Volume 31 Issue 25 December 12, 2023 Scan the QR code to your left with your phone to access our website!
What’s Happening With Morris Bridge Rd?
Tampa City Council Denies Proposal To Allow New Development On The East Side Of Morris Bridge Rd. By GARY NAGER
M or ris
Br id ge
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When Cory Lake Isles first began developing in the late 1980s, the only entrance to that now-built-out community was off Morris Bridge Rd. — at that time a little-known, little-used, two-lane arterial roadway that connected to Fletcher Ave. and I-75, four miles south of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit off I-75, which K-Bar Ranch turned north towards (and continuing past) the Pasco County line. It wasn’t until several years later, when Cory Lake Isles developer Gene Thomason was able to get a new entrance to his fledgling community off Cross Creek Blvd., that home sales in Cory Lake Isles really began in earnest. Until then, Morris Bridge Rd. was — pun intended — a bridge too far for most of the people who wanted to move into the suddenly burgeoning community that first began being called “New Tampa” in the mid-1990s. But, while it took about another decade for any significant new development along Morris Bridge Rd. to take hold, the huge K-Bar Ranch development started with the Easton Park subdivision just north of Pride Elementary. Today, K-Bar/Easton Park is the only community in the entire City of Tampa experiencing significant growth. Easton Park To that end, on Nov. 30, District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera and his fellow City Council members unanimously voted down a Rejected proposed comprehensive plan amendment for 28.36 total acres in two Comp Plan parcels (see map) on the east side of Morris Bridge Rd. (property that Amendment was annexed into the city in 2007), that would have allowed for up to Parcels 43 new single-family homes (and more) to be built across Morris Bridge Rd. from an undeveloped portion of the Easton Park subdivision. “My constituents who live in K-Bar Ranch, Easton Park and Cory Lake Isles all tell me that Tampa shouldn’t allow any additional development along Morris Bridge Road,” Viera told me after The blue outline above represents the city limits of the City of Tampa. The portion outlined in purple is the property that was proposed for new development that was unanimously voted down by the Tampa City Council on Nov. 30. the Nov. 30 public hearing. “They all say, ‘Morris Bridge is full,’ and I definitely agree with that.” See page 4 for more details. (Map Source: City of Tampa; modified by Neighborhood News)
EDITORIAL
A detached retina is no big deal? Our editor says “My Eye!” See page 3
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and I got chills. A Detached Retina Is Really No Big Deal? My Eye! both Jannah What were the Unfortunately, many of the stories I have By GARY NAGER been told by other people about themselves Editorial
When I wrote about the surgery I had on Sept. 19 to repair a detached retina in my left eye on this page in our Oct. 17 issue, I had no idea how many people that story would affect. I have received so many wonderful phone calls and texts from friends I haven’t spoken to in a while, as well as calls to our office from readers — many of whom I’ve never met — all wishing me well and/or telling me a story about someone they know who went through a similar ordeal. And yes, it has been an ordeal, although certainly nothing when compared with some injuries and illnesses other people have gone through or are still dealing with to this day. But, it’s been especially challenging for someone like me, who has had to not only write stories but also help create ads and especially, create every page of the now six issues of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News I have had to complete with basically one eye since that surgery. Even so, there’s no doubt that I am one of the lucky ones who has been through this process. I recognized that the “floaters” I was experiencing in that eye weren’t normal the day I first started seeing them. I was able to go that same day to see my friend and optometrist Dr. David Scamard of Excellence in Eye Care (see ad on this page) and he took a digital picture of my eye that he felt might be showing a detached retina. When my vision in that eye became a total blur a few days later, Dr. Dave gave me a full exam and sent me that same day to the Wesley Chapel office of Retina Vitreous Associates, where the outstanding retinal specialist and surgeon Alfred White, M.D. (photo top right), agreed that I had a detached retina and convinced me not to wait to have the surgery, since he had an opening the very next day. And since then, I have tried to do everything Dr. White has told me to do — and not to do — by the book and every appointment I’ve had with him since the surgery has gone exactly according to plan. Five weeks after the surgery, my vision in that eye, with my glasses on, had improved enough for me to resume driving. Two weeks later, the gas bubble implanted in my eye to hold the reattachment in place had dissipated enough for Dr. White to remove the green medical bracelet I had been wearing since the surgery warning health professionals to avoid using nitrous oxide gas if I was ever unconscious. He also said the bubble was small enough — 10% or less of its original size — that I could even safely fly in an airplane if I wanted to or had to do so. That bubble finally completely dissipated the day before Thanksgiving and I was scheduled to take another eye test with Dr. Scamard the day after this issue went to press to see if I now need a different eyeglass prescription, since no retinal surgeon can guarantee what your vision will be following reattachment surgery and I can tell my vision in that eye isn’t exactly as it was, even though I can now see. Dr. White says many of his local patients had mentioned to him that they had seen the original story and there is now a plaque with the story hanging in his office that I created for him as a thank-you gift. Neighborhood News
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or their family members or friends who have been through this process haven’t been quite so happy or lucky. Most will admit that they probably waited longer than they should have to get their floaters checked. In fact, Dr. Dave told me he’s had several patients come in to have their floaters checked since my original editorial was published. One friend of mine told me that his vision is still pretty blurry in his surgical eye a year later because he likely waited too long to have his surgery. But, the scariest story I have heard happened when Jannah and I visited St. Pete Beach in late October. We were told that a friend of ours who was the general manager
at one of our favorite restaurants by the beach was no longer with that restaurant because he had opened his own new place a block or so down the road. When we went to this outstanding new restaurant and asked for our friend — who we know to be something of a workaholic because he was never not at his previous restaurant (which was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner), no matter what time of day we visited — the manager on duty told us that our friend hadn’t been able to be at the restaurant since the day it opened (Sept. 19), which just happened to be the same day I had my surgery. When we asked why he wasn’t there, the manager said, “He had emergency retinal reattachment surgery the same day the restaurant opened — and he’s really not doing very well.”
odds that a friend of ours would have the same surgery I did the same day I did? And, to hear that he wasn’t doing well and could be out for 6 months — or even possibly lose his eye — made us both cry. So please, don’t Dr. Alfred White ignore those floaters. Get ‘em checked ASAP. Visit Dr. Dave or another local optometrist. It could be nothing — as some floaters do go away on their own. But, since it could be a detached retina, please don’t wait. It could be the difference between you repeating my story or my friend’s.
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Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Nidhi Jani Deborah Bostock-Kelley Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano Ad Sales/Marketing Director Jannah Nager Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Morgan Conlin • Valerie Wegener Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 32, Issue 1, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, December 28, 2023. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2023 JM2 Communications, Inc. New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
3
Petition To Add New Homes On The East Side Of Morris Bridge Rd. Denied wetlands are” and that the proposal took those into account. Wright claimed that the 14-1/2 acres fronting Morris Bridge Rd. “is ready for development, so all we’re really asking for is a continuation and expansion of the same Morris Bridge land use (on the west side).” Wright also acknowledged that the property owner would be responsible for making the utility connection to the site.
By GARY NAGER Research by Joel Provenzano Since the City of Tampa annexed (in 2007), for the first time ever, property previously located in unincorporated Hillsborough County, east of Morris Bridge Rd., no property owners in that area had ever requested to build new residential units or commercial buildings in that area. That changed on Nov. 30, when representatives for Ike and Yvonne Okeke, who own two parcels totalling 28.36 acres on the east side of Morris Bridge Rd. (across from a currently undeveloped portion of the Easton Park subdivision of K-Bar Ranch), requested Amendment #TA/CPA 23-19) to the City of Tampa’s Comprehensive Plan that, if approved, would have allowed the property to change from its Rural Estate-10 & Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Adopted Future Land Use designation to Suburban Mixed Use-3 (which allows for up to three dwelling units per acre) and ESA. Considering that there are only about 14.36 acres of developable land on the site, without the Plan Amendment, the property owners can only build one dwelling unit — or 40,000 sq. ft. of non-residential uses — on the site. If the change had been approved, however, the property owners could have built up to 43 single-family detached and multifamily dwelling units or 156,380 total sq. ft. of both residential and non-residential uses. All of the property on the east side of Morris Bridge Rd. included in the 2007 annexation was originally designated as Rural Estate-5, meaning that only one dwelling unit per acre would be allowed. However, in 2008, according to staff planner Jennifer Malone of the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission staff, who appeared at the Nov. 30 public hearing, the Comprehensive Plan was amended to further reduce the number of possible dwelling units per acre on the east side of Morris Bridge Rd. from 1 dwelling unit per 5 acres to just 1 unit per 10 acres. Malone confirmed that this Comprehensive Plan land use designation is the lowest future land use category in the entire City of Tampa and, in fact, the Rural
Turning It Down
This is the property on Morris Bridge Rd. that was requested to receive a Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment that was rejected by the Tampa City Council on Nov. 30. Estate-10 designation was actually created by the City for these annexed properties. According to Malone, the land, which, to the east, is near Hillsborough River State Park and the Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management area, is uniquely environmentally sensitive. In fact, Malone said, “The State Department of Community Affairs (DCA) commented that the annexed property is so unique that RE-5 wasn’t rural enough for this area,” which helped the city decide to create the RE-10 designation specifically for this area. The DCA also wanted the land use for the city property to match the one dwelling unit per 10 acres designation of the adjacent Hillsborough County property. Prior to the Nov. 30 hearing, the proposal to change the land use designation was first rejected by the Planning Commission staff for being “inconsistent with the Tampa Comprehensive Plan,” a conclusion shared by the City of Tampa’s own staff — due to the lack of utilities and city services within the area and lack of similar land uses on the east side of Morris Bridge Rd. — even though the property in the undeveloped portion of Easton Park directly across Morris Bridge Rd. already has the Suburban Mixed Use-3 designation that these property owners were seeking for their land. Malone pointed out, however, that there are “no Suburban Mixed Use-3 land uses on the east side of Morris Bridge, which has a significantly different development pattern than the west side.”
Tampa’s Transportation Planning Organization also noted that there are no roadway capacity improvements, transportation projects or transit services planned for the area (more on this below). Evan Johnson with the City’s planning department, corroborated Malone’s claims: 1) He said Morris Bridge Rd. can’t handle any additional capacity and isn’t programmed to get any larger or to offer any type of mass transit. 2) He said the property is too environmentally sensitive and too close to Hillsborough’s rural service area to allow the change. 3) And, “The property owners are not required to connect to city utilities but, depending upon what they end up wanting to build, they could be required to do so.” Also, Johnson said, “The closest possible hook-up for water would be 1,7002,000 feet away, in the new portion of K-Bar Ranch. And, the nearest wastewater hookup is a manhole in Easton Park that would be about a 1/4-mile from this site, and those are significant distances and could cost from several hundred thousand to a million dollars or more to build these facilities.” Because of all of these factors, and the significant increase in proposed density of the site, Johnson said, “We object to the change in the character (of the property) because the jump is so large.” David Wright, who spoke on behalf of the property owners, said that the density request was reduced from their original proposal, adding that, “We know where the
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District 7 City Councilman Luis Viera, whose district includes all of the city portions of New Tampa, made the motion to deny the plan amendment. The proposed change was unanimously (7-0) voted down by the Council members, after Viera said he had, “A lot of high hurdles with this proposal, including across-the-board negative comments from both the Planning Commission and City staff.” Viera also noted that even though the property on both sides of Morris Bridge Rd. in this area is city property, the roadway itself is a county road, “and my understanding is that it can’t be expanded, because of its environmental designation...and it is just packed at the seams right now, which is one of the top things I hear from my constituents.” He added that another big issue he has are the emergency response times by Tampa Fire Rescue in K-Bar Ranch, as well as, “the mosque, the church and the Sikh house of worship, all on Morris Bridge Rd. I see this as a size-36 waist trying on size-32 pants and I can’t see supporting this proposal.”
But, What About Two Rivers?
Even though the east side of Morris Bridge Rd. is clearly environmentally sensitive, a little to the north of the Pasco County line, the road is currently being widened to accommodate the new 3,405-acre Two Rivers development, which is planned to include 6,400 new residential units, 1.3-million-sq.-ft. of office and industrial space and 630,000 sq.ft. of retail space, plus three new schools, a golf course and numerous other amenities. The second phase of Two Rivers actually extends south of the Pasco County line and the development is certain to bring much more traffic to Morris Bridge Rd., so the hope here is that something can be done to widen Morris Bridge Rd. south of the county line, too.
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Right Turn Exit Near Rock & Brews To Get On I-75 Being Studied By GARY NAGER Although we went to press with this issue the weekend after Black Friday, I am among the few local residents who avoids the Tampa Premium Outlets like the plague during the holiday shopping season. Even though I hope both local shopping malls have a successful year, I just don’t have the patience to fight the traffic entering and exiting either mall during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Case in point, despite the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) being pretty much fully open at S.R. 56 and I-75 last year at this time, the traffic getting both into and out of the Outlets was brutal. I remember wondering to myself, “Why can’t someone look into adding at least another way to exit the mall?” And the corollary, “Why can’t they improve the interior roads at the mall to better handle the traffic?” Well, it looks as though someone is trying the do something about it, which surely won’t be able to help the holiday traffic flow this year or probably even next year, but at least it’s becoming a possibility. Mike Raysor, the president/owner of Raysor Traffic Consulting, LLC, says his company has been retained to study the possibility of adding a right-turn-out exit from — adjacent to the right-turn-in entrance to — the mall. Raysor is studying the possible effects not only on mall traffic but at the DDI itself, since the exit from the mall would put
As you drive eastbound on S.R. 56, past the main entrance to the Tampa Premium Outlets (at Grand Cypress Dr., between BJ’s Brewhouse and Cheddar’s), you may not realize that there is another mall entrance (left photo) that currently offers a right-in-only turn just before you reach Rock & Brews (right photo). Pasco County, FDOT, Sierra Properties & Raysor Transportation Consulting are looking into adding a lane that would provide vehicles with another way to exit the mall and get on I-75 southbound. (Photos by Charmaine George) those exiting vehicles into what is now two of people don’t even realize that entrance is Raysor also has retained former FDOT entrance lanes to get onto southbound I-75. transportation engineer Joel Provenzano to there,” Raysor says, “but more people might Pasco County, the Florida Departrecognize it as an entrance if there also was a help with the traffic studies. Provenzano, ment of Transportation (FDOT) and Sierra way out of the mall in the same area.” who also provides editorial research for this Properties, which has developed not only the publication, was unable to help with this We’ll keep you posted as to the outcome outlet mall itself but also the development of the study. In the meantime, can someone story because of his new consulting position. both north and south of S.R. 56 between please look into closing off the median and Provenzano was with FDOT when the I-75 and Wesley Chapel Blvd., are all working “Mall Entrance” sign shown in the photo the left turn at BJ’s right after you enter at with Raysor’s company to study the potential above left was erected at the right-in-only the light at Grand Cypress or at least cut the effects, not only on traffic flow but also on hedges at that median to increase visibility? turn near Rock & Brews, in an effort to keep safety, since adding the new mall exit would Dist. 2 Pasco County Commissioner at least some traffic away from the mall’s have an effect not only on southbound I-75, main entrance at Grand Cypress Dr. Seth Weightman says he is working with but also on vehicles attempting to head eastFDOT on the light timing around the mall Unfortunately, Raysor says, that adbound on S.R. 56 and even some trying to and that additional Florida Highway Patrol ditional entrance hasn’t done as much as it cross enough lanes of traffic to get on north- possibly might have had there also been a troopers have been on site at the Outlets to bound I-75 once they’ve exited the Outlets. direct traffic during peak shopping hours. right-out-exit at the same location. “A lot
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‘Holiday Baking Championship’ Finalist Opens Flamingo Donuts In The Chap By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent On Thursdays, when Sarah Wallace is pulling an all-nighter making donuts so they will be fresh for her customers the next morning, she sometimes hears the Food Network judges’ voices in her head. “The biggest thing is you have to deliver flavor,” she says. “If it’s honey lavender crème brûlée, for example, the judges better taste the honey and the lavender.” So, when she comes up with ideas for her Flamingo Donuts — a business she launched in Wesley Chapel just a couple of months ago — she’s always thinking about how to be sure the flavor is strong enough to come through on the donut itself. That’s just one of the lessons she has learned from her time on “Holiday Baking Championship” and other Food Network shows. After making it all the way to the finals of the “Holiday Baking Championship” (Season 6), which aired in 2019, she has participated in other Food Network shows, too. She served as a judge on “Buddy vs. Duff” (Season 3) and most recently was a contestant on “Guy’s Grocery Games” (Season 31). As a contestant on “Holiday Baking Championship,” Sarah jumped at the chance to test her skills on the show just two weeks after her wedding. At the time, she was the general manager of the Magnolia Bakery in Boston. She told her job she didn’t know how long she’d be gone. She also told her new husband she was sorry they had to postpone their honeymoon. It didn’t faze him, though. “It’s the Food Network,” she says Daniel told her. “If the Food Network calls, you go.” So she did, and made it all the way to the final round, where she competed with two other bakers. Her plaid cake ultimately came up just shy of the big win. Four years later, Sarah and her husband, Daniel Belisle, have moved to Wesley Chapel to be closer to her parents and other family members.
(Left photo by Andrea Radford Photography [@andrearadfordphotography]) Sarah Walker’s Flamingo Donuts are huge & come in a variety of unique flavors. (Right photo courtesy of Food Network) Sarah was a finalist on the Holiday Baking Championship in 2019. The couple now lives in Union Park She says it was “excruciating” to leave “Every donut is an experience,” she and are parents to Jonah, age two, and what she calls her dream job with Union says. “I’m taking a donut and elevating it.” She says everything is made from four-month-old Jude. Sarah sometimes Square to move to Florida. uses Belisle as her last name. “I loved my team,” she says, “and we scratch, every dough and every topping, and nothing is made ahead of time. She calls donuts “the love of her life,” made the best donuts in Boston.” For now, Sarah rents a commercial even though her early career revolved But, Sarah and Daniel made the kitchen and works overnight to ensure her around cakes. She says if she ever had a decision to move to Wesley Chapel to donuts are fresh. hard day at Magnolia Bakery, like if she raise their family. When they arrived, they Flamingo Donuts are delivered every had to fire someone, she would walk embarked on something of a donut tour, Friday morning to The Bean Bar Co. in down to nearby Union Square Donuts finding all the places they could, evaluatTampa Palms (17018 Palm Pointe Dr., and cheer herself up with a donut. ing Tampa’s “donut game.” near Cali restaurant). Sarah also sells them “They had this brown butter hazel“We tried a lot of mini donuts, cake at the Market Elaine at the Grove the nut donut that was the best donut I’ve donuts, donuts made using a depositor, first Friday of every month (the next one ever had in my entire life,” Sarah says. but there were no giant, yeasted artisan is Jan. 5) and at the Ybor City Saturday When Magnolia had to shut its doors donuts,” she says. She figured, “If anyone’s going to Market (1901 N 19th St.) every Saturduring the pandemic and didn’t know if it bring those donuts here, it’s got to be me.” day. She also recently added the Tampa would reopen, Sarah was thrilled to land Sarah says she named her business Bay Markets’ Fresh Market at the Shops a new job as the executive pastry chef for Flamingo Donuts because she wanted a at Wiregrass the first Saturday of every Union Square Donuts. month and the Second Sunday Harvest “I made 238 different donuts during symbol that reminds people of Tampa without using the name. Her mom is Market at The Grove. my time with them,” says Sarah. something of a flamingo collector (“her “When I show up at the market with She calls donuts a fun challenge, 200 donuts, it’s kind of like putting on a where she tries to reimagine any and every whole house is bejeweled flamingoes,” she says) and when Sarah saw Phoebe, the show,” she says. “I want to tell people, ‘I kind of dessert. hand made every donut here for you.’” Sarah says donuts are just as versatile giant flamingo at Tampa International She says her favorite thing is when Airport, she knew it was the perfect symas a cake in that she can flavor the batter, someone takes a donut and she can see the flavor the glaze, and garnish with any top- bol for her new business. With the name chosen, Sarah says she look on their face when they realize it’s unping or decoration she can imagine. “There are so many different ways to set out to bring “the biggest, most beauti- like any donut they’ve ever had before. “I had a guy recently who took a bite pack flavor into a donut,” she says. “And it’s ful donuts people are ever going to see” and his eyebrows just shot up,” she says. better than a cake because it’s deep fried.” to Wesley Chapel.
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“I hadn’t slept in two days but it was totally worth it to see his face when he bit into that donut.” And she is constantly trying to outdo herself. “I need to step it up a notch,” she says, “just like when I was trying to beat out nine other bakers.” For example, everyone has to have a glazed donut, she says, but why would someone choose hers? Sarah explains that most glazed donuts are honey-based. “I found wildflower honey and decided to add a fondant black-eyed Susan,” she says. “Now I’m giving this big, giant brioche-y donut, covered in wildflower honey glaze, a handmade wildflower made of sugar. So, I still have the classics that people look for, but elevated in a different way.” Another example is her “South Sarah sells her Flamingo Donuts at the Market Elaine at The Grove. (Photo by Andrea Radford Photography) of Boston Crème” donut, which inner tube), and traditional strawberry sufhas more of a pudding filling than ganiyot for Hanukkah. just pastry crème, topped with a dark As the holidays approach, Sarah and chocolate glaze. her family have developed a somewhat Her holiday flavors — available at the unusual twist on a Christmas tradition. markets in December — include chocolate “We watch ‘Home Alone,’ ‘Die peppermint brownie batter (peppermint Hard,’ and my season of ‘Holiday Baking brownie batter filling, chocolate glaze, Championship,’” she laughs. topped with candy cane bits), brown butter You can find Flamingo Donuts at pecan praline (nutty brown butter glaze the markets mentioned above or by visitcovered with brown sugar pecan praline crumbles), eggnog float (a little gingerbread ing her Flamingo-Donuts.com website or on Instagram @eatflamingodonuts man in the middle with his arms behind his head who looks like he’s floating on a donut and Facebook @flamingodonuts.
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City’s Hosts Christmas & Hanukkah Celebrations In New Tampa District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera says that, “Before last year, New Tampa never had its own (cityhosted) Christmas tree event. Last year, I sought to have both a Christmas and Hanukkah event on the same day.” This year, the city held its Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 27 and is hosting a Hanukkah event on Monday, December 11, 6:30 p.m., also at the New Tampa Recreation Center (17302 Commerce Park Blvd.). “This is all part of the efforts I have been undertaking since 2016 to con-
tinue to have an increased connection between our city government and New Tampa,” Viera says. “It is important that we get the same dignity and respect as all other parts of the city have.” At the Christmas event (l.-r. in photo, right), State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Viera and his fellow City Council member Lynn Hurtak, Heather Erickson and Tony Mulkey of the Tampa Parks & Rec Dept. and Tampa Palms resident and the event’s M.C. Tracy Falkowitz were all on hand for the Christmas tree light-
ing and festivities (photos below). As for the Hanukkah event on Dec. 11, it’s entirely possible that some of you may not receive this issue — or may not read it that quickly, even if you do receive it on time — before that event is held, but Viera says that he wants to make sure that people know his #1 concern for that event is public safety. “We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration of this holiday and hearing from community members on what Hanukkah means to them at this time,” Viera says. “I am acutely aware of the sentiments and feelings of our American Jewish brothers and sisters in this time of increased and immoral anti-Semitism, so we will have security on hand for this event.” — GN
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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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Metropolitan Ministries Tent At St. James Church Is A 20-Year Holiday Tradition Metropolitan Ministries Donation Tent Info
By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent For 20 years, St. James United Methodist Church in Tampa Palms has opened a satellite tent of Metropolitan Ministries to collect donations of food and toys for families whose struggles are magnified at this time of year. The tent provides a convenient way for New Tampa residents to provide donations that directly impact people in the Tampa Bay area who would otherwise not have a holiday meal or gifts. The tent officially opened this year on Nov. 5, in advance of Thanksgiving, with a ceremony led by St. James’ Lead Pastor, Tony Fotsch. It closed between Thanksgiving and Dec. 3, and is now open to accept donations every day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., through Tuesday, December 21. “While the tent is primarily a way to give to those in our community who benefit from the donations of food and toys,” says Pastor Fotsch, “we often hear from our volunteers that it is a blessing for them to be a part of this, and we believe that those who provide the generous gifts are positively affected, as well.” The tent makes it easy for locals to drive through the parking lot and simply drop off any goods they would like to donate, without ever leaving their cars. Unwrapped toys for any kids, ages newborn to 18, are gratefully accepted. Items for teenagers are especially needed. For gift ideas, visit metro-min.org/holiday-central.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.. every day
through Tuesday, Dec. 21 Where: St. James United Methodist Church (16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) What: Donations for “Boxes of HOPE” & gifts for children Most Needed Items: Turkeys, canned yams, gravy packets or cans, canned cranberry sauce, and toys for all ages, especially teenagers. The Metropolitan Ministries Donation Tent at St. James United Methodist Church on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Tampa Palms will accept food, gift, cash and other donations to help people in need between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every day until Tuesday, December 21. Food items also are needed to make a complete “Box of Hope.” A complete box includes turkey, ham or chicken, cereal, canned yams, bagged or boxed stuffing, cranberry sauce, bagged or canned beans, soup, rice, boxed or canned potatoes, boxed macaroni & cheese, gravy packet or cans, dessert mix, canned fruit and canned vegetables. People can drop off any or all items on the list at the tent, where volunteers sort donations into a complete box that is prepared for a family to enjoy for Christmas (since Thanksgiving is now over). Volunteers also are needed to accept donations, sort them and load them up to be delivered to the main Metropolitan Ministries
tent in downtown Tampa, where families who have been referred from agencies who help those in need come to pick up the food and choose gifts for their children. Gift cards and cash donations also are graciously accepted. Last year alone, the New Tampa tent at St. James Church collected a total of 507 turkeys and hams, plus an additional 19,459 pounds of food, to make 989 “Boxes of Hope.” It also received 2,171 toys and $645 in gift cards. “It’s a testament to our community that people give so generously,” says Pastor Fotsch. At the church, Melissa Ewen, who serves as director of fellowship and special con-
nections, coordinates the New Tampa tent logistics and serves as St. James’ liaison to Metropolitan Ministries. “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Metro Ministries,” says Ewen, who explains that it fits with the church’s mission to serve the spiritual, emotional and social needs of its members and the greater Tampa area, including its vulnerable populations. “We’re so grateful for this opportunity to come together to make a difference in our community during this holiday season.” For more information about how to donate or volunteer, please contact the church by emailing info@stjamestampa.org or visit StJamesTampa.org.state.
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ADVENT NIGHT OF RECONCILIATION Tuesday, December 12th 7:00 pm until the last Penitent is heard 8 to 12 priests are scheduled to be present
A DAY OF INDIVIDUAL PRAYER & REFLECTION Wednesday, December 13th 9:30 am-7:00 pm
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CHRISTMAS EVE MASS TIMES Saturday, December 24
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14 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Freedom High To Be Home To Hillsborough’s First Business Academy By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent From charter schools and private schools to public school magnet programs, there are plenty of options for high school students in New Tampa to find a customized high school curriculum that will prepare them for the next step in their lives that isn’t always the closest school to where they live. But now, Freedom High in Tampa Palms is hoping to attract more New Tampa students to choose their local public school with a brand new attractor program that will be the first Business Academy in the Hillsborough County School District. Students who finish all of the classes in the Business Academy will graduate with a certification that recognizes them as a program completer. Along the way, each class they take will earn them either an industry certification or college credit. Courses in the Academy include a series of classes in accounting, marketing, business principles and entrepreneurship, many that are either Advanced Placement (AP) or Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), which can result in students earning college credit if they pass an exam. Freedom’s assistant principal of curriculum Matthew Smith says one reason this program is poised for success is because it actually pays for itself, rather than requiring money to operate. That’s because the Florida Department of Education (FDoE) provides a stipend to schools that prepare students to do jobs that are needed in the workforce. So, when students earn industry certifications or college credits, that state-provided stipend goes back to the school, where it is used to enhance those programs. “We applied for a state grant to expand into this area because there’s a big shortage in accounting in Florida,” Smith says. “We are planning to transform our regular classrooms into high-tech accounting labs.” He says this will include seating where students work together collaboratively and have technology to project to the walls, for example, and that the room will likely feature a live stock market ticker.
(Above left, l.-r.) Freedom High Business Academy director Brian Nanns, business teacher Natalie Lozada, marketing teacher Derrick McCoy, accounting teacher Stacey Polhill and Freedom assistant principal of curriculum Matthew Smith . (Right) The Business Academy also will encompass the school’s existing Digital Academy (Photos by Charmaine George)
“This could be a game-changer for Freedom,” Smith says. “We’re hoping to retain neighborhood kids so they don’t have to get on a magnet bus and go somewhere else in Hillsborough County for a different program.” Smith explains that the Business Academy will be overarching and encompass the school’s Digital Academy, which has been in place for several years and prepares students for careers in game design, web development or related fields. “Our Digital Academy labs are already well equipped,” he explains, “with more than $200,000 per year in funding from industry certifications that our students receive.” This allows the labs to be continually updated with the latest technology. “We are adding AI next year, too,” he says, referring to teaching students about artificial intelligence. The Hillsborough County School District’s Chief of Innovation and Strategic Planning Marcos Murillo says these and other career and technical education classes have set the foundation for the Business Academy to be built on, and that it will be unique in the District. While other schools offer entrylevel classes in subjects such as accounting and marketing, the Business Academy will be more comprehensive. “Freedom will offer more classes in that area than any other school in the District,” Murillo says. “The higher level classes
won’t available anywhere else and will allow students to have a more robust transcript to apply for college.” Murillo’s job is to innovate at every school throughout the county but, he says, “Freedom is dear to my heart. My daughter graduated from there and my son is there now.” Instructors for Freedom’s Business Academy are already in place and are training for new courses that will be offered for the 2024-25 school year. For example, Stacey Polhill has worked as an accountant in the private industry and at the school district and has decades of realworld accounting experience. “She currently teaches math and accounting honors,” explains Smith, “but next year, she will teach additional accounting classes, such as managerial accounting honors or AICE accounting.” Not all classes will be available next year, but classes will be added as the program grows and students in the program need them. Other teachers include Brian Nanns, who is the chair of the school’s Career Technical Education Department. He currently serves as director of the Digital Academy, teaching classes such as AP Computer Science Principles, and will be director of the Business Academy, too. Social studies teacher Eric Galante has a business degree and is now working to get certified to teach AP and AICE business principles and global business classes.
16 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Derrick McCoy currently teaches marketing and television production and will expand the marketing classes that will be made available to students. Natalie Lozado will teach business ownership and entrepreneurship, which Smith says will teach students how to fully develop a new business, execute their plans, and compete in the marketplace. To participate in the Business Academy, all students — even if they currently attend Freedom — must apply through Hillsborough County’s “school choice and magnet application” available online at HillsboroughSchools.org/choice. In addition to the Business Academy, Smith says many students use the choice application to join the Digital Academy, which does not carry the “attractor” designation, or to participate in the school’s popular veterinary science program, where students can graduate high school as a Certified Veterinary Assistant. Freedom will appear on the application as an option during the next choice/magnet application period, which is typically in Feb. Smith says that if it happens that there is space available in the program, it may be possible for current Freedom students to take some of the classes in the Business Academy. However, seats are reserved for those who are chosen for the attractor program and commit to completing the entire track. “I can’t wait to build out the program,” Smith says.
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Community To Benefit From City’s New Tampa Sports Pavilion At Liberty, Too By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent What used to be six old, underused tennis courts just for students at Liberty Middle School in Tampa Palms has been transformed into a new recreational area for the entire community. The tennis courts are gone, and what stands in their place will now be called the New Tampa Sports Pavilion. The Pavilion includes three basketball courts that also can be used for pickleball, tennis and volleyball. Next to the courts, a huge metal shade structure stands over an artificial turf field. At 166 feet by 127 feet, it’s larger than four school buses lined up one way and three school buses lined up the other. A building with offices and restrooms is located by the covered field, too. On November 15, City of Tampa and Hillsborough County School District officials held a ribbon cutting to officially open the new expansion, which will be used by Liberty students during the school day and open to the public whenever school is not in session. District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera, whose son attended Liberty, says the idea was suggested at a 2020 town hall meeting by Tampa Palms resident Alexandra Gilmore. He championed the idea, saying it would add to the other recreational opportunities that have
(Above left) City of Tampa and Hillsborough County School District officials came out in force for the ribbon cutting at the new New Tampa Sports Pavilion behind Liberty Middle School in Tampa Palms. (Above right) The new basketball courts at the Pavilion. (Right) Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera speaking at the ribbon cutting. (All photos provided by the City of Tampa)
been brought to New Tampa over the last several years. “This is another big win for New Tampa and a really big deal,” says Viera. “It’s a $4-million expansion, and when you include the $3-million expansion of the New Tampa Recreation Center and multi-million-dollar All-Abilities Park, it represents a nearly $10 million investment in parks for New Tampa since 2018.” He’s referring to the playground that opened at the New Tampa Community
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Park one year ago, the first of its kind in the city that is designed for kids of all abilities, especially those who may not be able to play at typical playgrounds because they use a wheelchair or have other special needs. Viera says that investment has made a significant impact. “New Tampa has gone from being a city park desert, where all we had was a rec center that was busting at the seams,” he says, “to being home to the city’s first All-Abilities Park and now this additional expansion.” The new rec center expansion is located adjacent to the New Tampa Community Park on the property of Liberty at 17400 Commerce Park Blvd. The ribbon cutting on Nov.15 was attended by Viera, City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Hillsborough County School Board members Jessica Vaughn and Lynn Gray, and Hillsborough’s Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres. Viera says the public access to the courts will be scheduled after school ends each day, during school holidays, weekends, and summer. City of Tampa manager of athletics, aquatics and special facilities Heather Erickson says the New Tampa Sports Pavilion has experienced something of a soft
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opening and expects to be fully operational around January 1. She says security lights are in place, but the courts themselves are not yet properly lighted, so they currently are only open until sundown. Starting in 2024, the pavilion will be staffed for open basketball and pickleball nightly, plus scheduled activities. “Our obligation is to make sure it’s not just a hangout without supervision,” Erickson says. “We also offer classes such as sports readiness for girls and boys, fitness and agility.” For more information, she says check the City of Tampa website at TampaGov.net after Jan. 1. Navigate to “Parks & Rec,” then “Activities,” then “Athletics.” For questions about using the facility, reach out to Tampa’s supervisor of athletics Cedric Smith at Cedric.Smith@tampagov.net.
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Excel Music Adds Two Exciting New Programs To Better Serve You! months, they will perform at a concert — not a recital, but a concert— and/or they’ll do a professional YouTube music video. I have never been as excited for a class.” John hopes to schedule the first Keyboard Band concert and video in Apr. 2024.
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Neighborhood News Correspondent Located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd., Excel Music has been teaching children and adults private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums, strings, clarinet, recorder, flute, saxophone, and other musical instruments for 17 years. Serving the communities of Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Excel Music co-founders John and Sheri Thrasher cannot contain their delight when they talk about two exciting new programs — one that is available immediately and the other beginning next month (January 2024). Royal Conservatory-trained and certified teacher Regnarene Brown has joined the faculty of 14 music teachers to instruct Royal Conservatory Piano. “This is a method intended for more serious students,” Regnarene says. “There’s an adjudication process. They prepare and perform pieces for judges before they can move on to the next level. It’s for a student who might be interested in a career or pursuing music at a more serious level.” John adds, “Typically, we start kids in piano at 5, but an adult can start Royal Conservatory if they want to.” As excited as he is about the Royal Conservatory, John is equally thrilled about Excel’s other new program. “We are officially starting a Keyboard Band Piano Jam class in January,” he says.
Post-Pandemic Changes
Excel Music piano & guitar teacher Regnarene Brown (left) will teach the Royal Conservatory of Music program at Excel, which is located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)
“This class is for 7-10 year olds, typically beginners, but intermediate students would also enjoy it. From Day One, they’re learning pop songs, and each child gets their own part to play. There are four levels. It’s like gamified learning, like a karate class where once they master a level, they move up to the next level.” The Keyboard Band students will learn the same skills taught in private lessons, but instead, will work with 4-5 other students in a small group setting. They will work on music reading, as well as chords, melodies
and improvisation. “Playing with other people, you feel inspired to try a little harder,” John says. “Even if your part is simple, it’s important. It matters. Quite often, kids worry that playing the piano will be too hard, and that athome practice will feel more like homework, not something they’ll enjoy. This program is designed to eliminate that concern by establishing some quick wins for the students, so much so that after just a few lessons, each student will have the basic skills needed to play their favorite song. Every three to four
During the pandemic, Excel Music brought lessons online only, but since reopening to in-person lessons, has continued to offer students the convenience of virtual classes. “We still have a fairly large number of students participating virtually,” he says. “It’s been a great fit. We’ve had students who have moved out of the state or even the country continue their private lessons with us. Many families return to their native countries during the summertime, and the students can continue their music lessons while away. That’s been a real benefit to kids during the three-month ‘summer slump,’ when many kids tend to slip backward (at school). Learning music is no different, so this has really helped.” He adds, “Our focus is on education first. Many places that give lessons, particularly on multiple instruments and voice, are often retail facilities that also offer lessons. We’ve turned that model around. We do have some retail, but only in support of the individual lessons. These are accessories that students need to succeed and do well in their music lessons.” With each class or curriculum designed
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teacher encourages me to learn more and more music, and he gets me music that I want to learn.” Upcoming to Excel Music is the ability to text the music school, do online enrollment, and have 24/7 access to information about lessons and answers to questions parents raise. Dreva Pauley (left) will work with kids in Excel Music’s new Keyboard Band “Over the Piano Jam program, which begins next month. years, we’ve improved at providing for that particular student, regardless of the not only a quality music education but also a student’s skill level or style of music they fantastic experience for our students,” John like, everything can be accommodated in a says. “We’ve developed many systems that private lesson, whether in person or online. have streamlined and made the way we teach At Excel Music, all teachers are either university-trained (many with Master of Mu- music more effective, as well as how we’ve used technology to improve our service and sic degrees) or have a decade of study and continue to use newer technologies.” performing experience. The Thrashers take When not running their music school, pride in hiring not only the most qualified John and Sheri, who live in Wesley Chapel, teachers but also some of the nicest. are lovers of the performing arts, traveling “I want people who are there because and pampering their two pet cats. they love to teach and have a real passion,” Excel Music is located at 10353 ays John. “People who get a thrill when they see the student’s eyes light up with underCross Creek Blvd., Suite I. It is open standing when they cross that threshold, and Mon.- Thur., 2 p.m.-9 p.m., 2 p.m.-7 the look on their face says, ‘Oh, I got it. It’s p.m. on Fri., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. an incredibly exciting moment — the thrill It is closed on Sunday. For more info, of sharing a student’s ‘a-ha’ moment.” call (813) 991-1177, see the ad on pg. 28 Student Sam Z says, “I like that my or visit newtampamusicschool.com.
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21
Jessica & Joel Provenzano Offer A Unique Real Estate Combination By Nidhi Jani
Neighborhood News Correspondent Choosing a real estate agent when buying or selling a home can be difficult. But, what if you could get two agents working for you instead of one — and they are both locals of almost 20 years, who have lived, worked and raised a family in this growing and changing community? Jessica and Joel Provenzano are Realtors® licensed in Florida and they work together at Florida Executive Realty (FER)’s Tampa Palms office. FER, founded in 1992 at the former Tampa Palms Welcome Center (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. on Amberly Dr.) by Doug Loyd and John Zielenbach, has now expanded to more than 100 agents in six offices across the Tampa Bay area, including Brandon and Lithia. “Jess and I are a team on every deal and for every client,” explains Joel. “We’ve been married for 18 years and found very early on that we actually work pretty well together, not just relationship-wise, but in professional settings, too.” “Our different skill sets complement each other,” Jessica adds. “I work more on communication and contracts and Joel does more research and is more hands-on with things like inspection reports and technical issues. But, we always work as a team for all of our clients.” The Provenzanos have been together since they were high school sweethearts who met as teens in Estero, FL. While dating, they worked at the same seafood restaurant, with Jessica working in the front of the house and Joel working in the kitchen. Despite their different roles, they found themselves constantly communicating on how to improve the service and flow of the restaurant. They moved to Tampa by 2004, got married and bought their first — and current — home in Wesley Chapel in 2005. While Jessica worked for several companies in sales and marketing and Joel worked as an engineer for 22 years, they still found ways to work together. For four years, they both worked at a local design and construction company, American Consulting Engineers (now American Consulting Professionals). They also volunteered together at Lifepoint Church in New Tampa, mostly in the kids
“I had financial planning for the uncertainties in and student life. Their involvement with their girls’ the pleasure of ministry. schools, their church and the North Tampa working with About a Bay Chamber of Commerce gives them Jessica and Joel year and a half Provenzano when awareness of the local community and helps ago, Jessica them find business partners for inspections, purchasing my was the first to appraisals and more. first home,” says get started in Ashley. “(I was) real estate. She Jessica & Joel’s Tips For new to the area says she always Prospective Buyers: and they were had a strong • New construction has become interest in real the perfect fit to extremely competitive, so this is one of the estate because, help me find my best times to buy a new construction home. as a child, she dream home. Not In some cases, newly constructed houses moved 18 only did they give can be more affordable than existing homes, times, due to me a good feel even in the same communities. You will her father’s for the different get better energy efficiency and upgraded job at Lowe’s, neighborhoods, finishes are basically standard now. as he helped they also told me • For many new communities, the the home all about the area. builder’s lender has many incentives to keep improvement Putting in an their construction momentum going — warehouse’s offer was incredmore cash towards closing, interest rate buyunderperform- Realtors® Joel & Jessica Provenzano of Florida Executive ibly smooth and downs and matching or beating rates from ing stores. Realty in Tampa Palms offer a unique combination of skills to I felt supported private lenders. Buyers should always work Thus, she help you buy or sell a home. (Photos provided by Joel Provenzano) all along the way. with a Realtor, especially with new construcbecame very Even with some tion, to get competitive loan offers. familiar with both the moving process and bumps in the road, they handled everything • Lenders crunch your numbers before financial challenges, such as dealing with quickly and professionally. They really made offering loans, but that doesn’t always mean multiple mortgages, which can happen when sure I wasn’t left in the dark. I honestly don’t that their terms are comfortably within your families move from home to home. think I could’ve found a better realty team.” means. While predatory lending practices Joel initially began working with Jessica Another client, Sam Benoit, says, “Jess have declined in recent years, it is important only on weekends and after hours, but decided to leave engineering to work with his wife and Joel were extremely helpful and detailed to have an honest conversation with a Realtor full-time in May. His transportation and land in every way. They were available anytime we to make sure you get loans with terms that had questions and made the process painless. are flexible enough to fit within your budget. development engineering background, both for the Florida Department of Transportation It was more about finding the right place Tips for Prospective Sellers: for us rather than making a sale for them. I (FDOT) and as a private consultant, gives • Our best advice for sellers is that the would recommend them to anyone looking him tremendous insight into, and the ability property must be priced correctly from the to research, new construction, roads, permit- to purchase.” The Provenzanos are uniqueting, inspection reports, damage mitigation ly positioned to help buyers and due to the Florida elements and more He sellers in New Tampa, Wesley also provides research for this publication. Chapel and the surrounding areas. “We are more than happy to take buyThey were in their 20s with a ers to the construction sites and describe tight budget when they bought the stages of construction or map out how an empty lot will be transformed when con- their home in the Meadow Pointe II neighborhood in Wesley Chapstruction is complete,” Joel says. el. They bought during a housing Now that they’re a team again, the Provenzanos are putting their work and life boom, which quickly became a experiences to good use — helping prospec- recession. This taught them about tive buyers find their dream homes and get- home loans, refinancing and how ting sellers the best offers in the New Tampa to negotiate with lenders. and Wesley Chapel areas and beyond. With two daughters, Kayla, Is this your idea of a dream kitchen? If not, let Jessica & Joel Ashley Sullivan shares her experience 13, and Lily, 12, and changing Provenzano help find yours, too. buying her first home with Jessica and Joel. jobs and careers, they understand
22 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Kristy Darragh Of Florida Executive Realty Expands Her Brand With Her Daughter Megan!
Jessica and Joel can help you find the unique elements you want when buying a new home, or provide great photographs of those elements in your home when selling.
beginning. If it’s even slightly too high, it can lose momentum in this competitive market. You can always get more money for a property by getting the price right from Day One. • A knowledgeable Realtor will help you price your home for sale by performing market comparisons, also known as “comparables.” The Realtor will check on recently sold properties as well as properties currently for sale and how long they have been on the market. Then the Realtor can price the property appropriately to stand out among the rest. • Good photography makes a big
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difference. We do most of our real estate photography ourselves. We work with sellers to declutter and stage each room to look as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Unnecessary items can completely distract from the room being shown. Jessica & Joel Provenzano are with Florida Executive Realty (15802 Amberly Dr., Tampa Palms). Call or text (813) 956-4093, visit JProvenzano.FloridaExecutiveRealty.com for a free consultation today. Or, see the ad on pg. 41 of this issue for more information.
Speaking of teams at Florida Executive Realty (FER), Realtor® Kristy Darragh, a renowned name in the Tampa real estate industry, is thrilled to announce an exciting development for 2024. For the first time, Kristy is expanding her brand to include her daughter Megan in her real estate journey. Megan’s real estate career began with dedication and hard work at FER. Starting as a receptionist, while still in high school, at the New Tampa office in Tampa Palms, she continued to work part-time, gaining experience in office communications. After graduation, she embarked on an educational five-year apprenticeship under the guidance of FER general manager Michelle Weinhold. Megan’s diligence eventually led to her promotion as the Office Manager of FER’s Westchase office. Her career then transitioned into the sales side of real estate, working alongside Kristy for three years to build her knowl- With the addition of her daughter Megan (right) to her team, Realtor® Kristy Darragh of Florida edge and client base. “After almost eight years of being in Executive Realty has expanded her already hugely Real Estate Management, I was ready for popular brand. (Photo provided by Kristy Darragh) a change,” Megan says. “In December 2020, I decided to join my mom and began my adventure into the sales side of real estate. My mom has been Florida Executive Realty’s top producer for 30 years, and I know I can help continue the Darragh legacy.” Kristy has a remarkable track record of more than 35 years in the real estate industry, earning a reputation for excellence and a “winning attitude.” Her Midwestern work ethic and commitment to exceptional customer service have set her apart in the field. Her real estate journey began in San Francisco and continued in Los Angeles, where she became one of the top real estate agents, specializing in beachfront properties. Her ability to adapt to changing times and embrace technology have been cornerstones of Kristy’s success. She recognizes the importance of providing extensive online information for clients and prioritizing high-level customer service. Today, Kristy stands out with more than 3,000 homes sold and numerous industry awards, including the “All Time Best Agent Award” marking her as a top-performing real estate agent. Her extensive experience, dedication, and commitment to results make her the go-to Realtor in Tampa, especially in New Tampa. “I am so excited to formally have Megan working side by side with me, not only as a mother, but also as a business decision,” Kristy says. “Megan’s work ethic, dedication to excellence and extensive knowledge make me proud to have her by my side.” Whether you’re buying or selling a home anywhere locally, you’ll want the team of Kristy & Megan Darragh on your side. Their winning attitude and dedication ensure they will help you find the right house or the perfect buyer for your real estate needs. For more info, call Kristy & Megan Darragh of Florida Executive Realty (15802 Amberly Dr.) at (813) 931-6700 or see the ad on this issue’s back cover.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
23
IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness — More Than Just Another Med Spa! By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Neighborhood News Correspondent Led by the husband-and-wife team of Gabriel Vargas and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) Jessica Rosado, IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers preventive and primary care, diagnostics, wellness programs, and holistic therapies — all conveniently located under one roof on County Line Rd. (in the new Publix plaza at Livingston Ave.) in Lutz. This inclusive approach to wellness distinguishes IV Harmony Clinic from traditional medical offices that focus primarily on treating illnesses. Twenty-three years ago, Vargas, the company’s president and CEO, transitioned from what he admits was an unhealthy lifestyle to advocating for a proactive focus on wellness. “I’m living proof prevention is the best way to go.” Prevention is what became the catalyst for creating a medical clinic dedicated to helping others choose the same type of path. Rosado, IV Harmony’s chief operating officer, completed her nursing degree at Antillean University in Puerto Rico and earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and FNP-C certification from AGM University in Florida. She also has Gerontology Nursing (Gero-BC) and FMCSA (DOT) certifications. Rosado draws from 16 years of experience in cardiac emergencies and seven years at the Moffitt Cancer Center working with cancer patients. Motivated by
the stories of her patients, Rosado pursued her MSN to help her patients shift their focus from trying to cure illnesses to promoting overall health. Registered Nurses José Del Valle and Sara Wallace and Licensed Esthetician Alexys Goff also assist Rosado. “As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I can care for children to seniors,” Rosado says. “We have treated children from 7 years old — with the consent of their parents — up to 100 years old. We give you the tools your body needs to feel better.” In 2022, IV Harmony’s Medical Director Dr. Victor Feliz, a cardiologist who is a Fellow of both the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (FSCAI) with 22 years of experience, joined the team. Dr. Feliz finished his Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan, NY. He later had a Cardiology fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, following a Geriatric Medicine fellowship. Rosado says, “I have spent the last 24 years in a healthcare setting — and the last three years in the role of FNP-C. We started IV Harmony in 2022 as a mobile service and opened our doors to the public in our first (brick & mortar) clinic in May 2023.”
Weight-Loss Programs
IV Harmony Clinic employs a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your weight loss goals. The Clinic’s physician-
(L.-r.) RN Sara Wallace, Esthetician Alexys Goff, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jessica Rosado & CEO Gabriel Vargas of IV Harmony Clinic, located in the new Publix shopping center at Livingston Ave. & County Line Rd. in Lutz. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George) supervised programs include semaglutide labs. This treatment isn’t for everyone, so we (like the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy), also offer several other medical weight-loss tirzepatide (like the brand Mounjaro), options. But, our patients who qualify for peptides for weight loss, as well as a protocol semaglutide treatment do very well with it.” Rosado will identify your underlying that combines a low dose of Naltrexone, plus health issues impacting weight loss through Sermorelin, Lipo-Trim SL, and low-calorie intake to achieve optimum weight loss results. a detailed medical evaluation, including history, an examination and potential tests. Rosado says that lately, “Semaglutide IV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients also is the most requested weight-loss medicaweigh in each week on the clinic’s high-tech tion” at IV Harmony Clinic. “And we only InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer, use high-quality semaglutide from the best
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which measures not just your weight, but also your body fat, muscle and water levels. “Our weight-loss programs are personalized plans tailored to each patient’s age, gender, medical conditions, activity level and objectives,” Rosado says, adding that some patients are referred to Registered Dietitians and nutritionists. “The patients who get the best results combine calorie control with increased physical activity, and behavior modification. We provide ongoing monitoring, medication, supplements and, if needed, referrals for psychological support.” She also explains that, “When I know the patient’s background, I can give them options and guide them. Then, we work together to get each patient to their goal.”
involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the blood’s platelets and injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the body. Rosado says PRP therapies can help patients with everything from injuries and musculoskeletal pain to cosmetic procedures. It also can be used in conjunction with microneedling. Hydrodermabrasion combines water and exfoliation to effortlessly exfoliate and reveal healthier, more radiant skin texture.
HRT & Low Testosterone
Esthetic Services, Too!
Rosado and Vargas did their due diligence when looking for the right esthetic services for their clients. They chose SkinPen microneedling from Crown Aesthetic for IV Harmony because they knew the safety and research behind the product. SkinPen employs sterile needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting skin rejuvenation. Patients also can experience revitalization with Botox® and Dysport treatments. The Clinic also offers peptide hormone therapy, which targets muscle restoration and stimulates human growth hormone (HGH) production. “When you look in the mirror, and you look younger and better, it helps you feel better,” says Vargas. Rosado adds, “At this time of year, we definitely see a lot more patients looking
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IV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients weigh in each week on the clinic’s InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer. for Botox® and filler treatments. Everyone wants to look better over the holidays.”
PEMF, PRP & More
IV Harmony patients also can explore the benefits of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), a non-invasive approach that utilizes electromagnetic fields to enhance cellular health and promote healing processes. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
Tailored to each individual’s needs and addressing hormonal imbalances in women, IV Harmony Clinic’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) tackles symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, low libido, memory and sleep issues and mood swings. And, for men with low testosterone, the clinic’s Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) provides effective solutions. Vargas explains that IV Harmony has many success stories, especially referencing a patient with “Low-T” complaining of all-over body pain. “For a man, a good number is around 600, and insurance doesn’t want to cover you if you are at 200, which is extremely low. We started treating this patient with testosterone, which increased his levels, and the pain in his body disappeared.”
Available IV Nutritional Therapies
IV Harmony Clinic also offers a wide variety of intravenous (IV) nutritional therapies, which rapidly and efficiently deliver essential vitamins and nutrients to the body through the patient’s veins. These therapies — which
provide your choice of a variety of B vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc, are designed to contribute to the patient’s overall health and wellness. Rosado says IV therapy delivers essential nutrients directly to the system, making it beneficial for deficiencies, immune support and for providing energy boosts. Bypassing the digestive system enhances absorption of these nutrients, aiding individuals with digestive issues. The therapy supports detoxification, boosts immune function, improves athletic performance, aids hangover relief and promotes skin health through nutrient and antioxidant support for collagen production.
Monthly Memberships
IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers a convenient membership program for monthly infusions. Members receive discounts on any service at the Clinic and also are allowed to share their IV treatment services with their family members. While IV Harmony does not accept health insurance, it does accept HSA and FSA and patients also can use their Care Credits. IV Harmony also offers a rewards program for referrals. When not at their clinic, Vargas and Rosado are cycling fans who assemble at church on the weekend. They have a 12-year-old daughter and a pet guinea pig. IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness is located at 2749 E. County Line Rd. in Lutz. The office is open Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday,. For more information, visit IVHarmonyClinic.com, call (813) 3253870 or see the ad on pg. 41.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
25
Jeffrey Allen Inc. — Where Golf Cars Are A 50-Year Family Tradition! By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Neighborhood News Correspondent Established in 1970 by Alan B. Sverdlow, Jeffrey Allen Inc. has evolved into a prominent third-generation family-owned golf car dealership and service provider. Initially focused on distributing deep-cycle batteries to the golf course industry, the company underwent a transformative phase under second-generation CEO Jeff Sverdlow, who, driven by his love of golf, helped Jeffrey Allen Inc. become one of the largest and most successful factory-authorized commercial dealers of Club Car Inc. in Florida. In the 1990s, the third-generation brothers, Ben and Craig Sverdlow, assumed key roles in the business. Recognizing untapped opportunities in the commercial marketplace, they strategically expanded the company’s offerings beyond the golf industry. With locations in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale, Jeffrey Allen Inc. also rents HuntVe electric UTVs, Westward utility vehicles, Madjax electric vehicles, and Garia luxury golf cars and owns one of the largest fleets of rental vehicles in Florida, in addition to its golf car sales. The company also just entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Bolt Energy USA. Ben Sverdlow, Owner and President, explains, “Over the last 10 years, the focus shifted once again to selling consumer golf cars (Note — although most people still call them golf carts, Sverdlow and his employees call them golf cars because of the years of dramatic improvements in the performance of the vehicles) used for recreation and aftermarket lithium battery development and sales. Most recently, we’ve launched a new division selling aftermarket lithium batteries. Bolt Battery USA has been launched and is gaining a lot of traction. Bolt products were designed for the harsh workload required to power high-performance golf cars.” Jeffrey Allen Inc. allows clients to customize their dream golf cars in person or conveniently online. When a customer “builds” a golf car online, they have to select a dealer. Jeffrey Allen Inc. then works with them on building, customizing, financing and delivering their new vehicle. Customers also have the option to pick up their golf cars with their own trailers.
(Above left) Alan Sverdlow (far left) founded Jeffrey Allen Inc. in 1970. (Right, l.-r.) Ben, Craig & Jeff Sverdlow. (Next page, left) Jeffrey Allen Inc.’s West Coast showroom on U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa. (Right, l.-r.) Club Car Onward, Garia & CRU. (All photos provided by Jeffrey Allen Inc.) new golf car customers some advice. reviews you’ll find of his experience with Carlos Roque, Jeffrey Allen’s VP of “Golf cars are equipment, and all Jeffrey Allen Inc. Sales, describes what separates the company equipment eventually breaks,” he says. “We “I just took delivery of my brand new from its competitors. highly recommend you purchase an Amer2024 Club Car Onward golf car, and I have “As one of the largest dealers in the to say it was well worth the wait!!! The team nation,” Roque says, “our brand and reputa- ican-made vehicle where parts availability is good and there are many servicing dealers at Jeffrey Allen Inc. Tampa went above and tion are very important to us. With all the who can support you down the road.” beyond, ensuring an outstanding buying exnew golf cars entering the market, selling Promising fair and transparent pricing, perience…Of course, I can’t forget the team the product is secondary to quality service the company services most makes and modthat built our car to exactly our customizaafter the sale.” els and offers mobile repair field technicians tions. The entire team did an amazing job! I He adds that today’s customers seek in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hardee, would highly recommend to anyone looking top-notch service when shopping for their Hernando, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota to buy a golf car to go by and check out Jefgolf car brands. “Parts availability, servicefrey Allen Inc. You won’t be disappointed.” counties. If the repair can’t be completed at ability and support from the manufacturer Not only does the company sell golf cars your location, the golf car will be transportare important features we hone in on when and batteries, it also offers rental golf cars for selecting new products to represent,” Roque ed to the shop at no additional cost. commercial and special event purposes. Satisfied customer Christian de Paulsen says.”Our customers have supported us for Commercial golf cars are built to over 50 years because of our commitment to left one of the hundreds of five-star Google them. ‘The customer comes first’ is not just a catchy phrase at Jeffrey Allen Inc.; it is part of our core values and our decision-making process. Simply, if it’s not good for our customers, it is not good for our company.” Sverdlow and his team work hard to keep up to date with the latest trends and technological advancements in the industry. “Fortunately, our primary brands of vehicles we represent are all ‘tip of the spear’ when it comes to innovation,” Sverdlow says. “We also participate in best practice groups, read every trade publication available and are quick to test and vet new products as they become available. We are very cautious about what brands we sell. All products we represent must be of the highest quality for our clients.” As an industry expert, Sverdlow offers
26 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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withstand heavy-duty usage for most commercial applications. They are used in many industries, such as resorts, hotels, building and lawn maintenance, municipalities and educational institutions. “Golf cars have become very important tools at commercial facilities,” Sverdlow says. “These operations simply don’t function without their utility vehicles. Our commercial golf and utility rental team provides services for many types of events. Our golf cars are used for things like event set-up, material handling, transporting personnel, security, refuse removal, engineering and administrative purposes.” For special events, 2-, 4- and 6-passen-
sumer golf cars are custom-outfitted by the customer. Whether it’s a paint job, reupholstered seats, or speed modifications, the options are endless.” ger rental golf cars have become popular for The company also takes accessibility weddings, church events, corporate and non- into consideration with each car. profit events, parades, fairs, festivals, concerts, “We work closely with our manufacsporting events and golf tournaments. turer to design ADA (Americans with Dis“Especially in Florida, golf cars have abilities Act) compliance and other specialty become part of the lifestyle,” Sverdlow says. vehicles, such as accessibility for wheelchairs “Many communities have embraced them as and emergency vehicles used by first reexcellent modes of transportation and have sponders,” explains Roque. reduced the need for parking. We believe Jeffrey Allen Inc.’s success is measured that more communities and municipalities in business milestones and the stories of famwill continue this trend, drafting rules and ilies creating enduring memories through laws that are favorable to this small wheelshared experiences with their golf cars. The powered vehicle market.” company actively engages in philanthropic He adds, “Consumers have embraced initiatives, supporting local activities for vetthe golf car to ‘have fun’; it’s become part erans, children and food drives, underscorof our culture here in Florida. Our coning a commitment to community impact.
Sverdlow says the favorite stories the company hears are how often their golf cars have brought families together, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities. “The simple trip to the grocery store becomes an adventure for young kids and teens when they ride in the golf car with their parents,” he explains. “An evening ride around the neighborhood, a ride to the community pool and social events are just a few ways our customers enjoy their golf cars. (They spend) quality time talking, laughing and making memories on our products.” The West Coast division of Jeffrey Allen Inc. is located at 4401 U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa, and is open Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Sat. by appointment. For more info, call (800) 282-6256, visit JeffreyAllenInc.com/west-coast-greatertampa or see the ad on pg. 37.
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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
27
Medicare & Health Care Insurance Help From Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent Chris Assefa has been in the insurance industry for more than 20 years, and one thing she knows for sure is that insurance — especially when it comes to health insurance and Medicare — can be very confusing for those without her experience. “Our mantra is helping, resolving and relieving one person at a time,” she says. Chris, a former Wesley Chapel resident, founded Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions in 2019. She is an insurance broker whose license, regulated by the Florida Department of Finance, allows her to sell life insurance, health insurance and variable annuities anywhere in the state. She also is licensed in Georgia and New York. While her license allows her to do many things, she chooses to focus on Medicare and private health care plans. Chris says she currently spends most of her time educating people about Medicare. “What does it mean to have Medicare?,” she asks. “What are the different parts, what do they cover and what do they not cover? And, what are your options if you don’t stay on just original Medicare?” She says sometimes people think they can figure all of this out on their own, but she says it’s really too confusing and things change too often for someone to try to navigate the Medicare system without objective, professional help. In fact, she says that some of the confusion comes from the abundant commercials and other marketing tactics that try to convince people to choose one Medicare plan over another. Chris’s advice is to go to an insurance broker who is unbiased and knowledgeable in helping you choose the plan that will be best for you. “You need someone familiar with the territory and the landscape,” she says. She would love for you to consider
���
(Left) Chris Assefa, the founder of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry and helps her clients (right) navigate the complexities of Medicare & health insurance. (Photos by Charmaine George)
picking up the phone to give her a call. “It doesn’t matter to me which carrier or plan you go with,” Chris explains. “I’m a consultant who can help you figure out which of the carriers and products can best meet your needs.” She works to build long-term relationships with her clients so that, year after year, when the open enrollment period comes along, she can help each person choose the exact product that’s best for them at that time, too. At each point, people have different needs, and the plans from carriers such as Florida Blue, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare and others will change, as well.
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to you for appointments. Chris says that’s her typical way of meeting with clients. She’ll meet you in your home or wherever is most convenient for you, although she’s happy to have you come to her office in West Tampa, if that’s what you prefer. Chris says that giving back to the West Tampa community, which has a lot of needs, is very important to her. “I do a monthly food pantry here,” she says. She also is registered as an
Getting Started Here
When Chris first moved to Florida from New York, she moved to Wesley Chapel and lived in Lexington Oaks. She’s still close with several neighbors there, who are friends and also refer their friends to her. That’s how Wesley Chapel resident Laura Margoli first met Chris. “When I retired from banking last year, I called Chris to help me with my Medicare,” says Laura. “It’s very confusing, even for an educated person, be-
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cause there’s so much going on, so many options and so many things to consider.” Laura says she has been impressed with Chris’s expertise and how well she explains information. “She also calls back to make sure you understand and see if you need anything else,” Laura says. “It’s old schoolstyle customer service. And, she’s friendly and has a great personality.” Laura also says that Chris is very accommodating and is happy to come
Steven Kessel REALTOR® Call me (781) 246-1234 StevenKesselRealtor.com
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28 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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“access partner” through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), so that members of the community can make an appointment for her to help them apply for food stamps and Medicaid.
Understanding Medicare
Medicare is typically for those ages 65 years old or older, as well as for those who have a disability. Chris says that you shouldn’t wait until you turn 65 to really learn about how Medicare works. “You want to be educated before, when you’re about 63,” she says. “Many people believe they’re going to have comprehensive coverage, but that’s not (always) the truth.” The open enrollment period for Medicare ended Dec. 7, and the policies become effective in January. At that time, there is another period where changes can be made under the “Medicare Advantage” open enrollment period. Chris says that you can call her anytime, not just during open enrollment. “Maybe I can help you, maybe I can’t,” she says, “but I’m still happy to give you advice.” Then, whenever it is time to make a change, she’ll know what you need and will be able to get you in the right plan with the right carrier.
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Health Care
There are many people who don’t qualify for Medicare but who still need health insurance. While some receive insurance through their employers, anyone who is self-employed or needs to purchase their own insurance can do so with the help of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions. Chris says these plans go by many names, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, Obamacare, or Health Insurance Marketplace. All these names refer to the same plans, which are regulated by the federal government. “Especially if you’re self-employed, let’s have that conversation to give you peace of mind,” says Chris. “You just never know what you might learn.” She says the open enrollment period for these plans ends January 15. “There’s no cost to an individual to talk with me,” Chris explains. “And every conversation I have with people shows them — and me — that they need (someone like) me.” Laura agrees. “Chris is super knowledgeable,” Laura says. “She would have made a great teacher. I highly recommend her.” For more info about Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, visit BleuSkysInsurance.com, call Chris at (813) 360-1884, or see the ad on page 36.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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30 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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The Readers Have Spoken! But, Did You End Up Winning Free Dining? After more than 1,500 total votes by our readers in our ten total categories, we finally can name our readers’ Favorite Restaurants for 2023 in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. As I should have anticipated, we had by far the most votes — nearly 500 — for your Five Favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel (see pg. 34), which started in July, and more than 300 votes for your Five Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa (also started in July), plus more than 200 votes for your Favorite Pizza Place in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel (started in August). By contrast, we did not reach triple digits for your Favorite Bar or Tavern in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, and the same goes for the other categories we didn’t start until October — Favorite Mexican/SW Place, Favorite Burger and Favorite Breakfast Places. Even so, the good news is that we had way more total entries this year than last and actually approached our all-time record for most total entries into this contest, so even though we likely will tweak how many questions we ask each issue next year, we probably will still keep the same format, rather than go
Congratulations To This Year’s Dining Contest Winners! $100 —Jeremy Kamper, Tampa Palms $60 —Leigh Tanner, Seven Oaks $30 —Alison Erickson, Williamsburg $30 —Stephanie Marshall, K-Bar back to the previous format of including every category on one page every issue over the same period of time. And, another thing we loved about this year’s contest format is that we had dozens of you who entered more than once and received an additional entry to win free dining every time you properly told us your favorite in another one of our categories. There were probably even at least 50-60 of you who told us your favorites in EVERY one of our categories! Great job! So, which of you won this year’s FREE gift cards to the restaurants of your choice in the Tampa Bay area? See the box above — and don’t forget that if you’re named here, you won’t receive your prize until you tell us the restaurant you want for your free gift card. — GN
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
31
Stonewood Edges Via Italia As Your Favorite Restaurant In New Tampa! The Grill At Morris Bridge, Cali Tampa Palms & The Fat RabbitPub Round Out The Top 5!
1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Pointe at Tampa Palms (813) 978-0388 StonewoodGrill.com
When our 2022 Dining Survey asked our readers to name their Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, Stonewood Grill & Tavern finished fourth in that overall voting (behind three restaurants based in or near Wesley Chapel), but still finished as the New Tampa restaurant our readers liked best. That means that with its win again this year, the minichain (with fewer than ten Tampa Bay-area locations), has won the title of our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa for each of the last eight years, after finishing as our readers’ second Favorite in New Tampa in 2015. There’s no doubt that Stonewood’s long history in the same location and its never-wavering commitment to quality food and outstanding service has kept it at #1 with our readers for nearly a decade.
(Above) The quality of long-standing favorites like its bruschetta appetizer, plus it always-outstanding service, has kept Stonewood Grill & Tavern as our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa for eight consecutive years.
2. Via Italia Wood Fired Pizza & Bar
8644 Hunter’s Village Rd., Village at Hunter’s Lake (813) 475-4857 EatViaItalia.com In one of the closer votes in recent memory in New Tampa, Via Italia narrowly trailed Stonewood with our readers in this year’s voting. Since it first opened in 2020, owner Roberto Maganuco’s quality pizza and pasta restaurant and bar has improved its finish with our readers every year — from 9th in 2020, to 4th in 2021, 3rd in 2022 and now 2nd in New Tampa for 2023. Via Italia offers more different styles of pizza than you’ll find anywhere else, and its many varieties of authentic Italian pastas keeps helping it add new fans.
(Above) The pasta Bolognese at Via Italia Wood Fired Pizza & Bar is one reason the restaurant has risen in the rankings with our readers every year since it first opened in 2020.
3. The Grill at Morris Bridge 10920 Cross Creek Blvd., Cross Creek Commons (813) 388-5353 TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com; or see the ad on pg. 31
Because it opened as the reader voting was already ending in late 2021, The Grill at Morris Bridge finished as the second Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa last year and third in this year’s voting. Owners and brothers Frank and Jimmy Gouveia added our area’s only true tomahawk ribeye steak to The Grill’s already impressive menu, which also features outstanding fresh fish and seafood and the Gouveias have constantly evaluated and improved the menu since it opened. The Grill also features New Tampa’s most extensive wine list and excellent service.
(Above) The seafood risotto at The Grill at Morris Bridge includes shrimp, scallops, lobster and a lobster cream sauce. The Grill has finished in the top-three with our readers in both 2022 and 2023.
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4. Cali
17004 Palm Pointe Dr. Shoppes at The Pointe (813) 975-1222 EatCali.com
Cali, the mini-chain previously called Ciccio & Tony’s and then Ciccio Cali, has finished as high as 2nd Favorite in New Tampa with our readers more than once, but the restaurant that first brought “bowl culture” to New Tampa also has somehow — and somewhat surprisingly — missed the top-25 a couple of times (including last year) after finishing 7th in 2021.
5. Fat Rabbit Pub 16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. City Plaza at Tampa Palms (813) 252-3004 FatRabbitPub.com
Having finished as high as 4th with our readers, and also being the runaway winner as Favorite Bar in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel this year (see pg. 36), the Fat Rabbit has been a pretty consistent favorite for its crispy, delicious wings, great burgers, sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, a wide variety of crispy tater tots and other bar favorites, along with a great “vibe.”
6. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine
17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 978-1225 LiangsBistroTampa.com
Another consistent favorite with our readers, Liang’s was 4th Favorite in New Tampa last year, 3rd in 2021, 5th in 2020, 3rd in 2019, 3rd in 2018 and...well, you get the idea. Liang’s Asian fusion cuisine also has kept it atop our Favorite Asian Restaurant in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel reader rankings pretty much every year it has been open — and repeated that win again this year (see pg. 36).
7. Fresh Kitchen
8648 Hunter’s Village Rd. The Village at Hunter’s Lake (813) 336-3800 EatFreshKitchen.com Fresh Kitchen has elevated the fast-casual bowl concept to both a science and an art form, as even the sometimes long lines (especially at lunch time) never really slow you down and the options are all delicious and definitely offers healthy options. The Florida-based chain, now with 12 locations, has only been open here since 2021, but it finished as the 10th Favorite in New Tampa with our readers that year and was up to 9th Favorite last year and has now jumped up to 7th for 2023. Neighborhood News
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8. Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Oak Ramble Plaza (813) 977-4104 DunderbaksBeer.wordpress.com
Although it mysteriously disappeared from last year’s top-25 with our readers, Mr. Dunderbak’s and its German cuisine has otherwise been super-consistent — 2nd in 2021, 3rd in 2020 and 4th in 2019. Also known for its huge selection of beers, Mr. D’s is Tampa’s “German Bierhalle, Braueri, Marketplatz und Restaurant”
9. Olive Garden 17011 Palms Pointe Dr. The Pointe at Tampa Palms (813) 866-5253 OliveGarden.com
This is the one restaurant that has ranked with our readers nearly every year that I simply don’t understand, other than for its value. Even with its unlimited salad (which I do like) and breadsticks, I have never been a fan. Although Olive Garden missed our readers’ top-25 in New Tampa last year, it finished 23rd in 2021 and 14th in 2020.
10. Minerva
19050 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. New Tampa Plaza (813) 978-8586 MinervaTampa.com
Not only is this Minerva’s first-ever top-10 finish with our readers, I’m pretty sure it’s the first Indian restaurant to ever crack the readers’ top-10. Known for its huge lunch buffet and dishes from every region in India, Minerva has won “Favorite Indian Restaurant in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel” before, but this was a major rise in its overall rank.
Our Readers’ 2023 Top-25 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa (#s 11-25)
11. Sushi Cafe 12. Lima Peruvian Cuisine 13. Frammi American Grille & Italian Food 14. Chili’s Grill & Bar 15. Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar 16. Glory Days Grill 17. EggTown 18. Thai Lanna & Sushi 19. First Watch 20. (tie) Kobe Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse 20 (tie) Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood 22. Acropolis Greek Taverna 23. Capri Pizza & Pasta 24. (tie) Gorkhali Kitchen Tampa
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
33
Noble Crust Three-Peats As Your Favorite Restaurant In Wesley Chapel! Azteca D’Oro Finishes 2nd & Grillsmith 3rd In Super-Close 2023 Readers Dining Survey & Contest
1. Noble Crust
28330 Paseo Dr., Shops at Wiregrass (813) 703-2602 Noble-Crust.com Since it only has three locations — Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood and the original in St. Pete — you can’t really call Noble Crust a chain. What you can call it, however, is a three-peat winner as our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel. Noble Crust, which is known for its Southerninspired Italian fare, craft cocktails and great vibe, has been in our readers’ top-5 every year since it opened in the Shops at Wiregrass in 2017, and has taken home top honors for 2021, 2022 & 2023. Although runner-up finisher Azteca D’Oro (see below) had the most first-place votes, Noble Crust had more 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th- and 5th-place votes than any other Wesley Chapel restaurant this year to secure the top spot with our readers.
(Above) Its unique fusion of Italian and Southern cuisine has made Noble Crust in The Shops at Wiregrass the winner of our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel for three consecutive years. (Photo by Charmaine George)
Our Readers’ 2023 Top-25 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel
1. Noble Crust 2. Azteca D’Oro 3. Grillsmith 4. Bonefish Grill 5. Zukku-San 6. The Living Room 7. BJ’s Brewhouse 8. Bahama Breeze 9. Ford’s Garage 10. Bubba’s 33 11. Texas Roadhouse 12. Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant 13. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen 14. Chuy’s Tex-Mex 15. PizzaMania 16. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 17. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 18. TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant 19. Amici Pizza 20. Outback Steak House 21. Umu Japanese & Thai 22. First Watch 23. Hungry Greek 24. (tie) Yamato Japanese Restaurant 24. (tie) Sonny’s BBQ
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2023 Dining Contest Results — Individual Category Winners YOUR FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN NT/WC 1. Liang’s Bistro 2. Sushi Café 3. Asian Buffet 4. Zukku-San 5. Yamato
YOUR FAVORITE BURGER PLACES IN NT/WC 1. Burger Monger 2. Burger 21 3. Five Guys 4. Bubba’s 33 5. Red Robin
YOUR FAVORITE BARS IN NT/WC 1. Fat Rabbit 2. Brass Tap 3. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 4. Glory Days Grill 5. Peabody’s
YOUR FAVORITE LATIN RESTAURANTS IN NT/WC 1. Rice N Beans 2. Lima 3. Latin Twist 4. Las Palmas 5. Mojo Grill
YOUR FAVORITE BREAKFAST PLACES IN NT/WC 1. First Watch 2. Brunchies 3. EggTown 4. Keke’s 5. Happy Hangar
YOUR FAVORITE MEXICAN/SW RESTAURANTS IN NT/WC 1. Azteca D’Oro 2. Cantina 3. Vallarta’s 4. Señor Tequila 5. Chuy’s Tex-Mex
YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA PLACES IN NT/WC 1. PizzaMania 2. Via Italia 3. NY NY 4. Marco’s 5. 900º Woodfired & NY Pizza* 6. Bosco’s 7. Amici 8. Capri Pizza 9. Taste of NY 10. Fratelli’s * Since not everyone who voted for 900º Woodfired Pizza & 900º NY Pizza specified which place they were voting for, we combined all of their votes for this category.
YOUR FAVORITE PLACES FOR SUSHI IN NT/WC 1. Zukku-San 2. Sushi Café 3. Bonsai 4. Crazy Sushi 5. Umu Unfortunately, the categories that we didn’t include until October got a lot less votes than those we started in September. For example, we had fewer than 100 votes in the “Favorite Bar” category, but more than 200 votes in the “Favorite Pizza” category — and every pizza place in the top-10 (left) received at least 20 votes. We congratulate all of this year’s winning restaurants, but will likely change up the categories again next year, as we ran out of time to include all of the categories we intended to have this year. — GN
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Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen — You Love The Beer, Now Try The Food! By GARY NAGER Although I’m pretty sure that even most of you non-beer drinkers have at least heard of Yuengling beer, you may or may not realize that Yuengling is the oldest brewery in America. It was established in 1829, when David G. Yuengling arrived from Wuerttemberg, Germany, to settle in the sleepy, coal-mining town of Pottsville, PA. And, even though a fire completely destroyed Dick’s original brewery on Centre. St., the newer brewery built on Mahantongo St. in Pottsville in 1831 is still the site of the oldest brewery in the U.S. With demand for its beers growing, the Yuengling family, led by David’s great-great grandson Dick Yuengling, Jr. (who first took over ownership of the brewery in 1985) purchased the former Stroh’s brewery on N. 30th St. (south of Fowler Ave.) in 1999. For most of the time that Yuengling has owned the brewery in Tampa, there was only a small tasting room to sample the different beers the brewery brewed and sold. VP of hospitality Brent Wertz, says that changed in 2020, when the Yuengling family became part of Tampa Innovation, a group that includes most of the major businesses in North Tampa (including USF, Busch Gardens, the Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth Tampa) and was seeking to modernize this area. That was the year the Yuengling family began working on opening what is now called the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, a 42,000-sq.-ft. building with a 1.5-acre outdoor patio area. The Draft Haus, which opened under Wertz’s leadership in June of this year, offers unique chef-created food and 11 of the 12 Yuengling brews available to go with the beer-inspired menu. The Draft Haus also is home to the First Brew coffee bar and Mayday Ice Cream concession stand, as well as a 100 (or so)-seat private banquet hall and the coming-soon Brewhouse Bistro, located on the outdoor patio, which will feature its own menu to be compatible with the patio’s cornhole and other outdoor games and entertainment.
Bring On The Food!
Wertz, who has spent his entire 30-year career in the food and beverage departments of 4- and 5-star resorts (most recently with Hershey Park in Hershey, PA), says that the menu created by the Draft Haus & Kitchen’s
(Above left) Our editor’s favorite potato-crusted Gulf snapper at the Yuengling Draft Haus on N. 30th St. in Tampa. (Above right) The new “Colors of Christmas” salad. (Below left) The variety of “Hop-Tails” at the Draft Haus. (Below right, top to bottom) The “Holiday Bird” plate, the “Tampa Style Pulled Pork” sandwich & the “Gingerbread Whoopie Pie Cake.” (Hop-Tail photo: Yuengling Draft Haus; other photos by Charmaine George & Gary Nager).
executive chef Sean Eckman (whose previous experience also is mainly at top-level resorts, including The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC) is not only designed to pair with beer, but many of the food recipes also include different Yuengling beers. For example, my favorite item at the Draft Haus is the potato-crusted Gulf snapper, which sits on a bed of mac & beer cheese, served with white BBQ slaw and mayo-ketchup tartar sauce, and is made to pair with the Yuengling Traditional Lager or Golden Pilsner. “We change the menu every couple of months,” Wertz says, “right now, we have a few holiday-themed menu items.” My favorite among those new items is the “Holiday Bird,” a crispy buttermilk fried chicken breast atop a giant scoop of skin-on redskin mashed potatoes and “Grandma-style” brown
gravy, It’s served with two crispy waffles that are made from tasty stuffing and topped with a zesty cranberry relish. “We actually pour the stuffing into a waffle maker,” Wertz says. “It’s perfect for those who like the crisp edges of stuffing from the oven.” I also really enjoyed the “Colors of Christmas” salad — with mixed greens, goat cheese, pomegranate, orange sections, wassail vinaigrette and topped with crispy onions — and the “Tampa Style Pulled Pork” sandwich, which features shredded mojo-roasted pork shoulder on a toasted brioche bun, topped with beer cheese and white BBQ slaw and crispy onions. And, although I don’t love mushrooms, photographer Charmaine George said she loved the new “Fungi Burger,” which features two smash burger-style patties on a garlic butter croissant, with truffle hop aioli, marinated ‘shrooms and
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fontina and gruyere cheeses. I can vouch for the other burgers, as the “YDH&K Cheeseburger,” with American cheese, pork jam, house-made 1000 Island dressing, dill pickles and lettuce, tomato & onion on a Kaiser bun, is another of my favorite Draft Haus items. Wertz says, “We also feature traditional food items most beer drinkers love — like ‘Mrs. T’s’ Pierogies (served with beer cheese), ‘DIY Deviled Eggs’ (made with beer mustard) and ‘Black & Tan Chili Cheese Fries’ — and items like YDH&K ‘Signature Lobster Bisque,’ a grilled turkey paillard club sandwich and smoked Angus short ribs.” The holiday dessert manu includes a super-unique “Gingerbread Whoopie Pie Cake,” made with an eggnog ganache. We complemented our meal with a “Try ‘Em All Flight,” with 6-oz. samples of all ten brews currently available at the Draft Haus — the Traditional and Light Lagers, Golden Pilsner, Flight (light), Bongo (mango) Fizz,
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Lord Chesterfield Ale, Dark-Brewed Porter, Yuengling Premium, Hershey’s Chocolate Porter and my favorite — the Black & Tan. Charmaine raved about the Bongo Fizz Mango Mojito “Hop-Tail,” with muddled lime, clapped mint, cane syrup and mango purée. And, while Wertz says there is no plan to add hard alcohol, there are a few canned wines available. After lunch, I picked up a tasty vanilla latté at First Brew and a six pack of Black & Tan at the retail store (every Yuengling beer is for sale there), which also has lots of Yuenglingbranded clothing and gift items. We’ll go back to check out the outdoor patio when the Brewhouse Bistro opens next month. The Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen (11109 N. 30th St.) is closed Tues.-Wed., but is open 4 p.m.-10 p.m. on Mon. & Thur., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call (813) 488-6444, visit Yuengling.com or see the ad on pg. 30.
(Above) Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen Executive Chef Sean Eckman (left) and VP of Hospitality Brent Wertz. (Below left) The Draft Haus’ huge retail store. (Below right) The private 100-seat banquet room at the Draft Haus is available for your private parties beginning in January., as it is booked through Dec. (All photos on this page by Charmaine George)
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39
Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli — A Great Sandwich Place & Meat Market In One! By GARY NAGER When Daxton (Dax) McLochlin and his brother Drew were kids, they used to stay at their Grandpa’s condo in the Saddlebrook Resort community when their family would visit Florida from their native Indiana. The McLochlin brothers loved visiting our area, with its much warmer climate and beautiful beaches a short drive away. When Dax tore his arm up during his sophomore year at Huntington University in Indiana, he transferred to the University of South Florida hoping to walk on the baseball team. When that didn’t work out for him, Dax worked a number of sales jobs, while Drew got a job working for the Tampa Bay Bucs. The brothers had no idea at that time they would partner up with their entire family to open Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli in the Grand Oaks Plaza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz. “We loved this place called Rick’s Custom Meats + Deli in Plant City,” Dax says, “so we modeled pretty much everything about our store after theirs, when we saw that the Wesley Chapel area didn’t really have a great meat market. Without Rick’s, none of this would even be possible.” Boneless certified Angus ribeye, NY strip and filet mignon steaks are the main stars in the Mac’s meat case and I can vouch
(Above left) Dax (left) & Drew McLochlin invite you to visit Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli in the Grand Oaks Plaza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz. (Above right). How about a freshly grilled steak sandwich? (Below right) The fresh certified Angus boneless (l.-r.) NY strip, filet mignon & ribeye steaks at Mac’s. (Bottom left) Everyone loves Mac’s fresh-pressed Cubans. (Photos by Charmaine George & Dax McLochlin)
for how delicious and tender all of those steaks are when you grill them. The meat case also features huge chicken breasts and wings, a variety of pork products (including beautiful chops and fresh bacon), as well as ground beef, Nathan’s Kosher-style hot dogs, beef jerky and more. Dax says that on the first Saturday of pretty much every month since the store opened, Mac’s has hosted a “Grill & Chill” event where Dax and Drew’s dad Mike grills one or more of those delicious meats and the store sells plates of them with a side of chips and a drink, “to introduce our customers to some of the different meat options we carry,” Dax says. To date, Jannah and I have enjoyed the hamburger, chicken and steak fajita and hot dog Grill & Chills, which also always feature one of Mac’s delicious self-branded sauces. Dax and I agree that the “Chick’n Dippin’ Sauce” is our favorite.
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But, What About The Deli?
I’m so glad you asked. Mac’s, which opened with a different brand of sliced deli meats and cheeses for its sandwiches, switched over to Boar’s Head® brand a few months ago, “because it seemed like pretty much everyone requested it,” Dax says. “We definitely sell a lot more sandwiches than meat. And, all of our customers really love our pressed Cubans.” And, those Cubans come in a nice variety of options, including not only a traditional, with ham, pork, salami and Swiss cheese, but also turkey, ham & cheese and my favorite roast beef Cuban with Swiss (or provolone), all on fresh pressed Cuban bread. There also are “Mac Daddy” (with double the ham) and “Big Mac” (with double roast beef, turkey, ham and cheese) Cuban options. You can even get grilled cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, pork and steak sandwiches at Mac’s. The grilled Boar’s Head pastrami and cheese pressed on Cuban bread also is a must-try, and all of the Boar’s Head meats and cheeses are available by the pound. There’s also tuna and egg salad, cole slaw, potato and macaroni salad available. And, all frozen meat is 30% off regular prices, with deeper discounts available on certain Wednesdays. “Drew and I also want to give a shout-out to our entire family — our dad Mike, mom Jessi, my wife Macaley and my young son Chance” for being so supportive of us during this journey,” Dax says. In other words, if you haven’t yet checked out Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli, please visit the clean, attractive shop soon — and please tell Dax and Drew we sent you! Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli (26316 Wesley
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(Above) Try Mac’s self-labeled sauces. (Below) The fresh chicken options in Mac’s meat case.
Chapel Blvd.) is open Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. It is closed Sun. & Mon. For more info, call (813) 428-6573, search “Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli” on Facebook or see the ad on pg. 45.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
41
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Opens On S.R. 56!
Welcome to the neighborhood, Cooper’s Hawk! The winery and restaurant chain, with more than 55 locations in ten U.S. states (including more than a dozen in Florida) began celebrating its Nov. 20 Grand Opening on S.R. 56 a few days earlier with some Friends & Family days and a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting (photo below left) on Nov. 18. As long-time Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club members who also have eaten at the restaurants in Tampa and Sarasota dozens of times, Jannah and I were as excited about the Wesley Chapel opening as the rest of the community appears to be. Founder and CEO Tim McEnery WESLEY CHAPEL was on-hand for Cooper’s Hawk’s NTBC ribbon-cutting event and, since he opened his first location in Orland Park, IL, in 2005, the restaurant chain’s wines have won nearly 600 awards and the food (some of which is shown on this page) is definitely a cut above what you find at most chain eateries. In addition, Wine Club members receive a number of outstanding benefits, including two free wine tastings (the “Lux” tastings come with a small upcharge), accumulating points for each time you dine at the restaurant, a credit for free dining on your birthday and much more. And, even though I used to wonder how a winery located in Photo above courtesy of North Tampa Bay Chamber Woodridge, IL, could possibly offer
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a wide variety of delicious wines, after eight years of tastings and dozens of bottles that we have both enjoyed ourselves and given as gifts to other oenophiles, I can assure you that a Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club membership is the way to go. (Clockwise from top left) Among the menu items we sampled during The grapes the company the pre-opening of Cooper’s Hawk include the tasty pan-roasted mahiimports from every great mahi, churrasco steak and fried calamari. (Photos: Charmaine George) winemaking region across so far has been super-attentive and on point. the globe are blended There’s even a private dining area for into everything from Barbera to Zinfandel, up to 48 guests that can be divided into two with lots of options for both you sweet wine 24-seat private rooms perfect for birthday drinkers and for those who prefer a little parties and other special occasions. dust on their palates when they imbibe. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & RestauAnd, if you prefer hard liquor or beer rant (28963 S.R. 56) is open every day over wine, Cooper’s Hawk has an ultrafor lunch & dinner. For more info, visit premium bar to meet your needs, too. CHWinery.com or call (813) 755-4445 The best news of all is that although dining at Cooper’s Hawk isn’t a 15-30-min- & tell GM Joseph McCracken & his staff that we sent you! — GN ute process, the service we have experienced
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Rice & Beans Opens Its ‘Express’ Location On S.R. 54
WESLEY CHAPEL
Congratulations to owners Cindy and David Cruz and their entire family (photo below left) and staff on the opening — finally! — of their Rice-n-Beans Express location at 24726 S.R. 54 in Lutz, a mile or so west of the Tampa Premium Outlets. Although there are a few tables inside the new location, Rice-n-Beans Express is much more of a take-out place than the Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico restaurant on Wesley Chapel Blvd., which has a large formal dining area, a full-liquor bar and live entertainment on the weekends. The great news is that the authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at the Express location is just as delicious as at the WC Blvd. restaurant. Jannah and I were happy to be invited to the private Friends & Family ribbon cutting event on Nov. 9, which included a great live DJ, free homemade sangria and samples of many of the new restaurant’s many menu items. Our favorites included the fritters/ empanadas, which include traditional beef (top left photo), chicken and even ham & cheese options, as well as a unique spinach, artichoke and cheese version that had its own delicious flavor. We also loved the rotisserie chickens (top right photo) that provide the centerpiece of the new Express location, as well as the Cuban sandwiches and yes, both the red and the black beans and rice. Since that truly wonderful Grand Opening event, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I have sampled quite a few other menu items at Rice-n-Beans
Express, including the pernil (roast pork; right) entrée (which comes with your choice of one or two sides), the sweet plantains, the canoa (a plantain “canoe” stuffed with ground beef & shredded cheese), the yellow rice with pigeon peas, the yucca with mojo sauce and perhaps my favorite menu item at the full-service restaurant, the chichårrons (fried pork skin; bottom right photo). The rotisserie chickens are available in a variety of sizes, from quarter chickens with one or two sides to the “Familia Grande,” which includes two whole chickens, 32 ozs. of rice, 16 ozs. of beans and two additional large sides. There’s also a huge chicken & pork combo meal. Save room for dessert because the Puerto Rico Desserts case in the Express offers vanilla and Nutella tres leches and three varieties of flan. Decadent! For more info, call (813) 428-5077 or visit “Rice N Beans” on Facebook and please tell them I sent you! — GN, photos by Charmaine George & GN
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• Largest selection of supplements in your neighborhood • First health food store in the area since 2009 • Competitive prices and price-matching • Knowledgeable staff for a personalized experience
SAVE 20%
OFF YOUR NEXT IN-STORE PURCHASE
Some exclusions apply. Not to be combined with other offers or discounts. See store for details. Exp. 12/31/23.
office@comptonandsmith.com
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
COME VISIT US! 1821 Bruce B Downs Blvd • Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813.341.4444 • nutritionsmart.com
44 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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MAC’S CUSTOM MEATS + DELI ABOUT US:
Mac’s Custom Meats is your family friendly neighborhood establishment that provides a variety of menu items for a perfect lunch spot and sells quality chicken, pork and beef for your cooking and grilling needs.
Check Out Our Holiday Special Packages: PICK 1: 2 Certified Angus Beef Top Sirloin Filets (6-8 oz each) or 2 Certified Angus Beef Top Sirloin Kabobs (6-8 oz each) or 1 Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs PICK 1: 2 Certified Angus Beef Boneless Strip Steaks (8-10 oz each) or 2 Certified Angus Beef Boneless Ribeyes (8-10 oz each) or (Add $10) 2 Certified Angus Beef Tenderloins (approx. 8 oz) PICK 1: Beef Sticks (Your Choice of Original, Hot or Teriyaki) or 1 Bag Beef Jerky (Your Choice of BBQ, Teriyaki or Original) ALL PACKAGES COST $100 & INCLUDE: 4 – 6 oz Ground Chuck Burgers 4 – Foot-Long Nathan’s Hot Dogs 2 – Boneless Chicken Breasts (12-16 oz each) 2 — Boneless Pork Chops (6-8 oz each)
SHOW THIS AD AT THE CHECK-OUT COUNTER TO RECEIVE 10% OFF ALL MEAT CASE PRODUCTS! MAC’S CUSTOM MEATS + DELI
26316 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz Sun & Mon-Closed, Tue-Fri, 11 am-6 pm, Sat-10 am-3 pm
813.428.6573
macs.custommeats.deli
Neighborhood News
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macscustommeats@gmail.com
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
45
New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds Are you or isMISCELLANEOUS someone you love struggling HOME IMPROVEMENT (Cont.)
DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 30+ years of exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-7845999. Lic. #SCC131149699
HOME IMPROVEMENT
NEED HELP PACKING, UNPACKING & ORGANIZING? Let us help you! We LOVE putting things in their place. We specialize in helping you de-clutter, organize & purge unwanted/unused items. We can unpack & organize your new home or help you prepare & pack for your move. Call 813-523-2421 or 813-469-7935 or visit homesweettampabay.com. JUNK HAULING SERVICE! We handle all types of furniture removal — bdrm sets, chairs, mattresses & box springs • Hot water heaters & hot tubs - take apart & remove • Construction material • Carpet removal • Estate, eviction, yard, garage & attic clean-outs • Ofc, home & factory • Comm’l/res’l. GorillaJunkremovalExperts.com. For appts, call/text Nigel @ 888-346-5865. AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years of exp. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere. Google us to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises. See our display ad on pg. 39!
WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHINGCOM. Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small. Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate 813-433-6015. RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Ext: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Int: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124.
with math? Do you find the material difficult to understand? Well, not anymore, because I can help make math easier for you to understand. My lessons will help you learn easy methods to solve problems. Contact Tim Rajpathak at (561) 2519093 or by email: timaculus397@gmail.com
CNA/HHA & Companion. Will provide private care in your home. 25+ years of experience. References available upon request. Call Rhonda at COMPUTER SERVICES 850-586-1868. PROF’L TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+ Cert. computer tech w/25 years of Prof’l Resume Guru & Consulting Services exp. Maint. & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More LLC. Ready to unlock your full career potential? At PRG, we specialize in resumes, cover letters, affordable than chains! Friendly, personal svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. residency statements, editing & much more! Transform your documents into a powerful tool that gets avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate! you noticed! Contact us today @ 813-405-5065 DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE or email resume_guru@outlook.com. CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Equip yourself with the skills to stay safe! RegNetworking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! ister for 2A Rated Training for self-defense training Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Exclasses. Our NRA Certified Instructors provide perience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, training to help you gain confidence & proficiency protect yourself & loved ones responsibly. Don’t ___ LAWN, & LANDSCAPING_____ to compromise your safety. Visit our website & register JOHN IDEAL LAWN & LANDSCAPES. We at 2ARatedTraining.com. Train with us. Empower provide all normal lawn & landscaping svcs: •Mow yourself. Email: info@2ARatedTraining.com. •Edge •Turf Trim •Air-Sweep •Right-of-Way Weed RAYSPHOTOGRAPHS LLC! Do you have a Control •Bed Edging •Resod •Design Your Lawn special occasion/moment you’d like to capture? •Mulch •Shrub Trim/Shape •Hedge Trim •Yard Specializing in weddings, engagements, porCleanup. “For no lawn stress, just join John’s Curb Appeal Success!” Save 12%/mo for 6 mos w/a 1-yr traits, headshots & events, allow me to capture contract. Call Maitland John @ 813.327.1039. the moments that matter most to you! Visit raysphotographs.com for samples. Call/text (813) ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, 380-2655 or email ray@raysphotographs. LLC. Complete resid’l & comm’l landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone. Patios, com. Mention this ad & receive 20% off! decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn DOES YOUR LOVED ONE NEED CARE AT care. Sod & lawn install’n, artificial turf, fencing, HOME? Faith Compassionate Home Care railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We Provides Medical & Non-Medical Home Health do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) Care svcs: Nursing care, medication mgmt, case 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials. mgmt, companion care, home health aide, respite TRANSPORTATION _ care, bowel care services, training to caregiver & more. Flexible pymt options. We accept private AIRPORT SHUTTLE SVC. C&R Transporta-tion pay only. For info, call 813-602-4431. Services of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a shuttle service 360 BOOKKEEPING LLC - We focus on your that provide safe & reliable transportation to & from your destinations.• New Tampa Transfer, $69 Bookkeeping so you can focus on your Business. Est’d business? We’ll clean up your books to get • Wesley Chapel Transfer, $79 • ZHills Transfer, you back on track. New Business? We can set $89 • Dade City Transfer, $129. Book Online @ up your chart of accounts to get you organized & Crtransportation.org or Call (813) 895-7413. efficient. Call now & get peace of mind—plus Receive a FREE T-shirt w/every transfer. 20% off set-up fees—(813) 336-1363. AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campHughes School of Music now accepting new ers/small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Procondition, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, duction, Composition or Theory with a Master of call (813) 461-0062. Music. Zoom sessions also available! Contact ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized us at 813-748-3216. 2023 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. To order your Classified ad, visit Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $45 (one way). Cory NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net! Lake Isles resident. For more info, call or text 813.765.2037.
46 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
___ REAL ESTATE & OFFICE_____
Steven Kessel, REALTOR® with Future Home Realty, Inc., has created just for you, the most advanced up to date user friendly property search engine for homes for sale in the Tampa Bay and Central Florida area. And it’s FREE for you to use and enjoy. BuyYourDreamHome.com
For Rent — Three BR, fully furnished ground floor condominium in Anand Vihar, a beautiful independent living, gated community in the lovely Wesley Chapel area in Tampa, Florida. Beautiful Club House, with a gym, swimming pool, game room, auditorium and a dining hall. Lunch or dinner Meal plans are available If needed. Contact Dinesh @ 716-830-7260 Well-appointed Prof. Ofc Space for Rent. 600 sq. ft. in New Tampa, opposite Publix on BBD. Two separate office spaces, secretarial space, good-sized bathroom, large closet with shelving & wide hallway. Plenty of parking. Excellent location for Attorney, CPA, Chiropractor, Insurance Co., IT Consultant. For leasing details, please call 813-468-9110.
CLEANING SERVICES
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. Mon-Sat. Refs avail. We supply our own cleaning products & equipmt. Call or text for free est: (305) 338-0981.
A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. FamilyOwned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly/Deep Cleaning/Move-In/Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE NoObligation Quote: 813-462-1270. Local refs. supplied upon request. MARY’S CLEANING SERVICES. We provide flexible domestic & office cleaning. “Jesus is the Lord.” Give us a call at 352-206-8809 for a free estimate or email marynovociclo@ gmail.com. PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 years of exp. Free estimates. Call 813 790-8715 or email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com.
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 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25, December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
47
48 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 25 • December 12, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews