New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 34, Issue 15, July 21, 2026

Happy 104th Birthday, Roy Caldwood...Happy 250th, U.S.A!

By Gary Nager

District 7 Tampa City Council member (and New Tampa resident) Luis Viera (photo below) has had a lot of great ideas during his nearly ten years on City Council, but few have ever warmed the hearts of so many people at once as the event he organized on June 30.

In order to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Viera turned New Tampa’s 4th of July celebration into a joint event also honoring the 104th birthday of a true American hero — World War II combat veteran, Buffalo Soldier and New Tampa resident Roy Caldwood.

Roy, his daughter Diane Royer and their family were on hand for the festivities, which included a sizable roster of dignitaries not only speaking

Tampa City

Recreation Center in Tampa Palms were Tampa Police

glowingly about Roy but also, in many cases, offering him presents in celebration of his birthday.

In other words, if you weren’t in the crowd of more than 150 people at the New Tampa Recreation Center in Tampa Palms that evening, you truly missed out on something special!

Viera opened the festivities with the Pledge

of Allegiance and a moment of silence before saying, “We’re here to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday and the 104th birthday of a decorated World War II veteran, a gentleman who won the Bronze Star in Italy, who was a member of the 92nd U.S. Army Regiment and a Buffalo Soldier, Roy Caldwood.”

page 12

He then introduced the dignitaries on hand, including Maj. Whitney McCormick of the Tampa Police Dept., Chief Barbara Tripp of Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller (and New Tampa resident) Victor Crist, regional director Luis

“Roy’s Birthday” on page 4.

Story Updates — I Met Raj!, Viera Gets His K-Bar Cut-Through & James Fishback?

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

Back in 2020, we published a story about 13-year-old Tampa Palms resident Raj Guntuku, who was suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). If Raj couldn’t find a kidney donor, he was going to die.

K-Bar Ranch resident Joel Morales read Raj’s story in these pages and decided that he would donate one of his two working kidneys to this young man he had never met before.

Joel proved to be a match and today, his kidney is now functioning splendidly in Raj’s now-18-year-old body.

So, when photographer Charmaine George and I were invited to check out the new House of Biryanis & Kebabs (HBK) restaurant (see pg. 40) that had just opened in the former Wendy’s location on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., the day’s biggest surprise wasn’t the delicious food at HBK, but the fact that Raj’s father Nehru, Joel Morales and Raj all walked in to HBK together.

Now, full disclosure, it’s not as big of a coincidence as it sounds. Nehru Guntuku is one of the five partners who opened the local HBK franchise. But even so, to, out of nowhere, see these people, who were first brought together by the story we published, walk in with each other very nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Today, Raj is getting ready to begin his freshman year at my alma mater, the University of Florida, where he plans to study business and computer science.

In the 32 years I have been the publisher and editor of this publication, I haven’t been this proud of a fellow Gator since my older son Jared graduated from U-F.

My sincerest thanks to Nehru for investing in HBK so we could all finally meet!

Viera’s K-Bar Cut-Through

Speaking of Raj, the reason I knew his father was part of the HBK ownership was because District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera posted on Facebook that he had attended the restaurant’s soft opening and ribbon cutting three days before Charmaine and I visited it.

Around the same time, Luis also posted that one of the things he has been fighting for on behalf of New Tampa was finally coming to fruition. Almost from the day he took office nearly 10 years ago, Luis has been begging for ways to improve emergency response times for New Tampa — especially for K-Bar Ranch.

And, even though there’s still been no movement on adding some sort of Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) presence in K-Bar, the city has now begun construction (top right photo) on a paved roadway cut-through on K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. from Morris Bridge Rd. (less than a mile north of Cross Creek Blvd., where TFR station No. 23 is located) into K-Bar.

“This cut-through will allow Tampa Fire Rescue to have a much-better response time getting into K-Bar Ranch,” Luis said in his post on July 8. “As many of you know, New Tampa has some of the slowest emergency response times in the city and K-Bar’s are the slowest of all.”

See “Raj, Viera & Fishback?” on pg. 13

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‘Roy’s Birthday’

Continued from pg. 1

Laracuente of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s office, U.S. Army Brigadier General (Ret.) and New Tampa resident Remo Butler and Col. Jim Fletcher and Col. DJ Reyes of the Tampa chapters of two veterans’ organizations. He also thanked the City of Tampa’s Parks & Recreation Dept. for hosting the event inside the New Tampa Rec Center.

Viera also introduced Roy’s daughter Diane Royer, his grandson Chris Royer and his cousins Frankie and Dorothy Newton and Patsy Milner.

“As a country, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what God you worship or what your political affiliation you have, this is our country’s 250th birthday and we have to celebrate it,” Viera said. “And to me, there’s no greater symbol of something that brings us together as a country like Mr. Roy Caldwood.

“He’s a gentleman who grew up in Harlem. He was born in 1922, at a time when people who were liberated as slaves were 60-70 years old.

“He lived during the time of the Great Migration, when 6 million African Americans split the south to head up north.

“He grew up during the Harlem Renaissance, when World War I veterans — including the Harlem Hell Fighters — had just returned home from combat and were in their 20s and 30s.

“This man has lived through our nation’s history and nobody is more worth of celebration than our friend Roy.”

Viera then introduced Chief Tripp, who said, “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done...for your bravery, resilience and being part of the Buffalo Soldiers. You took a lot and that’s why we’re all here today. You took care of people. I can’t thank you enough for being a hero to your family and to our country.”

Among other gifts, Chief Tripp presented Roy with a plaque that said, “In recognition of U.S. Army PFC Roy Caldwood for his dedicated service as a combat medic in the U.S. Army 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ during World War II. Your resilience & dedication to your country & community are a testament to your character & an inspiration to everyone. God bless.”

Next up was Maj. McCormick, who said, “I looked up what the record age is and it’s 122, and I expect you to make that. Thank you for your service from the Tampa Police Dept. Dist. 2.”

Next came Crist, who is not only the current Clerk of the Court, but who also served 18 years in the State Legislature, both House and Senate, as well as two terms on the County Commission and who founded the University Area Community Development Corp.

Crist said, “Today’s a very special day and I’m honored to be here. Growing up in a military family, I truly appreciate the men and women who have sacrificed their lives on behalf of our country and our lifestyle, so we can be free. So often, people take for granted what we have here and don’t truly understand or appreciate the sacrifices that you and others like you have made. I want to sincerely thank you for all that you have done for us in this country, in this world and this community. I’m so proud to have you as a neighbor and a friend. And I look forward to another hundred-plus years.”

Viera then took the time to introduce several people in the audience who are running for political offices, including County Commission candidate Aileen Rodriguez, Louie Aguila and

Sara Peacock (who are running against each other for Circuit Court Judge) and New Tampa residents Morris Lopez and Alan Cohn, who will vie for Viera’s soon-to-be-vacated seat on City Council. Also speaking at the event was Dist. 5 City Council member Naya Young, who, like Chief Tripp and Crist before her, also mentioned that she’s seen videos of how impressive Roy’s dance skills are and how much she appreciated Viera’s invitation to attend.

Then, Laracuente mentioned Roy’s penchant for doing pushups before reading a letter from his boss, Sen. Scott:

“Dear Mr. Caldwood: Congratulations on your 104th birthday. You’re among a special segment of our population known as centenarians. That is a tremendous accomplishment. As Floridians, we feel a deep sense of appreciation for your leadership of our elder population. As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am proud to represent Florida’s centenarian community. As a Navy veteran myself and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans, military members and their families make to defend our freedom. Veterans of our Armed Forces truly represent the best of what it means to be an American and a Floridian. None of the opportunities and freedoms we have as Americans would be possible without the dedicated service of our brave heroes. Again, congratulations on your 104th birthday and thank you for your service & sacrifice on behalf of this great nation. You served honorably and bravely. And, after receiving the Bronze Star and being a Buffalo Soldier, you truly represent the best of what it means to be an American & a Floridian. May this be a special time of celebration and recalling family and friends and looking forward to many years. — Sincerely, Rick Scott, U.S. Senator”

Next, Viera introduced Gen. Butler, who was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1974, towards the end of the Vietnam era.

“Gen. Butler served almost 30 years in the Army,” Viera said, “and became the first Black Special Forces officer to earn the rank of Brigadier General in American history. He served in Special Forces and Special Operations Command.”

“It’s an honor to be here to celebrate Roy’s birthday,” Gen. Butler said. “I’m a history nut.

Without Roy, there would not have been a Remo Butler. I stand on his shoulders. People don’t realize the impact of the Black soldier. The first person killed in the Revolutionary War was Crispus Attucks, a Black man. Many Black slaves fought in the Revolutionary War. They fought for their freedom, but after the war was over, they [were told], ‘You need to go back.’

“In the Civil War, they wouldn’t take Blacks in. Why? ‘Aww, they won’t fight. They can’t think fast. But they fought. I can’t tell you how many Medals of Honor were won by Black soldiers during the Civil War, but there were quite a few.

“I wrote a paper [that looked into] the Army War College (AWC), one of the most prestigious schools the military has. [The AWC] did a 1930 study on Blacks in the military. You know what they said? The same thing — ‘Blacks won’t fight.’ This came from educated officers.

“But let me tell you something. World War II came and things started getting dicey, so they said, ‘Let’s bring them in. And, the Harlem Hell

Fighters have the longest continuous time fighting in any unit.

“Roy and I sit around and chit-chat and he tells me stories from World War II and you know what’s changed? Not a lot. You still have people out there to this day who have preconceived notions of what Black people can and can’t do.

“Like the late, great James Brown said, ‘Open the door and I’ll get it myself.’ Well, Roy, I want to thank you for opening the door for me.

“It’s great to see all these people here to celebrate this veteran, 104 years old and he walks better than I do. He can do more pushups than I can, and I respect him for that. So Roy, happy birthday. I got your present. It’s liquid and I’ll bring it over to your house.”

The next speaker was retired U.S. Army Col. Jim Fletcher, the former president of Tampa’s Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 787, who served almost 30 years in the Army, including in Vietnam, the Gulf War and numerous other conflicts. He also is a senior mentor of

Hillsborough’s Veterans Treatment Court.

“I am also honored to be here,” Col. Fletcher said. “And I’m most proud of all the veterans who are here. It speaks of what we mean to each other and what [you mean to us], Roy. And I love you for all that you are and all that you did. I was most impressed when I went through your bio and saw how, when you were in Italy, you reached out to the community [there].

“In Special Forces, we understand how important that is and what it means to be with those people and for them to realize that you were there on their behalf.”

Col. Fletcher then took over the introduction of his fellow retired Army Col. DJ Reyes, who was appointed by Gov. DeSantis to be the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs. “Col. Reyes is a Korean War veteran who served 33 years in the Army. He is the leader of the Florida Mentor Program in the 13th Judicial Circuit, the Veterans Treatment Court, a proud father of special needs children, a Lightning Community Hero and an inductee in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.”

Col. Reyes said to Roy, “Luis told me about your birthday celebration and I listened intently to the General’s remarks and one of the things that stood out. And, that is, there are a lot of people who have stood on your shoulders to get to where they are today. On behalf of the 1.4 million veterans who stand on your shoulders, I’d like to present you with a special coin from the Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs.”

A group from the Tampa Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club then told Roy they were very proud to even be able to be called Buffalo Soldiers and that, “because of you, we are proud to wear our colors in representation of you.” The group then gave Roy the club’s crossarmed salute that ended with, “It’s all good!,” and joined Col. Fletcher and Col. Reyes in each giving Roy their own commemorative coin.

Thoughts About Roy & Our Country

Before introducing Roy’s daughter Diane, Luis gave the following thoughts from his heart:

“When I think about our country being founded 250 years ago, we don’t think about the words of a 33-year-old attorney who wrote, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,’ but at that time, it was all white men with property who were created equal. Generation by generation, more and more Americans will be included under that branch of equality, freedom, liberty and justice. That’s the American journey that started 250 years ago, that started with the aspirations of that Declaration.

“Roy Caldwood’s life is a real reflection of that journey and where we are today as Americans, having been born about 100 years after Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day.

“In 1943, Roy signed up for the U.S. Army. One day, he was reading Stars & Stripes about the 92nd Regiment and said ‘I want to be a Buffalo Soldier. I want to go into combat.’

“He would go to Italy, where he would earn the Bronze Star serving as an Army medic. He came under enemy fire numerous times and suffered injuries. He would give Last Rites to soldiers who were dying on the battlefield.

“Then, in 1946, Roy would put down his arms and come home and get married for 77 years. He also became an

assistant warden at Riker’s Island prison.

“He had stood up for the values of his fellow Americans overseas against the Nazis and then, here at home against injustice and racism. A truly great American. Mr. Roy Caldwood.”

His daughter Diane said, “This is all quite overwhelming and a moving outpouring of love for my Dad, whom I affectionately call ‘Poppi.’

He has a lot of other names, too — deal-breaker, rabble rouser, Harlem Cotton Club dancer — you name it, I think he’s done it.

“I want to thank Councilman Viera. You are absolutely amazing. And, General Butler and his wife for coming out. From the time we first met you — thanks to Luis — we’ve bonded, like you’ve known Roy your whole life. Thank you so much for your friendship and who you are.

“A little about my Dad. My husband and I moved him down here, kicking and screaming, from New York about five-and-a-half years ago. He was a die-hard New Yorker who said, ‘I’m not moving to Florida,’ but we finally convinced him.

“His time here has created a whole new chapter of life for him and put a spotlight on his service because, prior to coming down here, I knew nothing of his life as a Buffalo Soldier. He kept it very quiet. It was only with moving and actually going through boxes of his things that I discovered a lot of pictures and memorabilia.

And then...Tampa, you guys just opened your hearts and arms to him. You put him in the Gasparilla parade. You name it, he’s been in it.

“But, one of the things I wanted to share is one of his axioms and sort of what he lives by.

He says, ‘Whenever you see someone...anyone... you make sure you figure out how to reach out and help them, whether it’s something small or something big. Never turn your head or walk away.’ And, I have to say, that’s how he’s lived his life. He’s gotten into a lot of trouble doing it, but he’s always wants to help somebody. And I think that’s what gives him that momentum to keep him going forward.

“It’s God that continues to bless him and when he does those things, God blesses him a hundred-fold. So, I just want to thank you all so much for coming out.”

Viera then said, “Let’s have some cake!”

Indoor Cross Creek Recreation Center & Revamped Playground Now Open!

Many New Tampa residents are aware that District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan (top photo on next page) used to live in Cross Creek. Fewer people probably know, however, that Hagan grew up in Carrollwood — and he says both experiences helped him decide to fight for an indoor/ outdoor recreation facility in New Tampa — all of which is located in his district.

“When I was in college,” Hagan says, “I spent my summers working in the same county park in Carrollwood I grew up playing in. Then, when I was raising my family in Cross Creek, I realized that we didn’t have any county park facilities. So, when I first became the County Commissioner for the New Tampa area (way back in 2002), I decided to try to get a large county park built here.”

Hagan says the county had purchased land in K-Bar Ranch, “and my original plan was to partner with the City of Tampa on a big park there, but the city killed that. (NoteK-Bar is now getting a city park of its own.) So, I was able to take that money and use half of it to redo Branchton Park (on Morris Bridge Rd. south of Cross Creek Blvd.) and the other half to build this facility here.”

Hagan and other county officials cut the ribbon on the $8.6-million Cross Creek Recreation Center at 19019 Bassett Creek Dr. (next to Pride Elementary) on June 29.

In addition to completely revamping the 15-acre park’s outdoor playground and adding shade shelters, new basketball courts, a walking trail and benches, the project’s crown jewel is

the 16,000-sq.-ft. rec center, which has a fullsized basketball gym, fitness (not yet stocked) and multipurpose rooms, classrooms and a public meeting space — and recreation supervisor Kim Gilchrist and assistant rec supervisor Alex Spacone (photo, right) say the summer camp program was full for this summer, but there will be programming for children and adults throughout the year for those with a

“Wellness Access Pass-Cross Creek.”

“There are a lot more programs still to come,” Hagan says. “I wish we had something like this when my kids were growing up here.” Me, too, Ken!

For more info about the Cross Creek Rec Center, call (813) 744-5978 or visit FLHillsboroughweb.myvscloud.com. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George

Get Ready To Vote In The Primary Election, New Tampa!

In Addition To Rep. & Dem. Primaries, All Registered New Tampa Voters Can Help Fill A School Board Seat On Aug. 18!

By Gary Nager

Roughly six weeks after this issue lands in your mailbox, Midterm Primary Elections will be held throughout the State of Florida — on Tuesday, August 18.

Ho-hum, right?

Sure, it’s ho-hum if you only want Hillsborough County’s Board of County Commissioners to maintain the status quo, if you’re not interested in helping our county decide who should be elected to the Hillsborough School Board and/or if you have no interest in helping determine who will run our state government.

But, for those of you who complain in every local social media group about rampant over-development, about all of the problems in our schools and about how the decisions being made at the state level affect your quality of life, Aug. 18 is your chance to start attempting to make a difference.

But, hurry! The deadline to register to vote in the Primary Election is (or perhaps was, by the time you receive this issue in your mailbox) Monday, July 20, and the Early Voting Period for the Primary Election is from Saturday, August 8-Saturday, August 15.

Here are the Primary Election races that are up for grabs for New Tampa’s voters:

U.S. Senate — Incumbent Republican Ashley Moody faces three Republican challengers (Neelam Taneja Perry, Ernest “Ernie” Rivera

& Chris Gleason). Democrats will choose an opponent from Angie Nixon and Alex Vindman. No-party candidate Neil J. Gillespie will not be eligible for votes until the Nov. 3 General Election.

U.S. Representative — Although Florida has now redrawn its Congressional boundaries, all New Tampa residents are still in House District 15, where Republican Laurel Lee is the incumbent. Lee does not have a Republican Primary opponent, but registered Democrats will choose her November opponent from Christopher Irizarry and Robert People. A space for write-in candidate Angie Boone (whose name won’t appear on the ballot) also will be added in Nov.

Governor & Lt. Governor — With current Gov. Ron DeSantis reaching his two-term limit, Republicans will choose their nominee on Aug. 18 to replace DeSantis from among eleven candidates, including front-running Congressman Byron Donalds (who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump), businessman James Fishback, current Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.

There also will be a Democratic primary, where former Congressman David Jolly is the front-runner among six candidates. Jolly also is the only Democrat who has his running mate’s name — Gwen Graham, the daughter of former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham — on the ballot with his name. Fishback recently also named his running mate — former South Florida police officer Sean Lozano. The two major party nominees will be

joined on the Nov. ballot by six no-party candidates, five write-in candidates and Libertarian Party of Florida nominee Scott Eckhard Jewett.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — Incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia’s Republican Primary opponent is Frank William Collige. Democrats will choose the Rep. winner’s opponent from Earle Ford and Annette Taddeo.

Commissioner of Agriculture — Incumbent Wilton Simpson’s Republican Primary opponent is Matt “The Welder” Taylor. In Nov., the winner of that Primary will face write-in candidate Kyle “KC” Gibson and the winner of the Democratic Primary between Joey Mendoza Atkins and Donald A. “Don” Prichard.

Florida House District 67 — Neither Republican Lisette Bonano nor Democrat Luis Viera has a primary opponent, so those two New Tampa residents will square off in November for the right to replace Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa).

Circuit Court Judges — There also are two Judicial District 13 Circuit Court Judge seats being contested on Aug. 18 and both are Nonpartisan races, meaning all registered voters in New Tampa are eligible to cast ballots for them: Group 7, between Louis “Louie” Aguila and Sara Peacock and Group 13, between Nina McGucken Alvarez and Jim Wimsatt.

Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOC) — Although New Tampa’s District 2 seat, occupied by Board Chair

Ken Hagan, isn’t being contested this year, two countywide/at-large seats are — and there are Primaries being contested for both seats.

In County Commission Dist. 5, incumbent Donna Cameron Cepeda faces off against current Dist. 2 School Board member Stacy Hahn for the Republican nomination, and the winner will face Democrat Neil Manimala in November. And, in County Commission Dist. 7, Aileen Rodriguez squares off against Cindy Stuart, who is both a former School Board member and former Clerk of the Court & Comptroller, for the Democratic nomination. The Primary winner will face incumbent Republican Joshua Wostal in Nov. Hillsborough County School Board — New Tampa’s Dist. 3 seat, held by New Tampa resident Jessica Vaughn is not up for grabs this year, but all New Tampa residents are eligible to vote in the nonpartisan, countywide/at-large District 6 race between incumbent Karen Perez and former School Board member Sally “Miss Sally” Williamson and former candidate Kenneth “Ken” Gay. We previewed this race, which will be decided on Aug. 18, in our last issue.

I’m aware that the voter turnout not only in New Tampa but also countywide in Hillsborough County’s is historically pretty low for these Primary Elections — only 25.2% in 2022 (countywide) and 19.53% in 2024 — but please exercise your right to vote this year!

Hillsborough County Commission District 5 Primary Election Preview

By Joshua Gabel Neighborhood News Correspondent

The 2026 Midterm Primary Elections are quickly approaching and one of the most interesting local races will be for the Hillsborough County Commission District 5 seat.

The incumbent in the race is Republican Donna Cameron Cepeda, whose Primary Election opponent on Aug. 18 is current District 2 School Board member Stacy Hahn, so both candidates are already known to voters. The winner of the primary will face Democrat and local urologist Dr. Neil Manimala, and was profiled in these pages back in February. Manimala’s campaign currently has a huge fund-raising lead over both of his Republican opponents, as he has raised more than $165,000, compared with $81,000+ for Hahn and only $24,700 for Cepeda. (Note-These fund-raising numbers are from the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website and were accurate as of July 9.)

Dr. Donna Cameron Cepeda Commissioner

Cepeda (left) is a U.S. Army veteran and author, while previously working in finance and as an associate professor at Life Christian University (LCU). She earned a Bachelor’s degree from USC, along with Master’s and Doctoral Degrees from LCU. Unfortunately, Comm. Cepeda did not respond to

interview requests from the Neighborhood News.

Dr. Stacy Hahn

Hahn has served in Dist. 2 on the Hillsborough School Board since 2018. In addition to her time on that Board, she helped found Literacy is Key, a nonprofit to help improve early childhood literacy rates by expanding access to books. She is a longtime educator, serving as a public school teacher and professor at the University of South Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood & Special Education from the University of Florida.

Below is a brief question-&-answer session with Dist. 5 Republican candidate Stacy Hahn:

Neighborhood News (NN): Tell our readers why you decided to run for County Commissioner. Stacy Hahn (SH): For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of Hillsborough County on the School Board, overseeing one of the largest school districts in the nation and helping manage a multi-billion-dollar budget. I have spent my career focused on education, accountability and serving our community.

I’m running for County Commission because Hillsborough County needs experienced, principled leadership focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety and responsible growth. Families deserve a commissioner who will protect taxpayer dollars, improve infrastructure, support law enforcement and ensure government lives

within its means. My record demonstrates that I ask tough questions, make difficult decisions and always put the interests of the taxpayers first.

NN: What would you say have been your top achievements during your time on the School Board?

SH: I’m proud of many accomplishments, but the one that will have the greatest long-term impact is strengthening the District’s financial stability while improving student outcomes.

I championed the District’s first formal fund balance policy, increasing our reserves to 10 percent, so taxpayers are better protected during economic downturns and emergencies. At the same time, we made difficult decisions to close underutilized schools, prioritize maintenance and new schools in areas of high growth, as well as focus academic resources where they directly benefit students.

This year, Hillsborough County Schools earned its first “A” District grade (from the Florida Department of Education) in more than a decade. That success reflects years of improving accountability, supporting teachers, investing strategically and maintaining strong fiscal stewardship.

NN: What is your top priority should you win election to the County Commission?

SH: My top priority is making sure our infrastructure finally catches up with our growth. Residents spend too much time sitting in traffic, and too many communities have experienced rapid development without the roads, intersections and public safety infrastructure necessary to support it. We need to prioritize transportation

improvements, synchronize road projects with new development and ensure growth pays for growth. At the same time, I will continue to prioritize public safety, protect taxpayers and make county government more efficient before asking residents to pay more.

NN: Many readers have expressed a variety of opinions on the proposed constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027, followed by an increase to $250,000 in 2028. Some believe that it will diminish essential services for county residents. Others believe it’s a needed action to address concerns. Where do you land on the proposal and do you think the county will need to make cuts to maintain public safety and other essential county services?

SH: Florida families continue to face rising housing costs, insurance premiums and everyday expenses. Providing meaningful property tax relief deserves serious consideration, and I support efforts that allow homeowners to keep more of their own money. That said, public safety remains government’s first responsibility. I will never support cutting funding for the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue/EMS, or emergency management. If revenues are reduced, the county should first identify operational efficiencies, modernize technology, eliminate duplication and prioritize core services before considering reductions that impact residents. Responsible economic growth also expands the tax base over time, helping generate additional revenue without raising tax rates. We should always look to make government work smarter before asking taxpayers to do more.

Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital Is Open!

By Gary Nager

Photos by Charmaine George & FMCOHWRH

And then, there were three.

Although there are many other major medical facilities already in and sprouting up all over Wesley Chapel, the Grand Opening of the new Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital (FMCOHWRH) on the north side of S.R. 56 means that Wesley Chapel now has three full-service hospitals.

In fact, even though FMCOHWRH (one of our longest abbreviations ever) is located just under three miles from the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and just about four miles from the BayCare Wesley Chapel hospitals, Wiregrass Ranch developer JD Porter said that still more medical facilities are on the way — and are still needed.

“This isn’t a competition between the hos pitals here,” Porter said at the Grand Opening. “This is about everyone raising the bar so that we can all get the best possible care available.”

Porter also praised FMCOHWRH president & CEO Joe Delatorre as a “tough negotiator who fought hard for his employees” as the hospital and Porter’s Locust Branch LLC development arm came together on an agree ment that allowed the 102-bed (expandable to 300-bed) hospital to have the footprint it does in Wiregrass Ranch.

During his opening remarks at the event, Orlando Health president & CEO David Strong focused on the hospital itself and its amazing team.“There are a lot of things that I love about this hospital,” Strong said. “One of the key ones is that this facility was not only built in partner ship with physicians but in partnership with the physicians who will practice here every day. And that matters because this hospital wasn’t designed from a distance. It was shaped by the physicians, nurses and team members who understand what great care requires.”

Delatorre, who led Florida Medical Clinic into its merger with Orlando Health, agreed.

“When you’re looking for a partner,” he said, “you have to figure out, are your missions aligned? Are your values aligned? Can you bring these two organizations together with the right culture? And we found that, and we grew that, and, on Aug. 1, 2023, Florida Medical Clinic fully aligned and merged with Orlando Health.”

See “New Hospital” on page 14.

‘Raj,

Viera & Fishback?’

Continued from pg. 3

Although I believe that we do have some good local candidates for Luis’ Dist. 7 seat, no previous City Council member has ever worked harder on behalf of the people of New Tampa than he has. And of course, Luis is now running in November (against Republican and fellow New Tampa resident Lisette Bonano) for the Dist. 67 Florida House seat currently occupied by his friend and fellow Democrat, State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (see pg. 8).

The Fishback Effect

Despite the fact I personally hate politics, I do vote in every election, and with Gov. Ron DeSantis now reaching his term limits, the race to replace him is definitely heating up.

At our press time for this issue, I have now heard four of the top candidates to replace DeSantis speak in our area, including Democratic frontrunner David Jolly and three of the four leading Republican candidates — current Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner (lower photo) and, most recently, businessman James Fishback (top photo).

Only Republican frontrunner (and the candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump) and Congressman Byron Donalds hasn’t yet appeared in our area and likely won’t — he also skipped the online July 6 debate where Fishback, Collins and Renner presented their platforms.

Donalds, who has a commanding lead in both fund-raising and the polls against all of his Republican primary opponents, has been shown in the most recent New York Times poll, however, to be losing to Jolly head-to-head in the battle of the major party frontrunners.

Those numbers, coupled with Donalds’ history of arrests as a young man and some more current legal problems, have energized his Republican opponents:

Fishback, who has been running second to Donalds in most GOP polls and has clearly engaged young, white men. Collins. who has not been endorsed by DeSantis despite being his Lt. Gov., has filed a lawsuit to keep Fishback off the ballot because he hasn’t lived in Florida the last seven years, per state law.

And, Renner says he’s the only no-baggage candidate capable of beating Jolly head-to-head.

I was impressed when I heard Jolly, Collins and Renner speak. All three are focused clearly on major issues and I believe any of them would do a good job as Florida’s chief executive.

But, Fishback, who was the featured speaker at the July 9 Wesley Chapel Republican Club meeting (a month after Renner spoke to the same group), attracted three or four times as many supporters as Renner did and he is definitely the most dynamic speaker of all the candidates. But, the male 20-somethings who dominated his audience were almost cult-like in their aggressiveness and were even a little intimidating.

Dr. Gilbert Postler (right), who heads up FMCOHWRH’s Interventional Cardiology Department, spoke after Delatorre. Dr. Postler said, “Today marks far more than the opening of a new building. It represents the beginning of a promise, a commitment to our patients, to our community, that together, Florida Medical Clinic and Orlando Health will deliver exceptional health care in this house. Great hospitals are not built from concrete and steel, or from an investment. They’re built because of collaboration, trust, innovation and a commitment to meeting the needs of every single patient that walks through these doors.”

Delatorre also echoed Strong’s comments that, “The doctors were fully involved in designing [the hospital] and this lobby was inspired by one of our doctors. The second-floor cath (heart catheterization) labs and all the technology procedure rooms were redesigned by many of our docs. We are here to not only take care of patients but really make a difference in their lives.”

As we told you in our June issue, the 350,000-sq.-ft., five-story hospital is currently licensed for 102 beds (expandable to 300), including 12 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds and 90 medical-surgical (med-surg) beds. It has nine operating suites, including one hybrid suite (a highly technical operating room with a built-in CT, or computed tomography) scanner. There also are two advanced endoscopy rooms and one general endoscopy room. It has 29 treatment bays in its Emergency Department, as well as two heart cath labs, one electrophysiology (EP lab) and an IR (interventional radiology) lab.

“Everything in this building is state-of-the art,” Delatorre told us as we toured the hospital a couple of days before the Grand Opening event. “But, what really makes a hospital are the people

“We want to make this hospital a different experience,” Delatorre said. “We want to make it personal. We want to do it different than others and we want to make sure our patients get the care they deserve.”

As part of the Grand Opening festivities, the hospital presented Metropolitan Ministries with a $10,000 donation (top right photo).

The Tour

Although we were unable to attend the Grand Opening event, we did receive a full tour of everything inside the new hospital. Here is a brief recap of what we saw during our visit:

•Every room at FMCOHWRH is a singlepatient private room.

•All of the scanning equipment is truly state-of-the-art.

• The “hybrid” and regular operating rooms are all clearly designed with the surgeons in mind.

• The waiting areas for locations like the heart catheterization lab and intensive care units are all beautiful, spacious and comfortable.

• The front entrance, check-in area and lob by all feel more like a nice hotel than a hospital.

• The cafeteria offers great-looking sand wiches, salads and even create-your-own pastas.

Upcoming Events — ‘Annie,’ Lots Of ‘Back To School’ Events, A

Tuesday, July 21 — Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge Social/Fun Night. At Vallarta’s Mexican Restaurant (5335 Village Market). You’ll meet current members and discover how the Elks are making a difference in the community. For more info, search “Wesley Chapel Elks Lodge” on Facebook or send an email to Elks2893Membership@gmail.com.

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 story & ad on pg. 18. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – “Back to School Blast.” At The Shops at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.). A family event with free backpacks, school supplies and books for the kids while supplies last. There also be a “Touch-ATruck” experience, health screenings and community resources, inflatables, games and family entertainment. Free to attend. For more info, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/event/40502back-to-school-blast

Sunday, July 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Back to School Bash. At New Tampa Family YMCA (16221 Compton Dr.). Get ready to kick off the new school year at the exciting Back to School Bash. Join the YMCA New Tampa for a day of celebration and preparation. Local businesses will be there to share information on healthcare, after school programs, community support groups, fun activities, health insurance, martial arts, dancing and sports programs. There will be free backpacks given out (while supplies last), but you must pre-register to receive one. Free to attend. For more info and to register for the free backpack, call (813) 866-9622.

Monday, July 27, 7 p.m. – New Tampa Democratic Club meeting. At Compton Park at Tampa Palms (16101 Compton Dr.). Guest speaker is Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Dayna Foster. For more info, visit NewTampaDemocrats.com or see the ad below.

Thursday, July 30, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

July 21, at

–“Jingle Mingle.” At the Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel hotel (in the Sierra Conference Center, 26000 Sierra Blvd.). Beat the heat with a little holiday cheer. This festive “Jingle Mingle” event will celebrate clients, partners and local friends. Enjoy light bites, cheerful sips and great company because gratitude never goes out of season. FREE to attend. For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 803-5600.

Saturday, August 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Back to School Bash. At Main Event (2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz). Local businesses will be on hand to share information on healthcare, after school programs, community support groups, fun activities, health insurance, martial arts, dancing and sports programs. There will be free backpacks given out (while supplies last), but you must pre-register to receive one. Free to attend. For more info and to register for the free backpack, call (813) 909-2695.

Tuesday, August 4, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

–North Tampa Bay Chamber Business Breakfast. At Pasco Hernando State College, Porter Campus (2727 Mansfield Blvd, Conference Center, 3rd floor). Pitch with a Purpose: Non-Profit Showcase. This is a new program designed to connect our nonprofit members with the business community in a meaningful and impactful way. $25 members, $30 non-members. You must pre-register to attend. For more info and to register, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Wednesday, August 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. –Clear Aligners Event At Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine (2112 Ashley Oaks Cir.). If

New Tampa Democratic Club

Monthly Meeting — Monday, July 27, 7 p.m. at Compton Park at Tampa Palms (16101 Compton Dr )

Guest Speaker: Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Dayna Foster! Please note the different location for this important meeting! newtampademocrats.com • Facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats

you’re interested in a straighter smile or better sleep, stop by for a free consultation. There will be free appetizers, drinks, raffle prizes and special exclusive pricing. Free whitening & free retainers with same day commitment. Free to attend, but please call to schedule an appointment. For more info, call (813)907-7313.

Wednesday, August 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. –

North Tampa Bay Chamber. At Livewell Animal Hospital (26855 Wesley Chapel Blvd.) Celebrate the Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Meet Dr. Fielding and her team and tour the hospital. There will be refreshments and pet treats Guests who book an appointment before August 5 can become a founding member and receive 10% off services for one year. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Thursday, August 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. –

Wesley Chapel Black Chamber Business Bite. At Signature Workspace, Event Space B meeting room (28210 Paseo Dr. #190). Featured speaker, Maurice Marsh, Founder & Coach, Marsh Solutions Group. He will be speaking on making con-

fident business decisions in an uncertain world. $25 members, $35 non members, includes lunch. For more info, visit wcbcc.org/events/ Or, to register, visit paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZBV5VXYGC4AN2

Friday, August 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network. At USF Credit Union, Conference Rom (20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Featured speaker is Johanna Amarante, certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist, Fabulously Made Salon & Hair Loss Solutions. $15 to attend. You must preregister to attend. For more info and to register, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Saturday, August 8, noon-3 p,m. – Tampa City Ballet Open House. At Tampa City Ballet School (15367 Amberly Dr.). Register for classes, get your schedule, shop for uniforms, meet your teachers, tour the studio & reconnect with friends at our season kick off event. For more info, call (813) 558-0800 or email info@ tampacityballet.org.

Monday, August 10, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. –Resume & Cover Letter Writing. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Learn how to write a resume and a cover letter before entering the workforce. Practice highlighting how your experiences have helped prepare you for the workforce. Free to attend but please pre-register. For more info, call (813) 273-3652, or to register visit attend.hcplc.org/ event/16482601.

Check Out The New Tampa Players’ Production Of ‘Annie’ Jul. 24-26 & Jul. 31-Aug. 2

Submitted to the Neighborhood News

Excitement is building as the New Tampa Players (NTP) prepare to present the beloved musical “Annie” the weekends of July 24-26 and July 31-August 2, at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC). Featuring a talented cast of local performers, colorful sets and memorable songs, the production promises to be the fun family event of the summer.

Set in New York City during the Great Depression, “Annie” tells the story of a spirited young orphan whose optimism and determination change the lives of everyone she meets. Audiences can look forward to favorite songs such as “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”

The cast includes performers of all ages, with local students and experienced community actors working together to bring the classic musical to life. The production team has spent months rehearsing music, choreography, and dialogue while volunteers have worked behind the scenes to build sets, create costumes, and prepare lighting and sound.

NTP producing artistic director Nora Paine says the cast has embraced the show’s themes of hope, perseverance, and family. “This production has been a true community effort,”Nora says. “Everyone involved has worked incredibly hard, and we can’t wait to share this wonderful story with our audiences and have them humming the tunes as they leave the theater.”

In addition to its well-known musical numbers, this production will feature creative set designs that highlight the origin of Little

The show’s costumes and live musical accompaniment bring the comic strip to life on the beautiful NTPAC stage.

Among the production’s highlights are the two talented young performers sharing the role of Annie, Saoirse White and Jordan Boyett. Because of the demanding schedule, these talented young ladies will alternate performances, each bringing her own personality and energy to the iconic character. NTP’s artistic team has been impressed by their dedication, confidence and enthusiasm throughout rehearsals. Their hard work has helped capture Annie’s signature optimism and determination, giving audiences something special to look forward to at every performance.

No production of “Annie” would be complete without the comical schemes of Miss Hannigan (Christy Adams), her conniving brother Rooster (JD Stauffer) and his flashy girlfriend Lily St. Regis (Bri Filippelli). The trio’s

over-the-top antics provide many of the show’s biggest laughs as they hatch an outrageous plan in hopes of claiming Annie’s reward money. Their fast-paced scenes, humorous dialogue, memorable musical numbers and stage magic offer a perfect foil for the show’s heartfelt moments, and will make them audience favorites.

Providing a warm contrast to the chaos of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage are Oliver Warbucks (Donal Duffy) and his graceful secretary, Grace Farrell (Ansley Van Epps). As Annie enters their world, audiences will see a relationship built on compassion, encouragement and second chances. Warbucks’ journey from a focused businessman to a caring father figure, combined with Grace’s kindness and unwavering support, highlights the musical’s central themes of hope, family, and the power of love to transform lives.

Beyond the principal roles, the ensemble helps bring the world of Annie to life in every scene. From the polished household staff in

Warbucks’ mansion to the resilient residents of Hooverville and the distinguished members of President Franklin D.Roosevelt’s Cabinet, the cast takes on a variety of memorable characters. Their energetic performances, group musical numbers and quick costume changes showcase the company’s depth of talent while adding color, humor, and heart to the production.

NTP encourages audiences to purchase tickets to “Annie” early, before performances sell out.

With a dedicated cast, enthusiastic volunteers, and months of preparation behind the scenes, the company is looking forward to welcoming the community for a show filled with heart and optimism

NTP’s’ production of Annie is supported through the Florida Arts & Culture, Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, City of Tampa, and Tampa Hybrids.

All performances of “Annie” will be at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Performance dates & times: Fri., July 24, 8 p.m., Sat., July 25, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun., July 26, 3 p.m., Fri., July 31, 8 p.m., Sat., August 1, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., and Sun., August 2, 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25$39, depending upon seat selection & may be purchased at NewTampaPlayers.org

Mercedes-Benz WC Celebrates The Opening Of Its Remodeled S.R. 56 Showroom!

By Gary Nager

All photos by

Charmaine George

The Mercedes-Benz Wesley Chapel dealership has been open at 2383 Willow Oak Dr. (off S.R. 56, near I-75) since 2015, so why did the dealership host a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event at the dealership on a rainy June 25?

“Mercedes-Benz says we have to remodel the dealership every ten years,” said general manager Tom Schnelle, as he and his staff unveiled the showroom’s amazing renovations that took 14 months to complete. “We’re glad the Chamber and its members got to share this event with us.”

The high-tech, beautiful luxury vehicles from Mercedes-Benz looked very much at home in the elegantly revamped showroom, and several Cham ber members definitely showed interest in the luxurious electric, hybrid and gas-powered vehicles.

“That white con vertible (far right photo) definitely caught my eye,” said NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy of the 2026 CLE Cabriolet.

“I wasn’t thinking about a new car...until I got here!”

For more info about Mercedes-Benz of Wesley Chapel, call (813) 2007788 or visit MBWesley Chapel.com & please tell them I sent you!

AdventHealth Primary Care At Wesley Chapel Officially Opens On

By Gary Nager

George

Our congratulations also go out to everyone at the beautiful, new AdventHealth Primary Care at Wesley Chapel office located at 26240 Golden Maple Loop, Unit 6, off S.R. 56 near I-75.

The office currently is home to three pri mary care practitioners — (l. to r. in top photo below) Dr. Grace Benmhend and nurse practi tioners Brooke Schaefer and Abigail Zamora.

But, according to practice manager Emily Youells (bottom photo), who led the Neighbor hood News crew on a tour of the office, “With 25 exam rooms, we have room at this location to expand to ten or eleven practitioners.”

That was echoed by Dr. Robert Rodgers, who serves as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the AdventHealth Primary Care Network.

“We plan to add two more physician and/or APP (Advanced Practice Provider) leads here this year,” Dr. Rodgers said. “It’s always great for us to open new primary care offices that have the ca pacity for us to grow and have a bigger presence in the community, and the ability to touch more lives and extend the healing mission of Christ.”

He added, “Our goal here is to deliver whole-person care that lets us leverage the prin ciples that AdventHealth was started on. So, the physicians and APPs here will focus on preventive care and chronic disease management, while leveraging the medical specialists we have right

For more information about (and appointments at) the new office, call (813) 467-4719 or visit AdventHealth.com.

Hangliter Residential — Your Family-Owned Neighborhood General Contractor

By S.P. Gordy

Neighborhood News Correspondent

Home remodeling is a big investment, requiring a commitment to get the job done. It is not a decision homeowners take lightly, and hiring the right contractor is a major part of the process. Costs are increasing for everything these days; which is something Ken and Jordan Hangliter take into consideration when they are hired to do remodeling and restoration work on homes around the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.

Ken and Jordan run Hangliter Residential, LLC. They are bonded and insured, Floridalicensed general contractors. The father-&-son team has more than 25 years of combined expe rience. They specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, plus flooring replacements. Ken says they also do a lot of water damage repair and roofing work, but bathroom remodeling is really where they are the busiest.

“Most customers want to remodel their entire bathroom, not just one part of it,” Ken says. In addition to those specialties, Ken explains that when it comes to home restorations or repairs, they can do just about anything and, if you have a special request, just ask and they can give you an estimate.

Hangliter Residential is a family-owned business and is centered around a “grass roots, one-on-one” approach to customer service, Ken says. In fact, he adds, many of his customers become friends after the work is finished.

Ken and Jordan perform all of the labor themselves. Ken explains that he and Jordan come out to every job together but will sometimes bring

in plumbers and electricians for specialized jobs.

“All of the contractors we work with are certified,” Ken says. When hiring the Hangliters for a job, they offer a service that allows customers to tell them what materials they need and Ken and Jordan will then pick up the items for the customer.

“We don’t upcharge for that all,” Ken says. In addition, if there are any leftover materials that the customer wants to get rid of after the job has been completed, the Hangliters will even “pick it up and take it away,” Ken explains.

Wesley Chapel, in particular, has exploded in growth since Ken came down from Maryland ten years ago. He says that the increased traffic congestion can be tough, but overall, he welcomes the growth, saying that “more people equal more work.” With this in mind, Ken explains that even though there are so many new homes being built around the Wesley Chapel area, “eventually they age-out and you gotta get work done.” In addition, he says “the thousands of homes that are already here are keeping me and Jordan very busy.”

Rising Above The Competition

Ken emphasizes that one of the core things that set his company apart from the competition is that he is “honest, and the customers love that.”

Ken’s decades of experience have not only provided him with well-qualified skills to do a wide variety of jobs; he also prides himself on a customer-first mindset. If you book a job with Hangliter Residential, Ken guarantees that they will “always be polite and arrive on time.” The company takes on one job at a time, so Ken and Jordan can focus on just that job. They make sure the customer is happy before they move on to another job.

“If you come up on the schedule, we will get your job done,” Ken explains.

Proof of this is in the company’s Google reviews, with a near-perfect overall 4.9-star rating. In fact, 13 of the 14 reviews are 5 stars. The only one that isn’t is still 4 stars. This is no easy feat in the current trust-based economy where online reviews can drive a company’s success. The bottom line is that Ken and Jordan’s customer-centered approach, along with quality workmanship, is what brings satisfaction to those who hire Hangliter Residential for home remodeling or repair jobs.

For example, take this five-star review from Lydia D., who says she rehired Ken to do another job after he had remodeled three of her bathrooms. “Ken communicates clearly, is very receptive to our input and is meticulous and thorough,” Lydia’s review says. Another five-star review from Tia M. says, “Ken is extremely trustworthy and very efficient, we had absolutely no worries.”

Trust is a major factor when you’re trying to

find the right contractor, and Hangliter Residential’s reputation for quality work and honesty are both important factors that Ken says you should definitely consider the next time you need any kind of home remodeling.

“I would like to thank all the customers who have come to Hangliter Residential for their remodeling and repair solutions,” he says proudly.

Ken has three sons and a daughter. Aside from helping with the physical labor, Jordan also handles marketing and assists with in-person

estimates. Ken’s son Jarrett and daughter Stephanie also come out to help Ken and Jordan with some of the labor. A family business at its core, there is also a Hangliter Residential in Ohio. Another one of Ken’s sons, also named Ken, is running that business, but still sets aside time to help here in Florida whenever he comes down to visit.

Hangliter Residential, LLC, is open every day, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., and 8 a.m.-

3 p.m. on weekends. To schedule a free estimate, call (813) 460-4548 or see the ad on pg. 47.

Pool Duck Sets A New Standard For Pool Service Excellence In Our Area

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

If you ask Pool Duck owner Justin Denham why he got in to the pool maintenance and repair business, he’ll say it goes back to his days at Microsoft, when he would travel to Fortune 100 companies and help them improve processes. As an early adopter of Artificial Intelligence (AI), he saw the writing on the wall that AI could one day replace his job.

So, he used AI himself to help determine what jobs might be AI-proof, and says that he learned that the service industry was the place to be.

As a serial entrepreneur and a Christian, he says he saw God at work two years ago when he was introduced to Steve Hanson, who had owned his own local pool service business since 1977 and was looking to get out of it.

“Steve had 300 customers with no logo, no website and no Facebook — all just by word of mouth,” Justin says. “But I saw the quality of his work.”

Justin and Steve actually met through their spouses in Spring 2024, when Justin’s wife Michelle and Steve’s wife Tracy were both members of the Dade City Women’s Club. Steve was frustrated with trying to find and retain great employees, so he agreed to sell to Justin and stick around to help manage the transition.

It’s now been two years since Justin purchased the company, and Hanson Pools has become Pool Duck. Recognized around town for its bright, colorful trucks, Justin already has created a franchising department and Pool Duck is now operating in both Odessa and Lakewood Ranch.

In Wesley Chapel, Pool Duck currently has seven trucks with daily routes and 13 employees, with already about 500 customers.

And, Steve has stayed on with the company as the head of field operations, bringing with him his decades of expertise in the pool business, and managing the employees who handle maintenance and repairs.

As a Christian company, Pool Duck staff even includes a chaplain, Pedro Sanchez. Employees, if they choose to, actively pray for their community, and business meetings are opened with a prayer.

“I once interviewed with a large Christian

(Above) When you see any member of the Pool Duck team arrive at your home in one of the company’s brightly colored trucks, you’ll know that the technicians will provide outstanding pool maintenance and repair services, as well as Christian values. (Below) Pool Duck owners Justin

All Pool Duck technicians work hard to make sure your pool always looks its best. (All

organization, and the person interviewing me prayed for me before it even started,” Justin says. “Once I [saw] that, it made things clear to me. I could build my own company on my values. We’re not exclusive. We love everyone, and we serve the whole community. But, being Christian is what underpins our values.”

Justin admits that hiring the right people can be difficult, but he’s used his background at Microsoft to create some corporate-like benefits that encourage employees to both stay with Pool Duck and always do right by the company’s customers. “We hire people looking for a career,” Justin says. “We have incredibly transparent promotion criteria and give them room to be promoted.”

If an employee goes nine months with no “callbacks,” that employee is then automatically promoted.

“A callback is a broad term,” Justin explains, “but it is basically anything that requires a tech to go back to a home, such as leaving a bottle of test strips or something else behind or not cleaning properly.”

He adds that it could also include something more serious, like leaving a gate or pool fence open, but that hasn’t been an issue because his employees are trained and understand the importance of these safety concerns.

“This helps us make sure our customers are getting the best service possible,” Justin says.

Pool Duck primarily serves customers with weekly maintenance services for screened and unscreened pools, but does not clean or maintain above-ground pools.

“We send an ‘On the way’ text message 15 minutes before we arrive,” Justin explains, “and then send a detailed email with before and after chemical readings and pictures when we leave.”

This is a feature Pool Duck’s customers clearly seem to love.

“I don’t know anyone else who takes before and after pictures,” says Lorraine Romera, who lives in Pebble Creek with her husband Robert. Lorraine says she and Robert have used Pool Duck for the last year or so.

“We have an outdoor pool that’s not enclosed, so it’s a challenge,” she says. “Our old pool company kept increasing their rates and doing less, so we were ready for a change.”

Lorraine says Pool Duck has been flexible, too, coming on a different day when the grandkids want to use the pool in the summer.

“We’ve been so pleased with them,” she says. “They’re personable and professional. When you call, you always reach them or they call you right back.”

Troy Barter is a Wesley Chapel resident who says he’s used at least five different pool companies for the two pools he’s owned over the last 10 years. “Every other one we’ve had

an issue with,” Troy says, “But we have no complaints whatsoever about Pool Duck. The guys are respectful. We’re really happy with them, for sure.”

And, Guy Fawkes is a Dade City resident who says he has maintained his own pool for years, but noticed the water wasn’t quite crystal clear when he had a party coming up.

“I called Pool Duck in a pinch and they showed up quick, were super friendly, and did a good job,” Guy says.

He says that was about a month ago, and he’s thrilled to now have Pool Duck maintaining his pool from now on. “Doing it myself, it

Pool Repairs For Anyone

Additionally, the company handles all pool equipment repairs, including salt cells, pumps, filters and automation systems. And, you don’t have to be a Pool Duck maintenance customer to call for a pool equipment repair.

Justin says there’s no license needed to clean a pool, but pool repair does require a licensed Certified Pool Contractor (CPC). An individual earns the license to certify the company they work for. He explains this also is a residential pool builder license, and while both Steve and Justin are license holders, neither has any interest in getting into the pool-building business. “We have a singular focus,” Justin says, “on cleaning and maintaining pools.”

His wife Michelle has been working as the company’s franchise development coordi-

nator and represents Pool Duck at networking events and in the community. The couple has three children. Camden, 27, who is starting his second year of residency as an anesthesiologist in Orlando, and Riley, 23, and Lexi, 22, have been helping with social media for Pool Duck.

“My leadership philosophy is that if I take really good care of my employees, they see that example and apply that to our customers,” Justin says. “I spend a lot of time with the employees in a positive manner to affirm and encourage them. If they make a mistake, we try to find the root of the problem and fix it. We start at the top, with no toxic culture, displaying empathy and positive, Christian values, and then, our employees display that, too.”

For more information, to request a repair, or to start weekly maintenance service with Pool Duck, visit PoolDuck.com, call (813)606-0773, or see the ad on page 1.

•Wellness Dentistry for kids and teens

•Holistic nutritional counseling for teeth and gums

•Ozone therapy for oral care

•Recommendation of non-toxic materials

•Sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide) and Sedation

•Invisalign First for children & Invisalign Teen

•Digital 3D scans, ITERO (no goop) and digital X-rays

•Laser dentistry (release of tongue tie for infants, children and teens)

•Relaxed environment, so your children can enjoy their visit

or questions,

Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine — 20 Years Of Privately Owned Care!

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

When you walk into Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine in the Seven Oaks Professional Park in Wesley Chapel, it feels different right away. It isn’t rushed or impersonal. Instead, it’s built around connection. As Dr. Lee Daniels, DMD, explains, “We’re not really in the dental business. We’re in the people business. We just happen to fix teeth.” That mindset has guided his practice in Wesley Chapel, creating a place where patients feel known rather than processed.

Dr. Daniels opened his practice in 2006, long before Wesley Chapel became what it is today. He was drawn to the area’s potential and strong sense of community, where he has built a practice that has grown alongside the families it serves. Many of those same families still return today.

“I’ve been treating some of the same patients for 20 years,” he says. “I’ve seen their kids grow up. That consistency matters.” And, he says he is proud to own one of the only privately-owned dental offices remaining in this area.

Dr. Daniels received his undergraduate degree at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA, where he majored in Biology. He then earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in Pittsburgh, PA. He is Board-certified and an active member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association and Seattle Study Club. Dr. Daniels practices as a general and family dentist, with additional focus on restorative, cosmetic and sleep-related care.

“If you love what you do, it’s not work,” he shares. “I love being a healer and a teacher.”

That approach carries throughout the practice, including surgical dentistry associate Dr. Shivani Butala, DDS, whose background in international training and clinical research supports her passion for improving both health and confidence through dentistry. In addition to performing surgical procedures, Dr. Butala also provides comprehensive dental care alongside Dr. Daniels. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery in India before earning a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Clinical Research from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She

earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN.

Dr. Daniels believes consistency is everything. “In my office, you’re not just a number,” he says. “We take pride in giving you comfort and excellence, not just in your dental care, but in how you’re treated as a person.” And, from the practice’s four hygienists to the front office team, that emphasis remains the same.

Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine currently holds a near-perfect 4.9-star rating across 959 Google reviews. One recent reviewer, Jayden H., shared, “From the moment I arrived at Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine, everything was smooth and welcoming. The staff were incredibly friendly and professional, and the dentist took the time to explain every step of my appointment. I appreciated how thorough the cleaning was and how comfortable I felt during the brief consultation about sleep apnea. I left feeling confident about my oral health and grateful for the caring team. Highly recommended! Truly a world-class dentistry experience.”

Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine offers a wide range of services under one roof, including cleanings, preventive care, crowns, bridges, implants and even orthodontics. The practice also uses modern technology to make

visits more comfortable and efficient. Digital scanning has replaced traditional impressions, making visits faster and more comfortable.

“We haven’t taken impressions in years,” Dr. Daniels says. “Patients love it — [digital is] faster, more accurate, and just a better experience.” Three-dimensional imaging allows the team to see a complete picture of a patient’s teeth, jaw and airway, leading to more precise treatment planning.

While the practice’s name now highlights sleep medicine after a rebranding in 2021,

it’s not new to Dr. Daniels — he has been offering sleep medicine in this area for nearly 20 years. He helps patients understand how the mouth and airway affect sleep and overall health, and he has completed advanced training in dental sleep medicine to help patients with sleep apnea.

“A lot of people don’t even know where sleep apnea happens,” he says. “They think of the lungs or throat, but it actually happens in the mouth.” He adds that, “sleep apnea isn’t just snoring. If it goes untreated, it can lead to serious

custom oral appliances that gently reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. Each appliance is custom-made to fit the individual patient, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness.

“Nobody really likes wearing a CPAP,” Dr. Daniels says. “They’re bulky, hard to travel with, and limit how you can sleep. An oral appliance is simple and allows you to move naturally.”

Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine also places an emphasis on early airway and dental development in children. By identifying potential concerns early — often as young as

to.” This approach can reduce the need for more extensive orthodontics later in life.

And, even though neither dentist is an orthodontist, for teens and adults interested in straightening their teeth, the practice offers CandidPro clear aligners. The system uses remote monitoring, allowing patients to complete many check-ins from home instead of making frequent office visits, which is especially helpful for busy families.

At the core of everything at Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine is a simple belief about health. Dr. Daniels emphasizes that

accessible by accepting most dental insurance plans and offering additional options like in-house plans and third-party financing. Early-morning appointments give patients the option to come in before work and start their day without interruption.

After two decades in Wesley Chapel, Dr. Daniels has seen both the community and the dental industry change.

“Private dentistry is still alive here,” he says. “You can still come [to a dental office] where you’re known, cared for and where

you. Not just your teeth, but you.” Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine, located at 2112 Ashley Oaks Cir., is hosting a special Clear Aligners event on Wednesday, August 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary appetizers, drinks and raffle prizes, along with exclusive event-only pricing. The event also will include free whitening and free retainers for anyone making a same-day commitment. For more info, call (813)710-6921, visit DentistWesleyChapel. com or see the ad on pg. 30.

Aqua Works Plumbing Co. Promises To Deliver Honest, Professional Service

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

When you talk to Devin Jenkins, the owner of Aqua Works Plumbing Co., one thing becomes clear pretty quickly — this isn’t just a business to him. It’s personal. Aqua Works is still a relatively young company, only around four years old, and that has worked in the company’s favor. Instead of following “the way things have always been done,” Devin says that Aqua Works was built to do things better.

Before starting his own company, Devin worked for larger plumbing companies and saw firsthand how customers were sometimes treated — and he didn’t like what he saw.

“I saw things that just didn’t sit right with me,” he says. “And I knew it could be done better.” He adds that it was never about money for him, it was about how the work was being done and how people were being treated.

With encouragement from his wife Lauren, Devin made the decision to step out on his own. At the time, he already had several years of experience — enough to understand the work, but still early enough in his career to question habits others had simply accepted.

“You’re never going to know everything,” he explains. “Even guys who’ve been doing this for 50 years are still learning.”

Now, with close to a decade of experience and a growing team, Devin says that Aqua Works Plumbing operates on one straightforward principle: do the job right and treat people fairly.

“If I wouldn’t tell my Mom or Dad to do

something, I’m not going to tell a customer to do it,” Devin says.

Aqua Works Plumbing handles everything from everyday repairs to full plumbing system replacements. The company doesn’t focus on quick fixes. Instead, Aqua Works’ plumbers focus on why the issue is happening in the first place. “If you’re just fixing the faucet or the toilet, you’re just treating the symptoms,” Devin says. “You’ve got to ask why the problem is happening.”

That way of thinking often leads back to something many homeowners don’t consider — water quality. Devin says that over time,

untreated water will wear down plumbing systems. Seals break down, parts wear faster and issues keep coming back. That’s why, he adds, his plumbers will talk with homeowners about long-term solutions like filtration systems.

“Most plumbing problems come down to the water itself,” Devin says.

Along with filtration systems, the company provides inspections, maintenance, sewer and drain work and water heater services. The goal, he says, is to help homeowners understand how it all connects so they can prevent bigger problems later.

“I’d rather explain it to you once and help

you avoid the issue than keep coming back for the same thing,” Devin says.

The company’s work with tankless water heaters reflects that same approach. These systems have become more popular because they heat water as it’s needed instead of storing it, which helps reduce energy use and provides steady hot water. But, Devin makes sure customers understand both the benefits and the limitations before making a decision.

“People hear ‘tankless’ and think it means instant everything,” he says. “Yes, it’s efficient, but you still need the right setup for it to work the way you expect.”

One thing that sets Aqua Works apart is how transparent the company is with its customers. Plumbing can feel overwhelming, and Devin understands that. Instead of asking people to just take his word for it, he shows them whenever possible. With sewer and drain work, camera inspections are used so customers can see their issues for themselves. “The video talks for me,” Devin says. “So you don’t have to guess.” Devin and his team regularly take the time to explain whatever is happening, answer questions and walk customers through their options. In some cases, Devin will even talk someone through a temporary fix over the phone so they don’t have to pay for an emergency visit. “If you can handle it yourself and it gets you through the night, I’ll tell you how,” he says. “People remember that.”

Devin stays closely involved in all aspects of the business. When you call, you’re often speaking directly with him. He manages scheduling, works in the field when needed and personally takes after-hours calls so his team doesn’t have to. “If the phone rings at night, it’s coming to me,” he says. “That’s part of owning it.”

That hands-on approach reflects the family foundation of the company. Lauren manages the administrative side, and together they’ve built something that feels personal, not corporate. It also creates a level of accountability that customers notice. “I look in on every job,

even if I’m not the one doing it,” Devin says. He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, and he doesn’t expect his team to either. “Nobody’s ever going to say they know everything in this field,” Devin says. “You’re always learning.” That openness keeps the team focused on improving and doing things better rather than falling into routines that don’t serve customers well.

Aqua Works currently holds a perfect 5-star rating across 247 Google reviews. One recent review by customer Chris S. captures that experience well: “Devin and his team were

great — even down a man, they were able to get someone out to [the] house [the] same day and diagnose the problem. I was then given a very thorough explanation with pictures to make sure I understood the nature of the problem. His team took care of all the fixes and communicated everything. Would heartily recommend them and would definitely use them again — very pleased with the results.”

For homeowners looking for someone they can trust, Aqua Works offers both skill and a genuine level of care. As an added bonus, the company currently is offering a

promotion for Neighborhood News readers: Mention this story or the ad on pg. 33 ad and receive $25 off any plumbing service. Also included is a free sewer camera evaluation with any drain clearing, giving homeowners clear answers without extra cost.

Aqua Works Plumbing is built on doing things the right way. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes all the difference.

For more information about Aqua Works Plumbing, call (813) 909-1670 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), see the ad on page 33 or visit AquaWorksPC.com.

Touch Nail Spa — One Of Our Area’s First Nail Salons, Now With Three Locations!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

In nearly 10 years, Touch Nail Spa has grown from an idea to elevate the typical nail salon customer experience in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa into three separate, thriving locations built for an indulgent experience.

The husband-&-wife owners Timmy Pham and Tiffany Ha opened the original location of Touch Nail Spa in Wesley Chapel, on S.R. 56 (about a mile east of I-75) in 2016. At 5,000 sq. ft., it remains the largest nail salon in the area.

The second Touch Nail Spa opened in Dec. 2020 in The Village at Hunter’s Lake plaza (next to the Sprouts Farmers Market) off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa. Timmy and Tiffany opened their third location in Odessa (at 16222 S.R. 54) in 2023.

All three Touch Nail Spa locations are committed to above-and-beyond customer service and offer products that are healthy for nails. Services include high-quality manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions, waxing, facials and massages.

Currently, Timmy says, a special “peppermint pedicure” is now available at all three Touch locations, featuring a peppermint scrub that is perfect for relaxing tired feet with a refreshing aroma.

A hallmark of all three Touch Nail Spas is that they all feature beautiful, upscale, serene surroundings with high ceilings for better ventilation, rows of comfortable leather pedicure chairs and plenty of manicure stations to minimize wait times. All three locations also have ample parking.

A complimentary beverage is offered with any service. Because Timmy and Tiffany are always innovating and offering new options in their salons, they also are excited to launch a new option for beverages. While water, soda, or a glass of wine will still be available for their customers, they will soon offer a line of mocktails, as well.

“We expect to have organic fruit drinks and smoothies soon,” Timmy says. “Our staff will be trained to make drinks from a menu of options for our customers, and everything will be complimentary with our services.”

As the original Wesley Chapel location of Touch Nail Spa approaches its 10th anniver-

chairs in that location.

He says customers may not notice that the chairs need to be upgraded, because he consistently has replaced the head pillows, leather upholstery and even plumbing on a regular basis, but he says the newer chairs will be more high-tech, and he always wants what’s best for his customers.

“We’re going to get new luxury chairs that are super-relaxing and have arm massagers, too,” Timmy says. “All 40 chairs at the Wesley Chapel location will be new by sometime in 2027. To order all of the chairs takes time — about six months — but it’s an investment for our customers.”

He adds, “We’re always looking for ways to improve.”

All three Touch Nail Spa locations have large staffs, so there are plenty of technicians to accommodate walk-ins and also to attend to large parties. The Wesley Chapel Touch Nail Spa has more than 40 employees, there are 35 in New Tampa and about 20 employees at the Odessa location.

Party On!

All three locations also can accommodate groups, and the Wesley Chapel Touch Nail Spa can provide a private room for the exclusive use of your gathering, whether it’s for bachelorette, bridal/wedding, “or birthday

says. “In the future, we’ll have mocktails for your party, as well.”

Whether you’re looking for a simple mani/pedi to keep your fingers and toes neat and polished, a relaxing spa experience with luxurious touches, or a skilled technician to provide the latest trends in nail shapes and designs, Touch Nail Spa can accommodate your every desire.

The flagship Wesley Chapel location offers microblading, a semi-permanent treatment to fill in eyebrows. In addition, all three Touch Nail Spa locations also offer eyelash

extensions with many options to fit a variety of budgets.

For your nails, Touch offers dipping powder, acrylic nails and all kinds of nail designs, French manicures, gel polish (which lasts longer than regular polish) and more.

While the dipping powder technique continues to be popular, Timmy says there are alternatives for anyone who doesn’t prefer that product. The more traditional acrylic nails are still available, and Timmy says products such as T.A.P Gel and Gel-X offer a non-chemical, organic

“We are providing the best quality we can,” he says. “We don’t cut corners with our products. We keep purchasing the best quality products so they last. A lot of nail salons buy cheaper supplies, but we don’t.”

Timmy says that his salons carry thousands of colors of nail polish, so that there are plenty of options for regular polish, gel polish and dip colors to match exactly.

Get Rewarded!

Touch Nail Spa also offers a rewards program for its regular clients. Every time you sign in with your phone number on one of the

INTERESTED IN A STRAIGHTER SMILE OR BETTER SLEEP?

Join us for our special Clear Aligners Event! Wednesday, August 5, 8 am-5pm

•ENJOY FREE APPETIZERS, DRINKS & RAFFLE PRIZES!

•SPECIAL, EXCL USIVE PRICING

•FREE WHITENING & FREE RETAINERS (w/same-day commitment)

• APPOINTMENTS ARE LIMITED, SO CALL TODAY!

OAKS DENTISTRY & SLEEP MEDICINE

If you’re interested in straightening your smile, if you need a second opinion or you’re struggling with poor sleep, Seven Oaks Dentistry & Sleep Medicine is offering FREE consultations through Wednesday, August 5!

Enjoy professional & high-quality dental care in a private, locally owned office, where your needs & comfort are our top priorities. Dr. Daniels has served the Wesley Chapel area for 20+ years!

For info, email: Info@SevenOaksDental.com or call: 813-907-7313 Hours: Mon., 8am-5pm; Tues., 7am-3pm;

spa’s iPads, you’ll receive one point for every dollar spent. Once you reach 650 points, you’ll receive $25 off any pedicure.

Discounted prices also are available for children ages 11 and younger.

Touch also sells gift certificates for all occasions that can be used at any of its locations.

Timmy says he hopes that all the innovations he and Tiffany continue to bring to Touch Nail Spa will inspire customers to give them a try — or come back if it’s been a while since your last visit — and see how affordable and relaxing a little indulgent self-care can be.

Between the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel locations of Touch Nail Spa, there are more than 1,200 5-star Google reviews,

including customer Jayell Metz, who said in her recent 5-star review says that she highly recommends the salon, and has several friends who have made Touch their nail salon, too.

“I have been going to Touch Nails for over a year and I am never disappointed,” says Jayell. “The atmosphere here is so clean and everyone is so polite!”

While other salons may come and go, Timmy and Tiffany want to make sure Touch Nail Spa continues to offer a better experience to customers for years to come.

“We really love to work,” Timmy says. “We are friendly and we always put our customers first. We work with a passion and always do the best we can. It’s all about

making sure our customers are happy.”

The Wesley Chapel (27233 S.R. 56) and New Tampa (8630 Hunter’s Village Rd.) Touch Nail Spas are both open Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sun. To make an appointment with a specific nail tech or, for more info about the New Tampa location, call (813) 5361003. For Wesley Chapel, call (813) 973-4111. Or, see the ad on page 35.

Pam Turner & Her Decoding Medicare Can Help Uncomplicate Medicare Decisions

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

For many people approaching age 65, Medicare can feel less like a healthcare program and more like a maze. Between everything the receive in their mailboxes, commercials, online information and conflicting advice from friends and family, many people feel overwhelmed before they even begin. Pamela Turner (photo) of Decoding Medicare has built her business around helping people make sense of it all.

An independent Medicare broker since 2008, Pam has spent nearly two decades guiding clients through Medicare decisions and helping them avoid costly enrollment mistakes. Today, she represents 15 different Medicare plan companies, is licensed in 45 states and stays current through ongoing Medicare certifications and training. This allows her to assist clients across the country while continuing to serve the residents of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

“The biggest thing I do is simplify everything,” Pam says. “People come to me feeling overwhelmed, and I help them understand what applies to their unique situation and what their next step should be.”

After entering the insurance field in California in 2008, Pam says she quickly found herself drawn to Medicare education. She noticed that many people struggled to understand Medicare’s rules, deadlines and unfamiliar terminology. She wanted to do more than simply enroll people in plans — she wanted to help them understand the process.

Pam guides clients through Medicare step-by-step, explaining enrollment timelines, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage and how each option may fit a person’s unique situation.

“There isn’t one plan that’s right for everybody,” she says. “The right choice depends upon the individual.”

Pam says people who continue to work beyond age 65 often need her help. Many assume they must enroll in Medicare immediately to avoid penalties, but that’s not always the case. In fact, depending upon their employer’s health care coverage, some individuals may be able to delay portions of Medicare while continuing to work.

“That’s probably one of the biggest misconceptions I see,” Pam says. “People hear from everyone that they have to sign up at 65, and sometimes that simply isn’t true.”

She says that many of her clients are worried about making a mistake or creating a gap in coverage when they eventually do retire.

“They’re anxious because they’ve never done this before,” she says. “Once we walk through the process together, you can hear the relief in their voices.” For Pam, those moments are the most rewarding part of her job.

Pam sees herself more as a guide than as a salesperson. Because she works with multiple insurance carriers, she’s able to focus on finding options that fit each client’s needs rather than steering them toward a single product.

“I like to meet people where they’re at,” Pam says. “Some people want to have several conversations. Others want to learn on their own first. Everybody is different.”

Whether people prefer reading, watching videos, or one-on-one conversations, Pam has created a number of resources to help. Her website includes articles, videos and a free downloadable Medicare workbook that explains the process in plain language and walks readers through Medicare enrollment step-by-step. She also manages a private Facebook community with more than 5,000 members where people can learn about Medicare topics and stay informed about changes that may affect them.

Many of the calls Pam receives today come from people who have been on Medicare

for years. She says that rising healthcare costs and premium increases have led many retirees to take a second look at their coverage. Some come to Pam assuming they have no options because they’ve been on the same plan for years.

Pam says she recently helped several longtime Medicare members find more affordable options, including clients who saved hundreds of dollars each month after reviewing their coverage choices.

“It’s exciting when you can make that kind of difference in someone’s life,” she says. But while saving money can be important, many clients tell Pam that they’re simply relieved to have someone to talk to they can trust when questions arise. Unlike many people who enroll through a call center and never hear from their agent again, Pam makes herself available year after year.

“I don’t limit the number of conversations we can have,” she says. “If someone needs help, I want them to feel comfortable reaching out.”

Another fact many people don’t realize is that Pam’s services are completely free to her clients. Like other Medicare brokers, Pam is compensated by the insurance companies she represents when a policy is purchased. Whether you enroll directly with a carrier or work with a broker, the price of the plan is generally the same.

This educational approach has earned Pam a 5-star overall Google rating from her clients. One reviewer, Jerry D., wrote, “She made it so easy! And it’s free to you - the insurance companies pay her. Anyone trying to navigate

the process and choices of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and the SSA application should use Pam. She explained everything simply, evaluated and presented our options based on our specific situation and helped us get fully enrolled. She really cut through the confusion and eliminated the headache. Do yourself a favor!”

One of the most important decisions many Medicare members face is choosing between a Medicare Supplement plan (also known as Medigap) and a Medicare Advantage plan. Pam explains that Medicare Supplements help cover many of the out-of-pocket costs left behind by Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage plans bundle Medicare benefits into a private insurance plan that may include additional benefits. Separate Medicare Part D plans help cover prescription drug costs.

“The biggest question most people have is which path is right for them,” Pam says. “There are advantages and trade-offs to each option, so it really comes down to a person’s health needs, budget and personal preferences.”

After nearly two decades in the Medicare industry, Pam says the most rewarding part of her work is helping people move from confusion to confidence. Whether someone is approaching age 65 or reviewing coverage they’ve had for years, she enjoys being the person who helps make sense of a process that often feels overwhelming. For those approaching Medicare eligibility — or those who simply want a second opinion about their current coverage — Pam recommends starting early.

“Don’t wait until the last minute,” she says. “The more time you give yourself, the easier the process becomes.”

She adds, “I often help people with dental vision and hearing, which Medicare doesn’t cover. I also can offer ancillary products that provide much-needed protection, such as hospital indemnity, cancer, or heart attack and stroke, which helps people cover unexpected expenses that are not directly medical or medications or treatments outside the realm of what Medicare allows. But, other than those ancillary products, I do not sell health insurance for other ages or life insurance in genera, unless someone is interested in final expense, I do have access to that. My main focus is educating and enrolling into Medicare products!”

When she’s not helping clients, Pam enjoys spending time with her husband Joel, traveling in their camper, golfing and exploring the outdoors with their blended family of four adult children. Because she works remotely, she’s able to assist clients from anywhere.

In fact, during a camping trip in Tennessee, a client recognized her on a hiking trail after following her online posts, despite the two having only spoken by phone. Pretty cool!

Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans runs annually from Oct. 15-Dec. 7. Pam says that people planning to retire and transition to Medicare should ideally begin the process about three months before their retirement date.

For more info, to schedule a complimentary consultation, download the free Medicare workbook, or join Pam’s private Facebook community, visit DecodingMedicare.com, call (888)520-8683, email Pam@DecodingMedicare.com, search “Decoding Medicare” on Facebook or see the ad on pg. 39.

Compton & Smith — Caring Attorneys With Decades Of Family Law Experience

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

Attorneys RaeAnn Compton and Todd Smith are the partners at Compton & Smith, P.A., in the New Tampa Professional Park (on Regents Park Dr., off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.,) in Pebble Creek.

Their firm was established nearly a decade ago, in 2017, when the pair determined that their then-separate private practices might benefit from a partnership between the two.

“We used to face off in court all the time,” Todd recalls with a smile. “Eventually, we got tired of roughing each other up and decided to sit down for lunch. That’s when we realized how well we’d work together.”

Both attorneys bring decades of experience to the table, along with deep roots in the local area.

RaeAnn, who grew up in Dade City, earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in political science from nearby St. Leo University and her Juris Doctor (J.D., or Law) degree from Stetson University College of Law in DeLand. She passed the Florida Bar in 2000. After three years as an assistant state attorney, RaeAnn opened her own private practice in Pebble Creek in 2003.

Todd’s path started in Jacksonville, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree in history from the University of North Florida and his J.D. degree from the Florida Coastal School of Law, also in Jacksonville. He passed

the Florida Bar in 2001. Like RaeAnn, Todd began his career as an assistant state attorney before branching into private practice and, eventually, to partnering with RaeAnn.

Compton & Smith, P.A., is primarily a family law office, providing legal services for people going through divorce and related challenges, including custody, visitation, child

support, modifications and paternity issues.

In addition, the partners handle cases in criminal defense – specifically misdemeanors, felonies and DUIs, as well as personal injury cases, especially involving auto accidents.

“We’re very client-focused,” RaeAnn says, “and we’re both from this area, so each case is not just another case. We both care a lot about

our clients, and I think that’s very important.”

She says they build relationships with their clients that last for years, sometimes decades. They enjoy when clients share pictures of how their families have grown, and especially when they have the opportunity to serve people who have been referred to them from someone who was happy with the service they received at Compton & Smith.

“This isn’t just where we work,” RaeAnn says. “It’s where we live, where we’ve raised our families and where we’re deeply invested.”

RaeAnn has lived in Wesley Chapel since 2007 with her husband Jeff. They have two adult children, Jessica and Hunter.

Todd lives in Dade City with his wife Lisa. They have three children, Avery, Kendall and Colton.

“We’ve both lived in this [general] area for years,” he says. “We have deep roots in the area and care about what happens to the families around us — because our families are among them.”

Yolanda Darbyshire is a mom who lives in Seven Oaks who has been a client of RaeAnn’s as she has been dealing with issues related to her divorce and custody for nearly 10 years.

“We’ve had so many different things that have happened,” Yolanda says, “but she’s been great about following through on all of them.”

Yolanda describes RaeAnn as “really fair,” explaining that, “She’s aggressive when she

doesn’t over-promise and is realistic about outcomes, so you’re not spending a lot of unnecessary time and money.”

Yolanda says she’s seen firsthand how RaeAnn has earned people’s respect over the many years she’s been practicing law.

“When we had to deal with mediators and judges and the supporting legal community, I could tell they had a strong relationship with her,” Yolanda explains. “I could see that she was well respected.”

For anyone who may be concerned that it would be hard to talk to an attorney, Yolanda

with her approachable manner.

“She’s really easy to talk to and very down to earth,” Yolanda says. “She’s also confident and no-nonsense.”

Pedro Rodriguez, a Wesley Chapel resident who lives in River Landing, is another client of the firm’s who credits RaeAnn with helping him navigate an incredibly difficult divorce. “She was so responsive, and worked with me throughout the process,” Pedro says. “She told me what to do and what not to do, and she got the outcome I wanted.”

He says RaeAnn’s extensive experience

was evident as she helped him navigate the relationship with his ex during their divorce and custody issues.

“It was her knowledge and expertise and good advice that guided me in how to talk with and respond to my ex,” he says.

And when his case went to trial, he says RaeAnn’s character was evident. “She’s very smart, very professional,” he says, “and she doesn’t get flustered at all.”

While each client primarily works with one attorney, RaeAnn says they all benefit from the expertise of both lawyers.

“Todd and I work on almost every case together,” RaeAnn explains. “Clients might meet with one of us at first, but behind the scenes, we’re both looking at everything. We challenge each other, play devil’s advocate and walk into court with multiple perspectives.”

They also are inten tional to remember the people behind each case.

“In family law,” Todd says, “it’s not just about winning. It’s about helping people get to a better place. It’s always a challenging and emotional area, one that requires both legal knowledge and emotional intelligence. It also requires thinking outside the box.”

Todd and RaeAnn say that the firm’s small size allows them to form oneon-one relationships with

their clients, ensuring each client gets both their personal attention and legal expertise for the best possible outcomes.

“We’re a small firm,” she says. “I’ve always maintained a very busy office, but I’ve always kept it small, and I like it that way.”

Todd agrees. “We’ve thought about adding associates,” he says, “but our biggest concern is whether someone else would treat the cases with the same care we do. Both of our names are on the door, and that means everything.”

Compton & Smith, P.A., is located at 8905 Regents Park Dr., Suite 210, in the New Tampa Professional Park in Pebble Creek. To schedule a free consultation, call (813)994-2026. For more information, visit

Clean-It’s Celly De Freitas Provides Outstanding Home & Office Cleaning Services

By Traviyon Bigby Neighborhood News Correspondent

Between demanding work schedules, children’s activities and the endless responsibilities of everyday life, finding the time to keep your home spotless often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. While many homeowners strive to stay on top of it all, professional cleaning has become less of a luxury and more of a practical solution for creating a healthier, less stressful home.

This perspective is reflected in the work of Clean-It, a local business dedicated to helping families in Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and surrounding areas feel better by providing professional home and office cleaning services.

Behind Clean-It is a story rooted in opportunity, determination and a genuine passion for serving others.

After relocating with her husband Rogerio from Brazil in 1998, Clean-it owner Celly De Freitas noticed something that was very common back home but far less common in the U.S. — professional residential cleaning services. Having always enjoyed cleaning and creating organized, welcoming spaces herself, Celly recognized an opportunity to fill a growing need.

While Rogerio was temporarily working under a visa in the U.S. as an IT professional, Celly decided to make the most of her time here by offering cleaning services to families and eventually, small businesses in need of an extra helping hand.

What began as a temporary endeavor soon evolved into something much greater. As she saw the demand for her cleaning services continue to grow, so did Celly’s vision for her business. Six years after moving here, she officially incorporated Clean-it, transforming a simple idea into a company built on hard work, trust and a commitment to helping clients enjoy cleaner, more comfortable homes.

Today, that same hands-on approach remains at the heart of Clean-it. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service, Celly says, “We begin every client relationship with a complimentary in-home consultation. During the visit, I like to personally evaluate the space and listen to the client’s needs to recommend a cleaning plan tailored to their home and lifestyle.”

Once that plan is in place, a team of two professional cleaners comes out to complete the service as often as you need it — from once a week to once a month or whatever you think you need.

Bonus: The Follow-Up

What truly sets Clean-It apart isn’t simply the cleaning itself — it’s the follow-through. Instead of relying solely on employee reports of how a job went, Celly personally returns to inspect each completed job.

“My goal is always to ensure that every detail meets my standards and, more importantly, that every client is completely satisfied,” she says.

It’s this level of personal involvement that Celly believes separates her company from larger corporate cleaning services, where customers may never interact with the owner after scheduling an appointment and may not always get to work with the same cleaners.

Clean-It offers a variety of residential services, including deep cleaning, recurring maintenance cleaning, move-in and move-out cleanings, post-construction cleanups and even pressure washing. While the company has expanded its services over the years, Celly says its growth has been driven almost entirely by referrals and word of mouth — a testament to

the trust, commitment to quality and person alized service the company has built within the community. Celly says that some of her clients have continued to utilize Clean-it’s services for more than 25 years.

One of those satisfied customers is Adrianna Silva, who says she has relied on Clean-It for nearly three years after being referred by a friend. She says consistency is what keeps her coming back.

“I’m always happy with the results,” Adrianna shares. “I appreciate the consistency

— not only in the quality of the work, but also in the familiar faces who come to my home. They are professional, detail-oriented, efficient and accommodating. You can tell Celly treats her staff very well because they’re always so happy. With them, you know it’s going to be done right.”

Celly says that relationships like these are the true measure of success.

“Building trust one home at a time has not only sustained the business, but has also created a loyal customer base that continues to

recommend our services to family, friends and neighbors,” she says.

Clean-it only has a few Google reviews, but they are all 5 stars, including a customer named Henry, who says, “Great prices for the quality and level to detail, trustworthy team, flexible schedule. Highly recommend!”

Environmental Factors

Beyond providing a clean home, Celly also has witnessed a noticeable shift in what today’s homeowners value. Over the years, she says she has seen clients become increasingly health-conscious and more mindful of the products used in their homes, with many requesting natural, environmentally friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals.

“Many people now prefer [that we use] products like vinegar or other eco-friendly alternatives,” Celly says, “because they want a home that’s not only clean but healthier for their families and pets.”

For Celly, cleaning also goes hand in hand with education. She encourages homeowners to replace their HVAC filters regularly, wash bed linens and towels regularly and stay ahead of dust and allergens that can accumulate over time — especially in Florida’s warm, humid climate.

She believes these small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in maintaining a healthier home, proving that a cleaning service can offer more than just spotless surfaces. It also can provide knowledge that helps families better care for the spaces they call home.

“Our homes are our temples,” Celly says.

“They’re our sacred places, and we have to take care of them.”

For those searching for a professional cleaning company, Celly recommends choosing one that is insured, reputable, reliable and committed to quality. She encourages homeowners and business owners alike to ask about the products used, whether a post-clean inspection will take place after each visit, and whether the company trains its staff before they are hired.

At Clean-It, every team member completes approximately two months of hands-on training to learn proper cleaning techniques and how to care for a variety of household surfaces before entering a client’s home. “A clean home starts with a well-trained team,” she says.

And, as a naturalized U.S. citizen for 18 years herself, even though not all of Celly’s cleaners are fluent in English, they all understand English and Celly says, “Since I am the primary point of contact with every client, I always ensure that there is clear communication from the initial consultation through the final inspection.”

As life becomes increasingly busy, Celly believes homeowners deserve more than just a clean house — they deserve peace of mind. Whether she’s educating clients about healthier cleaning habits or personally inspecting every completed job, her goal remains the same: help families (and businesses) spend less time worrying about cleaning and more time enjoying the place they call home.

To obtain a free quote from Clean-it, call (813) 505-0431 or e-mail cleanitmc@ gmail.com. For more information, see the ad on page 47 of this issue.

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Cold Stone Creamery Is The New Tampa Area’s Original Ice Cream Shop!

By Gary Nager

The people of New Tampa have now been hearing the phrase “Welcome to Cold Stone” for 20 years and even though many other ice cream shops have entered the local market (and many others have gone away), Cold Stone Creamery has been a constant source of joy for young and old alike. It features a unique selection of super-creamy, ultra-premium ice cream flavors, and a huge variety of toppings that you can have the happy Cold Stone ice creamers mix in more than two dozen ingredients (bottom photo on next page), from fresh bananas, strawberries and raspberries to candies and cookies like Heath bars, Twix and Reese’s Oreos and toppings like real (but not hot) fudge, marshmallow, caramel and even pistachio cream sauce.

New Tampa store general manager Nola Davis (above) says that this summer is a great time to try or return to Cold Stone, as there are several new flavors and new Signature Creations everyone can try.

For example, she says, “in honor of the recently released “Supergirl” movie, Cold Stone currently has ‘Supergirl’s Cosmic Kettle Corn’ (below left), which combines kettle corn-fla vored ice cream, big pieces of kettle corn (right), a caramel swirl and Supergirl-colored sprinkles.”

Another current specialty creation is the Oreo® Pretzel Perfection (below center), which Nola says, “has a sweet cream-based, Oreo® Cookie chocolate covered pretzel ice cream, Oreo® cookies, mini-pretzels, caramel and sugar crystals (bottom right).”

There’s also a new “Cup & Cookie Chaos” (not pictured) that features Cookies ‘n’ Peanut Butter ice cream that is made with Oreo® cookies, Reese’s peanut butter cups and Oreo® Reese’s cookies.

And finally, Nola says, the big hit of the summer so far is, “Our Dubai Chocolate Cre ation” (top left photo on next page). “It has our chocolate ice cream with pistachio cream, kataifi (finely shredded phyllo dough) and chocolate shavings. Everyone is crazy about Dubai chocolate these days. And, people are really loving it!”

Nola even sent us home with samples of each creation, so we could all sample them. My favorite, not surprisingly, is the “Cup & Cookie Chaos,” but I can definitely finish off a serving of any of them.

She adds, “Even if you pick one of our Signature Creations,” Nola says, “You can still make it your own.”

All of these Signature and “Create Your Own” Creations can be put on your choice of a cone, cup or waffle bowl, in the usual Cold Stone sizes — Kid’s Size, “Like It®,” “Love It®” and “Gotta Have It®.”

I had for me to not take one of these entire cakes home with me and finish it all myself.

Nola also explains that although there is always a supply of ready-made cakes in the store (far right photo), including some of the “Perfect Pair” cakes, “Most of our cakes are custom-ordered, so you can always get whatever flavors of ice cream you want, toppings, everything, but please always give us at least two days to create the cake you want because someone has to build the cake and someone else will have to decorate it. Then, it has to stay in the freezer for a certain amount of time.”

So Many Specials!

The New Tampa Cold Stone Creamery also

offers different specials every Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Monday is “Mega Monday!,” when you get one FREE “Like-it Create” creation with one mix-in when you purchase any two “Loveit” sizes (or larger).

Tuesday is “2-for-$10 Tuesday!,” when you get any two “Like-it” creations (with one mix-in each) for only $10.

Wednesday is “Waffle Wednesday!,” when you get a FREE plain waffle bowl or cone when

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and present the coupon in the ad on pg. 45 of this issue, you’ll get a FREE scoop of ice cream! All of these offers are valid in-store at the Cold Stone location on Preserve Walk Ln. in New Tampa ONLY. Please note that they are not available with any other offers and are limited to one special per family/per order

We definitely agree with Nola that the summer is the best time of year to check out the New Tampa Cold Stone. Now you know why! New Tampa’s Cold Stone Creamery is located at 17519 Preserve Walk Ln., in the Highwoods Preserve area, just off I-75. It opens every day at 11 a.m. and stays open until 11 p.m. on Sunday, until 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and until midnight on Friday & Saturday. For more info, visit ColdStoneCreamery.com, call (813) 977-0024 or see the ad on pg. 45.

Now Open At Former Wendy’s On BBD — House Of Biryanis & Kebabs

By Gary Nager

People have been asking us for years — and posting questions online — about whether anything was ever coming to the former Wendy’s location at 19430 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Until now, we didn’t have any answers.

The replacement for Wendy’s is a local link in a small but growing chain of 35 halal Indian/South Asian restaurants called House of Biryanis & Kebabs (HBK) — and, three days after the restaurant’s ribbon-cutting event with Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera on July 6 (right), photographer Charmaine George and I were treated to a number of delicious dishes by the restaurant’s five local franchise owners, led by Satya Meka (left in photo below) and Karthik Achanta (right in same photo). And yes, we thoroughly enjoyed everything we sampled.

The three appetizers we indulged in were the most uniquely garlicky Murgh Malai Kebabs (far right),which were chunks of chicken served fajita-style on a sizzling dish, followed by a spicy Mongadu Gobi (cauliflower, right). Next was an order of Onion Samosas (bottom right), which were different than most Indian samosas I’ve had before, as the tasty onions and potatoes were wrapped in a crisp, spanakopita-style, almost-cel lophane-like crust and were not spicy at all.

“We can vary the spice on any of our dish es,” Satya told us. “But, these authentic recipes use the same quality ingredients and taste the same at every HBK location (most of which are along the East Coast and in the Midwestern U.S., with one location in Manchester, England).”

Of course, we had to try one of the restaurant’s signature biryanis — the HBK Special Chicken Biry ani (top photo on next page), which combines spicy, long-grain rice, a hard-cooked egg and a side of zesty, slightly sweet red curry chicken.

Our friend Prahlad Madabushi, who introduced us to the owners and is a vegetarian himself, also had us sample a mild mixed-veggie curry that also was excellent.

Our final sample (see next page) was HBK’s traditional, thick, creamy butter chicken, which we savored with three different varieties of naan flatbreads — butter, garlic and the spicy (but

tea and Charmaine and I both gave thumbs-up to the Thums Up soda (the Indian version of

Fresh Market-Anchored Development Moves Forward At Wiregrass Ranch

One Of The Largest Undeveloped Corners Along S.R. 56 Is Moving Towards Finalizing Its Design

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

A 59-acre cow-field located between Pasco-Hernando State College and S.R. 56, on the southwest corner of the signal with Mansfield Blvd., is set to become Wiregrass Ranch’s next major commercial development.

Plans were officially submitted to Pasco County starting on June 19, confirming that development activity is preparing to begin on land that has remained largely untouched for years.

For many longtime Wesley Chapel residents, the project is hardly a surprise. The property has long been designated for future development within the Wiregrass Ranch Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD).

Still, there is a sense of nostalgia among some residents, as yet another stretch of open pasture land and cattle fields gradually gives way to additional growth.

Fresh Market Appears To Remain The Anchor Tenant

The development was first publicly discussed during a community presentation in April, when longtime Locust Branch, LLC (the development wing of the Wiregrass Ranch MPUD) chief operating officer Scott Sheridan shared several upcoming projects planned throughout Wiregrass Ranch — as reported in detail in our Apr. 14 issue.

While the project was mentioned at that meeting, Sheridan declined to discuss additional details for this article beyond acknowledging that plans had recently been submitted to the county.

That lack of comment initially raised questions about whether the project had changed at all since the April presentation. County permits do not specifically identify The Fresh Market by name, and the grocery chain has not yet made any public announcement regarding a Wesley Chapel location.

However, several pieces of evidence strongly suggest that The Fresh Market remains the new development’s planned anchor tenant:

The applicant and developer listed on the permit documents is Seth Lane, VP of Regency Centers, a Tampa company that has extensive experience developing shopping centers anchored by The Fresh Market. Additionally, the proposed grocery space — Parcel D in the center of the site map above — shown on the site plans measures 26,187 square feet, which is almost exactly the size of a typical Fresh Market store.

Combined with the company’s recent expansion efforts across Florida, there is strong reason to believe that The Fresh Market is still moving forward as the centerpiece of the project.

What Is The Fresh Market?

For residents unfamiliar with the brand, The Fresh Market is an upscale, European-style “green” grocery chain known for its boutique shopping experience, premium meats, high-quality prepared foods, fresh produce (much of it organic), wine selections and specialty grocery items.

Unlike traditional supermarkets, The Fresh Market operates smaller-format stores designed to create an old-world market atmosphere. Stores

typically average around 25,000 square feet— roughly half the size of a standard Publix.

Online reviewers frequently praise the chain’s USDA Prime steaks, seafood selection, freshly prepared hot foods and salads and made-daily sushi offerings. Many customers also use the store as an alternative to cooking at home, thanks to its extensive selection of ready-to-heat meals.

The chain is already established in the Tampa Bay region with four stores — with the closest existing location to New Tampa or Wesley Chapel situated near the intersection of N.Dale Mabry Hwy. and W. Fletcher Ave. in the Carrollwood area.

Grocery Store Size Comparison:

The Fresh Market: 26,187 sq. ft. (Boutique/Small-Box Grocery)

Under-Construction Wesley Chapel

Whole Foods (Aronwood Blvd. at Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Meadow Pointe): 35,518 sq. ft. (Mid-Sized Organic Grocery)

Typical Publix: Approximately 50,000 sq. ft. (Traditional Full-Service Grocery)

A Project Nearly The Size Of The Shops at Wiregrass

The total scale of this development may surprise some residents.

The overall property is roughly comparable in size to The Shops at Wiregrass and will ultimately be divided into 10 separate parcels and outparcels. So far, plans have only been submitted for three of those parcels (see map above for reference), meaning much of the project’s future remains unknown.

Parcel D – 7.65 Acres:

This will serve as the development’s primary retail center and is planned to include:

• The Fresh Market grocery store (proposed

as the parcel’s anchor tenant — 26,187 sq. ft.)

•28 separate retail & restaurant plaza suites

•Spaces ranging from 1,220-4,230 sq. ft.

• The plans for Parcel D currently show 54,985 total sq. ft. of retail space & 17,390 sq. ft. of restaurant space

Parcel B – 4.10 Acres

The plans for this outparcel include:

•One 5,750-sq. ft. sit-down restaurant

•One 8,000-sq. ft. sit-down restaurant

•One 3,075-sq. ft. fast-food restaurant with drive-through

Parcel A – 2.88 Acres

The plans for this outparcel include:

•One 3,000-sq.-ft. restaurant or office building

•One 8,000-sq.-ft. sit-down restaurant

At this stage, no additional tenants have been publicly identified for any of these parcels.

Only The Beginning

While the currently submitted plans are significant, they represent only a fraction of this overall project.

Site plans indicate that seven additional outparcels remain undeveloped, representing approximately 27.28 additional buildable acres. As those parcels move through the approval process in the coming years, residents can expect additional retail, restaurant, office, commercial, and residential uses to be announced.

In other words, what has been submitted so far is likely only the first phase of what could become one of Wesley Chapel’s largest upcoming commercial — and restaurant — destinations.

Traffic Questions Remain

As with nearly every major project along the S.R. 56 corridor, the traffic implications of this new project already represent the biggest concern being discussed by local residents.

Current transportation standards limit where median openings can be located along S.R. 56.

Under existing conditions, a full median opening is shown at Yaupon Lane, while a future full-access signalized intersection is anticipated at Lajuana Blvd. — the same median opening currently serving Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant and Audi Wesley Chapel across S.R. 56.

Plans also call for a future reverse-frontage road that would connect this development to that signalized intersection.

One question that remains unanswered is whether transportation officials will eventually require modifications to Wiregrass Ranch’s existing full median opening configuration.

If changes are required, some drivers traveling eastbound could find themselves needing to make U-turns at the existing signalized intersection until that reverse frontage road is extended west to the future signal (which is expected to be added to that Lajuana Blvd. intersection soon) in front of Cooper’s Hawk.

Those details will likely become clearer as the project moves through the county and state review process.

Another Piece Of The Wiregrass Puzzle

For years, residents driving along S.R. 56 have looked across open fields and wondered what would eventually be built there. Now, many of those answers are emerging.

While some will miss the remaining cattle pastures that once defined Wesley Chapel’s landscape, others will welcome the additional dining, shopping and grocery options in one of the community’s fastest-growing corridors.

Either way, the latest plans confirm that another major chapter in the ongoing development of Wiregrass Ranch is officially under way.

1916 Irish Pub Opens In Former Beef O’Brady’s Location On

By Gary Nager

Although it doesn’t look that different inside (photo on next page) from the Beef O’Brady’s that it has now replaced, the new 1916 Irish Pub we first told you about last issue is now open at 27315 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (at Old Pasco Rd.), in the Towne Centre at Wesley Chapel plaza that had long been home to Winn-Dixie

And yes, 1916 is an upgrade over Beef’s menu-wise, at least in one editor’s opinion.

Owner Chuck Jamieson, who also owns 1916 Irish Pub locations in Brandon, Plant City and Lakeland, says that his goal was always to create an Irish pub with an upgraded menu — he also owns Second Plate Catering — and Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I agree that he is already achieving that goal.

To date, we’ve sampled three of 1916’s Irish favorites and we all gave them thumbs-up — the haddock fish & chips (right), the Rebel’s Reuben (tasty corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese and house-made Thousand Island dressing; top right) and my favorite of the three, the Irish stew in a garlicky sourdough bread bowl (top left). The stew has marinated braised beef, slow-cooked in red wine, Guinness and house brand demi-glace, with celery, carrots and onions

the regular and parmesan fries and tater tots were all extra-crispy and were definitely addictive.

But, perhaps our favorite dishes so far have been the bruschetta appetizer (below left the melted mozzarella was a unique touch), the Irish Lamb Jam (a tasty take on a traditional gyro sandwich, not pictured) and the crisp-crusted meat lover’s flatbread (also not pictured).

1916 has a full-liquor bar and lots of beers on tap, plus different specials every day — from $6.99 burgers on Monday to Trivia and $6.99 wings on Wed. and $3 mimosas for Sat. & Sun. brunch — and Chuck says that, in addition to a Grand Opening celebration on Friday, June 24, 6 p.m., there will soon be live music and more. “We want to be your neighborhood hangout,” he says. “Come give us a try!”

For more information, call (813) 9914747 or visit 1916IrishPub.com.

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