New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 32, Issue 13, June 25, 2024

Hundreds Attend Commissioner Hagan’s Town Hall Meeting

By Gary Nager

Even though signs were posted throughout the New Tampa area for several weeks leading up to it, neither District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan nor New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) manager Keith Arsenault expected the standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 people who showed up at Comm. Hagan’s Town Hall meeting on June 10 at NTPAC.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight,” Hagan said as he stood behind the podium on the NTPAC’s stage. “I know there’s a million things you could be doing with your time but the fact that you took time out of your schedules to join us is very much appreciated. This is a heck of a crowd. I expected a pretty good turnout but I had no idea it would be to this extent.”

Before he began the Town Hall, Hagan said he had a few “housekeeping” issues he wanted to get to, including an announcement about “New Tampa’s own Bruhat Soma (see pg. 6), who recently won the Scripps National Spelling Bee. We invited him here tonight, but as you can imagine, he’s been to the White House, to California...we will be formally recognizing him at a future County Commission meeting, but what a tremendous accomplishment! I still remember the word that I misspelled in third grade... it was ‘grammar.’ To this day, I still think about that, but I wanted to honor this young man.”

Hagan then mentioned that if people in attendance were like him, “You’re probably tired of seeing my picture on signs all around the neighborhoods. Well, those signs have all now been removed.”

AUG. 20 ELECTION PREVIEW

Local candidates & many important races will be on the ballot two months before the presidential race.

See page 3

The Reason For The Town Hall

“The purpose of this meeting tonight is to bring the county government to you,” Hagan said. “New Tampa is a wonderful community, as I know firsthand, having lived here for 15 years. It’s also a very unique community, as most of New Tampa is located in the City of Tampa, but you have certain neighborhoods — Cross Creek, Pebble Creek and Live Oak — that are in unincorporated Hillsborough.”

Hagan then noted that, “Most of the main

CONGRATULATIONS, BRUHAT!

Scripps Spelling Bee champ Bruhat Soma is greeted by a hero’s welcome upon his return.

See page 6

roads in New Tampa are county roads — Bruce B. Downs, Morris Bridge, Kinnan Street and you’ve got Cross Creek (Blvd.), with parts in the city, parts in the county. One of the first things I did, many moons ago, when I lived in Cross Creek, was to widen Cross Creek Blvd. to four lanes and to get a traffic signal at Kinnan — and that’s when I realized the challenge, because it was divided.”

He added that, “The good thing is that we have a wonderful relationship with the City of Tampa,

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which makes things move a lot better. I know when I lived here, sometimes it felt like there were two New Tampas — south of I-75 and north of 75, which I know because I lived for nine years in Tampa Palms and six years in Cross Creek.”

Hagan also said that he recognized that, “New Tampa is quite a bit aways from downtown Tampa, where the government offices are, and most folks up here are working or are busy with

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See pages 38-45

See “Hagan’s Town Hall” on page 4.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan (at podium in upper right) addresses about 200 New Tampa residents at his standing-room-only Town Hall meeting on June 10 at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Hagan brought along representatives of pretty much every county department to help answer questions he couldn’t during his 90-minute question-and-answer session. (Photo by Charmaine George)

Do You Plan To Vote On (Or Before) August 20? Here’s Why You Should!

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

Every Presidential Election year, a lot of people who never vote otherwise head to the ballot box (or, these days, their mailbox) to cast a ballot for the first time in four years on the first Tuesday of November, only to never cast another vote for another four years.

And, it seems, that even though there are always candidates and state and local amendments to vote for in November, the vast majority of residents in most communities don’t bother to find out anything about those candidates or ballot measures because they have no intention of voting in a November election in a non-presidential year. Even fewer cast ballots in August Primary Elections.

And yes, even fewer City of Tampa residents cast ballots in Tampa’s Municipal Elections in March of odd-numbered years.

The thing that boggles my mind is that although those elected to serve in the White House and Congress are important, they honestly have a lot less to do with most of our day-to-day lives than those who serve in the State Legislature, County Commission, School Board and City Council. Most of us can’t call the President for any reason, nor can we regularly attend a session of Congress, but you can get your state and local elected officials on the phone to express your opinion, ask for help on an issue affecting you or your family and regularly attend County Commission, School Board and City Council meetings to have your opinions heard on roads, parks and development projects, whether in your own backyard or that affect the entire city, county or school district. And yes, a trip to Tallahassee to speak your mind to your Florida legislators is a lot easier than flying up to Washington, DC, and being anything other than a spectator.

But, even though I’ve been saying the same thing in these pages for a little more than 30 years now, all I still hear people talking about when they discuss politics are the “orange guy” who used to be president and the “doddering old man” who holds that office now. And, anytime I ask people if they plan to vote in August, when School Board members and County Commissioners facing a primary opponent but no opposition party opponent in November are elected, the familiar — and painful — refrain is, “I only vote in the big elections.” To which my only response, after three decades of the same thing being said, is now just “Yeesh.”

So, why do I even bother to keep trying? Because I still believe that if I can convince even one person who otherwise wouldn’t have cast a vote in these important local elections, the effort is still worth it.

To that end, while I don’t expect to change anyone’s mind about voting in the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 20, I do hope that some of you will take a look at the candidates and issues on the ballot and decide to take five minutes of your time — whether you vote by mail, vote early at the New Tampa Regional Library or walk into your nearby polling place on Aug. 20 — and get involved in the local political scene, rather than just complain about it.

Anyway, I’m off my soapbox, but here are some of the races that either will be determined or at least partially determined in the Primary Election:

Clerk of Circuit Court — Former County Commissioner and State Representative (and Tampa Palms resident) Victor Crist faces off against retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Melony Williams in the Republican primary to see who faces Democratic incumbent — and former School Board member — Cindy Stuart.

County Commissioner, District 2 — Incumbent Ken Hagan (see this issue’s cover story), who has served on the Commission since 2002, faces a Republican primary opponent in land use activist and Odessa resident Melissa Nordbeck for the right to face Democratic candidate and New Tampa resident Patricia Altagracia Alonzo in November.

County Commissioner, District 6 — Longtime New Tampa resident and activist Dr. Jim Davison faces long-time Hillsborough firefighter Chris Boles in the Republican primary for this countywide seat. In November, the winner will face the winner of Sean Shaw vs. Joseph Ryan Taylor in the Democratic primary.

School Board Member, District 3 — Incumbent and Tampa Palms resident Jessica Vaughn, a former classroom and substitute teacher, faces Myosha Powell in this non-partisan race

(meaning that it is open to voters in all parties). Powell’s website says her mission “is to be the parents’ ally.”

School Board Member, District 7 — Incumbent and career educator Lynn Gray faces three challengers in middle school teacher Karen Bendorf, Johnny “Principal” Bush (who led Robinson and Plant high schools) and architectural designer Jen Flebotte in this District-wide non-partisan election.

U.S. Senator — Republican incumbent Rick Scott faces two primary opponents in August — John S. Columbus and Keith Gross. The Democratic primary includes former Congresswoman Debbie Mucasel-Powell, former Congressman Alan Grayson, Stanley Campbell, Joseph Rod and Brian Rush.

U.S. Congress, District 15 — Incumbent Republican Laurel Lee faces Jennifer Barbosa and James Judge in an August primary. The winner faces former

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Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp, who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Hillsborough State Attorney — Andrew Warren, who was removed from this office by Gov. DeSantis, faces off against Tampa lawyer Elizabeth Martinez for the Democratic nomination. The winner faces Warren’s DeSantis-appointed Republican replacement, former Hillsborough judge Suzy Lopez. Also, although the race won’t be decided until November 5, incumbent Dist. 67 Democratic State Rep. and House Minority leader Fentrice Driskell faces a rematch against Republican candidate Lt. Col. Lisette Bonano, a New Tampa resident.

Here are some important dates coming up: Deadline to Register to Vote in Primary Election or Change Party Affiliation: Monday, July 22 Early Voting Dates for the Primary Election: Monday, August 5-Sunday, August 18

Primary Election Day: Tuesday, August 20, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

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day-to-day activities and don’t have the opportunity to come down to attend a County Commission or City Council meeting. That’s why I wanted to have a forum, where we would bring the various county departments here to answer your concerns.”

He also made sure that people in the audience understood that, “We’re here tonight to discuss New Tampa issues. We’re not here to discuss energy policy, geopolitical issues, presidential or any other elections. There also are some folks signed up asking questions about some issues related to New Tampa that I’m not going to touch on tonight (because there were 75+ people signed up to speak and less than 90 minutes before the meeting had to end), but if you provided your contact information, someone from my office will contact you and we will provide you with an update”

Introducing The Departments

Hagan then introduced the 50 or so people in attendance from the various city and county departments — City of Tampa Police (TPD), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Hillsborough Fire Rescue (HFR), Pet Resources, Code Enforcement, Library Services, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Clerk of the Court, Supervisor of Elections, Affordable Housing, Homeless Services, Public Works, Conservation & Environmental Lands Management, County Parks & Recreation, City Parks & Recreation, Water Resources, Development Services, Children’s Services and the county’s Office of Emergency Management. Hagan thanked Arsenault and his NTPAC staff for hosting the meeting and noted what an amazing addition it already has been to the New Tampa community.

And Away We Go!

As Hagan scrolled his way through the sign-up sheets, he decided to start the actual town hall with an update on the improvements to Branchton Park.

“When I lived in Cross Creek, I would often take Morris Bridge Rd. to get home and I would drive by this beautiful, but underutilized, park at the corner of Morris Bridge and Cross Creek,” Hagan said. “I said to myself that this would be a real opportunity to create a wonderful park that would be a true destination.”

He then noted that several years ago, the county purchased 22 acres surrounding the existing park, “So now, we have a total of 42 acres. And what I wanted was to find out what the community, what amenities you wanted for this park, so we did an online survey to which more than 500 people responded and we incorporated nearly all of those suggestions into the park’s design.”

Hagan then said that the county broke ground on the on the $9.5 million in improvements to Branchton Park, “about a year and a half ago. Phase 1 will have a new playground, splash pad, shelters,

pickleball courts, a dog park and we’re looking for a private partner to provide the county’s first zip line. It’s going to be something really cool.” He added that he’s hopeful to have a ribbon cutting for Phase 1 sometime in September of this year.

Speaking of parks, Hagan next gave an update on the Cross Creek Park Recreation Center, located adjacent to Pride Elementary.

“This 17,000-sq.-ft. gymnasium and rec center is fully funded at a little over $9 million,” he said, “It also will have walking trails, a new playground and parking. It will provide much-needed after-school and summer programs for children, as well as senior and adult programming during the day. It will have indoor basketball, volleyball, pickleball..plus a fitness room and multi-purpose room.”

He also said the next phase at the rec center will include an outdoor pavilion and a shade structure for the outdoor basketball court. “The current status is that the bidding is under way and closes this month (June) and we’re hoping to break ground on this recreation center in August or September.”

Hagan then recognized Cheryl Pahl, a retired 20-year teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary and Pebble Creek resident for 30 years, who gave a prepared speech about incorporating a ceramics/ pottery art studio somewhere in New Tampa.

“I have been teaching pottery at the Carrollwood Cultural Center,” Pahl said, “and I’m here tonight to advocate for the arts in New Tampa. This wonderful venue (the NTPAC) provides a road map to remove gaps to other types of art instruction in New Tampa outside of regular K-12 school instruction. We could provide pottery, painting and drawing instruction for all ages at this facility (the Cross Creek rec center). All art classes will have registration and other fees, so it could be self-sustaining after the initial outlay.”

Pahl also mentioned that she and a group of volunteers circulated a petition around New Tampa and had collected, “close to 300 signatures.” ‘Hagan’s

Hagan responded that he fully supports creating an art and ceramics studio and, “I’ve had preliminary discussions with our parks director Rick Valdez to discuss potential options.” He added that the Parks Dept. has “eliminated kiln (ceramics oven) studios in our parks facilities, but based on the interest you’ve garnered, I want to make this a reality. An art and kiln studio will most likely be located in a dedicated room at the Cross Creek park or here (at NTPAC) in Phase 2, with Cross Creek a better chance to have it sooner. But, we’re going to make this happen.”

Next, Maggie Wilson from the Tampa Palms Owners Association thanked Hagan and the county for repairing some sidewalks along BBD in Tampa Palms North “very quickly.”

Also speaking on sidewalks was Diane Campbell from The Hammocks off County Line Rd., who began asking seven years ago for a sidewalk from in front of Grand Hampton to the stores on both sides of County Line & BBD, such as Target and LA Fitness.

“Pasco put in a sidewalk on their side of County Line from Target to the entrance to Northwood” she said, “so we would just need one from Grand Hampton to Northwood. You said Public Works would look into it, so I’m wondering if there’s an update on it.”

Hagan responded that sidewalks and road resurfacing, “are the biggest unfunded needs we face. We have hundreds, if not thousands, of unfunded sidewalk repairs, in addition to new sidewalks that you’re referencing right now. We also heard from many in the community about adding a traffic signal on County Line (at the entrance to Grand Hampton) and I’m very pleased that I was able to get the funding for that signal. Your sidewalk project is on the list of needs, but it’s currently unfunded for, I believe, $1.9 million. Should the (one-cent) Community Investment Tax (CIT) renewal — which is on the ballot this November) — pass again, then we will be able to get that sidewalk completed.”

Next up was Sunny Patel, the twelve-year Live Oak resident who also recently became the new owner of Via Italia restaurant. Patel said he was

thankful the county built the NTPAC, but that he is hoping that one day, the Kinnan St.-Mansfield Blvd. connection that is now paved will one day be open to vehicular traffic.

Hagan said, “You say you’ve lived here for twelve years, but I’ve been working on this issue even longer. The obstruction to making the connection is the Pasco County Board of Commissioners. I actually had an agreement with the county administrator, three administrators ago, that once Mansfield was connected to 56, they would open up Kinnan to Mansfield, but that never transpired. To show you how far back this goes, I was on the front page of the (now defunct) Tampa Tribune quoted as saying that there should be a toll booth on Bruce B. Downs (at the Pasco County line) because 60-70% of the traffic on BBD emanated from Pasco County.”

He added, “The frustrating thing is that the Pasco County staff, their MPO, have all agreed that making the connection makes sense. The emergency and bicycle access at that location is a step in the right direction, but come hell or high water, one of these days, that’s going to happen under my watch.”

Hunter’s Green resident Ed Killborn then raised a very popular topic — the timing of the traffic signals along BBD. “Since BBD was widened, the timing of the traffic signals has actually increased traffic tremendously,” Killborn said. “You sit at one red light, then the next red light and the next...and people are speeding like crazy trying to get through the lights before they change. There are two lights at BBD and I-75 and I defy you to get through those two lights going 45 miles per hour (the posted speed limit). My question is, why can’t we do something about reasonable timing of the lights at 45 miles per hour?”

Hagan responded, “First of all, I agree with you. I’m pretty certain I ran one of those lights on my way here.” He also said that he would have Josh Bellotti from Public Works, who was in attendance at the Town Hall meeting, get with Killborn to discuss the timing of the signals on BBD.

Several speakers were on hand simply to thank

(Above left) Via Italia restaurant owner and Live Oak Preserve resident Sunny Patel asks about a possible Kinnan St.-Mansfield Blvd. connection. (Right) Many local residents checked out the plans for the expansion of Branchton Regional Park. (Left photo by Charmaine George; right photo by Gary Nager)

Hagan and his fellow commissioners for building the NTPAC. Tampa Palms resident Blake Hamilton was one of those but he also asked that the county find the money to expand the facility. Hagan recapped his efforts to make the dreams of Graeme Woodbrook and the late Doug Wall a reality.

“The county bought this land as part of the BBD widening project,” Hagan said, “and some in the county wanted to ‘surplus’ it, meaning that it would’ve ended up as more houses or apartments, and I said, ‘Hell no, this is an unbelievable opportunity, in the middle of this community, to do something really special here. It took a lot longer than it should have, but I’m very proud that it’s here. But, to answer your question, it was designed with the ability to expand, so it’s 20,000 sq. ft. now and we can expand it by another 10,000 sq. ft., which is included in the CIT list of eligible projects.”

Another local resident asked why the power lines between Pebble Creek and Cross Creek aren’t buried, “because we lost power during the last big storm when it seemed everyone else in New Tampa still had power.” Hagan said the last he heard was that TECO (Tampa Electric Co.) had a plan in place and a route selected for burying those power lines, “but that isn’t expected to start until next year.”

New Tampa resident Suzie Marie then asked why there seems to be a lot more Tampa Police officers patrolling New Tampa than there are Hillsborough Sheriff’s deputies, to which Hagan responded that, “Our Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff (Chad) Chronister, does a great job, and crime is down around the county, but the county is always below the national average for deputies per 1,000 population. But, what I sill tell you is that a substation will be located at Branchton Park, which will increase the Sheriff’s Office presence in New Tampa.”

Next up was Leslie Green of the Save Pebble Creek group, who thanked Comm. Hagan for voting against rezoning of the now-vacant Pebble Creek golf course and asked if the county would consider buying it to make it a county public golf course.

Hagan said that the county has looked into it and the most likely scenario would be for the Tampa Sports Authority to buy it, “but we’d have to have a willing seller, and he would have to come down from his current number. But absolutely, we’re interested.”

He added that he has not yet seen any attempt to re-zone the property for affordable housing under the state’s new Live Local act, “and Adam Gormly with our Development Services department tells me that the golf course would not qualify for Live Local.”

Long-time Cory Lake Isles resident Sid Shaw expressed concerns about safety on Morris Bridge Rd. from Cross Creek Blvd. south to I-75 (at the Fletcher Ave. exit). Hagan responded, “Morris Bridge is extremely dangerous. Last year alone, there were 33 crashes and three fatalities. A couple of months ago, we approved $2 million for safety improvements, including no-passing vertical delineators, reflective and profiled lane line markings, speed feedback signs, flashing beacons, curb warnings, back plates, electrical conduits, bike lane safety enhancements, bridge bike lane signs, milling and resurfacing, wildlife signs and more. Morris Bridge will be made a much safer road.”

Hagan also mentioned that he is working to get the Bay Chapel Food Pantry on BBD $10-$15,000 to help them get a new freezer and that the work on the Grand Hampton traffic signal on County Line Rd. had begun and could be completed by the end of June. He also responded to a question about resurfacing the side roads in Pebble Creek now that Pebble Creek Dr. and Regents Park Dr. are finished. “That’s about a $6 million project and we will need the CIT to pass for that to be funded.” As for the expansion of the New Tampa Regional Library, Hagan said the plan is to expand the library by an additional 5,000 sq. ft. at a cost of about $700,000.

After the meeting, Hagan and his aide Rich Reidy responded to my question about the $500 million in overturned transportation tax money, about half of which will go back to county for “major road improvements by July 1,” according to Reidy. “But we wanted it to improve neighborhood roads.”

Welcome Home, Bruhat, Our Spelling Bee Champ!

2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee Champ Bruhat Soma To Relax After Returning Home A Hero

By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George

By now, you probably already know the story of Bruhat Soma — the 12-year-old seventh grader at Turner Bartels K-8 School who won this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 30. But, we first told you about Bruhat when he was a 10-year-old fifth grader who qualified for, but missed attending the Bee finals that year because he came down with Covid-19.

Bruhat, who then finished 74th at the 2023 Scripps Bee, not only won the title this year, he did so with what has to be the most amazing performance in the 96-year history of the event.

For only the second time ever (the only other time was in 2022), the final two contestants had to compete in a lightning-round tiebreaker known as a “spell-off,” where each contestant is given 90 seconds to correctly spell as many words as they can. Bruhat’s final round opponent — Faizan Zaki, a 12-year-old 6th grader from Allen, TX — successfully spelled an impressive 20 words in 90 seconds, but Bruhat set a new spelloff record by spelling an otherworldly 29 words correctly in the same amount of time.

As the champion, Bruhat received a trophy and $50,000+ in cash and prizes, which Bruhat said afterward that he plans to donate because, “there are people who need it more than I do.”

Bruhat reiterated his plan to donate the money when a throng of local news media, family, friends, Hillsborough Superintendent of Schools

2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Bruhat Soma (in yellow shirt) was greeted by about two dozen family members, admirers and friends from Turner Bartels K-8 School, as well as Tampa Bay Rays mascots Raymond and DJ Kitty, Hillsborough Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres (to the left of Raymond) and Bruhat’s other family members when he and his family got off the plane at Tampa International Airport on June 5.

Van Ayres, mascots Raymond and DJ Kitty from the Tampa Bay Rays and Turner Bartels principal R. LaMarr Buggs and assistant principal Jacqueline Enis greeted him and his family cheering “Bruhat, Bruhat, Bruhat” as they returned on June 5 to Tampa International Airport from Bruhat’s whirlwind post-victory tour. Among the many stops he made were appearances on “Good

Morning America,” “Live with Kelly & Mark”and “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” to name just a few. Bruhat also got to visit the White House and ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

“Since I won, I got a lot of messages expressing congratulations and I was interviewed by a lot of national media reporters. It’s pretty amazing that I got so much fame

just for winning the Spelling Bee.” Buggs was the first to greet Bruhat when he stepped off the plan. “I just want to say thank you for your hard work representing Turner Bartels. You did an awesome job and we’re so proud of you.”

The Turner Bartels principal also said, “To win national champion is just an amazing

thing for him and his family.” He also noted that Turner Bartels began hosting its own Spelling Bee three years ago when Bruhat was in the fourth grade because Bruhat’s father came to him and said, “Mr. Buggs, I have a kid who can win the Spelling Bee. Can we host a Spelling Bee?”

As for his unique style of acting like he was typing each word, Bruhat said, “I usually type the word and hit ‘Enter,’ that’s how I practice spelling. So, when I did that on stage, it was like how I studied and it helped me.”

The celebration continued when Bruhat and his family returned home, with a horsedrawn carriage ride to the to Live Oak Preserve community clubhouse where a traditional Indian felicitation ceremony was held.

Becoming A Tradition

Bruhat is the second straight Scripps National Spelling Bee champion from the Tampa Bay area (last year’s champion, Dev Shah, is from Largo), and his victory means 29 of the last 35 spelling champs have been Indian American.

He also is the second New Tampa resident to claim the title — former Benito Middle School eighth grader Nupur Lala was the first, winning the trophy in 1999 (when it was called the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee). Nupur’s journey to the crown inspired a new generation of spellers, after her triumph was featured in the documentary “Spellbound.” Now a neuro-oncologist, Nupur returned to the Bee for the first time in a decade. Bruhat also is planning to be a doctor.

(Above left, l.-r.) Srinivas, Bruhat and Laaysa Soma, with Raymond. (Above right)The Turner Bartels welcoming committee waited patiently for Bruhat to get off the plane at Tampa International Airport. (Below) The moment Bruhat received his trophy as the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner. (Photo below is a screenshot from the Ion-TV stream of this year’s Scripps Spelling Bee)

School Board Member Vaughn Honors Turner-Bartels For All Of Its PTSA Awards!

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George

If you thought that having this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee champion (see story on pgs. 6-7) would be enough for Turner Bartels K-8 School in the Live Oak Preserve area off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., you’d be wrong.

Less than two weeks before Turner Bartels seventh grader Bruhat Soma took home that coveted crown, the school itself was honored with six trophies from the Hillsborough County Council of PTAs & PTSAs, including PTSA of the Year (for the second year in a row), President of the Year (Ali Wilbur), Volunteer of the Year (Holley Townsend), “Superman” Award for Top Male Volunteer of the Year (Eric

Wilbur, also for the second consecutive year), Administrator of the Year (Principal R. LaMarr Buggs) and the “At Your Service” Award for the Best Service Project (Giving Tree).

Hillsborough Public Schools District 3 School Board member (and New Tampa resident) Jessica Vaughn and Hillsborough County Council VP of Advocacy Ami Marie Granger Welch came to Turner Bartels on May 21 to give the school’s award winners their trophies.

“You have an amazing PTSA here at Turner Bartels,” Vaughn said. “We’re here to celebrate all of their hard work and what they give back to the community. Congratulations to Ali, to all of the other members and the work that they do and just thank you for everything you contribute. It really means a

lot and it has a huge impact.”

Congratulations to the Turner Bartels PTSA Board: President Ali Wilbur, VP Nicole Reber, Treasurer Renee Krimetz, Recording Secretary Joe Kelly, VP of Fundraising Rebecca Reid, Corresponding Secretary Jenelle Bell, VP of Marketing Erin Delk Neylan, VP of Events Holley Townsend & VP of InSchool Service Stephanie Rubly.

(Above) Turner Bartels K-8 School ‘s PTSA poses with the awards they were given by Ami Marie Granger Welch (2nd from left) & Jessica Vaughn (3rd from left). (Below) Principal R. LaMarr Buggs with Welch & Vaughn.

(L.-r.) PTSA VP of Events & Volunteer of the Year Holley Townsend, VP Nicole Reber & President Ali Wilbur pose with the hundreds of cereal boxes the PTSA collected for a service project..

2024 Senior Class President’s Speech Honors The Memory Of Paul R. Wharton

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Wharton High senior Zack Chandler was at a baseball game with his teammates this spring when he noticed that every one of them had the same name on the backs of their jerseys.

In fact, it was on all of the jerseys for all of the sports at his school — and on a lot of other shirts, too. They all said, “Wharton.”

Of course they did, since that’s the name of the school they all were attending.

It hit Zack that although he vaguely recalled that Wharton High was named after someone, he had no idea who that person was or why he was chosen to have a school named after him.

So when Zack, who was the school’s 202324 senior class president, was given the honor of speaking at his graduation ceremony on May 25, he knew what he wanted to do.

Rather than talk about himself, Zack wanted to find out who exactly Paul R. Wharton was, and why Zack’s school was named after him.

“I did some research and found out what a cool guy Mr. Wharton was, and how he affected the community,” Zack says. “I wanted to make a metaphor out of it. Don’t take things that you have every day for granted.”

He learned that Wharton retired as the assistant superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools, after serving as principal of both Plant and Robinson high schools. He started in the county as an innovator who ad-

vocated for vocational and technical schools in the District, and also served as principal of the Brewster Vocational Technical Institute.

Wharton did all of that after starting his career teaching in a one-room school house in Springfield, KY, and then serving in the U.S. Army before moving to Tampa.

Zack found that Wharton had passed away in 2009, but Zack wanted to invite Wharton’s family members to his graduation to hear Wharton honored in front of the student body.

Mary Wharton Shroeder is Paul’s daughter, and she attended the ceremony, along with her husband Stephen Michelini and her son Jeffrey Schroeder. She says this was the first time anyone had approached her about recognizing her dad at the school.

Mary and her family were seated in the graduation ceremony’s VIP area and were honored when Zack acknowledged them from the podium. “I was delighted,” she says. “I know what an amazing man Daddy was, and all the things he did for this community. It’s just a wonderful thing.”

She says that if her dad had been able to address those students at Wharton, he might have told them it’s important to choose carefully who they emulate. They should choose their role models wisely, because who they look up to will make a huge difference in who they become.

“It made me so proud of him to receive the recognition that he so deserved,” Mary says. “He never asked for the recognition, but he earned it because he helped to shape our com-

(Above, l.-r) Jeffrey Schroeder, Stephen Michelini, Zack Chandler and Mary Wharton Schroeder at the Wharton High graduation, where Zack honored the memory of Mary’s father, Paul R.

the man for whom the school was named. (Below) Photos of Paul Wharton.

graduation speech. (All photos provided by Hillsborough County

munity. He was always a leader and had a great sense of humor.”

It’s been more than 25 years since Wharton High opened on August 21, 1997, so it’s understandable that today’s graduating seniors had never before heard of the man for whom their school was named.

But now, thanks to Zack Chandler, they have.

Dana W. Lyon MBA, AWMATM, CRPCTM Founder and Senior Wealth Advisor

Wharton,

(Bottom) Zack Chandler during his

Public Schools)

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Getting Closer To Completion

By Joel Provenzano

Across from the Daybreak Market & Fuel gas station project (see story on pg. 18), on the southwest corner of S.R. 56 and Hueland Pond Blvd. (north of Sand Dune Rd.), next to Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care, is a two-story, 56,559- sq.-ft. medical office building being constructed by Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS). This building will add yet another medical specialty space to Wesley Chapel, and specifically to the Wiregrass Ranch development.

This project has been a few years in the making. The meeting with the county for this site first took place in 2021, with permits being started in 2022 and an official ground breaking with the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC) in September of that year.

But now, this 6.13-acre site, which appraised at more than $2 million, is looking well under way (see photo on this page), with most of the vertical exterior walls in place and the site fully buzzing with construction crews. And, based on the story we ran in early Oct. 2022, FCS plans to occupy 45,000 sq. ft. of the two-story building, which will make it larger than the 28,000 sq. ft. of space dedicated to the Moffitt Cancer Center at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel,

which opened in May 2021. The remaining space in the Medical Center at Wiregrass Ranch is for lease.

FCS originally came to Wesley Chapel in 2019 — to a small building in the Cypress Glen Professional Park (off

Cypress Ridge Blvd., north of S.R. 56) — where the group quickly earned a good reputation from its patients for the staff’s compassion and respect. Florida Cancer Specialists isn’t new to the game either, as the company has been operating for 40 years and has 100+ locations. According to its website, FLCancer. org, “Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute has a national reputation for excellence in oncology, hematology and cancer research. With over 250 physicians and nearly

The exterior construction of the new Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute building (also known as The Medical Center at Wiregrass Ranch) on the south side of S.R. 56 (at Hueland Pond Blvd.) is nearing completion. It is expected to open to patients later this year. (Photo by Joel Provenzano)

100 locations, we are committed to providing Wesley Chapel and (the nearby area) with world-class cancer care close to home.”

The website also says that, the new building, “will include 27 patient exam rooms, 69 infusion treatment chairs, as well as an onsite laboratory, pharmacy, PET/ CT imaging and radiation oncology services. Patients will also have opportunities to participate in clinical trials research as well as care management services.”

Although we did not receive confirmation of all of this information in time for this article, the FCS website also states that, “Board-certified medical oncologists Ayman Barakat, MD, Uday Dandamundi, MD, Eva Gupta, MD, Richard McDonough, MD, Shilen Patel, MD, and Ramya Pinnamaneni, MD, will provide care to patients at the new Wesley Chapel clinic.”

The site map for the Medical Center at Wiregrass Ranch. (Source: Pasco County)

At our press time, we did not know the

expected opening date of the building, but we believe it will be sometime later this year.

Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital Begins Vertical Construction

By Joel Provenzano

The Florida “state bird,” also known as the “tall construction crane” (photo) has been seen making its home at the corner of S.R. 56 and Mansfield/Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., as the foundation of the third hospital to be located in Wesley Chapel — Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital — has now begun vertical construction.

The 46.78-acre parcel, appraised at more than $9 million (at the northeast corner of the traffic signal), has seen activity for a while now, ever since the sign was put up announcing the hospital’s pending construction back in April of 2023. A little over a year later, the vertical components of the building are beginning to take shape.

For large sites, such as a new hospital (and its two affiliated medical office buildings) now under construction, it typically takes a while to start seeing progress, as the land clearing, brine fill dirt, grading, drainage and underground utilities typically take up a significant amount of time. But now, the poured concrete foundational columns and the hospital’s elevator & stair shafts, of at least part of the first floor, are visible at the site.

Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch, which is expected to open sometime in 2026, will be constructed in multiple phases — the initial main building will be built first and then, the “Future Phase 2” for the areas to each side of the main building. There’s also an area in the rear part of the main building where the hospital can be expanded

in the future. Ultimate buildout would bring it to around 300 beds total, which will make it the largest of the three hospitals in Wesley Chapel. The hospital’s parking lot will flank both S.R. 56 and Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. The natural wetland towards the rear of the property will remain untouched.

In April of this year, Orlando Health filed additional plans for two standalone medical office buildings — one that will be 90,000 sq. ft. (called “MOB 1”) and the other 60,000 sq. ft. (“MOB 2”), with additional parking in part of the “Future Phase 2” area along Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. (east of the main building).

The vertical construction of the hospital comes on the heels of the announcement in Aug. 2023 that Florida Medical Clinic — with 55 locations and 350 medical providers in 40 disciplines — had merged with/ been purchased by Orlando Health and has been rebranded as “Florida Medical Clinic - Orlando Health.”

The new hospital joins Advent Health Wesley Chapel and BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, which are only 2.5 and 4 miles away, respectively. From a real estate perspective, the trio of local hospitals, plus the planned Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital (located off I-75 at Overpass Rd.), and the establishment of two locations for treating cancer

patients — Moffitt Cancer Center at the Advent Health site and Florida Cancer Specialists (see story on pg. 12) — has made the

area a hub for nearby medical

This already has put Wesley Chapel on the map and will continue to bring everyone from young families to aging retirees to our area for that convenience.

Wesley Chapel

care.

Photo by Joel Provenzano

Bainbridge Wesley Chapel Apartments Begin Construction On S.R. 56

By Joel Provenzano

Although we understand how many local residents feel about additional apartments coming to Wesley Chapel, here is news about yet another new rental community now under construction in our area. Located on the south side of S.R. 56, just east of the entrance for the new Wesley Chapel community of Woodcreek (see map), is a 19.81-acre site, with an appraised land value of more than $11 million, that currently is being filled with dirt and graded by an army of bulldozers (photo). The site is being prepared for the Bainbridge Wesley Chapel apartment project, which will be bordered on the west side by the Wyndfields Blvd. extension that also is currently under construction.

Bainbridge — which is being developed by PCCP, LLC, and the Bainbridge Companies, LLC — will be one of the largest apartment complexes in Wesley Chapel, as it is planned to be a “Class A” community comprised of six four-story buildings (with elevators) and a total of 411 units, consisting of 145 one-bedroom units (with 820 sq. ft. of living area), 202 two-bedroom units (1,237 sq. ft. each) and 64 three-bedroom units (1,470 sq. ft.).

Unique to this particular apartment complex are the number of garages, many more than what most apartment communities offer. Bainbridge will feature both at-

tached and detached garage spaces, 160 total, in addition to 536 regular parking spaces. Of those garage spaces, 32 actually will be tandem (2-car) garage spaces, something not normally seen even in townhome communities, much less apartments.

The project’s website states that, “The units will offer residents high-end interior finishes, including stone countertops in the kitchen areas, stainless steel appliances, inunit washers & dryers, shaker cabinets, ninefoot ceilings, oversized walk-in-closets, smart thermostats, keyless entry and vinyl plank flooring. On-site amenities will include an expansive clubhouse with indoor/outdoor club rooms with social areas, TVs and fire pits, as well as a resort-style pool with a sun deck and grilling areas, a fitness center, onsite storage spaces and a dog park.”

According to the plans, a new right-in/ right-out driveway with a right turn lane will be provided off S.R. 56 as the community’s primary entrance. A secondary entrance to Wyndfields Blvd. also will be constructed so vehicles will have an option to exit there, directly to the future traffic signal for Wyndfields Blvd. at S.R. 56.

Bainbridge Companies has developed more than 60 apartment communities in five states, including 50 in Florida, with Bainbridge at Sunlake being the closest to us.

For more information, visit BainbridgeWesleyChapelApts.com.

SERVICES PROVIDED IN OUR OFFICE:

• Wellness Dentistry for kids and teens

• Holistic nutritional counseling for teeth and gums

• Ozone therapy for oral care

• Recommendation of non-toxic materials

• Biological gum disinfection

• Sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide)

• Invisalign First for children & Invisalign Teen

• Digital 3D scans, ITERO (no goop)

• Digital x-rays

• Laser dentistry (release of tongue tie for infants, children and teens)

• Relaxed environment, so your children can enjoy their visit

• Se Habla Español

Experience makes a difference; a good heart makes it possible!

or

Daybreak Market At Wiregrass To Be The Largest Gas Station In Wesley Chapel?

By Joel Provenzano

On the southeast corner of S.R. 56 at Hueland Pond Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, something is coming that many of us haven’t seen in this area or may not be familiar with at all — Daybreak Market at Wiregrass which will sell “76®” branded gasoline.

Daybreak Market (see map) is a new convenience store concept where some of the things the company touts include $0.99 any-sized coffee or fountain drinks (with even lower Grand Opening prices), a beer cave called “The Ice Box” and indoor/ outdoor seating and tables for food time, plus fully digital touch screen fuel pumps.

According to the company’s social media page, Daybreak Market opened three new locations in Florida just last year and there are now nine locations in Florida, including three in Port Charlotte. The closest one to our area just opened this year at the corner of S.R. 54 at South Branch Blvd. (near the Suncoast Pkwy.) in Odessa, where oddly, the pumps and store face away from the main road.

The 1.73-acre corner parcel in Wesley Chapel has most of its major vertical construction already completed, as the reinforced concrete fuel pad area, canopy supports and convenience store building have all taken shape. The store will be just under 5,000 sq. ft. but there will be

a lot more pumps/fueling positions than at any other gas station in our area, which (according to the plans we reviewed and our visit to the site) appears to be up to 24 regular fueling positions (gas nozzles).

If that number is correct, Daybreak Market & Fuel will easily be the biggest gas station in Wesley Chapel, as even the RaceTrac down the street and Costco near the Tampa Premium Outlets each only have 18 fueling positions total, and it would be double Sam’s Club’s 12.

Originally, there was a Circle K that was going to be on the other side of Heuland Pond Blvd. (between S.R. 56 and Sand Dune Rd.) years ago, but the permits for that project expired at the end of 2017.

Instead, Daybreak Market Wiregrass will be just the second gas station in the Wiregrass Ranch development, as the 7-Eleven at the intersection of Mansfield Blvd. and Wiregrass School Rd., which opened last year, was the first.

And now, there’s a new medical office building under construction in the previously planned Circle K location by Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (labeled as FCS on map). See page 14 for that story.

For more information about Daybreak Market, visit DaybreakMarketandFuel.com.

WIREGRASS RANCH FCS

The New Tampa Players Present ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ At The

By Gary Nager

As someone who previously performed a tiny part in a New Tampa Players (NTP) production, I can only tell you how much hard work it took to make community theater look and sound as good as it does when it finally hits the stage.

What I can’t tell you is how much hard work it takes to blend together more than 30 cast members — some of whom sing only, others who dance only and still others who do both — and how to make it all come together seamlessly on stage after only a few weeks of rehearsals.

But, based on my experience performing in NTP’s production of “Grease” — the first Players performance held at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) last summer — I have no doubt that director (and NTP producing artistic director) Nora Paine, musical director Frank Meekins and choreographer Sarah Walston will not only make it happen when NTP presents the classic musical “Singin’ in the Rain” at the NTPAC for two consecutive weekends in less than a month from now — July 19-21 and 26-28.

Although Meekins was both director and musical director for “Grease,” Paine was the producer and stage manager for that show and Walston was the choreographer. In other words, the trio is comfortable working together, “and we all had an interest in working on ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ together,” Meekins says. “So it all just kind of worked out. Although the tap dancing definitely makes it more challenging, we’re all very excited about this show.”

According to Wikipedia, “‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is a stage musical with story by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, lyrics by Arthur Freed and music by Nacio Herb Brown. Adapted from the 1952 movie of the same name, starring Gene Kelly (and directed and choreographed by Kelly and Stanley Donen), the stage musical’s plot closely adheres to the original film.”

Set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era, “Singin’” focuses on romantic lead Don Lockwood (played by Kyle Billington), his sidekick Cosmo Brown (Rhett Ricardo), aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Olivia Carr, who played Sandy in “Grease”), and Lockwood’s leading lady Lina Lamont (Melanie Bierweiler), “whose less-than-dulcet vocal tones make her an unlikely candidate for stardom in talking pictures,” again,

according to the “Singin’” entry in Wikipedia.

The stage show had its world premiere in 1983 at the London Palladium, where it ran for more than two years, and has spawned a Broadway production and many stagings worldwide. It has been called, “The “greatest movie musical of all time.”

According to NTP’s NewTampaPlayers. org website, “Each unforgettable scene, song and dance is accounted for, including the showstopping title number, complete with an onstage rainstorm! Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals.”

Meekins says that in addition to the title

number — “And yes, it will be raining,” he says — many of the songs are well-known, memorable and can be considered “show stoppers,” including “You Are My Lucky Star,” “Would You” and especially “Broadway Rhythm.”

“The title song is actually performed twice — once by Don Lockwood at the end of the first act and the second time by the entire cast (at the close of Act 2), all of whom who will be singing and dancing together in the rain,” Meekins says. “I know it will be amazing to see this cast come

All of the photos on these pages were taken during rehearsals for the New Tampa Players production of “Singin’ in the Rain,” which will have six performances at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center over two weekends — July 19-21 & July 26-28. (Photos by Charmaine George & Gary Nager)

together for that finale. All of the cast members have different levels of experience, but I have no doubt that it will all come together.”

Get your tickets now for “Singin’ in the Rain” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). The show (presented through the generous support of Hillsborough County

and Florida Arts and Culture and with special arrangement through Music Theatre International) will be performed Fri.-Sat., July 19-20 and July 26-27, at 8 p.m., and at 3 p.m. on Sun., July 21 & 28. Tickets cost $21-$35 and are available at NewTampaPlayers.org. For more information, call (813) 5436252 or see the ad at the bottom of this page.

Upcoming Events — Professional Fireworks For the 4th? Of Course! But

Monday, June 24, 7 p.m. — New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). With Special Guests Pat Kemp (Hillsborough County Commissioner) & Sean Shaw (Hillsborough County Commission candidate). For more info, see the ad below or visit newtampademocrats.com.

Wednesday, June 26, 3 p.m. — “Underwater Exploration” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event recommended for adults. Hold your breath as you dive into the crushing realm of the abyss. From shipwrecks to marine life, you’ll get an up-close-&-personal look at the fascinating world that lies beneath the surface. Explorers will get to paint a bioluminescent sea creature on canvas. Pre-registration is recommended. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Thursday, June 27, 3 p.m. — “Gator Safety” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event recommended for teens. Learn to live harmoniously with alligators is key to safety of human and reptile alike. During the Gator Safety program, students will learn about alligators and how we can coexist with these amazing and important reptiles. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Friday, June 28, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — NTBC’s “Final Friday” at Main Event (2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz). Free networking event open to the public. Complimentary appetizers will be served.

Friday, June 28, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — R&B Only Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park. Featuring a live DJ spinning rhythm & blues music, hosted by Jazz Tyme Productions at the KRATE entertainment stage (5817 Wesley Grove Blvd.).

Saturday, June

Anniversary Party for Azteca D’Oro. Our readers’ 2023 Favorite Mexican Restaurant in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel celebrates its one-year anniversary with a music performance by DJ RicoSmooth at Azteca’s outside bar. This free event also will feature drink specials & giveaways. For more information, see the ad on pg. 41 of this issue.

Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Jazz Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park. Featuring live jazz performances, hosted by Jazz Tyme Productions at the KRATE entertainment stage (5817 Wesley Grove Blvd.).

Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 p.m. — Florida Jazz Express: 4th of July Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) Florida Jazz Express is back at NTPAC to celebrate America through music. From “America the Beautiful” to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” enjoy the patriotic songs that symbolize America, Independence Day, and summer traditions in true big band style. Florida Jazz Express is comprised

New Tampa Democratic Club

Monthly Meeting (4th Monday of the month)

Monday, June 24, 7 p.m. at New Tampa Regional Library | 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

Guests: Hillsborough County Commissioner Pat Kemp & Hillsborough County Commission Candidate Sean Shaw newtampademocrats.com https://www.facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats

of the busiest musicians in the state who have performed with some of the world’s top entertainers. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

Thursday, July 4, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. — 4th of July Celebration. At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way., off S.R. 54). Featuring a patriotic bake-off, bike parade (the deadline to register your child and their bike for the parade is July 3), bounce houses, food trucks, community performances & vendors,Wesley Chapel’s only professional fireworks show for the 4th is open to the public and is free to attend. For registration & more info, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Saturday, July 6, 3 p.m. — Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival Satellite Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) is one of the world’s premier piano festivals that brings together award-winning collegiate pianists from around the globe. This summer, NTPAC will host a free concert featuring performances from the world-class RPPF pianists. Selected from more than 250 applications, across 100 schools and 25 countries, this year’s pianists include students from The Juilliard School, National University of Singapore, Royal Danish Academy, Yale School of Music, Seoul National University, and others. Free admission. Guests must reserve tickets in advance at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

Monday, July 8, 3 p.m. — “The How-Tos of Crime Solving” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event

Also So Much More!

recommended for children ages 6-12. Crack the case! Learn the basics of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)through a hands-on activity to help library staff solve a crime. Pre-registration is recommended. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Wednesday, July 10, 3 p.m. — “Romantasy Book Writing” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event recommended for adults. Join other fans of the romantasy book genre that has been sweeping the shelves. Create a book-themed origami fortune teller, black out poetry, and engage in several short writing challenges designed to spark laughter and entice the imagination. Pre-registration is recommended. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Wednesday, July 10, 7 p.m. — Proposed Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge Membership Drive. At Chuck Lager America’s Tavern (2001 Piazza Ave., Shops at Wiregrass). For details, see the ad below.

Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m. — “Music with Mr. Brad” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event recommended for pre-school-aged children and up. Move, dance and sing with Mr. Brad, a one-man band who performs familiar sing-alongs and high-energy originals on a variety of instruments including, but not limited to: guitar, drums, piano, banjo, mandolin, violin and flute. Pre-registration is recommended. Sponsored by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Thursday, July 11, 7:30 p.m. — Hollywood Hillsborough Film Series: “Live By

UPCOMING EVENTS

Proposed Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge Membership Drive

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Meeting – 7 pm – 8 pm at Chuck Lager America’s Tavern 2001 Piazza Ave Suite 175, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 (in The Shops at Wiregrass)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Open House – 6 pm – 7 pm

Meeting - 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm at Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant, Back Room 5335 Village Market, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 (Attendees may eat dinner during the Open House & both Meetings)

• SUPPORTS ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY AND VETERANS

•

•

• LOVES TO HAVE A GOOD TIME!

2,000 NATIONWIDE

For more information, attend one of our open meetings or call the Membership Chair, Nancy Ellard, at 732-598-7883 or email foodnwine0125@gmail.com

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel off S.R. 54 will again host the only professional 4th of July fireworks show in Wesley Chapel. (File photo: Captured by Arlene)

Night.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The Hollywood Hillsborough film series spotlights Tampa Bay’s presence in cinema. “Live By Night” takes place in prohibition-era Ybor City and follows Joe Coughlin, son of a Boston police deputy who turns to a life of organized crime. He and his crew show up in Ybor City to stake a claim in the illegal rum-running business. The film’s setting is not its only tie to the Tampa Bay area. Dennis Lehane, the original novel’s author, was a student at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. Rating: R. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

Friday, July 12, 8 p.m. — “The Dark Side of the Moon” — A Pink Floyd Tribute Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Classic Rock Legacy will bring the music of Pink Floyd to life at NTPAC. The tribute concert celebrates one of the bestselling, most influential albums of all time: The Dark Side of the Moon. The classic album has resonated with audiences across generations and examines themes like greed, conflict, time, and sanity. Tickets are $20-$25 and can be purchased at NewTampaArtsCenter.org/Tickets.

Monday, July 15, 3 p.m. — “Build Your Own Board Game” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event recommended for ages 13-17. Attendees will learn about different board game mechanics, the process of inventing and developing a prototype, and prototype technology such as 3D printing. Attendees will get hands on experience creating their own board game. Pre-registration is recommended.

Sponsored by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Wednesday, July 17, 3 p.m. — “Medieval Machines” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event recommended for children ages 6-12. Launch your way into medieval history and learn all about the innovative inventions of the time. Then, make your own small windmill craft to take home. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Registration is recommended. Pre-registration is recommended. Sponsored by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Thursday, July 18, 1 p.m. — “Interactive Drum Circles by Giving Tree Music” at New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Free event recommended for children. Giving Tree uses their drums as the vehicle to transport a group of people to a place of stronger community and to foster deeper connection with each other. Together we create more! Pre-registration is recommended. Sponsored by the Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library. For more info, visit HCPLC.org.

Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21 & Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28 — “Singin’ in the Rain,” presented by the New Tampa Players. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). See story on pg. 20 for details.

Wednesday, July 24, 7 p.m. — Proposed Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge Membership Drive. At Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant (5335 Village Market, Wesley Chapel). For details, see the ad on the previous page.

Financial Vision Can Help You Plan For Your Future; Also Looking For Team Members

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

It’s easy to imagine how emotionally difficult it would be to navigate losing your spouse, but for anyone who was not prepared financially for that scenario, it makes an already terrible situation even worse.

That’s why married couple Nidhi Dwivedi and Arvind Gupta say they started their business — which they call Financial Vision — to help clients with estate plan ning, wills, trusts, as well as life and health insurance.

Nidhi explains that anyone who doesn’t have an estate plan in place could find them selves having to go to probate court, where a judge would decide what accounts they could access, which can take months to resolve.

“There is not only a financial cost,” explains Nidhi, “but also the struggle while someone is already going through the emo tional difficulties of losing their spouse.”

Arvind adds, “Many people do not know about the importance of having a plan and appropriate documents in place for their family.”

That’s where Financial Vision can help. And, in addition to estate planning, Nidhi and Arvind also help clients with financial and retirement planning and saving to pay for college for their kids.

The couple lives in K-Bar Ranch in

technology (IT) professionals who have long dreamed of owning their own business. They have lived in Tampa since 2007, when they moved here from India.

Nidhi says her husband always hoped to move to the United States, and now they are living their shared dream of being entrepre-

to travel back to India to care for her aging parents whenever needed.

When they realized the great need for education on financial matters, Nidhi worked to become licensed as a life and health insurance agent through the State of Florida. She often meets with clients, while Arvind works

as her support “staff.” They launched their business in May of 2023, so they have been helping clients get their financial matters in order for more than a year now.

Being a licensed life and health insurance agent means Financial Vision has access to many large companies — such as Nationwide, Fidelity and others — that offer products such as life insurance and annuities to help clients plan for their retirement and other long-term savings.

Financial Vision offers a complimentary consultation, which can be conveniently held in your home or even online if you prefer.

“During this consultation session,” Nidhi explains, “we delve into crucial topics such as understanding the mechanics of money, the significance of financial planning and the essentials of estate planning, including wills, trusts and strategies for avoiding probate. We also provide insights into how taxes and market volatility can impact financial stability, especially during retirement.”

She says she and Arvind believe that financial decisions should be a shared responsibility within the household, so they make it a point to engage both spouses in educational sessions to ensure that both partners are equipped to actively participate in managing their financial affairs.

On the estate planning side, they help

See “Financial Vision” on pg. 28

people document who will be the guardian of their minor children in case something unfortunate happens, and explain documents such as wills and trusts, living wills and pow ers of attorney.

Nidhi and Arvind say that the process may prove to be easier than you think, and the idea that you have to have a lawyer pre pare these types of documents is a common misconception.

They work with an online provider called Net Law, which complements their educational services.

“Don’t procrastinate,” says Arvind. “This is important. I feel passionate about it be cause we have understood first-hand why you need to have it, and the cost of not having it.”

They say that, especially if you have children, estate planning is essential, and Net Law offers a package for families at what Arvind calls an “optimized” cost.

“It’s almost DIY,” he says. “You can do the paperwork at home, take it to a notary, and it’s done. It doesn’t take hours. It takes maybe an hour and it will really help you.”

While Nidhi is licensed in Florida and based in New Tampa, she also is licensed in all 50 states and has helped clients across the country, as well.

Joining The Team!

Now that their business is established, Nidhi and Arvind are looking for partners

“You don’t need a financial services background,” Arvind says. “We’ll guide you and explain everything you need to know. This is a part-time opportunity for anyone with a passion for helping people and a willingness to learn...someone who is looking to bring in additional income.”

One business partner they are already working with is a friend who was first a client, Kanchan Mishra.

“We wanted to secure our family with estate planning and have the will and trust done,” says Kanchan, who adds that she has learned so much — especially the value of understanding her family’s finances and not

leaving it only in her husband’s hands.

Kanchan says that she used to think that since she’s not a citizen of the United States, she didn’t need to worry about estate planning, but she has come to learn that anyone who has any property or financial accounts in the U.S. should still have an estate plan.

To contact Financial Vision to set up a free consultation for estate planning, creat-

ing a will and trust, planning for rolling over a 401(k) retirement savings account, planning for retirement or your children’s college education, or if you’re looking into options for life insurance — or want to join the Financial Vision team, call (813) 390-1086 or (813)385-1601. You also can email Nidhi@ financialvision.us, visit the website at FinancialVision.us, or see the ad on page 33.

(L.-R.) Patricia Moore, APRN, NP-C ; Scarlette Owens, APRN, FNP-C ; Megan Dudley , APRN, FNP-C ; Irfan Choudhry, OTR

Anderson & Chhabra Eye Care Center Is Now Open

By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent

Located in the Red Fern Professional Center off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Bvd. between S.R. 56 and S.R. 54 is the new second office of Anderson & Chhabra Eye Care Center. The optometrists at Anderson & Chhabra have been helping adults and chil dren in the Tampa area at their original office on W. Fletcher Ave. for more than 40 years and have 70+ years of combined experience.

The newest member of the Anderson & Chhabra team, and the primary optom etrist working at the Wesley Chapel office, is Aundrea Snyder, O.D. Dr. Snyder earned her Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry located at Salus University in Elkins Park, PA, in 2022. She completed her residency in Ocular Disease and Traumatic Brain Injury at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa in 2023. Dr. Snyder provides primary eye care for adults and children ages 5 and older, as well as specialty contact lens fittings and help for those with double vision or low vision (also known as near-blindness).

Eye Services in Iselin, NJ, in 2007 and her contact lens residency from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale in 2008. Dr. Chhabra is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Scleral Lens Society and a Member of the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control. She also serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida (USF) and sees patients at Anderson & Chhabra as young as age 5.

In 2017, Richard Weisenberger O.D., F.A.A.O., DIPL, joined the group. He earned his O.D. degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2016 and completed a residency in Primary Care and Brain Injury at the Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa in 2017. Dr. Weisenberger is a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry and an Associate Professor at USF in the Ophthalmology Department.

Although Dr. Snyder is the main doctor working at the Wesley Chapel office, the other doctors based at the Tampa office also will rotate between both offices. Below is an introduction to the other doctors at Anderson & Chhabra Eye Care:

DIPL, opened his first practice on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa in 1983 and was there for 13 years before moving the practice to the Fletcher Ave. office in December 1996. Dr. Anderson received his O.D. degree from the University of Houston in 1980. He did his residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albuquerque, NM, in 1981. He is a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry and worked at the Contact Lens and Low Vision Clinics at the University

Tampa as their director from 1996 to 2018. Although no longer seeing patients himself, Dr. Anderson is still very much involved with the practice as its mentor and leader.

In 2008, the practice added Neeta Chhabra, O.D., M.S., F.A.A.O., F.S.L.S. Dr. Chhabra received her Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Vision Science and completed her O.D. degree, both from the Ohio State University in Columbus, in 2006. She also had an ocular disease residency at The Omni

No story about Anderson & Chhabra would be complete without mentioning a wonderful man who worked in the practice for more than 20 years — Dr. William O. Malone, Jr. Unfortunately, Dr. Malone passed away in 2022. As someone whose entire family was treated by Dr. Malone, I can tell you that he was a loving and gentle man who was always quick with a joke. He loved his patients and his patients loved him. He is very much missed by everyone who knew him.

See “Anderson & Chhabra” on pg. 32

About The Wesley Chapel Office

The Anderson & Chhabra office in Wesley Chapel is available for general eye exams. Dr. Snyder will detect, treat and manage a variety of ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, pink eye, dry eye, infections and much more. Although the offices don’t take infants as patients, Dr. Chhabra specializes in children ages 5 and older.

Dr. Snyder says, “The best time to take your child to the optometrist is right before they begin school.” She recommends glasses for children until they are in middle school, when they can transition into contact lenses. She says, “Exceptions can be made for younger children who want contacts earlier and can wear them responsibly; as well as for those who are involved in sports.”

Two specialty services that are offered by the Anderson & Chhabra offices that you don’t always find in other optometric practices are specialty contact lens fittings and working with patients with low vision.

Dr. Snyder says that “contact lenses are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are lenses you can wear daily, weekly, monthly and then you have the previously dreaded original hard contact lenses.”

She adds that, “These days, the difference between hard and soft contact lenses is the vision clarity. The clarity you get with the hard contact

The practice offers services for people with low vision, which is a visual impairment ‘Anderson

lenses will never compare with the soft.” She adds that there are many people who will be able to see better with hard lenses, especially those suffering from extreme myopia or astigmatism.

“Hard contact lenses have gotten more comfortable,” she explains. “One of the ways they have changed is the way they are made. Today’s hard lenses are more breathable, come in different sizes and stay in the eye.” In the past, hard lenses would float on the eye and the slightest movement or touch could make the lens fall out. This is not the case anymore. Now, says Dr. Snyder, “Hard lenses stay in place and are made so they don’t touch the cornea, which also makes them more comfortable — and cause fewer problems.”

Dr. Snyder also says that “Hard contacts are primarily used when someone has a high prescription, a deformed cornea, or when soft contacts cannot be used.”

that makes it difficult to function on a daily basis. The condition can affect the sharpness of a person’s vision or the visual field. The World Health Organization defines low vision as “visual acuity between 20/400 and 20/70 or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. Dr. Snyder says that when treating patients with low vision, the Anderson & Chhabra offices work with a few organizations, including the Florida Division of Blind Services, which has the following Mission Statement: “To ensure blind and visuallyimpaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunity to achieve success.”

Working With Lighthouse

The Anderson & Chhabra offices also work with Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision, which offers training programs designed to help anyone who has recently lost part or all of their vision to gain the skills they need to perform daily living tasks.

Dr. Snyder says that children who are

blind or visually impaired need the proper tools and training to succeed in life. Lighthouse will help blind and near-blind infants and young children get prepared for school, and help teens get ready for college, the workforce and independent living after graduation.

Dr. Snyder says her goal is to help people who are vision-impaired become more comfortable with glasses or devices, including digital magnifiers, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A digital magnifier has a camera that is almost like a projector and captures the image for the visually impaired. The image can then be zoomed in on and offer contrast changes, depending upon the user’s needs.

Dr. Snyder says most of these digital magnifying devices unfortunately are not covered by insurance but that’s where Lighthouse steps in to help.

Speaking of insurance, both Anderson & Chhabra offices accept Vision Service Plans (VSPs), EyeMed insurance and Medicare. They

(Left) Dr. Aundrea Snyder works with a patient at Anderson & Chhabra Eye Care’s Wesley Chapel office, which also has a small optical area (above) with a variety of prescription eyewear (photo on next page) available for purchase.

which comes into play if a lab test that is not covered by vision insurance is needed.

The new Anderson & Chhabra office also has a full optical area (photo above & on previous page), where you’ll find brands such

as Burberry, Tory Burch, Gucci, Ray-Ban, Kate Spade, DKNY, Michael Kors, Swarovski and Under Armour, to mention just a few. The optical area also makes prescription sunglasses. Please note that the variety available currently at the Wesley Chapel office is a bit smaller than at the Tampa location.

At this time, the Wesley Chapel office is accepting appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays only.

Anderson & Chhabra Eye Care’s Wesley Chapel office is located at 3822 Turman Loop. The Tampa office is located at 719 W.Fletcher Ave. For more information or to make appointments at either office, call (813)961-2020, visit AndersonEyeCareCenter.com or see the ad on pg. 35.

Farina Orthodontic Specialists Combines The Latest Technology With Top Patient Care

By Iris Vitelli

Neighborhood News Correspondent

Dr. Mark Farina, D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine), of Farina Orthodontic Specialists is something of an institution in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

Dr. Farina has been creating beautiful smiles in our communities for nearly 30 years and continues to be at the forefront of both the latest technology and the highest possible level of patient care.

After opening his first office on N. Habana Ave. in West Tampa in 1995, Dr. Farina opened his Tampa Palms office in the professional center next to what is now called the Shops at Amberly in 2000.

Since then, he estimates that he has worked on more than 25,000 smiles for children and a growing number of adults.

“They start as little people, and I see them grow up,” Dr. Farina says. “I have been invited to attend graduations, weddings and other functions. It’s great to see what a difference a great smile makes.”

Today, Farina Orthodontic Specialists has three offices — one in South Tampa, one in Tampa Palms and the newest location in the building dubbed “The Cube” on Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel (between AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and the Shops at Wiregrass mall). And, two additional orthodontists who share Dr. Farina’s passion for creating beautiful smiles have joined him to serve even more patients — Undine Davis, D.M.D., and Pedro Franco, D.M.D.

The first floor of the three-story cube is now the headquarters of Farina Orthodontic Specialists and also is home to a number of other related dental and medical specialists, including dental services such as root canals (endodontics) and maxillofacial surgery (to correct issues with teeth, gums and even jaws), as well as the office’s high-tech call center, digital lab, and corporate office, all on the second floor of the building. The third floor is home to Kids SPOT, which provides pediatric therapy services, including speech, physical, occupational and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children from birth to age 21 at every stage of development.

“When we were starting to build the new

office, my son Stefano was 18 and became part of the process,” Dr. Farina says. “I think that may have encour aged him to get involved in building projects, which he is still doing today. He looked at the cube and said, ‘Dad, it is missing a clock. People always remember a building with a clock on it!’ That’s how the (traditional round) clock became part of the building.”

All three offices are busy places, with any num ber of happy patients visiting every day.

“In fact, one of Stefano’s close friends was also a pa tient,” Dr. Farina says. “My wife (Lissette) and I overheard this friend tell my son, ‘I have to thank your dad. I was like a three when I first went to him. But, I got my smile fixed and now I’m like an eight, so I am going to ask (girls name) to the prom.’ These are the types of things that make me smile. I don’t ever feel like I’m working. I love what I do and take pride in the happiness and confidence we bring to so many.”

Embracing Change

Although some patients still either opt to (or have to) choose traditional metal braces, Dr. Farina says the motto at the office is “Embrace Change.” He and his team are always looking for innovative ways to grow and one way to accomplish this goal is with new technologies, which means more than just embracing Invisalign® clear aligners — although Dr. Farina says he is the top Invisalign® provider in the area, and one of just a few orthodontists nationwide who have reached Elite Status with Invisalign®. In fact, he says, 60-70% of the practice’s current patients are using Invisalign®.

One such advancement in the orothodontic industry is the Dental Monitoring ScanBox Pro. This is a device and process that allows patients to take digital scans of their teeth (and

can monitor the progress of these patients between scheduled appointments, especially if anything appears to not be progressing properly. At that point, they can be brought into the office as quickly as possible to correct any issues.

“Our office was the first in the country to have this technology and we have been using it for more than four years now with great success.”

Other technological advances include a 3D impressionless scanner that can create a digital 3D model of your teeth in minutes. An i-CAT 3D Machine takes a 3D image of not just the patient’s teeth, but also the bones and airways in his or her head. Best of all, the process takes all of five seconds.

An iTero 3D impressionless scanner can create a digital 3D model of your teeth in three minutes — without the need for that traditional, dreaded goop. The 3-D printers can even

Not Just For Kids Anymore

Another trend in the orthodontic industry, according to Dr. Farina, is that 40% of the orthodontic practice’s patients are now adults, including a growing number of adult men. Some, but not all, of these adult patients are the parents of younger patients who see how effective orthodontics can be.

“Many of the adults do go with Invisalign® (clear aligners),” Dr. Farina says.

Dr. Farina says that while Farina Orthodontic Specialists may not be the least expensive option for patients, “We’re not the most expensive orthodontists, either.” He adds that the practice’s prices are competitive, and accepts all types of insurance plans. He will also work with

patients who may need a payment plan, which he says can cost as little as $149/month.

“Your smile is for a lifetime,” he says. “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. When you smile, you have the power to change the energy around you, as well as how you feel and how people around you feel.”

When Dr. Farina was young, he had a bad experience with a dentist and was determined to make his office and everything about the experience friendly and inviting. That’s why his offices don’t look or feel like a dentist’s office.

He also says that he is very proud of his staff. Every week, he and his team have “WOW Wednesday,” where the employees nominate one of their own to be the “Wower” of the week.

Meet The Team

Dr. Farina earned a Bachelor of Science

(B.S.) degree in Biology from Boston College in Boston, MA. He earned his D.M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia and did his post-graduate orthodontic training at New York University (NYU) in New York City, NY. He also has received advanced training in the integrated diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, and has served on research teams at both NYU and Penn to help find new and better ways to solve orthodontic problems. Dr. Farina attends more than 80 hours of professional seminars each year and participates in giving seminars and webinars across the country.

Dr. Pedro Franco was born in Cleveland, OH, but grew up in the Dominican Republic. He graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, Mexico, and earned his

D.M.D. degree (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine in San Juan. His Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics is from the Georgia School of Orthodontics, where he received the Doctor Nathaniel Glover Leadership & Professionalism Scholarship.

Dr. Undine Davis graduated from Stanford University in Stanford, CA, where she was an outstanding hurdler on the school’s track team. She earned her D.M.D. degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry. She also earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Dental Sciences and a Specialty Certification in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

All three doctors in the practice are Boardcertified and Dr. Farina says that only about

25% of all dentists are Board-certified, so he is very proud of this accomplishment. He and his team also have been voted one of the Top Dentists in Tampa the last three years by Tampa Magazine. The entire practice is very active in the community and have provided mouth guards for local sports teams and sponsored numerous causes that support education, encourage leadership and save lives.

To schedule a free virtual consultation, with Farina Orthodontic Specialists, visit FarinaSmiles.com, where you also can find additional information about the practice. New patients can call (813) 652-0074 for more information or see the ad on pg. 37. The Tampa Palms office is located at 15303 Amberly Dr., Suite E, and the Wesley Chapel office is located at 2370 Bruce B. Downs, Suite 100.

(L.-r.) Dr. Farina shows a patient their X-rays; Dr. Davis and Dr. Franco work on patients; Dr. Farina poses with his three “Top Dentist” awards from Tampa Magazine. (All photos provided by Farina Orthodontic Specialists, except far right photo by Charmaine George)

Just Turning 65 & Confused By Medicare? Insurance Opportunities Can Help!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Shaun Fagan has been a licensed insur ance agent since 1986, growing his business in the Kansas City area, and specializing in helping people ages 65 and older navigate the ins and outs of Medicare.

In 2022, after Shaun’s wife Mary retired from Verizon following a 37-year career, the couple moved to Wesley Chapel.

Shaun says that at one point in his ca reer, he had 500 agents working under him. But, these days, he’s looking for a simpler way of life.

Now it’s just Shaun and Mary, but he still helps people navigate the complexities of government-provided health insurance through Medicare.

“There is a lot of confusion about Medicare,” Shaun says. “I give people clarity to make their choices easier.”

This is especially needed for people who are turning 65, which is typically when they become eligible for Medicare. Shawn can make all of the choices available to you simpler to understand.

“The government doesn’t make it easy, that’s for sure,” he says.

Many people in their early 60s wonder if they should retire or keep working to stay on their company’s heath insurance plan, or stay on their spouse’s health insurance plan.

“When people get to that crossroads, sometimes they kind of hang in at work because they think it’s the cheaper way to go,” Shaun explains. “But they can often get better care at a better price, or equal coverage at a lower cost and have that opportunity to retire.”

He says if you’re nearing age 65, the time to talk with him is about three to four months before your birthday so you have time to learn about your options, decide what you want to do and start the enrollment process.

He adds that he also helps many people who are in a transition period, like if they have retired before age 65.

That’s how Sheri Stephens met Shaun.

“When I retired, I found it very overwhelming,” Sheri says. “I retired at 61, so I have a few years I have to bridge before Medicare.”

Sheri says Shaun had already helped her sister and her husband find a better plan than what they already had, and they referred her to him. “He is so knowledgeable,” she says. “In just educating me and walking me through the different carriers and different benefits, he was able to break it down to a third-grade level, which is where I needed it to be, because there are so many conditions and rules.”

Sheri liked that all of her conversations with Shaun were over the phone or via Zoom if he needed to show her something.

“He was very professional, very knowledgeable and very easy to deal with.”

Help For Businesses, Too

Shaun also has decades of experience helping small businesses looking for health insurance for their entire company.

“My niche is helping businesses with 20 to 50 employees, where they usually don’t have a human resources person,” he says. “They typically have an office manager but

that person isn’t an insurance specialist. That’s where I can really help a business.”

He explains that Insurance Opportunities also can provide medical, dental and vision insurance, but his specialty is Medicare. Shaun also says that when his business was based in Kansas City, he served clients in many states. Now, he continues to serve some of those clients, while also bringing his expertise to locals in Florida.

“We had a large operation before,” he says, “but we whittled it down to make it more simple when we moved here. Now, it’s just my wife — who helps me with customer service and organizing my monthly Medicare educational events — and me, which is the way we want it. As we get older, simpler is better.”

He says that since Covid, the workplace has changed so that he can work from anywhere, so he and Mary decided they didn’t want to spend another cold winter in Kansas City, which helped them decide to move to Wesley Chapel two years ago.

“The pandemic was the prompter,” he explains. “You can work from anywhere now, so you might as well work from someplace warm.”

They moved into the 55-and-older community of Esplanade in Wesley Chapel.

Shaun is an avid cycler and loves that he never has to check the weather before he heads out to ride his bicycle. Although he says lately, he’s sure to head out around 6:30 a.m. before it gets too hot outside.

He says that because he is a similar age to his clients now, he definitely can relate to the decisions they are facing.

“I’m of that age now,” he says, “so I understand the dilemma and what people are trying to achieve. ‘Will I have enough money to do what I want to do?’ Not only do I have

If you ‘re about to turn age 65, Shaun Fagan of Insurance Opportunities can help you navigate the tricky world of which Medicare plan will be best for your needs. (Photo by Charmaine George)

experience from clients. I’m also in it, too.”

And, while he is reaching that age where some people think about retiring, he says he plans to continue working for 12 more years, so clients don’t need to worry that he won’t be available to them if they have questions in the future.

“Medicare is confusing,” he says, “But it doesn’t have to be. In 30 minutes or an hour I’ve helped a lot of people to give them clarity, so they can make a decision about whether or not to enroll in Medicare, as well as which plan to choose.”

Understanding The Differences

There are four types of Medicare insurance, known as “Parts,” that include Part A through Part D. Part A provides hospital insurance; Part B provides medical insurance; Part C comprises Medicare Advantage Plans; and Part D provides prescription drug coverage.

“Original Medicare” is managed by the federal government, while “Medicare Advantage” plans are managed through private insurance carriers and may offer additional benefits, such as coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision and wellness.

Shaun can help you determine whether you should enroll in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, and he works with many large insurance carriers — such as Simply Blue, Aetna, Humana, United Health Care and others — all of which

offer a variety of options when it comes to out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.

Shaun is certified through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He says that some Medicare plans vary based on the state you live in, but the plans all basically offer the same benefits and he can walk you through the specifics of all of the plans available to you.

“We start with a no-cost, no-obligation meeting, which can be in person or a phone call,” Shaun says.

He’s quick to point out that even if you sign up with him, there’s still no cost to you for his services. Insurance Opportunities doesn’t charge service, consultation or advisor fees — the carrier you sign up with is who pays Shaun.

“There’s no cost to you except the 30 minutes to an hour you spend with me — so just the time,” he says.

Shaun says for clients who want to meet face to face, he’ll come to you. He takes phone calls at all hours and typically meets with clients Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

To schedule a free consultation with Shaun Fagan of Insurance Opportunities, call him at (816) 305-3337 or visit Calendly.com/shaun-185 to set a time. You also can get more information on the website at InsOppty.com or see the ad on page 23 of this issue.

Getting Ready For The 2024 Neighborhood News Reader Dining Survey & Contest!

We are planning to start our 2024 Reader Dining Survey & Contest in our next issue, but first, here is the list — that I hope is complete — of all of the sit-down and take-out restaurants located in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code (and south on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. to Bearss Ave. and west to Livingston Ave. After that, we have the list — which clearly is much larger — for Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes (33543, 33544 & 33545). Of course, with two malls located in/adjacent to Wesley Chapel, there were bound to be more total eateries there than in New Tampa, but the difference in terms of sheer numbers — with about 100 in & near New Tampa and more than 150 in & near Wesley Chapel — is still pretty impressive.

And finally, we also have listed separately the places that are bars only, coffee- or dessert-only places & other food-oriented places that can’t, in all good conscience, be called “restaurants,” although some places on the “Coffee or Tea Only” list still also qualified for the restaurant list.

If you feel that any that are missing from this list (which also will be posted on our website), please email me at ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com to let me know. We’ve already had to make some additions since just the Wesley Chapel list ran in our June 11 Wesley Chapel issue — GN

NEW TAMPA

Restaurants

(Dine-In/Take-Out)

Acropolis Greek Taverna

Al-Sham Palace

Bang-Bang! Bowls

Bayscape Bistro

bb.q chicken (Lotte Plaza Market)

Burger 21

Burger King

Cali Tampa Palms

Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar

Cappy’s Pizzeria

Capri Pizza-N-More

Checkers

Chick-fil-A

Chili’s

China City

China One

China Wok

Chipotle

Cracker Barrel

Cross Creek Gourmet

Domino’s Pizza

Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant

Dosa Hut

EggTown Breakfast & Lunch

Fat Rabbit Pub

Fire Up Halal Grill

First Watch

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Frammi American Grille & Italian Food

Fresh Kitchen

Ginza Endless Hibachi & Sushi

Glory Days Grill

Gorkhali Kitchen

MyungGa Gyo-dong (Lotte Plaza Market)

Ha Long Bay

Ho King

Hummingbird Jamaican Cuisine

Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood

Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs

Hunter’s Green Country Club

Ice Spice Indian Street Food Café

Jaws Topokki (Lotte Plaza Market)

Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jimmy John’s

Johnny C’s Italian Eatery

Kabob Café & Grill

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse

Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery

Las Palmas Latin Grille

Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine

Lima Peruvian Cuisine

Little Greek Fresh Grill

Marco’s Pizza

McDonald’s

Michi Ramen

Minerva Indian Restaurant

Mpanitas Restaurant

Mr. Dunderbak’s

Namaste Express

Nawabi Hyderabad House

New China King Restaurant

NY Pizza Express (Livingston Ave.)

Olive Garden

Palm Thai

Panera Bread

Papa John’s Pizza

Peabody’s Grill & Bar

Pizza Hut

Poké Island Plus

Provisions Coffee & Kitchen

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Rain Bistro

Saffron Indian Cuisine

Sbarro Pizza

SGD Dubo (Lotte Plaza Market)

Steak & Shake

Stonewood Grill & Tavern

Subs & Such (Livingston Ave.)

Subway

Sushi Avenue

Sushi Café

Sushi Haru (Lotte Plaza Market)

Sushi Raw

Taaza Mart Café

Taco Bell

Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club

Taste of NY Pizza

TGI Friday’s

Thai Lanna

Thai Ruby

The Bean Bar Co.

The Grill at Morris Bridge

The Wexford Irish Pub

Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park

Via Italia

Westshore Pizza

Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.)

Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli Co.

WESLEY CHAPEL

Restaurants (Dine-In/Take-Out)

365 Caffé Italiano

900º New York Pizza

900º Woodfired Pizza

Amici Pizza

Applebee’s

Arepa Mia

Arroy Thai

Asian Buffet

Asian Chao Oriental Eatery

Ato Sushi

Aussie Grill

Azteca D’Oro

Bacon Boss HQ

Bagelicious & More

Bahama Breeze

Bebo’s Cheesesteaks

Beef O’Brady’s

Best NY Pizza

BJ’s Brewhouse & Restaurant

Blaze Pizza

Bluefin Sushi

Blush Wine Room & Champagne Bar

Bonefish Grill

Bonsai Sushi

Bosco’s Italian-to-Go

Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.

Brunchies

Bubba’s 33

Buffalo Wild Wings

Burger King

Burger Monger

Cafe Zorba

Caprese Pizza House

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Chamo Bites

Charleys Philly Cheesesteaks

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Chicken Salad Chick

Chick-fil-A

Chick’n Fun

Chili’s

China Gourmet

China Wok

Chipotle

Chuck E. Cheese’s

Chuck Lager America’s Tavern

Chuy’s Tex-Mex

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Cracker Barrel

Crazy Sushi

Culver’s

Dairy Queen

Dempsey’s Too (Saddlebrook)

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Don Pan’s International Bakery

Dummy Crabby

EggTown Breakfast & Lunch

El Pasta & More

El Prince Mediterranean

Falabella Family Bistro

Fazoli’s

Firehouse Subs

First Watch

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

FJ Express

Flipn’ Fries

Florida Ave. Brewing Co.

Ford’s Garage

Fratelli’s Pizza & Café

Garden Grille (Hilton Garden Inn)

Garden Mediterranean Grill

Glory Days Grill

Gonna China

Green Market Café

Grillsmith

Grove Mini-Golf

Hibachi Express

Honeybaked Ham

Hot Wok 88

Ho Wok

Jersey Mike’s Subs

La Creacion Xpress

Leonidas Chocolates & Café

Longhorn Steakhouse

Los Vallarta’s

Macondo Coffee Roasters

Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli

Main Event

Mama B’s Pizzeria

Marco’s Pizza

Marquee Suites (B&B Theatres)

McDonald’s

Mellow Mushroom

Miller’s Ale House

MOD Pizza

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Mojo Grill

Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market

New York New York Pizza

Noble Crust

O’Brien’s Irish Pub

Outback Steak House

Palani’s Hawai’i Noodles

Panda Express

Panera Bread

Papa John’s Pizza

Pasta di Guy

PDQ

Persis Indian Grill

Pinchers Crab Shack

Pisco Express

Pizza Hut

PizzaMania

Poké Lulu

Popeye’s

PopStroke

Red Robin

Provisions Coffee & Kitchen

Retro Dogs

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Xtremebody Nutrition & Smoothies

Fazoli’s & Dummy Crabby Are Now Open!

Fazoli’s Opens On S.R. 54!

If you’re looking for a quick, casual Italian meal, whether for sit-down dining or with quick drive-through to-go service, you should definitely give the new Fazoli’s, located at 24791 S.R. 54 in Lutz (less than a half-mile west of the Tampa Premium Outlets), a try.

Fazoli’s is sort of like an Olive Garden (but with no alcohol sales) in a family-friendly envi ronment, and also serves its own popular unlim ited garlic breadsticks when you dine inside.

Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I attended Fazoli’s pre-opening ribbon-cut ting event on May 20 with other North Tampa Bay Chamber members and had the opportu nity to meet franchisee Carlos Saenz and his family. Saenz, who also has owned Dairy Queen franchises in the Tampa Bay area, welcomed everyone to what is now the only Fazoli’s in the Tampa Bay area (the location on Busch Blvd. in Tampa closed a few months ago; the next near est location now is in Plant City).

We serve Fast, Fresh Italian,” Saenz said. “We have people who live in this area who have been anxiously waiting for this location to open, as they tell me they’ve been driving to Plant City for our breadsticks and Italian specialties.”

Jannah, Charmaine and I sampled a few items from the Fazoli’s menu, including slices of cheese and pepperoni pizza, baked lasagna (top photo), a Classic Sampler (fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna with meat sauce and spaghetti marinara with meatballs) and my favorite so far, the meatball parmesan sub. Among the other items on the Fazoli’s menu include fried mozzarella bites, pepperoni pizza breadsticks, baked ziti or spaghetti, chicken fettuccine Alfre do and more — all fairly priced. Another plus is that Fazoli’s sells Cheesecake Factory cheesecake slices for dessert. As I said...it may not be fine Italian dining, but it is worth a visit.

For more info, visit Fazolis.com, call (813)803-3231 or stop in and tell general manager Nicole Taylor, operations director (and Wesley Chapel resident) David Gins berg and crew that I sent you!

Dummy Crabby Also Is Open!

Silly name, but really fresh, tasty seafood. That’s how I can sum up the new Dummy Crabby II, which recently opened in the space previously occupied by Medilish Mediterranean (next to Fratelli’s Pizza Café) at 5325 Village Market (Bruce B Downs Blvd., south of S.R. 54).

Dummy Crabby, which is a much smaller restaurant than the similar Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood on BBD in New Tampa, also serves its clams, mussels, crawfish, shrimp, scallops, lobster tail and dungeness, king and snow crab legs in Seafood Boils, covered in a variety of spices and

I understand why people love making already messy food even messier, but I will say that if you love truly delicious snow crab legs, get the Grand Opening Special at Dummy Crabby. You’ll receive one lb. of snow crab free when you buy one lb. for the excellent price of just $30.95! And, as the co-owner Kevin promised, the crab legs were just so fresh! Like the original Dummy Crabby on W. Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa, the Wesley Chapel location also has a Special Noodle seafood dish, raw or steamed oysters, wings, beer and more. For more info, call (813) 330-4136 or visit DummyCrabbyFL.kwickmenu.com. — GN

More New Tampa Dining Openings, Closing & Rumors!

As we get ready for the 2024 Reader Dining Survey & Contest (see pg. 38), the New Tampa dining scene continues to evolve, with more closings, openings and rumors than ever.

First, for the bad news: In the Palms Connection plaza on Bearss Ave. just west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Bearss Tavern & Tap and Mint Cocktail Club, both owned by Cody Jay, are now both permanently closed. We also heard, although have not yet been able to con firm, that the delicious Woodfired Pizza & Wine Bar in the same plaza was likely closing at the end of June. That would be a tremendous loss for the local Neapolitanstyle-pizza-loving community.

As for new openings, although it isn’t a restaurant at all, Bull Liquors & Cigar recently re-opened in its new space in the Acropolis Greek Taverna-anchored Oak Ramble Plaza on BBD, south of Tampa Palms. The original Bull Liquors was located in the same plaza, in a much smaller space near Papa John’s Pizza and Jersey Mike’s , but the new location — which took close to a year to get open — is in the plaza’s other end cap, where the last business in there was a check-cashing place, but which also has been home to four restau-

Louis Pappas Market

Takara Sushi & Sake

The new Bull Liquors (at 14913 BBD) is a much larger, nicer location with a good selection of fine wines and spirits, as well as a walk-in cigar

For more info, call (813) 513-8941. -anchored New

Tampa Center plaza on BBD, just north of New Tampa/Cross Creek Blvd, where a new sign recently went up announcing that Everbowl is planning to open in the plaza’s space just north of Publix. Everbowl, a California-based chain of healthy bowl eateries (think Grain & Berry) with about 90 locations in 24 states, has only one other Florida location, near the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, but its Everbowl.com website promises a wide variety of bowls featuring Açai, granola, fresh fruit, peanut butter, chia pudding, blue majik (naturally blue-colored spirulina), Coco Love coconut water, Cacao Wow and other healthy, all-natural flavors.

I was surprised to not find a “Coming Soon” on the website for the location, but a spokesperson for the UCF Everbowl said that the franchisee for that location didn’t know about or ask for a

owner.” We’ll keep you posted.

Speaking of healthier eating, two different health-conscious concepts that recently closed in the Winn-Dixie and LA Fitness-anchored The Cypress plaza tucked in off BBD at the corner of County Line Rd. are both in the process of being replaced. The one we know for sure is happening is that Coffee Latitudes, which currently has a popular kiosk at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, is planning to open the Coffee Latitudes Coffee & Wine Bar in the former location of Juice Factory (at 6431 E. County Line Rd., Suite 110, next to Max’s Pets).

But, all we can tell you about the other vacant space, that previously was home to Island Fin Poké Co., is that the replacement could be a popular healthy eatery at the KRATE at The Grove Container Park. Again, we’ll keep you posted. — GN

NEW TAMPA

A Familiar Name Opens Upscale Birkin’s Steakhouse In Lutz!

Even though his new place isn’t located in Wesley Chapel or New Tampa, a heartfelt con gratulations goes out to Mark Birkin, the owner of the new Birkin’s Steakhouse & Sushi Bar on N. Florida Ave./U.S. Hwy. 41 in Lutz, in the former location of the once-popular L.A. Hangout (and a couple of other restaurants since then).

Until I saw Mark the day his new steakhouse opened (May 29), I couldn’t remember how I knew his name. But, when we shook hands after Jannah, photographer Charmaine George, her boyfriend Brendan and I enjoyed an outstanding meal at Birkin’s, Mark and I immediately recognized each other. He’s the long-time owner of The Wexford Irish Pub & Grille (previously known as PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub).

But, while his other local restaurants have had pretty good food, if you haven’t yet tried Bir kin’s, you really need to go check it out ASAP.

First of all, L.A. Hangout’s former live en tertainment side is now a n elegant sushi bar with outstanding, beautifully presented, fresh sushi, like the tasty volcano roll shown here (top left photo).

But, the real star of the show is the steakhouse side, serving everything from the fresh, sesame seedencrusted seared tuna steak (lower left) to escargots and a fried lobster bites appetizer (top of next page).

What really impressed me was Birkin’s 12-oz. filet mignon, grilled to medium rare perfection and, to quote my fellow New Yawkas, “like buttah” tender. No one else even has a 12-oz. filet in our area. Also on the menu are lollipop lamb chops, a tomahawk ribeye and more. “Steak and sushi are my favorite things to eat,” Mark says. “I wanted us to serve the best of both worlds.”

side dishes like homemade mac & cheese, sautéed vegetable medley and creamed spinach. There’s also a full premium liquor bar with great craft cocktails (ask about the exclusive wine lockers, too) and deca dent desserts like the cinnamon-y apple crumble

New Eateries Now Open Or Opening Soon At The KRATEs & More

As you’re receiving this issue, the KRATE at The Grove Container Park recently finished celebrating its two-year anniversary on June 8, but the lineup of restaurants and shops at the KRATEs continues to evolve.

One of the biggest changes is that The Chicken Boss, the fried chicken concept opened last year by The Bacon Boss HQ owners Josh and Christy Norland, has closed. The Norlands’ announcement on The Chicken Boss’ Facebook page said, however, that “select menu items from The Chicken Boss will find a new home at The Bacon Boss HQ.”

Meanwhile, the Chicken Boss soon will be replaced at the KRATEs by Indian Street Kitchen, the faster-food concept from owner Harry Patel at Persis Indian Grill, the instant hit that opened earlier this year next to Double Branch Brewing in the Village at The Grove.

“We’ll be serving every type of Indian street food at the new location,” Harry told me. “Come see and taste what we have to offer.” Although he wouldn’t give me any hints as to what the menu will include (“It’s not finished yet,” he said), a quick Google search revealed that samosas, those crispy, delicately spiced potato-filled pastries that are amazing at Persis, are the most popular type of Indian street food. Harry did say that Indian Street Kitchen should be open soon., although it was not yet open at our press time.

Meanwhile, the Sausage King, located in the second space occupied by TJ’s Hot Dogs (TJ’s was the original tenant in the

Chicken Boss space at the KRATEs), has closed just a few months after opening and has now been replaced by Retro Dogs Dogs is owned by Seven Oaks residents Gisella Troncozo and Luis Latorre, and their daughter, Gisella Latorre (photo, below left), and features a make-your-own hot dog sta tion, a new hotdog being added every week, French fries, milkshakes and beer.

The hot dogs at both TJ’s and Sausage King were great, but the 1/4-lb. regular and 1/2-lb, 12-inch Retro Dogs at the new Route 66-themed eatery, including the authentictasting NY Dog are even better.

Although not located in the KRATEs, Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings is ex pected to open in the former location of of the Coop at the front of The Grove, next to Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.

sandwich in town.” For more information, visit HangryJoes.com.

Like King of the Coop, Hangry Joe’s specializes in Nashville hot chicken sandwiches (photo, right), plus wings, shakes and waffle fries. With 21 franchise locations (includ-

And finally, congratulations to new TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant (6034 Wesley Grove Blvd.) owner Jason Scott, who recently took over from original owners Jamie and Joe Hess and Lee Bevan.

Jason is an accomplished pianist who both played and booked the dueling pianists at TrebleMakers, and he is working hard to revamp the service and experience at the restaurant before trying to figure out what changes to make to the menu. He has started with new $8 lunch specials offered Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more info, call (813) 406-4371 or visit TrebleMakersofWC.com. — GN

(Photo by Charmaine George)

Deiah Riley brought her roving “Good Morning” show back to Wesley Chapel, as she set up on the main stage at the KRATE at The Grove Container Park from 6 a.m.-10 a.m.

There were the usual great previously recorded segments with the likes of North Tampa Bay Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy and members of the Boyette family (one of the original citrus farming families that settled in the Wesley Chapel area) being interviewed, as well as a discussion of whether “Downtown Wesley Chapel” will actu ally be located in Avalon Park or the Wiregrass Ranch community.

But of course, what got our attention the most were the live dining segments with Riley interviewing the owners of several of the KRATEs, and roving reporter Sean Daly (right) visiting with some of the better- and lesserknown eateries in Wesley Chapel, including (top photo) the new Retro Dogs, Garden of Eden Olive Oil Co., Bakey X (middle right), Wesley Chapel coffee shop, Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market, Florida Ave. Brewing Co., Pasta di Guy (bottom photo) and several more. Although there are, of course, so many other places in Wesley Chapel, I really enjoyed this full morning of local businesses being fea tured on TV. Again, great job! — GN; top photo by Charmaine George; the others are screenshots from the “Good Morning, Wesley Chapel” segments.

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