Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 31, Issue 24, November 28, 2023

Volume 31 Issue 24 November 28, 2023

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Wesley Chapel Rejoices As Cooper’s Hawk Opens!

By GARY NAGER

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant’s new Wesley Chapel location is now open on S.R. 56. Get a look at some of the restaurant’s great menu options in the story on page 40. (Photo by Charmaine George)

EDITORIAL

If you don’t think a detached retina is a big deal, read this story.

See page 3

A NEW RIGHT TURN ONTO 75?

The possibility of adding a new right turn to help exiting mall traffic is being studied.

See page 4

CHAMBER AWARD WINNERS!

The North Tampa Bay Chamber names its Excellence in Business winners for 2023.

See page 8

FLAMINGO DONUTS!!

Union Park resident turns Food Network success into a delicious business.

See page 20

Noble Crust Three-Peats As Our Readers’ WC Fave!

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Check out your top-25 Favorites in both New Tampa & Wesley Chapel on pages 35-37!

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What were that a A Detached Retina Is Really No Big Deal? My Eye! thefriendodds of ours

By GARY NAGER been told by other people about themselves or their family members or friends who have Editorial

When I wrote about the surgery I had on Sept. 19 to repair a detached retina in my left eye on this page in our Oct 3 issue, I had no idea how many people that story would affect.

I have received so many wonderful phone calls and texts from friends I haven’t spoken to in a while, as well as calls to our office from readers — many of whom I’ve never met — all wishing me well and/or telling me a story about someone they know who went through a similar ordeal.

And yes, it has been an ordeal, although certainly nothing when compared with some injuries and illnesses other people have gone through or are still dealing with to this day.

But, it’s been especially challenging for someone like me who has had to not only write stories but also help create ads and especially, create every page of the now five issues of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News I have had to complete with basically one eye since that surgery.

Even so, there’s no doubt that I am one of the lucky ones who have been through this process. I recognized that the “floaters” I was experiencing in that eye weren’t normal the day I first started seeing them. I was able to go that same day to see my friend and optometrist Dr. David Scamard of Excellence in Eye Care (see ad on this page) and he took a digital picture of my eye that he felt might be showing a detached retina.

When my vision in that eye became a total blur a few days later, Dr. Dave gave me a full exam and sent me that same day to the Wesley Chapel office of Retina Vitreous Associates, where the outstanding retinal specialist and surgeon Alfred White, M.D. (photo top right), agreed that I had a detached retina and convinced me not to wait to have the surgery, since he had an opening the very next day.

And since then, I have tried to do everything Dr. White has told me to do — and not to do — by the book and every appointment I’ve had with him since the surgery has gone exactly according to plan.

Five weeks after the surgery, my vision in that eye, with my glasses on, had improved enough for me to resume driving.

Two weeks later, the gas bubble implanted in my eye to hold the reattachment in place had dissipated enough for Dr. White to remove the green medical bracelet I had been wearing since the surgery warning health professionals to avoid using nitrous oxide gas if I was ever unconscious. He even said the bubble was small enough — 10% or less of its original size — that I could even safely fly in an airplane if I wanted to or had to.

And, although the bubble is still not completely gone as I’m writing this, it should be fully dissipated very soon and I will be able to take another eye test with Dr. Scamard to see if I now need a different eyeglass prescription, since no retinal surgeon can guarantee what your vision will be following reattachment surgery.

Dr. White says many of his local patients had mentioned to him that they had seen the original story and there is now a plaque with the story hanging in his office that I created for him as a thank-you gift.

Unfortunately, many of the stories I have Neighborhood News

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been through this process haven’t been quite so happy or lucky.

Most will admit that they probably waited longer than they should have to get their floaters checked. In fact, Dr. Dave told me he’s had several patients come in to have their floaters checked since my original editorial was published. One friend of mine told me that his vision is still pretty blurry in his surgical eye a year later because he likely waited too long to have his surgery.

But, the scariest story I have heard happened when Jannah and I visited St. Pete Beach in late October. We were told that a friend of ours who was the general manager at one of our favorite restaurants by the beach

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was no longer with that restaurant because he had opened his own new place a block or so down the road.

When we went to this outstanding new restaurant and asked for our friend — who we know to be something of a workaholic because he was never not at his previous restaurant, which was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, no matter what time of day we visited —the manager on duty told us that our friend hadn’t been able to be at the restaurant since the day it opened (Sept. 19), which just happened to be the same day I had my surgery.

When we asked why he wasn’t there, the manager said, “He had to have emergency retinal reattachment surgery the same day the restaurant opened — and he’s really not doing very well.” Jannah and I both got chills.

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would have the same surgery I did the same day I did?

And, to hear that he wasn’t doing well and could be out for 6 months — or even possibly lose his eye — made us both cry.

So please, Dr. Alfred White don’t ignore those floaters. Get ‘em checked ASAP. Visit Dr. Dave or another local optometrist. It could be nothing — as some floaters do go away on their own. But, since it could be a detached retina, please don’t wait. It could be the difference between you repeating my story or my friend’s.

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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 Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed

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

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisement reservations for Volume 31, Issue 26, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Thursday, December 14, 2023.

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

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2023 JM2 Communications, Inc.

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Right Turn Exit Near Rock & Brews To Get On I-75 Being Studied

By GARY NAGER Although we went to press with this issue the weekend before Black Friday, I am among the few local residents who avoids the Tampa Premium Outlets like the plague during the holiday shopping season.

Even though I hope both local shopping malls have a successful year, I just don’t have the patience to fight the traffic entering and exiting the outlet mall during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Case in point, despite the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) being pretty much fully open at S.R. 56 and I-75 last year at this time, the traffic getting both into and out of the Outlets was brutal.

I remember wondering to myself, “Why can’t someone look into adding at least another way to exit the mall?” And the corollary, “Why can’t they improve the interior roads at the mall to better handle the traffic?”

Well, it looks as though someone is trying the do something about it, which surely won’t be able to help the holiday traffic flow this year or probably even next year, but at least it’s becoming a possibility.

Mike Raysor, the president/owner of Raysor Traffic Consulting, LLC, says his company has been retained to study the possibility of adding a right-turn-out exit from, adjacent to the right-turn-in entrance to, the mall. Raysor is studying the possible effects not only on mall traffic but at the DDI itself, since the exit from the mall would put those

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As you drive eastbound on S.R. 56, past the main entrance to the Tampa Premium Outlets (at Grand Cypress Dr., between BJ’s Brewhouse and Cheddar’s), you may not realize that there is another mall entrance (left photo) that currently offers a right-in-only turn just before you reach Rock & Brews (right photo). Pasco County, FDOT, Sierra Properties & Raysor Transportation Consulting are looking into adding a lane that would provide vehicles with another way to exit the mall and get on I-75 southbound. (Photos by Charmaine George) exiting vehicles in what is now two entrance Unfortunately, Raysor says, that adenough lanes of traffic to get on northbound lanes to get onto southbound I-75. ditional entrance hasn’t done as much as it I-75 once they’ve exited the Outlets.

Pasco County, the Florida Departpossibly might have had there also been a Raysor also has retained former FDOT ment of Transportation (FDOT) and Sierra right-out-exit at the same location. “A lot transportation engineer Joel Provenzano to Properties, which has developed not only the help with the traffic studies. Provenzano, of people don’t even realize that entrance is outlet mall itself but also the development there,” Raysor says, “but more people might who also provides editorial research for this both north and south of S.R. 56 between recognize it as an entrance if there also was a publication, was unable to help with this I-75 and Wesley Chapel Blvd., are all working story because of his new consulting position. way out of the mall in the same area.” with Raysor’s company to study the potential We’ll keep you posted as to the outcome Provenzano was with FDOT when the effects, not only on traffic flow but also on of the study. In the meantime, can someone “Mall Entrance” sign shown in the photo safety, since adding the new mall exit would please look into closing off the median and above left was erected at the right-in-only have an effect not only on southbound I-75, turn near Rock & Brews, in an effort to keep the left turn at BJ’s right after you enter at but also on vehicles attempting to head east- at least some traffic away from the mall’s the light at Grand Cypress or at least cut the bound S.R. 56 and even some trying to cross main entrance at Grand Cypress Dr. hedges at that median to increase visibility?

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NTBC’s Award Winners Include AHWC, Avalon Park WC & Parks Ford Congratulations go out to all of this year’s “Excellence in Business” award winners and finalists from Wesley Chapel. The annual honors were presented by the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) at its awards gala held at TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant in The Grove on Nov. 17.

Among this year’s award winners were Jennie Yingling (right) of both Spinner Law and the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, who was honored with the “Community Hero” award; Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (top far right), which took home the “Excellence in Innovation” award; and to Parks Ford (below) and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (bottom far right), which (no pun intended) shared the “Innovation in Collaboration” honors (the first-ever tie for an NTBC award, according to Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy). Other winners included Pepin Academy (“Inclusivity”) and SOF Missions (“Integrity”). — Gary Nager

All photos by Charmaine George

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‘Hop On A Cure’ Event At TrebleMakers Raises Nearly $20,000 For ALS!

By GARY NAGER Photos by Charmaine George As I told you in our last issue, John Driskell Hopkins, affectionately know as “Hop” by his bandmates in the Zac Brown Band and his other friends (including Treble Makers owner Jamie Hess), was diagnosed with ALS in December of 2021 and started his “Hop On A Cure” 501(c)(3) nonprofit in March of 2022 to raise money to help find a cure for this dreaded nervous system disease, which currently has no cure.

After I interviewed Hop for that issue to promote his show at TrebleMakers, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I had the pleasure of attending the show featuring Hop’s John Driskell Hopkins Trio (which actually included a fourth band member on that afternoon), which raised nearly $20,000 for “Hop On A Cure.”

The foundation raised more than $1 million its first year and Hopkins said his goal is to raise $2 million in our second full year.”

His band’s one-hour set (which followed a set by the duo “Angels & Outlaws”) featured a number of the band’s original tunes, including the beautiful, soulful “Each Other,” and fun songs like “8 Tracks in Daddy’s Cadillac” and “I Hate to See Good Whiskey Go to Waste,” as well as the Zac Brown favorite “Toes,” for which Hop earned a writing credit. The band also rocked out to hits by both Tom Petty and Billy Joel.

On Nov. 4, John Driskell Hopkins (at far left in left photo and above right), who is afflicted with ALS, took time between his two concerts at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre with the Zac Brown Band (which he co-founded) to put on a fund-raising show at TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant in The Grove. The show raised nearly $20,000 for Hopkins’ “Hop On A Cure” Foundation.

Hopkins, who admits that his strength and salad — Jamie also auctioned off a was suffering from and agility aren’t what they once were, Taylor guitar (see photo above) bearing the a slow-progressing visited Treble Makers to raise money for his Hop On A Cure logo that was autographed form of ALS. foundation — and raise money he did. by every member of the Zac Brown Band.

There are In addition to Jamie and his partners The bidding for the guitar, which more than 20,000 Lee Bevan and Joe Hess donating all of the started at $1,500, was fierce enough that people in the U.S. proceeds of the tickets sold for the show — when two bidders neared the $5,000 mark, living with ALS, which got each of the more than 200 people Hop agreed to get a second guitar autowhich mainly afin attendance a great buffet meal of mozza- graphed by the entire band if both bidders flicts people ages rella sticks, chicken wings, pork tenderloin, would agree to $5,000 donations. One of 40-70. To make a donation, scan the QR code above or visit HopOnACure.org. chicken Marsala, mashed potatoes, veggies the winners was a lady who, like Hopkins,

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Lotte Plaza Market Opens To Big Crowds In New Tampa!

By Gary Nager

All 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.

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 to be part of this community.”

Lee also mentioned that although he thought the store had plenty of shopping carts for all of the shoppers on opening day, “We actually ran out of carts within the first hour. We had to bring in some carts from other stores.

That’s definitely a good sign.”

Lee’s prediction that the Saturday and

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(Top) Lotte Plaza Market president Alvin Lee & Hillsborough Commissioner Ken Hagan celebrate the store’s ribbon cutting. (Above) The mass of humanity outside of & inside the new store on opening day..

Sunday of the opening weekend (Nov. 4-5) Jours Bakery, which has so many different would be even more crowded than opening pastries, both sweet and savory, as well as cakes day also seemed to come true, as literally thou- and delicious coffees, that there’s no way to exsands of shoppers came to check out not only perience it all on one visit. I loved the authenthe produce, fish, meat and packaged grocery tic French butter and almond croissants, as well departments but also the Sijang Eatery, also as a super-soft milk cream bread, which is as soft as the Wonder bread I grew up with, but known as the store’s food court. filled with a slightly sweet cream. I also liked the Korean-style donuts, ham-and-cheese croisTake The Tour sants and spinach and feta cheese Danish. Yes, If you plan to visit the new Lotte Plaza the place is definitely dangerous for dieters.

Market, I suggest entering and turning right.

Lee said that although Tous Les Jours The first thing you’ll see is the beauty counter, with a wide variety of Korean and Asian beauty also has a bakery inside the Orlando store, the bakery’s management also brought in the products — widely acknowledged as among the best in the world — and helpful beauty other vendors at the food court at the New consultants who can help you find the products Tampa Lotte. Sijang Eatery has everything that will work best for you. from Luna Tea, to bb.q Chicken’s Korean The next thing you’ll see is the Tous Les fried chicken, delicious beef short ribs from

SGD (So Gong Dong) Tofu & BBQ, a number of deep fried options from JAWS Topokki and seafood soups and other ramen noodle dishes from Myunga Gyo-Dong Jjampong and Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I ordered from — and sampled — something from all six food court vendors, all on the store’s convenient kiosk ordering system. I will need a whole separate story in a future issue to do the food court places justice, but some of each eatery’s options are pictured on the next page.

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, Chinese broccoli, 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 section with fresh fish that already have been fileted, as well as 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. I bought a 3/4-lb. filet of delicious fresh grouper for about $12, or less than half of what fresh grouper costs at Publix.

The seafood department 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 may have the largest variety of meats I’ve 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, Halal lamb and goat 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

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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 much more.

And, we haven’t even been down the fully-stocked packaged grocery aisles throughout the middle of the store yet.

There is one 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. While some items are similarly priced as what you’d find in other supermarkets, the meat, fish and produce prices all seem to be significantly lower.

And, in case you also need new cups, dishes, candles and 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. And, although the peak hours, especially on the weekend, remain packed with people, on a recent Tuesday at 11 a.m., the checkout lines were already down to minimal.

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

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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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Academy Sports + Outdoors Opens To Cheers & Lots Of Gift Card Winners!

By GARY NAGER

Photos by Charmaine George If I ever open a store, I hope I can do as good a job as Academy Sports + Outdoors, a nearly 300-store chain which opened its newest location next to PopStroke on the north side of S.R. 56, in front of Total Wine & More.

From Fri.-Sun, Nov. 17-19, the first 150 people to visit received a free Academy Sports + Outdoors gift card valued anywhere from $20 to a whopping $500. According to Academy’s regional marketing specialist for Florida Michael Reynolds, a total of more than $14,000 in gift cards were given away and just the prospect of winning one of the two big $500 cards given away each day certainly had everyone in attendance excited about the Wesley Chapel area’s newest sporting goods store.

In fact, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I were on hand to witness the two $500 winners on Friday, including Kalyn Saliba (top left photo), who said that although she’s not particularly “sporty” herself, her husband and sons had shopped at the Academy store in Louisiana, where they lived for several years before moving back to Florida.

“But, I’m a big fan of Academy now,” Kalyn said after she posed with her giant gift card and called her husband, who didn’t believe she had really won. “No, really,” she said. “Let’s definitely go shopping here soon!”

We also heard several $75 and $100 gift cards being given to some of the other early attendees, none of whom won less than $20, and

most were quick to make purchases — including yours truly, who scooped a new pair of New Balance running shoes that were already 25% off before taking my $20 gift card into consideration. The athletic shoe department has lots of other options, including Asics, Brooks, Nike and more.

I don’t know how long the opening 25% off prices will remain in effect, but there’s no doubt that Academy Sports + Outdoors has pretty much everything you need to be outfitted for everything from baseball to volleyball and brand names from Adidas to Yeti — all at outstanding prices.

The outdoor department is huge and does include camping, fishing, hunting and hiking gear and even grills and turkey fryers.

Academy Sports + Outdoors (25415 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz) is open every day except Thur. For more information, call (813) 953-4410 or visit Academy.com.

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19

‘Holiday Baking Championship’ Finalist Opens Flamingo Donuts In The Chap

By Celeste McLaughlin

Neighborhood News Correspondent On Thursdays, when Sarah Wallace is pulling an all-nighter making donuts so they will be fresh for her customers the next morning, she sometimes hears the Food Network judges’ voices in her head.

“The biggest thing is you have to deliver flavor,” she says. “If it’s honey lavender crème brûlée, for example, the judges better taste the honey and the lavender.”

So, when she comes up with ideas for her Flamingo Donuts — a business she launched in Wesley Chapel just a couple of months ago — she’s always thinking about how to be sure the flavor is strong enough to come through on the donut itself.

That’s just one of the lessons she has learned from her time on “Holiday Baking Championship” and other Food Network shows.

After making it all the way to the finals of the “Holiday Baking Championship” (Season 6), which aired in 2019, she has participated in other Food Network shows, too. She served as a judge on “Buddy vs. Duff” (Season 3) and most recently was a contestant on “Guy’s Grocery Games” (Season 31).

As a contestant on “Holiday Baking Championship,” Sarah jumped at the chance to test her skills on the show just two weeks after her wedding. At the time, she was the general manager of the Magnolia Bakery in Boston.

She told her job she didn’t know how long she’d be gone.

She also told her new husband she was sorry they had to postpone their honeymoon. It didn’t faze him, though.

“It’s the Food Network,” she says Daniel told her. “If the Food Network calls, you go.”

So she did, and made it all the way to the final round, where she competed with two other bakers. Her plaid cake ultimately came up just shy of the big win.

Four years later, Sarah and her husband, Daniel Belisle, have moved to Wesley Chapel to be closer to her parents and other family members.

20

(Left photo by Andrea Radford Photography [@andrearadfordphotography]) Sarah Walker’s Flamingo Donuts are huge & come in a variety of unique flavors. (Right photo courtesy of Food Network) Sarah was a finalist on the Holiday Baking Championship in 2019.

The couple now lives in Union Park better than a cake because it’s deep fried.” ful donuts people are ever going to see” She says it was “excruciating” to leave to Wesley Chapel. and are parents to Jonah, age two, and “Every donut is an experience,” she what she calls her dream job with Union four-month-old Jude. Sarah sometimes says. “I’m taking a donut and elevating it.”

Square to move to Florida. uses Belisle as her last name.

She says everything is made from “I loved my team,” she says, “and we She calls donuts “the love of her life,” scratch, every dough and every topping, made the best donuts in Boston.” even though her early career revolved and nothing is made ahead of time.

But, Sarah and Daniel made the around cakes. She says if she ever had a For now, Sarah rents a commercial decision to move to Wesley Chapel to hard day at Magnolia Bakery, like if she kitchen and works overnight to ensure her raise their family. When they arrived, they had to fire someone, she would walk donuts are fresh. embarked on something of a donut tour, down to nearby Union Square Donuts Flamingo Donuts are delivered every finding all the places they could, evaluatand cheer herself up with a donut.

Friday morning to The Bean Bar Co. in ing Tampa’s “donut game.”

“They had this brown butter hazelTampa Palms (17018 Palm Pointe Dr., “We tried a lot of mini donuts, cake nut donut that was the best donut I’ve near Cali restaurant). Sarah sells them at donuts, donuts made using a depositor, ever had in my entire life,” Sarah says. the Market Elaine at the Grove the first When Magnolia had to shut its doors but there were no giant yeasted artisan Friday of every month (the next one is during the pandemic and didn’t know if it donuts,” she says.

She figured, “If anyone’s going to Dec. 1) and at the Ybor City Saturday would reopen, Sarah was thrilled to land bring those donuts here, it’s got to be me.”

Market (1901 N 19th St.) every Saturday. a new job as the executive pastry chef for Sarah says she named her business “When I show up at the market with Union Square Donuts.

200 donuts, it’s kind of like putting on a “I made 238 different donuts during Flamingo Donuts because she wanted a symbol that reminds people of Tampa show,” she says. “I want to tell people, ‘I my time with them,” says Sarah. without using the name. Her mom is hand made every donut here for you.’”

She calls donuts a fun challenge, She says her favorite thing is when where she tries to reimagine any and every something of a flamingo collector (“her whole house is bejeweled flamingoes,” someone takes a donut and she can see kind of dessert.

Sarah says donuts are just as versatile she says) and when Sarah saw Phoebe, the the look on their face when they realize giant flamingo at Tampa International it’s unlike any donut they’ve ever had as a cake in that she can flavor the batter, before. flavor the glaze, and garnish with any top- Airport, she knew it was the perfect symbol for her new business.

“I had a guy recently who took a ping or decoration she can imagine.

“There are so many different ways to With the name chosen, Sarah says she bite and his eyebrows just shot up,” she pack flavor into a donut,” she says. “And it’s set out to bring “the biggest, most beauti- says. “I hadn’t slept in two days but it was

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totally worth it to see his face when he bit into that donut.”

And she is constantly trying to outdo herself. “I need to step it up a notch,” she says, “just like when I was trying to beat out nine other bakers.”

For example, everyone has to have a glazed donut, she says, but why would someone choose hers?

Sarah explains that most glazed donuts are honey-based.

“I found wildflower honey and decided to add a fondant black-eyed Susan,” she says. “Now I’m giving this big, giant briochey donut, covered in wildflower honey glaze, a handmade wildflower made of sugar. So I still have the classics that people look for, but elevated in a different way.”

Another example is her “South Sarah sells her Flamingo Donuts at the Market Elaine at The Grove. (Photo by Andrea Radford Photography) of Boston Crème” donut, which inner tube), and traditional strawberry sufhas more of a pudding filling than ganiyot for Hanukkah. just pastry crème, topped with a dark As the holidays approach, Sarah and chocolate glaze. her family have developed a somewhat Her holiday flavors — available at the unusual twist on a Christmas tradition. markets in December — will include choco“We watch Home Alone, Die Hard, late peppermint brownie batter (peppermint and my season of Holiday Baking Chambrownie batter filling, chocolate glaze, pionship,” she laughs. topped with candy cane bits), brown butter You can find Flamingo Donuts at pecan praline (nutty brown butter glaze the markets mentioned above or by visitcovered with brown sugar pecan praline crumbles), eggnog float (a little gingerbread ing her Flamingo-Donuts.com website or on Instagram @eatflamingodonuts man in the middle with his arms behind his head who looks like he’s floating on a donut and Facebook @flamingodonuts.

St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church Invites ALL to Our December Holiday Liturgies & Events!

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Friday, December 8th Holy Day of Obligation

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CHRISTMAS DAY MASS TIMES Sunday, December 25th

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Watch our Midnight Mass via LIVESTREAM! For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

21

Congratulations To Wesley Chapel’s Teacher Of The Year Nominees!

By Celeste McLaughlin

Neighborhood News Correspondent For the 2023-24 school year, local schools have chosen nominees for the Pasco School District’s countywide awards.

Three Teacher of the Year nominees — one each from the District’s elementary, middle and high schools — and one School Related Personnel (SRP) nominee will be surprised by Pasco school superintendent Kurt Browning with the announcement that they have been chosen as a countywide winner later this year.

Each public and charter school throughout the District, including all of the schools in Wesley Chapel, nominated candidates for consideration. The people named on these pages were recognized by their peers on their respective campuses for their outstanding contributions to their schools. Congrats to all!

Editor’s Note — We had not received the Teacher/SRP of the Year info for Union Park Academy or Innovation Prep at our press time.

Double Branch Elementary

Teacher of the Year: Debra Hodros, Kindergarten (photo) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Jill Galvis

22

New River Elementary Seven Oaks Elementary Teacher of the Year: Brianna Warren (photo) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Maria Zamora

Quail Hollow Elementary

Teacher of the Year: Robin Stead, Kindergarten (photo)

School-Related Personnel of the Year: Wendy Bibbey, Instructional Assistant

Teacher of the Year: Danielle Bullara, 3rd Grade (right) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Andrea Long, Kindergarten Instructional Assistant (left)

Veterans Elementary

Wesley Chapel Elementary

Teacher of the Year: Aveon Moon (photo) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Beth Kurland

Wiregrass Elementary

Teacher of the Year: Bridget Aubuchont, 4th Grade, PLC Facilitator, New Teacher Leader School-Related Personnel of the Year: Cristin Becker, Bridget Aubuchont Bookkeeper

Sand Pine Elementary Watergrass Elementary Teachers of the Year: Teacher of the Year: Heather Forsman, 2nd Grade (right) SRP of the Year: Bailey Glover, ESE Instructional Assistant (left)

Pam Armstrong, 1st Grade (left) & Jenna Huetten, 3rd Grade (right )

School-Related Personnel of the Year: Tracy France, Instructional Assistant

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Teacher of the Year: Heather Olds, 5th Grade STEM Teacher (left) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Jamie Zuzek, Guidance Secretary (right)

Cypress Creek Middle School

Teacher of the Year: Justin Santiago, Language Arts, PLC Facilitator, New Teacher Liaison, Prof’l Development Coordinator (left in photo) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Tami Milner, Data Entry Operator

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John Long Middle School

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation (Charter School)

Teacher of the Year: Porsche Alderman (photo)

Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Bertig, Digital Media/ Multimedia (photo)

School-Related Personnel of the Year: Loretta Stephenson

Thomas E. Weightman Middle School

Teacher of the Year: Adam Zondor, Art (photo) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Nadine Di Vittorio, Instructional Assistant

Cypress Creek High

Teacher of the Year: Warren Underwood, Theatre (left in photo) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Lorraine McKinney, Bookkeeper

School-Related Personnel of the Year: Juan Garcia, Custodian

Wesley Chapel High

Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Salter, 9th Grade English (pictured with her family)

School-Related Personnel of the Year: Denise Garcia, School Registrar

Wiregrass Ranch High Teacher of the Year: Tammy Williams, Assessment Coordinator (photo) School-Related Personnel of the Year: Jessica Jackson, Front Office Secretary/Sub Coordinator

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23

Family-Owned Prime Barbershops To Add A Third Location In 2024!

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Neighborhood News Correspondent Three years ago in The Grove Shopping Center in Wesley Chapel, Prime Barbershop was born. It was intended by its co-owner and Wesley Chapel resident Edward Velasquez as a meaningful place for family and business to intertwine seamlessly.

Ed wanted to create a place where men could enjoy a cut and a shave, and moms could feel safe bringing their sons or even their daughters for their haircuts. His goal was to build long-term relationships.

Ed explains that he aimed to create something different when he started thinking about building a new business for his family.

“We didn’t want to be just another barbershop opening up in the area,” he says.

“We wanted a location that stood out, that when people walked in, they’d say, ‘This is really cool-looking.’ We wanted to elevate the barber shop game. We created an atmosphere that’s really inviting. We don’t tolerate loud music or foul language. We hold our barbers to a really high standard. From day one, we were going to turn the industry on its edge and say we can have an upscale barber shop in the area and cater to those clients who want a different experience.”

This vision for excellence has since expanded to a second Prime Barbershop location at the Publix-anchored Livingston Marketplace on County Line Rd. (at Livingston Ave.) in Lutz. A third location will open in the new Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel on S.R. 54 in early 2024.

How It All Got Started

The journey began when Ed observed Omar diligently working as a barber for someone else. Recognizing the talent and passion within the family, an idea took root — why not establish a barber shop where his son-in-law could showcase his skills and become a partner in the venture?

Omar says he fell in love with barbering at a young age and started experimenting by cutting his friends’ hair in high school. After graduation, he attended technical school, received his barber’s license, and has now been a professional barber for seven years.

“I just knew it was something I wanted to do,” Omar says.

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Ed explains, “I knew Omar was cutting for another barbershop. It’s always challenging working for another business. You don’t know what the expectations are. I wanted him and my daughter (Kristi) to feel secure and have a place they can call their own without being part of someone else’s dream — and create our own.”

Prime Barbershop offers haircuts, beard trims, shape-ups, hot towel shaves, head shaves and eyebrow trims, with discounts offered on haircuts and beard trims for seniors over 65. These barber shops are not the “boys club” shops of the past. Rather, they welcome everyone: men, children, as well as women seeking short haircuts, which Kristi often provides.

“We love that moms feel comfortable bringing their children to the shop,” Ed says. “That speaks volumes to us because there are many places they don’t want to go or had bad experiences.”

In the very beginning, the Prime Barbershop owners sat down with Mark Gold, the owner/developer of The Grove and learned about Mark’s innovative vision to not only reinvigorate a failing shopping complex but also to add a new concept now called KRATE Container Park at The Grove, which repurposed former shipping containers into a variety of locally-owned small businesses and restaurants.

“It was a different concept I had never heard of, but I knew he was wholeheartedly

invested in the place,” ED says. “We saw him come and start cleaning up, painting and landscaping.”

And, even though Ed and Omar didn’t open their Prime Barbershop in the KRATEs, he definitely has benefited from the success of the adjacent container park.

“I was sold on the location and the growth of the area; it was kind of a nobrainer that we had to jump in and get a spot here before someone else did.”

Fast forward three years, and the impact of this decision is evident in the

bustling success of the original Prime Barbershop. With its warm ambiance, skilled barbers and commitment to providing superior service, the shop quickly gained a loyal clientele. The Wesley Chapel community embraced the concept of a family-centric barber shop, where personalized attention and a sense of belonging are as much a part of the experience as the perfect haircut.

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Ed says, “First and foremost, we really want to thank all of our loyal clientele, which has helped us grow since opening our doors in 2020. We’re now celebrating our third anniversary at our location in The Grove. We’re really thankful to the clients and for building the shop to where it is today and for their continued patronage, as well as to all the barbers who have helped make it happen.”

The glowing Yelp and Google reviews prove that Prime Barbershop’s clientele is so loyal because the service and the staff are top-notch.

Client Brandon Scruton’s glowing 5-star review on Google says, “Steven is a fantastic barber! I have been going to him for over a year now and have never had any issues. He also lines up my beard perfectly. I have started bringing in my one-and-a-halfyear-old in for a cut and he is amazing with kids! He takes his time to make my kid feel comfortable and always talks to him throughout the process. If you are looking for a great barber, definitely go to Steven!”

Every Prime Barbershop barber has received similar reviews, so you really can’t go wrong!

Keeping Up With Industry Trends Prime Barbershop’s licensed barbers create new content and regularly follow social media to keep up with the latest trends.

“We’re seeing that the trends make a loop and come back around,” Omar says.

“We’re seeing a lot of kids coming in for a mullet or comb-over. Social media is what keeps us in the loop.”

Ed adds that the biggest trend since the pandemic is the return of beards.

“It’s no longer just getting a haircut, but beard trims,” he says. “Keeping your beard good and healthy. Beard care is probably the biggest trend in the last three years.”

Thanks to the success of the Wesley Chapel location, Ed made sure that the new Prime Barbershop copied the flagship location, integrating the same ethos of a modern barber shop with old-fashioned charm, making sure that each customer feels more like family than just a client.

Ed says he chose the Publix shopping center location because the owner of the plaza did not want a typical salon franchise.

“They saw what we were doing at The Grove and the upscale type of barbershop that we are,” Ed explains.

Looking ahead to 2024, anticipation is building for the grand opening of the third establishment in Avalon Park. With the lessons learned from the first two locations, Ed and Omar envision a space that caters to the community’s grooming needs and becomes a focal point for connection and camaraderie.

“We’ve been interested in Avalon Park since they first started talking about it in 2020,” Ed says. “We’re hoping to be in there by maybe February 2024. ‘Live, Work, Play’ is the theme of Avalon Park’s downtown in Orlando. We knew that if they created the same ‘feel’ in Wesley Chapel, that it would be very successful and a hub where people will come to do all of that.”

As the Wesley Chapel shop’s threeyear milestone is celebrated, it’s not just a

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celebration of a successful business venture but a testament to the power of family bonds and entrepreneurial spirit. The journey from a single barber shop in Wesley Chapel to a triad of establishments in three different areas exemplifies Ed and Omar’s commitment to quality, service, and the enduring strength that comes from blending together family and business.

“We’re always looking to hire the best of the best,” Ed says. “We’ve created a culture that allows a very successful barber to come in and continue his process or for someone without as much experience to build up a good clientele as long as they are willing to put in the work and do what needs to be done.”

In a world often dominated by impersonal experiences, the Prime Barbershops stand out as beacons of community, illustrating that a haircut can be more than just a trim — it can be an opportunity to forge

connections, build relationships and create an enduring legacy.

Ed says, “In any of our shops, you will be greeted the same. Everyone will be in uniform. The atmosphere is the same. Our shops have a vintage look to them. They are warm and inviting. We’ve created a culture that no matter which location you go to, it’s going to feel like it’s home.”

When not busy running their shops, you will find the owners enjoying their downtime with their families: in Wesley Chapel, Ed and Melinda, his wife of 32 years, their two children and three grandchildren, and Omar in Dade City with his wife Kristi, and their two children.

The original Prime Barbershop is located at 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Unit 206. The Lutz location is at 2747 E. County Line Rd. For more info, visit PrimeBarbersWC.com or see the ad on pg. 34 of this issue.

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25

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

26

(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)

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.

“I wanted to specialize in the field of spine and orthopedics,” he says, “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 intervention, 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.

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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 offers 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 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.”

spine,” Dr. Corbett says. “Maintaining physical activity, at least 30 minutes a 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 Speaking Of Lifestyle... commitment to providing patients with Both doctors stress the significance the best possible care. At the practice’s of maintaining a healthy diet, regular Trinity location, FASTMD has a very physical activity and paying attention to rare FDA-approved Stem Cell Lab cardiovascular health and core strength where the doctors can harvest stem cells to all of their patients. They believe in from patients and store them for those stretching, proper weightlifting techniques, ergonomic practices, and postural patients’ possible future needs.

“This way, if they need surgery in awareness to prevent joint issues. the future, we can use those stem cells “Maintaining a healthy diet is numto help the healing process,” Dr. Santos ber one to keep the pressure off your 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 at the Wesley Chapel office. 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 specialization 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 is the proud father of an eight-year-old son and resides in Wesley Chapel with his wife and two Pomeranians, Becky and 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 impact in orthopedics for years to come.

Florida Advanced Spine & Orthopedics’ Wesley Chapel office is located at 2309 Crestover Lane and is open 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. 45.

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

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

27

Medicare & Health Care Insurance Help From Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions

By Celeste McLaughlin

Neighborhood News Correspondent Chris Assefa has been in the insurance industry for more than 20 years, and one thing she knows for sure is that insurance — especially when it comes to health insurance and Medicare — can be very confusing for those without her experience.

“Our mantra is helping, resolving and relieving one person at a time,” she says.

Chris, a former Wesley Chapel resident, founded Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions in 2019.

She is an insurance broker whose license, regulated by the Florida Department of Finance, allows her to sell life insurance, health insurance and variable annuities anywhere in the state. She also is licensed in Georgia and New York.

While her license allows her to do many things, she chooses to focus on Medicare and private health care plans.

Chris says she currently spends most of her time educating people about Medicare.

“What does it mean to have Medicare?,” she asks. “What are the different parts, what do they cover and what do they not cover? And, what are your options if you don’t stay on just original Medicare?”

She says sometimes people think they can figure all of this out on their own, but she says it’s really too confusing and things change too often for someone to try to navigate the Medicare system without objective, professional help.

In fact, she says that some of the confusion comes from the abundant commercials and other marketing tactics that try to convince people to choose one Medicare plan over another.

Chris’s advice is to go to an insurance broker who is unbiased and knowledgeable in helping you choose the plan that will be best for you.

“You need someone familiar with the territory and the landscape,” she says.

She would love for you to consider

(Left) Chris Assefa, the founder of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry and helps her clients (right) navigate the complexities of Medicare & health insurance. (Photos by Charmaine George)

picking up the phone to give her a call.

“It doesn’t matter to me which carrier or plan you go with,” Chris explains. “I’m a consultant who can help you figure out which of the carriers and products are going to meet your needs.”

She works to build long-term relationships with her clients so that, year after year, when the open enrollment period comes along, she can help each person choose the exact product that’s best for them at that time, too.

At each point, people have different needs, and the plans from carriers such as Florida Blue, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare and others will change, as well.

cause there’s so much going on, so many options and so many things to consider.”

Laura says she has been impressed with Chris’s expertise and how well she explains information.

“She also calls back to make sure you understand and see if you need anything else,” Laura says. “It’s old schoolstyle customer service. And, she’s friendly and has a great personality.”

Laura also says that Chris is very accommodating and is happy to come to

you for appointments.

Chris says that’s her typical way of meeting with clients. She’ll meet you in your home or wherever is most convenient for you, although she’s happy to have you come to her office in West Tampa, if that’s what you prefer.

Chris says that giving back to the West Tampa community, which has a lot of needs, is very important to her.

“I do a monthly food pantry here,” she says. She also is registered as an

Wesley Chapel’s

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When Chris first moved to Florida from New York, she moved to Wesley Chapel and lived in Lexington Oaks.

She’s still close with several neighbors there, who are friends and also refer their friends to her.

That’s how Wesley Chapel resident Laura Margoli first met Chris.

“When I retired from banking last year, I called Chris to help me with my Medicare,” says Laura. “It’s very confusing, even for an educated person, be-

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Health Care

“access partner” through the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), so that members of the community can make an appointment for her to help them apply for food stamps and Medicaid.

There are many people who don’t qualify for Medicare but who still need health insurance. While some receive insurance through their employers, anyone who is self-employed or needs to purchase their own insurance can do so with the help of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions.

Chris says these plans go by many names, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, Obamacare, or Health Insurance Marketplace.

All these names refer to the same plans, which are regulated by the federal government.

“Especially if you’re self-employed, let’s have that conversation to give you peace of mind,” says Chris. “You just never know what you might learn.”

She says the open enrollment period for these plans ends January 15.

“There’s no cost to an individual to talk with me,” Chris explains. “And every conversation I have with people shows them — and me — that they need (someone like) me.”

Laura agrees.

“Chris is super knowledgeable,” Laura says. “She would have made a great teacher. I highly recommend her.”

For more info about Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, visit BleuSkysInsurance.com, call Chris at (813) 360-1884, or see the ad on page 38.

Understanding Medicare

E IR

NAIL

B A R

NO

Medicare is typically for those ages 65 years old or older, as well as for those who have a disability.

Chris says that your shouldn’t wait until you turn 65 to really learn about how Medicare works.

“You want to be educated before, when you’re about 63,” she says. “Many people believe they’re going to have comprehensive coverage, but that’s not (always) the truth.”

The open enrollment period for Medicare ends December 7, and the policies become effective in January. At that time, there is another period where changes can be made under the “Medicare Advantage” open enrollment period.

Chris says that you can call her anytime, not just during open enrollment.

“Maybe I can help you, maybe I can’t,” she says, “but I’ll still give you advice.”

Then, whenever it is time to make a change, she’ll know what you need and will be able to get you in the right plan with the right carrier.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

29

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 ap-

30

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) ply products 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

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Wesley Chapel’s Most Stylish Barber Shop!

Elements of Stylez is an independent small business located in Wesley Chapel. We are proud to serve men, women & children in & around our community with the best haircut service available anywhere in the area All are welcome. Our customers usually book online, but walk-ins are welcome and are seated as promptly as possible.

Cuts for men, women & children, fades, buzz cuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves, deep conditioning treatments & more available We are open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Saturday

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 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. 43 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.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

31

Visit Colorful Nails For Nail Art, Gel-X Manicures, Eyelash Extensions & More!

By Nidhi Jani

Neighborhood News Correspondent If you’re in the market for a new nail salon, be sure to check out Colorful Nails, located in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54. Open since February of this year, after taking over for a previous nail salon (KS Nails), Colorful Nails is a completely rebranded nail salon with comfortable seating, elegant decor and new staff.

The salon offers acrylic, gel, Gel-X and dip powder nails, manicures, pedicures, nail art and designs, waxing (including eyebrow, lips, Brazilian and legs) and eyelash volume and extension treatments.

Colorful Nails is the vision of husband-wife owners Chris and Giau (she goes by Lee) Alley. Before she worked on nails, Lee, a native of Vietnam, worked for Carnival Cruise Line for eight years and in fact, it was on a cruise ship where she first met Chris.

“Four years ago, when Chris and I met, he asked me to take a chance,” shares Lee. “Come back to the US with me and let’s build a good, beautiful life together.”

Lee left the cruise business to be with Chris and they moved to Wesley Chapel, where they are building that life together with their 15-month-old son Conner.

In a new country — and on land full-time — Lee was ready to learn a new business. She befriended a fellow Vietnamese neighbor, who

32

Chris & Lee Alley (under the sign) and their entire staff at Colorful Nails in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 provide manicures, pedicures and nail art, as well as waxing and eyelash volume and extension services. (Photos by Charmaine George) introduced her to the nail business and helped her get started with an introductory nail class.

She then worked for a few different salons in the area to gain experience.

Now, even as an owner and lead technician of her own nail salon, Lee is still passionate about learning all she can about her craft. She has taken eyelash extension and nail design classes and loves to watch online videos to keep up with the latest in nail art.

“Lee is always trying to learn new things,” Chris says. “She spends about an hour a day watching YouTube tutorials on

nail designs and techniques.”

Chris, who has experience in the restaurant business and in information technology (IT), assists Lee with the “back end” of the business, such as managing the software used at the salon, Colorful Nails’ website and the salon’s finances. But, he says Lee is really the face of Colorful Nails.

“Lee is modest, but I can say that she treats every customer like a family member,” says Chris. “Her background of working on cruises helps her emphasize excellent customer service, using high-

quality products and delivering a satisfying experience for everyone.”

Of course, Lee can’t do it alone. She has eight wonderful staff members who have a mix of Vietnamese and Hispanic backgrounds, so you can hear English, Spanish and Vietnamese all spoken at Colorful Nails.

“If a customer or nail technician is more comfortable speaking in Spanish or Vietnamese, we all help each other out to make sure that the communication is clear,” Lee says.

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The Latest In Gel Nails

While manicures, pedicures and nail designs are always popular at Colorful Nails, one option that is gaining attention with the salon customers is Gel-X. Chris says that Gel-X is an alternative to acrylic nail extensions. Instead of using glue, a special extension gel is used to apply fake gel-based nails of your desired shape and length to your natural nails.

Since the fake nails are made of gel, they are thinner and more flexible than acrylic nails and the removal process is gentler on your natural nails.

“I like to tell my customers about Gel-X because not all of them know about it,” Lee says. “Those who try it have given me good feedback about how nice it feels and that it lasts for 3-4 weeks.” “(I) absolutely love Lee and Colorful Nails!,” shares Rose Connell, a regular at the salon. “It’s a beautiful place and the people are all so kind. And, of course, they do quality work, I’ve always been satisfied with my nails. I used to drive to there from Ocala because Lee is so amazing. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

Meanwhile, Loretta Hernandez, another Colorful Nails customer, says, “Jasmin and Caridad are both awesome and the owner, Lee, is very sweet and concerns herself with her clients’ happiness. It’s not about rushing to get to the next client as fast as possible.

They give you the attention you deserve. The more I go, the more I enjoy the place. Everyone is friendly, and wonderful.”

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The holiday season is a perfect time to visit Colorful Nails. Get a mani, pedi and some beautiful holiday nail designs — then buy gift cards to give to friends and family as gifts/stocking stuffers. The salon is currently offering a promotion on gift cards — buy a $100 gift card for only $90. Also, you will receive 10% off the regular price on services if you visit Colorful Nails anytime on Monday-Wednesday, as well as on your birthday.

Colorful Nails is located at 30036 S.R. 54. The salon is open Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sat, and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Sun. For appointments or more information, call (813) 501-4297, visit ColorfulNailsSalon.com or see the ad on pg. 42.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

33

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Noble Crust Three-Peats As Your Favorite Restaurant In Wesley Chapel!

Azteca D’Oro Finishes 2nd & Grillsmith 3rd In Super-Close 2023 Readers Dining Survey & Contest

1. Noble Crust

28330 Paseo Dr., Shops at Wiregrass (813) 703-2602 Noble-Crust.com Since it only has three locations — Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood and the original in St. Pete — you can’t really call Noble Crust a chain.

What you can call it, however, is a three-peat winner as our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel. Noble Crust, which is known for its Southerninspired Italian fare, craft cocktails and great vibe, has been in our readers’ top-5 every year since it opened in the Shops at Wiregrass in 2017, and has taken home top honors for 2021, 2022 & 2023.

Although runner-up finisher Azteca D’Oro (see below) had the most first-place votes, Noble Crust had more 2nd-, 3rd-, 4th- and 5th-place votes than any other Wesley Chapel restaurant this year to secure the (Above) Its unique fusion of Italian and Southern cuisine has made Noble Crust in The Shops at Wiregrass the winner of our readers’ Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel for three consecutive years. (Photo by Charmaine George) top spot with our readers.

2. Azteca D’Oro

2000 Piazza Ave., #170, Shops at Wiregrass (813) 527-6553 Aztecadoro.com; or see the ad on pg. 43 A family-owned mini-chain with eight other locations from New Smyrna Beach to Lakeland, Azteca D’Oro opened in the Shops at Wiregrass earlier this year to mostly rave reviews and came within a few points of winning the top spot with our readers in its first year here.

Azteca D’Oro’s quality, authentic Mexican cuisine and huge portions helped the newcomer earn the most first-place votes of the more than 500 Neighborhood News readers who voted in this category this year and it might have finished ahead of Noble Crust had it had as many (Above) Although it has been open in the Shops at Wiregrass less than a year, Azteca D’Oro’s monster burritos helped 2nd-5th-place votes. make it our readers’ Second Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel for 2023.

3. Grillsmith

2000 Piazza Ave., #100, Shops at Wiregrass (813) 907-1900 Grillsmith.com.com Another perennial favorite, this five-location minichain has finished in our readers’ top-10 every year since it opened (including first-place honors as recently as 2020), Grillsmith’s third-place finish this year gives the Shops at Wiregrass a clean sweep of the top-three spots in this year’s survey.

The restaurant’s fairly-priced American fare, like its “short-trip fresh fish,” and comfortable bar continue to attract fans among our readers.

(Above) Grillsmith has been in our readers’ top-10 Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel every year it has been open, and it gives the mall a clean sweep of the top-3 this year.

To see the rest of our readers’ favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel & New Tampa, see pgs. 36-37 Neighborhood News

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

35

The Rest Of Our Readers’ 2023 Top-25 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel (cont. from pg. 35)

4. Bonefish Grill

8. Bahama Breeze

Although it’s never finished in the top-10 at its newer location on S.R. 56 before, this former two-time Readers Survey winner jumped up to #3 this year, thanks in part to its revamped menu.

With nearly 200 locations nationwide, Bonefish is a full-fledged chain known for its fresh seafood, like the bang-bang shrimp shown here.

Like BJ’s Brewhouse, Bahama Breeze didn’t crack the top-25 when we asked readers for one list of favorites among all Wesley Chapel and New Tampa restaurants last year, but it was #7 in Wesley Chapel in 2021, the last time we split our areas into separate votes, as we did this year.

This 43-unit chain still attracts plenty of locals with its island-inspired fare.

25264 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (813) 907-8202 BonefishGrill.com

5. Zukku-San

25916 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (813) 419-1351 ZukkuSushi.com; see ad on pg. 37 Jumping up from its #19 finish with our readers last year (and #14 in 2021), Zukku-San on S.R. 56 is an upscale, familyowned Japanese restaurant with a premium full-liquor bar and delicious food.

Starting with just a sushi “stall” at Tampa’s Armature Works, Zukku-San has added a full location in North Carolina and another fast casual concept called Ato at the KRATE Container Park at The Grove.

6. The Living Room 2001 Piazza Ave., #100 Shops at Wiregrass (813) 934-7911 TLR.restaurant

It was only open for a short time when most of our readers submitted their ballots last year, so it came in at #25, but this upscale addition to The Shops at Wiregrass obviously pleased a lot of locals this year.

The original Living Room in downtown Dunedin is a perennial favorite, and the Wesley Chapel location being voted Best Pasco Restaurant by Creative Loafing readers probably didn’t hurt its recognition factor with our readers this year.

7. BJ’s Brewhouse 2300 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz (813) 575-1830 BJsRestaurants.com

Jumping up from #11 with our readers in 2021, BJ’s is another full-fledged chain with more than 200 U.S. locations that is still serving a wide variety of favorites, despite obviously reducing its number of menu options over the past year.

Its ideal location in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets on S.R. 56 definitely helps keep the parking lot and wait list full at our local BJ’s and its fair pricing and premium full-liquor bar has helped keep it among our readers’ favorites.

36

25830 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (813) 949-0779 BahamaBreeze.com

9. Ford’s Garage

25526 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (813)540-3673 FordsGarageUSA.com This is by far Ford’s Garage’s highest finish with our readers since 2019, when it finished 11th.

The 22-location chain, which utilizes the Ford Motor Company’s logo, is located on the north side of S.R. 56 and features a wide variety of hand-crafted burgers and other better-than-the-average-burgerplace food, plus a full-liquor bar.

10. Bubba’s 33

26340 Silver Maple Pkwy.

(813) 522-5090 Bubbas33.com; see ad on pg. 38 Bubba’s 33, the 27-unit sports bar chain from our friends at Texas Roadhouse, is another eatery that has finished higher with our readers this year than in any of the last five years.

Bubba’s has been a solid top-20 finisher with our readers most years, but its combination of great food, sports and music videos attracted its most votes ever.

Our Readers’ 2023 Top-25 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel (#s 11-25) 11. Texas Roadhouse 12. Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant 13. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen 14. Chuy’s Tex-Mex 15. PizzaMania 16. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 17. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux 18. TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant 19. Amici Pizza 20. Outback Steak House 21. Umu Japanese & Thai 22. First Watch 23. Hungry Greek 24. (tie) Yamato Japanese Restaurant 24. (tie) Sonny’s BBQ

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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Our Readers’ 2023 Top-25 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa

1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 2. Via Italia Woodfired Pizza & Bar 3. The Grill at Morris Bridge 4. Cali at Tampa Palms 5. Fat Rabbit Pub 6. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine 7. Fresh Kitchen 8. Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten 9. Olive Garden 10. Minerva Indian Cuisine 11. Sushi Cafe 12. Lima Peruvian Cuisine 13. Frammi American Grille & Italian Food 14. Chili’s Grill & Bar 15. Cantina Mexican Grill & Bar 16. Glory Days Grill 17. EggTown 18. Thai Lanna & Sushi 19. First Watch 20. (tie) Kobe Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse 20 (tie) Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood 22. Acropolis Greek Taverna 23. Capri Pizza & Pasta 24. (tie) Gorkhali Kitchen Tampa 24. (tie) Ha Long Bay

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37

Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli — A Sandwich Place ‘Disguised’ As A Butcher Shop!

By GARY NAGER When Daxton (Dax) McLochlin and his brother Drew were kids, they used to stay at their Grandpa’s condo in the Saddlebrook Resort community when their family would visit Florida from their native Indiana. The McLochlin brothers loved visiting our area, with its much warmer climate and beautiful beaches a short drive away.

When Dax tore his arm up during his sophomore year at Huntington University in Indiana, he transferred to the University of South Florida hoping to walk on the baseball team.

When that didn’t work out for him, Dax worked a number of sales jobs, while Drew got a job working for the Tampa Bay Bucs.

The brothers had no idea at that time they would partner up with their entire family to open Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli in the Grand Oaks Plaza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz.

“We loved this place called Rick’s Custom Meats + Deli in Plant City,” Dax says, “so we modeled pretty much everything about our store after theirs, when we saw that the Wesley Chapel area didn’t really have a great meat market. Without Rick’s, none of this would even be possible.”

Boneless certified Angus ribeye, NY strip and filet mignon steaks are the main stars in the Mac’s meat case and I can vouch for how delicious and tender all of those steaks are when you grill them. The meat case also features huge chicken breasts and wings, a variety of pork products (including beautiful chops and fresh bacon), as well as ground beef, Nathan’s Kosher-style hot dogs, beef jerky and more.

Dax says that on the first Saturday of pretty much every month since the store opened, Mac’s has hosted a “Grill & Chill” event where Dax and Drew’s dad Mike grills one or more of those delicious meats and the store sells plates of them with a side of chips and a drink, “to introduce our customers to some of the different meat options we carry,” Dax says.

To date, Jannah and I have enjoyed the hamburger, chicken and steak fajita and hot dog Grill & Chills, which also always feature one of Mac’s delicious self-branded sauces.

Dax and I agree that the “Chick’n Dippin’ Sauce” is our favorite.

(Above left) Dax (left) & Drew McLochlin invite you to visit Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli (store photo below left) in the Grand Oaks Plaza on WC Blvd. in Lutz. (Above right). How about a freshly grilled steak sandwich? (Below right) The fresh certified Angus boneless (l.-r.) NY strip, filet mignon & ribeye steaks at Mac’s. (Bottom left) Everyone loves Mac’s fresh-pressed Cubans. (Photos by Charmaine George & Dax McLochlin)

But, What About The Deli?

I’m so glad you asked. Mac’s, which opened with a different brand of sliced deli meats and cheeses for its sandwiches, switched over to Boar’s Head® brand a few months ago, “because it seemed like pretty much everyone requested it,” Dax says. “We definitely sell a lot more sandwiches than meat. And, all of our customers really seem to love our pressed Cubans.”

And, those Cubans come in a nice variety of options,

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including not only a traditional, with ham, pork, salami and Swiss cheese, but also turkey, ham & cheese and my favorite roast beef Cuban with Swiss (or provolone), all on fresh pressed Cuban bread. There also are “Mac Daddy” (with double the ham) and “Big Mac” (with double roast beef, turkey, ham and cheese) Cuban options.

You can even get grilled cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, pork and steak sandwiches at Mac’s. The grilled Boar’s Head pastrami and cheese pressed on Cuban bread also is a must-try, and all of the Boar’s Head meats and cheeses are available by the pound. There’s also tuna and egg salad, cole slaw, potato and macaroni salad available. And, all frozen meats are 30% off regular prices, with deeper discounts available on certain Wednesdays.

“Drew and I also want to give a shoutout to our entire family — our dad Mike, mom Jessi, my wife Macaley and my young son Chance” for being so supportive of us during this journey,” Dax says.

In other words, if you haven’t yet checked out Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli, please visit the clean, attractive shop soon — and please tell Dax and Drew we sent you!

Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli (26316 Wesley Chapel Blvd.) is open Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. It is closed Sun. & Mon. For more info, call (813) 428-6573, search “Mac’s Custom Meats + Deli” on Facebook or see the ad on pg. 45 of this issue.

(Top) Try Mac’s self-labeled sauces. (Bottom) The fresh chicken options in Mac’s meat case.

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39

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Opens On S.R. 56!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Cooper’s Hawk! The winery and restaurant chain, with more than 55 locations in ten U.S. states (including more than a dozen in Florida) began celebrating its Nov. 20 Grand Opening on S.R. 56 a few days earlier with some Friends & Family days and a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon cutting (photo below left) on Nov. 18.

As long-time Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club members who also have eaten at the restaurants in Tampa and Sarasota about two dozen times, Jannah and I were as excited about the Wesley Chapel opening as the rest of the community appears to be.

Founder and CEO Tim McEnery WESLEY CHAPEL was on-hand for Cooper’s Hawk’s NTBC ribbon-cutting event and, since he opened his first location in Orland Park, IL, in 2005, the restaurant chain’s wines have won hundreds (nearly 600) of awards and the food (some of which is shown on this page) is definitely a cut above what you find at most chain eateries.

In addition, Wine Club members receive a number of outstanding benefits, including two free wine tastings (the “Lux” tastings come with a small upcharge), accumulating points for each time you dine at the restaurant, a credit for free dining on your birthday and much more.

And, even though I used to wonder how a winery located in Photo above courtesy of North Tampa Bay Chamber Woodridge, IL, could possibly offer

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a wide variety of delicious wines, after eight years of tastings and dozens of bottles that we have both enjoyed ourselves and given as gifts to other oenophiles, I can assure you that a Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club membership is the way to go. (Clockwise from top left) Among the menu items we sampled during The grapes the company the pre-opening of Cooper’s Hawk include the tasty pan-roasted mahiimports from every great mahi, churrasco steak and fried calamari. (Photos: Charmaine George) winemaking region across so far has been super-attentive and on point. the globe are blended There’s even a private dining area for into everything from Barbera to Zinfandel, up to 48 guests that can be divided into two with lots of options for both you sweet wine 24-seat private rooms perfect for birthday drinkers and for those who prefer a little parties and other special occasions. dust on their palates when they imbibe.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & RestauAnd, if you prefer hard liquor or beer rant (28963 S.R. 56) is open every day over wine, Cooper’s Hawk has an ultrafor lunch & dinner. For more info, visit premium bar to meet your needs, too.

CHWinery.com or call (813) 755-4445 The best news of all is that although dining at Cooper’s Hawk isn’t a 15-30-min- & tell GM Joseph McCracken & his staff that we sent you! — GN ute process, the service we have experienced

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41

Rice & Beans Opens Its ‘Express’ Location On S.R. 54

WESLEY CHAPEL

Congratulations to owners Cindy and David Cruz and their entire family (photo below left) and staff on the opening — finally! — of their Rice-n-Beans Express location at 24726 S.R. 54 in Lutz, a mile or so west of the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Although there are a few tables inside the new location, Rice-n-Beans Express is much more of a take-out place than the Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico restaurant on Wesley Chapel Blvd., which has a large formal dining area, a full-liquor bar and live entertainment on the weekends.

The great news is that the authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at the Express location is just as delicious as at the WC Blvd. restaurant.

Jannah and I were happy to be invited to the private Friends & Family ribbon cutting event on Nov. 9, which included a great live DJ, free homemade sangria and samples of many of the new restaurant’s many menu items.

Our favorites included the fritters/ empanadas, which include traditional beef (top left photo), chicken and even ham & cheese options, as well as a unique spinach, artichoke and cheese version that had its own delicious flavor.

We also loved the rotisserie chickens (top right photo) that provide the centerpiece of the new Express location, the Cuban sandwiches and yes, both the red and the black beans and rice.

Since that truly wonderful Grand Opening event, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I have sampled quite a few other menu items at Rice-n-Beans

Express, including the pernil (roast pork; right) entrée (which comes with your choice of one or two sides), the sweet plantains, the canoa (a plantain “canoe” stuffed with ground beef & shredded cheese), the yellow rice with pigeon peas, the yucca with mojo sauce and perhaps my favorite menu item at the full-service restaurant, the chichårrons (fried pork skin; bottom right photo).

The rotisserie chickens are available in a variety of sizes, from quarter chickens with one or two sides to the “Familia Grande,” which includes two whole chickens, 32 ozs. of rice, 16 ozs. of beans and two additional large sides. There’s also a huge chicken & pork combo meal.

Save room for dessert because the Puerto Rico Desserts case in the Express offers vanilla and Nutella tres leches and three varieties of flan. Decadent!

For more info, call (813) 428-5077 or visit “Rice N Beans” on Facebook and please tell them I sent you! — GN, photos by Charmaine George & GN

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43

Check Out The Completely Redesigned Las Palmas!

NEW TAMPA 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

44

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.

If you’ve never had Ana’s picadillo (minced beef with olives, potatoes and tomato sauce), Ramses’ merluza a la Rusa (fried flaky white fish filet topped with egg, tomatoes and spices; top right photo), vaca frita (crispy shredded beef with garlic-lemon mojo sauce), the award-winning pressed Tampa Cuban (with ham, roasted pork, salami and Swiss Cheese, mustard, mayo & pickles; above left photo) or the big variety of empanadas, croquettes and Latin pastries, you need to visit Las Palmas — which will hopefully soon have its beer and wine license, too.

And, with the holidays coming up fast, 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, photos by Charmaine George

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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MAC’S CUSTOM MEATS + DELI ABOUT US:

Mac’s Custom Meats is your family friendly neighborhood establishment that provides a variety of menu items for a perfect lunch spot and sells quality chicken, pork and beef for your cooking and grilling needs.

Check Out Our Holiday Special Packages: PICK 1: 2 Certified Angus Beef Top Sirloin Filets (6-8 oz each) or 2 Certified Angus Beef Top Sirloin Kabobs (6-8 oz each) or 1 Full Rack of Baby Back Ribs PICK 1: 2 Certified Angus Beef Boneless Strip Steaks (8-10 oz each) or 2 Certified Angus Beef Boneless Ribeyes (8-10 oz each) or (Add $10) 2 Certified Angus Beef Tenderloins (approx. 8 oz) PICK 1: Beef Sticks (Your Choice of Original, Hot or Teriyaki) or 1 Bag Beef Jerky (Your Choice of BBQ, Teriyaki or Original) ALL PACKAGES COST $100 & INCLUDE: 4 – 6 oz Ground Chuck Burgers 4 – Foot-Long Nathan’s Hot Dogs 2 – Boneless Chicken Breasts (12-16 oz each) 2 — Boneless Pork Chops (6-8 oz each)

SHOW THIS AD AT THE CHECK-OUT COUNTER TO RECEIVE 10% OFF ALL MEAT CASE PRODUCTS! MAC’S CUSTOM MEATS + DELI

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Classified ads automatically run in both New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News!

___ REAL ESTATE & OFFICE_____

Steven Kessel, REALTOR® with Future Home Realty, Inc., has created just for you, the most advanced up to date user friendly property search engine for homes for sale in the Tampa Bay and Central Florida area. And it’s FREE for you to use and enjoy. BuyYourDreamHome.com

For Rent — Three BR, fully furnished ground floor condominium in Anand Vihar, a beautiful independent living, gated community in the lovely Wesley Chapel area in Tampa, Florida.

Beautiful Club House, with a gym, swimming pool, game room, auditorium and a dining hall.

Lunch or dinner Meal plans are available If needed. Contact Dinesh @ 716-830-7260 Well-appointed Prof. Ofc Space for Rent.

600 sq. ft. in New Tampa, opposite Publix on BBD. Two separate office spaces, secretarial space, good-sized bathroom, large closet with shelving & wide hallway. Plenty of parking.

Excellent location for Attorney, CPA, Chiropractor, Insurance Co., IT Consultant. For leasing details, please call 813-468-9110.

CLEANING SERVICES

ANA PARRA HOUSE CLEANING SERVICES. Prof’l House Cleaning — Best prices & quality,.

Licensed & Insured. Routine, Deep & Move-In/ Move-Out cleaning. Serving New Tampa /Lutz/ Wesley Chapel & more. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or special needs. Avail. Mon-Sat. Refs avail. We supply our own cleaning products & equipmt. Call or text for free est: (305) 338-0981.

A-to-Z CLEANING & ORGANIZING. Home & Ofc Cleaning & Organizing Svcs! We use our own supplies. Affordable & Reliable. FamilyOwned & Operated. WC resident. Weekly & Bi-Weekly/Deep Cleaning/Move-In/Move-Out. Serving WC & NT. Call today for a FREE NoObligation Quote: 813-462-1270. Local refs. supplied upon request.

MARY’S CLEANING SERVICES. We provide flexible domestic & office cleaning. “Jesus is the Lord.” Give us a call at 352-206-8809 for a free estimate or email marynovociclo@ gmail.com.

PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 6 years of exp. Free estimates. Call 813 943 6054 or email patycleaningservice@hotmail.com.

TREE SERVICES

FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27 yrs of Prof. Svc. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates.

Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Stump Grinding.

Dead-Wood Removal. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

Direct-Mailed to 33,000+ Residences & Businesses (90,000 people!) in Zip Codes 33543, 33544 & 33545

Epperson Estancia at Wiregrass Ashley Pines Fox Ridge Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Hamilton Park Belle Chase Lexington Oaks Bridgewater Meadow Pointe Areas I-IV Brookside New River Township Chapel Pines Northwood Citrus Trace Country Walk 46

Palm Cove The Lakes at Northwood Pine Ridge The Ridge at Wiregrass Pinewalk Union Park Quail Hollow Villages at Wesley Chapel Saddlebrook Watergrass Saddleridge Estates Wesley Pointe Saddlewood Estates Westbrook Estates Seven Oaks Williamsburg

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

(�®@[n)=�� FamilyOw.r;ied Cleaning for 25 years in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews

Vour#l Cleaning Service

813-505-0431

clean itmc@gma i I.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 24 • November 28, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

Neighborhood News

@NTWCNews