New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 24, Issue 7, March 25, 2016

Volume 24 Issue 7

Inside: FHWC Celebrates Heart Month!

March 25, 2016

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For the complete list of the neighborhoods that receive this publication by direct mail in New Tampa (zip code 33647), see page 58!

With Cancer Battle Behind Her, Bailey Returns To Wharton High

By John C. Cotey

To whoever has been parking their car in Bailey Rhodes’ senior spot this year at Paul R. Wharton High, she’s got news for you: Starting Monday, April 4, she’ll be needing it back.

Bailey, a 17-year-old senior at Wharton, will be returning to school for the first time since Sept. 2014, after winning battles against bone cancer and leukemia the last four years that left her immune system battered and susceptible and left her unable to wander far from her hospital rooms at Tampa General (TGH) and All Children’s hospitals, as well as her New Tampa home.

She took on all of her treatments with verve, foregoing any wallowing and telling anyone who would listen, ‘Let’s get this going, I have stuff to do and places to go.’”

She will finally get to park her car in one of those spaces in a couple of weeks.

“I can’t wait,’’ she says excitedly, her big brown eyes and even bigger spirit clearly joyful. “I’ve been waiting such a long time.”

Nearly two years, to be exact. September of 2014 was the last time that Bailey attended school, after her first fight with bone cancer and before her second against leukemia.

She has worked hard for this moment.

While cancer ravaged her body, Bailey kept her mind focused on school. Although she couldn’t attend full classes, she took her courses through TGH’s Homebound programs, spending hours on the phone with teachers like Gary Lundgren, “Who I couldn’t have done this without,” she says, and others from Wharton.

Also Inside This Issue: News, Business & Sports Updates Shops At Wiregrass Adding New Stores, New Tampa Voters Like Clinton & Trump, District 7 Seat Attracts Another, Author Publishes The Definitive History Of Wesley Chapel, ‘Mayor Bob’ Visits Chiles, Tennis For Fun Comes To Tampa Palms & Lots of Local Business Features!

Pages 3-42

Neighborhood Magazine

Are You Interested In Opening An Oakley’s Grille?, St. Paddy’s Day Turns New Tampa Green With Revelers, Relay For Life Returns To Freedom & More Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 43-60

Bailey has volunteered any way she could, as a mentor, talking to other families touched by cancer, working fashion shows with cancer patients and even working with special needs students when healthy enough.

She took both the SAT and ACT exams from a hospital room.

Now, she will be able to attend the final two months of her senior year, and graduate with her class.

“Everything she had to go through, it’s been kind of hard to Paul R. Wharton High seniors Jessica Korver (left) and Bailey Rhodes. watch,’’ says Bailey’s her knee, and a visit to the doctor and an best friend, Jessica Korver. “It’s been hard to MRI confirmed that she had a tumor. go to school and have her not be there. She “When I heard tumor, I was like, ‘Wait was always the, ‘Let’s go to all the pep rallies’ a minute…back it up,’’’ said Beth, a secondperson, and I’ve always been the stay home grade teacher at New Tampa’s Dr. Richard F. type of person. So, that’s been kind of hard. Pride Elementary.

But she is soooo strong. That’s the one thing The diagnosis came just two weeks after I really learned through this whole thing.”

Bailey was told she no longer had to wear a back brace to bed to help with scoliosis while A Tough Time Bailey was first diagnosed in 2012 with she was in middle school.

“I said, ‘I can’t catch a break’ in one osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer with fewer than 20,000 cases nationwide per year. breath, and then in the other, I said, ‘I guess The summer before her freshman year this is God’s plan for me,’” Bailey says. at Wharton, she had been experiencing pain Although there were tears as family in her left knee. Her mother Beth says that members showed up at the doctor’s office, Bailey’s grandmother noticed a small rise in Bailey was resolved to fight. She received six

months of chemotherapy treatments, a full knee replacement and limb salvage of her tibia, and another seven months of chemo. Her weight at one point was down to 68 pounds, and she needed a feeding tube to help get her back to a healthier weight.

She was able to return to Wharton for the second nine-week period of her sophomore year in 2013. For a year, she was back to being a normal teenager, making the homecoming court, hanging out with friends, and even taking a family trip to Hawaii.

But, in August of 2014, she started noticing bruises in places where she had not bumped into anything or fallen down. After being in remission for a year, a routine lab test revealed bad news — secondary leukemia, which was the result of her previous chemotherapy, requiring that she receive a bone marrow transplant.

Bailey was shaken up. This fight would be more difficult, and require more resolve.

She gritted her teeth through more chemo treatments as doctors searched for a bone marrow match.

“When I was re-diagnosed, I said, ‘This is going to suck, it’s going to be hard, but it’s only going to make you stronger,’’’ Bailey recalls. “We’re going to get through this. And then at the end, we are going to say, ‘What can we do with this now? What can we take from this, and make better?’”

After testing her family at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, doctors ended up finding a perfect match from a donor in Germany.

“A 10 out of 10 match,’’ said Bailey. “I thought that was the coolest thing ever, that

Topgolf (photo), one of the hottest and most popular spots in Tampa Bay, where patrons can spend a night enjoying competitive golf games hitting balls on a high-tech driving range and enjoying drinks in a swanky lounge, will be the host for this year’s “Night of 5000” event put on by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club (NTJWC) on Sunday, April 10, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

This year’s event will be the 19th annual, and longest-running, charity auction and fund raiser for the NTJWC. The signature event, which was created in the club’s inaugural year in 1997, “funds all of our projects for the next year,’’ says vice-president of communications Melanie Otte. “This is our big event.” This year’s theme is “Tee It Up For Charity -— A Topgolf Event.”

Tickets for the event cost $75 per person if purchased by April 1 ($85 after), and there will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, buffet dinner and three hours of golf play.

Otte said ticket sales have been brisk,

dlebrook Resort Tampa, and several others.

“The park hopper passes are always popular,’’ Otte said, “but there’s a bunch of great stuff.”

Some of the club’s recent community efforts include helping remodel the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Zephyrhills on March 5, and donating “first night bags” to be given to children when they arrive at Sunrise of Pasco County, a full-service domestic violence and sexual assault center. The bags included pajamas, a stuffed animal, coloring books, crayons and a flashlight.

For more info or to purchase tickets, visit GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org/ no5000. The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club meets the second Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m., at the New Tampa Family YMCA at 16221 Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms from August-May.

See “Bailey” on pg. 40.

New Tampa Juniors Tee It Up For Charity At Topgolf

and the event has received sponsorships from Gentle Care Dentistry (Dr. Tom Frankfurth, DDS), Dr. Duga, Dr. Feeney & Associates Pediatric Dentistry and the Florida Orthopaedic Institute, among others. The club receives most of the donations, which has exceeded $10,000 in the past, through the silent auction. The year;s top auction items include Disneyland Park Hopper tickets, a 4-night stay at the White Heart Coaching Hotel in Wiltshire, England, dinner for four at Dempsey’s Steakhouse at Sad-

How We Can Improve Our Traffic Flow — Part 1!

An editorial by Gary Nager I live just south of where S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel meets S.R 54, but for the better part of the last quarter of a century, I also have lived on or near Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Cross Creek Blvd. and even N. Dale Mabry Hwy. for a while and although I know traffic is pretty bad in our area, I feel that there are a few people who live in our area and who drive on these four- and sixlane “highways” with traffic lights who make it so much worse for the rest of us.

You’ve read my rants about poorly timed traffic signals in these pages and I’ve even commented about people not understanding how to use access lanes to get on our major roadways.

But lately, it seems that there are even more drivers who want to go no faster —

not even one mile per hour faster — than the posted speed limit in the left lane of a 45- or 55-mile-per-hour roadway.

Usually, if you end up stuck behind enough of these folks, you realize that the offending driver’s “reasoning” for his or her compulsive need to get into the left lane as early as possible is because they’re going to eventually be making a left turn, usually 1-2 miles (and oh so many signals) before they actually have to make that turn. They don’t seem to really care if you or the half-mile backup behind you would like to go...let’s say 49...on that 45-mph roadway and actually not end up having to stop at every single one of those signals. As long as they don’t miss that all-important turn, they think “it’s all good.”

But no, it’s really not all good. In fact, now that we have these flashing message boards, many of them say, “Slower Traffic Keep Right. It’s The Law!” (photo, left).

That means that if a police officer notices that every car in the center lane is going a faster cruising speed (also known as “passing” them) than our not-so-soon-tobe-left-turning friend, that law enforcement officer should stop and ticket the offending car, just as surely as he or she should stop and ticket anyone going more than 60 mph in that same 45-mph zone. Because of the frustration felt by the other drivers that have to share that road, driving too slow, especially in the left lane, can be just as dangerous as speeding.

back cover page this issue, was listed last issue with a price of $825,000, when the actual price of this outstanding home (photo) is only $475,000! To find out all of the particulars about this 5-bedroom (plus office), 4-bath, 3,182 sq.-ft. jewel in the heart of Hunter’s Green — and all of Kristy’s current listings — see this issue’s back cover or call 931-6700!

Not Your Usual Correction From Last Issue

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 Advertising Sales & Office Manager Mary Dorey Billing Manager Jillian Reilly Assistant Editor / Photographer John C. Cotey Editorial Assistant & Staff Writer Celeste McLaughlin Correspondents Anu Varma Panchal • Andy Warrener 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 24, Issue 9, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, April 11, 2016.

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.

© 2016 JM2 Communications, Inc. Neighborhood News

We always try to make good on our mistakes, but most of the errors that end up in print are related to something we wrote in a story. This issue’s correction, however, was a mistake on our part that ended up in Florida Executive Realty Realtor Kristy Darragh’s fullpage ad on the back cover of our last issue.

Kristy’s been such a loyal, amazing customer for going on 20 years now, I felt we needed to do a little more than just apologize to her for last issue’s error, which gave the wrong sale price for one of the houses listed on her page. The home, which again is the third listed home from the left (9214 Meadow Lane Ct.) in the top row on Kristy’s

Table of Contents

Local News Updates....................4-21

The Open House At The New Tampa Mosque........4 Vom Fass, Visionworks & More Slated For Mall.....6 New Tampa Voters Agree On Trump & Clinton.......8 Wesley Chapel Borders On Pasco’s Agenda............10 Wesley Chapel History Book Debuts.....................12 Kinnan-Mansfield Might Get A New Study...............16 District 7 Seat Draws Another Candidate...............17 Has The ‘Segment D’ BBD Widening Started?..........18 New Tampa Community Calendar...........................20

Local Business Updates.............24-33

Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss........24 Budget Blinds Helps With Your ‘Smart’ Choices....26 RE/MAX Realtors Can Help Sell Your Home........28 Our 2016 Summer Camp Guide!.............31-33

Education & Sports Updates......34-42 Home Schoolers Rev Engines At Strawberry Fest...34 New Troop 148 Eagle Scouts Soaring................35 Mayor Bob Buckhorn Visits Chiles Elementary...36 ‘Tennis For Special Needs’ Program A Hit......38-39

Neighborhood Magazine

FHWC Celebrates Heart Month!.........................43 How You Can Own An Oakley’s Grille Franchise!...46 New Tampa Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day..............48 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Business Bytes’.........52 NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS.........56 New Tampa Relay For Life Returns April 8!...........58 @NTWCNews

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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My Visit To The Islamic Society Of New Tampa’s Open House

By Gary Nager For those of us who live in or near New Tampa who aren’t of the Islamic faith, it can be difficult, considering the state of the world these days, to embrace those who are or consider themselves to be Muslims.

And, considering that I was living in New York City when the first Islamic mosque, or place of worship, opened there — and the number of people of the Islamic faith who I have known, done business with or utilized as physicians in this community, I was a little embarrassed to admit that I had never stepped foot inside a mosque until February 21, when the Islamic Society of New Tampa, located at 15830 Morris Bridge Rd. (just a little bit north of Cross Creek Blvd.), hosted an Open House at its Daarus Salaam Mosque.

Like many of the hundreds of people The Islamic Society of New Tampa hosted an Open House at the Daarus Salaam Mosque on Morris Bridge Rd. on Feb. 21, which who had never visited the New Tampa was attended by hundreds of people who had never visited the New Tampa mosque before. (L.-r.) Safiyyah, Hajera & Sarah mosque before Feb. 21, I found out about helped explain some of the information presented at the Open House to Neighborhood News publisher Gary Nager. the Open House from the ad in our publicainformation that I had never heard before or A Very Special Remembrance I not only attended, but that I sought him tion, although I also received a personal simply misunderstood. invitation to attend from Bilal Saleh, the Bilal introduced me to several people as out to thank him for taking the time to write Despite my embarrassment about my owner of Zaytoun Mediterranean Grill, I walked around the grounds of the mosque. and send me such a beautiful invitation.

I know some people...and even some lack of knowledge about the Muslim views which is located less than a mile away. In One of the people I met, a local physician, candidates for president...dislike or distrust fact, Bilal told me that at least 65-70 percent of the faith’s relationship to Judaism and told me we had actually met once before... people of the Muslim faith, but I don’t Christianity, the role of women in Muslim of the people who visited the mosque for shortly after 9-11, when the Islamic Society believe in judging people, especially without society and some of the teachings of the the first time that day, found out about the and leaders of other local churches (as well meeting or getting to know them. All I Qur’an (Koran), the central religious text of as the now-defunct Temple Ohev Shalom Open House from this publication. know is that I felt very welcomed at the Islam, I was at the event to learn more about of Tampa Palms) came together for a joint And, although I already knew some New Tampa mosque and saw beautiful famithe faith, so I read every message board and prayer vigil held at St. Mark the Evangelist of the facts about the Muslim religion prelies who love not only their faith and their even found a group of young ladies who sented on the two dozen or so information Catholic Church. The doctor had handplace of worship, but also the community in boards displayed inside the mosque that day, were more than willing to help teach me written and mailed me a note asking me to which they live and work. things I didn’t know or understand before. there was quite a bit of historical and other attend the event. He was so touched that

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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@NTWCNews

Shops at Wiregrass Mall Offers Diversity With Latest Offerings

By John C. Cotey

The Shops at Wiregrass mall off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel will welcome a handful of new stores in the coming months, and while Wiregrass officials say they aren’t looking to compete with bigger malls like Westfield Brandon, the latest batch of new choices for area shoppers gives the local, upscale mall a unique mix that general manager Greg Lenners thinks will continue to make it a prime destination.

If unique is what Lenners and his leasing agents are striving for, they certainly succeeded by luring Vom Fass Oils, Vinegars, Spirits & Wines to the area.

Currently seeking an alcohol permit for tastings, Vom Fass is slated to open sometime this spring. Construction already has begun on the store, which will be near Macy’s and the mall’s Center Court.

Vom Fass, which takes it’s name from the German phrase “from the cask,” will offer premium culinary oils, traditional balsamic and exclusive fruit -infused balsamic vinegars and vinegar specialties, as well as rare spirits and liqueurs and a boutique selection of fine wines. Many of the store’s products are cask-aged and stored in cask pyramids.

“What’s made us great for the community is the diverse mix of retailers we’ve always carried here,’’ Lenners said.

“It’s kind of a unique blend of stores. We thought Vom Fass would be a perfect fit.

No one in the area has that kind of store.”

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This will be the seventh Von Fass store in Florida; the closest ones are located in Sarasota and St. Petersburg.

Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop also is coming this spring, to Suite #115, near JC Penney.

Founded in 2007 in California, Rocket Fizz has become the largest and fastest-growing soda and candy shop brand in the country, according to its website.

The 74 stores nationwide all offer a massive selection of candy, soda, retro and gag gifts, concert and movie posters and even tin signs.

“A pretty cool concept, in my opinion,’’ Lenners said. “It’s got a 1950s, specialty convenience store feel to it.”

3D Musketeers Printing, offering custom, color-printed three-dimensional figurines, is expected to open by the end of the month.

Irish 31, like this one in the Hyde Park section of South Tampa, is coming to the Shops at Wiregrass, as is Vom Fass Oils, Vinegars, Spirits & Wines (below) & its assortment of its cask-aged oils and wines.

to open at Wiregrass this fall as well. Construction has begun on the building, which will be across from Moe’s Southwest Grill on the S.R. 56 side of the mall.

Irish 31 Opening This Fall Lenners says that another tenant will And as we were the first to report share that property (though he was unable back in January, this fall will see the Wesley to announce it at our press time because Chapel debut of Irish 31. The popular the lease wasn’t yet signed). restaurant is referred to as “The People’s A few stores that have recently opened Pub” by its customers and dubbed “Irishinclude Lola Perfume, located in Suite plus-gourmet” by Neighborhood News #160 (next to Hollister), and Soleciety publisher and foodie Gary Nager.

Sneaker Boutique,which sells collectible Irish 31 is being built next to Panera athletic shoes from around the globe, in Bread. Lenners says he thinks the mall Suite #170 (next to Zales), and has only already has hit a home run with its food of- been open a few weeks. ferings, and Irish 31 strengthens that mix.

For additional information about Visionworks, which has roughly 700 the Shops at Wiregrass mall, visit optical retail stores in 40 states, is expected TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Trump & Clinton Win Big With Voters In Florida & New Tampa

By John C. Cotey Republican Donald J. Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, the frontrunners for their respective parties, both won easy victories in Florida’s presidential primaries on March 15, continuing what have both been dominant marches towards the necessary delegates to be the nominee for their respective parties in November’s presidential elections.

Both frontrunners also dominated the returns from the nine voting precincts in zip code 33647 (New Tampa), although Trump’s and Clinton’s numbers were both slightly lower overall in New Tampa than throughout the state. Florida has a closed primary, so only registered Republicans and Democrats were allowed to cast ballots.

But, they were decisive.

In winner-takes-all Florida, Trump secured 1,077,221 votes, or 45.7 percent, and picked up 99 more delegates, distancing himself further from his remaining competition — Texas senator Ted Cruz, who was third in Florida, and Ohio governor John Kasich, who was fourth and whose only path to the nomination is a brokered convention.

Trump is hoping to quell talk of any convention shenanigans by reaching the 1,237 delegates required to win the nomination, and he is more than halfway there after winning Florida, along with North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri on March 15, while knocking another challenger out of the race.

Once thought to be the most electable of more than a dozen candidates when the primaries started, Florida’s U.S. Senator Marco Rubio struggled to find its footing and finally crashed and burned on his home soil, thought to be a must-win if he were to stay alive.

The only one of Florida’s 67 counties that Trump did not win was Miami-Dade, Rubio’s stronghold.

Rubio picked up 636,653 votes (27 percent) for second-place in his home state, but conceded defeat even before the final results were tallied.

“While we are on the right side this year, we will not be on the winning side,” Rubio told his supporters in Miami.

Rubio fared better in New Tampa’s nine precincts — losing by only 11 percentage points, than he did statewide, where he lost by 19. Locally Rubio received 31 per-

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Donald Trunp cent of the votes cast for the four remaining candidates, to 42 percent for Trump.

Rubio outperformed his state numbers in every 33647 voting precinct.

He polled at 32 percent in precinct #367 (which voted at St. Mark’s The Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd.), and at 31.5 percent in precincts #359 and #361 (located at the New Tampa Community Park & Recreation Center and at the New Tampa Regional Library on Cross Creek Blvd., respectively).

However, Trump, the 69-year-old Manhattan billionaire businessman and reality TV star, was still the clear choice for locals voting at the nine precincts in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code.

The high turnout on primary election day broke clearly for Trump. At the Tampa Palms polling precinct #359, for example, Rubio only trailed Trump 189-182 votes in early and mail-in voting but Trump was the choice of 168 voters on election day, while Rubio tallied just 92 additional ballots.

The big story in Florida continued to be Trump, who drew more than 10,000 to a University of South Florida Sun Dome rally two weeks before the election, as he picked up an endorsement from state Attorney General Pam Bondi the day before the election, and one from Governor Rick Scott the day after Rubio dropped out.

The total turnout was 46 percent, the highest for a Florida presidential primary since 1976, as more than 2.3 million Republicans and 1.7 million Democrats voted.

In New Tampa, however, where turnouts are pretty much always lower than they are statewide, just more than 8,000 votes were cast, out of roughly 29,000 registered votes, or only 28 percent of all eligible Republicans and Democrats. In the last city elections for Tampa’s mayor, only 12.7 percent of eligible New Tampa voters cast ballots.

In exit polling, Florida Republicans listed the economy and jobs as their top concerns, followed by government spending, terrorism and immigration, all categories in which Trump trumped his opponents.

Trump also grabbed 80 percent of the vote from people who said they wanted a candidate who tells it like it is, and 75 percent of voters seeking someone other than a member of Washington, D.C.’s usual power brokers.

On the Democratic side, Clinton won 64.4 percent of the state vote, nearly doubling Sanders (33 percent).

“We are moving closer to securing the Democratic Party nomination and winning this election in November,” Clinton told her supporters in a speech following her victory.

In New Tampa, Sanders was a little stronger, taking 39.4 percent of the vote, compared to 59.6 percent for Clinton.

In the three Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club precincts (not counting Compton Park), voters were Feeling the Bern, giving Sanders a 157-153 edge in votes cast.

Elsewhere in New Tampa, however, Clinton, the 68-year-old former First Lady and Secretary of State, was a comfortable winner, taking the overall count 2,422 votes to 1,604.

Some other primary election tidbits from New Tampa’s voting precincts: • Trump received more than 100 votes at four of New Tampa’s nine voting precincts, and Rubio received more than 100 at two of them. No other candidate got more than 78 votes at any precinct.

• Trump’s best New Tampa precinct was #671, which voted at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., as he took 43.9 percent of the ballots cast.

• Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who suspended his campaign Feb. 21, received nine votes from the 33647 precincts on March 15. Including early votes and

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Hillary Clinton votes by mail, Bush received 90 votes from New Tampa. Surgeon Ben Carson, who dropped out of the race March 4, received 42 total votes.

• Despite no longer being in the race, a number of former candidates picked up actual multiple votes on March 15, like Carson (5 votes), Kentucky senator Rand Paul (3) and businesswoman Carly Fiorina (2).

• New Jersey governor Chris Christie, South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee each received one vote.

• Former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, who suspended his campaign Feb. 1, picked up 36 votes on the Democratic side.

@NTWCNews

Wesley Chapel & Land O’Lakes/Lutz Borders Could Be Defined By April

By John C. Cotey

More than 150 years after it was first settled in the mid-1800s (see story on page 12), Wesley Chapel is getting closer to finally having official borders.

Following presentations last month by both the Greater Wesley Chapel (WCCC) and Central Pasco (CPCC) Chambers of Commerce, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) could be set to draw boundary lines between Wesley Chapel and Lutz/Land O’Lakes that ultimately should finally settle a longsimmering dispute at the BCC’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 26.

The commissioners are expected to vote on a recommendation from Pasco planners on definitive borders between the two Census Designated Places (Wesley Chapel and Land O’Lakes/Lutz together are both CDPs) during the meeting at the West Pasco Government Center Board Room in New Port Richey.

Until then, county planners and administrators are poring over a stack of documents from each side — and even getting some help from the folks at Google maps —interpreting where those borders should be.

“We are looking to establish a city boundary by legislative action,’’ said Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner. “None of these areas that are Census Designated Places have that.

That’s some of the reason people have struggled with this.”

After separate meetings with the two groups last month, Armstrong said representatives from both areas will meet with each other in the next few weeks, with the county’s planning department serving as the moderator.

“Ultimately, we will be bringing a report to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation on what we think the boundaries will be,’’ Armstrong says. “The Board can hear public comment, and then we will be asking them to establish the borders.”

When broken down, the primary dispute seems to be over the slice of land between Wesley Chapel Blvd. and I-75 in the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI), which has been

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exacerbated recently by the steady business development in the area.

Armstrong said he was at one recent border meeting where a representative from one of the new businesses on the east side of Wesley Chapel Blvd. said they were happy to “be here in Lutz.”

But, the web page for Culver’s calls the company’s restaurant on E. Bearss Ave. in North Tampa “Culver’s of Tampa,” its restaurant in Largo “Culver’s of Largo,” and its restaurant in Port Richey “Culver’s of Port Richey.” At its brand new location on S.R. 56 west of the Tampa Premium Outlets mall, however (which physically is located on Sun Vista Dr. in Lutz), it is called “Culver’s of Wesley Chapel.”

And it isn’t alone. While all of the area being debated by the WCCC and CPCC has either Land O’Lakes or Lutz addresses and zip codes, many businesses in the area identify themselves as being in Wesley Chapel.

“It’s just a mess,’’ Armstrong says.

An ‘Extension’ Of The Debate

While the current debate is about borders, it originally began, as we detailed in our last issue, as a disagreement over the renaming of the Wesley Chapel Blvd. extension where the extension now crosses southbound over S.R. 56 and continues toward County Line Rd. The southern portion of the extension, said CPCC member Sandy Graves at the time, needed to represent Lutz-Land O’Lakes, the area through which it cuts.

A petition requesting that the name of the southern portion of the extension be changed to Circle O Ranch was presented to the BCC on Jan. 19. But, Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce CEO Hope Allen protested, saying it needed to remain Wesley Chapel Blvd., as all of the businesses in the area already call it that and have for years.

Instead of making a decision, the BCC decided to explore the issue further.

The Board members decided that defining the borders between Lutz-Land O’Lakes and Wesley Chapel needed to be settled first.

That set off a fact-finding mission by each side, in an effort to buttress their respective arguments. Representatives of

Lutz-Land O’Lakes believe their border extends west to I-75. The Wesley Chapel side thinks its western border extends to Wesley Chapel Blvd. So, essentially, the area between Wesley Chapel Blvd. and I-75 is at the heart of the dispute.

The Wesley Chapel Chamber met with Armstrong and his staff Feb. 19, two weeks after he met with the CPCC. “I think the meeting went fine,’’ said Allen. “I think we got our point across and delivered the message we went to deliver.”

Allen said her group presented a 70-page document backing their claims, as well as a 2005 Vision Report that the WCCC says was approved by Pasco commissioners.

The CPCC countered that its 2003 Vision Report was adopted first, and brought noted USF political science professor Susan McManus to its meeting with Armstrong to help make their case.

McManus has co-written books on the history of Lutz and Land O’Lakes.

Armstrong jokes that he is becoming an expert on the histories of the two places, thanks to all of the material that has been presented to him to help settle the dispute, including volumes of McManus’ work, a trove of newspaper articles and even local historian Madonna Jervis Wise’s book on the history of Wesley Chapel (see pg. 12). The book, entitled Images of America: Wesley Chapel, says that Wesley Chapel was founded in the 1840s, and is shown on a 1879 survey map of Pasco County, before Land O’Lakes was established in 1949.

However, the dispute is not over what town existed first. And, even in carefullyresearched historical records, there are no definitive boundaries laid out because neither area was ever incorporated, or essentially created as its own city with its own governmental structure.

But, the respective “hearts” of both areas — U.S. 41 in Land O’Lakes and the area around Boyette Rd. and S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel — are unmistakable, says Armstrong.“The history points to early beginnings, and we know where the hearts of those communities are,’’ Armstrong said. “But, the boundary in between gets a little fuzzy.”

Pasco County currently only has

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Pasco County executive planner Matt Armstrong hopes to deliver a recommendation for the borders of Wesley Chapel and Lutz/Land O’Lakes to the Pasco County commissioners for a vote by the end of April.

six incorporated areas — the cities of Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio, Port Richey and New Port Richey, and the incorporated town of Saint Leo. The rest of the county is comprised of unincorporated Census Designated Places, like Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes/ Lutz, Trinity and Hudson, to name a few.

And, Armstrong says that 450,000 of the 490,000 people living in Pasco reside in those currently unincorporated areas.

Armstrong admits that so many areas without defined borders can create the kind of confusion we are seeing in Wesley Chapel and Lutz/Land O’Lakes, where postal zip codes have changed and there is a myriad of other “boundaries,” which can be confusing.

“Part of the frustration for the citizens who lives in any one of these places is, ‘What the heck, the zip code says this, the Census Designated Place says something else, my kids are going to school based on other boundaries and my voting precinct is somewhere else,’’’ Armstrong says. “It’s been like this for years, and now, it’s coming to a head.”

That’s actually a good thing, he says, because it is being done in the open and publicly. Much of the Lutz-Land O’Lakes anger stems from the belief that past decisions made by the BCC cut the area out

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of the process to accommodate Wesley Chapel’s growth and ongoing “branding.”

Wesley Chapel Blvd. is an example, according to Graves. It sprouted as a road name for the portion of S.R. 54 from S.R. 56 to Lexington Oaks when the LutzLand O’Lakes contingent thought it was going to be Worthington Gardens Blvd., a decision she said “happened overnight.”

The former “Wesley Chapel” placemaker sign was another example cited by Graves. It was put up a few hundred feet west of where Wesley Chapel Blvd. begins, clearly in Lutz’s 33559 zip code. Armstrong said the sign’s arrival “lit a match” in Pasco, and Graves led the fight to have the sign removed — which it was.

“The whole process hasn’t (always)

been completely transparent,’’ Armstrong says. “But, this time, it is.”

Both sides have been passionate about their arguments. The claim that the area, its residents and businesses would be much better served if the area was clearly defined as theirs. And, both claim history is on their side.

History, though, may give way to common sense.

“We will collect all of the history from both groups and look at some of the rational (potential) boundaries between the two things (CDPs),’’ Armstrong says. “There may be a natural feature that divides the two, or a major road. But, it needs to make sense today, and that may be separate from history.”

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11

Local Historian Publishes The Definitive History Of Wesley Chapel!

By John C. Cotey As Wesley Chapel grows and adds shiny new housing development after shiny new housing development, businesses as far as the eye can see and all the comforts of modern living, it’s hard to imagine our area as a hardscrabble agricultural and rural town with a long, rich history.

Author Madonna Jervis Wise, however, brings that unique history into focus with her latest book, Images of America: Wesley Chapel, a fresh glimpse of Wesley Chapel’s history through extensive research and hundreds of old photos and maps being officially released on Monday, March 21, by Arcadia Publishing/History Press. A launch event for the book will be held on Thursday, March 31, at the first annual History Fair at the Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC)Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch off S.R. 56, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., in the conference room.

The president of the Pasco County Historical Society and a Pasco County resident for 43 years, Wise has written nine books — including Images of America: Dade City and Images of America: Zephyrhills — and was asked by her publisher to do a book about Wesley Chapel.

While her previous books on Dade City and Zephyrhills were written with a wealth of information in library and government archives, Wise says her Wesley Chapel book required more digging. But, with each layer she peeled away, new stories emerged.

“It really became a labor of love,’’ says Wise, who lists the Douglas family who ran the K-Bar Ranch (south of the Pasco line, in New Tampa) and many of the Porters, who developed the Wiregrass Ranch area, as her friends.

Wise says she was shocked to learn that Wesley Chapel actually is older than Zephyrhills — it was settled in the 1840s, when land was granted to Edward Boyette, Sr., in the Florida Armed Occupation Act of 1842.

It was so sparsely populated, however, there were few historical references for Wise to draw upon from that era.

She did, however, find the remaining turpentine foreman’s house on the Barnes Ranch, which is 150 years old, and Daniel Smith’s pioneer cracker home, which was donated to the Cracker Country Hands-on Museum (currently located at the Florida State

Fairgrounds in Tampa) in 1979.

M u c h of Wise’s research on Wesley Chapel’s beginnings in the 1840s took place in Brooksville. Because Pasco County didn’t exist until 1887, locals had to travel to Brooksville for marriage licenses and other official documents.

“I discovered a very rich history as I uncovered it,’’ Wise says. “I had to go back and do a lot of interviews.”

Wise did more than 30 original interviews and reviewed hundreds of photos from family collections. She connected with Marco Stanley, who had been researching his own family’s Wesley Chapel beginnings, on Ancestry.com. She met David Brown from the Barnes family, who had a wealth of information and connections. The First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel, located on S.R. 54, east of Saddlebrook Resort, let her examine its records, which dated back to 1878.

Recognize These Names?

Wise’s book is 128 pages and six chapters of family histories with more than 300 photos, including of families whose names are still familiar still to us: Boyette, Gillette, Godwin, Kersey and Wells, and others.

“There was a cohesiveness to these settlers,’’ Wise says.

The Double Branch Baptist Church (which is what is now called the First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel) was the focus for community life, and Wise was told by dozens of people that the Fifth Sunday Sing, called the “Grand Ole Opry of Wesley Chapel” by one of the people she interviewed, captured the spirit of frontier Wesley Chapel, which was highly regarded for its singing.

Wesley Chapel also was known for its lumber harvesting — much of it under the control of Standard Oil Company founder and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller and others – as well as for turpentine production.

This house was built for Daniel H. Smith and Elizabeth Geiger, who were engaged, in 1894. It was donated in 1979 by the Smith’s grandson, Willie Smith, to the hands-on exhibit at the Florida State Fairgrounds known as “Cracker Country.” Photo courtesy of Ernest Wise.

The area was known by various names over Unit on Boyette Rd. today. the years, like Gatorville, Double Branch S.R. 54 was originally Denham-Dade (for the twin creeks that flowed through Ed- City Rd., an old dirt road used to transport ward Boyette’s property) and Godwin. lumber and turpentine, although Wise’s The plucky community also had a repu- book says many referred to it as “2-2-20” aftation for its moonshine production. During ter gravel replaced the dirt: 2 years to build, prohibition (in the 1920s), Wesley Chapel 2 years to wear out, 20 years to pay for it. was the only town in Pasco county that was And, James H. Porter was called “Wireopposed to it. The community was accused grass” because every Christmas, Dade City of being home to 90 percent of the stills pro- Buick dealer Ed Madill would send Porter ducing the liquor that was sold to Tampa. a box of matches to burn the wiregrass on And, the frontier women of Wesley the ranch, so the ashes fertilized the grass for Chapel were lauded for their hard work, as the cattle. they ran many of the ranches, some even “It’s fun with these books, because serving as the county’s supervisor of elec- once they are published, people will find tions. “I’ve never seen such interesting more information,’’ Wise says. women,’’ Wise says.

The First Annual History Fair at Pasco Wise, who developed her passion for Hernando State College-Porter Campus historical research by compiling her own will host a book launch reception for Imfamily’s history as a young adult, says she ages of America: Wesley Chapel on Thurshas received “overwhelming response” for day, March 31 (see next page). Wise also her book, much of it from the families who will do a book signing on Saturday, April are thrilled to have their history officially re- 2, 9 a.m., at the Florida Old Time Music corded.

Championship & Spring Fest at the Pioneer Wise’s book is full of interesting nug- Museum & Village in Dade City. gets, like the time the area once applied for For more information, visit Wise’s a U.S. post office under the name Lemon, author page at Amazon.com/Madonnabut was denied. Wesley Chapel did get a post Jervis-Wise/e/B003RGSJB6. Images of office, located at the site of today’s Quail America: Wesley Chapel can be purchased Hollow Country Club, from 1897-1902, al- on Amazon, Google Books or at Barnes though we do at least have a Contract Postal & Noble bookstores.

Get Started TODAY! 12

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Both Sides Taking A Closer Look At Kinnan/Mansfield Connection

By John C. Cotey

A new study to determine the feasibility of connecting Kinnan St. in New Tampa and Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe could be on the horizon, after both Pasco and Hillsborough counties met recently in hopes of settling the long-simmering disagreement between the sides.

Pasco County District 2 commissioner Mike Moore and Hillsborough County District 7 City Council member Lisa Montelione, accompanied by lawyers, city administrators and engineers from each side, met in Dade City on March 9, as negotiations to connect their two counties heated up.

The result: a decision to send the engineers back to work, looking at old plans from 2007-12 to determine if any are applicable today in light of the new developments in the area.

“Our staff, the engineers who do the technical stuff, are going to look at prior studies to see if we need to do a new study,’’ said Moore. “Things have obviously changed in that area, with more homes, schools and daycares.”

Kinnan St., which is on the Hillsborough side, and Mansfield Blvd., which is on the Pasco side, are separated by a 100foot patch of grass (photo) that is more a dumping ground than the commuter convenience it should be, argue some.

16

The last traffic study in the area was done roughly two years ago, says Montelione, by ICON Engineering, Inc., as part of the process for M/I Homes during the re-negotiation of the development agreement for K-Bar Ranch.

She said similar studies go back to 1996, and that both staffs plan on taking inventory of those to determine the next step forward.

Kinnan St. was paved north to the Pasco County line in 2007 by the de-

veloper of Live Oak Preserve, but never completed. Barricades mark the end of Mansfield and block the road heading south, while steel poles with red diamond-shaped signs on them prevent any traffic further north on Kinnan St. Last publicly discussed in 2012, when the two sides failed to come to an agreement, Montelione raised the issue again of connecting the roads in January, writing a letter to Moore. The two officials first met later that month to discuss

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it, before agreeing on the latest meeting with government staff, namely the engineers. “We’ll see what was discussed in the past,’’ Moore said. “There’s no guarantee either way. But, I think what we all agree on is we need an end result.”

If both sides decide a new study needs to be done, Moore and Montelione said public meetings will be held so that residents and business owners of both sides of the debate can be heard.

Montelione attended the meeting with Tampa city attorney Julia Mandell.

Mandell, who was the senior assistant attorney for the City of Tampa during the last round of negotiations with Pasco County in 2013, is now the City Attorney, having been appointed in March as only the second female City Attorney ever

by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

Susan Johnson, the subdivision/DRI coordinator for the City of Tampa, and Melanie Calloway, the senior transportation planning engineer, also attended the meeting.

Pasco was represented by county administrator Michelle Baker, assistant county attorney David Goldstein and Ali Atefi, Pasco’s transportation engineer.

The meeting also included discussions on other possible extensions to help alleviate traffic issues affecting both counties, like one linking Beardsley Dr. in Meadow Pointe southeast east to Morris Bridge Rd. in K-Bar Ranch, Moore said.

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Former Police Officer And Youth Football Coach Eyeing District 7

By John C. Cotey

Orlando Gudes says he is all about the people, and all about his community.

He thinks he can help uplift both as a Tampa City Council member.

Gudes told the Neighborhood News that he intends to run for the District 7 Tampa City Council seat that will be soon vacated by Lisa Montelione, who has filed to challenge Shawn Harrison for the Florida House District 63 seat in November. State law requires that Montelione resign and vacate her council seat by June 10 of this year.

Gudes, a retired Tampa police officer and Director of the United Youth Football Conference, joins a field of prospective candidates for the municipal elections next March that already includes Cory Lake Isles Community Development District (CDD) chair Dr. Cyril Spiro, and recent Tampa Palms resident and La Gaceta (Tampa’s largest Spanish language newspaper) assistant to the editor Gene Siudut.

Tampa Palms resident and lawyer Luis Viera also has expressed interest in representing District 7, which runs north from Waters Ave. to County Line Rd., including Forest Hills, Terrace Park, New Tampa and the University of South Florida.

Gudes, who helps run his family’s Gudes Funeral Home on E. Hillsborough

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Ave., is the first non-New Tampa resident that we know of with intentions to run for Montelione’s seat. Gudes has lived in North Tampa (between Fowler Ave. and Busch Blvd., in the Copeland Park area) for 16 years.

“The heart of North Tampa,’’ he calls it.

He said that as a police officer, youth football coach and organizer, and mentor to countless children and adults, public service is in his blood. He sees a division between North Tampa, New Tampa and other parts of District 7, a gap he would like to bridge.

“It’s a unique district,’’ said the 48-year-old Gudes. “To me, I feel the district has become kind of divided and I don’t think it should be. New Tampa, University area, whatever you want to call it, we’re all in the same district. I don’t believe the area you live in defines you, rich or poor. We’re all people. We should all be helping each other.”

Gudes says there isn’t a door in North Tampa he probably hasn’t knocked on at some time or another, and few residents he hasn’t met.

A Tampa Bay Tech High (on Orient Rd. in Tampa) graduate, Gudes attended Bethune-Cookman College (now University) in Daytona Beach, before transferring back home and receiving his Associate of Arts degree from Saint Leo University near Dade City. He also says

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Orlando Gudes is the latest candidate to express interest in the Dist. 7 Tampa City Council seat being vacated by Lisa Montelione.

he has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavorial Science and a Master’s degree in human resource administration from National Louis University in Tampa.

Gudes served nine years as a school resource officer in the late-1990s, early2000s before “returning to the streets” and becoming a master patrol officer.

In 2004, Gudes started the Unity Youth Football Conference (UYFC), to give local children a flag and tackle football league that they could afford and that was in their community.

The UYFC instituted study halls and grade-point-average requirements, and

helped keep kids out of trouble. A number of its players went on to become high school and college players, including Matt Jones, currently the starting running back for the NFL’s Washington Redskins.

While Gudes says he has some ideas about what he would like to accomplish as a City Council member, he plans on unveiling his platform after taking the pulse of the community. “This isn’t about me, it’s about them,’’ he says.

“The whole philosophy of our campaign, our whole mission is community, compassion and contribution,’’ Gudes says. “That’s my commitment to the people.”

Gudes also says he is planning to hold multiple “Chat and Chew With Gudes” meetings at which the community will be invited to discuss what they think its needs are. He says he wants to hold one in every part of District 7.

“Whether some of the things people want is attainable or not, they need someone to knock on those doors, to get them to open and to get people to listen to us,’’ Gudes says. “I’m not afraid to knock on those doors.”

CORRECTION from Last Issue: In our last issue, we said that prospective District 7 candidate Gene Siudut moved to New Tampa two years ago. In fact, Siudut, a longtime Ybor City resident, has only lived in New Tampa since January. We apologize for the error.

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Has The Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Segment D Widening Already Begun?

By John C. Cotey

Long rows of traffic cones and white barricades and a procession of construction trucks and workers have appeared recently north of Pebble Creek Dr. all the way up to County Line Rd. (Segment D) in New Tampa, as the Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. widening project begins to enter its final phases.

According to Hillsborough County community relations coordinator Andrea Roshaven, all the construction you are currently seeing north of Cross Creek Blvd. is Verizon doing advance utility locations in preparation for the actual widening of BBD from four lanes to eight.

Once Verizon has completed the work, construction is expected to begin in the fall of this year. “We haven’t awarded the work, but it is funded,’’ Roshaven said.

That will be welcome news to northbound travelers who have to deal with the stacking left lanes between the McDonald’s and Walmart on the west side of BBD. The bottlenecks and congestion in this area has been caused by BBD reducing from four northbound lanes down to two in less than half a mile.

Segment D, which is a little less than a mile-and-a-half stretch, is currently estimated to cost $21.6 million, although that figure could change once a contractor has been procured.

Meanwhile, work on Segment A,

by Prince Contracting, also continues in earnest, as workers widen BBD from four

to eight lanes from E. Bearss Ave. to Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms.

Recent work at Amberly Dr, was done to overbuild the existing roadway to match BBD, which was two feet higher after widening. Amberly Dr. was given a gradual grade for a smoother transition onto BBD. Similar elevation work was done at the Tampa Palms Blvd. and Cypress Preserve Dr. intersections with BBD. More cones and barriers are in place from Tampa Palms Blvd. to Palm Springs Blvd., as the area is being prepped for the widening to complete the Segment A portion, a $55.5-million project which is still not expected to be finished until the summer of 2017.

“People will continue to see intermittent lane closures,’’ Roshaven says.

So what can commuters expect in the coming months? In late March or early April, there will be a lane switch south of the bridge over Cypress Creek (just south of Amberly Dr.) in order to vacate the northbound bridge section for demolition.

The lane switch will take place between Cypress Creek and Cypress Preserve Dr., using the crossovers located at Cypress Creek and south of Cypress Preserve Dr. The two lanes of southbound traffic will shift into the new permanent southbound lanes and the two lanes of northbound traffic will shift into the existing southbound lanes.

The county will be installing message boards in advance to alert drivers to

the lane switch before it happens.

Segments B and C are all but completed. While work on the segments couldn’t be finished until the I-75 widening project between Fowler Ave. and S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel was completed last spring, John McShaffery, the Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson, says that other than some final pavement corrections, electrical work, lighting and the installation of traffic counter loops

— “pretty much things that aren’t noticed too much.”— the work at I-75 and BBD is finished and will be 100-percent wrapped up by May, or “right on target.”

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MARCH 2016

Saturday - March 26 - 11 AM-4 PM

Second Annual New Tampa Egg Drop at Limitless Church - Limited to the first 500 children ages 1-kindergarten,11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the first 500 kids in grades 1-5 (2 p.m.-4 p.m.), Limitless Church will have food trucks, fun and more than 15,000 eggs dropped from a helicopter. For more info, visit LimitlessChurch. com or see the ad on pg. 19 of this issue.

Saturday - March 26 - 7:30 AM

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

Sunday - March 27 - 10 AM

Zen Meditation Group - looking for a new way to relax? Check out the FREE Zen Meditation Group that meets Sundays at 10 a.m. People of all faiths are welcome. For info, visit www.mindfulnessangha.com or contact Parker at 813-382-2216 or mindfulnessmeditation@verizon.net.

Tuesday - March 29 - 7:30 AM

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

every Wed. for lunch, noon, at Café Olé (10020 Cross Creek Blvd., in the Cross Creek Center plaza). Guests are always welcome.

Thursday - March 31 - 7:30 AM

Christian Business Connections (CBC) - The Christian Business Connections (CBC) networking group meets every Thur. at 7:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5338 Primrose Lake Cir., off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms). For more info, email Shawn@TPACorp.com.

APRIL 2016 Friday - April 1 - 7:15 AM

New Tampa Rotary Club - The original 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 information, contact Kim Payne at 388-6299 or visit NewTampaRotary.org.

Friday - April 1 - 9:30 AM-Noon

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

For info, visit NAMIPasco.com.

Friday - April 1 - 11:30 AM

Women-n-Charge - Join the vibrant ladies of Women-n-Charge on the first Friday of every month from 11:30am-1:15pm at Pebble Creek Country Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). Includes lunch, a feature speaker, and time to network. We share our talents, build relationships, and share our resources with other women Tuesday - March 29 - 9:30 AM English As A Second Language (ESL) - The ESL group meets Tuesdays at Tam- in business. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for all guests. Please register at www.women-n-charge.com. For more information, please contact Judy at pa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd.), 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Classes are taught by a native English The cost is $40 each semester for the workbook & 813-600-9848 or admin@women-n-charge.com.

Saturday - April 2 - 9 AM-1 PM class materials. For more info, call Heather at 753-8567.

Tampa Palms Women’s Club Community-Wide Yard & Bake Sale -At CompWednesday - March 30 - 7:15 AM BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets Weds. at ton Park in Tampa Palms, 16101 Compton Dr. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Club’s scholarship fund. Visit TampaPalmsWomensClub.Com for more info.

Heritage Isles Country Club (10630 Plantation Bay Dr.), 7:15 a.m. The $13 Monday - April 4 - 8:30 AM to attend includes a hot breakfast. Call Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for info.

‘Our Heroes’ Memorial Golf Tournament - The eighth annual tournament, Wednesday - March 30 - 7:30 AM which will benefit the Tampa Police Benevolent Assn. Charity Fund, Inc., in honor Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business pros of all Tampa Police Officers killed in the line of duty, will begin with a shotgun dedicated to helping their member businesses grow through qualified start at 8:30 a.m. The donation to play is $125 per person, or $500 per four-perreferrals, meets every Wed., 7:30 a.m., at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club son team. For more info, visit TampaPBA.org/golf or call 228-8900. clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr.). Call Steve Hopper at 918-8609.

Wednesday - March 30 - Noon

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club - The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets

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Wednesday - April 6 - 5:30 PM-8 PM

Fun and Fancy: Ladies Night Out at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel - Bou-

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tique shopping, pampering, refreshments, health info, and limited spots available for mammography screenings. Held at the Center for Women’s Health, located at 2700 Healing Way. Register at FHWesleyChapel.org/ events or call 929-5432.

Friday - April 8 - 6 PM

Relay for Life - New Tampa Relay for Life to raise money for American Cancer Society will be held at Freedom High. For more info, see the story on page 58 of this issue or visit RelayforLife.org/NewTampaFL.

Saturday - April 9 - 8 AM - Noon

Arbor Greene Community Yard Sale - Located off Cross Creek Blvd., between BBD & Morris Bridge Road (next to Benito Middle School). Community gates will be open to the public starting at 8 am! Please no early birds! For more information, contact Liza Pereira: (813) 991-9226. *4.

Monday - April 11 - 12:30 PM

New Tampa Young Life Golf Tournament - Annual golf tournament to benefit New Tampa Young Life, supporting teenagers in our community, will be held at Hunter’s Green Country Club. Registration includes tournament, practice balls, lunch, dinner, awards ceremony, on-course contests & more. For info, visit NewTampa.YoungLife.org and click on “Golf.”

Monday - April 11 - 6:30 PM

GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club - The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club meets the second Monday of every month at the New Tampa YMCA at 16221 Compton Dr. For more info, visit the website at GFWCNewTampaJuniors.com or see the story on pg. 1 of this issue.

Thursday - April 21 - 10:15 AM

Tampa Palms Women’s Club Spring Fashion Show - “Fashion Week Parisienne” celebrating the 2016 fashion season at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. Doors open at 10:15 a.m., live auction begins at 11 a.m., fashion show at 11:30, lunch at noon, and fashion sales from 1-4 p.m. Cost is $30. RSVP by April 9. For more info, email TPWC@tampabay.rr.com.

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

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FLOR A MAR

Beautiful waterfront split plan with four large bedrooms / 3 full baths, including two masters with private bath 2,292 Sq Ft.

Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel The Shoppes of New Tampa, 1830 Bruce B. Downs, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 www.bhhsfloridaproperties.com (813) 907-8200

MEADOW POINTE

Angela Mora 813-482-1452 Hablo español también!

amora@bhhsfloridaproperties.com www.AngelaMoraRealEstate.com

Well maintained 1936 sq. ft.,3 BD, plus office, 2 BA, 2 car garage home located on conservation and cul-de-sac lot. New carpet and interior paint. Offered at $224,900.

Robert Marvin & Debbie Marvin 813-892-3917 RPM/Real Pro Move Team

DMarvin@BHHSFloridaProperties.com DebbieSellsTampa.com

NEIGHBORHOOD NEW TAMPA

CFilippi@BHHSFloridaProperties.com CynthiaSellsTampaHomes.com

BONNIE REPTAK, REALTOR

Your Full Real Estate Solution Providers

Residential - Commercial - Property Management Title Morgage Insurance - Home Warranty Auction

rpreusch@BBHSFloridaProperties.com

Bonnie Reptak

Under Construction. Luxurious, Southern-living home located in the Elite, Private and Gated community of BROOKSIDE. This community borders the Internationally renowned Saddlebrook Golf and Tennis Resort. This is your DREAM home!

Two story 3521 Sq.Ft. 4bedroom, 4bathrooms,Den and BONUS room. Master bedroom is downstairs while 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and Bonus room is upstairs. SPECTACULAR Gourmet Kitchen. CALL

Two Story, 4 Bedrooms 2.1 Bath, 2 Car Garage, Bonus Room, 3030 sq. ft., Fenced back yard on Conservation. Mstr on 2nd Floor w/ Sitting Room & Balcony.

Offered at $305,000

Ronnie Preusch 813-361-9595 RPM Real Pro Move Team

rpreusch@BBHSFloridaProperties.com

JUST SOLD

NEW TAMPA - LIVE OAK PRESERVE

BHHS FLORIDA PROPERTIES

Bonnie.Reptak@Outlook.com 862-432-6135

4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Den, Custom Home on Ronnie Preusch 4.55 acres, gated & fenced. Main House has 3845 813-361-9595 sqft, 4Bd, 3.1B, 3+ CG, Office, Pool/Spa,/ Loaded RPM/Real Pro with Upgrades. Septerate In-Law Suite/office 100 Move Team sgft 1Bd, 1B, Carport. Great property for Horses or even other outbuildings. Offered at: $845,000

GRAND HAMPTONS

10113 Queens Park Drive - New Tampa Cynthia Filippi THIS HOME TRULY HAS IT ALL 813-784-1634 Gated Kingshyre 1/3 Acre Conservation Lot 5 Beds,3 Baths,Office, Bonus Room,3 Car Gar Gleaming Bambo Wood Floors w/Open Floorplan Pool with Brick Pavered Screened Lanai NO CDD 3,265 Sq Feet Offered at $384,900

me for more information and floor plans.

LAND O’ LAKES

LIVE OAK PRESERVE

Beautiful 2,709 sq ft. split floorplan.

4/3/3 on Pond Conservation site Move in Ready! $335,000.00

Renee Chichester 602-615-7066 RPM/Real Pro Move Team

rchichester@bhhsfloridaproperties.com

TOOLBOX SISTERS Tired of endless searches to find your dream home? Call or email us a list of your wants/needs and we will show you homes that meet your criteria.

As former teachers we know all about homework, let us worry about the details in the home-buying process so you can start imagining where to put the furniture. We have the tools to get the job done!

ToolboxSisters@gmail.com ToolboxSisters.com

Beautiful house with 4 bedroom 2 bath single Laura Castorani family home in Riverview!

813-541-3351 breakfast bar in the kitchen that overlooks the family room. screened pool with lanai and Habla Español private back yard. 3 car garage . and Parlo Italiano.

Easy access to I­75 and US 301. lcastorani@bhhsfloridaproperties.com www.floridaimmobili.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENTALS Tenants- are you looking for a condo, townhouse or house to rent?

Call Sonia at (813) 690-5427

Amanda Vaughn 813-756-8688 Allison Vaughn 813-563-7915

Owners- do you own a property that needs to be rented out and managed by the best management team in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel?

Contact Terry Now!

Terry Hill Terence M Hill (813) 956-2383

thill@bhhsfloridaproperties.com www.RentAhomeWithUs.com

Florida Aesthetics Now Seeing Patients At New Office On Cross Creek Blvd.! family’s contribution to the community.

“We’re helping people feel better, look better, and we’re feeding them, too,” she says.

By Celeste McLaughlin

At Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss, licensed aestheticians offer a comprehensive portfolio of skin care and weight loss programs to help people look and feel their best, under the medical direction of Mohamad Saleh, M.D. Florida Aesthetics had been located at a temporary office in Tampa Palms, but Abidah Saleh, who is the practice’s managing director (as well as Dr. Saleh’s sisterin-law), says she is excited to be settled in the new permanent office, which opened in late 2015 at the corner of Cross Creek Blvd. and Morris Bridge Rd. The new office was built by Dr. Saleh to house both Florida Aesthetics and Dr. Saleh’s neurology practice, Neuro Center (which we reported about in our last issue).

Dr. Saleh has been in private practice as a neurologist since 1992. He completed his medical degree from Damascus University in Damascus, Syria, in 1980. In 1988, he also received a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. He is a member of the American Association of Neurology and the American Society of Bariatric Physicians.

“We’re mirroring the same setup we have in Brandon (where Florida Aesthetics and Neuro Center share space on Kings Ave.),” Abida says. Florida Aesthetics has grown from what Dr. Saleh originally established as Brandon Weight Loss in 2006.

As patients felt comfortable and trusted the quality care they were receiving to

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Medical Aesthetics

Medical aesthetician Bianca Marrero, LME (left), has been with Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss since 2014. The practice’s managing director is Abidah Saleh (right).

help them lose weight, many wanted other services. So in 2013, the practice began offering anti-aging services and was re-named Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss.

The reaction to the new location has been positive, says Abida. Because of construction on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., access to the new location on Cross Creek Blvd. is actually easier for many patients

who live and work in the New Tampa area.

At the other end of the shopping plaza, Zaytoun Grill is owned and operated by Bilal Saleh, Abida’s husband. Other businesses also are located in the center, which is behind the Shell station on an outparcel of the Publix-anchored plaza in the same location.

Abida laughs as she talks about her

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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When it comes to the services offered at Florida Aesthetics, Abida explains, “We offer the highest level of care. We’re not giving ‘fluffy facials,’ but are treating your skin with medical aesthetics.”

She says the aestheticians at the office always ensure the treatments they provide will look natural.

“Some places try to make a 70 year old look 30, and people end up looking deformed,” Abida says. “We’re not going to do that. We provide natural enhancements.”

The practice provides many non-surgical treatments for skin, including many of the latest advances in treatments. For example, Florida Aesthetics now offers Kybella, a new treatment that can help eliminate a patient’s double chin.

Abida explains that the treatment includes a series of two or three injections that help to define the patient’s jawline and eliminate a double chin.

“It’s available for men and women, but we tend to see more male patients,” she says, adding, “We’ve seen national studies that show that men are taking more of an interest in medical aesthetics, and we’re seeing that trend in our office.”

In addition to this new treatment, the practice continues to offer treatments such

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-

your skin, as Botox, Xeomin, you need and Dysport, good quality which freeze the skin care to muscles to minimaintain the mize fine lines and benefits of wrinkles. The ofthose treatfice also provides a ments,” says wide range of derAbida, who mal fillers to help also says provide volume in that people the skin. in our area For an allused to have natural way to to drive build collagen, to South Florida Aesthetics Tampa for offers plasma-rich Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss provides a host of the type platelets (PRP), non-surgical treatments for acne and other skin issues. of qualwhich uses your ity services body’s own blood provided at Florida Aesthetics. supply to help rebuild collagen in the face, “We want people to know they can and microneedling, which uses a small get services in New Tampa that are just as electric pin to create tiny “injuries” on the trustworthy and effective as what’s available surface of the skin. The process of healing these injuries regenerates the skin and helps in South Tampa,” she says, “with as wide a range of services, and great, competitive produce new collagen. pricing.”

“Artificial fillers give you instant gratiAnd, if you’ve noticed aesthetics places fication,” explains Abida, “while PRP and coming and going in New Tampa, Abida microneedling will help rebuild collagen in the face for long-term, natural maintenance says you can trust that Florida Aesthetics is part of a solid medical practice that isn’t of the skin.” going anywhere.

Florida Aesthetics also provides laser “I’ve been going to Florida Aesthethair removal, laser skin tightening, and ics forever,” says Kathi, a patient who lives IPL, or intense pulse light, which removes in Seven Oaks. “I love going there. They dark spots and sun damage from the skin. don’t try to sell you products or services The practice also offers a line of you don’t need, but are very honest about medical grade skin care products and highwhat would help you the most. They’re so quality makeup to go hand-in-hand with nice and friendly and get you in and out treatments offered at the facility. quickly.”

“When you invest in treatments for

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Medical Weight Loss

Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss also offers medical weight loss programs, which include behavior modification, coaching, prescription appetite suppressants, B12 injections for energy and to enhance metabolism, and fat burner injections. Patients meet with a weight coach, then with Dr. Saleh, who creates a plan for the patient to follow.

Dr. Saleh then closely monitors each patient’s progress through weekly reports to ensure the patient’s body is responding well to the weight-loss program.

Abida says the practice tends to see a surge of new weight loss patients at the beginning of each year.

“We get such good results from our weight loss program,” she says. “We see

our patients reach their goal, but then if they put a few pounds back on, they come back to us to get motivated to get back to and stay at their goal weight.”

Florida Aesthetics & Medical Weight Loss is located at 10970 Cross Creek Blvd. It is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. -5 p.m., with later hours available by appointment. Visit FloridaAesthetics. com for more information, including a complete list of all services. To make an appointment, or to schedule a free consultation, call 345-4044. Be sure to ask about Florida Aesthetics’ rewards program, which gives you perks for every dollar you spend, redeemable for discounts on future purchases. (See the ad on page 49.) You also can learn more at Facebook.com/FloridaAesthetics.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

25

Budget Blinds & Inspired Drapes Expand Lines Of ‘Smart’ Products

By Anu Varma Panchal

Elaine Trotter wants you to close your eyes and think of this: “Imagine being awakened in the morning by natural sunlight as your blackout shades gradually rise. Imagine your whole home’s ambiance changing to “dinner time” mode after the sun has set at the press of a button.”

Images like those become reality at Budget Blinds serving Greater Tampa (on W. Fletcher Ave. near I-275), the premier destination for homeowners seeking the final touches for their well-dressed homes. Here, the window treatments have brains as well as beauty. Thanks to a new “Smart Home by Budget Blinds” partnership with smart home company Lutron, Budget Blinds now offers clients the option to step into the latest in window treatment technology. Just one of 15 franchises to pioneer the concept, Elaine and her husband Jim have introduced “smart” shades, lighting and thermostat controls for their customers.

Lutron is a company based in Coopersburg, PA, that specializes in lighting technologies, with more than 2,700 patents, including innovations in window shade technology that integrates daylight and electric light.

“By 2020, most American homeowners will have some element of whole home automation,” Elaine says. “We are on the cutting edge of this trend and we’ll be there for our early innova-

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Jim and Elaine Trotter are the owners of Budget Blinds & Inspired Drapes of Greater Tampa (on W. Fletcher Ave.). The Trotters recently expanded their focus on the latest in window treatment technology featuring “smart” shades, lighting and thermostat controls for their customers. tive customers as they choose to convert partnering with a company. “What this attracts customers from North Tampa their homes to a more connected and means is we can come into our client’s and Pasco County, ranging from Odessa, automated environment. At the touch home and recommend automated shadNew Tampa, Lutz, Westchase, Carof a button on a remote control or your ings, lighting and temperature control,” rollwood, Citrus Park, Keystone, Avila, smartphone, you will be able to raise and Elaine says. “And we can install them.”

Cheval, Lake Magdalene, Northdale and lower your shades, turn on and off your Wesley Chapel. The Trotters also serve lights and adjust your thermostats, even if A Reputation Built On South Hillsborough clients from a second you are away on vacation.” showroom in Brandon. Although clients Quality For Nearly 25 Years Elaine also is excited to announce Founded in 1992 in Orange County, are welcome to visit the showrooms, the that the partnership with Lutron entails Trotters are just as glad to send design CA, Budget Blinds today has more than an official certification as Smart Home consultants to your home with complete 1,000 franchises in the U.S. and Canada.

Consultants. Lutron has designed a samples for a complimentary design conThe Trotters own what was ranked in program to train and educate companies January as the 18th largest Budget Blinds sultation to help you choose the perfect like Budget Blinds about how to properly franchise in the group,as they have averwall coverings for your home. install the Smart Home products, and Budget Blinds has served Tampa resaged 13,000 windows covered per year.

Lutron requires this certification before idents for more than 21 years, but Elaine The showroom on Fletcher Ave.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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d

and Jim have owned their franchise since October 2008, when they bought it from the previous owner. The two met at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where she was getting her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mathematics and he was getting his B.A. in Industrial Relations. Both graduated in 1984, and Jim began a career in sales while Elaine raised their two sons. Jim’s career took them through five homes in eight years, but when his job at VF Imagewear brought him to Tampa 14 years ago, the Trotters fell in love with the community and decided to stay put and open their own small business.

They purchased Budget Blinds in November, 2008, right when the local housing market collapsed. Those first couple of years were hard, Elaine says, but through hard work and sterling customer service, the Trotters grew their business from four (they retained the consultants who worked for the former owner) to 14 employees. Although the first showroom was located in Land O’Lakes at the corner of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54, they decided they wanted to move somewhere more central and moved the showroom to the 2,500-sq.-ft. space on Fletcher Ave. four years ago.

In addition to its “smart products,” Budget Blinds offers clients a complete line of window coverings. Blinds come in vinyl, wood, fabric, faux wood and aluminum. Shutter options range from modern wood styles, plantation shutters for the inside and outside, composite shutters for bathrooms that prevent

Neighborhood News

we will replace that window covering, no questions asked. We want to be innovators in the window coverings industry.

Your needs change and we want to be a company that leads the way.”

Giving Back To The Community, Too

The proper window coverings can help blunt the effects of Florida’s heat and glare and create soft lighting, as well as maintain more moderate temperatures.

warping, and many more. Those who like shades can choose from roller, pleated, Roman, cellular, woven wood, bamboo, sheer, solar and graphic, not to mention a variety of panels, valances and drapes.

Inspired Drapes is one of the newest upscale brands that the company is now able to offer.

Budget Blinds also offers solutions for commercial clients ranging from schools to hotels to small businesses, and these coverings also cut down on energy costs by helping blunt Florida’s heat and glare. “We have a style for every budget,” Elaine says.

She adds that one reason for Budget Blinds’ success is that the Trotters build

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long-term relationships with their clients.

“We don’t just sell blinds to sell product,” Elaine says. “We’re interested in our clients’ lifestyles. Since Budget Blinds has some of the strongest buying power in the industry, our manufacturers have given us amazing exclusive products and warranties, such as our 5-year “no questions asked” warranty. This exclusive warranty goes above and beyond the manufacturer’s warranty against any defects and gives our customers added peace of mind. If something happens to their window coverings — such as an unfortunate grape juice spill or the dog ate the blinds (you wouldn’t believe how often it happens) in the first five years —

While growing their business was the priority, the Trotters also have sought ways to stay engaged and give back to their community. They make donations to or support Habitat for Humanity, Metropolitan Ministries, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Prelude to a Cure for lung cancer research. In 2015, Budget Blinds partnered with Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a privately-funded, non-profit organization that builds specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for severely injured veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Jim and I wanted to contribute since several HFOT homes have been awarded in our area, and a new home has been awarded and will be built in the coming year in Valrico,” Elaine says. “We started a campaign last year to contribute to $1 for every window covered to HFOT and we are pleased to announce our team contributed $13,000 in 2015.”

Budget Blinds & Inspired Drapes of Greater Tampa is located at 1208 W. Fletcher Ave. Showroom hours are Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. To schedule a complimentary, at-home consultation, call 968-5050. For more info, visit BudgetBlinds.com/northtampa.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

27

New RE/MAX Ownership Gives These Great Realtors Even Greater Resources

By Celeste McLaughlin

Realtors Amani Warden, Kay Lehmer, Dave Devaney and Linda Thrasher-Donalson (who also is a licensed Real Estate Broker) have been working to serve home sellers and buyers in New Tampa and throughout the Tampa Bay area for decades. Combined, they estimate they have nearly 75 years of real estate experience.

The four are among the agents working out of the RE/MAX office in the Shoppes at the Pointe plaza (next to Ciccio’s Cali) in Tampa Palms. The office was recently purchased by RE/MAX Capital Realty, owned by Broker Kendall Bonner. Bonner is expanding her brokerage from its original location in Lutz, which opened in May 2014 on S.R. 54, just east of Livingston Rd. “Our growth model and agentcentric approach is unique,” says Bonner.

“We are proactive and intentional about consulting, development, systems, and strategies that improve our agents’ business and therefore, improves the customer service to the consumer.”

Warden says she and the other agents in her office believe the change is positive and are excited about being part of RE/MAX Capital Realty. She explains the office has been upgraded with new technology – and is already more innovative and tech-savvy – to help agents better serve their customers.

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Warden, Lehmer, Devaney, and Thrasher-Donalson each work independently and have their own clients, but do marketing together and assist each other, especially when it comes to clients who want to list their home for sale.

“We are not like other ‘teams’ that have one Realtor and people who work for that agent who are administrators and coordinators,” explains Warden. “All four of us are professional Realtors.”

She says this is especially helpful for homeowners who are thinking about selling their home. When a homeowner calls any one of the four agents, that agent relies on the others to also give their professional, expert opinions of the home’s value, as well as strategies to market the home. In this way, homeowners get “four Realtors for the price of one.”

Warden says right now is, “definitely the homebuying season. The market is on fire.” She explains there currently is a low inventory of available homes in the New Tampa area. In fact, the number of homes on the market right now is the lowest it has been in five years. She says many sellers are seeing multiple offers on their homes, as well as an appreciation of their home’s value, and the average number of days homes remain on the market between listing and being under contract is “about 30.”

She says there’s no way to predict how long the demand for homes will exceed the supply, but for the sake of

anyone wanting to sell their home, “hopefully it will keep up.” She adds, “If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time to take advantage of the current market conditions.”

And she, Lehmer, Devaney, and Thrasher-Donalson all know and understand the local market. Not only have they worked in the industry for literally decades, but for many years, they also have called New Tampa home. Warden, Lehmer, and Devaney live in Hunter’s Green and ThrasherDonalson in Tampa Palms.

Lehmer started in real estate working for a builder in Hunter’s Green, then moved to Cory Lake Isles with another builder and got her general real estate license in 1998. Warden started in the real estate business in Connecticut nearly 20 years ago, and she has been in the business in (Back row, l.-r.) RE/MAX Capital Realty Realtors Dave Devaney, Amani Warden and Kay Lehmer and (front, l.New Tampa since 2002. r.) Linda Thrasher-Donalson, with the office’s new Broker/ Lehmer and Warden owner Kendall Bonner. worked together inside Hunter’s Green at a boutique real has many assets to help its agents. We get estate office, First In Real Estate. referrals through our network and also “When the market started turnget national exposure through the advering (in 2008), our entire office joined tising that they do. It’s a great company.” the RE/MAX family,” Lehmer explains.

Thrasher-Donalson has been a “RE/MAX is a worldwide company and licensed Realtor since 1986 and has been

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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a Broker since 2009. Early in her career, she says she worked for builders, and started in general real estate in 1995. She also has been an investor in residential and commercial real estate since 1987.

Devaney was approached to join the group a couple of years ago. The three women thought he would be a great fit with them, since he is one of their office’s top producers. Dave regularly works in South Tampa and brings a wealth of information for people (especially those in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel) who may want to move to that area. He is a USF graduate who has been with RE/ MAX for 18 years, and has been in real estate for more than 30 years.

The four work with both homeowners looking to sell their homes and potential buyers who are looking for a home.

Recently, Warden helped Bud Ogle and his wife, Jackie, find the perfect home, as they moved to the area from Palm City, near Florida’s east coast. The couple moved to the area to be near children, grandchildren and friends.

“Amani is an amazing person,” says Ogle. “She’s extremely detail-oriented and is calm, cool, and collected.”

Ogle adds that he and his wife had been looking for a home online and hadn’t found what they wanted. So, he says, “Amani studied the pictures of our old house in Palm City to try to find a replication of that for us.”

She took them to a house they had seen online and rejected because they felt it wasn’t the right style for them.

Neighborhood News

“But, we walked in and it felt comfortable,” Bud Ogle says. The couple ended up purchasing that home.

He also says Warden’s way of getting to know her clients and understanding their thoughts and emotions saved them a tremendous amount of time. Because she understood them so well, they didn’t waste time looking around and rejecting a lot of homes. “She impressed us quite a bit,” Bud says.

If you’re looking to sell your home, or purchase a home, Warden, ThrasherDonalson, Lehmer, and Devaney are available to help, with each other and the resources of their office behind them.

To streamline all of the services buyers and sellers need into one location, RE/MAX Capital Realty is affiliated with a warranty company, a real estate attorney, an in-house lender and title company, along with a new construction department, property management and a rental department.

Warden and the other RE/MAX agents are proud to be supporters of charities, including Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and Susan G. Komen (originally called Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation).

RE/MAX Capital Realty is located at 17010 Palm Pointe Dr., in the Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms. To learn more about these unique Realtors, call Amani Warden (731-7673), Linda Thrasher-Donalson (310-5120), Kay Lehmer (416-3099), or Dave Devaney (997-0072).

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SPOTLIGHT

ON...HomeTeam

Personalized care is something you always expect from a physician, hairdresser or insurance agent. But, when it comes to lawn and landscape maintenance, personalized care is something that is much more rare.

Monolithic lawn and landscape companies send out legions of trimmers and mowers who may or may not care about a customer’s needs. At HomeTeam Lawn Care, however, personalized care is the hallmark of the company’s success.

“We guarantee that there will always be an owner or manager on the crew,” HomeTeam Lawn Care owner AJ Negron says.

“We don’t have big crews running around (that leaves you unsure) about what was done on the property.”

Negron, along with family friend and manager Chris French, aren’t just the owners/operators of HomeTeam Lawn Care, they are also the crew. French, who was managing the bar at Benedetto’s, an Italian restaurant in Land O’Lakes, at the time, left to team up with Negron last summer.

On French’s first day working as a team with Negron, “In May of 2015, we did 33 yards in one day,” Negron said. “It was a feat, and then I knew we could fly with the business together.”

The company has more than 130 residential accounts, mostly in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. HomeTeam Lawn Care tends properties in Heritage Isles, Pebble Creek, Estancia, Seven Oaks, Lexington Oaks, Northwood, Live Oak Preserve, Brookside and even as far south as Tampa Palms.

HomeTeam Lawn Care offers a “full

Lawn

Care!

service” that runs from $90 monthly and up. The full-service package includes: hedges and low trees, sidewalks and driveways as well as mulch bed maintenance. Full service is where Negron says HomeTeam separates itself from the competition. “(When a house has full-service care with us) that house has our name on it,” Negron says. “I would rather pull my truck up to a house with full service, than just take care of the grass at a property that also has landscaping that needs attention.”

Negron and French have an affinity for the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area and hope to bring even more of their attention to detail to lawns and landscapes in the area.

“It’s nice to work with the homeowners in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel because they see the quality of the work that we do,’’ French says. “They don’t need to worry about things getting taken care of.

They realize it’s a set-it-and-forget-it type of operation that we are running.”

HomeTeam Lawn Care LLC does not operate out of an office, but can be found on the web at HomeTeamLawnCare.com, or by phone at 817-9554.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Welcome to the largest-ever Summer Camp Guide we have ever had! On these (record) three pages are 20 different summer camps and other programs your kids can (and should) get signed up for today!

Congratulations and thanks go out to editorial assistant and staff writer Celeste McLaughlin for her stick-to-itiveness that helped make sure that all of the advertisers on these pages got their information to graphic artist Blake Beatty in time to be completed for this issue.

This guide also will run in our next two Wesley Chapel issues and our next New Tampa issue. — GN

Art

Lego STEM

You Do the Dishes 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!

Ages 5-12

Our Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math Camps are a fun and high-energy experience! There are plenty of popular themes to choose from such as Jr. Robotics, Minecraft®, Emmet’s World, Movie Making, Galaxy Far Away (Star Wars® theme) and so much more!

We will use our proprietary models using batteries and motors. There will be plenty of building, challenges, art and creative building! Drinks and snacks are included.

Full, half and one day options are available.

813-975-1700

813-841-2120

YouDoTheDishes.com

bricks4kidz.com/433

Musical Theatre

Dance

STEM

LEGO Bricks & STEM Camp

USF STEM for Scholars

Collective Soles Classes

Dreamhouse Theatre Camps!

Rising 9th-12th graders

Students ages 2.5 - Adult

Ages 9-16

This four-week program seeks to expand student academic horizons, challenge them to become critical thinkers, prepare them for exciting careers in STEM fields, and inspire them to be creative problem-solvers.

Classes and Labs in Microbiology, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Advanced 3D Visualization, Cartography and Mapping, and Mathematics.

M-F, 9:00am-4:00pm, July 6-29, USF Tampa 813-941-4068

www.usfstem.com

The Collective Soles Arts Group (CSAG) offers the very best fine arts training in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area!

Located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, CSAG offers Dance and Musical Theatre Classes, Camps and Workshops for students ages 2.5 and older, June - August.

The CSAG “12 Days of Dance Festival”, featuring Collective Soles Dance Company and Guest Artists, takes place July 25-August 6, 2016 for preprofessional dancers ages 11-20.

Come and Celebrate the Arts with Us! 813-979-2222

CollectiveSoles.org

Dreamhouse Theatre is excited to offer two Musical Theatre Summer Camp Sessions in 2016! Session One is Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. meeting June 13-25. We will work with the Campers Mon - Fri for two weeks 12pm - 5pm.

Performances on June 24 at 7pm & June 25 at 11am.

Session Two is Annie, Jr. meeting July 25 - August 6, Mon - Fri, 12pm - 5pm. Performances on August 5 at 7pm & August 6 at 11am.

813-997-7146

dreamhousetheatre.com

Multi-camp

Multi-camp

Multi-camp

New Tampa Family YMCA Rising 1st-10th grade

The New Tampa Family YMCA is your home for a wide variety of FUN, EXCITING summer camp options! From camps focused on swimming and sports to specialty camps like Bricks 4 Kids and Gymnastics, you can spend your whole summer with us!

STARTING THIS YEAR: We offer bus transportation to and from YMCA’s AMAZING Camp Cristina! This outdoor adventure camp provides a fun, unique experience for kids of all ages!

Extended care included with all full day camps.

CAMP IDS ~ Summer 2016!

Bollywood dance. Lego movie making. Gourmet cooking. New languages. Video game design. 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 has provided over 60 full- and 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!

Ages 3-14

Summer at the Lakes offers more than 60 half and full day camps, including academics, arts, sports, and enrichment. Located on our beautiful lakeside campus in Land O’Lakes, we are convenient to Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Trinity. A complete brochure and registration are available online.

813-961-3087

813-866-9622

813-948-7600

www.corbettprep.com

tampaymca.org

Leadership

VBS, Art, Comp

Summer at the Lakes

PreK3- high school

summeratthelakes.camp

Adventures

Grace Episcopal New Tampa

TeenMax Leadership Camps

Panda Hugs

Ages 3-18

Ages 12-16

Ages 6-12

Grace Episcopal Church New Tampa Register at www.gracenewtampa.org VBS: June 20-24 from 9am to 12pm (deadline to register is May 31st) Art Camp: June 20-24 from 12:00-5:15pm (deadline to register is May 31st) Computer Camp: August 1-5 for ages 8 to 18 813-971-8484

gracenewtampa.org

Prepare your teen for the academic, emotional, and social demands of adolescence at TeenMax Leadership Camps this summer. Your teen will learn about and define their values, develop their own mission statement, and create their own vision board. They will understand their role in relationships, learn how to take personal responsibility and to build trust, learn to set goals and to prioritize their schedules. Self-defense and stress reduction are also a part of our curriculum. Call us now at 813-563-2267.

813-563-CAMP (2267) teenmaxcamps.com

This year will be our 20th year of summer camps.

Each summer is themed by the adventures chosen.

2016 will be “Let’s Rock-et.” Rocks to rock music to rocket ships will be explored this year. In addition, bowling, skating, parks, movies, sports and arts and crafts will be enjoyed by all. Camp hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 3 day or 5 day programs. Stop in to visit us today: 15051 Bruce B. Downs. Camp starts June 13th.

813-977-8195

pandahugs.com

Sports

Sports

PROtential Sports Camp Ages 5-15

Our action-packed, full-day Summer Camps rotate between multiple sporting activities including swimming which is offered daily. Your child is given the opportunity to participate in many engaging and fun-filled field trips including, but not limited to, laser tag, roller skating, bowling, water skiing, horse back riding, 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.

Sports

Baseball & Softball Camp Ages 5-14 Full Day and Half Day Camps!

BASEBALL CAMP - Coach Pryor is a leader in player development and instruction in surrounding areas. Currently at Bishop Mclaughlin HS(72-22) 2014 & 2015 District Champions, 2015 Regional Champions and 2015 State Championship final four appearance.

SOFTBALL CAMP- Prepare for All-Stars, Fall Rec League, Travel Ball or High School Team.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL CAMP - Train with high school coaches for some summer fun in the sand. Set the foundation for improved performance.

813-843-9460

HGCC Summer Camps

Entering 2nd - 8th Grade

Ages 5-15

Hunter’s Green Country Club is proud to offer Activities, Tennis and Golf camps all summer long. Come try our new Activities & Golf combo camp or Tennis & Golf combo camp. Enrich your child’s summer with sports, games, competitions, field trips and more. Opening this summer will be a water slide and splash pad at the pool and new kids field with a 6 hole miniature golf course as part of our club reinvention.

813-631-4710 x230

Join Martial Arts at Benito Rec Center located next to Benito Middle School to learn Authentic Okinawan Karate-Do. Location:10065 Cross Creek Blvd,Tampa 33647 Coed classes offered from June13th-Aug 11th at $220 for two months including uniform.

Classes Monday-Thursday starting at 6 pm 813-377-4691

tampakaratedo.com

What Type?

NEW TAMPA DANCE THEATRE!!

Enrichment Math & English

3-Adult

1st grade to 12th grade

813-994-NTDT(6838)

Ages 5-14

huntersgreencc.com

Math & English

newtampadancetheatre.com

Benito Rec Center Martial Arts

813-973-4220

wharton.mysdhc.org

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 13th-July 1st, beginner-advanced 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.

813-315-6485

usfsoccercamps.com

Sports

Wharton Basketball Camp

Dance

USF Soccer Camps is operated by the USF Soccer Coaching Staff & players. Camps are offered for boys and girls ages 4-18 and include beginner 1/2 day camps, full day outdoor & indoor futsal camps, residential training camps, and college soccer identification camps. Camps run from June-July on select weeks at the USF Tampa Campus and Fishhawk Ranch/Lithia, FL. Signup by April 15th and SAVE with our Early Bird Rates! Use promo code nnews2016 for an additional $10 off.

Rockstar-Baseball.com

Sports

2016 marks the 19th year for this outstanding co-ed basketball camp! Three weekly camp sessions are offered.

Beginner to advanced players are welcome. 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.

Ages 4-18

813-992-1030

protentialsports.com

Sports

USF Soccer Camp

If you want to start the school year off right by learning ahead of pace, this is the right place.

Whether you need to bring up your grades, improve them, maintain them, or prepare for the SAT and ACT we have tutors for every need. Our students always achieve good scores on standardized tests and school assessments through hard work and personalized guidance.

813-971-6500

infiniteedgelearningcenter.com

What’s Your Camp Name ?

What Ages ?

This could be your camp!

Tell Them how to reach you here!

Phone # and Website

Homeschoolers Take First At Strawberry Festival With Re-Built Engine

By Celeste McLaughlin

A local group of about 15 homeschoolers who meet together for classes in a group called Legacy Homeschool Group has won a first-place blue ribbon and a “Grand Champion” purple ribbon for their display of a car engine they re-built and entered into Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival “Neighborhood Youth Village” competition. The award winners were announced on March 3.

The kids, ages 8 to 18, had a few classes learning about cars with Marty LaBarbera, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa. At one of those classes, Marty helped the kids take apart an old engine that he had at his shop.

“It was in bad shape and couldn’t be re-used,” LaBarbera explains, “so we spent about three hours taking it completely apart. That’s when the kids started swarming over it like a bunch of ants.”

LaBarbera says that’s when one of the kids said, “Let’s put it back together!” But, LaBarbera told the group that was an extremely ambitious goal.

He suggested that they could partially put it back together so it could be used as a tool to help the kids see the parts of the engine and how they move, to gain a better understanding of how a

34

Marty LaBarbera (dark shirt in front row), the owner of the Christian Bros. Auto Service on BBD Blvd. in New Tampa, helped a group of local homeschooled kids win ribbons at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City.

real car engine actually works.

So, the kids met with LaBarbera several more Saturday mornings, cleaning each of the parts and painting them to prepare to put it all back together.

“It was a major task to clean all the grime and goo off that engine,” says LaBarbera, adding that the kids

learned the names and the purposes of all the parts as they worked through the project.

Once completed, the students were able to use a small tool to turn the engine over by hand.

“They were so excited about their experience and what they had accom-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 •Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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plished,” LaBarbera says.

At that point, it was Legacy Homeschool Group’s coordinator, Cheryl Chew, who suggested that the kids enter their engine into the Strawberry Festival, in the “model” category.

“It had turned out so well,” she says, explaining that she wanted the students to have the opportunity to have their efforts publicly displayed.

LaBarbera also says that the “word has gotten out” about his Saturday morning classes with the Legacy Homeschool Group students, and other local groups — such as Cub Scout packs and Girl Scout troops — have asked him about hands-on learning opportunities for their groups. He’s happy to oblige.

“This is fun for me,” he says. “I’m retired from another career, so I enjoy being able to do things like this.”

And, he got to see the fruits of his labor with the kids, as they were recognized for their efforts with the two ribbons at the Strawberry Festival.

“This is really an experience for them that they can be proud of,” LaBarbera says.

For now, the engine is on display in the lobby at Christian Brothers Auto Service, located at 20303 Trout Creek Dr. For more info, call Christian Brothers of New Tampa, at 991-7007.

@NTWCNews

y

Two Boy Scouts From Troop 148 Earn Eagle Scout Honors!

By Celeste McLaughlin

Boy Scout Troop 148, which meets at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd., is proud to have honored its newest Eagle Scouts in a ceremony held on Mar. 8. Congratulations to new Eagle Scouts Christopher Boucher and Julian Guerrero.

Both Boucher and Guerrero entered Scouting at the first available opportunity — as six-year-old Tiger Cub Scouts.

Boucher started in New York, but when he moved to Florida in 2005, he joined Cub Scout Pack 108 at Pride Elementary, where Guerrero was already a member. The two have been active in Scouts together ever since. Their current Scoutmaster, David Thompson, was also one of their Cub Scout leaders in Pack 108.

Boucher, who is now 17 and a senior at Paul R. Wharton High, is a member of the National Order of the Arrow, a recipient of the Ad Altare Dei religious award, and a peer leader with the Lighthouse youth group at St. Mark. His Eagle project was building a display case for the New Port Richey Boys & Girls Club homework room, which houses books, games and prizes the children can earn. He credits Scouting with teaching him valuable life lessons.

“From camping, I have learned basic cooking techniques, how to cooperate well with others, leadership skills to apply in the real world, and how to climb trees like nobody’s business,” says Boucher. “I

Neighborhood News

am sure that merit badges for Leather Working, Bird Study and Small Boat Sailing are not exactly going to take me far in life; but there are other badges that will, such as Architecture and Engineering.”

In fact, Chris will use what he learned in that Engineering badge as he begins studying engineering at the University of South Florida this fall.

Guerrero, who is 18 and a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at King High on N. 56th St., is a member of the Order of the Arrow, has completed two Religious Emblems – De Parvulei and Ad Altere Dei – and has held many leadership positions within the Troop, as well as with St. Mark’s Lighthouse youth program.

Guerrero’s Eagle Project was to create an “ethnoboJulian Guerrero (left) and Christopher Boucher are new Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 148, which is based at tanical” garden at Nature’s St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd.

Classroom, an environmental educational center in nearby ough County sixth grade students who atevery aspect of a project,” Julian says. “It Thonotosassa. Guerrero explains the garden tend a three-day immersion program at the was a real responsibility, and the things I uses native Florida species that have been center. For example, he planted the “coonie learned are things I will carry with me into important in Florida’s history because of palm,” which is a native species that has a the future.” their use by Native Americans or early setsecretion that is beneficial for burns.

Julian plans to attend the University of tlers for food or medicinal purposes. The He says this project, and his ScoutFlorida this fall. garden is displayed in a way where all plants ing experience, have taught him appreciaFor more information about Boy are visible and can be used as an educational tion and perseverance. “This was my first Scout Troop 148, visit StMarkTampa. tool for the approximately 15,000 Hillsbor- opportunity to be completely in control of org/boy-scouts.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

35

‘Mayor Bob’ Visits Chiles Elementary Story & photo by John C. Cotey

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn has faced some tough lines of questioning in his five years as the city’s head honcho, so taking a few softballs from the second graders at Lawton Chiles Elementary in Tampa Palms on March 8 was something of a welcome respite.

Not that a few fastballs weren’t sneaked in there, however.

After talking to the children about how much he loved his job and how important it was, Buckhorn fielded questions asking him Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn receives a certificate from Chilabout his favorite food, color and es Elementary second grade “Mayor” Alejandro Rodriguez. his favorite sports.

Oh yeah…and a few about the morning from the gasping second graders. traffic in New Tampa.

“It was a much better life, I think,’’ he “We do need a train that runs from added. The lack of cell phones apparently New Tampa to downtown Tampa,” Buckmade at least one child think Buckhorn was horn answered to one traffic question. far older than his 57 years, because he was Another student wanted to know why later asked if he had town criers when he was the red light by his house stayed red for so growing up. long. The exact location of that light was Governmental Info, Too never pinpointed (and let’s be honest, we all Buckhorn provided some civics lessons have one of those lights we love to hate in New Tampa, don’t we?), but Buckhorn gave for the kids as well, explaining that he and the seven-member Tampa City Council a quick wink said he would check it out. operate mostly independently. “I meet with He also was asked what he thought of them once a year to tell them how much Donald Trump. money they have to spend,” he said, refer“Oh, I think I’ll stay away from that ring to his annual budget meeting. one,’’ Buckhorn said. “But, I do not think Asked if he can change the City he is good for the country.”

Council’s decisions, Buckhorn told the class The event was organized by Linda Rosen, who was teaching her second graders “sometimes,” explaining that he can veto items but “the City Council can override my about local government when she came up veto with a 5-2 vote margin.” with the idea to try and get Buckhorn to “He added, “But, so far, I haven’t had visit her class. She had all of the kids write to veto anything.” letters inviting him to Chiles, and the mayor The mayor, in case you were wonderended up accepting. ing (like at least one of the kids was), does Leading the second grade classes of not have a butler and maids. He told them, teachers Ashley Mitchell, Elizabeth Horton, Tari Baldwin, Elaine Wilkinson, Michael Re- however, he was “rich in blessings with a great job, a great wife and great kids, but hfus, Chelsea Bowen, Ami Egeland, Felicia not rich rich, like Donald Trump.”

Sell and Rosen into school’s media center He jokingly bragged about having so was Alejandro Rodriguez, a mayor himself much power, he could turn rivers green — he was elected by his classmates in Rosen (which he did, again, on St. Patrick’s Day). and Bowen’s classes, a mock vote designed Buckhorn, who has two young daughto teach the children about democracy. ters, also told the assembly “and none of you The 8-year-old, decked out in gray are ever allowed to marry them.” slacks, a light green plaid shirt and a gray tie Buckhorn impressed the crowd by with white stripes, fidgeted in his seat with telling the children has been to President his hand thrust as high as he could reach, Barack Obama’s Christmas parties, and has eagerly awaiting his chance for a question, even been to his office. like 150 of classmates.

“Was his chair comfortable?,’’ one boy Buckhorn, who was elected to his first asked the mayor. term as mayor in 2011 and then re-elected “Oh, I don’t dare sit in the president’s in 2015 while running unopposed, told the chair,’’ Buckhorn replied, grinning widely. classes he caught the government bug as a Buckhorn, whose second term is schedfourth-grader growing up near Washington, uled to end in 2019, said leaving the mayor’s D.C., when in 1968, he was helping out on office won’t be easy. “You’re going to have the late Senator Robert Kennedy’s presidento pry my fingers off the desk,” he said. tial campaign.

He did, though, drop a hint about “I used to have my mom drive me his rumored future plans, asking the kids down to Bobby Kennedy’s headquarters, if they’d like it if he came back to visit as and I’d seal envelopes and put stamps on Florida’s governor. them,’’ Buckhorn said.

As for who Buckhorn, a Democrat (alHowever, the kids seemed more though all municipal elections in Tampa are interested in answers to the bigger, more non-partisan), is supporting for president, important questions facing Tampa — such no surprises there. as his favorite color (blue), his favorite food “I am supporting Hillary Clinton,’’ he (Italian), and his favorite sports (he played said of the Democratic frontrunner (see page lacrosse and soccer in high school).

8) he introduced at her pep rally in Ybor When he wasn’t playing sports, BuckCity the following day. “Because I want my horn said, he was reading books or having two little girls to grow up knowing there are crab apple fights with his friends. no barriers. I want them to know that they “We didn’t have cell phones,” he said, can grow up to be president, too.” drawing perhaps the loudest reaction of the 36

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 •Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Tennis For Fun (And Special Needs Athletes) Comes To Tampa Palms!

Story and photos by John C. Cotey

On a slightly warm but otherwise perfect Thursday evening, a dozen or so special needs adults gathered at Tampa Palms Golf & County Club to learn how to play tennis, like they do every week.

They squealed with joy when hitting a ball back over the net, and laughed when they failed. A handful of volunteers gently tossed tennis balls their way, and would swat them back with hands, or catch them and throw them back, to help teach coordination. Some were determined to complete their tasks, while others were there primarily for the fun of it all.

“It’s so great,’’ Judy Moore said. “It’s just a big social event.”

Moore runs Tennis For Fun, a free tennis clinic for athletes with special needs.

Tennis For Fun is a volunteer organization that teaches basic tennis skills, and stresses socialization, specializing in working with athletes of all ages who are intellectually handicapped, especially those who have Down Syndrome.

Moore’s son, Nathan, started the program 16 years ago as a high school senior at Tampa’s Jesuit High. He wanted to create something to do for special needs athletes, no doubt inspired by his mother, who had taught special education and religion for years.

Since then, Tennis For Fun has grown, from a humble beginning with just a few athletes in Brandon to now including

38

(Above) Dora Rattes, one of the assistant volunteer coaches at Tennis For Fun at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, practices a ball catching skill with the class during drills on March 10. (Above right) Buddy Thompson works on his hand-to-eye coordination.

eight different locations (Fishhawk Ranch, Tampa Tennis at Hillsborough Community College, Sandra Friedman Tennis Complex on Davis Islands, and Tampa Palms in Florida), in three states (Florida, Maine and Minnesota), with more than 100 athletes competing.

At Tampa Palms, they were wear-

ing new, bright green T-shirts donated by ALOT (A League Of Our Own Tennis), and playing with racquets donated by other players and clubs. Interbay Tennis, a large Tampa Bay women’s weekly tennis league, also has provided assistance, and Tennis For Fun also has received grants to help pay for nets and balls. Both Tampa Palms and

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood News

Hunter’s Green Country Clubs are designated as Special Olympics training centers.

In 2011, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded the USTA Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award to Tennis for Fun. “We were pretty proud to get that,’’ Moore says.

More than a dozen of the 100+ athletes currently competing in Tennis For Fun are at Tampa Palms, which recently added the program under the direction of tennis player and Tampa Catholic High assistant coach Marla Adams. Adams will run the clinic through May 26, every Thursday, 4 p.m.-5 p.m., for the 18-and-over athletes; Marla’s son Clay, a freshman tennis player at Tampa Catholic, coaches the 17-under group from 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Clay, who originally got involved

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;

because he was trying to earn service hours at school, and Marla first met Moore while volunteering at the Brandon location.

Moore had received some requests to start a program in New Tampa, but until she met Marla, she had no one to run it.

“I met her and she asked where I lived, and I said Tampa Palms,’’ Marla says.

“She said, I have someone who wants to start a program (out there) but doesn’t want to be the head of it.”

Marla and Clay accepted the challenge. For Marla, it was a personal decision. When she had been pregnant with Clay, she was told there was a chance he would be born with Down Syndrome, or a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21, which alters the course of an individual’s development.

Clay ended up not having Down Syndrome, but Marla said that moment stuck with her. So, when the chance arose to work with Down Syndrome children and adults, she says couldn’t resist.

With the Adamses working closely with Kass Pilczuk, the New Tampa YMCA Adaptive Coordinator, and Tampa Palms head pro Tom Judson, the program debuted last November.

“Kass has been very instrumental in helping us launch in New Tampa,’’ Marla said. “She has filtered a lot of her athletes at the YMCA through here.”

The response in New Tampa, says Moore, has been terrific.

While the Brandon program has more than 90 athletes, ages 8 to 58, New Tampa has seen its numbers steadily grow.

“People started talking about it, and

Neighborhood News

people started coming,’’ says Dora Rattes, one of the volunteer coaches and supporters who helped bring the program to Tampa Palms.

Rattes used to take her special needs daughter Esther to Brandon to play tennis in the program. It was far from convenient, however.

“She really enjoyed it,’’ says Dora.

“But I was thinking, we have Tampa Palms here (in New Tampa), and we have Hunter’s Green…”

Rattes knew there were enough special needs athletes in New Tampa to support such a program, and she knew there was a need. For many older special needs athletes, there is often little to do and few programs to participate in past high school.

“It is very important for them to stay active,’’ she said. “This is a sport they can play for life. This isn’t like soccer or basketball where you need a team to play.

This is something you can do with just one other player.”

Esther is one of the program’s more advanced and experienced players. She recently competed in the Special Olympics tennis at HCC March 19, and Marla says the plan for next year is to teach and send a large contingent of New Tampa special needs players to the event.

For now, the group is working on the fundamentals, growing their clinics and putting smiles on the faces of athletes learning the joy of a new sport.

For more information, call Judy Moore at 685-3923 or 417-3751, or visit TennisForFun.net.

@NTWCNews

SPOTLIGHT

ON.......la

For clothes and the kind of customer service you can’t find at any mall, visit la Pink Boutique in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve shopping center, off of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd, in New Tampa, next to Men’s Wearhouse.

Amy Crumpton owns la Pink Boutique, which opened in its current location in The Walk in 2006, when Amy named it for her favorite color.

“Everything in my world should be pink,” she laughs, adding that the store offers much more than just her favorite color.

“We are a ladies boutique that offers clothing of all types,” Amy says. “We have dresses for most occasions, although we don’t carry formal wear. We currently have a great collection of summer styles, and we also carry shoes, jewelry, scarves and other items.”

Meadow Pointe resident Marge Brush says la Pink is her favorite place to shop.

“It’s a fantastic store with an incredible staff,” Marge says. “They are so nice and always greet me by name. They make me feel so comfortable, and a little bit special, too.”

That’s the joy of boutique shopping, Amy says.

“People come here (instead of a mall) because they don’t want what everyone else has. What we offer here is unique.”

In addition to Bourbon & Boweties bracelets, la Pink Boutique is proud to offer many other items from local designers. For example, the store carries Lindsay Phillips shoes, a line of footwear with interchangeable snap embellishments so ladies can change the look of their shoes without buying a new pair. la Pink also was the first boutique to sell shirts, camisoles and leggings from Lutz de-

Pink

Boutique!

signer Tees by Tina, who now has five stores of her own.

Marge says boutique shopping is often thought of as too expensive, and that many people think there’s not enough in a single store for them – or that nothing will fit them — but none of that is true at la Pink.

“It’s actually very affordable,” Marge says. “And there’s something for everyone, no matter what size you are.” la Pink is the kind of classy boutique you might find in south Tampa, Sarasota and other trendy parts of Florida.

“My plan is to stay put,” Amy says.

“I’ve been told to move my business to South Tampa because people think I’d do much better there, but I live in New Tampa and this is where I want to be. New Tampa needs this type of shop, and embraces it.” la Pink Boutique (18035 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.), is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m on Sat. It is closed on Sun. For more information, see the ad on pg. 49 of this issue, visit laPinkonline.com or call 972-2862, or “like” the la Pink Boutique Tampa page on Facebook.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

39

‘Bailey’

Continued from page 1 somewhere out there, I don’t even know this person, and we’re not related, and they have the exact same bone marrow as me. That’s pretty cool.”

Bailey spent 80 more days in the hospital. Because her immune system was so fragile, she wasn’t allowed to leave her room.

Immediate family was allowed in, but only in full hospital gowns and masks.

She was finally discharged Easter weekend of 2015,. For nine more months, she wasn’t allowed to leave her house. “I’ve been on house arrest,’’ she jokes.

She actually had to eat processed foods, like macaroni and cheese and ramen noodles, because there is less bacteria in them than say, unwashed lettuce and fruit. “You could have washed it really good, but I’m wasn’t taking that risk,’’ Beth says.

And, because her bone marrow donor had a peanut allergy, Bailey now also has a peanut allergy, so great discretion had to be used in her daily food choices.

The Big Announcement

On March 15, doctors told her she was once again all clear, and that she could return to school.

“I’m nervous, but I’m really excited,’’ Bailey says, and after noting that the last day of school is May 20, smiles as she reaches across the table to high-five Jessica.

Bailey also has a new cause: Code Gray, an informational service she wants to start for new cancer patients and their families, which she hopes to launch soon.

While at Tampa General Hospital the first time, Bailey had a port put in instead of an IV, and it was difficult to access. Located in her chest and at an angle, it was beneath the skin and reached by a needle. “Very painful,’’ she says. “The first time they tried to access it, it took 10 times.”

She was told to make sure the nurses used 1-inch needles, and one night a nurse was having difficulty accessing the port. Bailey asked her if she was using the right needle, and the nurse insisted she was.

“I only asked because it wasn’t working,’’ Bailey says.

As it turned out, it wasn’t the right needle, just as Bailey thought. On her chart that night, the nurse listed her as “Code Gray,” a designation for “unruly” patients.

The seed for Bailey’s Code Gray organization had been planted. As part of a project for her nursing assistant classes she was taking (since she was not allowed to go to clinicals), she researched mistakes made at hospitals, many she thinks could have been prevented had the patient and their family spoken up.

But, most people, said Beth, are just content to let the doctors and nurses handle things.

In Bailey’s case, the family kept extensive journals and recorded every dose of medicine every time something was administered. “Highly recommended,’’ Beth said.

“For me, it was therapeutic.”

Bailey spent a recent weekend designing pamphlets, which will contain information for new cancer patients and their families, including tips about dealing with your cancer treatment and talking to doctors and nurses without stepping on toes, as well as how to continue your schoolwork against great odds. She’d also like to create a website, hold

some fund raisers and get the word out.

“I’m so passionate about it,’’ she says. “People don’t speak up because they don’t think they are knowledgeable enough to say anything to their doctor. But, if they have questions or doubts, they can — and should — say something.”

Bailey says she hopes Code Gray can help cancer patients.

And, maybe one day, she will as well. She has been accepted into her dream school, the University of Florida in Gainesville, and wants to be a pediatrician.

While she never thought about treating cancer patients before her own struggles with the disease, she wonders if she hasn’t been sent a sign.

The Rhodes family “I always wanted to be a pediatrician, and they always asked me, ‘Do you want to go into oncology?,’’’ Bailey says. “I thought, there’s no way I could relive that every day.

But then, this second time, it was like this is proving that I can relive it. Maybe that’s what it’s supposed to do.”

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13312 North 56th Street, Tampa, FL Office 813-988-SELL (7355) Fax 813-985-0675 www.BayAreaRealEstateAndRentals.com 40

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Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Goes All Out For Heart Month!

By Gary Nager Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC), which is, of course, currently being expanded, continues to be a great community partner, offering many opportunities for local residents to visit and learn more about this spectacular, technologically advanced, $150-million, 200,000-sq.-ft., 83-bed facility, which is adding 111,993 sq. ft. of new construction, as well as 10,834 sq. ft. of renovated space as we speak.

Although February was technically heart month, the hospital extended that month (Above left) Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel president & CEO Denyse Bales-Chubb (with scissors) cuts a ribbon at the March 13 Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ceremony which unveiled the hospital’s new cardiac catch lab (above right) to the public. (Below left) Bales-Chubb and FHWC Executive Chef Jerry Dzialo were by a couple of weeks when among the judges for the hospital’s cupcake contest, after which, all of the 20 different cupcakes judged during the contest were sold in the hospital’s lobby two weeks earlier. president and CEO Denyse “We’re so proud of all of our technoBales-Chubb cut a ribbon of a giant inflatable heart (at the far left cupcake-tasting contest, where Baleslogical innovations here at Florida Hospital in the header at the top of this page), so (along with the Greater Wesley Chapel and Chubb, FHWC Executive Chef Jerry DzWesley Chapel,” Bales-Chubb said during Central Pasco Chambers of Commerce) on attendees could actually get a close-up look ialo, WCCC CEO Hope Allen and yours the event, which also featured free food, FHWC’s newly expanded cardiac cath lab at how the human heart works. truly were the “celebrity” judges. door prizes and even a walk-through tour (on Mar. 13), which has doubled in size.

In late February, FHWC hosted a We sampled 20 different types of cupcakes, from my favorite with chocolate and peanut butter to the favorite of all four judges for appearance, the raspberry surprise cupcake shown top right in the header above.

After the judging, all of the more than 350 total cupcakes the hospital created for the event were sold and many of the flavors continue to be sold in the hospital’s café.

For more info about FHWC, including upcoming events like “Fun & Fancy: Ladies Night Out at FHWC” on Wed., Apr. 6, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., visit FloridaHospital.com/wesley-chapel or see this issue’s Community Calendar on pg. 20 for pre-registration info. — GN

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43

The Right Realtor Can Save You Thousands!

No One in the World Sells More Real Estate than RE/MAX.

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If You Like Oakley’s Grille (Like We Do!)...Why Not Open One?

Chicken Philly & Fries

Cheeseburger & Fries

By Gary Nager

I

HAVE known Keith Oakley, the owner of Oakley’s Grille on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in New Tampa, next to Dairy Queen, for just about five years now. I know it’s been that long because that’s how many years in a row I have named Oakley’s my favorite hamburger and favorite sandwich shop in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel.

And I really mean it. Yes, there are a lot of good hamburger places in our area, but for my money, Oakley’s chargrilled burgers have been the best in town since 2011.

“I like to say we have consistent food quality in large part because we have very little staff turnover here,” Keith says.

I also love Oakley’s all-natural beef dip and Philly (and chicken Philly) cheesesteaks sandwiches, as well as Keith’s corned beef Reuben and other great sandwiches. And, his crispy fries (I order them without seasoning salt) are also about as good as it gets and his recent addition of a small selection of bot-

46

tled beers (Yuengling, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Blue Moon, Corona and Sam Adams) have made the place even more appealing.

So, if you love the place so much, Gary, why don’t you just go ahead and open one?

Well, although I’m a true “foodie,” I’m no restaurateur, but if you are — or would like to be — Keith is currently exploring franchising Oakley’s, as well as opening other “corporate”-owned locations, “so call me about franchise, financial partner and business investment opportunities,” he says.

We’ve reported in previous issues that Keith has been looking for a Wesley Chapel location for some time — he tried to get the former Café Fresco location that ended up becoming the second location of Capital Tacos, as well as at the former location of D’Alessio Italian Restaurant on BBD (across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel), which will instead soon become Bay Dermatology.

“I have a lot of really loyal customers,” Keith says. “A few of them have told me they would love to own or be a partner in a franchise because they love the food and service so much.”

And, because Keith previously opened or supervised more than 100 national and regional chain restaurants — “I spent most of the 1970s with Steak & Ale, the ‘80s with Chili’s and the ‘90s with Longhorn Steakhouse, he says — before leaving the corporate world behind to open Oakley’s, he has made sure that his place combines chain restaurant sensibilities (and extremely fair pricing) with the type of personalized service most chains never offer.

A Little More About The Food

Since we’re back on food, let me just say that Keith continues to add new items, although not as quickly as perhaps some would like.

“Our customers and especially, our staff, help me decide what items to add to our menu,” Keith says, even though Oakley’s hasn’t had any new menu items since adding yummy turkey burgers and pulled pork sandwiches prior to our story about the place last year.

“People go crazy for the pulled pork,”

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Pulled Pork Sandwich

Keith says. “One guy told me he stopped going to his favorite barbecue place after trying our slow-roasted pulled pork.”

Also popular with our office at Oakley’s are the southwest chicken tacos (topped with big slices of fresh avocado), the huge chef salad, the fajita baskets, the spicy ghost (pepper) burger and the blackened fish sandwich, which is usually tilapia, although Keith says he can substitute other white, flaky fish, too.

I’ve also heard raves around our office about Oakley’s crisp sweet potato fries.

Among some of the other menu items I’ve never mentioned in these pages is a unique Cajun chicken Cordon Bleu, which combines hot capicola ham, aged swiss and Chef Jaym’s white wine garlic aioli. There’s also a spicy Italian hot pressed sandwich, a black & Bleu burger (with Cajun spice and bleu cheese crumbles) and even a tasty pastrami and swiss sandwich.

And, perhaps best of all, Keith still offers a variety of different specials. There’s a buy one entree & get the second entree of equal or lesser value for 50% off, but you have to mention the ad on pg. 42 to get it.

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-

h

Blackened Fish Sandwich

Corned Beef Reuben & Fries

LADIES NIGHTS Monday & Thursday Only

3

$

MARGARITAS 12oz Lime Only

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

1

$

TACOS

Tuesday & Wednesday

Monday - Thursday Only

4 SPEEDY LUNCH $5 SPEEDY DINNER

$

Taco, Enchiladas & Choice of Rice or Beans.

Dine in only. Tampa Palms location only.

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

ALL DAY

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

Dine in only. Tampa Palms location only.

Valid Tues. & Wed. only.

Chef Salad

Southwest Chicken Tacos

Oakley’s also rocks daily specials, such as “Cheeseburger Tuesdays,” where my favorite burger and a big order of my favorite fries are just $7.99; Kars Katch fish & chips Wednesdays, with flash-fried fish (or blackened fish sandwich) and fries for just $8.99; my favorite Philly & Fries cost just $8.99 on Thursdays; and chicken tenders & fries are just $6.99 on Sundays.

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“I invite everyone who enjoys great food at a fair price and fast, friendly service to come in and give us a try,” Keith says.

Oakley’s Grille (17631 BBD Blvd.), “Where Appetite Meets Delicious,” is open seven days a week. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. For more info about franchise and investment opportunities or to order takeout, call 523-5075 or visit OakleysGrille.com.

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5

$

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

Not valid with any other coupons or specials.

Dine in only. Tampa Palms location only.

Valid Sunday - Thursday only.

ALSO OPEN IN WESLEY CHAPEL!

5335 Village Market

(BBD @ SR 54)

907-5161

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New Tampa Celebrates St. Pat In Style!

Congratulations go out to both of New Tampa’s traditional Irish bars — Mulligans Irish Pub in the Pebble Creek Golf Club (PCGC) and PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub on E. Bearss Ave., one block west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. — for putting on incredibly successful St. Patrick’s Day parties with great, all-day live entertainment again this year.

“St. Patty’s Day is really the only big annual event you have at an Irish bar,” PCGC events coordinator Kathy Warren told the Neighborhood News. “We had more than 1,000 people stop by all day and everyone seemed to go home pretty happy.”

The same could definitely also be said for PJ Dolan’s, which again tented a sizable portion of the parking lot in front of its location in the Palms Connection Plaza. I also give PJ Dolan’s credit for allowing the nonprofit “Driving Miss Darby Foundation, Inc.” (Driving MissDarby.org; photo above right) raise money to support breast cancer clinical trials patients. The management even allowed the foundation to sell Guinness IPA and Blue Moon beer outside the pub’s tented outdoor seating area.

For more information about Mulligans (10550 Regents Park Dr.), call 973-3870 or visit MulligansTampa.com. For PJ Dolan’s (2836 E. Bearss Ave.), call 374-2338 or visit PJDolans.com. Please tell both Irish pubs that we sent you! — GN

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

Lots Of Restaurant News In Cypress Creek Town Center

We were the first (or among the first) to tell you about the planned openings of Culver’s (photo), Cheddars and Pollo Tropical in the Cypress Creek Town Center Development of Regional Impact (DRI), near the Tampa Premium Outlets (TPO) mall, but the news and rumors are still flying about other eateries that are on their way.

Although we still haven’t been able to get confirmation from the company’s home office, we have been told that the popular Mellow Mushroom pizza & more chain is planning to open in the same area. We have confirmed, however, through the Pasco County website, that a new Longhorn

52

Steakhouse also will be built in the area.

In our next issue, we will show you a map with all of the locations of the planned (Culver’s is now open and Cheddars is nearing completion) openings of all of these restaurants.

Irish Eateries To Be Dueling?

We also were the first to tell you that Irish 31 (see page 6) is being built next to Panera Bread at the Shops at Wiregrass mall and now, we’re both happy and sad to announce that City Grill, located in the Wesley Chapel Village Market at S.R. 54 and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., has been sold. Owner Eth (aka Eric) Thueltrouve told me shortly before we went to press that City Grill (which was still open at our press time) will be re-branded as an O’Brien’s Irish Pub, which has popular locations all over the Tampa Bay area, including Carrollwood, Brandon and others.

Thueltrouve says the new owner has a successful O’Brien’s in Plant City and we’re happy that it also is a place known for karaoke and live bands. We’ll keep you posted.

Next To Winn-Dixie!

If you haven’t yet tried the new Ginza Endless Asian Cuisine & Sushi, located at 6417 E. County Line Rd. at Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in the Trout Creek area (between the Winn-Dixie supermarket and LA Fitness), we definitely suggest you give it a try.

Ginza’s all-you-can-eat specials cost just $12.95 per adult for lunch and $24.95 per adult for dinner and that price includes all you care to eat of literally dozens of items — from fresh sashimi and sushi to hibachi-style chicken, shrimp or steak and even favorites like Mongolian chicken (photo below, shown with a side of fried

Ginza Endless Sushi Opens

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rice) and beef and so many more.

At our press time, Ginza still did not have its liquor license, but the freshly prepared food and fast service make it more than worthy of a visit until that happens, which should be sometime in April, according to a restaurant employee. And, with the coupons in the ad on pg. 43 of this issue, it’s an even better value!

For more information, call 9071688 or visit GinzaFlorida.com and please tell them that the Neighborhood News sent you!

Orchid Thai Opens In Former Pizzazzone Location

If you enjoy really good Thai food in an extremely casual setting, check out Orchid Thai, located at 17022 Palm Pointe Dr., which has opened in the former location of Pizzazzone in The Shoppes at The Pointe Plaza in Tampa Palms. The plaza is once again packed with great restaurants, as both Ciccio’s Cali and Koizi Endless Sushi are located in the same plaza.

I really enjoyed the combination Thai fried rice in the photo (left) on the next page, as well as the crispy duck and barbe-

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cued pork dishes from Orchid Thai’s large and reasonably priced menu.

For more information, call Orchid Thai at 252-3534 or visit Facebook. com/OrchidThai Tampa.

Arroy Thai Opens In Former Fine Thai Location In WC

Speaking of new Thai places, another great, new Thai eatery has opened recently in the former Fine Thai Express location in the Pinebrook at The Grove shopping plaza on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. The restaurant is now called Arroy Thai, and there’s no doubt that the new eatery is superior to its already-good predecessor in terms of both the food and the look of the place. Try the crispy duck with a sweet & spicy Thai chile sauce (photo, top right) and the combination Thai fried rice and please tell them I sent you!

For info, visit Arroy Thai at 27427 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (S.R. 54), call 5014924 or visit MyArroyThai.com.

Assisted Living Community Coming To Tampa Palms On a recent drive along Commerce

Neighborhood News

Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms, I noticed not only the sign above, but the construction of a huge, new assisted living facility — Discovery Village at Tampa Palms — suddenly rising up from the ground.

Discovery Village At Tampa Palms, which is expected to open in the winter of 2017, will feature 105 residential Supervised Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care apartment homes. According to its website, the state-of-the-art community will combine the best of senior living features, amenities and wellness programs. The community will include a Grande Clubhouse with fine dining, bistro, club room, theatre, salon and barber shop, arts and crafts studio, library, outdoor heated pool, fitness center and more!

For additional information, visit DiscoveryVillages.com. — GN

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53

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NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL HELP WANTED NOW HIRING P/T Client Service and Marketing Professionals: Tampa Bay’s ONLY Certified Matchmaking and Relationship Coaching service is growing! Send your resume to: info@TampaBayMatchMakers.com For more information, visit us www.TampaBayMatchMakers.com UTOPIA HOME CARE, INC. is hiring qualified, experienced RNs/ LPNs, HHAs/ CNAs to work in all areas. All hours available, candidates must be flexible and have reliable transportation and true availability to work. Apply in person at any location (visit website) or apply online at www.utopiahomecare.com for locations. Call for immediate interview 813-634-9680.

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MEDICAL BILLER Spanish-speaking Medical Biller wanted for New Tampa Medical Equipment Company.

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

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Classifieds

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

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

DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. Call 813-215-1177.

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

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

WEST COAST FLOORING, INC. Carpet and Laminate Flooring. Quality repairs on all floors. Commercial Flooring Install. Licensed and Insured. Free Estimate, Call (813)-215-4817 DRY WALL SPECIALIST Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for free estimate: 813-784-5999.

COMPUTER/BUSINESS SERVICES

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PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT — in your home or small business. A+, Certified computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. Remote assistance available. References available upon request. Call (813) 957-8342 for a free estimate.

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

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POOL SERVICES TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE New Tampa owned & operated. Great Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa’s #1 Choice!! Call Chris Today @ (813)857-5400 or visit TranquilityPoolService.com New customers get ONE MONTH FREE! ALL-STAR POOL SERVICE & REPAIR Expert repairs and installations of pumps, motors, filters, timers, salt and ozone generators. Pool refinishing from $2,400.

Tile repair and acid washes, paver and river rock sealing, pressure washing and deck repair, paver and eurocote decks. Mention this ad and receive 1 FREE MONTH Pool Service. Call or text 813-244-7077 or visit AllStarPoolServicesofTampaBay.com. See our display ad.

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AMERICAN PRIDE LAWN CARE SERVICE, LLC Our services include weekly lawn maintenance with mulching decks on all mowers, precision edging, string trimming, hedge, shrub, palm, and tree trimming. We also offer landscaping, pruning, and sod replacement. Free estimates. Licensed and Insured. We are an Owner/ Operator Company built on service and trust. References available. For more info, call (813) 458-4778.

HOMETEAM LAWNCARE LLC High-Quality Professional Services: Weekly or Bi-Weekly Year-Round FullSvc LawnCare starting at $75/month: mow, edge, trim, blow, mulch-bed maintenance, hedge and low-tree trim. Additional Services: Sod, Mulch, & Rock Placement; Hedge Trimming, & Tree Trimming; Landscape Installation; Fall/Spring Clean-Up. Family Owned & Operated, Licensed & Insured, Background Checked, Call or Text (813) 817-9554.

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CLEANING SERVICES

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE We have our own supplies and more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more info, Call 758-9710.

ANNA’S HOUSEKEEPING A BBB-Accredited Business Servicing Florida since 1991. $68 introductory special, Mon-Wed. Cleaning, Laundry, You Name It! Make your list, put us to work! We have private housekeeper rates with agency backup coverage! Licensed and all housekeepers are background checked. Call (813) 985-1150.

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

IN YOUR HOME CAT SITTING OR IN MY HOME DOG SITTING. Fifteen-year Pet Care Industry Veteran, Pet First Aid Instructor, Licensed, Insured, and Bonded. Call 813-892-9543 or visit Justaskjulie.com/Petfirstaidandcpr.com/.

Not getting the calls you know your business deserves?

Our Classified Ads are the ones your neighbors actually READ!

Call (813) 910-2575 to order your Classified or Display Ad today!

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GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTERS

Meeting Your Exterior Needs From One Generation to the Next

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New

Tampa

Relay

By Celeste McLaughlin

Erin Heilman participated in the New Tampa Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS) for the first time in 2007. She says she continued to participate year after year, and in 2012, was shocked to receive a cancer diagnosis herself at age 37.

“Now I’ve seen both sides of this event, as both a participant and a survivor,” she says. This year, Heilman is heading up the event as its co-chair, along with her friend Buffy Atkinson. “With all the mixed emotions the event brings out, it is truly a celebration,” says Heilman.

The New Tampa Relay for Life will be held from Saturday, April 8, 6 p.m., until 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, around the track at Freedom High in Tampa Palms.

The annual event is always fun for families and event organizers invite everyone to attend. At 9 p.m., luminarias that have been decorated in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those loved ones lost to cancer will be lit, which is always a beautiful tribute around the track. At 11 p.m., registered attendees under the age of 18 will need to have a wristband showing they have turned in paperwork and are allowed to remain, while registered team members will continue walking the track throughout the night and into the morning.

Heilman encourages people to support the Relay, which raises money for programs that help cancer patients.

“I’ve actually used these programs

58

For

Life

Returns

myself,” she says, explaining one resource that was especially meaningful to her was the 24-hour support line she called when she received her diagnosis and was struggling with how to tell her then-seven-yearold son. Other programs include rides to and from doctor appointments for patients who need them, and funding for the Hope Lodge at the Moffitt Cancer Center, which provides a beautiful home for patients who have to travel long distances for treatments.

The New Tampa relay will be filled with booths that sport the event’s fairy tale theme, “Once Upon A Time,” including Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and many others. Heilman says her favorite theme was chosen by the team at Harold H. Clark Elementary, the movie “Brave,” to reflect that characteristic of cancer patients. There will be food, games, raffles, a giant inflatable, a scavenger hunt, three-legged race, frisbee, Zumba, a talent show and even a dance competition. All money raised that evening goes to the New Tampa Relay.

Last year, the event had 42 teams and raised more than $76,000. This year, there are 30 teams signed up to participate so far – and still time for new teams to join. Event organizers are hoping to raise $82,250.

If you are a cancer survivor, be sure to register at the event website and come out to participate. The event kicks off with a “survivor lap,” where all cancer survivors and their caregivers walk the first lap around the track. Each survivor receives a t-shirt and medal (new this year) and registered

To

Freedom

High

caregivers receive a pin. Dinner also is provided for all survivors and caregivers.

“We want survivors there because we are there to celebrate them,” says Erin.

To learn more about the ACS New Tampa Relay, or to sign up a team, make a donation, or register as a survivor, visit RelayForLife.org/ NewTampaFL.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 24, Issue 7 • March 25, 2016 • NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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