Volume 34 Issue 22 October 27, 2026 Scan the QR code to your left with your phone to access our website!
The Hub At Lexington Hosts A Truly Grand Opening Event!
Early Rains Turned Into A Great Evening To Get To Know Most Of The Restaurants & Shops At The Hub By Gary Nager
We live in Florida, so we all know that it’s not unusual when an event and the always-possible afternoon rains start at the same time. That was definitely the case on Oct. 16, when The Hub at Lexington — the 40,000-sq.-ft. “eatertainment” venue located off Wesley Chapel Blvd., in front of the Sentosa at Lexington Oaks apartments — began its Grand Opening at 5 p.m. The good news is that even though Mother Nature tried to put a damper on the event, the rain lasted less than an hour and the artificial trees in The Hub’s Center Court — and all of the plaza’s great restaurants — provided relief from the precipitation. Most of those who arrived between 5-6 p.m. either scampered inside La Creacion Bistro, Tampa Joe’s, Farmer’s Milk, Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, Hummus Republic or Cinnaholic for a bite or The Clubhouse golf simulator or the Pet Wants pet store. Others, especially those with younger kids, were able to hang out in that covered Center Court, play some “Birdie on the Bay” mini-golf or visit the two dozen or so vendors selling everything from local raw honey from Gallagher Apiary, imported saffron threads from Golden Himalayan and 3D-printed toys and other items from JmooCreations to wait out the rain. “I would just like to thank the community for coming out to support our project and event,” said Courtney Bissett-Hayes of Center Connect Development, the co-developer (with her brother Paul Bissett) of both The Hub at Lexington and its sister property, The Hub at Bexley off S.R. 54 near the Suncoast Pkwy. “We’re looking forward to being the gathering spot for the fall and looking to our last few tenants to open in the coming months.”
The rain & the Grand Opening of The Hub at Lexington started at the same time on Oct. 16, but everyone who attended the event knew that The Hub is a happening place with great restaurants, shops and vibes. (Photos by Joel Provenzano & Gary Nager)
See “The Hub” on page 4.
What’s New At Zukku-San? So Much!
Check out all of the sushi bar & grill’s new dishes. See pg. 40!
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Quick Reflections On Golf Carts, Ebikes, A Cobalt Update & More An Editorial by GARY NAGER
Following yet another serious recent accident in our community, this time on a golf cart, instead of an e-bike or scooter, the fear for the safety of our young people continues to spur me to want to do something to help. In fact, there was a young man on a motorized scooter who came off Old Pasco Rd. into a parking lot going at least 25-30 miles per hour as I was walking from my car towards a local business. Rather than yield to me as a pedestrian, this young man sped up and said not much louder than a whisper, “Beep beep.” Yes, I was angry about it, but instead of getting balk in my car to chase him, I contacted the Pasco Sheriff’s Office to try to set up an informational meeting that I hope parents and their children who are allowed to operate any of these motorized vehicles will attend. I want the parents and kids to hear from law enforcement exactly what the rules are for each type of motorized vehicle. I also want to have someone from the insurance industry on hand to tell attendees just how out of hand the number of accidents these vehicles are now involved in have gotten. Like those old Ad Council TV ads, I want young people to see pictures of what happens when these vehicles are involved in accidents with both pedestrians and actual motor vehicles. I know I’m old, but I have five grandsons, at least one of whom, I’m sure, will be asking for a motorized scooter or bike of his own very soon, since some of his friends will likely already have one. That scares the daylights out of me and makes me want to know for myself the rules regarding who is allowed to operate these vehicles, where they can be ridden, and about helmets and crash statistics and everything else. If you’re a parent who hasn’t forced your kids to learn and obey the rules first, you’re unfortunately asking for something terrible to happen to them. I will tell you more about my efforts as soon as that first meeting is set, so stay tuned.
Cobalt Apartments Update
Photographer Charmaine George and I were out taking photos of the progress of the Wesley Chapel Blvd. construction (see stories on pgs. 6-9) recently, when we pulled into the entrance to the Cobalt Apartments, where nearly 170 people were left homeless after a bolt of lightning apparently struck one of the buildings two months ago. Well, that building has not yet been demolished, nor have any of those displaced residents been allowed to go back into the building to retrieve their valuables — even in portions of the building that appear to have been unaffected by the lightning strike. There are still concerns about the safety of the entire building if anyone should somehow enter it, and the investigation by various insurance companies into the fire caused by the lightning bolt is still ongoing. That was the word from a Pasco deputy who was sitting in her patrol car, in front of the chain-link fence surrounding the building. When we asked if we could take drone footage of the Neighborhood News
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building, we were told that Cobalt’s own security detail had been instructed to not let anyone do so. I feel for these residents who have been through so much and, two months after the fact, still can not even attempt to retrieve important family keepsakes, much less valuables. I also do not know for certain if the United Way of Pasco or any other organization is still accepting monetary donations to specifically help these victims.
No Hooters; But What Is Coming?
I may not be the biggest fan of Hooters, but I was still sad to hear that the planned location on the Wesley Chapel Harley-Davidson property was no longer happening. In fact, the “Hooters Coming Soon” sign on Wesley Chapel Blvd. has now been replaced by a sign for the dealership itself.
There also is a “For Lease” sign on the property that names Chris Conn of CBRE and a phone number to call, as well as a Public Hearing sign that says the property is being (or already was
rezoned). I spoke with Mr. Conn, who said he couldn’t tell me anything at this point, but to stay tuned. Yeah, I know...what a tease. To be continued.
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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Correspondents Celeste McLaughlin • Joel Provenzano Traviyon Bigby • Mary Durbin Joshua Gabel • Jordan King Editorial Research by Joel Provenzano Ad Sales & Marketing Director Jannah Nager Video Producer/Multimedia Specialist Charmaine George Graphic Designers Georgia Carmichael • Valerie Wegener Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions & final advertisements for Volume 34, Issue 24, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Tuesday, November 10. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers.
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‘The Hub’
Continued from pg. 1 Neither Bissett-Hayes nor yours truly even ventured a guess as to how many people attended the Grand Opening event, but all of the restaurants were packed. “This has been one of our busiest days since we opened,” said La Creacion Bistro (the first restaurant to open at The Hub back in April; see ad on pg. 44) co-owner Christina Viruet (in white in restaurant photo on page 1). “And a lot the people said they had never tried our food before.” Tampa Joe’s (and former O’Brien’s Irish Pub of Wesley Chapel) co-owner Mike Goodwin (see story on pg. 42) agreed. “We’ve been crowded ever since the Neighborhood News posted that we were open a couple of weeks ago,” Goodwin said. “But, even without an NFL or Rays playoff game tonight, we’ve seen a lot of new customers today.” Meanwhile, Urban Crunch and BrewBar (see story on pg. 43) owners Kirsten and Jordan Sabb, who weren’t able to open in time for The Hub’s Grand Opening event, say they expect to be open around the time this issue reaches your mailbox. Hopefully, you either got to sample Urban Crunch’s delicious ice cream from the mobile unit on-site that evening or you’ve visited the Urban Crunch location at The Hub at Bexley. Other restaurants still coming to our Hub include The Monk’s Indo Asian, Saigon Pho and Lorita’s Fresh Mexican Food. Also coming soon to The Hub are Melia Pilates Studio & Advantage Dental. Follow hubatlexingtonoaks on Instagram for the latest openings & event updates at The Hub at Lexington.
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(Above) Waxing the City, with a location on Curley Rd. in Wesley Chapel, was among the 20+ vendors at The Hub’s Grand Opening. (Below) The early rain caused the only lull for Urban Crunch’s ice cream truck.
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Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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Wesley Chapel Blvd. Widening — Making Progress, But Still Far From Done By Joel Provenzano
Neighborhood News Correspondent
Editor’s note - In this issue & continuing next issue, former Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) traffic engineering professional & local Realtor Joel Provenzano examines the explosive growth in the Wesley Chapel area driving two major road improvement projects, the lessons learned from years of playing catch-up, and the infrastructure being built to accommodate the area’s future growth. To understand why Wesley Chapel (WC) Blvd. is being widened today from where S.R. 56 and S.R. 54 meet to just east of Old Pasco Rd., you have to go back to well before the first traffic backups, single-family home communities, apartment and townhome complexes and shopping centers appeared along this once-rural road. Both WC Blvd. and Old Pasco Rd. (which also is being improved; this is the other story that we’ll update for you, in our next issue) trace their roots to the area’s rural past, when narrow roads served mainly farms and scattered settlements, rather than today’s sprawling suburban communities. WC Blvd. remained a largely two-lane road even as the surrounding area began to change dramatically. Fast-forward to the 1980s, and if you wanted to travel between Land O’ Lakes and Zephyrhills, the road that is now WC Blvd. (which was then part of S.R. 54), was one of the principal routes available. S.R. 56 did not yet exist, and S.R. 52 was several miles further north.
At that point, the road was still a relatively small, two-lane thoroughfare serving the area’s early residential growth. This was also the era when master-planned communities began transforming suburbs throughout the Tampa Bay area. As people moved away from older urban neighborhoods, developers built large numbers of homes on former agricultural land (sold to them by the descendants of the original farmers and ranchers who owned these huge properties) to meet that growing demand. The expansion of I-75 in the region helped make this suburban migration more practical. People could live further from Tampa’s employment centers while still commuting to work in what, at the time, seemed like a reasonable amount of time. The Oaks on WC Blvd. was one of the first residential communities along the approximately 4-mile stretch of Wesley Chapel Blvd. that is now being widened. But then, Westbrook Estates, Lexington Oaks, Grand Oaks and Stagecoach followed, along with a number of small commercial developments. Eventually,WC Blvd. became increasingly congested, and safety concerns about the twolane road with no traffic signals on it grew. So, why wasn’t it widened sooner? The short answer is that few anticipated just how quickly the area would grow or how much traffic this once-rural road would eventually carry.
The new Lexington Oaks Crossings plaza is visible on the left side of this photo of the WC Blvd. widening construction looking north & east. (Photo by Joel Provenzano) residential and commercial construction. When A Perfect Storm Of Growth development eventually rebounded (by around Today’s growth along WC Blvd. is being 2011), years of pent-up demand met a housing driven by a different kind of migration. market with limited new inventory. People are continuing to move to the The result was a near-perfect storm that Tampa Bay area from other states and countries, helped accelerate the Wesley Chapel area’s growth. attracted by Florida’s climate, employment Unfortunately, Pasco County and FDOT’s opportunities and growing medical, educational planning and construction could not keep pace and commercial sectors. A lot of remote work also allowed more people to live farther from tra- with that unprecedented — and unexpected — suburban growth. ditional employment centers, a trend accelerated During the recession, transportation by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. budgets tightened, and staffing and resources At the same time, the Great Recession devoted to reviewing development-related traffic of 2007-09 brought a prolonged slowdown in
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While construction is continuing on WC Blvd., drivers in both directions have to be aware of changing traffic patterns on the roadway. (Photo by Gary Nager) ment, a decade or longer is sadly not unusual. studies were affected. As development acceleratWC Blvd. is a good example of this. ed after 2013, local agencies faced the challenge The idea of widening the road dates all of evaluating new projects and their traffic the way back to an initial study that was done impacts while working through an expanding in 2003, when the plan called for a four-lane backlog of infrastructure needs. roadway. Design work began in 2008, but subseTo some residents, it might seem obvious quent regional traffic modeling showed that four that a major new development will require lanes would not adequately accommodate the improvements to the surrounding roads. traffic expected from future development. But, determining exactly what is needed, The project was effectively put on hold securing the necessary funding and land, comwhile the county reassessed the design. A new pleting environmental studies and engineering route study followed in 2015-16, with updated plans, and obtaining the required approvals is, design work beginning in 2016. unfortunately, a lengthy process. Then comes The revisions also had to account for severconstruction, which can take several more years. al new developments, additional needed turning In other words, from first identifying a movements, updated drainage information and problem to completing a major road improve-
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input from FDOT, which also contributed some of the funding. In order to widen WC Blvd., the county ultimately had to acquire right-of-way from 25 property owners across 43 parcel — a process that took several years. By the time the project was ready for construction, the original four-lane concept had to become a six-lane urban roadway designed to handle substantially more traffic while also accommodating pedestrians and cyclists. In April 2024, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) awarded David Nelson Construction Co. the $69.4-million construction contract to widen Wesley Chapel Blvd. between S.R. 54/56 and Old Pasco Rd. After more than two decades of planning and revisions, that construction was finally able to move forward.
WC Blvd. Construction Updates
The WC Blvd. construction contract calls for a three-year construction period, with completion most recently projected for May 2027. However, a drive along WC Blvd. near the end of Oct. 2026 suggests that the remaining work could make that deadline challenging. Although substantial progress is clearly visible and some of the more complicated work has been completed, a significant amount of widening and finishing work still remains. Transforming what was once a mostly two-lane road into a six-lane divided boulevard is a major undertaking, involving far more than simply adding pavement. Drainage, utilities, medians, traffic signals, sidewalks, bicycle facilities and other improvements must all be
incorporated into the final roadway design. Still, one encouraging sign is the presence of multiple construction crews actively working pretty much every day at different locations along the corridor. For residents who remember the lengthy periods of limited visible activity during other major local projects — including the S.R./C.R. 54 widening toward Zephyrhills and the I-75 diverging diamond interchange at S.R. 56, seeing crews consistently working along the route is definitely welcome progress.
A Word Of Caution
Motorists should remain especially alert as the WC Blvd. construction continues. Temporary lanes can be narrow, lane shifts may occur overnight, and traffic patterns (see photo on this page) can change from one day to the next. During a recent review of the corridor, we observed multiple drivers drifting out of the temporary lanes and narrowly missing construction barrels and/or temporary guardrails. In some cases, the drivers appeared to be distracted by their phones. These conditions sadly leave little room for error. Temporary lanes may shift abruptly, turn lanes may be unavailable, and traffic can stop unexpectedly. With opposing traffic squeezed together and construction workers working immediately adjacent to travel lanes, even a minor mistake can have serious consequences. So, please put the phone down, watch the lane markings and don’t assume today’s traffic pattern will be the same tomorrow. The safety of both motorists and construction workers depends on it.
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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Atty Bear’s Playhouse & USA Ninja Challenge To Share Building On WC Blvd. By Joel Provenzano
Neighborhood News Correspondent
So, you say there’s not enough indoor activities to do with your kids in our area? That’s about to change, as Atty Bear’s Playhouse and USA Ninja Challenge will share a new building located at 25352 Wesley Chapel Blvd. that will, bring indoor play and obstacle-course adventures to Wesley Chapel. If you haven’t seen or heard of Atty Bear’s or USA Ninja yet, it’s because the building the two separate kids’ play places will share is set in from the construction on Wesley Chapel Blvd., in a new 13,600-sq.-ft. building behind Elite Pavers of Tampa Bay. Both businesses are targeting openings in early 2027, with USA Ninja Challenge anticipating February and Atty Bear’s Playhouse planning for sometime in the spring. The building is located at 25352 Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz. Visitors will need to drive through Elite Pavers’ parking lot to reach the new building at the very back of the property. With 52 additional parking spaces planned for the new facility, families should have ample room to park when visiting either business. While the two concepts offer very different experiences, both are designed around giving young people opportunities to play, explore and develop new skills.
Atty Bear’s Playhouse
Atty Bear’s Playhouse is the vision of founder Deja Twait, a former educator and mother of three boys who wanted to create a better indoor-play experience for families.
(Above left) The construction progress on the building off Wesley Chapel Blvd. that will one day be home to both Atty Bear’s Playhouse (above and top left photo on next page) and USA Ninja Challenge (other photos on next page). (Atty Bear’s photos from AttyBearsPlayhouse.com; USA Ninja photos from USANinjaChallenge. According to the business’s website, the idea grew from her own experiences trying to find places where children of different ages could enjoy themselves together without an outing becoming exhausting for their parents. Twait envisioned a play space that was fun for children but also comfortable for the adults accompanying them. The philosophy of Atty Bear’s is “Where wild play meets calm space.” Rather than offering just another indoor playground, Atty Bear’s aims to combine imaginative play with an inviting environment where parents can relax, catch up on work or socialize while their children play. The concept is intended to accommodate a range of ages, making it easier for families with multiple children to enjoy the same outing. Renderings for the facility also feature Doo-
dlebug’s Café, which is planned to give parents and children a place to sit and enjoy refreshments with a view of the play area. The proposed menu emphasizes fresh, dyefree options, including wraps and salads, a children’s meal, baked goods, coffee drinks, tea and smoothies. Options range from a chicken-and-avocado wrap to fruit-based smoothies, offering families alternatives to the typical snack-bar fare. Birthday parties are another part of the concept, providing families with a place to celebrate special occasions without having to organize everything at home. The combination of indoor play, refreshments and party opportunities could make Atty Bear’s a useful addition to the area, particularly during Florida’s hot summers and rainy afternoons.
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Wesley Chapel is expected to be the first of two Atty Bear’s locations to open. The other will be in Lakewood Ranch. For more information about Atty Bear’s Playhouse, visit AttyBearsPlayhouse.com.
USA Ninja Challenge
USA Ninja Challenge – Wesley Chapel will offer a very different kind of adventure for older toddlers through teens. Founded in New Hampshire in 2015, the Wesley Chapel/Lutz franchise will be the50th USA Ninja Challenge location across 18 U.S. states. Local mom and franchisee Paige Perilloux says USA Ninja Challenge offers structured youth fitness programs centered on obstacle-course training, giving children an opportu-
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nity to climb, swing, balance and work through physical challenges. And, considering that an “American Ninja Warrior”-style obstacle course will be included as a Summer Olympics sport for the first time in Los Angeles in 2028, the timing to open USA Ninja Challenge (which is a proud community partner of USA Pentathlon Multisport) here couldn’t be any better. Perilloux, a mother of three, said she was inspired in part to open a location here after watching her youngest daughter grow up with plenty of energy and a love of movement. “Wesley Chapel is where my family lives, works, plays, and makes memories,” Perilloux wrote in an email. She hopes the new gym will provide a place where local children can build confidence, make friends and thrive in a safe, fun environment. USA Ninja’s mission is pretty straight-
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forward: “Building Strong Kids, Inside and Out.” USA Ninja Challenge serves children ages 2½-17, with programming designed around different developmental stages. Its classes use obstacle course training to help kids develop strength, coordination, balance and perseverance while each participant learns to tackle challenges at their own pace. Perilloux says the experience isn’t only about completing obstacles. The program also emphasizes confidence, resilience and learning to encourage others, giving children opportunities to celebrate their own progress and support their peers. A common theme for the facility is “We don’t just build muscles. We build mindset.”
In addition to regular classes, the Wesley Chapel location will offer opportunities such as birthday parties, camps and specialized obstacle course training. It’s perfect for those looking for alternatives to traditional team sports or simply a new way to keep active children moving. Construction has progressed to the point
that the building already has its roof and walls, and Perilloux says, “The Wesley Chapel Blvd. construction has not affected our progress or our opening date. I can’t wait to meet our future ninja families!” For more info about USA Ninja Challenge, visit USANinjaChallenge.com or email paige.perilloux@usaninjachallenge.com
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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Have You Seen The New Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA In Wesley Chapel In Person Yet? A couple of months more than 25 years ago, I was on hand for the Grand Opening of the New Tampa Family YMCA in Tampa Palms. At that time, Wesley Chapel had only a few thousand homes, so no one was really wondering “When will a YMCA open?” there. But, as of Sept. 28, the sparkling new, 49,000+-sq.-ft., $35-million Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA has opened just west of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (at 4379 Wellbeing Way), next to BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital. And, even though the New Tampa Y was an amazing addition to its community, the new YMCA in Wesley Chapel is a magnificent two-story structure (below left) that already had more than 1,700 member families (and 6,300+ people) signed up on the day it opened. At the Grand Opening event, Tampa Metropolitan Area (Metro) YMCA president & CEO Matt Mitchell (center) thanked the entire Sierra family (far right) — Mary, her husband Bob (whose name has adorned the Bob Sierra Family YMCA in Northdale since 1985) and their eldest son, John R. “Hi” Sierra and Hi’s wife Lisa. “This started over 40 years ago,” Mitchell said, “when Bob allowed us to put his name on our YMCA in Northdale, and we’ve served hundreds of thousands of people there since that YMCA opened. And, I’m so grateful for your entire family letting us put Mary’s name on this one. I promise you, Mary, we will not let you down. This will be a great, great facility.” Before the multiple ribbon cuttings, including a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon, Mitchell also thanked the other major donors and basically everyone who helped make the new YMCA a reality — from architects FleischmanGarciaMaslowski to the building contractor (Creative Contractors) and Valley Bank, which provided the bridge financing the Tampa Metro YMCA needed to build the project. Mitchell also thanked all of the event’s speakers, including Tampa Metro YMCA VP of operations Scott Wickert, Bay Chapel Pastor Wes Morris (who gave the invocation), Dist. 12 U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Dist. 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, Tampa Metro YMCA Governing Board chair Chris Kirschner and Dr. Chris Bucciarelli, BayCare’s VP of Ambulatory Services & Chief Medical Officer.
(Above) Members & Board members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce were among the multiple groups that cut ribbons during the Grand Opening celebration of the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA in Wesley Chapel on Sept. 28. (All photos by Charmaine George)
On To The Tours!
As charter members of the new Mary Sierra Y, it was wonderful for Jannah and I to tour this gorgeous facility a few days before the Grand Opening. First of all, although the New Tampa Y has one of the only 50-meter pools that can be used for long- and short-course swim meets, the new Y actually has three pools — a 25-yard, 8-lane lap pool, plus separate pools for family fun (including a large waterslide) and for adult swim lessons, classes and rehab. There are hundreds of exercise machines, including treadmills, elliptical machines, stairsteppers and rowing machines, plus literally tons of free weights and a unique “E-gym” — an advanced, smart-technology fitness circuit which starts with a body scan, after which the amount of resistance each machine in the circuit provides is custom-designed to your body. You have to see it to believe it! There are so many different classes, from swimming to group fitness, pilates, personal training and cycling (there’s even an outdoor gym on the 2nd floor; below is the view across BBD from it), plus competitive programs for kids (including the Tampa Y Stingrays competitive swim team,
basketball, soccer, volleyball and floor hockey youth sports programs) and adults (Masters swim team and pickleball and basketball leagues), multiple play areas for kids of all ages and so much more than I have room to tell you about here. There also will be events all year-round and of
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course, that special sense of belonging to a supportive community that only a YMCA can offer. For more information about memberships and programs at the new Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA, visit TampaYMCA.org or call (813) 8450223. — GN
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Republican Candidates Make Local Appearances Before Midterm Election Day Commentary by Gary Nager
One thing I will freely admit, after nearly 33 years of owning and being the editor of the Neighborhood News, is that the longer I do my job, the less I understand about local politics. Case in point: Since the campaigning for the 2026 Midterm Elections started many months ago, here in the Republican stronghold of Pasco County — where most GOP candidates get elected by at least a 60%-40% margin — the only active, organized campaign events we get invited to are for that dominant Republican party. Even in non-partisan races, like for the School Board and judgeships, you find candidates who declare themselves as “Conservatives,” some of whom are endorsed by other major Republican candidates. This lack of giving local registered Democrats a chance to meet some of their preferred party’s candidates flies in the face of common sense to me. Having organized events for Democratic and third-party and independent candidates — and especially, candidate “forums” and debates between opponents on the ballot (which appear to have gone the way of the dinosaur) — also would provide opportunities for anyone who doesn’t vote strictly with their own party and those who are undecided get a better feel for who is actually on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. This is more of a problem this year in Pasco, where the Democrats have one strong County Commission candidate — Stephanie Vazquez in Dist. 2 — on the ballot who might help other Dems in a group meet-and-greet. Oh well.
Comm. Simpson Talks To WC Republican Club
On Oct. 8, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and lifetime Pasco County resident Wilton Simpson (right) was the guest speaker at the Wesley Chapel (WC) Republican Club’s meeting at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church in Land O’Lakes, although Comm. Simpson’s fellow Republican incumbent — Dist. 2 County Commissioner Seth Weightman (at left in top right photo) — and Dist. 3 School Board candidate Matt Geiger (below right) both also spoke at the same meeting. Geiger, who finished first in the Aug. primary but did not win at least 50% of the vote, is running against primary runner-up Mollyana Ward. Both candidates claim to be conservatives and are registered Republicans, but Ward has received the endorsements of Simpson, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Superintendent of Schools John Legg. This meeting took place before the Tampa Bay Times released a story about Ward’s alleged multiple affairs with married men before she married husband (and former AdventHealth Center Ice developer) Gordie Zimmermann. Geiger told the crowd of about 50 people that he is entering his 30th years in education, including starting his own school, the St. Leo Academy (at St. Leo University), an international sports academy that has started with soccer, “but will add baseball, tennis, golf and volleyball.” The Gulf Harbors in New Port Richey resident said that he is running for School Board in part because he has a son, who is now 24, who has autism.
“He had what is called an ‘Individual Education Plan” (or IEP) and I had to go up to the school almost every week because of bullying and other educational problems. So, I want to help change the Special Education programs here in Pasco County.” Geiger, who also is focused on potential school closures in West Pasco and on raising teacher salaries, first ran for the seat against incumbent Cynthia Armstrong in 2022 and received more than 41% of the vote. Armstrong, who has been on the Board since 2010, decided not to seek reelection this year. Comm. Weightman touted his hard work in his first four-year term in office to help Pasco reduce its budget every year. “And we’re incredibly close to having a dollar-in, dollar-out balanced budget by next year,” he said, adding that the county also has purchased farmland in the East Pasco area that can be used for additional county parks (see editorial on pg. 3). He also noted (as he has at previous meetings) that Pasco’s average age has gotten significantly younger, as it is ”the #1 county for in-migrating families in the entire country.” And, he touted his role in securing $22 million, in partnership with the School District, to fill sidewalk gaps at the most dangerous schools for kids walking in the county (including
12 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
the schools on Wells Rd. here) “to make it safer for kids who walk to school.” And finally, Weightman noted that Democrats are voting at higher rates than Republicans these days, “so it’s incredibly important that we all get out and vote this election cycle.” Comm. Simpson then touted his accomplishments in both his current role and as Florida Senate President from 2020-22, and compared Florida — which has a slightly larger population than the state of New York, but significantly less debt (that is actually nearly paid off) and a much smaller state budget than the Empire State, without having a state income tax. He also appeared at the GOP’s “Top of the Ticket” event at Saddlebrook Resort on Oct. 15 (see next page).
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‘Top Of The Ticket’ Republican Event Draws About 100 To Saddlebrook Resort Just one week after that WC Republican Club meerting, the GOP brought its “Top of the Ticket” tour to Saddlebrook Resort, with the following Republican candidates in attendance: • Incumbent U.S. Senator Ashley Moody • Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds’ running mate Bryan Avila • Attorney General James Uthmeier • Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia • Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson A crowd of about 100 people filled the ballroom at Saddlebrook, as the candidates stood on an elevated platform in the center of the room, so they could rotate around the platform and make eye contact with all of the attendees. Comm. Simpson spoke first at this event and he again touted not only his Florida vs. New York argument, but also the fact that Florida has cut $15 billion in taxes the last 15 years. And, he also noted that Florida’s debt is now down to only $8 billion and that, “The Byron Donalds administration will actually pay off the rest of Florida’s debt.” He also said that Florida “has the lowest instate (college) tuition and the best outcomes. 75% of Florida’s students have no college debt when they graduate. How’s that for affordability?” In terms of agriculture, Simpson said, “In Florida, we do not allow our foreign enemie to buy our agricultural lands.” Up next was Ingoglia. When Comm. Simpson introduced him, he said, “Not only is he our CFO, he also is the state’s Fire Marshal. How ironic is it that our Fire Marshal is named ‘Blaise?’”
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Ingoglia said he is “politically incorrect. I say ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘God Bless America.’ I own guns, I eat meat and I really love bacon. I stand when I hear the national anthem and I thank our troops and our first responders every chance I get. If that offends anyone, I don’t care!” He then said that “The State of Florida is the gold standard, the envy by (Above, l.-r.) Bryan Avila, Ashley Moody, Wilton Simpson & Blaise Ingoglia. (Below) James Uthmeier which all other states are measured. It is so successful, get out and get all of your friends and through our conservative, aggressive way of govneighbors to the polls. If we lose this ernance, that people are moving here in waves. It’s state, we lose the nation.” important for us that the people who are moving He added that if the GOP loses here do not change our way of life. I don’t care if Florida, the Democrats would not be you move to the Sunshine State, but if you do, do winning, the Democratic Socialists of not New York our Florida. We do not need your American (DSA) will win. The Demtaxation or your over-regulation.” ocratic Party is not the Democratic Ingoglia also said that although it is said all Party of JFK, or even of Bill Clinton. the time, “This election is more important than They are all socialists. We can not most. This is not a popularity or beauty contest. yield any county in Florida to the This is our opportunity to keep Florida the beacon DSA. Are you guys ready to fight this of hope and opportunity. We need to work to November? You’d better be, because protect Florida at all costs. Yes, we are successful the future of this great state is at and have a lot of Republicans in officee. But, we stake. Florida is worth fighting for.” also have a huge voter registration advantage here. Next, Uthmeier said that he But, we can not take anything for granted. I can was appointedto fill his predecessor tell you that there is nothing that the left wants See “Top of the Ticket” on pg. 14 to do more than to turn Florida blue. So please,
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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‘Top Of The Ticket’
Continued from pg. 13 Moody’s shoes as “Florida’s top cop.” “In the last year and a half, we created a new initiative to go after child predators, with technology and tools to scan the internet and find these deviants. We have arrested 2,100 of them and we’re putting them away for as long as possible.” He added, “Fentanyl encounters are now down 80% in the State of Florida. If you deal in fentanyl, you will be going away for the rest of your life and that’s not going to change.” As for overall crime, Uthmeier said, “Crime is at an all-time low here in Florida. That is because we back law enforcement. We give them the tools they need. They stick their necks out, put their lives on the line, and they know that here in Florida, that is not in vain. As long as I’m Attorney General, those numbers are not going anywhere but lower. You have my word on that.” He also touted that his office has gone after “Big Pharma, for colluding to keep the cost of needed prescription drugs high. “We’ve gone after Pfizer, because they knew the [Covid] jabs weren’t safe..especially for pregnant women. Pfizer and the other jab companies, who made billions and billions while lying to you. They
need to pay for it and I’m going to use every breath I have to make that happen.” And, although he wouldn’t mention his opponent on Nov. 3 — José Javier Rodriguez — by name, Uthmeier called the former Florida State Sen. and State Rep. “as far left as you can go and bat-crap crazy. He was the only Dem. or Rep. in the senate to vote against funding law enforcement for the state. He sponsored a bill to eliminate bail. You can’t be Florida’s ‘top cop’ and believe that the police are wrong and should not exist.” Then, Avila took to the stage. About the upcoming election, he said: “We can not take anything for granted. This election is very simply common sense vs. crazy. What is on the ballot right now are two fundamentally different visions for the State of Florida. On one side, we have the crazy, who have wreaked havoc on California, New York, Illinois, Minnesota and the list goes on. It has destroyed those states. And, to be clear, there is absolutely nothing ‘Jolly’ about those policies and we can not allow them to come to the free state of Florida.” As for Donalds’ vision for our state, Avila said, “That vision is a dream for a lot of our residents, families and businesses. For 28 years, under common sense, conservative leadership, Florida has become the envy of every other state in this country. We are #1 in new business formations, #1
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State in Jan. 2025, was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill Rubio’s seat. She then handily won the Republican primary against three challengers in Aug. and now faces Democratic Socialist candidate Angie Nixon on Nov. 3. She talked about standing with Gov. DeSantis, who kept Florida “open” during the Covid-19 pandemic, about her “Back the Blue” initiatives while other states were defunding law enforcement. “Thousands of them came to Florida where they were respected and needed.” As for facing Nixon on Nov. 3, Moody said, “Our state has now nominated a card-carrying socialist to run for Senator. The DSA wants to turn our state — and the country — into Cuba. They want government seizure of private industry, , defund the police, kneecap our military, let non-citizens vote and abolish prisons. We can not let that happen.”
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for manufacturing job growth, #1 for education freedom and #1 for the least amount of state debt per capita. That is the Florida dream.” He added, “In Byron Donalds, you will have a warrior, a champion, someone who has never wavered and always puts our families first. “Our campaign, at the core, is about family, faith and freedom. Socialism wants nothing to do with those three things.” Avila said that although he was born in Florida, his parents “had a business in Cuba, built over 60-70 years, one of the largest in Cuba. One of the very first businesses in Cuba that the communists confiscated was my family’s business, so never think that couldn’t happen here if the radical left wins.” And finally, Moody, who was the state’s AG before former U.S. Senator Marco Rubio left to become President Donald Trump’s Secretary of
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14 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Celebrates The Opening Of ‘Avalon Park Common’ Congratulations go out to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel developer Beat Kahli (at left in photo below, with Dist. 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman) and his entire team from the Avalon Park Group on the Grand Opening and naming of Downtown Avalon Park’s community park — “Avalon Park Common.” According to the Oct. edition of the Avalon Park Sun newsletter, community member Desiree Gutierrez is credited as the winner of the “Name the Park Contest.” For Gutierrez, the name says what the park is meant to be. She explained that a “commons” has traditionally been “a place where neighbors gather, children play and the community comes together. I think it reflects Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s vision of creating a welcoming place for families, friends and future generations to make memories.” Kahli, the founder & CEO of Avalon Park Group, added, “At Avalon Park Group, we believe every great town needs meaningful ‘third places’ — spaces beyond home and work where people can gather and connect. Avalon Park Common will be exactly that for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.” He added, “It is especially meaningful that the name came from a member of our community. This park belongs to the community, and we look forward to filling it with farmers markets (see ad below), festivals, music and celebrations for many years to come.” Commissioner Weightman said, “I am always proud to be part of exciting new additions to our communities here in Pasco County.” — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
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16 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Country Walk’s 20th Anniversary Party! Special to the Neighborhood News
On Sept. 26, the Country Walk Community celebrated its 20th anniversary with a familyfriendly celebration hosted by the community’s CDD. Nearly 500 residents came out to enjoy the festivities and celebrate two decades of life, friendship and memories in Country Walk. The celebration brought together longtime residents, including many families who have called Country Walk home since it was first built. They shared stories and memorabilia while reminiscing about what Wesley Chapel looked like back in 2006. For many families, Country Walk has been the place where they raised their children — and now, in some cases, those children are raising their own families here. When residents were asked what they loved most about living in Country Walk, many pointed to the community’s amenities — everything from pools and a splash pad to pickleball, tennis and basketball courts, a dog park and more — and its family-friendly atmosphere. The day began with lunch and ice cream before families headed to the pool deck for swimming and fun with a mermaid. A DJ kept the music going while a fire spinner added to the excitement. Families also enjoyed the nine holes of mini golf set up in the field. The photo booth on the back lanai, complete with fun props, was a favorite among residents. Children had the opportunity to explore trucks from Withlacoochee River Electric Corp., while the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office brought an amazing Touch-a-Truck crew. A six-foot anniversary cake (below)helped keep everyone celebrating — and well sugared! Juniper Landscaping, which maintains Country Walk’s beautiful, mature grounds, joined the celebration
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with a cold beverage station and goodies for residents. The HOA also provided raffle prizes for the lucky winners of the 15 raffle drawings. Most important was that the anniversary celebration gave Country Walk residents an opportunity to come together, share memories, and celebrate the community many of them have called home for the past two decades. It was a wonderful day filled with laughter, family, friendship and plenty of reasons to look forward to the next 20 years.
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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Upcoming Events — Halloween Happenings, Health & Wellness Events & Much More Tampa. 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, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events
Tuesday, October 27, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Halloween Bash. At Bubba’s 33 & Texas Roadhouse (26340 & 26409 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Bring your family and friends for an evening of Halloween excitement, including trunk or treat, bounce house, music & games. Dress in your favorite costume and enjoy a night of spooky celebrations. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Tuesday, October 27, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – New Tampa Piano & Pedagogy Academy Presents – Star, Stripes & Music: A 250th Anniversary Celebration. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join the New Tampa Piano & Pedagogy Academy faculty, and guest musicians, in a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary through American music for piano, voice, cello and more. Free to attend. For more information, call visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events or (813) 829-2760. Thursday, October 29, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – The Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce presents: “Healthy Business, Healthy Community.” At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, Healing Plaza (2590 Healing Way). Health is Wealth: Building Thriving Businesses Through Healthier People. If you’re a business owner wearing so many different hats, trying to build your business and neglecting your health, this event is for you. Free to attend. For more info, visit wcbcc.org/events/ Friday, October 30, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Final Friday. At
Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. – India Festival 2026. At Florida State Fairgrounds (4800 US-301, Tampa). Presented by Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay. Experience India in Tampa Bay. For more info & to purchase tickets, visit IndiaFestTampa.com or see the ad on pg. 2. Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Halloween Classic Car Show. At Blue Heron Senior Living (5071 Eagleston Blvd.). Enjoy Get your tickets now! The St. Pete Collective performs a family-friendly event featuring classic car the Music of James Taylor at the New Tampa Perform- displays, live music, a Trunk or Treat, photo booth & complimentary food. Tour this beautiful ing Arts Center on Friday, October 30. assisted living residence’s memory care & skilled Sonny’s BBQ (5324 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., rehab neighborhoods. For more info, call (813) Wesley Chapel). Connect, engage & network 454-0513, email admit.blueheronal@tlcmgmt. with Chamber members in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) com or see the ad on pg. 19. 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBaySunday, November 1, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – New Chamber.com/events. Tampa Unplugged: Mixtura – A multicultural Friday, October 30, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – The Journey in Sound. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). A Music of James Taylor. At the New Tampa staple of the Tampa Bay jazz scene, bassist and Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village composer Alejandro Arenas embarks on a musiRd.). The members of The St. Pete Collective cal journey reflecting his immigrant experience band have busy careers in varying musical in the United States. Celebrating two decades styles and come together to pay homage to the in Colombia and over two decades in the U.S., music of their favorite artists. Performing the Mixtura encapsulates his diverse cultural and songs of James Taylor, band members Patrick personal influences in original compositions and Bettison, LaRue Nickleson, Vinnie Seplesky, arrangements. Joining Arenas is an all-star band Gale Trippsmith, Joey Interrante, Chad Stivers, of fellow U.S. immigrants & Americans who have and Jim Gilmour bring the groovy ’70s to New
lived outside the country, each with their own distinctive backgrounds and experiences. 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, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events.
Wednesday, November 4, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Reflections Chamber Ensemble. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The Reflections Chamber Ensemble has been presenting chamber music from the 20th and 21st centuries to Tampa Bay audiences for over 20 years. Tickets $20-$25 depending on seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 8292760. Or, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events Friday, November 6, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network. At USF Credit Union Conference Room (20610 BBD Blvd.). Special guest speaker: Jabitha Thomas, Community Engagement & Impact Manager, USF Credit Union. She will be speaking about building strategic partnerships that strengthen communities. $15 to attend. For more info & to register, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. Wednesday, November 11, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group (6013 Wesley Grove Blvd. Ste. 201). Welcome this new business to the community. Tour the new office,
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18 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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meet the team and learn more about their services. There will be food and entertainment. Free to attend. For more info and to RSVP, email evamandam@beaconbh.com or call (727) 631-1737. Wednesday, November 11, 6 p.m. - Central Pasco Democratic Club meeting. At Meadow Pointe I Clubhouse (28245 County Line Rd) and on Zoom. The topic is “Moving on from the Midterms.” All friends of the Democratic Party are invited. Come early to socialize. For more info, email CentralPascoDemocracticClub@gmail. com or call (813) 453-1663. Thursday, November 12, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. & noon – 1 p.m. – Creative Arts Theatre Company’s Presents: “The Wind in the Willows.” At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). In this whimsical and musical adaptation of the enduringly popular children’s novel, audiences join Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr. Toad on their whirlwind adventures through the countryside and beyond. Great for emerging readers. Best for grades K-3. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/creativearts-theatre-companys-production-of-the-windin-the-willows Thursday, November 12, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. – Healthy Happenings – Lung Health. At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, Healing Plaza (2590 Healing Way). This informative session will cover ways to support respiratory health, recognize potential concerns, and adopt habits that promote overall well-being. Hear directly from healthcare professionals and gain valuable knowledge in a supportive setting. Free to attend but you must register. For more info & to regis-
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ter, visit adventhealth.com/locations/hospitals/ Wesley-chapel/events/healthy-happenings-lunghealth-17654401 or call (813) 929-5432. Friday, November 13, 8 p.m.-9 p.m. – Tampa Bay Symphony: Wild Kingdom And Swan Dreams. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Don’t miss this vivid journey through natural and mythical worlds. From the playful charm of Leroy Anderson’s The Waltzing Cat to the colorful wildlife portraits of Sy Brandon’s Animalia, the first half of this program by the Tampa Bay Symphony bursts with personality and imagination. Tickets $25. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, visit https://tampabaysymphonyinc.thundertix.com/events/268241 Friday & Saturday, November 13-14, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). At St. James United Methodist Church (16202 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). ASIST is a two-day, 16-hour, face-toface training that provides practical skills and confidence to recognize when someone may be at risk for suicide, respond effectively, and help create a plan for safety. Full attendance for both days is required. A $50 deposit will be collected during Eventbrite registration and refunded at the conclusion of the workshop for participants who successfully complete the full 16-hour training. If a participant is unable to attend the full training or cancels less than 14 days before the workshop, the deposit will be considered a donation to the Suicide Prevention Training Institute. For more info & to register, visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2001242705805?aff=oddtdtcreator or email spti@educatingtosavelives.org The Events Calendar continues on pg. 20!
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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‘Events Calendar’
Continued from pg. 19
Saturday, November 14, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – Backtrack Blues Band. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Backtrack Blues Band, three-time winner at the Tampa Bay Music Awards, is Florida’s longestrunning blues band, with eight albums of original music to its name. Tickets $30. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit Eventbrite.com/e/backtrack-blues-bandtickets-1991713561879?aff=oddtdtcreator Monday, November 16, 6:30 p.m. - East Pasco Democratic Club meeting. At the Genesis Center (38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills) & on ZOOM. Topic: “Moving Forward from the Midterms.” All friends of the Democratic Party are welcome. Refreshments are provided. Come early to socialize. For more info, email eastpascodems@gmail.com. Wednesday, November 18, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). A relaxed morning designed for casual networking and meaningful connections. Join fellow Chamber members for coffee, light refreshments and great conversations — with no agenda. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events
I
NAIL B RE A R
NO
Wednesday, November 18, 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. – Kuumba Dancers & Drummers Presents: A Journey to Africa. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village
Rd.). Through exotic, mesmerizing rhythms and joyous movements, the Kuumba Dancers & Drummers take the audience on a journey to the beautiful continent on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, visit https://www. newtampaartscenter.org/events
commitment. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit Newtampaartscenter.org/ events
Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. – “Cars on the Fairway for Charity.” The amazing Daniela Mass brings her soaring coloratura At Saddlebrook soprano voice to the NTPAC Resort & Spa (5700 Saddlebrook on Sunday, November 22. Way). This will be Friday, November 20, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. – a great morning while raising donations for Johns North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Foundation Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Saddlebrook ReFriday. At Platinum Salon (20304 Trout Creek sort invites spectators and car enthusiasts to enjoy Dr., New Tampa). Refresh your look before the a morning featuring incredible show cars right on holidays and enjoy an evening of beauty, network- the fairway. Or, stay for the day and enjoy the car ing, and community impact. $85 to attend. A por- show, resort access, our Super Pool and Palm Haus tion of the proceeds will benefit the North Tampa Outdoor Restaurant & Poolside Bar. Free to attend Bay Chamber Foundation, funding scholarships but RSVP required. For more info & to register, for local high school students. For more info, call visit Eventbrite.com/e/cars-on-the-fairway-for(813) 994-8534. Or, to register visit Business. charity-tickets-2001904800147?aff=oddtdtcreat NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events. or. Or, call Heath McDaniel (813) 907-4470. Wednesday, November 18, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. – Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce’s “Wine Down Wednesday.” At Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26000 Sierra Center Blvd.). Take a midweek pause and make room for new connections. Networking event, good people, great conversations and bigger opportunities. For more info, visit WCBCC.org/events/
Saturday, November 21, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – The Light Bringer. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). In this one-woman storytelling show, Laila Lee shares her experiences growing up Muslim in the American South, how she found her place in the world & the personal sacrifices that shape her journey. Tickets $15-$20, based on seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art
Saturday, November 21, 8 p.m.-9 p.m. – Steinway Signature Series:: Elena Ulyanova. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Elena Ulyanova is a distinguished Steinway Artist and award-winning concert pianist, celebrated for her dynamic range — from powerful virtuosity and brilliant technique to delicate, elegant finesse. Tickets; $20$25 depending upon seat selection. Select tickets
are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit https:// www.newtampaartscenter.org/events/steinwaysignature-series-elena-ulyanova Sunday, November 22, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. – New Tampa Unplugged: Daniella Mass. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join Daniella Mass, coloratura soprano and creator of Liri-Pop, for an intimate, unplugged evening celebrating classical artistry, multilingual music, and cultural connection. Tickets $17.50-$25, depending upon seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit https://www.newtampaartscenter.org/ events/new-tampa-unplugged-daniella-mass Monday, November 23, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. – Guardian Ad Litem Introduction. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). The Florida Guardian ad Litem Office represents the legal interests of Florida’s abused, neglected & abandoned children. We are appointed by a judge after a child enters the dependency system. Each child is appointed a Guardian ad Litem attorney, a child welfare professional & — when available— a trained community volunteer or pro bono attorney. Our representation protects and advances the rights of children whose age or circumstances prevent them from making decisions for themselves. We are actively recruiting volunteers and mentors from our community to support children and youth in foster care. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 788-6375 or visit https://pascolibraries. libnet.info/event/16290350
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AdventHealth Hospitals Unveil New Neonatal Ambulance Unit “Every year, about 1,000 infants and children need to be transported from AdventHealth West Florida (AHWF) facilities,” said OB/GYN Dr. Terri McEndree, the medical director of women’s services at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC), on Sept. 23. Dr. McEndree was speaking at an event held at AHWC, where the AHWF Division’s new Neonatal Transport ambulance was unveiled to about 100 attendees. “We believe that this is the only ambulance in this entire region that is designed to transport not only the infant or child, but also the child’s mother and even other family members together,” Dr. McEndree said. “Until now, the baby was sent out while the mother stayed behind, but we know how critical it is that mothers and their babies should not be separated at birth or during urgent transfer, whenever it is medically possible. This new ambulance ensures that we have the capability to keep them together.” The state-of-the-art ambulance was entirely funded philanthropically through the AHWF Foundation, whose president, Kristen McCall, said that not only did Dr. McEndree deliver her second child, but her first-born “came six weeks early and she actually stayed in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). So now, as I expect my third, knowing that there is now a ‘NICU on wheels’ that if I deliver at an AdventHealth hospital anywhere in the West Florida Division, and [the baby needs] urgent care, my baby and myself can go together to be cared for. That brings me so much peace.” Note-There also were tours of the new ambulance, but my photos just did not do it justice; however, it is truly amazing. — GN
(Clockwise from top left): AdventHealth (AH) Foundation West Florida Division president Kristen McCall; medical director of women’s services at AH Wesley Chapel Dr. Terri McEndree; AH Wesley Chapel Foundation chair Michael Berthelette (left) & foundation coordinator for the AH Dade City, AH Wesley Chapel & AH Zephyrhills Foundations Maggie Kissane; the Transport Team for AH West Florida Division.
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Walk To End Alzheimers At Shops At Wiregrass Attracts A Crowd! “We are so proud to be a presenting sponsor for this amazing event that makes a difference and brings awareness for Alzheimer’s,” said Ryan Quattlebaum (below), the president & CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hospital, at the “Walk to end Alzheimer’s” at the Shops at Wiregrass on Sept. 26. “This disease impacts many people who are here, who have this in our families. And we want to continue to bring this awareness and [provide] support for what happens in our community.” He added, “I am proud to be here with our incredible team from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and lock arms with the other sponsoring businesses in our community to bring awareness to it and find support systems for it.” Quattlebaum then turned the microphone over to Sarah Blazonis of Bay News 9 (bottom photo below), who said that she was “honored to be joining the Alzheimer’s Association” — the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s and dementia research that invests hundreds of millions of dollars into active global projects and clinical trial matching — “and join the world’s largest fight against this deadly disease. There are more than 15,000 people living right here in Pasco County living with Alzheimer’s, so this is a crisis that hits close to home. I see everyone here, wearing purple (top photo) to help turn the strength of everyone here (nearly 500 people on more than 60 teams) into action.” According to the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, more than $68,000 was raised at this year’s walk. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
24 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Recapping Orlando Health Foundation’s Breast Cancer Event With ‘Leading Ladies’ “Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am proud to be here with the Orlando Health system hosting and talking to the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s ‘Leading Ladies’ group,” said Casey Sumner, the director of development for the Orlando Health Foundation of West Florida (OHFWF). “As busy working women, one of the things that often gets put on the back burner over and over again is our health — that (doctor’s) appointment, or that scan that we know we’re due for but just aren’t making the time for.” She added, “So today, we’re talking the time to pause, reflect, look inward and give our health the attention that it deserves.” Included among the panel members at the event were Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health (FMCOH) Chief of Radiology Dr. Jahnavi Pastore (below), who said that she joined FMCOH “to help start the new Wiregrass Ranch hospital’s breast program. “One of the things I’m proud of is that we’re building a unique, multi-specialty Women’s Center, which will open next summer on the campus of the new hospital.” Dr. Pastore said that the hospital’s Women’s Center will be one that will be, “less stressful, more calming and will have less of that clinical ‘feel,.’ This is important because we all have concerns about breast imaging and the discomfort associated with it. Our goal with
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the Women’s Center is to make it a different kind of experience.” Then, the new hospital’s chief nursing officer Susan Dolezal said her focus for the event was “self care. As women, we often put ourselves last, but taking care of ourselves is also very important.” A lively question-&-answer session followed, along with goody bags and refreshments. For more info about (Above, l.-r.) OHFWF director of development Casey Sumner, FMCOH Chief of Radiology Dr. Jahnavi Pastore, FMCOHWR Asst. VP/ FMCOHWR, visit Orlan- CFO Tanya Knepp, FMCOHWR breast surgeon Thushy Siva & chief nursing officer Susan Dolezal & Rhonda Blank, physician relations doHealth.org. — GN; all manager at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health were all on hand at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Leading Ladies” event (below left) at the USF Federal Credit Union on BBD Blvd. in New Tampa on Oct. 1. (Below right) NTBC Pres./CEO Hope Kennedy. photos by Charmaine George
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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Comm. Yeager & County Staff Talk Permitting At Chamber Event By Joshua Gabel
Neighborhood News Correspondent
Pasco County officials are aware that a lot of people opening small businesses have issues with the county’s permitting rules. To that end, District 4 County Commissioner Lisa Yeager, director of the county’s Office of Economic Growth Dept. David Engel and JP Murphy, the director of Pasco’s Building Construction Services Dept., told the Chamber members and guests at the Oct. 14 North Tampa Bay Chamber Economic Development Briefing at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel how Pasco is hoping to “Build Better Together” with small businesses across the county. Chamber president/CEO Hope Kennedy described the event as a way for a small group of local business owners to have more engaging conversation with the officials about permitting. Commissioner Yeager (right) kicked off the briefing to tell why having this conversation was important to her. She highlighted how she and her husband — Dist. 56 State Rep. Brad Yeager — also are small business owners who sell new and used boats, and how they learned first-hand the difficulties and bureaucratic hoops that small business owners have to jump through to simply open up their doors. She said the challenges they faced inspired her to make a concentrated effort to learn the permitting process from top to bottom — and try to help improve it. “What we want to do is help make it easier for you guys,” she said. “I will tell you that I sat through every single meeting because [I wanted] to
learn. I went and visited JP [because] I wanted him to know what business owners face. I wanted to make sure that I learned so I could help you guys.” She then turned it over to Engel (speaking in photo above right), who emphasized the importance of small businesses to Pasco’s economy. He said 87 percent of the businesses in the county have 25 or fewer employees, and cited survey results indicating that many local businesses expect to hire or expand in the coming years. “Small businesses usually are the first to hire when [the economy is] getting better,” Engel said. “And, during [downturns] in the economy, they’re the last to lay off. They believe in their employees, they believe in the community, and they are important for our success and resiliency.”
The county, Engel said, wants to help those business owners capitalize on growth and development in the region. He described several measures intended to reduce barriers, including reductions in mobility fees (one-time charges that help fund infrastructure required by demand for new developments) and assisting small businesses gain access to capital. Engel also noted that Pasco had secured a $9-million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) allocation through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (aka HUD) for a proposed capital-loan program. The funds are intended to help businesses expand or recover from disasters through no-interest loans.
“When you’re damaged by storms, it’s not easy,” Engel said. “You can go get an SBA loan but that takes forever and it’s limited. Then, there are commercial lenders,” but those loans can be hard to get and can have high interest rates, and insurance companies can take a long time to pay claims. “We believed that we had a role to help out small businesses, not only to respond to hurricanes, but also to maintain a level of sustainability,” he added. According to Engel, the Board of County Commissioners was expected to address the CDBG-DR appropriation at an upcoming commission meeting, which could open up those funds to applicants within 60 days. Engel also connected business support to
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wider economic development throughout Pasco County. He highlighted opportunities tied to projects such as the Moffitt Cancer Research Center’s sprawling new Speros Florida campus in Land O’Lakes, stating that local companies could benefit as Moffitt seeks local suppliers. “They’re hiring like crazy,” Engel said. “They want to do partnerships, [including] some manufacturing in biotech, and they’re looking for suppliers. We have Touchpoint Medical. They’re manufacturing in Odessa [and] they’ve been here about five years. They’re using local suppliers and you can see how the multiplier effect is going to take place. We’re getting the jobs, we’re getting the businesses, and they need you to support them. It’s good for everybody.”
Streamlining The Permitting Process
Murphy (photo) then highlighted the improvements he and his team have made to the county’s building department in order to improve inspection and permitting times. He described a shift in the department’s approach from simply enforcing regulations toward helping customers navigate them. “One of the things that I think we have a choice in is how we [regulate],” Murphy said. “We can just sit there and say no. We have a choice to say no, but we also can say yes. And, one of the things that I set out for my team to do is to figure out how we build better together.” He also highlighted that the International Accreditation Service awarded Pasco County accreditation for being the best building department servicing a population of 500,000-1 million in the entire country. Murphy said that some of the improve-
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that “Pasco is the worst” for permitting. But, Murphy said, building inspections are generally available the next day, while some site-related inspections involving contractors may take longer, which can explain wild shifts in expected opening dates for many new businesses. “We found that building contractors just don’t see some of the inspections that are required or they forget about them,” Murphy said. “So, when it’s that last week where we’re hammering through things, and then all of a sudden, they don’t realize that the required engineering inspection is going to add days to the schedule. Or, they haven’t had their utilities ‘fast flow test.’ Or their fire sprinkler test isn’t done yet. That’s where you start running into a lot of problems.” ments in his department include things like However, Murphy also offered to work commercial new permit reviews, which now directly with businesses experiencing problems average only 8.8 days — when an applicant busi- with the permitting process to find remedies. ness’ plans are complete and correct on the first The discussion also turned to illegal signage submission. He also noted that most applicants when NTBC Board member and Signarama own— about 93 percent — now get through the er Roberto Hiller raised concerns about signs. permitting process within three rounds. He said “One of the things that really impacts us is that delays often arise when businesses or their illegal signage, especially with electrical signs,” contractors overlook site, utility or engineering Hiller said. “We’re probably one of the few sign inspections that fall outside the Building Depart- companies in Pasco County that does everything ment’s purview. The county’s online portal allows by the book. I’d say that probably 25 to 40 users to check permit and property information, percent of the electrical signage in Pasco County he said, and that the department also offers is illegal, and that went into a black hole [when some virtual inspections, which he said, “is no reported]. Never did anything happen. Is there different than a Zoom call.” anything that you guys are doing to make that During the Q+A portion of the program, better because it is unfair for somebody to do Neighborhood News editor Gary Nager raised things by the book, pay all the fees, do everyconcerns that he has heard from our readers that thing that needs to be done to do it right, and the county permitting is too slow. He said that then all these other sign companies come in and business owners who have previously opened do it without permits, putting signs up over the businesses in other counties or cities have said weekends at night. It’s crazy.”
Murphy said the county had added two positions to its minimum standards team to investigate unpermitted work and encouraged business owners to continue reporting suspected violations. “We now have two unmarked vehicles where folks are going around and [looking for] that, so as we see those complaints come in, we’ll start investigating them,” Murphy said. “That team has been instructed to work with the Sheriff’s Office to start not only issuing local citations, but also go after the unlicensed contractors, because we know that’s the case.” He acknowledged that the county cannot monitor every location and said staff would discuss potential enforcement focus areas with Hiller after the event. Our editor also asked how Amendment 3 that is on the Nov. 3 ballot in Florida might impact the departments and employees overseeing all of the programs and permitting offices. Engel stated that county employees cannot speak directly to the amendment. But, Amendment 3, which will raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and to $250,000 by 2028, has raised concerns about significant cuts to local government services, including public safety and infrastructure, if it receives 60% of the vote statewide next week. Murphy however said that his department is funded by impact fees and not dependent upon property taxes. When asked if those fees would go up if the amendment passes, he stated that, statutorily, building fees have to be based on cost of property access only for the building portion costs. If your business is dealing with permitting issues, you can call Murphy at (727) 218-5829 or email him at jpmurphy@mypasco.net.
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
27
Bainbridge Apartments On S.R. 56 Cut A Wesley Chapel Black Chamber Ribbon! Congratulations go out to the Bainbridge Wesley Chapel apartments, located off S.R. 56 at 32475 Sugarplum Loop, for hosting a sensational Grand Opening and Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce (WCBCC) ribboncutting event on Sept. 30. Although the 411-unit (from 858 sq. ft. to 1,466 sq. ft.), 6-building luxury apartment complex has been open to residents for about a year, it was clear that The Bainbridge Companies, LLC, president of development Bob Thollander (with microphone in photo below), marketing manager Lauren Turner, regional property manager Jenny Gleason and the entire staff at Bainbridge Wesley Chapel put a lot of thought and planning into the “Escape to the Greek Isles”-themed event. There was guitar music, food items like spanikopita, hummus and Athenian chicken, a beautiful charcuterie board, sliced beef tenderloin (with tzatziki sauce) and even delicious cookies commemorating the event (below). “Even though we’re celebrating our team here at Bainbridge Wesley Chapel today,” Gleason said, “This event is really all about the residents. “We are happy that you chose this to be your home and we all couldn’t be prouder to be part of this project.” Thollander then thanked his team that helped Bainbridge Companies purchase the land, finance the construction and build the project. Before the ribbon was cut, WCBCC founder & CEO Darlene Hill congratulated the Bainbridge team and thanked Bainbridge, “for being one of our Chamber’s ‘Legacy’ members. This is an amazing, beautiful property. Your fellow Wesley Chapel Black Chamber members and Board members congratulate you on your Grand Opening!” For more info about Bainbridge Wesley Chapel, visit BainbridgeWesleyChapelApts. com or call (813) 736-6071. For the WCBCC, visit WCBCC.org, call (813) 702-3743 or see this issue’s Events Calendar on pgs. 18-20. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
(Above) The on-site staff at the Bainbridge Wesley Chapel apartments off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel celebrated the luxury apartment complex’s Grand Opening on Sept. 30 with a Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting event. WCBCC CEO Darlene Hill (with microphone on next page) congratulated Bainbridge president of development Bob Thollander (below) and his team for hosting a beautiful “Escape to the Greek Isles” event.
28 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Liz Locke Of Bumble Bee Blinds Wants To Help You Beautify Your Home, Too By Celeste McLaughlin
Neighborhood News Correspondent
For more than 17 years, Liz Locke says her love of decorating and crafts wasn’t used much in her job in information technology (IT) for The Salvation Army. But this year, Liz left that behind when she took a leap of faith and opened a franchise of Bumble Bee Blinds. In her new role, Liz offers both residential and commercial window treatments, many with motorization options, including blinds, shutters, roller shades, honeycomb shades, Roman shades, drapery, curtains, outdoor roller shades and sail shades and more. “It fits who I am,” she says. Liz and her husband Kevin have lived in Spring Hill for 33 years. They moved to the area from New York right after they married. They have two grown children who are both married, and two grandchildren. Liz has watched Pasco County grow for the last three decades. Now, she’s pleased to be able to use her creative side to help homeowners and businesses transform their spaces to be more beautiful and functional. Before selling any window treatments, Liz attended the Bumble Bee Blinds “Academy” to learn everything about the business, and to get to know all of the different products inside and out. “Customers’ needs are all different, so I sell many different brands,” she says. “I offer a lot of high-end products, but not everyone can afford them. So, I also have products to fit everyone’s budget. I try to help each customer make the right choice for them.” Liz starts by bringing her mobile showroom to her customer’s home or business for a completely free consultation. “What they see is what they get,” she explains. “A typical showroom has such bright lights, so what looks blue in a showroom might look white at your home, or vice versa. Even lightbulbs are different colors, so whether you have yellow or white lightbulbs can make everything look different.” She brings her Bumble Bee Blinds-branded car to your home or office, filled with every sample she has to offer, from drapery samples to a variety of shutters. A few years ago, Bumble Bee Blinds had proprietary software to visualize a pattern in a room, but that has become obsolete. Instead, Liz uses AI (artificial intelligence) to help you visualize how her products will look in your room.
(Above) Liz Locke, the local franchisee of Bumble Bee Blinds, is always happy to bring her mobile design showroom to your home. (Photos by Charmaine George) (Next page) No matter what type of window treatments you’re looking for — from (top to bottom) outdoor shades to indoor shades with curtains, shutters and everything in between, Liz will help you find the best options for you & your home. (Photos provided by Bumble Bee Blinds) She says many homeowners don’t know very thorough, and when he was done, it was many people find that the gap in time from what to do with their sliding glass doors because ordering to installation allows them to pay a like a whole new room.” Because it is such a large project, Carol deposit up front and the balance upon installathe builders made them so big. decided to purchase her window treatments tion without having to finance the cost of the “I do a lot of sliders,” she says. “I recently in sections. The first part was one of her patio did shutters on sliding glass doors and they came window treatments. doors and the windows in one room. Now that Liz says anyone buying a new home should out gorgeous.” she knows it’s exactly what she wants, she’s movconsult with her well before their move-in date. And, Liz also provides drapes and says ing on to the next section. “The worst is for someone to buy a new the newest trend is a roller shade on the sliding “We had plain blinds and vertical blinds glass door. She offers a “smart drape,” which is a home and realize they forgot blinds,” she says. for the patio doors,” Carol says. “They just classy, elegant drape that goes over the door and “They feel like they’re in a fishbowl, and now looked old and grungy, and I didn’t like the way they have to wait.” is transparent, but can be closed to darken the they operated. The shutters I have now will last She adds, however, that she also has put room. “It’s the only product on the market that I forever and help keep the heat out. I can’t wait to know of that you can put in a washing machine temporary blinds on for customers while they get the rest of the house done.” wait for their custom orders to be produced. if you get it dirty,” Liz says. Carol says she also loved working with Liz. And, if you don’t want window treatments She adds that “Smart Home” automation, “She checks in, she follows up and, when I that allows you to integrate with Alexa or Google but still want to keep the sun out, window film ask a question, she responds right away,” Carol is another popular option that Liz also provides. Home and program your shades to open and All installations are completed by an install- says. “I’ve been so impressed with her.” close when you go out of town, also is available. Liz says her number one goal is to make Liz says the best sellers in Florida continue er who Liz works closely with. “He’s trustworthy sure her customers are completely happy with and reliable,” she says. to be shutters. These wooden slat blinds go on their new window treatments, and that she’s Carol Woods has lived in her house in the doors or windows and come in all different willing to go the extra mile to make sure they are Trinity area for 12 years and was ready for someshapes and sizes. comfortable with the choices they make. thing new when she met Liz. “It’s a classic,” she says. “Shutters never go “We set up an appointment, and she out of style, and are so easy to clean. And, for “I’m not a pushy salesman,” she says. “I’m some houses that have different shaped windows, came to the house,” Carol explains. “She must your hometown girl who has lived in the commuhave spent a couple of hours with us, explainyou can still make a shutter fit.” nity for 33 years and comes to your house, so you ing all the options. We decided on shutters, so All Bumble Bee Blinds products are comcan tell me your hopes and dreams, and I’m going she measured everything and gave me a price pletely custom-made. to try to make them happen. I’m going to do all I estimate.” “In Florida, there is no standard window can to give you everything you’re asking for.” Then, Carol says, the installer came out to size,” Liz says. “Every builder has its own sizes.” To schedule your free in-home consulThat customization means that orders take measure again, and a few weeks later, her shutters tation, call Liz Locke at (727) 287-5521. about three to five weeks to produce, so there is a were ready. For more info, visit BumbleBeeBlinds.com/ “The gentleman who did the install was waiting period while orders are in production. Spring-Hill-FL, email LLocke@BumbleBeeamazing,” Carol says. “He was very particular, While the company also offers financing, Blinds.com or see the ad on page 38.
30 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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The Rosebury Agency’s Niquek Rosebury-Munyantore Brings Notary Services To You By Mary Durbin
While she works with attorneys and real estate brokerage firms, Niquek says that about 60% of her business is still considered to be “general notary” work, which is where someone calls her directly for notary services.
Neighborhood News Correspondent If you’ve ever bought a home, updated your will, or applied for a loan, chances are you had to have a Notary Public certify your documents. While places like UPS stores or your local bank branch do provide notary services, UPS stores are individually owned and, depending upon the location of the franchise, they may only notarize certain types of documents. Banks will normally only notarize documents for their customers but also may not handle all kinds of documents. Most important is that you will need to go to these places in person, which may not fit into many people’s busy schedules. But, there is another more unique option, a mobile notary, like Niquek (pronounced “Neek”) Rosebury-Munyantore, who is a Concierge Notary and Loan Signing Agent, and owner of The Rosebury Agency. As listed on her RoseburyAgency.com website, Niquek specializes in mobile notary services, including deeds, powers of attorney, trust and business document notarization. In addition, as a certified Loan Signing Agent notary, she is qualified to handle and notarize loan documents during real estate transactions. While she is based in the Wesley Chapel/ New Tampa area, and serves Pasco and Hillsborough counties, Niquek also travels to Pinellas County. She will come to your residence, business, or just about any place. She jokes, “I have even notarized documents on the hoods of cars!”
What’s Next?
Niquek keeps pretty busy, as she is the sole employee at The Rosebury Agency. “For right now I think I am ok,” she says. “What I see some notaries do once they get to a certain threshold is open up a Signing Service. I have always wanted not just to open a Signing Service but to have a brick-&-mortar facility where Signing Agents can come.”
(L.-r.) Niquek Rosebury-Munyantore’s Rosebury Agency provides mobile Notary Public services for Wesley Chapel, New Tampa & beyond. (Photos provided by The Rosebury Agency)
Why A Concierge Notary Business?
Niquek became a Notary Public in 2014. While in college at Jacksonville University, she worked at CarMax as a business office associate. She explains that, “As part of my role, we sometimes got out-of-state car titles which required notarization. So, I got the credentials to be a notary, but I didn’t know what more I could do with it. I thought I had to leave the stamp at work.” After college, Niquek worked as a project manager but was still looking for what to do with her notary commission. She found a program for Loan Signing Agents which trains individuals how to process real estate closing documents. Upon completing the training, she signed up for something called a “Signing Ser-
vice” which is a company that connects Notary Signing Agents with lenders and title companies. This service functions as an intermediary, managing the scheduling and logistics of signings while providing a network of qualified notaries. But, Niquek wanted to put her notary to other uses. She was looking to work directly with the title and brokerage companies, as well as with attorneys. She adds, “Outside of real estate, I really love [helping with] estate planning.” She formed The Rosebury Agency in 2022. While larger law firms usually have a notary on staff, many smaller law firms do not. Niquek likes that, “I am able to work with those companies directly; they let me know when they are a having an estate closing.”
In addition to maintaining her current State of Florida notary commission, Niquek is fully bonded and insured. She also is a member of the National Notary Association, a membership organization that provides education and training for notaries, as well as insurance and bonding. Niquek stresses the importance of appearing professional when dealing with customers and feels it is important to dress the part. She tells how one customer complained that a previous notary had come to their office wearing flip flops!
Remote Online Notary Services
Niquek also offers Remote On-Line Notary Services. This method is legally recognized and offers a convenient alternative to traditional in-person notarization. Remote Online Notarization has been available since 2011, with Virginia
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32 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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being the first state to authorize it. Florida didn’t authorize its usage until January 2020. Many other states have enacted laws allowing remote notarization, especially during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
How Does Mobile Notarization Work?
Basically, Niquek says that mobile notarization is like a Zoom call with a secure platform that allows the notary and the signer to be in different places. “I absolutely love doing them because they are significantly faster. I have never had one last more than 15 minutes,” Niquek says. First, she verifies the customer’s identity by asking him or her to confirm personal information like present or past addresses. The signer can upload his/her ID online. Niquek verifies it and physically matches it with the person on screen. The signer can then sign and receive the completed and notarized documents electronically; everything is verified and secured digitally. Remote online notary services now appear to be widely accepted throughout the U.S. However, Niquek cautions that you should still always verify with whoever is requesting the notarized documents that they accept this type of format. Niquek’s customers seem to be very happy with her concierge services, as she has overall 5-star ratings on both Google and Yelp. In her 5-star review on Yelp, client Leslie C says, “‘Thoroughly Impressed’ would be the title of this review if given the option. I needed to find a notary on short notice. I put a request out on Yelp and Niquek came to the rescue. She is extremely professional and organized, exactly what you’d want from a notary.”
Fees & Payments
The State of Florida caps fees for notary services. at $10 per stamp for Notarization and $25 for Remote Online Notary services. In addition to the fees listed above, customers will be charged travel costs, which are based on mileage from Wesley Chapel to the signer’s location. The exact amount for travel costs will be calculated though the quote system on The Rosebury Agency’s website. Niquek explains, “This is why I always ask for the customer’s zip code when they submit a request for notary services.” Niquek does accept credit cards, with no additional service fee. For more information or to request a quote, visit RoseburyAgency.com, call (813) 444-6017, email her at notary@roseburyagency.com or see the ad on pg. 52.
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33
NEXA Lending-Florida Family Mortgage Team Can Help Get You Funded! By Traviyon Bigby
Neighborhood News Correspondent
For Steven Oliver, helping someone purchase a home is about more than securing a mortgage and reaching the closing table. It’s about finding the right financing for each client and exploring every available option before making a recommendation. Since launching the Florida Family Mortgage Team in 2020 — and which has an office on S.R. 54 (just east of Curley Rd.) in Wesley Chapel — Oliver has seen the mortgage industry change significantly. He entered during a period of historically low interest rates and a pandemicdriven refinance boom. Today, most of his business involves home purchases, as fewer homeowners find refinancing financially beneficial. The market has changed, but Oliver’s approach hasn’t. “I don’t have it in my heart, I can’t do it, and I won’t do it,” Oliver says of being limited to one lender’s products. “I’ll just go somewhere else.” That philosophy led him to partner with NEXA Lending, which gives him access to more than 325 active lenders. “Shopping through that many lenders, every single client, every single time,” he says. “There are no favorites, no kickbacks, and no wine-and-dine experiences that can buy me.” For Oliver, that choice is more than a business advantage. It’s a responsibility to his clients that he takes very seriously. His passion for helping families achieve home ownership began long before Oliver entered the mortgage industry. Growing up, he says his family of six lived in a 600-sq.-ft. mobile home with two bedrooms and one bathroom. His father was a pastor, and his mother was a certified nursing assistant, “but money was always tight,” he says. Oliver remembers frequently being told “No,” going without birthday and Christmas gifts, sometimes going to bed hungry and being teased at school about his clothes and his home. “I was only a kid, and there wasn’t anything I could do about it,” he recalls. At age 12, he began delivering newspapers, eventually taking on multiple routes to buy things he wanted, including a Game Boy and better school clothes, while also helping his parents with bills. When he later started a family with his wife, Lisa, he knew he wanted a different experience for his children. Today, those memories motivate him to help families who might otherwise struggle to qualify for a mortgage. “When I look at all of our lenders and
(Left) When other lenders turn you down or can’t get you the rate you were hoping for, Steven Oliver of NEXA Lending-Florida Family Mortgage Team will work hard to get you the mortgage you need. (Photo by Charmaine George) (Right, l.-r) The Oliver family (l.-r.) Caydence, Isaac, Steven, Hannah, Lisa & Emma (Family photo courtesy of Yesenia Headrington Photography) options,” he says, “and can get creative to put a Dept. of Agriculture) loans. “USDA offers 100% needed to use a particular lender to purchase family into a home that no other bank can, when financing for homes in designated rural areas,” a home. After reviewing the contract, Oliver I know their kids won’t have to feel the way I did he says. “You can find eligible locations using the found no such requirement. He then compared — that’s what keeps me going, that’s my ‘why.’” USDA online map. Please note that properties financing options and found the same interest in Tampa or Wesley Chapel generally do not rate with much lower origination fees. The buyer Oliver describes today’s market as a buyer’s ultimately closed with Oliver’s team. market, which is giving purchasers more negotiat- qualify until you move further north toward the Mirada and San Antonio areas.” “The home they were buying was for ing power. He says more than 60% of the conFor qualifying borrowers, FHA offers a $388,000 in Wesley Chapel,” he says. “We saved tracts his team receives include seller concessions, fully forgivable 3.5% grant may help reduce upthem $9,000 in origination fees and got them and many involve offers below asking price — front costs when combined with allowable seller the same rate as the other lender, without the which was unheard of five years ago. Inspections, concessions. “For this FHA option, the lender buydown points. Whenever I can put someone appraisals and home-sale contingencies are also provides the borrower with 3.5% of the purchase into a home and get them the best deal on their becoming more common than during the highly price to cover upfront costs. While closing costs mortgage, that’s why I do this. That’s what helps competitive market of the first post-Covid years. and discount points can be higher, seller concesme sleep at night.” “The buyers are more cautious about purchasing,” he says. “But that also leads to more sions can often cover these in the current market, His commitment to comparing options has allowing the borrower to purchase with very strategic options for them to buy.” shaped his own career. Oliver says he left a previHe adds that sellers may need to adjust their little out-of-pocket expense. A key benefit is that ous mortgage brokerage after being told to send this is a grant that is fully forgivable from day loans to a single lender. He also left automotive fiexpectations, too. “Some are still trying to get top one. Borrowers can complete an FHA streamline nance for similar reasons. Rather than offer clients dollar for their homes,” Oliver says. “The sooner only one path forward, he wants the flexibility to they realize that the market has changed, the quick- refinance in as few as seven months without dealing with a non-forgivable second lien. We find financing that best fits their circumstances. er and easier they’ll be able to sell their homes.” can help clients qualify for this, provided they Despite these opportunities, affordability As for the “team” part of the Florida Family have a mid-to-upper 660+ FICO score for the remains a significant obstacle. Oliver encourMortgage Team, Oliver says, “Jenifer D’Alonzo is numbers to work effectively.” ages buyers to consider how down-payment my processor, Amy O’Connell is my senior loan assistance, seller concessions and different loan officer assistant, Jaymee Maniculit is my junior FHA financing can also be an option for programs can affect their upfront costs and loan officer assistant, and Agatha Bonagua is my first-time buyers who have limited savings. Oliver monthly payments. customer care specialist (the last 2 are virtual says, “As a broker, we provide buyers with multiassistants),” he says. “I also have one branch loan ple loan options. We shop around to secure the Exploring All Of Your Options officer (Diana Boyesen) I provide leads to in best rates and present comparisons between FHA His lending network offers conventional, Orlando. She is with NEXA, too.” and Conventional loans to find the best fit.” FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA He also has eight “downlines” with NEXA, A recent transaction illustrates the value (Veterans Administration), and USDA (U.S. “that I collect a little bit of revenue share from of comparing lenders. One buyer was told he
34 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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each month. NEXA grew to be the Largest Mortgage Broker in the US from 2016-19 and has held that title by a long shot ever since then because of its downline/recruiting side. It operates like an EXP Realty where recruiting is not the main focus; however, there is an incentive to it. There are people at NEXA who make a lot of money recruiting, but that is not my focus. My focus is to be the best Loan Officer I can be and that is what the intention of the company is. My eight downlines have come organically, not from me doing any actual recruiting work, but from others noticing how good of a job I’m doing and asking more questions about being a Loan Officer or joining NEXA.” Oliver says his approach also is shaped by his seven years in the U.S. Army National Guard. He achieved the rank of E-5, or Sergeant, and deployed to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan in 2013. That same year, he graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business Management. His commitment to his profession has brought recognition. Last year, Oliver earned NEXA’s Founder’s Club distinction, recognizing the top 1% of producing loan officers within the company. He expects to earn it again this year. As technology evolves, Oliver sees a role for automation in reaching prospective clients. However, he believes personal relationships remain essential, especially with referrals and people who already have a connection to his business. “I want to be known for mortgages and nothing else,” he says. “I want to be known as the expert in his craft.” That also means being willing to recommend another option when it better serves the borrower. “I would never ask a
Louis Cerillo, DDS
friend, a family member, or a client to go with me if they were getting a better deal somewhere else,” Oliver says. Florida Family Mortgage Team’s focus on communication and transparency is reflected in its Google reviews, where the business has a 5.0star rating on more than 160 reviews. Client Rubel M. wrote in a 5-star review: “We had an amazing experience working with Steven Oliver! We compared several lenders and ultimately chose Steve because he was detailed and transparent, and he made everything easy to understand. His communication was always punctual, and he responded quickly every time we had a question—especially during the tough moments. I highly recommend Steven Oliver to anyone who wants a lender who truly cares and treats you like a person, not a transaction.” For homebuyers in Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and surrounding communities, Steven Oliver of NEXA Lending–Florida Family Mortgage Team is proud to be your local resource for navigating the mortgage process. Ultimately, Oliver says he measures success by the work he puts into helping clients make informed decisions. His goal isn’t simply to close another loan; it’s to help families find a path to home ownership with confidence. Those who need financing to purchase a home or refinance a home can stop by the Florida Family Mortgage Team office at 30740 S.R. 54, just east of Curley Rd., or call Steven at (813) 825-6555 (office) or (407) 450-5472 (mobile). The office is generally open Mon.Fri., 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., but Steven says he often answers calls after hours. For more info, visit FloridaFamilyMortgageTeam.com.
Kim Tran-Nguyen, DMD
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Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
35
The New Tampa Dance Theatre Is Closer Than You Think, Wesley Chapel! Special to the Neighborhood News
For more than three decades, the New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT) has been helping young people discover what dance can bring to their lives, including artistry, discipline, confidence, friendships and memories that last well beyond their years in the school. Now celebrating its remarkable 32nd season, NTDT, located on Cross Creek Blvd. across from the Heritage Isles community, continues the tradition that has made it a cornerstone of dance education in the communities of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. Some students arrive dreaming of performing professionally. Others simply fall in love with music, movement and being part of something special. At NTDT, there is a place for both — and everyone in between. The school offers a world-class, professional and versatile dance education designed to challenge students while preserving the joy that brought them to dance in the first place. NTDT is the largest professional dance training facility in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. Owner and artistic director Dyane Elkins IronWing is now entering her 32nd season of creating both dance memories and dance futures. Over the years, many NTDT students have continued their education through collegiate dance programs, while others have gone on to professional careers. “Like any parent, our faculty is beyond proud of each student,” says Elkins IronWing. “Not just as dancers, but as persevering, creative young people who thrive in college and beyond. As we begin our 32nd season, we’re excited to continue giving back through our ‘Pay It Forward’ program, offering new students $25 monthly tuition.”
Growing With The Community
When NTDT moved into its larger current location in 2006, the additional space allowed Elkins IronWing to expand class offerings and scheduling while maintaining smaller class sizes and individualized attention. Today, that location is increasingly convenient, as both New Tampa and especially, Wesley Chapel, continue to experience tremendous growth. “Our name says New Tampa,” Elkins IronWing says, “but we’re actually much closer to Wesley Chapel than most people realize. Families are always pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy the drive is to our school.” That expanding community also has brought a larger and increasingly diverse population of dancers through NTDT’s doors.
Dance Education For Every Dancer
Despite its reputation for developing professional-level dancers, NTDT isn’t exclusively for students pursuing dance careers. Far from it. The school welcomes recreational dancers, including adults, dedicated pre-professional students and virtually every level in between. NTDT’s leveled curriculum gives students opportunities to experience multiple dance disciplines while receiving personalized attention from an experienced, professional faculty. Children ages 3-4 begin in NTDT’s Early
(Above) Dancers at the barre during a ballet level 5 technique class at the New Tampa Dance Theatre on Cross Creek Blvd. (Below) Victoria DeRenzo in rehearsal choreographing a piece for Dance Theatre of Tampa. (Next page, left) “The Nutcracker” Party Girls & Sheep during a community performance at The Shops at Wiregrass. (Right) During Spring Production, Dance Theatre of Tampa dancers (l.-r.) Olivia Gayle, Emily Lara, Elya Munoz & Natalie Mann performing “Little Swans” from “Swan Lake.” (All photos for this story provided by New Tampa Dance Theatre) the School of American Ballet and American Childhood Program, ages 5-8 participate in the Children’s Program, and dancers ages 9-18 Ballet Theatre in New York City, The Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, the Joffrey Ballet in can continue their development through the Chicago, Cincinnati Ballet and Boston Ballet. Youth Program. Along with classical ballet, NTDT provides “After 32 years in this community, I’m comprehensive training in creative movement, deeply grateful for the amazing people who’ve modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop. been part of our dance program and family,” says Each art form has its own director and Elkins IronWing. specific syllabuses, creating a structured eduFormer NTDT student Victoria DeRenzo cational path that allows students to progress (photo, right) knows firsthand how significant through their studies while developing versatility that foundation can become. as dancers. “I credit all of my success as a professional The facility itself was created with that dancer to the foundational training I received at same philosophy in mind. NTDT from ages 6-18,” says DeRenzo, now a NTDT features maple flooring for tap professional dancer and choreographer who has gain the confidence and tools to keep discovertraining, impressive 20-ft.-tall mirrored walls, toured internationally in 28 countries on four ing new passions in their lives.” student locker rooms and a large studio capable continents, most notably with the renowned Piof accommodating up to 200 people. Sprung lobolus Dance Theatre in Washington Depot, CT. The Magic Of Performing flooring provides important shock absorption “I loved every second of my experience Performance is another important part of to help protect dancers’ joints, while the on-site growing up there,” DeRenzo adds, “but I had the NTDT experience. café gives students a place to eat, take a break or no idea how spoiled I was until I graduated. Not All students have the opportunity to even finish homework between classes. many people receive a top-notch dance educaparticipate in NTDT’s annual Spring Production in multiple artforms during their lifetimes, tion and, through the school’s nonprofit partner, Where Training Becomes Opportunity let alone starting at the age of 6.” Dance Theatre of Tampa (DTT), in the winter But, becoming a professional dancer is only production of “The Nutcracker.” Through the years, NTDT has developed a one possible outcome. reputation for producing strong, versatile dancStudents also can perform in the Summer For students who decide not to pursue ers. Alumni have continued into respected proConcert Series and Summer Dance Intensive, dance professionally after high school, Elkins fessional dance companies, Broadway producboth held in June and July, at NTDT’s own onIronWing says their training can still bring them tions, national tours and the Walt Disney Co. site Black Box Theatre. to an artistic level that prepares for acceptance NTDT’s emphasis on proficiency across As part of its commitment to the surroundmultiple art forms also can provide students with into many college dance programs while providing community, DTT provides more than 100 an advantage as they move into the world of ing training that extends far beyond the school. complimentary tickets to NTDT corporate professional dance. “When students believe in themselves, sponsors, local community supporters, alumni Students have been accepted into prestrust the process and grow through well-roundmembers and students. tigious summer intensive programs, including ed dance training,” Elkins IronWing says, “they For Wesley Chapel residents Jeff and
36 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Melinda Garry, enrolling their daughter Myla at NTDT at an early age became about much more than learning to dance. “Myla has gained so much more than discovering her passion for dance,” Melinda says. “She has learned to work as a team, overcome challenges, persevere when things get hard and believe in herself. She has made amazing friends and built special relationships with instructors who have become mentors and role models. Watching her grow from a little girl into the young woman she is today has been incredibly meaningful, and NTDT has been a beautiful part of that journey. “NTDT is so much more than a dance
school. It is a loving community where every child is supported and encouraged to grow. We are so grateful for the love, friendships, and confidence NTDT has given our daughter.”
A Tampa Bay Holiday Tradition, 27 Years Strong
Dance Theatre of Tampa (DTT)’s presentation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is entering its 27th season, continuing what is the community’s largest and the Tampa Bay area’s longest-running interpretation of the beloved classic. This year, “The Nutcracker” will be performed Friday-Sunday, December 18-20, at the
USF Tampa College of Arts Theater 1. Before the full stage production at USF, DTT will once again bring “The Nutcracker Suite” to the community on Saturday & Sunday, December 5-6, with performances at 6, 7 & 8 p.m., at The Shops at Wiregrass, including free ticket giveaways at every performance! After generations of training local students, the philosophy behind New Tampa Dance Theatre remains remarkably simple. “At NTDT, it’s always been about the kids and always will be,” Elkins IronWing says. “We are a company that enables children to succeed, and we believe in setting high expectations while keeping dance fun and confidence-building. As
we celebrate our 32nd season, we’re grateful to the families and organizations who’ve trusted and supported us in making NTDT the special place it is today.” The New Tampa Dance Theatre offers year-round free trial classes for prospective dancers of all ages. To tour the facility or to rent for a meeting, party or function, visit NTDT at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd. For more info and to check out the exciting lineup of Fall 2026 classes, call (813) 994-NTDT (6838), visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com, or see the ad on pg. 39. You also can follow NTDT on Facebook and Instagram at “New Tampa Dance Theatre.”
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37
Excellence In Eye Care — Detecting The Vision Problems People Don’t See Coming By Jordan King
Neighborhood News Correspondent
If there’s one message optometrists Dr. David Scamard and Dr. Carson Woolwine of Excellence in Eye Care wish more people understood, it’s this: being able to see clearly does not necessarily mean your eyes are healthy. Located inside the Costco on S.R. 56 (next to the Tampa Premium Outlets), Dr. Scamard and Dr. Woolwine spend much of their time helping patients who are surprised to learn that serious eye conditions often develop long before any symptoms appear. Many people schedule an eye exam because they think they need a new prescription. In reality, the doctors say a comprehensive annual eye exam is just as much about protecting eye health as it is about seeing better. “A lot of people tell me they can see fine,” says Dr. Scamard. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of problems that patients think they’re doing fine with until significant damage has already occurred.” That’s why he encourages annual eye exams for adults, even if a patient doesn’t believe their vision has changed. Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments can progress quietly. By the time a patient realizes something is wrong, permanent vision loss may already have occurred. That level of attentiveness is one reason many patients have remained with Dr. Scamard for decades. Angela C., who has been his patient for 20 years, recalls a frightening eye injury that could have cost her the vision in her right eye. “When I was 21, I ended up tearing a chunk of my cornea out of my eye while taking out a dry contact lens. Dr. Scamard got me in right away when I called, and I was actually blind in my right eye for a week. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have that eyesight (today). He’s been amazing, the easiest to work with. He takes his time, you never feel rushed, and he really cares. He even followed up afterward to make sure everything was healing. I’m going to be really sad whenever he decides to retire!” Angela’s story also highlights a risk many people underestimate. According to Dr. Scamard, more than 1 million people each year suffer eye injuries, and 90% of those injuries could be prevented with proper protective eyewear. Drs. Scamard and Woolwine say simple precautions while working, playing sports, or completing household projects can help prevent visionthreatening injuries before they happen. “We have patients who come in and say,
(L.-r.) Technicians Savannah Leder & Isabella Suarez, Dr. Carson Woolwine, Dr. David Scamard, & techs Shreya Chelattu & Evangelina Rivero of Excellence in Eye Care, located inside the Costco on S.R. 56 (next to the Tampa Premium Outlets) in Lutz. (Photos by Charmaine George) ‘I’ve been seeing flashes of light’ or ‘I’ve been see- inside Costco since the store opened in 2017. ing spots for a month,’” Dr. Scamard says. “Then Get Your Kids’ Eyes Checked, Too! we find something serious going on. The sooner One area where Dr. Scamard says early you catch something, the better the outcome.” That sentiment is shared by Dr. Woolwine, intervention can make an enormous difference is in children’s eye health. “Kids don’t know what who joined the practice in 2022. “People don’t know that you can’t really feel the inside of your normal vision is supposed to look like,” he says. “They have nothing to compare it to.” eyeball,” he explains. “They can be bleeding inParents often assume that school screenings side their eyes, have holes in their retina or even are enough, but Dr. Scamard says those screena retinal detachment and have no idea.” ings can miss underlying vision issues and eye One reason the doctors are often able to diseases. Some conditions, including amblyopia, identify problems like these early is the technology available in the office. Excellence in Eye Care or “lazy eye,” become much more difficult to utilizes Optomap retinal imaging, which captures treat as children age. “If we don’t catch it (amblyopia) before about age nine, they can end up detailed images of the retina and allows patients to see exactly what the doctors see. The imaging also serves as an alternative for patients who are unable or unwilling to have their pupils dilated. “It gives us a record we can compare year after year,” Dr. Woolwine says. “And, patients can actually see what’s going on rather than just take our word for it.” Advancements in eye care have gone far beyond imaging technology. According to Dr. Scamard, treatment options for conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and chronic dry eye have improved dramatically during his career. After earning his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Vision Science from the University of South Florida, Dr. Scamard received his Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 1999. He has practiced in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 30 years and has been serving patients
38 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
with permanent vision loss,” he explains. Dr. Scamard’s passion for early intervention is one reason Excellence in Eye Care participates in the InfantSEE program, which provides free comprehensive eye assessments for infants between only six and 12 months of age. A charter participant in the program, Dr. Scamard says the exams establish an early baseline while helping identify developmental concerns and rare but serious conditions that can threaten both vision and overall health. Another growing concern, he says, is the amount of time children spend looking at screens. While genetics still play a major role in nearsightedness, Dr. Scamard says increasing screen use appears to correlate with more children experiencing rapidly progressing vision changes. Fortunately, newer contact lenses and eyeglass technologies can help slow progression in some patients. Dr. Woolwine brings a unique perspective to the practice because he was once one of Dr. Scamard’s patients. After shadowing him and receiving a recommendation letter for optometry school from Dr. Scamard, Dr. Woolwine, ended up joining the practice himself. He also earned his B.S. degree from USF (in Biomedical Science) before also earning his O.D. degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2016. “What attracted me was Dr. Scamard,” he says. “He’s been a mentor. Having him right there to bounce ideas off of has been invaluable.” That collaborative environment, combined with a focus on patient education, is what both
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doctors believe keeps patients returning year after year. “The goal is to make sure people don’t leave without knowing exactly what’s going on with their eyes and what they need to do about it,” Dr. Woolwine says. “If you help one person really well, it’s going to help a whole bunch more people in the long run.” The practice also offers contact lens exams, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma testing, treatment for eye infections and injuries, foreign body removal and other medical eye care services. Looking ahead, the doctors are exploring additional dry-eye therapies and hope to place a greater emphasis on sports vision training, which can help improve visual processing, reaction time and hand-eye coordination for athletes of all ages. Outside the office, Dr. Scamard recently participated in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, helping provide eye care to more than
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2,000 patients in underserved communities. He also is assisting with plans to establish a permanent eye clinic there. For both doctors, however, the message remains the same, whether they’re serving patients overseas or here in Wesley Chapel — Don’t wait until something feels wrong. “You don’t know what’s going on until you get your eyes checked,” says Dr. Woolwine. “That’s why every person should make eye exams a priority.” Excellence in Eye Care is located inside Costco at 2225 Grand Cypress Dr. in Lutz. You do not need a Costco membership to see the doctors and, although the practice doesn’t accept vision insurance, it will provide you with paperwork you can submit to your insurance company. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (813) 279-7038, visit ExcellenceInEyeCare.net or see the ad on pg. 3.
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
39
Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill Adds Some Amazing New Menu Items! By Gary Nager
Photos by Joel Provenzano
It’s been more than a year since I last updated you about anything new at Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill, located on the north side of S.R. 56, near the Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel hotel. So, Jannah and I decided to go see what’s new and we brought Neighborhood News correspondent Joel Provenzano and his fellow Realtor® wife Jessica along with us. And, oh boy, was there ever a lot of new menu items that, like Zukku-San’s entire menu, sprang forward from the fertile mind of Executive Chef Gian Tran. For starters, while most places serve California roll with surimi (imitation crabmeat), Gia has now added a Snow California Roll (below) made with real snow crab meat. So good. Zukku-San now also offers Snow Crab Crispy Rice (top right) with avocado, togarashi (chili pepper), masago (capelin roe), an amazing sweet & spicy sauce and micro cilantro. This was mine and Jannah’s favorite of the new menu items. We loved it so much, we ate a second order of it. You might have to, too! Jessica and Joel both flipped for the new Bird’s Nest Roll (far right), which combines tempura shrimp (so of course, none for me) with salmon and cucumber and topped with avocado, crab mix, scallions, masago, eel sauce and a poached egg. Jessica said the addition of the softcooked egg, with the yolk running down, made it “unbelievably good.” We all also loved the new Chef’s Feature — A5 Wagyu Steamed Gyoza. These amazing dumplings (below right) are hand-crafted inhouse, stuffed with A5 wagyu steak, ginger and scallions and paired with Zukku-San’s medi-
Zukku-San Executive Chef Gia Tran (Photo source: ZukkuSushi.com)
um-spicy Signature Lava Sauce. The late heat of these catches you a little off-guard but it’s so worth it. Hopefully, this feature sticks around for a long while. Joel and Jessica also gave high marks to the new Salmon Crudo, which is raw salmon in ponzu sauce, lemon zest and garlic oil and served with cherry tomatoes and micro cilantro. Another new dish that we all really like was the Chicken Katsu Curry (top photo on next page). This super-crispy, Panko-crusted & fried all-white-meat chicken is served atop a bed of jasmine white rice in a mild Japanese curry sauce with onions, peas and carrots. If you’ve ever had Zukku-San’s incredible Chicken & Ube Waffles for brunch, this katsu is somehow even crispier. If you can believe it, there were some new dishes we didn’t try, including Tokyo Fire Shrimp, Sautéed Shishito Peppers, a Tempura Shrimp Curry and two new Tonkotsu Ramens (one spicy, one not) in pork broth, as well as a
new Signature Salad Jannah and I will definitely try on our next visit. For reservations & more info about Zukku-San Sushi Bar & Grill (25916 Sierra Center Blvd.), call (813) 419-1351, visit ZukkuSushi.com or see the ad on pg. 49.
40 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
41
Tampa Joe’s Opens At The Hub At Lexington — And It’s Delicious! I’m sure some of you remember Tampa Joe’s, the sports bar/restaurant that previously was open on Anderson Rd. near Tampa International Airport. Well, even though that location closed a few months ago — after ten successful years (because the property was sold out from under them) — and co-owners (l.-r. in bottom left photo) Steve Harrington, Mike Goodwin and Tracey Garrison had previously planned to open a second location (the other is in Valrico) of The Landing Bar & Grill in Tampa Joe’s new location at 26951 Halter Loop in The Hub at Lexington, the trio decided several months ago to bring back Tampa Joe’s instead. Goodwin, who also lost his lease at his popular Wesley Chapel location of O’Brien’s Irish Pub earlier this year, said the decision to open Tampa Joe’s earlier this month at The Hub was an easy one. “Everyone loved the food and the atmosphere,” he says. “And, we believe we’ve made it even better now.” Based on our first two visits to the new Tampa Joe’s — the second was at the Grand Opening event for The Hub on Oct. 16 (see story on pg. 1), I have to agree. We’ve already sampled quite a few items from the restaurant’s huge menu, including the Tampa Joe’s Signature Sampler Platter (far right), which includes mini-slices of pepperoni pizza (it’s not true NY style, but still very crisp & tasty), cheese curds, chicken quesadilla, boneless chicken bites,m and your choice of baked or fried bone-in wings. It;s served with three dipping sauces —± blue cheese, ranch and a chipotle aioli to which we gave many thumbs-up. Speaking of pizzas, we also loved the Italian meat & cheese pizza, which combined pepperoni, meatballs, Italian sausage, Genoa salami, smoked ham and both provolone and mozzarella cheese. On our second visit, Jannah said that Tampa Joe’s Margherita flatbread was her favorite of the three. And, even though I’m not a mushroom lover, I did enjoy the crab meat, parmesan and mozzarella-stuffed mushrooms, which were cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce. Unlike most sports bars, Tampa Joe’s has seven different salads on the menu, from “The Cobb” to “Cranberry Fields.” We throughly gobbled up the Tuscan salad, which has mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, red peppers and feta cheese and citrus vinaigrette dressing. We also approved of Tampa Joe’s Classic Tuna Melt, Cuban sandwich and bacon cheeseburger sliders, as well as the creamy Cajun chicken Alfredo (one of five pastas on the menu, above right). I definitely will try Tampa Joe’s Slow-Roasted Ribs and chicken, rice & broccoli entrées in the future, but I definitely savored the flavor of the “Chef’s Choice Steak,” which was a 12-oz. NY strip (right) that was grilled to medium-rare perfection and served with my choice of two sides. Jannah loved sharing my crisp sweet potato fries and the sautéed spinach was pretty tasty, too. Mike says, “The steak changes with whatever looks best from our sup-
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42 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Up Next At The Hub: Urban Crunch & Brew Bar I’ve liked getting to know Kirsten and her husband Jordan Sabb, the owners of the Urban Crunch locations at The Hub at Bexley and at Lexington Oaks (see story on pg. 1), as well as the four-year-old Brew Bar location at the KRATE at The Grove container park and the future BrewBar location adjacent to Urban Crunch at The Hub at Lexington. Kirsten, Jordan and their staff have been hard at work trying to get the Brew Bar and Urban Crunch locations at the new Hub open, but at our press time, they were still at least a week away from opening Urban Crunch and perhaps a couple of weeks further from opening the new Brew Bar — which is not only located next door to Urban Crunch, but also will be accessible from the ice cream, coffee, tea, smoothie & Swedish candy shop via a secret “speakeasy” door (photo below). “Like the one at Bexley, this Urban Crunch will be a full café,” Kirsten says. “And this Brew Bar location, unlike the one at The KRATEs, will be a full liquor craft cocktail bar. We also will have beer and wine on tap, but the speakeasy concept will make it an even more fun atmosphere.” All I can tell you, following my first visits and sampling several flavors of the delicious ice cream, my favorites are the “Let’s Go Bananas” and the Moosetrack Fudge,” but there are many more to choose from, including NSA (no sugar added) Mississippi Mud. I’ve yet to try the coffee, but it is Buddy Brew. For more info, visit UrbanCrunchTampa. com — GN; right photo by Joel Provenzano
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Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
43
Enter Our 2026 Reader Dining Survey & Contest & To Win $200 In FREE Dining!
La Creación Bistro Puerto Rican & American Cuisine that Celebrates Tradition & Embraces Modern Flavors La Creación Bistro has opened its doors in Wesley Chapel with a fresh, contemporary concept focused on brunch and dinner. Our kitchen is led by a Puerto Rican chef with 25 years of experience in both Puerto Rican and American cuisine. The result is a thoughtful combination of our rich Puerto Rican heritage and classic American dishes.
Our 2026 Reader Dining Survey & Contest concludes with this issue, with EIGHT more chances to win up to $200 in FREE dining at the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area! All we’re asking you to do in this issue to win FREE dining is the following: 1) Tell us your FIVE (5) Favorite Restaurants located in Wesley Chapel (WC) — in zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545, plus locations on Wesley Chapel Blvd. & S.R. 54 in Lutz between WC Blvd. & Oak Grove Blvd. Please do NOT include ANY restaurants located in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code on the WC (top left) entry form on pg. 45. 2) For another chance to win, tell us your FIVE (5) Favorite Restaurants located in New Tampa (NT) — in zip code 33647, plus locations on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and E. Bearss Ave. from BBD west to Livingston Ave. in zip code 33613. Please do NOT include ANY restaurants located in Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes on the NT entry form (top right) on pg. 45. 3) For yet another chance to win, tell us your Favorite Pizza Place AND your Favorite Latin (but NOT Mexican) Restaurant in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel (lower left entry form on pg. 45). 4) And, for more chances to win, tell us your Favorite Thai restaurant AND your Favorite Indian Restaurant in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel (lower right entry form on pg. 45).
5) And, on pg. 46, there are four additional chances to win if you tell us your Favorite Burger Place & Favorite Mexican Restaurant, your Favorite Coffee & Favorite Ice Cream places, your Favorite Bar & Favorite Breakfast places & Your Favorite Japanese Restaurant & Favorite Bakery. You’ll receive one entry into our random drawings to win up to $200 in FREE dining at the restaurant of your choice located anywhere in the Tampa Bay area for each correctlyfilled-out entry form you send us, by email to ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com or with the entry form on our website — NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net by Friday, November 6!
HERE ARE OUR OTHER RULES! 1) DO NOT write the name of your one favorite place in WC or NT in more than one Top-5 space on their respective entry forms. Even its first-place vote will NOT count. 2) In order for your votes to count and help your favorite restaurants, you must include your real first AND last name, the community you live in (Cross Creek, Lake Forest, etc.), your daytime phone number where I can reach you (which I will only call if your name is selected to win a prize) and your valid email address. 3) This year’s FREE dining prizes include the Grand Prize of $200, as well as prizes of $100, $75, $50 & $25. — GN
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44 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Here Are FOUR More Chances To Enter Our 2026 Reader Dining Survey & Contest: You Can Win Up To $200 In FREE Dining! There’s still time for you to enter our 2026 Reader Dining Survey & Contest — and win up to $200 in FREE dining at the restaurant of YOUR CHOICE anywhere in the Tampa Bay area! On this page are four separate entry forms. Each entry form you CORRECTLY fill out and email to us (by Friday, November 6) at ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com (or you can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net) gives you an entry into our random drawing to win one of our FREE dining prizes — $200, $100, $75, $50 or $25. Each of the top two entry forms below are asking you to name five DIFFERENT restaurants — Your Five Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel (WC) and Your Five Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa (NT). Please don’t name the same place five times (or even more than once) on either of these entry forms or YOUR VOTES WILL NOT COUNT & you will NOT be included in our random prize drawings! The two entry forms at the bottom of the page are each asking you to name two restaurants. Bottom left, we’re asking you to tell us your Favorite Pizza Place AND Your Favorite Latin (but NOT Mexican) Restaurant. You have to answer BOTH questions for your votes to count & for another chance to win. Bottom right, we ask you to name your Favorite Thai Restaurant in NT or WC AND Your Favorite Indian Restaurant in NT or WC. And again, you have to answer BOTH questions for your votes to count & for another chance to win. The same goes for the FOUR Entry Forms on pg. 46. — GN
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
1)__________________________________________________________________________
1)__________________________________________________________________________
2)__________________________________________________________________________
2)__________________________________________________________________________
3)__________________________________________________________________________
3)__________________________________________________________________________
4)__________________________________________________________________________
4)__________________________________________________________________________
5) __________________________________________________________________________
5) __________________________________________________________________________
Here are my Five Favorite (Overall) Restaurants in WC (Only):
Your First & Last Name________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Union Park, Lexington Oaks, etc.)______________________ Your Daytime Phone Number___________________________________________ Your Valid Email Address_______________________________________________ To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please tell us your FIVE Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel — plus provide all of the information requested on the entry form above — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see the official rules on pg. 44.
Here are my Five Favorite (Overall) Restaurants in NT (Only):
Your First & Last Name________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Saddlebrook, Meadow Pointe, etc.) _____________________ Your Daytime Phone Number___________________________________________ Your Valid Email Address_______________________________________________ To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please tell us your FIVE Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa — plus provide all of the information requested on the entry form above — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. Or, enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see the official rules on pg. 44.
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
My Favorite Latin Restaurant in NT or WC is:
My Favorite Indian Restaurant in NT or WC is:
My Favorite Pizza Place In New Tampa or Wesley Chapel is:
(NO Mexican restaurants, please!):
_________________________________________________________________________
My Favorite Thai Restaurant In NT or WC is:
_________________________________________________________________________
Your First & Last Name________________________________________________
Your First & Last Name________________________________________________
Community You Live In (Seven Oaks, Valencia Ridge, etc.)_______________________
Community You Live In (Epperson, Villages of Wesley Chapel, etc.)________________ Your Daytime Phone Number___________________________________________
Your Daytime Phone Number___________________________________________ Your Valid Email Address_______________________________________________ To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please answer one or both questions above — and provide all of the other information requested above — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@ NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. Or, you also can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see the official rules on pg. 44. Neighborhood News
@neighborhoodnews
Your Valid Email Address_______________________________________________ To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please answer one or both questions above — and provide all of the other information requested above — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@ NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. Or, you also can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see the official rules on pg. 44.
Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
45
Here Are The FINAL FOUR Chances FOR YOU To Win Up To $200 In FREE Dining!
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
My Favorite Burger In NT or WC is:
My Favorite Coffee In NT or WC is:
My Favorite Mexican Restaurant in NT or WC is:
My Favorite Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt in NT or WC is:
Your First & Last Name_____________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Quail Hollow, Watergrass, etc.)_____________________________
Your First & Last Name_____________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Wiregrass Ranch, Saddlewood Estates, etc.)____________________
Your Daytime Phone Number________________________________________________
Your Daytime Phone Number________________________________________________
Your Valid Email Address____________________________________________________
Your Valid Email Address____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please answer one or both questions above — and provide all of the other information requested — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. You also can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see our official rules on pg. 44.
To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please answer one or both questions above — and provide all of the other information requested — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. You also can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see our official rules on pg. 44.
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
Our 2026 Neighborhood News Dining Survey & Contest!
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Your First & Last Name_____________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Williamsburg, Country Walk, etc.)__________________________
Your First & Last Name_____________________________________________________ Community You Live In (Wesley Pointe, Palm Cove, etc.) ____________________________
Your Daytime Phone Number________________________________________________
Your Daytime Phone Number________________________________________________
Valid Email Address____________________________________________________ ricanYourRestaurant Is Open! To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa
Your Valid Email Address____________________________________________________
My Favorite Bar In NT or WC is:
My Favorite Breakfast Place in NT or WC is:
Bay area, please answer one or both questions above — and provide all of the other information requested and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with uveia,— The Grill at Morris Bridge “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. You also can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see our official rules on pg. 44. xecutive Chef Daniel Friley.
My Favorite Japanese Restaurant In NT or WC is: My Favorite Bakery in NT or WC is:
To enter to win up to $200 in FREE dining to the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, please answer one or both questions above — and provide all of the other information requested — and email a picture of JUST THIS ENTRY FORM to us at Ads@NTNeighborhoodNews.com, with “2026 Dining Contest” in the subject line of the email by Friday, November 6. You also can enter at NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net. No purchase necessary to enter or win, but please see our official rules on pg. 44.
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46 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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47
Pizza World Is Open In Lexington Oaks Commons — Have You Tried It? In the Lexington Oaks Crossings plaza (photo below) on Wesley Chapel Blvd., that currently is home to Livewell Animal Hospital and Pups “N” Cuts Spa Grooming & Day Care, the next business to open is Pizza World Gourmet Pizzeria, a smallish chain with only 14 locations in seven states, that was scheduled, at our press time, to open at 26863 Wesley Chapel Blvd. by Oct. 20. For the past few months, I was planning to at least stop in, if not take out food from, the Pizza World location on Gunn Hwy. in Odessa, but I don’t get out that way very much, so I never made the trip. I don’t know if Pizza World is truly “gourmet,” but I will say that the photos on the menu board (far right) inside the store and on the chain’s website look pretty darn tasty.
I promise that, as long as it opens as planned, by next issue, we’ll have our own photos of Pizza World’s pizzas, wings and subs and tell you more about the owners, too. For more info, visit PizzaWorldOnline.com. We’ll also update you on the other businesses coming to this small retail strip plaza — including Stretch Zone, Harmony Dental and of course, Barberitos, which was the first business with a sign in the plaza, but is still not yet open. — GN
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48 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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49
The Toasted Yolk, The Greyson, Cold Stone & Pilates Coming To Epperson Our friends at the Pasco County Development and Growth Updates Facebook page were the first we saw post about the new retail building located next to Swig on Curley Rd. in Epperson, which will include The Greyson, The Toasted Yolk Café and Wesley Chapel’s second Cold Stone Creamery and second Club Pilates locations. And, even though we saw a lot of “ho-hum” and “I miss the cows” comments on that post, for those of us who have tried and enjoyed The Greyson (a privately owned mini-chain with locations in Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto and Apollo Beach), well, let’s just say that we beg to differ. Yes, The Greyson (Lakewood Ranch location is shown top left) is “another” sports bar, but like recent Wesley Chapel-area additions like Food + Beer and 1916 Irish Pub, it definitely has really good food (Jannah and I loved the mahi tacos, top right photo, the smash burger
and the meatball sliders) and a great neighborhood “vibe.” For more information about The Greyson, visit GreysonBar.com. Meanwhile, we also enjoyed the Toasted Yolk (photos below) — which has 54 locations in a dozen or more U.S. states, mostly in the southeast — in downtown Sarasota. I love a good breakfast, lunch and brunch place and The Toasted Yolk has some fairly unique options, from a pork chop & egg breakfast to brisket tacos, and from an Alaskan Arnold (with salmon, spinach, poached eggs & hollandaise sauce) to shrimp & grits. There’s even avocado toast and a garden breakfast bowl with kale,m quinoa, bulgur wheat & brown rice, if you’re into that kind of “healthier stuff.” Plus, I never complain about delicious ice cream, either. Oh well, to each his or her own. For more info about The Toasted Yolk, visit TheToastedYolk.com. — GN
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50 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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51
Little Greek To Open Next To Bubbakoo’s; INDE Kitchen Coming To The KRATEs Little Greek Fresh Grill, which has about 50 locations in six states, most of which are in Florida (including one open for more than a dozen years at 19022 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa) was almost ready to open at 33787 Wesley Chapel Blvd., next to the new Bubbakoo’s Burritos (which we told you about last issue) as we went to press with this issue. If the new Little Greek isn’t open by the time this issue reaches your mailbox, it will be very soon thereafter. Little Greek has Greek favorites like dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), great Greek salads, chicken and steak souvlakis (skewers) and more, but my favorite there is the gyro (lamb & beef) platter below. For more info, visit WesleyChapel.LittleGreekFreshGrill.com or call (813) 370-1863 — and please tell the owner Mike I sent you.
INDE Kitchen To Open Soon?
Or will it? At our press time, we had no additional information about INDE Kitchen — an Indian street food eatery that will feature Indian-inspired “bowls, tacos, burritos, sandwiches and more,” according to an advertising sign in the window of the former Tutti Frutti Café at 5804 Grand Oro Land, Suite 106, in the KRATE at The Grove container park. Our friends at Triamo, the authentic Brazilian restaurant located next door (see photo & ad, right), said they haven’t heard when INDE Kitchen is expected to open. All we know about INDE Kitchen is that it appears to not be a chain. Hopefully, its “Bold Flavors. Brighter Days” slogan will help INDE
Kitchen succeed at the KRATEs, where multiple other Indian eateries have come and gone. To get on “the list,” visit INDEKitchen.com — GN
52 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
53
___ REAL ESTATE & OFFICE___ __ Here Are Our Classified Ad Rates: New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Classifieds Leyla Alkanat, REALTOR®, Century 21. (All Classified ads run in both New Tampa & HOME IMPROVEMENT
MISCELLANEOUS
DRY WALL SPECIALIST. Not a handyman. Affordable, Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings & walls, re-texturing, popcorn removal, room addt’ns, cracks, holes, plaster & stucco repair. 30+ years of exp. WC resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate: 813-7845999. Lic. #SCC131149699
WEDDING OFFICIANT SERVICES. Specializing in tailoring wedding ceremonies that are both significant & distinctive to every couple. Certified mobile Notary Public, bonded & insured, based out of the greater Tampa Bay. Visit BondandBliss.com for packages & book your free 30-minute consultation.
JUNK HAULING SERVICE! We handle all types of furniture removal: bdrm sets, chairs, mattresses & box springs, hot water heaters, hot tubs, take apart & remove, constrctn. material, remove carpet, estate, eviction, yard, garage & attic clean-outs, ofc, home & factory. Comm’l/ res’l. GorillaJunkremovalExperts.com. For appts, call/text Nigel @ 888-346-5865.
JUNIE B’S PUPPY PARLOR: Mobile dog grooming serving the Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Dade City, San AntoniO & Zephyrhills areas! Providing one-on-one, cage-free care for your pet. We cater to their grooming needs with the convenience of bringing our pet salon to your door! Call/text Rylie at 813-546-1057!
WESLEY CHAPEL PRESSURE WASHING, LLC. Over 20 years of experience. Driveways • Sidewalks • Soft Wash • Homes • Enclosures • Roofs • Fences • Patios • Lanais • Paver Sealing. Experience the difference that only a professional can deliver. Call 813.433.6015 or visit WesleyChapelPressureWashing.com. FLOORING- Luxury Vinyl Plank Installed! Buy anywhere, we will install it!. $1.69/sq. ft. (over 300 sq.ft.). Regular-size bedroom - $399, We will haul away carpet/tack strip & move major furniture pieces. Repairs, too! Call for free estimate 813-417-7689. Let’s save some $! BATHROOM & KITCHEN REMODELING. Top-quality, prof’l, licensed, & insured contractors. Family owned & operated for over 30 years. We take the hassle out of remodeling. Call Ken of Hangliter Residential for an estimate: 813-460-4548. Or, see the ad on pg. 55. _COMPUTER SERVICES
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Professional Tech support in your home or small business. A+ Certified Comp. Tech w/30 years of experience. Maintenance& Repairs. Upgrades & Tutoring. More Affordable than large chains. Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in simple terms. Remote Assistance & refs. avail. For appointments & more info, call Brian at (813) 957-8342. DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, Installation, Networking & Virus Removal. WE COME TO YOU! Residences & Businesses, more than 25-Years Experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank at 813-973-4507, visit WSICA.COM or email Wsica@wsica.com.
HUGHES SCHOOL OF MUSIC is now accepting new students! Study Saxophone, Piano, Music Production, Composition or Theory w/a Master of Music. Zoom sessions also avail.! Contact us at 813-748-3216.
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ROSE’S CLEANING SERVICE. We make sure your home will be shiny & clean. Whether you need one-time, weekly, biweekly or monthly svcs, we will customize a plan to accommodatesyour needs. Residential/offices/airBnB,etc. Call/text Roseli for a free estimate anytime: 813 400.4946. Or, email:rrduar@yahoo.com. AFFORDABLE & PROF’L CLEANING SVCS. We offer resid’l & comm’l cleaning, including basic, deep & move-in/out. Choose from one-time, weekly, biweekly or monthly. Detailed, dependable service at affordable prices, 15 years of exp. & many references. Your home deserves to shine! Call or text Mila for a FREE estimate: (813) 516-3554. CLEANSWEEP CLEANING CO, LLC. Fully licensed/bonded, 8 years exp, satisfaction guarantd. Prof’l staff. On-time. We can bring our own products or use yours, if you prefer. Christian-based, family-owned company that lives in New Tampa, serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Call (813) 340-0908 for a no-obligation free quote. Ask for John. PATY CLEANING SERVICE. Comm’l or resid’l cleaning service. We have our own supplies & 10 years of experience. Free estimates. Call 813 790-8715 or email paty8624@proton.me.
Ready to Make a Move? Whether you’re a 1st-time buyer or seasoned investor, I make the process seamless & successful w/expert market knowledge, personalized svc & negotiating skills, I’ll help you achieve your real estate goals. Let’s find the perfect property for you! Hablo Español! Email LeylaAlkanat@c21be3.com
Wesley Chapel & can not be longer than 60 words, with no photos or graphics) 7 issues (3 months) — $150 13 issues (6 months) — $250 26 issues (One Year) — $400
Steven Kessel, REALTOR® w/Future Home Realty, Inc., has created just for you, the most advanced, up-to-date, user-friendly propty search engine for homes for sale in the Tampa Bay & Central Fla area — & it’s FREE to use & enjoy. BuyYourDreamHome.com.
To order a Classified ad, visit NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net Click on “ADVERTISING” at the top of the home page and follow the prompt to “Classified Listings” to compose, order & pay for your ad.
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Please note that we will no longer accept Classified ads over the phone.
TREES - Delivered and planted. Wholesale pricing. All varieties. Residential & commercial. Call Chuck for pricing & availability @ 503-866-3813. Tree Promotions.
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IF YOUR LONG-RUNNING CLASSIFIED AD MISSING FROM THESE PAGES, iT’S TIME TO RENEW! Visit NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net Or call (813) 910-2575 to renew your Classified ad today!
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54 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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REMODEL • RESTORE • REPAIR Professional Licensed Contractor Family Owned & Operated For More Than 25 Years! • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • All Flooring Types • Water Damage Restoration • Call for a FREE Estimate!
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Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net • For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575
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56 For Advertising Information, Call 813-910-2575 • Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News • Volume 34, Issue 22 • October 27, 2026 • NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net
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