Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 25, Issue 6, March 10, 2017 by Neighborhood News

Volume 25 Issue 6 March 10, 2017

Inside: Our Taste Of New Tampa Preview Section!! See pages 38-43!

Co-Creator Of The Wesley Chapel Chamber Of Commerce’s Chairman’s Award-Winning WCNT-tv! The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! For the complete list of neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in Wesley Chapel (zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545), see page 54!

Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel To Rock Florida Hospital Center Ice! Dress Warm! The Coolest Event Ever Will Be Held At The Coolest Venue Ever — Saturday, March 18, Noon-4 p.m! By John C. Cotey The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) was no longer interested in putting on any more big events. The New Tampa Rotary Club just happened to be looking for one. So, with a little bit of gentle negotiations, the Taste of New Tampa — formerly a New Tampa Chamber of Commerce fund raiser that was inherited by the WCCC when the two chambers merged in 2014 — fell back in New Tampa’s mouth…errr, hands. “They had an asset, meaning the trademark for the Taste of New Tampa, and it was a great opportunity for us as a club to take on that trademark,’’ says Karen Frashier, the presidentelect of the New Tampa Rotary and chair of the 21st (but now-renamed) “Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel.” Scheduled for Saturday, March 18, noon-4 p.m., at the new Florida Hospital Center Ice (see story, pg. 10), this year’s Taste has the potential to be the best one ever. Why? Here are our top five reasons you should attend the 2017 “Taste”: 1. IT’S INDOORS! If you attended many of the previous 20 Tastes, chances are there was at least a time or two when you cursed out the weather. Whether you were soaked by the rain or just drenched in your own sweat, being held outdoors sometimes made the food spectacular a crapshoot. But, you’ll want to wear an extra layer of clothing for this one. You won’t be standing directly on ice — but it will be beneath the rink’s special “sports

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense Debated At Reeves Hearing; Hi-Tech Connected City Gets Approval; New Tampa Mosque Arson Unites Community; S.R. 56 Extension Finally Under Way & The Return Of Our Exclusive Summer Camp Guide; Plus, Lots Of Local Business Features!

Pages 3-36

Neighborhood Magazine

Check Out Our Exclusive Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Preview Section; A Visit To Vuelo Mexican Grill & More Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes!

Pages 37-52

Among the many delicious items to be served at the 2017 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel are the ahi tuna appetizer from Bonefish Grill (left) & mini-Spicy Brazilian bowls from Ciccio’ Cali. Please note that the photos shown are of the full-sized dishes; portions to be served at the Taste will be smaller.

court” floor — and the temperature inside the FHCI will be below 60 degrees. You’ll be dry from any rain, though, and you can leave the sunscreen at home. Hurrah! 2. THE FOOD! The last Taste in 2013, due to the threat of torrential rain, had fewer than 20 restaurants show up. This year’s event already has 50 signed up, with two weeks to go. According to our own Gary Nager, the restaurant chair for the 2017 “Taste,” there are still several more interested in participating at our deadline, so you might just have the choice of sampling food and adult beverages from more than 50 restaurants and beverage providers when it’s all said and done. Your choices cover just about the whole spectrum of categories. Arroy Thai, Cantina La-

redo, Dempsey’s Steak House, Culver’s, Little Italy’s, OTB Delights Cafe, Paramount Lebanese Kitchen, Noble Crust and Union 72 are among the many participating at our press time. And, organizers didn’t forget about your sweet tooth, as Blondie’s Cookies, La Berry Yogurt & Ice Cream, 7 Layers Bakery, Happy Cow Frozen Yogurt and The Cake Girl are among those that will be dishing out desserts. For a complete list, check out pages 40-43. 3. IT’S FOR A GOOD CAUSE The New Tampa Rotary Club supports a lot of worthwhile causes, and much of the money raised at The Taste will help the club support about 25-30 nonprofits in this area. The Rotary’s signature project is Feeding America Tampa

Bay, so four mobile food pantries in the USF area, Meals on Wheels and the club’s meal-packing events – to which the club devotes $10,00014,000 annually — will benefit. “We saw (the Taste) as a great potential fund raiser for the nonprofits that we support,” Frashier says. Also, 10 percent of the net proceeds will be provided to the WCCC to be used for scholarships for area high school students. The WCCC already gives out mutliple scholarships to students at Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools, but now, thanks to The Taste, you can add Freedom and Wharton to that list, too. 4. THE ENTERTAINMENT The Taste continues to add new stuff every week, but you can plan on checking out the Wiregrass Ranch drumline, the Bob Thompson

See “Five Reasons” on page 41.

Soul Circus Cowboys To Headline Land O’Lakes Music Fest Tomorrow!

Anyone who knows me has a pretty good idea about how much I love great music. To that end, I definitely plan to be at the 2nd annual Land O’Lakes Music Festival, which is being held tomorrow — Saturday, March 11, noon-8 p.m. — at the Land O’Lakes Community Center (5401 Land O’Lakes Blvd., aka U.S. Hwy 41). This year’s festival, which again is being presented by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce (CPCC), will be headlined by the popular local rockin’ country, blues and pop favorite, the Soul Circus Cowboys (photo), a group I have enjoyed on multiple occasions that will keep you dancing. Other acts include Stonegrey, the outstanding (I have one of their CDs) Land O’Lakes-based rock group that features two of the sons of CPCC president Terri Dusek; the smooth jazz of City Groove, featuring popular local saxophonist Marlon Boone; funky musical duo The Higgins Brothers; pop singer Tim Serdynski; and Shalyah Fearing, who appeared on the 2016 season of NBC-TV’s “The Voice.” New for this year is that General Admission tickets are free, while preferred seating (chairs

near the stage, restrooms and beer tent) is $15 (if you buy your tickets today at Eventbrite.com/e/land-o-lakes-music-festival-tickets-29743722274) and $20 at the show tomorrow. There also is a suggested $10 donation per vehicle for parking. In addition to the great music, there will be the Al and Ida Silver Memorial Car Show from 11-a.m. until 3 p.m., which is free to check out, with a $15 registration fee if you want your vehicle to be part of the show. Prizes will be awarded to the top 30 vehicles. The Festival also will feature great food and beer/wine sales, kids activities and lots of vendor booths. You can bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show, but please, no coolers or pets.

Among this year’s Festival sponsors are the Seal Swim School, A-OK Trophies, The Law Offices of Lucas Magazine; Architectural Signage & Printing, Synovus Bank, Optimum Plumbing, Knight Pest Control, Christian Bros. Auto of Land O’Lakes, Jester of Jazz & Morgan Air. — GN

Helping My Friends Promote Their Charitable Events Is Always My Pleasure

PEF’s upcoming “Cinderella Ball” (to be held tomorrow night at Heritage Springs Country Club in Trinity) the foundation’s largest annual fund raiser. Although a team from Land O’Lakes High won first place from the four judges, one of the two teams (photo,left) from Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) took home the “People’s Choice” award for its strawberry dessert. My surprising (to me) favorite of the seven confections everyone in attendance got to sample that night was the “24 Karat” dessert provided by the other WRH team. It had just enough of a hint of cayenne pepper in it to give this chocolate delight a unique kick.

An editorial by Gary Nager We keep telling you everything that’s happening in Wesley Chapel in every issue of this publication, but quite honestly, it’s hard even for us to keep up with everything going on in this community.

Relay For Life Tonight!

One event I try to get to every year is the Wesley Chapel Wiregrass American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life, which begins at 6 p.m. on the same day you’re receiving this issue in your mailbox at the running track at Wiregrass Ranch High (2909 Mansfield Blvd.). At our press time a week before the event, the Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Relay had already raised more than $28,000 of its $65,000 goal, with more than 260 registered participants on 31 teams. I promised my good friend, ACS of the South Nature Coast of Florida (serving Pasco, Hernando & Citrus counties) senior market manager Robyn Liska, that I would once again be on hand to take pictures at the Relay. For more info or to make a donation, even after the event is held, visit Relay.ACSEvents.org/site/TR?fr_id=81704&pg=infor mational&sid=209325.

‘March For Babies’ Kickoff

I attended the Feb. 22 kickoff event (at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch) for the 2017 Suncoast March of Dimes “March for Babies,” which will be held Saturday, April 29, 8 a.m., at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. The annual walk is the largest fund raiser for the March of Dimes,

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Billing Manager Stephanie Smith Advertising Sales & Office Assistant Jannah McDonald Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Brad Stager • Andy Warrener WCNT-tv Sales & Production Assistant Gavin Olsen Graphic Designers Blake Beatty • Georgia Carmichael

(L.-r.): Madison, Jennifer & Dylan Cofini, with Linda Hurtado. Photo by Jannah McDonald

And, don’t forget to check out the latest episode of WCNT-tv on YouTube. We’ve now had nearly 250,000 views and a reach of more than 500,000 through 17 episodes!

which invites you to walk for more babies to be born healthy. Premature birth is the number one killer of babies and the March of Dimes, which was founded in 1938 by former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (afflicted with polio himself) to combat polio, which at that time, was a tremendous worldwide killer and crippler of babies. Since then, the organization has focused its efforts on helping mothers and babies live healthier lives. The 2017 Event Chair, Jennifer Cofini (photo above), who works for the Parks Auto Group, has two children, Dylan and Madison, both of whom were born prematurely (although they are both healthy today), so the March of Dimes is near and dear to her heart. Jen and her committee hosted more than 100 people at the kickoff event, many of whom work for Publix, a major sponsor of this year’s March. According to MarchforBabies.org/ EventInfo?EventID=18398, the March already has raised more than $25,000, with Cofini’s goal being $250,000. WTVT-TV Fox 13 news anchor Linda Hurtado hosted the kickoff event, and quite a few parents of premature babies who amazingly survived being born as early as 29 weeks into a 40-week pregnancy brought those children along with them to the event; some even told their amazing, heart-wrenching stories of courage. I hope you’ll visit the previously mentioned website to make a donation and show up at the mall for a nice, three-mile walk to benefit this wonderful cause.

WRH Team Wins ‘People’s Choice’ At Dessert Contest

I also was on hand on Feb. 23, for the Pasco Education Foundation (PEF)’s second annual

Table of Contents

Local News Updates.....................3-13

‘Stand Your Ground’ Hearing Concludes..................4 Connected City Approved For Wesley Chapel...........6 Bilirakis Holds ‘Obamacare’ Town Hall At WCH.....8 New Tampa Mosque Arson Unites Community.......10 S.R. 56 Extension Finally Breaks Ground..............12 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar..........................14

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 25, Issue 8, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, March 27, 2017. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

Local Business Updates..............18-32

Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Classifieds...........52

Neighborhood News

dessert contest (held at Land O’Lakes High), whereby teams from all five high school Culinary Academies in Pasco County competed to be able to provide dessert for more than 200 guests at

Pasco Cardiology Expanding Local Hours.............18 Results Drive Medi-Weight Loss Clinics.................22 Florida Educators Insurance...................................26 Our Exclusive 2017 Summer Camp Guide......28-29 Academy At The Lakes Stresses Academics............30

Local Sports Updates.......................34-35 Wiregrass Ice Hawks Take Second At State

Neighborhood Magazine

Our Exclusive “Taste” Preview Section.......38-43 Vuelo Mexican Grill Taking Flight On BBD............46 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.....50-51

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Judge Set To Rule Whether Reeves Can Use ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense that Oulson’s wife Nicole was talking to him. “I felt like he would ultimately comply,’’ Reeves said. Reeves said that when Chad Oulson returned to his phone, he told him he was going to the cinema manager to complain. When Reeves returned from talking to the manager, he said he noticed the phone was off, and said he apologized to Oulson for involving cinema management. That contradicted Nicole Oulson’s testimony of Feb. 23, when she claimed that Reeves was anything but polite in asking her husband to turn off his phone, calling it more of an “order” than a request. And, she said, when he returned after talking to management, Reeves did not apologize, but rather goaded her husband. “I see that you put the phone away now that I went to get management,’’ she testified that Reeves said to her husband. “It was not a polite, ‘Oh, thank you for putting it away’...It was to keep nagging at Chad... to keep the argument going.” According to Reeves, a few seconds later, Chad Oulson stood and confronted him, as his wife tried to restrain him. “When I looked up, he was coming over the seat at me, across from where my wife was,” Reeves said. “I saw just a snapshot of something dark in his hand. Almost immediately, Nicole Oulson, the widow of Chad Oulson, testified on Feb. 23 that I saw what I perceived to be a Curtis Reeves was confrontational they day he shot her husband. glow from a light screen right in front of my face, and I was (Pool photo) hit in the face.” Reeves said the blow alretreat when confronted and can use deadly most knocked the glasses off his face. force if they feel they are in danger of bodily At that point, he testified that he began harm or death. to fear for his life. “I realized I was in a life-orFinal arguments for the hearing took place death struggle,” he said. on March 3 (the day we went to press) and PiSurveillance video shows Oulson grabbing nellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Susan Barthle said a bag of popcorn from Reeves and throwing it she would have a decision by March 10 (the day at him, which Reeves testified he did not recall. this issue reaches your mailbox) at the latest. He said he thought Oulson was getting ready If Barthle determines that the “stand your to punch him. He had already reached for the ground” law applies in this case, Reeves would gun in his pocket and, at that point, Reeves not be prosecuted. However, if she rules that pulled it out and shot him. the law does not apply, Reeves would face trial However, witness Mark Turner, a retired on second-degree murder and aggravated bat- U.S. Air Force officer who was sitting a few tery charges. seats down from Reeves, said he heard Reeves Reeves testified for six hours during the say something like, “Throw popcorn in my hearing on Feb. 28, claiming that he politely face” almost simultaneously with the shot beasked Oulson to stop using his cell phone as the ing fired. previews began. Two other witnesses, Charles Cummings Oulson swore at him, Reeves said. He said and Derek Friedhoff, who also were sitting By John C. Cotey On Jan. 13, 2014, after an argument that began over the use of a glowing cell phone in a darkened movie theater, Curtis Reeves fatally shot Chad Oulson in the chest during the previews before a matinee showing of “Lone Survivor” at the Cobb Grove 16 Cinemas on Wesley Grove Blvd. That much is known. As for why and how it happened, and whether or not Reeves, a 74-year-old retired Tampa Police captain, acted in self-defense, that was finally debated during a hearing at the Dade City Courthouse, more than three years after the shooting occurred. Reeves’ attorney Richard Escobar invoked the state’s controversial “stand your ground” defense, which says a person does not have to

nearby in the theater, also testified that they heard Reeves make the popcorn comment. Friedhoff said the popcorn comment was prefaced by “show you.” Cummings said Chad Oulson stumbled down his row after being shot and, “collapsed on me and my son.” “I can’t Curtis Reeves said he believed he was in a “life-or-death struggle” with Chad believe he shot Oulson before killing him on Jan. 13, 2014, at the Cobb Grove 16 Cinemas. me,” Chad Oul(Pool photo) son said, accordHamilton said he identified himself as a ing to Cummings’ testimony. deputy and took the .380 Kel Tec pistol Reeves Sumter County Sheriff’s Sgt. Alan Hamhad shot Oulson with. ilton, who was off duty that day but taking in Hamilton also testified that while he was a movie, delivered what could be some of the keeping an eye on the altercation, he did not most damaging testimony to Reeves on Mar. 1. see Oulson climb over a seat to get at Reeves, Hamilton testified that he saw the popas Reeves testified, or throw a cell phone or a corn fly, followed almost immediately by the punch at him. flash of the gun. He moved to where the shot In audio recordings of Reeves’ being incame from, and said he heard Curtis Reeves’ terviewed the day of the shooting, Reeves can wife Vivian say, “That was no cause to shoot be heard saying what he had done was “stupid.” that man.” Reeves said he was more scared than he He then claimed Reeves scolded his wife. had ever been, considering his age and health. “He pointed his finger at her and told her “If I had it to do over again, it would nevto shut her mouth and to not say another f-ing er have happened,” he said. “We would have word,’’ Hamilton recalled. moved. But, you don’t get do-overs.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

‘Connected

City’

By John C. Cotey The Connected City is officially coming to northern Wesley Chapel. “I think we realize we actually made history today,’’ said District 2 commissioner and Pasco Board of County Commissioner (BCC) chairman Mike Moore. The commissioners approved the massive project at its Feb. 7 meeting in New Port Richey by a unanimous 5-0 vote. After months of delays and negotiations, Metro Development Group finally put forth a polished plan that the BCC could not only live with, but gush over. Both sides were pleased to see the plan to build the nation’s first gigabit community constructed from the ground up move forward. It was viewed by the commissioners as a seminal moment for Pasco County. “I think it’s going to turn out to be one of the greatest things we’ve done here in Pasco County,’’ said District 1 commissioner Ron Oakley, who was elected in November. “I’m very jealous this is in your district,’’ District 3 commissioner Kathryn Starkey told Oakley. The Connected City is a 7,800-acre area running north from Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel to S.R. 52 in San Antonio, and west from I-75 to Curley Rd. It has been touted by developers and planners as a first-of-its-kind, high-tech economic engine that will promote major job creation, alternative transportation along integrated roadways and not just one, but two first-in-thecountry, man-made Crystal Lagoons. One of those lagoons recently broke ground at the Epperson Ranch development off Curley Rd. (as reported last issue), while

Passes

Final

the other lagoon is expected to break ground later this year at the planned Mirada development in the northwest corner of the Connected City, just south of the S.R. 52 exit off I-75. Metro owns roughly 35 percent of the land and is already building homes in Mirada and Epperson Ranch; they plan to begin selling those homes by the end of the year. The project is part of a 10-year pilot program created by Senate Bill 1216 in May of 2015. It allows for an expedited planning and approval process for creating city-connected corridors. For the length of the pilot program, there will be no state oversight, although there will be two-year reviews. More than 100 Wesley Chapel residents showed up to the first public meetings at Wesley Chapel Elementary in December of 2015 regarding the Connected City, voicing concerns about the impact on the Florida aquifer, the effect on sewers and sinkholes and how construction would impact the area, which they said was already prone to flooding. At the final public hearing and vote, only one person spoke. The longer-than-expected 18-month process to gain approval required a number of adjustments, from scrapping plans to form

Test

Pasco

a committee that would bypass county oversight to contributing $7 million to build additional roads to rigorous debate over mobility fee credits. “We worked very closely with the county throughout the entire process — they are our public partner on the Connected City, so we were sure to be flexible during the planning process to meet their requests,’’ said Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations with Metro Development and the man credited with being the visionary behind the Connected City. “Every hoop, question and demand illustrates the hard work that goes into a project like this,” Goyani added. “The success of the Connected City is indicative of true collaboration and dedication to a common goal.” With 72 acres of site-ready employment centers set aside, as well as commitments from Tampa General Hospital, Florida Hospital and Saint Leo University for proposed centers, and the potential for a number of tech start-ups, the project’s promise of job creation convinced District 4 commissioner Mike Wells Jr. of the merits of the Connected City. Wells’ father, Mike Sr., was involved decades ago in the development of Trinity on the west side of the county.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

BCC

Votes

Yes

“The Board wasn’t really sold on bringing that forward,” Wells Jr. said. “But as a Board, they moved forward on it and look at what Trinity is today. (During this process) I have pondered that. I know more about connected cities than I ever wanted to know. But, at the end of the day, I feel it is right for the county. It comes down to jobs creation to me.” Wells Jr. added that despite his support, he would hold developers accountable for those promised job creations. Ernie Monaco, the county’s assistant planning and development administrator, has been one of the leading – and more excitable – proponents of the Connected City. He says that as a result of the project, planners have written new development code that could be extended to areas beyond the huge development itself. He also listed a number of things that will put Pasco on the cutting edge – things like driverless vehicles, clean energy homes, incentives for builders and employers, improvements in local schools, innovative healthcare and a business community that keeps area residents from having to move away to find good employment opportunities. “That’s the kind of future we want,” Monaco said. The commissioners agreed, unanimously. Despite the delays and countless meetings, the Connected City promises to be a game changer, Moore said. “All eyes are going to be upon us now,” he said. “So get ready.” For more information about the Connected City, visit PascoCountyFL. net/=2319.

@NTWCNews

Wesley Chapel Town Hall Somewhat Divided On What To Do With Obamacare By John C. Cotey Many politicians, including senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), are ducking their constituents — or liberal activists, they would say — by avoiding town hall meetings. Not Republican U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis, however, who represents the 12th District of Florida, which includes all of Wesley Chapel. In fact, Rep. Bilirakis is tackling his town halls head on, including one held Feb. 22 at Wesley Chapel High on Wells Rd. While the crowd of roughly 150 wasn’t quite as rowdy as some of the other town halls Bilirakis has hosted recently, the message was clear: don’t take away our healthcare, but fix it. Those fixes, said most of those in attendance, shouldn’t include getting rid of some of the more popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”), specifically the number one concern raised that evening — coverage for those with preexisting conditions. “I’m begging you to keep something with pre-existing conditions,’’ said Bonnie Axler of Land O’Lakes. “I will lose my husband (who has cancer) if you don’t keep something.” Bilirakis, praised by many of the speakers for showing up and not hiding from the people he represents, appeared to be truly listening to many of those speaking up. A member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, Rep. Bilirakis is co-sponsoring the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act, which prohibits insurance companies from denying access, limiting coverage or raising premiums because someone is already sick. Bilirakis also would like to see any replacement plan retain the ACA provision that allows people to keep their kids on their insurance until they turn age 26. That was good news to Zephyrhills resident Carrol Vaughn, who said she is fighting breast cancer and has a daughter in her 20s. “There aren’t a lot of options to protect her until she’s 26,’’ she said. Others, like Kurt Accebach of Odessa, went further. Accebach said everyone pays taxes for the police, the military and our streets, because it is for the common good. “Maybe it’s time healthcare became a common good,’’ he said. A number of town hall attendees went over to shake Accebach’s hand afterwards.

More than 150 people attended the Feb. 22 Town Hall meeting hosted by U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (standing, far right)at the Wesley Chapel High Center for the Performing Arts. Despite being in favor of some parts of the ACA, Rep. Bilirakis is opposed to Obamacare, voting to repeal it many times and calling it “unsustainable.” “The costs are too high,’’ he says. “We have to come up with something better.” His constituents have been showing up to demand it. One speaker at the Wesley Chapel town hall reminded Rep. Bilirakis that he signed a pledge to repeal Obamacare in 2010, and campaigned on that promise while winning 71 percent of the vote (it was actually 63.5 percent) in 2012. He ran unopposed in 2014 and, in 2016, while still campaigning against Obamacare, Bilirakis received 68.6 percent of the vote. “My question is to you,” said the speaker, “are you going to keep your campaign promise and repeal Obamacare?” Bilirakis said he was keeping his promise, but was going to the people for ideas. While those who voted for him and for President Donald Trump in Republicanfriendly Pasco County may be demanding a repeal-and-replacement of the ACA, the controversial healthcare law is gaining in popularity across the country. According to CNN, the latest Health Tracking Poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a polling source for the healthcare community, found that Obamacare has its highest level of support ever, with 48 percent in favor of it versus 42 percent opposed. A recent Pew Research Center poll (a nonpartisan fact tank), which does extensive public polling on different issues, has those numbers at 54 percent in favor of the ACA

vs. 43 percent opposed. Both are non-partisan organizations. There remains, however, vocal opposition from those who cite rising costs and a shortage of plans and doctors as their reasons for dismantling it. A steady stream of speakers lined up to offer their ideas to Bilirakis, ranging from requests to expand Obamacare to those who wanted to see it blown up altogether. Some, like Axler, admit that the costs may be rising, but, “Every month I call in my credit card for that insurance, I thank God (my husband) is) still alive.” Many in attendance blamed those rising costs on insurance companies, and cited that the No. 1 cause of bankruptcy in America is medical costs. “When insurance and ‘big pharma’ is run as a profit model, we lose,’’ said Jennifer Higgins of Lutz. Kim Irvine of Land O’Lakes claimed that Obamacare is not working. “I am for repealing and replacing it,’’ she said. While she did say she supports a replacement covering pre-existing conditions, she told Bilirakis that those who insisted on keeping their children on their insurance until they were age 26 were “coddling” them. “They need to grow up and get a real job,’’ she said. Others, like Sandy Graves of Lutz, said supporters of Obamacare must be listening to “fake news.” Rev. Mary Anne Dorner of Wesley Chapel said she has been struck by how divisive and looming the healthcare issue has become. “I have never seen people so

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

afraid,” she said. “People are getting sick because they are so afraid.” Dorner asked Bilirakis not to support a repeal of the ACA if there isn’t an improved replacement plan ready to go immediately. Some in the crowd were still seething over comments made at Bilirakis’ town hall on Feb. 11, which attracted national attention. At that meet-up, Hudson’s Bill Akins, the then-Secretary of the Pasco Republican Executive Committee, told the crowd that the ACA has a provision for “death panels.” When the crowd erupted in protest, he called them “children” who needed to calm down. Akins resigned a few days later. But, Chelsea Bunch of Action Together Tampa Bay confronted Bilirakis (who was accused by some as nodding in agreement with Akins) at the Feb. 22 Town Hall, and asked him to publicly say there is no such thing as “death panels” in the ACA. Bilirakis grabbed a microphone and said “There is no such thing as death panels in the ACA,” as the crowd erupted. The town hall, scheduled for 6 p.m.-8 p.m., lasted two-and-a-half hours. Afterwards, Bilirakis posted a statement on his website. “I held a series of public listening sessions on health care because it is my duty as a Representative to hear firsthand from my constituents, whether we agree or disagree on the issues. I will continue to seek common ground and constructive exchanges of ideas with the people of my district. That’s what democracy is all about.”

@NTWCNews

Attemped Arson At New Tampa’s Mosque Helps Bring Community Closer By John C. Cotey

If whoever set a fire at the Daarus Salaam Mosque on Morris Bridge Rd. just north of Cross Creek Blvd. thought they were sending some kind of message, the message they intended was never received. The message from supporters of those who worship at the mosque, however, has been resounding. Since the attempted arson on Feb. 24, the local and national show of support for the mosque (which is owned by the Islamic Society of Tampa) has been overwhelming. Even from what some may feel are unlikely sources. According to Adeel Karim, his LaunchGood.com web page to raise money to help the mosque, which he attends, has received dozens of visits and thousands of dollars in donations from Jewish supporters. “I couldn’t understand why (so many) people were donating in what seemed like weird amounts to the cause,’’ Karim wrote on his Facebook page. “There are sums of $18, $36, $72 dollars, etc. Then I figured out after clicking on the names Avi, Cohen, Goldstein, Rubin, Fisher...Jews donate in multiples of $18 (or even 18 cents) as a form of what is called ‘Chai.’ It wishes the recipient a long life.” Karim’s LaunchGood.com page has now raised $71,824 (from more than 1,800 donors) towards what was a $40,000 goal. “You learn something new every day,’’ he wrote. “The Jewish faith has shown up in force to support our New Tampa Islamic community. I’m floored. #chaidelivered” As religious bigotry seems to be spreading across the country, the walls between Muslims and Jews somehow seems to be shrinking.

When a Jewish cemetery was vandalized in St. Louis, Muslims came out to help restore the damage. And, during a wave of bomb threats against Jewish community centers (JCCs) last week, Muslims – including some U.S. Military veterans – took to Twitter to offer their services in protecting the JCCs, cemeteries and synagogues. The arson attempt at the New Tampa mosque, the fourth arson-related incident at mosques across the country this year, rallied people of all faiths to the aide of the Muslims who attend and pray at the mosque. The fire shut down worshipping on Feb. 24, but the Cypress Pointe Community Church next door offered their building for local Muslims to do their daily prayers. “It was the right thing for us to do,” said Cypress Pointe Pastor Dean Reule, “our church family agreed. We really only had a few Muslim worshippers at Cypress Pointe the morning after the fire, but they were so appreciative that we offered to do so.” The mosque held an interfaith gathering, which drew more than 100 people, the evening of Feb. 24 (16 or 17 hours after the attempted arson).

What We Knew At Our Press Time

The fire was set at the men’s entrance on the north side of the mosque around 2 a.m., and sprinklers went off and doused many of the flames and limited the fire damage to the entrance. There was water damage throughout the mosque, however. Police found three holes in the building’s bullet-proof glass, but determined that they were not caused by firearms. Mazen Bondogji, a Board member at the

Mayor Bob Buckhorn addresses the media the morning of the fire at the New Tampa Mosque. America. Our America. Their America. We don’t tolerate that.” Footage from multiple security cameras at the mosque has been turned over to local law enforcement officials, who were continuing to investigate at our press time. The mosque was expected to re-open by the time this issue hits mailboxes. And, those who return to services are even more emboldened than before, according to Bondogji. “Whoever did this maybe intended to discourage us to not be a part of this community,’’ he said. “But, this makes us stronger, because of the huge amount of support and solidarity we have received. We are part of this community, and that’s how we shall stay.” To donate to Karim’s page, visit LaunchGood.com/project/stand_with_ new_tampa_muslims_against_hate#/

Islamic Society of New Tampa, said that the front gate, which is locked every night at 8:30 p.m., was still locked when firefighters arrived a little after 2 a.m. Bondogji said as many as 400-500 worshippers were displaced by the fire. At a news conference the morning after the fire, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn spoke out against the hate. “We stand together as a community,’’ Buckhorn said. “I may be the mayor, but there are tens of thousands of Tampanians who do not happen to be Muslim, but today stand with our Muslim community and say, ‘Not on my watch, not in my city,’” he said. “We will stand up in the face of opposition, we will stand up in the face of anyone who chooses to demonize anybody for any reason, specifically and directly because of their religion. This is

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Dirt Is Moving On S.R. 56 Extension! By John C. Cotey Construction has begun, rather quietly, on the S.R. 56 extension project that is expected to have a huge impact on central-to-eastern Pasco traffic and development. After years of trying to figure out a way to pay to extend S.R. 56 from Meadow Pointe Blvd. to U.S. Hwy. 301/S.R. 41, and then pulling off a complicated deal to get approval from the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, ground finally started moving in February on the extension without a big kick-off. “We wanted to do something, we just couldn’t make it happen with everyone’s schedule,’’ said District 2 Commissioner Mike Moore. “But, they are moving dirt, and that’s the important thing.” Moore and others had tried to arrange a groundbreaking ceremony, but once the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave the okay in early February, construction company Cone & Graham wasted little time digging in. “We didn’t want anything to hold it up,’’ Moore said. The road, which was originally envisioned as a two lanes, is now a four-lane $65-million project that is being touted as a big victory for economic development opportunities in the area, as well as increasing the tax base in both Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel as new homes continue to be built throughout the area. The extension also will relieve traffic on both S.R. 54 and S.R. 56, and provide easier access to I-75. It also will open a new path to Morris Bridge Rd., which also connects into the New Tampa area. Currently, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills residents only have the two-lane S.R. 54 for eastwest traveling between the areas, a trip that can

be grueling during rush hours and other times. But, S.R. 56 will provide more and easier access. And, with a widening of S.R. 54 project set to go for later this year, Moore says it will soon be “smooth sailing” for local commuters. The S.R. 56 extension is a partnership with the City of Zephyrhills and four developers. Funding for the project, which will cost less than $58 million (not including $8 million in interest), is being provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Pasco County, the City of Zephyrhills and the developers of Wesley Chapel Lakes, Wyndfields, River Landing and Two Rivers Ranch. The developers are expected to add (gulp) more than 10,000 homes along the extended S.R. 56 from where it currently ends at Meadow Pointe Blvd. As for “soon,” the road is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. By then, Moore joked, the county will have a ceremony ready to go to celebrate its newest transportation improvement.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

MARCHFriday, 2017 March 10

Wesley Chapel Relay For Life - Join the fight against cancer at this familyfriendly, Disney-themed event. Held at Wiregrass High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd,, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Family Friendly Comedy Show - The comedy show will benefit the Wiregrass Ranch High School Band, Chorus and Orchestra Programs. It will be held at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Rd., 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Tickets ar $12, or $10 pre-sale. For info, email wrhsbandboosters@yahoo.com.

Saturday, March 11

BayChapel Food Pantry - Free food to help needy families. Open every Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., behind Christian Brothers Automotive on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., at 20300 Trout Creek Dr., New Tampa. Visit BayChapel.org. Sit! Stay! Read! Spring Book Sale & Adoption Event - Friends of the New River Library hosts this book sale & pet adoption event 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (Note-pet adoptions begin at 11 a.m.). “Gently used” books for all ages, children’s craft corner and drawings. Proceeds benefit all of the New River Branch Library’s programs. Location: New River Library, 34043 St. Rd. 54, Wesley Chapel. Call 788-6375. Quail Run RV Resort Cruise-in - Car Cruise-in to benefit Healing Horses One Child at a Time. DJ, food and more. Held at 6946 Old Pasco Rd., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For details & pictures of past shows, please visit Cars.QuailRunRV.com. Land O’Lakes Music Festival - See details on page 1 of this issue!

Thursday, March 16

BNI Networking Meeting - BNI, a networking organization, has a new chapter in Wesley Chapel. Business professionals are invited to attend on Thursdays, 7:30 a.m., at Savannah Church (3758 Merryweather Lane). Call Vicky McShane to RSVP @ 714-6513. Networking For Your Success - The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). All are welcome. For more information, call 994-9944. RGA Network Weekly Meeting - The RGA Networking Group meets weekly for networking at GrillSmith at the Shops at Wiregrass mall. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; lunch is noon-1 p.m. For more info, visit RGANetwork.net. Celebrate Recovery - Meeting Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Bridgeway Church (30660 Wells Rd.), the purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to bring freedom from dysfunctional, compulsive & addictive behaviors through biblically-based principles. Dinner & free childcare available. For info, call 907-1313.

Friday, March 17

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Sunrise meets every Friday at 7:15 a.m. at QHCC (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For info, call Lynne Morgan at 695-6466.

Saturday - March 18

Monday, March 13

Beauty Pageant Preview - Be the first to know all the details for the 2017 Miss New Tampa pageant to be held on Saturday, March 25. This is a free event & refreshments will be served. Special Pageant Packages available for those who attend Pageant Preview! To be held at Mid-Florida Credit Union Community Room (20401 BBD Blvd.), 9 a.m., Please R.S.V.P. to 714-6513. Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel - See story on page 1 & Special Taste Preview Section on pages 38-43.

Tuesday - March 14

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

Professional Business Connections (PBC) - PBC meets Mondays at 7:45 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For more info, call Matt Archbold at 782-1777. Wesley Chapel Speaks - The Wesley Chapel Toastmasters meets every Monday at 6 p.m. for networking, 6:30 pm for public speaking, at Wesley Chapel Nissan (28519 State Rd 54). For more info, call Martin at 693-0969. Keep It Local - This seat-specific networking group emphasizes small, local businesses. Meets meets every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., at GrillSmith at The Shops at Wiregrass. For more info, call Marino Cecchi at 513-9001.

Wednesday, March 15

Tuesday, March 21 Friday, March 24

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

Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business pros dedicated to helping their member businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (10441 Cory Lake Dr.) in New Tampa. Call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143. Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (Noon) meets New Tampa Noon Rotary Club’s “Cycling for Veterans & First Responders” Wed. at noon at Quail Hollow Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). First-time guests For registration, visit Active.com and search “Cycling for Vets” or for more attend for free. For more info, call 862-8989 or 391-3895. information, see the ad, right.

Saturday, March 25

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Tuesday, March 28

Wine Blends... White and Red to Enjoy - Join Charles Visalli of Time for Wine and Chef Ghada as they pair unique wine blends from around the world. Learn more about Meritage and the grapes used for this style of wine. It’s fun and enjoyable to share the evening with friends and enjoy wines and a variety of tasty treats. Held at 6 p.m. at Dash of Salt N Pepper, 10353 Cross Creek Blvd. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To RSVP, call 664-1430. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pasco County Committee Interest Party - Want to help plan this year’s Making Strides event? RSVP to cindi.crisci@ cancer.org or call (727) 812-7025. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Winery, 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Must be 21 or older. Wesley Chapel Lions Club - The Wesley Chapel Lions Club meets every 4th Tues., 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.). For info about volunteering, community efforts, meetings, helping the vision impaired & more, visit WesleyChapelLionsClub.com or the club’s page on Facebook. GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club (PJWC) Charity Bunco Evening - To be held at Wolf’s Den Restaurant to benefit the Sean Bartell Scholarship Fund. Suggested donation per ticket is $25, which includes a delicious meal. For more info, visit Facebook.com/GFWCPascoJunior.s

APRIL 2017

Thursday, April 5

Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Job Expo - Location: Wesley Chapel High School Gymnasium, 30651 Wells Rd, Wesley Chapel, 2:30 p.m.-7 p.m.. More info at WesleyChapelChamber.com

Friday, April 7

GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club Monthly Meeting - The GFWC Pasco Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. We welcome women of all ages to attend a meeting and see how you can get involved in your community. To be held at the Lexington Oaks Clubhouse, 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.. For additional information, visit Facebook.com/GFWCPascoJuniors.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

O v e r 3 7mi l l i o n A me r i c a n s s u f f e r f r o ma t l e a s t o n e s i n u s i n f e c t i o n e a c h y e a r . T h e f a c i a l p a i n , n a s a l s t u f f i n e s s a n d c o n g e s t i o n c a n v a r y i n s e v e r i t y ; s o me ma y f i n d r e l i e f i n a f e wd a y s a n d o t h e r s ma y s u f f e r f o r w e e k s . I n s o me c a s e s e v e n s u r g e r y a n d t h a t s w h e r e w e c o me i n t o h e l p ! WEO F F E RS E R V I C E SF O R :

* WEO F F E R $ 2 0 0 O F F • S I N U S&A L L E R G Y B A L L O O NS I N U S R A D I E S S E F I L L E R • S N O R I N G D I L A T I O NS U R G E R Y I N J E C T I O N • E A R&H E A R I N G I NO U RO F F I C E L i mi t i e dt i me o n l y . O f f e r E x p i r e s 3 / 3 1 / 1 7

• T H R O A T •C O S ME T I C S&P L A S T I CS U R G E R Y

v i t a l e i n s t i t u t e . c o m•8 1 3 . 4 0 6 . 4 4 0 0 * B a l l o o nd i a l a t i o ni sami n a mi l l ye v a s i v ep r o c e d u r et h a t p r o v i d e sr e l i e f t oo u r p a t i e n t st h a t s u f f e r f r o mc h r o n i c s i n u s i t u s . Weo f f e r t h i ss e r v i c ei no f f i c e .

Wesley Chapel Office Of Pasco Cardiology Associates Expands Its Open Hours By Brad Stager As the population of Wesley Chapel grows, so does the need for its residents to have access to high-quality medical care. For those who need the services of a cardiologist, Dr. Binu Jacob, M.D., FACC (Fellow of the American College of Cardiology), and Dr. Ramanath Rao, M.D., FACC, are adding Tuesday morning hours to the schedule at their Pasco Cardiology Associates office located directly across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) in the Windfair Professional Center. As of Mar. 1, Pasco Cardiology Associates is now open on Tuesday mornings, 9 a.m.-noon, in addition to the regular office hours on Thursdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. “We just see the population of Wesley Chapel growing tremendously and our patients are asking more and more (for us) to be more present in this community,” says Dr. Jacob, who received his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of Miami (Florida) Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and his Board certification in Cardiology & Heart Failure from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville. He returned to the University of Miami in Florida to become Board-certified in Electrophysiology. Dr. Jacob joined Dr. Rao in 2010 at the Pasco Cardiology Associates office in Zephyrhills and they opened the Wesley Chapel office together in 2012. Dr. Rao earned his M.D. degree from the University of Mysore Medical College in Mysore, India, and completed his Cardiology Fellowship at

(or Echo tests) and Holter monitoring (a Holter monitor is a device worn by a patient and continuously records the heart’s rhythms during normal activity) among others. Insurance policies issued by most major carriers are accepted, as is Medicare.

An Ounce Of Prevention...

The staff at Pasco Cardiology Associates in Wesley Chapel include (l.-r.) med. asst. Annette Vandenburgh, Dr. Binu Jacob, MD, FACC, practice manager Natalie Parsons & receptionist Joseph Hart.

Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in The Bronx, NY. Both doctors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle a range of heart and vascular issues, but as Dr. Jacob explains, they have adopted an approach whereby each of the physicians focus on one particular “system” of a patient’s cardiovascular infrastructure. “Dr. Rao and I always joke that he’s the ‘plumber’ and I’m the ‘electrician,’” says Dr. Jacob. “He deals with anything heart attack — and heart disease — related, venous disease and vascular disease, so he focuses on your ‘plumbing.’ I focus on the electrical aspects of the heart, electrical pacemakers, defibrillators, or if somebody needs an ablation, where we go into the heart and fix an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). That’s the aspect that I deal with.”

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) website, catheter ablation is a procedure that destroys small areas of heart tissue that are causing irregular heartbeats. Some of the conditions treated at Pasco Cardiology Associates are: cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), ventricular fibrillation (uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle), peripheral artery disease (obstruction of large arteries), congenital heart disease (defect at birth), stroke, and angina pectoris (chest pain). Services provided include coumadin clinic (to determine if coumadin, an anticoagulant medication, should be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots), exercise and nuclear stress tests (where a small amount of a radioactive substance is ingested by a patient to determine blood flow to the heart), electrocardiogram (EKG) and echocardiogram

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

What Dr. Jacob prefers, however is that people take care of their cardiovascular systems before repairs are needed. He emphasizes prevention and says that it’s important for people to manage their lifestyle and risk factors by controlling what they eat and making regular exercise, such as walking, a part of their routine. “I really try to teach my patients disease prevention,” says Dr. Jacob, who is a Wesley Chapel resident. For Dr. Jacob, his journey to becoming a cardiologist was something he set out on at an early age, entering medical school at age 19 after applying himself and getting ahead in his secondary education by taking advanced placement courses at Ely High School in Pompano Beach, FL. Dr. Jacob credits his mother, who worked as a nurse for more than three decades, as a major influence on him. “She always said, ‘Treat your patients like family,’ so I refuse to see somebody for just a matter of minutes,’’ he says. “I have to take my time and understand where they’re coming from.” Dr. Jacob adds that he takes a conservative approach to treating his patients, preferring lifestyle adjustments over treatment and, if treatment is needed, always opting for the least invasive procedures possible first. “Too many people nowadays do a knee-

@NTWCNews

jerk reaction where they want the latest and greatest, but not necessarily what’s beneficial for them,” says Dr. Jacob. “I really advocate to try the conservative things first.” Hjalma Johnson has been a patient of Pasco Cardiology Associates for four years. He says his heart is in good hands around the clock with Dr. Rao. “Dr. Rao is a consummate professional,’’ says Johnson. “He does follow-ups and calls to let me know if we need to do anything else and I have his cell phone number and can call him 24/7.” In addition to Dr. Jacob and Dr. Rao, there’s a team of support professionals at Pasco Cardiology Associates who interact with patients. Annette Vandenburgh is a medical assistant who makes her professional priority quite clear. “Number one is patient care,” Vandenburgh says. “We’ll do anything for the patient to make sure that everything is taken care of.” Practice manager Natalie Parsons says patients can help themselves by bringing in their proof of insurance and a picture ID for their first visit and also recommends that you bring in bottles of all of your prescriptions each time you come to the office. “Then, we can see who is prescribing the medication and when it was last filled,’’ she says. The “face of the office,” according to his colleagues, is receptionist Joseph Hart. He says making often-anxious patients and their families feel better begins when they come in the door. “I want them to come in and feel comfortable and assured that they’re going to get the care they’re expecting.” With the additional availability to Wesley

Neighborhood News

Chapel patients, Dr. Jacob anticipates Pasco Cardiology Associates will become further established as a contributing member of the local medical community. “As Wesley Chapel grows,” he says. “I want us to grow with it.” Dr. Rao and Dr. Jacob are affiliated with Adventist Health System’s Florida Hospitals in Hillsborough and Pasco counties (including Florida Hospital Tampa and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) and Dr. Jacob is affiliated with Bayfront Health Dade City. The Wesley Chapel office of Pasco Cardiology Associates is located at 2649 Windguard Cir., Suite 102, in the Windfair Professional Center in Wesley Chapel. For more information, see the ad on pg. 31 of this issue or, to make an appointment, call 788-0439.

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Local Real Estate Agent Will Buy Your Wesley Chapel Home for Cash Every month, thousands of homeowners are faced with the stressful dilemma of whether to buy first or sell first. You see, if you buy before selling, you could run the risk of owning two homes. Or, just as bad, if you sell first, you could end up homeless. It’s When insiders in the industry call the Real Estate Catch 22, and it’s an extremely anxious position to find yourself in. This financial and emotional tightrope is one you usually have to walk alone because most agents have no way of helping you with this predicament. But one local realtor is using a unique Guaranteed Sale Program which solves this dilemma. This program guarantees the sale of your present home before you take possession of your new one. If your home doesn’t sell in 120 days, they will buy it from you themselves for the previously agreed price ensuring that you never get caught in the Real Estate Catch 22. Before you

hire any professional, you should research the market to find out who can do the best job for you. When interviewing agents, find out what kind of guarantee they are willing to give to you with the respect to the selling of your home. Unfortunately, you’ll find out that most agents cannot make such a guarantee. To help you learn more about this program and how it can make your move less stressful, a FREE special report as been prepared entitled “How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Two Homes”. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-441-1783 and enter 3022. You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how to guarantee the cash sale of your home.

FREE Internet Home Search.... -YOU can view pictures and full details of homes currently for sale -Includes Foreclosures and Distress Sales (includes virtually all homes for sale, across Tampa Bay) -YOU will also receive priority email notification of NEW listings that match your criteria -Get info on homes as SOON as they are listed View pictures and get full info by visiting:

www.FindTampaBayHouses.com

Best Home Loans

Home Sellers

Super-Low Downpayment Loans Before You Start Shopping for a Home. Free Report reveals fool proof plan to get best financing rates

Find out what the home down the street sold for Free computerized list with pictures of area home sales and current listings sent to you

Free recorded message 1-800-441-1783 ID# 3020

Free recorded message 1-800-441-1783 ID# 3041

Beware of 9 Costly Mistakes When Buying a Wesley Chapel Home

Buying a home is a major investment no matter which way you look at it. But for many homebuyers, it’s an even more expensive process than it needs to be because many fall prey to at least a few of the many common and costly mistakes which trap them into either paying too much for the home they want, or losing their dream home to another buyer or, worse, buying the wrong home for their needs. A systemized approach to the homebuying process can help you steer clear of these common traps, allowing you to not only cut costs, but also buy the home that’s best for you. An indus-

try report has just been released entitled “Nine Buyer Traps and How to Avoid Them”. This important report discusses the 9 most common and costly of these home buyer traps, how to identify them, and what you can do to avoid them. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-441-1783 and enter 3018. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how to avoid costly buyer mistakes before you purchase your next home.

These reports are courtesy of Bruce Wilde, RE/MAX Premier Group Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers already under contract

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Medi-Weightloss Clinics In Lutz Is Still Helping People Live Healthier Lives By Celeste McLaughlin Over the past 11 years, since the Medi-Weightloss Clinics on S.R. 54 in Lutz (just two miles west of S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel) opened in 2006, the clinic has helped patients in Wesley Chapel, Lutz, New Tampa and the surrounding areas lose more than 43,000 pounds of unwanted weight. “I love the business and I am very proud of what we do,” says Gerri Willett, who co-owns this location of Medi-Weightloss Clinics with her husband, Tom, and her brother and sister-in-law. “Losing weight is difficult, so we do everything we can to help our patients.” Willett explains, “When people come in, they are often nervous. We’ve had people in tears.” She adds that these new patients are often caught in a “negative circle. They’ve tried so many things, and they beat themselves up for not succeeding. Then, they’re depressed, so they eat more.” She says that Medi-Weightloss helps get these yo-yo dieters into a more positive circle: “They lose weight, they feel better and they’re motivated to continue to lose weight,” Willett says. “They change their attitude, and they lose more weight.” The hallways throughout the local Medi-Weightloss are lined with “all stars” who have done just that and are proud to display their results. One wall in particular allows all patients to show how many pounds they’ve lost, and how that translates to the number of years they’ve added to their lives. “For every 10 pounds a patient loses, that adds about one and a half years to his

Lutz resident Jim Gibson has lost more than 130 pounds, thanks to the Medi-Weightloss Clinics office on S.R. 54 in Lutz and has kept it off for more than a year. or her life,” Willett says. In other words, “if in internal medicine at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, Long a patient loses 100 pounds, they can expect Island, NY, in 2013. Dr. Weitzman uses an to live 15 years longer.” She adds that the integrated approach, focusing on lifestyle physicians at the Medi-Weightloss Clinics modification — specifically diet, exercise, corporate office keep up on all of the latest food journaling and improving sleep habits. research to back up these claims. He says he particularly enjoys helping paOne of the things that Willett says sets tients with hypertension, diabetes and high Medi-Weightloss Clinics apart is that it is cholesterol. a physician-supervised program. Andrew Weitzman, M.D., is the clinic’s full-time Three Phases For Success physician. He meets with patients, reviews “We’re the only program on a national every chart and customizes every program basis that offers three phases,” says Dr. to the unique needs of each individual who Weitzman, explaining that the phases becomes a patient. include an “acute weight loss phase,” a brief Dr. Weitzman received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University in Tel Aviv, “transition phase” and the all-important “long-term wellness phase.” Israel, in 2010 and completed a residency

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

The first phase is kicked off with a physical exam, blood work, electrocardiogram (EKG), and consultation with the doctor, who determines the appropriate diet for each individual that will be low-calorie, and designed to put your body into “ketosis,” a state where it burns fat faster. The diet is supplemented with multi-vitamins, Omega-3 and calcium. Patients also receive weekly vitamin-based injections to help with energy levels and cravings. Appropriately portioned food is available for purchase, but is not a required part of the program. Willett says key components of the Medi-Weightloss system include support through weekly appointments, accountability through the food journal, healthy eating and having the right attitude. Dr. Weitzman adds that education is key. “We teach people to eat the right foods, in the right portions, at the right time, plus drink fluids and exercise.” The lessons begin at that first appointment, where patients receive several tools to help them be successful, including a food scale. “We ask our patients to weigh everything they eat,” Willett says. “This helps them become educated so that, by the end of the program, they’ll see a plate of food and know how many calories it has.” Each patient’s food journal is checked at weekly appointments. “Sometimes, you think you do things that you actually aren’t,” Willett says. “For example, how much water do you really drink? A food journal helps you see what is actually happening.” Patients also are given a binder with information about healthy eating, includ-

@NTWCNews

help the patient at that time. “The patients who receive this help usually do well, because they see how easy it is to get back on track,” he says. “If they weren’t still in our program, we would’ve lost them. But, once you’re a Medi patient, you’re always a Medi patient.” Willett concurs. “Even after patients have completed all three phases of our program, we encourage them to ‘pop back in’ whenever it’s needed,” she says. “Don’t feel guilty! Life Debbie Pienkowski of Dade City was hoping to lose 50 pounds, and happens, and life is not succeeded by losing more than 60 pounds since she joined Medi- perfect.” Weightloss Clinics about nine months ago. She adds, “We want you to be successing what to order at many popular restauful. That’s why we’re successful.” rants. “You can eat healthy anywhere, even Debbie Pienkowski is one such patient McDonald’s, if you’re making the right who has experienced success at Mechoices,” Willett says. di-Weightloss Clinics. She says, “I wanted After the first visit, weekly appointto lose 50 pounds,” when she attended her ments last 15-20 minutes. Patients are initial visit about nine months ago, “but I weighed on an advanced scale that deterlost more than 60 pounds.” mines how much of the weight they lost She adds, “The staff is fabulous. They was fat and how much was water. They give you so much moral support. They walk receive support, counseling, education and you through every phase, give you recipes, a vitamin injection. Patients remain in this and go through every bit of your food jour“acute weight loss phase” until they reach nal with you every week. Even now that I’ve their goal weight. completed the program, I come back every The second phase is a transition phase, six weeks to weigh in and talk with them. It where doctors continue to monitor a keeps me motivated and keeps me on track.” patient’s progress weekly, while introducing Many additional reviews are available carbohydrates back into the diet and reduconline through Google. Search “Meing some supplements. di-Weightloss Lutz” to see them. Dr. Weitzman says that phase three, With 96 locations throughout 24 the long-term maintenance phase, “is what states, Medi-Weightloss Clinics is headquarsets us apart from our competitors. It’s also tered in Tampa. The close proximity of the the most critical.” He explains that other headquarters gives the Lutz office staff great programs let you go when you’ve reached access to the many resources available at the your goal weight, even though statistics company’s home office, including training show that 80-85 percent of people who get and experts, such as the company’s chief to their goal weight on any program will medical officer and corporate dietitian. gain the weight back within a year. “But, we Wesley Chapel residents are invited cut that statistic in half,” he says. “On other to visit the Lutz/Wesley Chapel Meprograms, most people stay on maintenance di-Weightloss Clinics location at 24420 for a couple of months. Generally, at that S.R. 54, Lutz. It is open five days a week: point, they start to deviate.” Mon., 6:30 a.m.–noon; Tues., 9 a.m.–6 But, at Medi-Weightloss Clinics, p.m.; Wed., 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thurs.,1 patients continue coming in monthly for at p.m.-7 p.m.; and Fri., 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m. least six months, so the staff notices if they For more info, see the ad on pg. 21, call begin to slip back into old, bad habits. Dr. 909-1700 or visit MediWeightlossClinics. Weitzman also can make quick changes to com/Locations/Lutz.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

You Don’t Have To Be An Educator To Be Insured By Florida Educators Insurance By Celeste McLaughlin The word “educators” in Florida Educators Insurance indicates that, primarily, this local insurance agency serves teachers and others who work in schools. Owner Gary Cucchi says it’s also a hallmark of how his agency does business. “The biggest thing we do is educate our clients,” Gary says, “Not only do we serve educators and their neighbors, family members and friends, but we also educate our clients about their insurance and retirement plans to be sure they have the right strategy and coverages so their family is protected, now and in the future.” Gary adds that it’s a common misconception that, because the company is called “Florida Educators Insurance,” people think the agency only serves educators. “But, that’s not the case,” Gary explains. “We help non-educators all the time. They’re often family members, friends, and neighbors of our current clients — but they don’t have to be — and we help them with auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, life insurance, IRAs, and 401k accounts.” Gary is a Seven Oaks resident who used to be a teacher himself, before opening Florida Educators Insurance in 2002. His company is an independent agency of Horace Mann, which specializes in insurance products and financial services for educators. Founded in Springfield, IL, in 1945, Horace Mann is named for the founder of American public education and is now a multi-billion-dollar company traded publicly on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HMN). Florida Educators Insurance moved to

ment of Insurance, and all financial services staff members hold numerous state and federal investment licenses through FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. “We’re a good size, especially staff-wise, but we’re like a mom-’n-pop in that we try to really get to know people and get to know their families so we can advise them properly,” Gary says. “We genuinely care about our clients and are not just trying to sell policies. The teacher in me has this philosophy to help people.”

Serving Schools

Gary Cucci (fifth from the left in front row) and his professional crew at Florida Educators Insurance in the Cypress Glen Professional Park off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel can handle your insurance and financial services needs, even if you’re not an educator yourself. its current location in the Cypress Glen Pro- James Financial, life insurance through Linfessional Park off S.R. 56 (just east of I-75) coln Financial and Ameritas, home insurance in 2008. The agency offers auto, home, through Tower Hill and American Integrity, umbrella, flood and life insurance, along and auto insurance through Safeco, Progreswith retirement and investment plans, such sive and Mercury. as IRAs and 401(k) plans, “529” college Of about 1,000 Horace Mann agencies savings plans, plus plans just for educators nationwide, Gary says Florida Educators known as 403(b) and 457 plans. Insurance is now the largest. As an independent agency, Florida “We don’t try to be the largest,” he Educators Insurance writes policies with a explains, “It just happens and we get some wide variety of insurance companies. Gary plaque (from Horace Mann for it). I don’t explains that he works with many of the care about how big we are; I care about my largest companies across the industries his employees and our clients. If all that’s going agency represents. Some examples include well, it doesn’t matter if we’re number one insurance and financial services through – of or 100.” course – Horace Mann, and financial services Gary says all 19 agents in his office are from American Funds, Fidelity and Raymond fully licensed through the Florida Depart-

Gary says that in 2016, Florida Educators Insurance spent at least $100,000 to provide reading and attendance incentives, school supplies, teacher appreciation gifts, and more to local schools in Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County. “Instead of buying billboards, we try to give back to the community,” Gary explains. “We advertise in the Neighborhood News because it’s local, but we don’t do any other ads. We want our dollars to go back to the people we serve.” Florida Educators Insurance often gives away bicycles, based on incentives chosen by participating schools, including all of the schools in Wesley Chapel. “For the last five years or more, we have donated several hundred bikes a year to schools in the area to promote attendance and reading,” he says. “It takes us a couple of weeks to deliver all the bikes. We got tired of renting U-hauls to do it, so we decided to get our own bus.” Now, Florida Educators Insurance delivers those bikes in a customized school bus

Why settle for less when you can have the best? In-Home Consultation

Expert Measuring

Professional Installation

The Strongest Warranty

Budget Blinds has the best warranties in the industry! Style and service for every budget.

• Lifetime Warranty on Shutters* Plus • 5 year “no questions asked” peace of mind warranty*

March Savings!

FREE Invisible Tilt™ Option on PureVu Shutters** 813-968-5050 | BudgetBlinds.com

1208 W. Fletcher Avenue Tampa Showroom Hours Mon. - Fri. 10:00 - 5:00 Sat. 10:00 - 3:00

5 year NQA are exclusive warranties for Budget Blinds PureVu Shutters and Signature Series Window Treatments only. Warranties from manufacturers produced in writing upon request. Offer Expires 03/30/17. Call for details. Offer good at time of initial estimate only. Offer can not be combined with any other offers. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

that has been wrapped with the company’s information and had seats removed on the inside to accommodate bikes, school supplies, or whatever is being delivered. “Our relationships with the schools are based on what (each) school needs,” Gary explains. “Not every school needs bikes. We help every school in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in some way.” He says this includes providing at least $25,000 worth of teacher appreciation gifts, typically $25 gift certificates to local restaurants, which many schools give away at appreciation breakfasts and lunches. “This is our way of letting [teachers] know that we care about them, with no strings attached,” Gary says. “They don’t have to be clients, although we do insure 10,000 people in that three-county area.”

Happy Customers

Jerry Jackson is a recently retired educator who has been a Florida Educators Insurance client for 15 years, in part because he thinks so highly of Gary. “He’s awesome,” Jerry says. “With him, there’s no high pressure. (Gary) just really wants to help people.” Jerry also explains that he was in the State of Florida deferred retirement program, and Gary made retirement easy for him. “He guided me through all of the requirements and all of the paperwork,” he says. “He’s an expert. If I need any kind of advice, I’ll call Gary. If he doesn’t know the answer, he knows where to find it. I refer him to everybody I know.” Gary adds, “We’re not here just to save you a couple of dollars on your auto and home insurance, although we generally do that, and that’s the fun stuff. But, saving

Neighborhood News

money on your home and auto insurance isn’t going to change your life. We also change lives with what we do. When we help someone properly plan for their future — their retirement needs —that can be life-changing.” There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to insurance and investment planning, so Gary asks his clients to be willing to discuss their unique situation with a Florida Educators Insurance agent. “Most people spend more time planning for their summer vacations every year than they do for their own futures,” says Gary. “We ask you to give us one hour each year to go over your budget and goals so that you can be better prepared for the future.” He explains that budgeting and goal-setting are part of the agency’s full-service retirement planning, but adds that the agency provides these services for all of their clients, even those who might only have auto insurance through the company. “We’re here for all phases of your life,” Gary says. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News readers who call for a free quote on home or auto insurance, or who meet with a Florida Educators Insurance agent to discuss planning for retirement or insurance, and mention this story or the ad on page 18 will receive a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate, and, Gary says, there’s absolutely no obligation to purchase anything to receive it. Florida Educators Insurance is located at 26809 Tanic Dr., Suite 101. For more information, call 600-3268 or visit FloridaEducatorsInsurance.com. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays by appointment.

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Welcome back to the first installment of our popular (and exclusive!) annual Summer Camp Guide for 2017! On these two pages are 13 LOCAL summer camps and other programs your kids can (and should) get signed up for today! Congratulations and thanks go out to staff writer Celeste McLaughlin for again making sure that all of the advertisers on these pages got their information and photos to graphic artist Blake Beatty in time to be completed for this issue. This exclusive Summer Camp Guide also will run in our next Wesley Chapel (April 7) and our next two New Tampa (Mar. 24 & Apr. 21) issues. — GN

Music

Music and Piano Camps Ages 5-9

Ages

Piano and music camp for students ages 5-9. Learn the basics of music and piano playing! Camp activities include learning piano pieces, games involving rhythm and musical concepts, ear training, creating compositions at the piano, and singing. Campers will use spacious facilities, a digital piano lab for group activities and grand pianos for performances. Instructors hold masters and doctorate degrees. Programs for preschoolers, older children, teenagers, and adults are also available. Call us to learn more!

Tell Them how to reach you here! Phone # and Website

813-994-2452

www.NewTampaPPA.com

Art, Music

VBS, Camp

STEM

USF STEM for Scholars

Grace Episcopal New Tampa

SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Rising 10th-12th Graders

Ages 4-18

Ages 5-15

STEM for Scholars is a four-week, college credit, summer program, July 10 – August 4, 2017, at USF Tampa. It is for high achieving, high school students entering grades 10 – 12. The program is designed to expand student horizons in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and prepare them for academic and college life. Students will be engaged and challenged, through active, hands-on participation in all aspects of the program. Courses will be taught by outstanding USF faculty.

VBS Rainforest June 5-9, 9 am - 12 noon for ages 4-11 Smart Start Summer Camp June 12-16 for ages 8-18 academic coaching and explanation with Khan Academy, critical thinking debates, and field trips details/register gracenewtampa.org

813-974-4068

www.usfstem.com 28

Camp Type

8 weeks and our topics are: • Fun & Fitness • Destination U.S.A or Stars & Stripes • Superheroes and Princesses • Let’s Go Camping • Animal Adventures • Aloha Splash • Storybook Summer • Show your talents

813-971-8484

813-973-7938

gracenewtampa.org

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

www.newleaps.org Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Dance

Leadership

Dance

NEW TAMPA DANCE THEATRE!!

Summer Spectacular at JDP

TeenMax Leadership Camp

3-Adult

2.5 through Adult

New Tampa Dance Theatre offers exciting half-day and full-day programs including a break for lunch with 1, 2, or 3 week options held Mon-Fri, June 5th-23rd, beginneradvanced levels. Students explore the creative world of dance in Classical Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip-hop, Tumbling, Arts & Crafts, and Costume Design. Each week culminates with a performance celebration including costumes, pizza, and cookies! Campers will be immersed in the FUNdamentals of dance technique within a safe and nurturing environment.

Ages 12-16

The Jansen Dance Project Summer Spectacular 2017! Dance and Musical Theatre Camps, Intensives, Workshops and technique classes for students of all ages. Our professional dance and theater educators are the very best in the community; providing a joyful, compassionate and professional approach to arts education and enrichment. JDP students have gone on to pursue their passion studying at ABT, BTP, Julliard, NYU Tisch, Jacksonville University, Florida State, University of Florida, U.S.F. and Princeton University. Come Celebrate the Arts with Us!

Help your teen to be more focused and successful in school, at home, and in life! Mission statements, vision boards, relationship building, compassion, fitness, cooking, relaxation techniques and more are all rolled into one camp! Your teen will also learn to prioritize their schedule by learning to effectively use their academic planner. New this year is a mindful attention component that is designed to foster social and emotional awareness, enhance mental well-being, and promote academic success! Space is limited.

813-994-NTDT(6838)

813-979-2222

newtampadancetheatre.com

Sports

PROtential Sports Camp Ages 5-15 Our action-packed, full-day Summer Camps taught by former pro and collegiate athletes rotate between multiple sporting activities including swimming which is offered daily. Your child is given the opportunity to participate in many engaging and funfilled field trips including, but not limited to, laser tag, roller skating, bowling, water skiing, Lego Land, Rays Game and much more! We also offer a children’s favorite, a trip to Busch Gardens theme park which always promises a full day of excitement and entertainment for ages 5 to 15 years old.

teenmaxcamps.com

Sports

Wharton Basketball Camp

Self-defence & Sports Fun

Entering 2nd - 8th Grade

Ages 5-11

2017 marks the 20th year for this outstanding co-ed basketball camp! Four weekly camp sessions are offered. Beginner to advanced players are welcome to play. Coach Tommy Tonelli and his staff of coaches provide well organized and enthusiastic basketball instruction. The camp emphasizes fundamentals, team play, and sportsmanship. Campers compete in daily 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 team play. Daily shooting competitions include free throw shooting, “hot spot”, and Mikan lay-up. All campers receive a Wharton Wildcats Basketball t-shirt.

Awesome and Affordable Summer Camp offering the following fun and safe activities at no extra cost: Martial Arts Classes, Tumbling/Gymnastics, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Kickball, Water Fun/Games, Indoor Obstacle Course & Rock Wall, Educational Games, Math Worksheets, Science Projects, Exciting Arts and Crafts, Video Game Systems, Lego Building Station, Checkers, Chess and more!

813-631-4710 x230

813-843-9460

813-956-5425

wharton.mysdhc.org

protentialsports.com

Multi-Camp

Sports

Summer at the Lakes

Ages 4-13

Ages 3-18

Power up your child’s summer with Fitness... Focus... and a whole lot of Fun! Our summer pass gets you six full weeks of unlimited training, a free uniform and a free private lesson - ALL FOR $99! Your kids will get in great shape while learning valuable life skills. Plus, there’s a ton of fun activities planned throughout the six weeks (Water balloon fights, ice cream days and board breaking classes!) Call for class times and availability... limit 20 kids.

Academy at the Lakes invites all children in the Tampa Bay community to join us this summer for day camp and summer school. We are conveniently located near many of north Tampa’s suburbs, including Land O’Lakes, New Tampa, Lutz, Odessa, Carrollwood, and Wesley Chapel. Our Summer Camp program includes over 60 offerings in art, sports, recreation, and enrichment. Our Summer School program offers both noncredit and for-credit courses.

813-779-6199

813-948-7600

ImpactKarateCenter.com

www.summeratthelakes.com @NTWCNews

www.manamartialarts.com

Multi-camp

Summer Karate Program

Neighborhood News

813-563-CAMP (2267)

www.CollectiveSoles.org

CAMP IDS ~ Summer 2017! PreK3- high school

Lego movie making. Engineering. Gourmet cooking. Music. New languages. Video game design. Archery. Corbett Prep’s CAMP IDS is packed with options from sports to arts to academics that will create a memorable summer for your kids! For nearly two decades, CAMP IDS provides over 100 full- and a half- day camps that appeal to a variety of interests. Corbett Prep’s cypress covered campus is the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. CAMP IDS ~ Where Everyone Has a Great Time! 813-961-3087

www.corbettprep.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Academy At The Lakes — An Independent Option For Wesley Chapel Students By Brad Stager Wesley Chapel families considering an independent school option for their children’s education will find everything they’re looking for at Academy at the Lakes (AATL) on Collier Pkwy., near S.R. 54 in Land O’Lakes. Consisting of two campuses on opposite sides of Collier Pkwy., AATL has a PreK 3-Grade 12 curriculum geared towards college preparation. Head of School Mark Heller says the day-to-day school experience at AATL develops more than academic knowledge. “We have very strong academics, but so much more,” says Heller, who has been Head of School for 10 of AATL’s 25-years of existence. “We equip students with a set of skills that will last them for the rest of their lives.” Heller adds that emphasizing things like good manners and even just mastering the basic handshake prepares students to interact easily and effectively with the world beyond AATL. He refers to this part of the school’s routine as its “hidden curriculum.” “Our hidden curriculum helps build confidence and confidence builds success,” Heller says. One way that schools, independent as well as public, measure student success is how many of their graduates who apply to college are accepted. According to information provided by AATL’s marketing office, that figure is 100 percent for the years 2014-16, with $7 million in scholarships offered for that same period. Ryan O’Malley is a Class of 2017 AATL graduating senior with a mailbox full of college acceptance letters from Florida State, Central Florida and others. He says is waiting to hear from UCLA and Notre Dame before

Students at Academy at the Lakes on Collier Pkwy. in Land O’Lakes receive top-quality academics and have opportunities to participate in school sports, theatre and other programs. making a decision. O’Malley gives much of job of our school is to bring out those gifts,’’ the credit to AATL‘s college counseling pro- he says. “It’s an awesome and wonderful task.” Director of admissions & marketing gram that emphasizes applying to schools that match a student’s interests, talents and Penny Rogers cites a 14-to-1 student-toteacher ratio (for elementary through high academic achievement. “They helped me learn where I fit best school grades; the ratio for PreK3-Kindergarwhen it comes to deciding which college to go ten is only 8-to-1) as a factor in creating a to,” says O’Malley. nurturing learning environment. “Your child will not get lost here,” says As far as his educational experience at AATL, O’Malley cites the benefit of the school’s Rogers, who lives in Wesley Chapel and has two smaller class sizes than he encountered while at- daughters attending AATL, which has 460 stutending the public King High in the Hillsbor- dents in all of its grades. “We want (each of our) students to find (his/her) passion.” ough County School District. “The teachers here really get to know It Starts With Academics you,” O’Malley says. To help each student find his or her pasAccording to Heller, that’s the way it is sion, AATL offers a rigorous curriculum with supposed to work. “Everyone has different gifts and a huge a wide assortment of honors classes and is a

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

College Board-approved Advanced Placement Capstone school, a trademarked educational program. High school students can participate in Capstone to develop their skills and talents through exploration and research of academic and real-world issues. Students interested in technology will find plenty of options with AATL’s Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics program (STEM), which begins with the youngest students in PreK3, who, if they haven’t encountered an iPad before, will as part of their Academy education. Other science and technology educational opportunities include a substantial robotics program, explorations of Lake Myrtle in the school’s recently purchased pontoon boat, a semester-long medical seminar, experiential trips to the Amazon rain forest and opportunities to compete in science and math competitions. Artistic exploration and expression is promoted at all grade levels. In addition to classroom instruction in studio and performing arts, there are theatrical productions and musical concerts in which to gain on-stage experience. Literature is celebrated with events like Poetry Camp, where students gather before a video-recorded campfire, snack on s’mores and read aloud poetry ranging from the classics, such as the works of Rudyard Kipling, to student compositions written in observance of Black History Month. As an independent school, AATL’s teachers are able to focus on things other than standardized testing. Upper division English teacher Kim Vreeland, who also has taught in public schools in Pasco, Leon and Palm Beach counties, says teaching at an independent school allows her to tailor her instruction to accommo-

@NTWCNews

date the needs of her students. “To be able to connect with each child is important,” says Vreeland, a Lexington Oaks resident. “To do that, I adjust how I deal with each student. We want to get the best out of every student and let them become the best version of themselves.” That approach to education is appreciated by Sue Maxwell, whose 5th grade daughter has been a student at AATL for three years. “We chose Academy at the Lakes because we felt that it was the best fit for our daughter,” says Maxwell. “It is a wonderful place for learning. The teachers are fair, supportive and most importantly, encouraging.”

Athletics & More!

AATL also has an active and successful athletics program. The school is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and has 40 middle school, junior varsity and varsity teams in 14 sports, including football, cheerleading, basketball and volleyball. The school was the 2014-15 winner of the Carey E. McDonald award as Florida’s top Class 2A high school sports program and, this year, the AATL Wildcats began competing in the Class 3A division. There is a no-cut policy for all teams and more than 70 percent of AATL’s students in grades 5 through 12 participate in at least one school sport. Community involvement is another feature of AATL student life. The school participates in food drives and other community outreach activities with organizations like Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa.

Neighborhood News

Heller says AATL fulfills its role as an educational resource for the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa communities by keeping in mind words at the heart of the school’s mission statement. “We celebrate the love of learning and the joy in the journey,” he says. AATL is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and by the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC). Academy at the Lakes’ middle and upper schools are located at 2331 Collier Pkwy.; grades PreK3 through 12 are located at 2220 Collier Pkwy. For more information, see the ad on pg. 54. Or, to schedule a tour, visit AcademyAtTheLakes.org or email admissions@academyatthelakes.org. The phone number is 909-7919.

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Wiregrass Ice Hawks Fall Just Short Of A State Title At FHCI! By Andy Warrener

The Wiregrass Ice Hawks, a high school team comprised of players from Wiregrass Ranch (WRH), Wesley Chapel (WCH), Zephyrhills and Pasco high schools, won their division in the Tampa Bay Lightning High School League. The Hawks beat two teams to make the league’s championship, the Lightning Cup. They beat two more teams a week later to make the high school state championship. The only thing the Ice Hawks couldn’t beat? Mitchell High from New Port Richey. Playing in the Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida (SAHOF) final for the first time, Wiregrass ran out of gas and fell to the Mustangs 5-0 on Feb. 26, in front of a packed, boisterous crowd at Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI) off S.R. 56. It was the Hawks’ third loss to Mitchell in eight days. “We had a tougher semifinal game (than Mitchell did) this morning (Noteboth finalists played other teams in the State semifinals earlier the same day; see below) and that took it out of us,” said Gordie Zimmermann, the team’s head coach and the managing partner at FHCI. “Still, to meet and compete in the state title game, you can’t ask for a better season than that.” The loss capped a great postseason for the Ice Hawks, who won the Andreychuk Division of the Tampa Bay Lightning High School Hockey League with a 16-6 record. They beat Bradenton Manatee and Tampa Jesuit high schools in the playoffs of

(Left) The Wiregrass Ice Hawks receive their medals for finishing second at the SAHOF High School Tier 2 finals, the first major championship event held at Florida Hospital Center Ice off S.R. 56. (Right) Wiregrass forward Adam Zimmermann moves the puck against Freedom.

that league, before coming up short in the Lightning Cup finale, held at Amalie Arena on Feb. 18, losing 7-4, also to Mitchell. In the State playoffs at FHCI a week later, the Hawks lost a pool match against Mitchell, 5-4 in overtime, but fought back from that loss to earn a third chance at the Mustangs. in the State title game. Unfortunately for Wiregrass, after the overtime loss to Mitchell Saturday night, the team had to survive a physically tough 7-4 Sunday morning victory over New Tampa’s Freedom High.

Complicating the matter, one of the Ice Hawks’ top players, forward Gehrig Oppenheimer, was ejected from the win against the Patriots and suspended for the championship game. “Missing one of our front line guys really changed our dynamics,” Zimmermann said. Fatigue and the loss of Oppenheimer showed, as Mitchell scored in the first four minutes and led 4-0 before the end of the first period. The Mustangs kept up the pace in the second period, outshooting the Ice Hawks

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

23-11, but were unable to find the back of the net with any of them. Still, Zimmermann said his players were able to relish the moment in the third period, playing in what will be their new home in front of an appreciative home crowd. He recalled during a timeout in the final, some of his players told him they were having the best time of their lives. “Guys like Alex Carr and Alejandro Rivera got a couple of shifts in there (in the final),” Zimmermann said. “There were guys that just wanted to be a part of it.”

@NTWCNews

Our editor got Chris Petit’s game-tying goal vs. Mitchell on Sat. night on video for WCNT-tv, too.

Physical play was the theme at the State tournament, especially whenever Wiregrass played Mitchell. In its win over Freedom Sunday morn- is now headed to the national tournament. ing, Wiregrass fell behind 1-0 before cleanWiregrass, Freedom, Mitchell and ing up a puck that ricocheted off Freedom West Boca (Spanish River) competed in the goalie Dominik Rini to tie things headed to Tier 2 high school division. Tier 2 teams the second period. can draw from up to four schools, typically Wiregrass took the lead just over a in the same general area (e.g., Freedom‘s minute into the second period on a shot by team was made up of players from both Joseph Davis who would earn a hat trick Freedom and Wharton high schools). with his three goals against Freedom. DaThe Tier 1 championships were also vis also scored two slapshot goals from the held at the same time. Those teams have point in the Saturday night game against rosters comprised entirely of athletes that Mitchell to give the Hawks a late 4-3 lead. attend a particular school. Teams from all over the state conNorth Broward Preparatory won the verged for the two tiers of the State tour- Tier 1 championship. It was the fourth nament, which was held for the first time consecutive year the Coconut Creek-based ever in our area. As the champion, Mitchell school captured the Tier 1 title.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Your Full Real Estate Solutions Providers

The Shoppes of New Tampa,

Residential-Commercial-Property Management

1830 Bruce B. Downs, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 907-8200

Title-Mortgage-Insurance-Home Warrenty-Auction

www.bhhsfloridaproperties.com FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH SPECIALIZING IN THE CRYSTAL LAGOONEPPERSON RANCH

WESLEY CHAPEL

(2 lots together) Tax ID 03-26-20-001000000-0020 & 03-26-20-0010-000000010 in Beautiful Wesley Chapel! close to Wiregrass Mall, Restaurants, Florida Hospital, all the Tampa Bay area has to offer.

Angela Mora Hablo español también! 813-482-1452

AMora@BHHSflpg.com AngelaMoraRealEstate.com

Pre-construction has begun at the Crystal Lagoon in Wesley Chapel. Reserve your home in the newest hightech community in the USA. Call me, 813-712-8496, text, 904-705-1165.

HISTORIC DISTRICT OF DADE CITY

Lucy “Luz” Scotti New Construction Specialist 904-705-1165 Speak English &Spanish

lscotti@bhhsflpg.com

HOMESTEAD OF SADDLEWOOD

LAKE PADGETT ESTATES

Dennis Derbes Beautifully maintained 3/2/2/den in Lake Padgett Estates, ¼ acre. High ceilings, 813-293-6910 upgraded kitchen, granite and stainless Vicki Derbes appliances & screened lanai. Offered at $220,000.Call to see this move in ready home. 813-924-3191 dennis@dennisderbes.com | www.dennisderbes.com vicki@vickiderbes.com | www.vickiderbes.com

LAND O’ LAKES

Custom Home in the Gated Community of Ronnie Preusch Homestead of Saddlewood 6204 sq. ft. on 1.86 813-361-9595 Acres, 4 Beds, 4.1 Baths, Bonus Rm, Master Suite features adjoining Office/Workout Rm, Den, Gourmet Kitchen, 5 Car Garage, Salt Water Pool/Spa. Offered at $744,900

Natalie Miller 813-758-8020

SEVEN OAKS

Amazing 3376 Sq Ft, 5BR/ 3Bath/ 3Car Gar/ Office/ Bonus Rm, Built 2011. Open Concept Kitchen,42"Java Cabinetry,Granite Counters,Stainless Steel appliances.Huge Screen Lanai. In gated Seven Oaks. Only $405,000

Natalie Miller 813-758-8020

SEVEN OAKS

nmiller@BHHSflpg.com www.nmiller.BHHSFloridaProperties.com

rpreusch@BHHSflpg.com

Great room floor plan with vaulted ceilings and formal dining room. Spacious outdoor entertaining area with new pool (2014) and new roof (2014). Offered at: $210,000

nmiller@BHHSflpg.com www.nmiller.BHHSFloridaProperties.com

rpreusch@BHHSflpg.com

Open floor plan with formal living and dining room. "Covered outdoor patio with beautiful pond/conservation view! Sold at: $187,500

bguevara@bhhsflpg.com

SILVER OAKS

MEADOW POINTE - JUST SOLD

Custom Home on 4.55 acres, gated & fenced. Ronnie Preusch Main House has 3845 sqft, 4Bd, 3.1B, 3+ CG, Office, Pool/Spa. In-Law Suite 1000 sqft, 1Bd, 813-361-9595 1B, Carport. Loaded with Upgrades. Offered at $845,000.

This home is located in the Historic District Brittany Guevara 813-843-2127 of Dade City. It features 5BD/4.5 BTH, 4,100 sq ft, 1.32 acres. Plus a 770 sq ft. Guest Cottage (1BD/1BTH).

Executive Home in Gated Seven Oaks (3,656 sq ft) 5 Beds 3 Baths & Bonus Rm w/outdoor Cynthia Filippi 813-784-1634 Balcony Master Suite features adjoining Office/Nursery Large Gourmet Kitchen with Center Island Prime Location w/ Shopping, Restaurants Offered at $424,900 CFilippi@BHHSflpg.com CynthiaSellsTampaHomes.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENTALS

Mercy Barragan 813-494-6797

mercy@mercybarragan.com www.MercyBarragan.com

1830 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Stephanie Boulden Title Manager

sboulden@CapstoneTitleLLC.com

Regardless of whether you want to buy, sell or rent, we can help! Have a home you would like to lease? Our certified property management services are second to none. Contact Rick or Sue Wedig for all your real estate needs. A true one stop shop. Our mission: Exceeding your expectations by providing outstanding customer service! Call us direct at 813-712-8498. swedig@BHHSflpg.com rwedig@BHHSflpg.com

Rick Wedig 813-712-8421 Sue Wedig 813-712-8498

When I first purchased the Neighborhood News on February 25, 1994, I decided that it was important to attend the first-ever Taste of New Tampa, which was held in- and outside of the clubhouse at Hunter’s Green Country Club less than two months later. I didn’t know what to expect, considering that I had only put out one issue of the Neighborhood News — I brought my second issue with me to the event — but the Taste turned out to be the single greatest day my business would have that year, and I received so much encouragement from the New Tampa residents who attended that first-ever Taste that I was truly energized and excited about the prospects for my new business venture. I also vowed to do everything I could to make sure that both the Taste and the Neighborhood News would be around — and integral parts of the local community — for years to come. I joined the Board of the now-defunct New Tampa Community Council (which later became the also-now-defunct New Tampa Chamber of Commerce) the following year, primarily to be more involved in the Taste, which went on to almost two decades of rousing success (going hand-in-hand with the success of the Neighbrhood News), with thousands of people attending the Taste at a variety of venues in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel over the years that followed. In 2012, the Taste was supposed to be held at the Shops at Wiregrass, but was moved to Wharton High in New Tampa less than a month before the event, and drew its smallestever crowd — about 2,000 attendees. I vowed to never let that happen again,

Neighborhood News

so I became the co-chair of the 20th annual Taste in 2013, which was moved to Primrose Park in Tampa Palms. I signed up more than 30 restaurants for that milestone Taste, but almost a third of those dropped out the week (about seven on the day) of the event because of the weather reports that expected torrential rains “all day.” Well, the sideways-falling rains did come that morning, but cleared by about 11 a.m., an hour before the start of the event, and the Taste went off without too many hitches, albeit with fewer than 20 restaurants, most of which ended up thrilled they participated. But, just that threat of inclement weather definitely affected not only attendance that day, but also yours truly and virtually everyone who was involved in putting on that 20th Taste — so much so that all of us considered scrapping it altogether if we couldn’t find a suitable, preferably indoor, locale to host it. A little more than three years after the New Tampa Chamber was absorbed by the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC), I talked to WCCC CEO Hope Allen about reviving the Taste (and wrote about it in these pages). The problem was that, at that time, the Chamber itself was getting out of the event business. “So, unless some other entity is willing to take it over, I don’t see how we’re going to make that happen,” Allen told me. Not long after that discussion, however, the Rotary Cub of New Tampa — the first Rotary Club chartered in either of our distribution areas (that still meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country

@NTWCNews

Club) — approached Allen about taking over the Taste, since the Rotary Club’s successful annual “Pig Roast” also had somehow gone the way of the dinosaur. “We were looking to get back into the ‘big event’ business,” says the Rotary Club’s current president-elect and 2017 Taste event chair Karen Frashier. “So, if we could come to an agreement with the Chamber, our club felt it could be a win-win for everyone.” I immediately volunteered to again head up the restaurant committee, but the search for a suitable venue continued until Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI) managing partner Gordie Zimmermann sat down with Rotary members to discuss bringing the Taste to the new skating facility, even though it was still a year from opening. Eventually, the parties agreed on a date — Saturday, March 18 — and Zimmermann offered to host the Taste inside the facility, on one of its three NHL-sized skating rinks (the only rink of the four full-sized skating surfaces — one is actually a slightly larger, Olympic-sized sheet — which also has a cool “sports court” floor that can be laid over the ice for corporate events and “dry” sports like basketball, volleyball and even lacrosse. That floor will definitely be in place for the Taste, but attendees, volunteers and food and beverage providers alike will recognize quickly just how “cool” FHCI really is. In other words, if you plan to attend the 2017 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, you should dress as you do for “winter” here in Florida, because the temperature inside the facility will likely not reach 60° F.

And, with about 50 restaurants and beverage providers (see pages 40-43) already officially signed up to participate — and several others still “probable” at our press time, I’m quite certain that our attendees will not go home hungry or thirsty. This year’s Taste also will feature two cooking demonstrations by Food Network celebrity chef George Stella (as reported last issue) and will also feature great entertainment, as well as a variety of both adult beverages and soft drinks. Our press time for this issue was about two weeks before the Taste, so I am confident there will be additional sponsors and restaurants jumping into the fray, but we literally will take all that we can handle to fill the 17,000-sq.-ft. rink. On the pages that follow, we feature all of the and break the eateries down into categories — “Sit-Down Restaurants” (page 40), beverage providers (pg. 41) “Faster & More Casual” eateries (42-43) and desserts (43). So, whether your business is interested in becoming a Taste sponsor, or you’d like to volunteer to help the Rotary Club put on the event or pre-purchase your Taste tickets (admission is free, but the minimum ticket purchase to sample the delicious food and beverages is $25, with most items costing 1-3 tickets, or $1-$3), I hope you’ll not only check out this special six-page Taste section, but also visit TasteofNewTampa.org. Please also check out the full-page ad on the facing page (38) to see all of the AMAZING sponsors who already have committed to supporting the Taste!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

2017 TASTE OF NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL SIT DOWN RESTAURANTS

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

BEVERAGES

“Five Reasons” Continued from page 1

Trio and the New Tampa Players acting troupe. Frashier also said that all of the sponsors will have tables, and FHCI will offer open skating plus hockey, figure skating and perhaps even curling demonstrations. There will be an area set up for kids to work on projects, and a trophy presentation at the end of the event — The People’s Choice Awards, where the public can vote on the tastiest food (or beverage) they sampled during the day. The top three vote-getters will win the “People’s Choice” awards. 5. GEORGE STELLA (photo) Famous low-carb chef George Stella also will be on hand, and we hear he will be showing everyone how he makes two of his more popular dishes — Anaheim Shrimp Scampi and Plant

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

City Strawberry Shortcake Martinis. Stella, who once weighed 467 pounds before dropping 250 by cutting out carbs, hosts “Low-Carb & Loving It” on the Food Network, and his most recent book — Low Carb Essentials — sold out in two days on QVC, Frashier said. He will be signing copies of the book at The Taste, so if you need to drop a few pounds, the day after this event may sound like a good time to start. For pre-sale tickets and volunteer info for the 2017 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, visit TasteOfNewTampa.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

2017 TASTE OF NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL FASTER & MORE CASUAL EATERIES If you compare this roster of “Faster & More Casual Eateries” to the list of “Sit Down Restaurants” on page 40, you realize that some of the restaurants on this page could easily be switched out with some of those “Sit Down Restaurants” But, the bottom line is that, at our press time, we have 32 restaurants listed as serving food, plus nine dessert places (see next page) and seven adult beverage providers (page 41) for the 2017 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, which will be held on Saturday, March 18, noon-4 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI). Unfortunately, we have had a few really good restaurants previously announced as having been verbally committed to the Taste drop out — including Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Dempsey’s Steak House (at

Saddlebrook Resort), The Private Chef of Tampa and McDonald’s. The good news is that New Tampa Rotary Club (which is putting on the Taste) past president Peter Gambacorta of The Private Chef is still involved with the event (Peter was instrumental in getting King Crab Sponsor Pepin Distributing to provide beer samples), Stonewood will host a post-Taste wrapup party for the event’s major sponsors and organizers, and McDonald’s has agreed to be a Truffle Level cash sponsor, even though the fast food chain won’t be bringing its famous fries and Chicken McNuggets. And, more great news — some restaurants will serve in more than one category — Culver’s is serving butter burgers and fries, as well as the chain’s yummy

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

frozen custard ice cream, while La’ Berry Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream Café (see ad on next page) is serving both its new Working Cow ice cream, as well as some of the café’s great sandwiches. And so on. As we get closer to the event, we will post the planned menus (and cost per “taste”) for all of the restaurants expected to participate at TasteofNewTampa. org, where you can (and should) also buy your pre-sale tickets, in order to avid long lines at the event. The minimum online Taste ticket purchase is $25 (for 25 tickets), and most samples will cost 1-4 tickets. I’ll also tell you more about the Taste restaurant menus in my next “Neighborhood Dining News” segment on WCNT-tv, which debuts on YouTube on Friday, March 17, the day before the event. — GN

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

DESSERTS

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 •WCNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Vuelo Mexican Grill Is Taking Flight On Bruce B. Downs Blvd.!

Bubbling Filet Molcajete

Sizzling Chicken Fajitas

I GUESS I

By Gary Nager

was just about the only one who actually really liked the old Señor T’s, the original Mexican concept restaurant opened by owner Tom Reynolds in Nov. 2015 in the former location of Romano’s Macaroni Grill on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., next to Chili’s Grill & Bar in New Tampa. Even though Señor T’s closed only nine months or so later (in Aug. 2016), I was kind of addicted to the unique mahi-mahi fajitas. Few people in our area believed that Reynolds shut down to revamp, but revamp he did, and on October 25 of last year, Reynolds and an all-new crew brought in by Carol Daniel and Dennis Borders of Chicago-based Levy Restaurants opened the new Vuelo Mexican Grill. Reynolds and company are hoping that the now-four-month-old Vuelo, which means “flight” in Spanish, will take flight in New Tampa. Daniel and Borders brought in celebrity chef consultant Mark Estee — a former James Beard award semifinalist for “Best Chef in the West” for his Campo restaurant in Reno, NV — to completely overhaul the menu, and award-winning Reno-based architect Larry Henry to improve the interior. Since then, Reynolds has hired new gen-

eral manager and head chef Michael Lopez, fresh off a three-year stint as the food and beverage director at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City, to maintain quality control in the kitchen and to also make sure the “front of the house” runs smoothly. Estee (who appeared on a recent episode of WCNT-tv on YouTube) and Lopez have been working together to keep Vuelo as a “scratch kitchen” and Lopez says that about 90-percent of what comes out of the kitchen is made in-house. “Ultimately, we will be closer to 98 percent from scratch,” Lopez says. “The only things we won’t make are our own mayonnaise and our own breads, but all of our chips, salsas and entrées are made here.” Speaking of salsas, one of the focal points for Vuelo is the new fresh salsa bar, which has about seven different salsas (from roasted maize verde to hot Tomas to mild Luis), plus fresh lemon, lime, cilantro and jalapeños to spice your salsa your way. “And yes, chips and salsa are absolutely free at Vuelo,” says Reynolds, who took a lot of heat locally for charging for chips and salsa at Señor T’s. “We want to be a long-term player in New Tampa, so we know we have to keep our customers happy.” And, that customer base is growing. Lopez says that, thanks in large part to ad-

Cabo Wabo Tequila Flight

vertising in the Neighborhood News. “We were absolutely slammed on Valentine’s Day,” he says. “I know we had some people who weren’t happy about their wait times, but we had more than 300 people in here on that Tuesday night.”

OK, So What About The Food?

All this talk about new people is great, but for most of us, what matters most at any new restaurant is the food and I have to say that I think Reynolds, Estee and Lopez are on to something. My favorite dish at Vuelo is the bubbling filet mignon molcajete, which is served bubbling hot in a lava rock bowl with chunks of tender filet, potatoes and sautéed veggies and a deliciously zesty peppercorn gravy. There’s also a seafood molcajete I can’t eat with shrimp, scallops and snapper. I may have to try it without the shrimp someday. Lopez also is proud to announce that, due to customer demand, the sizzling asada platters Vuelo opened with have now been replaced by some absolutely excellent chicken, steak and shrimp fajitas (for just $15 or pick a combo of any two of those items for just

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

$17). The chicken fajitas pictured above are thick slices of tender chicken breast with some of the best onions and peppers you’ll find anywhere and both basted in and topped with a savory lime butter. Yum! Also added to the menu since the opening are the Vuelo Wings served in your choice of sauce — traditional fire hot, chipotle BBQ glaze or mojo Cubano. I haven’t sampled them yet, but you can bet I will...soon. Other Vuelo favorites so far in our office include the trio of “street” tacos, available with pork carnitas, barbacoa beef, achiote chicken and our favorite, the fried or blackened fish. We also love the chicken quesadillas (above) and the enchiladas. We haven’t yet sampled the burritos that Lopez says he will bring to this year’s Taste of New Tampa (see pages 38-43). Vuelo’s marketing director Suzanne Deveney says many Yelp reviews have called the burritos “the best in town.”

@NTWCNews

General Manager/Chef Mike Lopez

Sizzling Steak Fajitas I really love Vuelo’s beautiful bar area, which is stocked with a wide variety of Mexican beers in bottles (try the Victoria beer), some of the world’s most famous tequilas (try a tequila “flight”) and a nice selection of fresh fruit margaritas. Even the Casa ‘Ritas on the rocks are potent and absolutely delicious. There are great specials almost every day, including five mini tacos for $5 Mon.-Fri., from opening til 6 p.m.; and one kid eats free every day 4 p.m.-6 p.m. (with each purchase of an adult entrée at full price). There’s also DJ dance music on Vuelo’s covered patio on Taco Tuesday nights (when two tacos & a draft beer or Casa ‘Rita cost

Neighborhood News

Fresh Salsa Bar

‘Street’ Taco Trio w/Fries just $6), and on Fajitarita Friday, you get a free Casa ‘Rita or glass of house wine with any fajita purchase. There’s also a great weekend brunch menu on Sat. & Sun., with bottomless mimosas or bloody Marys/Marias for only $10 per person. Brunch starts at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays. I haven’t sampled it yet, but again, trying the brunch is already on my calendar. “We get a nice crowd for UFC fights, too,” Lopez says with a smile. Vuelo Mexican Grill is located at 17641 BBD and is open every day for lunch and dinner. For more information, call 9724800, visit VueloMexicanGrill.com or see the ad on page 49.

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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

WCCC Staying Active!

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) continues to cut ribbons at businesses in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, including at the new Pet Paradise pet boarding resort off S.R. 56 (behind the Gate gas station) in Wesley Chapel on Feb. 7 (see photo, far right). The Chamber also held its monthly business breakfast on Feb. 7 at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, where my WCNTtv partner Craig Miller helped bring the Wiregrass Ranch High drumline (see photo, right) to help announce the then-(only) 30+ restaurants committed to participate in the upcoming Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel (see stories on pg. 1 & pgs. 38-43). The Chamber also gathered for an awesome, free monthly mixer at Elite Pavers on U.S. Hwy. 41 in Land O’Lakes on Feb. 9 and for a ribbon cutting at Centra Care of Land O’Lakes on Feb. 15. Over the next few weeks, the Chamber will cut a ribbon on Wednesday, March 15, 10:30 a.m., during the Grand Opening of the new Avalon Park West Information Center (33613 S.R. 54) from 8:30-noon. The next day, on Thursday, March 16, 4 p.m., Meraki Aesthetic Center (26907 Foggy Creek Dr, Suite 102, Wesley Chapel) will host a

WCCC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Two other upcoming free-to-attend WCCC events are the Monthly Coffee Social at Buttermilk Provisions on Tuesday, March 21, 8 a.m., and the Final Friday Mixer at Vuelo Mexican Grill (17641 BBD Blvd., New Tampa; see story on pg. 46 and ad on pg. 49) on Friday, March 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. For the full upcoming WCCC schedule, visit WesleyChapel Chamber.com.

So Much Building In Wesley Chapel!

In the past few weeks alone here in Wesley Chapel, we have seen the opening of Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI, see story on page 34), the groundbreaking ceremony for the first Crystal Lagoon to be built in the U.S. (as reported last issue) and the green light given by Pasco County’s Board of County Commissioners for the

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

7,800-acre “Connected City” (see page 6). A few weeks before those events, the Williams Automotive Group (which also owns Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Honda and Tampa Honda on N. Florida Ave.) broke ground on its 60,000-sq.-ft. Lexus of Wesley Chapel, located southwest of Wesley Chapel Toyota, adjacent to I-75. You can see the new luxury dealership rising from the ground (photo, right) as you exit I-75 northbound at S.R. 54.

@NTWCNews

Brothers David and John Williams, honored as the WCCC’s Business Leaders of the Year for 2015, held a private groundbreaking ceremony for the Lexus dealership, which is being built quickly. We hope to have more information about when the dealership is expected to open in a future issue. Very close to the Lexus dealership, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen was hiring its staff and finalizing permits at our press time and could be open within a couple of weeks after this issue reaches your mailbox. We also got

Neighborhood News

word that a second Wesley Chapel Chick-filA was being built near the Walgreens on S.R. 54 at BBD. The land next to the pharmacy has been cleared for some time; we’ll let you know when it actually goes vertical. Meanwhile, the pace of new businesses popping up is even faster and more furious along S.R. 56 — especially around the Tampa Premium Outlets — than it is on S.R. 54. The first buildings on the north side of 56 across from the outlet mall are getting very close, as Pollo Tropical (photo above) is nearly as close to opening as is Popeye’s, Ford’s Garage is likely a few weeks behind those two and Panda Express and Starbucks (opening near the new Costco) are least a couple of months behind those three. Further east on S.R. 56, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, next to FHCI, also is close to opening, and another hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, has begun going vertical on Silver Maple Pkwy. off 56, next to the TD Bank near Texas Roadhouse. — GN

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel LAWN & LANDSCAPING

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA SPECIAL & FREE ESTIMATE! For more info, call (813) 420-4465. AMERICAN PRIDE LAWN CARE SERVICE, LLC Our services include weekly lawn maintenance with mulching decks on all mowers, precision edging, string trimming, hedge, shrub, palm, and tree trimming. We also offer landscaping, pruning, and sod replacement. Free estimates. Licensed and Insured. We are an Owner/Operator Company built on service and trust. References available. For more info, call (813) 458-4778. HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC High-Quality Professional Services: Weekly or Bi-Weekly YearRound Full-Svc LawnCare starting at $90/month: mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring Clean-Up. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554.

POOL SERVICES AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool. com TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call Chris today @ 813-8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com Highest quality salt and ozone generators, pumps, motors, filters. Marcite, quartz and pebble finishes. Pool cleanups and acid washes, paver and river rock sealing. Paver decks and driveways. Mention this ad for $69 pool service. Call or text 813-244-7077. See our display ad. Visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com

Classifieds

HOME IMPROVEMENT DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. Call 813-215-1177. GREG’S PAPERHANGING For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed and insured, clean, quick and reasonable. Call 973-2767 for a free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References avail. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate: 813-784-5999. DALE’S HOME MAINTENANCE Pressure washing, screen repairs, garage cleaning and organizing, shelving, re-grout tile and caulking, and more. 813-727-2582.

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

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

CLEANING SERVICES POWER HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES Residential cleaning weekly, bi-weekly, monthly & occasional. One time, deep cleaning, move in/move outs, real estate, holiday and events. Owner operator with personal care! Licensed and Insured. For free in-home estimate, call 813-356-8287 or e-mail powerclean16@gmail.com. You will be powerfully pleased!

HELP WANTED (cont.)

provide custom, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080. PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN NEEDED Must have clean driving record, no criminal record and be able to lift 50 lbs. Call VIP Pest Control at 813-2348888 for details.

B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 14 years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 400 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710. SQUEAKY CLEAN HOME SERVICES is a residential cleaning company offering weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly services. We also specialize in movein/move-out cleanup. All supplies and equipment provided. We are an Owner Operator company with over 20 years experience. “If it Needs to be Clean, We’re your Team! Call us for your free in home estimate today! 813-625-6045. R HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES To Keep Your House clean, call Marlene! Working now in Wesley Chapel and the New Tampa areas. Monday through Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. We can help: Call 562-637-5974 or email kolungaa@ hotmail.com. FREE estimates. PROFESSIONAL DETAIL CLEANING SERVICES LLC Residential, Commercial & Construction cleaning. Over 10 years experience! Complete cleaning: one time, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, move in and out. Great reference available. Same crew every cleaning. We clean your property like our own. Call or text for FREE ESTIMATES: Mila, 813-516-3554

SPACE AVAILABLE SERENITY SALON & SPA SUITES in Wesley Chapel. 1 suite available for rent. Call for details: 813-312-5247 or 813-997-6302. Great location!

HELP WANTED HIRING PERSONAL TRAINER Private Women’s Studio with Boot Camp & Personal Training in Wesley Chapel & Land O’ Lakes owned by Samantha Taylor. Please no phone calls or walk ins.To apply part time: www.lolfitbodybootcamp.com/hire-pt PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT) An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

Not getting the results you want from your current advertising? Our Classified Ads are the ones your neighbors actually READ!

Call 910-2575 to order yours today!

@NTWCNews

“Since 1971”

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

FREE Shop at Home Service Johnny Vandervlis Sales & Design Consultant

Neighborhood News

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

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Let Us Help You Protect What Ma�ers Most

A�orneys Bryan & Elizabeth Devolder

FAMILY LAW

Child Support & Custody Modification Parent Relocation Divorce

BUSINESS & PROPERTY Contract Disputes Deeds / Leases

ESTATE PLANNING

Serving All the Legal Needs of Suburban Families At the Professional Building In Front of Hunters Green

Power of Attorney Health Care Directive Wills & Trusts

813.724.3880

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 6 • March 10, 2017 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews