The last time we posted a map of Wesley Chapel on our front cover, back in Oct. of 2023, it was pretty obvious that a lot of people didn’t know what the boundaries of the fastest-growing community in the state of Florida actually were.
And, even though a small group of local business leaders is now talking about incorporating Wesley Chapel as its own municipality again, where to draw the boundaries of the proposed new city is still a work in progress.
What is clear, however, at least according to Jamie Hess (at right in photo), the owner of the Computer Emergency Room locations on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel and on County Line Rd. in Lutz, is that the time for Wesley Chapel to become a city is now.
“We already have almost everything we need here, other than maybe a true city center and a post office,” Hess told me during an exclusive interview at the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) office, along with NTBC president and chief executive officer Hope Kennedy (left in photo). Hess has been an NTBC Board member for several years and he and his fellow Board members gave Kennedy the O.K. to at least look into what an incorporated Wesley Chapel would look like, and what areas it would include. For right now, the group
recent contest prize winners & find out more about our ‘Chicken Judge’ contest. See page 3
is using the zip codes currently called “Wesley Chapel” — 33543, 33544 and 33545 — as the boundaries, but Hess and Kennedy acknowledge that “fixing” those boundaries is a long way off.
With her Board’s directive in place, Kennedy already has a proposal from a company in Texas to conduct two studies that she says would both have to have favorable results before the subject of incorporation can gather any real momentum.
How It All Began
But speaking of momentum, Hess said that the catalyst for the NTBC Board to begin seriously considering the possibility began with a seemingly innocent comment made at an NTBC Coffee event in Oct. of 2024, where District 20 State Senator Danny Burgess, himself at one time the youngest-ever Mayor of Zephyrhills, said that the one goal he had before he retired from government service was, “For Wesley Chapel to become its own city.”
That got the wheels turning for Hess, who was sitting in the front row (with yours truly) that day. “I kept asking myself, ‘Why not? Why can’t we?,’” Hess told me. “Wesley Chapel is basically a cash machine for Pasco County, so it would be great for us to keep our tax dollars right here.” Kennedy added, “Right after that meeting, our Board came together and said to me, ‘Make it happen.’”
The Op-Ed Piece
Right before sitting down with me, the following Op-Ed piece by Hess appeared in the Tampa Bay Business Journal on March 7:
The Time is Now: Why Wesley Chapel Must Take Control Of Its Future
Wesley Chapel is no longer just a suburb — it’s a thriving economic powerhouse. Yet, despite our rapid growth, we remain unincor-
PERSIMMON PARK NEWS
Phase 3 of Persimmon Park at Wiregrass Ranch begins building.
See page 18
porated, with no direct control over how our tax dollars are spent. We generate millions in revenue, yet much of it is allocated to projects outside our community. It’s time to consider incorporation to ensure our tax dollars are reinvested where they belong — right here in Wesley Chapel.
Once a rural town, Wesley Chapel has evolved into one of Florida’s fastest-growing
See “City of Wesley Chapel” on pg. 4
About A Trip To Paris (Baguette)?!
Check out our area’s newest bakery on pages 44-45!
Photo by Charmaine George
An Editorial by GARY NAGER
When I first bought the Neighborhood News back in Feb. 1994, I knew I wanted to get people not only reading what we put into print, but also engaging with our content.
One of the ways I decided to make that happen was to put contests in these pages. We started with things like labor-intensive, Gary-created crossword puzzles and Fantasy Baseball and Football contests, trivia contests (which have now been rendered obsolete with the advent of Google) and our most popular annual contest, our Reader Dining Survey & Contest, which is still going strong some 30 years since I started it.
Over the years, I’ve added other contests, such as our “Big Game Squares,” “March Madness” and “Oscars” contests, but the timing from when either the Academy Awards nominations are announced or the teams are set for the sports contests hasn’t always worked with our every-four-week deadlines.
This year, however, we were able to make both the “Squares” and “Oscars” (the latter with the delay in the announcement of the nominees and the televised broadcast both delayed by the California wildfires) contests work with online-only entries.
While only about 100 people total entered this year’s “Big Game” and “Oscars” contests, that doesn’t mean that folks like (l.-r. above) Eddie Mancuso of Highwoods Preserve, who won the Grand Prize of $200 (he chose Stonewood Grill & Tavern); Lianne Kowiak of Arbor Green (with me), who won $100 (and picked Ulele); and Wharton High alum and West Meadows resident MaeLee Rich — who has been entering our contests since her teens and who won one of the two $50 prizes (to Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood) in the Squares contest — weren’t thrilled to win those Squares prizes. The fourth Squares winner, Allison Smith of Pebble Creek, hasn’t yet received her $50 gift card to Grillsmith.
We also have three winners in our “Oscars” contests. Our Grand Prize winner — one of only two contestants to correctly pick the winners in six of the seven major Academy Awards categories, chosen at random, was Meadow Pointe resident Dawn Kidle, who wins a $200 gift card to B&B Theatres at The Grove. The other tied contestant was John Bailey of Palatine, IL, who not only doesn’t live here — he says he searched “Oscars Contests” online and entered all of them! — Illinois doesn’t even have a B&B Theatre, so I mailed him a $60 gift card to AMC Theaters. There were four contestants who correctly picked five of the seven categories and that winner, drawn at random to receive the $60 B&B gift card I bought for John, is Gail Bialk of Watergrass. I just gave Dawn her prize (4th photo above) and I plan to give Gail hers soon!
We also now also have 25 local residents who have told us they want to be judges in our contest to pick the Wesley Chapel area’s favorite chicken restaurant. I’m still working out the details of how that contest will work, but I think we now have enough potential judges to make it happen! Look for details in our next issue (hopefully)!
So, why do we still have contests, with prizes we almost always pay for ourselves (we occasionally have had a restaurant agree to donate prizes, but that’s pretty rare)? Since most of us will never win the Lottery or hit it big in Vegas, it’s nice to have much better odds of winning one of our contest prizes — and my pleasure to provide them. Congrats, winners!
Correspondents
Celeste McLaughlin • Turiya Autry Iris Vitelli • Joel Provenzano
Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano
Ad Sales & Marketing Director Jannah Nager
Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George
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 & advertisement reservations for Volume 33, Issue 8, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Thursday, April 3, 2025.
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.
areas. We have top-tier healthcare, strong schools, and a booming business community, yet we lack a local government to advocate for our needs.
Currently, all decisions affecting our growth — zoning, infrastructure, business regulations — are made at the county level. Incorporation would allow us to shape policies that align with our community’s unique needs and priorities. Incorporation would allow us to establish a true city center — a place where businesses thrive, government services are easily accessible, and residents can engage with their local leaders. A true city center would create a hub for commerce, government services, and civic engagement. A dedicated city hall would bring the government closer to the people, offering a place for public meetings, business licensing, municipal planning, and other vital functions. A local post office would provide more convenient service, rather than relying on locations serving multiple communities. Wesley Chapel is large enough to sustain these services, it’s time we took ownership of them.
For businesses, incorporation means stability and efficiency. Permitting, zoning, and economic incentives would be handled locally, reducing delays and creating a business-friendly environment. With direct control over tax revenue, we could fund infrastructure improvements, support local businesses, and attract new industries. Instead of waiting for county-wide initiatives, we could take immediate action to enhance our economic future.
Traffic congestion on S.R. 54 and I-75 is a growing issue, yet local infrastructure projects often
take a backseat to county-wide priorities. As an incorporated city, we could direct funding toward much-needed road improvements and explore expanded transit options. Public safety is another pressing concern. Wesley Chapel relies on county services spread thin across a vast area. Incorporation would allow us to create a dedicated police and fire department, ensuring faster response times and better community-focused safety measures.
Before moving forward, we need a comprehensive economic impact study to assess the feasibility of incorporation. This study will provide critical data on how incorporation would affect residents, businesses, and public services. With clear financial insights, we can make informed decisions about our community’s future.
Wesley Chapel has outgrown its unincorporated status. Our businesses and residents deserve a government that prioritizes local needs, reinvests tax dollars into our own infrastructure, and fosters economic growth. The time has come to take control of our destiny and build a Wesley Chapel that works for us.
The future is ours—let’s take the next step.
— Reprinted from the Tampa Bay Business Journal
The Game Plan
Hess and Kennedy assured me that the process currently being undertaken has been a “very thoughtful one,” according to Kennedy. “It’s going to be very much data-driven.”
“We’re starting by raising money for an economic impact study,” Hess added. “That’s the first step.”
At our press time, the NTBC Board had not yet ratified the decision to officially retain a neutral third party — Austin, TX-based Angelou Eco-
nomics — to conduct the economic impact study, at a cost of $75,000. But, Hess was confident that the Board would approve Kennedy’s recommendation at the Board meeting on Mar. 11.
“My initial conversation with [Angelou] was so extraordinary,” Kennedy said. “They said, ‘This situation (the possibility of incorporating Wesley Chapel) is incredible.”
If and when that economic impact study comes back with a positive result, as Hess and Kennedy expect, another $75,000 would be needed to fund a second study — an actual incorporation feasibility study — that also would be conducted by Angelou.
“Right now, we only need $75,000,” Hess said. “If the economic impact study doesn’t come back favorable, we’re probably not going to need that other $75,000. There would be no need to raise money for a feasibility study. But, we’re confident that both studies are going to end up giving us the green light to move forward.”
Kennedy added, “We’re actually planning to try to raise a total of $200,000, because we estimate that we’re also going to need about $50,000 for community engagement and marketing. But, we believe that doing it incrementally is a good idea. Angelou isn’t going to require us to pay for the second study until the first one comes back positive. This way, we won’t be on the hook for the whole $200,000. Yes, we are currently raising capital, but we haven’t made an official ‘ask’ yet and we’re not ready to announce any major donors at this time.”
Hess added, however, “That a lot of people have already told us they want to help, but until enough people actually write a check, we’ll still be in fund-raising mode.” He noted that even
small amounts contributing to the fund-raising campaign, as a couple of local business owners have offered, “will definitely be accepted.”
Hess and Kennedy said they are thankful to former Florida House Speaker (and Wesley Chapel resident) Will Weatherford, who got legislation passed before he left the house in 2014 that said a community wanting to incorporate did not need to get permission from the county in which it is located. “It will be a referendum for those impacted,” Kennedy said, “and we believe that 50% + 1 vote of the registered voters who show up to the polls for the referendum from the area proposing incorporation will have to vote in favor of it for it to pass.”
Kennedy also acknowledged that this is not the first time incorporating Wesley Chapel has been considered. “But, the last time, around 2016 or so, a group of Wesley Chapel residents came to the Chamber and said, ‘We want to incorporate,’ which gave us quite a lift, but it fell apart for two main reasons — arguing over what the boundaries should be and the lack of involvement from the business community.”
Of course, there are dozens more large-scale businesses located within what could become the City of Wesley Chapel now than there were ten (or even five) years ago, and. Kennedy said, “Because we’re starting with the business community and the studies, we feel confident there will be more momentum for it this time around.”
She also noted, however, that the Chamber has its own 501(c)(3) foundation that the funds for the studies could flow through, “because it’s in our Foundation bylaws that we can use Foundation funds for ‘Studies of Community Impact.’
So, any donations to this cause would be tax deductible because you’d be funding a study.”
Igniting The Spark
“Senator Danny Burgess (photo above, with Kennedy) essentially lit this idea on fire,” Kennedy said of the Oct. 2024 Chamber Coffee event. “Our Board came back to me after that meeting and said, ‘Go ahead. Make it happen.’ And, I’ve been working on this ever since.”
One of the first things Kennedy and Hess had to look into was law enforcement.
“We approached (Pasco) Sheriff Chris Nocco’s office about establishing a police presence in Wesley Chapel,” Kennedy said. “They have told us that, ‘[PCSO’s] official position is that we will support whatever the citizens of Wesley Chapel decide for their future.”
That could mean hiring additional Pasco
Sheriff’s deputies just for Wesley Chapel or establishing a municipal police force (as in the cities of Dade City and Zephyrhills). Either way, police protection would be paid by the residents of the new City of Wesley Chapel.
“The only thing we have out here in terms of services that’s doing O.K. is fire,” Hess added.
“The fire [and emergency medical] services are pretty good, but police is way behind. Plus, we can’t seem to get a post office and we have no municipal buildings of any kind.”
So, the fund raising is beginning in earnest now and Hess is quick to point out that the group is not looking for one or two sweetheart donors to fund the whole $75,000 starting cost.
“We’re looking for local business people and residents who want to donate anything from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to get
See “City of Wesley Chapel” on pg. 6
Continued from pg. 5
the ball rolling,” he said. “We don’t want anyone thinking that because they funded most or all of it, that they have control over how we proceed.”
Kennedy also has made an initial inquiry with Pasco supervisor of elections Brian Corley, who said he would have to look into how it would work to set up an initial municipal election and how potential voters would be notified.
“Brian said, I’ve never done this before, so I will have to get back to you. But this is exciting!”
Thankfully, Hess noted, “There are a lot of examples over the last 10 years or so of communities in Florida incorporating, so at least we have some examples to study.”
The most recent such example is Westlake, which became the 411th municipality in Florida on June 22, 2016. Of course, the master-planned unit development known as Westlake only had about 900 residents when it incorporated (it’s up to about 6,000 today), vs. anywhere from about 60,000 to more than 100,000 residents of what would be the City of Wesley Chapel, depending upon whose population estimates you use and where the boundaries would be set.
“As far as places our size in Florida, there’s only a handful that aren’t incorporated,” Hess said. “We would definitely be a city, because of the size, not an incorporated town or village.”
Kennedy and Hess also discussed the type of municipal government that might be set up in the City of Wesley Chapel.
The current cities in Pasco County — Dade City, Zephyrhills, San Antonio, New Port Richey and Port Richey (St. Leo is an incorporated
town)— are all run by City Councils, with mayors selected from the Council members.
But, Kennedy said that because Wesley Chapel is so much bigger, the government could be set up as a strong mayoral form of government, with City Council members representing the districts in which they live. “All of that needs to be figured out in the future,” she said.
They both said that if the studies come back favorable, the goal is to get the proposed city charter written in time for consideration by the 2026 State Legislative session. If approved, the governor could then select a charter mayor, and there could be municipal elections sometime during the following election cycle. As for who might be interested in serving as (or running for) the Mayor of Wesley Chapel, neither of them wanted to speculate. “It’s just so early in the process,” Hess said.
So, What About Those Boundaries?
As mentioned on page 1, for now, the “working” boundaries for the proposed city are the three Wesley Chapel zip codes (33543, 33544 & 33545 on the map), but that could change.
As we reported in Oct. 2023, Kennedy would prefer to use the Census Designated Places (CDP) map, which uses natural boundaries for CDP boundaries, which would move the boundary of Wesley Chapel well west of I-75, to Cypress Creek. This would allow Wesley Chapel to also include the Tampa Premium Outlets, but using the CDP map also would mean that places like Watergrass, the northern half of Epperson and other parts of the so-called “Connected City” would not be included in the city limits. No matter which boundaries end up being used, the City of Wesley Chapel would include all
Pasco-Hillsborough County Line
three local hospitals, plus Pasco Fire Rescue Station Nos. 13 (on Old Pasco Rd.) and 26 (in Meadow Pointe) and could include No. 38 in Watergrass. Hess said that until the economic impact study comes back, there’s no reason to try to set the boundaries.
“The main thing for me,” he said, “is that if our taxes would have to go up significantly to make this happen, I couldn’t support it.”
For more info about the City of Wesley Chapel, email Jamie Hess at jamie.hess@ computeremergencyroom.com.
New Tampa’s Walmart & The Retail Giant’s Plan To Stay Ahead Of Amazon
By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent
On Feb. 20, history was made. It was reported that, for the first time ever, Amazon had surpassed Walmart in quarterly revenue — $187.8 billion to $180.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024. Investors immediately took notice and Walmart’s stock dropped nearly 7%. Walmart still led Amazon in annual revenue for 2024, however — $674 billion to Amazon’s $638 billion — as the Bentonville, AR-based Walmart barely kept its title as the world’s biggest retailer.
Some might think that Walmart is starting to lose because its sales are going down, and that its business model is archaic, but Walmart actually has continued to grow year-over-year, with explosive growth over the last three years. In fact, Walmart’s revenues for 2024 were the highest they’ve ever been — 6% higher than in 2023.
So, who would think that in the world of big retail, New Tampa would get something the rest of the nation doesn’t yet have? This “not so secret weapon,” which will be pilot-tested soon, is part of Walmart’s plan to hang onto the #1 spot. Lasers? Robots? Artificial Intelligence? How about all three? Yes, seriously!
New Tampa As Ground Zero?
The New Tampa Walmart on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd, just south of Wharton High, is a very busy store. Although not the biggest or busiest in the nation, it still serves thousands of customers every day. And, with Walmart desperately trying be the nation’s leader in customer service, how does the New Tampa Walmart store
figure into that equation? And, why are the recently installed robotic towers at the New Tampa Walmart still sitting unused (photo)?
Taking up more than half of the store’s exterior garden center, the large blue “Auto-Dispense Towers” (as they were officially called) have given us a glimpse into the future of the retailer, even if they were slightly ahead of their time. And, these unassuming structures might hold part of the key to Walmart’s continued success nationwide.
If you pull up to the store on the Wharton side, you might wonder, “What in the heck are these things?,” as they remind us of the classic drive-up bank ATM/teller lines, and honestly, that’s not too far off from their actual purpose.
There currently are eight parking spaces under the blue awnings where customers can pull up and park next to individual roll-up doors, get out, walk over to the screen, type in their
Walmart order number, and their orders are sent via blue crates on a rail system inside the building (through the thick blue part of the roof), down to the waiting vehicle, where the roll-up door will open, allowing the customer to load their order directly into their vehicle.
This is all supposed to be done automatically by a robotic retrieval system that was called “Alphabot,” working in the 27,000-sq.-ft., backof-house Market Fulfillment Center (MFC). It was a truly cutting-edge concept that can even handle orders with cold groceries.
But, while the towers, the system, and the fulfillment center were all installed in 2023 and were supposed to be operational for customers by sometime last year, the rollout of the automated system was delayed for reasons unknown, despite multiple in-person inquiries at the store that went unanswered by management for over a year.
We were told it was corporate policy not to talk about the stores, even though management was more than happy to explain the system’s purpose when we wrote our first article about it back in 2023, called “Walmart to Begin Utilizing Robotic Order Fulfillment by Next Year.”
We had heard some rumblings that the wait times for products to be delivered through the system were too long, and that the program was possibly being completely scrapped because the revamped curbside pickup area just worked better.
These rumors didn’t seem too far-fetched, as this was only the 2nd store in the U.S. to get this new technology (in addition to Walmart’s flagship store in Bentonville), so maybe it hadn’t worked as was hoped, and was being abandoned, as was the drone delivery service the New Tampa store was among the first to have back in 2023 that actually was abandoned last year.
What we have found out is that Walmart is not scrapping the automated customer fulfillment program, and that another company contracted by Walmart will be perfecting it for them.
Convenience Above All Else
Convenience has become a big issue for Walmart, since the company believes its customers want and are even willing to pay extra for it, and that this focus will keep the retailer at the top of the retail sector. According to Walmart.com, “Approximately 90% of the US population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sam’s Club,” but as we all know, times are changing and, especially with the growth of Amazon and other home
See “Walmart vs. Amazon” on pg. 10
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or
delivery services, customers still want more.
Walmart has been leading the way in customer convenience for years. In 2000, around the time the New Tampa store was breaking ground, Walmart.com was launched, allowing customers to shop online. And, in 2007, the website introduced “Site to Store,” which allowed customers to order online and pick up in-store.
The company also helped pioneer self check-out in the early 2000s, which then became commonplace in Walmart stores in the 2010s. In 2013, curbside pickup was introduced at a Denver location, and added to 1,000 locations by 2017. The New Tampa store has a fully revamped curbside pickup (photo), now with up to 45 numbered spots available on the north side of the store.
Walmart first introduced its big orange in-store pickup towers in 2016, but discontinued them after less than five years. The towers were used to pick up online orders and were partially robotic, operating like a big vending machine at the front of the store.
Today, the company’s most ambitious program, the “Walmart Plus” subscriptions — which are similar to an Amazon Prime membership — are soaring, offering free grocery and product delivery for $12.95 a month, but with an option to have your items delivered within three hours for an extra fee. According to Walmart, the extra fees accounted for a whopping 30% of all Walmart Plus orders. The company has set itself up to offer same-day service to 93% of US households, chief financial officer John David Rainey explained during a recent investor call in February.
“We’re strengthening our ability to serve
people how they want to be served in the moment,” chief executive officer Doug McMillon has said, “That’s what’s driving our growth.” And, McMillon is doubling down on the convenience strategy. “If I could change anything about how we’re perceived today, it’d be that more people know about our breadth of assortment online and our increasing delivery speed.”
What About Lasers, Robots & AI?
Although we haven’t had any confirmation from Walmart, part of the reason why the New Tampa store’s automated system isn’t yet operational for customers may have to do with the fact that, on Jan. 16, Walmart announced that it had agreed to sell its “Advanced Systems & Robotics” business, based in Andover, MA (which had been developing the company’s proprietary Alphabot system), to a publicly traded company called Symbotic (NASDAQ stock ticker SYM), for $200 million cash at close, with consideration
for $350 million more (or $550 million total), depending upon how much business Walmart does with the company.
Then, Walmart will turn around and pay Symbotic $230 million at close, with another $290 million over time (or $520 million total), as a contractor to install the robotic systems in Walmart stores. Confusing, right?! That’s business!
Since 2022, Walmart has been a big investor in Symbotic and, as of Dec. 2024, the retailer owned 15 million Symbotic shares valued at more than $400 million.
It makes sense that Walmart is heavily invested in Symbotic and paying the company a hefty sum in the deal, because, in the announcement, Symbotic said that, “Walmart has chosen Symbotic to develop, build and deploy an advanced solution leveraging Symbotic’s A.I.-enabled robotics platform to offer Walmart customers greater shopping convenience through accelerated online pickup and delivery options at stores.”
The announcement also said that, as part of the deal, “If performance criteria [for the robotics platform] are achieved, Walmart is committed to purchasing and deploying systems for 400 APDs at stores over a multi-year period, with Walmart’s option to add additional APDs in the coming years.” APD stands for Accelerated Pickup and Delivery centers, which is just a fancy name for the Market Fulfillment Centers (MFC), just like the one that was built in the New Tampa store that isn’t yet available to fill customer orders. According to this news, since Symbotic acquired the part of Walmart that first developed the robotic technology, one could assume the company will be perfecting the Alphabot technology and deploying it to the New Tampa store when it’s ready, and then construct the system in 400 Walmart stores as part of the initial agreement.
If You Want Your Ad To Reach
Wesley Chapel’s Walmart To Be Home To Conviva Senior Primary Care
By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent
Speaking of convenience, Walmart is expanding a partnership to provide convenient healthcare options inside their stores, and the Wesley Chapel is next on the list. Last month, the Walmart at 28500 S.R. 54 took out permits and then quickly installed the new sign for “Conviva Senior Primary Care,” located in the clinical office space formerly occupied by Walmart Health.
The clinics are part of Humana’s Primary Care Organization (PCO), which includes Conviva and CenterWell Senior Primary Care.
Last year, in a press release from Humana, Walmart’s executive vice president of health & wellness Brian Setzer said, “We are looking forward to welcoming CenterWell [and Conviva] into these purpose-built health care spaces to offer quality care to communities in four states.”
He added, “Leasing these spaces to a wellknown and successful healthcare delivery organization is a win for [our] customers and patients, as we continue to focus on our core health & wellness business of Pharmacy and Optical.”
Conviva’s website states that the company
has locations in Texas and Florida, and we found that there are already more than a dozen existing care centers dotted around the greater Tampa area, a couple of which are located inside Walmarts, like
the ones at 1575 Land O’Lakes Blvd. in Lutz and at 7631 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills.
According to ConvivaCareCenters.com, “At Conviva Senior Primary Care, you’ll get 50% more one-on-one time with our primary care physicians who respect your schedule. Take the time to ask all of your questions and feel confident about your care.”
Conviva will have its own exterior entrance, located east of the doors for Wesley Chapel Walmart’s ‘Home & Pharmacy’ section. There will be dedicated and marked parking spaces for patients, as well as another interior entrance to
the clinic next to the vision center.
Meghan Kile, an insurance broker/agent with a desk set up just inside the front of the Walmart in the mornings (under a bright blue banner with the Walmart logo and the names of multiple insurance providers), stated that she thinks Conviva is hoping to be open by April or May, but she had heard no exact date as of yet. Meghan believes this Conviva location is still in the process of hiring its staff.
The sign out front of Conviva’s exterior entrance says “Accepting New Patients” and the phone number listed — (813) 815-8391 — goes straight to a voicemail for an “Immacula Nezier, APRN.” Unfortunately, we were not able to get in touch with Nezier for more exact details.
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New Tampa Players Heading ‘Into The Woods’ With Great
By Nora Paine
Producing Artistic Director
New Tampa Players
On Friday, March 28, the New Tampa Players (NTP) theatre troupe will once again take the stage at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. NTP will be presenting Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical “Into The Woods,” which intertwines classic fairy tales with deeper themes of human desires and consequences, will take center stage in a new production that is sure to enchant local audiences. Nominated for ten Tony Awards (winning three) in 1988, this Sondheim masterpiece has been praised for its complex characters, beautiful score, and profound narrative.
Directed by Karissa Barber, the NTP production will showcase the talents of local actors, a live orchestra led by musical director, G. Frank Meekins, and more than a dozen unseen costumers, designers, painters, builders and crew members, all working together to bring this timeless story to life.
Set in a fantastical world where characters from different fairy tales —such as Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel— reside in the same village and cross paths in the mysterious forest, “Into the Woods” explores themes of wish fulfillment, moral choices and the unexpected consequences
of pursuing one’s desires. The show’s rich score, which includes songs like “No One Is Alone” and “Children Will Listen,” is widely considered one of Sondheim’s greatest achievements.
The production’s leads, Richard Brown and Hope Lelekacs, will take on the roles of the Baker and the Baker’s Wife. These two characters are central to the story, embarking on a quest to find ingredients for a potion that will lift a curse placed upon their family. Their journey through the woods is filled with challenges, but it also brings them closer together as a couple and forces them to confront the deeper questions about their lives and wishes.
“I see the Baker as someone who is stepping out of his comfort zone and putting all of his family’s burdens on his shoulders,” says Brown, who most recently was seen as Seymour in NTP’s fall production “Little Shop of Horrors.” “He has no idea what he’s doing but he’s doing it anyway because he feels he has to. So, although he can be funny, I think the sincerity and vulnerability of someone who desperately wants a family should also be there.”
Lelekacs, a recent graduate of the University of Tampa, is excited about playing the Baker’s Wife, a dream of hers since she saw Brianna Filippelli play her on New Tampa Players’ stage in 2016.
“The Baker’s Wife is complex and
hopeful, the driving force in her relationship, balancing love and longing with a contagious belief that life holds more than just routine and work. I admire how she stays practical and grounded, yet isn’t afraid to take risks.”
Theatergoers can expect a truly community-driven performance, with all of the cast members and production team hailing from Hillsborough County and surrounding areas. The show has been months in the making, with rehearsals beginning in early January and production design and staging evolving throughout February.
Show!
of your not-for-profit community theater, the New Tampa Players.
If you’re looking for a magical evening filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable music, “Into the Woods” promises to be the perfect outing. It’s a chance to experience the magic of theater while supporting local talent, and the cast and crew
“Into the Woods” will be performed Friday-Sunday, March 28-30, and April 4-6, at the NTPAC (8550 Hunters Village Dr., New Tampa). For more info or to purchase tickets online, please visit NewTampaPlayers.org. Or, see the ad below.
Upcoming Events — A Ballet, Bunco, A Torch Run, ‘Absolutely Avalon,’ ‘Arsenic’ &
Wednesday, March 19, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At USF Federal Credit Union (20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Wake up and join the Chamber for your morning brew and network with your fellow members. Free to attend. For more information, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.
Wednesday, March 19, 6 p.m. –Central Pasco Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. At Meadow Pointe I Clubhouse (28245 County Line Rd.). All friends of the Democratic Party are invited. Meeting also is available to attend by Zoom. Free to attend. For more info, visit CentralPascoDemClub on Facebook or call (813) 453-1663.
Thursday, March 20, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting. At Jachimek Chiropractic & Wellness (5111 Ehrlich Rd. Suite 128, Tampa). Complimentary B12 shots, 10-minute chair massages, raffle prizes and light bites. Ribbon cutting will be at 4:30 p.m. Free to attend. For more information, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.
Friday-Saturday, March 21-22, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Tampa City Ballet Presents: “Don Quixote.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa). Step into a world of adventure and dazzling dance that brings to life the spirited love story of Kitri and Basilio. With breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes, and lively Spanish flair, Don Quixote is a celebration of vibrant energy and romance that will leave you captivated from start to finish. Tickets $30-$60 reserved seating. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. To purchase tickets visit TampaCityBallet.org.
Monday, March 24, 7 p.m. – New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Join the New Tampa Democratic Club for their monthly meeting. For more info, visit NewTampaDemocrats.com or Facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats. Wednesday, March 26, 9 a.m.-noon.
– 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida. At Tampa Premium Outlets (2300 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz). The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with the Special Olympics. Come out and show your support. Free to attend. For more info visit News.PascoSheriff.com/community-news/ community-events or see the flyer above.
Thursday, March 27, 11:30 a.m. –Mortello Law Presents: “Estate Planning, Secure Your Future,” A Lunch & Learn Event. At Blue Heron Senior Living (5085 Eagleston Blvd.). Estate planning is about ensuring that your loved ones are not left in financial or legal turmoil when you pass. A well-structured estate plan helps avoid unnecessary costs, delays and legal challenges. Free to attend. For more info and to reserve your spot call Lilly (813) 733-7454, or see the ad on the next page.
Friday – Sunday, March 28-30 and Friday – Sunday, April 4-6 – New Tampa Players Presents: “Into the Woods.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd., Tampa). For more info and to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.org or see the story & ad on pg. 14.
Friday, March 28, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Final Friday. At Shuckin’ Shack (25026 Wesley Chapel
Blvd.). Come out, engage and network with fellow chamber members in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.
Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m.-noon — Tiny Tots Playtown Grand Opening! — At Tiny Tots Playtown (24412 S.R. 54, Lutz). Enjoy a 45-minute play session for $5 (reservations are highly recommended). There also will be raffle prizes, local small business vendors & specials. For more info, email lauren@tinytotsplaytown.com.
Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. – GFWC Wesley Chapel Women’s Club Presents: Spring Fling Bunco. At Timber Lake Estates Club House 1 (34301 Countryside Dr.). There will be a 50/50 raffle, opportunity baskets, and prizes for bunco winners. Proceeds will help fund a scholarship program for local college-bound high school students. Cost: $20 per person, which includes a taco bar, drinks & dessert. For more info, text Cindi at (317) 435-4404 or email GFWCWesleyChapel@gmail.com. To reserve your seat Venmo @GFWC-WesleyChapelWomensClub.
Tuesday, April 8, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Business Breakfast. At Pasco Hernando State College, Porter Campus (2727 Mansfield Blvd. Wesley Chapel). This month’s speaker is Martin
Gramatica. Tickets $25/members, $30/ non-members. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.
Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – The Florida Orchestra Soundwaves Chamber Orchestra Series. At the New Tampa Performing Art Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This groundbreaking work by Stravinsky tells the story of a soldier who makes a deal with the devil in disguise. Tickets $25. For more info, call (813) 8292760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Saturday, April 12, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. –Avalon Park Spring Yard Sale. At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Community (5227 Autumn Ridge Dr.). For more info, call (813) 783-1515 or email Info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.
Wednesday, April 16, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At San Antonio Federal Credit Union (28909 S.R. 54). Wake up and join the Chamber for your morning brew and network with your fellow members. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events
Saturday, April 19, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. –Absolutely Avalon: A Celebration of Culture & Community. At Downtown Avalon Park
Wesley Chapel (4424 Friendly Way). This family-friendly event has something for everyone, so gather your friends and loved ones for a magical evening. Event highlights include laser light show, kids activities, food trucks, cultural performances and Artisan, craft and business vendors. Free to attend. For info, call (813) 783-1515, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or see the ad on pg. 16.
Saturday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Pieces of Eight: A Tribute to Chicago. At the New Tampa Performing Art Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Pieces of Eight is Tampa Bay’s favorite soul & funk horn band! They’ll bring all the great hits from Chicago, Tower of Power, and others. Tickets $15-$20 depending on seat selection. For more information, call (813) 8292760. To purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Saturday, April 26, 1 p.m. – Back the Line Charity Events 5th Annual Golf Tournament. At Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club (10630 Plantation Bay Dr.). Proceeds from this event benefit Hillsborough County Fire Rescue worker, Christopher Wells, to help with medical expenses for his son Joshua’s cancer treatment. Sponsors, raffle donations and monetary donations are still needed. All proceeds go to the family. Tournament includes 50/50 drawings, raffles, silent auction and dinner. $600 per team to play. For more info, call Heather (813) 625-1507 or to register visit BackThe-
Saturday, April 26, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. – The fourth annual “Dance your Dream.” At Wesley Chapel District Park (7727 Boyette Rd.). If you or someone you know has a disability and are age 14 or older, you are invited to attend. There will be music, dancing, raffles & silent auction. Meals and refreshments provided by Chick-fil-A. Wear your best party formal attire. Free to attend, but registration is required. For more info, and to register visit HopeGetsJobs.com/dance.
Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m. & Sunday, April 27, 2 p.m. – The Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents: “Arsenic & Old Lace.” At Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills). This classic comedy centers on two sweet but eccentric aunts who have a rather unconventional way of helping lonely gentlemen find peace. When their nephew, Mortimer, uncovers their secret and tries to navigate the chaos that ensues, things spiral into hilariously absurd situations. Tickets $27.38. For more info & to purchase tickets visit SimpleTix.com/e/arsenic-and-old-lacetickets-202354.
Sunday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. – Mother’s Day Buffet Brunch. At Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, Sierra Ballroom (26000 Sierra Center Blvd.). Tickets $75, children 12 and under $25. For more information and to make reservations, call (813) 803-5600. Or, see the ad on pg. 43.
New Phase Of Persimmon Park At Wiregrass Ranch Taking Shape!
By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent
Anyone driving on Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. recently has likely noticed the huge amount of new construction occurring right next to the Wiregrass Ranch community’s northernmost roundabout. This long, 50-acre parcel, that stretches north to south along the west side of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. (from the first roundabout down to the third roundabout) will serve two future Wiregrass Ranch developments.
The southernmost seven acres (bottom of map, right) is currently slated for future professional medical offices — a 46,000-sq.-ft., two-story building, followed by a 72,000-sq.ft., three-story building at a later date. Plans were submitted to the county in February and construction may begin later this year.
The northernmost twelve acres (at the top of the map) will be for Persimmon Park Phase 3, which will consist of 37 two-story, single family homes and 75 two-story townhomes (or 112 total units). Construction of the land and infrastructure already has been under way for a few months.
This will leave roughly 31 acres of the 50-acre parcel for drainage ponds and undisturbed conservation wetlands.
The first two phases of Persimmon Park have had a few home builders, but Phase 3 will be exclusively David Weekley Homes, which also is currently finishing the part of
Phase 2 closest to Phase 3 by the roundabout, along Orange Berry Dr. (see map, far right).
The 37 single-family homes will be similar to that part of Phase 2, with the garages in the front of the house, or what the builder calls its “Garden Series.” The lots will be 40’ x 105’ and the salespeople have told us that they expect that the new homes will be at a slightly lower price point when compared with Phase 2, by not offering as many upgrades. Current prices for the Garden Series range from $595,000-$695,000, so Phase 3 buyers should expect slightly lower prices than that.
However, the townhomes (photo below), which will be located across from the single-family units, will have their garages at the rear of the house, which will open onto an alleyway, similar to how more than half the homes in Phases 1 and 2 of Persimmon Park are laid out, and part of what gives the community its unique look and feel.
In Persimmon Park, most of these existing “Cottage” series homes’ front doors face a street with parallel parking (which makes sense), and for only one row (14 units) of the new proposed townhomes, the front doors also will face a similar road.
For all of the other proposed townhomes (61 units), the front doors will face common grass areas or the perimeter of the community, which is something of an odd design choice, because those residents may likely never enter their homes through their front doors, which will be located where one might expect a rear
patio to be, only offering a tiny (almost unusable) front porch instead.
One benefit of this layout, however, is that it allows for an oversized two-car garage, on a townhome lot that might otherwise only be able to accommodate a single-car garage, as these townhomes don’t need room next to the garage for an entry.
It’s also a good thing that all of these townhomes will have two-car garages, because none of them will have usable driveways! The driveways will only be a couple of feet from the garage doors to the edge of the rear alleyway, which means future owners will either have to park in their garages, or in one of the 32 parallel parking spaces being shared by all 112 units.
While it’s not 100% confirmed yet, we were told by David Weekley Homes’ sales staff that one of (or perhaps even the only) townhome floor plan that will be offered will be the 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 1,751-sq.-ft.
“Seawater” floor plan.
This plan features something unique, where the first floor half-bath is partially (literally two steps) up the stairs, off to the side of the stairwell directional landing (yes you heard that correctly) — not under the stairs like most are used to seeing in newer townhomes. The bathroom actually protrudes into the oversized garage to achieve this set-up, while the space under the stairs is reserved for storage. Pricing for these townhomes has not yet been determined.
There was some unexpected good news,
however, for the future residents of this upcoming new phase. According to a permit submitted last month, Persimmon Park Phase 3 will now be getting its own swimming pool, so it doesn’t have to share with the existing one serving the first two phases of Persimmon Park.
For more info about David Weekley Homes in Persimmon Park at Wiregrass Ranch, visit DavidWeekleyHomes.com.
Business Briefs - Whole Foods & Aldi Updates, Joann’s Is Closing & Nothing Bundt Cakes Opens!
Whole Foods Moving Forward?
In mid-February, updated plans were submitted to Pasco County for a high-end retail center on the long-vacant land north of Aronwood Blvd. and east of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel that previously was announced as having both a Whole Foods grocery store and a Life Time Fitness center. Those original plans, filed in March of 2024, were withdrawn two days later.
The new plans — submitted by privately held commercial developer SJC Ventures — do not mention any of the proposed tenants, but they look similar enough to the former site plan that did include Whole Foods and Life Time for some local news media to assume that those major tenants are likely still part of the new five-building (totalling 160,468 sq. ft.) plans (see site plan, right).
The new plan calls for “Major Tenant A,” believed to be Whole Foods, occupying a 35,518-sq.-ft. building, with “Major Tenant B,” believed to be Life Time Fitness, in the site’s easternmost 84,500-sq.-ft. building. Other buildings included in the new site plan are a 10,416-sq. ft. “Shops” building adjacent to Major Tenant A, and two additional “Shops” buildings of 16,017 and 14,017 sq. ft. at the southwest corner of the site.
If ultimately approved by Pasco, which is expected, the new plaza likely won’t be ready to open until 2027.
Tampa Palms Joann Fabrics Closing?
Also in mid-February, a judge approved the second declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy by Joann Fabrics & Crafts that will allow the
retailer to close 500 of its 800 U.S. stores.
Among the locations already holding a “Going Out of Business” sale is the Joann’s located at 6234 Commerce Palms Blvd., in the Market Square at Tampa Palms plaza (photo below).
“Right-sizing our store footprint is a critical part of our efforts to ensure the best path forward for Joann,” the company said in a prepared news release on Feb. 14. “We anticipate the store closures to occur over the next few months, although
some stores may close within a shorter or longer time period.” We had not heard at our press time when the Tampa Palms Joann’s will actually close.
For more information, call (813) 910-8996 or visit Joann.com.
New Tampa Winn-Dixie Will Become An Aldi!
We reported a couple of issues ago that the Winn-Dixie supermarket located at 6425 County
Line Rd. had closed and was being converted to an Aldi market, since Aldi had purchased all of the remaining links in the Winn-Dixie chain.
However, Aldi sold 170 of its Winn-Dixie stores to a private consortium of investors in Feb. However, we now have it on good authority from another tenant in the same plaza that Aldi has, in fact, signed a long-term lease for the former New Tampa Winn-Dixie.
We did not know at our press time, however, when the conversion will be completed or when the third Aldi in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area is expected to open.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Is Open!
If your sweet tooth has been acting up, local residents can now get their fix of Nothing Bundt Cakes, which opened in mid-February in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center at 16047 Tampa Palms Blvd. W (bottom left photo).
The new store — the second in our distribution areas (the other is in the Shops at Wiregrass mall) — features the same delicious bundt cakes in a variety of sizes and flavors (with that delectable icing) as the chain’s 600+ other stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Founded in Las Vegas in 1997 by Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz, Nothing Bundt Cakes has been named the #1 Favorite Brand in America, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
I got to sample the new Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor on my first visit to the new bakery. I’ll definitely be visiting again soon! For more info, call (813) 344-5959 or visit NothingBundtCakes.com.— GN
(Above) The updated site plan submitted to Pasco County for a five-building commercial plaza in the Meadow Pointe area of Wesley Chapel that is expected to include a Whole Foods market. (Source: Pasco County)
‘Chamber Chatter’ — Our Editor Is Hope’s First Guest;
If you haven’t yet been to the new North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) office — located at 28329 Paseo Dr., Suite 195, in the same space next to Dillard’s in the Shops at Wiregrass that previously was home to a Pasco Sheriff’s Office substation (and then, the off-site office for the Amberlin at Wiregrass Ranch apartments), you really should go check it out.
As NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy mentioned when I was her first guest at her new inoffice studio for her “Chamber Chatter” podcast last week, “This is the office I always wanted here at the mall. I’m so glad we finally were able to get it!”
Hope said that it was only fitting that I would be her first guest in the new studio, because of the long-standing symbiotic relationship between the Chamber and the Neighborhood News, especially since Hope first took over the reins at the former Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber 13 or so years ago.
Not only did I get to tell that story, but also a lot of the history of the only news publication directly mailed to all of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for the last 30 years under the same owner and editor.
My 30-minute chat with Hope also touched on my obsession with helping local mom-and-pop restaurants succeed in our communities, on my not understanding why we have to have so many chicken places and my decision to host a contest to find our readers’ favorite chicken restaurant.
Hope also brought up my dismay over the fact that two sisters who live in Wesley Chapel — Scarlett Spongberg Fields (bottom right photo) — get to win one of 20 drawn-at-random free Raising Cane’s-for-a-year prizes, despite being first in line at the Raising
Cane’s Grand Opening. Hope mentioned “the nice story” that local Realtors Chad and April Emory of Emorys Rock Realty split the cost with me of providing that prize for the two young women.
Check out “Chamber Chatter” at NorthTampaBayChamber.com. To try to be a guest on the show, call the Chamber office at (813) 994-8534.
Congrats, Tri-Health!
One of the other things Hope mentioned during the podcast was how much she appreciates us shining the spotlight in print on so many Chamber members who host NTBC ribbon-cutting events at their locations.
One such event we never published was the ribbon cutting (right) for Tri-Health Primary Care & Women’s Health Services, located at 2253
•Pre-Function Area
•Perfect
•Wedding Receptions
•Birthday Parties
•Family Reunions
•Quinçeañeras
•Sweet Sixteens
•Corporate Meetings
‘American Fabric’ Film Being Produced In K-Bar Ranch!
A Local Gastroenterologist & Award-Winning Filmmaker Shoots A Short Film At Her
New Tampa Home
By Gary Nager
One young American woman of Muslim descent decides that she wants to start wearing a hijab (the Muslim head scarf), while another decides she doesn’t want to wear one anymore.
A discussion at the local mosque on Morris Bridge Rd.? Perhaps, but it’s also the basis of the story for “American Fabric,” a short film being shot in part in the K-Bar Ranch community that is being directed by K-Bar resident and local gastroenterologist Dr. Nyla Hazratjee.
Nyla, who also wrote the script for “American Fabric,” is already an award-winning filmmaker. She was the executive producer of the full-length feature film “The Persian Version,” a heartwarming “dramedy” that made its debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and ended up winning two prestigious awards there — the Audience Award for the U.S. Dramatic Competition and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for writer/director Maryan Keshavarz.
But, Nyla says that “American Fabric” is her first foray into writing and directing a film herself and she called our office just a couple of days before we went to press with this issue to invite us to her home in K-Bar Ranch to take pictures and interview her. She told me that her short film, which she hopes to have completed in time for the domestic film festival season this spring and summer, is “really about empowering women.”
See “American Fabric” on pg. 26
(L.-r.) “American Fabric” stars Hana Soomro (who plays Lina), Carina Conti (who plays Nila), and screenwriter, producer & director (and K-Bar Ranch resident ) Dr. Nyla Hazratjee at one of the location shoots for the short film that Hazratjee plans to submit to film festivals by May of this year. (Photo by Charmaine George)
‘American Fabric’
Continued from page 24
“I’m a producer by trade and also by personality,” Dr. Nyla Hazratjee told me following the first of three days of shooting for “American Fabric,” the film she wrote and which represents her directorial debut. “I think lots of women are producers in their lives as well, so I think that led me to that part of the film industry.”
As for why she decided to direct this time around, she said, “I wrote the film and I knew what I wanted it to look like, so who else?”
As for the film’s subject matter — the decision by young Muslim women as to whether or not they want to wear the hijab, Nyla said, “I do wear the head scarf, but I didn’t always. And, I think every day I have to make the choice as to whether or not I want to keep wearing it. I know so many women who either didn’t wear it but started wearing it and so many more who did wear it and decided to not wear it anymore.”
But, she adds, that choice isn’t really what the film is about, “It’s really about my body, my choice, and I believe that most women can relate to this kind of a story. It’s a personal story, but I believe it should have a wide relatability.”
She added, “My body, my choice is about feminism but it isn’t just about taking it off, it’s also about putting it on — and that it’s really up to you what you do with your body. But, in women’s world, so many other people feel that they have agency over a woman’s agency.”
The two main characters in “American Fabric” are Lina (played by Hana Soomro), a young model who decides during a photo shoot that she wants to start wearing a hijab, and Nila (played by Carina Conti), who is a hijabi who decides she wants to stop wearing hers.
“There’s a quiet acceptance that comes into these girls’ lives, as they come to their [separate] decisions,” Nyla says, “despite all of the opposition that they’re receiving from their friends, their families, men...to say, ‘This is what I want to do and I’m going to do it regardless.’”
Nyla, who is actually from Pakistan herself, said that part of her motivation to make “American Fabric” was because, “What we call ‘Brown Hollywood,’ or Muslim Hollywood, is made up of a diaspora (a group of people who share a cultural, religious or regional origin but who live outside of their traditional homelands) — so Muslim, Middle Eastern, North African and all of those other voices combined. So, when we meet each other, we meet as if we’re old friends. Some of the actors in this film are of Persian (from Iran) descent, some are Pakistani, some are Indian and some are not of that region at all.”
She also is proud of the mix of ethnicities in her mostly female cast and crew. “Our cinematgrapher is Chinese American, our first assistant director (AD) is Caucasian...I think we have all of our bases covered as far as races are concerned. And, we’re also mostly a local Florida cast and crew.”
Nyla also gives a shout-out to the Tampa Bay Film Commission. “They’ve been wonderful, super-helpful and they try very hard to accommodate the things that a filmmaker needs to make a film happen here,” she said. “So, we’re super lucky.”
As for the film itself, Nyla said the names of the two female leads were chosen intentionally.
“One is Nila and the other is Lina, so they’re like two sides of the same coin, even though they’re not at all the same personality-wise,” Nyla said. “But,
all of their experiences throughout the day, as we end up as this party, are similar, even though they come to very opposite decisions. But, isn’t that the female condition? That’s really what we want to show.”
She added that she definitely relates to both characters, “And I think that most women will relate to pieces of each one of those characters. And that’s what I’m really hoping for.”
Nyla also said that now that production of the film has wrapped, she has a wonderful, experienced, super-talented film editor, originally from Egypt, and she expects that it will take “about a month, if we’re really good about it,” to edit the film. “We really want to catch the film festival season, which starts about April/May, so that we can take it to all women-centric festivals, all Muslim-centric festivals, all Florida festivals, hopefully some international festivals and some of the major festivals that we will do our best to get into. We’re excited about pushing the story and getting as many people as possible to experience this film.”
Nyla also has a nonprofit film production company called NY/LA Productions, which is, “a female-driven, female-centric production company which produces and promotes films with female and Muslimeen (female Muslim) voices. “We look for funding from federal and local grants, as well as local donors,” she said. “We just received an $8,000 grant from a nonprofit charity called ‘200 Muslim Women Who Care,’ which is based here in Tampa Bay.”
She also noted that NY/LA Productions also promotes, produces and develops “projects in the making, finished projects that need to be promoted,
(Above, l.-r.) Producer Nadia Cox, costume director Noor Hamid, hair & makeup artist Jess Marie, cinematographer Tian Liu, 1st assistant director Rebecca Saionz, Dr. Nyla Hazratjee, 2nd assistant director Chelsea Butz and production designer Tanya Kayani of “American Fabric.” (Photo by Charmaine George) The photos below are scenes from “American Fabric.” (Photos by Charmaine George & Gary Nager)
and invite audiences to view them.”
Nyla also mentioned working with a University of Florida professor named Iman Zawahry, who directed “Americanish,” a 2021 feature film that NY/LA Productions helped bring to the Tampa Theatre for a screening with about 400 people who attended, “and ‘Americanish’ has been acquired for release by several screening services, which is really great for them,” Nyla says. “Iman’s been a great mentor for me and other young and aspiring filmmakers.”
She added, “We do often get scripts sent to us and we see if they fit what we’re trying to do. And, if they’re in line with our ideas and goals, we are happy to help.”
As for how “American Fabric” will be distributed, Nyla said, “Short films are tough for distribution, but there are now some streaming services that will acquire short films, including WeShort and Hollywood Just4Shorts, to get short films to a greater audience. HBO does acquire some shorts and we will try our best to find a place to distribute it. Otherwise, I’m sure we can find somebody to acquire us for a streamer. And, there’s always YouTube and Vimeo. The film also will be available to anyone who goes to our website, NYLA-Production.org.”
As for how this married, busy mom-of-two gastroenterologist finds
the time for the film business, she says, “I don’t know, midnight-4 a,m.? When you have a
passion for something, you find the time. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right?”
(Above) The promotional poster for “The Persian Version,” the awardwinning 2023 feature film for which Nyla was the executive producer.
Law Offices Of Matthew Jowanna — Your Local Personal Injury & Estate Planning Firm
By Turiya Autry Neighborhood News Correspondent
The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A., have been serving the legal needs of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa since 2005. The firm, located at the Windguard Professional Center off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel (near The Goddard School), specializes in personal injury, probate and estate planning and administration.
Attorney Matthew J. Jowanna has been practicing law for more than 30 years and has specialized in personal injury cases since 1994. The firm’s founder, president and managing shareholder, Jowanna says his experience working in large law firms in downtown Tampa inspired him to do things differently. He says his goal since opening his firm has been to make that big downtown law firm experience accessible to people in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and the surrounding communities. Jowanna wants his clients to know that his is a quality local law firm focused on professional, caring service.
“I wanted to open a small neighborhood law firm,” Jowanna explains, “where people in the local communities are able to get top-quality legal representation.”
In order to expand the services Jowanna’s firm offers to clients, he recently added Farral A. Haber as managing attorney for estate planning and probate. Haber has been practicing law for thirteen years, with ten years specifically in trusts and estates. Together, Jowanna and Haber offer a wealth of experience to their clients.
“We don’t do everything under the sun,” Jowanna says, “but our practice areas now include some of the most common needs in the neighbor hood — we’re here as neighbors to help you with the typical legal problems that you and your neighbors may have.”
When it comes to injury cases, whether someone gets hurt in a car accident, while on vacation or in the work place, The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna can assist you. Jowanna also helps clients who are having problems receiving their deserved injury benefits from insurance companies.
received a perfect score on his LL.M. thesis.
Jowanna’s first job out of law school was for an insurance defense firm, which helped him realize that insurance defense wasn’t where he wanted to spend his career.
“It’s the opposite of what I do now,” he explains. “Doing that made me realize that I was on the wrong side of the fence, and I would prefer to be on the plaintiff side to help someone in their claim against a big insurance company.” He says he is appreciative of the knowledge he gained from seeing the other side, and that it has given him added insight when working with clients who are going up against insurance companies.
Meanwhile, Haber’s estate planning and probate specialization helps clients with creating wills, living trusts, making plans for their estates and probate cases. Regardless of which services you require, Jowanna and Haber make every effort to meet those needs, and also make accommodations for their clients’ financial needs.
“People shouldn’t have to drive to downtown Tampa for quality legal representation,” Jowanna says. “Every client is important and every case is different.”
Jowanna earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Broadcasting and Mass Communications from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He worked for several Tampa Bay area radio and television stations for seven years before pursuing his law degree. He then obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale and graduated Summa Cum Laude (with Highest Honors), in the top 2% of his law school class. He also completed a prestigious postdoctoral Legum Magister (LL.M., or “Master of Laws”) degree from the University of Notre Dame, in Notre Dame, IN, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude (with High Honors) and
Jowanna and his firm have been included in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of the Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms in the U.S. He also is included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, a unique guide to the legal community’s preeminent professionals who have received the highest ratings, according to the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
Tampa is ranked in the top-10 worst cities for drivers. Therefore, if you drive regularly in the Tampa Bay area, you have most likely witnessed an accident, its aftermath, or have possibly been involved in a collision yourself. Jowanna shares the following advice as to what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
“I tell every client to take care of yourself first,” says Jowanna. “Your injuries obviously come first; the legal claim will be there afterwards. If you get into your typical fender bender and still have your wits about you, you should take photographs. A picture is worth a thousand
Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A., located off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, specialize in personal injury law & estate planning. (Photo by Charmaine George)
words. Document, document, document!”
Clients truly appreciate the way the firm advises them and goes above and beyond, even in the most challenging scenarios — as evidenced by its 4.9-star (out of 5) overall rating on Google on more than 50 reviews. And, while it is a neighborhood practice, the attorneys and legal staff can assist you even when you are far from home.
In a five-star review on Google, Alexander Hunter says, “They handled my accident claim with incredible patience, even though I had to process everything from overseas. The team took the time to explain every step in detail and negotiated on my behalf when issues arose with different medical providers. Their professionalism and commitment to my case made a stressful situation so much easier.”
The Estate Planning Side
Helping folks during difficult and emotional times is an aspect of the work that Haber says she finds most rewarding. Working in probate and estate law, Haber helps clients both prepare for their own futures, as well as wrap up the affairs of someone who has passed. She helps clients with the process of figuring out exactly how an estate is to be administered, locating assets, discerning whether a court needs to be involved, as well as explaining what paperwork needs to be filed.
Haber earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Cum Laude (with distinction). She was the Valedictorian of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She then earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, Cum Laude, from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law.
While in law school, Haber received the Book Award for the highest grade in Trial Prac-
tice; she also was the Executive Articles Editor for the UF Journal of Law & Public Policy and was a Certified Legal Intern with the State Attorney’s office. She is licensed to practice law in Florida, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
While Haber initially started out as a litigator, after a few years, she chose to focus on estate planning and probate. “What I love about estate planning,” she says, “ is that it is something that everybody needs, and yet it is so easy to put off. I enjoy demystifying the process for folks and explaining things, making it approachable and customizing it to what a client actually wants, then seeing those goals put into practice.”
Haber adds that she encourages people to plan ahead of time, and to not be afraid of the process. “People avoid it or dig their head in the sand because they don’t understand what it entails,” she says. Her goal is to make estate planning more approachable for clients and to help them get something in place, even if it is a step-by-step process that takes a few years.
Jowanna says Haber’s talents are a great addition to the practice. “We are simply thrilled to have Farral joining us,” Jowanna says. “I hope the clients are as thrilled with her as we are.”
While both Jowanna and Haber say they see growth of the firm as a goal, they are clear about what they want that growth to look like. “I never want to get so big that I don’t remember a client’s name and I don’t remember their file,” explains Jowanna, to which Haber adds, “I certainly want to assist as many folks as I can, but I never want to sacrifice quality.”
The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A., are located at 2521 Windguard Cir. For more information, call (813) 929-7300, see the ad on page 39 or visit LetMattDoThat.com.
Spotlight On: Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions
Chris Assefa (photo), the owner and insurance broker for Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, says that although she is licensed by the State of Florida (as well as Georgia and New York) to sell health and life insurance and variable annuities, she believes her primary function is education.
“Health insurance, especially when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, is incredibly complicated for most people,” Chris says. “At Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, we always say that asking questions is free, so ask away! We want to make sure you understand what your options are and which plan or policy will work best for you and your family.”
Bleu Sky’s is an independent insurance agency, so Chris and her team of professionals have access to a wide variety of companies and policies and they can help you figure out how best to take care of your needs.
Chris is a specialist when it comes to Medicare — the lower-cost health insurance for those ages 65 and older and for those with disabilities. The former Wesley Chapel resident says that even though the Open Enrollment period to choose a Medicare plan for 2025 ended in December and the policies became effective in January, “there are still things you can do now that you might not know about.”
For example, if you decide after Jan. 1 that you’re not happy with your Medicare Advantage plan, there is a special Open Enrollment Period — that doesn’t close until March 31 — for Medicare Advantage plan holders only.
“Obviously, the average person is either
unsure or not even aware about a lot of this,” Chris says.
“That’s why you need an expert in the field, like my company, to help guide you.”
She also says there are some new laws on the books for 2025 that Bleu Sky’s insurance professionals can help you understand.
“For 2025, an individual’s out-of-pocket expense for prescription drugs on their Medicare carrier’s formulary is capped at $2,000,” Chris says. “In addition, people who are dual-eligible (for both Medicare and Medicaid, which is the joint federal and state program which helps cover medical expenses for people with limited income and resources) are dealing with some changes as to how they can change their plans.”
She adds that there are different levels of dual eligibility, and that those different levels are affected by this year’s new rules.
“I know this can be confusing,” Chris says. “I really hope that if you have any questions about Medicare, Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as the Affordable Care Act or ‘Obamacare’), we’ll be the company you’ll think to call.”
To reach Chris Assefa of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, call (813) 360-1884, visit BleuSkysInsurance.com or see the ad on pg. 33. — GN
Louis Cerillo, DDSKim Tran-Nguyen, DMD General Dentists
Kristy & Megan Darragh — The Team To Call When
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
If you’ve been seeing real estate headlines that make you think the sky is falling, longtime local Realtor® Kristy Darragh of Florida Executive Realty in Tampa Palms says to brush it off — it’s just click bait.
“I monitor trends weekly, monthly and quarterly, as well as the long history and economics of housing,” she says, “and the local housing market lately has been a bit wobbly, but is still basically a flat line.”
She says that plateau is a good thing (not a sign of death), meaning the local market continues to be steady and predictable for those who are looking to buy or sell.
With almost four decades in the industry and a near obsession with crunching the numbers, Kristy has a deep understanding of the local market and promises her clients expert advice for how to sell their homes for the highest price or buy a home at the best value.
A staple in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel real estate market since 1994, Kristy has recently updated her brand to include her daughter Megan, so you’ll now see ads for Kristy & Megan – rather than just Kristy –not only in the Neighborhood News, but also on billboards and in direct mail.
Megan began working with her mom in 2020, after previously serving as the office manager for the Westchase branch of Florida
Executive Realty. Now, they’ve solidified their partnership with the team’s name change.
Kristy and Megan say they are able to serve their clients with client service umatched in the local market, thanks to assistants Jace Haitz and Toni Osborn, both of whom have worked with Kristy for many years.
“There’s no way I could provide the excellence and volume of work I do without them,” says Kristy of her support staff. “They are what makes it possible for Megan and I to offer this level of service.”
Kristy uses all of those years of experi ence to translate what’s happening in the market into useful information for her clients.
For example, she says she tells her clients to always look at the current inventory to understand the basic fundamental principle of supply and demand. Historically, she says, the 33647 zip code has had around 300 active listings in a normal market. “Right now, we’re at about 170 active listings,” Kristy says. “We came from a peak during the pandemic where we only had 18 listings in the entire zip code.”
At the time, prices were sky high due to demand. She says that while the market has recovered to be more balanced, there’s still plenty of room for more inventory.
“Prices on a lot of homes have come down, but they needed to, because people were pricing their homes the way they were in 2020 and 2021,” she says, “and that was when the market was unbalanced and somewhat frenetic.”
Meanwhile, In Wesley Chapel...
Wesley Chapel has its own trends and metrics, and Kristy explains that all of the new construction in the area means resale prices
are somewhat suppressed. That means Wesley Chapel sellers need to have realistic expectations as to what they can sell their homes for, and that they should always work with an
(L.-r.) Jace Haitz, Megan & Kristy Darragh and Toni Osborn of Florida Executive Realty in Tampa Palms. (Photos on these pages provided by Kristy Darragh)
not falling and prices are not dropping. We are in a healthy plateau, and that is what you want so the market can normalize.”
She says there also are annual trends that always happen, and that we’re just about ready for an influx of seasonal buyers in April, May, June and July.
expert who can help price the home appropriately to sell quickly or meet the seller’s goals.
“This is a normal cycle,” Kristy says. “You can’t use prices for new construction for your asking price on a resale home because builders offer incentives, such as money back toward closing costs, bonuses and interest rate buydowns.”
She says these incentives can be valued at up to $100,000, so resale homes have to take that into account to be able to price to sell.
“I’ve got 38 years of knowledge, including 30 years here in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area,” Kristy explains. “I see trends so clearly and have lived through so many real estate cycles that I can tell you the market is
“This is when the most buyers are in the market, so prices definitely go up,” Kristy says. On the other hand, over the year-end holidays and the first quarter of each year is when resale prices are the lowest, giving buyers the best opportunity to purchase a home at a lesser cost.
“This happens every year,” Kristy says.
Kristy and Megan are each licensed as both a real estate agent and as a Broker. Kristy joined Florida Executive Realty in 1994 and became partners with Doug Loyd in the Tampa Palms location of Florida Executive Realty way back in 2003. Loyd owns five other offices of Florida Executive Realty located in and around the Tampa Bay area.
Kristy and Megan have many satisfied clients, including Nancy and Mike Yetter, who recently sold their home in Ashington Estates in Tampa Palms to move to The Sanctuary (also in Tampa Palms), where Kristy and Megan helped them find the perfect smallersized home to fit their empty nest. But, the Yetters’ new home still provides enough room that they don’t feel cramped.
“It was a lot of fun,” Nancy says. “We felt very lucky to work with both of them.”
While most people wouldn’t call the stressful sale or purchase of a home “fun,”
Nancy says Kristy and Megan made the process stress-free and actually enjoyable.
Nancy also says that she and her husband first met Kristy when she was the seller’s real estate agent when they bought their Ashington Estates home in 2018, after experiencing what Nancy described as a “horrific” experience selling the home they were moving from on Anna Maria Island.
“We were so impressed with her back then,” Nancy says. “We said if we ever moved, we wanted to ask her to be our agent.”
Because the couple travels often, they trusted Kristy and Megan to handle the entire process, including showings and repairs that needed to be made to the home.
“To have absolutely no hiccups was great,” says Nancy. “We were able to close on both homes the same day. It was perfect the way [Kristy] organized that.”
Nancy says that both Kristy and Megan understood their needs and didn’t waste their time showing them homes that weren’t what they wanted.
“I’ve recommended Kristy and her team to three people already,” Nancy says. “She’s very professional, she’ll work for the best deal possible, and she doesn’t let anything fall through the cracks. She knows the market and that’s so important.”
The Tampa Palms office of Florida Executive Realty is located at 15802 Amberly Dr. For more information about Kristy and Megan Darragh, visit RealEstateNewTampa.com, call (813) 931-6700, or see the ad on page 2 (inside front cover) of this issue.
Compass Claim Solutions Can Help You Receive The Insurance Claim You Deserve!
By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent
When disaster strikes, dealing with an insurance company can be one of the most stressful and frustrating parts of your recovery. For many homeowners and business owners in Florida, navigating the complexities of insurance policies and securing a fair settlement can feel overwhelming. That’s where Compass Claim Solutions steps in — offering expertise, advocacy, and a guiding hand through the often-confusing world of property insurance claims.
Founded by Shawn Thompson in Wesley Chapel, Compass Claim Solutions is a public adjusting firm dedicated to representing policyholders during — and even after — the insurance claims process. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Shawn has built a reputation for helping clients secure the compensation they deserve after damage from storms, fires, floods and other disasters.
From Retail To Advocacy
Wesley Chapel resident Shawn Thompson (2nd from left) and his team at Compass Claim
will work hard to make sure you receive the insurance settlement you deserve when your home or business suffers damage, whether from a storm, fire, flood or any other cause. (Photo
which is when he says he found his true calling.
What Does A Public Adjuster Do?
“Our goal is to level the playing field,” Shawn explains. “Insurance companies have experts working for them — policyholders should have [an expert] on their side, too.”
Compass Claim Solutions handles a wide range of claims, including those related to hurricanes, floods, lightning, wind, fire, mold, theft and plumbing issues. The company offers free consultations, guiding clients from the initial claim filing through the final settlement.
The ‘Umpire Process’
One of the unique aspects of Compass Claim Solutions’ services is Shawn’s involvement in the insurance appraisal and what is known as the “umpire process” — a little-known but critical step when claims are disputed.
Shawn’s journey to becoming a public adjuster is an inspiring story of career transformation. A Florida native, Shawn graduated from St. Leo University near Dade City in 2003 with a degree in Business Management. He spent 10 years climbing the corporate ladder in a “Fortune 5” retail company, honing his skills in management, negotiation, and customer service. However, in 2012, a family connection introduced him to the world of public adjusting,
“When I learned about public adjusting from my brother-in-law, I saw how much of a difference an advocate could make for homeowners,” Shawn says. “I knew I wanted to be part of that process — helping people when they need it most.”
After completing a year-long apprenticeship, Shawn obtained his public adjuster’s license and has since helped thousands of clients navigate their insurance claims. Today, Compass Claim Solutions serves homeowners and businesses across Florida, often traveling to communities hit hardest by hurricanes and severe storms.
Insurance policies can be complex documents, full of jargon and fine print that many policyholders struggle to understand. When property damage occurs, the insurance company sends out its own adjuster to assess the damage and estimate the payout — but that adjuster works for the insurance company, not the policyholder.
A public adjuster, like Shawn, however, works exclusively on behalf of the policyholder. His job is to thoroughly evaluate the damage, prepare detailed estimates, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that the client receives a fair settlement.
If an insurance company and a policyholder cannot agree on the amount of damage or the cost of repairs, both parties may choose to enter into the appraisal process. Each side hires an independent appraiser to assess the damage. If the two appraisers cannot reach an agreement, they select a neutral third party — known as an umpire — who reviews the estimates and makes a final, binding decision.
As a certified insurance umpire, Shawn is often called upon to serve as that neutral third party in these disputes, bringing his extensive knowledge and fair judgment to the process.
“The umpire process helps ensure that both sides get a fair shake,” Shawn says. “It’s about finding common ground and making sure the policyholder gets what they’re owed.”
Solutions
provided by Shawn Thompson)
Going
The Extra Mile
Clients of Compass Claim Solutions consistently praise Shawn’s professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail. The company’s 4.9 stars out of 5 on Google (on 50+ reviews) attest to his prompt communication and proactive approach.
“Shawn is amazing,” client Brian S. wrote in his 5-star review on Google. “He was prompt on returning calls, very thorough in his evaluation of the damage, and extremely proactive in dealing with the insurance company. He turned a stressful situation into a positive outcome.”
Client Carol G.’s 5-star review says, “I was denied by my insurance company for not taking pictures after my front doors blew open during Hurricane Ian. Shawn worked wonder for me and got me enough money to fix the important issues in my home. He was very kind and easy to work with. I highly recommend using Compass Claim if you ever need a public adjuster. I’d give him 20 stars if I could.”
It’s this commitment to going above and beyond that has earned Compass Claim Solutions a stellar reputation in the community.
Beyond his work in public adjusting, Shawn is an active member of the Wesley Chapel business community. He serves on the Membership
Committee of BNI Alliance, a local chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) of West Central Florida, where he collaborates with other professionals to foster business growth and networking opportunities.
“I believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” Shawn says. “Whether it’s helping homeowners through the claims process or participating in local events, we want to make a positive impact.”
Navigating an insurance claim can feel like an uphill battle, especially in the wake of a disaster. With Compass Claim Solutions, clients gain more than just an advocate — they gain a partner dedicated to serving their best interests.
From the initial consultation to the final settlement, Shawn Thompson and his team provide the knowledge, persistence, and compassion needed to help clients rebuild and move forward. With Compass Claim Solutions on your side, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone — you have a trusted partner and guide every step of the way.
Shawn Thompson’s Compass Claim Solutions offers free consultations. For more info, visit CompassClaimSolutions.com, call (352) 502-5928 or see the ad on pg. 38.
Hangliter Residential — The Family Business For Your Remodeling Project
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
The Hangliter family has been in the remodeling business for four generations.
When Ken Hangliter came to Florida from the Washington, D.C./Maryland area to help his dad with a construction job at Macdill Air Force Base eight years ago, he decided he wanted to stay.
So, Ken bought a home in Wesley Chapel and officially opened Hangliter Resi dential, LLC, in the Tampa Bay area.
Ken’s not the only Hangliter who came for a visit and decided not to go back to the cold Maryland winters. His son, Jordan, came down four years ago and decided to leave his business back home to join his dad here in the Sunshine State.
“I’ve been working with my dad since I was 12 years old,” Jordan says. “As a familyowned business, we promise better quality, better customer service, and a better overall experience.”
Jordan says when you call Hangliter for a remodeling job or to repair or restore something in your home, either he or his dad will come out to your house to provide a free estimate. Then, if you choose to hire Hangliter, they’ll return together to complete the work.
“We know it’s a nightmare for people to let strangers into their house,” Jordan
says. “So we are careful to treat you like we would treat our grandmother if we went to her house. We’re at a client’s home every day, all day, so we get to know each other. It’s a personal experience.”
The Hangliters are Florida-licensed contractors specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but they do all types of residential work. They have decades of experience in home remodeling, repairs and restoration.
They have experience with “just about everything, A to Z,” says Jordan.
“With the exception of projects that require heavy new electrical or plumbing installation, we can usually do it all,” he explains. “No need to work with five different contractors, like electricians or plumbers. We do everything ourselves, and we don’t sub out our work out to anyone else.”
Beyond kitchen and bathroom work,
the Hangliters can install custom windows, doors and flooring, repair lighting, HVACs and plumbing — and much more.
Jordan emphasizes that regardless of the size of the project, it never hurts to contact Hangliter Residential. You might just hear of options — and pricing estimates — that competitors won’t offer.
“We’ve definitely heard from customers with projects in which the big companies offer expensive estimates or flat out just say no,” Jordan says. “But we are comfortable with undertaking non-conventional solutions that other companies won’t even consider.”
Jordan says that among the most popular jobs they have been busy doing are bathroom makeovers, including updating bathrooms in older homes, converting tubs and Jacuzzis into walk-in showers, and installing custom bathroom tile from floor to ceiling.
Customers Are Raving!
Tim and Lynn are Land O’Lakes residents who recently hired Hangliter Residential to update an older bathroom in their home. “It was a great overall experience,” says Tim. “You can’t go wrong with these guys. They were so personable and a pleasure to be around, and most important is that the work was fantastic.”
Tim found the Hangliters after asking for a recommendation in an online neighborhood forum and that Ken was recommended
Hangliter Residential is a true family-run business that includes (l.-r.) owner Ken Hangliter, his daughter & office manager Stephanie and his son & VP Jordan. Mascot Mishi is always smiling. (Photo by Charmaine George)
by several people. He couldn’t have been more happy with his decision to hire the Hangliters.
“They are a super father-and-son duo,” Tim says. “They were knowledgeable and professional. They were very punctual and always did exactly what they said they were going to do. What more could you ask for?”
David and Debbie are another couple who hired Hangliter Residential when they needed an extensive door and window repair in their home.
“Hangliter Residential LLC saved us over $15,000,” says David. “Ken did an amazing job on the remodel and restoration of our 50+-year-old Colonial-style home! We had an estimate from another company to replace eight windows and three exterior doors for over $34,000, due to rotten wood damage from to the wet Florida weather. Ken looked at all of the windows and assured me that he could REPAIR them all, and that a complete replace ment would be a huge waste of money!”
He adds, “Ken told us that his repair would preserve the original, classic look of our home. Our final cost came to less than half of our original estimate plus, he did three extra windows! Ken did an absolutely incredible job and the results have far ex ceeded my high expectations.”
Hangliter Residential LLC is offer ing 10 percent off any full kitchen or bath remodel to readers of Neighborhood News who mention this story or the ad on pg. 47 of this issue. To schedule a free estimate, call (813) 460-4548 today.
Your CBD Store Of New Tampa Is Your Local Wellness Superstore
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
David Calcador and Deborah Curler own Your CBD Store of New Tampa, a franchised location of the national chain, located less than a mile south of the Pasco County line in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.
The first Your CBD Store was opened in Bradenton in 2018, and the husband-and-wife team of David and Deborah opened their store just a year later, in 2019.
Now, Your CBD Store is the largest brickand-mortar CBD chain in the U.S., with more than 600 stores, selling its proprietary Sunmed products, which is a premium, hemp-based line of wellness products tested locally for quality.
Deborah and David are quick to empha size that they’re not a smoke shop or a cannabis dispensary, but a wellness resource offering solutions to many health problems.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids that grow on cannabis, of which both hemp and marijuana are varieties. CBD originates from hemp, but contains less than 0.3% of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the ingredient that causes a “high,” while marijuana has much higher levels of THC.
Most of the products at Your CBD Store of New Tampa 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,” which have no THC at all.
“CBD can help you with what’s going on in your body,” explains Deborah. “From chronic pain to anxiety, there are so many things it can do for someone.”
CBD comes in both flavored and flavorless tinctures, oils, pills, gummies, weight-loss products, as well as a skincare line, bath bombs, lotions, massage oils, pain creams and even products for dogs and cats.
Deborah and David say that they love
educating their customers and clearing up misinformation about CBD. Their CBD products won’t get you high, aren’t illegal, won’t make you impaired and you don’t need a medical cannabis card to purchase them.
Deborah explains that all Sunmed products have a QR code on them that anyone can scan to see detailed information, from where the hemp was grown that was used to make the product (Deborah says the hemp used in
her store’s products are all from Oregon and Colorado) to a lab report that explains exactly what’s in the product, as tested by a third party, to ensure quality and safety standards.
New Products
Deborah shares that the store is always offering new products, in addition to the staples they’ve had for years.
For example, full-spectrum water soluble CBD has been available in 900 mg and 1,800 mg versions, but is now also available in 2,700 mg and 5,400 mg, too. Deborah says these products are great for stress, anxiety and panic attacks, as well as general health and wellness.
“Neuro is a special blend for neurological issues and is CBG-enriched for fighting inflammation,” Deborah says. (Note-CBG is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that also is known as “the mother of cannabinoids.”)
For longer-lasting effects for pain relief, Deborah says tinctures provide up to 10 hours of pain relief and are available in 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg and 3,000 mg.
Your CBD store also offers topical creams, sprays, gels and roll-ons for isolated pain.
The store recently added Nowadays, which is an adult beverage that gives a buzz without a hangover, and Xite Delta 9 milk chocolate and dark chocolate candies and popcorn.
Your CBD Store also carries a variety of edibles such as anytime gummies, all-in-one mushroom gummies, and super greens daily gummies, which help to support daily well-being.
Owners David Calcador and Deborah Curler invite you to try all of their newest products at Your CBD Store of New Tampa, located in the Pebble Creek Collection, just south of Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George)
Products For Pets, Too
A variety of pet products to help dogs and cats also are available at Your CBD Store.
For example, Chillen is a pet treat that can help with issues such as separation anxiety or to help pets relax during fireworks, travel, or any stressful situation.
Other products include a probiotic blend that helps with potty issues, a treat that provides allergy relief, including skin support for pets that experience skin “hot spots,” and Movin’ Easy, which helps pets with joint pain.
“All pet treats are formulated by veterinar ians,” Deborah explains.
Amazing Reviews
Deborah and David are proud of their store’s Google reviews, which average 4.9 stars out of 5, based on nearly 200 reviews.
“If you look at our reviews,” Deborah says, “you’ll see people love the products and that they’re changing lives.”
Recently, Florencia Stewart visited the New Tampa store and shared her experience in a 5-star Google review.
“I want to thank the owner! She is amazing,” Florencia writes. “I took my mom to get CBD and [Deborah] was extremely helpful, very patient, and explained everything to us. My mom is pain free!”
She goes on to write, “We love this store! All I can say is thank you, thank you!!! My mom has been able to sleep!”
Other recent reviews cite “exceptional customer service” and say that Deborah and David are both “extremely knowledgeable.”
Whenever you make a purchase, you’ll re ceive a card you can bring back on the third Saturday of the month to receive a prize. Every card is a winner, whether it’s an additional discount, a free item, or up to a year’s worth of CBD!
If you’re age 55 or older, Your CBD Store offers a 15% discount on all of your purchases, but on Mondays only. And, free local delivery or free shipping is always available for orders over $100.
Your CBD Store of New Tampa is located at 19651 BBD Blvd., Suite B-1. It is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.– 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (813) 994-0599, visit GetSunMed. com, or see the ad on page 39.
Dr. Jasthi’s Family & Cosmetic Dentistry — Quality Dental Care For Ages 4+
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
At Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in the small plaza next to MidFlorida Credit Union in front of the Live Oak Preserve community in New Tampa, Neeraja Jasthi, DMD, says her practice offers family-oriented, comprehensive care for patients ages four and older.
“We are a place that takes care of all of your dental needs,” explains Dr. Jasthi. “We are friendly, safe and give quality treatment.”
Dr. Jasthi moved her practice to its current location in 2005 after opening in a smaller office in the Highwoods Preserve area of New Tampa in 2002. She has been practicing in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area since 1998, after earning her DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree from the Tufts Dental School in Boston, MA, in 1996. Linda Park, DDS, joined the practice in 2018. Dr. Park earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2005 from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Loma Linda, CA.
patient cancels an appointment and opens a spot for those who want to be seen quickly to be accommodated.
do sometimes see younger children, as well.
She adds that she also provides dental implants in-house, as well as restorative treatments, and that she is often able to use a veneer instead of porcelain for some cosmetic procedures, which allows her to not cut into the tooth structure.
“For example,” she says, “if someone has a peg-shaped tooth and wants to make it more of an ideal form, we do chair-side composites with injection molding. It’s good for the health of the tooth and it’s very economical, compared to the cost of porcelain.”
Dr. Jasthi says her practice continues to grow “by leaps and bounds,” thanks to many people in the community who support her.
With two doctors and five hygienists in the practice, Dr. Jasthi says appointments are almost always available quickly. If someone is in pain, they usually can be seen right away. And, new patients can often be scheduled within a couple of weeks, and Dr. Jasthi’s attentive administrative staff can often get patients in sooner, especially if another
New patients also are happy to learn that, unlike some dental practices that require an exam first, before scheduling a cleaning, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry always provides an exam and cleaning at the first appointment. If treatment is required, however, the patient may need to come back for another appointment to complete that treatment.
Dr. Jasthi says Family & Cosmetic Dentistry feels like a family, and she always wants her patients to be able to bring the whole family to them. While she and Dr. Park typically see all family members ages four and up, they
“For established patients of record who have children younger than four,” Dr. Jasthi says, “we will see them if they are cooperative.”
Beyond cleanings and exams of the teeth, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers fillings, bridges, crowns and many other necessary dental treatments.
As the practice’s name states, the team also offers cosmetic dentistry to help everyone achieve their best possible smile. This includes services such as teeth whitening, veneers and Invisalign® aligners to straighten the teeth.
“We are doing more Invisalign these days,” says Dr. Jasthi, “helping people with the aesthetics and functionality of their teeth.”
That includes patients such as Wesley Chapel resident Karina Fernandez, who says she has been a patient of Dr. Jasthi’s since she moved to Florida in 2015.
“They always have appointments available and are very flexible with their schedule,” Karina says.
She also appreciates that she never feels like she’s being sold something she doesn’t need. “They’re not trying to take your money,” Karina says, adding that she is absolutely thrilled with the Invisalign treatment she recently completed.
“I had no idea it would be so effective,” she says. “I thought I would need braces because my bottom teeth were so crooked. I didn’t think it could be fixed with a plastic aligner, but after a year and half, my teeth are straight.”
The friendly, professional staff of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry (on BBD Blvd., in front of Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa), is led by Dr. Neeraja Jasthi (far left) & Dr. Linda Park (far right). (Photo provided by Dr. Jasthi )
In fact, she adds, “what I like the best is that I can feel the difference in my bite. I used to have trouble chewing, but now I don’t. I’m really amazed by the difference.”
Karina says every member of her family is now a Family & Cosmetic Dentistry patient and she highly recommends the practice.
Another happy patient is Veronica Givens, a New Tampa resident who says she drove by the office many times on her travels up BBD and one day decided to make an appointment.
As a busy mom, she says she had put off going to the dentist herself, even though she had some concerns about her teeth.
“When I took the time to go in and see Dr. Jasthi and her team, they were open and friendly, and they listened to me,” Veronica says.
One of her concerns was that her teeth were crooked, so Dr. Jasthi suggested Invisalign. “She really transformed my teeth to completely straight,” she says.
“It’s really helped boost my confidence,” she adds. “I talk with a lot of people all day, whether it’s in person or on video, and Invisalign has made me feel more comfortable. I’m no longer wondering if someone is noticing my crooked teeth now. I’m just smiling, laughing and talking.”
cess, she was impressed with the professionalism of the staff, and how caring everyone in the office seemed to be.
“I always recommend Dr. Jasthi because she’s definitely the best doctor I’ve ever seen in my whole life,” Veronica says. “My teeth are straight and white, and I have healthy gums and no cavities. I’m really grateful for her and her team.”
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, the office of Dr. Neeraja Jasthi, is located at 20441 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. Office hours are available Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Friday. For more information about the practice, visit DrJasthi.com, call (813) 8669913, or see the ad on page 44.
Like Dr. Jasthi, Dr. Park (above) provides personalized service to her patients.
Rock & Brews/Portillo’s Update & The Latest On Hooters
Just before we went to press with this issue, we received the following statement from the management at Rock & Brews:
“There has been a lot of confusion regard ing the future of Rock & Brews on S.R. 56 and the likelihood of Portillo’s replacing it in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets.
To clarify the situation, Rock & Brews President of Operations Kris Maronpot recently provided us with this accurate information:
What’s Happening?
The Rock & Brews on S.R. 56 will be closing on March 24, 2025. Rock & Brews en courages their rock star fans to dine with them by or before the final day of service on Sunday, March 23.
“It has been a great honor and experience to serve the Wesley Chapel and Tampa community,” Maronpot says. “We are thankful for everyone’s continued support. We look forward to serving those who rock in the future at our other Florida locations — Orlando, Oviedo, and Kissimmee — soon.”
Visit Facebook.com/ RockandBrewsWesleyChapel or RockandBrews.com, or call (813) 800-7625 for updates on events & promotions. Or, see the ad on pg. 41.
The new Hooters, which is expected to begin building next to the Wesley Chapel Harley-Davidson dealership at 25245 Wesley Chapel Blvd. later this summer, has had a sign (left) visible for several months now, since shortly after HMC Hospitality Group signed its lease with the Harley dealership for property adjacent to the retail motorcycle shop.
HMC, whose LinkedIn.com page says it is owned by, “the founders of the world famous Original Hooters, a renowned name in the hospi-
bankruptcy and shutter some Hooters locations. That company, Hooters of America, LLC, is not involved in the Wesley Chapel Hooters plans.
And, although OriginalHooters.com says the Lutz/Wesley Chapel location is “Coming Summer 2025,” that is actually the expected start date for the restaurant to begin building, at least according to a spokesperson who asked to not be identified at the Harley dealership.
In other words, the new Hooters probably can’t open much before the end of 2025. — GN
Everbowl Craft Superfood Is Now Open Next To Publix In The New Tampa Center
Benjamin Burkhalter, the franchise owner of Everbowl Craft Superfood in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza at 19036 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (at New Tampa Blvd.), may look a little young to be an entrepreneur, but he says he recognized a good product when he saw one.
“I’ve been into eating healthy and working out since my teens,” Benjamin says. “But, when I visited my brother, who was stationed in San Diego (where Everbowl started), I met (founder and CEO) Jeff Fenster and sampled a lot of his healthy menu, so I decided to open a franchise here in Florida.”
The only other Florida Everbowl of the chain’s 100+ open and coming-soon locations is near the University of Central Florida campus in Orlando and Benjamin says a lot of the existing locations are near or on college campuses — and he is looking to open others in his Tampa Bay-area territory.
“I liked the look of the stores and the fact that everything is super-fresh and that we have so many different bases for our bowls and smoothies,” Ben jamin says. “I just feel like if people try us, they’re going to love it!”
Photographer Charmaine George (who took the photos on this page) and I sampled a few menu items on our first visit and we enjoyed everything.
Charmaine absolutely loved her PB Everbowl, which included an açai base, with granola, fresh bananas, strawberries and blueberries with a peanut butter drizzle. We each also tasted a spoonful of other bases, including “Coco Love,” Blue and Mango Majic, Cacao Wow and vanilla. They re minded us of fresh fruit sorbets and frozen yogurts. I was in the mood for a post-workout
smoothie, so I ordered the PB Cacao Dream, which uses the chocolatey Cacao Wow base, blended with bananas, cacao nibs, peanut butter and almond milk, and Benjamin added a scoop of protein powder. I finished the entire large-size smoothie while I interviewed him.
Assistant manager Abby Roneker (at right in photo, right) also made us my surprise favorite menu item, the Bruschetta Avocado Toast, which is a thick slice of tasty toasted rustic artisan bread topped with house-made (and truly fresh) avocado spread, marinated tomatoes, basil and a zesty balsamic drizzle. I’m not as big an avocado fan as Charmaine is, but we both loved it!
Everbowl also offers a variety of lemonades and fruit teas with unique flavors like dragon fruit,
S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel (in front of One-Stop Landscape Supply) @ Silvas Coffee Grind @Silvas.Coffee.Grind
Paris Baguette Bakery Now Open On Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Highwoods Preserve
Paris Baguette, the upscale, French-inspired, Korean-owned bakery chain, is now open at 17515 Preserve Walk Ln. (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., next to Coldstone Creamery), in the Highwoods Preserve area of New Tampa.
If you love authentic French pastries, both sweet and savory, this is the place for you!
Paris Baguette is elegant but casual and all of the items we’ve sampled so far have been delicately baked and delicious. And, we haven’t even tasted the gorgeous cakes (next page) yet, but we surely will! It also serves top-quality LavAzza Italian coffee and coffee drinks, plus a large variety of hot and iced teas, too!
The bakery chain began in South Korea in the early 1950s and began franchising during the 1980s. Today, there are more than 4,000 locations around the world (including two in Paris, France!), with more than 100 and growing in North America.
On our first visit, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I got to try a wide variety of Paris Baguette’s dozens of options, including (top right photo, clockwise from top) walnut cream bread, chausson aux pommes (a French apple tart), an authentic French butter croissant, a milk & cereal mochi donut, a croissant donut with Nutella, (bottom photo, also clockwise from top left) a four-cheese quiche, very berry pastry and pepperoni pizzetta. The items we tried that aren’t shown here include a unique hash brown bread, buffalo chicken & ranch pizzetta, raspberry fruit bite and a blueberry cream pastry.
Congratulations to franchise co-owners Phillip Park and JC Hong, general manager Max Kim and assistant GM Kurtis Sinteff. Paris Baguette is definitely a winner! Félicitations!
Paris Baguette is open every day, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. For more info, call (656) 210-5553 or visit ParisBaguette.com. — GN
(Above, l.-r.) Co-franchise owner Phillip Park, GM Max Kim, Asst. GM Kurtis Sinteff & co-franchise owner JC Hong of the new Paris Baguette bakery on BBD Blvd. in New Tampa (All photos by Charmaine George)
N ew T ampa & w esley C hapel Classifieds
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COMPUTER SERVICES ____
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___CLEANING SERVICES
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MISCELLANEOUS
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