuffed sandwiches, weighing in at a pound of meat each. I thought both famous eateries were gone forever; that is, until Wesley Chapel Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. franchise owner Daniel Kurland told me that all 16 or so of the locations in the Florida-based chain were replacing their existing deli lunch sandwich meats with authentic corned beef and pastrami (and a few other items shown on this page) from the wholesale distributor that has stayed in business since the Carnegie Deli closed. “Brooklyn Water Bagels even tried to get an exclusive,” Kurland says. “Our corporate entity wanted our stores to be the only places you could get these authentic Carnegie Deli items, including corned beef, pastrami, potato knishes, cheesecake, sour Kosher pickles and even deli mustard.” But, Kurland added, “We were told that there were delis and restaurants all over the country, many in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area, where the first Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. locations opened, which already were buying these items from the Carnegie Deli wholesale distributor. They had to be grandfathered into our agreement with Carnegie.” So, while it’s not the only place in the U.S. where you can sample these items that I loved so much when I lived in Manhattan, Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is one of very few places on the west coast of Florida, and is certainly the only place in Wesley Chapel, where you can buy them. And, because the Carnegie Deli was famous for its 1-lb. sandwiches, Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. today offers the Manhattan Combo sandwich — with 1-lb. total of Carnegie Deli corned beef and pastrami, on authentic Jewishstyle rye bread (or your choice of bagel) with spicy brown Carnegie mustard (which also is available for purchase in squeeze bottles), or

(Above) The Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. on Wesley Chapel Blvd. near I-75 has had house-made NY-style bagels from Day One, but now, owner Daniel Kurland also offers authentic Carnegie Deli corned beef and pastrami, with the Carnegie’s potato knishes, pickles and spicy brown mustard also available. the also-popular 1000 Island dressing. No, there’s no steamer “drawers” keeping the moisture (and heat) in the meats before they are piled onto your sandwich, but otherwise, they are very much the same tasty (albeit fairly fatty, yum!) deli meats I remember from NYC. There’s also The Manhattan sandwich, which offers 1-lb. of your choice of corned beef or pastrami, as well as the Half-Pounder Deli sandwich, which has just 1/2-lb. of your choice of corned beef or pastrami, for you lightweights. There’s even The Reuben, which features corned beef or pastrami with sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, with mustard or 1000 Island dressing on toasted rye. And, considering that a Jewish deli sandwich would never be complete without a Kosher sour pickle, Brooklyn Water Bagel’s Carnegie Deli sandwiches are all served with a matching Carnegie pickle.

But Wait, There’s More!

Growing up, I was never the biggest fan of potato knishes — which, at most delis, are either square or round single-serving “pies” with a dough crust, stuffed with uniquely

seasoned mashed potatoes — but for those of you who crave them, Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. also offers Carn(Top) You can get a breakfast omelet with your egie Deli’s round (only) knishes, that choice of fillings (and your choice of bagel) for are very much like the ones we got at breakfast or lunch at Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. our local deli in Woodmere, Long Is(Above) The chicken bacon avocado wrap sandwich land. The knishes are especially delish is a delicious choice for lunch. with the Carnegie mustard, too. too, and also is available for sale in packages, as And, you can even finish off your are a variety of different types of cream cheese. meal with a nice-sized slab of Carnegie Deli And, just in case you’re not a cheesecake cheesecake, which is a creamy, yet dense desfan, Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. has a great sert that is offered with a cherry sauce either variety of other outstanding desserts, most poured over it or on the side. of which (not including the authentic Jewish And, don’t forget that Brooklyn Water rugelach pastries) are made in-store, using the Bagel Co. also has a delicious roast turkey, bafranchise’s “Brooklynized” water. con and avocado wrap, plus tuna, egg, chicken The black & white cookies are the best and even whitefish salad sandwiches (all of the in the area, the chewy chocolate chip cookies creamy salad options are available for to-go have huge chocolate chunks and the housesale in tubs) and, oh yeah, a huge variety (at baked muffins include blueberry, chocolate least dozen or more different kinds, from chip, apple cinnamon and banana nut. standard plain, sesame and everything to more And, if you love delicious coffee, Brookexotic types, like Black Russian with seeds) lyn Water Bagel Co. has the best hot and kettle-boiled-then-baked fresh bagels, and cold coffee in town, at least in my opinion. pick-your-own fillings omelets that are availIts Brooklyn Water Coffee Roasters is its able for breakfast or lunch anytime you visit. in-house micro-roaster, roasting its coffee in The smoked Nova Scotia salmon is authentic,

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small batches (never larger than 90 lbs. at a time), and purchases only beans that are rated 80 points or higher by the Specialty Coffee Association of America (or in the top 3% of coffee in the world). My favorite available-all-year‘round variety is the Brooklyn Infusion, with Kahlua, caramel and sweet vanilla flavors, but the seasonal Winter Wonderland blend, with white chocolate, caramel and hints of coconut also is amazing, although Kurland says it will be gone by the spring. Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. (27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 101) is open every day, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit BrooklynWaterBagel.com, call (813) 775-2275 or see the ad on pg. 44 to receive a free bagel just for stopping by.

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(Top) In addition to giant chocolate chip, black & white cookies & rugelach pastries, BWB also now has Carnegie Deli cheesecake. (Above) Our editor loves the smoked salmon on a fresh-baked everything bagel, but you can choose from more than a dozen bagel varieties available every day (below).

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Super Hot Asian & BBQ Is Open In Former Fushia Location!

NEW TAMPA Hana Sushi Opens & Closes, Oishi Express Coming Soon!

For those who have been waiting for something to open where Fushia Asian Bistro closed in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms, your wait is over. The new restaurant is called Super Hot Asian & BBQ, and it also is Chinese/ Asian fusion. We’ve only gotten to try a few menu items so far, but we definitely enjoyed the pan-fried gyoza dumplings (served by an actual robot server), as well as the Yangzhou (aka “Young Chow”) combo fried rice. For more info about Super Hot (15317 Amberly Dr.), call (813) 6804124 or visit https://superhot.kwickmenu.com/index.php. — GN

Las Palmas Food Truck — Same Great Food, All-New Look! When last we checked in with our friend Ramses Garcia, the owner of Las Palmas Latin Grill (which was shuttered by a fire in its storefront location on Oct. 11), he had just recently opened the Las Palmas Food Truck, which was just a plain white truck Ramses had renovated so he could continue serving his authentic Cuban cuisine in the same parking lot while rebuilding his popular eatery. Well, since then, Ramses has added a custom exterior wrap to the truck, complete with a caricature of Al Pacino’s character and his famous line from “Scarface” — “Say Hello To My Little Friend.” Yes, the revamped truck looks great, but it’s still the food Ramses and his wife Ana serve inside that’s the most important thing. Whether you crave award-winning Cubans, amazing roasted pork, grilled chicken breast, deviled crab or Ana’s Tres Leches dessert, visit LasPalmasLatinGrill.com to order your favorites today — and please tell Ana and Ramses I sent you! — GN

Kobé Re-Opening Delayed By Supply Chain Issues! With the expected re-opening of Kobé Japanese Steakhouse still a few months away (see below), sushi-hungry New Tampa residents may be searching for other options for Japanese cuisine — and two are either on the way or already open. At our press time, I still couldn’t verify if the anticipated opening of Hana Sushi & Grill in the former location of Aroy Thai Tsyu (at 20685 BBD) ever actually happened because every time I’ve called there’s been no answer and every time I’ve driven by, the place has been dark. Its Google listing also said “Temporarily Closed” at our press time, but there was one 5-star review on Google from the beginning of February. We’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, I was able to catch up with the owners of Oishi Express Sushi & Hibachi Grill (photo), which is expected to open in the former location of Luv Fresh (and Petra Mediterranean Express before that), next to Taste of NY Pizza in the Highwoods Preserve area of New Tampa. There’s no doubt that there has been a lot of construction going on inside the new restaurant, but the owners weren’t sure exactly when they planned to open. Their best estimate was sometime around the end of this month Again, stay tuned for updates.—GN

For those who have been waiting patiently for Kobé Japanese Steakhouse to re-open in its new location a mile or so south on BBD (in the former location of Vuelo and Señor T’s Mexican restaurants, and Romano’s Macaroni Grill before that), well, we’re sorry, but you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer. According to Kobé spokesperson Hien Nguyen, the original hoped-for opening of as early as Dec. 2021 has had to be extended by several months. “Unfortunately, construction is slower than expected, as supply chain delays for large equipment are stalling our progression.” says Nguyen. “We can’t move forward until some of these items are delivered. Unfortunately, we do not have an exact date, but hopefully in a few months if some of these items can be delivered soon.” If you’ve driven by the site of the future Kobé, you’ve probably noticed that a tremendous amount of exterior work has been done, but that it definitely has stalled in recent weeks. We know our readers are excited about the re-opening of Kobé, so be sure to keep checking these pages for further updates. Unfortunately, we also haven’t received, seen or heard any updates about when Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar is expected to open in the former Kobé location in front of the Pebble Creek Collection, also on BBD. In fact, unlike Kobé, which has had the monument sign in the picture (right) up for several weeks, we haven’t even seen a banner sign yet for Hungry Crab, which has six other locations already open, the closest of which is in Largo and the furthest of which is in Brunswick, GA. The New Tampa Hungry Crab is one of three additional locations opening soon. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 5 • March 8, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 5 • March 8, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

The Brunchery Set To Open In Former Wolf ’s Den Location!

WESLEY CHAPEL Carrabba’s Italian Grill Goes Vertical!

OK, we’ve got some amazing news! Brunchery New Tampa is getting ready to open a second location in Wesley Chapel! The New Tampa Brunchery, which received plenty of votes in our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, was opened at 17507 Preserve Walk Lane (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) by Alket (Al) Marku and Stanley Athan in 2019. In January 2021, Marku took over as the only owner of the New Tampa Brunchery, and has been tremendously successful. He believes he will bring

Photo: Brunchery-New Tampa Facebook page

the same success to the Brunchery Wesley Chapel, located at 27607 S.R. 56, the former location of Wolf’s Den (right). Brunchery is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch menu that offers a variety of options, such as stuffed French toast (left), fluffy omelettes & tasty Benedicts, homemade muffins, creamy chicken salad on grilled raisin bread, grilled chicken melt sandwiches and many other delicious items. It also has become well-known for its outstanding service. Marku, who took me on a hard hat tour of the former Wolf’s Den location that he is completely revamping, says he hopes to be open not too long after this issue hits mailboxes on March 8.

We are definitely looking forward to the opening of the Wesley Chapel Brunchery! For more information, visit LoveBrunchery.com or call the New Tampa location at (813) 533-7271. — GN

Woodie’s Wash Shack Hosts A Spectacular Grand Opening!

Even though we’ve previously reported (multiple times) that Carrabba’s Italian Grill would be opening between Aussie Grill and Bonefish Grill on the north side of S.R. 56, we’ve seen some recent comments on Facebook indicating that some of you still don’t know what is being built in that area. Well, now that Carrabba’s has gone vertical and posted a sign (photo), there is no need for additional speculation. The Bloomin’ Brands-owned Italian eatery, originally founded in Texas by Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola, already has 220+ locations in 29 states, and is expected to open this 69th Florida location (and second with a Lutz zip code) within the next 3-6 months. — GN

If you missed the Grand Opening and official Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the new Woodie’s Wash Shack-Cypress Creek (located at 24749 S.R. 54 in Lutz, about a mile west of the Tampa Premium Outlets) on Feb. 4, you missed one of the best North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cuttings we’ve attended in years. First of all, there was free Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear being given away, appearances by a variety of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) vehicles and K-9 officers (bottom photos), delicious, free food from Bubba’s 33 and Honeybaked Ham and, perhaps best of all, free car washes for every vehicle that came to the party and unlimited top-level monthly wash memberships for just $9.99 per month for the first three months. But, the even bigger news of the day was that Woodie’s owner Don Phillips (who says he based his growing local chain of four wash shacks on the California surf era of the late 1950s and early 1960s) and local franchisee Harry Jenkins also presented a $10,000 check to Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco for his K-9 Officer program. Phillips even mentioned that the money will go, in part, to the training of a new K-9 officer, appropriately named Woodie. And, for those who have seen the sign at The Grove at Wesley Chapel that another Woodie’s location is coming soon, Jenkins says that location will likely open in the next 6-7 months. For more information, stop by or visit WoodiesWash.com. — GN

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Chicken, Chicken & More Chicken? The Wesley Chapel area isn’t exactly lacking for chicken-oriented restaurants, considering the recent openings of Chick’n Fun, Zaxby’s and King of the Coop, as well as the now-under-construction Chicken Salad Chick. And, don’t forget chicken places that have been established in Wesley Chapel for years, such as PDQ, Popeye’s and Wing Stop. But, it appears that we’ll still have to make room for another. According to Pasco County permitting records, Slim Chickens met with county planners on Feb. 8 at a pre-application meeting, which generally allows prospective applicants to meet and discuss the specifics of their proposals. A “quick look plan” presented to the county shows the 2,400-sq.-ft. restaurant (with 42 parking spaces) would be located on the southeast corner of Old Pasco Rd. and Wesley Chapel Blvd., west of Advance Auto Parts, and less than a 1/2-mile from Chick’n Fun. The plans also include a 1,406-sq.-ft. auto

service center, which would be in between the Slim Chickens and Advance Auto Parts. Slim Chickens is a fast-casual chain that specializes in chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, salads, wraps and chicken & waffles, as well as other items. It is headquartered in Fayetteville, AR, and has more than 100 locations in more than 30 states. The only location near Wesley Chapel is on N. Boundary Blvd. near Macdill Air Force Base in South Tampa, and there are three other locations in the Florida panhandle. For more information, visit SlimChickens.com. — JCC

Kumquat Pie Is Now Pasco’s ‘Official’ Pie! Congratulations to the little known and oft-overlooked Kumquat Pie, which was recently declared the official pie of Pasco County. The Pasco Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution to honor the pie on Feb. 8, after the Tourist Development Council for Experience Florida’s Sports Coast voted the make the pie the official pie. “Kumquat pie is an iconic dish in Pasco,” said District 2 commissioner Mike Moore, “and it’s only appropriate it’s now our official pie.” Key lime and apple have filed protests, but they never had a chance against the mighty kumquat. It may look like a misshaped baby orange, but the grape-sized fruit has found a place in Pasco County’s heart, dating back to the late 1800s. And of course, Pasco is well-known for its annual Dade City Kumquat Festival, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. — JCC

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 5 • March 8, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT

CUSTOM INT. WINDOW COVERINGS! Cust. fabrication of all types of window coverings — plantation & hurricane shutters, vert. blinds, roller, cellular, woven wood & Roman shades, cellular vert., panel tracks, retract. awnings, motorization experts, alum., wood & faux wood blinds & more! FREE installation on orders over $250! Call Henry @ 813-948-6363, email TampaBlindsbyDesign@ gmail.com or visit TampaBlindsbyDesign.com.

AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years of exp. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere. Google us to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises. See our display ad at the bottom of this page! WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHING.COM Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small. Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate 813-433-6015. RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Ext: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Int: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124.

DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 26 years exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-784-5999.

Classifieds

All Neighborhood News Classified Ads appear in both New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News! 7 issues — $120; 13 issues — $200; or 26 issues (1 year) — $300!

COMPUTER & BUSINESS SERVICES

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com.

PROF’L TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+ Cert. computer tech w/20 years exp. Maint. & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than chains! Friendly, personal svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for free estimate or see our display ad on pg. 38!

CLEANING SERVICES

PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 years of exp.Free estimates. Call 813 943 6054 or email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com.

B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 18 years exp.! Comm’l & Resid’l; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post-construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in & move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates.; Refs. avail. Call 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@ hotmail.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campers/ small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any condition, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, call (813) 461-0062.

To order yours, visit neighborhoodnewsonline.net/Classified Listings LAWN & LANDSCAPING, ETC.__ ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, LLC. Complete resid’l & comm’l landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone. Patios, decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn care. Sod & lawn install’n, artificial turf, fencing, railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials.

JASMINE LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn maint.: Tree, palm & hedge trimming, planting, mulching, stones, sod replacement. Gutter cleaning, leaf removal & more. Cited by your HOA? Ask about our HOA Compliance Special, our Fall/Spring Special & FREE estimate! Lic’d & insured. Accepting new resid’l & comm’l accounts. Visa, MC, PayPal, Zelle, AmEx. Call or text 813-420-4465. Now hiring FT workers. FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27-yrs of Prof. Service. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding. Dead-Wood Removal. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2020 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $40 (one way). Driver vaccinated w/two shots. Cory Lake Isles resident. Call/text 813.765.2037.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 5 • March 8, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

POOL SERVICES

ALLSTARPOOLSOFTAMPABAY.COM. Pool cleanups, & acid washing of old pool finishes. Marcite, quartz & pebble finishes from $3K. We offer cool decking, Eurocrete & paver decking options. Paver, river rock sealing, leak detection & in-ground vinyl liner replacements avail. Quality salt & ozone generators, pumps, motors & filters. Serving NT & WC since 1990. Call/text 813-244-7077 or visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com. TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing w/outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call or Text Chris today @ 813-857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService. com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! NEIGHBORHOOD POOLS. Wesley Chapel owned & operated since 1999. Weekly service. No long term contracts. Mention this AD for one-month Free service. Call 813-907-7322 for details or text Joe at 813-758-7608.

If you don’t see your long-running Classified ad on this page, it’s because you didn’t respond to our attempts to receive a new payment from you. Your Classified ad can still be renewed going forward, but only at the full-year Classified rate. For more information, call (813) 910-2575 and ask for MJ.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 30, Issue 5 • March 8, 2022 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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