New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023

Volume 31 Issue 23 November 14, 2023 Scan the QR code to your left with your phone to access our website!

Hundreds Attend Lotte Plaza Market’s New Tampa Grand Opening!

The newest link in the Asian supermarket chain’s opening weekend attracted customers of all nationalities!

Photo by Charmaine George

EDITORIAL

Is Bally Sports the worst of all of the available streaming services?

See page 3

DR. JIM DAVISON RUNS AGAIN!

Why the long-time New Tampa resident believes this time will be different.

See page 4

WHY SO MANY CAR WASHES? Are they money laundering fronts, profitable businesses, or both?

See page 12

WELCOME BACK, LAS PALMAS!

Our editor is overjoyed that the Latin Grill has finally reopened in its former location!

See ‘Nibbles & Bites’ on pages 42-43

Yo! Welcome To Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli Co! Legit NY bagels finally find their way to New Tampa!

See story on23page 40!

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polite cusservice rep Is Bally Sports The Worst Of All Streaming Services? thetomer asked me if I was

By GARY NAGER isn’t a baseball fan at all, we kept paying for Editorial Bally during last year’s hockey offseason, mainly

Although I also loved Major League Baseball, NFL football and NCAA basketball growing up on Lawn Guyland, New Yawk, I definitely was a major NHL hockey fan.

Since my dad never really enjoyed watching sports on TV, I consumed as many games as I could get on our three network TV stations (ABC, CBS & NBC) and the two local stations that carried NY Yankees and Mets home games (Channels 9 & 11), and had to pick my own favorite teams in each sport since he could care less about any of them.

My favorite NHL team when I was a kid was the Montreal Canadiens, because they were not only the biggest team, but somehow, also the best skating team. Oh, and they also just happened to win 10 Stanley Cups between the mid-1960s and late 1970s, when I became a hockey fan. Even when the New York Islanders, who played their home games only 15-20 minutes from where I grew up, began their run of four Cups in a row between 1980-83, my love for “Les Habitants” never wavered.

That is, until I moved to Wesley Chapel in June 1993, when the Tampa Bay Lightning had just completed the team’s inaugural season in the league. I promised myself that I would no longer cheer for the Canadiens and would bring my young sons to as many Lightning games as I could — which wasn’t difficult during those early lean years, because great tickets at the Bolts’ original arena at the Florida State Fairgrounds went for like $10 apiece (or so).

Three years later, I even took Jared and Jake to both of the Lightning’s first-ever home playoff games at what was then called the Thunderdome (now Tropicana Field) in St. Petersburg, including the franchise’s first-ever home playoff win — a thrilling 5-4 overtime squeaker over the Philadelphia Flyers in 1996.

The Bolts lost that series 4 games to 2, but both of my sons (including then-4-year-old Jake) got a legitimate taste of what playoff hockey is all about. In fact, after Tampa Bay won its first of now-three Stanley Cups in 2004, both of my boys gave up other sports to play high school hockey for Wharton High.

Unfortunately, the apartment complex where Jannah and I currently live only has Frontier cable and we stopped being able to watch Lightning games at home in the middle of the season a couple of years ago — during the Bolts’ run towards the team’s third Cup in 2021— when Bally Sports (which was then called Bally Sports Sun, or maybe Fox Sports Sun) and Frontier couldn’t come to an agreement over carriage fees. Jannah — who is now a full-on Lightning fan, too — and I had to go to local bars with Spectrum cable or satellite to watch the Bolts’ run to the 2021 Cup, as we could only afford tickets to one of those playoff games.

It wasn’t until sometime in 2022, when someone told us that we could now stream Bally on our Roku device, that we were able to resume watching our favorite team at home again — and we also became partial season ticket holders the same year. And, even though the Bolts didn’t get to hoist Lord Stanley’s goblet a third year in a row, we loved both attending games and watching the others as often as possible in the comfort of our own living room.

And, while I have never really jumped on or fully embraced the Tampa Bay Rays bandwagon after hockey ends each year, since Jannah Neighborhood News

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because I didn’t want to go through the hassle of having to sign up again when the 2023-24 hockey season began a few weeks ago.

All was right with our hockey world as the new season began, but sometime in late October, it appeared that we somehow got locked out of our log-in for Bally. It felt like 2021 all over again. My ever-resourceful wife got on her “Tampa Bay Lightning Fans” Facebook page and saw other people complaining about having the same problem. Had Bally decided to lock out those who were streaming — and paying $29.99 a month for the privilege — its “service?” If so, what could we do about it?

As it turned out, no, that wasn’t the case.

Although we never got any notice about it — or

Heaven help us, will we see any kind of refund for the three or four Bolts games we missed because of it — Bally simply had some kind of outage on its own end. That outage lasted more than a week and here’s the kicker — none of the barrage of emails I had received from Bally as our streaming subscriber ever mentioned the outage or even offered a customer service phone number for me to call to complain.

Instead, I had to find a customer service phone number for Bally on Google and when I called, during the first period of the Bolts’ 6-4 win over the Ottawa Senators on Nov. 4, I agreed to the option of being called back, instead of continuing to wait on hold, after the first period ended. Big mistake! Instead of calling me back before the game ended, I finally got a call back from Bally (at 12:35 a.m.) and

watching Bally at the time.

“The game ended three hours ago,” I said, “I’ve Our editor is not happy actually been asleep, with the Bally Sports app. so no, I’m not watching my TV now.”

Well, I decided to go to my TV so the rep could get me hooked back up, so I guess “All’s well that ends well.” I asked the rep if there was a survey I could take after the call ended, “because I’ve got a doozy for you.” When she said I would have to hang up and call back to do so, I decided that telling this story in these pages might be a better way for me to express my...let’s say dissatisfaction...with Bally.

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Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Nidhi Jani Deborah Bostock-Kelley Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano Ad Sales/Marketing Director Jannah Nager Lead Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Morgan Conlin • Valerie Wegener Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 31, Issue 25, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, November 30, 2023.

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

New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2023 JM2 Communications, Inc. New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

3

Dr. Jim Davison Vows To Win His Latest County Commission Run

By GARY NAGER Even though he’s previously run for three local offices and been involved in multiple citizen’s groups advocating on behalf of New Tampa, you still may or may not know long-time Hunter’s Green resident Dr. Jim Davison.

Davison, the recently retired emergency room physician whose first run was more than 20 years ago — in the 2002 Republican primary for the District 2 seat on the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held by current Commission chair (and Dist. 2 Commissioner) Ken Hagan — is now a candidate for the countywide (also known as “at large)” District 6 County Commission seat, a race that will be decided on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the same day as the nationwide General Election for U.S. President.

But, there is a lot for the New Tampa resident to accomplish between now and then in order to make it onto that General Election ballot for the seat currently occupied by Comm. Pat Kemp, who can not run for the seat again, due to term limits.

For one thing, he will have to defeat South Tampa resident and U.S. Air Force Reserve staff sergeant Rico Smith (who is the lead field engineer for StemRad, an Israeli-American start-up company that develops and manufactures personal protective equipment against ionizing radiation) in the

primary election that will be held on Tuesday, August 20.

As of the date of this story, there also are three Democratic candidates who also will face a closed primary in August, with the winner facing the winner of the Republican primary between Davison and Smith Dr. Jim Davison — although other candidates could still qualify to run in either primary between now and July 2024.

The Democratic candidates for Dist.

6 include former countywide Dist. 5 Commissioner Mariella Smith (who served from 2018-22); former citywide Dist. 1 Tampa City Council candidate Sonja Brookins (who lost a runoff against current Dist.

1 commissioner Alan Clendenin earlier this year); and former countywide Dist. 7 candidate Mark Nash.

Although Dr. Davison also lost the 2004 Republican primary for the at-large Dist. 7 County Commission seat won by former Commissioner Mark Sharpe, as well as the 2016 run-off election for New Tampa’s Dist. 7 Tampa City Council seat won (by 65 votes) by Councilman (and

fellow New Tampa resident) Luis Viera, he says that he believes his fourth run for public office will prove to be the charm.

“I feel I can win the primary and the general election because I am now able to campaign 24/7 since retiring from medicine,” Davison says. “With my involvement in local politics and multiple county issues, like the (failed) sales tax, I feel that I can project what a majority of the electorate are feeling. I also will have and have committed greater resources to this (election).”

Davison promises that he is a true fiscal conservative who will have New Tampa’s back if he is elected.

“Back in 2002, New Tampa was struggling under rapid growth, just like many other areas of the county are struggling today,” he says. “County government was growing by leaps and bounds. I had seen politicians wrapping themselves in conservative ideals and patriotic symbols, only to see them forget those principles after being elected. New Tampa needed solutions then and it needs them now.”

He says that he also will be the candidate who will work hard to make good on his promises if he is elected. A big part of that, he says, is restoring the public’s trust in their local elected officials.

“Although there has always been a degree of mistrust between government and the people, it has reached new heights,” Davison says. “Covid and the recent sales

tax issue are only the latest examples of complete lying and misrepresentation on the part of the county. As a member of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee (TPO CAC), I know the county (currently) has no intention of changing course. I run to not only present valid solutions, but to try and repair people’s distrust of local government by telling the truth and meeting their concerns.”

As For New Tampa...

Although Davison says it will be his responsibility to represent the entire county on the Commission, he won’t forget about the issues that are important to New Tampa with regards to the county.

For example, “The East-West Road connecting New Tampa directly to I-275 north of Bearss Ave. is no longer on the county’s Long Range Transportation plan,” he says.

“New Tampa may have missed the best opportunity in 20 years when the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority was going to build it and run express bus transit from New Tampa to downtown Tampa, starting about 2025. When the Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) removed the express lanes from the I-275 improvements north of Hillsborough Ave to north of Bearss Ave., the Expressway Authority couldn’t justify dumping more traffic onto a failed roadway. However, the possibility of an East-West Connector for

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Little did he know that sign would quite literally be the one that David Calcador, the co-owner of Your CBD Store of New Tampa, was twirling on the side of BBD. “David was out there spinning the sign, and it said ‘Free CBD Samples, Come On In,’” Alex says. “I had seen him out there before and didn’t think anything, but I’ve had anxiety for a long time, and I literally was driving by as I was having a panic attack. And I was like, ‘I guess that’s literally, my sign to go in.’”

Alex went in and David gave him a sample that immediately calmed him down, and Alex has been a regular now for four months. “David is my CBD doctor,” he says, chuckling.

David is quick to point out, however, that he is not a doctor. He and his wife Debra Curler are just owners of the Your CBD Store of New Tampa, located in the Pebble Creek Collection, and are true believers in the power of CBD and its healing properties.

Pick a malady, and Debra can point you towards the right remedy, with David ready to answer any questions about your choices.

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They also are true believers because they

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Debra had a knee replaced and finds that her store’s SunMed CBD-infused creams bring her relief, while David finds his issues with sleeping washed away with a nighttime gummy.

“I like that they use the products and can tell you from first-hand experience what they do,” Alex says. “It’s not like deciding what to order at a steakhouse and finding out your waiter is a vegetarian.” While the effects aren’t guaranteed since everyone is different, Debra says many customers rave about the effects.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that grow on cannabis, of which both hemp and marijuana are varieties. Like “weed,” CBD originates from David Calcador & Debra Curler are the co-owners hemp, but has less than 0.3% of THC (tetrahy- of Your CBD Store New Tampa in Pebble Creek. drocannabinol), the ingredient that causes SunMed has recently launched Above and the “high,” while marijuana has much higher Beyond lines, which have higher levels of THC levels of THC. Most of the CBD products at — but still remain below the legal limit — and the store are offered as “full spectrum,” which are the best sellers for Debra and David. are generally stronger but still contain no more “These will be gone by the end of the than the legal limit of 0.3% THC, and “broad weekend,” Debra says, pointing to a shelf filled spectrum,” with no THC at all. with SunMed’s Above and Beyond products, The new product called Above blends The Delta Experience Delta-8 with other cannabinoids, which SunMed The recent explosion of Delta 8 and Delta says delivers what is described as “gentle body 9 products has pushed the limits of the THC feels,” as opposed to a psychoactive high. content in CBD products, making it more imMeanwhile, Beyond products contain portant than ever that consumers know they are Delta-9 (and 400% more cannabinoids than your legitimate. Your CBD Store only sells SunMed usual full-spectrum), and come in calming (indiproducts that the company says are vigorously ca) and uplifting (sativa) versions. There also is a tested. In fact, a QR code on the products can hybrid version that blends the two together. be scanned for the complete independent lab David also raves about his store’s CBG reports for each SunMed product.

4 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

products. He has a special appreciation for their effectiveness, especially the full- and broad-spectrum neuro-water soluble and the CBG Citrus, which helps with inflammation.

Customer Jeff Martin says he is thankful he found Dave and Debra’s location, because they have been a godsend.

Once every three weeks, he places an order for CBD and CBG products for his 80-year-old mother. The CBD helps with her sore joints and arthritis, while the CBG, which can be more effective treating muscle soreness, is for the neuropathy in her feet.

“As long as mom’s taking it, it’s like someone flipped a switch,” Jeff says. “Just being pain-free and being out of the misery of having the feeling of burning feet all the time, it’s been a wonder.”

Jeff adds, “You have to be careful where you buy this stuff these days. I trust the products at David’s store.”

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New Tampa still exists. In addition, we need to look at what is going to happen with Morris Bridge Rd., County Line Road and road, bridge and sidewalk maintenance (see story on pg. 10) in the New Tampa area. We also need to look at local transit circulators and bus rapid transit to USF and beyond.”

He also believes that even though most of the communities in New Tampa are located within the city limits of the City of Tampa, the County Commission still has a lot of say about the future of our area.

“Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. is a county road, as is Morris Bridge Rd.,” he says. “New recreation areas and sports fields will be needed in New Tampa. Maintaining all county property in good repair is another.

The property north of Cross Creek Blvd to the county line, and between Kinnan St. and BBD, is all unincorporated Hillsborough County. Keeping the residents of that area safe has to be the number one priority and the responsibility of the Board of County Commissioners.”

Davison says he also has been watching the situation with the Pebble Creek golf course closely and believes, “The Pebble Creek Golf Course situation never should have gone this far. The county has the money to purchase the property, using small amounts from several revenue streams. Both recreational trails, much needed sports fields for a whole host of sports from baseball and cricket to soccer and lacrosse could be built and the whole area constructed to facilitate a wildlife corridor. All of these are sorely needed in New Tampa. This is just good fair policy and would have great economic

benefits. With the growth exploding north of us in Pasco, more homes and/or apartments and their traffic are not what we need here. If the county would purchase the site, everyone would come out a winner, including the present golf course owner.”

Dr. Davison, who has been married to his wife Diane for 43 years, has lived in New Tampa since 1993. They raised their four children and were deeply involved in their schooling and sports activities. For most of the last 30 years, Davison worked as an Emergency Room Physician at multiple local hospitals and was the medical director of South Bay Hospital in Sun City Center, as well as the volunteer director of the Sun City Center Rescue Squad. The last four years he has worked as a staff physician at Med Express urgent care centers.

He was appointed by the BOCC to the county’s Emergency Medical Planning Council and Indigent Healthcare Board and has served on multiple city and county boards and committees. He was appointed by Tampa City Council to the Transportation “Committee of 99,” and to the county’s Citizens Advisory Committee and Trauma Auditing Committee. He also is proud to have to lobbied city and county government for infrastructure improvements in New Tampa. From transportation, to recreation centers and ball fields in New Tampa, Dr. Davison’s voice was a constant at city and county meetings.

He says he has spoken with all of the Republicans county commissioners elected in 2022 and they have all been encouraging.

“There is much to do,” he says.

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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

5

Hundreds Attend Lotte Plaza Market’s Grand Opening!

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George Lotte Plaza Market and Sungwon Distributor, LLC, president Alvin Lee is clearly excited about the possibilities for the 15th link in the largest chain of Korean/Asian supermarkets on the east coast.

Hundreds of people of all nationalities attended the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting for the second Lotte Plaza Market store in Florida (the other is in Orlando) on Nov. 3, as Lee and Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan (whose Dist. 2 includes all of New Tampa), cut the ribbon at 17605 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (next to Home Depot).

“I had no idea this was going to be such a huge event,” Hagan told me as we waited for the ribbon cutting together. “It’s obvious that a lot of people are excited about this store.”

I was told that the number of large floral bouquets both outside and inside the store on opening day is a traditional Korean way to welcome a new business to the community.

A minute or so after the planned 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting, Lee said, “I hope this community will support us so we can be here for a long, long time. Now...let’s go!,” before cutting the ribbon and allowing the mass of humanity to grab shopping carts and baskets and file through the doors of the former Sweetbay (and Kash N’ Karry before that) supermarket.

As someone who used to live down the street from the long-shuttered grocery store, I can tell you that the 49,000-sq.-ft. store never seemed so large or so full — or had nearly so many different types of products before.

“There are even bigger Asian supermarkets with even more packaged groceries than this one out west in Colorado and California,” said one lady waiting on line with me to pay for her assorted baked goods from the Tous Les Jours French-inspired, South Korean-owned bakery, “but this is amazing to have this store five minutes from my house.”

Lee said that before they decided to open a store in Tampa, Lotte looked at a lot of locations, but they picked New Tampa because, “We wanted an ethnic area, with a lot of Asian people, but we wanted a younger ethnic area, rather than a more mature one. We also have a larger Indian section of the store here than in Orlando, because there’s a larger Indian population living near the store. We’re very excited SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

(Top) One of more than a dozen huge floral bouquets the new Lotte store received. (Above) A (Top) Lotte Plaza Market president Alvin Lee & Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan celebrate Korean beauty products consultant makes a sale. the store’s ribbon cutting. (Above) The mass of humanity outside of & inside the new store. liked the donuts, ham-and-cheese croissants Take The Tour to be part of this community.” and spinach and feta cheese Danish. Yes, the If you plan to visit the new Lotte Plaza Lee also mentioned that although he place is definitely dangerous for dieters.

Market, I suggest entering and turning right. thought the store had plenty of shopping carts The first thing you’ll see is the beauty counter, Lee said that although Tous Les Jours for all of the shoppers on opening day, “We ac- with a wide variety of Korean and Asian beauty also has a bakery inside the Orlando store, the bakery’s management also brought in tually ran out of carts within the first hour. We products — widely acknowledged as among the other vendors at the food court at the had to bring in some carts from other stores. the best in the world — and helpful beauty That’s definitely a good sign.” consultants who can help you find the products New Tampa Lotte. Sijang Eatery has everything from Luna Tea, to bb.q Chicken’s Lee’s prediction that the Saturday and that will work best for you.

Korean fried chicken, delicious beef short Sunday of the opening weekend (Nov. 4-5) The next thing you’ll see is the Tous ribs from SGD (So Gong Dong) Tofu & would be even more crowded than opening Les Jours Bakery, which has so many differBBQ, a number of deep fried options from day also seemed to come true, as literally thou- ent pastries, both sweet and savory, as well as sands of shoppers came to check out not only cakes and delicious coffees, that there’s no way JAWS Topokki and seafood soups and other ramen noodle dishes from Myunga Gyothe produce, fish, meat and packaged grocery to experience it all on one visit. I loved the departments but also the Sijang eatery, also authentic French butter and almond croissants, Dong Jjampong and Jannah, photographer known as the store’s food court, since none of as well as a super-soft milk cream bread, which Charmaine George and I sampled something from all six food court vendors. I will need a the six restaurants (other than the Tous Les is as soft as the Wonder bread I grew up with, Jours Bakery) was open on Friday.

The story continues on page 8. but filled with a slightly sweet cream. I also

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(Clockwise from top left) A tiny portion of the delicious baked goods from Tous Les Jours Bakery &Café. Coconut milk & tapioca boba teas from Luna tea. The fried chicken wing combo from bb.q Chicken. The Gyo-Dong Jjampong ramen noodle dish at Myunga Gyo-Dong Korean Noodle. The “deep fried set” appetizer combo from JAWS Topokki. The BBQ beef short ribs from SGD Tofu & BBQ. The kiosk at the Sijang Eatery food court allows you to order from all six Lotte Plaza Market food court eateries.

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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

7

“Lotte”

Continued from pg 6 whole separate story in a future issue to do them all justice, but some of those options are pictured on the previous page.

On another note, we also saw a number of people eating what looked like Koreanstyle pizza, but we couldn’t find anything that looked like pizza anywhere on Sijang Eatery’s all-restaurants-in-one-kiosk menu.

As you exit the food court, you’ll come to Lotte’s huge fresh produce department with everything from two different types of dragon fruit to specialty pomegranates, as well as more American-oriented fruits and vegetables.

The next stop on our tour is the largest fresh seafood market I’ve seen since I spent some time at Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. And, while it may be off-putting to some people that almost all of the 100+ varieties of fresh fish still have their heads, tails and gills intact, the fish department has a number of employees who are happy to cut, clean and even cook your fish for you. Yes, there are traditional local favorites, like red grouper, red snapper and tilapia available, but there also are fish species I’ve never heard of, like buffalo fish and rohu, both of which are freshwater species.

The Fresh Fish Market also offers a large number of lobster tanks, plus clams, mussels, scallops and even snails (aka escargots) and so much more.

Right next to the seafood department is the Meat & Poultry department, which has the largest variety of meats I have ever seen.

While there is no Japanese or even American wagyu beef, there is plenty of angus beef, as

well as huge selections of pork, chicken, lamb and even goat varieties from which to choose — and all at super-low prices. The only type of meat I enjoy that I didn’t see anywhere was veal, and one of the butchers I met said that there is no veal, but he didn’t say why.

Once you get into the grocery sections, you’ll see very much American items like Oscar Mayer cold cuts, Eggland’s Best eggs and Smithfield bacon, but I know I’ve never seen a selection of cooked, salted and preserved duck eggs before. There also is a large selection of milk and other dairy products, an “Always Fresh Food” grab & go department and so much more.

And, we haven’t even been down the massive aisles throughout the middle of the store yet. There is a whole aisle featuring massive bags of rice, another offering a huge variety of Ramen noodles and many other Asian staples, from dried anchovies to Asian drink favorites and a fully-stocked aisle of sweet, salty and savory Asian and other international snacks — including sesame and red bean mochi — and some items you’d find in other local grocery stores, from Cheetos to Toblerone chocolate bars.

And, in case you also need new cups, dishes, candles or items like Pokemon stuffed toys and Hello Kitty stationery or pens, the Lotte Home Essential section will lead you to the check-out registers.

And trust me, I’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s available at the new Lotte Plaza Market store, which is likely going to remain packed with people for the foreseeable future, so please have patience.

For more info, call (813) 392-1107 or visit LottePlaza.com.

(Top) The drink aisle at Lotte is packed with unique beverages (Above) The Lotte Home Essential department (All photos on this page by Charmaine George)

(Top to bottom) Checking out the persimmons in the Produce Department at Lotte Plaza Market The Fresh Fish Department The Meat & Poultry Department Have you ever seen a bigger selection of duck eggs?

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9

Regents Park Dr. & Pebble Creek Dr. Resurfacing Nears Completion

By Gary Nager Research by Joel Provenzano

For many months now, the residents of New Tampa’s Pebble Creek subdivision have had to deal with the ongoing resurfacing of the community’s two main thoroughfares — Regents Park Dr. and Pebble Creek Dr. As of the last few weeks, however, all but about 0.2 miles of the 2.3-mile stretch of the circular Regents Park Dr. — from its northern Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. terminus to its southern BBD connection — have been resurfaced, with only about 0.1 mile at each terminus of the roadway closest to BBD now completed.

Likewise, all but a couple of hundred feet — again, the portion closest to BBD — of Pebble Creek Dr. also has been completed.

According to Chris Wilkerson, a senior media relations strategist with Hillsborough County, the Pebble Creek Roadway Resurfacing project represents 4.78 total lane miles of the county’s 285 total lane miles and $1.995 million of the $35-million Roadway Pavement Preservation plan of county-maintained roads approved by the county commissioners in 2021.

Although most of the actual repav-

(Above) The portion of Regents Park Dr. near BBD Blvd. where the Roadway Resurfacing signs are located are the only portions of the roadway not yet resurfaced. (Right) A portion of the same road that has been resurfaced.

ing has been completed, Wilkerson says the remaining work on this project includes paving entrances, stripping and signage, tree planting and the installation of traffic beacons and that the anticipated completion of everything, minus the traffic beacons, is early December 2023.

“There is a long lead time on the traffic beacons,” he adds, however, “so final completion will be early spring 2024.”

The project also includes brand new bike lanes in the sections of the roads that are wide enough. Public

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For more information about this and other county projects, visit HillsboroughCounty.org.

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11

Why Are There So *#%^ing Many Car Washes In Our Area?

By GARY NAGER Research by Jannah Nager

Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and the surrounding areas are — fortunately or unfortunately — known for being overrun by regional and national chain restaurants, nail salons, multi-story self-storage facilities and, of course, huge car wash buildings.

And, while some of these car wash facilities are locally owned and/or regional

chains. the trend in this industry is in the growth of large conglomerates offering you the opportunity to have your car washed by giant machines, as often as you want, in just a few minutes while you stay seated in your vehicle with the gear shift in “Neutral” and the windows closed.

Most of these car wash facilities offer

recurring monthly memberships that the companies are hoping you’ll use like many people do gym memberships — meaning they hope you’ll use them as little as possible or not at all as you continue to pay each month for the equivalent price of two or three jacked-up individual washes.

While they are obviously profitable

businesses no matter where they are located throughout this great nation of ours, why do we already have — and seem to need — so many of them?

On the next page, we’ll tell you all about the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area’s existing car wash places — and those still to come.

Steven Kessel REALTOR® Call me (781) 246-1234 StevenKesselRealtor.com

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Pretty much anytime I’m on Facebook, I see someone in one of the many New Tampa and/or Wesley Chapel Facebook groups making a snide comment about how many car washes we have in and around our area.

So, why are there so many dang car washes? While some online critics believe they’re all money laundering (no pun intended) fronts, the fact is that they are hugely profitable, especially when they’re owned by a large national or regional company.

One industry official, who asked to not be identified for this story, says it’s because, “just as McDonald’s isn’t really in the hamburger business, but in the real estate business (at least according to the 2016 movie “The Founder,” starring Michael Keaton as McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc), these big car wash conglomerates are buying up valuable land, putting a car wash on them and, many times, selling the land at a huge profit a few years later.”

However, Glen Stygar, a partner in Woodie’s Wash Shack, which has 16 Florida locations, including one that opened in Feb. 2022 on S.R. 54 in Lutz (less than a mile west of the Tampa Premium Outlets), says there are more reasons why car washes keep popping up in affluent areas across the country.

“For one thing,” Stygar says, “people in today’s fast-paced world no longer want

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Local Drive-Through Car Washes to have to wash their cars themselves or pay someone a lot of money and spend many hours detailing their vehicles. And, they don’t have to as much anymore because they can get a membership at a local car wash and have their car washed as many times a month or a week as they want, all for one low price.”

He adds that memberships are the biggest reason places like Woodie’s and big chains like Mister Car Wash (with more than 400 locations nationwide, including several in our area) and Tidal Wave Auto Spa (with nearly 200, including one between Zaxby’s and Aldi near Costco) continue to proliferate everywhere.

In fact, Woodie’s has another location and two local locations on S.R. 54 (one in Wesley Chapel and one in Lutz), but there are currently ten drive-through membershipbased car wash places in and around New Tampa Wesley Chapel — and more are on the way, including the currently still-closed

“Clean Machine” car wash pictured above (near Steak n Shake off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.), which will soon become New Tampa’s second Mister Car Wash location. The other, shown top left on this page, is in the Trout Creek area on BBD, next to Burger 21.

And of course, the list in the next column doesn’t include the wash-it-yourself car washes, hand auto detailing places or drivethrough car washes at local gas stations.

As for pricing, the cheapest prices we found among the membership car washes were at The Palms Car Wash on Post Oak

Name Location Mister 29891 SR 54, WC Mister 24124 SR 54, Lutz Mister(Clean Machine) 20306 Trout Creek Dr, NT Mister(Clean Machine) 17501 N Palms Village Dr, NT Top Edge 28221 SR 54, WC Top Edge (coming) 27186 SR 56, WC Woodie’s 24749 SR 54, Lutz Woodie’s (coming) Oakley Blvd, WC Tidal Wave 2209 Sun Vista Dr, Lutz The Palms 5550 Post Oak Blvd, WC Jammin (coming) BBD Blvd., WC

Blvd., where a single “Express” wash costs just $5 and an Express membership is just $14.95 a month. The most expensive prices we found were at Tidal Wave, with the cheapest single wash being $12 and the most expensive being the Graph-X4 wash for $30. Monthly memberships at Tidal Wave range from $23.97 to $49.97 per month.

We’ll look into another local favorite — self-storage places — in a future issue.

New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

13

Anand Vihar Residents At Odds With Developer Over Clubhouse Rules

By GARY NAGER In September, I was invited to attend a meeting at the home of one of the residents of Anand Vihar, the age 55-plus townhome community (we told you more about it in our last issue) that caters to retired people of Indian descent at the southern tip of Meadow Pointe (just north of the gate dividing Mansfield Blvd. in Meadow Pointe from Kinnan St. in New Tampa). The resident, who asked not to be identified in this story, told me that he and some of his neighbors weren’t happy with Anand Vihar developer Santosh Govindaraju of Convergent Capital Partners and that he hoped I would be willing to help them try to resolve their differences with Govindaraju.

I was expecting a few of the resident’s fellow homeowners to attend this meeting, but instead, there were at least 30-40 people packed into the home’s living room. I was permitted to record the attendees, most of whom said that although they loved living in the community Govindaraju had developed, they weren’t happy with the way the developer was running the community’s clubhouse, which Govindaraju privately owns, and the rules regarding the clubhouse’s unique Indian cuisine meal plan, which was designed to meet the dietary needs of the residents of Anand Vihar’s 167 attached townhome units.

I told the residents that unless and until I was able to speak with Govindaraju to get his side of the story, I wasn’t going to be able to write anything about their situation.

It wasn’t until a few weeks later that I was invited to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Anand Vihar Homeowners Association on Oct 11, where a large number of the community’s residents were in attendance, including Govindaraju (who owns a unit in the community himself) and several other residents who also attended the meeting via Zoom.

After that meeting, I was able to speak with both Govindaraju and Board member Kusum Patel (one of four members of the homeowners association Board’s legal committee looking into the issue), both of whom responded to a series of questions that I believe will do a better job of outlining the homeowners’ concerns and Govindaraju’s position on those concerns.

The “Special Invoice”

The residents at the initial meeting I attended told me that they came together because they had each received a “Special Invoice” from Govindaraju’s Anand Vihar, LLC, for more than $3,600 each to pay for the Community Club’s 2022 Operating Costs. Although the homeowners were not required to participate in the clubhouse’s meal plan, according to Govindaraju, they were required to share in any operating losses the club may suffer on a year-to-year basis. Govindaraju said that the club suffered a loss of more than $500,000 in 2022, in part because of the ongoing effects of the Covid pandemic and because of a lack of participation in the meal plan by some of the residents, despite the fact that he says the residents helped design the club’s menu.

“The homeowners provide us details on

what they want in services, and it is our job to staff it accordingly,” Govindaraju said. “For example, a super majority of the residents are from a particular state in India known as Gujarat. They wanted a specific chef who knows how to cook in the particular style of that state. We had initially hired a chef who knows general Indian cooking. We added additional staff of specialized first-class Gujarati chefs to complement the general chef.”

The residents I met with countered that if the community’s club had indeed lost money, it was because Govindaraju was paying too many chefs and too many employees and that the clubhouse and meal plans were not up to the standards they were promised when they bought their units in Anand Vihar.

The residents also said that they have no way of knowing if Govindaraju’s claims of the club having lost that amount of money are even true because they never get to see the club’s books and records, and they believe that isn’t fair.

But, Govindaraju sent me what he believes is the proof that the residents knew, or at least should have known, exactly what they were buying into — the Declarations pages from the deeds to each owner’s homes, which read: “Section 5: Club Charges — In consideration of the construction and providing the use of the Anand Vihar Club to each Owner, each Owner by its acceptance of its deed to its Unit shall be deemed to have specifically covenanted and agreed to pay all Club Charges which are set forth herein. The Anand Vihar Club Owner presently intends to collect the Club Charges on a monthly basis but reserves the right to change the payment period from time to time (e.g., to require payment on a quarterly basis).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Anand Vihar Club Owner may require an Owner or all Owners to pay Club Charges on an annual or other basis, in advance, based on prior payment history or other financial concerns, in the Anand Vihar Club Owner’s sole discretion. (a) Club Operating Costs. Each Owner agrees to pay and discharge, in a timely fashion when due, its pro rata portion (as hereinafter set forth) of the Club Operating Costs. The Owners shall collectively bear all expenses associated with the Anand Vihar Club.”

“The members of a club are not involved in the financial decisions,” Govindaraju said. “When you join a private club, do you tell them how to run their business? Here, by virtue of buying a home in this community, the residents purchased knowing full well that (a) membership was mandatory, and (b) they would be responsible for all (of the club’s) costs. No business person would operate a business whereby every member can tell them how to run their business.”

He added that, “There are conflicting interests amongst the members. For example, some members say they never use the pool, others say they never use the gym.

If it were up to each one of them, we would reduce the costs of such amenities. When we published all the marketing materials to

This packed meeting of the Board of Directors of the Anand Vihar Homeowners Association helped the community’s residents sound off on their issues with developer Santosh Govindaraju of Convergent Capital Partners, who was one of the meeting’s Zoom participants. that the costs per home would be substanthe community (see graphic on page 10), tially reduced by the annexation. However, we made it abundantly clear what ameni(the homeowners) “seemed to be led by ties would be included, including the food disinformation by certain individuals with operations and, as mentioned earlier, that an uninformed agenda.” they would be responsible for the costs.

When you make a decision to join a club, As for the Special Invoice charge to you look at the offering and decide if it fits each homeowner, “This is a very simple the lifestyle you want regardless of whether mathematical formula,” Govindaraju you actually use all of the offerings or not, said. “The Clubhouse provides firstclass services as marketed, at a cost, and you look at the value in the totality.” that number is divided by the number Retaliation Concerns of homes. They may errantly characterMany of the homeowners I met with ize that as retaliation, but the typical mentioned that they felt that the reason common person sees it as basic comGovindaraju came up with the “Special mon sense. Oftentimes, we speak to the Invoice” for his 2022 losses was because children of the residents, and many of he has been retaliating against them since whom who purchased the homes for they voted in September — by an 80%their parents. The children have more 20% margin — to not allow the developmodern sophistication and have, for the er to annex the nearly 62-acre property majority of these instances, supported us he owns just south of the Pasco-Hillswholeheartedly. They take the time to borough county line (which we reported understand this basic common sense and about last issue) into Anand Vihar. are not blinded by the disinformation the The developer said his idea was that if residents share amongst themselves on the original Anand Vihar residents would their internal social media.” allow him to annex that Hillsboroughbased property into his Pasco community, The $10,000 Question he would be able to build an internal road Although Govindaraju claims that (as opposed to using the closed Mansfield the Declarations have not changed since Blvd.-Kinnan St. connection, which may 2016, the residents in attendance at that never open to vehicular traffic) to connect first meeting said that they believed Govinthe two communities. daraju had, in fact, changed the DeclaraIn addition, he said the proposed tions since the time some of them bought annexation would have allowed him to their homes (as some had bought in Anand reduce each Anand Vihar homeowner’s Vihar as early as 2017), when Govindaraju annual club membership dues by roughly began selling homes in Anand Vihar. They $600 per unit. said that when they bought their units, Govindaraju added, “We never retalithere was no requirement that if they sold, ate. If you research me, you will find that the new buyer would have to pay the develethics and spirituality are paramount in my oper an additional $10,000 “Initiation decisions. Practicing kindness and operatFee” to join the club. But, they claimed ing at the highest level of ethics are the they didn’t receive notice of this Initiation essential fabric of all of my activities...We Fee until after the vote to not allow the have to deal with the facts that we have. proposed annexation of the HillsboroughThe vote led to the conclusion that the based property. amenities and clubhouse must be operated However, Govindaraju countered that, (and paid for by) the homes within the “The Declarations (have) not changed.

(Anand Vihar) community. The supermaThe rights and duties of the Club jority of the residents never asked clarifyOwner are black and white there. This ing questions prior to voting and did not is a private club in a luxury resort-style understand the consequences.” community. This (type of requirement) He also said that he held several is customary in such lifestyle communieducational town hall meetings to educate ties and not out of the ordinary. I can’t the community about the costs to operate say much more on this topic due to the the clubhouse as they wanted it and shared threatened litigation.”

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Meanwhile, Patel, on behalf of the legal committee for the homeowners association’s Board of Directors, replied, “The matter is under litigation for a reason. The club owner’s attempts to change (the) Declarations, as part of annexing his Hillsborough property, was overwhelmingly rejected. The change would have inserted a new clause — Article IX.5(i) — requiring new owners to pay an initiation fee. At present, there is no language in the Master Declaration that supports the club owner’s ability to collect an initiation fee. Collection now is merely a bullying tactic.”

To that end, I asked Govindaraju if the homeowners had voted to allow him to annex that other property, how that would work, both tax-wise and with regards to the club and meal plan.

He responded, “There are no tax issues. If you live in Anand Vihar, you would pay Pasco taxes. If you live in the new community, you would pay Hillsborough taxes.”

He added, however, “This is a simple mathematical formula. The total costs would then be divided by a larger denominator, reducing the per-household cost, which we had estimated at $600 per year in savings per home.

But, Patel again countered, “Sharing our club house would increase the load on our facilities when they are (already) inadequate for our size. Sharing the clubhouse (with the Hillsborough community) would have allowed Mr. Govindaraju to build a much smaller facility in his new community, saving him millions in both land and building cost.”

Powerful Marketing

Many of the people I spoke with said that the reason they bought into Anand Vihar was because they went around to homes in the community beforehand and spoke with the homeowners, all of whom were people of Indian descent who said they loved living there.

I asked Govindaraju whether or not that was the huge help I assumed it must have been to be able to market the community to Indian people. I also asked him if he was concerned about his ability to sell homes in the new community, now that it seems so many people in the original community are less happy than they were before?

“I have never been afraid of any threats of any kind based on the spiritual principles that (a) fear is death, and (b) no decisions in life should ever be based on any sort of fear whatsoever,” he replied. “All people should be mindful when spreading information that they are not spreading disinformation and be subject to personal liability. I simply work with the highest ethics, honor the truth, and always have absolute faith in the universe.”

He added, however, that it was important that both I and the Anand Vihar residents understand that, “We already have 20 of the homes in the next phase pre-sold and all but two of the homes are sold to either existing residents of Anand Vihar or their immediate family members. We expect a significant amount of sales to existing residents of Anand Vihar who want to get away from the ignorant mentality currently prevailing at Anand Vihar. If I already have about 20% of the homes sold to existing residents, what does that tell you? I expect another 20% of the homes (will be) sold to existing residents, and we have designed the next community to cater to the more sophisticated buyers who appreciate and understand the nature of a private club and want it.”

Patel replied that, “Many of those people bought those homes before the current issues emerged The final chapter is yet to be written.”

Possible Litigation?

I heard at least one homeowner at the Oct. 11 Board meeting say that he was hiring a lawyer and was hoping others in attendance would join him in a planned lawsuit against the developer. Patel also said after that meeting that the Board’s legal committee was at least in discussions with an attorney.

Govindaraju said that he “welcomes legal counsel that represents the residents, because informed individuals with the ability to read legal documents are much easier to deal with than persons who do not have that sophistication. As one of the vocal Board members mentioned at the meeting, he is a doctor and does not understand the documents. Would you rather negotiate with a party who has the requisite ability to understand what you are negotiating or with someone with a perverted understanding of the subject matter? Everything I do is with lawyers. You do not invest $60 million in development without legal counsel.”

Responses From Both Sides To This Story’s Wesley Chapel Run From An Anonymous Anand Vihar Resident — “I hope you all read Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News. It has hurt my feelings severely. What does Santosh think?

1) We have perverted understanding (of the facts), 2) his new community will have more sophisticated buyers, 3) we all have an ignorant mentality — and so many more hurtful comments.

Are we all stupid? He has the highest ethics? What about us?? The article is very hurtful and shows the developer’s rudeness. Our kids understand what he is doing but we are old and stupid so we don’t understand his greatness? Please everybody, read it quietly, it is an eye opener.”

From Developer Santosh Govindaraju — “The problem with your article is that a few (residents) distort the facts and then everyone believes the restatement of these ‘facts.’ I just wanted to share some thoughts with you.

In the article, some of the residents or board members indicated that they didn’t know about the initiation fee until after the rejected annexation vote. This cannot be farther from the truth. Attached (but not shown here) is an email exchange with a resident in response to the notice that went out regarding the amended rules and regulations in February 2023, which incorporated the initiation fee, a copy of the rules and regulations of the Club that went into effect in February 2023, as well as an email from the same resident referring his friend to the Hillsborough County community. Also attached (but not shown) is an email exchange that shows the annexation vote notice going out at the end of May 2023. The email with the resident provides details and that resident never referred his attorney to have a discussion with us, as he intended in his first response. All of this correspondence was months before the annexation vote.

This is just a situation where a few people are gaslighting and frankly bullying their neighbors into believing their alternative version of the truth. I can give you a list of 20-plus residents who have been bullied by these same people for ‘enjoying themselves at the Clubhouse.’ They may be happy to share their version of reality in the community ‘bullied’ by these residents, and to which we cannot do anything about anything that happens outside the four walls of the Club.

I think this ‘bullying’ is just an example of what is happening in our broader society with the ‘middle’ of society going along with disinformation to avoid conflict. Most people just want peace and quiet, and the last they thing want is to have social anxiety from their neighbors, and the ‘predators’ know that.

Just be mindful of the actual nature and source of information. If you ever want to verify any off the cuff statement, I can always provide you detailed written backup.”

How Can It Be Resolved?

As someone who has no dog in this fight, I promised both Govindaraju and the residents that my sole reason for writing this story is to help the two sides find a way to resolve their differences and to be fair to both sides.

Govindaraju said, “We have tried to educate the residents and shared options and solutions but, unfortunately, they have not yet formalized any counterproposals or new proposals of their own. I have asked them to present plans, proposals, counteroffers, etc., but they have not provided any. It will get resolved however the universe intends for it to be resolved, and in that I have resolute faith.

Patel replied, “We will take the “however the universe intends for it to be resolved (and see what happens).

Govindaraju said, “Anand Vihar is one of the most upscale retirement communities measured by any standard. The residents are happy with the community so that should say volumes about what we have created. They fail to recognize that it is that way because of

�

the meticulous attention to detail we put into every aspect of the community.”

Patel again disagreed. “Anand Vihar is an excellent community for its social and cultural richness, not because it was built as an upscale community. We paid above-market prices, at the time, for our properties because we were supposedly getting upscale homes, upscale clubhouse, upscale amenities, beautiful landscape — not an always-failing call box at the gate, developer-owned clubhouse, filthy and smelly pond, second- or worse-rate irrigation system, substandard drainage, poor grading, inadequate gutters and a host of other issues.”

Editor’s Note — I agree that Anand Vihar is a pretty community with very concerned residents, as evidenced by the responses from both sides in the yellow box above. I initially set out to help the residents, but told them from the beginning that I would get — and report — both sides.

I also have heard from people in other communities with similar developer complaints since the article broke.

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15

Spinner Law Firm Celebrates 20 Years & Hosts A Pickleball Tourney

By Gary Nager As the owner of a hyperlocal business that will celebrate its 30th anniversary in February of next year, I have seen a lot of businesses come and go over the years and celebrated many anniversaries with dozens of those businesses.

One of the companies I feel particularly close to is the Spinner Law Firm, headed by Charles S. (“Charlie”) Spinner, Esq., which celebrated its 20th anniversary of serving the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel communities on Oct. 5.

In addition to a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting, the event included a proclamation given to Spinner by Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy, a short video created by Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel president (and local videographer) David Alvarez, a red carpet for Charlie and his staff, an appearance by a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office K9 therapy dog, free drinks and a huge crudité table...and something that hit a lot closer to home for yours truly.

Charlie talked about meeting his first employee, office administrator Vicki Portfolio, when both were walking their dogs in a park in early 2003. Vicki was in charge of the “Beer School” at the Busch Gardens Hospitality House at the time. Charlie was working for an insurance defense firm in downtown Tampa and told Vicki he was considering branching out on his own one day. Vicki told him that when he did start his

own firm, “I want you to hire me as your legal assistant.”

“OK, what are your qualifications?,” Charlie replied.

“I don’t have any. I teach Beer School.”

But, when Charlie did start his firm in New Tampa, where he lived with his then-wife-to-be Carrie, he immediately took out his first ad in the Neighborhood News and, “The first call I got from that ad was from Vicki, asking me ‘When do I start?’

The rest is history.”

Jannah and I were among at least 100 people in attendance at the (Above) The staff of the Spinner Law Firm at the firm’s 20th anniversary party on Oct. 5. (Below left) 20th anniversary event, so I got to Attorney Charles Spinner and his firm’s first employee, Vicki Portfolio. (Below right) North Tampa hear that story, for the first time, in Bay Chamber president Hope Kennedy presents a Chamber Proclamation to Charlie Spinner. person, and I acknowledged that not (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George) only had Charlie been advertising continuously with us ever since, he definitely “helped send (my) kids to college,” as he quipped during his short speech.

Charlie thanked every member of his now-much-larger staff, as well as Carrie and the couple’s five kids, the Chamber and the local community.

Hope said that the Chamber was on hand when Charlie cut the ribbon at his new Wesley Chapel office five years ago, but noted that, “We wanted to do something better, something more deserving, to celebrate your 20 years of service to the community.”

The proclamation read that “Through the years, Spinner Law Firm has been

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(Top left) More than 100 people attended the Spinner Law Firm’s 20th anniversary event. (Top right) Charlie Spinner with his wife Carrie and three of the couple’s five children. (Above, l.-r.) The Spinner Law Firm group at the Oct. 13 Pickleball Tournament continuing the firm’s 20th Anniversary celebration. Spinner Law Firm attorneys Charlie Spinner and Patrick Barnes played each other during the pickleball tournament.

committed to unwavering dedication and perseverance, making it a true pillar of our community...We commend Spinner Law Firm for this outstanding achievement, exceptional leadership and continuous growth.”

Spinner then thanked every member of his outstanding staff, including community outreach director Jennie Yingling, who organized the event. He went on to thank Carrie and all of his children before watching Alvarez’s video on one of fellow Rotarian Troy Stevenson’s mobile billboard trucks.

“When I created Spinner Law Firm, I wanted to make a real connection with my clients, and with the community,” Charlie said during the video. That was followed by a

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number of clients and organizations who said the firm had helped them, all giving testimonials, including coaches from both Wiregrass Ranch and Cypress Creek high schools and Lisa Michaelangelo from the Emerald M Therapeutic Riding Center, all of whom thanked Charlie and his firm for their help.

Pickleball Tournament

Eight days after the 20th anniversary party, the Spinner Law Firm continued the 20th anniversary celebration with its first-ever 20th Pickleball Tournament, which was held at the Land O’Lakes Recreation Center.

Although I wasn’t in attendance at the tournament, and had not yet received a recap

of who played and won the various awards, I do know that Charlie and his brother John, as well as Spinner Law Firm attorney Patrick Barnes, all played in the tournament and, according to our photographer Charmaine George, a great time was clearly had by all.

The Spinner Law Firm, located at

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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

17

Congratulations To New Tampa’s Teacher Of The Year Nominees!

By Celeste McLaughlin

Neighborhood News Correspondent For the 2023-24 school year, the eleven public schools located in New Tampa have chosen their nominees for the Hillsborough County Schools/Hillsborough Education Foundation “Excellence in Education” awards. In the Spring of 2024, the winners of the following three awards will be announced at the School District’s annual awards gala.

Each school nominated one candidate to be considered for the each of the three county-wide awards: Teacher of the Year, Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, and Instructional Support Employee of the Year.

Every person on this page was recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions to their respective schools.

Congratulations to all of the worthy nominees for these awards at every New Tampa public school. (Note-Only the Teacher of the year nominees at each school are shown, except at Wharton High).

Chiles Elementary

Michael Zang

Teacher of the Year: Michael Zang, 3rd grade Math & Science; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Amie Adum Simmons; Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Lauren Richardson

Clark Elementary

Christy Gupta

Teacher of the Year: Christy Gupta, Academically Gifted Program; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Donna Clark; Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Shannon Ferreira

Heritage Elementary

Pride Elementary

Teacher of the Year: Crystal Camerino, 4th grade Math & Science; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Suzy Tkacik, Media Specialist; Instructional Support Employee: Diane Riley, Student Nutrition Services Crystal Camerino Manager

Tampa Palms Elem.

Teacher of the Year: Dona Marlatt, 5th grade English Language Arts; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Altemese Simard, Music; Instructional Support Dona Marlatt Employee: Vanessa Hernandez-Morales, cafeteria manager

Teacher of the Year: Kelly Sollenberger, 4th grade; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Cindy Sciandra; Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Awilda Kelly Sollenberger Valentin

Hunter’s Green Elem.

Turner/Bartels K-8

Teacher of the Year: Danielle McGonagle, 2nd grade; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Amanda Palmer; Instructional Support Employee of the Danielle McGonagle Year: Melissa Curtis

Benito Middle School

Michelle Nolan

Teacher of the Year: Michelle Nolan, Math; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Patricia BrownDenis; Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Geraldo Mendoza

Liberty Middle School

Brianne Melvin

Teacher of the Year: Brianne Melvin, PE Coach; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Edwin Cadet; Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Lori McNabb

Freedom High

Teacher of the Year: Lonna Hernandez, Biology; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Cheryl Bernales, Varying Exceptionalities; Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Malissa Nanns

Teacher of the Year: Chelsea GonzalezPanek, Math; Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Marelisa Moreno; Instructional Support Chelsea Gonzalez- Employee of the Year: Panek Jessica Ghoumari

Lonna Hernandez (center)

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19

Tampa Fire Rescue Firefighters Teach Fire Safety To Primrose School Students

By Celeste McLaughlin

Neighborhood News Correspondent In the U.S., National Fire Prevention Week was first proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925, and nearly 100 years later, it’s still recognized and celebrated.

Fire Prevention Week was the backdrop for preschoolers at the Primrose School of Tampa Palms to receive some of their first lessons in fire safety.

The firefighters from Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 20, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. just south of I-75, visited the school to teach kids important lessons.

The preschoolers learned what the Fire Rescue department does, what equipment firefighters use and the importance of their uniforms. The firefighters also demonstrated how to “stop, drop, and roll” in case of a fire.

And, perhaps most fun of all for the

(Above) Firefighters from Tampa Fire Rescue Station No. 20 captivated Primrose School at Tampa Palms students with their fire safety presentation during National Fire Prevention Week. (Left) The Primrose School students and their teachers clearly enjoyed their time learning about fire safety. (All photos provided by Primrose School at Tampa Palms) kids was that they were able to hold the fire hose and even go inside the fire truck.

The Tampa Fire Rescue Department provides education as an important part of its community services.

20 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

If your school or community organization wants to request a presentation or visit a fire station, start online at Tampa.gov/fire-rescue-public-education/contact-us.

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23

‘Shrek: The Musical’ Is Another Monster Hit For The New Tampa Players!

Congratulations to the New Tampa Players (NTP), which completed six nearly-sold-out performances of “Shrek The Musical” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Oct. 29.

Jannah and I loved the premiere performance on Oct. 20 (photographer Charmaine George took these pics Oct. 22) and the singing, dancing, costumes and sets were all truly Broadway-quality. Bravo, NTP! Other upcoming productions at NTPAC include “Winter Wonder,” a one-night holiday celebration of dance and song by ATLAS Modern Ballet, in collaboration with NTP. Winter Wonder, which will be performed Saturday, December 9, at 8 p.m., at NTPAC, is a dance concert expressing four aspects of the holiday season: Peace, Light, Magic, and Cheer are each brought to life on stage with a unique atmosphere and energy, with matching dance and musical styles. Vocal selections by New Tampa Players stars include holiday classics and new favorites. ATLAS dancers weave together a wide range of dance styles and choreography to embody the spirit of the season.

NTP also has announced the cast of “Dreamgirls,” which will be performed at the NTPAC Feb. 2-4 & 9-11.

Tickets are on sale now for both Scenes from the New Tampa Players production of “Winter Wonder” and “Dreamgirls.” To purchase yours, visit NewTampaPlayers.org. “Shrek The Musical”: (Above) “It’s Today” (Top right) “Travel Song” (Right) The Ballad of Lord Farquaad” For my full review of “Shrek The Musical” and info about “Dreamgirls,” visit our (Left) “Freak Flag” (Top of next pg.) “Forever Dragon” (Bottom of next pg.) “I’m a Believer.”

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27

‘Grand Hampton The Movie Series’ Premiered ‘Anthology’ At Tampa Theatre

By GARY NAGER Congratulations to local artist and filmmaker Antony Capers (photo, below far right) for the splashy Oct. 18 premiere at the historic Tampa Theatre (in downtown Tampa) of “ANTHOLOGY,” the latest edition of his YouTube horror serial “Grand Hampton The Movie Series.”

What started as a pandemic project with his family and neighbors in their New Tampa neighborhood has grown into a multi-year endeavor with a loyal cult following. The series takes place in Capers’ upscale Grand Hampton neighborhood that — the viewer soon discovers — was built by “The CONNECTED” solely for the purpose of housing citizens within the government’s witness protection program.

The community has been experiencing some very odd occurrences, and — even more alarming — extraterrestrial beings have been seen roaming the quiet neighborhood’s streets.

Beginning with Season 3, the series began branching out to discover the dark stories of so many of Grand Hampton’s residents. And, as someone who attended the premiere of the “ANTHOLOGY” of new chapters that bring three of these stories to life, I have to say that I came away impressed with Capers and his talented, all-volunteer cast’s efforts.

Jannah, Charmaine, her boyfriend Brendan and I were on hand to find out what happens in the world’s craziest house in “ABBY.” Then, we witnessed the bond being broken between two brothers as they became part of an experiment in “PLACEBO.” And finally, we get to play a game of “SPIN THE BARREL,” where the winner...actually loses.

After the screening, Capers, the “Grand Hampton” creator, and members of his cast stuck around and

discussed the project and answered audience questions. Capers said that Grand Hampton is a community where, “anything can happen and I believe ‘ANTHOLOGY’ proves that.”

“ANTHOLOGY” was part of the historic — and reportedly haunted — Tampa Theatre’s annual “A Nightmare on Franklin Street” film series, which concluded on Halloween with a showing of the original “Halloween” movie.

“Grand Hampton The Movie Series,” which also participated in the Orlando International Film Festival (OIFF) in July, has been at the Tampa Theatre before, as Capers and his crew of talented actors not only got to present his “Super Vita” movie-length episode but also film a portion of it there.

Among those who have provided cameos in the series to date include New Tampa’s District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera and former Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman and local radio/ podcast host Ian Beckles, who was chilling and cool in “SPIN THE BARREL.” The premiere of “ANTHOLOGY” also included lengthy “commercials” from Capers’ sponsors, including EmployEZ, UES-United Employment Solutions, Done Deal Promotions and “Aliens of the Metaverse,” as well as a cute dance number with Capers and about a dozen Grand Hampton kids, ages 6-12.

All “Grand Hampton The Movie Series” episodes are available on YouTube.

(Clockwise from top left) Members of the cast of ‘ANTHOLOGY” answer questions after the Oct. 18 premiere of the new trilogy of “Grand Hampton The Movie Series” episodes at the historic Tampa Theatre. Antony Capers and Grand Hampton kids perform a pre-movie dance number. Capers was excited to pose in front of the Tampa Theatre’s marquee before the premiere. (Photos by Charmaine George)

28 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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29

Shred360 Is Great, Both For Your Business & The Community!

By Celeste McLaughlin

Neighborhood News Correspondent When Cam Caudle joined the U.S. Army after his college graduation in 1991, he didn’t want to be just an everyday soldier. He wanted to go above and beyond, so he set his goal high and became an Army Ranger.

Now, as the franchise owner of Shred360, based in Wesley Chapel, he has been carrying that desire to reach higher into the business world.

“We take a lot of pride in doing a great job for people and doing more than is expected of us,” Cam says. “People are happy to see us arrive, and my guys are phenomenal, so (our customers are) happy when we’re done, too.”

Cam started his business in 2015 when his friends and fellow military veterans wanted to expand their South Carolina-based document-shredding business into Florida. He agreed to start a franchise in Wesley Chapel, where he lives. The franchise model hasn’t expanded, but Cam’s business surely has.

Back then, his company was just him and one truck. Now, he has five trucks and a staff of three full-time drivers, a couple of part time drivers and a sales director, and the business covers the entire Tampa Bay area and then some — north

(Left) U.S. Army veteran Cam Caudle has been a franchise owner of Shred360 since 2015. (Right) When you utilize Shred360’s shredding service, your documents are loaded into a bin and the shredding machine allows you to see them destroyed. (All photos provided by Shred360)

to Gainesville, south to Port Charlotte, and east to Orlando.

Shred360 provides primarily on-site document shredding and hard drive destruction for both businesses and individuals.

Although Shred360 does have a drop-off option, Cam says, “Most of the time, we go to wherever the material is, whether that’s a home, business, or storage unit. From a security standpoint, it’s better that people can watch their documents be destroyed right in front of them.” He adds that although the

destruction happens inside the truck, “it is visible on a screen.”

He also says that the alternatives to on-site shredding are far from ideal. You can either use a home office shredder, which is cumbersome and time consuming, or drop documents off at a store, where you’re often leaving them in a bin — for who knows how long and without any idea of who will have access to them until they are destroyed.

Karen Wallace is practice administrator for Friendly Smiles Dental Care, with four locations in the Tampa area.

30 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

She says she was one of Shred360’s first customers.

“We needed an alternative to having shredders in our office,” Wallace says. “It was so loud and disruptive, and not really sufficient for the amount of paper we have to destroy, due to HIPAA regulations.”

She adds that she’s continued to work with Shred360 because of Cam and the way he runs the company.

“In business, it’s so refreshing to meet someone like him,” Karen says.

“I’ve always been so impressed. If one of

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Giving Back

Cam also sees his business as a way to both give back to the community and set an example for his children and stepchildren. He and Ines, his wife of three years, have five children between the two of them.

Shred360 does a charitable event every month, where they set up like a drive through lane at a particular location. People pull up next to the truck, stay in their car, have their documents When Shred360 hosts a charity shredding event, you line up in your car, your documents are shredded while they wait, and then make shredded and you make a donation to the event’s selected charity. a donation to the selected charity.

In nine years, Cam says Shred360 his guys is out for some reason, he comes ryone from residential customers with a out, driving the truck (himself).” few boxes to commercial customers with has raised more than $70,000 for organizations that are doing good things in the She calls Cam the “consummate a full warehouse — and pretty much community, including the Crisis Center professional” and says everyone he hires anything in between. of Tampa Bay, Community Food Pantry, follows in his footsteps.

“In the time it takes an employee “When they come in, they’re quiet, to shred a box of documents at an office and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. they don’t interrupt any work, they say shredder,” Cam says, “we can do 250 “These events are important for ‘hi’ politely and depart,” she says. “It’s pounds.” like white glove service.”

Before starting Shred360, Cam says serving the community where I live,” he Medical offices such as Karen’s, he sold all kinds of things, from furniture says, “We’re busy, so sometimes it’s hard to fit those in, but they’re important, so along with law firms, credit unions, hosto medical equipment, but he says none we still do them.” pitals and other businesses with a lot of of those jobs were exactly the right fit.

To find out about upcomrecords that need to be destroyed, have “I love what I do now,” he says. ing charity shredding events, visit ongoing service with Shred360, where He appreciates the opportunity to Shred360.com/Tampa or “Shreddocuments are picked up on a regular make his customers happy — and you 360Tampa” on Facebook. basis, anywhere from once a week to can’t argue with his results —of 630 Cam also has been a long-time once every twelve weeks.

Google reviews, 628 are five stars (out of The other service is a one-time five), and he insists that the two four-star member of the Rotary Club of New purge, although Cam says many of his reviews his business has received— from Tampa, which meets on Friday mornings clients purge again at a later date. eight and five years ago, respectively — at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, Shred360 can accommodate eveshould have been five stars, too. and in 2021, he was one of the co-

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founders (and is still a Board member) of the New Tampa Rotary’s After Hours Satellite Club. He says that Rotary gives him another outlet to volunteer, support the community, and show his kids the importance of serving others.

It goes back to those early lessons he learned in the Army. He started active duty two weeks after graduating from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, in 1991 on a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, and stayed in active duty until 1996.

“I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now, if not for the Army,”Cam says.

Not only is that where he met the owners of Shred360, but also because of the values that have carried over from that experience to his business.

“Doing things with integrity, doing more than what’s expected,” he says, “My motto is. ‘When you think you’ve done enough, do more./” He’s proud that Shred360 has won “Business of the Year” through the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and that he has also been honored as its volunteer of the year.

For a price quote on a one-time purge of documents for your home or business, or if you would like information about setting up ongoing service, call Shred360 at (813) 9442223, visit Shred360.com/Tampa, or see the ad on page 35.

New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

31

Trust Florida Advance Spine & Orthopedics For Spine & Orthopedic Care

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Neighborhood News Correspondent Florida Advanced Spine and Orthopedics (FASTMD) is a leading orthopedic practice with five locations throughout Tampa Bay. The Wesley Chapel office, located in the Cypress Ridge Professional Park on the north side of S.R. 56, is led by orthopedists Jonas Santos, D.O., and Andrew Corbett, D.O. FASTMD’s comprehensive spine and general orthopedic services include minimally invasive spine surgery, injections, sports medicine and general orthopedics of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, neck, knee and ankle. The doctors can help patients suffering from back pain, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs and dislocations/subluxations, among many other concerns. This breadth of offerings positions the practice as a one-stop solution for all of your musculoskeletal issues.

Dr. Santos is a Board-certified and fellowship-trained Interventional Pain Physician specializing in minimally invasive procedures and interventional injections. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton. He continued his medical training at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine, where he completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, including rotations at Tampa General Hospital and the Moffitt Cancer Center. He served as Chief Resident during his residency. Following his residency, Dr. Santos pursued a Fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine at USF, where he gained expertise in interventional procedures for pain relief.

These days, Dr. Santos also teaches residents and fellows at the USF Health Residency and Fellowship Programs, where he stays up-to-date with current research and effective treatments for the spine and orthopedics.

(Left) Dr. Jonas Santos, with some of the technologically advanced equipment at Florida Advanced Spine & Orthopedics’ Wesley Chapel office. (Right) Dr. Andrew Corbett goes over a patient’s chart with the patient. (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

“I wanted to specialize in the field of spine and orthopedics because I feel that when it comes to surgical options, patients are understandably apprehensive about having to undergo surgery.”

He adds that he aims to emphasize that many conservative treatments and minimally invasive options are available before just going straight to surgery.

“This misconception is something that I really wanted to educate our community about,” he says. “We promote trying to treat patients conservatively.”

While he acknowledges that some situations do require surgical interventions, he is cognizant of putting patients at ease when entering a surgical practice office. The doctors work collaboratively with patients to develop treatment plans tailored to their specific situations to avoid surgery anytime it is not essential.

Dr. Santos offers injections that can help with pain in a patient’s spine, neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and hand.

For issues with feet and ankles, however, he refers patients to a podiatrist.

He stresses that early intervention is imperative, as the longer the damaged nerves and discs exist, the greater the likelihood that chronic pain will increase.

“Some of the most gratifying aspects of what I do is seeing the relief on a

patient’s face when we tell them there are other minimally invasive options — like injection therapies — that can help a lot of back and nerve-related pain,” he says.

“After we are able to proceed with those interventions — and some patients feel almost instantaneous relief that they’ve been suffering with for usually several months — it is quite rewarding.”

Dr. Andrew Corbett, a recent addition to the FASTMD practice, also earned his D.O. degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton. He completed his Adult Deformity and Spinal Reconstruction Surgery Fellowship at the Sonoran Spine Center in Tempe, AZ, following his Orthopedic Surgery residency at the USF Morsani College of Medicine.

Dr. Corbett says he was inspired to follow the path into orthopedics due to a personal experience with a sports injury he sustained in high school and college.

When surgical intervention for a patient’s spine is required, Dr. Corbett utilizes a MEND (Minimally-Invasive Endoscopic Discectomy) procedure, which is done by utilizing small cameras similar to laparoscopic surgery, allowing the removal of painful disc material, clearing out bone spurs and arthritis through a small camera less than an

32 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

eighth of an inch wide. This process enables Dr. Corbett to access the painful area of the patient’s spine without damaging the surrounding tissues.

“The recovery is much quicker and, in most cases, less painful,” Dr. Corbett says, “and allows you to get to your rehabilitation and physical therapy much quicker than the larger incisions used in traditional surgeries. While certain indications do still require larger surgery, we try to offer the minimally-invasive offer whenever it is appropriate.”

Like Dr. Santos, Dr. Corbett finds that the most rewarding aspect of the practice is being able to alleviate a patient’s pain after surgery and “watching them return to an active lifestyle.”

Speaking Of Lifestyle...

Both doctors stress the significance of maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity and paying attention to cardiovascular health and core strength to all of their patients. They believe in stretching, proper weightlifting techniques, ergonomic practices, and postural awareness to prevent joint issues.

“Maintaining a healthy diet is number one to keep the pressure off your spine,” Dr. Corbett says. “Maintaining physical activity, at least 30 minutes a

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day, and paying attention to cardiovascular health, as well as core strength (also are important).”

Dr. Santos agrees and adds that proper diet and exercise allow your body to “essentially use all of the muscles, ligaments and joints harmoniously, so none of those systems is taking on the load and undergoing degeneration.”

The doctors share an unwavering commitment to providing patients with the best possible care. At the practice’s Trinity location, FASTMD has a very rare FDA-approved Stem Cell Lab where the doctors can harvest stem cells from patients and store them for the patient’s possible future needs.

“This way, if they need surgery in the future, we can use those stem cells to help the healing process,” Dr. Santos says. “(Stem cells) can be used for a herniated disc once removed and the fusion of certain joints that need to be fused using the patient’s stem cells. We also can harvest them to treat rotator cuff injuries, arthritis and tendonitis of other joints in the body, as well.”

In mid-November, a Board-certified general orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ryan Ouillette, will join the practice. He attended Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI, and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospital. Dr. Ouillette furthered his speciali-

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zation with a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

Dr. Ouillette will perform all extensive and minor orthopedic surgeries, excluding spinal procedures, which will expand the practice’s capabilities for a broader full-service range of surgical options. This exciting addition further underscores FASTMD’s commitment to offering the Wesley Chapel community comprehensive orthopedic care.

Outside the practice, Dr. Santos enjoys basketball, football, and fishing. He impact in orthopedics for years to come. is the proud father of an eight-year-old Florida Advanced Spine & Orthoson and resides in Wesley Chapel with pedics’ Wesley Chapel office is located his wife and two Pomeranians, Becky and at 2309 Crestover Lane and is open Gg. Dr. Corbett, who has been happily married for a year and a half, is excitedly anticipating the arrival of his first child, a baby girl. He enjoys spending quality time at the pool with family and friends and loves playtime with his three-yearold mini Goldendoodle, Leo. Both doctors also share a love of fishing.

As FASTMD continues to grow and evolve, patients can rest assured that their musculoskeletal health needs will be met with the highest standard of care and expertise, whether through nonsurgical, minimally invasive interventions or surgical solutions when necessary. The practice’s dedication to each patient’s well-being remains unwavering, and it is poised to continue making a significant

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For appointments and more information, call 855-3FASTMD, visit FASTMD. com or see the ad on pg. 41.

New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

33

Rejuvenate Your Skin, Hair & Body At Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa

By Nidhi Jani

Neighborhood News Correspondent Many of us want little touch-ups to our look and some are even ready for a total body transformation. But, when there are so many different products, lasers and injectables out there, where do you begin?

Karma Nguyen can help you. She is the owner of Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa in the New Tampa Professional Park off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Pebble Creek and her education as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN-FNP) makes her well-qualified to educate and administer the latest image-improving treatments.

You may have gotten a facial before, but Defining Beauty has five options for facial skin care. If you have facial hair or acne, no problem. Men, women and teens can receive personalized facials from Karma with recommendations for daily skin maintenance care afterwards. The spa is also known for offering HydraFacial™, a facial performed using a device with a vacuum-like effect to cleanse, moisturize, and brighten the skin. You also can get a PRX Derm Perfexion or PRX-T33 facial, microneedling with or without plasmarich protein derived from your own blood, or chemical peels with superficial, medium, or deep skin activity.

Are you interested in IV infusions?

Karma offers more than a dozen different IV therapies that offer specific combinations of vitamins, minerals and amino acids for different needs, including hydration, mental health, athletic recovery and performance.

With all of these specialized treatments, it is often recommended or required to receive them from a licensed professional only. Thankfully, Karma has been a licensed nurse since 2003. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees through a combination of online coursework and on-site clinical rotations, from Chamberlain University, based in Chicago, IL. After graduating with her MSN degree, Karma became an APRN. Karma says that one of her clinical rotations exposed her to the work of an aesthetic nurse. That sparked her interest in aesthetic treatments and since then, she has traveled to New York, Texas and different parts of Florida to obtain additional certifications, including her national certification as an FNP through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), as well as hands-on training in aesthetic techniques before opening Defining Beauty in July 2021. Dr. Binu Jacob, M.D. is the med spa’s medical director.

“Every person has a different anatomy and wants to achieve a different look,” Karma says. “To get pronounced, versus subtle results, it is important to know the different ways to inject or apply products

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Family Nurse Practitioner Karma Nguyen and her Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa are located in the New Tampa Professional Park in Pebble Creek, off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (Photos above by Charmaine George) and devices.” best to accommodate patients by offering years in the Tampa and Wesley Chapel When it comes to cosmetic needs like weekend and evening appointments. area, so the first thing I did was my rewrinkles, sagging skin, hair removal and search. I found that Karma has the same Kimberly Clawson (photos on next restoration, or medical conditions like amount of medical experience under her page) is a Defining Beauty patient who acne, psoriasis and rosacea, there are many speaks highly of Karma’s professionalism, belt; and her reputation in the communilaser and injectable treatments available ty is that she is trustworthy, dependable, expertise and flexibility. that can help. In order to decide the best and competent.”

“I was referred to Karma by a close option for your needs, you need a special- friend,” says Kimberly. “My main (goals “I was a regular at a med spa in ist who will be honest about each one’s were) continuing my weight loss journey south Tampa, but after my first visit with pros and cons. on Ozempic® and finding a more afford- Karma I made the switch. Karma works Before providing any treatment, able option for some cosmetic issues that with my schedule — including appointKarma performs a thorough consultaments on the weekends — and her prichave been bothering me for a few years. tion with each client to understand their I have been a cardiac nurse for almost 20 ing is about half the cost of what I was current state of health, address their skin care or body concerns and figure out what they hope to achieve.

“Often there are different options for various skin care or body goals,” she says.

“I go over the options with the patient to see their comfort level and interest. And, most important is that I am open with my patients so they have realistic expectations.

You can’t achieve surgical-type results without surgery, but I can let you know what you can reasonably expect.”

Do Your Research

Karma says she appreciates patients who like to do their own research. On Defining Beauty’s website (see link below), there is a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for each proprietary laser (Neo Elite®, Lumecca IPL, and Morpheus8) and injectable product (Botox®, Juvederm®, Kybella®, Ozempic® and more) she uses. This is really helpful to answer your basic questions including what to expect, who should and should not receive treatment, the possible risks, side effects and recovery period for each treatment and how long you can expect your results to last.

After reviewing the different options, Karma will develop a patient-specific treatment plan and schedule a treatment session that same day or, if more time is needed, within the next few days.

Karma, who lives in New Tampa with her mom Lucy and youngest son Kevin (a high school senior), does her

34 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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paying [before], and the location is very convenient.”

Kimberly adds, “To date, I have lost 42 pounds under her careful guidance on Ozempic. She leans on the side of caution by requiring lab work, ensuring my dosing is safe, providing dietary counseling and checking in with me regularly. Now that I have reached my goal weight (over about 5 months), I am on a maintenance dose of Ozempic, which she monitors closely.”

And finally, she says, “I can also testify that Karma will not perform any services that could cause unintentional harm to her patients. I begged her to restore my Juvederm® lip injections. However, she noted my history of angioedema (severe allergy) while taking a (blood pressure) medication called Lisinopril® at the same time as Juvederm®, and advised me that she would not do that. Even though I no longer take that medication, she refused to take any chances with Juvederm®. Instead, she performed a “Lip Flip” using Botox®, which evened out the embarrassing damage caused by my previous experience. Finally, after 3 years of fearing my lips would remain grossly uneven, I smile with confidence!”

If you want to continue your beauty maintenance process at home after your spa visit, Defining Beauty offers a large selection of ZO® and Obagi Medical® skin care products. From quality

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cleansers and toners to specialized acne, anti-aging, redness and cellulite control products, Karma will let you know which product or combination of products will offer the best results.

Monthly memberships also are available for clients who want regular treatments at Defining Beauty. Gold ($160), Platinum ($200) and Diamond ($240 per month) members will receive a free HydraFacial® each month plus 50% off any additional facials as well as discounts on products, injectables and packages. Monthly treatments can be gifted to another person once every 4 months for a $20 transfer fee and there is a free add-on given during the member’s birthday month.

Karma has plans to expand Defining Beauty in the near future. She has brought on a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) named Michael to offer massage services at the spa. She also is adding a new treatment option for rejuvenation to improve wrinkles and skin laxity near the eye.

Contact Karma at Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa today to see how Defining Beauty patient Kimberly Clawson she can help your with your cosmetic and at 168 lbs. (above) & 126 lbs. (right) has wellness needs. received medical weight loss treatments and Mention Neighborhood News to lip injections from Karma Nguyen. receive 30% off of your first service.

(Photos provided by Kimberly Clawson) Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa visit definingbeautymedspa.com or see is located at 8911 Regents Park Dr., the ad on pg. 45 for more details (and Suite 510, #9. The spa is open by apa great gift card special). You also may pointment only. Call (813) 955-0408,

follow “Defining Beauty Wellness and Med Spa” on Facebook or “@definingbeautymedspa” on Instagram for pictures, tips and special offers.

New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

35

Bring The Entire Family To Elements Of Stylez Barber Shop!

By Nidhi Jani

Neighborhood News Correspondent Getting your hair cut, trimmed, faded, or styled can be fun and relaxing, or even a little nerve-wracking, as you wait to see your new look. One thing it usually is not is a family experience. Wouldn’t it be nice for men, women, young children and teens to all be able to go to one place for great haircuts and styles? Well look no further — Elements of Stylez Barber Shop, in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel,, is just that place.

Elements of Stylez (EOS) is a onestop barber shop with modern music and décor and an upbeat atmosphere that is welcoming to all. The barbers at EOS are ready to cut and style men’s and women’s hair of all hair types and lengths. They also are naturals at keeping young children calm and still, so they can get that perfect first haircut starting at age 1, or get that stylish fade or blowout just right for teens before prom.

Daniel Quintana and Briannah Talley, also known as “Danny and Bri,” are the couple and business partners behind EOS, combining their hair and cosmetology experience to open the business together in 2018.

Danny has been working with hair for 35 years, first for about 17 years in the Bronx, NY, before moving to Florida and continuing his career here.

He says that becoming a barber was something that basically fell into his lap. He was thinking of starting a new career path when he went to get his usual haircut. He got to talking to his barber and realized his hobby of cutting hair for friends and family could actually be a sustainable career.

“After that haircut, I bought a pair of nice clippers and just never looked back,” Danny says.

Teaching himself, as well as training with barbers and beauticians over the years, Danny discovered a passion for hair cutting and now can’t see himself doing anything else.

“I have no regrets. If I had to do it all over again, I’d still choose to be a barber,” says Danny. “Even in my next life, I’ll be a barber. This career has given me opportunities and joy that I would never trade for anything else.”

While living in New Tampa and working at a local barber shop, Danny met his girlfriend Bri at a local Supercuts eight years ago. Bri, who hails from Detroit, is formidable with hair herself — or, as she puts it, “a beast with the clippers.” Deciding to work together — and work for themselves — they opened EOS together as co-owners and moved to Wesley Chapel, where most of their team lives, too.

“We’re three female and four male barbers altogether, and five of us live in Wesley Chapel,” Danny says. “We love our Wesley Chapel community and watching it grow.

We are grateful to all of our customers, near and far, who’ve helped us grow, too.”

The seven-barber team at Elements of Stylez Barber Shop in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel is led by Briannah (“Bri”) Talley (left) and her partner Daniel (“Danny”) Quintana. (Photos by Charmaine George) for women, from layer cuts to hot tool styl- but not many who can do it right,” shares Booking With Booksy ing to natural cuts and keratin treatments.

Danny. “It is a tattoo that involves thouIn addition to Danny and Bri, the Danny is the resident scalp micropigsands of shallow applications to mimic hair talented team at EOS includes Mo, Yissi mentation (SMP) expert at EOS. SMP is a follicles. Unfortunately, I have seen it done (pronounced “GC”), Isaac, Beatriz and specialized hair tattoo (see photo on next wrong, where the end result really does not Victor. In addition to haircuts for all ages, page) that gives the appearance of growing look good, not like hair at all, so picking the barbers at EOS also offer fades, buzz the right person is essential.” cuts, shape-ups, cuts with designs and layer hair. He says that SMP is a great option to manage hair loss and receding hairlines and No matter what your reason is for cuts, as well as braids, twists, and “locs” can last for 3-5 years. visiting EOS, all of the shop’s barbers will (aka dreadlocks). They also offer relaxing Danny has a unique experience with leave you with your hair looking good. hot towel shaves and beard trims, shampoo SMP as someone who has used it himself Tani Mitchell is a regular customer of and deep conditioning treatments and hot and now does it for others. He uses tattoo Danny’s and EOS. tool styling for short or long hair. ink, instead of tattoo pigment, for longer“I’m originally a transplant from PennBe sure to check out almost all of the lasting results and stresses that it is imporsylvania, so when I first came down here, EOS barbers on Booksy, a website that tant to go to an SMP artist who is really it took a few haircuts from a few different lets you book appointments for barbers, comfortable and skilled at the process. people before I got referred to Danny,” hairstylists, nail salon artists, licensed mas“There are many who can do SMP, says Tani. “But, once I started working sage therapists and more. Here, you can see the EOS barbers’ services in detail — with prices, estimated time needed for your service, pictures and reviews of their work.

For example, Booksy says that Victor can hook you up with an after-hours appointment if you need it, and also offers fades, beard colors and eyebrow shaping with a razor. Isaac’s reviews make it clear that he’s great with both kids and adults.

Mo is your man if you need steady hands for clean hairlines and designs. Yissi does hair for males and females of all ages but is known for women’s blowouts and “updos,” as well as eyebrow and lip waxes, locs styling, curly cuts, deep conditioning treatments, beard trims and shape-ups.

Beatriz is the only barber at EOS without a Booksy account, but many residents of Wesley Chapel already are familiar with her work. Beatriz was the owner of Cuts & More, the previous salon at this same location, before selling it to Danny and Bri, and she continues to cut and style hair for her many long-time (and new) clients at EOS. Danny and Bri have a shared Booksy account and they both cut and style hair for kids, teens, men and women. In addition to many of the services already discussed, Bri and Danny also offer men’s scissor cuts, bald head cuts or trims with clippers or razor, fades and hot tool styling.

They are both great with kids, especially cutting fades and intricate designs like hearts, stars, diamonds, and even the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls logo.

Bri can do just about any hair service

36 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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with Danny, I was set. I’ve actually being getting haircuts with Danny for eight years, so when he and Bri opened the shop, I followed him there.”

There’s no other barbershop Tani would prefer for himself or even his kids.

“When I go to EOS, I get the full service — beard, haircut, hot towel and shave,” Tani says. “My son got his first haircut there when he was 2-1/2 years old.

I love everyone in the shop. Bri has done my daughters’ braids before sports season.

She’s also cut my hair and my son’s hair.

Beatriz has also done blowouts for my daughter. They cater to everybody. Great shop, great family environment.”

Elements of Stylez Barber Shop is located at 30040 S.R. 54. The shop is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sat. (closed on Sun.). For appointments, call (813)

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(Top) EOS is always hopping with barbers and customers. (Above) An example of SMP. (Above photo from Danny Quintana) 575-8416 or see the ad on pg. 45. Also visit “@Elements_of_Stylez” on Instagram to see pictures of the creative cuts, designs, and styles created by Danny and the rest of the EOS team of barbers.

New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

37

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38 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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This Is Your Last Chance To Enter To Win In Our 2023 Reader Dining Survey & Contest!

It’s been a long journey, but this is your last chance to enter this year’s Reader Dining Survey & Contest for your chance to win $100, $60 or $35 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice located anywhere in the Tampa Bay area!

Although the deadline to enter has been posted in previous issues as being Wednesday, November 1 (and we did shut down the voting for your Five Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel), we’ve extended the deadline to Thursday, November 16, for the eight questions below, since you had less than two weeks to respond to the last few questions and less than two months to answer some of the other later questions. However, please realize that we’re only giving you a couple of days or so after this issue shows up in your mailbox to answer any or all of the remaining questions.

We have had more than 1,500 total entries to this year’s contest to date but less than 100 entries each to Question #s 7-10 below. Please postmark your mailed entries or make sure your online and emailed entries are received by the 16th to be eligible to win any of our prizes. All winners will be announced in our December 12 issue! Good luck! — GN

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Question #3: What is your Favorite Pizza Place located in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel? __________________________________________________________ Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Tampa Palms, Arbor Greene, etc.) ____________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Question #7: What is your Favorite Asian Restaurant located in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel?___________________________________ Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (The Hammocks, Lake Forest, etc.) ___________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Here’s another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, please name just your Favorite Pizza Place in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you already named your five favorite restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, you can still enter again by filling out this entry! — GN

Here’s yet another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, please name just your Favorite Place for Sushi in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you’ve already answered the previous three questions, you can enter to win again by filling out this entry! — GN

Question #4: What is your Favorite Place for Sushi in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel? ______________________________________________________

Here’s another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, please name just your Favorite Asian Restaurant in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you already answered other Survey questions, you can enter again by answering the question below! — GN

Here’s yet another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, name just your Favorite Bar or Tavern in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you already named your five favorite restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, you can still enter again by filling out this entry! — GN

Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Hunter’s Green, West Meadows, etc.) _________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Question #8: What is your Favorite Bar or Tavern located in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel? __________________________________________________________ Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Easton Park, Cory Lake Isles, etc.) ___________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Here’s another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, please name just your Favorite Place for Latin (but not Mexican) food in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you already answered other Survey questions, you can enter again by answering the question below! — GN

Question #5: What is your Favorite Place for Latin (but not Mexican) food located in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel?___________________________________

Here’s yet another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, name just your Favorite Bar or Tavern in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you already named your five favorite restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, you can still enter again by filling out this entry! — GN

Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Richmond Place, Cross Creek, etc.) ___________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Question #9: What is your Favorite Breakfast Place located in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel? ___________________________________________________ Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Grand Hampton, Pebble Creek, etc.) _________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Enter Our 2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest!

Question #6: What is your Favorite Burger Place located in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel? __________________________________________________________ Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Live Oak Preserve, K-Bar Ranch, etc.)_________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Question #10: What is your Favorite Mexican/Southwestern restaurant located in (or near) New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel? ______________________________________ Your First & Last Name___________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Hunter’s Key, West Meadows, etc.) ___________________ Your Daytime Phone Number______________________________________________ Your Email Address_______________________________________________________

Here’s yet another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, name just your Favorite Burger Place in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you already named your five favorite restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, you can still enter again by filling out this entry! — GN

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Here’s yet another chance to win FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice! One entry per person, per question. Below, name just your Favorite Bar or Tavern in New Tampa OR Wesley Chapel! Mail your entry to “2023 Neighborhood News Dining Contest” at 2604 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102D, Wesley Chapel 33544. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net or email the entry form to Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com. Even if you already named your five favorite restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, you can still enter again by filling out this entry! — GN

New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

39

Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli Co. — Legit Bagels & Delicious Breakfast & Lunch

By GARY NAGER

All photos by Charmaine George Although I have known Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli Co. coowner Jeff Cofini for a number of years, I warned him when he first told me that he was opening a New York-style bagel place in New Tampa that, as a native New Yawka and self-proclaimed bagel aficionado, if his bagels weren’t “legit,” we could have a problem.

But, while it took a lot longer than planned for Cofini and his nephew and partner Nick Cignarella (in fact, “Zio” means “uncle” in Italian), to open their Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli Co. in the Pebble Creek Collection, there’s no doubt — in my eyes, at least — that it was well worth the wait.

Zio’s may not have the best bagels I’ve ever tasted, but they are the first legitimate, best NY-style bagels ever sold in New Tampa. I can say, in all sincerity, that anytime I have a hankerin’ for a fried (or scrambled) egg, bacon and cheese or smoked salmon and cream cheese on a sesame or everything bagel (which I get often), with an extra-crisp hash brown patty on the side, my car already seems to know to take me to Zio’s.

But, Zio’s offers more than just great bagels. Jannah and I (as well as photographer Charmaine George) all already have our own favorites.

For breakfast, while Charmaine is partial to the steak (grilled Boar’s (Above) Co-owners Jeff Cofini (left) & Nick Cignarella of Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli Co. in the Pebble Creek Collection. Some of our favorites at Zio’s include (below left) the steak, egg & cheese wrap; (below right) The Melvin sandwich (shown with a crispy hash Head roast beef, actually), egg and cheese wrap or omelette, Jannah brown patty); (bottom left) a catering tray of bagels, spreads, salads & muffins & (bottom right) the All Jacked Up sandwich. prefers Zio’s homemade chicken salad as a melt (with cheddar cheese) on a toasted, scooped-out Asiago cheese bagel.

And for lunch, while I have consistently enjoyed The Melvin (grilled Boar’s Head pastrami and corned beef, with melted Swiss and cole slaw on grilled rye or pumpernickel bread), I also found the All Jacked Up sandwich (with grilled Boar’s Head deluxe roast beef, melted pepper jack cheese, sautéed onions, lettuce and tomato with spicy brown mustard, mayo or thousand island dressing) on a hoagie roll to be outstanding, too.

And, although she always asks for just two slices of bread, instead of the usual three it comes with, Jannah loves the Double Decker, featuring Boar’s Head Ovengold turkey, with Boar’s Head cheddar (instead of the American cheese it comes with), crispy bacon and lettuce on grilled pumpernickel bread.

Charmaine enjoyed the smoked salmon bagel sandwich, as well as the Harvest Salad (with crisp romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, shredded carrots, sweet dry cranberries and walnuts, topped with pinwheels of Boar’s Head Ovengold turkey and Swiss), as well as Zio’s grilled cheeseburgers and crispy fries.

Jeff says that although many of the items mentioned so far are among his topsellers, “We sell more of the Italian Combo than any other sandwich for lunch.”

The Italian Combo is piled high with Boar’s Head Capy hot ham, Genoa salami and pepperoni and is topped with provolone, lettuce, tomato, red onion and Italian dressing. He says the Taylor ham, egg & cheese dominates breakfast, and breakfast and lunch are both served whenever Zio’s is open, so you can have your breakfast favorites for lunch and vice-versa — and the prices definitely are fair.

Zio’s also has fresh-baked muffins in a variety of flavors and delicious gourmet

40 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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(Above) Smoked salmon and cream cheese on an everything bagel, anyone? (Below) The Harvest salad features Boar’s Head Ovengold turkey & Swiss cheese pinwheels. gavina coffee. Catering is a specialty if you have a meeting, party or event coming up. In fact, Zio’s provided a beautiful spread of bagels, butter and cream cheese (including a sweet maple walnut cream cheese) for the Neighborhood News-hosted North Tampa Bay Chamber coffee meeting last month and everyone raved about the bagels.

Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli Co. is located at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. It is open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.; and 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (813) 388-9498 or search “Zio’s New York Bagel and Deli Co.” on Facebook. Or, see the ad on page 45 of this issue. You’ll find a coupon for a free bagel (with the coupon only; no purchase necessary).

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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

41

Bang-Bang! Bowls Is Open In Pebble Creek!

Even though I grew up in New York, I had no idea what to expect from the new Bang-Bang! Bowls (located in the space previously occupied by Coffee Speaks & Tea Talks in the Pebble Creek Collection), which bills itself as “NY-style Indian rice bowls.”

Well, following our first visit, Jannah and I really like Bang-Bang! Bowls, which has only one other location — in Nebraska. I ordered the “make-it-yourself” bowl (left photo), which I got with long-grain yellow rice, jerk chicken (with a semi-spicy jerk sauce) and fresh veggies. Jannah loved the spicy chicken taco (right photo), especially the mild white sauce and the clearly house-baked soft taco shells.

NEW TAMPA

Bang-Bang! Bowls (19651 BBD Blvd.) is open every day, 4 p.m.-midnight, except Monday (when it is closed). For more information, visit Bang-BangBowls.com or call (813) 406-4366. — GN

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42 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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Check Out The Completely Redesigned Las Palmas Latin Grill!

Although we told you last issue that Las Palmas Latin Grill had reopened in the same brick-&-mortar space as it was previously, at 6431 County Line Rd. (south of Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the same plaza as LA Fitness and Five Guys), the new Las Palmas hadn’t actually reopened when we went to press with that issue, so we couldn’t show you any pictures of the place or the food.

Well, the beautiful, new Las Palmas did open as planned on Oct. 24 (a little more than two years after a kitchen fire shuttered the place) with a small ribbon-cutting ceremony and a few close friends and family getting to enjoy the full menu that had to be greatly reduced when owners Ramses and Ana Garcia had their food truck in the same parking lot following the fire. The full menu is back and available at the newly reopened Las Palmas Latin Grill, including (top) merluza a la If you’ve never had Ana’s Rusa and(above) the pressed Tampa Cuban sandwich. picadillo (minced beef with olives, potatoes and tomato pork, salami and Swiss Cheese, mustard, sauce), Ramses’ merluza a la Rusa (fried flaky mayo & pickles) or the big variety of empanawhite fish filet topped with egg, tomatoes and das, croquettes and Latin pastries, you need spices), vaca frita (crispy shredded beef with to visit Las Palmas — which will hopefully garlic-lemon mojo sauce), the award-winning soon have its beer and wine license, too. pressed Tampa Cuban (with ham, roasted And, with the holidays coming up fast,

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(Above) Ramses & Ana Garcia invite you to sample their authentic Cuban and Latin specialties, including the flaky guava-filled pastry shown below. don’t forget to check out Las Palmas and its outstanding catering menu for a holiday party you and your guests won’t soon forget!

Las Palmas Latin Grill is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday & Saturday (it’s closed on Sunday). For more information, call (813) 991-5500 or visit LasPalmasLatinGrill.com — and don’t forget to tell Ramses & Ana we sent you! — GN

New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

43

WESLEY CHAPEL

By GARY NAGER

Research by Joel Provenzano

(Above) The burrito bowl at Barberitos, which appears to be coming soon to The Shoppes at Cypress Creek.

Although it’s not going to be located in Wesley Chapel, a new 8,000-sq.-ft. building now under construction on S.R. 54 in Lutz, less than a mile west of the Tampa Premium Outlets (and just west of the Mobil gas station), will finally soon be home to two new restaurants — Fazoli’s and Barberitos.

People have been asking for a while about these two fast-casual eateries, as the signs for both had been located at the site for more than a year before the plaza, which is being called The Shoppes at Cypress Creek, began construction.

Well, even though only the Fazoli’s sign is currently still standing, it appears that both restaurants are going to be included in the same under-construction building between the Mobil station and the new Take 5 Oil Change, which is the first of what ultimately will be four buildings to be located on the 3.52-acre site.

The site plan submitted with Pasco County by St. Petersburg-based retail developer Paradise Ventures, Inc., calls for three retail tenants in the under-construction building (top left photo), the nearly 2,700-sq.ft. westernmost one (closest to the already-built Woodie’s Wash Shack) with a drive-through lane, which we’re assuming will be Fazoli’s, since all of the chain’s current locations (including the nearest one on E. Busch Blvd.) have a drive-through.

Based on the development’s site plan, it appears that Barberitos will be located in the 1,800-sq.-ft. easternmost space (closest to Take 5) and an as-yet unnamed retailer in the 2,675-sq.-ft. middle space.

The third building at the site, which

is not yet under construction, is a future restaurant pad that the site plan says will be a maximum of 5,500 sq. ft.

For leasing and other information about the Shoppes at Cypress Creek, call John Mott at (727) 812-1555 or visit ParadiseVenturesInc.com.

In addition to those breadsticks, Fazoli’s features pizzas, pastas (including baked pastas like lasagne and chicken parmigiana), “Snacks & Shareables” (like baked meatballs and fried mozzarella bites), hot and cold subs, salads and a variety of pasta samplers, such as the four-item combo shown above.

More About Fazoli’s

More About Barberitos

According to Fazolis.com, the Kentucky-based chain founded in 1988 has more than 200 locations, the majority of which are franchises in more than half of the 50 U.S. states, including six in Florida.

The 35-year-old company’s slogan is “Fast. Fresh. Italian.” and fans of the brand say the breadsticks are “even better than Olive Garden’s.”

Well, I’ve never been a fan of Olive Garden’s breadsticks, but I do love Italian food, so I am hopeful, since Jannah and I live so close to the coming-soon location, that it will be worth the long wait. I likely will visit the Busch Blvd. location sometime after this issue hits mailboxes to try it out.

According to Barberitos.com, the Athens, GA-based fast-casual Southwestern cuisine eatery was founded in 2000 by Downing Barber. The restaurant’s slogan is “Food • Community • People.”

The “Coming Soon” notification I found says that Barberitos features, “farm-fresh burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads and more in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Choose one of our popular specialty items or create your own favorite from one of more than 30 toppings...and our made-in-house salsas.”

The nearest to us of the 50+ Barberitos throughout the southeastern U.S. is in Panama City, FL, so I guess I won’t be able to visit one anytime soon.

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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

44 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

45

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46 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23, November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575

47

48 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 23 • November 14, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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