Volume 34 Issue 1 January 6, 2026 Scan the QR code to your left with your phone to access our website!
Happy New Year, New Tampa!
Stonewood Is Again Our Readers’ Favorite Restaurant In New Tampa!
Tampa Palms Staple Stretches Streak To 10 Years In A Row! Noble Crust Regains #1 Spot In Wesley Chapel! By Gary Nager
The thing that’s perhaps most amazing to me about Stonewood Grill & Tavern’s 10-year run as the #1 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa is more than just the delicious food, the always-happening bar or even the amazing people who work there (photo) — although all of that is true. As the person who tabulates our readers’ votes every year for the Dining Survey & Contest, the thing that always stuns me is that not only has Stonewood always received the most first-place votes, it also regularly receives the most 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th-place votes, too. And, no matter which other excellent local restaurants finish 2nd and 3rd each year, whether you count total votes or use my point system to score the results, Stonewood has still come out ahead by a wide margin. In other words, our readers have loved the place since it opened and, every year, people who never participated in our annual Reader Survey before, as well as many of the newcomers to our area, hear about Stonewood’s quality from their friends, try it for themselves and agree that it’s the best or at of experience to the Tampa Palms Stonewood, but least one of the best restaurants in our area. also a shared understanding of how to manage people. And yes, that starts with both the food For example, when I told Dennis that Stoneand the people. Executive Chef Danny Man- wood had won again this year and that we needed to zur (far left in photo) and operating partner take pictures of at least him and his top management, Dennis Diaz (far right) bring not only years he turned it into a previously unplanned pre-holiday
DAVID JOLLY IN NEW TAMPA
Former Congressman brings his campaign for Governor of Florida to New Tampa’s library. See page 3
Photo by Charmaine George
breakfast party for his entire appreciative staff. He had them come in hours before the restaurant opened for the day and Chef Danny, kitchen manager Gary Zimmerman (2nd from right) and their kitchen staff got the grills fired up early to create three of the new dishes on the menu for our photo shoot.
ALAN COHN TO RUN FOR COUNCIL The former Congressional candidate and long-time New Tampa resident will run for Luis Viera’s seat. See page 6
WHOLE FOODS BEGINS BUILDING Some Meadow Pointe residents aren’t so excited about the new commercial development. See page 12
“We appreciate that the Neighborhood News readers continue to rank us #1,” Diaz told the staff before we took the photo above. “I know it’s because every one of you is just as committed to being the best as we are. And, I thank all of you for that!” See the Dining Survey Results on pgs. 30-37
EVEN MORE DINING NEWS
Baba Dough & Aldi are open here; Vietnamese sandwich shop & more are coming to WC! See pages 40-45
It’s Now Sushi Time, Everyone!
No longer all-you-can-eat, but better quality than Ginza! See pg. 38!
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I’m Sure Everyone Will Have An Opinion About David Jolly’s Appearance In New Tampa An Editorial by GARY NAGER
I’m just going to start off this editorial — which means the opinions stated on this page are mine alone, opinions that I know some of you will disagree with strongly enough to ask me to stop mailing this publication to you. But, here are some facts: 1. I’m a registered Republican. 2. I have almost never voted a straight Republican ticket because I always pick the candidates in every race I believe will best align with agendas that will most help me, my family, my business and my entire community. 3. I really liked what former Republican U.S. Congressman, now Democratic candidate for Governor of Florida David Jolly had to say at the New Tampa Democratic Club meeting held at the New Tampa Regional Library on Dec. 1 — and how he said it, even though I also strongly disagreed with some of the things he said. So, it was with an open mind that I decided to cover that packed (more than 100 people) Democratic Club meeting, when Jolly opened his remarks by saying, “The first group of people I want to thank are the Republicans and independents who are here but won’t admit it... and, for even considering supporting a Democrat in this [election] cycle, thank you.” Jolly then moved on to introduce himself. He said he is a fifth generation Floridian who was born in Dunedin, FL, the son of a pastor from Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater in the 1970s, although he said his family moved around a lot and he graduated from Pasco High in Dade City. He and his second wife, the former Laura Donahoe (who is 14 years his junior), live in Belleair Bluffs in Pinellas County, where Jolly served one full term and part of a second term in Florida’s Congressional District 13. They have two children, — a 6-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. Jolly said that our state is gripped by two major crises — “the affordability crisis and the culture wars. And, with these two crises, too many people are now asking themselves, is Florida still a place that I want to call home?” He then laid out his three fundamental values: “#1, that the economy should work for everybody; #2, that government is capable of and should help improve people’s lives; and #3, that we should live in a state where absolutely everybody is empowered and lifted up, regardless of the color of your skin, where you were born, who you love or where you worship.” Regarding the economy, Jolly said that a big part of the affordability crisis in Florida is that, “for homeowners and owners of rental properties, we have a homeowners insurance market in Florida that has collapsed and is not coming back. We are providing secret bail-out money to undercapitalized insurance companies who, when the big storms happen, deny 50% of the claims, pay their CEOs $50 million and then leave the state. What we need is a State Catastrophic Fund. Some would call that ‘socialism,’ but I just call it ‘cheaper insurance.’ It’ll probably take three years to fund a State Catastrophic Fund, but Florida could be a model for the world.” Of course, he didn’t know how the state could actually fund that fund, especially in light of the fact that Hurricane Milton alone caused an Neighborhood News
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estimated $37 billion in damages in Florida. Jolly also admitted that Florida needs property tax relief, he just isn’t sure that eliminating property taxes is the way to go. “I’m afraid that what Republicans are proposing in Tallahassee is just going to defund services — police, water, sewers or libraries. But, let’s not oppose a plan we haven’t even seen yet.” He also said that Florida needs, “a ten-year renaissance in public education. How do we fund it? We take in hundreds of millions of dollars a year in tourism development tax dollars, but all we do is spend that money to bring in more tourism. But, after 20 years of attacking public education, we don’t have a convention center crisis, we have a crisis in education. Let’s take 1015% of our tourist development tax for the next ten years and deploy it into public education. Let’s pay teachers 30% more, not 3% more. It’s
a moral wrong that teachers in the third largest state are paid dead last in salaries.” And, although he supports school choice, “A voucher school in Florida does not have to teach your kids to read. Under my administration a school that accepts vouchers will have to provide the same services as any public school.” On the subject of guns, Jolly said that his goal will be to prevent the next school shooting. “We need comprehensive and universal background checks. But, I promise you I will never take a firearm away from a law-abiding citizen.” He also said that the Democratic Party needs to be tough on crime. “But, what Republicans in Tallahassee have done for too long is conflated immigration with crime. They want you to believe that the greatest threat to our state is the hardworking immigrant who has shown up at work for ten years without so much as a speeding ticket to
put food on his table for his family, learn English and pursue the American Dream. That’s not a criminal. It’s someone who deserves a pathway to becoming a citizen.” He also said that change is in the air in “all red” Florida, as the two special Congressional elections in March swung David Jolly (Photo by Charmaine George) over to Democrats and he predicts that come next November, the news headlines will be that Florida’s Democratic Party “built a new political coalition that hasn’t been seen in decades.” I don’t know Jolly is right on these issues, but he at least got my attention.
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Publisher & Editor/Ad Sales Gary Nager Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Iris Vitelli Joel Provenzano • Joey Stanziani Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano Ad Sales/Marketing Director Jannah Nager 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 3, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Thursday, January 22, 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 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
3
Alan Cohn Throws His Hat Into The Ring To Succeed Viera!
Long-Time Investigative Journalist & Congressional Candidate Says His Qualifications Set Him Apart By Gary Nager Editor’s note — If District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera is successful in his bid to succeed Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell in the State House District 67 election next November, Viera will have to resign from his City Council seat before his second — and final — term in Dist. 7 ends in March of 2027. That would mean that the remaining Council members would have to vote to appoint someone to fill Viera’s seat for four months. That appointee would clearly have the inside track in Tampa’s Municipal Elections in Mar. 2027 to remain in the seat. In other words, with the primary season for the 2026 Midterm Elections coming up in August, it’s not too early to start telling you who may or may not run to replace Viera. We’ve already introduced you to long-time New Tampa resident and Hillsborough County firefighter Morris Lopez, who is expected to file paperwork to run for Viera’s Council seat this month. We’re equally proud to introduce you to another longtime New Tampa resident who also is planning to file his paperwork soon to replace Viera. — GN Peabody Award-winning investigative journalist. Local TV news personality. Two-time candidate for the U.S. Congress. Sixteen-year New Tampa resident. Proud husband and father who cares enough about his community to want to serve it in a new way. Those are the qualities 16-year Grand Hampton resident Alan Cohn hopes will earn him enough votes to win the District 7 Tampa City Council seat that fellow New Tampa resident Luis Viera has held for the past nine years. Originally from Pearl River, NY, Cohn, 63, acknowledges that Viera has done “a terrific job” of not only representing, but also fighting for the needs of New Tampa — and he plans to continue to fight that good fight for the people of his community. Cohn says that no matter who else also runs for Viera’s seat, he believes he is uniquely qualified to achieve results for the people who live and work in District 7. “I’ve raised my family in New Tampa,” Cohn says of his wife, Patty (who also is a former journalist) and their son Aaron, 27 (a former Minor League pro baseball player), and daughter Ann, 29, both of whom graduated
agement that allowed me to stay on that story for three years until I was able to prove that those aircraft were crashing. And, once that happened, I actually had the George W. Bush administration on my side and Sikorsky had to change what they were doing. And, that probably got me the job down here at ABC Action News.” Within a couple of months of starting at that new job, Cohn says, “I found out about a guy who was going around the entire area dressed in a full Marine Corps uniform with the Navy Cross and I discovered that he had never served a day in the miliFormer investigative journalist and long-time New Tampa resident tary. I thought he was living near the Alan Cohn is running for Luis Viera’s Dist. 7 Tampa City Council VFW hall off I-275, so I went there, seat. Cohn is the second candidate to announce his intention to run gave the bartender my card and said, ‘If you ever see this guy around here, for Viera’s seat in Mar 2027. (Photo by Charmaine George) call me.’ And, that Friday night, he from Wharton High. “We’ve been ingrained into called me to say, ‘He’s here.’ I rushed over, interthis community, so not only do people know me viewed the guy on my phone and he wound up as a friend and neighbor, they know that I care deeply about where we live and the obstacles and being charged and convicted federally.” the issues that we’re facing.” An Aspiration To Serve He also believes his background in investiCohn worked at WFTS-TV Channel 28 gative reporting will help make him a successful in Tampa until 2012, but took a break for a few City Councilman. years, until WWSB-TV (ABC7) in Sarasota cre“I was an investigative reporter for 30 years,” ated an interview show for him. He left that job Cohn says. “I’ve covered presidents, governors’ in 2020 for his first U.S. Congressional District races, Senate races and Congressional races. I was 15 run, where he defeated State Rep. Adam Hatconfronted in my first TV job in Massachusetts tersley and Marine Corps vet Jesse Philippe in the with a corrupt district attorney who was in bed Democratic primary, earning 41% of the vote. with the mob. I helped break that story and this “That District 15 race was targeted by guy who had been in that office for 30 years both sides from the get-go,” Cohn says. “The ended up having to leave office.” incumbent, Ross Spano, was a first-term member He won the 2007 George Foster Peabody of Congress. He also was under criminal investigaAward, one of journalism’s highest honors, for tion. So, I saw it as an opportunity. I thought it uncovering that Stratford, CT-based Sikorsky would be a first-term member of Congress under Aircraft, which makes Blackhawk helicopters, criminal investigation against an investigative was allowing defective parts in its aircraft. reporter who had sought out corruption. The “I had the facts in black and white because problem was that Spano was defeated in the ReSikorsky employees snuck documents out of publican primary (by Lakeland City Commissionthe factory to give to me,” Cohn says. “What er Scott Franklin), so that changed the narrative of Sikorsky did, in the name of efficiency, was lay the race.” Cohn lost to Franklin 55%-45%. off their quality control inspectors who inspected Then, in the 2022 election, Cohn again subcontracted parts. I was given Department won the Democratic primary for the newly reof Defense (DOD) documents saying that they drawn 15th District, finishing first out of a fivewere seeing increased cases of major defective candidate field with 33.1% of the vote. He went parts on aircraft. I credit my (TV station) manon to lose the general election for the District to
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Republican Laurel Lee by 17 percentage points. “My aspiration has always been to serve,” he says. “I look at the role of City Council as where the ‘real work’ is done. This is where you can have a profound impact on your community. And, that’s why I’m running.” Cohn also believes that this is a critical, important moment for the City of Tampa. “We’re at a point in time, which is almost like a tipping point, not only for New Tampa, but for the entire city,” he says. “I want to be a part of that. I want to make sure that hard-working families can afford to live here and can enjoy living here. I believe City Council is where I can have the most impact at this point in time.” As for what he hopes to accomplish for New Tampa on City Council, Cohn wants to make sure that the projects Viera has been working on, but may not see through to fruition before he leaves office, don’t go away because someone new is elected to fill his seat. He wants to make sure the city finds the funds necessary to build the under-design, but not-yet-funded city park in K-Bar Ranch that Viera has championed, as well as find a way to put either another fire station or at least an emergency rescue vehicle in K-Bar, “because the response times there aren’t acceptable.” In fact, Cohn says, public safety is a top priority for him. “We don’t have a police department location in New Tampa, so TPD officers who patrol here have to check in by Busch Blvd. And, when their shifts end, they have to exchange paperwork in parking lots. That has to stop.” He also says that although coalitionbuilding is important, “I have been, throughout my journalism and political career, an advocate who knows how to push properly and knows the tactics and the methods to bring about change. I have always been able to shine a spotlight on whatever is needed, and push until it’s done.” Cohn adds that it’s still all about communication. “You can have the greatest ideas in the world,” he says, “but you have to be able to communicate them in an effective way. And, that’s the advantage I think I have over anyone else.” Although Viera isn’t making any endorsements in the race to replace him (see pg. 10), “at least not until the race is down to only two candidates,” he did recently appoint Cohn to the city’s Charter Review Commission, which meets every seven years to propose changes to the city’s charter,
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Viera, who appointed Cohn to the city’s Charter Review Commission, poses with Alan and his wife Patty. (Photo provided by Luis Viera) which Cohn says is akin to its “Constitution.” “The Commission is difficult and timeconsuming work,” Viera says, “and I thank Alan and all of the other Council and Mayoral appointees who will dedicate a great deal of time to this endeavor. I was proud to appoint him to this position. It is important to have people who are responsible and quality on this Commission and Alan fits that bill. He is a good man and I know he will do an amazing job.” Cohn says that there is a constant struggle in Tampa about our form of government. “We have a strong mayor form of government,” he says. “I know there are people on the City Council who are frustrated that our Mayors can do whatever they want. And I know Mayors who have felt like Council meddles in what they’re doing. I think that we need to bridge the gap here and create a situation where there’s a much better working relationship between the City Council and the Mayor, because it has been incredibly divi-
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sive for too long. And, as to how the City Charter could have an impact on [that relationship] is part of what we want to work at, to make sure that it meets the moment. It’s no coincidence that people who have served on the Charter Review often become City Council members afterwards.” Cohn also says that he would love to help the Rays Major League Baseball team move to this side of Tampa Bay and that he definitely supports the recent development of downtown Tampa. “I would like to see more of it, but I’d like to see it be affordable to most people. I also want to help bring more family-friendly things and restaurants to right here in New Tampa, so you don’t always have to go downtown.” And, although he is Jewish, Cohn says, “I’ve always had strong support in the local Muslim community because it’s been based upon a shared dedication to civil liberties. The last few years have definitely put strains on those relationships, but I will seek to open that dialogue again. As Luis says, New Tampa is a very diverse community of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus, so we all need to start talking to each other.” And, speaking of dialogue, he says, “I will be pesky in terms of my invitations to other City Council members to come up here because even though I’d be representing New Tampa on City Council, I’ll still also responsible for making decisions for South Tampa and Seminole Heights. We all have a responsibility to know how our issues impact the other areas of the city. I’m going to use my energies and my voice to do that.” In conclusion, Cohn says, “Patty and I love our community. I’m blessed with not only an understanding wife, but with someone who also has her finger on the pulse here. We complement each other that way.”
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
5
Coach Vishal Jain Introduces The Excel Cricket Academy!
Former Pro Cricketer Says He Is Training The U.S. National Team’s Stars Of The Future! By Gary Nager I’ll be honest — I don’t understand the sport known as cricket. I know it is similar to baseball, in that it has pitchers, called “bowlers,” catchers called “wicket-keepers” and hitters, called “batsmen,” and the object of the game is to score more runs than the other team. But, how the teams score runs, how they record outs (there are three different ways) and why the batsmen run while still holding their bats after hitting the ball are all mysteries to yours truly. Even so, it is still a super-exciting game to watch, whether live or on TV. Fortunately for anyone in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and the entire Tampa Bay area whose child is interested in learning how to play cricket like the pros, Vishal Jain, a former pro cricketer, from the Indian capital of Mumbai, is now available to teach kids ages 8 and older all of the fundamental techniques and rules of this hugely popular sport. Jain’s Excel Cricket Academy meets every Saturday and Sunday on Field #2 at the Wesley Chapel District Park, which also hosted a cricket tournament the day I visited. And, Jain says, he hopes to be able to one day teach kids how to play cricket at the City of Tampa park now being designed that will one day open in K-Bar Ranch. (Note-Although the city budgeted the money to design the park in K-Bar (which also will include other facilities, in addition to a cricket pitch), the necessary funds to build it are not yet in the city’s budget.) Jain has all the credentials anyone who wants their child to learn how to play cricket could possibly want. He played for both Mumbai and Goa and won India’s premier first-class cricket tournament, known as the Ranji Trophy, which was named for K.S. Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play Test cricket. The Ranji Trophy is India’s oldest and most prestigious domestic red-ball competition, with Mumbai being the most successful team historically, having won the prestigious trophy more than 40 times. Jain was trained by the esteemed Ramakant Achrekar, the legendary coach of Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the biggest icon in the history of the sport — which will be played for the first time since 1900 as a medal sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in
(Above) Coach Vishal Jain (in back, with sunglasses) poses with the younger group of cricketers in his Excel Cricket Academy, which has been based at the Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Rd. since 2024. (Photo by Charmaine George)
Los Angeles. And, in addition to playing cricket at the highest level, Jain (who also owns Excel Cricket Academies in Mumbai) also has been the head coach of the Mumbai Central Zone U19 and U23 teams. His bio on the Excel Cricket Academy Tampa Florida USA Facebook page says, “Known for his expertise in diverse coaching methodologies, Coach Vishal is dedicated to helping players unlock their full potential. His approach emphasizes mindset, discipline and continuous learning, incorporating personalized training, workshops and motivational sessions.” He also has battle scars on his hands and arms, from fielding the balls hit with the heavy cricket bats bare-handed. Only the batsmen and wicket-keepers usually wear gloves in cricket. All I can tell you, after watching one practice with his younger Excel Academy group, he definitely has the attention and admiration of not only his young athletes, but also of their parents, many of whom travel from Brandon and as far away as St. Petersburg, to have their children trained by Jain. And, it was immediately obvious why.
While “bowling” the harder-than-baseball balls to each Academy student, he not only told but also showed each one how to execute a defensive “shot” one moment, how to drive the ball the next and which foot to focus their weight on for each batting maneuver. And, the kids and parents all really seemed to love him, and he certainly seemed to be in complete control of them, without ever raising his voice. When he tried to get his younger players all to pose for the picture above and some of them were acting up, all he had to do was point at them and say “Discipline” and they all got the message. Super impressive. “And, if they ever still don’t listen, I will pack up their stuff, bring it over to their parents and tell them to take them home and come back next week. They get so embarrassed I’ve never had to do that to the same player twice.”
Training Future U.S. National Stars It’s clear that virtually all of the young players Jain coaches are of Indian descent, but the Excel Cricket Academy is open to anyone who wants to learn the proper way to play this
sport that continues to grow in popularity here. “The U.S. National Team is one of eight teams (India, Australia, England, Afghanistan, South Africa, Bangladesh and the West Indies are the others) that qualified for the 2026 [ICC Men’s T20] World Cup,” Jain says. “In other words, cricket is growing in this country and I want to train the future stars of the sport here.” And, best of all, he says, there are no set fees to train with Coach Vishal — who also offers individual coaching sessions for those who want them. “The parents usually agree to an amount to each pay me (for the team sessions),” he says. “I’ve already made money playing cricket. All I want now is to find and train the best players I can and help each one reach his or her potential.” For more info about Excel Cricket Academy, call (813) 523-5871, email Coach Vishal at excelcricketacademytampa@gmail.com or stop by the Wesley Chapel District Park, Field #2 (7727 Boyette Rd.) any Sat., 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Small Kids 10-11:30; Leather Ball Kids 11:301:30) or Sun., 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. (Small Kids 8-9:30; Leather Ball Kids 9:30-11:30).
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(Above left) One of Jain’s young players drives the ball while another (above right) shows how to execute a defensive shot. (Below left) Jain explains some of the basics of the sport to his young cricketers. (Photos by Charmaine George) (Right) The older group of Excel Cricket Academy players and their families are excited to pose for pictures with Coach Vishal. (Photo provided by Vishal Jain)
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7
What’s Happening With Morris Bridge Rd.? The Big Changes At 3 Key Intersections By Joel Provenzano
Neighborhood News Correspondent If it feels like Morris Bridge Rd. (MB Rd.) has been in a constant state of change lately, you’re not imagining it. From New Tampa through Wesley Chapel, this important north–south corridor, once considered little more than a twolane country road, has seen closures, construction crews, and long-awaited reopenings — with even more changes on the horizon. As Neighborhood News has reported over the past several years, MB Rd. is gradually transforming from a quiet rural connector into a critical link between several fast-growing communities in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Here’s a closer look at what’s recently been completed, what’s under way, and what’s still to come — with a focus on three intersections that are shaping the future of the MB Rd. corridor.
MB Rd. At Future K-Bar Ranch Pkwy.
As we first reported in April 2024, the final phase of K-Bar Ranch in Hillsborough County is more than just another residential expansion — it’s a long-planned transportation connection that will finally open all of K-Bar Ranch to MB Rd., benefiting both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents alike. That vision is now becoming reality. Construction is under way on the eastward extension of K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. past Easton Park to MB Rd. Once completed, this connection also will allow access from Wesley Chapel, including from Union Park and Meadow Pointe, via the planned Wyndfields Blvd. extension to the south and the existing Meadow Pointe Blvd. extension. Although the Neighborhood News first told our
readers the story of this future connection about a year and a half ago (see map), crews are now actively building the new phase of K-Bar Ranch, and the collector road that will extend Wyndfields Blvd. south into the New Tampa development. For Union Park residents in particular, this means a new and more direct route into Tampa — and fewer bottlenecks on already-crowded roads. Turn lanes are currently being added along MB Rd. at the future K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. intersection (photo on next page), and a traffic signal will follow. The signal is required under the developer agreement and will help manage the increased traffic once the road opens. According to the K-Bar Ranch III CDD Preliminary Engineer’s Report (Jan. 2025), construction on the overall final build-out is planned to run from Mar. 2025 through December 2028, and is broken into two phases. Phase 1 includes 471 single-family homes, followed by 188 townhomes in Phase 2. Based on issued permits and the pace of construction, it’s likely the road connection will be completed be(Above) The map of the planned K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. extension we ran in Apr. 2024. (Source: NN) fore Phase 2 even begins — possibly even this year. (Next page) Construction at the intersection of K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. at MB Rd. (Photo by Joel Provenzano) In short, the long-anticipated direct connecThe Dec. 8-Dec. 22 closure was necessary Typically, fully closing the road allows crews tion between K-Bar Ranch, Union Park, Meadow to complete stormwater drainage repairs between to complete the work much faster than staged lane Pointe and MB Rd. is now closer than ever. Apache Dr. and Bonnet Hole Dr., as Hillsborough closures would have, especially on two-lane roads MB Rd. At Bonnet Hole Dr. County explained in a public release. To put it where it’s harder to shift traffic and breakup the Just north of Cory Lake Blvd. (less than digging into two phases, due to limited space. plainly — collapsing and aging culverts under the two miles south of Cross Creek Blvd.), the Hill- roadway had to be fully replaced. Chris Wilkerson, senior media relations sborough County section of MB Rd. reopened strategist for Hillsborough’s Public Works Dept., Although only a small segment of MB Rd. the week of Christmas after a full closure that told us this single stormwater project cost was actually shut down, detours were lengthy frustrated many residents — particularly those approximately $240,000. When asked if more due to the lack of alternative routes. During our closures are coming, Wilkerson confirmed that still remembering the road’s prolonged shutdown communications, county officials acknowledged two additional stormwater-related closures are following Hurricane Milton in Oct. 2024. the inconvenience to residents.
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expected on MB Rd. in 2026 — one just north and one just south of the recent work area — so residents will need to keep an eye out for when those closures are announced.
MB Rd. at Chancey Rd. (Pasco)
Meanwhile, in Pasco County, the long-closed intersection of MB Rd. between S.R. 56 and Chancey Rd. finally reopened just before Christmas, ending months of detours and speculation about what went wrong. Despite early rumors of the closure being caused by a “sinkhole,” Pasco officials clarified that the issue was actually a damaged, buried 16-inch water main. When the main failed, it washed away soil beneath the roadway, creating a large underground void that looked like a sinkhole, but was not a traditional limestone collapse. The unexpected discovery of the water line — struck during routine work — complicated the repair. Replacement parts had to be specially ordered, delaying construction for months. Pasco officials had warned residents back on Sept. 19 that delivery and installation of the water main alone could take at least eight weeks, followed by another five to eight weeks to rebuild the road. In the end, the project was completed almost exactly within that extended timeframe. But, while the intersection is now open, some residents have been disappointed to see no
new left-turn lanes added. According to Pasco officials, those improvements are part of a larger widening project that is still in development. The county’s current Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) list, adopted in June 2025, shows plans to widen MB Rd. to a four-lane divided roadway between S.R. 54 and S.R. 56. Construction is tentatively scheduled in two phases: 2028 - From S.R. 54 south through the Chancey Rd. intersection 2029 - From south of Chancey Rd. to S.R. 56 Of course, the project has already been delayed once and timelines could change again.
The Big Picture
Taken together, these three intersections tell the story of MB Rd. today — a corridor under pressure from rapid growth, environmental challenges and aging infrastructure — but also one that’s steadily being improved. Some work is finished, some is still under way and more is coming in the next few years. For residents of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel alike, the changes along MB Rd. promise better connectivity in the long run, even as the short-term disruptions unfortunately continue. As always, the Neighborhood News will keep you updated with what’s happening with the MB Rd. corridor — one closure, one construction zone and one reopening at a time.
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Luis Viera Column — The Race To Replace Him, Plus Roy, Repaving & The ‘R’ Word By Luis Viera Tampa City Council, District 7
It is always a pleasure to update my constituents on what is happening with me and in our community.
Election For My Dist. 7 Replacement
I am term limited and, in 2027, we will have an election for a new District 7 Councilman. Although I will likely not be formally endorsing in the first round of the race, I do have opinions on the values, experience and work ethics of the person who will replace me. I know that if I do not talk about New and North Tampa, nobody will. We need someone who is a fighter for New Tampa, not someone taking orders from someone who would be lost if they drove on Cross Creek Blvd. We need a stakeholder with New Tampa roots who moved here for community. And we need someone who has been part of the work done in New Tampa since 2016. Ask the candidate: have they come to community meetings? What projects have they worked on to improve New Tampa? And who will they take their orders from? Will they be their own man or woman? But, more than anything, New Tampa needs a fighter. I joke that we are the Alaska of Tampa. And that Alaska of Tampa needs a fighter and real stakeholder in 2027 – not someone looking for a title. We need someone, to quote Van Halen, to finish what we started, and have the work ethic and strength to make it happen. Only independent strength will keep this momentum going.
New Tampa Repaving Projects
I also wanted to update everyone on two important repaving projects in New Tampa — New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows and Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms. New Tampa Blvd. — I have been wanting this for some time, as have many constituents — and not just West Meadows residents. This repaving is expected to begin in early Spring of this year. After New Tampa was left out of the repaving projects from the funds from the All for Transportation leftover dollars, I pushed for this project to be funded by the administration, and I am grateful that Mayor (Jane) Castor worked with me on this, and that Council supported it in the budget. Bids for New Tampa Blvd. opened on Dec. 6 and the paving is expected to begin in April, depending upon the contractor’s schedule. This is a 1.8-mile repair, with a cost of $2.5 million. Compton Dr.— In particular, the area near the New Tampa Family YMCA is terrible. This project is being coordinated between the signal contractor and the paving contractor and also begins in April. This will be the segment of Compton Dr. between the two ends of Tampa Palms Blvd. These are projected starting dates, of course. But I wanted to update everyone on the status of these important projects. Yes, we have had some major setbacks with revenue sources for transit and repaving over the last few years, but these are real wins for the 33647 area that are in response to some long-term complaints, as well as dedicated work by my office and the wonderful public servants with our City of Tampa staff.
Roy Caldwood
New Tampa is honored to count 103year-old Roy Caldwood (third from left in photo) as one of our own. Roy is a World War II combat veteran and Buffalo Soldier who served in the 92nd Infantry Division — a historically African-American division. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and combat in Italy and is an example of what I love about our country and our journey. Roy — who does not stop — was recently honored by the Virgin Islands with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service. Roy, who has roots in the Virgin Islands, and his family traveled there to receive this honor — another amazing award for an amazing man. The man can dance. He does push ups. He gives speeches. He inspires people who were born when he was 85 years old. And, he stands as a reminder of how what is right with America can help overcome what is wrong with America. I love him a lot and am honored to know and hug him.
The “R Word”
We have seen a resurgence in the use of the so-called “R word” — the word “retarded.” To me, this is as political as brushing your teeth. In fact, back in 2013, then-Governor Rick Scott signed
into law a bipartisan bill which formally prohibited the use of this word in Florida’s formal statutes. But, that was then. This is now. This issue is deeply personal to me. My oldest brother, Juan, is intellectually disabled. I know how this word — and the mockery that goes with it — cuts deep in people who deserve the same dignity and respect as everyone else. Nobody is talking about banning this word. You have the right to be heard — but not the right to be taken seriously if you engage in cruelty. No issue cuts deeper to an experience which defines my values more than anything — being Juan’s brother and seeing my parents and other parents of people with intellectual disabilities as a kid. I have been shocked by the responses I have seen on social media by people on this issue — people who remind me that cruelty is always around and simply needs a champion. Know that if you champion cruelty on this issue, we have nothing in common — nothing. I believe decency will win on this issue.
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11
(Almost) Everyone Is Excited About Whole Foods Coming To Wesley Chapel!
Some Neighbors In Meadow Pointe Adjacent To The New Development Have Concerns About Flooding, Noise & More Introduction by Gary Nager Story by Joel Provenzano
Although some locals still firmly believe that the area needs a Trader Joe’s market even more, there’s no doubt that the beginning of construction of our area’s first and only Whole Foods market is among the most hotly anticipated new developments in Wesley Chapel. Some of the long-term residents who live in the adjacent Meadow Pointe I community, however, aren’t necessarily as excited. They’re wondering, when it comes to development, how close is too close? With Whole Foods now under construction, some of those neighbors are voicing their concerns to the Neighborhood News. These neighbors in The Savannahs subdivision of Meadow Pointe I are asking a number of questions, including one big one: If a man-made retention pond was built as an original feature of a community’s design and has been part of your backyard since 1992, don’t you have the right to assume that the pond was there to stay? Why would anyone assume otherwise? In our area, it is virtually unheard of that ponds near established community homesites would end up being removed. But, there is a pond located behind the homes on Openfield Loop that is being removed for this new commercial development — despite multiple failed previous attempts to develop the
16-acre property located north and east of the intersection of Aronwood Blvd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. into a full-fledged commercial site and the fact that no previous developer had proposed removing the pond. All of the neighbors we spoke with understood that the land would eventually be developed into a neighborhood commercial site, as it has been zoned for that purpose since before their homes were built adjacent to it. What these homeowners could not have anticipated, however, was that the latest developer (SJC Ventures) would propose moving that development even closer to their backyards by eliminating the natural buffer the pond provided — anywhere from 50-200 feet, depending upon which lot their house was located. And that, the homeowners told us, is where the true concern lies: the edge of the parking lot would now only be 15’ from some of their backyard property lines — close enough to throw a paper airplane and hit a parked car. The expansive pond buffer — along with the previously approved 20-foot landscape buffer for the southernmost home, as shown in an earlier plat — are being eliminated. In its place, a standard white vinyl fence (possibly) and a uniform 15-foot buffer would directly separate six homes (see map on pg. 13) from a 160,000-sq.ft. commercial center, while the views of an additional four homes would be indirectly impacted. Put plainly, the pond would be removed to make room for approximately 90 of the develop-
ment’s 881 proposed parking spaces. That said, the removal of existing manmade ponds for site reconfiguration does occur — just not typically in a young, rapidly growing area like Wesley Chapel, where fresh commercial developments are still popping up all over. This type of development change normally takes place in older areas where outdated commercial developments are torn down, ponds are removed and new drainage facilities are put in place — whether that be in the form of relocated new ponds, or below-ground “vaults” to provide for more building area or parking. It’s crazy to think that at 33 years old, and without any aged commercial development, that this parcel fits that criteria, as it is one of the oldest commercial lots (per zoning) in Wesley Chapel. At its core, this issue reflects the broader tensions that accompany growth and development — where long-held expectations about how things were, or were meant to remain, collide with the sometimes unfortunate realities of change. It is a familiar struggle, one that increasingly places evolving commercial developer interests at odds with those of existing residents — a dynamic we have found ourselves reporting on with growing frequency. Can more compromise and common ground be found, so everyone still gets what’s important to them?
The Developer’s Goal
The goals of neighborhood commercial
Photo provided by Judy Johnson
development are to provide needed services and jobs for nearby residents and, of course, to make money. Having options of where to shop, where to eat and where to get health care can make an area more desirable and more enjoyable as a place to live, because people generally appreciate having proximity, freedom of choice and variety. The affected homeowners we spoke with understand this, and wanted to make it clear that they’re not against the commercial development now under construction from SJC Ventures, but they do have some concerns. Meanwhile, most everyone who isn’t directly abutting the property has taken to social media to let everyone know how happy they are that the area is getting the major anchor tenant:
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Whole Foods — The 35,518 sq.-ft. modern grocery store owned by Amazon. As mentioned earlier, only a Trader Joe’s might have caused more excitement, but unfortunately, we spoke with Trader Joe’s corporate, which said the company currently still has no plans for a Pasco location. Many Amazon Prime members, however, are rejoicing, because of the benefits and deals offered by Whole Foods to Prime members. Lifetime Fitness — The club is to be the second (and larger) standalone tenant. Lifetime is a slightly more upscale full-service gym that will offer everything — including two large outdoor swimming pools. Some of the homeowners we spoke with said the pools will cause additional noise and lighting at night (the Lifetime gym on Harbour Island stays open until 10 p.m. on weeknights and until midnight on weekends) that might not have been necessary if everything was fully indoors. As gyms go, Lifetime Fitness will be quite large, offering two levels and nearly 84,500 sq. ft. of indoor floor space, plus the outdoor pools. Anyone familiar with gyms understands that this means a very large amount of parking is needed. The Lifetime building will have a maximum height of 45’, according to the site plan. The edge of the gym building will be 92’ from the closest residential property. The remaining property will be 40,450 sq. ft. of strip-style shops and restaurants and will include the following tenants: PopUp Bagels — A highly rated bagel shop with existing locations in Carrollwood and the Westshore business district. Pop-Up Bagels serves hot, whole bagels with a variety of rotating shmears (cream cheeses, etc.). It’s a place for bagel purists. CAVA — A popular quick-service Mediterranean restaurant that serves healthy food fast (ordered and made at the counter). It’s a chain that is quickly spreading across Tampa Bay, with 10 current locations. Naked Farmer — A very highly rated American-style “farm-to-table” quick service restaurant (ordered and made at the counter; like a more upscale Fresh Kitchen) with flavorful, healthy options. Naked Farmer has two existing locations in South Tampa, including one in the popular Water St. area of downtown Tampa. Petfolk — Veterinary & Urgent Care with multiple locations across Florida. The Tox — A popular wellness and detox spa with a highly rated location in South Tampa. Nail Salon — Tenant to be determined. According to an SJC Ventures release, there’s still roughly 15,000 sq. ft. available. Health, wellness and wholesomeness seem to be the overarching themes for this development, with SJC expecting to have these businesses start opening in the 2nd quarter of 2027.
Digging Deeper
We had a chance to meet with many of the affected homeowners in person, and speak with them as a group. They’re all long-time residents in one household each in The Savannahs: • Judy Johnson (8-year resident) • Laura Knight (name she asked us to use; a 17-year resident) • Jill McDaniel (32-year resident) • George Ryan (32-year resident) Each had a chance to share what they felt were their important personal issues with the project, and a few common themes emerged: 1. Flooding 2. Privacy/Security/Noise Neighborhood News
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(Above) The site plan showing the locations of Whole Foods & Lifetime Fitness on developer SJC Ventures’ site plan. We don’t yet have info as to exactly where, or even in which buildings, the other businesses mentioned in the story will be located. (Below) The map of the area showing where the development (outlined in red) will be located. Please note that the location of the red line is approximate and is not intended to provide an exact location of the boundaries of the project. (Inset photo) The flooding on Openfield Loop caused by Hurricane Milton. (Site plan source: Pasco County; Map source: Google maps modified by Neighborhood News) 3. Lighting 4. Setbacks/Buffers We reached out to SJC Ventures through its general contractor (VCC Construction), and although SJC has been responsive to the homeowners, the company did not respond to our inquiry (at least not by this issue’s deadline). However, both Pasco County and the Engineer of Record for the developer’s project, David Fauxan, did speak with us to provide some clarity about the development codes and practices being called into question by the homeowners, as well as our own technical questions. Fauxan also has been an engineer on the original Meadow Pointe project since its conception in the early 1990s. Amanda Hunter, a public information officer for Pasco County, says that, “The county is aware of the homeowner concerns and has attempted to address those.” However, the homeowners told us they were not impressed with the county’s communication and that no one from the county had visited with them in person, to see their concerns first hand, including: Flooding — For the residents, the proposed removal of the pond has created concerns about flooding, especially considering that flooding during Hurricane Milton left water coming literally right up to their doorsteps (see inset photo above). The residents fear that if the pond wasn’t there, that water would have come right into their homes. Hunter responded to the flooding concerns with the following statement: “The developer is retaining storage for stormwater under the parking lot, via a vaulted system, instead of an open stormwater pond.” Fauxan added that the vault system would provide just as much, if not greater retention, than the pond to be removed. We confirmed that the plans do show an extensive vault system under most of the parking lot. “Honestly, the whole site could have been a
pond, and it still would not have fixed the issue,” Fauxan says about last year’s flooding. Ironically, he mentioned that the adjacent Trout Creek watershed, which goes all the way up to S.R. 54, has been strained by development over the years, changing the flood plain from what it used to be. He added, “The flood elevation used to be ‘X’ back in 1992 (when the homes were built). But now, it’s ‘X’ + 4 feet,” meaning that the flood zone boundary actively shifted from where it used to be. “We’re raising the [project] site elevation [by up to] 2 feet because the new buildings need to be 1 foot above that new flood elevation.” Homeowner George Ryan confirmed what Fauxan explained, saying that his home, which
was previously in Flood Zone X, is now in Zone AE “per the revised boundary,” so he has to have flood insurance for the first time in the 32 years he’s lived there — and that occurred before the SJC development ever broke ground. What does all this mean for the homeowners? Allegedly, if the area sees another Miltonlike storm, which dumped 15” of rain, the water will rise again to exactly where it was after the hurricane, regardless of the pond. But, only time will tell if all of those calculations are correct. Fauxan explained that one small improvement is planned to address existing conditions. Once a more detailed survey of the area between See “Whole Foods” on pg. 14.
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13
‘Whole Foods’
Continued from pg. 13
the residential and commercial properties has been completed, the developer intends to grade the commercial site to actively collect any water that falls near the shared property line — close to the existing wall — and redirect it into the site’s stormwater management system. Privacy/Security — Since the pond was previously supposed to act as a natural buffer, the community only built the roughly 6-foot-tall brick wall (photo below) up to the first home at the pond’s edge, where it abruptly ends. This means that three other homes will have no physical separation between them and the development’s parking lot, other than the planned landscaping. Fauxan said that the developer intends to install a white vinyl fence to mitigate this concern, stating that the fence was shown in the development’s landscaping plans. However, the homeowners said that, based on what they were told, the fence would be at the developer’s discretion, and a review of the August landscaping plans showed only trees and hedges along the property line, but no fence. Note - It is possible the latest landscaping
plans were not uploaded to the permit site. Lighting — With a building and parking so nearby to their homes, the homeowners are concerned about lighting spilling into the properties, but we were not able to locate a light plan or a lighting analysis, so it’s difficult to analyze what those levels may be. Trees and shrubs in the buffer should help to reduce the light pollution. Setbacks/Buffers — According to Fauxan and Pasco County, all of the project’s buffers meet the current code. But, while it’s within the acceptable threshold, is it still too close? When we asked the county why a 30’ setback wasn’t used or why the 20’ buffer from the previous plat was reduced to 15’, the county responded: “The plat in [that question] is a reference to an older project that was not pursued. Per Table 905.2-D of the land development code (LDC), a type ‘B’ buffer is required between commercial and residential uses. A type ‘B’ buffer is 15 feet wide. Note — a landscape buffer and its width are different than a building setback, per our Zoning Code in Chapter 500 of the LDC, which is what you’ve referenced.” In addition, “As a note, this project meets the building setback requirement. It’s not a construction setback, but a setback from a structure. The structures are set back appropriately and in accordance with the land development code.” This means that while commercial structures must be set back at least 30’ from the adjacent residential property line, parking is permitted to be within 15’ of it, underscoring how technical compliance does not always equate to neighborhood comfort. Paper airplanes away!
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15
Ground Broken On Wiregrass Ranch Medical Building Near Orlando Health Hospital
By Gary Nager So, as we’ve previously reported, despite all of the new stuff and everything that has already been built, the Wiregrass Ranch Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) is still at less than 40% of its approved capacity. But, with the Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital nearing completion, that number is going to rise and it also will bring two affiliated medical office buildings into the fold in the near future. But now, Wiregrass Ranch, the Porter family and its Locust Branch Development are partnering with Flagship Healthcare Properties (which is based in Charlotte, NC) to begin building a separate 46,000-sq.-ft. medical outpatient building (rendering below) within walking distance of the second hospital to open in Wiregrass Ranch. On Dec. 9, Flagship Healthcare Properties and Wiregrass Ranch hosted a groundbreaking event at the site of that new medical office building, which will have as its anchor tenant Florida E.N.T. (Ear, Nose, Throat) & Allergy. Those entities were joined by Precise Construction, Ardurra Engineering, Kasper Architects & Assoc. and Atlantic Union Bank for the groundbreaking, which was led by Flagship’s executive VP of development Dev Gregg (4th from left in photo,
Photo above by Charmaine George. Rendering below left provided by Flagship Healthcare Properties.
right), who first thanked everyone involved in the project. “All we build are medical outpatient projects,” Gregg said. “We have been working on this project for about three years and are proud to be here today.” Gregg also thanked Florida E.N.T., “(physician partner) Scott Powell and his team. Florida E.N.T. will occupy 12,000 sq. ft. of the building and is also a partner in the project. We’re really proud to be working with them.” He then thanked JD Porter and Scott Sheridan (5th &
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6th from the left in the photo above) of Locust Branch. “They’ve been wonderful to work with, too,” Gregg said. “It’s harder and harder to put these projects together, but they’re partnering with us on this project and we’re excited to have it come out of the ground.” He added that, “We’re looking forward to this project being an asset to the community, to the health care providers in the area and to the patients.” For more information, visit FlagshipHP.com.
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New Tampa Rec Center Again Hosts Its Annual Christmas & Hanukkah Celebrations! If you’ve never attended the annual New Tampa Christmas tree-lighting or Hanukkah menorah-lighting ceremonies, you’ve been missing out on two truly heartfelt celebrations that are as much about community as they are about religion. And, at the center of both, is District 7 Tampa City Councilman and New Tampa resident Luis Viera. With Luis pushing for more community togetherness in New Tampa, both events began during his City Council terms and both have continued to be popular. On Dec. 3, the New Tampa Recreation Center in Tampa Palms hosted the annual Christmas tree-lighting event, which featured outstanding dancers from the Rec Center’s own Tampa Gym & Dance group, plus lots of local families (not just the families of the dancers), plus Viera’s fellow City Council member Lynn Hurtak, Luis’ son Luis, as well as Heather Erickson and Linda Hall from Tampa Parks & Recreation and Santa Claus himself flipping the switch to light the big Christmas tree. Unfortunately, our photographer Charmaine George was unable to attend the event, so I apologize for the less-than-stellar photos on this page that I took myself. I am sorry that I wasn’t able to do justice to the wonderful dancers.
(Above, l.-r.) Heather Erickson of Tampa Parks & Recreation, Tampa City Council members Lynn Hurtak and Luis Viera, Luis Viera, Jr., and Santa Claus. (Below, l. & r.) Dancers from Tampa Gym & Dance.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Event
Charmaine was able to attend the New Tampa Hanukkah event, also held at the New Tampa Rec Center, on Dec. 17, and her muchbetter pictures did reflect the wonderful nature of this equally joyous celebration. First, Luis thanked the members of the Tampa Police Department and Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement who were on hand to watch over the event, because of the recent increase in anti-Semitic crimes nationwide. The Councilman also said that he is a proud Christian and one of many non-Jews, “who are allied in support of American Jews in the fight against anti-Semitism. I take great pride in saying that.” The lighting of the menorah was done by Tampa Palms resident Steve Falkowitz, the president of the Booster Club for Tampa Gym & Dance at the Rec Center, whose wife and Tampa Palms Owners Association Board member Tracy Falkowitz also helped organize the event. Also presiding over the menorah lighting on the 4th of the eight nights of Hanukkah was Tampa Torah Academy (and Orthodox Jewish synagogue) Head of School, Rabbi Ariel Wohlfarth.
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication” and also is known as the “Festival of Lights,” celebrates the “Miracle of the Oil” that was only supposed to be enough for one night but lasted for eight nights. It allowed the Maccabean Jews to defeat the Syrian Greek army of the Seleucid Empire and rededicate the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd Century BCE. In addition to saying the prayers while
lighting the menorah, Falkowitz also explained the reason for the dreidel, the four-sided spinning top with Hebrew letters on each side that stand for “A Great Miracle Happened There” and why it’s actually an ancient gambling game for kids. “The Romans at that time wouldn’t allow the Jews to practice their religion,” Falkowitz said, “so the Jews sat around and pretended to gamble by spinning the dreidel. In other words,
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the dreidel is not just a toy. It represents a lot more to the Jewish people.” Rabbi Wohlfarth added that it was wonderful to again be able to celebrate Hanukkah with his neighbors in New Tampa. “Hanukkah is about spreading light, spreading friendship and sharing with the community,” he said. “Together, we can spread that light and overcome the darkness in the world.” — GN
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(Above) Rabbi Ariel Wohlfarth (left) & Steve Falkowitz. (Below, l.-r.) County Commission candidate Dr. Neil Manimala, Ona Podell of Tampa Hadassah, City Council candidate Alan Cohn & Tracy Falkowitz.
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Upcoming Events — ‘Spotlight On Talent,’ A Local New Year’s Eve Celebration & More
Now through Thursday, February 12. Applications are being accepted for the 43rd annual “Spotlight on Talent Competition.” This competition is for children through 12th grade and is a chance for students to compete in the performing arts for cash prizes. The Preliminary Competition is being held Saturday, February 28, and the Final Competition will be held Saturday March 28, both at the Pasco Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC; 8657 Old Pasco Rd., Wesley Chapel). Application fees: Solo - $50; Group $50 for 1st participant, $10 for each additional person up to $100 max. For more information or to apply online, visit HeritageArts.org/spotlight-on-talent. Or, call (352) 424-0135.
Thursday, January 8, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At 4Ever Young (19040 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in New Tampa Center). Help welcome 4Ever Young to the community at its Ribbon Cutting. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 9948534, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber. com/events or see the ad on pg. 5. Saturday, January 10, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. – Free Mat Pilates Class with Club Pilates. At The Shops at Wiregrass, Center Court (28211 Paseo Dr.). Start your weekend strong with a free mat Pilates class led by Club Pilates on the turf in Center Court. This all-levels class focuses on strength, flexibility and mindful movement in
Tampa Qipao Team: 10th Anniversary Celebration. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join the Tampa Qipao Team for a dazzling evening celebrating the team’s 10th anniversary alongside the 2026 Chinese New Year! Hosted by the Florida Hubei Chinese Association, this festive showcase will feature vibrant performances by singers, dance troupes, and cultural ensembles, including Anna Dance Academy and Tampa Sunshine Choir. Tickets cost $8. For more info or to purchase tickets, contact the Florida Hubei Chinese Association at wangruojing223@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 17, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. – New Tampa Jazz Nights: Chuck Redd with La Lucha. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Catch world-renowned vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd, joined by “Best of the Bay” jazz trio La Lucha. Redd emerged on the jazz scene at 21 as Applications are being accepted now for the Heritage Arts the drummer for guitarist and bossa nova Center’s 43rd “Spotlight on Talent Competition,” which will pioneer Charlie Byrd, and recorded and be held at the Pasco Hernando State College’s Instructional toured with notable artists including Dizzy Performing Arts Center in Wesley Chapel beginning Feb. 28. Gillespie, Mel Torme, and more. Tickets cost $10-$35 depending upon seat seleca refreshing outdoor setting. Free to attend, but tion. For more info or to purchase tickets, please reserve your spot. For more info and to visit TampaJazzClub.com. Or, see the ad below. reserve your spot, visit TheShopsatWiregrass. Sunday, January 18, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. – com/event/34755-fee-mat-pilates-class “New Tampa Unplugged: Alexis Carra.” At Friday, January 16, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. – New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550
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Hunters Village Rd.). Tampa native and musical theatre maven Alexis Carra returns to the “New Tampa Unplugged” stage after earning glowing praise for her heartfelt hometown performance last season. Her entertainment career has spanned from the Broadway stage (“Wicked,” “Sweet Charity” & more) to Hollywood (“Mixology,” “Two & A Half Men”). Tickets $17.50-$25 depending on 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-alexis-carra.
Wednesday, January 21, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social, hosted by Assisted Living Locators. At the North Tampa Bay Chamber Office (28329 Paseo Dr., Ste. 195). A relaxed morning designed for casual networking and meaningful connections. Join fellow Chamber members for coffee, light refreshments, and great conversations — with no agenda & no speeches, just community. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Thursday, January 22, 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. – REVolutions Dance Presents: “REVMoves (TYA).” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). REVMoves explores and celebrates the contributions of all people by sharing real life, personal stories through dance and contemporary
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Don’t Miss Jazz Vibes Master Chuck Redd with Best of the Bay Jazz Trio La Lucha
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Table Seats cost $35 (or $30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) & Theater Seats are $30 ($25 for members). A full cash bar will be available. For tickets & more info, visit TampaJazzClub.com SPONSORED IN PART BY
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choreography. $10 general admission tickets. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events/rev-moves-tya Thursday, January 22, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Primrose School of Wesley Chapel (26031 County Line Rd.). Light refreshments will be served. There will be a diaper drive for West Lakes Early Learning Center. All donations are welcome. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Friday, January 23, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. – REVolutions Dance Presents: “REV20.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join the REVMoves company as the dancers present their favorite dance pieces spanning the past two decades, along with brand-new works by choreographers who have recently joined the company’s mission to REVolutionize dance performance! Tickets cost $17.50-$25, depending upon seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/ revolutions-dance-presents-rev20 Friday–Sunday, January 30-February 1. Performances: Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m., & 3 p.m. on Sunday — “The SpongeBob Musical.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). A joint production between New Tampa Players (NTP) Mainstage
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and NTP’s Ampersand group, this unique full-length production experience combines the exceptional talents and strengths of all NTP actors to create a fun, heart-warming and stunning theatrical production of “The SpongeBob Musical.” Tickets cost $22-$36, depending upon seat selection. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.Thundertix. com/events/251500 Monday, February 2, 7 p.m. – New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Guest speakers, Democratic Candidates for U.S. Congressional District 15. Free to attend. For more info, visit NewTampaDemocrats.com or Facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats Friday, February 6, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network. At USF Credit Union (20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). This meeting aims to empower and support women in various fields. This month’s speaker is Robyn Ostrem, CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Friday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. – Pavlo in Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). A night of Spanish, Flamenco and Mediterranean guitar! Pavlo returns home for a very special concert with his full band and special guests. Tickets cost $50. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit itsmyseat.com/events/700882.html
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
21
The North Tampa Bay Chamber Introduces Tony Benge As Its New Board Chair
Congratulations to the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (NTBC), as it introduced its new Board of Directors (photo below) and closed out another outstanding year at its annual end-of-year breakfast meeting on Dec. 2. NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy (bottom right photo) introduced new Board chair Tony Benge, who received the gavel (top right photo) from outgoing chair Angelique Lenox. Kennedy also provided a recap of the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2025: • 135 events connecting businesses, leaders and the community • 30+ ribbon cuttings (it seemed like a lot more) celebrating growth and entrepreneurship in North Tampa Bay • $150,000 in grants from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, directly invested into our area’s small businesses — with 75% awarded to minority-owned businesses
• Major advocacy win with the elimination of the office rent tax, putting real dollars back into the hands of the area’s businesses • 6 major groundbreakings marking significant economic development in the region • Memorandum of Understanding partnerships with seven surrounding Chambers, expanding collaboration and regional impact • 127 new members welcomed into the NTBC’s Chamber family • Strategic workforce collaborations with key partners to prepare today’s talent for tomorrow’s jobs • A renewed commitment to the local nonprofit community, strengthened through the Chamber’s growing partnership with the Community Foundation • The opening of the Chamber’s new office in The Shops at Wiregrass, a reflection of its continued growth and a shared space
now available for our members to utilize for meetings, collaboration, and connection • The addition of the Emorys Rock Realty Podcast Studio at the new office For more info about the NTBC, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com or call (813) 994-8534. — GN
(Above) The 2026 Board of Directors of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. (Top) 2025 NTBC Board chair Angelique Lenox passes the gavel to 2026 chair Tony Benge. (Right) NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy. (All photos by Charmaine George)
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23
Saddlebrook Prep Is Successfully Mixing Elite Athletes With Academic-Only Students By Joseph Stanziani
Neighborhood News Correspondent In June 2023, Saddlebrook Preparatory School (aka Saddlebrook Prep or Saddlebrook Academy), traditionally known as a middle and high school educating elite golf and tennis athletes, began enrolling academic-only students. Currently, there are only three students in the academic-only program, representing less than 5% of the student population. However, the presence of these students has started to reshape how Saddlebrook Prep manages student life and academics as it adapts to serving both its elite athletic and academic-only students. All three of the academic-only students live locally, in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area, and do not board at Saddlebrook Prep. The size of this local enrollment reflects the program’s initial phase, which appeals to local residents rather than bringing in national or international students. Patrick Farrell, the vice president of international sports at Saddlebrook Prep, said the academic-only program was started in response to the community growth in the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa areas. Farrell noted that Saddlebrook saw this as an opportunity to expand the school by allowing academic-only students to attend. Deanna Garrett, head of Saddlebrook Prep School, has only nice things to say about the progress the academic-only students have made in integrating with the school’s renowned student-athlete population. “They get along very well, forming unique
friendships with friends from 18 different countries around the world,” Garrett says. “It’s really a joy to see how the different cultures all come together and accept each other.” Farrell further noted the improvement he has seen in students now interacting more across the two student groups than they did in the past. “Now there are other things to have conversations about, other than the golfers staying only with the golfers and the tennis students staying with the tennis people,” Farrell says. “There’s now much more interaction between them as well as with our academic-onlys.” Farrell further explains that the inclusion of academic-only students also has increased participation in student life activities. “There are more kids (L.-r.) Saddlebrook Preparatory School Head of School Deanna Garrett, Saddlebrook VP of international sports Patrick Farrell, director of racquet sports Sean McQuillan, director of golf instruction Mark Hirschey and golf for prom, more kids for the instructor Jan-Michael Norman. (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George) off-property events we do, and for our community outreach Saddlebrook Prep’s prom. Additionally, students school’s athletic facilities are a prominent reason events at Saddlebrook Prep to benefit the com- participate in volunteering, as part of their com- families continue to stay at the school. munity,” he says. “For the most part, our middle schoolers munity service, with nonprofit organizations Those events include Spirit Week; “Sadtransition into high school once they’ve decided like the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and dlebrookathon” (a four-day themed event with that this is the kind of training facility that they Metropolitan Ministries. mid-morning games); and the Fun Run, a onewant to attend,” Garrett says. “A lot of times, Saddlebrook Prep continues to follow its to two-mile fundraising event that supports our middle school students also have siblings established academic structure and curriculum for both athletes and non-athletes. The school maintains a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio and offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, National Honor Society (NHS) participation, and STEM electives. The school has dual accreditation from the Florida Council of Independent Schools and from Cognia (a global nonprofit organization that provides accreditation and school improvement services to educational institutions). While there are only three current academic-only students, past graduates are already attending college in the state.
Middle School Program
In regards to the Saddlebrook Prep middle school, Garrett reports that a majority of middle school students continue to stay at Saddlebrook Prep through high school. She cites that the
24 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
who are in high school. So, the family is here for both their children so they stay and move on to high school with us as well.” Even with the recent academic expansion at Saddlebrook Prep, athletics remain a major focus of the school’s identity. Saddlebrook Prep does not participate in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) circuit and therefore does not hold any State titles in tennis or golf. Instead, Saddlebrook Prep athletes compete nationally in tennis tournaments organized by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), and Universal Tennis Rating (UTR). For golf, Saddlebrook participates in the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) and tournaments by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Farrell says that Saddlebrook athletes have
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Se Habla Español earned “a lot” of placements and trophies across these tournaments each year. Recent graduates include Aline Krauter, a 2017 graduate who now competes on the LPGA Tour after playing at Stanford University and having won the Women’s Amateur Championship in England in 2020; and Carl Billups, a 2020 graduate who earned his PGA Tour card for the 2024-25 season after being named the Korn Ferry Tour (the leading pathway to the PGA) Rookie of the Year and earning himself a “battlefield promotion.” (Note-A battlefield promotion occurs when a golfer earns automatic advancement to a higher tour by winning three events in a single season.) Other notable alumni include Andy Roddick, recognized as a Saddlebrook Prep alumnus because he trained there. Roddick went professional instead of attending college and rose to world No. 1, winning the U.S. Open and reaching multiple Grand Slam finals. Keegan Bradley, also considered a Saddlebrook Prep alum because he trained for about a semester at the academy, became famous for winning the 2011 PGA Championship in his rookie year on the PGA Tour. Bradley has won a total of eight PGA Tour titles. Along with Saddlebrook Prep’s athletic reputation, the school has built a strong academic reputation for sending students to top-tier universities. Fourteen graduates, spanning from 2020-25, have attended top-tier universities, including Stanford, Georgetown and New York University and multiple U.S. military service academies. Out of the 38 students who graduated during those five years, 97 percent (37 students) went on to higher education.
For families intent on enrolling their children in the academic-only program at Saddlebrook Prep, the admissions process consists of a personal statement essay detailing the child’s interest in attending the school, along with official transcripts from all previously attended schools. Due to Saddlebrook Prep’s commitment to sustaining small classroom sizes and an engaging learning environment, the evaluation process, conducted by faculty and leadership team members, can be rigorous. Tuition costs per academic year are $25,000 for non-boarding students and $48,275 for boarding students. With only three academic-only students currently enrolled at Saddlebrook Prep and graduates beginning their college journeys, the program remains small, making it a great alternative to other area private schools. For more information about enrollment deadlines and the admissions process, call (813) 907-4300, visit SaddlebrookPrep.com or see the ad on pg. 39 of this issue.
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25
Club Pilates New Tampa Offers The Power Of Pilates Classes For Everyone! By Iris Vitelli
Neighborhood News Correspondent
I stood outside the New Tampa Club Pilates location in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms with a familiar mixture of hope and hesitation. Years ago, a car accident left me with a fragile back, and every time I have tried to exercise beyond walking or swimming, pain would chase me. Over time, I stopped trying. So, when I was given the opportunity to take a class at Club Pilates and write about my experience, I accepted the challenge. I wanted to push myself and work hard, but I was afraid of paying for it later with pain, especially in muscles I had neglected for so long. Walking inside, I noticed the rows of Pilates reformer machines lined up neatly across the room. I had done some research prior to visiting Club Pilates, so I knew that the reformers have a bench-like frame, sliding platforms and adjustable springs. I looked at these machines and it felt as if they were looking back at me, quietly saying, “I’m waiting for you and I will twist your body into a pretzel.” The reformer is the foundation of the Club Pilates experience. It uses your own body weight, combined with adjustable spring tension, to create resistance through controlled movements, which help build strength and stability without pounding the joints or spine. The equipment traces its roots back to Joseph Pilates, who developed his method during World War I while living in England, where he used bed springs to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. After emigrating to New York City in the
(Above) Neighborhood News correspondent Iris Vitelli (front) was proud to complete a 50-minute workout without pain at the New Tampa Club Pilates in Tampa Palms. (Photo by Charmaine George) 1920s, Pilates refined his apparatus further and what was recommended for my rehabilitation.” opened his first studio, laying the groundwork The class began with lights turned low, for the reformer-based practice that is still used and the only thing I heard was the smooth by Pilates studios around the world today. The sound of Mackenzie’s voice guiding us from one springs provide resistance for both upper and movement to the next. lower body work while allowing movements to Part of why Pilates works for so many stay controlled and joint-friendly. people, including those with injuries, is not just the reformer machines but also the additional My instructor, Mackenzie, introduced equipment used throughout the class. There me to the equipment by explaining how the also is a springboard wall that includes a ballet springs worked and walked me through what bar which, for this beginner class, was used for the class would include. When I shared my stretching, which I found especially helpful concerns about my back, she told me about between sequences. her own experience after having an accident For more challenging elements, tools like and the back issues that followed. “Pilates,” she the Bosu ball and hand weights are incorporatexplained, “was the only thing I could do and
ed. Bosu balls looks like inflatable rubber domes on flat platforms. They can be added to exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks, increasing difficulty without adding impact. There also are TRX (Total Resistance eXercise) suspension straps, developed by U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, which use your body weight to build strength, balance, and flexibility. I spent the entire 50-minute class moving slowly and deliberately, completing light stretches and resistance work, when something remarkable happened. I felt safe. I felt supported. My muscles were engaged, not strained. To my surprise, I actually felt good. I’ll admit that 50 minutes sounded like a long time to me. But, once the class began, I lost track of time entirely. And, when it ended, I felt proud of myself. Before class, MacKenzie had asked me to let her know if I experienced any pain during the session. It never got to that point. At one moment, when I was lying flat on the reformer, my back felt some discomfort, but not pain. That distinction alone felt significant to me. She explained that the precise, slow movements of Pilates help create muscle around affected areas, while strengthening the core, which in turn supports the back. Not only did it help with her post-accident pain, she also fell in love with it enough to become an instructor. Club Pilates trainers go through a 500hour certification — and the company has its own certification program — although you can work for Club Pilates if you’ve been certified by another qualified Pilates training facility. But,
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Club Pilates trainers also offer thoughtful modifications, injury-awareness guidance and individualized support. Classes are not scripted, so no two are exactly the same, which allows each instructor to adapt to the needs of the people in the room. Classes are offered at progressive levels from Level 1 through 2.5, allowing participants to build strength, confidence and technique gradually. For those who need or prefer more individualized attention, private and semi-private sessions also are available. For gentle, rehabilitative movement, there are classes like Center + Balance and Reformer Flow 1. As members progress, classes such as Reformer Flow 1.5 and Reformer 2 introduce more complex sequences. Specialty formats like Control, Suspend and Cardio Sculpt incorporate balance challenges, functional strength, and cardiovascular elements. Melissa Boetjer, the regional manager for the three Club Pilates studios owned by Nathan
and Ayesha Philyaw, says that Club Pilates is rooted in the original principles of Joseph Pilates. “We believe,” says Melissa, “that Pilates should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical limitations.”
A Little History + Membership Info
The first Club Pilates opened in 2007 in San Diego, CA, and the brand started franchising in 2012. Nathan and Ayesha opened their Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel (in The Shops at Wiregrass) franchises in 2017, and their New Tampa location in 2019. The Philyaws live in Wesley Chapel with their two children. Both are retired pharmacists who say they were drawn to Club Pilates because of its focus on health, wellness and helping people improve their quality of life. Their franchises are among more than 1,200 Club Pilates studios throughout the U.S., today, including about 115 in Florida.
The company offers a Club Pilates Passport, which allows members to use all of the studios in the U.S. This is great for “snowbirds” who live in another city but come to Florida for a few months every year. You can purchase single classes at Club Pilates, as well as monthly and yearly memberships, which will provide significant savings when you pay in full. With an annual membership, members can take unlimited classes at all three locations. You can pay for the whole year or monthly, but must commit to a full year for unlimited classes. The Club Pilates app gives you access to a points system. Join for free and earn points by taking classes, which can unlock free classes and other rewards. Take four classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 400 bonus points. Take eight classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 800 bonus points. Members can redeem these points for retail discounts and special rewards like a 90-day booking window.
Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary class. And yes, your first class is free of charge, with no obligation to continue. Before I left, I reflected on how different this experience felt from every other workout I had tried since my accident. I walked out of Club Pilates feeling something I hadn’t in a long time: excited about movement again. Not because the class was easy — it wasn’t — but because it opened the door to a new possibility. The New Tampa Club Pilates is located at 15341 Amberly Dr. It is open Mon., Tue. & Fri., 6 a.m.–8 p.m.; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wed. & Thu.; 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sat. & 7 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sun. For info, call (813) 461-6010. The Shops at Wiregrass location is at 28330 Paseo Dr. For info, call (813) 607-6655. To schedule your free class at either location, visit ClubPilates.com/location/newtampa.com, follow on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, or see the ad on pg. 33.
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New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
27
The Hunter’s Green Office Of Edward Jones — The Financial Advisors Next Door specialists as needed. For some families, unused Bright Futures funds can be used for lodging or may even converted into Roth IRAs for retirement use.
By Iris Vitelli
Neighborhood News Correspondent
Financial advisor Tom Graff says his new Edward Jones office in Hunter’s Green was more than just a move up the road from Tampa Palms. It was a fresh start — a space designed to reflect the way Tom works: centered on the people he serves, as it brings him and his staff a bit closer to many of his New Tampa and Wesley Chapel clients. “90% of our clients are local,” Tom says, “although we also work with clients in other parts of Florida and other states, too.” Named a “2025 Fortune 100 Best Company To Work For,” Edward Jones is a financial services partnership with more than 15,000 offices across the U.S. and Canada. Each office is run by a partner. All told, the firm manages trillions of dollars in assets, but is built on a local model that relies on small branches, each led by local advisors. Fellow advisor David Desjardins, senior office administrator Debra Hoffman and part-time branch office administrator Michael Fenn make up Tom’s team at the New Tampa location. “If I am not available, clients often comment that they love talking to Debbie, and I am so proud to hear that,” Tom says. “Our team is the reason our branch is among the most successful in the region.” When an Edward Jones financial advisor excels, he or she is given a chance to open their own office — and each office is exclusive to a specific area. In fact, there is another Edward Jones office on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, and although both offices can serve clients anywhere, each is only allowed to promote itself to its exclusive territory. Tom became a financial advisor because he was inspired by his father, Dick Graff, who also works in the financial business (although not for Edward Jones). Growing up, Tom watched his father guide people through life’s complicated moments. One evening recently, Tom was talking with his dad about what it really means to “be” a financial advisor, and both reflected on things that don’t show up on spreadsheets — like helping a widow shop for a car or guiding a family through an unexpected medical crisis. “I love what I do,” Tom says, and that passion is clear in how he talks about his work. Tom earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management/Business Administration in 2005 from Northern Kentucky University in
A Philosophy That Works For You!
(L.-r.) Debra Hoffman, Tom Graff, David Desjardins & Michael Fenn are the locals you’ll work with if you become a client at the New Tampa Edward Jones office in Hunter’s Green. (Photos by Charmaine George) Highland Heights, and his Master of Business “The CPA and I work closely and will Administration (MBA) degree in International even call our mutual client together for Business in 2012 from Cleveland State Univer- tax-planning sessions,” he says. “If you wait sity in Cleveland OH. He received his Certified until tax season, you’re tax reacting, so proactive Financial Planner (CFP) certification in 2022 planning is where the real difference is made.” and his Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) Tom’s Edward Jones office helps clients credential in 2025. manage major responsibilities, such as serving as Although there are other financial planestate executors, preparing children for college ning designations, the others are not legally and navigating Florida’s unique economic obligated, as CFPs are, to follow a fiduciary conditions. He notes that Florida has many standard, which means they are required to act transplanted residents, which creates unique rein their clients’ best interests, not their own. tirement and investment needs. Local programs Tom’s CEPA certification allows him to like Bright Futures Scholarships add additional help business owners prepare for the eventual layers to college planning. Tom stays familiar sale or transition of their companies. Some with these programs and connects clients to businesses have to sell because of unforeseen circumstances, such as disability, divorce, etc. “My goal,” says Tom, “is to work with the business owner to find a strategy if such a time comes.” He adds that part of the process includes working with CPAs to build value in the business over time to maximize the sale price. “One owner I am working with now has grown to the age where he is ready to retire, so we are working to get the right team in place to get the value up in preparation for a sale of the business during the second quarter of 2026.” Tom says that the majority of his clients have complex financial needs — retirement, tax strategy, estate planning, business exit planning and/or multigenerational goals. He partners directly with CPAs so that clients receive coordinated advice rather than piecemeal recommendations.
28 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
When new clients come in, Tom and his team begin with a detailed assessment of their needs and goals. Quarterly check-ins are typical, with more frequent meetings for those nearing retirement or who are experiencing major life changes. His investment philosophy focuses on balance, short-term liquidity to cover at least six months of expenses, paired with long-term growth strategies that allow clients to ride out market volatility. One CPA partner referred a couple to Tom during the pandemic; he guided them through the downturn and they recovered beyond their starting point. “Ideal clients listen to the advice they’re given,” he says, “and those who do usually end up in far better financial shape.” Tom also believes clients should be intentional about their money. “I often remind clients that the goal isn’t to ‘die with zero,’ but to have a balance and look at the big picture. Live well, give generously while [they’re] still alive and enjoy the resources while balancing long-term security.” Tom’s office offers fee structures ranging from commission-based accounts to a flat one-percent advisory fee. Larger accounts may receive discounts. He is transparent about these fees and notes they are on par with the industry. Tom also says that his office relies on Edward Jones’ technology systems, industry
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and ongoing cybersecurity standards. “At Edward Jones, your information remains with your local branch,” he says. “Although we are all Edward Jones, someone at another branch cannot pull up your information.” As a CFP and the Tampa-area performance leader, he also keeps current on legislation, tax planning and market changes. The firm also is integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), which Tom says helps advisors identify planning opportunities and ensure that clients receive the most relevant advice. “We use CoPilot,” Tom says, “to help us with messaging and marketing, but we also pair this AI program with our own AI (“Advisor Intelligence”), which gives us access to over 20,000 (in other words, not just Edward Jones) offices nationwide. We continue to build on what we know so we can best serve our clients.” Tom, his wife Lisa (photo above) and their two children, Charlie and Sophia, moved to Florida 12 years ago and live in Seven Oaks, where Tom previously served on the Community Development District (CDD) Board. The
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family loves beach trips, spring camping and sports. The office takes pride in giving back, too. At the Open House for the entire office at the main entrance to the Hunter’s Green community, the firm was successful in collecting many toys for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. Tom and his team also support Alzheimer’s initiatives, participate in the annual “Walk to End Alzeimer’s” hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association of Tampa Bay, and plan to continue partnering locally in ways that strengthen the community. Tom also believes financial literacy should start early for young people. “Its important to teach high school students about budgeting, debt, saving and longterm planning,” he says, adding that he hopes to bring Edward Jones’ school financial fitness program to the area. “The industry is changing quickly,” Tom says, “with more clients wanting one place to manage their entire financial world, including banking, legacy planning and tax strategy.” He says he believes those changes will push advisors to provide deeper, more personalized service. “You have to understand every person’s individual situation,” he says. “And, you have to be partnered with the right clients.” New Tampa’s Edward Jones office is located at 8709 Hunters Green Dr., Suite 102. It is open Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., and by appointment on Sat. For more info or to schedule an appointment, call (813) 971-3432, visit EdwardJones.com or see the ad on page 35.
New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
29
The Readers Have Spoken! Noble Crust Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Wesley Chapel! Stonewood Is Still Your #1 Favorite In New Tampa! But, Did You Win Free Dining? Read On! The “bad” news is that, despite my best efforts to make it easier for you to enter, fewer of our readers — 450 vs. nearly 600 — entered this year’s Dining Survey & Contest. The good news, however, is that my intention of having more mom-&-pop, individually-owned restaurants make it to the Top-25 this year — by again not including the names of the chain restaurants with more than 10 locations on the ballots — DID work, especially in Wesley Chapel. Case in point: Moving up into the Top25 in WC this year were the Happy Hangar Café (#11), Rice-N-Beans Puerto Rico (#14), Brunchies (#16), NY NY Pizza (#21), Latin Twist Café (#23), Burger Monger (#234) and Mama B’s Pizzeria (#25). Those seven restaurants replaced the following restaurants — all of which are at least mini-chains: the out-of-business Chuck Lager (which was #9 last year), Ford’s Garage (dropped out from #10), Glory Days Grill (from #15), Bahama Breeze (from #17), Bubba’s 33 (from #19), The Hungry Greek (from #22) and First Watch (from #23) Meanwhile, in our New Tampa voting, there were eight restaurants that made it into this year’s Top-25 which did not last year, and all but one of them are not chain eateries. The newest of them was Box of Cubans, which debuted at a solid #9 with our readers this year. Others moving into the Top-25 included: Ha Long Bay (#12), Michi Ramen (#13), Cantina Mexican Restaurant (#18), Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli (#19), Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi (#22), The Little Greek (#23 and the only chain among the newcomers) and Bayscape Bistro (#24). Dropping out of the Top-25 in New Tampa were: EggTown Breakfast & Lunch (#9 last year), Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood (from #13), Fresh Kitchen (from #14), Lima Peruvian Cuisine (from #15 down to #27), Thai Lanna (from #18), Taste of NY Pizza (from #21), Burger 21 (from #22), and Gorkhali Kitchen & Peabody’s (which tied for #25 last year). Meanwhile, the restaurants that moved up in the rankings from where they were last year in Wesley Chapel are Noble Crust, which
Congratulations To This Year’s Dining Contest Winners! $200 — Gina Murphy, Valencia Ridge $100 — Alejandro Garcia, New Tampa $75 — Carol Caruana, Meadow Pointe $50 — Monica Yap, Cross Creek $25 — Alberto Ramirez, Heritage Isles Please email ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com or call (813) 910-2575 ASAP to tell us which restaurant you choose for your FREE gift card.
bounced back from #4 last year up to its fourth #1 ranking in the past five years; Grillsmith (from #3 up to #2), Zukku-San (from #11 up to #4), The Living Room (from #6 up to #5), Señor Tequila (from #14 up to #6), Falabella Family Bistro (from #12 up to #7) Umu Japanese & Thai (from #16 up to #9), EggTown Breakfast & Lunch (from #20 up to #15), Crazy Sushi (from #25 up to #19), Arroy Thai (from #24 up to #22) and this year’s most upwardly mobile WC restaurant — Amici Pizza, which rose all the way up to #10 from #21 last year! Only a few WC eateries that stayed in the Top-25 actually dropped, with the biggest fall being Cooper’s Hawk Wine Bar & Restaurant — from #1 down to #17, despite how packed the place is every day. Not falling nearly as far were Azteca D’Oro (from #2 down to #3), Los Vallartas (from #5 to #12, Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli (from #7 down to #13) and PizzaMania (from #13 down to #20). Meanwhile, the New Tampa restaurants that finished lower in the Top-25 this year than last, are: Liang’s Bistro (from #4 last year down to #6), The Grill at Morris Bridge (from #6 down to #8), Johnny C’s Italian Eatery (from #12 down to #14), Cappy’s Pizzeria (from #16 down to #21, Las Palmas (from #2 down to #20), and Thai Ruby from #19 down to #25). There were two restaurants in each of our distribution areas that remained in the exact same spot they finished last year. Here in New Tampa, Stonewood remained our readers’ #1 Favorite for the 10th year in a row and Mr. Dunderbak’s continued to hold down the #7 ranking. Meanwhile, over in Wesley Chapel,
Stonewood Grill & Tavern continues to make seasonal additions to its regular menu, such as the Boursin pork chop shown above. But, whether it’s to enjoy old favorites or find new ones, Stonewood won “Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa” for the 10th year in a row with our readers. (Photo by Charmaine George)
Florida Ave. Brewing Co. remained at #8 and Yamato Japanese Restaurant stayed at #18.
Changes Coming For 2026
As I said on page 1, one of the trends I couldn’t help but notice was that the deeper into this year’s survey our readers got, the fewer votes there were cast in those categories. Nearly all of the 450+ ballots cast included at least some (but definitely not all complete) Top-5 votes in each reader’s distribution area (although not all of the ballots cast were by people who live in, or even close to, New Tampa or Wesley Chapel). Just about 100 of those who entered didn’t vote for a Top-5 at all in the other market, which I’ll admit was a little disappointing for yours truly. I honestly run this contest every year not just to fill space but to really let the restaurants in both of our distribution areas know what our readers think about not only them but also their competitors. The year that generated the most response, only a few years ago, was when I only put two or, at the most, three categories in each
issue and let all of you enter as often as you wanted. That generated more than 1,500 total entries and didn’t give anyone the chance to get bored midway through marking their ballots. I am seriously considering going back to that format, I would just again only allow either online (on our website) or emailed ballots — the much smaller entry forms were much easier to lose when they came in by U.S. Mail. I also plan to start the balloting earlier in the year, when no one is away on summer vacation and I can fit in more categories. I may even up our Grand Prize to $500 in FREE dining. So, do me a favor and keep an eye out for it! Anyway, congratulations to the readers who won this year’s FREE, drawn at random (from all correctly-submitted entries) dining prizes (see yellow box at the top of this page) and of course, to all of our ranking restaurants. But, please realize that if you did win a prize, 1) you have to tell me which restaurant you want a gift card to and 2) I am no longer putting those prizes in the mail, so please call or email me to claim your prize! — GN
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30 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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2025 Dining Survey & Contest - New Tampa Top-25 2025 Dining Survey & Contest - Wesley Chapel Top-25
1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern (photo) 2. Via Italia Wood Fired Pizza & Bar 3. Kobé Japanese Steakhouse 4. Fat Rabbit Pub 5. Cali Tampa Palms 6. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine 7. Mr. Dunderbak’s Bier Garten 8. The Grill at Morris Bridge 9. Box of Cubans 10. Acropolis Greek Taverna 11. Minerva Indian Restaurant 12. Ha Long Bay 13. Michi Ramen 14. Johnny C’s Italian Eatery 15. Sushi Café 16. Frammi American Grille & Italian Food 17. Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurant 18. Cantina Mexican Restaurant 19. Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli 20. Las Palmas Latin Grille 21. Cappy’s Pizza 22. Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi 23. The Little Greek 24. Bayscape Bistro uveia,25. The Grill at Morris Bridge Thai Ruby xecutive Chef Daniel Friley.
1. Noble Crust (photo) 2. Grillsmith 3. Azteca D’Oro 4. Zukku-San 5. The Living Room 6. Señor Tequila 7. Falabella Family Bistro 8. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 9. Umu Japanese & Thai 10. Amici Pizza 11. Happy Hangar Café 12. Los Vallartas 13. Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli 14. Rice N Beans Puerto Rico 15. EggTown Breakfast & Lunch 16. Brunchies 17. Cooper’s Hawk Wine Bar & Restaurant 18. Yamato Japanese Restaurant 19. Crazy Sushi 20. PizzaMania 21. NY NY Pizza 22. Arroy Thai 23. Latin Twist Café 24. Burger Monger 25. Mama B’s Pizzeria
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2000 Piazza Ave Unit 170, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your #1-#6 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa! 1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 3. Kobe Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse 17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Shoppes at The Pointe, Tampa Palms (813) 978-0388 • StonewoodGrill.com
What else can you say about the restaurant that has been our readers; favorite for ten years in a row and close to 20 times in its 20+ year history? Stonewood is an elegant, upscale restaurant with a happening bar crowd and some of the best steaks and fresh seafood in our area. The top photo is of the new grouper Giovanni, which is a limited time special that is served with a tomato cream sauce and butternut squash ravioli. Yum! Below is the delicious new baked brie with a raspberry glaze, fresh fruit and nuts served with crispy toasted bread. And of course, Stonewood serves some of the best prime rib (right) among its #1-rated steaks. (see pg. 36). And, although Stonewood is a
Our readers were happy to see Kobe reopen in its new New Tampa location in Sept. 2023, as it was ranked #10 in our 2024 Reader Survey and shot up seven places to #3 for 2025. Serving some of the highest quality Japanese hibachi fare in our area, Kobe finished ahead of Liang’s Bistro (see below) overall with our readers for the first time, but somehow only finished 4th for “Favorite Asian Restaurant.” Go figure.
4. Fat Rabbit Pub
16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., City Plaza at Tampa Palms (813) 252-3004 • FatRabbitPub.com
mini-chain, now with seven locations, we are fortunate that the chain’s executive chef Danny Manzur, who creates many of Stonewood’s seasonal dishes, is based at the Tampa Palms location. Congrats!
2. Via Italia
8644 Hunters Village Rd., The Village at Hunter’s Lake (813) 475-4857 • EatViaItalia.com Our readers have placed Via Italia in their top-3 in New Tampa every year since it opened, so clearly the restaurant being sold by original owner Roberto Maganuco to Sanjay Patel in early 2024 hasn’t affected what our readers think of New Tampa’s largest selection of fresh pasta dishes, like the spaghetti con zucchine e gamberetti (shrimp) shown above. Via Italia also serves outstanding woodfired pizzas, salami and cheese platters, appetizers like four different kinds of bruschetta, two different capreses, polpetta della nonna (grandma’s meatballs), chicken wings and the suppli’ al telefono (Arborio rice croquettes with premium shredded mozzarella, hand-milled pomodoro sauce and cut basil) shown here.
17641 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., North Palms Village (813) 680-5800 • KobeSteakhouse.com
After coming in at #5 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa each of the last two years, Fat Rabbit moved up to #4 this year and also finished second for both Favorite Burger and Favorite Chicken in NT & WC and as the #1 Favorite Bar in NT & WC. Our readers definitely seem to love Fat Rabbit’s food — like the Buffalo chicken sandwich shown here — and craft cocktails. Many readers rave about its wings, sliders and loaded fries and tater tots, too. There also is now a popular second location on Main St. in downtown Sarasota.
5. Cali at Tampa Palms
17004 Palm Pointe Dr., Shoppes at The Pointe (813) 975-1222 • EatCali.com Moving up three spots with our readers this year, Cali continues to be a consistent performer in our annual Reader Survey, thanks to its high-quality fare, like the Hot & Crunchy bowl shown here (with seared ahi tuna). Cali also features hand-tossed pizzas, small plates like garlic & lime edamame and turmeric hummus, plus “chill” salads and more.
6. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine 17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (813) 978-1225 • LiangsBistroTampa.com
Moving down a couple of spots with our readers this year, (perhaps due to a brief closure shortly before our voting began for health department violations), Liang’s is still the go-to Chinese and Asian fusion restaurant in New Tampa, for its outstanding appetizers like egg rolls, NY-style BBQ spareribs and the Thai coconut shrimp shown here, as well as wok-fired classics in a variety of styles — from Korean BBQ to Mongolian to Sichuan & Thai. Although we didn’t have a “Chinese” category this year, Liang’s ran away with the 2025 “Favorite Asian Restaurant” title.
32 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your #7-#10 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa! 7. Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten und Brauhaus 9. Box of Cubans 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Oak Ramble Plaza (813) 977-4104 • DunderbaksBeer.wordpress.com
Mr. Dunderbak’s has only missed being in our readers’ Top-10 Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa only a couple of times since moving from University Mall to the Oak Ramble Plaza more than 20 years ago. Its limited menu of deli sandwiches and a few German favorites, like the Jägerschnitzel shown here, continues to attract plenty of votes and its unquestionably huge beer selection and cool vibe keeps Mr. D’s high on the “Favorite Bar” list, too, despite not having full liquor.
8. The Grill at Morris Bridge
10920 Cross Creek Blvd., Cross Creek Commons (813) 388-5353 • TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com; or see the ad on pg. 31 I find it hard to believe that The Grill, which peaked at #2 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa three years ago, has fallen as far as #8 this year. Owner Frank Gouveia and chef Mike Touranjoe continue to offer some of our area’s best steaks, fresh fish and other unique American & Italian specialties — like the pork Milanese shown here — and our readers from New England also always mention their love for its authentic “South Shore bar pizza.” The Grill also has New Tampa’s largest wine list, a happening bar scene and great craft cocktails.
17512 Doña Michelle Dr. (813) 632-9021 • BoxofCubans.com
It came as no surprise to yours truly that Box of Cubans was this year’s highest-rated newcomer in New Tampa. So many people have told me how much they love the authentic Cuban sandwiches and dishes like the tasty red bean chicken bowl shown here. It’s also a great place for huge Cuban breakfast sandwiches and specialties, plus some of the best café con leché in our area. If you’re one of the few locals who haven’t yet tried it, definitely go check it out & please tell them I sent you!
10. Acropolis Greek Taverna 14947 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Oak Ramble Plaza (813) 971-1787 • AcropolisTaverna.com
After barely making the Top-25 Favorites in New Tampa list in last year’s Reader Survey (it was 23rd), Acropolis jumped 13 spots to return to its usual spot among the Top-10 Favorites in New Tampa with our readers for 2025. I guess it took a year or so for the new ownership — which has beautifully redesigned and opened up the restaurant’s interior and improved on many of the traditional Acropolis favorites (like the always-yummy Athenian fish shown here) — to recapture some of the restaurant’s former customers and attract new ones.
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33
2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your #1-#6 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel! 1. Noble Crust 3. Azteca D’Oro Mexican Restaurant 28330 Paseo Dr., Shops at Wiregrass (813) 703-2602 • Noble-Crust.com
Even though it was bumped down to #4 Favorite in Wesley Chapel last year by our readers after a three-peat in the top spot, Noble Crust’s “Deep South Italian” fare and always-cool vibe moved it back up into this year’s #1 Favorite in Wesley Chapel ranking with our readers. From upscale and unusual items like pear and burrata pizza (right) and comfort foods like boneless crispy chicken wings (below left) and rigatoni beef ragu (below right), plus the always-happening craft cocktail bar, Noble Crust continues to please the masses in Wesley Chapel. And, with its seasonally changed menu, there’s probably something new you haven’t tried that should bring you back, especially if it’s been a while since you last visited.
2000 Piazza Ave., #170, The Shops at Wiregrass (813) 527-6033 • AztecaDOro.com (see the ad on pg. 31)
Rounding out The Shops at Wiregrass mall’s consistent top-3 is Azteca D’Oro, which has never finished lower than third in WC with our readers. From the gorgeous ultra-premium bar (with an amazing tequila selection) to upscale, authentic Mexican fare, like the mixed grill known as parrillada (right), plus outstanding appetizers, like made-tableside guacamole, Azteca D’Oro aims to please.
4. Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill
25916 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (813) 419-1351 • ZukkuSushi.com (see the ad on pg. 41) Although there are a lot of Japanese and other Asian restaurants in our area, there’s a reason why Zukku-San moved back up into this year’s top-5 faves in WC — consistently fresh sushi that is served on unique art palettes and always-imaginative menu options like the sushi tacos shown here. It also has the best variety of appetizers, including all different kinds of veggie tempura. Zukku-San also is one of only a handful of Japanese restaurants boasting a full-liquor bar and you definitely need to try
2. Grillsmith
2000 Piazza Ave., #100, Shops at Wiregrass (813) 907-1900 • Grillsmith.com Grillsmith has consistently finished in the top-5 among our readers’ favorites every year and moved up one spot from last year’s #3 “Favorite in Wesley Chapel.” This fiveunit mini-chain continues to offer a large menu (photo, right) of quality American cuisine, including alwaysfresh fish plus assortments of flatbreads, salads, steaks, burgers, chicken (like the lemon feta chicken, right) and pasta options that keep our readers coming back for more. Like its fellow Shops at Wiregrass staple Noble Crust, Grillsmith also is a popular weekend brunch spot with everything from bananas Foster French toast to chicken & waffles Benedict, and always attracts an upscale bar crowd, too.
its new weekend brunch — especially the fried chicken and ube waffles.
5. The Living Room
2001 Piazza Ave., #100, The Shops at Wiregrass (813) 934-7911 • TLR.Restaurant Despite the continuing complaints online about its automatic 20% service charge, there’s obviously a lot our readers like about The Living Room, which moved up to give The Shops at Wiregrass four of the top-5 Favorites in WC this year. The Living Room definitely brings a creative touch and an ever-changing menu to go with its tasty craft cocktails.
6. Señor Tequila
1640 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel (813) 428-5411 • TheSenorTequila.com (see the ad on pg. 2) Jumping up eight places to its highest-ever finish with our readers is the second Mexican restaurant to crack this year’s top ten in WC — Señor Tequila. With its huge menu, it can be hard to make a decision, so why not try the Señor Tequila Sampler appetizer shown here? Sr. Tequila also offers great Happy Hour, Margarita Tuesday and Thirsty Thursday specials at its beautiful premium-liquor bar.
34 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your #7-#10 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel! 7. Falabella Family Bistro 9. Umu Japanese & Thai 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105 • The Village at The Grove (813) 428-6957 • FalabellaBistro.com
I’ll admit that I was surprised when Falabella Family Bistro fell out of our readers’ Top-10 in WC last year, considering how delicious and creative its food is — including the creamy Cajun trio (shrimp, chicken & Italian sausage) bucatini pasta shown here — the fact that the place is elegant, but comfortable, there are different specials every week, the bar has full premium liquor (and a great wine selection) and the owner is the much-loved Steve Falabella.
There’s no doubt that Umu Japanese & Thai continues to grow in popularity (jumping seven places this year to #9) because people love the restaurant’s amazing selection of fresh sushi, both standard and exotic, at its beautiful sushi bar, plus “From the Kitchen” favorites like Umu Teri (with marinated chicken or NY strip steak), Chilean Seabass Misoyaki and Pad Thai. The restaurant also is elegant and intimate and offers imported and domestic beer, wine and sake.
8. Florida Avenue Brewing Co. 2029 Arrowgrass Dr. (at S.R. 56), Wesley Chapel (813) 452-6333 • FloridaAveBrewing.com
Although Florida Avenue Brewing Co., keeps changing its food menu, one thing hasn’t changed — how much our readers enjoy it! With newer items like General Tso’s cauliflower and Gulf Coast mahi & chips, plus standards like Florida Ave. wings and cheese curds (photo), it also has a large, comfortable bar that features not only the in-house brewery’s many beers, ciders and seltzers, but also premium full liquor, it’s easy to understand why Florida Ave. Brewing Co. continues to be among our readers’ favorites.
2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., #120A • Wesley Chapel (813)591-6121 • UmuJapanese.com
10. Amici Pizza
26602 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (C.R. 54) • Lutz (813) 973-9734 • Amici-Pizza.com Even though Amici didn’t win for Favorite Pizza Place in NT/WC (it finished third), the long-time local favorite soared to its highest-ever “Favorite Restaurant in WC” finish in our Reader Survey with its 10th-place finish this year. Yes, our readers love the NY-style pizza, but also the real Italian favorites like chicken, eggplant or shrimp parmigiana, chicken Marsala (photo), linguine with clams, meatball and Philly cheese steak subs and so many more. The Mannino brothers are great people serving delicious Italian food.
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2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your Favorite Pizza Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Both of last year’s Favorite Pizza places repeated as the favorites in their distribution areas, even though we didn’t divide the competition this year into New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Via Italia again got the most votes overall, with NY NY easily second.
1. Via Italia (photo) 2. NY NY Pizza 3. Amici Pizza 4. PizzaMania 5. (tie) Taste of NY Pizza 5. (tie) Mama B’s Pizzeria
Your Favorite Burger Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
After not having a Favorite Burger category last year, we brought it back this year and Burger Monger snuck past Fat Rabbit Pub by only two votes. Burger 21, Culver’s and Mac’s were all several votes behind the two leaders, but I think the burger category is back to stay.
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1. Burger Monger (photo) 2. Fat Rabbit Pub 3. Burger 21 4. Culver’s 5. Mac’s Custom Meats & Deli
Your Favorite Chicken Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Four of the top-5 finishers in this category legitimately specialize in chicken — Raising Cane’s for its tenders and Fat Rabbit, locally famous for its wings, took the top two spots, with Chick-fil-A and Chick’n Fun close behind those two.
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1. Raising Cane’s (photo) 2. Fat Rabbit Pub 3. Chick-fil-A 4. Chick’n Fun 5. Grillsmith
Your Favorite Steak Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel This was perhaps the most competitive new category we had, at least for places 2-5, as Stonewood dominated the vote to take the top spot. Grillsmith and Grill at Morris Bridge were within a couple of votes of each other for 2nd & 3rd, as were Roadhouse & Kobe for 4th & 5th.
1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern (photo) 2. Grillsmith 3. The Grill at Morris Bridge 4. Texas Roadhouse 5. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
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2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your Favorite Asian Restaurants In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Congrats to Liang’s Bistro, but this was probably my biggest fear about this year’s contest — and it proved prophetic. Because so many of our readers in previous years have skipped voting for Favorite Chinese, Favorite Japanese, Favorite Thai and Favorite Indian restaurants, I lumped them all into one category, which I will not do again. The separate categories will return next year, even if many people skip them. No Indian places made this year’s Top-7, with Minerva finishing 8th and only Umu making the top-5 among Thai places, with Thai Ruby finishing 6th, Arroy Thai 7th and Palm Thai 8th.
2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your Favorite Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel With locations in both NT and WC, Twistee Treat again grabbed the top spot over Ice Dreammm Shop, and by a wider margin this year. Surprising. Coldstone jumped up from #6 last year to #3 this year and 365 Caffé and Bruster’s both joined the Top-5 after missing the top-8 last year, with Le Macaron down to 8th.
1. Liang’s Bistro (photo) 2. Zukku-San 3. Umu Japanese & Thai 4. Kobe Japanese Steakhouse 5. Sushi Café
Your Favorite Bars In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
1. Twistee Treat (photo) 2. Ice Dreammm Shop 3. Coldstone Creamery 4. 365 Caffe 5. (tie) Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 5. (tie) Ice Ssscreamin’ 5. (tie) Culver’s
Your Favorite Bakeries In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Every time I post the Favorite Bar winners, I get comments like “Those are all restaurants, not bars.” Yes, I know, but with only three actual bar-only bars — The Brass Tap, Linkster’s and Joe Whiskey’s — in NT & WC, and Jannah and I doing most of our dining at the restaurants with bars, I personally have no problem with Fat Rabbit Pub at #1 or with any of these five taking down the top spots. Joe Whiskey’s did finish 7th and Brass Tap 8th in this year’s voting.
This category was dominated by a newcomer, as the new Paris Baguette easily grabbed the top spot and Bakery X moved up from #3 to #2. But, I was surprised Publix got so many votes, beating out the two locations (one inside the Lotte Market) of Tous Les Jours and Moschella’s beating out Zio’s for #5, with Brooklyn Water Bagel dropping to #7 and The Cake Shop in at #8.
1. Fat Rabbit Pub (photo) 2. Florida Ave Brewing Co. 3. Peabody’s 4. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 5. O’Brien’s Irish Pub
1. Paris Baguette (photo) 2. Bakery X 3. Publix 4. Tous les Jours 5. Moschella’s
Your Favorite Breakfast Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
Your Favorite Coffee Places In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel
All six of the breakfast places on the list below jockeyed for position as the votes came in this year, with Keke’s dropping from #1 last year to tied for 5th this year and EggTown’s two area locations ascending to the top spot, with First Watch (also with one location in NT and another in WC) jumping up to #2 after missing the top-8 last year. Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. finished 7th.
1. EggTown Breakfast & Lunch (photo) 2. First Watch 3. Happy Hangar Café 4. Brunchies 5. (tie) Zio’s NY Bagel & Deli 5 (tie) Keke’s Breakfast Café
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Neither of this year’s Top-2 made the Top-5 last year, as Coffee Latitudes (8th last year) and Sorbo (6th) grabbed the most votes this time. Provisions and Macondo stayed close behind, but dropped from #2 to #3 and #3 to #4, respectively. The biggest surprise in this category was that last year’s top vote-getter, The Bean Bar, Co. dropped all the way to #6, behind Starbucks & just ahead of Bad Ass Coffee & Raining Berries.
1. Coffee Latitudes Café (photo) 2. Sorbo 3. Provisions Coffee & Kitchen 4. Macondo Coffee Roasters 5. Starbucks
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Sushi Time — Excellent Sushi & Japanese Fare At Affordable Prices! The Former Location Of Ginza No Longer Offers All-You-Can-Eat, But Is A Big Step-Up In Quality! By Gary Nager
I can honestly say that I’ve never been a big fan of all-you-can-eat restaurants. Especially when you don’t know which dishes you even like at a place, all-you-can-eat basically means you’re “forced” to sample a number of different items in order to find the ones you like — and by then, you’re usually too full to enjoy those items. Once you’ve been to a particular all-youcan-eat restaurant more than once, and know what items you like there, I’ll admit that there is a certain value in this type of dining, but it usually causes you eat more than you normally might to “get your money’s worth.” That’s why I wasn’t upset when the owners of the new Sushi Time restaurant — which opened a couple of months ago in the former location of Ginza All You Can Eat Sushi & Hibachi (on E. County Line Rd., next to LA Fitness, just south of the Pasco County line) — decided to do away with Ginza’s all-you-care-to-eat concept. In fact, the first thing those of you who loved Ginza should know is that even though you no longer receive unlimited food for one price, the quality of the food — especially the sushi — at Sushi Time has been upgraded significantly, as has the presentation of that food (as evidenced by photographer Charmaine George’s beautiful pictures on these pages). Let’s start with the sushi. Jannah, Charmaine and I were treated to a beautiful and delicious sushi boat (top photo), which included three rolls — Jannah’s favorite California roll, a spicy tuna roll topped with avocado and a black dragon roll (tempura shrimp and avocado with eel and eel sauce on top) that I couldn’t eat but Jannah and Charmaine both loved. The grilled eel on top was so sweet that they both thought it was cooked banana — and loved it! It was Jannah’s first time ever even eating eel and she was stunned to find she actually enjoyed it! The boat also included thick slices of raw tuna, white tuna (escolar), salmon and yellowtail, plus nigiri (sliced sushi on rice) of salmon, yellowtail and my favorite — red snapper. Slices of the snapper also were formed into a pretty flower and topped with ikura (salmon roe). The boat alone would have been more than enough for the three of us, but we had already ordered Charmaine’s favorite Naruto Roll (above right), which is an extra-large sushi roll with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy krab, avocado
and tobiko (flying fish roe) wrapped in cucumber. Simply amazing. Charmaine and I also really enjoyed the yellowtail jalapeño (below left). which was only slightly spicy, as well as a salmon “sprint,” which is slices of salmon wrapped around julienned cucumber in a mild chili sauce (below right). And, since my companions loved the eel so much, we also had three pieces of eel nigiri. All of the sushi was incredibly fresh. But, since Jannah is only a casual fan of sushi, we also got an order of crispy and delicious gyoza (fried pork dumplings; top left photo on next page) and equally crisp Chinese-style pork egg rolls (top right photo on next page). Both were yummy! And, even though we were totally stuffed by now and took much of the food home with us, we wanted to sample (and of course, photograph) at least one hibachi dish, so we had the chicken hibachi, which featured big chunks of chicken and broccoli florets in a zesty sauce. Please note that Sushi Time does not have teppanyaki (hibachi) tables. The hibachi dishes are made in the kitchen, but are well worth having. Other hibachi options include tofu, sirloin steak, shrimp, scallops, king salmon and a variety of combos.
Other entrées include favorites like sesame, orange and General Tso’s chicken (or tofu), Mongolian beef or chicken, beef & broccoli and “Dragon & Phoenix” (shrimp with mixed veggies & General Tso’s chicken). There also are ramen and udon noodle dishes and all of the entrée categories feature vegetable-only options. So, despite already being barely able to get up from the table, we finished off our meal with one order of fried (chocolate) ice cream (topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce; bottom right photo on next page), an order of fried bananas (which were done to crisp perfection) and Jannah’s favorite green tea ice cream. Best of all, Sushi Time is a pretty restaurant
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with a variety of Japanese (Sapporo, Asahi and Kirin) and other beers, plus red and white wine, green, jasmine and boba tea, as well as a variety of soft drinks, including Japanese soda. The portions are large, the prices are very fair and as I said, the quality is a quantum leap above Ginza and other all-you-can-eat places. Need more incentive to try Sushi Time? With the coupon in the ad on pg. 45, you’ll save 20% off your total bill when you dine in! Sushi Time (6417 E. County Line Rd., #104) is open every day for lunch and dinner, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more info, call (813) 9071688 or visit SushiTimeFL.com. Reservations are not required. Please tell them I sent you!
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Baba Dough Opens In The Palms Connection Plaza On E. Bearss Ave. Congratulations go out to Zaid, the owner of the new — and definitely unique — restaurant called the Baba Dough Pizza Bar in the Palms Connection Plaza at 2824 E. Bearss Ave. (a little west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Zaid previously owned the Truth Wine Bar & Hookah in the same location in the plaza (next to the former Woodfired Pizza & Wine Bar location), which is close to USF. “When I decided to close Truth,” Zaid says, “I started studying New York-style pizza. I learned everything I could about making it and, after about six months of trial and error, I decided to open a restaurant specializing in not only New York-style pizzas, but also using the same dough to create different menu items.” With his Mediterranean background, Zaid decided to use Arabian spices to give many of his dishes a totally different flavor. For example, his bruschetta is actually a bruschetta pizza (Zaid’s holding it in the top right photo) using that NY-style dough as a crispy base, topped with what looks — and tastes — almost like a tabbouleh salad. And, although Baba Dough’s pepperoni and plain cheese slices taste pretty legit (and the thin, crisp crust is darn near NY-perfect), Zaid’s specialty pizza is called “Levant” (near right), which is a “house mix of ground beef with tomato, onion and Arabian spices,” with cheese being only optional. And, although Jannah and I visited the day Baba Dough opened, we saw several Levant pizzas being ordered. Baba Dough’s oven-baked wings, again marinated in those Arabian spices (middle right), bake up crispy, tender and so tasty that they don’t need any sauce. There also are veggie pizza options like the “Fungi Dream,” as well as a pistachio pie, a Tampa Verde (with zucchini, arugula, mozzarella, ricotta, garlic and no sauce), plus Meat Lover, steak, chicken parm and sausage options. All of the pizzas come in 12” (think personal size) and 16” sizes. During that first visit, Jannah and I sampled the no-sauce Baba Dough Chicken Parm sandwich on the menu, which is breaded chicken and mozzarella baked inside a round NY-style pizza crust, but instead of marinara sauce, it is stuffed with lettuce, tomato and mayo and is served with three garlic knots. When I told Zaid that chicken parm is not usually served with lettuce, tomato and mayo and that most people will expect to be served with just marinara sauce, he took my opinion to heart and now serves his chicken parm
with just the chicken, mozz and marinara (bottom right photo) “and everyone who’s tried it this way has loved it,” Zaid told me. I gave my thumbs-up to the new version, too, but I still asked for an extra side of the tasty sauce. There also are house, Caesar, caprese and a
“Burrata canvas” salad, plus burgers baked inside that NY pizza dough, cold sandwiches (an Italian combo, ham, turkey and garden), calzones and strombolis. There are even dessert pizzas, including pistachio or strawberry Nutella and “Banana Riverwalk,” also with Nutella.
Baba Dough is very pretty inside and serves beer, wine and a limited selection of liquor. For more info bout Baba Dough, call (813) 999-1814, visit BabaDough.com or follow @babadoughtampa on Instagram. And, all students receive 20% off every day. — GN
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New Tampa’s 2nd Aldi Finally Opens In Former Winn-Dixie Location Our area’s third Aldi Supermarket — now two in New Tampa and one next to the Tampa Premium Outlets off S.R. 56 — finally opened (photo below) on Dec. 11 (at 6425 County Line Rd., off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the former Winn-Dixie location next to LA Fitness and Sushi Time). As you might expect, some online commentators are thrilled to finally again have another grocery store open to help serve northern New Tampa, while others are lamenting that the store isn’t a Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods (see story on pg. 12). As for this editor, who lives across the street from the Aldi on S.R. 56, I have already purchased some pretty nice raspberries and strawberries in the new Aldi’s large produce section (far right) — at lower-than-Publix prices. I also got some great deals on excellent Moser-Roth dark and milk chocolate bars (photo above), but I was less impressed with the new store’s smaller wine selection and underwhelming meat and “fresh fish” choices (the only seafood options are salmon, tilapia and some shrimp). I have only been to a couple of Trader Joe’s stores (including the
crazy-popular location in South Tampa), but I honestly don’t see much difference between Aldi and Trader Joe’s. And, although the two grocery chains aren’t owned by the same company, they are owned by different branches of the same Albrecht family. No surprise there.
And, while I’m not offended by it, as some people seem to be, I’ll admit I don’t understand how charging people a quarter to use the store’s shopping carts makes any sense. For more info about the new Aldi, call (855) 955-2534 or visit stores.Aldi.us. — GN
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Wesley Chapel Nibbles — Wendy’s Is Coming Soon, Rock & Brews Demolished & More! A number of new restaurants are coming to Wesley Chapel. Unfortunately for those of us who don’t get excited about more national or regional chain eateries, almost all of them are exactly that — still more new links in chains most, if not all of us, have experienced before. Let’s start with the one newcomer: Tien’s Sandwich — Coming to 2557 Mansfield Blvd. at Wiregrass School Rd., in the Mansfield Wesley Chapel Shopping center plaza next to 7-11 that also has MH Nail Studio and Enterprise RentA-Car (map below), Tien’s Sandwich will be a 2,066-sq.-ft. shop that will bring “the authentic taste of Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches to Wesley Chapel — fresh, vibrant & full of heart” and also will feature coffee, boba teas and other comfort bites. According to its Instagram page, the Vietnamese sandwich place’s slogan is, “Good bread, good mood.”
At our deadline, the vacant store still had a dirt floor, so there’s no telling how long it will be before Tien’s Sandwich opens. Portillo’s — For those of us still lamenting the loss of Rock & Brews, which has now been demolished (photo above), there is some small consolation that Portillo’s — the 6,160-sq.-ft. (with a 415-sq.-ft. outdoor patio) Chicago-style hot dog, sausage and burger place — will replace the giant guitar on S.R. 56. Although there will be no full-liquor bar (sigh), Portillo’s does serve beer to go with its Chicago-inspired fare. The Lutz/Wesley Chapel location will feature Portillo’s “Restaurant of the Future” design (rendering). There currently are 77 Portillo’s locations in 10 states (including the closest location to us — on E. Fowler Ave. in front of the University Mall — and the company is in the process of an aggressive expansion plan to add approximately 920 more restaurants over the next 20 years, including both full-scale restaurants and pickup-only locations. Approximately 800 of these will be full-scale restaurants and the remainder will be pickup or drive-thru locations.
We have no further information on when Portillo’s will open, but you can check Portillos.com. Wendy’s — This location at 7803 Curley Rd. at Victory Crossing Dr. (near the Starbucks north of Overpass Rd.; see map below) appeared to be ready to open (top right photo above) at our press time, as the electronic menu boards were already operational. The restaurant, featuring a covered outdoor patio, is 2,239 sq. ft. and will have the usual Wendy’s fare, from breakfast to Frostys.
Emergency Room at the corner of Curley Rd. (map, right), ground was recently broken on this freestanding, 3,859-sq.-ft. McDonald’s on a 1.76acre site (below) and will have right-in, right-out driveway access to both Curley Rd. and Wesley Chapel Blvd., plus dual ordering boards. It will be the fourth McDonald’s in Wesley Chapel. — GN
McDonald’s — Ironically located across S.R. 54 from the AdventHealth Meadow Pointe
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10+ years of exp. in Tampa Bay! We specialize in move-in/out, deep/regular svcs, post-construction, home, apt & comm’l cleaning. Our prof’l team delivers reliable, spotless results every time! First-time clients get 10% off 1st svc. Call (813) 836-3974 or visit DuarteCleaningServices.com for free estimate.
CLEANSWEEP CLEANING CO, LLC. Fully licensed/bonded, 8 years exp, satisfaction guarantd. Prof’l staff. On-time. We can bring our own products or use yours, if you prefer. Christian-based, family-owned company that lives in New Tampa, serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Call (813) 340-0908 for a no-obligation free quote. Ask for John. ROSE’S CLEANING SERVICE. We make sure your home will be shiny & clean. Whether you need one-time, weekly, biweekly or monthly svcs, we will customize a plan to accommodatesyour needs. Residential/offices/airBnB,etc. Call/text Roseli for a free estimate anytime: 813 400.4946. Or, email:rrduar@yahoo.com. PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 10 years of experience. Free estimates. Call 813 790-8715 or email paty8624@proton.me. NEXT HOME CLEANING. With 20+ years of prof’l house & ofc cleaning services available. Trustworthy, efficient & affordable. Transform your space into a spotless sanctuary. Ecofriendly products. Satisfaction guaranteed. Book now & enjoy a pristine home! FREE ESTIMATES! Contact us today at 813-860-1524 or visit nexthomecleaningservices.com.
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NAIL TECH WANTED! Noire Nail Bar (25682 Sierra Center Blvd., near Mellow Mushroom) seeks an experienced Nail Tech! Must know how to do Acrylic, Dip & Nail Designs. Start Immediately! Call 813.536.0161 or stop in at Noire Nail Bar.
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REAL ESTATE & OFFICE___ __
HOME FOR RENT. 4 bdrm/2 bath home in Oak Creek Wesley Chapel. Call 954-347-6748 OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE! Pebble Creek Collection plaza space for lease, approx. 500 sq.ft. Perfect for someone in Health/Wellness/Cosmetology. Contact Deborah at SunMed - Your CBD Store of New Tampa (19651 Bruce B Downs) @ 813-994-0599.
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48 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • New Tampa Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 1 • January 6, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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