Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 33, Issue 4, February 18, 2025

JD Porter Getting Ready To Build His Legacy At Wiregrass

By Gary Nager

When it was announced back in December that Pasco County had reached an agreement in principle with Wiregrass Ranch developer JD Porter and his Locust Branch LLC development company on Phase 1 of Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch — the 30-acre area set aside by Porter to serve as his uniquely urban downtown — Porter and his chief operating officer Scott Sheridan thought that it would only be a matter of weeks before they would be able to begin moving dirt.

But now, more than six weeks (at our press time) after that agreement in principle was reached, Porter and Sheridan — in an exclusive sit-down with yours truly — said they are still waiting.

“We need to get Phase 1 of Legacy at Wiregrass going now,” Porter said. “We’re trying to time the opening of the downtown area — with all of its office and retail — with the opening of the Orlando Health hospital (the largest in Wesley Chapel, which is expected to be done in early 2026). We estimate that if we get started right away, Phase 1 of Legacy could be completed within a few months after the hospital’s opening.”

Sheridan added, “The good news is that we already have most of the infrastructure needed for Legacy in place. We’re ready.”

We’ve only been able to even have an Academy Awards/ “Oscars” contest a few times in the past because of the timing of when the nominees are announced to when the annual Academy Awards are held vs. our deadlines for our print issues of the Neighborhood News..

As devastating as the uncontrolled wild fires in California have been, the fires caused both the announcement of this year’s nominees and the televised red carpet gala itself to be delayed — so much so that we actually have time to finally include this FREE contest again this year — and you could win some great prizes.

If you’re a movie buff, you probably have seen many of the films included in this year’s list of finalists/nominees.

But, even if you’re more like me — the only nominated films I’ve seen are “Wicked,” the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” and Best Animated Film nominee “Inside Out 2” (the latter thanks to mine and Jannah’s granddaughter Rosie) — you have a chance to win some great prizes by simply telling us which films and actors YOU think will win the coveted gold statuettes.

Here’s How The Contest Works:

Go to NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net and provide us with your REAL (you’d be surprised how many entries with fake names we receive in our contests every year — I know I’m always surprised) first AND last name, the community you live in, email address and daytime phone number. In addition, we ask each entrant in this contest to please pick the winner in each of the following major Oscars categories:

So, Just How ‘Chicken’ Are You?

Despite all of the nasty online comments about the sheer number of chicken places now located in or adjacent to Wesley Chapel, the fact is that we probably wouldn’t have so many chickenonly (or predominantly chicken) places if there wasn’t a demand for them and, it seems, that most locals have both their favorites and least favorites among the following (in alphabetical order):

Chicken Guy!

Chick-fil-A

Chick’n Fun

Dave’s Hot Chicken

Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken

PDQ

Popeye’s

Raising Cane’s

Slim Chickens

Sweet Krunch Korean Fried Chicken

Zaxby’s

Since I am not the biggest “fast food” chicken enthusiast myself, I decided to give those of you who claim to be true lovers of fried chicken an opportunity to be judges in a Neighborhood News-sponsored contest to find Wesley Chapel’s favorite fast-casual chicken place!

I haven’t figured out all of the details yet of how it will work or when it will be (or if any of the places listed will agree to be part of it), but if you’re interested in being one of the judges, please email me at ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com with your contact info (name, daytime phone number & community you live in) and “I want to be a chicken contest judge” in the subject line!

Wesley Chapel

If only one entrant picks the most winners in those seven categories, that person will win a prize package to the B&B Theatres at The Grove, which could include movie tickets, popcorn, dinner and drinks, valued at about $200.

However, if more than one entry has the same number of correct picks, the winner will be drawn at random from all tied entries. Each of the other tied entries will receive two top-level B&B movie passes.

That’s all you need to do/know. Please note that we already ave posted a link to the contest page on our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page and will do so again at least once each of the two weeks between when you receive this issue in your mailbox and the ABC-TV telecast of the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2.

At our press time, we only received a little more than 20 entries, so the contest would appear to be wide open. But please, get your entry in no later than Saturday, March 1, at 11:59:59 p.m., to be eligible!

Please note that B&B Theatres at The Grove is not affiliated with this contest.

& Editor

Gary Nager

Correspondents

Celeste McLaughlin • Turiya Autry Iris Vitelli • Joel Provenzano

Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano

Ad Sales & Marketing Director Jannah Nager

Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George

Graphic Designers

Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions & advertisement reservations for Volume 33, Issue 6, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel 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.

© 2025 JM2 Communications, Inc.

Oscar nominees Monica Barbaro & Timothée Chalamet in “A Complete Unknown” (Photo: IMDB)

‘Legacy At Wiregrass’

Continued from pg. 1

For anyone who hasn’t heard, Pasco’s Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the “term sheet” for Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch — where the financial plan for what Commission chair (and Dist. 3 commissioner) Kathryn Starkey called “Pasco County’s downtown” on Dec. 10.

Part of the agreement announced in December are ad valorem tax incentives for the developer of $50 million total, spread over 30 years, to offset the $85 million in Wiregrass Ranch’s investment in public infrastructure for Phase One alone. Sheridan and Porter estimate that the construction costs for the entire Legacy project are between $400-$500 million.

Sheridan said that Wiregrass Ranch, the 5,100-acre cattle ranch owned by Porter and his family, which is less than 40% developed at present, already provides a tax base of $1.5 billion, with nearly $11 million annually in county operating revenue. At buildout, he says, that tax base is projected to be as much as $6 billion, with about $50 million in annual revenues for the county.

Among the elements planned for Legacy’s first phase (of 130 acres total set aside for the two phases of Legacy) are 150,000 sq. ft. (in two 75,000-sq.-ft. buildings) of office space, adjacent to the 150,000 sq. ft. of office space (in one 90,000-sq.-ft. and one 60,000-sq.-ft. building) now under construction on Orlando Health’s campus, next to the hospital. “Quite honestly,” Sheridan said. “That 300,000 square feet of office will look like one large master development.”

Sheridan also noted that Wiregrass Ranch and an unnamed partner also is developing an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of office space in two buildings to the west of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd.

One of the most important parts of the first phase of Legacy is a $37-million, five-story parking structure with about 1,500 spaces to serve the office buildings, retail and 150,000-sq.-ft. “eatertainment” complex, all within walking distance of each other, as well as of a planned 150-room hotel and 820 multi-family apartments. If you’ve ever been to the new Midtown Tampa, Legacy at Wiregrass is about 30% larger. The hotel and apartment buildings also are expected to be four and five stories tall.

“This type of density is definitely urban,” Sheridan said. “It’s not suburban sprawl, because we’re doing on 30 acres what Pasco usually puts on 100 acres.”

‘Eatertainment’ Galore!

The part of the agreement for Legacy announced in December that yours truly is most excited about is the 150,000-sq. ft.. “Eatertainment” complex. Sheridan says that this area will include an Armature Works-style food hall, upscale retail stores, some “jewel box” standalone restaurants, a concert hall with about 1,500 seats immediately adjacent to the parking structure, plus a hotel, conference center and public art.

And, although neither Sheridan nor Porter were willing to name any of the potential tenants or operators they’ve spoken with to put restaurants in Legacy, both mentioned having conversations with operators of restaurants on Water St. in downtown Tampa, Beach Dr. in downtown St. Pete and other upscale dining areas.

“Legacy has been designed by Torti Gallas

The map above shows the location of Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch between S.R. 56 and Chancey Rd. The two maps below are turned on their sides (north is actually to the left instead of up in both) to show Legacy’s proximity to the under-construction Orlando Health Hospital complex, which is actually located south and to the east of Legacy. The bottom rendering and those on the next page show the urban look and feel of Legacy. (All maps & renderings provided by Wiregrass Ranch)

+ Partners,” Sheridan said, “the same firm that designed GasWorx in Ybor City, the Silversaw apartments (next to the Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel hotel) and many of the most beautiful mixed-use projects across the country. And, they told us that Legacy at Wiregrass is unique in its location, planning and design.”

Porter added, “Most of the time, when projects like these are approved, the developer first has to put in the infrastructure, but most of that is already in place in Legacy. We’re ready to begin building as soon as we get the final word from the county that we can begin.”

To which Sheridan added, “We don’t need another County Commission vote. All we need is for the Planning & Economic Development department to finalize the agreement.”

He also noted that until the agreement with the county has been finalized, “We can’t finalize deals with the tenants we’ve been talking with for the retail and restaurant spaces. But, as soon as we’re able to close those deals, we know the community is going to be excited about them.”

To which Porter added, “These are not going to be the same retail strip centers with the same type of tenants that you see everywhere else in Pasco.”

Sheridan also says that residents in the multi-family apartments will not be parking in the main garage structure. Instead, they will have their own parking structure. At the Dec. BOC meeting, Dist. 5 commissioner Jack Mariano requested that some of those rental units be converted to townhomes for “workforce housing,” but still voted to approve the Legacy agreement in principle without any such conversion being promised by Sheridan or Porter.

“And, even though they’d have to cross S.R. 56 to do so, Porter said, “students and staff from the Porter Campus at Pasco Hernando State College can even walk to Legacy.”

He added, “We’re not just doing the same thing everyone else in Pasco does. We want this to be the kind of place people are drawn to for years to come.”

Wiregrass Ranch Update

The Orlando Health construction is moving along nicely, and the $300-million hospital complex, which sits on 47 acres at the corner of S.R. 56 and Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., just south and east of Legacy, will include 102 beds when it opens and 300 when it is built out.

Porter and Sheridan also mentioned that although Pasco had yet to finalize its deal with Sports Facilities Companies of Clearwater to take over the management of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, “The county picked the best possible operator to take over.,” Porter said. “It would just be nice to hear that the deal is finalized, because, in our agreement for the land we donated for it, the county (which has been managing the Sports Campus since buying out the management contract of RADDSports in 2023) was never supposed to be managing that facility.”

Porter also said that with the success of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant on the north side of S.R. 56 (at Lajuana Blvd.), “we’ve been having some pretty serious negotiations with a number of restaurant operators — some successful Tampa Bay-area operators and some top-level chains” — for the restaurant pads adjacent to Cooper’s Hawk.

For more information about Wiregrass Ranch, visit TheWiregrassRanch.com.

Wesley Chapel’s Finalists Fall Short Of Pasco District’s ‘Teacher’ Honors

Elizabeth Skoglund Of Land O’Lakes High Beats Out Double Branch’s Addie Ogden & Tabatha Whaley Of Cypress Creek M.S.

Despite the fact that Wesley Chapel’s public schools had two of the three finalists for the 2025 Pasco County Teacher iof the Year, Elizabeth “Betty” Skoglund, a science teach at Land O’Lakes High, took home the award on Jan. 28 at the Pasco Education Foundation’s S.T.A.R. (Staff That Are Remarkable) Awards Gala.

Kindergarten teacher Addie Ogden of Double Branch Elementary, who has been helping kids learn how to read and write for more than 20 years and who helped open Double Branch in 2007, and reading teacher (and student government liaison) Tabatha Whaley of Cypress Creek Middle School (CCMS), who taught at Sand Pine Elementary in Meadow Pointe for more than 20 years before moving on to CCMS, were the Wesley Chapel hopefuls

And, while neither one won, everyone in attendance at the gala, held at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel, agreed that all three finalists were deserving of the award.

But, as announced by Don Germaise, the former ABC Action News reporter, “There can be only one winner.”

Germaise then brought up the 2024 Pasco Teacher of the Year, Zephyrhills High agriculture teacher LeAnne John, to open the envelope which revealed that Skoglund had won the 2025 District Teacher of the Year title.

Other award winners that evening in-

& the gala’s emcee Don Germaise asked the

cluded Principal of the Year Joshua Borders of Raymond B. Stewart Middle School, Assistant Principal of the Year Joel Quina of J.W. Mitchell High, Administrator of the Year Michael Baumaister, the chief of safety & emergency operations in the District’s School Safety Dept. and Non-Instructional, Non-Bargaining Employee of the Year Matthew Fox, a school safety guard at Dr. Mary Giella Elementary.

Although neither Ogden nor Whaley won the Teacher of the Year award, it was a great honor for both to be named as finalists and neither one expressed any remorse over not winning. They were both thrilled for Skoglund to have won the award. — GN

(Above, l..-r.) Newly elected Pasco County Superintendent of Schools John Legg & Dist. 3 School Board member Cynthia Armstrong, with 2025 Pasco Teacher of the Year finalists Addie Ogden of Double Branch Elementary, Tabatha Whaley of Cypress Creek Middle School and Pasco’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Elizabeth Skoglund at the S.T.A.R. Awards gala held on Jan. 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel on S.R. 56. (Below left) Retired ABC Action News reporter

2024 Pasco Teacher of the Year LeAnne John of Zephyrhills High to announce this year’s winner.

Please Be Aware Of The Crossing Guards & Signals On Mansfield Blvd.

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

In our Sept. 3 issue, we told you about the new traffic signal that was installed along Mansfield Blvd., directly in front of Wiregrass Elementary, and that the signal was activated only a few days before the start of the school year.

Only a few months later, that signal has already gotten a safety upgrade, thanks in part to some ongoing inattentive motorists, although the upgrade actually had been planned from the beginning.

In Nov., a crew from Traffic Control Products of Florida was seen removing the overhead metal sign panels that said “No Right Turn On Red” and replacing them with electronic “No Right Turn” graphic signs that illuminate in all directions when pedestrians get the walk symbol (called an “exclusive pedestrian phase”), so that right-turning motorists stop and do not conflict with pedestrians in the crosswalk.

These electronic signs had already been installed facing the two heaviest right turn movements but now, all four approaches to the location have them. When the signal was first installed, loops of wire were coiled on the span so that crews could easily come back and replace the signs with electronic ones when needed.

It’s important that motorists pay attention to these overhead signs, as their primary purpose is to protect school children (and anyone else) using the crosswalks.

Even more important is that motorists MUST pay attention to and obey the commands of the crossing guards/traffic control officers (TCOs), as they are trained by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and frequently control traffic independently of what the overhead signal shows.

Tasked With Keeping Your Kids Safe

For the newer signal location, this traffic control responsibility falls to TCO Bob Terracciano (top photo) — the guy with the green gloves and whistle, who’s normally directing traffic from the middle of the signalized intersection. “Some days it runs smoothly, other days are a mess,” Bob told the Neighborhood News while keeping a constant eye on the approaching traffic.

Bob has lived in the area for more than nine years, having moved from New York to Florida in January of 2016. He previously worked at a telephone company for 34 years, and found his current TCO job online, shortly after arriving here.

He says that in all of the years he’s been directing traffic at that intersection (he also says that he hopes to be there for at least nine more years), he’s never had an incident with any of the pedestrians, but not without a lot of effort sometimes by him and the other crossing guards.

Even though the signal has been in operation for months, Bob says there have been quite a few close calls and delayed starts caused by drivers who are staring up at the signal — or (more likely) down at their phones — even though Bob is waving them forward or telling them to stop using hand commands. If no commands are being given, then motorists must obey the traffic signal.

Back in November, a local resident reported that the driver of an SUV was either not paying attention, or intentionally drove straight through the intersection when they weren’t supposed to, which caught Bob by surprise, leading him to waive his arms and yell to get the driver’s attention, causing the motorist to stop in the middle of the intersection not knowing what to do. Bob ultimately waived the driver through, but says close calls like these are completely avoidable.

In general, Bob says he really likes the signal and that it’s been a huge improvement from the old 4-way stop: “Before the signal, I had to move and direct every single car from the stop signs.”

However, Bob said he’s not really a big fan of the new electronic signs and prefers the metal ones, because he believes that when the electronic signs turn off and on, it may distract or confuse motorists from what he is directing them to do.

Bob says the number one thing he asks of every driver is to “stay off your phone,” while driving through any school zone, which starts on Mansfield

just south of the gate for the Wrencrest subdivision of Meadow Pointe. “When they get a big traffic ticket [over $400] they tend to not do it again.” He just wishes the Pasco Sheriff’s Office was able to patrol the school zone more often, as he feels that’s the biggest deterrent to poor driver behavior but, he says, Pasco doesn’t alway have the resources to do so.

This sentiment is shared by the TCO down at the Wrencrest gate, who the students refer to as Mr. Thomas, who has been at that intersection for seven years and has never missed a single day, “or even a single second,” he says.

Mr. Thomas also says that before he was a crossing guard, he worked

for the California Highway Patrol for 30 years. He says that, at first, he was a little apprehensive about the signal down the street, but feels it has worked out well. The number one thing he asks of drivers is to please slow down whenever you are driving through any school zone. Mr. Thomas also says that he’s also never seen an accident with any pedestrians at his intersection, but you can tell that both Bob and Mr. Thomas fully intend to keep it that way.

Both crossing guards also say they help cross the students from the adjacent John Long Middle School, even though they are not required to (as they are there for the elementary school students), but they do it as a joint effort, since the bell times for Long and Wiregrass Elementary are so close together. Bob notes that if the bell times change next school year, middle school kids may not have him or Mr. Thomas available to help them cross.

But please, pay extra attention anytime the school zones are active.

Tesla Dealership & Verve Wesley Chapel Are Coming To Seven Oaks By I-75

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

Local Tesla owners, both current and future, will soon have reason to celebrate. There are two new developments taking shape alongside I-75 in Seven Oaks, just south of the S.R. 54 exit, across Eagleston Blvd. from the existing Blue Heron Senior Living facility (see map).

The electric vehicle (EV) powerhouse Tesla recently poured the future dealership’s concrete foundation (photo, right) for a new one story building, which should be a little over 50,000 sq. ft. total on about eight acres. According to the description in Tesla’s permit, the new dealership will include a service center for electric automobiles, a showroom area, a customer lounge, a breakroom and office space.”

The service area is slated to be about 41,000 sq. ft., which is downright huge for any dealership (withmore than 50 service bays), leaving just 9,000 sq. ft. for all of the other functions. There will be 20 charging station parking spaces behind the building (of which half appear to be super chargers), and close to another 530 parking spaces onsite for inventory and customers’ vehicles.

From what we’ve been told, Tesla might still get an offsite lot for additional inventory, depending upon how busy the dealership will be. Based on the number of Teslas already cruising around our area, the dealership could be one of the busiest in Wesley Chapel.

According to a local Tesla sales representative, the dealership is slated to open by the end of this year. For those unfamiliar, these relatively new dealerships and the whole Tesla sales experience are very different from most other vehicle brands.

How It Used To Work

I still remember the very first time I rode in a new Tesla. Many years ago, a Tesla sales person came to my office at the time, in a silver ‘Model S’ P100D sedan. What a great-looking car it was, super clean and very modern. It also was the first time I had ever seen an almost all-white interior.

Me and three of my coworkers piled in, with the sales person at the wheel, pulling out of our parking lot and onto the local street. He pulled slightly over to the side of the road, went to the drive settings on the touch screen, and went for a button labeled “ludicrous.”

In my head I was thinking, “Why would anyone label a drive mode that way?” He hit the accelerator and we all found out really quickly

how appropriate that name actually was!

The instant torque from the electric motor was nothing like I’d experienced before, as both my stomach and my brain were being relentlessly pushed into the seat back until he let off at 80 miles per hour, all of us finally able to take a deep breath after what seemed like an eternity, but in reality was less than 4 seconds.

I had raced motorcycles when I was younger at the local drag strip, but this sedan was faster than that! “What a great way to sell cars!,” I thought. The point of these early demos was to give potential customers more than just a glimpse of these EVs. The idea was to allow you to experience the difference between Tesla and vehicles by any other automaker.

Back in those days, and for a few years after, the demos were the only way to appreciate a Tesla first hand, unless you knew someone who drove one. You could either book an appointment and drive to a small sales office (if you could even call it that) in some back lot of a corporate park, or if it was being demoed to enough people, the sales people would bring it to your group’s location, as they did in my case.

But, you couldn’t buy the demo vehicle you tested, as the sales were online only, with a set, no-haggle price. And, in many cases a deposit was required to secure your place in line to even begin to ‘order’ more popular or upcoming models.

Even with the new dealerships, however, not much of that sales philosophy has changed, and the Tesla brand takes great pride in its unique way of selling its vehicles.

How It Works Now

Even with the dealerships, the sales are still technically online, which means you still can’t test drive the exact vehicle you want to buy. The vehicles are still at a set price, with no haggling, and a $250 ordering deposit is required to secure the specific vehicle you want to buy, although the deposit may be less depending upon the model.

We were told that the vehicle you choose gets removed from the “available inventory” when the deposit is recieved, or if the deposit is for an upcoming or brand new model, it secures your place in the ordering queue.

While this may be counterintuitive to the traditional dealership models people are used to,

most customers have raved about the simplicity of the process in their Google reviews.

From what we read in the reviews, and speaking with two different Tesla sales associates, one in the national online/call-in sales office and the other a local (Westshore) sales person we spoke with by text, we got some further clarity.

The in-person sales associates at the dealership are there to help answer questions (they were good at answering all of mine), review vehicle inventory that may be available locally, help customers place their online order to get an inventory vehicle or a custom-ordered vehicle

from the factory, provide and schedule test drives in their demo vehicles, and help customers take delivery of their vehicles when they arrive at the dealership (or if they’re already present in inventory), including providing any remaining paperwork that needs to be signed.

The sales associates clarified that if a vehicle is in local inventory, that vehicle is assigned to one of the physical Tesla sales offices (or dealerships), and you would have to pickup the vehicle from that specific office when purchased, explaining that inventory vehicles cannot be transferred or shipped to other dealerships or offices for pickup — which can occur within three days for inventory vehicles.

If purchasing a custom-ordered vehicle from the factory, you can specify exactly which Tesla location you want your vehicle delivered to in the app.

One thing I’ve always heard is that Tesla can deliver to your door like Amazon, but there’s a caveat to that. The company does deliver to homes through a service called “Carrier Direct” but the Tesla website states, “This fee-based option is available for customers who prefer to have their vehicle delivered, and who live more than 220 miles from the nearest Tesla delivery location.” So basically, this service isn’t available anywhere near Tampa Bay, as the national sales rep confirmed.

That rep also said that Tesla does take tradeins. It’s all done over the app at the time of purchase and there’s no in-person inspection required.

They’ll give a “take it or leave it” price quote for the trade (again, no haggling), and the rep stated that their prices are very competitive with other similar services like Carmax or Carvana. They even encouraged getting quotes from one or both of those services in advance to know whose would be the best.

Do People Like The Tesla Dealerships?

This is not the first full-size Tesla dealership to be built in the Tampa Bay area. The first is in North Tampa, on N. Florida Ave., near the intersection with W. Fowler Ave. The location was the former Bob Wilson, Jeep-Chrysler-Dodge that had sat vacant for years. The site already had a parking garage, so Tesla just built a new dealership building on the site in 2018, opening its doors shortly after.

Currently, there are mixed reviews of the existing Tampa dealership; the positives were mostly those absolutely praising the super simple Tesla purchasing and delivery process, along with staff’s ability to answer questions.

But, the negatives were mostly about how others have found that the service department was severely lacking, in both the availability of needed parts and installing them, communication with/and scheduling of customers, the

exorbitant cost of non-warrantied issues and the overall quality of the services performed.

We’ll see soon enough how this new Wesley Chapel location will stack up.

Urbon Apartments Now Have Verve

The Verve Wesley Chapel luxury aparment complex, formerly known as Urbon at Seven Oaks, is quickly taking shape (top photo) adjacent to I-75, just south of the under-construction Tesla Dealership, directly across the street from Blue Heron Senior Living.

Verve is a little further ahead of Tesla, with the buildings now going vertical, with the bare concrete elevator shafts looming like ancient monoliths next to I-75 The Verve Apartments are a little further ahead, with the buildings now going verticle, the errected bare concrete elevator shafts looming like ancient monoliths next to the interstate..

Verve is being developed by The Collier Companies, which on its website describes itself as, “a multifamily housing management and real estate development company based in Gainsville, FL, [with] 12,000 aparment homes & growing.”

Collier’s Tampa Bay-area portfolio is situated around USF and includes traditional apartment housing called Lakeview Oaks Apartments on N. 37th St, and student-specific housing called Reflections Apartments on E. Bearss Ave. and IQ Luxury Aparments (built in 2016) which is on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., immediately south of theHaley Veterans Administration Hospital.

The website for the Verve Wesley Chapel doesn’t have much information, but it does currently state, “We don’t just rent apartments. From the moment you walk through the front door, you’ll feel the comfort that makes our residents happy to call us home. Cutting-edge amenities, meticulously-groomed grounds and a dedicated staff contributes to a higher standard of living. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored activities to develop new hobbies while getting to know your neighbors.”

The complex will be a fairly large one, situated on 16.8 acres and consisting of six 4-story buildings with 360 apartments total — including 144 1-bedroom, 168 2-bedroom, and 48 3-bedroom units. The center of the complex will be situated around a large swimming pool, with an unobstructed pond view towards the sunsets. Other amenities and features, like elevators, a gym, meeting spaces, large common areas, and 30 rentable 1-car garages will be similar to other newer, high-end apartments in the area. Verve is expected to open sometime later this year; we did not have informatuon at our press time about what the rents at Verve might be.

Sean Bartell Foundation Charity Bingo Event Raises Thousands For Local Scholarships!

Congratulations to my friends Jamie, Paul and James Bartell for hosting another successful Charity Bingo event for the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation — which was named in honor and memory of Paul and Jamie’s younger son Sean, who passed away in 2014 from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, or SJS.

This year’s Charity Bingo event, which was postponed and had to find a new location because of Hurricane Milton, was held on Jan. 25 in the cafeteria at Cypress Creek High, and that Paul says was attended by about 150 people and raised just shy of $4,000.

That money will be used to fund scholarships for seniors graduating from Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel, Cypress Creek and Zephyrhills high schools, as well as Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation off Curley Rd. for the first time. From 2015, when Jamie and Paul founded the Foundation, to last year, $74,000 already has been awarded in $1,000 scholarships and $10,000 provided to teachers at our local high schools.

“We exceeded our expectations this year,” Paul says, “and hope to do even better next year!”

Among the prizes won at this year’s Bingo event were (far right photo) a 50” TV, Kate Spade and Michael Kors purses, dining gift cards, a set of top-quality steak knives and more. Congrats again! — GN

(Above, l.-r.) Simone & James Bartell, Paul & Jamie Bartell & Phyllis Yoder (Jamie’s Sister) at the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation’s Charity Bingo event held in the cafeteria at Cypress Creek High on Jan. 24, which raised nearly $4,000 for the Foundation. (All photos on this page by Charmaine George)

Upcoming Events Include Coffee, ‘Kidquest,’ A Casino Night, African Music & ‘Fleatwood Mac!’

Wednesday, February 19, 9 a.m.-10:30

a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. t Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz). Join the North Tampa Bay Chamber for your morning brew and networking. Free & you do not have to be a Chamber member to attend. To register and for more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Wednesday, February 19, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. – “Kidquest” — Mr. Tommy & Gigi’s Musical Show for Kids, featuring “Spheres Bubble Show” & “Disney on Ice” ticket giveaway. At The Shops at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.). A magical morning filled with fun at the mall’s Center Court. Watch in awe as the “Spheres Bubble Show” creates captivating bubble displays, and don’t miss your chance to win tickets to “Disney on Ice” at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Free to attend. For more info and to RSVP, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/events.

Wednesday, February 19, 6 p.m. – Central Pasco Democratic Club meeting. — At Meadow Pointe I Clubhouse (28245 County Line Rd., Wesley Chapel). You can also attend the meeting on Zoom. The speaker will be discussing the National Popular Vote Amendment. Free to attend. For more info, visit “Central Pasco Democratic Club”on Facebook, email CentralPascoDemocraticClub@gmail.com or call (813) 453-1663.

Thursday, February 20, 7 p.m.-9p.m. – The Motowners, A Tribute to Motown. At

The Shops at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.). The Motowners’ tribute to Motown show, is a fantastic tribute to the many artists and great songs from the classic Motown years. Located at the mall’s Center Court, lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. Free to attend. For more info and to RSVP, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/events.

Friday, February 21, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. –“Fleatwood Mac” — The Premier Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show (photo). At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Expect to hear hits from across Fleetwood Mac’s many lineups, as well as featured songs from Stevie Nicks’ solo career. The show provides elements of history, theatrics, haunting harmonies, and vivid visuals. Tickets cost $20-$25 depending upon seat selection.

For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.

Saturday, February 22, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. – Beads & Bets, A Mardi Gras Casino Night. At Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy, Wesley Chapel). Join the New Tampa Family YMCA for food, fun and fundraising for a great cause. Proceeds benefit the New Tampa Family YMCA. The night will include games of chance and luck and countless opportunities to support the YMCA. Heavy hors d’oeuvres included with admission. There also will be a cash bar, DJ, silent auction, raffles and prizes. Tickets cost $50. For more info, to purchase tickets or sponsor the event, visit TampaYMCA. org/casino-night.

Saturday, February 22, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. –“Sanfoka” — Kuumba Dancers & Drummers. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd. Experience the rhythms, songs and dances of the African diaspora from the continent of Africa, through the Caribbean to America. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on seat selection. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.

Sunday, February 23, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. –“Timini”— A West African Cinderella Tale. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd. Kuumba Dancers and Drummers will bring “Timini” to the stage. Taking place in the village of Fadiout, Senegal, “Timini” is the classic tale of Cinderella reimagined and brought to life through African music, dance, storytelling, and audience participation. Tickets cost $15-$20 depending on seat selection. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.

Monday, February 24, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Kuumba Dancers & Drummers present “Journey to Africa.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd. Through exotic, mesmerizing rhythms and joyous movements, the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers take kids on a journey to the beautiful continent on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Tickets $10. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.

Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 p.m. – Flori-

da House Dist. 67 Rep. Fentrice Driskell presents a Pre-Legislative Session Townhall. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). If you feel strongly about Fany issues in the State of Florida, Floruda House minority leader & Dist. 67 Rep. Fentrice Driskell wants to hear from you! Free to attend.

Thursday, February 27, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

– Heart Health with BayCare. At the New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel). Learn about heart health with BayCare, which will feature health care professionals who will discuss ways to lower your blood pressure and lifestyle modifications to benefit your healthy heart. Free to Attend. For more info, call (813) 788-6375 or visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/events.

Friday, February 28, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Final Friday” networking. At the Hilton Garden InTampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Come out for networking with local businesses. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Friday, February 28, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. – Fourth Friday Food Truck Rally. At Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way). This month’s featured food trucks are Logan’s Smoke House, Wich Press and Tampa Burger Company. Free to attend. For more info, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/news-events/calendar.

Friday, February 28, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Pavlo in Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). A night of Spanish, Flamenco, and Mediterranean guitar! Pavlo

returns home for a very special concert with his full band and special guests. Tickets cost $50. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.

Wednesday, March 5, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – New Tampa Jazz Nights: Whitney James & Scotty Wright with La Lucha. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Be there as the scintillating Whitney James teams with the lyrical Scotty Wright in their first official duet performance. The duo will be accompanied by the remarkable, “Best of the Bay” jazz trio, La Lucha, for a fabulous and swinging jazz evening. Tickets $10-$30. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit TampaJazzClub.com.

Friday, March 7, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. –Steinway Signature Series: The Roam Duo. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa). The Roam Duo is a piano ensemble that focuses on artistic creativity and collaboration across disciplines. Pianists Ghadeer Abaido and Svetozar Ivanov engage their audiences by incorporating poetry, musical symbolism and audio soundscapes into their performances. Tickets: $20. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.

Sunday, March 9, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – “New Tampa Unplugged” — Mardi Gras Celebration with Cypress Creek Jazz Band. “New Tampa Unplugged” is a spin on the hit ‘90s show, “MTV Unplugged,” which featured popular artists of the time performing acoustic sets. Tickets cost $15$20 depending on seat selection. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.

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Meet & Greet Held For Ryan Quattlebaum’s Return To AdventHealth Wesley Chapel!

When Chaplain Danny Sierra — who has been with AdventHealth Wesley Chapel since it opened on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. as “Florida Hospital” — introduced the hospital’s new president & chief executive officer (CEO) Ryan Quattlebaum at a meet & greet event on Jan. 29, he was trying to figure out how best to re-introduce more than 100 guests to the hospi tal’s former chief financial officer (CFO).

“I thought about the Bible story of the prodigal son, but then I thought, ‘Maybe not, because he wished his father not well and there are kids here.’”

Instead, Chaplain Danny went with Philippians Chapter 4, Verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I say, rejoice.”

To which he added, “And, we rejoice that Ryan is back with us. And let us pray more. Lord, thank you for this special homecoming of your son, his wife and his children. You knew them before they were conceived. You numbered the hairs on each one of their heads, and you brought them back to us. And, as a campus with all our friends, we rejoice of this man.”

Quattlebaum, who served as the CFO at AHWC from 2020-22, left to become the president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs, but returned to AHWC when Erik Wangsness left to take the same position at AdventHealth Tampa. He thanked Chaplain Danny and said he was thrilled to be “back home.”

First, Quattlebaum thanked the elected officials who attended the event, including

Dist. 20 State Senator Danny Burgess and Pasco County commissioners Ron Oakley and Jack Mariano. He also thanked the AHWC Foundation and hospital Board members, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff members in attendance.

“I’m beyond blessed to be able to be here with each one of you,” Quattlebaum said. “And to be welcomed back. My youngest daughter Emily, was born here at this hospital, so I am blessed to be back.

room when I was in high school. So, my roots in Advent Hospitals go way back and this is where my heart is.”

Quattlebaum also said that he, “ultimately want to make sure that everyone’s family member gets treated like how our families are treated and I firmly believe that we do this together. So there’s a whole team of people here as well that’s made that work happen. So I want to acknowledge and say thank you to

And finally, Quattlebaum said, “What I really care about is people. And Christ’s Healing Ministry was really about people, and this is representative of what our community truly looks like.” He then gave everyone in attendance his cell phone number. For more information about AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (2600 BBD Blvd.), call (813) 929-5000, visit AdventHealth.com or see the ad on pg. 11 of this issue. — GN

(Left) AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) Chaplain Danny Sierra welcomes new president & CEO Ryan Quattlebaum and his family — (l.-r.) his wife Cristina and daughters Emily and Sophia — back to AHWC during a packed (bottom photo on next page) meet & greet event at the hospital on Jan. 29. Quattlebaum has replaced former AHWC president & CEO Erik Wangsness, who left to take the same job at AdventHealth Tampa.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel’s Hospital Expansion ‘Topping Out’ Ceremony

You never have to guess what’s happening when AdventHealth has something to celebrate.

Case in point: On Feb. 5, about 125 construction workers (some of whom are shown in the bottom photo on this page) and the entire team at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) gathered on the fifth floor of the hospital to celebrate the “topping out” ceremony of the hospital’s expansion project.

According to an AdventHealth news release, the expansion will feature a new three-story North Wing and a two-story South Courtyard “infill” that will add 80,373 sq. ft. of new space to the hospital and will include the renovation of 8,837 sq. ft. of existing space. The expansion will increase AHWC’s licensed beds from 169 to 193, with room for two more 24-bed units in the future. In total, the expansion project will allow for 72 new inpatient beds, two new operating rooms and two new endoscopy suites.

Representatives of the project’s general contractors, Batson-Cook, the AdventHealth Office of Design and the project’s construction architects Hunton Brady also were on-hand at the event, as were new AHWC president/CEO Ryan Quattlebaum (see story on pg. 14) and AdventHealth West Florida Division president/ CEO David Ottati, as well as many AHWC Foundation and hospital Board members.

Following an opening blessing, Bill Larder, the senior superintendent for Batson-Cook, explained that “topping out” is a Scandinavian tradition that includes a tree that he described as, “a blessing for the structure that is being built and we have turned it into a celebration for all of the hard work” that has gone into the design and

through and we had guys here working tirelessly for 48 straight hours” to fix the damage that Mother Nature had wrought on the project.

“So today, like in the Scandinavian tradition,” Larder added, “we pray for blessings on the building and the patients and staff that are at and will be at the building. And, we celebrate each and every one of you for the hard work you’ve put into this.”

Quattlebaum thanked Larder and then

all of you have worked to make this day a reality. And, I’m so excited to be the CEO here at this amazing campus, where we have a history and a legacy of excellence.” He then thanked all of the contractors and subcontractors, as well as the hospital’s design team. “Once we officially open in 2026,”

AdventHealth West Florida Division president/CEO David Ottati (far left) and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel president/CEO Ryan Quattlebaum (front right) were

the way along a dark path. As they progress, others join, relying on the torch’s glow...and all benefit from the light. Eventually, the torchbearer grows weary and must pass the torch to another... because, in the end, the torch still bears light.”

Quattlebaum then said, “In this project, each one of you are torchbearers. Carry the light forward. Because, if you think about what will happen, for decades to come, in this exact space, we will be extending Christ’s Healing Ministry in these halls...because of your hard work.”

And, although it was sometimes referred to as a beam-signing ceremony, Quattlebaum noted that “beam-signing is a misnomer. The beam is out there (between the flag and the tree in the photos above), so we can’t go out there to sign it, but what

we will be doing is placing that final beam on the top floor and having each of you sign your signature on the building itself that will memorialize this building for the years to come.”

Then, everyone in attendance (including Neighborhood News multimedia specialist Charmaine George and yours truly) took turns signing the wall (top photo on previous page) and enjoying delicious food from Mission BBQ. The construction crew members also each received gifts.

For more information about AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (2600 BBD Blvd.), call (813) 929-5000, visit AdventHealth.com or see the ad on pg. 11 of this issue. — GN

Hilton Garden Inn & Metropolitan Ministries Among Chamber’s ‘Excellence’ Winners

Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners at the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC)’s “Celebrating Excellence in Business” awards event, held for the first time at the Pasco Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center off Old Pasco Rd. in Wesley Chapel on Jan. 16.

The NTBC gave out four awards at this year’s event:

•Integrity (won by Pepin Academies)

•Collaboration (won by Metropolitan Ministries),

•Innovation (won by Furr Wegman & Banks Architects) and

•Inclusivity (won by the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel)

The evening was hosted by NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy, and each award was given out by a different presenter, including:

•2024 Board chair Roberto Hiller of Signarama New Tampa, who announced the winner of the Integrity award;

•Stephanie Lerrett of Avalon Park Wes ley Chapel, which sponsored the Collabora tion award;

•Business development officer Sarah Greenberg of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, which sponsored the Inclu sivity award; and

•Senior manager of business operations & planning Ryan Ward of Florida Blue, which sponsored the Innovation award.

For more info about the NTBC, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com or call (813) 994-8534. — GN, all photos by Charmaine

(Above, l.-r.) Integrity award winner Dr. Jeff Skowronek of Pepin Academies; Innovation award winner Aaron Banks of Furr Wegman & Banks Architects; Inclusivity award winner Lisa Moore of the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel & Collaboration award winner Tim Marks, the President & CEO of Metropolitan Ministries.

(Below, l.-r.) NTBC President & CEO Hope Kennedy, Sarah Greenberg of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union & Roberto Hiller of Signarama New Tampa.

Murtha & Flischel CPAs Helps Businesses & Individuals Be Ready For

By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent

For more than 14 years, Murtha & Flischel Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), have been a trusted name in the Wesley Chapel community. Known for dedication to personalized service and in-depth knowledge of accounting and tax laws, the firm has built a strong reputation as reliable partners for individuals and businesses alike.

The story of Murtha & Flischel began back in 1997, when Thomas Murtha and Raymond Flischel founded the firm as Flis chel, Murtha & Associates in Englewood, FL. Ray Flischel worked for more than 40 years before retiring. Tom Murtha is a seasoned CPA with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Tom has nearly 40 years of experience in taxes, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and has been a trusted advisor to many. He also taught accounting courses at Hillsborough Community College and for the American Institute of Banking for more than 15 years, helping shape the next generation of accountants.

Tax Time

Blvd., north of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, where it continued to grow and thrive. Today, the firm has changed its name to Murtha & Flischel and has three partners, including Tom, Patrick and Ray’s son Kyle Flischel.

In 2009, Tom’s son Patrick helped Tom and Ray sell their Englewood firm and open a new office — Murtha & Murtha, LLC, in Tampa. In 2015, the firm moved to the Seven Oaks Professional Park (off Ancient Oaks

Patrick and Kyle are both alumni of the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, where Patrick earned B.S. degrees in Finance and Accounting, in 2009 and 2015, respectively, while Kyle earned a B.S. degree in Accounting in 2011 and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in

Accounting with a focus on taxes, in 2017. Murtha & Flischel offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its clients. From preparing taxes to advising businesses on complex tax issues, the firm helps clients stay compliant and make the most of their financial opportunities. During tax season, Murtha & Flischel’s dedicated senior accountants — including Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little — work hard to assist clients. Both Kaitlyns started as interns and are now pursuing their

CPA certifications. Junior accountants Jackie Moore and Tamara Daley also are valuable team members.

“We’re excited to expand our team,” Patrick says, “and we plan to add two more junior accountants soon.”

Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything the professionals at Murtha & Flischel do. The team’s personalized approach has earned the firm glowing reviews from its clients, as Murtha & Flischel has an overall 4.9 star (out of 5) rating on Google, with more than 115 reviews. Client Christina Helm shared in her 5-star rating: “It’s time we ALL quit slogging through TurboTax and never look back. From initial contact to my phone appointment with Kaitlyn Little to signing our return was about a month, with quick, accurate and professional communication, via phone, [by] email and on their app!”

In addition to tax preparation, the firm offers bookkeeping and accounting services that help businesses keep their financial records accurate and organized. This allows Murtha & Flischel’s clients to make informed decisions and plan for growth. The firm also specializes in business valuations, tax planning and helping buyers and sellers navigate the process of mergers and acquisitions.

“We started with mergers and acquisitions before expanding to other services,” Patrick says.

A High-Flying Firm

Patrick and Kyle have both recently

(L.-r.) Kyle Flischel and Tom & Patrick Murtha are the partners who have helped make Murtha & Flischel CPAs in the Seven Oaks Professional Park one of the most respected Certified Public Accounting firms in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. (Photo provided by Murtha & Flischel)

Senior accountants Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little, partners Kyle Flischel and Patrick Murtha,

Sam Yates and staff accountant Tamara Daley can all be found at Murtha & Flischel’s Wesley Chapel

earned their pilot’s licenses. In 2023, Patrick received his license and in December of last year, he completed instrument reading.

“Although we did it as a hobby, it has quickly become an essential part of our business,” Patrick says. “We had a client on the other side of the state, and where it would have taken us a few hours to get there, we were able to arrive in just under an hour and fly back home the same day. Flying saves us so much time and it makes it easier to provide hands-on support for our clients.”

Another standout offering is Murtha & Flischel’s CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Retainer Package. This service provides

businesses with ongoing financial oversight, including monthly accounting, budgeting and tax planning. It also includes advice about health insurance and retirement plans.

Acting as an outsourced CFO — at a fraction of the cost of an in-house CFO — the firm helps businesses stay financially secure while preparing for long-term success.

On TampaTaxFirm.com, the firm shares helpful articles under the “News and Articles” section. “We try to post relevant information that clients might find useful,” Patrick explains. Recent topics include the changes to federal and state tax laws for 2025 and guidance on the on-again, off-again BOI (Benefi-

cial Ownership Information) and FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) compliance. While Murtha & Flischel doesn’t complete BOI filings for its clients, the firm does provide clear instructions on how to complete that filing yourself.

“We want our clients to avoid fines and stay informed,” Patrick says, adding that although the requirement for businesses to file BOI was put on hold, it is possible it will become a requirement again at some point.

“The process is quite simple,” Patrick adds. “It takes only a few minutes to file electronically.” He recommends business owners either go ahead and complete it just in

case or make sure they keep an eye on updates through FinCEN.gov.

This unwavering commitment to personalized service is what makes Murtha & Flischel stand out. “Our goal is to provide year-round support and timely responses to all client questions,” Patrick says. This dedication has earned the firm a loyal client base and a strong reputation in the local community.

The firm also supports local initiatives and participates in community events. This dedication not only enhances the staff’s connection with clients but also underscores the role of a community-centric firm.

Patrick and his wife Jennifer have three children — 10-year-old Thomas, Jack (age 9)and Audrey, 4. The family lives in Wesley Chapel and is very active in the local community, including the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the North Tampa Bay Chamber. Meanwhile, Kyle (who has been the president of a local Business Networking International chapter) and his wife Stephanie enjoy brewing beer as a hobby.

The firm of Murtha & Flischel CPAs is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. The Zephyrhills office is located at 5315 8th St.

For a free consultation or tips on tax filing, call (813) 991-1120, see the ad on pg. 45 or visit TampaTaxFirm.com or any of Murtha & Flischel’s social media sites — Instagram.com/murthacpas, Facebook. com/TampaTaxFirm, or Linkedin.com/ company/murtha-and-flischel-certifiedpublic-accountants.

(L.-r.)

office manager Lourdes (“Lou”) Alers, front office manager

office. (Photo by Charmaine George)

Kay Nail Spa’s New Management Promises Great Nail Services & Customer Care!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Lilliana Harrington is a huge fan of having her nails done by owner (and experienced nail technician) Lee Alley at Kay Nail Spa, located in the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel, across the street from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, in the same plaza as Dickey’s BBQ.

She’s such a fan, in fact, that even though Lilliana sold her home in Wesley Chapel and moved to outside of Orlando, she travels more than two hours every three weeks to have her nails done by Lee.

“When you find someone who is so extraordinary,” Lilliana says, “you can’t leave them.”

Lilliana says she, her 19- and 11-year-old daughters and even her husband all go to Kay Nail Spa for pedicures and manicures, despite the drive. They discovered Lee at her first salon in Wesley Chapel — Colorful Nails in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54, which Lee and her husband Chris still own.

The Alleys bought Kay Nail Spa just a few months ago, in November 2024. They also previously owned Lavender Nails at the Tampa Premium Outlets, but Lee made the decision to sell that salon when the opportunity presented itself. “[Lavender Nails] was very successful,” says Lee, “but someone offered us a good deal and I thought three salons was too much, so we let it go.”

Lee says she loves the location at Kay Nail Spa, since it’s close to her home and even closer to her two-year-old’s day care. Lilliana says she’ll

follow Lee anywhere, but she particularly likes Kay Nail Spa.

“It’s a very clean place,” Lilliana says, noting that there are never any stray items on the floor and that it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell, as some nail salons do. “It’s very beautiful, very calming and very uplifting. All of her places are wonderful, but I fell in love with the chair at Kay.”

And, while Lilliana has a strong loyalty and prefers that only Lee do her nails, she says that whenever she’s had her nails done by other technicians at Lee’s salons, she’s still always has been happy with both the quality of the work and the customer service she’s received.

Lee says she worked at a salon when she first came to Wesley Chapel with her husband in

2019. She says she was often booked all day from people requesting appointments with her. She loved the work, and knew she wanted to go into business for herself.

Now, she’s busy managing the day-to-day operations at both salons and Chris, who also works as an information technology (IT) professional, supports the salon with IT, paperwork, payroll, marketing and other administrative functions. Lee still makes time for her loyal clients as much as she can, but fully trusts her employees to care for those clients, too.

She says the most important thing to everyone at Kay Nail Spa is providing not only good quality manicures and pedicures, but also excellent customer service.

Growing up in Vietnam, Lee says her family owned a small nail salon, so she was always around it. She left her home country to work on a cruise ship, where she got a job as a casino dealer.

Lee explains that, as an employee of a huge company that trains thousands of people in customer service, she learned a lot of lessons that she now applies to her nail salon businesses.

For example, she says it’s important to always put relationships first.

“We treat our customers like friends and family,” she says. “We have to make them feel welcome. If any issues happen, we try to understand them so that we can build a strong relationship.”

Lee also says that, because of that mantra, clients often become friends, too.

“I tell my employees that they can improve their skills over time, and if they mess up, their customers will give them a chance to fix it,” Lee says. “But, if they’re mean or rude, people won’t come back.”

Lee says another thing she likes about her shop is that there are nail technicians of many nationalities. “We have Spanish, Asian and African technicians,” Lee says. “I don’t care where they come from if they do nails well and have a good attitude.”

Lee says Kay Nail Spa offers all nail services such as acrylic, gel and dip powder. “If it’s available in the market,” she says, “we do it.”

While Kay Nails was not previously known for offering nail art, now that Lee’s technicians are there, they are proud to offer those trendy

(L.-r.) Belinda, Jackie, Lauren, owner Lee Alley, Nina & Dolys are the friendly, professional nail techs at Kay Nail Spa on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., across from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. (All photos by Charmaine George)

free within five days. After that, we are happy to take care of any issues that arise. But, if it’s not our mistake, we may charge a small fee to fix it.”

Kay Nail Spa offers a number of discounts, including 5% for members of the military and seniors ages 65 and older. Lee says she’ll also take 10% off all services on your birthday.

The spa also offers a loyalty card, where each service of $30 or more equals one point. Once you have 10 points, you’ll receive $10 off any service. In addition, Lee is offering 10% off to Neighborhood News readers with the coupon from the ad on pg. 32 of this issue.

Kay Nail Spa is located at 2653 Bruce

and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. To make an appointment, call (813) 527-6524 or visit KayNailSalon.com. To save 10 percent off all services, see the ad on page 32.

You Can Trust Your Smile To The Caring Dentists At San Antonio Dental Care!

By Turiya Autry Neighborhood News Correspondent

San Antonio Dental Care has been keeping patients in the Wesley Chapel/San Antonio area smiling with incredible care and skilled dentists for the past 15 years. Currently located on Curley St., off C.R. 52, just north of Wesley Chapel, the practice was started by local general dentist Louis Cerillo, D.D.S., who has had a practice in the Tampa Palms community of New Tampa for more than 30 years.

A year ago, Kim Tran-Nguyen, D.M.D., joined the team and, together with their team, the dentists take care of patients’ various dental needs, including corrective, restorative and emergency dental care. San Antonio Dental Care can help whether you need a regular check-up, teeth whitening, a crown, Invisalign® aligners, dentures, oral surgery or cosmetic dental services.

As the first dental practice located in San Antonio, Dr. Cerillo says that opening his second office in that community was actually due to a patient’s persistence and determination.

“We had our original practice in Tampa Palms, and we had patients and team members that lived in [San Antonio],” explains Dr. Cerillo. “We started having patients come to us from this area and one patient told me that I needed to set up a practice there.” He says that even though it all started as something of a joke, since the patient was just hoping she wouldn’t have to drive as far to see him.

However, when Dr. Cerillo told her he’d do it if she could find a place where that office could be located, the patient took him up on that offer.

and got back to him a few months later to let him know she had found an office for him. Less less than six months after that, the San Antonio office was up and running.

“We opened in 2009,” Dr. Cerillo says.

“There was no dentist up here, other than in Dade City,. We were originally in a small office up the road, it was a home that a veterinarian had converted to their vet practice. But then, [the vet practice] outgrew the building and built a new office. We moved in and put a dental office in there.”

Dr. Cerillo’s practice was located in that small, three-bedroom house until 2018, when it also had outgrown that original space. The current location, which previously was a Wells Fargo

Bank, provided the room needed for Dr. Cerillo’s growing clientele.

Dr. Tran-Nguyen was excited to join San Antonio Dental Care a year ago, in large part due to the reputation of Dr. Cerillo, along with seeing the positive environment he had built at the practice.

“He has been working here for a long time,” Dr. Tran-Nguyen shares. “And, when I first came here, I felt like the team had nothing but good things to say about what he has done for the community. He has built the practice. It was important for me to work with someone who has the same amount of care that I want to give to people.”

And, it’s not just the dentists that are involved in helping patients, it is a team effort —

from the dental assistants and hygienists, to all the people who work in the front office.

“It is something that has to be built and takes time,” she says. Dr. Cerillo adds that her experience, training, conscientiousness, meticulousness and focus have made her a great addition to the practice.

Originally from Miami, Dr. Tran-Nguyen knew she wanted to explore other cities after graduating from high school. She attended the University of Florida in Gainesville for her undergraduate and graduate studies. After receiving her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology, she completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the school’s College of Dentistry. She then completed a General Practice Residency at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, located in Brooklyn, NY, and has been practicing dentistry for almost eight years.

Cosmetic dentistry and surgical dental implants are two of Dr. Tran-Nguyen’s specialties and she says she enjoys how dentistry utilizes her varied skills. “I get to use my creative side, because I get to do cosmetics,” she explains. “I’m making people healthier, but I am also helping them have a prettier smile. I feel like it is a good balance of both science and art.”

Dr. Tran-Nguyen’s love of the work, desire to go above and beyond and her obvious passion for lifelong learning were additional factors that made it clear to Dr. Cerillo that she would be a good fit for the practice. For example, she completed more than 100 hours of continuing education, which was more than three times the State of Florida’s re-

quirement. “I’m always learning,” she says. “I take a lot of continuing education, more than what is required by the state. I’m always trying to better myself so that I can provide better quality care for the patients.”

Dr. Tran-Nguyen also says that her initial de cision to pursue the field of dentistry was inspired by both her older sister being a dentist as well as her positive experiences with her family dentist.

“I had a really good relationship with my dentist when I was younger,” she shares. “He always knew the ins and outs with me and my family, and was very personable. I felt like there was actually a solid connection and I found that to be really important to me. I want to be able to connect with people and I would like to break down the barriers for people who are afraid to come to the dentist.”

That sense of connection, and service to the community, comes across in the approach of both dentists in their work, as well as their interactions

Fields Insurance — The Independent Agency That’s Serious About Protecting You!

By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent

Located in the Medallion Corporate Park on the north side of S.R. 56 (just east of I-75), the Fields Insurance Agency can help you with all of your insurance needs.

Owners Michael and Nancy Fields have their roots deeply embedded in Tennessee but have added new roots in Florida since moving here in 2021. With agencies across multiple states — including Tennessee, Georgia and Florida — they are committed to broadening their reach by adding additional counties in Florida. The Wesley Chapel office of the Fields Insurance Agency now serves as Michael and Nancy’s home base and they say they are committed to serving the local community.

The agency offers a broad spectrum of insurance services, including personal and commercial property and casualty insurance, which encompasses auto, home, renters, boat, and motorcycle insurance. Select life insurance policies also are available.

The Fields Insurance Agency’s motto is: “Simple – Affordable – Comprehensive Insurance,” which encapsulates Michael and Nancy’s mission to provide each of their clients with the best possible coverage within their respective budgets. Numerous top-rated insurance carriers are represented by Fields Insurance, including Allstate, Citizens, Progressive and many more, some of which you may not even recognize.

before doing so, he had to participate in a three-year program called “Replacement Agency Executive,” which required that he meet certain goals and criteria before he could take over. He successfully completed this process in 2014.

Nancy and Michael’s daughter Bethany, who went to school at the University of Mississippi in Oxford (aka “Ole Miss”), promptly secured a job in Tampa after graduating in 2019, and Michael and Nancy decided to follow their daughter. In 2021, Michael acquired a Brandon-based insurance agency.

“I had a place in Pinellas Park and went back and forth between Florida and Tennessee until 2023,” he says, adding that he and Nancy decided to make Florida their permanent home after Nancy retired from a long career as a teacher. “As we started looking for our perfect home, everything that we wanted was here in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. We decided on a home in Grand Hampton, and we love it here.”

“There are too many to list,” Michael says, “and we are continually adding more companies so we can better serve our clients.”

him, and told Michael he thought it would be a good fit for him.

A comprehensive list of the insurance providers the firm is happy to offer is available at FieldsInsuranceAgency.com. “The goal is to give customers the best possible coverage they can afford.”

The Journey

“I was told I would probably like it and my answer to that was, ‘I doubt it’ but I decided to try it out,” he says, adding that his journey started with filing and office tasks, which he viewed as a temporary role. He learned about the business and, in no time at all, his friends were encouraging him to take the insurance exams — and an insurance agent was born. Michael eventually took over the agency, but

Integrity stands at the forefront of the company’s business philosophy. Michael and Nancy prioritize their clients’ best interests, offering free quotes and the ability to provide estimates swiftly, a significant advantage over clients seeking quotes on their own.

“I will make sure they are covered correctly,” Michael says, “so if a claim arises, we know their policy will cover them properly.”

The agency is proud to have many 5-star Google reviews, with an overall google rating of 4.8 on more than 70 reviews. Client Dawn Morris highlighted the agency’s commitment to

Michael recalls when a friend who worked in insurance mentioned he should go work with

Michael (holding Maxwell) and Nancy Fields (holding Charley) can provide a wide range of insurance products from a large number of different carriers to protect your home, vehicle, property and even your life at their Fields Insurance Agency on the north side of S.R. 56. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

excellent customer service when she wrote this in her 5-star Google review: “They call you back in a timely manner and help with your questions or changes in policy quickly. Not a lot of wait time.”

“People are focused on price, and I understand it,” explains Michael. “But, this can sometimes lead to sacrificing essential coverage.” He emphasizes the importance of understanding what clients want covered and what they expect in the event of a claim. Based on this understanding, he provides coverage options that offer them peace of mind. For clients with budget constraints, especially younger individuals, Michael and Nancy take the time to educate them, explaining the best options within their means and outlining ad ditional coverage to consider as their financial situation improves.

“I don’t want to ever get a call from a client saying, ‘Why did you not tell me I was not covered?,’” Michael says. “I never want to get that phone call, so we believe in educating our clients.”

‘Ramsey Trusted Pros’

Being a “Ramsey Trusted Pro” is a recognition Michael and Nancy are very proud to have. Dave Ramsey, a renowned author and radio host based in Nashville, TN, offers financial advice and recommends companies that meet his stringent standards.

“Earning a spot on this list,” Michael says, “is a testament to our hard work and ethical business practices.”

Many satisfied clients attest to the ef-

ficiency and dedication of the Fields Insurance Agency. In her 5-star review on Google, client Anna Lollar shared, “Within the same day of using Dave Ramsey’s ELP (Endorsed Local Provider) program, I was contacted. After providing basic information, I was provided a quote that exceeded my expectations. I was very pleased with the communication and support.”

Michael and Nancy are pleased to report that, despite the negativity recently in local and national news media, insurance prices have remained relatively stable, with only slight increases. They attribute this stability to their diligent efforts to find the right insurance solutions for every one of their clients.

Client Janice Carson recently shared her positive experience in another 50-star Google review, saying, “Michael and Nancy provided both automobile and homeowners insurance

quotes in a very timely manner and saved us over $1,500 annually! They were quick to respond with updates to any changes we made and the entire process of switching both policies went very smoothly! Thank you!”

Michael and Nancy Fields exemplify an unusual dedication to their clients, community, and the principles of integrity and education in the insurance industry. They are committed to ensuring that their clients receive comprehensive coverage tailored to their individual needs.

The Fields Insurance Agency is located at 2600 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Ste. C1, in Wesley Chapel. For more information or for a quote on your home, auto, business or other property needs, call (813) 651-0094, visit FieldsInsuranceAgency.com or see the ad on pg. 33 of this issue.

Marimark Mortgage Will Help You Find The Best Mortgage For You!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

When John Grime started thinking about buying an investment property in 2021, he needed a plan.

He called his “go-to” mortgage broker, Mary Catchur of Marimark Mortgage in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, just off the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit of I-75. John says he’s built years of trust with Mary, as she’s helped him and his wife obtain financing to purchase a home, then refinance it when rates dropped. He knew if he ever bought an investment property, he would count on Marimark Mortgage to provide the financing to make that transaction happen.

“Mary broke everything down and laid out a good roadmap for me of what the lender would ask for and what I would need,” he says. “Now, here I am, closing on a place.”

He says that type of honest, straightforward advice is the reason he always counts on Marimark Mortgage and highly recommends Mary.

“She’s detailed and she’s immediate with information,” John says. “Whether it’s a phone call, a text or an email, Mary constantly communicates.”

Mary says that’s a hallmark of her business, which she opened in 2006. When she first dipped her toes in the mortgage side of the business, while working for another com-

pany, she quickly realized the typical way of selling mortgages wasn’t going to work for her.

“A lot of people who sell mortgages are sales people,” she says. “They want to sell the rate or sell the payment, but I take a different approach. I’m an educator and a financial person, so I first listen to understand, then figure out what make sense for that person, and then, I explain why.”

Her financial background comes from both the education and work experiences she had before moving into the mortgage industry.

Mary received both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in French from the

University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa. She holds Florida licenses as a mortgage broker, as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and as a real estate Broker.

She worked as an auditor for “Big Four” public accounting firm KPMG for 13 years, then served as the chief financial officer (CFO) for a real estate company.

Marimark has recently expanded, as Mary’s sons, Matt and Nick Catchur, have both joined the firm.

a B.S. degree in Finance. Mary says Matt’s education benefits their clients.

says, “the more you know about finance, the better you can understand the products you offer. We can better evaluate our customers and find the best product for them.”

She explains that a salesperson who doesn’t have the background that Marimark Mortgage has will leave it up to the underwriter to determine if a buyer is qualified for a loan. Mary says this can cause frustration for a buyer who has been pre-qualified by someone who doesn’t fully understand the buyer’s financial situation or the nuances of the mortgage product they are selling.

Meanwhile, Mary’s son Nick is a fellow real estate Broker who also works at Marimark in loan origination. As a team, this trio can offer multiple services that are helpful to buyers, and bring a greater understanding to the home-buying process.

Know What You Don’t Know?

Mary says that beyond their commitment to excellent communication and education, another important skill is to know what they don’t know.

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“There’s so much to know and to keep up on,” Mary says. “The rules and guidelines are constantly changing, and there are so many different products out there. There are a lot of moving parts and everyone’s scenario and source of income is so different, so every person you work with is completely new.”

For example, she says, income earned

(L.-r.) Matt, Mary & Nick Catchur of Marimark Mortgage, located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, can help you find the best mortgage to suit your needs. (Photos by Charmaine George)

by a truck driver is completely different from that earned by a nurse, which is completely different from that of a business executive.

“Our business background helps us understand how all these people get paid,” she says. “We have to constantly think outside the box, be creative and understand the scenario to put them with the right product.”

While many buyers are looking for a fixed-rate mortgage, Mary says there are many different options.

For example, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans offer low down payments and Veterans Administration (VA) loans allow U.S. military veterans to buy a home with no money down.

Mary also says that those who are self-employed may want to consider a bankstatement loan, where account deposits determine income, rather than pay stubs.

For investment properties, a debtservice coverage ratio loan doesn’t require a borrower to have a specific income, but instead considers how much money is going to come in from the investment property and whether or not it will cover the principal, interest, taxes, insurance and Homeowners Association fees.

Marimark also offers reverse mortgages, which allow borrowers over the age of 62 whose home is worth more than what is owed on it to eliminate mortgage payments altogether.

Mary says Marimark often helps homeowners who want to refinance and get cash

out for debt consolidation, renovations or other purposes. Right now, though, many who refinanced their homes when rates were low don’t want to give up that low mortgage rate. In that case, homeowners can add a second loan or home equity line of credit, which Mary says is popular among those who want to use the equity in their homes without having to refinance.

She also says it’s a misconception that working with her will cost a buyer more than not working with a mortgage broker.

“Sometimes your bank will have a good product for you, but sometimes they’re not your best option because they only have their own products,” Mary explains. “Your situation might be a little different and you might need a different product. I have several lenders I can go to and search for a product that meets your needs. But, if your bank’s products don’t fit you, they can’t help you.”

She says she talks with people every day who have special circumstances and that the more she learns about them, the more helpful it is to be able to work with a variety of different lenders.

“We definitely have more options than a bank can offer,” she says. “There aren’t any extra fees, and you have the advantage of the many more products that we can offer you.”

Marimark Mortgage’s office is located at 5327 Primrose Lake Cir. in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. For more information, visit MarimarkMortgage.com, call (813) 9108020, or see the ad on page 43 of this issue.

Apex Internal Medicine’s Dr. Satodiya Provides Personalized Primary Care For Adults

By Turiya Autry Neighborhood News Correspondent

Dr. Mukesh Satodiya opened Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa three years ago to serve the community and neighborhood that he lives in and loves. The primary care practice is located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, minutes from Wesley Chapel.

Working with a wide range of adult patients is something that Dr. Satodiya appreciates about his location and clientele.

“It’s a mixed population, a mix of ethnicities, working people to retired, 18-year-olds to seniors,” he says. “A broad spectrum from the medical practice point of view.”

Dr. Satodiya’s 15+ years of practicing medicine, along with his incredibly personable approach, serve his diverse clientele well. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, he earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from B. J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, India, in 1999. He completed his residency training in internal medicine in 2007 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ.

His previous experience includes working in both a hospital environment, as well as with a corporate medical practice. Dr. Satodiya says that having his own practice allows him to focus on the level of patient care, which is what matters most to him. Born and raised in India, his decision to become a doctor was inspired by his view of it as a noble profession focused on helping others.

“Our main purpose is to offer more personal care, rather than treating a certain number of patients per day,” explains Dr. Satodiya. “Most of our patients like that we’re not a huge office, and they know me personally, as well as the staff. And we know them.”

That extra level of interaction and accessibility makes it easier for patients to feel comfortable reaching out to the office when they have needs or concerns. Dr. Satodiya and his staff make sure to always get back to patients promptly.

“They will hear back quickly,” he says. “Either from my medical assistant or I will call them back and talk to them myself. And, if we need to see them, we see them as early as possible, either the same day or the next day.”

He knows these are important things that patients often find frustrating about their experiences at larger medical offices with multiple providers. Administrative details and goals set by insurance companies or corporate offices, often can be the

priority in those types of environments.

“It’s easy for anybody to set these goals and deadlines and say these are the things we need to focus on,” Dr. Satodiya says. “Then, between all these other influences, sometimes the quality of care for the patient is not the best.”

Patients definitely notice the difference in the care at Apex Internal Medicine. For example, patient Joe Spoto found out about the Apex office a couple of years ago, and has been with Dr. Satodiya ever since.

“I’ve stuck with him because he listens to you,” Spoto says. “He doesn’t rush you through your appointment. You’re not just limited to one topic if you have more than one thing going on. And, he’s nice! I’ve had doctors that rush you in and rush you out, but he’s been great. I really appreciate him.”

Dr. Satodiya understands that providing primary care requires more than a cookie cutter approach. That’s why the office tailors the length of appointments to allow him to have an adequate amount of time with each patient.

“Especially when we talk about senior care, we do need more time sometimes,” explains Dr. Satodiya. “[The elderly] have a lot of concerns, they are taking many medications and they may have more medical problems. Sometimes 30 or 35 minutes is not enough to address everything that we need.”

Expert Care For Seniors

An expert in senior care, Dr. Satodiya understands the common issues many elders face. He helps his patients improve their quality of life and works to keep them under control whenever possible. He sees the treatment of his patients as

far more than just prescribing medications.

“Education also is very important, because just a medication is not going to help them completely,” he says. “I try to make sure [my patients] know about their medical conditions and what else they can do, besides just taking their medication — whether it is diet, physical activity or if there is some monitoring or testing they can do at home — so they can take care of themselves better. We educate them on what to watch for, including potential side effects and how can we minimize their medication doses. That’s always better, because there are less side effects and complications for the patient.”

Another priority at Apex Internal Medicine is providing resources to patients. For example, some senior patients have limited resources at home or may be living by themselves. Dr. Satodiya encour-

ages them to call and reach out to the office whenever they are unsure of something, and he connects them to information and helpful organizations.

He says, “We tell them where there are senior centers, community churches and other social places that will make them feel good and help them make new friends, rather than just always staying by themselves.”

While Apex Internal Medicine sees patients ages 18 and up, the staff often finds that seniors are having more challenges, including navigating insurance, understanding the medication they are taking, as well as scheduling other procedures.

“Let’s say they need X-rays or labs,” explains Dr. Satodiya. “The younger population can go online and find that stuff by themselves. But, some seniors have limited access to information. I train my staff to help them, give them more options and guide them.”

Patients can have blood draws, urine tests, blood sugar checks, flu tests, Covid tests as well as electrocardiograms (EKGs) on-site at Apex, which also offers medical weight loss programs. When there is a time sensitive follow-up that needs to be done off-site, the staff will call and help set up the appointment for them.

“That way it will be easier for the patient to go and get it done, rather than them having to figure it out by themselves,” Dr. Satodiya says. He recommends people not wait until they have problems to visit. Preventive care is ideal since small things taken care of early can help avoid future complications. He also says that regular check-ups are important for people of all ages. Even when someone is feeling fine and doesn’t have any

The team at Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa, located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, includes (l.-r.) medical assistants Jennifer Araujo and Leticia Jerguson and Dr. Mukesh Satodiya. (Photo by Charmaine George)

you can see,” explains Dr. Satodiya. “We encour age people to do their annual check-up. Young adults, seniors… we live in a very modern society where people don’t have time for themselves. Whether they are doing good or not, they may not know that they have very high cholesterol or high blood pressure and it’s not going to cause any symptoms until it’s something serious like a stroke or heart attack. If they let it go untreated and undiagnosed it could already be causing damage to their kidneys or their heart.”

Dr. Satodiya also says he tells all of his patients to get more physically active daily, and puts that into practice himself. He walks, rides a bicycle and plays volleyball and badminton to stay active. He also enjoys spending quality time with his family. He recommends everyone

“If you can’t do a lot, just do something!” he says. “It can be something simple, like walking around the house or the neighborhood.”

Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa is accepting new patients and Dr. Satodiya would like to see more people coming to visit for regular checkups, not just when something is wrong.

Apex Internal Medicine of Tampa is located at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite D, in the Cory Lake Professional Center. It is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed for lunch from noon-1 p.m.), and evening appointments are available. The office accepts several major health insurance plans. To make an appointment or for more information, call (813)725-4983, visit ApexIMT.com, or see the ad on page 42 of this issue.

Louis Cerillo, DDSKim Tran-Nguyen, DMD General Dentists

Bloomin’ Blinds Brings Custom Window Treatments — & Repairs — To You!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

If you’re in the market for new window treatments — anything from plantation shutters and blinds to shades or drapes, local franchise owner Michael Imses says you should consider Bloomin’ Blinds, which offers a lifetime guarantee on its products, and also provides repairs.

“Our warranty is great,” Michael says. “With us, customers don’t have to worry about if anything breaks because we always repair or replace our products for free.”

Michael and his wife Mariana own the Bloomin’ Blinds franchise that serves homeowners in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas such as Lutz, Land O’Lakes, Tampa and South Tampa.

Bloomin’ Blinds is a 25-year-old company that started in Dallas, TX, and began franchising within the last decade. There are now about 75 locations across the nation, including nine in the Sunshine State.

About six years ago, Michael and Mariana, who are both accountants, decided that they wanted to own their own business. They searched for a franchise that would be a good fit for them and found Bloomin’ Blinds. Michael says they purchased the franchise at about the same time their only daughter was born.

Michael and Mariana like that the company offers high-quality products, backed by a guarantee, so customers can have peace of mind about the investment they make in their homes.

For window coverings such as roller shades, cellular shades, plantation shutters or blinds, Bloomin’ Blinds provides custom treatments direct from the factory, so the quality is much better than what you would buy off the shelf at a big box or home improvement store.

Michael says Bloomin’ Blinds sells Norman shutters, Graber window treatments, and Alta window fashions, among other brands and yes, motorized, smartphone-operated shades also are available.

“The automated systems are becoming more popular, because you can operate them from anywhere in the world,” Michael says. “And the prices for them have started to come down.”

Kerry Estevez found Bloomin’ Blinds on an online community group when she built a new

house in the Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch.

After the builder completed her home, she brought in a line of contractors to finish everything from customizing closets to crown molding and, of course, window coverings.

“Bloomin’ Blinds was the only one where nothing went wrong,” Kerry says.

She says the best thing about hiring Bloomin’ Blinds was the professionalism and quality of customer service that came with working directly with the local franchise owner.

“Dealing with the owner of the company directly and having him in the house, the communication was flawless,” Kerry says, adding that she appreciated that when Michael came to her home for a free consultation, he took his time and she never felt rushed. She considers herself to be particular, but says Michael was even more so.

“He noticed things I didn’t even notice,” she says. “I would recommend him to anyone for his attention to detail.”

In fact, she says, he was accommodating in working on timelines of other contractors and that when it came to installation, he personally completed the job, along with one of his employees.

While some other companies she called would have taken months to even come out for a consultation, Bloomin’ Blinds was able to complete the consultation, order custom plantation shutters for every window in her home and have them manufactured and installed before she moved in.

Kerry says the prices she paid at Bloomin’ Blinds were great, too. “I highly recommend him,” Kerry says of Michael. “I tell my neighbors if they’re getting estimates to definitely call him. I think once they get an estimate from him, I don’t know how people can’t hire him.”

In fact, she adds, she’s hiring Bloomin’ Blinds again, to come back and add drapes in her home, too.

Michael says Kerry’s not the only customer who has told him that they appreciate how accessible he is.

“We’re not a big corporation where people have to call and call and wait on the line for a long time to be transferred to someone who can help you,” Michael says. “We’re a small, family-owned local business and people love that we’re easy to communicate with.”

He says they also love the parent company’s warranty and that they don’t have to worry if anything breaks. While Bloomin’ Blinds will replace anything that needs to be replaced, Michael and his crew can often make repairs on the spot, or come back soon if a part needs to be ordered.

In fact, if you have another company’s window treatments you already love in your home, and something breaks, such as a slat or a tilter, Bloomin’ Blinds will come out to provide a free estimate for the repair.

How To Get Started

The first step is to schedule an appointment for a free estimate in your home. This

allows Michael to show you the available products in your own environment, so that colors and styles can be best matched to your existing décor, and you can see exactly what it all will look like in your space.

Michael says he can help you, even if you have absolutely no idea what you want. New products are often available, and he’s happy to spend time going over all the options you may not even know about. “We bring all the samples and colors to our customers, help them pick out what would work best, and share all that we’ve learned from our experience.”

Another advantage of Bloomin’ Blinds always coming to you is that the business doesn’t have a lot of overhead expenses so, Michael says, “We can give our customers a better price.”

While in your home, he will measure every window to ensure that any product you buy is custom fit to each of those exact specifications.

“We don’t have anything stored [in a warehouse or their home] or any standard sizes,” he explains. “That way, if your windows are slightly different sizes — even off by a portion of an inch — you won’t have gaps on the sides, especially with a shade or blinds.”

He says plantation shutters currently are the most popular choice, although many clients also have been choosing roller shades.

“Roller shades are a more modern product,” he says, “and they are much improved now, including using a smooth, easy-to-use cordless system.”

Because these cordless systems are becoming more popular — now that regulatory bodies in the window treatment industry require that anything sold in the U.S. has to either be cordless or have inaccessible cords, because of the safety hazards they pose to children, the systems are continually being improved and also are becoming more affordable.

Michael says he usually can install your new window coverings just three to four weeks after you order them, although shutters may take just a little longer.

Bloomin’ Blinds comes to you & offers a free in-home estimate. You can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 444-5536, or get more information by visiting BloominBlinds.com. Also, see the ad on pg. 44.

Mariana and Michael Imses the owners of the local Bloomin’ Blinds franchise serving New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and other areas, are happy to bring their mobile showroom to your home. (Photo by Charmaine George)

SERVICES PROVIDED IN OUR OFFICE:

•Wellness Dentistry for kids and teens

•Holistic nutritional counseling for teeth and gums

•Ozone therapy for oral care

•Recommendation of non-toxic materials

•Sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide) and Sedation

•Invisalign First for children & Invisalign Teen

•Digital 3D scans, ITERO (no goop) and digital X-rays

•Laser dentistry (release of tongue tie for infants, children and teens)

•Relaxed environment, so your children can enjoy their visit

or

Coffee Latitudes — Come For The Coffee, Stay For The Food!

By Gary Nager

Charmaine George

James Frank, who owns the new Coffee Latitudes Café on County Line Rd., west of Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd. (in the same plaza as Five Guys and LA Fitness) with his wife Olga (right), is what I call both a perfectionist and a true “artiste.”

James, who is from Croton-on-Hudson in the northern part of Westchester County, NY, de cided at a young age that he wasn’t going to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a plumber. He was in a culinary program in high school and, after about a year in a technical school, found a vacated restaurant location in his hometown and, at age 19, he opened The Malt Shop.

“That was in the 1980s,” James says, “but do you know what was popular in the ‘80s? The ‘50s! So, of course, we had a black-and-white checkered floor, a counter with all the stools, a jukebox in the back...so it was very malt shop-ish.”

By 1990, James sold that restaurant and had an opportunity to sell coffee in Manhattan, which he did for about two years.

“I realized, with my entrepreneurial spirit, ‘Hey, I can do this on my own,” and, for many years, he supplied coffee for the corporate offices of Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis and CNN. “When September 11 happened, I wanted to sell my business and by November of that year, I sold that business and went on my first sabbatical. By June of 2002, I relocated to Florida.”

From 2002-15, his new coffee supply business sold to the likes of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bucs, Morgan & Morgan and many more. “If your

on sabbatical again. I traveled to Germany, Paris, Switzerland and finally said, I’m not yet 50, I can’t just do nothing. I have to find something else.”

So, he opened his first Florida café — Café Liberty Bistro — on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. at Van Dyke Rd. “It was definitely a ‘foodie’ kind of place,” James says, “a place where you’d go to get a short rib grilled cheese (below, right) or waffles loaded with pork belly, sage or chicken...huge waffles.”

Olga, who is from “Da Bronx” (but you’d never know it from her non-NY, Latina accent) also worked with him in the coffee business in Manhattan and moved to Florida with him to work at his coffee business here, By 2020, when James sold the Dale Mabry café just before Covid, he and Olga decided to open a new café in Spring Hill they called Café Connections.

says. “We moved to Spring Hill because the café was there.”

But, the other guy who had bought his Dale Mabry café ended up closing it about a year-anda-half later and said to James, “If you want it back, take it. We’re moving back to India.” Instead of buying it or reopening it, the main thing James wanted from that store was its 5-kilo coffee roasting machine.

But, when Covid happened, instead of keeping the Spring Hill café open, James and Olga sold it and began roasting coffee at home.

“At that time, Olga, who is legally blind, became a cancer survivor,” James says, “so even though we were considered to be an ‘essential business,’ we decided to go ahead and close. It was a blessing in disguise for us, because the coffee

primarily online and appearances at the Market Elaine at The Grove and the Fresh Market at the Shops at Wiregrass, which ended up leading to a Coffee Latitudes kiosk at the mall. After almost four years in business there, they sold the kiosk (which is now closed) a few months ago to focus their energies on the Coffee Latitudes Café, which has now been open for almost a year.

At that time, the “coffee business” was

“We just happened to be visiting this plaza and drove by the place,” Olga says, “and saw that The Juice Factory (the previous tenant) had closed. When we first asked about it, the guy told us that he already had a Letter of Intent to take it over, but ended up calling us back a couple of months later. The first time James saw the brick walls inside, he said, ‘I want to open a café here.’” So, while the 5-kilo coffee roaster is still in their garage, James bought a 10-kilo roaster to have in the store and has been able to expand his already extensive collection of coffees from every coffee-growing region around the world, from Asia to Africa and from South to Central America.

The Coffee

When he first opened, James told me to always ask “What coffee are you brewing today?,” but now, the day’s brews are posted on a chalkboard sign (top right photo on next page) on the counter where you order. Another small chalkboard sign tells you the day’s food specials.

I love all of the Latin American coffees — from Bolivia, Honduras, Costa Rica and even Mexico, and I have been somewhat surprised to also enjoy his Sumatran and Indonesian blends.

James says Coffee Latitudes specializes in organic, chemical free, Fair-Trade coffee from Rotisserie

All photos by

small family farmers, including Flhor Zelaya of Honduras (far right photo), who has been growing coffee in her native country since she was only five years old. Flhor now supports 200 women to harvest her coffee that is not only organic, but also grown by bio-diversity farming. James is proud to sell his huge variety of beans to his ever-growing roster of appreciative customers.

“And, we roast all of the coffee ourselves in the café for the freshest experience,” James says.

He also says that organic loose teas have been another great addition to the Coffee Latitudes expanding beverage menu.

“We serve it in little pots at the table,” he says. “We also get a little geeky with serving coffee pour-overs and French press coffee at your table.”

James also has told me that I have been storing my coffee all wrong at home. I knew that keeping coffee beans (we grind our own at home) in the refrigerator is a no-no, but I thought keeping it in the freezer was better. Wrong again.

“The best way to keep your coffee fresh is in an air-tight container in a cabinet or pantry,” he says. “That way, it doesn’t pick up any smells from the refrigerator or freezer.”

Olga adds, “Our bags of bulk coffee beans all have a valve on the back to only allow air to go out, not in. Our customers love them!”

And, while Coffee Latitudes does offer lattes, cappuccinos, café mochas, affogato cafés (with Italian gelato and fresh roasted espresso that will have you singing “Amore”) and other hot and iced coffee drinks, don’t expect them to taste like those processed, over-sugared drinks from those “S” or “DD” chains. “Even our regular coffee needs less cream and sweetener than you might be used to at home,” James says.

Other drinks include cold brew, chai, matcha organic green and loose leaf teas (hot or iced),

hot chocolate, smoothies, frappes and a variety of “mocktails.”

And Finally...The Food!

James says Coffee Latitudes specializes in “artisanal comfort food for breakfast and lunch.”

For breakfast, he imports croissants from France and “legit” bagels from New York City.

“We bake the croissants and bagels (the latter are ‘par-baked’ in New York and shipped frozen; available in plain, everything, “rainbow” and more) here and offer deluxe egg sandwiches (scrambled, over easy or sunny side up), on your choice of bread (including a ‘New Yorker’ on a Kaiser roll) and choice of meat (bacon or ham). You can even add fresh avocado (like the photo at the bottom far left on the previous page) or have the bagel toasted with butter or cream cheese. Or, enjoy a fresh Belgian waffle topped with chocolate chips, strawberries or blueberries.”

Coffee Latitudes’ best-selling “Afternoon Bite” is the yummy shredded short rib grilled cheese on the previous page. We used this photo to emphasize what James calls “the crown” — that crispy cooked cheddar and smoked gouda cheese blend that runs over the bread and makes not only the taste, but also the visuals, unique.

“You ‘taste’ food with your eyes first, then the aroma and then the bite,” he says.

Our other lunch-time favorites include the triple-decker Turkey Club shown above far left, the Giacomo (Italian for James), a shareable sammi with hot capicola, salami, ham and mortadella with provolone, red onion and Campari tomatoes on Italian bread with Sicilian red pesto. Or, try the Italian-style avocado toast on toasted garlic bread, with avocado, mozzarella, tomato, red onion, a balsamic drizzle and Italian seasoning. There’s also chicken Caesar, tuna, ham or turkey wraps and “You Chef” sandwiches, plus Caesar and other salads.

croissants, along with a variety of pastries and des serts, some of which are made or baked in-house, in two display cases.

‘Soup For You’ & Giving Back, Too!

With apologies to “Seinfeld,” James does make some of the best fresh soups anywhere. Jannah is pretty much addicted to the creamy tomato bisque, served with shredded cheddar cheese and house-made croutons. I constantly have to call the eatery asking what soups they have and if it’s tomato, I have to buy two of them.

One time, when he didn’t have the tomato, Jannah tried James’ creamy broccoli cheddar soup, so she now has two favorites! He also makes a mean, cinnamon-y carrot soup that’s great on a cold day...like we had most of January.

charities with its own “Rise & Shine” program.

“For example,” Olga says, “for St. Patrick’s Day, customers can make a donation to have their name printed on a gold coin or green shamrock in the café’s front window, with all of the proceeds going to a local charity. If you know of a charity in need, stop in and let us know!”

Coffee Latitudes (6431 E. County Line Rd. in New Tampa) is open every day for breakfast, lunch & early dinner, as follows: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about Coffee Latitudes (including a great coupon special), see the ad on pg. 45. Or, call (813) 575-8000 or visit CoffeeLatitudes.com. And please, tell James and Olga that I sent you!

Bubba’s 33 Has You (& Your Steak, Chicken, Fries, Etc.) Covered

By Gary Nager

Managing partner Abby Fletcher says that Bubba’s 33’s menu hasn’t changed much since the Texas Roadhouse-owned sports grill first opened on the south side of S.R. 56 back in early 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic began.

“The fact that we’ve only made minor tweaks to the menu since the restaurant first started (in Fayetteville, NC, back in 2013) means that we’re doing just fine,” Abby says. “We now have about 50 locations and everyone seems to love that our food is almost all made from scratch, unlike most sports bars.”

It’s hard for me to believe that the Wesley Chapel Bubba’s 33 has been open for five full years, but considering that we hosted our “car karaoke” and “parking lot karaoke” events outside of the restaurant during the pandemic — and the fact it is still here and still attracting new custom ers — is clear indication that the Wesley Chapel Bubba’s 33 is doing just fine, thank you!

And, just because the menu hasn’t changed too much over the years, that doesn’t mean that Bubba’s 33 doesn’t keep adding new items. It just means that most of the original menu also is still around and making local diners happy.

So,

What Is New?

Bubba’s 33 is famous for its wings, unique, crisp-crust pizzas, burgers and other sports bar fare, but if you haven’t tried the grilled or espresso-rubbed signature ribeye steaks, they’ve been made even better by adding one of the three new “Bubba Style” toppings — with either bacon and bleu cheese sauce, or with queso, peppers and onions, or with sautéed mushrooms and onions, as shown in the top left photo on this page. I’m not really a big mushroom fan myself, but the mushroom and onion sauté adds a great, buttery flavor, as well as additional tenderness, to an already tender ribeye. My first time trying the grilled ribeye with this topping definitely left me wanting more. The menu also shows the already-tasty Southern Fried Chicken dinner with the queso “Bubba Style” topping, which looks pretty great, too.

As for what else is new, Bubba’s 33 already has had layered cheese fries as an appetizer on its menu, which have not only melted cheese and bacon, but also queso and green onions, but now when you get a side of French fries or tater tots, you can get them topped with cheddar and Jack

which can not be ordered with alcohol (I know because we asked, lol). Left to right in the photo are the Sparkling Berry Bliss, the “coconutty” Tropical Breeze and the Strawberry Cucumber Fizz. Even though “Dry January” may have ended, if you’re trying to continue to at least reduce your alcohol intake, give one or all three of these a try.

Another item that isn’t actually new to the menu but which we tried for the first time is the cheesy spinach dip shown top right on this page. As someone who finds most spinach (or spinach and artichoke) dips too heavy, this Bubba’s 33 spinach dip is a creamy welcome change — especially because it’s served with freshly baked (and grilled) focaccia bread. Charmaine and Jannah both preferred it with the house-made tortilla chips and fresh salsa — Jannah called the salsa “legit” — but the focaccia is excellent, too.

Other favorites of ours include the Bubba’s Bacon Cheeseburger (below), one of ten burgers on the menu (which also includes a black bean & quinoa veggie burger), and the Meaty Meaty Pizza (top photo on next page), which features bacon, homemade Italian sausage, pepperoni and scratch-made tomato sauce. I told Abby that I enjoy Bubba’s pizzas even though they are not truly New York-style, because the sauce, cheese and always-crispy crust are still mighty tasty.

One dish I can’t sample but has become Charmaine’s new favorite at Bubba’s is the creamy

peppers, onions and mushrooms tossed in a semi-spicy chipotle cream sauce and topped with cilantro and parmesan cheese. It’s also served with garlic focaccia bread.

And, Jannah and I still enjoy the Bubba’s lasagna, the Chicken & Bacon Mac & Cheese, the California Chicken (grilled chicken breast topped with avocado, pico de gallo, Jack cheese and scratch-made honey lime sauce, which we order on the side, over garden rice), the Southern Fried Chicken and Fish & Chips (Atlantic cod golden-fried in Sam Adams Boston Lager batter).

Popular appetizers at Bubba’s 33 include the

Dip. There’s also a Combo Appetizer featuring boneless wings with your choice of sauce (see below), the crooked fried cheese and fried pickles served with a trio of sauces.

And of course, Bubba’s offers nine different sauces for its traditional (bone-in) and boneless wings, from hot or mild Buffalo-style to “Kickin’ Teriyaki,” Garlic Parmesan and Cajun spice rub, plus unique options like Habañero Heat, the hot&-sweet “Shotgun” and Raspberry Chipotle. For dessert, the chocolate chip cookie and Oreo® brownie sundaes are both great, as is the Bubba’s cheesecake, especially the “Turtle” style

All photos by Charmaine George

(topped with fudge and caramel). The cheesecake also is offered “plain,” with strawberries and whipped cream, but why bother? (Just kidding!)

The Bubba’s 33 Kids’ Menu ($5.99-$7.99) includes everything from a mini-pizza to a Kids’ Mac & Cheese or Grilled Cheese and many more.

Entertainment, Specials & More

Like most sports bars, Bubba’s 33 has lots of TVs all around the place, but it also usually shows rock and other music videos on some of the screens. And, pretty much every day has either a different food or entertainment special — or both.

For example, there are Burger Mondays, which features all burgers on the menu for just $10.99. Mondays also are “Ditch the Digital” days where you earn a free dessert or appetizer for your next visit if you put your electronics in a pizza box and don’t open the box for the entire meal.

On Tuesdays, any 12” pizza on the menu is just $12.99. The always-fun “Music Bingo” game also is played in the bar area on Tues., between 7 p.m.-9 p.m., with prizes awarded for each round. Wednesday is “Kids Day,” when up to two kids eat for just $0.99 with each adult entrée pur-

chased. Abby says there also usually is a “craft” for kids every Wed. and “Magic Mike” (not the one you’re imagining) performs magic for kids and twists balloon animals some Weds. And, Thursday is Trivia Night, starting at 7 p.m.

Bubba’s 33 also has a “Fan Club” rewards program which includes news and special offers an can earn you FREE food. The restaurant also supports the late Jim Valvano’s “V Foundation” with $1 donated for each “Dickie V” pizza (named for sportscaster and Tampa Bay local Dick Vitale, a close friend of the former North Carolina State coach) sold. Valvano lost his battle with cancer in 1993. Bubba’s 33 also donates $1 for every Patriot Burger sold to Homes For Our Troops, which has provided multiple homes for veterans in Wesley Chapel.

Abby says if you want your food delivered, it “always better to order it direct at Bubbas33. com, which has a flat $5.50 delivery charge and no added fees or higher menu prices.”

Bubba’s 33 (26340 Silver Maple Pkwy.) is open every day for lunch and dinner. For more info, call (813) 522-5090, visit Bubbas33.com or see the ad on pg. 43 for this month’s FREE appetizer (with entrée purchase) coupon special.

Although not everyone is happy about yet another chicken-driven restaurant opening in Wesley Chapel — with Raising Canes, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Chicken Guy! and Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken all opening in our area within a few months of each other — Chick-fil-A may be the one chicken restaurant that most locals still embrace.

Chick-fil-A — which is currently the third most popular fast food restaurant by sales, behind McDonald’s and Starbucks (in that order) — has now gone vertical (photo) on the east side of Curley Rd. (north of Curley’s intersection with Overpass Rd.; see map) across from the

Chick-Fil-A Goes Vertical Across From Epperson

Epperson community, within the Watergrass Master Planned Unit Development. Most of the building’s shell is now in place.

This new sign announcing Chick-fil-A’s latest Wesley Chapel-area location gained quite a bit of attention on social media, as Patricia Elizabeth, who has previously described herself on Facebook as the marketing director for “Chickfil-A Wesley Chapel,” was quick to step into the conversation and give everyone the link to the store’s new Facebook page (created on Jan. 31)and explained that it would be, “Owned and operated locally by the same owner as Chick-fil-A Wesley

Chapel” — the one on S.R. 54 just east of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., on S.R. 56, not the location in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets, as some may have been thinking.

The new Chick-fil-A will be lo cated five miles away, on a 1.9-acre lot appraised at more than $1.28 million.

According to Patricia, despite being located in Watergrass, the new store is being called “Chick-fil-A Epperson Ranch FL,” because it was named by corporate. However, she has been assuring everyone that, “We are happy to be a part of both neighborhoods!” She also announced that the newest Chick-fil-A should be open by the end of May.

WESLEY CHAPEL

Rita’s Italian Ice’s Grand Opening Begins ‘Food Truck Fridays’ At Avalon Park WC

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (APWC)’s downtown area is continuing the community’s tradition of great open-to-the-community events. Case in point — on Jan. 24, franchise owners Antoine and Idalice Stokes of Rita’s Italian Ice in the first APWC downtown building celebrated the store’s official Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting and a free Italian ice and frozen custard giveaway that attracted hundreds of well-wishers and frozen treat fans, as the line wrapped around a large part of The Flats at Avalon Park Apartments building for most of the afternoon.

That event, which also included a DJ, a fire truck from Pasco County Fire Rescue, District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman and the Cypress Creek Cheerleaders, as well as a Justice League-themed inflatable from Luc’s Inflatables for the kids, was paired with APWC’s first “Fourth Friday Food Truck Rally” event.

At least four food trucks were on hand for this first rally, including Westchase BBQ (photo below left), Pane Piatto Pizza (below right), Taco Holic and Nacho Wagon. APWC, which continues to have individual food trucks in the downtown area on many Mondays and Thursdays, will host its next Food Truck Rally on Friday, February 28, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., which will include (please note that others may still be added) Logan’s Smoke House, Wich Press and Tampa Burger Co. For more info about Avalon Park

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Whether or not you were one of the midwestern U.S. natives who lost your minds when it was first announced that Portillo’s Hot Dogs was coming to “somewhere near” the Tampa Premium Outlets, you had a recent chance (on Jan. 26) to check out the Chicago fave in person at the main entrance to the outlet mall.

The Portillo’s “Beef Bus” sat at the mall’s main entrance from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. that day, but a lot fewer people than I expected showed up to sample the Chicago-style hot dogs, chili dogs, crinkle-cut fries and Italian beef sandwiches than I expected, probably because there wasn’t much promoting of it beforehand (at least not that I saw).

When photographer Charmaine George and I visited shortly after the Beef Bus first arrived that day, there were no lines whatsoever, but we immediately posted some pics and announced that even if you didn’t show up that day, you could still grab one of the “BOGO” cards (valid at any Florida Portillo’s, including the closest location on E. Fowler Ave., in front of the University Mall) that the restaurant’s marketing crew was giving away that day. They gave us about 50 of the cards, which we mentioned in our Facebook post and asked our readers/ followers to direct message me to say “I Love Portillo’s” in order to be sent one of the cards in the mail. At our press time,

we still had about 20 left, so if you want one, send me an email with “I Love Porti llo’s” in the subject line and we’ll mail you one, too, while my small supply lasts!

Our new friends at the Portillo’s Beef Bus don’t know when or for sure where Portillo’s will open (or they at least didn’t say if they did know), but we have now been told by employees of Rock & Brews, which fronts S.R. 56 in front of the mall, that the KISS-inspired restaurant will close by May 1 of this year, when Portillo’s will begin the process of revamping the Rock & Brews building in anticipation of opening the Lutz/Wesley Chapel Portillo’s before the end of 2025. In the meantime, I hope you will

Raising Cane’s Opens On S.R. 56, But Is It (Finally) Our Area’s Last Chicken Place?

Raising Cane’s, the Baton Rouge, LAbased fast casual fried chicken chain founded by Todd Graves in 1996 that serves only fried chicken fingers (also available on a sandwich), crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and cole slaw (right), opened as previously announced in the print editions of the Neighborhood News on Jan. 28 at 25952 S.R. 56, Lutz, next to Rock & Brews. And, based on the crowds that were still filling the parking lot more than a week later, we know people are excited about it!

Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I were there on opening day and we also attended the restaurant’s soft pre-opening VIP event on Jan. 27 and I have to say that we were all pretty impressed. Yes, the menu is simple, but it’s done right — the chicken fingers are lightly seasoned (NOT at all spicy!), super-crispy outside and moist on the inside. The fries also are crispy and tasty (and seemingly not seasoned, other than lightly salted, which I appreciate), the Texas toast is legit and the cole slaw is creamy and has just a hint of sweetness.

were not among those “Grand Prize” winners.

If you only like spicy chicken, this is not the place for you, as even the Thousand Island-style “Cane’s sauce” offers no heat at all. But, if you like your chicken extra crispy and tasty, Raising Cane’s is definitely worth visiting!

As for opening day, 20 of the first 100 people in line (top right photo) on Jan. 28 received free Raising Cane’s for a year, but yours truly was saddened by the fact that Wesley Chapel residents (and sisters) Scarlett Sponberg and Fallon

Even though Raising Cane’s marketing rep Stephanie Wielinski (in red in photo below) made it clear to everyone on line that being first didn’t guarantee receiving one of the top prizes, Realtor® Chad Emory of Emorys Rock Realty (visit EmorysRockRealty.com) and I didn’t think that was fair, so we went ahead and pur chased enough gift cards to cover one year of free Raising Cane’s for those dedicated young ladies. Scarlett (left in photo) did receive a nice gift basket for being first in line, but Chad and I felt that just wasn’t enough for her and her sister!

Raising Cane’s gets props for providing a check for $1,000 to Wiregrass Ranch High (photo below), which brought along its cheerleading squad and other athletes to celebrate the donation. For more info about Raising Cane’s, call

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PURE SHINE CLEANING Office & House Cleaning Services! Carpet cleaning, too! Free estimates. We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. FamilyOwned & Operated. Wesley Chapel Resident. Weekly/ Bi-Weekly/1-Time Cleaning/Move-In/Move-Out & Deep-Cleaning Svcs. Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813-462-1270.

CLEANSWEEP CLEANING CO, LLC. Fully licensed/ bonded, 8 years exp, satisfaction guarantd. Prof’l staff. On-time. We can bring our own products or use yours, if you prefer. Christian-based, family-owned company that lives in New Tampa, serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Call (813) 340-0908 for a no-obligation free quote. Ask for John.

MISCELLANEOUS

PHOTOGRAPHERS & CREATIVES: Looking for a photo studio space in New Tampa? We offfer a weatherproof, luxury exp. for your clients in this 705-sq-ft creative space. Natural light, white walls & light laminate floors make the space bright & airy. Studio lighting, props, furniture, paper & cloth backdrops & more avail. Book/inquire online: Jessicabuttererphoto.com/ rent-the-studio or call Jessica 914-844-2894

Were you self-employed during 2020 and 2021? If so, the IRS is giving out refunds — get your money in only 2 weeks. It takes only 10 minutes to find out how! Call 813-784-2243.

SHARPENING SERVICE. Knives, Scissors & Garden Tools. Prices/Svcs & Calendar of venues available @ mmsharpening.com. Every Friday, 9am-4pm, through March 2025. NEW LOCATION: @ Harvey’s Hardware (Case Knives), 5400 Land O’Lakes Blvd., LOL. Contact M&M SHARPENING, Mark Bertsche @ 518-260-5916.

CNA/HHA & Companion. Will provide private care in your home. 25+ years of exp. References available upon request. Call Rhonda at 850-586-1868.

Prof’l Resume Guru & Consulting Services LLC. Ready to unlock your full career potential? At PRG, we specialize in resumes, cover letters, residency statements, editing & much more! Transform your documents into a powerful tool that gets you noticed! Contact us today @ 813-405-5065 or email resume_guru@outlook.com.

Equip yourself with the skills to stay safe! Register for 2A Rated Training for self-defense training classes. Our NRA-Certified Instructors provide training to help you gain confidence & proficiency to protect yourself & loved ones responsibly. Don’t compromise your safety. Train w/us! Visit 2ARatedTraining.com or Email: info@2ARatedTraining.com to get registered.

RAYSPHOTOGRAPHS LLC! Do you have a special occasion/moment you’d like to capture? Specializing in weddings, engagements, portraits, headshots & events, let me capture the moments that matter most to you! Visit raysphotographs.com for samples. Call/text (813) 380-2655 or email ray@raysphotographs.com. Mention this ad & receive 20% off!

Hughes School of Music accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory w/a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also avail.! Contact us at 813-748-3216.

Seeking Housekeeper (one person, not a cleaning service) once a week. Good pay. References required, for a lovely, clean environment inside Saddlebrook. Call 941.445.0719.

FOR SALE: Brand New, Complete Boy Scout Uniforms for Sale. Boys clothes size 10-14, shoes, plus new roller skates & ice skates. Dishes & many household articles. A 10x30 shed full of flea market items, will sell all very reasonable. Cartop carrier, professional bicycles, kayak, doggie furniture, crates feeder & much more. Call 813-297-1456.

If You Can’t Afford A Display Ad, But You Still Want Your Business To Reach 180,000+ People In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, Check This Out!

Our Classified Ads Are A Great Deal: 7 Issues (3 mos.)-$120 13 Issues (6 mos.)-$200 26 Issues (1 yr.)-$300! Visit NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email your ad to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Pay for your ad by calling 813.910.2575.