Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 32, Issue 8, April 16, 2024

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Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus Turns 10!

By GARY NAGER

When Sonia Rodriguez Thorn first arrived in 2013 at the not-yet-open Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch of what was then called Pasco Hernando Community College (PHCC), her name was only Sonia Rodriguez, as she was not yet married.

Sonia’s last name was still Rodriguez when the school’s Porter Campus opened in January 2014 as the fifth campus of the freshly renamed Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) and she served as the first Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Porter Campus, and the right hand to the Porter Campus’ first Provost, Dr. Stanley Giannet. Sonia did get married in December of that year, so both she and the school had new names to start the Porter Campus’ second year.

“It’s an honor to come back here, after 30 years of service and especially, opening this campus,” Sonia said when she was introduced by the current Provost of the Porter Campus Dr. Davina Jones, “when my first hire Mildred (Santiago Diaz) and I couldn’t even get into the building yet. Mildred (who is one of several employees introduced by Dr. Jones as having been at the Porter Campus for all ten years of its existence) and I and all of our new hires were housed in one room, with six tables and chairs, at the West Campus in New Port Richey until this building (at seven total stories, the tallest in Pasco County) opened.”

She added, “I’ve been involved with this in-

EDITORIAL

Thirty years in business is nice, but how about 40 years? Congrats to Kent & Cindy Ross! See page 3

stitution in one form or another since 1991 and it’s been a blessing and a privilege for me to serve not only the community and our stakeholders but also the institution that helped develop me both personally and professionally and I’m very

EXTENDING ZHILLS BYPASS?

The new Hamilton Oaks community will extend the Zephyhills Bypass further east.

See page 6

honored by that. So, to come here today is really special for me, to see all that the Porter Campus has done for the Wesley Chapel community and Pasco County. Thank you so much!”

“Sonia gave us her best,” said Dr. Jones,

Many new businesses & the North Tampa Bay Chamber itself cut ribbons!

See pages 14 & 16

who introduced her to those in attendance on Apr. 6, prior to the festivities celebrating the Porter Campus’ tenth anniversary as a PHSC campus.

See “PHSC” on page 4

THE KRATES ADD NEW FLAVORS!

Checking out the new El Pasta & More, the Bodega Deli & the Garden of Eden! See pages 48 & 50

Many of the people in this picture have been with the Porter Campus of Pasco Hernando State College since PHSC first opened back in January of 2014. Current Provost Dr. Davina Jones (second from left) hosted an outstanding 10th Anniversary Celebration for the Porter Campus on April 6. Holding the sign, front and center in this picture, is Sonia Rodriguez Thorn, who was the first Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Porter Campus under the campus’ first Provost Dr. Stanley Giannet. (Photo by Charmaine George) Don

Photos by Charmaine George

Thirty Years? That’s Nice, But How About 40 Years?

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

After hosting the party celebrating my 30 years of owning the Neighborhood News, Jannah and I were proud to celebrate an even bigger milestone at an event hosted by our friends Kent and Cindy Ross, the owners of RP&G Printing & Business Systems, Inc.

And, while Kent and Cindy both seemed to enjoy themselves and said super-sweet things to us about my 30 years of Neighborhood News at our event, the fact is that my accomplishment pales in comparison to the fact that Kent has owned RP&G now for 40 years and Cindy joined him in 1995, or almost 30 years ago.

Like yours truly, Kent — a long-time member and former president of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel — and Cindy, one of the most visible (at virtually every event) long-time ambassadors for the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC), have deep roots in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities and also have been able to evolve their printing business over the decades.

Their celebration of Kent and RP&G’s 40 years on Mar. 21 also was a way to introduce their many friends and business associates to the company’s new location on Pet Ln., off Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz, and featured beautiful food (including some very upscale baconwrapped, cheese-filled dates crafted by RP&G graphic designer Stephanie Flischel), an impressive hula hoop display — did I mention the hula hoop was on fire? — by production specialist Brianna Peterson and a dancing 7+-foot-tall robot (provided by Karen’s Hora Loca) adorned with the RP&G logo and a similar number of attendees as the 150 or so who attended (including Kent and Cindy, by the way) our event.

When you consider that the only other business that has been open continuously in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel since 1984, when Kent first opened RP&G, is Saddlebrook Resort, you can understand why RP&G’s longevity is such a major accomplishment.

And, don’t forget that Saddlebrook was sold by founder and owner Tom Dempsey last year, so unless I’m forgetting someone, I don’t believe any business has been serving either of our distribution areas for longer than our friend Kent has.

Here are some facts Kent sent us in a press release about RP&G’s 40th birthday:

“We started by supplying continuous forms and checks for the burgeoning computer revolution in the 1980s. along with business cards and stationery,” he said. ”Full color printing then was so expensive only big companies could afford it, but now, we specialize in full-color marketing materials to help small businesses shine that are affordable for any size company.”

“This dedication has established a foundation of loyalty, still servicing clients that have been with the company since its inception — a testament to their unwavering commitment to client relations and customer service.”

• Receiving the Superior Performance in Print Shop Management award by CPrint International three times in the past five years.

Kent reminisces with humor about the company’s early days: “People often ask me what RP&G stands for. At the start, I looked so young — many assumed I was a kid trying to run a business. By rebranding to RP&G instead of my original ‘Ross Printing and Graphics,’ and changing my title from President to Sales Representative, I saw our sales take off, as people then trusted that I had ‘adult supervision.’”

In addition to keeping up with modern printing production technology, RP&G attributes much of its success to its dedicated staff.

“Machines will only get you so far,”

Kent says. “At the end of the day, it’s the people in your organization that will make

or break you and we have been blessed with talented team players that really look after our clients!”

These four decades also showcase a family’s legacy in the printing business.

Kent’s grandmother was the founder of the Pasco Shopper and had a print shop in the 1950s. His father joined that business in the early ‘60s.

Congrats, Kent & Cindy! We love you! And clearly, we’re not the only ones!

For more info about RP&G, call (813) 949-5700 or visit RPandG.com.

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Cindy added, “RP&G stands for more than just service; it signifies a promise to deliver great value and make our clients look their best.”

Significant achievements in RP&G’s 40-year history include:

• Winning the Small Business of the Year award from the NTBC in 2017

• Runner-up for Small Business of the Year, Pasco Economic Development Council, in 2016

(L.-r.) Stephanie Flischel, Scott Teel, Brianna Peterson & Cindy & Kent Ross (and their tall friend) of RP&G Printing.

“PHSC”

Continued from page 1

“So, of course, we invited her back to be here for this event today.”

Next, Dr. Jones mentioned that the three previous Porter Campus Provosts — Dr. Stanley Giannet, Dr. Bonnie Clark and Dr. Kevin O’Farrell — also were immortalized in the new PHSC “Hall of Fame” with a commemorative photo framed and displayed in the Provost’s conference room.

“We are also going to send each of them a photo of this tribute,” Dr. Jones said. ‘We just think it’s important that the Porter Campus never forget the excellence and the greatness that led this place.”

She also related a story she had heard about Dr. Giannet: “I heard that when he pulled up to this campus, he had a car full of beautiful art he brought with him and placed it all around the “A” Building and donated it. That is the mark of excellence that he brought to this campus...So, we want to continue to celebrate and honor all of our Provosts.”

She also gave gifts to each member of the campus’ inaugural staff and, before concluding the introduction to the day, Dr. Jones received a surprise herself. She handed off the microphone to Ann Coppola, the associate director of the library at the Porter Campus, who mentioned that Dr. Jones also was an original member of the campus’ faculty, as a public speech communication professor.

“Since then, your talent for diplomacy, your love of education and students and your strong work ethic has placed you as our campus leader and we could not be more fortunate to have you as Provost. You strive for excellence unapologetically, you advise personal accountability, you advocate for staff, faculty and students

with pure intentions and most importantly, you do all of this with civility and kindness...Your core team has learned so much from you... and your leadership sets the tone for this campus.”

To that end, Ann mentioned that, at the dedication ceremony of the statue honoring Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune at the U.S. Capitol in July 2022, a statue that replaced one of a Confederate general that stood at the Capitol since the Jim Crowe era, Dr. Jones’ contribution to making that statue a reality was mentioned by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor.

“Dr. Jones served as a front-line partner, as Florida and our nation prepared to receive and embrace this historic statue in the Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. Dr. Jones advocated

for the statue of Dr. Bethune as a far superior representative of the values and diversity of the Sunshine State.”

Ann added, “We curated this shadow box (photos above) to honor the work you did and still do for education. Thank you.” Dr. Jones was clearly moved by the impressive gift.

After that, she posed for a group photo with all of the original, former and current faculty members on hand and told everyone in attendance about the Business Expo and free food out on the school’s promenade, the tours (including virtual simulations) of the campus’ renowned nursing department and “Bomba” AfroLatin dance lesson (see photos on next page).

Meanwhile, Wiregrass Ranch developer JD

Porter, whose family trust donated the 65 acres upon which the Porter Campus sits, said that he was sad he wasn’t able to attend the festivities.

“My family couldn’t be more proud of the Porter Campus and its students, faculty and staff,” Porter said afterwards. “I believe it is the most successful of the five PHSC campuses — and for good reason. It’s a great resource, and not just for the hospitals and medical offices throughout Wiregrass Ranch, but also the local business community. If you need to update your technical training for pretty much any type of business, we have this amazing local resource right here. PHSC has room to expand the Porter Campus and I am confident that will happen sooner than later.”

Current PHSC Porter Campus Provost Dr. Davina Jones (left) and Somia Rodriguez Thorn pose with the special shadow box presented to Dr. Jones by her staff. Dr. Jones was named by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in 2022 as someone who inspired the replacement of a statue of a Confederate general in the U.S. Capitol statuary hall with one of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. (Photos by Charmaine George)

If you attended the 10th Anniversary Celebration of PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch on Apr. 6, you got to check out (top) a “Bomba” Afro-Latin Dance Lesson, (middle) tours of the PHSC Nursing Department and virtual simulation and (bottom) a free business expo with a number of community-oriented businesses meeting with attendees. (All photos by Charmaine George)

Hamilton Oaks To Extend Zephyrhills Bypass East Of Chapel Crossings

By Gary Nager & Joel Provenzano

A little less than a year ago (in July 2023), we gave you an update on the Chapel Crossings community, located on the north side of S.R. 54. That article, which focused on the fact that Curley Rd. somehow had two terminuses on 54, included a discussion of the Zephyrhills (Zhills) Bypass, a long-awaited connection between Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills that one day will be taking traffic off of the recently widened S.R. 54. That article mentioned that the first portion of the Zhills Bypass had finally opened, with the opening of the new Story Wesley Chapel apartments, at the westernmost entrance to Chapel Crossings.

Well now, another new development, to be located directly to the east of Chapel Crossings (but only north of the Zhills Bypass, whereas Chapel Crossings has neighborhoods under construction both north and south of the as-yet-unfinished Bypass road), may be getting ready to begin building.

The new development will be called Hamilton Oaks, and one of the most important things about it (at least from our perspective) is that the developer of Hamilton Oaks will be responsible for building the next segment of the Zhills Bypass to the east of Chapel Crossings, although there will still be several miles of that roadway that will need to be constructed before the connection to Zephyrhills will have been completed.

Pasco County’s comments on the con ceptual site plan were sent to the applicant on Feb. 29 of this year and it appears that the county doesn’t see any major issues/problems with the new project.

This land went through a residential rezoning as ‘Hamilton Oaks MPUD’ in 2022. It is approved for 224 single-family units on 61 acres (see site map, right). The property owner is listed with Pasco County as William D. Brown and the applicant is listed as Jeff Oligschlaeger of AMH, AMH Living, American Homes 4 Rent. We had no further information as to when Hamilton Oaks is expected to begin building or when residents may be able to begin moving in.

The main thing, which is already shown on the site plan, is that the development will be required to convey any needed right-ofway and build the portion of the Zephyrhills Bypass roadway up to the project’s eastern property line. That road currently dead-ends at Cason Blvd in Chapel Crossings.

Eventually, the Bypass will be extended east to connect with River Glen Blvd. (in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel), then ultimately be extended to Handcart Rd. and connected to Eiland Blvd. with a realignment that will provide vehicular traffic with an alternative direct travel route into Zephyrhills.

The large, mostly empty parcel (labeled as Depue Ranch by the Pasco property ap praiser’s office) immediately to the east of this development has not yet submitted any devel opment or rezoning requests to the county.

Hamilton Oaks Chapel Crossings Chapel Crossings Zephyrhills Bypass

The New Tampa PAC’s Truly Grand Unveiling!

Free Concert On Apr. 5 Introduced The Community To The PAC’s New Steinway “Model D” Piano In Grand Fashion!

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George

When general manager Keith Arsenault took the job running the Hillsborough County-owned New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) last year, he told members of the county’s staff that, “If this is really going to be a ‘real’ Performing Arts Center, then we need a real performing arts piano.”

The PAC opened a little more than a year ago, but now, Arsenault finally has a truly grand piano that he believes will help fulfill the PAC’s destiny as a real performing arts center — a brand new Steinway & Sons “Model D” concert grand piano, also known as the flagship of this world-renowned and historic American brand.

Only the Neighborhood News was on hand when the spectacular new piano was delivered and re-assembled on the NTPAC stage on Mar. 21 and we also attended the first-ever performance unveiling the new Steinway to the local community, which was held on Apr. 5 and was called the “Concert Grand” — and what a grand event it was!

“When you’re making a substantial acquisition like this, you don’t just pick something out on eBay,” Keith said.

So, Steinway & Sons graciously flew Keith, Steinway Tampa Bay (which has showroom locations in Clearwater and

Tampa) vice president Jonathan Hunt and two “much better pianists” with them to the piano maker’s headquarters in Queens, NY.

“We got a three-hour tour of the factory to see the amazing process of building these pianos,” Keith said. “And then, we were faced with a room with five of them — ostensibly identical Model D grand pianos — but each one with its own voice and personality.”

They went up and down the line playing each piano and comparing them.

“And then, finally,” Keith said, “someone sat down at the fifth one in the row and played a big fat chord and we all just kind of went, ‘Oooh, that’s the one.’ Not too long after that, the Steinway folks came out and put a ‘Selected’ tag on the piano, so that nobody else would get it.”

He joked, “I knew I didn’t have to, but I even wrote down the serial number to make sure we got our piano.”

Jonathan, who says he usually makes

the trip to Queens “about three or four times a year,” said, “Steinway does a predelivery inspection, they disassemble and wrap the legs, wheels and foot pedals and pack it into a big box and deliver it to our factory. That takes about two weeks. We then have our own pre-delivery inspection and prep process. We put it back together, allow it to acclimate to the Florida weather, test the sound, and then disassemble and wrap and box it up again to get it ready for delivery.”

Keith noted, “The whole process from Queens to final destination took a little less than the month we were told to expect it to take. And, throughout the process, we got blow-by-blow updates like, ‘The piano has left the factory,’ and so forth. It was basically like tracking it online as it made its trip. This was the first time I’ve had my hands directly involved in this process. It was very special.”

A Truly Grand Concert Event!

Speaking of special, “The Concert Grand event on Apr. 5 truly was just that.

“We have six magnificent pianists performing tonight,” Keith said as he kicked off the Concert Grand festivities that evening, “these musicians range from classical to jazz to piano ‘four hands,’ where two of them play the piano at the same time.”

Your CBD Store Of New Tampa Keeps Adding New Products!

Located in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Your CBD Store of New Tampa has calming blue-grey walls, greenery throughout the store, comfortable seating and an expansive, open layout. With informational displays and posters, exceptional customer support, and product knowledge, the husbandand-wife team of David Calcador and Debra Curler make you feel immediately at home.

David & Debra opened their Your CBD Store franchise location in November 2019 and it has thrived through the pandemic, thanks to the dedication of these two New Tampa residents. “When customers come in, we ask them what they know about CBD,” Debra says. “Some are well-educated and we walk the others through the store and introduce and educate them about our product line. We find out what their problems are health-wise. Are they in pain? Are they having problems sleeping? Do they need energy? We need to know what is happening in their bodies to help direct them to the proper products.”

Your CBD Store is a holistic boutique providing USDA organic and carcinogen-free oral and topical SunMed CBD products for customers and their pets. At Debra and David’s store, CBD comes in both flavored and flavorless tinctures, oils, pills, gummies, weight-loss products, as well as a skincare line, bath bombs, lotions, massage oils, pain creams and products for dogs and cats.

Unlike marijuana, Your CBD Store offers broad-spectrum CBD products that have zero THC, as well as full-spectrum products with the 0.3 legal limit of THC that contain all cannabinoids (CBD and THC), terpenes, or flavonoids.

With anti-inflammatory and other health

effects, flavonoids are plant compounds that give plants their colors and flavors. Flavonoids work with cannabinoids and terpenes, which are naturally occurring compounds in cannabis that shape aroma, taste, colors and therapeutic benefits, to produce the “entourage effect” enhancing their impact. “CBD needs to have terpenes and flavonoids,” David says. “They bond to receptors in your body. Without those, you won’t have the full benefit of CBD.”

have QR codes on everything we sell; you can bring up each product’s lab report. We have referring doctors who send patients to us because they know the quality is there.”

What’s New?

Debra and David says that love educating their customers and clear up misinformation about CBD. Their CBD products won’t get you high, aren’t illegal, won’t make you impaired and you don’t need a Medical Cannabis card to purchase them.

Instead, their products help with anxiety, sleep issues, chronic pain and more.

“Our products are all-natural, organic, and non-addictive, Debra says. “You can buy CBD anywhere — a smoke shop or gas station, even on Amazon — but you don’t want to do that because anything you are putting on your body or in your body, you want to make sure it is good quality. You risk getting a synthetic, damaging product that can harm your health.

David adds, “We’re third-party tested. We

Debra and David are enthusiastic about their store’s newest products, some of which have been enhanced with more CBD, like their SunMed topical cream, which is now available in 4,000-milligram strength, while others are brand new.

“Our topical cream is amazing for isolated pain,” Debra says. “I had a knee replacement years ago, and I had not been able to walk long distances. The product came out in December, and my husband and I were going Christmas shopping, and I could walk the entire mall. It’s been selling off the shelves left and right. We’ve always had 1,000- and 2,000-milligram strengths since we opened, but the 4,000 milligrams is amazing.”

Debra also recommends Neuro, a water-soluble CBD, for pain management. While the store’s original daily oil tincture takes time to work, based on your metabolism and weight, the as-needed, water-soluble Neuro CBD effects are felt more quickly. “You take the dropper of Neuro and put it in a Dixie cup size of water and

drink it,” she says. “It goes into your body within 10 minutes, comes in 900- and 1,800-milligram strengths, and is also in a gummy form. People love it. I have a lady who comes in weekly and buys two jars. It helps with aches and pains throughout the body.”

Your CBD Store of New Tampa also sells both “Above” (with Delta 8 THC) and “Beyond” (with Delta 9 THC) by SunMed, both of which are all-natural (non-synthetic).

As some prescriptions can conflict with CBD, Debra and David suggest that if you are taking medications, you should speak with your physician before starting any CBD regimen.

For pet parents, beyond their regular CBD pet treats, chews and tinctures for health and anxiety, Debra recommends another new product — Broad Spectrum Allergy Aid CBD Pet Chews, which have only been in the store for about a month, to help with “hot spots” and seasonal skin allergies.

Debra and David are proud of their store’s Google reviews, which average a 4.9 stars out of 5, based on 170 reviews.

“If you look at our reviews,” Debra says, “you’ll see people love the products and that they’re changing lives.”

Your CBD Store of New Tampa (19651 BBD Blvd. Suite B-1) is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.– 5 p.m. on Sun. Ages 55 or older can save 20% off their purchases. The store also has a bonus system whereby customers accrue points for discounts and free products. Free local delivery/free shipping are available for orders of $100+. For more info, call (813) 994-0599 or visit GetSunMed.com.

Your CBD Store of New Tampa in the Pebble Creek Collection now carries full-spectrum water soluble Neuro by SunMed pain management tinctures & gummies.

Classical pianists Jane West and Grigorios Zamparas play the “Hungarian Dances for Piano FourHands No. 2 & No. 8” by Johannes Brahms on the Steinway & Sons “Model D” during the “Concert Grand” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Apr. 5. (Photo by Charmaine George)

‘Concert Grand’

Continued from pg. 8

It was a wonderful, free piano concert that filled nearly all of the 324 available seats at the NTPAC. It started with delicious, free food provided by Via Italia, the authentic Italian restaurant located in The Village at Hunter’s Lake plaza, which is in front of the PAC on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.

The food — which included tasty meatballs and sauce, plus bite-sized pieces of tender chicken parmigiana, bruschetta, a charcuterie selection and more — was sponsored by Steinway Tampa Bay.

Keith also noted that neither the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa, Ruth Eckerd Hall nor the Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg has its own Steinway. “So this is a pretty big deal that Hillsborough County has made this amazing investment in the performing arts for us here.”

Jonathan added, “I also just love this facility (NTPAC). As much as the Concert Grand event is about this piano, we just want people to know that the New Tampa Performing Arts Center is here and is a great asset to this community.”

As to how he feels about the selection his group made, Keith said, “I couldn’t be happier. As Jonathan said, ‘This piano is a rocket ship’ and, given the

acoustical nature of this room, and the fact that we will likely be using this piano as much for legitimate jazz events as for classical, it’s just the perfect piano for this space.”

He also noted that the purchase of the Model D also included two Steinway uprights manufactured in Hamburg. Germany.

Editor’s note — It was absolutely mesmerizing to see the Model D being taken out of its special box, with each of its legs and the beautiful, easy-rolling brass wheels separately wrapped, and then rolled on a dolly to, and then laid out on, the NTPAC stage. And then, to see Jonathan and his two assistants meticulously re-attach the legs and foot pedals to the 8’, 11-3/4” long behemoth and then turning the nearly 1,100-lb. piano upright before wiping it down to allow the high-gloss, ultra-black paint to emit its perfect, reflective glow was a sight I know I will never forget. But, to hear it played by such outstanding pianists was even more incredible. Bravo, Keith and Jonathan!

For more information about the NTPAC (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org.

(Above, l.-r.) Pianists Grigorios Zamparas, Jane West, Svetozar Ivanov & Ghadeer Abaido, Keith Arsenault, Jonathan Hunt & pianists Simon Lasky & Pablo Arencibia after the Concert Grand performance on Apr. 5. (Below) Getting the Steinway Model D ready for Concert Grand. (Bottom left) The crowd at the event. (All photos by Charmaine George)

Bay Paws Pet Resort Begins Construction In Wiregrass

By Joel Provenzano

Construction materials have recently started appearing on the empty piece of land immediately behind the iconic ‘Bull’ statue at the entrance to Wiregrass Ranch High. These concrete blocks, pieces of steel, pipes and other materials will soon be assembled into a new Bay Paws Pet Resort location, designed to take care of your furry loved ones.

Located south of S.R. 56, on Mansfield Blvd. (where it meets up with Hueland Pond Blvd. and the Wiregrass School Rd.), just south of the 7-Eleven convenience store and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the new pet resort will be very convenient, given its direct proximity to the thousands of existing homes in The Ridge at Wiregrass and numerous nearby Meadow Pointe neighborhoods.

The Bay Paws facility will be large, offering 15,000 sq. ft. of interior space and an additional 17,375 of a fenced-in, “outdoor turf group play area.” The company’s website states, “All boarding suites and daycare play areas are equipped with cameras accessible through our client portal.”

Bay Paws is no stranger to the Tampa Bay area, with two established locations, — one in Clearwater and the other in Ybor City — both of which are averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars, on more than a thousand Google reviews.

A fourth Bay Paws location, where the building is now finished, will be opening soon in Trinity, between S.R. 54 and Trinity Blvd., which will be a “luxury pet resort offering

boarding, daycare and grooming services,” according to its Google landing page.

The southeast corner of Mansfield and Heuland Pond Blvds. (see map) has seen quite a bit of commercial growth recently, first with the 7-Eleven, followed by the recent completion of the commercial strip plaza anchored by Enterprise, and the start of the Pet Resort, as well as a future Ziggi’s Coffee shop (with a drive-through) on the parcel next to Enterprise (construction has not yet begun).

Ziggi’s, which was founded in Colorado in 2004, today has 85+ locations open and more than 250 in development across the U.S.

(Above left) You can see the existing 7-Eleven and Enterprise Rent-A-Car buildings at the far left of this picture. (Above & below right) Two maps showing where Bay Paws Pet Resort will open.

Bay Paws

Bay Paws 7-11

All Of These Businesses Cut Ribbons With The North Tampa Bay Chamber!

Although the biggest day of ribboncutting events in the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC)’s history took place on March 20 (see page 16), the NTBC stayed busy through the first week in April, with three additional ribbon-cutting events in our area.

The first, on Mar. 27, was for Doody Calls of North Tampa (which also serves Wesley Chapel; photo, right), which provides both residential dog waste removal and yard deodorizing for residents, as well as pet waste stations and bags and common area waste removal for businesses and apartment communities. For a free quote and more info, call

age, located at 26504 Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz, cut a ribbon with the NTBC (bottom left). Midgard offers both climate- and nonclimate-controlled units in a variety of sizes, 24/7 access to your unit and U-Haul truck, van and trailer rentals. For more info, call (813)994-9228 or visit MidgardSelfStor age.com/lutz-fl-wesley-chapel-blvd.

Then, on Apr. 4, Maeva Modern Apartments (below right) also cut a ribbon.

Located at 3000 Grand Cypress Dr. in Lutz (directly behind Total Wine & More), Maeva offers beautiful 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and is currently offering two months free rent for new tenants. For more info, call

NTBC Celebrates ‘Ribbon Cutting Day’ In Style!

Mar. 20, when the NTBC itself cut a ribbon at its new office at the Signature Workspace at the Shops at Wiregrass. Among the six other businesses hosting ribbon cuttings that same day were the Signature Workspace itself, plus The Copeland Team, Wesley Chapel Fingerprinting Services, Cornelius Demps for Circuit Judge, Gulf Coast Accounting & Tax and the Injury Law Office of Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer.

In addition to all those ribbons being cut, the event also featured amazing free food provided by Vesh Catering, Azteca D’Oro, Chuck Lager America’s Tavern, Crazy Sushi, Grillsmith, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pinchers Crab Shack and The Living Room. If you missed it, you missed something special! For more info about the NTBC, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com. — GN

rants serving amazing free food was Crazy Sushi (bottom). (All photos by Charmaine George)

Upcoming Events — Jazz & Classical Concerts, Cinco De Mayo Events & Much More

Friday, April 19, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

— Palms Pharmacy celebrates its 8th Anniversary. Palms Pharmacy (17008 Palm Pointe Dr., Tampa Palms) is hosting a great free event with free food truck food, vendor giveaways & more. For more info, see the story on page 44.

Saturday, April 20, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. — “Absolutely Avalon.” Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way) will host an evening of fun for the whole family. “Absolutely Avalon” will feature a laser light show, kids activities, food trucks, cultural performances, artisans, crafts and business vendors. For more information, see the ad below.

Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21 — Wesley Chapel Theater Group (WCTG) presents “Office Hours.” Fresh off two successful performances of “Broadway Through the Decades: Contemporary Era” at the Zephyrhills Lions Club, and an additional “Broadway” performance at TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Bar & restaurant (photo), WCTG presents the comedy “Office Hours” by renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster, again at the Zephyrhills Lions Club at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets & more information, visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup. org. Tickets also are available at the Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills).

Monday, April 22, 7 p.m. — New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. The April meeting of the New Tampa

Vette Berian and the Wesley Chapel Theater Group had three outstanding performances of “Broadway Through the Decades: Contemporary Era.” Up next for WCTG is “Office Hours” at the Zephyrhills Lions Club.

Democratic Club will feature State Rep. Fentrice Driskell and Hillsborough County Commission candidates Sean Shaw and Mark Nash. For more information, visit NewTampaDemocrats.com or search “NewTampaDemocrats” on Facebook.

Saturday, April 27, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

— Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club Semi-Annual Community Garage Sale. Looking for some hidden treasures? The Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club and the surrounding community are hosting their semi-annual Community Garage Sale.

Saturday, April 27, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.

— SETS New Tampa Hybrid Training Grand Opening. Celebrating the opening of the first SETS Hybrid Training center in Florida (at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite E-6) with vendors, classes and a ribboncutting ceremony. For more info, see the story on pgs. 24 & 26.

Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. — The Academy of Odissi Dance 25th Anniversary Gala. The Academy of Odissi Dance (AOD; photo above right) is an Indian Dance Academy located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in New Tampa. AOD is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the Tampa Bay area with an amazing Anniversary Gala and performance, which will be held at the Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Community Center (2620 Washington Rd, Valrico 33594).

Gopa Rautray founded AOD in 1999. The Academy’s students have performed on a variety of stages, locally and nationally. They perform different Indian styles such as Odissi (Indian Classical), Bhangra, Bollywood, Garba, and Raas, blending, enriching, and sharing their art with a variety of audiences.

For Gala tickets (which include dinner) & more info, call Gopa at (813) 992-5234 or Ambika Rautray at (813) 992-5235.

Saturday, May 4, 3 p.m.-8 p.m. — The Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation presents “Bowties, Hats & Bourbon III: A Derby Day Party, at the Venetian

Event Center. See story & ad on pg. 19.

Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5 — The Tampa City Ballet Presents “If I Cry” at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. See story on pg. 22.

Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5 — Cinco de Mayo Festivities at Azteca D’Oro & at both Don Julio’s Mexican restaurant locations. Both Azteca D’Oro in the Shops at Wiregrass (see ad on pg. 49) and the two Don Julio’s locations (see story on pg. 46 & ad on pg. 53) will host huge celebrations — with mariachis, food & drink specials and more — for Cinco de Mayo on Saturday the 4th, and the Don Julio’s celebrations also will continue on Sunday, the 5th, at both locations.

Saturday, May 11 — Healthy Steps & Fitness Grand Opening Celebration. One year ago, Healthy Syeps owner & certified personal trainer Andrea Barnes donated a kidney to save her husband Aaron’s life. A year later, Andrea & Aaron are celebrating the opening of their new personal training center at 118 Flagship Dr., Lutz. For more information, see the ad on pg. 20.

Tuesday, May 14, 11:30 a.m. — NTBC Economic Development Briefing. Jonathan Whitehurst of the Pasco MPO is the featured speaker . Hosted at the NTBC’s Suncoast Office (16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’Lakes).

Visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com for tickets and more information.

Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation

Presents “Bowties, Hats & Bourbon III”

Get ready for an exhilarating blend of southern charm, high-stakes excitement and philanthropic fervor as the Tampa Derby Day + Casino Night Fundraiser returns for its third annual edition.

Hosted at The Venetian Event Center on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, this Kentucky Derby-themed extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience, seamlessly blending the glamour of the races with the thrill of casino-style gambling.

Before the sun sets on May 4, guests will step into an atmosphere buzzing with excitement. This highly anticipated event has sold out each year, becoming a staple on Tampa’s social calendar. This enchanted evening kicks off at 3 p.m., offering a unique fusion of sophistication and entertainment until 8 p.m.

The Venetian Event Center in New Tampa will set the stage for a night of elegance and celebration. A haven for bow ties and big hats, the venue echoes the grandeur of the Kentucky Derby itself. This will be the first year that this event is held in New Tampa.

Event Highlights:

•Premium Entertainment: Saxophonist Manzell Bledsoe headlines the event.

•Gaming Excitement: Casino-style gaming will elevate the stakes.

•Culinary Delights: From 3 p.m.- 5 p.m., guests will indulge in complimentary

premium food and non-alcoholic beverages, setting the stage for an evening of refined enjoyment.

•Race Day Thrills: Experience the heart-pounding moments of the “most exciting two minutes in spor ts” with realtime viewings of the Kentucky Derby.

•Philanthropic Impact: All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering local youth through a variety of programs, including the Kappa Leadership & Development League for young males ages 12-18, scholarship, education and outreach programs.

• Sponsorship Opportunities: The Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation invites businesses to align their brand with this noble cause.

This is an affair of style and sophistication. Attendees are urged to leave casual attire at home. The event dress code requires a step-up from jeans and tees, embracing a more refined elegance.

So, don your best Derby hats and attire, fasten those fascinators, and be part of an event that transcends entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

For sponsorship details and ticket info, visit TampaDerbyDay.com or see the ad on this page.

$80.00 SINGLE

Sign up to get the link and more information about the event, including buying tickets!

Get your bow ties and big hats ready for the most exciting Kentucky Derby-themed event in Tampa!

You will enjoy hanging out with celebrities, casino-style gambling, a cigar lounge, premium food & beverage, music, dancing, raffles, silent auctions, vendors, and of course, real-time viewing of the most exciting two minutes in sports!

Sign up to get your tickets today!

Rehearsals For ‘If I Cry’ Just Part Of The Tampa City Dance Center Story

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George

It’s been a while since we last checked in with Paula Nuñez, the founder and artistic director of what previously had been known as America’s Ballet School (located since 2002 in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms). But, not only has Paula now merged with the Tampa City Ballet, she has changed the name of her ballet school, which is still at that location, to Tampa City Ballet School (TCBS).

In addition, in January of this year, she opened a new studio adjacent to the ballet school called the Tampa City Dance Center (TCDC), in order to offer both children and adults the opportunity to explore a variety of dance disciplines. Although TCBS still focuses on classical ballet variations, pointe, repertoire and contemporary ballet, and has its own outstanding faculty, TCDC offers classes (and private lessons) in Acrobatic Dance (or “Acro”), Contemporary, Flamenco, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Tango and even “Mommy & Me” (for kids ages 1-4, with their parent or grandparent).

“It is exciting to offer a dynamic dance program designed to provide a platform to explore creativity and discover new ways to move,” Paula says. “Dance is a fantastic way to release stress, gain confidence and help with concentration and balance. This program fosters a supportive and fun environment for all ages. It definitely creates a community.”

City Dance Center

Paula notes that, at the Tampa City Dance Center, her long-time friend and TCDC executive director Claudia Correa and her staff, “offer a captivating selection of classes to suit all ages and interests. Paula says that Claudia was not a dancer herself, but adds, “She shares my passion for the arts.” Each of the dance disciplines at TCDC

the Shoppes at Amberly in Tampa Palms. are taught by different professional faculty members. The pointe/ballet instructor is Vashti Walters. The contemporary and jazz dance and choreography lessons are led by Shelby Russ, who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from the University of South Florida (USF). Aynsleigh Morehouse, another USF BFA graduate, teaches

rehearsal

stretching, tap, contemporary, pointe and the “Mommy & Me” classes. John Delgado teaches salsa and contemporary dance.

More About Paula Nuñez

Paula, who has many years of professional experience as a dancer and choreographer, is See “Tampa City Dance” on pg. 22

(Above) Members of the Tampa City Ballet (TCB) company rehearse for their upcoming performances of “If I Cry” (see promotional poster on page 22), which will be performed at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa May 4-5. The

was held at the Tampa

in

‘Tampa City Dance’

Continued from pg. 20

on the dance faculty at USF. She is a former principal company member of the International Ballet of Caracas (Venezuela), Ballet Nuevo Mundo and the Cleveland Ballet, San Jose. In 1992, she co-founded the wellknown “Fundación Ballet de las Americas” now in residence at the Teresa Carreno Cultural Performing Arts Center in Caracas.

In 2008, she established a nonprofit organization with the goal to provide scholarships to talented youths and to foster discipline in others who desire to dance. Some of these students are currently national and international dancers, educators and choreographers.

Paula also launched a community engagement program (in 2012) called “On Your Feet,” which has offered scholarships and high-quality dance education in collaboration with well-known organizations such as the University Area Community Development Corp. and their researchbased prevention and diversion program for youths ages 5-18.

Then, in 2018, she created Tampa City Ballet (TCB), a nonprofit professional contemporary dance company with an innovative repertoire that focuses on, and is invested

in, connecting communities. TCB serves the community by providing high-quality arts education, to facilitate research and to create a space for dancers seeking professional experience. It also encourages interdisciplinary collaborations, while also offering unique, immersive and engaging experiences.

Since 2022, Paula also has been part of the collective art space at the Historic Ybor City Kress Building in the new Gas Worx District. She says her mission is to create a collaborative model that integrates intergenerational and intercultural productions, demonstrating the alchemy that occurs between disciplines, creators and performers.

Paula has made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Tampa Bay. She has received numerous awards for her teaching, choreography and contributions to the arts in our area. She also has been nominated for the City of Tampa’s prestigious Hispanic Heritage Award.

“If I Cry” — May 4-5

Although many recent TCB performances have been and will continue to be held at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (see story on pg. 8), the ballet company recently used TCDC as a rehearsal space for its upcoming performances of “If I Cry,” which is described as “A surreal dance journey through the mind of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo,” based on the artist’s personal diaries. Neighborhood News photographer Charmaine George attended that rehearsal, where she took the pictures on these pages.

The performances of “If I Cry” (see poster, right) will be held May 4-5, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa. Tickets are available through the Straz Center Box Office. Call (813) 229-7827 or visit StrazCenter.org for tickets and more information.

For more information about the Tampa City Dance Center or Tampa City Ballet School (both located at 15367 Amberly Dr.), call (813) 5580800, visit TCDanceCenter.com or TampaCityBallet.org or see the ad

on pg. 31.

(Above, l.-r.) Aynsleigh Morehouse, Maria Fernanda Papa & Shelby Russ rehearse for “If I Cry.” Aynsleigh & Shelby also teach at the Tampa City Dance Center. (Top right, l.-r.) Jayron Perez (who choreographed some of the ballet pieces in “If I Cry”), TCB founder & artistic director Paula Nunez and musician & composer Nick Ewing. (Right) The promotional poster for “If I Cry.”

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SETS Brings Successful New Jersey Fitness Concept To New Tampa

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

The only Florida location of SETS Hy brid Training gyms is set to open and host fitness classes by the end of this month.

Located in the Pebble Creek Collection, less than two miles south of the Pasco/Hillsborough county line on Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd.), SETS New Tampa is bringing a successful New Jerseybased fitness concept to New Tampa.

Owner and New Jersey native Phil Diaz has worked with SETS for the last four years. Phil believes in the concept so much that he left everything behind in his home state to introduce SETS to Florida.

SETS currently has 12 locations, including three corporate locations in Jersey. All of the other locations are franchises, including seven in the Garden State, one in Murfreesboro, TN, and the new one in New Tampa.

“It’s a growing company that has only been around since about 2015,” says Diaz. “It’s super successful.”

He says that with a caveat, though. SETS isn’t growing quite as fast as some other franchises and he says that’s because all franchise owners also are required to be on-site managers.

That means owners, including Phil, have to be in the gym ensuring that members get what they need, and the facility

is more than just a moneymaker for some off-site investor.

That fits with the SETS philosophy, which emphasizes relationships among those who work out together.

“The biggest thing we do that is different is that we’re very big into community,” says Phil.

That’s why SETS New Tampa will be hosting a happy hour every month for

members, an annual Christmas party and organize teams to participate in local events, such as Spartan (obstacle course)races.

“It’s super competitive,” Phil says of SETS and its members, “but it’s fun as well. It’s more than just working out.”

The community is bigger than just the gym members, too. Phil says public servants, such as those who work for fire and police departments, in health care, educa-

tion, and active duty and military veterans receive discounts on membership.

Of his decision to move to our area, Phil says, “It was the greatest decision of my life. I love this place. It’s amazing.”

In scoping out Florida locations to grow SETS, he considered many options, including Clearwater and St. Petersburg.

“New Tampa was the choice because we fell in love,” he says. “Looking at the demographics, we see the growth in this area and love how everything in (nearby) Wesley Chapel is new.”

While he recognizes the New Tampa location isn’t convenient for many Wesley Chapel residents, he hopes to open a total of three locations in the first three years he’s here, so people in our reading area who don’t feel they live close enough to the New Tampa SETS may end up with a location closer to them in the near future.

Fitness For Everyone

SETS offers its group fitness classes several times a day. Each class is completely different, so you’ll never be bored. Free weights and machines are used in the group fitness setting.

“Many people get intimidated because they think it’s just for a certain type of athlete or for fitness gurus,” Phil explains. “But, we’re literally for everyone. Some of our members are college athletes, others

See

SETS New Tampa Hybrid Training owner Phil Diaz (right) will be working with his clients at his new fitness facility, which is expected to celebrate its Grand Opening in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa on Saturday, April 27. (Photo by Charmaine George)

“SETS New Tampa” on pg. 26.

‘SETS New Tampa’

Continued from pg. 24

just got out of surgery or are in their 60s and haven’t been in a gym before.”

To be able to accommodate people at every level, Phil and other coaches are always happy to demonstrate modifications for every exercise or movement. There’s always an advanced way for serious athletes to perform each exercise, Phil says, and a safer way for beginners and those who are rehabbing an injury.

“Some people always get nervous trying it out,” Phil explains of SETS, “but I want them to feel relief because we are always happy to scale it down so they can feel comfortable.”

Once you join SETS, classes are booked through the SETSBuilt app. Each class lasts 50-55 minutes, and Phil promises that the sessions “sell themselves.”

“Every day is totally different,” he explains. “We change the movement up so it’s never the same. It could be leg day, full body day, or chest day, but it’s always a good mix of strength and cardio.”

Many Membership Options

SETS New Tampa offers a number of different types of memberships, but Phil says most members choose the unlimited classes option. He says the majority of members will take three to five classes each week, while some work out every day and

others only take one or two classes a week.

“You come whenever you’re available,” Phil says. “All you have to do is go on the app and save yourself a spot.”

Phil wants you to come in and try it out, so he offers specials for those who just want to give it a try. Give him a call or stop in at the location to learn more about free trial classes.

One major perk of SETS New Tampa is that there are no long-term contracts. Each membership is paid on a monthly basis and only a 30-day notice is required if you decide you need to cancel.

The SETS New Tampa Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, April 27,

featuring a number of vendors, classes and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Since it hadn’t opened yet when this issue went to press, no members of the New Tampa SETS were ready to tell us about their experience yet.

However, there are SETS members in New Jersey who miss Phil and hope that people in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area will take advantage of the opportunity to join SETS and work out with him.

Brianna Schoeneberg is a SETS member in Barnegat, NJ. She says she first met Phil a couple years ago when he started working at the SETS gym where she trains.

“I’ve been working out for about 10 years now,” she says, “and he’s been one of the best. The energy is always high and any type of modification you need, he has it. And he’s literally one of the friendliest guys ever.”

Brianna says that when she travels, she visits lots of different gyms but she always prefers to come back to her home gym.

“It’s more about community and your

personal goals,” Brianna says. “Every coach is positive and high energy, and the classes are never the same.”

Brianna says she loves the hybrid training format and that it works for all fitness levels. Club members are a strong community, but include a wide variety of ages and abilities.

Brianna thinks Phil will be able to bring the same positivity, energy, and focus on community to SETS New Tampa.

“Everyone here loved him but we’re super happy for him on the journey’s he’s taking,” Brianna says. “It’s a big thing to move from Jersey to Florida to start something new, but it’s pretty cool that he’s taking it to Tampa. I feel like everyone there is lucky to have him, because we miss him here in Jersey.”

Phil is excited to be able to offer preopening members of SETS New Tampa a “Founder’s Rate” of just $129 per month for unlimited classes, with no enrollment fee, and free classes until the end of April.

He notes that the Founder’s Rate is for unlimited classes, although SETS New Tampa also does offer other membership levels for those who don’t necessarily want or need unlimited sessions.

SETS New Tampa Hybrid Training is located at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite E-6, in the Pebble Creek Collection. For more information, visit SETSBuilt.com, @sets_newtampa on Instagram, “SETS NEW TAMPA” on Facebook, or see the ad on page 42.

Louis Cerillo, DDSKim Tran-Nguyen, DMD General Dentists

popular with New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents as it was with those who worked out with him at SETS in New Jersey.

Sunglass Krate — Your Best Option For Great Sunglasses!

By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent

The Krate container park in The Grove at Wesley Chapel has added a remarkable new store called Sunglass Krate.

Opened in September 2023 by licensed optician Jim Lambrou, Jim, his wife Michelle and their son Yianni are originally from Milwaukee, WI, and before moving to Florida in 2008, Jim managed a number of optical stores. He then transitioned to overseeing the labs that make prescription glasses.

He says, “My Optical certificate is from Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland (WI) and my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business and Master of Business Administra tion (M.B.A.) degrees are from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. Wisconsin is a non-licensed state for opticians so when I moved to Florida I had to get my optician’s license.”

Once he moved to Florida, Jim continued to work at a number of different optical stores, which kept him traveling all over the state. Jim says his desire to spend more time closer to his family prompted the idea of opening the Sunglass Krate.

Jim took over the Krate that previously housed the Pasco Economic Development Council (EDC)’s SMARTSstart program, which moved to another location. He feels the uniqueness of Sunglass Krate and the impressive eyewear collection he has will help him be successful, despite the fact that some retail Krates have had some difficulties. As a licensed optician, he uses some interesting machines that help him give you the perfect fit, whether you want prescription or non-prescription sunglasses.

“You can only get this type of service at the Sunglass Krate because I hold an Optician’s license,” Jim explains. He says he will adjust your frames to give you a custom feel that you might not get at another sunglass store.

He says, “In Florida, we tend to use our sunglasses a lot and if, after a while, your sunglasses need an adjustment, just bring it back to the store and Jim will fit you again. If prescription sunglasses are what you’re looking for, he can make those for you in-house, as long as you bring him your

At the heart of Sunglass Krate is a cutting-edge machine called the Spectangle PRO, which offers precision adjustments for optimal vision clarity — a testament to Jim’s dedication to excellence. Even if you’re not ready for new glasses right now, when you are out and about at the Krates, take a minute to stop by to see his amazing selection and let Jim give you a demonstration of what he can do to make you see clearer than ever before.

Differences In Quality & Waves

Jim says, “Often the really cheap ‘gas station’ sunglasses might have slight warps or ‘waves’ in the lenses and your eyes will sometimes detect them. This will cause your eyes to have to make accommodations to try to see past those waves to perceive an undistorted image. Over time, this strain you are putting on your eyes could cause problems.”

Another machine at Sunglass Krate, called a Lensometer, can see these waves. Jim says, “A lens with no prescription in it will read 0.00 power and a good quality lens will read a steady 0.00, even when I move the lens from side to side on the Lensometer. If I move a 0.00 power lens from side to side and the power reading starts to fluctuate away from 0, that indicates that there is a wave in the lens.”

He adds that in Florida, where the sun beats down a good portion of the year,

important. “You would think just wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes but not all sunglasses are made the same,” he says.

So Many Options!

Sunglass Krate has a large selection of popular brand names and styles to choose from, including glasses for men, women and unisex, as well as kids. Some of these well-known brands include Oakley, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, Kate Spade, Costa del Mar, Gucci, Pit Viper, Rex Specs and more. Jim says he offers at least two dozen different brands and more than 600 pair of glasses on display in the store.

Many of these options are shown on the store’s website, SunglassKrate. com. Jim says, however, that not all of the sunglasses he has in his store are displayed on that website. For example, only two different options for children’s sunglasses are shown on the website, although there are several others found in the shop.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money to protect your eyes,” Jim says, noting that the glasses in the Sunglass Krate range from $25-$500 per pair, so there’s literally something for every budget. But, if you want the more expensive brands, he offers a number of different payment options, including AfterPay which allows you to make four interest-free payments.

A great addition to Sunglass Krate’s collection are the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Jim

wearing these glasses in the near future. While wearing these glasses, you can live stream onto Instagram or Facebook, as well as take pictures, answer a phone call and listen to music.

Other unique options at the Sunglass Krate are Rex Specs and Pit Vipers.

Jim explained that Rex Specs are goggles made exclusively for dogs. You read that correctly. These goggles were made in Jackson Hole, WY, by Aiden and Jesse Emilio, who took their dogs everywhere with them. Their dogs Yaz (an 11-year-old white husky) and Tuckerman (a 7-year-old German shepherd mix)started to develop eye problems. Their vet suggested dog goggles, but the options Aiden and Emilio found were just too bulky. So, they put their heads together and came up with their own doggie googles, which they called Rex Specs. There are only two retailers in the entire Tampa Bay area that carry Rex Specs — Sunglass Krate and one located in Clearwater.

Meanwhile, Yianni told his dad he “had to carry” Pit Viper sunglasses because they are the brand that a lot of famous athletes use — and he was right. Some of the athletes known to wear Pit Vipers are extreme skiing pioneer Glen Plake and current and former NFL players like Patrick Mahomes and Rob Gronkowski.

Jim said that whenever he gets home, Yianni asks him how many Pit Vipers he sold that day, “looking for his commis-

(Left) Owner & licensed optician Jim Labrou invites the Wesley Chapel community to visit the Sunglass Krate in the Krate at The Grove container park. (Right) Sunglass Krate is one of only two stores in the Tampa Bay area to carry Rex Specs goggles for dogs.

sion,” Jim says, since he was the one who suggested that his dad should carry the brand.

Pit Vipers were founded in 2012 in Salt Lake City, UT, by Chris Garcin and Chuck Mumford. Their company was formed with $35,000, which was raised through a Kickstarter.com campaign, and they crafted their first pairs of Pit Vipers from surplus military equipment.

Although the ski-

ing and extreme winter sports community have helped make Pit Vipers “hot,” the company supports athletes of all kinds by creating sunglasses for everyone, both young and old.

Jim also supports athletes. In fact, he sponsored the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) 8U Thunder travel baseball team by providing every member of the team (players and coaches) with free Pit Vipers.

“The kids were so excited to wear them,” Jim says. “One player on the team told me he had wished for Vipers his ‘whole life’ and he was so happy and grateful because he now had a pair.”

The team’s coaches originally posted the amazing pic on this page of the team wearing their Pit Vipers on the Sunglass

Krate’s Facebook page:

“Shout out to the Sunglass Krate at The Grove for sponsoring our 8U WCAA AB Thunder team! They hooked us up with Pit Vipers for all the boys and the coaches. We are so grateful for local businesses who support young athletes in our community!”

Jim says that no matter what your age may be, “PLEASE always protect your eyes — and especially, your children’s eyes — from the sun’s UV rays! Prolonged exposure to UV rays modifies lens proteins, leading to cataract formation and worsening eyesight.”

The Sunglass Krate is located at 5827 Grand Oro Ln, #105. For more information, call (813) 994-6700, visit SunglassKrate.com or see the ad on page 36 of this issue.

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Sunglass Krate owner Jim Lambrou (in back) gave every member of the WCAA 8U Thunder baseball team their own pair of Pit Viper sunglasses.

(Photo provided by Jim Lambrou)

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Wesley Chapel resident Shawn Thomp son says that, in general, most people don’t know that people like him even exist.

Shawn is a licensed public adjuster and the owner of Compass Claim Solutions.

As a public adjuster, he says his job is to advocate for home and business owners who have suffered a loss that is covered by the insurance company.

When disaster strikes — whether it’s a fire, water damage, or even a storm or other natural disaster — most people pick up the phone and call the insurance company directly. On the other end of the line is some one who represents what’s in that insurance company’s best interest, not theirs.

Since the insurance company wants to settle the claim for as little as possible, it makes sense that a homeowner or business owner would want to have someone looking out for their best interest, too.

That’s why Shawn recommends you pick up the phone and call him first.

“Hopefully, this is the first and only time you’re ever going to suffer a loss like this,” Shawn explains. “But, I’ve been through this process thousands of times with my clients.”

Shawn has been a licensed public adjuster since 2015. He started the process of becoming licensed in 2012, by passing a course and working as an apprentice for a year. Prior to that, he spent 10 years in management at

Leo University near Dade City in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Management.

At that time, he says he was ready to make a change to leave CVS, and he had already learned a lot about his brother-in-law’s job as a licensed public adjuster in southeast Florida. Shawn found out that being a public adjuster was something he would be good at and would enjoy. He ended up working for his brother-in-law for several years before starting his own business in 2022.

In his extensive experience, Shawn says he’s never once looked at a valuation and told the insured party that their insurance company paid them everything they deserved.

“There’s always something left on the table,” he says. “But, is it $500, $5,000 or even $50,000?”

That’s what Compass Claim Solutions can figure out for you so you can be confident you’re not missing out.

Shawn says the best time to call him is as soon as you have to make a claim. In that bestcase scenario, he can ensure the entire process

is managed properly from start to finish.

But many times, the way people find out about his services is after the insurance company has considered their claim to be closed and they haven’t received the funds they need to make all of the necessary repairs. He says that’s when they go to the internet to search, “What can I do?”

Even at that point, Shawn says he is able to step in and make sure the insurance company pays what the homeowner or business owner is entitled to, based on their policy. He says that, just recently, he met with

a homeowner who suffered a loss during Hurricane Ian in Sept. 2022 to give them a final payment from their insurance company. Originally, they had only been paid $11,800, but Shawn was able to get the homeowner an additional $128,000.

In another case, Shawn says one of his happiest customers was a woman whose insurance company valued her roof damage claim at $1,012. After her $1,000 deductible, the check she received was for $12. Shawn was able to get her $13,000, which paid for an entire new roof.

“Stories like that are the norm in my business,” he says. “My normal recovery if someone calls me supplementally is some-

where between five and 20 times what the insurance company originally paid.”

He explains that public adjusters in Florida are paid on contingency, meaning they get paid based on what they recover for clients as a percentage of the settlement. While that charge is capped at 20 percent of the payments to the insured, Shawn emphasized that it’s a negotiable fee.

In fact, he says, if someone finds out about him from the Neighborhood News, he’s happy to provide a discount. He also offers discounts to those who are referred to him by their family and friends.

His fee is negotiated at the time he is first called out for a completely free, no-ob-

ligation consultation. He provides his expert opinion on what he feels the claim is worth, and then the homeowner or business owner can decide whether or not to hire him.

Compass Claim Solutions client Peggy D’Alessandro experienced flooding from water leaks in both her home and a rental property she owns. Both times, she called Shawn to help her through the process.

“He was able to identify things that I didn’t know would be a problem,” she says, “like the potential for mold. He was able to look at it from a structural standpoint and tell me that, realistically, if I want this to be back to its original condition, I have to be concerned about drywall, molding, paint and a lot of other things besides just the floors.”

She says she was worried about whether or not the insurance company would pay all that she needed to make her home whole, so it was a relief to work with a professional who could relate to the insurance company on their terms. “He made the process painless and smooth,” Peggy says, “and I felt like I had someone who had my best interest at heart.”

Peggy adds that making a claim also is a very time-consuming process. As a busy person, she says knowing Shawn was communicating with the insurance company, filling out the paperwork and handling the negotiation took all of the anxiety out of the situation.

“Most people who go through something like that have never been through it before,” she says, “plus they’re dealing with the anxiety of their home being in disarray and not knowing when or how they will get paid and if it that payment will cover all of the damage. I would absolutely recommend

anyone who has a disaster in their home to work with Shawn. It’s the best decision I could have made.”

Shawn adds, “No matter how long I work for people, whether it’s two weeks or two years, if I don’t put money in their pocket, I don’t get paid.”

Shawn and his wife Lindsay have lived in Wesley Chapel since 2010. They have two children, Kasey and Luke, and a dog named Wrigley.

While he’s local to our area, Shawn is licensed for the entire state of Florida and handles claims as far away as the panhandle. When a storm hits, he often travels to where the damage is so that he can most effectively help the people who need him the most.

For the past year, Shawn’s brother Travis has been working as an apprentice under him. Travis recently became fully licensed and is now able to handle clients on his own.

Now that Travis is fully licensed, Shawn is bringing on a new apprentice, Frank Markim.

Shawn says that if you hire his company, you won’t see any contractors or have any part of the process outsourced. If he starts your claim, he’ll see it through to the end.

“We have a standard of how we do business and it’s important for us to handle claims from start to finish,” Shawn says. “There’s too much to lose to skip any steps. If you miss one picture, you could miss tens of thousands of dollars.”

Contact Shawn Thompson at Compass Claim Solutions by calling or texting his cell phone at (352) 502-5928. For more information, see the ad on pg. 37 or visit CompassClaimSolutions.com.

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

When Realtor® Johanna Navarro was buying a house in 2017, she says the experience nearly left her homeless.

The Tampa native, who moved to Wesley Chapel in 1997, says her real estate agent didn’t give her a lot of guidance about how to navigate the overactive local real estate market. She made nine offers before she finally got one accepted.

Then, the closing date kept getting pushed back until she thought she might have nowhere to go. “After that,” she says, “I realized that it could be done better, and that I could do it better.”

At that time, Johanna (pronounced “Joanna”) worked in the financial industry. She had graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) in 2010 with a degree in sociology and two minors, in psychology and business administration.

Johanna realized her desk job at an investment firm wasn’t fulfilling for her. She says she was always the girl who went to open houses, just because she loved looking at homes. So, she decided to become a real estate agent.

“That whole experience brought to light the potential of what I could do to make this a great experience for the next person,” Johanna says. “Now, my goal is to make every home buying or selling experience as wonderful and stress-free as possible.”

One thing she says she helps with is staging and preparing homes to go on the market. Johanna helps buyers understand the home inspection process, whether an item is informational versus something that needs to be acted upon. She helps sellers connect with professionals to clear inspection items. On both sides, she helps with the appraisal, the contracts and the entire process.

Johanna says that knowing what to expect often takes a lot of the stress out of buying or selling a home, so she’s careful to always set clear expectations and com municate effectively with her clients.

And, it all seems to be working quite well for her. In a little more than six years in the business, Johanna says she’s sold about 120 homes.

She’s part of a team called “the Roman Group” that works as part of the Century 21 BE3 The Roman Group agency located in The Village at The Grove in Wesley Chapel. “We all work together to have a partner ship and have each other’s backs,” she says. “If I can’t get to a showing, another one of us can. We really take care of each other.”

The group had worked with Berkshire Hathaway since 2017 but recently transferred to Century 21. “We felt that Century 21 had more to offer our clients,” Johanna explains. “The marketing platform is by far the biggest of anyone else in the local market, so it has a larger reach when listing a home.”

Wesley Chapel, has now been a licensed agent since 2019 and currently works as Johanna’s full-time assistant.

Johanna’s daughter Baileigh, who was only 10 months old when she moved to

Baileigh manages Johanna’s social media and helps with emails, market analysis, and client follow ups.

“Clients get us as a team,” Johanna says. “Whenever you call me, someone always answers the phone. We’re able to return emails quickly and respond to questions faster because you get both of us.”

‘Johanna Navarro’

Continued from pg. 34

Johanna’s son Bryce was born and raised in Wesley Chapel. He is now a U.S. Marine and has been serving overseas since 2020.

New Construction Homes

Johanna says she’s “New ConstructionCertified” and that a lot of her clients are new construction buyers. She notes that the certifications are provided by New Homes Solutions, a Tampa-based company that offers certification upon completion of a fiveday, in-person class which equates to about 34 hours of training in the classroom and also on-site, where Realtors learn about all aspects of the new home construction process, from slab to roofing to contracts.

“You want someone who’s going to look out for you and make sure you’re getting the very best deal you can,” she says. “Not only am I an extra pair of eyes on the build itself, I also can help you understand the contract and make sure it fits you and your current situation.”

She also says that she cautions anyone who might meander into one of those shiny new neighborhoods on a weekend afternoon about new home communities.

“Prior to even stepping foot into a new community just out of curiosity, I highly recommend that you contact an agent first,” she says. “If an agent doesn’t walk through the door with you at your first visit, you may no longer be allowed to bring an agent with you at all.”

She tells of clients she’s worked with for years who stopped into a new neighborhood

for a Sunday visit with no interest in buying. They disclosed to the builder that they already had a real estate agent, but when they later wanted to purchase a home in the community, they were told they were not allowed to work with Johanna.

“My buyers decided not to build with them because of it,” she says. “They also learned a valuable lesson.”

It doesn’t cost the buyer more to bring your own agent, Johanna explains, and she says she can give you a better perspective on upgrades, the process and the experience, as well as knowledge of all of the communities in the area. “In fact,” she says, “if you’re looking for a specific amenity — such as pickleball courts, dog park and kid zones, as well as homes that accommodate ‘generational living,’ or homes that may offer structural upgrades — I’m well versed on all of the upcoming communities and may be able to guide you to a community you didn’t even know about.”

Is Now A Good Time To Buy?

Johanna says she expects interest rates to continue to trickle down, but if you’re on the fence about buying, don’t let interest rates alone be the determining factor.

“Date the rate, marry the house,” Johanna says. “Right now, you have a better chance of getting a home at a lower price than you did a year ago. The value of the house is going to last as long as you live in it, but you can always refinance your interest rate.”

She says this is the perfect market to buy in, because she predicts that as soon as interest rates continue to go down, more people will enter the market, and prices will go up.

“People may feel this isn’t the best time to buy,” she says, “but now is actually a better time to buy than the past four years.”

Nicole and Daniel Saly bought a new construction home a little over a year ago, trusting Johanna to help them buy that home, and also sell their first home, both in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. “It was a new construc tion build, which takes some time,” Nicole explains. “Johanna was there with us through the whole process, dealing with the builder, right by our side.”

Nicole grew up in Wesley Chapel, left for the military and says she “came right back.” She and her husband are both veterans, so their home purchase included working with a VA loan.

“Johanna made it a very smooth process,” says Nicole. “She kind of became a friend in the process. She’s a genuinely good person, which goes beyond being a good Realtor.”

Nicole says she often recommends Johanna to friends and strangers alike, and that she hopes she never has to sell her home, but if she does, “We would call Johanna. She is great at realty, whether it’s selling or purchasing a home. But, she’s also great at communicating, and being on your side through a very stressful process. It’s a big purchase, and she definitely stands out.”

About The Roman Group

The Roman Group Century 21 BE3 is

owned and led by Jessica Roman, who also serves as the regional president for Century 21 Beggins, with which the Wesley Chapel office is affiliated. Johanna says the entire team at The Roman Group offers a wide variety of specialties, including commercial sales (Jessica leads the office’s commercial division), investment homes, resales, new construction, listings and more.

Realtor® Johanna Navarro can be reached at (813) 299-9870. For more information, visit WesleyChapelRealtor.sites. c21.homes/. On Facebook and Instagram, search “WesleyChapelRealtor.Johanna.” Or, email Johanna at chapelrealtor@gmail. com or see her ad on page 39. The Century 21 B3 Roman Group office is located at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 206.

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Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath — Where Quality Meets Craftsmanship!

By Gary Nager

If you’ve driven in the SuperTarget shopping center on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. recently, you may have noticed a change at the flooring store next to Marshall’s. In fact, new owner Giovanni Gocaj has not only changed the name of the showroom, he’s also greatly expanded the services that his Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath now provides.

Giovanni, who is originally from Albania, moved to the Trinity area of New Port Richey in 2002 and now has worked for more than 20 years in the flooring and kitchen and bath remodeling business.

By 2011, Giovanni had decided to open his own flooring store in Trinity. A decade or so later, he decided to get his own general contractor’s license in order to be able to expand his store’s services.

“As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of creating spaces that reflect the unique style and needs of each family,” Giovanni’s website, GiovanniFlooringLLC.com says. “From luxurious hardwood floors to durable tile installations, we offer a wide range of flooring options to suit every taste and budget. We also specialize in full bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects, turning out dated spaces into modern, functional and beautiful areas that enhance the overall value and enjoyment of your home.”

He decided to bring all of that experience to the fast-growing Wesley Chapel area and start ing talking last year to Andy Dunning, who had was the owner of the American Flooring store where Giovanni’s is now located.

“I’ve known Andy for almost 15 years,” Giovanni says. “I used to do installa tions for his New Port Richey location.”

He adds that,

“With the way Wesley Chapel is growing, I thought the time was right for me to give it a try — opening my second location in this area.”

Services Giovanni’s Provides

eling services to the Wesley Chapel area.

“I use a lot of different vendors and have a lot of different places we get the kitchen and bath fixtures and other products from,” he says. “My team and I can basically design and install almost anything you want.”

As for the flooring itself, Giovanni says that the most popular requests he gets are for luxury vinyl planks (LVPs) and hardwood flooring. “And I have — or can get

— almost every brand that’s out there.”

One new product line he’s now carrying is Mohawk flooring, as well as the equally popular Mannington LVPs, which are scratch-resistant, kid and pet friendly and fully waterproof.

A True Family Affair

And, while American Flooring had installers on staff, Giovanni’s takes that one step further:

“I have all of my family members — my brother Peter, my father Luik, my cousins Julian, Elvis and Emilio and more working with me, and handling our installations.”

And, while many people still believe that the home improvement warehouses always have lower prices, Giovanni says that simply isn’t true.

“Why should people check us out before those places?,” he asks. “Because we offer way better quality flooring, even better prices and we stand behind our work.”

As for his business philosophy, Giovanni says that, “Quality is #1 for us. We have so many five-star reviews because people really like the work we do.”

He notes, however, because he’s only been open a month or so in Wesley Chapel, he doesn’t have any local reviews yet.

“But every Google review of our Trinity location is 5 stars out of 5,” he says. “We’ve never had a complaint.”

(Above; photo by Charmaine George) Owner Giovanni Gocaj offers flooring and more at his location in the Super Target-anchored Northwoods plaza on BBD. (Below) He can even replace the carpeting on your staircase with real hardwood or luxury vinyl plank. (Photo from GiovanniFlooringLLC.com)

‘Giovanni’s Flooring’

Continued from pg. 38

Giovanni’s is currently offering a special on luxury vinyl plank installations, but he invites anyone in Wesley Chapel or New Tampa who wants any kind of flooring or remodeling job to come in an see the revamped Wesley Chapel showroom.

“We also have a website, which has pictures of the products we offer,” he says, “and a lot of examples of our work.”

For more information about Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath’s Wesley Chapel showroom, which is located at 1285 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., visit GiovanniFlooringLLC.com, call

(Above) Let the experts at Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath design and install the remodeled bathroom (or kitchen) of your dreams. (Left) Whether you want real hardwood or luxury vinyl plank, you can find a wide variety of choices at Giovanni’s. (Top of next page) Giovanni’s also has a large selection of pool tiles available, too. (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

Taylor Gardner Gutters Can Help You Save Your Home’s Foundation!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Taylor Gardner grew up around gutters, learning his dad Ed’s business.

One thing he’s learned is that adding gutters is about the least expensive thing homeowners can do to protect the value of their homes, ensuring that Florida’s famous summer downpours don’t destroy their foun dations or any aesthetic upgrades.

“Protecting the foundation of your home is the main purpose of gutters,” Taylor says, “but they also protect your paint and will help your grass and sod last longer. Gut ters protect anything on the outside of your house to help it stay in great shape for as long as possible.”

Without gutters, Taylor says, water is much more likely to settle at the base of your home’s foundation. With that saturation, the water can cause erosion to the side of your home, leading to cracks in the stucco and window ledges, and form unsightly trenches. Water under the home also can cause wood floors in the home to pucker or pop.

That’s why Taylor Gardner Gutters on Land O’Lakes Blvd. installs and repairs gutters, soffits and fascias, and offers gutter cleaning, which keeps the gutters working properly and in good repair.

It’s now been about four years since Taylor took over Ed’s company, which was then known as Gardner Gutters.

Taylor came on board to help his dad af-

ter serving in the Marine Corps for nine years, including a tour of duty in Iraq. He had used his experience and his Business Administration (B.A.) degree from Liberty University (in Lynchburg, VA) to start a different career, but came home when his dad needed him.

The company quickly became Taylor’s responsibility when Ed passed away following a long battle against cancer in 2020. Taylor’s older brother, Brandon, who had decades of

diagnosed with cancer and passed away only eight months later.

So now, Taylor continues the legacies of both his dad and his older brother, and he does it surrounded by a team that would make them both proud.

“When I started, my dad had 35 years of experience and my brother had more than 20,” says Taylor. “I had some, but not what they did. It’s been hard to lose both of them, but things here have been amazing because I’ve got really great employees.”

That starts, he says, with Mike Caisco, the company’s field operations manager, who has 40 years of experience in the business and personally inspects every job Taylor Gardner Gutters does once it’s complete.

“Our installers are great, and we have several who have been with the company more than 15 years,” Taylor explains. “They know exactly what they’re doing.”

Then, Mike comes to inspect to be sure everything is done the way it’s supposed to be, which means the installers are held accountable to ensure that there’s never any corners cut on any job.

That’s important to Taylor because his

Taylor Gardner Gutters apart from others.

The company’s policy is that any customer who experiences a warranty issue will have the problem inspected within 24 hours and fixed as soon as possible — no matter how many years it’s been since the gutters were originally installed.

“I’m confident you’re not going to have a problem,” Taylor says, “but in the event you do, we’re going to show up and take care of it.”

In addition to the installers and field team, he mentions the fantastic office staff — Allison and Kammie — and great salespeople — Mike and Kenny, who are involved in the community and incredibly knowledgeable.

Over the last few years, with Taylor running the business, it’s grown to five gutter trucks and four soffit trucks. In addition to helping homeowners, Taylor Gardner Gutters also installs, repairs and cleans gutters for business owners with commercial buildings. The company also works with several homebuilders to install gutters on newly built homes, including many new GL Homes neighborhoods in Wesley Chapel, such as The Ridge, Winding Ridge and Valencia Ridge, and David

(Above left) Taylor Gardner is proud that his Taylor Gardner Gutters on Land O’Lakes Blvd. is carrying on the legacy of outstanding instal lation and repairs of gutters, soffits and fascias started by his father Ed and his brother Brandon, both of whom lost battles with cancer. Taylor and his outstanding crew guarantee quality workmanship on installations and repairs

before the summer started,” says Jim, a longtime Florida homeowner who is familiar with the problems summer storms can wreak on a home’s foundation.

“Taylor personally came out and gave us an estimate,” Jim explains. “I asked him all of my questions and found him to be very knowledgeable, professional and courteous. The price was right, so we were very happy with that.”

Jim says he hired Taylor Gardner Gutters right away and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.

He says the installation crew was focused and meticulous, explaining that they re-measured the whole house before they started, even though Taylor already had measured it as part of the estimate.

fering top-quality work that makes customers like Jim happy.

“There are so many days I just wish I could pick up the phone and tell my dad and my brother about what’s happened (with the company),” Taylor says.

But, since he can’t do that, he’ll continue to run the family business in a way that would make them both proud, and to leave a legacy for his own son — five-year-old Jacob — just like his dad did for him.

Taylor Gardner Gutters is located at 6202 Land O’Lakes Blvd. (U.S. Hwy. 41) in Land O’Lakes. Its hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, see the ad on page 41, visit TaylorGardnerGutters.com or call (813)515-0844.

•High Cholesterol

•

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•High

Accepting:

•Thyroid Disorders

•Asthma/COPD

•Medical Weight Loss

Award-Winning Palms Pharmacy Adds Wellness Now! Telehealth & More

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley & Gary Nager

When Shahida Choudhry, Pharm.D., founded her Palms Pharmacy in 2016 in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, she already had a decade of Publix pharmacy experience under her belt and knew exactly what she did and didn’t want her independent pharmacy to be.

What Dr. Choudhry didn’t want was to just fill prescriptions; her goal was to bring back the welcoming vibe of the old-school neighborhood pharmacy. At Palms Pharmacy, it’s not just about getting your meds — it’s about being part of a community where the employees know your name and the prescriptions you need because you’re a familiar face, not just another line item. Since Palms Pharmacy first opened eight years ago, Dr. Choudhry’s team has grown to a total of 16 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

“My vision was to give back to the community and help our patients,” Dr. Choudhry explains. “We’re focused on your overall wellness and helping you get off medications that you might be able to replace with natural supplements.”

She adds, however, that she will never tell you to stop taking a medication your doctor has prescribed for you. Instead, she will make suggestions to bring back to your doctor if she thinks that there is a better way to achieve the same goal. “This is a passion project of mine that’s evolved over the years,” she says.

A proud alumnus of Long Island

Shop.ThePalmsPharmacy.com.

Among the many supplements are a variety created to help kids with ADHD (Attention

ized, on-site compounding services, creating primary care provider-prescribed creams, topicals, mouthwashes, etc., while outsourcing items like semaglutide for weight loss to

you need.”

In addition to those meds are Palms Pharmacy’s private-label supplements (photo on next page), available both in-store and

told us the ADHD supplements have really helped their children,” Dr. Choudhry says. “It’s important to know that helpful supplements like these are available.”

Dr. Shahida Choudhry (front & center) and her knowledgeable, friendly, professional staff at Palms Pharmacy in The Shoppes at The Pointe in (Photo by Charmaine George)

Independent, But Not Alone

Dr. Choudhry is proud of her relationships with other independent pharmacy owners, not just here in the Tampa Bay area, but across the country, as a brand ambassador for independent Health Mart pharmacies.

Speaking of independent pharmacies, Palms Pharmacy has been nominated for the 2024 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year. There are more than 5,000 independent and locally owned neighborhood pharmacies allied together under the Health Mart banner. In order to win the award — which will be announced at the McKesson ideaShare convention in New Orleans, LA, in June, a Health Mart pharmacy has to be judged to have best-in-class clinical practices, be an outstanding Health Mart brand ambassador, be a community leader and independent pharmacy advocate and exhibit excellent financial performance.

The Health Mart franchise is owned by Health Mart Systems, Inc., which is part of McKesson Corporation.

Additionally, Dr. Choudhry was named number six among the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy by the Pharmacy Podcast Network, as voted on by her peers.

“It’s a North American recognition,” she says. “It’s my third year in a row of being in the top 10. It’s an honor, and I think it’s pretty crazy that my peers have voted for me.”

Dr. Choudhry, who also is often a presenter or featured speaker at many pharmacy conventions, was recently in Washington, D.C., fighting for pharmacy benefit reform, to help pharmacists become recognized as health care providers and help get new Medicare reform laws passed.

“We’re just trying to make some kind of positive changes,” she says.

Wellness Now! Telehealth Care

In an expansion of her commitment to her patients, Palms Pharmacy is now partnering with Wellness Now! to provide telehealth care appointments to help patients with a variety of needs. However, Dr. Choudhry says Wellness Now! is starting by offering patients interested in weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) that their primary care physicians won’t prescribe (usually due to insurance restrictions), to be able to have telehealth appointments with licensed nurse practitioners who are able to prescribe these medications. Then, Palms Pharmacy is happy to fill those prescriptions for you.

Dr. Choudhry says that when the coupons for affordable Wegovy and Mounjaro were pulled two years ago, many patients were left unable to afford their prescriptions. She decided to find other ways to get these meds.

“We’re giving patients another option and it’s very important that the prescriptions are affordable,” she says. “We found options for them starting at $100 per month. Wellness Now! is a great option for patients.”

The licensed nurse practitioners evaluate each patient’s medical history and future goals to determine the best course of treatment for their personalized health care plans. If deemed appropriate, patients will receive a prescription to help facilitate weight loss — compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide options.

Also coming soon to Wellness Now! are Men’s Health appointments, with the intention of increasing testosterone naturally. “This is a

different approach than just throwing testosterone at patients,” she says. “We have to find the root cause of why the testosterone is dropping. We’re also going to offer erectile dysfunction (ED) compounded medications that are more natural, not just the blue pill.”

In addition, Wellness Now! also will offer dermatological telehealth appointments and Dr. Choudhry says she will soon be making an exciting announcement about them.

Locally-Sourced Retail & Outstanding Reviews

In addition to over-the-counter medications and a huge selection of natural supplements that she is happy to describe for Palms Pharmacy customers, Dr. Choudhry also handcurates a selection of unique gift items. These include whimsical cotton candy and marshmallow candies and other sweets and snacks, as well as locally-made soaps, candles and natural local honey. She regularly attends natural product expos to source new products and collaborates with local independent creators. And, her prices are always competitive with, if not less expensive than, what you’ll find in a large chain store.

“People think a small, independent pharmacy is more expensive, but it’s really not,” she says. “We really want to be competitive. We’re like a hidden gem.”

Her customers and patients agree. In one of more than 400 5-star Google reviews, customer Kimber B. highlights some unique findings in her Google review:

“Excellent service. The pharmacist is very knowledgeable and helpful. The staff is polite and attentive. The retail items are great quality and yes, I’m a sucker for the cotton candy.”

Another customer, Deborah B., expresses her appreciation for the exceptional service she has received in her 5-star review: “They are efficient, friendly, and so helpful. Our pediatrician recommended them to us, and we drive across town because of the quality customer service and efficiency of this pharmacy.”

Anniversary Celebration April 19

On Friday, April 19, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Palms Pharmacy is throwing an 8th anniversary bash with a food truck providing free food. Attendees can snag tons of freebies and great giveaways. “I just love what I do,” gushes Dr. Choudhry. “Do you have days when you don’t want to go to work? That’s not me. I absolutely love my job!”

When not at the pharmacy, this dynamic Wesley Chapel resident, her husband Irfan, her son Eisa and her daughter Sarina love to travel.

Palms Pharmacy (17008 Palm Pointe Dr.) is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (813)252-9063 or text the secure text-only line: (727) 513-3210. For more information, see the Wellness Now! ad on pg. 41 or visit ThePalmsPharmacy.com.

Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant — Bringing Mexico To Tampa!

By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George

When Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant opened in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave. (a little west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) six years ago, Jannah and I ate there a few times, but of course, without a full-liquor bar, it was never going to be a top choice for us, even though the Mexican cuisine served there was always tasty — and definitely authentic.

So, when Julio and Ximena Rodriguez opened the second Don Julio’s location — with a full, premium liquor bar — in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms plaza in 2022, we started visit ing a little more, but because of all of the other Mexican restaurants closer to where we lived, we never really visited as often as we had some other local Mexican eateries.

But, when Julio began advertising in these pages a couple of months ago and told me he wanted us to come sample as much of the menu as possible for this story, we realized that we truly had been missing out on a somewhat hidden — but award-winning (more on that below) — gem in the New Tampa area.

First, A Little History

According to DonJuliosMexican.com, “Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant started as a dream for the Rodriguez-Nambo Family. Julio’s parents — the original Don Julio & Esther Rodriguez — migrated to the Tampa Bay area from Mexico in the early 1970s. Esther (or Doña Esther; Julio calls her “Abuelita”) always had a passion for cooking Mexican food” and she began using those talents in the late 1980s and early ‘90s — by selling her delicious Mexican cuisine from her garage in West Tampa — to put all three of her children through college, as her husband passed away when they were very young.

“Many of (her customers) recommended she open a Mexican restaurant, as her authentic flavors were unmatched by any existing restaurant in the Tampa Bay area,” the website continues. “Don Julio’s opened their doors (in the Palms Connection in) 2018, making the family’s dream come true of sharing Doña Esther’s authentic Mexican flavors with the entire Tampa Bay area and to keep alive her recipes for generations to come. The name was chosen in honor of the late Don Julio, who would be proud to see how his family has come together to make a legacy.”

Julio adds, “Don Julio’s is truly a family affair. In addition to Ximena and me, we have several cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews working in both of our locations and we pride ourselves on outstanding service, as well as delicious food.”

And, Speaking Of Food...

When Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I visited the beautiful Tampa Palms location of Don Julio’s shortly before this issue went to press, we wanted Julio and Ximena to pick “a couple” of their favorite dishes, to go along with a couple we chose.

OK, sure. Instead of “a couple of” dishes, we were treated to a feast of epic proportions. We started with the house-made chips and perfect salsa, “with very small chunks of tomato and lots of cilantro,” Julio said.

Then, came the starters (called “Antojitos” or “Cravings” on the menu) and beverages. Jannah loved the Queso Fundido (melted Oaxaca cheese with Mexican chorizo sausage served with handmade chips). And, even though it isn’t made tableside, the house-made fresh guacamole was

from scratch,” Julio said. “We are always proud to serve our food.”

Charmaine raved about the one starter I couldn’t sample, the Coctel de Camarones (shrimp cocktail with Grandma’s homemade proprietary tomato sauce and spices). Julio said, “It’s actually a blend of three different sauces.” But, Charmaine and I agreed that our favorites were the new birria beef tacos, wrapped in handmade soft corn tortillas and served with a delicate dipping broth made from the birria drippings. So delicate and delicious!

We all also enjoyed the Taquitos Dorados Don Julio, which Julio says also are called “flautas.” They are rolled and deep-fried and available with your choice of meats — from chorizo to shrimp or fish, carne asada steak or even just veggie (we had the chicken). The taquitos are topped with lettuce, onions and the lightest sour cream sauce ever.

(Top left) Whether you prefer chicken or steak fajitas, try them at either Don Julio’s Mexican restaurant loca tions in the New Tampa area. (Top right) The Coctel de Camarones (shrimp cocktail) is made with three kinds of tomato sauce. (Above left) The new birria tacos are among our editor’s favorites at Don Julio’s. (Above right) The peach margarita is just one of many available flavors. (Below) The Queso Fundido is another tasty starter. (Bottom) Whether you call them taquitos or flautas, you should try them at Don Julio’s!

As for the beverages...wow! While all I had a was a Pacifico draft (available with a spicy tahine-salted rim), Jannah loved both the traditional and peach margaritas. Charmaine enjoyed the Cantarito, which is tequila, orange, lemon and lime juices served in a “jarrito de barro,” or clay cup, to help keep it cold and that same tahinesalted rim. Speaking of tequilas, the Tampa Palms Don Julio’s serves many upscale brands, as well as a selection of mezcals, plus other premium liquors and a large variety of Mexican and domestic beers on tap and in bottles.

The menu includes a variety of other craft cocktails, as well as flights of house margaritas in a number of flavors, Yave Tequilas and cervezas.

Moving On To The Entrées...

The feasting did not stop with the starters. We sampled both tender steak and perfectly seasoned chicken fajitas, both served on sizzling plates with crisp, sautéed onions, red and green peppers, with creamy refried beans and Mexican rice.

We also were served a tasty trio of enchiladas — one shredded chicken, one with ground beef and the third with Mexican cheese, although any combination is allowed.

“Our enchilada sauce is unlike any other you’ll find in this area,” Julio said. “Abuelita’s recipe definitely lives on here!”

We also were treated to another of Julio’s

favorites (and now, mine) — the pork carnitas, which are first slowcooked and then deep-fried until they are crispy outside, but moist and tender inside. The enchiladas and carnitas also are served with the Mexican rice and refried beans.

Despite everything we got to try, the huge menu at Don Julio’s also has pollo ranchero (sautéed chicken cooked with tomatoes, onions and Serrano peppers), breaded Milanesa chicken or steak, carne asada or bistec ranchero steak, a Mexican bowl called Tazon and a variety of shrimp dishes I can’t sample.

The only thing we didn’t save room for was dessert, but we will be back to try the fried churros with caramel, chocolate or lechera (sweetened, condensed milk) dip. There also are other favorites like a traditional Mexican flan, fried ice cream, fried choco banana with vanilla ice cream, “Sopapillas” pastries dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar and more.

Julio says Don Julio’s also is the only place you can have Mexican brunch every day — from traditional Huevos Ranche ros to a burrito breakfast, Chilaquiles (corn tortilla pieces) & Eggs and Tacos Huevos (eggs) & Chorizo.

Don Julio’s is proud to have won “Best Mexican Restaurant” and “Best Taco” in

Let Don Julio’s Entertain You!

The Tampa Palms location of Don Julio’s also offers “Cinco Musical Bingo” every Thursday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., as well as strolling mariachi

May 4-5, and will include outside tables, music, specials and more. Look for additional info about the Cinco de Mayo parties on the Don Julio’s website or Facebook page (see below).

Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Restau rants (16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. & 2808 E. Bearss Ave.) are both open Sun.-Thur., 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For Tampa Palms, call (813) 644-7899. For Bearss Ave., call (813) 898-2860. For reservations and more info about either location, visit DonJuliosMexican.com, visit them on Facebook or Instagram, or see the ad on pg. 53 of this issue.

Three New KRATEs Adding New Flavors At The Grove

Although the KRATE at The Grove container park has overall been supersuccessful, any number of the KRATEs have come and gone in less than two years. Here are some updates on a few of the newest additions to Wesley Chapel’s dining and entertainment district.

El Pasta & More

One restaurant KRATE that already has changed names and ownership twice is the new El Pasta & More, which originally opened (at 5817 Goldview Pkwy., #107) as The Fry Room and was followed by Top That! Pizza & More.

But, where those predecessors have come and gone, the hope here is that El Pasta survives, as we already have enjoyed a really good penne with pesto and grilled chicken (left photo; it also is available with shrimp) and a unique chicken parmigiana (above), which is basically a sizable serving

thick, tasty marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, served over spaghetti.

Other options include lamb shank with spaghetti, cheese ravioli, a “buildyour-own” pasta with your choice of pasta type, sauce and toppings, a variety of naan bread pizzas, as well as a number of different desserts and more.

For more information, call El Pasta at (813) 973-9359 or visit ElPastaFL.com.

If you’ve never lived in New York City, you may not know that bodegas are small stores selling groceries that also usually have great sandwiches and other tasty treats.

Well, the owners of the new Bodega Deli (who also own the adjacent — and very popular — Bebo’s Cheesesteaks) in the former location (at 5840 Grand Oro Ln.) of Sugar Pop!, have See “Nibs - Bodega Deli” on pg. 50

‘Nibs - Bodega Deli’

Continued from pg. 48

definitely recreated the NYC bodega feel (except that it’s super-clean), with yummy hot and cold subs, wraps and soups, as well as a variety of breakfast sandwiches and even another build-yourown pasta option with penne, fettuccine or ziti, and Alfredo, vodka (pink) or marinara sauce and meatballs, chicken or Italian sausage.

And, of course, like any good New York deli, the Bodega features a variety of NY-style cheesecakes, as well as house-baked chocolate chip cookies and even Good Humor ice cream.

On our first visit, photographer Charmaine George and I enjoyed a “Chopped Cheese” (photo above) hot sub with chopped beef and cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup and mayo on a sub roll. Very tasty. We also liked the tuna salad cold sub and the Oreo cookie chocolate cheesecake. For additional information, call (813) 597-6178 or visit BodegaDeliFL.com.

Garden Of Eden Olive Oil Co.

den of Eden is anything but eclectic. It features more than 60 different varie ties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars and charismatic owner Adel Youssef (photo, right) is always happy to tell you about (and let you sample) each and every kind.

Although no one is walking around wearing only fig leaves, you definitely also should visit the new Garden of Eden Olive Oil Company, located at 5830 Goldview Pkwy., Unit 102, in the former location of The Rebellious Hippie and Mythos,

“All of our olive oils and balsamic vinegars come from our supplier in Cali fornia, but we have olive oils — includ ing some ultra extra virgin — imported from Australia, Greece, Portugal, Spain and others and our balsamic vinegars are both white and dark — and all of them are delicious and available for sampling

here in the store.” After sampling, Jannah and I purchased a Tuscan herb olive oil and Cascadian white raspberry white balsamic vinegar, but we honestly loved several others, too.

Adel, who says he previously was in the Egyptian Secret Service protecting president Hosni Mubarak, always has fresh bread available to sample his wares, “although some people will just drink them without bread.”

He also sells a variety of olive oil-based candles, skin care products, and more. Go and check it all out and please tell Adel I sent you!

For more info, visit GardenofEdenOliveOilCompany.com or

Introducing Nawabi Hyderabad House & Rain Bistro!

The New Tampa area already has a much larger number of Asian restaurants of all kinds — Chinese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Korean and even Nepalese — than Wesley Chapel does, but it seems we should make room for at least two more, as Rain Bistro just opened in the former location of Mei’s Pizza (and a couple of others before Mei’s) on E. Bearss Ave., just west of Livingston Ave., and Nawabi Hyderabad House & Biryani Place just replaced another Indian eatery — Raaga — in the Shoppes at Amberly in Tampa Palms.

Right As Rain!

Rain Bistro, owned by my new friend Will, is actually pretty delicious. Although it

even though he also has great almost-Thai-style spring rolls and Japanesestyle fried gyoza dumplings filled with chicken (both in bottom left photo), as well as a large variety of ramen and other noodle and rice dishes, plus a number of different boba tea drinks.

Considering it only opened a couple of weeks ago, all I can say is the food is great and the place, even though it still doesn’t look impressive from the

the upscale prices. Great job, Will! For more information about Rain Bistro (2592 E. Bearss Ave.), which is open every day for lunch & dinner, call (813) 977-1688.

Nawabi — More Than

Just A New Name!

Although I was never a big fan of Raaga, the most recent Indian restaurant in the same location is the new Nawabi Hyderabad House & Biryani Place at 15345 Amberly Dr. and I definitely enjoyed my first visit.

I didn’t find out why

derabad is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana. Of course, the bottom line is, did I like the food on my first visit to this much nicer new sit-down restaurant? And, the answer is unequivocally “yes!”

Although I didn’t venture very far (if at all) out of my comfort zone, I gobbled down the garlic naan bread and wok-tossed hakka noodles with chicken at Nawabi. The thinnerthan-lo-mein noodles had a delicate flavor, with a hint of black pepper and just a bit of a kick, even without the much spicier Schezwan (their spelling) sauce, which I was told to order on the side — and I was glad I did. I really only needed a dab on each bite to savor.

For info about Nawabi (also open for lunch & dinner every day), call (813) 4430198 or visit NawabiHHTampa.com. — GN

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Can’t Afford A Display Ad But Still Want To Reach 180,000 People In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel?

Our Classified Ads Are A Great Deal: 7 Issues (3 mos.)-$120 13 Issues (6 mos.)-$200 26 Issues (1 yr.)-$300!

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The Neighborhood News does NOT authorize any outside company or agency to reprint any portion of the copyrighted materials in ANY of our print issues or our proprietary online content. Any unauthorized copying, whether to create a plaque, for use online, in printed copies or any other use without our express written permission will be considered to be a violation of both our copyright and the 30 years of good will we have worked very hard to achieve.

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