Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 31, Issue 26, December 26, 2023

Volume 31 Issue 26 December 26, 2023

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Congratulations, Karl!

Karl Vinson is one of very few people in the U.S. to lose more than 300 pounds without surgery or medication. Here’s how he did it.

By GARY NAGER When Jannah and I first met Karl Vinson about six years ago, we were all singing karaoke at O’Brien’s Irish Pub in the Wesley Chapel Village Market.

Sometime after Jannah and I sang, up to the microphone stepped a very large man with a beautiful voice who attracted attention both for his singing and his size.

At that time, Karl weighed close to 500 lbs.

— about 485 at his heaviest — and it was hard not to notice him. He was always super-nice, but kind of quiet and kept mostly to himself.

Despite his clearly professionally trained singing voice, it was obvious that Karl wasn’t particularly interested in too much interaction with others in the bar, but he was always friendly when spoken to and we couldn’t help but wonder what his life must be like, as neither of us had ever really gotten to know anyone his size before.

Karl says that it wasn’t until a couple of years later that he visited his cardiologist, who asked him to bend down and touch his toes while being hooked up to a heart monitor.

Well, not only could he not do it, the monitor showed Karl basically flat-lining when he was all the way bent over. “The doctor told me

EDITORIAL

The Roush family says goodbye to their beloved son John.

See page 3

that if I didn’t get serious about losing weight, that appointment would probably have been my last,” Karl says. “He told me, ‘Someone is going to find you face down with your teeth knocked out and you’d likely already have been dead before you ever hit the floor.”

He says that was finally the wake-up call he needed to at least start getting serious about dropping some of his weight. The successful long-time studio musician with Atlantic Records Photo by Charmaine George said that he was otherwise happy with his life and honestly wasn’t ready to lose it.

In a little more than four years, Karl Vinson has lost more than 300 lbs. (from See “Karl” on pg. 4 485 to less than 180) and has reduced from a size-7XL to a size-36 pants.

WESLEY CHAPEL’S TOP 5

Revisiting the five biggest news stories in Wesley Chapel in 2023.

See page 8

PASCO CHALLENGES LIVE LOCAL

Commissioners threaten to sue developers who plan to use new law to build apartments.

See page 12

APARTMENTS & BBD TRAFFIC

BBD Blvd. traffic changes coming as new apartment community nears completion.

See page 16

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See story on page 42!

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 26 • December 26, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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The Roush Family Prepares For A Christmas Without John

By GARY NAGER Editorial

I only ever met Laura and Robert Roush and their 8-year-old twin sons Donald and John twice, but I would be lying if I said the family didn’t have a profound impact on me.

The first time I met the Roush family, photographer Charmaine George and I attended the twins’ drive-by seventh birthday party outside their Wesley Chapel home in 2022.

John, who had suffered a recent bout with leukemia, couldn’t have a lot of people around him, because of his chemotherapy-weakened immune system. A fairly large number of people dropped off a number of presents and, knowing that children are much more likely to survive any number of cancers, I was hopeful that John would soon be given a clean bill of health and be able to go back to enjoying his much-deserved childhood.

It wasn’t too long after that when Jannah and I attended a fund raiser for the family at Chuck Lager America’s Tavern in the Shops at Wiregrass. As anyone who has had a family member suffer from cancer knows, the costs can and usually are astronomical, so Jannah and I were happy to help, especially if it meant that John would be one of the fortunate ones to be able ro survive this unforgiving scourge.

Tragically, it wasn’t meant to be. Now just a little more than eight years old, Donald will now be missing his twin and Laura and Robert will forever be missing half their hearts, as John passed away a few days before we went to press with this issue. And, even though we didn’t know the family well, Jannah and I planned to attend John’s funeral, which had not yet been announced at our press time.

No, we didn’t know the Roushes well, but John and Donald’s ever-present smiles the two times I met them reminded me of my own two sons — who aren’t twins but are as close as brothers can be. It’s hard for me, who has gotten to see both of my boys grow into amazing young men — both now with families of their own (three boys between them, as of today), careers and their own wonderful lives — to not feel tremendous sadness that Laura and Robert have been denied the feeling I have every time I’m with Jared, Jake and their families.

I honestly can’t even imagine how Laura, Robert and especially Donald are feeling, I just know that I am willing to do whatever I can to help them. I’m starting with a small donation of my own and, even though I’ve never really been successful raising money for worthwhile causes, I’m also sharing the GoFundMe link so anyone who feels equally affected by the loss of this sweet child can do the same. That link is: https://gofund.me/7f286217.

No matter what your religious beliefs may be, there’s no doubt that the loss of a precious child is one of the most difficult things in life for anyone to deal with, especially at this time of year. And, the bottom line is that even the most faithful of parents has to understand and feel the magnitude of this loss.

So, soar high, John. Just know that not only does your family love and miss you, those of us who were only briefly acquainted with you know the genuine beauty of your smile and your deserving soul. Rest in peace.

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John Roush (2015-2023) Photos courtesy of the Roush Family The Neighborhood News was on hand when (l.-r.) Robert, Laura, Donald and John Roush celebrated the twins’ seventh birthday outside their home in July of 2022. (Photo by Charmaine George)

To help the Roush family, please make a donation at https://gofund.me/7f286217.

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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 32, Issue 2, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Thursday, January 11, 2023.

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Karl Vinson Loses 300 Lbs. Without Surgery Or Medication!

Continued from pg. 1

Although Jannah and I haven’t spent as much time at O’Brien’s the last couple of years as we did when we first met Karl, we were impressed almost two years ago at how much weight he had lost at that time. Although he never mentioned his weight loss when we chatted with him then, Karl told me recently that he was probably “only” down about 90 lbs. at that time and that he hadn’t “really gotten serious about it yet.”

I tried to explain to him that even 90 lbs. is a tremendous amount of weight for anyone to lose, but when he countered when we saw him a couple of weeks before we went to press with this issue that he was now closing in on a 300-lb. weight loss, I knew — especially at this time of year when most people are packing on a few extra holiday pounds — that I wanted to tell his story in these pages.

Quite honestly, if the karaoke jock at O’Brien’s didn’t announce his name, Jannah and I agreed that we would not have recognized our friend Karl at all.

But there he was, with that still-angelic voice, singing a Stevie Wonder tune.

‘So, How Did You Do It, Karl?’

Of course that was my first question for him and I was stunned to find out that Karl had not had lap band or gastric

(Left) Karl Vinson says that this was about the age when he first started putting on weight. (Photo provided by Karl Vinson) (Right) Members of the staff at EoS Fitness on Argosy Dr. (at S.R. 54) in Lutz congratulate Karl for reaching his goal of losing 300 lbs.

Note - Karl had lost two additional lbs. at his next weigh-in two days later. (All other photos on these two pages by Charmaine George) “I wasn’t a fat kid,” Karl, 56, says. ciency that had been keeping him from bypass surgery, nor had he been taking any kind of weight-loss medication. That “But, when I hit puberty, I put on about being able to metabolize carbohydrates, means no appetite suppressants, no sema- 70 lbs. in a month or two. Even my doc- “and carbs had always been my favorite tor assumed that I started overeating.” foods, especially any kind of bread.” glutide, none of it. Although I couldn’t However, he says, back then, docSo, even though he didn’t want to find any statistics as to how many people tors didn’t do metabolic profiles to have to take weight-loss medication, have ever been documented as having determine if there is a medical cause for a Karl’s doctor did put him on a medication lost 300 or more lbs., I did find a stat patient’s extreme weight gain. It wasn’t to help him better metabolize his carbs, that said that of all the people who had until he started seeing his cardiologist and once he began reducing his intake of ever lost 300 or more lbs., only 0.05% here 4-5 years ago that anyone had ever them — as well as the number of calories of them — or 1 in 200 — had done so determined that he had an enzyme defihe was eating every day — “the weight without surgery or medication.

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really started to come off.”

Even so, he said, he’s had quite a few plateaus and other things that have happened to him that could have sabotaged his efforts.

“I ‘only’ lost about 130 pounds total the first two years,” he says. “I knew I needed to try something else.”

Something Else: EoS Fitness

Knowing that he needed to get even more motivated, Karl started working out with a personal trainer and that helped him lose more weight for a while.

But, Karl says, it wasn’t until he pre-joined the new EoS Fitness gym on Argosy Dr. (at S.R. 54, about a mile or so west of the Tampa Premium Outlets) in Lutz, near his Carpenter’s Run home, that he really found the motivation he needed. The local (Top) The scale and smile don’t lie! By weighing in at 180.2 EoS Fitness opened in Dec. lbs., Karl Vinson’s total weight loss was up to almost 305 lbs.

2022 and a year later, Karl (Above) Karl credits EoS Fitness personal trainer Ally Murphey had dropped the additional with being his inspiration for him to finally lose the weight.

168 lbs. he needed to reach Just like Karl, if you never met Ally behis goal of a 300-lb. weight loss. fore, you’d never be able to guess that And, Karl says, he attributes it all to one person: EoS trainer Ally Murphey.

See “Karl Vinson” on page 6!

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‘Karl Vinson’

Continued from pg. 5 she had lost more than 150 lbs. herself.

“Yes, it wasn’t too long ago that I weighed more than 300 lbs.,” Ally admits. “And, I also lost my weight without surgery or taking any weight-loss medication.” Karl says that Ally’s success story, her encouragement and her outstanding personal training are the main reasons he’s been able to achieve his goals.

“I’m even going to use the same surgeon Ally used for her abdominoplasty (the surgery people who lose large amounts of weight need to tighten their loose skin),” Karl says.

“The recovery from that surgery is really tough,” Ally admits. “You basically have to stay in bed for a month and can’t do any type of exercise. But it’s worth it.”

The Weigh-In

When Karl told me that he was pretty confident that he would be able to get to his 300-lb. weight-loss goal in time for me to tell his story in this issue, I looked at a man who was basically a third of the size of what he was when I first met him — and didn’t doubt him for a second. He says that even though he does have a lot of loose skin around his belly, he feels — and knows that he looks — so much better.

“I did a recent tour with the rock band Sabotage in Japan,” he says. “We

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walked all day one day around some famous gardens. I walked more than 12 miles that day and never felt out of breath.

Two years ago, I couldn’t have made it two blocks without having to sit down.”

As for that all-important weigh-in itself, he says, “Everyone at EoS wanted to be there when I got to being down 300 pounds. They’ve all been so supportive.”

The 42,000-sq.-ft. fitness facility erupted in applause when the scale showed that Karl weighed 180.2 lbs. — and he was still wearing his sneakers and sweat-soaked gym clothes. “And I’m down another two lbs. since then,” he says.

He had already done an hour of weightlifting and an hour on the bike, as he does four days every week. His diet these days consists mainly of vegetables, chicken and fish and he says he rarely eats red meat anymore.

“I also eat a lot of hummus,” Karl says. “And, when I do eat some carbs, I’m very careful to control my portions.”

Everything he’s been doing has worked so well, in fact, that he no longer needs medication to control his adultonset (Type II) diabetes, his cholesterol or his blood pressure.

“But I will be on medication to control my irregular heart rhythm (tachychardia) for the rest of my life,” he says.

The Mental Side Of It

One of the hardest things for Karl

about his weight loss has been his own head.

“I was so big for so long that whenever I would go out to eat, I’d always ask to not be seated at a booth, because my stomach couldn’t fit under the table at a booth. I no longer have that (Left) A much larger Karl playing the guitar at his home. (Right) problem, but it Karl has always had a great voice, but he says his confidence is so much took me a long greater now that he’s lost more than 300 lbs. time to stop worryAnd, he adds, music is a big part of ing about where I would be seated.” how he has been able to survive being so It also has been super-difficult for overweight for so long. him to stop having to wear nothing but “One of the reasons I’ve spent so loose-fitting black clothes. much time singing karaoke the last few “I’m wearing size 36 pants now,” years is because singing has really helped he says. “But I was a 7XL at my biggest. me with my breathing. Being extremely I’m finally buying myself some clothes at overweight makes it really hard to breathe Men’s Wearhouse. It’s just really hard to and singing has definitely helped me.” not still think of myself as a fat person.”

Of course, losing 300 lbs. has helped As a studio musician who has been perhaps most of all and has surely added under contract for 35 years with Atlantic years to Karl Vinson’s life. He is supRecords and its parent company (Warner posed to be making an appearance at Bros.), Karl has gotten to work with — some point with WTVT-TV Fox-13’s and contribute at least snippets of songs Charley Belcher. But, in the meantime, to — a number of famous artists. In other I hope that anyone reading this who is struggling with their weight will see that words, despite his weight, he has led an it’s true that anything is possible. extremely interesting life. He says he still “If I can do it, anyone can,” Karl says. writes about 30 songs every month.

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“It’s why we started doing this.”

They also are true believers because they use some of the products they sell themselves. Debra had a knee replaced and finds that her store’s SunMed CBD-infused creams bring her relief, while David finds his issues with sleeping washed away with a nighttime gummy.

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

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that grow on cannabis, of which both hemp and marijuana are varieties. Like “weed,” CBD originates from hemp, but has less than 0.3% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the ingredient that causes the “high,” while marijuana has higher levels of THC. Most CBD products at the store are offered as “full spectrum,” which are generally stronger but still contain no more than the legal limit of 0.3% THC, and “broad spectrum,” with no THC at all.

The Delta Experience

The recent explosion of Delta 8 and Delta 9 products has pushed the limits of the THC content in CBD products, making it more important than ever that consumers know they are legitimate. Your CBD Store only sells SunMed products that the company says are vigorously tested. In fact, a QR code on the products can be

David Calcador & Debra Curler are the co-owners of Your CBD Store New Tampa. scanned for the complete independent lab reports for each SunMed product.

SunMed has recently launched Above and Beyond lines, which have higher levels of THC — but still remain below the legal limit — and are the best sellers for Debra and David.

“These will be gone by the end of the weekend,” Debra says, pointing to a shelf filled with SunMed’s Above and Beyond products, The new product called Above blends Delta-8 with other cannabinoids, which SunMed says delivers what is described as “gentle body feels,” as opposed to a psychoactive high.

Meanwhile, Beyond products contain Delta-9 (and 400% more cannabinoids than your usual full-spectrum), and come in calming (indica) and uplifting (sativa) versions. There also is a hybrid version that blends the two together.

David also raves about his store’s CBG products. He has a special appreciation for their effectiveness, especially the full- and broad-spectrum neuro-water soluble and the CBG Citrus, which helps with inflammation.

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Once every three weeks, he places an order for CBD and CBG products for his 80-year-old mother. CBD helps with her sore joints and arthritis, while CBG, which can be more effective treating muscle soreness, is for the neuropathy in her feet. “As long as mom’s taking it, it’s like someone flipped a switch,” Jeff says. “Just being pain-free and being out of the misery of having the feeling of burning feet all the time, it’s been a wonder.”

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 26 • December 26, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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Looking Back At The Five Top Wesley Chapel News Stories Of 2023!

1. Hospitals In The News —

Although its actual ten-year anniversary was in 2022, a number of things caused AdventHealth Wesley Chapel to postpone its 10-year celebration until Feb. 2023, which would, on its own, be pretty big news for Wesley Chapel.

However, Feb. 2023 also saw the opening of Wesley Chapel’s second hospital — the 86-bed BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, less than two miles north of AdventHealth, which also brought the community out in force to check out the new hospital’s advanced technology.

But wait, that’s not all! Later in 2023, Orlando Health broke ground on its own Wesley Chapel location on S.R. 56 at Wiregrass Ranch Bvd. With its 300 beds, the multi-story Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital will be Wesley Chapel’s largest.

At our press time, the site work for the new hospital was well under way, although vertical construction had not yet begun. We also did not yet have an estimated opening date, but it’s unlikely the new hospital will be completed and opened before 2025.

And finally, John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital announced its plans to build a 356,000-sq.-ft. pediatric hospital at the Wildcat-Bailes site on Overpass Rd. (at McKendree Rd.) near I-75 in the “Connected City” project, although an exact number of beds had not yet been announced, nor was the deal finalized at our press time.

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2. Overpass Rd. Exit Off I-75 Opens — In the entire 30+ years the

(Top) BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel held its official ribbon-cutting on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Feb. 2023, while (above) Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital broke ground on Wesley Chapel’s largest hospital earlier this year.

Neighborhood News has been in business, Wesley Chapel originally only had one exit off of I-75 — Exit #279 at S.R. 54 — and received its second exit, Exit #275, at the new S.R. 56 about a decade ago.

Since then, there has been no exit off I-75 between S.R. 54’s Exit 279 and Exit 285 at S.R. 54 in the San Antonio/Dade City area.

That remained true until Jan. of this year, when the new Exit 282 off I-75 opened at the new Overpass Rd. extension (see photo on next page), which finally connected Overpass from Old Pasco Rd. all the way to Epperson, Curley Rd. and even beyond, through the Watergrass community. Overpass Rd. will one day connect to Handcart Rd. in Zephyrhills.

The new exit has done a pretty good job of helping to reduce rush-hour traffic at the S.R. 54 exit and is definitely stimulating new growth in and around the area — growth that not all local residents are thrilled about.

Among the new development swirling around the new exit is the previously mentioned Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, as well as a possible multi-family or mixed-use development at the corner of Overpass, I-75 and Old Pasco Rd. (see separate story on pg. 12).

We’ll keep you posted.

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come to an agreement with many existing Saddlebrook residents.

One of the big sticking points was that Mast planned to convert the two 18-hole, Arnold Palmerdesigned championship golf courses into 27 holes of golf.

Another important aspect of Mast’s plan was a significant amount of new development, including multi-family units, along S.R. 54 both east and west of the community’s main entrance on Saddlebrook Way at 54.

The redevelopment of Saddlebrook should begin in earnest in 2024.

4. Wiregrass Ranch

(Above) The new Exit 282 off of I-75 at Overpass Rd. Blvd. Opens — Normally, interior roadways primarily serving opened in Jan 2023. only one community would proba3. Saddlebrook Redevelopbly not qualify as one of the biggest news stories ment Plan Approved — Saddlebrook of the year, especially in an area still growing as Resort and the community that sprouted up quickly as is Wesley Chapel. around it became the first large-scale developHowever, in the case of Wiregrass Ranch. ment in Wesley Chapel when owner and former Blvd., because the roadway itself had been Pendant Publishing founder Tom Dempsey paved for what seemed like more than a year developed it in the early 1980s. and had people who were living in the Estancia More than 40 years later, Dempsey’s resort and other Wiregrass Ranch subdivisions using and the surrounding community had lost a lot the roadway illegally to go from S.R. 56 and of their lustre and the resort, in particular, had Chancey Rd. to the Walmart on S.R. 54. for fallen into disarray. many months — moving and then replacing After multiple previous attempts to the barricades located next to Walmart — the purchase and improve the 480-acre resort and official opening of the entire nearly four-mile surrounding community fell through, Mast length of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. in Aug. 2023 Capital finally succeeded in not only purchasing certainly was big news. the resort, but getting its $15-million redevelNext up in Wiregrass Ranch is the opment/rezoning plans approved by the Pasco eastward extension of Chancey Rd. (which County Board of County Commissioners, after runs east-west through the center of Wiregrass making a number of concessions in order to Ranch) all the way to Meadow Pointe Blvd.

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(Above) A rendering of Mast Capital’s redevelopment plan for Saddlebrook Resort, which was approved by Pasco County in July of this year.

(Below) Wiregrass Ranch. Blvd. has been open from S.R. 56 all the way to S.R. 54 since August of 2023.

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9

‘News Stories’

Continued from pg. 9 5a. Downtown Avalon Park Begins Leasing — More than just

another commercial or multi-family development, the long-awaited Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is the first in our area to combine both. Only a few of the retail tenants on the ground floor of the first “neotraditional” building in the downtown area have been announced since the Aug. 17 Open House that unveiled the construction of that new building — including Prime Barbershop, Rita’s Italian Ice, Rudraksh Indian Cuisine and ISI Elite Training. All of these businesses are expected to begin opening sometime in the first quarter of 2024.

5b. Wesley Chapel’s Contract Postal Unit Closes & Opens In New Location — A lot of locals (us

(Above) The site plan for the new Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. (Below) The NTBC ribbon cutting for the relocated Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit.

included) were sad when long-time Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit (CPU) contractor Kelly Rossi retired and closed her location on Boyette Rd. at the end of Jan. Then, we were even sadder to see how long it took new contractors Jevon and Cindy Williams to reopen the Wesley Chapel CPU in its new location in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 in September.

Hopefully, Jevon and Cindy are now recuperating from the CPU’s holiday rush.

We also considered for the top-5...The opening of Cooper’s Hawk, the takeover by Pasco County of the

10

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11

Two Local Property Owners Planning To Develop Using ‘Live Local’ Law

By GARY NAGER Research by Joel Provenzano District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman says that he and his fellow commissioners aren’t opposed to more “workforce housing” coming to Pasco, he just doesn’t believe the State of Florida’s new “Live Local” law will actually accomplish that goal.

Weightman also notes that after the county held a workshop last month where twelve potential sites for possible “Live Local” multi-family developments (such as apartments) were identified that Pasco’s Board of County Commissioners did not threaten to sue the state legislature over “Live Local,” but did threaten to sue developers attempting to develop workforce housing using the new law — which allows those developers to build workforce housing on job-creating sites zoned for commercial and industrial uses, without having to go through a rezoning. This workforce housing is suggested to be affordable housing for individuals to afford the rents near their places of work in order to “Live Local.”

“The intent of ‘Live Local’ is admirable,” Weightman says. “But, we believe that allowing developers, especially for property owners who are based out of state, to get tax breaks for developing multi-family units on commercial sites is not the way to accomplish that goal.”

12

Weightman adds that with all of the new residential development already being constructed in Pasco County, especially in booming Wesley Chapel, “We need as many of our potential employment centers as possible to remain as job-creating sites.

If we keep building more and more residential units without places in or near the same communities for those residents to work, we’re not helping those lower- and middle-income renters ‘Live Local,’ as it’s supposedly designed to help. (The law) in turn takes away jobs, rather than creating employment opportunities for those who, in fact, Live Local.”

The legislation known as the Live Local Act offers developers tax breaks for approximately 30 years, and allows them to bypass local zoning rules if enough workforce housing (at least 40% of a particular site) is built. The act is meant to create more housing for middle-income renters who make 120% of an area’s median income or less. In Pasco, Weightman says, that means these “lower-income” rental units are intended for people making $70,000 or less per year.

“Those aren’t all low-income renters,” Weightman says. “And, even though the tax break savings given to developers under Live Local are supposed to be passed on to the renters, it seems that these Live Local properties are renting at market rates, so the only ones really benefiting from Live Local are the developers themselves.”

Adrian Phillip Overpass, LLC

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman says that the Adrian Phillip Overpass, LLC, property on Old Pasco Rd. at Overpass Rd. has been negotiating with the county, rather than attempt to force low-income housing on the site under Florida’s new “Live Local” law.

Pasco Rd. at the intersection of Overpass Two Local Sites With Two Rd., just west of the new Overpass Rd. exit Different Approaches off I-75 (see map above). The 32.26-acre Weightman says that two of the site currently is zoned commercial, which twelve Pasco sites where developers have Weightman says makes sense because of its planned to develop rental housing on location near the interstate’s new Exit 282. commercially zoned property are located “Under Live Local, this particular develin Wesley Chapel proper. oper could just develop apartments without The first is known as Adrian Phillip Overpass, LLC, which is located on Old See “Live Local” on pg. 14.

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Live Local

Continued from pg. 12 a rezoning,” Weightman says, “but they have been in discussions with the county about at least keeping the property a mixed-use site.

As long as they’re willing to work with us, there’s no reason for us to sue the developer.

The threat of a possible lawsuit could put properties like these in limbo, so we appreciate developers like these who don’t want to force the county into a position of eliminating a planned future employment site.”

Weightman notes, however, that the developers of another Wesley Chapel site have been less willing to work with the county on a mixed-use solution.

The 25.69-acre property known as Woods at Wesley Chapel, is located just west of the intersection of Curley Rd. and S.R. 54. Developer Denton Floyd Real Estate Group is planning to build a 320-unit rental community at the site, which is part of the adjacent Pine Ridge Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) but is currently zoned for commercial (C1 & C2) uses.

A previous development application that was abandoned for this site was a Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse.

That plan was abandoned because of the site’s low potential accessibility for the large trucks that would have to enter and exit Lowe’s from S.R. 54 (and other reasons).

Weightman says that although the county staff has attempted to negotiate with Denton Floyd to at least allow some neighborhood commercial, like a medical or other

14

professional office building, “The developer is pretty bullish on using Live Local to develop the entire site as rental apartments with minimal amenities for its residents and predict no real cost savings on rent. This is the type of development that the county believes is worth suing the developer over, which allows the county to challenge the constitutionality of Live Local.”

Not Suing The State

Weightman is quick to point out, however, that unlike what has been written in some published reports, Pasco is not planning to sue the state over Live Local.

Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples), who has been called the main architect of the Live Local Act, was quoted in a Dec. 7 FloridaPolitics.com article as saying that she didn’t understand why Pasco commissioners would vote to file a lawsuit looking to strike down the portion of Live Local that requires local governments to open up commercial and industrial areas to residential construction that would take away the need for the developer to go through the rezoning process.

“Why didn’t you call me?,” Passidomo was quoted as saying. “I have a cell phone.

Don’t sue me, talk to me. And then sue me if you don’t like it.”

Weightman says Pasco is, in fact, not suing the state, but rather threatening to sue the developers who plan to utilize the law to develop multi-family housing on commercial, industrial and mixed-use sites without going through the rezoning process.

“Pasco has more of these Live Local

Woods at WC (Denton Floyd)

.

Rd y rle Cu

Commissioner Weightman says that the developer of the Woods at Wesley Chapel site on S.R. 54 just west of Curley Rd. has not been willing to negotiate anything other than developing a 320unit rental apartment at that location, despite the site’s current commercial zoning.

sites than just about any other county in the state,” Weightman says. “We need employment centers for all of the people who are moving here, and we don’t think we should be forced to give up those employment centers to give tax breaks to out of state developers, especially without actually providing any real low-income housing.”

Weightman says he also fears that other Live Local sites, in addition to the current

12, will likely also pop up in Pasco, especially in our zip codes. “There’s no doubt that these developers are looking at their own pro forma statements, and not at helping low-income people,” he says. “And they definitely want to get into Wesley Chapel.”

Passidomo also was quoted as saying that the Live Local Act could be tweaked during the upcoming State Legislative session, which begins on Jan. 9.

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15

New Apartments To Bring Traffic Changes To Bruce B. Downs

By GARY NAGER Research by Joel Provenzano

5101 BBD Apts

(Above) The still unnamed new apartment community under construction on BBD Blvd.

(Right) The map of the new apartments and the changes planned for BBD in the area. timeline as we went to press, will be right turn lane is being made extra long paid for by the developers of Wiregrass so a bus stop pad can be placed north of Ranch, which is located across BBD the area for U-turning traffic to enter the from the new apartment community. turn lane. The pad will be connected by Here’s a breakdown of the coming a sidewalk that will enter directly into the traffic changes on BBD: apartments for ease of access.

1) The primary entrance (see photo 2) In order to accommodate this on pg. 18) to the 16.24-acre complex nonstandard median opening for the Uwill be a gated right-in/right-out only. turn, the Florida Department of TransThis means traffic intending to enter the portation (FDOT) is requiring that the development coming from the south existing adjacent median opening on BBD on BBD will be required to use a long serving Wells Fargo (entrance is in gray on northbound U-turn lane that the demap) will be closed. veloper will be constructing, which will 3) In addition, the existing northfeed into a new, long southbound right bound left turn lane serving that opening turn entrance to the apartments. The See “Apartments” on pg. 18.

BBD Blvd .

An unnamed, under-construction 248-unit apartment complex on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (south of the northern terminus of Eagleston Blvd. and the Wells Fargo Bank) in Seven Oaks also includes some future traffic pattern changes on BBD. The complex, which is owned and being developed by Mast Capital — which also is redeveloping the nearby Saddlebrook Resort and its surrounding community — is being required to make some significant changes in anticipation of the additional BBD traffic the complex will generate.

As the apartment community nears completion, construction of these roadway improvements has begun and motorists on BBD will soon notice even more significant mainline roadway work over the coming weeks.

All of the roadwork on and near BBD is being paid for and completed by the developer of the apartments (currently known only as “5101 Bruce B. Downs Apts.”) — other than a new traffic signal to be located south of the community’s entrance (and the existing Frontier Communications building). That signal, which had no

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‘Apartments’

ing located south of the apartments.

The U-turn lane is being made Continued from pg. 16 long and wide enough for it to be will just be connected to the existing one converted in the future to southbound dual lefts, as this median opening will for the traffic signal, making for an extra serve as the future location for a traflong turn lane going southbound. fic signal at BBD and the “Wiregrass Moreover, because of the size of the apartments, an emergency access driveway Bypass Rd.” that will connect BBD D E NTA L ST U D I O + S PA is required by the county at the north end to Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. (south of Walmart) and eventually swing up to of the property, just south of the bank, Tampa Bay’s FIRST boutique connect with SR 54 near Saddlebrook. that won’t be open to other traffic. dental studio & med spa, At our press time, we had no word With all of these changes in the from Wiregrass Ranch developer JD works, vehicles both exiting Wells where aesthetics and dental Porter regarding the anticipated date Fargo and the new apartments that excellence integrate seamlessly as to when construction of the new intend to go north will have to go Bypass Rd. or the traffic signal at BBD down to another new southbound Wesley Chapel’s ONLY boutique dental office & ive Dentistry SPECIAL U-turn lane that will be attached to the and the Bypass Rd. will begin.

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21

Jessica & Joel Provenzano Offer A Unique Real Estate Combination

By Nidhi Jani

Neighborhood News Correspondent Choosing a real estate agent when buying or selling a home can be difficult. But, what if you could get two agents working for you instead of one — and they are both locals of almost 20 years, who have lived, worked and raised a family in this growing and changing community?

Jessica and Joel Provenzano are Realtors® licensed in Florida and they work together at Florida Executive Realty (FER)’s Tampa Palms office. FER, founded in 1992 at the former Tampa Palms Welcome Center (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. on Amberly Dr.)

by Doug Loyd and John Zielenbach, has now expanded to more than 100 agents in six offices across the Tampa Bay area, including Brandon and Lithia.

“Jess and I are a team on every deal and for every client,” explains Joel. “We’ve been married for 18 years and found very early on that we actually work pretty well together, not just relationship-wise, but in professional settings, too.”

“Our different skill sets complement each other,” Jessica adds. “I work more on communication and contracts and Joel does more research and is more hands-on with things like inspection reports and technical issues. But, we always work as a team for all of our clients.”

The Provenzanos have been together since they were high school sweethearts who met as teens in Estero, FL. While dating, they worked at the same seafood restaurant, with Jessica working in the front of the house and Joel working in the kitchen. Despite their different roles, they found themselves constantly communicating on how to improve the service and flow of the restaurant.

They moved to Tampa by 2004, got married and bought their first — and current — home in Wesley Chapel in 2005.

While Jessica worked for several companies in sales and marketing and Joel worked as an engineer for 22 years, they still found ways to work together. For four years, they both worked at a local design and construction company, American Consulting Engineers (now American Consulting Professionals).

They also volunteered together at Lifepoint Church in New Tampa, mostly in the kids

���

“I had financial planning for the uncertainties in and student life. Their involvement with their girls’ the pleasure of ministry. schools, their church and the North Tampa working with About a Bay Chamber of Commerce gives them Jessica and Joel year and a half Provenzano when awareness of the local community and helps ago, Jessica them find business partners for inspections, purchasing my was the first to appraisals and more. first home,” says get started in Ashley. “(I was) real estate. She Jessica & Joel’s Tips For new to the area says she always Prospective Buyers: and they were had a strong • New construction has become interest in real the perfect fit to extremely competitive, so this is one of the estate because, help me find my best times to buy a new construction home. as a child, she dream home. Not In some cases, newly constructed houses moved 18 only did they give can be more affordable than existing homes, times, due to me a good feel even in the same communities. You will her father’s for the different get better energy efficiency and upgraded job at Lowe’s, neighborhoods, finishes are basically standard now. as he helped they also told me • For many new communities, the the home all about the area. builder’s lender has many incentives to keep improvement Putting in an their construction momentum going — warehouse’s offer was incredmore cash towards closing, interest rate buyunderperformibly smooth and downs and matching or beating rates from Realtors® Joel & Jessica Provenzano of Florida Executive ing stores.

I felt supported private lenders. Buyers should always work Realty in Tampa Palms offer a unique combination of skills to Thus, she with a Realtor, especially with new construchelp you buy or sell a home. (Photos provided by Joel Provenzano) all along the way. became very Even with some tion, to get competitive loan offers. familiar with both the moving process and bumps in the road, they handled everything • Lenders crunch your numbers before financial challenges, such as dealing with quickly and professionally. They really made offering loans, but that doesn’t always mean multiple mortgages, which can happen when sure I wasn’t left in the dark. I honestly don’t that their terms are comfortably within your families move from home to home. think I could’ve found a better realty team.” means. While predatory lending practices Joel initially began working with Jessica Another client, Sam Benoit, says, “Jess have declined in recent years, it is important only on weekends and after hours, but decided to leave engineering to work with his wife and Joel were extremely helpful and detailed to have an honest conversation with a Realtor full-time in May. His transportation and land in every way. They were available anytime we to make sure you get loans with terms that had questions and made the process painless. are flexible enough to fit within your budget. development engineering background, both for the Florida Department of Transportation It was more about finding the right place Tips for Prospective Sellers: for us rather than making a sale for them. I (FDOT) and as a private consultant, gives • Our best advice for sellers is that the would recommend them to anyone looking him tremendous insight into, and the ability property must be priced correctly from the to research, new construction, roads, permit- to purchase.”

The Provenzanos are uniqueting, inspection reports, damage mitigation ly positioned to help buyers and due to the Florida elements and more. He sellers in New Tampa, Wesley also provides research for this publication.

Chapel and the surrounding areas.

“We are more than happy to take buyThey were in their 20s with a ers to the construction sites and describe tight budget when they bought the stages of construction or map out how an empty lot will be transformed when con- their home in the Meadow Pointe II neighborhood. They bought struction is complete,” Joel says. during a housing boom, which Now that they’re a team again, the Provenzanos are putting their work and life quickly became a recession. This experiences to good use — helping prospec- taught them about home loans, tive buyers find their dream homes and get- refinancing and how to negotiate ting sellers the best offers in the New Tampa with lenders. and Wesley Chapel areas and beyond.

With two daughters, Kayla, Is this your idea of a dream kitchen? If not, let Jessica & Joel Ashley Sullivan shares her experience 13, and Lily, 12, and changing Provenzano help find yours, too. buying her first home with Jessica and Joel. jobs and careers, they understand

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Jessica and Joel can help you find the unique elements you want when buying a new home, or provide great photographs of those elements in your home when selling. beginning. If it’s even slightly too high, it can difference. We do most of our real estate lose momentum in this competitive market. photography ourselves. We work with sellers You can always get more money for a propto declutter and stage each room to look erty by getting the price right from Day One. as appealing as possible to potential buyers.

• A knowledgeable Realtor will help Unnecessary items can completely distract you price your home for sale by performing from the room being shown. market comparisons, also known as “comparaJessica & Joel Provenzano are bles.” The Realtor will check on recently sold with Florida Executive Realty (15802 properties, as well as properties currently for Amberly Dr., Tampa Palms). Call or text sale and how long they have been on the mar- (813) 956-4093 or visit JProvenzano.

FloridaExecutiveRealty.com for a free ket. Then, the Realtor can price the property consultation today. Or, see the ad on pg. appropriately to stand out among the rest.

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23

IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness — More Than Just Another Med Spa!

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Neighborhood News Correspondent Led by the husband-and-wife team of Gabriel Vargas and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) Jessica Rosado, IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers preventive and primary care, diagnostics, wellness programs and holistic therapies — all conveniently located under one roof on County Line Rd. (in the new Publix plaza at Livingston Ave.) in Lutz. This inclusive approach to wellness distinguishes IV Harmony Clinic from traditional medical offices that focus primarily on treating illnesses.

Twenty-three years ago, Vargas, the company’s president and CEO, transitioned from what he admits was an unhealthy lifestyle to advocating for a proactive focus on wellness. “I’m living proof prevention is the best way to go.”

Prevention is what became the catalyst for creating a medical clinic dedicated to helping others choose the same type of path.

Rosado, IV Harmony’s chief operating officer, completed her nursing degree at Antillean University in Puerto Rico and earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and FNP-C certification from AGM University in Florida. She also has Gerontology Nursing (Gero-BC) and FMCSA (DOT) certifications. Rosado draws from 16 years of experience in cardiac emergencies and seven years at the Moffitt Cancer Center working with cancer patients. Motivated by

24

the stories of her patients, Rosado pursued her MSN to help her patients shift their focus from trying to cure illnesses to promoting overall health. Registered Nurses José Del Valle and Sara Wallace and Licensed Esthetician Alexys Goff also assist Rosado.

“As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I can care for children to seniors,” Rosado says.

“We have treated children from 7 years old — with the consent of their parents — up to 100 years old. We give you the tools your body needs to feel better.”

She adds, “I have spent the last 24 years in a healthcare setting — and the last three years in the role of FNP-C. We started IV Harmony in 2022 as a mobile service and opened our doors to the public in our first (brick & mortar) clinic in May 2023.”

In 2022, IV Harmony’s Medical Director Dr. Victor Feliz, a cardiologist who is a Fellow of both the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (FSCAI) with 22 years of experience, joined the team. Dr. Feliz finished his Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan, NY. He later had a Cardiology fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, following a Geriatric Medicine fellowship.

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IV Harmony Clinic employs a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. The Clinic’s physician-

(L.-r.) RN Sara Wallace, Esthetician Alexys Goff, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jessica Rosado & CEO Gabriel Vargas of IV Harmony Clinic, located in the new Publix shopping center at Livingston Ave. & County Line Rd. in Lutz. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George) supervised programs include semaglutide labs. This treatment isn’t for everyone, so we (like the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy), also offer several other medical weight-loss tirzepatide (like the brand Mounjaro), pepoptions. But, our patients who qualify for tides for weight loss, as well as a protocol that semaglutide treatment do very well with it.”

Rosado will identify your underlying combines a low dose of Naltrexone, plus Sermorelin, Lipo-Trim SL, and low-calorie intake health issues impacting weight loss through a detailed medical evaluation, including to achieve optimum weight-loss results.

Rosado says that lately, “Semaglutide history, an examination and potential tests. is the most requested weight-loss medicaIV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients also tion” at IV Harmony Clinic. “And we only weigh in each week on the clinic’s high-tech use high-quality semaglutide from the best InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer,

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revitalization with Botox® and Dysport treatments. The Clinic also offers peptide hormone therapy, which targets muscle restoration and stimulates human growth hormone (HGH) production.

“When you look in the mirror, and you look younger and better, it helps you feel better,” says Vargas.

Rosado adds, “At this time of year, we definitely see a lot more patients looking for Botox® and filler treatments. Everyone wants to look better for the new year.”

PEMF, PRP & More

(Above) IV Harmony Clinic’s Medical Director Dr. Victor Feliz. (Right) IV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients weigh in each week on the clinic’s InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer. which measures not just your weight, but also your body fat, muscle and water levels.

“Our weight-loss programs are personalized plans tailored to each patient’s age, gender, medical conditions, activity level and objectives,” Rosado says, adding that some patients are referred to Registered Dietitians and nutritionists. “The patients who get the best results combine calorie control with increased physical activity, and behavior modification. We provide ongoing monitoring, medication, supplements and, if needed, referrals for psychological support.”

She also explains that, “When I know the patient’s background, I can give them

options and guide them. Then, we work together to get each patient to their goal.”

Esthetic Services, Too!

Rosado and Vargas did their due diligence when looking for the right esthetic services for their clients. They chose SkinPen microneedling from Crown Aesthetic for IV Harmony because they knew the safety and research behind the product. SkinPen employs sterile needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting skin rejuvenation. Patients also can experience

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IV Harmony patients also can explore the benefits of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), a non-invasive approach that utilizes electromagnetic fields to enhance cellular health and promote healing processes.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the blood’s platelets and injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the body. Rosado says PRP therapies can help patients with everything from injuries and musculoskeletal pain to cosmetic procedures. It also can be used in conjunction with microneedling.

Hydrodermabrasion combines water and exfoliation to effortlessly exfoliate and reveal healthier, more radiant skin texture.

HRT & Low Testosterone

Tailored to each individual’s needs and addressing hormonal imbalances in women, IV Harmony Clinic’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) tackles symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, low libido, memory and sleep issues and mood swings.

And, for men with low testosterone, the clinic’s Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) provides effective solutions. Vargas explains that IV Harmony has many success stories, especially referencing a patient with “Low-T” complaining of all-over body pain.

“For a man, a good number is around 600, and insurance doesn’t want to cover you if you are at 200, which is extremely

low. We started treating this patient with testosterone, which increased his levels, and the pain in his body disappeared.”

Available IV Nutritional Therapies

IV Harmony Clinic also offers a wide variety of intravenous (IV) nutritional therapies, which rapidly and efficiently deliver essential vitamins and nutrients to the body through the patient’s veins. These therapies — which provide your choice of a variety of B vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc, are designed to contribute to the patient’s overall health and wellness.

Rosado says IV therapy delivers essential nutrients directly to the system, making it beneficial for deficiencies, immune support and for providing energy boosts. Bypassing the digestive system enhances absorption of these nutrients, aiding individuals with digestive issues. The therapy supports detoxification, boosts immune function, improves athletic performance, aids hangover relief and promotes skin health through nutrient and antioxidant support for collagen production.

Monthly Memberships

IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers a convenient membership program for monthly infusions. Members receive discounts on any service at the Clinic and also are allowed to share their IV treatment services with their family members. While IV Harmony does not accept health insurance, it does accept HSA and FSA and patients also can use their Care Credits. IV Harmony also offers a rewards program for referrals.

When not at their clinic, Vargas and Rosado are cycling fans who assemble at church on the weekend. They have a 12-year-old daughter and a pet guinea pig.

IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness is located at 2749 E. County Line Rd. in Lutz. The office is open Mon.Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday,. For more information, visit IVHarmonyClinic.com, call (813) 3253870 or see the ad on pg. 29.

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27

Family-Owned Absolute Air — Still Building On Two Decades Of Trust

By Celeste McLaughlin

Neighborhood News Correspondent When Steve DeRolf started Absolute Air in 2001, he was working in the industry and saw customers regularly being sold things they didn’t need at prices that were extremely inflated.

“They were getting $300 for a run cap back then,” he says, explaining that a run cap is an electrical part necessary to run an air conditioning unit. “Today – 22 years later – I only charge $250.”

He says other companies overcharging customers still happens today. And, while he can’t keep other companies from taking advantage of customers, Steve promises that Absolute Air offers honest and reasonable prices to give people an alternative.

He has lots of stories to prove his point — like the woman in a mobile home who was told she needed a new unit with a price tag of $18,000 for the system, plus $6,000 to replace her ductwork.

“We told her the entire job would be $7,000 with us,” Steve says. And, he also told her she could keep using the system until it no longer worked, while the other company was pressuring her to replace the entire system immediately.

Then, there was the man who called because he thought his mom was being taken advantage of by another company.

“They told her that her heater was bad and it would be $1,500 to replace,” says Steve. “But, it was just a burnt wire, so for $200, we had it running again.”

He says another common problem is that some companies won’t tell the customer that a part is still under warranty. Instead of dealing with the warranty to replace the part, they try to sell a whole new system.

“It’s more work to do it right,” Steve says, “so they make it easier on themselves, rather than doing what’s best for the customer.”

Steve’s wife, Tammy, has served as Absolute Air’s office manager since the company’s early years and now his daughter, Amber, is the assistant office manager.

The DeRolf family loves being part of the community they serve.

(L.-r.) Amber, Steve and Tammy DeRolf of Absolute Air Systems, Inc., with the company’s mascot, Hurricane. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

“I grew up in Zephyrhills when Wesley Chapel wasn’t even here,” Steve says.

“All three of my kids went to schools in Zephyrhills.”

Steve met Tammy when she was in the Air Force and he had just gotten out of the Army. They married 29 years ago.

In addition to Amber, they have a son who is a Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy and a daughter who lives in Palm Bay. “Our family’s goal is to always treat the customer right,” Steve says, “and to run our business with honesty, integrity and loyalty.”

He says regular maintenance is essential, “like changing the oil in your car,” but you should be wary of companies who say they’ll do your maintenance for $29.99.

Since it costs more than that — between labor and vehicle costs — for them to send a technician to your house to do the maintenance,” Steve says. “They will likely try to get more money from you by selling you something you may not need, or by charging too much for it.

“Some of them are getting $2,500 for an ultraviolet light,” he adds, “but we put them in for $600.”

Amber says those UV lights are important, though.

“It’s something everyone should have,” Amber says. “It improves the life of your coils by keeping mildew out of them, and keeps your air cleaner.”

She explains that Absolute Air also offers maintenance “memberships” for people who want peace of mind regarding keeping their air conditioning and heating units running properly.

“If you join the membership program,” she says, “it’s $5 less for the maintenance and then you’ll get 10 percent off any service calls you might need for the whole year you’re on the program.”

Amber says that Absolute Air’s phones

are answered in the evenings and on weekends, because they understand that emergencies happen. They can even send someone out right away, although the cost is slightly higher for after-hours service calls.

And, Amber says that Absolute Air promises that if the company can fix your system and keep it running, they will.

“I have my word and my integrity,” Steve says. “We don’t scare our customers into buying something they don’t need.”

In addition to the DeRolf family, Absolute Air includes vice president Mike Thornton, who co-founded the company with Steve and now handles commercial accounts and new construction installation, and longtime technician Greg Weatherspoon, who used to be a neighbor and whose dad once worked for the company.

“Our customers love Greg,” Amber says. “He’s honest, reliable, trustworthy and will even talk customers through things to help people over the phone, whenever possible.”

One customer who agrees with that assessment of Greg is Mary Mosiello. When Mary and her husband, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gerard Mosiello, moved into their home 10 years ago, they needed to replace an air conditioning unit. They asked around and one of their neighbors recommended Absolute Air Systems.

They were so pleased, they also had Absolute Air take care of the units at their business in Tampa Palms, as well.

“They are very dependable and responsive,” Mary says. “I appreciate that they’re so helpful and that they educate us as to the best ways to keep this very expensive product running.”

Over the past 10 years, Absolute Air has built a relationship that Mary says is built

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 26 • December 26, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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If You Want Your Ad To Reach The Most Potential Customers In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel...

CALL OR EMAIL JANNAH! 813.910.2575 Ads@NT NeighborhoodNews.com (Above) Long-time Absolute Air Systems technician Greg Weatherspoon (left) and tech Nate Clements provide outstanding air conditioning and heating system services at the company’s always fair prices.

on her confidence that the company and its technicians are trustworthy and reliable.

“It’s not an easy decision to have to replace something,” Mary says, “but it helps if you trust the people you’re dealing with.

They know your home and business and what you need, and I like that for sure.”

And, while she says she’s happy to recommend Absolute Air to others, “I just don’t want them to get too busy where they can’t come see me,” she laughs.

Absolute Air Systems provides heating and air conditioning service for both residential and commercial systems. The company offers full system installs, service calls, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, UV light installation, thermostat upgrades and any other heating and cooling needs.

“At least get your units serviced once a year,” says Steve. “Since we’re family owned and live in this community, after we come to your house, you’ll probably see us out in the community. Whether it’s at Walmart or Applebee’s or church, we’re out in the community we serve and love.”

And, he says, he never has to worry when he sees his customers out and about.

He has no qualms, knowing that he and everyone in his company has treated them with honesty and integrity.

To schedule an appointment for maintenance or service, call (813) 7790101. For more information about Absolute Air Systems, visit GetColdAir.com.

Or, see the ad on page 47 of this issue for $100 off a UV Light installation.

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31

Jeffrey Allen Inc. — Where Golf Cars Are A 50-Year Family Tradition!

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Neighborhood News Correspondent Established in 1970 by Alan B. Sverdlow, Jeffrey Allen Inc. has evolved into a prominent third-generation, family-owned golf car dealership and service provider.

Initially focused on distributing deep-cycle batteries to the golf course industry, the company underwent a transformative phase under second-generation CEO Jeff Sverdlow, who, driven by his love of golf, helped Jeffrey Allen Inc. become one of the largest and most successful factory-authorized commercial dealers of Club Car Inc. in Florida.

In the 1990s, the third-generation brothers, Ben and Craig Sverdlow, assumed key roles in the business. Recognizing untapped opportunities in the commercial marketplace, they strategically expanded the company’s offerings beyond the golf industry.

With locations in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale, Jeffrey Allen Inc. also rents HuntVe electric UTVs, Westward utility vehicles, Madjax electric vehicles, and Garia luxury golf cars and owns one of the largest fleets of rental vehicles in Florida, in addition to its golf car sales. The company also just entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Bolt Energy USA. Ben Sverdlow, Owner and President, explains, “Over the last 10 years, the focus shifted once again to selling consumer golf cars (Note — although most people still call them golf carts, Sverdlow and his employees call them golf cars because of the years of dramatic improvements in the performance of the vehicles) used for recreation and aftermarket lithium battery development and sales. Most recently, we’ve launched a new division selling aftermarket lithium batteries.

Bolt Battery USA has been launched and is gaining a lot of traction. Bolt products were designed for the harsh workload required to power high-performance golf cars.”

Jeffrey Allen Inc. allows clients to customize their dream golf cars in person or conveniently online. When a customer “builds” a golf car online, they have to select a dealer. Jeffrey Allen Inc. then works with them on building, customizing, financing and delivering their new vehicle. Customers also have the option to pick up their golf cars with their own trailers.

32

(Above left) Alan Sverdlow (far left) founded Jeffrey Allen Inc. in 1970. (Right, l.-r.) Ben, Craig & Jeff Sverdlow. (Next page, left) Jeffrey Allen Inc.’s West Coast showroom on U.S. Hwy. 301 in Tampa. (Right, l.-r.) Club Car Onward, Garia & CRU. (All photos provided by Jeffrey Allen Inc.) new golf car customers some advice. reviews you’ll find of his experience with Carlos Roque, Jeffrey Allen’s VP of “Golf cars are equipment, and all Jeffrey Allen Inc. Sales, describes what separates the company equipment eventually breaks,” he says. “We “I just took delivery of my brand new from its competitors. highly recommend you purchase an Amer2024 Club Car Onward golf car, and I have “As one of the largest dealers in the to say it was well worth the wait!!! The team nation,” Roque says, “our brand and reputa- ican-made vehicle where parts availability is good and there are many servicing dealers at Jeffrey Allen Inc. Tampa went above and tion are very important to us. With all the who can support you down the road.” beyond, ensuring an outstanding buying exnew golf cars entering the market, selling Promising fair and transparent pricing, perience…Of course, I can’t forget the team the product is secondary to quality service the company services most makes and modthat built our car to exactly our customizaafter the sale.” els and offers mobile repair field technicians tions. The entire team did an amazing job! I He adds that today’s customers seek in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hardee, would highly recommend to anyone looking top-notch service when shopping for their Hernando, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota to buy a golf car to go by and check out Jefgolf car brands. “Parts availability, servicefrey Allen Inc. You won’t be disappointed.” counties. If the repair can’t be completed at ability and support from the manufacturer Not only does the company sell golf cars your location, the golf car will be transportare important features we hone in on when and batteries, it also offers rental golf cars for selecting new products to represent,” Roque ed to the shop at no additional cost. commercial and special event purposes.

Satisfied customer Christian de Paulsen says. “Our customers have supported us for Commercial golf cars are built to over 50 years because of our commitment to left one of the hundreds of five-star Google them. ‘The customer comes first’ is not just a catch phrase at Jeffrey Allen Inc.; it is part of our core values and our decision-making process. Simply, if it’s not good for our customers, it is not good for our company.”

Sverdlow and his team work hard to keep up to date with the latest trends and technological advancements in the industry.

“Fortunately, our primary brands of vehicles we represent are all ‘tip of the spear’ when it comes to innovation,” Sverdlow says. “We also participate in best practice groups, read every trade publication available and are quick to test and vet new products as they become available. We are very cautious about what brands we sell. All products we represent must be of the highest quality for our clients.”

As an industry expert, Sverdlow offers

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withstand heavy-duty usage for most commercial applications. They are used in many industries, such as resorts, hotels, building and lawn maintenance, municipalities and educational institutions.

“Golf cars have become very important tools at commercial facilities,” Sverdlow says. “These operations simply don’t function without their utility vehicles. Our commercial golf and utility rental team provides services for many types of events. Our golf cars are used for things like event set-up, material handling, transporting personnel, security, refuse removal, engineering and administrative purposes.”

For special events, 2-, 4- and 6-passen-

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sumer golf cars are custom-outfitted by the customer. Whether it’s a paint job, reupholstered seats, or speed modifications, the options are endless.”

The company also takes accessibility ger rental golf cars have become popular for weddings, church events, corporate and non- into consideration with each car.

“We work closely with our manufacprofit events, parades, fairs, festivals, concerts, turer to design ADA (Americans with Dissporting events and golf tournaments. abilities Act) compliance and other specialty “Especially in Florida, golf cars have become part of the lifestyle,” Sverdlow says. vehicles, such as accessibility for wheelchairs “Many communities have embraced them as and emergency vehicles used by first responders,” explains Roque. excellent modes of transportation and have Jeffrey Allen Inc.’s success is measured reduced the need for parking. We believe in business milestones and the stories of famthat more communities and municipalities ilies creating enduring memories through will continue this trend, drafting rules and shared experiences with their golf cars. The laws that are favorable to this small wheelcompany actively engages in philanthropic powered vehicle market.” initiatives, supporting local activities for vetHe adds, “Consumers have embraced erans, children and food drives, underscorthe golf car to ‘have fun’; it’s become part ing a commitment to community impact. of our culture here in Florida. Our con-

Sverdlow says the favorite stories the company hears are how often their golf cars have brought families together, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities.

“The simple trip to the grocery store becomes an adventure for young kids and teens when they ride in the golf car with their parents,” he explains. “An evening ride around the neighborhood, a ride to the community pool and social events are just a few ways our customers enjoy their golf cars.

(They spend) quality time talking, laughing and making memories on our products.”

The West Coast division of Jeffrey Allen Inc. is located at 4401 U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa, and is open Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Sat. by appointment.

For more info, call (800) 282-6256, visit JeffreyAllenInc.com/west-coast-greatertampa or see the ad on pg. 36.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 26 • December 26, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

33

Excel Music Adds Two Exciting New Programs To Better Serve You! months, they will perform at a concert — not a recital, but a concert— and/or they’ll do a professional YouTube music video. I have never been as excited for a class.”

John hopes to schedule the first Keyboard Band concert and video in Apr. 2024.

By Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Neighborhood News Correspondent Located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd., Excel Music has been teaching children and adults private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums, strings, clarinet, recorder, flute, saxophone, and other musical instruments for 17 years.

Serving the communities of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, Excel Music cofounders John and Sheri Thrasher cannot contain their delight when they talk about two exciting new programs — one that is available immediately and the other beginning next month (January 2024).

Royal Conservatory-trained and certified teacher Regnarene Brown has joined the Excel Music faculty of 14 music teachers to instruct Royal Conservatory Piano.

“This is a method intended for more serious students,” Regnarene says. “There’s an adjudication process. They prepare and perform pieces for judges before they can move on to the next level. It’s for a student who might be interested in a career or pursuing music at a more serious level.”

John adds, “Typically, we start kids in piano at 5, but an adult can start Royal Conservatory if they want to, too.”

As excited as he is about the Royal Conservatory, John is equally thrilled about Excel’s other new program.

“We are officially starting a Keyboard Band Piano Jam class in January,” he says.

34

Post-Pandemic Changes

Excel Music piano & guitar teacher Regnarene Brown (left) will teach the Royal Conservatory of Music program at Excel, which is located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George) “This class is for 7-10 year olds, typically chords, melodies and improvisation. beginners, but intermediate students would “Playing with other people, you feel also enjoy it. From Day One, they’re learninspired to try a little harder,” John says. ing pop songs, and each child gets their “Even if your part is simple, it’s important. own part to play. There are four levels. It’s It matters. Quite often, kids worry that playlike ‘gamified’ learning, or like a karate class ing the piano will be too hard, and that atwhere once they master a level, they move home practice will feel more like homework, up to the next level.” not something they’ll enjoy. This program Excel Music’s Keyboard Band students is designed to eliminate that concern by eswill learn the same skills taught in private tablishing some quick wins for the students, lessons, but instead, will work with 4-5 so much so that after just a few lessons, each other students in a small group setting. student will have the basic skills needed to They will work on music reading, as well as play their favorite song. Every three to four

During the pandemic, Excel Music brought lessons online only, but since reopening to in-person lessons, has continued to offer students the convenience of virtual classes.

“We still have a fairly large number of students participating virtually,” he says.

“It’s been a great fit. We’ve had students who have moved out of the state or even the country continue their private lessons with us. Many families return to their native countries during the summertime, and the students can continue their music lessons while they’re away. That’s been a real benefit to kids during the three-month ‘summer slump,’ when many kids tend to slip backward (at school). Learning music is no different, so this has really helped.”

He adds, “Our focus is on education first. Many places that give lessons, particularly on multiple instruments and voice, are often retail facilities that also offer lessons.

We’ve turned that model around. We do have some retail, but only in support of the individual lessons. These are accessories that students need to succeed and do well in their music lessons.”

With each class or curriculum designed

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teacher encourages me to learn more and more music, and he gets me music that I want to learn.”

Upcoming to Excel Music is the ability to text the music school, do online enrollment, and have 24/7 access to information about lessons and answers to questions parents raise.

Dreva Pauley (left) will work with kids in Excel Music’s new Keyboard Band “Over the Piano Jam program, which begins next month. years, we’ve improved at providing for that particular student, regardless of the not only a quality music education but also a student’s skill level or style of music they fantastic experience for our students,” John like, everything can be accommodated in a says. “We’ve developed many systems that private lesson, whether in person or online. have streamlined and made the way we teach At Excel Music, all teachers are either university-trained (many with Master of Mu- music more effective, as well as how we’ve used technology to improve our service and sic degrees) or have a decade of study and continue to use newer technologies.” performing experience. The Thrashers take When not running their music school, pride in hiring not only the most qualified John and Sheri, who live in Wesley Chapel, teachers but also some of the nicest. are lovers of the performing arts, traveling “I want people who are there because and pampering their two pet cats. they love to teach and have a real passion,” Excel Music is located at 10353 ays John. “People who get a thrill when they see the student’s eyes light up with underCross Creek Blvd., Suite I. It is open standing when they cross that threshold, and Mon.- Thur., 2 p.m.-9 p.m., 2 p.m.-7 the look on their face says, ‘Oh, I got it.’ It’s p.m. on Fri., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. an incredibly exciting moment — the thrill It is closed on Sunday. For more info, of sharing a student’s ‘a-ha’ moment.” call (813) 991-1177, see the ad on pg. 22 Student Sam Z says, “I like that my or visit newtampamusicschool.com.

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37

The Readers Have Spoken!

But, Did You End Up Winning Free Dining?

After more than 1,500 total votes by our readers in our ten total categories, we finally can name all of our readers’ Favorite Restaurants for 2023 in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel.

As I should have anticipated, we had by far the most votes — nearly 500 — for your Five Favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel (as reported last issue), which started in July, and more than 300 votes for your Five Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa (also last issue and also started in July), plus more than 200 votes for your Favorite Pizza Place in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel (which started in August; see pg. 40).

By contrast, we did not reach triple digits for your Favorite Bar or Tavern in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, and the same goes for the other categories we didn’t start until October — Favorite Mexican/SW Place, Favorite Burger and Favorite Breakfast Places.

Even so, the good news is that we had way more total entries this year than last and actually approached our all-time record for most total entries into this contest, so even though we likely will tweak how many questions we ask each issue next year, we probably will still keep the same format, rather than go

38

Congratulations To This Year’s Dining Contest Winners! $100 — Jeremy Kamper, Tampa Palms $60 — Leigh Tanner, Seven Oaks $30 — Alison Erickson, Williamsburg $30 — Stephanie Marshall, K-Bar back to the previous format of including every category on one page every issue over the same period of time.

And, another thing we loved about this year’s contest format is that we had dozens of you who entered more than once and received an additional entry to win free dining every time you properly told us your favorite in another one of our categories. There were probably even at least 50-60 of you who told us your favorites in EVERY one of our categories! Great job!

So, which of you won this year’s FREE gift cards to the restaurants of your choice in the Tampa Bay area?

See the box above — and don’t forget that if you are named in the box, you won’t receive your prize until you tell us the restaurant you want for your free gift card. See pg.

40 for more of your favorites. — GN

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39

2023 Dining Contest Results — Individual Category Winners

As I mentioned on pg. 38, one of the problems with this year’s voting that we didn’t really count on was that the categories that we didn’t include until October got a lot less votes than those we started by or before September.

For example, we had fewer than 100 votes in the “Favorite Bar” category, but more than 200 votes in the “Favorite Pizza” category — and every pizza place in the top-10 (far right) received at least 20 votes.

We congratulate all of this year’s winning restaurants, but will likely change up the categories again next year, as we ran out of print issues to include all of the categories we intended to have in this year’s Survey.

For example, we did not have a Favorite Dessert, Favorite Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt or Favorite Bakery Category. We also neglected to include one of last year’s most hotly contested categories — Favorite KRATE Restaurant — as well as Favorite New Restaurant, Favorite Place for Steak, Favorite Place For Fresh Fish & Seafood and Favorite Chicken Restaurant. The last category promises to be one of the most crowded fields in next year’s Survey.

In our next issue, however, not only will I name my own top-25 Favorite Restaurants in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, I also will include all of the categories on this page, as well as those named above that didn’t end up in this year’s Reader Dining Survey & Contest.

With so many new places to consider, (some that didn’t open until after the Reader Survey ended, especially in Wesley Chapel), I am still tweaking my 2023 favorites. — GN

40

YOUR FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANTS IN NT OR WC 1. Liang’s Bistro 2. Sushi Café 3. Asian Buffet 4. Zukku-San 5. Yamato

YOUR FAVORITE BURGER PLACES IN NT/WC 1. Burger Monger 2. Burger 21 3. Five Guys 4. Bubba’s 33 5. Red Robin

YOUR FAVORITE BARS IN NT/WC 1. Fat Rabbit 2. Brass Tap 3. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 4. Glory Days Grill 5. Peabody’s

YOUR FAVORITE LATIN RESTAURANTS IN NT/WC 1. Rice N Beans 2. Lima 3. Latin Twist 4. Las Palmas 5. Mojo Grill

YOUR FAVORITE BREAKFAST PLACES IN NT/WC 1. First Watch 2. Brunchies 3. EggTown 4. Keke’s 5. Happy Hangar

YOUR FAVORITE MEXICAN/SW RESTAURANTS IN NT/WC 1. Azteca D’Oro 2. Cantina 3. Vallarta’s 4. Señor Tequila 5. Chuy’s Tex-Mex

YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA PLACES IN NT/WC 1. PizzaMania 2. Via Italia 3. NY NY 4. Marco’s 5. 900º Woodfired & NY Pizza* 6. Bosco’s 7. Amici 8. Capri Pizza 9. Taste of NY 10. Fratelli’s * Since not everyone who voted for 900º Woodfired Pizza & 900º NY Pizza specified which place they were voting for, we combined all of their votes for this category.

YOUR FAVORITE PLACES FOR SUSHI IN NT/WC 1. Zukku-San 2. Sushi Café 3. Bonsai 4. Crazy Sushi 5. Umu

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41

Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen — You Love The Beer, Now Try The Food!

By GARY NAGER Although I’m pretty sure that even most of you non-beer drinkers have at least heard of Yuengling beer, you may or may not realize that Yuengling is the oldest brewery in America. It was established in 1829, when David G. Yuengling arrived from Wuerttemberg, Germany, to settle in the sleepy, coal-mining town of Pottsville, PA. And, even though a fire completely destroyed Dick’s original brewery on Centre St., the newer brewery built on Mahantongo St. in Pottsville in 1831 is still the site of the oldest brewery in the U.S. With demand for its beers growing, the Yuengling family, led by David’s great-great grandson Dick Yuengling, Jr. (who first took over ownership of the brewery in 1985) purchased the former Stroh’s brewery on N. 30th St. (south of Fowler Ave.) in 1999.

For most of the time that Yuengling has owned the brewery in Tampa, there was only a small tasting room to sample the different beers the brewery brewed and sold.

VP of hospitality Brent Wertz says that changed in 2020, when the Yuengling family became part of Tampa Innovation, a group that includes most of the major businesses in North Tampa (including USF, Busch Gardens, the Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth Tampa) and was seeking to modernize this area.

That year, the Yuengling family began working on what is now called the Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen, a 42,000-sq.-ft. building with a 1.5acre outdoor patio area.

The Draft Haus, which opened under Wertz’s leadership in June of this year, offers unique chef-created food and 11 of the 12 Yuengling brews available to go with the beer-inspired menu. The Draft Haus also is home to the First Brew Coffee Bar and Mayday Ice Cream concession stand, as well as a 100 (or so)-seat private banquet hall and the coming-soon Brewhouse Bistro, located on the outdoor patio, which will feature its own menu to be compatible with the patio’s cornhole and other outdoor games and entertainment.

Bring On The Food!

Wertz, who has spent his entire 30-year career in the food and beverage departments of 4- and 5-star resorts (most recently with Hershey Park in Hershey, PA), says that the menu created by the Draft Haus & Kitchen’s executive chef Sean Eckman (whose previ-

42

(Above left) Our editor’s favorite potato-crusted Gulf snapper at the Yuengling Draft Haus on N. 30th St. in Tampa. (Above right) The new “Colors of Christmas” salad. (Below left) The variety of “Hop-Tails” at the Draft Haus. (Below right, top to bottom) The “Holiday Bird” plate, the “Tampa Style Pulled Pork” sandwich & the “Gingerbread Whoopie Pie Cake.” (Hop-Tail photo: Yuengling Draft Haus; other photos by Charmaine George & Gary Nager).

ous experience also is mainly at top-level resorts, including The Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC) is not only designed to pair with beer, but many of the food recipes also include different Yuengling beers.

For example, my favorite item at the Draft Haus is the potato-crusted Gulf snapper, which sits on a bed of mac & beer cheese, served with white BBQ slaw and mayo-ketchup tartar sauce, and is made to pair with the Yuengling Traditional Lager or Golden Pilsner.

“We change the menu every couple of months,” Wertz says. “We currently still have a few holiday-themed menu items.”

My favorite among those new items is the “Holiday Bird,” a crispy buttermilk fried chicken breast atop a giant scoop of skin-on redskin mashed potatoes and “Grandma-style” brown gravy, It’s served with two crispy waffles

that are made from tasty stuffing and topped with a zesty cranberry relish.

“We actually pour the stuffing into a waffle maker,” Wertz says. “It’s perfect for those who like the crisp edges of stuffing from the oven.”

I also really enjoyed the “Colors of Christmas” salad — with mixed greens, goat cheese, pomegranate, orange sections, wassail vinaigrette and topped with crispy onions — and the “Tampa Style Pulled Pork” sandwich, which features shredded mojo-roasted pork shoulder on a toasted brioche bun, topped with beer cheese and white BBQ slaw and crispy onions.

And, although I don’t love mushrooms, photographer Charmaine George said the new “Fungi Burger” — which features two smash burger-style patties on a garlic butter croissant, with truffle aioli, marinated ‘shrooms and fontina and gruyere cheeses — was right up her

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alley. I can vouch for the other burgers, as the “YDH&K Cheeseburger” — with American cheese, pork jam, house-made 1000 Island dressing, dill pickles and lettuce, tomato & onion on a Kaiser bun — is another of my favorite Draft Haus items.

Wertz says, “We also feature traditional food items most beer drinkers love — like ‘Mrs. T’s’ Pierogies (served with beer cheese), ‘DIY Deviled Eggs’ (made with beer mustard) and ‘Black & Tan Chili Cheese Fries’ — plus items like YDH&K ‘Signature Lobster Bisque,’ a grilled turkey paillard club sandwich and smoked Angus short ribs.”

The holiday dessert manu includes a super-unique “Gingerbread Whoopie Pie Cake,” made with an eggnog ganache.

We complemented our meal with a “‘Try ‘Em All’ Flight,” with 6-oz. samples of all ten brews currently available at the Draft Haus — the Traditional and Light Lagers, Golden Pilsner, Flight (light), Bongo (mango) Fizz,

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Lord Chesterfield Ale, Dark-Brewed Porter, Yuengling Premium, Hershey’s Chocolate Porter and my favorite, the Black & Tan. Charmaine raved about the Bongo Fizz Mango Mojito “Hop-Tail,” with muddled lime, clapped mint, cane syrup and mango purée. And, while Wertz says there is no plan to add hard alcohol, there are a few canned wines available.

After lunch, I picked up a tasty vanilla latté at First Brew and a six pack of Black & Tan at the retail store (every Yuengling beer is for sale there), which also has lots of Yuenglingbranded clothing and gift items. We’ll go back to check out the outdoor patio when the Brewhouse Bistro opens next month.

The Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen (11109 N. 30th St.) is closed Tues.-Wed., but is open 4 p.m.-10 p.m. on Mon. & Thur., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call (813) 488-6444, visit Yuengling.com or see the ad on pg. 45.

(Above left) The private 100-seat banquet room at the Draft Haus is available for your private parties beginning in January., as it is booked through December. (Above) Yuengling Draft Haus & Kitchen Executive Chef Sean Eckman (left) and VP of Hospitality Brent Wertz.

(Photos on this page by Charmaine George)

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

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43

Sausage King Replaces TJ’s Hot Dogs In The KRATEs

WESLEY CHAPEL

Congrats go out to Christos Paradisis and Colleen Gallagher, who recently opened the new Sausage King in the former location of TJ’s Hot Dogs at the KRATE Container Park.

Although we also enjoyed TJ’s, Sausage King not only has a greater variety of tasty options, Chris also grills his hot dogs, sweet and hot Italian sausages and Polska kielbasas, and Sausage King is already attracting new fans.

I can vouch for the foot-long hot dog with spicy brown mustard and sauerkraut (left photo), as well as the sweet Italian sausage sandwich with grilled onions and peppers. I also enjoyed the crispy fried mozzarella sticks with house-made marinara dipping sauce.

Chris, who moved to this area from his

native Greece, says the marinara is his “mama’s own recipe.” Colleen, who is from Philadelphia, says their goal for Sausage King is to

remind folks of the flavors they love from back home in the Northeast. For more info, search “Sausage King” on Facebook. — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 31, Issue 26 • December 26, 2023 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net

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