New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 33, Issue 25, December 9, 2025

‘I Just Want To Give Back To My Community’ - Nelson Agholor

By Gary Nager

If you don’t know the name Nelson Agholor, you’re likely not a big football fan. Nelson, who attended Liberty Middle School in Tampa Palms, went to Berkeley Prep instead of Freedom High, and then played his college ball for the University of Southern California (aka USC), where he caught 104 passes for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. He was the first pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 (the 20th overall), after forgoing his senior year at USC.

He played five seasons with the Eagles, including 2017, the season the Eagles ended up winning their first Super Bowl championship, over the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots 41-33. Nelson caught nine passes for 84 yards from backup QB and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles in the Big Game.

“Don’t forget that I also had a 9-yard run for a key first down in that game, too,” he says with a smile.

But, Nelson always wanted to do more than just make millions of dollars playing football. He always wanted to help people who weren’t as fortunate as he’s been. He officially started his own 501(c)(3) nonprofit,

See “Nelson Agholor” on page 4!

Former Liberty Middle School standout and NFL wide receiver Nelson Agholor helped make Thanksgiving 2025 a little brighter for a lot of area residents who might not have had a Thanksgiving turkey this year when he donated 500 turkeys at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus the day before the holiday. (Inset) Nelson Agholor on the cover of the Neighborhood News after he helped the Philadelphia Eagles win their first-ever Super Bowl title back in 2018.

THE PASSING OF RICH REIDY

Our editor discusses the passing of Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan’s long-time aide. See page 3

JAS

The former Wharton High theatre teacher’s Celebration of Life was a moving experience. See page 6

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Regarding The Passing Of Rich Reidy (1957-2025)

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

Even if you’ve been faithfully reading every issue of the Neighborhood News for years, you may not know who Rich Reidy is. But, rest assured, Rich was one of the most important people working in the Hillsborough County government, someone who played a role behind the scenes in most every decision that has affected New Tampa for more than the past two decades. Rich, who passed away suddenly at age 68 on Nov. 11, first became Dist. 2 County Commissioner Ken Hagan’s legislative aide when Ken was first elected back in 2002. (Note-Rich left to become the top aide for then-State Sen. John Legg in 2013, but he returned as Hagan’s top aide in 2018, after Legg was replaced by Sen. Jack Latvala, who was forced to resign at the end of 2017). “Rich did love the legislature,” Ken says. “I was so glad he came back.”

Here’s how I found out Rich had passed:

I wanted to get an update on the planned safety improvements to Morris Bridge Rd. south of Cross Creek Blvd. So, instead of calling Comm. Hagan directly on his cell phone, I did what I usually did — I called Ken’s office. Jannah asked me who I was calling and I said, “What I usually do when I have to ask Hagan something, I’m calling Rich Reidy at Ken’s office.”

I had my phone on speaker because I wanted Jannah to hear just how helpful the guy has always been to me — from when I first started trying to find out when Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. was going to be widened (what now seems like an eternity ago) through questions of county parks in New Tampa and the extension of Cross Creek Blvd., to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, to Morris Bridge Rd. and many more.

Instead of Rich’s usual happy-to-help attitude, Comm. Hagan’s other aide, Glorivee “Glory” Burgos, answered the phone. I had spoken with Glory a few times over the past few years, but I didn’t “know” her like I do Rich, so I asked her, “Can I speak with Rich, please?”

“What is this regarding?,” she asked politely. “Is there something I can help you with?”

I said, “I’m just calling for an update on the Morris Bridge Rd. safety improvements and Rich is always who I ask things like this.”

The silent few-second pause that followed was deafening, but Glory finally said, “I guess you didn’t hear, but...Rich...passed away last week.”

Jannah and I both let out an audible gasp at the same time. “What happened,” I asked, holding back tears. “Was it a heart attack?”

“No,” Glory responded. “He had a short battle with cancer.”

And, even though I think Glory mentioned that some of the safety improvements planned for Morris Bridge, the ones we reported back in our Apr. 1 issue, had either already begun or were getting ready to begin, I honestly believe I wasn’t really listening anymore. All I could think of was talking to Ken about Rich.

“He was having trouble catching his breath and keeping his balance, but like most guys, he just tried to ignore it,” Ken told me. “He went to his doctor, who sent him to Moffitt (Cancer Center). Apparently, the cancer had started in his brain and it spread quickly throughout his body. He never got to go home.”

He added, “The whole thing took maybe six or seven weeks, In hindsight, I guess it was a blessing that he didn’t suffer long, at least, but his only thoughts, right up until the end, were for his wife Donna.”

Ken admitted that when he first took office, his friends would call to ask him for his help with something, but over time, the answer always seemed to be, “Just call Rich, which is what I said at his Celebration of Life.” Ken says. “After a while, my friends would just call him directly and I wouldn’t even know. He’d resolve the issue and then, when I’d see them again they’d say, ‘Thanks for taking care of that for me,’ and I’d be like, ‘Sure. Anything for you, buddy.’”

He also said Rich championed a county statute that became a statewide internet safety bill to protect kids from sexual predators.

“I got the credit for it, but Rich actually did all of the work,” Ken says. He also noted that Rich also was, “a ‘scab’ umpire during the strike-shortened 1995 Major League Baseball season, a former small business owner, an animal lover...and a true friend.”

And, the government staffer I trusted the most. R.I.P., Rich.

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(Left) Hillsborough County commissioner Ken Hagan and his long-time aide Rich Reidy. Rich passed away on Nov. 11 after a short battle with cancer. He was 68. (Photos provided by Ken Hagan)

‘Nelson Agholor’

Continued from pg. 1

called “Our Kids Our Responsibility, Inc.,” a little more than a year ago, but he says he’s been serving the communities where he’s played football and lived, “for 13 years. But now, I’m serving and giving back to the community where I grew up and it just feels right.”

Nelson grew up in the USF area, what some people still unaffectionately call “Suitcase City.” He was the second youngest of five kids, with two brothers and two sisters.

“I still sort of think of myself as the baby of the family because I basically raised my baby sister,” he says. “We weren’t as bad off as some of the kids I went to school with, but there were definitely holidays where we went without.”

To help those who might not otherwise have a turkey for Thanksgiving, Nelson purchased “about a hundred” turkeys and got Publix to donate 400 more frozen turkeys of 12-16 pounds each. He picked them up in a truck and brought them to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, where Nelson also recently started a training program for young athletes called Pro Vision Strength & Skill.

“We decided to do the turkey giveaway here at the Sports Campus, so that people could come see this facility,” he told me as he carried another turkey to a waiting vehicle. He also acknowledged the help of Florida Sports Coast Elite Volleyball director Monica Ewalt (below), whose teen vol-

leyball players, also based at the Sports Campus, volunteered (top photo) to help get the turkeys loaded into the canvas bags Nelson purchased.

The volleyball squad also helped load the bagged turkeys onto a long series of tables outside the Sports Campus, so Nelson could personally deliver them to the vehicles that pulled up in the parking circle at the front entrance of the facility to receive them, usually offering to give anyone who said it was their first time ever making a turkey (or if they said they had a friend

who may also have needed one) two of them — “Just in case, you know?”

In less than five hours, all 500 turkeys had been given away and the well-traveled wide receiver — who moved with his family from Lagos, Nigeria, to Tampa when he was five, played for USC at 18 and for five different NFL teams during his ten-year career — says it “just feels good to be back home.

“I just want kids whose families are in need to know that someone cares about them. I want

them to be dreamers, just like I was, no matter what their situations at home might be.”

Speaking of dreaming, does Nelson still dream of playing again in the NFL?

“All I can say is that I’ve had calls from six teams,” he says, smiling, while holding a finger to his lips, saying “Shhh. I’m happy right now.”

For more info about Our Kids Our Responsibility, visit OurKidsOurResponsibility. org. For more info about the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, visit PlayWiregrass.com.

Jas Warren’s Impact Fondly Remembered At Celebration Of Life At Wharton

By Gary Nager

When you know someone is a good person who has lived a life in service to others, you often still don’t really know the impact that person has made, or just how many people they helped — until you attend their Celebration of Life.

Such was the case of former Wharton High theatre teacher James “Jas” Warren. As I mentioned in my page 3 editorial in our last issue, Jas passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 61, while he and his wife Renee were on a FaceTime call with their daughter Abby and her three sons.

I had seen probably only four or five of the 100+ shows (including, I believe, two of his original works) Jas produced with his LSA (Lighting & Sound America) Repertory Theatre Company during his time at Wharton, and had spoken with him after most of those performances. It was clear at that time that his students — and their parents — loved him. And, as a native New Yorker who had seen at least 50-60 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows in my lifetime, the power of the performances Jas directed let me know just how good he was at his job.

What I had no idea about, however, was just how powerful his impact was on his students until I attended the Celebration of Life held at Wharton on Nov. 8 in his honor. Even though I ended up leaving early because I had another event to get to, the hour+ I spent listening to his long-time friend and fellow Wharton teacher Carlos Rosaly, Jas’ daughter Abigail Rodriguez and son Jackson Warren, followed by at least eight of the dozen or so total speakers and performers that day, it was clear to me that I didn’t really know Jas Warren — or just how many children he impacted, how many lives he changed — at all.

And I am as saddened by that fact today as I was uplifted by what I saw and hear that day.

Act I — Abby, Evan, Jackson & Carlos

I sat next to my friends Dr. Elliot and Pam Cazes, whose son Evan is one of Abby’s best friends. It was Pam who let me know that Jas had passed and when and where the Celebration of Life would be held.

When I arrived, Evan and Abby were already sitting on the stage (photo), getting ready to sing the haunting “Those You’ve Known” from the Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.” How both of them were able to make it all the way through this beautiful, but overwhelmingly sad song is a tribute to the training both of them received from Abby’s dad. Believe me when I say that there literally was not another dry eye in the house:

“Those you’ve known

And lost still walk behind you

All alone

They linger till they find you

Without them

The world grows dark around you

And nothing is the same

Until you know that they have found you”

When they finished singing, recently retired Wharton High math teacher (and baseball announcer) Carlos Rosaly — one of Jas’ closest friends and a fellow original member of the Wharton faculty when the school opened for the 1997-98 school year, was the first to speak..

Carlos recounted humorous stories of his long relationship at the school with Jas and their shared love of rock n roll.

“The difficulty for us in his passage is that he wasn’t done telling stories and we weren’t done listening to him,” Carlos said. “We weren’t done watching it all on stage. And that’s our loss.”

He also noted that Jas loved everything about the performances — “the auditions, the callbacks, the rehearsals, the running laps around the office, the vocal warmups, the read-throughs, the curtains up, the spotlights, the music, the show, he loved it all. Thank you, James.”

Carlos also read a moving passage from the book Jesus in Blue Jeans by Laurie Beth Jones. But, it was all just getting started.

Next up was Abby, who said her dad thought she never cried. “Well, Dad, I have never cried more in my life than I have in the past three weeks. Three weeks ago yesterday, I heard his voice for the last time. Every day since then, I wake up and hope that the nightmare is over.”

She then retold the story of how she was on the phone with them when her dad was in the

throes of the heart attack. After telling her mom to call 9-1-1, Abby waited to hear back from her.

“Not too much time passed before I called my mom and they said ‘He didn’t make it.’ I remember standing in front of my fridge and dropping to the floor. I called my husband (who is in the Army) and said words I didn’t expect to end up saying, ‘Please come home.’”

She added, “All I could think of were the things I wished I could have said if I knew it was his last moment...He was the kind of dad that everyone wanted and the kind of director that kids in other public schools dreamed of having. And I was lucky enough to get him. I idolized him...and there came a point where he thought I stopped, but I never actually stopped.”

Abby also said that her earliest memories were on the very same stage in that Wharton auditorium. “He created magic on this stage,” she said. “Whether it was one of the One Act [plays] he’d spend all summer writing, or how he found the most perfect songs for those shows that he edited to perfection. He changed lives, not just through his art, but through who he was. He created

lifelong friendships for most of us and introduced many of us to our spouses and our own families. And I’m living proof of that.”

She also recounted how her dad officiated her wedding, how he supported her every time she announced she was pregnant, their Walmart runs during school, their trips to New York City to see Broadway shows. She also gave her many definitions of what grief is now that her dad is gone.

“I will keep saying it: I don’t know how to live in a world where he doesn’t exist. He deserves so much more time and he has so many more stories to write...and to watch my kids grow up. Everything I am is because of him — my love of theatre, music, reading, writing, dark humor, everything. So, for now, I will still send a text when something reminds me of you, I will still cry for you and I will think of you every day and I will think about what life would be like if you were still here. Until we meet again.”

Jas’ son Jackson (above right) page) said that, “Everywhere I look, he is there. I just can’t believe that he’s still gone.” Jackson said he wished his dad could watch another season of another show

he loved. And how every moment that he thinks about his dad, “even the moments that I didn’t think would matter at all, are just so special. It’s just a lesson to learn — you never know how much time left you have with someone. Don’t live with regrets. Do what you want to do before it’s too late because you never know when it will be too late. I’m just glad that my final words to him were ‘I love you’ and I gave him a hug. It doesn’t solve anything, but it helps.”

Act II — All Of His ‘Other’ Kids

Next up was Tori Fuson, who sang an incredible rendition of the song “Leave Me Here” by Hem. This is just the chorus:

“So, as I rise, I will reach for the livin’

And I’ll say no prayer

Cuz tonight he brought me to heaven

And left me here”

Tori then added, “Mr. Warren was more than a teacher for us. He wanted to create the best works and he did, because he created all of us and

that’s the reason we’re all here today. He taught us, at a very young age, about injustice and loss, love and human connection. He showed us that acting is not about pretending. It’s about telling the truth. He had a way of drawing discipline and authenticity from children, which is a really difficult thing to do. He changed every student who walked in his doors. And, for many of us, this auditorium was our home.”

Tori was followed by Nicole Nouri, who put the Rolling Stones themselves to shame with her soaring rendition of “Wild Horses.”

Nicole was followed by Stephen Arment and Lizzy Clark (top left photo), who were both in Wharton’s first graduating class in 2000.

Stephen, who is now the drama teacher at Durant High in Plant City, said, “There are a lot of ways to talk bout someone who shaped your life, but the truest place I could start is this. I loved being around him. He did not just teach theatre. He built families. Entire generations of us found our ‘people’ and our purpose under a

new direction. When I arrived at [Wharton], he was one of the first people who made me feel seen for who I could become. We have each carried so many of his lessons with us. Not just how to block a scene, but how to make people feel seen before they even believe in themselves.”

Stephen also said he remembered when Jas and Renee brought their newborn daughter, Abby, “in to meet us for the first time. He wasn’t just introducing his daughter to his students, he was introducing her to a community that she would always be connected to, whether she wanted to or not. It was like watching two parts of his world intersect — the family he went home to and the family that he built in this place. He poured so much of himself into us that we walked away feeling like we carried a piece of him into adulthood. So, to his family, thank you for sharing him with us.”

Stephen concluded, “I became a high school drama teacher because of him. He wasn’t just teaching theatre, he was shaping what theatre education looked like across the board. He didn’t

just attend [theatre] festivals, he helped build the blueprint for how they are run — the systems, the traditions, the way we gather, the way they create. So much of that traces back to him. So, thank you, Mr. Warren. We’ll take it from here.”

When it was Lindsay’s turn to speak, she paid Stephen one of the best compliments she could: “I just have to say that I had the honor of watching Stephen run a rehearsal at his school today and he is Mr. Warren. There were so many ‘Warren-isms’ that I felt as if I was a student there myself.”

She also said that “I’m deeply grateful to stand up this day, in this auditorium, a place stitched with memories, to celebrate the life of someone who didn’t just shape my high school experience, but helped to shape me.”

Lindsay added, “Mr. Warren was brilliant, passionate and, let’s be honest, a little terrifying. He knew when to challenge us and when to protect us. His office felt like the safest place in the world. It was where we cried, we laughed, we vented and we dreamed. I remember he showed us what looked like a baseball card of a young pop singer no one had ever heard of. He said, ‘Believe me, she is going to be huge.’ We rolled our eyes and thought this is just another weird Warrenism. The pop singer? Britney Spears.”

That was when I left the building, but it’s clear to me that Jas Warren left behind so much more than just hundreds of high school theatre awards. He built hundreds of young people into amazing people, not just amazing actors. I missed the final performance of the day, but Elliot Cazes recorded it for me (top right): Green Day’s “Time Of Your Life.”

Just perfect.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Cuts A Ribbon On Its New Expansion

By Gary Nager

Although the title may change hands at some point in the future, Wesley Chapel’s first hospital is still its largest and an exclamation point has been added to that sentence following the Nov. 20 ribbon-cutting ceremony and Grand Opening of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) hospital’s “North Tower” upward expansion.

More than 200 hospital staffers, hospital and hospital Foundation Board members, as well as North Tampa Bay Chamber Board members were on hand when AHWC president and CEO Ryan Quattlebaum (above left) and chief medical officer Robert Rosequist (with scissors in upper right photo) cut the ribbon on the 80,373-sq.-ft. expansion. The project adds three additional floors (only the top one of which is open) adds 24 more licensed beds, with room for two 24-bed units in the future, as well as 21 additional pre-op and post-op beds, two additional operating rooms, two additional endoscopy suites and one hybrid operating room.

The expansion also gives the award-winning hospital — which has been named one of the top hospitals in the U.S. by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report magazines, as well as an America’s 250 Best Hospitals grade by Healthgrades and a 21st consecutive semester Hospital Safety Grade of “A” from Leapfrog — expanded sterile processing and expanded imaging capabilities, including MRI and radiology.

All told, AHWC now has 193 private patient beds, 34 ER beds, 12 operating rooms, three endoscopy suites, two heart catheterization labs, one C-section suite, and too much other robotic surgery and other advanced technology to mention here.

Following an opening prayer, Quattlebaum said, “This expansion project is truly monumental for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. I am so excited to celebrate with everyone here today because this is truly a celebration for our community.”

Quattlebaum then thanked all of the elected officials in attendance, including District 1 Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, District 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman (bottom right) and District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano. He also acknowledged and thanked all of the hospital Board members, medical executive committee members, AdventHealth West Florida Division leaders and fellow Pasco County AdventHealth leaders, as well as all of the companies that participated in building the hospital expansion project.

“The journey at AdventHealth Wesley Chap el is one that reads like a fairy tale storybook, as it relates to health, faith and community,” Quat tlebaum said. So, I’ll go back to the beginning — to 2012, when this campus opened (as Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) with 80 beds and a com munity that welcomed us with open arms. And, as the community has grown, we have grown with it. And what that growth really signifies is that we have access to care.”

He added that when he first heard about AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, “I was in California and I heard about this amazing place where they have these great, quality stores and the team is so engaged. It really speaks to the heart of what makes Wesley Chapel special — our people. A building is a place where people receive care, but it’s delivered by people and the people who work here are truly what makes us unique and special.”

Quattlebaum concluded by saying that when they had orientation for the new expansion, he asked his team members where they came from, where home was for them. “One of them said, ‘I live in Zephyrhills but I remember this spot, this part of Wesley Chapel, as a place where we used to come to watch meteor showers.’ And I thought that meteor showers are moments that reminds us how brilliance is possible. It’s fitting that our hospital stands here today because it symbolizes what brilliance can look like. Our mission calls us to continue to be brilliant for our community every single day and to extend Christ’s healing ministry through healing, comfort and hope. While meteor showers come and go, the light and brilliance that extends at this place endures.”

Next up was Commissioner Weightman, who said “AdventHealth entered Pasco County in 1985 and the reason for that was that Commis-

sioner Oakley’s dad donated the land that AdventHealth Zephyrhills sits on today. And it’s an honor to sit with him today as Commissioner Oakley has carried on that legacy by being part of that foundation. And, here we are today in Wesley Chapel on a road that used to be called the ‘road to nowhere.’ But now, that roads leads somewhere, to the North Tower of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. How spectacular is that?”

Also speaking at the event were AHWC chief of staff Dr. Kalpesh Patel and Dr. Rosequist, but before the ribbon-cutting and tours of the new wing, Quattlebaum also thanked the AHWC

Can Anything Be Done About Our Area’s Traffic Fatalities?

Trying To Get A Handle On Distracted Drivers, Speeding, Heavy Traffic, Motorcycles, E-Bikes & More

By Gary Nager

There’s no doubt that, in addition to car washes, storage facilities, chain (and especially, chicken) restaurants, one of the things Wesley Chapel residents complain about the most is traffic. In an area that is growing as quickly as Wesley Chapel, increased traffic, unfortunately, also means a significant increase in traffic accidents and, by extension, traffic fatalities, especially on our interstate highways.

I personally still don’t think there’s as much traffic here as there was when I lived in (and near) New York City but that was, admittedly, nearly 40 years ago when the only “mobile” phones were those attached by a phone cord to your car — and not everybody actually had one of them.

The Wesley Chapel area today seems to possess the “perfect storm” combination of everyone having mobile phones and lots of traffic that includes many new people who only recently moved into the area. These newcomers, usually from out of state, don’t yet know our roads and have limited experience with the exits off our interstate highways that get backed up, sometimes for miles, even when no accident has taken place in the area.

People in the local online community groups in our area often express their frustration and aggravation with the traffic, especially every time there is an accident with serious injuries and/or fatalities.

And, it is because of that ever-increasing number of those serious accidents — especially on I-75 between the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Exit #270 (New Tampa) and Overpass Rd. in Wesley Chapel — that I decided to look into the number of serious accidents in our area recently and what, if anything, can be done, to improve the situation.

The other impetus for this story was that our writer Joel Provenzano is a member of the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition (FMSC), which just happened to be having its quarterly meeting at the Hyatt Place hotel at I-75 and S.R. 56 almost exactly two weeks after a 17-year-old motorcyclist from Land O’Lakes was killed in a crash on I-75.

On page 12 of this issue, we look at all of the serious crashes that have taken place on our local roads and/or involving local residents, just since Mar. 29 of this year, but on this page and pg. 11 is information from Florida Highway

Patrol (FHP) Sgt. and public affairs officer for FHP Troop C Steve Gaskins (photo on pg. 11), whose job it is to send out the press releases regarding major traffic accidents that have happened not only in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but all around Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Citrus counties. I have never met Sgt. Gaskins, but I kind of feel like I know him.

I don’t envy Sgt. Gaskins. He has to report some of the most heinous occurrences in our distribution areas and he is very good at it. But, it has to be hard for him to see the carnage that he reports to the media every day and not be somewhat affected by it.

I also have never actually spoken with Sgt. Gaskins, but I did exchange emails with him recently regarding the accidents that have taken place on our major roadways — I-75 between Overpass Rd. & Bruce B. Downs Blvd., I-275 between Bearss Ave. & S.R. 56, plus S.R.s 54 & 56 themselves.

Here are some of my questions and the answers I received from him:

1) Why are there no lights on I-275

between Bearss Ave. and S.R. 56? Lights on the interstate are typically installed near exit/ entrance ramps.

2)How many accidents on these stretches of our two main interstate highways have taken place because of people trying to bypass traffic on the highway shoulders and/ or weaving in & out of traffic? Reckless drivers cause crashes; the specific number would be hard to establish as crash reports would indicate improper lane changes or passing only.

3) How many local accidents involve motorcycles/electric bicycles (I know that the latter aren’t on interstates, but do ride on S.R.s 56, 54, Overpass Rd., Bruce B. Downs Blvd., etc.)? For these records, please email FHPRecords@flhsmv.gov.

4) What are the actual rules about e-bikes and golf carts on roadways? When do e-bikes become motorcycles and who is really allowed to drive them on roadways? These rules and regulations vary by jurisdiction.

5) What can be done to help alleviate at

least some of this issue? I would gladly have the Neighborhood News sponsor a public meeting to discuss traffic and highway safety & I would love it if FHP could have someone attend that meeting. The FHP routinely issues safe travel posts and the FDOT (Florida Dept. of Transportation) posts safe travel messages on their highway message boards.

6) What can be done to increase funding in order to increase FHP and Pasco/Hillsborough County/City of Tampa law enforcement presence in our communities? These are legislative and county funding concerns.

I have no doubts that speeding, driving under the influence and reckless driving are all major contributing factors to crashes not only in our area, but across the country. I also am confident that the ever-rising trend of distracted driving — especially texting and even just looking at your mobile phone while driving — is on the rise as a cause of many major accidents.

In fact, even though Sgt. Gaskins didn’t have specific stats for the areas he covers, or more specifically for New Tampa and Wesley Chapel,

A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) car on the scene of an accident on I-75 that killed a 17-year-old motorcyclist on Oct. 30, (Photo source: Florida Highway Patrol)

Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles’ “Florida Crash Dashboard” shows that between Jan. 1 & Nov. 14 of this year, there have been 311,864 total crashes on all of Florida’s roadways, including 2,231 fatal crashes and 134,245 injury crashes. Of those were 78,418 hit & run crashes (with 16,610 hit & run injuries) and 7,557 crashes involving motorcycles, resulting in 469 motorcycle fatalities.

For all of Hillsborough County (which includes New Tampa, but no stats are available just for our zip code) over that same time period, there have been 21,928 crashes, including 131 with fatalities and 9,308 with injuries, as well as 5,298 hit & run crashes with six fatalities and 1,226 injuries, plus 448 crashes involving motorcycles with 23 fatalities.

For all of Pasco County over that same time period, there have been 5,866 crashes, including 68 with fatalities and 3,173 with injuries, as well as 1,107 hit & run crashes with one fatality and 385 injuries, plus 200 crashes involving motorcycles with 19 fatalities.

But, here in our area, another factor clearly seems to be the traffic itself. When it’s at a standstill, whether because of rubbernecking an accident or just high volume during rush hours, people seem to be taking more risks. I can’t tell you how many times Jannah and I have seen people moving at high speed — 50-60 mph or more — on the shoulder of I-75 leading up to the S.R. 56 & 54 exits — when the two lanes of traffic heading to those exits aren’t moving at all.

Since we all also have GPS on our phones and/or in our cars, I’m guessing that people who see stopped traffic a few miles ahead of them on GPS will speed up and take more risks to get off

an exit early or bypass right-exiting traffic at one interstate exit to try to make up time by getting off at the next exit instead.

If you look at the 20 major accidents Sgt. Gaskins reported to us on page 12 (just since Mar. 29 of this year, or in only eight months), you’ll see that many of them include language like “darted out,” “was operating in a reckless manner” and “lost control.”

I know we all are busy and have families or loved ones we need to get home to, but there have just been too many times that these accidents have been caused by reckless and/or distracted drivers. It also would be nice if more people would use their turn signals — especially when changing lanes — and would look to see if it’s actually clear before doing so.

If we don’t all slow down and keep our eyes on the road, it’s clear that more of us will be listed in Sgt. Gaskins’ incident reports. I hope you have a joyous & safe holiday season, New Tampa.

Recent Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Vehicle Crash Reports From Florida Highway Patrol

Editor’s note - Not all of these crashes took place in Wesley Chapel or New Tampa. Some just involve people who live in our distribution areas. Please note that we’re not showing these reports to be insensitive, as we know that many of them involve the loved ones of people who read this publication. This listing is included to show just how many of these major accidents there have been in our area, just since Mar. 29 of this year. Please also note that the photos on this page were provided to us by Florida Highway Patrol. — GN

Nov. 16 — Vehicle 1, possibly a Toyota 4Runner or similar type SUV, was traveling southbound on Boyette Rd. North of Vienna Woods Ln., the vehicle struck a 39-year-old Wesley Chapel man walking along the southbound road edge. Following the collision, the driver fled the scene while the pedestrian suffered fatal injuries. The pedestrian was discovered deceased by a passerby just before 7 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 17. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.

Nov. 7 — A two-year-old male child from Dade City, reportedly walking northbound along the outside shoulder with his father, darted out into the path of and was struck by a Dodge Ram pickup, driven by a 20-year-old Dade City man. Airlifted to an area hospital, the child later expired from injuries suffered during the crash. The driver and an 18-year-old Wesley Chapel woman traveling as a passenger in the truck were not injured.

Oct. 30 — A Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by a 17-year-old male from Land O Lakes, was traveling southbound on I-75 in the outside lane. A tractor-trailer, driven by a 65-year-old Crystal River man, was traveling southbound on I-75 in the center lane. North of CR-54, the motorcyclist changed lanes and collided with the passenger side of the tractor-trailer. The motorcyclist overturned and was struck by the under-carriage of the tractor-trailer. The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

Oct. 15 — Five vehicles were traveling southbound on I-75, south of SR-54. Vehicle 1 was slowing or stopped in the center lane without lights activated awaiting to change lanes. As Veh. 2 approached Veh. 1, the driver moved to the outside lane to avoid a crash, resulting in all five vehicles colliding (photo below), resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to all, with one being transported to an area hospital.

Oct. 7 — Veh. 1, a BMW sedan, driven by an 18-year-old Wesley Chapel man, was traveling southbound on I-75 near the 269 Milepost in the inside lane. The driver was operating in a reckless manner and lost control of the vehicle which traveled into the outside center lane. The sedan traveled under the trailer towed by Veh. 2, an Amazon tractor-trailer, operated by a 49-year-old St. Cloud man which was also traveling southbound in the outside center lane. The impact caused the tractor-trailer to jackknife and travel to final rest in the center median with the sedan pinned under the trailer (photo above). No injuries were reported during the incident to either driver, or to two 18-year-old Wesley Chapel men traveling as passengers in Veh. 1.

Sept. 30 —Veh. 1, a Nissan Rogue, driven by a 38-year-old Lakeland woman, was traveling at a very slow speed northbound on I-75 in the outside lane.

Veh. 2, a Mitsubishi Mirage, driven by a 67-year-old St. Petersburg man, was traveling northbound on I-75 in the outside lane behind Veh. 1. Veh. 3, a tractor-trailer, driven by a 43-year-old Loganville, GA, man, was traveling northbound on I-75 in the inside center lane. Veh. 2 overtook and collided with Veh. 1 which traveled to the outside shoulder and collided with a barrier wall while Veh. 2 rotated & entered the path of Veh. 3. As a result, Veh. 3 collided with Veh. 2. Both Driver 1 & 2 suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals where Driver 2 later expired from injuries suffered during the collisions. Driver 3 was not injured.

Sept. 29 —Veh. 1, a moped, operated by a 55-year-old Zephyrhills man, was traveling eastbound on SR 54. A pedestrian, a 55-year-old Zephyrhills man, was walking eastbound ahead of Vehicle 1. East of Lamar Rd., the moped overtook and struck the pedestrian. Upon impact, the pedestrian fell to the ground, as the rider was ejected from the moped. Veh. 2, a Chevy Silverado, driven by an unknown female, was traveling eastbound on SR 54 and collided with the moped operator, who suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Following the crash, the female driver fled the scene. Veh. 2 is described as an older model black Chevrolet pickup truck, 2000 model year, driven by a white female approximately 30–40 years of age. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.

Sept. 19 — Veh. 1, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by a 34-year-old Bushnell man, was traveling southbound on I-275, north of Bearss Ave., near the 56 Milepost. Veh. 2, a Nissan Rogue, driven by a 40-year-old Tampa woman, was traveling southbound on I-275 ahead of Veh. 1. Veh. 1 overtook and collided with Veh. 2 while changing lanes. Upon impact, the motorcyclist traveled to final rest along the inside shoulder while the motorcycle traveled into the path of and was struck by Veh. 3, a Toyota RAV4, driven by a 62-year-old New Port Richey man, which was also traveling southbound on I-275. Driver 1 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Drivers 2 & 3 suffered no injuries during the collisions.

Sept. 6 — Veh. 1, a Dodge Charger, driven by a 25-year-old Tampa man, was traveling southbound on I-75 at approximately 100 MPH with bald tires. Near the 268 Milepost, the driver lost control on a wet roadway, rotated & departed the highway. The vehicle traveled to the outside shoulder, struck an

embankment, became airborne, and struck several trees before coming to final rest. Also traveling in the vehicle was a 24-yearold Riverview man and 25-year-old Land O Lakes man. All three occupants suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals for medical care.

Aug. 6 — Veh. 1, a Honda Civic, driven by a 40-year-old Sanford man, was traveling westbound on SR 56, east of Shops Lane, a 34-year-old Sanford man who had been involved in a minor crash just prior to this incident walked into the path of and was struck by Veh. 1. Transported to an area hospital, the pedestrian later expired from injuries suffered during the crash. Driver 1 suffered no injuries.

July 2 — Veh. 1, a Ford Explorer, driven by a 37-year-old Wesley Chapel woman, was traveling westbound on SR 52. Veh. 2, an International cargo truck, driven by a 51-year-old Orlando man, was traveling eastbound on SR 52. At the 28000 block of SR 52, Veh. 1 completed a U-Turn into the path of and was struck by Veh. 2. Post-impact, both vehicles traveled to final rest along the outside shoulder of the highway. Transported to an area hospital, Driver 1 later expired from injuries suffered during the crash. Driver 2 suffered minor injuries and was also transported to an area hospital.

July 1 —Veh. 1, a motorcycle operated by a 40-year-old Webster man, was traveling northbound on I-75 and collided with a tractor-trailer near the 281 Milepost. The motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. All northbound lanes of I-75 were closed due to the accident.

May 20 —Veh. 1, an Isuzu truck, driven by a 19-year-old Parrish man, was traveling southbound on I-75. North of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., the driver swerved to avoid an unknown object in the roadway. The driver lost control, causing the vehicle to rotate, depart the roadway and collide with the outside barrier wall. The driver was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

May 18 — Veh. 1, a Kia Soul, driven by a 46-year-old New Port Richey man, was traveling northbound on I-75. South of Overpass Rd., the driver lost control while cutting in and out of traffic and traveled onto the outside shoulder of the highway. Once on the shoulder, the vehicle struck a light pole and caught fire. The driver suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

May 16 — Veh. 1, a Tesla Model S, was traveling southbound on I-75 along with several other vehicles. Near the 277 Milepost, Veh. 1 departed its travel lane and collided with Veh. 2, a Ford F150. Veh. 1 redirected and collided with Veh. 3, a Toyota Corolla. Veh. 3 was then also redirected and collided with Veh. 4, a Peterbilt truck. Finally, Veh. 1, which had continued southbound following the first two collisions, struck Veh. 5, a Volvo tractor-trailer. Transported to an area hospital, Driver 1 later expired from injuries suffered during the collisions. All other drivers suffered no injuries. Driver 1: Male, 69, Longboat Key; Driver 2: Female, 43, Riverview; Passenger in Veh. 2: Male, 11, Riverview; Driver 3: Male, 70, Wesley Chapel; Passenger in Veh. 3: Female, 74, Wesley Chapel; Driver 4: Male, 59, St. Petersburg; Driver 5: Male, 31, Tampa

May 1 —Veh. 1, a Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by a 23-year-old Wesley Chapel man, was traveling northbound on Wesley Chapel Blvd. at a high rate of speed. Near Progress Pkwy., the rider lost control, departed the roadway, struck a street sign and finally, a light pole. The rider suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

Apr. 13 — Veh. 1, a Toyota Camry, driven by a 30-year-old Tampa man, was traveling southbound

on I-75. South of SR 52, the driver overtook another vehicle and took evasive action to avoid a collision. The driver lost control of the vehicle, which rotated to the highway shoulder and struck a tree. Upon impact, a 28-year-old Tampa woman traveling as a passenger in the vehicle suffered fatal injuries. Apr. 8 — Veh. 2, a tractor-trailer, driven by a 25-year-old Gainesville man, was traveling northbound on I-75. North of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., the tractor-trailer became disabled and came to a stop along the outside shoulder of the highway. Veh. 3, a Hyundai Sonata, driven by a 27-year-old Ocala man and brother of the tractor-trailer driver, stopped just ahead of Veh. 2 to render assistance. Veh. 1, an F-350 towing a cattle trailer, driven by a 23-year-old Campbellsville, KY, man, was traveling northbound on I-75 and, as the vehicle overtook Vehs. 2 and 3, the driver drifted onto the highway shoulder. Veh. 1 collided first with the driver’s side of Veh. 2, continued forward and collided with Driver 3, who had exited his vehicle to render assistance. Veh. 1 continued still further before finally colliding with Veh. 3. Driver 3 suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Post-impact, Driver 1 fled the scene of the crash and traveled to the Gate gas station on SR 56 at Cypress Ridge Blvd. An FHP Trooper soon located the driver at the gas station, where he was changing a tire. The driver, Noah Alexander Riley, was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and delivered to the Hillsborough County Jail.

Apr. 4 — Veh. 1, a Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 42-year-old Dade City man, was traveling northbound on the I-275 entrance ramp leading to I-75, when the driver lost control for unknown reason. The vehicle crossed the gore, overturned and came to rest in the northbound I-75 travel lanes. The unrestrained driver was ejected from the vehicle, suffered serious injury, & was transported to an area hospital and later expired as a result of his injuries.

Mar. 29 — Veh. 1, a dump truck loaded with rock, driven by a 51-year-old Riverview man, was traveling southbound on I-75. North of SR 56, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which overturned and spilled its load upon the highway. The crash closed the southbound lanes of I-75 with traffic diverted at SR 54. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

Note from FHP Sgt. & Public Affairs Officer Steven Gaskins re: Distracted Driving Month: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and its public safety partners remind drivers to stay distraction-free while behind the wheel. [Although ]April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, both drivers and passengers alike have a duty to refrain from engaging in or fostering distraction [all year around].

The act of driving requires keen concentration, as drivers must constantly be in tune with factors such as their speed, surroundings, other drivers, roadway conditions and more. Throw distractions into the mix — such as texting or talking on the phone — and this act becomes harder to do safely.

Preliminary data for 2024 shows that in Florida, nearly 300 people died and more than 2,200 people suffered serious bodily injuries due to a distracted driver. A distraction is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off the act of driving. While you may not think you are a distracted driver because you do not engage in more well-known distractions, such as texting, you may be engaging in other distractions that put you, your passengers and others on the roadway at risk. This might include, but is not limited to, listening to loud music, eating, engaging with passengers or adjusting your vehicle’s entertainment or navigation system.

Luis Viera Column: Reflections On The Holiday Season & More

By Luis Viera District 7, Tampa City Council

I wanted to update my constituents on what is going on in our community... and with me.

On The Holiday Season

The holiday season is here. That means Christmas, Hannukah and the New Year. I am a big Christmas guy and a Santa statue fanatic. My favorite movie? “It’s a Wonderful Life!” Favorite actor? Jimmy Stewart. We are again having our Christmas and Hannukah celebrations at the New Tampa Recreation Center (although both are being held after this issue goes to press and before it hits mailboxes).

The holidays are a time for joy. When we are doing well, the holidays are great.

But, for those who struggle, the holidays can be tough. Most of us know what it is like to have life rip your heart out. I know what it is like to see Christmas lights and feel that something is missing. For those having a tough time this holiday season, I hope and pray you will find hope in your tough times — knowing that things will get better. You will become strong in those broken places, with the blood that runs in your body from your ancestors — and life will get better.

On The Recent USF Controversy

You may have read about the controversy at the University of South Florida where Muslim students were, with cruelty, mocked for their faith on Nov. 18.

Religious intolerance like this brings out, to quote Merle Haggard, “the fighting side of me.” The anti-Muslim cruelty angered me. There is no gray area in this case — only black and white, right and wrong.

Those who believe Muslims have no home in our country have never been to New Tampa — Tampa’s most religiously pluralistic area. Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus and others welcome our Muslims brothers and sisters. We are all Americans. I repeat: We are all Americans. Religious tolerance is the duty of every good American — a legacy given to us by Thomas Jefferson and our courageous Founding Fathers.

We are living in caustic times. We have seen an immoral and shameful explosion in anti-Semitism — even violence. And, many Muslims also have been victims of intolerance. This is not about politics to me — it is about what makes our red, white and blue exceptional.

On The Bruce Springsteen Biopic I have to put in a plug for the Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me from Nowhere.”

Admission: I love Bruce Springsteen – on a nonsensical KISS Army level.

This film is not your traditional biography. It focuses on a small part of Springsteen’s life — the transition from the album “The River” to “Nebraska” — and Springsteen’s battle with depression.

This movie’s powerful message transcends music. A legend shares his journey with depression — and how he would get help, still struggle, but find hope in the storms.

Mental health is a huge issue for many of us in 33647. New Tampa is home to the Hailey’s Voice of Hope nonprofit –named after the late 17-year-old Hailey Acierno. And, a portion of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. has been renamed in honor of the late Tampa Firefighter Stevie LaDue. Both LaDue and Acierno died by suicide.

“Deliver Me from Nowhere” is not about a Rock God partying — it is about a thoughtful man’s silent struggles and how in his tears, darkness and screams, he found hope. It is worth your time.

On My Final Countdown

In less than a year, I will be term- lim-

ited out of City Council. Many know I am running for Dist. 67 State Representative now. In my last year on Council, I hope to pass funding in the budget to build the K-Bar Ranch park, begin talks on a New Tampa police substation and break ground on Fire Station 24 for North Tampa. We have some forthcoming 33647 repaving projects on Compton Dr. and New Tampa Blvd. You know how much I will miss representing you on Council. I am always honored by your trust across party lines. I have a lot of love for many of you — Republicans and Democrats — who have been a part of my journey in office. I had an idea of how an elected official should act, and have always done what I think is right. I hope I never let you guys down.

Happy 100th Birthday, Traudi!

When I got the call from my friend Pam Cazes that a woman living at the Discovery Village at Tampa Palms assisted living residence was turning 100 years old, I knew I wanted to meet and write something about the newest centenarian in New Tampa.

On Nov. 20, the day she turned 100, I met Traudi Hetz, who grew up in Bavaria, Germany, and lived there until she moved to Pennsylvania, where she and her husband Heinz raised their two daughters, and then lived in Virginia for 16 years (where her daughter Ingrid Hetz, left in photo above, still lives)

Traudi then relocated to Discovery Village two years ago, to be closer to where her daughter Angie Bragg (right in photo above) and Angie’s husband Russ Bragg (not pictured here) live in Wesley Chapel.

Traudi and her husband Heinz were married in 1954, about ten years after the “extremely lucrative” (Traudi’s words) ice cream parlor she owned in Bavaria got bombed out during World War II. Heinz passed in 2001, at the age of 78.

Traudi says she has quite a few friends she plays Rummy Cube with and also takes an exercise class called “drumming” at Discovery Village and enjoys living there.

“But now, everything goes very slow for me,” Traudi says, “but it’s OK.” — GN

Hampton Inn Wesley Chapel Hosts A Truly Grand Reopening Event!

Congratulations go out to general manager Charlie Whiteacre (below left) and market direc tor of sales Lisa Moore (below right, with her fellow Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel member Tony Rosario) for the truly Grand Re-Opening they hosted at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa-Wesley Chapel (located across from AdventHealth Center Ice at 2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd., north of S.R. 56) on Nov. 6.

Charlie and Lisa, who also hold the same titles at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel, unveiled the major renovations of the lobby (bottom right), front desk and other areas during a free event attended by 100+ people that included a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting, deli cious free food and a beautiful Harley motorcycle from Harley Davidson Wesley Chapel (above left). For more info about the Hampton Inn or

Fierce Flamingo Studio Cuts A Ribbon

The same day as the Hampton Inn ribbon cutting, Fierce Flamingo Studio, which special izes in mobile boudoir photography to empower women, as well as “brand identity photography,” hosted an NTBC ribbon-cutting of its own, at the Chamber office in the Shops at Wiregrass.

Owner Samantha Hartig (with scissors in photo above), who has a B.S. degree in Visual Arts, says that she discovered that the missing ingredient in taking photos of women isn’t con fidence, it’s guidance. “With the right direction and attention to detail, anyone can feel comfort able and look incredible in front of the camera.”

For more info or to book a session with Samantha, visit FierceFlamingoStudio.com, email fierceflamingostudio@gmail.com or call (813)553-1390. — GN

•Holistic nutritional counseling for teeth and gums

•Ozone therapy for oral care

•Recommendation of non-toxic materials

•Sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide) and Sedation

•Invisalign First for children & Invisalign Teen

•Digital 3D scans, ITERO (no goop) and digital X-rays

•Laser dentistry (release of tongue tie for infants, children and teens)

•Relaxed environment, so your children can enjoy their visit

Conviva Senior Care’s Grand Opening

So yes, it’s been a busy few weeks for Grand Openings and ribbon-cutting events in Wesley Chapel. On Nov. 12, the new Conviva Senior Primary Care (28516 S.R. 54)opened at the Wesley Chapel Walmart with a big Grand Opening party that included stilt walkers (right), free food, a number of vendors in fields serving ages 55+ and tours of the new Conviva office.

Attendees also got to meet two of the three practitioners at Conviva Wesley Chapel — Tabatha Rios, MD (left in photo below) and Kiran Naidoo, MD (to her right). Not pictured is nurse practitioner Stephanie Wechsler, APRN, FNP-BC.

For more info, call (813) 815-8391 or

The next day, Nov. 13, our friend and estate planning lawyer Denise Welter held a Grand Opening and NTBC ribbon cutting (right) at her beautiful new Welter Law Office location at 2312 Cypress Cove, Suite 101, in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center (off Cypress Ridge Blvd., north of S.R. 56).

At the event, Denise (right in photo above), who specializes in wills, trusts, pro bate and all other estate planning services, introduced her new associate, fellow attorney Ashley McKibbin (left in same photo above).

For more information, call (813) 736-9080, visit WelterLawOffice.com or see the ad below. — GN

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Essence Clinic & MyEyeDoctor Also Cut North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbons

Also on Nov. 12, Essence Clinic, located at 1912 Oak Grove Blvd. (behind Brunchies off S.R. 54)in Lutz, hosted its own NTBC ribbon-cutting event. Owner Andreia Tashima (3rd from left in photo, right) and her team at Essence Clinic gave tours of the clinic, which specializes in laser hair removal for women and men, and also offers two Korean-inspired treatments for your skin — Glass Skin and Facial Rejuvenation.

This premium aesthetic clinic also served some of the best food we’ve enjoyed at any ribboncutting event (bottom right photo). Created by chef & owner Adriana Nascimento’s Adriana Gourmet Cuisine, every attendee at the Essence event raved about the chicken salad croissant sandwiches, smoked salmon and cream cheese on crackers, delicious mini-quiches and Dubai chocolates and other homemade desserts.

(813) 934-1912 or visit Essence-US.com. For Adriana Gourmet Cuisine, call (813) 325-0348 or visit AdrianaGourmetCuisine.com.

Another NTBC ribbon-cutting event was held on Nov. 13 at the new Wesley Chapel location of MyEyeDr. (at 28902 Wesley Chapel Blvd., between Chipotle and Five Guys).

Optometrist Jade Fungquee, O.D. (with scissors in photo below), showed off the already busy and spacious new location of MyEyeDr., which has more than 900 locations nationwide.

The office features a wide variety of designer eyeglass frames from Oakley, Bebe, Tory Burch and Anne Klein and also will help you figure out what your vision insurance plan will cover. The giant cookies from Cookie Plug at the event were a tasty bonus. For more information about the new location of MyEyeDr., call (813) 461-6284

Chamber Ribbons Also Cut At All Children’s OBGYN, Miracle Ear & SkyMor WC

As if all of the ribbon-cutting events on the previous pages weren’t enough, the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) also cut ribbons at the following locations:

Nov. 17 — Miracle-Ear Wesley Chapel (1752 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in the Publix-anchored Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza.) - (813) 903-0016 • MiracleEar. com/WesleyChapelFL

Nov. 18 — All Children’s Hospital Specialty Physicians Group OBGYN (17907 Aprile Dr., Suite 200, Land O’Lakes) - (813) 910-5195 •HopkinsMedicine.org

Nov. 20 — SkyMor Wesley Chapel Townhomes (6274 Caroline Dr., Wesley Chapel) - (813) 518-7474 • SkyMorWesleyChapel.com

Miracle-Ear, of course, is one of the largest and best-known hearing aid retailers in the United States. It is a subsidiary of Amplifon, which is the world’s largest hearing care retailer. The new Wes-

ley Chapel Miracle-Ear, one of more than 1,500 locally-owned retail locations across the U.S., is owned by hearing specialist Ryan Robbins (holding scissors in photo below left) and is located between Home Sense and Asian Buffet in the Publix plaza at the intersection of S.R. 56 and BBD.

“We check patients for hearing loss,” Robbins said. “And provide a variety of hearing aids, some using Bluetooth technology. We definitely change lives every day.”

The next day, we celebrated with the NTBC and gynecologist Dr. Randdie-Joyce (“R-J”)

Rameau, D.O., M.P.H., at the opening of the All Children’s Specialty Physicians OBGYN (located off of S.R. 54, near the Suncoast Pkwy.), one of many new offices being opened that is affiliated with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital — which, of course, is opening a new pediatric hospital in Wesley Chapel by 2027.

While most of the other affiliated offices

serve only children, this is the only All Children’s office serving adult patients in our area (although there is another OBGYN office in St. Petersburg).

“You might be wondering why a children’s hospital has OBGYN,” said Dr. Suzanne Thi Icely (in blue holding scissors above), who helped open the St. Petersburg office. “But, to really take care of our children, you need to start with the moms.”

Dr. Rameau (also holding the scissors) added, “I am honored that all of you are here today to join our vision, and our mission. At the end of the day, we strive to provide excellent care for our patients from adolescence through pregnancy and beyond.”

And finally, Skymor Wesley Chapel, located north of S.R. 54, almost directly across from Saddlebrook Resort, is an attached townhome community with 150 total 2- and 3-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,348-1,774 sq. ft., with rents currently starting at $2,195-$2,495 per month, according to leasing agent Natalia Espino (at right in photo, right).

SkyMor is being developed by Greystar, a

global real estate company that specializes in the investment, development and management of rental housing. — GN, photos by Charmaine George & Jannah Nager

Upcoming Events — Two ‘Nutcrackers,’ ‘Avalon Aglow,’ ‘Meet Loaf’ & More!

Friday-Sunday, December 12-14, 7:30 p.m. on Fri. & Sat.; matinees on Sat. & Sun., 3 p.m. — Tampa City Ballet Presents: “The Nutcracker.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join Clara on her magical journey filled with toy soldiers, mice and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy. With stunning dance and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this holiday tradition brings joy to all ages. Tickets cost $45-$90, depending upon seat selection. For info, see the ad on pg. 36 or call (813)558-0800. Or, to purchase tickets, visit TampaCityBallet.org.

Saturday, December 13, 7 a.m. – Frosty 5K. At downtown Avalon Park (4424 Friendly Way). The Frosty 5K is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with some fresh air, fun, and community spirit. 0-6 years – free, 7-17 years – $10 and 18 years and up – $20. Optional t-shirt -$10. For more info and to register visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/news-events/ calendar/#!

Saturday, December 13, 9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m. – Breakfast with Santa. At Texas Roadhouse (26409 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Have breakfast with Santa Claus! Families can enjoy a delicious breakfast, plus photos with Santa. There also will be face painting and festive crafts. Tickets $15 per person. For more info or to purchase tickets, email Shelly or Janice at 325marketing@TexasRoadhouse.com or purchase your tickets at the restaurant.

Saturday, December 13, all day – Touch Nail Spa II’s Five-Year Anniversary Cele-

bration. At Touch Nail Spa II (8630 Hunter’s Village Rd.; New Tampa location ONLY). The first 50 people at Touch Nail Spa II that day will receive a free spa pedicure. After that, everyone receives 20% off all services. For more info, call (813)536-1003, visit TouchNailandSpa.com or see the ad on pg. 21.

Saturday, December 13, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. –

Avalon Aglow. At Downtown Avalon Park (4424 Friendly Way). There will be bounce houses, vendors, fireworks, performances, a snow slide, pictures with Santa and more at this FREE event. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. There also will be a Nocturne Plein Air art event with the Zephyrhills Art Club. For more info and to register for the art event, visit AvalonParkWesley-

Chapel.com/news-events/ calendar/#! or see the ad on pg. 23.

Wednesday, December 17, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At Subaru of Wesley Chapel (26570 Silver Maple Pkwy.). A relaxed morning meet-up designed for casual networking and meaningful connections. Join fellow Chamber members for coffee, light refreshments, and great conversation — no agenda, no speeches, just community. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.

Thursday, December 18, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

– Elvis: A Blue Christmas Show Starring Matt Stone & The TEC Band. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Internationally recognized by Graceland and the Elvis Presley Estate, the show’s star, Matt Stone, performs the closest thing to the King in history! Matt brings a never-before-seen level of authenticity and attention to detail to his craft, captivating audiences with his flawless recreation of The King in his prime. Tickets cost $30.58$87.88 depending upon seat selection. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase

tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/ matt-stone-elvis.

Friday–Sunday, December 19-21, 7 p.m. on Fri. & Sat., and Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m. The New Tampa Dance Theatre Presents: “The Nutcracker.” At University of South Florida, College of the Arts, Theater I (3839 USF Holly Drive, Tampa). New Tampa’s original ballet school presents our area’s longest-running “Nutcracker.” Tickets $44.75. For more info, call (813) 994-6838 r see the ad on pg. 23. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Sunday, December 21, 7 p.m. – Meet Loaf: The Nationally-Touring Tribute to Meat Loaf & Jim Steinman. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The “Meet Loaf” tribute show epitomizes the Meat Loaf experience in a look-alike and sound-alike event that leaves audiences awestruck. Tickets $17.50$25 depending on seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events/meetloaf.

Wednesday, December 31, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. –New Year’s Eve Celebration. At the Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel Hotel (26000 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz). There will be a DJ and dancing, food stations, 4-hour premium open bar also serving mocktails, photo booth, champagne toast and breakfast at midnight. Overnight packages & table purchase options also available. For more information (including pricing) or to purchase tickets, call (813) 803-5600.

Saddlebrook Resort Is Reborn As Mast Capital Begins Unveiling $92M Investment

By Gary Nager

George

Whenever I hear a number like $92 million being thrown around, especially to completely redesign a clearly dated resort like Saddlebrook — which had been the jewel of Wesley Chapel since the early 1980s (and the only “attractor” bringing people to the S.R. 54 Exit 279 off I-75) for more than three decades — I know what I was picturing (and hoping for) in my head. Even so, I had no idea what to really expect from new owner Mast Capital.

But, now that I have attended the “Media Preview Day” for the fully revamped Saddlebrook Resort on Nov. 20, it’s obvious that Mast is putting every penny of that $92 million into bringing resort founder Tom Dempsey’s Saddlebrook back to its old glory. Knowing Mr. Dempsey as I did, I’m a little sad he’s not still here to see it reborn.

I’ve already been telling you about the restaurants that are both already open and coming soon — the delicious RARE 1981 (see pg. 42), which is located in the space previ ously occupied by The Tropics off the resort’s beautifully reimagined lobby (top right photo on next page), the also-open BREW coffee and breakfast counter, the opening soon (in early 2026) sports bar in the former Dempsey’s Too space adjacent to RARE 1981, and the hotly anticipated (at least by yours truly) revamped pool bar at the resort’s fabled Super Pool.

When I rented a condo in the Saddlebrook community (not in the resort itself) when I first moved to Florida with my family in 1993, that pool bar served the best grilled hamburgers and hot dogs in town. It also had a nice, full-liquor tiki bar that was a great place to have a drink as my kids played in the Super Pool. Well, the pool bar is all-new and now open (photo, right), and will have an upgraded food menu from the “good old days” and the “lagoon-style” Super Pool itself and especially, the patio around it (bottom photo on next page), also has been com pletely revamped, with dozens of umbrellas and a number of beautiful cabanas that will make hanging by the Super Pool a pleasure once again.

But, for those who are wondering what’s happening with the building that previously was home to Dempsey’s Steak House, it is being completely repurposed as a clubhouse for Saddlebrook’s members that will be unveiled in 2026.

and an on-site golf driving range and practice area, which will make getting ready to play a lot more convenient than the driving range’s old location near the resort’s S.R. 54 entrance.

County Commissioner Jack Mariano (who was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 20, as was District 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman) has played all 18 of the holes that are already open and he praised the golf course’s redesign during the ribbon-cutting ceremony (see next page).

As we’ve mentioned in multiple previous

I haven’t played (and most likely won’t ever play) any of the golf holes, but District 5 Pasco

Commissioner Mariano also participated in a pickleball clinic (he’s shown returning the ball

The Media Preview began with the aforementioned ribbon-cutting ceremony and was led by Saddlebrook’s managing director Jeff Mayers, who thanked Mast Capital for its huge investment to bring the resort back to life, before introducing Commissioner Weightman, who said

UR CABINETRY IS OUR EXPERTISE

All Photos by Charmaine

Mast Capital. The name Saddlebrook Resort and Pasco County go together, they’re synonymous. Saddlebrook put Pasco on the map before it became the popular place it is today. I couldn’t be more excited to be a small part of the journey to help bring Saddlebrook back to life.”

He then introduced Commissioner Mariano, who said, “I am so thrilled with what Mast Capital has done. I was concerned about whether or not the golf course would be long enough, but they brought in Rees Jones, who specializes in renovations, and this is now a great golf course. You can now host any type of golfers at any level and have a great tournament. And what you’ve done with the lobby...spectacular, right? The pool? Incredible. Every chair is now a great place to sit, with all those umbrellas. It’s all top quality. You’ve done a phenomenal job here. Thank you, Jordan and Mast Capital for over-delivering on your promises.”

Next up was Mast Capital’s chief investment officer Jordan Kornberg, who said his

that Saddlebrook has had, while breathing new life into this place. And, we are really proud of the product that we’ve delivered. At the end of the day, it’s not about us, it’s about our employees, our members and our guests. And, the feedback we’ve gotten so far, in just a few weeks, from the community has been so positive, which we really appreciate.”

He also thanked all of the people who helped make it happen, “especially our on-property team. We couldn’t have made this a reality without all of you.”

We then toured a couple of the guest rooms (top photo) and all I remember saying was, “Wow, what a difference.” The dated, worn furniture and musty smells are all gone and the furnishings are modern, bright and cheery. Jannah and I now look forward to staying there. For reservations and more information about Saddlebrook Resort, visit Saddlebrook. com or call (813) 973-1111. For RARE 1981 info, see the story on pg. 42.

Boundless Hope Christian Counseling — Adds Counselors To Help More People

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

In 2025, Boundless Hope Christian Clinical Counseling has grown to include more than two dozen licensed mental health counselors who see patients at two locations — one in Wesley Chapel and one in Lutz — with a new Dade City location opening in early 2026.

“We have a great deal of clients who are driving to Wesley Chapel from Zephyrhills, Brooksville, and Dade City, so we’re expanding to meet those needs,” says owner and licensed mental health counselor Jolene Lantz, M.A.

In addition to bringing care closer to those who have been driving down to Wesley Chapel, Jolene says her practice overall is growing — taking about 100 intake calls every month.

As people recognize the benefits of therapy on their everyday lives, they are looking to counseling more and more, and Jolene wants to ensure they can receive treatment when they need it.

“Many of our providers are billing insurance now,” she says, “which allows for accessibility of care, so it’s very important.”

Jolene opened Boundless Hope in 2019 in the Summergate Professional Center behind Sam’s Club off of S.R. 56, near Seven Oaks, with just a couple of part-time counselors on her staff.

While the practice has grown significantly, what hasn’t changed is that the entire team works to provide a safe place where the latest research and best clinical practices are incorporated — and faith is prioritized, too.

Years ago, Jolene saw that many Christians who sought Biblical, pastoral counseling from

their churches didn’t have access to clinical interventions. She also saw that, sometimes, when Christians went to a clinician, they often felt that their faith was not welcomed in therapy, or that the counseling did not align with their own beliefs. So, she set out to create a practice where both are incorporated.

“We focus on clinical intervention that works,” says Jolene, “and working with clinicians who know the Bible, if the client wants to incorporate that [into their therapy].”

But, she says, Boundless Hope also has

many clinical relationships with people who are not Christians.

“We are so grateful for those who aren’t Christian who trust us,” Jolene says. “It’s so important for us to treat and love people well, which is in alignment with our theology that recognizes that all people are created in the image of God and deserve respect. We want everyone to feel safe and respected in our office, and we don’t have to share the same faith to treat someone clinically — and treat them well.”

Jolene graduated from USF in 1995 with

a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology with minors in Chemistry and Sociology. She then earned her Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Counseling Psychology from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, IL.

She and her husband Jim have three children, ages 17, 21, and 24.

She says that the team at Boundless Hope focuses on training and collaboration, and that the training they all do far exceeds what’s required by the state.

“We’re a learning bunch, an academic bunch,” she says. “We’re always reading, sharing and training. When I’m interviewing clinicians, I look for people who enjoy that. If you don’t want to continue to learn and train, you’re not going to be happy here.”

As the number of therapists at the practice has grown, Boundless Hope has developed a leadership team to provide support and ensure that all providers treat their patients with excellence. The leadership team is made up of three clinically qualified supervisors who have been with the practice for many years — including licensed mental health counselor Leanne Vaughan, M.A.; licensed marriage & family therapist Mitchell Zak, M.A.; and licensed mental health counselor & qualified supervisor Karrissa Manchester, M.A.

“We’re a denominationally, ethnically and racially diverse group of clinicians of all different ages,” says Jolene. “We work hard, play hard and have a great sense of community among our staff. It’s a really great place to work with pretty awesome people.”

Founder & licensed mental health counselor Jolene Lantz, M.A., has added more counselors to help more people at her Boundless Hope Christian Clinical Counseling near Sam’s Club in Wesley Chapel. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

Boundless Hope provides therapy for many age groups and issues, including children struggling with behavioral issues, impulse control or hyperactivity.

“We offer play therapy for children,” Jolene says. “Play is the language of children. They will play out emotions and memories held within them quite easily when traditional ‘talk’ therapy isn’t developmentally appropriate or effective.”

Also available are therapy for individuals and couples, for those with relationship struggles, as well as divorce counseling and divorce recovery — including recovery for the children of parents who have gotten or are getting divorced.

Boundless Hope clinicians also offer premarital counseling and treat people who are suffering from anxiety and depression. They also help those who self-harm.

Jolene says some people come in because they are wrestling with their faith and are trying to work out what they once believed and what they still believe.

Some clinicians counsel elite athletes who work through issues like “impostor syndrome,” stress management and perfectionism.

Boundless Hope also receives referrals from law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to help victims of sexual violence and abuse. Some of these people have been through heinous experiences, Jolene says, and there are several clinicians who specialize in complex trauma and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

Boundless Hope also offers intensive weekend therapy where an individual or couple can do four, six, or even eight hours over a single weekend. This is for patients who are looking for immediate relief or who want to gain momentum in their therapy, rather than waiting a week or two for their next single hour-long session.

In addition, Jolene says a couple of the counselors are very highly skilled in specific types of training that some people may be seeking. For example, Boundless Hope has counselors who are trained and certified in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing) and “brainspotting,” which are neurobiological interventions.

Jolene also notes that Boundless Hope is fully credentialed by Focus on the Family, which is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive.

To start counseling with one of the Boundless Hope clinicians, you can visit the practice website and click “Start Here” or “Hope Starts Here,” or call the office directly.

Not all clinicians at Boundless Hope accept insurance, but some do.

Boundless Hope offers no-cost phone consultations with any provider — or multiple providers — to help people choose the therapist who is the best fit for them. Patients can make appointments based on schedule availability, or can choose a counselor based on a shared affinity, such as matching a veteran with a counselor who also is a veteran. When you call, staff will provide recommendations based on your particular situation. At that point, you can schedule your first appointment, or choose a no-cost phone consultation first.

Boundless Hope’s Wesley Chapel office is located at 27551 Cashford Cir., Suite #102. To learn more about the Boundless Hope clinical team, including each clinician’s credentials, visit BoundlessHope.net, call (813) 219-8844 or see the ad on pg. 42.

Elite Health — Direct Primary Care With Unlimited Visits & Unmatched Attention

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

When Ami Rivera hurt her shoulder about 18 months ago, she found herself in a whirlwind of scheduling appointments with a myriad of providers — her primary care doctor, specialists, X-rays, an MRI, treatment appoint ments and physical therapy.

The Watergrass resident says that each appointment also came with a somewhat mysterious price tag, thanks to complicated insurance payments that are based on co-pays and deductibles.

“It was the most frustrating process,” Ami says. “And, when you’re in that kind of pain and have limited movement, it was affecting absolutely everything in my life.”

That’s when she happened to meet Dr. Firas Alzaiem and his wife, Wanda Khalil, who were in the process of opening Elite Health Wesley Chapel, a different type of primary care provider.

Elite Health provides what is called “direct primary care.” For a monthly fee of $150, adult patients have direct access to the practice, with unlimited visits included. This model makes primary care much more accessible than a typical practice, with same-day and next-day appointments available, and every visit is given 45 minutes or more with the doctor.

“This sounds amazing,” Ami says she thought, “I would pay out of pocket to not have to go through what I’m going through right now.”

Instead of waiting weeks, Dr. Alzaiem saw Ami right away, then used his network of connections to help her get appointments and services. When she has questions, she texts Elite Health and gets a quick response. She says it has taken time to heal her shoulder, but now, she couldn’t be happier.

About Dr. Alzaiem & Wanda

Before opening Elite Health, Dr. Alzaiem worked as a hospitalist at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, where Wanda worked as an ICU nurse.

The pair are high school sweethearts who are now married and live in Watergrass with their three children, ages 11, 9, and 6.

Dr. Alzaiem earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida in 2010 and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the Ross

University School of Medicine in 2018. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of South Florida School of Medicine/Blake Medical Center, where he was selected to serve as chief resident during his final year.

Dr. Alzaiem is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and is certified as a practitioner by The Menopause Society.

Wanda is a registered nurse (RN) who also attended the University of South Florida and earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies in 2010. She later went back and completed the school’s accelerated nursing program, graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Wanda serves as Elite Health’s practice manager, and with her background as an ICU nurse, she often helps triage patients, give shots and provide intravenous (IV) treatments.

Wanda and Dr. Alzaiem say their practice addresses the need for a better system.

“I went to medical school to help people,” Dr. Alzaiem says. “I don’t want to just play catch up with the insurance companies.”

He says that most medicine these days is reactive, treating diseases after they happen. But, he adds, the Elite Health model is more proactive. “If you’re healthy and don’t [current-

Dr. Alzaiem adds that it was rewarding to help patients get better in the hospital setting, but something was missing.

“This model gives me a lot more time to invest in our patients,” he says. “It is amazingly satisfying. I don’t want to give you a pill and see you in six months. Let’s talk about your sleep, exercise and diet.”

He is certified by The Menopause Society so that he can truly help women experiencing that life transition, not just tell them to “deal with it,” as he believes is much too common.

For example, Elite Health uses a machine called InBody to scan body composition. This helps Dr. Alzaiem determine body fat percent-

a diet, supplements and exercise plan based on each patient’s needs.

The practice also offers FDA-approved, evidence-based hormone replacement therapy, if it’s needed.

“There isn’t the time to do that in a traditional practice,” Dr. Alzaiem says. “But, we have the bandwidth and time to utilize these tools.”

Wanda says she tried the InBody machine herself and was surprised by the results.

“I realized how unhealthy I was,” she says. “Even though I was losing weight, it was so motivating, because I would see what’s happening inside my body. It gave me a new way of looking at myself.”

And, as Ami says, “the cost is barely more than a gym membership. Plus, I get priority and attention, and I’m not in a hurry. I don’t have

Wanda Khalil (far left) & Dr. Firas Alzaiem of Elite Health, with their three children and a certain jolly gentleman. (Photo provided by Elite Health)

to worry about the doctor running late, and I’m not rushed because there are others waiting. I can also send a text at 8 p.m. if I need to.”

In fact, Ami says that although she would be willing to pay more for this kind of personalized care, she figures she’s actually spent the same amount of — if not saved — money since becoming an Elite Health patient.

Body scans are included in the monthly cost for members. Elite Health also offers a variety of other services outside of the membership cost, including IV therapy, sclerotherapy, medical weight loss and hormone replacement therapy.

Regarding vaccines, Wanda says, “We do provide Covid and flu testing in our office, although we don’t administer vaccines. We consistently have evidence-based conversations with every patient about vaccinations, ensuring they understand the risks of forgoing them, especially those who are high-risk or immunocompromised. We are absolutely not anti-vaccine; unfortunately, the topic has become highly politicized despite vaccines being life-saving. Our approach is rooted in trust, education and open dialogue, allowing patients to make [their own] informed decisions.”

Dr. Alzaiem says that nearly all of the practice’s patients also have insurance, but the “great majority” would rather use Elite Health’s cash prices for bloodwork, imaging and other services.

He offers an example of a patient who fell and hurt his foot.

“He called us and we sent him for an X-ray with a cash price of $26,” Dr. Alzaiem explains. “I had the results within the hour, called him and told him his X-rays were negative, and

had him come in so I could take a look. He avoided a $10,000 hospital bill, had he gone to the emergency room instead.”

Elite Health provides cost savings on other services, too. “For example, if patients are going to LabCorp, they can pay for that with their insurance,” he says. “Or, you can pay cash and use our pre-negotiated prices. We’ll do the blood draw right in our office. Instead of a $200 copay for insurance prices, your bloodwork might only cost $35.”

In addition, Elite Health has an on-site pharmacy, so patients who come in needing common medications, such as antibiotics, can leave with their medication in hand.

Elite Health’s direct primary care internal medicine is only for patients 18 and older. In other words, it’s only for adults.

The practice offers a complimentary “meet and greet” for anyone to tour the office to see if it’s a good fit for them.

To be able to continue offering such personalized attention and high quality, the practice will limit the number of patients. Dr. Alzaiem says the average doctor at a large medical group has 4,000 patients, but Elite Health will have no more than 400.

“We’ve already helped a lot of people,” Wanda says. “We’ve met so many people who have become family to us. We get to know them really well and get invested in their lives.”

Elite Health Wesley Chapel is located at 30750 S.R. 54. It is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday. For more information, visit EliteHealthWC. com, call or text (813) 213-4263, or see the ad on page 40.

COMPTON & SMITH, P.A.

Spotlight On: Handyman & Cabinet Pros!

It can be difficult for homeowners to choose a provider to handle home repairs and renova tions. After all, there are almost as many people providing many of these services as there are repair and improvement projects for them to do.

For the residents of Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and surrounding communities, the search for top-quality “handyman” services should prob ably include a call for an estimate from Handy man & Cabinet Pros, LLC. Founded and run by the husband-and-wife team of Nazim (right) and Bibi Hussain, the business provides a wide variety of home repair and improvement services by a handyman with 20+ years of experience.

Nazim is the handyman of the duo, as he accumulated those years of experience working for a number of construction companies in New York City, such as Fazal Construction and Metropolitan Design Center in Brooklyn, NY, before he and Bibi relocated to Wesley Chapel less than a year ago. He even learned custom millwork (including working with wood doors, molding, trim and paneling).

Since the couple moved to Wesley Chapel and founded Handyman & Cabinet Pros in April of this year, Nazim has provided cabinetry installations (like the garage cabinets below), door touch-ups, installed ceiling lights and fans, sink repairs and renovations. While he isn’t licensed as a general contractor, electrician or plumber — for example, he can install lights and fans, but not provide rewiring, and although he can repair sinks, he can not install them — Nazim promises to provide attention to detail and quality services with a smile. And, while the company has only been in business for seven months, all of Handyman & Cabinet Pros’ Google reviews are 5-stars out of 5.

For example, customer Micheal Davis said in a 5-star Google review that, “He [Nazim] impressed me with his meticulous attention to detail and being on time for every appointment we had.

companies that practiced Six Sigma (reducing process variations and defects using data and statistical methods), Lean (eliminating waste to maximize customer value and efficiency) and Kaizen (a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices and personal efficiency) have equipped me with the experience to be able to do a quality job and have an eye for details.”

Bibi, the other half of the duo, is in charge of managing all of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the business. She plays an equally vital role, assuring that the company’s finances, marketing and operations are all handled properly and run smoothly.

“We’ve been working on this for a while now,” Bibi says, “Nazim was already doing this kind of work ‘on the side’ when we decided to just go full-on and create the corporation back in April.”

She admits that creating a handyman business has come with its own set of challenges.

“There are a lot of other service providers out there and everyone is trying to get their customers affordable pricing.” Bibi says. She adds, however, that what sets Handyman & Cabinet Pros apart from their competitors are Nazim’s years of experience, his commitment to providing quality service and willingness to learn new things, when necessary.

“My husband’s extensive background and his ability to learn new skills are a big advantage in this business,” Bibi says. “He’s pretty savvy at trying to figure things out and then finding solutions to

The team at Handyman Cabinets & Pros also is looking to add more people who share Nazim and Bibi’s “can-do,” professional attitude.

For more info about Handyman & Cabinet Pros, or to schedule a free consultation, visit handymanandcabinetpros.com, call (813) 502-2003 or see the ad below. — Joey Stanziani

Installation/Repair •Cabinet Resurfacing •Granite Countertop •Kitchen Sink & Faucet

Attorney Derek Usman Of The Usman Law Firm Uses New Tech To Benefit Clients

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

After a decade of running the Usman Law Firm, P.A., in Tampa, representing clients in business and employment law, as well as real estate law — and handling litigation, when necessary, for those clients — attorney Derek Usman says his business continues to grow.

He has brought on a legal assistant to help manage cases, and says that using technology — including artificial intelligence (AI) — helps to streamline his work so that he can serve his clients even better.

“AI is a viable tool,” he says, “you just have to be smart about it.”

For example, Derek says, instead of using Google for research, he is able to use AI to be more efficient.

“When you’re using AI, you don’t do deep rabbit hole dives as much,” he says. “It’s up to you if you want to learn more.”

Derek says he uses AI to narrow his searches, using good questions and feeding it facts, and then confirming everything AI tells him.

“It can almost be like talking to a partner,” he says, “bouncing ideas around.”

He adds that since using AI helps him to do his research more efficiently, he is able to handle more casework and serve more clients than he could before AI became so embedded in our society.

Derek also says, however, that it’s very possible to lean on AI too much, but he is careful not to do that. While AI can draft a

Law) degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in DeKalb in 2001.

He is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Illinois, as well as in federal courts, including the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This wide reach allows Derek to assist clients across jurisdictions with a deep knowledge of litigation and business law.

He moved to Florida in 2015 to be closer to family, and opened a small office on Bearss Ave. He moved that office to its current location just south of County Line Rd. on Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd. in 2018, then opened a second office downtown in 2021.

Having both offices allows him to work in the heart of the community where he lives, in New Tampa and just south of Wesley Chapel, while also having a presence near the various courthouses downtown. This makes it easier for him to meet with other attorneys who work in that area.

His experience in litigation includes both federal and state court, which have different judges and different rules.

software to be more efficient in his practice.

“We might have a checklist of 10 things we need from a client,” he says. For example, if someone is buying a house, the client needs to provide documentation to the law firm — from tax returns to other financial paperwork, the home’s inspection and more.

“Using our client portal makes it much easier to transfer those documents,” he explains. That means no more sending a bunch of emails with large attachments and hoping they all make it through. Instead, Derek’s legal assistant, Erika Kuntsmann, makes sure clients understand how to use the software and helps them upload everything the firm needs.

The use of technologies like these allows Derek to continue to help more people in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel without sacrificing the quality of his work and his availability to actually meet with clients.

He provides a free evaluation to anyone who needs advice on whether or not they have a potential case for litigation whether related to employment, business or real estate law.

lawsuit complaint or motion, he knows where to draw the line. “Lawsuits aren’t cookie-cutter,” he explains. “They aren’t all the same.”

That’s where his many years as an attorney provides the expertise to ensure that his clients get the best possible representation.

Derek earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business from Indiana University in Fort Wayne and a Juris Doctor (J.D., or

“In federal court, you have to be laser precise,” he says, noting that his familiarity with the judges and courts helps him to know exactly how to approach each case, especially with some employment cases that could be filed in either federal or state court.

More Tech, More Efficiency

In addition to AI, Derek’s embrace of technology extends to using case management

For example, Derek can help if a company has a problem with a vendor not completing a job in a timely manner. He also can provide advice for a company that has a concern about an employee with a disability or when they request leave for maternity.

“If an employee is pregnant, you have to accommodate the need for maternity leave,” he says, “but you also need that position filled with an employee who can do the job.” He also can advise companies that need to know what their

Business, employment, real estate & litigation attorney Derek Usman has two Usman Law Firm offices — one on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa and the other in downtown Tampa. (Photo provided by Derek Usman)

obligations are in that situation.

Likewise, he also can help if you are an employee who has a problem with your employer, as is the case with client Rawleigh Armes. Rawleigh says he was frustrated that his former employer let him go two weeks before his planned retirement, so Derek is helping him to navigate a possible lawsuit.

“I was referred to him a few months ago,” Rawleigh says. “I’m not really a litigious person and I’ve never used a lawyer before, but he seems to know what he’s doing.”

He says Derek returns calls promptly and has been great to work with so far, and he’s looking forward to his case being resolved.

The Usman Law Firm also can help you when you want to buy an investment property or start leasing out a property you own. Derek

can set up a lease and help landlords understand if a renter needs a guarantor (someone who agrees to be financially responsible if the primary tenant fails to pay), what rates and terms to include on the lease and answer a long list of questions before a renter moves in.

It’s also important to Derek to be involved in the community. In addition to being an investor in the Pasco Economic Development Council, he is active with the Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hyde Park and participates in the Rotary Club of Tampa.

The Usman Law Firm’s New Tampa office is located at 20701 BBD Blvd., Suite 207. The downtown Tampa office is at 505 E.Jackson St., Ste. 305. For more info, call (813)377-1197, visit UsmanFirm.com, or see the ad on page 45.

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Dr. Teena Hughes Pediatrics — Decades Of Experience & Personalized Care!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Teena Hughes, M.D., is a Board-certified pediatrician who opened her private practice 25 years ago. And, it’s now nearly five years ago that Dr. Teena’s son, Roger Hughes, O.D., joined the practice.

Located on E. Fletcher Ave. near Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Teena Hughes Pediatrics is just a few minutes south of New Tampa. It remains privately owned, and, in addition to the Drs. Hughes, also includes three additional providers — advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) Kelsey Overton and Carly Reeves, and physician assistant (PA) Courtney Conklin.

Together, the team sees patients from birth through adolescence, providing wellness care and treatment for illnesses, and offering a personal touch that isn’t nearly as common in corporate medical practices.

“We are a smaller, more family-like environment,” Dr. Teena Hughes says. “We don’t have a big phone queue. People say they like that someone answers the phone.”

There are a lot of other things the parents of the office’s patients say they like about the practice, too.

Victoria Lord used to bring her children to Dr. Hughes. Now, her grandchildren are 14, 11, and 6, and they are seeing her, too.

“I’ve always seen Dr. Teena Hughes and now we see Dr. Roger Hughes, too,”Victoria says, “and both of them are excellent, and very thorough.”

She says the doctors’ actions show they

(L.-r.) Medical assistants Ebony Ransom, Leeann Griffith & Charnelle Miller, Dr. Roger Hughes, Dr. Teena Hughes, office manager Crystal McCullen, physician assistant Courtney Conklin, front desk assistant Kayley McCullen & medical assistant Naomi Jones will take great care of your children at Dr. Teena Hughes Pediatrics, located minutes from New Tampa on E. Fletcher Ave. near AdventHealth Tampa hospital. (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

truly care about their patients, including making personal phone calls to follow up in some cases.

“They are awesome, dedicated doctors,” Victoria says. “They are very concerned and don’t hesitate to bring children in on the same day if there’s an issue.”

Being available for patients is a hallmark of the practice, which offers extended hours to be sure parents can bring their children in when needed. The practice is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday. Walk-ins are accepted right at 8 a.m. every weekday morning.

Dr. Roger Hughes says this is important for families. “We’re pretty flexible with scheduling,” he says. “We have a lot of same-day appointments, and we’re able to get people in urgently because we have plenty of providers. We understand that you don’t want to wait if your child is sick or you’re worried.”

The convenient location is another reason the practice continues to stay busy.

“We’re close to New Tampa, but our patients come from all over,” Dr. Teena Hughes says. “Sometimes people try other places and then come back.”

Christy Cedeno is a mom who lives in Carrollwood who says she refers all of her family and friends to Dr. Hughes’ practice. Her children are now ten, nine, five and almost one.

“Dr. Hughes has seen my four kids since birth,” Christy says. “I fully trust her, and I wish I could go to her as an adult.”

She says that she personally prefers a holistic approach to health, and Dr. Hughes is respectful of her preferences. “She’s really friendly and doesn’t knock your ideas,” Christy says. “I feel like she always finds a solution, like trying a natural approach so I don’t have to overmedicate my child.”

Christy also appreciates that the doctor is willing to explain her recommendations so that she feels comfortable with all of the decisions being made about the health of her children.

“One time, I was concerned about a vaccine, and she explained it to me so thoroughly, so I learned new things I didn’t know,” she says, adding that she appreciates that the office does ear piercing, too, so she had her daughter’s ears pierced there.

“When my kids have kids,” Christy says, “I hope to take them to her.”

Helping To Advance Medicine

The practice also participates as a private investigator for multiple research studies that

benefit their patients and all children, as they learn important information about vaccines, infant formulas and others.

Currently, the clinic is participating in a research study about the Prevnar 21 vaccine, which updates Prevnar 20. Dr. Teena Hughes had co-authored a study on Prevnar 20, which is a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that protects against more strains of pneumococcus (aka pneumonia) than previous vaccines.

The practice also is participating in a study of an alternate chicken pox vaccine. There is one currently on the market, but another company wants to make a different option available to patients.

Parents of new babies also can participate in a study of infant formula. The study

gives parents formula at no cost for four to six months and also provides compensation for their time.

“It’s a good program,” Dr. Teena Hughes explains, saying these products are established and safe, and that the program benefits patients while collecting important information.

About The Doctors

Dr. Teena Hughes earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of South Florida and completed a three-year pediatric residency at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. She then spent several years gaining experience with a large healthcare group before opening her own practice.

Dr. Roger Hughes, III, is Teena’s oldest

son, who joined the practice in July 2021. After earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Microbiology from the University of Florida in Gainesville and completing his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree at the Bradenton, FL, campus of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed a three-year residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL.

Roger has three younger brothers. Casey has completed medical school at the St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, and is doing a residency in family practice at Ascension Resurrection Hospital in Chicago, IL. Spencer teaches music locally, and Teena’s youngest son Holden is in his last year at the University of Florida, majoring in business.

With four sons and one grandson, Dr. Teena Hughes embraces family at the heart of all she does. And, Dr. Roger Hughes says that after nearly five years in practice with his mom, it feels normal and routine, and he’s happy to be part of the team.

“I like seeing all the kids, and seeing the babies,” he says. “In pediatrics, things are generally pretty positive. It’s fun to watch kids grow, and even our sick visits are often short-lived.”

Teena Hughes, M.D., P.A., Pediatrics is located at 4444 E. Fletcher Ave., Suite C. It is open Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. & 8 a.m.-noon on Sat.. The practice accepts most medical insurance plans. For appointments and more info, call (813) 903-0060, visit TeenaHughesPediatrics.com or see the ad on pg. 44.

A Little Luxury Close To Home & Shopping — Noire Nail Bar Wesley Chapel

By Iris Vitelli

Neighborhood News Correspondent

Located across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets (next to Mellow Mushroom on Sierra Center Blvd.), Noire Nail Bar Wesley Chapel offers a blend of beauty, relaxation and family-friendly services.

“Customer service is not just a policy,” says co-owner John Nguyen, “it’s the culture. We love our clients and strive to give each person a great experience.”

Stepping into Noire Nail Bar Wesley Chapel feels like entering a modern, relaxing oasis. Soft lighting, polished finishes and a gentle, spa-like atmosphere welcome guests the moment they walk in the door. It’s the kind of place where friends gather, busy moms exhale and families feel just as comfortable bringing their children as they do when mom is sharing a girls’ day out.

Many salons offer similar services, but Noire Nail Bar has earned a reputation for delivering a more personal and thoughtful experience. And, while other salons around the Tampa Bay area may share a similar name, this one has been independently owned and operated by John and his wife Vanessa Nguyen since 2018.

“We never want anyone to feel rushed or leave unhappy,” John says. “If a client calls and says they have an issue with a nail after their visit, we always tell them to come right back, and we’ll take care of it at no charge. We want people to feel comfortable speaking up, because we’re here to make it right.”

Appointments at Noire Nail Bar are carefully scheduled so clients rarely wait more than five or ten minutes. And, if the team ever falls behind, they call or text ahead to let clients know. Walk-ins are welcomed, and John and Vanessa pride themselves on always managing the flow so no one feels crowded or overlooked.

It’s this kind of thoughtful planning that makes the experience feel seamless, something many customers mention in their online reviews. Noire has a 4.45-star (out of 5) overall rating on Google, on more than 400 reviews. For example, in her 5-star Google review, customer Katey S. said, “My nails and toes look great every time and nails last over 3 weeks with GelX and toes over 6 weeks with gel!”

Kids & Other Services, Too!

Noire Nail Bar has earned a loyal following for its ability to serve a wide variety of clients —

children included. Years ago, the team noticed how often parents brought their little ones along, so they decided to create a special Kids Menu of Services for ages 10 and under. Kids’ services are shorter, gentler and designed to make each child feel included, whether they’re getting a simple polish or joining in a “Mommy and Me” pampering date. It is one reason so many families return to Noire again and again.

For groups, celebrations, or special occasions, Noire offers something unique — three private event rooms, each designed to host up to six guests. They are perfect for birthdays, bridal parties, pre-wedding pampering or just a fun outing with some friends. It’s not uncommon to see a group laughing together and enjoying matching colors or theme-based nail art.

And, Noire also offers other services, including waxing and eyelash extensions for clients who want a one-stop beauty experience. The team consistently updates Noire’s products and designs, always keeping a finger on what’s trending or what customers are looking to get done. Recently, all of the salon’s pedicure chairs were replaced with upgraded models to provide a better, more soothing massage experience — just one example of John and Vanessa reinvesting in Noire to enhance the comfort of their clients.

Cleanliness and hygiene also continue to be top priorities at Noire Nail Bar. Every pedicure uses single-use liners and disposable kits, and workstations are sanitized after each client. The result is a spotless, fresh environment that clients notice and appreciate.

To match different styles and preferences, Noire curates what is something of a polish

“wardrobe,” featuring some of the most admired nail product brands in the industry:

• OPI – The Classic Icon: salon-quality shades with rich colors & a lasting, flawless finish.

• CND – The Nail-Friendly Choice: designed to protect natural nails while still delivering beautiful wear.

• DND – The Stay-Put Gel: vibrant, high-pigment colors that resist chipping and keep their shine.

• Chisel – The Artist’s Favorite: dipping powder perfection; ideal for creative and dimensional nail art.

• MD & Billionaire – The Glam Luxe: on-trend, fashion-forward shades for those who love a little extra sparkle and style.

“GelX remains one of the salon’s most requested services,” John says. Lightweight,

durable, and odor-free, he says GelX is ideal for clients who want long-lasting nails without the dust or strong smell of traditional acrylics.

And, for those who want a natural, nourishing foot treatment, the Organic Pedicure is a popular choice. It’s rich in botanicals and ideal for sensitive skin.

The salon’s customer-first approach shows up in its many thoughtful details. Gift certificates can be purchased in-store or online and unlike many places, Noire’s never expire. Social media and email updates keep clients informed of holiday hours, promotions and new products, which are always posted at least a week in advance.

At its core, Noire Nail Bar is a place built on kindness, professionalism and the belief that

everyone deserves to feel pampered. As John says, “The most important thing for a nail salon is customer service. We try to do our best for every person who walks in the door.”

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a family pampering day or a quiet hour of self-care, Noire Nail Bar Wesley Chapel continues to be a go-to spot for a great experience with a personal touch.

Noire Nail Bar Wesley Chapel (25682 Sierra Center Blvd.) is open Monday-Satur day, 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; & 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday. For appointments and more info, visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel.com, follow on Instagram@noirenailbar_wesleychapel, call (813)536-0161 or see the coupon for 10% off all services (Monday-Wednesday only) in Noire’s ad on pg. 41 of this issue.

Baba Dough Should Be Opening Soon In The Palms Connection!

So, it wasn’t until I drove by the Palms Connection Plaza on E. Bearss Ave. (a little west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) on one of my usual checks of the area back in September that I ever even noticed a banner sign hanging in front of the former Woodfired Pizza & Wine Bar location at 2824 E. Bearss Ave. in the plaza announcing that Baba Dough Pizza Bar was “Coming Soon” to that location.

Even though it made sense for another pizza place to move into that spot, when I peeked inside, the place looked completely gutted, including the fact that there was no longer former owner Peter Taylor’s wood-fired pizza oven anywhere to be found.

A week or so later, I saw a page and a post on Instagram for Baba Dough, which showed off some pretty decent-looking New-York-style pizzas (albeit with a slightly thicker crust than I usually prefer; but the sauce and cheese looked very much spot-on; top right photo).

I started wondering how a new pizza place was going to move in “soon” to a completely gutted space. Did the new owners move the oven into the back?

It wasn’t until about a month ago that I noticed my mistake. Baba Dough isn’t moving into the former Woodfired spot at all — it’s replacing the former Truth Wine & Hookah Bar in the space between the former Woodfired Pizza and the Sushi Avenue Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in the plaza. I had known that Truth was gone for a while, but saw no indication that Baba Dough was moving in there until the permanent

sign for it (photo above) went up a couple of weeks ago — even though the banner sign in front of Woodfired also is still there.

But, now that I knew it really was “Coming Soon,” I started messaging the owner, who goes by Zaid (I’ve never gotten his last name), to ask if he knew when he was hoping to open.

Finally, in mid-November, Baba Dough’s Instagram posts started saying things like “Almost There. We are finishing up permits & licenses,” and “Hiring Pizza Maker.” He also responded to my message that he believes Baba Dough will open “sometime in December.”

That’s good news, especially for true NY-style pizza lovers like yours truly, since Zaid

says that not only will his pizzas (which will be available by the slice, too) will be made with that dough, he also will serve burgers wrapped in the same dough and baked, as well as breakfast and Dubai chocolate dessert pizzas. Baba Dough will also have beer, wine and cocktails (although I don’t know if they’ll be wine-based cocktails or full liquor). OK, I’m intrigued!

With its proximity to USF, his banner promises that students “get 20% off,” but if Zaid’s NY pizza is legit, I have a feeling he’ll be seeing a lot of folks from nearby New Tampa, too, especially after this issue hits mailboxes.

For more info until it opens, follow @babadoughtampa on Instagram. — GN

The Cheesecake Factory Is Open & Everyone Has An Opinion About It!

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George

I know that a lot of you online dining critics aren’t happy about the location, the reduction of parking spaces, the prices, the service and/or the food at The Cheesecake Factory, which opened on Nov. 12 in the parking lot in front of the main entrance of the Tampa Premi um Outlets, but...

While I agree that the location isn’t ideal for traffic — considering that Jannah and I live across S.R. 56 from it and have seen the imme diate traffic increase from having yet another popular restaurant open around the outlet mall — I do feel that The Cheesecake Factory is still a welcome addition to our area.

Are there other possible, less-overcrowded locations where it could have opened? Of course there are, but following the first visit the Neigh borhood News crew made to the new eatery — we were among the first 20 customers to visit on opening day — I think that the food was better at the new Cheesecake Factory than it was the last time I ate at the International Plaza location 10-12 years ago and that the current service issues (it took more than two hours for myself, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and our friend Doug Griffith of Totally Blu Pools to dine there from when we arrived to when we left) will improve as GM Alex Virgadamo and executive kitchen manager Miguel Colon (top left photo) get their staff more accustomed to the restaurant’s enormous menu and the crowds of people who will visit every day.

menu, while it seemed some what smaller than the last time I visited a Cheesecake Factory, it is still pretty huge — especially when compared with most other local restaurants. There’s every thing from finger foods and new “bowls” to steaks and more. It took us literally 10-15 minutes to figure out what appetizers we wanted to share and what entrées each of us wanted to order. We settled for two appetizers for the table — the spicy tuna (ahi tuna on crispy sushi rice with ginger and green onion; above) and the

with homemade (according to our server) sauces. Jannah and I really enjoyed our “Skinny Licious® (less than 590 calories) chicken pasta

“SkinnyLicious®,” it was a huge portion we were glad we shared. Charmaine was happy with her

“Bistro Burger,” which is topped with bacon, caramelized onion, arugula and garlic aioli on a toasted sub roll (instead of a traditional bun). And Doug, who has been a frequent Cheesecake Factory diner at the Brandon location, got one of his favorites — the chicken Madeira, which is known as the restaurant’s most popular chicken dish. The sautéed chicken breast was topped with big, fresh asparagus and melted mozzarella cheese, covered in mushroom Madeira sauce and served with chunky, tasty mashed potatoes.

And of course, we couldn’t leave the place without sampling some of its decadent signature desserts. We all liked the warm apple crisp served with a crispy, nutty topping and vanilla ice cream, the creamy white chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake and our favorite of the day — the toasted marshmallow S’mores GaloreTM Hershey’s® cheesecake topped with housemade toasted marshmallow and Honey Maid® graham crackers (above right). So rich & creamy!

There are many other dessert options, too, including (of course) whole cheesecakes in the huge display case near the front of the restaurant.

The bottom line is that despite how long

and the parking situation was not an issue for us, although the crowds have gotten even bigger since Black Friday, but parking still was not a major issue when I visited that day to take out four cheesecake slices (including an excellent salted caramel slab).

The Cheesecake Factory (2362 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz) is open every day for lunch & dinner. For more info, call (656) 789-8094 or visit TheCheesecakeFactory.com.

Tallo Caribbean/American Restaurant Adds A Deliciously Unique Weekend Brunch!

If you still haven’t tried the new Tallo American/Caribbean Restaurant at 4424 Friendly Way in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, my question to you is, “Why not?”

Not only is Tallo an elegant, one-of-a-kind mom-&-pop restaurant — the kind that our readers and so many online posters say they crave — it offers Executive Chef José Soto’s Caribbean twist for dinner and now, for weekend brunch.

We were invited to sample Tallo’s new brunch on Nov. 23 — the first weekend it was offered — and Jannah and I were super-pleased with everything we sampled.

Our “Warmup” started with a beef-&-cheese empanada (below left), which was extra-crispy and served with a creamy garlic aioli dipping sauce. Chef Soto says he will vary the “surprise” filling of the empanadas every week. Jannah also appreciated the way Tallo does its “Mamita’s Mimosas” — providing a 375-ml (or half) bottle of her favorite La Marca prosecco with your choice of two delicious juices — orange, peach, cranberry, pineapple or mango. Jannah only chose the peach (top left photo) and savored every sip.

For our brunch mains, my wife picked Tallo’s omelette, which was overstuffed with arugula, green and red peppers, onions and smoked gouda cheese and served with well-seasoned breakfast potatoes. We added the side of crispy bacon shown in the bottom right photo.

Meanwhile, I absolutely loved the super-crispy, deliciously different fried chicken & sugar waffles I ordered. The two big waffles were topped with pow dered sugar and butter (although I didn’t really need either one) and served with a side of bourbon maple syrup — the syrup was a game-changer for yours truly. The fried chicken on the bone isn’t typical of other places. Instead, it has a Caribbean-spiced twist that I totally ate up! (Pun intended? Maybe!)

The brunch menu also features avocado

bruschetta; creamy smoked fish dip served with artisan toasts, fried shishito peppers and pickled red onions; and a different-each-day Puerto Rican bread I totally will be trying on our next visit.

There also are four flatbreads on the brunch menu, including a meat & egg variety with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, chicken, capicola ham and yellow cheddar cheese we saw someone else order — and devour. If you feel like a salad

instead, there’s a Caribbean mixed green salad with fried sweet plantains, red onions, tomatoes, fried cheese, Duroc bacon and a lime dressing; as well as a burrata caprese, which adds peaches to the usual tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze.

Other brunch entrées and handhelds include a Tallo Cuban sandwich, a chimi burger, two Benedicts — one featuring baked salmon and the other with pork belly, both on a bagel with arugula, tomato and herbed Hollandaise, and served with those yummy breakfast potatoes.

There’s also French toast with citrus cream, maple syrup, mint and fresh berries; a “Great America” option with two eggs, bacon, sausage, fried sweet plantains and an English muffin; skirt steak a Caballo (with a sunny-side-up egg on top,

chimichurri sauce and mamposteao rice); a fourstack of pancakes (bananas Foster, pecan or plain); and the Mallorca — scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, white cheddar and powdered sugar.

And, there are actually two desserts on the “Warmup” menu — a dulce de leche cinnamon roll with roasted pecans, and the P.R. donuts shown above, covered in sugar & cinnamon, chocolate sauce & caramel. Oh so decadent!

I’ve written before about Tallo’s amazing dinner options, but if you’re looking for a truly unique and beautiful brunch place with a full premium liquor bar, call (813) 355-3603 or visit TalloRestaurant.com for reservations and go check it out this weekend! Also, see the ad (right) on this page! — GN

Delicious, New RARE 1981 Is Now Open In Former Tropics Spot At Saddlebrook Resort

Last issue, we told you that RARE 1981, the new fine dining restaurant at Saddlebrook Resort (5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel), was getting ready to open.

Just a couple of weeks later, RARE 1981, which is located in the space previously occupied by The Tropics restaurant (in the same building as Saddlebrook’s lobby), did finally make its debut — and Jannah, photographer Charmaine George, Charmaine’s friend Austin and I were all impressed with what we sampled on opening day.

Jannah, Charmaine and I all also attended the “Media Preview Day” of Saddlebrook’s $92 million revamping by Mast Capital on Nov. 20 (see separate story in this issue’s center spread) and got to sample even more of RARE 1981’s outstanding menu options, crafted by executive chef Mark Davis (top left photo) and his obviously talented staff.

a red wine sauce and served with roasted wild mushrooms and cipollini onions on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

On our first visit, we started with an ahi tuna tartare, which was enhanced with avocado and a semi-spicy sriracha sauce. Austin’s tender

Jannah and I agreed that our 8-oz. filet (below left) was done to medium rare, butter-soft perfection and didn’t need the same red wine sauce as on Austin’s osso buco that also comes with all of RARE 1981’s steaks (we got the sauce

Chef Davis already made an alteration to the tamarind-glazed mahi-mahi Charmaine (and all of us) loved on opening day to an even more appealing blackened mahi with a savory pesto cream sauce. It’s served sitting on a bed of coconut rice with perfectly charred broccolini.

For dessert, we were treated to a sampler (bottom of next page) by Edwardo Torres, the director of restaurants at Saddlebrook. It

cake and a guava cheesecake. All of them were outstanding, so thanks, Edwardo!

Another crowd-pleasing appetizer on RARE 1981’s menu is the jumbo tempura shrimp with a semi-spicy chile lime sauce (below). Please note that this was the amount served family style for

and everyone else at our table raved about. There’s also char grilled oysters (I unfortunately can’t eat the oysters or the shrimp), plus deviled crab croquettes and beef carpaccio.

Our table also got to sample the “Little Gem Wedge” salad on Media Day. RARE 1981’s version includes pickled red onions, bacon, cherry tomatoes and a house-made ranch we all loved. Other salads include a baby romaine Caesar and a mixed pepper greens and you can add grilled chicken, shrimp or the day’s fresh catch to any of the salads.

Among the other “From the Gulf” options are a seared snapper with creamy grits, black garlic mojo sauce, carrots & pickled red onions. Among the “From the Land” choices are a 1/2 roasted chicken and an orecchiette

pasta with broccolini. The “RARE 1981 Cuts” also include a 14-oz. NY strip and two ribeyes. On Media Day, our table (especially yours truly) went bonkers for the ribeye (left), which is usually a big 20-oz. cut, but was even bigger to serve the five of us. It was so tender, perfectly seasoned and nicely medium rare that I just had to take the few remaining slices home with me! There’s also a 16-oz. bone-in Cowboy ribeye. The steaks are pricy and not served with sides, but are oh-so worth the money!

For reservations (not required, but definitely needed; it’s already very busy) and more info about RARE 1981, call (813) 907-4446 or visit RARE1981.com — GN; all photos by Charmaine George

Sarasota-Based Food + Beer Opens In Former Shuckin’ Shack Location!

We told you last issue that Sarasota-based mini-chain Food + Beer was taking over the space at 25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd. that was previously occupied by Shuckin’ Shack. But now, Food + Beer has opened — and so far, we’re psyched that the full-liquor sports bar has found a new home in our area (just west of the Tampa Premium Outlets and Costco, in the same small strip plaza as Chicken Salad Chick and Ann’s Nail Spa)!

Food + Beer’s eighth location is a scratch kitchen which has an entrance off of the Wesley Chapel Blvd. extension just south of S.R. 56. Co-founders Mike Whalen and Casey Daniels were on hand for the restaurant’s opening day on Nov. 28 (aka Black Friday). “We’re excited to be open in the Lutz/Wesley Chapel area,” Casey told us on opening night. “Everything we’ve heard from the people who have joined us here so far has been super-positive.”

The newest Food + Beer seats 150 guests, has plenty of TVs (perfect for the upcoming NFL playoffs and Lightning hockey) and stays open until 1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

After I sipped my Jameson on the rocks and Jannah enjoyed a Strawberry Feels Spritz craft cocktail crafted by our bartender Des (top right photo) on Friday night, photographer Charmaine George joined us the next day for a small sampling of the menu.

“Most sports bars don’t usually have this many options I want to try,” Jannah said while

perusing the menu. “But, this selection will keep me coming back.”

She particularly loved the weekend mimosa bar, which invites you to pour your own with a variety of rotating juices — which included berry, watermelon and orange juice and Jannah’s favorite peach the

which are stuffed with mojo pork, ham, pickles and Swiss cheese and served with a zingy mojo mustard dipping sauce) and some of the best Mexican street corn (above right) I’ve tasted. It’s served tender, on the cob topped with chipotle mayo, feta cheese, paprika and cilantro — messy, but with just the right kick.

I also devoured my Basic Cheeseburger (bottom right), which came with my choice of cheese (I chose cheddar), lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion (I left off the onions), plus my upgrade (for $3) to crispy-but-tender sweet potato tots.

Monterey jack, black beans, corn salsa, cherry tomatoes, tangy lime crema, honey-lime vinaigrette, cotija cheese and lime atop sticky rice).

Charmaine sampled one of Food + Beer’s more adventurous brunch options — the citruscured salmon tostada (“It’s our take on bagels & lox,” Des said), which is served open-face on a crispy corn tostada, with a heavy “shmear” of

and lime crema, and garnished with cilantro. Food + Beer also offers crab Rangoon mozzarella sticks, Nashville-hot gator bites, fresh fried grouper, “Legalize Marinara” (a chicken parm hero), birria and other tacos, a variety of eggoriented brunch dishes (as well as chicken & red velvet waffles) and much more. Go check ‘em out & please tell them I sent you! For more info, call (813)815-8001, visit foodandbeer.com or @foodand.beer on social media. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George

WhenYouSpend $50orMore!

Foodportiononly; drinks&taxnotincluded. Musthaveormentioncoupon. Onecouponpertableonly. Cannotbecombinedwithotheroffers. EXPIRES2/10/2022

hamburger chain with nearly 1,200 U.S. locations, has begun the interior renovations at the former Aussie Grill, located at 25340 Sierra Center Blvd., between Walk-On’s and Bonefish Grill

The first new Whataburger in the Tampa Bay area in years will actually open soon in Largo, but the 2,800-sq.-ft. Lutz/Wesley Chapel location is expected to open by the summer of 2026

The $1.3-million renovation will be led by general contractor WH Bass, Inc., which recently fenced in the former Aussie Grill. The new Wha taburger is expected to hire 80-100 people. — GN

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MISCELLANEOUS

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL LESSONS! Master the court with a certified elite teaching professional. Offering individual and group lessons from beginner to top tournament levels. My holistic program focuses on skills, strategy, and mental toughness to help you unlock your full potential. Contact Steve at 843-422-3993

FOR SALE: Brand New, Complete Boy Scout Uniforms for Sale. Boys clothes size 10-14, shoes, plus new roller skates & ice skates. Dishes & many household articles. A 10x30 shed full of flea market items, will sell all very reasonable. Cartop carrier, professional bicycles, kayak, doggie furniture, crates feeder & much more. Call 813-297-1456.

PHOTOGRAPHERS & CREATIVES: Looking for a photo studio space in New Tampa? We offfer a weatherproof, luxury exp. for your clients in this 705-sf creative space. Nat. light, white walls & light laminate floors makethe space bright & airy. Studio lightg, props, furniture, paper & cloth backdrops & more avail. Book/ inquire online: Jessicabuttererphoto.com/ rent-the-studio or call Jessica 914-844-2894

Were you self-employed during 2020 & 2021? If so, the IRS is giving out refunds — get your money in only 2 weeks. It takes only 10 minutes to find out how! Call 813-784-2243.

SHARPENING SERVICE. Knives, Scissors & Garden Tools. Every Friday, 9am-4pm, through March 2025. NEW LOCATION: @ Harvey’s Hardware, 5400 Land O’Lakes Blvd., LOL. Contact M&M SHARPENING, Mark Bertsche @ 518-260-5916.

HUGHES SCHOOL OF MUSIC is now accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory w/a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also avail.! Contact us at 813-748-3216.

___ REAL ESTATE & OFFICE___ __ OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE! Pebble Creek Collection plaza space for lease, approx. 500 sq.ft. Perfect for someone in Health/Wellness/Cosmetology. Contact Deborah at SunMed - Your CBD Store of New Tampa (19651 Bruce B Downs) @ 813-994-0599.

Steven Kessel, REALTOR® w/Future Home Realty, Inc., has created just for you, the most advanced, up-to-date, user-friendly propty search engine for homes for sale in the Tampa Bay & Central Fla area — & it’s FREE to use & enjoy. BuyYourDreamHome.com.

CLEANING SERVICES

DUARTE CLEANING SERVICES, LLC has 10+ years of exp. in Tampa Bay! We specialize in move-in/out, deep/regular svcs, post-construction, home, apt & comm’l cleaning. Our prof’l team delivers reliable, spotless results every time! First-time clients get 10% off 1st svc. Call (813) 836-3974 or visit DuarteCleaningServices.com for free estimate.

CLEANSWEEP CLEANING CO, LLC. Fully licensed/bonded, 8 years exp, satisfaction guarantd. Prof’l staff. On-time. We can bring our own products or use yours, if you prefer. Christian-based, family-owned company that lives in New Tampa, serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Call (813) 340-0908 for a no-obligation free quote. Ask for John. ROSE’S CLEANING SERVICE. We make sure your home will be shiny & clean. Whether you need one-time, weekly, biweekly or monthly svcs, we will customize a plan to accommodatesyour needs. Residential/offices/airBnB,etc. Call/text Roseli for a free estimate anytime: 813 400.4946. Or, email:rrduar@yahoo.com.

PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 10 years of experience. Free estimates. Call 813 790-8715 or email paty8624@proton.me.

NEXT HOME CLEANING. With 20+ years of prof’l house & ofc cleaning services available. Trustworthy, efficient & affordable. Transform your space into a spotless sanctuary. Ecofriendly products. Satisfaction guaranteed. Book now & enjoy a pristine home! FREE ESTIMATES! Contact us today at 813-860-1524 or visit nexthomecleaningservices.com.

__TRANSPORTATION _

ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2023 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, schools, medical appointments, shopping, etc. Courteous, reliable professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $45 (one way). Cory Lake Isles resident. For more info, call or text 813.765.2037.

HERE ARE OUR NEW CLASSIFIED AD RATES!

Our Classified Ads Are Still The Least Expensive Way To Reach 180,000+ People In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, But Our Rates Went Up, As Of Aug. 1!

Here are those new Classified advertising rates:

7 Issues (3 months) - $150

13 Issues (6 months) - $250 26 Issues (1 year) - $400

Please visit

NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or call (813) 910-2575 to order or renew your Classified ad today!

The New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News Classifieds are the classified ads your neighbors actually read!