Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Issue 24, Nov. 21, 2015

Volume 23 Issue 24

Inside:

Join The Painting Fun At The New Pinot’s Palette!

See page 31!

November 21, 2015

Named The 2014 ‘Small Business Of The Year’ By The Wesley Chapel Chamber Of Commerce!

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

For the complete list of neighborhoods that receive this Wesley Chapel issue by direct mail, see page 37!

County Eyeing Partner For Indoor Sports Facility In Wiregrass Ranch

By John C. Cotey Will the fourth time be the charm for a Pasco County sports complex?

After three failed attempts since 2001 to build tennis, baseball and outdoor facilities, Pasco County commissioners are poised to make another run at a sports facility in Wiregrass Ranch, this time an indoor complex on 8-10 of the 80 available acres just east of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) donated by the Porter family. the proposed multi-purpose indoor complex would be between 85,000 and 100,000 covered and air-conditioned square feet on 5-7 acres. The facility would have 6-8 basketball courts, which could be converted to 12-16 volleyball courts, elevated seating for 500-750, concession stands, 4-6 multipurpose rooms and a sports orthopaedic and healthcare partnership.

The county also is discussing the possibility of the Porter family building and operating outdoor fields and green space adjacent to the indoor facility, which could be used to help with events like Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions lacrosse tournament and rugby, soccer and other outdoor sports events The commissioners are in the process of preparing a request seeking partners in a private/public partnership to build the indoor facility. Pasco County will contribute $8.5 million to the project in monies raised through its tourist development tax.

The cost to build similar facilities in Tennessee, Texas, Alabama and South Caro-

lina ranged from $12-million to $25 million, according to an 88-page feasibility study put together by Johnson Consulting of Chicago at the request of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

“Initially, the feasibility study came back and I was a little surprised by the focus on an indoor facility,’’ said District 2 county commissioner and Wesley Chapel resident Mike Moore, adding that when the Porter family offered to build an adjoining outdoor facility that would be more available to the public at no cost, he was sold.

“That got me excited,’’ Moore said during the BOCC’s workshop on Oct. 27 at the Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey, where Johnson Consulting presented its study and made its recommendations.

“With what the Porter family has proposed, it really gives us the best of both worlds.”

The complex would go beyond just serving Pasco County residents, said county tourism manager Ed Caum, who sees it as a future hub for surrounding areas looking for a place for large athletic events.

“This is a very specific complex that will meet the needs of Central Florida, not just Pasco County, and that’s what makes it unique,’’ Caum said, adding he hopes to see the facility eventually host major regional and national tournaments.

The report suggests a three-phase project, beginning with the indoor complex.

The county is negotiating with the Porter family to develop and operate the final two phases. Phase 2 of the project (proposed on 5-15 acres) would include 3-4 outdoor

Wiregrass Ranch could be home to something like the Round Rock Sports Center in Texas. rectangular multi-purpose fields (two with Johnson Consulting, there are 3,474 hotel lights), a Championship area, an interactive rooms within at least 11 miles of the proplayground and splash pads. Phase 3 (on posed location, though 800 of those are in 10-15 acres) would incorporate an alterna- Saddlebrook and only 322 are in Wesley tive entertainment zone, indoor skydiving, Chapel area, although Caum said more zip lines, ropes course and golf driving range. hotel rooms are expected at the I-75/S.R. The remaining 25-35 acres would be 56 exit. for hotel development, themed retail, comFor example, Caum said that a Holimunity/performing arts center, active and day Inn Express is scheduled to open in passive green space and trails for walking, January, adding 75 rooms and 12 suites, running and biking. and two other hotels slated for the 54/56 Based on the average of other similar corridor are in the permitting process. And facilities in the U.S., the study conservatively according to the Urban Land Institute, estimates more than 100,000 participants over the next five years, Pasco will add 75using the facility annually. Deficits are pro- 100 hotel rooms annually. jected the first four years, but starting in year Moore thinks that despite past failsix, the facility is projected to bring in more ures, the latest proposal has an excellent than $200,000 a year in net profit. chance to succeed.

One concern for commissioners is the “This is the perfect scenario,’’ he said. small number of hotels rooms currently in “We are going to make sure when we are the area, which will likely result in tour- accepting these bids that the funding is nament participants spending their money available. I’m confident it will work, and in Hillsborough County. According to everyone seems pretty excited.”

Outlet Mall Helping To Put Wesley Chapel On The Economic Map Even though its postal address is in Lutz’s 33559 zip code, there’s little doubt that the excitement of the Oct. 29-Nov. 1 Grand Opening weekend for the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) already is creating even greater expectations about everything that’s happening in and around Wesley Chapel — especially as in- and out-of-state visitors start to travel on I-75 during the holiday shopping season and stop in to see everything that’s coming soon within 5-10 miles of the

latest Simon Premium Outlets mall.

In other words, if you already believed everything you’ve been reading in these pages (and in other media) about what’s coming to our area, I think if you visit TPO anytime from now through the end of 2015, you’re going to (like me) be absolutely salivating over the likely impact to our local economy with what’s still to come — not only in the mall’s Cypress Creek Town Center (CCTC) Development of Regional Impact (DRI), but in Wiregrass Ranch (see above), and even to S.R. 54 and points east and west.

News, Business & Sports Updates

Neighborhood Magazine

New Blight Ordinance Aims To Clean Up, Local H.S. Seniors To Play In Pasco’s First Football All-Star Game & Lots Of Local Business Features!

Pinot’s Palette Paints A Happy Picture, Little Italy Delivers Delicious Flavors & Tom and Chee Could Be Coming To WC In Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 3-30

Pages 31-40

By Gary Nager

Also Inside This Issue!

Of course, everyone’s biggest concern about TPO before it opened was the traffic it would bring to the area, especially in light of some of the traffic jams many of us were stuck in just prior to its opening.

But, based on our conversations with many local residents and business owners (see assis- (L.-r.) On Oct. 29, Simon Premium Outlets Senior VP of Developtant editor John Cotey’s ment Danielle DeVita, Pasco County Commission chair Ted Schrader “man on the street” in- and Simon CEO Stephen Yalof cut the ribbon on the new outlet mall. terviews at WCNeighborhoodNews.com) and our own experi- it was a couple of weekends ago, I assure ence (I live two miles from TPO and usually you there are still great deals throughout the take I-75 to work from S.R. 56), it seems mall’s 441,000 sq. ft. For more pics, see pg. like the traffic is actually flowing better now 12 or visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com! (most of the time) than it was before the mall opened. At least, that’s one man’s opinion.

And wow, TPO’s opening weekend was amazing and even though everything on the shelves may not still be quite as low now as

Yet Another Wesley Chapel Rotary Club Update An editorial by Gary Nager I’m sure it seems like we’re playing favorites here at the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News when it comes to bragging about — I mean doing stories about — the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, of which I’ve been proud to be a member for more than two years.

Yes, being part of a club with about 100 members does have its advantages, especially when that membership is so young and vibrant.

And yes, I said young and vibrant. Like most Rotary Clubs, we have our share of retirees, but I’m actually one of the 10 or 15 oldest members of our club, whereas I have been one of the two or three youngest people in the room when I’ve visited other large clubs, whether in downtown Tampa or New Port Richey.

So, as if meeting for our weekly Wednesday lunch in a casual, made-for-ourclub setting with great food like Stage Left Kitchen & Bar (24400 S.R. 54) in Lutz wasn’t enough to keep me (and so many people) coming back for more, our club is blessed with so many who truly live Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” — people who get involved, who truly give of themselves, their time and their beautiful hearts, that I am honored to be able to report as often as possible about all the good our club does in the local community, the Tampa Bay area and the world.

So, what have you done for...welll, everyone...lately, Wesley Chapel Rotarians?

Current club president Erin Meyer has transitioned nicely into the lead role and under her watch recently, a number of members of our club have begun planning their next pil-

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Advertising Sales & Office Manager Mary Dorey Billing Manager Jillian Reilly Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Editorial & Office Assistant Celeste McLaughlin Correspondent Anu Varma Panchal

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

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 23, Issue 24, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, November 9, 2015.

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

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

© 2015 JM2 Communications, Inc. 3

Abut 40 Wesley Chapel Rotary Club members visited the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home on Nov. 7). Photo provided by David Gainer. grimmage to bring clean water to one of the poorest areas of Honduras. The club also sent about a dozen members to help build an awesome new playground at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon (as we reported last issue). We’ve also been sponsoring and providing a place to live for our third Rotary Youth Exchange student, Alice (pronounced “Ah-lee-chay”) Vetturi, who is attending Wiregrass Ranch High this school year.

And most recently, at least 40 of our club members showed up to help serve a delicious barbecue meal (that an equally large group got together to cook the night before) to the heroes living at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’Lakes (photo) just before Veterans Day. One of the residents at the facility named Jack got a surprise visit from his son Tom, who said he was so grateful for the food and fellowship we provided that day.

We’ve also had club members donate their time to raise money to fight human trafficking or speak at a Candlelight Vigil for parents who have lost a child to a drug overdose. Other WC Rotarians (see page 15) have put on major events in our area as part of their jobs and still another just got married. And of course, our club will once again provide a real Thanksgiving dinner with all of the trimmings at two locations (including Atonement Lutheran Church on S.R. 54) for hundreds of people in need on Thanksgiving Day. So, how do you like us now?

For info, visit WCRotary.org or Facebook.com/Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel.

Table of Contents Local News Updates...............4-15

Blight ordinance to hold businesses accountable......4 Dr. Nick Hall & his bike take on polio...................6 Local ‘Juniors’ share ‘Honor Flight’ with vets.....10 Wesley Chapel Community Calendar..............14 Making Strides walk scores again...................15 Pasco Education golf raises over $100K........15

Local Business Updates..........16-27

La Rusa helps you navigate taxes, Obamacare......16 You dirty dog! Let Becca’s Bubbles clean you up..22 Florida Educator Insurance has solutions..........24 Premier Heart & Vascular focused on patients...26 SPOTLIGHT: Pet Point Animal Hospital..........27

Local Sports Update..................28 Locals among Pasco’s first football All-Stars.....28

Neighborhood Magazine.....31-37

Release your inner Picasso at Pinot’s Palette...31 Stylists shine at Exclusive Clientele Salon.....32 Little Italy’s loaded with delicious fare........34 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’...36 Wesley Chapel Color Classifieds................38

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

3

Comm. Moore Tells WC Republicans To Say ‘Goodbye To Blight’

By Gary Nager & Matt Wiley

Dist. 2 Pasco County commissioner (and Wesley Chapel resident) Mike Moore says that dilapidated businesses soon will no longer have a place in the county, now that the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has adopted new rules to eliminate local eyesores. Moore told the 20 people in attendance at the Nov. 12 Wesley Chapel Republican Club (WCRC) meeting (held at Wesley Chapel Hyundai on S.R. 54) that the so-called “Blight Ordinance” (which is actually called Pasco’s “Commercial Property Maintenance Ordinance”) he sponsored was passed unanimously (5-0) on Oct. 20 by the Pasco Board of County Commisioners (BOCC).

The ordinance gives Pasco the right to issue fines and even possibly put property owners who let their commercial properties become dilapidated in jail. Moore said the new law gives the county more power to clean up and even get rid of those dilapidated properties in order to attract new businesses, clean up the county’s image and help prevent the crime that occurs in buildings that aren’t maintained.

Moore noted that the ordinance, which was modeled after a similar Hillsborough County law, won’t go into effect until May 1, 2016, but at that time, property owners whose properties are abandoned and/ or in disrepair a 30-day notice to get their blighted buildings repaired, or be subject to a fine. They will then be given another 30 days to fix the problem.

If the problem persists beyond those

4

60 days, the property owners will be subject to a fine of $500 per day until the problem is fixed. If it’s discovered by the county attorney that a business owner has the means to fix the problem or demolish a blighted building and still chooses not to, that person could even face jail time.

“What we’re trying to do here is tell people, ‘You need to fix the problem,’” Moore told the WCRC members in attendance. “Fix the problem or you’re going to get fined. It’s not good for the surrounding property owners, it’s not good for the community and it’s not good for the people of Pasco County.”

Moore also says that business owners have told him that areas that have vacant and rundown structures do not promote local business growth, they bring down property values and discourage other local businesses that are maintained properly.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said at a Sept. 30 town hall meeting about the ordinance that it also is important because it will help reduce crime — including drug use, squatting and other illegal activities — in the abandoned or run-down structures.

He said the U.S. 19 corridor gets by far the most calls about crime at various rundown businesses, but that U.S. Hwy. 41, S.R. 54 and U.S. 301 also prompt calls by residents and other business owners, too.

“From a law enforcement standpoint,” Nocco said, “(ordinances like this) are things that we need. If we can limit the places crimes can occur, we can push crime somewhere else. And, we’re trying to push it out of Pasco County.”

Pasco County commissioner & Wesley Chapel resident Mike Moore explains to the Wesley Chapel Republican Club that his new ordinance will help reduce blight county-wide.

Meanwhile, Moore said he is convinced the ordinance will deter current and future businesses from letting their storefronts and surrounding area from becoming unkempt.

“It doesn’t matter what corridor it is,’’ Moore said. “This ordinance will be a deterrent in the hopes that future commercial property owners will realize that if they let their properties become dilapidated, they’re going to get fined.”

According to Pasco’s senior assistant county attorney Kristi Sims (who appeared at the same Sept. 30 town hall meeting where Sheriff Nocco spoke), the new ordinance shifts the burden to the property owner to force them to spend their own money to either repair or tear down their dilapidated properties.

Also On Commissioner Moore’s Agenda...

Although he didn’t discuss the 2016

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

presidential election during his presentation to the WCRC, Moore did provide updates on a number of other topics, including the extension of S.R. 56 to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, which he said he strongly supports.

He noted that he believes that shortly after this issue reaches your mailbox, the State Legislature could approve the plan proposed in April of this year by Dist. 38 State Rep. Danny Burgess and Dist. 17 State Sen. John Legg to build a four-lane extension, rather than just the two lanes that are currently funded.

Moore added that he is a strong supporter of the Florida Department of Transportation’s concept of a “diverging diamond” to better handle the traffic at the S.R. 56 exit of I-75. “I’ve told my friends in Tallahassee that this has to happen way sooner than (the current plan of) 2021-22,” Moore said. “We need relief now.”

After being introduced by current WCRC president James Cracchiolo, Moore (the group’s president the previous two years) touted his support of stricter sexual offender rules in Pasco and the new indoor athletic complex in Wiregrass (see pg. 1) during his hour-long chat. He also noted that he’s still studying the proposed Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Bypass Loop Rd. concept discussed in our Sept. 26 issue.

The WCRC meets at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.) the second Thur. of each month at 6:30 p.m., with the next meeting scheduled for Thur., Dec. 10. The club welcomes new members and guests. For more info, visit WCRepublicans.com.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Assisted Living Like You’ve Never Seen Before!

Is Now Open In New Tampa

SM

Bright and spacious luxury private suites

Senior safe exercise equipment

Peaceful and protected courtyards

Have you ever thought of assisted living as place for seniors to grow?A place for them to enjoy pursuing passions and improving their wellness?

We do, and that's what makes Legacy At Highwoods Preserve assisted living like you've never seen before. It’s a safe place of detailed care where seniors can be social, stay physically and mentally active, and aspire to new goals.

• Simple all inclusive pricing provides predictability

• Simple and secure keyless suite access

• Strength training on senior safe exercise equipment

• Three fine dining experiences a day

• Movie theater with surround sound

• Director of Excitment to keep residents engaged

Now Serving Residents!

reserve your tour (813) 375-9858

18600 Highwoods Preserve Parkway Tampa, FL 33647 LegacyatHighwoodsPreserve.com ALF License #12715

USF Professor Recaps His Cross-Country Bike Ride To Help End Polio

By John C. Cotey

Rotary Club of Temple Terrace member, USF professor and Saddlebrook Resort director of wellness Dr. Nick Hall, Ph.D., M.D., recently completed a cross country trip from Oceanside,CA, to St. Augustine, FL, on his bicycle to raise funds and awareness for End Polio Now, a campaign focused on ending polio in the only two countries where it remains – Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since its first project in 1976, Rotary International has helped reduce polio cases by 99 percent around the world. Here are the 10 most interesting things you should know about Dr. Hall’s bike trek: 1— This wasn’t Hall’s first rodeo….err, bike ride across America.

When Hall was a teen, he had a summer job in Black Hills, SD, and would take a bus home to Chicopee, MA. One summer, however, he decided to bike the 2,000+ miles home. This year, Hall decided to combine the 50th anniversary of that ride with Rotary’s fight against polio.

2 — Traveling roughly 100 miles a day, it took Hall a little over a month to complete the trip, starting July 14 and ending Aug. 15. He says he could have made it home even quicker, but he had one serious accident and a number of visits to friends along the way, including a day in Gainesville for a Rotary Club lunch.

3 — About that accident: it happened in west Texas when he ran over a 6-inch bolt that was laying in the road, jamming the front wheel of his bike. “The bike came to an abrupt stop, and I kept going,’’ Hall said.

Bloodied but unbowed, he caught a ride with a truck driver — who ironically lives in Tampa — to San Antonio. Hall found the part he needed to fix his bike on eBay, and two days later was back on his way.

“My back-up plan was to leave

6

the bike there with a Rotarian and resume the trip around Thanksgiving,’’ said Hall, who was racing to get back to USF for the start of fall classes, where he teaches anatomy & physiology and human nutrition.

4 — The bike, by the way, was a late 1960s vintage British-made copper-colored Raleigh Carlton. He says it was very similar to the bike he rode 50 years ago.

5 — On his original ride, Hall said he occasionally slept in jail cells and rescue missions along the route.

“I was sleeping in a park in Mobile, NE, and was roused in the middle of the night by a police office who told me it was against the law to sleep in the public park,‘’ Hall said.

“He gave me a choice: get booked for vagrancy or he would book me in jail as a lodger.” So Hall spent a few nights 50 years ago on a steel cot.

6 — Hall didn’t get to spend a night in the slammer this time, instead pitching a tent wherever he could.

The best places to sleep, he said, were behind churches, especially those in the bible belt. “Massive churches, unlike anything you have seen, nicely

Dr. Nick Hall gets ready for some wet weather.

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Nick Hall.)

Dr. Nick Hall started his journey in one ocean, here leaving the Pacific, and finished it in another, at the Atlantic near St. Augustine. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Nick Hall.)

manicured lawns, secluded areas.”

Hall said he also spent at least one night a week in a motel room, to reenergize.

7 — The worst place to sleep?

Anywhere too dark to notice his surroundings, especially, well, railroad tracks. “One night, I slept in this beautiful green meadow, and it turns out the train track was right on the other side of the bushes,” Hall said.

8 — As for food, Hall, an expert on nutrition, says he would try to eat a good high-protein breakfast, preferably eggs and, once back on the road, he would munch on Fig Newtons and Hostess Apple Pies, the same ones he ate 50 years ago.

“I won’t normally even look at them, but they were a treat to look forward to on the ride.” Ice cream would keep him cool, and he would munch on potato chips to replace the sodium he was sweating out. Salads and fruits were regular treats.

9 — Did we mention that Hall was lugging along a 66-pound duffle bag (he weighed it at the airport when he flew to California before the trip)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

and two 10-liter water bladders, each weighing 15 pounds? So those artificial fruit pies were burned right off, and Hall said he weighed exactly the same – 150 pounds – at the end of the trip as he did at the beginning.

10 — Hall says the scariest things about the trip were the heat in the southwest, drivers distracted by their cell phones and, especially, roads with little or no shoulder room for bikes.

Louisiana had many of these roads, including enough long bridges with no shoulders to Hall nervous. “There were lots of logging trucks, and there was nowhere for them to go, and nowhere for me to go,’’ he said. “I would just get as far over to my right as I could and hold my breath.”

Is Hall done riding bikes across America? Nope. “It was sad being over in many respects,’’ he said. “I got to where I was looking forward to meeting people.” Hall is back in the classroom and sharing his story at Rotary Club meetings, including a recent visit to the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club, and still spreading the word about the fight against polio.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

䘀 伀

䈀䰀䄀䌀䬀 䘀刀䤀䐀䄀夀

伀 刀 倀 吀䄀䬀䔀 䘀䘀 伀 ㈀ ─ 匀匀 吀䄀䬀䔀 䌀吀䌀 吀䈀 伀䈀堀伀䔀堀䔀 匀䔀匀䰀䔀䔀䰀䔀

㈀ ─

伀䘀䘀

䘀刀䤀䐀䄀夀Ⰰ 一伀嘀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀 ㈀㜀 㠀 䄀⸀䴀⸀ⴀ㄀㄀ 倀⸀䴀⸀

䌀䠀䄀倀䔀䰀 䌀䤀䜀䄀刀匀 ∠ ㈀㘀㈀㐀㘀 圀䔀匀䰀䔀夀 䌀䠀䄀倀䔀䰀 䈀䰀嘀䐀 ∠ꀀ⠀㠀㄀㌀⤀ 㤀㜀㌀ⴀ㄀㄀㘀㘀

8

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Junior Woman’s Club Members Accompany Vets On ‘Honor Flight’

By John C. Cotey Tampa Palms resident Melanie Otte remembers her grandfather’s stories about World War II. He would regale the family about his wartime exploits, as they leafed through his photo albums, and proudly show off a picture of the Enola Gay — the first aircraft ever to drop an atomic bomb — that he had to jump a fence to take the photo with a small spy camera.

It never really hit her, though, what his service meant to him until she recently chose to take part in an Honor Flight.

Otte and Wesley Chapel resident Jennifer Lee, both members of the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)’s New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club, served as volunteer guardians to a pair of U.S. Military veterans on Sept. 22, an experience that left both amazed, appreciative and very much in awe.

“I had been to Washington, DC, as a kid, but this was a much more moving experience,’’ Otte says. “I mean, standing there with a person who lived it, that was just something totally different.”

Honor Flights are one-day trips organized by non-profit organizations dedicated to providing a way for veterans to visit the monuments created in the name of their service scattered throughout the nation’s capital.

Last year, the New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club donated $400 so one veteran could make the trip. That inspired Otte and Lee to get involved as Honor Flight volunteers this year.

New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club member and Wesley Chapel resident Jennifer Lee (left) and Tampa Palms resident Melanie Otte.

(Photo provided by Melanie Otte.)

Otte served as a volunteer guardian to 80-year-old Korean War U.S. Air Force Military Police veteran Frank Kynion, who lives in St. Petersburg, while Lee escorted Laura Tilton, a 92-year-old Venice resident and World War II veteran.

The day of the Honor Flight began with alarm clocks going off at 3 a.m. for the volunteers, a donated breakfast from McDonald’s at the St. PetersburgClearwater Airport, and a 4 a.m. flight to the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport with about 80 other veterans and their guardians.

When they got off the plane, the spunky Tilton asked Lee if the wheelchair had a speed limit, and Lee asked if she was pushing too fast.

“No, pick it up, we got things to see,’’ Tilton told her with glee.

A contingent of military personnel was there to greet the veterans at the airport, setting off a whirlwind day of emotional sightseeing.

“When we were at the Korean War Memorial, it was very somber,” says Otte. “Frank was visibly taken aback. You could tell he was welling up.”

Otte said the listing of the Korean’s War’s U.S. fatalities (almost 40,000, with more than 100,000 injured) and the 19 haunting seven-foot-tall stainless steel statues standing in a patch of juniper bushes at the memorial was overwhelming.

Lee pushed Tilton around, Venice, FL, resident Laura Tilton (3rd from right) poses with although the former Naval Li- other female vets at the World War II Memorial in Washington, censed Practical Nurse (LPN)/ DC. (Photo provided by Jennifer Lee.) pharmacy maid, was able to woman after the war, says he faced stand and walk for short periods of time. discrimination as a result, and also lived “She was a lot of fun,’’ Lee says. “I through the anti-military era of the think a lot of them just appreciated the Vietnam War, so he was humbled by the one-on-one attention. She told me, ‘I had support. In fact, many of the veterans, on so much fun. I like to giggle, you like to multiple occasions, asked why everyone giggle. She told me I was now her third was doing this for them. daughter.”

Otte told him the answer was simple: As the vets returned to Florida, they “Because you are our heros.” read dozens of letters written to them by The GFWC New Tampa Junior school children and adults, thanking them Woman’s Club meets the second Monfor their service and dedication. When the day of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the plane landed back in Clearwater, a throng New Tampa YMCA (16221 Compton of roughly 800 people, including a band, Dr. in Tampa Palms). For more info, were there to greet them. visit GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org.

Kynion, who married a Japanese

Caring & Compassionate Dentistry...

We accept the majority of PPO’s Dental Insurance

19007 Bruce B. Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 33647

Vijay Patel, DDS

(813) 406-4947

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm

Evenings by Appointment Only

Dental Exam & X-rays*

39

$

*D0150 & D0210 ONLY

Crown*

689

$

*D2740 ONLY

Offers cannot be combined with any other specials or coupons. Offer Expires on 12/21/15.

First 50 New Patients only. Expires 12/07/15 Comprehensive exam D0150, X-rays D0210, Cleaning D1110 required

www.pebblecreekfamilydentistry.com 10

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For more Tampa Premium Outlets galleries & info, please visit WCNeighborhoodNews.com!

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

12

If Your Hair is Not Coming to You, You Need to Come to Us! 10026 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33647

(813) 994-2393

80002160T000

• Now open on Sundays, 12PM-6PM by appointment only •

$15 OFF

SERVICE OF $45.00 AND UP. EXPIRES 12/21/15

Always Looking for Professional Stylists!

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

13

NOVEMBER 2015 Monday - November 23 - 7:30 AM

New River Library (34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel). For more information, please call 352-518-0156.

Wednesday - December 2 - 7:30 AM

Professional Business Connections (PBC) - PBC meets Mondays at 7:30 a.m. at The Happy Hangar Cafe (at Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., off S.R. 54, Lutz). For more information, call Chris Thurow at 5466860.

Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club - The WC Breakfast Club brings business people together to network and have a chance to present their business to the group. The club meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, please call Bill at 992-3370.

Monday - November 23 - 6:30 PM

Wednesday - December 2 - 9:00 AM

Experienced Networking Professionals (ENP) - ENP meets Monday mornings at 8 a.m. for breakfast and networking at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For more information, call Brad Benson at 973-1814.

Seven Oaks Elementary - The Seven Oaks Elementary PTA will host its annual Holiday Shoppe December 2-December 9. The school is located at 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd.

Tuesday - November 24 - 7:30 AM

Network For Your Success - The Networking For Your Success group meets Thursdays, 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Clubhouse (26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.).

All are welcome. Call 994-9944.

Business Networking International (BNI) - A new BNI group is starting up and will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.) to help business owners generate more referrals, income and grow their businesses in the Wesley Chapel area. For info, call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143.

Tuesday - November 24 - 2-3:30 PM

Thursday - December 3 - 8:00 AM

Thursday - December 3 - 7:00 PM

Food Addicts In Recovery - FA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experiences and mutual support, are recovering from the disease of food addiction. The group meets Thursdays, 7 p.m., at 7th Day Adventist Church (33420 SR 54). For more info, visit FoodAddicts.org.

Plants For Winter Color - Winter does not have to be colorless and boring.

Learn which plants like cooler temperatures. There are many plants just waitFriday - December 4 - 7:15 AM ing to add sparkle and color to your yard with many different choices available.

Rotary Club Of Wesley Chapel Sunrise - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Please come to this free University of Florida Pasco Extension seminar at the New River Library (34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel). For more information, Sunrise meets Fridays at 7:15 a.m. at Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club (6225 Old Pasco Rd.). For info, call Lynne Morgan at 695-6466. please call 352-518-0156.

Wednesday - Nov. 25 - Noon

Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel - The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel (Noon) meets Wednesdays at noon at Stage Left Bar & Kitchen (24400 S.R. 54, Lutz).

For more information, call 862-8989 or 391-3895.

Thursday- November 26 - 7:30 AM

3rd Annual Wiregrass Wobble Turkey Trot - The annual race will feature a 5K run at 7:30 a.m., a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at 8:15 a.m. and post-race festivities to follow until 10 a.m. Registration is $30 before race day, and $35 the day of the event. All runners will receive a T-shirt, and all finishers will receive a speciallydesigned “OrnaMedal.” For more information and to register, visit WiregrassWobbleTurkeyTrot.com.

DECEMBER 2015 Tuesday - December 1 - 7:30 AM

Friday - December 4 - 9:30 AM - Noon

NAMI: Mental Health Support Group - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Pasco has a new support group for adults in Pasco County living with a mental illness and in recovery. The new “Connections” group meets the 2nd & 4th Friday each month from 2-3 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (29617 S.R. 54).

For more info, visit namipasco.com.

Tuesday - December 8 - 6-8 PM

Seven Oaks Elementary - The Seven Oaks Elementary PTA will host Family Night, and students will have the opportunity to purchase holiday items for friends and family. The school is located at 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd,

If your organization is sponsoring an event that is open to the general public — whether it’s free to attend or not — please submit your info (with photos in any digital format) at least 3-4 weeks in advance to: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. It will appear in these pages & on our social media for free.

New Tampa Tri Club - The New Tampa Tri Club is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists & triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. The club hosts group bike rides/runs leaving from Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Bridge Rd.; not from the BBD entrance) every Tues., Thur. & Sat., 7:30 a.m. For more info, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com.

Tuesday - December 1 - 7:30 AM

Business Networking International (BNI) - A new BNI group is starting up and will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.) to help business owners generate more referrals, income and grow their businesses in the Wesley Chapel area. For info, call Bill Sullivan at 994-1143.

Tuesday - December 1 - 2-3:30 PM

Plants For Winter Color - Winter does not have to be colorless and boring.

Learn which plants like cooler temperatures. There are many plants just waiting to add sparkle and color to your yard with many different choices available.

Please come to this free University of Florida Pasco Extension seminar at the 14

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

w

‘Making Strides’ At Wiregrass Nets $175K+! ‘Swing For The Kids’ Tourney Nets $110K! Congratulations to the American Cancer Society (ACS) of the South Nature Coast of Florida (serving Pasco, Hernando & Citrus counties), which hosted another amazing “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pasco” event at the Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 24, near the end of Breast Cancer At 53 registered members, the ‘Boobalicious’ team was the largest Awareness Month. at this year’s ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ walk at the Blessed with beauShops at Wiregrass mall on Oct. 24. tiful weather again, The top fund-raising team at ACS South Nature Coast senior this year’s Making Strides of Pasco market manager (and WC Rotary event, by far, was the “Clerks for a Club member) Robyn Liska says the Cure” squad, which raised more than 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) Making Strides $16,000, although four other teams walk between the Wiregrass Mall and raised between $5,000-$8,000 each.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel again The largest team was the 53-member attracted an estimated 5,000 people, “Boobalicious” squad (who particiincluding more than 1,250 registered pated together in memory of Janet participants on 176 teams, who were Walker, who lost her battle earlier this expected to raise more than $175,000. year), although several other teams also Whether they walked in memory had at least 30 members each. of someone who lost their battle with According to ACS’s website, breast cancer or in honor of someone Cancer.org, “Making Strides Against still fighting the good fight, there’s no Breast Cancer walks are the largest netdoubt that the sea of people dressed work of breast cancer awareness events in pink who were moved, inspired and in the nation, uniting nearly 300 comentertained all morning were joined munities with a shared determination together by this dreaded illness. to finish the fight.” — GN

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Congratulations to executive director (and Wesley Chapel Rotary Club member) Stacey Capogrosso and her staff at the Pasco Education Foundation (PEF) for another successful “Swing for the Kids” Fall Golf Classic, which was held Oct. 23 at the spectacular Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club The 16th annual Pasco superintendent of schools Kurt Browning (center) joined “Classic” raised $110,000 Pasco Education Foundation staffers (l.-r.) Caitlin Sadler, exec. to support the Founda- dir. Stacey Capogrosso, Sara Giesler & Jannah McDonald at tion’s mission to advance PEF’s ‘Swing for the Kids’ golf tournament at Lake Jovita CC. student achievement in PasThe Pasco Education Foundation co County’s public schools. plays a vital role in supporting schools, eduPresented-by sponsors for the event cators and students. included Cutler Associates and the Sun“We are committed to helping procoast Credit Union Foundation. A special vide needed funding where budgets fall Awards Reception (sponsored by RIPA & short and tax dollars can’t be used,” CapoAssociates and Walbridge) was held imme- grosso added. “The Foundation continudiately after the tournament to recognize ously strives to help provide opportunity our sponsors and event winners. for students to expand their academic abiliSince its inception in 2000, PEF’s Fall ties, creativity, and learning experiences to Golf Classic continues to grow each year ensure a successful future.” and is a significant fundraiser for the many Proceeds from the event will help proinitiatives of the Foundation. vide funding for creative teaching grants, “The event would not be the success career and technical education, STEM it is without the tremendous support we (science, technology, engineering, math) receive from the businesses in and around education, fine arts programs, literacy and Pasco County who recognize the impor- scholarships. For info, including how to tance of advancing student achievement in text a donation to PEF, visit PascoEduour public schools,” said Capogrosso. cationFoundation.org or call 794-2705.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

15

La Rusa, LLC — Your ‘Obamacare’ & Tax Preparation Specialists!

By Anu Varma Panchal Many people toy with the idea of learning a foreign language, particularly when it’s beneficial for business or work. Some go as far as investing in the Rosetta Stone or maybe taking a few classes online.

But, when St. Petersburg, Russia, native Elina Linderman began seeing huge numbers of Spanish-speaking clients at her La Rusa, LLC (now located in the same plaza as the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce office in front of The Grove shopping center off Oakley Blvd., across from TJ Maxx), she enrolled at the University of South Florida and obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Spanish Studies two years ago, adding that to her 1997 Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in accounting.

“I like to study; I like to go to college,” says Linderman with her full-on Russian accent and infectious laugh. “What can I say?”

That over-the-top level of commitment may explain why La Rusa, Linderman’s fullservice accounting firm, has shown almost exponential growth, thanks in part to the referrals of her clients who have been with her for years. Linderman is registered as a tax return preparer with the Internal Revenue Service, which means she is licensed to prepare income tax returns for individuals, couples, families and businesses. She has completed rigorous training and also must complete continuing education every single year in order to remain licensed and up to date on all new tax laws, state and federal.

In addition to her tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services, Linderman’s office in The Grove also is a prime destination for health insurance seekers looking for someone to walk them through enrolling in “Obamacare,” also known as the “Affordable Care Act.” Obamacare first kicked off in January 2014, and mandates that all U.S. citizens and legal residents must obtain health insurance for themselves and their dependents, or obtain an exemption from doing so.

Anyone who doesn’t either get insurance or an exemption will most likely have to pay a penalty while filing their tax return.

This penalty, according to Linderman’s web site, can range from about $325 to $975 or about 2 percent of the yearly household income above the tax filing threshold.

You have to reapply for Obamacare every year, based on your estimated income for the upcoming year. If you do not resubmit your application, you will be automati-

cally re-enrolled by the Health Insurance Marketplace, and Linderman explains that you may end up in a less advantageous plan because the marketplace is not privy to the most current and updated information about your income.

To enroll in one of the plans offered under the Affordable Care Act, you can call or go online to the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace by yourself and find a plan in which to register, but Linderman says the marketplace can be bewildering, and it’s all too easy to make mistakes that will cost you money. At La Rusa, a team of experts with a unique blend of experience in tax accounting and health insurance will help clients enroll in Obamacare for 2016 — free of charge. Linderman and her colleagues will help you apply for a subsidy, complete all the paperwork for you and figure out the right income to report.

“When an estimate is not done correctly, people will estimate one thing but the reality will be different,” says Linderman, who explains that estimates for 2016 income are used to apply in 2015. “[For example], if they estimate an income of $30,000, but only make $25,000, they get money back.

But, if they estimate $30,000 but end up making $40,000, they have to pay back [the IRS]. A lot of times people overlook income they think is irrelevant.”

Linderman also can help those who may mistakenly think they do not qualify for Obamacare. If you do not make a certain income, you have to apply for Medicaid, which Linderman says may not be the best option because clients may have to pay deductibles. She helps people go through their finances and notices deductions they may not have otherwise known about in order to qualify for Obamacare.

(L.-r.) Owner Elina Linderman (left) and her friendly staffers Iryna, Maria and Julie (not pictured) at La Rusa, LLC, can handle all of your ‘Obamacare’ and tax preparation needs. ing in auditing and accounting positions for various firms, Linderman says she began doing tax returns for friends and family on nights and weekends. For one friend, Linderman was able to spot a mistake in her former accountant’s work and amend three years of tax returns, garnering her friend $10,000 back from the IRS. That first year, Linderman prepared 48 tax returns. The following year, due to referrals and word of mouth from satisfied clients, that number rose to 400.

Six years ago, she decided to take a risk

and quit her job.

“I was making six figures,” she says.

“Everybody thought I was nuts.”

But, the gamble paid off. Linderman was soon preparing around 1,000 tax returns from home annually, and that was before Obamacare took effect.

“Clients were calling me in a panic,” she says. “They didn’t know how to report income on their tax returns. They were scared. I helped one client; then helped another… a lot more clients needed help. So, I got licensed.”

One-Stop Shopping

People may choose to see an accountant to file their taxes, or an insurance agent to help obtain health insurance. But, at La Rusa, they get both in one package.

Linderman notes, however, that it would be inaccurate to say that she is just an accountant. To her clients, it’s almost as if she functions as a counselor, financial expert, trusted friend and even (sometimes), a business coach.

Linderman exemplifies a work ethic and drive she learned early, as an 18-yearold Russian political refugee who arrived in Pennsylvania with her parents, two younger sisters, five suitcases and $100. While work-

Expires 12/21/15

16

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

She obtained her Florida 2-15 Insurance License, which allows her to sell health and life insurance. That expertise in two fields — tax accounting and insurance — makes her uniquely positioned to help clients best juggle their incomes in order to buy the best possible health plans and get the most amount of money back to which they are legally entitled.

“I approach it from a whole different perspective,” she says. “First, I decide the subsidy; then I select the insurance.”

There are other differences between La Rusa and other firms — both accounting and insurance. For one thing, there is the multicultural, multi-ethnic vibe, with voicemail messages in English, Russian and Spanish. In fact, Linderman got the name of her company from her Spanish-speaking clients, who would refer to her as “La Rusa,” which means “the Russian lady” in Spanish.

“My customers invented the brand,” she laughs.

She notes that she didn’t just learn Spanish to communicate better; she chose to major in Spanish Studies because that gave her a better insight into the cultural practices and differences between the various different ethnicities of Europe and Latin America.

“It’s a very personal business,” Linderman says. “I deal with people’s lives. I have to ask questions that get very personal.”

In fact, while many businesses glean information about a client through a standard questionnaire, an initial meeting with Linderman can take as much as a couple of hours of detailed questioning. A box of tissues is not an unusual accompaniment to a meeting with a client. Asking about an illness or a divorce can yield significant financial gains in the long term (for example,

Neighborhood News

a house remodel to accommodate a new handicap can lead to a deduction), but many are sensitive matters. “I cry with them,” she admits. “I’m also human.”

Michelle Chamo, who owns Sliding Door Roller Replacement, Inc., and whose taxes, bookkeeping and payroll Linderman has handled for four years, says, “Elina will text me and say, put aside this amount this week,” says Chamo, who found Linderman when she was looking for someone to go over her previous accountant’s work. After their initial three-hour meeting, Chamo says that not only did Linderman fix the mistakes, she listened to Chamo’s concerns and patiently explained everything to her.

“I left that day knowing more about what I should be doing than in five years of owning my own business,” says Chamo, who Linderman still texts every Wednesday to remind her about payroll.

“My cell phone number is the worst kept secret in Tampa Bay,” says Linderman wryly. Not only does she have all her clients’ information on her phone, she is routinely invited to clients’ weddings and children’s birthday parties, and is a fixture on their Facebook pages, as they are on her Facebook page as well. Many of them who have been with her for years also have seen her now 16-year-old son growing up.

“You can’t get this at H&R Block,” Linderman quips.

For more information about the services that La Rusa, LLC, provides individuals and businesses, check out LaRusaTax.com or see the ad on page 33 of this issue. You also can visit the office at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., #101. For appointments, call 867-7111 or email info@larusatax.com.

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

17

NN1

NN1

18

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Becca’s Bubbles Brings Pet Grooming Right To Your Doorstep

By Celeste McLaughlin When your dog needs to be bathed, clipped or shaved, Becca’s Bubbles Mobile Grooming Salon will bring its collection of grooming tools, shampoos, brushes, combs, colognes, bandanas and bows right to you.

Perfect for older pets, pets who get nervous taking a trip in the car, or for any pet parents who don’t have time to go somewhere to have their pet shampooed or clipped, Becca’s Bubbles drives its grooming truck right to your front door.

Owner and groomer Becca Miltz is an animal lover who has lived in Seven Oaks since 2006. She was working as a nanny when she began to look for a purpose for her life’s work.

“I wanted to find something I felt passionate about, where I could be hands on,” she says. “So many people go to work every day and don’t love what they do. I want to love my work.”

She was researching opportunities in both daycare and working with animals, and she learned about the Tampa Bay Pet Grooming Academy in South Tampa. It felt like the perfect fit, so she enrolled.

She completed an intense, nine-week course at the grooming academy. “I had equipment in my hands from the beginning,” she says. “There were always dogs there, so I learned quickly.”

She graduated in May of 2015 and launched her business in June.

“This is where my heart is,” she says.

“I get to spend all day with dogs.”

20

Becca Miltz of Becca’s Bubbles brings her mobile grooming salon (photo on next page) to your door to keep you happy and your pets looking their best.

Becca’s brightly colored mobile grooming truck shows up at your doorstep at your scheduled appointment time. Inside, the truck houses a grooming table and all the equipment she needs to make your dog look his or her very best. She doesn’t need a hose or anything from you, because her truck is fully equipped with power, water, a heater, vacuum and even a bathroom and microwave. She has two dryers, including a soft dryer for older pets who need special care.

In fact, the entire grooming experience is a good fit for those types of pets.

“I can accommodate dogs who are older, who need more assistance and more help feeling comfortable,” says Becca.

Diane Johnson is a Meadow Pointe resident who says Becca does just that for her golden retriever.

“My dog, Seabee, is 10 1/2,” explains Diane. “As she gets older, it’s been harder for me to get her to the place I had been having her groomed. And at her age, she requires special care. Becca has always provided that for us.”

Diane happened to see a Facebook ad for Becca’s Bubbles, so she decided to give it a try.

“I love the fact that Becca’s Bubbles just pulls right into my driveway,” she says.

“Becca’s service is phenomenal.”

Diane says her two other dogs, a chocolate Lab and a Chesapeake Bay retriever, don’t require much grooming because they have short hair, but that doesn’t stop them from climbing in the Becca’s Bubbles truck.

“They march right up into the truck and look at everything,” Diane says.

“We are extremely satisfied with Becca’s Bubbles,” she adds. “For the quality, and the peace of mind, it’s worth every penny.”

Becca says, “I’m very pro-animal. I’ll do anything I can to help your pet have a great grooming experience.”

Services

Customers can choose between three

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

packages. First, the bath package includes trimming nails, cleaning pads, cleaning and trimming ears, shampoo, conditioner, cologne, bandana, and a de-shed treatment.

The next option is a full groom, which includes the bath package, plus clipping the entire dog. Becca also offers a face, feet, and tail clip, so the dog is bathed and trimmed neatly in the areas where it most needs it.

Additional services, such as a flea bath and even teeth brushing, are also available.

She says most clients schedule their grooming on a regular basis, usually every four weeks, but there is no commitment required.

“I generally go to people’s homes, although I could also visit their office or another spot,” says Becca. “All I need is a parking spot or a driveway.”

For pricing information, visit the company’s website at BeccasBubbles.org.

Coupons for her services are on page 22 of this issue. Becca is offering all first time clients $5 off, and a multiple pet discount of $5 off each additional pet. She’s offering a Black Friday special, too. If you call by Nov. 27 to book your appointment, your pet will get a free blueberry facial and a toothbrush included in its grooming package.

Becca explains that the blueberry facial is a deep conditioning treatment and massage that actually can brighten the color of your dog’s coat.

Why Try Becca’s Bubbles?

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

f

Becca says the biggest benefit to your pet is the personal service she provides.

Your pet is never in a crate, and never with other animals, which could inadvertently expose him or her to disease and parasites.

Becca’s clean, sanitary, professional environment doesn’t require a car trip for your dog, which is just the start of the stress-free experience she provides.

And it’s not just your pet’s well being that she cares about. Becca looks forward to using her skills and tools to care for animals who aren’t lucky enough to have a pet parent yet.

“I could maybe even save a life,” says Becca. “Dogs look so scruffy at the pound, but they’re so fluffy in the pet store. If I can

Neighborhood News

donate my time, maybe I can do good for an animal who needs it.”

She explains she is currently talking with shelters where she just might be able to save lives. She hopes to clean up the dogs and give them cute bandanas or bows so they are more attractive to potential owners.

Becca’s Bubbles serves Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and surrounding areas. Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with evening appointments available for an additional charge. To schedule your appointment with Becca’s Bubbles, call 997-2796 or email Becca@beccasbubbles.org. You also can get more information online at BeccasBubbles.org or find her on Facebook

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

21

813-997-2796

• • • •

No Travel Time No Other Dogs on Premises No Cage Time One on One Personal Service beccasbubbles.org

$5.00

Black Friday Special!

Call us by Nov. 27th & book your appointment to receive a Blueberry Facial + Toothbrushing

FREE!

OFF

$5.00

First Time Customer Expires 12/21/15

OASIS Nail Salon & Spa

OFF

Each Additional Pet Expires 12/21/15

27607 SR 56

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

813-994-6390

NEWLY REMODELED | VOTED THE BEST NAIL SALON IN GOOGLE REVIEWS 1ST SALON IN THE AREA USING

COMPLMENTARY

DRINKS AND

WIFI

PEDICURE CHAIR SPA LINERS 22

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

INCLUDED

SPECIALIZES IN UV GEL PINK & WHITE AND SHELLAC

Neighborhood News

10% OFF ANY SERVICE EXPIRES 12/31/15

@NTWCNews

IT’S OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR

THE MORE YOU BUY, THE MORE YOU SAVE

Happy Thanksgiving from

Budget Blinds!

Woven wood shades with custom drapes

WINDOW COVERINGS SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

For Signature Series® Blinds, Shades and ID Drapery Panels*

Buy 1-4 Save 25% | Buy 5-9 Save 30% | Buy 10+ Save 35% 1208 W. Fletcher Avenue Tampa Showroom Hours Mon. - Fri. 10:00 - 5:00 Sat. 10:00 - 3:00 Schedule your FREE In-Home Consultation today!

813-968-5050 // BudgetBlinds.com *Applies to selected Signature Series® window treatments by Budget Blinds.® Some restrictions may apply. Excludes shutters where everyday low price applies. Ask for details. At participating franchises only. Not valid with any other offers, discounts or coupons. Valid for a limited time only. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. Expires 12/31/15. ©2015 Budget Blinds, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, Inc. and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Franchise opportunities available.

drmarta@tampahappysmiles.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

23

Florida Educator Insurance Can Help You Plan For Your Future

By Celeste McLaughlin

It was more than 14 years ago when Seven Oaks resident Gary Cucchi was teaching economics at Walter Sickles High in Tampa when he realized that most people don’t understand their insurance coverage. His desire to help others led him to look for a new opportunity where he could assist his colleagues at the school with planning for retirement and better understanding their insurance needs.

So, in 2002, Gary opened Florida Educator Insurance, an independent agency of Horace Mann, a company that specializes in insurance products and financial services for educators. Founded in Springfield, IL, more than 60 years ago, Horace Mann is named for the founder of American public education, and is now a multi-billion-dollar company traded publicly on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HMN).

Florida Educator Insurance moved to its current location in the Cypress Glen Professional Park in Wesley Chapel (off of S.R. 56, just east of I-75), in 2008. The agency offers auto, home, umbrella, flood and life insurance, along with retirement and investment plans such as IRAs and 401(k) plans, “529” college savings plans, plus plans just for educators known as 403(b) and 457 plans.

But, don’t think you have to be a teacher to use the agency’s services.

(813) 428-5991

www.blissfacialspa.com

“We insure anybody, but we do have specific products and discounts that are available only to educators,” Gary says.

As an independent agency, Florida Educator Insurance writes policies with a wide variety of insurance companies.

Gary explains that he works with many of the largest companies across the industries his agency represents. Some examples include – of course – Horace Mann, although also offered are financial services from American Funds & Fidelity, life insurance through Lincoln Financial, home insurance through Tower Hill and auto insurance through Progressive and Mercury.

Of about 1,000 Horace Mann agencies nationwide, Gary says Florida Educator Insurance is now the largest, and has been ranked the number one Horace Mann agency six times in the last 14 years.

“It’s all because of my staff,” says Gary, who earned his B.S. degree in Social Science Education from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1999.

“They’re great. Their dedication, attention to detail and willingness to meet people after hours at their homes is a big reason why we’re so successful.”

He says his staff didn’t set out to be the largest agency, but it is absolutely their goal to be the best. “We’re a competitive group,” he says proudly. “It’s in our nature to strive to be the best.”

Jeanine Hassani joined Florida Edu-

cator Insurance in 2006 and is now the agency manager.

“We all take ownership in the agency,” she says. “We all feel like we have a stake and love helping the agency grow.

So, each of us helps all of the clients as if they were our own.”

He says his clients average three lines of business with his agency, so the agents get to know their customers on a very personal level.

“We genuinely care about our clients and are not just trying to sell policies,” Gary says, adding that, “The teacher in me has this philosophy to help people. We have 22 staff members (six in Gary Cucchi, of Florida Educator Insurance, financial services, 13 in personal lines of insurance and three in customer support) which has been serving local customers at its office off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel since 2008. and not one is in sales. In fact, I don’t hire people with a sales background be“But, I figured since Gary was my cause that’s not what we’re about. We’re neighbor, anything that happened to me here to build relationships.” would also happen to him, so I’d want One relationship he’s built over coverage like he has,” Mark explains. “I many years is with Mark Pinson, who says took a chance, saved so much money he has been Gary’s client “for at least 10 and it was a great choice. Since then, my years.” former insurance carrier has completely When Mark moved to Florida from pulled out of Florida.”

Ohio, he began paying much more atMark says that first policy with Gary tention to homeowner insurance than cost half of what his previous home he ever did in the Midwest, since he insurance cost and, since then, he’s added was now concerned about hurricanes, auto, flood, life and umbrella insurance sinkholes and possible flooding. Gary was with Florida Educator Insurance, and has his neighbor in Seven Oaks, but Mark retirement accounts, too. hesitated to change his homeowners “During the economic downturn, I insurance because he had never heard of was looking for something conservative Horace Mann. to protect my investments, and that’s

3750 Maryweather Lane Wesley Chapel. FL 33544

Make your holidays a little brighter with the HydraFacial MD. Our non-invasive treatment gives you immediate and long-term skin health without the downtime or irritation, leaving you glowing and radiant.

The holidays are such a busy time, but with the HydraFacial MD you instantly feel your best so you can focus on the things that matter most.

During December 2015, get a

FREE Teeth Whitening Treatment (value$99) with the purchase of an Elite or Anti-aging HydraFacial.

24

Make your holidays easy, give your loved ones a gift card!

Buy $50, Get $10 FREE

Buy $150 Get a FREE Teeth

Whitening Treatment ($99 value)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

e

, e

d

s

exactly what I got,” Mark explains.

Gary says this type of personal attention and meeting each client’s needs continue to be the hallmarks of his agency.

“When we recommend an investment for a retirement plan, we know our client is going to be happy,” he says.

“They won’t regret it, they’ll keep that investment and then they’ll typically refer their friends to us.”

Gary adds, “We’re not here just to save you a couple of dollars on your auto or home insurance, although we generally do that, and that’s the fun stuff. But, saving money on your home and auto insurance isn’t going to change your life. We also change lives with what we do. When we help someone properly plan for their

future — their retirement needs —that can be life changing.”

Gary also explains that every agent in his office is fully licensed through the Florida Department of Insurance, and all financial services staff members hold numerous state and federal investment licenses through FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Plus, he and his staff are all New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents. “We all live here and understand the area,” he says.

He and his wife, Cyndi, have four children ranging in age from three to nine. Gary says he has a family-first philosophy that drives his work, too.

“You’ve got to have balance in your life,” Gary says. “In my life, I put my faith, my family and my health before my work. So, our office is a very familyfriendly environment. We cover for each other to be sure that we all can put our families first.”

Life Insurance Specialists

Gary says many people think they have enough life insurance, but don’t realize that those policies may lapse. Or, they may wait too long to purchase life insurance.

“Most people only have insurance through their work, but you should have a portable plan, too.”

He explains that if you lose your

job, you might not be able to keep your plan, or the cost might be astronomical to do so. At that point, you might not be able to get life insurance. You never know when you’ll become uninsurable.

It’s generally due to health, not age, and I’ve seen people in their 30s not be insurable because of their health.”

And, in every case, he says, the sooner you purchase life insurance, the better. “A 25-year-old pays a lot less than a 60-year-old,” he explains. “But, even a 60-year-old benefits from talking with us sooner, because the cost goes up every year at that point.”

Since, he says, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to insurance and investment planning, Gary says he asks his clients to be willing to discuss their needs with a Florida Educator Insurance agent.

“Most people spend more time planning for their summer vacations every year than they do for their own futures,” says Gary. “We ask you to give us one hour each year to go over your budget and goals so that you can be better prepared for the future.”

He explains that budgeting and goal setting are part of the agency’s full-service retirement planning, but that Florida Educator Insurance agents provide these services for all of their clients, even those who might only have auto insurance through the agency.

“We’re here for all phases of your life,” Gary says.

In addition to its Wesley Chapel

office, Florida Educator Insurance maintains locations in St. Petersburg and Odessa. Gary says he also recently had the opportunity to expand his business to Pennsylvania by taking over an agency where the owner was retiring. Two agents from his Wesley Chapel office actually relocated to Pennsylvania to run that office.

Gary and his staff also give back to the community in many ways, especially through local schools. He says the agency sponsors a reading program in more than 50 schools (including all of the public schools in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa), supports programs such as Teacher & Staff Member of the Month at all Pasco County schools and has funded more than $100,000 in classroom projects.

And, Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News readers who call for a quote and mention this story or the ad on page 22 of this issue will receive a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate, and, Gary says, there’s absolutely no obligation to purchase anything.

Florida Educator Insurance is located at 26809 Tanic Dr., Suite 101, in the Cypress Glen Professional Park off S.R. 56 (behind the Gate gas station, one traffic signal east of I-75). For additional information, call 283-1265 or visit FloridaEducatorInsurance.com.

The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays by appointment only.

S

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

25

Premier Heart & Vascular Center — A Cardiology Office With Heart!

By Anu Panchal

Fifteen years ago, a cardiologist who wanted to approach patients with compassion, dignity and integrity decided that the only way to do things right was to set up his own practice. So, cardiologist Sunil Gupta, M.D., FACC, of Premier Heart & Vascular Center, did just that.

Today, that practice has grown from one physician and one supporting staff member in an office in Zephyrhills to four offices — as Lakeland, Dade City and Wesley Chapel (in the Summergate Professional Park behind Sam’s Club, off S.R. 56) already have been added, with a fifth office set to open in Carrollwood later this month. Dr. Gupta has been joined by three other cardiologists, and the four physicians are supported by a team of 30 physician assistants, nurses and other support staff members.

“What makes our offices different is that we make the patients the focus,” says Michele Gordon, a physician assistant who has worked for Premier Heart & Vascular Center for seven years. “On a daily basis, everything we do is what we can to take care of the patients and do the best for them. Dr. Gupta has always done the right thing and patients notice (that). Our office is the fastest-growing cardiology practice around.”

Dr. Gupta is Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology, and is a member of the

American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiac Angiography and Intervention.

In addition to serving as a cardiology Fellow at the Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, NJ, and an Dr. Sunil Gupta interventional cardiology Fellow at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, Dr. Gupta also has worked at a group cardiology practice in Saginaw, MI. His special interests are in the areas of coronary and peripheral angioplasty and stenting, as well as pacemakers and defibrillators. In addition, Dr. Gupta was included in a listing of “Super Doctors for Florida,” a designation awarded by MSP Communications that takes into consideration a physician’s education, achievements, involvement and leadership.

Although Dr. Gupta says he went into the field of medicine because of the influence of several family members in the same line of work, it was his own passion for cardiac medicine that led him to his specialty.

Dr. Ketul Chauhan

“In cardiology, we genuinely get to help patients,” Dr. Gupta says. “People can die if we don’t do what we do. We see the results right away, (which is) a gratifying feeling. On a daily basis, we deal with life and death. We actually make a positive impact on (our patients’ lives) and on The friendly, professional staff at Premier Heart & Vascular Center — society.” with four locations in the Tampa Bay area, including offices in Wesley Dr. Gupta is joined in his practice Chapel & Carrollwood — invites you to visit a cardiology office with heart. by cardiologists Dr. Board-certified in cardiovascular diseases, Ketul Chauhan, Dr. Chetan Khamare and interventional medicine and nuclear Dr. Vikas Soma. Dr. Chauhan is Boardmedicine and did his certified in cardiovascular diseases and fellowships at West nuclear medicine, and is a member of the Virginia University American College of Cardiology and the in Morgantown. Dr. Society of Cardiac Angiography & InterKhamare is a member of the American vention. He completed College of Cardiology his cardiology fellowand the Society of ships at the University Cardiac Angiography of South Florida in and Intervention, and Tampa. His specialties is especially interested include coronary and in coronary and peperipheral angioplasty Dr. Dr. Vikas Soma ripheral angioplasty and stenting, pacemakand stenting, congestive heart failure and ers and defibrillators peripheral vascular disease. and valvuplasty.

Dr. Soma is interested in radial artery Dr. Chetan Khamare Dr. Khamare is

i v H i t e r ( C c h M C H Y

C

p j p t

a f r w

l k f

p “ s t m i p

V M m t

w s h f f t c m

w D p

-

26

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

— y .

interventions, coronary and peripheral vascular interventions and pacemakers.

He has numerous Board certifications, including cardiology diseases, interventional cardiology, endovascular medicine, echocardiography, nuclear medicine and registered physician vascular interpretation (RPVI). He is a member of the American College of Cardiology and American Society of Echocardiography and completed his cardiology fellowships at the New York Medical College at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, and at St. Luke’s Hospital at Columbia University in New York City.

Character & Cardiology

When he searched for the perfect physicians and other staff members to join his practice, Dr. Gupta says that the philosophy of prospective colleagues was the first criterion.

“All of our physicians are well-trained and well-certified,” he says. “They care for patients with a high degree of integrity, but even before the quality of their work, we look for character.”

The physicians not only give frequent lectures and talks at area hospitals, they keep up to date with the latest news in the field, says Dr. Gupta.

“People are living longer, [and] more people are having heart disease,” he says.

“There’s more awareness of signs and symptoms [and more people] seeking treatment. New technologies and new medications continue to come out. We’re interested in those new technologies, procedures, medicines and devices.”

The doctors at Premier Heart & Vascular also are involved in a Harvard Medical School study on a new heart medication, the Cardiovascular Inflammation Reduction Trial.

“We stay up to date and are familiar with the latest and newest,” Dr. Gupta says. “Some of the treatments offered here include therapy for congenital heart failure, heart catheterization through the forearm and the presence of an ECP (External Counter Pulsation) Machine, that can treat angina episodes in a non-invasive manner.

“Patients who come to us will feel well-respected and well-attended-to,” says Dr. Gupta. “They go home with a very positive experience.”

Katherine Strode says she has been a patient of Dr. Gupta’s for about 10 years (and also has seen Dr. Khamare more recently), and in the years since she has started seeing Dr. Gupta, the 72-yearold Zephyrhills resident has managed to get off her diuretic and blood pressure medications completely, thanks to a combination of treatment, diet and lifestyle changes that the doctors have helped her with from the beginning.

“They really take an interest,” Strode says. “It’s not a take-a-number thing.

They make you feel like you’re somebody.

Their staff is wonderful. I think they’re top notch (doctors) and it’s a tribute to (the) practice. (Dr. Gupta) runs a very well organized office there. If there’s ever been a problem, we get a call back in an appropriate length of time, and with it being your heart, that’s important!”

Dr. Gupta adds that Premier Heart & Vascular Center patients are pleased about the practice’s short wait times, quick appointments, prompt evaluations and same-day testing results.

“Our biggest strength is the positive, family-oriented culture in the office,” he says. “Patients who walk in can feel it.”

Strode and her husband William agree with that statement.

“It doesn’t feel like we’re going to the doctor,” William. “It feels like we’re visiting friends.”

In fact, the only real “problem” the Strodes say they have now is that they have recommended Premier Heart & Vascular to so many friends that Katherine says they have to beat their friends to an appointment these days.

“You really feel like you’re a part of the family,” says Gordon. “Everyone feels important. Everyone feels that their position is important and makes a difference in terms of patient care.”

There are four Premier Heart & Vascular Centers — in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Dade City and at 27424 Cashford Cir. in Wesley Chapel. The Carrollwood location is expected to open this month at 3333 W. Bearss Ave. The group also owns the Vein Center of Wesley Chapel (26827 Foggy Creek Rd., Suite 103). For more info, call 788-1400, see the ad on page 21 of this issue or visit PremierHeartandVascular.com.

SPOTLIGHT ON... Pet “I’m really sorry,” said Dr. Moses Kawalya, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; photo). “I’d love to do this interview with you right now, but I just got a cat under sedation and I really need to take care of her first.”

Dr. Kawalya, the who obviously cares more for his feline and canine patients than he does about publicity, politely asked me to come back in an hour.

But, it was in that moment that I realized that if I wasn’t currently between animals, I’d want to take my dog, cat or exotic (hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits and more) pet to a vet like Dr. Kawalya. Moreso than anything I could have asked him about his business — Pet Point Animal Hospital in the same Eagle Plaza as Stage Left Bar & Kitchen, at 24416 S.R. 54 in Lutz, less than two miles west of the new Tampa Premium Outlets mall — those few polite words showed me the kind of man and the kind of doctor who asks for your trust with your beloved family member/best friend.

Dr. Kawalya graduated from veterinary school in his native Uganda in 1993.

He successfully completed the requirements of the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates in 2001 at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. He worked as a veterinarian in New York for 2 years before moving to Florida, where he has been practicing ever since.

Pet Point is the first location where Dr. Kawalya has been running his own practice

Point Animal Hospital and he says he’s in the best possible business for him because he has always been an animal lover.

He is a Diplomate of the prestigious American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Canine and Feline Practice).

Pet Point offers a full list of veterinary and pet services, including: anesthesia, bathing, behavioral counseling, dental care, digital X-rays, humane euthanasia, laboratory, microchipping, nutritional counseling, pain management, parasite prevention & control, puppy & kitten care, senior pet care, surgery (soft tissue & orthopedic), teeth cleaning, vaccinations and pet wellness exams and wellness plans, as well as boarding services.. He even makes house calls!

When he’s not caring for your beloved pets, Dr. Kawalya loves to work out at the gym, play tennis, and swim. He lives with his family and two dogs.

For more info about Pet Point Animal Hospital, see the ad on page 36 of this issue or visit PetPointAnimalHospital.com. For appointments, call 428-6994 and please Dr. Kawalya and his staff we sent you! — GN

WE BEAT ANY PRICE

BEST PRICE GUARANTEED!

BUY • SELL • TRADE • UNLOCK CELL PHONE • COMPUTER REPAIR

WE BEAT ANY PRICE

Wesley Chapel Store (813) 907-3086

5339 Village Market Wesley Chapel, Fl. 33543 Beside

wesleychapelcellphonerepair@gmail.com Neighborhood News

Tampa Store (813) 870-2071

6308 N. Armenia Ave. Ste. A Tampa, Fl. 33604 Beside

1928 Highland Oaks Blvd., Lutz, FL 33559

(813)949-0424

tampabaycellphonerepair@gmail.com @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

27

Local H.S. Seniors To Play In First-Ever Pasco All-Star Football Game

By John C. Cotey

Pinellas County has had one of the most successful football all-star games in the state for two decades. Hillsborough County all-stars get to play their game at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Finally, it’s Pasco County’s turn.

After years of quiet debate, the first-ever Pasco County All-Star football game, dubbed the “East-West Classic,” has been organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and will be played on Thursday, December 10, at Sunlake High (3023 Sunlake Blvd.) in Land O’Lakes.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at any of the high schools, or at the game.

The game will feature the best senior players from the east side of the county against the best of the west side.

Mark Kantor, the head coach at Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH), will be the head coach of the East team.

“When you look back at it, I just think it’s been overdue,’’ said Kantor (photo), who just completed his first season at WRH (where his Wildcats were 2-8 on the season, 1-5 in District 7A-8), after stints as an assistant at Hudson (1999-2002) and as the Cobras’ head coach (2012-14). In between, he served nine years as head coach at Gaither, in

28

Neighborhood News

the Northdale area of Tampa.

“When I came back in here there was chatter about it but nothing ever got off the ground and running,” he said.

“We’re happy we were able to get the FCA as a partner.”

Kantor has coached all-star teams before. In 2005 he was named head coach of the East All-Stars in the Hillsborough County game. The following year, he was an assistant coach.

The Pinellas game, though, is the one Pasco’s is modeled after. Organizers met with Sam Roper, the former longtime coach at Seminole High, who was instrumental in starting the Pinellas All-Star Football Game — now in its 21st year — in 1994.

“Getting Sam Roper involved was huge,’’ Kantor said. “He shared the whole foundation with us. This will be almost a replica of that game.”

An all-star game in Pasco wasn’t feasible in the past, mostly because there weren’t enough high schools to stock the rosters. Of Pasco County’s 15 football-programs, seven have begun play since 1999, starting with Wesley Chapel

@NTWCNews

and Mitchell (2000), Bishop McLaughlin (2004), WRH and Sunlake (2007), Anclote (2009) and Fivay (2010) have swelled the ranks since, helping resurrect chatter about an all-star game.

Some also argued in the past the talent level in the county wasn’t strong enough to support an all-star game.

However, while Pasco still lags behind the bigger Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, it has produced a number of college recruits in recent years, such as local standouts like WRH’s Jaye Miner (Florida Atlantic University) and Mark Hutchinson (Florida International University), who were two of 13 players in Pasco County to sign letters of intent with colleges in February.

“The kids will be getting one more chance to pad up, and that’s great,’’ Kantor said. “The best thing coming out of this is the chance for kids to get a ring. Every year as we go, this game will get better. The bumps that we have this year, we’ll make sure those bumps are removed for next year.”

Making the team from WCH were wide receiver Brian Mena (the thirdleading receiver in the county with 48 catches for 712 yards and 5 TDs), offensive/defensive linemen Naim Smith and Tristan Pauwels, kicker Chase Oknefski (17-for-19 on PATs) and linebacker Mike Mosley (three sacks, 45 tackles).

The WRH representatives will be

wide receiver Taylor Bleistein (team-high 18 catches, 295 yards and a touchdown), offensive/defensive linemen Tyler Ichimura and Marque Davis, running back and defensive back Brandon Mosley (three passes defended) and linebacker Ty DeCarire (41 tackles).

Teams will begin practices after the Thanksgiving holiday; the East team will practice at WCH. This year’s game will feature a number of top performers, like River Ridge (and West all-star) running back Chris Schwarz, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards for the second straight season in pursuit of the county’s careerrushing record. Here is the complete East team roster, selected by the coaches: Bishop McLaughlin: Patrick Beatty, Scott Edwards, Collin Hankin, Kyle Kampsen; Land O’Lakes: Tommy Farmer, Kendall Graff, Rashawn Kindell, Alex Ligocki, Darryus Lowe, Greg Smalls; Pasco: Cole Blevins, Blake Castillo, Jakiah Felder, Jamal Mention; Wesley Chapel: Brian Mena, Mike Mosley, Chase Oknefski, Naim Smith, Tristan Pauwels; Wiregrass Ranch: Taylor Bleistein, Marque Davis, Ty DeCaire, Tyler Ichimura, Brandon Mosley; Zephyrhills: Tre’un Everitt, Kevin Lee, Reggie Roberts Jr., Jonah Thomas, Jackie Tucker; Zephyrhills Christian: Jacob Carden, Matt Iovine, Isaac Johnson, T.J. Lee, J’won Pickett.

For more information about the game, visit https://goo.gl/67N6l6.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

28

e

Improve the Value of Your Home

Valid w/ Neighborhood News coupon only. Expires 12.21.15

Valid w/ Neighborhood News coupon only. Expires 12.21.15

Valid w/ Neighborhood News coupon only. Expires 12.21.15

Valid w/ Neighborhood News coupon only. Expires 12.21.15

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

President of the Florida Podiatric Medical Association

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

29

Enjoy our every day low prices without a contract!

Is there someone in your life that’s hard to shop for?We offer holiday gift cards that are perfect for everyone!

$29 Special - Every Tuesday Either a 1 hour massage, European Facial, OR a manicure and pedicure

$45 Deep Tissue Massage

$55 Cranberry Enzyme Facial Eyelash Extentions

Visit us for a FREE eyelash consultation and receive eyelash extensions for only $149.99, normally a $200 value!

GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION THIS SEASON

$95

One Hour European Facial, One Hour Relaxation Massage, manicure and pedicure with light lunch and glass of wine.

Hours of Operation:

2330 Ashley Oaks Circle Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 essentialswesleychapel.com

Monday: 10am - 8pm Tues. - Sat.: 9am - 9pm Sunday: 11am - 6pm

30

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015• WCNeighborhoodNews.com

(813) 527-0149 MM30617

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

At Pinot’s Palette In Wesley Chapel — Drinking + Painting = FUN!!!

I’m definitely no artist — in fact, I think I definitely have less artistic talent than most of the dozens of people who came out to paint for the Oct. 23 Grand Opening (and Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, or WCCC, ribbon-cutting ceremony) at the new Pinot’s Palette, which is located in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza, just south of the intersection of S.R. 56 and Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd.).

So, why do I feel this compulsive need to go back to the tenth Florida location of Pinot’s Palette, a new chain with fewer than 150 locations in the U.S. and Canada that was named the 18th best new franchise in the country by Enterpreneur magazine?

Maybe it’s the fact that Pinot’s Palette allows you to both drink and release your “inner Picasso” while taking a twohour art lesson that allows you to walk away with your own acrylic-paint-covered canvas and a lot of great memories while surrounded by some great people (and good beer and wine on tap).

The owner of the Wesley Chapel location, James Serrano, is a friendly, outgoing guy who says he has no artistic ability himself, but he “knew a great idea when I saw it.”

Serrano and his equally gregarious crew of mostly college students who do have artistic capabilities will make you feel at home — if your home has a way-cool art studio built into it, that is.

Many of my friends and colleagues from the WCCC and Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club were on hand to enjoy our first taste of Pinot’s during Serrano’s VIP Painting Party following the ribbon-cut-

Neighborhood News

ting — and there were rave reviews all around, even if my finished product looked almost nothing like the art we were supposed to copy (above).

Pinot’s Palette is located at 1718 BBD. For info, including a list of class times, visit PinotsPalette.com/Wesley Chapel or call 928-8131 and please tell Serrano and crew that the Neighborhood News sent you! — GN

@NTWCNews

(Clockwise from above left) Painting and drinking at the new Pinot’s Palette in Wesley Chapel will bring out your “inner Picasso.” Owner James Serrano and his equally-high-energy crew will help you enjoy your art class. The packed WCCC Ribbon Cutting on October 23.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

31

Exclusive Clientele Salon Offers Outstanding Sylists & Great Friends!

By Gary Nager I have only known Christy Jones-Johnson, the owner of the Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Cross Creek Center plaza (behind the Shell Gas Station) on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa since she opened her new salon just about two years ago, but she’s definitely the type of amiable, professional Master Stylist who makes friends easily — especially when you see the kind of work she does to take care of her clients’ hair.

During my most recent visit to Exclusive Clientele Salon, Arbor Greene resident Jennifer King, Ph.D., the chief executive officer of TechXtraordinary, a local computer consulting firm told me proudly that, “Christy has been doing my hair since I first moved to the Tampa area and I will tell you that this is the best location she’s had so far...it’s close to the schools and available food on Cross Creek Blvd. and, since all of

the restaurant owners know her, they’ll even deliver food to her clients while they’re getting their hair done.”

Jennifer, who also teaches an Information Technology (IT) program at nearby Richard F. Pride Elementary, also notes that — like all of the salons Christy had before this one — Exclusive Clientele is “absolutely immaculate and it’s just so comfortable here.

Christy is definitely the ‘Diva of New Tampa hair stylists.’ My mom (Margaret) gets her hair cut here, too, and we’ve referred Christy a lot of business.”

t e “

Stylists For Every Type Of Hair!

Although Christy’s roster of stylists has changed since the last time I wrote about Exclusive Clientele Salon, she always brings in stylists who are well-trained, extremely experienced and love working with all different types of hair.

“I provide the location, but my beauticians and stylists rent their space and actually run their own independent businesses out of my business.”

For example, Master Stylist Brenda Regan recently moved to Tampa when her husband was relocated here by his employer after 35 years in the beauty industry, including owning many salons herself. Brenda’s sister and Christy were friends when Christy lived in Maryland and Exclusive Clientele Salon owner Christy Jones-Johnson has Christy says, “Brenda and I been cutting Jennifer’s hair for more than eleven years. are like sisters, too.”.

(L.-r.): Stefanie, Ariel, Christy, Patrice & Brenda invite you to check out Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa.

Brenda brings with her a wealth of experience in the art of hair design, cuts and color while specializing in the treatment and repair of damaged hair.

Master Natural Stylist Stefanie Johnston is the proud co-owner of “Natural Essence” with her husband and barber Kieyn Johnston, who currently works almost next door in the same plaza at Moetown’s Barber Shop. After nine years of owning their own salon, the two decided to take their careers to another level by becoming traveling stylists and work on other ventures, such as the “Hair 1 Enhancement” product line.

Together, the Johnstons also produce an amazing “Natural Essence” hair and

fashion showcase called “Beauty in the Arts Hair & Fashion Showcase,” which was most recently held at The Ritz in Ybor City June 20-21 of this year.

Stefanie and Kieyn have created the “Natural Essence” movement deeply rooted in their Afro-Caribbean heritage and their passion to give back and instill pride and love in the community in which they proudly serve. (Visit NaturalEssenceShop. com or call 458-5041 for more info.)

Born and raised in Miami, FL, Stylist Patrice Law has always had a passion for hair and the beauty industry. After receiving her Associates of Arts (A.A.) degree from the University of South Florida, she pursued

- Premium Cigars - E Cigarettes - Detox - Water Pipes - Glass Pipes

28411 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL. 33543

**BRING THIS AD IN TO RECEIVE A FREE PIPE ON NOV. 27TH & 28TH ONLY** 32

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015• WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

h b c f S e r i d p t

A i i b C v A h

e .

The photo on the left was provided by 828 photography & the photo on the right was provided by Sergil lakhno. Both pics were taken at the “Beauty in the Arts Natural Essence Hair & Fashion Showcase” on June 15 of this year. her aspirations in the world of hair and beauty and started her own hair extension company called Glambition Styles. She also furthered her education at the Paul Mitchell School in Tampa. Patrice specializes in hair extensions, natural hair care, silk press, relaxers and much more. Patrice believes in continuing education and stays up to date with the latest trends so she can always provide her clients with whatever “look” that they want.

Philly native (and Christy’s daughter) Ariel Glover is primed to carry on the family legacy. A rising hair and make-up artist in her own right, Ariel grew up in salons, as both her aunt and mom were salon owners.

Christy also groomed her daughter with valuable life lessons and strong work ethics.

Ariel left the salon for a while to attend Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach

the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Once Ariel discovered how to carve out her own path in the hair and make-up industry, she reunited with her mother at Exclusive Clientele Salon. Ariel is excited to share her artistry while she helps her mom expand the business with plans to one day take over the salon. “I work with any type of hair,” says Ariel. “Just like my mom.”

And last, but certainly not least, Ariel’s mom, Master Stylist Christy Jones-Johnson, also is a tremendously talented stylist with 30 years of experience who is licensed to cut hair in four states (including FL, CA, MD and her native PA), and who always stays at the forefront of trends in the hair care industry. She moved to Tampa in 2007 after relocating to Maryland, where she met and married her husband Thomas Johnson.

The third salon Christy owned was the original Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Pebble Creek area, but she found a space she loved on Cross Creek Blvd., where the business has been thriving ever since.

Christy says she has always wanted to own salons where clients feel “exclusive,” which provided the inspiration for the name of her salon. “We strive to educate our clients about proper hair care, styling and maintenance, all while providing the latest trends and delivering an exceptional client experience,” she says.

The stylists at Exclusive Clientele Salon (10026 Cross Creek Blvd.) provide precision cuts, highlights & color, shampoo & blow-dry, round brushing, up“do’s,” natural hair styling, relaxers, silk press, locs, one-step strengthening treatments, extensions & custom wigs. For info, call 994-2393 or see the ad on page 13 for some amazing coupon specials!

www.edwardjones.com

william.morales@edwardjones.com

FREE ENROLLMENT

We do ALL work

See our ratings on Facebook and Google!

Facebook.com/LaRusaTax Call Now For Best Plans |

813-867-7111

6013 Wesley Grove Blvd, #101, Wesley Chapel FL 33544 LaRusaTax.com

Se Habla Español | Мы говорим по русски Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

33

Little Italy’s — Great Italian Food Just Minutes From Wesley Chapel!

Photos by John C. Cotey & Gary Nager

W

By Gary Nager

HERE do you go in Wesley Chapel for great Italian food? It’s not a trick question. I know we have a lot of good pizza places in Wesley Chapel proper, but since D’Alessio, Ciao! Italian Bistro and even Primadonna have opened and closed in either New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, there really is no place for authentic Italian cuisine in either of our distribution areas.

However, there is a great little place that we’ve helped create something of a stir about (admittedly, with a lot of help from the Wesley Chapel Community on Facebook.com) that’s located just a couple of miles west of the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) mall, in the same space that used to be occupied by Bosco’s Pizza.

We may have helped stirred things up for them, but Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering owners Carl and Chef Jessica

34

Meyers have kept the sauce pot simmering nicely ever since with Jessica’s amazing recipes and the happy couple’s no-B.S. northeastern attitude and homemade Italian food “like mama used to make.”

Jessica is originally from Canarsie, a tough part of Brooklyn, New York, where she learned real Italian cooking, especially from her grandmother. This reporter is particularly happy that Jessica learned everything she needs to know about making the perfect red sauce, which most Italian food lovers (like yours truly) can’t live without.

First, let me say that although Little Italy is in no way fancy, it’s really a misnomer to call it a “pizza place — even though Jessica does offer amazing true Sicilian-style thickcrust pizza with a variety of great toppings, or try the “I Did It My Way” where the first three toppings are “on us.”

I’m not holding it against her that there’s no round New York thin-crust pizza at Little Italy’s, but I hope that when they

Meatball Parmigiana Grinda

expand into a larger location — which the Meyers are already trying to do — maybe they’ll add the thin-crust ‘za, too.

In the meantime, Jessica says, “I use the best ingredients and make everything here, except for the actual dough for the pizza crust and the real Italian bread we make our ‘grindas’ with. That, we import from New York.”

“New Jersey,” Carl, who met Jessica in his native Rhode Island, chimes back.

“Somewhere up there anyway,” she laughs. “The best Italian bread I‘ve found.”

My favorite dish so far has to be the meatball parmigiana grinda ($9) pictured above. Jessica’s big, homemade meatballs are literally too much to contain, even for the crispiest, most perfect Italian hoagie roll I’ve had in the Tampa Bay area, swaddled in a thick, red marinara.

That bread also is no slouch when wrapped around Little Italy’s tender, but thick cut of chicken breast parmigiana ($9

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

grinda, $14 with spaghetti). And those todie-for meatballs are also available in some of the best spaghetti and meatballs around ($13). All of these dishes make a great meal for two hungry people who both crave this kind of “comfort food.”

Other traditional Italian pasta favorites (all $12-$15 for a huge portion) on the menu are baked lasagna, eggplant rollatini or parmigiana, fettuccini Alfredo or bolognese (meat sauce) and some properly pillowy ravioli. I bet if enough of you ask nicely, Carl will even give the OK to adding his linguine with a loaded with clams zesty white clam butter sauce I’ve never tasted before sampled (but wasn’t allowed to photograph; just kidding) on my most recent visit. I’m so thankful that I’ve yet to get my shellfish reaction from clams, ‘cause I love ‘em and this was a dish worth risking it on, ya know?.

For starters, if your family loves any kind of cheese sticks, you have to try the mozzarella “half-moons,” which literally are so big

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Sicilian-Style Pizza Photo by Janet Elaine Kirby

LADIES NIGHTS Monday & Thursday Only

3

$

MARGARITAS 12oz Lime Only

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

1

$

TACOS

Tuesday & Wednesday

Monday - Thursday Only

4 SPEEDY LUNCH $5 SPEEDY DINNER

$

Taco, Enchiladas & Choice of Rice or Beans.

Dine in only. Wesley Chapel location only.

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

ALL DAY

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

Dine in only. Wesley Chapel location only.

Valid Tues. & Wed. only.

Traditional Calzone

Cheese Ravioli

5

$

VIP DISCOUNT CARD Receive $5 OFF w/any check over $25

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

Dine in only. Wesley Chapel location only.

Valid Sunday - Thursday only.

NOW OPEN IN TAMPA PALMS!

16023 Tampa Palms Blvd W. City Plaza

978-3761 The Godfather Burger

Caprese Salad more than two people can share them (for just $6!). Other of our office’s favorites to date are a great bruschetta appetizer ($6), an even better caprese salad with a beautiful balsamic finish and an excellent house salad. Other big-portion starters (all $5-$8) on the menu are Jessica’s own “smashed potatoes,” French fry and onion ring baskets and garlic and cheesy garlic bread.

SPORTS BAR

‘Give Me That Calzone...”

Even when I lived in New York, I was never a big calzone guy. But, if you even like a traditional (with a unique tomato sauce, Bacio mozzarella and creamy ricotta, $10) or chicken parm, Buffalo chicken or “I Did It My Way” options (all $13). Just try to eat one of these bad boys without at least four other people...six in some cases.

Even if youse guys feel like a burger, Little Italy’s has you covered, with the already-legendary-in-our-office Godfather burger. It costs $10, but is an 8-oz. slab of made-toorder ground beef, salami and cappicola ham, encased with melted provolone, then topped with prosciutto ham and a balsamic glaze reduction, all on a garlic toasted bun. Add $3 for a huge portion of great fries or the thick onion rings pictured above.

Lil’ Goombas catch a break with smaller portions of those delicious “pa-sketti” and meatballs or cheese ravioli (both $5) or “chicky” fingers and fries for $6.

At least try to save some room for dessert because Jessica promises that no matter how busy she gets, she will always come to your table and hand-fill you one or two (or seven) of her crispy cannoli shells (as she is in the photo above) with the best cannoli filling I’ve had since a certain bakery in Elmont, NY, I mentioned in a previous article.

And, Jessica promises that she can handle your holiday catering order like nobody else.

She and Carl started in Florida with a popular mobile food truck called “Little Italy’s Meatballs, where they served hundreds of people a day. In other words, she means it when she says, “No order too large or too small,” she says.

For more info about Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering (24436 S.R. 54, Lutz, next to Walesby Vision), call 909-2122, visit LittleItalyFamilyRestaurant. com or see the ad on pg. 36. It is open Tues.-Sat. at noon for lunch and dinner.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

NOW SERVING FOOD FROM CODY’S ROADHOUSE

BY DELIVERY!

Friday Dec. 11th • 6 p.m.-Close Come say HEY to Coleen, Shaunna & Shay!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

35

atsley amerce onat

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!

Tom and Chee Franchisees Looking At Wiregrass Mall!

Wesley Chapel resident Matt Mace is a devoted watcher of the popular ABC-TV show Shark Tank, and often, the pitches made by entrepreneurs would speak to him.

Sometimes, quite loudly.

When he saw founders Drew Quackenbush and Corey Ward pitch Tom and Chee, their grilled cheese and tomato soup restaurant to the Sharks, he had an epiphany.

“He called me right away and said, ‘What are you doing? You have to see this,’’’ said Holly, Matt’s wife.

With that Season Four episode began a long and winding journey that has led the Maces to Wesley Chapel, where they hope to soon open their second Tom and Chee franchise location at the Shops of Wiregrass.

The Maces, who are among 25,000 (according to the Tom and Chee website) to apply for a franchise, almost had deals to buy franchises in Orlando, Melbourne, Sarasota and Fort Myers. They decided, however, to take an opportunity in Tampa Bay when it opened. They were expected to open their first Tom and Chee in St. Petersburg as this issue is reaching you.

Their next store, Holly hopes, will be at the Shops of Wiregrass, closer to their home in the Watergrass community off Curlew Rd. She says they are in lease negotiations with the mall to take a spot near Dillard’s, although most of their current energy is focused on making the St. Petersburg opening a smash hit.

While one of the stars of the franchise — whose stores have now grossed more than $14-million after starting out in a tent — is the grilled cheese donut (photo above),

FREE Initial Exam for all new clients.

Multi-Pet Discount Available.

Holly says Tom and Chee’s healthier and fresh options provide something for everyone. The restaurant in St. Petersburg will roast all of its meats in-house, use no fryers and nothing will be microwaved. There are gluten-free breads for the 25+ sandwiches, salads and vegetarian soups, and even the grilled cheese sandwiches are made with vegan butter.

“We are super excited about opening our first store,’’ Holly said. “We are really, really interested in opening up at the Wiregrass Mall, too.” For more info, visit TomandChee.com. — JCC

Pollo Tropical To Open?

Pasco County’s planning staff recently met with project engineers looking into building a Pollo Tropical restaurant at the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI, across S.R. 56 from the new Tampa Premium Outlets mall; see page 1), at the northeast corner of S.R. 56 and Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54).

The permit pre-submittal meeting was Nov. 2. “Right now, it is just conceptual,’’ said project engineer Zach Thornton.

The permit proposal is looking at a 3,600-sq.-ft. restaurant and a drive-through lane. A pre-application conference was already held Feb. 18 regarding the site plan but, according to the meeting request form, changes have been made since that meeting.

The Pollo Tropical chain was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Kendall in Miami-Dade County, and is best known for its marinated, flame-grilled chicken. The

company has more than 180 locations (10 in Florida) and more than 3,000 employees mostly across the southern U.S., including the closest existing store at 828 Providence Rd. in Brandon. For more information, visit PolloTropical.com. — JCC

Señor T’s Now Open?

Just to update our item in the last issue, Señor T’s Mexican Restaurant was expected to open (as previously announced) on Nov. 15 (a couple of days after we went to press with this issue), in the long-vacant former New Tampa Macaroni Grill on BBD (in front of the also-vacant former Sweetbay Supermarket).

The former Mac Grill building has not been occupied for more than a year, but interviews for employees were being held in late October. I will say that the inside of the building looks really nice, but no menu was available on the day I visited.

The New Tampa Señor T’s is the first link in a small, planned start-up chain of about seven locations, with a second location rumored to be moving into another former Mac Grill location on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Carrollwood. The spacious, comfylooking restaurant will feature indoor and

• Sicilian-Style Pizza • Calzones • Grindas • Pastas • Burgers • Sandwiches • Salads • And More!

outdoor seating, a full premium liquor bar and mid-priced Mexican fare.

Orchid Thai To Open In Former Pizzazzone Location

Also expected to be open now is Orchid Thai, a small, sit-down and take-out Thai restaurant, which has taken over the former Pizzazzone location in the Shoppes at The Pointe Plaza in Tampa Palms (next to Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill).

We’ll keep you posted about the food one Orchid Thai opens.

Russell’s Western Wear Opens!

Yee-ha! Wesley Chapel may not “officially” have the fashionable Tampa Premium Outlets mall located within its postal confines (see page 1), but we are now the home of “Cowboy Chic,” as the third Tampa Bay-area Russell’s Western Wear store has opened at 28053 S.R. 54, in the former location of the RaceTrac gas station (next to Wendy’s, just east of I-75).

Russell’s is your a one-stop shop for cowboy boots, hats, jeans and apparel and is open just in time for the holidays.

For more information, visit RussellsWesternWear.com or call 435-6918.

“Homemade, Authentic Italian Food Like Mama Used to Make!”

We serve the best cannolis in town!

• Dine-in • Take-out

Let Us Cater Your Holiday Party

Big or Small!

Check our our Lil’ Goombas Menu, too!

24436 SR 54, Lutz | 813-909-2122 | littleitalyfamilyrestaurant.com Open Tuesday-Saturday for Lunch & Dinner at Noon

Wellness Plans starting at only $20.95 a month Includes free exams and vaccines

Preventive Care, Medicine, Surgery Digital X-ray, Pet Boarding Vaccine Hours: Wednesday’s from 2-4 pm

Dr. Moses Kawalya, DVM, DABVP Board Certified by the American Board of Vetenary Practitioners (Canine & Feline Practice)

24416 State Road 54, Lutz FL 33559 • 813-428-6994 • www.petpointanimalhospital.com 36

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

1708 BRUCE B DOWNS BLVD, WESLEY CHAPEL, FL 33543

(813) 994-6734

DONPANWC@VERIZON.NET

BAKERY • DELI • CAFÉ

DONPANWC

Neighborhood News

PURCHASE 20% OFF ANY (Please present to cashier) Expires 12/31/15

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

37

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HELP WANTED

PIZZAMAKERS & LINE/PREP COOKS WANTED (exp’d. preferred) at New Tampa’s favorite authentic Chicago-style pizza place. Bring resume during business hours to Full Circle Chicago Pizza at 19651 BBD Blvd. (in Pebble Creek Collection).

PHYSICAL THERAPIST (PT) An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, one-on-one care. Fax resume to (813) 994-3080.

MEDICAL BILLER Spanish-speaking Medical Biller wanted for New Tampa Medical Equipment Company. Duties: Gathers billing information by reviewing patient records, checking for completeness. Bills insurance carrier by inputting billing info to database; initiating electronic transmissions. Resolves disputed claims by gathering, verifying & providing additional information; following up on claims. Resolves discrepancies by examining and evaluating data; selecting corrective steps. Skills/Qualifications: Data Entry Skills, Microsoft Office Proficiency, Time Management, Organization, Professionalism, Customer service and Attention to Detail. Send resume to: Richard.Jones@solarusmedical.com.

WING ZONE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR POSITIONS Including shift leader, cooks, cashiers and delivery drivers. Wing Zone offers flexible scheduling, competitive pay wages, advancement opportunities and much more.

Come join out team of flavorholics and wing lovers at Wing Zone. Applications are available at store location: 19062 Bruce B Downs. Corner of Cross Creek in the New Tampa Center.

HANAQ PRANA YOGA STUDIO, located in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area, is looking for RYT Yogis who want to grow and teach our community the vast benefits of Yoga & Meditation. Flat fee plus percentage of attendance. Rates based upon experience, new RYTs are always welcome. Join the movement create conscious about the real Yoga LifeStyle.

(813) 333-1026 NOW HIRING STYLIST - Upscale hair salon seeks hairstylist. Please inquire within...

6431 Country Line Road, Suite 107 Tampa, FL 33647 Contact (813) 994-9455 ROUTE SALES, MEDICAL Fills customer orders by driving to customer accounts within Florida; unloading and shelving product, inventory verification, order retreival. Increase sales volume by providing customer service and suggestive selling techniques.

Fills order by verifying inventory; loading vehicle.

Monthly overnight travel requirement 2 nights a month. Retrieves damaged/defective products from customer locations; keeps vehicle operating by following operating instructions; scheduling maintenance and repairs. Send resumes to: richard.jones@ solarusmedical.com

38

Classifieds

HELP WANTED

TAMPA BAY MATCHMAKERS NOW HIRING parttime Client Service and Marketing Professionals. We are Tampa Bay’s ONLY Certified Matchmaking and Relationship Coaching service, as well as offering Online Dating assistance. For further information, or to send your resume, contact us at info@TampaBayMatchMakers.com Visit our website at: www.TampaBayMatchMakers.com

CLEANING SERVICES

POWER HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES - Offering Residential cleaning for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly & occasional. Services available: one time, deep cleaning, move in/move outs, Real Estate, Holiday and Event cleaning. Owner Operator with Personal Care! Personal Touch! Licensed and Insured. Try Power House Cleaning Services - you will be powerfully pleased! For scheduling or a free in home estimate, call (813) 356-8287 or e-mail phcservices1@gmail.com.

M & Y CLEANING SERVICES Residential & Commercial cleaning. Complete cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming,mopping, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living rooms and more. Weekly, Biweekly, monthly, one time cleaning. References available. 8 years of cleaning experience. We clean your properties like our own. Call TODAY for a FREE estimate. Mila (813) 516-3554.

B CLEANING SERVICES: Over fourteen years experience! Commercial & residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house & post construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813-531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710.

FULL FORCE HOME CLEANING Providing full service residential cleaning. We bring are own equipment and supplies. Weekly, biweekly, monthly and one-time cleaning schedules offered. References available.

Affordable rates. We are Cleaning you can trust! (813) 297-6116

EDUCATION / BABYSITTING

GREAT HOPE PRESCHOOL - We offer preschool for ages 6 weeks to 12 years. We accept the ELC - School Readiness program, offer FREE VPREK and offer multi child discounts. New owner and renovated classrooms. Now enrolling all age groups.

Infants-Afterschool. Mention this ad and receive 1/2 off enrollment fees. TOUR TODAY!!! 30126 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 813-929-6276 or 813-

COMPUTER / BUSINESS SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT in your home or small business. A+, Certified computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English.

Remote assistance available. References available upon request. Call 813-957-8342 for a free estimate.

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residences & businesses, w/ more than 25 years of exp. Contact Jeffrey Blank at (813) 973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or send an email to Wsica@wsica.com today!

PET SERVICES

CAT SITTING Tampa Cat Lady Professional CatSitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. You can submit a service inquiry at TampaCatLady.com or call 813-994-9449.

MISCELLANEOUS

DRUMMER WANTED, JAZZ band, faculty/staff USF non-music department, practice weekly for fun & seek monthly gig. We play from the Real Books, ranging from mainstream jazz, bossa, Latin jazz, to funk to some rock. Though we have a typical quintet lineup now (minus drums), we will also consider additional instruments, besides drums. Glenns@usf. edu Glenn 813 693 0507

POOL SERVICES

MONSTER POOL CLEANING Summer Special — 50% MONSTER - Summer off your 1st twoPOOL monthsCLEANING of service. Family ownedSpecial & oper— 50% your two months of service. ated.

20+off Years of 1st Experience.

Competitive rates!Family Same owned tech & operated.

20+*Our Years of Experience.

Comservice each week.

15-pt. weekly full service will keep rates! your pool looking great!tech Refereach a customer get petitive Same service week. &*Our ONE Call Today - (813) 489-9967.

15-pt.MONTH weeklyFREE! full service will keep your pool looking great! Refer a customer & get ONE MONTH FREE! TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE – New Tampa Call Today - (813) 489-9967. owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa’s #1 Choice!! Call Chris Today @ (813)857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! AQUATEC POOL SERVICE has been keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential.

CPO #33-303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call 813-312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com ALL-STAR POOL SERVICE & REPAIR- Expert repairs and installations of pumps, motors, filters, timers, salt and ozone generators. Pool refinishing from $2400.00. Tile repair and acid washes, paver and river rock sealing, pressure washing and deck repair, paver and eurocote decks. Mention this ad and receive 1 FREE MONTH Pool Service. Call or text 813-244-7077. See our display ad.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 23, Issue 24 • November 21, 2015 • WCNeighborhoodNews.com

_____ERRANDS & PERSONAL SVCS______ GET A RIDE - Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You & Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or stranded. Call Jay at (813) 966-1530.

HOME IMPROVEMENT DRY WALL SPECIALIST Not just a ‘handyman.’ Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 26 years of experience Wesley Chapel resident. State-Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate at 784-5999.

GREG’S PAPERHANGING For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed and insured, clean, quick and reasonable. Call 973-2767 for a free estimate.

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

WEST COAST FLOORING, INC.Carpet and Laminate Flooring. Quality repairs on all floors. Commercial Flooring Install.

Licensed and Insured. Free Estimate, Call (813)-215-4817 TAMPA HARDWOOD INSTALLERS We take pride in installing your new hardwood or laminate flooring. We can install any hardwood flooring you have purchased, or we can bring an assortment of flooring samples that best fit your flooring needs. Free estimates! Call 813-690-4789 or check us out on the web at www.TampaHardwoodInstallers.com. Licensed and Insured.

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

_

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA SPECIAL & FREE ESTIMATE! For more info, call (813) 420-4465.

AMERICAN PRIDE LAWN CARE SERVICE, LLC Our services include weekly lawn maintenance with mulching decks on all mowers, precision edging, string trimming, hedge, shrub, palm, and tree trimming. We also offer landscaping, pruning, and sod replacement. Free estimates. Licensed and Insured.

We are an Owner/Operator Company built on service and trust. References available.

For more info, call (813) 458-4778.

HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC: High-Quality Professional Services: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Year-Round Full-Svc LawnCare: mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming up to 24 feet; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring Clean-Up. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

MODEL GRAND OPENING! Single-Family Homes in New Tampa

300’s -$700’s

$

WELCOME HOME TO A GRAND ENTRY Tour 8 gorgeous new decorated models at The Ridge at Wiregrass – New Tampa’s hottest new community!

When you live at The Ridge, you get it all! An incredible lifestyle with 11,000 sq. ft. clubhouse, indoor sports complex, fitness center, resort-style pool, water slide, tennis and more! Plus, top-rated elementary, middle and high schools are all within walking distance. Visit today and see why so many families are moving up to The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch!

TRIBECA - $294,900 3 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths, Den, 2-Car Garage, 2,092 a/c sq. ft.

Choose from 20 innovative homes designs, with the ultimate in LUXURY STANDARD FEATURES included!

• Concrete, flat tile roofs • Brick paver driveways, walkways and covered patios • Elegant exterior stone detailing • Gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, 4” granite backsplash and 42” designer wood cabinetry

• A complete stainless steel appliance package including side-by-side refrigerator, dishwasher, gas range and microwave • Granite countertops, raised height wood vanities and nickel finish plumbing fixtures in all bathrooms • Extra-large capacity washer and large capacity dryer

30451 Sunland Court Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

JULIA GRANDE - $394,900 3 Bedrooms, 3½ Baths, Den, Bonus Room, 3-Car Garage, 2,987 a/c sq. ft.

Directions: From I-75 north or south, take State Road 56 East. The community is on your right.

Open Daily 10am­—6pm

(855) 671-1700 Single-Family Homes in New Tampa

BROKERS WELCOME Broker must accompany client during client’s initial visit to this community. Both the client and Broker must execute the Developer’s Registration Form on the initial visit. Broker must also execute the Developer’s Broker Participation Agreement. *Please see Sales Associate for details. The Ridge at Wiregrass is being developed and sold

by Pasco County Associates II, LLLP. ©2015 9600-012 11-6-15

CARLYLE - $464,900 3 Bedrooms, 3½ Baths, Club Room, 3-Car Garage, 3,137 a/c sq. ft.