In light of the historic flooding that took place this year, following multiple tropical systems that criss-crossed our area — but especially from Hurricane Milton last month — many Pasco County residents have taken to social media and even to governmental meetings to voice their concerns about how they believe the rapid growth of the county has led, whether in-part or in-whole, to these flooding problems.
Most have voiced generalized concerns, like, “If the county keeps allowing the building of new homes and apartments, where will all the water go?,” while others pointed out that this year’s unprecedented and alltime-record-setting rainfall was bound to cause issues no matter how the land is or is not developed.
The latter group’s point at least appears to be somewhat backed-up by the fact that large sections of rural counties in central Florida — far away from any recent major development — are STILL underwater, more than a month after Milton passed through.
But, now that this flooding did occur, is there room for change in Pasco’s approach to new development? These are the questions being asked by local residents. Now that Hurricane Milton has long since passed, is more of this type of major flooding in
among those who fear the worst if county officials continue to allow additional unfettered
3
Pasco County’s future? Wesley Chapel residents are
major development. (Photo by Joel Provenzano)
How Do You Support A Friend Who Lost Their Child? I Honestly Don’t Know
An Editorial by GARY NAGER
I only remember meeting Christina Ramirez — the daughter of my friends Troy and Iris Stevenson — once, but now, I will never be able to forget her. I remember the first time Troy told me that Christina was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It seemed like it was only a few months after he told me that he also had cancer. But, while Troy beat his illness, Christina tragically did not.
A few weeks ago (on Oct. 17), I saw Troy and Christina’s 11-year-old son Josh at Main Event, where the North Tampa Bay Chamber was hosting a “Compassion Station” to help those displaced by and/or in need following the two hurricanes that blasted Pasco County and most of Florida.
“Christina’s not doing well,” Troy told me. “Iris and I are now having to think about taking care of Josh for her.” (Her daughter Neveah will live with Christina’s husband Anthony.)
His words shook me to my core. As a parent, you can’t help but try not to think of dealing with the same situation with your own children because it’s unthinkable. And yet, it seems that too many parents (even one is too many, but still) are dealing with this situation every day. No matter what your religious beliefs may be, it’s still horrifying.
“I just don’t understand,” Troy said that day. “Why can’t it be me instead of her?”
I have known Troy, a fellow New Yorker, for about a decade and I’ve seen all the good he has done for the community — first at Wesley Chapel Nissan and since then with his Acme Mobile LED trucks, which even though it’s how he earns his livelihood, he has donated them to many worthy causes, whether with the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel or just for people and causes he believes in strongly.
But, in all those years and times we have spent together, I have never once seen that look of being broken inside the way I did that day. And, who could blame him? Any parent who loves their kids would feel and look the same way.
Troy says he was born again in 2006 and the theme at Christina’s Celebration of Life on Nov. 6 was definitely one of strong belief that Troy, Iris, Christina (who passed at age 43) and their family would all be reunited with the Lord someday.
But, as I’ve said whenever someone I’ve known has passed, no matter what you believe, the fact is that it won’t be this life. Will it be better for those who believe? Will Christina be healed in Heaven? I certainly hope so. But, as Jannah and I stood at Trinity Memorial Gardens with what had to be at least 200 people — from Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and all five county commissioners, to dozens of Chamber and Rotary members, family and friends, we couldn’t help but feel a little broken inside ourselves for Troy and Iris. I’ll admit we didn’t know what to say or how to act, we just told them that we love them and are here for them.
Weeks before Christina passed, the Rotary Club planned a Casino Night Fund Raiser to help the family with the expenses related to Troy and Christina’s treatments. And, even though Christina lost her battle, that event is still happening. It is being held on Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m. (at the Hilton Garden Inn off S.R, 56). which is a few days before the date this issue is guaranteed to hit mailboxes throughout Wesley Chapel. However, since many of our issues have reached mailboxes as early as the Friday or Saturday before our Tuesday “guaranteed by” cover dates, I hope if you’re reading this, even on Saturday, you’ll want to be part of it. For details, see the Events Calendar on pg. 20.
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(Above, l.-r.) Josh, Christina, Christina’s niece Anaiah, her sisters Tina & Ilene, daughter Neveah & Troy & Iris Stevenson. (Right) Christina’s husband Anthony, Neveah, Christina & Josh. (Photos provided by Troy Stevenson)
‘Pasco Flooding’
Changes to policy and perception can be slow with government. Typically, a few good case examples will help to move the needle toward finding solutions and possible compromises.
Pasco residents may have gotten their first real good crack at this process recently, with a proposed development called the Tall Timbers MPUD (Master-Planned Unit Development) positioned just south of Mirada, off of rural Tyndall Rd., on the “outskirts” of Wesley Chapel.
The owner of this pristine 38-acre site (Xtreme Team 41, LLC), which is currently zoned Agricultural, is requesting to rezone the property, located within the “Connected City” MPUD area, to allow for 180,000 sq. ft. of commercial and 380 multi-family units (which the plan shows as townhomes).
On Nov. 7, the Pasco County Planning Commission held a public hearing for this rezoning case, giving residents an opportunity to speak, and they definitely took advantage. Out of a handful of passionate speakers — both before and after the agenda item was presented — one person really stood out as the main objector, with some well-crafted and researched arguments — Michael Pultorak.
Pultorak (photo) is a Realtor® who lives just down the street from the proposed development on Kenton Rd., in an area of rural residential lots. His main concern was flooding and he had plenty of visuals to back-up this concerns before Tall Timbers was even discussed.
“I’m speaking here for all the residents of Pasco County,” he said. “The thousands of flooded-out residents on the east side of the county.”
Pultorak added, ““The problem is that this area is the most sensitive piece of the Connect-
ed City. “Everything that has purple lines on it (center graphic) was flooded,” Pultorak said as he showed the commission a map with marks indicating how the subject property and the property immediately to the south were affected by the recent storms.
“All of the commercial in this proposed development is supposed to be on the south side of that red line on this (right) photo. The red line is where the road is going to go. The 106,000 square feet of commercial is all in what flooded. This is an issue now like it never has been before because of the media and because of emotions. We don’t want to stop development, we don’t want to stop future neighbors from moving in. But, we need your help before any more developments are allowed to come in, increase density, change comprehensive views, or get elements of the current plans approved to make it cheaper or faster [for them] to build. Please meet us in the middle and protect us, your current residents, thank you,” to which the audience applauded.
Professional engineer Jon Moody, one of the Planning Commission’s main speakers, said that the county already has stormwater regulations “up to the 100-year flood” in its Land Development code, and that, “Florida has some of the most stringent water regulations of any state in the country.”
Pultorak responded that the King Lake drainage basin, next to his house and Kenton Rd., was a primary concern because the water has nowhere to go.
“This is frustrating for us because the argument is always that the county is following state building codes,” Pultorak said. “But state building codes are a minimum. Pasco County is a higher risk flood area because this was all cattle pastures and now we’re putting high-density developments on these pastures. So, when we cover the surface with non-permeable roofs, foundations, driveways and roads and shed water into retention ponds, there’s a capacity limit and developers have refused to exceed that minimum to protect their neighbors from the 100-year storm during the wet season.”
Moody answered, “We are all very concerned about the flooding that occurred because of backto-back hurricanes, but what type of plan do you envision or would like to see? I practice stormwater for a living and we follow those regulations. What level is enough protection? The state may look at its regulations and say that maybe looking at a 24-hour event isn’t enough. In my own experience, one day isn’t usually the problem. It’s when you have three or four days of rain in a row. Unfortunately, what we saw with Milton were rainfall amounts that came in an extremely short time. Heavy rain is usually 12 inches in a 24-hour period, but with Milton we had 16-18 inches of rainfall in some areas in a 4-6-hour period. That’s an unprecedented event that no one could have contemplated. But, what level of protection is it that you think we need?”
Pultorak thanked Moody for being reasonable and constructive, “In contrast to some of your predecessors who have asked me where I got my civil engineering degree. I don’t have one, but I do have three Master’s and a Ph.D. in common sense
at this point. Common sense tells me that when the environment is changing, that however we’ve been looking at things, we should consider sliding that scale and make improvements if we have proof that what we are having developments abide by is now threatening our current county. My neighbors here were flooded with two days of rain before the hurricane hit. So, maybe we need to reevaluate the standards we hold new developments to. Because currently, with what we’re using, they’re flooding out their neighbors. So, can we maybe tap the brakes on some development and figure out how to protect our current residents.”
Moody responded, “I don’t think there are easy answers. Are there things we can do to reduce stormwater runoff? Sure. Maybe we can require less impervious surface and more green space.”
Pultorak also said that there have been so many individual approvals on portions of the Connected City that the county and developers may have lost sight of that project as a whole.
“I think it’s long past time to have a public workshop on the Connected City,” he said, “because, when that project was originally brought to Pasco, it was supposed to be a community that would make Lake Jovita jealous. But, I’m watching and I’m seeing a heck of a lot of warehouses and light industrial in these zoning amendments and warehouses don’t look to me like the South Tampa ‘vibe’ we were promised. When the Connected City turns into 2 million sq. ft. of distribution space, it doesn’t bring to mind the South Tampa vibe that was going to make Lake Jovita jealous.”
Power-Pointing
Pultorak had a chance to come back later in the meeting and present his specific observations
about the proposed Tall Timbers development.
He displayed aerial images of the subject development property which he said were taken the morning of the meeting, that clearly showed the 38-acre parcel still holding significant amounts of water (that wasn’t clearly visible from the road).
Pultorak also showed topographic (topo) maps indicating on the property where the multiple existing (historic) lakes and wetlands were located and noting how the development showed a commercial building over one of the existing ponds (which he says have expanded since the storms) and potential parking over other wetland areas, an issue that he said is likely to affect the natural flood plain that serves the surrounding properties, including his.
He noted that the site plan also proposed two very large retention ponds (totaling 9.5 acres) in areas where two existing ponds were, and two parks (green space) totaling 1.7 acres, in addition to the townhomes and commercial.
Pultorak stated that perhaps the best use for the entire property would be for it to be used as green space for the Connected City. The Planning Commission members echoed his concerns about the wetland impacts (as well as the need for a comprehensive Connected City public hearing) and asked county staff if a building was not placed over the wetland (to avoid impacts) would it still meet the conditions of the binding site plan?
In light of the drainage concerns and outstanding questions, a proposal was put forth to continue the meeting to Thursday, December 12, and before adjourning, the commission asked for an engineer (representing the development) to come to the next meeting to explain how the potential impacts to the flood plain could be addressed. The continuance passed unanimously.
Long-Time Wesley Chapel Resident (& Santa) Paul Bartell Authors Santa: An Angel Dad
By Gary Nager
I first met long-time Wesley Chapel resident Paul Bartell about a dozen years ago, when he was the volunteer event chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. My wife Jannah, who I had only met the previous year at the same event, was the Cancer Society’s staff community representative running the show at that Relay.
It was a hot day and Paul had been there the entire day, his face beet red from working in the sun. And, even though I didn’t know he also had been dressing up as Santa Claus for kids and events throughout the Tampa Bay area for many years, I remember that I definitely thought he looked a little like Ol’ St. Nick himself.
I also didn’t know back then that Paul and his wife Jamie had two sons — James and Sean — or that Sean would pass away (at age 16) only a couple of years after I met Paul, from a rare skin and blood disorder known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (or SJS).
With his ruddy complexion and pleasant demeanor, Paul was seemingly born to portray Santa. In fact, he has been playing the jolly man for 30 years, the last 22 in and around the Wesley Chapel area. He clearly delights in the role and has continued to make dozens of appearances as St. Nick each year, even in the difficult years since Sean passed away.
In fact, Paul says, it was Christmas Day in 2014 when Sean, who was then covered in the blisters and lesions associated with SJS (which starts with flu-like symptoms and is usually caused by a severe adverse reaction to certain medications and
(L.-r.) Sean, Jamie and “Santa Paul” Bartell. After 30 years of playing Santa Claus, Paul has written a book — Santa: An Angel Dad — where he tells the story of his years portraying St. Nick, Sean’s passing at the age of 16 and the creation of the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation, which has provided cash scholarship grants to graduating seniors from high schools in Wesley Chapel & Zephyrhills the last nine years. (All of the photos in this story are from Paul Bartell’s Facebook page) needs to be treated immediately at an emergency room when the symptoms first manifest) was no longer the promising young man who was fifth in his graduating class at Wesley Chapel High (WCH). “He was in so much pain and there was nothing Jamie and I could do to help him,” Paul recalls. “It was such a terrible, helpless feeling.”
And, although SJS is only fatal in about 7.5% of cases, Sean lost his battle on New Year’s Eve that same year. But, his devastated parents could only think of how much Sean loved school and how much they wanted to something positive to come out of their family’s tragedy.
Enter: The Foundation
“There’s no doubt that education was always Sean’s focus,” Paul says. “He was planning to study biology at Vanderbilt University.” According to the website for the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation (SeanBartell.org), which the Bartells started in 2015, the family’s church, Atonement Lutheran on S.R. 54, came to them wanting to start a scholarship in Sean’s name, which is how the idea got started.
That first year (2015), the Foundation gave its first $1,000 scholarship/grant to then-WCH senior Meghan Sanchez. Today, the Foundation
has awarded $74,000 to students and more than $10,000 more to teachers at Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Cypress Creek and Zephyrhills high schools (and this year, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation will be added to that list), to assist them with furthering their respective educations. Each year, based on the amount of money the Foundation is able to raise, a gala has been held at Atonement Lutheran where the scholarships have been awarded. The Foundation has hosted events like a Quarter Auction and Charity Bingo nights to help raise additional funds, but See “Santa: An Angel Dad” on pg. 8
Your CBD Store Of New Tampa Celebrates 5th Anniversary Nov. 29!
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 husbandand-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 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.”
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 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.
“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 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.
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 & free products. Free local delivery/free shipping are available for orders of $100+. For more info about Your CBD Store’ of New Tampa’s 5th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, November 29, call (813) 994-0599 or visit GetSunMed.com.
Paul says he still always wanted to do more.
“I have had so many experiences as Santa, why not write a book?,” he says. “I’m not really a big TV watcher and I like to read. I had read probably half a dozen books about being Santa and I said to myself, ‘Why can’t I write a book? I’ve been doing it long enough and I’ve got a story to tell.’ And I figured I would donate any proceeds from the book sales to the Foundation.”
Paul says that it took him four or five months to write the book. “Because I’m Santa all through November and December every year, January and February are my ‘down’ times when I’m basically a couch potato.” He adds that he wrote the entire book on his iPhone.
“I just looked back at all of the pictures in my phone that people had sent me and that became my timeline to tell the story,” he says. “I basically went backwards on the timeline and I wrote down what I remembered about each picture.”
He then tweaked it a few times and added pictures at the end of the book and he was ready to publish. He uploaded the pages to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform and, “It was easy,” he says. “You don’t even have to buy any copies. You pick your own sales price, between $10 and $200. So, we picked $19.98, because that was the year Sean was born. I ordered a few author’s copies and it went live on Amazon on July 1 of this year.” The book is available in both hardcover and Kindle versions and the Foundation retains 60% of the proceeds after the initial per-book charge of $8.06.
Paul also says that the full story of what happened to Sean is one of the book’s chapters.
And, in the meantime, “Santa Paul” is in
Paul, Jamie & James Bartell, with Cypress Creek High principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles (next to Paul) at the 2024 Foundation gala.
the middle of his busy season. After making 123 appearances as Santa last year, he had been through about two dozen of his 128 scheduled appearances this year, which includes the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel’s “Breakfast with Santa” at Bubba’s 33 on Saturday, December 14 (see that ad on pg. 21).
And yes, Paul still also works full-time in the sales department of a company that sells pumps for vacuums used in manufacturing and laboratories. He also wanted to make sure I mentioned how hard Jamie, his wife of 36 years, has always worked behind the scenes for the Foundation and how much he appreciates all of her efforts.
Unfortunately, this year’s Charity Bingo event for the Foundation had to be postponed due to Hurricane Milton. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 25, but without a location because Atonement Lutheran was badly damaged by the storm. If you or someone you know has a location that could host that event, visit SeanBartell.org. To order your copy of Santa: An Angel Dad, visit Amazon.com or see the ad on this page (right).
SANTA
An Angel Dad
By Paul G. Bartell
Long-time Wesley Chapel resident Paul Bartell has been dressing up as Santa every holiday season for the last three decades, delighting children of all ages in and around the Wesley Chapel area the last 22 of those 30 years.
To commemorate his 30th anniversary as Santa, Paul has written SANTA: An Angel Dad, in which he describes both his joy of portraying the jolly man in the red velvet suit and the sorrow he and his wife Jamie had to go through after losing their younger son Sean in 2014 at the age of 16 to a rare blood disorder.
The book will bring the reader both happiness and sadness as it tells of Paul’s many Santa adventures, Sean’s tragic story and the establishment of the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation, which has been providing college scholarships for high school seniors in Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills since 2015.
Available on Amazon.com in both Hardbound and Kindle versions
For more information about the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation & the Foundation’s upcoming Charity Bingo event, visit SeanBartell.org.
AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER Beam Signed!
George Butler, the construction superintendent for Robins & Morton, the firm building the freestanding AdventHealth emergency room (ER) in Meadow Pointe (AHMP), told the crowd of nearly 100 people in attendance on Nov. 8 that, “Today is a major milestone for this project. The next major milestone will be the Grand Opening.”
The milestone in question that day was the signing and raising of a beam that will be above the sliding door main entrance to the ER located at the corner of S.R. 54 and Meadow Pointe Blvd.
“Every time you go through that sliding door, you will all think of this beam that you signed,” Butler said.
Butler was introduced by William Villegas, the chief operating officer of AdventHealth Zephyrhills (AHZ), who then said that, “You’re here with us today because you were part of the process of getting this building off the ground...and by signing this beam, you are acknowledging all of the hard work of the crew that is sitting here. And, each and every one of you has played a role in it, whether as a support member, an executive or an engineer with Robins Morton.”
Villegas added that, “So far, this building has endured two storms, and it’s still standing. On April 29, 2025, when we open this building, we will be providing 32,000 square feet of capacity with 12 beds, two triage rooms and advanced lab and imaging services that will provide freestanding emergency room services to the Pasco community.
As we expand our reach, build facilities, touch more lives and care for more patients in Pasco County, we fulfill our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ. And, that’s what we’re here for, to serve our communities and provide the highest quality of care for our patients. None of this would be possible without everyone here today..”
Villegas, the executive sponsor for the AHMP ER, then introduced Mike Murrill, the president and CEO of AHZ.
“I want to thank William Villegas for guiding this team the last several months,” Murrill said. “He just joined our team six months ago and hit the ground running by connecting our community partners and the construction team and it’s exciting to get to this point in the journey.”
Murrill added, “I would just like to take this moment to thank several of our partners who are here this morning — our Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, Arash Kamangar of Hunton Brady Architects, George (Butler) and our Robins & Morton construction team, all of the subcontractors who have contributed to this project, ans well as our Division Team. We thank you all for your collaborative spirit, your work with each other and what it means to have something new in this community.”
Villegas then said a short prayer to thank God and to pray that “the patients who end up at this new ER find healing.”
For more information about the new AHMP ER, visit AdventHealth.com. — GN
(Above) Pasco County Comm. Seth Weightman (3rd from left) & the executive team for the new AdventHealth ER in Meadow Pointe sign the beam. (Below right) AdventHealth Zephyrhills president & CEO Mike Murrill thanked all of the people & companies that made the project happen. (Photos by Charmaine George)
Louis Cerillo, DDSKim Tran-Nguyen, DMD General Dentists
Congratulations to executive director Nick Walton and everyone involved with the Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis Foundation, which hosted its 4th annual “Raise A Racquet” gala at the SVB Tennis Center (located on Simon Rd. in Zephyrhills) on Nov. 9. This year’s gala raised more than $63,000 to support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide tennis racquets, lessons and the opportunity to play the sport at no cost to kids who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Among the 12 school partner programs, impacting more than 350 students, are Watergrass and New River elementary schools.
The Foundation also provides opportunities for high school students to serve as the Foundation’s Ambassadors, where they are taught by adult mentors the proper way to coach younger kids.
“By teaching our Ambassadors how to lead and coach,” Walton said, “we’re not only building skilled athletes but also role models who guide our youngest studentathletes with enthusiasm and heart.”
Walton also noted that, thanks to the fact that the Ambassador program had more applicants than ever this year, the Foundation has added a Junior Ambassador group, “giving future leaders as young as the third grade the chance to shine.”
Among the Foundation’s 14 Ambassadors for 2024-25 are three Wesley Chapel-area high school students —
Amya Ramsey, a junior at Wesley Chapel High; Dalton O’Donovan, a freshman at the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation; and Treye Hochstetler, a junior at Kirkland Ranch Academy.
The winner of this year’s Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Character Award, given each year to one of the Foundation’s Ambassadors, was Zephyrhills High senior Jenna Goodman. Jenna was presented the award by Emily Vande Berg, the sister of Sarah Vande Berg. Sarah and Emily’s father, Todd, also spoke at the event.
Sarah, of course, was the Zephyrhills High tennis star for whom the Tennis & Wellness Center was named. She was continuing her career at the University of South Carolina Upstate when she was tragically killed at age 21 — with three other of the school’s athletes — in a car accident in 2015.
Nearly 200 of the Foundation’s supporters attended this year’s gala, where attendees raised a provided tennis racquet during live auction “bidding” on gifts for the participating students — from $18 for one racquet for one kid up to $5,000 for 30 kids to receive 8 weeks of after-school programming at one of the Foundation’s partner schools.
For more info about the SVB Foundation, visit SVBTennisFoundation.org. For info about the SVB Tennis Center, call (813) 361-6660 or visit SVBTennisCenter.com. — GN
(Clockwise from top) The 2024-25 SVB Tennis Foundation Ambassadors; Foundation exec. dir. Nick Walton (left) with Board chair Mike Avadikian; Emily Vande Berg (left) presents the SVB Memorial Character Award to Jenna Goodman.
Blue Park Dental, Inside Out Aesthetics & Lightning Orthodontics All Cut Chamber Ribbons!
By Gary Nager
Even as the holidays approach, the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) is still helping its new and existing member businesses get the word out with ribbon-cutting ceremonies — and we are proud to partner with the Chamber to help publicize these businesses and events. Here are a couple of those events that have been held since our last issue hit mailboxes four weeks ago: Blue Park Dental
Blue Park Dental, the office of Jordan Brown, DDS, is located at 5470 Post Oak Blvd., Unit 170, in the same plaza off Wesley Chapel Blvd. as the new Moe’s Southwest Grill and Jimmy John’s, in Wesley Chapel.
Dr. Brown and his wife Shakirah hosted a Grand Opening and NTBC ribbon-cutting event on Oct. 24, attended by at least 50 people, including members of the Browns’ family, friends and of course, NTBC members.
He told those who were there that he was inspired by the work ethics of both of his parents — Colin and Patricia Brown (who were both in attendance) — and said, “Blue Park Dental is a dental office that advertises comfort, trust and honesty. It emphasizes technology but also makes sure you feel comfort and safety at the same time.”
Dr. Brown also thanked his wife. “You have no idea how much Shakirah has been in this process. She has helped so much, every step of the way, so thank you for being my rock and my support.”
For more information about Blue Park Dental, call (813) 742-6227 or visit BlueParkDental.com.
Inside Out Aesthetics & Wellness
Then, on Nov. 2, it was Board-certified family nurse practitioner Tracy Burke who hosted an NTBC ribbon-cutting event at the new location of her Inside Out Aesthetics & Wellness — at 27613 Cashford Cir., which is located behind Sam’s Club on the north side of S.R. 56 in the Summergate Professional Park. Inside Out previously was located on an outparcel of The Shops at Wiregrass.
Tracy also thanked the Chamber, as well as all of her friends, clients and her entire family, but especially her son Michael, who recently earned his Florida general contractor’s license and who was instrumental in creating every room in the new med spa to Tracy’s exact specifications.
“I want to thank all of you for coming,” Tracy said prior to cutting the Chamber ribbon. “I have dreamed about having a location like this and now, that dream has come true.” The event also introduced Inside Out’s new licensed medical esthetician Amanda McEwan, who specializes in skin care and custom facials that blend advanced treatments with a holistic approach.
Inside Out also offers neuromodulators, injectables, PDO threads, bio-stimulators, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy & semaglutide for weight loss. For info, call (813) 602-6100 or visit insideout-aesthetics.com.
Lightning Orthodontics
And finally, on Nov. 7, it was time for Lightning Orthodontics, the office of Isis El Ghannam, DDS, to cut a Chamber ribbon (right).
Located in the small strip plaza at 24795 S.R. 54 in Lutz that also includes Fazoli’s, Lightning Orthodontics (which is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Tampa Bay Lightning) is a beautiful, new office equipped with the latest in orthodontic technology and with room to add additional orthodontists if and when the need arises.
Dr. El Ghannam is Board-certified and says she is especially drawn to challenging cases as she finds it rewarding to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients. She also is a new mom who says the experience has deepened her empathy and enriched her interactions with families.
The office, which promises that patients will be, “heard, understood and cared for with the speed
of lightning,” offers online appointments, virtual consults and remote treatment options. English, Spanish and Arabic are all spoken at the office. For more info about Lightning Orthodontics, visit LightningOrthondtics.com or call (813) 733-0007 and please tell them we sent you!
(Below left) On Oct. 24, Dr. Jordan Brown of Blue Park Dental and his wife Shakirah celebrated the official Grand Opening of the new dental office on Wesley Chapel Blvd. with an NTBC ribbon-cutting event. (All photos on this page by Charmaine George)
Michael Butash
Tampa City Ballet’s ‘Carmen’ Was A Modern Tribute To Bizet’s Famed Opera
By Gary Nager
Photos by Charmaine George
I would be lying if I said I fully followed the storyline in the Tampa City Ballet (TCB) production of “Carmen,” the classic opera created by French composer Georges Bizet in 1875 (based on the 1845 novel of the same name by French author Prosper Mérimée) and performed by founder and artistic director Paula Nuñez’s ballet company at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) the weekend of Nov. 1-3.
Even so, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I loved the 90-minute performance, which Nuñez and the company shortened by about a half-hour because of the lack of preparation time following Hurricane Milton.
“We were supposed to perform the show the previous weekend (at the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg),” Nunez said following the Nov. 1 performance we attended of “Carmen.” “But, those shows and a lot of our rehearsal time were cancelled by the hurricane. We basically had two-and-a-half weeks to rehearse and put this show together.”
Whether I fully followed the story or not and whether the company had enough time to present the ballet the way they intended, all I can tell you is that “Carmen” was a spectacular event.
This modern adaptation of the story of a young Gypsy woman who was forced to marry a much older man at age 13 and is killed by a soldier who loves her, is set in Seville, Spain, in the mid 1800s.
The TCB performance began with a flashback scene to young Carmen (portrayed by Alicia Perez) preparing for her wedding. Next we see soldiers in the city square standing guard and watching passersby. Then, we see Micaela (Madison Pineda Bender), the childhood sweetheart of Sgt. Don José (Brian Gonzalez) bearing a letter from his ill mother imploring him to marry Micaela. We first meet the adult Carmen (Marta Ortega, who previously partnered in this role with world-renowned Carlos Acosta in Europe), one of the female workers in a cigar factory. Only one man pays no attention to Carmen — Don José. Carmen throws a flower at him and Don José hides it from Micaela when she returns. Then suddenly, a fight erupts between Carmen and Olivia (Shelby Russ) and Lieutenant Zuniga (David Moreno) orders Don José to arrest Carmen and take her to prison. There, Carmen seduces Don José, who allows her to
escape and ends up being arrested himself.
During the first act, the amazing soprano Daniela Mass (who has performed with Il Volo, Andrea Bocelli and many other renowned performers) sings one of the two most famous songs from Bizet’s opera, “Habanera,” which provides an incredible backdrop to one of those Act I scenes.
In Act II, Carmen again seduces Don José and then mocks him for heeding a bugle call. Then, Lt. Zuniga tries to force himself on Carmen, but an enraged Don José kills him, forcing him to join Carmen’s band of outlaws. Carmen and Don José marry, but she quickly grows restless and begins an affair with the scene-stealing toreador Escamillo (Jhony Delgado). Don José, consumed by jealousy and despair, is unhinged by her betrayal. He then leaves with Micaela upon hearing news of his mother’s death, but first warns Carmen that she will never be with another man.
Back in Seville, the crowd cheers (and the women swoon) for Escamillo, with Carmen proudly defiant at his side. Don José arrives and begs her to forget the past and start a new life with him. She calmly tells him that their marriage is over because she was born and will die free. Don José flies into a murderous rage and when Carmen removes and throws her ring at his feet, he stabs her to death.
Carmen, who was an abused woman who refused to let any man control her, was a symbol of female empowerment long before the term
was coined. Because of its relative vulgarity and controversial subject matter (of betrayal and murder), Bizet’s final opera before his death at age 36 was rejected by audiences and critics of the day when it was first produced, and he died of a heart attack three months after it premiered, believing “Carmen” to be a failure.
The opera did become immensely popular, however, more than a decade after his passing.
This is the second time (the first was in 2022) that Nuñez and her company have reimagined this classic story and I am truly grateful I did not miss it again this time around. My recap of the ballet came from the show’s online program and I know I didn’t really do it justice, even though Charmaine’s pictures of it are beautiful.
Tampa City Ballet (15367 Amberly Dr., Tampa Palms) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For more
information,
org. or see the ad on the next page.
including about TCB’s upcoming performances of “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 7-Dec. 15), call (813) 558-0800, visit TampaCityBallet.
Looking Back A Few Weeks To The 20th Annual Wesley Chapel Fall Festival
Upcoming Events — Turkey Trots, The Chamber’s Annual Meeting & So Many ‘Nutcrackers!’
Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m.-11
p.m. – The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Presents a Casino Night Fundraiser. At Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel). All funds raised support Troy and Iris Stevenson and their daughter Christina Ramirez. Troy recently battled cancer and Christina unfortunately recently lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. The event will feature casino games, a cash bar & light hors d’oeuvres. $25 donation. For tickets visit bit.ly/wcrotary-casino.
Monday, November 25, 7 p.m. — New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). What do Democrats want now that Trump has won the Presidential election? For more info, visit NewTampaDemocrats.com.
Tuesday, November 26, 5 p.m. – 8th
Annual Build-A-Bear For a Cause. At the Build-A-Bear store, The Shops at Wiregrass (28163 Paseo Dr., #170). Cindy and Kent Ross of RPG Printing invite you to join them to build a bear or make a donation, and they will build a bear for you! Please help bring a smile to a child in the ABC Program at our local elementary schools. For more information, call Cindy Ross at (813) 949-5700 or (813) 2056125 or email Cindy@rpandg.com.
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.
The cost for the 5K is now $45. For the 1 “Tur(K)” Fun Run, the cost is now $27.50. For more information, visit 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.
The cost for the 5K run is $45 between Nov. 20-26 or $50 Nov. 27-28. For the 1-mile Fun Run, the cost is $25 anytime. There’s also a Kids Turkey Dash for ages 12 & under, which costs $20.
For more info, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/events.
Sunday, December 1, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
–Klassika. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). What do you get when you combine classically trained singers with pop music? You get Klassika! Come and enjoy all your holiday favorites performed by this classical crossover group. For tickets (which cost $17.50-$20 for reserved seats) & more information, visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events.
Tuesday, December 3, 9 a.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Annual Membership Breakfast Meeting. At Pasco-Hernando State College (2727 Mansfield Blvd, Wesley Chapel). This event is the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and will celebrate the Chamber’s 2024 accomplishments. Admission is $25 for members and $30 for non-members to attend.
For more information and to register, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/ Events or call the NTBC office at (813) 994-8534.
Saturday & Sunday, December 7 & 8, at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. & 8 p.m., The New Tampa Dance Theatre’s Dance Theatre of Tampa Presents “The Nutcracker Suite.” At The Shops at Wiregrass; free to attend. For additional information, visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com or see the ad on page 21 (next page).
The New Tampa Dance Theatre presents its 25th annual performances of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 7-8 at The Shops at Wiregrass and Dec. 20-22 at USF College of the Arts Theatre 1. For more detailed information, see below or the ad on page 21. (Photo source: NTDT)
Sunday, December 8, 3 p.m-5 p.m. Florida Jazz Express: Holiday Big Band Extravaganza. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Enjoy all your holiday favorites in “big band” style! As one of Florida’s most vibrant and exciting large jazz orchestras, Florida Jazz Express is comprised of the busiest musicians in the state with resumes that include performing with some of the world’s top entertainers. For tickets ($20 general admission) & more information visit NewTampa ArtsCenter.org/events.
Friday, December 13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; & Sunday, December 15, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. — Tampa City Ballet Presents: “The Nutcracker.” At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Each year, performances of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ring in the holiday season as a long-held tradition celebrated around the world. In the Tampa Bay area, the Tampa City Ballet (TCB) brings together audiences of all ages and backgrounds to participate in this classic family event. For tickets (reserved seating costs $30-$50) & more info visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Saturday, December 14, 8 a.m.-10 a.m. — The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Presents “Breakfast With Santa.” At Bubba’s 33 Wesley Chapel (26340 Silver Maple Pkwy.). For more info, see the ad below.
Saturday, December 14, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
— “Avalon Aglow.” At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way). For info, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or see the ad on the previous page (pg. 20).
Friday, December 20, 7 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. & Sunday, December 22, at 2 p.m. — The New Tampa Dance Theatre’s Dance Theatre of Tampa Presents: “The Nutcracker.” At the University of South Florida, College of the Arts Theater 1 (13001 USF Laurel Dr, Tampa). Now in its 25th year, this is the New Tampa area’s longest-running production of the timesless classic.
For tickets & more information, visit Ticketmaster.com, call (813) 994-NTDT (6838) or see the ad on this page (right).
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Noire Nail Bar Offers Luxury Nail, Eyelash & Waxing Services Near The Outlets
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
With its premier location on S.R. 56 across the street from Tampa Premium Outlets and its owners’ commitment to customer satisfaction, Noire Nail Bar has been a go-to destination for nails and skin care since it first opened in 2018.
Owners John and Vanessa Nguyen say the location, next to Mellow Mushroom, makes it the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening of relaxation, pampering and enjoying all of the amenities nearby. John says there are several more restaurants that will soon open in the plaza, making the location even more attractive.
Noire Nail Bar offers manicures and pedicures, spa treatments, waxing and eyelash extensions.
“The most important thing to us is to have the best customer service,” John says. “We keep the salon clean, constantly update our nail polish collection with new colors and keep up with what’s trending in nail design.”
In fact, he says, any nail design you can find or think of, the technicians at Noire Nail Bar can create for you. Just check out the salon’s Instagram page at @noirenailbar_wesleychapel to see some of the many unique and intricate designs they have done for their clients.
Whether you’re looking for the trendiest nail shape and design, or a more traditional or professional look, the happy nail technicians at Noire Nail Bar are always happy to accommodate you.
John says many clients now prefer a fairly new service called Gel-X.
While gel polish goes over a person’s nail,
heavy like acrylic nails.”
And, he says, its much healthier for your nails than other options, since it’s not likely to cause nail damage or skin irritations.
However, Gel-X is far from the only option at Noire. For those who prefer dipping powder, gel, or even acrylic, Noire Nail Bar offers all of those options.
In addition, Noire also now carries magnetic
Nails & Packages For Every Occasion
John says that Noire Nail Bar also is perfect for any special occasion, such as a wedding, prom, holiday party, or other event. Noire’s nail techs can create nails and designs that will stand out and give just the “vibe” you want.
If you’re coming in with friends or family, the salon is designed with pedicure chairs in small
groups to facilitate better conversations, rather than your group being spread out in one long line. This provides privacy and intimacy for those who want to enjoy the experience together. The salon also can host all kinds of parties, from wedding to bridal shower to birthdays.
For children under 10 years old, the salon offers manicures, pedicures, nail polish and nail designs at a special price.
Noire Nail Bar recommends appointments to ensure a leisurely experience, especially on busy weekends, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Men and women can take advantage of Noire Nail Bar’s packages that include Basic, Deluxe, or Signature spa treatments. For example, a “Sport Spa Pedicure” includes a callus treatment and sugar scrub to improve blood circulation, plus a massage to relieve muscle tension and tightness. Noire’s “Citrus Spa Treatment” is energizing, while the “Cucumber Treatment” is purifying and revitalizing, and “Milk & Honey” is for anti-aging. An “All-Organic Pedicure” includes nothing but certified-organic products, and the “Luxury Six-Step Collagen Pedicure” provides the ultimate in detoxification and anti-aging treatments to rejuvenate and moisturize your feet. Hot stone and hot candle wax massages can be added to any pedicure, as well.
John also says that Noire guests are always treated to a relaxing experience in an upscale atmosphere. The salon is a quiet and calm place, where the technicians are focused on their customers, not chatting with each other. The serene environment helps to enhance the experience of the spa treatments Noire Nail Bar provides. And, guests always are offered a complimentary glass of wine,
too, and also offers waxing of eyebrows, upper lip, legs, arms, and Brazilian bikini waxing.
“I love this nail salon with a passion!,” Jessie Maher says in her five-star Google review. “The staff is always amazing, kind and patient when I bring the kids with me.”
She adds, “The reason I go back time and time again is because of the incredible service, as well as the sense of feeling welcomed, and knowing I will be taken care of and come out with flawless nails.”
Readers of the Neighborhood News receive 10% off all services on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by bringing the ad on page 31 of 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun. To make an appointment, call (813) 536-0161. Visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel. com or follow @noirenailbar_wesleychapel on Instagram to see the salon’s huge array of possible nail designs.
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
or questions, email
at info@tampahappysmiles.com Or, visit www.tampahappysmiles.com
A Champion For Your Business — Derek Usman Of The Usman Law Firm
By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent
With a location near where New Tampa meets Wesley Chapel on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., attorney Derek Usman stands out as a dedicated advocate and litigator in the fields of employment law and business law. Derek moved to Wesley Chapel from Chicago in 2015 to be closer to family and began his journey with a small office on Bearss Ave. In 2018, he expanded to the office on BBD, and has quickly made his legal practice a respected name in the area.
Derek’s journey as an attorney started after he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Indiana University in Fort Wayne and his Juris Doctor (J.D., or Law) degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in DeKalb in 2001. His is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Illinois, as well as in federal courts, including the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This wide reach allows Derek to assist clients across jurisdictions with a deep knowledge of litigation and business law.
Employment Law A Specialty
Three years ago, Derek expanded his practice to an office in downtown Tampa. As to why, he says, “Many of my opposing counsels have offices downtown, and having an office there makes it easier for me to meet with them and negotiate. I also am closer to the courts.”
Derek’s enthusiasm for the legal field goes beyond standard litigation. “I like the dynamics of this type of law,” he says. “You have to interact
One of the core areas Derek specializes in is employment law. His work in this field involves representing employees and businesses in disputes centered around agreements and contractual obligations. “This is again something that I have to prove happened,” he explains. He provides an example of when an employee leaves a company and signs an agreement that might have language that misleads the employee. Derek highlights the importance of finding misleading language and ambiguities, using his legal skills to protect his clients’ rights. “It is my job to prove that it was misleading, to find those ambiguities, and I have
andra Ciles, Flores Ciles Contractors, LLC
Another area where Derek offers assistance is in fraud cases, including often-complex issues like mail and wire fraud. The stakes in these types of cases are often high, and clients depend on Derek’s expertise to guide them through the legal process. “This area includes anyone who may have embezzled funds or has committed any type of fraud that includes money,” he explains.
And, when these cases involve the use of the internet or wire transfers, they often have to be tried in a federal court, so you need an attorney who has the ability to do just that. His experience in these cases ensures that his clients receive knowledgeable support, whether their cases are settled out of court or go to trial.
The Usman Law Firm charges clients by the hour, although in some cases, such as those going to court, he works on a contingency basis. This flexibility allows him to serve a wide range of clients, from individuals and small businesses to larger entities with significant legal needs.
One of the distinguishing features of the firm is the personalized service Derek offers.
“When you go to one of the ‘large’ law firms, you are never sure who will be working for you,” he explains. “If you ask for one of the partners, you should be ready to pay a very high hourly rate. However, with me, you get the one person who has all the experience.”
At the larger firms, he adds, cases are often handed off to junior associates or teams. For Derek, being the primary point of contact means he can ensure each case receives the same high standard of dedication and expertise.
for our business and personal legal advice and I cannot express how much of a headache we had until we met Derek Usman. No other attorneys would call back or have time to listen and assist with our business needs. As our business attorney, Derek has been excellent, and I certainly recommend him to anyone. He knows exactly what our needs are, is very professional, intelligent and provides the best advice. Derek is very detailed and pays very good attention to our needs. My experiences with Usman Law have been and will continue to be stupendous through and through.” — Jose Ferrer, CEO, Mor-Stor Medical
Although he operates a solo practice, Derek notes that he doesn’t work in isolation. He participates in bar associations and networks that allow him to connect with other attorneys and brainstorm when needed.
Commitment to Community Service
“We were looking for great representation
Outside of his legal work, Derek is deeply involved in community outreach. He is active with the Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hyde Park and participates in the Rotary Club of Tampa. Through these organizations, Derek has engaged in a variety of service projects. “I have participated most recently in the Food Pantry,” he shares, highlighting his desire to make a difference both inside and outside the courtroom. For more info about Derek Usman and the Usman Law Firm, call (813) 377-1197 or see the ad on page 47. You also can visit UsmanFirm.com or email derek@usmanfirm. com. His offices are located at 20701 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Ste 207, and 505 E. Jackson St., Ste. 305, in downtown Tampa
Dr. Sam Jureyda Offers Top-Notch Orthodontic Care At Radiance Orthodontics
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
Two decades ago, about 85 percent of dentists owned their own practices, but times have changed drastically.
The New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas have not escaped the national trend of more dental and orthodontic offices being owned by corpora tions, instead of the practitioners themselves.
But, Sam Jureyda, DMD, says he’s not interested in selling his Radiance Orthodontics, although he frequently gets offers from corpora tions wanting to buy his practice.
“Dr. J,” as his patients call him, opened Ra diance Orthodontics more than eight years ago to provide orthodontic treatments for kids, teens and adults, primarily using braces and Invisalign align ers to move teeth and correct bites. The practice is located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit off I-75, near the New Tampa Recreation Center.
When patients visit Radiance Orthodontics, they always see Dr. Jureyda personally. He enjoys getting to know the families who entrust their care to him, and considers his patients to be family.
“In an era of big box stores,” Dr. Jureyda explains, “we’re still a mom-and-pop.”
He says he wouldn’t even consider giving up the time he spends caring for each individual in his practice in order to meet the demands of corporate dentistry.
“We value the relationship we build with our patients,” Dr. J says.
Before moving into private practice in 2006, and subsequently opening Radiance Orthodontics
in 2016, Dr. Jureyda taught graduate-level orthodontics at the University of Buffalo, NY. Prior to that, he earned a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, a Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics from the Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, DC, and completed a clinical fellowship in Orthodontics from the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics.
His education includes years of studying facial biology and growth dynamics, and his practice has allowed him to treat all types of patients, even those
they choose treatment via traditional braces or Invisalign aligners.
“There are so many factors that go into a decision about an appliance that you may wear for 18 months or more,” says Dr. Jureyda. “I am always happy to go over all of that information so that you can make the right choice about the treatment plan that is best for you.”
These days, general dentists are more frequently also offering aligners. But, Dr. J offers a deeper understanding of the dentofacial orthopedics involved in aligning teeth and jaws over a lifetime, whether it’s during the early years of childhood growth or even in older adults.
Getting a second opinion from Dr. Jureyda is completely free and may provide additional avenues for treatment or a lower cost than other options.
with the most complicated orthodontic needs.
He’s also pleased to have been recognized again in 2024 by Tampa Magazine as one of the Tampa Bay area’s top dentists, as voted on by dentists across the region.
His peers have recognized that his education and experience make him one of the area’s best.
His commitment to private practice allows him to maintain a lower volume of patients and spend more time with each person who comes in, which means that patients at Radiance Orthodontics get customized care from an orthodontist who is invested in them personally, whether
“We’re seeing so much inflation right now, which is stretching families,” says Dr. Jureyda. “Radiance Orthodontics is a small business and we are in touch with what’s happening in our community. We try to walk that fine line between meeting the demands of running a business and keeping our fees affordable and payments flexible for our patients.”
He promises reasonable fees that avoid the need for coupons or complex payment structures.
He suggests that anyone who wants to learn more about his practice search “Radiance Orthodontics” for his online Google reviews. All 160+ of the office’s reviews on Google are five stars and speak to the way Dr. J cares for his patients.
Nicole Shuts moved to New Tampa about two years ago. Her sons already had braces, so she needed to find an orthodontist to continue their care. She says the first one she went to “didn’t feel
Dr. Sam Jureyda welcomes the local community to his Radiance Orthodontics, located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, off the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. exit off I-75. (Photo provided by Dr. Jureyda)
quite right,” so she kept looking and ultimately found Radiance Orthodontics.
“As soon as I walked in and met Dr. J, I was really impressed with his demeanor,” she says. “He’s very calm, very intelligent, he knew exactly what problems my sons were facing, and his recommendations were conservative, but on point with what we needed.”
She says one son’s bite was really bad and his molars weren’t even touching. She wanted to bring him to Dr. Jureyda, but she also wanted to doublecheck her instincts, so she conferred with her son’s previous orthodontist.
“I told her about the people we interviewed and their proposals,” Nicole explains, “and she steered me toward what I was feeling, which made me super happy because at that point I liked Dr. J already.”
Nicole says the proof is in the results.
“It’s a joy to me that he can chew his food better,” she says of her son. “It’s been two years and we’re very happy. We wouldn’t change anything.”
Nicole also is happy with her other son’s treatment, and appreciates that Dr. J sees her youngest daughter every few months to see if it’s time to start treatment for her yet, as well. Those ongoing consultations are complimentary, as Dr. J keeps an eye on her growth.
“I really appreciate that,” Nicole says. “I know he’s trustworthy and he’s not pushy.”
Carmen Mitchell and her 15-year-old daughter, Kali, are both in treatment with Dr. Jureyda. Carmen explains she didn’t have braces as a child and her deep bite was causing breakage in her teeth. To prevent further breakage, her dentist recommended Invisalign. And although the dentist gave her a fair price for those aligners, she didn’t feel that the office was fully prepared for the details of the specialty treatment.
But, it was totally different when she saw Dr. Jureyda for a free consultation.
“He’s very knowledgeable and gets to know you as a patient,” she says, “and then he makes sure the service he’s providing is tailored to you.”
When her daughter’s dentist suggested an orthodontic evaluation, she knew she would bring her to Dr. Jureyda, too.
“I like the way he talks to her as the patient,” Carmen adds. “She’s involved in her own care, which is important.”
Supporting The Community, Too
As a former educator, Dr. Jureyda makes it a high priority to support students and educators in our community, and Carmen says she wants to support Radiance so he can continue to do so.
Not only is Radiance Orthodontics a longterm business partner of all of New Tampa’s public schools (and some Wesley Chapel schools, as well), he also awards scholarships each spring to a graduating senior at both Wharton and Freedom high schools. These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the community through volunteering. Last year, he also offered scholarships to seniors at King and Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate high schools.
“I often recommend people go to Radiance,” Carmen says. “I tell them, ‘Go, get a quote. You’ll probably fall in love with Dr. J and the staff while you’re there.’”
Radiance Orthodontics offers Invisalign and braces for kids, teens and adults of all ages. To schedule a free consultation, text or call (813) 972-1100. For more information about the practice, located at 17427 Bridge Hill Court, Suite A, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, visit MyRadianceBraces.com, or see the ad on page 5 of this issue.
Tampa Palms Psychology’s Dr. Brian Wilson Helps Adults Manage Life’s Struggles
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
Because his Tampa Palms Psychology — the practice of Brian Wilson, Ph.D. — continues to grow, Dr. Wilson recently moved to the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Palms Blvd. just south and west of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit off I-75.
The new office is just a half-mile from his previous workspace, where patients met with Dr. Wilson in a private room at a co-working office. He made the move to the new space in April.
“It’s a very quiet, warm, upscale and relaxing environment, right on a lake,” Dr. Wilson says, adding that while he enjoyed his previous location and the opportunity it gave him to grow, it’s nice to have a more personal and permanent space.
“I have my own dedicated office now,” he says. “I designed it myself. It’s a better space, with better furniture, and much homier.”
He says he’s had his eye on the Tampa Palms Professional Center for many years, but when he opened his practice in 2021, the Covid pandemic made virtual or Telehealth sessions the norm, instead of in-person visits, so it didn’t make sense for him to have a full-time office at that time.
Now, many people prefer to meet with Dr. Wilson in person, although he says about half of his patients still choose to meet virtually. “I let my patients decide,” he says. “Some providers are insisting on in-person and others on Telehealth, but I do whatever works for my patients.”
He says he has some patients who are disabled or have other reasons why they can’t leave
the house, so he’s happy to meet with them via private, secure videoconferencing.
Dr. Wilson has been practicing since 2003 and now has two decades of experience. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville and earned both his Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He also com pleted a psychology residency at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration Hospital.
Whether you meet him in person or online, Dr. Wilson helps adults navigate life’s difficul ties, especially when it comes to job stress, relationship problems, depression, anxiety, or any number of other issues.
“I have the benefit of having worked in a variety of settings, so I feel comfortable taking on a lot of things,” he says. He considers himself to be a generalist who can address a wide variety of concerns with adults. He does not, however, counsel anyone under the age of 18.
He commonly helps people who are experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and has years of experience helping military veterans.
Dr. Wilson also is experienced in helping those who have serious or life-changing medical issues and are learning to cope with a new reality, as well as the mental health problems that develop as a result.
Another area of expertise for Dr. Wilson is geriatrics — helping older adults. This could be people who are caring for a spouse who is ill, or those who are realizing that the transition into retirement is not what they thought it would be.
His two decades of experience include
primary care and community mental health, psychiatric patients in mental health facilities, residential and outpatient PTSD treatment, geriatric mental health and health psychology. Dr. Wilson is licensed to practice psychology in both Florida and Minnesota, and is a member of the American Psychological Association.
He says the best approach for those who are beginning the search for a trusted therapist is still to get a recommendation from a friend or family member. “That’s probably the best referral you can get,” he says.
But if you don’t have a word-of-mouth reference from someone you know, he says to do an online search, choose a few therapists, try to talk
to a few of them and “go with your gut.”
He says that, of course, you should always check with the Florida Department of Health to be sure the provider you want to work with is appropriately licensed and has no disciplinary actions or malpractice claims.
This can be done by searching “Florida Department of Health License Lookup” online.
“Beyond that, those of us [practitioners] who are thoughtful will always be happy to schedule a no-charge, no-commitment phone call to see if we’re a good fit,” he says. “Don’t schedule with someone without at least first having a conversation about their approach.”
While Dr. Wilson says he is primarily a
Dr. Brian Wilson of Tampa Palms Psychology is happy to offer consultations inside his office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center (above) or virtually vis Telehealth (photo on next page). (Photos by Charmaine George)
about 50 percent of the cost of treatment.
Fellow professional therapist Dr. Brian Doane of Tampa Bay Counseling Services is quick to say that he thinks very highly of Dr. Wilson and doesn’t hesitate to recommend him — for example, if he has a patient whose spouse needs counseling, too.
“If I’m working with someone and they say, ‘My spouse is looking for a therapist,’ he’s the first person I send them to,” Dr. Doane says, noting that it’s an important referral, since Dr. Doane will continue working with that person’s
ally nice balance between being very kind and compassionate, while also being assertively direct. He also knows the timing of when to be direct, providing honest feedback at a time when the person is able to receive it.”
Tampa Palms Psychology is located at 5331 Primrose Lake Cir., Suite 245, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. For appointments with Dr. Brian Wilson and more information about the practice, call (813) 4919343, visit TampaPalmsPsychology.com, or see the ad on page 38.
The Readers Have Spoken! Cooper’s Hawk Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Wesley Chapel! Stonewood Is Your #1 Favorite In New Tampa! But,
Although I’m still not 100% happy with this year’s format for the annual Neighborhood News Reader Dining Survey & Contest, I do believe that this year’s Survey did at least end up helping more people focus a little more on local, non-chain restaurants than in years past — even though our readers’ Favorite Restaurants in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel were still chains.
Congratulations To This Year’s Dining Contest Winners!
$200 — John Sobczak, Cross Creek
$100 — Eric DeJohn, Siena Cove
$50 — Ilana Bienstock, Tampa Palms
$50 — Steve Hyde, Wiregrass Ranch
Please call (813) 910-2575 or email ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com ASAP to tell us which restaurant you choose for your FREE gift card.
Here in Wesley Chapel, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant decimated the competition in its first year of being eligible, but over in New Tampa, Stonewood Grill & Tavern, which is part of an eight-unit mini-chain (all of which are in Florida), again took home Favorite Restaurant in (and near) zip code 33647 — for the ninth year in a row.
Even though nearly 600 votes were cast (mostly) by our readers in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, that number was less than half of last year’s total, which of course, also did not make me happy.
But, once again, I believe that the survey itself included too many categories for many of you, and unfortunately, some of the categories I chose to include fell flat and there were others I wish I had included — like “Favorite Food Truck,” “Favorite Sandwich Place” and even “Favorite Bar” — even though there are so few no-food bars in both of our areas.
Because I did not include all of the chain restaurants in our area in the lists of eateries in this year’s survey, many more of the local mom-&-pop places did a lot better (as I had hoped) this year than they had in years past, even though favorites like Tavern, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restau rant, first-time “Favorite Breakfast” winner Keke’s Breakfast Café, Cakes (“Favorite Bakery”) and (“Favorite Ice Cream, Gelato or Frozen Yogurt Place”) still ended up winning several of this year’s categories.
“Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa (NT)” and “Favorite American Restaurant in NT, Cooper’s Hawk for “Favorite Restaurant (& American Restaurant”) in WC,” and Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine as “Favorite Chinese Restaurant in NT &
Did You Win Free Dining? Read On!
If you see your name listed, please either email us at ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com or call (813) 910-2575 and leave us a message to tell us which restaurant you want for your gift card. I will confirm that I received your
And, despite the fact there were still some runaway winners — including Stonewood for
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request the same way you make it and arrange to meet you to give you your prize in person. Note - Due to some previous winners claiming they never received their prizes in the mail, I will no longer mail these gift cards!
Executive Chef Danny Manzur, sous chef Jason Price, kitchen manager Gary Zimmerman & operating partner Dennis Diaz celebrate the fact that Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms again won “Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa” (and “Favorite American Restaurant in
2024
Dining Survey & Contest - New Tampa Top-25 2024 Dining Survey & Contest -
There isn’t much more we can say about Stonewood Grill & Tavern that hasn’t already been said each of the past eight years as our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa, so we won’t even bother. Suffice it to say that Stonewood’s combination of quality food, an elegant setting, outstanding service, New Tampa’s most hopping upscale bar crowd and fair prices continue to keep it at the top of your list.
This year’s second-Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa (and Favorite Latin Restaurant in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel) was at least a little bit of a surprise, NOT because Las Palmas Latin Grill isn’t a great mom-&-pop restaurant,
1.Stonewood Grill & Tavern
2.Las Palmas Latin Grill
but because owners Ramses and Ana Garcia were still operating out of a food truck, rather than their brick-&-mortar location, when last year’s survey was conducted. For Las Palmas to nudge past last year’s second place finisher, Via Italia, after not making the 2023 top-25 was very impressive.
Overall, seven of your 2023 top-10 Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa still made this year’s Top-10 (some moved up, others down), but Las Palmas, EggTown and the reopened Kobé moved into the top-10 while Fresh Kitchen, Olive Garden & Minerva (which still won for “Favorite Indian Restaurant”) dropped out. — GN
3.Via Italia Wood Fired Pizza & Bar
4.Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine
5.Fat Rabbit Pub
6.The Grill at Morris Bridge
7.Mr. Dunderbak’s
8.Cali Tampa Palms
9.EggTown Breakfast & Lunch
10.Kobé Japanese Steakhouse
11.Sushi Café
12.Johnny C’s Italian Eatery
13.Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood
14.Fresh Kitchen
15.Lima Peruvian Cuisine
16.Cappy’s Pizzeria
17.Frammi American Grille & Italian Food
18. Thai Lanna
19.Thai Ruby
20.Minerva Indian Restaurant
21.Taste of NY Pizza
22.Burger 21
23.Acropolis Greek Taverna
24.Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant
25.(tie) Gorkhali Kitchen & Peabody’s
Meanwhile, Wesley Chapel is where chain eateries continue to dominate the landscape, as well as our voting (despite my best efforts to get our readers to vote for non-chains).
But, while Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant did mistakenly appear on the ballots for the first issue of the voting, it was so dominant in the voting after it came off the ballots that it would still have been #1 “Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel” without that one-issue advantage. Anyone who has been to the place on a Tuesday or Wednesday night, when it is still on a wait throughout its dinner hours, can understand how Cooper’s
Hawk took home this year’s top prize in WC in its first year of eligibility.
Azteca D’Oro and Grillsmith repeated as our readers’ #2 and #3 Favorites in WC, while last year’s first-place finisher, Noble Crust, dropped to #4 this year. New to this year’s top-10 were Vallarta’s at #5 (up from #12), Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli at #7, Florida Ave. Brewing Co. at #8 (up from #16) and Chuck Lager at #9. Dropping out of this year’s top-10 were Zukku-San (down from #5 to #11), Bubba’s 33 (down from #10 to #19), Bonefish, BJ’s Brewhouse and Bahama Breeze (down from #8 to #17). The last four of these are all chains that weren’t on the ballots. — GN
If everyone in Wesley Chapel is so sick of chain restaurants, then how and why did Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant dominate the voting in this year’s Reader Dining Survey & Contest?
The answer to that rhetorical question is that all of you are tired of mediocre chains and although Cooper’s Hawk isn’t Fleming’s, Charley’s or Ruth’s Chris, it is definitely a step up from most of the other chains in the “Chap.” It boasts a solid menu of very good steaks, good seafood, pretty decent pasta and a nice variety of starters, lunch and brunch menu items.
When you add to that the novelty of getting to taste an ever-changing array of palate-pleasing wines in Cooper’s Hawk’s wine bar (although I wish there were seats in it, or at least allowed), it’s easy to understand why locals are fighting for tables there every night. We’ll see how long the party lasts, but so far, so good.
2.Azteca D’Oro Mexican Restaurant 2000 Piazza Ave., #170, The Shops at Wiregrass (813)527-6033 • AztecaDOro.com
It’s clear that last year’s top-votegetting newcomer did not suffer a sophomore jinx with our readers this year, as Azteca D’Oro repeated as your #2 overall Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel and again won Favorite Mexican Restaurant in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, albeit by a much smaller margin than last year. With tasty menu items like chicken taquitos (top), plus a huge variety (bottom pic from DoorDash) of authentic Mexican favorites like fajitas, molcajete, burritos, tacos and quesadillas, plus beautiful indoor & outdoor bar areas with great Happy Hour specials, Azteca D’Oro also features a private room that is the perfect place to host your holiday party (see ad below) with its lively music and festive atmosphere.
Grillsmith is always among our readers’ favorites every year and repeated last year’s #3 “Favorite in Wesley Chapel” finish again this year. This five-unit mini-chain continues to serve quality fresh fish (photo), plus assortments of flatbreads, salads, steaks, burgers, chicken and pasta options that keep our readers coming back for more. It also is a popular weekend brunch spot with everything from bananas Foster French toast to chicken & waffles Benedict.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
THREE SEATINGS 10:30AM, 12 Noon and 1:30PM
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Butternut Squash Soup
Tampa/Wesley Chapel LIVE MUSIC - FESTIVE BUFFET- BOTTOMLESS
Italian Chopped Salad
4. Noble Crust
28330 Paseo Dr., Shops at Wiregrass (813) 703-2602 • Noble-Crust.com
MIMOSAS & FULL BAR*- SOFT DRINKS INCLUDED
Berry Bliss Salad
Classic Creamy Potato Salad
Adult $75 Children Under 12 $30
Melody of Pasta Salad
Honey Glazed Ham
Even though it was bumped down to #4 Favorite this year by our readers after a twoyear run in the top spot, Noble Crust’s “Deep South Italian” fare continues to garner lots of attention, as well as votes (even though it fell short of making this year’s “Favorite Pizza” list). With unusual entrées like bronzed salmon (photo), chicken fried chicken parm, bucatini & meatballs & Cajun shrimp risotto, Noble Crust also claims to feature the “Best Brunch in Wesley Chapel.”
CALL (813) 803-5600 FOR RESERVATIONS
Tender Prime Rib Slow-Roasted, Served with a Savory Au Jus
Crispy Fried Turkey
5. Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant
Children under 3 free, * bar for over 21 and will incur additional charge, prices quoted exclude taxes and gratuity. Tables of 6 or more will have a 18% gratuity added.
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
Adult $75 Children Under 12 $30
CALL (813) 803-5600 FOR RESERVATIONS
Children under 3 free, * bar for over 21 and will incur additional charge, prices quoted exclude taxes and gratuity. Tables of 6 or more will have a 18% gratuity added.
5335 Wesley Chapel Village Market (813) 907-5161 • VallartasMexican.com
Whenever you see people in a local online community ask for recommendations for a great Mexican restaurant, roughly half the people highly recommend Vallarta’s, while the other half say “it’s gross.”
Those who love it point to the restaurant’s huge menu with even bigger portions (like the burrito shown here) at the best prices of any true Mexican restaurant in Wesley Chapel. We guess those folks helped Vallarta’s jump from #12 “Favorite WC Restaurant” with our readers last year to #5 Fave in 2024.
Although a lot of online community members complain vehemently about its 20% service charge, our readers still kept The Living Room in the same #6 “Favorite in Wesley Chapel” spot it occupied last year.
That means that a lot of our readers care more about dishes like the Bobby Boucher pasta shown here, sautéed red grouper, “You Bet...Churrasco” and adobo braised pork osso bucco than they do about having to pay the service fee. The Living Room also is another local brunch favorite.
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#10 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel
7.Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli
26316 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Grand Oaks Plaza, Lutz (813)428-6573
It seems like there’s at least one restaurant that seems to come out of nowhere to crack the top-10 with our readers every year.
This year’s surprise is Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli. Although we also enjoy Mac’s quality sandwiches (photo), it’s still really more of a meat market than a restaurant, but whether it made this year’s list because of ballot-stuffing or because enough people really love it this much likely won’t be known until next year’s Reader Survey.
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Jumping up eight places from #16 last year is Florida Avenue Brewing Co., which has changed its food menu so often it’s hard to keep up with all the new items to go with its crowd-pleasing variety of house-brewed beers, hard ciders and seltzers. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Florida Ave.’s wings (photo), cheesesteak egg rolls, smash burgers and chimichurri-style Argentine flatbread. Also ask about the Express Lunch menu and about becoming a Brew Perks member.
9.Chuck Lager America’s Tavern
2001 Piazza Ave., #175, Shops at Wiregrass (813)820-4500 • ChuckLager.com
Another mini-chain making a big jump with our readers this year is Chuck Lager America’s Tavern, which narrowly missed the top-25 last year to jump up to #9 this time — giving The Shops at Wiregrass five of this year’s top-10 Favorites in Wesley Chapel!
Now with three locations and another coming soon to Ft. Myers, Chuck Lager continues to serve tasty giant pretzels, flatbreads, sliders (all in photo), as well as everything from Chuck’s citrus salmon to NY strip steak and Italian specialties like chicken parmesan and Fabio’s meatball sub.
10.Ford’s Garage
25526 Sierra Center Blvd. (at S.R. 56), Lutz (813)540-3673 • FordsGarageUSA.com
Meanwhile, Ford’s Garage, located across from the Tampa Premium Outlets, dropped one spot from #9 last year to #10 this year, but still garnered plenty of attention from our readers for its popular sports bar-style fare, like the Giant Funnel Tower of Jumbo Piston Onion Rings, Famous Firestone Shrimp, BBQ pork ribs, chicken mac & cheese, smoked brisket burnt ends melt and especially, its Burgers of Fame (photo).
Plus, Motor Club members get 25% Off every 4th visit, a free birthday appetizer, exclusive news & events and more.
2024 Dining Survey & Contest — Your #1 & #2 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa
1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern
17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Pointe at Tampa Palms (813) 978-0388 • StonewoodGrill.
So, even though it is part of a mini-chain with fewer than ten units, no one should be surprised that Stonewood Grill & Tavern — which was the first upscale restaurant to open in New Tampa and has always been at or near the top of our Reader Survey rankings ever since — took home top honors again this year.
With new menu items like peach bourbon-glazed pork chops (top) and the huge tuna poké stack appetizer (bottom) always being added to the chain’s menu by Tampa Palms executive chef Danny Manzur, and the most New Tampa of all bar scenes in zip code 33647, it’s not difficult to understand how Stonewood keeps itself at the top of our reader rankings (and at least near the top of mine) every year. Kudos to operating partner Dennis Diaz, Manzur and their staff for never skimping on quality.
2. Las Palmas Latin Grill
6431 E. County Line Rd. (813) 991-5500 • LasPalmasLatinGrill.com; or see the ad on pg. 42
When owner and chef Ramses Garcia told me last year that he sold his Las Palmas food truck and was getting ready to reopen in the same space his brick-&-mortar Las Palmas Latin Grill had been in before (after closing for about a year because of a kitchen fire), I knew he was going to be successful, but I had no idea that he would be able to go from not making the top-25 in the 2023 Reader Dining Survey to #2 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa in such a short period of time.
Of course, adding beer and wine had to help, but adding new dishes — like his delicious fried whole snapper (top photo) to go with his awardwinning Tampa- and Miamistyle Cuban sandwiches (bottom photo) likely helped even more.
No matter what menu items you love at Las Palmas, it’s clear that
Ramses and his wife Ana have provided the restaurant comeback story of the year for not just our readers, but for yours truly as well.
3.Via Italia Wood Fired Pizza & Bar
8644 Hunter’s Village Rd., Village at Hunter’s Lake (813)475-4857 • EatViaItalia.com
Finishing closely behind Las Palmas for #2 this year was last year’s #2 finisher, Via Italia. I don’t believe that the drop of one spot from last year has anything to do with former owner Roberto Maganuco selling the restaurant to new owner Sonny Patel, as the restaurant still serves the same delicious Italian fare (like the tagliatelle Bolognese shown here). I just think Via Italia fell victim to a new wave of support for Las Palmas.
5.Fat Rabbit Pub
16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., City Plaza at Tampa Palms (813)252-3004 • FatRabbitPub.com
There’s also no doubt that the Fat Rabbit Pub has been a model of consistency since it opened to rave reviews several years ago and this year is no exception.
Fat Rabbit has repeated as our readers’ #5 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa, thanks to still serving its more upscale pub items (like its new fattened shrimp appetizer and a variety of new rice bowls, including a Fish Taco bowl with Mojo mahi-mahi), as well as some of the best wings (photo) in our distribution areas .
4.Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine
17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813)978-1225 • LiangsBistroTampa.com
Jumping up from #6 last year to the fourth spot this year is Liang’s Bistro, which also continues to dominate the “Favorite Chinese Restaurant in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel” vote (see pg. 43), as it has every year since it opened.
As I have often said, while not all of Liang’s dishes can be called “New York-style” (although its crispy egg rolls, right, are very NY-ish), there’s no doubt that it has long been our area’s only quality sit-down Chinese place.
6.The Grill at Morris Bridge
10920 Cross Creek Blvd., Cross Creek Commons (813)388-5353 • TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com; or see the ad on pg. 32
Although it dropped from #2 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa two years ago to #3 last year and #6 this year, it’s clear that a large number of our readers love owner Frank Gouveia’s Grill at Morris Bridge, as it finished only a few votes behind the #3-#5 favorites on this page, all of which were significantly ahead of #s 7-#10.
Plus, with the recent addition of new bar menu items (like this chili cheese dog), The Grill isn’t just for “date night” anymore. It’s also a great place to watch a game, too.
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2024 Dining Survey & Contest — Your #7-#10 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa
7.Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Oak Ramble Plaza (813)977-4104 • DunderbaksBeer.wordpress.com
After returning to the top-10 (#8) in New Tampa last year, following a mysterious one-year absence from our readers’ top25, Mr. Dunderbak’s and its German (and American) cuisine continues to be not only a popular place to have a beer, but also for everything from corned beef Reuben sandwiches (photo) to jagerschnitzel, as it rose to #7 this year. In short, Mr. Dunderbak’s is still Tampa’s “German Bierhalle, Braueri, Marketplatz und Restaurant.”
9.EggTown
17507 Preserve Walk Ln. (New Tampa) & 27607 S.R. 56 (Wesley Chapel) (813)533-7221 (NT) & (813) 994-9666 (WC) • EggTown.com
Jumping up eight places from #17 last year is this year’s #9 Favorite restaurant in New Tampa, EggTown.
Despite losing out to Keke’s in this year’s “Favorite Breakfast Place” voting (see pg. 45), this growing (now up to five units) mini-chain (with locations in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel) is a great place for delicious breakfast items (like the egg, chicken & waffles shown here) but also delicious lunch/brunch specialties like chicken salad croissants, burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. It has super-fair prices, too!
8.Cali Tampa Palms
17004 Palm Pointe Dr., Shoppes at The Pointe (813)975-1222 • EatCali.com
Although New Tampa’s original “bowl culture” eatery has risen and fallen a few spots year over year, Cali Tampa Palms continues to be one of our readers’ Favorite restaurants in New Tampa. Known not only for its tasty bowls (like the “Lean & Clean” shown here), but also for delicious wrap sandwiches, salads and oven-baked pizzas — all with quality ingredients, Cali is likely to remain a consistent favorite for years to come.
10.Kobé Japanese Steakhouse
17641 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813)680-5800 • KobeSteakhouse.com
You can’t really call Kobé Japanese Steakhouse a “newcomer” to our area because it had a New Tampa location for several years before shutting down to relocate a few miles south on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., but it is the first time in a couple of years Kobé has been open and our readers obviously are still taken with what is now New Tampa’s only place for “dinner-&-a-show” teppanyaki-table Japanese fare. Our readers obviously appreciate that Kobé — now with eleven locations throughout central Florida, — has returned with the same quality it had before.
2024 Dining Survey & Contest — Your Favorite
Restaurants & Pizza Places In New Tampa
Your Favorite American Restaurants In New Tampa
This is one category I probably will do away with next year, as most people who voted for an American restaurant as their #1 “Favorite in New Tampa” also put the same place as their “Favorite American,” as Stonewood, Fat Rabbit, Cali, Grill at Morris Bridge and EggTown — all of which were top-10 Favorites in NT, also made the top-6 here. Redundant or not, congrats to all of the winners shown below.
Your Favorite Pizza Places In New Tampa
This was fun this year. Instead of grouping all of the pizza places in both of our distribution areas in one category, we gave the pizza places in NT and those in WC their own separate categories for 2024. And boy, was the voting close. Via Italia was the clear winner, but #s 2-6 below were all separated by just a few votes each.
1. Via Italia (photo)
2. Cappy’s Pizzeria
3. Taste of New York Pizza 4. Westshore Pizza
5. Johnny C’s
6. Capri Pizza-N-More
WEDNESDAY
2024 Dining Survey & Contest — Your Favorite American Restaurants & Pizza Places In Wesley Chapel
Your Favorite American Restaurants In Wesley Chapel
In Wesley Chapel, Cooper’s Hawk, Grillsmith, Mac’s, Florida Ave., Chuck Lager, Noble Crust and The Living Room all also made the top-10 “Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel” list, so this redundant category will not be repeated next year. Glory Days and Bahama Breeze both also finished in the top-17, as only Rock & Brews, which finished out of the top-25 overall, snuck in to grab the #10 Favorite American slot.
1. Cooper’s Hawk (photo)
2. Grillsmith
3. Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli
4. Florida Ave. Brewing Co.
5. Bahama Breeze
6. Chuck Lager America’s Tavern
7. Glory Days Grill
8. Noble Crust
9. The Living Room
10. Rock & Brews
Your Favorite Pizza Places In Wesley Chapel
This was a super-competitive category, as NY NY, 900º Woodfired & Amici all finished within three votes of each other, while PizzaMania, last year’s #1 “Favorite Pizza in NT & WC,” dropped to 4th in WC this year.
1. NY NY Pizza (photo)
2. 900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass Mall)
3. Amici Pizza
4. PizzaMania
5. Mama B’s Pizzeria
6. 900º NY Pizza (The Grove)
7. Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market
8. (tie) Best NY Pizza & Caprese Pizza House
THURSDAY
2024 Dining Survey & Contest — Your Favorite Mexican & Latin (Not Mexican) Food In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Your Favorite
Mexican
Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
This was another close category, as Azteca D’Oro, Vallarta’s, Señor Tequila and Don Julio’s were all separated by only a few votes each and all seven places below were named on enough ballots to be included on this list.
1. Azteca D’Oro (photo)
2.Vallarta’s
3. Señor Tequila
4.Don Julio’s
5.Cantina
6. Taco Son
7. Taco Bus
Your Favorite Latin (Not Mexican) Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
The top-5 in this category were the same top-5 as last year, just in different order, as last year’s #4 — Las Palmas — jumped to #1, last year’s #1 (Rice N Beans) dropped to #3 and Latin Twist dropped from #3 to #4. Only Lima at #2 and Mojo Grill at #5 stayed the same. Don Pan and Arepa Mia both also received enough votes to be included on this list.
1. Las Palmas Latin Grill (photo)
2.Lima Peruvia Cuisine
3.Rice N Beans Puerto Rico
4.Latin Twist Café
In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Your Favorite Chinese Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Although NT and WC both have a large number of Chinese takeout places, there’s no doubt that only Liang’s Bistro, of the restaurants on this list, is true sit-down restaurant serving Chinese cuisine and it again dominated its competition. Maybe Rain Bistro on Bearss Ave. can crack the top-5 next year.
1. Liang’s Bistro (photo)
2. China Wok
3. Asian Buffet
4. Hot Wok 88
5. Gonna China
Your Favorite Japanese/Sushi Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
This was absolutely the closest of all of this year’s categories, as Zukku-San beat Kobé by two votes, Kobé beat Umu by two, Umu beat Yamato by 5 and Sushi Café was seven votes behind Yamato. And, even though there were other Japanese restaurants that received votes — most notably Bonsai Sushi, Sushi Raw and Sushi Ave., none received enough support to be included here.
1. Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill (photo)
2. Kobé Japanese Steakhouse
3. Umu Japanese & Thai
4. Yamato Japanese Restaurant
5. Sushi Café
2024 Dining Survey & Contest — Your Favorite Thai/Korean, Greek & Indian Restaurants In
New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Your Favorite Thai & Korean Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Although not as close overall as the Favorite Japanese category, this probably was the second closest, although the top three were separated by only eight votes total — and Thai Lanna was only another eight votes behind Palm Thai and Ha Long Bay only another six votes behind Thai Lanna. bb.q chicken was the only Lotte Plaza Market eatery to make a list.
1. Arroy Thai (photo)
2. Thai Ruby
3. Palm Thai
4. Thai Lanna
5.Ha Long Bay
6.bb.q chicken
Your Favorite Italian Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
This was really a two-restaurant race, with Via Italia and Falabella Bistro running neckand-neck throughout the voting. Moschella’s, Amici, Johnny C’s and Frammi all were close to each other, but well behind the top two. Try Via Italia’s pasta, including two types of pesto — the better-known (green) Genovese style and the nutty Sicilian style shown here.
1. Via Italia (photo)
2.Falabella Family Bistro
3.Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market
4.Amici Pizza
5.Johnny C’s Italian Eatery
6.Frammi American Grille & Italian Food
Your Favorite Indian Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
This was perhaps the most surprising of all the categories to me — not because Minerva topped this first-ever all-Indian list, but because Saffron (which closed before most of the voting) finished a strong second. Gorkhali was a close third, despite not being a “true” Indian place and Persis and Indian Street Kitchen both far outdistanced Nawabi, Namaste & Dosa Hut.
1. Minerva (photo)
2.Saffron (Out of Business)
3.Gorkhali Kitchen (Nepalese)
4.Persis Indian Grill
5.Indian Street Kitchen
Your Favorite Greek & Mediterranean Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Considering how many Greek and Mediterranean places we now have in our distribution areas, I thought more of them would at least qualify for inclusion on this list. Even so, Hungry Greek again dominated the competition, especially (but not only) with WC voters, while Acropolis was a lot closer in NT. The other three all trailed by quite a bit.
1. Hungry Greek (photo)
2.Acropolis Greek Taverna
3.Little Greek
4.Cafe Zorba
5.Fire Up Halal Grill
2024 Dining Survey & Contest —
Your Favorite Breakfast Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
With Keke’s moving up to #1 from #4 last year, EggTown jumping up to #2 from #3 and Happy Hangar moving up to #4 from #5, the big surprise here was the disappearance of First Watch from the top 5. In fact, First Watch didn’t receive enough votes to even be listed behind Brooklyn Water Bagel and Zio’s, both of which made this list for the first time.
Your Favorite Ice Cream, Gelato & Frozen Yogurt Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
This category also was a surprise, as Ice Dreammm Shop has been the favorite with our readers whenever we’ve had this category before, but Twistee Treat — with locations in both distribution areas, was absolutely dominant. Le Macaron’s gelato was a distant third, while Hello Sweetness, Ice SSScreamin’ and Cold Stone trailed the top-3.
1. Twistee Treat (photo) 2.
Your Favorite Bakeries In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Nothing Bundt Cakes (see pg. 53) was this year’s clear #1 and Brooklyn Water Bagel an equally clear #2, but Bakery X wasn’t too far behind and those three all finished well ahead of Ice Dreammm Shop (see story on pg. 48) and Le Macaron, which had its strongest-ever showing in two categories. Urban Sweets (also see pg. 48) and The Cake Shop were next, but neither received enough votes to be included here.
1. Nothing Bundt Cakes (photo)
2. Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.
3. Bakery X
4. Ice Dreammm Shop
5. Le Macaron
Your Favorite Coffee Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
All five places on the list below were well ahead of Sorbo and Starbucks, neither of which received enough support to make the list. The Bean Bar, however, was this year’s clear winner, with Provisions a distant second. Macondo and Bad Ass were neck & neck for the third spot and Raining Berries was quite a bit behind those two.
1. The Bean Bar Co. (photo)
2. Provisions
3. Macondo Coffee Roasters
4. Bad Ass Coffee
5. Raining Berries
Birkin’s Steak & Sushi Revamps Sushi Bar Area & Outdoor Patio!
By Gary Nager
Photos by Charmaine George
When we first showed and told you about Bir kin’s Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, located on N. Florida Ave. in Lutz (a little north of W. Bearss Ave.) back in June, the then-new restaurant’s main dining room was the main attraction — and it definitely attracted an upscale clientele that appreciated owner Mark Birkin’s selection of prime steaks and fresh sushi.
The restaurant has done so well that Mark decided that the sushi bar side — which previously was where live music was played when the restaurant was the “LA” (Lutz-Area) Hangout (and the Twisted Rooster after that) — needed and deserved an upgrade so that his ever-growing roster of customers wouldn’t have to deal with a wait on the weekends.
Well now, with more than 100 additional seats in a variety of both cozy four-top and larger 8-10-top booths, as well as a few large round tables, Mark and GM Doug Scagliola say the revamped Birkin’s sushi side is quickly becoming the location of choice for many of their regulars.
“It’s only been open for a week or two,” Mark said at our press time, “but we already have custom ers requesting to sit in the sushi bar area.” (NoteNow that the weather is cooler, Birkin’s also-all-new, large outdoor patio with its own huge bar area, is sure to become another hotspot for his customers.)
The guess here is that the remodeled section also will help increase sales of Birkin’s outstand ing fresh sushi — from basics like California and Rainbow rolls and thick-slice tuna, yellowtail and salmon sashimi to more exotic options like Caterpillar Roll (eel roll topped with avocado and eel sauce), Giant Buda Roll (tempura shrimp with mayo, crab, smelt roe and avocado, all deep fried and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo), to my new go-to, the Yummy Roll (with crispy baked fish, tempura crunch and roe, topped with avocado, eel sauce and spicy mayo; bottom right photo). Birkin’s doesn’t yet have as large a variety of sushi as some Japanese restaurants, but perhaps the best thing about it is that you can still order from the restaurant’s full menu on the sushi side.
It was Happy Hour (Wed.-Fri., 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.) during our last visit, so Charmaine, Jannah and I shared a few of the Birkin’s Happy Hour food specials. We all loved the steak kabobs, made with filet tips and grilled onions and peppers (middle right) with house-made chimichurri sauce ($10 for two kabobs). Charmaine raved about the tangy seafood ceviche (which I couldn’t sample because it’s made with shrimp), served in a martini glass ( top right), for only $6. And, we all enjoyed the crispy potato wedges with blue or peppercorn sauce (I preferred the latter), also for $6. There’s also a Big Burger for $10 and tenderloin sliders for $12, plus
ribeye (above) come out, that will be my next dinner option. But, whether you crave starters like escargots in butter, fried lobster bites or jumbo shrimp cocktail, entrées like a Surf & Turf (8-oz. filet & lobster tail), hand-cut Chilean sea bass (top photo on next page), grouper piccata or lollipop lamb chops, or Italian specialties like a thick, tender chicken parmesan or ravioli with portobella mushrooms, you can’t go wrong at Birkin’s. Some entrées do include side dishes, but there also are Family Style sides like a tasty sautéed vegetable medley, mac & cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, creamed spinach and more. I think Jannah, Charmaine and I have sampled most of them and all have been yummy.
Save room for dessert, because Birkin’s has a delicious Bailey’s Irish Cream cheesecake, apple
covered before, during and after Happy Hour, when select glasses of wine, specialty drinks (including a house old fashioned and “Florida Ave.” margarita) and favorites like Tito’s, Jack Daniel’s, Four Roses, Cap tain Morgan and Herradura Repo tequila are all just $8.
If you’re planning a holiday party, Birkin’s even has a private room that seats up to 24 people.
The restaurant also will be open Thanksgiv ing Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, so why cook when you can make any holiday a little more special at Birkin’s?
Birkin’s Steakhouse & Sushi Bar (16411
Owner Mark Birkin invites you to check out his Birkin’s Steakhouse & Sushi Bar on N. Florida Ave. in Lutz.
The cookie chain known as Cookie Plug (photo below right; although that window wrap was recently taken down) is coming to the space in The Grove at Wesley Chapel next to the Ice Dreammm Shop — which, by the way, also sells cookies and was named one of our readers’ five Favorite Bakeries (as well as their second favorite ice cream shop) in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel.
Although we didn’t know, at our press time, when this young chain which claims to serve, “The fattest and thiccest cookies on the block,” was expected to open, Cookie Plug, founded in 2019, today has 30 locations in 13 states (with the only Florida location in Ft. Myers). But, , more than 100 new locations are planned, including more than 30 in the Sunshine State — ten in Tampa (including New Tampa;
I will say that Cookie Plug has its work cut out for it if it plans to serve fatter cookies than what you can get at the new Mo Cookies, opened in the KRATE at The Grove container park (in the former location of Urban Sweets I hated to see close), just before we went to press with this issue. Mo Cookies, which has an original location in Tallahassee, offers 20+ varieties of freshly baked cookies in four categories — “Standards,” which are thinner and cost $2.99 apiece (and are in the bottom row in the left photo below); “Premiums” (which are thicker cookies served with toppings; going to develop a local following, too. To order, call (813) 345-8059 or visit Order.Online or stop in & tell them I sent you!
Tous Les Jours Coming To S.R. 56!
Although New Tampa has now had its own Tous les Jours French-style Korean bakery inside Lotte Plaza Market on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. for a little more than a year, many people who live in Wesley Chapel are happy that Tous les Jours has announced (with signage on the doors; photo above) that it is taking over the space previously ocCapital Tacos on S.R. 56. Although we had no information at our press time as to when the new Tous les Jours was expected to open, the fact that this international brand, with more than 1,600 locations worldwide (and 130+ in the U.S.), will bring its unique and huge selection of breads, pastries, pies, coffee, tea and blended drinks to Wesley Chapel will surely be a welcome addition. For more info, visit tljus.com. — GN
The Latest On Dave’s Hot Chicken (Now Open!), Chicken Guy & Shake Shack!
The Wesley Chapel area’s chicken and burger wars are about to get even “hotter,” as Dave’s Hot Chicken in The Shops at Wiregrass (at 28358 Willet Way, in the former location of Irish 31; top photo) was expected to open on Nov. 21, so it should be serving the community by the time this issue reaches your mailbox.
And, even though the Dave’s menu doesn’t offer much in the way of healthy options, if you’ve been looking for another spicy chicken place — because it’s clear that our area can’t get enough of them — Dave’s is a great-looking restaurant chain with more than 250 locations, including now eleven in Florida (the closest being on E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa) that serves chicken tenders, sliders and the new Dave’s Bites, plus fries, mac & cheese, kale slaw and “top-loaded” shakes. For more info, visit DavesHotChicken.com.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited opening of the Tampa Bay area’s first-ever Chicken Guy location is now scheduled for the end of the first week of December (check our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page for more precise updates).
Chicken Guy (near right), founded by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and restaurateur Robert Earl, currently has a dozen locations, going up quickly to 18, including our “Cypress Creek” location at 25769 Sierra Center Blvd.
The “Mayor of Flavortown” menu features hot and “O.G.” mild crispy (or grilled) chicken tenders (and “Big Bite” sandwiches), plus salads, fries, American slaw, mac & cheese and shakes (sound familiar?), although it does also sometimes feature “Limited Time” offers — such as pepperoni chicken parm sandwiches and chopped cheese & chicken egg rolls, fried chicken dumplings and more. The “Boss of Sauce” also offers everything from Nashville hot honey to avocado crema and many more sauces created by the Chicken Guy himself! For more info, visit ChickenGuy.com.
And finally, also expected to open sometime in December, less than a 1/4-mile from Chicken Guy, is the Wesley Chapel/Lutz location of Shake Shack, in the former slot
OK, so it’s been open for nearly 18 months and isn’t located in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, but Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, located at 19729 S.R. 54 in Lutz, less than two miles west of U.S. Hwy. 41, hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on Oct. 29.
“It took us a while to get together a date that was good for both us and the Chamber,” admits Fuzzy’s general manager Megan McEvoy (far left in photo below left), “so we were glad to finally get it done.”
The S.R 54 location is one of more than 150 Fuzzy’s Taco Shops in 17 states, but one of only six in Florida, with Lakeland being the next closest to our distribution areas.
And, even though we have any number of really good Mexican places in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel (see pg. 42), I still think it’s worth a visit to this casual, Baja-style Mexican place, which has a fullliquor bar and a nice number of menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Did I just say “Breakfast?” Why yes, I did. I haven’t yet sampled any breakfast (which is served all day, whenever the restaurant is open) options at Fuzzy’s, but they include bacon (or chorizo sausage or even (with lettuce, rice, beans, avocado and pico de gallo, above right) with chipotle lime ranch dressing, and my surprise favorite item so far — a beer-battered cod taco in a soft corn tortilla. The cod was super-crispy outside, delicately flaky inside and topped with a lip-smackin’ garlic sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and cilantro. I will definitely order two of these on my next visit.
My Modelo Especial (one of six beers on tap) was served ice cold and the bar has a nice variety of premium tequilas for margaritas (or just sipping), plus lots of other topshelf spirits. Fuzzy’s is a great place to watch games or just hang out. more info, call (813) 706-4242 or visit FuzzysTacoShop.com & please tell ‘em I sent you!
Former Beef O’Brady’s On BBD At
S.R. 56 In Wesley Chapel Is Now Inchin’s Bamboo
Garden
I don’t know how they did it so fast, but the former Beef O’Brady’s located at 1660 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza in Wesley Chapel, has reopened (only about four months after Beef’s closed) as Inchin’s Bamboo Garden, a small (30 units in 13 U.S. states and Canada) chain of “IndoChinese Fusion” restaurants, with an existing Florida location in Orlando.
All I can tell you after two quick visits to my new friends Mohan and Suresh’s new restaurant is that it no longer looks anything like Beef’s (it’s actually quite elegant), has a beautiful full-liquor bar (with at least ten beers
are the fried momo dumplings (I had them with chicken, photo bottom right; they’re also available in veggie and with paneer, or Indian cheese, and steamed); the “Toothpick lamb,” which is skewered chunks of lamb with mild rendang curry sauce, bite-size potato cubes, green onion, curry leaves and chili peppers; and my current favorite hakka noodles (thin eggless noodles, shredded vegetables, Napa cabbage and celery) with chicken (top right).
Other Indian dishes recommended by friends of mine who also happened to be visiting the new Inchin’s are the garlic naan bread and the “Chicken 65” (with curry leaf, bell peppers, onion, dry red chili & cumin).
Considering that most Chinese restaurants in Wesley Chapel are takeout only, you also have to sample some of Inchin’s Chinese dishes. My faves to date include the crunchy veggie spring rolls, the crispy chili baby corns (bite-sized pieces of baby corn, deep fried with onion and green chilis) and the delicious Mongolian beef (bottom left), sautéed with
onions and served on a bed of crispy rice noodles. It also was served with a side of white rice but I definitely plan to try it with one of Inchin’s four different fried rice options — burnt garlic chili (which sounds amazing), spicy Thai basil, Szechwan-style and just “regular” fried rice. You can get any of these with veggies, chicken, shrimp or “mixed” (with chicken, lamb and shrimp).
Other Chinese-style entrées include Manchurian, Szechwan, hot garlic, chili, extra-spicy Szechwan pep percorn and AK 47 (with ghost pepper sauce, described on the menu as “dan gerously spicy”) dishes. I’ve also been told I need to try Inchin’s version of Chinese “Hot Pot,” which is described on the menu as “numbing.” Many of these entrées are available with vegeta ble “coins,” cauliflower, tofu, paneer, chicken, lamb, beef or shrimp.
I’ve also yet to sample any of the soups or any other starters, so you can rest assured that Jannah and I will be visiting Inchin’s Bamboo Garden again in the future — and soon!
Inchin’s Bamboo Garden is open every day for lunch (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) & dinner (5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. daily, except Sun. until 10). It closes daily between 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information, call (813)388-2818 or visit BambooGardens.com. And, please tell Mo han and Suresh I sent you!
Potbelly Sandwich Works Opens In The Walk At
Even though the New Tampa area already had any number of sandwich shops, there’s no doubt that the opening of the new Potbelly Sandwich Works in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. has been hotly anticipated.
Potbelly’s opened Oct. 28 at 18001 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., in the former location of Oronzo Honest Italian, and has been greeting large numbers of new guests every day since then.
And, while Potbelly’s — which started in Chicago in 1977 and today is a publicly-traded company with more than 400 U.S. locations — is known primarily for its toasted sub sandwiches, the menu also features a variety of soups, plus chili, mac & cheese, salads, baked-in-house fresh cookies and hand-scooped, hand-spun milk shakes.
We only visited the Potbelly’s twice since it opened, but Charmaine, her boyfriend Brendan and I each enjoyed different sandwiches and extras.
Brendan gave thumbs up to the “Smokestack Pork & Mac” sandwich, with BBQ pulled pork and mac & cheese with chips and one of Potbelly’s new craft “Refresher” drinks. Charmaine enjoyed the “Mediterranean” sandwich, which featured all-natural grilled chicken, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, cucumbers and signature hot pepper hummus and a fresh oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. I was impressed with the amount of meat on my “A Wreck®” signature sandwich, which features turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami (which gave it a unique zing) and Swiss with a side of mac & cheese. I also savored my thick chocolate shake.
Other sandwiches on Potbelly’s menu include a grilled chicken club (with applewood smoked bacon & cheddar), “Mama’s Meatball” (with homestyle beef & pork meatballs, marinara, provolone
The most requested soup is the chicken pot pie, although broccoli & cheddar, chili, loaded baked potato & garden vegetable (which I enjoyed on my second visit) also are popular. The salads — including the Farmhouse (with grilled chicken, bacon, blue cheese & hard-boiled egg) Apple Walnut and Pow erhouse Salad (with avocado & hummus) — looked pretty tasty, too. There also are great deals on soup & sandwich, soup & salad and sandwich & salad combos.
So, visit Potbelly.com to order online or call (813) 540-1858. — GN
When I lived in Manhattan, NY, in the 1980s, my apartment was a couple of blocks from the original TGI Fridays on 1st Ave. Not only was it where Tom Cruise served drinks in the movie “Cocktail,” it also was a truly great non-chain restaurant.
Then, when I moved to Tarrytown, NY, one of the first TGI Fridays franchises opened and I was disgusted by the “chain-ing” of this fabled eatery. My favorite potato skins on earth went from giant, crispy spuds filled with real cheddar cheese and topped with crumbled hunks of real bacon to mini-potatoes with low-quality American cheese and fake bacon bits. I swore to never visit a Fridays again.
But, when the Fridays on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Highwoods Preserve opened nearly two decades ago, I still visited fairly frequently, as it often had live music, a hoppin’ bar and the food seemed better than it was in Tarrytown, even though the potato skins were still less than overwhelming.
So, I wasn’t surprised to hear that the New Tampa Fridays was one of nearly 50 to close its doors on Oct. 24 (see notice, right), which followed a purge of 36 locations in January, leaving the chain with 164 remaining links and the parent company reportedly ready to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Hopefully, something good will replace Fridays in this prime BBD location, but can a mom-&-pop even afford to move in there?
link in a nine-unit chain of all-you-can-eat “premium”
Japanese restaurants, with existing locations in Texas, Louisiana, Pensacola, FL, and the closest to us in Lakeland.
Like Koizi in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza (less than 500 feet away!), the under-construction Japanese eatery offers all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner options — however, Sushi Masa only offers hibachi/teppanyaki entrées separately from the all-you-can-eat fare.
But, don’t expect Sushi Masa to open anytime soon, as the former Red Lobster has been completely gutted inside and the manager we spoke with at the Lakeland location didn’t know when it was expected to be completed. Our best guess is sometime during/ towards the end of the first quarter of 2025, but we’ll keep you posted. For more information, visit SushiMasaUS.com.
Red Lobster To Become Sushi Masa!
In case you missed the new sign, New Tampa’s shuttered Red Lobster in The Pointe at Tampa Palms is going to become Sushi Masa, the latest
Nothing Bundt Cakes & Cookie Plug?
Coming soon to New Tampa is Nothing Bundt Cakes (NBC), which will open a location about eight miles south of its popular location in The Shops at Wiregrass. Although NBC is limited to moist bundt cakes with amazing icing, it will still be a better choice than the former Subway next to China City in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center.
In other news, Cookie Plug, which also is getting ready to open in The Grove at Wesley Chapel (next to the Ice Dreammm Shop; see pg. 48), also is preparing to open in the former Weight Watchers location about 11 miles to the south in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza. We had no further information as to when NBC or Cookie Plug were expected to open, but we will keep you posted.— GN
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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
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 lovely Wesley Chapel area. Beautiful clubhouse, with gym, swimming pool, game room, auditorium & dining hall. Lunch/dinner meal plans avail, if needed. Call Dinesh @ 716-830-7260
___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.
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.)
Seeking Housekeeper (one person, not a cleaning service) once a week. Good pay. References required, for a lovely, clean environment inside Saddlebrook. Call 941.445.0719.
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.
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.
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