New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 26, Issue 9, April 20, 2018

Volume 26 Issue 9 April 20, 2018

Inside:

Recapping The 2018 Taste Of New Tampa!

See Pages 3 & 10-12!

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The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993!

For the complete list of the neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in New Tampa (zip code 33647), see page 50!

GOING

GREEN Green & Boutique Grocers Are All The Craze & New Tampa Is Finally Close To Landing One.

BY JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

(Above) A customer checks out the produce at the Trader Joe’s in South Tampa.

Hillsborough County District 2 commissioner Victor Crist, who represents the New Tampa area and who also is a Hunter’s Green resident, says he hears from constituents all the time about the possibility of bringing a trendy “green” or boutique grocer to the area.

The first constituent he heard from?

His wife.

“When we moved out of Temple Terrace 10 years ago, the first thing she had a problem with was no green grocery stores,” Comm. Crist says.

“That was the first constituent to mention it, my own wife. Since then, there’s been other neighbors and friends who have asked about it as well.

I have gotten a lot of feedback, and it’s all been very positive.”

The desire for a green grocer in our distribution areas has not abated. But, the realization of one is finally getting closer.

The plans for The Village at Hunter’s Lake project, to be located across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from the Hunter’s Green community, include plans for a muchdesired green grocer, something many feel is sorely lacking in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

The Village at Hunter’s Lake, however, still has not yet broken ground.

According to Mike Kinsella, the senior VP and senior market officer for Regency Centers, the project is still going through an extensive permitting process. It is waiting on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for final approval, a process that has been delayed following the hurricanes last summer that caused some of the engineers to be deployed to Puerto Rico and elsewhere.

See “Green Grocers” on pg. 4.

The “Buying in Bulk” section at Whole Foods on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood.

News: Business: News: Sports: Business & INSIDE MichaelBruce PhelpsB.To Appear AtNews,Former Make Market Technologies Your Surprise!

Downs (BBD) Wharton High Football Also Inside INSIDE Crystal Grand Opening!

New Careerfor & NFL More!DraftBlvd. IsLagoon Our Area’s Worst Road Players Declare Education Updates Page3-17 16 This Issue:Pages

Pages 22-33 34-37 Pages 3-32

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More On The Taste & A Little Primer On How & Why We Print Corrections An editorial by Gary Nager

There are a lot of people to thank for the 2018 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel on March 25. If you attended it, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I (and 2,500 or so of my closest friends) did. If not, well, you truly missed something special, as this issue’s recap on pages 10-12 & 50 indicates.

First of all, president Karen Frashier and her committee from her Rotary Club of New Tampa (New Tampa’s “breakfast” Rotary) deserve a thunderous round of applause for more than doubling last year’s net proceeds to be donated to the club’s own charitable foundation, which re-donates tens of thousands of dollars a year to local nonprofit groups.

There also surely will be additional money to give to the North Tampa Bay (formerly the Greater Wesley Chapel) Chamber of Commerce, which owns the rights to the “Taste of New Tampa” name and has now “rented” it to the Rotary Club the last two years — and it does appear that the “marriage” is working. The Chamber received $1,100 of last year’s Taste proceeds to benefit its high school scholarship fund and that number surely will go up by probably double when this year’s final Taste numbers have been crunched.

I also want to thank Lisa Hickey, who (like me) is a member of the New Tampa Noon Rotary Club, which this year will receive $1,000 of the Taste proceeds as a thank-you to me for my efforts as the Taste restaurant chair again this year, as well as for Lisa managing the volunteers who worked the front desk at the 2018 event. Lisa ended up not getting to sample any food at the

New Tampa Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Marketing/Advertising Representative Tom Damico Advertising Sales & Office Assistant Jannah McDonald Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Brad Stager • Andy Warrener WCNT-tv Video Producers/Editors Gavin Olsen • Giuliano Ferrara Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Stephanie Vokes Flischel Office Assistant & Mentor “Wild Bill” Peterseim

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

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 26, Issue 11, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, May 7, 2018.

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

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event, as she stayed at that desk the entire four hours and made sure that this other Rotary Club took in as much money as possible at the gate. I was confident that Lisa was up to a very difficult task and she more than came through (as I fully expected). Thanks so much, Lisa.

I also want to thank Gordie Zimmermann and George Mitchell of ZMitch, LLC, which built and operates Florida Hospital Center Ice, for again allowing the Taste to be held on Rink C, where a specially-designed, insulated floor keeps the temp inside that one rink at least 20-30 degrees warmer than the rest of the facility. I know I never want to have to deal with the elements for a major event like this again and Gordie and Karen have already come to an agreement for the date of next year’s Taste — on Sunday, March 17.

Yes, that is St. Patrick’s Day and I am concerned that competing with the area’s Irish bars for attendees on St. Pat’s Sunday could be problematic. At least the Rotary Club knows way in advance what it will likely be dealing with next year.

I also want to personally thank proprietor Dave Rathbun at Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms for hosting the Taste post-party at Stonewood for the second year in a row.

Even though I’ve yet to close the deal on Stonewood appearing at the Taste, Dave has provided amazing appetizers (like grilled shrimp I unfortunately can’t eat, tender steak bites, bruschetta, wings and more — as well as an elegant, comfortable venue — for 30-40 attendees, including sponsors, volunteers and Taste committee members after each of the last two Tastes. My appreciation for the efforts of Dave (who actually did some of the serving himself) and his staff needed to be noted in these pages, too.

But, most of all, I would like to thank Taste logistics chair and my friend Matt Palmer. Matt is a member of the New Tampa breakfast club and he has been handling the layout and all of the electrical needs for the event for probably a dozen years.

Matt (photo above, at our Taste table) tweaked this year’s layout somewhat, in order to fit the additional vendors and multiple sponsor vehicles (for the first time) that also

needed space on the floor, while still allowing for that much-needed traffic flow.

In fact, it may have been a mistake on my part, as the restaurant chair, that we put my friends Carl and Jessica Meyers of the oh-sopopular Little Italy’s at the first booth when patrons walked in the event’s only entrance, but otherwise, everything seemed to go smoothly and everyone who needed an electrical hookup had power the entire Taste.

Bravo yet again, Matt. I can’t imagine anyone ever doing this event without your help.

So, Here’s A Correction & A Little About Why We Print Them

Anytime I get to thinking I’ve got everything figured out, something just has to remind me that everyone who works at the Neighborhood News is a human being who can and will make mistakes.

Thankfully, in my 24 years of owning and editing this magazine, we’ve made precious few major mistakes that cost us or our advertisers any money, but anytime an advertiser says, “I want you to print a correction” for something in any of our multiple Business Features every issue, I generally will comply.

To that end, we actually had mistakes in two separate business stories last month. In staff writer Celeste McLaughlin’s story about the Allergy Tampa office of Drs. Lockey, Fox, Ledford, Glaum & Cho, we somehow left out the bio of Dr. Roger Fox, who also is a highly experienced and well-trained allergist. Neither Celeste nor I meant to slight to Dr. Fox and we apologize for the mistake.

I hope you’ll call my friends at Allergy Tampa at (813) 971-9743 and tell them “Mistake Man” sent you.

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Table of Contents

Local News Updates.....................3-18 Few Attend Wharton High Community Meetings.....6 Ground Is Broken On Tampa Fire Station No. 23.......8 Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Recap....10-12 Phelps To Highlight Crystal Lagoon Opening........16 Overpass Rd. Funding Not Vetoed By Gov. Scott....17 New Tampa Community Calendar...............................18

Local Business Updates..............22-34

Market Technologies Wants To Hire You!.............. 22 SPOTLIGHT ON: Neighborhood Pools...............23 The Name Better Realty Services Says It All............24 SPOTLIGHT ON: Discovery Village At Tampa Palms.....25 Farina Orthodontics Expands To The Cube!...........26 Family Of Christ Builds A Strong Foundation........30 Medi-Weightloss — 46,000 Lbs. Lost & Counting!..32

Local Sports Updates........................35 Flag Football Team Catching On At Wharton

Neighborhood Magazine

Congrats To Wharton’s Top Students Of 2018...37 ‘Idol’ Dreams End For Zach D’Onofrio................40 Vallarta’s Remains A Popular Choice For Cinco.... 44 Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes.........46 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds..........48 Taste Of New Tampa ‘Faces In The Crowd’............50 @NTWCNews

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3

‘Going Green’

Continued from Page 1 But, the plans haven’t changed -- a green grocer is still coming.

“Obviously, there is a big need in the community,” says Kinsella, who declined comment when asked if a grocer has already signed a contract to build at Hunter’s Lake.

The Villages at Hunter’s Lake will include a 30,000-sq.ft. New Tampa Cultural Center, a 214-unit multi-family project called The Haven at Hunter’s Lake and a community park with a dog park and a retail strip center, in addition to the green grocer.

When Hillsborough County approved the $2.02-million sale of the 17.6 acres of land for the Hunter’s Lake project in 2014, it was done with an eye towards finally building a cultural center for the area. But, Crist says he also envisioned the kind of boutique shops that would make the area stand out from others, including a unique grocery store in an area dominated by Publix.

“It’s something we’ve been working on for five years and it’s great to see it coming to fruition,” Crist says. “We want to fill it with unique and specialty beauty, health and entertainment venues that are different from the usual that you would find everywhere else.”

One of the two Tampa-area Nutrition Smart green grocery stores is located on BBD in Wesley Chapel (across from the Shoppes at New Tampa Plaza, just south of S.R. 56), but it is a smaller location without the variety of groceries and prepared foods offered by the more popular green grocers, like Whole Foods, Sprouts and Trader Joe’s.

But Whole Foods and Sprouts, as well as Fresh Market, are located in Carrollwood, while while Trader Joe’s and Greenwise -Publix’s own spinoff green grocery store -- are in South Tampa.

Most likely by the end of the year, Earth Fare, an Asheville, NC-based green grocer with current locations in Oldsmar and Seminole, will be the nearest green grocer for New Tampa residents, as it is currently under construction at the corner of Wesley Chapel Blvd. and S.R. 56.

That store in Wesley Chapel will help scratch an itch residents there have had for years, judging by the myriad posts on Facebook and other social media clamoring for a (mostly) organic grocer.

“I think overall, I could speak for State of Florida and say the competitive nature of the green grocer concept is more significant today than it has ever been,” Kinsella says. “There are a lot of candidates out there.”

The reason is simple -- people are more aware of their health than ever before, creating a more determined quest for better, cleaner, more natural foods.

“I think people are trying to eat more healthy,” Kinsella says. “They are looking for something different.”

Asked if he has a preference for which green grocer lands at Hunter’s Lake, Crist says “Any one of the big three would be fine.”

Here’s a brief description of some potential options for a green grocer in New Tampa.

WHOLE FOODS (closest current locations are at 3802 Northdale Blvd. and 1548 N. Florida Ave.) — Whole Foods might be the biggest name on the green grocer landscape, dubbing itself “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store,” and the fact that Amazon paid $14-billion for the company last year backs up its popularity. (P.S. You can even order on Amazon and pick up your favorites at a station 4

at the Whole Foods in Carrollwood) You are greeted at the Carrollwood store by a display of healthy cleaning products, which you walk by on your way to a wall of bulk organic products that you may have to Google — Spelt berries hulled, buckwheat Sprouts offers a sprawling layout of nearly 200 organic fruits and vegetables (above) groats and paleo while Fresh Market has plenty of coffee choices. coconola, to selection of craft beers. And surprisingly, it name a few. And naturally, there are multiple offers a pretty popular selection of frozen types of quinoa. items, including macaroni & cheese and fish.

Whole Foods offers a huge variety of Maybe it’s the fresh cut flowers at the entrance mixed salads to take home, and the most imthat put everyone in such a good mood, but pressive selection of mushrooms and bagged Trader Joe’s seemed like a pretty happy place. salads and spinach you will find. You won’t We can see why so many people fill out online find things like Ragu spaghetti sauce, but will petitions in an effort to bring one to their area. pay four times as much for Rao’s homemade You can sign a petition here: marinara. In fact, you won’t find many, if any, of the name brands you are used to purchasing https://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/ (unlike Fresh Market, where you can also pick location-request.

The store on Swann Ave. is small, and the up, say, a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch). parking is terrible. But, Trader Joe’s remains All the eggs at Whole Foods (and most an extremely popular locale for South Tampa’s of the other green grocers) are from cage-free reputedly chic locals. hens. The store also offers wines from nearly a dozen countries, and the selection of meats FRESH MARKET (13147 N. Dale and cheeses is wide-ranging.

Mabry Hwy.) — Fresh Market definitely Almost every green grocer we visited has seemed to have the highest prices of any of an olive bar, but one of the things that really the green grocers we visited, including Whole sets Whole Foods apart is its salad, soup and Foods, which is saying something. hot, prepared food bars. The Carrollwood location’s featured “Country of the Day” when we visited was Indonesia, which included curried jackfruit and rendang beef, or one could grab some Indian fare like Chicken Biryani or Cashew Chicken Curry, along with Latin, European and homestyle food offerings as well.

There also is a section for all natural vitamins and medicines. You might need to buy some to help cure your sticker shock.

The stores offer hot, ready-made foods in the back, and it all looked delicious, but the prices weren’t right. Is $12.99 for a pound of roasted carrots a bit much? Best to scout for weekly deals.

The Carrollwood Fresh Market store was dimly lit — certainly the least festive of the green grocers we visited — but the cuts of meat were visually appealing and tempting, and the selection of coffees and huge jars of candies nearly made for an impulse buy.

But again, it felt like better deals could be had elsewhere, and the selection of organic and natural foods just didn’t stack up to the others in this story. And, as we mentioned earlier, they even had Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which just seemed weird.

We’ll keep you posted with any updates.

SPROUTS Farmer’s Market (15110 N. Dale Mabry Ave. in the Carrollwood Commons shopping plaza; a new location also opened in February in Valrico) — Phoenixbased Sprouts lacks the polish of Whole Foods, but its open floor plan helps it succeed in providing more of a farmer’s market feel than the other green grocers. In fact, the first thing you will notice when you walk in is a wide expanse of fruits and vegetables, most reasonably priced and much cheaper than at other green outlets. A sign told us that the day we visited that the store had more than 186 items of organic produce available that day.

Sprouts also offers more than 300 varieties of bulk items, including wooden barrels of nuts and large containers of things like dried turkish apricots, as well as a nice selection of fresh meats and fish and breads.

TRADER JOE’S (3808 W. Swann Ave.) — Because of all the hype surrounding Trader Joe’s, we expected higher prices. But, not so. In fact, we hadn’t planned on buying anything but some things — like the broccoli, green peppers, mangoes, some cereals and crackers and breads — were priced right and were too much to resist (and someone may have snuck a pack of bratwurst made with Trader Joe’s brand bock beer into the cart).

The Tampa store has a number of unique organic items, inexpensive wines and a wide

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Safety & Fighting The Primary Topics At Five Local Wharton Meetings

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com

In response to community concerns about violence and increased law enforcement at Wharton High earlier this year, school administration and district officials held a series of five meetings — at Turner Bartels K-8 school, Hunter’s Green (HGE) and Heritage elementary schools and Van Buren and Benito middle schools — between April 4 and April 11.

Designed to be smaller, more intimate gatherings where parents could ask questions freely, the meetings were attended by what could hardly be called “crowd” — in fact, a fraction of the hundreds of parents who showed up back in February for a larger meeting held on campus at Wharton were at the five meetings combined.

The meetings were led by principal Brad Woods, who, in a strange twist, announced his resignation from Wharton after 10 years at the school the morning after the final meeting at Benito.

In addition to Woods, the school’s six assistant principals and district staff –— including Area 3 superintendent Dr. Anna Brown, who oversees Wharton and all of the New Tampa-area Hillsborough County public schools, and former HGE principal Kristin Tonelli, who is now the Area 3 leadership coach –— attended all five. New Tampa-area Hillsborough District 3 School Board member Cindy Stuart attended all but one.

At the New Tampa-area meetings, attendance varied.

Administrators outnumbered parents 7-4 at the Heritage meeting, by far the least attended. The meetings at Hunter’s Green and Benito had about 30 parents each; roughly 20 were at Turner Bartels.

Some parents in attendance did express concern about the low turnout.

“I’d love to see more parents here,” said Jennifer Brooks, a Wharton parent.

But, administrators say their goal was to connect with the parents who did show up, no matter how many there were.

“It didn’t matter if the turnout was (L.-r.) Wharton High principal Brad Woods talks large or small,” Tonelli said after the to a few parents at Heritage Elementary as Area 3 last meeting. “We knew the community leadership coach Kristin Tonelli & athletic direchad questions and we wanted to provide tor Eddie Henderson look on. answers.” meeting at Benito, Woods announced that Woods stressed at each meeting that the new dispensers had been installed. school officials had heard from parents He also addressed the issue of the on issues like better communication and smell of marijuana coming from the 100 student support, and improving school Hall bathrooms at two of the meetpride, which could include things like ings. Woods reported that a teacher beautification. reported the smell to the office earlier A request has been made to have last week, and when no one was found Wharton painted, but the cost could be in the restroom at the time, administra$225,000 and the School Board would tors reviewed security video and searched have to approve funding for that project. students seen going into or coming out of A campus clean-up and beautification day the bathroom during that time. will be held on Saturday, April 28.

One student who was found with Parents and community members are invited to attend, although details on time marijuana was suspended and arrested.

While administrators insist proband exactly what improvements will be made were not available at our press time. lems at the school stem from both local students who attend Wharton from New Woods explained at the first meeting Tampa’s 33647 zip code and those who that new soap dispensers were being orare bused in from outside of it, Woods dered that could not be as easily removed from the walls. Apparently, some students reported that one parent has met with School Board member Cindy Stuart to would empty the dispensers so that it was propose new boundaries for Wharton, difficult to keep them filled. At the last

beginning a long process that could potentially end in rezoning at some point in the future.

Parents seemed to be reassured that the violence that was prevalent on campus a few months ago had calmed down. So, questions turned to issues of safety.

“We have your prized possessions here,” Woods said, adding that at Wharton, the perimeter of the school is being examined, and changes have been made to keep the students safer, such as opening and closing gates as needed, rather than leaving a gate open all day.

“It’s comforting to hear they’re managing the fighting situation and bringing it down to a normal level,” said Dale Miller, whose two children attend Wharton.

Following the final meeting at Benito on April 11, Brooks echoed the sentiments of several parents who attended the meeting. “I think they’re moving in the right direction,” she says. “I don’t expect everything to be fixed overnight, but I want to be kept in the loop.”

She says her 10th-grade daughter loves Wharton and she has no hesitations about her eighth-grade daughter attending the school next year.

“My two questions for any school are always, will you be safe, and will you be challenged?,” said Brooks. “The answer at Wharton is yes (to both).”

Brooks’ friend Christine Bonatakis has a daughter in eighth grade who will attend Wharton last year. “We have lots of friends and neighbors who attend Wharton and they’re happy,” Bonatakis said. “I feel very comfortable with my decision.”

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7

Tampa Fire Station No. 23 Taking Shape On County Line Rd.

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com As new homes and apartments continue to pop up in New Tampa, the City of Tampa is delivering on its promise to keep new residents safe.

Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) Station No. 23 is on its way.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and TFR Chief Thomas Forward were among those on hand on April 9 as ground was broken on the new station, albeit ceremoniously, as the building located in the Grand Hampton area at Trout Creek Dr. and County Line Rd. has already begun to take form.

It is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“This is one of the things I like to do,” said Mayor Buckhorn at the groundbreaking ceremony, “to prepare for the next generation in our community, the next chapter in Tampa history, the next chapter in New Tampa. We’re happy to make this investment. It’s a great day for New Tampa.”

Buckhorn, who has presided over five fire stations being built or rehabilitated since becoming mayor in 2011, praised District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera for his diligence in getting the $1.4 million (of 2018 Community Investment Tax proceeds) earmarked for the station’s completion.

Viera says it was past time to build New Tampa’s fourth fire station, and first since 2012, considering the continued growth of new homes and apartments in the area. For example, the Tampa City Council authorized nearly 800 new homes roughly 18 months ago for K-Bar Ranch (although most of the calls from that area will be handled by Station 22 near Morris Bridge Rd. (see below).

Not only is Fire Station No. 23 located right down County Line Rd. from Grand Hampton’s 900 or so homes, as well as another 480 apartment units at Colonial Grand at Hampton Preserve, it also will help take some of the pressure off the existing Stations No. 21 and 22, both of which are located on Cross Creek Blvd.

“It just gets down to the basic idea that as you have expanding communities like we’ve had in New Tampa, you have

Tampa City Council member Luis Viera (above) & Mayor Bob Buckhorn (below right) tell the crowd about the need for the new Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 23 on County Line Rd. (Above right) An aerial view of the fire station’s progress (Photo courtesy of Alton Brieske). to build basic local government respons- new District Fire Chief, who will coordinate responses between all four of New es for the needs of those local families,” Tampa’s fire stations (including Station Viera says. “We’ve been building more and more neighborhoods out here, but No. 20 in Tampa Palms (see Community not building local government responses Calendar on pg. 18). for the people moving in.”

With more homes and apartments Back in 2008, Tampa originally coming, Chief Forward said the timing of a bought the 2.2 acres of land for Station new fire station couldn’t be any better.

23 for $1.2 million, but the recession “Fire Station 23 will definitely enput plans to actually build it on hold. hance the response in this (area),” Penny said. “We have been looking at runs and The fire station is part of the city’s $120.3-million Capital Improvement Pro- looking at the response packages, and we could not ask for this station to come in gram (CIP), which is addressing many of and provide….service at a better time. By the recession-induced deferred infrastructure projects. Another fire station, No. 24, putting this in place...we absolutely ensure is planned for the K-Bar Ranch area, but it that the (New Tampa) area will realize that exact same level of emergency response as hasn’t received funding yet.

Fire Station 23 will house nearly 40 the rest of our greater Tampa area.” firefighters, an engine company, a truck company and a rescue unit.

“The rescue car is one of the most important things for this area because the majority of our calls are not fire calls, they are medical calls,” said TFR public information officer Jason Penny. “The brand new unit will do wonders for the people of this area.”

While the Tampa Fire Rescue Training Division is located in Palmetto Beach, Penny said the new station also will have a separate building that will serve as a training area for potential firefighters. It will be the only fire station that has a standalone detached classroom/meeting area.

“This gives the whole district an area where they can train,” Penny said.

Also, Station 23 will be home to a

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‘Best Food Ever, Most Fun Ever!’

There’s No Doubt That The Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Was The Tastiest Ever. But, Don’t Just Take It From Someone Who’s Been To All But One Of Them...

T

By GARY NAGER

HIS ONE WAS MAGICAL!

When the Rotary Club of New Tampa revived the Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel last year, I was proud to be the restaurant guy who procured 46 food and beverage providers and helped promote the 2017 return of my favorite 20-year-old single-day event in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel in these pages and on WCNT-tv (Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Television on Youtube & Facebook).

Rotary Club president and Taste organizer Karen Frashier — who also ran the show last year when an (Above) Florida Hospital Center Ice’s Rink estimated total crowd (including vendors and volunC was packed for all four hours of the 2018 teers) of about 2,000 people helped the club net about Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. (Below, $10,000 for its own charitable foundation (more on right) Rotary Club of New Tampa & Taste that below) and about $1,000 to benefit the Greater committee member James Carner, with his Wesley Chapel (now North Tampa Bay) Chamber of friend and guitar virtuoso Shaun Hopper & Commerce (NTBCC)’s high school scholarship fund Zammy the Giant Sheepadoodle, the event’s — was truly stunned at how much bigger and better surprise shining star.(Below, left) Little Italy’s this year’s Taste was than last year.

“Based on our ticket sales, we estimate the crowd Family Restaurant finished second for the this year at more than 2,000 attendees and close to Taste’s “People’s Choice” award, and definitely 2,500 people overall,” Frashier said only three days had the longest line of any restaurant. after the event. “We don’t have final numbers yet, but we definitely more than doubled last year’s net proceeds.”

Whether you chalk it up to the Rotary Club having a year of experience under its belt, the even better restaurants, the even more outstanding entertainment — everyone loved the virtuoso guitar work of Shaun Hopper and taking pics with Zammy the Giant Sheepadoodle — or the bigger promotional bump the Taste got from our Mar. 23 New Tampa issue (where the preview started on pg. 1) hitting mailboxes in zip code 33647 two days before it, Taste 2018 was pure magic.

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S D

t t s t l c t y h

s b C e L l t 3

p w R b d R t z N M P

t T a p p q e a T t v s

F G a m c P

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Superlative Food & Drinks!

Although I honestly believe that there were at least a dozen other restaurants (in addition to the 43 that showed up) that planned to be at this year’s Taste, including several of last year’s participants who simply couldn’t get themselves together in time, I have no doubt at all that this year’s food was the best in the 22-year history of the Taste.

Yes, there were the superlative samples of three different bowls served

by People’s Choice 1st-place winner Ciccio Cali, the lasagna, meatballs and eggplant parmigiana from 2nd Place Little Italy’s (which had by far the longest lines of any restaurants all afternoon) and the crispy Brussels sprouts appetizer from 3rd Place Noble Crust.

I also thought that Vesh Catering’s potsticker dumplings and chopped salad were both outstanding, as were Texas Roadhouse’s ribs and steak bites. Canterbury Hall at Grace Episcopal Church served delicious salmon mousse cups provided by Rotary Club member Peter Gambacorta of the Private Chef of Tampa. And, Acai Brazil, Bosco’s Italian-to-Go, Cinebistro, Jon’s Nutrition, Union 72 BBQ, Cappy’s Pizza Minerva Indian Restaurant, Wok Chi and Publix all offered tasty samples, too.

The beverage competition came down to the three beer providers — The Brass Tap, Zephyrhills Brewing Co. (2nd place), and 81 Bay Brewing (1st place), and wine providers PRP Wine, Time for Wine (3rd place), Vom Fass (which also brought, and quickly went through, a giant tray of paella I couldn’t try because of my shellfish allergy, but it looked amazing) and Chuy’s Tex-Mex, which is opening on S.R. 56 later this month. Chuy’s only served chips with very spicy salsa for food but everyone who sampled the sangria raved about it.

As for the dessert providers, Happy Cow Frozen Yogurt, Blondie’s Cookies, Leann’s Gourmet Cookies, Culver’s frozen custard and Snowrolls ice cream all deserve high marks, with Snowrolls ice cream and Culver’s custard my favorites, although there was no People’s Choice dessert winner named.

Rotary Club of New Tampa president Karen Frashier explained that the People’s Choice food and beverage honors went to the providers who had a combination of the most actual People’s Choice votes and the number of Taste tickets they collected from patrons who sampled their wares.

It may have been an imperfect, some-

what subjective system, but I have to give major kudos to all 43 of our food and beverage providers who showed up, as well as to Rotary Club members Nikki Smith and David West, who figured a way to donate any leftover food to local food banks and shelters, although there was definitely less food left over than last year.

SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY

(Top row) Ciccio Cali won the People’s Choice award at the 2018 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel with its trio of delicious mini-bowls. In addition to Ciccio’s, the other Pilot Bank People’s Choice award winners were (middle row, l.-r.) 1st place beverage winner 81 Bay Brewing, 2nd place beverage winner Zephyrhills Brewing Co. & 3rd place beverage winner Time for Wine. The 2nd- and 3rd-place food favorites were the huge samples of lasagne, eggplant parm & meatball from Little Italy’s & the amazing Brussels sprouts from Noble Crust (see pg. 45).

SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY

SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY

2441 Oak Myrtle Lane | Suite 101 | Wesley Chapel | Behind Tower Radiology in the Transformations building www.360DermatologyTampa.com | 813-406-4835 | Follow us on Neighborhood News

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2018 Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Recap — Sponsors, Entertainment & More!

When I first heard that guitarist Shaun Hopper was going to be the headline entertainer at the Taste, I honestly had never heard of him, even though he’s toured with several major bands.

But now, I know for fact that not only is the guy a gifted guitarist and performer, he also is a truly caring gentleman. Shaun told me that when he saw Zammy the Giant Sheepadoodle (check him out at #ZammyPup on Instagram) lumbering around the insulated floor at Florida Hospital Center Ice, he instantly Not only did guitar virtuoso Shaun Hopper wow started writing a song in his head. Not long the Taste 2018 crowd with his performance, he after Shaun finished performing, he sat with Zammy for a few minutes and played a happy, also wrote a theme song for Zammy the Giant Sheepadoodle (right) during the event. lilting little guitar melody that Zammy’s owner Todd Pitner will likely use as No, our buddy Zammy the Giant Sheepadoodle (center) didn’t have puppies. New Tampa resident Zammy’s theme song for his future Dinah Denis (far right) brought her two “standard” Sheepadoodles — Brooklyn and Alika — to the videos.

Taste after reading that Zammy would be there in our March 23 New Tampa issue.

I also really enjoyed the performance of the New Tampa Players, who gave everyone a preview of their upcoming production of “Legally Blonde” during the Taste.

Zammy hung out on his grooming table, next to the free photo booth for most of the event.

I apologize for not remembering the gentleman’s name who ran the photo booth, but I did see lots of (Above, l.-r.) Rotary Club member and Taste Master of Cerpeople taking family pics during emonies Bob Thompson, Pasco County Commissioner Mike the event. Also busy all day was the Moore & Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera.

Taste’s kids area.

Audi Wesley Chapel (right) and Parks Lincoln (below right) I also want to thank each and were able to bring vehicles inside Florida Hospital Center every sponsor who appeared on Ice. (Below) Doug won a new Trek bike and Amanda took page 41 of our last issue. I don’t home $700 in the Taste’s 50-50 drawings. have room to use pics of all of them in these pages, but without the hard work of James and Jason to get them to ante up money to be at the Taste, the event would never have netted as much money as it did.

I also applaud Jason’s daughter Sophia Contino, for bringing her lemonade stand to the Taste, and for making yet another big donation to the Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 Association. — GN

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Michael Phelps To Highlight Official Opening Of Crystal Lagoon On Apr. 28!

There was the announcement in 2014 that the first Metro Development Group Metro Lagoon by Crystal Lagoons, the first-ever of its kind in the U.S., was coming to Wesley Chapel.

Then, there was a groundbreaking in 2016, followed by an event announcing the spigots to fill the lagoon had been opened in 2017, which gave way to a ceremony as it was filled with 16 million gallons of water later that year, and then, finally, a ribbon cutting to kick off 2018.

Next up: the Grand Opening.

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps (photo), considered by most to be not only the greatest swimmer, but also the greatest Olympic athlete of all time, will be on hand for the grand opening on Saturday, April 28.

Phelps was announced last year as a global ambassador for Crystal Lagoons, the company which has built 300 lagoons across the world (with a dozen or more also in the works) since it was founded in 2007 by Chilean real estate developer and biochemist Fernando Fischmann.

While previous events have featured the lagoon in various states of development, the Grand Opening is expected to show the lagoon in all its grandeur — a 7.5 acre paradise maintained by ultra-sonic technology that uses sensors to monitor the quality of the crystal-clear water and 100 times less chemicals than a traditional swimming pool, surrounded by man-made beaches, private cabanas, swim-up bars, a tidal pool, restaurant and entertainment plaza.

The Crystal Lagoons are expected to become the hottest amenities driving home sales at new developments across the U.S. In Wesley Chapel, home sales at Metro Development’s Epperson community, located on Curley Rd. less than three miles north of S.R. 54), have been booming, in large part due to the lagoon. At Mirada, another Metro development in northeastern Wesley Chapel, work is beginning on a second, even larger lagoon. Both developments are part of the Connected City project, which links northern Wesley Chapel to San Antonio.

The lagoon will be exclusive to the 2,000 homeowners in Epperson, who will pay for the maintenance of it. But until the community is mostly filled, there may be opportunities for the general public to use it.

For more information about Epperson, visit Epperson.Metroplaces.com. For information about Crystal Lagoons, visit Crystal-Lagoons.com— JCC

16

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Overpass Rd. Interchange Funding Not Vetoed By Gov. Scott This Time

By JOHN C. COTEY

in 2004 but was discussed for more than

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com a decade before that.

The long road to the future development of Wesley Chapel will need an off ramp, and the area is now a big step closer to getting one.

Gov. Rick Scott, a year after vetoing $15 million for a project to build an interchange at I-75 and Overpass Rd. (see map), allowed the same amount of money to stay in the upcoming state budget this time around.

The money won’t completely fund the approximately $64-million project, but it’s a large enough chunk that the interchange can begin to move forward.

According to Pasco County commissioner Mike Moore, who represents much of Wesley Chapel in District 2, the proposed interchange will not only relieve some of the traffic at the S.R. 56 and S.R. 54 exits in Wesley Chapel, it also will improve the safety conditions on the surrounding state roads by improving additional emergency evacuation and response times within the county.

The interchange also will be built with an eye to future development.

“It’s going to be a big help in that area,’’ says Moore, referencing large developments like the Villages of Pasadena Hills in Zephyrhills and the Connected City project in northern Wesley Chapel.

The Connected City is almost 8,000 acres of land currently under development and running north from Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel to S.R. 52 in San Antonio, and east from I-75 to Curley Rd. Expected to be a high-tech business sector, it will feature two Crystal Lagoons in the Mirada and Epperson communities, and (according to developer Metro Development), at the conclusion of its 50-year build out, the Connected City will have 37,000 homes, 67,000 jobs and 100,000 residents.

And those aren’t the only developments coming to this still-rural area.

Quail Hollow is adding 400 homes on the former golf course property, and Cypress Creek Middle/High School on Old Pasco Rd. also is new to the area.

“We want to prepare for 20, 30 and 40 years down the road, and that’s what’s happening now,” Moore says of the interchange project, which was first approved Neighborhood News

The plan to build a new I-75 interchange at Overpass Rd., which will be roughly 3.1 miles north of the S.R. 54 exit and 3.6 miles south of the S.R. 52 exit, is part of a larger project to link Old Pasco Rd. all the way east to U.S. Hwy. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The project was identified in the 2009 Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)’s Transportation Update Plan through 2035 “Needs Plan.”

That plan scheduled the new interchange, extension and expansion of Overpass Rd. to be completed between 2016-25.

Moore says the county thinks the project will be completed by November of 2022, as there already is $30 million (not including the $15 million in the new state budget) set aside for the project from mobility fees, local gas taxes and various developer surtaxes. The county is seeking grants to cover the remaining $20-million portion of the costs.

It will begin planning this year for right of way acquisitions, with $12 million earmarked for that process. Next year, $4.6 million will go into the design phase, and the remaining $47 million will go towards construction costs.

Overpass Rd. is currently a two-lane roadway that extends east from Old Pasco Rd. to 0.86 miles east of Boyette Rd. In addition to adding an interstate exit, Overpass Rd. will be widened to four lanes from I-75 to Old Pasco Rd. as part of the project.

The interchange is part of a larger project to extend Overpass Rd. nine miles from its current eastern terminus at Boyette Rd. all the way to U.S. Hwy. 301.

Moore says Pasco County did well in the latest legislative sessions, crediting Florida Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson (whose 10th Senate District incudes northern Wesley Chapel) and State Representative Danny Burgess (R-Dist.

38) for their efforts.

After vetoing $22 million worth of Pasco projects last year, Scott let roughly that same amount stay in the budget this year, including $4.3 million for the Thomas Varnadoe Forensic Center for Research & Education in Land O’Lakes and $1.5 million for the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired & Blind in Port Richey. @NTWCNews

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APRIL 2018 Saturday, April 21

first Wednesday of every month at The Shops at Wiregrass, from 10-11 a.m. More info at TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/events.

Thursday, May 3 Wine, Cheese, & Chocolate - ome in & enjoy six of Vom Fass’ hand-selected

Bay Chapel Food Pantry - Free food for needy families. Open every Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., behind Christian Brothers Automotive at 20300 Trout Creek Dr. (off BBD). For more info, visit BayChapel.com/foodpantry.

Samantha Taylor Nutrition Seminar - Join us for a seminar that will get you to the next level with your nutrition. Saturday starting at 12:30am, Samantha Taylor will help you on your journey to maximize weight loss. Reserve your space via email or visit www.

SamanthaTaylorSeminars.com

wines, paired with five small bites & chocolates! At Vom Fass in the Shops at Wiregrass, 7 p.m. The cost to participate in the tasting is $30 for one person, $50 for two.

For more info, call Paula or Kristen at (813) 907-2167.

Meditation Group - All faiths and all levels of meditation experience are welcome at this free meeting at Sanctuary Wellness Center, 8903 Regents Park Dr., Suite 120, 10 a.m-11 a.m. For info, search “Sanctuary Wellness Center in New Tampa” on Facebook.

New Tampa Rotary Clubs Plant Trees At TFR Station No. 20 - In celebration of Earth Day & to thank the firefighters for all they do, both New Tampa Rotary Clubs will plant 18 crepe myrtle trees at Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 20 (16200 BBD Blvd., Tampa Palms), 1 p.m.

physical and mental challenges of dementia. Legacy at Highwoods Preserve (18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy) 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Call (813) 605-7745 by May 8 to RSVP.

Sunday, April 22

Monday, April 23 New Tampa Democratic Club - Now meeting at a new time! The New Tampa Democrats meet the 4th Mon. of every month at the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.), 7-8:30 p.m. Guest speakers are featured at every meeting. Email newtampademocraticclub@gmail.com or call (813) 563-0845.

Tuesday, April 24

Saturday, May 5

The Wesley Chapel Rotary Club Presents A “Hats & Horses Kentucky Derby Party” - See ad below. This event is fee/donation-based, but open to the public.

Thursday, May 10 Virtual Dementia Tour - Experience a life-changing tour to better understand the Wednesday, May 23

Night of Beauty Passport Event - Learn about the latest and greatest in anti-aging procedures and skincare products at Qvita Health & Wellness (2734 Windguard Cir.), 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For more info, call (813) 501-4130.

Visit NTNeighborhoodNews.com to add your upcoming events that are open to the public to our online calendar. Once approved, they appear in the “Events” section on our home page & may also appear in our print editions.

Keep It Local - This seat-specific networking group emphasizes small, local businesses every Tues., 11:30 a.m., at GrillSmith at The Shops at Wiregrass. For info, call Marino Cecchi at (813) 513-9001.

 May 5, 2018  4:00-9:00 pm

Wednesday, April 25

English As A Second Language (ESL) - The ESL group meets Wednesdays at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd. in Pebble Creek), 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Classes are taught by native English speakers. The cost is $40 each semester for the workbook & class materials. For info, call Holly at (813) 360-2077.

BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets Weds. at Heritage Isles Country Club (10630 Plantation Bay Dr.), at 7:15 am. The cost is $13 to attend, which includes a hot breakfast. Call Lisa Jordan at (813) 621-6015 for info.

Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI meets every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at Mulligans inside Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). Call Rob Montgomery at (813) 679-6446.

Rotary Club Of New Tampa Noon - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at noon at Mulligan’s Irish Pub (in the Pebble Creek Golf Club). Guests are always welcome. For more info, search “New Tampa Noon Rotary” on Facebook.

Thursday, April 26 North Tampa Veterans meeting - All armed forces veterans are invited to weekly

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club will host its 1st Annual

Hats & Horses

Kentucky Derby Party Waller Ranch  17307 Powerline Road, Dade City, FL 33523 An Fun Evening of Southern Charm Featuring:

lighthearted Dutch-treat breakfast at Steak ‘n Shake just off BBD Blvd. (17509 North Palms Village Pl.) every Thursday at 7:30 am. Get acquainted and tell your tales, new and old. Bring your spouse and your brag sheet.

• Live Music - Shawn Brown Band • Casino Games • Ladies Fancy Hat Contest • Gents Best Dressed Contest

Friday, April 27

Rotary Club of New Tampa - The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday for breakfast at 7 a.m. at TPGCC. For more info, including the speaker schedule, contact David Lanigan at (813) 760-6548 or dave@davidlanigan.com or visit NewTampa Rotary.org.

Tickets are $75 each and are a tax deductible charitable contribution

Saturday, April 28

March for Babies - Suncoast 2018 - Join more than 1,500 people at the Suncoast walk in support of moms at every stage from preconception to post-delivery with research, programs and education—and it all comes together with a celebration at March for Babies @ 8 a.m. at The Shops at Wiregrass Crystal Lagoon Grand Opening (Featuring Olympian Michael Phelps) - See story, pg. 16.

Sean Bartell Foundation Pasta Dinner - See story in Nibbles & Bytes column on pg. 46.

MAY 2018

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Market Technologies Offers Investment Software & Career Opportunities

By BRAD STAGER

Building wealth by investing in financial markets can bring the reward of a secure future but there can be plenty of uncertainty along the way to that goal.

For almost 40 years, Wesley Chapel-based Market Technologies has provided investors with trading software they can use to navigate the ebb and flow of economic factors influencing the stock, commodity, and currency markets, as well as their own investment portfolios.

According to Market Technology vice president Lane Mendelsohn, the company’s proprietary VantagePoint market forecasting software (see below) uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to track and analyze factors such as market reports, related market activity and government policies that can influence a particular stock or other trading investment, such as commodities like corn or copper.

A report by the financial services consulting firm Aite Group (cited in the June 2, 2016 edition of Forbes magazine) indicated that there are 54 million individual, self-directed market traders in the U.S. alone, who can manage their investments just about any time, anywhere, from their smartphones. To get VantagePoint software into the devices of as many investors as possible, Market Technologies is now hiring inside sales professionals to assist people calling to about the software.

Lane says software programs like VantagePoint analyze market information to give near-term trading forecasts. It’s an application of computer technology that has

Market Technology vice president Lane Mendelsohn (right) works with Jason on the VantagePoint market forecasting software.

spawned new competitors for VantagePoint, which can trace its pioneering digital roots to 1991, a time before widespread consumer use of the Internet.

According to Market Technologies’ website, VantagePoint forecasts stocks, futures, Forex, and ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) with proven forecasting accuracy of up to 86 percent.

Market Technologies was founded by Lane’s father, Louis Mendelsohn, who is still the company president. The company was the result of Louis’ quest for better returns on his own self-directed investments.

“He starting developing software for his own purposes so he could be a more success-

ful, profitable trader and investor,” says Lane.

As the senior Mendelsohn’s research gained notice through publications and television appearances, his personal project evolved into a company providing technical analysis trading software to individual investors.

“It was something he personally had a need for and later realized other people had that same need,” Lane says.

Louis Mendelsohn grew up in a Providence, RI, tenement building next to a freight rail line, and set his sights on moving away from that life of poverty. His first step was a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Administration & Management from Carne-

gie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. Louis’ childhood background led him to study social work, and he received his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

He followed that up by earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Boston University in 1977 and moved to Tampa to work as a hospital administrator.

While making investments for himself, he realized he needed better tools than the calculator and pencil technology that prevailed in the financial services industry at the time. Louis knew about computers and software, so he combined his interests in finance, investing and computers to develop predictive trading software that would compute market trading technical indicators — like moving averages that give investors clues as to how a stock or commodity may behave.

A Company Is Born

Wanting to share his knowledge and success from his work, Louis started Market Technologies in 1979 as a company and released his first trading software for personal computers in 1983. He has also written books on the subject, such as Trend Forecasting with Technical Analysis: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Intermarket Analysis to Beat the Market.

Building on his early research, Louis began focusing on the relationships between individual stocks, currencies and commodities and the global factors affecting all of them.

He developed proprietary mathematical processes to recognize trading patterns across different markets, leading to the development

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Assisted Living Facility license # pending

Neighborhood News

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of today’s VantagePoint software.

VantagePoint is advertised in trading industry magazines such as Traders, Stocks & Commodities and Your Trading Edge. The ads generate leads for the Market Technologies sales force working out of the company’s building just off Wesley Louis Mendelsohn Chapel Blvd., about 1.5 miles west of I-75 on Old Pasco Rd. VantagePoint user Eric Hall expressed his satisfaction by awarding a Five-Star Google Review, writing “This is an amazing group of people that provide cutting edge software products to traders across the globe.

No other product even comes close to what they provide. If you’re looking for an edge in the markets they can provide it to you!”

Opportunity Is Knocking...

For people more interested in reaping financial and personal benefits from rewarding work, Market Technologies currently is hiring people for inside sales positions, responding to individual traders who express interest in the high-tech Vantage Point market forecasting software.

According to Lane, applicants do not need financial industry experience but persistence, curiosity and a positive attitude are essential for success at Market Technologies.

“We’ve had people who didn’t have sales experience but wanted to help people and learn new things,” he says, adding that as the market for self-directed investment products grows, so do the opportunities for those who make them available to individual traders.

“There is no better time for someone to join our company and ride that wave of success.”

As to how good a time it is to join the VantagePoint team, in addition to having a product that is of interest to a lot of people, Market Technologies was just named as a “2018 Top Workplace” by the Tampa Bay Times newspaper, a recognition based on anonymous surveys completed by employees collected by the research company Energage, LLC. According to a company news release, the survey placed “Market Technologies in the top 10 out of 50 companies with fewer than 150 employees.”

That recognition comes as no surprise to Gilbert B., who has been a member of

Neighborhood News

the Market Technologies sales team for nine years. Gilbert says he has found workplace satisfaction and financial security working atop the VantagePoint wavecrest.

“There’s a great opportunity here but you have to work hard,” Gilbert says, adding, “The company cares about the employees.”

Benefits include fully paid insurance for all employees, including health, dental, life and long-term disability. There is a full description of job openings and benefits available at the Market Technologies website (SellingIsFun.com).

Market Technologies has a global reach, with customers in more than 120 countries, but its connection to the Tampa Bay area has been strong since its founding. In fact, part of the company’s philosophy is sharing its success with the local community.

Market Technologies’ charitable efforts include supporting Metropolitan Ministries and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program, among others. In fact, earlier this month, for International Children’s Book Day (Apr. 2), the company collected and donated more than 100 books to Shriners Hospitals for Children Tampa. Market Technologies also has hosted events for children being treated at Shriners and has supported the hospital with financial donations. “We decided last year we wanted to make Shriners a really big focus of ours,” Lane says.

He acknowledges that there are plenty of wealth-building products and programs in the marketplace for consumers to consider, but one way to distinguish among them is longevity.

“That’s something that really differentiates our company from so many others in the industry, that next year will be our 40th anniversary year,” Lane says. “So, for 40 years, we’ve been developing technology for traders and investors to help them achieve their goals and really empower them to be able to be successful and provide for themselves and provide for their families.”

Market Technologies is located at 5807 Old Pasco Rd. in Wesley Chapel.

For more info, call (813) 973-0496 or check out the ad on page 33 of this issue. Neighborhood News readers interested in employment opportunities at Market Technologies can learn more by visiting SellingIsFun.com. To find out more about VantagePoint and get a free demonstration of the software, visit VantagePointSoftware.com, send an email to info@vantagepointoftware.com or call (800) 732-5407.

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SPOTLIGHT ON...........Neighborhood Pools!!

If you’re fortunate enough to have a pool in your backyard, you probably want to spend your time enjoying it, not cleaning it or trying to figure out why it turned green.

You can leave the work to Neighborhood Pools, and Joe Edwards will take care of your pool so that you can spend your weekends splashing and swimming in a clear, clean pool.

A former U.S. Marine, Joe Edwards says that 20 years ago he was a firefighter in the Temple Terrace Fire Department.

He says all firefighters have “something on the side,” so his side work was to clean pools. In 1999, he launched Neighborhood Pools, and it has been growing ever since.

Joe now lives in Quail Hollow in Wesley Chapel, and services pools in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and the surrounding areas.

“I clean and service pools with no contracts,” Joe explains. “I work on a trust basis.

My customers trust me to do their pools and I trust them to pay me on time.”

He adds that he has just one employee, who has worked for him for about 10 years. If you hire Neighborhood Pools to care for your pool, you’ll always see either Joe or Bill Fink at your home.

“I’m a small business, so if you call me, you’re getting me,” he says. “With a big pool company, you could have a new guy this week or next week – you never know who you’re going to get.”

Joe says he’s more attentive to his customers and easier to reach than some of the big companies in the area.

Neighborhood Pools offers three levels

of service for both saltwater and traditional chlorine pools. While every pool is serviced every week, customers can choose the service they prefer.

There’s the basic chemical service for those people who prefer to handle most aspects of pool care themselves, but don’t want to store chemicals in their home, especially around small children.

The next level of service includes vacuuming to keep the floor of your pool clean.

Or, some customers choose full service, which means Neighborhood Pools takes care of everything, including chemicals, brushing walls and tiles, taking care of filters, vacuuming and skimming the pool.

Prices vary based on the size of the pool, whether you have an enclosure or if there are a lot of trees around the pool, so be sure to call for an estimate.

“This is Florida,” Joe says. “You want to use your pool, not clean it, so you call me.”

For an estimate, call (813) 907-7322 or text Joe at (813) 758-7608. For more information, see the ad on page 48.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

23

Better Realty Services For Home Buyers, Sellers, Renters & Business Owners Mike is the Broker for the office. Because of their years of experience and commitment to hard work and the highest ethical standards, they say they can help any customer who may be interested in any of their varied services.

“We’re a boutique company,” explains Kathy. “We customize our service so that it’s personal and works for every client.”

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN

The three co-owners of Better Realty Services say their name says it all: Their real estate firm will help you have a better experience in a wide range of services, whether you want to buy a home, sell a home, rent a home, manage an investment property, sell a business or buy a business.

Although their company is only three years old, Monty Bryan, Mike Kane and Kathy Rieger bring decades of experience to Better Realty Services, located on Cypress Creek Blvd. in Wesley Chapel (off of S.R. 56, just east of I-75). They each have their own specific area of expertise.

Monty has been a Realtor in the Tampa Bay area since 1982. He started his own real estate company in Tampa Palms in 1989, called Florida Properties Tampa, Inc. He sold that business to Coldwell Banker in 1999 and continued to work at the firm.

He now handles the real estate sales and purchases for Better Realty Services.

He met Kathy when she purchased her home — with Monty as her agent — in 1999. He says he recruited her to join him at Coldwell Banker, where she specialized in property management. Today, Kathy brings her property management expertise to Better Realty Services, where she manages investment properties on behalf of owners, making the process of finding tenants, collecting rent and maintaining the property much easier.

Monty and Mike first connected while

24

Good Timing For A Move

(L.-r.) Mike Kane, Kathy Rieger & Monty Bryan have joined forces to open Better Realty Services , located off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel, to serve all of your real estate & business brokerage needs.

their children were in preschool together, and the kids later played recreational sports on the same team. Mike launched a business in New Tampa 10 years ago called First Choice Business Brokers, helping business owners who wanted to sell or people who wanted to buy a business. Mike’s role at Better Realty Services is to continue to help business owners as they plan an exit strategy from their respective businesses.

Monty, Mike and Kathy teamed up

to launch Better Realty Services in 2015 and will celebrate three years in business together in May. “It’s synergistic,” explains Mike.

“There are a lot of people who want to buy an investment property, and then, we offer professional management for that property.

Or, we sometimes sell a business to an outof-state buyer, who then may be looking for a house to move into this area.”

All three are licensed Realtors, and

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

Monty says that now is the time of year that the residential real estate market is the busiest.

“Most people want to move before the summer, so this is the busy season for both sales and rentals,” he says. “If you have considered putting your home on the market, this is the time of year when there is the most traffic, so my advice is to do it now.” Monty and his team can help you get your home ready to sell and price it correctly.

“If your house is in good shape and priced well,” adds Kathy, “it will sell quickly.”

Monty adds that the local real estate market has been busy for the past two or three years, after several slower years.

“It took from about 2008 to about 2015 for all of the foreclosures to clear out of the market,” he explains. “Now, we’re in a season of steady growth and lower inventory.”

While lower inventory may mean a higher price if you’re ready to sell, the team explains that it’s still a good time to buy, too. Interest rates are low, which is good for buyers, and builders are active again, offering many new home options

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in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel real estate markets.

Long-Term Relationships

Pauline Evans is a former New Tampa resident who now lives near the University of South Florida (USF) in a retirement home. She says she has been working with Monty and Kathy for 18 years, since Monty first helped her buy a home in Hunter’s Green in 2000.

Since then, Pauline says that Monty has been her real estate agent for several more transactions, as she purchased two investment homes in Wesley Chapel.

“My husband and I were managing our own properties, and Kathy and Monty were always there as advisers,” Pauline says.

“They helped us to be entrepreneurs and manage our own properties.”

Since her husband, who was retired from the U.S. Army, passed away about three years ago, Pauline has turned her rental properties over to Better Realty Services for Kathy to manage. She says she trusts Kathy to manage her properties as well as she and her husband did, when they used to send one of their sons over to mow the lawn or fix small problems at any of their investment homes.

“Everything is in Kathy and Monty’s hands now,” she explains. “Now, they just send me a statement each month.”

Pauline says it’s much easier on her, and that the friendship and advice she has received from Monty and Kathy over the years has led to her trusting them with her investments.

Neighborhood News

“I am blessed to have these rental properties,” she explains, “which make it possible for me to live in this community, which is more expensive than living in a little house somewhere.”

Monty, Karen and Mike hope to become that trusted source of expertise for anyone in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area who is considering buying or selling their home, or an investment property, or even their business.”

Their years of experience have given them a perspective that is somewhat unique. When Monty opened the first real estate office in New Tampa in 1989, the only neighborhoods were Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Pebble Creek and Williamsburg.

“I knew this area was going to grow, because I could see this area of raw land on the map,” says Monty. “But, it’s kept growing and growing, and now moved into Wesley Chapel. That’s a lot of growth in 30 years.”

Monty says with all that he’s seen over the last three decades, he still truly enjoys what he does.

Mike concurs. “I think it says a lot that we’re all still in this business after all this time.”

Better Realty Services is located at 2654 Cypress Ridge Blvd., #103. The office is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and evenings and weekends by appointment. To reach Mike, Monty or Kathy, call (813) 793-4380. For more information, visit BetterRealtyServices. com or see the ad on page 33.

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SPOTLIGHT ON................Discovery Village!!

New Tampa’s newest and most advanced senior-living community is now open! Discovery Village at Tampa Palms, located across Commerce Park Blvd. from Liberty Middle School, is just minutes from the area’s best shopping, entertainment and health care facilities.

This 105-unit residence features suites and upgraded one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, and offers three levels of care, making it the perfect community for seniors of any lifestyle.

Discovery Village’s Supervised Independent lifestyle is ideal for independent seniors who desire only minimal assistance with everyday activities.

For those seniors needing a bit more support, we offer an all-inclusive, no-care level Assisted Living lifestyle, which provides complete assistance with all activities of daily living.

Lastly, Discovery Village’s all-inclusive no-care level Memory Care lifestyle is designed to accommodate seniors with dementia-related diseases. Each lifestyle comes with the community’s exclusive three-year “rent lock” program, which provides a financial value unlike any other senior-living community in Hillsborough County.

Discovery Village at Tampa Palms was established with a new concept of bold, energetic senior living, complete with resort-style amenities and a wealth of social and recreational activities. The community’s Grande Clubhouse offers a sensational dining room that provides three gourmet meals with

tableside service daily, as well as a private dining room for family celebrations.

There also are numerous social areas that are convenient for entertaining and mingling with neighbors, including a game room complete with a full-size pool table and several card and other game tables for hours of friendly competition.

Residents can enjoy daily happy hour celebrations or evening nightcaps in The Legends Club & Bar. The clubhouse also hosts the luxurious Silver Cinema Movie Theater, complete with a theater-style popcorn machine, so residents can keep up with the newest releases or reminisce with one of their favorite childhood movies.

Of course, to ensure they always look their best, a full-service, professional beauty salon and spa with barber shop is available to all residents of Discovery Village.

Call (813) 605-2400, visit DiscoveryVillages.com to schedule a tour and enjoy lunch on us or see the ad on pg. 41!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

25

Farina Orthodontic Specialists Opens New Building & Office In Wesley Chapel! office in the professional plaza adjacent to what is now called the Shoppes of Amberly in Tampa Palms in 2000.

He did eventually take something of a hiatus from advertising with me a few years after he had transformed Jared’s crossover canine teeth and Jake’s giant “Chicklets” into the gorgeous smiles both still have today. Why? Quite honestly, his Tampa Palms office was already so busy he really couldn’t handle more new patients.

By GARY NAGER

I try not to have to write too many of these business feature stories anymore because, after 24 years of owning and editing the Neighborhood News, I’ve written so many stories about (for the purpose of this story) doctors and dentists of all specialties that it’s hard for me (or anyone, really) to approach each story with a fresh perspective.

So, why I am I so deliriously happy to write this story about Farina Orthodontic Specialists, which recently opened an amazing new office on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel?

Because, quite honestly, I will always feel personally indebted to orthodontist Mark Farina, D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) because not only did he truly transform the smiles of both of my sons, he showed my entire family his heart. He didn’t just ask the boys questions when they would visit during the years they wore braces, he genuinely cared about what they had to say and still can recite back information about both of them to me today, 15+ years later.

First, a little background about Dr. Farina’s schooling and training. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from Boston College in Boston, MA. He earned his D.M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia and did his post-graduate orthodontic training at New York University in New York City, NY. He also has received advanced training in the integrated diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint pain, or TMJ, and has served on research teams at both New York University and the University of Pennsylva-

Enter: Dr. Rudy Wagner

When you talk to Mark Orthodontists Dr. Rudy Wagner (left) and Dr. Mark Farina will about his wife, Lissette (who keep your kids smiling at their new Farina Orthodontic Specialists handles the marketing for his practice, which now has three office on BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, just north of S.R. 56. offices) and his own sons, Stefania to help find new and better ways to solve no and Sergio, you will believe orthodontic problems. he cares about you and your children the same He also participates in Continuing way he cares about his own family. He doesn’t Education to stay up-to-date on the latest just appreciate your business. He feels it is his breakthroughs and most effective innovations honor and privilege that you have entrusted in the industry and attends more than 80 hours something so precious to any parent as your of professional seminars so that he may bring child’s smile to him and he will always take the the most advanced diagnosis, treatment and time to ensure they end up looking the way technology to my patients. you expect when he finishes his work.

Mark started advertising in my publicaSo, even though neither of his sons took tions way back when he only had his original an interest in becoming an orthodontist, offices — on N. Habana Ave. in West Tampa Mark’s nephew, Dr. Rudy Wagner, who was and an office he shared in the Palm Lake at born in the U.S. but raised in Puerto Rico, did Tampa Palms office building with oral surgeon decide to become a dentist. The always-smiling Dr. Ted Grellner. He continued to promote his Dr. Rudy joined Mark in 2015, after graduatbusiness in these pages when he and general ing with his D.M.D. degree from the Univerdentist Dr. Rodney Holcombe built a new sity of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine

in San Juan, where he also earned both his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology and his Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Dental Sciences.

Dr. Rudy also did post-graduate work at Lehigh Valley Hospital, in Allentown, PA, where he had a general practice residency, and his post-graduate orthodontic training at the University of Puerto Rico.

The New Office

Due to the overcrowding at his New Tampa office — he says that he and Dr. Rudy have now helped improve 20,000 smiles the last 24 years — and wanting to expand into the booming Wesley Chapel market, Mark and Lissette purchased some property from the Porter family three years ago in the Wiregrass Ranch area, between Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) and the also-new Florida Medical Clinic building.

And, a few weeks ago, the unique, cube-shaped building housing the new Wesley Chapel office of Farina Orthodontic Specialists opened on the 5,333-sq.-ft. first floor of the three-story, 16,000-sq.-ft. building. Mark says a periodontist and an endodontist are going to occupy the 2nd floor of the building, but he still has the 5,333-sq.-ft. third floor available.

“It has amazing views and would be perfect for an injury rehab center or any professional use.”

He adds, “It’s crazy, but we’re already seeing 20-30 patients a day at the new office,” Mark says. “Of course, this office is twice the size of the one in Tampa Palms.”

New digs require new technology and there’s no doubt that Mark’s new office has the most incredible technology I’ve seen at a dentist’s office to date — and I’ve seen a few.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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(Above) New Tampa residents should have no trouble finding the new Farina Orthodontics office in Wesley Chapel, because of its unique cube shape and clock facing BBD. (Right) The new office has lots of great new technology, including a digital impressions machine that eliminates the need for goopy molds . complete, 3D images of your mouth, jaw and all of your teeth in 4.8 seconds, with lower radiation than any traditional X-ray machine.

But, the most amazing thing to me at the new office was the new digital machine (above right) that can create custom-fitted molds of your mouth for braces or sleep apnea appliances without having to chomp down into trays covered with goop. I know I’ve choked on that goop before, so I wasn’t surprised when Mark told me that, “People throw up from the goop all the time. But, not only is the new machine easier for patients, the digitally-created molds we make are so much precise than the goop. And, with our new machine, it only takes a few minutes.”

Think You’ll Save Money With ‘Smile Direct?’ Think Again!

Mark and Dr. Rudy agree that orthodontists across the country currently are dealing with the public perception that it’s worth the initial lower investment to get invisible aligners from on-line companies like Candid and Smile Club Direct. But, they say people who choose that route for themselves or their

children don’t understand how much having an experienced orthodontist not only create your appliances, but make sure that everything is going according to plan by actually meeting with the patient every few weeks, is worth.

“Mark and I literally spend one day per week working with patients who have had bad experiences with online aligners,” Dr. Rudy says. “Having to fix a problem is much harder and costs more than coming to us first.”

In other words, if you want to transform your smile or your child’s, you should at least visit the new Farina Orthodontic Specialists office in Wesley Chapel.

And, if you like the analog clock on the side of the new building, you can thank Stefano Farina. “People remember a building with a clock on it,” he told his dad. “It’ll set you apart.”

Farina Orthodontic Specialists’ Wesley Chapel office is located at 2370 BBD Blvd., Ste. 100. For info, call (813) 964-3081 or visit FarinaSmiles.com. For the Tampa Palms office (15303 Amberly Dr., Ste. E), call (813) 972-2929 and please tell them the Neighborhood News sent you!

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

27

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

29

Family Of Christ Christian School Offers A Great Education & Life Lessons, Too

By BRAD STAGER

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Those words from Luke 2:52 (New Testament, New International Version) delivered in the First Century AD come alive today in the Family of Christ (FoC) Christian School mission statement, which commits the faculty and staff to growing the knowledge and abilities of their students “in a manner that brings honor and glory to God.” Putting those words into action is the job of the school’s faculty and administrators, including Jennifer Snow, who has been the principal at FoC since 2005.

“The priority of the staff is to work as a team to help our students develop their hearts, minds and souls,” Snow says, adding that the joy of learning is part of the educational experience at FoC. “If you walk through the classrooms, you see how happy they are while learning.”

But of course, plenty of learning goes on beyond the classrooms of the tree-shaded campus nestled between Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Tampa Palms Blvd. W. in Tampa Palms.

Recent class field trips have taken students to places like the Florida Keys to explore marine science and Washington, D.C., to see firsthand and up close how the American political machine operates and the history of our government. Snow, who has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Education from the University of South Florida, says the students’ enthusiasm for learning makes it easy to give them a little more freedom in their pursuit of knowledge.

“We have such well-behaved students that you can kind of go out of the normal classroom realm a little bit and just have fun,” she says.

Snow adds that, in addition to a focus on core academic subjects such as science, language and math, FoC also provides instruction in art, music, computers and physical education and is an active participant in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS).

The school measures student progress by administering the Stanford Achievement Test each year for grades 1-8.

The genesis of FoC was almost two decades ago, at the end of 1999, when Family of Christ Lutheran Church embarked on its mission of bringing high-quality edu-

If you want to see smiles like these on your children’s faces, arrange a tour today to check out Family of Christ Christian School off BBD Blvd. in Tampa Palms, no matter what denomination or religion or your family may be. cational opportunities based on Christian values and beliefs to the New Tampa area with (at that time) Pre-K and Kindergarten instruction. The school took a gradual approach to growth, adding one grade at a time until it achieved its current K-8 status , now with 180 enrolled students.

The classrooms at FoC features staffers like Lindy Evans, a language arts teacher for middle school (grades 6-8), who says the emphasis in her class is on learning to live by high standards, as well as learning with high achievement.

“We aren’t primarily focused on test scores,” Evans says. “We are more concerned with producing academically strong students, with a solid Christian foundation, who will be positive members of our community.”

And when FoC alumni transition to high schools, middle school science teacher Melissa Gembarowski expresses confidence that the graduating Family of Christ 8th graders will be well prepared for all of the challenges awaiting them.

“Our students are successful, whether at private or public high schools, due in part to the confidence and Christian foundation that is instilled in them during their years at Family of Christ,” Gembarowski says.

Graduating eighth-graders also can get a headstart on their high school educations by earning credits in advanced science, algebra and Spanish language courses at FoC that can be applied to a high school diploma.

Living Up To Its ‘Family’ Name

It’s an educational formula that FoC parent Yamira Soto says has benefited her children.

“We have been a part of the Family of Christ Christian School family for the past 8 years,” Soto wrote in her email. “Our school has the perfect combination of a superior curriculum, the best educators and a faith-based, nurturing environment.”

Similarly, Tom and Lori Lahart have experience as a long-term FoC family, with their two children attending there for nine years.“Mrs. Snow delivered on her promise to provide a safe, nurturing, fun environment while putting a world-class educa-

tion as their primary focus,” the Laharts wrote in an email. “Our two children have now graduated and are flourishing in high school, thanks to the strong foundation they received at Family of Christ.”

While the school is affiliated with Family of Christ Lutheran Church and is accredited by the National Lutheran Schools Association (NLSA) (and by the district of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod), enrollment at FoC is open to anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation.

“There are Christians and non-Christians; there are Catholics, Baptists and nondenominational families here,” says Snow.

“We have (children from) a variety of denominations that go to different churches but still come here for school.”

Snow adds that FoC’s “inclusivity” is based on common interests and helps the school achieve its purpose.

“To me, it’s about God’s word and what we can do to work in (and have) a positive effect on the community,” she says.

Some of the community projects the school has undertaken include feeding the homeless through Metropolitan Ministries and donating financial offerings to charities such as the Red Cross.

Further Expansion On The Way?

In the 13 years since Snow joined FoC, its enrollment has increased from fewer than 80 students to its current level of 180, which is just about the capacity of the current facilities. Snow says she hopes expansion will occur, but that there are no firm plans to do so at this time.

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“We don’t have a lot of spaces to give, but we want people to know we are here,” Snow says, adding that the school is tuitionand fee-based, but there are scholarships available to help in some situations.

For families with infants or toddlers through age four, their Christian school relationship can begin at Family of Christ’s Child Development Center, which was part of the original church mission that brought forth the school as a K-8 institution. In addition, Family of Christ Lutheran Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School (VBS) July 16-20, with a theme of “Rolling River Rampage.”

Athletics also are part of the FoC experience, with students in grades four through eight participating in a variety of sports, including flag football, golf, cross country, volleyball and basketball. The FoC Knights

compete against other Christian schools throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Snow, who has more than 25 years experience as an educator, including as a teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary when it first opened, says that she and her colleagues at FoC are committed to doing their best at this special career they have chosen.

“This is the most important job God could have given any of us, and that is to work with kids,” she says. “Our staff at Family of Christ is the school heartbeat and, daily, they go above and beyond their jobs.”

You can learn more about Family of Christ Christian School by calling (813) 558-9343 to arrange a tour of the school and its campus, located at 16190 BBD Blvd. com. For more info, see the ad on pg.

38 of this issue or visit FOC-Knights.com.

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31

A Dozen Years Of Medi-Weightloss Clinics On S.R. 54 = 46,000 Pounds Lost!

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com

On April 1, the Medi-Weightloss Clinics on S.R. 54 in Lutz (just two miles west of S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel) celebrated a dozen years of helping people in Wesley Chapel, Lutz, New Tampa and the surrounding areas lose unwanted weight. In those 12 years, the clinic has helped thousands of patients lose more than 46,000 pounds.

“I love the business and am very proud of what we do,” says Gerri Willett, who co-owns the Lutz location of Medi-Weightloss Clinics with her husband, Tom. “Losing weight is difficult, so we do everything we can to help our patients.”

Willett explains, “When people come in, they are often nervous. We’ve had people in tears.” She adds that these new patients are often caught in a “negative cycle. They’ve tried so many things, and they beat themselves up for not succeeding. Then, they’re depressed, so they eat more.”

She says that Medi-Weightloss helps them get into a more positive cycle: “They lose weight, they feel better and they’re motivated to continue to lose weight,” Willett says. “They change their attitude, and they lose more weight.”

Willett invites Neighborhood News readers to Google “Medi-Weightloss Lutz” to see 60 reviews about the company.

The hallways throughout the local Medi-Weightloss are lined with “All Stars” who have done just that, and are proud to display their results. One wall allows patients to show how many pounds they’ve lost, and how that translates to the number of years they’ve added

Sarah Marzulli has lost 80 pounds with the help of Medi-Weightloss Clinics on S.R. 54 in Lutz. of experience to Medi-Weightloss Lutz. He to their lives. “For every 10 pounds a patient received his training in Internal Medicine at loses, that adds about one and a half years to Nassau University Medical Center in Long their life,” Willett says. “If a patient loses 100 pounds, they can expect to live 15 years longer.” Island, NY. She adds that the physicians at the Medi-Weightloss corporate office keep up on all of Three Phases For Success the latest research to back up these claims.

“We’re the only program on a nationOne of the things that sets Willett says al basis that offers three phases,” says Dr. sets Medi-Weightloss Clinics apart is that it is Weitzman, who has been talking about Mea physician-supervised program. The staff indi-Weightloss at several recent North Tampa cludes two physicians who meet with patients, Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfasts. The review every chart and customize each prophases are an “acute weight loss phase,” a gram to the unique needs of each individual brief “transition phase” and a “long-term who participates in the program. wellness phase.”

Andrew Weitzman, M.D., brings years The first phase is kicked off with a

physical exam, bloodwork, electrocardiogram (EKG) and a consultation with the doctor, who determines the appropriate diet for each individual. While the program is different for everyone, the diet is low-calorie and designed to put your body into “ketosis,” a state where it burns fat faster.

Medi-Weightloss programs are supplemented with multi-vitamins, Omega-3, calcium and a natural, non-prescription appetite suppressant called Stay Slim. Patients also receive weekly vitamin-based injections to help with energy levels and cravings.

Appropriately portioned food is available for purchase, but patients do not have to buy food from Medi-Weightloss.

Willett says the key components of the Medi-Weightloss system are a customized approach, support through weekly appointments, accountability through journaling, healthy eating and having the right attitude.

And, Dr. Weitzman adds, education is key. “We teach people to eat the right foods, in the right portions, at the right time, plus drink fluids and exercise,” he says.

Learning The Basics...

The lessons begin at that first appointment, where patients receive tools to help them be successful, including a food scale.

“We ask our patients to weigh everything they eat,” Willett says. “This helps them become educated so that, by the end of the program, they’ll see a plate of food and know how many calories it has.”

Patients also receive a food journal that is checked at each weekly appointment. “Sometimes, you think you do things that you actually aren’t,” Willett says. “For example, how much

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water do you really drink? A food journal helps you see what is actually happening.”

Patients also are given a binder with information about healthy eating, including what to order at many popular restaurants. “You can eat healthy anywhere, even McDonald’s, if you’re making the right choices,” Willett says.

After the first visit, weekly appointments last 15-20 minutes. Patients are weighed on an advanced scale that determines how much of the weight they lost was fat and how much was water. They receive support, counseling, education and a vitamin injection. Patients remain in this “acute weight loss phase” until they reach their goal weight.

Phase two is a brief time of transition, where Dr. Weitzman continues to monitor progress weekly, while introducing carbs back into the diet and reducing some supplements.

Dr. Weitzman says that phase three, the long-term maintenance phase, “is what sets us apart from our competitors. It’s also the most critical.” He explains that other programs let you go when you’ve reached your goal weight, even though statistics show that 8085 percent of people who get to their goal weight on any program will gain the weight back within a year. “But, we cut that (statistic) in half,” he says. “On other programs, most people stay on maintenance for a couple of months. Generally, with other programs, at that point, they start to deviate.”

But, with Medi-Weightloss, patients continue coming to the clinic monthly for at least six months, so the staff notices if they begin to slip back into old, bad habits. And, Dr. Weitzman can make quick changes to help the patient. “We can put them (back) on Stay Slim to help control their appetite,” he says.

“The patients who receive this help usually do well, because they see how easy

Neighborhood News

it is to get back on track,” he adds. “If they weren’t (still) in our program, we would’ve lost them. But, once you’re a Medi patient, you’re always a Medi patient.”

Willett concurs. “Even after patients have completed all three phases of our program, we encourage them to pop back in whenever it’s needed,” she says. “Don’t feel guilty! Life happens, and it’s not perfect.”

She adds, “We want you to be successful.

That’s why we’re successful.”

Robin Nagy, a Wesley Chapel resident who joined Medi-Weightloss last July, says the 71 pounds she has lost over the last eight months is the most success she’s had on any weight loss program.

“I’ve been struggling my whole life,” she says. “This is the furthest and best I’ve come.”

She says her success comes from a great program and a staff she really appreciates.

“They’re really supportive, not condescending, and very nice,” she says, “I walk in and get smiles and compliments. I don’t feel like I’m just a number; I really feel like I’m part of a Medi-Weightloss family.”

Now, with 82 locations throughout 24 states, Medi-Weightloss Clinics is headquartered in Tampa. The close proximity of the headquarters gives the Lutz office staff great access to the many resources available at the company’s headquarters, including training and experts, such as a bariatric physician and even a corporate dietitian.

Visit the Lutz/Wesley Chapel office of Medi-Weightloss Clinics at 24420 S.R. 54.

It is open five days a week: Mon. & Wed., 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Tues.;1 p.m.–7 p.m. on Thur.; & 6:30 a.m.–1 p.m. on Fri. For more info, see the ad on pg. 7, call (813) 909-1700 or visit MediWeightloss Clinics.com/Locations/Lutz.

@NTWCNews

SPOTLIGHT ON........la Pink Boutique!

Local shoppers know that la Pink Boutique is a fun, charming place to shop for unique clothes and special, one-of-akind gifts, primarily for women.

It’s been located at The Walk at Highwoods Preserve shopping center, off of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd, in New Tampa (in the outparcel next to Men’s Wearhouse) since it opened in 2006.

Owner Amy Crumpton says that everything she carries in the store, “has to be different and special.”

That’s because she’s well aware that in the nearly 12 years since la Pink opened, people are doing more and more shopping online. But, she says, online shopping is a poor substitute for stopping by a unique, local shop, where everything in the store has been hand selected, so you know whatever you choose will be a great find.

“That’s why people shop here,” Amy says. “They know they’re going to find something unique that no one else will be wearing.

When it’s gone from the store, it’s gone. I don’t reorder styles when they sell out.”

Plus, she says, when you leave the store, you know you won’t have to worry about the hassle of sending something back or the disappointment of it not looking as great as you hoped it would.

“I’m a hands-on person,” Amy says.

“I want to feel and touch and know that what I buy works before I leave the store.

Will it fit? Is it the color I think it will be?”

Clothing lines at la Pink include KUT from the Kloth Denim, Escapada and Isle.

Amy recently began offering Face-

plant Dreams Pajamas, a line of super-comfy pajamas and slippers based in Ybor City.

Speaking of comfort, la Pink was the first boutique to feature Lutz designer Tees by Tina, a line of flattering t-shirts, leggings, camis and other casual fashions.

“We try to look for stuff that’s made locally at a good price point and bring it into the store,” she says.

While la Pink is primarily a clothing shop, Amy does also carry plenty of items that make great gifts, including Tea Forte, Moon & Lola jewelry, Tyler candles, Baudelaire Body Care and Bourbon & Boweties bracelets.

For more information about la Pink Boutique (18035 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., in the same plaza as Best Buy), call (813) 972-2862, “like” the “la Pink Boutique Tampa” page on Facebook or see the ad on pg. 26.

The store is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Wharton’s Flag Football Team Faces A Tough Road To Make It To States

By ANDY WARRENER When Tina and Mike Roberts took over the Wharton High flag football team six years ago, they had just 22 girls try out, and very few fans attended their games.

“In years past, no one came to the games, not even the home games,” Mike Roberts says.

Fast forward to the 2018 preseason, and the Wildcats had 50 girls try out for this year’s team. Wharton maintains a 16-girl varsity squad and a 19-player JV team, and while currently unranked has spent most of the season ranked in the Class 2A Top 20 poll, according to FloridaHighSchoolFootball.com.

At last week’s game at Leto, the Wildcats showed off their firepower by throttling the Falcons 46-0. They also brought about two dozen fans along to stock the visitor stands, outnumbering those on the home side.

The victory improved Wharton’s record to 7-3 at the time, with the Class 2A District 7 playoffs looming. But getting out of districts is no easy task, as Plant showed Wharton two days after the Leto win.

The Panthers, the defending Class 2A State champions, beat Wharton 26-0.

Currently ranked No. 3 in the state, Plant isn’t even ranked as the best team in the district — Alonso is ranked No. 1 in the state.

“If you can get through this district, you have a good chance to go far,” Mike Roberts said.

The Wildcats will need some upsets to get out of districts and into the State playoffs. Last year, they shocked Alonso in the District quarterfinals, before falling the following game to Plant in quadruple overtime.

The Roberts family has grown into coaching the sport of flag football. Tina says she came by it by pure accident. She was assigned the sport from the school administration seven years ago when it began. A year later, her husband Mike came on board. A year after that, their son Travis (23) also joined the coaching staff.

“Tina asked me to come on and help after an assistant left that first year and I fell in love with it,” Mike says.

Flag football runs the same way regular football’s 7-on-7 exercises do. Seven players line up in a passing formation. One defensive player is allowed to rush the quarterback and offenses can either pass or run with the ball. The offensive team must gain 20 yards to earn a first down.

There is no kicking in the game, so after each touchdown, the team has the option of running or passing for a one- or twopoint conversion.

Girls flag football has grown from niche sport to one of the most popular offerings for female athletes. It only became an official Florida High School Athletic Association sport in 2003, but has more than doubled its participation numbers to more than 250 teams and 6,000 players competing since then.

“I loved just being a part of the team and having the opportunity to play and have fun,” says quarterback Marinique Reddin, one of the team’s top players.

Starting this school year, middle schools in Hillsborough County — including Benito, Turner-Bartels and Liberty — offer girls flag football. This is expected to help the high school game, which until now has basically had to rely on players competing

TURNING 65?

Top left: Flag football is not exactly no-contact, as Wharton’s Lauryn Thompson gets facepalmed after coming down with a catch.

Top Right: Wharton’s Parker Onderko leaps and makes the catch in the victory over Leto.

Bottom: The Wharton High girls flag football team is 7-4 this season, and hopes to pull off a few upsets at the District tournament in a bid for the state playoffs.

(Photos by Andy Warrener).

in flag football for the first time. Tina says for years, most of her players had to be taught the game from scratch, which was a major disadvantage compared to other high school sports.

“It’s going to make the sport that much better,” Mike Roberts says. “Next year, we’ll have eighth graders coming in that know the sport and you’ll see the payoffs.”

The Roberts’ dedication to the sport has helped build Wharton into one of the area’s better programs.

Reddin is tall and athletic and has the skill set to either pass the ball or tuck it and run, and scored four touchdowns in the win over Leto. Lauryn Thompson is another tall player with enough speed to score a touchdown any time she touches the football, which she did twice against Leto while adding an interception.

Both players are just juniors who have found their calling in the still relatively new sport.

“I love how competitive the game is and how the team has become so close, like one big family,” says Thompson. “If one of us needs help, we help each other out without downing each other. I look forward to practice every day.”

On defense, Ja’Nessa Ellis, Sade Seraaj and Mecca Bythewood had interceptions against Leto. Bythewood and Seraaj ran theirs back for touchdowns. Junior Williams rushes the quarterback.

“It’s great to see what these girls can do with the football,” Mike Roberts said. “We put in plays and they execute them.”

Look for updates at NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

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35

Congratulations Go Out To Wharton High’s Top Students Of 2018!

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN

celeste@ntneighborhoodnews.com

Wharton High Class of 2018 valedictorian Anthonia Elensi and salutatorian Sonile Peck have a lot in common.

Both went to Turner Elementary and Bartels Middle School before the schools were combined to become Turner-Bartels K-8 School.

They are both the youngest siblings in families with high achievers who previously graduated from Wharton in the top five percent of their respective classes.

Neither set out to have the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) in their graduating class, but once they realized they were on track, they kept doing what they were doing to stay at the top.

Both are getting ready to attend college and both plan to become doctors.

Anthonia and Sonile are both are widely respected for what may be the jewel in the crown of their high school careers — founding a Black Student Union at Wharton, which has become one of the school’s most popular clubs this year.

“We wanted to create a platform for black students to feel comfortable and have a community to be empowered,” Anthonia says.

They approached school librarian Rachel Shellman last year and asked her to sponsor the club.

Now, Shellman has nothing but praise for the pair. “They are phenomenal,” she says. “They have very strong leadership skills. They are both well spoken and they had a great year.”

She says the pair’s biggest success was planning the school’s first Black History Month celebration.

They planned a school-wide event that Shellman says was very well received. “Students and teachers were very complimentary,” Shellman says. “No one knew what to expect for a first-time event, but they got a lot of positive feedback.”

Nearly 90 students joined the club, which Sonile and Anthonia say is a large one for Wharton,

Neighborhood News

especially for one 2018 Wharton Top 10 in its first year.

“Both young 1. Anthonia Elensi ladies are tremen- 2. Sonile Peck dous students – obviously, since 3. Gregory Harvey they are valedicto- 4. Stephen Maldonado rian and salutatorian,” says princi- 5. Yasmine Gillespie 6. Cameron Newborn pal Brad Woods.

“But the way they 7. Alice Cheng were able to create the Black Student 8. Rachel Hineline Union and grow 9. Ashley Zack its membership 10. Mackenzie Willman this year is also tremendous.”

Magda Rodriguez, the school’s college career counselor, who has been there since Wharton opened in 1997, says the pair are the first black, female valedictorian and salutatorian at the school.

“I don’t want my skin color to matter…,” begins Sonile. Anthonia finishes her sentence, “But it does matter.”

Last year’s Honor Court, which includes the Top 10 students in the school academically, had no black students. Anthonia and Sonile say the Black Student Union is a platform to help students do what they want to do, both academically and culturally.

As they graduate from Wharton, they are passing the torch to new leadership. Both hope that eventually, the club will include mentorship opportunities for its members. “If you can do something that can empower people of your skin color, you should,” says Anthonia.

Wharton High salutatorian Sonile Peck (left) and valIn addition to the Black Student Union, both girls participated in clubs such as the National Hon- edictorian Anthonia Elensi (center, as well as top right on or Society and the Science National Honor Society this page), who together founded the school’s Black Student Union earlier this year, with sponsor Rachel Shellman, who at Wharton.

@NTWCNews

See “Top Students” on pg. 39.

also is the school’s media specialist.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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‘Top Students’

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Continued from Page 37 Sonile also participated in HOSA, the club for students who intend to be future health professionals that was previously called “Health Occupations Students of America.” Through this program, Sonile says she has prepared to take an exam in May to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She says she thinks being a CNA will be a great job for her while she is attending college.

Anthonia and Sonile took a combination of high school classes, advanced placement (AP) classes and dual enrollment classes. Anthonia’s weighted GPA of 7.81 just edged out Sonile’s weighted GPA of 7.77. They both expect to have more than 60 college credit hours when they start their college careers this fall.

As for her Wharton experience, Anthonia says she’ll take with her a lot of memorable lessons, such as perseverance.

“At times where I felt like I was doing a lot both academically and with clubs,” she says, “I learned it’s important to finish what you start – and finish strong.”

Sonile was accepted to prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, the school of her dreams that she says motivated her to do her best throughout high school.

She is now looking at scholarships, which she says is the “harder part.” She also has been accepted at University of

Florida in Gainesville, and will go there if it doesn’t work out for her to go to Johns Hopkins. Sonile hopes to one day be an oncologist.

If she does end up at UF, she’ll be there with Anthonia, who will attend the school to study health sciences, with the goal of becoming a doctor, although she’s not sure what field she wants to go into yet.

Sonile has some advice for younger students.

“Focus on the day to day,” she says.

“Senior year is fun and exciting and eventful, but make sure you’re doing what you need to do right now.”

Congratulations to all of our graduating New Tampa high school students, whether at Wharton, Freedom or other public and private high schools. We will feature Freedom High’s Valedictorian Catherine Wang in our May 18 edition of New Tampa Neighborhood News.

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39

Wesley Chapel’s Zach D’Onofrio’s ‘American Idol’ Quest Ends In Los Angeles

By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

Wiregrass Ranch High junior Zach D’Onofrio’s hopes of being the next “American Idol” are officially over, after taking the shy 16-year-old on an incredible whirlwind journey that started at auditions at Florida Hospital Center Ice here in Wesley Chapel and led him to Orlando, New York and California.

Unofficially, his dream ended Jan. 21 in Hollywood, CA. But, to those not in his immediate family, Zach’s end came March 26, when the last episode he will appear in was shown on ABC-TV. “It was a really great experience,” said Zach, the day after the final episode.

Like he did on the “Idol” season premiere, Zach had a nice spot on the March 26 episode, which focused on his friendship with fellow contestant, the quirky Catie Turner.

While Turner pined for the young, good-looking hopefuls on the show, her affections were mostly aimed at Zach.

“He’s funny, he’s nice, he dresses cool,” Catie said.

“Me and Catie got really close on the show, and I definitely made a lot of good friends that I will never forget,” Zach says.

“I am very thankful I could meet all these great people.”

Like Zach, Catie transforms herself when it comes to singing. She turned in a sterling performance of the Beatles’ “Come Together,” and then cheered on Zach from backstage.

Zach sang 45 seconds of Michael Buble’s “Cry Me A River” (though it was edited to about 15 second for TV) on his final appear-

40

Zach D’Onofrio is surprised after being eliminated in his journey to become the next “American Idol.”

But, he says the experience was one he will never forget.

ance. Cameras showed the other contestants expressing shock (as most people do) when Zach’s squeaky voice gave way to his much bigger and deeper singing voice.

When it came time for elimination, the 10 contestants in Zach’s group were called to the Dolby Theater stage. While the show made it look like three were asked to step forward, it was actually seven of the 10.

The three that weren’t asked to step forward, including Zach, were eliminated by celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, who famously danced with

Zach during his audition in New York.

Zach was never told why he was not chosen. He walked off the stage with the other eliminated contestants, did a brief confessional-type interview that aired and showed him fighting back tears, and then it was over.

He and his mother Darci ate at a nearby diner with $25 gift cards they had been given, and packed up their suitcases.

“It hit me pretty hard,” Zach says. “One day you’re there and they are explaining the rules, the day after that you sing, and the next morning you are on your way back

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 201 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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home. It all happened so fast.”

Zach quickly put the disappointment behind him.

“It was nice to have my mom with me, sharing the experience. It definitely helped me out,” he said. “I bounced back really quickly.

I felt like I sang my best. I felt like I didn’t do anything wrong. There’s no reason to be sad.”

Back home in Wesley Chapel and at school, Zach said he found lots of support.

“A lot of people have told me I should have gotten through,” Zach says. “My teachers watched it too, and they were confused about why I didn’t get through. I don’t know why, which kind of sucks.”

But, Zach says he plans on building on his experience. When he started, he had 400 followers on Instagram but now he has an audience of 12,000. He says he will continue posting videos on YouTube, and he hopes to bring back the more intimate sound made famous by crooners like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and, more currently, by Harry Connick, Jr., and Michael Buble.

He said he has talked with New Jersey’s Austin Georgio, who is currently on NBCTV’s “The Voice” singing competition as that show’s resident crooner, about collaborating on a project.

And, before he left Hollywood, he was told by other contestants he should try again next year.

“Why not?,” Zach says. “If they get a second season, I plan on trying to be there.”

Look for an announcement about a possible local performance by Zach on our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page and at NTNeighborhoodNews.com.

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4/12/18 8:56 AM

Vallarta’s Tampa Palms Is Gearing Up For Another Fun Cinco De Mayo!

By GARY NAGER

E

VEN THOUGH I’ll never try to convince you that Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant, located in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center, is the best Mexican food you’ll ever eat, I do enjoy the food (especially at Vallarta’s reasonable prices), the service and the atmosphere at this local chain of family-owned eateries.

Because I’m the adventurous type, I always try to sample something new whenever I visit Vallarta’s, skipping only the shrimp dishes that I’m allergic to, and I keep finding new favorites to go with my old ones.

On my most recent visits, I first tried the semi-spicy steak a la Mexicana and although the thin rib eye steak is a fatty cut, the blend of onions, tomatoes and sliced jalapeños definitely make it a flavorful choice for me. There also are seven other non-fajita steak dishes on the menu, all under $15, unless you get a steak and shrimp combo. I can recommend the batterdipped steak milanesa and the Vallarta’s special steak, topped with grilled tomatoes, onions and peppers.

Next, I tried the pork chunks with onions, or carnitas, and found what truly is now my new favorite dish at Vallarta’s.

The pork is obviously marinated and the chunks literally melt in your mouth.

Pedro, the general manager, says that the chunks are made from pork leg or butt. All I can say is that I’ll be sampling this one again. For the same price ($13), you can add salsa roja (red) or verde (green), but these beauties don’t really need any sauce.

The carnitas are totally tasty as is.

Vallarta’s no longer serves its fajitas sizzling on a metal dish, but they’re still pretty tasty and I prefer the chicken to the steak fajitas.

Starters at Vallarta’s include the cheese (queso) dip, guacamole Vallarta, a mushroom quesadilla and five varieties of nachos, so whether you like them just with cheese ($6) or the nachos Vallarta (with grilled steak, avocado, onions and cheese, $11), you’re sure to find one that suits your fancy — just bring plenty of friends, as the nacho orders are huge!

And although I can’t eat the Cocktel de Camarones (shrimp cocktail, $14) due to my shellfish allergy, I saw someone enjoying it the other day. The large shrimp are served “swimming” in a tasty hot sauce, in a gigantic margarita glass. I also enjoy the Mexican chicken soup, which was perfect for those cold days we had in March.

Jannah also recently found a new favorite, as she really enjoyed the chicken fajita salad, which also is available with beef or shrimp and served in a monstrous tortilla shell that is overstuffed with fajita chicken, plus grilled peppers and onions, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, pico de gallo, guac and cheese. It’s not served with dressing, but it honestly doesn’t need additional toppings, as Jannah ended up not needing to use her side of ranch dressing.

There also are plain grilled chicken dinners (pollo a la Parilla, $11) and a fried chicken breast (pollo Empanisado, $13).

And of course, Vallarta’s also has lunch and dinner-sized combinations of all of your Mexican favorites. So, whether you like hard or soft tacos, enchiladas, chalupas, burritos, tamales, tostadas, taquitos, flautas, chimichangas or tostaguac (I honestly don’t know what that last one is), you’re sure to find your favorites on this huge menu, with most lunch combos from $6$9 and most dinner combos at around $10.

I’m not the biggest quesadilla fan, but they also are available for $8-$11 and the one I definitely will try in the future is the chicken, bacon and cheese variety.

Oh, and of course, even though I’m usually a chunky salsa kind of guy, Vallarta’s puréed salsa, served in wine carafes (you pour the salsa into a bowl for dipping), is highly addictive, especially with the restaurant’s fresh, hot, super-crisp tortilla chips.

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Another great thing about Vallarta’s is that it offers a full liquor bar with a variety of Mexican and domestic beers, a selection of top-shelf tequilas, as well as lots of margarita varieties that, according to the Vallarta’s menu, are “truly bigger than your head,” all at much lower prices than you’ll find at most sit-down Mexican eateries.

So, if you’re looking for a place to spend Saturday, May 5 — aka Cinco de Mayo — look no further. Vallarta’s will

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Steak a la Mexicana

Ultima Burrito

have music, food and drink specials and a big crowd for Cinco, although the place is crowded for dinner almost every day all year-round (and even many days at lunch time) and continues to receive lots of votes every year in our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest. In other words, when you serve good food at very fair prices, people will keep coming back for more.

And, speaking of more, there also are Vallarta’s locations in the Wesley Chapel Village Market, one near the Suncoast Pkwy. off S.R. 54, one at Collier Pkwy. at 54, one on S.R. 54 in Trinity/Odessa, plus Temple Terrace and Carrollwood. The

Chicken Fajita Salad family that started Vallarta’s also opened a more upscale San José Mexican Restaurant on Land O’Lakes Blvd. (U.S. Hwy. 41 in Lutz), as well as the new El Pescador Mexican seafood restaurant in the New Tampa Center plaza on BBD Blvd. We plan to feature El Pescador in our next issue.

Vallarta’s of Tampa Palms is located at 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd. W. It is open every day for lunch and dinner. For more information, including some great regular coupon specials, visit VallartasRestaurants.com, see the ad on pg. 47 or call (813) 978-3761.

The Wesley Chapel Vallarta’s is located at 5335 Village Market. For more info, call (813) 907-5161.

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45

Nibbles & Business Bytes The Latest & Greatest News In Dining, Shopping & Business In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! from the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) that is anchored by the months-old Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers.

Bahama Breeze, which was unable to participate in this year’s Taste, will likely not open until the summer, but the building has made considerable progress since first going vertical just a few short weeks ago.

We’ll keep you posted.

Ty & Hildi Visit TPO

If you were a fan of the old “Trading Spaces” home improvement TV show on TLC (formerly The Learning Channel), you probably already realize that the show has made a triumphant return, after a 10-year hiatus.

On April 7, the day the new edition of the show debuted on TLC, “Trading Spaces” cohosts/designers Ty Pennington and Hildi Santo Tomas (photo, above) appeared for several hours at the Tampa Premium Outlets, to the delight of hundreds of fans who got to get “up close & personal” with Ty and Hildi. A great get for TPO, to be sure.

For more information, search “Trading Spaces” on Facebook. — GN

Chuy’s To Open; Bahama Breeze Next

With Chuy’s Tex-Mex set to open on the north side of S.R. 56 a few days after you receive this publication in your mailbox, Bahama Breeze Island Grille also is getting ready to open due east of the new plaza across

46

Latin Flavors To Replace Cody’s

Rice-n-Beans, a popular Puerto Rican restaurant located in Lutz, will be opening soon in Wesley Chapel at the site of the former Cody’s Original Roadhouse on Wesley Chapel Blvd. just west of I-75.

The site is undergoing a $25,000 renovation. No official grand opening date had been set at our press time. — JCC

Kwan Ming Bistro Closes

I was saddened to see that Kwan Ming Bistro, located on S.R. 56 in the same plaza as Wolf’s Den, had closed. My friends Henry (aka Kwan) and his wife Ming gave it a good several-year run in a tough plaza that also includes the super-successful Cabana Spas.

Unfortunately, the restaurant had some issues — some felt it wasn’t quite upscale enough to justify its prices — but I did really enjoy Kwan Ming Bistro’s wonton soup, BBQ spare ribs, egg rolls and combination fried rice.

Cost Plus World Market Is Open!

Although most of the action in Wesley Chapel is centered around S.R. 56, I had no idea how much excitement there would be around the Grand Opening of Cost Plus World Market (5831 Wesley Grove Blvd.; photo above) in The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center off S.R. 54.

The store, which features furniture, décor and gift items and packaged/dry foods and wines, had already been open a few days, World Market hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on April 5, which was attended by hundreds of deal-seeking locals.

I’ll admit that I went there with no intention to purchase anything but came home with a half-case of assorted wines, two types of coffee, World Markets own delicious vodka spaghetti sauce and assorted unique chocolates. I even ended up joining the store’s savings club.

For more info, visit WorldMarket.com or call the WC store at (813) 371-2433.

Bartell Foundation Pasta Dinner

Congratulations to my friends Jamie, Paul and their son James Bartell, who will be hosting their fourth annual Pasta Dinner to

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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raise money for the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation. Sean — Paul and Jamie’s younger son — passed away in 2014 from a rare disease called toxic epidermal necrolysis.

The Sean Bartell Foundation Pasta Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 28, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m., at Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel (33425 S.R. 54). All of the food — lasagna, meatballs, salad and bread — will again be donated by my (and the Bartells’) friends Carl and Jessica Meyers of Little Italy’s Family Restaurant. There also will be a cake to commemorate what would have been Sean’s 20th birthday.

The tax deductible donation for dinner will be $15 for adults, $8 for children 6-12 and free for those age 5 and under. To-go boxes will be available.

In the past three years, the Foundation has awarded 17 $1,000 Scholarship Grants to local Seniors at Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools and 30 $100 Teacher Grants to teachers at many local schools, for a total of $20,000. “We plan to grant between 3-5 $1,000 grants to local seniors coming up in May, with more Teacher Grants to come in August,” Paul says.

Purchase “Will Call” Tickets at SeanBartell.org by clicking on “PayPal Donate” (please note the # of tickets), by visiting the Foundation’s Facebook page, or email spbfoundation@hotmail.com. — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

49

2018 Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Recap — Faces In The Crowd!

I send out many thanks to freelance writer Andy Warrener for also attending this year’s Taste and for his efforts to get a feel for the Taste from the perspective of some of its attendees. The folks on this page were among those who raved about the event and were excited to be part of this feature. — GN

(Near left) Jeff and Jennifer Pike, who live in Live Oak Preserve, brought their twin daughters Liliana and Amalia as well as their son, 12-year-old Carter, to the 2018 Taste.

“We found out about the event on Facebook, it’s our first time here,” Jeff said. “The food was the clincher.

There’s such a variety with what’s in the neighborhood, we didn’t even know half the places. The event gets people to recognize that there are more restaurants out there than just the major chains.”

Jeff enjoyed the Shepherd’s pie from O’Brien’s Irish Pub, while Jennifer was taken by the flan and rice and beans offered by La Yuma.

“The food samples are the primary reason for coming, also to hang out with friends,” Jennifer said. “It’s a very family-friendly event. The kids are here with their friends and there’s always a new restaurant to discover.”

(Near right) For Arbor Greene resident Jacob, 15, his favorite was Snowrolls Ice Cream, and for his brother Noah, 6, it was the pizza from Bosco’s Italian-to-Go. “We actually found out about the event in the Neighborhood News,” said their father Randy. “There are lots of activities in more established communities like downtown and South Tampa but not much going on in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. As the community grows, so will events like this.”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 26, Issue 9 • April 20, 2018 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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@NTWCNews

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