Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 28. Issue 2, Jan. 17, 2019

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Volume 28 Issue 2 January 17, 2020

You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet! STORY & PHOTOS BY JOHN C. COTEY

Each passing year seems to be the biggest one yet for Wesley Chapel.

The area’s major growth began at the start of the last decade, and Wesley Chapel’s continued expansion and evolution have proceeded unabated to what we have now: a bustling mini “city” whose flowering has been astounding.

But, even with an eventful 2019 in the books, there is a chance we literally haven’t seen anything yet.

“I think 2019 was our biggest year yet, but there is going to be a lot of exciting things coming along in 2020,” says Hope Allen, the CEO of the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce).

More than 1,000 commercial permits have been filed in oWesley Chapel’s three zip codes over the last three years, including 498 in 2019. Those that get approved typically come to fruition within 18 months. So, much of what we saw open in 2019 was news in 2017 and ‘18.

Wesley Chapel got its first green grocer in 2019, as Earth Fare opened in February. Allen thinks this was one of 2019’s more significant entries into the Wesley Chapel market, because a green grocer was so desperately desired by so many local residents. For Allen, it’s not a matter of quantity when it comes adding to Wesley Chapel’s growing landscape, but rather filling a need, or a desire.

“I think that Earth Fare had a big impact, because it filled a void,” she says.

See “Year in Review” on page 4.

The Grove is Excited to Announce These New Tenants: The Kilted Axe

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Many More Exciting Tenants Coming Soon!

Treble Makers

Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant

King of The Coop

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• TLC

Community Markets (every Sat!)

Axe-Throwing Fun, Leagues & Beer!

45-Min. Functional Workouts!

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Upcoming Events at The Grove

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Why Is This Great Clips ‘Advertorial’ On Page 3? To Make A Point!

An editorial by Gary Nager Most of the time, when we write what we call Business Feature or Business Spotlight stories, they appear towards the middle of the issue or, occasionally, as a companion piece to my Nibbles & Bytes column (see pages 38-39).

However, what has happened with my relatively new advertiser Great Clips Cypress Creek Town Center-Lutz (which I still call Wesley Chapel, despite the Lutz address) drove back to me again, on the week of my 117th birthday (I know, “You don’t look a day over 105!”) once again why I’m “still” doing this same job after what will be 26 years at the end of February 2020.

I started going to Great Clips from the time it first opened to get my hair cut because, quite honestly, it was the closest (not to mention most affordable) hair cutting place to where Jannah and I live. But, that was more than a year ago and I’ve still been getting my hair cut at the same Great Clips. Why? Well sure, there’s the convenience thing.

But, considering that I’m not getting any younger (sorry, Jannah!) and a decent head of hair is about all I have left going for me, I wanted a place I could afford that wouldn’t make me need “repairs” someplace else two weeks later.

The reason why I keep going back to Great Clips also isn’t because they started advertising with me in October or because owner Scott Dixon pays his bills. Scott’s a nice enough guy to work with — and he currently owns five Great Clips salons (including Carrollwood, South Tampa, St. Pete and North Port) — but he’s a CPA by trade and is never going to cut my hair.

No, the reason I am a Great Clips Cypress Creek customer is because of Scott’s hair stylist extraordinaire Laverne. Laverne, who has ten years of experience with Great Clips (although she has worked at other salons, too), is a truly professional stylist and amateur therapist (at least for me) who quickly does what you instruct her to do with a smile on her face. She seems to love listening to whatever crazy family stories I have to tell and she always recommends hair products to help keep me looking my best between haircuts without ever pressuring me to buy anything.

And, although I’m sure the other stylists at this Great Clips location are all great, too, it was Laverne who was the only stylist at this location when the salon opened and who first recommended to Scott that he give advertising in the Neighborhood News a shot.

“Everyone knows Gary,” Laverne told him.

“But, not everyone knows we’re here!”

And, even though our readers aren’t always big coupon clippers/redeemers, Laverne says the “$5 OFF” offer in the ad on pg. 22 started bringing in people right away. The issue you’re now reading is only the fourth Wesley Chapel issue that Scott has advertised in, but Laverne says the number of coupons being redeemed has grown exponentially to where she says, “Somewhere around 40 percent or more of our new customers have come from those Neighborhood News ads.”

Scott has even started giving the New Tampa market a shot and is discussing having us shoot a Video Business Feature for him, too.

I’m excited to see what happens after this story reaches mailboxes in both of our markets.

Great Clips Cypress Creek Town Center-Lutz is located at 25700 Sierra Center Blvd. For info, stop in or call (813) 948-9911. Check in online at GreatClips. com and don’t forget to 1) use the coupon from pg. 22 and 2) tell Laverne I sent you!

Neighborhood News

Congrats, Sproats (& Island Fin!)

Please visit my friend (and hair stylist) Laverne (right) at Great Clips Cypress Creek on S.R. 56, in the same plaza as Mellow Mushroom.

Congrats to my friends Brenda, Jeff and son Jason Sproat — who have had similar success advertising their delicious Island Fin Poke Co. (see ad on pg. 38) in the Neighborhood News as Great Clips — for their successful North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting on Jan. 9.

INSIDE

Plans for The Grove’s new shipping container park have been revealed!

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Wesley Chapel 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 /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Andy Warrener Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Photography & Videography Richard Nasrallah • Benjamin Hobe Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager

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

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 28, Issue 4, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, February 3, 2020.

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

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

© 2020 JM2 Communications, Inc. @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

3

Year In Review: Sure, 2019 Was Great, But You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet! Continued from page 1.

But, Earth Fare was just the beginning of a busy 2019 for Wesley Chapel. A number of new restaurants and bars, including Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar on S.R. 56 and Glory Days Grill on S.R. 54, opened, and there are plans for dozens more coming in 2020 and beyond.

“The economy is still strong,” says Pasco County District 2 Commissioner Mike Moore. “Typically, you’ll see the builders slow down when they see a change… but they aren’t slowing down.”

With all that growth, traffic remained an important issue for local residents.

The county did begin work on widening S.R. 54, and also moved forward with the construction of the much-anticipated Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) at the intersection of S.R. 56 and I-75. And, the S.R. 56 extension which was finally finished in 2019 — and has been well received by local commuters desiring another east-west road — will soon have something other than open pasture land along its length.

Yes, there will be more homes. And lots of them.

According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Taylor Morrison Homes recently closed on 750 acres of land for $23.5-million at the northwest and southwest corners of the S.R. 56/Morris Bridge Rd. intersection, land that is already entitled for roughly 1,600-1,700 homes.

Wesley Chapel saw its fair share of new homes go up in 2019, and thousands of housing permits are in the system for the coming years. Last year, 4,335 single residential permits were filed with the county. In the last three years, 11,448 have been filed.

The Connected City in northern Wesley Chapel has hundreds of homes under construction, including

The Cypress Creek Performing Arts Center groundbreaking was a highlight of 2019. It will open in 2020. (Photo: John C. Cotey)

another 713 waiting on approval for Metro Development Group’s Mirada development, which will soon be home to our area’s second Crystal Lagoons® by Metro Lagoons® amenity. Avalon Park West has plans for more than 1,300 homes off S.R. 54, and Winding Ridge in the Wyndfields MPUD is seeking approval for 469 homes, just to name a few.

This formerly rural area is filling up fast, good news for those who prefer a suburban lifestyle but much to the chagrin of many others.

“We hear about it from some residents, typically from people who have been here a long time and moved out here for a quiet, peaceful life,” Allen says.

“If that’s what you are looking for, this is not the place to be. This is going to be an active suburban core.”

Emphasis on that word “active.” The county rebranded its tourism efforts as the Florida Sports Coast,

a move heavily influenced by Wesley Chapel’s growth in the sports market. Although Pasco’s hiking and biking trails, Gulf coast fishing and outdoor attractions like Treehoppers in Dade City also are important aspects of the new push, the success of AdventHealth Center Ice and the soon-to-open Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex of Pasco County in the fastest growing area of Pasco likely sparked the rebranding.

Looking ahead to 2020, Allen personally lists the Wiregrass Sports Complex opening, likely in July, as the most anticipated opening of 2020 (and she is hopeful that Raymond James Financial breaks ground), but there is stiff competition.

The Blue Heron assisted living facility in Seven Oaks and the AdventHealth-Moffitt Cancer Center building on the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel campus will be completed by the end of the year and will provide much-needed services for local residents.

The Main Event entertainment center and the Florida Avenue Brewing Company on S.R. 56 will help spark the local nightlife scene, and a much-anticipated Aldi grocery store, as well as a host of additional new restaurants, will keep folks in the area buzzing.

And, let’s not forget the massive and speedy transformation of The Grove (see story, pg. 6), which after being left for dead by many will have, by this time next year, it’s own craft brewery, a dueling piano bar, an axethrowing hangout, new restaurants and a one-of-a-kind shipping container park that, if developer Mark Gold is correct, will become Wesley Chapel’s downtown.

As Commissioner Moore says, “The whole county, but especially Wesley Chapel, is growing. It’s the fastest-growing area in the state and I don’t see an end in sight. Do you?”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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Hot On The Web In 2019!

In the newspaper business, there’s a popular saying — if it bleeds, it leads.

At the Neighborhood News, that saying has been tweaked somewhat, to something like “if it’s in permitting or approved and it’s a place people can go to have fun and/or eat food, or better yet swim in crystal clear water, it leads.”

Sure, it doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily as the newspaper saying, but it seems to work for us, because almost every year, the top stories on our website always seem to revolve around news of what is coming to the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

As a result, Wesley Chapel, which has a lot more stuff coming, dominated our web traffic numbers in 2019.

Our top story lapped the rest of the competitors. “The Lagoon Is Open To Everyone, But Not Forever” produced more than 35,000 pageviews, roughly three times as many as our next most popular story, the October scoop about developer Mark Gold and his big plans for The Grove in Wesley Chapel (we suspect this news will inspire Gold to build the world’s first-ever Grove Lagoon...

Coming Soon!; see story on page 6).

You can say this about Wesley Chapel — the locals love their chicken and beer.

Coverage of the Chick-Fil-A opening on S.R. 54 was No. 3 on our site in 2019, news of

Neighborhood News

Will the coverage of Aldi’s opening in 2020 break our website? We must confess to being somewhat concerned.

Florida Avenue Brewing coming to S.R. 56 was No. 5, and our scoop on Double Branch Artisanal Ales being the first new place to sign up for The Grove project was No. 7.

At No. 6, news of the new local high school and middle school boundaries was a hot topic, as usual, and the rest of the top 20 is filled with business updates, business updates and more business updates.

All in all, Wesley Chapel-based stories took 16 of our top-20 spots when it comes to our web traffic. — JCC Remember to check out our latest online news at NeighborhoodNewsOnline. net (see page 13), or access it through Facebook (it’s easy! Just search “Neighborhood News”), and make sure you follow us on Twitter @NTWCNews.

@NTWCNews

Gary Nager WHAT WILL BE HOT IN 2020

John C. Cotey WHAT WILL BE HOT IN 2020

1. Wiregrass Sports Complex: With my wife in charge of marketing for RADD Sports, which will operate the complex, could I really pick anything else?

2. The Grove: Jannah & I can’t wait for the opening of the Treble Makers dueling piano bar...and all of the other non-chain restaurants less than three miles from where we live!

3. Main Event: I’ve been to this bowling-andmore entertainment complex in Orlando and the food & beverages are great, too, so this is exciting.

1. The Grove: I’m not sure if I’m more excited about axe throwing, a craft brewery, exotic food choices or a hip and trendy container park, so let’s just go with all of it.

2. Wiregrass Sports Complex: The new complex will tie a neat little ribbon around the Florida Sports Coast rebranding the county did last year.

3. Aldi: I’ve only been to an Aldi once, but I have answered the office phone to, “Hey, when is Aldi going to open” roughly 3,659 times the past three years, so let’s go with blind faith.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

5

Container Park Signs More, Submits Plans To Pasco

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Developer Mark Gold isn’t exactly sure what made him settle on creating a one-of-a-kind shipping container park as part of his next big project.

He says he knew he wanted something green, and he wanted something small, and he wanted something unique.

“I wanted it to be different than everyone else,” he says.

It sure looks like that will be the case.

Conceptual plans for the park, which will officially be named Krate by Gold Box and be home to nearly 100 tenants running their businesses from modified shipping crates, were officially filed with Pasco County last month.

Krate is just one part, but perhaps the crown jewel, of the The Grove project, which is transforming the old, worn-down retail center into a major Wesley Chapel hub. Mishorim-Gold Properties, a partnership between Gold and Mishorim Real Estate, bought the 200+ acres, including all of the existing structures in The Grove, for $62.7 million last year.

Phase 1 of Krate will be built on nearly 7 acres of land just west of I-75 and east of The Grove’s big box retail stores like Best Buy and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Krate plans to have 87 tenants (many using multiple crates), 172 parking spaces, and a stage for bands and competitions that

will be flanked by a pavilion and a children’s playground.

But, the biggest selling point, says Gold, is the opportunity for local residents to open their own businesses.

“We are building small spaces to give big opportunities to people,” Gold says.

“We want this to be more mom and pop.”

He has 27 restaurants already with signed leases, although he says he is hoping for more service-based businesses. Most of the crates are already under contract, and will start arriving in a few weeks.

He expects Krate will be up and running in 6-8 months.

“People are going to drive one hour, one-and-a-half hours to see this concept,” Gold says. “If I had built a shopping center, people would say ‘What is the big deal?’ But this is a shopping center built with containers with parking and lights and sidewalks and activity, lots of activity.”

While often compared to Sparkman Wharf at the Channelside Bay Plaza in downtown Tampa, Gold says he has visited the Tampa crate park and says “they do not compare.” He compared Sparkman Wharf to food trucks with no wheels where you eat outside, whereas Krate’s containers will be actual restaurants with many offering indoor and outdoor seating.

“This concept, I think, is the only one like it in the world,” Gold says.

At The Grove, where Gold is filling once empty buildings with fitness and yoga

The first two crates to arrive are now on display at The Grove and will one day serve as Mark Gold’s office at the Krate by Gold Box complex. (Photo: John C. Cotey)

studios, a craft brewery, a dueling piano bar, Italian eateries and even an axe throwing bar while dubbing it “The Village,” variety is the spice of life, and he takes great pride in what Krate will offer.

Among his 27 restaurants are zero chains and places offering Cajun, Chinese, Colombian, Cuban, Dutch, French, Japanese, Italian, Puerto Rican, Thai and Vegan food, as well as other places serving cupcakes, ice cream, falafel, sandwiches, juices and even a mojito lab.

“People will drive here just for the variety,” Gold says.

He is so confident the concept is ready to take off, he says he already has plans to develop other Krate by Gold Box

container concepts across the country. His second site, in Raleigh, NC., where he has two other developments, already has been picked out.

Meanwhile, here in Wesley Chapel, Gold’s office, in the heart of The Grove property that he is confident will one day be considered downtown Wesley Chapel, is bustling. He moves from one meeting to another, exchanging info with daughter Keren, the property’s leasing representative. There seems to rarely be a time where a prospective tenant isn’t talking to one of them, or waiting their turn.

“I love it,” he says. “People want something else, something different, and we are going to give it to them.”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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Urban Air Adventure Park Set Open In Tampa Palms Jan. 25!

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com It won’t be long before Wesley Chapel has its own “trampoline park” at The Grove, and it’s own bowling and laser tag center at Main Event on S.R. 56, but Urban Air Adventure Park will beat both of them to the punch when it opens next week in Tampa Palms.

Urban Air Adventure Park will hold its Grand Opening on Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. The entertainment center is located at 6250 Commerce Palms Dr. in the Market Square at Tampa Palms shopping center anchored by BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Similar to openings at new Chick-FilAs and Wawas, assistant general manager Chris Schade says the opening of the 28,000-sq.-ft. facility will be an “event.”

At other Urban Air openings, he says people have camped overnight for a chance to be one of the 200 to win free access to the adventure center for a year. Schade says a DJ will be on hand the morning of the Grand Opening, and there also will be donuts and other goodies.

Urban Air Adventure Park is a Texas-based entertainment center franchise with locations all over the U.S.. The New Tampa location will be

the company’s 10th in Florida, which includes centers in nearby Lakeland and Port Richey.

While broadly described by many as a “trampoline park,” Schade says the label really doesn’t do the new facility justice.

While there will be trampolines for jumping, the Tampa Palms Urban Air Adventure Park also includes a timed warrior course, bumper cars, dedicated dodgeball courts, rock walls and Urban Air Adventure Park in Tampa Palms is starting to take shape a kids area for youngand will hold its Grand Opening on Saturday, January 25. sters that includes a (Photo courtesy of Chris Schade) 25-foot spiral slide. will offer pizza, chicken wings and tenThere are also two rides that require ders, as well as beer and wine, including harnesses — a Sky Coaster that circles local craft beer favorites. high above the guests, and a ropes “We really want to get rid of that course. stigma that we’re just a trampoline park,” “We’re able to give the little kids Schade says. “We can cater to everyone their own little area, and still let the from toddlers all the way up to compabigger kids do what they want to do,” nies doing team-building exercises.”

Schade says.

For additional information, visit The Adventure Park’s on-site café UrbanAirNewTampa.com.

CRYSTAL CLEAR SHOPPING?: According to preliminary plans filed with Pasco County, a grocery store, six retail stores and a fitness center are being planned for the area around the entrance to Epperson, home of the country’s first Crystal Lagoons® amenity.

Filed by Minneapolis-based commercial real estate developer Ryan Companies, the plans for the northwest corner of the Overpass Rd./Curley Rd. intersection don’t specifically name any tenants but show a large health/fitness center abutting the easternmost end of the Crystal Lagoon, with a medical/ emergency building to the south.

Closest to Curley Rd. is a planned grocery store, with one large retail space and five others about half the size and 996 total parking spaces for the development.

Ryan Companies and Metro Development Group had a scheduled meeting with Pasco planners to discuss the commercial development on Dec. 10, 2019.

Metro Development is developing Epperson, which will have roughly 2,000 homes, as part of the Connected City project, which will be the nation’s first gigabit community. The community’s prime amenity is the 7.5-acre lagoon, the first of its kind constructed in the U.S., although the area just north of Wesley

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under review by the county.

Chapel along I-75 is getting an even larger lagoon (scheduled to open this year) in Metro’s Mirada development.

MORE CARS, TOO: Representatives of the Morgan Auto Group are scheduled to meet with county planners on Jan. 27 as Morgan moves forward with plans to build a new BMW dealership on S.R. 56.

According to plans filed with the county, the seven-story, 133,000-sq.-ft. dealership will abut the west side of Morgan’s MINI of Wesley Chapel dealership on S.R. 56, just east of I-75.

BMW had previously filed paperwork with the county, and scheduled a pre-application meeting, in the hopes of building a 32,758-sq.-ft. showroom at S.R. 56 and Mansfield Blvd.

The BMW dealership would join other luxury dealers that have opened in Wesley Chapel in recent years, like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus.

Plans are still working their way through permitting for a Volkswagen dealership right across S.R. 56 from MINI of Wesley Chapel. Those plans call for a 27,845-sq.-ft. dealership.

And, plans for a 21,232-sq.-ft. car dealership at the southwest corner of Eagleston Blvd. and Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Seven Oaks — just east and across Eagleston Blvd. from Wesley Chapel Toyota and Lexus of Wesley Chapel — also is

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EXCITING NEW FOOD: Chuck Lager America’s Tavern is coming to the Shops at Wiregrass, according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

By mid-April, the new restaurant, inspired by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, could be open in the 7,500-sq.-ft. space previously occupied by PrimeBar. According to TBBJ, the operating partners are Anthony Sandstorm and Brian Henry, formerly regional managers with Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza.

The Wesley Chapel location will be only the second for Chuck Lager America’s Tavern, which also has a Pike Creek, DE, location.

The made-from-scratch menu, designed and perfected by Viviani, is loaded with American classics with a twist from the Florence, Italy-born chef.

A restaurateur, cookbook author and former three-season “Top Chef” star — including one where he was voted the “Fan Favorite,” Viviani helped craft a menu that includes items like crunchy smoked mozzarella with tomato jam, asiago gnocchi, chicken marsala, roasted salmon risotto and a variety of pizzas, burgers and salads.

Viviani is involved in several restaurant projects in the Tampa Bay area, including Mission Lago Ranch in nearby Thonotosassa.

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9

Wesley Chapel District Park To Get Street Hockey Rink

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com The transformation of the Wesley Chapel District Park (WCDP) on Boyette Rd. continues.

Not only is the park getting an indoor basketball gymnasium — hopefully later this year — and not only is it now home to local cricket players, and not only does it have the only inclusive playground for children with disabilities in the area, it also will soon be home to a street hockey rink.

On Jan. 7, Pasco County finalized an agreement with the Tampa Bay Lightning to build two outdoor street hockey rinks in the county, one at the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex in Holiday, and the other at WCDP. “When they first came up here (with the idea), they were going to do one, but our county is so wide and we have such an interest that they were nice to agree to do two,” said District 3 Pasco Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who was originally pitched the idea.

The rinks will measure 60’ by 120’ feet, and come with pins for dasher board systems, player benches, a penalty box area and a scoreboard.

Pasco County has budgeted $240,000 from the Capital Improvement Plan Projects Fund for the rinks, most of which will go towards the underlying concrete pads. The Lightning Foundation will take care of the rest.

In the last year, plans have been finalized to add an indoor gymnasium, an “It’s obviinclusive playground and an outdoor street hockey rink to the Wesley Chapel ously exciting District Park on Boyette Rd. anytime you can dle schools as part of their Build The introduce kids to a new sport,” said Thunder program. This is the fifth year District 2 commissioner Mike Moore, of the program. who has spearheaded the indoor facility, “As Bruce Springsteen once said, I cricket field and inclusive playground realized after I put all them people in all at the park. “It’s a positive, nice entry them cars, I had to figure out someplace point for kids who can go to a public for all them to go,” Feaster said. facility and not have to pay to get on So, after three years of distributthere to learn.” ing equipment as part of the Build Jay Feaster, the Lightning’s vice The Thunder program, the Lightning president of community hockey denow have the Connect The Thunder velopment, told Pasco’s commissionInitiative, with the team committed to ers that the NHL team has donated building 10 outdoor street hockey rinks 106,000 Lightning logo street hockey in nearby counties. sticks and balls to children at 503 mid“We realized we had to have

someplace for the youngsters to play,” Feaster said.

In addition to building the street hockey rink at WCDP, Feaster said the Lightning also will provide former players to help assist in the Grand Opening as well as programming throughout the year.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” he said.

Wesley Chapel already is home to AdventHealth Center Ice (AHCI), the largest skating facility south of New York in the United States. AHCI is being rightfully credited with increasing the popularity of ice skating in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas, and has been drawing more than a million visitors each year of its existence.

The outdoor street hockey rink will open the door for more people who might not be able to afford hockey equipment to be introduced to playing the sport.

“I think we have more kids that play hockey around here than anywhere in Florida,” Moore says. “The Bruce B. Downs corridor (down through New Tampa) has a lot of kids who play, and this will only help give (more) opportunities to others.”

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Potential Tenants Set Sights On Former Sweetbay Building

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Long before Tampa City Council member Luis Viera had his code enforcement eyes trained on the AMC movie theater at Highwoods Preserve, they were focused like a laser on the long-shuttered former Sweetbay grocery store right across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from the theater.

The Sweetbay building was filthy, and the parking lot was not only overgrown with weeds and other vegetation, but sometimes, it was virtually overflowing with tractor trailers and parked storage and rental trucks.

Sometimes, it was a dumping ground for people’s cast-off furniture, appliances and clothes.

Efforts to clean the area were sometimes successful, but little by little, the parking lot adjacent to Home Depot would again revert to its former rundown status. “What it needs,” Viera has said, “is a new tenant.”

For the first time since the Sweetbay store closed in 2013, that is actually a possibility — although it won’t be anytime too soon.

According to John Neukamm, the attorney for KNK Tampa, Ltd., the California-based owners of the building, prospective purchasers and tenants have begun reaching out to his client in advance of the property becoming available in November of this year.

There have been countless stories swirling about the reasons behind the building staying empty for the past seven years. The Sweetbay store is practically a New Tampa landmark, but not in a good way. Viera has argued that it is New Tampa’s most notorious eyesore.

“That’s unfortunate,” Neukamm says. “My client didn’t want it to be that way.”

Here’s the story: In February of 1999, the property,

then owned by Walter Property Investments, LLC, was leased to Kash ‘n Karry Tampa, Ltd., for a 20-year term, beginning with the completed construction of the building, which was in November of that year.

In 2001, KNK Tampa, Ltd., which has no relation to Kash ‘n Karry, bought the property, which is currently worth $1.54 million, according to Hillsborough County property tax records.

Kash ‘n Karry continued to operate under the lease until June 14, 2006, when its Belgian parent company Delhaize America Inc. converted it to a Sweetbay Supermarket, where whole pineapples and cookies were handed out to customers at its happy New Tampa grand opening.

In January of 2013, however, Publix and Walmart had each only strengthened their respective holds on the Tampa Bay grocery market, and Delhaize announced it would be closing 22 stores in the Tampa Bay area, including its New Tampa location.

In October of 2013, Jacksonvillebased Bi-Lo Holdings, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, paid $265 million for 72 Sweetbay stores, plus the leases to 10 other underperforming Sweetbay supermarkets that had already been closed, one being the New Tampa location.

The New Tampa lease had six years remaining at the time. However, if there were attempts by either Delhaize or BiLo Holdings to negotiate its way out of the lease, they failed.

Subleasing would have been another option, but with such little time remaining on Sweetbay’s lease, it was likely a tough sell, considering what it would have cost to properly renovate the building.

Bi-Lo Holdings has continued to pay the rent at the New Tampa location. Those monthly lease payments will come to an end in November.

“Because we are a year out from

Although the sea of trucks so often seen around the long-vacant Sweetbay supermarket off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa aren’t present in this picture, the hope is that a new tenant or owner will take over one of New Tampa’s most prominent eyesores by this time next year.

that day, we have started to open up dialogue with prospective purchasers and tenants,” Neukamm said in December.

“We have been contacted already by a number of folks who are interested.”

Over the years, a number of brokers have inquired about selling the property, but Neukamm says his clients felt talks would be premature because of the existing lease.

He says there will “likely” be a new

owner or tenant in place by this time next year (2021).

And, what does Viera, who says he has been asked countless questions about the old Sweetbay since being elected in 2016, think about the possible elimination of the area’s most prominent vacant store?

“It’s about time,” he says. “It’s about time.”

We’ll keep you posted.

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...of what we were able to accomplish in 2019 with a very small staff of dedicated print and video journalists who helped us put out slightly more than 100 videos in the 50 weeks of 2019 since we became one of only 23 U.S. and 86 worldwide media companies to receive funding from the Google News Initiative.

Our news videos did outstanding numbers all year on Facebook — slightly under 500,000 total views, a reach of nearly 750,000 and more than 70,000 total engagements.

Our top-10 videos of the year averaged nearly 12,000 Facebook views and a reach of nearly 20,000 each, with an average of 3,100 engagements. Our overall average for all 100 videos was 4,500 views, a reach of 8,000 and about 700 engagements per video.

However, the Google News Initiative was funding recipients in part to build a following on YouTube, which has been owned by Google for several years. And, our 2019 numbers on YouTube — where it’s much harder than it is on Facebook to grab a large audience — quite honestly, weren’t worth bragging about.

Part of the problem is that earlier this year, we switched our YouTube channel — which had more than 2,000 subscribers — from what we had been calling WCNT-tv (“Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Television”) to its current “Neighborhood News Online” You-

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And, while you’re visiting our YouTube channel anyway, we’d also really appreciate it if you viewed, liked and shared as many of our videos (you can see some of them above) as you can — even if you’ve already seen them on Facebook. Any additional subscribers, views and engagements we can grab will help us in our continuing quest to become even more entrenched as the only multimedia source of news and information for the residents and businesses of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel! — Gary Nager

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15

Nerds To Go Can Take Care Of Your Business & Personal Tech Needs

By GARY NAGER This may not surprise you, but I am not a handy guy. I have never changed the oil in my car, I’ve never fixed broken stuff around the house and, most of all, technology and I are not friends. Three decades before there were “smartphones” or tablets, I struggled for years with an IBM Selectric typewriter, followed by an original Epson “personal computer” that cost more than $7,000 and was obsolete before I opened the box — and no, I have never even attempted to fix any of my own “tech.”

It’s a good thing that there are people in this world like Michael Varnadore — the owner of the new Nerds To Go franchise located in the Pebble Creek Collection — who are the opposite of me when it comes to those dreaded (at least for me) letters “IT,” aka “Information Technology.”

Mike also purchased his first personal computer more than 30 years ago — a Commodore 64 — but he somehow soon became the non-commissioned officer in charge of technology for his U.S. Air Force squadron because he was the only one who could figure out how to repair the squadron’s only computer — a Zenith PC. Mike followed up his stint in the Air Force by earning first a Bachelor of Science, followed by a Master of Science degree in Information Systems, both from Hawaii Pacific University. He has, many years later, followed that up with an online Doctorate of Management with an Information Systems specialization — and he’s not even the

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“Nerd” you’ll work with if you ever bring in technology to be repaired into, or called out to fix problems you may have with WiFi or viruses at your home or office when you work with Nerds To Go. More on who you will get to work with below, but first...

Living The Dream

Even though he says he worked for many years as an IT tech — “everything from fixing computers to running support organizations for large companies” — Mike admits that it, “has always been my dream to own my own company. I did extensive research on available franchises and found Nerds To Go, which seemed like a perfect fit for me.” Today, Nerds To Go has more than 30 locations in 18 U.S. states.

He adds, “I’m OK with the fact that we’re nerdy, but we will always be professional. This isn’t some guy just opening up a tech repair place — all of our nerds are certified, our employees are all background-checked and wear uniform polo shirts, our mobile vans are professionally marked and my business model is that if we try but are unable to fix your broken tech, we won’t charge you for it.”

Mike also is proud of his current mobile nerds — Jason and Jonathan — and I can tell you first-hand how professionally things are handled at Nerds To Go, just from my first few times utilizing any of their many services.

My experience with these nerds started out innocently enough. I came in not long after Nerds To Go’s North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting on August 15. I walked into the shop and Maxine behind the desk happened to

Maxine, Michael (front), Jason (in van) & Jonathan (not pictured) of Nerds To Go in the Pebble Creek Collection want to be your business’ IT department and take care of any problems you have with your consumer technology. notice that I had what some people (including yours truly) call the Spider-Man version of my phone. She asked me if I wanted Jason (the only nerd at the location at that time) to see if the veiny cracks in my phone were on my protective

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glass cover or in the phone’s screen itself.

Jason took off the cracked cover and hooked me up with a liquid glass cover from Cell Helmet (the exclusive provider of mobile phone accessories at Nerds To Go), even

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though he had to let me know that I wouldn’t be eligible for the $100 warranty because there was some breakage on the rims of the phone’s actual glass, but that it would likely still protect it better than just sliding another glass cover in the old one’s place. My phone has never cut my fingers and hasn’t chipped or cracked despite having been dropped at least a couple of times since then. And, Cell Helmet accessories are currently buy one, get one free at Nerds To Go! I also mentioned that I had a friend I was trying to help who had a super-old hard drive she was trying to get old pictures and videos off of but she couldn’t find the right power cord to power up the drive, much less successfully get the pics and videos off of it.

Jason (above) called me every few days to update me on the status of the drive. And, although he ended up not being able to get the data off the drive himself, he gave me the contact info for a data recovery company that could, but he warned me that it could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and there was still no guarantee they would be able to successfully extract those pictures and videos.

‘Let Us Be Your IT Dept, Too!’

Even though managing editor John Cotey and video producer/photographer Charmaine George are both significantly more tech-savvy that I am, we do have situations pop up from time to time that require us to seek professional assistance. When our website went down for more than three days because our service provider said we were using too much cloud space for our backups and offered us little assistance to get it back up and running, I stopped in at Nerds To Go and, because Jason was already on a mobile service call, Mike worked with me the entire two hours I was on the phone with the provider until we were back up and running.

I realized that there were a few other tech service needs at our office and asked Mike to talk to me about a service plan for all of the computers at our office. There are several plans available but our office is small enough for us to need the lowest level plan and it does give me peace of mind knowing that Mike and his Nerds are available to help when we need it.

Jason has made two trips to our office since then and as of this writing, we are close to having our existing Neighborhood News Online video library uploaded to a continuous 24-7-365 loop. The holidays were approaching, so I hope that project can be completed by the time this issue reaches you, so you can see just what I’m bragging about.

“We know we’re going to have a lot of people walking in for mobile phone repairs and chargers, but that is not our primary focus,” Mike says. “We want to be your business’ IT department and all we ask is an opportunity to come out and perform a technology audit for your business. It’s a $179 value but we offer it for free so we can see how you do business and offer the upgrades, service contracts, virus and malware protection, managed installations and system backups you need at a reasonable price.”

Mike and his nerds also plan to continue to be visible in the community. “Thank to Maxine, we’ve brought our van and our orange tent to events where we’ve passed out tech freebies to teachers at Wharton and Freedom,” he says.

“And teachers and first responders always receive 10% off everything here at Nerds To Go.” Nerds To Go is located at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite C6, Tampa 33647. It is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sat. It is closed on Sun. For more info, call (813) 524-5353 or visit NerdsToGo.com. Also, see the ad on pg. 36 for some other great coupon offers!

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17

Club Pilates New Tampa Gets To The Core Of Physical Fitness more spiritual in nature.

Pilates, however, takes a more modern, scientific approach and uses a variety equipment to achieve results while emphasizing core strength.

By JOHN C. COTEY Niki Helton didn’t plan on becoming hooked on Pilates. On a whim, she decided to try the free introductory class offered by the Club Pilates studio at the Shops at Wiregrass and walked away afterward impressed.

She was so impressed, in fact, that she pre-joined the latest Club Pilates to open, in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms.

The New Tampa location, the third for owner Nathan Philyaw, celebrated its Grand Opening the weekend of January 11-12, but has been holding classes for a couple of months now.

Helton, who lives in Wesley Chapel but works in New Tampa as an accountant, is a regular at the newest Club Pilates location.

Initially, she had been looking for a program that didn’t stress weights or high-impact exercises, due to a shoulder problem she has struggled with for nearly two years.

After a few months of classes at Club Pilates, however, taking in the low-impact, core-building programs, “My shoulder is 100 percent,” she says.

And, that’s not all, she says. Helton, who used to sit at a desk all day,

A Little History...

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on strengthening your core. Nathan & Ayesha Philyaw owns Club Pilates locations in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Carrollwood. has strengthened her core so much during her time at Club Pilates she says she now uses a standing desk at work.

“I feel strong and taller,” Niki says.

“I rarely have muscle soreness from Pilates. If I skip a few days, I can always tell I need to get back in there.”

Marlana Lacivita says Niki’s description of being taller and stronger is almost universal among those who

dedicate themselves to Pilates.

Marlana is the lead instructor for all three of Philyaw’s Club Pilates locations — Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and Carrollwood.

While often conflated with yoga, Marlana says that while there are similarities — such as an emphasis on stretching and flexibility — yoga is done mostly with just a mat and is

Pilates was developed by physical fitness trainer Joseph Pilates in early 20th century Germany. At the time, it was called “Contrology,” as in the practice of controlled movements. It focuses on proper breathing, aligning the body, improving balance and strengthening your core. Pilates created equipment, or his preferred term “apparatuses,” to help achieve his goals, and they are still being used today.

The primary Pilates apparatus is The Reformer, which has a series of springs, pulleys and arm and leg straps to help guide the stretching and strengthening of the body.

Another popular machine is the Cadillac, which resembles a trapeze table, and there also are Wunda Chairs, Ladder Barrels and other devices to guide you in developing your core muscles.

“We are getting you into an exercise that you can use for a lifetime,” Philyaw says. “It’s something you can do every day for the rest of your life.

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Club Pilates co-owners Nathan & Ayesha Philyaw.

And, you can come to a morning class (for 45 minutes) and get energized and go about your day.”

In the 1970s, Pilates was known as a red-carpet fitness trend popular with the Beverly Hills celebrity crowd, but it began to receive more widespread media coverage in the 1980s. Most recently, athletes from many of the major league sports began employing it to strengthen their cores.

While it might not be as familiar to folks as traditional cardio and weightlifting exercises, Pilates fits nicely into the competitive space occupied by “studio”-based exercises like yoga, spinning, rowing and boxing (for fitness).

“We are taking a boutique exercise and making it accessible to everyone,” Philyaw says. “We focus first and foremost on the member experience, making it similar to a hotel experience; like the Ritz Carlton of boutique fitness.”

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That means greeting members, providing personalized and group training and building what Philyaw hopes will become an even more vibrant local Pilates community. His New Tampa location already has 150 members, while his more established Shops at Wiregrass (300 members) and Carrollwood (370) locations also are bustling.

When Joe Pilates opened his first studio in New York City after emigrating to the United States, it initially caught on with ballet dancers before grabbing a wider audience.

Marlana is a professional dancer who has been doing Pilates since she was 15. She says many college dance programs, like the one she graduated from at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, have Pilates equipment.

Now 33 years old, Marlana says Pilates has kept her core strengthened and that lengthened her dance career.

“It definitely gives you extra longevity, and it helps keep you pain-free,” she says. “My oldest client is 83 years old, and I have some in their 20s, and they can both do the exact same class.”

Marlana is certified, as are all 15 instructors at Philyaw’s clubs, and she says most of her instructors continue to learn about other programs to incorporate into Club Pilates. The club offers Reformer Flow, Center+Balance,

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Suspend, Control, Restore and Cardio Sculpt sessions.

“You can use Pilates in several different ways,” Marlana says. “You can use it as your main source for working out or use it as a supplement. It’s all about the focus on the form and how to use your core to drive all your movements.”

Pilates is great for lengthening your spine, Marlana says, and she has worked with clients who have bulging discs or have had spinal fusion surgeries.

Niki says it has changed her life, and when she learns the person interviewing her for this story spends most of their day sitting and driving, she insists they give it a shot.

“Pilates has helped me be able to stand all day, because my core is really

strong, and I feel so much more comfortable,” she says. “That’s why I go back. You can’t make me stop.”

The New Tampa Club Pilates studio is located at 15341 Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms. It offers a variety of membership plans, and a free 30-minute introductory class.

The location currently is offering free enrollment and 20-percent off the first three months of membership. To take part in a free class, or inquire about memberships and schedules, call (813) 461-6010 or visit ClubPilates.com.

The Wesley Chapel Club Pilates is located at 28249 Paseo Dr. in the Shops of Wiregrass. It can be reached at (813) 607-6655.

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19

Medi-Weightloss Of Lutz Works On Results That Stick Know Your Phases

By ANDY WARRENER Medi-Weightloss Clinics are all about results.

Shannon Terkoski says she came to the Lutz Medi-Weightloss weighing 250 pounds on Jan. 16, 2018.

She now weighs 143.2 pounds, having lost 106.8 pounds.

“Week-to-week, they were encouraging but also made real suggestions on what I could do to improve things,” Terkoski says. “Like, the way I go grocery shopping and not just pushing their own products, even though I still take some of their proprietary products. I stopped going on a weekly basis, but I continue to maintain what they have shown and taught me about making better lifestyle choices.”

Shannon still pops in to buy Medi-Weightloss supplements.

“I tried every diet and miracle pill under the sun and lost a few pounds,” says Ryan Cuddy. “This all changed at Medi-Weightloss. I have lost over 50 pounds and the weight is staying off. The staff and doctor are very knowledgeable and know what works.

I would recommend Medi Weightloss to anyone who is looking to lose weight and to get a better, healthier life!”

Jodie Sullivan is another satisfied Medi-Weightloss client.

“I was ready to lose weight and found Medi-Weightloss,” she says.

“After having a much-needed hard discussion with Dr. (Andrew) Weitzman, at Medi, it was like a switch in my brain was flipped and I was motivated to do it!”

These are just a few comments from patients at the Lutz MediWeightloss Clinic.

According to a survey done by Statista, the top three New Year’s resolutions for Americans in 2020 were: diet or eat healthier, exercise

20

Jodie Sullivan says that Dr. Andrew Weitzman at the Medi-Weightloss of Lutz helped her to “flip the switch” when it came to finally doing the right things to lose weight. more, and lose weight.

S.R. 56) has, to date, helped patients An earlier survey, conducted in Dec. lose 118,877 pounds. of 2018, said that just 16 percent of respondents stuck to some of their 2018 resolutions, while 13 percent said they kept none of them. While those three resolutions are obviously intertwined, in order to make lasting changes to one’s health via weight loss and diet, one must adopt lifestyle changes.

Those changes can be easier to make and keep when you have the help of professionals.

And, since 2006, Medi-Weightloss of Lutz, one of more than 100 locations nationwide, has helped clients make lifestyle changes that stick.

To date, Medi-Weightloss of Lutz owner Gerri Willett says the office located on S.R. 54 (two miles west of

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The professionals at MediWeightloss focus on three phases.

The first is the acute phase, also known as the weight loss phase.

The initial visit is a 60-90 minute consultation. Professionals will take weight measurements, do blood work, take an electrocardiogram (EKG), present informational handouts that go into a binder and start a detailed journal where the client will log their eating, drinking and sleeping data.

During the acute phase, clients come in once a week until they hit their target weight. Medi-Weightloss has many ways to help during this difficult phase. You’ll get two injections, one called a Methionine Inositol Choline or MIC Combo injection that puts B12 vitamins and amino acids right into your bloodstream. The lipotropic substances help with fat metabolism, liver function and fat excretion.

“The MIC injections are good for everyone and we never charge for them if you’re on the program,” Willett says. “While you’re on the program, you can come in twice a week and get the MIC Combo for free.”

The second shot is a Vitamin B6

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and B1 injection that helps reduce water retention and helps keep your energy up while battling food cravings. In the first phase, clients also will have help with vitamin supplements, a good multivitamin, as well as calcium and Omega 3 supplements. You’ll also receive a food scale to help with portion control and ketone sticks to detect your level of ketosis.

“Ketosis is a state where your body burns fat faster,” Willett said. “The ketone stick will reveal what level of ketosis you are in. Some don’t get there but it’s okay if they just get close.”

Once you reach your target weight, you’ll move on to Phase 2: the maintenance phase. Clients meet with Andrew Weitzman, M.D., who is Board-certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Weitzman’s goal is always for you to be able to get off any medications you may be taking.

“One of my favorite things is getting someone off of blood pressure medications,” Dr. Weitzman says.

“You lose 20 pounds and all of a sudden, your blood pressure goes down.”

Phase 3 is the wellness phase.

During this phase, clients need only come in once a month.

And, it’s always okay to come back later. Medi-Weightloss has clients return after completing the program, sometimes 10 years later, sometimes to share their success, sometimes because they are in need of additional help.

“They can always come back,” Willett says. “If it’s 10 years or 13 years later, I want them to be able to come back in. We want success for our patients. They shouldn’t feel guilty about coming back in. Losing weight is a lifestyle change. If it was easy or just a pill you could take, no one would be overweight.”

A Staff That’s There for You

Some clients are so happy with their results, they join the MediWeightloss team, like Erin Jones.

“I lost 25 pounds in the first month-and-a-half and ended up losing

Ryan Cuddy says he has lost over 50 pounds since joining Medi-Weightloss of Lutz.

50 pounds overall,” Erin says. “I liked the program.”

Jones, who affectionately goes by “The” Erin Jones in the office, lost her husband in 2010 and then, “I ate for a year,” she says.

She started coming to MediWeightloss in late 2011. By April of 2012, not only had she met her goals but she took a job interview at the clinic after her weight loss appointment. She started off working 10 to 12 hours per week and is now a fulltime medical assistant and the office manager at Medi-Weightloss of Lutz.

“Patients can take comfort in knowing that we’ve been down their road before and that we can truly say we know what they’re going through,” Jones says.

Medical assistant Patty Pinson has been with Medi-Weightloss for a decade and is a retired Registered Nurse (RN).

“This is a good place to work,” Pinson says. “Everyone gets along, we get to know the patients and it makes us feel good when we’re able to help them — it’s a win-win all the way around.”

Medical assistant Angela Wild is the newest member of the staff, but she comes to Medi-Weightloss with 14 years of experience in the radiology

field. “This is definitely a happier field than radiology,” Wild said. “People come here because they want to be here and I don’t dread coming to work. I really enjoy it.”

Dr. Weitzman is a Board-certified Medical Doctor who earned his Doctor of Medicine Degree from Tel Aviv University in Tel Aviv, Israel, and completed his residency in Long Island, NY. He operated a primary care practice in New York for three years and ran one out of Manatee County prior to coming on board at MediWeightloss more than three years ago.

“There aren’t as many dissimilarities as you’d think (between primary care and weight loss clinics),” Dr. Weitzman says. “The main difference is with primary care, you’re already treating a patient’s disease. Here, we’re working strictly with prevention.”

He stresses the three legs to the weight-loss process: diet, exercise and appetite suppression.

“The diet we choose for you is sensible,” Weitzman said. “It’s not some newfangled diet. It should be possible for you to eat this way for the rest of your life.”

Dr. Weitzman and the staff at Medi-Weightloss also will help develop an exercise program that fits your capa-

bilities, and he has a lot of experience prescribing appetite suppressants.

“You must do all three in order to succeed,” Weitzman said. “Journaling helps a lot with diet. We also have supplements to help you.”

In the office and also in the startup bag clients receive is a menu of different supplements. From flavored powders for shakes, to snacks and vitamins, you’ll have all the tools for success at your fingertips.

While not at the Lutz location, Medi-Weightloss also employs a fulltime Registered Dietitian who works at the corporate office in Tampa.

Jeff Cervero is available for consultations and has added valuable information to the company website, like recipes, exercise tips and other information. Cervero even went through popular restaurants’ menus in the area and came up with a list of options that fit with the Medi-Weightloss program.

“We have no competition that does all of the things we do and we do them very well,” Willett says.

From the research and development coming out of the corporate office, to the experienced and welltrained staff, to the emerging technology in the field like a step counter called the Fit-Stik and the Ree Vue Metabolic Testing, all of the tools you need to finally reach your weight loss goals this year are available at MediWeightloss of Lutz.

New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents are invited to stop in at the Medi-Weightloss Clinic located at 24420 S.R. 54 in Lutz.

The office is open five days a week: 6:30 a.m.-noon on Monday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesday; 1 p.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday; and 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m on Friday. For more information, call (813) 909-1700, visit MediWeightloss.com/locations/lutz/ or see the ad on page 29 of this issue.

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21

Creative Permanent Makeup By Pam: Worry-Free Eyebrows & More

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN

Pam Edmonson has a warm, welcoming personality that sparkles. You might say she lights up the room. Her passion really shines through when she talks about helping and serving people, especially through her career.

Pam is an experienced permanent makeup artist who owns Serenity Salon & Spa Suites, located off S.R. 54 in the Brookfield Professional Park, about a halfmile west of Morris Bridge Rd./Eiland Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. At the salon, she provides permanent makeup for eyebrows, eyelids and lips.

“It’s such a blessing to know that I’m really being helpful to people,” she says, “especially when you see that end result that makes them feel better about themselves.”

One area of specialty for Pam is helping people who have had cancer. Some come to her after they’ve lost all of their hair from chemotherapy. Others find her before they lose their hair. Pam can help to create their eyebrows in permanent makeup, following the natural hairline that already exists.

Pam says her career in permanent makeup started after many years of running a business in the manufactured

“Brows are always my favorite because of the drastic way they change how someone looks,” Pam says. “Our eyes are meant to be framed, and brows definitely complete the face. Some women look so much younger when they have them done.”

With microblading, Pam uses a small blade and ink to create individual stroke lines. She uses a pencil to draw an outline, then uses the microblade to draw each individual hair, adding a more natural look to the eyebrow.

Pam strongly recommends that anyone considering microblading “should do their homework,” explaining that some people who offer the service may only have taken a three-day class in the technique before they start working on clients.

The person who will do your eyebrows Permanent makeup eyebrows can make patients feel better about themselves, and that is what should sit down with you and show you before-and-after pictures of their own Pam Edmonson of Creative Permanent Makeup by Pam says gives her the most satisfaction. work, Pam says.

Boca Ta-2 School for Permanent Makeup housing industry. In 2009, Pam says she Pam was trained in microblading in in Williston, FL, in 2010 and began provid- 2014, when the process was new. Since wanted to do something different, so she ing permanent makeup services in Zephwent to school to become a hair stylist. then, she says she has done hundreds of While she enjoyed hair, Pam says she yrhills in 2011. She is licensed in Florida as sets of eyebrows. soon discovered something that interested both a cosmetologist and as a tattoo artist.

“It’s been close to 10 years since Pam offers permanent makeup for her even more.

I first went to school,” says Pam. “I’ve “I love detail,” Pam says. “As a detail eyebrows and lips, along with permanent learned so much over the years about difeyeliner. Many of her clients who want person, eyebrows are what first drew me ferent ways of doing things, using certain Midsys Tue - 01/23/2018 - 3:19:31 AM 326106.2488 permanent eyebrows choose a technique into the permanent makeup field.” inks, learning from experience, and how Midsys Tue - 01/23/2018 - 3:19:31 AM 326106.2488 She studied permanent makeup -at3:19:31 the called everyone’s skin is so different.”

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Pam offers permanent makeup for eyebrows and lips, as well as permanent eyeliner, and she will tell you if you really would benefit from any of these services or not.

“You always get a complete, honest opinion from me,” she says. was out that afternoon, even attending a She requires a free, in-person, Christmas party on the same day. She says no-obligation consultation for all clients. she had no pain, no discomfort, and no Even for someone who is sure they want redness or puffiness that would keep her permanent makeup, Pam still requires a from participating in normal activities. consultation, to look at each individual and their unique skin, and to help them “Let me tell you,” Johella says. decide which technique is right for them.

“This lady, she knows her stuff. EyeJohella Liguori is a client of Pam’s brows are her deal.”

There are many women who come to who just recently had microblading done Pam wanting permanent makeup and, like on her eyebrows and permanent eyeliner Johella, leave with it, but Pam says there both above and below her eyes. also are many other women who — for “It was great,” she says. “She was one reason or another — don’t. very welcoming, super friendly. She’s “You always get a completely honest awesome.” opinion from me,” says Pam. “It might Johella says she was looking for a not be what you want to hear, but I’ll tell way to simplify her daily routine, and not you the truth. If somebody isn’t a good having to worry about eye makeup would candidate, I’ll tell them.” make life easier for her.

When figuring out where to That might be because of issues with their skin or previous scar tissue. have those services done, she did her (In fact, Pam says some women are told research, including spending time on Pam’s website at CreativePermanentthey should get yearly touch-ups, but MakeupByPam.com.

Pam recommends asking her for a more “What caught my eye is that she has personalized recommendation, since yearly tons of years of experience,” says Joheltouch-ups can cause scarring, and most la, adding that, “Pam told me from the women don’t need touch-ups that often.) get-go that I would have to come back Sometimes, Pam says she has turned for a touch up and fills. I actually came in some women away who already had beaua third time because my skin is very oily, tiful brows and didn’t need the procedure. so she wasn’t satisfied with the result. She “There are a lot of times that people had me come again and she didn’t charge come in for a consult and they walk out me extra for either of the follow-ups.” with brow powder,” laughs Pam. But, Johella says she has been Johella says that anyone considering thrilled with her results. having microblading or permanent make“I’m a dentist,” explains Johella, up should consider Pam. “and everyone notices. I’ve gotten tons “She’s amazing and I’m grateful,” of compliments from my patients and she says. “With Pam, you really bond and co-workers.” she takes you in as part of her family. She’s She says many people ask her how really passionate about what she does.” much it hurts. For Johella, it wasn’t painCreative Permanent Makeup by ful at all. She says Pam kept her numb so Pam is located at Serenity Salon & Spa she didn’t feel anything, and she appreciSuites at 33913 S.R. 54, Suite 101, in ated how Pam made her comfortable and Wesley Chapel. For a free consultation ensured that she was never in pain. or more information about Pam’s perJohella says her procedures were all manent makeup services, visit Creativedone on Saturdays, and she was able to PermanentMakeupbyPam.com, see the go right back to work two days later (on ad on page 13 of this issue, or call or Monday). In fact, after her touch-ups, she text Pam at (813) 997-6302.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

23

Real Living Casa Fina Realty Opens New Office!

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN It sounds like something they might hear from one of their clients — “We’ve outgrown our current place.”

The team at Real Living Casa Fina Realty has always loved the office’s Tampa Palms neighborhood, but needed more space than at the office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center.

So, in 2020, the agents will help people in New Tampa and surrounding areas buy and sell homes from a larger, more modern workspace in The Shoppes at Amberly, located on Amberly Dr., also in Tampa Palms.

Nick Parrinello, the Broker/owner of Real Living Casa Fina Realty, moved his company into its new digs on Dec. 17. “As we have continued to grow,” he says, “we needed more space and wanted a little more visibility.”

Casa Fina Realty began as an independent real estate brokerage in Tampa Palms in 2003. Nick came to work for the company in 2007, shortly before it became a franchise of GMAC Real Estate, which was rebranded as Real Living in 2011.

Nick bought the company in 2014. In the past few years, Nick says

Casa Fina Realty has grown to be the third largest brokerage in New Tampa.

While the company has expanded from 15 agents, and Nick is excited to own a larger firm, he says he won’t let his Casa Fina outgrow its boutique feel.

“We have the same culture and our core values haven’t changed,” he says. “Some The real estate professionals at the new Real Living Casa Fina Realty office in the Shoppes at Amberly in Tampa Palms want to help you buy, sell, rent or manage your home or property. agents have been with us from the staff live in New Tampa or Wesley “It’s a great location, in the same beginning.”

Chapel, and the company sees the plaza with five spots to grab lunch withAnd, while the company serves 10 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. corridor out having to get in the car and drive,” counties, and focuses on Hillsborough, as its home and primary market. he says. “We expect it to have a lively, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, Nick While real estate agents typically vibrant atmosphere.” says the heart of Casa Fina is right here, work from anywhere — whether it’s Instead of cubicles, the new space a few minutes south of Wesley Chapel. driving around neighborhoods, meeting offers agents shared private offices, “We have just one office and it’s al- clients in restaurants or coffee shops, or where they can close the door for privaways been in Tampa Palms,” says Nick. making phone calls from home — Nick cy, but have the efficiency of sharing the “We want to keep our roots here.” is optimistic that Casa Fina’s new space space with other agents.

He says many of the agents and will be a place his agents will want to be.

The new location also features a

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24

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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large conference room for company meetings, or where agents can present seminars or classes to the community.

Nick is planning to see that space used for customer appreciation parties, new homebuyer seminars and other events that bring people together, as well as to share valuable information.

While Nick says Casa Fina Realty serves about 700 families a year, the goal is to provide the best possible customer service to each one.

“We want to empower agents by ensuring they are well-trained and giving them the tools they need,” he says.

He describes himself as “a stickler for knowing the contract,” saying that having a license in real estate is just the bare minimum when it comes to being prepared to buy and sell homes.

“We’re not attorneys, but we are responsible for our clients,” he says.

It’s a big responsibility, especially when contracts start at 12 pages and often grow from there.

He adds, “We all started out inexperienced and there’s nothing wrong with that, but inexperienced agents need the backing and support of management if something goes wrong.”

One Satisfied Customer’s Story

Lisa Souza is a Cross Creek homeowner who worked with Casa Fina agent Seena Allen when she and her family

Neighborhood News

moved to the Tampa area from New York this past summer.

“It was extremely challenging, because we knew nothing about the Tampa area,” Lisa explains. “She honestly helped us get our dream home, and we’re so happy. It’s even better than what we hoped.”

Lisa says Seena was professional, patient and kind, and worked hard when things got complicated.

“We made an offer on a house but then found out there was lots of work that needed to be done after the inspection,” Lisa explains. “Our house in New York was sold, the one we wanted to buy fell through, and it was an extremely stressful time. But, Seena was such a pleasure to work with that it took the stress out of it.”

Lisa says that when issues popped up, Seena would call on her colleagues if she had questions or wanted another opinion about how to handle the issues. “They all got back with her almost instantaneously with text messages,” she says.

Nick says his agents work hard to ensure they are able to be a network of resources for their clients, whether they are in the middle of a transaction, or they are a past client from years ago.

“We try to be the go-to person if you need something,” Nick says. “Maybe you bought a house three years ago, but now you need a plumber. We think

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of ourselves as local guides or resources.”

He says that even in the days of Google and Yelp, people still prefer a personal recommendation. No matter what you need, someone in the company has a connection and a personal experience they can share.

Another way the firm provides added value to its clients is by serving as This Wesley Chapel home is just one of the many sold by Real a full-service brokerage, Living Casa Fina Realty along the Bruce B. Downs corriwith agents who specialize dor in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel in 2019. in commercial services and tion is, Nick and the agents at Casa Fina property management. want to help you determine what’s best “If you need help finding a tenant for you and help make it happen. or you need full management of your Lisa’s experience with Casa Fina property, we fully cover New Tampa and Realty has led her to recommend the Wesley Chapel and some of the surcompany to both her mom and sister rounding areas,” Nick explains.

— both of whom she hopes will move Casa Fina Realty also can help to New Tampa — and an acquaintance anyone who may need to move but isn’t who already lives in the area. sure if they want to sell.

She says she told them, “The de“It gives us the flexibility to offer tails will be handled thoroughly, things different options,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many houses we put up for sale will be done quickly, and there will be a level of professionalism that comes from and for rent at the same time and then the heart.” see which happens first.”

Real Living Casa Fina Realty is He says sometimes people relocate located at 15343 Amberly Dr. in the and then move back, or sometimes they Shoppes at Amberly. To learn more, choose to sell after their home has been visit CasaFinaRealty.com, call (813) rented for a few years.

No matter what your personal situa- 569-6294, or see the ad on page 29.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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27

Wildcats Built For Postseason Hoops Success In 2020

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Stopping the Wesley Chapel High (WCH) girls basketball team is no small feat.

Oh sure, maybe you can slow down senior forward Kayla Grant, the reigning Sunshine Athletic Conference Player of the Year. But, what about sharpshooting sophomore guard Emari Lewis?

And maybe, just maybe, Lewis is having a bad night with her jumper. But then, what about all-around ace Ariana Rivera-Heppenstall?

And, say you manage to throw Rivera-Heppenstall off her game, what are you going to do about slasher Mia Nicholson?

If you can’t stop them all, and you probably can’t, then you’ll have to pick your poison, because the Wildcats have combined an uncanny amount of balance with a high-octane attack and stifling man-to-man defense to form what is currently Pasco County’s best girls basketball team.

“We all contribute,” says Nicholson, a junior forward. “When River Ridge double-teamed Kayla, I stepped up. When other teams try to target one person, someone always steps in. You can’t really do that with our team. Most teams don’t have enough good players to guard all of us.”

So far this season, Wesley Chapel is

(l.-r.) Mia Nicholson, Ariana Rivera-Heppenstall, Kayla Grant and Emari Lewis have led the Wildcats to a 15-2 record this season. (Photo: John C. Cotey) 15-2, with their only losses coming to a averaged 11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds last year before transferring to WCH. team from Missouri and Eustis High.

“I expected this,” Grant says, withGrant, Rivera-Heppenstall, Niout flinching. “We didn’t lose anyone cholson and Lewis are all averaging double figures in points and at least 2.5 from last year’s team and we also got Mia. We needed one more piece, and assists per game. Grant is averaging 12 rebounds, while the other three average she filled it.”

It was a big piece for head coach more than 4 rpg each.

Peter Livingston, who took over a No one is surprised. The Wildstruggling program in 2014-15 when cats are coming off a 22-3 season in he was the only person to apply for the 2018-19, and added Nicholson in the job. The former Wiregrass Ranch High offseason.

(WRH) junior varsity coach lost his A former Weightman Middle School player, Nicholson attended Land first game to his former team 77-17, and one couldn’t have blamed him for O’Lakes High her first two years, and

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changing his mind about taking the job at halftime, when the ‘Cats trailed 52-3.

“I wanted to be a head coach, and I came here to build the program, and I was determined to do that,” says Livingston, adding that he never did get discouraged.

He went 7-17 each of his first two seasons, then had a short-lived breakthrough with a 15-9 season in 2016-17, as Grant and Rivera-Heppenstall showed up as freshmen.

But, Grant left the following season for Brooks-Debartolo High in Tampa, and Rivera-Heppenstall missed the season with a knee injury, as the Wildcats plunged to a 6-17 record.

For 2018-19, however, Livingston proved to be not only be a good coach, but a fortunate one as well. Grant and Rivera-Heppenstall returned to his program, Lewis enrolled as a freshman, and the Wildcats were back in business with a 22-3 season, including a Class 6A-District 8 championship.

The Wildcats lost 59-58 to Crystal River in the first round of the State playoffs.

With Nicholson added to the mix this season, the sky may be the limit.

“We want to go to States,” says Lewis. “We have a lot of talent on this team, and we’ve got more heart this year. When we’re playing as a team and playing together, we are tough to stop.”

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Samantha Taylor: ‘This Decade Can Be Your Best Yet!’

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Now that we have started not just a new year — but also a new decade — Samantha Taylor encourages women to think about what they want their lives to be like 10 years from now.

She’s built a business from women’s success stories, like that of her client Lynn Smith, who will turn 80 in 2020, and has been a member of Samantha Taylor Fitness for more than 10 years.

“The investment Lynn made when she was 69 years old has totally transformed her life,” says Samantha. “She’s in amazing health and physical condition, has no medical issues and takes no medication.”

Samantha says it’s hard to imagine what Lynn’s life would be like if she hadn’t made the decision a decade ago to join Samantha Taylor Fitness.

Samantha is something of a local legend — a Certified Personal Trainer who began her career 27 years ago and launched her own business 20 years ago.

Since then, she says she has trained more than 7,500 women. There are now five Tampa Bay-area Samantha Taylor Fitness studios, including Wesley Chapel and nearby Land O’Lakes, plus Carrollwood, Westchase and Palm Harbor.

The Wesley Chapel location has its own standalone building off S.R. 56, near I-75, in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center.

Samantha moved the studio there in

Twice a year, the five Samantha Taylor Fitness studios host an appreciation party, celebrating the success of the studios’ members. At the last party, the women in this photo were recognized for losing a combined 597 pounds. Lora (red flannel shirt in the front row) lost 72 lbs. and reversed her Type 2 Diabetes.

2018 from its former location on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. The new studio is bigger, with a larger personal training room, specialty rubber floors, and a private, first-floor entrance.

It’s a women-only environment, where clients choose Fitness Boot Camp classes for group training or private or semi-private personal training. All workouts last just 30 minutes.

But, Samantha Taylor Fitness is not just about working out.

“The only way to make lifelong,

lasting changes is to learn how to eat,” explains Samantha. “It’s not about diet or starving yourself, but figuring out how to eat in a way that you really enjoy that is simple and maintainable.”

She says people can diet temporarily, but if they don’t learn to eat in a way that’s realistic and sustainable for them, they won’t stick to it.

That’s why Samantha Taylor Fitness has a full-time, licensed nutritionist on staff. “It’s huge because in the state of Florida, it’s not legal to give out custom

diets unless you have a license,” she says.

So, Samantha hired Shannon Barker, R.D. (Registered Dietitian), to do just that. “We have a new menu plan every month with recipes,” says Samantha. “A lot of people like new ideas for what to eat, so we provide that.”

Shannon also works with any members who have specific dietary needs to customize the menus. For example, there are options for people who want to stick to a keto diet plan. “The keto diet is the most popular eating plan in the world right now,” Samantha says, “and we have easy, simple-to-follow plans for people who want to eat that way.”

Samantha says Shannon also offers webinars on nutrition topics, such as how to pre-prep food and understanding thyroid issues. She also offers weekly group nutrition coaching calls, where any member can call in and ask questions.

Members of Samantha Taylor Fitness also get monthly 3D body scans, where a machine takes measurements and analyzes body fat digitally.

“People have been loving it,” says Samantha. “It’s much better than only measuring your progress by the scale.

You want to see the inches, too, and how your body is physically changing.”

Get Off Those Meds, Ladies!

While others may notice the physical differences, Samantha says there are other See “Samantha Taylor” on page 32.

YouTube.com/c/NeighborhoodNewsOnline Facebook.com/NeighborhoodNews NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

31

Samantha Taylor Fitness Can Help Women Keep Their Resolutions!

Continued from page 31.

important changes, too, such as reversing disease and getting off medications.

She says Lora Burns is a member of Samantha Taylor Fitness who has lost 72 pounds and completely reversed her type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. She is now off all of the medication she previously needed to fight the disease.

At Samantha Taylor Fitness, women also find a supportive community, which Samantha says makes it fun and helps women stay on track.

“We are highly focused on the clients’ experience and helping them to have even more accountability, more recognition, more involvement in the program and getting the most out of it,” explains Samantha.

Heather Weaver has been working out at Samantha Taylor Fitness for the past 6 months or so.

“I love that it’s a community of women,” she says. “We all respect each other and are all there for similar goals – to lose weight or gain strength.”

And, while Heather says those were her two goals, she has found so much more.

She says she’s learned to eat in a way that is much healthier, such as avoiding sugar, that has become her lifestyle, so it’s not a fad. “Now my husband and children are on board with that, too.”

Heather adds that when she had pre-

Linda Lack lost 32 pounds in just 6 weeks.

viously tried other ways to lose weight, she would eat different things than her family.

But with Samantha Taylor Fitness, she follows the menus provided by the nutritionist, which she says are so amazing that her family loves them, too.

“I was shocked at how I could take things out of a certain meal, and like it even more,” she says. Now, her whole family is eating good, healthy, nutritious meals

together, skipping fast food and eating healthy snacks.

“It becomes a habit and it’s a good habit,” Heather explains. “It’s not work and it’s not weird; you’ve built that habit.”

Heather says she has gone from a size 16 to a size 10, but that’s almost an afterthought.

“I don’t even think about that,” she says. “I think about how I feel good all the time and have so much energy. I used to want to take a nap in the middle of the day and the thought of that now is bizarre to me.”

She says she loves the sense of community, too.

“Samantha does seminars and webinars and events, and I’ve never gone to a gym that does that before,” says Heather, who has even brought her husband along to events, such as a food tasting.

“I like that it’s a women’s studio, but it’s nice for him to see the people I work

out with and the people I cherish.”

Samantha is offering several programs for the new year, including a free webinar on Saturday, January 4, called “2020 Goal Achieving Master Class.” There’s also a four-week New Year’s Challenge that starts mid-January, and she has some free motivational tools to help get women ready for the new year.

To learn more about these programs, visit SamanthaTaylorFitness. com/2020.

“So many people have good intentions to set goals, but statistically, most fall off within the first two weeks,” Samantha says.

“A way to make 2020 different is for you is to hire a proven company with a track record of amazing success.”

The Wesley Chapel Samantha Taylor Fitness Studio is located is at 2609 Ridgebrook Dr., Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit SamanthaTaylorFitness.com, call (813) 377-3739 or see the ad on page 26 of this issue.

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33

For Great Meals & Events, Try The Hilton Garden Inn!

By GARY NAGER I’m betting that most Wesley Chapel residents have never eaten an actual meal at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel, located off S.R. 56, less than a mile east of I-75.

And, that makes me a little sad.

For those who have never stepped foot inside this beautiful, award-winning (the year-old hotel won the New Business of the Year honors at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2019 Awards of Excellence gala in Nov.), 124-room hotel, much less enjoyed a meal there, I hope this article will help you decide to go.

Even if you don’t have relatives visiting or need a night in a local hotel room yourself, the Hilton Garden Inn’s restaurant — also known as the Garden Grille — serves outstanding food and drinks at great prices and will find its way into my top-10 favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel when I release my list of favorites for 2019 in our March 13 issue.

I also hope that you’ll sit down with the hotel’s market director of sales Lisa Moore to discuss the possibility of hosting an event for 8-200 (and more) people at this contemporary hotel that still has that great new hotel smell.

Lisa, an ambassador with the NTBC who also is a member of the Rotary Club

If you’re interested in a great brunch for 40 people, check out (left) the French toast casserole, fresh muffins and breads and mimosa bar (right) from a recent brunch at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel, located on S.R. 56, just east of the Texas Roadhouse. of Wesley Chapel, is a fellow New Yawka knowing that I was planning to write this who will make sure that your event story shortly afterwards. comes off without a hitch and will send Sam and her fiancé Tyler were definiteeveryone home happy afterwards. ly on a budget, and they knew they would For example, when my stepdaughter have roughly 40 people at the shower, Kristen’s best friend Sami needed an afso Lisa helped them come up with a nice fordable location last month for a bridal brunch menu — including a unique French shower, Lisa sharpened her pencil for me, toast casserole (at top left in photo above

left), fresh breads and muffins and a mimosa bar (above), plus fresh fruit, mini-quiches and more. And, best of all was the service — the trays and mimosa bar were all constantly refilled and everything was delicious and well worth the price tag.

The Hilton Garden Inn’s spacious ballroom (photo on next page) is easily subdividable to fit the size you need to host a variety of amazing events.

“Just tell me what you need and we can make it happen,” Lisa says. “We have a set menu for dinner, but we have an

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extensive catering menu and a great chef (Frank Skalitza) on the premises who can make pretty much anything you want.”

Jannah and I were on hand for the Grand Opening of the hotel in October of 2018 and we were so impressed (as was everyone who was there) with the filet mignon carving station (bottom right pic) and the four different pastas (top right) that also were created in front of the guests that we figured it must have been an outside catering company that was brought in for it.

“Nope,” said Lisa, “that was all in-house. Pretty good, right?”

Actually, I would go so far as to say excellent, and the deliciousness doesn’t end there. Although the Garden Grille only serves buffet and cooked-to-order breakfast (that I haven’t tried yet) and dinner (I wish it was open for lunch), I have to say that virtually everything we’ve sampled there has been delicious.

My favorite appetizers so far are the bruschetta (only available on the catering menu, center photo above), the spicy meatballs with fresh mozzarella and the wings “your way” (my way is extra crisp with the sweet chili & sesame sauce on the side). My favorite entrées so far are the grilled 12.-oz ribeye steak and the fusilli carbonara. The burgers and sandwiches (my favorite is the yummy bistro chicken sandwich above left) are great, too, as are the variety of flatbreads.

In other words, there’s a good reason why the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel is going to make my Wesley Chapel top10. The hotel is beautiful and has great amenities (nice pool, fitness center, etc.) and, even though we’ve never stayed there, we have

toured some of the beautiful rooms, too (see ad on pg. 28).

For info about the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.), call Lisa at (813) 5916907 or visit TampaWesleyChapel.HGI.com.

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37

Nibbles & Business The Latest & Greatest News In Dining, Shopping & Business In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

It’s Raining Berries...

And It’s Not What We Thought!

Do you ever drive around Wesley Chapel and wonder what some of the new places will be like that you’ve never heard of before?

No? OK, maybe it’s just me. One of the places that fooled me with its name is the beautiful new Raining Berries, located in the outparcel building set in from S.R. 56 between Earth Fare and Walk On’s Bistro & Bar (at 25595 Sierra Center Blvd.) that also includes two not-not-yet-open businesses — Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Bijous Beauty Bar. If you’re like me, you were thinking “another frozen yogurt place” (like CherriBerri, MochiBerri, LaBerry, etc.) and you’d be wrong.

I know being able to Google search everything has made mystery mostly a thing of the past but when a first-ever location of a new

For info, call (813) 949-8299 or stop in and try Raining Berries for yourself and tell them I sent you!

• Managing editor John Cotey says other businesses getting ready to build in the Cypress Creek area include Zukku Sushi, Woofgang Bakery and a Charles Schwab office. These may or may not be located in the same building just west of Bahama Breeze along S.R. 56 as the European Wax Center, which does have its sign up, but look for details next issue. business hasn’t yet opened and their website wasn’t up (until recently)...but, would you have guessed that Raining Berries’ signature product is (drumroll, please)...ethically and sustainably sourced coffee (and hot and cold coffee drinks) — and really delicious coffee at that? There’s some pretty great-looking baked goods, too.

So, where do the berries come in? Raining Berries does have a variety of açai berry bowls, dragon fruit “pitaya” bowls and coconut bowls, but RainingBerries.com didn’t yet have pictures or descriptions of all of these bowls at our press time. See, still a little mystery!

At any rate, the place itself is very cool modern, but after sampling a most delicious (not sweet) “traditional” (not caramel) macchiato on my first visit, I was very happy knowing that Jannah and I live less than a mile from the place.

(due to demand), especially because she’s a talented entertainer herself. Arlene sings with the Wesley Chapel Rotary’s Strictly Business Band.

“The smell of good coffee reminds me of my mom,” Arlene told us when we recorded a video at her opening for Neighborhood News Online. “She was the inspiration for this place.”

For more information, call (813) 528-8863 or search “Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks” on Facebook.

Coffee Speaks N’ Tea Talks Opens!

Speaking of delicious coffee, congratulations to our friend Arlene Brooks (right photo above) on the opening of her long-awaited Coffee Speaks N’ Tea Talks at 19651 BBD in the Pebble Creek Collection (behind Kobe Steakhouse, in what was the original location of Las Palmas Cuban Café).

Arlene hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on Nov. 26, which was well attended by her friends, neighbors and fellow Chamber members, as well as members of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, of which she is a member.

I personally missed the actual ribbon cutting, but have still enjoyed some delicious Ethiopian coffee at Coffee Speaks N’ Tea Talks since then and I look forward to checking out Arlene’s live jazz on Fri. and now Sat. nights

Congrats, Ben!

Congrats go out to Ben Hobe (3rd from left, with yours truly, Charmaine George and John Cotey). Ben’s a talented video editor we first were presented by Hands On Educational Services, Inc., a Tampa nonprofit that felt he would be a perfect fit for the Neighborhood News.

And, after a no-risk, 80-hour trial run, we happily hired Ben as a permanent employee For more info, visit HandsOnEducation.net. — GN

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Welcome To The Neighborhood (News), Bubba’s 33!

Even though it’s the latest link in Wesley Chapel’s chain of chain restaurants, the new Bubba’s 33 on S.R. 56 between Ashley Furniture and the affiliated Texas Roadhouse has a few advantages the others don’t — 1) it’s the first Bubba’s 33 in the entire state of Florida; 2) it not only has crispy-crust pizzas, excellent sports bar food and reasonably-priced drinks; it also has 3) Texas Roadhouse-quality ribeye steaks, 4) amazing brunch on Saturday and Sunday and most of all — 5) owner Jeff (at right in top photo) and his wife Crista Dean and their expertlytrained staff making sure that everyone leaves Bubba’s 33 a fully satisfied & happy customer!

Please tell Jeff, Crista & Co. that you read about them in the Neighborhood News!

Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

39

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT

WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHING.COM Soft pressure exterior house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing and deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big or small. Experience the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning professional.

Licensed and insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate or visit our website. 813-433-6015.

DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional & personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts.

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Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. Call 813-215-1177.

DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified.

Call Ron for free estimate: 813-784-5999.

TJ’S PRESSURE WASHING LLC. Did your HOA send you a letter ordering you to clean your driveway, house, screened enclosure, fence or even your roof? However, you’re too busy or too tired to clean it. Call or Text TJ, a current 20-year Sheriff’s Department veteran and a professional exterior home cleaning expert. You can trust me with your investment. Call or Text: 727-808-7775.

CHARLES POPPE ELECTRIC. Electric of all kinds pools, spas, service changes, new circuts, low voltage, repairs, upgrades, changes to existing, trouble shooting, GFCI performance testing, generators.

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Discount for retired people 50%. Licensed and Insured Master Electrician EC 13002399 - free phone estimates. Call 813-477-9068.

AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years Experience. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere.

Please Google us if you would like to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises.

RAYMOND PAINTING. Exterior & Interior Services. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124.

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DALE’S HOME MAINTENANCE Pressure washing, screen repairs, garage cleaning & organizing, shelving, re-grout tile and caulking, and more. Call: 813-727-2582.

MILLENNIUM HOME REPAIR.Professional Handyman. Cabinet Installation, dry wall repair, tile installation & repair, some plumbing, laminate flooring, light fixtures, interior painting, appliance installation, pressure washing, paneling, window repair, awning installation, carpentry, garbage disposal, fence repair, crown molding, window blinds, seal baths & showers, TV mounting & more. Call 813-400-1408 or email TYCOONUNION@YAHOO.COM.

CLEANING SERVICES

A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Office-House Cleaning Services! Free estimates. We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. Family-Owned & Operated.

Wesley Chapel Resident. Weekly / Bi-Weekly / One-Time Cleaning / Move-In / Move-Out & Deep-Cleaning Services. Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813-462-1270.

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For more info, Call 813-758-9710.

COMPUTER/BUSINESS SERVICES

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com.

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DOES YOUR LOVED ONE NEED CARE AT HOME? Faith-based, compassionate home care, providing medical & non-medical home health care, including nursing services, medication management, friendly companionship, home health aides, respite care, live-in care, bowel care assistance/training & more. CALL (813) 602-4431. We accept private pay only.

ELITE RIDES. $75 Private Rides in a 2020 Tesla! Plus, Concierge Services. Airport, School, Medical Appointments, Shopping. Courteous, Reliable, Professional. New Tampa to Tampa Airport: $35.00 One-Way. 24/7. Call/Text: 813765-2037. Cory Lake Isles Resident.

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

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A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service. Licensed and insured serving the Tampa Bay area over 20 years. Family owned and operated. Quality work at affordable prices. We provide services in gutter clean-out, screen repair, pressure washing and sprinkler repair. Landscaping and property maintenance including: sodding, trimming trees and hedges, and clean ups. Other services are available. CALL 813-907-LAWN (5296)

Jasmine Landscaping, Inc. Complete lawn maintenance: Tree, palm & hedge trimming, planting, mulching, stones, sod replacement. Gutter cleaning, leaf removal & more. Cited by your HOA? Ask about our HOA Compliance Special, our Fall/Spring Special & FREE ESTIMATE! Licensed & insured.

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HEAVY HITTER LAWN CARE: Veteran owned and operated lawn care maintenance service, focused on lawn mowing, trimming, edging and blowing (flexible with extra services). Well maintained and professional laborer ensuring customer satisfaction and on-time cuts. Rain or shine, the quality and schedule will be kept. Licensed and Insured. Call or text 678-673-7856 for your FREE ESTIMATE.

TREE SERVICE

FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE. 25-years of Professional Service. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding. Dead-Wood Removal. Affordable Rates.

24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch.

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ALLSTARPOOLSOFTAMPABAY.COM. Pool cleanups, & acid washing of old pool finishes. Marcite, quartz & pebble finishes from $3K. We offer cool decking, Eurocrete & paver decking options. Paver, river rock sealing, leak detection & in-ground vinyl liner replacements avail. We sell quality salt & ozone generators, pumps, motors & filters.

Mention this ad for a $79 pool service (restrctions apply).

Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel since 1990. Call or text 813-244-7077 or visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay. com. Also, see our display ad below for more info.

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! Call or Text Chris today @ 813-8575400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com. New customers get ONE MONTH FREE!

NEIGHBORHOOD POOLS Wesley Chapel owned & operated since 1999. Weekly service. No long term contracts. Mention this AD for one-month Free service. Call 813-907-7322 for details or text Joe at 813-758-7608.

AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim-safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-312-5694 TODAY and get ONE MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

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I specialize in working with beginners and those requiring a more gentle approach than most group Yoga classes. I explain everything, and provide variations so that you actually feel good in the stretch instead of strained. Gift certificates available. www.breakitdownproductions.com or Call (813) 802-8393.

COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE 1,850 sq.ft. Commercial/Medical Space Available to Lease. Address: 24420 State Road 54 in Lutz (in the Medi-Weightloss Building). For more info, call 813-2934377 or email: gwillett@mediweightlossclinics.com.

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HELP WANTED

PT PREOP/PACU RN WANTED! Outpatient surgery facility in Wesley Chapel is seeking a motivated, friendly, PreOp/Pacu Registered Nurse to work Tuesdays. Candidate mst have a minimum of two years experience with outpatient surgery and be able to function in all capacities as a PreOp, Pacu & circulating nurse. Candidate should be professional & reliable. Please send resume & cover letter w/your qualifications to tampaps@gmail.com.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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Your Full Real Estate Solutions Providers Residential-Commercial-Property Management Title-Mortgage-Insurance-Home Warranty-Auction

www.bhhsfloridaproperties.com CURRY COVE

SEVEN OAKS / WESLEY CHAPEL

Cynthia Filippi 813-784-1634

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26771 State Rd 56 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 (813) 907-8200

Angela Mora 813-482-1452

Executive Style Custom Built Lutz Pool Home ½ Acre Lot in a Picturesque Private Setting Newer Roof (2016) & Hurricane Wind Protection Windows Spacious Home Boasts 2,500 SF, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, Unique Double Sided Brick Fireplace in Family & Living Room Great Location to USF, Moffitt and an Easy Commute to Tampa.

NO CDD OR HOA FEES! Please Call to view today $389,000

Updates Abound in this Stunning Home in the Gated Village of Knollpointe within the Desirable Community of 7 Oaks! Boasting 2,351 SF, 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, Office, 2 Car Garage and Great Curb Appeal with a Manicured Landscape. Open 2 Story Foyer with a Beautiful Staircase, Eat-In Kitchen with Bay Window and Window Seating, Quartz Counters, Farm House Sink, Built-In Wine Rack, and Stainless Appliances. Dining Room with Wainscoting, Family Room with Sliders to the Extended Patio with Relaxing Pond Views and Much More! 7 Oaks offers Fantastic Amenities and is Close To Everything! Don’t miss this one, call for a Private Viewing today! For more information please call Angela Mora 813-482-1452

CFilippi@BHHSflpg.com | CynthiaSellsTampaHomes.com

Hablo español también!

AMora@BHHSflpg.com / AngelaMoraRealEstate.com

THINKING OF NEW CONSTRUCTION?

GRAND HAMPTON

John Morel 813-712-0260

Fabulous traditional concept 3 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow home, with a welcoming front porch and room for your rocking chairs. Open floor plan with breakfast area in kitchen, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Split floor plan with master bedroom in the front of the home. 2 car attached garage. Community location provides maintenance of lawn, exterior house painting, basic cable and community ammenities. jmorel@bhhsflpg.com | JMorel.BHHSFloridaProperties.com

Jennifer Kibiger 813-469-1481 With over 13 years of new home sales experience, have me represent you during your new home transaction (AND AT NO COST TO YOU)! I will get you the Best Value suited to Your needs, Show you ways to Stay Within Your Budget, Attend All Meetings and Walk-throughs, Review all Contract/Mortgage/Title Paperwork, and Ensure YOUR contractual rights are met during AND after closing. Building Your Dream Home Can Be a Great Experience! Contact me to discuss in more detail.

JKibiger@BHHSflpg.com | JKibiger.BHHSFloridaProperties.com

MEADOW POINTE I

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Keri Rodriguez 845-729-0573

Kim and Tammy 813-453-5657

What a fantastic opportunity to own one of the few remaining home sites in Wesley Chapel's premier community The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch!

The Ridge is the only maintenance free single family community in the area! Kick back and enjoy the fabulous resort lifestyle where you can drive your golf cart to the 11, 691sq. ft. Clubhouse and enjoy the beach style entry pool, lap pool, splash park or work out in the fitness center and much more. Tennis, basketball and beach volleyball courts are also a popular pastime. This beautiful Capri model has an open one story floorpan with a gourmet kitchen and an opulent master suite with 2 walk in closets. The Capri offers 2 bedrooms plus a den/ 3rd bedroom. Conveniently located to Elementary, Middle and High School out the rear gate of community. Just minutes away from the Shops at Wiregrass, a wide variety of new restaurant options, Tampa Premium Outlets, hospital, sports facilities, parks and much more in this growing area. $2500 seller concession with use of GL Financial and Nova Title. Call or text for a private showing today! 30972 Lindentree Drive Wesley Chapel $349,900

This Home Features 2387 Sq Ft of Living Space with 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car on 1/4 acre lot in the desired Meadow Pointe I Community.

NO CDD, NO HOA, TOTALLY remodeled Home with lots of UPGRADES! Must See. Contact Kim Hilliker 813-453-5657

krodriguez@bhhsflpg.com | www.Krodriguez.bhhsfloridaproperties.com

khilliker@bhhsflpg.com | www.GetItRightHOMEgroup.com

February 8 & 9 www.bhhsfloridaproperties.com 44

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 28, Issue 2 • January 17, 2020 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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