Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 29, Issue 6, March 16, 2021

WESLEY CHAPEL

NEWS

Volume 29 Issue 6 March 16, 2021

‘IDOL’ DREAMS

By John C. Cotey • John@NTNeighborhoodNews.com

A

lanis Sophia says she remembers watching “American Idol” as a child, peering between the bars on her crib. When she was 4-years old, her mother Kathy bought her a happy meal from McDonald’s so she could get the toy inside – a plastic blue and yellow American Idol microphone, with the show’s catchphrase – “You’re Going To Hollywood!” – on it.

Being on the show became one of Alanis’ dreams. Now, 15 years later, she is indeed going to Hollywood.

On the Feb. 28 audition show, filmed in Los Angeles, Alanis wowed the judges — and millions watching at home — with a perfect, soaring rendition of Demi Lovato’s “Anyone.”

The performance left tears in the eyes of Katy Perry, and fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan also were visibly moved.

See “Alanis” on pg. 4

Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. Is Open In Wesley Chapel!

To check it out, see pages 32-33!

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

1

2

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

St. Patrick’s Day Means It’s Been One Full Year Of Covid-19 An editorial by Gary Nager The photo of Jannah and me on this page was taken on March 7, 2020, at a friend’s wedding, literally a week or so before the U.S. began to shut down because of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I also remember going to O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Wesley Chapel to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2020, and I was already uncomfortable talking too closely to the people we met and especially, with hugging anyone. No one was yet wearing masks — as there was some debate as to whether or not they were effective in preventing the spread of this then-new, still-largely-unknown illness — and I just felt like no one knew how close was too close to be talking to someone in those earliest days of the illness.

Well, St. Patrick’s Day 2021 is now upon us, which means that the pandemic has been raging in this country for one full year. Thankfully, despite nearly 30 million confirmed U.S. cases and more than a half-million deaths, the number of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths seem to finally be subsiding a bit, thanks to ongoing mask-wearing and social distancing rules, as well as the introduction of millions of doses of three rushed-to-market vaccines. The good news — at least so far — is that those who have been able to receive the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines to date have been avoiding serious illness, hospitalizations and deaths, with minimal side effects for most.

I will admit that those who have been able to receive any of these vaccines once they became available has been a little mystifying to me — I thought it was supposed to be the elderly, true front-line workers in hospitals (doctors, nurses and anyone else with direct patient contact), firefighters and law enforcement officers who were supposed to be first in line to receive them, but I saw many people under age 65 on Facebook who didn’t fit into any of those categories bragging that they had received both doses of the vaccine before my mom was able to get her first dose of Moderna vaccine, which she finally did last week.

But, considering how new all of this is, and how crazy the lines have been at public heath locations just to get a Covid test, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made. I’m also encouraged by the fact that the vaccines all also appear to be effective against the different Covid-19 variants that have been popping up.

I also am hopeful that Jannah and I — who are both under age 65 and in relatively good health — will be able to be included in the next group to be vaccinated, especially once teachers and everyone living or working in long-term care facilities have received theirs. My wife and I genuinely miss going out to crowded bars with live music, but we’ve spent precious few evenings out enjoying dinner and karaoke or to watch a Lightning game since this nightmare began.

I feel fortunate that neither I nor any members of my immediate family have been touched personally by Covid, although at least one Neighborhood News employee did suffer for a few weeks with a relatively mild case. But thankfully, our employees have mostly been working from home and we wear masks whenever more than one of us are in the office together.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Even so, how long Jannah and I will have to continue to wear masks when we go out to eat — something we’ve done far less of the last year, but have started to do a little more of late — remains to be seen. And, I also am concerned that the repeal of mask mandates by the governors of several states may be happening a little too soon, too. The U.S. is nowhere near “herd immunity” yet and I don’t have the same faith in people to wear masks without those mandates that those governors seem to have.

So, while St. Patrick’s Day is one of the holidays I actually have traditionally enjoyed, it will forever be remembered, at least by me, as the holiday when the scourge of the early 21st century first hit home. Stay safe, my friends.

INSIDE:

Moffitt Wesley Chapel is open, bringing new cancer technologies to our area.

Pages 8-9

Murtha & Murtha CPAs can help you handle the Covid craziness this tax season.

Pages 18-19

Looking for great Italian & American food? Try Frammi in New Tampa!

Pages 34-35

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News

OUR NEW ADDRESS: 28949 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor /Ad Sales Gary Nager Managing Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Mike Camunas Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Billing Assistant Jannah Nager Office Assistant Benjamin Hobe Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission.

Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 29, Issue 8, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, March 29, 2021.

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.

© 2021 JM2 Communications, Inc. For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

3

American Idol: Alanis hoping to make that big jump to music stardom Continued from page 1.

Alanis Sophia’s mom Kathy was called to come out by the “American Idol” judges to join her daughter on stage to celebrate Alanis being given a “golden ticket” to Hollywood following her outstanding audition on ABCTV, which aired nationwide on Feb 28.

4

Alanis, who was named after pop singer Alanis Morissette, sang into that exact same Happy Meal plastic microphone that gave birth to her dream.

Pretty ironic, don’t ya think?

“In the midst of all of this noise, there’s the purity of your voice and your personality that requires nothing but exactly who you are,” Richie told her.

“It was real, and it was honest, and it was awesome to watch,” Bryan said.

Perry, who said she got into music because of Morissette, told Alanis that she was the best performer the judges had seen that day.

After calling her mom Kathy out, and making her cry with their praise of her daughter, the judges told Alanis that she was advancing to Hollywood.

The teen grabbed her golden ticket and held it high proudly as she and Kathy left the room.

Alanis said she felt good and liked her chances after finishing the song.

“When I walked in there, I was like, holy cow,” Alanis told the Neighborhood News. “I was nervous at the be-

ginning, but I sang my heart out. Once I started singing, I was in a zone.”

Although not technically currently a resident of Wesley Chapel — she lives in Dade City — Alanis has lived in Wesley Chapel and attended John Long Middle School for two years.

This is the second time in three years a Wesley Chapel teen has made it to Hollywood. Wiregrass Ranch High’s Zach D’Onofrio danced with Perry when he was on the show in 2018, and appeared on the audition show Sunday, after our deadline, in his bid to make it to Hollywood a second time.

While Zach was new to singing and a shock to make the show in 2018, it’s not that big a surprise that a seasoned performer like Alanis would deliver such a performance. In fact, because of her budding music and acting career, she moved to online classes and is a 2019 Pasco eSchool graduate.

The oldest of three other siblings, Alanis is no stranger to the music business. When she was 11 years old, she finished second on “La Voz Kids,” the Spanish version of “The Voice.”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

She later became the face of VisitFlorida, made commercials and did some acting, and was signed to the Big Machine record label, which was looking to fuse her into a Latin-Country star. While that didn’t work out, Alanis continued to make music and build her brand online, with hundreds of thousands of followers between Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok. That may seem like a full career for many, but at 19, Alanis is just getting started. She looks at “American Idol” as an opportunity to break through as a star, but if not, she’ll keep pushing on.

“I keep forgetting that I’m 19, and there is so much more left for me in this world,” she says.

That includes singing, touring, acting and who knows?

“All of that,” Alanis says. “I want to do it all.”

Now that the auditions are over, the show begins “Hollywood Week” this Sunday. The show airs at 8 p.m. on ABC-TV. You can find out more about Alanis at AlanisSophia.com.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

5

6

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

7

New Moffitt At Wesley Chapel Cancer Center Opens

By JOHN C. COTEY john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

The long-awaited Moffitt Cancer Center satellite campus in a new building on the site of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) has opened, with a quiet virtual ribbon cutting three days before services started officially being offered on Feb. 15.

Called Moffitt at Wesley Chapel, the new facility fills a major hole in the area when it comes to receiving cancer treatment. As one of only 50 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, the Moffitt Cancer Center has gained national acclaim over the years for its research and patient care.

“I am excited that Moffitt is getting closer to our patients,” said Dr. Tim Kubal, medical director at Moffitt at Wesley Chapel. “This is also a great opportunity to innovate the way clinical care is provided at Moffitt.”

Moffitt’s cancer care will occupy nearly 28,000 square feet of the new, three-story, 100,000-sq.-ft. building, which is located in the Healing Plaza on the south side of the campus of AHWC, near the Shops at Wiregrass.

8

The new Moffitt at Wesley Chapel will provide a more convenient cancer-fighting experience with the same great care provided by the Moffitt Cancer Center’s main campus in Tampa.

The facility, which broke ground in May 2019, features 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion chairs, three blood draw stations, two linear accelerators and a CT Simulator.

Patients will be able to access blood draws, infusions, medical oncology, radiation and surgical oncology consultations at

the new location, whereas they previously had to drive to Moffitt’s North Tampa campus on Magnolia Ave. for such services.

Diagnostic imaging services also will be available at the new building, with the imaging services provided by AdventHealth, and Moffitt’s team of expert radiologists

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

reviewing the images for interpretation.

Patients can expect to receive the same outstanding cancer care for which Moffitt is highly regarded.

“There are going to be some things that we only do at the main campus, (such as) super complex surgeries and things like that, which are typically going to be done at the Magnolia campus (at USF),” Dr. Kubal says. “But, the bulk of cancer care is diagnosis and treatment. It’s figuring out what’s going on with you, giving you chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and all that can be done here in Wesley Chapel.”

By partnering with AdventHealth in Wesley Chapel, Moffitt has created what is sure to continue being a popular model for health care in the future.

“One of the most exciting new things about this hybrid model of care in partnership with AdventHealth is that with this multi-specialty model, we are able to bring our experience of research closer to the community,” says Dr. Vania Phuoc, one of the center’s lead hematology/oncololgy physicians. “We’re hoping to bring clinical trials out here to Moffitt at Wesley Chapel by the end of the first year after we open.”

The new building’s services include ma-

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

The TrueBeam linear accelerator above provides image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy with high precision to treat tumors and lesions in various parts of the body, including lungs, breasts, head and neck. It is a part of the new technology available at the new Moffitt at Wesley Chapel facility (front right in the photo below).

lignant and benign hematology, the full breadth of solid tumor oncology, gynecologic oncology, endocrinology and more. More services will be added in the future, based upon the needs of the community.

The convenience for those fighting cancer, as well as for those who have family members fighting it, is huge, Dr. Kubal says.

“There are a lot of people up here (in Wesley Chapel), and this is an area that is growing very rapidly,” he says. “A lot of younger families and people are moving from up north. They want to transfer their care but don’t necessarily want to live on the USF campus (where the main Moffitt Cancer Center is located). They want to live in the Villages, they want to live up in Wesley Chapel off of Curley Road. So, we’re up here because we want to get closer to the patients without them having to come all the way to us.”

Moffitt Cancer Center also is expand-

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

ing into central Pasco, recently receiving approval to build an extension on 775 acres at the intersection of the Suncoast Parkway and the Ridge Rd. Extension, which is currently under construction.

Phase 1 of the project will include a $60-million, 125,000-sq.-ft. business park, which will be completed in five years and create nearly 450 jobs.

And, Moffitt also is building a $400 million, 128-bed hospital on 20 acres across McKinley Dr. from Moffitt’s Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center, a short drive from the original Moffitt campus at USF. For more info, visit Moffitt.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

9

Pasco EDC’s Wesley Chapel Incubator Opens In The Grove

By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com In the center of what many think is the hottest and hippest entertainment development in Wesley Chapel at The Grove, just above the office of developer Mark Gold, is a large “collab-o-space” hoping to launch the area’s next hottest and hippest thing.

That’s Dan Mitchell’s hope, anyway. The program director of SMARTstart — part of the entrepreneurial arm of the Pasco Economic Development Council (EDC) — stands in the middle of the 5,000-sq.-ft. Entrepreneur Center & Business Incubator and imagines it filled with the bustle and hustle that only enthusiastic entrepreneurs can bring to it.

“It’s going to be a great environment,” Mitchell says.

SMARTstart at The Grove held its official ribbon cutting on Feb. 18. The workspace has 10 private offices, two “huddle rooms,” 32 dedicated desks, a co-working lounge, an executive board room, as well as a classroom and other meeting spaces.

A digital media studio will offer light boxes, podcasting mics and mixers, as well as other equipment needed to produce various electronic media.

Those desks, offices and board rooms will soon be mostly filled by small business owners sporting ideas but looking for guidance and hoping to reap the benefits a collaborative setting can provide. Small businesses have a large fail rate within the first two years, but Mitchell says SMARTstart helps develop business ideas and get them to market on more solid footing.

SMARTstart at The Grove is open to anyone, but their business must be based in Pasco County. It is looking for small business owners who are in the start-up phase, or in the first year or two of their business.

Once accepted into the program, you choose your membership level and get access to not just the space — you can rent a private office for $600, or just take a desk in the open area for $100 — but also classes, roundtable

10

SMARTstart program director Dan Mitchell says the space shown in the photo above is where small businesses will have the opportunity to collaborate with other owners, industry experts and mentors as they prepare their businesses for launch. (Photos: John C. Cotey) Since the program’s inception five years discussions, workshops and mentorship. The ago, 82 businesses have started and grown in SMARTstart team will assess the needs of the Pasco EDC’s incubators, including 24 last entrepreneurs, and will connect them with year. The micro loan program has funded 57 industry experts and coaches.

“We ask people when they join, what do companies, for a total of $1.8 million in loans.

So far, the new Wesley Chapel incubayou need?,” Mitchell says. “What is holding you back? Do you need workspace, do you need guidance, do you need to collaborate with other entrepreneurs, do you need funding, do you need education? We offer something in all of those program areas.”

And, Mitchell adds, “If somebody needs all of it, great. They can get all of it.”

SMARTstart is funded by the Penny for Pasco program.

The Wesley Chapel location will be the third EDC incubator in Pasco County, joining the locations in New Port Richey (which focuses on professional services), and the one in Dade City (focused on food innovation).

Those in the SMARTstart program also are eligible for the EDC’s popular “micro loans,” ranging from $30,000-50,000.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

tor has four members, with 30 more on the waiting list. Those who get in are limited to two years in the incubator, after which they must spread their wings and find their own locations.

“This is not your permanent home,” Mitchell says, but in the meantime, members can use the incubator’s address to register their business with the Florida Department of State at Sunbiz.org (found at DOS.MyFlorida. com), use the conference rooms for meetings, focus groups and more. “People come with an idea and, within six months, can get the funding and when they do launch, SMARTstart will hold a ribbon cutting for them.”

Dade City’s Johnathan McKeen-Chaff has taken advantage of multiple SMARTstart programs and he says that, as a result, his music teaching and academic tutoring business is better off for it.

He has added a handful of clients and is now ready to open his first physical location at the KRATE container park at The Grove this summer, where his team will give piano, guitar and drum lessons, as well as supplemental tutoring in math, English and other subjects.

“It was worth every penny and more,” McKeen-Chaff says. “That’s the kind of education I can get behind. Dan Mitchell and everyone there are very good at what they do.”

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

The under-construction SMARTstart crate at The Grove’s KRATE container park be available to small businesses to rent as a pop-up to show or sell their products and services.

McKeen-Chaff, who says his company is a converted shipping container. Members of focused on using technology to improve the the SMARTstart program will be able to rent way people teach and learn, also took advanthe crate as a pop-up to sell their wares, which tage of the EDC’s micro loan program. could be popular with the fledgling food “They taught me how to start a busibusinesses being cultivated at the EDC’s Dade ness, and walked me through everything City incubator.

Pasco County-based businesses I needed to do,” McKeen-Chaff says. “I know I have a better chance (of succeeding) interested in more information or in joining the incubator program can fill just having them on my side.”

McKeen-Chaff will be KRATE neighbors out an application by visiting SMARTstartPasco.com. with SMARTstart, which also will be renting

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

11

Grove Theater Opens, Eager For Hollywood Blockbusters

By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

The Grove Theater, Bistro & Entertainment will have a spin room, children’s room, acting studio, a comedy club and more, but on Feb. 19, it finally opened to do what it was built to do: Show movies.

After more than a year of renovations and redesign, the theater debuted its new reclining leather seats and bistro with a showing of movies like “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Land” and “The Little Things.”

The former Cobb Theater is operating at limited capacity, with only 50 percent seating in checkerboard style, and no one sitting in front of, behind or next to other customers.

Only some of the 12 screens were in use, and some of the showings were sold out.

The selection of movies also is limited, as Hollywood has held back on production and releases due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But, before each movie, trailers were shown for future releases, including likely blockbusters like Marvel’s “Black Widow” (set for release May 7) and “Top Gun: Maverick” (July 2).

The Bistro dining area, which The Grove

12

Moviegoers can grab a chef-created bite to eat and a drink at the Bistro bar at The Grove Theater, or can order from their seats once inside the theater, which currently has limited seating.

A full, premium liquor bar serves Theater management refers to as “upscale,” drinks, and there’s also a sushi bar at the was busy opening weekend, but far from Bistro. In addition, the theater’s main packed. It features a wide menu of dishes, lobby has 45 video arcade games for featuring items like steak, shrimp macaroni pre-movie entertainment. & cheese, fish tacos and bruschetta, with “People are ready to go back to the crème brulée highlighting its desert options. movies and we are proud to be able to The chicken parmesan was the most popular menu item, and all could be ordered at Bistro provide them with a safe environment to enjoy a night out with their friends and tables, as well as for in-movie dining.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

family,” said Matheus Gold, the theater’s VP of operations. “We are operating at 50-percent of capacity with checkerboard seating and sold out several showings our opening weekend. Our Bistro offers new dishes and the feedback we’ve received so far is that we are back better than ever.”

The theater is taking lots of Covid-19 safety precautions, too, with temperature checks at the door and facial coverings required inside. However, with the limited seating, social distancing was easily manageable.

The two-floor, 85,000-sq.-ft. movie theater is being dubbed by developer Mark Gold as the future of how entertainment will be offered to attract families. His plans are for families to come for dinner, leave the kids in a converted-theater Kids Play Place room, and see a movie or comedy show at Side Splitters Comedy Club (which is expected to open this spring), or maybe even take a spin class in one of the converted theaters.

The Grove Theater, Bistro & Entertainment currently is open Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m., and noon-7 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets can be reserved at grovetheater.com.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

13

New Tampa Sweetbay Sold; Is Lotte Market Coming?

By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

The long-dormant Sweetbay Supermarket property, which has been empty since 2013, has a new owner.

And, it appears that New Tampa may soon be home to a new Lotte Plaza Market, a small, Maryland-based ethnic grocery store chain focusing on Asian groceries and goods.

John Neukamm, the attorney for the sellers, KNK Tampa, Ltd., confirmed that the sale was completed on Feb. 1, but would not say what the plans were for the site.

He said a “different type of concept” was likely heading to the space, one that has not been seen locally.

Neukamm said that he had spoken with the North Palms Village Master Association and that they were “very excited” that the sale of the former Sweetbay had been completed.

According to city records, the property, located right across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from the AMC

14

New Tampa could soon be home to a Lotte Plaza Market, which would move into the former Sweetbay Supermarket next to the Home Depot in North Palms Village.

Orlando opened the only other Florida location (above) in 2019 to rave reviews. movie theater and next to Home Depot, was purchased by SW Tampa, LLC, for $7 million.

According to dos.myFlorida. com, also known as Sunbiz, the Florida

Department of State’s online directory of companies in Florida, the owner of SW Tampa, LLC, is Sang Min Lee, who also owns Sungwon Orlando, LLC. And, the only other Lotte Plaza

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Market in Florida is located in Orlando.

Both SW Tampa, LLC (the SW is likely short for Sungwon), and Sungwon Orlando, LLC, are registered at the same address in Jessup, MD, as Sungwon Distributors, LLC, which serves as the headquarters of Lotte Plaza Market.

Marc Bergoffen, the lawyer representing SW Tampa, did not respond to messages. Ross Waters of Atlantic Retail, one of the brokers involved in the sale, declined tocomment.

If a new Lotte Plaza Market does materialize at the old Sweetbay site, it will be the second large ethnic grocery store to open in New Tampa since 2019, joining Taaza Mart, a roughly 17,000-sq.-ft., predominantly Indian grocer located in Tampa Palms.

The potential Lotte Plaza Market location would be more than three times as large as Taaza Mart — at roughly 55,000 sq. ft.

Founded in 1976, Lotte Plaza Market is considered to be one of the premier Asian groceries in Maryland and Virginia, where it has 12 locations. The mini-chain

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

also has one location in New Jersey, and opened the Orlando location on W. Colonial Dr. in February 2019.

Like all Lotte Plaza Markets, the location in Orlando — which moved into a 60,000-sq.-ft. space formerly occupied by a Winn-Dixie supermarket — has a wide choice of Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese food items and ingredients, an impressive selection of meats and fresh fish and a huge variety of fruits and vegetables not found at your regular American grocery stores.

The store has received online praise for its variety and prices.

Although there are no exact plans available for what a New Tampa location might feature, the Orlando store also has a hair salon, bakery and a food court, featuring a handful of Asian restaurants, including Taglish, a Filipino-American concept run by Chef Michael Collantes, who has worked with such notable chefs as Wolfgang Puck.

The nearest location for buying Asian groceries currently is the MD Oriental Market located on E. Fowler Ave., or the A-Green Oriental Market on E. Fletcher Ave., both in the USF area.

If S.R. 56 is now the Restaurant Row of the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas, the BBD corridor from Cross Creek

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Blvd. to Tampa Palms Blvd. might be its supermarket counterpart.

Sprouts Farmers Market, which opened last year, and Aldi, which is under construction and will likely open sometime this year, are within walking distance from the potential Lotte Plaza Market location, and just south of the I-75 interchange, Taaza is located in Market Square at Tampa Palms.

That stretch of stores is bookended by Publix supermarkets in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center and at the New Tampa Center plaza, giving shoppers of all ethnicities five supermarkets within five miles.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

15

16

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

17

Murtha & Murtha Handling Covid Fallout This Tax Season

By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com

Every tax season is different.

Some are busier than others, some are upended by new tax laws or bills, while still others are a mad scramble.

This tax season, however, is almost indescribable, says Patrick Murtha, who along with his father Tom and new partner (but longtime senior accountant) Kyle Flischel run Murtha & Murtha, LLC, in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 (across from Sam’s Club).

Due to Covid-19, nothing about this tax season seems normal, Patrick says. Everyone was impacted, with some people losing their jobs and collecting unemployment, others receiving PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans and many people having to borrow money from their retirement plans in order to survive.

Some people moved away from Florida, but many others moved in. And, not everyone struggled, Patrick says, noting that some clients had their most lucrative years ever in 2020.

Either way, Patrick says 2020 was the year of “major life changes,” and clients

Kyle Flischel (left) and Tom (not pictured) and Patrick Murtha take on every tax problem, big or small, at Murtha & Murtha, LLC. (Photo: Charmaine George) need more help now than they ever have as they navigate through tax season waters that are now murkier than before.

“This has been amazingly busy,” says Patrick. “The average return is a lit-

FREE

tle more complicated, and we have a lot more clients coming in. It’s crazy.”

That means thousands of tax returns between Murtha & Murtha’s two offices (the Murthas recently merged with an-

other office in Zephyrhills, which is now called Henson & Murtha, CPAs.) Luckily for clients new and old, Tom, Patrick and Kyle have more than 60 years of combined experience in handling taxes on behalf of their accounting clients.

Because of Covid-19, the Murthas have adapted to the new reality. They started last year, when Covid hit right at the annual March peak of tax season, and now have a well-oiled virtual online machine to help them assist clients.

“We pivoted pretty quickly,” Patrick says. “Right when Covid hit last year we made that move, making virtual appointments, video calls, phone appointments. We bolstered that a lot more in the offseason.

Now, we’re a full, web-based client center.”

Clients can sign in, upload their tax documents and any other paperwork the Murthas may need to complete their taxes.

“We created a really convenient way for us to work, and for our clients, too,” Patrick says.

He adds that about half of Murtha & Murtha’s clients are handling this tax season online. The other half still prefers to come in to the office, where CDC guidelines are strictly followed. As the pandemic passes, there may be less of a

CURBSIDE PICKUP! SHIPPING! LOCAL DELIVERY!

Where Good Health Hits Home!

Your “Made In America” Store.

AWARD-WINNING!

We exclusively carry SUNMED, awarded Best Tincture, Best Topical, Best Pet Products & Best Cosmetic Skincare! Each product is third-party-tested with easily accessible lab results.

SHOP OUR SELECTION OF:

Oil Tinctures • Water Solubles • Topical Creams • Gel Capsules Edibles • Vape • Raw Hemp • Beauty Products • Pet Treats & more!

Buy 1, Get 1 at 20% OFF Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Some restrictions may apply. Expires 4/30/2021.

$10 OFF Any Purchase

Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Some restrictions may apply. Expires 4/30/2021.

WESLEY CHAPEL

30044 S.R. 54 • Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

813.536.0119

(Located in Freedom Plaza, next to Taco Son)

NEW TAMPA

19651 Bruce B Downs • Tampa, FL 33647

813.994.0599

(Located in the Pebble Creek Collection, behind Kobe Japanese Steak House)

18

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

need for an online exchange of tax forms and paperwork, but the firm plans to keep the online option in their arsenal.

That arsenal is quite full as it is. Murtha & Murtha consults, advises and deals in complicated and intricate tax laws, providing business valuations and due diligence while also running the successful Murtha & Murtha Mergers and Acquisitions, LLC. Tom is fond of saying “we do it all,” which isn’t too far off. And, while taxes are a huge part of what Murtha & Murtha does, Tom says consulting with clients throughout the year is often just as valuable.

A Little Background

Tom Murtha, CPA, earned his B.S. degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, in 1976, and his M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration) degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, in 1981. He has been doing mergers, acquisitions and business valuations since the 1990s.

Patrick, who grew up around tax codes at his father’s business, graduated from the University of South Florida in 2009 with Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in both Finance and Accounting. He joined his father in opening a firm in Tampa in 2010, focusing on mergers and acquisitions.

Meanwhile, Kyle Flischel, CPA, is practically family, having gone to school with Patrick at USF. Murtha & Murtha offers a popular “CFO Retainer Package,” which helps businesses (and those who are self-employed) who might need a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) but who don’t have the budget to hire a full-time manager or accountant for that job.

For a fraction of the cost of a fulltime CFO, the Murthas operate in an advisory position and can handle everything from accounting and bookkeeping to setting up payroll and ensuring that all of a client’s income and expenses are classified correctly.

They also will put together a budget,

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

which Patrick says hardly any other companies do. The Murthas are big on budgeting, which helps their clients make decisions in real time, instead of waiting until the end of the year.

And of course, they will take care of all of your tax preparation and planning.

“The CFO program is growing just as quickly as our tax business is,” Patrick says.

Since starting the CFO program, Patrick says they’ve only lost two clients, but both were due to capital acquisitions.

“In both cases, the companies were successful,” he says.

If using Murtha & Murtha sounds daunting and exorbitantly-priced, the Murthas promise that it’s not. The firm handles just about every kind of client, from rich businessmen to small business owners to regular W-2 workers, and the prices are comparable to other tax firms like H&R Block. And, every client gets the same personal treatment. It is that personal touch that differentiates Murtha & Murtha from others, Patrick says.

While they handle the taxes of some large companies, Patrick says that individual returns account for about two-thirds of Murtha & Murtha’s billings — and that number may be growing this year with the influx of new clients.

During Covid-crazy 2020, Patrick says the firm still grew but not at the rate they originally anticipated. However, he says this year could be record-breaking.

“Whatever we should’ve gotten last year we are getting this year,” Patrick says, “(in addition to) what we would have normally gotten this year. It’s going to be the busiest season we’ve had by an order of magnitude.”

Murtha & Murtha, LLC, is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101. For more info, visit TampaTaxFirm.com or see the ad on pg. 22. To schedule a free consultation, call (813) 991-1120.

Henson & Murtha, CPAs, is located at 5315 8th Ave. in Zephyrhills.

For more info, call (813) 782-0580.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

19

Noire Nail Bar Offers Peaceful Luxury & Safe Services

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Walking into Noire Nail Bar, located just across S.R. 56 from Tampa Premium Outlets (near Mellow Mushroom), you immediately notice the quiet and relaxing ambiance and the lack of bustle. The serene, upscale décor (photo) is impressive.

John Nguyen, who owns Noire Nail Bar with his wife Vanessa, says the salon’s look and feel are intentional to cultivate a calm atmosphere.

“People come here to relax, because it’s very quiet,” John says. “Most salons are noisy and crowded, but Noire is peaceful and still.”

John and Vanessa opened Noire in 2018 and will celebrate three years in business later this year.

He says while Noire had to close temporarily during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic (as did every salon), when it re-opened in May, clients eagerly returned.

“They feel safe here,” he says. “We wear masks, wash our hands and keep our salon nice and clean.”

While cleanliness has always been a priority at Noire Nail Bar, John says the staff is now even more detailed and spends even more time on cleaning and making sure everything is completely sanitized for each client.

To serve clients safely, Noire asks that the following requirements are met: First, always wear a face cover, wash your hands when you arrive, and try to limit touching surfaces or objects as much as possible. They ask that all guests try to schedule their services during low-volume times, such as weekdays, whenever possible, and that you don’t bring any guests with you who are not receiving services. Finally,John says,

20

please do not come in to Noire Nail Bar if you’re not feeling well.

“Especially with Covid, people want to avoid crowds,” John says. “If we get too busy, we ask people to come back at another time.”

Noire encourages appointments to be sure you’re not turned away.

Once you arrive, John says you will always be thrilled with the services you receive, which may include manicures, pedicures, massages, full sets, dipping powder, nail enhancements, eyelash extensions and waxing services for your face and body.

“We have a good team,” says John.

“Our technicians make sure the customers are happy when they leave and they spend time taking care of them.

We never rush.”

Lorraine Wiggins lives in Tampa Palms, where she says, “there’s a nail salon on every corner.”

But, she drives past all of them to get to Noire Nail Bar, often bringing

her mom and/or her daughters along with her. “Noire has more space, and if we come in together, we can be in a little pod together,” Lorraine explains.

She’s referring to Noire Nail Bar’s separate area for pedicures, where chairs are grouped together. So, if you come in with friends or family, you can enjoy conversations with each other and

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

you’re not spread out in a long line of salon chairs facing manicure stations.

This setup allows small groups privacy and intimacy in their time together.

“I loved finding this place,” Lorraine says. “It’s always so clean. I always get good service, and I love it aesthetically. It’s nice that there are separations between the pedicure chairs and the manicure stations.”

Lorraine owns a travel agency and says she has visited many spas all around the world.

“I recognize the level of luxury that’s offered here,” she says. “You can go to any strip mall and find a nail salon, but I come here because of the sense of calm and relaxation.”

She says that Noire’s prices also are comparable, especially because there are different levels of service to fit virtually every budget.

John explains that the range of different services includes everything from basic manicures and pedicures to Noire Nail Bar’s Signature Spa Pedicure and its unique Special Care Spa. John says that the Signature Spa

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Pedicure is the “ultimate treat for your feet,” with a therapeutic lavender rub that exfoliates dry skin while citrus sugar relieves and moisturizes your tired feet. That is followed by an extensive moisturizing lotion massage and a hot towel wrap.

Meeting Your Special Needs

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

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

calluses, extra thick or ingrown toenails — anything that requires extra time, attention or precautions.

There also are additional services offered, such as hot stone and hot candle wax massages and special prices on manicure and pedicure combos. Prince and Princess manicures and pedicures are available for kids ages 12 and under.

And, Noire Nail Bar always offers its clients a glass of wine, soft drink or water with all services.

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

Noire Nail Bar also offers all of its services for birthday parties, bridal showers and other events. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your time and services in a space just for you and your guests.

Noire Nail Bar offers 10% off all services every Monday through Wednesday, if you use the coupon from

the ad on pg. 25 of this issue. A 10% discount also is offered on your birthday, with proper identification proving that it’s your birthday.

Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz, and is open Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun. For appointments or for more information, call (813) 536-0161.

The ad, with coupon for 10% off every Mon.-Wed., is on page 25.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

21

Taylor Gardner Gutters & Exteriors Is A Tribute To A Great Dad

By MIKE CAMUNAS Taylor Gardner never expected to take over the family business, essentially following in his father’s footsteps.

He says he never planned on it, never thought about it — pretty much figured it wasn’t in the cards for him.

“I thought I’d be a career military man,” the former U.S. Marine says. “Now, I can’t see myself anywhere else.”

Taylor Gardner Gutters & Exteriors is the re-branded version of a family business that has been around for 20 years.

Back in 2000, Taylor’s father Ed started Gardner Gutters, a small business in the heart of Lutz, but also servicing communities and residences in the outlying areas such as Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa and at-the-time-fledgling-but-on-the-rise Wesley Chapel.

Ed ran his gutter installation and repair company with poise and charm, honesty and dignity and even a down-to-earth goodness that was evident to every one of his customers, as the small business quickly became a multi-million-dollar operation.

“I don’t know how he did it,” Taylor adds. “He did it all and everyone loved him and always came back to him when they needed new gutters or more work done. It still impresses me to this day.”

Taylor describes his dad as a hard-asnails tough guy, who was always in great shape. Ed was a hard worker and an even nicer fellow, one that just about everyone would approach to chat with at the local grocery store, as his other son (and Taylor’s business partner) Brandon explains.

“He had a great reputation and just a real knack for people liking him,” Brandon says. “I just remember as a kid, going anywhere, and people would always come up to him and just talk to him. There were so many people at his funeral that wanted to say something about how he was such a great guy.”

Tragedy Strikes

As with many self-made-businessman stories, this one also has its tragic side. Not because Gardner Gutters failed financially but because, 12 years ago, Ed Gardner was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

And, as with just about every cancer diagnosis, Ed’s world, and his family’s, was turned upside down. He started the treatments and lifestyle changes immediately.

Taylor returned from his service with the Marines for a time.

“I really thought it was no big deal,” Taylor says, “because prostate cancer runs in our family and both my grandfathers had it and didn’t die from it. Granted, I’ve been tested as much as I can and so have my brothers, but I really thought it was no big 22

Brothers Brandon (left) & Taylor Gardner have re-branded Gardner Gutters (run for 20 years by their late father Ed, right) as Taylor Gardner Gutters. (Left photo: Mike Camunas; edited by NTNN)

deal because I knew my dad and figured he would beat it.”

Well, Ed did, to an extent. For about three years, Ed did all of the usual treatments and was moving along pretty well until 2011, when Taylor had just returned from being deployed in Iraq, and was told Ed had only three to nine months to live.

At that time, Ed was told he was beyond Stage 4 cancer — “a dead man walking” is what Taylor said the doctors told his dad — and it was time to say his goodbyes to his family members.

However, Ed being Ed, he wasn’t about to quit. He moved away from traditional treatments and started trying holistic methods, including diets and different supplements and, miraculously, he lived for another 10 years.

“Those things (treatments), they’ll make you look like you’re wacky, but he lived another decade after a death sentence,” Taylor says. “So, it’s hard to argue with (those results).”

Even so, Ed did pass away in August.

The holistic treatments, however, were not cheap. They drained Ed of a lot of what he made building up Gardner Gutters. He did still run it, with help from his family, because he could be gone for weeks at a time getting some “controversial” treatment in Mexico.

The business took a back seat to Ed’s survival. He worked hard to keep it alive, with help from Taylor.

Taylor had been around the business most of his childhood, even helping out as “free labor” as a teenager and such, until joining the Marines, which included that

deployment in Iraq. But, he always found himself returning home.

In 2015, Ed’s health deteriorated even more and once his uncle Rusty, who had been helping run it, retired, Taylor began taking over the business.

In 2018 the transition from Ed to Taylor began, but it was 2019 when they re-branded it Taylor Gardner Gutters, for liability reasons, from the original Gardner Gutters, even though Taylor and his crew were doing the same work, for basically the same customers, as Ed. “Just like dad, we don’t talk to customers like customers here,” Taylor says. “We talk to them like we know them personally because we usually do, so we take pride in that’s how dad did it and that’s how we plan to continue to do it.”

Never Forgotten

In addition to custom gutter instal-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

lations and repairs, Taylor Gardner Gutters also provides gutter cleaning and leaf protection, pressure washing services, screen enclosure installations, soffit and fascia repairs and window replacements and is proud to be veteran-owned-and-operated.

As partners in the business, Taylor handles sales and the day-to-day operations behind the scenes and off-site. Brandon is the project and sites manager, usually checking on the work about to be done, being done or that has been done, up to a couple of times a day.

“And, I’m just fine with that,” says Taylor, who has a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, which he earned after completing his military service.

“I help clean out gutters in a pinch, but my days of climbing on roofs are over,” Taylor says. “Brandon is the real gutter installation expert, where he can eyeball a house from the road while driving by and tell it was done all wrong (laughs).”

Meanwhile, Brandon says he’s revelling in the fact that the Gardner boys have truly come full circle.

“It’s a great sense of pride now taking on the family business after dad is gone,” Brandon says, “and it’s neat for me

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

No home is too big or too small for the professionals at Taylor Gardner Gutters.

When you need exterior services, from gutter cleaning and installation to pressure washing & more, give them a call!

(Photo from TaylorGardnerGutters.com)

because I was helping at the start of it and now I’m back here, getting it back up to what it used to be.”

Ed’s fingerprints will forever be on the business he started when his sons were just boys. He taught them not only how to install gutters, but also how to treat the customers. As Taylor and Brandon move forward in growing the business back to its previous level, they

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

are adding more crews, new equipment and maybe even a new office.

Brandon says the business is primarily focused on installing gutters — which divert rainwater rolling off your roof from accumulating next to your home’s foundation and damaging it — as well as gutter repairs and installing outdoor screen enclosures.

And, Taylor says he takes to heart all that he either directly or indirectly learned watching his father become a local celebrity business owner, one who will always be sorely missed by his family and his extended family members — the customers he treated with respect and kindness until his last day.

“Anyone can learn to install gutters,” Taylor says. “What my dad taught me was how to treat people. That was the biggest thing. I think when I was younger, I would listen to my dad talk to people and when someone would yell at him, my dad would still be nice to them. As a testosterone-filled kid, I would wonder, ‘How can you take that from anyone?’ But now, I get it.”

Taylor Gardner Gutters & Exteriors is located at 19007 North U.S. Hwy. 41 in Lutz. Its business hours are MondayFriday, 7:30 am.-5:30 p.m. For more information, call (813) 486-2730, visit TaylorGardnerGutters.com or see the ad on page 37 of this issue.

SPOTLIGHT ON: AmSkills!

Unlike so many industries hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, the manufacturing industry in the Tampa Bay area is stronger than ever, and is struggling to fill well-paying job vacancies all over the Tampa Bay region.

Which is why a group of Tampa Bay manufacturers, in partnership with AmSkills and Tampa Bay Works, have created free, two-week manufacturing bootcamps for anyone interested in finding a new career in the manufacturing industry.

The AmSkills program is a two-step process leading to guaranteed job interviews with multiple employers. The first step is to attend a one-day workshop where participants work together as a team to build a hands-on project, while also learning about the many exciting career opportunities in the manufacturing industry in Tampa Bay. After completing the one-day workshop, participants may be invited to participate in the AmSkills Career Discovery Bootcamp for two weeks, which also is FREE. The bootcamps (which are held every 4-6 weeks at different locations around the Tampa Bay area) consist of multiple hands-on projects, blueprint and measurement reading, intro to soldering, attending tours of local manufacturers and obtaining an OSHA Safety Certificate. During the program, participants also will receive guidance about how to prepare for a job interview. All participants who successfully complete the bootcamp will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be guaranteed a job interview on their last day.

“Most people do not realize that Tampa Bay has the largest concentration of manufacturers in the State of Florida,” says Tom Mudano, the CEO of AmSkills. “Our mission is to transform lives through workforce training and apprenticeships and it is very rewarding to see this vision help so many people.” To learn more or to register, visit AmSkills.org, call (727) 301-1282 or see the ad on pg. 10. Space is limited, so please register today.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

23

Despite Covid, Berkshire Hathaway Flourishes In Hot Market

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN While 2020 was a difficult year for many industries, real estate in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa areas experienced an unexpected boom that is continuing to flourish.

Nearly a year ago, as Florida shut down non-essential businesses, the then-80 agents of the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel (located east of I-75 on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel), and Zephyrhills offices of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group, left work and headed for their own homes.

“We were bracing for a downturn,” says Veronica Davidson, market president and managing Broker, explaining that the company acted quickly to set up video conferences and provide resources to its agents, such as prospecting tools. “But the opposite happened. Who would have thought it?”

In fact, the company has since grown to 115 agents.

While some of the new agents have come from other professions, Veronica says most are from other brokerages.

“They are looking for more support,” she says, “and we provide that.”

The local Berkshire Hathaway office’s success can be measured in dollars, too. Veronica says that last year was record-breaking, with $23 million in sales closed in December 2020 alone — an increase of about $10 million over 2019.

“It’s wild,” Veronica says. “Most people’s homes are selling for at least 100% of the list price — or higher —within hours.”

She says that local inventory is incredibly low, with less than one month of supply available.

With 16 years of selling real estate under her belt before she took on her current role in 2019, Veronica remembers the last time real estate was this hot.

However, she says she does not expect this bubble to burst.

“It’s different because it’s people

24

coming from out of state or wanting more space because they’re spending so much time in their homes,” she explains.

“These are real people looking to move into the homes, not investors (like when the last bubble burst in 2008).”

She says the mortgage side is different, too, with more regulations than in 2008.

With interest rates low, it’s a great time to buy, and there are a lot of buyers out there.

“Some of our agents are getting really creative to get an offer accepted,” says Veronica, noting that she’s been impressed with her agents’ tactics and the way they are working for their clients. “Buyers want the homes so bad and competition is so crazy.”

Veronica hopes to see the market balance out, which she expects will happen if more inventory were to become available. “More people selling will level out the demand,” she explains.

In fact, this is a crucial opportunity for people who may have experienced a job loss because of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Most people have equity in their homes right now,” she explains. “Don’t let your home go into foreclosure if you’ve lost your job.”

Anyone with questions about the amount of equity they have in their home can call the agents at her office, who can help you understand your options for selling your home, and what it might be worth.

“Our agents have the experience in this incredibly competitive market to help market your home and get the highest price,” she explains. “And, for buyers, we can help you get your offers accepted.”

Alison Ward now lives in Country Walk in Wesley Chapel. When she previously lived in Meadow Pointe, she wanted to downsize, so she reached out to a friend of a friend to help her sell her current home and buy a new one.

That acquaintance was Kendra Wilson, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway, and Alison says working with her was an

incredible experience.

“She came in and told me everything I needed to do to pretty my house up to sell it,” Alison explains. “When we went live, I had three or four offers within a day or two, then closed just a few weeks later.”

Alison appreciated how prepared Kendra was, understanding the market, and backed with research.

“She was knowledgeable,” says Alison. “She was also easy to contact, always available, and made me feel like no question was dumb.”

Alison says a house in her former neighborhood had the same layout as hers and had been As market president and managing Broker for the New on the market a few months Tampa/Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills offices of Berkshire when she listed her home.

Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group on “I was in and out in a week S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel, Veronica Davidson leads 115 and they were still on the maragents to serve all of your real estate needs. ket,” Alison says. “It could have the wall sand how the home smells.” been any number of reasons why that home She adds that Kendra made the prodidn’t sell, but I think mine did because cess incredibly easy.

I listened to Kendra’s advice, even about “I was super stressed, and she helped things like if there are too many pictures on with every facet, from financing to finding

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Serving The Community

people to do work around the house, such as flooring,” said Alison. “She was able to provide resources to get done what we needed to get done.”

Name Recognition

If the name Berkshire Hathaway seems familiar beyond the real estate business, it’s because it is derived from the holding company Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., which is chaired by billionaire financier and company CEO Warren Buffett.

The local Berkshire Hathaway office is part of HomeServices of America, Inc., which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. In fact, what is now called Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group was originally founded in 1959 as Tropical Realty. Dewey Mitchell and Allen Crumbley acquired the business in 1984, then aligned with the Prudential Real Estate Network in 1988.

In 2012, Berkshire Hathaway purchased that group, including the local Prudential Tropical Realty office on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) at S.R. 56.

The current Berkshire Hathaway office opened in March of 2018.

The New Tampa/Wesley Chapel office is one of 20 offices under the Florida Properties Group umbrella. Veronica says

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group makes it a priority to serve the community. At this year’s “Be The Sunshine” event, agents supported The Thomas Promise Foundation, creating and stuffing backpacks with nonperishable food and school supplies for Pasco County children. (Photo provided by BHHS FPG)

the agents are committed to an exceptional culture, where they practice the company’s mission statement of teamwork, integrity, passion and excellence.

They know the area and the market, and Veronica says all of her agents share sincerity and a true desire to help people.

They do so using all of the resources of their global company.

“We are solution providers for all of people’s real estate needs,” Veronica explains, “including every aspect of property management, commercial real estate, insurance and title.”

The agents of the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel Berkshire Hathaway office also are committed to serving the community around them. They hold a food and toy drive for Metropolitan Ministries during the holiday season, which collected more than 7,000 pounds of food last year, and they also support the Berkshire Hathaway Florida Property Group charity, called Sunshine Kids, which gives children who have terminal diseases a week in Orlando to go to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

At the office’s annual “Be The Sunshine” event, agents take the day off to serve a charitable organization. This year, the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel agents chose to support the Thomas Promise Foundation in Zephyrhills, creating and stuffing bags with nonperishable food and school supplies for Pasco County children in late February.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group is located at 26771 S.R. 56, in the same shopping plaza as Buffalo Wild Wings. For more info, visit BHHSFloridaProperties.com, call (813) 907-8200, or see the ad on page 31 of this issue. To browse properties available for rent or learn about property management services, visit the Berkshire Hathaway online portal at RentAHomeWithUs.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

25

Palms Pharmacy Adds Covid Testing; Vaccines Next

By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Stepping into the Palms Pharmacy in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, just south of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. exit off I-75, you immediately see that it’s not your typical pharmacy.

Patients are often greeted by name, which has been the standard for the nearly five years since Palms Pharmacy first opened, and there’s usually little to no wait time to get prescriptions filled.

Members of the pharmacy staff — which has grown to eight employees, including the ever-smiling boss, Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Shahida Choudhry — run prescriptions out to customers who have chosen curbside service, the number of which has grown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, the pharmacy is currently administering curbside Covid-19 rapid tests and antibody tests. Because Palms Pharmacy is unable to bill medical insurance, patients have to pay for the tests out of pocket, then request reimbursement from their insurance company.

“But, there’s no waiting in line for four hours,” Dr. Choudhry says, and she and her staff provide all of the necessary information for you to easily submit a claim to your insurance company to be reimbursed.

And soon, Palms Pharmacy expects to begin administering the Covid-19 vaccine, as early as later this month.

To schedule an appointment or find out how to get on the interest list for a Covid-19 vaccine, please use the pharmacy’s secure text-only line to text the pharmacy staff at (727) 513-3210.

For those venturing inside, you

26

Members of the professional team at Palms Pharmacy include (l.-r.) Doctor of Pharmacy Shahida Choudhry, compounding pharmacist Jake Johnson, pharmacy clerk Alexandra Garcia-Rubio and senior technician Naivis Valdez. (Photo: John C. Cotey)

might be surprised by the store’s fresh new look.

Glass shelves now show off niche products, such as locally grown honey from Pinellas County, Zumbar and Old Whaling Co. soaps, shower steamers and more, and fun snacks such as TeaPops and Fatty Sundays chocolate-covered pretzels. There’s even cool Lovepop pop-up greeting cards.

Dr. Choudhry says the dramatic change in the pharmacy’s storefront can be attributed to a chance encounter on Instagram with Marcus Lemonis, the famous multimillionaire businessman and star of CNBC’s most popular reality television show, “The Profit.”

She says she was following the reality star’s Instagram Live one night with thousands of others, when Lemonis somehow noticed @PalmsPharmacy was watching, and called on Dr. Choudhry to share about her business. That was followed up with a separate Instagram

Live session, where she was a featured guest to discuss her pharmacy with Lemonis, who assigned her homework and gave her tasks to help her improve her business.

She says Lemonis has assigned her a mentor that she checks in with quarterly.

She’s also applied to be a guest on his hit TV show. “I learn a lot from him,” Dr. Choudhry says, “because he’s a business guy and I’m a pharmacist running a business.”

She says the pandemic caused Palms Pharmacy to have to pivot and get creative to keep its doors open. Back when hand sanitizer was hard to come by, the compounding pharmacist on her staff began making it. They would sell it to the store’s customers, but also donated quite a bit of it to first responders in the community.

Palms Pharmacy also found ways to both sell and donate personal protective equipment (or “PPE”) when it was hard to come by.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Throughout the pandemic, the pharmacy has stocked up on new essentials, such as disposable masks, anti-fogger spray for glasses, KN95 masks, and a spray to sanitize your reusable masks.

But, it’s not just those essentials that make a trip to Palms Pharmacy so worthwhile for its patients.

“We’re trying to make your pharmacy experience different,” Choudhry says.

“It’s more concierge and boutique-like.”

She also says she adds one new product a week, plus you can still get all of the products you would expect to find and have been purchasing since the pharmacy first opened.

“We’ve expanded our line of Ortho Molecular specialty vitamins, for example,” she says, “and added more fun colors and patterns in our compression stockings.”

And, Palms Pharmacy will celebrate its fifth anniversary in Tampa Palms on April 15.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Dr. Choudhry opened the pharmacy in 2016, after 10 years as the pharmacist at the Publix in Tampa Palms.

She loved her job and her customers, but her search for a better balance of her work and home life, where she had two small children, led her to starting her own business.

She received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree Thanks to some tips from multimillionaire businessman Marcus Lemonis (photo on previous page), the inside of Palms Pharmacy has a more in Pharmacy, then open, comfortable look, with glass shelving and better placement of the went on to receive store’s ever-expanding product lines. her Pharm.D. degree Choudhry told Dwinell she could get in 2001, both from the test for her and saved her the trip.

Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. “It was no big deal,” Dwinell says.

“She ordered it and I got it right there, Customer Service The Key five minutes from my home. They’re Palms Pharmacy has found success by offering exceptional customer service, phenomenal.”

Not only that, but Dwinell adds that above and beyond what you would typithe staff is incredibly proactive, such as cally expect from a pharmacy. suggesting a high-quality prescription For example, the staff thrives on multivitamin that is completely covered helping patients with especially compliby her insurance, saving her from having cated health or insurance issues, which to pay for over-the-counter vitamins. are becoming more and more common This willingness to go above and these days. Dr. Choudhry says that when beyond is what makes Palms Pharmacy insurance companies decline to cover a stand out to its customers, and keep patient’s medications, that’s when she people like Dwinell coming back. picks up the phone.

In fact, she says most people don’t “I know the doctors and the medthink of going to the pharmacy as someical assistants,” she says. “I work with thing to look forward to, but between them to get their patients what they the products she enjoys shopping for — need, usually within the same day.” such as the boutique-type gift items in This is in huge contrast to other the store like bees wax candles, soaps and pharmacies, especially the chains, which body lotions and even fancy teas — and may take 7-10 days to come up with a being greeted as a friend, she does. solution when an insurance company “Because I have so many allergies and won’t cover a particular medication.

That’s why Sandra Dwinell, a Tampa health issues, I need someone who knows me,” Dwinell says. “They know my health Palms resident, was overjoyed when she found out that her long-term pharmacist issues and are interested in me and what’s going on with me and my medications. It’s at Publix had opened her own business.

Being that she and her husband like a partnership. They’re not treating (me both have chronic health issues, her like) a random number.” pharmacy experience is extremely imPalms Pharmacy is located at portant to her.

17008 Palm Pointe Dr., Tampa, and “I was almost in tears, I was so is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 happy to find them,” Dwinell says. “I p.m. For more info, call (813) 252immediately moved all of our medica9063, text Palm Pharmacy’s secure tions over.” text-only line at (727) 513-3210, see Dwinell adds that she has learned the ad on pg. 33 of this issue or visit to always double-check what she’s been ThePalmsPharmacy.com. told by doctors with Palms Pharmacy.

Follow Palms Pharmacy on For example, when an allergist in ZephInstagram and/or Facebook for yrhills told her she had to go to a specific announcements as to when the pharmacy in Zephyrhills for a test, Dr. Covid-19 vaccine will be available.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

27

First SVB Open Is A Big Hit!

Nick Bollettieri offers instruction during some of the tennis played Feb. 11-14 at the first SVB Open at the Sarah Van De Berg Tennis Center in Zephryhills. (Photo: David Alvarez)

By JOHN C. COTEY

john@ntneighborhoodnews.com Matthew Segura and Anastasia Nefedova waited out the rain and took home the men’s and women’s singles titles at the first SVB Open, held Feb. 11-14 at the new Sarah Van De Berg tennis center in nearby Zephyrhills.

The event featured $10,000 in total prize money and was sponsored by the Celsius Tennis Academy in Sarasota and world-famous tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who was on hand and provided some tips and instruction for those who attended.

The event was the first of many Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) and Internationals Tennis Federation (ITF) events hoped for in 2021 at SVB, which opened in 2020.

Segura, the great-nephew of Tennis Hall of Fame legend Pancho Segura and the Open’s top seed, had to survive three-set matches in the first two rounds before taking out Benjamin Kittay, who only lost six total games on his way to the final of the 64-player field.

“He was hurting me a lot with his serve and volley; he started out pretty crisp and sharp,” said Segura. “But then, in the second set, I was starting to find my game and figure him out. All around, I had a great time.”

Nefedova, 22, and ranked No. 532 in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), steamrolled Sarasota teenager Sofia Rojas 6-3, 6-0 in the women’s final.

“I felt good, I was just trying to work on my game throughout the tournament,” said Nefedova. “It feels pretty good getting the win.”

28

Matthew Segura was the SVB Open’s men’s winner, while (below) women’s winner Anastasia Nefedova (left) and runner-up Sofia Rojas show off their prizes.

(Player photos: Charmaine George)

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

29

30

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

31

Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. — Legit Bagels, Delicious Coffee & More

By Gary Nager

As a native New Yorker raised on bagels and lox (aka smoked salmon) and bacon, egg and cheese bagel sandwiches, but who has been living on the west coast of Florida since 1993, one of the hardest things for me to find in our area has been true, New York-style kettle-boiled-thenbaked bagels that tasted anything like those I had been enjoying since I was a child.

Yes, there is a place in North Tampa, another in Clearwater and one in Brandon, but until recently, no such “legit” bagel place has existed in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel.

Daniel Kurland is a New Jersey native who first moved to the east coast of Florida and was living in Vero Beach when he first tried a Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. bagel.

“I grew up on bagels,” Daniel says. “Every town in New Jersey had a couple of bagel places. But, when I moved to Florida, it was hard to find good bagels.”

Daniel says he was a steady customer of the Vero Beach Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. before he moved to near Wesley Chapel three years ago and says, “I was shocked by the lack of not only good bagel places, but of breakfast places in general. Not even a Denny’s or an IHOP.” So, Daniel, who has had many previous careers, including a “dot com” business that he sold. He owned and operated a bar in Ft. Lauderdale before moving to Vero.

“Owning a bar, I liked being part of the community and I was looking for that feel again,” he says, when he found what he believed to be a perfect location for a Brooklyn Water Bagel Co., on S.R. 54, just west of I-75, in an existing strip center at the front of devel-

32

oper Mark Gold’s fast-developing Grove property.

OK, Let’s Talk Food!

Daniel says that the thing he first liked about Brooklyn water Bagel Co. was the fact that just about everything is made in-house, using water that is “Brooklynized” right in the store.

“We use the water to not only make the bagels, but also our coffee (more on that below) and our desserts (ditto),” he says. “I really think it makes a difference,” and the location’s growing roster of regular customers seems to agree with him.

“Our most popular ‘regular flavors’ of bagels are probably the everything and plain,” he says. “If we ever run out of those, we might as well close our doors.”

And, while my personal favorite Brooklyn Water Bagels are the Black Russian (pumpernickel) with (sesame) seeds and the white sesame and poppy seed varieties, Daniel says that there are a few other flavors he can rotate in and out.

For example, although he always has cinnamon raisin bagels in his bagel bins (top right photo), he recently has been selling cinnamon crunch bagels that are proving to be pretty popular, and others like blueberry and egg that can be rotated into the selection. “We’ll even do an olive cream cheese in the spring.”

My favorites at Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. are the “Williamsburg,” with authentic Nova Scotia-style smoked salmon, cream cheese and tomato (I hold the onion it comes with) or a bacon, egg & cheese on a double-toasted bagel. But, Daniel says the “not-spicy” chorizo sausage sandwich shown above left is among his favorites, as are the made-to-your specifications fluffy omelettes next to the chorizo sandwich above. Photographer Charmaine George added spinach, mushrooms and bacon to

that omelette, which was served with two crispy hash brown “cakes.”

Also available are the “Brooklyn,” with bacon, sausage and ham, eggs and cheese, and the “Jersey Boy,” with Taylor ham, eggs and cheese.

There’s also a “Greenpoint” with scrambled egg whites, spinach, mushroom and Swiss on a scooped, toasted whole wheat bagel. You can even get fresh avocado on a bagel.

Lunch, Coffee & Dessert!

The lunch menu is limited to tasty NYstyle basics — a corned beef Reuben (with sauerkraut, Swiss and 1000 Island or spicy mustard on rye), a turkey or pastrami Reuben (with the same toppings) called “Rachel,” and tuna and chicken salad melts. I have tried all but the chicken salad and so far, so delicious.

I’ve also made my own sandwich from the Brooklyn Sandwich Board with corned beef and pastrami, although there’s also house-roasted

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

chicken and even whitefish salad. Charmaine also enjoyed the roasted chicken, bacon & avocado wrap above.

Don’t miss the beverages, either. I’m kind of addicted to the Brooklyn Infusion coffee, flavored with vanilla, caramel and Kahlua, although there also are dark and medium roasts, as well as decaf and pumpkin spice varieties. The

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

same flavors are available cold, too, as iced coffee “Cubstas,” and there’s also CinnaBuzz coffee with extra caffeine. There’s even actual coffee-flavored ice cubes at the coffee bar and fans of authentic egg creams will find New York’s beloved Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup and soda fountain seltzer.

The decadent dessert options (right) include legit black-&-white and chewy chocolate chunk cookies, plus house-baked muffins, in flavors like cookies & cream (right) and a mixed-nut “stud muffin.” Daniel says the only dessert items not baked inhouse are the variety of different rugelach, a rolled Jewish-origin pastry available in chocolate, cinnamon, apricot and other flavors.

Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. is located at 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54), Suite 101 (next to the new King of the Coop chicken). It is open every day, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. To place an order or for more information, call (813) 775-2275, visit BrooklynWaterBagel. com or see the ad on pg. 34 of this issue.

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

33

Whether You Crave Italian Or American Food, Try Frammi!

By Gary Nager

If your family can’t always agree about what type of food to eat — you want delicious lasagne but your kids are asking for great cheeseburgers — you can both find plenty of favorites at the all-new Frammi American Grille and Italian Food, located in the space previously occupied by the popular Oakley’s Grille on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in North Palms Village.

The restaurant has been owned by Luca and Erika Ammirati since August of 2018, but they kept the name as Oakley’s Grille until about a month ago, and they kept the menu virtually the same, with Luca adding some of his authentic Italian specialties a little at a time.

But, considering that Luca is from Napoli (Naples) in southern Italy and Erika is from a small town outside of Milano (Milan) in northern Italy, the two have a vast wealth of Italian dishes that they love sharing with hungry diners in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and beyond.

When they were formulating the menu for Frammi, Luca says he and Erika wanted to keep as much of the all-American Oakley’s menu while incorporating an equally extensive selection of truly authentic Italian favorites. To that end, the Frammi menu is American on one side, but flip it over, and you’ll find Italian specialties on the other side.

“There are plenty of places in the New

Tampa area serving American food and some serving Italian,” Luca says with his charming accent, “but we wanted to be the only restaurant in the area specializing in both.”

Great Grilled Specialties

Yes, Frammi still has those delicious Oakley’s hamburgers (with a dozen different options, including the popular ghost pepper burger and the bacon, egg & cheeseburger shown below), “Kars Katch” fried tilapia tenders, Philly cheesesteak and chicken Philly sandwiches, beef, chicken and fish fajitas and some of the best fries in the area.

But, Luca and Erika also have added sandwiches with Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, like the pastrami & swiss sandwich on marble rye bread shown on the next page, as well as a great corned beef Reuben.

And, although it’s not shown on these pages, the fried chicken sandwich also is excellent and is one of a half-dozen chicken sandwich choices, including my favorite, the unique Cajun chicken Cordon Bleu, topped with hot capicola ham and melted Swiss.

The Ammiratis’ Italian influence also is evident in the variety of hot pressed sandwiches, including the spicy Italian and Uncle Muzzie’s mufaletta.

Now, That’s Italian!

But, to be honest, I was much more

(Above, l.-r.) Travis Younger, Rachell Reed, Ciara Weiss and Erika, Francesco & Luca Ammirati invite you to check out Frammi, New Tampa’s only restaurant serving both great American and Italian cuisine. (Photos on both pages by Charmaine George & Gary Nager) garlic, anchovies, tomato sauce and capers). interested in Frammi’s all-new Italian side of the menu, especially the incredible variety of But, my favorites are the truly aupasta dishes. thentic meat lasagne (right), made with There are favorites like pomodoro (fresh creamy bechamel sauce (instead of the more tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese and basil), Americanized ricotta cheese), the perfect two different ragus (not to be confused with pesto (which sticks to the pasta better than the jarred sauce) — one with black angus beef at most places) and especially, the vongole (aka Bolognese) and an incredible ragu di sal(tiny, fresh clams in their shells, made with diced tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, white siccia, with fresh Italian sausage. Luca says his favorite is the spicy pasta arrabbiata and there’s wine, garlic and red chili pepper flakes).

Luca originally introduced me to his also a puttanesca (with black and green olives,

(Above) Frammi’s prosciutto & mozzarella comes with homemade bread.

(Right) Frammi’s bacon, egg & cheese burger is one of our editor’s new favorites. (Far right) If you’ve never had authentic fried Italian-style meatballs, you have to try them at Frammi.

34

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Among the can’t-miss new menu items at Frammi are the Boar’s Head pastrami sandwich (top left), and the authentic Italian dishes like Luca’s outstanding linguine with clams (top & center right), meat lasagne (above left), and Erika’s tiramisu (below right). authentic fried meatballs more than a year ago, as he says in southern Italy, they don’t serve the meatballs in sauce, they’re served with a side of fresh tomato dipping sauce and garlic bread. Other Italian specialties include a chunky bruschetta appetizer, an antipasto Italiano with prosciutto, mortadella (also ham), salami, Parmesan cheese and house-baked bread, a “secondo platto” (second dish) of prosciutto e mozzarella (also with house-baked bread), a fried chicken “cotoletta” (served with fries), an eggplant (melanzana) parmigiana so popular it sells out all the time, plus fried calamari and several others.

There’s also a variety of freshly made salads and a reasonably priced kids’ menu, with everything from fish sticks to cheeseburgers and more — all from $3.49-$6.99.

“Please be patient,” Luca says. “We

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

are not serving fast food here. Everything is made to order — including Erika’s homemade tiramisu (above).”

And, everything I’ve sampled to date has been outstanding. I can’t wait to try more — and neither should you!

Frammi (17631 BBD Blvd.) is open every day, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and offers delivery with Doordash, Mobile Meals & Uber Eats. For more info, call (813) 523-5075 or see the ad on pg. 38.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

35

New Tampa & Wesley Chapel HOME IMPROVEMENT

TOM JOSEPH HANDYMAN: FREE ESTIMATES! Serving residents, Realtors & property mgrs. 30+ yrs home construction exp. Move in/out setups & repairs.

Repairs for sale/rent. Hang flatscreen TVs. Setup wifi & home theater. Install closet organizers. Cabinets, pullouts, shelving. Gen’l carpentry. Crown molding. Kitchen backsplash. Door install/repair & more! Call 813-751-4998 or email JosephHomesllc@outlook.com AMBLER ENTERPRISES Home Improvement. Call James at 813-385-6402. 30 Years of exp. Specialist in Kitchens & Bathrooms. Referrals upon request. All interior work: Drywall, Texture Paining, Doors, etc. Use us once & you won’t need to look elsewhere. Google us to see pictures: Wesley Chapel Ambler Enterprises.

See our display ad at the bottom of this page!

JUNK HAULING SERVICE! • We handle all types of furniture removal — bedroom sets, chairs, mattresses & box springs • Hot water heaters & hot tubs — take apart & remove • Construction material • Carpet removal • Estate, eviction, yard, garage & attic clean-outs • Office, home & factory • Comm’l/resdt’l. GorillaJunkremovalExperts.com. For appts/info, call/text Nigel @ 888-346-5865.

WESLEYCHAPELPRESSUREWASHING.COM Soft pressure ext. house cleaning, screen enclosures, pool decks, driveways, sidewalks, fences, roofs, paver sealing & deck staining. We clean everything. No job too big/small.

Exp. the difference when you hire a pressure cleaning pro. Licensed & insured. Owner operated. Call for a free estimate or visit our website. 813-433-6015.

RAYMOND PAINTING. Ext. & Int. Svcs. Exterior: Painting, pressure washing, clean & seal pavers, stucco, roofing, leaks & wood rot repair. Interior: Painting, plastering, ceiling & wall repairs & tiles. Licensed & Bonded.

References available. Free estimates. Your Neighborhood Arbor Greene Resident! We work 7 days. Call 813-994-5124.

CHARLES POPPE ELECTRIC. Electric of all kinds: pools, spas, svc changes, new circuits, low-voltage, repairs, upgrades, changes to existing, troubleshoot’g, GFCI performance testing, generators. We are experts w/40+ years exp. Discount of 50% off labor for senior citizens! Lic’d & Insured Master Electrician (EC 13002399) - free phone estimates. Call 813-477-9068.

MILLENNIUM HOME REPAIR. Prof’l Handyman.

Cabinet install., dry wall repair, tile install. & repair, some plumbing, laminate flooring, light fixtures, int. painting, appliance install., pressure washing, paneling, window repair, awning install., carpentry, garbage disposal, fence repair, crown molding, window blinds, seal baths & showers, TV mounting & more. Call 813-400-1408 or email TycoonUnion@yahoo.com.

Classifieds

HOME HEALTH CARE

SENIOR OVERNIGHT COMPANION SITTERS Two kind senior sisters seeking work safeguarding your loved one during the overnight hours. We’ve been working w/the senior population for 10 years & have seen a need for local, English-speaking, backgroundchecked, Covid-tested, dependable companions w/ their own transportation. Very reasonable rates. Call Diane or Elisa at 813-938-8614.

CNA/HHA available to do private duty care in your home. 30 years of exp. Will attend to all of your daily needs. References upon request. Call Rhonda at 850-586-1868.

MISCELLANEOUS

GET $500 TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS... when you buy a NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME with Florida Homes with Geri at Epperson OR Mirada. Schedule a PRIVATE TOUR of both Communities by a Resident Realtor. Join @LifeAtTheLagoon with @RealtorGeri Call/Text 813-609-0966. Connect with me on Instagram & Facebook.

CLEANING SERVICES

A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. House & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. Family-Owned & Operated. Wesley Chapel Resident. Weekly / Bi-Weekly / Deep Cleaning/ Move-In / Move-Out. Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa. Call today for a FREE No-Obligation Quote: 813-462-1270.

Local references supplied upon request.

CLEAN-IT RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEANING: Following all CDC Guidelines, 18 years cleaning in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Licensed & Insured. Call 813.505.0431, email cleanitmc@gmail.com or see our display ad on page 41!.

B CLEANING SERVICES: Over 18 years experience!

Commercial and Residential; Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly; New house and post-construction clean-up; Window cleaning; Move-in or move-out cleanings; Pressure washing; FREE estimates; References available. Call today: 813531-0154 or e-mail: bcleanings@hotmail.com D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies & more than 400 clients in New Tampa!

For more information, call 813-758-9710 or see

TREE SERVICE

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

24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

LAWN & LANDSCAPING

_

ALL DIMENSIONS LANDSCAPE & EXTERIORS, LLC. Complete residential & commercial landscape, hardscape & softscape. Mulch & decorative stone.

Patios, decks, retaining walls, property maintenance & lawn care. Sod & lawn installation, artificial turf, fencing, railings, soft & hard pressure washing, painting. We do anything exterior. Call (724) 541-2535 or (813) 485-6661 for a 25% discount on labor & materials.

NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repairs, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available. Licensed & Insured. CALL BILL @ (813) 973-3825.

A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service. Licensed & insured, serving the Tampa Bay area over 20 years.

Family owned & operated. Quality work at affordable prices. We provide gutter clean-out, screen repair, pressure washing & sprinkler repair. Landscaping & property maintenance including: sod, tree & hedge trimming & clean ups. Other services are available.

CALL 813-907-LAWN (5296).

Jasmine Landscaping, Inc. Complete lawn maintenance: Tree, palm & hedge trimming, planting, mulching, stones, sod replacement. Gutter cleaning, leaf removal & more. Cited by your HOA? Ask about our HOA Compliance Special, our Fall/Spring Special & FREE ESTIMATE! Licensed & insured. Accepting new residential & commercial accounts. We accept Visa, MC, PayPal, Zelle, AmExp. Call or text 813420-4465. Now hiring full-time workers.

HEAVY HITTER LAWN CARE: Veteran owned & operated lawn care maintenance service, focused on lawn mowing, trimming, edging and blowing (flexible with extra services). Well maintained & professional laborer ensuring customer satisfaction & on-time cuts.

Rain or shine, the quality & schedule will be kept.

Licensed & Insured. Call or text 678-673-7856 for your FREE ESTIMATE.

COMPUTER/BUSINESS SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT in your home or small business. A+, Certified computer tech w/20 years exp. Maintenance & Repairs, Upgrades & Tutoring. More affordable than large chains! Friendly, personalized service. Technical jargon explained. Remote assistance avail. References avail. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate or see our ad on pg. 37.

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

POOL SERVICES

ALLSTARPOOLSOFTAMPABAY.COM. Pool cleanups, & acid washing of old pool finishes. Marcite, quartz & pebble finishes from $3K. We offer cool decking, Eurocrete & paver decking options. Paver, river rock sealing, leak detection & in-ground vinyl liner replacements avail. We sell quality salt & ozone generators, pumps, motors & filters. Mention this ad for a $79 pool service (restrictions apply). Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel since 1990. Call/text 813-244-7077 or visit AllStarPoolsofTampaBay.com.

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE. New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!!

Call or Text Chris today @ 813-857-5400 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 ONE MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FREE. www.aquatecpool.com.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHER AVAILABLE! Retired Professional Photographer (45+ years experience) in the Tampa Bay area. Corporate Events, Personal Occasions, Portraiture, Pets, Commercial Photography & Real Estate. Reasonable rates. Ask me about “Front Porch Portraits,” taken from the safety of your front porch, FREE OF CHARGE! Great for Families, Children, Pets & more! Call or Text (813) 748-3901 or Visit: russellleprephotography.com.

FITNESS & WELL BEING

YOGA, PERSONAL TRAINING, NUTRITION & PHYSICAL THERAPY w/DR. LAUREN LEIVA, DPT! Phys Ed for everyone, including all children, w/a certified personal trainer who also is a degreed Dr. of Physical Therapy. Ask Dr. Leiva about her PE4ME sliding scale pay program! For more info, visit TheExerscienceCenter.com, call 813.464.0313 or see the ad on pg. 6 of this issue.

Break It Down Productions. Customized Private Yoga Sessions w/Susanna Jones. Develop strength & flexibility, while learning how to breathe & relax. I specialize in working w/beginners and those requiring a more gentle approach than most group Yoga classes. I explain everything, and provide variations so that you actually feel good in the stretch instead of strained. Gift certificates available. www.breakitdownproductions.com or Call (813) 802-8393.

DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 26 years exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-784-5999.

TJ’s PRESSURE WASHING LLC. Houses, Fences, Driveways, Lanais & Screened Enclosures. Most resdt’l 2-car driveways & vinyl fences start at $75. House washing starts at $150 for 1-story home & $199 for 2-story home. Need an instant quote? Text me a picture of the job you need done. Call Tj at 727-808-7775.

COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE

1,850-sq.-ft. Commercial/Medical Space Available to Lease. Address: 24420 SR 54, Lutz (in the Medi-Weightloss Building). For more info, call 813-293-4377 or email: gwillett@mediweightlossclinics.com.

36

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

SERVICES Neighborhood News

MOTORSPORTS INC. FLUSH Now offering mobile auto services!

BRAKES We come to you & follow all TUNE UP CDC guidelines! Neat & clean!

EXHAUST CV JOINTS RADIATORS ALIGNMENTS SUSPENSION ENGINE SWAP OIL CHANGE w/NTNN coupon only. Expires 4/30/2021.

Not to be combined w/other offers.

TIRE ROTATION

FREE

Oil Change

for first-time clients!

FREE

TOWING WITH REPAIR

FREE

DIAGNOSTICS

FREE

INSPECTION

FREE A/C CHECK

FREE

BRAKE INSPECTON

13787 N Nebraska Ave / Tampa

813.447.1349

cruzmotorsportsinc@gmail.com @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

37

38

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

39

40

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 29, Issue 6 • March 16, 2021 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews