New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 32, Issue 9, April 30, 2024

Will Rezoning Provide Viera’s Safety Cut-Through

By Joel Provenzano

If you travel east on K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. (past Sundrift Dr.; see map), a little south of the Hillsborough/Pasco county line, you’ll come to a spot where the K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. abruptly ends at five perfectly placed bright red diamond signs.

To the left are gorgeous houses being constructed by M/I Homes around a freshly paved cul-de-sac, and to the right, a beautiful set of lakes where sandhill cranes are teaching their young how to forage for food along the banks.

As the sun lowers in the sky, walkers, runners and bicyclists begin to emerge and take advantage of this 800’ long section of road to nowhere, taking in the fading warmth of the sun. Straight ahead, past the signs, is a narrow stretch of cypress trees hiding Basset Branch, a tributary that flows south directly into the Hillsborough River. Many don’t even know the creek is there.

On the east side of this 300’-wide wetland lies Easton Park, a small subdivision which began building in 2005, but where the last house wasn’t built until 2014, due to the Great Recession of 2008-09. Since then, Easton Park has been the only K-Bar subdivision with access to Morris Bridge Rd., but a big change may be coming — thanks to a new developer planning to add new homes and townhomes in K-Bar Ranch.

See “K-Bar” on page 4!

THE ‘STORY PLAQUE’ SAGA

Our editor takes his battle with “That’s Great News” to another level.

See page 3

CLARK CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!

Harold Clark returns to the local school named in his honor for the festivities!

See page 8

CHECKING IN WITH REP. DRISKELL

The State House Minority Leader sounds off the transportation tax money & much more.

See page 13

STACKER’S PIZZA RANKINGS

See page 38

Taking The ‘Story Plaques’ Fight To Another Level

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

Whether or not you’re currently a business owner, imagine, if you can, working hard to create a product that provides a unique service to your customers. Next, imagine that someone who spent literally zero of those man/woman-hours to create that product comes along and — without your permission — represents themselves as “working with” your company in order to be able to get your customer to spend money with them as they blatantly copy that work. They even go so far as to put your company’s logo on the product — again, without so much as asking the ownership of your company “Is it OK if we do this?”

That’s the predicament local publications like ours face every single day from companies like “In The News” (which no longer exists) and “That’s Great News” (which bought out “In The News”). These companies tell our customers to lie to us and say that they need “a clean electronic copy” of a story about their business that appeared in our pages, supposedly “for our social media.”

Then, you walk into their place of business a few weeks later and see that story on a plaque for which we received no compensation and the only credit we received is that our logo appears at the top of the plaque.

I have been dealing with this B.S. for probably close to a decade, as electronic versions of our stories began being posted on our website.

These “News” companies would simply grab screenshots of every Business Feature story off our website and send a proof of that story on a not-yet-created plaque to our advertisers (see left photo above), telling them they were “working with the Neighborhood News” and get a large number of those businesses to purchase their plaques for anywhere from $200-$400 — depending upon the size of the plaque(s) and the length of each story. I saw no fewer than six of these stories in our advertisers’ places of businesses in one month — and it did not make me happy.

And, the kicker was that literally every time I would ask them who made the plaque for them, the business owner would tell me, “I thought you did,” which made me even less happy.

Then, about three years ago, I realized that if I offered my advertisers plaques of their stories that we actually did create for them that they would probably prefer our plaques to the ones created by these outside companies.

The problem was that I didn’t have someone on my staff who could get in contact with our advertisers to tell them about our plaques — and warn them that “That’s Great News” is most definitely NOT “working with us,” but that they are, in fact, using our work to make money for their company. But now, I have my wife Jannah following up with each business on our behalf.

Consider this: Either I or one of my writers spends up to an hour or more researching each of these stories, up to another hour interviewing these business owners, and then multiple additional hours writing each story. I then take an hour or more of my time to edit each one, and then edit each story again once it has been laid into the paper. In most cases, I also pay our photographer Charmaine George to take the pictures that accompany each story, and then pay to print and distribute each copy of each edition of the paper. Why should anyone else make even one dollar off of all of those efforts?

Those companies will tell you that they’re “allowed” to do what they do because of “second use” laws that permit it but, from what I — and an attorney customer of mine — have seen, they still need our permission to do so.

That’s why I created the ad below to say we do not give anyone permission to use our work and that this is fair warning that the next step in this battle could be a legal one. To be continued...

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. Therefore, if an outside company asks if you want a plaque made of your story — and their name isn’t Jannah or Gary Nager — please tell them “No.” To order a plaque of your Business Feature or any other story, call (813) 910-2575 or email Jannah or Gary at ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

New Tampa Neighborhood News

2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

Office Phone Number: (813) 910-2575

Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Editorial E-mail:

EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager

Correspondents

•

•

Celeste McLaughlin Iris Vitelli

Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano

Ad Sales/Marketing Director Jannah Nager

Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George

Graphic Designers Morgan Tahvonen • Valerie Wegener

Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 32, Issue 11, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, May 16, 2024.

New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.

New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.

© 2024 JM2 Communications, Inc.

This one is ours

The one above is theirs

Inside Easton Park are two strange intersection footprints, one along Pictorial Park Dr. and one along Natures Spirit Dr, which like the road in K-Bar, seem to go nowhere. But, there is a purpose to all of this seemingly wasted pavement. Although they are far apart, the end of K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. and these two random intersection footprints are all in line with each other.

Years before the K-Bar Ranch was annexed into the city and Easton Park was ever even started, Hillsborough County planners knew that they wanted a future east-west road to someday connect to Morris Bridge Rd. all of the communities that would be built upon this sprawling pasture land. Early on, they planned its path and set aside the land for future right-of-way. Back then, there was a dirt path that crossed over then-tiny Basset Branch allowing ranchers to get from one side of the property to the other, and there were no wetland trees around that crossing.

The county decided the future east-west road path should go there, to minimize environmental impacts, but when the eastern half of that land was sold to make Easton Park, for whatever reason, that dirt path and old culvert pipes underneath were removed. After a few flooding rains, it didn’t take long for nowmuch-wider Basset Branch to carve its way through and start to expand.

The New Project

Now, more than 20 years later, this former dirt-covered crossing has grown into the 300’wide wetland where K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. will need to punch through in order to connect to Easton Park, and ultimately extend to Morris Bridge Rd. But, this former county vision is no longer a pipe dream, as the Eisenhower Property Group (EPG) submitted a preliminary plat to the City of Tampa on March 1 of this year for a project which is currently being referred to as “K-Bar Ranch Homestead Parcel Phase 1.” This area was annexed into the City of Tampa in 2002 in anticipation of its development.

The city issued comments for this proposed community (to be located on the east side of the wetland, immediately north of Easton Park) and referenced that rezoning will need to be completed and accepted before the project could move forward as proposed. Even so, there may still need to be some changes to

the plans to satisfy all city departments.

The rezonings — REZ-24-02 and REZ24-03 — still need to go before the Tampa City Council, so District 7 Tampa City Council member (and New Tampa resident) Luis Viera could not, by law, comment about the rezonings for this article, and city staff says that neither rezoning has been scheduled yet, but that EPG is targeting June or July for both.

The main change proposed in both rezonings, from the previously approved zoning, is a change in orientation of the main north-south “Collector Road,” which was previously approved as a loop road. Instead of a loop, it would be straightened (as shown in the map on pg. 1). Also proposed is a minor change in the number of dwelling units to a maximum total of 500 single-family and 188 townhomes.

The project plans currently consist of 484 single-family home sites (363 sites of 50’x120’ and 121 60’x120’ lots) on an approximately 400-acre site. This is slightly below the maximum 500 single-family homes being requested in the rezoning. Where the proposed K-Bar Ranch extension intersects with Morris Bridge Rd., both of those corners are labeled as “Future Commercial” in the plans (see map).

Coincidently, EPG also is developing the master-planned community on the other side of Morris Bridge Rd. from Easton Park, known as Two Rivers (which we told you about in a previous issue). For that project, EPG acquired the first 6,000 acres inside Pasco back in 2021 and the remaining 2,000 acres inside Hillsborough about a year ago.

The Important Part

The most important part of this latest EPG K-Bar project (for many local residents) may not be so much the homes, but the roadways shown in the proposed plans. The existing portion of K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. that dead-ends at Sundrift Dr. is labeled “Segment F,” and the new extension that will connect it out to Morris Bridge Rd. is labeled “Segment G, Transportation Improvement,” which is a proposed 120’ -wide right of way (R/W) “Collector Road - 4 Lane Divided.”

The K-Bar Ranch plans state that, “Transportation Improvement G [K-Bar Ranch Parkway Extension] shall be constructed prior to or concurrent with Homestead Parcel Phase 1 [the main project].” This extension will connect with each of those two strange intersection footprints in Easton Park, allowing those

residents three potential additional ways to get in and out of their community:

1. Westbound toward Kinnan St. via KBar Ranch Pkwy.

2. Eastbound toward Morris Bridge Rd. via K-Bar Ranch Pkwy.

3. Northbound towards Pasco County, where the proposed north-south “Collector Road” through the new community is slated to connect with Wyndfields Blvd. in the Union Park community in Wesley Chapel.

This also will inversely allow K-Bar Ranch, Union Park and Meadow Pointe residents easier access to Morris Bridge Rd., giving more route choices for local residents and greatly reducing distances to get around the area. These additional connections could improve safety, too (see below). City staff says that EPG is responsible for constructing both the K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. extension and the north-south “Collector Road,” as both are required under the developer’s 2018 agreement with the city.

Safety First?

Councilman Viera said he had first

learned about this proposed community project from city staff when he was looking into the issues and potential solutions surrounding too-long emergency response times in K-Bar Ranch, New Tampa’s northeasternmost and most remote community.

“I have been pushing for a fire station in K-Bar but was told there was not enough calls for service in that area,” Viera says.

He expressed concern about the 12-minute travel time for emergency vehicles from Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 22 on Cross Creek Blvd. to reach the back of K-Bar Ranch. With the proposed extension of K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. out to Morris Bridge Rd., those travel times could be cut in half — to only six minutes — potentially saving lives.

Viera says he feels very strongly about connecting roads and communities together. On the other side of K-Bar, he pushed hard to try and fully connect Kinnan St. with Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe for regular traffic but said, “Pasco has not been amenable to that, there’s been a block from the Pasco side...but I was happy we at least got the

(Above) In the distance behind the sandhill cranes, is where K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. currently dead-ends a just east of Sundrift Dr. (see map on page 1). (Next page) The sign marking the intersection of KBar Ranch Pkw. and Sundrift Dr. (Photos by Joel Provenzano)

emergency gate,” which was installed in 2020. He says his intent is to still get that connection fully open to regular vehicular traffic someday. K-Bar Ranch was finally connected to Wesley Chapel when Meadow Pointe Blvd. was extended south to meet K-Bar Ranch Pkwy, something Pasco did agree to, making Viera happier. The thing that isn’t certain now, however, is who exactly is going to physically connect the north-south “Collector Road” in this new K-Bar community project with Wyndfields Blvd. in Union Park. Wyndfields Blvd. currently ends 540’ north of the county line The currently submitted plans do not call out exactly how that will be accomplished or who will be responsible for it, although city staff believes that ultimately, that responsibility will fall to EPG under the development agreement.

Understanding The New Real Estate Rules — And How They Affect You

By Joel Provenzano

The real estate industry in the U.S. has weathered many permanent changes since it first began. These changes typically have translated to greater protections and transparency for buyers and sellers, and has kept the industry innovating and moving forward.

There are more major changes proposed for the national real estate market this summer, and they could end up affecting everyone. These likely changes are the outcome of a pending settlement in a national class action lawsuit, brought against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) organization by the plaintiffs, a group of home sellers from the Midwest who listed their homes for sale on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) using real estate Brokers.

In order to try to better understand what’s happening, let’s first break everything down to the basics.

What Is A Real Estate Brokerage?

In order to legally practice real estate in Florida, a real estate agent must have an “active” license, working under a Broker or be the Broker (an experienced agent who’s gone through additional licensing requirements and runs a brokerage) themselves. The Broker and his or her agents all work under the brokerage (real estate company). Among the many well-known national brokerages are RE/MAX, Keller Williams and HomeServices of America, all of which were named in the suits.

Exceptions for those who are able to engage in real estate transactions but who are not under a brokerage are the following — real

estate attorneys, agents who are employed by home builders in community sales offices, agents in leasing offices and buyers or sellers who represent themselves in their own real estate transactions.

What Is The NAR?

As real estate records began being tracked in the U.S. around the end of the 1800s, there was inconsistency and dubious practices among some in the profession. To curb the problems, 19 various city real estate boards and the California State Realty Federation organized and created the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges in 1908. That name was later changed to the

What Will Compass Claim Solutions Do For You?

National Association of Realtors (NAR).

In 1913, the Association adopted its ‘Code of Ethics’ with the “Golden Rule” as its guiding principle. Shortly after, in 1916, the term “REALTOR” was created for those who were members of the National Association and who went through extended training to learn and pledge to uphold its strict code of ethics.

Now, NAR is the largest trade organization in the U.S., with nearly 1.5 million members.

What Is The MLS?

NAR also controls and regulates most of the 800 local and regional Multiple Listing Services (MLS) throughout the country. These

MLSs serve as the primary databases where information (including photos) about current local real estate for sale or rent is uploaded, listed and then shared with potential buyers. Popular websites like Zillow.com and Homes.com (photo above) pull most of their information from MLS.

From very early on, in order to list on an MLS, NAR required a written listing agreement, which meant that the seller would specify who (which Broker or agent) could list his or her property and the specific commissions that would be paid, and to whom, in order to avoid later disputes and build trust among those in the early profession. This early requirement stuck. The com-

missions are currently either specified in the listing agreement as a percentage of the total sale price, or as a flat dollar amount.

What Happened With The Case?

Previously, NAR’s “Participation Rule” required that for a property to be listed on MLS at all, some compensation (even as little as $1) must be offered to the buyer’s agent. The plaintiffs in the case claimed that some of the nation’s largest real estate brokerage firms used this rule to collude with NAR to fix prices and artificially raise the amount of home sale commissions, even though commissions had always been negotiable.

The jury sided with the plaintiffs at the end of last October (2023), and awarded them approximately $1.8 billion in damages. After the ruling, NAR immediately changed its Participation Rule so that seller listings could offer as little as $0 commission to a buyer’s agent, and in November, Stellar MLS (the local MLS that covers the entire Tampa Bay area) updated its rules and regulations so the local system could accept $0 in that commission input field.

When Was The Settlement Reached?

On March 15, 2024, a smaller settlement in the amount of $418 million was reached between the parties. According to Katie Johnson, the chief legal officer of NAR, “This settlement would resolve the claims brought against NAR.” This settlement is the document all parties agreed to, but this isn’t the end. Johnson stated that, “Like all settlements of class action litigation, it is subject to court approval.”

What this means is that the proposed settlement terms and changes to real estate policies might not take effect until July of this year, at the earliest.

The settlement also came with a cap, meaning only large brokerages with residential transaction volumes of $2 billion or more in 2022 were liable to pay into the settlement fund, and ones with volumes below $2 billion were released from liability. The brokerage HomeServices of America, however, chose to not participate in the settlement, and has now become the lone defendant, wanting to fight it out and take its chances, potentially pushing the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Are The Proposed Changes?

There are two primary changes that will affect the entire real estate landscape:

From the Stellar MLS public website:

1. “Compensation offers moved off the MLS: NAR has agreed to put in place a new rule prohibiting offers of compensation (to be listed) on the MLS.” As was mentioned before, NAR had already changed its policy to allow for offers of $0 compensation to the buyer’s agent on the MLS, but currently, most sellers are still opting to include some type of commission in that field. But, this change would strictly prohibit ANY commission being offered in the MLS listing at all.

The intent was to level the playing field to make sure there was no steering, so buyers’ agents would show them every potential house, regardless of the commission, because they wouldn’t know what it might be up front, as they historically have been able to know.

This doesn’t prohibit the agents from negotiating concessions behind the scenes, but the hope and goal of the settlement was that increasing negotiations at this step, and at the initial written representation agreements (see below), would overall reduce total commissions

paid nationwide, saving consumers money.

Also from Stellar MLS public website:

2. “Written agreements for MLS participants acting for buyers: MLS participants [agents/Brokers] working with buyers will be required to enter into written representation agreements with their buyers.”

These written and signed agreements are typically known as Buyer Agency Agreements and specifically might be referred to as Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreements (EBBA), which are already required in more than a dozen states, but are optional in the rest. These are meant to ensure that home buyers know in advance what their agent will charge for their services, if the seller doesn’t offer concessions to compensate them.

Also, the seller may still offer concessions, but instead of a commission being paid directly to the buyer’s broker from the seller (like it had been traditionally done in the past), a concession might go to the buyer, and then the buyer would pay their agent the rate listed in the agreement. So, if the seller were offering 2% concessions, but the agreement between the buyer and their agent was 3%, then the buyer may have to come up with the remaining 1% themselves.

This, of course, could cause the buyer to reconsider that particular property or take concessions more into consideration, now that they might have to participate in paying for their real estate agent’s services.

What Are The Concerns?

This settlement has caused concern for certain categories of home buyers who may be at a disadvantage, given current restrictions and budgets. For example, a first-time home buyer with less buying power might be more swayed by

certain properties based solely on the concessions they are offering in order to pay their agent, and sellers may not even entertain the buyer’s offers if they ask for too much in concessions.

Other buyers who might be affected more than others are those who may use Veterans Administration (VA) loans, which are reserved for U.S. Armed Forces active duty service members, veterans, reservists, or their surviving spouses (under certain circumstances) that meet the minimum active-duty service requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Many buyers who qualify might choose to use a VA loan over other types of loans because the terms are typically much better.

However for VA loans, current restrictions on certain fees would not be compatible with the proposed national change. On March 27, NAR president Kevin Sears wrote a letter to the VA and shared his concern about this, stating, “In this exceedingly competitive market, we are concerned that the VA’s current policies place veterans at a significant disadvantage compared to traditional buyers. Under VA policies, buyers using their home loan benefit are prohibited from compensating their professional representative directly. In situations where no offer of compensation is offered from a seller, VA buyers are immediately at a disadvantage, potentially forcing them to forego professional representation, lose a property in an already limited inventory, choose a different loan product, or exit the market entirely.”

No one knows exactly what this all will look like moving forward, or what things will have to change in order to make it all work, but there is a timid yet optimistic outlook from real estate professionals that things will work out for the best, as they have many times in the past.

94-Year-Old Harold Clark Attends Clark Elementary’s 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Special to the Neighborhood News

Congratulations to Clark Elementary, the third elementary school (preceded by Tampa Palms and Hunter’s Green elementaries) and fifth public school overall (also already open were both Wharton High and Benito Middle School) to celebrate a quarter of a century of learning in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code.

Current and past members of the Clark family were on hand for the event on Apr. 5, as were members of the family of Harold H. Clark, the former Assistant Superintendent of Supportive Services of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for whom the school was named. In attendance from Mr. Clark’s family were his two daughters — Harollyn Johnson and Karin Childs — and his granddaughters Rondalyn Morgan & Ashlyn Johnson.

But, the big surprise of the festivities was the fact that Mr. Clark himself, who will turn 95 in June, was on hand — and thrilled — to join his family in attendance at the event.

The celebration also was attended by current School Board chair Karen Perez and vice chair Jessica Vaughn. Representing HCPS superintendent Van Ayres’ cabinet were chief of innovation & strategic planning Marcos Murillo, Regional Superintendent for Area 3 Schools Catherine “Missy” Lennard and Regional Superintendent for Area 1 Schools Kristin Tonelli.

The event honored many of the original charter faculty and staff members from 1998, as well as, of course, Mr. Clark.

“We are honored to have Mr. Clark here and proud to celebrate all of the accomplishments of Clark Elementary,” said current Clark principal Dr. Delilah Rabeiro. “The evening before this event, we were named a School of

Excellence by the Florida Department of Education, so this is excellent timing.”

The food was provided by Wharton High’s culinary students, led by culinary instructor John Rosko. Also taking part in the celebration were the Freedom High marching band, led by band director Travis Ando; the Freedom High Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), led by Lt. Commander Pettis Sims; the Liberty Middle School Jazz Band, led by Dustin Huston; the Liberty Digital Team led by Daisy Questell. Clark’s chorus and the “Mighty Mighty Clark-

tones” also performed. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Clark’s NEHS President Vihaan Tyagi; the National Anthem was sung by music teachers Jennifer and Sean Moats and their son, Clark student, Bennett Moats. The Masters of Ceremonies were our Media Specialist Erik Fassel and first grade teacher Tracy Wood.

Four former Clark students spoke — John Pease (Class of 2010), Amiya Gupta (Class of 2013), Vaidehi Tyagi (Class of 2019) and Madison Bahs (Class of 2021). It was special to hear from former students share their experiences and

of what it meant to them to have been a Cougar. Charter principal Valerie Orihuela, who opened Clark in 1999, dedicated her career to HCPS for 38 years and created the school’s iconic slogan: “We’re Making Our Mark at Clark.” Mr. Clark, who retired at age 80, was a true trailblazer who worked to provide equal access to quality education for all children. He was a principal at Just Jr. High and at Blake High, an Area Director and Assistant Superintendent. He also helped with the formation of the Hillsborough Education Foundation in 1987-88.

(L.-r.) Current Clark Elementary AP Kelly Wackes, former AP Nicole Libby, former principal Gaye Holt , former principal Paulette English , current principal Dr. Delilah Rabeiro, charter principal Valerie Orihuela, former AP Mary Frances Ledo and former principal Brenda Griffin were all on hand for the 25th anniversary celebration for the third public elementary school to open in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code. (All photos by Charmaine George)

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(Top to bottom & l.-r.) Harold H. Clark, former HCPS Deputy Superintendent Cathy Valdez and Clark Elementary charter principal Valerie Orihuela. The Clark Cougar and current Clark principal Dr. Delilah Rabeiro. Many charter Clark Elementary students returned for the event! The Freedom High marching band was among the musical groups that performed during the celebration.

Pasco County Breaks Ground On The Wesley Chapel Library At Seven Oaks!

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George

Although New Tampa has had its own library for 27 years, the Wesley Chapel area has had only one library — the New River Branch Library on S.R. 54, almost to Zephyrhills.

But, that is about to change, as a beautiful, state-of-the-art library is expected to open in the Seven Oaks community by the end of 2025.

“The mission of a library is one of connection,” said Pasco County Library System director Sean McGarvey at the groundbreaking event for the Wesley Chapel Library at Seven Oaks — to about 50 people in the audience — on Apr. 12. “We connect people to what is important… in four fundamental ways. We connect people to knowledge, to the culture of the community, to economic opportunity and, most importantly, we connect people to each other.”

McGarvey served as the Master of Ceremonies for the groundbreaking event to showcase the architectural renderings for the new library, which will begin construction within the next month or so on a vacant lot adjacent to Seven Oaks Elementary. The 14,000-sq.-ft., $11-million library, designed by Fleischman Garcia Architects, is being built by Bandes Construction and will have a number of unique features that will make it another “hub of the world,” according to McGarvey, who also introduced the groundbreaking event’s other speakers.

The first was Pasco County Board of Commissioners (BOC) chair Ron Oakley, whose District 1 includes part of Wesley Chapel.

Oakley said that when he first became a county commissioner eight years ago, he was told, “We need to save money in the county, so we need to cut out libraries. They’re not needed…everybody’s got a computer. But, I said, ‘I personally think everybody doesn’t have a computer and all of our citizens love libraries.’ It’s just amazing what is provided by our library system. The use of this library here in this community is going to be amazing.”

Before then introducing Commissioner Seth Weightman, whose District 2 includes all of Seven Oaks, McGarvey said, “I can not wait to see what the stories of the connections that this building will build for everybody else who will use it…from the kids at the school next door, to the citizens of Pasco County to the members of this (Seven Oaks) community, to the business community at large. I can not wait to see what this building will create for the community.” Comm. Weightman then thanked retired Pasco Commissioner Mike Moore (Weightman’s

Dist. 2 predecessor), “for allowing me to be here today and celebrating the work that you did over the course of your time to (make this library happen). What a fantastic community ‘add’ here to Seven Oaks. And, to the citizens of Seven Oaks, because of your community and your drive and your watchful eye, we’re proud to bring this to all the folks here in Wesley Chapel.”

Weightman then introduced former Comm. Moore, “because this was his baby.”

Moore said, “This (library) was a long time in the making. Part of the Seven Oaks development agreement back then (in 2004) was this site, which was always supposed to be a library. The county commission was very, very supportive of this project when I was on the Board and what I’m most grateful for is that once I left, the next Board came in and continued with the project. Sometimes, what we see in government, is that when people leave, sometimes projects don’t move forward and they stall, but they (the new BOC) saw the benefit of having this library.”

The former commissioner (and Seven Oaks resident) added, “This library is going to be a meeting place, a place where adults and kids alike will learn, a place where you’ll have gatherings…there will be social events, civic events… and classes for seniors, adults and children.”

Moore also thanked the team from Bandes Construction, “that is actually going to build

this facility. Hopefully, it won’t take a year and a half, since materials are easier to get now… but thank you so much for all the support. And, we really are excited as a community that this is going to service not just Seven Oaks, but all of Wesley Chapel and Pasco County.”

Moore also thanked his former aide Andy Taylor, for his part in making the library happen.

McGarvey then called up all of the speakers — plus county administrator Mike Carballa, Taylor, the representatives on hand from not only Bandes Construction, but also from U.S.

Rep. Laurel Lee and State Sen. Danny Burgess’ offices, and other Pasco Library System employees — for the ceremonial tossing of the dirt. After the ceremony, McGarvey told the Neighborhood News that actual construction of the Wesley Chapel Library at Seven Oaks would begin later this month and that the expected completion date for it was the end of 2025.

Paula Wahl, the business compliance & contracts manager for the Pasco Library System, said that among the new library’s unique features will be a separate construction project

(Above) Current & former Pasco County officials and representatives of the Pasco County Library System & Bandes Construction throw ceremonial shovels of dirt at the groundbreaking of the new Wesley Chapel Library at Seven Oaks. (Below) Pasco Library System director Sean McGarvey. (Bottom left) The new library will feature a similar-looking van that will serve as a “mobile makerspace.” (Bottom right) Current County Commissioners Ron Oakley (left) & Seth Weightman (right), with former Commissioner Mike Moore, participated in the new library’s groundbreaking event.

of a trail that will be artistically designed to look like you’re walking through the pages of a book. There also will be, “an outdoor ‘reading porch’ overlooking the walkway. We also will have a flexible space that will be able to host ‘maker activities.’ Where many of our other libraries have very specific makerspaces — woodshop, video production studio, cooking programs and so on — this library actually will have a special parking space for our mobile makerspace, similar to the van we have here today, specially outfitted to bring activities from each of those out into the community. All of those other library makerspaces have mobile activities that we can bring out into the community here.” For additional information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

(Above) A rendering of the Wesley Chapel Library at Seven Oaks. (Below) The crowd on hand at the library’s groundbreaking event.

The Cottages At Cypress Cay Celebrates Its Official Grand Opening!

Congratulations go out to Capstone Communities, which celebrated the official Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for The Cottages at Cypress Cay with the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (TBCC) on Apr. 17.

As we first reported in our July 2023 issue, The Cottages at Cypress Cay is a cottage-style rental community located off Bruce B Downs (BBD) Blvd.

“With 1,400 member companies and more joining every day, Tampa’s economy is growing rapidly,” said Patie Powers, the TBCC’s director of membership. “Innovative housing concepts like The Cottages at Cypress Cay are crucial for companies to recruit new talent and offer unique housing options to the growing workforce.”

With neighborhood amenities including a 24-hour clubhouse, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style pool, pavilions and grill stations, sidewalks, a dog park and other pedestrian-friendly amenities, The Cottages at Cypress Cay creates a true sense of place for its residents. The Cottages themselves definitely feel more “home-like” than your usual rental communities, with kitchens and even front entrances that are a cut above most apartment units.

“Our team is excited to bring this

that builds community you don’t typically find in a traditional apartment setting,” said Amanda Wallis, executive VP of development for Capstone Communities. “Buildfor-rent communities are perfect for young professionals, new residents and empty-nest ers who may be looking to downsize because they provide the space and privacy of a home with the amenities and convenience of a traditional apartment.”

The Cottages offers a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages, each with its own private fenced yard, as well as one-bedroom lofts and carriage units. Homes range from 650 to 1,350 square feet, with wood-grain flooring, in-unit washers and dry ers, a smart home technology package, 24/7 on-call maintenance and optional enclosed garage parking.

CBI Construction Services (Capstone’s in-house construction entity) is the general contractor for The Cottages at Cypress Cay, and Capstone Properties (Capstone’s in-house management division) is the leasing and property management team.

Capstone Communities is an Alabamabased real estate firm specializing in develop ment, management and construction of student and multifamily housing. In 2017, Capstone expanded to the multifamily sector

tional cottage-style development program. Today, with a mission to be an innovative company dedicated to serving people, building community and delivering exceptional experiences that stand the test of time, Capstone’s growing project footprint

build-for-rent communities open or under construction in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

For more information about The Cottages at Cypress Cay, visit TheCottagesatCypresscay.com.

Rep. Driskell Looks Back At The Legislative Session & Ahead To November

By GARY NAGER

District 67 State Rep. Fentrice Driskell (photo) is in an unenviable position — but it’s a position she handles with class and dignity.

As the Minority Leader in the Florida House of Representatives — where her Democratic party faces a Republican supermajority of 84 Republican to 36 Democratic seats held — Rep. Driskell says she is still encouraged by the most recent State Legislative session, which ended in March.

She also is gearing up for her fourth (and she says final, at least for her current position) legislative campaign — since first winning election to State House District 63 over then-incumbent Shawn Harrison by more than 4,500 votes in 2018. Rep. Driskell was reelected to the Dist. 63 seat in 2020 (when she was unopposed and did not have to appear on the ballot) and, in 2022, she defeated Lisette Bonano (R-New Tampa) by just under 3,700 votes to win the re-drawn Dist. 67 seat. Bonano is again on the ballot against Rep. Driskell for the Dist. 67 seat in November. At our press time, neither candidate was set to face a Primary Election opponent in August.

Rep. Driskell, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Harvard University in 2001 and her Juris Doctor (law) degree from Georgetown University in 2004, was elected by her Democratic colleagues to serve as the State House Minority Leader and was named by new House Speaker Paul Renner to be the Democratic Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee in

2023, so she serves an important role in the House’s state budget process.

“It is a thankless job, but it’s an important one,” she says of being the Minority Leader against a Republican super majority. “We face a lot of pressure from the other side of the aisle. But, I have tried to lead my caucus in such a way that we put forward policies that any family in Florida would appreciate. Every Floridian deserves the chance to be healthy, prosperous and safe. What I have found is that my constituents are tired of the culture wars — they don’t want book bans and attacks on history.”

When asked whether or not the culture wars have been fought by both sides, Rep. Driskell responded, “We have to remember that the Republicans have been in charge in the legislature and the governor’s mansion for years and they pushed the culture wars. The legislature has been pushed by Governor (Ron) DeSantis to ban Critical Race Theory, which is not taught in our schools. I view it as my job to say, ‘What’s going on here? What’s O.K. and what’s not?’ I don’t care about the parties, I care about the people. I can work with anybody. But, you have to pick your battles carefully because the other side, in most cases, doesn’t need our votes.”

She added that there were very few of what she calls “Jump Balls” in this year’s session. “They only need us when their caucus is split on an issue, like the bill to regulate short-term rentals, like Airbnbs (Senate Bill 280 passed both houses and is waiting for Gov. DeSantis’ signature). There were legisla-

tors pushing in both caucuses on both sides of that issue.”

Despite her party’s disadvantage in the State House, Rep. Driskell is still proud of the bills she either sponsored, co-sponsored or supported.

“I was able to secure $10 million for sickle cell disease (House Bill 7085, which creates a Sickle Cell Disease Research & Treatment Grant Program within the Department of Health),” she says. “It’s the first such program in the U.S., as Florida has close to 8,000 people afflicted with sickle cell disease, one of the biggest populations in the country.”

legal fees associated with the case and to pay expenses and for valid tax refund claims.

Other successes she points to in this year’s legislative session include:

•A $250,000 grant to study infant health and mortality. “There’s a consortium of universities studying that together,” she says. “It could save some lives.”

•$1 million for a historic cemeteries program in the Dept. of State. “The grants are open now,” she says. “I designed the bill so the state works with USF and its black cemetery network…so it helps USF, too.”

•She also advocated for (but didn’t sponsor) $1.7 million in USF funding, including USF’s Florida Mental Health Institute’s autism program.

•$14,000 for the New Tampa Players, as par t of the cultural & museum grants program. “There are institutions across the state who get money from that program,” she says.

•Helped get $1 million for the Ronald McDonald House, here in Tampa Bay. “There is a need for a new house,” she says. “The current one is on Columbia Dr. on Davis Islands, but this will help them put one a new house in a more central location.”

•$1 million for SOF (Special Operations Forces) Missions, which helps veterans with PTSD. “I helped them get their first state appropriation a few years ago,” she says. “I am honored to have helped support that, too.”

Rep. Driskell also is proud to have advocated “for reducing the waiting list for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. We have 22,000 people in Florida waiting for their benefits. But, Senate Bill 58 provides funding to move some people off that wait list.”

No Help On Transportation Tax $

As for some results she wasn’t happy with this year, Rep. Driskell mentioned the $570 million raised by the most recently passed (and overturned) Hillsborough Transportation Tax.

“Unfortunately, it’s not coming back to the community in the form of funding for transportation projects that we voted for,” she says. “About $256 million is coming back in the form of road resurfacing and about $162 million will go towards a Sales Tax Holiday that we haven’t fully flushed out as to what that’s going to look like. I pushed for it come back for transportation projects, but at least we got the resurfacing.” She added that the remainder of the money — close to $170 million — will be used to pay for

“It’s outrageous that it’s going for something other than what we voted for,” she says. “I worked with my committee’s Republican vice chair Lawrence McClure to come up with a plan for it. But, it’s a done deal; it’s just waiting for the Governor’s signature on the entire budget.”

She adds, “We’re sent to Tallahassee to do serious work and I take it very seriously. We have to put aside partisan differences to get work done. We don’t abandon our values but you have to be willing to work in a collaborative way.”

As for what’s coming up in November, she says, “We are working hard on elections. My job as leader is to lead the strategy and raise the resources necessary to win the five seats we need to get out of the super minority. It’s a tall order — five is a lot to win. But, my team and I think we have a strategy to do it. In January, I led the effort to win a special election in Central Florida — 70% of voters voted for our candidate — by focusing on things like property insurance rates and abortion access.”

On Abortion Access & More

Speaking of abortion access, Rep. Driskell says, “I never thought we would live in a time where the U.S. Supreme Court would take rights away…their job is to protect them. Florida’s six-week ban takes effect at the end of next month. We have the ability to vote on Amendment 4 in November and the legislature also can overturn it — seven Republicans voted against it. We need people to get out and vote, however they feel about it.”

Other bills that passed that she wasn’t happy about include House Bill 49, which weakens protections on child labor.

“My caucus and I at least got it watered down. The bill would have allowed kids under age 18 to work overnight shifts — treating them like adults. Now, they will have breaks and no overnight shifts.”

She also had a problem with House Bill 433, which preempts local governments from passing heat stress ordinances. “There were workers in South Florida who died from heat stress,” she says, “so Miami put a new ordinance into effect. But this law, which the Gov. already signed, overturns any local laws.”

And finally, she says she is trying to find new ways to stay in touch. “So, every Tuesday at 8 p.m., I do a live stream, where I talk about what’s happening in Tallahassee, politics and more.” For more info, visit FentriceforFlorida.com or @FentriceForFL on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or X.

Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus Turns 10!

The

Porter Family’s Land Donation Celebrates

By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George

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 was 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-

A Decade Of Adding Skilled Workers To The Local Economy!

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 in front row) 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. 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!”

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

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

who introduced her to those in attendance on Apr. 6, prior to the festivities celebrating the Porter Campus’ tenth anniversary as a PHSC campus. “So, of course, we invited her back to be here for this event today.”

Thorn pose with the special shadow box presented to Dr. Jones by her staff. Dr. Jones was named by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (see pg. 16) 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.

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

See “PHSC” on page 16

Current PHSC Porter Campus Provost Dr. Davina Jones (left) and Sonia Rodriguez

from page 15

think it’s important that the Porter Campus never forget the excellence and the greatness that led this place.”

Dr. Jones 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 had 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, who said, “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 on pg. 15) 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” Afro-Latin dance lesson (top photo, right).

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.”

The New Tampa PAC’s Truly Grand Unveiling!

Free

Concert On Apr. 5 Introduced

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George

As we told you last issue, general manager Keith Arsenault of the Hillsborough County-owned New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) is super-excited that the county procured a brand new Steinway & Sons “Model D” Concert Grand piano for the NTPAC.

Only the Neighborhood News was on hand when the spectacular new piano was delivered and re-assembled on the NTPAC stage on Mar. 21. 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!

“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.”

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

Community

To The

PAC’s New Steinway “Model D” Piano In Grand Fashion!

The Village at Hunter’s Lake plaza, which is in front of the NTPAC 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 has made this amazing investment in the performing arts for us here.”

Jonathan Hunt, the VP of Steinway Tampa Bay, 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.”

The concert itself was magnificent. It began with Greek classical pianist Grigorios Zamparas, a Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at The University of Tampa, performing “Valse Impromptu in A-flat Major” by Franz Liszt.

Grigorios was followed by jazz-oriented British composer and pianist Simon Lasky, an Adjunct Faculty Music Professor at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College who began by introducing his own composition “Half A World Away.” Simon, who also brought his Simon Lasky Group to the NTPAC on Apr. 22 to launch his “For The Dreamers” album, followed with “I Love You, Porgy” by George Gershwin; and “Soul Cowboy” by Pat Metheny.

Simon was followed by local piano teacher and music scholar Jane West, a transplanted New Yorker who is in the process of opening her own music school here in New Tampa. Jane played “Etude Opus 25, Nr. 1, ‘Aeolian Harp’” by Frederic Chopin. She was then joined at the bench by Grigorios and the two played the exhilarating “Hungarian Dances for Piano

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)

(Top) The hands of pianist Pablo Arencibia dance across the ivories of the Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand piano at the NTPAC. (Middle, 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. (Above) Ghadeer Abaido (center) & Svetozar Ivanov (right) greet guests in the NTPAC lobby following the Concert Grand. (All photos by Charmaine George) Four-Hands No. 2 & No. 8” by Johannes Brahms, as well as “Slavonic Dance Opus 72, Nr. 2 in E minor” by Antonín Dvorak and “Waltz ‘Snowstorm,’” by Georgy Sviridov. If you’ve never seen four-handed piano (I know I had never seen it performed live before), it’s truly amazing to see.

Jane and Grigorios were followed by Pablo Arencibia, a Venezuelan pianist and professor who teaches both classical and jazz piano at USF and at the University of Tampa. Pablo performed his own composition “Who Am I?,” as well as “Invitation” by Bronislaw Kape and “Freedom Jazz Dance” by Eddie Harris.

The final performance of the enchanted evening was “Fantasia in F Minor D.940” by Franz Schubert, another piano four hands composition that was played by Palestinian-Jordanian pianist and USF Adjunct Professor Ghadeer Abaido, who

teaches at the Tampa Bay Music Academy, and fellow USF faculty member Svetozar Ivanov.

After the Concert Grand had ended, all six performers met with attendees, some of whom played one of the two Steinway upright pianos the NTPAC received when the Model D was purchased.

Even if you don’t think you enjoy or have never really experienced classical music live, this event was a wonderful introduction to not only a truly grand piano, but also musical genres we don’t normally get to enjoy much in our area. The hope here is that there will be much more such events at the NTPAC in the future.

For more information about the NTPAC (8550 Hunters Village Rd.), visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org and see the event listings on pg. 20 for some performances that are coming up soon.

Upcoming Events — Checking Out A Great New Derby Party, Cinco De Mayo & More!

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. 21.

Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5 — The Tampa City Ballet Presents “If I Cry” at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. From the diaries of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, the Tampa City Ballet, based at the Tampa City Dance Center (see ad on this page), presents a beautiful dance program. Tickets are available through the Straz Center Box Office. Call (813) 229-7827 or visit StrazCenter.org for tickets and more information.

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. 45) and the two Don Julio’s locations (see ad on pg. 41) will host huge celebrations — with mariachis, food & drink specials and more — for Cinco de Mayo on Saturday the 4th, and the celebrations also will continue on Sunday, the 5th, at both Don Julio’s locations.

Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m., at New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) — “South of the Border,” The Ultimate Tijuana Brass Tribute! Basil Rodriguez has meticulously recreated the arrangements that were recorded by Herb

Alpert & the Tijuana Brass back in the 60s and added other memorable hits from artists of the A&M label. Just as Herb did in the 60s, Basil has put together a band of eight seasoned musicians to form The Ultimate Tijuana Brass Tribute! Beer, wine, & cocktails for purchase. Table seats cost $15 and theater seats cost $13. For tickets & more information, visit newtampaartscenter.org/events/ south-of-the-border.

Friday, May 10, 8 p.m., at New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) — The NTPAC

Presents Tampa Bay Symphony 2024 “A British Fantasia.”

The Tampa Bay Symphony will perform “Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 in D-Major, Land of Hope and Glory” by Edward Elgar, “Concerto for Bassoon, Strings & Percussion by Gordon Jacob, with Mark Sforzini, bassoon soloist, “Royal Fireworks Music” by George Frederic Handel, & “Enigma Variations, Op. 36” by Edward Elgar. Beer, wine, & cocktails for purchase. Tickets cost $25, but are free for students with valid ID.

For tickets & more info, visit newtampaartscenter.org/events/tampabaysymphonyinc-fantasia.

Saturday, May 11 — Healthy Steps & Fitness Grand Opening Celebration. One year ago, Healthy Steps 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, call (813) 860-7709.

Sunday, May 12, 3 p.m., at New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) — The NTPAC’s “New Tampa Unplugged” Series presents Acme Jazz Garage. The NTPAC’s “New Tampa Unplugged” series presents acoustic performances from notable Tampa Bay musicians in an intimate, candlelit setting. Jazz, blues, funk, Latin jazz, and fusion meet in the combustible sound of Acme Jazz Garage, featuring guitarist Matt Swenson, bassist Philip Booth, pianist and keyboardist Jody Marsh, saxophonist Rick Runion, and drummer Michael Washington. Beer, wine, & cocktails for purchase. Table seats cost $15 and theater seats cost $13. For tickets & more information, visit newtampaartscenter.org/events/acmejazzgarage.

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.

Friday, May 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.. — The North Tampa Bay Chamber presents “Final Friday.” This free networking event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn TampaWesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com

Acme Jazz Garage will bring its unique blend of jazz, blues, funk, Latin Jazz & fusion music to the “New Tampa Unplugged” series at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Sunday, May 12.

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 this year 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 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church 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.

@VENETIAN CENTER

9724 CROSS CREEK BLVD TAMPA, FL 33647

3PM - 8PM | 21+ (ID REQUIRED)

$80.00 SINGLE

$640.00 TABLE OF 8

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!

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

Although, as we told you last issue, the biggest day of ribbon-cutting events in the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC)’s history took place on March 20, 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 (also serving New Tampa & 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 (813) 940-4101 or visit DoodyCalls.com.

The next day (Mar. 28), Midgard Stor 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 Apart ments (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 (656) 600-9860 or visit LiveatMaeva.com. —

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 associate degree is from the Lakeshore Technical College in Cleve land (WI) optician program and my Bach elor of Science (B.S.) in Business and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degrees are from Cardinal Stritch University in Mil waukee. 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 contin ued 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.

non-prescription sunglasses.

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

“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 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, as

PRO, which offers precision measurements 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

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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 there is a wave in the lens.”

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?

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).

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

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.

(Left) Owner & licensed Optician Jim Lambrou invites the Wesley Chapel community to visit the Sunglass Krate in the Krate at The Grove container

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

He adds that in Florida, where the sun beats down a good portion of the year, protecting your eyes from UV rays is very 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 for 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

“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 says that you will see pretty much everyone 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 explains 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 goggles, 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 pairs of Pit Vipers he sold that day, “looking for his commission,” 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 skiing and extreme winter sports communities 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 32 of this issue.

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)

North Tampa Law Group For Real Estate & Estate Planning

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Attorney Brian Arrighi helps people with estate planning, probate and real estate transactions at his North Tampa Law Group office, located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park off S.R. 56 (east of I-75) in Wesley Chapel.

The Tampa Palms resident has served his neighbors in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for 19 years, helping those who find themselves in need of an attorney for real estate transactions, estate planning, and probate issues.

Brian, the owner of North Tampa Law Group, relocated his firm to its Wesley Chapel location nearly 10 years ago, after originally opening it in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in 2014.

Brian earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, where he graduated cum laude, and his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mass Communications from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He’s a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar.

“Our practice involves three areas,” Brian explains, “real estate, estate planning, and probate (law).”

Real estate law includes title closings, title insurance and organizing and overseeing real estate transactions. This includes handling “For Sale by Owner” home sales from contract to closing.

As an experienced probate attorney, dealing with distribution of property after someone’s death, Brian also understands the complicated issues that might arise related to real estate titles.

That’s why he says many of his clients are referred to him by local real estate agents, who suggest they hire North Tampa Law Group instead of a title agency for their closings. He says those agents tell him they recommend his firm because it is quick and efficient in dealing with issues found during title searches.

Brian says, “If something pops up on the title search, we’re able to get on the

legal side of it right away, whereas a title agency will send you to hire a lawyer to fig ure it out. We can usually get the legal work done and still close on time, because we get such a good head start on it.”

He adds that hiring North Tampa Law Group to handle a real estate closing doesn’t necessarily increase the cost of a transaction without an attorney.

“Our fees are very competitive compared to a standard title agent,” Brian says.

In most transactions, the seller is the party who chooses the title agency, and sell ers often use whoever their Realtor recom mends. But, people are free to choose, so they can let their Realtor know they would like North Tampa Law Group to handle their closing and title insurance.

“For someone selling their home by owner,” Brian says, “once they obtain the buyer, we provide the contract and forms and take it from there. We handle everything and oversee it all the way to closing.”

James is a local resident who had a great experience using North Tampa Law Group for a real estate closing — selling a townhouse in Zephyrhills.

“The process couldn’t have been made simpler for us and we are thrilled with their service,” James says, explaining that the communication with North Tampa Law Group throughout the process also was outstanding.

“Based on our experience,” he adds, “I would definitely use them again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others.”

Estate Planning & Probate

In addition to handling real estate closings, North Tampa Law Group also helps clients with estate planning, such as wills, trusts and the transfer of wealth and assets to loved ones after a death. Brian says he has something of a specialty helping people set up their estates so they can protect their minor children from outside influences and adults from making poor decisions. He works with individuals to set up trusts for health care, living expenses and smaller disbursements, rather than lump-sum payouts, if that’s what they want.

One thing Brian emphasizes is that

in whatever way is best for each person’s particular situation.

Even for those who don’t know where to start with an estate plan, North Tampa Law Group can help.

“If people aren’t sure what they want,” Brian says, “we can sit down, do a consultation and listen to their objectives — how they want their estate distributed, and what it will consist of. Then, we go over their options and give recommendations for what type of trust or plan will be specific to that individual’s needs.”

He says that many clients are relieved to find out the estate planning process was not as expensive or as difficult as they thought it would be.

Most services are offered at a flat rate. At the initial consultation, Brian will go over your options and fee structures. Then, you will have the choice of whether or not to move forward with the services.

And, while proper estate planning prepares for the management of your assets and determines how to efficiently distribute

lengthy and expensive court process known as “probate.”

When probate is necessary — for example, for those who have recently lost someone and find themselves needing the court to sort through any issues — Brian is experienced in that process.

Consultations for real estate, estate planning and probate can all be done in person at North Tampa Law Group’s office, although Brian also offers phone consultations for those who prefer it.

“Some things are easier to understand in person,” he says, “and it’s really important for people to know all the differences between everything I’m explaining. But, if a client prefers a phone call, I’m still happy to do that.”

North Tampa Law Group is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102.For more information, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com, see the ad on pg. 32 or make an appointment for a free initial consultation by calling (813) 518-7411.

Touch Nail Spas — Luxury Spa Services In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Long before Timmy Pham and his wife, Tiffany Ha, opened the original location of Touch Nail Spa on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel seven years ago, Janelle McKendree had her nails done by Timmy every other week.

Now that Timmy spends his days running all three locations of Touch Nail Spa and no longer sits opposite clients in his manicure or pedicure chairs, Janelle is still a regular at Touch Nail Spa, where she trusts Timmy’s staff to treat her — and her nails — with an unmatched level of professionalism and customer service.

“They’re very polite, fast and efficient,” Janelle says. “The place is very clean, the whole staff is nice, and the owner is amazing. He always goes above and beyond to try to make all the customers happy.”

Janelle is a client at the original Touch Nail Spa, but the second Touch Nail Spa in our area is located in The Village at Hunter’s Lake plaza, near the Sprouts Farmers Market off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa, and opened in December of 2020. It’s a more convenient location for New Tampa residents, with abundant parking.

And, just last year, Touch Nail Spa expanded again, opening a third location in the Trinity/Odessa area on S.R. 54.

Touch Nail Spa’s Wesley Chapel location is 5,000 sq. ft. — making it what Timmy says is the largest nail salon in the area.

Timmy and Tiffany say it’s not important that whether they are the biggest. What really matters most to both of them is to be the best.

“We always try to give the best customer service we can,” says Timmy. “There are so many nail salons, and they learn from us and copycat what we’re doing.”

Whichever location you choose, Touch Nail Spa offers beautiful, upscale, serene surroundings with high ceilings for better ventilation, rows of comfortable leather pedicure chairs and plenty of manicure stations to minimize the wait time.

A complimentary beverage is offered with any service — including manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and massages. So, whether you’re looking for a simple mani/pedi to keep your fingers and toes neat and polished, a relaxing spa experience with luxurious touches, or a skilled technician to provide the latest trends in nail shapes and designs — every Touch Nail Spa

Microblading & More!

Touch Nail Spa’s flagship Wesley Chapel location now offers microblading, a semipermanent treatment to fill in eyebrows, as well as new permanent makeup service. In addition, all three Touch locations now offer eyelash extensions with many options to fit a variety of budgets.

All three locations offer dipping powder, acrylic nails and all kinds of nail designs, French manicures, a wide variety of pedicures — including the new Hawaiian Orchid Organic Touch Pedicure, with a natural callus eliminator & smoother, Ocean Salt Wash & Pure Organics Hawaiian Orchid Sugar Scrub, purifying mask, hot stone massage, hot towels and Scandle Cherry Blossom Candle massage — gel polish (which lasts longer than regular polish) and so much more.

While the dipping powder technique continue to be popular, there are alternatives for anyone who doesn’t prefer that product.

The more traditional acrylic nails are still available, and Timmy says newer products such as T.A.P Gel and Gel-X nails offer a non-chemical, organic alternative.

Timmy acknowledges that people’s

clients cutting back on how often they get their spa treatments. He says some clients are now coming in every three weeks instead of every two weeks.

Timmy says if you’re in that position, there’s no need to worry that your manicure won’t last.

“We are providing the best quality we

products. We keep purchasing the best quality products so they last. A lot of nail salons buy cheaper supplies, but we don’t.”

Starting in the month of May and throughout the summer (ending at the end of July), all Touch Nail Spa locations will offer 10% off the NuSkin pedicure. This pedicure offers a completely organic, all-natural upgrade

to the salon’s Simple Touch pedicure that takes 50-60 minutes and also includes a hot stone massage. Timmy says he hopes the discount will encourage more people to try it. “When they do it, I promise they will love it,” he says.

Timmy adds that over the next two months, he is investing in 2,000 colors at each of his salons to hopefully get more options where the regular polish, gel polish and dip colors match exactly. He says that’s what his customers want, so he is trying new brands of polish for better color matching. Of course, the new polish will still be of superior quality, as customers have come to expect from Touch.

“With the economy the way it is right now, I wish we could lower the price, but we can’t,” Timmy says. “So, we’ll give you the best quality we can and great customer service. We really appreciate all of our customers and we do the best we can to show it.”

There are more nail salons than ever now, he says. He says he’s seen many nail salons open, just to be sold shortly thereafter. He promises he and Tiffany are not interested in selling his business — they are in the community to stay.

“We’ve been here for seven years and we want to keep our nail salon for a lifetime,” Timmy says.

With 46 employees in Wesley Chapel and more than 30 in New Tampa, Timmy is hoping Touch Nail Spa can navigate the current economic conditions without any negative impact on his employees.

“We treat people the right way and make people happy,” Timmy says. “That’s the way I want to be.”

All three locations can accommodate groups, and the Wesley Chapel can provide

a private room for the exclusive use of your gathering, whether it’s for a bachelorette or birthday party or bridal/wedding parties.

Get Rewarded!

Touch Nail Spa also offers a rewards program for its regular clients. Customers sign in with their phone number on one of the spa’s iPads and receive one point for every dollar they spend. Once a customer reaches 650 points, they receive $25 off any pedicure.

Discounted prices also are available for children ages 11 and younger.

Touch also offers electronic gift certificates that are perfect for all occasions — includ ing Mother’s Day. E-gifts can be used at any of its locations and are available for purchase at TouchNailAndSpa.com.

Timmy says that while he continues to work to keep prices affordable, what he wants most is to please his customers. He promises that at Touch Nail Spa, you will always be serviced by an experienced technician whose goal is to make every customer happy.

“Everyone here is knowledgeable,” says Timmy’s long-time client, Janelle. “There’s a good mix of different services, the technicians always stay up with trends, and they always do the best they can for the community.”

The Wesley Chapel (27233 S.R. 56) and New Tampa (8630 Hunter’s Village Rd.) Touch Nail Spas are both open Mon.Sat., 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sun. To make an appointment with a specific nail tech or for more informa tion about the Wesley Chapel location, call (813) 973-4111. For the New Tampa location, call (813) 536-1003. Or, see the ad on page 33.

pedicure chairs and top-quality nail technicians — and more! (Photos by Charmaine George)

SETS Brings Successful New Jersey Fitness Concept To New Tampa

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

The only Florida location of SETS Hybrid Training gyms is set to open and host fitness classes around the time this issue reaches your mailbox.

Located in the Pebble Creek Col lection, SETS New Tampa is bringing a successful New Jersey-based fitness concept to New Tampa, with a planned Grand Opening date of Saturday, April 27.

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, in cluding 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 its

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, all receive discounts on memberships.

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 won’t be convenient for many Wesley Chapel residents, he hopes to open a total of three locations in the first three years he’s here, so anyone in our reading area who doesn’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, but

See “SETS New Tampa” on pg. 32.

‘SETS New Tampa’

others 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 his 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 will work out

“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.

Sunglass Krate is located in one of the largest container parks in the world that attracts visitors from all over the globe. Check out krateatthegrove.com . Sunglass Krate is owned and operated by Jim Lambrou, a Licensed Optician in the state of Florida with over 30 years in the optical industry! His goal is to help you protect your eyes from sun damage.

The SETS New Tampa Grand Opening on Apr. featured a number of vendors, classes and a ribboncutting 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 already 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 the fact 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.”

21 Days Just $21!

Now that the local SETS is open, Phil is excited to offer a unique 21-Day Challenge, where unlimited classes at the New Tampa SETS for 21 days — beginning on Monday, May 6 — costs just $21, with no enrollment or other fees.

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 37.

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 no ticed 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 un derstand the importance of creating spaces that reflect the unique style and needs of each family,” Giovanni’s website, Giovan niFlooringLLC.com says. “From luxuri ous hardwood floors to durable tile instal lations, 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 outdated 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.”

Available Services

kitchen and bath remodeling 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,”

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.”

Giovanni says that selling and installing all kinds of flooring is still a big part of his business, but he is happy to also bring his full

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.”

See “Giovanni’s Flooring” on pg. 36

‘Giovanni’s Flooring’

Continued from pg. 34

Giovanni’s is currently offering a special on luxury vinyl plank installations, but he says 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.

Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath’s Wesley Chapel showroom, which is located at 1285 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., visit Giovan niFlooringLLC.com, call (813)461-8686 or see the ad on pg. 44. The Wesley Chapel showroom is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.6 p.m. and it is closed on

(Above) Let the experts at Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath design and install the remodeled bathroom (or kitchen) of your dreams. (Far left) Giovanni’s also has a large selection of pool tiles available, too. (All photos on this page by Charmaine George)

New Tampa-Area Hits & Misses In Stacker.com’s Pizza Rankings

By GARY NAGER

On April 21, Stacker.com, a nationwide website started in 2017, published a list of the Top-21 Pizza restaurants in Tampa, using data from Yelp. Here is how Stacker, which says that its mission is to, “provide approachable journalism that combines rigorous data analysis with rich editorial insights,” introduced this pizza feature:

“Data is as of March 29, 2024. Businesses were selected using Yelp’s ranking system, which calculates an adjusted rating value that takes into account the number of ratings as well as the rating score itself. Only restaurants with at least 25 reviews were considered.”

As you read this feature, please recognize that the rankings of the eight New Tampa-area pizza places shown here — four that made Stacker’s Top-21 list and four that didn’t — are not our rankings or even our readers’ ratings. Stacker’s list was compiled using data culled from reviewers on Yelp.com.

The only reason we’re providing them for you in this space is because four of the Top-21 (out of literally hundreds of pizza places with Tampa addresses) are located in zip code 33647 — which makes the story news for us and, we believe, for our beloved readers.

A few other things to consider when reading these rankings is that:

1)For this feature, Stacker’s list does not include any restaurants that do not have Tampa addresses (so no Wesley Chapel, Lutz, St. Pete, etc.),

2)That the feature itself doesn’t say whether the rankings are for the restaurants overall or just for their pizza, but Yelp ratings usually take into account each restaurant’s overall menu, as well as ambience, service, prices, etc.

3)That there appears to be at least one New Tampa restaurant — Johnny C’s Italian Eatery (see ad on pg. 43) — that actually had a higher overall rating on Yelp — 4.3 stars out of 5, compared with 4.2/5), than at least one of the Top-21 (Via Italia), even though Johnny C’s has

Chicl?en & Peruuian Cuisine

45 Yelp reviews and Stacker’s criteria were that each ranked restaurant had to have at least 25 Yelp reviews.

Also not explained is why Stacker chose the Top-21, instead of the Top-20 or Top-25, as at least three other New Tampa-area restaurants that feature pizza also had overall ratings of at least 4.0 stars out of 5 — Woodfired Pizza & Wine Bar (2822 E. Bearss Ave., 4.1 on 389 reviews), Taste of New York Pizza (17503C Preserve Walk Ln., 4.1 on 165 reviews)

Included among the Top-21 Pizza Restaurants in Tampa in Stacker. com’s rankings, based on reviews on Yelp.com, were (top left) #4-The Grill at Morris Bridge (photo by Charmaine George); (lower left) #11-Capri Pizza-N-More; (top right) #15-Cali Tampa Palms; and (lower right) #21-Via Italia. Note - All of the photos, other than The Grill’s, are from each restaurant’s website or social media.

and Cappy’s Pizzeria (16019 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., 4.0 on 152 reviews) and therefore might have made a Top-25 list.

Anyway, Congratulations to each of the places that made Stacker’s Top-21:

#4 - The Grill at Morris Bridge (10920 Cross Creek Blvd., 4.5/5 on 120 reviews; see ad on next pg.)

#11 - Capri Pizza-N-More (10359 Cross Creek Blvd., 4.4/5 on 88 reviews)

#15 - CALI Tampa Palms (17004 Palm Pointe Dr., 4.3/5 on 751 reviews)

#21 - Via Italia (8644 Hunters Village Rd, 4.2/5 on 250 reviews)

Again, these are not our rankings or yours, although some of you may see your reviews of some or all of these places on Yelp. We just thought that including these ratings on our pages would be another great conversation starter for our readers.

Rotisserie

Here Are The Places Stacker Left Out

(Above) Taste of NY (4.1/5 stars) (Above) Cappy’s (4.0/5 stars)

Gouveia,

a

•

Here are some of the other pizza places in New Tampa and their ratings on Yelp: Westshore Pizza (3.4/5 on 59 reviews); Marco’s Pizza (3.2/5 on 49 reviews); Papa John’s (3.1/5 on 28 reviews); Domino’s (2.9/5 on 32 reviews); Hungry Howie’s (2.3/5 on 23 reviews); Pizza Hut (1.6/5 on 28 reviews).

•The Route 3 (w/mushrooms, peppers & caramelized onions)

•The Route 24 (w/pancetta, green olives & jalapeños)

•The Route 140 (w/linguiça, banana peppers & onions)

•Or, Build Your Own!

(Above) Johnny C’s (4.3/5 stars)

(Above) Woodfired on Bearss (4.1/5 stars)

Island Fin Poké Co. & Smallcakes Cupcakery To Close?

By the time this issue reaches your mailbox, both the Island Fin Poké Co. (located next to Winn-Dixie in the same plaza as LA Fitness south of County Line Rd.. off Bruce B.Downs Blvd.) and Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery (in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza, off BBD, next to Cali Tampa Palms) are expected to be closed.

Island Fin owners Brenda (photo top right) and Jeff Sproat — who also were known for posting photos featuring their fresh poké bowls and Dole whip desserts (bottom right) pretty much every day — posted a message on the fast-casual poké bowl restaurant’s Facebook page.

On the other hand, Smallcakes co-owners Marissa and Justin Dewdney had not made any formal announcement but the cupcakery also was expected to be closed by the end of April.

Here is the Island Fin announcement:

To Our Ohana,

With sadness we announce the upcoming closure of our Island Fin Poke location in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel on Tuesday April 30.

Our leased space is up for renewal, pushing us to a decision point. After careful consideration, we are choosing to finally slow down a bit, travel and enjoy our grandchildren.

We will miss our amazing team of young people, the opportunities to meet so many wonderful people in this great community, and offering delicious and healthy food on a daily basis.

Thank you for your support and we hope you will come by for a poke bowl or Dole Whip so we can personally thank you. — Jeff and Brenda Sproat, Owners

As for Smallcakes, Marissa said that although they had decided to close the store, they had not yet announced when it would close. “In the meantime,” she said, “we are still open and ready to serve our community fresh baked cupcakes like we have been for the past six years.”

I, for one, will be sad when Smallcakes does close its doors for good. The icing on those supermoist cupcakes is the best I’ve had in the area. I also plan to try the new Korean BBQ poké bowl at Island Fin before it shuts down.

Sorry to see both go. — GN

NEW TAMPA

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 food-and-beverage-oriented additions to Wesley Chapel’s dining and entertainment district.

Bodega Deli

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 Bode ga 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 definitely recre ated 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 a build-your-own 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

Three New KRATEs Adding New Flavors At The Grove

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 (bottom left photo; it also is available with shrimp) and a unique chicken parmigiana (bottom right), which is basically a sizable serving of crispy chicken tenders topped with a thick, tasty marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, served over spaghetti.

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

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

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.

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

Garden Of Eden Olive Oil Co.

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 All Good Things Gifts, Garden of Eden is anything but eclectic. It features more than 60 different varieties of olive oils and balsamic vinegars and charismatic owner Adel Youssef (photo on next page) is always happy to tell you about (and let you sample) each and every kind.

“All of our olive oils and balsamic vinegars come from our supplier in California, but we have olive oils — including 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 our own sampling, Jannah and I purchased a Tuscan herb olive oil and

WESLEY CHAPEL

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 prod ucts, and more. Go and check it all out and please tell Adel I sent you!

For info, visit Gardenof EdenOliveOilCompany.com or call (813) 606-4545. — GN

“Welcome to Moe’s!” was the familiar and unmistakable sound that filled the bright and airy new restaurant located at 5486 Post Oak Blvd. — the first business to open in the new retail strip center between The WingHouse and The Learning Experience, near the entrance to the Lexington Oaks community off Wesley Chapel Blvd. The second Moe’s Southwest Grill to open in Wesley Chapel (the other is in The Shops at Wiregrass) was a happening place during its Grand Opening on Apr. 19.

The lure was too good for some to pass up. To celebrate, the new Moe’s gave tickets for “Burritos On Us for a Year” to the first 50 people in line for the planned 10:30 a.m. opening. The tickets are good for one burrito (or bowl) per week for a year.

But, since there were already 75-100 people on line outside the new Moe’s long before 10:30, one of the restaurant’s partners, Jason Catalanotto, began handing out the 50 tickets at 9 a.m. “Many of them camped out overnight,” Catalanotto said.

José Garcia (photo, left), who received ticket #50, works in local construction and had just recently moved to Wesley Chapel. Garcia said his girlfriend is the one who told him about the burrito giveaway. When asked what time he had to get there (to be the last ticket recipient), he explained, “I got here a few minutes before 8 a.m.”

Those who arrived after 8 didn’t go away empty-handed. Next to the ordering counter, the new Moe’s had a colorful prize wheel set up where you could spin to win “merch” like

squishy avocado shaped stress relievers, free kids meals, can koozies, or most creatively...Tshirts rolled up in foil like burritos!

Catalanotto said that he and his partners Chirag (photo, right) and Aman Patel began working on the vision for this Moe’s location nearly two years ago and Moe’s is now the first business to open in this new plaza. The four adjacent suites are not yet occupied, but the suite directly behind Moe’s in the plaza is busy with interior construction. Aman Patel told the Neighborhood News that Little Caesar’s Pizza will occupy the space next to Moe’s and the space on the other side of Lit tle Caesar’s will be “either a Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop or Jersey Mike’s Subs with a dentist’s office planning to open in the plaza’s other end cap.

Laceleaf Med Spa

The day Moe’s opened, owner Lisa Rezvan (photo, right) of Laceleaf Med Spa, which will be located directly behind Moe’s in the plaza, was busy going over construction plans and coordinating her build-out.

Rezvan, who lives in New Port Richey, wanted to have a location in Wesley Chapel but still wanted to live close to the water.

“I really like Wesley Chapel, you can feel the positive energy in the people here,” she said. She also said she plans to open Laceleaf in June, and that her focus is on luxury, level of care and most important to her, “longterm results,” not just something that is a temporary solution. She said the thing that in Wesley Chapel. —

Joel Provenzano

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