New Tampa Neighborhood News, Volume 34, Issue 7, March 31, 2026

New Tampa’s All-Abilities Park Renamed For Harrison!

By Gary Nager

When District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera first told me that he was lobbying to have his pet project — the City of Tampa’s first All-Abilities Park, at the New Tampa Community Park in Tampa Palms — renamed for Harrison Boonstoppel, his unique name didn’t immediately ring a bell. I basically asked Luis “Why him?”

“Harrison was the 20-year-old special needs young man who was shot and killed in a mass shooting Halloween weekend in Ybor City in 2023,” Luis told me. “Even though his family lives in South Tampa, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the honor, can you?”

I had to agree that a young man who 1) had spent 40 days in the NICU when he and his twin sister Ava were born, 2) had to be fed through a tube at age 5 and was so tiny that people thought Ava was years older than him, 3) had cochlear implants in his ears because he suffered severe hearing loss, and 4) had overcome all of these challenges through the early stages of his life to graduate from the special-needs Pepin Academy in Tampa and was finally living a similar life to most people’s young adult children — only to be cut down as an innocent bystander among 18 shooting victims when he and his friends (who will never be the same) had only gotten out of their cars for a few minutes to see people in Halloween costumes — definitely embodied the spirit

Our editor reminisces about his 103-year-old friend & contributor Marion Brodarick. See page 3

of everything the All-Abilities Park was built to stand for in our community.

Flash forward to March 21, 2026. I was proud to be on hand for the renaming ceremony and the unveiling of the plaque officially celebrating the new Harrison Boonstoppel All-Abilities Park, where a string of dignitaries, including Viera, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, State Attorney Suzy Lopez, Tina Pepin, the executive director of the Pepin Family Foundation, Harrison’s former teacher Patrick Morton and Harrison’s mom Brucie and sister Ava all spoke. Also in the audience for the event were former State Senator Tom Lee, Visit Tampa Bay president & CEO Santiago Corrada and his wife Shana, who is good friends with Brucie Boonstoppel, and others.

Viera, who thanked his fellow City Council mem-

&

(Above, l.-r.) Former State Sen. Tom Lee, Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, Nicholas, Karel, Ava & Brucie Boonstoppel, Pepin Family Foundation exec. dir. Tina Pepin, Tampa State Atty. Suzy Lopez & Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw were all on hand for the renaming & ribboncutting ceremony at Tampa’s Harrison Boonstoppel All-Abilities Park in Tampa Palms on Mar. 21.

bers, Mayor Jane Castor and everyone at the Tampa Parks & Recreation Dept. for making this event happen, said that because his brother Juan has been special needs his whole life, he felt Harrison was well deserving of the honor because “special needs isn’t only about children.” State Atty. Lopez called Harrison’s legacy, “a source of inspiration” for her team’s work on gun violence and victim advocacy. (NoteHarrison’s alleged killer Kayden Abney, who was

You’ve seen them on our roads, but we break down all of these different cameras & systems for you.

14 at the time of the shooting, is awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge.)

Chief Bercaw, whose department arrested Abney and others after the shooting, said he was proud to stand with the Boonstoppel family and that the park “symbolizes kindness winning” and called Harrison “a testament to greatness.” Tina Pepin said that Harrison was loved by his teachers and peers at Pepin and truly

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‘I Wish A Life Like This On You, Gary’ — Marion Brodarick

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

I’m sorry to have to report that my friend, Pebble Creek resident and frequent Neighborhood News contributor Marion Brodarick passed away on March 10.

Marion was about five months away from her 104th birthday when she said goodbye to her family for the last time. I was lucky enough to be able to visit with her twice during that last week of her life and I was so happy to be able to tell her how much I loved and appreciated her and all of the stories about Pebble Creek (where she had been a Board member of her homeowners association) that she was the first to tell me about throughout my 32 years of owning this publication — as well as all of the contests she entered during that time.

But, Marion and I were somehow both aware that we shared a bond that went deeper than her feeding me some stories or entering contests or the fact that she also was a former newspaper editor (which she loved reminding me about) — of her school’s newspaper back in Chicago, where she had grown up and was 6th in her graduating class.

During my last visit to her home, with her daughter Ellen Fiss and her grandson-in-law Dylan Crawshaw by my side, Marion told me something I will carry with me forever:

“I wish a life like this on you, Gary,” she told me, “not just because it’s been long, but because it’s been such a good life. I’ve loved almost every minute of it.”

My own beloved grandmother Betty, who lived to almost 92, told me in the weeks before she passed “Everyone says it’s been a good, long life, Gary, but it’s just not enough life for me.”

I feel like that’s how I will be if I am fortunate enough to reach 92 or 103, but when Marion told me “It’s been a good life” and immediately beamed that beautiful smile at me, I understood that she had accepted that this was her time.

During those last two visits, we both fondly remembered not only Marion’s amazing 100th birthday celebration (more on that below), but also the fact that I came to visit with her and her bridge club’s smaller celebration for her centennial at Heritage Isles Country Club (the bridge club had originally met at Pebble Creek Golf Club, where Marion once scored a hole-in-one).

“That was so sweet of you to come see me that time,” she said. “I’ll never forget it.”

I also reminded Marion that she once won not only one of my Reader Dining Survey Contests, but also one of the Crossword Puzzle Contests that she loved to enter that I used to run in every issue of the paper when I was obsessed with a new crossword creator program I had found more than 25 years ago.

“I loved entering all of your contests,” she told me. “There was a group of us (in Pebble Creek) who used to all enter them.”

But, that 100th birthday celebration that was orchestrated by Ellen was one of the greatest events Jannah and I have ever been to together.

Featuring a big band, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe and other impersonators in an amazing converted home downtown, it was attended by former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. Visit Tampa Bay president (and former New Tampa resident

Santiago Corrada was among those who sent videos, as Marion worked there greeting conventioneers and proctoring the Florida Bar exam for 35 years.

The birthday party also had about 100 photos and letters from the likes of Johnny Depp, Dick Van Dyke (Marion’s celebrity crush), David Muir of ABC News (whom she also loved), Mayor Jane Castor, Sheriff Grady Judd, many local news anchors and reporters and just so many more.

As Ellen also said in the beautiful obituary notice she wrote for her mom, “She became the first

volunteer at the Straz Center for the Arts, serving joyfully there for 30 years, until her mid-90s.”

Also in that obit for her was the retelling of Marion’s love story, her second-date engagement and 58-year marriage to her beloved husband, Urban “Brod” Brodarick, who passed away in 2005, at age 86. “She loved unconditionally and was so proud of the lives her family built,” Ellen wrote.

I feel so fortunate to be able to have felt a tiny bit of that love for the past 32 years. Yes, it was a good life, Marion. I just wish we had a little more time to share. RIP.

(1922-2026)

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‘Harrison Boonstoppel’

Continued from page 1

thrived in the school’s inclusive environment.

Before the next speaker, Ava organized a release of butterflies from envelopes that everyone in attendance was given to release (photos below). It was beautiful, but difficult for me to photograph to do it justice.

Then, one of the most moving speeches among many was Patrick Morton, the Pepin Academies teacher who met Harrison when he was in the seventh grade at Pepin, and who called Harrisoon “Booney,” as well as “one of God’s gifts.”

“Over the years, I was able to build a cherished relationship with him,” Morton said, “first as his teacher, then his summer camp counselor, his golf coach, his tutor and his mentor. I fell in love with the way Booney moved through the world and faced life’s challenges. He had a fearless way of exploring life, not loud or flashy, except for his car, which we all know, but with a quiet confidence that came from deep within.”

He recalled “Booney” climbing to the top of the high dive at Copeland Park during summer camp. “He was maybe 5’-2”, 100 pounds. So, me and my brother, you know, we run over like mad men, worried his mom is gonna kill us, because he’s about to jump in the water with his [cochlear] implant in. He kind of looks down at us and laughs and takes it out and gives it to us, and we threw it in a bag. By this time, the whole pool’s turned around and is looking at what’s going on — a teenager’s worst nightmare, but not Booney’s. With no hesitation, he calmly walks out two big steps, a leap, and like a trained Olympian, hugs a perfect double front flip into a dive. He comes out of the water and looks at us, like it was nothing and says ‘What?’ That was Booney.”

But, the speech by Brucie Boonstoppel was so impressive that I honestly didn’t think I could do it justice, so I decided to just run the entire speech in this space. I hope you’ll read it and understand why this family, and this mom, are so special.

Brucie Boonstopple’s Speech

“You know, I love to talk about Harrison. Today, I am here with my family and friends to share the story of Harrison Boonstopple. Harrison was taken from us too soon by gun violence, but his life of 20 years will forever be known and continue with kindness, happiness and hope.

My son Harrison and his twin sister Ava were born prematurely in June of 2003. They were welcomed to our family by my husband Karel and I, their big brother Nicholas, plus a large extended family and community of friends.

The path ahead wasn’t always an easy one for Harrison. He barely survived his first few months in the NICU, as he had contracted a staff infection through the breathing tube, which he needed to survive. The doctors weren’t sure he would make it.

And the first miracle of the little engine that could started the journey.

After 40 days in the NICU, Harrison was home for a short few days with his twin Ava and our family. He was then sent back to the hospital for a month of testing and the insertion of a feeding tube for all his eating nutrition for the next three years.

Back at home, even as a baby, [he had] speech therapy and occupational therapy and

physical therapy. He did therapies five times a week and it was actually wonderful.

He began his journey surrounded by his loving parents and siblings, and we were supported by many, saying it was our strength that made it happen for Harrison.

I prefer to use the phrase said to me, “I poured into Harrison, along with my family, for his whole life.” And now, Harrison is pouring into us. And the truth is, I am thankful to all of the people that poured into him through his 20 years. The doctors and nurses in the NICU would welcome a call in the middle of the night from us to see how Harrison was doing. His therapists, that were a huge part of his life — [and were] loving him, optimistic with his progress when the future was still in question.

His teachers, his friends, his siblings, and now today, the wonderful organizations and foundations that are part of a world that cares and [are] actively trying to bring hope to all.

To learn how to walk, he was fitted with leg braces. And, at age three, Harrison began a month long of feeding therapies at All Children’s (Hospital) because everybody said, ‘Just give him ice cream.’ But that’s not how it works. He had to re-learn eating.

And then, following that, the testing for the ELP program at Roosevelt Elementary, and then testing for public school, where we discovered he had severe, profound hearing loss in both ears.

At age five Harrison was surgically fitted with a cochlear implant that allowed him to hear and grasp language.

Perhaps because of his experiences with his challenges, he could be somewhat quiet, even shy in new situations. But, once he felt more at ease, the floodgates would open, and his exuberant love for life, for people and for adventure would open as wide as his amazing smile.

editor apologizes for doing a terrible job

Harrison was gifted with the amazing capacity for empathy and compassion. This is a quality that is very appealing to those who may have their own struggles with shyness and uncertainty.

Harrison had a passion for adventure, for motion and for speed. When he was a boy, he discovered the joys of skateboarding, he pushed his abilities to the utmost. And, when something caught his attention and interest, he had a strong focus and started researching and learning everything he could about all of the details involved.

People everywhere had no problem warming up to Harrison as a service assistant at the Oxford Exchange. He was a hard-working, diligent and kind colleague. During the two years he worked there, his manager said he was the ‘quiet boy,’ until two weeks on the job, they spoke, and Harrison had that huge smile, and just like that, they were no longer strangers.

Harrison’s challenges may have meant that things that seem simple for other kids weren’t as easy for him, but that didn’t discourage him from seeing life as an adventure. He lived at full speed. He loved camping, trips, hiking and fishing with his friends. He skateboarded, he biked, and when he was old enough to drive, he picked out a bright blue Subaru that he absolutely loved.

He was a source of laughter and love for all those that knew him, and he was well known for his kindness and beautiful smile.

Harrison’s life ended on October 29, 2023. He and his friends had gone out after a usual evening of driving. They liked to drive their cars. I’ve had the Life 360 app which tracks where your kids are and how fast they are driving for all of my children. So, I would say that at the end of the evening, his tracking was like a spider web, all over town. I mean, that’s what they did. They drove somewhere, hung out, then went on.

In fact, when we went to Davis Islands to throw flowers for Harrison, one of his friends goes, “I’m excited to see this.” And I go, “Well, you guys were here all the time.” And he goes, “Yes, but, we didn’t get out of the car.”

So, Harrison, with his two friends, Jordan and Nate, went to Ybor City to watch people dressed up for Halloween. He was only there 10 minutes, going up 7th Ave. and then back again to the garage where they parked.

Eighteen people had their lives changed forever that day, and Harrison was shot in the leg and was killed by a second bullet that went through his spleen, his lungs and finally, through the back of his heart.

My son, an innocent bystander, had only been standing there for a few minutes, when he was killed by a 14-year-old boy.

His loss has broken the hearts of our family and everyone who knew him. That moment took away my bright, beautiful son, but it’s led to recognition of his kindness and his legacy — “Let kindness win.” Harrison’s life ended only a year after he graduated from Pepin Academies, so there’s no misinterpretation of how hard life can be for all of you — how you have [to] and will go through many things.

But, as you can see from Harrison’s example about the beauty of pushing through with joy, I want each of you to know that you have a purpose and the ability to make things better through kindness. A small ripple will be felt.

I know many of you are kind, loving, people, sometimes maybe feeling invisible to those around you. Your words, emotions and feelings are all part of making a difference in your daily life. You can share a smile or be a listening ear to a friend, to your classmates, your family and even strangers.

The human need for connection and empathy is real, and is something that has disappeared

from our world. Just by relating my story to many people, I’ve made many friends. Showing empathy to others, connecting and valuing their conversation, because the connecting strength is here to lift us all up. Everything done with kindness can make a difference in the world, and the reflection of your acts will fuel your soul.

The story of the bracelet: “Go where you feel most alive?” Harrison was on the Appalachian Trail with about eight of his good friends, and it was just like the perfect video. I think it was sunset. And he was walking away on the edge. You could see the clouds.

One of his friends, I forget which one, made the bans for us at the funeral. And it has become our way of including people in our lives and making people feel like they’re always part of the Foundation that we have.

So, the post was, “Go where you feel most alive.” And it is about being mindful of your day, because we all know how much this world puts at us every day, and it’s taking away our joy. So, I want everybody to get a bracelet today and what you do with these is, you put a piece on, which Harrison always seem to be showing in his pictures with the bracelet. You take the picture, and then you hash tag it to “LLHBoon.” We’ve been doing this for two years and it’s just a reminder every day. You guys are kind — you’re here and I love it. But we need to...we have to do more.

I believe love never dies, and the energy of our loved ones is all around us. They want to be energy around us, and have many hellos and signs around us. Each day, we’ve all seen signs, which are so comforting, because I just know it’s Harrison. It can be as simple as butterflies. It can be on a walk, looking at the sky, the sunset, the clouds. If all of you look up and take it in, you’re appreciating your life. So, don’t let this world steal it from you. I’m not letting [it steal it from me].

So again, with the signs that I’ve seen from Harrison — sunsets, the color blue, like in our park, his Subaru WRX, sounds and butterflies.

One of the first signs...it was at Christmas, just after he was killed, and we were devastated. Ava and I were talking to each other and I was just crying about how badly I need a sign from him. So anyway, we went to these shops across the street from my dance school. They’re like antiques, but there’s just tons of junk in them.

So, we went in there looking for something for her boyfriend, Jordan, who is here, too — a gift for him. There’s stuff all over the walls, we’re going around and then I looked at this key chain it was a ‘J’ and I said to Ava, “Do you think this is something he would like?” And she said ‘I’m not sure. It’s kind of big, but yeah. The tag said, ‘Sterling Silver,’ and on the other side it said ‘HB.’ Of course, we gasped and cried. I mean, the very first thing. That’s how I know he’s there.

One night, all of us — Nick and my husband and Ava — we were in the kitchen, of course, discussing things about Harrison. And I opened the back door at night to let the dog out. And then this butterfly came into our house, and it just flew around in the kitchen and circled a few times, and we all were like “Harrison!”

Another beautiful sign I also had in my many posts, sharing the heart and love for my son and our family — I found out one day that I could post a song. So I look through the list and I pick the song, “Let It Be,” by the Beatles. It just felt right for me. So, that night, Ava and I went to a concert for Kacey Musgraves at Amalie Arena. It was a beautiful concert. She sings from her soul and with meaning. It was beautiful. At the end of the evening, when it was over, they brought the lights up and they played “Let It Be.”

Again, you just have to open your eyes. It’s

See “Harrison” on pg. 6.

‘Harrison Boonstoppel’

Continued from page 5

not the same as having our loved ones here, but it is nice to know they are still part of our lives — they still want everything to go well for us. They do.

I do want to mention, too, how important Pepin Academies was for Harrison. He started from fifth grade to graduating. It made all the difference for him. He had some processing difficulties, and it’s just not a lot of kids that have that. But also with not hearing, he was literally hearing for the first time at age five.

Anyway, in fifth grade, he was awarded the ‘Principal’s Award’ at Pepin Academy. It was amazing. And it’s funny too, cause when the principal, at that time (he has passed since then), when he announced Harrison and all the fifth graders were sitting there. And then, of course, as you’ve heard, this little, teeny, scrawny boy comes up with a big smile on his face, shakes hands, and then looks at me and smiles. It was something just so special.

I have another story from Pepin Academies. They sent out a note to everybody at Pepin, and it said — and this was back is in 2017:

‘Dear Parents —

Oscar Wilde once said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

While we can’t take credit for the original idea of this letter, we are taking the idea and running with it. We, the seventh-eighth grade team here, at Pepin, as your kids approach exams, that your children are so much more than just a test result. We have seen them make friends, struggle, flourish and rise to the challenges of being middle schoolers. We admire their tenacity, their grit and their determination.

In particular, Harrison Boonstopple is one of the kindest people we know. He has a smile that brightens the room, and he shows excellent effort every single day. We are proud of him. — — The seventh grade team’

“I’m just going to finish with, all these

people here and all the good people. There are so many of them. We have to give them voice, too...We have to be appreciative to them. We will all take joy in being part of making this world a better place.

And I owe it all to Harrison, and of course, my other kids are my life. But, we can make a difference. You can still make a difference.

And for Tampa, those ripples will go out, and kids will hear about it and understand that they can have a purpose to their life. They don’t have to accept what we are giving them. They can have purpose. And that purpose is in connecting to others and looking at each other face to face.

Because, when they start doing that, that’s when you connect. And I want kids to have hope. Even though this world has let us down, we can still be part of it. And I thank you so much for being here. I want to cry every time I look at your faces. You are part of it. And together, we’re

going to help people. Thank you.”

Before the plaque was unveiled (see page 1) and the ribbon was cut, Ava closed with:

“Listening to everyone speak, I’m reminded of just how much space Harrison filled of our lives. As his twin. I was lucky enough to experience every stage of life, right at his side.

Harrison had this incredible way of pulling me out of my shell, challenging me to be bolder, and making sure I never had to face the world alone. Standing here in an [his] All-Abilities park, I can’t help but think how much that reflects on who he was.

This is a place where every barrier is removed, and every person belongs — values Harrison lived by every day. This dedication marks the very beginning of our journey in celebrating Harrison’s life and ensuring his legacy lives on in a place defined by joy and community.

We want to use this moment to share

something that we’ve been working on — the Harrison Boonstopple Foundation.

We lost Harrison to an act of senseless gun violence in 2023, a tragedy that changed our lives forever. We refuse to let that be the end of his story. Our mission is to take the light he brought into this world and use it to foster a safer, kinder future for our youth, through community action, education and genuine connection. We are dedicated to building a world where kindness is the default, not the exception.

Before we officially close today’s ceremony, I want to say a massive thank you to every single one of you who has shown up for us, and for him. Your support is the fuel for our Foundation and the reason we know we can make a difference.

Harrison may not be standing next to me today, but looking at this park and all of you, I know he is still pulling us all together. Thank you for keeping his legacy alive.”

He may not have been a New Tampa kid, but I’m proud to now be part of Harrison’s legacy — and you can be, too!

I hope you will visit the Harrison Boonstoppel

All-Abilities Park anytime the New Tampa Community Park is open.

I also hope you will make a donation to the Foundation named in his honor, (visit HarrisonBoonstoppel. org). You’ll find out how to get a “Go Where You Feel Most Alive” bracelet (photo, far right; sorry that I couldn’t fit the entire bracelet in the picture) and post a picture @HarrisonBoonstoppelFoundation on Instagram, either alone or with your friends, flashing the “V” for “Victory” (or “Peace”) sign wherever “YOU Feel Most Alive” and hash-tag it #LLHBoon!

Big Brother Or Better Traffic Safety? The Truth About Roadside Devices

If You Want To Know What All Those Roadside Cameras & More Are & What They Actually Do & Don’t Do, Read On!

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

If you drive around Wesley Chapel and New Tampa long enough, you’ll notice all kinds of devices mounted on poles, arms and cabinets along our roadways.

We’re sure you’ve seen those cameras, sensors, flashing signs, small towers — and may have been wondering what they all actually do.

Before I began writing for this publication, I spent 22 years in civil and transportation engineering and planning, including 19 years specializing in traffic operations engineering, including for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

I’ve worked on everything from single-family homes and bridges to diverging diamond interchanges and large-scale community developments. Most importantly, I designed and implemented Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) throughout the Tampa Bay area.

In that time, I’ve heard nearly every guess imaginable about what all of these roadside devices are capable of doing. Let’s clear up some of the most common misconceptions and explain what you’re actually seeing out there — and whether actual speed cameras may be on the horizon.

5G Small Cell Towers

These are probably the most misidentified roadside devices — and they have nothing to do with traffic control.

Because they’re allowed in the public

right-of-ways, many people assume they’re traffic-related. In reality, these short roadside poles (above) are 5G “small cells” or microcells. They’re compact antennas, usually 10–30 feet tall, mounted on utility poles, streetlights, or even traffic signal structures.

They provide high-speed cellular and internet service in a limited radius. Since 5G signals have shorter range and are easily blocked by buildings and trees, these units must be installed more densely in urban and suburban areas like ours. Bottom line: They’re for your phone — not for monitoring your driving.

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) CCTV (Closed-Circuit TV) Cameras

When people see cameras at intersections, many immediately assume they’re red light cameras. Most of the time, they are not. PTZ CCTV cameras (both photos, top right) are commonly used for roadway monitoring. You’ll see them mounted on poles, on mast arms near signal heads, or on tall “high mast” structures.

They allow city, county and state staff inside traffic management centers to actively monitor traffic conditions — crashes, congestion, disabled vehicles, or signal timing issues.

Here’s the key point: These cameras typically do not record. They are live-view tools. You can identify them by the large rotating base that allows 360-degree movement and zoom capability.

If you see a camera at a signal without that large rotating base, it’s likely not for surveillance — it’s probably a traffic detection camera (see below).

360º Traffic Detection Cameras

These cameras (right) are becoming increasingly common as older loop systems (see next page) are phased out. Unlike older directional cameras, these units look down over an entire intersection with a wide field of view. Typically, two are installed at opposite corners, mounted high for maximum accuracy. They create “virtual detection zones.” When your vehicle enters one of those zones, it tells the traffic control device that a car is waiting and may trigger a signal change.

Important: These cameras do not record video. They function strictly as detection devices.

Traffic Signal Loops

What about those rectangular or oval cuts (above) in the pavement near stop bars? Those are “inductive loops” — the oldest and still very reliable method of detecting vehicles at signals.

They are not weight sensors. They function like large metal detectors. A coiled wire embedded in the pavement creates an electromagnetic field. When a vehicle moves over the loops, it disrupts the field, signaling the control device that a vehicle is present.

Note-If loops are present, your vehicle MUST be positioned over them to receive a green light.

Dilemma Zone Loops

If you see similar small loops as those above further back from a high-speed intersection, those may be “dilemma zone” detectors. These detect vehicles approaching during the critical moment when the light is about to change from green to yellow.

If a vehicle is detected in that “decision zone,” the system may extend the green phase to prevent abrupt braking or red-light violations.

Count Station Loops

If loops are located away from signals or just downstream of an intersection, they are likely permanent traffic count stations (photo below). These record vehicle totals to help engineers determine roadway usage and future expansion needs.

Microwave Vehicle Detection Systems (MVDS, aka Side-Fire Radar)

These pole-mounted MVDS radar units (top of next column) are part of modern Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) deployments. Often called “side-fire radar,” they use low-power microwave signals to measure vehicle speed, lane presence, volume and even detect backups. MVDS are non-invasive — meaning no pavement cuts are required — and provide valuable real-time data to improve operations and detect incidents.

Opticom Emergency Vehicle Detectors

These small black vertical devices mount-

ed near signal heads (below) are extremely important. Opticom systems allow emergency vehicles — fire trucks, ambulances, and law enforcement — to request a green light as they approach an intersection.

Using infrared, radio, or GPS-based communication, they signal the traffic control device to provide priority. This reduces response times and improves safety for both emergency responders and the public.

Video Traffic Count Stations

You may have seen poles with large solar panels near their bases (right) set up along busy roads. These are video traffic counters used for planning studies and monitoring.

They use high-mounted, low-resolution cameras and AI software to count vehicles, classify them (cars, trucks, bikes and even pedestrians), and track turning movements.

Note-These traffic counters do not read license plates, nor do they record faces. Their sole purpose is for traffic analysis — often in preparation for development reviews or roadway improvements. If you see a unit with a much smaller solar panel mounted directly on top of a camera, that’s likely something different.

License

Plate Readers (Flock Cameras)

Those black cameras (below), with smaller top-mounted solar panels, are typically Flock Safety License Plate Readers, used by law enforcement agencies such as the Pasco County and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as some HOAs and CDDs.

These systems scan license plates and vehicle characteristics in real time and compare them to databases for stolen vehicles, wanted suspects, or AMBER alerts.

They are not used for traffic signal timing or speed enforcement. Their primary role is crime prevention and investigation.

‘Traffic Devices’

Continued from page 9

Red Light Cameras

Despite popular belief, not every camera near an intersection is a red light camera.

In Florida, red light cameras (left photo below) must be clearly identified by a roadside sign stating “Photo Enforced” (right photo below) in advance of the intersection.

Only a limited number of intersections in our area have them, including locations like Bruce B. Downs Blvd. at E. Fletcher Ave.

It’s also important to understand that traffic signals include what engineers call “AllRed Time” — a brief interval, typically 1 to 6 seconds, where all approaches display red after the yellow phase. This provides time for vehicles to clear the intersection before opposing traffic receives a green.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen drivers slam on their brakes at yellow lights out of fear of these red light cameras, which can create rear-end crash risks. The safest action is always controlled, predictable driving.

Traffic Cabinets

Those large stainless-steel boxes near intersections (above) house the brains of the traffic control systems. They are typically bare, but might be painted or wrapped. Inside are controllers, power supplies, communications equipment and detection processors. The signal controller manages everything — signal heads, pedestrian indications, detection inputs, and coordination with adjacent intersections.

You’ll often see a power meter beside the

cabinet, just like on a home. Smaller attached (or standalone) cabinets typically house battery backup systems (UPS units), which can place signals into flash mode during power outages.

After major storms or hurricanes, you may also see generators plugged in to keep intersections operational during extended outages. Wrong

Way Detection Systems

Wrong-way driving prevention used to rely solely on static “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs. Today, these systems have some of the most advanced roadway technology in use. Modern systems use radar, video, or both (photo below) to detect vehicles entering exit ramps in the wrong direction. When activated, the sign perimeter flashes red lights, and alerts are automatically sent to law enforcement — including the Florida Highway Patrol.

In many cases, nearby CCTV cameras automatically turn toward the ramp so traffic operators can monitor the wrong-way vehicle’s movements.

These systems can record short video clips upon activation — one of the only permanent roadside technologies that does record, but only when triggered by a wrong-way event.

These clips are sent to the control centers (along with an automated alert) to see if the vehicle turned around on the ramp to go back in the correct direction.

Active Speed Signs/Cameras

These radar-based warning signs detect the speed of approaching vehicles and display it back to the driver. If you exceed the desired speed, the sign may flash your speed. At higher thresholds, it may flash “Slow Down” more aggressively (right).

These devices can record speed data — but not video — to help engineers evaluate driver behavior and determine whether the sign is improving safety.

They are commonly used on curves, in school zones, and on corridors where speed-related issues are a concern.

As of this writing, there are no traditional roadside speed enforcement cameras operating in Wesley Chapel or New Tampa. However, school zone speed enforcement is a developing topic. Under Florida House Bill 657, municipalities and counties are now authorized to implement school zone speed detection systems.

The Tampa City Council voted 6-1 on Feb. 19 to partner with the same vendor used by the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office for a school zone speed camera program. Tampa can now begin installing and using cameras that issue citations for speeding in school zones.

The City of New Port Richey is the only Pasco municipality using school speed zone cameras.

Luis Viera Column — Ramadan, The K-Bar Ranch Park & Remembering Joseph

By Luis Viera District 7 , Tampa City Council

I wanted to again provide a few updates for my constituents about what’s happening in New Tampa.

The Religious Pluralism of 33647

One of the joys of my office is the religious diversity of New Tampa. I always hold (with the help of our amazing Tampa Parks workers) events at our New Tampa Recreation Center for major religious holidays, and this year, we held a nice get- together for Ramadan (photo).

Many local families showed up to talk about what Ramadan means to them. As we posed outside for a photograph with the Ramadan float, many local families taking their kids to gym stopped by to wish these Muslim families a happy Ramadan. They were Christian, Jewish, Hindu, etc.

That is America to me and I hope to you, too. Being able to host and part of celebrations like these is as American as Thomas Jefferson or James Madison.

I know that in a time of heightened political and religious tension, this acknowledgment meant something to these families and others.

We live in a time when many people go low on religious bigotry. When those people go low, respond by going high in promoting the American way at its best. To me, religious tolerance is as American as Lou Gehrig hit-

ting a home run at Yankee Stadium.

The K-Bar Ranch Park

We continue to work on the K-Bar Ranch park. I secured almost $1 million for the design of this 65-acre park. And, in this year’s budget, I hope to secure money for its construction.

Unfortunately, that construction won’t happen until after I leave office, but the good people in the New Tampa community and, in particular, in K-Bar Ranch, deserve this park.

New Tampa has, per capita, the smallest amount of city parks in Tampa. Since I was elected, I have gotten more than $10 million in new park funding for New Tampa. This new park — which should have a cricket component to it, too — will further remedy this deficit.

This is slated to be included in the budget, but we must, to quote Ronald Reagan,

“trust but verify.” I know my constituents will show up to make sure this park is funded when this year’s budget season comes.

A New Tampa Police Substation

I will also be seeking in the budget “seed money” for a Tampa Police Department (TPD) substation presence in New Tampa.

If you live in K-Bar Ranch or Grand Hampton, it takes you 30-45 minutes to get to the nearest substation, District 2 near Busch Gardens.

We need to do better. I envision at least a “strip mall office presence” for this investment.

Our friends at the Tampa Police Benevolent Association support this, and hopefully, the City Council will, too. We need someplace where the residents of zip code 33647 can go to report crimes or speak to a police officer. And, our cops deserve better than parking endlessly and using their cars as an office.

It is the right thing to do for New Tampa — an area that supports our cops.

Over my nine years in office, public safety — support for cops and firefighters — has been a primary priority for me, so I hope to get this done.

Honoring Joseph Caetano

Not too long ago, as reported in the last

issue of this publication, we lost a man that Dr. Jim Davison of Hunter’s Green rightfully called a “New Tampa Founding Father” — Joseph Caetano (who served in Tampa City Council’s District 7 from 2007-11).

Joe was a fighter for his conservative philosophy. He was also an unabashed advocate for Tampa Police & Fire — as he was a former law enforcement officer himself. He also was a big veteran booster. Not only was Joe a Marine (1954-57), but so was his late wife, Nair. His kids had a Marine Mom and a Marine Dad — not everybody those bragging rights.

The former Bostonian Hair Studio owner also was a strong advocate for New Tampa. He knew we were a “donor district” and held everyone 315 E. Kennedy Blvd. downtown accountable.

He was active in politics in New Tampa at a time when many Republican names — like County Commissioner Ken Hagan, Jim Davison, former City Councilman and State Rep. Shawn Harrison, former State Senator Tom Lee, current Hillsborough Clerk of the Court and former County Commissioner, State Rep. and State Sen. Victor Crist and others — made a big presence in politics in 33647. Joseph was one of those significant names in this era.

Even though Joe and I were from different political parties, I always honored — and still honor — his contributions. And I was proud to partner with Joe to honor our veterans. He symbolized and represented a big part of our 33647 zip code. He will be missed and remembered.

The Beautiful, New Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library Is Finally Open!

By Gary Nager

The Pasco County Libraries’ newest addition — the Wesley Chapel (WC) Library at Seven Oaks — is finally open (after nearly two full years of construction) and pretty much everyone we spoke with since the library opened on Feb. 23 has been thrilled with the cozy new 14,000-sq.-ft. (with a 13,000-sq.-ft. interior; the other 1,000 sq. ft. is a covered outdoor “reading porch”), $11-million library.

“It’s a little smaller than I expected,” said one young mom, “but this children’s reading area (photo, right and lower left picture on the next page) is amazing!”

Although branch manager Julie Shepherd (at right in top left photo on next page) couldn’t tell me on opening day exactly how large that children’s area is, by my estimate, it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 5,000-sq.ft. If accurate, that would mean it takes up more than a third of the library’s inside space, with shelves full of cool kids books and interesting spaces for parents to read to their kids.

But, the library’s overall size is a little small, especially when compared with the Land O’Lakes Library (18,000+ sq. ft.) or the New Tampa Regional Library (25,000 sq. ft.).

“But, I think it’s a wonderful space,” said Roz Fenton (photo, right), the president of the Pasco Friends of the Library, who was on hand for the opening. “Did you see the art on the entrance walls? That was all done by Pasco County Library staff members. Fabulous, right?”

In addition to books, magazines and the “Library of Things” — a collection of non-traditional, check-outable items, including adaptive toys, Wi-Fi hotspots, ukuleles, bird-watching kits and board games designed for enrichment and exploration — the library also features public computers, printers, collaborative spaces, a gallery wall in the lobby, an outdoor event lawn and a multi-purpose room for “makerspace” and other activities.

There’s also a sizable meeting room, and a number of study rooms, including a specially-designed teen study room. Drive-up services also are available at this location, which has its entrance on Mystic Oak Blvd., next to Seven Oaks Elementary.

There’s no doubt that the opening day was a soft opening, attended by only a few dozen people — many of whom (including Jannah and yours truly) were signing up for library

cards — and that all of the new library’s programming wasn’t yet in place.

Here are the activities scheduled for the rest of March & April at the WC Library:

Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. — Preschool Story Time

Every Friday, 10:30 a.m. — Toddler Story Time

Monday, March 23, 4 p.m. — Teen Advisory Board & Volunteer Info Session

Wednesday, March 25, 6 p.m. — Adult Volunteer Info Session

Wednesday, April 15, 4:30 p.m. — Adult Literacy New Tutor Training

Thursday, April 16, 4 p.m. — Wesley Chapel Book Club: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Wednesdays, April 22 & 29, 6 p.m. — English Conversation Corner

Wednesday, April 29, 5 p.m. — Adult Volunteer Orientation

What About Those ‘Makerspaces?’

“We’re going to be hosting our ‘Mobile Makerspace’ at the Wesley Chapel branch,” Shepherd told me the day the WC Library opened. “The idea is to bring the best of all of our other makerspaces to Wesley Chapel and offer a variety of different services.”

Among those makerspaces, each of which will be making appearances at the WC Library in the future, are the following:

• “The Loft” studio arts, painting, photo digitalization and arts & crafts, from the Centennial Park Library

• “The Ingenuity Lab” STEAM area, with KEVA planks & LEGO® bricks, from the Hugh Embry Library

• “Studio H” multimedia studio for record demos & podcasts and to practice instruments, from the Hudson Library

• “The Foundry” complete wood shop, plus fabric arts & crafts center, from the Land O’Lakes Library

• “Discovery Gardens” community garden, butterfly garden & gardening demonstrations, from the New River Library

• “Regency Fresh” full test kitchen with cooking demonstrations and the chance to try new recipes, from the Regency Park Library

• “Clayworks” ceramics studio, from the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center

Shepherd also said that the large lawn outside of the library will be able to host a variety of cultural events, including concerts, movie nights and more. “And, we definitely will have a great relationship with the [Seven Oaks] elementary school next door,” Shepherd said. “The children’s reading area will be open anytime the library is and we will be able to host story times and even kids’ performances in that room.”

The Wesley Chapel Library at Seven Oaks is located at 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd. It is open Mon. & Wed. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Tues. & Thur.; & 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. It is closed on Sun. For more information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Upcoming Events — ‘Absolutely Avalon,’ ‘The Great Bavarian Circus,’ Plus Jazz & More!

Monday, March 30, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. –Broadway Open Mic Night. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Broadway Open Mic Nights are for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned performer, practicing for an audition, or just love to sing. Free to attend, but please sign up. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to sign up, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/open-mic-oct-ae8wd.

Wednesday, April 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Chase Bank at Epperson (32106 Pioneering Pl.). Celebrate the grand opening of the new Chase Bank at Epperson. Meet the team and learn more about their banking services. Light refreshments will be served. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Wednesday & Thursday, April 1 & 2, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – Solo Spotlight Series: “Mrs. Bliss’s Titanic Adventure”. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). In Mrs. Bliss’s Titanic Adventure, written and performed by Bridget Bean, a disillusioned actress is working in a Titanic exhibition when an intriguing stranger lures her into an unreal adventure. Can she avert disaster? And what can possibly go wrong? Tickets cost $15-$20 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/solo-spot-

light-series-mrs-bliss-titanic-adventure

Friday, April 3, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network. At USF Credit Union (Conference Room, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd.). This is a meeting that aims to empower and support women in various fields. Sarah Rasheid, Chief Content Creator with the North Tampa Bay Chamber will be speaking on marketing strategies designed to help you promote your business and increase sales. $15 to attend. Please register in advance. For more info or to register, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Saturday, April 4, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. – 2026

“Absolutely Avalon” (photo). At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (33613 S.R. 54). Enjoy a Kids Area

& Bounce Park, food trucks, live performances, a Children’s Entrepreneur Market, photos with the Easter Bunny and artisan, craft & business vendors. End the night with a spectacular laser light show at 9 p.m. Come celebrate everything that makes Avalon Park Absolutely Amazing! Free to attend. For more info, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/ news-events/calendar/# or see the ad on pg. 17.

Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. –Florida Central Credit Union 5 Year Anniversary Celebration & Open House. At Florida Central Credit Union (17502 Dona Michelle Dr.). Stop in to help celebrate the 5 year anniversary and meet their team. Light refreshments will be served. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., - Hope Grows Here Gala benefiting Habitat for Humanity. At The Colonial at Sunset (31122 Pasco Rd., San Antonio). Celebrate the power of community and the impact of your support in building homes, hope, and brighter futures for families in need. For ticket info and pricing, visit habitatpasco.org/gala or email KProulx@ habitatpasco.org.

Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. – Music Under the Stars – Kristopher James. At The Shops at Wiregrass, Center Court (28211 Paseo Dr.). Kristopher James blends Americana and soul with elements of southern R&B, featuring expressive vocals ranging from soft falsetto to powerful belting. There is limited seating, please bring your own chair or blanket. Free to attend.

For more info, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/37414-kristopher-james.

Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. — Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus. At The Grove at Wesley Chapel. For the first time in the U.S., Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus is opening its multi-state tour in Wesley Chapel. The cast will wear traditional German “Lederhosen” throughout the show to represent real Germanculture. From traditional ‘trachts’ to immersive set design, the audience will feel like they are in Bavaria, Germany. The Circus features a cast of world-class performers delivering a mix of aerial artistry, juggling, partner acrobatics and five different clown acts. This event is a must-see for every family, also offering face painting, photo opps and traditional

circus food. Be sure to get your tickets quickly before they sell out and experience an unforgettable family experience under the big top. Tickets cost $14.99-$40. For tickets & more info, visit greatbavariancircus.com

Friday, April 10, 8:00 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber 2026 Fairways to the Future: 1st Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. At Saddlebrook Resort (5700 Saddlebrook Way). This will be a day filled with golf, networking, and making a difference. Proceeds from the tournament directly fund scholarships for deserving local graduates in their educational journey. The cost to play is $700/team of 4 or $175/individual player. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Saturday, April 11, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. – Avalon Park Spring Yard Sale. At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Community (5227 Autumn Ridge Dr.). This is a community-wide day of great finds. To view the full map of participating homes and plan your route visit maps.app.goo.gl/q6zAdcqJjHYSdaey9. For more info, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/news-events/calendar/#!

Saturday, April 11, 7 p.m. & Sunday, April 12, 4 p.m. – Tampa City Ballet Presents ERA: Emerging & Resident Artists. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tampa City Ballet proudly presents ERA: Emerging & Resident Artists, a pioneering initiative that shatters artistic boundaries. Tickets $45 - $90 depending on seat selection. For more info, call (813) 558-0800, or to purchase tickets, visit TampaCityBallet.org or see the ad on pg. 16.

Sunday, April 12, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. – Cassidy Otto “Stomp Out Cancer 5K” & “Journey Around the World Festival.” At the Shops at Wiregrass (28211 Paseo Dr.). Lace up and run or stop by afterward to enjoy the festival and show your support for a great cause. Post-run there will be live music, a fashion show, International Food, a silent auction and more. 5K-$40, 5K-Virtual-$40, Kids Fun Run (7 & under)-$15. For more info or to sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/WesleyChapel/CassidyOttoStompOutCancer

Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

– New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy’s All-Faculty Chamber Music Recital. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy’s piano faculty and guest musicians for an inspiring evening of chamber music. This event

is free and open to the public. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, visit NewTampaArtsCenter. org/events/ntpiano-pedagogy-academy-recital.

Wednesday, April 15, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Creative Arts Theatre Presents: The Feisty Flamingos (TYA). At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This show is presented as part of New Tampa Performing Arts Center’s Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) program. In this play by Nicholas Perez-Hoop, a misfit baseball team in hot pink uniforms must learn teamwork, fast - before their last game becomes their final strikeout. Best for ages 5 and up. Tickets are free but you must register in advance. For more info and to register, email David Estevez at EstevezD@HCFL.gov.

Friday, April 17, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. - Clays for Cardiac Care. At Tampa Bay Sporting Clays (10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’ Lakes). Take aim for a great cause and help raise vital funds for advanced cardiac care at AdventHealth’s Pasco County hospitals. $1,000 for a team (includes 4 shooters, ammo, lunch and cart). For more info or to register, visit give-wfl.adventhealth.com/ event/clays-for-cardiac-care/e758627/register/ new/select-tickets.

Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Single & Thriving Conference. At Carmel Friendship Church (30081 Wells Rd.). If you’ve ever been asked why you’re single, register for the 2026 Single & Thriving Conference for encouragement, connection, and practical insight from dynamic speakers on living single life with purpose. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. $40 to attend. For more info, email info@cfriendship.org. Or, to register online visit cfriendship.or/event-list.

Saturday, April 18, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. – Dance Your Dream 2026 – A Night at the Circus. At Wesley Chapel District Park (7727 Boyette Rd.). This will be an unforgettable evening with circus-themed fun as individuals who are 14+ in age and living with a disability are honored. Free to attend but you must register. For more info and to register, visit HopeGetsJobs.org/ news-events/dance-your-dream/dance-yourdream-2026.html.

Sunday, April 19 3 p.m.-6 p.m. – Moonflower: The Spirit of Santana. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Moonflower is a tribute to the music of Santana performed by five musicians whose love

for Santana and the music comes first. Moonflower produces the sound, feelings, and excitement of the great music of Santana. Tickets $20-$27.50 depending on seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/ events/moonflower-the-spirit-of-santana.

Saturday, April 25, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. –New Tampa Jazz Nights: Jazz Guitarist Dave Stryker. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tampa Jazz Club presents acclaimed guitarist Dave Stryker, along with retired University of South Florida Director of Jazz Studies Jack Wilkins on tenor saxophone. Known for his distinctive sound, Stryker is among the most prolific artists in jazz. He’s recorded nearly 40 albums, with the last seven

going to #1 on the JazzWeek Radio chart, and has recently toured with his trio as the opening act for Steely Dan. Tickets $10-35 depending on seat selection. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit mytbtickets.com/events/davestryker-4-25-2026. Also, see ad below.

Monday, April 27, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – New Tampa Democratic Club Monthly Meeting. At New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.). Guests will be New Tampa City Council candidates, Alan Cohn, Morris Lopez, Gene Siudut and Candice Cowen. Social time begins at 6:30pm and the business meeting begins at 7:00pm. Free to attend. For more info, visit NewTampaDeomocrats.com or Facebook.com/NewTampaDemocrats. RSVP & Register at mobilize.us/hillsboroughcountydec/event/818434

NTBC Ribbon-Cuttings — Woodie’s Wash Shack, Comprehensive Foot & Ankle & Dr. Rosh

The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) continues to help local businesses announce they have arrived in our area with well-attended ribbon-cutting events. Among those in the last 45 days include the new Woodie’s Wash Shack — The Grove (next to the new Target at 5618 Oakley Blvd.) on Feb. 20; and, on Mar. 5, both Dr. Bryan Raymond’s Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Specialists (at 2816 Windguard Cir., Ste. 102, Wesley Chapel) and the new location of Dr. Roshni Ranjit-Reeves’ Doctor Rosh Oculofacial Specialist at 18311 U.S. Hwy. 41, Lutz.

Woodie’s, which is now up to 17 Tampa Bay-area locations, hosted a great, crowded event with free car washes all day, plus free Chick-fil-A boxes, lots of free merch and more. For more information, visit WoodiesWash.com.

Podiatrist Dr. Bryan Raymond, DPM, who moved from a smaller office on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, provides custom orthotic shoe inserts, digital X-rays, sports and regenerative medicine, non-invasive vascular testing, Softwave technology to reduce inflammation, minimally invasive surgeries performed in-office and more. For appointments & more info, visit CFASDoc.com, call (813) 344-1932.

Dickey’s BBQ. (Below right) Oculofacial Specialist Dr. Roshni Ranjit-Reeves.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rosh — whose original office location was on S.R. 54 in Lutz (next to Brunchies), has been in her much more spacious new location for nearly two months.

Dr. Rosh specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstruction of the eyes and their surrounding struc-

orbit, eye socket and lacrimal system. “We also are now able to offer in-house IV anesthesia and our surgeries in our new location,” Dr. Rosh says. “But, this place really feels more like a spa than a medical office.” For more info, call (813) 303-0123 or visit DoctorRosh.com. — GN,

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More NTBC Events — Optimum Health & Wellness, Ginger Health & AdventHealth WC

It’s been such a busy few weeks for the NTBC that we have another whole page of events to show you that were held on Mar. 12 & Mar. 18.

Ginger Health

On Mar. 12, Ginger Health, the office of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Ginger Le (at right in near photo), located at 27553 Cashford Cir., Suite 102, in the Summergate Professional Park in Wesley Chapel, held a very cool NTBC Open House event, with demonstrations of an Emsella Chair (below left; sitting in it is like do ing thousands of kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor of both men and women), a Sensory Chair (not pictured) to help regulate your nervous system), Shockwave Therapy (below center; a non-invasive device using high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing), massage and traditional PT exercises to an appreciative crowd of attendees.

We gave bonus points to Dr. Le for serving delicious pasta and sandwiches (bottom left) from Pasta di Guy (4839 BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel), plus large shrimp, cold cuts and more.

For more info about Ginger Health, which also has a Temple Terrace location, call (813)631-9700 or visit GingerHealth.com.

Optimum Health & Wellness

Later that same day, Optimum Health & Wellness (23031 Tabak Ln.), the office of psychiatric nurse practitioner Heather Hughes, MSN, ARNP (in pale blue in both upper far right photos), held its NTBC ribbon-cutting event to introduce her spacious new office located less than a mile from of the intersection of Collier Pkwy. and S.R. 54 in Land O’Lakes.

“At Optimum Health & Wellness,” Heather said, “we believe true healing means caring for the whole self, not just treating isolated symptoms. Your journey may include nutrition, lifestyle support and integrative practices that bring mind and body back into alignment.”

Optimum Health & Wellness also offers

nected to what is happening within the body. Functional lab testing helps uncover nutrient, hormone and inflammation imbalances that may be influencing how you feel.”

For more info, call (813) 856-1515 or visit OptimumHealthandWellness.org.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel

Coffee Social

Then, on Mar. 18, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) hosted the NTBC’s monthly Coffee Social, which moves around to different member venues every month.

The Social was instead moved into a packed employee lounge and conference room inside the hospital, but none of the 60-70 people in attendance really seemed to mind avoiding the cold.

The hospital’s chief operating officer Zachary Crane (below, front) thanked everyone for coming and the rest of the time was spent mingling, networking and enjoying the free coffee, mini-quiches and pastries.

The coffee event was supposed to be held outside, in the hospital’s beautiful

The NTBC’s Coffee Socials are networking opportunities only, with no set agenda or program and you don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.

For more information about AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, visit AdventHealth. com. For more info about the North Tampa Bay Chamber and its events, call (813) 9948534, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.org, or see the Events Calendar on pg. 16. — GN, all photos on this page by Charmaine George

Broadcaster, Author & Professor Mike Nabors Tells The NTBC: ‘Don’t Quit,

As a fellow University of Florida College of Journalism grad, I’ll freely admit that Florida Southern College (in Lakeland) professor Mike Nabors (near right), who earned his Master’s degree from USF, has had a pretty unique career.

After more than 30 years in the broadcasting business, where he has been on-air for the New Orleans Saints (his first book, called The Brees Way, is about the career of retired Saints QB Drew Brees), the Tampa Bay Lightning, ESPN and several TV stations, Mike told nearly 100 members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) on Mar. 4 about his new book — Don’t Quit, Pivot. how he was able d to pivot his own career at age 50 to become a college professor.

“I loved being a broadcaster,” Nabors said. “But I found out that I really love teaching. I never thought I’d be on Spring Break at my age, but I can’t wait to get back to the classroom and to my students.”

In order to become a college pro fessor, he had to go back to school to get a Master’s degree and he admitted that he felt like Rodney Dangerfield in the movie “Back to School” — “a reference that none of my students had even heard of” — and that writing a thesis was harder than writing a book.

“I’ve found that there are three types of work ing people — people who are passionate about their jobs, people who tolerate what they do and people who genuinely dislike their jobs but continue to do them for the paycheck. If you’re not passionate about your career, you shouldn’t be afraid to change

tion company, the Nabors Media Group, which has produced sports documentaries, as well as videos for a number of nonprofit companies, including the Moffitt Cancer

Center and Humane Society of Tampa Bay. For more information about Mike Nabors, visit MikeNabors.com. For the NTBC, visit NorthTampaBayChamber. com or call (813) 994-8534. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George

Fields Insurance Is Dave Ramsey-Certified To Insure Home, Auto & More

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

It’s been two years since Michael Fields and his wife Nancy moved out of Tennessee and came to Wesley Chapel, following their only daughter, Bethany, who landed a job in Tampa after graduating from Ole Miss University in University, MS.

Michael continues to manage five insurance agencies in Tennessee and also purchased a Brandon-based agency in 2021, moving it closer to their home in the Grand Hampton community in the Medallion Corporate Park, just north of S.R. 56 and east of I-75 in Wesley Chapel.

Fields Insurance — whether in Wesley Chapel or back in Tennessee — provides personal and commercial property and casualty insurance.

That’s primarily auto, home, personal umbrella, flood, boat, RV and motorcycle insurance.

“We want to be your agency of choice,” Michael says. “We can provide the coverage that you need, and work with you to help make your policy fit within your budget.”

Michael says the top auto insurance carriers they work with are Progressive, Travelers, GEICO, Allstate, National General, Safeco, and Nationwide. Top home carriers include Florida Peninsula, Edison, Ovation, American Integrity, Cabrillo Coastal, Tower Hill, Slide, Universal P&C, Manatee and Mangrove.

Fields Insurance also offers commercial insurance policies to be sure your business is covered, too — providing coverage through Liberty Mutual, Nationwide and other commercial insurance carriers.

“Insurance is most important when it’s needed,” Michael says, “and I want to make sure that coverage is provided at the time of any loss.”

A ‘Ramsey-Trusted Pro’

Michael has been working in the insurance industry since 1999.

He started as an associate agent with Nationwide Insurance, eventually completing a three-year training program as a “replacement agency executive,” and becoming a primary agent in 2014. Nationwide then transitioned all of its agents to sell as independent agents — able to work with many different companies — back in 2017.

While Michael says he may not always offer you the cheapest insurance out there, he notes that it’s more important that he advises you about how to be protected from something unexpected.

Michael and Nancy recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary, and work together in the Wesley Chapel office. Nancy retired from her career as a schoolteacher after 33 years. She has earned certification as a Customer Service Representative (CSR) through the Florida Department of Financial Services, which allows her to provide insurance quotes and discuss the different coverages with clients.

Nancy says that being licensed has helped her to better serve Fields Insurance’s customers and was a big help in her learning the industry.

In addition to Michael, the firm includes six additional licensed agents, based in both Florida and Tennessee. Besides Nancy, the firm has three customer service reps in Tennessee.

The couple has two dogs, Maxwell and Charley, who join them in the office on Thursdays. They say people — from their delivery drivers to others in their corporate park — look forward to seeing the friendly pups.

Fields Insurance is recognized as a “Ramsey-Trusted Pro” through Ramsey Solutions, founded by author and radio host Dave Ramsey, who offers financial advice. People who turn to Ramsey for advice and want to be connected with a trusted partner in our area are directed to Fields Insurance.

“It puts us in a category that says we are an agency of integrity,” says Michael. “It means that we are vetted to meet a high service standard and act in your best interest.”

While he has been a Ramsey-Trusted Pro in the Tampa Bay area since moving here two years ago, Michael now serves many additional counties through the program. He is licensed to sell insurance throughout the entire state of Florida, so you don’t have to live in the Wesley Chapel or New Tampa area to work with him.

He says he invites those who are insurance price shopping or who have questions about insurance to give him a call anytime. “At least give us the chance to quote your risk, and see if we can compete with your current rate and coverage.”

While Nancy and Michael say most people prefer to communicate via phone, text or email, they also are happy to meet clients in the office if they prefer to meet face-to-face.

Nancy adds that they have enjoyed getting to know their clients over the last couple of years as they have settled in the area.

“It’s so nice to recognize people and get to know who they are,” she says.

She and Michael love serving the communities of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, especially

The couple attends church at New Walk in Zephyrhills, where Michael is on the worship team and Nancy is on the greeting team.

“We have lots of opportunities to spend time with our daughter,” Michael says. “We go to a lot of restaurants with her, and we love being able to hop in the car and go to the beach.”

Chas Fleury provided a recent 5-star Google review — one of nearly 100 in Fields Insurance’s overall 4.9-star (out of 5) rating on Google. — to share his great experience with Fields Insurance.

“I really appreciated how thorough and honest [Michael] was,” says Chas. “I got quick replies even over the weekend which was super helpful. He made something that could be stressful, smooth and approachable. Nancy was also very kind in my communication with her, very helpful and on top of things! I highly

Fields Insurance is located at 2600 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Ste. C1, in Wesley Chapel.

For more info or for a quote on your home, auto, business or other property insurance needs, call (813) 651-0094, visit FieldsInsuranceAgency.com or see the ad on pg. 39.

The Community of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church

Invites You to Celebrate Holy Week and Easter

Holy Week Mass Times and Services

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

March 28th Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:00 pm (Livestreamed)

March 29th Sunday:

8:30 am

10:30 am Brass and choir

1:00 pm Spanish (Livestreamed)

5:30 pm

March 30th Monday: 12:00 pm Mass

March 31st Tuesday: 8:30 am Mass

April 1st Wednesday: 8:30 am Mass

April 2nd Holy Thursday:

10:00 am MORNING PRAYER

7:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Incense will be used) (Livestreamed)

Washing of the Feet. Spanish choir, parish choir; solo violin Procession/Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows until 11:30 pm over in the Venetian

April 3rd Good Friday:

10:00 am MORNING PRAYER

3:00 pm GOOD FRIDAY of the Lord’s Passion (Livestreamed) Adoration of the Holy Cross. Orchestra and choir

April 4th Holy Saturday: 10:00 am MORNING PRAYER

(Blessing of Easter Food after Morning Prayer)

8:30 p.m Easter Vigil Mass (Incense will be used) (Livestreamed) Orchestra and choir

April 5th Easter Sunday:

The Resurrection of the Lord

6:45 am (NO Incense). Organ and soloists

8:30 am (NO Incense). Organ and soloists

10:30 am (Incense will be used) (Livestreamed). Orchestra

10:40 am – in The Venetian (NO Incense)

1:00 pm - Spanish (Incense will be used) (Livestreamed)

9724 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647

www.StMarkTampa.org

View Livestream Via: www.facebook.com/StMarkTampa www.youtube.com/@StMarkTampa

4Ever Young Anti Aging Solutions Offers Wellness Treatments & Aesthetics

By Iris Vitelli

Neighborhood News Correspondent

Aging is something most people expect to slow them down. Your energy fades, sleep becomes harder and simple tasks do not feel as easy as they once did. For Marcus McCants, the owner of the new 4Ever Young Anti Aging Solutions in New Tampa, those changes became the reason he decided to look for a better way to feel and live.

Located next to the Publix supermarket in the New Tampa center plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Marcus and his wife Kim opened 4Ever Young to provide specialized anti-aging treatments designed to improve both your health and your appearance.

After more than 30 years focused on building a career in the financial industry and raising his family, Marcus opened the first Wingstop locations in Tampa and on BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. He opened his 4Ever Young location — one of more than 110 sold in 14 states, with as many as 60 already in operation — in Dec. 2025.

Marcus remembers that he was at the 4Ever Young “Franchise Discovery Day” in April of 2024, looking for a new challenge, and was offered a free treatment. He had the IV Therapy, which delivers powerful blends of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids directly into the bloodstream for maximum absorption. He had recently torn his biceps muscle while weightlifting and says he immediately felt the difference — and he actually was able to go back to working out only two weeks later.

He says he also was experiencing the things

(L.-r.) Owner Marcus McCants, wellness specialist Chrystal MacDonald, aesthetics specialist Anna Martin & marketing director Angela Brewton of the 4Ever Young Anti Aging Solutions location in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza on BBD Blvd. (All photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

that come with aging. “I no longer felt the way I did when I was younger and played with my daughters Kendall and Ryan, who are now in college,” Marcus says. “This therapy gave me a boost and changed how I was feeling.”

Your Anti-Aging Specialists!

4Ever Young offers a variety of services that addresses many common concerns associated with aging. These include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (or HRT, including estrogen and progesterone for women and testosterone for men), peptide and IV vitamin therapy, medical weight loss programs and aesthetic services (see below).

HRT helps replace the hormones that decline as people age. For women, it is often used to help reduce the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. For men, testosterone HRT will help with improving muscle mass, reducing brain fog and fatigue, as well as increasing libido.

Peptides, in particular Pentadeca (better known as BPC157), is a synthetic 15-amino acid peptide designed to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation and repair tissues like tendons, muscles and ligaments.

Some weight management programs at 4Ever Young use medications (tirzepatide, the

generic version of the injectable drug also sold under the brand name Zepbound) that mimic the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite by slowing digestion and helping people feel full longer. Another medication used is Tesamorelin, which targets belly fat.

“A large number of our clients want to lose weight,” Marcus says. “The InBody Machine is a great tool we use on the journey of becoming healthier. If you only use the scale, you might think you’re not losing weight, but the InBody Machine also measures body composition, including muscle mass and body fat percentage, to tell a more realistic story.”

In addition to HRT and weight-loss options, 4EverYoung also offers the aforementioned IV vitamin infusions and injections, such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, a vitamin amino blend and a fat burning accelerator.

Aesthetic Treatments, Too!

Although Marcus says that 4Ever Young, “takes a deep dive in wellness, unlike most other clinics, we also offer aesthetic treatments,” such as Botox®, Restylane®, Dysport, Juvéderm, Jeuveau and other dermal fillers, a variety of facials and skin rejuvenation treatments, plus vein treatment, hair removal, hair restoration and more..

He says that, “HydraFacial is one of the more popular services right now. It cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the skin.

Before any treatment plan begins, patients receive a free consultation with the clinic’s “wellness specialist” Chrystal MacDonald, BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) using the InBody

Blood work is done if the customer decides to move forward. If the patient has already had their own blood work before the consultation, 4Ever Young will accept it if all of the same markers were tested and the testing is not more than 3 months old. A personalized treatment plan is then put together based on the results.

In addition to Chrystal (who earned her BSN degree in 2016 from the Miami Dade College of Nursing in Miami, FL), the New Tampa location’s medical and wellness team is led by Anna Martin, FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified), the aesthetics specialist.

Anna earned her BSN degree in 1999 from Saginaw Valley University, in University Center, MI, and her MSN-FNP (Master of Science in Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner) degree from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2017, and her ANCC (American Nurse Credentialing Center) Board certification in 2018.

Chrystal and Anna regularly communicate

with Dr. Abdon Borges, MD, who is the chief medical officer of the 4Ever Young chain.

Dr. Borges received his B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Miami (FL) in 1989. He earned his M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy, St. Maarten, in 1995.

In only a few months since it first opened, the New Tampa 4Ever Young location has earned an outstanding 5-star (out of 5) Google rating, based on more than 120 reviews. Daryl Ward says he was one of the very first members when Marcus opened 4Ever Young.

“I had my consultation and blood work and later that day, I received a call and was told I needed to see an endocrinologist right away,” Daryl says. The specialist told him that if the problem had not been discovered when it was, he likely would have been facing dialysis within a year.

Daryl also learned that his testosterone levels were extremely low. Since beginning the

testosterone replacement program at 4Ever Young, he says the difference has been significant.

“I have more energy, I sleep better, and my workouts are better too,” Daryl says.

And, in her 5-star review on Google, recent first-time patient Amber Sievers said, “Anna did a wonderful job on my Botox® injections! Very friendly, informative and loved the location. Highly recommend!”

Memberships

To make 4Ever Young’s services more affordable, three membership programs are available. With an HRT Membership, you’ll receive your first month free, a month;y InBody analysis, and monthly energy and metabolism IV, B12 shot and 10% off supplements and skincare.

With a 4Ever You Membership, you receive one premium facial or IV drip each month, plus you can share your perks with one guest, receive 10%-20% off products and (most) services, receive Members-only offers and unused credits roll over for 12 months.

With a 4Ever Reserve Membership, you receive $99/month added to your personal service “bank,” and you can use your dollars anytime towards a service. You’ll also receive 10%-20% off products and (most) services, the best rates on “tox” (Botox and other neurotoxins) treatments and receive Members-only offers.

Although becoming a member is encouraged, one-time treatments also can be purchased without a membership. All memberships also can be frozen and re-started again at any time.

Marcus says,“We don’t want to just be another clinic; we want to be the best in town.”

4Ever Young Anti Aging Solutions is located at 19040 BBD Blvd., Unit B34. The location is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tues.; Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sat. For more info or to schedule an appointment, call (813) 565-7740 or email Info@newtampa.4everyoung.com. You also can visit 4EverYoungAntiAging.com/newtampa/, search “4EverYoungNewTampa” on Facebook or see the ad on page 33 of this issue.

Dr. Nicole Mitchell: Innovative Tech + Years Of Experience = Outstanding Care

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

It was two decades ago when general and cosmetic dentist Nicole Mitchell, DMD, began practicing in New Tampa.

As dentistry has changed over those 20 years, Dr. Mitchell has been able to stay on the cutting edge, incorporating new technologies into her office, which is located in the Pebble Creek Collection on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.

She also has retained private ownership of her practice, even as dental corporations continue to offer to buy it — as they have dozens of dental practices throughout the Tampa Bay area.

“[It happens] every week,” she laughs, but she doesn’t accept any of their offers. “I put my patients first, and the business second. I [wouldn’t be able to say] that if someone else were to take over ownership of my practice.”

While her married name is Nicole Mitchell-Toth, and her business’ name is Blue Water Dental, patients refer to her as Dr. Mitchell, and you can find her on the web at NicoleMitchellDMD.com.

Dr. Mitchell graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry. She then earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville.

After graduation, Dr. Mitchell served in the United States Army, where she was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, and completed her residency in AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry), as well as the “Spear Curriculum” in advanced comprehensive dentistry. She earned the rank of Major before leaving the Army.

She opened her first private practice office in 2006 at The Walk at Highwoods Preserve, before moving to her current location in 2020.

This year marks not only the 20th anniversary of Dr. Mitchell’s practice in New Tampa, but also 10 years since her two maltese-shih tzu pups Max and Mandy joined the office staff. They were named after the maxillary and mandibular jaws, and Dr. Mitchell says they are trained to provide comfort to her patients.

Dr. Mitchell says patient education is key to her practice. She uses modern tools to ensure patients understand how to best care for their teeth.

“We’re using AI to help us diagnose cavities in their earliest stages,” Dr. Mitchell explains.

At that point, she can use medicine to treat cavities without fillings. She also often recommends an oral disinfectant to reduce bacteria in the mouth to help prevent tooth decay.

“With fluoride being removed from the water over the past year,” she says, “we’ve already noticed an increase in cavities in our patients. Prevention is now more important than ever.”

She explains that fluoride in our water provided an extra layer of protection against cavities, but it has been removed throughout the state of Florida since July 2025. “The best thing people can do to prevent cavities is reduce the amount of sugar in their diets,” she says. “That’s the biggest factor in cavity formation.”

In addition, she offers her patients the option of purchasing prescription fluoride toothpaste, using over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses and having a fluoride treatment during their dental cleaning appointments.

She says an annual checkup is the best prevention to catch problems early. When patients see her for their annual checkups, that’s when they get a personalized recommendation for cleanings, fluoride, or other treatments.

Dr. Mitchell and all of the hygienists in her office are trained to provide an in-depth oral cancer screening, as well. They ask questions to determine risk factors and recommend the screening to those at a higher risk.

“We look through autofluorescence lenses to highlight precancerous areas that normal eyesight could miss,” Dr. Mitchell says. “Prevention and early detection are key.”

In addition, her office provides same-day crowns so that patients only have to come in for one appointment if they need a crown.

“We’ve invested substantially in technology to be able to do that in-house,” she says. “I believe it provides an amazing quality in both product and service to the patient. The crowns last amazingly well, and the convenience of not having to return for a second visit is definitely a crowd pleaser. With everyone’s busy lives and schedules, they really appreciate it.”

The technology to create crowns in-office means patients don’t need a temporary crown, don’t need additional numbing at a separate appointment, and don’t have to wait weeks for an outside lab to make the crown. Traditional impressions are not needed, thanks to the office’s high-resolution iTero 3D scanner, which creates an accurate, digital model of the mouth. The crown is then designed and produced in the office, with high-precision results.

In addition to crowns, the practice offers a number of cosmetic procedures, including veneers and teeth whitening, and also offers implant dentistry. Sedation options are available, and some InvisalignTM aligner options for

straightening teeth are available, too.

“We get a lot of comments from people who haven’t been to the dentist for a long time,” says business manager Kayli Perrine. “They’re really nervous or they feel ashamed, but they say they feel really comfortable here.”

Dr. Mitchell says that’s intentional.

“We’re always glad when patients come in, even if it’s been a while. We’ll see where they’re at, and give them options for moving forward.”

Jessica Abraham is a Wesley Chapel resident who has been seeing Dr. Mitchell for the past six years. “They make you so comfortable from the time you walk in until the time you leave,” she says.

Jessica recently had to have a crown, and was thrilled with the same-day option at Dr. Mitchell’s office.

“I was nervous because this was my first crown, but they eased my anxiety,” she says. “They told me everything they were going to do before they did it.”

While she was waiting for her crown to be made, she felt cared for, with kind touches such as a blanket being offered to her.

“I know I can trust Dr. Mitchell,” Jessica says. “I trust her expertise, and also that she’s not going to suggest things I don’t need to get more money out of me.”

In fact, Jessica adds, she asked for an expen-

sive teeth-whitening option, and Dr. Mitchell told her she didn’t need that option, offering a treatment that costs about half as much.

“She’s great,” Jessica says.

Giving back to the community also is important to Dr. Mitchell. In addition to serving those in need through a nonprofit organization called Mission Smiles, she hosted an event last year called “Grateful Smiles for Veterans,” provid ing a cleaning, filling or extraction to local vets at no charge. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, July 31.

Dr. Nicole Mitchell’s office is located at 19651 BBD Blvd., Suite A-1, and is open Mon.- Thur., 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Fridays by appointment only. For more info or to make an appointment, call (813) 957-5887, visit Ni coleMitchellDMD.com, or see the ad on pg.

Michael Rudin Of Semper Fi Veteran Coaching Will Get You Your Benefits!

By Gary Nager

If you’re a military veteran — or you know a vet — who isn’t receiving all of the benefits you (or they) deserve, retired U.S. Marine Michael Rudin of Semper Fi Veteran Coaching is confident he can help you.

Semper Fi, which Mike formed less than a year ago, is under the auspices of Just 4 Veterans Enterprises, which was created to provide coach ing services tailored to the needs and circumstances of veterans, with the aim to increase their Veterans Administration (VA) ratings (see below).

“I was recruited by a friend with Just 4 Veterans, who told me this is a full-time job, but I already was working full-time for Citibank in leadership development,” he says. “My hope is to be successful enough with Semper Fi to be able to do this full time instead. And, I honestly think I’ll get there soon, maybe even by the end of this year.”

After retiring from the Marines after 20 years of dedicated service and moving to Florida in 2022, Mike is now living in Wesley Chapel with his wife Camila and their two sons, both of whom attend Kirkland Ranch Academy.

He retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant with a 100% P&T (Permanent & Total) VA disability rating — meaning that he is 100% disabled and that his condition is not expected to improve (see chart on next page). This guarantees that he will no longer have to be re-evaluated medically, provides him with maximum tax-free compensation and medical protection and ensures he receives additional benefits for his family.

Raised in New Jersey, Mike was in his senior year of high school during 9/11 and immediately enlisted in the Marines when he turned 18 in 2022. He spent the early portion of his career in logistics as a maintenance management specialist, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership and service. Later, he was selected for recruiting duty — a role that aligned perfectly with his passion for helping others.

What began as a special assignment turned into a calling, and he went on to spend more than 16 years as a mentor to young men and women, shaping futures and changing lives. He considers all military veterans to be his brothers and sisters and he just wants to ensure

that, especially when you are left with any kind of physical or even mental disability — from amputations to PTSD and everything in between — that you receive all of the benefits you deserve.

“It’s definitely a passion of mine to help my brothers and sisters who have been turned down for veterans’ benefits,” Mike says. “I don’t do this for the money. If you served our country, you need to receive what you deserve and my job is to know the ins and outs of the system to get you those benefits. It’s a rewarding career.”

Helping Alan

During our interview, Mike called two appreciative military vets he has helped, so they could tell me not only what he did to help them, but also about the work he did and his character.

The first was a former Army vet named Alan, who had been referred to Mike through a friend Mike had previously helped who had been stuck at a certain rating, “and I said, ‘Well, I’m stuck, too, so maybe he could help me.’”

Alan, who suffered from head and back injuries, anxiety and depression, told me that he was “stuck at the same rating for like 15 years.”

But, Mike said he documented everything about Alan’s case, which showed that his injuries were actually getting worse.

“Back injuries don’t improve over time,” Mike told him. “So, I combed through all of Alan’s medical records and got statements from him and his girlfriend to show how his injuries were affecting his job and his life. I looked at his prescriptions and all of his records of his doctor

visits and we put in for an increase and we got him from 90% to 100%, so now he’s at the max — and he’ll have his benefits for the rest of his life.”

Mike noted, however, that some people think that unless you’ve lost a limb, you’re not really disabled. “But, when you have anxiety and you’re on medications, that can affect your sleep,” Mike says. “When you have a back injury and have to sit for your job, your legs can go numb. That’s why you have to know how to present these things to get those benefits. Is everyone 100% disabled? Definitely not, but a lot of vets need an advocate to plead their case on their behalf.”

Alan also told me that not only did Mike call him “‘brother,’ like most Marines do, he actually treated me like a brother and he was very professional. Even though I was trying to get this increase for 15 years, I felt confident after my first 30-minute discussion with Mike that he was going to help me. He said ‘All you have to do is sign the contract’ and I didn’t hesitate at all. And he did get it done, in about 3-1/2 months.”

Helping Kenya

The second vet we spoke with during my interview with Mike was Kenya, who also was in the Army for ten years and got called up as a Reservist to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. She was severely burned after she was covered with hot grease during her service and also suffered a back injury. In addition, she had extreme PTSD because of ongoing sexual harassment. Even so, Kenya had been denied for benefits three times and was at a 0% disability rating. Not

only did a previous company not help her, “They told me I had gotten paid when I hadn’t received $1 and were demanding that I pay them,” Kenya said. “I was referred to Mike and he not only took care of that problem for me, he got me from 0% up to a 70% rating, by giving me a different strategy to go about getting it — and in less than a month-and-a-half total. It was so fast and easy that I couldn’t even believe it.”

Mike noted, “When you know what you have to show in order to get the benefits, it really is a much faster, smoother process.”

Kenya added, “I think I got approved like ten days after Mike submitted all of the paperwork. People were telling me, ‘That’s impossible,’ but it so frickin’ true. I’m still in shock.”

How Mike Gets Paid

No matter how much he wants to help and how great his results are, Mike still has to get paid for doing what he does. Here’s how it works:

• The veteran pays nothing up front and if Mike doesn’t get their disability rating improved or get the vet their the back pay they deserve, they still pay nothing.

•If Mike is successful in getting the veteran additional disability compensation, they pay a fivetimes multiple (four times multiple in Florida, different states have different limits) of the difference per month between what they were getting before and what they will receive after working with Mike. This can be a one-time payment or it can be spread into monthly payments for 10 months.

•In Alan’s case, he went from receiving (approximately) $2,300 at 90% disability to receiving $3,900 per month at 100%. That’s a difference of $1,600 per month. If you multiply that by five,

Key VA Disability Rating Levels

0% Rating (Non-Compensable): Recognizes a service-connected condition that does not cause severe impairment, often qualifying veterans for healthcare and other benefits.

10%-40% Rating: Compensable ratings for mild to moderate disabilities that cause some, but not total, impairment in work or daily life.

50% - 60% Rating: Considered severe, these levels allow for additional compensation for dependents and may qualify for special benefits like Individual Unemployability if the veteran cannot work.

70% - 90% Rating: Indicates very severe, high-level impairment that significantly restricts daily life.

100% Rating (Total Disability): Awarded when service-connected conditions completely hinder the ability to work.

Source: Warrior Allegiance

Alan then owed Mike $8,000, which he chose to pay in one lump payment. If he spread it out over 10 months, the total would be closer to $9,000.

“But, when you’re now making a tax-free income of almost $4,000 per month,” Mike says, “that’s about two months of your disability income. But then, you’ll have $4,000 per month tax-free for the rest of your life.”

He adds that he, “usually tells the vets, especially those with limited funds, to make the monthly payments instead, so they’d still have $3,000 per month coming in for those ten months.

Both Alan and Kenya agree that Mike’s efforts are worth every penny of that amount.

For a free consultation with Mike Rudin and Semper Fi Veteran Coaching, call or text (609) 244-0437. For more info, see the ad on pg. 44 or visit Just4Veterans.com.

•Wellness Dentistry for kids and teens

•Holistic nutritional counseling for teeth and gums

•Ozone therapy for oral care

•Recommendation of non-toxic materials

•Sedation dentistry (nitrous oxide) and Sedation

•Invisalign First for children & Invisalign Teen

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

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

•Relaxed environment, so your children can enjoy their visit

Get Professional Advice From Chris Assefa Of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

With more than two decades of experience working in the insurance industry, Chris Assefa knows one thing for sure.

Insurance, especially when it comes to health care — and, specifically, Medicare — can be very confusing.

Chris is an insurance broker whose license, regulated by the Florida Department of Finance, allows her to sell life insurance, health insurance and variable annuities anywhere in the state. She also is licensed in Georgia and New York. Chris founded Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, which has had its office on E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Tampa, since 2019.

“My first love is educating people on Medicare,” Chris says.

She says that’s because it’s really too confusing — and things change too often — for the average person turning age 65 to try to navigate Medicare without objective, professional help.

“What does it mean to have Medicare?,” she asks. “What are the parts, what does it cover, and what does it not cover? And, what are your options if you don’t stay on original Medicare?”

In fact, Chris says that some of the confusion comes from the abundant commercials and other marketing tactics that try to convince people to choose one Medicare plan over another.

Her advice is to go to an insurance broker who is unbiased and knowledgeable, one who can help you to choose the plan that’s best for you.

“Our mantra,” she says, “is helping, resolv-

Licensed

independent insurance broker Chris Assefa of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions can help you navigate the complexities of Medicare, “Obamacare” and other insurance plans, plus financial planning. (Photos by Charmaine George)

ing and relieving one person at a time.”

Chris provides highly personalized advice that is tailored to your unique situation.

“It doesn’t matter to me which carrier or plan you go with,” Chris explains. “I’m a consultant to help you figure out which one of the carriers — and which of that carrier’s products — are going to best meet your needs.”

She builds long-term relationships with her clients so that, year after year, when the Medicare Open Enrollment period comes along (from Oct. 15-Dec. 7 every year), she can help each client choose the exact product that’s best for them.

Plans from carriers such as Florida Blue,

Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare and others change annually, as do the rules surrounding

It’s her job to know and understand the changes. For example, this year, many people on Medicare plans had changes to their prescription drug coverage. While out-of-pocket costs may be lower, some deductibles are actually higher. And, many people lost benefits such as an allowance for over-the-counter items and food.

Chris says that no matter what changes have happened — whether or not you knew the changes were happening to your plan — literally anytime is a good time to sit down and review your plan.

“Sometimes, a qualifying life event can allow people to make changes outside of the election period,” she says, such as being affected by a natural disaster or moving. “There are lots of conversations that can be had, to see how we might be able to make a change.”

Chris also can help with the separate Open Enrollment period from Jan. 1-Mar. 31 each year for those who have a Medicare Advantage plan to switch their plan or return to original Medicare.

Health Insurance, Obamacare & More

And, for people who don’t qualify for Medicare, but who still need health insurance, Chris can help you find a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans are regulated by the federal government and are also referred to as Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans or “Obamacare.”

“Especially if you’re self-employed, let’s have that conversation to give you peace of mind,” she says. “You never know what you might learn.”

There is no charge to work with Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, and Chris promises it’s worth your time to talk with her about all of the options available to you.

Annie Rudolf agrees that working with Chris has been helpful to her and her husband, Council, who are retired and on Medicare. They say they have benefited from their relationship with her for the last two or three years.

“Chris helps us with our insurance coverage and what’s best for us,” Annie says. “It’s very confusing, but she’s very helpful, and very personal.”

Annie adds that they previously worked with other agents they weren’t as comfortable with — agents who only reached out to them during the Open Enrollment period.

But, she says, Chris calls to check in, and they call her whenever they have a question.

“For example, we might call her for a medication change,” Annie says. “Is it covered or not?”

Chris also helped their son find insurance coverage when he aged out of their policy.

“She compared coverages and payments, and looked to see if his doctors were covered,” Annie says. “She was very helpful.”

Annie adds, “I would recommend her to others. She’s been able to answer all of our questions. She’s knowledgeable, and asks a lot of questions. She’s very determined to get what’s best for her clients.”

Financial Help, Too

In addition to helping people with insurance, Chris also advises clients on how to hold on to their hard-earned money, mitigate risk and consider strategies to help them financially.

“Are you 100% sure you’re going to have a great retirement, or do you have some doubt?” Chris asks, adding that she helps people analyze the rate of return on their savings and investments, adjusted for inflation, to be sure they know how long they have to work and what age can they retire — if they don’t do anything differently than what they’re doing now.

This includes looking at debt, and ways to pay it off without paying additional monthly costs.

Chris also provides a visual to her clients that illustrates their personal economics, including their lifetime income, and what they can do with that money.

In addition to high-yield savings accounts, some people save using tools such investment ac-

counts (401ks, traditional or Roth IRAs), or even life insurance), which Chris says is a misunderstood and underutilized financial strategy.

With her insurance license, Chris can help people identify a properly structured life insurance policy that will help them to meet their financial goals.

She also is working to become certified with the Circle of Wealth financial planning system, which provides software and resources for her clients. Chris currently is using Circle of Wealth strategies for herself, and appreciates that it gives visual ways of picturing a client’s financial situation.

While she also uses other tools, Chris feels that those from Circle of Wealth are the most robust in looking at “what if” scenarios.

Just like when she helps clients with health insurance, Chris gets tremendous satisfaction from seeing people learn more and make choices that make their personal situations better.

“Some people may be unknowingly and unnecessarily losing money because of how they think about their finances and how they’re structured,” Chris explains. “I help people understand that they can make adjustments to be more financially efficient.”

For all of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions services, Chris is happy to meet clients in their homes or wherever is most convenient for them. She also can meet with them in her office at 3407 E.Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., if that’s what they prefer. And, she says, there is never a cost to clients for working with Chris.

For more information about Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, call Chris Assefa at (813) 360-1884 or visit BleuSkysInsurance.com. Or, see the ad on page 42.

Paul James Monsanto, P.A.

The Law Offices Of Matthew J. Jowanna — 20+ Years Of ‘Let Matt Do That!’

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

When Dante Terrana moved from Con necticut to Florida five years ago, he assumed he would be safer riding his bicycle in Florida’s bike lanes, something he didn’t have access to in Connecticut.

What he didn’t expect was to cycle over to Flatwoods Park, complete a 50-mile ride and, when he was almost home on County Line Rd., to be hit by a car whose driver wasn’t paying at tention. “The driver T-boned me and knocked me out,” Dante says. “Luckily, I had full gear and a helmet, because, according to witnesses, I went pretty high in the air before I slammed into the ground.”

It wasn’t until a few weeks later that Dante realized he was going to need help to get the compensation he would need to cover his medi cal expenses and replace his expensive bicycle.

“I didn’t have a lot of interaction with the legal system or health care system in my history,” he says. “But I knew I needed to engage an injury attorney.”

He reached out to attorney Matt Jowanna at The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A., in the Windguard Professional Center off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. The firm specializes in personal injury, estate planning and probate.

The firm’s website, LetMattDoThat.com, expresses what Dante says he wanted, to “Let Matt Do That.” He says he was happy to let Matt handle his personal injury case.

more recently. “Farral focuses on estate planning and probate, while I handle personal injury and insurance cases,” Matt explains. “Farral previously worked at a big law firm in Washington, D.C., and brings a wealth of experience and compassion to the firm.”

She helps clients create a will, living trust, or estate plan and also represents clients in probate matters when a loved one passes away.

Farral earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in Gainesville, graduating as Valedictorian of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She then earned her J.D. degree from UF’s Levin College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Florida, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Small, But Mighty!

Matt says the firm’s niche is that it is a small firm serving the local neighborhood, but with big experience.

“There are a lot of lawyers out there,” he says, “but we give people the personal attention they deserve.”

“We want to be your local, neighborhood, hometown law firm,” Matt says, “providing the quality of a fancy downtown Tampa law office.”

Matt celebrated 20 years of serving New Tampa and Wesley Chapel on Feb. 20 of this year. He opened the firm in 2006, after working as an attorney in downtown Tampa since 1994.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Broadcasting & Mass Communications from the University of South Florida in

Tampa and worked for a number of Tampa Bay-area radio and TV stations for seven years before pursuing his law degree. Matt earned his Juris Doctor (J.D., or law) degree from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. He also completed a prestigious postdoctoral Legum Magister (LL.M., or “Master of Laws”) degree from the University of Notre Dame, in Notre Dame, IN.

Attorney Farral A. Haber joined the firm

Dante says that personal attention was exactly what he needed.

“Matt worked with me personally throughout the duration of my case,” Dante says. “I didn’t have to go through other people, didn’t have to call and leave messages and wait to hear back. He was very communicative.”

He says the person who hit him didn’t have sufficient insurance, so he had to seek compensation from his own insurance company.

“Matt helped me understand the process, what we were up against, and avoided wasting time chasing things that wouldn’t be productive,” Dante says. “He was organized and very methodical.”

He adds that Matt was very helpful in making sure Dante saw a variety of doctors to conduct all of the appropriate tests and create a complete record of all of his injuries. Matt helped Dante manage that process.

It took two years for Dante’s case to be resolved, which he said was frustrating, but he understands that the legal system moves slowly.

“I’m glad Matt was there to be involved over that time,” Dante says. “You go through periods of time where there’s not a lot happening. His level of communication was very helpful and appreciated, especially when you’re not feeling great, to know someone’s got your back on the legal side.”

Matt says when you call his office, you’ll work directly with either him or Farral.

“In this line of work, experience matters much more than size,” he says. “You can be a very large law firm with very little experience. When you work with those large firms, the lawyer you see on TV is not the lawyer who will be working on your file.”

Seeing What Others Might Not

Matt says the many years of experience that he and Farral bring to your case means they see distinctions in cases that newer attorneys might not recognize.

“We recently had an interesting issue with a nuance in the law that might not have been recognized by many other lawyers,” he says,

“and we ended up winning the case.”

It involved a life insurance policy, where a named beneficiary believed they were entitled to 100 percent of the policy’s benefit. However, the law actually required a different apportionment, pursuant to a marital settlement agreement.

Matt says the law generally has exceptions, “but you wouldn’t want to go to the lawyer who hasn’t been doing this work long enough to know that or recognize that.”

Matt says his firm offers absolutely free initial consultations in every practice area.

“Our staff is very caring and compassionate and has a vast array of experience, from customer service to law,” Matt says.

He wants his neighborhood firm always wants to be sure that people in our community are cared for when planning their future with estate plans, wills and trusts — or if they reach out to him in a time of need, as Dante did.

“I still have pain and will have it the rest of my life,” Dante says. “It’s not something I can just get over. I enjoy cycling and am trying to ride more, but I don’t ride anywhere there are cars now.”

Although the accident has changed him, Dante says he is grateful for the help he received from Matt. “He took care of any concerns I had early on and addressed them quickly,” Dante says. “My entire experience working with him was great.”

The Law Offices of Matthew J. Jowanna, P.A., are located at 2521 Windguard Cir. in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call (813)929-7300, visit LetMattDoThat.com, or see the ad on page 37 of this issue.

Florida Avenue Brewing Company — So Much More Than Just A Great Local Brewery!

By Gary Nager

I remember being so pumped when Florida Avenue Brewing Company first opened its second location (the original is still in Seminole Heights) in the former location of Sports + Field on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel near the end of 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic was winding down. The on-site brewery (more on that below) wouldn’t be operational for almost another year, but it was exciting to me that Florida Ave. was a big, non-chain real restaurant with an elevated, better-than-sportsbar menu that included items that became instant favorites of mine — such as Chinese sticky ribs and Korean-style bibimbap bowls, to name just two.

But, the restaurant was just really finding its way at that time and has since been through, “I believe, five executive chefs since then,” says general manager Monroe Brown (left in top photo), who was a server and mostly bartender at the location when it first opened. “But, we’re really happy with the most recent version of the menu and our current executive chef — Baxter McManamy.” (right in top photo)

I’ll have to second that, even though both of those early favorites of mine are no longer offered. And, despite having been with Florida Ave. for about a year now, Baxter isn’t taking credit for most of the new menu items, although he will say that he’s tweaked some of the recipes and given his sous chefs an opportunity to present new ideas to make the menu better, too.

All I can tell you is that the new formula is working. Jannah and I honestly avoided Florida Ave. the last couple of years because it seemed like it was turning into just another sports pub, but....

Check It Out Now!

If you check out the food pictures on these pages, I think it’s pretty clear that Baxter, Monroe, the Derby family — Anthony, Amanda and their mom, Toni — and Florida Ave. are definitely back on the right track food-wise.

In the top photo on this page, Monroe is holding a super-tasty new Rice & Bean Bowl, with adobo rice, “Rollin’ Derby” black beans, avocado and pickled red onions with “bistro steak,” Baxter says. “It’s a little tougher than filet mignon, but has a flavor similar to NY strip.”

Speaking of Baxter, he’s holding a tasty double-patty Florida Ave. Smash Burger, with sautéed onions, bacon, American cheese and roasted jalapeño aioli on a brioche bun and a side

of loaded hand-cut fries. Every burger on the menu also is made to pair with one of Florida Ave.’s beers, including the burger I mentioned, which the menu says should be paired with a Flipa American IPA, but that’s up to you.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, perhaps try my favorite new menu item that photographer Charmaine George and I sampled on our most recent visit — the Gulf Coast mahi Fish ‘N’ Chips (right). I’ve never seen any restaurant use mahi for fish & chips, but it was beer-battered (“We beer-batter a lot of our dishes,” Baxter said. “Why wouldn’t we?”), super-crisp and snow-white inside. Oh, and it was frickin’ delicious, too. It didn’t even need the house-made tartar sauce.

Speaking of fresh, before we move on, Monroe and Baxter invited me into Florida Ave.’s super-clean kitchen and showed me that while there are two huge, walk-in refrigerators in there, the freezer is about the size of one of the little ones you’d find in your neighbor’s garage.

“We just really don’t freeze anything here,” Baxter said. “We make most everything fresh.”

Another one of my new favorite options is the General Tso’s cauliflower (right). It’s served

crispy outside, tender inside and the Gen eral Tso’s sauce is sweet and a little spicy. I probably will order the spicy aioli on the side next time, just to keep the cauliflower at its peak crispness.

Another new favorite of mine is the new French onion dip handheld (just to the right of the cauliflower). It features shaved ribeye, mozzarella and provolone, with a zesty horseradish cream on a toasted Amoroso roll. But, the big difference is the French onion broth that really gives this

particular French dip a flavor all its own.

That same delicious flavor is encased in Florida Ave.’s tasty crock of French onion soup (below), which properly covers the broth and toasted bread with a combo of melted mozzarella and provolone cheese, which almost mimics the more traditional taste of French gruyere.

Another recent addition is the Seasonal Grazing Board (above). For March, this selection of artisanal bites included Irish-style sausage, pretzel bites, kalamata olives, two kinds of cheese, red onions and a chunky tomato chutney. The seasonal board is made to pair with a four-beer flight. If you’re a beer drinker (I’m

was the Dead Parrot light lager, but Charmaine preferred the Luminescence Hazy IPA.

And, although I’m not a big salmon eater and can’t eat shrimp, Charmaine raved about both the BLT salad (above) — with chopped romaine hearts, candied bacon, blue cheese crumbles, heirloom cherry tomatoes, chives, ranch dressing and balsamic glaze — which she had topped with blackened salmon that she said was flaky and delicately spiced; and the grilled Coastal Lime Shrimp tacos (above right). She loved the tequila lime aioli slaw and the fresh pico de gallo on top of the tacos.

Even though we didn’t have room for dessert, we both still made room because the two house-made Florida Ave. desserts we sampled were both just so good!

Charmaine’s favorite was the warm coconut cake (bottom left), which swims in a pool of delicious rum sauce and is topped with grilled pineapple and whipped cream. Decadent.

But, my new favorite dessert is the Basque (Spanish-style) cheesecake (bottom right). The menu calls it “irresistible” and that’s pretty spoton. The tender crust has a delicious char, but the

cheesecake itself is as creamy as a true NY-style, but not as dense, and as light and airy as an Italian-style ricotta-based cheesecake, but with a better texture and flavor. It didn’t need the fresh berry coulis, but the end result was spectacular!

But,

What If We Want To Drink?

I’m so glad you asked. Jannah and I always sit in the comfy high-top bar chairs at Florida Ave., which has a big advantage over most other breweries in that it has a full, premium liquor bar, not just beer and wine. So, even though neither of us are partial to the interesting selection of Craft Cocktails on the menu (she would get the “That’s My Jam,” with Tito’s vodka and a tropical syrup flavor, but would substitute club soda for the Regatta ginger beer it comes with), she has had excellent Cosmos at the bar and my Jameson is always perfect. However, you Old Fashioned lovers will probably flip for the variety of “Cask Crafted” Old Fashioneds.

Florida Ave. also recently added a “Taproom Brunch” every Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with items like warm French toast bites, avocado toast, a breakfast flatbread (with sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, borracha salsa and shredded mozzarella, topped with micro cilantro) and more. The brunch menu also includes bottomless mimosas and “bromosas” (OJ with your choice of Florida Ave.’s Dead Parrot, Luminescence Hazy IPA or You’re My Boy Blue). There’s even a mimosa flight served with four different kinds of juice. For lunch every weekday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Florida Ave. offers a “Pint & Plate” lunch, with your choice of soup or salad, paired with one of five different main courses (a flatbread, smash burger, tacos, a chicken Caesar wrap or chicken parm or Milanese Brew Pub Sub) and one free draft beer, or soft drinks or coffee for just $15.

p.m. and all night on Wed., from 3 p.m.-close), Florida Ave. offers its year-round draft beers for $5.25, specialty rotating draft beers from $6.25, sparkling, white or red house wines for just $6 and well & specialty cocktails for $7. There’s also a variety of Hoppy Hour “bites” for $5 (for cheese curds, loaded fries, crispy cauliflower & more), $7 (for flatbreads or chicken wings) or $9 (for tacos or Nashville chicken sliders).

And, of course, Florida Ave. also has a great fenced-in open area out back, with its own bar and table service, as well as arcade games inside for the kids, plus private indoor areas for catered meetings and events.

Now, let me see...what I am forgetting?

Of course...BEER! Not only is the Wesley Chapel Florida Ave. one of the largest independent breweries in Florida, which provides cans of its now-famous brews, ciders and seltzers to other bars, it offers a huge variety of its rotating, house-brewed beverages to its happy customers.

But, don’t take my word for it. Florida Ave. has more than 1,200 5-star reviews on Google, including Sabine M., who wrote, “This has to be one of the best breweries in the area. Every beer is delicious....They have amazing lunch deals...really cool space. A great place to meet up with friends.”

And, every Saturday, you can even bring your group on a tour of the brewery for just $12 per person, which includes a beer and a souvenir pint glass. You must be 21 for the tours, all sales are final and they should be booked in advance.

As Monroe says, “If it’s been a while, come give us another try!.”

Florida Ave. Brewing Co. is located at 2029 Arrowgrass Dr., Wesley Chapel. For more info, call or send a message to (813) 452-6333, visit FloridaAveBrewing.com or see

You’re Entitled To Your Opinion, But I Think NY NY Pizza Is Wesley Chapel’s Best!

By Gary Nager

The first time I ever had New York New York (aka NY NY) Pizza, my friend Suzi had just finished her set at an Open Mic night at The Improv in Ybor City in 2007 and all of the comics went to NY NY’s take-out window on 7th Ave. for a slice.

As a native New Yawka who had moved to Wesley Chapel 14 years earlier, I was impressed enough with the crust, sauce, cheese and overall flavor of that first slice that when I was told, in 2012, that NY NY was opening a location in Wesley Chapel, I was excited to meet the owner, Freddy Mamudi, and tell him how much I enjoyed that first slice (with pepperoni and Italian sausage) and just how much I was looking forward to his 2013 opening on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.

NY NY has been in my top two or three favorite pizza places in Wesley Chapel (or New Tampa) ever since, at one point just behind the former La Prima Pizza (which originally opened as the second location of Pizza Suprema) in the Target shopping center, and neck-and-neck with Amici Pizza on Wesley Chapel Blvd.

When La Prima closed in 2019, NY NY became #1 in my book, especially once I sampled NY NY’s “Grandma’s pizza” (below), which most NY-style pizza places now serve but which wasn’t even a thing yet when I left the Big Apple in 1993.

In my opinion, NY NY’s crisp, thin crust is the closest to true NYC pizza locally and the sauce and mozzarella cheese are spot-on. But, the garlicky sauce and fresh basil on NY NY’s Grandma’s pizza has made it competition for my favorite, along with the restaurant’s pepperoni and sausage pizza.

These days, the Wesley Chapel location is one of nine that Freddy at least co-owns. He keeps his hand in every location because he insists that all of his partners — like his cousin Disi Musa (at right in the top photo, with Freddy) — have worked at another of his locations for years before giving them the opportunity to partner in their own locations. Disi worked for Freddy since 2008 in Ybor and was

me on my most recent visit with photographer Charmaine George. “If everyone puts their own spin on our recipes, it’s no longer the NY NY pizza our customers have come to expect.”

When you visit NY NY Pizza for the first time, instead of a pie, I suggest trying four or five different slices — since most or all of these are available every day in the display case next to the cash register. Get one Grandma’s; one regular cheese; one pepperoni, sausage or meat lovers slice; one of whatever your favorite specialty slice may be and one square Sicilian slice (definitely the most authentic crust and flavor of any Sicilian that I’ve sampled in the Tampa Bay area; more on this below). I’ve never been a big fan of “white” pizza or veggie pizza, but if these or other “Gourmet” slices are your go-tos,

nor its Sicilian slices could touch NY NY. I’m fine if you disagree, but I say try both places for yourself and tell me which you really like better.

Other Stuff, Too

Although it’s hard for me to venture away from NY NY’s pizza, I do enjoy a lot of the place’s other menu items.

The chef’s salad, with rolled ham, turkey and cheese and lots of fresh veggies, is good, as is the big portion of lasagna. I told Freddy and Disi that I’d prefer to see a little thicker sauce on the lasagna, but the amount and flavor of the ground beef and ricotta cheese stuffing were both spot-on. I also enjoyed the penne alla vodka, to which I added grilled chicken. Both the lasagna and the penne were served with tasty toasted garlic bread on my most recent visit, because the usual yummy garlic knots on the menu weren’t made yet that day (Charmaine and I were there fairly early).

NY NY’s “Family Meal” deals (see below and the ad on pg. 43 for details).

And, even the extra-crispy French fries are really excellent.

Daniel Friley.

We also were genuinely impressed with both NY NY’s baked crispy and zesty mild Buffalo wings (which also are available in hot, hot garlic, teriyaki, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, BBQ & hot BBQ, lemon pepper and mango habanero). The wings are available as extras in

But, while I’ve never had a calzone or stromboli at NY NY (I really don’t love those anywhere), I have enjoyed NY NY’s properly oven-baked meatball and chicken parmigiana subs. What I didn’t expect, to be honest, was how much I’d appreciate NY NY’s Philly cheesesteak, although I definitely won’t claim that it’s authentic Phillystyle — and that’s what I like about it! I’ve had both Pat’s and Gino’‘s and a couple of others in Philadelphia and I prefer NY NY’s oven-crisp sub rolls to the traditional, soft Amoroso rolls in Philly and you can give me the real mozzarella over that city’s usual cheese sauce every time. NY NY’s grilled onions and peppers were properly sautéed to tender and the overall flavor was outstanding.

Meal Deals & Specials

In the previously mentioned ad on pg. 43, you’ll find a number of “meal deals” and spe-

cials that will please your wallet nearly as much as they please your appetite. The Family Meal Deal includes one extra-large one-topping pizza, 10 wings and six garlic knots for just $39.99, or upgrade it to two XL pizzas for just $59.99.

The Pasta Special includes two baked pastas and six garlic knots for just $25.99, while the Pizza Special is one medium one-topping pizza and one hot appetizer for $19.99. There also is a Sandwich Special (2 hot or cold subs, with fries, for $25.99) and Every Day Slice Specials with a drink ($8 for two cheese slices, $10 for pepperoni and $12 for two Gourmet slices). And, if you mention the Neighborhood News when you call or pick up, you’ll save 10%.

Try NY NY for great pizza and great people! NY NY Pizza (3757 BBD Blvd.) is open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For more info, call (813) 528-8771, visit NYNYPizzeria.com or see the ad on pg. 43. Online ordering and delivery are available.

Naz’s Halal To Open In Former Hangry Joe’s Location On WC Blvd.

When we first told you last October that the Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Unit 102 (next to the Brooklyn Water Bagel Co.), had closed, we also mentioned that the second hot chicken res taurant at that location (King of the Coop the first) was going to be replaced by an “exciting Halal Concept.”

Well, we now know that the new eatery will be Naz’s Halal — which started as a food truck in Queens, NY, in 2009, and today has an exist ing location at 1815 E. Fowler Ave., as well as 60 total locations in 13 states.

The Naz’s Halal menu includes popular Mediterranean sandwiches and bowls — includ ing chicken, lamb, beef, fish and combos (above) as well as falafels (right) and other veggie dishes.

Wesley Chapel location owner Kartik Patel says the concept is “Good food done fast, but not fast food.” Patel says he hopes to have the Wesley Chapel location of Naz’s Halal open by sometime next month or May of this year, at the latest.

For more information — or to order from the Naz’s Halal on E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa — visit NazsHalal.com. — GN

Two Rivers Planning To Add A Third Brewery To The Wesley Chapel Area?

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

Growth in and around Wesley Chapel can feel a little scary/unwanted at times, as new roads, new rooftops and new developments seem to continue to pop up in the local landscape almost overnight.

But, alongside that rapid change comes something exciting — a glimpse of what our community might look like in the future.

One of the latest ideas quietly floating around in development plans could bring something many local residents already enjoy — a new brewery. If the concept comes to life, it would mark what would effectively become the third brewery serving Wesley Chapel and the nearby surrounding area.

Local craft beer fans already know the two that helped put our area on the map: Florida Avenue Brewing Co. on S.R. 56 (see pg. 34) and Double Branch Artisanal Ales at The Grove.

Now, plans emerging from the massive Two Rivers development — located just east of Morris Bridge Rd. in Zephyrhills, but looking very much like an extension of Wesley Chapel — hint that another brewery could eventually join the local lineup.

The potential site of the new brewery is inside the Two Rivers community, specifically in the Two Rivers West section (see map).

According to conceptual plans (see rendering above left), the brewery would be located roughly a quarter of a mile behind a proposed

Publix on S.R. 56, and just off the roundabout that leads residents to an upcoming resort-style private club known as “The Landing.”

But, the brewery itself might only be part of the story. The concept appears within a planned village-style retail district called Hawthorn Village (labeled “SITE” on the map), which is being developed by Two Rivers developer the Eisenhower Property Group.

Leasing materials from Colliers describe the village center as a 42,000-square-foot hub for specialty restaurants and boutique retail.

At the heart of the project would be an outdoor event lawn designed to host community gatherings, holiday celebrations and

al fresco dining. The hypothetical brewery concept even suggests it could share space with a coffee shop and restaurant on the same property, creating more of a social hub than just another place to grab a pint.

In many ways, that’s the bigger story.

Village-style centers like this are becoming a defining feature of many modern master-planned communities. Instead of long commercial strips, these smaller walkable hubs are designed to bring neighbors together for food, entertainment, and local events.

Two Rivers itself is being planned with 13 distinct villages and a long list of lifestyle amenities, including the aforementioned

The Landing private social club, a Pasco K-8 school, the Peak Surf Park, a proposed golf course on the Hillsborough side of Two Rivers, plus miles of scenic nature trails, kids’ play areas and resort-style pools.

If Hawthorn Village does eventually land a brewery, it would certainly be a welcome addition for many residents.

But, more important is that it signals the continued evolution of our area — from a quiet suburban crossroads into a place building its own identity, gathering spaces and community traditions. While many long-time local residents aren’t happy about this transformation, it is happening.

And, if that new identity happens to include a few good local beers along the way, many neighbors probably won’t complain.

Olive Garden & Seasons 52 Coming To WC Blvd. At Gateway Blvd.! Yard House Unconfirmed But Now Rumored To Be The Front Runner To Replace Bahama Breeze On S.R. 56

By Gary Nager

Research by Joel Provenzano

The restaurant rumor mill in the Wesley Chapel area has been swirling even more recently, with the previously announced planned closure and rebranding of the Bahama Breeze Island Grill on the north side of S.R. 56.

At almost the same time, the construction of the previously announced Olive Garden restaurant, located at the intersection of Wesley Chapel Blvd. (aka S.R. 54), Gateway Blvd. and Centerline Dr. (see map), began with clearing of the land for what is bing called the Gateway Plaza Retail Center, which also will feature a dental office and a second previously unnamed restaurant.

After reading on one of the local Facebook groups that the second restaurant was going to be Seasons 52, I then had my research guy and correspondent Joel Provenzano look into the development plan and Joel did find that Seasons 52 is indeed the second restaurant coming to that site — even though Seasons 52 also was announced as one of the Darden Restaurant brands that could replace Bahama Breeze on S.R. 56.

We will keep you posted on the progress of Olive Garden and Seasons 52, but having those two Darden Brands now coming to Wesley Chapel Blvd. less than 5 miles from Bahama Breeze, seems to have narrowed even further the possible options to replace the island-themed eatery across from the Tampa Premium Outlets.

The Wesley Chapel area’s existing Darden

Above is an absolutely not-to-scale NN composite map showing the existing businesses on the south side of Wesley Chapel (WC) Blvd. between Old Pasco Rd. & Gateway Blvd., with the site plan for the now-under-construction Gateway Plaza Retail Center superimposed to show the approximate location of Olive Garden (“OG” on map) and Seasons 52 (“S52”). The project also will include a dental office that will have its entrance off Gateway Blvd. The map shows Centerline Dr., which starts behind Slim Chickens, intersecting with the new plaza, but does not actually properly show where WC Blvd. & Gateway Blvd. connect to it. (NN map created by Valerie Wegener; map sources: Google Maps & Pasco County)

Brands already include Longhorn Steakhouse, Chuy’s, Cheddars Scratch Kitchen and now Olive Garden and Seasons 52. That leaves only Darden’s most upscale

restaurants — Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Capital Grille, plus Yard House sports pub, with Yard House rumored (also in online chat we’ve seen) to be

the front runner. But, with Bahama Breeze still 12-18 months from being repurposed and no official announcement yet forthcoming from Darden, all we can say is we’ll keep you posted.

Fresh Monkee’s Fun ‘Grand Launch’ Five Guys On County Line Rd. Has Closed

franchise owners Venkat (Phani) Mukkavilli and Swapna Gorantla, of Fresh Monkee Wesley Chapel protein shake shop (which actually is located at 6417 E. County Line Rd. in New Tampa, next to the new Aldi supermarket). Fresh Monkee hosted its “Grand Launch” and North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on Feb. 7.

At least 100 people came out to enjoy 50% off all of Fresh Monkee’s delicious, healthy protein shakes that day, and five attendees picked a “Golden Straw” and won a free shake every month for a year, including Al Tieden (bottom left), plus other great prizes by spinning a prize wheel.

& employees, who worked relentlessly to deliver a great event.”

If you’ve recently driven by the Five Guys Burger & Fries located across the parking lot from Fresh Monkee (left), and next to the Max’s Pet Market & Salon (photo) at 6431 E. County Line Rd., you’re already aware that this location — which is hidden from view from both Bruce B.Downs (BBD) Blvd. and County Line Rd. — has closed (its last day was March 15).

One of the other store owners in the same plaza told me that they had heard that this location was Five Guys corporate-owned and that, “The company apparently looked at the store’s numbers and decided that it was time to just shut it down.”

The same store owner also said that, “They literally came here on [Mar. 16] and took out most of the equipment, tore down the sign, packed it all onto a truck and drove away.”

is expected to move into the now-empty Five Guys, although no one yet knows exactly when the new eatery is planning to open or its name.

In the meantime, please note that Five Guys not only still has more than 1,900 locations in operation around the world, it actually is expanding those numbers.

For New Tampa and Wesley Chapel residents who still need their Five Guys burger, fries, shakes and unlimited peanuts “fix,” the franchised locations at 25599 Sierra Center Blvd., across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets, and at 28894 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54, in Wesley Chapel, are both still very much open and hoping to see you soon.

We’ll keep you posted about the restaurant planned for the now-vacated Five Guys space.

Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera joined the partners and their families to cut the NTBC ribbon (top two photos).

“Our successful Grand Opening is the result of teamwork, preparation and strong leadership,” Phani said. “Kudos and cheers to our entire Fresh Monkee franchise team, owners

He also thanked the Fresh Monkee corporate team for strongly supporting the Grand Launch and for everyone who attended the event.

For more information about the Fresh Monkee Wesley Chapel location, visit FreshMonkee.com/location/wesley-chapel-fl. —

We also have now been told by multiple sources that a Middle Eastern shawarma shop

For ordering and more information about Five Guys Burgers & Fries, visit FiveGuys.com. — GN

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Jay’s Kitchen Indian Cuisine Opens On BBD

If you’re looking for authentic — and I mean really authentic — (mostly) South India-style Indian cuisine, do what it’s clear many people of Indian descent already seem to know — give Jay’s Kitchen located in the former location of Sorimmara at 17501 Preserve Walk Ln., Suite #103, in the Highwoods Preserve are just north of the Bruce B.Downs Blvd. exit off I-75 (next to Smoothie King).

Open for less than two months, Jay’s Kitchen offers a lunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays, for $21.99 per adult and $15.99 for children under age 12. I’ll admit that on my first visit, I honestly didn’t recognize the names of most of the dishes being served during the buffet. Yes, Jay’s Kitchen serves its own version of the hakka noodles (right) I enjoy at most Indian restaurants, but pretty much everything else I sampled was a mys terious, mostly spicy adventure, from the veg Manchuria and stuffed mirch bajji (both fried veggie dishes) shown above to perugu vada and kaju panasakaya and kakaraya ullikaram.

Gronk Co-Founded Greenlane Salads & Wraps Has Opened On S.R.

If you haven’t yet tried the new Greenlane Salads and Wraps drive-through location at 24801 S.R. 54 in Lutz (next to Los Chapos Tacos and the now-closed Fazoli’s), photographer Charmaine George, Jannah and I all urge you to go ahead and give it a shot.

We all agree that co-founders Chris Kern (far right) and former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Bucs tight end Rob Gronkow ski are onto something with this growing local mini-chain that is now up to five locations.

We all have our own favorites — Jannah loves The Gronk wrap below left (she’s also now had it as a salad bowl), with roasted broccoli (which Jannah calls “amazing”), roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, green onions and cheddar Jack cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce with Greenlane Goddess dressing. Charmaine’s fave is the Tuscan Sun salad bowl (below center), with pepperoncini, crispy chickpeas, marinated mozzarella, salami, grape tomatoes and Italian vinaigrette on a bed of romaine. She liked it with the grilled steak shown below, but says she definitely will try it with the grilled chicken next time.

I already have three favorites — the caprese salad (above left), with nut-free basil pesto mozzarella, Florida ripe cherry tomatoes and house-made balsamic vinaigrette; the ginger sesame crunch wrap (bottom right) and the Cobb wrap. You can order any of these as a wrap or a salad and everything is customizable to your exact specifications. There also are smoothies and slushies on the menu. In our

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