New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 27. Issue 23, November 1, 2019

Volume 27 Issue 23 November 1, 2019

Our New Website Is NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net For Videos & Local News Daily!

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

IN PURSUIT OF PYTHONS

Did you know Florida’s Burmese python problem is spreading north? Former Cory Lakes Isles resident and Wharton High grad Kevin Reich is helping to make sure that doesn’t happen.

BY JOHN C. COTEY Kevin Reich was driving through the Grand Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, FL, one evening back in late July, and was about to give up and head home when the tail of a Burmese python caught his eye.

“Just by the tail, I knew it was going to be a big one,” Kevin says.

So, he did exactly the opposite of what you might expect — but something perfectly normal for him — he parked his car on the side of the road, hopped out and walked up to the snake.

Armed only with his bare hands, Kevin grabbed the tail and dragged the python out, the two dancing a slithery dance, as he deftly avoided attempts by the python, which are nonvenomous constricting snakes, to wrap itself around him.

After 15 minutes, the snake was tuckered out. Kevin grabbed it by the neck and victoriously bagged it.

He was right about the size, too: it checked in at a goosebump-inducing 17-feet, 9 inches long, and weighed in at 83 pounds, 12 ounces.

At the time, it was the second-longest ever caught by a See “Python” on page 4.

Inside: Your Last Chance To Win! Pick Your Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel!

See page 35!

Bouncing Back An indoor adventure park is headed to New Tampa.

Page 7

Fresh New Look Cabinet & Stone can give your home a facelift.

Pages 26-27

Las Palmas Is No. 1!

The local favorite recently was picked as the Bay area’s top Cuban eatery.

Pages 34 & 38-39

If Someone Tells You Print Is Dead, Tell Them About The Neighborhood News!

An editorial by Gary Nager Almost every day when I go to North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting and other local events, I have at least one local business owner tell me that they don’t do any print advertising at all — and that Facebook, Instagram and other online advertising outlets are the only places they spend their money these days.

And then, inevitably, there’s always at least one person, who may or may not think that they’re being funny, who will tell me, “Haven’t you heard? Print is dead!”

When my blood finishes boiling, I usually explain that I've been the owner and editor of the Neighborhood News in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for 25 years and that people who live in our communities — whether they got here before I took over an 11-month-old monthly in 1994 or they just got here last year — tell me constantly that the Neighborhood News is the only local publication of any kind that they read cover-to-cover. I’m not dissing any other publication, I’m just repeating what I hear literally every day.

But, before you say, “Yeah, right!,” and turn the page to see another great python pic or read about the upcoming second annual New Tampa Brew Fest (see pages 40-43), consider something as simple as our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, which appears for the last time for 2019 on page 35 of this issue.

Last year, when there were many more spaces to fill in than in this year’s revised, much simpler survey, we received fewer than 300 entries — not bad as local magazine contests go, but far fewer than our record 1,200+ Dining Survey Contest entries received either three or four years ago.

This year, that number actually may surpass 1,500 entries before this year’s November 11 entry deadline.

Yes, this year’s contest is easier to enter

New Tampa Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Andy Warrener Lead Video Producer Charmaine George Photography, Videography & Video Editing Richard Nasrallah • Andy Warrener Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager

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

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertising space reservations for Volume 27, Issue 25, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, November 18, 2019.

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

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

© 2019 JM2 Communications, Inc. Neighborhood News

and yes, we’ve had quite a few people who have entered to date fill out the survey on our NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net website.

However, we also believe that the vast majority of the people who go to the website to fill out the survey still read about the contest in our print editions first and then go online to fill out the survey to save themselves the extra effort (and cost) of having to put the survey in an envelope, writing the address info on the envelope, paying for and using a stamp and dropping it in the mailbox. So exhausting!

But, even if some of those entries came from people who only read about it online, how do you explain the 600+ people (see photo, right) who already have taken the time to open one of our recent issues and do just that?

And, I can assure you, with stories by managing editor John Cotey like the Burmese python hunter from Cory Lake Isles, The Brunchery coming to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (pg.

6), the latest on the Kinnan-Mansfield flap (pg.

8) and getting to be the first local media of any kind to break the story about the new owner of The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center (pages 12-13), to name just a few — I know that the vast majority of our print readers still have not entered that contest at all.

Yes, we have worked hard to make the Neighborhood News a true multimedia experience (see below), but the next time someone tells you that print is dead, make sure you tell them to take a look at the kind of information the Neighborhood News print editions provide for you about your community every four weeks — and that all it takes for you to keep up with what’s happening in your community is actually open it when you take it out of your mailbox.

Neighborhood News Online Update

I can’t believe that as this issue is reaching your mailbox, the calendar has turned to November, which means that we are nearing the end of the year in which we became one of only 23 U.S. media companies to receive 2019 funding from the Google News Initiative.

A lot has happened in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel over these past ten months, and we have done our best to keep up with the incredible amount of important hyperlocal news coming out of both of our distribution areas.

In fact, although we are still a little behind on our goal of reaching five new video releases every week, we are now right at three videos per week, up from only one every other week through the end of 2018.

But of course, it’s not just about the quantity of videos we release — it’s about the

quality. In fact, since we became the first local news provider to break the story — in video first, then in print in our October 18 Wesley Chapel issue — about Mark Gold, the new owner of The Grove, the video has surpassed 10,500 views on Facebook and the Facebook post of John’s print story may have set a record for us, with a reach of nearly 80,000 people and 7,800+ total engagements!

I also have been thrilled that most of the nearly 21 videos we have released in the seven weeks since September have totalled nearly 80,000 views

and an average of 4,300 views per video.

In fact, with a reach of nearly 700,000, and 400,000 views through Oct 25, we have an outside chance of breaking a video reach of one million people and 500,000 video views for 2019, especially if we can inch closer to our goal of five video releases per week.

And, we almost certainly will have an even bigger reach for our print stories that get posted on Facebook with a click-through to our website, NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net!

So no, not only is print not dead when you’re talking about the Neighborhood News, we also are the only local media outlet offering you and your business in or serving New Tampa and/or Wesley Chapel a truly multimedia advertising opportunity. Get yours today!

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Table of Contents

Local News Updates.....................3-18

New Breakfast Joint To Open In December!................6 Adventure Park, Indian Grocery Coming Soon.........7 Hagan Pushes For Connection Resolution..................8 Developer Has Big Plans For The Grove......................12 Moffitt Seeks A Bigger Share Of Cigarette Tax.........16 Shell Pillow A Godsend For Mastectomy Patients...........17 New Tampa Community Calendar...........................18

Local Business Updates..............22-29 New Horizons Pediatrics For Your Kids’ Health........22 Getting Your Eyes Checked...At Costco?.......................24 The New Tampa Dance Theatre Turns 25..................25 Cabinet & Stone For Your Next Remodeling Job!.......26 Noire Nail Bar Has The Location & Services You Need...28

Sports News...............................30-32

She’s 93, But Can Still Hit One Past You..................30 The Sports Page!.......................................................32

Neighborhood Magazine

Enter Our 2019 Dining Survey & Contest!.........35 Las Palmas Named Top Cuban Restaurant!...............38 New Tampa Beer Fest Ready For Year 2...............40-43 Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes...........46 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds...........48 @NTWCNews

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3

Python: New Tampa’s Kevin Reich is on the prowl FROM PAGE 1 member of the Python Action Team.

“I knew it was going to be a challenge and a bit of a battle,” Kevin says.

“Big snakes don’t come along much.

It was a very big, very strong animal.

When it started to lose its steam, I just went in for its head and got a hold of it. I could tell it was still very strong.

It was trying to turn its jaw around to bite me. The hardest thing sometimes is getting them in the bag.”

While Kevin’s full-time job is in the U.S. Coast Guard, he finds plenty of time to do his part to help the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) try to tame the ever-growing population of Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades and surrounding areas. The FWC created the Python Action Team in 2017, to combat the invasive species, and has captured nearly 1,000 pythons since.

Still, Kevin says that in certain areas, where racoons, rabbits and opossums should be bountiful, there too often is nothing, due to the spread of the Burmese python.

He says he knows what animals do and don’t belong in a certain area. Growing up in Cory Lake Isles, he says he was your typical Florida outdoor boy, exploring his nature-rich community.

“There isn’t one little portion of those lakes or islands that I don’t know,” he says. “I fished on that lake every day. It’s where I learned a lot about the outdoors in Florida.”

Kevin joined the Coast Guard in 2016, after graduating from Wharton in 2012.

He was stationed in Miami, which was a perfect fit, in part because it allowed him to explore the Everglades.

It was while doing so with a buddy that he caught his first Burmese python — a freshly hatched 2-footer.

By the way, his second catch was a

15-and-a-half foot python.

He became a certified volunteer Burmese python hunter, before the FWC and Southwest Water Management District began programs that contracted people to help rid the area of pythons.

“It’s awesome,” Kevin says. “You get paid to go out in these places in the Everglades and explore and help remove these snakes.”

Python Action Team members make just $8.46 an hour, plus $50 for each snake measuring 4 feet, and $25 for each additional foot beyond that.

So, a 17-foot Burmese python would net the hunter $375.

That’s a nice bonus for something Kevin confesses he would do for free just to help. He says that 95 percent of contractors do not euthanize pythons on site. Instead, they bag them and hand them over to the FWC for research, as the wildlife commission tries to figure out a way to more effectively remove the snakes.

Since he began trapping pythons, Kevin says he has captured well over 100 of them. He has been bitten numerous times, and has been sprayed with the snake’s musk, which he says leaves one the foulest odors he has ever smelled. He says he keeps Lysol disinfectant wipes in his equipment bag to wipe off his arms anytime he gets tagged.

The longest python ever caught in Florida was 18-feet, 8-inches (in 2013), and the longest ones caught by the Python Action Team are 18’-4” (in September) and 18’ (last December).

“Most of the folks that know me are not at all surprised that I do this,” Kevin says. “It’s definitely a challenge and something I enjoy. I know what animals do and don’t belong, and some of these places just don’t have any small mammals or birds left. These snakes are everywhere. I’m doing my part to help, and preserve the area.”

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The Brunchery, one of Valrico’s favorite breakfast & lunch places, is coming to New Tampa!

The Brunchery Looking To Open Doors By December

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com When it comes to grabbing breakfast off busy Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa, there is no shortage of places to grab a pastry, donut, breakfast sandwich or a cup of coffee.

But, if you want a couple of eggs over easy, a strip of fresh bacon, a slice of warm toast and coffee in a ceramic mug, you’re pretty much out of luck.

However, the good news is that your luck is about to change.

The Brunchery, a popular Valrico restaurant locally owned for 30 years by Kevyn Farley and known for its stuffed French toast, grilled muffins and six kinds of eggs Benedict, is planning to open in the old Boston Market space on BBD the first week in December, if not sooner.

New owner Stanley Athan is enthusiastic about his latest venture. He grew up in Washington state, in a family that has spent more than 50 years in the restaurant business.

Athan’s first job was washing the dishes in one of his father’s restaurants at age 14, so he could earn enough money to buy a car when he turned 16. He is the youngest of three brothers, all of whom now own restaurants — Stanley owns Voula’s Good Eats, named after his mother, in Mountlake Terrace, WA. When he started looking for new a new business to buy, however, a number of factors pointed him towards Florida.

He spent eight months searching for a pizza place or a diner — anything but a chain eatery.

“Floridians are sick of chains,” he says. “They go because they don’t have other choices.”

When one of his old high school friends mentioned that the restaurant he lived down the street from, The Brunchery, was for sale, Athan quickly hopped on a plane.

6

“When I first walked in, it was exactly what I was looking for,” Athan says.

On his second visit, they got his order wrong. He ordered stuffed waffles, and instead was brought stuffed strawberry French toast. He said it was so good, however, he left a $10 tip.

The Brunchery wasn’t “broke,” so Athan didn’t have much to fix. The restaurant uses the same recipes that Farley used, continues to buy their products —bread, fruit, etc. — from the same vendors, and perhaps most important, serves the same coffee.

Athan merely added some social media muscle to the operation, and sales have been up since he took over in December of 2018.

Now, he is looking to duplicate the rooster-themed, country feel of his prized mom n’ pop at his 2,300-sq.-ft. space in Valrico to his new 3,100-sq.-ft. space in New Tampa, which will have seating for 100.

He is fully aware that a place to have breakfast in New Tampa is high on the wish list of many area residents.

The Brunchery is best known for its breakfast items — made-from-scratch Belgian waffles and French toast (for the special this week, they were stuffed with blackberries), homemade homefries, steak and eggs and breakfast scrambles — but it also has a lunch selection that includes burgers and sandwiches.

Athan said one of the best compliments he has gotten since taking over the restaurant came from one of his customers who is from New York, and said The Brunchery’s Reuben sandwich was the best he’s had since moving to Florida.

With chef and general manager Al Marku, Athan hopes to build the same loyal customer base in New Tampa that he has built in Valrico.

“We know what customers want and like,” Athan says. “We will be bringing that to New Tampa.”

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New Tampa Scene ‘Bouncing’ Back With Latest Additions

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com For anyone putting a list together of things that New Tampa is lacking, the absence of a place to take your kids for some indoor physical activity has to be near the top.

Soon, however, you’ll be able to cross that off your list.

Urban Air Adventure Park, a popular and successful indoor activity franchise based out of Texas, has announced that it is moving into the old HH Gregg space in the Market Square at Tampa Palms plaza.

And, that’s not all. Also coming to Market Square, right next door, in the old Staples location, is Taza Market, an Indian supermarket and eatery, that also has begun work revamping the old space for its new store (see below).

Both new businesses should provide a major boost for Market Square, the shopping center anchored by BJ’s Wholesale Club on Commerce Palms Dr., which just a few months ago had nearly 80,000 sq. ft. of empty retail space, due to the closings of HH Gregg, Staples and Bed Bath & Beyond.

Urban Air Adventure Park has locations all over the U.S.. The New Tampa location will be the company’s 10th in Florida, which includes centers in

The Urban Air Adventure Park in Tampa Palms will fill a long-desired need in New Tampa.

nearby Lakeland and Port Richey.

It already has announced on its website, UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com, that it is on its way here.

According to plans filed with the City of Tampa, the facility and will be 28,000 sq. ft. and will include areas for a warrior course, spin/flip zone, slam dunk zone, family zone, wipe out area, adventure hub and private rooms for parties, to go with a full-service café.

The award-winning indoor activity center, which calls itself the “ultimate indoor playground for your entire family,” and claims to be more than just a trampoline

park, typically offers high-flying activities, such as a Sky Rider Coaster, climbing walls and elevated ropes course, to name a few.

Taza To Fill A Need

While Urban Air Adventure Park will fill the former home of HH Gregg, Taza Market, an Indian supermarket and eatery, is expected to take over the former Staples location in the Market Square plaza.

Taza Market, according to plans filed with the city, will be a 16,382-sq.-ft. Indian supermarket with fresh food made daily and a café-like area of roughly 1,700 sq. ft. with seating for 80.

Taza in Hindi translates to “fresh,” and should appeal to New Tampa’s large Indian population.

Last year, the closing of the Bed Bath & Beyond in Market Square, combined with some of the previous big box store closings, and the shuttering of Ruby Tuesday on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., drew the attention, and concern, of some local politicians and community members.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who was running for office at the time, said it was an issue raised often in her meetings with New Tampa residents, and with help from Hunter’s Green resident and Dist. 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera, a study organized by the University of South Florida’s School of Public Affairs and conducted by graduate students working towards their Master’s degrees in Urban and Regional Planning, is currently still in progress.

However, New Tampa seems to be filling its empty stores back up.

While the Sweetbay eyesore and old Macaroni Grill (and after that, Señor Ts and Vuelo) locations remain empty, places that were dormant for more than a year, like the old Beef O’Brady’s on Cross Creek Blvd. and Morris Bridge Rd. (which is now the Chefs of Napoli restaurant that opened last month), seem to be springing back to life.

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The grass and bushes in this picture at the end of Kinnan St. in K-Bar Ranch could be cleared, but only for a public safety connection to Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe.

Hagan Pushes For Kinnan Conclusion

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, who has tried to get Kinnan St. in New Tampa connected with Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe II — the infamous Kinnan-Mansfield connection — for more than a decade, may finally get his wish.

Well, partially, anyway.

While Pasco County is firmly committed to not connecting the two roads to general traffic, it has expressed a willingness to connect them for fire rescue and other emergency vehicles. With no other options remaining, Hagan — who represents New Tampa as part of Hillsborough’s District 2 —thinks it’s time to make a deal.

At the Oct. 16 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, Hagan introduced a motion to direct the county staff to meet with their Pasco counterparts to forge an interlocal agreement authorizing the Kinnan-Mansfield connection, for public safety purposes, to finally become a real thing.

The two sides were expected to meet last week.

“I basically introduced the item because I have been trying to make this connection for well over a decade now and, unfortunately, Pasco has steadfastly refused,” Hagan says. “While they have not completely seen the light, this is certainly a step in the right direction.”

If a deal is struck, the roads will be connected, and an entry-and-exit bar will be installed to keep vehicular traffic out.

The two counties also will be connected at Kinnan-Mansfield by pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Residents of Meadow Pointe II have fought the connection because they say it would add too much traffic to Mansfield Blvd., which is home to community entrances and area schools.

Proponents of connecting the roads have argued that it would be good for local businesses and residents and would help ease traffic in the area, while also benefiting fire rescue and emergency medical services, as the two counties have a mutual aid agreement.

8

Currently, roughly 30 feet of overgrown grass and bushes — and a good deal of junk that has been dumped in the area — is all that separates the two roads, which were never connected when Kinnan St. was completed in 2007.

Since then, the counties have bickered on numerous occasions over whether or not the roads should be connected.

In 2015, then-District 7 Tampa City Council member Lisa Montelione reignited the debate after K-Bar Ranch resident Otto Schloeter severely burned his arm and did not receive medical attention for 45 minutes, after his call was bounced between the two counties before a crew was finally dispatched. Because the roads weren’t connected, Montelione argued, it took emergency medical services twice as long as it should have to reach Schloeter.

Luis Viera, who replaced Montelione on the City Council, picked up the fight, but also to no avail.

Pasco County commissioned an engineering firm to study potential connections between the K-Bar Ranch area and Pasco County.

In June, Pasco’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) voted unanimously to recommend connections to K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. in New Tampa’s KBar Ranch community at Meadow Pointe and Wyndfields Blvds., while also recommending the first responders connection at Kinnan-Mansfield.

Pasco County’s commissioners have yet to vote on it.

“Is it what we wanted in full? No,’ says Viera. “But, does it address our public safety concerns? Yes.” Viera says he had conversations recently with residents of K-Bar Ranch, which is building 400 more homes but still only has one way, Kinnan St., to exit K-Bar to the west.

“They seem supportive,” Viera says.

Hagan said it is his understanding that Pasco will vote for the public safety connection.

Hagan secured $250,000 from the county in September of 2017 for what he hoped would be a connection open to everyone.

That money is still available to build the public safety connection.

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11

GOLDEN TOUCH

Mark Gold of Mishorim Gold Properties has only owned The Grove shopping center in Wesley Chapel for about a month, but he’s already started filling up the center’s long-vacant spaces with new tenants — with much more to come.

BY JOHN In a tiny office tucked behind The Grove shopping center he recently bought for $62.7 million, Mark Gold is unveiling big dreams.

“Big, big, major,” he says. “This is major.”

Gold’s vision is all over the walls of the leasing office at The Grove, on blueprints and promotional materials.

There will be a family park, an amphitheatre for musical performances, a brewery (which we wrote about last issue), new restaurants, an indoor adventure facility, beautiful landscaping and lighting, and what Gold says will be the biggest shipping container park — think Sparkman Wharf, but on steroids — in the world.

There also is room for 400 homes, if Gold chooses to develop the additional acreage he owns.

While others have, for too many years, seen big box stores overlooking a dead end office plaza with empty buildings and overgrown and unkempt land, Gold sees the future.

“This is a diamond that no one has touched for 10 years,” he says.

“No one had the money to polish the diamond. That’s just crazy.”

The Grove, which opened in 2007 and whose current tenants include Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michael’s Arts & Crafts and others, as well as the Cobb 16 Movie Theater, may be an afterthought to many locals, a shopping center that once had great potential before development stopped. Gold and

C. COTEY his Mishorim Gold Properties promise that will change.

“The message is, The Grove is coming back,” says Gold, emphatically. “It’s not owned by the bank or an insurance company anymore, it’s owned by creative developers that do this already all over the U.S.” As Gold lays out his plan, it almost sounds too good to be true. However, District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who arranged a meeting for Gold with county planners and administrators, loves the idea.

“I think he’s the real deal,” Moore says. “When he left after his presentation, there was energy and excitement in the room.”

Pasco’s uber-friendly-to-business county commission is likely to do what it can to make things happen fast.

Many of the typical hold-ups — such as proper zoning and utilities — are all already in place.

Gold, who has now owned the plaza a little more than a month, isn’t wasting any time starting to create a destination that he thinks could serve as a downtown for Wesley Chapel one day.

“This is not only about money, it’s about vision,” he says. “Let’s bring something to Wesley Chapel that people like to come to.”

Just a few days after his purchase, he already had signed leases for 15 of the 60 containers, or micro-shops, that will populate the land between The Grove’s office “Village” and Outback

Creative Permanent Makeup by Pam Free Consultations 12

“Experience makes a difference!”

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Steakhouse (photo above). Moore said he was impressed to see that The Grove’s overgrown grass had already been moved and some of the area was already being prepped.

Gold is hoping to create a European-flavored market or bazaar, with an emphasis on locally-owned stores and boutiques, and he says that in about two months, the containers will begin showing up.

“Things are moving fast,” he says.

“This is big in places like Europe, Amsterdam...you see it all over the place.

In the U.S., it is fresh. And, it is going to be the largest one in the world.”

Each of the container “shops,” which are former semi-truck trailers that will be outfitted with solar panels, is 40-feet long (although there are options to split the office containers into two or even three separate spaces), and here’s the big news — Gold is renting them out for only $1,500 a month for an entire container, with limited up-front costs for design.

“If you have a dream, let’s make it happen!,” he says. “This is your momand-pop opportunity, your dream. I care about my tenants. I want to help people come to us. Let me help you.”

A family park for children also will be one of the key components of The Grove’s transformation, as will a 36,000-sq.-ft. indoor trampoline/ adventure park.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is a part-owner of Surge

Adventure Park, and Gold says he already has Surge at four of his developments and that it is likely Brees will follow him to Wesley Chapel, too.

Surge Adventure Park would be built near the Cobb 16 Movie Theater.

As we reported last issue, Double Branch Artisanal Ales, owned by Wesley Chapel residents, is expected to open in December, the first new project under Gold’s Mishorim Gold Properties.

“I think it is extraordinarily exciting for our community,” says Hope Allen, CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. “It’s a long time coming.

“It was disheartening to see (The Grove) not living up to its full potential over the last couple of years. I appreciate that new ownership is going to invest in it.”

Gold says he also has signed leases with at least four restaurants — NYstyle pizza, sushi, frozen yogurt and Burger Brazil — for the currently mostly-vacant office park that he calls “The Village,” as well as Treble Makers restaurant/dueling piano bar owned by Wesley Chapel resident Jamie Hess and his brother Joe. “I met with him and was very enthusiastic and energetic,” said Jamie Hess, who signed his lease on Oct. 10.

“I thought he had an amazing plan. I went home and researched his other properties and after that, I was sold.

He’s going to make The Grove a huge success.” We’ll have a separate story

about the piano bar in a future issue.

Gold has a reputation for investing in property that is undervalued and turning high-vacancy shopping and office centers into bustling, vibrant, family-focused entertainment destinations.

He bought the Lynnhaven North shopping center in Virginia Beach, VA, in late 2018 and quickly turned that around, with nearly $10 million worth of renovations and upgrades.

Whether you’re talking about the Regency Court Shopping Center in Jacksonville, or the Shoppes at Hickory Hollow in Antioch, TN, the DW Center in Newport News, VA, or a handful of other similar U.S. projects, Gold has swooped in to buy a failing shopping center and invested millions into transforming them.

And, the ebullient Gold is excited about The Grove’s prospects.

He says he has been looking to purchase land in the Tampa Bay area for years, but couldn’t find anything that suited him.

“It was like Mission Impossible,” he admits.

He spent eight months negotiating to buy The Grove, when he says it usually takes him only about a month to complete similar deals.

The purchase included the 604,000 sq. ft. of existing shopping and dining space, as well as 1.3-million sq. ft. of retail and office space that he plans to build.

But, even better, The Grove is located in one of the southeast’s fastest-growing areas.

Not only are there thousands of homes at various stages of development within a 10-mile radius of The Grove in nearby communities like Mirada, Epperson and even Quail Hollow, but Wesley Chapel also boasts an average annual household income of $92,000.

The shopping center is located just off busy I-75, and can be seen by 100,000 drivers a day.

“I am in the middle of the all the action,” Gold says. “Right where I want to be.”

And soon, he hopes, where all of Wesley Chapel will want to be.

For leasing & more information about The Grove, contact keren@mgoldgroup.com.

Have a Ball! (or, get down to business)

Tampa-Wesley Chapel

26640 Silver Maple Pkwy Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 TampaWesleyChapel.HGI.com

New Horizons Pediatrics Your kids' health is in good hands!

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14471 University Cove Place Tampa, FL 33613

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Superior Craftmanship

South Tampa Showroom

Photos from renovation projects in the New Tampa area. License # CBC1263097 14

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Moffitt’s Partnership With AdventHealth WC Just The Beginning

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com The Moffitt Cancer Center, which recently forged a new partnership with Advent Health Wesley Chapel, could be making an even bigger footprint in Pasco County, with talk of a massive research center at the intersection of S.R. 52 and the Suncoast Pkwy.

But, to do so, Moffitt will need money.

Jamie Wilson, the vice president of government affairs for Moffitt, spoke to local business leaders at the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC)’s Economic Development Briefing at Hunter’s Green Country Club on Sept. 26.

Wilson’s presentation is part of a more aggressive effort by Moffitt to convince the state legislature to raise the cancer center’s share of Florida’s annual cigarette tax.

“We have grown from a small cancer hospital with 409 employees in 1986 to 2019, where we now have 6,500 employees serving more than 68,000 patients a year,” Wilson said. “The demand continues to grow. We’re asking our legislature to partner with us again, and groups like this Chamber to support our (request).”

Wilson told the NTBC members in attendance that Moffitt, as the state’s only Comprehensive Cancer Center, is asking to increase its share of the cigarette tax from 4.04 percent this year to 7 percent next year and to 10 percent in 2023. Each increase would produce an additional $11 million in annual revenue.

The existing Moffitt Cancer Center on

16

Moffitt Cancer Center VP of government affairs Jamie Wilson (right) asked Jim Engelmann & the other North Tampa Bay Chamber members in attendance at the NTBC’s Sept. 26 Economic Development Briefing for their support of Moffitt’s efforts to receive more of the state’s cigarette tax revenue. the University of South Florida (USF)’s Tampa to expand Moffitt’s local footprint. That likely would include a new hospital on McKinley campus off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and E. Fowler Ave., is 33 years old, and Wilson said Dr. (aka N. 40th St.) in Tampa, about a mile there is no space available for growth in cancer from the existing hospital on the USF campus, research or treatment there. He said there were and potentially, a new research campus in 130,000 people diagnosed with cancer last year Pasco County, which has already approved the zoning and land-use changes for the massive in the state of Florida — and that number is proposed development near the Suncoast expected to continue to grow.

“There is more and more demand every Pkwy. that also could include homes, hotels year,” he said. “We are seeking additional asand other commercial enterprises.

Wilson said that a facility such as that sistance from the cigarette tax so we can accomwould be a huge boon for Pasco County, modate that growth by building new, state-ofas it would bring thousands of high-paythe-art treatment and research facilities.”

The additional revenue would be used ing jobs to the area as well.

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“I think we all know or have been touched by someone dealing with cancer,” said Pasco’s District 2 County Commissioner Mike Moore. “I think something like that would be great for Pasco County, but I think the good it would do for everyone, here and around the world, would be tremendous.”

Moffitt already has a new and innovative partnership with AdventHealth, which was announced earlier this year.

Back in May, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) and Moffitt broke ground on a new $44-million outpatient center to treat cancer patients from a new medical office building on the AHWC campus.

The three-story, 100,000-sq.-ft. medical office on the hospital’s campus will fill a pressing need for cancer treatment here. The outpatient center will offer medical and radiation oncology services and will be designed to accommodate oncologists to deliver chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy to patients. It is expected to open next fall.

Moffitt and AdventHealth also teamed up recently to bring early-phase clinical trials for patients who have run out of other treatment options to AdventHealth Celebration near Orlando.

It is that kind of forward-thinking that Wilson said proves Moffitt has been worth every penny it has received from the cigarette tax, and an increase would help it do more.

“I think the return on investment has been great,” he said, adding later, “Moffitt is doing some pretty great stuff.”

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Mary Glassman considered what to name the Shell Pillow, and ultimately settled on a tribute to her dear friend who first inspired it, Shelley Archbold. (Photo courtesy of Bob Thompson)

Shell Pillow Aids In Recovery

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN It was one week after her wedding, when she was just 28 years old, that Shelley Archbold discovered a lump in her breast that turned out to be cancerous.

Through radiation and chemotherapy, her friend from college, Wesley Chapel graphic artist Mary Glassman (photo), sat

by Shelley’s side.

Several years later, after Shelley gave birth to a son, she underwent genetic testing and decided to have a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of having a future recurrence of the disease.

Mary wanted to give Shelley a meaningful, useful gift. Searching the internet, she found that many women use a mastectomy pillow, but she didn’t find one she thought looked very comfortable — or sanitary, for that matter.

“I’m kind of a germophobe,” says Mary, who squirmed at the thought of a pillow up against a body recovering from surgery that couldn’t be washed. “My mom taught me to sew when I was very young, so I thought I could sew her something.”

Mary says she made a quick pattern, cut it out, and fashioned the first pillow.

Since Shelley had a double mastectomy, Mary made two pillows so she would have one for each side.

“It turned out that her gift was by far the most useful thing that I didn’t know I would need,” says Shelley. “A lot of times when you’re sick, people want to help and they don’t really know how. Mary took it to the next level trying to think of what really would be the most comforting and helpful.

She’s brilliant.”

Because Shelley liked the pillow so much, when Mary’s aunt had a mastectomy, Mary made her pillows, too. A couple of friends and neighbors asked her to make them for friends who had the procedure, too.

Mary, who lives in Seven Oaks with her husband and two kids, considered how many people could benefit from her Neighborhood News

pillows. She knew she couldn’t personally sew enough to make the pillows by hand, so she researched and found a company to manufacture the pillows.

Mary considered what to name the pillow, and ultimately settled on a tribute to her dear friend who first inspired it.

She named it, “The Shell Pillow.”

Her first production run has been completed and is currently being shipped. Once the pillows arrive, they will be ready for sale.

Mary says The Shell Pillow is better than others on the market because it is longer, offering more comfort.

While it was designed for those recovering from a mastectomy, it can be used by anyone recovering from breast or shoulder surgery who would benefit from being able to rest their arms away from their body.

And, of course, there’s that washable cover. “They have an aesthetic appeal and don’t look like a medical device,” Mary says. “You’d be comfortable having them out on the couch or on your bed.”

While Mary is both excited about launching her business and a bit nervous about the unknowns of undertaking something she’s never done before, she said she’s mostly looking forward to making the recovery process more comfortable for any woman facing recovery from a mastectomy.

“I saw my friend and aunt suffer through it,” Mary says. “It’s difficult. If it could let them rest a little easier, ultimately that’s my goal, to give people comfort.”

Her friend Shelley believes The Shell Pillow will make a difference.

“I was really honored that she named it after me,” says Shelley. “I hope others find comfort the way I did, and know that it came from a friend helping a friend. Her reason to make these came from the heart.”

The Shell Pillow currently is available for pre-order and is expected to be available for purchase later this month. For more information or to purchase The Shell Pillow, visit TheShellPillow.com. @NTWCNews

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17

NOVEMBER 2019 Saturday, November 2

Grand Hampton Neighborhood Garage Sale - The Grand Hampton Neighborhood will hold a morning of neighborhood garage sales, 8 a.m.–Noon. Homes on both sides of the clubhouse will host garage sales. Some families will set up in the clubhouse parking lot. This event is open to the public; just check in with the guard gate. Grand Hampton is located off of County Line Rd (8301 Dunham Station Dr, New Tampa).

Free Community Boot Camp - New Year, Same Hustle - Camp Gladiator is a fitness movement with dynamic, fun & challenging workouts - This is 60-minutes of amazing at your favorite place to shop. This Free event takes place every Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at Tampa Premium Outlets (2300 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz) - Participants should bring: exercise mat, 1-2 bottles of water, sweat towel, a smile & great attitude. For more info, email Christine Iloni at christineiloni@campgladiator.com.

Fall Craft Fair - at Village Presbyterian Church (13115 S. Village Dr, Tampa). Crafts, Jewelry, Fashions, Plants, Artwork & more; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bay Chapel Food Pantry - Free food to help needy families. The Bay Chapel Food Pantry is open every Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., behind Christian Brothers Automotive on BBD Blvd. in New Tampa (20300 Trout Creek Dr). For more info, call (813) 731-4040.

Fresh Market at Wiregrass - Held the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, you can enjoy the Fresh Market at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop for fresh produce, hand-crafted goods, candles, sauces, fresh bread and so much more. For more info, visit TampaBayMarkets.com.

“To the Rescue” The First Annual Food, Wine, Beer & Spirits Celebration to benefit Rescue Cats of Florida - At Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park (downtown Tampa) - 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.. Featuring a superb selection of fine wines, gourmet samplings from local chefs & restaurants, a large variety of craft beers & spirits, & great live entertainment All proceeds will benefit Rescue Cats (yes, they help dogs & puppies, too) of Florida.

This past year alone, Rescue Cats of Florida has saved over 1,500 cats & dogs. For more info, email Dan Berman: dan@totherescuetampa.com.

Sunday, November 3

Free Concert - with saxophone recording artist Eirinn Abu, at St. James United Methodist Church (16202 BBD Blvd.), 6 p.m. For more information, call (813) 971-4790 or visit StJamesTampa.org.

Monday, November 4

Yoga On The Lawn - at the Shops at Wiregrass Center Court (28211 Paseo Dr, Wesley Chapel). This Free event is held every Monday, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., weather permitting. This is relaxing beginner to intermediate yoga, sponsored by Energia Wellness Studio. For more info call (813) 973-7300.

p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). - If you have a passion for foster children & adoption, join us in celebrating Orphan Sunday with platinum-selling artist Mark Schultz. Meet local foster & adoption support organizations along with other vendors. Proceeds benefit local adoptions & children in foster care. Sponsorships are available. The cost of tickets is $20 for general admission. For ticket info, go to northpointeFL.org/orphansunday.

Friday, November 15-Monday, November 18

The Tenth Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival - See ad, right.

Saturday, November 16

2019 Kid Care Fair - at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Conference Center (2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel), 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet vendors, health-care providers, & kid-&-familyfriendly businesses in your area. This FREE event, sponsored by PHSC & the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commence, will provide you with resources & opportunities to be better informed parents, childcare providers, & advocates for early childhood development. FREE food & activities for moms, dads and little ones! For more information, call the North Tampa Bay Chamber office at (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Symphony In Lights Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival - The Shops at Wiregrass invites you to the annual Symphony in Lights Holiday Extravaganza! Join The Shops for the Tree Lighting celebration & Santa’s Arrival (5 p.m.-9 p.m.) & enjoy a lively array of dancing lights, dazzling décor, & snow too! Symphony in Lights is an amazing holiday light show, choreographed to music featuring the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! Free entertainment for the entire family! For more information, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com.

The Second Annual New Tampa Brew Fest! - For more information, see the special preview section on pages 41-43 of this issue!

Wednesday, November 20

GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club - The General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that meets the third Wednesday of each month at Arbor Greene Clubhouse (18000 Arbor Greene Dr, New Tampa), 1 p.m.-2 p.m. The club participates in civic, educational & charitable activities, & is dedicated to local community improvement through volunteer service. To join the Juniors, email womansclubnewtampa@gmail.com.

Monday, November 25

New Tampa Democratic Club - The New Tampa Democrats meet on the fourth Monday of each month, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., at Mulligan’s Irish Pub inside the Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr, New Tampa). Guest speakers are featured at every meeting. Come early, eat, mingle or come on time and eat during the meeting. For more info, email newtampademocraticclub@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 27

Tuesday, November 5

North Tampa Arts League - The mission of the North Tampa Arts League (NTAL) is to develop, nurture and support the arts and the artists of North Tampa by working in concert with community leaders to make our area a vibrant art community. All are welcome! The NTAL meets 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the 1st and 3rd month each quarter (except as noted), at: Compton Park Community Center, Tampa Palms (16101 Compton Dr.). Check out our current exhibit “Fall Traditions” - through December 31, at Jimmie Keel Library (2902 W Bearss Ave., Tampa). For more info, email NTALboard@gmail.com or visit northtampa-arts.com.

Wednesday, November 6

Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot 5K Run & 1-Mile Fun Run - Hosted by the Rotary Club of New Tampa (which meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club), the seventh annual Wiregrass Wobble will be held Thanksgiving morning, at the Shops at Wiregrass. The professionally timed 5K road race will begin at 7:30 a.m. Bring the entire family and earn that big Thanksgiving meal at an event that has raised more than $170,000 for the Rotary Club of New Tampa’s selected charities in its first six year. For registration more information, visit WiregrassWobbleTurkeyTrot.com.

MGM Friends Business Connection - Leap into action monthly with MGM (Meet & Greet Mixers) Friends Business Connection held at the University of South Florida (3802 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa). Held the first Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Build strong relationships with like-minded business professionals with no fees. Open to all businesses looking to make real connections. Hosted by Shelomo Solson with Leapcaller.

Facilitator: Georgianna Strickland with Bizzee Bee Marketing LLC. For more info. go to mgmfriends.com or call (813) 477-7306.

Rotary Club Of New Tampa Noon - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at noon at Bayscape Bistro, inside Heritage Isles Country Club off Cross Creek Blvd. Guests are always welcome. For more info, search “New Tampa Noon Rotary” on Facebook.

Knowing CBD: The Hype & The Science - See ad on this page (below).

Thursday, November 28

DECEMBER 2019

Thursday, November 7

North Tampa Veterans Association meeting - All armed forces veterans & associates are invited to a weekly lighthearted Dutch-treat breakfast meeting to get acquainted & tell your tales, new & old. Location: Steak ‘n Shake, just off BBD Blvd. (17509 North Palms Village Pl.) - every Thursday, 7:30 a.m. Bring your spouse & your brag sheet.

Sunday, December 1

Barefoot Massage of New Tamps’s Grand Reopening! - See ad on pg. 42 of this issue!

North Tampa Bay Chamber - Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Business - The North Tampa Bay Chamber will be celebrating 20 years of Business Excellence at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.)at the Chamber’s annual Awards Gala. VIP Reception: 6 p.m.-7 p.m., Gala: 7 p.m.-10 p.m. For more Information & the fee to attend, call the Chamber office at (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Friday, November 8

Rotary Club of New Tampa - The Rotary Club of New Tampa meets every Friday for breakfast at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). For more information, including the speaker schedule, contact David Lanigan at (813) 760-6548 or email dave@davidlanigan.com or visit NewTampaRotary.org.

Saturday, November 9

Experience Radio Control Flying with the Bay City Flyers - Bay City Flyers, a local Radio Control Flying Club, is offering the public a great opportunity to experience the hobby of Radio Control Flying. This event will be held at the Conner Preserve (22500 S.R. 52, Land O’Lakes), 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is free, although small donations are appreciated.

The Oddities of Propagation - A fun look at the tricks Mother Nature Plays. Join us for examples & samples of unusual ways to propagate plants that we all know & love. Widen your ability to share more plants with friends & loved ones. Black thumbs welcome. Come join us for this FREE UF/IFAS Pasco Extension seminar, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m., at Land O’Lakes Heritage Park (5401 Land O’Lakes Blvd). Please register by going to eventbrite.com & searching ‘11-9-19 #103 The Oddities of Propagation’.

Sunday, November 10

Orphan Sunday Concert with Mark Schultz - at North Pointe Church (19862 Amanda Park Dr., Lutz), 6 p.m.-8

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21

New Horizons Pediatrics Combines Experience With State-Of-The-Art Care There When You Need Him

By CELESTE MCLAUGHLIN

Once a busy pediatrician in Hernando County, Ahmad Zuhdi, M.D., FAAP, moved to Tampa Palms a couple of years ago to be closer to his two sons, both of whom attend the University of South Florida (USF).

When the commute got to be too much, Dr. Zuhdi decided to start a practice just 10 minutes from home.

In July, he opened New Horizons Pediatrics in University Cove Place, a medical plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. between E. Bearss Ave. and E. Fletcher Ave., about eight miles south of the Pasco County line.

While Dr. Zuhdi is new to the neighborhood, he’s an incredibly experienced and accomplished physician.

He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is Board-certified in Pediatrics, where his certification and recertification exam scores ranked among the best in the country. He’s a former chairman of the pediatric department at Spring Hill Regional Hospital.

Dr. Zuhdi completed both his residency and a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Seton Hall University in New Jersey in 1997.

With more than 22 years of experience in pediatrics, Dr. Zuhdi cares for children (and young adults) from

Dr. Ahmad Zuhdi of New Horizons Pediatrics can put on splints and casts, treat burns, lacerations and sports injuries and more in his procedure room, saving parents the time, money and hassle of being sent elsewhere for these services. (Photo: John C. Cotey) newborn until 21 years of age. carried out right in the office.

New Horizons Pediatrics also has In addition to providing wellness separate waiting rooms for well children check-ups, New Horizons Pediatrics also treats children suffering from illnesses and and sick children so that, for example, a healthy newborn is not in the same room injuries. Tests for strep, flu, monitoring as someone who has the flu. blood sugar and many others also can be

Dr. Zuhdi says one of the biggest benefits of choosing New Horizons Pediatrics is that he is personally available to his patients whenever they need him.

“I’m nearby if there’s an emergency,” says Dr. Zuhdi. He says that recently, a patient’s mom called him at 8 p.m. and said her child had fallen and cut his forehead. Dr. Zuhdi met them in the office and did the stitches there, saving a trip to the emergency room or even urgent care.

“We have a 24-hour answering service,” he explains. “If there’s any emergency, we can guide them, whether it’s to send them to the ER or help them in the office.”

New Horizons Pediatrics is not typical. For example, in its procedure room, Dr. Zuhdi puts on splints and casts, treats burns, lacerations, sports injuries, and removes foreign bodies from the nose or ear, saving parents the time, money and hassle of being sent elsewhere for these procedures.

“The patient is already in my office, so it makes no sense to pay another copay, and then have to wait in the ER,” he says. “Plus, our charges are way less than urgent care or emergency rooms.”

However, if someone needs to go the hospital, Dr. Zuhdi’s office is close to AdventHealth Tampa. He is an

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engaged physician who checks on any hospitalized patients of his daily. He also is affiliated with and has admitting privileges at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and other hospitals in the region.

Dr. Zuhdi says before opening his office this past July, he renovated it with top-notch equipment. “No other pediatricians have this,” he says.

At a typical pediatrician’s office, your child might cover one eye and read from a letter chart, but Dr. Zuhdi’s patients peer into what he calls a “fancy vision machine” that can determine if a child has a lazy eye, cataracts, or astigmatism, if a child needs glasses or is wearing the right glasses.

Dr. Zuhdi says not many insurance plans cover the exam using this technology, so he includes it as a courtesy for every child who has a well check in his office.

As another example of the office’s updated technology, Dr. Zuhdi doesn’t do finger pricks to test iron levels in his patients’ blood. Instead, a special probe goes on the outside of the finger and is clamped on, to measure whether or not a child is anemic.

From Newborns To Teens & Beyond

Before his youngest patients are even born, Dr. Zuhdi is happy to offer free prenatal consultations.

“I’ll meet with any pregnant wom-

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an who has questions about preparing for her baby,” says Dr. Zuhdi. “They also can just come in and see if this is the right office for them.”

For parents who have been at the job much longer, he wants to emphasize that pediatricians are a great resource for teenagers who get overwhelmed or have a lot of conflict with their parents.

“We offer a behavioral consult,” he says. “For patients who need behavioral therapy, have problems with bad grades, attention, depression, or autism… we take care of all of that.”

Glowing Recommendations

A father of three boys, ages 11, 7, and 5, Khaled (who asked that we not use his last name) lives in Tampa Palms.

A couple years ago, his son had an unknown skin infection that his pediatrician didn’t recognize. He was sent to three different doctors, “and it didn’t seem like anyone really knew what was going on,” Khaled says.

He knew that his neighbor, Dr. Zuhdi, was a pediatrician, so he reached out to him.

“It took less than five minutes for Dr. Zuhdi to say he had a viral infection affecting his skin that could cause an eye infection,” says Khaled. “He sent me to follow up with a specialist, who confirmed his diagnosis as accurate.”

At that point, Khaled says his family had a pediatrician who was very nice,

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but “didn’t seem very confident.” Prior to that, he says his family’s pediatrician was at a large office that he says “felt more like a production line.”

He says that when Dr. Zuhdi opened his office in Tampa, he and his wife were thrilled. Their children quickly became some of his first patients.

Khaled says Dr. Zuhdi has the perfect combination of expertise and a caring demeanor.

“He has a wealth of knowledge and also is very nice,” says Khaled. “He really knows a lot and takes the time to explain everything to kids and the parents as well. It’s nice that he has both qualities.”

Dr. Zuhdi also is a married father of

three sons, enjoys reading and playing tennis, and plays guitar and piano at a professional level.

He also enjoys teaching and often has students shadow him at his practice. Because of this affiliation, he has been named an assistant professor at the University of South Florida College of Nursing and International University of Health Science.

New Horizons Pediatrics is located at 14471 University Cove Pl. in Tampa. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (813) 488-4100. You also can learn more at MyNewHorizonsPediatrics.com or see the ad on page 13 of this issue.

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23

Dr. David Scamard Is Your Independent Optometrist Inside Costco!

By ANDY WARRENER Costco Wholesale is highly-regarded for its great deals and convenience. Where else can you shop for groceries, electronics and furniture, while getting your tires rotated and filling up your gas tank on the way out — all at great prices?

However, one of the local Costco store’s lesser known perks adds even more convenience.

Not only can you get your eyes examined at Costco, you can get the frames and lenses right there.

Excellence in Eye Care

Don’t let the convenience factor fool you. Independent Optometrist David Scamard, O.D., has been in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area for more than 17 years, delivering the highest level of service and an exceptional experience.

Dr. Scamard’s Excellence in Eye Care, LLC, is an A-Rated business, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), has a 5-Star rating on Google Reviews with more than 140 reviews, and even has a 5-Star rating on the practice’s Facebook page.

Dr. Scamard is a local product. He attended Hillsborough High School, did his undergraduate work at the University of South Florida and earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

He opened his first private practice in

One of the high-tech devices Dr. David Scamard of Excellence in Eye Care (located inside the Wesley Chapel Costco) uses is a RT-5100 Refractor, a digital refractor with electric motors that changes the lenses at the touch of a button. Dr. Scamard says this machine is faster, more accurate and more efficient than the old-style analog devices. (Photo: Andy Warrener) New Tampa in 2002. He sold that business in 2007 and moved into a new location off of S.R. 54 in Lutz, where he operated Eye Care Professionals of Tampa Bay until 2017.

In 2017, the Costco on S.R. 56 opened up, and Dr. Scamard brought his Excellence in Eye Care inside the store. The good news is that you do not have to be a Costco member to walk in to visit or make an appointment with Dr. Dave.

“Doctor Dave is very personable and still professional and caring,” says Michael

Mendivil, who works at the adjacent hearing aid center, also inside Costco. “He does an unbelievable job. He is thorough with his eye exams and is just an awesome practitioner. I went through three optometrists before I found him, and I feel like he finally got my prescription right.”

Dr. Scamard’s experience spans almost two decades. Many of his patients from his early years have followed him to his location inside Costco.

“The health of your eyes is very import-

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ant,” Dr. Scamard says. “You’ve heard the expression, ‘The eyes are the window to the soul?’ Well, your eyes are also a window to your health.”

He notes that diseases like glaucoma can go undetected for years and says the American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam for everyone once a year, but especially diabetics should have their eyes checked every year.

“Your eyes are such sensitive organs, they can manifest signs of systemic disease,” Dr. Scamard says.

Dr. Scamard uses some of the most cutting-edge technology in the industry. For eye exams, he uses an Optos retinal camera in his office. This high-tech tool is a retinal imager that gives the optometrist a view of the internal structures of your eyes.

The old-fashioned way to see into your pupils was to dilate them.

“People don’t always have time to get their pupils dilated,” Dr. Scamard says.

“When your pupils are dilated, you are very sensitive to bright light and your near-sightedness is fuzzy — sometimes for up to five hours after dilation. It’s something that compels a lot of people to pass up their annual eye exams.”

Most peoples’ impression of an eye doctor appointment involves looking into that metal mask as the doctor manually flips through different lenses in front of your eyes to achieve the proper prescription. Dr. Dave says that is now officially “old-school.”

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and contacts, for the last several years.”

Costco carries a sizable line of contact lenses, including newer designs that allow more oxygen into the eyes, helping to prevent dryness. If the store doesn’t have them in stock, they can usually be delivered to the store in a week or less. The customer can even order them online and have them delivered to their home.

Having trouble setting an appointment? Excellence in Eye Care makes that easy as well. Dr. Convenience Scamard says that some offices The entire process from eye have up to two-week waiting lists, exam to putting the glasses on but he even accepts walk-ins. your face or contacts in your eyes Excellence in Eye Care does can be completed right there in not accept optical insurance but Costco. However, while you do does provide itemized receipts not need to be a Costco member that patients can use for reimto utilize Dr. Scamard’s services, bursement from their providers. you do need to be a member Insurance can be applied to the to get your glasses and contact lenses and frames sold at Costco, lenses from the wholesale giant.

Dr. David Scamard however.

After your exam, the next Eyeglass exams start at $79, step is, well, just steps away.

Need a prescription filled from Dr. Scamard? and contact lens exams start at $99. In the month of October, Excellence in Eye Care It can be filled right there in Costco’s pharis offering a free set of sunglasses with the macy. Want to browse glasses and contacts cutout or mention of the coupon in the lenses? There is an entire showroom right Neighborhood News on page 19. outside Dr. Scamard’s office.

Excellence in Eye Care is located in “Costco even carries some of the the Costco Wesley Chapel Warehouse at high-end lines of frames like Prada, Tiffany, 2225 Grand Cypress Dr., on the south Oakley and Mont Blanc,” he says. “A lot of side of S.R. 56, in Lutz. The office is their frames and lenses are priced at what open Tuesday and Thursday, 1 p.m.-7 my cost was when I operated out of my own p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 office. Some of my patients say that they have had savings up to 50 percent. Addition- p.m.; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, call (813) 279ally, Costco has been rated number one by consumer reports for the best value in glasses 7038 or visit ExcellenceInEyecare.net.

One of the other high-tech devices Dr. Scamard uses is a RT-5100 Refractor, a digital refractor with electric motors that change the lenses. Scamard operates the digital refractor from a console on his desk.

“The digital refractor is faster, more accurate and more efficient than the oldstyle analog devices,” he says. “Our patients appreciate that we have the latest technology available to them.”

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New Tampa Dance Theatre Celebrates 25 Years!

The professional staff at the New Tampa Dance Theatre is beaming with excitement about celebrating 25 years of teaching students — young and old, experienced and novice, in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and beyond — how to dance.

“We are humbled by all the support and excited to bring breathtaking choreography to the stage by our talented faculty and guest artists from around the country,” says Artistic Director Dyane Elkins IronWing. It’s going to be a season to remember!“ As a way of giving back, NTDT is offering all new students ages 3-18 $25 per class monthly tuition for their first three months — valued up to $480 (and valid through Dec 2019).

Adult Program students receive 25% off 8-week sessions (also valid through Dec 2019).

Whether you’re trying dance for the first time or a seasoned performer, everyone can take advantage of this offer and celebrate! NTDT is accepting fall registration and classes are popular and fill quickly. Don’t miss out!

NTDT offers dancers a world-class, professional experience that is unmatched in the Tampa Bay area, whether you like to dance for fun or dream of a career on stage. A leveled curriculum offers multiple art forms for students to explore.

Through personal attention and professional expertise, the NTDT faculty provides a positive educational experience based on core principles of respect, responsibility and teamwork.

And, even though NTDT’s adult programs also are extremely popular, Dyane says, “It’s all about the children at NTDT, always has been and always will be.”

She adds, “We are a company that enables children to succeed on and off the stage. The

key is setting high expectations and encouraging their individual passions, all while having fun and building self-confidence.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to guide our communities’ children the past 25 years. Thank you for your trust, it’s a true honor. Join us as we celebrate with an unforgettable 25th anniversary season!“ Among the performances and events coming up are the 20th Anniversary of NTDT’s production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” (Dec 13-15) with performances at USF Theater I and tickets available through Ticketmaster.

Prior to those performances, NTDT will host its 15th Anniversary Sugar Plum Fairy Tea on Sunday, December 1, at USF’s Gibbons Alumni Center and tickets available from NTDT. The New Tampa Dance Theatre offers year-round free trial classes for prospective dancers of all ages. To tour the facility, visit NTDT at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd. or, for more information, visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com, follow NTDT on Facebook and Instagram, call (813) 994-NTDT (6838) or see the ad on page 17..

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 27, Issue 23 • November 1, 2019 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

25

Cabinet & Stone International Makes Remodeling Your Home Easy!

By ANDY WARRENER There are tons of options when remodeling your kitchen or bathrooms. Yet, there are very few businesses that have a hand in every aspect of the process.

That’s what makes Cabinet & Stone International different.

The family-owned business is involved with you in every step of the process, from mining the stone and/or sourcing the hardwood you need, all the way to installing it in your home.

Located on N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace, near King High School, the Cabinet & Stone showroom has myriad of design options in its 3,000-sq.-ft. space, but that is only a fraction of everything the company has to offer. It also boasts a 70,000-sq.-ft. warehouse, making it one of the largest distributors of pre-made cabinets and granite tops on the east coast of the U.S. “We have hundreds of different types of granite and quartz and we keep seven styles of cabinets in stock (at the N. 56th St. showroom),” says Cabinet & Stone International president Hui You, “and we have even more styles available at another warehouse. And, customers are not limited to those styles — we will find any style and offer a competitive price and get it within the time frame the customer needs.”

Cabinet & Stone directly imports

If you’ve been dreaming about remodeling your kitchen (above) or your bathroom (photo on next page), Cabinet & Stone International’s showroom on N. 56th St. in nearby Temple Terrace has the countertops and cabinetry you need.

cabinets and granite countertops, eliminating middle-man costs and passing those savings on to the customer. The company, oftentimes Hui herself, inspects the quarries and the woodworking factories in Fujian, China, where Cabinet & Stone has a 25-year working relationship with the companies that produce the products Hui and her crew sell here in Tampa.

“We are able to see all the processes,”

Hui says. “We make sure that there is both quality and consistency in the products and that they meet our expectations.”

Hui promises that the company uses only the highest quality wood for cabinets and the finest granite and quartz for countertops. She says that quartz is one of the growing trends in kitchen remodels, along with lighter colors in cabinetry. The patterns in quartz are more uniform and

more subtle than granite, which coincides with the newest trends in cabinetry.

Cabinet & Stone’s newest line of cabinets is called Royal White (photo, left).

“White is a classic, timeless style and all of our cabinets are solid wood,” Hui says.

Customers won’t have to shop around for accessories, either. Cabinet & Stone has a wide variety of pulls, knobs and racks, everything needed for an elegant design of your kitchen or bathroom.

Wood species such as oak, maple and birch, top-of-the-line hardware in glides and hinges, even choices between American style (with frame) or European style (without frame) are customizable options at Cabinet & Stone International.

A design consultant will help you find the perfect choice, and Cabinet & Stone backs all of its work with a great warranty.

“Joanne, the designer, was excellent.

She sat down with us and sketched the whole kitchen,” says customer Annette Bridges. “We were very pleased with the quality and the installation. There were a couple of minor issues with the installation and they came right out and fixed it.

I compared their prices with other places and their warranty on the installation was something no one else did.”

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contractors, most of whom have installed for the company for the last eight years.

“They were very understanding and helped me find the best cabinets and solutions for my kitchen and bath,” says customer Payton Yang. “I highly recommend them. The owner is very knowledgeable and caring to my needs and goes above and beyond to make sure I get the kitchen design that meets my needs and wants.”

If you have a tight timeframe to work in, Cabinet & Stone is the way to go. Hui says that from the day of ordering, your customized order can be ready in just 2-3 weeks. Installations usually only take one day, as the assembly is prepared in the warehouse.

“We have used Cabinet & Stone hundreds of times,” Bremalie Homes owner Mike Kappaz says. “The main reason we like (them) so much is the sales people are unbelievable. They help with any request the customer has. It’s also great to be able to send the customer into their facility, so they can touch and feel (everything). It helps the customer feel good about the products they are using.”

Even if you’re a DIYer, you can take home written or video instructions that take you step-by-step through the installation process. The company’s YouTube channel — Cabinet & Stone INTL — has videos demonstrating everything from a spice rack to a three-drawer base cabinet installation.

Venture To New Tampa

The You family moved to Tam-

pa Palms in 2011 from the Westchase area.

They have become familiar with the area, raising their children and being active in the local tennis community. “(The New Tampa area) is a great area to raise a family,” Hui says.

A key business dynamic surrounding the New Tampa area is that many homes were built 10 to 12 years ago. Hui says that is about the typical timeframe to update cabinets and countertops.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, a new customized kitchen and/or bathroom is an investment that will definitely bring a return on your investment.

“A new kitchen or bathroom is one of the best investments you can make if you want to sell your home,” Hui says. “Cabinets and countertops are the only furniture that comes with the house when you sell it. Don’t wait.

Even if you’re not planning to sell for the next couple of years, the cabinets and countertops will still there for you to enjoy.”

It’s holiday time and there’s no better time to update your kitchen or bathroom. Want to be the toast of your holiday party? Go to CabinetnStoneIntl.com and try out their Virtual Kitchen, applying a number of different countertops and cabinet configurations.

Then, head over to their showroom and get the process started.

To learn more about how Cabinet & Stone International can help with your kitchen and bath remodeling needs, call (813) 887-5658, visit the showroom at 6606 N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace, or CabinetnStoneIntl.com or see the ad on pg. 46.

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27

Noire Nail Bar Has The Best Location & Outstanding Nail Services!

— anything that requires extra time, attention or precautions.

By Gary Nager Considering how many places there are to get your nails done in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, it can be difficult to tell which one is best for you.

However, considering the old adage of “location, location, location,” one elegant local nail spa has got you covered when it comes to location.

“We’re here in the middle of everything happening on (S.R.) 56,” says John Nguyen, who is the co-owner (with his wife Vanessa) of Noire Nail Bar. “We’re surrounded by popular restaurants and places to shop.”

So, whether you venture out to 56 to shop at the Tampa Premium Outlets or have dinner at Bahama Breeze or Ford’s Garage, Noire Nail Bar is right there and has everything you need to pamper yourself.

All customers receiving services at Noire Nail Bar are offered a glass of wine, soft drinks or water, and the nail salon is immaculate, with a peaceful atmosphere and professional technicians whose job it is to make you happy.

“We have a great selection of colors, and top gel and dipping powder brands like OPI, SNS, DND and Chisel,” John says. “And, we offer many

28

Other Services, Too!

John (center) and Vanessa (to his right) Nguyen and their staff of professionally trained nail technicians invite you to check out everything that Noire Nail Bar has for you, in the center of all the action of S.R. 56, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets, next to Mellow Mushroom.

different services, from basic manicures and pedicures to our Signature Spa Pedicure and our Special Care Spa.” John says that the Signature Spa Pedicure is the “ultimate treat for your feet,” with a therapeutic lavender rub that exfoliates dry skin while citrus sugar relieves and moisturizes your tired

feet. That is followed by an extensive moisturizing lotion massage and a hot towel wrap.

Noire’s Special Care Spa is designed to cater to clients with special needs, such as the elderly and those with diabetes who may have cracked heels, thick calluses, thick or ingrown toenails

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There also are additional services offered, such as hot stone and hot candle wax massages, special prices on manicure and pedicure combos, nail enhancements, full sets, eyelash extensions, waxing services for your face and body and private rooms for your next party — and full nail services for birthday parties, bridal showers and other events are a specialty at Noire Nail Bar. There’s even Prince and Princess manicures and pedicures available for kids ages 12 and under.

Jannah’s daughter Lauren, who is expecting her first child later this month, absolutely loved not only her manicure and pedicure, but also spending quality time with her mom before her upcoming big day.

“It’s a really nice nail spa,” Lauren said. “And, the technicians were super sweet and did a great job, too.”

And, just in time for the holiday season, if you buy $100 or more in gift cards, you’ll save 10%.

“We also give you a coupon for 10-percent off on your birthday,” John says. You will need to prove it’s your birthday, of course.

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We make the complex simple

And, speaking of getting 10-percent off, you can save 10% off all services at Noire Nail Bar every Monday through Wednesday, with the coupon from the ad on page 7 of this issue.

Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz, and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. To make an appointment or for more information, call (813) 536-0161, or see the ad on page 7.

And, please remember to tell John, Vanessa and their friendly staff that the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you!

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29

93-LOVE Williamsburg resident Francesca Caravella is 93 years old, but that doesn’t stop her from playing tennis 3-4 days a week and whipping up on the young‘ns.

STORY & PHOTOS BY JOHN C. COTEY and WES HENAGAN

30

Three times a week, and sometimes more, Francesca Caravella slings her tennis bag over her shoulder and trudges across the grass from her home just a few hundred yards away in search of competition.

She arrives at the court each morning, and effortlessly reaches down like a gymnast stretching for a routine to remove little plastic bags from her shoes, her protection against the morning dew.

Here at Williamsburg, one of Wesley Chapel’s oldest communities where she has lived since 1983, Francesca is tennis royalty.

The 93-year-old, left-handed-racquet-wielding spitfire also is something of a freak of nature.

“You wouldn’t know she’s that old, the way she plays,” says Glenn Dimiccio, who maintains the courts at Williamsburg and also is one of the community’s top players.

Dimiccio is warming her up on this day, and it is brutally hot and humid. And yet, Francesca is moving side-to-side, hitting backhands and forehands undaunted.

She had her left meniscus surgically repaired a few years ago, ending her singles career, and her right knee is bone-on-bone and can get quite sore, but Francesca is remarkably agile for someone her age. She still cracks a steady forehand and will liberally mix in high lobs to keep her opponents off the net.

“You gotta do what you gotta do,” she is fond of saying.

In matches, Francesca lets her partners do the work at the net. She was once smacked so hard in the face by an overhead, “I had to spend thousands of dollars on new dentures.”

Francesca definitely knows the game of tennis. She is picky about her racquets and tennis gear and she watches the game closely on the Tennis Channel.

Her friends at Williamsburg have asked her why she doesn’t get an official USTA ranking. The USTA holds national events in all age groups, including 90+, and her teammates and opponents are almost certain she is one of the best 90-year-olds in the country.

“I don’t want to travel far to play people,”

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she says. “Being number one is just not that big a deal for me.”

The daughter of immigrants who hailed from Messina, Sicily, Francesca grew up in Brooklyn, NY, where she says exercise was always a way of life.

She played handball in junior high and stickball in the streets. She says she joined a gym at 16 years old and, after meeting her husband Sal at age 18, learned to ballroom dance. After she had children, she would exercise along with Jack LaLanne on television.

It wasn’t until she moved to Florida in 1985 that she picked up a tennis racquet.

“Nobody ever gave me a lesson,” Francesca says. “Not one. I picked up things by watching players on television. I remember watching (Bjorn) Borg, (Andre) Agassi and (Pete) Sampras. I learned the basics by watching them.”

After tennis, Francesca heads back home to shower, and then it’s off to the New Tampa YMCA for some cardio and yoga. When her workout is over, she will spend many afternoons on her ¾-acre lot, tending to her gardens.

Francesca takes her tennis seriously. She keeps a journal and a log of every potential player. She plans matches at least two weeks in advance. And, if you don’t show up to play when scheduled, you will learn something else about Francesca.

“She is feisty,” Dimiccio says.

The two became fast friends, after Dimiccio moved to Williamsburg long after Francesca had already established herself as the Queen of the Courts in the tight-knit community.

Dimiccio had just started playing tennis again after putting away his racquet decades ago, and he says “she was kicking my butt.”

The two are now inseparable mixed doubles partners. Dimiccio is more advanced, with a high 4.0 USTA rating, while Francesca is more of a 3.0. He serves as her unofficial coach and protector, and they make an ideal pair.

“I promised her I’ll play with her every Friday as long as she’s around,” Dimiccio says, then jokingly adding, “but now it looks like she just might bury me.”

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THE SPORTS PAGE

STATE BOUND!

Wharton’s Tieley Vaughn (left) and Jefferson High’s Kathria Garcia (right), who played for Puerto Rico, played against each other at the U-17 Women’s Pan American Championship.

PAN AM CHAMP

Don’t be surprised if one day you see Wharton junior softball standout Tieley Vaughn playing for the United States Olympic team.

Already considered one of the most promising young softball players around, Vaughn recently helped lead the USA Softball U-17 Women’s National Team to a gold medal at the first-ever U-17 Women’s Pan American Championship at Edgardo Schemel Stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia.

The U.S. Team beat Mexico 2-0 to cap a perfect tournament, winning all eight games that they played.

“It was pretty exciting,” Tieley says. “It was great to connect with all these great players from all around the country. To be just one of two Florida players on the team was crazy.”

In the final, the U.S. took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, and Tieley supplied an insurance run in the next inning with an RBI single.

Tieley had a near-flawless tournament.

She played in seven games, and recorded at least one hit in each contest. She was 9-for18 at the plate (a .500 average), and drove in seven runs while scoring eight.

Against Puerto Rico in the previous game, she was 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and four RBI. “Everyone on the team was a college commit, so to play with them, with USA across our chests, was pretty great,” said Tieley, who is orally committed to play her college ball at the University of South Florida.

32

Freedom senior golfer Cooper Smith made the Class 3A state meet as part of the Patriots’ varsity team his freshman year, and likely thought he would make qualifying for the big event a yearly tradition.

But, as a sophomore, Smith was two strokes shy of qualifying, and then struggled through his junior campaign.

He will, however, be finishing strong.

On Oct. 21, Smith, who has orally committed to play collegiate golf for the University of North Florida and plans to sign his letter of intent in February, overcame a bumpy start at the Region 2A-3 tourney at Quail West in Naples to make it back to the State championships.

Smith shot an even par 72, but it took some work to level his score after he started his day with a double bogey (2 over par) on his very first hole.

“Doubling definitely did not help,” Smith said. “I shanked the ball out of bounds on my second stroke - it was not pretty.”

Yet, Smith battled back, scoring three birdies on the eighth, 12th and 14th holes.

The 14th hole was the turning point.

“From the fairway, about 90 yards out, I hit a wedge to within two feet from the hole,” Smith said. “Once I stuck it in close, I didn’t have to stress about a long birdie putt.”

It was good enough to get him third place at the tournament, and punch his ticket to the State Class 2A tournament, which will be held at Howie-in-the-Hills in The Villages on Nov. 5-6.

“It was annoying (missing States as a sophomore and junior),” Smith said. “States is the only thing that matters in high school golf, and it feels good to get in this year.” — ANDY WARRENER

When it comes to boys cross country in New Tampa, Wharton’s Nehemiah “Tre” Rivers was the standard-setter the past few seasons.

But Rivers’ legacy — he owns many of the Wildcats’ school records in cross country— is being, pardon the pun, chased down by the area’s new cross country standout.

Junior Jared Hammill (photo), who was running times in the 17-minute range last year at this time, burned up the course to take third-place in the massively tough Class 4A, District 3 meet at Al Lopez Park.

In a field filled with the likes of powerhouse programs like Plant and Steinbrenner, Hammill ran the notoriously tough course in 15 minutes, 55.9 seconds, setting a personal best in what ranks as the second-fastest time in school history.

The record is 15:45, which was set by Rivers, now running at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“I think he’s got a great chance to beat the school record,” head boys cross country coach Kyle Lojacono said. “The Regional course at Lake Region (after Districts) is a slow course, but at States, with a fast course and some stiff competition, he might break the school record.”

Hammill’s finish at districts helped the Wildcats — who also got a 25th-place showing from senior Jackson Blanchard and 32nd from junior Thomas Walter — to a fourth-place showing, advancing the team to the Region 4A-2 meet, which was held after we went to press.

“We lost four varsity runners off of last year’s team,” Lojacono said. “Jared has stepped up and worked hard to be that number one runner.”

The Wharton girls, led by senior Nia Rivers (6th), sophomore Brooke Reif (9th) and sophomore Alexandria Frye (19th), also advanced to the Regional meet.

Hammill Chases X-Country Record

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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL

2019 Reader Dining Survey & Contest!

Win $100 in Dining Gift Cards to the Restaurant of Your Choice!

NEWS After two issues and hundreds of responses giving New Tampa residents a chance to vote for their favorite restaurants in New Tampa, here’s your chance to tell us about your favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes (33543, 33544 & 33545), as well as some others nearby that are on S.R.s 54 & 56 in Lutz. Please circle or select FIVE (5) of these restaurants as your favorites in Wesley Chapel. Do not number them. No write-in votes are allowed, except in the Dessert category. Then, circle or select ONE (1) favorite for each of the additional options (Pizza, Dessert & Bar/Tavern). Then, complete the entry form with your name, address (with community — K-Bar Ranch, West Meadows, etc.), daytime telephone number and a valid email address and mail your entry to 2019 Neighborhood News Dining Survey, 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 by Monday, November 11, 2019, to be eligible to win a $100 gift card, $60 gift card or $35 gift card to the restaurant of your choice in the Tampa Bay area! This form also is available on our website — NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net and must be COMPLETELY filled in for you to be eligible. One entry in each market per person per household only. See pg. 3 for more details!! — GN

Please Circle or Select Your Five (5) Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel from the list below!

365 Caffe Italiano Cantina Laredo 900 Woodfired Pizza Capital Tacos Amici Pizza Charley’s Cheesesteaks Applebee’s Cheddar’s Arby’s Chick-fil-A Arroy Thai Chili’s Asian Buffet China Gourmet Asian Chao China Wok Bagelicious & More Chuck E. Cheese’s Bahama Breeze Chuy’s Tex-Mex Barnes & Noble Cinebistro Batter & Dough Clean Juice Beef O’Brady’s Costco Best NY Pizza Cracker Barrel BJ’s Brewhouse Culver’s Blaze Pizza Dairy Queen Blondie’s Cookies Dempsey’s Steak House (Saddlebrook) Bonefish Grill Dickey’s BBQ Bonsai Sushi Don Pan International Bakery Bosco’s Italian to Go Dunkin’ Donuts Brunchie’s Earth Fare Buffalo Wild Wings FJ Express Burger King Firehouse Subs Burger Monger First Watch Buttermilk Provisions Ford’s Garage

Fratelli’s Fresh Healthy Cafe Gonna China Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salads Green Mango Grillsmith Haagen-Dazs Happy Cow Frozen Yogurt Hardee’s Hibachi Express Hilton Garden Inn/Garden Grille Honeybaked Ham Ho Wok Hot Wok 88 Hyatt Place Hotel/Gallery Restaurant Irish 31 Jenny’s Mini Donuts Jersey Mike’s Subs Jimmy John’s Johnny Rockets La Prima Pizza Le Macaron Little Italy’s Family Restaurant Longhorn Steakhouse Marco’s Pizza

You’re Not Quite Done Yet! There are still three more categories for you to respond to — but we only want you to circle or select your ONE (#1) favorite place for pizza (or flatbreads), your favorite dessert place and your favorite bar or tavern in Wesley Chapel.

Your Favorite Place For Pizza In Wesley Chapel (Please circle or select only ONE (1) - no more, no less!)

900º Woodfired Pizza Amici Pizza Best NY Pizza BJ’s Brewhouse Blaze Pizza Bosco’s Italian to Go Chuck E. Cheese’s Cinebistro Costco Earth Fare Fratelli’s

Grillsmith Hilton Garden Inn/ Garden Grille Hyatt Place Hotel/ Gallery Restaurant La Prima Pizza Little Italy’s Marco’s Pizza Mellow Mushroom MOD Pizza Noble Crust

NY NY Pizza Papa John’s Pizza Pizza Hut PizzaMania Pomodoro Pizza O’Brien’s Irish Pub Sam’s Club Super Target Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen

Your Favorite Dessert Place In Wesley Chapel

(Please circle, select or WRITE-IN only ONE (1) - no more, no less!)

**Note - Only places that are dessert-only or mainly dessert are shown below, so we will allow a write-in

365 Caffe Italiano Barnes & Noble Baskin Robbins Batter & Dough Blondie’s Cookies Buttermilk Provisions Culver’s

McDonald’s Menchie’s Yogurt Cafe Mellow Mushroom MOD Pizza Moe’s SW Grill Nestle Toll House Café Noble Crust Nothing Bundt Cakes NY NY Pizza O’Brien’s Omari’s Grille/Lexington Oaks OTB Cafe Outback Steak House Panda Express Panera Papa John’s Pizza PDQ Pholicious Pinchers Crab Shack Pizza Hut PizzaMania Poke Falls Pollo Tropical Pomodoro Pizza Popeye’s Chicken Publix

Red Robin Rice n’ Beans Sam’s Club Shang Hai Chinese Smoothie King Sonny’s BBQ South Philly Cheesesteaks SuperTarget Sweetea Cafe Taco Bell Taco Bus Taco Son Texas Roadhouse The Hungry Greek The Wing House Tijuana Flats Tokyo Grill & Sushi Top Shelf Sports Lounge Umu Japanese & Thai Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen Waffle House Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar Wendy’s Wing Stop Wolf’s Den Yamato Japanese Restaurant

Your Favorite Bar Or Tavern In Wesley Chapel (Please circle or select only ONE (1) - no more, no less!)

Applebee’s Bahama Breeze Beef O’Brady’s BJ’s Brewhouse Bonefish Grill Buffalo Wild Wings Cantina Laredo Chapel Cigars Cheddars Chili’s Chuy’s Tex-Mex Cinebistro Ford’s Garage

Grillsmith Hilton Garden Inn/ Garden Grille

Hyatt Place Hotel/ Gallery Restaurant Irish 31 Joe Whiskey’s Longhorn Steakhouse Metro Lagoon Bar Noble Crust O’Brien’s Omari’s Grille/Lex Oaks Outback Steak House

Pinchers Crab Shack Red Robin Rice n’ Beans Sonny’s BBQ Texas Roadhouse The Basement The Brass Tap The Wing House Top Shelf Sports Lounge Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar Yamato Japanese Restaurant

YOUR FIRST & LAST NAME: ________________________________________________ YOUR STREET ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________________________ ZIP CODE: __________________ YOUR COMMUNITY: ________________________________________________________ (Seven Oaks, Union Park, etc.)

YOUR DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER (w/area code) ____________________________ YOUR VALID EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

Le Macaron Dairy Queen Menchie’s Yogurt Café Don Pan Int’l Bakery Nestle Toll House Café Dunkin’ Donuts Enter online at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or mail your COMPLETELY Nothing Bundt Cakes Haagen-Dazs FILLED IN entry form, by Monday, November 11, 2019, to: Happy Cow Frozen Yogurt Ice Dreammm Shop WRITE-IN: 2019 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS DINING SURVEY Jenny’sNews Mini Donuts @NTWCNews ______________________ 35 Neighborhood For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 Volume Park 27, Issue • November 1, 2019 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net 29157 •Chapel Dr.,23Suite B, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

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Las Palmas Earns The Title Of Best Cuban Restaurant In Tampa Bay!

By GARY NAGER Ramses Garcia, the owner/chef at Las Palmas Latin Grill off County Line Rd., just south of the Pasco County line (near Five Guys Burgers & Fries), is a pretty confident guy — confident about his food and his restaurant’s entrenched position in our community — and that confidence has been boosted in recent years, as Las Palmas has won a couple of impressive titles.

After being named as the purveyor of the “World’s Best Cuban Sandwich (Tampa historic style)” at the Cuban Sandwich Festival held in Ybor City the last two years, and with the shocked reaction he received from the community when he closed his former Las Palmas location (in the Pebble Creek Collection, a little further south on Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) nearly two years ago — as well as the overjoyed reaction he and his wife Ana got when Las Palmas resurfaced in its new loca-

tion earlier this year — it’s easy to understand why he feels so strongly about what he does.

But, even the big man with the bigger personality couldn’t possibly have expected to win the title bestowed upon him recently by another well-known (even though I’d never heard of it before...just kidding) local publication — Best of the Bay Cuban Restaurant, by Creative Loafing.

Or did he?

“Hell yes, we deserve it,” Ramses says proudly. There were at least 75 other Cuban restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay area that received votes, so that’s not something you can win by accident. You and the Mrs. love my food, don’t you?”

Heck yes, we do. I’ve enjoyed so many dishes over the years at both of Ramses’ Las Palmas locations — from the ropa vieja (shredded beef) to the breaded palomillo steak to the lechon asado (roasted pork) and the crispy beef, aka vaca frita (which is marinated in garlic-lemon mojo sauce sautéed to a delicious crisp), to the deep fried pork chunks drizzled with garlic mojo (masitas).

But, the dish that hooked Jannah on Las Palmas that also has been my long-time favorite is the merluza a la Russe (whitefish with Russian sauce, made with chopped eggs, parsley and spices; left photo on next page). Well, maybe it used to be my favorite.

New Favorites?

The reason is not because

I don’t still love this flaky, white fish (also known as hake), lightly breaded, flash-fried and topped with chopped egg and delicious spices. It’s because Ramses recently added a few new menu items that are now vying for attention as my favorite.

The first is the lower left photo — Ramses’ unique take on the traditional Peruvian-style fish ceviche tapas. Not only does he marinate raw whitefish in lime juice and spices, he places chunky pieces of it into edible cups made out of plantains and tops

this tapas with onions and red and yellow peppers. Other favorite starters/tapas on the menu include yuca fries, empanadas, deviled crabs, stuffed potatoes and croquettes.

Las Palmas also has a great café salad, topped with smoked ham, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, green olives and banana peppers and his creamy herb dressing is outstanding, although he also has great balsamic vinaigrette and ranch dressings, too.

Ramses also recently added thick-cut loin pork chops (costillas de puerco; center photo

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on this page) that are available breaded and deep fried or marinated and grilled (as in the picture) and are tender and super-tasty.

But, my favorite of the new menu items is the bad boy shown on the previous page — an amazing churrasco steak, topped with one of the best homemade chimichurri (green) sauces I’ve ever tasted. And, even though the churrasco is flank steak, it is amazingly tender and cooked to perfection.

“Of course it’s tender,” Ramses says proudly. “That’s prime flank steak — the best you can buy. It costs a little more, but I want people to know that when they eat here, they get top quality at great prices.”

For those looking for a quick and delicious lunch (served 11 a.m.-3 p.m., MondayFriday only), many of Las Palmas’ Cuban favorites are available with one side dish for $8.49 to no more than $9.49, including the

roasted pork, ropa vieja, picadillo (minced beef), fried butterfly shrimp and the chef’s selection “Tour of Havana,” a classic sampler trio of ropa vieja, roasted pork and picadillo.

Available lunch sides include black beans, boiled yuca, sweet or green fried plantains, green beans, peas, a side house salad and even French fries.

And, of course, Ramses sells a lot of his “World’s Best”Cuban sandwiches at lunch, too. He also serves a Miami-style Cuban (without salami), a roasted pork sandwich, breaded or grilled palomillo steak and a breaded basa (freshwater fish) sandwich, all served on artisanal Cuban bread.

At dinner time, you can have your choice of yellow or white rice and black or red beans, in addition to the lunch sides mentioned above. You also can substitute a cup of one of Las Palmas’ premium soups — black bean,

white bean and collared greens, garbanzo beans or black beans and rice soups — for only 45 cents additional. Other dinner entrées not mentioned earlier include chicken and yellow rice, grilled chicken breast and two shrimp dishes I sadly can’t sample — breaded, fried shrimp and shrimp in garlic sauce.

What About Dessert?

You definitely should save room for dessert at Las Palmas. The sampler pic above far right features items that are available every day in the beautiful display case at the front of the restaurant, including (l.-r.) Ana’s awardwinning tres lechés (sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk), a traditional chocolate layer cake, Cuban-style flan and a light and delicious creme brulée, which has that perfectly crisp topping even though it’s not flambéed tableside. A second display case located near the

cash register offers a variety of perfect pastries, all with flaky crusts and delicious fillings like guava and (I believe) some kind of berry.

And of course, there’s amazing espresso (aka café Cubano) and some of the best café con leché in town.

Las Palmas’ catering menu is extensive but never expensive, with corporate events and large parties a specialty, and Ramses says beer and wine is definitely in the restaurant’s future.

Las Palmas Latin Grill is located at 6431 E. County Line Rd., New Tampa. It is open Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and ThursdaySaturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. Reservations are never required. For more information, call (813) 803-3903, visit LasPalmasLatinGrill.com or see the full-page ad on pg. 34 of this issue.

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New Tampa Brew Fest 2019!

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com When the New Tampa Noon Rotary went looking for an idea to create a signature event that would raise thousands of dollars for the club’s favorite causes, it wanted something hip, trendy and successful.

Now, heading into its second year, the club members have high hopes for their New Tampa Brew Fest, which will be held Saturday, November 16, at the Venetian Center at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd.

“We actually stole the idea from the Temple Terrace Rotary Club,” says Jeff Ulbrich, the event’s co-chair.

According to Ulbrich, his fellow Rotarians in Temple Terrace have been holding a craft Brew Fest in the spring for five years, and it has been wildly successful, drawing more than 2,000 attendees from more than 70 zip codes to sample the wares from roughly 35 different breweries.

The Temple Terrace event has made the kind of impact that the New Tampa Noon Rotary is hoping for with its Brew Fest.

Despite some nervous moments leading up to the event, last year’s inaugural New Tampa Brew Fest was deemed a success, drawing 28 breweries and about 500 attendees.

The event raised enough money to cover expenses and contribute thousands of dollars to U.S. military troops and the second Fisher House at the James Haley VA Hospital on BBD, which is a “comfort” home where active U.S. military and veteran families can stay while their loved ones are being treated in the hospital.

“The purpose behind the Brew Fest was for our Rotary Club to create an event that the whole New Tampa, and greater Tampa Bay area, can take part in,” says cochair Chris Stennett. “The dollars go back into civic projects, so we wanted something that had the biggest value. We aren’t a big club, so for us to make a big impact, we had to dream big.”

The New Tampa Brew Fest is by

far the biggest fund raiser put on by the Noon Rotary, and the plan is to continue building it until it rivals the one held in Temple Terrace.

The numbers have been encouraging. Last year’s event had 28 breweries, but dipping further into Tampa and St. Petersburg’s deep bench of craft breweries, close to 35 of them will be represented this year, serving more than 100 different kinds of beers. “I was stunned by how many craft breweries there are,” Ulbrich says.

The craft beers available for tasting come from such noted craft breweries as Cigar City, Big Storm Brewing, Coppertail, Florida Avenue (which is opening a new brewery on S.R. 56) and 3 Daughters, as well as smaller brewers like Krazy Eddie’s Garage (KEG) Brewing, which is made in garage in Odessa, the new Double Branch Artisanal Ales (which is opening next month at The Grove in Wesley Chapel)l, and Wiregrass Brewing, another independent brew which attended last year’s event.

Ulbrich says the bigger craft breweries use big distributors like Pepin and JJ Taylor, which also will provide beers for the event from 24 breweries, with the rest coming from smaller independent brewers. “We are trying to find a balance,” Ulbrich says.

The mega-popular White Claw hard seltzer, which is fighting a nationwide shortage of its product, will again have a booth at the event as well.

This year’s Brew Fest also will have three new food trucks on hand – Bacon Boss, BBQ Time and Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese.

“Last year was our first year, and we had no idea how many people would show up,” says Stennett. But, we knew it could work, and we knew the event could be a lot of fun and engage the community. We want to be able to do more (with our donations), and we feel we’re on to something here.”

New Tampa Brew Fest 2019 tickets cost $30 online at NewTampaBrewFest. eventbrite.com, or $40 at the door. You must be 21 years old, with ID, to partake of any of the alcoholic beverages. For more info, see the full-page ad (left).

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

Teriyaki Madness Opens!

Although we had been previously told to expect some sort of fried or grilled chicken restaurant in the space previously occupied by Wok Chi in the Shops at Wiregrass, the new restaurant that opened there earlier this month is called Teriyaki Madness, which is more of a Japanese experience, whereas Wok Chi was definitely more of a Chinese restaurant.

Please note that in our October 18 Wesley Chapel edition, I mistakenly called this new restaurant by a different name, which also was a fast-Asian concept that closed at The Shops several years ago. I already have apologized to the general manager at Teriyaki Madness for my

mistake, so I hope you will read this and go visit Teriyaki Madness soon. Feel free to make fun of me when you do visit.

Teriyaki Madness specializes in — you guessed it — dishes cooked with a teriyaki glaze (thicker than most sauces) that, to me, is more like BBQ sauce than something you’d get at a Japanese restaurant. This fast, healthier-thanmost-fast-casual concept was founded in Las Vegas in 2003 and currently includes more than 100 locations being operated throughout the U.S. and now Mexico by M.H. Enterprises, which is based in Denver, CO. In addition to beef, chicken and tofu teriyaki dishes, Teriyaki Madness also offers spicy chicken, spicy tofu teriyaki, orange chicken teriyaki, fried chicken katsu and yakisoba noodles with chicken, beef, tofu or all veggies.

Appetizers include crispy chicken egg rolls, crab Rangoon, chicken pot stickers and more.

The veggies are very fresh and you can customize which veggies you want, so yes, I’ll probably visit The Teriyaki Madness (28152 Paseo Dr.) again soon.

For more information, call (813) 803-3749, search “Teriyaki Madness” on Facebook or visit TeriyakiMadness.com.

Canterbury Hall Now Open!

Congrats go out to Grace Episcopal Church of Tampa Palms and my friend Peter

Gambacorta (photo, right, courtesy of Matt Palmer) on the opening of Canterbury Hall, our area’s newest catering location, which celebrated a Grand Opening at Grace on Oct. 5.

Canterbury Hall is a beautiful new venue for weddings, corporate meetings and celebrations and hopefully, if enough of you tell Peter and my friends at Grace that you read about the opening in these pages, we’ll tell you even more about it.

Congrats again, Peter!

I

Bowls, Bowls & More Bowls!

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n

p

In our previous issue, we told you about the impending opening of Island Fin Poké Co., which is opening between Winn-Dixie and Ginza Endless Hibachi & Sushi off County Line Rd. Island Fin should be open around the time this issue reaches your mailbox, so I wish owners Jeff and Brenda Sproat much luck with their new poké bowl venture.

But, the Sproats aren’t the only ones bringing more bowl culture to our area. The next to open will likely be Mahana Fresh, which will be located in the plaza that also is home to Mattress Firm and Pier 1 on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of the I-75 exit.

Mahana Fresh (photo on next page), which

has an existing successful location in Bradenton, has a great Hawaiian-inspired menu that includes Key West, Asian BBQ and teriyaki chicken, as well as spicy ahi tuna, miso-roasted tofu and Hawaiian grilled steak, served with sesame ginger broccoli, honey sriracha Brussels sprouts and more, on bases like kale crunch salad, sweet potato noodles, basmati rice blend and even cauliflower rice. We don’t know exactly when Mahana Fresh will open, but the hope is for before the end of this year.

And finally, we know even less about Raining Berries, which also is under construction, but on the north side of S.R. 56 (top photo on

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next page), in the as-yet unfinished strip center between Earth Fare and Ford’s Garage, but it promises to have coffee, acai bowls and more.

India Gate Is Open!

India Gate restaurant (food photo above) has opened next to the Kiran Indian Market in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St., and although I haven’t eaten there yet, the lunch buffet on the day I stopped in looked to live up to the restaurant’s promise of fine dining. The Tandoori chicken and grilled lamb chops looked and smelled delicious and there was even Pakistanistyle yogurt chicken.

Your CBD Store Opens On S.R. 54!

Everyone knows that medical marijuana is now legal in Florida, and that the market for medical and recreational weed is already huge — with enormous money-making potential.

However, while you need a prescription to purchase medical marijuana in Florida and recreational pot is still outlawed, there’s a new store in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 (next to Bagelicious & More) that will allow you to get the medicinal benefits of the hemp plant without risking arrest.

It’s called Your CBD Store and owner Lisa Feigel says that Your CBD Store is the largest chain of CBD stores, with nearly 500 locations nationwide and still growing. Feigel says Your CBD Store’s hemp-based products have extremely low levels of THC (0.3% or less) and therefore will not offer a psychoactive “high” like marijuana. It’s even safe for pets!

Your CBD Store also is planning to open a New Tampa location in the Pebble Creek Collection, and should be open when this issue arrives in your mailbox.

For more information about Your CBD Store’s Wesley Chapel location (30044 S.R. 54), call (813) 536-0119 or call (813) 994-0599 for the New Tampa store. — GN

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BOSCO’S ITALIAN-TO-GO is hiring! Inside & Delivery positions available. Must be 18+, have a good attitude & have your own reliable transportation. Stop in at 30122 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel to fill out an application.

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FITNESS & WELL BEING

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 •Volume 27, Issue 23 • November 1, 2019 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.Net

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15905 Benton Ct.

JUST LISTED

8125 Hampton Lake Dr.

15334 Sherwood Forest Dr.

JUST LISTED

4 Bed | Office | 3 Bath | 2,924 SF | 2 Car Garage | 1/2 Acre on Cul-De-Sac on Conservation Lot, Remodeled Kitchen and Bathrooms, 20 Foot Ceilings, Granite Counters, S/S Appliances, Master Bath Remodeled, Built-Ins in Office, Oversized Lanai w/Saltwater Pool, New Landscaping Offered for $450,000

4 Bed | Bonus | 3 Bath | 2,554 SF | 2 Car Garage | Maintenance Free in Grand Hampton, Expansive Great Room w/Engineered Wood Floors, Kitchen w/Maple Cabinetry, Granite Counters, Island Workstation, S/S Appliances, Expanded Screened Lanai, Pond & Conservation Views Offered for $339,000

4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,372 SF | 2-Car Garage | Maintenance Free Living in Tampa Palms, Wood Flooring, 20” Italian Ceramic Tile Floor, Built-In Wet Bar, Fireplace, Built-In Shelving, Upstairs Loft, Updated Kitchen w/Thomasville 42” Cabinetry, S/S Appliances, Granite Counters, Tile Roof, Large Wood Deck, Conservation Home Site Offered for $299,900

5410 Burchette Rd.

5004 Kepfer Way

10209 Waterside Oaks Dr.

4 Bed | 3 Bath | 3,025 SF | 2 Car Garage | New Interior Paint, French Doors, Granite Counters, S/S Appliances, Pass-Thru Window in Galley Style Kitchen, Remodeled Bathrooms, Wood Floors, Built-Ins in Family Room, Vaulted Ceilings, Newer Roof, Lagoon Style Pool w/Rock Waterfall, Fireplace Offered for $469,000

17849 Arbor Greene Dr.

5 Bed | Office | 3 Bath | 3,309 SF | 3 Car Garage | Waterfront Home Site On Almost 1/2 Acre In Cul-De-Sac, Oversized Tile Floor, New Carpet & Wood Floors Upstairs, Walk-In Closets w/Built-Ins, Kitchen w/42” Maple Cabinetry, Granite Counters & Backsplash, Recipe Desk, Built-In Refrigerator, Pool & Heated Spa Offered for $515,000

tampa palms

SALE PENDING 4 Bed | 3 Bath | Office | 2,751 SF | 3 Car Garage | Engineered Hardwood Floors, Crown Molding, Built-In Closet Systems, Newer A/C & Water Heater, New Water Softener, Newer Interior & Exterior Paint, Kitchen w/Quartz Counters, S/S Appliances, Large Corner Lot, Waterfront Views Offered for $379,000

Cross Creek

SALE PENDING

4 Bed | Den/Office | 3 Bath | 2,891 SF | 3 Car Garage | Beautiful Waterfront Home Site, 3-Way Floor Plan, Fireplace, Built-In Entertainment Center, Designer Tile Flooring, Bamboo & Laminate Wood Floors, Granite Counters, 42” Cabinetry & Island Work Station in Kitchen, Custom Pool/Spa Area Offered for $439,000

Arbor Greene

SALE PENDING

4 Bed | Den | Bonus Room | 3 Bath | 4,275 SF | 3 Car Side-Load Garage | High End Finishes Include Bast Hardwood Floors, Crown Moldings, French Doors, Water Filtration System, 2 Tankless Water Heaters, Kitchen w/ Granite, S/S Appliances, Ice Machine, Bosch Dishwasher, Conservation Offered for $675,000

4 Bed | Office | Hobby Room | 3 Bath | 2,738 SF | 3 Car Garage | Oversized Homesite w/Endless Water Views, Lush Landscaping, Red Barrel Tile Roof, New A/C (2018), New Tile Plank Wood Floors (2018), Remodeled Bathrooms (2018), Outdoor Kitchen, Pavered Lanai w/Heated Pool & Custom Spa Offered for $450,000

hunter’s green

Richmond Place

SALE PENDING

SALE PENDING

5 Bed | Bonus | 4 Bath | 3,228 SF | 3 Car Garage | Charming Home on Oversized Lot At End of Quiet Cul-De-Sac, Engineered Wood Floors, Oversized Baseboards, Fireplace, Walk-In Closets, Kitchen w/White Panel Cabinetry, Glass Tile Backsplash, Island Workstation, S/S Appliances, Covered Lanai w/Pool & Spa Offered for $375,000

3 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,191 SF | 2 Car Garage | Extensively Remodeled, Beveled Glass Double Door Entry, Newer Carpet, Tankless Water Heater, 2-Sided Fireplace, Custom Wood Designed Tile Floors, Kitchen w/Granite, Custom Backsplash, Drop Pendant Lighting, S/S Appliances, Lanai w/Separate Outdoor Patio | Offered for $359,900

5 Bed | Bonus Room | 4 Bath | 3,700 SF | 3 Car Side-Load Garage | Home Site on 1/3 Acre, Ceramic Tile Flooring, 42” Maple Cabinetry, Corian Counters, Island Work Station, Recipe Desk, Walk-In Pantry, 2-Story Screened Lanai w/Balcony, Saltwater Pool & Spa, Conservation Views Offered for $439,000

Tampa Palms

Grand Hampton

hunter’s green

SALE PENDING 4 Bed | Office | 3 Bath | 2,704 SF | 3 Car Garage | New Roof, Coffered Ceilings, Soaring Glass Windows, Bamboo Plank Floors, Plantation Shutters, Kitchen w/Corian Counters, Recipe Desk, Extended High-Top Bar, S/S Appliances, Screened Lanai, Separate Pavered Patio, Oversized Lot, Fenced Rear Yard Offered for $375,000

SALE PENDING 4 Bed | 5 Bath | Bonus Room | Media Room | Study | Computer Center | 4,603 SF | 3 Car Garage | Courtyard Entry, Crown Moldings, Tray Ceilings, Bonus Room w/Balcony, Kitchen w/Granite, S/S Appliances, Island Workstation, Covered Lanai, Brick Paver Pool Deck, Conservation Home Site Offered for $575,000

SALE PENDING 5 Bed | 3 Bath | Office | 3,044 SF | 3 Car Garage | 2-Story Ceilings in Formal Area, Leaded Glass Double Door Entry, Upgraded Kitchen w/42” Stacked Maple Cabinetry, Granite Counters, 2 Pantries, Remodeled Master Bath, Cul-De-Sac w/Large Rear Yard, Screened Veranda Offered for $399,900