Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 31, Issue 6, March 21, 2023

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Covid Interrupts My Chance To Celebrate Additional Grandbabies

By GARY NAGER Editorial

For the past three+ years, Jannah and I have been blessed with two amazing grandchildren — Jannah’s daughter Lauren and her husband Albert Cione’s beautiful daughter Rosie and my younger son Jake and his wife Meghan’s equally incredible son Jackson.

In December, Jannah’s son Michael and his wife Caitlin welcomed their son John to the world and since then, there has been a flurry of additional baby activity in our families.

On Feb. 28, Lauren, Albert and Rosie added baby Giovanni Albert to their family and only eight days later, Jake, Meghan and Jax welcomed baby Maverick James.

As if that wasn’t enough, a few days after we went to press with this issue, my older son Jared and his wife Mary Luz were expected to welcome their first-born son Liam Dario to this ever-expanding group.

Now, like any proud grandpa, I would have been thrilled to have been part of all these celebrations, but it wasn’t meant to be, at least not for me right away.

The original plan was for me to join Jannah in North Carolina right after baby Gio was born, but not only was my schedule extremely tight at that time, I also started to feel a little sick the day I was scheduled to leave Florida. I cancelled my flight and two days later, I tested positive for Covid-19.

Now, thanks to having been twice vaccinated and twice boosted, my symptoms were extremely mild, but not only would I not have been allowed anywhere near the hospital with a positive Covid test, I simply wasn’t going to risk bringing that problem to any of these newly expanded families.

I was happy to test negative a day or so after baby Maverick was born, but not only was I concerned about any lingering effects of the illness, I also worried that upon her return from the Tarheel State, Jannah (also twice-vaccinated and twice-boosted) could catch it from me and possibly infect any member of either of my sons’ families. So, as of the day I’m writing this editorial, I still haven’t gotten to meet any of these new grandbabies.

And, while that fact is a little sad for me, I do feel fortunate yet again that #1, a week after returning home, Jannah has shown no signs of catching it; and #2, that this particular bout with the illness was mild, short and is already behind me.

So, even though my celebrating so far has had to be from a distance, I am happy that it won’t be long before I get to meet all four of mine and Jannah’s new grandsons — as Michael, Caitlin and John will visit sometime in April, I will hopefully be able to meet both Maverick and Liam before this issue hits mailboxes and will get to see baby Gio not too long thereafter.

After losing my father a few weeks ago, I am blessed to have the circle of life come full circle for me. Mine and Jannah’s children are happy, healthy and all have new bundles of joy for us to enjoy.

May God bless them all.

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Congratulations to (left) Jake, Maverick, Jackson & Meghan Nager and (right) Lauren, Giovanni, Rosie & Albert Cione.

Wesley Chapel Blvd. Moving Towards Expansion

By JOHN C. COTEY

Pasco County finally has the land it needs to widen Wesley Chapel Blvd. from a two-lane to a six-lane road. Now all the county needs is a final plan.

The county completed the needed right-of-way acquisition for the longplanned project in January, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working on the final reviews of the design plans, according to county spokeswoman Tambrey Laine.

“As soon as those reviews are complete (likely by the end of March), we’ll be able to move forward with the bidding process,” Laine told the Neighborhood News.

Construction could begin as soon as this fall, and will take approximately three years to complete.

When the widening project has been completed, Wesley Chapel Blvd. (also known as C.R. 54) will be a six-lane roadway from north of S.R. 56 (near the Cypress Creek Town Center) to I-75, near The Grove.

Of course, the name Wesley Chapel Blvd. — which has been known as much more of a country road connecting Land O’Lakes to the fledgling Wesley Chapel and ultimately, to Zephyrhills prior to the opening of S.R. 56 — is something of a misnomer, as most of the developments on both sides of the road that actually travels north and south, even though it is labeled as an east-west road, are actually located within either Lutz or Land O’Lakes zip codes.

Also located off of Wesley Chapel Blvd. is the North Tampa Aero Park, the small (one-runway) private airport that used to host a popular annual air show. The more popular the air show became, the worse the traffic snarled throughout the Lutz/Wesley Chapel area. The last year the air show was held, people were stranded on Wesley Chapel Blvd. for several hours.

At a Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting on May 23, 2017, meeting, the commissioners approved a County Incentive Grant Program Agreement with FDOT for the right-of-way acquisition for the project. The estimated right of way costs were $11,718,400, with FDOT contributing half, or $5,859,200.

The construction phase of the Wesley Chapel Blvd. project is estimated to cost $36,392,250, with FDOT agreeing to fund $5,733,308 of that. Including the design costs and right-of-way acquisitions, the total estimated cost of the project is $50.8 million.

The widening will include a six-lane “urban typical section,” with a sidewalk, bicycle lanes, a multi-use path, lighting, and new signals at the intersections at Stagecoach Village Blvd. (the entrance to the Stagecoach Village subdivision, which become an active traffic signal a few months ago), at Compark Dr. and Grand Oaks Blvd. (the latter of which has been in existence for several years).

The project will be constructed in two parts. One part will widen Wesley Chapel Blvd. from north of S.R. 56 to Magnolia Blvd., which is just south of Amici’s Pizza (see map above).

The second phase will widen from just north of Magnolia Blvd. to north of Old Pasco Rd. That portion will include the addition of two new lanes in a 48” median to tie into the existing six lanes to the east and proposed six lanes to the south.

A Look Back...

The idea of widening Wesley Chapel Blvd. was considered as far back as 2003, when there was an initial study to widen it to four lanes. But, later studies showed that would not be enough to accommodate the growth in the area on both side of the road.

Business on both ends of Wesley Chapel Blvd. has exploded in recent

years, with the development of the Cypress Creek Town Center to the south and The Grove to the north. But, in between, new businesses and apartment and townhome communities continue to sprout.

There continues to be additional expansion at the Cypress Creek Town Center development north of S.R.

56. PopStroke opened last month, Academy Sports + Outdoors is being built next to PopStroke and a 260-unit luxury apartment complex, Maeva, is under construction just north of those two large businesses, as well as Total Wine & More. Maeva is expected to open around September.

On the west side of Wesley Chapel

The widening of Wesley Chapel Blvd. (the roadway portion in red, north of S.R. 56) should begin soon. Many of the major projects along the roadway are either under construction or already open. Please note that the locations of these projects are approximate & not to scale. (NN Map by Charmaine George)

CYPRESS BEND

PROF PARK

Blvd. north of S.R. 56, a 42,000-sq.-ft.

Harley-Davidson dealership is nearing completion,and there also are plans for a 5,000-sq.-ft. restaurant on the same site.

North of Harley-Davidson, the Cypress Bend Professional Park also is under construction. While none of the tenants have been named, the complex is being built on nine acres and will include 23 buildings ranging in size from 2,612 sq. ft. to 5,868 sq. ft. The entire

Cypress Bend Prof. Park project will be 74,172 sq. ft.

Other projects — including a storage unit, Valvoline oil change facility, small businesses in the plazas that dot the boulevard on the drive from I-75 to S.R. 56 – continue to pop up.

And, if Wesley Chapel has proven anything over the last few years, development along Wesley Chapel Blvd. isn’t likely to slow down.

There are three major multi-family projects already under construction on WC Blvd., including the Maeva apartments, located just north of PopStroke. (Photos by Charmaine George)

Grove Mini Golf Sets A Date For Grand Opening

By JOHN C. COTEY

The long-awaited and often-teased miniature golf course at The Grove is, dare we say, just about ready to open.

Ryan Mortti, the owner of the putt-putt course, says that after a number of supply chain issues, permitting obstacles and other delays — not to mention a few premature announcements of an impending opening on Facebook — the course is now expected to open on Saturday, April 15.

“We definitely stressed ourselves to get here,” Mortti says, “but, you know, we’re making it to the finish line. Obviously, we always wish it could have been a little faster. Nobody wishes it would have been faster more than we do.”

The 18-hole mini golf course is located near the B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel, which at one point was called The Grove Theater, and in tandem with the golf course was going to be the centerpiece of The Grove reclamation project.

Back when Mortti first came up with the concept, the mini golf course project had no competition. It was going to fill a hole in Wesley Chapel.

But then, the Covid pandemic created a host of issues, and two years later, PopStroke, the new Tiger Woods-owned miniature golf course, announced it was coming to town.

PopStroke, which is corporate-owned, opened last month to rave reviews and large crowds. But, Grove Mini Golf is a family owned, more family-friendly venture.

“We’ve definitely changed a lot of things once we knew we were competing with Tiger Woods,” Mortti says. “That’s not your typical competitor.”

But, while PopStroke promises two 18-hole courses that are intended to simulate putting on a real golf course, Grove Mini Golf is a much more traditional putt-putt course, and has gone through a number of design changes since Mortti first heard the Woods-designed PopStroke was coming.

Some of those changes including adding larger visual features, including volcanoes and large waterfalls and plenty of water features throughout the course. Mortti

says the planned waterfall became more prominent in the design, and more water in general was added. The course, which Mortti says is designed to have a “tropical feel,” even has a few rivers running around and through some of the holes. On one hole, you can putt your ball into one of the running rivers, which actually will carry the ball towards the hole.

And, Mortti says, nine of the 18 holes are required to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant, but he went ahead and designed all 18 holes to be ADA compliant.

Like PopStroke, which is free of all the trappings of your traditional miniature golf course, Grove Mini Golf also offers no windmills, although there are plenty of bridges and many more family-friendly design elements. There are few moving parts — large boulders and wooden posts are the only obstacles keeping your ball from the hole. The large fire-shooting volcano and waterfalls are all there only to add to the atmosphere.

There are plenty of tiki-hut-style places to grab some shade, there are numerous mister fans and the course will likely have

drink and snack stations set up at certain holes as well. “All of the moving water also helps keep the course a lot cooler,” Mortti says. “We want you to stay comfortable.”

Mortti is especially excited about the lighting, which he says had to have special ordered. Each hole is outlined by LED strips which can be programmed for a number of different effects, like colors chasing each other or fading in and out.

“The typical LED lighting is like 60, 80 or 100 LED lights per three feet,” Mortti says. “The lights we have 720 (lights) per three feet….And you can do a lot of cool features with that lighting at nighttime. The playability is going to be pretty cool.”

While PopStroke was designed by TGR, Woods’ golf course design firm, Mortti says that Grove Mini Golf may appeal more to families and younger players.

“I worked with a mini-golf guy that’s built courses for 30 years,” Mortti said. “I had him send me a list of like 100 courses he built. And I just picked some of the best holes from each of those courses and then made ours kind of off of the history of all his courses. And obviously, we changed and

tweaked it all a little bit.”

When it comes to food, Grove Mini Golf is definitely simpler and more old school. PopStroke offers an actual restaurant and sports bar with full liquor, while Mortti chose more scaled-down gastronomic options like burgers, chicken sandwiches, personal pizzas and nachos, plus ice cream and snow cones, to name a few, that can be eaten on benches outside or taken on the course.

“We’re perfect for kids’ birthday parties,” Mortti says.

Grove Mini Golf also will offer beer and wine for adults.

Mortti and his crew are hustling to put the final touches on Grove Mini Golf. The greens are already playable, but the lights are being carefully placed along the holes and some electrical fine-tuning remains.

“I’m excited,” he says. “We’re definitely more geared towards that family experience, and I think everybody will have fun coming here.”

Grove Mini Golf is located at 6201 Wesley Grove Blvd. For more information, call (813) 815-7888 or visit GroveMiniGolf.com.

A few finishing touches are being applied to Grove Mini Golf (above), which features working volcanoes, waterfalls and plenty of water throughout, and promises a truly family-friendly experience. (Drone photo by Charmaine George)

(Top to bottom) Owner Ryan Mortti is excited to finally be opening Grove Mini Golf near the B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel at The Grove. Not only do the waterfalls at Grove Mini Golf look cool, Mortti says they will keep the temperature on the putt-putt course nice and cool. On the hole above, you can putt your ball into the rushing river, which will carry your ball towards the hole.

(All photos by Charmaine George)

B&B Theatres Introduce Some New Goodies For Movie Fans

By JOHN C. COTEY

Jailene Sevilla says she has been coming to Wesley Chapel’s only movie theater since she was a kid, but taking in the latest improvements at a February 15 Grand Reopening was a revelation.

“It’s so different,” she said.

But, the most important thing Jailene and her father Jorge said after touring the revamped theater, was, “We’ll be back.”

The movie theater business was one of the hardest hit when Covid-19 blew through. So, getting the Sevillas and everyone else back to the theater is the main goal of B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel.

Hence the changes which not only include better seats and screens and a variety of viewing options, but also the grand opening of CycleCinema, the first spin studio located inside an actual theater.

“It’s been a journey,” said Paul Farnsworth, the Director of Communications for B&B Theatres, which took over The Grove Theater in 2021 and are finishing the job started by developer Mark Gold, who transformed the former Cobb Theater into what some dubbed a “theater of the future.”

“We knew when we came in what we wanted our plans to be,” Farnsworth said. “Our first course of action was replacing the seats. So, we put in these wide, electric, heated recliners in every auditorium. And then, Phase Two was the amenities that

have now been completed and unveiled.”

Those include:

• ScreenX, which, according to Farnsworth, is the world’s first multi-projection platform, allowing viewers to experience select films in an expansive, 270-degree presentation, as the two sidewalls of the theater are utilized to give a more immersive experience.

• Premium Large Format (PLF) Grand Screen, which provides a true wallto-wall experience.

• The Lyric, a smaller (32-seat) theater designed for a more intimate and upscale theatrical experience. The Lyric will be used for showing independent and art films — such as the poignant comedy “80 for Brady” — and offers other high-end touches, including seat-mounted tray tables and elegant waterfall curtains

• Max Relax — Located in another smaller (only 50+ seats) theater, Max Relax offers commercial-grade, electric, heated, fully reclining leather chaise lounge chairs

that are great for movie watching....and, if the movie isn’t great, a nice little nap.

• CycleCinema, which is being leased to owner Pascal Collard of the Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis & Wellness Center in Zephyrhills and his three partners (Nick Walton, Andy Sorrentino and SVB co-owner Andy Green), which brings a Pelotontype shared workout experience to the big screen, with classes for everyone from total beginner to expert.

• SideSplitters at The Grove, the comedy club which already has been operational for more than a year before the Grand Reopening event.

“It has a little bit of everything for everyone,” said 17-year Wesley Chapel resident Joel Ojeda. “Very different from what we have experienced anywhere else.”

Farnsworth thinks the ScreenX will be the biggest hit of all the new upgrades.

“It’s a multi-projection platform,” he said. “So instead of one singular image on the screen in front of you, there are five projectors that put the image on the two auditorium sidewalls as well. So, it creates a 270-degree immersive experience. And when I heard about that, I was like, Wow, that sounds really distracting. And I don’t want to have to turn my head watch a movie. Long story short, they did a demo, and it completely blew my socks off.”

There are 5-6 ScreenX set-ups across

The new CycleCinema at B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel lets moviegoers get their workout in during movies, or serves as a nice change of pace for spin enthusiasts. (Photos by Charmaine George)

B&B’s 54 U.S, theaters (and more than 500 screens), but Farnsworth says the one in Wesley Chapel is the best he has seen.

Once movie studios start to create content specifically for ScreenX, he thinks the concept will really explode.

For Wesley Chapel general manager Yasemin Akbas, it’s an exciting time. She has worked at the theater under all of its previous owners, leaving for other jobs but always returning to the theater.

She has seen the theater go from a go-to night on the town to a ghost town, and back up again. She thinks the recent upgrades will

solidify the theater as one of Wesley Chapel’s top entertainment destinations.

“I’ve seen it go from awesomeness to probably the slowest times ever back to the busiest,” she said. “But after the last two years, seeing everyone come back, that’s probably the best part right now. And, instead of just waiting for people to come back, B&B is trying to pull people back in with the concepts that we have now. It’s great.”

For more information, visit bbtheatres.com or Facebook.com/ bbtheatres. For more info about Cycle Cinema, visit TheCycleCinema.com.

The fully-reclining, extra-wide, heated chaise lounge theater seats in B&B Theatres Wesley Chapel’s Max Relax theater also are game-changers.

BayCare Opens, Preview Gets The Thumbs-Up From Locals

By JOHN C. COTEY

Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., once dubbed the “Road To Nowhere,” is now the road to everywhere and is quickly becoming one of the area’s most important medical corridors.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, an 86bed, state-of-the-art facility located on BBD just south of S.R. 54, officially opened its doors on March 7. It is located just a few miles north of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, which was Wesley Chapel’s first hospital when it opened back in 2012. BayCare Wesley Chapel is currently only taking emergency room patients, but will soon be open to those needing all kinds of medical care.

Trey Walker attended BayCare Wesley Chapel’s open house on Feb. 18, and he left impressed by the sparkling new hospital.

“I don’t like hospitals,” the Tampa truck driver said, smiling, “but if I ever need to go to one, I hope it’s this one.”

Walker was one of an estimated 4,000 people who took part in the open house, which featured tours, food trucks, vendor booths and a kids area.

BayCare Wesley Chapel president Becky Schulkowski was thrilled to finally unveil the hospital to the public.

“It’s just been extremely exciting, rewarding, and humbling seeing the response from the community,” Schulkowski said. “I’m being thanked for coming to this community. It just feels like such a blessing…and we will live up to their expectations.”

BayCare Wesley Chapel boasts 318,000 sq. ft. of space, and will feature comprehensive medical services and health care resources, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit with virtual-monitoring beds, diagnostic services such as imaging and on-site lab services, plus physical rehabilitation.

BayCare is investing $246 million in the project, which will be the 16th link in the nonprofit’s chain, which has locations throughout Central Florida. It will feature cutting-edge technology like the CT scanner and a DaVinci Robotic Surgical System.

The DaVinci robot drew a few oohs and aahs from those on the tour, its multiple arms coiled like a resting octopus. It allows for very precise incisions and techniques used by surgeons, including things like hernia repairs and colorectal surgery.

“So, if anyone with colon cancer needs to have parts of their colon removed, it can be done with the robot,” Schulkowski said. “The procedures with the robot really allow you to heal faster and get out of the hospital quicker. With some of those bigger surgeries, before we started using the robotic surgery, you would be in the hospital for five days (or more) after that procedure. Now, you can be home in one or two days.…and what most people want is to get out of the hospital and get home.”

Much of the planning that went into BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel was about comfort.

“We really thought about what it feels like to be a patient, and how much most people really don’t like to be in a hospital,” Schulkowski said. “So, we really tried to design it with that perspective in mind, and really make it a comfortable, healing environment.”

That means all of the patient rooms are private, and have integrated Alexa, a voice-controlled virtual assistant that allows you to call your nurse, dim the lights, raise and lower the blinds and the thermostat and other things, using just your voice.

The hospital will provide most general surgeries, orthopaedic surgeries, urology and a cath lab to diagnose any heart issues, Schulkowski said.

These are just a few of the roughly 4,000 people who showed up for BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel’s community open house on Feb. 18. (Photos: John C. Cotey)

“We went all out to make sure we had the absolute best technology available for the community,” she added.

While 86 rooms may not seem like a lot, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is expandable. Schulkowski said the option is available to build a second tower directly above the current ER if needed.

“We can pretty much double everything,” she said.

Also planned is a 20-bed observation unit, which could be built by 2027 next to the ER on the backside of the hospital.

“That will allow us to cohort what we call observation patients, patients that come in and maybe have chest pain, and we need to run a couple tests and see is it a heart problem? Or is it just really bad heartburn?,” Schulkowski said. “While you’re waiting for those tests, you don’t need to be up in the hospital, you’re just waiting on getting some test results. We’re gonna keep you comfortable, get those test results and then, hopefully, send you on your way.”

Wesley Chapel will soon be home to a third hospital as well. Orlando Hospital Wesley Chapel, a 300-bed facility, also is under construction on S.R. 56.

The nonprofit company that is opening BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel understands that there are options for patients needing care. Schulkowski said her staff is ready to meet the challenge. In fact, one

of her pet projects was the sculpture out front — five ribbons coming together. Each ribbon has one of the five BayCare values engraved on it: Trust, Respect, Responsibility, Excellence and Dignity.

“I wanted the very first thing that our community saw when they came onto campus (were) the BayCare values, because that’s what we bring to this community,” Schulkowski said.

For more information, visit BayCare.org.

The DaVinci Robotic Surgical System (above), with its multiple arms that can allows for very precise incisions and techniques used by surgeons, impressed a lot of BayCare visitors. (Top right) The interventional radiology lab uses state-of-the-art technology to treat a variety of conditions.

More Furniture & Office Options Coming To Wesley Chapel

By JOHN C. COTEY

Although S.R. 56 between the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Cypress Creek Center has often been referred to as Restaurant Row due to its large array of dining options, it also has become something of a Decorator Destination, with another major furniture store on the way.

CITY Furniture re-submitted plans to Pasco County planners on March 8 for a 120,000-sq.-ft. showroom on a parcel of land north of Bahama Breeze restaurant.

If approved, which is likely, CITY Furniture will be built on a 400,000-sq.-ft. parcel just east of Badcock Home Furniture & More, and north of La-Z-Boy.

Planning to be located between Marsh Bend Way and Garden Village Way, the two-level showroom will include 400 parking spots, including 40 for electric cars.

If you include the recently opened El Dorado Furniture to the west of the Cypress Creek Town Center, and the Ashley (which is owned by CITY) and Haverty’s Furniture stores barely a mile to the east just past the I-75 interchange, as well as home furnishing stores like At Home, Home Goods and Floor & Decor, that’s a lot of options for current homeowners and the thousands of new homes and apartments already in the county’s plans.

CITY Furniture has been making big moves in the Tampa Bay area, building a roughly 1.3-million-sq.-ft. distribution center off I-4 near Plant City and putting new showrooms in Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

CITY Furniture originally began as a Waterbed City back in the 1970s, according to its website, but has evolved into 23 furniture and home accents showrooms. It’s exclusive brand is Kevin Charles, but its tagline “Everyone Can Live Like This” promises style and affordable prices.

FIRST IN!: The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC), which serves businesses in Wesley Chapel, Trin-

ity, Odessa and northern Hillsborough County, is moving from its Lutz location back to Wesley Chapel.

The NTBC will be the first company taking advantage of the soon-to-open Signature Workplace, located in the old Forever 21 space at the Shops at Wiregrass.

Signature Workplace is a two-floor coworking business that offers workplaces for individuals and small businesses that want to save on overhead or need more flexibil-

ity. It offers team suites, fully furnished private offices and luxury conference rooms.

It also has room to host events, and offers perks like WiFi, coffee and snacks.

“We think it’s a great idea in a great location,” said NTBC CEO Hope Kennedy. “We were the first ones to sign up so we’re happy to support a new business.”

The NTBC will be moving out of its current office on Highland Oaks Blvd. on March 24, and into Signature Workplace, which is expected to open in July.

OTHER NOTES: Rodizio Grill, the Brazilian Steakhouse we told you last July was coming to Wesley Chapel, has officially filed plans with the county for its 9,560-sq.-ft. restaurant, which will be located on Sun Vista Dr. south of the Costco and next to At Home.

According to Businesswire.com, Middleburg Communities closed on two land parcels (49 acres total) in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, off S.R. 54. Middleburg plans to develop two residential communities – Mosby Avalon Park, a 338-unit traditional apartment community, and Hamlet Avalon Park, a build-to-rent community with 260 single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes. Construction will begin immediately on Mosby, with Hamlet to start during a future phase.

PHSC’s Timothy Beard To Retire

After 17 years at Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC), which includes leading the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, president Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., will retire effective January 31, 2024, the school announced on Mar. 1.

By the time he retires, Beard will have served nearly nine years as the state college’s president and CEO. Prior to that, he served more than eight years as PHSC’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

The school announced that it is conducting a nationwide search for Beard’s successor. Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting firm will lead the search for PHSC’s fifth president, teaming up with a presidential search committee comprised of community stakeholders and PHSC faculty, staff and students.

During Beard’s presidency, PHSC constructed the $18-million Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), located on Old Pasco Rd. in front of Cypress Creek middle and high school. The facility opened in 2021, and provides instruction in music, dance, theater and multi-media design.

“Serving as PHSC’s president has been the crowning achievement of my career,” Beard said in a release. “The College has made exceptional progress, thanks to the guidance of our trustees and the dedication of our administrators, faculty and staff. I remain in awe of the transformative power of education.”

Beard also has been at the helm for a number of other major projects, like adding a $5 million Burn Center and Fire Academy training center at PHSC’s East Campus in Dade City, which will also be home to a future STEM Student Success and Community Engagement Center with a projected $25-million budget.

Dr. Beard earned his Bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M (FAMU) in 1984, and received his Master’s and

Ph.D. degrees from Florida State University. He worked on the staff, faculty and in the administrations at FAMU, FSU and the University of South Alabama in Mobile before accepting the vice president’s position at PHSC.

He succeeded former PHSC presidents Katherine M. Johnson, Ed.D., in 2015. Johnson was preceded by the late Robert W. Judson, Jr, Ed.D., and Milton O. Jones, Ph.D., the college’s founding president.

PHSC, which has six locations in Pasco and Hernando counties serving nearly 10,000 students annually, saw its operating budget increase by nearly 40 percent under Beard, and the PHSC Foundation’s assets increased by more than 60 percent. Beard personally raised several hundred thousand dollars to establish and fund scholarships.

PHSC’s nine-member District Board of Trustees is hoping to find and introduce Beard’s replacement in September.

Information on PHSC’s Presidential Search, including details about the application and nomination process, can be found at MyersMcrae.com or PHSC.edu/about/ leadership/presidential-search.

Retiring PHSC Pres. Dr. Timothy L. Beard

Local Author Lois Lewandowski Hopes To Inspire Others

By GARY NAGER

I recently read a novel by someone I’ve known indirectly for more than 20 years — Hunter’s Green resident Lois Lewandowski.

To be fair, despite knowing Lois’ husband (and local financial advisor) Chuck Lewandowski for that amount of time, I had only met her a handful of times and I honestly had no idea that the one-time IT rep for a Silicon Valley company who later worked in the jewelry department of Nordstrom’s was a published author.

So, when Lois (who writes her books as “L.A. Lewandowski”) contacted me by email about buying an ad for her most recent “vanity published” (she hates the term “selfpublished;” more on this below) novel — The Ghost on Swann — I told her that I would read the book first and be honest with her about whether or not I thought it would be worth buying ads to try to sell copies of it.

Well, quite truthfully, I was blown away by The Ghost. Each chapter of the book is told in first person by one of the four major characters — the ghost herself, Bertha “Posh” Swann, Posh’s friend Victor, Victor’s niece Tyrene and even a mannequin named Maude. The format, albeit a little confusing at first, does make you want to find out what happens next. Posh, who “haunts” the business now owned by her living friend Victor, was murdered in the same building many years earlier.

If you recognize the spelling of “Swann,” it’s because Posh’s family is supposedly the reason Swann Ave. in Tampa’s renowned Hyde Park Village neighborhood (where the entire story is set) was given that name.

For a book devoid of sex and violence (even the description of Posh’s murder was somewhat pedestrian), The Ghost on Swann is a true page-turner. I told Lois that, as I read it, I wondered if maybe Posh’s murder was more of a mystery than the reader is led to believe, but as it turns out, The Ghost is not a murder mystery. Instead, it’s simply a well-crafted story rooted in the fashion industry (as Lois herself has been) that likely will appeal more to women than to men but I wouldn’t discourage anyone from giving it the once-over.

“I’m very proud of The Ghost,” Lois says. “It took three rewrites to get it to where it is now.”

Lois On ‘Vanity’ Publishing

Speaking of rewrites, as I mentioned earlier, Lois isn’t a fan of the term “selfpublished,” because it indicates to many people that the books are likely less “professional” than those published by one of the remaining major publishing houses.

However, after reading The Ghost, it’s obvious that Lois’ work is not only professional, she takes a lot of pride in things like her editor (Stacy Juba), the design of the covers of her books, the spelling, grammar and

Local author Lois Lewandowski poses with most of her “vanity published” books, including The Ghost on Swann (right). (Photos by Charmaine George)

punctuation of her stories and other things that many “self-published” authors don’t seem to sweat as she does.

“I prefer to call it ‘vanity publishing,’” she says. “Just because Viking, Penguin and other traditional publishers haven’t published my books, I care that if you read them, you won’t be able to distinguish it from a traditionally published book.”

She admits, however, that some selfpublishers who don’t think they have to pay the same attention to detail, give the vanity publishing business a bad name.

Many also don’t think you can make “real” money as a vanity publisher.

“But that just isn’t true,” Lois says. “I’m in a lot of online independent publishing groups and the word is that it takes as many as 15 books to really start making money. The Ghost on Swann is only my sixth book, but my brain is very active and I have at least three more that are close to being ready, so I feel like I’m on my way.”

On the other hand, Lois says that even though sites like Amazon do provide numbers of copies sold to authors, “I don’t

really worry about sales. I write because I have stories in my head and I do regularly receive money for my book sales, too.”

Lois says it wasn’t always her dream to be a writer — “I wanted to be a lawyer, really...but it is my dream now.” She points to one vanity publisher who has written 35 or more books, putting out two a year, and has enough of a following that it is now his full-time job. “Amazon has an algorithm (for book sales) and you have to feed the algorithm, so I have to get another book out by October of this year to do that.”

She also says that a lot of people she meets tell her that they really want to write a book and she always encourages them to do so.“Stephen King calls it ‘BIC,” or ‘Butt in Chair,’ which is the only way to get it done.”

In addition, Lois wrote for a blog called “Indies Unlimited” and found out, “that a lot of self-published writers are too cheap to register their work with the Library of Congress to protect it. But, if you really think you have a story people would be interested in reading, why wouldn’t you want to protect it?”

She adds, “Writers’ ideas are not copyright-able, but the words themselves are. If you protect your work, and someone publishes something that’s really close to your words, you can go after them legally.”

Lois says she even has gone so far as to teach “Authors 101” courses at public libraries, where she teaches people who want to write how to get started. “After the Tampa Bay Times did an article on me several years ago, I had 25 or 30 people at

my course at the Riverview library,” she says. “The information I gave out then is all old now because of the internet, but I found out that a lot of people definitely have stories they want to tell in a book. That’s why, when I did my Authors 101 course, I felt so good about encouraging other authors to become vanity publishers.”

She also notes that it’s harder than ever to get one of the big publishing houses to publish your book, as you have write query letters to literary agents because, “you can’t even submit a manuscript to the folks at Random House.”

But, Lois says, “If you want to be a writer, your goal should be to publish, not to make money. “I don’t keep track of my sales because my goal is to be proud of my work. If people love my books, the money will come.”

Before releasing The Ghost on Swann in 2022, Lois’ first book was Born to Die, The Montauk Murders (2011). That was followed by A Gourmet Demise, Murder in South Tampa (2014), which Lois says briefly hit #1 on Amazon for a while and may be her career best-seller. Between those murder mysteries was Gentleman Vampire: The Undead Have Style (2012). She also has published Bacon Aporkalypse, which is a collection of recipes paired with short stories in 2014. And, Lois says the ebook Thirty Days of Work from Home Style (2020), was how she navigated the pandemic. She says her next book, which she plans to have out by the end of this year, will be the sequel to Gentleman Vampire. Search “Books by L.A. Lewandowski” on Amazon.com. Almost all of Lois’ titles are available in paperback and for Kindle.

Nutrition Smart — Wesley Chapel’s Original ‘Green’ Grocer & More!

In case you missed it, there is a local, natural grocery and vitamin market located in your neighborhood. If you’re interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, buying natural groceries, and getting knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful service while shopping for your health needs, you’re in luck — Nutrition Smart is located right down the street from you, on Bruce B Downs Blvd., just south of S.R. 56.

Nutrition Smart has long excelled at creating an enjoyable place to shop with competitive prices. CEO Yuda Saban explains, “We are committed to providing the community with an option for healthy living.”

Are you super busy or just prefer ordering online? Not a problem. Nutrition Smart offers both local delivery and curbside pickup.

Here are just some of the things you will find in the store:

• Fresh all-organic produce

• Natural groceries,

• High-quality vitamins & nutritional supplements

• Sports nutrition

• Natural pet care

• Herbs

• Bulk foods

• Raw milk

• Hemp & CBD products

• Aromatherapy

• Homeopathy

• Health & beauty care

• Household products

• And more — at affordable prices. What makes Nutrition Smart different than the rest?

• The health of Nutrition Smart’s

customers really matters to the management of each store and its staff. So, it is the top priority for all of them to provide personalized service to everyone who walks in the door, in order to help them find the right products for their lifestyle.

• Nutrition Smart has been serving the local community for 13 years — featuring an extensive, “niche” selection

of healthy living essentials you can’t typically find at other markets.

• Nutrition Smart also offers so many ways to save! Active and veteran military members, first responders, nurses and teachers all receive 10% off their purchases all day, every day. On Tuesdays, seniors (ages 55 & older) also receive 10% off. You also can sign up for Nutrition Smart’s Email Club, Text Club & and Loyalty Rewards Programs for even more savings.

Don’t forget – the store offers weekly and monthly sales, consisting of tons of BOGO options. They even price-match their competitors!

And, now that the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be behind us, the store is re-introducing educational seminars on everything from meditation to juicing and also will be making appearances at community events like the Easter Egg Hunt at the Tampa Premium Outlets this Saturday, March 25.

For more information, visit NutritionSmart.com or call the store at (813) 341-4444. And please, stop in and see for yourself at 1821 BBD Blvd. You can even save 20% off your next purchase when you use the coupon in the ad that appears on pg. 35 of this issue.

The knowledgeable and friendly staff at Nutrition Smart’s Wesley Chapel location is ready and eager to serve you! (Photo by Charmaine George)

The Wesley Chapel Nutrition Smart offers great prices on everything from a wide variety of CBD products (top), 100% organic produce (middle) and even raw sea moss.

(Photos by Charmaine George)

Empowered For Performance Helps Athletes & Others Manage

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Neighborhood News correspondent

When Olympic track and field athlete Marco Arop took home the bronze medal in the men’s 800-meter race at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, he says he felt lucky to have Licensed Massage Therapist Ewaldson Francois, LMT — who goes by Francois — at the meet with him.

“Francois traveled with a group of us, and every one of us medaled at Worlds,” Marco says. “That’s pretty impressive.”

The group met Francois when he was the massage therapist for the athletics department at Mississippi State University (MSU) in Starkville.

Now, Francois has opened a new business in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area, as he and his family have moved here for the long term.

His business is called Empowered For Performance Massage, and Francois currently works out of a suite at Barefoot Massage, located in the New Tampa Professional Park in Pebble Creek. He is available to help athletes of any caliber, as well as those who are looking for relief from long-term pain.

“He’s really special as a therapist,” Marco says, “not only in the techniques

and his ability, but also in his dedication.”

Marco says Francois is always eager to learn and try new techniques and that his sessions with Francois have become a huge part of Marco’s career.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvement over the last year,” Marco says. “It’s not just keeping me healthy, but also build-

ing strength through new techniques. I have to give him credit for a lot of my accomplishments.”

Francois’ background is in sports massage and medical massage, helping people who suffer from chronic pain, and also helping athletes with recovery, increasing performance and muscle balancing. He is

certified to provide not only those types of massage, but also myofascia release (manipulation of the tough membranes that wrap, connect and support muscles) and manual lymphatic drainage (to stimulate lymph system flow).

As a kid growing up, Francois says his aunt always asked him to massage her feet. “I realized how much it helped her and how much I enjoyed it,” he says, “so I developed a love and passion for massage.”

At that time, though, Francois never considered that it could be a career.

Out of high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and worked in the medical field. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he decided to extend his stay in the military to “do his part.” At that time, his sister went to massage school and the seed of an idea was planted for what Francois might do after leaving the military.

While stationed in Virginia and working nights as an x-ray technician at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, he began going to massage school during the day. He graduated with an Associate’s degree from a program at ECPI University. It was at that time that Francois left the military and met his wife, Martisa. He moved to Mississippi, where she was a teacher.

Francois began his massage career at a spa in Mississippi but quickly realized

Licensed Massage Therapist Ewaldson Francois’ Empowered for Performance Massage Therapy is a separate business located at Barefoot Massage in the New Tampa Professional Park in Pebble Creek. (Photos by Charmaine George)

that wasn’t for him. Instead, he began working with the athletes of the track and field team at MSU. He then worked with the football team — traveling with them for two seasons — and eventually worked with all of the sports teams in the university’s athletic department.

He then started his own business, called Golden Triangle Massage Therapy, in 2016.

“I wanted to work for myself and had the desire to be an entrepreneur,” he says. “I wasn’t scared of the hard work that comes with it.”

But, Francois and Martisa knew they didn’t want to stay in Mississippi forever, so they began looking for the perfect home to begin the next chapter of their lives together. Their search brought them to the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area, where they plan to raise their daughters, five-yearold Olivia and three-year-old Hosanna.

Now, Francois works with athletes from the high school level, to college and professional, and with weekend warriors such as triathletes and cross-fit athletes.

“Anyone who takes their body to the extreme limit,” he says, “my job is to help you recover so you can get the most out of your workouts.”

He says that often starts with deep tissue massage to increase blood circulation. He also is certified in what is called “muscle activation therapy” to make sure the smaller muscles are working as well

as the larger ones. Francois explains that this therapy is personalized based on the individual anatomy of each athlete and how their muscles get fatigued.

Francois also helps people who aren’t athletic, too, especially those suffering from chronic pain. “My goal is not just to fix the problem, but also find out what’s causing the problem,” he says, “which could be simple things in day-to-day living.”

He says he has helped people to discover the source of their migraines and other headaches,as well as sciatica and other chronic pain — whether it’s the way you sit, how you hold the steering wheel, if you’re always looking down at your phone,

or if your home office isn’t set up with proper ergonomics.

Francois adds that he’s helped many people who were hopeless and thought they could never do certain things again.

“Muscle pain — chronic pain especially — takes so much out of your quality of life,” says Francois. “The doctor will tell you that you need a muscle relaxer or surgery, but that’s not always the answer.”

He says he can’t always explain exactly how he knows how to help people. “It’s a gift,” he says. “I put my hands on somebody and their body lets me know what it needs. Things just make sense to me.”

Jeanie Dale is another client who highly recommends Francois. After playing a lot of sports at a younger age, she started feeling the wear and tear on her body in her early 60s, and she developed gait issues during the healing process after a knee surgery.

“He’s gotten it back to normal,” Jeannie says. “I had to re-strengthen muscles that had lost strength and he

definitely helped me. With Francois, massages are not just relaxing — they’re more therapeutic.”

Jeanie says Francois already is tremendously missed in Mississippi, and Marco Arop, the Olympic athlete, agrees.

“I don’t know if other athletes have the same experience,” he says, “but I feel really lucky to have worked with him.”

Empowered For Performance

Massage Therapy is located at 8905 Regents Park Dr., inside Barefoot Massage at the New Tampa Professional Park in Pebble Creek. For more info or to make an appointment, call or text Francois at (813) 461-4591. Or, see the ad on pg. 27 of this issue.

LMT Ewaldson Francois can help you get Empowered for Performance, too!

Ambler Enterprises Offers Quality Work For Home Remodeling

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Neighborhood News correspondent

James Ambler has been a resident of Wesley Chapel for the past five decades and has been licensed as a contractor in the State of Florida for the past 35 years.

During that time, many families in Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and the surrounding areas have had their homes transformed by his company, Ambler Enterprises.

Now, James and his wife Lan are raising their four-year-old son Isaac in Wesley Chapel, too.

James has been in construction since he started working alongside his dad when he was only 12 years old. When he was 16, the family moved to Florida from California. Eventually, he says he gained valuable experience working both in disaster recovery and for some of the area’s top pool companies.

“People call me to repair knockdown ceilings and textured finishes such as orange peel on the walls,” he says. “Anyone can slap it on and spray it. But, when I fix it, you can’t even tell it was patched.”

While he says he can complete any job in the interior of your home, “what we do best are kitchens and baths,” he says. He can take outdated spaces or

those in need of repair and turn them into the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams. He is bonded and insured, and licensed as a residential contractor (License #CRC1332119)

He says that recently, he also has worked with several families who have purchased new construction homes with

open floor plans who need a space turned into an office or other room. James can close that space in for you, adding doors and making the space a separate room in the home.

Ambler Enterprises is primarily just James, so you can be comfortable knowing who is working in your home.

For demolitions and other big jobs, he’ll bring in someone to help him. For any work he’s not licensed to complete (such as plumbing or electrical), he’ll refer the homeowner to one of the tradespeople he trusts and with whom he has long-standing relationships.

James says that while he won’t be the cheapest guy you can hire, he’s definitely not the most expensive, either. He can complete jobs as quickly as the big companies, but he promises his quality is much higher.

“I’ve been on Google for 15 years,” he says, “and I’ve never had a bad review.”

Speaking Of Reviews...

Donna and Russ Houchen recently hired Ambler Enterprises to remodel their master bath after being referred to him by a friend.

“James did a wonderful job,” says Donna. “His suggestions on what we might want to consider were fabulous. He was very clean and tidy and kept all of the mess in the bathroom. Once he got started, he completed it quickly. And, the finished work was excellent — the painting, wall tile, mirrors, and fixtures — all of that was outstanding.”

Donna says she also appreciated that James was equally as great at communicating with her and her husband. They were

James Ambler of Ambler Enterprises says his specialties are kitchens and bathrooms, but he can help with any interior renovation that you have in mind, including closing in open spaces and repairing textured walls and ceilings.(Photos: Charmaine George)

James Ambler, his wife, Lan, and son, Isaac, live in Wesley Chapel, where James has owned Ambler Enterprises and has helped local residents have beautiful kitchens and bathrooms for the last 35 years. always aware of the status of the project and appreciated that James came to them when he had questions, offering suggestions based on his experience that she says made the bathroom even better than what she had imagined.

“We were really pleased with what he did and how the job turned out,” she says. “It was great working with James.”

Meanwhile, James says, like with the Houchens, most of the work he does is referred by someone who had a great experience with Ambler Enterprises and recommended him to a friend.

In fact, he says that many years ago, he did one bathroom that led to him completing 15 bathrooms and six kitchens — all on the same block.

“I’m extremely picky about your home,” he says. “If we use a hose, for example, we put it back. I don’t smoke and don’t allow anyone to smoke on your property.”

James says he knows he offers highquality work and he would never want to sour anyone’s impression of his company by “doing something stupid,” such as leaving out an item they could trip over or that they would have to clean up.

He says his past experience in disaster recovery has given him the knowledge of all the things that could happen, so he provides extras that most companies don’t. For example, that might include caulking around the toilet and cabinets, or keep-

ing the hoses behind the cabinet that you don’t see neat and tidy.

“And, when I finish a job,” he says, “I explain what to use to care for your new kitchen or bathroom. I want it to last for you.”

He says that he always gives customers the opportunity to provide him with a “punch list” to finalize anything that isn’t exactly the way they wanted it, such as paint that needs to be touched up or items that need to be finished.

“Most people have a hard time finding something,” he says. “They typically tell me everything looks great.”

James says that Ambler Enterprises will not start a job until all materials are on site, so that once the job is started, it can be completed as quickly as possible. He says he wants to be sure you aren’t left with an unusable room because something you were expecting to arrive didn’t.

And, once a job is started, James doesn’t bounce around. He works in your home every day until the job has been completed, so you can get back to using your room as quickly as possible.

Ambler Enterprises offers free in-home consultations for most remodeling projects. Call or text James Ambler at (813) 385-6402, Google “Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises” to read reviews of his business, email him at ambler.ep.llc@gmail.com or see the ad on page 39.

Oriental Rug Care Can Clean & Repair Your Rug!

By JOHN C. COTEY

Raymond Homsi has one goal in mind when a customer is in need of his services — and that is to get the customer’s Oriental rug looking as nice as it did the day it was purchased.

That means cleaning it and/or repairing it, but either way, Homsi says he and his team at Oriental Rug Care, which is located on Johns Rd. in the Town & Country area of Tampa, is your best choice to get the job done right.

Homsi has been in the rug business for more than a decade, even previously owning his own Oriental rug shop, and has always specialized in restoring the beautiful colors while protecting the intricate designs of Oriental rugs.

He says that cleaning the rugs is the most popular request by his customers. Oriental rugs are often handmade and are often very expensive/valuable. The rugs can be family heirlooms, or even investments, depending upon the quality. So, a yearly cleaning can often be important, although Homsi says a deep cleaning from Oriental Rug Care can last 2-4 years.

“Each rug is treated differently, depending upon the contents of the rug (which are sometimes made of delicate

materials, like silk), and depending on the colors,” Homsi says. “If it’s handmade, it’s a different process we use, but there are all sorts of different processes and different products. It all depends upon the rug.”

The care taken by Oriental Rug Care helps preserve many of the quali-

ties of the rug, and is especially useful for people who have pets that may pee or chew on the rug.

“An amazing rug cleaning company,” says one of the 5-Star reviews on Google.com. “Staff came to my house and gave me a quote for cleaning my four oriental rugs. Price was right and

the turnaround was quick. I love the way my rugs came out and I highly recommend this company for any of your rug cleanings.”

While you can certainly try to clean your own rug, there is a danger of disrupting the distinctive patterns and even dulling some of the deep, rich colors associated with Oriental rugs — and some fabrics are more easily damaged than others.

“Regular carpeting is just something that is synthetic and very basic and when they get cleaned out, it’s with heavy pressure washing machines or a truck mount or whatever,” Homsi says. “This is not what we do. We don’t apply heavy water, we don’t apply pressure water. Because that kind of leaves a little bit of, you know, smell and mold. We use a lot of scrubbing from the foam that we create from our natural products.”

While there may not be a school someone goes to in order to learn the art of the cleaning, Homsi says these skills are learned through years of prac-

Owner Raymond Hosmi says Oriental Rug Care is gentle with your favorite rug and can bring back the brightness after years of foot traffic. (All photos provided by Oriental Rug Care)

tice and experience.

“Years and years,” Homsi says. “Our guys are very experienced. You learn as you go. And you know, you’re working with so many different types of rugs that you just accumulate that knowledge.”

Oriental Rug Care will attack pet odor and stain removal, provide sanitizing and deodorizing and also help with unwanted colors that may be the result of heavy traffic.

And not only that, Oriental Rug Care will come out to your home and give you a free estimate. If you decide to use their service, they will pick the rug up and return it to you when your service has been completed.

Homsi says the time between pickup and drop off can be weeks for some companies, but Oriental Rug Care says they usually can have your rug back in 7-10 days.

“I think that’s where we stand out in the crowd,” Homsi says. “Even though we’re a small company, the main thing I hear from my clients is that our turnaround is very, very good and very fast…We’re very organized. We work on the rugs as soon as we get them.”

Cleaning rugs is just one part of the Oriental Rug Care business. Homsi says he has master rug weavers on staff who can repair even the most delicate Oriental rugs.

That includes repairing or replacing rug fringes, altering the rug size, restoring faded colors, fixing holes or rips or even rebinding the sides to give your rug a few added years of life.

“My rug was too long for the hallway and I called Ray — he is full of energy and knowledge,” wrote one of Oriental Rug Care’s customers. “He returned my call, showed up on time, gave me a fair quote to trim the rug’s length, remove the antiquated frills, clean it thoroughly and attach leather bonding to the underbelly. (He) kept me updated often, texting pics, and

If you have both a pet and a valuable Oriental rug at home, you probably will need to call oriental Rug Care.

even delivered the rugs himself!”

Oriental Rug Care is located at 6101 Johns Rd., Ste 9, in Tampa. It is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. If you mention this story or the ad on pg. 32 of this issue, you can receive 25% off any service. For more information, call (727) 377-9577, or visit OrientalRugCareCleaning.com.

The intricate touches your Oriental rug originally had can be repaired and restored by Raymond Homsi and his Oriental Rug Care’s expert technicians.

Dr. Satodiya Of Apex Internal Medicine Specializes In Older Patients

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Correspondent

Less than five months ago, Mukesh Satodiya, M.D., made the leap from doctor in a corporate practice to business owner, now serving his neighbors in the community where he lives.

Dr. Satodiya opened Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa, located in the Cory Lake Professional Center, on Cross Creek Blvd. (2-3 miles south of Wesley Chapel), in July.

“I live in New Tampa, so I thought I would love to work nearby,” he says. “It’s close to home and allows me to serve the nearby community.”

Dr. Satodiya and his wife have three kids, including a 15-year-old daughter, and twins (a son and daughter) who are 10. As they are raising their family in New Tampa — enjoying some of their favorite activities, such as riding bikes through their neighborhood. Dr. Satodiya’s desire has been to work closer to home and serve his neighbors.

He is Board-certified in internal medicine and has been practicing for more than 15 years, including experience working for both corporate practices and in a hospital environment.

He grew up in India and earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Sur-

gery (MBBS) degree from B. J. Medical College in Ahmedabad in 1999. He then moved to the United States and completed his residency training in internal medicine at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ, in 2007.

Apex Internal Medicine is a primary care practice, focused on meeting the needs of adults. The practice sees anyone ages 18 and older, from young adults to the elderly.

“We offer all routine primary care services,” explains Dr. Satodiya. That may

include annual physicals, care for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid disease, asthma, allergies, chronic lung illnesses like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and minor infections.

Dr. Satodiya is especially experienced in meeting the needs of older people and often sees Medicare patients.

“Our office is more focused on personalized care,” he says. “I’m the only physician, so if you need anything, you see me. It’s not like a corporate clinic where, sometimes, you can’t see your own

doctor because they are too busy.”

In fact, he says, for illnesses or even routine care, you can often be seen the same day or the next day after you call.

“You’re not waiting for weeks to see the doctor,” he says.

Dr. Satodiya says that anyone who comes to Apex Internal Medicine will see how he and his staff take time with each of their patients, focusing on meeting the complex needs of those who may come in for one problem, but who may have underlying issues that are all related and need to be addressed.

“Older people have different needs,” he says. “Their care is sometimes more delicate because of (having) multiple medical problems.”

Dr. Satodiya understands that Medicare is complicated and some patients may have recently switched to a new plan, whether that’s Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

The Apex office staff can help you understand your benefits, and will explain those benefits prior to the appointment. He says that if any concerns arise, his staff can often contact your insurance company on your behalf and help work out any billing issues.

Dr. Satodiya says he and his staff also help connect patients to resources they

Dr. Mukesh Satodiya opened Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa on Cross Creek Blvd. in July, and the practice sees anyone ages 18 and older, including the elderly population.

may have available to them through their Medicare plan, or through the county in which they live.

“For example, if an elderly person doesn’t drive and needs transportation, there are resources available,” he says, “so we connect them with those resources, as much as we can.”

Bhupendra Patel and his wife moved to Arbor Greene six months, ago after living the last 50 years in Connecticut. Bhupendra was looking for a primary care doctor when he noticed the Apex office next to a pizza place he was visiting.

With its extremely convenient location, he decided to give Apex a try.

“I have had four appointments now,” he says, “and each one has been outstanding.”

Bhupendra says Dr. Satodiya is careful and meticulous, answering all of his questions, and that he is always on time. He says the doctor reminds him of his brother, a recently retired surgeon.

While he considers himself more of a “fast mover,” Bhupendra says he likes that the doctor helps him to slow down and listen to his careful explanations.

“I’m very happy with his approach,” he says. “When my lab results came in, he called me personally to explain the test results and what each one meant. I would recommend him to anyone else in the area who is looking for a physician.”

For patients who have issues with transportation or an illness that prevents them from coming into the office in person, Dr. Satodiya also offers telemedicine appointments, if the patient prefers that.

And, he says, it’s important that people take advantage of the benefits they have from their insurance, as most offer an annual preventive care visit at little or no cost.

That preventive care includes lab work, cancer screenings, vaccinations and helping people avoid problems before they become more serious.

“We go over every year what needs to be done,” he says, “and remind them again of screenings that maybe they missed last year, such as a mammogram or other cancer screening, or a colonoscopy.”

Over the last couple of years, because of Covid-19, Dr. Satodiya says many people unfortunately have gotten away from their routine care. That means they may not even know they have hypertension, cholesterol or diabetes.

He says he and his staff are seeing patients who have these issues, but don’t know it, because they don’t feel any symptoms. But, if you wait until you have symptoms, you will likely have already suffered damage to your heart, kidneys or eyesight, for example.

However, he explains, if you happen to have pre-diabetes or borderline hypertension, you may be able to make changes to your diet or lifestyle to help prevent long-term damage.

“The key is to catch it early,” he says. That’s what Dr. Satodiya and his staff at Apex Internal Medicine will help you do if you make an appointment to join this growing practice.

Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa is located at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite D, in the Cory Lake Professional Center. It is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon-1 p.m.), and evening appointments are available. To make an appointment or for more information, call (813) 725-4983, visit ApexIMT.com, or see the ad on page 31 of this issue.

Rough Start No Problem For Cypress Creek Girls Soccer

By JOHN C. COTEY

One week into the season, the Cypress Creek High girls soccer team did not look like a team bound for the Class 5A State Final Four.

The senior keeper, Alex Capocy, was recovering from a concussion suffered in the preseason. Midfielder Giovana Laaber, the glue on the offense, was unavailable. A collection of talented players who train with various club teams in the offseason weren’t melding as one. And the Coyotes coach, Jessica Herzek, had missed some time with sinus surgery.

The result was a 1-2 start, with a 9-3 loss to East Lake serving as the exclamation point.

“Yeah, those first couple of games were rough,” said senior defender Abbie Pittman. “They were probably some of the hardest games we’ve played the past four years. (Coach) called us in and told us instead of practice, we were going to talk.”

Herzek’s message was simple: It’s time to turn things around — and quick.

“I think that they needed to believe again,” Herzek said. “I told them, ‘You are a Final Four team. But, if you keep acting like this, you will lose in the first round of Districts. Get your head in the game, or you will lose every game.”

Herzek was 100-percent right. Taking her words to heart — and buoyed by the return of Laaber and Capocy — the Coyotes went on a big-time run, eventually beating Wesley Chapel 4-1 for their first-ever District title, winning three straight Regional playoff games and mak-

ing the team’s first-ever State semifinal. While Cypress Creek couldn’t overcome state powerhouse Plantation American Heritage, which went on to win its 12th State championship after dispatching the Coyotes 6-0 in the semifinals, the playoff experience did plant seeds for what could

be an even better season next winter for the Coyotes, who finished this season with a 15-6 record.

“It was so much fun,” Herzek says. “It was so fun to see the look in their eyes when they realized just how good they were. In the playoffs, it is win or go home, you know, and I think that they played with a sense of ‘We don’t want to go home.’”

After that first-week stumble, the Coyotes rattled off nine straight wins — including 9-1 and 4-0 victories over local rivals Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch, respectively — and Capocy was brilliant in net, allowing only three goals.   Capocy just kept getting better as the season went on.

“She just was a rock star in the playoffs,” Herzek said. “She had so many amazing shots. The (game) videos are just, I mean, it’s supernatural. She was like a super hero flying through the air on some of those saves.”

Defensively, the team was led by Pittman, who was named the Sunshine Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, as well as by Hannah Fulop and Capocy, all seniors.

“They will be tough to replace,” Herzek said. “But you have your wonderful scorers who are amazing and

Goalkeeper Alex Capocy (left) and Sunshine Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Abbie Pittman celebrate after winning Cypress Creek High’s first-ever Regional title in girls soccer. (@CCHS_Sport/Stulcken Photography)

talented and you have your goalkeeper who gets those stats, but those girls in the middle sometimes don’t get those accolades and they work really hard. It was everyone on the team, and we have more talent coming.”

Offensively, the Coyotes were consistent all year, and brilliant when it mattered most. In the District playoffs, they scored 12 goals in two games. In three Regional playoff games, they scored three goals each game in wins over Lake Wales, Auburndale and Daytona Beach Seabreeze.

The 1-2-3 offensive punch of junior Allison Souers, junior Ashley Olds and sophomore Avery Blevins was too much

for most teams. They combined for eight of the nine playoff goals. On the year, Souers had 30 goals, Olds had 22 and Blevins scored 12, with all three players adding 10 assists each.

Along with Laaber, who had six goals and four assists, the top four scorers will all return next year.

Herzek expects another sterling season, with the success this season providing the foundation for great things.

“We’ve never won District before, and we won,” she said. “They won District, they won Region, they won the Conference title. So, three titles in one year is just phenomenal. It was a fantastic year.”

The Cypress Creek Coyotes girls soccer team finished 15-6 on the season, and made it to the State Final Four in Class 5A. (@CCHS_Sport)

The Chicken Boss Is Open...Blush Champagne Bar, MM Kicks Are Coming Soon

When we updated you last issue about everything happening at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park, The Chicken Boss had not yet opened next to The Bacon Boss HQ and we had precious few details about some of the other newcomers and changes at the KRATEs.

Since then, the Chicken Boss has opened and after just our first visit, I’m guessing that owners Josh & Christy Norland have another local favorite on their hands. The Chicken Boss’ nicely spiced, hand-breaded tenders and waffle fries are served hot and crispy, the chicken is juicy inside and there are a variety of tasty house-made sauces from which to choose.

In other news from the KRATEs, neither the new Blush Champagne Bar (next to Urban Sweets, in the former location of CenterEd tutoring center), nor the Tutti-Frutti Café (in the former location of Valiart Designs/Jewelry, next to Life Essentials Refillery) were quite ready to open, but both were hopefully only a couple of weeks away from doing so.

A newcomer also coming soon to the KRATEs, in the former location of the shuttered Tonella’s Flowers, is MM Kicks, which is going to be your place to buy, sell and trade vintage and sought-after sneakers. With the impending release in early April of “Air,” the Matt Damon/Ben Affleck movie about how Nike built its athletic shoe brand around one man — Michael Jordan, of course — MM Kicks is likely to get an instant boost in popularity.

For more information about MM Kicks, visit MMKicks.com or “@_ mmkicks_” on Instagram.

And finally, when we told you about the new 3Eleven Aroma candlemaking shop in the KRATEs, we neglected to tell you that the retail store it replaced — MaeBerry Co. did not close its doors. Instead, MaeBerry moved a few doors down, to the former location of Décor by ZC balloon shop.

For more info, visit MaeBerry.com or “@maeberry.co on Instagram. — GN

(Top & right) The Chicken Boss has opened next to The Bacon Boss HQ and offers hand-breaded tenders and delicious waffle-cut regular and sweet potato (shown) fries. (Above) The Blush Champagne Bar is expected to open not too long after this issue reaches mailboxes.

New & ‘Coming Soon’ Restaurants Adding To Wesley Chapel’s Dining Options

Despite all of the recent newcomers to the Wesley Chapel dining scene, if you’re still looking forward to some of the restaurants that are planned to open in and near Wesley Chapel, join the club.

Two highly touted and anticipated places — Cooper’s Hawk Winery (bottom right photo) and Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse (bottom center) have not yet even begun building. Meanwhile, the Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (same plaza as Chicken Salad Chick) still has just a dirt floor. The good news is that there are others that are a lot closer to bringing great new options to our area.

One that just opened that I, for one, didn’t realize was such a good restaurant is PopStroke, the new Tiger Woods-designed (and co-owned) mini golf course. The biggest problem with PopStroke to date is that it’s been so packed every day, it’s hard to find

parking to get into the open-air (but covered) restaurant to sample some of its great food options. My favorite, to date, is the Caribbean mahi (right), which is grilled with tasty jerk seasoning and a warm pineapple salsa that give it a semi-spicy, slightly sweet flavor. The mahi is usually topped with two grilled shrimp, but I had to have (and photograph) it without the shrimp. Truly delicious. And, the side of grilled zucchini and squash ribbons also was tasty and healthy. Even the creamy hardpacked ice cream also is really good. Hopefully opening within the next couple of months is Azteca D’Oro, the upscale Mexican place replacing Cantina Laredo at The Shops at Wiregrass. With a huge menu of options, including upscale entrées like the marinated Borrego lamb shank (bottom left), Azteca D’Oro can’t open soon enough for me!

Speaking of Latin cuisine, owner Cindy

Cruz says her Rice-n-Beans Express (above) should only be a few weeks from opening on S.R. 54 in Lutz, in the former location of Cody’s Roadhouse. Cindy says that those of us who enjoy the Puerto Rican-inspired sitdown dining at the Rice-n-Beans on Wesley Chapel Blvd. and those looking for quick, delicious sandwiches and hot food specials should be thrilled when her Express location opens.

And, despite the fact it should be several months before it opens, Shuckin’ Shack promises a menu focused on shrimp and oysters (neither of which I can eat). But, there will be plenty of other seafood and non-swimming options at the North Carolina-based, twodozen-link chain’s newest location off WC Blvd. Extension, including some pretty greatlooking snow crab legs (above) — which (at least, to date) I am able to eat. There also are mahi-mahi bites, sandwiches, wings and other options to keep things interesting. — GN

The Market Elaine Continues To Expand At The Grove!

Straight from the “How to Grow Something Special Out of Nearly Nothing” handbook, our congratulations go out to CEO Blair Valentine of The Market Culture, who organized and put on her first “Market Elaine” First Friday event at The Village at The Grove in October 2021 with little more than 20 crafters and vendors and an idea.

Beirut Bakery & Meat Market Now Open In Pebble Creek

If you’re looking for Halal meats (photo) and freshly-baked Middle Eastern delicacies like spinach & feta pies, flatbreads and desserts, and groceries, visit my new friend Hassan Rahal at Beirut Bakery, Meat Market & Grocery in the Pebble Creek Collection (19651 BBD Blvd.). For more info, call (813) 536-1000. — GN

Less than a year and a half later, The Market Elaine, named for Blair’s paternal grandmother Dolaura Elaine, features more than 150 vendors, plus entertainment for kids and adults. The event held the First Friday of each month now attracts thousands of visitors to well beyond The Village area of The Grove. In fact, the vendors now reach south from The Village to The KRATE container park.

“This is so much fun,” a visitor walking her golden doodle named Janice told me. “I’ve found delicious baked goods for me, dog treats and toys for her and some great gifts for my family.”

And, even the existing brick-and-mortar businesses at The Grove say they now get a nice bounce from the Market Elaine.

Steve Falabella, who owns both the Falabella Family Bistro and 900º New York Pizza in The VIllage, says “We’re already packed every weekend at the Bistro,” Falabella says. “But, the Market Elaine has definitely attracted a lot of new faces and kept the pizza place hopping, too.”

The next Market Elaine will be held Friday, April 7, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.. For more info, visit TheMarketCulture.com. — GN

Pho 54 Vietnamese Is Open!

OK, so even though it’s actually located on the north side of S.R. 56 and not S.R. 54, if you’ve been looking for more Vietnamese dining options in our area, the new Pho 54, which (as we previously reported) took over the former Sweetea Café (next to Astro Ice Cream and Mellow Mushroom) a couple of months ago, is now open and serving a larger variety of Vietnamese cuisine menu items.

Pho 54 offers everything from Vietnamese-style pork egg rolls (photo) and a variety of boba teas to authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches, rice plates, noodle dishes and pho soups. I also enjoyed the chicken fried rice, which adds Chinese-style sausage to the usual chicken, egg, peas and carrots.

For more information, visit Pho54WesleyChapel.com or call (813) 428-6906. — GN

The Market Elaine photos by Charmaine George

N ew T ampa & w esley C hapel

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

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AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years of exp. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere. Google us to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises. See our display ad on pg. 31!

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

TREE SERVICES

FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27-yrs of Prof. Service. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding. Dead-Wood Removal. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

Classifieds

LAWN, & LANDSCAPING_____

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JASMINE LANDSCAPING, INC. Complete lawn maint, including Tree, palm & hedge trimming, planting, mulching, stones, sod replacement. Gutter cleaning, leaf removal & more. Cited by your HOA? Ask about our HOA Compliance Special, our Fall/ Spring Special & FREE estimate! Lic’d & insured. Accepting new resid’l & comm’l accounts. Visa, MC, PayPal, Zelle, AmEx. Call or text 813-420-4465. Now hiring FT workers.

HELP WANTED

WANTED IMMEDIATELY: A Middle School Math Teacher, 2 days per week for an 11-yearold male student. Must provide clear explanations of math rules & vocabulary and have patience, we will have an “A” student in record time. Hourly wages negotiable. New Tampa area: Call (607) 280-7238

HELP WANTED. Office Assistant for Accounting firm needed. Must be presentable, have knowledge of Outlook, Excel & Word. Job duties include (but are not limited to) filing, answering telephones & putting together tax returns. To apply: Email var5889@gmail.com or call 415-889-2729.

HELP WANTED. Seeking Mature Cleaning Lady, NOT a cleaning service. Dual language (English & Spanish) preferred, but not a must. Thorough house cleaning for small family. Hourly wages negotiable. Transportation available, if in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. To reply, call (607) 280-7238.

REAL ESTATE

HOME SELLING GROUP OF FLORIDAElevate Brokers. Special Promotion: $500 towards closing costs when you mention this ad and promo code #GaryRules. Restrictions Apply. Call us at (813) 609-0966. Follow us on FB & IG: @homesellinggroup We are home buying & selling experts in the Central Florida region. TBBA Agent of the Year: Geri Sanchez

CLEANING SERVICES

ANA PARRA HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES. Professional House Cleaning — Best prices & quality, Licensed & Insured. We offer: • Routine clean • Deep Cleaning • Move-In/Move-Out cleanup. Serving New Tampa /Lutz/Wesley Chapel & more. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly cleaning or special needs. Avail. Mon-Sat. References avail. We supply our own cleaning products & equipmt. Call or text for free estimate: (305) 338-0981.

A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. Family-Owned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly / Deep Cleaning/ Move-In / Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813-462-1270. Local references supplied upon request.

MARY’S CLEANING SERVICES. We provide flexible domestic & office cleaning. “Jesus is the Lord.” Give us a call at 352-206-8809 for a free estimate or email marynovociclo@gmail.com.

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

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

POOL SERVICES _ ALLSTARPOOLSOFTAMPABAY.COM. Pool cleanups & acid washing of old pool finishes. Marcite, quartz & pebble finishes from $3K. We offer cool decking, Eurocrete & paver decking options. Paver, river rock sealing, leak detection & in-ground vinyl liner replacements avail. Quality salt & ozone generators, pumps, motors & filters. Serving NT & WC since 1990. Call/text 813-244-7077 or visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com.

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing w/outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call or Text Chris today @ 813-857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE!

NEIGHBORHOOD POOLS. Wesley Chapel owned & operated since 1999. Weekly service. No long term contracts. Mention this AD for one-month Free service. Call 813-907-7322 for details or text Joe at 813-758-7608.

The New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is looking for additional writers!

• News Reporters

• Business Feature Writers

• Sports Reporters

• Human Interest Story Writers

All of these are paid freelance writing positions with the opportunity to advance to a full-time staff position.

To apply, email your resume (no phone calls please) & one writing sample to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

AIRPORT SHUTTLE SVC. C&R Transportation Services of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a shuttle service that provide safe & reliable transportation to and from your destinations. • New Tampa Transfer, $69 • Wesley Chapel Transfer, $79 • ZHills Transfer, $89 • Dade City Transfer, $129. Book Online @ Crtransportation.org or Call (813) 895-7413. Receive a FREE T-shirt w/ every transfer.

Hughes School of Music now accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory with a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also available! Contact us at 813-748-3216.

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

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COMPUTER SERVICES

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

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