Volume 32 Issue 3 February 6, 2024 Scan the QR code to your left with your phone to access our website!
Gabe Hassan Graduates From Wharton! Having Terminal Leukemia Couldn’t Stop This Wharton High Senior From Graduating With A 4.7 GPA
As a father of two sons and now a grandfather of six, it’s almost impossible for me to imagine what graduating Wharton High senior Gabe Hassan and his family are going through. Gabe, who is suffering from terminal leukemia, nonetheless completed all of his required credits to graduate from Wharton — with a 4.7 weighted grade point average (GPA)! — and received his diploma on Jan. 22 at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital personally from Wharton principal Mike Rowan, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools Van Ayres, and School Board Chair Karen Perez with many members of his family on hand to witness the event. The news release from Hillsborough Public Schools said, “Gabe, we so admire your hard work and perseverance through unimaginable circumstances. We are thinking of you and your family. Gabe Hassan, Wharton High graduate Class of 2024!” So, even though the Neighborhood News was not able to be on hand to see or film or interview anyone about Gabe’s graduation, we still felt that this was such a momentous occasion that he deserved this issue’s front page. Check out pgs. 4-5 to read all about Gabe. — GN
‘LEAPING’ WITH GARY!
Gabe Hassan (in cap & gown), his parents, Wharton principal Mike Rowan, Hillsborough School Board chair Karen Perez and Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres were all on hand to give Gabe his diploma for graduating from Wharton with all of the required credits and a 4.7 weighted GPA. (Photo is a screenshot from the video provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools)
Tell us why you want to help Gary celebrate his 30 years of Neighborhood News! See page 3
GOOD LUCK, SUZY!
Pride Media Specialist Suzy Tkacik is a finalist for the district-wide diversity award! See page 11
NEW TAMPA PLAYERS’ ‘DREAMGIRLS’ Some tickets may still be available for the final weekend of this hit show at NTPAC! See page 16
BELLABRAVA BEXLEY
Despite the distance, former Stonewood execs give this new Italian eatery a local feel! See page 44
Check Out What’s New At Lima! New Tampa’s Peruvian favorite adds more flavor! See pg. 40!
1 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
2 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Tell Me Why You Want To ‘Leap Into The Next 30 Years!’ By GARY NAGER and your daytime phone number from your valid email address. Editorial
As I told you last issue, my 30th anniversary of owning and being the editor of the Neighborhood News is February 25 and we will be celebrating with a big, by-invitation-only party on “Leap Day” — Thursday, February 29 — at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. The event will be called “Leaping Into Gary’s Next 30 Years Of Neighborhood News” and will feature “A Taste of the Neighborhood News,” which means that several of my Favorite Restaurants from our last issue will be providing samples that will show everyone in attendance why I actually do love all of them. Another really cool thing about the upcoming anniversary party is that the 325-350 theater seats (right photo) used for performances of “Grease,” “Shrek the Musical” and “Dreamgirls” (see pg. 16) will magically disappear and be replaced with cabaret-style table seating for about 150 people (left photo), which means that seating for this event will be extremely limited, considering how many people in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel I’ve gotten to know and have come to consider to be friends over the past 30 years. And, that’s not to mention so many of my amazing advertisers who have kept — and continue to keep — me in business where too many other publications, including daily newspapers, have gone the way of the dinosaur. And, if you attended my 25th anniversary party at Bayscape Bistro at the Heritage Isles Golf Club five years ago, you know that there will be entertainment again for this year’s bash — and yes, that entertainment will again be karaoke, this time provided by mine and Jannah’s friend Tabitha Pollard of Luna Tunes, LLC. Tabitha not only has most, if not all of the songs that Jannah and I like to sing, she also is a bit of a Broadway buff who will surely be providing lots of opportunity for those who want to belt out a hit from anything from “Grease” to “Sweeney Todd.” The only thing that will cost anyone any money at the party is the alcohol, which will be a cash bar because of the PAC’s rules. The good news, however, is that we get to select the premium adult beverages that will be offered for sale. In other words, it’s going to be a blast!
Here’s How You Can Attend!
Despite the fact that there will be plenty of invited guests, one of the things that isn’t lost on me is that I wouldn’t still be doing what I do 30 years later if not for all of you — our loyal readers! To that end, if you’re interested in getting your name on the guest list for the “Leaping Into Gary’s Next 30 Years” party, send me an email to ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com with 50 words or less (and yes, that is a hard limit) as to why you want to or should be included, by no later than Friday, February 23. Please include your name, the community you live in (Tampa Palms, Pebble Creek, etc.) Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
I will read all of the emails and choose as many people as I have seats left for, whether that’s two or 22, by no later than Monday, February 26. Please put “I Want To Leap!” in the subject line! And here’s the thing — you Gary haters out there are invited to send me an email, too. If I get any good hater emails, I will likely invite those folks to attend because I prefer to meet my haters in person than to allow them to remain anonymous. See (some of) you on the 29th!
New Tampa Neighborhood News 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!
Office Phone Number: (813) 910-2575
Advertising E-mail:
Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com
Editorial E-mail:
EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com
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 Tahvonen • 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 5, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, February 22, 2024. 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. © 2024 JM2 Communications, Inc. New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
3
Gabe Hassan’s Leukemia Can’t Keep Him From Graduating Note — No additional commentary needs to be included here. Below is the text of the 1:25 video produced by Hillsborough County Public Schools regarding the graduation of Gabe Hassan from Wharton High, which was attended not only by Wharton principal Mike Rowan, but also by Hillsborough’s Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres and School Board chair (and New Tampa resident) Karen Perez, as well as some Wharton faculty members and, of course, Gabe’s family. — GN ”My name is Mike Rowan and I am the proud principal of Wharton High School and Gabe (Hassan)’s proud principal for the last four years. Gabe has completed all his credits to graduate with a 4.7 GPA. So, that is not an easy thing for anybody. “And, at this time, what I want to give you, Gabe, I have for you a diploma cover and your high school diploma. So, congratulations, Gabe!” “We’re very proud for Gabriel,” said his father Mahmoud Hassan, with his wife Carolyn by his side, after the diploma presentation. “He worked very, very hard over the years. He made it a point to spend at least two hours a night doing his homework...he was very dedicated... he loves learning...and he persevered
(Left) Graduating Wharton High senior Gabe Hassan receives well-deserved applause as his father Mahmoud helps Gabe get to where he received his diploma from Wharton High principal Mike Rowan (top photo on next page) at John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. (Bottom photo on next page) Gabe is surrounded by his family and loved ones after receiving his diploma. (All photos on these pages are screenshots from the video produced by Hillsborough County Public Schools about Gabriel receiving his diploma.)
through his illness and he’s still persevering...and we’re just very proud of him and we’re just very happy.” “It feels great to achieve a milestone that will make way for a great future,” Gabe said. “I feel very happy about it.” “Wharton High School is such a great school to go to...and it’s so friend-
ly,” Gabe said after the ceremony. “Hillsborough County is a huge district, so for them to take the time to come out here (to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital on W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) to celebrate Gabriel’s huge accomplishment, was very big...and that meant a lot,” Mahmoud added.
The video, which is still available on Facebook (search “Hillsborough County Public Schools”), received more than 12,000 views, 700 likes, 100+ shares and dozens of wonderful comments, all of which congratulated and offered prayers for Gabe and his family and thanked the District for this special ceremony.
Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Weight Loss Program V-DAY BOGO 2 For 1 (Start Up Free)
Schedule Your Complementary Consultation!
Wesley Chapel: 1940 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. • 813.558.9500
Brandon • Wesley Chapel • South Tampa • Winter Park • Winter Garden
www.agerejuvenation.com
Dr. Dawn Ericsson,
Expires February 29, 2024
advanced programs and durations depend upon dosing, each patient may vary. Needles and shipping not be included. Results not guaranteed.
4 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Providing all traditional Estate Planning Services, including: • Probate • Wills • Trusts • Trust Administration • Advance Health Care Directives • Durable Powers of Attorney Denise A. Welter, Attorney
OFFICE NUMBER
850.388.3845 Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
2405 Creel Lane, Suite 102 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 info@welterlawoffice.com www.welterlawoffice.com
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
5
Water & Traffic Highlight Viera’s Latest Town Hall Meeting In Tampa Palms! By Gary Nager
On Jan. 24, at Compton Park in Tampa Palms, District 7 Tampa City Council member and New Tampa resident Luis Viera held what he says is about his 70th Town Hall meeting in the seven years he has served on the Council, and although there were a variety of questions asked, many of his answers referred to the “current political will” in the City of Tampa. Viera brought along representatives from the City of Tampa Water Department, including director Rory Jones, to this latest Town Hall, to provide updates on and answer questions about the city’s current watering restrictions, the smell and taste of City of Tampa water and more. But, following short presentations by Viera, Jones and Water Dept. environmental specialist Julia Palaschak, the crowd of about 50 or so people asked a number of questions about parks, sidewalk cracks, funding for mass transit and other transportation projects and what Tampa is doing to bring more affordable housing within the city limits. In other words, it was a pretty typical Town Hall event for Viera, who started the meeting by going over his recent accomplishments in New Tampa, including getting our area $10 million worth of recreation improvements — the expansion of the New Tampa Recreation Center, the addition of the city’s first-ever All Abilities Park and the recent opening of the new City Park
(Left) District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera (at podium), with representatives from the Tampa Water Dept. at the Jan. 24 Town Hall meeting Viera hosted at Compton Park in Tampa Palms. (Right) Julia Palaschak of the Tampa Water Dept. (Photos by Charmaine George) facility located between Freedom High and Liberty Middle School that is a partnership with the Hillsborough School District. Viera also discussed his intent to put a modular medical-only emergency unit in K-Bar Ranch in order to improve slow response times in the only area of New Tampa that is still growing. He also talked about his public safety master plan to study the needs and potential cost of adding more police officers and firefighters throughout the city. And, he also mentioned being happy that the resurfacing of Tampa Palms Blvd. was finally finished and that his next 33647 road resurfacing project to get done is New Tampa Blvd, in West
Meadows, although he admitted that it will be hard to get that project funded without a proper revenue source. After his introductory message, Viera turned the floor over to Jones, who basically said he brought his team of water experts, including Palaschak, to the meeting to give a status update on the city’s new outdoor watering restrictions that went into effect on Dec. 1, 2023, which limits home irrigations to one day per week. Palaschak said, “The great news is that although no one wanted to go into the holiday season with a water shortage, all of you have responded and we can clearly see that our daily water use has come down. That
is a very good sign to us that our customers listened to us and have done a good job of protecting the Hillsborough River and all of our water resources. And of course, you’re surrounded by such great water resources here, with all the wetlands and wellfields.” She added, “And of course, with El Niño being here now, this is a great time to turn your irrigation system off. But, if you’re struggling with that, I just want to tell you that one of our specialties is to come to your house. We do a very thorough job of looking at your water use history, at your property and especially, how to use your seasonal irrigation settings.”
See “Town Hall” on pg. 8.
ADVERTISEMENT
Happy Valentine’s Day from Your CBD Store Of New Tampa!
Did Your Favorite CBD Store Close? We’re located just south of the Pasco County line on BBD!
Battling with anxiety and not quite sure what to do while driving up Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Alex Colley was looking for a sign. Little did he know that sign would quite literally be the one that David Calcador, the co-owner of Your CBD Store of New Tampa, was twirling on the side of BBD. “David was out there spinning the sign, and it said ‘Free CBD Samples, Come On In,’” Alex says. “I had seen him out there before and didn’t think anything, but I’ve had anxiety for a long time, and I literally was driving by as I was having a panic attack. And I was like, ‘I guess that’s literally, my sign to go in.’” Alex went in and David gave him a sample that immediately calmed him down, and Alex has been a regular now for four months. “David is my CBD doctor,” he says, chuckling. David is quick to point out, however, that he is not a doctor. He and his wife Debra Curler are just owners of the Your CBD Store of New Tampa, located in the Pebble Creek Collection, and are true believers in the power of CBD and its healing properties. Pick a malady, and Debra can point you towards the right remedy, with David ready to answer any questions about your choices. Having trouble sleeping? They’ve got you. Anxiety? Depressed? In a lot of pain? Just need to relax? They have answers. Looking for relief from the effects of PTSD? Cancer? Arthritis? There’s a multitude of CBD products to help with those ailments. “We love helping people,” Debra says.
“It’s why we started doing this.” They also are true believers because they use some of the products they sell themselves. Debra had a knee replaced and finds that her store’s SunMed CBD-infused creams bring her relief, while David finds his issues with sleeping washed away with a nighttime gummy. “I like that they use the products and can tell you from first-hand experience what they do,” Alex says. “It’s not like deciding what to order at a steakhouse and finding out your waiter is a vegetarian.” While the effects aren’t guaranteed since everyone is different, Debra says many customers rave about the effects. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that grow on cannabis, of which both hemp and marijuana are varieties. Like “weed,” CBD originates from hemp, but has less than 0.3% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the ingredient that causes the “high,” while marijuana has higher levels of THC. Most CBD products at the store are offered as “full spectrum,” which are generally stronger but still contain no more than the legal limit of 0.3% THC, and “broad spectrum,” with no THC at all.
The Delta Experience
The recent explosion of Delta 8 and Delta 9 products has pushed the limits of the THC content in CBD products, making it more important than ever that consumers know they are legitimate. Your CBD Store only sells SunMed products that the company says are vigorously tested. In fact, a QR code on the products can be
David Calcador & Debra Curler are the co-owners of Your CBD Store New Tampa. scanned for the complete independent lab reports for each SunMed product. SunMed has recently launched Above and Beyond lines, which have higher levels of THC — but still remain below the legal limit — and are the best sellers for Debra and David. “These will be gone by the end of the weekend,” Debra says, pointing to a shelf filled with SunMed’s Above and Beyond products, The new product called Above blends Delta-8 with other cannabinoids, which SunMed says delivers what is described as “gentle body feels,” as opposed to a psychoactive high. Meanwhile, Beyond products contain Delta-9 (and 400% more cannabinoids than your usual full-spectrum), and come in calming (indica) and uplifting (sativa) versions. There also is a hybrid version that blends the two together.
6 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
David also raves about his store’s CBG products. He has a special appreciation for their effectiveness, especially the full- and broad-spectrum neuro-water soluble and the CBG Citrus, which helps with inflammation. Customer Jeff Martin says he is thankful he found Dave and Debra’s location, because they have been a godsend. Once every three weeks, he places an order for CBD and CBG products for his 80-year-old mother. CBD helps with her sore joints and arthritis, while CBG, which can be more effective treating muscle soreness, is for the neuropathy in her feet. “As long as mom’s taking it, it’s like someone flipped a switch,” Jeff says. “Just being pain-free and being out of the misery of having the feeling of burning feet all the time, it’s been a wonder.” Jeff adds, “You have to be careful where you buy this stuff these days. I trust the products at David’s store.” TRIM is SunMed’s first foray into the weight loss product market and features THC-V, which blocks your appetite-stimulating CB1 receptor (THC-D9, by contrast, causes appetite stimulation). For your dog, the store offers Chillin’ Out (for relaxation) and Movin’ Easy (for mobility and aches and pains for senior dogs) broad-spectrum hemp chews. Your CBD Store New Tampa (19651 BBD Blvd., Suite B-1) is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, call (813) 994-0599 or visit CBDRX4U.com/find-us/florida/new-tampa.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Receive A Complimentary Gift With Every Service In February! (while supplies last)
After More Than A Dozen Years On S.R. 54 In Lutz, We Are Proud To Open
The Biggest, Most Luxurious & Newest Nail Spa In Wesley Chapel! • More than 2,000 colors to chose from! • State-of-the-art pedicure chairs! • We only use the finest quality products on the market! • Also offering IV spa services!
10% OFF ANY COUPLES PEDICURE! Valid Valentine’s Day — Wednesday, February 14 — ONLY with this ad! Bella Nails & Spa Wesley Chapel 1700 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
813.578.7878
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
7
‘Town Hall’
Continued from pg. 6 About Parks & Sidewalks
Viera then turned the meeting over to questions from the audience. He mentioned that it was not intentional that all of the recent parks and recreation projects he got the city to build in New Tampa happened to be located in Tampa Palms. “I have had people in other parts of New Tampa say to me, ‘Why does Tampa Palms get everything?’ And, I’ve also had people on one side of Tampa Palms asking, ‘Why does everything go on the other side?’ But the truth is, it just happened that way, both the side of Tampa Palms that it’s all on and where all of the projects are located in New Tampa.” Viera also touted the completion of the Tampa Palms Blvd. resurfacing project, but at least two Tampa Palms residents mentioned that the contractor left behind a number of cracked sidewalks. One of those was resident Leslie Morris, who said she was told that because the sidewalks were cracked but weren’t “displaced,” there was nothing that could or would be done about the cracks. Viera responded that, “Unfortunately, a lot of times, contractors do shoddy work,” and although he hadn’t really heard any complaints about the Tampa Palms Blvd. project before, “Sidewalk cracks are usually the type of collateral damage you get with those types of projects.”
On Affordable Housing
Up next was a question about affordable housing in Tampa, to which Viera responded that, “Affordable housing is one of the biggest questions, not just in Tampa but in all of Florida. Inflation is even worse here in Florida because everybody is moving here and increasing that demand, causing an explosion of housing costs. I voted ‘No’ in City Council on rent control. I would love it if I could wave a wand and say, ‘That’s it, you’re not going to put rents up higher than this,’ but it’s not going to work. We’ve seen to it that 30% of our Tampa CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) budget goes to affordable housing. And, I’m working right now to try to get veteran housing in East Tampa and accessible housing for people with disabilities, but we also need market incentives. We never really did anything on affordable housing in the city outside of the CRA but now we’re doing that, which is a big change because we do have an affordability crisis here in Tampa.”
On The ‘Political Will’
When asked about funding for things like light rail and additional police and firefighters and transportation, Viera’s response to many of the questions was that in order to fund those important public safety items, “There has to be a funding source and I don’t think that, with the kind of inflation we’ve got, that the political will is there to raise taxes to fund them.” One of the funding sources for transportation Viera mentioned was the twicepassed-and-twice-struck-down penny trans-
Resident Leslie Morris (in red pants) asks Councilman Viera about sidewalk cracks left behind by the contractor who resurfaced Tampa Palms Blvd. (Photo by Charmaine George) portation sales tax. He mentioned that there But, nearly three out of every five voters in the county voted for the tax. How do we currently is more than $500 million being get that money back? We probably have to held in Tallahassee that was raised from wait until the political climate is right.” the first transportation tax passed by voters Viera also said he was happy to finally countywide in 2018. That tax ultimately was get funding for his public safety master plan declared to be contrary to Florida law by in this year’s budget. the state Supreme Court, so the legislature is deciding what to do with that tax money. “I know we need a significant increase, “I hope at least a portion of it will go for example, in the number of police officers to fund transportation projects,” Viera said. in the city. The public safety master plan will “But I’m sure there’s going to be some kind show what our needs are for police and fire of compromise where the legislature will and what it will cost to fund them. Then, we want to use a lot of it for tax breaks, too. have to have a very frank talk about that.”
8 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
9
ABSOLUTE AIR SYSTEMS, INC
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Local Veteran, Christian, Family Owned and Operated Business for Over 23 Years!
We specialize in Residential and Commercial work,
ANY AND ALL BRANDS!
• Full System Installs • Service Calls • Preventive Maintenance • Preventive Maintenance Memberships
• Emergency Repairs • UV Light Installation • Thermostat upgrades • Any Heating and Cooling needs!
Get A Second Opinion From Us! We have financing that approves 100% immediately with only a 650 credit score! License #CAC1813789
813.779.0101 getcoldair.com
10 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Pride Elementary’s Suzy Tkacik Is A Finalist For The Countywide Ida S. Baker Award! By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent Among more than 200 nominations for the 2024 Hillsborough County Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award, just four finalists were selected. One of those four standout educators/finalists is Pride Elementary media specialist Suzy Tkacik. “Mrs. Tkacik is deserving of this recognition because she positively influences every student, teacher, support person, district worker, and visitor who comes our way,” says Pride principal Paulette English. “She is enthusiastic, creative, motivating, and kind. Because of her leadership and love for students, our Media Center is a cheerful, well-organized, welcoming environment, and always buzzing with happy students, teachers and volunteers.” The Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year is one of three awards given out each year by the Hillsborough Education Foundation, in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools. According to the Foundation’s website, the award is named after Ida S. Baker, who became the first African-American to serve as Deputy Superintendent for the Florida Department of Education (DoE), after she also was the founding principal of Cape Coral High and the first-ever Black high school principal in Lee County. Baker was known for her efforts to support diverse students and encourage academic success. After her passing in 1992, the DoE created this statewide award in her honor. Each school in Hillsborough County may nominate one teacher who, “embodies the pioneering spirit of Ida S. Baker by going above and beyond to meet the needs of our diverse student population.” Suzy says she loves being the media specialist at Pride, where most of the school’s families come from other countries. “About 60 percent of our families are from India, and then we have students from China, South America, Africa, Europe, Eastern Europe and others,” she says. “I’ve gotten to meet students from all around the world.” She says that once she meets a student, she tries very hard to remember his or her
name. “We have students who have more than 20 characters in their first name alone,” she says. “I take a lot of time to learn their names and learn how to pronounce them. It matters a great deal to me.” And then, she also makes sure that every student is represented in the Media Center’s library by the books and materials that are available to them. She says she recently had a seven-yearold ask for a book about her home country of Jordan. Since there wasn’t one already in the library, Suzy found one to be added to the collection. When it arrived in the Media Center last week, Suzy says the girl’s eyes just lit up. “That’s Amman!,” she says the girl exclaimed as she flipped through the pages. “That’s my city!” Suzy says the wonderful diversity of her school has had a deep impact on her. She thinks back to last fall, when she challenged her students to share information about the Hindu festival of Diwali on the school’s morning show. Suzy says she learned about the ways Diwali is celebrated by many of the school’s families who are from India. While it’s a common holiday to celebrate, each family has different traditions and some even have different beliefs about the origin of Diwali. “When I get to hear their stories of their rich backgrounds, I want to soak it all in,” Suzy says. “They teach me more than anything.” Suzy has been the media specialist at Pride since she launched her second career 15 years ago. Before that, she earned a degree in public relations and journalism. She says once her children — who are now 28, 25, and 22 — started school, she “discovered school libraries and what cool places they are” and returned to college to earn a Master of Arts (M.S.) degree in Library Information science from University of South Florida (USF). For the last 15 years, she says she has been surrounded by fantastic educators who do an amazing job of maintaining Pride’s “A” rating year after year. “I don’t have a degree in education,” Suzy says, “so everything I’ve learned about being an educator has been from watching my great colleagues. It’s a team effort.” Unfortunately for the timing of this
Pride Elementary principal Paulette English (left) with Pride media specialist and 2024 Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award finalist Suzy Tkacik in the school’s Media Center. (Photo provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools)
issue, Hillsborough County’s 2024 Excellence in Education Awards were held on Feb. 1, after this issue went to press. Look for updates on our website and/or Facebook page announcing if New Tampa’s own nominee was chosen as the winner for all of Hillsborough County. The other two annual awards announced at the Excellence in Education program are Teacher of the Year and In-
structional Support Employee of the Year. All 11 schools in New Tampa submitted a nominee in each category. But this year, Suzy was the only New Tampa nominee to be chosen as a finalist in any category. “Our amazing Mrs. Tkacik wears lots of hats and is many things to many people,” English says. “She makes every child feel special and makes everyone she works with feel valued and appreciated.”
Transform any space into your personal zen zone! Our mobile, private, one-on-one and group yoga & meditation classes deliver tranquility directly to your doorstep — home, office or park (813) 334-6336 | omyogaandtraining.com Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
11
Mrs. Petite Wesley Chapel To Compete For Florida Petite Title In March By GARY NAGER
Local music instructor Aline Giampietro Trifonov didn’t have to win a pageant to be named Mrs. Petite Wesley Chapel 2024, but she did have to apply to the Mrs. Petite Florida pageant with professional pictures. She says that candidates for the title are selected based on their contributions to their community. “Through my performing, teaching and work in the performing arts, I was able to demonstrate a significant contribution to Wesley Chapel,” Aline says, “and I had to show the pageant how my work has {done} exactly that for our community. In addition to being a performer and music teacher, I’m also an entrepreneur and I work as a freelance petite model, and I want to represent other petite women.” Aline says the Petite USA Pageant is the #1 pageant in the U.S. for petite women 5’6” tall and under. If you’ve ever watched a Miss America or Miss Universe pageant, it’s obvious that the contestants are all tall and willowy. “So, the Mrs. Petite is a great opportunity for me to represent and inspire other women who wish to pursue modeling, regardless of their height,” Aline says. The 5’-2” classical pianist, performing arts advocate and founder and executive director of the Piano Performance Arts Academy, LLC, in Wesley Chapel, who is originally from Brazil, was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2024 Florida Petite pageant, which is the official state preliminary pageant for the National Petite USA™ Pageant. The State Division will be held the weekend of March 8-9 at the Em-
bassy Suites hotel on the USF Tampa Campus and, if Aline wins the Florida title, she will advance to the national Mrs. Petite USA 2024 pageant, which will be held July 31-Aug. 3 in Chicago. Petite USA™ was founded in 2009 to be a platform for petite women who are 5’6 or less. According to PetiteUSA. com, it is the nation’s largest pageant system for petite women and is proud of its history and past queens. The pageant offers titles for five different divisions: Teen, Miss, Ms. Mrs., and Elite Ms., in more than 50 different states and regions across the U.S. The (Left) Mrs. Petite Wesley Chapel 2024 Aline Giampietro Trifonov will compete for the title of Mrs. Petite Florida Petite USA pageant is the in March. (Right) Aline is not only a music instructor, but also an aerialist who performed at the Whinge Festival in Ybor City in December. (Photos provided by: Georgi Trifonov Photography) official preliminary to the Universal Petite pageant, in promoting our personal platforms. This is to support her attempt to reach the national where petite women from all over the world much more than just a beauty competition. event. In addition to cash sponsorships, she is compete for the coveted Teen, Miss, Ms., Mrs. It allows women to speak of their leadership, seeking a seamstress, pedicures, a photograand Elite Ms. Universal Petite titles. service and how we can use our voices to make pher, help with wardrobe, shoes, hair exten“What attracted me to enter this pageant a difference. I would love to expand my voice sions and more. is the opportunity to represent my commu“Help me extend my voice through perin the performing arts, music education and nity, serve others through my leadership and forming arts, fashion and music!,” Aline says. champion other women’s beauty as well.” have an opportunity to have a much bigger Aline, who also is the VP of the Music “Together, we can do it!” outreach,” she says. “I love the fact [the Teachers National Assn. (MTNA) Competitive To help or for more information, call pageant] embraces a sisterhood attitude with a Events and an aerialist with the Aerial Dragons Aline at (813) 528-3638 or email her at healthy competition, and they have their heart group in Ybor City, is seeking sponsorships PianoPerformanceArts@gmail.com.
Cela Delgado Webster, Esq.
FAMILY LAW Divorce Custody Child Support Modification
ESTATE PLANNING 17425 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite 202 Tampa Palms, FL 33647
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Office #: 813.524.6393 Website: ChapelLegal.com Email: CWebster@chapellegal.com
12 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Wills Living Wills Power of Attorney Guardianship
Se Habla Español Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
13
New Tampa Business Briefs — Checking Out What’s New & Planned In Tampa Palms! By GARY NAGER Research & Photos by Joel Provenzano Although the only community in New Tampa where significant numbers of new single-family homes are still being built is K-Bar Ranch, there also are at least three current construction projects in Tampa Palms — one with new for-rent apartment homes, while the other two are commercial sites, one being a new office building and the other a new self-storage facility. The commercial projects are both adding to the Tampa Palms Professional Center, located on Primrose Lake Cir. off Commerce Park Blvd.
New Tampa Palms Luxury Apartment Homes
Medical Office & Self-Storage
The Tampa Palms Professional Center, a large, multi-building complex located off Commerce Park Blvd., across from the New Tampa Recreation Center, Freedom High and Liberty Middle School, has been around for more than a dozen years, but still continues to occasionally add more along Primrose Lake Cir. (named for the Primrose School of Tampa Palms at the northern end of the complex), including a new self-storage facility located near both the Primrose School and the Discovery Village assisted living facility (see map below). Tampa Palms Professional Center developer Garrison (Gar) Urette says that the proposed three-story, 105,726-sq.ft. self storage building with 760 units has not yet pulled a permit but, on Dec. 21, requested a design exception from the City of Tampa Zoning Dept. to allow for eleven total parking spaces, rather than the 39 the city’s Land Development Code would normally require. We will update this story when we have additional information. Much further along, however, is a new 8,233 sq.-ft. medical office building to be located on Primrose Lake Cir., between the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotel and the building that is home to The Woman’s Group. Although we weren’t able to reach the owner and general contractor for the project, Roberto Saez of Design & Construction Innovations, LLC, before we went to press, the permit with the City of Tampa appears to divide the building into four separate suites, each with their own entrances. In addition, on the title block of the site Discovery Freedom plan, one of the buildings is labeled “Derek Village High & Dental,”, but Gar Urette says he isn’t sure if Liberty the building had any officially signed tenants MS at our press time, so we won’t speculate as to who the tenant might be without confirmation from Saez. Primrose We also were told by a member of the School construction crew that one of the suites may be a pharmacy for The Woman’s Group, but we had no confirmation of that as we went to press. What we did find, however, is an access agreement between the two property owners that has easement rights and shows that the building that is under construction and the Woman’s Group building will be sharing the existing parking lot. For more information about either (Top) A view of the pool at the New Tampa Palms Luxury Apartment Homes rental of these projects or about spaces available community and (middle) the new monument-style sign at the entrance to that comfor lease at the Tampa Palms Professional Center, call (813) 876-7697 or visit Tampamunity. (Bottom) The location (in yellow) of the planned self-storage facility in the PalmsCenter.com. Tampa Palms Professional Center on Primrose Lake Cir.
14 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Self ge a Stor
Located across Tampa Palms Blvd. from the Emerald Pointe townhome community near Lowe’s, there is a new rental apartment community that only recently had a monument sign erected announcing that the new development is called — even though it sounds more like a description than a name — New Tampa Palms Luxury Apartment Homes. New Tampa Palms, which is being developed by Tampa Palms Area 3 developer Warren Kinsler (who also developed the nearby Compton Place apartments), is a gated, resort-style rental community with a total of 402 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment residences in 17 total buildings. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom “Palm Springs” model apartments at New Tampa Palms are all 1,264 sq. ft., and currently range in price from $1,705-$1,845 per month, depending upon location. There also is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom “Palm Bay” model that offers 1,333 sq. ft. of living space currently ranging in price from $1,805-$2,245 per month, as well as two different two-bedroom, two-bath apartments — the “Palm Shores” model (1,409 sq. ft.), with rents now ranging between $1,905-$2,025 per month, and the “Palm Gardens” model (1,571 sq. ft.), with rents currently between $2,205-$2,325 per month. The rents for all of these different units currently are either $1.35 or $1.40 per sq. ft. and every unit has a patio or balcony with extra storage space, and ceiling heights of 9-16 feet. The residences feature gourmet kitchens with rich, dark wood custom cabinetry, granite countertops, gooseneck faucets, breakfast bars and pantries, walk-in closets and laundry rooms with full-size washers and dryers in every home. The community also offers a clubhouse, resident lounge, catering kitchen and fitness center, as well as a luxurious swimming pool (top photo), sundeck, veranda, pergola, al fresco dining and outdoor lounge areas with firepits. There also is a private community lake that offers nature trails, a walking path and a spectacular centerpiece fountain. New Tampa Palms also provides convenient resident parking with EV charging stations and is pet-friendly with a dedicated dog run. The community is expected to begin leasing and providing tours for prospective tenants either as you’re receiving this issue
or shortly thereafter and the leasing agent we spoke with said that tenants could begin moving into the first two completed buildings by the middle of this month. In addition, for a limited time, New Tampa Palms is offering both one month free on a 13-month lease, plus a $1,000 move-in credit. Also remember to ask for the community’s special offer for first responders, active military, veterans and health care professionals. For leasing and more information, call (813) 513-1548 or visit RentNewTampaPalmsFL.com.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
PRI M R O S E LAKE CIRCLE
The Woman’s Group
New Medical Office Bldg.
SpringHill Suites The new 8,233-sq.-ft. medical office building (label in yellow) now under construction in the Tampa Palms Professional Center is located between the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotel & The Woman’s Group on Primrose Lake Cir.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
15
‘Dreamgirls’ Tickets Are Nearly Sold Out, So Grab Yours Now! Special to the Neighborhood News Get ready, theatre enthusiasts! The vibrant and talented cast of the New Tampa Players’ production of “Dreamgirls” is in the middle of two weekends of an unforgettable experience, as the Players bring this iconic musical to the stage at the brand-new New Tampa Performing Arts Center (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., behind the plaza that is home to Sprouts). In what promises to be a showcase of local talent, this production is set to captivate audiences with signature songs, like “Dreamgirls,” “Move” and “Hard to Say Goodbye.” By the time this issue hits your mailbox, “Dreamgirls” will already have completed its first weekend, with only shows on February 9-11 remaining. If you haven’t seen it as you’re reading this, hurry to NewTampaPlayers.org to get any of the very few tickets that may be left. Since its premiere on Broadway in 1981, “Dreamgirls” has had a revival, three US tours, an international tour, and a West End run, as well as a hugely successful movie adaptation. With the New Tampa Players’ production, the musical is receiving a fresh and dynamic interpretation under the skilled direction of Clay Christopher, who brings a unique vision to this beloved classic. The excitement is palpable as the cast and crew pour their combined passions into every rehearsal, promising a show that resonates with energy and spirit. “‘Dreamgirls’ is more than just a show; it is a celebration of local talent, community spirit, and the transformative power of theater,” says New Tampa Players Producing Artistic Director Nora Paine. “The echoes of the soulful melodies and poignant moments will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of the audience, showing once again that the magic of Broadway is alive and well in our own backyard.” Dreamgirls isn’t just a Broadway
���
The New Tampa Players Production of “Dreamgirls” has only three performances left — Feb. 9-11 — at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. (Above, l.-r.) Caron Davis, NaTasha McKenzie & Patty Smithey. (Below) Bill Liggins (Next page) NaTasha & Eric Erte Stillings. (Rehearsal pics shown here provided by Picture This Photography of Palma Ceia)
ExCEL � MUSIC LEARN
ro EXCEL
musical spectacle: the plot takes inspiration from the tumultuous rise of R&B and soul music during the 1960s and ‘70s. Written by Tom Eyen with music by Henry Krieger, the show delves into the challenges faced by a female AfricanAmerican singing group, the Dreams, as they navigate the cutthroat world of the music industry. The musical’s portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the Dreams mirrors the real-life stories of several iconic R&B groups, including The Supremes and The Shirelles. The show deals with themes of ambition, betrayal and the cost of success while shedding light on the challenges faced by artists, particularly women of color, in an industry that often prioritized image over talent. Don’t miss your chance to see the magic unfold on the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) stage. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a first-time attendee, this community production of Dreamgirls promises an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and incredible talent. Get your tickets now at NewTampaPlayers.org. Or, see the ad, right.
Would your child like playing in a band? Join our Piano Jam Keyboard Band!
start in January for beginner & intermediate 7-10-year-olds. Local TeachersClasses The First 5 Callers Get a FREE TRIAL CLASS! Everyone In-Person & Virtual! gets a 30-day, money-back guarantee!
We offer private lessons for all instruments & voice & group piano band for 7–10-year-olds.
Royal Conservatory-Certified piano lessons for all ages
NewTampaMusicSchool.com | 10353 Cross Creek Blvd. | Tampa
• Start playing a song on day 1! • Jam in a band with other kids! • Play pop songs with your friends! • “Level up” by mastering each part! • Play in concerts - record music videos!
CALL NOW TO REGISTER! 813.991.1177
16 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
The New Tampa Players Present “Dreamgirls” Angel Larrieux Featured Cast Effie White….. NaTasha McKenzie Deena Jones…. Caron Davis Lorrell Robinson….. Patty Smithey James Early…… Christan McLaurine Curtis Taylor…. Eric Erte Stillings CC White… Javen Jackson Marty….. Yolanda Cabrera-Liggins Michelle Morris…. Leia Ambrister Tiny Joe Dixon….. Michael Dixon
Ensemble
Director: Clay Christopher Musical Director: G. Frank Meekins Choreographer: Eboni Graham
LaVette Berrian Kieshia Clarke Alyson Gannon
Neighborhood News
Bill Liggins Stephon Mikell Joseph Moore Monica Paine Makayla Raines Jamyra Rainey Monai Saberille Pavonne Scott Jake Veit Genesis Wiley
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
17
Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Moves To Raymond James Stadium! By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent For many years, New Tampa’s annual “Relay For Life” would bounce back and forth between Freedom and Wharton high schools, raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. (ACS). Coming out of Covid, when the event had to be held virtually, organizers have had to consider new ways to make the event exciting and increasingly successful. Last year, New Tampa joined forces with other areas to host the North Tampa Relay For Life, and this year, North/New Tampa has combined with South Tampa, East Hillsborough, and the Fishhawk/ Bloomingdale area to form one giant event. Called the “Relay For Life of Greater Tampa Bay,” this year’s event will be held at Raymond James Stadium beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, carrying on throughout the night, and ending at 5 a.m. on Sunday, March 3. Relay for Life is always a free event to attend, where the community comes together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost and fight back against this dreaded disease. While this year’s Relay will be a large combination of people and events that have previously taken place all over the Tampa Bay area, New Tampa still will be well represented. “We have 19 schools from North Tampa participating, plus businesses, churches and community partners,” says Tori Millington, one of the event leads. Tori is a 2017 graduate of Freedom High. She has been participating in Relay For Life since she was just a kid. It was 12 years ago when she first walked alongside her mom, Carol, whose childhood best friend was battling cancer at that time. “I fell in love with the event,” says Tori. “And more and more people in my life were affected by cancer.” Unfortunately, Carol’s best friend, Claire, ultimately lost that battle, as did Tori’s grandfather. Those events — and the influence of Relay For Life — have touched Tori deeply. So much so, in fact, that she is now a medical student at the University of
Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, studying to be an oncologist. “We say we Relay for a world with more birthdays,” says Tori. “Right now cancer is a big deal and scary, and holds a lot of meaning. But one day, we’ll live in a world where cancer is in the history books.” She says money raised from the event not only funds research, but also services for patients, such as transportation to appointments, wigs and makeup, and even hotels for family members while they are undergoing treatment. “Participating in Relay has made me realize how much work needs to be done and how it takes every dollar we’re raising to help every single person along the way,” says Tori. “They don’t need to worry about treatments while they’re going through them.” As an undergraduate honors student at UCF, she started doing research to fight cancer in new and innovative ways. In April, she’ll present that research in San Diego, CA, at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research. She explains that her research looks at a molecule that has a high level of cancer cells and identifies the genes that transport it. Hopefully, this could lead to a therapeutic drug that would block the transport system, depleting the cells of that molecule. “I’m very proud of Tori,” says Carol. “She’s always known that she wanted to be a doctor and she’s followed through
and become so involved.” Carol and Tori (photo, right) emphasize that the Relay is not a race — it’s more like an all-night party. While some team members do walk the track throughout the event, for the community, it’s a free event with performances, games and food, plus a free dinner for survivors and their caregivers and a ceremony to honor those who have been lost. Survivors and their caregivers also walk the first lap (top photo), and a luminaria ceremony is held at 9 p.m. While the Relay will run all night, there are security checks as it gets later into the evening, so it’s recommended that the general public come out to experience all the fun from 3 p.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday. One of the many team members who will be out at the event is Freedom High senior A.J. Glass, who is heading up the school’s team sponsored by its Math Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta. Like Tori, A.J. has been involved with
18 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
the event for years, first participating when he was just nine years old. Back then, his aunt Kimberly Gonzalez led a team of participants at Clark Elementary, so he joined her team. Now, Kimberly and A.J.’s mom, Natalie Glass, lead a team at Freedom together, and A.J. is the captain of the team.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
(L.-r.) Abby, Natalie & A.J. Glass at the 2023 Relay for Life at Freedom High. All photos on these pages were provided to the Neighborhood News.
“The event itself is so fun and exciting,” says A.J. “It really is a celebration and [the goal is] to fundraise as much as possible. It brings people back year after year. This year, being at RayJay, it will be on a much larger scale and hopefully it will be that much more fun.” He says that while some high school students only show up because they are
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
looking for service hours, they can’t help but leave with an appreciation for both survivors and caregivers and a better understanding of the ultimate goal of all the fund raising. Relay For Life of Greater Tampa Bay is free and open to the public. For more information, visit RelayforLife. org/tampabayfl.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
19
Upcoming Events: Cornhole Tournament, Book Signing, Jazz Performance, Book Sale & More! By GARY NAGER
Although we no longer have a regular Community Calendar listing in our print issues, there are a number of upcoming events that merit your consideration, so we decided to include as many of them here as possible. If you have an event upcoming that takes place after March 5, feel free to email me at ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com and I will see about getting it included in our next New Tampa issue. Saturday, February 10, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. — The Second Annual ‘Hole Lotta Love” Wharton Cornhole Tournament. This event, held for the first time last year and hosted by Wharton’s PTSA, will again be held on the Wharton football field (20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). This is a community event for players of all ages and skill sets. Tournament play begins at 2 p.m. and check-in opens at 1 p.m. There is no deadline to sign up, but pre-registration is highly encouraged for quicker check-in. Spectators and fans also are encouraged to come and cheer on their favorite teams and best of all, 100% of the proceeds will fund grants for Wharton’s teachers and staff. Each two-player team is guaranteed to play four games in the Round Robin qualifier for a chance to enter the Single Elimination Championship! In addition to ultimate bragging rights, the players from the top two teams will each walk away with a prize package. Can’t make the event, but still want to show your love from afar? Consider supporting us by purchasing 50/50 tickets or by making a general donation. The cost to play is $20 per player and all registrations are considered to be a donation to this fund-raising event. No refunds will be issued for cancelled registrations. For more information, see the ad below. Thursday, February 15, 8 p.m. — The Tampa Jazz Club’s USF New Tampa Jazz Series presents singer Alexis Cole with the USF Jazz Ensemble 1. The USF Jazz Ensemble 1 will present an evening of modern big band jazz with outstanding New York-based singer Alexis Cole at the amazing New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.).
Last year’s “Hole Lotta Love” Cornhole Tournament at Wharton High was so successful and so much fun, the school’s PTSA decided to make it an annual event. (Photos above provided by the Wharton PTSA)
(Above left) The New Tampa Regional Library on Cross Creek Blvd. is the location for both the upcoming Friends of the New Tampa Library annual Giant Book Sale on Feb. 23-24 and the next meeting of the New Tampa Democratic Club on Feb. 26. (Above right) New York-based singer Alexis Cole will join the USF Jazz Ensemble 1 at a big band performance at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Feb. 15. Sponsored in part by the Neighborhood News. Giant Book Sale. The Friends of the Monday, February 26, 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for Jazz Club New Tampa Library will host their an— Monthly meeting of the New members, $10 for students and just $5 for Tampa Democratic Club. The New nual Giant Book Sale at the New Tampa USF students For more info, see the ad at Tampa Democrats are gearing up for the Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek the bottom of the next page. upcoming 2024 Presidential and local Blvd.). With most books being sold for just 50 cents, all proceeds will benefit the election season. For more information, Friday, February 23, 10 a.m.-5 see the ad on the next page. library’s Summer Reading programs for p.m. & Saturday, February 24, 10 children and events and classes for all age a.m.-4 p.m. p.m. — The Friends of Wednesday, February 28, 6 p.m. -8 groups. For more information, see the the New Tampa Library’s Annual p.m. — Book Launch Performance & ad on the next page
20 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Book Signing for Running From Yesterday by Margarette Allyn. Margarette Allyn (photo, right) is an author, speaker and dancer who believes in the healing power of making choices guided by instinct, intuition and faith. Two unexpected episodes played pivotal roles in Margarette’s life, introducing her to the world of the performing arts. The first was watching “The Nutcracker” on TV. The second was encountering the iconic TV show “Fame,” which struck a chord with its relatable characters and stories that felt just like her own. Dance soon became Margarette’s refuge — a way to escape and express herself. Her dance aspirations took flight when she was accepted into Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts — the real “Fame” school — in New York’s Upper West Side. It was a dream that seemed beyond reach, especially for a young woman from Harlem. But, Margarette held onto the idea that the sky has no limits. However, unforeseen circumstances, ego and personal choices halted her burgeoning dance career, crushing her dreams of attending Juilliard and leaving her with a deep sense of loss. At the age of 24, Margarette embarked on a new path, joining the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Despite battling an overwhelming cloud of dread, despair and her complex relationship with alcohol, she clung fiercely to her discipline, determination, and the will to truly live. Supported by her loyal friends and colleagues, she dedicated twenty years to her police career, retiring as a Sergeant in 2019. Today, Margarette resides in New Tampa
with her husband and two sons. This remarkable journey serves as the focal point of her inspiring memoir, Running From Yesterday, A True Story of Hope, Courage, and Love. Grateful for the grace and mercy bestowed upon her, Margarette finds purpose in giving back to those she mentors, is dancing once again, accepts motivational and inspirational speaking engagements and looks forward to many more years of being on stage.
(Above) Margarette Allyn will be dancing and signing her book Running From Yesterday: A True Story of Hope, Courage and Love at the NTPAC on Feb. 28.
New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting (4th Monday of the month) Monday, February 26th, 7 p.m. at New Tampa Regional Library 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.
newtampademocrats.com https://www.facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats
Tampa Palms Psychology, LLC Personalized Psychotherapy | Telehealth | In-Person Visits
For appointments & more information, please visit TampaPalmsPsychology.com
Brian Wilson, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist
USF New Tampa Jazz Series With the USF Jazz Ensemble 1 Don’t miss this exciting modern big band jazz performance! Thursday, February 15, 8 PM • Tickets available at TampaJazzClub.com
Presents NY-
based singer
COMING SOON: Jack Wilkins CD Release Concert Thursday April 4, 8:00 PM, New Tampa Performing Arts Center Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Alexis Cole
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
21
Upgrade Your Home For Less With Hangliter Residential! By Nidhi Jani
Neighborhood News Correspondent “Residential remodeling is all we know and all we do,” says Jordan Hangliter. “It runs in our blood.” The Hangliters are a proud family of all-around handymen. Four generations ago, Bobby Hangliter started in the remodeling business, and since 1983, Ken Hangliter and his sons have continued the family business with their company, Hangliter Residential, LLC. With decades of experience in home remodeling, repairs and restoration, the Hangliters are licensed contractors specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but they do all types of residential work. They pride themselves on delivering exceptional service and high-quality work. “We are licensed and bonded in the state of Florida as home improvement contractors,” says Jordan. “We always treat each project we complete as if we are doing it for our own family.” Ken Hangliter and his sons Ken Jr., Jordan and Jarrett certainly work well together as a family. At one point, because the three sons were living in three different states — Florida, Maryland, and Ohio — they were actually completing projects across the country. But, with Jordan moving to Wesley Chapel over a year ago to join his father and brother Jarrett, who were already living in the area, the Hangliters now mainly work in Florida. “We of course serve the Wesley Chapel
(L.-r.) Ken Hangliter, Sr., Ken Hangliter, Jr., Jordan Hangliter and Jarrett Hangliter of Hangliter Residential, LLC, are the licensed contractors you want to turn to for kitchen, bath and other home remodeling projects. (Photos provided by Jordan Hangliter) tional solutions that other companies won’t We do everything ourselves and we don’t sub area, but we are happy to take projects in even consider.” out our work out to anyone else.” neighboring towns like Zephyrhills, Dade New customers David and Debbie Beyond kitchen and bathroom work, the City, Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa, and Morgan shared a wonderful experience that Hangliters also can install custom windows, even as far south as Tampa,” says Jordan. they had with Hangliter Residential LLC Recently, the Hangliters have been busy doors and flooring, repair lighting, HVACs when they completed an extensive door and and plumbing — and much more. with full bathroom remodels — updating window repair in their home six months ago. Jordan emphasizes that regardless of the older homes, converting tubs and Jacuzzis into walk-in showers, installing custom bath- size of the project, it never hurts to contact “Hangliter Residential saved us over Hangliter Residential. You might just hear room tile from floor to ceiling and more. $15,000,” says David. “Ken did an amazWhen it comes to kitchens, the Hanglit- of options — and pricing estimates — that ing job on the remodel and restoration of competitors won’t offer. ers have experience with “just about everyour 50+-year-old Colonial-style home! We “We’ve definitely heard from customthing from A to Z,” says Jordan. had an estimate from another company to ers with projects in which the big companies “With the exception of projects that replace eight windows and three exterior offer expensive estimates or flat out just say require heavy new electrical or plumbing doors for over $34,000, due to rotten wood installation, we can usually do it all,” explains no,” Jordan says. “Then, the only option is to damage from the wet Florida weather. Ken Jordan. “No need to work with five different scrap everything and start over. But, we are looked at all of the windows and assured me comfortable with undertaking non-convencontractors, like an electrician, plumber, etc. that he could REPAIR them all, and that
22 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
LICENSED WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA - 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Cell: 352.502.5928 Shawn Thompson | Public Adjuster
Has Your Insurance Claim Been Underpaid Or Denied? We Handle the Following Types of Claims: Residential & Commercial
We Specialize in Water Damage Claims!
Fire / Lightning / Mold / Wind Damage Theft / Vandalism & More!
Let Hangliter Residential create the kitchen of your dreams, too. a complete replacement would be a huge waste of money!” He adds, “Ken told us that his repair would preserve the original, classic look of our home. Our final cost came to less than half of our original estimate, plus he did three extra windows! Ken did an absolutely incredible job and the results far exceeded my high expectations.” With those savings, the Morgans decided to renovate one of their bathrooms with Ken as well. “We partially ‘invested’ the money we saved into a brand new, custom, complete shower and bathroom renovation that we had Ken do for us as well,” David explains. “He completely removed the old walls, down to the 2 x 4 studs, and the leaking
shower floor. We had him make the new shower door opening about six inches wider, and he suggested to drop down the new step-in height by several inches as well. Ken was able to build us a new shower that looks like it belongs in a four- or five-star vacation resort!” “And,” he adds, “Ken worked here for five and sometimes six days a week for us. He was here for over three months doing literally over a dozen different repairs, upgrades, remodeling, neglected maintenance, etc. Don’t underestimate his ability to make your dreams of home improvement a reality.” To schedule a free design consultation estimate with Hangliter Residential, LLC, call (813) 460-4548 today or see the ad on pg. 31.
What Will Compass Claim Solutions Do For You?
We represent the rights of the insured throughout the claims process. We prepare and submit all the required documents to your insurance company. We can review your claim, even if you have already settled with your insurance company. We can re-open your insurance claim and collect additional money you should have received. We can appraise any and all damages that may be pertinent to your insurance claim. We will negotiate with the insurance company on YOUR behalf.
Representing YOU, Not The Insurance Company We Are Not Paid Until YOU Are! For More Information, Visit: www.CompassClaimSolutions.com “THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR BUSINESS. IF YOU HAVE HAD A CLAIM FOR AN INSURED PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE AND YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PAYMENT BY YOUR INSURER, YOU MAY DISREGARD THIS ADVERTISEMENT.”
DR. MICHAEL GREEN
[!I
GENERAL DENTISTRY
973-1440
COSMETIC DENTISTRY www.doctormichaelgreen.com
°' °'""'""..,.Loth
in Seven Oaks NEW TAMPA Located 2244 Green Hedges Way # 102 WESLEY CHAPEL
NO CHARGE 2ND OPINIONS!
records not required
New Patient Special
New Patient Special
Cleaning
exam and x-rays
$35.00
(mention coupon)
(mention coupon)
CROWNS $890
I
porccl:iin 02740
additional lab or Cerec fee NO exam cost, xray fee or office visit charges
Fee may vary complexity of case. The pabent or any <Xhef person responsible for payment has a to refuse to pay. canoet payment or be rei�rsed for payment for any other seMOe. examll8!JOO or 1reaunent which is Deffonned as a resm of and � 72 hrs of resoondino to the ad1181tisemenl for free moounled lee or reduced fee seMCe. examnalion ot �t. Mim'llmlee MJAOOdes Ot 110. 00150. 00274. 00230. 02740 FL. Lie. #OL 12905. EXPIRES MAR 31, 2024.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
23
SOHO Wellness Med Spa Brings A South Tampa Experience To Wesley Chapel By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent Long-time former aesthetician Becky Dubikas and her mom, certified hypnotherapist Debbie Dubikas, came up with the idea to collaborate and open a business together in 2014, providing their services to clients in South Tampa at their SOHO Wellness Med Spa on S. Blvd. Over the past nine years, they have added services and considered how to make the experience of visiting SOHO Wellness Med Spa more relaxing and sensual as they offer personalized treatments in cosmetics (also known as cosmetic services) for skin and for body. Becky and Debbie have lovingly built up their business — even as they have stepped away from providing services at their med spa themselves — so much that they knew they needed to open a second location to keep up with demand. They chose Wesley Chapel, opening a new med spa this past May in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off of S.R. 56, between I-75 and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. They named their med spa SOHO, for the “South Howard” (Ave.) area of Tampa, a part of the Hyde Park neighborhood that is home to the pair’s original location. Becky and Debbie recognized that areas of large cities also called SOHO are often the most high-end areas of those cities throughout the world, and Becky and Debbie want their clients to know that SOHO Med Spa is a
high-quality boutique spa that brings an abundance of services together. What started as a mother and daughter merging their specialties together has evolved into a relaxing, luxurious med spa that has any service you need in skin care, cosmetics and body treatments all under one roof. “Today we offer a wide range of services from each category,” says Becky, “From injections and Botox to cosmetic machines, body treatments such as wraps and scrubs and basic facials to dermaplaning, microneedling, and peels — even laser hair removal.” Becky says clients love that the place they go to get their monthly massage also can be the place they get a facial or even Botox or facial fillers. She says laser hair removal is a new service being rolled out at both locations. Debbie and Becky have held off on offering the service as they were evaluating the very large number of machines available on the market to ensure they chose the very best one for their clients — the Soprano ICE Platinum by Alma. “The machine is awesome,” Becky says. “It’s absolutely painless and we’re excited to launch it in both locations.” Becky says the Wesley Chapel location of SOHO Wellness Med Spa was designed to create a clean, modern space that is relaxing and calming, while their South Tampa location is a little more “homey.” Both locations feature a relaxation lounge, showers and an infrared sauna.
Anyone taking advantage of the spa’s packages can use the relaxation lounge to wait between services. Anytime a client is scheduled for more than one service, they are given a robe so they don’t have to get dressed and undressed as they move from room to room. Use of the infrared sauna is complimentary with the purchase of spa services, along with extras such as champagne, wine or a mimosa, hot tea or coffee, and snacks.
Amazing Reviews...
Becky also says the Wesley Chapel location is growing and getting busier, and that people have had wonderful things to say about it when they come in. In fact, every Google review posted for SOHO Wellness Wesley Chapel so far has been five out of five stars. Becky (left) and her mother Debbie Dubikas are the “I went in for a glow facial, infrared sauna and therapeutic massage and had the owners of two SOHO Med Spas, including the location in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 most relaxing experience,” says Emmalee Gregory in her Google review. “The spa was in Wesley Chapel. (Photo by Charmaine George) able, too. I can’t wait to book again!” beautiful and decorated to perfection. The Becky wants everyone who walks girls at SOHO all had a great attitude and I through the doors to feel comfortable and can’t wait to go back!” have as wonderful an experience as Emmalee A review from Darieliz Lopez echoes and Darieliz did. Emmalee’s compliments. “We want to provide people in the “This new location is so beautiful and Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area with I absolutely loved my experience,” Darieliz excellent services so they will hopefully find says. “The front desk staff were very weltheir home with us,” Becky says. coming and made me feel at home before She describes SOHO Wellness as “kind my services. My aesthetician and massage therapist were so sweet and very knowledge- of an oasis of wellness where cosmetics and
24 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
relaxation combine.” She believes so strongly in this idea that she and her mom made “Where Cosmetics and Relaxation Combine” their tagline for the spa. Becky explains that means your cosmetic procedures are provided as part of a spa experience. You won’t be rushed in and out for a 15-minute appointment like you might be at a clinical facility such as a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s office. All medical procedures are performed by a nurse practitioner and overseen by medical director Joseph Castellano, M.D., a cosmetic surgeon who also has his own practice in Tampa. If you have questions about the wide variety of services, discounts and (Above) Lip fillers are a popular service at the Wesley Chapel specials, or how to address location of the SOHO Wellness Med Spa a specific skin, cosmetic, or (Photo from SOHO-Wellness.com). body issue, the friendly staff (Below) Laser hair removal with the Soprano ICE Platinum machine by Alma is quick and painless (Photo by Charmaine George) at SOHO Wellness Med Spa is happy to take your phone any service at the Wesley Chapel location if call and discuss the many options available. you mention that you saw this story in the Every service starts with a consultaNeighborhood News. tion to make sure the staff understands each To make an appointment or for client’s goals and is ready to meet his or her more information about SOHO Wellness expectations. Med Spa’s Wesley Chapel location (2008 There also is a variety of packages that Ashley Oaks Cir.)., call (813) 512-6920 are designed to help clients save money, or visit SOHO-wellness.com. or you can “buy and bank” services, such as purchasing a package of five services, for example, and get one free. Appointments can be made quickly and easily online at SOHO-wellness.com. Also, be sure to check the website for specials, which change every month. Specials also are advertised in the Neighborhood News, so see the ad on page 30 to see what deals are available now. And, just for those who read this article, Becky and Debbie are offering a new client special of $10 off
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
25
Life Guard Imaging — Saving Lives While Honoring Founder’s Father By Deborah Bostock-Kelley
Neighborhood News Correspondent
Imagine being a medical professional, feeling a little off and undergoing a hospital CT (computed tomography) scan of your stomach because, with your background, you know when something is wrong in your body. You receive a clean bill of health despite not feeling well, only to receive a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer 10 months later and tragically lose your battle in six short weeks. Due to gaps in the standard scan you, as a doctor, trusted, it failed to detect cancer on the backside tail of your pancreas, and it went untreated. While healthcare in the US is better than in many places, the downside is that it still is more reactive than proactive. After losing his father, surgeon Benjamin J. Maldonado, Jr., 25 years ago to this usually deadly form of cancer, Frank Maldonado was inspired to establish Life Guard Imaging with his wife Amy. The company opened in Tampa on Rocky Point Dr., off the Courtney Campbell Cswy. in Tampa in August 2021 to be easily accessible to the (predominantly) older demographic that has had their medical needs unchecked but who want to be proactive about their health. A second location of Life Guard Imaging opened in October 2023 in Phoenix, AZ, and a third location is coming to Sarasota in the summer. Unlike traditional scanners, Life Guard Imaging’s low-radiation, high-resolution 3D imaging scanners are programmed with slices
The 3D imaging scanner at Life Guard Imaging in the Rocky Point area of Tampa allows those concerned about their overall health to have a full-body scan that can help save their lives. (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George) that are so thin that they can capture something are surviving diseases that are taking millions of lives a year. Our motto is saving lives through as small as a 2 mm ball-bearing-sized shadow. early detection.” “At that detectable size, we can monitor it to make sure it doesn’t become something Life Guard Imaging’s detailed scans dangerous or if it is something dangerous, have reveal insights well beyond what basic bloodit eradicated early enough,” Maldonado, who work can show. Much like a mammogram, is Life Guard Imaging’s director of operations. your first scan acts as a baseline for all future “With these thin slices, we see things so small scans. If anything changes, your doctor can that we can often capture them before they be- plan a course of action. The CT scan radiation come metastatic, hitting the lymph nodes and dosage is so low that it is safe to do annually spreading throughout the body. Our patients or, if necessary, even multiple times a year
“From the shoulders to the base of the pelvis, we are trying to find things at the earliest possible moment,” Maldonado says. “Even a deadly disease like cancer, if it’s found early enough, can be survivable.” The company’s vision is to bring this technology and capability to as many cities, states and potentially even other countries as possible. Maldonado and his team want to allow people to detect these once-silent killers before the first symptoms are felt. “Because, generally, that’s when it’s too late,” he explains. Life Guard Imaging offers a comprehensive scan of your vital organs. Among the services available are: • Coronary artery calcium scans that can detect and quantify calcium in the arteries of your heart, allowing you to know your risk for blockage and a potentially life-threatening heart attack. • Lung scans that can visualize nodules as small as 2 mm, detect diseases, particularly lung cancer, early, while it is small and more treatable. • Comprehensive and gentle colon examinations with Life Guard’s “virtual colonoscopy” scan that do not require any anesthesia, dyes or long probes. • CT bone density scans that use X-rays via computed tomography to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone and calculate your risk of breaking a bone. This scan can be added to a lung or full body scan. • The most comprehensive scan is the full body scan. It can uncover abnormalities and changes that occur in the vital organs of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
COMPTON & SMITH, P.A.
Todd Smith & Rae Ann Compton Attorneys at Law Former State Prosecutors
FAMILY LAW
• Divorce • Custody • Visitation • Child Support • Modifications • Paternity
CRIMINAL LAW • Misdemeanor • Felony • DUI
PERSONAL INJURY • Auto Accidents
Serving New Tampa and Wesley Chapel New Tampa Professional Park 8905 Regents Park Drive • Suite 210 Tampa, FL 33647-3081
Phone: 813-994-2026 Fax: 813-994-6984 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.
26 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
The team is excited about upcoming additions to the facility. Life Guard Imaging just got a new scanner that is significantly faster and allows for half the radiation dose of prior machines. “We also have ultrasound equipment coming and will be able to do carotid artery screenings,” says director of imaging Stephanie Martin. And, upcoming is totally AI (artificial intelligence) calcium scoring software that’s not out on the market yet, but it’s going to be coming. It’s always good to have an extra set of computer eye. All scans are performed by registered CT techs and read by Board-certified radiology doctors. We’re really confident about the results that we’re putting out.” Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker (Left) Your full-body scan at Life Guard Imaging can help detect deadly diseases before they become deadly. (Right) Life Guard’s VP of BusiMartin Gramatica was so impressed by the service ness Development (and former Tampa Bay Bucs placekicker) Martin Gramatica joined the team because he was so impressed with its services. If anything changes, we’re going to catch it early. The sooner he received he became part of the team. GraTran, who says she only got scanned herself in June 2023 cancer or heart disease is caught, the higher the percentage of matica, who is now Life Guard’s VP of Business Development, because her husband Vihn went for one. To their surprise, it survival, avoiding chemotherapy and radiation, and having a says, “We tell our patients we want you to come in before your was Tuyen who ended up being diagnosed with Stage 1B lung first symptom. We want people to know they can come in and do good quality of life. We find many things before they become cancer, despite having never been a smoker, as well as with a preventive scan. Our goal is to open one to three new locations deadly, and that’s the goal. We’re literally saving one to three fibroid masses in her uterus, all of which have been removed. lives per day.” per year and keep the family atmosphere. Our patients are the “My pulmonologist said that it was very unusual for a Life Guard Imaging also honors military, firefighters, priority, from the front desk to the patient advocate to when they lung malignancy to be found so early,” Tuyen says. “He said and police officers with discounted programs on its diagnostic get their scan.” that most people don’t get checked until they have symptoms, imaging services. He adds, “When our patients come in, they will meet which is usually Stage 3 or 4, or too late to be helped. Instead, Maldonado adds, “This technology has existed for over with a patient advocate who will explain other scans. The now we’re just watching it every six months with my oncolopatient will be in the scanner for 5-6 minutes. It’s very fast. It’s 25 years. Tell me how it’s possible that it is not readily available gist. I just want everyone to know that it works.” an 18-inch donut; patients’ heads never go through the donut, all around the country, let alone all around the world? Our Vihn adds, “I believe that Life Guard Imaging has, esso there are no issues with claustrophobia. It will probably take goal is to help as many people as possible. The fact that people sentially, saved my wife’s life. It was well worth it (the cost). don’t know this is available in the medical world is a tragedy. them longer to walk to the scanner than the actual scan.” Even if they find nothing, that’s OK, too. It’s good to have For every life we save, hundreds of thousands are lost. We’re Though preventive scans, like those at Life Guard that peace of mind.” giving people more time on earth, more memories with their Imaging, are not covered by insurance, the company offers Life Guard Imaging is located at 3001 N. Rocky families, and more good to be done in the world. More people Point Dr., Suite 185. For more information, visit Lifeindividual scan pricing, a comprehensive, affordable Legacy need to have access to this.” Imaging program, and also accepts Care Credit. GuardImaging.com, call (813) 524-1010 or see the ad on Despite being open less than three years, Life Guard Im“Our Legacy Imaging program is a few dollars a day, less pg. 37. You will receive a heart scan at no cost if you menaging has hundreds of testimonials from people who say their than a Starbucks coffee,” Gramatica says. “The first full body tion this story. This reporter made an appointment for a lives were saved with early detection. One of those is Tuyen scan is the baseline, and everything is compared year to year. scan after conducting this interview.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
27
Murtha & Flischel — New Name, Same Great Accounting & Tax Services! By Nidhi Jani
Neighborhood News Correspondent New year, new tax returns to file – and a new name for a trusted staple of the local community. As of Jan. 1 of this year, the well-known local Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firm known as Murtha & Murtha, LLC, has been operating under the name of Murtha & Flischel, CPAs, as the firm’s long-time senior accountant Kyle Flischel is now a named managing partner with fellow managing partner and co-founder Patrick Murtha. Thomas Murtha, CPA, Patrick’s father, is still at the firm, located in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 as a cofounder and senior partner, working with his core clients and providing expertise in complex situations. Also, the firm’s second office in Zephyrhills, which was formerly known as Henson & Murtha, CPAs, also is being rebranded under the new name. The trio of Patrick, Kyle and Tom, with more than 60 years of combined experience, can handle accounting, bookkeeping, mergers and acquisitions, taxes and other related services for their clients.
Coming Full Circle
Before Murtha & Flischel, it was originally Kyle’s dad, Raymond Flischel, and Tom Murtha who started working together as Flischel, Murtha & Associates in 1997 in Englewood, FL. Ray became a CPA in 1978 and worked for more than 40 years in the profession before retiring. Tom Murtha also is a CPA and he earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, in 1976, and his M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, in 1981. He has been doing business valuations, mergers, acquisitions and taxes since the 1990s and also taught accounting courses at Hillsborough Community College and the American Institute of Banking for more than 15 years. Patrick and Kyle may have gotten the tax and accounting “bug” from their fathers, but they became friends and colleagues all on their own. They both
The friendly, professional staff of Murtha & Flischel, LLC, is led by co-managing partner Kyle Flischel, CPA (in lighter blue jacket), Tom Murtha, CPA, and co-managing partner Patrick Murtha. (Photo provided by Captured by Arlene Photography) attended the University of South Florida “90% hobby,” becoming pilots has already personal touch and responsiveness. Patrick (USF), where Patrick received Bachelor of proven beneficial to their business, too. and Kyle insist on meeting clients “eyeball “We consult with clients statewide,” Science (B.S.) degrees in both Finance and to eyeball” and Patrick says the person who shares Patrick. “So we were recently workAccounting in 2009 and 2015 and Kyle meets with you will be the same person obtained a B.S. in Accounting in 2011 and ing with a client on a business acquisition who files your tax returns, and will return on the east coast of Florida and it took a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Acyour calls throughout the year. counting with a tax concentration in 2017. us only 45 minutes to fly there versus the “We believe in building long-term During 2009 and 2010, Patrick helped usual three hours or so driving on I-4.” relationships, so we can answer questions sell Tom and Ray’s Englewood firm and year-round, not just during tax season,” opened a new firm with Tom — Murtha & Complicated Tax Returns? says Patrick. “A lot of clients who come Murtha, LLC, in Tampa. Then, in 2015, to us from another practice say they liked Murtha & Flischel Can Help! the Murthas moved to Wesley Chapel, who they were working with, but that they Tax season, which just began, is unwhere Kyle joined them. didn’t return calls or answer emails. Our doubtedly the firm’s busiest time of year. Since then, the business and its staff While there are many tax software and on- primary goal is to communicate well with have grown steadily over the years. The our clients.” line tax services available to use at home, Wesley Chapel office has expanded in size Potential clients who worry that hirpeople with complex situations — such as over time to a full building in the same ing a tax professional may be too costly needing to file in multiple states due to office park to accommodate two additional moving, working or owning properties in shouldn’t hesitate to call Murtha & Flissenior accountants as well as new bookother states, etc. — may find that doing chel. The initial consultation is always free keepers and receptionists, who help with their own taxes at home isn’t so easy. and the firm’s rates are similar to those of clients across the state, as well as day-to-day “We’re well-versed in helping clients national tax preparation companies. Plus, administrative tasks. file in multiple states, along with their they will look at your tax paperwork for the Patrick and Kyle have both taken on federal taxes, if they have income or assets current year and tax returns for the previanother challenge recently — getting their from multiple states,” says Patrick. ous three years to better understand your pilot’s licenses. Patrick has his already and What separates Murtha & Flischel financial situation — as well as look for Kyle is working on getting his soon. from TurboTax® software or nationwide See “Murtha & Flischel “on pg. 30. While Patrick admits this endeavor is firms like Jackson Hewitt is the firm’s
TampaBayHomes4Sale.com View New Property Listings as They Go Live Online!
28 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Steven Kessel, REALTOR®
TBH4S.com
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
29
‘Murtha & Flischel’ Continued from pg. 28
opportunities to submit for missed savings — and ultimately put more money back into your pocket. “Kyle is excellent and we have been using his services for over three years,” shares client David Ernst. “I only wish I had found him sooner. Kyle has helped not only with our taxes, but also with audits and making amendments to prior years.”
Business Owners — Take Note! New this year, Patrick and Kyle are
reaching out to all business owners to inform them of an important new federal requirement that went into effect on Jan. 1 of this year. Under the U.S. Department of the Treasury is a group called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which is now requiring many businesses to register all beneficial ownership information (BOI) or decision makers. According to FinCEN.gov, this requirement comes as a result of bipartisan legislation called the Corporate Transparency Act, which was passed in 2021 to “make it harder for bad actors to hide or benefit from their ill-gotten gains through shell companies or other opaque ownership structures.” “This requirement can apply to limited liability corporations (LLCs), other corporations and partnerships, and even rental property owners,” says Kyle. If your business was created prior to 2024, you have until the end of the year to
When you work with Murtha & Flischel CPAs, you get the benefit of more than 60 years of experience with (l.-r.) Patrick Murtha, Kyle Flischel & Tom Murtha. (Photos by Captured by Arlene Photography) report BOI, but for businesses newly established in 2024, owners will only have 90 days. It’s free and relatively simple in most cases to register BOI online through the BOI E-filing system, but the penalties for not registering or registering incorrectly are steep – “civil penalties up to $500 for each day the violation continues” and possibly “criminal liabilities of up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.” If e-filing your BOI independently seems daunting, Murtha & Flischel can guide you in the e-filing process or help you determine if your business falls within the 23 exempted groups. And, while the FinCEN requirement is new, helping business owners is something the firm has been doing for a long time. A popular service Murtha & Flischel of-
fers is the “CFO retainer package.” With this package, the firm helps businesses and people who are self-employed do monthly accounting and bookkeeping as well as budgeting for the future. Murtha & Flischel also offers advice for tax planning, mitigating tax bills and about health insurance or retirement plans. “Patrick Murtha did my business’ taxes from 2022 forward,” shares a client named Khaled. “Great knowledge. Very responsive to all my questions. He is beyond just a regular CPA, he is a tax strategist. I highly recommend Patrick Murtha for small business owners, particularly doctors.” Additionally, if you’re considering selling your business, Patrick says the firm can help you understand the current and potential future value of your business with the principals’
30 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
expertise in business valuations and appraisals. “If you have a publicly traded business, you can estimate your piece of the business’ worth by multiplying the number of shares you own by its current trading value, but small businesses can’t do that,” explains Patrick. “We help businesses estimate their worth by looking at their budgeting, financial statements, sales and cash flow, which can help to set realistic goals and benchmarks for growing or selling your business in the future.” The Wesley Chapel office of Murtha & Flischel, CPAs is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101. The Zephyrhills office is located at 5315 8th St. For a free consultation or tips on tax filings and more, call (813) 991-1120, see the ad on pg. 33 or visit TampaTaxFirm.com today.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
REMODEL • RESTORE • REPAIR Professional Licensed Contractor Family Owned & Operated For More Than 25 Years! • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • All Flooring Types • Water Damage Restoration CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE!
813.460.4548 BONDED & INSURED • LICENSE #CRC1332119
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
31
Decorating Den Interiors — The One-Stop Design Shop That Comes To You! By Nidhi Jani
Neighborhood News Correspondent From Better Home & Gardens to HGTV to Instagram influencers, it seems like everyone is telling you that you can decorate (or redecorate) your home yourself “to the tens” on a minimal budget. But, let’s face it, there’s a lot of time, effort and money spent in shopping, woodworking, painting and crafting — and sometimes, you simply don’t want to “DIY.” If you need help furnishing a new home, refreshing your walls, artwork or carpets, or setting up a special look for the holidays, consider calling Debbie Demboski and her daughter Sara Nelson at Decorating Den Interiors. Established in 1969, Decorating Den Interiors has nearly 300 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The company covers everything when it comes to home décor — inside and out. Decorating Den designers offer design ideas and sell furniture, lighting, window treatments, bedding, paintings and artwork, as well as carpeting and rugs, patio furnishings and more. Whether you need help with one room or your entire home or office, Debbie and Sara offer a free, no-risk (or obligation) consultation and they will bring their design studio to you. They each travel with a Decorating Den van filled with thousands of design samples — wallpaper books, color swatches, fabrics, blinds and sample designs from other successful projects. After parking their studio in your driveway, Debbie and Sara begin by touring your home and asking questions to get a feel for your decorating vision and budget. Then, Debbie and Sara will get to work on a new design right then and there. They will take measurements, share samples and sketch out the sizes, shapes and colors of possible new designs. “With the two of us, you will get two different approaches,” Debbie says. “I am more traditional, so I still use pen and paper, but Sara is handy with technology so she’ll often use her Apple Pencil and iPad for her sketches.” She adds, “With our first visit, our goal is always to get it right the first time, so that the next time you see us will be for product delivery and installation of your new look. Sometimes, we will come back for a second visit to put together new design ideas or show
The award-winning local Decorating Den franchise is a story of three generations of designing women — Debbie Demboski, her mother Phyllis & Debbie’s daughter Sara Nelson.
Decorating Den can help you find the unique pieces you need to create the living room (above) or bedroom (photo on next page) of your dreams. (All photos provided by Debbie Demboski) a personalized design presentation, but I’d say know that Decorating Den can even help about 50% of the time, we can help you choose them buy custom pieces. “We work with many name-brand your new design at the first appointment.” Decorating Den negotiates directly with manufacturers, such as Lexington, but we can more than 130 design suppliers through its also help you design and order custom, oneLIVV Home Collection and passes on the of-a-kind furniture, upholstery and bedding savings to its clients. too,” says Debbie. “Because we’re such a big interior design The best part, she says, is that if you buy group in North America, we have tremendous through Decorating Den, you don’t have buying power,” explains Debbie. “We buy to pay an hourly consulting fee to Debbie wholesale directly from the manufacturers at or Sara. Their compensation is derived from very competitive rates and then sell at afforda- each item they sell. “Our model actually depends on us negoble retail prices to our clients. Of course, if you are looking to buy just one or two things, you tiating the best possible wholesale prices from manufacturers because we are then able to may find them somewhere else at a similar or lower cost. But, for designing multiple things, sell at prices that include our fees but still stay below suggested retail prices,” shares Debbie. instead of spending the time looking, priceThe strength of their franchise is the comparing and negotiating at many different amount of repeat business they receive stores, we can save you time and money.” Debbie also says that people often don’t through word of mouth/referrals. For ex-
32 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
ample, Debbie has worked on Kay Morgan’s home in New Tampa as well as her daughter’s home and a friend’s home on Harbour Island. Sara also has many repeat customers, such as Vicki Reese, who have worked with her multiple times. “Working on the Harbour Island home was very satisfying,” shares Debbie. “The client selected a few things, went up north for the winter, came back for summer and everything was done. She didn’t have to deal with any of the stress and she came back to a brand-new-looking home.”
Three Generations...
Tampa Bay native Debbie Demboski has been a Decorating Den franchise owner since 1989. After earning her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Fashion Merchandising & Business from West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown in 1976, Debbie worked for several retail companies, including Montgomery Ward. About 34 years ago, she learned about Decorating Den from a friend and decided to buy her own franchise location when Sara was only 9 months old. Debbie’s mom Phyllis came to help care for Sara and found herself working with Deb-
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
bie as a regional secretary and office manager as Debbie’s business and role within Decorating Den grew. As one of the company’s most successful and longest-tenured franchise owners, Debbie also is the Regional Director of Decorating Den’s Central Florida franchises and has the master license of all 13 franchises across the area from St. Pete to Melbourne. “Each franchise runs independently,
but I do help them get started and check in with them one-on-one and with events, like our holiday parties,” explains Debbie. “Recently, a new location opened in Windermere, so the owner and I worked together to set up a Grand Opening event and I spoke there as well.” Debbie has received many corporate accolades, including Decorating Den’s
Region of the Year three times, President’s Club sales award and 2020 Franchise of the Year. Many of her designs also have been published in national design contests. “Debbie Demboski has decorated three homes for me now,” says Debbie G., a longtime client. “Thanks to her, they have all been beautiful and tasteful. The best thing is that she comes to you, and brings all of her books and materials. Debbie listens carefully to what you like, and creates beautiful rooms from your direct input. She will hunt until she finds just the right furniture, blinds, curtains, fabrics, flooring or accessories for your home. Debbie is the best!” It should come as no surprise that Sara caught the interior design bug from her mom — eventually. Sara graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Journalism and certification in business management. After graduation, Sara continued working with the “As Seen On TV” company that she started working with as an undergrad and worked all the way up to becoming Regional Manager for the Tampa Bay area. But, in 2014, she decided to join forces with her mom and pursue her own creative interests with Decorating Den. Sara completed a year-long internship with Debbie before starting on her own projects. She also went to training offered by Decorating Den in Texas, where she earned a window treatment certification and the prestigious Decorating Den Certified Designer (DDCD) certification. Structured to align with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)’s national standards, the DDCD exam is given
over three days with a written test and practical design portion. By earning the DDCD certification, Sara joined the ranks of only 5% of all Decorating Den employees. Now with nearly ten years of experience at Decorating Den herself, Sara is a design pro in her own right, especially with window treatments, and she takes on the majority of new consultations. She also tackles social media and marketing for the franchise. While Sara is well poised to take over the business someday, Debbie says she isn’t ready to hand over the reins just yet. “People often ask me if I am thinking about retiring, but then I point to my mom,” shares Debbie. “She’s 92 years old and she’s still working. So, I always say, I can’t think about retiring until Mom does.” But the real reason is simple — Debbie just isn’t ready to give up her love of designing. “Sara has grown up seeing my business evolve and expand from the very beginning,” says Debbie. “Still, there are so many challenges to deal with, such as unique projects and back orders. I work hard to stay up to date with design trends and I hope to work for as long as I can. I always tell Sara, ‘Franchises allow you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself,’ and that we’re lucky to have a strong team with each other and with Decorating Den as a whole.” To schedule a free in-home or inoffice design consultation with Debbie and Sara at Decorating Den Interiors, call (813) 817-2264, e-mail debbied@decoratingden.com, or visit DebbieD.DecoratingDen.com. Or, see the ad on pg. 38.
TRUST
MORTGAGE ADVICE YOU CAN REFINANCING OR PURCHASING A HOME? WE CAN HELP!
Steven Kessel REALTOR® Call me (781) 246-1234 StevenKesselRealtor.com
Nicholas, Mary & Matthew Catchur
NMLS#1639622, NMLS #247859, NMLS #2222195
FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional & Reverse Mortgages
Licensed in Florida, Virginia, & Pennsylvania CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN TAMPA PALMS PROFESSIONAL CENTER
No-Cost Pre-Approvals in 1 Hour On-Time Closing in 30 Days or Less
CALL 813-910-8020 FOR A FAST, FREE RATE QUOTE
It’s Tax Season... We Can Help. Let our decades of experience navigate for you this tax season. • Individual Returns • Corporate Returns • Partnership Returns • Trust Returns 2236 Ashley Oaks Circle, Suite 101 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
813-991-1120 www.TampaTaxFirm.com Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
33
The Law Office Of Paul J. Monsanto Can Help You With Estate Planning Special to the Neighborhood News The one thing we can all count on in life, other than death and taxes, is change. Whether it’s a new baby in the family or someone getting sick, change is constant. We have to make decisions in the best interest of our families and adjust to all the curveballs thrown our way, but what about when we’re not here anymore? Who will be looking out for our families after we’ve passed on? Just the idea leaves us with big, heavy questions to ask ourselves. What will happen to my assets? Will my wishes be properly carried out? Who will take care of my children if I pass away before they’re adults? Death and disability are never topics anyone wants to discuss, but avoiding planning for them can cost you and your family big time. In attorney Paul J. Monsanto’s line of work, he’s seen the turmoil created after someone dies without a properly prepared estate plan. “There’s nothing more disheartening than when I see a family who should be grieving, instead having to deal with the legal headache that comes when someone dies without a Will or a Trust because it’s completely avoidable,” Paul says. The Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, P.A., located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park (north of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel handles exactly those types of issues. The office specializes in Wills, Trusts, Probate and Family Planning. “A comprehensive estate plan is the single most important thing you can do to
Attorney Paul Monsanto specializes in Wills, Trusts, Probate & Family Planning. His office is located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park in Wesley Chapel. (Photo provided by Paul Monsanto) ensure your family and your hard-earned the deceased to their beneficiaries,” he says. money are protected in case you die or be“It also is an opportunity for creditors to make come incapacitated,” Paul says. “And it’s not claims against the estate.” as complex as some people think.” For those whose family member passed He adds that, “I believe simplicity is cru- away without an estate plan, probate can be a cial to estate planning. I get a lot of calls from long, arduous process. “I’ll never forget one clients who think they need a complicated particular client,” Paul says. “It was a young estate plan to avoid probate because of some- man in his 40s who came to me because he was thing a friend told them or an article they very sick with cancer. He didn’t have children read online, but for a lot of people, especially but wanted to leave his assets to his mother older folks, that’s not the case.” and brother. My heart broke when I found out he had passed away two months later. He was In fact, the number-one reason that motivates Paul’s clients to call him is because they weak and sick, but still made the effort to create an estate plan. That saved his family months want to avoid probate. “Probate is a courtof added stress.” supervised process of transferring assets from
Paul’s law firm is quickly rising to the top of the pack with 47 five-star Google reviews since he opened his office three years ago. But, while his firm is young, Paul has plenty of experience. He has been practicing law for more than 13 years and is licensed to practice in both Florida and New York. Paul graduated with a Finance degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He attended law school at Duke University in Durham, NC. From there, he moved to New York City and became a litigating attorney for major banks and insurance companies. After his time in the big city, Paul came home to Tampa, where he was raised, so he could put down roots. There, he met his wife Laura Diaz, a morning radio personality at WMTX-FM Mix 100.7, and now has two wonderful stepchildren, Norah and Nash. They live in the New Tampa neighborhood of Tampa Palms. His career and personal life have taught Paul that no two family situations are the same. “I’ve seen families with no children and I’ve seen one family with ten children,” he says. “I’ve helped unmarried domestic partners, same-sex couples, people who are on their first marriage, second marriage, third marriage, blended families...you name it!” He says that the personal aspect of estate planning is what drew him to the practice area and why he plans to continue to practice estate law for years to come. “After practicing commercial litigation for big banks and corporations, it’s so refreshing to help everyday people,” Paul says. “Speaking to my clients and hearing about
Popular Services
• Botox, Dysport, Xeomin & Jeaveau
• Juvederm, Versa & Restylane Dermal Fillers • Fotona 4D, Liplase & Eyelase • Therapeutic Massage • Aerolase Neo Elite • Secret DUO
• Laser Hair Removal
• Microneedling
• Hair Restoration
• PRP Facials
• Weight Loss with Semaglutide
• Hydrafacials • Chemical Peels • RF Microneedling
• ZO Skin Health, Obagi Medical & Epionce
Make this Valentine’s Day special with full, kissable lips! Save $200 on Lip Filler with a “Lip Flip!” Don’t like needles? Save $100 on our lip-plumping laser treatment! ________________________________________________________________
Botox - Buy 30 units, receive 10 units FREE! If you schedule your next Botox appointment within 3-6 months, you’ll also receive an additional $25 OFF! (Offers available until February 29, 2024)
Connect with us 813.955.0408
8911 Regents Park Dr | Ste 510 #9 | Tampa, FL 33647 Definingbeautymedspa.com
34 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
their lives and their families is my favorite part of the job.” His client-focused approach is just one of the ways Paul’s law office stands out from the dozens of others popping up around New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. He strives to keep his fees fair and reasonable. In most cases, he charges a flat fee, so the client knows ahead of time what their legal costs will be. He makes himself accessible to his clients, personally answering his phone, replying to emails and handling consultations and document signings. He encourages potential clients to read his on-line reviews to see what his past clients have said about their experience with his office. Positive word of mouth has indeed helped grow his practice. “It’s such an honor when a client refers me to a friend, neighbor or family member,” Paul says.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Wills and Trusts are what most people think of first when it comes to estate planning, but Paul says there are many more aspects to it that he can help with, such as long-term-care planning, special needs planning and asset protection. He also handles probate cases. “I like to think of myself as an oldschool type of lawyer from a time before everything became impersonal. I’m here to help my clients in any way I can, and if it’s something I don’t do, I can probably help them find someone who does.” To schedule a consultation with attorney Paul J. Monsanto, call (813) 9975290, visit pjmattorneys.com. or see the ad on pg. 38. The Law Office of Paul J. Monsanto, P.A., is located at 2404 Creel Lane, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
35
.... _,
_Jl!L,c
t High qu�)ty at great prices. Compare & Save With Us! Join our Customer Rewards Program and get a punch every time you spend $10 or more. After your 10th punch, you'll receive $10 off your next order of $10 or more.
2291 E. Bearss Ave. 813.971.1855
•
Visit
New Tampa’s most upscale, elegant Salon!
NORTH TAMPA BAY
• Color Services • Color Correction • Highlights & Lowlights • Bayalage/Ombre • Deep Conditioning Treatments
• Keratin Complex Member, Rotary • Brazilian Blowouts Satellite Club of New Tampa After Hours • Extensions • Hair Botox Treatment • Haircuts & Styles for Women, Men & Children • Complimentary Consultations & More!
C H A M B E R
Immediate Past Chairman
New C
us
pec S r e m to
ial:
ing
ition d n o C ep
nt ERVICE! e m t a Tre WITH ANY S e
FREE D
a $4 (Up to
!) 5 value tomers only. rs. u ec s er offe
First-timmbined w/oth
Not to
4. be co 2/29/2 Expires
20304 Trout Creek Dr., New Tampa 813.973.2400 @PlatinumSalonTampa
@PlatinumHairSalonTampa
36 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
37
THE LAW OFFICE OF
Paul James Monsanto, P.A. Licensed in FL and NY | UF and Duke Law grad
Wills and Trusts Probate Asset Protection Long-term Care Planning Special Needs Planning Cypress Glen Professional Park 2404 Creel Lane, Suite 101 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (off S.R. 56 near I-75)
813.997.5290 pjmattorneys.com
38 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Here’s Your Last Chance To Win FREE Dining In Our ‘Big Game’ Squares Contest!
Although we started this contest before the end of 2023 pro football season, last year’s ‘Big Game Squares’ contest was so popular we decided to run it back again for our readers and the response from its first run in the Jan 9 New Tampa and Jan 23 Wesley Chapel issue has been so overwhelming that I have decided to do two separate grids and double the prizes! So, here’s how you can win FREE dining in our 2024 ‘Big Game’ Squares Contest. Simply email us the entry form at the bottom right of this page or enter on our website (NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net) by Friday, February 9. Please note that entries sent by U.S. mail are NOT allowed for this contest! On Saturday, February 10, I will first assign random squares on two separate “grids” for each of the first 200 entrants. Then, I will randomly assign numbers 0-9 along the top row under the AFC Champion’s name and in the far left column next to the NFC Champ’s name. Then, when the ‘Big Game’ is played, whoever’s name is in the box that matches up with the last digit of the score for each team wins a FREE gift card to the restaurant of their choice! For example, if the score is NFC 10, AFC 7 at the end of the first quarter and your name is in the box that corresponds to both NFC 0 & AFC 7 on either grid, you would win a $25 gift card as the first quarter winner. If the score is 13-13 at the end of the first half and your name is in a box that corresponds to both NFC 3, AFC 3, you would win a $50 gift card. We also will offer a $25 gift card to whoever has the correct box at the end of the third quarter and a $100 gift card for the correct score at the end of the game, whether at the end of the 4th quarter or overtime. See all of our official contest rules in the far left column below. — GN
Official Neighborhood News ‘Big Game’ Squares Contest Rules!
1. No purchase of any kind is necessary to enter or to win. 2. To enter, completely fill out just the entry form in the bottom right corner of this page & email it to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net.
‘2024 Big Game Squares’ Contest!
3. Only one entry per person, whether online or by email, not both. 4. All entries must be received by Friday, February 9, to be eligible. 5. Entrants will NOT get to choose their squares. 6. The first 200 properly filled out entries we receive will receive one of the 200 available squares. 7. The publisher will assign squares at random on both grids on Saturday, February 10. 8. If we receive fewer than 200 entries, those spaces will have no name entered in them and no one will be eligible to win a prize for any of those spaces. It doesn’t appear that this will be a problem, based on the overwhelming response so far. 9. After all eligible names have been entered, the publisher will assign numbers 0-9 at random in both the top row and the far left column of the grid. 10. The contest has been posted at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net since January 9. The filled-out grids will be posted before kickoff on Feb. 11.
Only Emailed & Online Entries Will Be Accepted!
*Note—Entries sent by U.S. mail will NOT be accepted.
11. Prizes to be awarded (one prize per quarter per grid): 1Q-$25; Half-$50; 3Q$25; 4Q or OT-$100. ALL prizes will be gift cards to the restaurant of each winner’s choice. Winners must submit the name of the restaurant of their choice or no prize will be awarded. 12. Contest results will be posted at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net by Feb. 14 & in our Feb. 20 Wesley Chapel & March 5 New Tampa issues.
Enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or Email this Entry Form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com by Friday, February 9, to grab your square!
Your Name ______________________________________________ Your Street Address _______________________________________ Zip Code __________ Daytime Phone # (____) _______________ Community You Live In ___________________________________ Your Valid Email Address __________________________________
Please Note — Even With 200 Available, This Year’s Squares Are Going Fast — It’s Possible That There May Not Be Any Left By The Time This Issue Reaches Your Mailbox On Or Before February 6, But All Entries Must Be Received By Friday, February 9, To Be Eligible!
• 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.2/29/24.
COME VISIT US! 1821 Bruce B Downs Blvd • Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 813.341.4444 • nutritionsmart.com
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
39
Lima Peruvian Cuisine — New Specials, Same Delicious Food! By GARY NAGER Photos by Charmaine George
If you’ve somehow still never sampled Peruvian food — despite having an outstanding Peruvian restaurant right here on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. — I implore you to go visit Lima Rotisserie Chicken & Peruvian Cuisine in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center. Lima, which is owned by Oscar Escudero, who was raised in Lima, Peru, continues to add amazing new dishes, thanks to Oscar’s passion and his happy supporting cast. The food at Lima is a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisines, since Peru is on the west coast of South America and located directly across the Pacific Ocean from China, which means that in the same place you can find several varieties of authentic Latin ceviché, you also can find wok-sautéed lo meinstyle noodle and fried rice dishes. If that sounds too good to be true to you, trust me, it’s not. And, if that combination doesn’t make your mouth water, trust me, it should. I named Lima my Favorite Latin Restaurant in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for 2023 because no other place in either of our areas offers a wider variety of uniquely spiced and tasty dishes. And, feel free to research why Peruvian food has been named as the best Latin American cuisine and among the favorite cuisines in the entire world by several trusted sources. Speaking of unique, not only does Lima offer vinegar-and-lime-marinated ceviché options like shrimp, mussels and calamari, as well as my favorite Ceviché de Pescado (raw white meat fish), Oscar recently added — as a special only, at least for now — his own twist on the
(Left) Please tell owner Oscar Escudero that you want his new Ceviché Lima added to his regular menu, which already features favorites like the Lima Wrap sandwich (above) and the Tallarin Saltado de Mariscos (bottom). (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George)
classic dish that he calls Ceviché Lima, which adds a savory golden pepper sauce to the fish and two types of corn kernels, as well as a generous helping of flash-fried calamari. The sauce is so delicious that not only does it give the ceviché itself a delightfully different flavor, with just a hint of spice, it also may be the best dipping sauce for fried calamari I’ve ever tasted. I told Oscar that I would tell my readers to ask — no, make that demand — that he add Ceviché Lima to the regular menu, so please feel free to do just that! Speaking of new specials that definitely
should be added to Lima’s regular menu, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I also got to sample Oscar’s Asado de Res con Ensalada Rusa, which is slow-cooked-toincredibly-tender beef tenderloin in a brown gravy of its own juices, with a side of Russianinspired potato-and-beet salad. Jannah, who saw the purple color of this entrée’s side dish and immediately thought she wouldn’t like it, said the beef tenderloin was better than my mom’s brisket (pot roast) recipe, which might have started an argument between us if I didn’t kind of agree with her! And, although my wife didn’t love the beet-and-potato salad, Charmaine and I agreed it was pretty delicious, too. Feel free to also beg Oscar to add this one to the menu. Other dishes that aren’t new to the menu that we sampled for the first time on our most recent visit include the Lima Wrap sandwich, which is a tasty chicken salad wrap that adds small tomato wedges and cilantro, which gives the chicken salad an unusual zing. The fries were a perfect complement, even though I would order them extra crispy next time. But, since we had some of the Ceviché Lima sauce left over, we all dipped a lot of the fries in both that sauce and the gravy from the Asado dish until all of the fries were gone. Yum! And, although the Tallarin Saltado de Pollo (flamed diced chicken breast with sliced
40 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
onions, tomatoes, scallions, julienned peppers and cilantro blended with pasta and Peruvianstyle soy sauce) is still Jannah’s favorite dish at Lima, she and Charmaine both also raved about their first sampling of the Tallarin Saltado de Mariscos, which is the same dish, but with shrimp, calamari, mussels and clams, instead of chicken. And, although I couldn’t sample it because of my hated shellfish allergy (I could eat the calamari and clams, but not in the same dish as the shrimp and mussels), Charmaine said that all of the seafood was cooked to perfection and the flavors all blended amazingly well together. There also is a Tallarin de Carne, which replaces the chicken or seafood with tenderloin tips that I also love. Similar wok-sautéed style dishes also are available without the pasta — replaced by sides of both white rice and French fries — in Lima’s Lomo Saltado, as well as in Oscar’s Arroz Chaufa (fried rice) with the same protein options as the Tallarin and Lomo Saltado. These also are excellent, but there’s just something about the way the pasta blends with the Peruvian soy sauce that makes it my preferred choice. And yes, Lima does feature its perfectly spiced rotisserie chicken, available as chickenonly or with side dishes that include some of the best black beans and rice in town. Other sides include pico de gallo, a zesty house salad, yuca fries and tostones (twice-fried green plantain slices).
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Other appetizers include Papa (boiled potatoes) or Yuca Huancaina (covered with cold yellow pepper cheese sauce) as well as tostones topped with chicken salad, tenderloin tips or shrimp, and choros a las Chalaca (mussels on the half shell topped with pico de gallo). There also are several soups on the menu, including Aguadito (cilantro chicken soup) and two different types of mixed seafood soups. And, there is a variety of other sandwiches, as well as a Lima Bowl (jasmine rice topped with black beans, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo and Lima chicken salad with cilantro house sauce). Save room for dessert, too, as Lima has a number of new options we hadn’t sampled before, including the refreshing and light passion fruit Cake de Maracuya and Tres Leches de Lucian, which has hints of coffee and caramel. Kids will enjoy Lima’s chicken tenders with fries and Salchipapas, which are fries topped with diced allbeef hot dogs and a choice of sauces. Domestic and imported beer (including Peruvian Cusqueña and Sierra Andina) and sangria also are available for adults. Lima Peruvian Cuisine (19062 BBD Blvd.) opens every day at 11:30 a.m. and stays open until 8 p.m. Mon.-Thur., 9 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & 7 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call (813) 304-0205, visit LimaTampa. com, or see the ad on pg. 43 for 10% (Top) If you like pot roast, you should definitely try off any take-out or dine-in order. Lima’s Asado de Res con Ensalada Rusa. (Above) The Delivery also is available through Cake de Maracuya is light, refreshing and delicious. DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
41
Qdoba Ready To Move Into Moe’s Spot In Highwoods
NEW TAMPA
By the time this issue reaches your mailbox, the new Qdoba Mexican Eats should either be open or within just a few days of opening in the former location of Moe’s Southwest Grill in the Highwoods Preserve area at 17509 Preserve Walk Ln. (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., next to EggTown). Considering that Moe’s was pretty popular for years in the same spot, I’m guessing Qdoba will do pretty well there, too, even with a Chipotle located less than a half-mile north (Chipotle is in the same outparcel building in the Walk at Highwoods Preserve as Panera Bread). “We make everything fresh and have no freezers,” franchise owner Mike Montante, who also owns the Qdoba franchise on Falkenburg Rd. in the Brandon area (but not the closest location to us on E. Fowler Ave., next to MOSI, where I took the photos below), told me when we met him at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Final Friday event at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux on Jan. 26. Qdoba allows you to craft your own entrée — whether you want a bowl, burrito, grilled quesadilla, nachos, salad or three tacos. Available proteins include veggie, grilled adobo chicken, ground beef, Cholula® hot & sweet chicken, pulled pork, grilled steak or brisket birria. There also is a nice variety of salsas and toppings — from tortilla strips, shredded cheese and pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, salsa roja, chile crema and more, as well as both hot and mild queso sauces. For my bowl (left), I chose grilled steak, white rice, red beans, romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, chile corn salsa and the chile crema sauce and everything did indeed taste very fresh. The New Tampa Qdoba was still hiring at our press time, but I can’t be sure whether or not positions will still be available as you’re reading this, but you can text “116A” to 31063 to find out for yourself. For more information, call (813) 761-0005 or visit Qdoba.com. — GN
42 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
Congratulations To The Fat Rabbit Pub! The #1 Favorite Bar In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel for 2023 With Our Readers!
16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W.
rican Restaurant Open! City PlazaIs at Tampa Palms
(813) 252-3004 FatRabbitPub.com.com uveia, The Grill at Morris Bridge
Enjoy Our Craft Cocktails!
xecutive Chef Daniel Friley.
cted bottles starting at $25 m around the world, -liquor bar
Check Out Our New Items That Will Soon Be Added To Our Regular Menu!
ghts a week h Sunday,
h!
r menu ter fare!
orrisBridge.com •
Chicken Marsala The Grill at Morris Bridge
Chef’s Special Meatballs
Check Out Our Unique Brunch Menu & New Tampa’s Most Extensive Wine List!
These Dishes Are Currently Available As Everyday Specials Only! 10920 Cross Creek Blvd. (next to Publix) 813.388.5353 TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com The Grill at Morris Bridge
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
43
New BellaBrava In Bexley Has Local Connections
WESLEY CHAPEL
Although it is located ten miles east of Wesley Chapel in The Hub at Bexley off S.R. 54 near the Suncoast Pkwy., we attended the pre-opening of the third location of BellaBrava New World Trattoria (16722 Focus Loop, Lutz) which has both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel connections. First of all, BellaBrava, which has now been open at The Hub for about a month as you’re reading this, is owned by 2B (it’s actually 2 over B but I have no idea how to write that here) Hospitality, which is led by president Thomas Sanborn. Sanborn was the original chef at Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms under then- (and long-time former) proprietor Dave Rathbun. Rathbun, who left Stonewood a few years ago, is now a manager at BellaBrava Bexley. In addition, Sanborn says that before finding the Bexley location, he actually negotiated with two separate locations in Wesley Chapel. “We looked at the space where Azteca D’Oro is now in the Shops at Wiregrass,” Sanborn says. “We also looked at the (stillopen) space next to the new Cooper’s Hawk on State Road 56, but we couldn’t come to an agreement on either site, so we went with the Bexley location.” The 7,000-sq.-ft. BellaBrava at Bexley is an elegant restaurant with a premium fullliquor bar and is definitely worth a visit — especially if you’ve ever dined at the original BellaBrava location on Beach Dr. in downtown St. Petersburg or the recently opened Midtown Tampa restaurant. Sanborn’s 2B Hospitality also owns Stillwaters Tavern two doors down
from the original BellaBrava. Anyway, our first couple of visits to the Bexley location have been excellent. We all agreed that our favorite dish was the hot honey pepperoni pizza (top right photo on this page), although we also enjoyed the Bella bruschetta (top left; which has a unique layer of goat cheese between the diced tomatoes and Jamison’s breadhouse ciabatta toast points), the bucatini with meatballs (right), the lasagna Bolognese and the Trattoria chicken parmesan. Oh, and BellaBrava’s wine list is HUGE (and fairly priced), too! Photographer Charmaine George (who took all of these pictures) also gave high marks to her seafood fra diavolo (not pictured) and Italian gimlet cocktail (left). BellaBrava also offers wonderful-looking sandwiches, Rhode Island-style calamari fritti
and a prime NY strip steak. Tell Sanborn, Rathbun and general manager Tina Stormer we sent you. BellaBrava Bexley is open every day for lunch & dinner. For info, call (813) 4894890 or visit BellaBravaBexley.com. — GN
Winner “Best Mexican Restaurant” & “Best Taco” FOR 4 YEARS IN A ROW IN The Best of Tampa Bay (Lo Mejor De Tampa)
• Authentic Mexican Cuisine • Happy Hour Every Day, 3pm-6pm • Brunch Available at Both Locations Every Day, 10 am-3 pm • Thousands of 5-Star Reviews! • We Deliver!
CHECK OUT OUR TWO OUTSTANDING LOCATIONS: Don Julio's - Tampa Palms
Don Julio’s - Bearss
16023 Tampa Palms Blvd City Plaza at Tampa Palms (813) 644-7899 HOURS: Sun-Thu: 10 am-9 pm Fri-Sat: 10 am-10 pm
2808 E. Bearss Ave Palms Connection (813) 898-2860 HOURS: Sun-Thu: 10 am-9 pm Fri-Sat: 10 am-10 pm
DonJuliosMexican.com donjuliosmexican Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine
44 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
If You’re Looking For A Romantic Local Restaurant For Valentine’s Day, Here Are Some Suggestions! The Living Room
2001 Piazza Ave., Unit 100 The Shops at Wiregrass (813) 934-7911 TLR.restaurant
The Grill At Morris Bridge
10920 Cross Creek Blvd., New Tampa (813) 388-5353 TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com
Stonewood Grill & Tavern
17050 Palma Pointe Dr., Tampa Palms (813) 978-0388 StonewoodGrill.com
TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Restaurant & Bar
6034 Wesley Grove Blvd. The Grove at Wesley Chapel (813) 406-4371 TrebleMakersofWC.com
But, if you’re looking for a great agent to handle your real estate transactions, may I suggest that we talk? Johanna Navarro | 813.299.9870 | Chapelrealtor@gmail.com @wesleychapelrealtor.johanna | joinc21be3.com Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
45
New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds Are you or isMISCELLANEOUS someone you love struggling COMPUTER SERVICES PROF’L TECH SUPPORT in your home or small biz. A+ Cert. computer tech w/25 years of exp. Maint. & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than chains! Friendly, personal svc. Tech jargon explained. Remote assistance & refs. avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate! DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com.
___ LAWN, & LANDSCAPING_____
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. WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHINGCOM. Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small. Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate 813-433-6015. RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Ext: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Int: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124. DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 30+ years of exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-784-5999. Lic. #SCC131149699
JOHN IDEAL LAWN & LANDSCAPES. We provide all normal lawn & landscaping svcs: •Mow •Edge •Turf Trim •Air-Sweep •Right-of-Way Weed Control •Bed Edging •Resod •Design Your Lawn •Mulch •Shrub Trim/Shape •Hedge Trim •Yard Cleanup. “For no lawn stress, just join John’s Curb Appeal Success!” Save 12%/mo for 6 mos w/a 1-yr contract. Call Maitland John @ 813.327.1039.
ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, LLC. Complete resid’l & comm’l landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone. Patios, decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn care. Sod & lawn install’n, artificial turf, fencing, railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials.
TRANSPORTATION
_
AIRPORT SHUTTLE SVC. C&R Transporta-tion Services of Tampa Bay, LLC, is a shuttle service that provide safe & reliable transportation to & from your destinations.• New Tampa Transfer, $69 • Wesley Chapel Transfer, $79 • ZHills Transfer, $89 • Dade City Transfer, $129. Book Online @ Crtransportation.org or Call (813) 895-7413. Receive a FREE T-shirt w/every transfer. AUTOS WANTED! Autos/trucks/small campers/small boats wanted! We pay top dollar! Any condition, Free Removal 24/7. For more info, call (813) 461-0062.
ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2023 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $45 (one way). Cory Lake Isles resident. For more info, call or text 813.765.2037.
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 850-586-1868. Prof’l Resume Guru & Consulting Services LLC. Ready to unlock your full career potential? At PRG, we specialize in resumes, cover letters, residency statements, editing & much more! Transform your documents into a powerful tool that gets you noticed! Contact us today @ 813-405-5065 or email resume_guru@outlook.com. Equip yourself with the skills to stay safe! Register for 2A Rated Training for self-defense training classes. Our NRA Certified Instructors provide training to help you gain confidence & proficiency to protect yourself & loved ones responsibly. Don’t compromise your safety. Visit our website & register at 2ARatedTraining.com. Train with us. Empower yourself. Email: info@2ARatedTraining.com. RAYSPHOTOGRAPHS LLC! Do you have a special occasion/moment you’d like to capture? Specializing in weddings, engagements, portraits, headshots & events, allow me to capture the moments that matter most to you! Visit raysphotographs.com for samples. Call/text (813) 380-2655 or email ray@raysphotographs. com. Mention this ad & receive 20% off! DOES YOUR LOVED ONE NEED CARE AT HOME? Faith Compassionate Home Care Provides Medical & Non-Medical Home Health Care svcs: Nursing care, medication mgmt, case mgmt, companion care, home health aide, respite care, bowel care services, training to caregiver & more. Flexible pymt options. We accept private pay only. For info, call 813-602-4431. 360 BOOKKEEPING LLC - We focus on your Bookkeeping so you can focus on your Business. Est’d business? We’ll clean up your books to get you back on track. New Business? We can set up your chart of accounts to get you organized & efficient. Call now & get peace of mind—plus 20% off set-up fees—(813) 336-1363. Hughes School of Music now accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory with a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also available! Contact us at 813-748-3216.
To order your Classified ad, call (813) 910-2575! Please note that our online ordering system isn’t working, so please call!
46 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • 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
If You Want Your Ad To Reach The Most Potential Customers In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel... CALL OR EMAIL JANNAH! 813.910.2575 Ads@NT NeighborhoodNews.com Your ad in the Neighborhood News can be seen by more than 160,000 people every four weeks! Find out how!
Do You Love To Write?
The Neighborhood News is looking for additional writers! • News Reporters • Business Feature Writers • Sports Reporters • Human Interest Story Writers To apply, email your resume (no phone calls please) & ONE writing sample to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com.
CRUZ MOTORSPORTS
Specializing in European and Domestics
SERVICE SPECIAL
FREE
ALIGNMENT CHECK
Must present coupon at time of service. Cannot combine with any other offer. Exp. 2/29/24
OIL CHANGE SPECIAL
BRAKE SPECIAL
*Including Free Diagnostics, Inspection, A/C Check and Brake Inspection.
FREE OIL CHANGE *For all new clients! Welcome to the family of
CRUZ MOTORSPORTS @NTWCNews
*Excludes tires, batteries and oil changes. Up to $150 savings.
Inspect vehicles steering and suspension Check tire condition and air pressure Check alignment on alignment rack
One Conventional Oil Change: $29.99 One Synthetic Blend Oil Change: $54.99 One Full Synthetic Oil Change: $69.99 Up to 5 quarts
Neighborhood News
10% OFF ANY REPAIR SERVICE Save up to $150
$25 Off Brakes per axle *Most cars and light trucks. Per Axle. Must present coupon at time of service. Cannot combine with any other offer. Exp. 2/29/24
Serving Tampa Bay Over 10 Years!
813.447.1349 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
13787 N Nebraska Ave / Tampa FIND US ON:
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3, February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
47
48 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 32, Issue 3 • February 6, 2024 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Neighborhood News
@NTWCNews