New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 25, Issue 9, April 21, 2017

Volume 25 Issue 9

Inside:

A Visit To Kiran Indian Grocery!

April 21, 2017

In Neighborhood Magazine

Don’t Forget To Check Out, Subscribe To & Like Every Episode Of WCNT-tv On YouTube!

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

For the complete list of the neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in New Tampa (zip code 33647), see page 54!

New Tampa Community Says A Sad Goodbye To Hailey

By John C. Cotey

I am from the snowflakes that fall from the sky and pile in heaps on the ground.

I am from the loon’s eerie wails, which I loved to stay awake in bed and listen to at night.

I am from the mix of the world’s best pancakes, and the batter of the world’s best fudge brownies.

Hailey Acierno wrote these words in a poem when she was 11 years old, shortly after the family had moved here from Minnesota.

Chris and Lisa Acierno, her parents, honored their daughter by sharing them with a New Tampa community that has tried to fill the holes in their hearts the past two weeks.

Chris read his favorite poem haltingly at Hailey’s funeral April 12 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Hundreds of people attended a somber and sad goodbye to a young, 17-year-old woman her parents say had struggled for years with mental illness, and who took her own life in the woods inside Flatwoods Park, behind the Arbor Greene community where her family lived.

“Losing a child and the grief that accompanies that loss is a thought that every parent considers,” Chris said. “You imagine it as the absolute worst possible scenario of loss, pain and sorrow. Well, we can attest to the harsh reality that it is completely devastating.”

The church was filled with family and friends, and even the rescue parties and their dogs who searched for her over 10 days when Hailey went missing March 28. They cried, hugged and lamented the loss of a life too soon.

•••

I am from the strawberry wafers sold at the rundown cornerstore where I would always bike to.

I am from “Because I Said So”, and “What’d You Say?”, and “There’s A First Time For Everything.”

I am from the cheers in the bleachers at my brothers’ baseball games.

Hailey, a 17-year-old Wharton student, left behind brothers

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates School Bell Changes Have Some Parents Up In Arms; Aldi & Audi Coming To S.R. 56; Our Updated Map Of S.R. 56 Near I-75; Wiregrass Sports Complex Moves Forward; Rotary Bikers Raise Money; Federation Cup Tennis In Town & Our Exclusive Summer Camp Guide; Plus, Local Business Features!

Pages 3-36

Neighborhood Magazine

Realtor Experiences Wildlife; Wiregrass Grad Produces Off-Off Broadway;Visiting Kiran Indian Grocery & Kwan Ming Bistro; St. James Special Needs Prom Grows & More Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes!

Pages 37-56

Ryan and Josh and sister Katie, and her parents, who along with so many others in the community, remember her as bright and imaginative girl who made so many of those around her happy.

“She was brilliant, she was creative, she was always the smile in the room,’’ said Lisa. “She would go out of her way to be the happy, bouncy, silly kid willing to do anything to make someone smile.”

When she was 10, a year before the family moved from Minnesota to Tampa, she wrote about being in charge of the world, and how, if she was, she would ban chicken pot pies and blues music and the sport of curling.

Pet Dragons would be the norm in Hailey’s world, all waterheads would be filled with fish, and fudge brownies and ice cream cake would be vegetables. Chris shared that at her funeral, to let those who may not have known Hailey understand how her mind danced like children’s minds do.

“It was a beautiful mind,’’ he said.

She was loved by her classmates and teachers, and cared for everyone. When her cell phone was stolen and later recovered, See “Hailey” on page 6

School Boundary & Other Changes Have New Tampa Parents Scrambling

By Celeste McLaughlin

When Pankaj Jha moved to the Tampa Bay area, he was living in a condo in Tampa Palms while searching for the perfect school for his young children. He looked at homes in both K-Bar Ranch and Cory Lake Isles, and ultimately chose the neighborhood that would send his young children to Pride Elementary.

“We paid more to buy a house in Cory Lake Isles so my children would go to Pride,” Jha says. But, when it was time to move, his son — then in the 2nd grade — didn’t want to leave his current school. “It took me a year of driving him to school every day in Tampa Palms to convince him to go to Pride.” Last fall, his son — now in the third grade — and Jha’s daughter, who started kindergarten, both began the school year at Pride.

But now, if a proposal by Hillsborough County Schools is approved by the School Board and implemented, his children will be moved to Hunter’s Green

Elementary for the 2018-19 school year.

“The biggest headache I have now is that it took time for them to adjust to going to Pride, and now I have to tell my kids they have to go to another school,” he says. “They don’t want to go to another school.”

He says not only do they have friends and feel comfortable at Pride, but they’ve built relationships with teachers. More than anything, he wants his children to go to Pride. He bought his house in Cory Lake Isles (CLI) specifically because he thought they would go there.

Jha was one of more than 300 people who packed the Benito Middle School cafeteria on March 30, when the school district staff presented its proposal for rezoning four New Tampa schools in the fall of 2018. While changes will happen at Clark, Heritage, Hunter’s Green and Pride, the loudest voices at the meeting came from residents of Cory Lake Isles and Arbor Greene (AG), where 563 stu-

Seedents are being reassigned from Pride to Hunter’s Green.

The proposal keeps a majority of students currently assigned to Pride together, with all residents of both CLI and AG now being assigned to Hunter’s Green. This makes room for residents of K-Bar Ranch — currently 154 elementary students — to be assigned to Pride. Right now, those students travel past Pride to get to their assigned school, Heritage. (Note-The actual number of students moving may be different because some students choose a school other than the one to which they are assigned).

It also opens up space at Pride for the residents of more than 1,500 new homes See “School Changes” on pages 4-5.

Neighborhood News & WCNT-tv To Promote Your Business; Plus, 50 Years Cancer-Free!

An editorial by Gary Nager On Friday, May 12, beginning at 6 p.m., the American Cancer Society (ACS)’s New Tampa Relay for Life returns to the track around Paul R. Wharton High. Every year, I try to keep our readers apprised of the Relay events in our area in part because, like most people these days, I have a personal connection to cancer that runs very deep.

Back in 1967, when the survival rate for anyone diagnosed with any type of cancer was about what the rate is now for the deadliest forms of the disease (such as lung and pancreatic), my father, Jack Nager, received the diagnosis no one wants to hear. I was eight years old at the time and didn’t find out what happened to my dad until I was in my teens, but he had surgery to remove a single, large, encapsulated tumor from his left arm and shoulder area.

After removing the tumor and much of the surrounding tissue, my dad had the precursor to today’s linear particle accelerator radiation therapies, called cobalt therapy, which is still in use for some cancers today (according to Cancer.org, the website for ACS).

Fifty years later, although my dad has had some other health issues (he turns 83 two days after this Relay), his cancer has never returned.

And, although I tried unsuccessfully to research how many people who were diagnosed at least 50 years ago were still alive today, I can promise you that 50-year surviviors don’t make up much of the population of more than 15 million Americans still alive today after being diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetimes. In other words, although I usually only attend the local Relays for Life to cover them, this time, I plan to do a little walking

New Tampa Neighborhood News Address: 29157 Chapel Park Dr., Suite B Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Advertising E-mail: Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Editorial E-mail: EditorialDept@NTNeighborhoodNews.com Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Billing Manager Stephanie Smith Advertising Sales & Office Assistant Jannah McDonald Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Brad Stager • Andy Warrener WCNT-tv Sales & Production Assistant Gavin Olsen Graphic Designers Blake Beatty • Georgia Carmichael Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 25, Issue 11, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, May 8, 2017.

New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.

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

© 2017 JM2 Communications, Inc. Neighborhood News

myself, in honor of my dad. We haven’t always had the best relationship, but after all, it is something of a miracle that he is still around (and still living in my native Long Island, NY) half a century later.

I would love to walk 50 laps (more than 12 miles) in my dad’s honor, but my arthritic knees won’t allow it. I will, however, walk as many as I can without pain and pledge $83 (a dollar for every year he’s been alive) to the New Tampa Relay regardless of how many laps I complete. At our press time, a month before the local Relay, nearly 400 participants on 34 teams had already raised more than $21,000 of the event’s stated goal of $75,000 — and that figure does not include sponsorship funds.

If you want to pledge any money — whether in honor of my dad, a cancer survivor close to you or in memory of someone who lost their battle with the scourge of our lifetimes — or you want to join an existing New Tampa Relay team, visit RelayforLife.org and enter “33647” in the zip code search.

Neighborhood News & WCNT-tv!

We keep getting more and more people telling us how much they love WCNT-tv, although many business owners have told me that it seems a little too expensive for them to do.

Well, we are doing everything we can to control the cost of being a Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) Featured Business on the show, and to provide some additional value for those who do choose to be featured on it.

WCNT-tv is professionally produced and although it isn’t a cable network or a local TV station, it is a unique “on air” way to promote your business in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, as the first 20 episodes and multiple Special Reports now have a combined reach of more than 600,000 people and have been actually viewed almost 300,000 times on Facebook & YouTube.

Episode 20, which featured an update on the map on page 11 of this issue, as well as my visit to the new Ford’s Garage (photo), again posted some great numbers for the show and, when they were released individually on Facebook, the Ford’s Garage segment alone was viewed more than 6,400 times. Plus, the Taste of New Tampa Special Report about Noble Crust was viewed by more than 8,300 people! And of course, some of our non-video Neighborhood News Facebook posts, like the recent post on Aldi (see page 10) coming to Wesley Chapel) have reached more than 30,000 people!

But of course, the best way to reach the most people in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel is still to advertise in our two publications, which are directly mailed to a combined total of nearly 50,000 households and more than 120,000 potential readers in zip codes 33647 (New Tampa) and 33543, 33544 and 33545 (Wesley Chapel).

To that end, I am now offering all current Neighborhood News advertisers who are WCCC business members the opportunity to combine both our print and online media.

So, whether you purchase an 1/8-pg. ad

in just one of our publications per month or a full-page ad in both publications (or any sizes in between), you have the opportunity to have a full-length WCCC Featured Business segment on WCNT-tv produced for your business for only $100 additional per month (for 10 months) over the current cost of your print advertising.

And, perhaps best of all, you get to pick when your segment will air. Whether you want it in the episode before Mother’s Day (our next one) or Christmas, we’ll schedule your segment once you start paying the additional monthly amount. Of course, if you want to save an additional $200, I’ll give existing new and existing Neighborhood News customers (who join the WCCC) their segment for just $800.

In other words, email ads@wcnt-tv.com or call 910-2575 today to get more info or to get your WCNT-tv segment scheduled today!

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Table of Contents

Local News Updates.....................3-15

New Bell Times Create Tough Choices .............5 Aldi And Audi Coming To The Area................10 MAPS: S.R. 56 Continues To Add Eateries!.........11 Sports Complex Gets Okay To Move Forward....12 Rotary Bikers Exceed Expectations...................14 New Tampa Community Calendar..............................16

Local Business Updates..............18-27

Grey Wolf Armory Moves On 54.....................18 Devolder Law Puts Clients At Ease...................20 SPOTLIGHT ON: KidsPark Of Wesley Chapel......21 Connerton Community Makes You Feel At Home...22 SPOTLIGHT ON: Olympus Pools!.......................23 Shuayb Dental For Affordable Dental Implants.....24 SPOTLIGHT ON: Florida Orthopaedics..............25 Touch Nail Spa Will Pamper & Spoil You................26 Our Exclusive 2017 Summer Camp Guide.........28

Local Sports Updates.................30-31 Fed Cup Women’s Pro Tennis Comes To Saddlebrook!

Neighborhood Magazine

Gators & Cows & Owls & Realtors, Oh My!.......35 Wiregrass Grad Living Her Dream In NYC.............36 Kiran Indian Grocery’s New Tampa Niche...........40 Kwan Ming Bistro Keeps Getting Better..................42 ‘Red Carpet Affair’ Getting Bigger Every Year.........46 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........50 New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds.........52 Authors Share Secrets At PHSC Symposium........54 @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

3

‘Boundaries’

save money, but how much is a child’s life worth?,” Ragnarsdottir asks. “How much have they budgeted for lawsuits?”

All this adds up to a lot of changes for New Tampa parents, who are being hit with this school rezoning, the loss of middle and high school courtesy busing, plus the expected loss of elementary busing next year, and one more thing – new start and end times for all New Tampa schools (see story, next page).

Continued from pg. 1 that are expected to be built in K-Bar Ranch in the coming years.

The proposed re-shuffling ends busing of students from the neighborhoods near the University of South Florida to both Hunter’s Green (HGE) and Clark and reassigns them to schools closer to their residences. From Hunter’s Green, 304 students will move to Shaw (just off of E. Fowler Ave. on N. 15th St.), and from Clark, 248 students will move to Witter (south of Fowler Ave. on N. 22nd St.). Additionally, 187 students who are residents of the Morgan Creek apartments, located just north of the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. exit off I-75, will now be assigned to Clark.

Jennifer Ledford, parent of a second grader at Clark, attended the meeting to voice her support for the rezoning. She says this is the change she’s been looking for since before her son started kindergarten. “I moved to this area so my child could go to a neighborhood school with neighbors,” she says. “When you lose the geographic proximity to a school, you lose the investment in the community. I think the new plan is fabulous.”

But, not all parents agree.

“My grievance is that this reshuffling doesn’t address the elephant in the room, which is that Hunter’s Green is underperforming,” says Steven Hancz, a CLI resident whose seven-year-old twins are in first grade at Pride. “The school ranking has been dropping like a hot potato,” he says.

School grades for last year, which are based on test scores, rank Pride and Clark as “A” schools, Heritage as a “B,” and HGE as a “C.” While Hunter’s Green received an “A” grade for many years, it has been ranked a “C” the past two years. Pride has consistently been an “A” school.

School officials say the test scores of the students currently at HGE who live in New Tampa show that they are performing at an “A” level. They expect that the school grade will be an “A” once its attendance boundaries include students only from surrounding neighborhoods.

Elementary school grades for this school year (2016-17) will be released by the Florida Department of Education (FDoE) in July.

Lorraine Duffy Suarez, Hillsborough County Public Schools’ general manager for growth management, says the change is nec-

4

Decision Day: May 16

essary. “We monitor growth, and we know how much growth is coming, and we have to accommodate it,” she says. “Pride was built on land that we bought from K-Bar Ranch. The school was sited there because we knew that development was coming.

Now is the time.”

She says moving so many students should give the affected students a measure of reassurance. “The whole neighborhood is moving,” she explains. “You’re going to a different school, but you’re taking 562 of your friends with you.”

Not all Pride parents are angry. Some, such as Kellie Mulligan, an Arbor Greene resident whose three children have all attended Pride since kindergarten, are accepting it. Her youngest will be in fifth grade when the changes take effect. “I’m hoping she will be grandfathered in, but if her whole class and all her friends move, then I’m okay with that, too,” Mulligan says. “Honestly, I think the zoning makes sense.”

While many parents are at least accepting the change, they still have concerns they want addressed. Sigrun Ragnarsdottir is an Arbor Greene resident whose children attend Pride. As soon as she heard of the rezoning, she began researching all possible courses of action to stop it from happening, but hit dead ends. Now, she says she is embracing the change, but says she is still looking for answers.

“In the long run, I believe Hunter’s Green has a lot to offer the students,” she says, citing programs her kids don’t currently have, such as Hunter’s Green’s “Kindness Club” and garden plots with irrigation and soil available to teachers. “The question I’m still asking is, ‘What about busing?’”

With the school district ending socalled “courtesy busing” for middle and high school students this fall, elementary

schools are expected to lose courtesy busing the following year, when this rezoning will take place (see story on next page).

Anyone who lives less than two miles from the school will no longer be provided with a bus to school. Many Arbor Greene residents have a bus to Pride, but because Hunter’s Green is less than two miles for many of them, it is expected that there will be no bus to that school.

Ragnarsdottir also fears traffic will snarl coming out of Arbor Greene with residents waiting to turn left onto Cross Creek Blvd., then be backed up again as parents turn left onto Highland Oaks Blvd. to get to HGE. Other parents at the meeting expressed similar concerns, saying it will make traffic worse for everyone driving along the already busy Cross Creek Blvd. in the morning, and unsafe for those children who are walking or biking, as more are likely to do because of the end of courtesy busing.

“The school district says this will

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Plans outlining the proposed new boundaries were released on the school district’s website on Mar. 21 and are available at http:// www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/251/growth-management/resources/boundary/.

Comments from parents and the community were accepted at the meeting on March 30. If you did not attend and would still like to comment, send an email to boundaries@sdhc.k12.fl.us.

Changes may be made based on the many comments received before a final recommendation is made by school superintendent Jeff Eakins to the sevenmember School Board. The Board is expected to consider the proposed recommendation — including any revisions made as a result of comments from the community — at its meeting on Tuesday, May 16.

Duffy Suarez says she understands the plan means a lot of changes, and that parents leaving Pride are the ones expressing the most frustration with the proposal. “We’re changing a lot of students, and I understand that,” she says. “They have a lot of pride in their Pride, but Pride can’t hold all the students who are going to come there.”

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Hillsborough County Public Schools has released proposed changes to the times that school will start and end for the next school year (2017-18), changes that will affect start and end times for all elementary, middle and high school students in New Tampa.

“Currently, many students are consistently late to school because there’s not enough time for our buses to pick up and drop off students,” explains school superintendent Jeff Eakins in a video emailed to parents and staff in late March. “This means our children are losing valuable instructional time. When students are late to class, it affects the learning environment for all children.”

The proposed bell schedule adds instructional time at the elementary level in most schools. (Note-In our area, all Turner Bartels K-8 students lose 5 minutes of a day that already is longer than most elementary schools.) For middle schools, students lose 20 minutes, and high schools lose 32. Middle and high school students will keep their seven-

Neighborhood News

period day, but may see the elimination of homeroom, a shorter time for lunch, and class periods that may be reduced by a minute or two.

Eakins says additional benefits of changing school bell times are that the new times may allow for more time for music, art and physical education at the elementary level, and that “… all students will benefit, due to an increase in quality planning time for teachers.”

The plan, released on April 4 and available online at SDHC.k12.fl.us/ doc/1855/administration/resources/ belltimes/, makes the following changes to most schools, including all of the schools in the New Tampa area.

The Board is expected to consider the proposed recommendation — which may include revisions based on comments from the community — at a specially called meeting on Tuesday, April 25, 3:30 p.m.

To share your thoughts on the proposed changes, email bellschedule@ sdhc.k12.fl.us. — Celeste McLaughlin

@NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

5

‘Hailey’

Continued from page 1

she worried about what would happen to the child who was caught with it. “It was just a mistake,’’ she told her mother.

Beneath the surface, however, Hailey was plagued by dark thoughts, her mother said, thoughts she fought hard to suppress. She attended Pride Elementary in fifth grade, and had a perfect score on her FCAT. When she entered Benito Middle School, Lisa says she started to notice the changes: Hailey became more sullen, she stopped caring about school and she couldn’t stay on task.

“She was in so much pain,’’ Lisa said. “If you knew her, though, she hid it really well.”

Through it all, including hospital stays and visits to therapists and an unending procession of doctors and counselors, she never stopped smiling. Her artistic side continued to shine through. Her writings were deep and sometimes dark but always exceptional. She was two chapters into writing a book her mother insists would have become a best seller.

When Hailey went missing March 28, hundreds of volunteers showed up to search, combing as much of the massive 5,500-acre Flatwoods Park — where she enjoyed hanging out — as they could.

A vigil was held at St. Mark’s on April 4, and despite trying hard to remain optimistic, Lisa began to fear the worst.

On April 6, Flatwoods Park was closed as the search was expanded. A day later, in the early morning, Tampa Police officers on offroad bikes found Hailey’s body off the main biking and hiking paths. “Hailey had a troubled mind,’’ Chris said, “and needed to find peace for herself.”

•••

6

I am from a pair of ice skates that my brothers and I walked with to the outdoor skating rink every winter night, and skated across the lumpy ice.

I am from the long, concealing limbs of the weeping willow, the perfect place to go for privacy and relaxing.

I am from the big pond behind the neighborhood, next to the willow.

Lisa doesn’t know what she could have done differently, but it’s hard not to think about.

She said she was on a neverending mission to find help for her daughter. Hailey suffered from bi-polar disorder (formerly referred to as manic depression), which causes extreme mood swings and, in many cases, suicidal thoughts. It affects nearly six million adult Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Hailey spent time in hospitals and with therapists as the family fought to find solutions. Lisa says she called at least 50 doctors searching for help.

Asked if she has any advice for other families suffering with the same affliction, she grows quiet. “Because we lost,’’ she says, “I don’t know how much my advice is worth.”

But after a moment, she steels herself.

“Just keep fighting,’’ she says. “Don’t give up. Don’t quit.”

Chris says the family can take some solace in the fact that Hailey is free from her torment.

The pain never goes away, but some peace can be found.

“She is now free and she can find happiness fluttering with the butterflies and soaring with the birds in the clouds, and even exploring distant galaxies in space,’’ he said. “All the things she loved.”

I am in a different place now than where I’m from.

A new place, completely.

But really, I’ll never leave the places that I am from.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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@NTWCNews

Aldi & Audi Bringing New Businesses & Excitement To Wesley Chapel

By John C. Cotey Area residents eager for the long-rumored Aldi grocery store to open have been keeping their eyes on the S.R. 54 area near The Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center, where rumors had it the German-based chain planned to open.

As it turns out, they were looking in the wrong place.

Instead, it now appears that Aldi is headed for the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI), south of S.R. 56, just north and west of Costco.

According to forms filed recently with Pasco County, Aldi is proposing to build a 19,054-sq.-ft. store on the south side of S.R. 56, off Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz (although the forms list Wesley Chapel as its address). Aldi filed a Development Permit Pre-Submittal Meeting request form on March 27, as well as a conceptual site plan.

A previously filed pre-app form listed the northeast corner of Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54) and Gateway Blvd. near The Grove shopping center as a proposed site for a 17,825-sq.-ft. Aldi.

A trendy favorite of value-conscious shoppers, Aldi is a no-frills discount supermarket chain based in Germany, with more than 8,000 stores worldwide.

Aldi is able to offer items at cheap prices (and doesn’t accept coupons) because of low overhead. Not every aisle has actual shelves, as some items are simply stacked in their boxes. Aldi shoppers bring their own shopping bags, shopping carts will cost you a quarter (which you get back when you return it, saving employees from having to track down carts in the parking lot) and the

10

store sells random non-grocery items as well.

Aldi is aggressively expanding across the U.S., and is currently remodeling many of its stores to give them a more modern look

More Restaurants...

Just across S.R. 56, less than a mile east of the proposed Aldi site and also making its way through the county permitting pipeline is Bahama Breeze Island Grill, part of the Darden restaurant group, which had its pre-app meeting on Jan. 30 and is looking to build one of its popular seafood chain restaurants in Cypress Creek Town Center North, at 25663 Sierra Center Blvd. The new restaurant would be 7,987-sq.-ft. with an outdoor seating area and 168 parking spaces.

Bahama Breeze, whose nearest locations are in Brandon and between Tampa and Clearwater off the Courtney Campbell Causeway at Rocky Point, has 40 locations specializing in Caribbeaninspired food and tropical drinks.

As reported in Episode 20 of WCNTtv (now on YouTube and Facebook), Bahama Breeze joins the now-open Ford’s Garage (see page 50) and Pollo Tropical on the north side of S.R. 56, as will Mellow Mushroom and Newk’s (see map on page 11).

...And Auto Dealerships, Too!

Coming to Wesley Chapel’s Wiregrass Ranch area is a new Audi dealership, adding to the already vast selection for automobile shoppers in Wesley Chapel. Over the last few years, Wesley Chapel has seen Alfa Romeo and Mercedes enter the market, and Chevrolet has added a new building to its existing lot. Lexus of Wesley Chapel is under construction at the southeast corner of S.R. 54 and I-75, and Wesley

Among the new businesses coming to Wesley Chapel are an Aldi store just north of S.R 56 (top) and the under-construction Lexus of Wesley Chapel dealership on S.R. 54.

Chapel Chamber of Commerce CEO Hope Al“Any luxury brand is a very good catch, len says the new auto dealerships are definitely a because these car sales generates sales taxes for coup for the area. Allen says Mercedes has only the county,’’ Allen says. “I think it says somegiven out two franchises in the past 10 years, and thing that our area and community are able to one was to Wesley Chapel. As for Audi, Allen says sustain not one, not two, but now three true luxury auto dealerships.” it is another boost for the local economy.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Updating Our Exclusive Map Of State Road 56 Near The Tampa Premium Outlets

By Gary Nager Blvd Wesley Ch apel

I-75

Parcel D 10.0+ Acres

100,000 sf Bldg 56

Regency Shopping Ctr

r

Neighborhood News

Parcel B 15.3+ Acres

Parcel F RETAIL SPACE

ss D

Just as the south side of 56 has been a hotbed of new restaurant activity since the opening of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen,

Parcel C 12.3+ Acres

re Cyp nd

Firing Up The North Side, Too

Multi - Family 230 Units

Gra

56

Parcel S 16.6+ Acres

ek

Rd

240,000 sf

Map Key

M e m o ri

Cyp res s

al Dr

Cre

56

Parcel P 8.0+ Acres

Brightwork Crossing 54

Parcel Q 1.5+ Acres

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Culver’s and Chick-fil-A, the north side of what will soon be the most overcrowded section of roadway in Pasco County (just a prediction) is just now kicking into gear.

In other words, in addition to Ford’s Garage and Pollo Tropical, the north side of 56 will soon also be home to the latest incarnation of Newk’s (which currently has locations on Central Ave. near Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and outside Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa), the popular Mellow Mushroom pizza-and-craft-beer chain, and Bahama Breeze, which will finally make its way into our area. The island-themed seafood eatery actually was turned down years

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Wesley Chapel Blvd

Old

It’s been a few months since we updated our maps of everything new that’s happening in Wesley Chapel and of course, the area most people want to know about is all of the new “stuff” coming to both the north and south sides of S.R. 56, in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets mall.

And, while a lot of people (including yours truly) still complain about having too many chain restaurants in our area, no one could possible deny that we have lots of new places to eat that weren’t here or weren’t confirmed when we last updated this map.

As you are probably aware as a Wesley Chapel resident, Pollo Tropical became the first place to open on the north side of 56 near the mall about a month ago. If you like flame-grilled chicken as much as I do, you probably should go and check out Pollo Tropical. Tell them I told you to order the chicken as “well done as possible.”

Right next to Pollo Tropical is the long-awaited second local free-standing location of Ford’s Garage, which opened on April 3. We did a Neighborhood Dining News segment on Ford’s Garage in Episode 20 of WCNT-tv, which is available on YouTube now. Also look for a Ford’s Garage pic in this issue’s Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes column on pages 50-51.

Great burgers and some upscale menu items, craft beer and more have made Ford’s Garage a big hit in Brandon and the crowds we’ve seen at Ford’s Garage since it opened indicate that it will succeed here, too.

Meanwhile, on the south side of 56, the location on our map directly west of Culver’s, which we previously incorrectly labeled as being Panda Express, will actually be a drive-through and sit-down Starbucks.

Aldi (see pg. 10) and Panda Express also are coming, and Panda Express should open north of Costco and west of TPO as you’re reading this. And, as you can see from the map, even though the south side of 56 is currently much more filled than the north side, there are still at least three more sizable parcels totalling nearly 30 acres available, including one site that we have heard might include a big outdoors sporting goods store, although it apparently won’t be the previously announced Cabela’s or Kohl’s.

ago for a space off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in the Highwoods Preserve area of New Tampa (in the space now occupied by TGI Fridays near the Muvico Starlight 20 movie theaters) because the developer for Highwoods Properties thought a tiki bar was not appropriate for an upscale area like New Tampa.

Oh well. At least we’re getting Bahama Breeze, Mellow Mushroom and Newk’s soon, although we haven’t been given a timetable for when construction will start or when they will open.

Also planned for the same area north of 56 between Pollo Tropical and I-75 are

Undeveloped Parcel Rumored Development

I-75

Proposed, Approved or Under Construction Existing Development Map is not to scale & has been modified

by Neighborhood News to make it easier to read.

Wesley Chapel’s second Wendy’s location, yet another Taco Bell, another Mattress Firm location, a T-Mobile store and another Men’s Wearhouse (the closest location being on BBD in New Tampa, too).

And, just for good measure, in addition to the new Holiday Inn Express hotel which has now opened adjacent to Florida Hospital Center Ice, the Hyatt Place hotel has broken ground across I-75 from the new ice rink.

There’s lots of new stuff to report further east of I-75 off S.R. 56 and BBD, as well as on S.R. 54. Look for map updates in our future issues and on WCNT-tv!

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11

Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex Finally Moving Forward After BCC Vote

By Andy Warrener The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved regular business item R5 that green-lit the RADDsports Wiregrass Sports Complex, as well as agreeing to double the Tourist Development Tax (TDT), or bed tax, in order to help finance it.

The $44-million project, which will be built on part of a 224-acre parcel located northeast of the Shops of Wiregrass owned by the county (that was previously donated by the Porter family), has taken on many manifestations over the years but RADDsports’ proposal won over county commissioners at nearly every juncture.

“I had to sit here, look (former Major League Baseball star) Gary Sheffield in the face and tell him, no,” BCC chair and District 2 commissioner Mike Moore said, referring to a failed plan for a Wiregrass Ranch baseball complex at the same site in 2015.

“That was a bad project,” Moore said, “but this is a good project.”

The journey to build some sort of sports complex is eight years old, and a 5-0 vote by the commissioners indicated that they think they have finally found the right one.

“I 100-percent support the project and the steps that went into it,” said BCC vicechair (and Dist. 4 commissioner) Mike Wells.

The project design calls for a multipurpose sports complex that is anchored by a 98,000-sq.ft. multi-purpose building, which can host volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and other indoor events. The sports complex also will include eight outdoor sports fields, an outdoor amphitheatre and event lawn as

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well as pavilions, a playground and trails.

“This complex, along with (Florida Hospital) Center Ice, Florida Hospital of Wesley Chapel and Saddlebrook really put us on the map,” said Pasco strategy policy administrator Richard Gehring.

Funding sources for the planned complex include $11 million previously set aside by the BCC ($8.5-million in tourist tax funds and $2.5 million in excess bond proceeds from a prior half-cent sales tax bond), a county-backed loan of $14,253,700, plus $18,750,000 in private equity and debt from the Mainsail Development, which will be building a hotel on the complex site.

The two-percent increase in the TDT is expected to generate $1.2 million annually, which will help by paying down the loan, along with the revenue RADDsports says the complex will generate (the company says that by year six, the gross revenue will be approximately $4.6 million).

A super majority vote (four of the five BCC commissioners) is required to officially pass the TDT increase. A vote will be held at a future meeting, following a public hearing.

Despite doubling the TDT, it would still be lower than the TDTs in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.

There also was some discussion about losing hotel revenue to Hillsborough County.

Commissioners cited the December lacrosse tournament hosted by Dick’s Sporting Goods at Wesley Chapel District Park and how the county lost a lot of hotel revenue with people electing to stay at hotels in Hillsborough County, including several in New Tampa.

Gehring recommended creating a list of

nearby, “preferred” hotels within the county and charging a fee for not using one of the preferred hotels.

T h e RADDspor ts proposal includes a Mainsail Development project for a $19-million, 120room Marriot branded Residence Inn to be privately financed. The county says the sports complex will generate 27,000 room nights per year.

Saddlebrook Resort owner Tom Dempsey, as well as Saddlebrook general manager Patrick Ciaccio, were two of a handful of speakers to voice their opinions before the commissioners debated the sports complex project.

Their 800-room resort has nearly a quarter of all the available hotel rooms in Pasco County, and as a result, collects most of the bed taxes.

“I’ve been in the sports business for 30

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years and I think this project is questionable,’’ Dempsey said. “A tourist tax from Day 1 is a loser. I disagree with the twopercent tax increase.”

Other nearby hotels in Pasco include: a 92-room Fairfield Inn & Suites planned on nearby property in Wiregrass, an 80-room Holiday Inn Express that just opened east of I-75, and a 125-room Hilton Garden Inn that is currently under construction at S.R. 56 and Silver Maple Pkwy.

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13

Noon Rotary Club’s Bike Ride Exceeds Expectations By Raising $5,000!

As a proud member of the Rotary Club of New Tampa Noon — which meets Wednesdays at noon in Mulligan’s Irish Pub, inside the Pebble Creek Golf Club — I am happy to announce that the club’s fourth annual bike rally to benefit U.S. military veterans and first responders on March 25 raised “about $5,000,” according to event chair and local orthodontist Dr. Steven Dau. “Even though we reduced our sponsorship cost (to $100 per sponsor), we had way more riders this year (almost 60) than last (closer to 30), so we actually came out ahead.”

The rally — which is not a race — offered riders a 4-, 18- or 39-mile course, starting from the Chili’s Grill & Bar on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (directly adjacent to the BBD entrance to Flatwoods Wilderness Park), while raising funds to benefit four nonprofit charities that help local veterans, law enforcement and firefighters.

Noon Rotary president Valerie Casey says that during the four years of the event to date, nearly 300 riders have helped this small (only 21 members) Rotary Club raise more than $23,,000 to help the club’s selected charities. “We’re small, but we’re mighty,” Valerie says. “If you’re looking for a club where every member truly believes in the Rotary International motto of ‘Service Above Self,’ we should be your club, too.

Our members are more like family because we really love and support each other.”

The club also is partnering on an upcoming project with City Council member Luis Viera (photo, top right) and the original Rotary Club of New Tampa (which meets

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Fridays at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club) to beautify Tampa Fire Rescue Fire Station No. 20 in Tampa Palms.

Proceeds from this year’s bike rally will benefit four nonprofits — Support the Troops, the Stay in Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue & The Homefront Foundation.

This year’s sponsors included Chili’s, The Little Greek Restaurant, Gentle Care Dentistry (the office of Dr. Tom Frankfurth), Stifel Financial/Mike Wallace, Children’s Dentistry (the office of Dr. Greg Stepanski), State Farm Insurance/ Joyce Coleman and the New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News.

For more info about the New Tampa Noon Rotary and its international and local service projects, visit one of our meetings as my guest or search “NewTampaNoonRotary” on Facebook. — GN

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APRIL 2017

at Wiregrass mall. The annual walk is the largest fund raiser for the March of Dimes, which invites you to walk for more babies to be born healthy. More info at marchforbabies.org/EventInfo/?EventID=18398/.

Cory Lake Isles Community Yard Sale - Located at the community Beach Club Saturday, April 22 USTA Fed Cup Tennis Tournament at Saddlebrook Resort - See story, pg. 30. parking lot at 10441 Cory Lake Dr. from 8 a.m.-noon. Park once and shop, shop, shop! More than 50 families expected. Use the Morris Bridge entrance. Gated comBaychapel Food Pantry - Free food for needy families. Open every Saturday munity; please no early birds. from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. behind Christian Brothers Automotive at 20300 Trout Northwood of Pasco Community Yard Sale - Homeowners throughout Northwood Creek Dr. (off BBD). For more info, visit BayChapel.com/foodpantry. will participate in a local, neighborhood-wide sale of garage and estate sale items.

Sunday, April 23 Meditation Group - All faiths and all levels of meditation experience are wel- Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the homes in Northwood, located just off of come at this free meeting at Sanctuary Wellness Center, 8903 Regents Park Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and County Line Rd. (behind the SuperTarget).

New Tampa YMCA Healthy Kids Day - A free community event from 10 a.m. - 1 Dr., Suite 120, 10 - 11 a.m. For info, search “The Sanctuary Wellness Center in New Tampa” on Facebook or “New Tampa Intuitive Develop- p.m. to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encourage physical and mental play and inspire a lifetime love of exercise. Open to the public at local YMCAs, including ment Center” on Meetup.

New Tampa Family YMCA at 16221 Compton Dr. Monday - April 24 New Tampa Democratic Club - New Tampa Democrats meet the fourth Monday of every month at the Brentwood Clubhouse (located in The Hammocks), 8504 Sandpiper Ridge Ave. For information, email newtampademocraticclub@ gmail.com or call (813) 563-0845.

Monday - May 8 Wesley Chapel Speaks - The Wesley Chapel Toast Masters meets every GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club (NTJWC) - The NTJWC meets the Monday at 6:30 pm at Wesley Chapel Nissan (28519 State Rd 54) to teach the second Mon. of every month, 6:30 p.m., at the New Tampa Family YMCA (16221 community public speaking and leadership skills. Arrive at 6 pm for networking Compton Dr.). For info, visit GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org. opportunities. For more info, call Martin at (813) 693-0969.

Wednesday - May 10 Tuesday - April 25 Need Help With Assisted Living Costs? - Learn how Aid & Attendance can asEnglish As A Second Language (ESL) - The ESL group meets Tuesdays at Tam- sist a veteran or surviving spouse with the cost of assisted living at Legacy pa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd. in Pebble Creek), 9:30 a.m.-11:30 at Highwoods Preserve ,18600 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. Guest speaker a.m. Classes are taught by a native English speaker. The cost is $40 each semes- Elizabeth P, Allen, JD, LLM. For more info, call (813) 605-7734. ter for the workbook & class materials. For info, call Holly at (813) 360-2077.

Friday - May 12 Keep It Local - This seat-specific networking group emphasizes small, local ACS “Relay for Life of New Tampa” - See story, pg. 3. businesses. Meets meets every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at GrillSmith at The Saturday, May 13 Shops at Wiregrass. For more info, call Marino Cecchi at (813) 513-9001. Beauty Pageant Preview - Be the first to know all the details for the 2017 Miss Hunter’s Green Elementary School Showcase and Kindergarten Pageant with a Purpose Finals to be held on Saturday, May 20. This is a free Round-Up - The community is invited to learn about Hunter’s Green event & refreshments will be served. Special Pageant Packages available for Elementary, including musical performances, art show, school tours, club those who attend Pageant Preview! To be held at Mid-Florida Credit Union Comhighlights, grade level topics, PTA and more. Kindergarten round-up is at munity Room (20401 BBD Blvd.), 9 a.m., Please R.S.V.P. to (813) 714-6513.

5:30, opening ceremonies start at 6. Closing ceremonies and raffle at 7:50 p.m. 9202 Highland Oak Drive. For info, call the school at (813) 973-7394. Live Oak Preserve Farmer’s Market - Open to the public, second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Features fresh produce, a variety of vendors, Wednesday - April 26 and food trucks. 9401 Oak Preserve. Info at facebook.com/LiveOakPreserve.

BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets Weds. at Heritage Isles Country Club (10630 Plantation Bay Dr.), at 7:15 am. $13 to Visit NTNeighborhoodNews.com to add your upcoming events that are attend includes hot breakfast. Call Lisa Jordan at (813) 621-6015 for info. open to the public to our online calendar. Once approved, they appear in the Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business pros “Events” section on our home page. & may appear in our print editions. dedicated to helping their member businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (10441 Cory Lake Dr.). Call Bill Sullivan at (813) 994-1143.

Partners In Network (PIN) - Partners In Network is a group of professionals, one specializing in each area of business, who form a connection for the joint effort of networking to share business referrals and attain business prosperity. Meets every Wednesday for lunch at Stonewood Grill, 11:30 am. For info, call Georgianna Strickland (813-477-7306) or Ken Fernandez (813-334-6000) or email gstrickland@strategicmarketingarts.com.

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets Wed. at noon at Mulligan’s Irish Pub (Pebble Creek Country Club). Guests welcome. For info, call Valerie at (813) 317-8886 or see story on pg. 14.

MAY 2017

Friday - April 28

Rotary Club of New Tampa - The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday for breakfast at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). For more info, contact David Lanigan at 7606548 or dave@davidlanigan.com or visit NewTampa Rotary.org.

Saturday, April 29

2017 Suncoast March of Dimes “March for Babies” - Starts at 8 a.m. at the Shops 16

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17

Grey Wolf Armory Moves To A More Convenient Location On S.R. 54

By Celeste McLaughlin After nearly three years in business right on the border of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, Jeffrey Webb has moved his Grey Wolf Armory store into Wesley Chapel “proper.” Now located in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 near Bagelicious & More, Grey Wolf Armory offers firearms and ammunition, gunsmith services, surplus military gear, and much more.

Webb opened the new location on Feb. 10 and says he’s already been seeing significantly more foot traffic than he did at the old location, which was five miles east on (and north of 54) at Eiland Blvd.

“We wanted a location that would better serve the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa communities,” Webb says. He admits he also moved because — after two break-ins at the old location — his new location can better accommodate the many security measures he’s put in place.

“I’m not going to have that happen again,” he says. “So we have taken extensive measures and spent a lot of money to ensure [there won’t be a break-in at this location],” explaining that some of the specific measures were not possible at the old store.

“Grey Wolf Armory is family-owned and operated,” Webb says. His wife, Nicole, and daughter, Rachael, who is 10 and a competitive shooter herself, are often at the store, too.

“We’re the only firearms store in Wesley Chapel and the only certified gunsmith in the area,” Webb says. “Others may repair guns, but I’m the only one with the

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formal education.”

Webb completed a master gunsmithing course from the online American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) in 2014, earning AGI certifications in the repair and maintenance of many different types of firearms.

“I’ve been involved with firearms since I was a kid,” he says. “My dad was in the U.S. Secret Service and a deputy sheriff, so I’ve been trained in firearms and firearm safety all of my life.”

He adds that he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in high school, which is Jeffrey Webb, with wife Nicole & daughter Rachael, at Grey Wolf the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Armory, now open on S.R. 54 in the Freedom Plaza in Wesley Chapel. but may take longer, based on demand and In fact, Webb says the type of repair. that he was only 14 when he did his first In addition to repairing and customiz“trigger job,” which is repairing a firearm to ing firearms, he also will safety check them. make its trigger operate better.

So, he offers gunsmith services and also “If anyone has any questions about whether customizes firearms, including wood-finish- or not their firearm is safe, I will safety check ing services and metalwork. All heavy equip- it for free,” Webb says.

And, he says he always takes time with ment — such as a lathe and mill for cutting each customer who wants to purchase a gun and shaping metal — is located off-site. to figure out which firearm is best for them.

Repairs can sometimes be done overnight,

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“I try to give people a level of attention to detail they’re not going to get anywhere else,” he says.

At the new location, he’s been able to add more cabinet space for both new and previously owned firearms. He says he buys, sells and trades previously owned firearms, plus does consignments. “I’ll give you a free, honest evaluation of what your firearm is worth,” he says.

Grey Wolf Armory carries new firearms from brands such as Glock, Springfield, Ruger, Sigsauer and many others, including Cimarron, which are engraved, decorated old-style cowboy guns (top photo on next page). “Our inventory is always changing,” Webb says. “I’ve expanded our personal defense and tactical merchandise, too, because that’s what many people are interested in. I want to make sure that my customers always get the right firearm for their needs, so they’ll come back.”

He says that to purchase any firearm, you must have a state-issued ID and a background check is required. It is done in the store and takes just a few minutes.

Pasco County has no waiting period for rifles or shotguns. You must be a resident of Florida to purchase a handgun. And, if you have a Florida concealed carry permit, there also is no waiting period. However, if you do not have that permit, you may still purchase a handgun, but you have to wait three business days before you can receive it from the store. Without the concealed carry permit, you can still use a handgun for home defense, but Webb encourages all gun owners to obtain the permit.

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A wide variety of new and previously owned firearms are available, and Grey Wolf Armory also offers custom finishes, such as the one shown above right.

Although concealed weapons classes are not available at the store itself, Grey Wolf Armory sells the classes at a discount, and they can be taken at the Indoor Shooting Company on E. Fowler Ave. in nearby Thonotosassa (just east of Temple Terrace).

Webb also gives customers a free box of ammo with any handgun purchase.

“I feel like buying a new gun that doesn’t come with some ammo is like buying a car without any gas,” he says.

Grey Wolf Armory offers discounts to all active first responders, including police, fire and emergency medical service personnel. Webb plans to add a customer loyalty program where people accumulate points for purchases and get discounts, gift cards and free merchandise — along with rechargeable gift cards — by the end of April.

Grey Wolf Armory also sells survival products, including MREs (Meals ReadyTo-Eat) and freeze-dried foods, as well as concealed carry handbags, made by Montana West, which Webb says, does leather for Harley Davidson motorcycles. “I keep a variety on hand,” he says.

Eugene Hebert of Zephyrhills is one of Webb’s regular customers. He says he’s been shopping at Grey Wolf Armory since the

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original location opened in July 2014.

“I’ve lived in Florida for 20 years and have been to other shops,” says Hebert.

“This man is the most knowledgeable person I know. If you want to know something, he can tell you all about it. And, he can get whatever you want.”

Hebert says the prices are in line with competitors, but the service is better at Grey Wolf Armory. “It’s closer (to him), and at other shops, if you have a question, you could stand there for 40 minutes and there’s no one to answer your question.”

Not only are Webb’s prices fair, says Hebert, but he carries a lot of oddball ammunitions, such as 38 long bolt and 17-50 caliber ammunition. Webb says that’s intentional. “One of my business principals is that if someone wants something and I don’t have it on the shelf, I order it. That way, I’ll have it for the next person who comes in looking.”

Grey Wolf Armory is located at 30048 S.R. 54. It is open Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun. (closed on Mondays). For additional information, see the ad on page 42, search “Grey Wolf Armory LLC” on Facebook or call the store at (813) 591-1305.

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19

Down To Earth Approach Makes Devolder Law Accessible & Successful

By John C. Cotey

When Bryan and Elizabeth Devolder decided to re-invent themselves at the ages of 35 and 37, respectively, they could have picked something easier, like a nice sales job, or buying a successful restaurant franchise, or maybe even starting their own business.

Instead, they both decided to become lawyers. “It’s crazy,” Bryan says.

But it worked.

At Devolder Law, located in the former Hunter’s Green Model & Visitor Center, Bryan and Elizabeth have found immediate success in their new profession. Since opening in August of 2016, Elizabeth says business has been brisk and is well ahead of their projections after just six months; Bryan adds that they have doubled the amount of clients they expected at this time.

Through various forms, including advertising in the Neighborhood News, the internet, word of mouth and a solid reputation in the community, the Devolders are growing.

The secret to their success might be the same thing that drew them into law in the first place -- a desire to seek out answers and solve problems, while meeting people’s needs in an informal manner that makes them feel at ease.

“We’re not about us, were about the client,’’ says Bryan. “We recently had a consultation where we were the fifth attorney one client had visited. They decided they wanted to be with us, telling us other attorneys gave a 30-minute sales pitch on how cool the attorneys were. They told us we were the only ones who talked to them

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Elizabeth and Bryan Devolder of Devolder Law took a non-traditional approach to becoming lawyers, but say they love helping clients with their family law and other legal problems. about what they wanted.” business, and his friend would teach him The Devolders are graduates of the real estate and title law. When both of their Western Michigan University-Cooley Law businesses were knocked out by the 2008 School satellite campus in Riverview, FL. housing market crash, his friend told Bryan Bryan was working as a computer en“you need to go to law school. You’re gineer for Verizon, and Elizabeth had been smarter than me and I’m a lawyer, and in sales for the Yellow Pages when they both you’d be great at it.” decided to pursue a different path.

Those words stuck with him. When The seed for a change was planted the Devolders were dating, they made a list when Bryan had a mortgage company, and of 10 things they wanted to do, and taped during that time had worked almost daily them to the inside of their bathroom mediwith a title attorney friend. Bryan would cine cabinet mirror, where it remains today. teach him a little about the mortgage “Get a new car was on the list, get a

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boat was on the list, and get a J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree was on the list,” said Elizabeth, who was on the debate team in high school and had been told she’d make a great lawyer decades ago but never really thought much of it. “We had both had enough interest in the law that when we were dating, we said that would be a fun thing to do.

Before we had kids. Before anything.”

“We talked about it,’’ says Bryan, “but it was more like, wouldn’t it be cool? Like, hey, wouldn’t it be cool if we went skydiving?”

He married Elizabeth in 2009, and they had their first child in 2010. That put a hold on plans to become lawyers, because there are few choices for people who want to work during the day and become lawyers in their spare time. Stetson’s St. Petersburg campus was an option, but the driving backand-forth would just add too much time to an already hectic schedule.

It wasn’t too long after that when WMU-Cooley Law School opened its campus in Riverview.

The Devolders visited before the campus was even built, in a little office, and were convinced the school’s schedule and mission, to make the law accessible to everyone, fit theirs. They studied for three months and both passed their Law School Admission Test (LSAT) -- finishing within a point of each other, although they exercise a little lawyer-spouse privilege when asked who got the higher score.

In Jan. of 2013, they both started law school, even though Elizabeth knew her journey would also include adding to her family. “I had to commit to having babies in

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law school,’’ Bryan said, laughing.

The Devolders took afternoon classes, night classes, weekend classes, and they say they couldn’t have done it without family help. “We didn’t go on vacation for three years, I gained 30 pounds, I didn’t golf, no birthdays or anniversaries.”

“I spent my 40th birthday in Secure Transactions Class,’’ says Elizabeth, who also served as the editor-in-chief of the WMU-Cooley Law Review.

How busy was it? A pregnant Elizabeth took a law school exam one morning, and afterwards headed right for the hospital to be induced for the birth of the couple’s second child.

“She got the highest grade in the class,’’ says Bryan, proudly.

Your Team Of Lawyers

They discovered they had very different study habits. Elizabeth is more detail-oriented, and Bryan is more of the big picture guy.

“He would get me out of the weeds, and I would get him attending more to the details that if I hadn’t been there, maybe he would have missed,’’ she says.

Elizabeth handles most of the estate planning, with Bryan taking on most of the litigation.

“I like to do the writing and he is very good at thinking on his feet, the litigating part,’’ Elizabeth says. “We use our strengths to help our clients.”

The Devolders have the hardware to show the extent of their success. In the spring of 2015, they competed, along with another student, at the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division Client Counseling Nationals, and beat out 66 other American Bar Association-approved law schools and 111 teams for the title, which Bryan likens to a small, unknown college winning the NCAA Final Four or College Football Playoff.

“It’s a little Cinderella story in terms of law school,’’ he says.

Bryan graduated in Jan. of 2016, and Elizabeth graduated in April of the same year, both finishing at the top of their class.

Later in 2016, Elizabeth was among 25 future lawyers named in the National Jurist’s inaugural “Law Student of the Year” feature.

In August of 2016, they opened their firm in Hunter’s Green, the same community where they also live.

The Devolders say WMU-Cooley helped make the law accessible to them, and they now return the favor by making it accessible to their clients. And, while the task of meeting with an attorney can be stressful

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to many, the Devolders try to put every client at ease.

“We are very down to earth people,” Elizabeth says. “We weren’t born with silver spoons in our mouths, we didn’t become Harvard lawyers at 25. We worked hard our whole lives, we understand the value of money and we understand the challenges that people have. And, we answer the phone.”

Bryan turns his cellphone over and reveals a Batman sticker. “This is the Bat Phone,’’ he says. “We give this number to our clients, we are available 24/7. Ask any other attorney if they will answer their phone at 2 a.m., or if they even give that number out.”

Rachel Hallford says she was blindsided when her husband asked for a divorce after 10 years and two children.

“From the first phone call I had with him, I knew Bryan was the attorney for me,” Rachel says. “He is such an amazing guy who is really there for his clients. He can be reached any time no matter whether the issue is big or small. I personally had a few freak outs and I didn’t want to bother him but I called anyway and he was so nice, patient, supportive and calmed me down every time.”

While many attorneys may focus solely on one aspect of the law, recommending other lawyers to handle related problems, Elizabeth says Devolder Law will take extra steps to make things easier for its clients.

They have helped family law clients who have to sell their homes with lease agreements and sales contracts, reviewed various contracts and deeds and dealt with tax and bankruptcy issues.

“Problems don’t happen in a bubble,’’ she says. “We solve legal problems, and related problems. The concept of sending people away to go to another attorney only benefits the attorney by keeping their job nice and small and simple.”

The Devolders do not let conventional wisdom slow them down. When they set their minds to something, they say, they get it done, whether it’s going back to school to become lawyers, or guiding a client through a difficult process.

Devolder Family Law is located at 8709 Hunters Green Dr., at the front of Hunter’s Green before entering the community. right before It is open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For additional information, see the ad on page 8 of this issue, search “DevolderLaw” on Facebook, visit DevolderLaw.com or call (813) 724-3880.

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SPOTLIGHT ON: KidsPark Of Wesley Chapel!

KidsPark, which offers hourly childcare for kids ages 2-12 during the day, evenings, and weekends with no reservations, has announced its plans for summer camps while your kids are out of school this summer.

“We have weekly themes,” says Amanda Justus, the owner of the KidsPark Tampa, located just off of S.R. 56, east of I-75, in Wesley Chapel. “We have plenty of activities planned every week relating to the themes.”

Some of the weekly themes include “A Week At Disney,” “A Week At The Zoo,” “Wet N Wild,” and many more. Games, crafts, and activities – including special guests, animal encounters, concerts and bounce houses – will relate to the weekly theme.

Just like during the school year, parents pay hourly, and no reservations are needed in advance.

Justus says the concept of drop-in childcare is needed for many families. “If you’re a mom, you get it,” she says. “For date nights, meetings, grocery shopping, appointments, anything… you just drop your kids off.”

In addition to hourly childcare, KidsPark offers both “Buddy Preschool” for two and three year olds, and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) for four year olds.

When the Pasco County school year begins this fall, KidsPark will have two VPK classes, one from 9 a.m. - noon and another from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Registration is now open for VPK classes.

“We try to make it so everyone can afford child care,” Amanda says. The hourly rate is just $7.75 for one child, or $11.75 for two. Additional siblings are $3 per hour.

A “preferred customer rate” is available for anyone who pre-pays $100 or more (in $50 increments, up to $250). Ten percent is added to your prepayment, so if you pre-pay $100, you actually get $110 credited to your account.

From now until June 1, KidsPark is offering a special for Neighborhood News readers. Say the code words, “Neighborhood News,” and receive half off the $25 registration fee (per family, not per child). The registration fee allows families to use all KidsPark facilities across the country, if you’re traveling (visit KidsPark.com for locations).

KidsPark is located at 26240 Golden Maple Loop. It is open Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m., 8 a.m.–midnight on Friday, 10 a.m.–midnight on Saturday, and 1 p.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, see the ad on page 32, call (813) 803-4972, or visit KidsPark.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

21

Connerton In Land O’Lakes Offers Modern Living With A Natural Connection

By Brad Stager Wesley Chapel and New Tampa residents looking for a more pastoral lifestyle may find what they’re looking for at the Connerton community in Land O’ Lakes, located just east of U.S. 41, 7.5 miles north of S.R. 54.

Developed on what was once the Conner cattle ranch, the 4,800-acre community carries a New Town Developmental of Regional Impact (DRI) designation from Pasco County, which means it is a mixed-use, master-planned community combining residential areas with commercial, office, medical and government-related space. Connerton also has earned the distinction of being named the Tampa Bay Builders Association’s Showcase Community for its 2017 Parade of Homes, which will be held on Friday, April 29.

According to Connerton’s promotional materials, when the community is fully builtout, it may include up to 5,000 residences, 730,000 square feet of retail space, 1.4 million square feet of office and industrial space, as well as a government center.

Even with that ambitious development potential, Connerton retains a relationship with its rural central Pasco heritage. While the community’s concept offers convenient access to shopping, employment and services, marketing coordinator Melissa Donaldson says a big attraction for prospective homebuyers is Connerton’s plan for 1,800 acres of parks and natural open spaces.

“I get a lot of people from New Tampa coming over here who are tired of the hustle and bustle of New Tampa,” Donaldson says.

One of Connerton’s most highly touted

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Nope, this cool water park pool isn’t at a theme park. It’s the centerpiece at Club Connerton, in the Connerton community in Land O’Lakes, 20-30 minutes from most of New Tampa. features is its 1.75-mile paved Arbors Village amenities, like a 10,000-sq.-ft. clubhouse that provides social and recreational opporNature Trail, which winds along natural, preserved areas, including lakes and wetlands. tunities for residents.

Known as Club Connerton, it features There’s plenty of wildlife to see, such as little the well-equipped Fit & Flourish Fitness blue herons, wood storks, sand hill cranes, Center, complete with a wide range of exand of course, Florida alligators. ercise equipment, from treadmills to weight Adjacent to the north end of the community is a 3,000-acre nature preserve under machines. Several video monitors keep fitness buffs up-to-date with sports and news, or the jurisdiction of the Southwest Florida otherwise entertained while burning calories.

Water Management District (SWFWMD), “If people have a gym membership giving residents access to even more trails and natural settings, as well as providing a buffer somewhere else, they can cancel it,” says Donaldson. against the encroachment of other developThe Conner Town Cafe serves “stickment. There also are five miles of paved sideto-your-ribs food,” according to Donaldson, walks in Connerton for suburban strolling. and a children’s activity space, known as the With Amenities Like This... Kidz Zone Club, is available for toddlers and Residents don’t have to venture beyond older children up to age 12.

Other rooms provide space for fitness Connerton’s boundaries to enjoy first-class

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

classes such as yoga and Pilates, as well as social activities ranging from arts & crafts classes to poker nights.

The big attraction, according to Donaldson, is the outdoor pool, that’s more like a water park (photo). She says it’s often the highlight of a tour for prospective residents.

“It’s the biggest ‘Wow!’ on the tour,’’ Donaldson says. “People see it and they think they’re at a resort.”

There also are three tennis courts, a sand volleyball court and a basketball court, providing even more recreational options.

Of course, a community is more than just a group of homes and amenities, and Donaldson says a full schedule of events involving residents helps tie it all together.

“Because we do so many events, everyone gets to know each other,” she says Activities include the summertime, patriotic-themed, Nation Celebration (scheduled to avoid conflicting with other Independence Day observances), a Labor Day ice cream social, and a Winter Wonderland Celebration. Connerton even offers its own full-day summer camp to keep the younger residents busy while school is out.

And, while school is in session, Connerton is able to offer families with young children a chance to avoid bus rides and car lines with Connerton Elementary, a Pasco County District school located inside the community, so that walking and riding bikes to school are safe and practical options.

Other nearby public schools include Sanders Memorial Elementary, which has a Science Technology Engineering Art & Math (STEAM) program; Pine View Middle School, which is the school district’s first

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International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme Candidate school; and Land O’ Lakes High, an IB World school, with advanced placement, culinary arts, child care and agriculture programs. Land O’Lakes High also has an agreement with Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) allowing students to take classes through PHSC to earn college credit while still in high school.

Great Builders, Too!

Connerton has the ambiance of smalltown, neighborly living, in part because many of the homes for sale feature front porches that promote relaxing and socializing outdoors. Four of the Tampa Bay area’s best-known builders are constructing homes in Connerton: Taylor Morrison, Homes by Westbay, Lennar and M/I Homes. According to information provided by Connerton, homes range in size from 1,504 square feet to 4,895 square feet, with a starting price range of $198,490-$502,990.

Homeowners association (HOA) dues and community development district (CDD) fees vary with lot size and community.

According to Donaldson, about 700 homes have been sold so far in Connerton.

The Cornuta family bought a home and a share of the Connerton lifestyle when they relocated to Florida from upstate New York.

Nikole Cornuta says it was the right choice for their move to the Sunshine State.

“We love how there is always something fun to do,” Nikole says, “whether it’s enjoying activities sponsored by the fun-loving staff members at the clubhouse, riding along the vast nature trails, playing at the various playgrounds, or soaking up the sun by the super-pool, we always have a blast!”

Besides the activities, Cornuta also says

Neighborhood News

that she appreciates the welcoming attitudes that she and her transplanted family have encountered.

“We also feel so lucky to have met neighbors that now feel like a supportive family,” she says. “Connerton is a fantastic place to raise a family.”

One way to describe the Connerton community’s personality is “heartfelt,” says Donaldson.

She cites occasions of residents coming together, both in celebration and in times of need. One example that illustrates both is Connerton’s partnership with Operation Finally Home, a national nonprofit organization that networks with builders to provide mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans as well as their surviving spouses and families.

At Connerton, Lennar Homes is providing such a home to medically-retired U.S. Army Sgt. David Roca, who experienced life-changing injuries from an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving in Iraq.

Connerton residents have been active in special events during the home’s construction and introducing the Rocas to the community, such as writing welcoming notes on the house’s framing before the drywall was installed.

“People have really come together for this and want to be a part of it,” says Donaldson. “It’s something that helps make this a true community.”

You can learn more about homes in Connerton and the community’s lifestyle by visiting the Welcome Center located inside Club Connerton at 21100 Fountain Garden Rd., in Land O’ Lakes. You also can check out the ad on page 5 of this issue, visit Connerton.com or call 996-5800.

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SPOTLIGHT

ON:

Backyard pools in Florida are pretty common, but Olympus Pools has helped hundreds of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel homeowners make a uniquely personal statement with theirs.

“We take pride in giving people the most bang for their buck,” says James Staten, who owns Olympus Pools with his wife, Alexis.

The options available to homeowners who want to build a pool are extensive with Olympus, ranging from traditional models that tend to be linear in shape, to blends of rustic and contemporary styles that combine the basic elements of fire, stone and water into a backyard oasis.

Designs can accommodate features such as a dry, sunken living room, swimup bar or a cozy grotto illuminated with LED lighting and fire bowls. Water and lighting features can be managed from anywhere there’s a phone signal, via a smartphone app.

While an Olympus Pools design will always be one of a kind, Staten says the level of customer service also is uniformly high.

“We build them the same way for our customers that we build them for ourselves,” he says.

Olympus Pools is licensed for commercial as well as residential pool construction, but Staten says creating the perfect backyard water wonderland for each customer’s needs is the heart of the business. In fact, he adds, his company built 240 pools in 2016 and he attributes this success to focusing on three

Olympus

Pools!

key elements: design, construction and service. “We try to make sure we’re the best in each of these three areas,” he says.

Making a splash (pun intended) with a great backyard pool starts with design and Staten says meeting each customer’s individual needs, interests and construction requirements are always considered in that process.

“Every design we do is custom,” he says.“ “Every single one. We don’t have any templates or cookie-cutter designs.”

Staten says the goal is creating a pool that’s well-designed, meets your budget considerations and suits your lifestyle.

“We’re known for building pools very quickly, too,” he says.

In addition to the Facebook page, you can visit OlympusPoolsFL.com, call 983-7854 or see the ad on pg. 31. The Olympus Pools office & design center is located 20-30 minutes from Wesley Chapel at 4422 N. Lauber Way in Tampa.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

23

Shuayb Laser Dental — Top Dental Technology Plus Personalized Care!

By Gary Nager If you’ve been told you need a dental implant, the area’s best technology meets caring, experienced dentists at Shuayb Dental, which has two offices in Spring Hill, one in Brooksville and one in the Oak Ramble Plaza (same plaza as Acropolis Greek Taverna) on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just south of Tampa Palms.

Dr. Mohammad Shuayb, D.M.D. (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) first opened his practice in 2000 in Hernando County, and it was only five years later that his brothers and fellow D.M.D.s — Omar and Mujib — each opened their own dental offices within a few miles of their brother.

Four years ago, Omar opened the Shuayb Laser Dental location on BBD and three years ago, Mohammad opened an office near his new residence in the newest section of Tampa Palms. He closed the Tampa Palms location a few weeks ago — “There was just no walk-in traffic at that professional park,” Mohammad says. “But here, we’re between Acropolis and Mr. Dunderbak’s, so a lot more people can find us.”

All three brothers now split time between the three offices in Hernando and the New Tampa location.

All three Shuaybs also earned Bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa and their D.M.D. degrees from the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University.

With the three brothers at the forefront of the business, Shuayb Dental is obviously a family-oriented practice, but with technol-

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When you visit any of the four Shuayb Dental offices, whether on BBD Blvd. in New Tampa or the three Hernando County locations, you can work with any or all three of the Shuayb brothers — (l.-r.) Dr. Mujib, Dr. Mohammad or Dr. Omar Shuayb. ogy to rival and even surpass what you get won’t find a better place to make and fit with the big corporate dental groups. your implants than Shuayb Dental.

“We’re more than just a chain of ofWhether you visit the New Tampa fices,” says Dr. Mohammad Shuayb, the office or any of the Hernando locaeldest of the three. “We provide top-qual- tions, the Drs. Shuayb utilize a highity, personalized dental care and all of the end CEREC 3D Omni-Cam scanner equipment we use is a top brand name.” and CEREC software, as well as the And, speaking of brand names, the Shuayb name is one that is well-established all highest-quality Straumann implants, and Mohammad says he believes the BBD loacross Hernando County and Mohammad says the brothers are working hard to build cation is the only one in the New Tampa area to use both. the same type of loyal following in New “We create quality dental implants Tampa by combining personalized, quality with laser precision,” Mohammad says. care with the latest technology...and some great offers (see next page).

“We even show the patients exactly how Dental Implants A Specialty their implants will fit with the CEREC, which is a $200,000 machine that also If you need dental implants, you

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

can help us create properly fitting crowns to go over the implants.”

Lasers are a big part of many of the dental services at every Shuayb Dental office. The Drs. Shuayb utilize lasers for everything from treating periodontal (gum) disease to drilling and filling. For gum treatments, the laser replaces the usual scalpel and sutures, which reduces bleeding, minimizes swelling and recovery times and Mohammad says that in some cases, there’s even been regeneration of healthy bone around the teeth.

And, he says that for many fillings, the focused laser beam can replace the drill, often without the need for anaesthetics. The laser technology can even assist with tooth whitening procedures.

The CEREC system helps the Shuaybs place crowns with laser precision in a little more than an hour. This dental restorative system also allows the dentist to remove defective amalgam fillings and place cosmetic veneers in just one appointment. It eliminates the need for patients to endure messy, uncomfortable impression materials or wear temporary veneers, sometimes for weeks at a time.

The office also offers dentures, bridges, tooth extractions and non-surgical root canals, as well as Invisalign orthodontics.

In order to build the reputation at the New Tampa office, the Drs. Shuayb are offering Neighborhood News readers who mention this article or the ad on pg.

7 of this issue a full dental implant for

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only $2,800!

And a full, laser-fitted crown costs only $599.

“Both of those are significant savings over our regular rates and won’t last too long,” says Dr. Mohammad Shuayb. “And, we know you’ll be happy with the quality of our work.”

Shuayb Dental has three offices, one in Brooksville, two in Spring Hill and the New Tampa office (above),

Neighborhood News

SPOTLIGHT ON: Florida Orthopaedic Institute!

located at 14954 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just south of Tampa Palms.

For office hours and more information, please visit ShuaybDental. com, call 632-9200 or see the ad on page 7 of this issue.

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With 26 years of experience treating patients throughout the Tampa Bay area, the doctors and staff at Florida Orthopaedic Institute is meet the increasing demand for specialized orthopaedic care that can help residents of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel stay active.

Florida Orthopaedic recently celebrated in’s one-year anniversary in its 10th Tampa Bay office, located in the Shoppes of Wesley Chapel on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., directly across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC).

Dr. Brian Palumbo, a hip & knee specialist at The Board-certified doctors and Florida Orthopaedic Inst., checks on a patient. surgeons at Florida Orthopaedic Institute have been recognized globally for active, the precision of the treatment is their expertise. The Wesley Chapel office paramount to success.” offers physician services, physical therapy The physicians all use the latest and X-rays. Additionally, three Board-certitechnologies, with the goal of minimizing fied physicians are on staff: surgical trauma.

• Christopher Baker, M.D., a fellow“There are a lot of options other than ship-trained specialist in sports medicine surgery, like physical therapy or cortisone and shoulder reconstruction; injections,’’ he says. “Our mission is to do • Brian Palumbo, M.D., who special- what is best for the individual patient.” izes in hip and knee replacement surgery, Educating patients is a core philosophy with a focus on diagnosing and treating hip at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute, where and knee arthritis, and all of the surgeons encourage patients to • Timothy Epting, D.O., who focusseek out options to ensure that they are getes on injuries and disorders of the foot and ting a doctor who is experienced in treating ankle and general orthopaedic conditions. their particular type of injury.

In order to maintain the highest level For more information, stop in at of orthopaedic skill, Florida Orthopaedic Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s WesInstitute only employs doctors who have ley Chapel office at 2653 BBD or visit fellowship training.

FloridaOrtho.com. The Wesley Chapel “This additional training is just part of location is open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. what sets us apart,” says Dr. Baker, “espeCall (800) FL-ORTHO for appointcially when the sophisticated work of joints ments. — Submitted to & edited by New is involved. In order to keep our patients Tampa Nighborhood News.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

25

Looking For An Upscale Nail Salon? Try Touch Nail Spa On S.R. 56!

By Celeste McLaughlin It’s officially flip-flop weather again in Florida. If you’ve been skipping pedicures during the winter and are looking for a new salon, the great news is that Touch Nail Spa is now open, minutes from most of New Tampa.

Located in the Cypress View Square shopping plaza on S.R. 56 (in the same plaza as Capital Tacos), Touch Nail Spa offers a beautiful, luxurious setting to enjoy a pedicure, a manicure, or one of the salon’s many other services, including eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and massages.

Touch Nail Spa is owned by Timmy Pham and his wife, Tiffany. Originally from Vietnam, Timmy has been in the U.S. 21 years and has been doing nails almost 17 years. Tiffany and Timmy met when he spent a year in Chicago about 10 years ago and have now been married about four years.

Timmy previously owned a nail salon in Kentucky. He moved to Florida seven years ago and has worked at other salons in the area. He says he opened Touch Nail Spa because of his desire to serve customers at a higher level.

“Working at other salons, I’ve seen owners not do right by customers and employees,” says Timmy. “Here, we are all about the customer experience — and the service.”

Touch Nail Spa celebrated its Grand Opening on March 25 by giving a free manicure or pedicure to 89 guests. He says the reaction everyone had when walking into the salon was, “Wow.” Similar reactions came from first-time visitors during the spa’s

26

for a manicure and/or pedicure, and the salon offers a menu of options to fit everyone’s individual taste. From a simple polish, to acrylic or gel nails, or many other options, a wide variety of services are available and the licensed technicians can help each person find the service that’s right for them.

Currently, there are nine people working at Touch Nail Spa, all of whom are State-licensed in cosmetology.

“All of the technicians were very friendly and made an effort to talk to the customers, not just to each other,” Stephanie says. “They want you to feel pampered and feel that you came into a spa, not Tiffany & Timmy Pham (left) invite you to visit their brand new, elegant Touch Nail Spa on S.R. 56, which just a nail salon.” offers manicures, pedicures, and spa services including, eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and massage.

A variety of spa manicures (Right) Traditional costumes highlighted the spa’s Grand Opening on March 25. and pedicures is offered, and even the “Simple Touch” pedicure (just including gleaming floors and spotless tableGreater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Com$25) includes a callus treatment, pineapple merce (WCCC) ribbon cutting on April 12. tops, a tidy restroom, with all surfaces and sugar scrub, hot towel wrap and lotion mastools sanitized for each individual person.

With high ceilings, large windows, sage, along with nail trimming and shaping, Neighborhood News billing manager and beautiful décor, Touch Nail Spa is Stephanie Smith, who got a manicure during buffing, and cuticle grooming.

3,200 square feet — much larger than you For an even more spa-like experience, the salon’s grand opening, agrees. “I like the might expect at a typical nail salon. Timmy way everything is sanitized, like bringing out a variety of “Hot Touch” pedicures are designed the salon himself, which includes offered ($45-$60). These include a hot a new package of tools for each person, and 16 massage chairs for pedicures and 21 stone massage for your legs and feet, plus using liners in the pedicure basins so that it manicure stations. additional treatments — such as specialized Timmy says he’s thrilled with the way it is completely clean, not just rinsed out.” exfoliation for the bottom of the feet and a turned out – beautiful and relaxing, upscale mask for legs and heels — along with a seat Available Services and clean. He credits Tien Vuu Construcin the salon’s throne-like chairs reserved just While the décor reflects a more upscale tion, LLC, with executing his design perfectfor these pedicures (photo on next page). ly. “They did an amazing job,” Timmy says. experience — don’t let that fool you. Touch “You’ll feel like a queen,” Timmy promises.

Nail Spa’s prices are very affordable.

He describes the way he and his emTouch Nail Spa has two private rooms Timmy says most customers come in ployees keep the salon as “flawlessly clean,”

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

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Spa offer a complimentary beverage with every service, such as water or even wine, served in a chilled glass.

Timmy says he chose a location with plenty of parking to be sure that everyone who comes in for services has a place to park.

And, he assures, clients will be happy with their service.

“We use good, quality products,” says Timmy, “We fix the mistakes other people do.”

He adds that you’ll always be able to find the color you want, and that every color he carries in a regular polish Guests who choose a “Hot Touch Pedicure” get the royal treat- is available as a gel color, too. ment while enjoying their services in one of these thrones. “We have five brands of nail for services beyond nails, each with a beautipolish and 1,000 colors.” ful floor-to-ceiling stacked stone wall, and its One final difference you’ll see at Touch own music. In these rooms, cosmetologists Nail Spa is when you check out. offer facials, eyelash extensions, neck and “Some nail shops don’t give receipts,” shoulder massage and full-body waxing.

Timmy explains. “We give itemized Stephanie also got an eyebrow wax receipts saying what services you had and during the grand opening event. “It was what you paid for. We also collect your phenomenal,” she says. “They got them name and email address so that we can even and perfect.” email you specials.”

“We want people to come in to try it,” A Better Experience Timmy says. As its grand opening special, “We want people to relax,” Timmy Touch Nail Spa is still offering 10 percent says, so first and foremost, “People are not off all services (see the ad on page 49). rushed when they come in. They don’t Touch Nail Spa is located at 27233 have to hurry.”

S.R. 56 and is open Monday-Saturday, To add to the relaxing atmosphere, 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–5 he and his staff pay attention to details. He p.m. on Sunday. Walk-ins and appointsays they immediately greet each visitor as ments are welcome. To make an appointthey walk through the door. The TVs are ment, call 973-4111. For more info, see kept quiet, for example, and Touch Nail the ad on page 49 of this issue.

Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

27

Criminal Just.

Art

You Do the Dishes

Crash Course in Criminal Justice

813-975-1700

YouDoTheDishes.com

USF Department of Criminology hosts a one week immersion into the criminal justice system from June 19-24. Utilizing a traffic homicide investigation, students learn how a case proceeds from investigation to arrest and makes its way before a judge and jury. Students will visit the Tampa Police Department’s training facility to see a SWAT team demonstration, participate in jury selection exercises with an ASA and be sworn in as a mock jury by a judge at the Hillsborough County courthouse! www.usfcriminologycamp.eventbrite.com

Ages 5-9

Piano and music camp for students ages 5-9. Learn the basics of music and piano playing! Camp activities include learning piano pieces, games involving rhythm and musical concepts, ear training, creating compositions at the piano, and singing. Campers will use spacious facilities, a digital piano lab for group activities and grand pianos for performances. Instructors hold masters and doctorate degrees. Programs for preschoolers, older children, teenagers, and adults are also available. Call us to learn more!

813-994-2452

www.NewTampaPPA.com

Special Needs

VBS, Camp

STEM

Music and Piano Camps

Ages 14-16

Ages 7-13

If your child loves art, then this is the camp for you!

Workshops include experienced expert instruction.

Students will be offered projects like watercolor, acrylics, pastel, drawing, print-making, sculpture, and pottery painting. Weekly sessions go from June through August. $260 per session, which includes all materials.

Must sign up in advance, so give us a call today!

Music

USF STEM for Scholars

Grace Episcopal New Tampa

SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Rising 10th-12th Graders

Ages 4-18

Ages 5-15

STEM for Scholars is a four-week, college credit, summer program, July 10 – August 4, 2017, at USF Tampa. It is for high achieving, high school students entering grades 10 – 12. The program is designed to expand student horizons in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and prepare them for academic and college life. Students will be engaged and challenged, through active, hands-on participation in all aspects of the program.

Courses will be taught by outstanding USF faculty.

VBS Rainforest June 5-9, 9 am - 12 noon for ages 4-11 Smart Start Summer Camp June 12-16 for ages 8-18 academic coaching and explanation with Khan Academy, critical thinking debates, and field trips details/register gracenewtampa.org

813-974-4068

www.usfstem.com

813-971-8484

gracenewtampa.org

8 weeks and our topics are: • Fun & Fitness • Destination U.S.A or Stars & Stripes • Superheroes and Princesses • Let’s Go Camping • Animal Adventures • Aloha Splash • Storybook Summer • Show your talents 813-973-7938

www.newleaps.org

Dance

Leadership

Dance

NEW TAMPA DANCE THEATRE!!

Summer Spectacular at JDP

TeenMax Leadership Camp

3-Adult

2.5 through Adult

New Tampa Dance Theatre offers exciting half-day and full-day programs including a break for lunch with 1, 2, or 3 week options held Mon-Fri, June 5th-23rd, beginneradvanced levels. Students explore the creative world of dance in Classical Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip-hop, Tumbling, Arts & Crafts, and Costume Design. Each week culminates with a performance celebration including costumes, pizza, and cookies! Campers will be immersed in the FUNdamentals of dance technique within a safe and nurturing environment.

Ages 12-16

The Jansen Dance Project Summer Spectacular 2017!

Dance and Musical Theatre Camps, Intensives, Workshops and technique classes for students of all ages. Our professional dance and theater educators are the very best in the community; providing a joyful, compassionate and professional approach to arts education and enrichment. JDP students have gone on to pursue their passion studying at ABT, BTP, Julliard, NYU Tisch, Jacksonville University, Florida State, University of Florida, U.S.F. and Princeton University. Come Celebrate the Arts with Us!

Help your teen to be more focused and successful in school, at home, and in life! Mission statements, vision boards, relationship building, compassion, fitness, cooking, relaxation techniques and more are all rolled into one camp! Your teen will also learn to prioritize their schedule by learning to effectively use their academic planner. New this year is a mindful attention component that is designed to foster social and emotional awareness, enhance mental well-being, and promote academic success! Space is limited.

813-994-NTDT(6838)

813-979-2222

newtampadancetheatre.com

Sports

Dog Grooming

CAMP IS GOING TO THE DOGS

PROtential Sports Camp

Awesome and Affordable Summer Camp offering the following fun and safe activities at no extra cost: Martial Arts Classes, Tumbling/Gymnastics, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Kickball, Water Fun/Games, Indoor Obstacle Course & Rock Wall, Educational Games, Math Worksheets, Science Projects, Exciting Arts and Crafts, Video Game Systems, Lego Building Station, Checkers, Chess and more!

813-843-9460

www.manamartialarts.com

2017 marks the 20th year for this outstanding co-ed basketball camp! Four weekly camp sessions are offered. Beginner to advanced players are welcome to play. Coach Tommy Tonelli and his staff of coaches provide well organized and enthusiastic basketball instruction. The camp emphasizes fundamentals, team play, and sportsmanship. Campers compete in daily 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 team play. Daily shooting competitions include free throw shooting, “hot spot”, and Mikan lay-up. All campers receive a Wharton Wildcats Basketball t-shirt.

813-631-4710 x230 wharton.mysdhc.org

813-956-5425

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Multi-Camp Entering 2nd - 8th Grade

Ages 5-11

Our action-packed, full-day Summer Camps taught by former pro and collegiate athletes rotate between multiple sporting activities including swimming which is offered daily. Your child is given the opportunity to participate in many engaging and funfilled field trips including, but not limited to, laser tag, roller skating, bowling, water skiing, Lego Land, Rays Game and much more! We also offer a children’s favorite, a trip to Busch Gardens theme park which always promises a full day of excitement and entertainment for ages 5 to 15 years old.

813-558-5406

Wharton Basketball Camp

Self-Defense & Sports Fun

Ages 5-15

www.kidsandcanines.org

Sports

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Sports

Ages 8-15 Offering four weeks of Summer Camp. Camps are open to all children ages 8 to 15. June 12th-16th; June 19th-23rd; June 26th-30th; July 10th-15th.

During these week long programs kids not only train and care for dogs, they learn the importance of animal welfare and may explore careers in this industry.

Camp is Monday-Friday, 9am to 3 pm. Space is limited to 15 campers per week. Campers receive a free Kids and Canines t-shirt.

813-563-CAMP (2267)

www.CollectiveSoles.org

Multi-camp

Summer at the Lakes Ages 3-18

Academy at the Lakes invites all children in the Tampa Bay community to join us this summer for day camp and summer school. We are conveniently located near many of north Tampa’s suburbs, including Land O’Lakes, New Tampa, Lutz, Odessa, Carrollwood, and Wesley Chapel.

Our Summer Camp program includes over 60 offerings in art, sports, recreation, and enrichment. Our Summer School program offers both noncredit and for-credit courses.

813-948-7600

www.summeratthelakes.com

CAMP IDS ~ Summer 2017!

PreK3- high school

Lego movie making. Engineering. Gourmet cooking.

Music. New languages. Video game design. Archery.

Corbett Prep’s CAMP IDS is packed with options from sports to arts to academics that will create a memorable summer for your kids! For nearly two decades, CAMP IDS provides over 100 full- and a half- day camps that appeal to a variety of interests. Corbett Prep’s cypress covered campus is the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. CAMP IDS ~ Where Everyone Has a Great Time!

813-961-3087

www.corbettprep.com

U.S. Meets Czech Republic This Weekend At Saddlebrook In Fed Cup Action

By John C. Cotey Putting together a Federation Cup team is akin to fielding a lineup in almost any sport.

You find the best players, who are currently playing the best, who have earned the right to be out there, and you put them on the court.

For United States Fed Cup first-time captain Kathy Rinaldi, that means Coco Vandeweghe, Shelby Rogers, Bethanie MattekSands and Lauren Davis.

Rinaldi selected her team last week during a stop at Saddlebrook Resort, which will host the Federation Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Semifinal this weekend in front of what could be a sellout crowd.

A temporary 3,500-seat stadium is being constructed around one of the resort’s Har-Tru Classic Green Clay courts.

Kevin O’Connor, president of Saddlebrook International Sports, said Saddlebrook’s reputation, combined with a tennis community buoyed by active USTA programs at Hunter’s Green, Tampa Palms, Arbor Greene and West Meadows, made the area the perfect choice to host the event.

“This is the highest level of team tennis,’’ says O’Connor. “This is like what most of the local community does with the USTA team tennis. Imagine one of the best communities in the U.S. for organized tennis. To have the pinnacle of team events in your backyard, it’s a no brainer and very exciting.”

The best-of-five match series begins on Saturday with two singles matches beginning at 11:30 a.m.. Then, on Sunday, the teams will play two reverse singles matches beginning at 10:30 a.m., as well as the doubles match.

The semifinal showdown will feature one

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The U.S. Fed Cup team (l.-r.): Shelby Rogers, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Coco Vandeweghe & Lauren Davis. team, the U.S., trying to reclaim its former glo- from a December knife attack during a burglary. The 17-time champion hasn’t won the Fed ry that left her with an injured left hand, the Czechs also go without the other three players Cup since 2000.

One the other hand, the defending champ who led them to the Fed Cup title last year.

World No. 3 Karolina Pliskova, No. 18 Czech Republic is trying to maintain its status as the best women’s team in the world, as winners Barbora Strycova and No. 2 doubles player Lucie Safarova have all declined to play, citing miof five of the last six titles.

The U.S. is 39-6 all-time in Fed Cup ties nor injuries or scheduling issues.

In their place, the Czech Republic is send(or matches) played at home, and is 147-36 ing Pliskova’s twin sister Kristyna and Marketa overall.

“The atmosphere for these matches will Vondrousova, who will be making their Fed be electric,’’ Rinaldi says. “There’s something Cup debuts, and Katerina Siniakova and Denia about playing for your country that brings out Allertova, who have played one Fed Cup douthe best in the players. To see the fans, with their bles match.

Siniakova is the highest rated of the faces painted, the colored wigs… to hear the naCzechs, at No. 38, while Pliskova is No. 54. Altional anthem, there’s nothing like it.”

A few weeks ago, Rinaldi, whose son Duke lertova (107) and Vondrousova (233) are outStunkel Jr. is an outfielder for the University of side of the Top 100.

Ratings matter less, however, when you are South Florida baseball team, said her team was the clear underdog. But, that may have changed playing for your country, Rinaldi says. Last year, once the Czech Republic revealed it would be the Netherlands, without a single player in the sending an inexperienced lineup of Fed Cup top 100, beat four-time champion Russia, which was competing with three players in the top 35, reserves.

Already without two-time Wimbledon including Maria Sharapova.

Started in 1963 as the women’s version champion Petra Kvitova, who is still recovering

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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of the men’s Davis Cup, Federation Cup tennis is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sports, as roughly 100 teams from across the globe compete. It is marked by patriotism and raucous, festive crowds who roundly cheer for their country, and the atmosphere is completely different from the typical intense quiet you might see on television. Loudly celebrating in between points is not only allowed, it is encouraged.

“You can really feel the enthusiasm,’’ Rinaldi said. “In Hawaii (for the U.S.’s 4-0 quarterfinal win over Germany), the fans were loud and behind us, and we expect it to be the same way at Saddlebrook.”

Rinaldi, 49, reached the quarterfinals of the French Open as a 14-year-old and has trained at Saddlebrook. A three-time winner on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour, and once ranked as high as No. 7 in the world, Rinaldi was working in player development for the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) when she was tasked with directing the Fed Cup team back to the top of the international heap after years of struggling.

Though the three highest-rated Americans (No. 2 Serena Williams, No. 10 Madison Keys and No. 12 Venus Williams) are missing, Rinaldi likes the camaraderie and talent of her chosen four, all of whom have been playing well this year.

Vandeweghe is No. 24 in the world, Davis is 36 and Rogers is 49, moving up three spots after beating the top-seeded Keys and reaching the quarterfinals at the WTA’s Charleston stop April 3-5. Mattek-Sands is the No. 1 doubles player in the world, “You want to try to find those players that are playing their best at the moment,’’ Rinaldi said. “You want to find players that you believe

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in, and American tennis has a lot of really good players and a lot that are playing really well right now. We currently have 18 in the top 100.

That’s quite a number. Women’s tennis has really stepped up.”

The animated and fiery Vandeweghe, certain to be one of the crowd favorites this weekend, is playing the best tennis of her career.

She reached a career-high rating of No. 20 in the world earlier this year after her 2017 Australian Open, where she defeated then-world No. 1 Angelique Kerber before falling to Venus Williams in the semis.

Vandeweghe has won two WTA titles, and a doubles title as well, when she teamed with Mattek-Sands to win at Indian Wells in 2016.

This will be Vandeweghe’s sixth Fed Cup tie (or team match), and she is 3-0 in doubles and 3-3 in singles.

Davis, who won her first WTA title this

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year, the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. Rogers, who has reached two WTA quarterfinals this year, is playing in her second consecutive Fed Cup tie. She made her debut in Hawaii, teaming with Mattek-Sands in doubles.

Mattek-Sands became the No. 1-rated doubles player in the world in January with a win at Brisbane, followed by the Australian Open title. She is undefeated in Fed Cup doubles action and was on the last U.S. team to make the finals in 2010.

The winner at Saddlebrook advances to the Fed Cup final Nov. 11-12. It will meet the winner of the Belarus-Switzerland tie being played this weekend in Minsk, Belarus.

Tickets to check out the action at Saddlebrook were going fast but still available as of our press time. To purchase your tickets, visit USTA.com/fedcup or call (888) 334USTA (8782).

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Gator Makes Selling A Home A Little Tougher For One Local Realtor

By John C. Cotey When Wesley Chapel’s Nikki Spirakis was learning to become a Realtor, she thinks she might have missed the day they taught about dodging alligators while showing homes.

She could have used that training on March 29. Spirakis and a client were on their way to look at a home in Heritage Isles on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa when they noticed an alligator approximately 6-feet long heading across the lawn and towards the front door of a house just two doors down from the one she was about to show.

Although we live in an area with homes and businesses going up all around, the last few months have been a reminder to some, like Wesley Chapel resident & “ T h e y Realtor Nikki Spirakis, that the Wesley Chapel/New Tampa area is still flush with wildlife, leading to some interesting recent encounters. didn’t cover that young children along with her, wasn’t quite altors she works with had ever experienced a in real estate school,’’ she says. as fearless. While she hopped out of the car to gator squatter. Realtor Gail Beskid, who works S p i r a k i s take a look, she quickly hopped back in with with Spirakis, has said she is going to one day write a book about all her adventures during a stopped her car her children.

They proceeded to the home Spirakis was decades long career as a real estate agent. While to, naturally, take photos with her cell phone.

The gator eventually made it to the front door showing, but the Realtor knew there would be Spirakis’ recent encounter with hippie squatters — “I could hear the music and smell the and hunkered down. “It was like it was waiting no sale that day.

“She was wigged out,’’ Spirakis says, incense right away” — may not make Beskid’s for someone to open the door,’’ Spirakis says.

The gator hung out for a few minutes, laughing. “She made sure the door was closed book, her reptilian encounter surely will.

“Gail told me I definitely get a chapter for then made its way back to the front of the behind us when we went into the house.”

She did joke to one of her children that this one,’’ Spirakis says. house and moseyed towards the back of the It wasn’t the first wildlife moment for Spihouse. While the houses on the other side of she would be a tasty morsel for the gator, the street backed up to water, the alligator but the trip around the home took less than rakis lately, either. A resident of the new Windsor at Meadow Pointe community off Meadow headed in the opposite direction towards noth- five minutes.

That alligator was the first one she Pointe Blvd. at the eastern end of S.R. 56 in ing but dry land and more homes.

Spirakis says she and some of the other had ever seen in five years living in Florida, Wesley Chapel, Spirakis and her husband Erik other than at Busch Gardens,’’ Spirakis says. Hajek recently encountered a cow that walked animal and loading it into a trailer. neighbors weren’t quite sure what to do.

“We definitely discussed calling some- “And, the house she was looking at backed by their front yard after escaping from a nearby And, the day after Spirakis avoided the body, but I was like, this is Florida,’’ Spirakis up to water. We zoomed right through it ranch off S.R. 56. gator, a giant white owl perched itself on a While the neighbors came out to watch fence about 10 feet away and watched her play said. “As it was walking off, everyone just fig- and she was like, ‘I don’t like it. I can’t live the cow walk across the street, cowboys on tennis at The Sports Club at Hunter’s Green. in this neighborhood.’” ured we had our funny story for the day.”

Spirakis says that none of the other Re- horses showed up, eventually wrangling the Spirakis says her client, who had two “I’m on quite a roll lately,’’ she joked.

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Wiregrass Ranch High Grad Is Taking A Bite Out Of The Big Apple

By John C. Cotey Wesley Chapel’s Angelica Vicens isn’t on TV or in the movies. Yet. However, her story is a familiar one.

You’ve seen her before, or those like her — you know, the young aspiring actor/writer/ producer, who chases her dreams all the way to New York, NY, who works a day job to pay the rent, spends the rest of her time in one of the Big Apple’s many theaters hustling to put something together. And yes, she shares one of those tiny, one-bedroom, overpriced flats where the living room and kitchen are interchangeable and where she dreams of making it big.

That’s Angelica, a 20-year-old who just made her director/producer debut earlier this month, just a mere three years after graduating from Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH).

With her parents, Angel and Zulma, in the audience, Angelica recently completed a four-show run of “Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier,” a popular musical by Team Starkid productions, a Chicago-based theatre troupe known for its musical comedies.

“Twisted” parodies the Disney movie “Aladdin,” but told from the antagonist Jafar’s point of view.

Angelica produced four shows March 31-April 2, at The Producer’s Club, a black box “Off-Off Broadway” theater on W. 44th St. in Manhattan. Black box theaters are typically simple and square with black walls, resembling a black box, with seating for roughly 50-100 for a production that relies on the actors to create the setting and atmosphere, rather than props and elaborate stage decorations.

While she also has auditioned multiple times for parts in plays, Angelica wanted to try

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Angelica Vicens (left) has been performing since she was a little kid, and is hoping to find success in New York City as an actor, writer and producer. her hand at being on the other side. It didn’t learning experience.” she is doing this.”

Angelica’s brother Luis, a WRH junior, She adds, however, that all of the challengmatter than she was only 20 and at the very also is a talented singer and musician, and beginning of her career — she says she was es were well worth the experience.

“For me, it’s the beginning of my own plays the drums, piano and bass guitar. ready for the challenge. A longtime fan of Team Considering Angel and Zulma played in Starkid’s productions, she decided she wanted personal career,’’ she said. “As an actor, you’re auditioning for other people’s projects. This is popular bands in their native Puerto Rico, it’s to do a version of “Twisted.”

“I’ve wanted to do this all my life,’’ she the first step seeing if I can do (my own project), only natural the Vicens kids would take early and so far it has been a really great experience,’’ to performing. says. “Might as well go for it.’’

Angelica was in the show choir from first She reached out to Team Starkid for the Angelica says. “I’m realizing that I do have pograde through sixth grade with New Tampa’s rights to do “Twisted.” Her father Angel, who tential to direct and put on comedies.”

Angel said Angelica was always ready to Show Kidz, performed in the drama club and said the family has always supported Angelica’s dream, paid the $400 for the rights, and after perform, even as a child. She would have friends played the violin in Orchestra at John Long signing the contract, pre-production began last over to watch a movie in fourth grade, and they Middle School and also performed in the December for a bare-bones production of a mu- would then perform it afterwards. In the fifth Drama Club at WRH. She played the Marimba in the school sical that has had nearly 1.8-million views on grade at Sand Pine Elementary, she and her friends put together an after-school show for band, and her junior year played Grizabella in YouTube. the Jansen Dance Project (located in Tampa In January, although it was an unpaid gig, their classmates.

“It was obviously her passion,’’ says Angel, Palms) production of “Cats.”

Angelica said more than 150 actors applied for While many her age went off to sort a role in her show, and 16 made the cut, 17 if who plays bass guitar (with Zulma, who plays you count the replacement she had to find when guitar) on Sundays at St. Mark the Evangelist out their futures on college campuses, Anthe lead bowed out midway through rehearsals. Catholic Church in New Tampa during 12:30 gelica followed her passion to New York “That was a setback,’’ she said, “and a Spanish mass. “We are not surprised at all that City, where just two weeks after graduat-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 25, Issue 9 • April 21, 2017 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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ing from WRH, she enrolled at the American Musical Dramatic Academy (AMDA), a college conservatory for the performing arts located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. She completed that program in 2015.

“I don’t mean to brag,’’ Angelica says, chuckling, “but I’m doing what I always said I was going to be doing.”

It was at AMDA that she discovered Carol Burnett, Ethel Merman and “The Dick Van Dyke Show,”and fell in love with old variety comedy.

“I wanted to find something parallel to that in modern times,’’ she said.

She says she has binge-watched all 42 seasons of “Saturday Night Live,” as well as “Cheers,” “Frazier” and “Seinfield.”

Whether as a writer, producer, singer or actor, Angelica knows she is where she wants to be. Her dream job would be working for a variety show, like “Saturday Night Live,”or

Neighborhood News

becoming a writer for a late night talk show.

“A lot of friends of mine who always said they were going to be actors, they don’t really understand the reality of the situation,’’ Angelica says. “A lot of people trying to be in the industry believe acting is reaching a certain amount of fame and success. They think if you’re recognized on a world level, you are an actor. But, it’s about the craft, no matter the level.”

While honing her own craft, Angelica takes online business classes through Florida International University, and works 40 hours a week in the NBC Universal (NBCU) gift shop in Rockefeller Plaza’s Comcast Building.

“I’d love to be an NBC page, and be a part of that program,’’ Angelica said.

Until then, she’ll continue to sing, act, write and produce, and take as big a bite out of the Big Apple as she can.

“She does it all,’’ Angel says, proudly.

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SPOTLIGHT ON......The Gift Box Boutique!

Mother’s Day is coming, so a visit to The Gift Box Boutique in Tampa Palms should be on your list of places to visit for great gifts for your mom, grandmother,wife, daughter or anyone who likes unique gifts you won’t find at stores in a mall.

It’s quaint and warm, with a variety of items that belies its just-the-right-size corner location in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, between Ciccio’s Cali and Stonewood Grill & Tavern.

But, what owner Jennifer Colón says really sets her shop apart is the customer service. You won’t want to hustle in and out, and you are invited to stay as long as you need to in order to find the perfect gift items, or simply to browse.

“We have spent the last three years listening to customers every day tell us what they like, what they would like to see more of and what they just can’t live without,” Jennifer says. “We always strive to take our customer service to the next level, know our customers on a first-name basis and provide a pleasurable shopping experience.”

The Gift Box never rests on its laurels, however, and is continually updated.

This year, Mother’s Day and other shoppers can expect many new brands and a wider selection of apparel.

“We are very excited to add Brighton, which offers fashion-relevant accessories, to our store,” says Jennifer. “We also are the only boutique in the Tampa area offering the clothing line Desiqual (photo), based out of Barcelona, Spain.”

And it’s not just designer clothes that bring in many Gift Box customers.

“In addition, we will continue to carry some of Tampa’s favorites, such as Toffee to Go, The Columbia Restaurant gift items and Seventh Avenue Apothecary Candles.”

Make sure you check back at the beginning of each new season, as The Gift Box continues to offer the best spring, summer, fall and winter gifts around.

“Our goal is to continue to grow, provide unique gifts and great customer service” says Jennifer.

The Gift Box Boutique is located at 17032 Palm Pointe Dr. It is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and noon -4 p.m. on Sunday. Looking for a specific item or brand? Call the store at 284-5986 or email TheGiftBoxTampa@ yahoo.com. You can “like” The Gift Box Boutique on Facebook.com, and be sure to see The Gift Box Boutique’s ad on page 26 of this issue. — JCC

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Feel At Home At Kiran Indian Grocery Store On Cross Creek Blvd.

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By Gary Nager

VEN IF you’re not originally from the sub-continent of India, even if you’ve never really loved Indian food, I know you’ll find something you like or want or need if you visit the Kiran Indian Grocery, located on Cross Creek Blvd. in the Cross Creek Center plaza, next to Saffron Indian Cuisine.

The one thing I know for sure is that you won’t find better people than the owners, Kiran and Sudeer (photo on this page; I won’t even try to spell their last name correctly).

Although Kiran is the one who is almost always at the store, she gives credit to Sudeer, a software engineer who handles the books for the popular, albeit tiny (1,200-sq.-ft.) grocery for being “my support system, my partner.”

Theirs is a story of true love so unique that Sudeer wrote a novel (his first) about their life together called No Big Deal. If you think the Indian people are boring because they’re usually so polite and proper, read this book. Sudeer approaches their often difficult life together with the same genuine sweetness and sense of humor he and his wife always show in person.

What About The Store?

Kiran opened her first store in the Pebble Creek Collection in 2003. She moved it to E. Fowler Ave. in 2010, but found a new location where more of her original New Tampa customers could more easily visit on Cross Creek Blvd. in 2014.

“Really, all of my customers who still live here have followed me wherever I have opened,” says Kiran. “I love my customers and always remember the products they purchase, even if it’s been years since I’ve seen them.”

In other words, if you previously were a customer at either of Kiran’s previous two locations, don’t be surprised if she remembers you by what you bought at her store.

She is an absolute expert at knowing what products to stock for her customers, which is no small feat, as the people in every state in India don’t just have different cuisines, they actually speak entirely different languages from each other. That means that Kiran has to learn enough of these other languages to stock as many of the products

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as possible that people from every part of the world’s second most populous country (as well as from Pakistan and Middle eastern countries, too; she even has an assortment of Halal meats) will purchase.

“I feel a little like a doctor,” Kiran says. “I have had to learn enough of these other languages to know how to stock many of the same items made by different companies because my customers won’t buy the same products from different parts of India than the ones they grew up with.”

In other words, if you’re looking for Masala spice mixes, teas and even rice, Kiran crams about 8,000 items into her little store, including multiple brand names and options from virtually every part of India to satisfy her customers.

I’m not knowledgeable enough about India or the different cuisines favored by each area to know anything about what to buy at Kiran Indian Grocery. The good news is that Kiran does. Every time I visited the store to research this story, she gave me different items to sample, from fresh cilantro, Indian radishes and cucumbers to some of the most delicious chocolate and cookies you’ll find anywhere (more on all of that sweet stuff below).

I consider myself to be relatively adventurous when it comes to trying different foods, but I’ve never been partial to any kind of curry or chutney, which of course, are among the staples of many Indian cuisines. To date, I have enjoyed the frozen veggie and chicken-and-veggie samosas Kiran has given me to sample, and her fresh fruits and vegetables (some of which are organic) are always outstanding.

I have brought back coconut milk, mango juices and items like the peanut chikki bars (sort of like peanut brittle), spicy cashews, pickles and surprisingly salty dried banana chips for everyone in the office to sample and I have enjoyed the unique lower-glycemic-index basmati rice Kiran suggested for those who have or are trying to avoid getting diabetes.

But, there’s no doubt that my favorite items at Kiran Indian Grocery are the Indian and British versions of such standards as Kit-Kat and Cadbury bars, which definitely taste better than their American counterparts, as well as chocolate wafer cookies and sandwich cookies known as “bourbon cremes,” which look like rectangular Oreos but taste a hundred times better. Yes, if you have a sophisticated sweet tooth, Kiran

Owners Kiran & Sudeer

Rotary At Work In India

Fresh Cilantro

Indian Grocery is the place for you.

Kiran also stocks a variety of beauty products that Indian people use at the front of the store.

Speaking Of Sweet Things...

Before I ever stepped into her current store, I already had started getting to know Kiran because she is a member of the same Rotary Club of New Tampa Noon that I belong to as well.

But, while I try to help our Rotary Club by promoting its events, Kiran actually lives the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self” every day.

Kiran’s high school teacher is a member of a Rotary Club in India that has been trying to help children from her area of India who have a particular skin condition they get from often unsanitary conditions at their school. Kiran has gotten our Rotary

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Chikki Bars Club to buy plates, tablecloths, napkins and glasses for the school as an international service project and is using her own money build benches for the children, so they don’t have to sit on the floor at school.

“I tell my customers that they helped pay for those benches,” Kiran says with

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her always-sweet-smile. “I couldn’t do it without them spending money here.”

She also provides ongoing financial support for the Humane Society of Tampa, to make sure the animals kept at the shelter are properly bathed and have their shots. “I tell them to just charge my credit card when they need something,” she says. “I just love animals.”

Kiran Indian Grocery (10042 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. every day (until 9 p.m. on Fri.Sat.). For info, call (813) 994-6202 or see the ad on pg. 42.

With more than 8,000 items in a store of only 1,200 sq. ft., you might be surprised at the variety of products available at Kiran Indian Grocery. You’ll find everything from beauty products to Masala spice mixes and delicious chocolate, juices and cookies.

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Kwan Ming Bistro Keps Improving Its NY-Style Chinese Cuisine!

THE CUISINE

By Gary Nager

that I miss the most from when I lived in New York City is still Chinese food, hands down.

To be honest, there still isn’t a place in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel that really compares to the incredible Chinese food I have loved all of my life.

That having been said, I do still enjoy quite a few of the Chinese places in our area and one of the places that has really grown on me the last few months in Kwan Ming Bistro, located on S.R. 56, in the same Seven Oaks Plaza as Wolf’s Den and Cabana Spas. Owner/ chef Henry Lo opened Kwan Ming in 2012, but I will admit that I didn’t like it as much then as I do now.

I believe that Henry, who has 40 years of Chinese cuisine experience and is known for his creative specials printed on a specials board inside the restaurant, has grown as a chef and the addition of assistant chef Nick Shalna in 2015 has given Henry the freedom to explore his more creative cuisine options and better control the quality of the food at his restaurant.

Kwan Ming bills its food as Hong Kongstyle Chinese cuisine, but I believe several of its offerings are as close to NY-style as you’ll find in our area.

“Don’t give me any credit,” says Nick. “Henry is the chef. I’m just trying to help him make sure that the fact that the two of us cook everything here will continue to make sure that our quality stays consistent.”

I believe the formula is working. Let’s start, as I always do, with the appetizers. I can’t really enjoy a Chinese meal without spare ribs, egg or spring rolls and dumplings and Kwan Ming’s are all very good.

I like my Chinese-style ribs with as little sauce as possible, but while the honeyglazed ribs at Kwan Ming are slathered with a little more sauce than I usually like, they are tender, meaty and delicious, albeit a little bit on the messy side. And, speaking of messy, the gooey General Tso’s chicken wings are very tasty, although not as spicy as some of the General Tso’s recipes I’ve had at other places.

The pork egg rolls and veggie spring rolls aren’t particularly large, but they are

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served crispy and the homemade duck sauce makes for a nice dip. I also prefer my pork dumplings more pan-fried than a deep-fried, but the flavor of Kwan Ming’s fried dumplings is excellent, as is the homemade dumpling dipping sauce.

I also enjoy the Beijing hot-and-sour and Hong Kong-style wonton soup and plan to try Henry’s unique vegetable garlic soup on a future visit.

Ahh, Yes, The Entrées

I’m still exploring the huge selection of entrées at Kwan Ming Bistro, but I do have a number of favorites. My two favorites to date are probably the beef with fresh asparagus and the Su Choi Chow fish with fresh vegetables, which features nicely sautéed chunks of fresh, white fish. I usually order the sauce a little spicy, but I will suggest that if you like your food spicy, ask for it that way. I love the heat I feel when I enjoy a great Szechuan or Hunan-style Chinese dish, but I think Henry and Nick tone down the spiciness unless you specifically ask for your dish extra spicy.

Other favorites among our Neighborhood News staff include the General Tso’s chicken, the kung pao chicken (shown as one of several available lunch specials in the photo on the next page), the beef with broccoli and the Mongolian pork.

I also really love Kwan Ming’s fried rice, from the house special fried rice shown on the next page (I order it without the shrimp, of course), which actually gets a nice flavor boost from the addition of fresh red peppers, to the simple pork fried rice. I’m not the biggest lover of Chinese noodle dishes, but Kwan Ming has a wide variety of not only lo mein dishes — there’s even a mixed seafood lo mein and a k-krab special lo mein — but other noodle dishes, too. For example, Nick says that those who like broader Chinese-style noodle dishes will love Kwan Ming’s beef ho fun, which is made with hand-cut, house-marinated flank steak and homemade rice noodles.

Speaking of special, the aforementioned specials board always attracts a lot of attention at Kwan Ming Bistro, for good reason. Although none of these dishes are pictured here, Nick says the following are his favorites: the true king crab lo mein, the deep-fried Chinese eggplant,

Beef with Fresh Asparagus

Honey-Glazed BBQ Spare Ribs

Pork Egg Roll

the lobster kew and the seafood volcania, which features krabmeat, U10 scallops, white fish and shrimp.

“We also have an extensive number of vegetarian options,” Nick says. “We will even use water to cook your vegetarian meals, instead of chicken broth.”

And, although neither whole Maine lobster nor Hong Kong-stye whole duck aren’t on the menu, Nick says they can get them for you — with a day’s notice.

“We don’t keep a lobster tank here,” he says, “but, if you give us one day’s notice, we will gladly order a whole lobster for you.” He adds that Kwan Ming serves Halal meats as approved on Zabiliah.com.

He also notes that the duck also takes a day because Henry will hang the ducks — as I remember them doing in Chinatown in New York City — to help the fat drain out and leave nothing but succulent duck with crispy skin. I definitely plan to try this one sometime in the future, too.

And of course, even though Kwan Ming certainly isn’t a fancy place, it does accept and recommends reservations for weekend evenings and also offers beer and wine, including Tsingtao Chinese beer and others. There’s also a variety of hot teas, including some Chinese specialty teas.

Kwan Ming Bistro is located at 27607 S.R. 56. It is open every

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Su Choi Chow Fish

Fried Dumplings

General Tso’s Wings

House Special Fried Rice

day except Monday for lunch and dinner, as follows: Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and noon-9:30 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. For more information, search for “Kwan Ming Bistro” on Facebook or visit KwanMingRestaurant.com. For dinner reservations (not required), call 994-2328. And, Kwan Ming Bistro stays open on Christmas Eve & Day and New Year’s Eve & Day.

Neighborhood News

Kung Pao Chicken Lunch Special

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43

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Annual ‘Red Carpet Affair’ At St. James Church Keeps Getting Bigger!

Special to the Neighborhood News St. James United Methodist Church, located on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Tampa Palms, hosted its 8th annual Red Carpet Affair on April 1.

It’s a prom-like experience for people ages 16 and older with special needs, regardless of their religious affiliation. The Red Carpet Affair is a culmination of months of hard work by many dedicated volunteers, with planning starting in November, and donations from St. James’ congregation and the local community.

Organizers says that more than 140 volunteers are the glue of this event because they shared their time and talents to make this prom another major success for guests.

Ladies who attend the “Affair” sign up for appointments in the “Diva Room,” where they are pampered with facials, manicures and given professionally styled hairdos and makeup.

Parents and caregivers are able to enjoy a reception all their own, giving them a place to sit back, relax and enjoy each other’s company.

The St. James sanctuary was transformed into a dance hall with walls of light, balloon arrangements, and — of course — limitless smiles. Each guest gets to experience a promlike atmosphere with a walk down a red carpet, professional photography and DJ dancing.

Live Fusion Entertainment played all of the current hits from the radio and even led a conga line, which is a favorite among guests and volunteers alike.

This amazing community event was attended by more than 280 guests, parents and caregivers, making it the largest Red Carpet Affair to date. Several of those in attendance said that the Affair is the event of the year for

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From conga lines to DJ dancing, the annual Red Carpet Affair at St. James Church is #1 with local special needs families.

Tampa Bay-area special needs families.

Carlene Barbeau, a veteran volunteer for the event, described the prom as “more of a joy for me than for our special needs friends. It is incredible to see people from all ages, backgrounds and abilities come together to dance, laugh and appreciate our uniqueness.”

If you would like to be part of next year’s Red Carpet Affair, or other ongoing events for those with special needs, contact Zach Grant, director of Special Connections, at specialconnections@stjamestampa.org.

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

Discovery Village In Tampa Palms Now Accepting Residents

Congratulations to Discovery Village in Tampa Palms, located across Commerce Park Blvd. from Liberty Middle School, which should be accepting its first residents as this issue is reaching your mailbox. We incorrectly reported last issue that the new assisted living and memory care facility wouldn’t be moving residents in until December of this year, but after attending the Grand Opening of Discovery Village’s amazing dining area, theater room, pool and model resident suites, I think most of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC; visit WesleyChapelChamber.com) members in

attendance would agree with Discovery Senior Living CEO Richard Hutchinson (below left) Discovery Village is a gorgeous place to live.

For more info, visit DiscoveryVillages.com or call (813) 605-2400.

Ford’s Garage Opens To Crowds

As we reported in Episode 20 of WCNT-tv (available now on YouTube and Facebook), Ford’s Garage opened on S.R. 56 with a WCCC ribbon cutting (top right) on April

50

3, following a great VIP event on April 2 that featured an open bar, appetizers (top left) and some outstanding mini-burgers and fries.

As I reported in my Neighborhood Dining News segment, the Ford’s Garage menu isn’t huge, but everything we’ve sampled so far — from the seared ahi tuna appetizer to the petite filet mignon — has been great and there’s no doubt that Ford’s Garage’s Ford Motor Company-inspired décor and large bar area are already attracting big crowds. Please

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tell our friend and Wesley Chapel Ford’s Garage part-owner Billy Diamond (you might remember him from Ruby Tuesday) and his outstanding crew that we sent you!

Frogury Adds Rolled Ice Cream If you’re looking for a uniquely delicious dessert, I suggest visiting Frogury, which is located next to Five Guys Burgers & Fries in the plaza at 6431 E. County Line Rd. at Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.

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I’ve mentioned many times in these pages that I don’t love frozen yogurt as much as I do ice cream, but Frogury not only has great “fro-yo” and an impressive array of toppings, it also is the first place in our area to serve the amazing new rolled ice cream.

As shown in the top left three pics above, Frogury owner Jackie Chan (not his real name, but the name he goes by) pours fresh cream onto a round, flat pan cooled as low as -32ºF. He rolls it out, adds a limited variety of items (I got chocolate chips mixed into mine), flattens and chops it until it hardens.

He then uses a spatula to create small rolls of the ice cream, and loads those into a cup, where you can then add toppings like Reese’s cups, Butterfingers, a variety of fresh fruits and everything from hot fudge to peanut butter.

“It’s sort of between soft serve and regular ice cream,” Jackie says. “People are going crazy for it.”

Check it out for yourself and use the coupon from the ad on this page to save 20 percent off your purchase or visit Frogury.com.

Popeye’s Opens In The WC

Although I wasn’t a huge fan of Pop-

Neighborhood News

eye’s Louisiana Kitchen when I first sampled it as a University of Florida student 35 or so years ago, I will admit that our entire office really enjoyed our Popeye’s Family Meal (photo, top right) when the restaurant opened on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel on April 12, a few days later than originally planned, due to a permitting issue with Pasco County.

I’m partial to Popeye’s mild Bonafide Chicken, although several people in our office preferred the spicier version.

Either way, the traffic tie-ups at the S.R. 54 exit off I-75 experienced on opening day haven’t repeated themselves since then, but we’ll keep you posted.

New Owners At Bosco’s

Although I was never previously enamored with Bosco’s Italian to Go in the Freedom Plaza at 30122 S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, the new owners, Charles and Nancy Franculini, have not only gotten a boost from participating in the recent Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, they also have done a great job of upgrading the menu (check out the pepperoni pizza above right) and have some terrific offers for you. For example, you can get a one-topping 18-inch pizza, plus an

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order of Bosco’s garlic or cheese bread, or a two-liter bottle of any Coke product for only $16.99. Or, try the 14-inch pepperoni pizza shown here for only $7.99 on Tuesdays.

For more info, call 907-2440 or visit for lunch or dinner any day except Sunday...and please tell them the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you!

Coming Soon To The New Tampa Center Plaza...

I recently visited the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza on BBD at Cross Creek/New Tampa Blvd. and was surprised to see that China One (photo, right), a Chinese take-out place, and The Joint Chiropractic, which is a unique chiropractic and wellness center offering monthly “memberships,” are both getting ready to open between Publix and Pizza Hut (and next to Leiva’s Jewelry, see ad on pg. 13; and Coldwell Banker, see ads on pgs. 19 & 48).

I met some of the great folks from The Joint Chiro (which will open sometime in May in the space formerly occupied by the Halftime Sports Lounge) at a recent WCCC mixer and they are excited to be part of the neighborhood. — GN

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51

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Authors Share Writing & Publishing Tips At PHSC-Porter Campus Symposium Special To The Neighborhood News A panel featuring English professor Joseph Ward, J.D., Pasco Hernando State College student and author Taylor Gibson and local author Madonna Jervis Wise regaled a crowd of about 50 people at PHSC’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch about the process of writing and publishing at a seminar on March 23.

Each author shared their experiences in the field while the lively audience of diverse community members posed questions for the panel. The event is part of PHSC’s ongoing Community Awareness Series that aims to increase public awareness of resources available to community members at the state college.

Gibson, a native Floridian and a current student at PHSC, has written and published The Spark: A Phantasy Novel.

Taylor told the audience that as a child, he spent hours with books and movies, and conceived his fictional characters in his head before he began writing in high school. He explained that he was diagnosed with a highfunctioning autism as a young child, and endured trials during adolescence which further inspired his writing.

Taylor hopes to write a movie script about his experiences and bring it to fruition after he graduates from college. His second novel in The Spark series is currently with the editor, and he has nearly finished the third book in a series of four planned novels.

Fantasy is a popular genre for twenty and thirty-somethings, Taylor said. He added that his characters transform as fantasy becomes reality through thought. Taylor’s self-publishing company is AuthorHouse.

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Ward is a founding faculty member of the PHSC Porter Campus and he sponsors the Literary Artists and Scholars Troop (LAST), a creative writing organization at the school.

He has published four true crime creative non-fiction novels under a pen name.

Having graduated from law school at Florida State in Tallahassee as well, and as a member of the Florida Bar, Local author Madonna Jervis Wise talks about her experiences researching hisWard shared his tory books and the business of self publishing at PHSC. (Photo: Courtney Boetcher) unique perspecWard went on to publish three additiontive about the al crime novels, and currently is working on world of crime.

“Writing a book was on my bucket list of two sequels. He recommended that potential things to do,’’ he said. “My first book began authors check out the book, A Guide to Litto take shape with a discussion I had with my erary Agents, for the process of developing a father about a 1980s serial killer in the State query letter and book proposal. He also recommended WritersMarket.com. of Florida.”

Ward humorously shared that mystery The professor gave some useful, if not sobering, advice to the aspiring writers in the writer Agatha Christie had five years of rejection before her first novel was published, and audience.

“Don’t expect fame or fortune,’’ he said. J.K. Rowling was told by a publishing com“It is analogous to the adolescent athlete who pany that she needed to take a writing class dreams of the NBA. In reality, writing is a sat- during the 12 years she sought a publisher for isfying endeavor and brings some supplemen- the Harry Potter series.

Jervis Wise, who has published Images tal income in the monthly royalty checks.”

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Neighborhood News

of America: Wesley Chapel and eight other books, shared the acquisition and publishing process of working with Arcadia Publishing/ History Press of Mount Pleasant, SC. She also discussed working with Create Space for self-publishing.

“You need to surround yourself with words through book clubs, workshops and professional organizations,’’ she said, while encouraging locals to attend the Florida Writers Association of Wesley Chapel, which meets the first Saturday of each month at the New Tampa Regional Library on Cross Creek Blvd.

Jervis Wise also explained that creativity is not linear for most people. “My mantra is ‘write it now, fix it later,’” she said. “Even Ernest Hemingway said, ‘The first draft of anything is garbage.’”

During the Q & A with the audience, attendees inquired about the research process for crime and history books. Ward said that he often reads court transcripts and records from government sources, while Jervis Wise described her research, including extensive interviewing and mining the archives of historical newspapers.

Taylor described the process of self-marketing for his books.

All three authors were asked if they experienced writer’s block. The three agreed that writing was an intensive yet creative process that required stimulation and inspiration.

They advised taking a break from the process to regenerate the creative juices anytime a writer feels blocked.

For more information about PHSC’s Community Awareness Series, contact Natalie Epo at 527-6629 or by email at epon@phsc.com.

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