Aftermath Of A Disaster! Flooding, Debris
By GARY NAGER
After living in this area for more than 30 years, I thought that living at least 25-30 miles from anywhere along the Gulf coast was enough to ensure that our area would never have to deal with the full brunt of a major hurricane. Wrong again, G.
Even though Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, five miles or so south of downtown Sarasota and more than 60 miles south and 30 miles west of here, the Category 3 storm brought winds estimated at about 100 miles per hour for several hours as it rumbled across Florida. Those of you who hunkered down in your homes here will probably never forget the roaring freight train sound that pounded our area from Wednesday night well into Thursday morning, Oct. 9-10.
But, when the smoke cleared, our area clearly had suffered its most direct hit, at least in the three decades that I have lived here, and it’s likely that no one will ever ignore the warnings to evacuate when it’s clear to every meteorologist on every TV station that another storm has us in its sights.
From The Eye Of The Hurricane To The Eye Of Multiple Tornadoes? A Saga
An Editorial by GARY NAGER
As I reflect on the horror that was — and still is for too many people — Hurricane Milton less than two weeks ago as I’m writing this, I am both happy and a little guilty to report that our power came back on (at the Silversaw Apartments on the north side of S.R. 56, west of I-75) within about a day, our complex seemingly suffered little to no structural damage, the traffic signals resumed working and the stores and restaurants were able to reopen in our area.
But, believe me, I know this is not the case for at least some of our readers and the State of Florida in general. And, I once again feel powerless to help, other than having donated some money to disaster relief, which I know may not necessarily benefit the local residents in need.
Jannah and I went to stay with her daughter in Port Saint Lucie — yes, the same Port Saint Lucie (and St. Lucie County) that took the brunt of the 126 tornado warnings and nearly 40 verified tornado touchdowns (photo) as Milton’s outer bands were first reaching the “Sunshine State” early in the afternoon on Oct. 9. One of those tornadoes, which touched down about five miles from where we were hunkered down, tore the roof off the city’s Police Department and another that hit Ft. Pierce (only 12 miles from us) was responsible for the deaths of at least five people in one subdivision — the Spanish Lakes Country Club.
Scary stuff, to be sure, but those near misses were the worst we dealt with from the storm and we got an email that the power had somehow already been restored at Silversaw by Thursday night. We definitely saw less rain and wind in Port Saint Lucie than pretty much anywhere other than Miami and other areas in the southeastern corner of the state.
My mom, who lives in downtown Sarasota, made the decision to stay in her high-rise apartment building, which did lose power but had a backup generator that kicked in and her hurricane windows held up just fine. Even so, she was alone with her cat in her apartment and said that the winds — which far exceeded 100 mph upon Milton’s landfall in nearby Siesta Key (which already had been devastated by storm surge from Hurricane Helene) — never seemed to let up from what she could only describe as a high-speed train sound right outside those windows for more than six hours. I’ve seen comments on local Facebook community pages that tell a similar story about the conditions here for those who didn’t evacuate.
On our drive back on Oct. 11, which included passing through the “war zone” that is now Ft. Pierce, we saw dozens of downed power lines, non-working traffic signals and tons of damage. We felt even more fortunate — but maybe also even more guilty — to have a place to return to that already had electricity and running water with our lives pretty much able to resume back to “normal.”
But, I know that simply isn’t true for everyone who receives our publications. Photographer Charmaine George and freelance writers Celeste McLaughlin and Iris Vitelli had no power for several days, which is horrible to think about until you consider those who lost their homes completely and whose lives are changed forever.
In the aftermath of Milton, we have seen the buckling of a portion of Curley Rd., (see pg. 4) the flooding of the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza (BBD Blvd. at S.R. 56), trees that fell on people’s houses and many more truly frightening things that have happened since Milton came and went.
Three to four days after the storm, in beautiful fall weather, the National Guard and other military and law enforcement personnel had to help evacuate 100 or more people from the Enclave development on Wesley Chapel Blvd.(not to be confused with The Enclave subdivision of Meadow Pointe or The Enclave Apartments on S.R. 56) because of the record flooding of the nearby Cypress Creek. Flooding continued for several days for a lot of our other readers, too, and many have structural damage to their homes and what could be long waits for insurance claims to be processed and paid, while also having to find temporary shelter.
In other words, just because some of you and I don’t have the same full-fledged disaster on our hands doesn’t mean your neighbors are all OK. I have seen some of the nastiest comments back and forth on local Facebook communities and have
seen and heard of people being nasty to workers at Costco, local restaurants and especially, at local gas stations, many of which weren’t able to replenish their supplies for several days. It was obvious that many people did still have to fill gas cans because they did still need to run their generators because they still didn’t have power. Some people even fought their neighbors over their places in line at local gas stations as the supply began to return. Even though life has returned to some semblance of “normalcy” for most us, please try to keep those who weren’t so lucky in your thoughts. It costs you nothing to be kind to people and seeing local organizations and individual neighbors helping their neighbors in the face of what, for many, is still a tragedy, should inspire you to be kind to others. People may look OK, but you can’t know for sure whether or not they are.
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News
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Port St. Lucie tornado that touched down before Hurricane Milton made landfall. (Source: WFTV-TV Orlando)
By Joel Provenzano & Gary Nager
Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton caused the perfect storm (no pun intended) for flooding, creating record amounts of rainfall almost never seen before in the Wesley Chapel area.
Many parts of Wesley Chapel received around 10” of rain with Debby, 4” with Helene, and 13”-16” (or more) with Milton, on top of an already wetter-than-normal summer. One storm in September set an all-time record dumping of 4.7” of rain in only two hours, causing flash floods in older areas of Tampa. Weather stations were reporting that before Milton hit, much of the Tampa Bay area had already seen 50% more rainfall year-todate than average.
With Milton making landfall south of Tampa Bay, that helped reduce potential storm surge impacts but put us in perhaps the worst part of the storm for rainfall. The day Milton hit was recorded as the second wettest day EVER recorded for Tampa (in total rainfall), and officially made 2024 as the wettest year (with 77 inches) since records started in 1890, even though the year still has more than two months left!
All of this rain had to go somewhere. It doesn’t just magically disappear overnight. New lakes have been created all over Florida where none had existed before, and these flood waters eventually found their way into rivers, creating historically high river levels that continued to rise even after the storm was gone. In short — it’s still kind of a mess out there.
Enclave In The News
Pulling into the entrance of the Enclave community along Hyde Park Dr. (off Wesley Chapel Blvd.), nearly a week after Milton made landfall, the smell of dead fish and sewage was still lingering in the air. The water was still high in the street, a little over 2 feet, making it look more like a river. Technically it was, as Cypress Creek topped its bank, flooding into the nearby community.
The storm was gone but the water kept rising, the river gauge maxing out a full 4’ above the major flood stage (at a record 15 feet), days after the rain had stopped falling.
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission and the National and Florida State Guard were gone, a few days after performing more than 100 water rescues, and now the locals were stepping in to help each other. After all, even Gov. Ron DeSantis mentioned the Enclave’s historic flooding during one of his post-Milton updates. The community was now famous...or infamous, at least.
Getting out of the vehicle to take pictures we immediately heard, “You wanna go back there?,”
asked Paul Stevenson with Roofing & Sheet Metal Services. “I’ll take you.”
It was almost 7 p.m., and Paul (an Enclave resident himself) had been giving rides to other residents in his big Dodge Ram 2500 since 2 p.m., ferrying them slowly down the flooded streets trying hard not to make a big wake. As big of a truck as it was, and all decked out for work, it was just barely tall enough, with the water level coming right up to the bottom of the doors.
“A lot of people left, but then, surprisingly, we got power back a few days ago,” Paul said while driving and pointing out the worst. Paul has lived in Enclave for four years and said he has never even seen flooding on the streets before at all. Many were lucky, because as deep as the water got, the houses were all built a few feet above the level of the road, so the water came right up to a few door steps, but never made it inside.
Residents were being cautious though, as many had parked their cars sideways, right up against their garage doors to avoid the flood waters, which was a smart move. A few residents parked vehicles up at the entrance to the community in a makeshift parking lot, where Paul and another helpful citizen, Carter Hoch (see photo on pg. 1), were picking people up and dropping them off.
Carter lives in Lutz and brought over his custom high-water vehicle, a lifted side-by-side with massive, chest high tires. “I did 10 hours yesterday, got back to help one more day. Been here for an hour,” Carter said after lifting a suitcase out the back for a resident he had just picked up from the back of the community.
Paul chimed in that, “It looks like regular pickup trucks might be able to make it in tomorrow,” and both agreed that their extremely helpful services might not be needed much longer.
Wesley Chapel Effects
As far as the Wesley Chapel area was concerned, Enclave (which actually has a Land O’Lakes address), got the worst of the post-Milton Cypress Creek flooding, although many local streets were severely flooded in the immediate aftermath of the storm, which saw gusts of 100 mph and higher, and received hurricane-force winds throughout the evening hours of Oct. 9 through the early morning hours of Oct. 10.
The flooding in front of the Publix-anchored Shoppes at New Tampa (top left photo by Jeremy Frakes on the Wesley Chapel Residents Facebook page) subsided within a day or so after the storm passed, leaving downed signs and non-working traffic signals in its wake. Trees and power lines were also down everywhere, like at the home of Jason and Sarah Contino (above), where a large tree that fell missed their home by only a few feet. Down fences were a common scenario.
But, some people with the newer PVC -style fences were able to replace and put back the panels that had blown out within hours of the sun coming up the next morning.
Equally frightening scenes were recorded by local residents across our area, although the top right photo on the previous page was posted by WFLA-TV (News Channel 8) of a portion of Curley Rd. that completely buckled.
Most (but certainly not all) homes in the Wesley Chapel area (and more than 3.5 million statewide) lost power for at least a day or more, which caused the need for many people to throw out the perishable food in their refrigerators. Of course, restaurants were probably the hardest hit by this, but many seemed to barely skip a beat in terms of reopening within a couple of days.
As gasoline became scarce in the first few days after Milton passed, the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) opened up five free gasoline distribution stations across the Tampa Bay area, including one in the Dillard’s parking lot at the Shops at Wiregrass (above) from Oct. 14-17, where motorists could receive up to 10 gallons in free gas. The lines were long — up to three hours at the busiest times — and some online commenters didn’t understand why people still needed gas
a week after the storm, when the gas stations did finally all get to refill, apparently not realizing that many homes were still running gas generators in order to be able to have power in their homes.
And finally, a lot of people have been wondering why they were turned down for the $750 in assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), so I asked FEMA media specialist Sara Zuckerman that question.
“If a disaster survivor gets a letter that they are ineligible for disaster assistance, it may not be a final decision,” Zuckerman said, “Sometimes, FEMA just needs more information or supporting documentation from the survivor. Make sure you read the letter carefully to see what items may be pending from your first attempt to apply.”
Zuckerman also said that homeowners and renters in a declared county (like Pasco) can apply for FEMA assistance online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-(800) 621-3362 Mobile access also is available through the FEMA App. The latest Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) schedule and locations can be found at FEMA. gov or by texting 43362 - DRC {your zip code} to find your closest DRC. There also are Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) crews working in Florida neighborhoods helping people apply.
State Sen. Danny Burgess Talks Wesley Chapel Incorporation, Impact Fees & More!
By Gary Nager
Anyone who knows District 23 State Senator Danny Burgess is aware that he’s not your typical politician. That fact was obvious during Sen. Burgess’ appearance at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Coffee & Conversation” event at the Fairfield Inn on Lajuana Blvd. on Oct. 1, which proved to be more than just the usual pre-election “Look at all I’ve accomplished” speech most incumbents and candidates engage in when they make public appearances.
In fact, during his conversation with Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy and about 40 Chamber members and guests, Sen. Burgess hardly talked about himself at all and was clearly serious when he said he fully supports Wesley Chapel incorporating and becoming its own city! (See below)
He also discussed the seriousness of Hurricane Helene (this was ten days before Hurricane Milton hit Florida) and what the state can do and is doing to help the Gulf Coast recover following the storm to ensure that those affected by Helene can still get insurance after such major storms. He also discussed why Pasco and other counties don’t seem to be spending their impact fees to mitigate the actual impacts of all of this development, and so much more.
Kennedy started the “Coffee & Conversation” event with a moment of silence for the victims of Helene and Sen. Burgess thanked her for doing that because, “One part of you feels bad for driving on as normal, a little bit, but the other part of you feels an obligation to help,
too, because that could easily be us. I think anyone who lives in the State of Florida recognizes that, when you see someone else in the path of the storm, there’s a lot of humility that blows over you because the next one could be you.”
He added, “Be thankful that you don’t live on the coast because I can’t even tell you the number of people we personally know who just lost their homes. We have a lot to be thankful for, but we also have to think about, ‘How can we help them?’”
When asked what else the state can do to help the thousands of Floridians whose homes were either completely destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by Helene, Burgess said, “Imagine the worst and it’s that bad. Many of those homes are probably going to have to be knocked down and rebuilt, on stilts hopefully, because the surge is coming again. How many of those people now, after the last three storms, are saying, ‘I loved the idea of being on the beach but this isn’t for me anymore?’ The problem is that they could be stuck, can’t get out because whether it’s interest rates or the cost of other homes, it’s cost-prohibitive, so they’re trapped.”
He then mentioned a number of resources available to help the people affected by Helene.
“We have activated the small business bridge loans through the Dept. of Commerce, which is a great resource offering zero-interest loans to businesses impacted by the storm,” he said.
“If you’re involved in the agriculture, like an actual farm or an agricultural business, we’re offering up to a $500,000 bridge loan, through
Ag commissioner Wilton Simpson’s office.
“But, for individuals, we have Hope Florida. It’s an amazing connection point for all of the assets that our state provides that nobody knows about, because there’s a communication gap. The reason Hope Florida was created was to solve that problem, plus that gap, for the resident, the individual, the impacted constituent. Please stress this to your readers to call 1-833-GET-HOPE. It was a program established by our First Lady (Casey DeSantis) and supported by the Governor. It’s been an amazing resource. There are Hope Florida buses on the west coast of our state providing comfort care for people, the essentials. Is there an easy, quick fix to this situation? Absolutely not. But, can we do all we can to help our brothers and sisters in need? Yes. And, Hope Florida is that connection point for our state. It’s really still in its infancy, but I think Helene is testing its grit and its resilience and validating that it is needed.”
Braver and John Houman, who is running as an independent candidate; see pg. 10 for details), explain the location of his District.
Kennedy also had Sen. Burgess, who is running for re-election to his State Senate Dist. 23 seat (against Democratic candidate Ben
“I was born and raised in Zephyrhills and I’m still there and Zephyrhills is still in the heart of my District, which is awesome, but I represent from the Pasco-Hernando line to the north, Dade City on the north side, Trinity and Odessa to the west and the Polk line at Plant City to the east, all the way down to Brandon to the south. My District includes Dover, Seffner, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes and Lutz. This is home. It’s everywhere
North Tampa Bay Chamber President Hope Kennedy hosted a lively “Coffee & Conversation” event on Oct. 1 at the Fairfield Inn in Wesley Chapel with State Senator Danny Burgess. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)
I’ve grown up. I love that the municipalities of Dade City, Zephyrhills and Plant City are part of my District. And, all of New Tampa north of I-75. Only Tampa Palms is not in my District.”
On Wesley Chapel Incorporation
As to why he is hoping Wesley Chapel becomes its own city, Burgess said, “I was driving home through Wesley Chapel with my dad from the Bucs game on a recent Sunday and out of his mouth, not mine, he said, ‘I just don’t understand why Wesley Chapel doesn’t incorporate. This area just has so much to offer. They need to take control of their destiny.”
And, from the man who at age 17 became the youngest mayor in the country when he was elected Mayor of Zephyrhills, “Being the mayor of your town is the best gig on earth.”
Kennedy interjected that the conversation about incorporation, “Has been percolating again. For those who don’t know, it was back in 2012 when the Chamber (then the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce) took a position to facilitate that conversation, but it just became such a heavy lift. We remembered that
back in 2009, Will Weatherford (who was our area’s State Representative but had not yet become the Speaker of the Florida House), was able to pass some legislation that actually gave Wesley Chapel the opportunity to incorporate itself without having to go to the state for permission.”
“Is that still on the books?,” Burgess asked.
To which Kennedy responded, “I believe it is. I hope it is. We haven’t looked at it recently, but that’s what started the conversation.”
“If I could accomplish one thing before I’m done,” Burgess said, “I’d like to be able to say ‘Wesley Chapel is officially a city. with its own governing body.’”
And, although the idea received boisterous applause from the Chamber members in attendance at the meeting, most of the online commenters on the post I put up on our Facebook page a couple of days later were mostly against incorporation.
But, NTBC Board member Jamie Hess, who also was in attendance for the coffee event, said that, “We’ve had about five meetings about it and our Board is really going to push for it.”
“That makes me so happy,” Burgess said. “Look, there is a stigma attached to adding — as some of my friends in Tallahassee say — another layer of bureaucracy, but the reality is that it allows you to have a distinct identity, which this community does. But, more than
that, there is a missing link when you don’t have that very localized, closest-to-the-people form of government. I just personally believe and yes, I’ve learned this first-hand, that living in a municipality doesn’t mean you’re not affiliated with the county. In Zephyrhills, we had fire services through the county, but the county understandably has a very large footprint and a lot of area to cover. But, as a city, you can control your destiny and most important, your culture — that Main Street feel, that’s what I love the most about it. Wesley Chapel has that feel, but we just need to take control of the ship, especially with everything I know is coming here.”
Kennedy added, “It’s so exciting to be in a community you’re literally building it out of the ground. That conversation that is happening, so stay tuned.”
There was a noticeable groan when I asked where the boundaries for the City of Wesley Chapel would be drawn.
“That’s where it died the last time,” Kennedy admitted. “The Chamber put up signs (on Wesley Chapel Blvd.) but the people in Lutz insisted on them coming down. The Census Designated Places (CDPs) through the U.S. Census Bureau uses natural boundaries to determine CDPs, so we looked at Cypress Creek as that natural boundary, but the Lutz folks wanted it drawn at I-75 which is not a natural boundary. We assume the planned boundary [of the City of Wesley Chapel] would be at the CDP boundary of Cypress Creek.”
Insurance Issues
After moving on from the incorporation discussion, Kennedy said that a survey she conducted through the Florida Chamber of
Commerce showed that the #1 issue for most folks in Florida is insurance.
“Given the crisis with the recent storm, insurance is going to continue to be a big issue,” Kennedy said. “Can you give us a lay of the land from Tallahassee’s perspective?”
And, although Burgess sad he was no longer on the Insurance Committee in the Legislature, he said, “We had multiple sessions and special sessions to address that issue. From a legislative prospective, I’m sure there’s more that we can do. However, we did so much in the last couple of cycles that we ripped the Band-Aid off of many issues — from tort reform to how insurers operate to checks and balances in that realm.”
He added, “We are starting to see, and I says ‘starting,’ because I don’t want to be insensitive, because it’s not over, but we are starting to see the fruits of those investments. We are starting to see big insurers re-commit to the Florida marketplace — like State Farm, which is a huge one because they had pulled out, but they’re coming back in. It isn’t going to happen overnight. In government, we probably went a little too long without trying to adequately address the problem. It does take 18-24 months to start to see that pendulum swing back into a balance but I do believe that, after the series of three to four reforms we did over the last couple of years, that we are starting to see a re-stabilization of the market. And I’m speaking as someone who lost their home insurance recently and was put into Citizens (the insurer of last resort in Florida). We’ve only been with Citizens for maybe a month. But, we’re already getting notices from other insurance companies [offering to insure us]. So, it is happening.”
See “Senator Burgess” on pg. 8
‘Senator Burgess’
Continued from pg. 7
Of course, after the devastating storm surge of Helene (and now major damage even our area received from Hurricane Milton), Burgess said, “The question is what happens next? Are these individuals going to be able to get insurance after this storm? Because they’re not allowed to pull out right after the impact happens. That’s bad faith and we’re not going to let that happen. It shouldn’t happen and if it is happening, the [State] Insurance Commission needs to know.”
But, looking forward after the repairs, he said, “If a future storm [like Milton] happens and has a similar impact, how do we balance that? Because, at the end of the day, everyone in Florida is paying that price. So, we have a big issue on our hands as a state. So, we have to start having some really tough conversations as to how to move forward on that.”
He also mentioned that auto insurance is another major issue. “Florida is a no-fault state so you carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and the other person does, too, so no matter whose fault it is, you just take care of yourself. But, $10,000 is a product of 1976. It’s gone the second you enter an ER door. So, that’s inadequate coverage and the biggest cost driver in our system right now. So, if we pass mandatory bodily injury coverage and have a threshold of at least $25,000, that’s how we get back to responsibility and also a balance in the force when it comes to auto insurance rates.”
Burgess also said that because living in Florida is so desirable, the cost of everything here is going up. “Inflation is real,” he said. “Interest rates are through the roof, our homes are valued at far more
than we ever purchased them for — because, in large part, of the number of individuals wanting to move here. So, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for but also the ‘back end’ effects and I think those are some of the things we’re trying to rectify.”
Kennedy then opened it up to questions from those in attendance, “But with the caveat that the Chamber is a bi-partisan organization. We are here for pro-business legislation and for having conversations with our elected officials.”
Regarding The ‘Live Local’ Act
Kennedy then asked Burgess about people who make a decent living who still can’t afford to buy or rent homes/apartments in our area.
Burgess said, “The ‘Live Local Act’ was supposed to assist the ‘missing middle’ (class). Its intent was pure and it was a good bill but it did have some flaws. We’re still working through it and there are a couple of things we still need to address, a few gaps that need to be filled, but what it was supposed to do, from Pasco’s perspective, was help those who work in Pasco County be able to afford to live here — or any of many other counties throughout the state. We want the working class middle to be able to afford to live near where they work.”
He added, “It passed unanimously! It wasn’t until after it passed and the Governor signed it that anybody said, ‘Hold the phone.’ So, the biggest ‘kumbaya’ thing ever in Tallahassee became this huge explosion.”
Regarding Impact Fees
Burgess said that impact fees are one of his pet peeves. “If you’re a governmental entity in the I-4 corridor, whether county or city, and you’re hurting for money, I think we need to consider that there’s been a mismanagement of funds.”
Attendee Carlos Saenz (photo), the owner of
two Dairy Queens and Fazoli’s on S.R. 54, said that for two Dairy Queens in Pasco, “I stroked a $140,000 check just for the impact fees. It feels punitive for the privilege of creating jobs in the county.”
And where did that impact fee go?,” Burgess responded. “Did you ever get a notice? We had an impact fee bill this year and in my Senate version of the bill, I wanted to know if the impact fees a county is collecting are going to help the areas that the business or development is impacting.”
Kennedy said, “We actually made a pitch to Pasco County to reallocate some of those impact fees, but they’re so splattered that we couldn’t get a definitive answer [as to how they’re spent].”
Burgess said, “Have you ever looked at your personal finances and said, ‘Where did it all go?’ I think it’s the same principle for the county, or any government, because I’m not just picking on Pasco. If you [had to] put those impact fees in a separate pot and itemized it, maybe you could have insured that it went in a certain direction. We had a bill to do just that but it didn’t pass.”
And, Burgess said, “That’s not only a problem with commercial land. The impact fees alone on a piece of land we wanted to buy in Zephyrhills kept us from putting an offer down. I didn’t have an extra $20,000 to put down for that vacant property.”
When Kennedy asked what could be done about the impact fee situation, Burgess asked for help mobilizing other chambers and business organi-
zations to get behind a possible impact fee bill in the next session. “I love the state organizations but they get wrapped up in politics sometimes,” Burgess said. “I think all of you would benefit tremendously from passing a piece of legislation like a transparency act for impact fees, with them allocated to the area where the impact is taking place — other than the schools. We don’t want to take impact fees from them and the bill that didn’t pass specifically did not take away from the impact fees schools would receive. I think our team has that bill included in our 2025 ‘bill tracker’ for the next session.” Burgess agreed about having impact fee caps and thresholds on the state level, “But, I think for us to put artificial caps on everything without knowing what the true costs of the impacts to these areas are, we might still be needing to fix something on the back end, like with Live Local. I think the first step is transparency and that the impact fees are going to the areas being impacted. And then, from the transparency piece, we’re going to be able to identify ‘That’s extortion.’ A lot of my colleagues in Tallahassee just want to blow the whole system up, but that will create a lot more problems than you solve. So, I’m of the mind, as a military guy, to tactically find where the impacts are taking place before attempting to cap it or moderate it.”
Kennedy added, “Our Board also suggested that the county should have an ordinance to reallocate those funds from ‘Capital’ to ‘Operational,’ so they could use what’s already there to get the ball moving, but we hit a brick wall with that as well. So, we want to work through the state instead.” Burgess agreed that impact fees should be something that’s uniform across the state, “since there should be nothing to hide, in theory.”
ELECT
A FRESH VISION FOR FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 54
Lower Insurance Costs Invest in Education
Floridians are facing real challenges, and we need leaders who will put people first.
Karl Cieslak is running to bring common-sense solutions to Tallahassee, focusing on lowering costs and defending your freedoms.
WHY KARL CIESLAK IS THE LEADER WE NEED:
• Lowering Homeowners Insurance Costs: Karl will fight to bring down skyrocketing insurance premiums. Randy Maggard has supported policies that benefit big insurance companies while families pay more.
• Protecting Personal Freedoms: Karl stands for your right to make personal choices. Maggard co-sponsored HB 1557 (“Parental Rights in Education”), limiting discussions of LGBTQ+ issues in schools, and backed HB 5, restricting women’s healthcare choices.
• Investing in Education: Karl will fight for increased funding for public schools. Maggard supported HB 7045, which diverts funds to private schools, leaving our public schools behind.
Karl Cieslak puts people over politics. Randy Maggard puts special interests first.
The Choice is Clear.
Nov. 5 Is Only A Week Away. How Will Wesley Chapel Vote?
The Presidential Election Is The Centerpiece But County & State Races & Amendments Also
By Gary Nager
On Tuesday, November 5, voters across the U.S. will elect a new President and Vice-President. And, while there are other candidates on the ballot, there’s no doubt that either current Vice-President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump will be elected the 47th president of the U.S., and their respective running mates — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz or Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance — will become our next Vice-President.
Yes, the election will be historic no matter who wins. Harris would be the first woman, the first Black woman and the first person of Indian descent to ascend to our country’s highest office.
Trump would be the first President since Grover Cleveland (who won in 1884 and 1892, after losing in 1888, despite winning the popular vote) and the second in history to regain the office after losing his first attempt at a second term. And, no matter what you think about his trial for falsifying business records, Trump also would be the only convicted felon to become President.
But, while this election also comes at one of the most volatile times in our nation’s history — with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East, the very real threat of Chinese aggression against Taiwan and Republicans and Democrats
pointing fingers at each other for the myriad of problems we face domestically — there is little doubt that this will be one of the most hotly contested Presidential elections in history.
And, while that’s actually a good thing, because it likely means that more people will be casting ballots than ever before — probably surpassing the record 155+ million who voted in 2020 — it also probably means that all of the candidates “down-ballot,” from U.S. Senator to local Community Development District races, can expect largerthan-usual voting numbers, too.
Yes, some people will only vote in the Presidential race while others will vote in every race except for President, but for anyone who cares about life not only in our country but in our state and local communities, this is an opportunity to truly let your voice be “heard.”
And, with sa couple of super-controversial State Constitutional Amendments — including regarding abortion rights and the possible legalization of recreational marijuana — also on the Nov. 5 ballot, the hope here is that local voters will look beyond the non-stop TV ads on those issues and try to read the texts of those amendments (difficult though it may be; see pg. 12)) to decide
Will Help Shape Life Here
what you truly think is the right thing to do with your vote.
If that feels like a lot of pressure to you, just imagine what all of the candidates on your ballot (see page 11) are feeling right now as early voting has already begun and Nov. 5 is a week away as you’re reading this issue.
Speaking of which, Vote by Mail ballots were sent out beginning on Oct. 3 and are due back by no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. The Early Voting period began on October 21, and runs through Sunday, November 3, and the there are three Early Voting sites located in Wesley Chapel —the Wesley Chapel
District Park (7727 Boyette Rd.), the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County (3021 Sports Coast Way) and the New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54).
The deadline to register to vote in this election was Oct. 7, so if you’re not already registered to vote in Pasco County, you will not be eligible to cast a ballot here in this election. I also encourage you to know your polling place. If you don’t know where you are supposed to vote on Election Day, please visit PascoVotes.gov to find out.
So please, get out and vote, Wesley Chapel!
Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump: Only one can be elected the 47th President of the United States on Tuesday, November 5. (Photo: Associated Press)
Pasco County Sample Ballot — General Election — Tuesday, November 5, 2024
President & Vice President (Vote for 1)
Donald J. Trump, Republican (REP)& JD Vance
Kamala D. Harris, Democrat (DEM) & Tim Walz
Chase Oliver, Libertarian Party of Florida (LPF) & Mike ter Maat
Claudia De la Cruz, Party for Socialism & Liberation (PSL) & Karina Garcia
Randall Terry, Constitution Party of Florida (CPF) & Stephen Broden
Peter Sonski, American Solidarity Party (ASP) & Lauren Onak
Jill Stein, Green Party of the U.S (GRE) & Rudolph Ware
Write-in
United States Senator (Vote for 1)
Rick Scott, REP
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, DEM
Feena Bonoan, LPF
Tuan TQ Nguyen, No Party Affiliation (NPA)
Ben Everidge, NPA
Write-in
Representative in Congress, District 15 (Vote for 1)
Laurel Lee, REP
Patricia “Pat” Kemp, DEM
State Senator, District 23 (Vote for 1)
Danny Burgess, REP
Ben Braver, DEM
John Houman, Independent (IND)
State Representative, Dist. 54 (Vote for 1)
Randy Maggard, REP
Karl Cieslak, DEM
Superintendent of Schools (Vote for 1)
John Legg, REP
Chris Dunning, NPA
County Commissioner, Dist. 1 (Vote for 1)
Ron Oakley, REP
Lisa Moretti, NPA
County Commissioner, Dist. 3 (Vote for 1)
Kathryn Elizabeth Starkey, REP
Write-in
County Commissioner, Dist. 4 (Vote for 1)
Lisa Yeager, REP
Danny Ackroyd-Isales, DEM
County Commissioner, Dist. 5 (Vote for 1)
Jack Mariano, REP
Thomas Celotto, NPA
Justices of the Supreme Court
Shall Justice Renatha Francis of the Supreme Court be retained in office? Yes or No
Shall Justice Meredith Sasso of the Supreme Court be retained in office? Yes or No
Second (2nd) District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Anthony K. Black of the 2nd Dist. Court of Appeal be retained in office? Yes or No
Shall Judge Edward C. LaRose of the 2nd Dist. Court of Appeal be retained in office?Yes or No
Shall Judge Susan H. Rothstein- Youakim of the 2nd District Court of Appeal be retained in office? Yes or No
Circuit Judge, 6th Judicial Circuit, Group 14 (Vote for 1)
Jenn Dubbeld, NPA
Nick Fiorentino, NPA
Mosquito Control Commissioner, Seat 1 (Vote for 1)
Randy Evans, NPA
Lee Hansen, NPA
Dan “Tip” Tipton, NPA
David Wallis, NPA
Mosquito Control Commissioner,
Seat 1 (Vote for 1)
Michael J. Cox, NPA
Gary W. “Buck” Joiner, NPA
Bridgewater of Wesley Chapel CDD, Seat 1 (Vote for 1)
Donald Brisendine, Jr., NPA
Ronnie Pack, Jr., NPA
Lexington Oaks CDD, Seat 5 (Vote for 1)
Noah (Butch) Straber, NPA
F.Pete Williams, NPA
Meadow Pointe CDD, Seat 4 (Vote for 1)
Stephanie J. Costa, NPA
Michael Zabroda, NPA
Meadow Pointe IV CDD, Seat 1 (Vote for 1)
Scott Page, NPA
Sean Ryland, NPA
Meadow Pointe IV CDD, Seat 2 (Vote for 1)
Mechelle Jarvis, NPA
Liane Scholl, NPA
Meadow Pointe IV CDD, Seat 3 (Vote for 1)
Michael Scanlon, NPA
William R. Wesson, NPA
Northwood CDD, Seat 5 (Vote for 1)
Barbara Cruz, NPA
Bradley Hayes, NPA
The State of Florida Constitutional Amendments on the November 5 ballot appear on pg. 12
Pasco County Sample Ballot — General Election November 5, 2024 — Florida Constitutional Amendments
No. 1 Constitutional Amendment Article IX, Section 4 and Article XII — Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards
Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to require members of a district school board to be elected in a partisan election rather than a nonpartisan election and to specify that the amendment only applies to elections held on or after the November 2026 general election. However, partisan primary elections may occur before the 2026 general election for purposes of nominating political party candidates to that office for placement on the 2026 general election ballot. Yes or No
No. 2 Constitutional Amendment Article I, Section 28 —Right to Fish and Hunt
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution. Yes or No
No. 3 Constitutional Amendment Article X, Section 29 — Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical
personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories. Applies to Florida law; does not change, or immunize violations of, federal law. Establishes possession limits for personal use. Allows consistent legislation. Defines terms. Provides effective date.
The amendment’s financial impact primarily comes from expected sales tax collections. If legal today, sales of non-medical marijuana would be subject to sales tax and would remain so if voters approve this amendment. Based on other states’ experiences, expected retail sales of non-medical marijuana would generate at least $195.6 million annually in state and local sales tax revenues once the retail market is fully operational, although the timing of this occurring is unclear. Under current law, the existing statutory framework for medical marijuana is repealed six months after the effective date of this amendment which affects how this amendment will be implemented. A new regulatory structure for both medical and nonmedical use of marijuana will be needed. Its design cannot be fully known until the legislature acts; however, regulatory costs will probably be offset by regulatory fees. Other potential costs and savings cannot be predicted.
THIS PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IS ESTIMATED TO
HAVE A NET POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE STATE BUDGET. THIS IMPACT
MAY RESULT IN GENERATING ADDITIONAL REVENUE OR AN INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT SERVICES. Yes or No
No. 4 Constitutional Amendment
Article I, New Section Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.
The proposed amendment would result in significantly more abortions and fewer live births per year in Florida. The increase in abortions could be even greater if the amendment invalidates laws requiring parental consent before minors undergo abortions and those ensuring only licensed physicians perform abortions. There is also uncertainty about whether the amendment will require the state to subsidize abortions with public funds. Litigation to resolve those and other uncertainties will result in additional costs to the state government and state courts that will negatively impact the state budget. An increase in abortions may negatively affect the growth of state and local revenues over time. Because the
fiscal impact of increased abortions on state and local revenues and costs cannot be estimated with precision, the total impact of the proposed amendment is indeterminate. THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THIS AMENDMENT CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO AMBIGUITIES AND UNCERTAINTIES SURROUNDING THE AMENDMENT’S IMPACT. Yes or No
No. 5 Constitutional Amendment Article VII, Section 6 and Article XII — Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require an annual adjustment for inflation to the value of current or future homestead exemptions that apply solely to levies other than school district levies and for which every person who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains thereon the permanent residence of the owner, or another person legally or naturally dependent upon the owner is eligible. This amendment takes effect January 1, 2025. Yes or No
No. 6 Constitutional Amendment Article VI, Section 7 — Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement
Proposing the repeal of the provision in the State Constitution which requires public financing for campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits. Yes or No
Saddlebrook Celebrates Being The New HQ For The Tennis & Pickleball Registries!
PTR & PPR’s 23,000+ Professional Coaching Members In 127 Countries
By Gary Nager
Why is it such a big deal that Saddlebrook Resort is now the new home of both the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR)?
Well, for one thing, the 125-year-old PTR has moved its headquarters for the first time in 40 years, from Hilton Head, South Carolina, according to PTR Board Chair Lynne Rolley, who opened the festivities at the Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting event for PTR and PPR at Saddlebrook on Sept. 24. “We made this significant move to relocate here to Saddlebrook Resort and we are just so excited,” Rolley said. “Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey for us. Saddlebrook has always been a leader in the tennis community.”
She noted that Saddlebrook has, “trained so many Grand Slam champions, including Jim Courier, Andy Roddick, John Isner, Marty Fish, Lisa Raymond, Martina Hingis, Mary Pierce, Justine Henin and about 20 more. Some of our great coaches from Saddlebrook, sitting right here, have been responsible for that success.”
Rolley also said this about Saddlebrook: “This state-of-the-art facility will become a hub for developing coaches, empowering athletes and fostering a community that’s passionate about the growth of tennis and pickleball.”
Of course, those who have been responsible for PTR and its now 23,000 members under one umbrella (including 10,000 PPR members) in 127 countries have always been passionate about tennis and, for the last six years, pickleball.
Accredited by the United State Tennis Association (USTA), PTR offers globally-recognized certifications for tennis instructors and is the largest membership organization in the world for certifying tennis coaches.
And, with pickleball, still acknowledged as the fastest-growing sport in the country, PPR, which was founded in 2018, has grown exponentially and has been a big contributor to the 20% growth of PTR’s overall membership from 19,000 in a little more than a year.
“Who knows,” Rolley said, “We may soon train a Grand Slam champion in pickleball here.”
Rolley then introduced PTR Vice-Chair Martin van Daalen and called up PTR and PPR CEO (and new Wesley Chapel resident) Peter Hurley to the microphone.
Hurley first thanked Rolley and said that her hard work also has helped Saddlebrook groom many of its long list of professional tennis champions and, “along with Martin, helped bring PTR and PPR here to Wesley Chapel.”
Hurley joked that the day of the Grand Opening, “marks my seventh day on the job as CEO of PTR and PPR, although I feel as though I’ve been here for a lifetime.”
He added, “This is a monumental day for our organization. I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to our passionate members and to our ‘picklers,’ who are out here enjoying the day with Sarah (Ansboury, the managing director of PPR and a five-time U.S. Open Pickleball champion),
See “Tennis & Pickleball” on pg. 16
(Above, l.-r.) Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) & Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) CEO Peter Hurley, PTR Board Chair Lynne Rolley, Saddlebrook VP of International Sports Patrick Farrell, PTR Vice-Chair Martin van Daalen, Florida’s Sports Coast Marketing & Comm. Dir. Raul Nardi, PTR COO Brian Parkkonen & USTA Senior Dir. Craig Jones cut the ribbon at Saddlebrook Resort. (Below) Hurley, van Daalen, Rolley, Farrell, Jones & Parkkonen celebrate PTR & PPR’s new home at Saddlebrook with a champagne toast.
our dedicated staff and Board of Directors and the entire Saddlebrook community for the warm welcome you have given us. We look forward to engaging members, developing content, education and curriculums and events that will drive visitors to the Saddlebrook area.”
Hurley then introduced Patrick Farrell, the VP of International Sports at Saddlebrook. “Patrick has an amazing team here,” Hurley said. “He also oversees the operation of the Saddlebrook Preparatory School, one of the most prestigious golf and tennis academies in the world. Pat has held many key leadership positions at top resorts across America, but most important to me is that he’s also a great guy, a class act and a phenomenal partner.”
Farrell welcomed everyone to Saddlebrook and thanked both the ownership group of the resort (Mast Capital) and Florida’s Sports Coast (Pasco’s destination management organization), “because without them, this really couldn’t have transpired. Their support and what they do to bring sports tourism to Pasco County is unsurpassed in this industry. The work that they do helps support the tourism business here. The impacts for not just racquet sports but the hospitality business in this area and the impacts for the community are immense.”
He also noted that, “Thanks to Florida’s Sports Coast, we have people moving into the area to be team members of PPR and PTR, plus all of their events and programming throughout the year. So, it’s extremely exciting to have them as a partner for the long term. They are helping to take Saddlebrook to new heights and restoring it to its past grandeur. Our entire staff is extremely excited to partner with PTR and PPR and look forward to a great future.”
Next up was Raul Nardi, the marketing & communications director for Florida’s Sports Coast., who said how excited the county’s tourism office was to have PTR and PPR moving to Saddlebrook. “We know this move will have a profound impact on our tourism,” Nardi said, “and Saddlebrook is renowned for its beautiful amenities and world-class tennis facilities. And, with the addition of PTR and PPR, we can expect an influx of visitors, coaches and sports enthusiasts to the region. These guests will not only fill our hotel rooms, but also dine at our restaurants, shop at our stores and visit our multiple attractions that our beautiful county has to offer.”
Nardi added that Pasco County officials also are excited about the, “economic impact that all of these visitors and different events, tournaments and championships that are coming into our county [will bring]. It’s going to create jobs, drive revenues, encourage investment in the area and we expect it to have a ripple effect and bring still more visitors to our area. We’re just thrilled to see this flourish and come to fruition.”
Then, Hurley introduced USTA senior director of coaching Craig Jones, noting that “The USTA is a vital partner to PTR and PPR. Craig is responsible for developing coaching resources, workshops and accreditation. He is a certified PTR Professional and a USTA high-performance coach. Prior to coming to USTA, Craig spent 25 years as a club owner, a director and a junior developer working with young players from novice through international champion.”
Jones said, “We want to welcome PTR to the great tennis state of Florida.” He mentioned that the USTA’s own National Campus is located in Orlando, “So, how great is it to have these two amazing facilities within 80 miles of each other? The USTA also is looking forward to more collaboration with PTR in the future.”
Hurley also thanked Brian Parkkonen, the Chief Operating Officer of PTR. “Brian has been juggling multiple responsibilities to facilitate our move from Hilton Head while also helping me get up to speed in the last seven days.”
He also mentioned that Parkkonen has more than ten years of service to PTR. “Brian has played a pivotal role in advancing education pathways and developing innovative programs, including the PTR education dashboard and advancing the PPR pickleball certification curriculum.”
Parkkonen then said, “You’ve heard about all of the exciting things that are going to happen with PTR and PPR’s headquarters being relocated here to the beautiful Saddlebrook Resort. We’re excited about the impact that these organizations are going to have on Saddlebrook, as well as Pasco County. The question becomes now, ‘How do we deliver this exceptional service?’ It gives me great pride and honor to introduce the staff that’s going to be driving our initiatives here at Saddlebrook. As many
of you know, putting together an exceptional team is not an easy task.”
He noted that it takes time, “to identify those who have the right skill sets, that have a passion for their sports — whether that be tennis, pickleball, padel, platform tennis, etc. — that have a generational perspective, in that we have individuals from multiple generations, all with the same goal of really providing an exceptional experience for our members.”
Parkkonen also quoted former NBA coach Phil Jackson, who said, “The strength of a team are the individual members of the team. The strength of the individual members is the team. And I think that what we’ve had the opportunity to put together at PTR and PPR is truly an exceptional team.”
He added that “Not only are PTR and PPR bringing a successful business to Saddlebrook. We’re bringing exceptional individuals who will be contributors to the community. And, I don’t think most staffs have over 125 years of experience on their team, but we do.”
Parkkonen then introduced both the team relocating to Saddlebrook “and those who will be working remotely as well — (PPR managing director) Sarah Ansboury, (VP of special events & pickleball) Julie Jilly, (international director) Inaki Balzoa, Michael Baumgarten and (event coordinator) Dimitri Vlassov).” The remote folks Parkkonen thanked included (PTR membership director) Helma Capp, (PTR marketing manager) Caitlyn Fries, (PTR director of education and diversity) Milena Vidos, (PTR membership coordinator Sanaz Marand, (PPR membership services) Melanie Beckler. Then, there was a champagne toast to end the festivities. For more info about PTR, visit PTRTennis. org. For PPR, visit PPRPickleball.org. For Saddlebrook Resort info, visit Saddlebrook.com.
Saddlebrook VP Of Intl. Sports Patrick Farrell
AdventHealth Radiologist Discusses The Importance Of Mammograms
By Gary Nager
As most people know, October is “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month” across the U.S. and the AdventHealth Care Pavilion at 8702 Hunter’s Lake Dr., in front of the Hunter’s Green community on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa, hosted a breast cancer awareness event on Oct. 3 to encourage women to get their mammograms.
“One in eight women will be touched by breast cancer in their lifetimes,” said Dr. Rachel Burke, the medical director and head breast radiologist at the Kay Meyer Breast Care Center at AdventHealth Tampa. “The median age is around 62 and the highest risk is for those over age 70, but we diagnose it in all ages. Pretty much everyone knows someone who has been affected by it. I always tell people that the biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being born female and getting older — and if you’re alive, you’re getting older, so nobody is immune to it.”
In fact, she said, “This year alone, more than 300,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, the kind that can possibly spread, and another 56,000 with the non-invasive or ‘Stage 0’ breast cancer, and that’s just here in the U.S.”
Dr. Burke says that not only is a mammogram the only diagnostic test approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), it also is the “gold standard” for detecting breast cancer.
“And honestly, it’s so easy,” Dr. Burke said. “It only takes a few minutes, isn’t painful and it can definitely save your life. I don’t know why some women have built it up in their heads that it’s this scary thing. It’s really just a couple of seconds of pressure on each side.”
She added that she started as a diagnostic radiologist specializing in breast radiology, “before I turned 40, so I hadn’t actually had a mammogram myself yet. But, I had heard many scary things about mammograms from patients. And, when I finally had mine, I said, ‘OK, that wasn’t so bad.’ I didn’t know what the whole fuss was about. It was over and done with so fast and wasn’t terrible at all.”
Dr. Burke also said that since the 1990s, with widespread screening becoming the norm, “Mortality from breast cancer has been reduced by 40% and up to 50% in some studies. Yes, it works. I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to have a test that took five minutes of their time that could save their life.”
‘Cost Isn’t An Issue, Either’
And, she noted that considering that an annual mammogram is a covered test for women over age 40 on virtually all health insurance plans, “Cost isn’t an issue, either. Even if you don’t have insurance, there are programs — like through our AdventHealth Foundation — that offer free or low-cost mammograms to women, regardless of their insurance status, if they can’t afford to get one. We will find a way to help you.”
In addition, Dr. Burke said, “Most mammography facilities offer special programs and lower fees during October. I know we have a special for a $99 mammogram this month.”
Dr. Burke also noted that although African American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer when compared with Caucasians
and other races, “They have a higher mortality rate from it. We don’t know exactly why — but Black women have a higher incidence of dense breast tissue and there are some other factors, including socioeconomic, but it absolutely is something to be aware of. We don’t want any women to die from breast cancer, but we also don’t want this type of disparity either.”
Speaking of breast density, however, Dr. Burke said that it is harder to read the mammograms of women who have more dense, glandular tissue than fatty tissue, which puts any woman with dense breasts at higher risk for breast cancer.
“Mammograms are still our best diagnostic tool,” she said, “but the test isn’t perfect. Just as it’s harder to see when you’re driving in dense fog, it’s harder to read the mammograms through dense breast tissue. Some women will need a supplemental test — like an MRI or ultrasound — if they have dense breasts and there’s a concern.”
Dr. Burke also talked about BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, which significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Statistics show that 55%-65% of women found with a BRCA1 mutation and 45% of women with a BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer by age 70.
“More and more celebrities are coming out and discussing that they have gotten prophylactic bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction after being found with either mutation,” she said. “You know, ‘the Angelina Jolie effect.’ So now, there are a lot of women with these mutations who aren’t celebrities who were inspired by that and also are having mastectomies to prevent breast cancer and that’s great. A surgery without cancer is easier to recover from than a surgery with cancer.”
And now, she added, “We have found a lot of different genes that are proving to be risk factors not just for breast but for a lot of different cancers.”
Dr. Burke also said that although there are some risk factors that women can’t change, like aging and genetics, “The risk factors we can change are alcohol consumption, diet and exercise and smoking. I never tell women they have to give up alcohol altogether,” she said. “I still like to have a glass of wine, too, and I have friends who are oncologists who still have a drink here and there. All we say is to limit your alcohol consumption because it definitely is related to breast cancer.”
She also noted that it’s important to tell women who are diagnosed that, “It’s not your fault. I tell them, ‘You did not cause this. This is one rogue cell that decided to proliferate. There wasn’t one particular thing you did to cause it.’”
The stage of the cancer itself also is important. “The chance for long-term survival goes down with each stage,” Dr. Burke said. “However, even though we can’t ‘cure’ Stage 4, we do have many patients who live for a number of years with Stage 4 disease.”
Dr. Burke then explained how a mammogram works in the Care Pavilion’s Mammography Suite. And, after the interview,Charmaine and I enjoyed pink cupcakes, donuts and lemonade with the Care Pavilion staff, who also painted provided stones pink with the name of someone they lost to the disease for the Care Pavilion’s garden. They also took home pink light bulbs.
For more info about AHCP, call (813) 548-8550, visit AHCarePavilionNewTampa. com or see the ad on the next page.
(Above) Dr. Rachel Burke demonstrates how the AdventHealth Care Pavilion mammography machine works. (Below) The Care Pavilion staff “celebrates” Breast Cancer Awareness Month.. (Photos by Charmaine George)
Dylan Crume’s Eagle Scout Project Also Benefits Heritage Elementary
Older Brother Davis Crume’s Eagle Project Also Benefited Heritage; Younger Brother Donovan Also Is Expected To Go For His Eagle
By Gary Nager
Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Meadow Pointe resident and Wiregrass Ranch High junior Dylan Crume, age 17, who recently earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Dylan’s Eagle project was the installation of four bird feeders at New Tampa’s Heritage Elementary. According to Heritage Gifted K-5 teacher Jean Josephson, Dylan and many of his fellow Scouts in Troop 148, which meets at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, installed “bird feeders/boxes with flower boxes to attract more birds and pollinators to our campus. Dylan researched ideas for his project, put together a fund raiser to purchase all of the supplies, met with me several times in person and by email to discuss his ideas and beautifully executed the installation.”
“Mrs. Josephson needed some help, so I offered my services to help make their outdoor classroom look better,” Dylan says.
Dylan, whose older brother Davis also earned his Eagle Scout rank and also did an Eagle project that benefited Heritage (he created a micro-irrigation system at the school), says that the project took about three months to complete, from conception to conclusion, and that he appreciated the help of his Scoutmaster Jay Sheridan, his Eagle mentor David Thompson and all of the other Scouts in Troop 148 (see photo on next page) who helped him with the project.
For those who don’t know, Eagle is the highest rank a Scout can achieve, and only 5 or 6% of all Boy Scouts earn the recognition. An estimated two million Scouts have earned the rank since the Boy Scouts of America were founded in 1912. Here are the requirements for earning the Eagle:
•Earning at least 21 merit badges, including 13
Eagle-required ones, covering subjects like personal fitness, environmental science, public speaking, citizenship and financial management.
•Learning valuable morals and life-lessons alongside friends, as they work together to overcome challenges.
• Serving as a leader within their troop by taking charge of a patrol.
• Learning to independently plan itineraries for campouts, backpacking trips and troop excursions.
•Competing as a unit against other troops in exhilarating, large-scale scout “camporees.”
•Involving themselves in service by volunteering with local organizations and making valuable connections with community leaders.
• Coordinating and leading a large-scale volunteer project for the betterment of their community (the Eagle Project).
Colleges, businesses, the military and community service leaders all respect an Eagle Scout. This performance-based achievement has high standards that not everyone will earn.
Dylan’s parents told me they are “super proud of Dylan and his Eagle Project,” and that their youngest son Donovan also plans to go for his Eagle. I don’t know what the numbers are, but I’m betting there are very few families with three Eagle Scouts.
Dylan says he plans to become a firefighter, so service to the community is obviously in his blood. He also says he plays varsity lacrosse and plays tenor sax in Marching Bulls marching band. He also is on the Youth Ministry Team at St. Mark’s.
So, congrats again, Dylan. The Neighborhood News salutes you!
New Tampa Troop 148 Eagle Scout Dylan Crume, with his grandfather Rodney Hawkins and one of the four bird feeders Dylan installed at Heritage Elementary for his Eagle Project. (Photo provided by Dylan Crume)
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
•Sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide) and Sedation
•Invisalign First for children & Invisalign Teen
•Digital 3D scans, ITERO (no goop) and digital X-rays
•Laser dentistry (release of tongue tie for infants, children and teens)
•Relaxed environment, so your children can enjoy their visit
(Above) The Troop 148 Scouts who helped Dylan with his Eagle project. (Below, l.-r.) Dylan, Davis, Alison, Donovan & Donny Crume (Photos provided by Dylan Crume)
Upcoming Events — ‘Making Strides,’ ‘Carmen’ & The Kickoff Of ‘Symphony
Tuesday, October 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (19729 State Rd 54, Lutz). Light bites provided during ribbon cutting. Free to attend. For more info, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/ Events or call the NTBC office (813) 994-8534.
Tuesday, October 29, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. - “Beer, Brats & Bourbon.” At Mason Title & Escrow Company (27544 Cashford Cir., Suite 101). Enjoy bourbon tastings, craft beer, brats, networking & door prizes as you connect with colleagues, meet new faces in the industry, kick back & enjoy a great evening.
Friday, November 1, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. –Leading Ladies Network. At the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Wiregrass Office @ the Signature Workspace Building (28210 Paseo Dr., #190, Shops at Wiregrass). The Leading Ladies Network is a Chamber-driven meeting that aims to empower and support women in various fields. This month’s speaker is Danya Shakfeh with Motiva Business Law. Online registration is required, $15 per person. For more info, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/ Events or call the NTBC office (813) 994-8534.
Friday-Sunday, November 1-3, 7:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. – Tampa City Ballet Presents “Carmen.” At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tampa City Ballet is proud to unveil its latest visionary production: a fresh and invigorating ballet adaptation of the classic opera “Carmen.” For tickets & more information, visit TampaCityBallet.org or see the ad below.
Saturday, November 2, noon-3 p.m.. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Inside Out Aesthetics & Wellness (27613 Cashford Circle
#101, Wesley Chapel). Raffle prizes, refreshments and amazing deals. Please RSVP, by calling or texting (813) 602-6100. For more info, see the ad below.
Sunday, November 3, 8 a.m. – “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.” At The Shops at Wiregrass. This event is a celebration of courage and hope, a movement uniting our community to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. Register today for a 3- or 5-mile walk. The festival area opens at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m. For more info, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/events.
Tuesday, November 5, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Business Breakfast. At Pasco Hernando State College – Porter Campus (2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel). This month’s
speaker is Erik Wangsness, President and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. Tickets cost $25 for NTBC members & $30 for non-members, which includes breakfast. For more info, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/Events or call the NTBC office (813) 994-8534.
Thursday, November 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) Job Fair. At 4 & Co. (16703 Early Riser Ave. Land O’ Lakes) Join the NTBC for an exciting Job Fair designed to connect top talent with leading businesses in our community. Employers: Please note that vendor space is limited to companies offering at least one full-time position and must pre-register. Job Seekers: No registration required—just bring copies of your resumé
and come prepared to meet potential employers! For more info, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/ Events or call the NTBC office (813) 994-8534.
Saturday, November 2, noon-3 p.m.. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Lightning Orthodontics (24795 S.R. 54, Lutz). For more info, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/Events or call the NTBC office (813) 994-8534.
Friday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. –Steinway Piano Series: Nikolov-West Duo. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The New Tampa Performing Arts Center’s brand-new Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand piano will be featured in a performance by the Nikolov West Duo featuring Viktor Nikolov and Jane West. For tickets & more information, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org.
Saturday, November 9, noon-2 p.m. – Flu Shots & Health Screenings with BayCare. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel). Join BayCare for free flu shots (for ages 9+), health screenings (for ages 18+) for blood pressure, lipids, BMI and diabetes, and information and prevention education with BayCare. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/events
Saturday, November 9, 6 p.m. – Symphony In Lights Holiday Kickoff. At The Shops at Wiregrass. Get ready to Sparkle and Shine with the Symphony in Lights presented by AdventHealth. Witness magnificent trees, dazzling lights, holiday harmonies and nightly ”snowfalls,” starting every hour at 6 pm. It’s a holiday spectacle you won’t want to miss! For more info, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/events.
Saturday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. –Nathan Pacheco: “Higher Tour 2024.” At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Nathan Pacheco brings his “Higher Tour 2024” to Tampa for an unforgettable evening of new music, classics, and fan favorites that will bring the whole family together. For tickets & more information, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org.
Sunday, November 10, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – New Tampa Unplugged: Paul Wilborn Words & Music. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). In his first Hillsborough County appearance after playing to two sold-out audiences in Pinellas County, Paul Wilborn celebrates the fifth anniversary of his Gold Medal-winning book, Cigar City: Tales From A 1980s Creative Ghetto. The story will be read by actor Eugenie Bondurant, with Paul and his band providing songs at each story break. For tickets & more information, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org.
Wednesday, November 13, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – Tampa Bay Symphony Fall 2024 Virtuosic
Adventures. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The Tampa Bay Symphony consists of over 80 musicians and has been described as “one of Tampa Bay’s hidden jewels.”Come and experience the excitement of live classical music! For tickets & more info, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org.
Thursday, November 28, 7 a.m. – BayCare Wobble Turkey Trot. At Tampa Premium Outlets. Run. Walk. Wobble! The BayCare Wobble Turkey Trot (photo), presented by BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is coming back for another race at Tampa Premium Outlets. Events include 5K, 1K and virtual 5K runs. Proceeds to benefit the New Tampa Family YMCA. For more info, visit https://runsignup. com/Race/FL/Lutz/BayCareWobbleTurkeyTrot5k.
Thursday, November 28, 8 a.m. – Wiregrass Turkey Trot. At The Shops at Wiregrass. Join your neighbors at the 12th annual Wiregrass Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, hosted by the Rotary Club of New Tampa and AdventHealth. This year’s events include the annual 5K Run/Walk, 1-Mile Fun Run and Kid’s Turkey Dash for all under 12 years old, as well as selfie stations, a costume contest, awards, music and fun for the entire community. For more info, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/events.
Durand Mortgage Cuts A North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon & USF Credit Union’s Coffee Event
By Gary Nager
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) is gearing up for the holidays, helping people in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton (see page 8), but the Chamber is still cutting ribbons and also had its monthly Coffee Social at the USF Federal Credit Union on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in the Trout Creek area in September. Here are brief recaps of those events:
Durand Mortgage Group
The most recent NTBC ribbon-cutting event we attended was hosted by Keisha Durand of Durand Mortgage Group, located in Mango Space Lutz, the coworking space located at 25200 Sawyer Francis Ln., in the new Cypress Bend Professional Park off Wesley Chapel Blvd.
Keisha, who had previously worked in real estate and came to Florida from the Virgin Islands, said that part of the reason she decided to open her own mortgage brokerage was because, “There weren’t a lot of people I had met in the business who looked like me — women and especially African-American women. I want to help people get the best possible mortgage they can and know that I am here to help everyone I can live the American dream of owning a home and building generational wealth. We specialize in converting renters into proud homeowners.”
For more information, call (727) 6447301 or visit DurandMortgageGroup.com.
USF Credit Union Coffee Social
And , although no ribbons were cut, the NTBC also held its monthly Coffee Social on
Sept. 18 (the October Coffee Social was cancelled due to Hurricane Milton) at the USF Federal Credit Union, located at 20610 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., next to Burger King, in New Tampa.
Attendees got to meet a number of USF FCU employees, including business development strategist Lana Walsh (at left in photo below) and concierge officer John Austin-Willis (blue polo shirt). NTBC Coffee Socials are always free for Chamber members and their guests.
Although there is no Coffee Social on the November calendar, the NTBC will host a Business Breakfast, featuring AdventHealth Wesley Chapel President & CEO Erik Wangsness on Tuesday, November 5, at 9 a.m. For reservations, pricing & information, call the Chamber office at (813) 9945834 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.
Located in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Your CBD Store of New Tampa has calming blue-grey walls, greenery throughout the store, comfortable seating and an expansive, open layout. With informational displays and posters, exceptional customer support, and product knowledge, the husband-and-wife team of David Calcador and Debra Curler make you feel immediately at home.
David & Debra opened their Your CBD Store franchise location in November 2019 and it has thrived through the pandemic, thanks to the dedication of these two New Tampa residents. “When customers come in, we ask them what they know about CBD,” Debra says. “Some are well-educated and we walk the others through the store and introduce and educate them about our product line. We find out what their problems are health-wise. Are they in pain? Are they having problems sleeping? Do they need energy? We need to know what is happening in their bodies to help direct them to the proper products.”
Your CBD Store is a holistic boutique providing USDA organic and carcinogen-free oral and topical SunMed CBD products for customers and their pets. At Debra and David’s store, CBD comes in both flavored and flavorless tinctures, oils, pills, gummies, weight-loss products, as well as a skincare line, bath bombs, lotions, massage oils, pain creams and products for dogs and cats.
Unlike marijuana, Your CBD Store offers broad-spectrum CBD products that have zero THC, as well as full-spectrum products with the 0.3 legal limit of THC that contain all cannabinoids (CBD and THC), terpenes, or flavonoids.
With anti-inflammatory and other health effects, flavonoids are plant compounds that
by more
every
give plants their colors and flavors. Flavonoids work with cannabinoids and terpenes, which are naturally occurring compounds in cannabis that shape aroma, taste, colors and therapeutic benefits, to produce the “entourage effect” enhancing their impact. “CBD needs to have terpenes and flavonoids,” David says. “They bond to receptors in your body. Without those, you won’t have the full benefit of CBD.”
doctors who send patients to us because they know the quality is there.”
What’s New?
Debra and David are enthusiastic about their store’s newest products, some of which have been enhanced with more CBD, like their SunMed topical
cream, which is now available in 4,000-milligram strength, while others are brand new.
also available in gummy form. People love it. I have a lady who comes in weekly and buys two jars. It helps with aches and pains throughout the body.”
Your CBD Store New Tampa also sells libido gummies for intimacy for men and women, as well as both “Above” (with Delta 8 THC) and “Beyond” (with Delta 9 THC) by SunMed, both of which are all-natural (non-synthetic). New Delta 9 options include Xite candies and popcorn.
Also new are THC-infused Nowadays Adult Beverages, which Debra says is non-alcoholic, “but gives you a mellow feeling.”
As some prescriptions can conflict with CBD, Debra and David suggest that if you are taking medications, you should speak with your physician before starting any CBD regimen.
Debra and David says that love educating their customers and clear up misinformation about CBD. Their CBD products won’t get you high, aren’t illegal, won’t make you impaired and you don’t need a Medical Cannabis card to purchase them.
Instead, their products help with anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain and more.
“Our products are all-natural, organic, and non-addictive, Debra says. “You can buy CBD anywhere — a smoke shop or gas station, even on Amazon — but you don’t want to do that because anything you are putting on your body or in your body, you want to make sure it is good quality. You risk getting a synthetic, damaging product that can harm your health.
David adds, “We’re third-party tested. We have QR codes on everything we sell; you can bring up each product’s lab report. We have referring
“Our topical cream is amazing for isolated pain,” Debra says. “I had a knee replacement years ago, and I had not been able to walk long distances. The product came out in December, and my husband and I were going Christmas shopping, and I could walk the entire mall. It’s been selling off the shelves left and right. We’ve always had 1,000- and 2,000-milligram strengths since we opened, but the 4,000 milligrams is amazing.”
Debra also recommends Neuro, a water-soluble CBD, for pain management. While the store’s original daily oil tincture takes time to work, based on your metabolism and weight, the as-needed, water-soluble Neuro CBD effects are felt more quickly. “You take the dropper of Neuro and put it in a Dixie cup size of water and drink it,” she says. “It goes into your body within 10 minutes, comes in 900-, 1,800-, 2700- and 5400-mg strengths, and is
For pet parents, beyond their regular CBD pet treats, chews and tinctures for health and anxiety, Debra recommends another new product — Broad Spectrum Allergy Aid CBD Pet Chews, which have only been in the store for about a month, to help with “hot spots” and seasonal skin allergies. Debra and David are proud of their store’s Google reviews, which average a 4.9 stars out of 5, based on 170 reviews. “If you look at our reviews,” Debra says, “you’ll see people love the products and that they’re changing lives.”
Your CBD Store of New Tampa (19651 BBD Blvd. Suite B-1) is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.– 5 p.m. on Sun. Ages 55 or older can save 20% off their purchases. The store also has a bonus system whereby customers accrue points for discounts and free products. Free local delivery/free shipping are available for orders of $100+. For more info, call (813) 9940599 or visit GetSunMed.com.
Kohl’s Opens Behind Tampa Premium Outlets
After reading some of the not-so-nice online comments about the new Kohl’s (and Sephora) store located at 1854 Sun Vista Pl., behind the Tampa Premium Outlets, next to At Home, I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting too much.
Whereas some commenters in local online communities railed that Kohl’s was less of a “department” store than they remembered and more like a Ross or TJ Maxx, what I found was very much more like a Macy’s or Dillard’s but with lower prices. The men’s department is many times larger than any discount retailer, with large selections of brands from Nike and Under Armour to Columbia, Izod, Dockers and many more.
And, the prices (with Grand Opening specials throughout the store) were more reasonable than I expected, too — especially when you sign up for a Kohl’s membership or credit card (or both). I ended up buying an Apt. 9 sports jacket for myself for less than $100, a nice silk
tie to go with the jacket for around $20 and a V-neck T-shirt for less than $10.
The women’s department was even larger (and the Sephora beauty supply area was bigger than I remember than the one at the JC Penney at the Shops at Wiregrass) and the departments for kids and babies (I bought some Bluey and Spider-Man pajamas for the grandkids) were as large or larger than what I’ve seen at, say, Target. There also was a selection of Halloween-themed merchandise (and clothing) available in several departments. And, again unlike Ross or Marshall’s, everything is well organized and clearly marked.
Is Kohl’s the department store of my dreams? Maybe not. But, considering how close Jannah and I live to it and the prices I’ve already found, I think we’ll both be visiting regularly.
For more information, call (813) 5012601 or visit Kohls.com. And, please tell them I sent you! — GN
Check Out The Bay Network For Local Connections
Yes, there are a lot of local networking groups you can join, but if you’re looking for a growing group of dedicated (and fun) business professionals who meet weekly and host great events (with prize giveaways) every month, you should at least check out one meeting of The Bay Network, which celebrated its one-year anniversary on Sept. 21 at Rock & Brews — a meeting Jannah and I were glad we attended! The Bay Network president and Realtor® Riz Hakim sent us an email inviting us to check out this still-young networking group’s one-year anniversary event and since Rock & Brews is one of our advertisers anyway, we decided to go and what we found is that The Bay Network’s members are definitely engaged, serious about business but not too serious to not also have some fun as
they help each others’ businesses thrive.
The group hosts weekly meetings every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at the Mango Space Lutz, a cool coworking space located at 25200 Sawyer Francis Ln., in the new Cypress Bend Professional Park off Wesley Chapel Blvd.
The Bay Network also hosts a “Third Thursday” event (the next one is scheduled for Thursday,November 21, 5 p.m.) at Rock & Brews, which is a great way to check out the group in a less formal setting. Who knows...you might even win a prize! Jannah & I walked away with a 5-night stay in Cancun, Mexico, and group member Evan Ebanks won a 5-night stay in Hawaii! For more info, visit TheBay.biz or email Riz@teamhakimhomes. com and please tell them I sent you! — GN
Check Out The Geeky Ferret Hobby Store On 54 & Neverland Toys & Krane At The KRATEs
The Geeky Ferret
The Geeky Ferret a new hobby store located in the Freedom Plaza at 30044 S.R. 54, next to the former location of Grey Wolfs Armory in the plaza. Geeky Ferret, which opened in Sept., offers Role-Playing Games (RPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons, Collectible Card Games (CCGs) like Pokemon, Miniature games like Warhammer, Board games, Plastic Models (photo, right), as well as paints and all the trimming to finish your models and miniatures. The store also has gaming tables for people to gather and play their games; one of them is configured for podcasting/streaming to the internet.
The store also sells geeky snacks and drinks for those long play sessions. With multiple 3D resin and filament printers in the store, the Geeky Ferret offers
Hot Wheels cars and trucks and games and toys for younger kids. Jannah and I found great gifts for all of our grandchildren, who ranges in age from toddlers through age 5. For more information about Neverland Toys, search @never.land.toys on Instagram or “Neverland Toys” on Facebook.
Speaking of kids, if your kids love to try to grab toys and other prizes at those funky machines at fairs and arcades , the KRATEs now offer Krane, an unmanned arcade with about a dozen different machines, each with a different variety of toys and prizes, from Pikachu and other Pokemon to Hello Kitty items, that the kids can pick up by operating a crane (or “The Claw” from the movie “Toy Story”). — GN
Everglow Jewelry Is Open In The Shoppes At The Pointe Plaza In Tampa Palms
When Derrick Pyke and his wife Kayla (top right photo) moved from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, to Tampa, Derrick already had years of experience, first working in his father’s jewelry manufacturing business and then in a retail jewelry store they had opened together.
After moving to this area, Derrick first worked “for a few years” as a store manager for another jewelry business in Tampa before going into finance for the last couple of years. “Then, I decided I wanted to get back into jewelry but I wanted to do it my own way again,” Derrick says.
The result is the new Everglow Jewelry, located at 17032 Palm Pointe Dr., in the former location of GPS Pools in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms (at the end nearest to Stonewood Grill & Tavern
One thing Derrick says that sets Everglow apart from any of its local competition is that other than his own custom-made designs (more on those below), there is only one brand sold in the store — Kendra Scott, which specializes in items for (primarily) $100 or less, making the brand perfect for everyone from young girls to “full-grown women,” he says. “We even have grandmas buying Kendra Scott for themselves, too.”
He adds that, “You kind of have to be picked by Kendra Scott to carry the brand. We are one of only two stores in Tampa that carry it.”
Everything else in the store, Derrick says, “are either pieces I’ve designed and created myself or I can. Our big thing at Everglow Jewelry is custom design. Let me make something for you in the size and color you want, with the metals and stones you choose. When you do that, you don’t need a ton of samples or display cases in the store.”
Derrick notes, however, that if you want something simple and don’t want to have to wait to receive it, “I do have catalogs I can show you or we can look on the internet together so you can find and order pieces that aren’t custom-designed, too.” He adds that even if you see something you like in a catalog or online, “I can usually get you a better price if I custom-design something similar, exactly the way you want it.”
stores in the area to carry a laser welder, “be cause a lot of colored stones can’t handle the heat of using a torch. It changes their color.”
And, best of all, he says, “Unlike most places that do custom, since I do the work myself, I don’t charge a custom-design fee. I price everything as though you found something in a case, loved it and wanted to buy it.”
As for lead time, Derrick says that custom pieces can take “from a few days to several weeks,” depending upon the design, the number of stones,
Everglow also offers laser-welded, “permanent” jewelry, so be sure to ask Derrick about that, as well as his on-site jewelry repairs.
For more info, call (813) 561-0055 or visit EverglowJewelry.com and please tell Derrick that I sent you! — GN, photos by Charmaine George or supplied by Derrick Pyke.
(Clockwise from top left) Kendra Scott is the primary brand of popularly priced
Excellence In Eye Care (Inside Costco) Can Save Your Eyesight Or Even Your Life!
By Iris Vitelli
Neighborhood News Correspondent
When you think of Costco, you think of saving money. When you think of Excellence in Eye Care inside the Costco store, you should also be thinking of saving — saving your eyesight that is!!
Located inside the Costco on S.R. 56, Dr. David Scamard, O.D., has been helping patients for more than 30 years. Since joining the Costco location in 2017, Dr. Scamard, a native Floridian, has continued his mission of providing high-quality eye care. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in Ft. Lauderdale in 1999. Initially drawn to the medical field, he says his time working in an optometry office solidified his passion for optometry. “I knew this was my calling,” he shares, and his dedication has only grown over the years.
Dr. Scamard is joined by his associate, Carson Woolwine, O.D., who also graduated from Nova Southeastern College of Optometry and received his degree in 2016.
Together, these doctors handle everything from basic eye exams and treating conditions like pink eye to fitting patients for glasses and contact lenses. But, occasionally, their work goes beyond routine care.
A Life-Saving Testimonial
The Neighborhood News spoke with Rocio, one of Dr. Scamard’s patients. Three years ago,
Rocio had recently moved to Wesley Chapel and needed a routine eye exam after not having one for two years. She booked an appointment with Dr. Scamard at Excellence in Eye Care. What seemed like a straightforward visit quickly became much more.
After completing Rocio’s exam, Dr. Scamard informed her that she needed to see a specialist immediately. He provided her with contact information and urged her to make an appointment as soon as possible. Rocio followed through, but the ear liest appointment she could secure was a month away. The very next day, to Rocio’s surprise, she received a follow-up call from Dr. Scamard’s office, asking if she had made the appointment. She explained that she was scheduled for the following month. However, the office urged her to call back and request the first available slot.
Optometric techs Alex Bush and Savannah
“I did, and they got me in two weeks earlier,” Rocio recalls. She updated Dr. Scamard’s office, but then something unexpected happened. Dr. Scamard personally got on the phone. “He told me he had already made an appointment for me for the following day,” Rocio says. Surprised, she
techs Francesca
and
Premium Outlets combine outstanding customer service and the
mentioned that she had to work, to which Dr. Scamard responded, “Give me your work number, and I’ll explain the situation to them.”
“I couldn’t believe an eye doctor would do that,” Rocio explains. She went to the appointment, where the specialist quickly sent her to the hospital. “I was diagnosed with meningitis. One of the nurses told me that if I hadn’t come in when I did, I would have died.”
Rocio credits Dr. Scamard’s insistence with saving her life. Reflecting on the experience, she remembers that her father had passed away when she was a teenager, and at the time of her illness, her daughter was the same age she had been.
“This could have been history repeating itself,” she says. “But thanks to Dr. Scamard, I’m here, enjoying my family, and they’re enjoying me.”
And, while Dr. Scamard may not have saved Neighborhood News editor Gary Nager’s life, he certainly helped save his eyesight. When Gary told Dr. Scamard that he was seeing spots before his eyes, Dr. Scamard ran a few tests and recognized that, in Gary’s case, those spots were a sign that Gary had a detached retina, so he immediately called retinal specialist and surgeon Dr. Alfred White at Retina Vitreous Associates in Wesley Chapel and got Dr. White to see Gary the same day. Dr. White performed retinal reattachment surgery on Gary’s left eye the next day.
“If left untreated, a detached retina can lead to blindness in the affected eye,” Dr. Scamard says. “It needs to be taken care of quickly.”
Dr. Scamard also says that when Gary told the story in this publication of how Dr. Scamard diagnosed him — and then made sure Gary was seen as quickly as possible by Dr. White — a lot of people started coming in to Excellence in Eye Care to have the spots in their eyes checked.
“A number of things — even just not drinking enough water — can cause some people to see spots,” Dr. Dave says. “It’s not always a detached retina, but it is something you want to have checked as quickly as possible.”
About Costco Membership
Making an appointment at Excellence in Eye Care is simple. If you don’t have a Costco membership, just inform the greeter at the entrance that you have an eye appointment, and they’ll let you through. Dr. Scamard works directly with the Costco optical department, which can provide glasses or contact lenses based on your prescription.
In addition to Dr. Scamard and Dr. Woolwine, the office staff includes techs Evangelina, Savannah, Alex, and Francesca, all dedicated to providing a smooth and pleasant experience. See “Excellence in Eye Care” on pg. 34
(L.-r.)
Leder, Dr. David Scamard, Dr. Carson Woolwine and optometric
Alata
Evangelina Rivero of Excellence in Eye Care, located inside the Costco next to the Tampa
latest technology. (Photos by Charmaine George)
‘Excellence in Eye Care’
Embracing Technology
“Many of my patients come in for a quick exam,” says Dr. Scamard, “and when they’re told they need their eyes dilated, they often say they don’t have the time and will do it next time.”
Dilating the eyes allows optometrists to get a clearer view of the back of the eye, which is crucial for detecting conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. In Rocio’s case, significant inflammation at the back of her eye was detected during this process.
Dr. Scamard notes that he has even seen
tor, a machine that helps determine the correct lens type needed. “The information from the re fractor is sent to a phoropter, which pre-populates the prescription numbers,” Dr. Scamard explains. The phoropter is the device used when you’re asked, “One or two? Two or three?” during an eye exam, helping to fine-tune the lens prescription. For patients who can’t spare the time for dilation, Excellence in Eye Care offers a modern solution: the Optos machine. Optos retinal pho tography captures a detailed image of the inside of the eye without the need for dilation. “It allows us to show patients exactly what we see,” Dr. Scamard says. “We charge a minimal fee for this test, and it’s worth it for many patients who are short on time.”
When it comes to children, Dr. Scamard encourages parents to pay attention to early signs of vision issues. However, he recommends that all children get an eye exam early, even if no problems are noticeable.
To support this, both Dr. Scamard and Dr. Woolwine participate in the InfantSEE program, a public health initiative started by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Managed by the American Optometric Associa tion (AOA), the program offers no-cost comprehensive eye assess ments for infants aged 6 to 12 months, regardless of a family’s income or insurance status. This ensures that vision care becomes a vital part of infant wellness.
A Clear Vision For The Future
the level of care you receive here is exceptional. Having compassionate, dedicated doctors like Dr. Scamard and Dr. Woolwine, conveniently located inside Costco, means you have access to high-quality, personalized care that truly makes a difference.
At Excellence in Eye Care, Dr. Scamard and his team are
So, next time you’re at Costco for those unbeatable savings, remember that one of the greatest deals inside might just be on your health — because at Excellence in Eye Care, they’re not just
for glasses, contact lenses and other eyewear products.
Excellence In Eye Care is located inside Costco at 2225 Grand Cypress Dr. in Lutz. The office is open Mon., Wed. & Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; 1 p.m.–7 p.m. on Tues. & Thur.; & 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sat. For more information, see the ad on pg. 3, call (813) 279-7038, or visit ExcellenceInEyeCare.net.
Family-Owned Wesley Chapel Title Will Go Above & Beyond For Your Closing!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
When Stacey Arey, the owner of Wesley Chapel Title in the Canterbury Professional Park on S.R. 54, walks into the office, she’s surrounded by not just a group of co-workers who feel like family, but also her actual family.
Her husband, Zak, is a closer. Her son Dil lon is working towards becoming a licensed title agent. Her daughter-in-law and Dillon’s wife, Jes sica, is a processor. Her son Jaden is newer to the business but also is a licensed title agent.
Then there are “the two Michelles,” Michelle Warden and Michelle Peterson. Both are licensed ti tle agents and closers, as well as escrow officers, who have been in the industry for more than 20 years.
“I feel blessed that I have incredible people who work for me,” Stacey says. “This business is complicated and there are a lot of bases to cover, so you have to have people who are excellent, detail oriented, focused on customer service and do a great job.”
Stacey says that’s what sets her business apart from her competition. Not only does everyone on her team handle each file meticulously, they also provide excellent service. Customers can expect that all of their questions will be answered and they will be kept in the loop along the way, as they go from signing a contract to the day of closing.
Whether you are buying or selling a home, a title company ensures there are no issues that would impede the transfer of the home from one person to the other. It provides an insurance policy to make sure you have a clean and clear title that protects your investment for as long as you own your property.
Wesley Chapel Title’s insurance policies are underwritten by First American Title Insurance Company, which Stacey says is the best in the industry. It gives her access to professionals who have helped her learn the details of the business since she first established the company four years ago and continue to provide ongoing support.
She says there are 150 things that have to be done to close a single file, which is why some title companies are overwhelmed and don’t have time to communicate well with their customers, but Stacey and her team make it a priority.
“Most people don’t understand how this process works,” Stacey says. “I spend a lot of time educating people. I’m happy to take my
time and walk them through it.”
The title company handles the actual closing of the property and signing of documents to complete the sale.
Wesley Chapel Title can send a Notary Public to close anywhere someone might be, whether that’s on a business trip in a foreign country or a coffee shop that’s convenient to their work.
“People really take advantage of closing at McDonald’s or Starbucks, but I like to roll out the red carpet when they come into the office,” she says.
For many people, this is the largest purchase they will ever make in their lifetimes.
“They’re excited, so we don’t rush them in and out,” Stacey says. “We have photo op-
portunities, like with our ‘Home, Sweet Home’ sign for new homeowners, and a baking station with cookies.”
Helping Realtors® & Their Clients
Realtor Lisa Albino-Contreras has worked with Stacey and her team since Wesley Chapel Title first opened four years ago. As the managing broker at Realty One Group Epic in San Antonio, she works with many title companies, but she says if she had her way, all of her clients would close at Wesley Chapel Title.
“Stacey and her team are always accessible,” Lisa explains. “She goes above and beyond to facilitate anything that is in her control. If I need
an answer, she’ll find it and get right back to me.”
Lisa says Wesley Chapel Title also is the only agency that gives a gift to her clients when they close. “I think that speaks volumes,” says Lisa. “She comes in and offers her congratulations with a gift. To some it may not mean much, but I think that level of care makes my clients feel great and adds to their special day.”
Stacey says she works hard to make sure Lisa and other real estate agents want to work with her, from always providing her signature excellent customer service to offering them perks that come from her affiliation with First American Title.
For example, Wesley Chapel Title offers real estate agents a platform where they can create a “Net Sheet” for their clients right from their mobile device, showing a potential seller the bottom line of what they will make on the sale of their home.
Agents who are registered with her also can use a “Print Pro” program that allows them to print out anything they need, including paperwork, fliers, folders, or business cards at extremely low prices, such as documents for five cents each. Printed items are then delivered to the agent.
In addition, both agents and clients benefit from the secure platform used by Wesley Chapel Title called Qualia, which provides a single portal where every document from a transaction is
stored, which helps to reduce the risk of fraud.
“People hack into emails and change wire instructions,” Stacey explains, which would cause money to go into a thief’s account instead of the seller’s. “It happens quite frequently, so we have another safeguard.”
Qualia also streamlines the process so that all parties have access to the documents they need in one place, so nothing is lost in an email chain and no one has to scramble to figure out where to find important information.
“With every transaction, we work with a buyer, seller, lender, mortgage broker, listing agent, buying agent, and all of these many points of contact,” Stacey explains. “They can all see the documents they need access to from their dashboards.”
Stacey, her family, and staff are committed to ensuring they have the tools in place and provide the education needed so that everyone who closes with them will have a good experience.
“Closings are always smooth,” says Lisa. “Stacey is always available, she’s a pleasant person to deal with and very knowledgeable.”
Wesley Chapel Title is located at 5857 Algerian Dr., Suite 101. It’s open MondayFriday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment on weekends. For more information, visit WesleyChapel-Title.com, call (813) 993-5222, or see the ad on page 40.
Home Gadgets At The Shops At Wiregrass For Unique & Useful Home Products!
By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent
With the holiday season just around the corner, where can you find the perfect gift for someone who loves to cook? Go check out the new Home Gadgets store, located next to Talbots in The Shops at Wiregrass, which offers a variety of cool and unique items for your home.
In 2004, Rajiv Badal’s parents, Radjes and Vidia Badal, opened a store in Ocala which origi nally sold “As Seen on TV” products. Over time, the store began to grow and the Badals added an array of household items, with a special focus on kitchen gadgets. That store became a well-loved and successful business that continues to thrive today and is still run by Rajiv’s parents. Although they stay busy with their own store, Radjes and Vidia now visit Rajiv’s Wiregrass location a few times a week to lend a hand and bring in new merchandise.
Rajiv has fond memories of growing up in Ocala, where he worked alongside his parents and learned the ins and outs of running a business. He wasn’t just a helper; he was soaking up every bit of knowledge about everything from inventory to customer service. While pursuing his own career as an optometrist — he met his wife, Esha Gandhi, who also is an optometrist, at the Nova Southeastern University School of Optometry — Rajiv says he never lost his passion for the family business.
Wesley Chapel Home Gadgets store.
“I really enjoy working at the store,” says Rajiv. “Sometimes, I come straight from work in my scrubs and help out.”
Bath & Beyond or even Amazon? According to Rajiv, it’s the combination of both common and unique items, all in one place.
After getting married, Rajiv and Esha moved to the Tampa area to be closer to her family. The
It’s clear that Home Gadgets is a family affair, with Rajiv’s cousin, Ayush Gandhi, serving as the main person working there. Ayush ensures that
“You don’t have to wait for deliveries here,” he says. “We have a lot of things that you might not find in bigger stores.” This blend of convenience and new discoveries makes the store stand out.
Rajiv shared a story about a customer who was excited to find a whisk he’d been searching for
useful, reaching into the sharp corners of a pot where rounded whisks won’t quite fit.
“A large percentage of the items we carry are made in the U.S., with some coming from Florida, including Counter Art placemats, which are made in Ocala and Radjes says he has been stocking them at his Ocala store for 20 years.
Rajiv is particularly proud of the store’s relationship with companies that support smaller,
(L.-r.) Radjes Badal, Rajiv Badal and Ayush Gandhi invite you to check out all of the unique kitchen and home items at the new Home Gadgets store on (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George & Gary Nager)
One of Home Gadgets’ top-selling items are beautiful wood charcuterie boards shaped like different states. Other interesting items include, copper tum blers, Microplane graters and Tervis stain less steel bottles featuring popular sports team emblems. The store also stocks Corkcicle bottles and cigar glasses, which are rocks glasses with an indentation that allows cigar smokers to hold their glass and cigar with the same hand.
“We’re always adding new things,” Rajiv says. “I have a bunch of items in the back that we haven’t even put out on display yet.” So, every time you visit Home Gadgets, you might find something new and interesting.
In today’s world, where more people are looking for healthier cooking options, Rajiv is happy to offer items like cast iron pots and pans made in Tennessee by Lodge. Lodge can be found in other stores, but what makes Home Gadgets stand out is that the store doesn’t just stock one or two sizes — it features a wide variety of Lodge cookware, including a pizza pan and even a cast iron wok.
Speaking of cast iron, Rajiv says that carbon steel pans are similar to cast iron but weigh a lot less. For people who love the benefits of cast iron but prefer something lighter, carbon steel is a fantastic alternative.
“You have to treat it the same way as you treat cast iron after cooking, but it’s much easier to handle,” he explains. The carbon steel pans have wood handles that you can remove when you put the pan in the oven to treat. “Curing a cast iron pan or carbon steel,” he says, “has to be done in the oven or on the stovetop but it has to be a flame not electric.”
Home Gadgets also has an online store,
and Rajiv says, “We have way more products in the store than we show on the website.”
When you spend at least $75 online, your shipping is free. Or, if you prefer, you can order online and pick up your items at the store without paying any extra fees. This option makes it convenient for locals to shop online while avoiding shipping costs.
To encourage customers to visit the store, Home Gadgets is offering a special promotion. Simply bring the store add with you, and you’ll receive a free kitchen utensil with any purchase (one utensil per customer or family and the offer expires November 30.)
Home Gadgets is located at 28250 Paseo Dr., Unit 180, in The Shops at Wiregrass. It is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (813) 388-9422, visit BuyHomeGadgets. com, @buyhomegadgets on Instagram, search “HomeGadgetsStore” on Facebook. or see the ad on page 46 of this issue.
Scarlette Owens, APRN, FNP-C (right) & Megan Dudley, APRN, FNP-C
Totally Blu Pool Builders Will Have You Swimming In Your New Pool In 60 Days!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
Sunil Mohammed, owner of Totally Blu Pools, has been in the pool servicing business for more than 17 years. Just last year, he and his wife, Rashmi Maharaj, opened a pool supply store by the same name, located at the corner of S.R. 54 and Eiland Blvd. in the Publix- and Home Depot-anchored Summertree Plaza. At that time, he decided to venture into pool building, as well, and established Totally Blu Builders.
The community was suffering from a number of failed builders who left behind unfinished pools, and Sunil saw an opportunity to help.
“We started off by finishing pools that were started by Staycation,” he says, referring to one of the pool companies that went out of business.
“We’ve built more than 100 pools in about 18 months,” Sunil says, “including finishing about 60 Staycation pools. We just do one pool at a time, and we just kept finishing them.”
Sunil hired former Staycation and Olympus Pools installer Doug Griffith and other staff mem bers who have experience in the industry, including at those failed companies.
He says that while Doug’s knowledge of construction is vast, Sunil brings a new approach to managing his company’s finances that will protect Totally Blu’s customers.
“Doug’s knowledge in construction is amazing,” Sunil says. “Now that I’ve dug pools with him for more than a year, I can say he backs it up by also being a good person. He came from two failed companies, but he had no part in the finances of those businesses that went down.”
Sunil explains that there’s not a lot of profit margin in pool construction, so, he says, “you have to manage your finances well.”
With Sunil’s nearly two decades in the industry, he already has established good relationships with vendors and customers.
“We’ve have made a good name for ourselves, which is difficult in this day and age because of the bad reputation of pool builders overall,” Sunil says.
In fact, his fairly new business has a perfect five-star (out of five) rating on Google. While there are only a few ratings, they are all positive.
One of the keys, Sunil explains, is not to overpromise, but instead to over-deliver.
“Once we get county approval, which usually takes about a month,” Sunil says, “we finish pools within six to eight weeks. We also call every customer every Friday while their pool is in process. When someone is spending $75,000 to $125,000 on a pool, it’s a huge investment. We reassure them as constantly as possible that we are not running away with their money. At every stage, we are being careful with what we do, and are always
Whether you want a pool with a beach entry and a waterfall (above left) or bubbling jets (top photo on next page), Savir and Sunil
Water Pools store, located north of S.R. 54 on Eiland Blvd., and Blu Water Builders is one of few pool builders that have
customers. (Below) If you want your pool to also include an outdoor kitchen, Totally Blu Builders uses grills and accessories
tion business, knowing how nervous customers are to trust a pool company these days and knowing that the profit margins are thin and potentially how hard it can be to please customers making such a large purchase?
He says first, it’s about serving the community and helping people who have been put in a difficult position by other pool builders or who have heard the horror stories? “More pools being built in the community means more customers for our pool service and supply businesses,” he says. “We are servicing nearly all of the pools we’ve built. If we can build the pool and keep the customers happy, then we can also do their pool service, and that’s how we will make our money for the next 10 years.”
In other words, Sunil is in it for the long term, so Totally Blu’s reputation is of the utmost importance to him.
Building That Reputation
As Totally Blu continues to complete pools, the word is spreading and customers are referring their friends.
The Neighborhood News spoke with Ami Rivera while her pool was being filled, just a few hours before it would be ready for swimming.
“Our goal was to have the pool ready for my daughter’s eighth birthday,” Ami says. “It’s in four days and she’s already put her feet in.”
in 2020, she was content to swim at the commu nity pool, but as it became obvious that she, her husband Lorenzo, and their daughter Anabel would be staying in their home long-term, they wanted to have their own pool.
“Everyone’s heard the horror stories,” she said, referring to lost deposits and unfinished pools, “so we had a lot of questions and concerns.”
As a Realtor, Ami also is a business owner who knows the importance of supporting the local community.
She says she interviewed four companies, and that all four had very similar pricing. But, she says, her conversation with Sunil stood out. Since he also lives in Watergrass, she saw a neighbor and a fellow business owner who expressed his commitment to the people of Wesley Chapel.
“Customers are valuing communication and transparency, and doing a lot more due diligence,” Ami says. “We had such a great conversation and I felt such ownership from him. I love being able to use someone in my own community.”
While Sunil knows his long-term success de pends upon his company’s reputation, he’s building his business not only for now, but also because he says Tru Blu will be a legacy for his son, 17-year-old Savir, who is a senior at Wesley Chapel High.
“Savir came to work with me this summer,” says Sunil. “This kid has taken off and really be-
Savir plans to study electrical engineering in college, while living at home. He is already a Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO), a national certification by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) that recognizes
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in the past, Sunil says he is moving away from that business, although he can still help people who are looking for landscaping services.
With a focus on pool service, supplies and now construction, Sunil believes Totally Blu is in a good position to serve the com munity and provide for his family for years to come.
And, with Totally Blu’s happy customer list growing, it seems Sunil is on the right track.
“I find it very im-
The New Steak N Shake Opens On Wesley Chapel Blvd. With A Ribbon-Cutting!
Although New Tampa’s Steak N Shake was one of the first fast food restaurants to open in zip code 33647, the long-awaited Wesley Chapel Steak N Shake — located at 5542 Post Oak Blvd., off Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54) — is finally open following an official ribbon-cutting event on Oct. 7 (see photo on next page).
Owner Todd Webb and general manager Jason Good and their happy crew are now wel coming the community to Wesley Chapel’s firstever Steak N Shake and to enjoy those famous “Steakburgers” and hand-spun milkshakes and more in the location’s all-new design, which is a much more modern look than what we have in New Tampa. The old soda fountain/diner-style bar stools are gone and in their place is a more convenient kiosk ordering and pick-up system. But yes, there is a still a drive-through window for customers who are on the go.
The Neighborhood News was on hand for the new Steak N Shake’s VIP “Friends & Family” event on Oct. 5, as well as at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but one thing is for certain — longtime fans of this 90-year-old chain with more than 450 locations in the U.S. and Europe will not be disappointed. Todd also promises the new Steak N Shake will host some great family events and will feature some cross-promotions with his The Palms Car Wash next door. He will likely keep you posted about these special events in ads in these pages.
For more information and a 20% bonus when you buy a Steak N Shake gift card at the new location, see the ad below. — GN
(Clockwise from top left). Of course, the new Wesley Chapel Steak N Shake sells those famous bacon & cheese double steakburgers with fries, hand-spun vanilla & strawberry shakes (with or without mix-ins) and Frisco Melts with classic onion rings.
APPETIZERS
Fried Mozzarella - $8
Boneless Wings - $8
Boom Boom Shrimp - $10
Calamari - $12
HANDHELDS
Grilled Chicken Sandwich w/Fries - $8
Cheddar Burger w/Fries (photo) - $8
Smokehouse Burger w/Fries - $12
SOUPS & SALADS
Soup & Salad - $8
(French onion or Chef’s Selection w/House or Caesar)
Treble Wedge - $8
Mandarin chicken salad - $10
ENTREES
Fettuccini Alfredo - $10
Chicken Bruschetta (photo) - $12
Cedar Plank Salmon - $12
The Cheesecake Factory Submits Plans To Open At The Tampa Premium Outlets!
Congratulations to the amazing Pasco County Development & Growth Updates (PCDGU) Facebook page for another scoop that has many people in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel excited — the announcement that plans for a new Cheesecake Factory restaurant have been submitted to Pasco County (right).
According to the initial site plan, the nearly 8,000-sq.-ft. restaurant is expected to have 201 seats inside and room for an additional 78 seats outside at the Tampa Premium Outlets on the south side of S.R. 56.
The excitement of the announcement that Cheesecake Factory could be coming to our area has been tempered somewhat by the fact that the new restaurant is planned to go on what has previously been part of the already-limited parking area on the west side of the mall off Grand Cypress Dr. — basically where the often-stressed valet parking station has been located (see map, also provided by PCDGU, above).
Some of the nearly 700 comments (at our press time) on the PCDGU post also lamented about yet another chain coming to the area around the outlet mall (and the Wesley Chapel area in general), while others said that if this popular chain, with nearly 350 locations in the U.S. and Canada (and 34 more licensed internationally), has to come to our area that the currently-vacant potential restaurant sites around the new Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant east of the Shops at Wiregrass mall on the north side of S.R. 56 would be a better — and less overcrowded — fit.
Of course, this is just a pre-application
submission and definitely subject to many potential changes. In fact, Kelly Gilroy, the PCDGU admin, told the Neighborhood News that she assumes, “The county will allow the Outlets to alter the minimum parking standards first,” which would be necessary for the restaurant to be able to proceed in this location.
Among the chain restaurants already on the south side of 56 near the mall are Chedddar’s, BJ’s Brewhouse, McDonald’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, Rock & Brews, Main Event, Culver’s, Starbucks, MOD Pizza, Panda Express, Zaxby’s, Shuckin’ Shack, Chick-fil-A, Miller’s Ale House and the under construction Raising Cane’s and Rodizio Grill. — GN
Jimmy John’s Opens On Wesley Chapel Blvd.
While Jimmy John’s has never been my favorite sandwich place, the company has built its reputation for “Freaky Fast” service, freshly-baked bread, with fresh meats and hand-sliced veggies on its sandwiches.
The newest Jimmy John’s in Wesley Chapel is in the same new plaza at 5478 Post Oak Blvd. as the newest Moe’s Southwest Grill and franchisee Eric Edmonds, a longtime Wesley Chapel resident, is excited about the store. “We’ve had great response from our customers already,” Eric told me. “A lot of people love Jimmy John’s.”
WhenYouSpend $50orMore! Foodportiononly; drinks&taxnotincluded. Musthaveormentioncoupon. Onecouponpertableonly. Cannotbecombinedwithotheroffers. EXPIRES2/10/2022
Maybe that’s because of actor Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) & his portrayal of Tony Bolognavich in an ongoing series of commercials but the guess here is that it’s more about
Jimmy John’s overstuffed sandwiches, including new op
cheddar bourbon club sandwiches, with turkey or roast beef, lettuce, tomato, mayo, smoked cheddar cheese and sriracha bourbon sauce. With more than 2,700 locations nationwide, the company is doing just fine.
Of course, there’s also favorites like the Hunter’s Club (below left), with double roast beef, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes & mayo, and Charmaine’s “usual” — the Beach Club (below right), with turkey, provolone, avocado spread, cucumbers, lettuce, toma toes and mayo.
Whatever sandwich you choose, you can make it a combo with Jimmy John’s own branded chips and a fountain drink. The brownies and chocolate chip cookies are pretty good, too.
The new Jimmy John’s is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. every day except Sun., when it is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more info, call (813) 991 7700 or visit JimmyJohns.com
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken Opens In The Former King Of The
Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings is now open in Wesley Chapel! The new chicken-focused, quick-service restaurant has opened on the north side of Wesley Chapel Blvd. just west of I-75, in front of The Grove, next to Brooklyn Water Bagel (in the former location of King of the Coop).
This is the eighth Hangry Joe’s location in Florida. The Wesley Chapel restaurant’s Grand Opening was held on Oct. 19, following a “soft” opening a few days before. The husband-and-wife team of Nico and Jalahany Gutierrez was on hand for the Grand Opening, making sure everything was running smoothly in their new franchise, as the line outside their location began building sever al hours before the new Hangry Joe’s opened.
In fact, Zephyrhills resident Richard Coley, who was first on line, said he arrived “at about midnight” in order to be first. He even brought his own comfy chair with him!
As to why Richard — who said this was his third attempt at being first on line for a Hangry Joe’s opening (he was first in Zephyrhills and third at Cocoa Beach, when he said a couple came to the soft opening the day before “and just
Richard was guaranteed one of the 25 top prizes given away to the first 100 people on line — one free “Sando” per week for a year (Jannah also got one of the 24 other randomly-distributed top prizes) — and as promised, the first 100 attendees all were served within the first hour of the new
Meanwhile, Nico, a Wesley Chapel resident for 14 years, wasn’t afraid to get behind the counter and help out both his customers and his staff. He wore a Hangry Joe’s branded polo, setting the example for his employees.
Nico also owns Code Ninjas, located in the New Tampa Center plaza at Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. at New Tampa/Cross Creek Blvd.
As to why someone who has a long professional background in software engineering got into the restaurant business, Nico said, “I worked in restaurants when I was younger and knew I would eventually get back to it.”
He also said he got connected with the Hangry Joe’s brand when he was invited to a Founders Dinner back in February because he wanted to learn more about the franchise. From that first meeting to opening in October, things obviously moved pretty quickly.
When asked what really sets Hangry Joe’s apart from its competition, Nico explained that it’s the Korean touch — from the way the chicken is
According to the com pany’s website, “Founders Derek Cha and Mike Kim [both from South Korea] are the dynamic duo behind the success of Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings...,” and that, “Their meticulous ap proach to sourcing ingredi ents, like locally-raised chick ens and Korean gochujang peppers, ensures that each dish is a perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and smoky goodness.” The company also prides itself on never freezing its chicken.
Unlike many fast food restaurants, the food that came out actually looked better than the pictures on the menu board! The “Sando,” their normal-size fried chicken sandwich, was plump and juicy, lightly fried, with the right amount of pickles and slaw, on a beautifully toasted bun.
The “medium” sauce had just the right amount of heat and flavor. For more extreme tastes, try the “Mega Sando” which is a huge halfpound chicken breast, and go all the way up on the heat scale to “Angry Hot,” but be aware that you’ll have to sign a waiver if you do!
In addition to sandwiches, wings and Kore an-style nuggets, Hangry Joe’s also offers chicken & waffles, waffle fries, mac & cheese, salads and wrap sandwiches.
The new Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings is located at 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd.,
Story & Photos by Joel Provenzano & Gary Nager
(Clockwise from top left) The Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings “Mega Sando,” with cheese, waffle fries & Hangry Sauce; First-in-line Richard Coley celebrates the ribbon-cutting at the new Hangry Joe’s in Wesley Chapel, then enjoys his Mega-Sando; Try the crispy wings with soy garlic sauce & Reese’s shake; Owner Nico Gutierrez (at left behind the register) helped his employees deal with the crowd at the Grand Opening; The line stretched around the building by the time the new Hangry Joe’s opened.
Planning A Holiday Or Other Party?
Let the North Tampa area’s most upscale new restaurant do the cooking for you!
From sushi to Italian specialties, steak, fresh seafood, pasta, craft cocktails & more, Birkin’s Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is the place to host your next big event!
16411 N. Florida Ave., Lutz (in the former LA Hangout location), FL 33549 (813)374-8002 • BirkinsSteakhouse.com • BirkinsSteakhouse@gmail.com
If you don’t feel like having to cook a big meal at home for Thanksgiving, why not check out the big Thanksgiving Buffet at the beautiful Hyatt Place Hotel Tampa/ Wesley Chapel (26000 Sierra Center Blvd., just west of I-75, Lutz), on day, November 28 (obviously), with three seatings — one at 10:30 a.m., one at noon and the last at 1:30 p.m.
The buffet menu will include most of your Turkey Day entrée favorites, including a not-so-traditional (but also extremely popular) fried turkey, as well as honey-glazed ham and tender, slow-roasted prime rib served with a savory au jus. Less traditional main course options include citrus-glazed salmon fillets and beef tips sautéed with por tobello mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce.
Starters include lobster & crab bisque and a butternut squash soup, Italian chopped salad, a “berry bliss” salad, as well as classic creamy potato salad and a “melody” of pasta salad.
Side dishes include creamy garlic mashed potatoes, Southern macaroni & cheese, sweet candied yams, wild rice pilaf, sweet & savory glazed carrots and green beans sautéed in lemon butter.
Save room for dessert, as there will be (of course) sweet potato pie, traditional apple pie and rich cream carrot cake.
The meal also will include live music at all three seatings and bottomless mimoin the per-person price, however. The price for this sumptuous meal with no post-meal cleanup at your house? It’s just $75 per person, $30 for children under age 12 and children under age three eat for free. The prices do not include tax or gratuity and an 18% gratuity will be included for all parties of six or more. Reservations are definitely suggested, as the hotel believes that all three seatings are likely to sell out. To reserve your table, call (813) 803-5600. For more information, see the ad on the next page. — GN
Louis Cerillo, DDSKim Tran-Nguyen, DMD General Dentists
THANKSGIVING BUFFET
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER
Lobster & Crab Bisque
Butternut Squash Soup
Italian Chopped Salad
Berry Bliss Salad
Classic Creamy Potato Salad
Melody of Pasta Salad
Honey Glazed Ham
Tender Prime Rib Slow-Roasted, Served with a Savory Au Jus
Crispy Fried Turkey
Beef Tips Sautéed with Portobello
Mushrooms in a Rich, Savory Sauce
Citrus-Glazed Salmon Fillets
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Sweet Candied Yams
Wild Rice Pilaf
Sweet and Savory Glazed Carrots
Sautéed Lemon-Butter
Green Beans
Sweet Potato Pie
Traditional Apple Pie
Rich Cream
Carrot Cake
You’ll Love It When You Find Silva’s Coffee Grind On S.R. 54 (In Front Of One-Stop Landscape
When Angela Silva called our office a week or so before Hurricane Helene hit, the first thing that stood out to me was her New Yawk accent. That’s not always so important to me, but when that accent is telling you that her and her husband Hiram (photo) had just opened a “new caw-fee and New Yawk bagel place called Silva’s Coffee Grind” (on S.R. 54, in a tricked-out trailer in front of One-Stop Landscape Supply at 34100 S.R. 54), I was suddenly even more interested in what she had to say.
The week after Helene decimated the Gulf coast, Jannah and I went to sample what the Silvas had to offer.
And, we both came away impressed. The coffee is delicious (they get their espresso for their cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos & espresso affogatos from Coffee Latitudes) and the bagels? Oy! Legit!
“We import them from New Yawk,’ Hiram says, “but I won’t tell you where from because I know you’re gonna write about it and I want us to be the only place that has them.”
I, of course, had my bacon, egg and Swiss cheese on a toasted everything, while Jannah opted to have her bacon, egg and cheddar on a toasted croissant. Both yum.
By the time of our next visit, a few days before Hurricane Milton hit, Angela was making sure they could get an ad in this issue of the paper and I promised I would tell 105,000 or so of my closest friends in Wesley Chapel a little bit about them.
We opted for a lunch sandwich this time — a delicious turkey BLT on a toasted plain bagel, with lettuce, tomato and Angela’s zesty homemade pesto cream sauce.
ram says. And, who could argue with him?
Hiram, who does the on-site cooking, is all about giving the people outstanding breakfast and lunch items at a fair price and he is planning to expand the menu offerings in response to people’s requests. As seen in the ad below, Silva’s Coffee Grind also features iced coffee, cold brew, iced lattes and frappes, hot and cold teas, including green tea matcha, flavored iced teas and lemonades, bursting boba tea drinks and even smoothies and sorbets — all from that one little trailer? Ya gotta try it, yo!
Silva’s Coffee Grind is open Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. & 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. For more info, search “Silvas Coffee Grind” on Facebook or
•ICED COFFEE
•COLD BREW
•ICED LATTES & FRAPPES
•HOT & COLD TE AS
•GREEN TEA MATCHA
•SMOOTHIES
•BURSTING BOBA
•FLAVORED ICE TEAS & LEMONADES
•SNACKS
•SORBETS
• ESPRESSO & ESPRESSO AFFOGATO
•MACCHIATOS
•AMERIC ANOS
•CAPPUCCINOS, LATTES & MOCHAS
FRESH REAL NEW YORK BAGELS & CROISSANTS!
BREAKFAST & LUNCH SANDWICHES SERVED ALL DAY!
34100 S.R. 54, WESLEY CHAPEL
(Find us in front of One Stop Landscape Supply) @ SILVAS COFFEE GRIND • @SILVAS.COFFEE.GRIND
HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM • SATURDAY, 9 AM-3 PM
Sangria
Red Wine, Brandy,
D’Oro Rita
Our D’Oro Margarita with Monte Alban Reposado Tequila finished off with Gran Gala liqueur. Flavors: Strawberry, Mango, Raspberry & Passion Fruit. 2000 Piazza
New Tampa Mochinut To Be Replaced By Box Of Cubans!
As much as most of our readers say they want them, it’s just never easy to be successful with unique concept restaurants in our distribution areas — there is always just too much competition from chain restaurants — so you need all of the little factors to come together to “make it,” including location, quality, demand for the product, management and more.
That’s why it wasn’t much of a shock to me that the Mochinut “More Than Just A Donut” location on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. just north
location had closed, even though the Mochinut loca tions in Citrus Park, Temple Terrace and on S.R. 56 (near Mellow Mushroom staying open.
Whether or not Mochi nut’s light-and-airy Koreanstyle donuts were a hard sell for folks raised on Krispy Kreme and/or Dunkin’ the location of the New Tampa Mochinut (the second eatery to fail there; Mahana Fresh was the first) is extremely difficult to find and get to for a lot of people, even though it is visible from BBD.
Enter: Box Of Cubans!
I happened to stop by the already-closed Mochinut location to take the exterior photo to your left when I was able to see two people sitting inside the vacant eatery. They were Marcos and his wife Onelia (“Oni”) Silverio — the owners of the Box of Cubans restaurant in Riverview, who were waiting for contractors to come in to help them get the former Mochinut location ready to become their second fast-casual Cuban eatery.
For lunch, try the restaurant’s signature Mojito Pork Sandwich with lechon, Swiss, sautéed onions and pickled jalapenos, the Pan Con Bistec (grilled palomilla steak marinated in mojo with Swiss, sautéed onions, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, crispy potato sticks, house cilantro sauce and mayo) sandwich or the ham croquette sandwich.
“Our Riverview location was named the Best Restaurant to Eat At in Tampa Bay by Yelp for 2023,” Marcos told me. “We’re famous for our authentic Cuban sandwiches and empanadas.”
Marcos and Oni said that in addition to those popular Cubans and empanadas, Box of Cubans also receives high marks for its outstanding breakfast items — including Cuban-style French toast (also
The empanadas have a variety of fillings, from traditional chicken or beef and cheese to bacon, ham or sausage, egg & cheese, Empanada Cuban and even cheeseburger (above), lasagna options and more.
There also are black or red bean & rice Cuban bowls with one of four house proteins (Lechon, Palomilla Steak, Chicken, or Picadillo), served with three pieces of Cuban bread garlic toast made and three sweet plantains.
NEW TAMPA
Bakery items will range from savory ham cro quettes to cream cheese churros, flan, tres leches and even cheesecake and key lime pie. “We’re also famous for our specialty Cuban coffee drinks,” Marcos says, including café con leche and cold brew ice coffee.
He says Box of Cubans also has a cool story to tell. Marcos, who is Cuban and a lifelong Tampa native, and Oni both left other jobs to open the original Box of Cubans together in a BP gas station in Brandon in 2017. They were able to stay open
and continue serving their community during Covid because the gas station was considered to be an “essential” business. Their son “MJ” (Marcos, Jr.) joined the team as COO and GM in Jan. 2023 and they were looking to open a second location when the Mochinut spot became available. “We hope to be open by the end of October or the first week of November,” Marcos says. “We know the New Tampa/ Wesley Chapel area will love our food! For more info, visit BoxofCubans.com.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING SPECIALIST. An award-winning company in the US serving the Wesley Chapel area for 35 years. Five-star rating on Google & “A” rated by the Better Business Bureau. Specializing in kitchen & bath remodels. For estimates, call James at 813-385-6402 or see our display ad on the next page!.
FLOORING- Luxury Vinyl Plank Installed! Buy anywhere, we will install it!. $1.69/sq. ft. (over 300 sq.ft.). Regular-size bedroom - $399, We will haul away carpet/tack strip & move major furniture pieces. Call for free estimate 813-417-7689. Let’s save some money!
BATHROOM & KITCHEN REMODELING. Top quality, professional, licensed, & insured contractors. Family owned & operated for over 30 years. We take the hassle out of remodeling. Call Ken of Hangliter Residential for an estimate. 813-4604548 or see our display ad on the next page for additional info.
NEED HELP PACKING, UNPACKING & ORGANIZING? Let us help you! We LOVE putting things in their place. We specialize in helping you de-clutter, organize & purge unwanted/unused items. We can unpack & organize your new home or help you prepare & pack for your move. Call 813-523-2421 or 813-469-7935 or visit homesweettampabay.com.
JUNK HAULING SERVICE! We handle all types of furniture removal — bdrm sets, chairs, mattresses & box springs • Hot water heaters & hot tubs - take apart & remove • Construction material • Carpet removal • Estate, eviction, yard, garage & attic clean-outs • Ofc, home & factory • Comm’l/res’l. GorillaJunkremovalExperts.com. For appts, call/ text Nigel @ 888-346-5865.
WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHINGCOM. Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small. Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate 813-433-6015.
RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Ext: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Int: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124.
DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 30+ years of exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-784-5999. Lic. #SCC131149699
LAWN & LANDSCAPING_______
JOHN IDEAL LAWN & LANDSCAPES. We provide all normal lawn & landscaping svcs: •Mow •Edge •Turf Trim •Air-Sweep •Right-of-Way Weed Control •Bed Edging •Resod •Design Your Lawn •Mulch •Shrub Trim/ Shape •Hedge Trim •Yard Cleanup. “For no lawn stress, just join John’s Curb Appeal Success!” Save 12%/mo for 6 mos w/a 1-yr contract. Call Maitland John @ 813.327.1039.
ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, LLC. Complete resid’l & comm’l landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone. Patios, decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn care. Sod & lawn install’n, artificial turf, fencing, railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials.
J’S CUTTING EDGE LAWN SERVICE — Over 5 years of quality full lawn care and landscaping services at affordable rates, Including Mowing, Edging, Trimming, Blowing, Cleanups & more. Call or Text 813-842-7753 for your free quote today.
__TRANSPORTATION _
AIRPORT SHUTTLE SVC. C&R Transportation Svcs of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a shuttle service that provides safe & reliable transportation to & from your destinations.• New Tampa Transfer, $69 • Wesley Chapel Transfer, $79 • ZHills Transfer, $89 • Dade City Transfer, $129. Book Online @Crtransportation. org or call (813) 895-7413. Receive a FREE T-shirt w/ every transfer.
AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campers/small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any condition, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, call (813) 461-0062.
ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2023 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $45 (one way). Cory Lake Isles resident. For more info, call or text 813.765.2037.
REAL ESTATE & OFFICE
SPRING SKIING IN THE ROCKIES? Top Flr Deck w/ beautiful mountain views from a 2 bdrm/2 ba condo. Sleeps 6. Yours to enjoy, Week 17 (last wk in Apr ‘25) for just $500-cheap annual maint. fee of $872 (only $125/day). For details, call 720-838-3551 visit swanmountainresort.com or email geierent@aol.com
Steven Kessel, REALTOR® w/Future Home Realty, Inc., has created just for you, the most advanced, upto-date, user-friendly propty search engine for homes for sale in the Tampa Bay & Central Fla area — & it’s FREE to use & enjoy. BuyYourDreamHome.com. For Rent — Three BR, fully furnished ground flr condo in Anand Vihar, a beautiful indpndnt living, gated community in the lovely Wesley Chapel area. Beautiful Clubhouse, with gym, swimming pool, game room, auditorium & dining hall. Lunch or dinner meal plans are available If needed. Contact Dinesh @ 716-830-7260
COMPUTER SERVICES ____
PROF’L TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+ Cert. computer tech w/25 years of exp. Maint. & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than chains! Friendly, personal svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate!
DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com.
MISCELLANEOUS
Were you self-employed during 2020 and 2021? If so, the IRS is giving out refunds — get your money in only 2 weeks. It takes only 10 minutes to find out how! Call 813-784-2243.
SHARPENING SERVICE. Knives, Scissors & Garden Tools. Prices/Services & Calendar of venues available @ mmsharpening.com. Every Fri, 9am-4pm, Oct 4, 2024 - March 28, 2025. In front of: CROSS CREEK MOBIL MART (10865 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa). Contact - M&M SHARPENING - Mark Bertsche518-260-5916.
CNA/HHA & Companion. Will provide private care in your home. 25+ years of exp. References available upon request. Call Rhonda at 850-586-1868.
Prof’l Resume Guru & Consulting Services LLC. Ready to unlock your full career potential? At PRG, we specialize in resumes, cover letters, residency statements, editing & much more! Transform your documents into a powerful tool that gets you noticed! Contact us today @ 813-405-5065 or email resume_guru@outlook.com.
Equip yourself with the skills to stay safe! Register for 2A Rated Training for self-defense training classes. Our NRA Certified Instructors provide training to help you gain confidence & proficiency to protect yourself & loved ones responsibly. Don’t compromise your safety. Visit our website & register at 2ARatedTraining.com. Train with us. Empower yourself. Email: info@2ARatedTraining.com.
RAYSPHOTOGRAPHS LLC! Do you have a special occasion/moment you’d like to capture? Specializing in weddings, engagements, portraits, headshots & events, let me capture the moments that matter most to you! Visit raysphotographs.com for samples. Call/text (813) 380-2655 or email ray@raysphotographs.com. Mention this ad & receive 20% off!
360 BOOKKEEPING LLC - We focus on your Bookkeeping so you can focus on your Business. Est’d business? We’ll clean up your books to get you back on track. New Business? We can set up your chart of accounts to get you organized & efficient. Call now & get peace of mind—plus 20% off set-up fees— (813) 336-1363.
Hughes School of Music accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory w/a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also avail.! Contact us at 813-748-3216.
MISCELLANEOUS (Cont.)
FOR SALE: Brand New, Complete Boy Scout Uniforms for Sale. Boys clothes size 10-14, shoes, plus new roller skates & ice skates. Dishes & many household articles. A 10x30 shed full of flea market items, will sell all very reasonable. Cartop carrier, professional bicycles, kayak, doggie furniture, crates feeder & much more. Call 607-280-7238.
___TREE SERVICES ___
FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27 yrs of Prof. Svc. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding. Dead-Wood Removal. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.
CLEANING SERVICES
ROSE’S CLEANING SERVICE. We make sure your home will be shiny & clean. Whether you need one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly services, we will customize a plan that accommodates your needs. Residential/ offices/airBnB,etc. Call or text Roseli for a free estimate anytime: 813 400.4946. Or, email:rrduar@ yahoo.com.
NEXT HOME CLEANING. With over 20 years of professional house & office cleaning services available. Trustworthy, efficient, and affordable. Transform your space into a spotless sanctuary. Eco-friendly products. Satisfaction guaranteed. Book now & enjoy a pristine home! FREE ESTIMATES! Contact us today at 813860-1524 or visit our website nexthomecleaningservices.com.
ANA PARRA HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES. Prof’l House Cleaning — Best prices & quality,.Licensed & Insured. Routine, Deep & Move-In/Move-Out cleaning. Serving New Tampa /Lutz/Wesley Chapel & more. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or special needs. Avail. MonSat. Refs avail. We supply our own cleaning products & equipmt. Call or text for free est: (305) 338-0981. PURE SHINE CLEANING Office & House Cleaning Services! Carpet cleaning, too! Free estimates. We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. FamilyOwned & Operated. Wesley Chapel Resident. Weekly/ Bi-Weekly/1-Time Cleaning/Move-In/Move-Out & Deep-Cleaning Svcs. Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813-462-1270.
MARY’S CLEANING SERVICES. We provide flexible domestic & office cleaning. “Jesus is the Lord.” Give us a call at 352-206-8809 for a free estimate or email marynovociclo@gmail.com.
PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 years of exp. Free estimates. Call 813 790-8715 or email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com.
CLEANSWEEP CLEANING CO, LLC. Fully licensed/ bonded, 8 years exp, satisfaction guarantd. Prof’l staff. On-time. We can bring our own products or use yours, if you prefer. Christian-based, family-owned company that lives in New Tampa, serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Call (813) 340-0908 for a no-obligation free quote. Ask for John.
If You Can’t Afford A Display Ad, But You Still Want Your Business To Reach 180,000+ People In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, Check This Out!
Our Classified Ads Are A Great Deal: 7 Issues (3 mos.)-$120 13 Issues (6 mos.)-$200 26 Issues (1 yr.)-$300! Visit NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email your ad to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Pay for your ad by calling 813.910.2575.
