New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 34, Issue 13, June 23, 2026

The Latest On The Pebble Creek Golf Club Rezoning

By Gary Nager

The group calling itself “Save Pebble Creek” has very few opportunities left to try to, as they see it, save their neighborhood. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 5-1 on June 9 to “remand” the proposed GL Homes project — the home builder has been trying for year to purchase the 149 acres of the Pebble Creek Golf Club’s golf course (which closed in July 2021) and build 250 single-family homes on the property — back to the Zoning Hearing Master (ZHM) on Monday, July 20, 6 p.m., but for a very limited, constrained purpose.

Just for clarification, a “remand” in a land development or zoning context “occurs when a higher authority (like a court or appellate board, in this case, the 2nd District Court of Appeals) sends a project application or dispute back to a lower authority (like a local planning commission or, in this case, the BOCC) for further review, additional findings, or reconsideration.”

Chief assistant county attorney Cameron Clark (photo) told the Board that the only part of the case that could be remanded was to add an “ex parte” communication (Note - An “ex parte” communication in land development is any “one-sided” communication between a project applicant, supporter or opponent and a decisionmaking board member outside of a public hearing) by Ace Golf and still-Pebble Creek Golf Club

CONGRATS, FIT 4 LIFE & TRAVIS!

Our editor celebrates his friend and long-time advertiser who is still going strong after 25 years. See page 3

June

owner Bill Place to District 5 County Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda.

In his email to Comm. Cepeda dated Apr. 7, Place wrote, “I believe the GL [Homes] project offers the best possible solution for residents and we have worked with them every step of the way,” which will need to be included in the official record of the project.

And, while the remand will not include

ELECTION COVERAGE

Talking property taxes, the Dist. 6 School Board race & a unique endorsement for Tampa City Council. See pages 4-7

the last line of Place’s email (but it is a matter of public record), it said, “I did not want to make the offer before your position was taken on this (not that it would have influenced), but I would be quite happy to support your re-election.”

After Clark explained to the commissioners exactly what the BOCC could and couldn’t remand, Dist. 7 Comm. Joshua Wostal moved to remand Place’s ex-parte communication issue to

$100+ MILLION...FOR A HOUSE?

The highest-priced home in Tampa Bay is located just minutes from New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! See page 14

the Zoning Hearing Master at the BOCC’s zoning hearing on July 20.

After the motion was seconded by Dist. 1 Comm. Harry Cohen, Board Chair & Dist. 2 Comm. Ken Hagan explained to the Save Pebble Creek supporters (who held up “Remand” signs behind Clark as he spoke) in attendance that no public comments could be made at that meeting

See “Pebble Creek” on page 7. STILL MORE DINING NEWS! Checking out Bella Roma, Slap Burger, Coffee Uniting People, Naz’s Halal, K-Crunch & Udo Ulo! See pages 38-44

Celebrating 25 Years Of My Relationship With Fit 4 Life & The Monday Family

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

The first time I walked into Fit 4 Life Personal Training & Physical Therapy was 25 years and a few months ago, when owner Travis Monday was still in the process of getting ready to open his first Florida location (after previously opening the first Fit 4 Life in his native Wisconsin) in the Palm Villa Centre professional park, next to what is now called The Shoppes at Amberly in Tampa Palms.

The current location of Fit 4 Life, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center, is actually the studio’s fourth location in New Tampa.

I was so impressed with Travis and his Wisconsin-bred, super-personable demeanor that I told him I wanted to start working out with him as soon as he was able to get the place open, which finally happened on June 6, 2001.

Fast-forward 25 years. I’m still working out twice a week with Travis and his amazing personal trainers that somehow all have little pieces of his personality, even though most of them are not from Wisconsin or even from anywhere in the Midwest. Now, if I could somehow just get into the same kind of shape the now-52-year-old Travis seems to effortlessly keep himself in, my life would be damn-near perfect.

Other than the fact his hair is turning gray, you’d never know how old Travis is, and he attributes his lean physique to not only the “Super Slow” method he teaches on Fit 4 Life’s perfectly balanced Med-X circuit machines but also everything he’s learned about nutrition since he graduated from the University of Florida.

“I really don’t do any other kind of working out,” says the former high school football player from Merrill, WI, who was only recruited by Division II and II colleges, even though he hoped to play for the University of Wisconsin at Madison, which is 160 miles or so from his hometown. He earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, WI, before transferring to the University of Florida. “I just don’t have the time now between the business and my family.”

Today, Travis is a married father of two rising young volleyball stars, daughters Molly, 16, and 13-year-old Madison. He first hired his wife Fiona (a former volleyball star herself at Florida State University) as a personal trainer for Fit 4 Life a couple of years after he first opened the studio here and they’ve now been married for 20 years.

But, even though Travis attributes much of his company’s early success to his ads in the Neighborhood News, the fact is that no matter where the studio has been located, it has been able to attract both new personal training and physical therapy clients because of the aforementioned people Travis seems to have no problem attracting — despite how hard it is for most business owners to find, and retain, good help, especially these days.

That’s not to say he hasn’t “lost” most of them over the years. He has. But, many of them leave to either pursue a doctorate-level physical therapy degree or another health- or exerciserelated field, or even open their own businesses.

See “Fit 4 Life” on pg. 10

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Ron Pierce Breaks Down The 2026 Legislative Sessions At Chamber Breakfast

By Joshua Gabel Neighborhood News Correspondent

Ron Pierce, a long-time lobbyist and president of Tampa-based RSA Consulting, says that if Florida’s voters this November approve the property tax reform amendment passed by state lawmakers during this month’s Special Legislative Session, cities and counties throughout Florida will have to find other revenue sources to continue to fund some essential services.

Pierce, who was the featured speaker at the June 2 North Tampa Bay Chamber Business Breakfast, also offered candid insights during his briefing on how the 2026 Florida legislative session is reshaping the business environment — not just locally but statewide — touching on everything from the state’s new budget to what to do about AI data centers.

Pierce, who previously worked for Florida Senate President Tom Lee and as an in-house lobbyist for the Tampa Bay Lightning, began by stressing the critical role that chambers of commerce play as the “voice of business.”

“Networking is valuable,” he noted, ‘but the most important function of a chamber is to ensure that lawmakers understand how their decisions impact those who drive the local economy. One vote of a county commission, one vote of the legislature, one vote of the federal government, can have such a huge impact on the business community, and [if business owners are] not informed of what’s happening, and more importantly, our elected officials don’t understand what’s happening, what would the impact be on the business community?” That, I think, falls right in line with one of the main roles of any chamber.”

After working through, by his count, a total of 65 regular and special state legislative sessions, Pierce described the last two sessions as the “strangest of my career,” mostly due to the strained relationship between now-outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida House Speaker Danny Perez (House District 116), despite the fact that both are Republicans.

After six years in which the Governor was able to largely move his policy agenda unopposed, Pierce says House leadership over the last two sessions has asserted its independence of the executive branch as the state’s legislative power. That shift has contributed to significant debate — and even public spats — between the

Governor and Speaker over the budget, redistricting and other major reforms in areas such as education, healthcare and technology.

On Property Tax Reform

The biggest topic of Pierce’s discussion focused on property tax reform, which had been pushed heavily by the Governor. Lawmakers were actually meeting in Tallahassee for a Special Session to discuss reducing or even eliminating property taxes for homesteaded properties throughout the state during Pierce’s presentation. Although the version passed by lawmakers wasn’t the version DeSantis was pushing, the legislators did agree to a constitutional amendment that — if passed by 60% of voters in the November Midterm Elections — would significantly increase the current homestead exemption over the next two years, which would greatly reduce the amount of property taxes homeowners would have to pay and have major impacts on how local governments are funded, since property taxes represent the largest source of revenue for Florida’s 67 counties.

Dubbed “Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” the new law would increase the homestead exemption from its current level of $50,000 to $150,000 on January 1, 2027, and then to $250,000 on January 1, 2028. New homeowners after January 1, 2027, would have to wait five years before receiving the benefit.

While homeowners would receive a significant tax cut, Pierce stressed that voters should educate themselves on the potential impacts to

local governments. Lawmakers agreed to protect education (meaning school districts) from any cuts. The amendment also would allow local governments to continue to prioritize and fund core services like public safety and infrastructure.

However, questions remain about how other services — such as county parks, veterans services, libraries, animal control, permitting, elections, etc. — would be funded. Most local officials believe that many of these services would need to be reduced or cut altogether in order to keep county budgets above water and, for already fiscally constrained counties and municipalities, the cuts could even eat into their fire and police budgets. The Governor had proposed a trust

fund to help those local governments backfill their budgets but the Legislature stripped that idea from their resolution they passed.

After the Special Session ended, the Neighborhood News spoke with District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera and District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan about potential changes to the city and county budgets, respectively, and both were in agreement that major cuts to services should be expected if voters end up approving the property tax amendment.

“The Legislature is not voting on a tax cut, as much as it is a tax shift,” said Viera, a Democrat. “In my years in office, I have been an unabashed

supporter of our police and fire departments. I have taken tough votes for them, and their well-being is the top reason why I oppose this radical tax reform. It’s wrong to undermine the top revenue source for our cops and firefighters.”

Meanwhile, Hagan, a Republican, said, “We’re not talking about eliminating butterfly gardens, we’re talking about core essential services. The law that [the legislature] passed will have an enormous negative impact on Hillsborough County services, including significant reductions to the Sheriff’s office and fire rescue.”

Hagan also said that county staff estimates that the first homestead exemption increase to $150,000 next year would result in a loss of between $210-$235 million in county revenues and the 2028 increase to $250,000 would result in an a loss of an additional $135-$145 million.

He added that if the amendment passes, a new library and a number of new fire stations would have to be put on hold as a result of decreased revenues. He also believes that smaller cities and fiscally constrained counties will struggle with the property tax changes should it pass.

“Fiscally constrained counties” are defined by statute as those counties where a 1-mill property tax levy generates $5 million or less in revenue, or counties situated entirely within a designated Rural Area of Opportunity. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 29 fall under this category.

“[Hillsborough County is] one of the select few counties in the nation with a AAA credit rating,” Hagan added. “We’ve built up enormous reserves, so we’re not going to fold or be devastated by this, but your smaller counties throughout the state, they may be done, not just crushed, but done, and [other] counties might have to be in a position to absorb them.”

For Tampa Bay Rays fans, however, Hagan did not believe the property tax amendment would impact any potential stadium deal.

“It will not have any impact on our [Rays] discussions, because the primary sources of our financial framework are tourist tax dollars and [Community Investment Tax] revenues — not property tax dollars.”

A member of the June 2 Chamber audience asked Pierce if he believed that county governments would seek to increase other taxes, such as sales tax, in order to offset revenue losses. While Pierce agreed that they could, he also alluded that it would be political malpractice to do so at this moment in time.

“Counties will come up with a way to backfill some of this money.” answered Pierce. “Counties do have the ability to put things on the ballot from a sales tax standpoint, but I don’t think that’d be very popular in this environment. I don’t see that in the short term.”

Viera agreed with that sentiment in his response to Neighborhood News

“Shifting from property taxes to other fees and taxes, like sales taxes, is an awful idea,” Viera said. “Property taxes are highly imperfect, but they are the best system we have available. Sales taxes are regressive — the more you earn, the less of a percentage you pay in sales taxes.”

Viera also said he supported more targeted tax relief — with a smaller bump up to the current exemption that wouldn’t negatively impact services. “What I support is doubling the [current] property tax exemption [to $100,000],” he said. “This will [still] force local governments to be more fiscally responsible and provide robust relief

[while] not jeopardizing core government services that we all — Republicans and Democrats — want. Because of these tax reforms [passed by the legislature], we will see cuts in core services — like public schools, police, fire and roads.”

Voters will ultimately have the final say on property tax reform during the Midterm Elections on November 3. The amendment will need to reach 60 percent support to pass.

On Florida’s Budget

Pierce also highlighted that the Florida Legislature was finally able to pass a Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 budget. After lawmakers were unable to come to a budget agreement during the regular session that ended on Mar. 13, the Legislature passed the state’s FY 2026-27 budget during a special session on May 29. The budget came in at around $114.5 billion, a $365.3 million decrease compared to the FY 2025-26 budget.

Pierce explained that there were a number of reasons why this year’s budget is slimmer, specifically that the federal funds tied to the Covid-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes have dried up. As a result, he said, three-year revenue projections have decreased and the state would have been staring down a $7-billion hole in a few years had they not made cuts.

“If you would have just taken the current budget as is, did nothing…we would have faced a $7-billion shortfall in year three [based on revenue projections],” said Pierce. “There’s no more federal money, so when you base your budget using federal money, especially when using some of those things to increase the size of government, those dollars are now gone… you have to shrink the size of government.”

On Congressional Redistricting

The Legislature’s congressional redistricting Special Session, held April 28-29, was also a key topic of discussion. Pierce stated that the redistricting effort was driven not by new census data but by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana vs. Callais, which ruled that states no longer can draw districts based upon race. The new Congressional District map approved by lawmakers shifted the current Congressional landscape in Florida from a 20-8 Republican advantage to a 24-4 Republican advantage.

The new maps altered several districts, including those represented by the Tampa Bay delegation. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-Dist. 12) was pushed further south from his current district while Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-Dist. 15), was pushed further north into Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties, while keeping parts of Hillsborough — including all of New Tampa. However, both districts remain as red-dominated seats.

On the other hand, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-Dist. 14) saw her district’s party affiliation demographics change significantly, with it shifting from a solid Democrat seat that included parts of Tampa and all of St. Petersburg to a Republican-leaning seat encompassing more of the surrounding suburbs east and southeast of Tampa, including Apollo Beach, Plant City and Riverview.

While Pierce believes that Florida Republicans will still do O.K. statewide in this year’s elections — since the party still holds a 1.7-million registered voter advantage over Florida’s Democrats, he warned that the national political

environment and issues like affordability could push independent voters to swing back toward Democrats, potentially making marginal Republican districts more competitive this cycle.

“The last four or five [election] cycles, independents have been voting on a 60-40, if not a 65-35 clip [for] Republicans,” said Pierce. “That will reverse this cycle…independents will be voting with Democrats, probably not 60-40 but, I think, closer to 65-35.”

On The Future of Data Centers

The Neighborhood News also asked Pierce about the ongoing debate surrounding the data centers needed for AI, especially as counties such as Pasco are considering a one-year moratorium on allowing any such data centers. Pasco’s planning commission voted unanimously for the moratorium, but the first reading for the County Commission on the ban took place after we went to press with this issue.

Pierce said, “This past session, the House and Senate passed a bill working with the Governor’s office, which basically starts putting in place some guardrails [on data centers]. It doesn’t make it impossible to build a data center, but it makes it much more difficult working with local governments to do that. One thing they did not do, which the House and Senate wanted to do, is limit local government’s ability to regulate them, because otherwise, you end up with 67 rules of engagement as it comes to these data centers.”

According to Data Center Map, a database of data center locations across the US started by environmental activist Erin Brockovich, Florida has 110 existing data centers, including nearly

30 within the Tampa Bay region. However, Florida residents in multiple counties have come out in droves against data centers over the past few months, as tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Meta invest heavily into AI and the need for data center facilities to keep AI functioning. Supporters believe that data centers are vital because they can create jobs and economic value, while providing the infrastructure needed to compete in today’s digital world and against peer countries like China.

But, many residents have spoken out about how they believe the data centers don’t provide enough direct jobs, since only a few employees are necessary to operate a facility, in addition to various environmental and quality of life concerns due to the huge water and electric utility usage needs of data centers.

Pierce said he believes that this year’s session is not the end of the data center debate and that lawmakers will need to return to the issue during the 2027 legislative session due to the impact, both positive and negative, that data centers have. It’s also important to note that permanent bans on data centers aren’t legal under Florida law and AI companies would sue any government that permanently bans them.

“There’s a lot of money in data centers,” Pierce said. “When you talk about the property tax reduction, you look at some of these small communities over in Polk County that would, if they would get one of these data centers, the amount of property taxes they would have been collecting just because of having a data center would have literally doubled [their budgets] overnight because of these opportunities.”

Elections Updates — The Dist. 6 School Board Race; Plus, Boggs Endorses Alan Cohn

By Gary Nager

Editor’s note — With the Primary Election coming up on Tuesday, August 18, and the General Election set for Tuesday, November 3, our next few issues will include as much election coverage as makes sense considering our deadlines. So, whether you’re a registered Republican or Democrat, or have no party affiliation, we will attempt to keep you covered with as much election info as possible from now until after the results of the Nov. 3 election are known.

In this issue, we preview the non-partisan, countywide/at large District 6 Hillsborough County School Board race, where the two-term incumbent is long-time New Tampa resident Karen Perez, who faces two challengers on Aug. 18 — former District 2 School Board member Sally Harris Williamson (she served from 2014-18) and second-time candidate and retired long-time educator Dr. Kenneth (Ken) Gay.

And, even though his election for Luis Viera’s District 7 seat on the Tampa City Council isn’t coming up until March of 2027, candidate Alan Cohn recently announced that he is being endorsed by Baseball Hall of Famer and Wharton High volunteer assistant baseball coach Wade Boggs, so we’ll tell you more about that on these pages, too — GN

Hillsborough School Board District 6 — Is Perez Vulnerable?

Two-term District 6 incumbent Karen Perez, 62, is the only candidate of the three who has ever lived in New Tampa and she has been both the chair and vice-chair during her eight years on School Board. Karen has seen — and had to deal with — all of the changes happening throughout the District. She and her fellow School Board members also unanimously voted last month to put extending the half-cent sales tax that — according to Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres — has already funded 910 completed projects, to the tune of $1.25 billion, thanks to the first eight years of the tax. The original half-penny sales tax will expire in 2028 unless voters approve extending it for ten more years.

As for what Karen thinks are the major accomplishments the School Board has made during her tenure, she says that the graduation rates at both Wharton and Freedom have gone up during her tenure. “And, across the District, we’re up to a 93% graduation rate, which is great,” she says. “But this year, we want to look at that 7% who didn’t graduate and see what they need, and put those services and supports in place to get that remaining 7% over that threshold.”

Karen also mentions that throughout the Tampa Bay area, “a lot of students didn’t go to school (this year) because of ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) — because they were afraid. But, we didn’t have too much of that in New Tampa.”

She added, however, that a few years ago, “There were a lot of kids skipping school, hanging out at the Walmart (next to Wharton) and we had complaints from Walmart about those students, but that’s tapered down, so I’m excited about that change, too.”

Karen also says that she attended this year’s awards ceremony at Freedom High and Liberty Middle School, and a lot of accolades were being given to students, their parents and the teachers for improving the students’ grades — and the schools’ grades.

“Liberty is looking like an ‘A’ school and Freedom is looking like it will be a ‘B’ school this year,” she says, “so that parent involvement has really made a big difference.”

She also says that she and Dist. 3 Board

member and chair Jessica Vaughn, who also lives in New Tampa, are looking into trying to find teacher-only housing in the New Tampa area, “and of course, paying our teachers a livable wage is still Priority One for me,” she says. “New Tampa is an amazing area and we want our teachers to be able to afford to [live and] remain in this area.”

Karen also is trying to make sure that underutilized schools are filled, “which is why we have to move Pizzo’s students to schools with empty space (including Tampa Palms Elementary), so the ‘Schools of Hope’ don’t come in to claim those spaces. I want our parents to know that I’m a big ‘No’ on giving up any of our space to the Schools of Hope.”

She’s also had Superintendent Ayres looking into adding vocational programs for students who may not be college bound at more than just the two current vocational schools (in Plant City and on Hillsborough Ave.).

And finally, Karen says that as a clinical social worker for children, adolescents and young adults, she has been a champion for helping find ways to improve the mental health of students across the District, “which is a big issue these days that was always swept under the rug before,” she says.

For more info or to donate to her campaign, visit KeepKarenPerez.com. At our press time, Karen’s campaign had raised $37,632, the most of the three Dist. 6 candidates.

Meanwhile, candidate Sally Harris Williamson is the only other candidate in the Dist. 6 race who previously served on the School Board.

“Miss Sally,” 75, who won the Dist. 2 runoff election in 2014 (52.53-47.47% over Michelle Popp Shimberg, after finishing a distant second to Shimberg in the Primary Election), served from 2014-18 and as the Board chair from 2018 until her term ended in Jan. 2019.

She lost her Dist. 2 seat to Stacy Hahn in 2018 and was defeated for the at-large Dist. 7 seat by Lynn Gray in a runoff in 2020.

Sally has lived in Hillsborough County since she was in the third grade and graduated from Robinson High. She was a career counselor at Monroe Middle School and then at Tampa Bay Tech before opening the Circle C Ranch

Academy preschool in South Tampa. “The ‘C’ stood for ‘Circling Children with Love,” she says. “I had 180 children for 41 years.”

The school, “had a farm environment, right outside the gates of Macdill Air Force Base,” she says. “I had horses, cows, goats, sheep, chickens and pigs. The kids got to go out and collect and cook the eggs. It was for ages one to four.”

She adds that, as time went on, “it became a special needs place, just as Asperger’s and autism seemed to be exploding. When I opened it (in 1982), autism affected one child in 20. But, when I closed it (in 2023), it was one in seven.”

Sally and her husband (the late Bob Harris) ended up adopting a special needs child and she and husband M.C. Williamson have fostered as many as 100 girls in their home over the years.

“But I also got my staff fully trained,” she says. “We had occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech...we serviced the whole child. And the kids got to spend a lot of time outdoors.”

She says she realized that by the time her special needs kids graduated from high school, “they weren’t learning anything. They didn’t have any skills. When the School District received a $100-million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (in 2009; primarily used to increase salaries across the District), they took the vocational programs — carpentry, auto mechanics — out of the middle and high schools and put them at just a couple of vocational centers. But, these kids and their families wanted to go to their neighborhood schools, so I ran for School Board in 2014 to try to help.”

But, Sally says, “That was a horrible time to be on the School Board. My first week on the job, I was put in a position that they were firing Superintendent Mary Ellen Elia, and my vote was the swing vote. And I had enough information to know that we were financially in trouble from trying to match that [Gates] grant, because we had to meet that grant 50-50 and the District was in the red. But they were keeping it quiet. There was just so much drama.”

She added, however, that new Superintendent of Schools Jeff Eakins got the half-penny sales tax put on the ballot, “and he said that if it passed, by the end of the ten years, the District would be out of debt, the reserves would go back up to 10% and we would not need to go after the tax again. Well, it’s on the ballot (in Nov.) to extend the tax another 10 years and I can’t wait to get in [office], dig in and find out why. I’m a tough cookie. I can get in there, pay attention and come up with creative ideas of what to do.”

Sally also says that the School District still is not prepared for the numbers of special needs children there are living in the District, “Thank heavens, we have some fabulous charter schools out there that are meeting the needs of these kids.” She adds that in order for public school districts to properly help these special needs students, “they have to have the freedom to isolate the children who can’t mainstream, but the rules will have to change to do that.”

She doesn’t know a lot of information about New Tampa’s schools in particular, not even realizing that our area’s once-overcrowded schools are now losing more and more students to nearby charter and private schools. “I think what really needs to happen, but the District is scared to do it, is redraw all school boundaries by neighborhoods. Then, you wouldn’t have to close any schools.”

For more info or to donate to Sally’s campaign, visit SallyHarris.org. At our press time, her campaign had raised $20,345, the least of the three Dist. 6 candidates.

And finally, candidate Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Gay says he is “a fifth-generation Floridian,” whose family originally settled in rural Union-Bradford County and “came down to this general area — along the Palm River.” Ken has now been an educator for 39 years, having helped open Lopez Elementary in Seffner in 1984 and ultimately serving as the school’s assistant principal until his retirement in 2022.

“When I got out of school, I subbed a little bit and I always knew that teaching was my niche,” he says. “At first I was going to be a history major, but when I did my substitute teaching, I said, ‘No, I’m going to stick with elementary education.’”

As he was nearing the end of his long teaching career, Ken says, “It was suggested that I go into administration, that’s when I became the assistant principal [at Lopez].”

Once he retired, after working 37 summers filling in for assistant principals across the District, Ken says, “I got picked up by More Health,” a Tampa Bay-area nonprofit which delivers health and safety education to students throughout the District. “I’m still doing that at 70-80 schools throughout the summer.”

He also works for the District’s alternative certification program as a mentor for out-of-field teachers who are working with a five-year temporary teaching certificate. “So, I’ve been doing both of those and, at the same time, serving as a historical docent,” at Tampa’s Cracker Country. Ken, who holds a Ph.D. degree in Child & Youth Studies from Nova Southeastern University, as well as graduate degrees in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education, says he decided to run for School Board (his first run was in 2024, where he finished a distant second of four candidates to incumbent Henry “Shake” Washington for the Dist. 5 seat) because, “I’ve always had an inkling that we need a better individual, a better voice on the Board. I have a lot of strengths — my doctorate, my child and youth studies — and I think I can bring that to the forefront. I just feel that we’re not going in the right direction with the individual that’s serving in this [Dist. 6] position.”

And, even though he lost in 2024, “I thought I did fairly well for an unknown running against an incumbent (Ken received 24% of the vote). “I have an understanding of the system internally and I can bring that experience to the Board.”

And, although he also didn’t know much about New Tampa’s schools in particular, Ken says that he “talks to teachers across the District all the time and many are concerned about student discipline, not necessarily in the classrooms, but on the bus, in the lunch rooms, etc. We have to be more consistent with those systems. Every building has their own procedures and routines, but are we using them faithfully? I don’t think so.”

Ken says he tells the teachers he works with to, “have high expectations for every child,

Prior to the vote, Comm. Hagan asked Clark, “Do you see any avenue or opportunity to broaden that remand at this time?”

Clark responded, “I would say that’s very difficult. It’s not impossible but all the issues that have already been discussed in this case...the evidence that’s been submitted...that the Board discussed in its denial and that were discussed by the court...essentially, those are closed issues at this point. So, new evidence on, say, the desirability of maintaining open space, things of that nature, would not be helpful at this point because, essentially, it’s already been determined that those issues were resolved by the court.”

Hagan then said, “I’m just going to say, having represented Pebble Creek for 24 years...I feel very strongly that this Board let this neighborhood down. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed and the county attorney has made it very clear what our options are [now].”

Dist. 6 Comm. Chris Boles then asked Clark, “When this comes back before us, after the July 20 [ZHM] hearing, will there be an opportunity for public comment at that time, and will it be limited only to what happened at that hearing? Would you expound upon that?”

Clark responded, “So, just as the ability to comment at the July 20 ZHM hearing is going to be limited — and I believe this comes back to [the BOCC] Land Use in September — there will be a new oral argument opportunity but it would be limited to that issue only because everything else that’s [already] in the record is going to be the same as it was in July

but have some concrete systems for dealing with behavior and be consistent with it.”

He also says that teachers tell him that they’re “overwhelmed by all of the paperwork and compliance issues. We have to unload some of the burden on our teachers because this District is losing good teachers.”

Ken also says that the reason many good schools, including those in New Tampa, are losing students these days is because, “the charter schools are drawing them out. Parents also are unhappy with some of the politics. But, I trusted the system with my children and my daughter had an IEP (Individualized Education Program for students with disabilities), so I know that route, both as an educator and personally.” He adds that taking these special needs children out of the public school system and putting them into charter schools, “may not necessarily be the right answer either.”

Ken says that if he is elected, his biggest concerns will be, “To make sure that we are being clear with the standards for discipline, building up the morale of our teachers, holding the system accountable and making sure that we look at costcutting measures...have a forensic audit...to find out where it makes the most sense to cut costs.”

Among the items he says will help with costcutting are “[expanding] the e-bus program and we also need to get with the 21st century and look at digital textbooks. We’re spending $20-$30 million a year on textbooks. And, we need to examine the contracts we have with our vendors, see where we can cut costs there.”

For more info or to donate to Ken’s campaign, visit VoteKennethGay.com. At our press time, Ken’s campaign had raised $30,877.50, second among the three Dist. 6 candidates.

2023, and there’s already been oral arguments on all of those issues.”

The commissioners then voted 5-1 (Dist. 4 Comm. Christine Miller was absent) in favor of the remand, with Comm. Hagan casting the lone dissenting vote.

Save Pebble Creek founder Leslie Green released this statement after the BOCC’s vote:

“It is unfortunate that after the BOCC voted against the rezoning application, its decision-making authority was ultimately limited by a court ruling that prevented the Board from relying on its original reasons for denial, including consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.

“I believe that if the County had pursued one additional appeal, the BOCC’s denial would have been upheld, and this matter could have been resolved much sooner. We were hoping for a much broader remand that would have allowed consideration of the soil contamination issues and an update to the 2022 traffic study. I fear living here during the soil cleanup.”

The History Of The Case

As Clark explained prior to the vote, the BOCC first denied the GL Homes rezoning application in July of 2023: “The developer appealed that denial to circuit court, where the applicant prevailed,” Clark said. “The county then appealed that ruling to the appellate court, where the county prevailed. It was sent back to the circuit court, where the circuit judge essentially ‘fixed’ his order and once again quashed the Board’s denial from July of ‘23, which effectively rewinds this application back to [that date]. The effect of the court order is to place significant restraint on the Board’s action.” We will update this story after the July 20 ZHM hearing.

Although Tampa’s next Municipal Elections won’t be held until March of 2027, District 7 Tampa City Council candidate and New Tampa resident Alan Cohn — one of two candidates who have so far filed to run for the seat being vacated due to term limits by fellow New Tampa resident Luis Viera (the other is Morris Lopez, who also is a long-time New Tampa resident), has announced that he has been endorsed by Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs.

Boggs, the long-time Tampa Palms resident and Wharton High volunteer assistant baseball coach whose 18-year MLB career was with the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, says, “Alan Cohn has spent his career asking tough questions, standing up for ordinary people, and holding powerful interests accountable. Those are exactly the qualities we need on the Tampa City Council. Alan understands our community and will be a strong voice for the residents of District 7.”

Cohn says, ““I’m grateful and honored to have Wade Boggs’ support. Like me, Wade raised his family in New Tampa and cares deeply about this community.”

City Of Tampa To Add Speed Cameras Near Five New Tampa Schools

By S.P. Gordy

Neighborhood News Correspondent

Speed cameras could be coming soon to some New Tampa school zones.

During the June 4 Tampa City Council meeting, the seven Council members voted 6-1 to amend an ordinance allowing automated speed cameras to be placed within school zones around Tampa. The change would be an expansion of the current program in place.

Right now, there are cameras placed in 12 school zones, primarily in east Tampa. The expansion would include 18 additional school zones. Four of those are in New Tampa, affecting the following five schools — Benito Middle School, Lawton Chiles Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Freedom High School and Turner-Bartels K-8 School.

District 7 Councilman Luis Viera, who voted for the amendment, confirmed that he has been spearheading the speed camera initiative. “I was the original maker of the motion that sought to implement the speed cameras for school zones, only in the city of Tampa, when the state statute was passed that allowed us to do this. I was very disappointed when New Tampa schools weren’t included,” Viera says, “so I worked very hard to make sure that these New Tampa schools were included. I made my message known that I wanted New Tampa schools in there as I have been hearing from constituents a lot. This is a really big deal for New Tampa, I believe, because speeding in our school zones is a big issue.”

During the June 4 meeting, Viera highlighted three New Tampa schools specifically that have a history of speeding problems. “Benito near Hunter’s Green and Arbor Greene — that’s a wonderful choice, I hear about a lot of speeding over there on Cross Creek Blvd.,” Viera said. “We also see Chiles Elementary, where my son went, when he was a kid, and I experienced a lot there, years ago, when I used to drop him off and pick him up. And then Liberty, which is right next to Freedom, and so again, I hear a lot from my constituents, especially on those three zones.”

He also added clarification about his position on the issue concerning fees and fines. “I’m not going to not enforce the law or not implement provisions that put penalties on people who go 15 miles in excess of the speed limit in a school zone,” Viera said.

While the vote to add cameras in those

school zones passed, it was only a first reading.

The next step in the process, before the revised ordinance can be officially adopted, is to have a public hearing and a second reading. That is set to happen at the City Council meeting on Thursday, July 16. Council members also have the option to change their vote after the public hearing and second reading. They would just be required to state a reason for the change.

That may be unlikely to happen, as the Council members agreed that they want to prioritize school safety. However, some concerns were shared at the meeting about the possibility of camera files being subpoenaed by the federal government’s Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).

However, Mike Schmid, the senior assistant city attorney for the city of Tampa, told the Council members that the camera files are not designed for that purpose and while they would have to comply with a federal subpoena, it would be a breach of contract between the city and RedSpeed, the vendor handling the cameras across the state, to use the camera files for anything other than speed monitoring.

The Council agreed that details of the ordinance will need to be reevaluated after the contract with RedSpeed expires in March 2027.

In the meantime, here is what you can expect if the amendment change passes after the July 16 second reading. The city will first hold a

30-day education period. This is when officials will distribute information online, and within the communities impacted by the speed cameras, notifying people about the implementation, and where the cameras will be placed. During this 30-day period, violators caught on camera will be issued a warning that will be mailed to their residences. Signage (graphic, right) also will be placed in the school zones, clearly

alerting drivers about the presence of cameras. After the 30-day education period ends, fines will be issued to any violators driving more than 10 miles per hour over the posted school zone speed limit. However, if a police officer is at a school zone, monitoring speed with radar, that officer can issue fines at their discretion, at any speed over the posted school zone speed limit. The cameras will be active only during school hours, and the “civil penalty” fines will be $100. According to the ordinance, any violations caught by automatic cameras will not add any points to the violators’ driving records — even, according to Schmid, if the fines go unpaid. But of course, unpaid fines can lead to additional monetary penalties.

The proposal to add more cameras are coming after RedSpeed completed a school zone speed study for the City of Tampa at 29 schools, each lasting two days, back in April. That study produced an average of from more than 200 violations per day to more than 3,000 violations per day, with Turner-Bartels having among the most violations.

ing, transit projects and safety enhancements.

That opportunity disappeared when the courts, following legal challenges led by former Hillsborough County Commissioner Stacy White, scrapped the tax and deemed it unconstitutional. The county already had collected $570 million in escrow while the referendum played out in the courts. Following the ruling, the fate of that money was left up to the Florida Legislature, which ultimately only allocated about half of those funds for local projects to be selected by county officials. Unfortunately, the New Tampa Blvd. project was not among those selected. The remainder of the money went to a refund program for residents, a countywide sales tax holiday and attorneys’ fees.

While the city was able to later fully fund the project, Neighborhood News informed our

readers in our Apr. 21 issue that the start of the project had been delayed until June or July of this year. At issue was a processing delay of the approved contract by the City Council, according to a memo sent by the city’s engineering department to Councilman Viera’s office. When the city announced in early June that the project would move forward, Viera said he was relieved it finally got across the finish line.

“When you represent ‘the Alaska of Tampa’ on City Council, you have to bang the desk a little harder to get projects done. I did that with this and I am glad it got done.”

New Tampa Blvd. is now another win for Viera to promoter as he heads out on the campaign trail, while West Meadows commuters can now spend more time listening to their favorite podcasts instead of avoiding potholes.

And, whenever one of those past employees happens to visit the studio when I’m there, or I see one of them out somewhere, they all still have nothing but wonderful things to say about Travis. He is literally just “that guy.”

Of course, nice guys can’t finish first in any kind of business unless they deliver results and, after a quarter of a century, Fit 4 Life surely has, and continues to, deliver results. I’ve always said that although two 30-minute workouts a week isn’t going to be enough to turn you from fat to fit, I know that if I always ate as “clean” as Travis does every day, and did cardio 3-4 times per week, in addition to my strength training at Fit 4 Life, while I probably still would never be built like him, I’d at least be...a little closer.

In fact, between last November and April of this year, Jannah and I re-committed ourselves to working out at least 5-6 days a week, cooking most of our meals at home and only going out to eat either on vacation or to sample a new restaurant in either of our distribution areas — and I’ve dropped 36 pounds and Jannah’s lost close to 20 (and she had a lot less to lose than I did).

“We’re not trying to make you musclebound here,” Travis says. “We want to get and keep you moving, help counsel you on improving your diet and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Each 30-minute workout at Fit 4 Life includes one of two abdominal machines, one or two of three leg machines and three or four machines that work your arms and/or chest. Using the Super-Slow method, invented at the University of Florida (where Travis learned Med-X rehabilita-

tion) in 1982 by researcher Ken Hutchins, you take ten full seconds in each direction, and then hold for a count of five at the end of the (usually no more than) eight reps on the same Med-X machines that Travis has had since he first opened Fit 4 Life here.

“Each exercise works a specific muscle or group of muscles to full exhaustion,” Travis says. “Our trainers learn exactly how much weight you need to get the maximum benefit on each one without over-exerting yourself or allowing you to try to push too much weight. We want your muscles to be fully fatigued, not torn.”

At the end of each workout, the trainer puts you on Med-X’s full-body stretch machine, which I really hated at first but now actually feel like I need to feel my best each time I finish a session.

And, although I’ve never been a physical therapy patient at Fit 4 Life, Travis says his Med-X spine machine “is one of the safest, most-effective ways to improve lower-back pain. We have a 95% success rate with that low-back machine.”

The studio’s physical therapy sessions include other therapist-led exercises and all of the therapy patients I’ve spoken with also rave about Fit 4 Life.

What About Those Volleyball Girls?

Yes, Travis and Fiona’s daughters Molly and Madison are both outstanding young volleyball players. Molly, who is now just going into her junior year in high school at Berkeley Prep, is among the highest-rated players in all of Florida and plays for the elite Tribe Volleyball Club — in Deerfield Beach — and the family has been traveling three+ hours in each direction every weekend for her practices. Molly (above left) is a 6-foot-tall setter whose specialty is serving aces. She was a big part

of Berkeley winning the Class 1A State title during the spring beach volleyball season.

“She’salreadybeingrecruitedbyprettymuch everytopcollegevolleyballprograminthecountry —Texas,Stanford,Miami,younameit,”Travis says.“Beachorindoor,shejustlovestoplay.”

And, even though she’s only 13 and it doesn’t seem that she’s going to ever have Molly’s height, Madison Monday “may end up being even better than her sister,” Travis says.

Madison (above right), who is going into the eighth grade at Martinez Middle School, plays libero for her school and club beach and indoor teams, which means she’s the player who’s always

diving for and saving balls that would otherwise end up as points for the opposing team.

In other words, Travis and Fiona really do have their hands full and yet, he keeps making sure his Fit 4 Life trainers, therapists, personal training and physical therapy clients stay happy, healthy and keep working towards their goals. I don’t do many page 3 editorials about our advertisers, but Fit 4 Life and Travis Monday are just that special and mean that much to me.

For appointments and more information about Fit 4 Life (5338 Primrose Lake Cir., Tampa Palms), call (813) 907-7879, visit Fit4LifeTampa.comn or see the ad on pg. 47.

Upcoming Events — Wine & Wealth, Fireworks At Avalon Park, ‘Trouble Man’ & More!

Tuesday, June 23, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. – Wine & Wealth Event. At Signature Work Space (28210 Paseo Dr., #190, in The Shops at Wiregrass). Stop by for an evening of connection, conversation and celebration. There will be food and beverages, photo opportunities & entertainment. Free to attend, but please RSVP. For more info and to RSVP, contact April @ (813) 469-2739.

Thursday, June 25, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee & Networking. At Residence Inn Wesley Chapel (2867 Lajuana Blvd.). Tour the spacious guest suites and Skybox Rooftop bar when you stop in for breakfast, brews and a behind the scenes look at the hotel. Free to attend but please RSVP. For more info and to RSVP, call (812) 591-2915 or email EDavis@peachtreegroup.com

Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel (2383 Willow Oak Dr.). Guests will have the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art dealership and connect with fellow community members and business professionals. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Thursday, June 25, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. –Summer Kids Performance – Magic with Cesar Domico. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). Cesar Domico’s Comedy Magic & Illusion show offers a spellbinding mix of magic & laughter for all audiences. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/16345108.

Thursday, June 25, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. – Mr. Tommy & Gigi’s Musical Show for Kids. At Wesley Chapel Branch Library (27531 Mystic Oak Blvd.). Join us for an unforgettable performance by Mr. Tommy & Gigi! Limited Seating. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/16490000

Thursday, June 25, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Pet Wants (Lexington Hub, 26939 Halter Loop). Come out and meet the team and discover a fresh approach to pet nutrition. Learn more about what Pet Wants offers. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events

Friday, June 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Summer Book Sale. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R.

Don’t miss “Trouble Man — A Tribute to Marvin Gaye” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Sun., Jul. 12. (Photo source: NewTampaArtsCenter.org)

54). Join the Friends of the New River Library for the group’s famous Summer Book Sale. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/ event/16492168

Friday, June 26, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Final Friday, hosted by Emorys Rock Realty. At Hilton Garden Inn (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Connect, engage & network with Chamber members in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – The Signed Edition Book Fair. At Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel (26000 Sierra Ctr. Blvd., Lutz). Meet some of your favorite authors and take home personally signed copies of their books. Check out local vendors with unique items for sale. General admission is free, VIP early entry (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) costs $17.85 & VIP early entry with swag bag is $39.19. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/the-signed-edition-book-convention-tickets-1980629938463

Wednesday, July 1, 8 p.m. – Tampa Jazz Club Presents: Simon Lasky & his NYC Quintet with singer Allison Nash. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Catch acclaimed Jazz Pianist, Composer & Arranger, Simon Lasky with his NYC Quintet & vocalist Allison Nash. Table seats cost $35 ($30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) and Theater seats are $30 ($25 for Tampa Jazz Club members). For more info and to purchase tickets, visit TampaJazzClub.com or see the ad below.

Thursday, July 2, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. – Summer Kids Performance – Gigi & Friends. At

Simon Lasky NYC Quintet

with Allison Nash

Wed, July 1, 8 pm

New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). Gigi and her puppet dog Zelda celebrate their love of comedy, singalongs & the circus, in a performance packed with magic, music, dancing, juggling & fun. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/ event/16345160.

Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. – Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s 4th of July Celebration. At Avalon Park (4424 Friendly Way). There will be an apple pie bake off, bike parade, bounce park, food trucks, music, community performances and vendors. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. For more info, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/fourth-of-july-celebration/ or see the ad on pg. 13.

Sunday, July 5, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – Florida Jazz Express: Fourth of July Big Band Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Enjoy the patriotic songs that symbolize America, Independence Day, and summer traditions in true big-band style. Tickets cost $17.50-$25 depending upon seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/floridajazz-express-fourth-of-july-big-band-concert.

Monday, July 6, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. – Epic Music Theater Workshop. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Write and perform an epic musical with Shana Banana. Students will co-create a song and story to present a mini-musical to friends and family members. Vocal warm up, projections and movement exercises are included in the warm-up routine. Recommended for teens. Free to attend, but registration is recommended. For more info, call (813) 273-3652 or, visit Attend.hcplc.org/ event/16616218

Thursday, July 9, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. –Healthy Happenings – Orthopedic Wellness. At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Healing Plaza (2590 Healing Way). This presentation is designed to help you better understand bone and joint health. Free to attend, but you must register. For more

info or to register, call (813) 929-5432 or visit AHWesleyChapel.com/Events.

Sunday, July 12, 3:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. – Philip Cooper Entertainment Presents: “Trouble Man – A Tribute to Marvin Gaye.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia. For two performances, the stage will come alive as the mesmerizing L. Young (photo left) takes you on a journey through the legendary hits of one of the greatest soul artists of all time. With his velvety voice and undeniable charisma, L. Young captures the essence of Marvin Gaye, evoking emotion and excitement with every note. Tickets $69-$79 depending on seat selection. For more info call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/Philip-cooper-entertainment-presents-trouble-man-a-tribute-to-marvin-gaye-t8e9l

Thursday, July 16, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. –“Christmas in July.” At Hilton Garden Inn (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Are you looking for a place to host your corporate Christmas Party? Check out the Hilton Garden Inn’s meeting room for “Christmas in July.” Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & a cash bar. Free to attend, but please RSVP. For more info, email lisamoore2@hilton. com or bradley.sandler@hilton.com.

Monday, July 20, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At The Brain & Stroke Center (4416 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Suite 201, Wesley Chapel). The Brain and Stoke Center is a comprehensive neurology clinic dedicated to providing advanced, patient-centered neurological care. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Friday-Sunday, July 24-25 & July 31-August 1, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. & July 25-26 & August 1-2, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. – New Tampa Players Present: “Annie.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Leapin’ lizards! Follow the spunky red-headed orphan with unshakable optimism as she sets out to find the family she’s always dreamed of, bringing sunshine, song, and laughter to everyone she meets along the way. Tickets $25-$39 depending on seat selection. For more info call (813) 829-2760 or see the ad on pg. 13. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.thunderstix.com.

Catch Acclaimed Jazz Pianist, Composer & Arranger

Simon Lasky with his NYC Quintet featuring singer Allison Nash

Wednesday, July 1, 8 p.m.

Table Seats cost $35 (or $30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) & Theater Seats are $30 ($25 for members).

A full cash bar will be available. For tickets & more info, visit TampaJazzClub.com

SPONSORED IN PART BY

No Takers Yet? The Most Expensive House In The

Tampa Bay Area Is Just Next Door!

Property Owner Who Sold A $50-Million Miami Mansion To Superstar The Weeknd Is Making Waves Locally

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

Nestled along a perfectly tree-lined road, amid gently rolling pastureland, stands something truly unique at 12321 Fort King Hwy. in Thonotosassa, just a few miles south and east of Cross Creek Blvd. — the highest-priced home ever listed for sale in the entire Tampa Bay area.

The garages alone are larger than many mansions in the Tampa Bay area, and the premium lakefront property is roughly the acreage of a small community. There really isn’t much this estate doesn’t have.

The main house is an absolute masterpiece of French Normandy architecture.

The 43,000-square-foot (total) château features 9 bedrooms and 26 bathrooms, and it looks more like something that belongs in the European countryside than where it’s actually positioned— just outside of both Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, on the edge of sleepy Lake Thonotosassa.

And for those wondering why anyone needs 26 bathrooms, only 12 are full baths. The remaining 14 are half baths spread throughout the estate’s many gathering spaces. The primary suite alone features separate his-and-hers bathrooms.

The 87-acre property includes impeccably manicured grounds, multiple equestrian facilities, a go-kart race track, a car museum complete with an executive boardroom, a dual-lane bowling alley, movie theater, private spa with sauna,

adjacent fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a private dock featuring a covered boat lift and party deck.

There is simply nothing else like it anywhere in the greater Tampa Bay region, and brokers at One Sotheby’s International Realty are counting on that fact as they attempt to make this the highest-priced single-family residential sale in Tampa Bay history.

The asking price: $115 million.

If the property ultimately sells anywhere near that figure, it could represent a dramatic shift in how luxury real estate is valued throughout the region. Especially considering the estate last sold in April 2021 for $16.7 million, when it “only” included approximately 36 acres.

Property records also show that roughly 51 additional acres, much of it greenbelt land, sold separately that same year for approximately $3.65 million. Combined, the transactions totaled roughly $20.35 million.

So how does a property purchased for approximately $20 million in 2021 arrive at a $115 million asking price just five years later, with relatively few major additions or changes to the estate itself?

How Did We Get Here?

The property was originally owned by Donald and Erika Wallace, who acquired the sprawling and largely undeveloped land in 2007, around the same time Donald Wallace retired.

Wallace was the founder and chairman of Lazydays RV Supercenter, which grew into the largest RV dealership operation in the world.

Almost immediately after purchasing the property, the existing home was demolished and construction began on what would become known as The Oaks Estate.

The main residence and its extensive amenities would take nearly five years to complete, with few expenses spared in the process.

What makes the estate particularly unusual is

its location. It’s not tucked behind the gates of an exclusive master-planned community or hidden within one of Florida’s traditional luxury enclaves.

Instead, it sits in a part of eastern Hillsborough County where old orange grove homes still stand, where a historic Methodist church remains a local landmark, and where a small post office and library continue to serve the surrounding community. And yet, Lake Thonotosassa has quietly attracted some impressive homes over the years.

The 947-acre lake is the largest in Hillsborough County and one of the region’s premier recreational lakes. Its size even makes fly-in, flyout access possible for seaplane owners. For those who prefer helicopters, the estate’s expansive grounds provide plenty of room for a landing.

An Exercise in Marketing?

The property is currently owned by former oil executive and investor Steven Lempera, who made headlines last year after selling a Miami Beach mansion to music superstar The Weeknd for a reported $50 million.

That sale came after Lempera acquired the property at auction in 2019 for $25.5 million.

That history naturally raises an interesting question: Is the $115 million asking price for The Oaks Estate purely a reflection of its actual value, or is it also part of a carefully crafted marketing strategy?

In the world of ultra-luxury real estate, asking prices often serve a purpose beyond establishing market value. A record-breaking price tag can transform a home into a conversation piece, generating headlines in real estate publications, business journals and local news outlets across the country. The listing itself becomes the story. And in many cases, that publicity is free.

Whether the strategy originated with the owner, the brokerage, or a combination of both remains unclear. Representatives involved with the listing declined to discuss how the asking

price was determined. But one thing is certain: very few homes generate this level of attention without first attaching a number large enough to make people stop scrolling.

When we spoke with listing broker associate Eddy Martinez, he said the property had already secured two private showings on the same day shortly after officially hitting the market in late April.

Even seeing the estate requires extensive vetting. Prospective buyers must demonstrate the financial capacity to complete a purchase before they are granted access. According to Martinez, those restrictions extend beyond buyers and even apply to members of the media and other real estate agents.

That level of exclusivity may itself be part of the appeal. For ultra-high-net-worth buyers, scarcity often carries value of its own. There are luxury homes, and then there are trophy properties —properties so unique that traditional comparisons become almost impossible.

At that level, the question is no longer whether one home is worth more than another, but whether there is anything remotely comparable available at all.

Of course, publicity alone does not guarantee a sale. Even some of the country’s most heavily marketed luxury listings have struggled to find buyers.

Celebrity Broker Ryan Serhant famously lost one of New York City’s highest-profile listings after the property failed to sell despite extensive media attention and marketing efforts.

Still, timing may be working in The Oaks Estate’s favor. Recent luxury housing data has shown Tampa Bay’s high-end market among the

strongest-performing luxury markets in the nation, with premium home values continuing to rise.

Whether The Oaks Estate ultimately sells for anywhere near its $115 million asking price remains to be seen. But regardless of the final number, the property has already accomplished one thing: Everyone is talking about it. And perhaps that was always the plan.

The Bigger Picture

The next highest-priced residential listing in the area is currently asking approximately $20 million. Coincidentally, it is located just down the road from The Oaks Estate.

While that property offers fewer amenities and significantly less acreage, it does feature one amenity the $115 million estate cannot claim: a full-scale replica of the Oval Office.

Even so, the gap between a $20 million listing and a $115 million listing illustrates just how ambitious The Oaks Estate’s pricing strategy truly is. Whether it ultimately sells for $115 million, $80 million, or something significantly less, the estate has already secured its place in local real estate history.

Synergy Outdoor Living Cuts A North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon

Congratulations to Synergy Outdoor Living, which has been open for about three months — at 25712 Sierra Center Blvd. (in the same strip retail center as Mellow Mushroom & Noire Nail Bar), across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets — but which hosted its North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on May 27.

Synergy was founded in Tampa as a tech company 33 years ago by local native Guy Ross.

“We were doing technology outside the house — security cameras, monitoring, lighting control, all of that,” Ross said during the ribbon-cutting, “but we first got into outdoor living about 10 years ago. I was born and raised here in Tampa and, as a Florida resident, I thought, ‘Why are people coming to Florida and this [outdoor

into [outdoor] kitchens.’ It’s been quite a ride.”

Synergy’s local showroom offers a wide variety of outdoor grills, full custom-designed outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fireplaces and more.

And, although Synergy’s website says there are four Florida showrooms, Ross only talked about this location and the one near the Universi ty Town Center mall in Sarasota/Bradenton.

For more information, call (877) 6640770 or visit SynergyFL.com. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George

Shark Branding Solutions’ ‘Hackathon’ Was An Amazing Way To Dive Into AI

By Gary Nager

All photos by

Charmaine George

Obviously, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the wave of the future, but if you’re old school like me, it’s probably been hard for you to embrace.

However, although I still find errors when I use Google AI to do research for stories, I am now a lot more interested in the other ways that AI can help my business — thanks to the husband-&-wife team of Josh and Michelle Stanaland of Shark Branding Solutions.

In addition to Michelle and Josh, the Shark Branding Solutions team includes chief operating officer Tiffany Fancher (at left in photo, with Michelle and Josh), “who makes sure everything runs smoothly,” Michelle says. “We couldn’t do this without her.”

Michelle, Shark Branding’s CEO, invited the Neighborhood News team to the company’s first-ever in-person “Hackathon” on May 26 (at Philena Worthington’s Worthington Agency; see next page, a AAA insurance office at 35366 Pure Water Way, Zephyrhills). The Hackathon itself wasn’t at all what it sounded like, at least not to me.

Josh, the company’s chief technology officer, created a simulation of the websites of each of the six businesses who attended the Hackathon. Each website was outfitted with an AI “employee” (“not a ChatBot,” Michelle emphasized) who served as each company’s receptionist.

In other words, when you logged onto your own simulated website, your AI receptionist (ours was named Nora) popped up to answer any and all questions about your business that someone visiting your website might have.

“I don’t know about you,” Michelle said, “but as a business owner, I love creating websites and helping companies build their brands. I don’t like having to answer the phone. But, I also know that I have lost potential clients because I didn’t answer the phone or get back to the person soon enough.

“If you hire a receptionist, which can cost you $40,000 a year, you have to train them, hope they will handle your customers as you would and that they will be reliable. Your AI receptionist is ‘trained’ by being programmed with all of the info about your business and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

She added, however, “That the goal is not to replace your employees, but to allow your entire team to avoid having to handle those customer inquiries so they can each do their actual jobs.”

At any rate, the idea of the Hackathon was for each of us to hack, or basically break, our own AI receptionist.

But, guess what? Without ever having to be trained by myself or Jannah, Nora answered every possible question anyone visiting our website could possibly ask — including about our editorial content, and especially, about advertising in the Neighborhood News.

In other words, Josh and Michelle, who have not yet rolled out their AI receptionist “package” to the public, are onto something big. And, you should definitely give them a call — and please tell them I sent you.

For Shark Branding Solutions, call (727) 269-7009 or visit SharkBrandingSolutions.com — and please tell Michelle, Josh and Tiffany I sent you. — GN, photos by Charmaine George

Decorating Den — Making Wesley Chapel More Beautiful, One Room At A Time

By Traviyon Bigby Neighborhood News Correspondent

Trends come and go — one day it’s min imalist neutrals, the next it’s bold wallpaper, layered textures or statement ceilings.

According to Debbie Demboski and Sara Nelson of Decorating Den Interiors, one design philosophy never goes out of style: creating interior spaces that reflect you. With a combined career spanning more than four decades, the mother-daughter duo has built a reputation for creating exceptional spaces for clients throughout New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities.

Decorating Den Interiors was originally established in 1969 and today has more than 300 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. Debbie’s franchise has consistently earned a place in Decorating Den’s top 5% nationwide by remaining true to the company’s original mission, “Making the world more beautiful, one room at a time,” while continuing to evolve with those ever-changing industry trends.

transitioning into the interior design industry. Debbie remains actively involved as Decorating Den’s master license owner for Central Florida, overseeing more than 10 franchises throughout the region. Her leadership and dedication have earned her many honors, including Franchise Owner of the Year and Region Owner of the Year, as well as a place on the 2026 Success Panel (held in Reno, NV), where she spoke about the company’s unique business model.

After graduating from West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Fashion Merchandising & Business, Debbie worked for

several retail companies, including Montgomery Ward, before purchasing her Decorating Den franchise in 1990. She initially served clients in Atlanta before relocating the business to Florida. For the past 34 years, Debbie has helped homeowners and businesses transform

everyday spaces into personalized sanctuaries through thoughtful interior design. Some of her works have even been published and entered into national design contests.

Debbie’s passion for design began in her hometown of Steubenville, OH, after a memorable prom experience when another student arrived wearing the same dress. Inspired to create her own styles, Debbie began sewing with a machine her grandmother had gifted her. What started as an interest in fashion eventually grew into a lifelong career in home design. That focus on individuality remains central to the company’s philosophy today. Rather than ever pushing a “signature look,” Decorating Den Interiors, as a company, prioritizes understanding what matters most to each client.

Built on three generations of passion and expertise, Debbie’s franchise has grown into a true family business. She serves as the foundation of the company, while her mother and office manager, Phyllis Wilcher, is its welcoming voice, while Sara represents the next generation of leadership. Phyllis, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday and also serves as director of hospitality at St. James United Methodist Church in Tampa Palms, has long been the first point of contact for clients, sharing her enthusiasm for interior decorating with anyone who shows interest.

Sara, who joined the business more than a decade ago after graduating from the University of South Florida with a B.A. degree in Journalism and a certification in Business Management, worked as a Tampa Bay regional manager for “As Seen On TV.” She says she was seeking a more flexible path that would allow her to spend more time with family while also aligning with her natural creative strengths. Ultimately, this led her to train under Debbie, gaining hands-on experience and learning the business first-hand before fully

Bringing the design studio to you, the process begins with a free, in-home consultation, where clients discuss their style preferences, ideas, inspiration and budget. Debbie and Sara both take pride in offering “good, better, and best” options to help clients find solutions that fit both their vision, lifestyle and budget.

“Follow your heart,” Debbie says. “If you like it, it’ll never go out of style. You have to live in it, so make it your own.”

That personalized approach continues to resonate, with nearly 80 percent of the company’s business coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Rosemarie Alfarano, a client who first discovered Decorating Den through the Neighborhood News, says the experience has exceeded her expectations.

“Sara and Debbie are absolutely fabulous and extremely professional from start to finish,” Rosemarie says. “If there is ever an issue, they correct it immediately. What stood out to me most was the convenience and how quickly they understood my style. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for interior designers who truly listen and care about bringing your vision to life.”

As design trends continue shifting from

Sara remain current by attending industry conferences such as the High Point Market in High Point, NC, and Design Edge Florida, as well as regional meetings. Still, they both believe that trends should inspire design decisions — not define them.

Debbie encourages everyone, especially first-time clients, to work with a designer who listens to their needs and respects their personal style. As one of her favorite interior design sayings goes, “If the decorator tells you to throw

into one of the franchise’s standout specialties: window treatments. Sara, along with a few other franchisees, holds the company’s highest design professional certification, Decorating Den Certified Designer. Her passion also led her to earn the title of National Certified Window Treatment Specialist.

Sara says, “The future of design is motorization,” therefore her latest focus is, “helping clients understand how custom blinds, shades, draperies and shutters can seamlessly combine

ment consultations, which often evolve into larger design projects, ranging from adding rugs and reupholstering furniture to redesigning entire rooms. Before long, many clients find themselves asking, “Now what would you do with this other room?” Beyond interiors, Decorating Den also helps clients create inviting outdoor spaces, including patios and pool decks (photos on previous page).

For Debbie and Sara, one of the greatest joys outside of working together is serving a

to explore styles, textures, and patterns in new ways.” Above all, they hope clients will remember one thing: “If we make something beautiful, you’ll smile every time you look at it.” More than any trend, that philosophy is what truly makes a house feel like home.

To schedule a free in-home consultation with Decorating Den Interiors, call (813)679-0222, e-mail debbied@decoratingden.com, or visit DebbieD.DecoratingDen.com. Also, see the ad on page 32.

The Darragh Legacy — More Than 30 Years Of Local Real Estate Excellence!

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

For nearly four decades, Kristy Darragh has helped New Tampa and Wesley Chapel families navigate some of life’s biggest transitions. She has built more than a real estate business. She has built a brand rooted in rela tionships, local expertise and a commitment to treating every client like family. Today, the Darragh brand continues to grow at Florida Executive Realty in Tampa Palms, with Kristy’s daughter Megan Darragh helping carry that legacy into its next chapter.

When Kristy first joined Florida Execu tive Realty in 1995, New Tampa was still in the early stages of becoming the thriving com munity it is today. As the community grew, so did her business. Kristy has helped thousands of local buyers and sellers navigate life’s biggest milestones, surpassing $1 billion in career sales while building a reputation for knowing the market inside and out. She has been #1 in sales in New Tampa since 1997. What began as a solo practice has evolved into a trusted brand built on referrals and repeat clients.

Despite that longevity, Kristy says the industry itself has changed dramatically, especially in how clients begin the home-buying or selling process.

“The first thing they should do is call a professional,” she explains, noting that many clients now arrive having already searched online or even asked AI-driven tools for recommendations before speaking with an agent. “A lot of times now, they’ve already looked me up before they even call.”

For Kristy and Megan, behind every transaction is a focus on negotiation, protection and communication, with the Darragh team supporting clients from consultation through closing. “I’ve always tried to stay ahead of technology,” Kristy says, “but I keep the human touch. I think that balance is what makes it work.”

Kristy and Megan’s focus is always on helping their clients understand not just what the market is doing, but what it actually means. For sellers, that means pricing their homes based on real-time local activity, competition and demand rather than automated estimates or national headlines. For buyers, it means cutting through online “noise” to

understand true value and avoid common misconceptions. “Every home is different,” Kristy says, “so we tailor our strategy based on condition, location and timing, so our clients are positioned competitively, whether they are buying or selling.”

That same expertise is reflected in the structure of the Darragh team at Florida Executive Realty. While Kristy focuses on those long-term strategies, pricing and negotiation, Megan brings a perspective shaped by years of learning the business from the ground up. Before becoming a Realtor® herself in 2020, Megan spent years working behind the scenes at Florida Executive Realty, first as a receptionist and later as an office manager, gaining experience in contracts, training and day-today operations.

“I kind of did everything behind the scenes in a real estate office,” Megan says. “Once I decided to make the leap into sales, I knew people would give anything to have my mom as their mentor, and I never took that for granted.”

Megan says her mother made her earn her place through years of market analysis, training and hands-on learning. “Nothing has been handed to me,” she says. “I know in my heart and soul that I earned my seat.”

Today, the pair are supported by transaction and marketing specialists Jace Haitz and

Toni Osborn, creating a team that combines decades of experience with a modern, responsive approach to client service.

Although Kristy and Megan today operate largely independently, Megan says working alongside her mother has been one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “Our personalities click quite well,” Megan says. “I don’t think I’ve ever butted heads with my mom once.”

That shared philosophy extends to how they serve clients. Like her mother, Megan

views real estate as a relationship-driven business centered on guidance, trust and advocacy. She says some of her favorite clients are first-time homebuyers, whom she enjoys helping navigate one of the biggest purchases of their lives. “I want to protect them,” Megan says. “I want to help get them the house that they want.”

While Kristy has spent nearly four decades building the Darragh brand, Megan is helping carry those values into the next generation. “She’s always just a phone call away,” Megan says of her mom. “I still call her for advice all the time — real estate or life advice.”

Analyzing The Local Markets

Locally, Kristy emphasizes that inventory drives pricing in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. She says that in the 33647 zip code, a balanced market typically includes around 300 active listings, but recent years have fluctuated widely, from pandemic-era lows to more moderate recovery levels, impacting both pricing and competition.

Kristy notes that Wesley Chapel adds another layer of complexity, due to the massive amounts of ongoing new construction. She says that builder incentives — such as closing cost assistance, rate buydowns, and upgrades — can significantly increase perceived value and must be considered when pricing resale homes, which are otherwise competing on a more traditional basis of condition and location. She also cautions clients against “head-

line-driven” interpretations of the market, noting that national reports often blur listing trends with actual sales data. In her view, the local markets in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel both remain stable and bal anced, supported by consistent buyer demand and healthy absorption rates.

Beyond market analysis, Kristy says that one of the most rewarding parts of her career continues to be the human side of real estate. She has worked with many clients experiencing emotional life transitions — including older homeowners downsizing after the loss of a spouse — and the responsi bility that comes with being a trusted guide during those moments.

SERVICES PROVIDED IN OUR OFFICE:

•Wellness Dentistry for kids and teens

•Holistic nutritional counseling for teeth and gums

•Ozone therapy for oral care

“These are some of the biggest decisions in someone’s life,” Kristy says. “They need to feel like they can completely rely on you.” That sense of responsibility, she adds, is what drives her team’s approach to service: high-touch, detail-oriented, and deeply personal. Even as the team expands its presence on social media, where Kristy shares more of her day-to-day thoughts and market commentary, the goal is not visibility for its own sake, but connection.

Despite all of her accolades, Kristy describes herself as someone shaped by Midwestern roots, a strong work ethic and a grounded, approachable personality — a contrast, she says, to the polished perception people sometimes have of high-performing real estate agents. “I’m just like everybody else. I just happen to do this every day, and I love it.”

•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

Kristy’s long-standing reputation in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel real estate market is reflected in both her results and the trust she has built with clients over time. She currently holds a 5.0-star Google rating across more than 80 reviews. As reviewer Betsey G. shared, “When it was time to sell my home, I interviewed four real estate agents. Kristy came to our first meeting with a detailed market analysis, trendlines and data, to help me position the sale of my home. . . She’s got a great team that makes sure no detail gets missed. Selling a home can be hectic and stressful: Kristy and team made it a smooth process. Kristy also helped me purchase my forever home. . . if the opportunity arises, I’d certainly choose her again.”

At its core, she says, the business is not defined by transactions, but by trust. When clients choose Kristy’s team, they are placing confidence in a process she and Megan oversee from beginning to end — with the expectation that nothing will get missed and every detail will be handled with care. “I think of my clients every single day until it’s done,” she says.

And, for many in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, that commitment has lasted far longer than any single transaction.

The Tampa Palms office of Florida Executive Realty is located at 15802 Amberly Dr. For more info about Kristy and Megan Darragh, visit RealEstateNewTampa.com, call (813) 931-6700 or see the ads on pgs. 24-25 and the back cover of this issue. Also, follow Kristy and Megan on Facebook and Instagram at “Kristy Darragh Realtor.”

Nations Roofing & Construction Celebrates 20 Years Of Trusted Sales, Service & More!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

As a family-owned business for two de cades, owner Jason Morphet says the track re cord of his Nations Roofing & Construction, LLC, which he founded in 2006, proves his company will be there when you need him.

“Twenty years later, this still isn’t just a roofing company to me,” he says, “it’s my family’s name and legacy. We’ve built Nations Roofing & Construction on doing honest work, standing behind every roof we install and treating our customers the way we’d want our own family to be treated.”

Offering both residential and commer cial roof installations and repairs, Nations Roofing & Construction is a licensed and insured roofing company that provides metal, shingle, tile and flat roofs to meet any needs. In addition, the company installs gutters, soffit, fascia, siding and solar panels, and also provides chimney repairs.

Nations Roofing & Construction offers free estimates, too. If you’re not sure if your roof has been damaged by storms or you want to be sure your roof is ready for this year’s hurricane season (which began on June 1), Nations Roofing & Construction will inspect your roof and provide a thorough re-

Jason warns that after a storm, homeowners need to be careful who they trust, especially if roofing companies come knocking on their door.

“Is this company licensed in Florida? Is it insured? Is it local? Will it be there for you after the work is completed?” Jason asks. “When doing any kind of roofing work, from a small repair to new installation, always look for a local company with the proper licenses and insurance.”

Jason says a lot of his customers are referred to him by word of mouth and previous customer referrals. He likes being able to serve homeowners and businesses in and near the community where he lives with his wife, Ayleen, a Pasco County teacher, and their daughters, Lily and Ellis.

Commercial Roofs, Too

In addition to residential roofing, Nations Roofing & Construction has a high volume of commercial roofing projects, too. Jason says that his commercial volume actually creates greater value for his residential customers, as Nations Roofing & Construction is able to build strong manufacturer relationships and purchase materials on a larger scale. That means that homeowners also get better products, greater value and higher quality — all at competitive pricing.

In fact, the company provides professional TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) roofing installations, repairs and replacements for both commercial buildings and mobile homes across Florida. TPO roofing has very quickly become one of the most popular flat

roofing solutions, thanks to its affordability, energy efficiency, and ability to withstand Florida’s harsh climate.

Jason calls his company “The Home of the Lifetime Warranty,” saying that a warranty from his company “actually means something.”

Nations Roofing & Construction also has become one of the first and only CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER credentialed contractors in Florida (see graphic on next page). With that designation, the company can offer a 160-MPH wind warranty and a 30-year workmanship warranty — with annual roof inspections included at no extra charge.

“A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it,” Jason says. “A new shingle roof in Florida typically lasts 18-20 years, but the usual lifespan of a roof mainly depends on the workmanship of the installers and the materials used. Roofs mostly fail before the end of their lifespans due to poor workmanship. Tile and metal roofs can last up to 40 years or longer, provided that they are installed properly.”

That’s why Nations Roofing & Construction insists on providing high-quality installation and great customer service. The company’s experienced crews and long-term employees, and use of premium materials, guarantee that your roof that will last for years to come.

And, if you ever need the warranty, Nations Roofing & Construction will be there. Jason promises that his company’s 20-year track record means you can count on Nations Roofing & Construction in the future. That’s not always the case with many roofing companies, especially the “storm chasers” that knock on your door after your area experiences damage from a tropical storm or hurricane.

“Anyone can sell a roof,” Jason says. “The real test is whether the company will still be there to stand behind it 20 years later.”

More

Than Just Roofs

While Nations Roofing & Construction specializes in roofing, the “Construction” part of its name is a reminder that the company doesn’t stop there. In addition to roof installation, Nations Roofing & Construction has a service department that focuses on repairs, inspections, maintenance and warranties.

It also offers a range of additional construction services, such as gutter installations, to protect a home’s foundation, channeling water away from the structure to prevent potential damage.

Nations Roofing & Construction also does soffit and fascia work, both of which protect the roof while also enhancing your home’s overall appearance and value.

In addition, Nations Roofing & Construction can provide quality siding, will rebuild and repair your home’s chimney and even offers solar panel installation services and solar-ready roofing solutions.

More than 100 reviews for the company on Google are five stars (out of five).

“After 25 years we finally had to replace

(Left) ShingleMaster has named Nations Roofing & Construction as a premier contractor. Jason served in the U.S. Army from 1995-99. (Photos provided by Nations Roofing & Construction) the entire tile roof on our 4,400-sq.-ft. home –a major project including removal/replacement of our pool’s solar heater,” wrote customer Robert H. in his five-star Google review. “So, we were cautious about the vendor.”

Robert’s review also said that the entire experience was professional and high-quality. “Their workers and subcontractors were very pleasant, careful of our extensive plantings and meticulous at removing nails from the ground. They were in regular contact and always responsive to our calls and questions.”

In fact, Robert said, “This major project [for us] could not have gone better.”

Another recent review on Google was equally complimentary. “Nations Roofing & Construction was the real deal! We did our homework and interviewed four different roofing companies for the job,” says customer John G.. “They came in with the most professional

quote utilizing new technology and were very precise. They also had the most complete plan for all logistics of the job.”

John also noted that, “they were very responsive to all our questions and needs. Our hats off to the team...Well done!”

These types of reviews show why Nations Roofing & Construction has continued to grow and be successful over the last two decades.

“Twenty years doesn’t happen by accident in this industry,” Jason, who served in the U.S. Army from 1995-99 (photo), says. “It comes from hard work, long days, standing behind your word and taking care of customers after the job is done.”

For more information about Nations Roofing & Construction LLC, or to schedule a free estimate, call or text (813) 692-1555, visit NationsRoofingCompany.com, or see the ad on page 13 of this issue.

Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath — A Family Tradition Of Quality Remodeling

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

For more than two decades, Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath has built its reputation on a simple idea: specializing in just three services and doing them all well.

With the company’s main office and showroom located in the Target-anchored Northwoods shopping center on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel and its original location in the Trinity area of New Port Richey, Giovanni’s focuses on flooring and kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Although owner Giovanni Gocaj is a licensed contractor qualified to perform many types of construction work, he says the company’s success comes from sticking to what it knows best.

“We choose to do only three things — flooring, kitchens and baths,” Giovanni says. “When you do the same job every day, you’re going to be good at it.”

The business dates back to 2004, when Giovanni’s father, Luk Gocaj, opened the family’s first flooring store in Trinity after immigrating from Albania. Today, the company remains family-ownedand-operated, with Luk still working alongside Giovanni and other family members on projects throughout the Tampa Bay area. “My brothers, cousins, father and I all work together,” he says.

For Giovanni, that family involvement is one of the things that separates the company from many of its competitors. Rather than hiring subcontractors, Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath uses its own employees on every project.

“We don’t do subcontractors,” Giovanni

says. “I’d rather wait to start a job than bring in somebody I don’t know. My crews have been with me for a long time.”

He also says that having dedicated crews helps keep his pricing competitive. Because employees work in the same specialty every day, projects often move faster and more efficiently.

“I can compete with anybody on price,” he says. “My guys know exactly what they’re doing when they get to the job site.”

The same approach applies in the field.

Flooring crews handle only flooring installations, kitchen crews focus on kitchens and bathroom crews focus on baths. Giovanni believes that this higher level of specialization results in better

workmanship and smoother experiences for the company’s customers.

When you visit the Giovanni’s show room on BBD, you will find much more than just flooring samples. In addition to helping homeowners select materials,Giovanni and his staff also offer interior design consulting services to help tie an entire room together. Whether a customer is updating a single room or tackling a full kitchen or bathroom renovation, the team assists with everything from color selection and floor coverings to furniture, lighting, fabrics, wallpaper and window treatments. Giovanni says, “The goal is to create spaces that not only look good but also reflect the personalities and

has become increasingly popular because of its durability and waterproof qualities. Customers can browse products from major manufacturers such as Armstrong, Bruce, Tarkett, Beaulieu, and Columbia, as well as higher-end brands like Mirage, Indus Parquet and Robbins. Giovanni’s also installs and refinishes hardwood flooring, repairs damaged wood floors, and can update staircases with new treads, risers and finishes.

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are equally comprehensive. Giovanni’s provides

cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, sinks, faucets, vanities, showers, tile surrounds and other fixtures needed to complete a renovation from start to finish. The company works with homeowners to coordinate layouts, materials and finishes, helping transform outdated rooms into spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. For bathroom remodels, many customers look to create spa-like retreats that bring comfort and relaxation into their homes.

view of the kitchen,” he says. “You have to visualize how everything is going to work together.”

Communication remains a major part of every project. Giovanni says either he or a manager visits active job sites each day to monitor progress, answer questions and stay in touch with homeowners.

Trinity locations, Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath has earned a combined 4.85-star rating across more than 170 Google reviews.

like to add a third showroom somewhere in the Riverview/Bloomingdale area.

“Every house is different,” Giovanni explains. “Not everybody has the same layout or the same colors. We look at what they already have and help plan everything around their home.” He says design mistakes tend to happen when homeowners rush through the process. In some cases, improving a space requires more than simply replacing materials. “We might open up a wall or change the layout because it blocks the

“When we start a job, we’re there every day until it’s done,” Giovanni says. “I hear from customers all the time who had contractors start projects and never come back. We don’t do that.”

The company also backs all of its work Including remodeling jobs) with a lifetime warranty, offering additional peace of mind long after a project is completed.

Before any project is wrapped up, the company conducts a final walkthrough. And, Giovanni’s customers appear to appreciate that approach. Between the Wesley Chapel and

In a recent 5-star review of the Wesley Chapel showroom, Dorothy H. wrote, “From start to finish, my experience with Giovanni’s was outstanding. The team went above and beyond to guide me through the flooring selection process, helping me find the perfect style and material to fit both my space and budget. They were patient, knowledgeable, and transparent every step of the way. . . I highly recommend Giovanni’s to anyone looking for expert guidance, great products, and top-notch service. Thank you for making this such a smooth and rewarding experience!”

Growth remains on the horizon as well. Along with its Wesley Chapel and Trinity showrooms, Giovanni says he would eventually

For now, however, the focus remains on the same values that have guided the business since the beginning: family, craftsmanship and personalized service.

“If there’s one thing I want people to know,” Giovanni says, “it’s that we’re familyowned and family-operated. That’s what makes us different.”

Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath is located at 1285 BBD Blvd., Wesley Chapel. Be sure to check out their social media pages, Facebook.com/giovanniflooring or Instagram. com/giovanniflooringstore. For more information, see the ad on pg. 33, call (813) 4618686, visit FlooringForFlorida.com, or stop by the showroom to explore your flooring, kitchen, and bath remodeling options.

The Topash Family Of Topash Painting — Trusted In New Tampa For Almost 50 Years!

By Mary Durbin Neighborhood News Correspondent

K.T. Topash and his son Cole continue to provide quality painting services for the residents of New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas, continuing the Topash family’s almost-50-year tradition. The company provides both interior and exterior painting for both residences and businesses.

Paul, K.T.’s father, started Paul Topash & Son in 1978. K.T. bought the company from Paul in 2009 and changed the company name to Topash Paining, LLC. Cole became part owner when he turned eighteen, and this August, he will have been painting with his dad for 10 years. K.T. has now been painting for 33 years.

Rounding out the family staff is Hollie Topash, K.T.’s wife and Cole’s mother. Hollie manages all the bookkeeping and other back-office responsibilities. Cole has two young sons who might end up being the fourth generation to join the business!

While a lot has changed since the business started, K.T. and Cole still maintain the values and work ethics that keep their customers loyal. Typically, K.T. and Cole will be on the worksite together. Unlike some contractors, Topash does not use any subcontractors.

K.T. says, “If we can’t do it with the two of us, we don’t do it.” In other words, you know who you are getting when your contract for the company’s services.

Over the last few years, the State of Florida stopped requiring painting companies to be licensed. Pasco County currently still issues licenses to painting companies, but they are phasing out such licensing; Hillsborough County has stopped issuing licenses to painting companies altogether. Cole says the reason for the change in the requirement is because the state licensing agency does not see painting — unlike roofing and other types of construction work— as a “crucial” service.

Cole disagrees, however, saying “you can get water intrusion and all sorts of issues.” Not requiring the licenses does make it harder for potential customers to distinguish a truly professional painting company from the amateurs.

We caught up with K.T. and Cole on a worksite at a home in the Quail Hollow area

of Wesley Chapel. The homeowner, Michele Florio Williams, is a long-time customer:

Paul Topash painted for Michele’s mother, so Michele says: “I’ve grown up with the Topash family. I’ve known K.T. since he was a toddler. And then Cole was born so I have seen I have now seen three generations of Topashes.” As far as their work is concerned, she says, “They are my lifeline.”

She adds: “Their personalities just get everybody in a good mood. It is not an ego thing with them. They are just like, ‘We have to get this done.’”

So, What’s New?

While Topash Painting continues to do jobs in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, the family moved to Brooksville in October of 2024. Hollie explains that, “It had nothing to do with the business. We just wanted to move somewhere that had land because we have horses and we wanted to have them in our own backyard.” She added, however, that K.T. and Cole are starting to get jobs near Brooksville, so she wants Neighborhood News readers to know that, if you know people in Hernando County, Topash Painting can now help them, too.

As far as new products are concerned, Cole mentions that they are using a Gallery Series

from Sherwin Williams for cabinet refinishing. He says it has the feel of a factory finish, is hard and super-durable and comes in almost any color. K.T. added, “We really focus on high-end paints, like Sherwin William’s Duration Line, for both interior and exterior jobs.” He adds, however, if a customer prefers an even more expensive paint, like Benjamin Moore, “We just charge the customer the difference.”

If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix It

The family’s strong work ethic and

treating customers like family has resulted in a lot of customer loyalty and referrals. K.T. says “being referred is the best complement for us.” Michele adds when contracting for other home services she also depends on the Topashes for referrals saying, “I don’t do anything without first asking K.T. who he knows.”

Unlike most other painting companies, Topash Painting does not require an upfront deposit before starting a job, and only expect to be paid when the job has been completed to the customer’s satisfaction. K.T, says, “We

don’t get paid until you’re happy.”

And, although Topash Painting doesn’t ask for or have a lot of online reviews, the company has all 5-star ratings on Google and all “Recommended” reviews on Facebook, including customer Rachel R., who wrote: “Topash Painting did a great job on our house! They worked quickly and efficiently to do an incredible job. We are so pleased with the outcome. Thank you so much! Highly recommend.”

For estimates or appointments, K.T. requested that people call his cell phone (813)810-1975, as the old office number must be rerouted and it may take longer to get back to you. You also can send an email to topashpainting@gmail.com. Or, search for “Topash Painting” on Facebook or see the ad on page 46.

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Running Great Automotive — Nearly 30 Years Of Keeping Your Vehicles Running Great!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

For nearly three decades, Running Great Automotive on N. Nebraska Ave (just south of Skipper Rd.) has been run by Glen Yudman.

Since 1997, when he purchased the auto repair shop, Glen has been working to build a reputation for honesty and reliability.

These days, his sons Robby and Danny work alongside him every day at the shop. Glen’s wife Barbi helps with the books, too, making it a truly family-run business.

“We’ve been telling our friends and neighbors about Glen for 25 years now,” says Hunter’s Green resident Al Frick. “He is very dependable and very honest. Running Great has great mechanics and is very affordable.”

Al says that over the years, he’s often taken his cars in with something he thought might be a serious problem, and received good news about a minor, inexpensive fix instead.

“They have turned down many opportunities to sell us a few extra parts,” Al says.

While Running Great is his go-to shop, it’s not the only place Al has taken his cars. For example, when he bought a new car, the dealer offered free oil changes, so Al took advantage of the offer.

“I went to the dealer for the free oil change, and they gave me a list of four things that ‘needed to be done’ that would add up to $900,” he says. “I told them, ‘Let me think about it.’”

Al then took his car and the estimate to

guarantee. Glen says that means if you take a road trip or move, if something fails, those parts will be fixed at no cost to you. He adds the he will get parts from dealers when needed, but even if the parts aren’t from NAPA, the work is still guaranteed and can be repaired at no cost at any NAPA-certified repair shop.

In fact, Running Great has recently become Napa Gold Certified, which is an elite distinction meaning the shop meets high criteria standards for service quality and professionalism, and can offer the best parts and repairs warranty available — up to 36 months and 36,000 miles.

A staff of 11 handles automobile maintenance and repairs at Running Great, from oil changes to brake service to new tires and more, including full maintenance and repairs on classic cars. An additional six employees provide services in the body shop.

Running Great, where he was told none of the four repair items were necessary.

“In fact, the mechanic pulled the air filter out of the car and showed it to me,” Al says, “and it was almost brand new.”

At Running Great, as an independently-owned, neighborhood automotive center, there are no sales commissions, no quotas and no dealer prices.

“We don’t follow any franchise rules. No one works on commission here,” Glen says. “Nobody out in the shop is going to profit by saying you need something you don’t. Whether you buy new brakes or you don’t, it’s all the same to the mechanic.”

As a NAPA-certified auto care center, any repairs done at Running Great use NAPA’s better quality parts and have a nationwide

Many of the shop’s employees are longterm, including Chris Bach, a certified Master Mechanic by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). He has been working at the location for nearly 35 years, starting out before Glen owned the shop, when Nebraska Ave. was just a two-lane road and the shop was called Mad Hatter Mufflers, Brakes & Transmissions.

Other technicians have worked at Running Great for 10 years or longer, which is something else that sets it apart from franchise or dealer shops.

“We see the same few mechanics almost

as long as we’ve been going there,” Al says. “That seems to be very unusual in the auto repair business. It shows Glen’s loyalty to his team, and since he’s taking care of his workers, the workers in turn are very concerned about making sure we’re taken care of, too.”

Running Great has expanded its tire lines, keeping many brands on-site in a large warehouse behind the shop.

“This allows us to provide you with the best brands and prices on tires,” Glen says.

He also says the key to keeping your car in tip-top shape is oil changes. Being in Florida, oil gets really hot, so it’s important to change it every 3,000 miles for conventional oil and every 5,000 miles for synthetic oil. When you bring your car to Running Great, your oil change also will include a complimentary vehicle inspection.

“If you go to the quick oil change places, they don’t usually care if your steering is about to fall off or if you have a bald tire,” Glen says. “Most are not trained to look.”

He says his customers tell him all the time that they’re surprised that the people at the oil change place didn’t tell them about problems with their brakes or other systems, but Glen emphasizes that’s not what a quick oil change place is in business to do.

And, he advises, if your brakes make any noise other than just a squeak, get someone to look at them right away. “The longer you wait,” he says, “the more it will cost you.”

Glen promises the same honest, personalized service in the body shop.

The staff in body shop includes Terry Hasse, who has been in the body business for more than 30 years as a certified estimator. Terry deals directly with all insurance company claims.

Glen recommends that you never pay out of pocket if your car needs body work after an accident.

“Always go through your insurance,” he says. “Otherwise, you won’t get a rental. And, if someone else agrees to pay for your repairs, they aren’t going to pay more if we find something else wrong. But, the insurance company will.”

Running Great uses a computer matching system for paint that has a camera with an eye that goes up against the body of the car to match the color. If it’s not perfect, the body shop can make adjustments based on what they see. Glen’s auto body employees will tint the paint on site so adjustments can be made as needed.

Drivers who have been in an accident have the right to take their car to any body shop they choose, so even if the insurance company recommends a specific shop, you don’t have to go there.

Al says when he started taking his cars to

Running Great 25 years ago, there wasn’t a lot in New Tampa, so Running Great was one of the closest shops to go to. Now, he drives past any number of tire shops, but is happy to go a little bit out of his way.

“We’ve found Glen consistently to be looking out for our best interests,” says Al. “Both of his sons, Danny and Robby, are just like him. There have been times where Glen isn’t there and they treat us exactly the same way, with good workmanship, good integrity and reasonable prices.”

Running Great Auto (14513 N. Nebraska Ave.) is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with some pickups available on Saturday. For more information, call (813)971-0642, visit RunningGreatAuto. com or see the ad on pg. 42.

Organic Safe Lawns Can Help Your Lawn Thrive From The Ground Up

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

For many Florida homeowners, maintaining a green lawn during the summer can feel like an uphill battle. This is especially true amid drought restrictions, extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns.

But, for Jim Schanstra, the owner of Organic Safe Lawns, lawn care has always been about more than just appearances.

“It’s still about protecting families,” Schanstra says. “You can have a beautiful lawn without exposing your kids and pets to harmful chemicals.”

That mission has guided Organic Safe Lawns since Schanstra first launched the com pany in 2010, and, he says, it’s become even more important as homeowners grow more aware of the potential health and environmental concerns tied to traditional lawn treatment chemicals.

Unlike many conventional lawn care companies that rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and herbicides, Organic Safe Lawns focuses on treating the soil itself. Schanstra explains that the organic-based products he uses strengthen root systems rather than forcing rapid top growth.

“We’re building your lawn from the ground up,” he says. “Healthy roots create a healthier plant.” That distinction becomes especially important, he says, during Florida’s dry season, which was just replaced by hurricane season on June 1.

Meanwhile, as drought conditions continue to affect Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and Land O’ Lakes, Schanstra says many homeowners unintentionally damage their lawns by watering incorrectly. One of the biggest mistakes he sees is hand watering during the heat of the day.

“The water reflects sunlight almost like a magnifying glass,” he explains. “People think they’re helping their grass, but what they’re actually doing is burning it.”

Instead, Schanstra recommends watering just before sunrise whenever possible in order to ensure that your lawn receives enough water to soak through the thatch and reach the soil beneath. He suggests that when you hand-water your lawn, that you should place

a small dish or container in the yard to measure about a half-inch of water during each watering session.

“It’s not about watering longer or more often,” he says. “It’s about watering correctly.”

He adds that over-watering can be just as damaging as watering at the wrong time of day. According to Schanstra, excessive irrigation can weaken root systems, promote fungus growth and create a condition known as “dieback,” where roots begin growing too close to the surface instead of deep into the soil.

“We see a lot of lawn problems that really come down to improper irrigation,” he says. “Too much water, too little water, watering at the wrong time — all of these affect the health of your lawn.”

Florida’s summer conditions also create the perfect environment for common lawn pests like chinch bugs (top photo on next page) and sod webworms. Dry conditions tend to bring chinch bugs earlier in the season, while excessive moisture can lead to fungus and webworm issues. Still, Schanstra says prevention is often simpler — and safer — than aggressive chemical treatments.

“We treat these pests with Organic Pyrethrins by spraying the infected areas with excellent results!,” Schanstra says. “Using our service can save you thousands in turf replacement.”

Organic Safe Lawns uses lower-nitrogen formulations designed to reduce stress on turf while naturally strengthening the lawn’s defenses against pests and diseases. These treatments also are designed to be safer for children, pets and wildlife.

“The dogs are a huge thing for me,” Schanstra says. “They’re out there on the grass every day, and then they come inside licking their paws. Families deserve to know what’s being put on their lawns.”

“I’ve been using Organic Safe Lawns for

nearly 10 years. They are the best!,” says Zenia R.in a recent 5-star Google review. “My lawn looks great and I love that my 20-pound dog can run and sniff and play safely on it.”

Zenia also shared that after her husband was diagnosed with lymphoma several years ago, her family made the decision to stop using harsh chemical lawn treatments altogether. She also praised Organic Safe Lawns’ long-time technician Curt for his attention to detail and friendly service, noting that he even helped save her camellia tree using neem oil treatments. “I

highly recommend this company for your lawn care!,” she says.

That focus on client well being remains one of the biggest reasons Schanstra still enjoys his work after all these years. “I think the best part is knowing we’re helping people avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals while still giving them a lawn they can be proud of,” he says. “You really can do both.”

Backed by decades of expe rience in the industry, Schanstra and his team specialize in organic monthly fertilization and pest control for both residential and commercial properties throughout Tampa, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.

As an Organic Safe Lawns client you are entitled to free irrigation checks and discounted irrigation services — including repair of your existing sprinkler system, as well as installation of a new irrigation system.

The company is known for its respectful customer service, state-licensed spray technicians and customized organic-based treatments designed specifically for Florida lawns. With monthly treatment service starting at $45 and no contracts required, the company continues to focus on creating healthier lawns that are safer for children, pets and the environment.

Organic Safe Lawns is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional information, call (813) 393-9665, visit

OrganicSafeLawns.com, email Schanstra at organicsafelawns@verizon.net, or see the ad on pg. 47 of this issue.

Welcome To New Grill At Morris Bridge Executive Chef Zach Thorpe

By Gary Nager

You have to hand it to Frank Gouveia, the owner of The Grill at Morris Bridge, which has been one of my two favorite restaurants in New Tampa since it first opened back in late 2021.

The restaurant has gone through several chef changes — including losing the most recent chef Mike Touranjoe, who left to become a top chef at a cruise line — but Frank seems to have no problem finding outstanding new talent to lead the restau rant’s culinary team.

The latest case in point is new Executive Chef Zach Thorpe (at right in top right photo, with Frank), who moved to the Tampa Bay area from Phoenix, AZ, five years ago. Zach was most recently a sous chef at Caretta on The Gulf at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater and he says he is excited for his first opportunity to be an Executive Chef.

chicken had just the right amount of spice, too.

“What appeals to me most at The Grill is the chance to use my creativity,” Zach says. “I feel like menu changes are necessary. I look forward to putting my mark on this restaurant in a good way and hope everyone will love my food and the atmosphere we try to create here at The Grill.” He adds that his favorite cuisine types are both Southern and Southwestern American.

“Currently, my favorite items to make off the menu are the shrimp scampi and the ribeye steak,” he says, but he also is already using his creativity on a constantly-changing “Chef’s Features” menu.

On our most recent visit, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I were able to sample three of those Chef’s Features — and we’re hoping that all three will stay on the menu.

We started our meal with Chef Zach’s refreshing and tasty Watermelon Salad (top left), which combined slices of seedless fresh watermelon, spring mix, pickled Fresno chiles, a slightly sweet blueberry compote, feta cheese, pepita (pumpkin) seeds and a delicate white balsamic vinaigrette.

We all also loved the blackened chicken linguine (below left), which had roasted tomatoes, peas, bacon and a light Alfredo sauce that was creamy the Italian way, without being loaded with heavy cream. The blackened

My favorite of the specials was the braised lamb shank (below right) which was topped with a rich, savory and slightly sweet port wine reduction and the tastiest, crispiest yucca frites I’ve sampled and fresh broccoli. The lamb was so tender you barely needed a knife to cut it.

I’m also hoping that the crispy pork belly with sweet potato purée, bourbon caramel sauce and candied pecans and the lump blue crab cake (with charred lemo aji Amarillo aioli, jicama, Kohirabi slaw and scallions will either both be added to the regular menu or at least stick around long enough for us to try them.

But, speaking of seafood (and the regular menu), Charmaine also was able to sample the seafood risotto (bottom right), which included large shrimp, scallops and a lobster claw, in a lobster cream sauce and micros greens. Charmaine said the seafood was “perfect” and she loved the overall flavor of the risotto.

And, even though we all already loved several of The Grill’s famous “Southshore Bar Pizzas,” we tried one we hadn’t had before — the spicy “New Bedford” pizza (lower left photo on next page), which was topped with hot chicken, onions, scallions and spicy peri-peri sauce. If you’re a beer lover, this super-crisp-crusted New England-style beauty is a perfect complement to a Sam Adams seasonal draft or any of The Grill’s other draft, bottled or canned beers.

Speaking of great bar-friendly food, if you want to watch a World Cup soccer match, The Grill’s bar

the meatballs and the spinach & artichoke dip “Shareables,” the New England clam chowder, the grilled Caesar salad and the braised beef short ribs in cabernet demi-glace.

is a great place to talk “futbol” with other local fans and enjoy an order of crispy grouper bites, mushroom arancini (rice balls) or one of the many great “Handhelds,” from a ground brisket, short rib and chuck smash burger to a fried, blackened or Nashville hot chicken sandwich to an excellent shaved ribeye sandwich (above), which is topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on an amoroso roll and served with au jus for dipping.

And, The Grill also has more upscale regular menu items, like the seared Florida grouper (left), served on a bed of goat cheese and pea risotto, with a confit of baby vegetables. The Grill’s fresh fish and the filet mignon and NY strip steaks have always been among mine and Jannah’s favorites in the area and the prime rib (available Fri.-Sun. only) also is extremely tender and seasoned just right.

Other favorite menu items of ours at The Grill include

If you’re craving dessert, we’re still partial to the Chef’s cheesecake, but we tried the bourbon-glazed chocolate chip bread pudding (above) and even though I’ve never been the biggest bread pudding fan, it was delightfully dense, not overly sweet and topped with house-made bourbon glaze, a streusel swirl and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Truly delish!

Jannah absolutely loves The Grill’s sparkling French martini (with Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, LaMarca prosecco and pineapple juice) and strawberry basil martinis and, of course, not only does The Grill have my Jameson, but on this most recent visit, I tried a Dunbrody Irish whiskey and will probably be enjoying it on my next visit, too.

We don’t always drink wine when we visit The Grill, but I firmly believe Frank, who was previously in the wine distribution business, has assembled the largest and best wine list in the area, with more Italian reds (Barolos, a Brunello, etc.), California pinot noirs and chardonnays and sparkling options than you’ll find anywhere in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel.

And, The Grill’s wine dinners are legendary and always sell out, so keep your eyes peeled or call to reserve your spot at the next one! Or, to elevate your next event, call Frank about The Grill’s catering.

The Grill at Morris Bridge (10920 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open every day for dinner and for brunch/lunch and dinner on Sat. and Sun. For more info, call (813) 3885353, visit TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com, see the ad on pg. 42 or email Frank at info@thegrillatmorrisbridge.com.

Say ‘Arrivederci’ To Johnny C’s & ‘Ciao’ To Bella Roma New York Pizza!

By Gary Nager

I was, at first, sad to hear that Erik Ravenna, the owner/chef of Johnny C’s Italian Eatery (located at 10970 Cross Creek Blvd., at Morris Bridge Rd.) had sold the restaurant.

But, now that I’ve had a chance to sample a lot of the menu at the new location of Bella Roma NY Pizza, the Italian restaurant and pizzeria that has replaced Johnny C’s, I have to say that, so far, I’m impressed.

First of all, Bella Roma’s pizza (top left photo) is definitely much more NY-style. The crisp, thin crust, sauce and cheese are all spot-on and the pepperoni is legit. The more Neapolitan-style margherita pizza (below) has a slightly different crust, but Chef Jimmy’s homemade tomato sauce on the margherita is more of a garlicky Grandma’s-style and is just so tasty.

We also loved the done-to-perfection fried zucchini appetizer (2nd from top, far right), which has a thinner marinara dipping sauce but again...yum. We substituted penne for the spaghetti that usually comes with the housemade meatballs (3rd from top) and the pasta was served properly al denté and the meatballs were tender and terrific. We also loved the wings. We ordered them with no sauce on them, and with teriyaki sauce on the side.

We also agreed that the wine sauce on the cut-it-with-a-fork chicken Marsala (not pictured) was excellent, but my favorite entrée was definitely the veal parmigiana (bottom right). The veal has a wonderfully crispy breading that didn’t wilt under the fresh marinara and mozzarella and

the veal was incredibly tender. I savored every bite, as most Italian restaurants and pizza places in our area don’t even serve “vitello,” which always makes me sad. I have no doubt that Bella Roma will be my new go-to for veal locally.

Charmaine also loved the shrimp scampi (not pictured) and Jannah also enjoyed Bella Roma’s huge portion of lasagna.

The bruschetta appetizer could have used crisper toast points and a little more balsamic drizzle and the meatball parmigiana sandwich would have been even better if the sub roll was properly baked in the oven.

The chocolate (below) and regular can nolis were both very good, too.

Bella Roma has a huge menu that needs to be explored even more. Yes, Marko, the owner, who also has a successful South Tampa location, and Chef Jimmy are off to a flying start so far!

For more info about Bella Roma NY Pizza, or to place an online order, visit Bel laRomaNYPizza2.com. Or, call (813) 278-8020 & please tell them I sent you!

The First-Ever Slap Burger In Florida Is Now Open In The Oak Ramble Plaza

Although, as I told you last issue, the new Slap Burger — located at 14915 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in a former nail spa location in the restaurant-rich Oak Ramble Plaza — does indeed look a lot like a Five Guys Burger & Fries, with its red-and-white-checked interior, the food is completely different.

Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I visited Slap Burger on one of its soft opening days and we couldn’t help but notice the many similarities and differences between the two.

While both are primarily burger places, Slap Burger sells authentic Halal smash burgers, with the crispy edges so many of us crave (top right photo). The burgers are served on super-soft grilled buns and come topped with American cheese, grilled onions, pickles and a slightly-spicy “Slap Sauce” (reminiscent of a Cajun-style remoulade). Another difference, for those looking to top their burger with bacon, Slap Burger only serves Halal beef bacon (no pork products at all).

And, while Five Guys serves free peanuts and softer, greasier fries, Slap Burger’s French fries are crispier (which I prefer) and both are skin-on. Jannah and I couldn’t stop eating them. And, in addition to the fries, Slap Burger also offers creamy mac-&-cheese and delicious cole slaw as sides.

So yes, both places also sell all-beef hot dogs, but Slap Burger’s are Halal (similar to Kosher-style) and the biggest deal for me is that Slap Burger also offers hot sauerkraut as a topping.

And, even though many people complain about there being too many fried chicken tender places in our area (es pecially in Wesley Chapel), we also really enjoyed the crispy, juicy chicken sandwich. There also are 3-, 6- and 9-piece tenders and even “Waffle’N Tenders” that I will try soon.

Slap Burger also offers “Slap Platters,” including Loaded Beef Fries with Cheese, Loaded Beef Mac & Cheese and toppings like jalapeños and sautéed ‘shrooms.

For dessert, Slap Burger serves banana pudding with different toppings (the crumbly biscoff topping is shown on this page). There’s also Dubai pudding and fried Oreos. Jannah and Charmaine both loved the dragon fruit and raspberry lemonades and there also are Slap Shakes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry that we didn’t try.

Franchise co-owners and brothers Rosco and Kamel Musallet (Kamel also owns the Ice SSScreamin’ ice cream shop in the same plaza) and their partner Tamer Abbad, Rosco’s daughter Gabby Musallet and company co-founder and owner Geath Asad were all on hand the day we visited and were super-excited for us to try the food — and give them our honest feedback.

The bottom line is that we all really enjoyed our first visit to Slap Burger and we will be back. Oh, and for you night owls out there, Slap

Burger is open until 2 a.m. every day. For more info, call (813) 284-7064 or visit SlapBurgerUS.com & please tell them I sent you! — GN, all

Coffee Uniting People (aka CUP) Now Open Inside BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital!

By Gary Nager

I don’t know about anyone else, but my first thought when I heard the name “Coffee Uniting People” was, “Of course it does.”

It brings Jannah and me closer together every morning when we share that first delicious cup of our own coffee.

I see it bring friends and family members together at every coffee shop and breakfast place.

I know that coffee has that kind of power. What I didn’t know was that Coffee Uniting People, also known as “CUP,” is more than just an idea. It’s a working, thriving nonprofit

business founded by Greg and Laura Jones (see photo, left) that celebrated the Grand Opening and North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting of its sixth location (and the third inside a BayCare hospital), on May 20, inside BayCare Wesley Chapel (WC) Hospital.

And, even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you should go check out CUP — not only for the delicious beverages (they have tea, hot chocolate and other drinks, too), pastries and snacks, but for the feeling you’ll walk out with afterward.

You see, CUP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that

hires people with and without disabilities to work together in an inclusive workplace. Today, CUP now has six locations in the Tampa Bay area with more still to come.

As Greg said at the Grand Opening, “CUP is about inclusion, acceptance and opportunity for people of all abilities. We filter our coffee, not our people. And I say that we have the best baristas you’ll find anywhere!”

He also thanked BayCare WC director of operations Bill Sedey and hospital president Nanette Wilcox for “embracing CUP like I’ve never seen before.”

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, BayCare WC

chaplain Reid Isenhart (top left photo on next page) blessed the event and told the story of the first miracle of Jesus Christ, which was at a wedding, “a community event that meant so much to that community. And Greg and Laura Jones have the same compassionate love for their community...our community. The fascinating aspect of Coffee Uniting People is that it was birthed from two hearts that were involved in everyday life. Two hearts that were obviously primed to care for and love others.”

He added, “CUP is a nonprofit coffee shop, staffed by people with and without disabilities, all working together, that warms your heart. It’s a

coffee shop that not only provides much-needed employment opportunities, but also eases social isolation to build community...and show the world that inclusion is for everyone. If you ask me, that sounds close to a modern day miracle.”

The Joneses started CUP in 2021, after previously starting Challenger Baseball for kids with disabilities in Tampa who weren’t being included in Little League in 2010. Now, those kids have grown up, and there are few job opportunities for adults with disabilities who age out of most programs at age 22.

CUP’s flagship location is on S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in South Tampa. Other locations are on E. Whiting St. in downtown Tampa, inside Tampa General Hospital, and inside BayCare’s St. Joseph’s North Hospital in Lutz and St. Joseph’s South in Riverview.

For more info about CUP at BayCare WC, visit CoffeeUnited People.org or just stop in!

Naz’s Halal — ‘Not Another Chicken Place’ — Has Opened

By Gary Nager

So, Kartik Patel, one of the owners of the new Naz’s Halal at 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd./C.R. 54 (just west of I-75, next to Brooklyn Water Bagel), wants all Neighborhood News readers to know that this Halal “platters, gyros and wings” place isn’t another chicken tenders restaurant.

Kartik and his partners are well aware that neither of Naz’s Halal’s predecessors in the space — King of the Coop and Hangry Joe’s — were able to maintain any success at the location, “but we’re a totally different kind of restaurant. Yes, we have chicken wings and sandwiches, but our specialties are chicken, lamb, falafel (chickpea), kababs and even fried fish gyros, wraps and bowls.”

And, Naz’s Halal, which held its Wesley Chapel opening on June 6, now has nearly 70 locations in 13 states, and also serves cheeseburgers, Philly and chicken cheesesteaks and even chopped cheese sandwiches, which is an homage to the young chain’s New York City roots.

Naz’s Halal was founded by cousins and former NYC public school teachers Naz and Kareem as a food truck in Queens, NY. The first brick-and-mortar location opened in 2018 in Babylon, Long Island.

The company’s president of franchise operations Gerry

WhenYouSpend $50orMore! Foodportiononly; drinks&taxnotincluded. Musthaveormentioncoupon. Onecouponpertableonly. Cannotbecombinedwithotheroffers. EXPIRES2/10/2022

Guac & Roll Now Open At Food Truck Spot On 54

We saw a post online recently that said a new Mexican-Cuban fusion restaurant called Guac & Roll was getting ready to open at 29602 Wesley Chapel Blvd./C.R. 54.

When photographer Charmaine George and I checked it out, however, our new friend Keilin Fernandez (photo) told us that although she and her husband Hector Ramirez had just opened Guac & Roll, the restaurant is a food truck at a popular location that also includes Migas Oven’s Romero Venezuelan and Charminar Express Indian food trucks — and does have outdoor seating (see below).

Keilin did say that the trio of food trucks

Although we didn’t get to sample any cuisine from any of the trucks that day, we will return to try all three and report back to you.

For more info about Guac & Roll, visit GuacRoll.toast.site or call (786) 3659156. For Migas Oven’s Romero, call (862) 571-2535 or visit MigasRomero.com. For Charminar Express, call (656) 212-1947.

Middle East Market Opens In Freedom Plaza

If you’ve been a fan of the Secret Lounge — the Halal burger, hot dog and gyro place located at 30120 C.R. 54/ Wesley Chapel Blvd. in the Freedom Plaza — fear not.

Even though the sign outside the store now says “Middle East Market,” the Secret Lounge is still operating inside the small grocery store that features a wide variety of packaged goods, from olives and olive oils to canned products like baba gh anouj and chickpeas, plus nuts (including pistachios), pickles, imported chocolates and more. It also receives regular deliveries of fresh Middle Eastern breads.

But, the Secret Lounge also has expanded its hot foods menu (photo below) to also include breakfast items like pancakes and egg and cheese sandwiches and more — all at outstanding prices. We haven’t sampled any of the new menu items yet but will let you know when we do.

For more information about the new Middle East Market, stop in, call (813) 803-3463 or order pick-up or delivery on DoorDash. — GN; photos by Charmaine George

K-Crunch Fried Chicken Opens At The KRATEs

The Korean fried chicken craze is not only sweeping the country, but also Wesley Chapel.

It started slowly locally, almost two years ago, with Sweet Krunch located in the Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. south of S.R. 56.

Then, just a couple of months ago, we first told you about the opening of Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken at The Hub at Lexington.

Of course, both of those are local links in growing regional (Sweet Krunch) or international (Bonchon) chains. But now, the former location of multiple Indian restaurants — and Chicken Boss and TJ’s Hot Dogs before them — at 5888 Grand Oro Ln., in the KRATE at the Grove container park (it most recently was Curry Club), is now K-Crunch Fried Chicken, Bowls & Fries, an independently owned Korean fried chicken place that, based on my first visit, has super-crunchy fried chicken and tasty seasoned fries (top photo).

Of course, it remains to be seen if K-Crunch can succeed where those other places have failed, but you should definitely go check it out for its “Bold Flavors & Good Vibes!”

For more info about K-Crunch, call (813) 550-8243. — GN; photos by Charmaine George

Udo Ulo Tea Lounge Also Opens At KRATEs

Although we still hadn’t seen any updates about the opening of the Brazilian restaurant called Triamo, we were excited to find a new Nigerian-style tea house called Udo Ulo Tea Lounge that is now open at the KRATE at The Grove container park.

I spoke with owner Denisha Allen, who said that, “Udo Ulo means ‘House of Peace’ (in the Igbo language spoken in Nigeria) and is the perfect ‘third place lounge and maker space’ for people who work from home who are tired of, when they want to get out of the house, having to sit in uncomfortable chairs at the local coffee shop. This is a supercomfortable, relaxing environment, where it’s like working from your couch or your bed, but without the distractions of the TV or having to clean your house.”

Denisha, who has previously advised governors and members of Congress, also founded the nonprofit organization Black Minds Matter.

And, perhaps best of all, Udo Ulo offers unlimited tea with admission and memberships are available. It sure looks comfy to this reporter!

For more information about Udo Ulo, visit UduUlo.com. — GN

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