Pasco Schools Facing Major School Bus Driver Shortage
By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent
If your child rides a school bus to and from school, they may be arriving to school well after the late bell, and you may not even know. Or, you may be like many other parents who are aware of the issues with late buses — picking up late in the morning, dropping off late at school, or being dropped off late in the afternoon when coming home — and feel like there isn’t much that can be done about it.
We have spoken with Pasco County School District officials, concerned parents and current and former students, and reviewed online community posts — including some posts directly from the bus drivers themselves — and even observed the buses ourselves. All of this has opened our eyes to some significant issues with Pasco County Schools’ Transportation Services for the schools located in Wesley Chapel.
But, we also have found that all of this is a symptom of a much bigger problem — one the District is aware of and actually acknowledges. Pasco Schools public information officer Jessica Meek says, “Our district continues to feel the impact of the ongoing bus driver shortage, and we are constantly taking steps to address this nationwide challenge....we have a strong and ongoing focus on reducing transportation delays and ensuring our routes run as efficiently as possible.”
Our editor now has five podcast episodes that have been released & is looking for more guests.
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So, just how short of drivers is the District? How many additional drivers are needed District-wide? School District officials say that shortfall number is 59. That’s a pretty significant
Check out the latest news about the community’s two(?) new Publix supermarkets & much more.
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shortage — almost exactly 20% — considering the total number of operational (running) buses in the fleet is 297, with the District stating that, “[There’s] no shortage of vehicles, just drivers.”
“School Buses” on pg. 4! YOUR LAST CHANCE TO WIN $200! Our 2025 Dining Survey & Contest, plus the latest from Saddlebrook, OddFellows & Hangry Joe’s! See pages 42-53!
But, just how bad is it exactly? One local driver of nearly 25 years (whose employment we verified but decided not to name them for this
This school bus arrived late to Wiregrass Ranch High on Oct. 16, which is part of a Pasco School District-wide problem with late buses. (Photo by Joel Provenzano)
Update On The ‘Neighborhood Newsmakers’ Podcast!
An Editorial by GARY NAGER
As of the day that I am writing this editorial, there have been four episodes of my new “Neighborhood Newsmakers” that have aired and the fifth episode should be released before this issue reaches your mailbox. The five episodes
Charmaine George & I have recorded to date are:
Episode 1 — Jason & Karson Centeno, who discussed their experience as the judges of our Neighborhood News “Favorite Chicken Tenders in Wesley Chapel” Contest, which was won by PDQ (mild) and Chick-fil-A (spicy). Jason and Karson also talked about their own Instagram dining segments and the “foodie” scene in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.
Episode 2 — Kathy and Jamie Miller, the mother and sister of former USF football player Joel Miller, who passed away in 2017, at the age of 29, after being blamed for the firing of Coach Jim Leavitt back in 2009. This was supposed to be Episode 3, but I moved it up to be released prior to Leavitt’s induction into the USF Athletic Hall of Fame, despite Kathy and Jamie’s efforts and their petition signed by 641 people opposing the induction, plus multiple media articles (including two by yours truly) supporting their efforts.
Episode 3 — Michael Pultorak, the “Connected City” resident and activist joined me (left photo above) to discuss his community activism and possible run for elected office.
Episode 4 — Author and educator Madonna Jervis Wise (right photo) discussed several of her fourteen published books, including her Images of America: Wesley Chapel and A Haunted History of Pasco County. If you haven’t read Madonna’s stuff, but you want to know the real history of our community (as well as of Dade City, Zephyrhills and others), you should definitely check out this episode and pick up some of her published works.
Episode 5 — Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera joined me to discuss his successful tenure in office and his plan to run to succeed his long-time friend and State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell in the District 67 seat in the Florida House. Although I know that neither elected office has anything to do with Wesley Chapel, if you want to hear from an elected official who actually cares about — and works to help — all of his constituents, regardless of which side of the political spectrum they may be on, you should definitely still check out this episode.
So, What’s Next?
As of the day I’m writing this column, I only have three additional guests lined up for the podcast, but that’s kind of the beauty of the thing. As news happens, I will make the effort to get any additional newsmakers to join me for a 30-minute (or so — there are no actual time limits in this medium) discussion.
In the meantime, I hope to soon shoot episodes with: North Tampa Bay Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy, who had me as the first guest on her own “Chamber Chatter” podcast; Sienna Romano, the National American Miss Pageant’s Miss Florida, who will vie for the national crown in November; and Stephanie Vazquez, a Wesley Chapel resident and
Democratic candidate who plans to run against incumbent Republican Seth Weightman for the District 2 seat on the Pasco County Commission.
I’d also really like to have Weightman join me on the podcast, whether at the same time as Vazquez or in a separate episode, as we look
forward to the 2026 “midterm” election season.
I’m also still hoping to have local real estate developers, someone from Sports Facilities Companies (the new operator of the WC Sports Campus), some restaurant folks and maybe you — if you’re making news in our community!
Tell me why you should be my guest by emailing me (no phone calls, please!) at ads@ ntneighborhoodnews.com.
And, for your last chance to win up to $200 in FREE dining, enter our 2025 Reader Dining Survey & Contest. See pg. 42 for details!
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‘School Buses’
article) put a comment out on social media last month stating that there was, “..desperation for warm bodies...” regarding the District’s ongoing efforts to recruit and retain drivers. The driver also implied that not all drivers they currently have may be best suited for the job, or compatible with the kids they’re driving around.
One local Wesley Chapel parent, Dr. Lorraine Tracey, says she has been feeling the effects of driver shortages on a nearly daily basis. In regards to the late buses, she believes, “It really is a problem, with no solutions in the works, except trying the same thing over and over, and making no progress.”
Lorraine works a full-time career in clinical development, for the treatment of life-threatening diseases, and has a son and a daughter who attend two different local schools — one who is at John Long Middle School and the other who attends Wiregrass Ranch High. Both ride the bus.
She forwarded to us all of the emails between her and the School District. Like many local parents, Lorraine is frustrated with the situation. “It feels like no matter what I do, or what I say, I’m just banging my head against a wall.”
How The 2025-26 School Year Started
Transportation problems are typically worse at the beginning of the school year for everyone, and that’s because the District’s Transportation Services Department faces the Herculean task of coordinating the logistics to get 33,000 students (the latest total number of student bus riders, according to the School District) across Pasco’s 868 square miles, with buses originating from six different bus compounds.
And, just like the rest of us, buses have to deal with traffic, especially the traffic getting into and out of the schools themselves.
Lorraine believes that many of the school bus drivers were being set up to fail early on by being given impossible routes. She looked at the number of stops, how far apart they were, and where they had to come from, in order to be on time to her son’s stop — and told us that, “unless the bus driver figured out how to fly the bus, they were never going to be on time.”
She said that it’s ironic, because at the beginning of the school year, a message was sent out to all parents from Pasco’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Legg that stated, in part, “Every minute of instructional time matters.” Lorraine feels that due to the busing issues, the School District and
School Board members are not living up to their promises to the students, and she sent detailed emails to all of them explaining that.
Those emails from the beginning of this school year stated that her son’s bus (Route Z520A) was consistently late showing up to his stop, often running as much as an hour (or possibly more) behind. She even compiled a chart (right) to document the delays.
And, Lorraine wasn’t alone either. Numerous local community Facebook groups were ripe with posts about parents having to take their kids to school because buses were getting to stops extremely late — 30 minutes, 40 minutes, an hour even...which has been going on for many years, from what we could find.
Michael Santus, the manager of Transportation Services for Pasco Schools, replied to Lorraine’s email with this boilerplate response:
“As ridership patterns stabilize, route timing naturally adjusts. For example, during the first two weeks of school, buses stop at every designated location. After this initial period, stops without riders are removed to streamline the route. This is one of the many ways our routing team works to enhance overall efficiency.”
A later email he sent specifically about Lorraine’s son’s bus stated, “It appears that ridership is beginning to stabilize. The bus arrived at the stop at 8:09 am this morning and arrived at school at 8:17 a.m. While it was still late, it is 7 minutes late vs. 25 minutes yesterday and 39 minutes the day prior. I will continue to monitor its progress for you.”
Lorraine told us, “What made it worse was that I had to frequently call the school and fill out an ‘absent’ form each day for two weeks, until the school figured out some solution, because his tardiness was causing him to not show up at attendance.”
While she acknowledges that there has been some improvement since the beginning of the year, in regards to the recurring late pick-ups (she says her son’s bus does show up to the morning stop on time now), but that there are still issues with the frequent late drop-offs at Wiregrass Ranch High, and that those haven’t improved, even at this point, two full months into the 202526 school year.
She worries that this is having a negative impact on education. “His first period is Spanish 3 Honors,” she says. “It’s an important class, and he can’t really make up that time.”
Dealing with all of the issues with her son’s bus, Lorraine was surprised, on the morning of
Sept. 19, when she got a text from her daughter stating that her bus for John Long hadn’t shown up, and she didn’t know what to do. Lorraine wasn’t available, and neither was a close family friend who lived nearby. An older sibling of a fellow John Long student that Lorraine didn’t know offered to drive the students to the school, and she accepted, since there wasn’t much other choice.
According to the District’s response, when we independently confirmed the record of this incident, they explained that the bus did get there that morning, but it was well over an hour after it was supposed to arrive. Officials further explained that, “There should be no circumstances where a bus does not show up, just delayed.” No explanation was offered as to why the bus was that late.
When hearing of the District’s official response, Lorraine responded to us, “Yep, let’s leave middle schoolers on the side of the road for [more than] an hour.”
The Students’ Perspective
Our initial research quickly uncovered that this was likely a much bigger, District-wide, systemic problem, where if it affected one family this much, there were likely many more families
affected in exactly the same way.
We wanted to understand what this looked like inside the school — get an idea of how many buses and kids were coming in late — so we separately interviewed a current and a former student of Wiregrass Ranch High, both of whom asked not to be named.
The current student (a freshman) said that in their first period class, “4 to 5 students per day are late, getting to class at least 5 minutes, and up to 15 minutes [after the bell].” They explained that the majority are “tardies” caused by the buses.
Meanwhile, the former student said that last year, during their first period class (when they were a freshman), there were “8 to 9 per day, mostly due to the bus, who came in 10 to 20 minutes [after the bell].”
They further explained that, “They would hand you [the late students] a tardy slip as you got off the bus to give to the teacher. This had become a normal thing, so much so that the school needed to start doing them in different colors each day, ...green, pink, orange, purple, so as not to be reused by the students.”
Our response to all of this info? “Wow.” See “School Buses” on pg. 6.
jake.bubenik@equitable.com
‘School Buses’
Even though neither of these students is riding the bus this year — which would have given them an even more accurate idea of the tardies — because these two students were always in class before the late bell rang, they said it was such a common problem, almost every student knows how bad it is, whether they are bus riders or not.
We followed up and asked the Transportation Services officials specifically: “How many tardies (roughly) of your students are a direct result of busing issues? This could be a number, a general range or even an estimated percentage.”
They apologized and stated that it would take too long to pull and compile that data before our story deadline, but that it is publicly available data for anyone who wants it by filling out a “Public Records Request Form” on the School District’s website.
However, the officials did also verify the need to have staff manage bulk late student arrivals, responding: “There have been some small revisions to accommodate for student supervision (in other words, modifying duty schedules)” when we asked if the individual schools had to make direct adjustments to their operations to compensate for busing issues.
What We Discovered First-Hand
With the students explaining to us how many of their peers were late daily to first period, we decided that we had to see first-hand for ourselves what that translated to, in terms of the buses.
We found that most buses do get to the schools with plenty of time to spare, arriving anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes before the late bell. But, the number of late buses was surprising, at least at the two schools we chose to look into — John Long Middle and Wiregrass Ranch High.
We picked a random Thursday this month — Oct. 16 — to go out and directly observe the buses entering the school properties (from the adjacent public right-of-way). We saw multiple buses arriving to the school properties after the late bell had already rang.
For each one we observed, we wrote down the bus number and the time they crossed onto the property. We then sent those bus numbers to the District, to ask them what time their records showed that those buses arrived. They confirmed down to within 1 minute of accuracy that our observations were consistent with their records.
We found that two buses arrived late to John Long and at least three buses full of students (there was one discrepancy with a fourth) arrived late to Wiregrass Ranch.
When we asked if there are any proactive steps the schools are taking to make the bus drop-off and pick-ups smoother or less time-consuming, the District officials told us that, “All administrators look at the systems they have in place each year to ensure it is the most efficient procedure for their campuses.”
Knowing the Wiregrass Ranch campus is especially overcapacity (with 2,183 students enrolled this year, it is at 140% of its capacity), we asked if this would cause any efficiency issues with busing.
The District replied that, “The routes get reevaluated each year, to accommodate for student growth. The issues with busing are a direct result of bus driver shortages, not capacity issues.”
We did observe one clever trick that the buses going to the middle school were doing to avoid traffic and save time — one that was perfectly safe and legal (for the buses), but that we aren’t going to explain, so other drivers don’t try to replicate it — but it was a very unique “route” that shows they are trying to be ingenious in at least one way to save time.
There have been some other improvements, too. At least one Pasco parent that we reached out to, who also had significant complaints about busing last year, stating that her son was often arriving back home more than two hours after school ended. That parent told us that, “It’s a lot better this year,” when asked for a comment.
The ‘Wheres The Bus?’ App
A relatively new GPS-enabled bus tracking system, a phone app fittingly called (and misspelled) “Wheres the Bus?” (left) at least allows parents to see exactly where the school bus is on a map, and actively track it. This app was launched in 2023 for Pasco and is available for parents to download from Google Play or the Apple App Store — but there may be an issue with it.
We asked the District, when a bus is arriving late to a school, and drops off students past the late bell time, does the “Wheres the Bus?” app notify parents of the late drop off, or are parents notified any other way of the late drop off?
They responded, “If a parent is using the parent app, and their child signs in and out [when getting on and off the bus] they can track this specific information, but there is not a separate notification. However, parents should be getting notifications through MyStudent if a bus is going to be late picking up or dropping off their child.”
Lorraine stated that while she does get notifications on her phone about late morning pickups, it’s not always that accurate, saying that the times shown might be a little off, but she explained that as far as tracking the times when her son gets on and off the bus (to verify his late arrival to the school), when she goes into the app, it only shows the times for that day, which resets the following day, and she hasn’t been able to find the historic data anywhere in the app.
This means that some parents may not even know that their children are arriving late to school, unless their child tells them, or they actively go into the app to view the live map showing the location of the bus, or review the pick-up and drop-off times for that day themselves, on that specific day.
The Desperate Need For Drivers
Lorraine told us that she felt slightly insulted when she was emailing the District about her serious concerns, because in a response she received from Nichole Schreiber, a field service specialist with the District’s Transportation Services Dept., Schreiber said, “If you know anyone who would like to join the transportation staff, we would greatly appreciate it!”
In other words, Lorraine says, instead of the District coming up with solutions, “It shifts the burden to parents by suggesting that we need to help recruit staff, which is neither our responsibility nor a practical solution to ensuring timely and reliable transportation in the immediate term.”
She also joked with us that they must be really desperate if they want her to drive a bus.
But, District officials admit that the ARE desperately trying to recruit help, almost any way they can, and they’re definitely not shy about it. But, are these efforts to the potential detriment OR enhancement of public safety and service?
Back in 2021, Pasco’s former Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning’s staff suggested using the National Guard to help with the bus driver shortage. It was ultimately turned down because there was no formally declared state of emergency.
The District has organized multiple hiring events, some upcoming, to try to recruit drivers. The next one will be on Thursday, November 6, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., at the District Office (7227 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638).
Pasco Schools Transportation Services advertises the benefits they offer to drivers as:
• Free health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plans
• Paid CDL (commercial drivers license) prep course
• $18.15/hour starting pay
The website says that the District guarantees at least 6 hours of work per day in a split shift, but that most routes are longer than 6 hours.
The Pasco Schools Transportation Services Dept. can be reached during business hours Monday-Friday at (813) 320-2562 to take your questions, comments and/or complaints.
Wiregrass Ranch Updates On Publix, New Apartments,
By Gary Nager & Joel Provenzano
It seems that there’s never a shortage of news coming out of Wiregrass Ranch these days, so we always try to check in with developer JD Porter and his development right hand man, Scott Sheridan, the chief operating officer of Locust Branch, LLC, to get the latest news.
After all, the 5,000-acre Wiregrass Ranch already has The Shops at Wiregrass mall, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hospital, the Porter Campus of Pasco Hernando State College, more than 3,000 single-family homes (and townhomes) and 1,400 rental apartment units.
Wiregrass Ranch also is home to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, The Beach House assisted living community, Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS), Moffitt Cancer Center and North Tampa Behavioral Health, and coming soon are the Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital, two Orlando Healthowned medical office buildings totalling 150,000 sq. ft., a PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital and two additional medical office buildings that Wiregrass Ranch will develop in partnership with Flagship Healthcare Properties, and what Porter says will one day be Wesley Chapel’s true downtown — The Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch.
One of the big things people keep asking me (and online) is about the new Publix planned for the east side of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., just north and east of Walmart (see map above left) on a 9.5-acre site appraised at $3.97 million.
Of that 48,848-sq.-ft. Publix (with a 2,100-sq.-ft. liquor store), which is being built
(Left) Publix could soon begin building its new location east of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. earlier this year. Map locations: 1-Chili’s, 2-Chase Bank, 3-Bank of Amer., 4-Advance Auto Parts, 5-Sweet Nail Spa, Mathnasium, Pizza Hut & Starbucks (Map from Publix plans submitted to Paco County, modified by NN) (Right) Rendering of the resort-style pool at the under-construction Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch apartments. (Rendering from ThirdLakeDevelopment.com)
in front of the newest apartment community — Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch — the main thing most people want to know is whether or not the opening of that new Publix will cause the existing store in the Hollybrook Plaza (less than a half-mile away) to close. Neither Sheridan nor Porter would address that question directly, but Sheridan says, “Final permitting [of the new Publix] is under way now, and I expect them to break ground by early next year. We have no direct knowledge of [Publix’s] intent to close the old store when they build the new one.” The site plan for the new Publix shows its main entrance lining up directly opposite the northern entrance to Walmart.
Although most people appear to agree that
it seems a little crazy to have two Publixes located so close to each other, we have heard some online chatter that says the Hollybrook Publix will definitely close, while others say that it definitely won’t close. Without confirmation either way from Publix or the Wiregrass Ranch team, it seems ludicrous to me to speculate either way.
But, speaking of Publix, Porter did mention the possibility of another link in the Lakeland-based supermarket chain coming to the area near the new FCS building on S.R. 56, but Sheridan cautioned that although he had seen a post on Facebook that a preapplication meeting had been scheduled, “there has been nothing from us directly on this.”
Also important to note is that if another Publix is coming to S.R. 56 in Wiregrass Ranch, that possible location is not the Publix planned for the front of the Two Rivers development five miles or so further to the east on 56.
In the meantime, the Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch apartments have not yet gone vertical, but the 15-acre parcel (valued at $7.04 million) has been cleared to build the 320-unit luxury rental community and its resort-style pool, EV charging stations and more, which will be the seventh Arcadia project (and the third in Florida) for Tampa-based Third Lake Development.
As for the planned medical offices near the Orlando Health hospital, Sheridan says that the
first 46,000-sq.-ft. Wiregrass Ranch Medical Pavilion (rendering above), in partnership with Flagship Healthcare Properties, is getting ready to break ground before the end of this year.
“The second phase will move forward once the initial building is completed and fully leased,” Sheridan says.
As for the two Florida Medical Clinic/ Orlando Health medical office buildings (MOBs), Sheridan says, “The hospital is expected to open by April of 2026. We expect the MOBs would be under construction soon but can’t say for sure. They are just now completing all of the site work for both of those.”
Sheridan also said that Wiregrass Ranch is, “coordinating with Mast Capital on their requirement to build the Bypass Loop road within Wiregrass Ranch from S.R. 54 to Wiregrass Ranch Blvd.” as part of Mast’s redevelopment of Saddlebrook Resort (see pg. 44). “But we are not engaged or aware of their developments within the resort.”
New Restaurants? Although the rumor
mill has said that The Tilted Kilt, a Winghouse/ Hooters-style sports pub could be the still-unnamed restaurant planned for next to Cooper’s Hawk, Porter told me that although they have had discussions with The Tilted Kilt, it definitely will not be the restaurant built next to Cooper’s Hawk.
Meanwhile, Sheridan says, “We are working on several upscale restaurants along the S.R. 56 corridor including next to Cooper’s Hawk, which, we are told, is consistently the #1 or #2 restaurant in that chain.”
But of course, perhaps the most anticipated development in Wiregrass Ranch is The Legacy, which Porter keeps saying will be the only “true” downtown development in Wesley Chapel, and which will tie together everything already built and still planned for the Porter family’s sprawling cattle ranch. So, is there any Legacy news?
“We are exploring that now with potential partners but have not committed any timing yet,” Sheridan says.
To be continued.
Pulte Homes’ Vida’s Way Development Enters Phase 2 Off Curley Rd.
By Joey Stanziani Neighborhood News Correspondent
Vida’s Way, a single-family-home community located north of S.R. 54 and south of the Watergrass development off Curley Rd., is one of the newer developments in Wesley Chapel. It is being developed by Pulte Homes, which also is the only builder in this 332-acre portion of the sprawling 1,800-acre DePue Ranch, which still operates as a working cattle ranch and farm. The community’s name “Vida’s Way” is a tribute to Vida Claire Barnes DePue, the matriarch and caretaker of the DePue/Barnes Ranch for more than 50 years, before she passed away in 2010, at the age of 88. Vida’s husband passed away in 1954, leaving her to manage the ranch with her family.
Since purchasing the land from the DePue family in 2023, Pulte has worked with Vida’s grandson Michael Nutt to ensure that the builder honors the family’s deep roots that are providing the foundation of this new community.
“Obviously, we named Vida’s Way for her,” says Pulte VP of sales Jacque Gendron. “We are honoring her legacy with this community, down to the details. Even the Vida’s Way’s logo is a cow brand because of the cattle ranching the family did on the property,”
Gendron adds that when naming all of the streets in the Vida’s Way, “We actually sat down with the family before trying to get those street names approved by Pasco County.” For example, one of the streets is “Michael’s Favorite Way,” which is named for Vida’s grandson Michael Nutt. Pulte also invited the family to walk through the
community’s models so they could see how Vida’s Way is developing.
Pulte also is currently building homes in the Two Rivers community just east of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa. Some homes in Two Rivers and Vida’s Way are the same models, although others are different.
“We do have some of the same floor plans in both communities,” Gendron says. “But, Two Rivers has our Echelon series, homes which are being built on 70-foot-wide lots. We don’t have those in Vida’s Way.”
Of the 700+ homes to be built in Vida’s Way in multiple phases, 223 have been sold, and 126 have closed in Phase 1. Homes in Vida’s Way start at $385,990 for the 1,707-sq. ft. Harvey model (one of several “Regal Series” Pulte floor plans),
with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2-car garage, and go up to the Roseland model (part of Pulte’s “Elite” series), which starts at $687,900 for 4,272 sq. ft., which is customizable from 4-5 bedrooms, 3.5-5 bathrooms and has a 3-car garage.
In April, Pulte opened many of Vida’s Way’s amenities to the community, notably the 6,874-sq.-ft. Stewards Park Clubhouse, which features a resort-style pool, fire pit, pickleball court, event lawn, playground, recreational and social spaces for residents to enjoy.
amenity is Fudge and Rusty’s Dog Park, named after the DePue family’s pets. It offers an outdoor space for families to bring their animals to socialize and enjoy the company of their fellow four-legged neighbors. Additionally, near the dog park are walking trails that stretch for miles around the community, allowing residents to explore the abundant nature of Vida’s Way.
Another
(Top left) Vida Claire Barnes DePue holds Mary F. DePue Nutt at the Barnes Ranch. (Photo provided by Madonna Jervis Wise) (Top right) The entrance to Vida’s Way. (Below)
Stewards Park Clubhouse at Vida’s Way. (Photos from VidasWayFL.com)
Site Plan For Vida’s Way:
Left side: Phase 1
Right side: Phase 2 & future phases (Source: Pulte.com)
The site plan for Vida’s Way shows the diminishing number of available lots in Phase 1, as well as the first sales in Phase 2. (Source: Pulte.com)
And, whether you’re already a horticultural enthusiast or a first-time gardener, the clubhouse also features Vida’s Bloom, which offers residents a private social space to grow their own fresh vegetables and fruits while connecting with the land. This unique garden area continues Vida’s legacy of growing fresh and healthy meals for her family and friends.
Although Phase One of Vida’s Way isn’t yet sold out, Pulte has already opened Phase Two.
“We currently have 100 additional homesites in Phase Two,” Gendron says. “And there will
likely be three additional phases that will bring the community up to its expected total of more than 700 homes.” Pulte also is the exclusive builder in Phase 2 of Vida’s Way.
This is not the first time Pulte has developed a community in the Tampa Bay area. The home builder also developed K-Bar Ranch in New Tampa, Evergreen in Thonotosassa, and Riversedge in Riverview.
For more information about the available homes and all of the amenities in Vida’s Way, visit VidasWayFL.com.
HEAR YE, HEAR YE!
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your HEARING aids living rent-free in your nightstand?
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Whether you’re a long-time hearing aid wearer or just
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hosts A Successful ‘Explorers’ Program Open House!
By Gary Nager
by Charmaine George
In April 2024, AdventHealth Zephyrhills (AHZ) launched Pasco County’s first Health Care Explorers Post, leading the way to re-establish the program in the greater Tampa Bay area. Explorers is a program sponsored by Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), where young people from all backgrounds can get immersive career experience.
Last year, after seeing the success of the nonprofit hospital group’s successful Explorers launch at AHZ, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) launched its own Explorers program, and hosted its first cohort of 18 young people, ten of whom either went on to college health care-related programs (including four who now attend Pasco Hernando State College’s nursing and health science programs at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch) or plan to do so, according to Melissa Torr, the volunteer supervisor for AHWC and the post leader for the AHWC Explorers program.
“This year, we had 139 young people, ages 16-20, come to our Open House at the hospital on Oct. 15 to sign up to be part of our 2026 Explorers program,” Torr said. “Amazing!”
Torr also said that everyone who attended the Open House got a “taste” of what it’s like to
work in a variety of different hospital departments:
“They got to do CPR and first aid,” Torr said. “They had a simulation from the lab to look at slides and things to expose them to the lab. Our interventional radiology team and infection prevention were there to do different activities. So, even if they don’t get selected to participate in the program, they got a little snapshot of what it would look like to go to each department throughout the months they’d be with us.”
She stressed that even with the larger-than-expected turnout on Oct. 15, “we can
still only select 20 of them to be part of this year’s program.”
The Explorers who are selected will meet at AHWC once each month, from January through June, when they will receive hands-on opportunities in places like the medical laboratory, EMS, the pharmacy, the imaging department and even the operating room.
“And then, Torr said, “we will culminate with a simulation day at AdventHealth Tampa, in their sim lab, and [host] a graduation.”
She added, “I think the biggest take away for them is not only learning about the health care industry and AdventHealth itself, but also that we provide a leadership experience for them.”
Torr says many of last year’s AHWC Explorers are volunteering to help this year: “They’re telling their friends who are still in high school or just starting college, ‘Hey, you’ve got to try this program.’”
Photos
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Provides Updates At Chamber Event!
By Gary Nager
Photo by Charmaine George
The North Tampa Bay Chamber’s quarterly Economic Development Briefing on Sept. 24 brought four of the principals involved in the design, construction and staffing of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital of Wesley Chapel, which is being built just off the Overpass Rd. exit of I-75. The event was held at Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.
NTBC president and CEO Hope Kennedy led the panel discussion that included Justin Olsen, the chief operating officer, and Dr. Joseph Perno, the VP of Medical Affairs, both of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, as well as HKS Architects partner Teresa Campbell, and Bryan Durkin, the operations manager from Robins & Morton, which is building the 230,000-sq.ft., 56-bed hospital at the northwest corner of Overpass Rd. and McKendree Rd.
Wesley Chapel’s first and only pediatric hospital is expected to be completed in late 2027, but this was the first real opportunity for the local business community to get an update on the progress of the hospital since the groundbreaking ceremony for it back in April of this year.
“The overall land purchase was about 112 total acres, and the hospital will be on about 30 acres, which is actually the same size as our St. Petersburg campus,” Olsen said. “The facility itself will have a full-service pediatric ED (Emergency Department) and will offer perioperative and surgical services and also will have our first inpatient rehab program for physi-
cal rehab. I will tell you that in St. Pete, we have a need for that service, so this project is going to become a center of excellence for us, to be able to provide rehab following traumatic injury. It’ll have med-surg beds, or general admission beds, and it’ll also be ready for a pediatric intensive care unit. We may not launch with that, but the facility will be designed so that, if we need to turn that on right away, we can. Lastly, it will have a really extensive outpatient footprint, with approximately 30,000 sq. ft. for kids coming in for ambulatory visits. And, we’ve already started recruiting a host of subspecialists to join the staff and live in Wesley Chapel to provide that care.”
Dr. Perno added, “It’s more than just a building. It’s moving our culture and our attitude about how we care for children, and
replicating that from what we do in St. Pete to provide that same high-quality care. I’m really excited about finding the physicians that want to be part of this community and provide that care to our local pediatric patients.”
He added, “I’m probably not telling anybody in this room something they don’t already know, but this is a growing area. There’s a lot of young people here and there’s a dearth of pediatric care in this area. I’ve seen a lot of patients from this area coming to the emergency department in St. Pete and I know they’re commuting all the way down there to see our caregivers. And, I knew that we could bring the care we deliver in St. Pete closer to home for our patients in Pasco County, so we feel we’re fulfilling a big need for the community and really helping
children, which is what we’re all about.”
Campbell said, “We love designing pediatric facilities. Just because a patient is having a stressful health situation doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be in an environment that’s elevating and inspiring and playful. We also think about the patient’s family, and we need to be really thoughtful about the design. We work with the Patient Family Advisory Council, to really ask them, ‘What do they need? What do they want? What do they like? What do they dislike?’ We work with real patients with real parents, who provide feedback and input that really helped influence the design aspect of this project.”
As for the construction process, Durkin said, “As important as the doctors and nurses are to a hospital, subcontractors and trade partners
(L.-r.) Justin Olsen & Dr. Joseph Perno of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Teresa Campbell of HKS Architects & Bryan Durkin of Robins & Morton, with NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy, discuss the process of building Wesley Chapel’s pediatric hospital at the NW corner of Overpass Rd. & McKendree Rd.
are the folks who get the job done on the construction side. We’re getting our door knocked on consistently by high-quality contractors who want to work in a health care facility and understand the unique challenges of building health care and hospitals.”
He added, “And, what’s unique about this arrangement is that Johns Hopkins hired the construction manager at the same time they hired the architect design team, so there was a collaboration right from the get-go of budget, design and purpose. I’m happy to continue to extend our invitation out to additional trade partners throughout the area, but our outreach started almost two years ago, when we were awarded the project . We’ll have 400-500 people on the site on any given day and 1,200-1,300 different folks come in throughout the course of the overall project. It’s important that we engage folks in Pasco County, specifically — it’s one of our contractual requirements.”
And, speaking of that workforce, Olsen said, “Yes, we’re bringing 500 jobs to the community, which is good news, but it’s also anxiety-provoking. We all know health care team members are in short supply, so making sure we can find people is going to be a challenge. We will hire a myriad of different types of roles, from administrators through nursing, and all those areas that go into a hospital and make it work. So we’re gonna have a lot of hiring to do here, and it is gonna be certainly a challenge as we look at some of our in-demand specialty areas.”
He added, “I didn’t appreciate how many of our current team members actually drive to St. Pete from this community. So, a lot of them have already started sending emails almost every
week. ‘When do I get to apply for it?’ I love that people who are currently part of that culture and our team are going to join the facility here, and they will help make it the exact same in terms of always putting the kid first. It is going to be a big lift, to bring 500 new, really well-paying jobs to this community.”
Dr. Perno also noted that, “We’re looking for physicians who want to care for kids and be embedded in this community. And I’m already hearing interest on that. And, you know, we, already have people asking, ‘When is it opening? When can I start working there?’ I’m like, well, we’ve just got dirt right now, but we’re working on it.”
He added, “We have a clinic in this area now that’s bursting at the seams (on Allegra Way, off Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz) with physicians and practitioners working there, seeing patients. So, we’re looking at more opportunities up in this area and the physicians are fighting to go there and be part of it.”
Campbell also talked about how the building itself is being designed to be as hurricaneproof as possible, with multiple backup systems for power and water, high-wind-rated windows and more. And, Durkin talked about the challenges of dealing with two more hurricane seasons while the hospital is being constructed.
Olsen noted that this $300-million project, “is not Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital of St. Pete coming to Wesley Chapel. We are building Wesley Chapel’s children’s hospital. We will provide the departments and services this community asks for. This is a partnership. We’ve already been accepted amazingly by this community and will do what the community asks to improve kids’ health.”
BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital Hosts Pet Blessing & Coffee Social Events
Our friends at BayCare Wesley Chapel (WC) Hospital (4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) continue to engage the community so that as many people as possible can get to know the nearly three-yearold, 86-bed hospital.
On Oct. 6, BayCare WC Chaplain Reid Isenhart (at left in top left photo) hosted a Pet Blessing event, in honor of the Feast Day for the Catholic Patron Saint of the animals, St. Francis of Assisi. “We always strive to set high standards for compassionate care for people, Chaplin Reid said, “but we also like to recognize the gift of our animals, including the therapy animals who come to the hospital.”
With nearly two dozen animals in attendance — including two young piglets, a chicken and a bunny brought by “Connected City” resident Michael Pultorak (top right) — Chaplain Reid said, “Research shows that pet owners consider their pets to be full family members. Today, we also
have animals who assist us not just emotionally, but also with sight and sound and to recognize seizures and even cancer, so we bless them all.”
Then on Oct. 15, BayCare WC hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social (photo, right), where the hospital’s director of operations Bill Sedey gave attendees more info about the hospital: “This hospital features a 20-bed emergency room, a 12-bed intensive care unit, helipad for transporting critical patients, all private rooms and a great partnership with the under-construction YMCA next door.” Other hospital staffers also made presentations about BayCare WC’s imaging center, staffing and more.
For more info, visit BayCare.org or see
Recapping Amberlin Wiregrass Ranch Apartments’ ‘Fall Fest’ Senior Expo
Congratulations go out to the age 55+ Amberlin at Wiregrass Ranch apartments, which hosted a successful “Fall Fest” Senior Expo on Oct. 15, with more than 20 vendors pitching their products and services to about 200 Amberlin residents. Among the vendors in attendance were two pet-sitting services (including Autumn’s Bed & Biscuit, top left photo), Simply Grab Bars (below left), SunMed/Your CBD Store New Tampa (below center), Realtors® Jessica & Joel Provenzano (below right), Cheairs Touch Cleaning, Florida ENT & Allergy, CryX Cryogenics, Cruise Planners and more.
For more information about Amberlin (28355 Sparrows Edge Cir.), call (813) 6690391 or visit AmberlinWiregrassRanch.com. — GN, photos by Charmaine George
Upcoming Events — Four-Hands Piano, India Festival, ‘Abbey Road’ & More!
Wednesday, October 29, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – Community Health Talk – What to Expect Before, During & After Surgery. At Blue Heron Senior Living (5085 Eagleston Blvd.). Hugar McNamee, DO, General Surgeon from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel will share helpful information about surgery. A light lunch will be provided while supplies last. Tours of Blue Heron available after the presentation. Free to attend, but you need to RSVP. For more info or to RSVP, visit AHWesleyChapel.com/Events or call (813) 929-5432.
Wednesday, October 29, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Grand Re-Opening. At Sonny’s BBQ (5324 Bruce B Downs Blvd). New local operator, same legendary BBQ, specials all week. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Wednesday, October 29, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. –Steinway Signature Series: Nikolov-West Duo: Under Four Hands. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This special concert by the Nikolov-West Duo (photo), featuring Viktor Nikolov and Jane West, brings a fresh perspective on the piano duo experience. This dynamic piano four-hands program will weave together beloved traditional masterpieces with bold, rarely heard gems. Whether or not you’re already a classical piano lover, this is one performance you should not miss. Tickets $17.50-$25 depending upon seat selection. For info, see the ad below, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events/under-four-hands.
Friday, October 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Final Friday.” At the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). Join Chamber members as they engage and network in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Friday, October 31, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. – Halloween Party on the Rooftop. At Skybox Rooftop Bar at the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). There will be live music, games, costume contests and more. Register for the Grand Prize, a free 2-night hotel stay. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 591-2915.
Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.36th Annual India Festival. At Florida State Fair Grounds (4800 US 301, Tampa). Come experience dances that dazzle, food that delights and shopping that excites. For more info, see the ad on pg. 1 or visit IndiaFestivalTampaBay.com.
Saturday, November 1, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. – Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries Author Event: Mary Roach. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries for a very special event as they welcome New York Times best-selling author Mary Roach to discuss her latest book, Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law. The first 150 people in attendance will receive a free copy of her book. An opportunity to meet the author and
The duo of Jane West & Viktor Nikolov will perform a “four-hands piano” program at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 29.
(Photo: Nikolov West Studio Facebook page)
have your book signed will follow the talk. Free to attend but seating is limited so please reserve your tickets in advance. For info, call (813) 8292760. Or, to reserve your seat, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/mary-roach.
Sunday November 2, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Pavlo Presents: Angelo Tsarouchas – The Funny Greek Live. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Angelo Tsarouchas is a standup comedian, podcaster and actor. You’ve seen him in cult classics like Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and Fred and Vinnie. His extremely funny and adaptive show has kept him in high demand worldwide. Tickets $50. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events/funny-greek-live.
Tuesday, November 4, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee & Conversations with AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. At Fairfield by Marriott Tampa Wesley Chapel (2650 Lajuana Blvd). Get an inside look at the exciting new addition to the hospital and what it means for our growing community. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Wednesday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. – Creative Arts Theatre Presents: Sylvia South & the Word Catcher (TYA). At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). There are stories that you find when you open a book, and there are others that wait to find you. Sylvia South is quietly reading a book in her local library when she looks up and sees something outrageous. Before she knows it, she is off on an adventure, navigating streets on a borrowed bicycle to catch a strange man with an armful of other people’s books. Free to attend,but please register for tickets in advance. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to register for tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events/sylvai-south-tya.
Wednesday, November 5, 12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m. – BayCare Doctor Talk. At New Tampa YMCA (16221 Compton Dr.). Join Dr. Carlos Matute Mandujano of BayCare Medical Group for a physician-led seminar focused on practical
strategies to improve adult health. Learn how small changes in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management can lead to lasting wellness. Free to attend but please register. For more info or to register, visit BayCareEvents.org.
Thursday, November 6, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. –Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa-Wesley Chapel, Grand Re-Opening. At Hampton Inn & Suites (2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd.). Join the fun as they unveil their exciting new look. There will be free appetizers, drink specials and giveaways. Free to attend, but please RSVP by October 27.
For more info or to RSVP, email Lisa. Moore2@Hilton.com or call (813) 591-6907.
Thursday, November 6, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. –North Tampa Bay Ribbon Cutting for Fierce Flamingo. At North Tampa Bay Chamber Office (28329 Paseo Dr., Ste 195). Celebrate the ribbon cutting for Fierce Flamingo Boudoir Photography Studio. There will be light refreshments, product displays and a session raffle. Free to attend. For info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Friday, November 7, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. –Tampa Bay Symphony: Fife and Drum: A Veteran’s Salute. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The Tampa Bay Symphony consists of more than 80 musicians and has been described as “one of Tampa Bay’s hidden jewels.” Come and experience the excitement of live classical music! Tickets $25.
For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events/tbs-fife-and-drum.
Saturday, November 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. –
Flu Shots and Health Screening with BayCare. At New River Library (34043 S.R. 54). Free flu shots (age 9+), health screenings (age 18+) for blood pressure, lipids, BMI and diabetes, and information and prevention education with BayCare. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/14214907 or call (813) 788-6375.
Saturday & Sunday, November 8-9, 2 p.m. – Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents: War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast. At Starkey Ranch Theater Library Cultural Center (12118 Lake Blanche Dr. Odessa). Step back in time to 1938, when a radio drama shook the nation. “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast” reimagines the legendary Orson Welles broadcast that famously convinced Americans that a full-scale alien invasion was underway. With live sound effects, vintage microphones and lots of drama, this production captures the excitement and the chaos of that fateful night. Tickets $22.13-$31.59. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org or see the ad & story on pg. 22.
Tuesday, November 11, 5 p.m. – Wounded Warrior Project Carry Forward 5K. At Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC) Fitness Center (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). Help raise funds to provide vital life-changing programming for America’s wounded warriors. The official 5K race will begin and end at the TPGCC Fitness Center. For more info or to register, email Kimberly.Howey@InvitedClubs.com.
Wednesday, November 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Grand Opening Party for Conviva Wiregrass. At Conviva Wiregrass (located inside
Walmart, 28516 S.R. 54). Learn more about senior-focused care tour the new center and meet the team. There will be music, food, bingo and more. For more info, call (813) 592-4856, visit HelloConviva.com or see the ad on pg. 2.
Thursday, November 13, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Welter Law Office (2312 Cypress Cove, Ste. 101). Celebrate the grand opening of the attorney Denise Welter’s new office. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Friday & Saturday, November 14 & 15, 7 p.m.-8:45 p.m. & Sunday, November 16, 4 p.m.-5:45 p.m. – Tampa City Ballet Presents: “Cinderella.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tampa City Ballet reimagines the classic fairytale of “Cinderella” in a dazzling spectacle that will captivate your entire family. Tickets cost $45-$90. For tickets to “Cinderella,” or for more info about TCB (15367 Amberly Dr., Tampa Palms), visit TampaCityBallet.org, see the ad & story on pg. 25 or call (813) 558-0800.
Saturday, November 15, 7 p.m. & Sunday, November 16, 2 p.m. – Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents: War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast. At Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd.). Same show as Nov. 8-9, in different location. Tickets $22.13-$27.38. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org or see the ad below.
Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. –25th Annual Mason Dixon Christmas Wish Car Show. At The Shops at Wiregrass (Paseo Dr.). Join host Mason Dixon and enjoy a day full of stunning cars, community spirit and fun. There will be a collection box for unwrapped gifts for the Mason Dixon Christmas Wish Fund charity. Free to attend. For more info, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/30745-25thannual-mason-dixon-christmas-wish-car-show.
Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. –Gulfside Healthcare Services – Paulie Palooza. At Main Street Zephyrhills (5th Ave.) This family fun event will feature local bands throughout the day, vendors market, food trucks, and so much more! This is a charity event helping raise money for Gulfside Hospice patients and families. There will be a silent auction, live auction, and many 50/50’s throughout the day. Free to attend. For more info, visit PauliePalooza.org.
Wednesday, November 19, 9 a.m.-10:30
a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At Keystone Title (4865 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). A relaxed morning meet-up designed for casual networking and meaningful connections. Join fellow Chamber members for coffee, light refreshments, and great conversation — no agenda, no speeches, just community. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Thursday, November 20, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Kuumba Dancers and Drummers (TYA). At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Through exotic, mesmerizing rhythms and joyous movements, the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers take kids on a journey to the beautiful continent on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Tickets $10. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/Kuumba-tya.
Friday, November 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. –Friends of New River Library Book Sale. At New River Library (34043 S.R. 54). The Big Book Sale brought to you by the Friends of New River Library. All proceeds support library programs. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/14796762 or call (813) 788-6375.
Friday, November 21, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. – Classic Rock Legacy: Abbey Road. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The stellar musicians of Classic Rock Legacy return to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Experience a note-for-note recreation of the classic Beatles album, Abbey Road, along with an encore of the Beatles’ greatest hits. Tickets $17.50-$25 depending on seat selection. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/ classic-rock-legacy-abbey-road.
Sunday, November 23, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. – New Tampa Unplugged: MJR Latin Project. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Experience the vibrant sounds of the MJR Latin Project, Tampa Bay’s premier Latin jazz ensemble led by Cuban bassist and composer Mauricio J. Rodríguez. Featuring top regional talent, including Grammy-winning saxophonist Zach Bornheimer, pianist Pablo Arencibia, drummer Andy Fornet and Cuban percussionist Carlos Javier Navarro, the group delivers an electrifying fusion of Cuban music and Latin jazz. Tickets $17.50-$25. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/ new-tampa-unplugged-mjr-latin-project.
Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents ‘War Of The Worlds: The Panic Broadcast!’
Next month, the Wesley Chapel Theater Group (WCTG) invites audiences — in two different locations — to experience one of the most thrilling stories ever told on the American stage.
The company will present “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast,” adapted for the stage by Joe Landry with WCTG direction by Se’a Shelly-Ryan — a production that combines suspense, history and creative stagecraft into a truly unique theatrical event.
The play revisits the legendary 1938 radio drama originally directed and narrated by Orson Welles. That broadcast caused a nationwide sensation when many listeners believed a Martian invasion was genuinely unfolding. Panic spread across parts of the country, cementing the production as one of the most famous moments in broadcasting history.
Landry’s adaptation captures the excitement of that night while adding layers of theatrical storytelling. The script not only recreates Welles’ chilling broadcast but also provides a glimpse into the world of the actors, sound technicians and announcers who brought the performance to life. The result is a fast-paced blend of suspense and humor that celebrates both the magic and the power of a live radio play performance.
True to its roots, “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast” is staged in the style of a live radio show. Period costumes, authentic sound effects and some crazy props set the tone, transporting audiences back to the golden age of ra-
dio. Every detail has been designed to immerse theatergoers in the atmosphere of 1938, when imagination and storytelling reigned supreme.
Director Se’a Shelly-Ryan has embraced the unique challenges of this format, guiding the cast to deliver performances that feel immediate and authentic. Audiences can expect moments of spine-tingling tension as the “invasion” unfolds, balanced with a behind-the-scenes look at the actors (each of whom plays multiple roles, including Welles soundalike Ken Dockum, top right photo, as the renowned late actor/director) and crew racing to pull off a flawless performance.
As a nonprofit community theater organization, the Wesley Chapel Theater Group is committed to bringing engaging, high-quality productions to local audiences. “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast” reflects that
mission by combining a beloved piece of radio history with the immediacy of live performance. Whether you’re a fan of classic science fiction, a lover of theater, or simply looking for a memorable way to spend an afternoon or evening, this production offers something for everyone.
WCTG is taking the show on the road to two locations outside of Wesley Chapel to share it with a wider audience. Performances will be held at the following venues:
• Saturday-Sunday, November 8-9, 2 p.m. — at Starkey Ranch Theater Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Dr., Odessa, FL 33556.
• Saturday, November 15, 7 p.m. & Sunday, November 16, 2 p.m. — at Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills, FL 33541.
Tickets are available now and can be purchased through the Wesley Chapel Theater Group’s website at WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org. You also may scan the QR codes in the ad below (& those featured on promotional materials) to purchase your tickets directly.
Recapping The Tampa City Ballet’s Spectacular ‘La Septima: A Gatsby Affair’
I have seen the future — and the past — of professional ballet in Tampa, as Tampa City Ballet (TCB) founder and award-winning choreographer Paula Nuñez presented two spectacular shows (the weekend of Oct. 3-4) of “La Séptima: A Gatsby Affair in Ybor,” an historic and emotionally charged premiere journey through Ybor City’s rich history. This groundbreaking production masterfully blended the elegance of modern ballet with the power of opera, live music and cutting-edge technology.
“La Septima” tells the story of how Tampa’s Ybor City became the cigar capital of the world, beginning in the 1880s, and explores Ybor’s culture, beauty, grace and dark underworld connections with amazing artificial intelligence-generated effects by Santiago Echeverry, plus jazz, bossa nova and classical music, including original music by Pacho Chibas and multiple operatic arias (including Giacomo Puccini’s “Quando m’en vo”) that featured the soaring, coloratura soprano voice of New Tampa’s own Daniella Mass, and some of the most amazing dancers and modern ballet choreography we’ve seen to date from TCB artistic director Paula Nuñez — who, as always, credited the dancers themselves for providing a lot of the choreography.
“We even added a narrator (the wonderful Cornelio Aguilera) to ‘La Septima’ to help the audience better follow along with the story of the ballet,” Paula said. “La Septima” features the dancers as cigar factory workers, and includes an infamous love triangle and the killing of underground leader Charlie Wall by his rival — both to rule Tampa’s speakeasies and gambling, as well as for the affection of famed cigar roller Maria Ferlita — the notorious Santo Trafficante.
The ballet is set in the roaring 1920s, when cigar smoke curled through the streets of Ybor City, there were speakeasies that pulsed with jazz, and secrets that were traded in the shadows of 7th Ave. The ballet truly brought the spirit of the Gatsby era in Tampa to life, while honoring Ybor’s diverse heritage and exploring universal themes of human resilience and the unbreakable spirit of civic pride — “from the heart of Ybor to the heart of New Tampa.”
Following the performances of “La Septima,” Paula, TCB executive director Dr. Marguerite Pinard and the cast held a wonderful question-&-answer session with the appreciative audience. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience!
Up next for TCB is “Cinderella,” with three shows in November (see story on next page). For more information about TCB (15367 Amberly Dr., Tampa Palms), visit TampaCityBallet.org, see the ad on the next page, or call (813) 558-0800. — GN; photos by Charmaine George
Get
Your Tickets Now To See The Tampa City Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’ At
Tampa City Ballet (TCB) will return to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC; 8550 Hunters Village Rd.) next month, with three performances of “Cinderella” — Friday & Saturday, November 14-15, at 7 p.m. & Sunday, November 16, at 4 p.m.
Since our photographer Charmaine George was able to attend and take pictures at the preview performance of “Cinderella” during NTPAC’s Fall Festival weekend, it’s obvious that TCB artistic director Paula Nuñez and her super-talented professional dance troupe will bring their own magical interpretation of this classic fairy tale to life, so don’t miss it!
For tickets ($45-$90) to “Cinderella” at NTPAC and more info, see the ad below or visit TampaCityBallet.org. — GN
Steven Oliver Of Florida Family Mortgage Team Can Get You The Best Financing!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
Steven Oliver first launched his Florida Family Mortgage Team five years ago, joining NEXA Mortgage, which is the largest home mortgage broker in the U.S., working with more than 280 lenders. (Note-NEXA Mortgage has re-branded and is now known as NEXA Lending.).
It was 2020, and Steven was working as a finance manager at Brandon Ford.
“I did well,” Steven says, “but it was a lot of hours. A lot of nights, weekends, and holiday weekends.”
When his wife, Lisa, gave birth to their son, Isaac, they decided it was a good time for him to make a move.
“I thought I could sacrifice a bit in pay to have more time with my family,” he says, which already included two daughters (Steven’s step daughters Emma and Caydence, who are now 17 and 13). They have since added Hannah to their family, who is 17 months old. The Oliver family lives in Epperson in Wesley Chapel.
Steven is licensed as a mortgage loan officer through the State of Florida, and also is licensed in Indiana.
His office is located on S.R. 54, just east of Curley Rd. While clients can choose to call if they don’t want to visit the office in person, Steven says that having a brick-&-mortar location allows him to provide loans through certain programs such as the Florida Hometown Heroes Program and others that offer down payment assistance.
He says that although he was prepared to have reduced income, there was a refinance boom during the pandemic that allowed him to start his business off strong and actually increase his pay that first year. It set his business on solid ground, allowing him to persevere through 2023 and 2024, as the local market slowed.
Florida Family Mortgage Team offers
piece all of that together.”
He says his time in the National Guard also helped him to understand the value of structure and
“Everyone loves the word discipline,” he says, “but it’s really just the starting point.”
He says to be successful, he has to be beyond disciplined.
“I grew up in a small trailer with a big family,” Steven explains. “We lived very tightly. I remember how it felt to be made fun of, or to never get what I wanted for my birthday or Christmas.”
But, Steven got a newspaper route when he was 12. As he got older, he added more and more routes.
people buy a house who might otherwise not be able to do so.
“What keeps me going is that feeling of getting someone with a 500 FICO score in a house,” he says, “when it seems that no one can do that except me.”
He says that other mortgage brokers don’t have access to all of the resources he does. NEXA’s nearly 300 lenders means there’s a product out there for everyone.
Steven says he’s gotten really good at tweaking the inputs and running the software to get approvals for his clients.
“I get a lot of gratification when I can put that person in the house who gets laughed at from the big, traditional bank,” he says.
Steven also says that for most people, renting is almost always more expensive than buying. Even if renting costs about the same as a mortgage payment, “it’s not usually long before your landlord raises your rent, and you’re backed into a corner.”
He says that when you buy a house, your average net worth usually skyrockets.
conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans for purchasing homes. The company also offers refinancing and home equity lines of credit.
Steven graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 2013, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. After earning his degree, he was deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Army National Guard.
He served during Operation Enduring Freedom, returning home to Maine in 2014. He then moved to Florida with a friend who was going to attend the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
“When I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do,” Steven says. “Being deployed gave me time to
“Back then I would buy a PlayStation or nice clothes, [with my money]” he says, “or help my parents with the bills.” He says now, he works hard to ensure no one in his family will be made fun of for where they live.
That’s also his motivation for helping
“In five years, homeowners typically have $100,000 in equity,” he explains, “while renters usually have less than $10,000 in the bank.”
He says that the most common barriers to purchasing a new home are that people have a hard time saving for a down payment, and/or they have credit concerns.
“We have programs for that,” he says. “We have access to more lenders than anyone.” He says before you go out to look at
mortgage and into their new home!
houses you might want to buy, it’s a good idea to check in with him first.
“A lot of people want to put the cart before the horse,” he says. “But you want to know what you’re preapproved for, and what you really can afford.”
Jesse, who asked us to only use his first name, is buying a house in Wesley Chapel with his wife and three-year-old daughter. They had applied for a loan and were approved, but were introduced to Steven while looking at houses.
“He provided a better rate and a better package, and was so awesome,” Jesse says. “I knew he was definitely the guy I wanted to work with.”
Jesse says this is the first time he’s ever bought a house or needed a mortgage, and he had lots of questions.
“Steven was always there with an answer, and always on top of everything, and keeping me informed about the process,” says Jesse. He adds that he would recommend working with Steven to anyone looking to buy a house or
“He is so helpful, nice, and genuine,” says Jesse, “and he really puts
Jesse is far from the only person who feels that way. Florida Family Mortgage Team has more than 100 5-star (out of 5) Google reviews. In fact, every Google review for the business is a 5-star review.
Florida Family Mortgage Team is a Florida branch of NEXA Lending, which is headquartered in Mesa, AZ. The company has offices throughout the United States.
Those who need financing to purchase a home or want to refinance their home are welcome to stop by the Florida Family Mortgage Team office at 30740 S.R. 54 E., just east of Curley Rd., or call Steven at (813)825-6555 (office) or (407) 450-5472 (mobile). The office is generally open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but Steven says he often answers calls after hours. For more information, visit FloridaFamilyMortgageTeam.com or see the ad on page 36.
The Yasma Screen Builds Custom Pool Screens, Pergolas & More For Your Backyard!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
Yasma and Mari Garcia own The Yasma Screen, a company that specializes in building custom pool cages, custom screens, and pergolas.
The husband-and-wife team run their business from Cape Coral, but often work in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa areas.
Yasma started the business in 2021, after working as a screen installer since 2018. He and Mari got married about a year ago.
Mari says she admires her husband’s commitment to his business.
“He likes dealing with customers,” she says. “He likes to see them happy, so he doesn’t cut corners, and treats his clients as family members.”
Mari knows something about how to treat customers, as the owner of her own medical spa for the past five years. She oversees that business, while also running the business side of The Yasma Screen, including keeping the books, answering the phone, and marketing the business.
She says she and Yasma visit clients’ homes together for estimates, with him meticulously taking all of the measurements and helping homeowners envision what their backyard will look like with a new pool cage or pergola.
Once the company starts a job, Yasma is on-site. If not working hands-on, he supervises crews that he has personally trained.
He believes in working to exact standards and ensures his crews are trained to treat clients the way he would treat them, too.
They travel throughout West Central Florida and serve a variety of areas, all the way from Dade City, Wesley Chapel and Tampa, down to Sarasota, Bonita Springs, and Naples, and even over to Miami.
Most often, The Yasma Screen is building pool cages for new construction homes that were built without them, or for older homes that don’t have a pool cage. Yasma also does re-screening and
repairs, and will remove an old cage and replace it with a new cage.
Mari says they have found that the company’s prices are so competitive that some clients who request re-painting a pool cage find that replacing it is actually a more economical choice.
And, Neighborhood News readers who mention the ad on pg. 17 of this issue or this story will receive 10 percent off of a new pool enclosure.
“We always use very good materials,” Mari explains. “Others may say they can
beat our price, but you have to compare apples to apples.”
For example, some companies use 2”x2” posts, but The Yasma Screen uses 2”x4” or even 2”x6” posts. “[The screen is] going to last longer,” says Yasma.
He also promises that The Yasma Screen will always be professional, offering high-quality work and the best materials available at the best prices.
In fact, The Yasma Screen will beat any written estimate that uses the exact same materials Yasma does.
“We will beat any quote,” says Mari. “If you have a written quote from another company, we will beat it.”
The company also offers a one-year warranty on its work, although it doesn’t cover damage incurred by a hurricane, people or animals.
“The most important thing is that my client is always satisfied,” says Yasma, “and that we meet all of the client’s expectations.”
After a client receives and accepts a quote from The Yasma Screen, the turnaround time is typically about four to six weeks to apply for and receive permits in Pasco and Hillsborough County.
Once the permits are in place and the job is scheduled, a new pool cage usually takes from three to five days to install.
Osa Neme moved into The Ridge at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel earlier this year. After moving in, he had a pool put in,
Yasma and Mari Garcia of The Yasma Screen use the best materials and promise professional service when building your new pool screen, pergola, gutters and custom-designed screen doors.
and then started looking for a company to install a pool cage. He says an acquaintance recommended The Yasma Screen.
“It was great,” Osa says. “They did a great job.”
He explains that the crew came out and it only took them a few days to install the new enclosure.
Osa adds that he had absolutely no concerns or problems throughout the install, nor has he had any since.
“I was really impressed,” he says. “If I [ever] build a new house, I would have them do it again.”
In addition to pool cages, The Yasma Screen also offers pergolas (photo above), which provide a different look for those who don’t need a pool cage, but do want shade and style in their backyard.
The Yasma Screen also installs gutters, whether in an older home that doesn’t have gutters, or when gutters need to be replaced. The company also can install roll-down hurricane screens to cover your lanai, as well as custom-designed screen doors (above right).
Recently, The Yasma Screen has added new services that allow homeowners to get the backyard of their dreams through one, reliable company.
Due to the number of requests Yasma and Mari have received from clients, they have added both outdoor kitchens and
a licensed custom pool builder — to the services the company is able to provide.
“People want to enjoy the outdoors more,” Mari says. Whether it’s warding away bugs or the intense Florida sun, she says The Yasma Screen can help clients get the backyard of their dreams with quality and great customer service, at an affordable price.
The Yasma Screen offers a free design consultation and 10 percent off new pool enclosures by mentioning this story or the ad on page 17 of this issue. For more information, visit TheYasmaScreen.com or call (480) 414-0970.
•
or
or
SERVICES PROVIDED IN OUR OFFICE:
•Wellness Dentistry for kids and teens
•Holistic nutritional counseling for teeth and gums
•Ozone therapy for oral care
•Recommendation of non-toxic materials
•Sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide) and Sedation
•Invisalign First for children & Invisalign Teen
•Digital 3D scans, ITERO (no goop) and digital X-rays
•Laser dentistry (release of tongue tie for infants, children and teens)
•Relaxed environment, so your children can enjoy their visit
or questions, email us at info@tampahappysmiles.com Or, visit www.tampahappysmiles.com
Trust Your Smile To The Expertise Of Dr. Sam Jureyda’s Radiance Orthodontics!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
It’s been almost 10 years since Sam Jurey da, DMD, opened his Radiance Orthodontics practice in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Park Blvd. (near the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. exit off I-75).
“Dr. J,” as his patients call him, offers orthodontic treatment to children, teen and adults, primarily using InvisalignTM aligners and braces to move teeth and correct bites.
When patients visit Radiance Ortho dontics, they always see Dr. Jureyda person ally. He enjoys getting to know the families who entrust their care to him and taking his time to treat them the way he would want his own family to be treated.
“We love being able to help families in our community,” Dr. Jureyda says. “It’s very motivating to know that we offer our neighbors something different here at Radiance Orthodontics.”
His patients say the differences between Radiance and other practices are obvious.
As a privately owned practice, Dr. Jureyda runs his office exactly how he wants — by always putting patients first.
As a specialist with decades of experience treating patients with sophisticated cases, he offers a deep expertise in orthodontics. He relies on the latest technology and research, combined with years of studying facial biology and growth dynamics, to be able
to offer patients options for their treatment.
Before moving into private practice in 2006, and subsequently opening Radiance Orthodontics in 2016, Dr. Jureyda taught graduate-level orthodontics at the University of Buffalo, NY. Prior to that, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA, a Certificate of Specialty in Orthodontics from the Howard University College of Dentistry in
Washington, DC, and completed a clinical fellowship in Orthodontics from University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics.
Kaidy Solesky is a local mom who says her daughter loves going to see Dr. J. They found Radiance Orthodontics when Kaidy’s daughter needed to start orthodontic treatment.
“A friend had done a comparison of all of the orthodontists in the surrounding area and she landed on Dr. Jureyda and highly
recommended him,” Kaidy says. “From day one, he has been just wonderful.”
She says Dr. Jureyda is very thoughtful and takes his time with her family.
“When you go in there,” Kaidy says, “there’s a lot of trust and authenticity when he speaks to you. It’s something you really don’t get all the time.”
In fact, Kaidy recently found herself in an awkward situation at the dentist. She went to a new office for a cleaning and was told that she urgently needed Invisalign and should sign a contract to start treatment right away.
“They were so convincing,” Kaidy explains. “I had this $4,000 proposal in front of me when all of a sudden, this little voice in my head said, ‘Wait, you know an orthodontist. Why not just go to him?’”
She booked a free consultation for herself with Dr. Jureyda, who gave her a thorough examination and then explained that she could benefit from Invisalign, but that it wasn’t urgent or medically necessary. He also explained the potential outcomes of several options, which included — but was not limited to only – Invisalign. Kaidy left with a thorough understanding of her situation and what to consider in the future. She opted for a simple night guard instead of a full treatment.
“I’m so grateful and thankful that we have someone like that,” Kaidy says, “a family orthodontist we can call on to get
Dr. Sam Jureyda of Radiance Orthodontics in Tampa Palms combines quality orthodontic care, the latest technology and a genuinely caring demeanor his patients appreciate. (Photos by Eric Bunch NTP 2 Photography)
that kind of input. He could have totally just taken my money, but he didn’t. He gave me options.”
The
Private Practice Difference
Having a private practice allows Dr. Jureyda to see a lower volume of patients and spend more time with each of them. This means patients at Radiance Orthodon-
tics get customized care from an orthodontist who is invested in them personally, whether they choose treatment via traditional braces or via Invisalign aligners.
Noren Lee-Johnson lives in Wesley Chapel and has three children. Two of them are currently in treatment at Radiance Orthodontics.
“Dr. J checked the little one because she wants to be the same as the big ones,” Noren says. “He told her, ‘Not yet, but we’ll check again when it’s time.’ He was so nice about it. The kids absolutely love him.”
She says the main reason she enjoys bringing her kids to Radiance Orthodontics is because of how comfortable her children are.
“There are a lot of orthodontists in Wesley Chapel that I definitely could have gone to,” Noren explains, “but I have tried them and I am way more comfortable with Dr. J than with any of the others. He makes us feel at home.”
She says he is a good listener who initially took her concerns seriously, offering
options that no one else did.
“He listened to everything I said,” she says, “I know my kids. He heard my concerns and said he could do things differently. That was a ‘Wow!’”
Dana Delcher is another local mom whose son is in treatment at Radiance Orthodontics.
She says Dr. J has been able to provide solutions that have resolved a number of problems.
And now, Dana says, her dentist recommended she also visit an orthodontist because her teeth have moved since having braces previously, so she is starting treatment at Radiance Orthodontics, too.
“I definitely recommend it,” Dana says. “My son is very happy.”
Getting a second opinion from Radiance Orthodontics is completely free and may provide additional avenues for treatment or a lower cost than other options.
And, Dr. Jureyda promises to have reasonable fees that avoid the need for coupons or complex payment structures.
For anyone who wants to learn more about the practice, Dr. J recommends that
you search Google for Radiance Orthodontics’ reviews. The office’s rating is a perfect 5.0 out of 5 stars on 170 reviews, which definitely speaks to the way Dr. J cares for his patients.
As a former educator, Dr. Jureyda makes it a high priority to support students and educators in our community.
Not only is Radiance Orthodontics a long-term business partner of all of New Tampa’s public schools and some Wesley Chapel schools, as well, he also awards scholarships each spring to one senior at both Wharton and Freedom high schools. These scholarships recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the community through volunteering.
Radiance Orthodontics offers Invisalign and braces for children, teens and adults of all ages. To schedule a free consultation, text or call Radiance Orthodontics at (813) 972-1100. For more information about the practice, located at 17427 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite A, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, visit MyRadianceBraces.com, or see the ad on page 5 of this issue.
Home Gadgets Keeps Cooking Up New Surprises At The Shops At Wiregrass!
By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent
The hot summer months were tough on retail at The Shops at Wiregrass Mall, but Rajiv Badal, the owner of Home Gadgets, says he is starting to see the difference the cooler weather always brings. The store, located next to Talbots on Paseo Dr., offers a variety of interesting items for the home, such as cookware, kitchen utensils and accessories, insulated tumblers and even some gourmet packaged food items. With more people out walking, browsing and shopping, Home Gadgets is once again buzzing with activ ity. “Baking season has started,” Rajiv says, “and we have everything you might need and more.”
Rajiv is originally from Ocala, and his par ents, Radjes and Vidia Badal, opened a store that originally sold those once-famous “As Seen on TV” products. The business grew and the Badals added other kitchen gadgets. That Ocala store is slowly being phased out as the family now concentrates on the Wiregrass location.
Rajiv wanted to bring a little piece of home to Wesley Chapel and, with the help of his parents, opened Home Gadgets at The Shop at Wiregrass in 2024.
The store is unique because it carries so many items you won’t find anywhere else — except maybe online. But, the big advantage of shopping at Home Gadgets is being able to see and handle all of the items, so you can decide for yourself which of them will best suit your needs. And, as he has since Day One, Rajiv is always adding cool new items to the mix.
He says that among the most exciting new offerings is the enameled cookware from the French company Le Creuset, which is renowned worldwide. “As soon as I put the Le Creuset display in the front window, people started coming in to buy it,” Rajiv says. “It’s not cheap, but people love it because it looks beautiful, comes in a huge variety of colors, is fantastic for both cooking and storage and pretty much lasts forever with proper care.”
He adds that among the most popular Le Creuset items are the small 8-oz. individual Dutch ovens and the 12-oz. pumpkin-shaped cocottes. Home Gadgets also carries Le Creuset stoneware with a colorful glaze that is virtually non-stick for easy cleanup, as well as the brand’s tri-ply stainless steel cookware. “Our customers love Le Creuset,” Rajiv says. “You really need to see and feel it in the store to understand why.”
Another popular line is Heritage Steel’s stainless steel pots and pans, which are made in the U.S. Rajiv says many shoppers are making healthier choices, which includes moving away from plastics and towards stainless steel.
Rajiv also expects the Spicewalla line, a North Carolina company known for high-quality spices and spice blends, to fit perfectly with the store’s growing emphasis on quality food products. Among Spicewalla’s popular blends is a Chai Spiced Tea. Speaking of tea lovers, Home Gadgets carries many options, including the 3-in. Mesh Wonder Ball Tea Infuser — great for those who use loose tea leaves to make their tea.
Also new to the inventory is Winco cooking equipment and utensils that are used by commercial stores.
“We also focus on supporting small busi-
You really need to visit
ness owners using commercial products, who cannot buy in bulk,” say Rajiv. He carries Winco’s large serving spoons, graters, mixing bowls and heavy-duty frying pans, adding, “Whether you have a catering business or a bakery, you can now purchase Winco products here.”
Some items were popular from the beginning and continue to be. One is Lodge Cast Iron and Home Gadgets offers a variety of Lodge pans, including the unique Lodge cast iron pizza baking pan. Rajiv says the Amish County Popcorn also has been a best-seller from Day One.
“It’s popular not only because it’s healthy but because it is delicious,” he says. “Once customers try it, they get hooked and come back for more. We also have multiple popcorn makers, and the large popcorn machine that we keep near the window is something kids gravitate to when they pass by and see it. And tell me, who doesn’t like popcorn?” Amish County Popcorn comes in a variety of colors, some of which are completely hulless, which means the popcorn has a very thin outer kernel which doesn’t get stuck in your teeth.
Home Gadgets also still carries brands like Tervis and Corkcicle tumblers and glasses, U.S. state-shaped and other charcuterie and cutting boards, Mikasa and Wallace silverware, Messermeister cutlery and Nordicware bundt pans.
Rajiv says that despite competition from retailers like Walmart and Amazon, “We have exclusive contracts with some of our manufacturers, so you know what we carry is authentic. And yes, we also do compete with them on price on many of our items, too.”
Customers can purchase at the store or on the website and have it shipped or pick it up in-store. “There are things though that are very heavy that we do not ship,” he says, including many of the heavier cookware pieces.
Home Gadgets’ customers clearly love the store. It has a 4.9-star (out of 5) overall rating
on Google, with more than 80 reviews. In his 5-star review, Raphael Monta writes: “This is a gem of a home goods store right in the Mall at Wiregrass! Friendly staff and fair prices are the
hallmarks of this store!! Please come down to support [this] local business!!!”
“Brand recognition is very important, and we research the items we think customers will
Rajiv Badal’s Home Gadgets store in The Shops at Wiregrass to know why products like Le Creuset cookware (left) and Messermeister cutlery are among his most popular items. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on these pages, stop in to check it out! (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)
want to purchase,” Rajiv says. “By doing this, we are always up to date with the latest gadgets and especially, the most desired brands. We change inventory as things become popular, people request them, or we see what is not really selling.”
Another important feature of purchasing at the store is that the staffers have been trained on the items available and can provide not only information about each product but also how to use them. They can answer any questions you may have. “Educating the customer is very important to us,” Rajiv says.
A New Idea — In-Store Demos!
In addition to stocking pretty much everything you need for your home kitchen, Rajiv is now starting to host a variety of demonstration events right in the store.
The first such event, a sourdough bread-making demonstration, held on Oct.2, was put on by Bridget Mazzuco, who owns the local franchise of AR Workshop (Bridget also offers many other demonstration events, from anything wood-related to embroidery and more, in locations across the S.R. 56 to S.R. 54 corri-
& Crust to lead the sourdough demonstration. The ten attendees each received their own sourdough “starter” and were led step-by-step in order to learn how to do everything they would have to know to make their own delicious sourdough at home — except actually baking the bread. Bridget even told the attendees that pretty much all of the utensils they would need to replicate at home the process they learned in the store were available in Home Gadgets.
“I think this will be the first of many such
of new customers and made a lot of sales because of it. My thanks to Bridget and Wendy!” Home Gadgets is located at 28250 Paseo Dr., Unit 180, in The Shops at Wiregrass. It is open Mon.-Thur., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. on Fri. & Sat.; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sun. For more info, see the ad on pg. 40, call (813)388-9422 or visit BuyHomeGadgets. com, @buyhomegadgets on Instagram, or search “HomeGadgetsStore” on Facebook.
Louis Cerillo, DDSKim Tran-Nguyen, DMD General Dentists
(L.-r.) The sourdough bread demonstration on Oct. 2 at Home Gadgets. Bridget Mazzuco of AR Workshop Wesley Chapel. Wendy Jones of Bloom & Crust.
Convenient, High-Quality Eye Exams Inside Costco At Excellence In Eye Care!
By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent
David Scamard, O.D., is an independent optometrist who has been caring for his patients’ eyes for more than 30 years.
In 2017, Dr. Scamard moved his practice, Excellence In Eye Care, LLC, into the Costco on S.R. 56. Shortly after that, Carson Woolwine, O.D., joined the practice.
The two doctors and a team of five techni cians — Francesca, Evangelina, Savannah, Shreya and Maria — see patients six days a week. They offer convenient scheduling, staying open until 7 p.m. two days a week and offering Saturday appointments, too.
Costco shoppers have gotten used to seeing Dr. Scamard over the last eight years, but many of his patients have known him much longer. He opened his first private practice in New Tampa in 2002 and has taken care of patients in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel ever since.
It isn’t necessary to have a Costco membership to visit Excellence In Eye Care. But, Dr. Scamard says serving patients inside Costco has worked out well for his business. “It’s turned out to be great,” he says, “We’re going on nine years here now, and it’s been a real blessing.”
Dr. Scamard earned his Doctor of Op-
For example, he recently purchased a new retinal camera, upgrading to a newer model with higher resolution.
“Patients can choose to have us use the retinal camera rather than use drops for dilation,” Dr. Scamard says. “Many times our patients tell
year to year. It also can detect macular degeneration by imaging the blood supply under the retina. That can’t be done with dilation, so that’s another advantage to using the camera.”
Dr. Scamard also says that it’s important to have your eyes checked every year. “A lot can
generation, you’re at a higher risk for that. A lot of times, problems occur as we get to middle age and older. Things start to break down, so it’s very important for adults to get an annual eye exam.” At the end of the visit, the doctor will provide a prescription you can take anywhere to fill. You can get glasses or contacts from anywhere that sells them, but many patients prefer to purchase them from Costco, since it’s so convenient. You do need a membership to purchase your glasses and contact lenses from the wholesale giant’s eyewear department. “At Costco, you can get two pair of glasses for what people pay for one pair at other offices,” he explains.
As an example, he says patients can get Oakley frames at Costco for $100. They are typically $200 to $300 most anywhere else.
Exams For Children, Too
Dr. Scamard encourages parents to pay close attention to early signs of vision issues, and recommends that all children start getting their eyes examined early, even if no problems are noticeable. “A lot of parents are under the false impression that children’s vision is checked at the pediatric visit,” he says. “But, while pediatricians do a basic eye test, there are many children who end up having undiagnosed vision problems.”
He explains that part of the problem is that children often have no idea their vision is impaired. “Parents expect the child to tell them, ‘Hey, I can’t see well,’ but a kid doesn’t know that they should be able to see better,” Dr. Scamard explains. “They have nothing to compare it to.”
Dr. Carson Woolwine (left) and Dr. David Scamard are the optometrists who will take care of your eyes when you visit Excellence in Eye Care inside the Costco on S.R. 56. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)
He says catching problems early can save a child’s vision for a lifetime, as recently happened with a young patient he saw.
Jennifer Duffy used to live in a small town in Illinois. She thought her daughter, Audrey, who was just three at the time, was having eye issues. She could see Audrey’s eye turning abnormally, so she took her to the local eye doctor.
“The doctor was nice and seemed thorough,” Jennifer says, “He gave her glasses, told us not to worry, and said the issue would likely correct itself over time.”
When they moved to Florida, it was time for a new pair of glasses for Audrey, so Jennifer’s parents recommended their optometrists at Excellence In Eye Care.
Both Jennifer and Dr. Scamard were in for a big surprise when he saw Audrey for the first time. “She had amblyopia (aka “lazy eye”) so bad “that she couldn’t even see the big ‘E’ on the eye chart,” Dr. Scamard says, explaining that in one of Audrey’s eyes, the visual pathways to the brain didn’t form properly, so the brain had essentially “shut off” the pathway.
“We only have until about the age of nine to correct this problem,” he explains. “After that, there’s very little you can do.”
He directed Audrey to wear a patch over her good eye for most of the day, which Audrey did for months. Both Dr. Scamard and Jennifer were impressed with her compliance in wearing the patch. “She had an exceptional recovery,” Dr. Scamard says. “She went from being blind to having 20/20 vision.”
While Audrey’s mom, Jennifer, will never know why the first doctor she took Audrey to wasn’t concerned about her condition, she is grateful that Dr. Scamard was able to help her daughter. She says that it’s remarkable that Audrey will not need surgery or have permanent blindness — both outcomes that are likely with her condition, had it not been caught early.
“I was so pleased with his level of care and how thorough he was in diagnosing her,” Jennifer says, “and also with the follow up. He saw her every few months to make sure she was making progress, since it was a more serious condition.”
She says this included Dr. Scamard taking pictures of Audrey’s eyes and showing them to her, even walking Jennifer through the anatomy of Audrey’s eyes.
And, Excellence In Eye Care sees patients as young as six months old.
In fact, the practice participates in the InfantSEE program, a public health initiative started by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Managed by the American Optometric Association (AOA), the program offers no-cost comprehensive eye assessments for infants ages 6 to 12 months, regardless of a family’s income or insurance status. This ensures that vision care becomes a vital part of infant wellness.
Excellence in Eye Care doesn’t accept insurance, but will provide an itemized receipt to submit for reimbursement to your vision insurance company.
Excellence In Eye Care is located at 2225 Grand Cypress Dr. The office is open Mon., Wed. & Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; 1 p.m.–7 p.m. on Tues. & Thur.; & 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sat. To schedule an appointment or for more info, call (813)279-7038, visit ExcellenceInEyeCare.net or see the ad on pg. 3.
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Computer Emergency Room Is Urgent Care For Your Home & Office Tech!
By Iris Vitelli Neighborhood News Correspondent
Computer Emergency Room, located in the Publix-anchored Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., has become the place locals turn to when their technology needs help — and FAST!
Owned by brothers Jamie and Joe Hess, Jr., the business has been keeping the computers, phones and networks in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel (and throughout the Tampa Bay area) running smoothly for years, earning a loyal fol lowing from both home users and businesses.
The newly remodeled location on BBD, just south of S.R. 56, now serves as the central hub for all of their customers. Computer Emergency Room has had a few other locations in the Tampa Bay area, but the brothers Hess made the decision to consolidate them all into one more efficient space that has allowed them to expand the company’s business-to-business (B2B) services while maintaining the personal family-style care that has always set them apart.
Computer Emergency Room offers repairs, network support, remote monitoring and backup, Help Desk support, service plans, software support, website design and website hosting.
“We can handle a lot of the work we do remotely,” Jamie says. “About 90 percent of the issues or requests our clients have can be solved without us having to go onsite. It saves time and lets us respond immediately.” That proactive philosophy drives everything the company does.
The Hess brothers opened their first tech repair shop in upstate New York in 1992 and the first store in the Tampa Bay area opened when Jamie and his family first moved here in 2018. Many of Computer Emergency Room’s clients have been the company’s customers for years.
“Being proactive is important,” Jamie says. “We put a plan in place so our customers are never surprised.”
For example, he says, if a company has twelve computers, “we recommend that computers should be no more than 4-5 years old. With this in mind, we recommend replacing three each year. This way, nothing ever gets too old, and their systems stay fast and reliable.”
For businesses, the risk of not being protected can be very high. “When a ransomware hits, it locks everything such as customer records, invoices, payroll, everything,” Jamie explains. “You either pay the ransom or lose it all. That’s
time, and stress tested it. Guys were super nice, knowledgeable and the price was very reasonable. Excellent service, great to see a quality IT business like this.”
why backups are so important.”
Malware is a broad term for any harmful software that finds its way into your computer, often through emails, pop-ups, or fake link. It can damage files or steal information. Ransomware is a particularly nasty type of malware that locks you out of your own data and demands money to get it back.
Jamie says that malware remains one of the most serious threats facing both businesses and individuals today. A single infected email attachment can freeze an entire company’s network, leaving employees locked out and productivity at a standstill. Cybercriminals often target small and midsized businesses because they assume the security measures at these businesses are weaker. Without proper monitoring and cloud-based backups, the financial impact can be devastating, both from lost data and the downtime that follows.
Despite Computer Emergency Room’s growth, Jamie says the foundation of the business remains the same: “Care more about the customer than the money.” The company’s success rests on both experience and family commitment, which proved especially vital during the pandemic.
“We didn’t lay off anyone,” Jamie recalls. “Even when business dropped by half, we kept every employee on payroll. My brother and I went without paychecks because we value our people and their families.”
The company’s approach to data protection has saved countless customers from devastating losses. Jamie recalls one business that learned this lesson the hard way.
“[Management] thought their backup was
working, but it wasn’t,” he says. “When they got hit, they lost everything and had to pay $15,000 for data recovery in a Clean Room. The company signed up with us right after that. Now they’re protected with nightly cloud backups, so they’ll never have to go through that again.”
A Clean Room is a dust-free, precision-controlled environment where technicians can open drives and directly access the platters (the circular disks that store magnetic data inside a hard drive).
“If even a speck of dust touches those components,” Jamie says, “the data can be permanently ruined. It works, but it’s extremely expensive. That’s why prevention is so much cheaper.”
That kind of real-world experience can be scary but as long as your computer or network is protected, the worst-case scenario is losing one day of data. Computer Emergency Room’s backup service provide its customers with peace of mind.
“People like that they can still come in and talk to someone face-to-face,” Jamie says. “We get the item on the bench within 24 hours. As it says in our name, when you have a tech emergency, we treat it like one.”
Computer Emergency Room’s commitment to service is reflected in its online reviews, as it has a 4.5-star (our of 5) overall on Google, on nearly 900 reviews. For example, Kaiyir Minoia’s recent 5-star review says:
“First of all I’d like to say I’m an IT guy myself, and know good service when I see it. I had a mess I didn’t have time to deal with, a coffee spill in a PC case, and I took it here on a whim and these guys provided amazing service, gave me a good timeframe on when to expect the job to be complete, cleaned the PC up in
The Growth Of AI
As technology evolves, Computer Emergency Room continues to adapt. The team now uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for marketing, design and client education, and explores ways AI can further help businesses stay secure and efficient. “We’re constantly training online to stay current,” Jamie says. “Technology changes fast. We make sure our customers don’t get left behind.”
He notes that 60 percent of Computer Emergency Room’s business comes from commercial clients, but its retail division remains an important part of the community. Walk-in customers still receive fast, honest service, and the team prides itself on never overselling or recommending something unnecessary. Whether you have a cracked iPhone that needs a new screen, a slow laptop that needs a tune-up or an entire office network that needs security, the Hess family and their team are always ready to help. They even still fix printers; a service most tech shops have stopped offering.
Residential customers benefit from the same forward-thinking mindset that protects th company’s business clients. For just $99 per year, Computer Emergency Room offers monitoring to safeguard personal computers from malware, ransomware and unexpected breakdowns.
While Jamie and Joe are still involved in both the New York and Wesley Chapel locations, Joe’s sons, Josh and Joe III, now run the dayto-day operations in Wesley Chapel, working closely with lead technician Austin Smith.
Beyond the business, Jamie also has served on the Board of Directors of the North Tampa
(L.-r. above) Joe Hess III, Josh Hess, Jamie Hess Jr, Austin Smith, and Joe Hess of Computer Emergency Room in The Shoppes at New Tampa plaza can handle any tech problems you or your business encounters. (Above right) Jamie Hess. (Next page) Josh solders a computer. (All photos by Charmaine George)
Bay Chamber for the past four years. It’s another example of the family’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the place they call home.
Looking ahead, Jamie says the company’s focus is on helping clients keep their systems dependable, secure and efficient. “Our goal is to make technology something people can rely on,” he says. “We’ve built our reputation on trust and experience, and that’s what keeps our customers coming back.”
Computer Emergency Room (1750 BBD Blvd.) is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. The store can be reached by calling (813) 406-4412. You also can visit ComputerEmergencyRoom.com to book a carry-in or onsite appointment. You also can follow “Computer Emergency Room” on Facebook or see the ad on pg. 47 of this issue.
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New Target At The Grove Disappoints, But Without Major Traffic Issues
Despite all of the online noise about how The Grove would be “over” because of all of the additional traffic to be generated when the new 149,000-sq.-ft.
Target store opened at 27920 Pink Flamingo Ln. (off Oakley Blvd.) as the second-largest Target in the U.S., I haven’t seen any traffic jams since it opened on Oct. 12 — except maybe on that opening day itself (top left photo), when the pre-opening line did stretch around the store.
I have now visited both the new Target and The Grove mul tiple times since then and haven’t really noticed a major increase in traffic during any of those visits.
What I have noticed, how ever, is that many of the online complainers are disappointed in the new store: “It doesn’t have a bakery or a deli,” “It doesn’t really have an expanded produce or meat department,” “It doesn’t have a café,” “It seems smaller than the New Tampa store,” etc.
One thing we have heard that is true is that a lot of the store’s “extra” square footage is actually being used “in the back” to handle its expanded online order fulfillment department. Anyway, as an Apple computer owner, I like the new Apple section.
more info, visit Target.com or call (813) 2795192. — GN, photos by Charmaine George
Our clinical trial is looking for a better way to treat people with heart failure. Join us today. This investigational treatment option combines an investigational medication with an approved medication for HF.
All participants will also continue to receive their standard-of-care treatment for HF and will have regular trial site visits to check on their health. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IF YOU:
1.are 18 years of age or older
2.have been diagnosed with chronic HF for at least 3 months
3.are already receiving treatment for your HF.
There will be no cost to you for the trial-related medications, health assessments, and medical tests. This trial has been reviewed by an Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee (EC), which protects the rights, safety, and well-being of participants.
For more information, please contact Cozy Research: Call us at: (813) 922-2115 or Email: Ryan@cozyresearch.com
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This Is Your LAST CHANCE To Win $200 In FREE Dining In Our Reader Survey!
Here it is, Wesley Chapel residents and foodies
— your last chance to win up to $200 in FREE dining at any restaurant you choose in the entire Tampa Bay area in our 2025 Reader Dining Survey & Contest! One person who enters will be selected at random from among all of the entries we receive that are filled out and submitted correctly by Friday, November 7, to win the $200 Grand Prize! We also have prizes of $100, $75, $50 and $25, all of which also will be randomly selected. As I’m writing this, we only have about 300 entries so far, so your odds are pretty decent to win one of our five FREE dining prizes! Here is what you need to know to enter this year’s Survey & Contest: Brick-&-mortar restaurants that serve food and are located in & near New Tampa (NT) and Wesley Chapel (WC) that are either a true mom & pop eatery or part of a small “chain” (with fewer than ten [10] total locations) is listed in alphabetical order. on the next page. At the top of the WC & NT lists are five spaces for you to write (or type) the names of your five favorite restaurants located in & near
this year’s five dining prizes, you must write the names of FIVE (5) WC-area restaurants in the five WC spaces at the top of the first column. The same goes for the five NT spaces. If you don’t eat at or order food from any restaurants in or near New Tampa’s 33647 zip code, you don’t have to fill in those spaces at all. But, if you do also enjoy at least some restaurants in NT, feel free to write up to five names in those five spaces, too.
I also have 10 spaces this year for everything from your Favorite PIZZA to your Favorite COFFEE, but you don’t have to fill in any of these spaces for your votes to count or to win a prize.
HERE ARE OUR OTHER RULES!
1) DO NOT write the name of your one favorite place in more than one Top-5 space. Only its first-place vote will count. If the restaurant is in WC, only write its name in a WC space, unless it also has a NT location (or it also has your Favorite Pizza, Steak, etc.). If you’re not sure where a restaurant is located, look it up!
2) In order for your votes to count and help your favorite restaurants, you must include your real first AND last name, the community you live in (Epperson, Meadow Pointe, etc.), your daytime phone number where I can reach you (which I will only do if your name is selected to win a prize) and your valid email address.
3) This year’s prizes are again for FREE dining at any restaurant YOU choose anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, from the Grand Prize of $200, as well as prizes of $100, $75, $50 & $25.
4) See the Entry Form to find out how to have your votes counted & win prizes! — GN
CHAPEL
5)__________________________________
Please
2&2 Restaurant
365 Caffé Italiano
365 NY & Woodfired Pizza
3 Natives
900º New York Pizza
900º Woodfired Pizza
Amici Pizza
Arroy Thai
Asian Buffet
Ato Sushi
Azteca D’Oro
Bagels of Wesley Chapel
Bakery X
Bebo’s Cheesesteaks
Best NY Pizza
Bluefin Sushi
Blush Wine Room
Boba Mac’s
Bodega Deli
Bonsai Sushi
Bosco’s Italian-to-Go
BREW (at Saddlebrook Resort)
Brunchies
Burger Monger
Cafe Zorba
Caprese Pizza House
Chamo Bites
Chick’n Fun
China Gourmet
China Wok
Chuck Lager (out of business)
Crazy Sushi
Curry Club
Dempsey’s Too (Saddlebrook)
Dummy Crabby
EggTown Breakfast & Lunch
El Pasta & More
El Prince Mediterranean
Falabella Family Bistro
Flipn’ Fries Factory
Florida Ave. Brewing Co.
Fratelli’s Pizza & Café
Garden Mediterranean Grill
Gonna China
Green Market Café
Grillsmith
Grilltopia
Grove Mini-Golf
Happy Hangar Café
Hangry Joe’s (out of business)
Hot Wok 88
Ho Wok
La Creacion Xpress
Latin Twist Café
Los Chapos Tacos
Los Perritos Factory
Los Vallartas
Macondo Coffee Roasters
Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli
Mama B’s Pizzeria
Mangomix
Mojo Grill
Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market
New York New York Pizza
Noble Crust
O’Brien’s Irish Pub
Omari’s Bar & Grill (Lex. Oaks GC)
Palani’s Hawai’i Noodles
Papichy’s
Pasta di Guy
PeppaJak
Persis Indian Grill
Pisco Express
PizzaMania
Poké Falls
Poké Lulu
PopStroke
Provisions Coffee & Kitchen
Rhythm Pon de Grille
Rice N Beans Expres(out of business)
Rice N Beans Puerto Rico
Roong Aroon Thai Café
Rudraksh Indian Cuisine
Señor Tequila
Shake-A-Salad
Shang Hai
Skybox Rooftop Bar (Residence Inn)
Sweet Krunch Korean Fried Chicken
Tacos el Patron
Tallo American/Caribbean Restaurant
Tasty Ramen
The Alley
The Living Room
The Reef Café (Epperson Lagoon)
The Secret Lounge
Tokyo Grill & Sushi
Top Shelf Sports Grille (AH Center Ice)
TrebleMakers Dueling Piano Bar
Umu Japanese & Thai
Yamato Japanese Steak House
Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill
NEW TAMPA (NT)
My Five Favorite (Overall)
Restaurants in NT (Only):
Acropolis Greek Taverna
Al-Sham Palace
Bayscape Bistro
Box of Cubans
Cali Tampa Palms
Cantina Mexican Grill
Cappy’s Pizzeria
Capri Pizza-N-More
China City
China One
Coffee Latitudes Café
Cross Creek Gourmet
Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican
Dosa Hut
Dummy Crabby
EggTown Breakfast & Lunch
Fat Rabbit Pub
Fire Up Halal Grill
Frammi American Grille & Italian Food
Gorkhali Kitchen
Ha Long Bay
Ho King
Hummingbird Jerk House
Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood
Hunter’s Green Country Club
Ice Spice Indian Street Food Café
Johnny C’s Italian Eatery
Kabob Café & Grill
Kay’s Kitchen
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery
Las Palmas Latin Grille
Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine
Lima Peruvian Cuisine
Little Greek Fresh Grill
Michi Ramen
Minerva Indian Restaurant
Mpanitas Restaurant
Mr. Dunderbak’s
Namaste Express
Nawabi Hyderabad House
New China King
NY Pizza Express (Livingston Ave.)
Palm Thai
Peabody’s Grill & Bar
Poké Island Plus
Provisions Coffee & Kitchen
Rain Bistro
Stonewood Grill & Tavern
Subs & Such (Livingston Ave.)
Sushi Avenue
Sushi Café
Sushi Masa Premium
Sushi Raw
Sushi Time
Taaza Mart Café
Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club
Taste of NY Pizza
The Bean Bar Co.
Thai Lanna & Sushi
Thai Ruby
The Grill at Morris Bridge
Via Italia
Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli Co.
My Favorite PIZZA in NT/WC
My Favorite BURGER in NT/WC
My Favorite CHICKEN in NT/WC
My Favorite STEAK in NT/WC
My Favorite ASIAN FOOD in NT/WC
My Favorite BAR in NT/WC
My Favorite BREAKFAST in NT/WC
My Favorite ICE CREAM in NT/WC
My Favorite BAKERY in NT/WC
My Favorite COFFEE in NT/WC
2025 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
First & Last Name________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Epperson, Seven Oaks, etc.)
Your Daytime Phone Number___________________________________________ Your Valid Email Address_______________________________________________ To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice, please fill out as many of the spaces on this page as you like — plus all of the information requested on the entry form below — and email a picture of the entire form to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 7. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see our website for all of the official rules.
Saddlebrook Resort’s New Dining Concepts Revealed!
We plan to update you on everything happening during Saddlebrook Resort’s $92-million transformation in a future issue, but in the meantime, Saddlebrook’s “bold new dining chapter,” with four new options, will be unveiled soon. The iconic resort’s new dining destinations include a signature Gulf Coast-inspired restaurant to be called RARE 1981, which is getting ready to open in the former location of Dempsey’s Steakhouse sometime in November.
RARE 1981 (top right photo) will be the resort’s signature restaurant, where Florida’s coastal ingredients will meet timeless culinary techniques. With regionally sourced meats and seafood, a curated wine list, and a whiskey-forward cocktail program, RARE 1981 will set the tone for Saddlebrook’s elevated guest experience.
There also will be a vibrant new poolside bar & kitchen which also is expected to open sometime next month. Located at the resort’s iconic and upgraded 500,000-gallon “Super Pool,” the open-air bar and kitchen will serve fresh bites, citrus-marinated ceviche and signature frozen drinks in a relaxed, vacation-ready setting.
Expected to open in early 2026 is The Sports Tavern, which will be a culinary twist on Sad dlebrook’s athletic legacy. Expect big-screen TVs, elevated pub fare, craft cocktails and a lively game-day atmosphere.
Last but not least is the resort’s all-day cafe and marketplace called
BREW (photo below), which is already open, serv ing artisanal coffee drinks, fresh pastries, omelet bites, a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich and over night oats for breakfast, and Caesar and organic spinach salads and pesto chicken, shaved prime rib, grilled Chicken Waldorf, Cubans and other sandwiches for lunch, plus grab-&-go essentials.
Until the other restaurants open, Dempsey’s Too is now located in the resort’s former Bor deaux room and is still serving prime cuts of beef, plus burgers (left photo), fresh seafood and signature dishes like “our fan-favorite clam chow der, hearty ribeye and pan-seared wild salmon.”
For more info about all of the dining op tions open and coming to Saddlebrook Resort, visit Saddlebrook.com or call (813) 973-1111.
— GN; BREW photo below by Charmaine George
Try The Fresh Flavors At Kini’s Home Style Icecream On E. Fowler Ave.!
By Gary Nager
Photos by Charmaine George
If you’re looking for fresh ice cream with eve rything from exotic fruit flavors, — like mango, custard apple and jackfruit — to traditional favorites like Oreo Delight and even vegan op tions, you should definitely take a ride down to E. Fowler Ave., a few blocks west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., to try Kini’s Home Style Icecream.
Owners and Wesley Chapel residents Srinivas and Gauri Kini make all of their tasty ice cream flavors (there’s always about a dozen available at any time) right in their small store. Srinivas, who prefers to be called Kini, says that Gauri’s family back in India (they are both from Mumbai) was in the ice cream business and when she started making ice cream at home, many of their friends and neigh bors told them they had to open a store.
They started bringing their uniquely creamy creations to local farmer’s markets, including the twice-a-month Fresh Mar kets at the Shops at Wiregrass.
“But, even though we make our ice cream in small batches, we realized we needed a commercial kitchen,” Gauri says, adding that they first started renting time at a commercial kitchen before looking for a small space where they could put an ice cream machine — and, about six months ago, Kini’s Home Style Icecream was born.
Even though I’ve never really been a fan of most fruit-flavored ice cream other than banana and maybe peach, Kini and Gauri had photographer Charmaine George and I sample every flavor in the shop, including rose petal pistachio and Kesar Pista (saffron pistachio), Kaju Draksha (cashew raisin) and Shahi Anjeer (“royal fig”), all of which Charmaine loved, plus Sapota/ Chikoo, an evergreen fruit in India which tasted a little like caramel.
I was surprised at how much I liked the custard apple, which wasn’t custard made from apple, as I expected, but an actual type of apple the “meat” of which has a consistency a little like custard. Neither Charmaine nor I could really tell a difference between the regular and vegan mango flavors. There’s also a tasty vegan Nutty Delight, with almonds, cashews, pistachio and fig.
My favorites were the Oreo Delight, the bold espresso-flavored Coffee Walnut and the Chocobite, a creamy chocolate ice cream with chunky bits of chocolate.
Other rotating flavors include Matcha Green Tea, Pink Guava, Blueberry, Honey Lavender, Chai Biscuit, Tender Coconut, Mango Passion Fruit, Vegan Pina Colada and Vegan Strawberry. All of the flavors are available in cups, cones and sundaes and four to-go sizes. There’s also a To-Go case (left) with a variety of pre-packed pints.
Gauri says you also can always call the store to find out what flavors are available when you plan to come in and you can even request flavors you want if they aren’t available when you do visit.
Chicl?en & Peruuian Cuisine
“We make fresh ice cream every day using only top-quality, real ingredients, with no artificial flavors or colors,” Gauri says. “Our customers tell us they can really taste the difference.” All I can add to that is that you definitely should sample flavors you wouldn’t normally order. You just might end up being surprised!
Kini’s Home Style Icecream (2017 E. Fowler Ave.) is open Mon.-Fri., 4 p.m.-9 p.m., and noon-9 p.m. on Sat. & Sun. For info, call (813) 728-8430, see the ad on pg. 52 or visit KinisIceCream.store.
Check out New Tampa's Lima Restaurant to find out "Why Lima is the World's Best Food City" - Bloomberg.com, March 2, 2017 • Fresh Fish & Seafood Ceviche • Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie
Linda Is Back At The New & Improved Bagels Of Wesley Chapel!
You may have heard that Linda Henry (you may remember her last name as Carr, however) is back in her former location in the Freedom Plaza at 30032 S.R. 54, which is now called Bagels of Wesley Chapel (WC).
The former owner of Bagelicious & More the same location is happy to bring a renewed en ergy, revitalized interior and especially, house-made bagels that are now boiled before they are baked.
“Do you see how big and fluffy the bagels are now?,” Linda asked as I enjoyed my over-easy eggs, crispy bacon and equally crispy homefries (below left) with a toasted poppy seed bagel (that actually came with the breakfast and was indeed bigger and fluffier than I remembered), all for just $8.95!
Charmaine also raved about her chicken sal ad melt with provolone cheese and fresh tomato on a hashbrown bagel (below right), served with a side of pasta salad (or fries, potato salad or, for $1 more, a bag of chips).
This was actually my second visit to the new Bagels of WC, where Linda now has pretty much her entire family working (top left photo). On my first visit, I had an equally tasty bacon, egg & cheese on a toasted, scooped-out sesame bagel (for just $6.49!).
Bagels of WC, which features more than a dozen varieties of fresh bagels (for only $14.99 for a Baker’s Dozen of 13; or $21.99 with two 8-oz. tubs of spreads) also serves omelettes, a variety of deli sandwiches and lots of smiles.
Bagels of WC is open every day, 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For info, call (813) 575-8300 (DoorDash delivery is available) & tell Linda we sent you.”—GN, photos by Charmaine George
Ziggi’s Coffee Plans Hueland Pond Blvd. Location
Ziggi’s Coffee Drive-Thru has updated its permit application, which previously announced that the growing coffee chain was going to open on Mansfield Blvd.
But, new plans now show that Ziggi’s will instead open on Hueland Pond Blvd., just south of S.R. 56 and the 76 gas station & Daybreak Market (see map, right).
The new permit application announcing this different location was just submitted earlier this month. Preliminary site engineering plans have been submitted for Pasco County’s review, which says:
Halal Concept To Replace Hangry’s Joe’s
Although I’m sure it had nothing to do with how the restaurant fared in our recent “Wesley Chapel’s Favorite Chicken Tenders” Contest, we’re always sad anytime a restaurant of any kind closes in our distribution areas.
So, we were still disheartened to find out that Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings at 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd. had closed — the second spicy chicken restaurant to close at that location next to Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. (King of the Coop, of course, was the first).
We first read the news on a local Facebook page, but of course, I had to go find out for myself and, sure enough, there was a note on the door (top photo) saying that the Wesley Chapel Hangry Joe’s was “officially closed” as the location, “has been sold. A brand new Halal dining concept will soon be opening here and we are excited for the community to experience it.”
“The project proposes the development of a new 1,800+/- sq. ft. coffee shop with a drive through, associated parking and drainage improvements.”
Ziggi’s Coffee currently has about 100 locations in 18 U.S. states, but only one other location — in St. Augustine — currently
open in Florida . The company is in a rapid growth phase, however, with more than 200 additional Ziggi’s Coffee locations now in development. For more info, visit ZiggisCoffee.com. — Joel Provenzano & GN
Although the location is a difficult one to get in & out of, Hangry Joe’s surely had a more noticeable (and legible) sign than did King of the Coop, and Brooklyn Water Bagel owner Daniel Kurland says that his business has definitely increased since the freestanding Starbucks opened next to the plaza with both Hangry Joe’s and the bagel shop, so we don’t know why the chicken place closed, Maybe it was the likely-oversaturated chicken tenders market in Wesley Chapel or maybe the Halal concept owners’ offer was too good to refuse.
The Hangry Joe’s location at 5347 Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills is still open. For info, visit HangryJoesZephyrhills.com. — GN
OddFellows Ice Cream Opens At The Mall!
Congratulations go out to franchise owner Ian Heim, general manager Tyqui Lawrence and their friendly staff at the OddFellows Ice Cream which celebrated its Grand Opening (at 2001 Piazza Ave., Suite 125, next to The Living Room) in The Shops at Wiregrass on Oct. 3 with a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event and free ice cream for everyone who showed up for two hours after the opening that day.
OddFellows founder Mohan Kumar, who opened his first ice cream shop in Brooklyn in 2013, today has eight corporate-owned and franchised U.S. stores (including one in South Tampa’s Hyde Park), plus one location in South Korea. Kumar, who originally created savory ice cream flavors to satisfy the cravings of his thenpregnant wife Holiday, partnered with acclaimed pastry chef and James Beard Award nominee Sam Mason to create 500 new and unique flavors, plus “reimagined and improvised classics” that
Chocolate Raspberry Delight and Charmaine’s faves were the Coconut Mango Sticky Rice and Ube Marshmallow. Rest assured, OddFellows definitely has at least one flavor you’ll end up For info, visit OddFellowsIceCream.
New York’s Famous H&H Bagels Has Opened On S. Dale Mabry Hwy. In South Tampa!
If you’re a fan of the classic sitcom “Seinfeld,” I’m sure you remember the episode when Kramer goes back to work at H&H Bagels (top left photo) after being on strike for twelve years.
Well, that episode, and H&H’s appearances on “Sex and the City,” “The Office” “Entourage” and other TV shows and movies, helped keep one of Manhattan’s best-known “real New York” bagel shops in people’s memories for years, after being founded in 1972 on the Upper West Side by Helmer Toro and Hector Hernandez.
Today, H&H Bagels has 13 locations — seven scattered around NYC, plus one in Califor nia, one in Washington, DC, one in Knoxville, TN, and three in Florida, including the newest location at 1155 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in South Tampa (bottom photo). There also are eight more locations coming on-line, including five in the Sunshine State, one in California, one in North Carolina and one in Chicago.
Yes, the H&H name is growing again, thanks to CEO and Florida State University grad Jay Rushin (top right photo), who worked on Wall St. in Manhattan for 20 years before taking over at H&H eleven years ago (he also has family in Tampa).
Having lived just a few blocks from the second H&H location on 2nd Ave. in Manhattan, as soon as I heard it was open ing here, I knew I wanted to check it out. The company’s kettle-boiled-then-baked bagels in New York were as good as any I had ever had, so I knew I had to sample the location here as soon as it opened.
shipped here. We then bake them every day.”
on a scooped-out, toasted whole wheat bagel (left) and Charmaine said the avocado on her avocado, egg and cheese on an asiago cheese bagel was just “so fresh and delicious.” Also available are sausage and Jersey-style Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwiches, plus an egg white and avocado option.
H&H carries 13 varieties of fresh bagels (top photo on next page) — from standards like onion, everything and cinnamon raisin to egg, blueberry and even jalapeño cheddar options.
“It’s just another one of our different ways of doing things,” Jay said.
“We bake everything fresh here,” Rushin told me during the Tampa location’s soft opening on Sept. 30. “The bagels are made with that famous New York water, boiled, frozen and
And yes, the bagels are pretty great. I, of course, had to have a toasted, scooped-out sesame bagel with cream cheese, Nova Scotia salmon and I was surprised and thrilled to be able to add a shmear of real whitefish salad, plus a slice of tomato. Just yum!
And, unlike other bagel places that offer a Baker’s Dozen — 13 bagels for the price of 12 — when you buy a dozen at H&H, you pay for
In addition to that perfect house-made whitefish salad, H&H also makes its own tuna, egg and chicken salad, and offers deli sandwiches with roast beef, roasted turkey, Black Forest or Taylor ham and also sells the salads, the deli meats, the Nova and even cheddar, American, pepper Jack and provolone cheese by the pound. Also available are to-go tubs of plain, flavored and even tofu cream cheese, plus lox spread, butter, jelly and peanut butter.
Also baked in-house are chewy brownies, chocolate chip cookies (photo on next page),
doesn’t sell cappuccinos, lattes and other “fancier” coffee drinks, Jay says the hot coffee is a private H&H blend roasted in Wisconsin by Ruby’s Coffee Roasters, which was named for founder Jared Linzmeier’s grandmother, Ruby Szitta. Also served are iced and cold brew coffee, a variety of hot teas, iced sweet tea, green teas, apple and orange juice, chocolate milk, lemonade, sparkling water and even Mexican Coca-Cola.
“We’ve looked for more locations in the Tampa Bay area,” Rushin told me, “including in
So, go give H&H Bagels a shot. You’ll put a smile on Jay’s face — and on Kramer’s! For more info, visit HHBagels.com or call (813) 214-7010. You also can order pickup from Grubhub, Seamless, DoorDash, Postmates or Uber Eats. — GN; photos by Charmaine George
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