Antonyia McCray & Bonnie Walters Win District Honors!
Leto High’s Edward Bryson Beats Out New Tampa’s Roxi Coriell & Adam Wilinsky
By Gary Nager
As we told you on page 1 of last issue, New Tampa’s Hillsborough County Public Schools had four finalists waiting to hear if they would win the District’s coveted “Excellence in Education” awards for 2025.
When those winners were announced, at the Jan. 23 “Mission to the Stars” Excellence in Education awards event, held at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa, two of New Tampa’s four finalists were the proud recipients of their respective honors.
First, Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray was named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. Next, Tampa Palms Elementary principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters won the award as the District’s Instructional Support Employee of the Year.
All that was left for it to be a clean sweep for New Tampa schools was for either Hunter’s Green Elementary Kindergarten teacher Roxanne (“Roxi”) Coriell or Pride Elementary fifth grade math & science teacher Adam Wilinsky to be named as the District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
Sadly, the sweep wasn’t meant to be, as Henry Bryson, the Advanced International Certificate (AICE) history teacher at Leto High, was named the winner of the evening’s final, and most coveted, prize. Even so, it was an amazing night that Jannah and I were thrilled to attend.
See “Education Awards” on pg. 4
ONLINE-ONLY CONTESTS!
Valuable gift cards are up for grabs in our online-only ‘Big Game’ & Oscars contests!
See page 3
NEW BRANCHTON PARK OPENS!
Phase 1A of the new Branchton Park has opened on Morris Bridge Rd., south of Cross Creek Blvd. See pages 6-7 CHAMBER AWARDS!
The local Hilton Garden Inn is among the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s annual awards winners. See page 18
‘EL PATIO’ OPENS AT RICE-n-BEANS But, that’s just one part of everything that’s new & tasty in (or coming soon to) our area! See pages 36-45
Changing Your ‘Coffee Latitudes’ One Cup At A Time! Although the food is pretty great, too! See pages 34-35!
Hillsborough County Public Schools named the following winners of its “Excellence in Education” awards at the District’s annual awards event at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa on Jan. 23: (l.-r.) Tampa Palms Elementary’s principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters was named the Instructional Support Employee of the Year, AICE history teacher Henry Bryson of Leto High was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year and Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray won the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year honors. (Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools)
Enter Our FREE, Online-Only Academy Awards & ‘Big Game’ Contests!
An Editorial by GARY
NAGER
In years past, we’ve run either a “Big Game Squares” or an Academy Awards contest — or both — in our New Tampa and Wesley Chapel print editions. Both contests, especially the Squares, take up a lot of space in our print issues and often would only allow readers in one of our distribution areas to enter that contest by reading our print editions, which always ended up with a lot more entries from that one area, and sometimes, other readers would end up getting shut out of that contest altogether — and that seemed unfair to me.
So, rather than give one group of print edition readers an unfair advantage over the other, I decided that this year, we would offer both of these popular contests online only.
Of course, since the next Wesley Chapel issue won’t hit mailboxes until after the Big Game, only those of you who receive our New Tampa edition are finding out about both contests in print, even though both of them will be posted on our Facebook page no later than Friday, January 31, and we will limit our Squares contest to the first 100 entrants (we allowed 200, or two full “grids,” last year), so it may be too late to enter by the time this issue reaches your mailbox.
Now of course, I know that not everyone has a computer or smart phone to enter online, but surely everyone knows someone who does who could enter for you. To that end, online-only seemed to be the best way to give readers in both distribution areas the same opportunity to enter.
So, here’s how the two contests will work:
‘Big Game Squares’
This has become our second most popular contest, behind our annual Dining Survey & Contest, as even non-football fans usually watch the Big Game — even though some only watch for the commercials and/or halftime shows.
Non-football fans who would never place a bet (legal or otherwise) love the Squares contest because it’s entirely about luck — you either have a square that wins one of our gift card prizes or you don’t. And, since the winning squares are determined by the score at the end of each quarter and can sometimes change at the last possible moment, having a square may be the only thing that keeps non-football-fans watching the Big Game until the very end.
So, go to either “Neighborhood News” on Facebook or NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net and provide us with your REAL (you’d be surprised how many fake entries we receive in our contests) first AND last name, the community you live in, email address and daytime phone number.
If you give us all of the proper information, you will receive an email from me that says, “Congratulations, you will be assigned a square in this year’s ‘Big Game’ Contest! Once all of our 100 squares have been filled, we will email you again with the score digit for each team that will allow you to WIN!”
For those who don’t know how these Squares contests work, the squares are assigned in the order they are received, but the numbers representing the last digit of the score for each team aren’t randomly assigned until all 100 squares are filled. Your second email will say, “Your square
is KC 7, Phi 6.” That means if the score is 7-6 Chiefs (or 27-26, etc.) at the end of any quarter, you’d win the prize for that quarter — anywhere from a $50 to a $200 gift card to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area. It’s fun and absolutely free — no purchase is ever required to enter any of our contests.
‘Academy Awards Contest’
We’ve only been able to even have this contest a few times in the past because of the timing of when the nominees are announced to when the annual Academy Awards are held. As devastating as the uncontrolled wild fires in California have been, the fires caused both the announcement of this year’s nominees and the televised red carpet gala itself to be delayed — so much so that we actually have
time to have this FREE contest this year as well. Here’s how it works: Once again, provide us with your REAL first AND last name, the community you live in, email address and daytime phone number. In addition, we ask each entrant in this contest to please pick the winner in each of the following major Oscars categories: 1. Best Picture, 2. Best Actress, 3. Best Actor, 4. Best Supporting Actress, 5. Best Supporting Actor, 6. Best Director & 7. Best Animated Feature.
If only one entrant picks the winners in the most categories, they will win a prize package to the B&B Theatres at The Grove, with movie tickets, popcorn, dinner & drinks, valued at $200.
If more than one entry has the same number of correct picks, the winner will be drawn at random from all tied entries. Each of the other tied entries will receive two B&B movie passes.
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Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion.
The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 33, Issue 5, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, February 20, 2025.
New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.
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Oscar nominees Monica Barbaro & Timothée Chalamet in “A Complete Unknown” (Photo: IMDB)
‘Education Awards’
Continued from page 1
It had been many years since I last attended a Hillsborough Education Foundation Excellence in Education Awards event, but I am so glad Jannah and I attended the one on Jan. 23 at the Straz Center together. Although I can’t personally vouch for any of the finalists, if you think your children’s teachers and support staff in New Tampa’s schools aren’t amazing, I have seen clear evidence that at least some of them actually are.
Our favorite parts of the evening’s festivities were the speeches by the student “escorts” for each of the finalists. Each of these young people, from age eight or nine to college age, spoke such impassioned words about their current or former teachers (and support staffers) that we couldn’t help but shed tears of joy for many of them — including the finalists that weren’t from New Tampa’s public schools. So, here are some excerpts from the students speaking on behalf of each of the New Tampa finalists.
Michael, a Freedom High senior, speaking about the school’s success coach, Antonyia McCray: “With her outgoing personality, her unwavering kindness and dedication to her students, Ms. McCray has become a beacon of hope for anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She has a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. Her vibrant personality creates an atmosphere of positivity and warmth, which helps even the most hesitant of students achieve their childhood aspirations.
“Ms. McCray always make sure that no student feels left behind. She is a trusted figure that students feel comfortable turning to for guidance. She understands that every individual
faces unique challenges. She is much more than just a success coach. She is an amazing mom, mentor, second mom and wife and I love her so much.”
Ethan, a third grader at Tampa Palms Elementary, speaking about principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters: “I have the honor to speak about someone who is truly the heartbeat of our school, Ms. Bonnie. Every morning, Ms. Bonnie greets me with kindness and a smile, no matter how busy she is. I have known Ms. Bonnie my entire life because my mom is a teacher at Tampa Palms.
“Even after all these years, I still get excited to see her every single day. Our school is truly blessed to have her. Every school should be lucky enough to have someone like Ms. Bonnie. Parents, students, teachers and staff all know they can count on her. No matter what we need, she’s always there with a smile and a helping hand. When my mom told me Ms. Bonnie was nominated for this award, I was so happy because now everyone can see that Ms. Bonnie is one of a kind and we are so fortunate to have her at Tampa Palms! Thank you!”
spreads joy. Well, for me, that teacher came along when I was just five years old. That was the year I walked into Kindergarten with Ms. Coriell. I was new to the area and didn’t know anyone. But the minute I walked in through that classroom door, I was immediately happy and not scared anymore. I knew this was going to be the best year ever. She would always make me feel better with her warm smile and her joy.
Annabelle, now a Benito Middle School sixth grader, speaking about her Kindergarten teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary, Roxanne “Roxi” Coriell: “Looking back at your childhood, everyone has that one teacher...the one teacher that influenced you, the one teacher who made you the amazing person you are today. The teacher that makes you smile, laugh and
“But what I loved most was Ms. Coriell’s kindness. I know I’m lucky. Not everyone gets to meet their special teacher on their first day of school. This is the teacher who made the difference in my life, who inspired me, who is still teaching me. That teacher is Ms. Coriell!”
Tanya, now an eighth grader at Benito, speaking about her fifth grade teacher at Pride
Elementary, Adam Wilinsky: “I’m here to talk about how Mr. Wilinsky has impacted my life. I was taught early, and told often, that teachers are the most important members of society and belong to the most honorable profession. And, Mr. Wilinsky, you were the best example of this. Mr. Wilinsky is more than just a great teacher. [He is] an inspiration. His passion for teaching is infectious. He sparked a love for learning in me and all of my classmates. He makes every lesson come alive with his creativity and enthusiasm. Fifth grade was the most unforgettable year because of him. His patience and understanding created a safe space for me and so many other students to ask questions and take risks.
“I still remember when Mr. Wilinsky gave me the opportunity to teach the class a lesson about electricity. I was very nervous at the time because
(Left) Tampa Palms Elementary principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters, with TPE 3rd grader Ethan. (Right) Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray is clearly happy about being named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year.
talking in front of my classmates was intimidating. But, when Mr. Wilinsky gave me that ‘thumbs up,’ I knew I had nothing to worry about. He showed me the importance of believing in myself, even when that seemed impossible. He helped me boost my confidence and become the person I am today. He taught us more than just facts and figures. He showed me and my classmates the importance of kindness, perseverance and courage. Mr. Wilinsky, thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and an inspiration. You made a difference in my life and I’m so grateful for that. Congratulations!”
And, even though neither Coriell nor Wilinsky took home the title of 2025 Teacher of the Year for the District, McCray and Walters both got to make their own speeches as the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator and the Instructional Support Employee of the year, respectively:
McCray: “It is such an honor to be standing here today accepting the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award. This moment is truly humbling and I feel incredibly blessed. I want to take a moment to reflect on what this award means to me personally and what it means to me in the context of my role as Freedom High success coach.
“First, this award is a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion. As a student success coach, I believe every student deserves the support, encouragement and resources they need to succeed. For me, it’s not just about helping student reach their academic milestones, it’s about creating an environment where they feel valued, heard and seen. I truly believe in the power of education to transform minds and I’m inspired by the idea that, as educators, we have the privilege to guide students on their journeys, helping them grow as individuals with the ability to shape their futures...and to watch them grow and succeed.”
McCray, who has been at Freedom for her entire eight-year career, first as a math teacher, also thanked her husband, her family and her
colleagues — “My Freedom family...Thank you so much for providing me with a platform for me to do this work in an environment that truly values inclusion, equity and student success. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this community and to receive this award, not just as recognition of my work, but as a reminder that we are all contributing to something much bigger than ourselves.
Thank you all for this honor and for your continued commitment to diversity in education.”
In addition to her role as success coach, McCray also serves as a FACE ambassador, Title 1 liaison and SAC chair. She holds a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and gained international teaching experience through a service-learning program in Ghana, where she worked with children at a local orphanage.
Walters: “Thank you to Ethan — you’re such a trooper — and to my family, my friends, for coming out here on a school night, and for supporting me. Thank you to Tampa Palms Elementary. I just couldn’t think of being in a better place and, thank you to my administrators, past and present, for all of your support. And, thank you to Mr. Ayres (Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres) and to the Education Foundation and everyone for supporting me. “
Walters has dedicated 27 years to Hillsborough County Public Schools, beginning as a oneon-one aide in an ESE classroom before serving as a clinic aide and as a Secretary 1. She has been TPE’s principal’s secretary since 2012 and has won the school’s Support Employee honors multiple times, but this is her first time being a District finalist and award winner. She has coordinated TPE’s HeartFELT program, partnering with a local church to provide food for students in need. She also organizes canned food and clothing drives and the school’s annual Turkey Trot.
Congratulations to all of New Tampa’s finalists and our two award winners!
(Above) Hunter’s Green Elementary Kindergarten teacher Roxi Coriell may not have been named the Teacher of the Year, but her former student Annabelle made her feel like a winner anyway. (Below) Pride Elementary 5th grade Math & Science teacher Adam Wilinsky’s former student Tanya did the same for him.
Phase 1A Of County’s New Branchton Park Opens On Morris Bridge Rd.
By Gary Nager
Congratulations to the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department, which has now opened Phase 1A of a new $6.7-million multiphase expansion of Branchton Park at 15508 Morris Bridge Rd., less than a half-mile south of Cross Creek Blvd.
On a frosty cold Jan.23, Hillsborough’s director of Parks & Recreation Rick Valdez, District 2 County Commissioner Ken Hagan, park project manager Jason McKenzie, New Tampa resident and Dist. 4 Comm. Christine Miller’s legislative aide Rico Smith were among those who cut the ribbon on the new 43-acre park.
Valdez said the new park includes a splash pad (which wasn’t yet open, but it was too cold to try that day anyway), a large playground area (with a blue turf facsimile of the Hillsborough River running through it), plus several changing rooms, restrooms and a “Cop Cabin” where Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office (HCS) deputies can have a desk, a lounge (with a working fireplace) and a place to keep an eye on what’s happening in the park.
Also under construction in Phase 1B are six pickleball courts, large- and small-breed dog parks and an additional restroom. Phase 1B is expected to open by no later than March of this year.
Phase 2, which is funded and includes renovations to the original 19-acre Branchton Park, also is expected to include a zipline (in partnership between the county and a private contractor, who has not yet been selected) and an event center. Valdez said Phase 2 will take about two years to build.
“I am thrilled to be here this morning as the commissioner who championed this project for over a decade,” Comm. Hagan said prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony. “How this occurred is that, for six years, I lived around the corner, off Cross Creek Blvd. And every day, I would drive on Morris Bridge Rd., because before we widened Bruce B. Downs (Blvd.), the traffic was terrible.
“So, I’d go down Morris Bridge, and I’d always look over here and see this beautiful area and I would never see more than two or three people on the basketball courts or in the little picnic area. And I just remember thinking that we could really do something special and make a destination here. Well, many years later, we’ve created it [and we] worked closely with the New Tampa community to get the amenities the residents wanted to see here.”
Hagan added, “This park will serve 45,000+ people within a ten-minute drive of this area.”
For more info, visit HCFL.gov.
All photos by Charmaine George
Recapping Councilman Viera’s Most Recent Town Hall Meeting On Crime
By Gary Nager
Although there are still concerns about the crime “spree” that occurred here last summer, the area known as New Tampa continues to be one of the safest areas, both in the City of Tampa and in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
That was the message on Jan. 7, when District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera and representatives of the Tampa Police Department (TPD) hosted about 50 local residents (see photo on next page) at a town hall meeting held at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center.
Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez also was expected to attend Viera’s most recent town hall, but had, “an unexpected emergency that was work-related and she couldn’t talk about it. When you’re the state attorney, that happens a lot. So, I hope next time we’ll get her out there.”
In addition to following up on the meeting that was held after three murders in a week happened in zip code 33647 over the summer, Viera’s most recent town hall was scheduled when a woman was seen firing a gun (thankfully, no one was injured) in early December outside the AMC Highwoods 20 movie theater (on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.), following a fight that broke out, also outside the theater. One of the reasons Viera had hoped to have Lopez (or someone from her office) attend the Jan. 7 town hall was to get an update on this most recent incident.
But, TPD Major Patrick Messmer, who had only been at his new job a few days when the town hall was held, said, “We have identified a person of interest in that movie theater case. We have been working with the state attorney’s office on that, and I believe we’re going to probably have a resolution on it by the end of the month.”
He added, “I’m very thankful that nobody was injured. The only unfortunate thing about that is that the only charge we were able to make in that case was for discharging a firearm in public, which is a misdemeanor. So, it’s probably not even a case where we can make a physical arrest, If somebody got hit or if property was damaged, we potentially could have something else, but based on circumstances, the only crime was that misdemeanor.”
As for the three incidents over the summer, Maj. Messmer said that the shooting at the Portofino Apartments (which was investigated by TPD) and the one on Regents Park Dr., in front of the Chase Bank (which was investigated by
Sgt.
the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office because BBD is a county road), were unrelated narcotics transactions, “that went south, specifically over marijuana, not fentanyl or anything like that.”
He said arrests have been made in both of those cases. There also was an arrest in the case of the man’s body found that same week in a vehicle near the Metro Self Storage on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in North Palms Village (near I-75).
Kevin Kelly, who organized the new Neighborhood Watch program in the Ashington Estates subdivision of Tampa Palms where he lives — following the New Tampa shooting incidents last summer — expressed concerns about three burglaries that happened in his community.
“We believe that the cases may be related and that the person came into our (gated) community on foot, possibly from Freedom High School next door,” Kelly said, “so our cameras didn’t detect a vehicle that came in.”
Maj. Messmer responded that when he was a sergeant working in New Tampa, “most auto burglaries happened in cars that were unlocked on our roadways. That represented, like, 80% of the cars broken into.” He also mentioned that, “People steal cell phones and things like that a lot from gyms. That’s one of the places where we get a lot of thefts from, is from gyms and ladies who might leave their purses in their cars before they go to the gym. Thefts and auto burglaries are kind of two big things that have always been the issue up here, not really the violent crime. Those things do happen from time to time, but they tend to be pretty rare here.”
And, speaking of auto burglaries, Messmer said, “It’s usually kids who would do the auto
Patrick
burglaries. They would just try to steal a car if the key was in there. So, we can work with parents and caregivers to try to get people to do something about breaking into cars.”
Also on hand at the meeting was TPD Sgt. Terrace Tobias, who said that, “As far as the highest crime scene in New Tampa, it’s mostly domestic. That’s the vast, vast majority of the cases that we handle, and there’s not a lot you can do about that, because it’s all internal stuff.”
Sgt. Tobias also noted that criminals committing auto thefts don’t always stay in the same area. “For example,” he said, “We’ve got to put more patrols in higher crime areas because there’s a regular pattern. But, if there’s an auto burglary in K-Bar Ranch and then, like, three days later, there’s one in North Tampa or Tampa Palms, it’s hard for us to do that (look for a pattern). But, if there’s a pattern that we could kind of narrow down the locations, we can put more patrols in. But, up here in New Tampa, there aren’t that many of them.”
He added, “The key thing is to keep your car doors locked and make sure you don’t put guns in your cars, so we end up with guns on the streets. That’s probably our biggest issue in the city, but in New Tampa, it’s mainly domestic.”
And, while Messmer admitted that there will always be crime challenges, “We always have to look at these and say are they ‘one-offs’ or part of a larger pattern? We see that in a lot of other parts of the city — where we have to focus on specific places because they turn into hotbeds of shootings and robberies. We don’t really have a lot of that up here. So, we’re always looking to see if something does happen and, if we need to put
about the shooting incidents
additional resources there, we can do that.”
Maj. Messmer also came to the meeting prepared with a number of crime statistics, both citywide and in New Tampa in particular.
“We’re kind of finalizing the data for last year, but Tampa — and New Tampa — had an extremely good year when it comes to crime, down maybe 16% for overall crime,” he said. “Violent crime with firearms is going to be down probably around 20%, so some very significant reductions. Fatal shootings were down 30% and homicides were down 10%. Despite the few high-profiles homicides here in New Tampa, homicides in Tampa are actually down in 2024, compared with 2023. The numbers also show that crime in New Tampa is actually going down, with a pretty significant reduction in this area, compared with other sectors of this District.”
Editor’s note - Unfortunately, I was out of town for this town hall. My thanks to photographer Charmaine George for recording the proceedings for me so I could write this story.
Rep. Driskell To Host Next Town Hall
District 67 State Representative and Florida House minority leader Fentrice Driskell will be hosting the next New Tampa town hall meeting, on Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 p.m., also at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa).
This is Rep. Driskell’s “Pre-Legislative Session Townhall,” as she is hoping that local residents will attend to discuss anything the Florida Legislature should focus on for 2025 — from crime to education, state funding for local projects and more. For more information, see the ad below.
All photos by Charmaine George
(L.-r.) New Tampa resident Kris Smith, the owner of Mission BBQ on BBD Blvd., asks for updates
over the summer from Tampa Police
Terrace Tobias, TPD Maj.
Messmer and Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera.
is looking for a part-time New Tampa cat sitter. You must live in the New Tampa area and be retired — and you must love cats! Background check required. For more information, email pat@kittensittin.biz or text (813) 846-6717
S.R. 56 At Mansfield/Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. Gets Dual Left Turn Upgrade
By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent
A major traffic pattern change has just been competed at the intersection of Mansfield Blvd./Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. and S.R. 56, as there are now dual left turn lanes in all directions. This change occurred rather quickly last month and only took a few weeks to finish.
The change was a requirement of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Pasco County permitting conditions for the new Orlando Health Hospital, being constructed at the northeast corner of the intersection. This means that the hospital paid for and completed the work in advance of its anticipated opening, which is still expected to be sometime in 2026.
The change was required to help offset and accommodate the additional traffic the hospital is expected to generate at that intersection, which was laid out in Orlando Health’s traffic study, which was submitted in advance of the project for government review. These operational and safety improvements should keep the signal working efficiently long into the future.
All of the signals at the intersection had always been designed to accommodate these extra left turn lanes, but they were striped out with paint until needed. The first dual left (from Mansfield Blvd.
northbound onto S.R. 56 westbound) was added in 2018 when FDOT contacted Pasco to let the county know that vehicular traffic leaving the schools in the morning was causing backups on Mansfield Blvd., creating a concern — and sometimes long delays — for local residents.
Safety has always been a concern here as well, as there have been multiple serious crashes involving younger drivers making left turns in front of oncoming traffic under the previous permissive left turn signal. Now, with the dual lefts, all left turns are protected, which means left turns are only permitted with a green arrow, greatly reducing the potential for crashes.
There’s also still room to add a third through lane in both the westbound and eastbound directions on S.R. 56 in the striped-out area, when needed.
Meadow Pointe Blvd. Still A Concern
Meanwhile, safety and efficiency are still concerns with the down stream signal at Meadow Pointe Blvd. and S.R. 56.
District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman has said that improvements are coming to this intersection as well, an item that the Board of County Commissioners (BOC) passed in July.
Dual lefts will be added for eastbound traffic on S.R. 56 to turn north onto Mead-
ow Pointe Blvd., which backs up badly during the afternoon rush hour, and dual lefts will be added for northbound traffic on Meadow Pointe Blvd. to turn west onto S.R. 56, which experiences bad back-ups during both the morning and evening rush hours.
(Above) All approaches to the traffic signals on S.R. 56 and Mansfield Blvd. now have dual left turn lanes. The under-construction Orlando Health Hospital is seen here in the background.
Orlando Health
PHSC
(Right) The S.R. 56 intersection with Mansfield/Wiregrass Ranch Blvd.
‘Mysterious’ Crosswalk Pops Up On Wiregrass School Rd. To Access 7-Eleven
By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent
During the week leading up to Christmas break, crews were seen putting the final touches on a brand new mid-block crosswalk (with flashing beacons) on Wiregrass School Rd., directly in front of Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH), to the surprise of both parents and staff, who had no idea it was coming, or who was even installing it,....and it went up quick!
It was like a surprise Christmas gift from a secret Santa had just appeared at the school’s doorsteps, literally.
At the beginning of this 2024-25 school year, WRH principal Robyn White had sent an email out to parents about her concerns with students crossing mid-block, in order to get to the 7-Eleven on the other side of the road:
“We need your help. I have noticed in the [morning], but more so in the afternoon, that students are crossing the road in front of traffic by the 7-Eleven. Please encourage your child, if they are a walker or bike rider, to use the crosswalk [at the signal] at Mansfield Blvd. The last thing any of us wants to see is a student get hit by a car or a bus. They think they are invincible and don’t hesitate to walk in front of moving vehicles and, as a parent, it is scary for me to watch. I appreciate your assistance as you discuss this safety concern with your children.”
Since the 7-Eleven gas station opened in 2022, it’s been a very popular place for WRH students to grab a drink or a snack, as it is conveniently located just outside the school.
But, the gas station was on the opposite side of Wiregrass School Rd. from the school, so students would just find gaps in the school traffic wherever they could, to cross anywhere from the sidewalk leaving the school property. There was no “designated” place to cross, except at the traffic signal, which was about 350 feet out of the way, and kids tend to take the shortest path possible.
This new mid-block crosswalk is positioned perfectly to help with the problem, providing a well-marked and well-lit consolidated crossing point, located off the southern corner of the gas station, just outside the front gate for the school.
The question on the minds of many residents and school administrators was, “How did it get there?” White and other staff members said they had no idea, since the new crosswalk was installed just outside of the school’s property.
A keen eye would notice that the new sidewalk ramps for the crosswalk connect with the new sidewalk that was just laid around the property for the recently constructed Bay Paws Pet Resort (blue building in photo). Mallory White, the new Wesley Chapel Bay Paws manager (who previously
was at the Trinity location), explained that Bay Paws provided the new crosswalk.
“It was something that the county required, so our contractor worked with them on it over two weeks [to complete the crosswalk].”
White also said that the crosswalk was one of the final steps in the Bay Paws site construction permit requirements, so the pet boarding facility could receive its Certificate of Occupancy (CO) to open, which she says she hopes will be by the time this issue reaches your mailbox.
Over the past couple of years, Pasco County officials have been focusing even
more on pedestrian safety and connectivity, with effective sidewalk networks, with all new construction permits. This new crosswalk is equipped with Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) which are activated by a push button on either side of the street, similar to the ones recently installed on Mansfield Blvd and on County Line Rd in Meadow Pointe.
There is no button in the median because the flashing sequence gives ample time to cross both sides of the street. The push button makes a loud chirp when pressed to let the pedestrian know that the flashing beacons have been activated.
Upcoming Events Include Music For All Tastes — African, Chamber, Jazz & ‘Fleatwood Mac!’
Tuesday, February 4, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Business Breakfast. At Pasco Hernando State College (2727 Mansfield Blvd, Wesley Chapel). $25 for members, $30 for non-members to attend. To register and for more information, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.
Tuesday, February 4, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Taiko Drums of Japan with Tampa Taiko. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa). Experience Asian culture and celebrations like Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, and Matsuri Festivals with Tampa Taiko! They’ll bring traditional music and dancing styles to the stage, including the Chinese Lion Dance, a 3,000-year-old Chinese tradition that symbolizes prosperity, luck, and happiness. Tickets cost $15. For tickets & more info, call (813) 829-2760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Friday, February 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network Meeting. At USF Federal Credit Union (20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., New Tampa). Peggy D’Alessandro will be presenting on Cybersecurity – How to Keep Your Business Safe. $15 to attend, online registration is required. To register and for more information call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.
Thursday, February 13, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Jon Lehrer Dance Company. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). New York’s Jon Lehrer Dance
company brings its signature athletic, artistic, and accessible brand of dance to NTPAC. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on seat selection. For tickets & more info call (813) 829-2760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events.
Friday, February 14, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. –Tampa Bay Symphony Winter 2025 “Scandinavian Romance.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa). The Tampa Bay Symphony consists of 80+ musicians and has been described as “one of Tampa Bay’s hidden jewels.” Come and experience the excitement of live classical music! Tickets cost $25, students tickets are free. For tickets & more info call (813) 829-2760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Official Records at (813) 276-8100, visit the marriage license page at hillsclerk.com/marriage or see the ad below.
as well as featured songs from Stevie Nicks’ solo career. The show provides elements of history, theatrics, haunting harmonies, and vivid visuals. Tickets cost $20-$25 depending upon seat selection. To purchase tickets & for more info, call (813) 8292760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Saturday, February 22, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. –Beads & Bets, A Mardi Gras Casino Night. At Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy, Wesley Chapel). Join us for food, fun and fundraising for a great cause. Proceeds benefit the New Tampa Family YMCA. The night will include games of chance and luck and countless opportunities to support the YMCA. Heavy hors d’oeuvres included with admission. There also will be a cash bar, DJ, silent auction, raffles and prizes. Tickets cost $50. For more info, to purchase tickets or sponsor the event, visit TampaYMCA.org/casino-night.
Friday, February 14, 2 p.m. — “Tie the Knot Community Wedding Event.” At the Joe Chillura Courthouse Square in downtown Tampa (600 E. Kennedy Blvd.). The ceremony will be officiated by Hillsborough Clerk of the Court (and New Tampa resident) Victor Crist. Spanish and ASL translators will be available & you must already have a marriage license before you can get married at this event. For more info and locations to apply for a marriage license, contact
Wednesday, February 19, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. t Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz). Join the North Tampa Bay Chamber for your morning brew and networking. Free & you do not have to be a Chamber member to attend. To register and for more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.
Friday, February 21, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. –“Fleatwood Mac” — The Premier Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show (photo). At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Expect to hear hits from across Fleetwood Mac’s many lineups,
Saturday, February 22, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. –“Sanfoka” — Kuumba Dancers & Drummers. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd. Experience the rhythms, songs and dances of the African diaspora from the continent of Africa, through the Caribbean to America. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on seat selection. To purchase tickets & for more info, call (813) 8292760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Sunday, February 23, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. –
“Timini”— A West African Cinderella Tale. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd. Kuumba Dancers and Drummers
will bring “Timini” to the stage. Taking place in the village of Fadiout, Senegal, “Timini” is the classic tale of Cinderella reimagined and brought to life through African music, dance, storytelling, and audience participation. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on seat selection. o purchase tickets & for more info, call (813) 829-2760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Monday, February 24, 7 p.m. – New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Join us for our monthly meeting. For more info, visit NewTampaDemocrats.com or Facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats., or see our ad below.
Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 p.m. – Florida House District 67 Representative Fentrice Driskell presents a Pre-Legislative Session New Tampa Townhall. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Free to attend. For more info, see the ad on pg. 8.
Friday, February 28, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
– Pavlo in Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). A night of
Spanish, Flamenco, and Mediterranean guitar! Pavlo returns home for a very special concert with his full band and special guests. Tickets cost $50. To purchase tickets & for more info, call (813) 8292760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – “New Tampa Unplugged” — Reflections Chamber Ensemble. “New Tampa Unplugged” is a spin on the hit show, “MTV Unplugged,” which aired in the 1990s and early 2000s and featured popular artists of the time performing acoustic sets. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on seat selection. To purchase tickets & for more info, call (813) 8292760 or visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Wednesday, March 5, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – New Tampa Jazz Nights: Whitney James & Scotty Wright with La Lucha. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Be there as the scintillating Whitney James teams with the lyrical Scotty Wright in their first official duet performance. The duo will be accompanied by the remarkable, “Best of the Bay” jazz trio, La Lucha, for a fabulous and swinging jazz evening. Tickets $10-$30. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit TampaJazzClub.com or see the ad (right).
New Tampa Democratic Club
Monthly Meeting(4th Monday of the month) Monday, February 24, 7 p.m. at New Tampa Regional Library 10001 Cross Creek Blvd. newtampademocrats.com https://www.facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats
Freedom High Chorus Set To Perform At New York’s Carnegie Hall In April!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
Freedom High chorus students are preparing for the experience of a lifetime — an upcoming trip to sing at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Amber Faircloth, the school’s choral director, says Freedom students will perform in the National Concert Chorus, singing a variety of choral repertoire numbers under the direction of esteemed directors, along with several other high schools from across the country.
The trip will include three days of rehearsals with the students from other schools. The students, their chaperones and teacher also will see the musical “Hadestown” and do some sightseeing. They’ll have a dress rehearsal and concert in Carnegie Hall, then attend a reception at the Hard Rock Café, where the venue will be shut down exclusively for them from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The event is put on by National Concerts, an organization that aims to “provide impactful performance opportunities for musicians, empowering them to reach their highest potential through innovative collaborations.”
Of about 70 total students in Freedom’s chorus program, 33 will attend the trip Mar. 29-Apr. 2. The National Concert Chorus performance will be held on Tuesday, April 1.
Faircloth says her goal is to do a big trip every year. She wasn’t able to lead trips during and shortly after Covid but, in 2023, she took students to New York City to do a Broadway tour, where they saw three shows and partici-
pated in a workshop. Last year, they went to Williamsburg, VA, where they participated in the Williamsburg Heritage Festival and were evaluated on their performance.
“The performance part of the Williamsburg trip made it so much more special because they had something to work toward,” Faircloth says.
This year, she is thrilled to take them to the next level. “Carnegie Hall is a very special venue they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to perform in,” she says.
Faircloth has taught at Freedom since her graduation in 2018 from Florida State University in Tallahassee with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She’s made it a goal to give her students memories that will last a lifetime, like the ones she had as a student in Hillsborough County’s Newsome High in Lithia.
“My high school chorus teacher gave me the best chorus experience,” she says. “I remember in vivid detail my madrigal dinners and competitions and trips. I want to give my students memories they can take and live with the rest of their lives.”
She says chorus also offers students a positive experience and something fun in their day to look forward to, and exposes them to new things they can be successful with, such as Freedom’s own annual madrigal dinner, as we reported last issue.
A madrigal dinner, an evening of Renaissance-style entertainment, may be something students are not familiar with until they join chorus, she says, but “it’s a fun, festive way to ring in the holiday season.”
Upcoming performances that are open to the public include a coffeehouse fundraiser with solo and small group performances at Lutz Community Church on Friday, April 11, 6 p.m. “Shrek the Musical” will be held in the Freedom auditorium the weekend of May 1-3 and the chorus spring concert will be Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m
Please Help!
Faircloth says Freedom is looking for community support to help her chorus students take the trip of a lifetime to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Students have already paid $1,725 each to attend, but that is well short of the actual cost of the trip. “A lot of students have taken up jobs to pay for the trip themselves, and their families are
working very hard for them to have this opportunity,” Faircloth explains. “We’ve done quite a bit of fundraising and applied for grants to cover the cost as much as possible.”
Faircloth says she’s hoping additional community support could help to limit the amount students have to pay for New York City’s famously expensive meals and activities.
To support the students’ trip, visit FreedomHSChoralBoosters.square.site and choose the “Donate” option. Businesses that are interested in sponsorship opportunities, which will include recognition on social media and in concert programs, can email AmberFaircloth@HCPS.net for more information.
Freedom High chorus students last got to visit New York City in 2023. In a couple of months, 33 Freedom students will be taking a trip to the Big Apple to perform in the National Concert Chorus at the renowned Carnegie Hall, but they need some financial assistance. (Photo provided by Amber Faircloth)
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Hilton Garden Inn & Metropolitan Ministries Among Chamber’s ‘Excellence’ Winners
Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners at the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC)’s “Celebrating Excellence in Business” awards event, held for the first time at the Pasco Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center off Old Pasco Rd. in Wesley Chapel on Jan. 16.
The NTBC gave out four awards at this year’s event:
• Integrity (won by Pepin Academies)
• Collaboration (won by Metropolitan Ministries),
• Innovation (won by Furr Wegman & Banks Architects) and
• Inclusivity (won by the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel)
The evening was hosted by NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy, and each award was given out by a different presenter, including:
• Stephanie Lerrett of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which sponsored the Collaboration award;
• 2024 Board chair Roberto Hiller of Signarama New Tampa, who announced the winner of the Integrity award;
• Business development officer Sarah Greenberg of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, which sponsored the Inclusivity award; and
• Senior manager of business operations & planning Ryan Ward of Florida Blue, which sponsored the Innovation award.
For more info about the NTBC, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com or call (813) 994-8534. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George
(Above, l.-r.) Integrity award winner Dr. Jeff Skowronek of Pepin Academies; Innovation award winner Aaron Banks of Furr Wegman & Banks Architects; Inclusivity award winner Lisa Moore of the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel & Collaboration award winner Tim Marks, the President & CEO of Metropolitan Ministries.
(Below, l.-r.) NTBC President & CEO Hope Kennedy, Sarah Greenberg of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union & Roberto Hiller of Signarama New Tampa.
Florida Life Rehab Cuts A Chamber Ribbon!
Congratulations go out to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Mohamed Aly (in black coat with scissors in photo above) and his wife and chief operating officer Shereen Ibrahim (in hijab) of Florida Life Rehab Physical Therapy, a new physical therapy office located at 2252 Twelve Oaks Way, Suite 102, in the Summergate Professional Park (north of S.R. 56, behind Sam’s Club) in Wesley Chapel. The office celebrated its Grand Opening with a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on Jan. 23. Florida Life Rehab is a full-service physical therapy practice which is able to provide relief for severe back and neck pain (from
bulging or herniated discs) using the latest and most effective non-surgical treatments.
Dr. Aly, who has been a physical therapist since 2003, earned both Master’s and DPT degrees from Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt.
“We are dedicated to helping to achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle through personalized physical therapy treatments,” Dr. Aly says.
For more information about Florida Life Rehab, call (813) 388-2886 or visit FloridaLifeRehab.com and please tell Shereen and Dr. Aly you read about them in the Neighborhood News! — GN
Sunglass KRATE Has Merged With 369 EyeWear At The KRATE At The Grove!
After seven years in Florida and four months of being retired, William Toledo decided to create a new business: 369 EyeWear/Stack & Save.
Toledo has now partnered with James Lambrou, the owner of Sunglass KRATE in the KRATE at The Grove container park in Wesley Chapel and the result is that 369 EyeWear and Sunglass KRATE are now combined in the same former shipping container where Lambrou has had his shop for almost a year.
Combined, Lambrou, a licensed optician, and Toledo have more than 70 years of experience in the eyeglass industry. Each has contributed different visions to create a new, different and innovative concept.
They say the intention is to unite two market trends in one place: Fashion and affordable prices for everyone. Knowing that people need more than one pair of glasses (or sunglasses) in today’s fast-paced world, 369 EyeWear, which offers a huge selection of eyeglass frames, from the most fashionable to the most affordable, has made owning multiple pairs of glasses a lot less expensive for everyone — without sacrificing the great looks you want.
“We now offer ‘stacks’ of 3, 6, 9 or even up to 12 pairs of glasses, with or
clear pair with anti-glare lenses for nighttine driving, another with Blue Shield treatment (perfect for use with electronic monitors) for the office and a pair of pre scription sunglasses — all for just $99!”
The store also now offers a “Celebrity Stack,” where you pay for 12 pairs of glass es, get three pairs now and a new pair every month to complement your ever-changing look on social media for one low price.
As an introductory offer, 369 Eye Wear/Sunglass KRATE is offering its customers two free lens upgrades — such as bifocal, tinted or polycarbonate material lenses — on every pair of glasses.
With pretty much everything going up in price these days, smarter shopping is required and the 369 “stacks” can help everyone save money on their eyeglasses.
Plus, unlike online stores, Lambrou is still on-site to custom-fit your glasses, and to make adjustments as you need them. Try getting that kind of service online!
And, 369 EyeWear has its own factory, so your prescription glasses will be done right and on-time the first time every time!
So, the next time you’re at the KRATEs, visit 369 EyeWear/Sunglass KRATE at 5827 Grand Oro Ln., #105,
Apex Internal Medicine’s Dr. Satodiya Provides Personalized Primary Care For Adults
By Turiya Autry
Neighborhood News Correspondent
Dr. Mukesh Satodiya opened Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa three years ago to serve the community and neighborhood that he lives in and loves. The primary care practice is located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. near Cory Lake Dr.
Working with a wide range of adult patients is something that Dr. Satodiya appreciates about his location and clientele.
“It’s a mixed population, a mix of ethnicities, working people to retired, 18-year-olds to seniors,” he says. “A broad spectrum from the medical practice point of view.”
Dr. Satodiya’s 15+ years of practicing medicine, along with his incredibly personable approach, serve his diverse clientele well. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, he earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from B. J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, India, in 1999. He completed his residency training in internal medicine in 2007 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ.
His previous experience includes working in both a hospital environment, as well as with a corporate medical practice. He says that having his own practice allows Dr. Satodiya to focus on the level of patient care, which is what matters most to him. Born and raised in India, his decision to become a doctor was inspired by his view of it as a noble profession focused on helping others.
“Our main purpose is to offer more personal care, rather than treating a certain number of patients per day,” explains Dr. Satodiya. “Most of our patients like that we’re not a huge office, and they know me personally, as well as the staff. And we know them.”
That extra level of interaction and accessibility makes it easier for patients to feel comfortable reaching out to the office when they have needs or concerns. Dr. Satodiya and his staff make sure to always get back to patients promptly.
“They will hear back quickly,” he says. “Either from my medical assistant or I will call them back and talk to them. And, if we need to see them, we see them as early as possible, either the same day or the next day.”
He knows these are important things that patients often find frustrating about their experiences at larger medical offices with multiple providers. Administrative details, goals set by insurance companies or corporate offices, often can be the
priority in those types of environments.
“It’s easy for anybody to set these goals and deadlines and say these are the things we need to focus on,” Dr. Satodiya says. “Then, between all these other influences, sometimes the quality of care for the patient is not the best.”
Patients definitely notice the difference in the care at Apex Internal Medicine. For example, patient Joe Spoto found out about the Apex office a couple of years ago, and has been with Dr. Satodiya ever since.
“I’ve stuck with him because he listens to you,” Spoto says. “He doesn’t rush you through your appointment. You’re not just limited to one topic if you have more than one thing going on. And, he’s nice! I’ve had doctors that rush you in and rush you out, but he’s been great. I really appreciate him.”
Dr. Satodiya understands that providing primary care requires more than a cookie cutter approach. That’s why the office tailors the length of appointments to allow an adequate amount of time with each patient.
“Especially when we talk about senior care, we do need more time sometimes,” explains Dr. Satodiya. “[The elderly] have a lot of concerns, they are taking many medications and they may have more medical problems. Sometimes 30 or 35 minutes is not enough to address everything that we need.”
Expert Care For Seniors
An expert in senior care, Dr. Satodiya understands the common issues many elders face. He helps his patients improve their quality of life and works to keep them under control whenever
possible. He sees the treatment of his patients as far more than prescribing medications.
“Education is also very important, because just a medication is not going to help them completely,” he says. “I try to make sure [my patients] know about their medical condition and what else they can do, besides just taking their medication. Whether it is diet, physical activity or if there is some monitoring or testing they can do at home, so they can take care of themselves better. We educate them on what to watch for, including potential side effects and how can we minimize their medication doses. That’s always better, because there are less side effects and complications for the patient.”
Another priority at Apex Internal Medicine is providing resources to patients. For example, some
senior patients have limited resources at home or may be living by themselves. Dr. Satodiya encourages them to call and reach out to the office whenever they are unsure of something, and he connects them to information and helpful organizations.
He says, “We tell them where there are senior centers, community churches and other social places that will make them feel good and help them make new friends, rather than just always staying by themselves.”
While Apex Internal Medicine sees patients ages 18 and up, the staff often finds that seniors are having more challenges, including navigating insurance, understanding the medication they are taking, as well as scheduling other procedures.
“Let’s say they need X-rays or labs,” explains Dr. Satodiya. “The younger population can go online and find that stuff by themselves. But, some seniors have limited access to information. I train my staff to help them, give them more options and guide them.”
Patients can have blood draws, urine tests, blood sugar checks, flu tests, Covid tests as well as electrocardiograms (EKGs) on-site. When there is a time sensitive follow-up that needs to be done off-site, the staff will call and help set up the appointment for them.
“That way it will be easier for the patient to go and get it done, rather than them having to figure it out by themselves,” Dr. Satodiya says. He recommends people not wait until they have problems to visit. Preventive care is ideal since small things taken care of early can help avoid future complications. He also says that regular check-ups are important for people of all ages. Even
The team at Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa, located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd., includes (l.-r.) medical assistants Jennifer Araujo and Leticia Jerguson and Dr. Mukesh Satodiya. (Photo by Charmaine George)
age people to do their annual check-up. Young adults, seniors… we live in a very modern society where people don’t have time for themselves. Whether they are doing good or not, they may not know that they have very high cholesterol or high blood pressure and it’s not going to cause any symptoms until it’s something serious like a stroke or heart attack. If they let it go untreated and undiagnosed it could already be causing damage to their kidneys or their heart.”
Dr. Satodiya also says he tells all of his patients to get more physically active daily, and puts that into practice himself. He walks, rides a bicycle and plays volleyball and badminton to stay active. He also enjoys spending quality
he says. “It can be something simple, like walking around the house or the neighborhood.”
Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa is accepting new patients and Dr. Satodiya would like to see more people coming to visit for regular checkups, not just when something is wrong.
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 32 of this issue.
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Murtha & Flischel CPAs Helps Businesses & Individuals Be Ready For Tax Time
By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent
For more than 14 years, Murtha & Flischel Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), have been a trusted name in the Wesley Chapel community. Known for dedication to personalized service and in-depth knowledge of accounting and tax laws, the firm has built a strong reputation as reliable partners for individuals and businesses alike.
The story of Murtha & Flischel began back in 1997, when Thomas Murtha and Raymond Flischel founded the firm as Flischel, Murtha & Associates in Englewood, FL. Ray Flischel worked for more than 40 years before retiring. Tom Murtha is a seasoned CPA with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Tom has nearly 40 years of experience in taxes, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and has been a trusted advisor to many. He also taught accounting courses at Hillsborough Community College and for the American Institute of Banking for more than 15 years, helping shape the next generation of accountants.
In 2009, Tom’s son Patrick helped Tom and Ray sell their Englewood firm and open a new office — Murtha & Murtha, LLC, in Tampa. In 2015, the firm moved to the Seven Oaks Professional Park (off Ancient Oaks
Blvd., north of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, where it continued to grow and thrive. Today, the firm has changed its name to Murtha & Flischel and has three partners, including Tom, Patrick and Ray’s son Kyle Flischel.
Patrick and Kyle are both alumni of the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, where Patrick earned B.S. degrees in Finance and Accounting, in 2009 and 2015, respectively, while Kyle earned a B.S. degree in Accounting in 2011 and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in
Accounting with a focus on taxes, in 2017.
Murtha & Flischel offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its clients. From preparing taxes to advising businesses on complex tax issues, the firm helps clients stay compliant and make the most of their financial opportunities. During tax season, Murtha & Flischel’s dedicated senior accountants — including Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little — work hard to assist clients. Both Kaitlyns started as interns and are now pursuing their
CPA certifications. Junior accountants Jackie Moore and Tamara Daley also are valuable team members.
“We’re excited to expand our team,” Patrick says, “and we plan to add two more junior accountants soon.”
Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything the professionals at Murtha & Flischel do. The team’s personalized approach has earned the firm glowing reviews from clients, as Murtha & Flischel has an overall 4.9 star (out of 5) rating on Google, with more than 115 reviews. Client Christina Helm shared in her 5-star rating: “It’s time we ALL quit slogging through TurboTax and never look back. From initial contact to my phone appointment with Kaitlyn Little to signing our return was about a month, with quick, accurate, and professional communication, via phone, email and on their app!”
In addition to tax preparation, the firm offers bookkeeping and accounting services that help businesses keep their financial records accurate and organized. This allows Murtha & Flischel’s clients to make informed decisions and plan for growth. The firm also specializes in business valuations, tax planning and helping buyers and sellers navigate the process of mergers and acquisitions.
“We started with mergers and acquisitions before expanding to other services,” Patrick says.
A High-Flying Firm
Patrick and Kyle have both recently
(L.-r.) Kyle Flischel and Tom & Patrick Murtha are the partners who have helped make Murtha & Flischel CPAs in the Seven Oaks Professional Park one of the most respected Certified Public Accounting firms in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. (Photo provided by Murtha & Flischel)
Senior accountants Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little, partners Kyle Flischel and Patrick Murtha, office
Sam Yates and staff accountant Tamara Daley can all be found at Murtha & Flischel’s Wesley Chapel
earned their pilot’s licenses. In 2023, Patrick received his license and in December of last year, he completed instrument reading.
“Although we did it as a hobby, it has quickly become an essential part of our business,” Patrick says. “We had a client on the other side of the state, and where it would have taken us a few hours to get there, we were able to arrive in just under an hour and fly back home the same day. Flying saves us so much time and it makes it easier to provide hands-on support for our clients.”
Another standout offering is Murtha & Flischel’s CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Retainer Package. This service provides
businesses with ongoing financial oversight, including monthly accounting, budgeting and tax planning. It also includes advice about health insurance and retirement plans.
Acting as an outsourced CFO — at a fraction of the cost of an in-house CFO — the firm helps businesses stay financially secure while preparing for long-term success.
On TampaTaxFirm.com, the firm shares helpful articles under the “News and Articles” section. “We try to post relevant information that clients might find useful,” Patrick explains. Recent topics include the changes to federal and state tax laws for 2025 and guidance on the on-again, off-again BOI (Benefi-
cial Ownership Information) and FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) compliance. While Murtha & Flischel doesn’t complete BOI filings for its clients, the firm does provide clear instructions on how to complete that filing yourself.
“We want our clients to avoid fines and stay informed,” Patrick says, adding that although the requirement for businesses to file BOI was put on hold, it is possible it will become a requirement again at some point.
“The process is quite simple,” Patrick adds. “It takes only a few minutes to file electronically.” He recommends business owners either go ahead and complete it just in
case or make sure they keep an eye on updates through FinCEN.gov.
This unwavering commitment to personalized service is what makes Murtha & Flischel stand out. “Our goal is to provide year-round support and timely responses to all client questions,” Patrick says. This dedication has earned the firm a loyal client base and a strong reputation in the local community.
The firm also supports local initiatives and participates in community events. This dedication not only enhances the staff’s connection with clients but also underscores the role of a community-centric firm.
Patrick and his wife Jennifer have three children — 10-year-old Thomas, Jack (age 9) and Audrey, 4 — and the family lives in Wesley Chapel and is very active in the local community, including the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the North Tampa Bay Chamber. Meanwhile, Kyle (who has been the president of a local Business Networking International chapter) and his wife Stephanie enjoy brewing beer as a hobby.
The firm of Murtha & Flischel CPAs is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. The Zephyrhills office is located at 5315 8th St.
For a free consultation or tips on tax filing, call (813) 991-1120, see the ad on pg. 28 or visit TampaTaxFirm.com or any of Murtha & Flischel’s social media sites — Instagram.com/murthacpas, Facebook. com/TampaTaxFirm or Linkedin.com/ company/murtha-and-flischel-certifiedpublic-accountants.
(L.-r.)
manager Lourdes (“Lou”) Alers, front office manager
office. (Photo by Charmaine George)
Dr. Jasthi’s Family & Cosmetic Dentistry — Quality Dental Care For Ages 4+
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in the small plaza next to MidFlorida Credit Union in front of the Live Oak Preserve community, Neeraja Jasthi, DMD, says her practice offers family-oriented, comprehensive care for patients ages four and older.
“We are a place that takes care of all of your dental needs,” explains Dr. Jasthi. “We are friendly, safe and give quality treatment.”
Dr. Jasthi moved her practice to its current location in 2005 after opening in a smaller office in the Highwoods Preserve area in 2002. She has been practicing in the New Tampa area since 1998, after earning her DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree from the Tufts Dental School in Boston, MA, in 1996.
cancels an appointment, opening a spot for those who want to be seen quickly to be accommodated.
Linda Park, DDS, joined the practice in 2018. Dr. Park earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2005 from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Loma Linda, CA.
With two doctors and five hygienists in the practice, Dr. Jasthi says appointments are almost always available quickly. If someone is in pain, they usually can be seen right away. And, new patients can often be scheduled within a couple of weeks, and Dr. Jasthi’s attentive administrative staff can often get patients in sooner, especially if another patient
New patients also are happy to learn that, unlike some dental practices that require an exam first, before scheduling a cleaning, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry always provides an exam and cleaning at the first appointment. If treatment is required, however, the patient may need to come back for another appointment to complete that treatment.
Dr. Jasthi says Family & Cosmetic Dentistry feels like a family, and she always wants her patients to be able to bring the whole family to them. While she and Dr. Park typically see all family members ages four and up, they
She adds that she also provides dental implants in-house, as well as restorative treatments, and that she is often able to use a veneer instead of porcelain for some cosmetic procedures, which allows her to not cut into the tooth structure.
“For example,” she says, “if someone has a peg-shaped tooth and wants to make it more of an ideal form, we do chair-side composites with injection molding. It’s good for the health of the tooth and it’s very economical, compared to the cost of porcelain.”
Dr. Jasthi says her practice continues to grow by “leaps and bounds” thanks to many people in the community who support her.
do sometimes see younger children, as well.
“For established patients of record who have children younger than four,” Dr. Jasthi says, “we will see them if they are cooperative.”
Beyond cleanings and exams of the teeth, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers fillings, bridges, crowns and many other necessary dental treatments.
As its name states, the team also offers cosmetic dentistry to help everyone achieve their best possible smile. This includes services such as teeth whitening, veneers and Invisalign® aligners to straighten the teeth.
“We are doing more Invisalign these days,” says Dr. Jasthi, “helping people with the aesthetics and functionality of their teeth.”
That includes patients such as Wesley Chapel resident Karina Fernandez, who has been a patient of Dr. Jasthi’s since she moved to Florida in 2015.
“They always have appointments available and are very flexible with their schedule,” Karina says.
She also appreciates that she never feels like she’s being sold something she doesn’t need. “They’re not trying to take your money,” Karina says, adding that she is absolutely thrilled with the Invisalign treatment she recently completed.
“I had no idea it would be so effective,” she says. “I thought I would need braces because my bottom teeth were so crooked. I didn’t think it could be fixed with a plastic aligner, but after a year and half, my teeth are straight.”
The friendly, professional staff of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, located on BBD Blvd., in front of Live Oak Preserve, is led by Dr. Neeraja Jasthi (far left) & Dr. Linda Park (far right). (Photo provided by Dr. Jasthi )
In fact, she adds, “what I like the best is that I can feel the difference in my bite. I used to have trouble chewing, but now I don’t. I’m really amazed by the difference.”
Karina says every member of her family is now a Family & Cosmetic Den tistry patient and she highly recommends the practice.
Another happy patient is Veronica Givens, a New Tampa resident who says she drove by the office many times on her travels up BBD and one day de cided to make an appointment.
As a busy mom, she says she had put off going to the dentist herself, even though she had some concerns about her teeth.
“When I took the time to go in and see Dr. Jasthi and her team, they were open and friendly, and they listened to me,” Veronica says.
One of her concerns was that her teeth were crooked, so Dr. Jasthi suggested Invisalign. “She really transformed my teeth to completely straight,” she says.
“It’s really helped boost my confidence,” she adds. “I talk with a lot of people all day, whether it’s in person or on video, and Invisalign has made me feel more comfortable. I’m no longer wondering if someone is noticing my crooked teeth now. I’m just smiling, laughing and talking.”
cess, she was impressed with the professional ism of the staff, and how caring everyone in the office seemed to be.
“I always recommend Dr. Jasthi because she’s definitely the best doctor I’ve ever seen in my whole life,” Veronica says. “My teeth are straight and white, and I have healthy gums and no cavities. I’m really grateful for her and her team.”
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, the office of Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, is located at 20441 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Office hours are available Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Friday. For more information about the practice, visit DrJasthi.com, call (813) 866-9913, or see the ad on page 36 of this issue.
Attorney Paul Monsanto Can Help With Wills, Trusts, Asset Protection & More!
The one thing we can all count on in life, other than death and taxes, is change. Whether it’s a new baby in the family or someone getting sick, change is constant. We have to make decisions in the best interest of our families and adjust to all the curveballs thrown our way, but what about when we’re not here anymore? Who will be looking out for our families after we’ve passed on? Death leaves us with big, heavy questions to ask ourselves. What will happen to my assets? Will my wishes be prop erly carried out? Who will take care of my children if I pass away before they’re adults? Death and dis ability are never topics anyone wants to discuss, but avoiding planning for them can cost you and your family big time.
Attorney Paul J. Monsanto has seen the turmoil experienced after someone dies without a properly prepared estate plan.
“There’s nothing more disheartening than when I see a family who should be grieving, instead having to deal with the legal headache that comes when someone dies without a Will or a Trust because it’s completely avoidable.”
The Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park (off S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, handles exactly these types of issues. The office specializes in Wills, Trusts, Probate and family planning.
“A comprehensive estate plan is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your family and your hard-earned money are protected in case you die or become incapacitated,” he says. “And it’s not as complex as some people think.”
He adds, “I believe simplicity is crucial to estate planning. I get a lot of calls from clients who think they need a complicated estate plan to avoid probate because of something a friend told them or an article they read online, but for a lot of people, especially older folks, that’s not the case.”
In fact, Paul says that the number-one reason that motivates his clients to call him is because they want to avoid probate.
“Probate is a court-supervised process of transferring assets from the deceased to their beneficiaries,” he explains. “It also is an opportunity for creditors to make a claim against the estate.”
He adds that for those with a family member who passed away without an estate plan, probate can be a long, arduous process.
“I’ll never forget one particular client: a young man in his forties who came to me because he was very sick with cancer. He didn’t have children but wanted to leave his assets to his mother and brother. My heart broke when I found out he had passed
still made the effort to create an estate plan. That saved his family months of added stress.”
Paul’s law firm is quickly rising to the top of the pack, with 66 five-star Google reviews since opening his office almost four years ago. But, while his firm is young, Paul has plenty of experience. He has been practicing law for nearly 15 years and is licensed to practice in both Florida and New York. He graduated with a Finance degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville and earned his Juris Doctor (law) degree from the Duke University School of Law in Chapel Hill, NC.
From there, Paul moved to New York City and became a litigating attorney for major banks and insurance companies. After his time in the big city, Paul came home to Tampa, where he was raised, so he could put down roots.
Paul says his career and personal life have taught him that no two family situations are the same. “I’ve helped families with no children and I’ve seen a family with ten children,” he says. “I’ve helped unmarried domestic partners, same-sex couples, people on their first, second and third marriages, blended families — you name it!”
The personal aspect of estate planning is what drew Paul to the practice area and why he plans to continue to practice estate law for years to come.
“After practicing commercial litigation for big banks and corporations, it’s so refreshing to help everyday people,” he says. “Speaking to my clients and hearing about their lives and their families is my favorite part of the job.”
ways Paul’s law office stands out from the dozens of others popping up around the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. He strives to keep his fees fair and reasonable and, in most cases, he charges a flat fee so the client knows ahead of time what their legal costs will be. He makes himself accessible to his clients, personally answering his phone, replying to emails and handling consultations and document signings. Paul encourages potential clients to read his online reviews to see what his past clients have said about their experience with his office. Positive word of mouth has indeed helped grow his practice.
“It’s such an honor when a client refers me to
a friend, neighbor or family member,” he says. Wills and Trusts are what most people think of first when it comes to estate planning, but Paul says there are many more aspects to it that he can help with, such as long-term care planning, special needs planning and asset protection. He also handles probate cases and the administration of Trusts.
“I like to think of myself as an old-school type of lawyer from a time before everything became impersonal,” Paul says. “I’m here to help my clients in any way I can, and if it’s something I don’t do, I can probably help them find someone who does.”
To schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, call (813) 997-5290, visit PJMAttorneys.com or see the ad on pg. 45. The office is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102, Wesley Chapel.
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Marimark Mortgage Will Help You Find The Best Mortgage For You!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
When John Grime started thinking about buying an investment property in 2021, he needed a plan.
He called his “go-to” mortgage broker, Mary Catchur of Marimark Mortgage in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. John says he’s built years of trust with Mary as she helped him and his wife obtain financing to purchase a home, then refinance it when rates dropped. He knew if he ever bought an investment property, he would count on Marimark Mortgage to provide the financing to make that transaction happen.
“Mary broke everything down and laid out a good roadmap for me of what the lender would ask for and what I would need,” he says. “Now, here I am, closing on a place.”
He says that type of honest, straightforward advice is the reason he always counts on Marimark Mortgage and highly recommends Mary.
“She’s detailed and she’s immediate with information,” John says. “Whether it’s a phone call, a text or an email, Mary constantly communicates.”
Mary says that’s a hallmark of her business, which she opened in 2006. When she first dipped her toes in the mortgage side of the business, while working for another company, she quickly realized the typical way of
selling mortgages wasn’t going to work for her.
“A lot of people who sell mortgages are salespeople,” she says. “They want to sell the rate or sell the payment, but I take a different approach. I’m an educator and a financial person, so I first listen to understand, then figure out what make sense for that person, and then, I explain why.”
Her financial background comes from both the education and work experiences she had before moving into the mortgage industry.
Mary received both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in French from the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa.
She holds Florida licenses as a mortgage broker, as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and as a real estate Broker.
She worked as an auditor for “Big Four” public accounting firm KPMG for 13 years, then served as the chief financial officer (CFO) for a real estate company.
Marimark has recently expanded, as Mary’s sons, Matt and Nick Catchur, have both joined the firm.
Matt graduated from USF in 2024 with a B.S. degree in Finance. Mary says Matt’s education benefits their clients.
“Similar to my CPA background,” she says, “the more you know about finance, the
better you can understand the products you offer. We can better evaluate our customers and find the best product for them.”
She explains that a salesperson who doesn’t have the background the Marimark Mortgage has will leave it up to the underwriter to determine if a buyer is qualified for a loan. Mary says this can cause frustration for a buyer who has been pre-qualified by someone who doesn’t fully understand the buyer’s financial situation or the nuances of the mortgage product they are selling.
Meanwhile, Mary’s son Nick is a real estate Broker who also works at Marimark in loan origination. As a team, this trio can offer multiple services that are helpful to buyers, and bring a greater understanding to the home-buying process.
Know What You Don’t Know?
Mary says beyond their commitment to excellent communication and education, another important skill is to know what they don’t know.
“There’s so much to know and to keep up on,” Mary says. “The rules and guidelines are constantly changing, and there are so many different products out there. There are a lot of moving parts and everyone’s scenario and source of income is so different, so every person you work with is completely new.”
For example, she says, income earned by a truck driver is completely different from
(L.-r.) Matt, Mary & Nick Catchur of Marimark Mortgage, located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, can help you find the best mortgage to suit your needs. (Photos by Charmaine George)
that earned by a nurse, which is completely different from that of a business executive.
“Our business background helps us understand how all these people get paid,” she says. “We have to constantly think outside the box, be creative and understand the scenario to put it with the right product.”
While many buyers are looking for a fixed-rate mortgage, Mary says there are many options.
For example, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans offer low down payments and Veterans Administration (VA) loans allow U.S. military veterans to buy a home with no money down.
Mary also says that those who are self-employed may want to consider a bankstatement loan, where account deposits determine income, rather than pay stubs.
For investment properties, a debtservice coverage ratio loan doesn’t require a borrower to have a specific income, but instead considers how much money is going to come in from the investment property and whether or not it will cover the principal, interest, taxes, insurance and Homeowners Association fees.
Marimark also offers reverse mortgages, which allow borrowers over the age of 62 whose home is worth more than what is owed on it to eliminate mortgage payments altogether.
Mary says Marimark often helps homeowners who want to refinance and get cash out for debt consolidation, renovations or
other purposes. Right now, though, many who refinanced their homes when rates were low don’t want to give up that low mortgage rate. In that case, homeowners can add a second loan or home equity line of credit, which Mary says is popular among those who want to use the equity in their homes without having to refinance.
She also says it’s a misconception that working with her will cost a buyer more than not working with a broker.
“Sometimes your bank will have a good product for you, but sometimes they’re not your best option because they only have their own products,” Mary explains. “Your situation might be a little different and you might need a different product. I have several lenders I can go to and search for a product that meets your needs. If your bank’s products don’t fit you, they can’t help you.”
She says she talks with people every day who have special circumstances and that the more she learns about them, the more helpful it is to be able to work with a variety of different lenders.
“We definitely have more options than a bank can offer,” she says. “There aren’t any extra fees, and you have the advantage of the many more products that we can offer you.”
Marimark Mortgage’s office is located at 5327 Primrose Lake Cir. in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. For more information, visit MarimarkMortgage.com, call (813)910-8020, or see the ad on page 44 of this issue.
Absolute Air Systems Is One Family’s Commitment To Comfort & Integrity
By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent
For more than 20 years, Absolute Air Systems, Inc., has been a trusted choice for heating and air conditioning services in Central Florida. Founded by the husband-&-wife team of Steve and Tammy DeRolf, along with co-founder Mike Thornton, the company is still family owned and operated. From the beginning, Absolute Air has been built on honesty, integrity and loyalty, with the goal of always providing exceptional service and fair pricing for every customer.
The DeRolf family still plays a significant role in the daily operations of Absolute Air Systems. Tammy and Steve’s daughter Amber serves as the office manager and is often the first point of contact for customers. Having grown up in the industry, Amber brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the team. She handles everything from answering inquiries to scheduling appointments, and ensuring each customer receives the personalized attention they need.
The family also includes Elaine, who resides in Palm Bay, and Steve Jr., who helps with the business when needed, despite having a career of his own. Mike Thornton also is still very much involved in the company’s day-to-day operations.
Amber proudly emphasizes Absolute Air’s commitment to transparency and fair pricing. “There are a lot of great companies
out there, but some will charge as much as they can,” she says. “But, we pride ourselves on having some of the lowest prices in the area. Our business is built on principles that have never changed.”
Absolute Air offers a full range of services for both residential and commercial clients, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system installations, emergency repairs, preventive maintenance, ultraviolet light (UV) installation, thermostat upgrades and ductless mini-split systems.
The company is certified and licensed for residential and commercial projects, including new construction. Absolute Air’s experienced technicians ensure that all work complies with all codes and standards, whether it’s a small repair or a customized system for a newly built property.
Among the company’s most popular services is the installation of ductless minisplit systems. These energy-efficient systems are ideal for homes without ductwork, older properties, room additions, small apartments and multi-family units. Mini-split systems provide both heating and cooling while offering precise temperature control. Unlike regular central air systems, the mini-split doesn’t rely on ducts to distribute the air and each of the units can be controlled individually. These systems work with two components. There is an outdoor compressor/ condenser and an indoor air handling unit.
APEX
Internal Medicine of Tampa
Energy Star-certified minisplit systems can use up to 60% less energy than traditional systems, making them a cost-effective option for many households.
(Note - Customers mentioning this story or the ad on pg. 42 receive a $250 discount on a mini-split AC system installation.)
Another service Amber highly recommends is the installation of UV lights, which help eliminate mold, mildew, bacteria and viruses, improve indoor air quality and extend the life of an AC system. Amber explains that the UV light also will reduce odors and keep the unit running efficiently by preventing mold buildup. The light is usually placed near the evaporator coil inside the air handler, which is where most moisture and potential microbial growth occur. The UV light will sterilize the air as it passes through.
“While there is an installation fee,” Amber says, “the only future expense is replacing the light, which depending upon
the brand, may last 1-2 years.”
Amber adds that regular routine maintenance is vital for extending the lifespan of any HVAC system.
She also encourages customers to join
(L.-r.) Amber, Steve & Tammy DeRolf of Absolute Air Systems, with Hurricane (the Absolute Air team mascot). (Photos by Charmaine George)
the company’s maintenance membership program, which offers numerous benefits. Routine upkeep helps your system run more efficiently, reduces energy usage and lowers utility bills. Regular maintenance also ensures safety by verifying the system’s proper operation and minimizing the risk of malfunctions, which helps prevent costly breakdowns and repairs, offering customers peace of mind and long-term savings. Scheduling a maintenance appointment is made even easier with Absolute Air’s app, allowing customers to book appointments with just a few clicks.
Customers Rave About Absolute Air!
Kathy Gillespie, a satisfied Absolute Air customer, says, “This company is so awesome! Steve and his team have helped me keep my air conditioner going and have come out multiple times, no matter the day or time! Honest and professional! I highly recommend them!”
Absolute Air Systems has earned its reputation for transparency and honesty. Its technicians are dedicated to presenting customers with all available options, whether a repair or replacement is needed.
“If there’s a warranty on a part, we’ll tell you,” Amber says. “Some companies don’t, but we always will. We do everything in our power to get your unit running again at the best price possible.”
The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in the glowing reviews it has received over the years. Customer
Monica GuraHornyak writes, “Our fam ily has been using Absolute Air for years for several properties. This past week they really pulled out all the stops to help an elderly client of mine who needed a new AC system. They arranged their schedule because of a time constraint (I’m selling the home for the client) and Miguel worked until everything was perfect. Best and most important of all, they did NOT try to oversell her a huge unit she did not need. Thank you guys, I’ll keep sending my clients to you for sure.”
The reviews highlight the company’s commitment to treating customers like fam ily. Absolute Air strives to ensure every cus tomer feels valued and supported throughout their experience. “We’re not just a business; we’re a family,” Amber says. “We care about our customers and treat them the way we’d want to be treated.”
For customers who do need a new AC system, Absolute Air offers a wide selection of top brands, including systems tailored for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. Financing options are available through GreenSky and RenewFinancial, making it easier for families to invest in their comfort.
truly cares.
“Being part of this community means everything to us,” says Amber. “It’s where we live, work and raise our families.”
Whether it’s routine maintenance, an emergency repair, or a new heating and cooling
Systems, Inc. and the services the company provides, or to schedule an appointment, call (813)779-0101, email info@getcoldair.com or visit GetColdAir.com. Or, see the ad on pg. 42 for Absolute Air’s $250 off a mini-split system offer for Neighborhood News readers.
The DeRolf family’s dedication to community and customer care also extends to military families and veterans, who receive a 10% discount as a token of appreciation for their service. The discount can be redeemed through the company’s website, further emphasizing the company’s commitment to giving back.
Coffee Latitudes — Come For The Coffee, Stay For The Food!
By Gary Nager
photos by Charmaine George
James Frank, who owns the new Coffee Latitudes Café on County Line Rd., west of Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd. (in the same plaza as Five Guys and LA Fitness) with his wife Olga (right), is what I call both a perfectionist and a true “artiste.”
James, who is from Croton-on-Hudson in the northern part of Westchester County, NY, de cided at a young age that he wasn’t going to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a plumber. He was in a culinary program in high school and, after about a year in a technical school, found a vacated restaurant location in his hometown and, at age 19, he opened The Malt Shop.
“That was in the 1980s,” James says, but do you know what was popular in the ‘80s? The ‘50s! So, of course, we had a black-and-white checkered floor, a counter with all the stools, a jukebox in the back...so it was very malt shop-ish.”
By 1990, James sold that restaurant and had an opportunity to sell coffee in Manhattan, which he did for about two years.
“I realized, with my entrepreneurial spirit, ‘Hey, I can do this on my own,” and, for many years, he supplied coffee for the corporate offices of Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis and CNN. “When September 11 happened, I wanted to sell my business and by November of that year, I sold that business and went on my first sabbatical. By June of 2002, I relocated to Florida.”
From 2002-15, his new coffee supply business sold to the likes of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bucs, Morgan & Morgan and many more. “If your
on sabbatical again. I traveled to Germany, Paris, Switzerland and finally said, I’m not yet 50, I can’t just do nothing. I have to find something else.”
So, he opened his first Florida café — Café
Liberty Bistro — on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. at Van Dyke Rd. “It was definitely a ‘foodie’ kind of place,” James says, “a place where you’d go to get a short rib grilled cheese (below, right) or waffles loaded with pork belly, sage or chicken...huge waffles.”
Although Olga, who is from “Da Bronx” (but you’d never know it from her non-NY, Latina accent) also worked with him in the coffee business in Manhattan and moved to Florida with him to work at his coffee business here, James and Olga both went through getting divorced and ended up getting together. When James sold the Dale Mabry café, by 2020, just before Covid, he and Olga decided to open a new café in Spring Hill they called Café Connections.
he opened a similar café there and ironically, he sought me out and sold it to me,” James says. “We moved to Spring Hill because the café was there.”
But, the guy who bought his Dale Mabry café ended up closing it about a year-and-a-half later and said, “If you want it back, take it. We’re moving back to India.” Instead of buying it or reopening it, the main thing James wanted from that store was the 5-kilo coffee roasting machine.
But, when Covid happened, instead of keeping the Spring Hill café open, James and Olga sold it and began roasting coffee at home.
“Olga was going through a cancer scare,” James says, “so even though we were considered an ‘essential business,’ we decided to go ahead and close. It was a blessing in disguise for us, because
Shops at Wiregrass, which ended up leading to a Coffee Latitudes kiosk at the mall. They sold the kiosk a few months ago, after almost four years, to focus their energies on the Coffee Latitudes Café, which has now been open for almost a year.
“We just happened to be visiting this plaza and drove by the place,” Olga says, “and saw that The Juice Factory (the previous tenant) had closed. When we first asked about it, the guy told us that he already had a Letter of Intent to take it over, but ended up calling us back a couple of months later. The first time James saw the brick walls inside, he said, ‘I want to open a café here.’”
So, while the 5-kilo coffee roaster is still in their garage, James bought a 10-kilo roaster to have in the store and has been able to expand his already extensive collection of coffees from every coffee-growing region around the world, from Asia to Africa and from South to Central America.
The Coffee
When he first opened, James told me to always ask “What coffee are you brewing today?,” but now, the day’s brews are posted on a chalkboard sign (top right photo on next page) on the counter where you order. Another small chalkboard sign tells you the day’s food specials.
I love all of the Latin American coffees — from Bolivia, Honduras, Costa Rica and even Mexico, and I have been somewhat surprised to also enjoy his Sumatran and Indonesian blends.
James also has told me that I have been storing my coffee all wrong at home. I knew that keeping coffee beans (we grind our own at home) in the refrigerator is a no-no, but I thought keeping it in the freezer was better. Wrong again.
“The best way to keep your coffee fresh is in
All
an air-tight container in a cabinet or pantry,” he says. “That way, it doesn’t pick up any smells from the refrigerator or freezer.”
Olga adds, “Our bags of bulk coffee beans have a valve on the back to only allow air to go out, not in. Our customers love them!”
And, while Coffee Latitudes does offer lattes, cappuccinos, café mochas, affogato cafés (with Italian gelato and fresh roasted espresso that will have you singing “Amore”) and other hot and iced coffee drinks, don’t expect them to taste like those processed, over-sugared drinks from those “S” or “DD” chains. “Even our regular coffee needs less cream and sweetener than you might be used to at home,” James says. Other drinks include cold brew, chai, matcha organic green and loose leaf teas (hot or iced), hot chocolate, smoothies, frappes and a variety of “mocktails.”
And Finally...The Food!
James says Coffee Latitudes specializes in
“artisanal comfort food for breakfast and lunch.”
For breakfast, he imports croissants from France and “legit” bagels from New York City.
“We bake the croissants and bagels (the latter are “par-baked” in New York and shipped frozen; available in plain, everything, “rainbow” and more) here and offer deluxe egg sandwiches (scrambled, over easy or sunny side up), on your choice of bread (including a “New Yorker” on a Kaiser roll) and choice of meat (bacon or ham). You can even add fresh avocado (like the photo on the previous page) or have the bagel toasted with butter or cream cheese. Or enjoy a fresh Belgian waffle topped with chocolate chips, strawberries or blueberries.
Coffee Latitudes’ “Afternoon Bites” include the yummy shredded short rib grilled cheese on the previous page. We used this photo to emphasize what James calls “the crown,” that crispy cooked cheddar and smoked gouda cheese blend that runs over the bread and makes not only the taste, but also the visuals, unique.
Giacomo (Italian for James), a shareable sammi with hot capicola, salami, ham and mortadella with provolone, red onion and campari tomatoes on Italian bread with Sicilian red pesto. Or, try the Italian-style avocado toast on toasted garlic bread, with avocado, mozzarella, tomato, red onion, a balsamic drizzle and Italian seasoning. There’s also chicken Caesar, tuna, ham or turkey wraps and “You Chef” sandwiches, plus Caesar and other salads.
The restaurant also displays its bagels and croissants, along with a variety of pastries and desserts, some made or baked in-house.
Yes, Soup For You!
With apologies to “Seinfeld,” James does
the eatery asking what soups they have and if it’s tomato, I have to buy two of them.
One time, when he didn’t have the tomato, Jannah tried James’ creamy broccoli cheddar soup, so she now has two favorites! He also makes a mean, cinnamon-y carrot soup that’s great on a cold day...like we had most of January.
Coffee Latitudes (6431 E. County Line Rd.) is open every day for breakfast, lunch & early dinner, as follows: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sat. and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun. For more info (including a great coupon special), see the ad on pg. 38,. Or, call (813) 575-8000 or visit CoffeeLatitudes.com. And please, tell James and Olga that I sent you!
D’Oro Margarita with Monte Alban Reposado Tequila finished off with Gran Gala liqueur. Flavors: Strawberry, Mango, Raspberry & Passion Fruit.
Sindbad Is Now Open In Former Bang-Bang! Bowls Location In The Pebble Creek Collection
Although we told you it was getting ready to open last issue, the second Sindbad Tampa rant — which features smoothies, juices, crepes, desserts, cakes, ice cream and more — is now open in the former location of Bang-Bang! Bowls Pebble Creek Collection (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite C-2).
The original Sindbad location is at 10933 N.56th St. in Temple Terrace, and while the shop has a Middle Eastern-sounding name (S Sailor is a fictional character from Baghdad), own ers Laith Mahdawe and his wife Raghad Alkalide (who are Middle Eastern; top left photo), say their daughter-in-law, who is Mexican, was the inspira tion for Sindbad’s many Mexican and Latin juices and other menu items.
Although the new Sindbad was only open for two weeks at our press time and didn’t yet have all of its menu available, photographer Charmaine George and I definitely were impressed with the store’s incredible array of fresh fruits and veggies (photo below) that Laith and Raghad use to make fresh smoothies and juice drinks. We did also sam ple a few beverages, including a banana-strawberry smoothie (so fresh!) and a pure watermelon breeze juice served in a half of a small watermelon (Char maine loved it). Sindbad also features juice drinks specifically created to help with everything from kidney stones to memory loss to indigestion (middle right photo).
We also enjoyed two dessert items — a slice of chocolate cheese cake with a scoop of fresh Her shey’s strawberry ice cream, and an unexpectedly delicious croissant ice
cream flavors we sampled (there are about a dozen flavors, and soon to also be served with Sindbad
JOHNNY C'S
Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico Offers Its Full Menu In New ‘El Patio’
By Gary Nager
The owners of Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico on Wesley Chapel Blvd., next to the Pinebrook at The Grove plaza in Wesley Chapel, obviously aren’t afraid of working hard.
The husband-and-wife team of David and Cindy Cruz also have owned DC Accounting for more than 20 years and opened their Rice-n- Beans Express location on S.R. 54 in Lutz a little more than a year ago.
But, when they purchased the former Cody’s Roadhouse (and Remington’s Steakhouse before Cody’s), there was a nice-sized patio in front of the main building that basically went unused for the first few years after the couple moved Rice-n-Beans from its successful original location in a gas station building on S.R. 54 in Lutz.
But, that all changed in November, when Cindy and David finally opened their completely redesigned “El Patio” in the formerly unused patio space. And, even though they weren’t sure at first if they wanted it to have its own menu, El Patio is now serving the main Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico’s full menu, as well as a variety of craft cocktails, beer and wine in El Patio’s beautiful, full-liquor bar (with its own open hours).
Of course, the main restaurant also is a beautiful place to have authentic Puerto Rican and Latin cuisine and some premium cocktails. It’s just nice to have your choice of settings.
What About The Food?
Pretty much from the day it moved to Wesley Chapel from Lutz — where it was much more of a hidden gem that only a few Wesley Chapel
I’m no Puerto Rican cuisine connoisseur but I do enjoy many of the dishes I’ve sampled at Rice-n-Beans. Among my favorite appetizers are the crispy-outside beef empanadas (below), which we also enjoyed as part of the Antojitos Puertorriqueños platter, which also includes a chicken empanada, as well as a sorullito de maiz con queso (a corn & cheese fritter) and an alcapurria de carne, which is a popular Puerto Rican street food item that looks like a sausage but is actually a crispy fritter made from a blend of root vegetables, stuffed with savory seasoned beef and served with a ketchup-and-mayo-based dipping sauce. The restaurant also has empanadas stuffed with shrimp, octopus or pizza.
One of the special items we’ve enjoyed were the tostones rellenos de carne (right) — fried green plantain slices topped with tender steak, onions and red peppers in a tomato-based salsa Criolla (Créole sauce). The tos tones rellenos are usually served either plain or topped with shrimp or octopus, but marketing manager Damaris Gutierrez had the kitchen make it with steak for me. Loved it!
lobster tail and six large shrimp which, of course, I had to take Charmaine’s word about because of my shellfish allergy. She said that both the lobster and shrimp in garlic butter sauce sitting atop the mofongo bowl were delicious on their own,
visit either ordered the langosta or the same dish with chicken, steak, shrimp, octopus or “mariscos” (mixed seafood).
My favorite entrées at Rice-n-Beans include the chicharrons de pollo (bone-in crispy fried
All photos by Charmaine George
(Above left) David & Cindy Cruz of Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico invite you to check out the beautiful new bar — and enjoy their delicious Puerto Rican cuisine — at the new outdoor “El Patio.” Also shown on these pages are the mofongo relleno de langosta (above right), the tostones rellenos de carne (below) & the beef empanadas (bottom left). On the facing page are the churrasco steak (top left), the jibarito sandwich with fries (top right) and the flancocho dessert (lower right).
pechuga de pollo (pan-seared chicken breast topped with sautéed onions and garlic or the salsa Criolla mentioned before), and the super-tender churrasco steak (above), which is pan-seared and served with a fresh green vibrant house coriander and cilantro chimichurri sauce (sorry that we forgot to photograph the chimichurri). The churrasco is served with sweet plantains and a side of rice (your choice of white or yellow) and I also got a side of red beans, which also were excellent.
For you seafood lovers, Rice-n-Beans also offers a filete en salsa (fish filet in salsa Criolla or sautéed in garlic and capers), a chillo frito entero (whole pan-fried red snapper) and mariscada personal — a seafood lover’s delight with shrimp, octopus and lobster served over saffron-infused yellow rice and accompanied by red beans and (you guessed it) crispy tostones.
We also wanted to sample a traditional Puerto Rican sandwich on our most recent visit, so Damaris recommended the jibarito (top right photo) — which is a sandwich made with twicefried plantains instead of bread and stuffed with steak (bistec), roasted pork (pernil) or the pollo (grilled chicken) we chose. The jibarito is topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese and a zesty garlic mayo (and served with crispy fries) and Charmaine and I were both surprised at the sandwich’s unique flavor. Savory plantains certainly are a recurring theme at Rice-n-Beans, but if you think you’re not a fan of them, you definitely should try one of the dishes described in this story.
topped with a thick layer of Puerto Rican-style flan, which is denser and more cake-like than Cuban or Colombian flan. The dessert is topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles and drizzled with chocolate. You might want to add a café con leché and/or an after-dinner cocktail.
Other desserts include vanilla, chocolate and even cheese flan, plus tres leches (sponge cake soaked in three milks and topped with whipped cream) and ponque de novia (a shareable, tender cake infused with almond and topped with buttercream frosting). If you bring the kids, they can choose from chicken strips, fried pork chunks, grilled cheese or empanadas.
Rice-n-Beans also is the place for great entertainment on the weekends, both in the main restaurant and now, also out on El Patio. There’s DJ music, salsa dancing nights and even live performances. For the February schedule, check the Rice-n-Beans website (RicenBeans.com) or visit the restaurant.
Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico (27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd.) is open Sat., 11 a.m.-midnight; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sun.; and for dinner only on Tues.-Fri., beginning at 4 p.m. It closes Tues.Thur. at 9 p.m. & at 11 p.m. on Fri. El Patio is open Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m.-close & noon-6 p.m. on Sun. For more information, visit RicenBeans. com or call (813) 803-7974.
For Rice N Beans Express (24726 S.R. 54, Lutz), call (813) 428-5077, visit ”Rice n Beans Express” on Facebook or see the ad on pg. 41.
The exterior of Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico. “El Patio” is the slatted structure located to the right of the
Tous Les Jours Bakery Opens In Former Capital Tacos Location On S.R.
Congratulations to the owners of the new Tous les Jours bakery franchise at 27209 S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel — in the former location of Capital Tacos
Like the Tous les Jours inside the Lotte Plaza Market in New Tampa, the Wesley Chapel location offers a large selection of freshly baked croissants, pastries, donuts, breads and more — in both sweet and savory varieties — as well as cakes, coffee drinks, teas, smoothies, lemonades and much more.
Photographer Charmaine George and I have visited the new Tous les Jours multiple times and the first thing we both noticed is how much nicer and more spacious the new location is than the one in the Lotte Plaza Market food court. There are several tables, as well as couches, for enjoying your purchases inside the shop, which in no way still resembles the old Capital Tacos.
As for the baked goods, among the sweet options we’ve sampled are an almond croissant, a large Mont Blanc pastry (which is like a huge, crispy outside-flaky inside cinnamon roll), a strawberry croissant filled not only with super-fresh strawberries, but also whipped cream, and a mini caramel apple pie. The savory items we’ve tried and enjoyed include a ham-&-cheese croissant, a spinach and feta pastry (which is both sweet and savory), a croque monsieur sandwich (a grilled French-style ham and cheese sandwich) and a sausage onion pastry, which
is like a hot dog surrounded by a pastry with onions, cheese and ketchup. There also are several different kinds of milk breads, full bread loaves stuffed with whipped cream and so many more. We haven’t tried any of the cakes yet, but give us time!
As for beverages, I’ve enjoyed both the vanilla latte and caramel macchiato and Charmaine and I agreed that the fresh, thick, hand-spun mango smoothie (below) was delicious. There also is a huge selection of hot and iced teas available and more!
Tous les Jours is a French-inspired — its name literally means “Every Day” in French — Korean-owned chain of bakeries with 1,700 locations around the world, including more than 100 (and growing) in the U.S.
The Wesley Chapel Tous les Jours is open every day from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and although the menu doesn’t include some of the freshly made sandwich items other Tous les Jours stores carry, the hope here is that they’ll add some of those items in the future.
For more info, call (813) 388-5612 or visit tljus.com.
Cheesecake Factory Plans Move Forward At Tampa Premium Outlets
By Joel Provenzano
Just before the start of the New Year (on Dec. 31), preliminary site plans were submitted to Pasco County for the hotly anticipated The Cheesecake Factory restaurant, which is expected to be located in the current parking lot at the busy Tampa Premium Outlets on S.R. 56 (see map).
We were able to talk with a source familiar with the project (but who asked not to be identified for the story) to get the inside scoop about a few more details with this plan.
Probably the most important piece of information we’re sure everyone is wondering about is “When is The Cheesecake Factory anticipated to finish construction and open its doors?”
Our source said that while the restaurant has not yet received the permits to begin building (so this is still mostly subjective), the restaurant’s ownership/development group is shooting to open during the third quarter of this year, which would likely put it opening just before the holidays — although that seems somewhat ambitious considering it hasn’t even begun building yet.
the plan has since been updated to be closer to about a 7,700-sq.-ft. building, which indicates that the company is still actively working on perfecting the layout even before getting comments back from the county. In addition to the indoor space, the restaurant’s outdoor seating area is shown to be about 1,500 sq. ft.
What About The Parking?
When asked about the parking situation, our source claimed that the net loss would only be about 20 spaces total for the mall — four of which are handicapped parking spaces that the source said would just be shifted over to the next parking aisle and not actually lost.
But, our detailed review of the proposed construction plan indicates the net loss will be closer to 60 regular parking spaces, with the four handicapped spaces being shifted as explained. So, which parking space loss is correct — 20 spaces or 60? We’ll have to get back to you on that one.
Meanwhile, the mall’s website states there are only about 40 handicapped-accessible parking spaces throughout the entire property, so any loss of handicapped parking would appear
As for how The Cheesecake Factory will be situated in the current mall parking lot, the restaurant is still shown as being located near the “central” pedestrian front entrance of the mall, right off the northwest corner of that entrance’s roundabout, where the primary “Tampa Premium Outlets” sign is located
Although we found other graphics submitted later by The Cheesecake Factory, this earlier map, which we only found on the Pasco County Development & Growth Updates Facebook page, has the most accurate representation of where the restaurant will be located in the current parking lot at the Tampa Premium Outlets.
The main entrance of the restaurant and the outside seating area are both shown as facing that roundabout.
Since The Cheesecake Factory was first announced, many people have wondered about how a mega restaurant like this could be getting built at this already-packed location.
According to public information on Pasco County’s permitting website, this restaurant
development still falls within the mall’s total entitlements (the total amount of commercial space that is allowed to be built) that were approved by the county’s Board of County Commissioners in the latest rezoning for the Cypress Creek Town Center Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) in which the outlet mall is located). Those entitlements were approved back in February of 2019.
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Chicken Guy! Is Finally Open & It’s Already Attracting
If you haven’t yet driven to, or by, the new Chicken Guy! restaurant, which finally opened on Jan. 7, on the north side of S.R. 56 (across from the Tampa Premium Outlets, at 25769 Sierra Center Blvd.), well, let’s just say you might be the only person in our area who hasn’t.
The brightly colored eatery, founded in 2018 and co-owned by restaurateur Robert Earl (the founder of the Planet Hollywood and Earl of Sandwich chains) and Food Network star Guy Fieri, has been packed virtually all the time from the moment it opened, especially the drive-through, which has caused some backups onto 56 from the traffic circle adjacent to the restaurant.
The Neighborhood News was on hand for both the Friends & Family event on Jan. 6 and the actual opening the next day, when (l.-r. in top photo) Marcelo Cardoza (the manager of culinary operations for Fieri’s Knuckle Sandwich, LLC), franchise co-owners Suhail Rifae and Moe Khalil were joined by Jason Taliaferro (the senior VP of Chicken Guy!) to introduce the Wesley Chapel/Lutz community to Chicken Guy!’s always-fresh chicken.
Fieri, the self-proclaimed “Mayor of Flavortown,” offers several varieties of chicken at the new fast-casual chain, including seasonal limited menu items like the pepperoni chicken parm sandwich (far right pic) and the chopped cheese & chicken eggrolls, as well as “Big Bite,” two-tender
sandwiches like the BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado & tomato); the CG Classic and Buffalo Mac ‘N’ Cheese sandwiches.
All of the fried sandwiches and tenders come lightly seasoned, so you also can enjoy your favorite Fieri-created sauce from Chicken Guy!’s “Boss of Sauce” list.
The good news is that if you’re not a fried chicken lover, all of the sandwiches and tenders also are available grilled and there are two salad options (including the chopped chicken Caesar with chopped grilled tenders below).
About the only menu items we haven’t yet sampled are the fried chicken dumplings (topped with smoked bacon, green onions & sesame seeds) and a few shake varieties. Go give it a try!
visit ChickenGuy.com & tell GM Trev or McIntyre I sent you!
Crowds!
& w esley C hapel Classifieds
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