Volume 34 Issue 19 September 15, 2026 Scan the QR code to your left with your phone to access our website!
A Very Successful ‘Taste Of N’Awlins’ In Arbor Greene! The Culinary Fund Raiser Hosted By Pam & Dr. Elliot Cazes Raised $11,000 For ‘Faces Of Courage!’ By Gary Nager
Mother Nature’s best efforts couldn’t keep nearly 200 people from getting “A Taste of N’Awlins” — the Cajun culinary experience hosted by long-time New Tampa residents Pam and Dr. Elliot Cazes at the Arbor Greene Community Club on Aug. 23 that raised nearly $11,000 for the New Tampa-based nonprofit called Faces of Courage. Fellow New Tampa resident Peggie Sherry, who founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Faces of Courage in 2004 to provide day outings, educational workshops and medically supervised overnight camps for women, children and families touched by all types of cancer and blood disorders — all at no cost — was thrilled with the event. “Apparently, Mother Nature decided ‘A Taste of N’Awlins’ needed a little extra Louisiana weather,” Peggie said, “but despite the torrential downpour, the local community showed up, umbrellas in hand and ready to eat, laugh, bid, buy raffle tickets and support Faces of Courage. We cannot begin to thank Dr./Chef Elliot Cazes and his hardworking wife Pam enough for this fund raiser.” Elliot, Pam and their team of volunteers (photo) provided some of the most delicious chicken & andouille sausage gumbo this reporter has had (and I’ve spent some time in New Orleans), plus equally authentic Cajun-style red beans & rice and three different Po’ Boy sandwiches — roast beef, turkey and andouille sausage. (Holding meat platters) Pam (left) & Dr. Elliot Cazes and their amazing team helped raise nearly $11,000 for the New Tampa-based cancer nonprofit Faces of Courage by providing a delicious “Taste of N’Awlins” to nearly 200 people on a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon. Not only did the team cook a ton of andouille sausage for Dr. See “A Taste of N’Awlins” on pg. 30! Cazes’ chicken & andouille gumbo but also red beans & rice and a variety of “Po’ Boy” sandwiches. (Photo by Charmaine George)
GUEST EDITORIAL!
An update from City of Tampa Charter Review Advisory Commission member Alan Cohn! See page 3
HOW NEW TAMPA VOTED
Zip code 33647’s turnout was again low on Aug. 18, but we break down how you voted in every race. See page 4
CHECKING OUT EBISU
The Ebisu Life Store has opened. We can’t describe it, but we let you know what you’ll find there. See page 14
MORE WAYS TO WIN FREE DINING! Tell us your Favorite Pizza & Latin places & your Five Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel! See pages 32-35
Checking Out The Redesigned Mama B’s Pizzeria! delicious food in a much nicer setting. See page 40! 1 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Same Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Tampa’s Charter Review Committee Has Something Monumental For New Tampa Guest Editorial by ALAN COHN
Every 8–12 years, the Tampa City Council and Mayor form a Charter Review Advisory Commission to review and update the city’s governing charter — the document that defines how our city government operates. District 7 City Councilman Luis Viera appointed me to represent New Tampa on that commission. His only instruction to me was simple: Use your best judgment and do a good job. I took that responsibility seriously. And I’m proud to say we did something monumental. We made Tampa’s city government more accountable, more transparent and more responsive to the people it serves. People have every right to question government. In fact, they should. That’s why I helped champion the creation of Tampa’s first-ever Inspector General. The Inspector General (IG) will have the independence to investigate allegations of (governmental) corruption and wrongdoing without political interference or favor. The IG will be selected by a distinguished panel that includes the State Attorney, Public Defender, Chief Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit, Mayor, City Council and others. Why does that matter? Because while the City Council has the authority to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, it has no dedicated budget to conduct those investigations. And, when elected officials investigate elected officials, there can always be questions about political motivation. The Inspector General changes that. It puts an independent watchdog inside Tampa’s system of government whose job it is to follow the facts and protect the public interest. Only a handful of cities in Florida — including Doral and Jacksonville — have an Inspector General. Tampa is about to join them. But, we didn’t stop there. We also delivered a major win for the residents of New Tampa. For years, Councilman Viera has fought to secure funding for parks, playgrounds, infrastructure and other projects our community needs. But, getting funding approved doesn’t necessarily mean a project gets built. Too often, residents are left wondering: What happened to that project? When will it be completed? Why is it delayed? That’s changing. We’ve created a new transparency system requiring the city to provide an annual progress report on major capital improvement projects — including their current status, delays or problems and anticipated completion dates. If taxpayers are funding it, they deserve to know what’s happening with it. That’s what good government looks like. We made other important changes as well, and I look forward to sharing more about them soon. The final changes to the city charter have now been approved and sent to the City Neighborhood News
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Council and Mayor. They will ultimately go before Tampa voters next spring. I’m especially grateful to Councilman Viera for choosing me, trusting me and giving me the opportunity to fight for the people of New Tampa. He asked me to use my best judgment and do a good job. And I think we did. And, this is exactly the kind of government I believe Tampa deserves: independent, transparent, accountable, and always working for the people. Alan Cohn is New Tampa’s appointed representative on Tampa’s Charter Review Advisory Commission and a candidate for Tampa City Council, District 7
Alan Cohn (front left) sits on Tampa’s Charter Review Advisory Commission, which is helping the city update its charter & creating an independent Inspector General position. (Photo provided by Alan Cohn)
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Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Joel Provenzano Mary Durbin • Joshua Gabel Jordan King • Issac Morgan Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano Ad Sales/Marketing Director Jannah Nager Photographer/Lead Video Producer/ Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 34, Issue 21, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Tuesday, September 29, 2026. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2026 JM2 Communications, Inc. New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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Here’s How New Tampa Voted In The August 18 Primary Election By Gary Nager
With the nationwide Midterm Election on Tuesday, November 3, looming as large or larger than it’s ever been in terms of importance to the future of our county, state and country, the turnout for the Aug. 18 Primary Election statewide was pretty disappointing, as a tad over one in every four Floridians went to the polls to pick General Election candidates for a number of state and federal positions. The turnout in Hillsborough County was only slightly better than the state’s overall numbers — 25.7% to 25.2%. Here in New Tampa’s zip code 33647, however, the turnout was only 23.2%, which continues our area’s ongoing poor turnout for anything other than the elections for U.S. President every four years. Oh well, you say? OK. What do you think about the Hillsborough County School Board and Board of County Commissioners? Even though none of the three races contested for seats on those local legislative bodies were technically in New Tampa’s local district, all three were countywide races that surely will have effects upon the future of our communities. Two partisan races decided on Aug. 18 were for countywide commission seats. In County Commission District 5, incumbent Republican Donna Cameron Cepeda will not be able to be reelected, as she was defeated surprisingly handily in the Republican primary by current District 2 Hillsborough School Board member Stacy
Hahn, 54.9%-45.1%. New Tampa’s 22 voting precincts (plus the Lake Forest community’s two precincts in zip code 33559), gave Hahn even greater support, 56.04%-43.96% (see chart). In November, the new Republican candidate will face off against Democratic candidate Neil Manimala, who did not face a primary challenger. In the other at-large county commission race from Aug. 18, former New Tampa resident Aileen Rodriguez dominated former Hillsborough Clerk of the Court and School Board member Cindy Stuart, 62.36% to 37.64%, to secure the Democratic nomination for the District 7 County Commission seat currently held by Republican incumbent Joshua Wostal, who did not have a primary opponent. Rodriguez won by a similar margin over Stuart in New Tampa, 61.92%-38.08%. And, if New Tampa alone had decided the nonpartisan race for the District 6 School Board seat, incumbent Karen Perez would have retained her seat without the need for a runoff, as Perez garnered 54.63% of the ballots cast in New Tampa’s 24 total precincts. Countywide, however, Perez only received 48.27% of the votes, which allowed second-place finisher and former School Board member Kenneth “Ken” Gay to advance to a runoff against Perez on Nov. 3. (Note-In nonpartisan races with more than two candidates, the top finisher must receive 50% of the total vote to avoid a runoff against the runner-up in the race.) Gay earned 27.23% of the vote countywide and 26.23% in New Tampa. Third-place finisher
Sally Harris “Miss Aug. 18 Primaries — Hillsborough County Races Sally” Williamson received 24.50% of the vote countywide, County Commisioner-Dist. 5 (R) NT% HC% but only 19.14% in Donna Cameron Cepeda 43.96 45.10 New Tampa. Stacy Hahn* 56.04 54.90 Two judgeships County Commisioner-Dist. 7 (D) NT% HC% on Hillsborough’s Aileen Rodriguez* 61.92 62.36 13th Judicial Circuit Cindy Stuart 38.08 37.64 also were decided on NT% HC% Aug. 18, and neither School Board Member-Dist. 6 (NPA) Kenneth “Ken” Gay (a) 26.23 27.23 race was close. Karen Perez (a) 54.63 48.27 In Group Sally Harris “Miss Sally” Williamson 19.14 24.50 7, Sara Peacock Circuit Judge, 13th Circuit, Group 7 (NPA) NT% HC% steamrolled over Luis “Louie” Aguila 41.07 41.09 Luis “Louie” Aguila Sara Peacock* 58.93 58.91 by almost identical 58.9%-41.1% marCircuit Judge, 13th Circuit, Group 13 (NPA) NT% HC% gins in New Tampa Nina McGucken Alvarez* 65.37 63.05 and countywide. Jim Wimsatt 34.63 36.95 In Group 13, NT% - % of votes in New Tampa’s 24 precincts. HC%-% of votes countywide Nina McGucken *-Won race without a runoff • (a)-Advanced to Nov. 3 runoff Alvarez won by an even larger margin Ashley Moody (who was appointed by Gov. over Jim Wimsatt than Peacock did, 63.05%Ron DeSantis in 2025 to finish the term won 36.95% countywide, and by an even higher in 2022 by Marco Rubio; Rubio resigned to percentage (65.37%-34,63%) in New Tampa. become Secretary of State under U.S. President Donald Trump) took the first step in defense of Federal & State Races her seat by demolishing three challengers for the All of the other races contested on Aug. 18 Republican nomination in the Aug. 18 Special were partisan primaries for important Federal Election. Moody grabbed nearly 80% of the vote and State of Florida offices (see chart on pg. 6). To see how New Tampa voted in the Federal & One of Florida’s two U.S. Senate seats is up Statewide elections, see pg. 6 for grabs in November, as incumbent Republican
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‘How New Tampa Voted’ Continued from pg. 4
and David DeJesus. The polling between the two major party candidates is currently leaning slightly towards the Republican, but the difference is close enough that any poll’s margin of error could make Jolly the winner on Election Day. The candidates for the other State of Florida offices decided on Aug. 18 were for Chief Financial Officer (where Rep. incumbent Blaise Ingoglia will face off against Dem. Annette Taddeo) and Commissioner of Agriculture (where incumbent Rep. Wilton Simpson will face Dem. primary winner Joey Mendoza Atkins). Ingoglia, Taddeo, Simpson and Atkins all received at least 60% of their respective votes statewide, with only Taddeo dropping below 60% in New Tampa. We will have more General Election coverage in our October 13 New Tampa issue.
statewide, with second-place finisher Chris Gleason receiving only 13.74% of the vote. Both New Tampa and the county gave Moody an even bigger margin of victory than she received statewide. In Nov., Moody will be opposed by Democratic Socialist candidate and current State Rep. Angie Nixon, who easily defeated favored opponent Alex Vindman, 56.06%-43.94%, on Aug. 18 for the Democratic nomination. Nixon earned even larger margins of victory in both New Tampa and Hillsborough County. Moody and Nixon will be joined on the Nov. ballot by no-party candidate Neil Gillespie. The other Federal race to be decided in November that New Tampa will have a say in will be the U.S. Aug. 18 Primaries — Federal & Statewide Races Congressional District 15 seat Voter Turnout currently held by incumbent State of Florida — 25.26% Republican Laurel Lee, who did Hillsborough County — 25.7% not face a primary opponent. New Tampa’s 24 Voting Precincts — 23.2% Lee will be opposed in Nov. US Senate (Republicans) NT% HC% State % by Democratic candidate Robert Chris Gleason 12.37 10.92 13.74 People, who won a convincing Ashley Moody* 80.52 81.79 79.56 victory — 53.64%-46.36% — Neelam Taneja Perry 2.80 1.92 1.88 over fellow Dem. Christopher Ernest “Ernie” Rivera 4.30 5.36 4.82 Irizarry on Aug. 18. People won by a similar margin in New Tam- US Senate (Democrats) NT% HC% State % pa, but Hillsborough County Angie Nixon* 59.11 57.56 56.06 gave him a much wider margin Alex Vindman 40.89 42.44 43.94 of victory, 62.28%-37.72%. Congress — District 15 (D) NT% HC% State % For most Floridians, the 46.71 37.72 46.36 biggest races decided on Aug. 18 Christopher Irizarry 53.29 62.28 53.64 were the Dem. and Rep. nomi- Robert People* nees for Governor, as two-term Governor (R) NT% HC% State % incumbent Ron DeSantis has Jay Collins 30.36 30.38 25.16 reached his term limit. Byron Donalds* 46.31 44.33 47.79 On the Rep. side, ConJames Fishback 11.89 11.68 10.48 gressman Byron Donalds, who 0.85 0.07 0.78 was endorsed before the primary Jim Holcomb Arthur Joseph McCaffrey 0.22 0.27 0.42 by Pres. Trump, easily defeated Daniel Nokovich 0.36 0.24 0.31 ten others, with current Lt. Gov. Paul Renner 6.40 6.96 8.55 Jay Collins, businessman James Rachel Rodriguez 1.51 1.62 1.63 Fishback, former Speaker of the James W. Shaw 0.49 0.38 0.46 Florida House Paul Renner and Caneste Succe 0.44 0.42 0.37 pastor and educator Bobby Wil- Bobby Williams 1.18 3.02 4.07 liams the top other finishers. Donalds received 46.36% of Governor (D) NT% HC% State % the vote statewide, but won the Evelyn Castillo-Bach 5.91 7.09 7.73 nod by slightly smaller margins Thomas Eloy Fernandez 2.78 3.74 3.78 21.29 16.27 15.15 in New Tampa and Hillsborough. Dayna Marie Foster 58.81 62.25 60.95 Collins received only 25.16% of David Jolly* Dotie Joseph 9.96 8.69 9.59 the vote statewide, but received 1.25 1.95 2.80 about 5% more support, both in Stephann Norman our area and countywide. HC% State % Former Congressman David Chief Financial Officer (R) NT% 36.64 35.93 38.68 Jolly blew away the six-candidate Frank William Collige Blaise Ingoglia* 63.36 64.07 61.32 field on the Dem. side , with 60.95% of the vote statewide, but Chief Financial Officer (D) NT% HC% State % “only” 58.81% in New Tampa. Earle Ford 40.90 38.35 34.36 Educator Dayna Marie Foster Annette Taddeo* 59.10 61.65 65.64 was the only other candidate to receive at least 15% of the vote Comm. of Agriculture (R) NT% HC% State % statewide, and she earned 21.29% Wilton Simpson* 69.95 66.23 68.91 of New Tampa’s votes. Matt Taylor 30.05 33.77 31.09 In Nov., Donalds and Jolly Comm. of Agriculture (D) NT% HC% State % will be joined by Libertarian Joey Mendoza Atkins* 65.25 62.76 60.29 Scott Jewett and seven others Donald A. “Don” Prichard 34.75 37.24 39.71 with no party affiliation — Dean NT% % of votes in New Tampa’s 24 precincts. Abrams, Charles Burkett, JefHC%-% of votes countywide • State% - % of votes statewide frey Datto, Moliere Dimanche, *-Won race without a runoff Frank Russo, Kathy Anderson
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Upcoming Events — Jazz, Walks To End Alzheimer’s & Alopecia, ‘La Septima’ & More – Walk for Alopecia Presented by Pfizer. At Rowlett Park (2401 E. Yukon St., North Tampa). Be part of the world’s largest fundraising & awareness event for alopecia areata. The walk is the local finale of Alopecia Areata Awareness Month. It brings together the community of families, caregivers, friends, co-workers & healthcare professionals to help drive research for better treatments and a cure, increase support, advocate for change and end stigma. Check in begins at 9 a.m. & the walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Set your own fundraising goal; free to attend the walk. For more info, visit naaf.donordrive.com/wfatampa26 or email WalkTampa@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 16, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. – Wesley Chapel Black Chamber Morning Mingle. At Edward Jones Wesley Chapel (2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Ste. 120). Free to attend. Join the Chamber members for coffee & networking. Wednesday, September 16, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At GTE Financial (8040 Curley Rd., Wesley Chapel). A relaxed morning designed for casual networking and meaningful connections. Join the Chamber for coffee, light refreshments and great conversations with no agenda. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/event. Wednesday, September 16, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. – September Kidquest. At The Shops at Wiregrass Center Court (28211 Paseo Dr., Wesley Chapel). KidQuest is back! After a summer break, we’re ready to welcome your little ones back for a morning full of fun! Join us at Center Court for sing-alongs, dancing, jumping and active play with MyGym of New Tampa. For more info, visit TheShopsatWiregrass.com/ event/432777-september-kids-club Wednesday, September 16, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Ramsi Dental (26851 Tanic Dr., Ste. 101, Wesley Chapel). Join the Chamber in welcoming Dr. Navid Ramsi and his team to the community. Enjoy light refreshments and be sure to enter the raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/event. Friday, September 18, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. – Glow & Give Foundation Friday Event. At Face Foundrié (28249 Paseo Dr., Unit 190, Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel). Refresh your skin while giving back. Treat yourself to an evening of selfcare while making a difference in your community. Enjoy mini facials, product tutorials, skin evaluation, charm bar with/ free lip balm and much more. $85 to attend and a portion of the proceeds benefit the North Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation to fund local scholarships. For more info and to book an appointment, call (656) 246-5141. Sunday, September 20, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – Benise: 25 Years of Passion. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). It’s one hot night as Benise, ‘The Prince of Spanish Guitar,’ celebrates 25 years of fiery music
The Tampa City Ballet will again present “La Septima” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Friday & Saturday, October 2-3. For tickets & more information, see the ad on pg. 11. (Photo by Charmaine George from Tampa City Ballet’s 2025 performance of “La Septima”)
and dance. Tickets $55-$107, depending upon seat selection. For more info, call (813) 8292760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/benise Friday, September 25, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. – Grand Opening of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s New Community Park. At Downtown Avalon Park (4224 Friendly Way). Celebrate the Grand Opening of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s new community park! Be one of the first to find out the park’s official name and enjoy an afternoon of refreshments, entertainment, and a memoir activation. Free to attend. For more info visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/news-events/calendar/#! Or, to RSVP, email Info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or see the ad on pg. 9. Friday, September 25, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Final Friday. At Popstroke (25297 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz). Connect, engage and network with Chamber members in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/event. Friday–Sunday, September 25-27, 4 p.m.9 p.m. on Fri., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sat. & 9 a.m.noon on Sun. (VIP Only) – Business Seminar: “Are You Ready to Grow Your Business?” At 2727 Mansfield Blvd., 3rd floor conference room, Wesley Chapel. Whether you’re launching your first business or looking to grow the one you already have, this three-day conference will give you practical strategies. Different level pricing available on the website. For more info, call (813) 680-1862, or to
register, visit MYMConference.com. Friday & Saturday, September 25-26, 8 p.m. – New Tampa Jazz Nights Presents: Chuck Owen and The Jazz Surge. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This will be the Jazz experience of the year. Friday’s special guest will be Trumpeter Randy Becker and Saturday’s special guests will be Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington & Vibraphonist Warren Wolf. Tickets for Table seats $35 ($30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) & Theater seats are $30 ($25 for members). For more info, see the ad below. To purchase tickets, visit TampaJazzClub.com/ new-tampa-jazz-nights/ Saturday, September 26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Pasco County. At Shops at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr., Wesley Chapel). Help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Event begins at 8 a.m., ceremony & walk at 9 a.m. Set your own fundraising goal; free to attend the walk. For more info, call Natalie @ (727) 220-4454. Or, to register, visit act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2026/ FL-FloridaGulfCoast?pg=entry&fr_id=19529 Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. – “Shred Your Stuff Day.” At LMCU, New Tampa Branch (17635 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). A1 Shredding will be onsite to securely shred your sensitive papers and documents to prevent identity theft. 6 box shred limit. Free to attend. For more info, visit LMCU.org/events Saturday, September 26, 9 a.m.-noon
Saturday, September 26, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. – High Stakes Gridiron Greats. At Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Join the New Tampa YMCA for an exciting evening of food, fun, college football and fundraising. This event supports the YMCA’s annual campaign, helping provide opportunities for children, families, seniors and neighbors in our local community. Tickets $50 per person. For more info, email scott.wickert@tampaymca.org or visit secure,qgiv.com/for/2026newtampacasinonight/ event/highstakes/ Monday, September 28, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. – Guardian Ad Litem Introduction. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel). Guardian Ad Litem is actively recruiting volunteers and mentors from our community to support children and youth in foster care. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 788-6375 or visit pascolibraries.libnet.info/eent/16290349 Monday, September 28, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Star Gazers – An Introduction to the Night Sky. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). This is a “night-time adventure,” and you will learn about the stars to create your own constellation. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Be advised the room will be dark for a large portion of the program in order to see the constellations. Free to attend, but pre-registration is recommended. For more info, call (813) 273-3652 or visit Attend.hcplc.org/event/16950868 Wednesday, September 30, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. – Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting. At Bainbridge Wesley Chapel (32511 Sugarplum Loop). Escape to the Greek Isles and celebrate the Grand Opening of Bainbridge Wesley Chapel with a ribbon cutting and
The Jazz Event of the Season! Grammy Nominee:
Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge
With Special Guests: Friday 9/25: Grammy Winner Randy Brecker Sat. 9/26: Grammy Winner Terri Lyne Carrington
Chuck Owen
Friday’s Special Guest: Trumpeter Randy Brecker!
& Warren Wolf
Tickets are $10-$50 (discounts for members). Showtimes 8:00 PM Full Cash Bar For tickets and more info: TampaJazzClub.com SPONSORED IN PART BY
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Saturday’s Special Guests: Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington & Vibraphonist Warren Wolf!
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curated bites & refreshments. There will be live music. Free to attend. For more info & to RSVP, email LTurner@Bainbridgere.com. Friday, October 2, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies. At USF Credit Union Conference Room (20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Presented by Orlando Health, this women’s health panel will feature a discussion with expert physicians focused on the importance of women’s health, wellness and preventative care. $15 to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Friday, October 2, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Tampa City Ballet Presents: “La Septima – A Night of Dance, Music and Hope for Venezuela.” At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Experience “La Séptima” by the Tampa City Ballet, followed by an extraordinary celebration of Venezuela featuring The Nucleus Orchestral Orlando, Coral Wattaka Tampa, and internationally acclaimed cuatro virtuoso Jorge Glem — an evening of dance, music, culture and hope. Tickets $40$100, depending upon seat selection. For tickets & more information, visit TampaCityBallet. org or see the ad on pg. 11. Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Saddlebrook Wellness Expo. At Saddlebrook Resort (5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel). The Saddlebrook Wellness Expo is a community event dedicated to helping you live a healthier, happier and more balanced life. Discover everything you need to support your wellness journey in one place. Connect with health professionals, explore valuable community resources, and meet local businesses committed to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 973-1111 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Saturday, October 3, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Tampa City Ballet Presents: “La Septima.” At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Through contemporary dance, live music, and cinematic storytelling, Tampa’s past comes to life on stage in an original production by Paula Nuñez, created for Tampa City Ballet. Inspired by the books, archives and personal diaries of the people who built our city, “La Séptima” is a powerful celebration of Tampa’s history, resilience and enduring spirit.Tickets $40-$70 depending on seat selection. For tickets & more information, visit TampaCityBallet. org or see the ad on pg. 11. Sunday, October 4, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – “New Tampa Unplugged.” At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The three veteran Nashville musicians who make up the core of the Stewart Tussing Band — Gary Tussing, Tom Nordin and Kevin Stewart — are all Tampa Bay natives returning to the area after impressive musical careers writing
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with and for the greats of the music industry. Tickets $17.50-$25, depending upon seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/ new-tampa-unplugged-stewart-tussing-band Wednesday, October 7, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At The Brain & Stroke Center (4416 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Ste. 201, Wesley Chapel). The Brain & Stroke Center is committed to delivering personalized care and advanced treatment options for a variety of neurological conditions in a compassionate, patient-focused environment. Come out and meet the staff and tour the new office. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Thursday, October 8, 5 p.m.-6 p.m. – Career Exploration for Teens. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Complete a quiz assessing your career interests and explore your career matches. Free to attend. Registration recommended. For more info, call (813) 273-3652 or visit Attend.hcplc.org/ event/16950910 Saturday, October 10, 6 p.m. – “Shine Perfect Beauty – A Night to Marvel.” At The Venetian Event Center (9724 Cross Creek Blvd.). Gala benefiting Out of Zion & Hope 4 Art. There will be dinner, silent auction & live music. Dress code is black tie optional, hero-inspired elegance. Tickets $125, VIP $200. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit Hope4Art.org/Fundraiser Saturday, October 17, noon-6 p.m. – Pasco County Alternative Medicine Expo. At Signature Work Space (28210 Paseo Dr. Ste. 170, Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel). Tired of the pills? Tired of the bills? Medical Cannabis Certifications & Re-Certifications, $99. Event Sponsored by Dr. Cannabis Compassionate Clinic. Free to attend. For more info, visit DrCannabisClinic.com or see the ad on this page.
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AdventHealth Event Introduces Its Newest Innovation In Stroke Treatment By Gary Nager Photos by Charmaine George
“When strokes happen, minutes matter,” said AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) president & CEO Ryan Quattlebaum during the hospital’s packed “Advanced Stroke Intervention Suite” demonstration on Aug. 17. “We know that time equals tissue, brain tissue. That means it’s incredibly important for people to have access to care quickly — and not just any care, but world-class equipment in the hands of world-class, trained physicians and specialists.” He added, “So today, we’re excited to showcase an advanced look at what stroke care capabilities are available right here in Pasco County. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of both death and disabilities in the United States. Having access to that quality care close to home means that people don’t have to leave [our area] to get that care, so you don’t have to transfer to another hospital to get this specialized stroke care.” Quattlebaum was joined by three AHWC neurologists — Dr. Jason Maljaar, the medical director of neurology at the hospital, plus Dr. Guilherme Agnoletto and Dr. Nure Khoury, who demonstrated the hospital’s new biplane neurointerventional suite. AHWC is the first hospital anywhere in Pasco County to be home to this purpose-built machine designed to perform a range of minimally invasive procedures, including mechanical thrombectomies (a procedure that allows physicians to actually remove blood clots from the brain and restore blood flow for patients experiencing the most severe types of ischemic strokes). When this procedure is done quickly, it can improve recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability, versus relying on clot-busting medications alone. “That means you can come to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and we’ll be able to take care of you,” Quattlebaum said. “Our commitment to excellence was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report, which named [AHWC] a high-performing hospital for stroke care. This designation reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, clinical teams and support staff who work tirelessly every day to fulfill our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ.” He added, “As a primary stroke center,
[AHWC] continues to strengthen its stroke program through investments in advanced technology, specialized, world-class physicians and evidence-based care.” Dr. Maljaars said, “This is an exciting day for us here. It’s my privilege to be the stroke medical director here at this hospital. It takes a lot of people to have a program like this and to be able to provide the care that we have and plan to continue to do so.” He added, “This machine can do a lot of things. One of the things that’s most impactful is reducing the amount of time it takes to treat a patient with a large stroke blood clot stuck in a big area of the brain. If we determine that this is a good case to attempt to pull the blood clot out with catheters, normally that patient would have to transfer to another hospital somewhere that has this technology and staff and everything in place to make that happen. “But now that we can do that here, we can take these types of patients and take care of them right here, rather than having to transfer them, which cuts down on time — which is the biggest thing in any stroke situation. “If you take another 30-60 minutes or longer to transfer that patient to another hospital to get that procedure, that can be the difference, quite honestly, between someone who goes home two days later or someone who ends up in a nursing home for the rest of their life.” Dr. Maljaars also mentioned that the new machine, “also can perform diagnostics and look at arteries in the neck and the brain. We can put
(Top photo) The members of the neurology team at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel pose with the hospital’s new biplane neurointerventional suite. (Above, l.-r.) Dr. Guilherme Agnoletto, Dr. Nure Khoury, Dr. Jason Maljaar & AHWC president & CEO Ryan Quattlebaum.
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stents in, we can fix aneurysms...so, there are a lot of things we can do with this machine.” He then turned it over to Dr. Khoury and Dr. Agnoletto, the hospital’s neurointerventionalists, to demonstrate how the biplane interventional suite works. Dr. Khoury, who described himself as a vascular neurologist, said, “I don’t think we can emphasize enough how impactful this procedure is and how it’s changed lives across the globe. We’re lucky to have access to this kind of procedure, to this treatment here, because large strokes in the past were such a large cause of death and disability and now, we really have the opportunity to make those changes and impact more lives.” Then, Dr. Agnoletto, who also described himself as a vascular neurologist, said, “We think this is a very big day for Pasco County and the families here because we can now offer this top-tier stroke care without them having to leave the community at all.” He added, “I also wanted to mention that this type of procedure is truly a team effort. More than anything else, I would say it really takes a village — the nurses, techs, anesthesia physicians, technicians, therapists, the institution and the community that support us — today is a celebration of all of you and all of them, just as much as the technology we’re demonstrating here today.”
The Demonstration Itself
Dr. Agnoletto (photo), noted that “Obviously, we aren’t showing you a real patient, but it is a life-size model of the vessels inside the human body. It’s a large construct of different types of catheters, smaller and larger, and wires that we use to access the brain (through the femoral artery).”
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Thanks to the large monitor in this photo, we could all see the large blood clot and watch Dr. Agnoletto guide the catheter to the point of the clot and pull the clot out. “It looks like a straw,” he said, “but a lot of time, research and technology has gone into these catheters, so we don’t have any issues — they don’t collapse on themselves.” It was obvious that the demonstration was completely successful, so the hope here is that this is just the first of many successful procedures to clear large blood clot strokes right here in our Wesley Chapel community. For more information about AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.), visit AdventHealth.com, call (813) 929-5000 or see the ad on pg. 13.
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PAM Rehab Hospital Celebrates Grand Opening On BBD Blvd. In Wesley Chapel “Welcome to the first freestanding rehab hospital in Pasco County,” said Ralph Selner, the chief executive officer of the PAM (Post Acute Medical) Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Wiregrass Ranch, located at 4570 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, on Sept. 1. “This state-of-the-art rehab hospital has 42 inpatient beds, with all private rooms.” He added, “Despite this (thunderstorming) Florida weather, we’re so happy for everyone (at least 200 people; photo below) taking the time to be here. It tells me how much this hospital means to this community. If you haven’t yet, you need to take a tour of this beautiful place.” PAM Health founder, chairman & CEO Antony Misitano was next. “It’s an honor to be here,” Misitano said. “This is number 81, on the way to 100 [hospitals]. We will probably hit 100 by late 2027 or early 2028. Yes, the building is beautiful, but what makes the building hum are the people who will work inside it — the doctors, nurses, therapists, dietary staff and maintenance people. They are the tip of the spear with respect to providing the care, service and support to our patients and their families.” Up next was North Tampa Bay Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy, who said, “This truly is an amazing day. Thank you for investing in our community and bringing this asset to the people here. The local business community is here and all four of the local hospital health systems (AdventHealth, BayCare, Florida Medical Clinic/ Orlando Health & Johns Hopkins All Children’s) brought their CEOs here today to support you.” PAM Health Wiregrass Ranch offers inpatient and outpatient rehab services, with on-site physical, occupational (OPT) & speech therapists, plus dialysis, a zero-gravity system and more. The hospital specializes in treating a variety of conditions, including (but not limited to):
(Above) The Sept. 1 ribbon-cutting & Grand Opening of the new PAM Health Rehab Hospital on Brice B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. (Below, l.-r.) PAM Health Wiregrass Ranch CEO Ralph Selner, PAM Health founder, chairman & CEO Anthony Misitano & North Tampa Bay Chamber Pres./CEO Hope Kennedy. • Amputations • Brain injuries • Cardiopulmonary conditions • Joint replacements • Neurological disorders • Parkinson’s disease • Workers’ comp injuries The hospital also features state-of-the-art inpatient & outpatient gyms (photo below), an OPT suite with a mock bedroom with kitchen & laundry (so patients can relearn how to do household chores), plus isolation rooms for sick patients who still need rehab and so much more. For more info about the new PAM Health Rehab Hospital, visit PAMHealth.com or call (813) 921-5998. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
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How Can You Describe The New Ebisu Life Store In Tampa Palms? You Can’t! By Gary Nager All photos by Charmaine George
Imagine a department store like Target, but with rows and rows of Japanese and Asian “lifestyle” products – everything from anime figurines to snacks to beauty products and from claw machines to plush toys — and you still can’t understand what the new Ebisu Life Store located at 6234 Commerce Palms Dr. in Tampa Palms is really all about without first visiting it. Photographer Charmaine George and I visited Ebisu the day it opened (Aug. 14) and the line was wrapped around not only the 21,000-sq.-ft. store itself, but several others — and it never seemed to let up the entire day. We estimated that 1,000 people visited on Day One, but some folks online said they heard it may have been in the tens of thousands — and there is still a line outside the store every day. I also will say that about 48,000 people have viewed our Ebisu post on Facebook and most of the commentors we’ve seen love the store and its colorful merchandise. And, even though I now have spent more than three hours both inside and outside the store talking to the local and corporate management and some customers, I honestly still can’t do it justice. “This place is amazing,” said one young lady dressed like Hello Kitty. “I can’t wait to see everything!” Ebisu is a unique phenomenon that was founded in Osaka, Japan, in 2013, and expanded to Flushing, Queens, and Denver, CO, by 2021. Today, there are more than 20 open U.S. stores, but the Tampa Palms location is its Florida flagship — and also is the largest of all U.S. Ebisu stores. Many of the people in line on opening day were
definitely there to purchase as many Pokemon cards and Hello Kitty merchandise as possible, and there also are literally thousands of anime figurines for sale. If you want to try the Japanese/Asian snacks or beauty products, however, you may need someone to translate the packaging for you. Charmaine found the snacks she was looking for — fruit-flavored ice cream treats shaped like the fruits themselves. She bought both mango-shaped and concord grape-shaped treats and said afterward that the mango was her favorite so far, “but there are so many other flavors and other Asian snacks I still have to try.” The Ebisu Life Store may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but you should still go see it, even if it’s just to see the different types of tea this superstore has in stock. The Ebisu Life Store opens every day at 11 a.m. For more info, visit USEbisu.com.
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Locals Learned ‘The Business Of Cannabis’ At Chamber’s First ‘Rise & Connect’ Event By Joshua Gabel
Neighborhood News Correspondent
At the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s first-ever “Rise & Connect” event, hosted on Aug. 12 at Hunter’s Green Country Club in New Tampa, 40 or so attendees waded through the regulatory haze of Florida’s growing cannabis industry and heard from a panel of experts in the business, ranging from dispensary owners and medical professionals to educators and tax advisors. The panelists included: • Dyezae Smith, Owner of Aezalle Tax Advisor and self-proclaimed “Cannabis CFO” • Todd Rosales, East Coast Regional Manager for Connected International • Saige Petzen, Adjunct Professor for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton campus • John Austin Willis, Concierge Officer for the University of South Florida Federal Credit Union • Andrew Rodriguez, Community Outreach Representative for Curaleaf • Michelle Wilson, Statewide Program Manager of Education, Training, and Community Engagement for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical (A&M) University’s Medical Marijuana Education & Research Initiative The panelists noted how Florida’s cannabis industry has evolved from a fledgling medical marijuana industry to one that is now preparing for recreational use in the future. One of the biggest changes now vs. in 2016, when Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana, is that it is much easier now for a patient to be approved to legally purchase the substance. “Back then, it was a very stringent process. There were not many qualifying conditions; you pretty much had to be terminal,” Petzen said. “You also had to have a 90-day relationship with the physician before getting your card. So, that means paying for appointments for 90 days prior to being approved. Once you got your card, then you were able to go in and shop in the dispensaries, similar to how it is now.” One of the other major changes the panelists noted that has driven growth in the cannabis industry is the expansion of licenses. They noted that Florida now has more than 20 licensed cannabis operators selling products to customers. “Back in 2016-17,” Petzen said, “there were one or two companies that you could shop from. Now you’re looking at...about 20 operators that you can go to, different dispensaries to shop in. So, we’ve seen a lot of growth and a lot of expansion. We went from 1,000 patients back in 2016-17 to 940,000 patients now.” While a growing patient base has fueled rapid market expansion, some panelists questioned if that growth truly benefits the medical marijuana industry. Rosales said he believes that the industry largely focuses on selling to people who are simply “just going in to buy some weed,” and that when Governor Ron DeSantis and the Legislature opened the door to smokable “flower,” it created a faux recreational market masquerading as medical. “Those 940,000 people did $10 billion in revenue because 940,000 people bought weed,” Rosales said. “They don’t all have medical conditions that they needed [cannabis] for, but
“The Business of Cannabis” panel at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s first “Rise & Connect” program held on Aug. 12 at Hunter’s Green Country Club, included (l.-r.) Dyezae Smith of Aezalle Tax Advisor, Todd Rosales of Connected International., Saige Petzen of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, John Austin Willis of the USF Federal Credit Union, Andrew Rodriguez of Curaleaf & Michelle Wilson of Florida A&M University’s Medical Marijuana Education & Research Institute, with NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy. (Photo by Charmaine George) because the majority of people are not buying it for medical conditions, the medical side of this industry is getting crushed. I think we’re actually at a hindrance right now by not passing adult use or not having a recreational market that is separate from our medical market because there’s no incentive for the medical side of the business to develop.” Rosales also criticized DeSantis for opposing recreational marijuana while simultaneously allowing what he described as a quasi-oligopoly (with a small number of large firms dominating the industry) cannabis industry in the state. He argued that the current licensing framework lets major corporations dominate the market while pricing out small businesses that cannot afford the steep bureaucratic entry costs. “I know they wanted to limit the amount of people who can sell [cannabis],” Rosales said, “but what they did is they created, and no offense to anyone religious, but these ‘God licenses,’ right? Once you get a license, you essentially have access to unlimited cultivation and unlimited retail, which is why a [brand] like Trulieve has 170 locations. If you guys actually look at ‘Yes on Three’ [the proposed, but failed, 2024 amendment to legalize recreational marijuana], when the cannabis companies were pinned as a monopoly…well, Ron, you created this. You created the industry this way. You didn’t expand on the licenses. You’re not giving access to small businesses to be able to create. So, the state of Florida kind of created this oligopoly.” Panelists also took aim at banking and tax regulations that have created a difficult regulatory environment for many businesses in the cannabis industry. Despite the fact that 40 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana in some capacity, either medically or recreationally, recreational marijuana is still a federally illegal Schedule I (those described as substances with no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse) substance as defined by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Some drugs in that category, outside of marijuana, include heroin, methamphetamine and LSD. That designation prohibits doctors from writing traditional prescriptions and imposes severe tax penalties
on businesses, such as prohibiting legal cannabis companies from deducting basic business expenses, such as payroll, rent and utilities. The Trump administration moved to reschedule state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III in April 2026 and is seeking to expedite the formal reclassification of cannabis at the federal level. Schedule III substances are defined as having a moderate to low potential for abuse, have an accepted medical use and include substances like ketamine, testosterone and anabolic steroids. Such a move would lift many regulatory and research hurdles for the marijuana industry, but there is still a long way to go. “The medical side of it was rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III back in April,” Smith said. “We had our June hearing to potentially reschedule the recreational side. That ended. We’re now in August, where we’re hearing final comments, any last sort of information arguments that you have to be presented. There’s no final date in place where it’s like, hey, on the X Y Z date, we need to know…so, there’s really no telling how long this is going to drag out.” There has also been legislation filed in the U.S. Congress to loosen federal banking laws, such as the Safe Banking Act of 2026, to finally allow banks and credit unions to lend to cannabis companies. Right now, in order to access funds, companies have to create subsidiaries and other shell companies so banks can lend to them. “Banks can’t directly lend to the dispensary because of [cannabis] being federally illegal,” Willis said, “so [cannabis companies] create subsidiaries to lend to, and it’s a mess. [The Safe Banking Act] closes having to jump through all these loopholes if we could just get the regulation passed.” He added that the USF Credit Union is one of only three credit unions in the state that offers business banking to the cannabis industry. Rosales echoed Willis’ sentiments, noting that the industry is paying much higher tax rates and banking fees, with some people still being freezed out of banks altogether because they work in the cannabis industry. Because the substance still remains illegal at the federal level, many banks refuse to do business with cannabis companies and their employees. Between the increased risk for money laun-
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dering and increased compliance hurdles of managing cannabis dollars, most banks would rather not deal in the industry at all. While companies and employees will still retain their money if a bank closes an account, it creates complications across an account holder’s entire financial life. “There are people who work for the company that have bank accounts at places like Wells Fargo, Bank of America and TD Bank that are losing their personal bank accounts because their paycheck comes from a cannabis company,” Rosales said. “They’re completely getting kicked out. It happened to me because my paycheck comes from a cannabis company. Literally, my kids almost got kicked out of preschool because the check didn’t clear that month, and I call up [my bank] and they’re like, ‘Hey, we froze your funds.’ So, this is real stuff that’s happening to employees and companies.” These challenges have opened the door, however, to increased awareness and education about the industry, something Wilson said she is laser-focused on in her job. She said that while marijuana use has carried a stigma in the past, it has become more mainstream in recent years, making education a bit easier. “Some are skeptical,” she said. “To some, marijuana is taboo but they’re interested because they have a family member who has arthritis or Crohn’s disease. Our mandate is simple: educate Floridians about the use of medical marijuana, but also talk to them about the risks. Talk to them about the unlawful use, because we all know medical marijuana is great for some people, but it’s not great for everyone.” Without proper education, Wilson warned, individuals may turn to unregulated street products to self-medicate. This has become a particular issue among young people in Florida, and Wilson said Florida A&M is trying to tackle the problem. “We partner with youth organizations because our kids now are getting access to really dangerous products that have nothing to do with a dispensary,” she said. “Our kids are showing up in classrooms high and are vaping in schools. They’re vaping during classes and between classes. They’re going to the bathroom and they’re not vaping good stuff.” See “Cannabis” on pg. 18. Neighborhood News
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‘Cannabis’
Continued from pg. 16 When it comes to destigmatizing the industry and achieving policy aims, the panelists agreed that the keys are still research and education. “When discussing the medical side with the patients, you truly realize how education is lacking, arguably across the country, for medical cannabis,” Rodriguez said. “And, since it’s been Schedule I, a lot of the research that’s been prevalent comes from Israel or Germany, so it’s overseas. But, as we get rescheduling, as we get more research behind it, more funding, and just more normalization of the industry, I think the business community and our society needs to approach cannabis as that we are a part of the business community.” Towards the end of the event, attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions about the future of the industry. Davina Heslin, co-founder & CEO of TrueCraft Remodeling L.L.C., followed up on the concerns about the growth of cannabis impacting the medical side of the industry and asked if recreational legalization will “deplete the availability [of medical marijuana] or will that help ramp up production because there [also] is recreational?” Petzen responded that she believes that even with recreational legalization, the medical side will continue to benefit because “what we expect to see is a more prioritized or ‘express lane’ for people that do have the medical recommendation from the doctor, a wider variety of products that the medical patients
can choose from, and then of course, the big ones are the taxes and the prices.” “Typically the ones who have a medical card through a physician, they avoid the taxes,” Petzen said. “So right now, in Florida, if you go in and a product is $30, you leave out the door for $30 a lot of times, much less with all the discounts afterwards. But then, with recreational, of course, you’re looking at a state tax, and typically it’s a pretty large state tax. If you look at Illinois, it’s like 20 percent,” she says. “Another thing we’ve seen is accessibility. I’ll use Las Vegas as a good example from a recent experience of mine. If I go in and I have a medical card, I get the options of a 10 milligram (mg), a 20 mg, a 50 mg and a 100 mg [purchase optionj] if I’m a medical patient. If I’m recreational, I come in and my options are only 10 and 20 mg for a chocolate bar.” North Tampa Bay Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy said after the meeting that the first “Rise & Connect” event “was a great success. This was a brand new event for us. This new format will provide our members with an opportunity to hear and learn about various topics.” She added, “We approached this event as an opportunity to educate the business community on cannabis, specifically the business of cannabis and the regulations.” For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, to register for the next NTBC “Rise & Connect” event, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. To see other upcoming NTBC events, see this issue’s Events Calendar on page 8.
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Defining Beauty Celebrates Five Years Of Making People Look & Feel Great ! By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner Karma Nguyen, APRN-FNP, opened Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa five years ago in the New Tampa Professional Park off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Pebble Creek to help people in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel look and feel their best — and she says she is so happy to have helped hundreds of local residents accomplish those goals. Karma offers a variety of wellness and care services, including medical weight loss, hormone replacement therapy and IV therapy, and aesthetic services from spa treatments and laser treatments to injectables and skin care. “Your skin is the largest organ of your body,” Karma explains, “and it deserves the same care, attention and nourishment as the rest of you. Just as we exercise, eat healthy diets, take vitamins, medications and seek professional care to stay healthy, our skin also benefits from consistent care and maintenance.” Karma has been a licensed nurse since 2003. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees from Chamberlain University in Chicago, IL. Defining Beauty’s medical director is Binu Jacob, M.D. “To me, aging gracefully means embracing the process while still taking pride in caring for the skin we’re in,” Karma says. “Growing older gracefully doesn’t mean neglecting our skin or giving it the bare minimum. It means taking
and thinner, weaker skin. “When performed thoughtfully and appropriately, aesthetic treatments can enhance the health and appearance of your skin,” Karma says, “leaving it smoother, brighter, healthier and more radiant. In many cases, healthy, wellcared-for skin can reduce the desire or need for concealer and makeup.”
A Satisfied Patient
Jayne Wright lives in Tampa Palms and was happy to find Defin(L.-r.) Nurse practitioner Karma Nguyen of Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa ing Beauty, knowing has been helping the people of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel look & feel their best that Karma is a nurse practitioner. for the last five years. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George) “It made me feel care of what we have and helping it remain as confident and comforthealthy as possible.” able to be in a medical environment to have a She says some ways that people can take procedure done,” Jayne says. care of their skin include using skincare products Jayne adds that she initially had treatment that help strengthen skin, taking supplements with a CO2 laser to reduce age spots and imto provide needed vitamins and nutrients and prove the look of the skin on her face and neck. probiotics to improve gut health, which Karma Now she’s getting treatment using Defining says has a huge impact on your skin. Beauty’s XERF machine. She adds that your skin also can be im“I love it because there’s no down time,” proved by evaluating and replenishing hormone Jayne says. “It’s really great for tightening and levels that decline as you age — which leads to firming the face and jaw line.” dryness,wrinkles, reduced collagen and elasticity Karma explains that the XERF machine
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(photo on next page) uses radiofrequency to perform skin tightening. “It shows immediate results,” Karma says, “and just gets better over the next three months.” She says XERF can be used on the face, arms, neck, abdomen, knees legs and back — pretty much anywhere on the body. The XERF machine is new in her office, and Karma has been using it on patients for about four months. “So far, I’ve had some really great results with it,” Karma says. Jayne says she doesn’t want surgery or anesthesia, especially because of all of the downtime and complications that can occur. “I’m very busy,” she says, “but with the XERF, you go in, and when you walk out you can go right to dinner. The results are fantastic.” Jayne says she regularly gets compliments from people about her skin. She tells everyone who asks to go to Karma, who will personalize a treatment plan and doesn’t make her patients feel pressured. “She gives you the options and allows you to decide what would be best for you,” Jayne says. She adds, “Karma always makes sure you’re comfortable. She gives you confidence, because she knows what she’s doing. She’s very skilled at her craft. She’s also very compassionate and knows how to make you feel relaxed and at-ease.” Karma explains that most consultations for treatment at Defining Beauty are free, except when someone comes in for hormone replacement therapy, which involves lab testing. “A lot of times when you see skin laxity (loose and less firm skin due to a reduction in
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Beyond her customer service is the skill Karma has to help people look their best. “I’m not trying to make you look like everyone else,” she says. “I want you to look like you, just a little more rested and brighter. I focus on preserving your natural features rather than trying to fit everyone into the same idea of beauty. My goal is to work with what each patient naturally has and enhance it, not change them into someone or something they’re not.”
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collagen, elastin and other essential proteins),” she says, “it’s when estrogen and other hormones are starting to change. That plays a big part in that aging process.” Karma says patients often want a specific treatment but, at a consultation, they discover that they may need to look at underlying issues. Or, they may want to treat an issue and find that leads to another area they would like to improve. “People might be interested in weight loss, for example,” Karma explains, “but when we lose volume, it has other effects, as well. So, we talk about all of those aspects, whether it’s muscles or skin laxity and how to keep ahead of those unwanted changes.” She says it’s important to her to treat her patients like friends and family. “You’re not rushed here,” Karma says, “you’re not hurried along; you’re not just a number.”
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Defining Beauty offers memberships to help you save money, too. A “Tox Membership” is just $25/month. It allows you to buy Botox for $10/unit, while your $25 monthly fee goes into a “Beauty Bank” for future treatments. For $130/month, “Platinum Members” get preferred pricing on all treatments, a 10% discount on products, and also get the benefits of the Tox Membership. Each month, $120 of that fee goes into a Beauty Bank. “Memberships have grown and there continues to be a demand for them,” Karma says. “It’s a great way to save up and prepay for treatments, and then get membership pricing. So, if you know you want to invest in yourself, you can do it a little at a time and save money, too.” Defining Beauty Wellness & Med Spa is located at 8907 Regents Park Dr., Suite 330. The spa is open by appointment only. Find “Defining Beauty Wellness and Med Spa” on Facebook or @definingbeautymedspa on Instagram for pictures, tips and special offers. For more info or to book a consultation, visit DefiningBeautyMedSpa.com, call or text (813) 955-0408, or see the ad on page 28.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
21
Small World Pediatrics — Caring For New Tampa’s Kids, Generation After Generation By Jordan King
Neighborhood News Correspondent
After 23 years of serving families in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, José Jiménez, M.D., and Nancy Silva, M.D., have reached a point in their careers that few pediatricians experience. The children they once cared for are now returning with children of their own. “We’re going through a second generation now,” says Dr. Jiménez. “Patients I saw years ago are now bringing their kids in to see us.” For the husband-and-wife team behind Small World Pediatrics, those moments are reminders of what has always mattered most: building relationships that last. Since Dr. Jiménez opened the practice in 2003, the doctors have cared for families through newborn visits, first days of school, sports physicals, illnesses, graduations and now, for some patients, parenthood itself. While much has changed in our area during that time, the doctors’ shared philosophy has remained consistent. “We try to make it feel warm and comforting,” Dr. Jiménez says. “When people come in, we say hello, we chit-chat.” “We’re a neighborhood practice,” adds Dr. Silva. “People see us at school events, at stores, and at restaurants. We live here, too.” Both physicians bring decades of experience to the practice. Dr. Jiménez earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville before completing his M.D. degree and his pediatric residency at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dr. Silva completed Brooklyn College’s Honors B.S./M.D. program, earning her degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center in Brooklyn. She completed her pediatric residency at USF, and spent nearly 14 years practicing in Brandon before joining Small World Pediatrics in 2014. That connection to the community is one reason many families choose Small World Pediatrics. The practice serves patients from birth through age 21 and offers “well-child” visits, immunizations, developmental screenings, newborn care, adolescent medicine, school and sports physicals, asthma management, behavioral evaluations, sick visits and telemedicine appointments. Families can often secure same-day appointments when children become ill, and after-hours support is available when urgent concerns arise. “We’re personal, we’re available, and we try to get people in when they need us,” says Dr. Jiménez. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all
(L.-r.) Medical assistant Alyssa Sewell, medical receptionist Sofia Hernandez, Dr. Nancy Silva, Dr. José Jiménez, LPN nurse Shaneka Phillips, office manager Tonya Weicut and medical receptionist Marlene Oliva of Small World Pediatrics off BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. (Photo by Charmaine George) approach, both doctors strive to give families the parents through educational resources, including “We understand the feelings and fears time, attention and support they need, whether [about vaccines] that a lot of parents are experiher free guide, “Baby Play Ideas: Baby’s First that means answering additional questions, Year,” and her Dr. Silva Kids Grow newsletter and encing right now,” says Dr. Jiménez. “We’re here discussing parenting concerns, or helping parents Substack, where she shares practical parenting to educate them and support them.” Dr. Silva navigate a difficult situation. adds that many parents are navigating conflicting and child-development advice. Parents often discover that the care they information and need a trusted source when “Sometimes parents just need practical receive extends beyond a child’s physical health. making healthcare decisions for their children. ideas and reassurance,” she says. “There’s so much pressure on parents now,” Keeping children healthy is about more says Dr. Silva. “Social media makes it look like than treating illnesses. Both doctors emphasize About Childhood Vaccines everybody else has everything together.” She preventive care through healthy habits such as Both physicians say vaccine concerns remain says that much of her work involves reassuring hand washing, balanced nutrition, regular physone of the most common topics they discuss with parents who worry they are somehow falling be- parents. While they understand families may have ical activity, good sleep and staying current with hind. Questions about sleep schedules, feeding, recommended vaccinations. They also encourage questions, both doctors believe education and development, behavior and milestones often families to stay engaged through sports, Scoutopen communication are essential. come with an underlying fear that they are doing something wrong. “A lot of times, what people need to hear is that they’re doing a good job,” she says. The doctors’ emphasis on accessibility and personal support is something many families say sets the practice apart. In one of Small World Pediatrics’ 100+ 5-star Google reviews, patient parent Nancy L.K. praised both the staff and the physicians after her kids became patients in 2020. “We started seeing Dr. Jiménez in 2020, and I can absolutely say [he’s] one of the best, if not the best doctor in town,” Nancy wrote. Reflecting on her daughter’s bout with Covid-19, she added, “I’m thankful for both Dr. Jiménez and Dr. Silva that they were there to support us emotionally. We are grateful, we are blessed to have them, and we’re not going to change pediatricians at all.” Outside the office, Dr. Silva supports
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ing, community activities and time outdoors. They believe healthy habits established early in life often carry into adulthood. As parents themselves, the doctors understand many of the same worries and challenges their patients’ families face. “There’s a lot of anxiety in being a parent,” says Dr. Jiménez. “You understand it differently when you’ve lived it.” That experience shapes how both physicians approach care. While medical recommendations are grounded in science, they recognize that parenting rarely follows a single formula. “There are some medical things that have to go by the book,” Dr. Jiménez says. “But in terms of parenting, there’s a lot of leeway.” Dr. Silva agrees, noting that much of her role involves helping parents find practical solutions that work for their own families while still supporting their children’s health and development. Their partnership also benefits patients behind the scenes. Because the two physicians work together every day, they sometimes consult one another on cases, treatment plans and follow-up care. “We do bounce ideas off each other,” says Dr. Silva. “Sometimes another perspective helps.” This collaboration means patients often benefit from the combined experience of two veteran pediatricians rather than just one. Their commitment to children’s health also extends beyond the office. Over the years, they have supported child-safety injury-prevention, and public health initiatives inspired by experiences caring for local families. “We’ve seen things no family should have to go through,” Dr. Silva says. “Those experiences stay with you.” “Children are vulnerable,” adds Dr. Jiménez. “They depend on adults to advocate for them.”
Ask either physician what sets Small World Pediatrics apart, and neither points to credentials or years in practice. Instead, they point to the families they have cared for over the years. “You’re getting us as people as well as doctors,” says Dr. Jiménez. “You’re getting the care, the compassion, and the understanding.” Dr. Silva agrees. “If you’re looking for a pediatrician, you have to find somebody you connect with,” she says. “We’re genuine. What you see is what you get.” More than two decades after opening its doors, Small World Pediatrics remains what it has always aimed to be: a place where families can find experienced medical care and familiar faces under the same roof. As Wesley Chapel has grown from a developing community into one of the region’s fastest-growing areas, Dr. Jiménez and Dr. Silva have remained a constant presence for local families, including in New Tampa, helping parents navigate everything from a newborn’s first checkup to a teenager’s final pediatric visit. For Dr. Jiménez, one of the greatest rewards has been watching those families grow over time. “It’s a beautiful thing, really, to see them grow up from birth. Some of the children we’ve seen are in college now, and some are bringing in their own children. It’s nice to have those relationships with both the child and the parents.” For more info about Small World Pediatrics, located at 2527 Windguard Cir., Suite 102, call (813) 907-8001, visit SmallWorldPediatrics.com or see the ad on pg. 38. Download Dr. Silva’s free “Baby Play Ideas” guide at go.drsilvakidsgrow.com/bpi01 and her parenting newsletter at drsilvakids.substack.com.
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Platinum Salon Expands Its Offerings With Its Own Luxury Hair Extensions By Mary Durbin
Neighborhood News Correspondent
If you’re looking for an upscale hair salon right here in New Tampa that can create an amazing new look for you regardless of your hair type, Platinum Salon (located in the same plaza as Burger 21 off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) is the place for you! Since it was first opened by coowners Allen Coleman and Michael Berthelette in 2018, Platinum has provided a variety of hair services — including highlights, extensions and haircuts — but is now offering some other new and exciting services and products. According to Michael, the salon is moving Platinum “into its next chapter,” which includes the launch of the Platinum Salon “Extension Lounge” as well as “Platinum Reserve™ Luxury Hair Extensions, curated by Allen Coleman.” Allen, who has 35 years of hair styling and coloring experience, is now a Master Stylist, Master Colorist, Extension Specialist and Platinum’s Artistic Director. He has built an incredible reputation for creativity “behind the chair,” as well as for what he teaches other beauty industry professionals. Allen currently is an educator for Leyton House Professionals, which is based in Australia, and previously served as an educator for Paul Mitchell, Scruples and Big Pro. Education has always been an integral part of Allen’s career. “I love creating beautiful hair,” he says, “but I also love helping other stylists understand the ‘why’ behind what they are doing.”
Platinum Salon Extension Lounge
After years of simply offering hair extensions as an add-on service, Allen and Michael have now created the new Platinum Extension Lounge as a place within the salon for clients seeking a “customized transformation.” Allen says, “We want the Extension Lounge experience to be very intentional and personalized.” That experience begins with a consultation and customization, based on what your hair needs most. Your Platinum stylist (there are now nine style and color specialists on the salon’s staff, each of whom will bring their own unique artistry to your experience) will evaluate your existing hair and consider several other factors — including lifestyle, desired result, color and overall vision — to come up with the best way to utilize the Platinum ReserveTM
(Above) Platinum Salon (located off BBD Blvd. in New Tampa) co-owners Michael Berthelette (in gray sportcoat) & Allen Coleman (to Michael’s right), with stylists (l.-r) Natalia Renee, Johnny Silvestry, Donna Shane, Jelena Gonzalez, Bella Meredith, Beth Espinoza & Melissa Ferron. (Below left) Platinum Salon’s new “Extension Lounge.” (Photos by Charmaine George) (Below right) These photos show one way to attach the Platinum Reserve TM extensions. (Photos provided by Platinum Salon) He brings all of that experience to Platinum, extensions that will best fit your needs. Current Style & Color Trends focusing on strategy, operations, guest developAt the Extension Lounge, the preferred Allen says, “The strongest trend right now ment, mentorship and community engagement. method for attaching hair extensions is to use in our industry is personalization. Guests bring various types of what are called “wefts,” includEngaging with the community is a big part inspiration pictures, but our job isn’t to duplicate ing hand-tied, butterfly (an ultra-thin, flexible of Michael’s busy role as Platinum’s CEO. He somebody else’s hair. It’s to understand what seam that lays flat against the scalp, providing a is a past Chairman of the Board of the North they love about that picture and translate it into natural look and feel), petite, or volume. While Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC) something that will work beautifully for them.” the weft applications are preferred, tape-in extenand is still active as the chair of the Chamber’s Michael adds that the salon’s clients sions also are available, if appropriate for your Foundation Board. He also is an inaugural are looking for, “dimensional, lived-in color, hair. Allen doesn’t believe that there should ever member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership sophisticated blonding, rich brunettes, dimenbe a one-size fits-all approach to extensions. Fellows Program, which Michael explains as, sional reds and coppers, face-framing brightness, healthy shine and movement, individualized pre- “an initiative to foster meaningful professional growth, connection and leadership development Platinum Reserve™ Extensions cision cutting and extensions that look natural among established and emerging community The launch of their own brand of hair rather than obviously extended.” leaders.” He also currently serves as the chair of extensions represents something that Allen and The salon provides services for the entire the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Foundation. Michael see as a natural expansion of Platinum family — including for men and children, as “Community leadership is not something Salon’s overall brand as a luxury salon. well as (obviously) for women. Allen says that “We are not interested in simply sellseparate from my role at Platinum,” Michael among the current “Back to School” trends the ing hair,” Allen says. “We want to create an says. “It is central to the way we believe our busipast three years are high school boys requesting experience around extensions — consultation, ness should operate.” the so-called “Top Perm” look, which also is artistry, education and, ultimately, confidence. known as the “Teenage Boy’s Perm” or, as Allen He adds, “Serving in the Chamber has Platinum Reserve™ extensions and our Extension calls it, the “Merm” (Man + Perm). reinforced something I’ve believed throughLounge will bring that together. Extensions have out my career — that business grows through completely evolved. They are not only about Community & Building The Business relationships.” extremely long hair anymore. Our stylists can As the salon’s chief executive officer and Michael is proud to have attended the strategically create fullness, density, movement community liaison, Michael previously spent National Chamber of the Year conference with and shape in areas where a guest needs it most more than 30 years in occupational therapy, NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy when and make the result look incredibly natural.” healthcare management and entrepreneurship. the local Chamber was one of only three finalists
26 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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for National Chamber of the Year honors. He also has been a long-term member of the Business Networking International (BNI) Alliance, which meets every Thursday morning at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel on S.R. 56. About BNI’s philosophy of “Givers Gain®,” Michael says, “BNI isn’t about walking into a room and passing out business cards. It is about earning people’s trust so thoroughly that they are willing to recommend you to their family, friends, clients and colleagues. “Givers Gain® really mirrors the way Allen and I believe Platinum should operate — always give value first.” And, it’s clear that Platinum’s clients — who have given the salon a 4.8-star overall rating on both Google and Facebook, on more than 630 total reviews — seem to agree that the salon does provide great value for the money.
Client Rachel M.’s recent 5-star review said, “Allen and (stylist) Johnny gave me the wedding hair of my dreams! I had a full highlight done and extensions installed for my wedding. I decided on short notice to have the extensions put in, which wasn’t a problem as they have a lot of hair options there on site. Thank you, Allen and Johnny!” New guests visiting Platinum Salon who mention this story or the ad on pg. 36 will receive a complimentary deep conditioning treatment — a $45 value — with their first hair service. Platinum Salon (20304 Trout Creek Dr.) is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m-7 p.m.; 9 a.m-6 p.m. on Friday & Saturday and 10 a.m.5 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, call (813) 973-2400, search “PlatinumSalonTampa” on Facebook, or “PlatinumHairSalonTampa” on Instagram or see the ad on page 36.
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Bat Boy Collectibles — A ‘Side Hustle’ For Sports Cards, Memorabilia & More! By Mary Durbin
Neighborhood News Correspondent
Bill Martin (as we revealed last year, he is not related to the late, former manager of the New York Yankees) is a long-time sports memorabilia collector and the owner of Bat Boy Collectibles. He buys, sells and trades a wide variety of items from baseball, football, basketball and hockey cards to other memorabilia and even non-sports items. Bill explains how he started his “hobby”: “I am a lifelong baseball fan, and I have been collecting baseball cards since I was six years old,” he says, adding that he holds on to his favorite treasures but also brings his collections to card shows throughout the Tampa Bay area. That collection has really grown from the memorabilia Bill started to accumulate after working part-time as a bat boy (which is how he picked the name for his business) for the New York Mets from 1979-80. Of this personal collection, Bill says: “I am never selling my most cherished pieces, but I started becoming a dealer and going to card shows to sell my excess items. But then, I always end up buying more, too, so this has become a real ‘side hustle’ for me.” He says the highest-priced item he has ever sold was a Wilt Chamberlain rookie card from when “The Stilt” began his Hall of Fame career with the Philadelphia Warriors. For his hockey memorabilia, Bill focuses mainly on vintage items from players like former Boston Bruins player (and Tampa Bay Lightning founder) Phil Esposito and the Detroit Red
fesses that when the Mets are in town to play the Rays: “I still wear my Mets hat.” He adds that he doesn’t really collect Rays memorabilia, but he does have a champagne bottle signed by pitcher David Price from the celebration when the Rays clinched their first (and still only) trip to the World Series in 2008. Bill recently attended the annual National Sports Collectors Convention, (Above & next page) Lifelong baseball card and sports memorabilia collector Bill which was held in Martin brings his Bat Boy Collectibles to card & memorabilia shows around the the Chicago area country (Photos provided by Bill Martin) July 29-Aug. 2. “The National” is a five-day Wings’ all-time great Gordie Howe. event and is considered to be the largest and A lifelong Mets fan, Bill attended the last game played at the old Shea Stadium in Septem- most prestigious gathering of sports collectors and memorabilia enthusiasts from around the ber of 2008. The two seats he secured from the stadium before it was demolished have a place of country and from other counties, also hosting about 250 sports celebrities and personalities. honor in the “Baseball Room” in his home. Bill says that because of the long waiting “I ripped up the carpet and laid down astro turf, painted the wall green like an outfield wall, lists, most people who attend are not official dealers. But, he was still able to buy and sell and painted PVC piping yellow for foul poles.” cards there. Bill also has had season tickets for the While he was in Chicago, Bill says he Tampa Bay Rays for 18 years. However, he con-
28 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
managed to catch a White Sox game and can now cross off their stadium, Rate Field, from his bucket list of visiting all the Major League Baseball parks. “I only have about seven more stadiums left,” he says. Closer to home, Bill goes to two to three weekend shows every month in the Tampa Bay area, including the Tampa Bay Sports Card Show, which is held monthly at the Holiday Inn Westshore. Shows like The National have thousands of vendors and hundreds of thousands of attendees. The local shows are smaller and usually have about a hundred vendors and attendance ranging from 500-800 people. He also streams three nights a week on Whatnot, a digital marketplace and live-streamed shopping platform where users can buy and sell items in online video auctions. The next big show at which Bill will be exhibiting is the Tampa Sports Collectors Expo at the Florida State Fairgrounds September 18-20 (see below for details). In addition to the vendors and dealers, there will be celebrity athletes from football, baseball and basketball who will be signing autographs. According to the website, several current Tampa Bay Buccaneers are scheduled to appear including cornerback Ben Morrison and running back Kenny Gainwell. Bill says he deals mainly in collectibles from before 1980 because during the late 1980s and early ’90s, known as the “Junk Wax Era, the major baseball, basketball and football card manufacturers such as Topps, Donruss and Fleer overproduced cards. This led to a significant
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surplus and a decrease in value for most of the era’s cards, making them worth much less than those from earlier years. So, as they say, “Buyer beware” if you buy or sell cards from that era. He adds that while he gets most of his inventory from the card shows, he does periodically get calls from collectors who are interested in selling their collections. Bill will meet with them and help them price out their collections. “I have to remind many collectors that just because an item is old, that doesn’t automati-
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cally make it worth a lot of money.” One collector contacted Bill because none of his children were interested in his collection and he wanted to sell it. Bill made an offer, but he felt that the man was really conflicted about selling the collection. Bill advised that instead of selling the whole collection, he should pick his favorite 50 or 100 cards and get them framed. “I know how he feels; I am a collector first, too,” he says. As for what’s new with him since last year’s article ran, Bill says he has now added a cargo van so he can transport his collections to the shows. Lots of heavy lifting! The Tampa Sports Collectors Expo will be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds located at 4800 U.S. Hwy. 301, Tampa, the weekend of Sept. 18-20. The hours are 2 p.m.-8 p.m. on Fri.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sat. & 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sun. Tickets can be purchased for $5 per day of attendance at SportsCornerSignings.com. There also will be a Tampa Bay Sports Card Show at the Holiday Inn Westshore (700 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa) Fri.-Sat., Sept. 25-26. Hours are 2 p.m.-8 p.m. on Fri. & 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. Admission is free. For more info, visit TampaCardShow.com. There will be another Tampa Bay Sports Card Show held at the Embassy Suites at the University of South Florida (3705 Spectrum Blvd.) Sat., Oct. 31-Sun., Nov. 1. Information is also available at TampaCardShow.com. Happy collecting Bill! For additional information about Bat Boy Collectibles, call Bill Martin at (631) 2209327 or see his ad on page 14.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
29
‘A Taste of N’Awlins’ Continued from pg. 1
Elliot has been cooking food for Faces of Courage’s camps “for about 20 years now,” he said, “and Peggie and her team are serving such an important role for people struggling with cancer and their families. But, the reason Pam and I put together this fund raiser was because Peggie said she didn’t have enough money to fund her upcoming Women’s Cancer Camp (being held Sept. 18-20 at Rotary’s Camp Florida in Brandon).” “This wasn’t just a fund raiser,” Peggie added. “It was a community coming together for one very important reason: to help raise the final $10,000 we needed to fund that Women’s Camp.” She added, “Elliot and Pam really took this on. They corralled just about everyone they knew — and probably a few they didn’t — to help make this event happen. They collected more than 80 donated gift cards, secured an amazing assortment of silent auction and raffle items, recruited volunteers and then, rolled up their sleeves and worked right alongside everyone else. “And, what a team they put together! People chopped, grilled, cooked, carried, decorated, set up, cleaned up, served food, sold water, sold raffle tickets, worked registration, managed auction items and did whatever else needed to be done!” And, by the end of the day, the “Taste of N’Awlins” not only met that $10,000 goal, it exceeded it. Peggie was clearly moved by the enormity of what was accomplished in just a few short hours on a day when the skies opened up, but the members of the local community opened up their hearts — and wallets — even more. She provided us with a list of all 20 of the event’s volunteers and every one of the nearly 90 businesses that provided anything for “A Taste of N’Awlins.” I’m just sorry I didn’t have room here to print those lists. Peggie also thanked, “every single person who walked through those doors. You could have looked at that rain and stayed home. Instead, you showed up. You ate. You bid. You
bought raffle tickets. You volunteered. You donated. You laughed. And most important, you helped make sure women facing cancer can come to camp completely FREE of charge! “Rain couldn’t stop this crowd — and cancer won’t stop us either. From all of us at Faces of Courage, THANK YOU!” For more information about (or to donate to) Faces of Courage, visit FacesofCourage.org.
(Clockwise from top left) Pam & Dr. Elliot Cazes (left) were happy to raise the money Peggie Shirley (right in same picture) needed to fund the upcoming Women’s Cancer Camp for Peggie’s Faces of Courage nonprofit. The Arbor Greene Community Clubhouse was packed with people enjoying delicious Cajun food all afternoon. A volunteer at the event adds gravy to an andouille sausage Po’ Boy sandwich. Hours before the event even began, Dr./Chef Elliot Cazes and his crew were hard at work preparing all of the food. (All photos by Charmaine George)
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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
31
Enter Our 2026 Reader Dining Survey & Contest & To Win $200 In FREE Dining!
Enter Our 2026 Reader Dining Survey & Contest & To Win $200 In FREE Dining! As we did last issue with New Tampa (NT) eateries, on the next three pages are pictures & descriptions of all of the mom-&-pop and small (10 units total or less) chain restaurants in or near Wesley Chapel (see location info below), with their addresses, phone numbers, websites and a picture of their exteriors and/or signage. All we’re asking you to do in this issue to win FREE dining is two things: 1) Tell us your FIVE (5) Favorite Restaurants located in Wesley Chapel (WC) — in zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545, plus locations on Wesley Chapel Blvd. & S.R. 54 in Lutz between WC Blvd. & Oak Grove Blvd. Please do NOT include ANY restaurants located in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code on the entry form on pg. 35. 2) For another chance to win, tell us your Favorite Pizza Place AND your Favorite Latin (but NOT Mexican) Restaurant in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel (see entry form, right). Send us one or both correctly filled-out entry forms and you’ll receive one entry for each in a random drawing to win up to $200 in FREE dining at the restaurant of your choice located ANYWHERE in the Tampa Bay area!
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
Please note that although the restaurant list doesn’t include any chain eateries with 10 or more locations in Wesley Chapel, you can still write the names of your favorite chains in any or all of the five spaces on the entry form on page 35.
My Favorite Pizza Place In New Tampa or Wesley Chapel is: __________________________________________________________________________
My Favorite Latin Restaurant in NT or WC is:
HERE ARE OUR OTHER RULES!
(NO Mexican restaurants, please!):
1) DO NOT write the name of your one favorite place in WC in more than one Top-5 space. Only its first-place vote will count.
_________________________________________________________________________
2) We consider any restaurant that appears on the list on pgs. 33-35 to be in Wesley Chapel. If you want to vote for a chain restaurant, please look up its zip code or location to see if it qualifies as a Wesley Chapel restaurant.
Your First & Last Name________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Lake Forest, Hunter’s Green, etc.)_______________________ Your Daytime Phone Number___________________________________________
3) In order for your votes to count and help your favorite restaurants, you must include your real first AND last name, the community you live in (Tampa Palms, Arbor Greene, etc.), your daytime phone number where I can reach you (which I will only call if your name is selected to win a prize) and your valid email address.
Your Valid Email Address_______________________________________________ To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please answer one or both questions above — and provide all of the other information requested above — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@ NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. Or, you also can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see our website for all of the official rules.
Here is what you need to know to enter this 4) This year’s prizes are again FREE dining year’s Survey & Contest: at any restaurant YOU choose anywhere in the (I hope) every brick-&-mortar restaurant that Tampa Bay area, including the Grand Prize of serves food and is located in & near Wesley Chapel $200, as well as prizes of $100, $75, $50 & $25. (WC) that is either a true mom & pop or part of a “chain” — whether regional or national — that 5) See the Entry Forms on this page & has fewer than ten (10) total locations, is listed in brothers on pg. 35 toFrank find out how to have yourGouveia, votes Independently owned by & James The Grill at Morris Bridge alphabetical order on pages 33-35. counted & win prizes! Good Luck! — GN
New Tampa’s Upscale Casual New AmericanFor Restaurant Is Open! Another Chance To Win, Tell Us Your 5
Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel (WC)!
(See Chef the listDaniel of WC Mom-&-Pops will feature an ever-changing menu created by Executive Friley. on pgs. 33-35 & the entry form on pg. 35!)
Featuring a 250-bottle wine list with carefully selected bottles starting at $25 Where Can You Go To Watch Some Football while also featuring some iconic wineries from around the world, plus craft cocktails, a premium full-liquor While bar Still Enjoying An Elevated Dining Experience? and a curated beer list. The Grill is open for dinner seven nights a week d n e p S and for lunch Wednesday through Sunday, u When Yo ! re with New Tampa’s best $50 or Mo ; ly on n Saturday & Sunday Brunch! io rt Food po
$10 E AV
drinks & tax no
t included.
. ention coupon ust have or m ly. on per table rs. One coupon ith other offe ned w not be combi 022 EXPIRES 2/10/2
We also offer indoor & outdoor seating, plus a bar menu with sandwiches & pizza for those looking for lighter fare!
20 Cross Creek Blvd. (next to Publix) • 813.388.5353 •
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Come Watch The Games At Our Upscale Craft Cocktail Bar! 10920 Cross Creek Blvd. (next to Publix) • 813.388.5353 TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com
32 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
The Grill at Morris Bridge
Neighborhood News
@neighborhoodnews
Presenting...The 2026 Neighborhood News Reader Dining Survey & Contest!
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN WESLEY CHAPEL! HERE’S THE LIST OF MOM & POP & SMALL CHAIN RESTAURANTS LOCATED IN WESLEY CHAPEL .
365 Woodfired & NY Pizza — 3746 Windcrest Dr. (813) 388-9888 365WoodfiredPizzas.com Brings the heart of Naples and the energy of the Big Apple to Wesley Chapel.
Blush Wine Room 5863 Goldview Pkwy., Unit 107. (813) 428-6247 Ato Sushi Burritos Poké Bowls — 5816 Goldview Pkwy., Suite 102. (813) 602-2015 • ZukkuSushi.olo.com Burritos stuffed with sushi rice & greens share the menu with cold bowls, miso soup & appetizers.
900º New York Pizza —
6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 107. (813) 406-4500 900DegreesWoodfiredPizza.com Casual, family-owned eatery serving NY-style pizza, calzones and stromboli.
Azteca D’Oro — 2000 Piazza Ave., #170. (813) 527-6033 • AztecaDOro.com Cheerful Mexican mini-chain offering a big menu of hearty classics, plus specialty margaritas.
Bagels of Wesley Chapel — 30032 C.R. 54 (813) 575-8300 • BagelsofWesleyChapel.com Small café with fresh & delicious bagels, including specialty flavors & breakfast sandwiches. 900º Woodfired Pizza — 28152 Paseo Drive #195. (813) 527-6940 900DegreesWoodfiredPizza.com Authentic Neapolitan & Original NYStyle pizza & Italian specialties.
1916 Irish Pub — 27315 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 991-4747 • 1916IrishPub.com Classic Irish Pub with an American twist. Food, cocktails entertainment & more.
Amici Pizza — 26602 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz. (813) 973-9734 • Amici-Pizza.com Modest storefront serving classic & Sicilian pies, plus subs, pasta & more.
Arroy Thai & Sushi — 27427 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 501-4924 • ArroyThaiWesleyChapel.com Thai restaurant serving curries, fresh rolls, mango sticky rice & fresh sushi.
Asian Buffet Sushi & Grill — 1742 Bruce
B. Downs Blvd. (813) 907-7688 • OrderingHere.com/Asian-buffet-wesley-Chapel Low-key buffet offering hundreds of
self-serve Chinese items, including seafood.
Neighborhood News
@neighborhoodnews
Bakery X — 5840 Grand Oro Ln., Unit 108. (813) 360-0886 • BakeryX.com Casual bakery churning out fresh croissants & other classic French pastries, plus coffee.
Bebo’s Creesesteaks — 5840 Grand Oro Ln., Unit 106. (813) 388-2149 • BebosCheesesteaks.com Cheesesteaks, egg rolls & other comfort foods served up in a casual setting.
Beef N’ Buns —1211 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 345-8116 • No website found Artisanal burgers, fries & sandwiches — all Zabiha Halal.
Best NY Pizza — 27429 Wesley Chapel Blvd (813) 994-2200 • BestNYPizza.com Casual restaurant dishing up pizzas, calzones & other Italian fare, plus beer & wine.
Bluefin Sushi — 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Ste 105. (813) 803-4709 • BluefinJapanese.com Sushi rolls, hibachi entrees & a selection of beer, wine & sake served in casual surroundings.
BlushWineRoom.com Cozy, classy, place serving wine & beer, plus delicious Indian, Italian & American bites.
Bodega Deli — 5840 Grand Oro Ln., Ste. 104 (813) 597-6178 • BodegaDeliFL.com Casual NY-inspired restaurant serving subs, chopped cheese sandwiches & other quick bites.
Bonsai Sushi —1652 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 994-7333 • BonsaiSushiWC.com Creative sushi rolls & traditional Japanese dishes are presented in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bosco’s Italian To Go —30122 C.R. 54 (813) 907-2440 • BoscosItalianFla.com Family-run eatery offering thin-crust pies, stromboli & spaghetti.
Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch — 24400 S.R. 54, Lutz. (813) 909-1500 BrunchiesTampa.com Bustling restaurant serving breakfast fare & brunch dishes. Friendly staff & a clean environment. Burger Monger — 1656 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 991-4242 • BurgerMonger.com Local mini-chain featuring burgers, fries & malts, plus beer & wine, in a casual space. Cafe 365 — (two locations) 28210 Paseo Dr. & 5888 Grand Oro Ln., #102. (813) 991-0350 & (813) 388-5854
365CafeItaliano.com Cozy spots offering paninis, coffee, gelato, crepes & other sweet & savory eats.
Cafe Zorba — 5804 Grand Oro Ln., Unit 102. (813) 388-5987 Instagram @cafezorba_krate Casual restaurant offering Greek, Balkan & Bosnian favorites, from gyros to cevapi.
Caprese Pizza House — 30036 County Line Rd. (813) 406-4750 CapresePizzaHouse.com Garlic knots & pizza from brick ovens at this casual eatery.
Chamo Bites Venezuelan Cuisine — 5863 Goldview Pkwy. (813) 806-2216 ChamoBItesWC.com Casual restaurant serving up empanadas & other traditional Venezuelan dishes.
Chick’n Fun — 27320 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 501-4899 • ChicknFun.com Fast-food-style eatery serving burgers, chicken sandwiches & tenders & fish dishes.
China Gourmet — 30032 County Line Rd. (813) 994-0999 ChinaGourmetWesleyChapel.com Neighborhood Chinese spot serving fried rice, egg rolls & other takeout basics.
China Wok — 5313 Village Market. (813) 929-6888 • No Website listed NY-style Chinese eatery for favorites such as egg rolls, fried rice & wonton soup. Crazy Sushi — 28152 Paseo Dr., #150. (813) 991-8989
CrazySushiWesleyChapel.com
Serves a wide variety of sushi rolls & sashimi, plus full liquor & all-you-can-eat options.
Divine Leaf Vegan — 1821 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 666-3546 • DivineLeafVegan.com Plant-based café inside Nutrition Smart, serving “burgers,” handhelds & salads.
Dummy Crabby — 5325 Village Market. (813) 330-4136 • DummyCrabby2.com Casual seafood restaurant serving small plates & quick bites, plus seafood boils. The list continues on pgs. 34-35!
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
33
Presenting...The 2026 Neighborhood News Reader Dining Survey & Contest! MORE MOM & POP & SMALL CHAIN RESTAURANTS LOCATED IN WESLEY CHAPEL
EggTown — 27607 S.R. 56, Unit 110 (813) 994-9666 • Eggtown.com Popular eatery offering traditional breakfast & lunch options.
Food + Beer — 25026 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 815-8001 • EatFoodDrinkBeer.com Locally owned sports bar mini-chain with scratch-made food, craft beer & cocktails.
Eight Turn Crepe — 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Ste 116. (813) 867-6413 EightTurnCrepe.com
Japanese-style street food crepes, sweet or savory, for breakfast, lunch, dinner & dessert
El Pasta & More! — 5817 Goldview Pkwy., #107. (813) 973-9359 • ElPastaFL.com Italian cuisine such as spaghetti & meat sauce, chicken parmesan & more. 100% Halal.
El Prince Mediterranean Cuisine — 5817 Goldview Pkwy., Ste 103. (813) 388-9618 ElPrinceRestaurants.com
Dishing up a familiar range of 100% Halal Middle Eastern eats, from salads to kebabs.
Falabella Family Bistro — 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Ste 105. (813) 428-6957 FalabellaBistro.com Delicious, family-owned Italian place with comfort food & outstanding weekend specials, plus a full-liquor bar.
Farmer’s Milk Café & Bakery — 27049 Halter Lp. (813) 277-1870 FarmersMilk.Miami
Ukrainian cafe & bakery, bringing specialty coffee, handcrafted pastries, cakes & more to Wesley Chapel. Also see story on pg. 44.
Flipn’ Fries Factory — 5840 Grand Oro Ln., Unit 10.2 (813) 501-8706 • FlipnFriesFactory.com Fast-food restaurant serving crispy fries with a variety of topping options. Florida Ave. Brewing Co.
2029 Arrowgrass Dr.
(813) 452-6333 FloridaAveBrewing.com Destination brewery offering beers, handcrafted cocktails & a full-service restaurant. Also, see ad on pg. 36.
Fratelli’s Pizza & Café — 5327 Village Market (813) 991-1118 • FratellisWesleyChapel.com Casual pizzeria dishing up New York-style pies & other Italian eats in a kid-friendly setting. Garden Mediterranean Grill — 1900 Oak Grove Blvd., Lutz. (813) 528-8088 TheGardenMediterraneanGrill.com Fresh, Halal Mediterranean food (from hummus to chicken shawarma) made to order.
Gonna China — 5430 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 991-6686 • GonnaChinaFL.com Featuring an extensive menu of familiar fare in small, basic strip mall digs with takeout.
Hot Wok 88 — 27309 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 991-5207 • No Website listed Egg rolls, fried rice & other familiar dishes are served at this informal Chinese takout spot..
K-Crunch — 5888 Grand Oro Ln., Ste. 110. (813) 550-8243 • K-Crunch.com Asian-inspired street food featuring crispy Korean fried chicken, fries, bowls & other specialties La Creacion Bistro 27073 Halter Lp. (813) 388-5872
LaCreacionBistro.com
Stylish new local brunch & dinner favorite fusing American cuisine & authentic Puerto Rican flavors.
La Creacion Xpress — 5829 Goldview Pkwy., Suite 101. (813) 528-8163 LaCreationBakery.com Puerto Rican & other Latin American sandwiches, dishes & desserts turned out in comfortable, compact surroundings.
Greenlane Salads & Wraps — 24801 S.R. 54, Lutz. (813)388-5557 • GoGreenlane.com Health-conscious faster-food chain offering fresh, made-to-order salads & wraps.
Green Market Café — 27225 S.R. 56. (813) 803-4590 • GreenMarketCafe.com Clean eatery serving sandwiches, wraps, smoothies & bowls, plus soft serve. Grillsmith 2000 Piazza Ave. #100 (813) 907-1900 Grillsmith.com Local minichain serving New American fare & cocktails..
Hibachi Express — 5315 Village Market. (813) 991-9242 • Wesley.HibachiJapaneseExpress.com Value-sized hibachi meals, plus fresh sushi in a casual setting. Ho Wok 1223 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 973-2330 HoWokOnline.com Egg rolls, General Tso’s chicken & other familiar dishes are served at this informal Chinese takeout eatery.
Latin Twist Cafe — 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Ste 105. (813) 994-7700 No website listed Cuban & other Latin American sandwiches, specialties & desserts turned out in comfortable, compact surroundings.
Los Chapos Tacos — 24799 S.R. 54, Lutz. (813) 868-3056 • LosChoposTacos.com Delicious, fresh & flavorful tacos, especially birria & carne asada, with generous portions for bowls & other menu items.
Macondo Coffee Roasters — 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Ste 101. (352) 424-5621 MacondoCoffee.com Charming hangout featuring Colombian coffee, baked goods & sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere.
34 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli — 26316 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz. (813) 428-6573 Instagram @ macs.custommeats.deli Full-service sandwich shop & meat market offering steak & Cuban sandwiches, burgers & more to eat in or take out. Mama B’s Pizzeria 27607 S.R. 56 #105. (813) 328-8063 MamaBsPizzeria.com Newly redesigned & featuring a large menu of Italian dishes including NY-style pizza. See story on pg. 40.
Middle East Market — 30120 C.R. 54. (813) 803-3463 • No Website listed Arab-owned & serving hot & fresh Halal food — hamburgers, gyros & platters.
Mochinut & BiBimGo — 25704 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz. (813) 949-5877 EatBiBimGo.com Serving Korean donuts & rice bowls with a variety of proteins & toppings. Mojo Grill Latin Fusion — 5841 Goldview Pkwy., Unit 103. (813) 388-5603 MojoGrillWesleyChapel.com Enjoy a delicious fusion of Latin appetizers, sandwiches & bowls.
Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market — 5648 Post Oak Blvd. (813) 973-7500 Moschellas.com Italian eatery & market with hand-cut sandwiches, prepared meals & pastas.
New York New York Pizza —3757 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 528-8771 NYNYPizzeria.com Casual restaurant serving NY-style pies & other Italian dishes, plus wings & subs.
Palani’s Hawai’i Noodles —5903 Goldview Pkwy., Unit 105. (813) 501-8830 PalanisHawaiiNoodles.com Serving traditional Hawaiian fare like noodles & plate lunches, shaved ice & more. Neighborhood News
@neighborhoodnews
Presenting...The 2026 Neighborhood News Reader Dining Survey & Contest! MORE MOM & POP & SMALL CHAIN RESTAURANTS LOCATED IN WESLEY CHAPEL Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico
Papichy’s — 26242 Wesley Chapel
Blvd. (813) 576-9970 • No Website listed
Empanadas, tequeños, pastelitos, papitas, mandocas & arepas. Pasta di Guy —4839 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 994-1294 PastadiGuy.com Specializing in made-fromscratch pasta dishes, pizzas & more. PeppaJak — 5888 Grand Oro Ln. (813) 388-2032 Peppajak.com Tasty burgers & tenders, plus hot honey-flavored wings.
Persis Indian Grill — 5956 Wesley Grove Blvd. #106. (813) 388-2245 PersisWesleyChapel.com Upscale Indian eatery with vegetarian options & modern decor
Pisco Express — 5903 Goldview Pkwy., Suite 109-111. (813) 7032725 • Pisco-Express.com Authentic Peruvian & Asian cuisines, with ceviche, chaufa & more.
27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 803-7974 • RiceNBeans.com Traditional Puerto Rican fare in warm, comfortable surroundings. Roong Aroon Thai Cafe — 24436 S.R. 54. (813) 406-5356
RoongAroonThaiCafe.com
Thai eatery featuring noodles, curries, fried rice & unusual open hours.
Rudraksh Indian Cuisine — 4424 Friendly Way. (813) 355-3914 RudrakshIndianCuisine.com Classy Indian restaurant offering mild-to-spicy dishes, plus full alcohol. Señor Tequila Mexican Grill 1640 Bruce B Downs Blvd. (813) 428-5411 TheSenorTequila.com
Casual Mexican grub, including fajitas & nachos — with a full bar.
Shang Hai Chinese — 32785 Eiland Blvd. (813) 783-6869 Order.MealKeyWay.com Chow mein & egg rolls, plus fried chicken & wings at this understated Chinese kitchen.
Tasty Ramen — 5817 Goldview Pkwy., #101. (813) 803-7777 TastyRamen.Restaurants-us.com Japanese eatery dishing up ramen, gyoza, crab rangoon & more. The GOAT Kitchen & Bar 5700 Saddlebrook Way. (813) 973-1111 • Saddlebrook.com Upscale sports bar with elevated food located inside Saddlebrook Resort.
The Green Table — 5817 Goldview Pkwy., #105. (813) 991-5355 GreenTableWC.com Plant-based comfort food spot serving creative andwiches, beer & wine in a laid-back setting. The Living Room 2001 Piazza Ave., Ste 100. (813) 934-7911 TLR.Restaurant.com
A cool spot where dining feels like kicking back in your own living room but with more upscale food.
Provisions Coffe & Kitchen — 5862 Goldview Pkwy., #102. (813) 803-7787 ProvisionsCoffeeFL.com Coffee shop also dishing up breakfast staples such as bagels, sandwiches & sweet treats, plus tea.
Skybox Rooftop Bar — 2867 Lajuana Blvd (atop the Residence Inn)
(813)591-2915•SkyboxRooftopBar.com
This rooftop bar offers small plates, craft cocktails & sweeping views. Sweet Krunch Korean Fried Chicken 1832 Bruce B Downs Blvd. (813) 991-
1500 • SweetKrunchWesleyChapel. kwickmenu.com Casual Korean eatery with fried chicken, milk & boba tea & more.
RARE 1981 — 5700 Saddlebrook Way. (813) 907-4446 • RARE1981.com
Rhythm Pon De Grille —5822
Tacos El Patron — (2 locations) 5841 Goldview Pkwy., Unit 101. (813) 4065964 • TacosElPatronFL.com & 2382 Grand Cypress Dr., Lutz. #991. (813) 948-6499•Outlets.TacoElPatronFL.com Casual Mexican restaurants featuring street-style tacos, nachos & burritos.
Upscale steakhouse, now with an Argentinian flair, inside Saddlebrook Resort. See story on pg. 42.
@neighborhoodnews
Yamato Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar — 28347 Paseo Dr., #150. (813) 907-8701 YamatoWesleyChapel.com Easygoing Japanese eatery featuring hibachi-grilled meat & seafood as well as sushi, plus cocktails.
6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Ste 101. (813) 406-4371 TrebleMakersofWC.com Relaxed eatery providing burgers & steaks along with live music & dueling pianos.
Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill 25916 Sierra Center Blvd. (813) 419-1351 • ZukkuSushi.com Upscale sushi restaurant & full bar serving creative rolls, poké bowls, bento boxes & more..
Umu Japanese & Thai — 2653 Bruce B Downs Blvd., #120A
You also can still win FREE dining prizes by voting for your five (5) Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa if you visit NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net!!
(813) 591-6121 • UmuJapanese.com
Trendy Japanese & Thai restau-
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest! Here are my Five Favorite (Overall) Restaurants in WC (Only): 1)__________________________________________________________________________ 2)__________________________________________________________________________ 3)__________________________________________________________________________ 4)__________________________________________________________________________ 5) __________________________________________________________________________
Converted school bus serving Mexican street fare, including vegan plates.
Neighborhood News
31929 Overpass Rd. No Phone # listed
Vallarta’s — 5335 Village Market. (813) 907-5161 • VallartasWC.com Festive spot serving familiar Mexican items like tacos & giant margaritas in colorful surroundings.
TrebleMakers Sports Bar & Dueling Pianos
Serving a wide variety of salads, rant featuring sushi rolls, pad thai, snacks & sandwiches at Epperson Lagoon curries & skewers.
Taco Bus — 25195 S.R. 54. (813) 949-4012 • Taco-Bus.com
Grand Oro Ln., Ste 106. (813) 406-4110 • No Website listed Jerk chicken & other Jamaican eats are served at this casual eatery.
Top Shelf Sports Lounge — 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd. (813) 953-1032 TopShelfSportsLounge.com Casual restaurant & bar serving burgers, nachos, wings and pizzas alongside a menu of pub-style fare inside AdventHealth Center Ice.
The Reef Café
MetroLagoons.com PizzaMania — 1734 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 907-0005 MyPizzaMania.com Pizzas, calzones, garlic knots & other Italian eats in a simple setting.
Tokyo Grill & Sushi — 32825 Eiland Blvd. (813) 715-2919 TokyoGrillSushiWesleyChapel.com Family-run Japanese & Chinese restaurant for hibachi favorites, sushi rolls & more.
Your First & Last Name________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Live Oak, Grand Hampton, etc.)_______________________ Your Daytime Phone Number___________________________________________ Your Valid Email Address_______________________________________________ To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please tell us your FIVE Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel — plus provide all of the information requested on the entry form above — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see our website for all of the official rules.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
35
Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine Brings Unique Flavors To The Shops At Wiregrass Photographer Charmaine George and I were on hand days after the long-awaited opening of Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine (28330 Paseo Dr., Unit 105) in the Shops at Wiregrass, which happened just a few days before we went to press with this issue. And, so far, so interesting. We sampled quite a few of the Anatolian Turkish menu items on our first visit, including the hollow lavas bread (similar to a pita), which we got with a side order of traditional chick pea humus (not pictured) and the humus, in particular, was truly creamy and delicious. We also tried the fried zucchini patties (called mucver; near right), which were almost molten inside, but were served with a cooling yogurt sauce. The first of the two entrées we shared was the chicken sis kebap (top center), which are not served skewered, but are marinated in tasty unique seasonings, char-grilled to a crispy edge and served on a bed of white rice pilaf, with sides of pickled red cabbage, beets, red onions and carrots in a freshly made Turkish vinaigrette. We both loved the fall-off-the-bone tender lamb shanks (right), which are braised for over five hours in a medley of fresh carrots, onions & bell peppers in a tomato-based sauce, also served over rice pilaf. So good. All the meats at Bosphorous are Halal, but there also is a full premium alcohol bar with craft cocktails. I liked the Turkish coffee martini and flipped for the full-bodied Turkish red blend wine called Okuzgoxu-Bogazkere. Bosphorous is a mini-chain that started in Orlando in 2004 and now has seven locations (including a popular one in South Tampa). General manager Jeff Lavine’s Wesley Chapel location is elegant-looking and his superattentive staff provided outstanding service. For more info, call (727) 634-3006 or visit BosphorousRestaurant.com and please tell Jeff and his crew we sent you! — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
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36 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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‘Aces & AI’ Kicks Off ‘Chapel After Dark’ Podcast & Raises $3,000 For A Worthy Cause! When Jannah and I first met with Shark AI Solutions owners Michelle and Josh Stanaland, we had never even heard of the Robert Noa Foundation, nor did we know that it had anything to do with the sport of motocross. We didn’t even know that Michelle and Josh have a kid who started trying his hand at motocross at the Dade City Motocross (also called Dade City Raceway), where Robert Noa was a legendary racer. All we knew was that Michelle had an idea to do a charity poker night with one or two tables of people playing Texas Hold ‘Em and that she wanted the poker event to kick off to a new podcast called “Chapel After Dark” — and that TrebleMakers Sports Bar & Dueling Pianos owner Jamie Hess was going to let the Stanalands use the restaurant on a Monday night and maybe provide some food. And, any proceeds raised would be donated to the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit Robert Noa Foundation (which honors Robert’s legacy through scholarships, mentorship and community programs for young athletes, while fostering a culture of perseverance, sportsmanship and heart). A few weeks later, on Aug. 24, more than 100 people — most of whom were motocross racers or the parents of young motocross enthusiasts themselves — packed their way into TrebleMakers (top photo) for something much bigger than what all of us (plus Shark AI chief operating officer Tiffany Fancher) had ever discussed. One or two tables? How about three blackjack tables, one Texas Hold ‘Em table, plus craps and roulette tables? How about more than a dozen great prizes being given away, including a one-night stay with golf at Saddlebrook Resort, motocross lessons and more? Not only did the event raise $3,000 for the Foundation, it also proved to be a spectacular
start for the “Chapel After Dark” podcast, which should be available on our Facebook page soon — possibly even by the time this issue reaches your mailbox. Michelle has even already lined up a super-cool second event and podcast episode that might possibly be announced before you receive this issue. On hand for the festivities on Aug. 24 were Dade City Motocross owner Randy Yoho (with microphone in photo, right), Robert Noa’s fiancé Donna Dilling (to the left of the big check below) and a few ranked motocross racers and their bikes, as well as several other people associated with the Foundation. “What an amazing night this has been,” Michelle (with Josh, both in black below right) said. “Thank you all for being a part of it!” For more info about the Robert Noa Foundation, visit RobertNoaFoundation.com. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
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Check Out The Newly Expanded & Redesigned Mama B’s Pizzeria! By Gary Nager All photos by Charmaine George
Congratulations go out to owners Chuck Locke, Brenda Bening-Thompson and David Thompson on the recent expansion and redesign of their Mama B’s Pizzeria on S.R. 56. The trio purchased the former Pomodoro restaurant in Dec. 2022 and changed the name to Mama B’s in July 2023. “I’m not Italian,” Brenda admits, “but I am ‘Mama B’ and all of the recipes we make here are mine. I’ve loved to cook since I was a kid — I have friends telling me I should open a Mexican restaurant next because they love my homemade salsa.” Thanks to the success of Brenda’s recipes, the partners decided to take over the out-of-business children’s shoe store next door. “We now have a total of 2,500 sq. ft. and a private dining room for 22-24 people,” Chuck says. “And we’re all really happy with the new look of the place.” That new look was created by Bobbie Smith, the owner of Interior Design by Bobbie. “They told me what they were looking for and I just ran with it,” says Bobbie, who also is designingthe upcoming Tampa Joe’s at The Hub at Lexington. “It definitely feels more like a restaurant now, instead of just another pizza place.”
(L.-r.) Owners Chuck Locke, Brenda Bening-Thompson & David Thompson of Mama B’s Pizzeria on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. The newly expanded & redesigned interior features a nice bar area (bottom left photo on next page) & some great white (below left) & pepperoni & mushroom pizza & Italian food.
So, What About The Food?
When we came to take pictures for this story, photographer Charmaine George and I got to sample quite a bit of the Mama B’s menu, starting with two different pizzas. I’ve honestly never been a big fan of “white” pizza, but this mix of creamy ricotta, fresh mozzarella and garlic worked well with Mama B’s true New York-style crust. I personally was even more impressed with Mama B’s pepperoni and mushroom pizza — even though I don’t generally like (or order) mushrooms on anything, much less my pizza. But again, the true NY-style crispy crust was definitely an upgrade over the last time I had a slice at Mama B’s. “I’ve really been working with our cooks on consistency,” Brenda says, “especially when it comes to pizza. If all the ingredients are measured and the dough is worked the same way every time, your pizza should taste the same every time you visit.” Charmaine absolutely loved the house-made garlic knots, which we both used to mop up the tasty (but different) marinara sauces served with the house-made signature meatballs (which are served with a generous scoop of ricotta cheese), and the extra-meaty (the way I like it) lasagna.
I told Brenda that what I love most about the lasagna is the fact that when you cut into it, it doesn’t all fall apart, despite the generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella and marinara. My other favorite dish we tried, which again was something of a surprise because I almost never order pasta with Alfredo sauce, was the creamy fettuccine Alfredo. Yes, it’s made with cream, but Mama B’s Alfredo was definitely not as “runny” as
I’ve sampled in many other places. I would definitely add Mama B’s pan-seared chicken to the Alfredo on my next visit, or I could opt for a more familiar favorite of mine — fettuccine pesto — with the chicken. Other appetizers on Mama B’s menu include crispy baked — and then flash-fried — chicken wings with your choice of five sauces (from Nashville hot to teriyaki), and fried ravioli
or mozzarella. There’s also a Mama B’s Savory Sampler with fried mozz, garlic knots and wings. We also enjoyed the Mediterranean salad, with Kalamata olives, cucumbers, onions, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers and creamy feta cheese, with a zesty Greek dressing. Other salads include house, Caesar, caprese and antipasto. Mama B’s also offers a variety of specialty pizzas from standards like Margherita and
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(L.-r. above) Mama B’s meatballs, garlic knots & lasagna. (Below far right) Mama B’s fettuccine Alfredo. Grandma’s to unique options like “This Little Piggy” (with a BBQ sauce base, pulled pork, smoked mozz & pickled red onion). The casual eatery also offers a variety of strombolis, calzones and toasted hot subs, as well as pasta dishes like baked ziti, penne alla vodka, spaghetti with meatballs or meat sauce and chicken parm. Visit for a great lunch special (for example, two slices & a fountain drink for $7.99), plus beers on draft, wine by the glass and even a kids menu. Mama B’s Pizzeria (27607 S.R. 56, Suite 105) is now open every day for lunch & dinner. To order or for more info, visit MamaBsPizzeria.com, call (813) 328-8063 or see the ad on pg. 40 (previous page).
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Saddlebrook’s RARE 1981 Introduces Its New Executive Chef & Menu! Although I don’t know why Saddlebrook Resort decided to bring in a new Executive Chef and completely overhaul the menu at the resort’s RARE 1981, I’ll say this much — there is definitely nothing exactly like it anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, much less in Wesley Chapel. RARE 1981 new Executive Chef Emanuel Zarlenga, who is from Argentina, has replaced many of the dishes on the original menu with a variety of Argentinian-influenced options. The good news is that RARE 1981 still has some of the best prime steaks in the area — which is no surprise considering that Argentina is famous worldwide for serving some of the most delicious steaks anywhere. Jannah and loved our prime filet mignon (top far right), which was done to medium rare perfection. There also is a “Seabass of the Day” and a “Gulf Coast Catch of the Day,” which, for us, was a delicious mahi-mahi (under the filet, right) in a buttery lemon garlic sauce, served with a side of peas, sliced asparagus and turnips. Excellent. Pretty much everything else we ordered were Argentine-inspired dishes. Mine and photographer Charmaine George’s favorite starter was the Whey-Melon Tuna (below the mahi), which is 48-hour compressed melon cultured in whey, shaved and served with raw slices of pickled sushi-grade tuna, onions and carrots. It’s definitely a large enough portion to share. Our favorite of Chef Emanuel’s homeland-inspired dishes was the Choripan (right), which is an entrée but also works as a shareable appetizer that features pieces of both Argentine and American chorizo sausage cooked “sous vide” style (vacuum-sealed and cooked in a temperature-controlled water bath) and served with crispy and warm brioche, pickled veggies and chimichurri sauce. Amazing. Equally different was the Strawberry ‘Gazpacho” (not pictured), which featured nicely grilled scallops served with fermented strawberry and lacto-fermented cold gazpacho. We also tried a variety of new Family Style Sides, including our two favorites — the Hay Asparagus (right), grilled with actual burning hay), and “Two Potatoes” (far right), made with buttery, tender potatoes, finished with a warm, airy potato espuma (foam). We also liked the 30-Hour Beets (cooked for 30 hours and finished with bee pollen, seaweed and fresh lime zest) and a traditional South American corn & squash Humita finished with queso fresco and a caramelized crust. And, even though we had no room for dessert,
(Above) RARE 1981 Chef de Cuisine Mark Davis & new Executive Chef Emanuel Zarlenga
we shared the RARE 1981 Dessert Trio of the Day, which featured guava with brie, arroz con leche (rice pudding atop creamy caramel) and bread pudding with vanilla ice cream. For reservations & info, visit RARE1981. com or call (813) 9074466. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
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Farmer’s Milk Café & Bakery & Cinnaholic Open At The Hub At Lexington! The Hub at Lexington is finally really starting to take shape, as two new dessert-themed eateries opened at the end of August. The first was Farmer’s Mike Café & Bakery, located at 27049 Halter Lp. Not only did we meet local franchise owners Vladyslav (“Vlad”) Harbar and Liliia Dobrynska (top left photo) the first time we visited, but also the Ukrainian-based company’s founder Karyna Besedina (top right), who told us that this is the fourth U.S. location for Farmer’s Milk. “We also have one in Hollywood, Florida, and two in Chicago,” Karyna said. “We had 90 locations in Ukraine, but are down to a little more than 50 since the war started.” This much-anticipated bakery and café is absolutely beautiful, with comfortable couch and table seating and unique light fixtures (including lamps shaped like croissants). The desserts we’ve sampled so far (a very small percentage of the available slices and whole cakes) have been deliciously decadent. Charmaine’s favorite was the blueberry lemon layer cake and mine was the super-dense yet extra-creamy tiramisu cheesecake (both in far right photo, along with a chocolate eclair). Jannah and I also enjoyed Farmer’s Milk’s spinach & feta quiche and there also is a variety of unique sandwiches made fresh daily, too. Oh, and my first-ever Ukrainian-style cappuccino was also super-tasty. Karyna also told us that the Florida locations of Farmer’s Milk source all of their milk from the Sutton Milk Company, located in Okeechobee, FL. “It’s a family farm with more than 100 years
of history,” she said. “We are proud to partner with them.” She even gave us a bottle of the milk and samples of the Sutton Milk bottled yogurt drinks, which also were just so good!
For more info, call (352) 277-1870 or visit FarmersMilk.us. — GN; photos by Charmaine George
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Cinnaholic — It’s Diet-Dangerous!
A couple of days after Farmer’s Milk opened at The Hub, so did Cinnaholic, the cinnamon roll company founded in 2010 in Berkeley, CA that today has 85 stores, including five in Florida (with locations on 4th St. N. in St. Pete and another in Tampa’s Hyde Park district). I hate to tell anyone to not try a new place, but if you’re trying to lose weight when you visit Cinnaholic at The Hub (27145 Halter Lp.), “fuhget about it!” Yes, the massive cinnamon buns are 100% vegan and there are truly fresh bananas, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries available as toppings, but I don’t think you can walk into the shop and walk away without having at least one of the rolls, as the smell of them baking is truly irresistible. The plain cinnamon rolls are nearly 500 calories. Add plain vanilla frosting and you’re up to more than 700 calories, 100 grams of carbs and 50+ grams of added sugar. Add toppings like the raw cookie dough in the Cookie Monster roll (top right in photo, right) and you’re up to more than 1,100 calories and 80g of sugar. But, you know what? IT’S WORTH IT! Local franchise owners Thiago and Juliana Mendez (top left photo; they also own the Hyde Park location) have a winner on their hands, based on the lines on opening day (top right) and the reactions of everyone we saw taste one of the rolls. Jannah also loved the fresh-baked banana bread (with chocolate chips) and Cinnaholic also serves fresh cookies, brownies, cookie cakes and hot and iced coffee. Definitely try it, but don’t say I didn’t warn you! For more info, visit Cinnaholic.com or call (813) 345-8890. — GN; photos by Charmaine George & GN
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48 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 19 • September 15, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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