Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News, Volume 34, Issue 12, June 9, 2026

New Construction Surrounds Ashton Oaks On Both Sides

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

Development to the left, development to the right. It doesn’t take a genius to understand that Wesley Chapel is one hot area, quickly being shaped by one project after another, and the residents of the Ashton Oaks community off C.R. 54/Wesley Chapel Blvd. are seeing that first-hand — as their small neighborhood of 70 single-family homes and villas is literally being surrounded on all sides by new construction.

About 1.5 miles east of Meadow Pointe Blvd. along C.R. 54 (which was called S.R. 54 until recently, when Pasco County took over the responsibility for the road from the state), two major projects are currently moving full steam ahead, flanking the established Ashton Oaks neighborhood and bringing both long-awaited infrastructure improvements and new residential growth to the area.

Two Ridges Rd. Extension Moving In The Right Direction

The first project will likely be something of a major relief for many Ashton Oaks residents, who have dealt with increasing cut-through traffic ever since the first leg of Two Ridges Rd. (see map) opened in early 2025.

That initial 1.3-mile segment connected S.R. 56 to Grecko Dr., which created a temporary route between C.R. 54 and S.R. 56 for drivers “in the know.” While some residents viewed

& WORLD CUP SEASON

football season still months away, our editor starts focusing on “futbol” & elections.

page 3

the shortcut as an unexpected traffic burden, the corridor itself was always envisioned by county planners, long before the first homes in Ashton Oaks were ever built.

Now, the northern second leg of Two Ridges Rd. — approximately 0.7 miles in length — is rapidly taking shape (photo on pg. 4). The extension will run north to the existing traffic signal at C.R. 54 and River Glen Blvd., across 54 from the main entrance to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Crews are currently performing grading, drainage and landscaping work across the corridor, steadily preparing the site for curbs, paving and final roadway construction.

At the current pace, locals can likely expect the Two Ridges Rd. construction to be near or fully completed by the end of 2026.

Once finished, the new extension will become the southern leg of the existing C.R. 54/ River Glen Blvd. intersection, opening access to future development opportunities on the southwest corner of the intersection, including a planned commercial parcel and the anticipated second phase of the nearby Valencia Ridge 55+ community (again, see map).

According to county records, GL Homes — the developer of Valencia Ridge — is funding and constructing the extension of Two Ridges Rd. using developer dollars.

Beyond local traffic improvements, the project also represents another major step toward

“Harmon Ashton Oaks” on page 4.

page 6

Midterm Elections Heating Up As Futbol’s Biggest Event Gets Under Way!

An Editorial by GARY NAGER

As I’m writing this, the Carolina Hurricanes are getting ready to take on the Vegas Golden Knights to see which team will take home Lord Stanley’s Cup. That means mine and Jannah’s beloved Tampa Bay Lightning didn’t make it that far in the playoffs this year. It also means that we have plenty of time for other pursuits.

For me, that means watching as much as possible of the 2026 World Cup — which kicks off on June 11, or two days or so after this issue reaches your mailbox. And, while I am hopeful that a much-improved U.S. National Team can advance out of its tough Group D (with Turkey, Paraguay and Australia) as one of the three host nations for the event, I think that the World Cup is amazing to watch no matter who ends up winning the revered gold ball.

I will watch most of the games (alone) at home, but Jannah and I will most likely plan to visit local restaurants and bars every time the U.S. team takes the pitch.

Oh, and because there are more teams than ever competing in the World Cup this year (48 vs. 32), there will be more futbol played than ever before — 104 total matches vs. 64 in years past.

Also for the first time, eight of the 12 thirdplace teams will advance out of the group stage into the first knockout round of 32 countries.

The finals won’t be played until July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. In other words, even though the NFL preseason won’t start until August, there is still plenty of futbol to watch between now and then.

Speaking Of Seasons...

As much as I love both hockey and soccer, that’s how much I actually dislike politics. As I’ve written many times before, I’m a registered Republican who has never voted strictly along party lines — I’ve always voted for the candidates I felt most seemed to align with my views.

But, finding such candidates — whether federal, state or local — has gotten harder and harder to do for not only me but for anyone who feels they ride the middle between political parties.

The 2026 Midterm Election “season,” which will begin with Primary elections on Tuesday, August 18, is coming up fast and Floridians will be voting for a new Governor, as well as a U.S. Senator, our U.S. Representatives, plus state Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture, State Senators, State Representatives (all districts) and State Attorney & Public Defender (both in the 20th Judicial Circuit). Here in Pasco, where all of our County Commissioners and School Board members are elected countywide, it’s particularly difficult to get to know all of the candidates, which is one reason why so many Republican incumbents were reelected by such wide margins in 2024. Of course, the fact there are nearly twice as many registered Republicans as registered Democrats in Pasco also doesn’t hurt the GOP’s chances in our county.

And, although School Board elections, which also are held in August, are non-partisan, the affiliations of these candidates are usually known, too. At any rate, although I’m not a fan of election season, we will be updating you about as

many of the candidates as possible in our July 7 and August 4 issues. And...They’re Off!

In the meantime, Sheriff Chris Nocco has announced he will resign in Nov. to run in the special election for the Florida Senate Dist. 21 seat being vacated by Sen. Ed Hooper, who is retiring. Nocco, who has been Pasco’s Sheriff since 2011, is running as a Republican and did not yet, at our press time, have an opponent in that race. Wesley Chapel voters can not vote in Dist. 21, as our State Sen is Dist. 23’s Danny Burgess.

(Above, l.-r.) Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds & Republican Party of Pasco (RPP) chair Troy Stevenson (Source: RPP). (Right) 2026 FIFA World Cup groupings (Source: stock.adobe.com)

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‘Harmon Ashton Oaks’

Continued from pg. 1

the completion of a larger regional north-south corridor first detailed in our “...Road with (Too) Many Names?!” article nearly two years ago.

That corridor, pieced together through multiple separately named roadway segments, is now quickly becoming reality:

• 100% of the K-Bar Ranch Pkwy. segment in New Tampa is currently under construction

• Approximately 90% of the Wyndfields South segment is under construction

• Roughly 50% of Vida’s Way has already been completed (with the other 50% to start along with a future phase)

However, one major section of this road with too many names will no longer move forward. As we reported last year, the entire Kirkland Ranch portion of the corridor was sold to the state for conservation purposes, removing that segment from future roadway plans.

Most of the roadway sections are being constructed privately by developers as part of their associated communities. The only publicly funded portion currently planned is the southernmost 10% of Wyndfields South, the section along the west side of Union Park Charter Academy, which is slated for completion by Pasco County.

Harmon Ashton Oaks Brings Build-To-Rent Trend To C.R. 54

The second major project under way, to the east of Ashton Oaks, is Harmon Ashton Oaks (see map on pg. 1 & photos on next pg.), the build-torent townhome community rising on the southeast corner of C.R. 54 and Ashton Oaks Blvd.

(Above) Looking south at the intersection of River Glen Blvd. & the new portion of Two Ridges Rd. (Next page, top) The signage for Harmon Ashton Oaks is visible from C.R. 54 (Photos by Joel Provenzano) (Next page, bottom) The developer’s rendering of the Harmon Ashton Oaks build-to-rent townhome community..

The 28-acre development will feature direct access from both roadways and represents another example of a rapidly growing housing trend across the Tampa Bay region: professionally managed rental home and townhome communities.

The project is being developed by DRB Group Florida in partnership with Crescent Communities, which has previously developed several apartment communities throughout Florida, including the well-rated Novel Beach Park overlooking Tampa Bay in the Westshore area of Tampa.

However, Harmon Ashton Oaks appears to be Crescent Communities’ first single-fam-

ily-style rental community in Florida, despite the company already operating similar Harmon-branded communities in North and South Carolina, Texas and Arizona.

Unlike traditional apartments, build-torent communities are designed to offer many of the conveniences of apartment living while providing features more commonly associated with single-family homes.

That includes attached garages, private ground-floor patios opening onto lawns, larger floorplans, and increased privacy — all while still offering residents on-site leasing offices, professional property management and lease flexibility.

The concept has become increasingly popular in Wesley Chapel in recent years, joining communities such as Vireo Wesley Chapel in Meadow Pointe III and Skymor Wesley Chapel off the end of Caroline Dr.

According to the developer’s website:

“Designed to blend the freedom of renting with the comfort and privacy of single-family living, Harmon Ashton Oaks will feature 115 thoughtfully designed 3- and 4-bedroom, 2-story townhomes averaging more than 1,800 sq. ft. Each residence will include modern finishes, spacious interiors, private yards and 2-car garages.”

Plans for the community also include a resort-style pool, leasing office, amenity center and an adjacent 10,000-sq.-ft. open lawn and play area. Notably, every unit in the development is expected to include a two-car garage — an uncommon feature for rental communities.

Harmon Ashton Oaks is currently expected to welcome its first residents in early 2027.

Interestingly, while promotional materials for the project reference a future dog park, we were unable to locate that feature on the approved site plans or amenity drawings submitted for the development.

Caught In The Middle

Whether it’s new roads, new rooftops, or entirely new ways of living, the area surrounding Ashton Oaks is rapidly transforming, as Wesley Chapel’s growth engine continues pushing eastward along CR 54.

While Ashton Oaks itself may not be the focus of the development boom, this established neighborhood now finds itself directly between two major projects that reflect the area’s

continued evolution — one aimed at improving regional connectivity, the other introducing another modern housing concept to one of Pasco’s fastest-growing corridors.

And with construction activity accelerating on both sides of the community, residents are getting a front-row seat to just how quickly Wesley Chapel continues to change.

Pasco Set To Open New Medical Magnet High School In Wesley Chapel For 2028-29

By Joshua Gabel Neighborhood News Correspondent

It’s still a couple of school years away, but Wesley Chapel will welcome another high school to address overcrowding concerns at two of its high schools — as well as help grow the area’s healthcare workforce.

Set to open in August 2028, the new school will be a medical magnet high school with an opening-day capacity of 1,300 students and a heavy focus on health care and medical studies, including medical sciences, imaging and nursing.

Located on the west side of Meadow Pointe Blvd., north of Chancey Rd. (between C.R. 54/ Wesley Chapel Blvd. and S.R. 56; see map), the nearly 75-acre site is close to numerous hospitals, including AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel and especially, the coming-soon Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital (see story on pg. 8).

“We believe the market in that area would lend itself to that career cluster,” said Pasco County Superintendent of Schools John Legg, Ed.D., at the Sept. 9, 2025, Pasco School Board workshop regarding the proposed magnet school.

With it being situated between Wesley Chapel (WCH) and Wiregrass Ranch (WRH) high schools, the new school is expected to pull most of its student population from those currently attending WCH and WRH, both of which are over capacity. WCH is currently about 500 students over its capacity and WRH is 600700 students over its capacity.

The new school is part of a broader effort by the Pasco School District to partner with

healthcare organizations and hospitals in order to expand the county’s healthcare workforce.

In 2025, the district received a $500,000 planning grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with AdventHealth, to build a healthcare-focused high school program, with an opportunity to secure a larger $25-million, five-year implementation grant in the future. We had no further information about that additional grant at our press time.

The school district also has a great partnership with Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) through its nursing and health science programs. PHSC officials believe that this new magnet school will be a tremendous benefit to Pasco’s health care industry, as well as its residents.

“We are proud to support the new medical magnet high school and help create a seamless pathway for students with an interest in health care to advance into our nursing and allied health programs,” says PHSC President Eric Hall, Ed. D. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to preparing the next generation of health care professionals and complements the expanded educational opportunities available through our Institute for Nursing and

funded by impact fees, which are one-time charges imposed

by local municipalities on new residential developments in order to fund public projects like schools and infrastructure. We hope to be able to update this story within the next few months.

Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital To Open July 14!

By Gary Nager

There is no doubt that I love hosting our Neighborhood Newsmakers podcast, but the fact remains that our most-watched episode of the seven we’ve recorded thus far has been the new episode we just released on May 27, with president Joe Delatorre and assistant vice president of business development and non-clinical operations for the not-yet-open Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital (which we’ll call “FMCOHWRH,” for “short”), which has now surpassed 7,500 total views.

I’m proud that so many people have already watched that episode, but considering that our Facebook “Insights” says that the average watch time (aka “retention”) of the episode was only 28.4 seconds (and I’m rounding up), most people who tuned in probably did not get to hear and see even my full introduction of Joe, Richard and the hospital’s exceedingly long name.

That means the vast majority of those of you who live in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa not only didn’t see it but also didn’t hear us announce that the hospital — which was originally expected to open in April — is now set to open on Tuesday, July 14

To that end, I’m recapping everything that was said during that nearly 30-minute episode on these pages, so those who never watched that podcast episode — as well as those who didn’t tune in for very long — can still find out all of the cool stuff coming to FMCOHWRH and its three medical office buildings in Wiregrass Ranch. On this page are the following:

• The snapshot of (l.-r.) Richard Matte, Joe Delatorre and yours truly from the podcast.

• A recent drone shot of the hospital’s exterior

• Renderings of the hospital’s reception area

and emergency department

• An art card created by our photographer and videographer Charmaine George for the podcast, showing all of the features that will be included inside the 350,000-sq.-ft. hospital, which will open with 102 licensed beds, of which 90 will be medical-surgical beds (30 on each of three floors), plus a 12-bed intensive care unit.

According to Delatorre, the hospital has been designed “to be able to rapidly expand to 180 beds (inside the existing building) and to 300 total beds with the future construction of a tower addition.”

When it opens in a little more than a month, FMCOHWRH will have 29 emergency department treatment bays, nine operating rooms (including one hybrid O.R.; more on that below), two heart catheter labs, an electrophysiology (EP) lab, an interventional radiology lab, two advanced endoscopy suites and a full-service imaging department, offering X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, ultrasound and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging).

A Little History

Delatorre told me that Florida Medical Clinic opened its first-ever office, between Zephyrhills and Dade City, in 1993.

“So, for 33 years, Florida Medical Clinic has been part of this community and we strategically looked at what was going on in health care and we felt strongly that we had reached a point where looking at a strategic partner was probably the next big move for what we were going to try to do for our business,” he said. “We started that process in 2021 and we elected to partner with Orlando Health and that actually happened in August of 2023.”

He added that, “In terms of the breadth of our practice, we now have 550 total provid-

ers, about 350 physicians, 200 APPs (advanced practice providers), about 41 different specialties, about 70 different locations and an array of outpatient services.”

He also noted that although the West Region of the merged health care companies serves seven counties, “We are predominantly focused on Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.”

Raising Awareness

One of the many hats that Matte wears, he said, “is making sure the community is aware of this hospital. Partnering with the community is number one on our list.”

His job also includes, “making sure the patients are taken care of, making sure the caregivers are taken care of, making sure the staff is taken care of and the physicians are taken care of. If we take care of all four of those things, then we’re going to be an amazing hospital.”

In addition to Delatorre and Matte, the new hospital’s top staff includes chief nursing

officer Susan Dolezal and chief financial officer Tanya Knepp.

“And, my role is actually changing,” Delatorre said. “For the last 33 years, I’ve been the CEO of Florida Medical Clinic, running the medical group. A couple of years back, Orlando Health asked me if I would also be willing to run the hospital, as well as the group, and I’ve been doing that for the last two years. And now, as we’re getting to the point where the hospital needs to open, they’ve kind of said, ‘Hey, Joe, can you kind of focus really on the hospital?’ So, I’m pivoting away from the medical group and focusing with Rich, Susan and Tanya, along with our medical staff, on opening and getting that facility up and running for the community.”

Delatorre also mentioned chief medical officer Matt Hartlage, a hospitalist who has been with the medical group, “for close to 14 years, and he will serve a dual rule, continuing to lead our hospitalist program as well as serve as the hospital’s chief medical officer.

About The ‘Hospitalist’ Designation

Delatorre also explained that “hospitalist” is a fairly new specialty (that’s been around for maybe 15+ years) for internal medicine and family practice doctors who focus just on the hospital. “Primary care doctors now just stay in the office,” Delatorre said, “and they partner with the hospitalist, who focuses on taking care of patients in the hospital.”

He added, “When you’re in the hospital, there are a lot of intense services going on. The days when your [primary care] doctor would come around in the morning and maybe again in the evening, those days are gone. You need to have dedicated people who are there 24 hours a day to make sure you get the care you need.”

He also noted that hospitalists work very closely with emergency room doctors: “When you have an urgent issue, you’ve got specialized emergency care physicians who will evaluate and treat you. If you then need to be hospitalized, you will then be assigned to the hospitalist team and get admitted to the hospital that way.”

Matte added, “If the best care for you will be at home, then that’s where you’re going to be taken care of. If the best care for you is on one of our floors, then our hospitalists will take care of you.”

Staffing Update

Matte also told me, “We’re almost fully staffed. We have amazing teams with amazing leaders. Once you get those leaders, bringing in the team is a lot easier. And, once we get in the hospital, you start training those teams as to what ‘a day in the life’ is and what that flow will be.”

He also noted that most of the people who have been hired, “are from here (the Wesley Chapel area), although some are moving here, too. It’s

definitely a highly rated medical community here now and an awesome place to live.”

Delatorre added, “Building a team from scratch is a big job and we’re in a highly competitive market area. But, one of the distinct advantages we have out here is that the people who live out here are tired of driving to Tampa. Now, those talented people who have been going to Tampa can just stay at home.”

He also noted, “We’ve been able;e to recruit some excellent talent. We need 391 full-time people to open that facility. Our last number was that we were at, I think, 384, so we’re there. I was pleasantly surprised that we’ve been able to recruit a lot of super-talented people. What we’re looking to do is create a really unique patient experience for patients in this community.”

Specialized Services

“We’re definitely going to be a general community hospital,” Delatorre said. “All services will be there. General surgery, urology, vascular surgery, dedicated fellowship breast surgeons, GYN (gynecology) will be there, some very high profile digestive health people. We do a lot of GI (gastrointestinal) work in this community. I think I’ve got 13 GI doctors in our practice, just in this market. But we’re really looking to elevate the care.”

He also mentioned Orlando Health’s huge Digestive Health Institute in Orlando. “Our doctors have now become part of that and we’ve asked for those advanced procedures and services to also be brought to this facility.”

Incredible Technology & People

“The technology in that building is unbelievable,” Delatorre said. “From the robot technology to the hybrid operating room and more.

See “Orlando Health” on page 10.

“It starts with recruiting the right talent. I’ve been able to recruit Dr. Dean Arnaoutakis, who’s a vascular surgeon in town, who’s bringing a partner along with him and they’ll be doing high-profile vascular cases, but they need special technology.

“So, we ended up taking two operating rooms and converting them into one room. So, they attach a CT scanner and use that while they’re operating on patients. Many hospitals don’t have this technology. That is a very expensive piece of equipment that I think will help keep our patients here locally and get the best care they need right here.”

Matte added, “We do have a very robust orthopedic program with a lot of physicians who have been in this community for a long time. They will have the Stryker Mako robots. Our surgeons also will have the Intuitive DV 5, the latest and greatest Da Vinci robot (for general, urologic, gynecologic, colorectal and other surgeries), so we’ll have all of the advanced tech we will need.”

Delatorre noted that, “We now have 20 orthopedic surgeons in our group, too. So, we will be very active in orthopedics.” He also said that, “We hope to bring cardiovascular services, like open heart surgery, here in the future, too.

“Everything in that building is brand new and absolutely the best,” Delatorre said. “The best scanners, biplane cath labs, everything. At other places, it’s not always like that.”

Medical Office Buildings

“The hospital campus was originally designed to have two medical office buildings (MOBs),” Delatorre said. “They were supposed to be for future development, but I felt strongly that I wanted to build those facilities now.

“There will be two medical office buildings on the actual campus (see graphics on this page),

one that will be 90,000 sq. ft., four stories [tall], with a 27,000-sq.-ft. ambulatory surgery center, which means the ground floor will all be dedicated to GI and will have an MRI and CT scanner.”

He also noted that the 2nd floor of MOB 1 will be half for outpatient surgeries. “Today, we have three surgery centers in this area — one in Tampa, one in Wesley Chapel and one in Zephyrhills. We’re going to take those three and consolidate them onto the campus. The 3rd floor will be half cardiology and half GI offices and the 4th floor is a very special, dedicated women’s facility.

“We’ve recruited some amazing talent to provide a very unique experience for mammography, stereotactic biopsies, breast surgeries, urogynecology, dermatology, cosmetic derm, therapies and even some spa treatments.”

Right next to MOB 1 is MOB 2, which will be 60,000 sq. ft. “It’ll be home to the Jewett Orthopedic Institute Clinic,” Delatorre said. (Note - Dr. Eugene Jewett was a pioneering orthopedic surgeon who founded the Jewett Orthopaedic Institute in 1936. He is internationally recognized for inventing the “Jewett nail,” which is used globally for hip fractures. Dr. Jewett died in 1988).

“Orlando Health built a dedicated, 192,000-sq.-ft. orthopedic hospital in Orlando, but our docs said, ‘Hey, we want to have that here, too — a facility dedicated just to orthopedics.’

“The ground floor will have four operating suites and full diagnostic imaging. The 2nd floor will be orthopedic clinics and the 3rd floor will be half clinics and half therapy.”

MOB 3, which will be located in front of the getting-ready-to-open Post Acute Medical (PAM) Rehabilitation Hospital on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (which is not affiliated with FMCOHWRH), on the north side of the entrance to the Amberlin Apartments, will be 50,000 sq. ft. It is not, however, the medical office building nearing completion on the south side of the Amberlin entrance (which

also is not affiliated with the hospital).

“The ground floor of MOB 3 will be a large urgent care facility, which is a good alternative to emergency rooms,” Delatorre said. “We’ll also have pallative and transitional care services on that floor.

“The 2nd floor of MOB 3 will be all primary care offices and the 3rd floor will be infectious disease, wound care, hyperbaric chamber therapy and nephrology. So, between all three buildings, that’ll give us 200,000 sq. ft. of space and we’ll inhabit it all pretty shortly after we move in.

“The first two buildings will be done by July of next year and the third building probably 3-4 months after that.”

PHSC Partnership

As we reported in Sept. of last year, Orlando Health made a $500,000 donation to the Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) Nursing & Allied Health Advancement Institute (based at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, basically across S.R. 56 from the hospital), and Delatorre said he gives, “Orlando Health all the credit for that initiative. Wherever Orlando Health has a significant presence, they always partner with the community colleges. It is a fantastic, cost-effective educational tool and they immediately partnered with PHSC. Their students are our clients, so partnering with them to improve the lives of

the people in this market is something Orlando Health is really focused on.”

Matte added, “It’s not just about that partnership, it’s about us giving our team members an opportunity to improve themselves. If I have a security guard who wants to become a nurse, how do I get them there? PHSC is that bridge.”

“Between the medical group and the hospital,” Delatorre added, “we’re going to employ 2,700 team members. Everyone’s looking for upward mobility and Orlando Health provides a mechanism — and funding — to make that happen...in many cases, at no cost to the employee. You just have to be an employee.”

Matte and Delatorre also talked about Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health’s off-site, freestanding 10-bed emergency department off S.R. 54 in the Sunlake area of Lutz that will open shortly after the hospital does, but of course, our readers are more focused on the opening of the hospital itself.

And of course, we will provide updates, both in our July 6 Wesley Chapel issue and on our socials, just in case anything changes, but Matte told me that there are some built-in “buffers” to insure that the hospital opens, as scheduled, on Tuesday, July 14.

For more info about Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital, visit OrlandoHealth.com or see the ad on pg. 2.

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Wesley Chapel ‘Topped Out’ At Event

By Gary Nager

Although the actual opening of the new John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (JHACH) in Wesley Chapel is still another year or more away, the Neighborhood News crew was thrilled to be on hand for the “topping out” ceremony held at the hospital’s construction site on May 8.

The $300-million, five-story, 239,000-sq.ft., 56-bed hospital (with a 16-bed emergency department) sits on 112 acres (the first phase of the hospital takes up only about 30 of those acres) at the corner of Overpass Rd. and McKendree Rd. It will be more than just the first pediatric hospital to open in our area; it will be an opportunity for thousands of young patients in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and beyond to no longer have to travel to the JHACH in St. Petersburg to receive specialized pediatric care.

Among the 200 or so people in attendance were dignitaries who were introduced by JHACH president K. Alicia Schulhof: Pasco County Commissioners Seth Weightman and Ron Oakley, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and State Representative Kevin Steele.

“Today, we are reaching new heights, literally and figuratively, and marking the ‘topping out’ of this incredible facility,” Schulhof said. “Our mantra is ‘All we do, all for kids,’ and you can feel it happening here today.”

Schulhof then introduced Wesley Chapel residents and sisters Valentina, age 10, and 7-year-old Isabella De Jesus.

“Standing before us are these two young ladies who represent patients and family members and remind us why this work matters so much,” Schulhof said. “We are so excited because these folks live here in Wesley Chapel and they currently commute to St. Petersburg for care (Valentina has been being treated for leukemia).”

Valentina said, “I’m glad it’s nearby (the new hospital) and we won’t have to travel so far.”

“So far” isn’t only about our distribution areas. According to research released by JHACH, “Currently, 93% of patients living in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties travel outside the area for pediatric specialty care.

Justin Olsen, the VP and chief operating officer of JHACH, mentioned that this is the 100th anniversary of the pediatric hospital giant.

“This topping out is more than a construction milestone,” Olsen said. “It’s a visible reminder of commitment, collaboration and care. But, what this moment really represents is a century of caring for children and families and building on our legacy of trust, compassion and cure in our community. And, that legacy continues today, here in Pasco County.”

Dr. Joseph Perno, the Wesley Chapel hospital’s chief administrative officer — and its first employee — said that he is very proud to have been part of JHACH for more than 20 years:

“And, I’m so proud to be part of seeing this built from the ground up, to serve this community, to serve Valentina and her family. What we’re building here matters in access for families. We’re now talking about shorter drives and faster care, designed for our patients and their families.”

Schulhof also said that this closer access to care is “being built right in front of us...one beam, one floor, one patient at a time. Every part of this facility reflects our shared mission to

Wesley Chapel chief administrative officer Dr. Joseph Perno & JHACH VP & chief operating officer Justin Olsen at the topping out ceremony. (Bottom) A rendering of the new JHACH (Rendering provided by JHACH) (Next page) Topping out ceremony attendees also got to take tours of the new hospital, where staffers showed renderings of each department along the way.

deliver the very best care, closer to home, in an environment where families feel supported and children can heal.”

The Topping Out & The Tours

Following the presentation, Valentina got to push the button to start the topping out process for the final beam, which was decorated with children’s handprints in JHACH’s rainbow of

colors, as well the signatures of all of the event’s attendees. In accordance with a Scandinavian tradition, the beam was adorned with a small evergreen tree that was secured to it for good luck.

Then, the audience was divided into groups that got to tour two floors of the construction site, which includes 60 million lbs. (30,000 tons) of concrete, 2.8 million lbs. (1,400 tons) of rebar and 19 miles of underground piping. As you can see in the photos on the next page, although the framing allows you to visualize some of the finished product, each stop along the way included

renderings of what each section of the finished hospital will actually look like, including the hospital’s ground-floor reception area, the 16-room emergency center, 4 imaging and 4 operating rooms, a 12-bed rehabilitation unit, fullservice pharmacy, sleep laboratory, clinic space (with room to grow with the community), support services and dining areas, the 25,000-sq.-ft. outpatient center and more.

And, speaking of room to grow, the view from the hospital’s second floor gave attendees a view of the other 90+ acres of the campus that will allow the hospital to be expanded as needed in the future. Although, as Dr. Perno said during the introductions, the children who are most critically ill will still have to be treated at the St. Petersburg JHACH (which is adding 28,000 sq. ft. of emergency and surgical suites), there’s no doubt that the new hospital will be a tremendous addition to the local community when it opens in the Fall of 2027. For more information about the new hospital, visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org.

Statewide Safety Effort Brings ‘Watch For Motorcycles’ Signs To Local Crash Site

By Joel Provenzano Neighborhood News Correspondent

Tyler Norman (photo) was riding east on County Line Rd., the road still quiet in the early morning hours, and the hum of his motorcycle steady beneath him as he approached the signal for the intersection of County Line Rd. and Grand Hampton Dr.

It was the kind of ride that feels routine — familiar roads, familiar turns — until, suddenly, it wasn’t. Tyler’s life was cut short at age 19.

Five months later, two small matching roadside signs now stand along that same stretch of asphalt. Simple, temporary, easy to miss if you’re not looking. But, for those who know, it marks something permanent.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Florida, and this year, those signs and their familiar message have taken on a deeper meaning across Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, and the surrounding areas.

As part of a statewide effort, Florida’s Motorcycle Safety Coalition — also known as “RideSMART Florida” — and its partners announced the following at the end of April:

“RideSMART Florida and our statewide partners will begin placing hundreds of “Watch for Motorcycles!” signs throughout the state at

the sites of 2025 motorcyclist fatalities. This powerful visual tribute aims to honor fallen riders and raise driver awareness leading up to the start of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month [which started] on May 1.”

After the initiative began, those signs (paid for by the Florida Department of Transportation, or FDOT) appeared locally — including the one placed along County Line Rd., in front of Grand Hampton (photo, right) — each one tied to a real story, a real life lost.

One of those lives lost was 19-year-old Tyler Norman.

According to investigators, Tyler was riding a 2012 Kawasaki motorcycle eastbound around 2:30 a.m., on Dec. 6, 2025, when a Nissan Rogue traveling westbound attempted to turn left onto Grand Hampton Dr. Authorities say the driver, 50-year-old Mauricus “Rico” Labron Green, turned directly into Tyler’s path, violating his right of way. The motorcycle struck the front of the SUV.

Tyler (who was wearing a helmet) was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Green remained at the scene and was arrested, as police reported signs of impairment. Court records show he was charged with DUI manslaughter and refusal to submit to testing, along with a citation for an improper left turn. His case remains open and is scheduled to continue later this year. Records also indicate a prior DUI arrest in Lakeland in 2017.

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Behind the legal process, though, is the reality those roadside signs are meant to convey.

Tyler’s family, like too many others, was devastated by the loss. And, across Florida, similar signs now stand for other riders — each representing family and friends navigating the same kind of grief, the same unanswered questions, the same sudden absence.

The goal of the campaign is not only remembrance, but prevention.

Motorcycle crashes often come down to a narrow margin — visibility, timing and judgment. In many cases, including this one, rightof-way violations and impairment play a role.

But, safety officials emphasize that responsibility for these crashes is shared. Drivers are urged to doublecheck intersections, especially before turning left, always use their turn signals, even if they think no one is nearby, and to remain alert for motorcycles — which can be harder to see and judge in distance.

Riders, in turn, are encouraged to stay visible, ride predictably and anticipate potential hazards at every intersection.

Those small signs along the roadside are easy to pass by without a second thought. But they are placed with intention — at the exact locations where moments like Tyler’s unfolded.

They are reminders that every commute, every late-night drive and every routine ride carry weight. And, that looking out for one another on the road isn’t just a slogan — it’s what may one day separate a close call from a devastating loss.

State officials stated that due to safety and maintenance reasons, the temporary signs would only be placed on local roads, not interstates or limited access roadways.

To learn more about RideSMART’s statewide initiative, visit RideSmartFlorida. com/may/

Neighborhood News correspondent and local Realtor® Joel Provenzano serves on the Board of Directors of Florida’s Motorcycle Safety Coalition, aka RideSMART Florida.

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County Commission Candidate Stephanie Vazquez Raises Spirits & $5K At 5K

District 2 Democratic candidate for the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners

Stephanie Vazquez (3rd from left in near photo) says that she raised “about $5,000” for her campaign during the 5K run she hosted at the Wesley Chapel District Park on Boyette Rd. on May 9.

“It was great to raise some money for the campaign,” she said, “but more important was that we had 130 people (photo below) registered to run and everyone seemed really energized to help. It was clear that a lot of people do want to see things change here in Pasco County.”

Among those who came out to support

Vazquez that day were (l.-r. in photo above left) Dist. 64 Florida House candidate Luis Salazar, Dist. 15 U.S. Congressional candidate Robert People and Dist. 12 Congressional candidate Kimberly Overman.

Stephanie also thanked (top right photo) volunteer leads Gurn Freeman (left) and Valerie Anderson-Stallworth for their help with the 5K and all of her “small army” of volunteers who have helped her so far out-raise her opponent, Dist. 2 Republican incumbent Seth Weightman, by almost 2-1 ($41,000+ to $21,000+) for the Nov. 3 midterm election.

Gavin Hurtado of River Ridge High (photo above) crossed the finish line first at the 5K. For more information or to contribute to Vazquez’s campaign, visit StephanieVazquez. com. — GN; photos by Charmaine George

So, although no one is going to mistake the event that took place on May 19 at the Land O’Lakes Recreation Center for the actual Olympics, photographer Charmaine George and I had so much fun at the “Golden Senior Olympics,” where a team of residents from Blue Heron Senior Living on Eagleston Blvd. (photo, right) in Wesley Chapel competed against Blue Heron’s Florida sister communities from Oak Hill Senior Living in Brooksville, Bridgewater Park Assisted Living in Ocala, Bridgewater Park Health & Rehab in Ocala and Astoria Senior Living in Winter Haven.

The teams competed against each other in a number of adorable-to-watch events, including: bowling, soccer, biathlon, Connect 4, volleyball, quiz bowl, putting and corn hole.

Neither Charmaine nor I could stay to see all of the events, but it was clear that all of the participants had a blast and were super-competitive!

Blue Heron executive director Meagan Kopstad said, “Our residents loved this event. We’ll definitely be doing it again!”

In the near right photo on this page, the Blue Heron team won its seated beach ball volleyball game vs. Bridgewater Park. In the far right photo, an Oak Hill resident goes for the gold in corn hole.

For more info about Blue Heron Senior Living, visit SeniorLivingatBlueHeron.com or see the ad on pg. 19. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George

Upcoming Events — ‘Summer Solstice,’ Avalon Park WC’s 4th Of

Tuesday, June 9, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. – Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce, Women Rising Together: Bold Voices & Vision. At LMCU New Tampa (17635 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). Speaker Christina Jones will discuss how to build a personal brand that attracts clients, collaborations & community. $20 members, $25 non-members to attend. For more info, call 813702-3743. Or to register, visit wcbcc.org/event/ women-rising-together-bold-voices-vision-2/

Thursday, June 11, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. –Summer Kids Performance – Music with Mr. Tommy. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). A performance by Mr. Tommy encourages children to use their imagination and build self-esteem, while reading children’s stories and performing interactive, popular children’s songs. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/16344983

Thursday, June 11, 6:30 p.m. – Wesley Chapel Republican Club Monthly Meeting. At Myrtle Lake Baptist Church (2017 Reigler Rd., Land O’ Lakes). This month’s speaker is Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Renner. There will be networking, coffee and dessert. The club welcomes new members and guests. Free to attend. For more info, email WesleyChapelRC@gmail. com.

Friday, June 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – AllFly Charity Golf Event. At Saddlebrook Resort (5700 Saddlebrook Way). Attendees will enjoy championship-level play paired with a full resort

experience. This is a three-day gathering of meeting planners, travel professionals, business owners and industry partners coming together for golf networking and a great cause. Stay for the weekend with special rates. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the North Shore Animal League. $130 includes tournament entry and post-round lunch and networking. For more info or to register, visit Luma.com/agdqfstg

Saturday, June 13, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. – Open House at Atonement Lutheran Church. The church, located at 29617 Wesley Chapel Blvd., is celebrating the completion of the rebuilding of its sanctuary and main building after their destruction by Hurricane Milton. There will be tours, ministry highlights, a petting zoo, activities for kids, pizza & giveaways. Optional donation of a non-perishable food item for a local food pantry. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 973-2211 or visit discoveralc.com.

Monday, June 15, 6:30 p.m. – East Pasco Democratic Club Meeting. At the Genesis Center (38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills) and on Zoom. The District Executive Committee will speak on winning. All friends of the Democratic Party are welcome. Refreshments are provided. Come early to socialize. Free to attend. For more info, email eastpascodems@gmail.com

Wednesday, June 17, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. –North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At PopStroke (25297 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz). A relaxed morning designed for casual networking

July

Chapel’s largest & longest-running 4th of July

& fireworks

Celebration & More!

and meaningful connections. Join the Chamber for coffee, light refreshments and great conversations — with no agenda. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business. NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. – Central Pasco Democratic Club Meeting. At Meadow Pointe 1 Clubhouse (28245 County Line Rd.) and on Zoom. The District Executive Committee will speak on Democratic Party strategy. All friends of the Democratic Party are invited. Come early to socialize. Free to attend. For more info, email CentralPascoDemocracticClub@ gmail.com or call (813) 453-1663.

Thursday, June 18, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. – Summer Kids Performance – Giving Tree Music. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). Kids will be drumming together in rhythm, with lots of smiling, dancing & singing while experiencing the power of music. You can’t “beat” the fun of a drum with Giving Tree Music. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/ event/16345053.

Sunday, June 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. –“Summer Solstice” At Esthetics813, the Spa at Saddlebrook Resort (5700 Saddlebrook Way). Take a mid-year pause to relax, recharge, rest & reset with Yoga, Stretch Class, a $25 Esthetics813 spa credit & more. To register or for more info, see the ad on pg. 21.

Sunday, June 21, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – Pieces of Eight: A Tribute to Chicago. At New Tampa

Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Pieces of Eight brings all the great hits from Chicago, Tower of Power and others. The band has a full horn section and sound that will keep you coming back for more. Tickets $17.50-$25 depending upon seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/pieces-ofeight-a-tribute-to-chicago

Tuesday, June 23, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. – Wine & Wealth Event. At Signature Work Space (28210 Paseo Dr., #190, in The Shops at Wiregrass). Stop by for an evening of connection, conversation and celebration. There will be food and beverages, photo opportunities & entertainment. Free to attend, but please RSVP. For more info and to RSVP, contact April @ (813) 469-2739.

Thursday, June 25, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. –Summer Kids Performance – Magic with Cesar Domico. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). Cesar Domico’s Comedy Magic & Illusion show offers a spellbinding mix of magic & laughter for all audiences. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/16345108.

Thursday, June 25, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. – Mr. Tommy & Gigi’s Musical Show for Kids. At Wesley Chapel Branch Library (27531 Mystic Oak Blvd.). Join us for an unforgettable performance by Mr. Tommy & Gigi! Limited Seating. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/16490000

Friday, June 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Summer Book Sale. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). Join the Friends of the New River Library for the group’s famous Summer Book Sale. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/ event/16492168

Friday, June 26, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Final Friday, hosted by Emorys Rock Realty. At Hilton Garden Inn (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Connect, engage & network with Chamber members in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534. Or, visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – The Signed Edition Book Fair. At Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel (26000 Sierra Ctr. Blvd., Lutz). Meet some of your favorite authors and take home personally signed copies of their books. Check out local vendors with unique items for sale. General

admission is free, VIP early entry (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) costs $17.85 & VIP early entry with swag bag is $39.19. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/the-signed-edition-book-convention-tickets-1980629938463

Wednesday, July 1, 8 p.m. – Tampa Jazz Club Presents: Simon Lasky & his NYC Quintet with singer Allison Nash. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Catch acclaimed Jazz Pianist, Composer & Arranger, Simon Lasky with his NYC Quintet & vocalist Allison Nash. Table seats cost $35 ($30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) and Theater seats are $30 ($25 for Tampa Jazz Club members). For more info and to purchase tickets, visit TampaJazzClub.com or see the ad below.

Thursday, July 2, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. – Summer Kids Performance – Gigi & Friends. At New River Branch Library (34043 S.R. 54). Gigi and her puppet dog Zelda celebrate their love of comedy, singalongs & the circus, in a performance packed with magic, music, dancing, juggling & fun. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/16345160.

Saturday, July 4, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. – Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s 4th of July Celebration. At Avalon Park (4424 Friendly Way). There will be an apple pie bake off, bike parade, bounce park, food trucks, music, community performances and vendors. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. For more info visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/ fourth-of-july-celebration/.

Sunday, July 5, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – Florida Jazz Express: Fourth of July Big Band Concert. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Enjoy the patriotic songs that symbolize America, Independence Day, and summer traditions in true big-band style. Tickets cost $17.50-$25 depending upon seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/floridajazz-express-fourth-of-july-big-band-concert.

Thursday, July 9, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. – “Christmas in July.” At Hilton Garden Inn (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). Are you looking for a place to host your corporate Christmas Party? Check out the Hilton Garden Inn’s meeting room for “Christmas in July.” Complimentary hors d’oeuvres & a cash bar. Free to attend, but please RSVP. For more info, email lisamoore2@hilton.com or bradley. sandler@hilton.com or see the ad on pg. 33.

Catch Acclaimed Jazz Pianist, Composer & Arranger

Simon Lasky with his NYC Quintet featuring singer Allison Nash

Wednesday, July 1, 8 p.m.

Simon Lasky NYC Quintet

with Allison Nash

Wed, July 1, 8 pm

Table Seats cost $35 (or $30 for Tampa Jazz Club members) & Theater Seats are $30 ($25 for members).

A full cash bar will be available. For tickets & more info, visit TampaJazzClub.com

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Updating The Clubhouse, Lexington Nail Lab, Pet Wants, Bonchon & More At The Hub!

By Gary Nager

Most photos by Charmaine

George

Back in January, we provided updates on most of the many new developments, plazas and individual businesses coming to Wesley Chapel.

Since that update was almost exactly half a year ago, we decided that it was time to update as many of those stories as we could in this issue.

We actually got the updating started last is sue, with a look at the businesses that had already opened or were opening soon at The Hub at Lex ington, so we decided to start there this issue, too, since a few places that weren’t yet open (or hadn’t yet celebrated their official Grand Openings) have now taken additional steps forward.

Your Hub At Lexington Update

The Clubhouse Golf Simulator — Although now open for several weeks, The Clubhouse hosted its North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event (top right photo) on May 12.

The Clubhouse (27061 Halter Lp.), which is owned by Wesley Chapel High grads (and brothers) Mark (with scissors) and Tyler Ward (not in photo) doesn’t yet have its beer and wine license, but Mark says it is “coming very soon” and you can now bring your own beer and even food, despite the fact there also are snacks available for sale.

For more info, call (813) 904-2867 or visit Clubhouse.golf.

Lexington Nail Lab — Having been open since May 20 (at 27105 Halter Lp., next to Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken), the beautiful new Lexington Nail Lab (below left) owned by Titus Tran (below center) offers the latest in ped icure chairs and promises personalized attention, professional service, a modern setting, cleanliness, hygiene and an actual bar (below right). In other words, Titus and his crew know what women (and men?) really want when they get a manicure or pedicure! For more info, visit LexingtonNailLab. com or call (352) 691-6073.

than what most pet places offer and there’s no appointment necessary.”

Murphy, the long-haired dachshund (be

Pet Wants — Now open for more than a month (at 26939 Halter Lp.), The Hub Pet Wants franchise owner Nickole Davis, who previously owned All Good Things Gifts in the KRATEs, says that the reaction to her store, which also offers not only delicious, healthy dog food and treats (there’s even a one-of-a-kind Dog

chise owner Sam Takla says that The Hub’s Bon chon not only has a larger menu than his other location on E. Fletcher Ave., it also serves beer in both cans and on draught and is definitely a nicer-looking restaurant (photo, 2nd from top right), too. For more info, visit Bonchon.com or call (813) 388-2104.

New signage since last issue — We don’t yet have opening dates for them, but Farmer’s Milk Café & Bakery (above right) and the combo

When we last checked in with David Nekouee of Capital Design Development, both of the retail strip centers he is developing in Wesley Chapel — Lexington Oak Crossings (less than a 1/4-mile south/west of The Hub at Lexington), and Ellerbee Point Crossings (at Ellerbee Rd. and WC Blvd., about a 1/4-mile west of Curley Rd.) — were both just shells, with no real signs yet of the actual businesses coming to those plazas.

At our press time, however, the two “end caps” at Lexington Oaks Crossings — Livewell Animal Hospital (top left) and Barberitos, aka “The Better Burrito” (top right) both now have their signage up, although neither is quite ready to open. Nekouee says that Livewell, which has more than 30 locations across 17 states (and Washington, DC), including in Riverview and Tampa’s Hyde Park, should open sometime this month.

For more info, visit LivewellAnimal.com.

Barberitos, which has more than 40 Chipotle-style locations across the Southeastern U.S. (including the one I tried, at 7021 E. Fletcher Ave. in Tampa) is expected by July or August. For more info, visit restaurants.Barberitos.com.

Lexington Oaks Crossings also will be home to Pizza World, Horizon Dental, Stretch Zone, Mariner Finance & Harris & Co. pet grooming.

And, if you’ve been wondering what the new building (photo, right) directly to the north & east of Barberitos will be, no it’s not the long-awaited Patel Bros. Indian Market (which has not yet even broken ground), it’s another 18,000-sq.-ft. strip plaza to be called Progress Point Plaza.

Nekouee says Progress Point will include the latest location of Burn Boot Camp (which has more than 400 locations nationwide and 43 in Florida, including at 17512 Doña Michelle Dr. in New Tampa). It also will have the first Florida location of Simply South Pure Indian Vegetarian Restaurant (which has three Texas locations and one in Illinois), Melt n Dip gelato and crepe café (which has 34 locations in 13 U.S. states, including five in Florida [with the closest being on N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace], plus locations in Canada and Lebanon) and Joyalukkas jewelry store (which has nearly 200 stores in seven countries, including five in the U.S.; this will be its first Florida location).

Meanwhile, at Ellerbee Point Crossings, Nekouee has signed up the second Wesley Chapel location of Smoothie King, plus Elliano’s Coffee (a drive-thru chain that has 70 locations in Florida, Georgia and Alabama; photo below), Wing Snob (a Midwest-based chain with 75 locations, including one in Riverview, FL), another Horizon Dental location, as well as PT Solutions, Vertically Aligned Pediatric Dental, plus Irsheid Orthodontics and an as-yet unnamed nail salon

zas, call David Nekouee at (770) 833-4507.

Updating Ellerbee Pointe & Lexington Oaks Crossings & The Winn-Dixie Plaza

Towne Centre At WC Updates

as the “ Blvd./C.R. 54 (at Old Pasco Rd.), that is actually called the Towne Centre at Wesley Chapel, is going through a lot of changes.

Most everyone knows that the Winn-Dixie store has closed and will be replaced — over the next six months to more than a year — by the latest local Aldi supermarket. However, many of those same people may not know that the adjacent Winn-Dixie Liquor Store (photo bottom right) at 27303 Wesley Chapel Blvd. is still open with no plans to close or to change the store’s name. For more info, call (813) 994-5570.

What you also may not know is that Wesley Chapel’s last remaining Beef O’Brady’s also closed recently and will be replaced by 1916 Irish Pub which currently has three locations — Plant City, Lakeland and Brandon.

Although I hav en’t tried any of those other locations — yet — 1916 Irish Pub

more upscale menu than Beef’s had, with items like bruschetta, Mediterranean hummus platters and olive tapenade, plus a variety of flatbreads, Irish stew and much more.

We didn’t know at our press time when 1916 Irish Pub would open, but a manager at the Brandon location told us that after some remodeling, it should be open within a month or two after this issue hits your mailbox. “Watch our socials for an exact opening For more info, visit 1916IrishPub.com.

And, although Pinch-A-Penny, PostNet, Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Hot Wok 88, Kumon Math & Reading Center, My Nail Spot, Wesley Chapel CBD & Smoke and Bob’s Barber Shop don’t appear to be going anywhere, Great Clips also has closed and it appears that the dry cleaner at the east end cap of the plaza and an adjacent store will become Wesley Chapel’s first Uptown Cheapskate clothing resale store.

cations in 29 states, including the store in the City

Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center, although we were told that it will take several months for the Wesley Chapel location to open. For more info, visit UptownCheapskate.com.

Fire Station No. 2 To Open Soon

Although I know it isn’t retail or a new restaurant, I was hoping to have heard by the time I went to press with this issue about when the new Pasco Fire Rescue Station No. 2 (photo below) was opening, as it’s pretty obvious that the building itself is pretty close to being totally done. So, since I hadn’t heard anything back by our press time, I stopped in at Station No. 13 on Old Pasco Rd. and spoke with Capt. Lindsay Mathew, who said that the problem isn’t the building itself, “It’s staffing it. Not only did all of our stations recently add a fourth shift, which spread our workload out more (all Pasco fire station personnel now work 24 hours on, 72 hours off), the biggest cost of operating a station isn’t the equipment, it’s the people. We haven’t heard anything definitive, but we’ve been told it could open later this month.”

Keep checking our Facebook and Instagram pages for that opening day. — GN; all photos by

Shops Of New River - Phase II

Developer Charlene Worrell of Suncoast Retail Developers, Inc., says, “We have one 1,250-sq.-ft. end cap space remaining at Shops of New River - Phase II, located next to 2+2 Restaurant on C.R. 54 at New River Rd.”

The tenants with signed leases so far at the new 7,000-sq.-ft. plaza are Little Greek Fresh Grill, Bubbakoo’s Burritos and Wesley Chapel Dental Care.

Little Greek is a Tampa Bay-area minichain with seven locations, including one on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa and one on U.S. Hwy. 41/Land O’Lakes Blvd. in Land O’Lakes. It is known for fast, fresh Greek- and Mediterranean-style food, like the gyro platter shown above.

LittleGreekFreshGrill.com.

with three Bay-area locations, including one on Gall Blvd. in Zephyrhills. It features uniquely-named, delicious looking “Signature Creations” like the Birria Crunchstack (bottom right photo), Nashville Hot Chicken Burrito and

Since the opening of Bubbakoo’s is several

months away (Worrell says the first tenants will be moving in to the new plaza by around the end of this year), I will have to take a ride to the Zeph yrhills locations to try some of these tasty-looking options. For more info, visit Bubbakoos.com.

Wesley Chapel Dental Care will occupy Spaces B&C (3,250 sq. ft. total) on the graphic above, but we did not have any additional infor mation about it at our press time, other than a website — WesleyChapelDentalCare.com where interested potential patients can sign up.

For more info about Phase II of the Shops of New River, call Worrell at (813)

Synergy Outdoor Living Cuts A North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon

Congratulations to Synergy Outdoor Living, which has been open for about three months — at 25712 Sierra Center Blvd. (in the same strip retail center as Mellow Mushroom & Noire Nail Bar), across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets — but which hosted its North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on May 27.

Synergy was founded in Tampa as a tech company 33 years ago by local native Guy Ross.

“We were doing technology outside the house — security cameras, monitoring, lighting control, all of that,” Ross said during the ribbon-cutting, “but we first got into outdoor living about 10 years ago. I was born and raised here in Tampa and, as a Florida resident, I thought, ‘Why are people coming to Florida and this [outdoor

living] is what it’s all about. We were already doing technology outside the house, so I said ‘Let’s get into [outdoor] kitchens.’ It’s been quite a ride.”

Synergy’s local showroom offers a wide variety of outdoor grills, full custom-designed outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fireplaces and more.

And, although Synergy’s website says there are four Florida showrooms, Ross only talked about this location and the one near the Universi ty Town Center mall in Sarasota/Bradenton.

For more information, call (877) 6640770 or visit SynergyFL.com. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George

Shark Branding Solutions’ ‘Hackathon’ Was An Amazing Way To

By Gary Nager

photos by Charmaine George

Obviously, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the wave of the future, but if you’re old school like me, it’s probably been hard for you to embrace.

However, although I still find errors when I use Google AI to do research for stories, I am now a lot more interested in the other ways that AI can help my business — thanks to the husband-&-wife team of Josh and Michelle Stanaland of Shark Branding Solutions.

Michelle, Shark Branding’s CEO, invited the Neighborhood News team to the company’s first-ever in-person “Hackathon” on May 26 (at Philena Worthington’s Worthington Agency, a AAA insurance office at 35366 Pure Water Way, Zephyrhills; that’s Philena, left, with Michelle and Josh in the top left photo) — which wasn’t at all what it sounded like, at least not to me.

Josh, the company’s chief technology officer, created a simulation of the websites of each of the six businesses who attended the Hackathon. Each website was outfitted with an AI “employee” (“not a ChatBot,” Michelle emphasized) who served as each company’s receptionist.

In other words, when you logged onto your own simulated website, your AI receptionist (ours was named Nora) popped up to answer any and all questions about your business that someone visiting your website might have.

“I don’t know about you,” Michelle said, “but as a business owner, I love creating websites and helping companies build their brand. I don’t like having to answer the phone. But, I also know that I have lost potential clients because

I didn’t answer the phone or get back to the person soon enough. If you hire a receptionist, which can cost you $40,000 a year, you have to train them, hope they will handle your customers as you would and that they will be reliable. Your AI receptionist is ‘trained’ by being programmed with all of the info about your business and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

She added, however, “That the goal is not to replace your employees, but to allow your entire team to avoid having to handle those customer inquiries so they can each do their actual jobs.”

At any rate, the idea of the Hackathon was for each of us to hack, or basically break, our own AI receptionist.

But, guess what? Without ever having to be trained by myself or Jannah, Nora answered every possible question anyone visiting our website could possibly ask — including about our editorial content, and especially, about advertising in the Neighborhood News.

In other words, Josh and Michelle, who have not yet rolled out their AI receptionist “package” to the public, are onto something big. And, you should definitely give them a call — and please tell them I sent you.

For Shark Branding Solutions, call (727) 269-7009 or visit SharkBrandingSolutions.com. For the Worthington Agency, call (813) 4547388. — GN, photos by Charmaine George

Casa Fresca Homes — Building Affordable Luxury Homes In Pasadena Ridge

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

When Realtor® Patty Mendoza was asked by an out-of-state client to do a virtual tour of a new construction home in Wesley Chapel on a Sunday afternoon, her husband, Juan Centeno, tagged along with her.

Patty was caught off guard when she found Juan chatting with a Casa Fresca sales agent and suggesting they get preapproved to purchase. “I wasn’t familiar with Casa Fresca Homes at that time,” she says.

That was back in 2023, and they bought that Casa Fresca home in Pasadena Point. Now, less than three years later, Patty and Juan just moved into their second Casa Fresca home, this time in Pasadena Ridge, located a little further north in Dade City.

Now that the couple has lived in two homes by Casa Fresca, Patty says she highly recommends the homebuilder.

“Casa Fresca is a great company to buy from,” she says. “The customer service is great, the sales team is great, the warranty department is amazing, and the construction manager for this community was really, really great, too.”

Pasadena Ridge is one of several communities in The Villages of Pasadena Hills, the rapidly growing, unincorporated census-designated place in Pasco County just north and east of Wesley Chapel that we first told you about in January.

“Pasadena Ridge reflects Casa Fresca’s commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed homes for a variety of buyers in one of the Tampa Bay area’s most desirable growth corridors,” says Mark Metheny, the CEO of Casa Fresca Homes.

Located on the east side of Handcart Rd., north of the rear entrance to the Watergrass community in Wesley Chapel, Pasadena Ridge is located on top of a sprawling hill, which reaches a maximum height of 250’ above sea level. That height is impressive, considering the highest elevation in the region is 305’ above sea level (and the highest in the entire state of

The Casa

right)

rendering of The Club at Pasadena

model has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1,850

The kitchen &

In addition to Casa Fresca Homes, home builders in Pasadena Ridge include Homes by WestBay and Mattamy Homes.

The Luxury Of Affordability

Casa Fresca was actually founded in 2019 as part of Homes by WestBay, a well-established luxury homebuilder in the Tampa Bay area.

Casa Fresca brings the luxury experience of Homes by WestBay, but offers more attainable home options at lower price points than those semi-custom homes.

In fact, Casa Fresca homes for sale at Pasadena Ridge start at under $300,000 and go up to more than $500,000. Floor plans range from 1,330 square feet up to more than 3,000 square feet. By comparison, Homes by WestBay prices in Pasadena Ridge start at $600,000.

Casa Fresca has 319 lots available for home sales in Pasadena Ridge’s first phase and an additional 104 homes (so far) in Phase Two.

Although it’s a brand-new community that just began selling earlier in 2026, 10 families have already closed on their homes and moved in.

Casa Fresca brings features to make sure their homes don’t look cookie-cutter, such as bold exterior colors. The homes also include upgraded features such as quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and luxury vinyl plank flooring for which other builders may charge a premium. In all, the company offers 13 different floorplans in Pasadena Ridge.

While Casa Fresca’s traditional single-family homes sit on 40-foot and 50-foot lots, it also has another home series, called its “Cocktail Collection,” that has an even smaller footprint. These homes have a garage in the rear and a courtyard design that offers a unique space for entertaining.

There are four homes in the Cocktail Collection, ranging from the 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,330-sq.-ft. Sangria floorplan (starting at $299,990) to the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 1,975-sq.-ft. Mojito floorplan (photos on next page), which also has a den, starting at

$371,490. The Mojito is one home from the Cocktail Collection that can currently be toured as a model in the Pasadena Ridge community.

Three other models can be toured at the Casa Fresca sales center, too. They are the Magenta (1,615 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths , from $363,590) and the Indigo (2,471 square feet with 5 bedrooms & 3 baths, from $420,990), which can be built on a 40-ft. lot.

The Valeria (photo below), which has 1,850 square feet and is a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with a two-car garage, is designed to be built on a 50-foot lot, starting at $394,990.

The largest home built by Casa Fresca at Pasadena Ridge is the Gabriela. It is 3,182 square feet and features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a three-car garage, starting at $514,990.

Patty says the main reason she sold her first Casa Fresca home to move to Pasadena Ridge is for the lifestyle. While she and Juan are ready to downsize now that their son has gone to college, she wanted to live in a master-planned community, and says she’s looking forward to the amenities of Pasadena Ridge.

“The neighborhood is still new,” she says, “but you can see all of the little details. The main entrance is just being built and it looks beautiful, and they’re doing landscaping now.”

Amenities will be centered at The Club (top photo on next page), as it will be called, which will include a large resort-style pool, dog park, fitness center, pickleball courts, playground and event space.

“Combined with planned resort-style ameni ties and a curated lifestyle program,” Metheny says, “Pasadena Ridge is designed to create an engaging and welcoming community experience for residents.”

That community

experience will include a lifestyle director at The Club who will curate events on a monthly basis to make sure all amenities are being used to their fullest potential. For example, the lifestyle director might start a pickleball club or organize resident meetups at the dog park. The actual activities will be determined by what is desired by the residents.

Future development near the community is planned to include commercial spaces, a Pasco County park and a school.

For now, Patty says the best part of living at Pasadena Ridge are the walks through the neighborhood she and Juan take, and the gorgeous drives leaving the community and headed towards Dade City and St. Leo.

“There are beautiful views here where you feel like you’re somewhere else completely,” Patty says. “And just the drive alone is amazing.”

Patty adds that if you’re looking for a new construction home, Casa Fresca is a wonderful builder to work with.

“As a Realtor®, I can say that Casa Fresca always has really good incentives for the buyers,” she says. “And it’s a great, really smooth buying experience.”

In addition to Pasadena Ridge, Casa Fresca also is selling homes at Pasadena Woods a cou-

ple of miles away, and in Pasadena Landing in Wesley Chapel. The company also has homes in other communities throughout the Tampa Bay area, including South Hillsborough County, and beyond to Polk County and even Ocala.

The Casa Fresca Homes Sales Center at Pasadena Ridge is located at 34727 Arbor Re treat Dr. in Dade City. For more information about Casa Fresca Homes at Pasadena Ridge, or to schedule a tour, visit CasaFrescaHomes.com/Pasade naRidge, call (813) 343-4383, or see the ad on pg. 37.

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Decorating Den — Making Wesley Chapel More Beautiful, One Room At A Time

By Traviyon Bigby Neighborhood News Correspondent

Trends come and go — one day it’s minimalist neutrals, the next it’s bold wallpaper, layered textures or statement ceilings.

According to Debbie Demboski and Sara Nelson of Decorating Den Interiors, one design philosophy never goes out of style: creating interior spaces that reflect you. With a combined career spanning more than four decades, the mother-daughter duo has built a reputation for creating exceptional spaces for clients throughout Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and surrounding communities.

Decorating Den Interiors was originally established in 1969 and today has more than 300 franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. Debbie’s franchise has consistently earned a place in Decorating Den’s top 5% nationwide by remaining true to the company’s original mission, “Making the world more beautiful, one room at a time,” while continuing to evolve with ever-changing industry trends.

After graduating from West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Fashion Merchandising & Business, Debbie worked for

several retail companies, including Montgomery Ward, before purchasing her Decorating Den franchise in 1990. She initially served clients in Atlanta before relocating the business to Florida. For the past 34 years, Debbie has

everyday spaces into personalized sanctuaries through thoughtful interior design. Some of her works have even been published and entered into national design contests.

Built on three generations of passion and expertise, Debbie’s franchise has grown into a true family business. She serves as the foundation of the company, while her mother and office manager, Phyllis Wilcher, is its welcoming voice, while Sara represents the next generation of leadership. Phyllis, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday and also serves as Director of Hospitality at St. James United Methodist Church in Tampa Palms, has long been the first point of contact for clients, sharing her enthusiasm for interior decorating with anyone who shows interest.

Sara, who joined the business more than a decade ago after graduating from the University of South Florida with a B.A. degree in Journalism and a certification in Business Management, worked as a Tampa Bay regional manager for “As Seen On TV.” She says she was seeking a more flexible path that would allow her to spend more time with family while also aligning with her natural creative strengths. Ultimately, this led her to train under Debbie, gaining hands-on experience and learning the business first-hand before fully

transitioning into the interior design industry. Debbie remains actively involved as Decorating Den’s master license owner for Central Florida, overseeing more than 10 franchises throughout the region. Her leadership and dedication have earned her many honors, including Franchise Owner of the Year and Region Owner of the Year, as well as a place on the 2026 Success Panel (held in Reno, NV), where she spoke about the company’s unique business model.

Debbie’s passion for design began in her hometown of Steubenville, OH, after a memorable prom experience when another student arrived wearing the same dress. Inspired to create her own styles, Debbie began sewing with a machine her grandmother had gifted her. What started as an interest in fashion eventually grew into a lifelong career in home design. That focus on individuality remains central to the company’s philosophy today. Rather than ever pushing a “signature look,” Decorating Den Interiors, as a company, prioritizes understanding what matters most to each client.

Bringing the design studio to you, the process begins with a free, in-home consultation, where clients discuss their style preferences, ideas, inspiration and budget. Debbie and Sara both take pride in offering “good, better, and best” options to help clients find solutions that fit both their vision, lifestyle and budget.

“Follow your heart,” Debbie says. “If you like it, it’ll never go out of style. You have to live in it, so make it your own.”

That personalized approach continues to resonate, with nearly 80 percent of the company’s business coming from repeat clients and referrals.

Rosemarie Alfarano, a client who first discovered Decorating Den through the Neighborhood News, says the experience has exceeded her expectations.

“Sara and Debbie are absolutely fabulous and extremely professional from start to finish,” Rosemarie says. “If there is ever an issue, they correct it immediately. What stood out to me most was the convenience and how quickly they understood my style. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for interior designers who truly listen and care about bringing your vision to life.”

As design trends continue shifting from

clean, transitional styles to warm luxury and more soulful, personalized spaces, Debbie and Sara remain current by attending industry conferences such as the High Point Market in High Point, NC, and Design Edge Florida, as well as regional meetings. Still, they both believe that trends should inspire design decisions — not define them.

Debbie encourages everyone, especially first-time clients, to work with a designer who listens to their needs and respects their personal style. As one of her favorite interior design sayings goes, “If the decorator tells you to throw

everything out, throw the decorator out too.”

can help you transform any bedroom or bathroom into something special and unique. high-end design with everyday functionality.”

That personalized philosophy extends into one of the franchise’s standout specialties: window treatments. Sara, along with a few other franchisees, holds the company’s highest design professional certification, Decorating Den Certified Designer. Her passion also led her to earn the title of National Certified Window Treatment Specialist.

She says, “The future of design is motorization,” therefore her latest focus is “helping clients understand how custom blinds, shades, draperies and shutters can seamlessly combine

She explains the impact of window treatment consultations, which often evolve into larger design projects, ranging from adding rugs and reupholstering furniture to redesigning entire rooms. Before long, many clients find themselves asking, “Now what would you do with this other room?” Beyond interiors, Decorating Den also helps clients create inviting outdoor spaces, including patios and pool decks (photo on previous page).

For Debbie and Sara, one of the greatest joys outside of working together is serving a

diverse community. Debbie says, “Different cultures and perspectives create opportunities to explore styles, textures, and patterns in new ways.” Above all, they hope clients remember one thing: “If we make something beautiful, you’ll smile every time you look at it.” More than any trend, that philosophy is what truly makes a house feel like home.

To schedule a free in-home consultation with Decorating Den Interiors, call (813)679-0222, e-mail debbied@decoratingden.com, or visit DebbieD.DecoratingDen.com. Also see the ad on page 37.

Nations Roofing & Construction Celebrates 20 Years Of Trusted Sales, Service & More!

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

As a family-owned business for two decades, owner Jason Morphet says the track record of his Nations Roofing & Construction, LLC, which he founded in 2006, proves his company will be there when you need him.

“Twenty years later, this still isn’t just a roofing company to me,” he says, “it’s my family’s name and legacy. We’ve built Nations Roofing & Construction on doing honest work, standing behind every roof we install and treating our customers the way we’d want our own family to be treated.”

Offering both residential and commercial roof installations and repairs, Nations Roofing & Construction is a licensed and insured roof ing company that provides metal, shingle, tile and flat roofs to meet any needs. In addition, the company installs gutters, soffit, fascia, siding and solar panels, and also provides chimney repairs.

Nations Roofing & Construction offers free estimates, too. If you’re not sure if your roof has been damaged by storms or you want to be sure your roof is ready for this year’s hurricane season (which began on June 1), Nations Roofing & Construction will inspect your roof and provide a thorough repair or re-roof estimate. If you’re still waiting on an insurance claim, the company also can help with your inspections, tarping and repair or replacement needs.

Jason warns that after a storm, homeowners need to be careful who they trust, especially if roofing companies come knocking on their door.

“Is this company licensed in Florida? Is it insured? Is it local? Will it be there for you after the work is completed?” Jason asks. “When doing any kind of roofing work, from a small repair to new installation, always look for a local company with the proper licenses and insurance.”

Jason says a lot of his customers are referred to him by word of mouth and previous customer referrals. He likes being able to serve homeowners and businesses in the community where he lives with his wife, Ayleen, a Pasco County teacher, and their daughters, Lily and Ellis.

Commercial Roofs, Too

In addition to residential roofing, Nations Roofing & Construction has a high volume of commercial roofing projects, too. Jason says that his commercial volume creates value for residential customers, as Nations Roofing & Construction is able to build strong manufacturer relationships and purchase materials on a larger scale. That means that homeowners also get better products, greater value and higher quality — all at competitive pricing.

In fact, the company provides professional TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) roofing installations, repairs and replacements for

both commercial buildings and mobile homes across Florida. TPO roofing has very quickly become one of the most popular flat roofing solutions thanks to its affordability, energy efficiency, and ability to withstand Florida’s harsh climate.

Jason calls his company “The Home of the Lifetime Warranty,” saying that a warranty from his company “actually means something.”

Nations Roofing & Construction also has become one of the first and only CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ PREMIER credentialed contractors in Florida. With that designation, the company can offer a 160 MPH wind warranty and a 30-year workmanship warranty — with annual roof inspections included at no extra charge.

“A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it,” Jason says. “A new shingle roof in Florida typically lasts 18-20 years, but the usual lifespan of a roof mainly depends on the workmanship of the installers and the materials used. Roofs mostly fail before the end of their lifespans due to poor workmanship. Tile and metal roofs can last up to 40 years or longer, provided that they are installed properly.”

That’s why Nations Roofing & Construction insists on providing high-quality installation and great customer service. The company’s experienced crews and long-term employees, and use of premium materials, guarantee that your

roof that will last for years to come.

And, if you ever need the warranty, Nations Roofing & Construction will be there. Jason promises that his company’s 20-year track record means you can count on Nations Roofing & Construction in the future. That’s not always the case with many roofing companies, especially the “storm chasers” that knock on your door after your area experiences damage from a tropical storm or hurricane.

“Anyone can sell a roof,” Jason says. “The real test is whether the company will still be there to stand behind it 20 years later.”

More Than Just Roofs

While Nations Roofing & Construction specializes in roofing, the “Construction” part of its name is a reminder that the company doesn’t stop there. In addition to roof installation, Nations Roofing & Construction has a service department

that focuses on repairs, inspections, maintenance and warranties.

It also offers a range of additional construction services, such as gutter installation to protect a home’s foundation, channeling water away from the structure to prevent potential damage.

Nations Roofing & Construction also does soffit and fascia work, both of which protect the roof while also enhancing your home’s overall appearance and value.

In addition, Nations Roofing & Construction can provide quality siding, will rebuild and repair your home’s chimney and even offers solar panel installation services and solar-ready roofing solutions.

More than 100 reviews on Google are five stars (out of five).

“After 25 years we finally had to replace the entire tile roof on our 4,400 sq ft home – a major project including removal/replacement of our

pool’s solar heater,” wrote customer Robert H. in his five-star Google review. “So, we were cautious about the vendor.”

Robert’s review also said that the entire experience was professional and high-quality. “Their workers and subcontractors were very pleasant, careful of our extensive plantings and meticulous at removing nails from the ground. They were in regular contact and always responsive to our calls and questions.”

In fact, Robert said, “This major project (for us) could not have gone better.”

Another recent review on Google was equally complimentary.

“Nations Roofing & Construction was the real deal! We did our homework and interviewed four different roofing companies for the job,” says John Gavin. “They came in with the most professional quote utilizing new technology and were very precise. They also had the most complete plan for all logistics of the job.”

John also noted that, “they were very responsive to all our questions and needs. Our hats off to the team...Well done!”

These types of reviews show why Nations Roofing & Construction has continued to grow and be successful over the last two decades.

“Twenty years doesn’t happen by accident in this industry,” Jason, who served in the U.S. Army from 1995-99 (photo), says. “It comes from hard work, long days, standing behind your word, and taking care of customers after the job is done.”

For more information about Nations Roofing & Construction LLC, or to schedule a free estimate, call or text (813) 692-1555, visit NationsRoofingCompany.com, or see the ad on page 13 of this issue.

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Organic Safe Lawns Can Help Your Lawn Thrive From The Ground Up

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

For many Florida homeowners, maintaining a green lawn during the summer can feel like an uphill battle. This is especially true amid drought restrictions, extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns.

But, for Jim Schanstra, the owner of Organic Safe Lawns, lawn care has always been about more than just appearances.

“It’s still about protecting families,” Schanstra says. “You can have a beautiful lawn without exposing your kids and pets to harmful chemicals.”

That mission has guided Organic Safe Lawns since Schanstra first launched the company in 2010, and, he says, it’s become even more important as homeowners grow more aware of the potential health and environmental concerns tied to traditional lawn treatment chemicals.

Unlike many conventional lawn care companies that rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and herbicides, Organic Safe Lawns focuses on treating the soil itself. Schanstra explains that the organic-based products he uses strengthen root systems rather than forcing rapid top growth.

“We’re building your lawn from the ground up,” he says. “Healthy roots create a healthier plant.” That distinction becomes especially important, he says, during Florida’s dry season, which was just replaced by hurricane season on June 1.

Meanwhile, as drought conditions continue to affect Wesley Chapel, New Tampa and Land O’ Lakes, Schanstra says many homeowners unintentionally damage their lawns by watering incorrectly. One of the biggest mistakes he sees is hand watering during the heat of the day.

“The water reflects sunlight almost like a magnifying glass,” he explains. “People think they’re helping their grass, but what they’re actually doing is burning it.”

Instead, Schanstra recommends watering just before sunrise whenever possible in order to ensure that your lawn receives enough water to soak through the thatch and reach the soil beneath. He suggests that when you hand-water your lawn, that you should place

a small dish or container in the yard to measure about a half-inch of water during each watering session.

“It’s not about watering longer or more often,” he says. “It’s about watering correctly.”

He says that over-watering can be just as damaging as watering at the wrong time of day. According to Schanstra, excessive irrigation can weaken root systems, promote fungus growth and create a condition known as “dieback,” where roots begin growing too close to the surface instead of deep into the soil.

“We see a lot of lawn problems that really come down to improper irrigation,” he says. “Too much water, too little water, watering at the wrong time — all of these affect the health of your lawn.”

Florida’s summer conditions also create the perfect environment for common lawn pests like chinch bugs (photo on next page) and sod webworms. Dry conditions tend to bring chinch bugs earlier in the season, while excessive moisture can lead to fungus and webworm issues. Still, Schanstra says prevention is often simpler — and safer — than aggressive chemical treatments.

“We treat these pests with Organic Pyrethrins by spraying the infected areas with excellent results!,” Schanstra says. “Using our service can save you thousands in turf replacement.”

Organic Safe Lawns uses lower-nitrogen formulations designed to reduce stress on turf while naturally strengthening the lawn’s defenses against pests and disease. These treatments also are designed to be safer for children, pets and wildlife.

“The dogs are a huge thing for me,” Schanstra says. “They’re out there on the grass every day, and then they come inside licking their paws. Families deserve to know what’s being put on their lawns.”

“I’ve been using Organic Safe Lawns for

nearly 10 years. They are the best!,” says Zenia R.in a 5-star Google review. “My lawn looks great and I love that my 20-pound dog can run and sniff and play safely on it.”

Zenia also shared that after her husband was diagnosed with lymphoma several years ago, her family made the decision to stop using harsh chemical lawn treatments altogether. She also praised Organic Safe Lawns’ long-time technician Curt for his attention to detail and friendly service, noting that he even helped save her camellia tree using neem oil treatments. “I

highly recommend this company for your lawn care!”

That focus on client well being remains one of the biggest reasons Schanstra still enjoys his work after all these years. “I think the best part is knowing we’re helping people avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals while still giving them a lawn they can be proud of,” he says. “You really can do both.”

Backed by decades of expe rience in the industry, Schanstra and his team specialize in organic monthly fertilization and pest control for both residential and commercial properties through out Tampa, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.

As an Organic Safe Lawns client you are entitled to free irrigation checks and discounted irrigation services — including repair of your existing sprinkler system, as well as installation of a new irrigation system.

The company is known for its respectful customer service, state-licensed spray technicians, and customized organic-based treatments designed specifically for Florida lawns. With monthly treatment service starting at $45 and no contracts required, the company continues to focus on creating healthier lawns that are safer for children, pets and the environment.

Organic Safe Lawns is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional information, call (813)-393-9665, visit

OrganicSafeLawns.com, email Schanstra at organicsafelawns@verizon.net, or see the ad on pg. 55 of this issue.

Palms Pharmacy Celebrates 10 Years Of Community, Care & Growth In Tampa Palms

By Jordan King Neighborhood News Correspondent

When Shahida Choudhry, Pharm.D., opened Palms Pharmacy in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms in 2016, she never imagined the small independent pharmacy would one day grow into a team of about 30 employees. A decade later, the business is not only successful but continuing to expand its services, product offerings and ties to the local community.

To mark the ten-year milestone, Palms Pharmacy’s customers and the local community were invited to celebrate with the staff at an in-store event. The anniversary celebration included delicious ice cream from the Ice Dreammm Shop’s mobile unit, fresh lemonade from Laymouna Lemonade Stand, custom House of Malak lip gloss, goodie bags, and a chance to win a $100 gift basket, along with a 15% discount on vitamins.

Dr. Choudhry says that about 100 people attended and the lucky winner of the raffle was customer Nancy K. A hilarious video of the drawing is posted on the store’s social media sites. The Palms Pharmacy staff understands that without the community, the independent pharmacy’s success would not be possible, so this event acted as a “thank you for making the dream of this independent business a reality.”

Behind the scenes, the pharmacy’s growth is reflected not just in numbers, but in relationships. Several members of the Palms Pharmacy team began their careers there as interns and chose to stay on after completing their training. They are there for each other for all the big

(Above) Dr. Shahida Choudhry celebrated the 10th anniversary of Palms Pharmacy in The Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms on Apr. 24. (Right) A customer checks out vitamins & supplements during the anniversary event. (Below left) Delicious lemonade was served by Laymouna Lemonade Stand. (Below right)

Attendees also received free House of Malak lip gloss samples. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)

moments, from graduations to being parentsto-be. For Dr. Choudhry, that loyalty speaks to the culture she works intentionally to build — one centered on mentorship, collaboration and genuine care for both employees and patients.

tion for quality and patient-centered care. This accreditation is awarded to healthcare organizations that meet rigorous standards for clinical excellence, integrity and safety. Dr. Choudhry says that, “The same commitment to clinical understanding guides our decisions throughout the pharmacy, helping ensure that our patients are offered options that truly fit their needs.”

Dr. Choudhry holds both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. She stays actively involved in the profession through her memberships in the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC). She also says that she is currently working toward advanced certification in menopausal health, an area she believes is increasingly important and underrepresented among pharmacy professionals.

More Than Just Prescriptions

In addition to standard prescriptions, Palms Pharmacy also offers compounding services that allow the pharmacy to tailor medica-

tions when standard options aren’t the right fit. That could mean adjusting dosages, removing certain ingredients, or creating alternatives that are easier to take.

Palms Pharmacy also provides immunizations, making it convenient for patients to stay up to date without the long waits often associated with larger chains. Dr. Choudhry says, “Consultations are another important part of what we offer, giving customers the opportunity to sit down, ask questions and talk through concerns in a setting that feels unhurried and personal.” This is something she believes makes a meaningful difference in how people experience their healthcare.

While Palms Pharmacy offers a full range of pharmacy services, Dr. Choudhry says that what many people remember most is how the

store feels when they walk in. She describes it as a “five-sense experience,” with welcoming staff, inviting music, visually striking displays and a wide assortment of samples to try.

She says the Korean skincare options, in particular, continue to be a customer favorite, with all items costing just $12 — or less — drawing people in to browse and ask questions. Staff members know many regulars by name, and it’s not unusual for conversations to stretch beyond prescriptions into everyday life.

At the same time, Dr. Choudhry says that affordability remains a top priority. The pharmacy stays highly competitive with large chains on non-prescription items, a fact that often surprises first-time visitors.

See “Palms Pharmacy” on pg. 40

“There is a common misconception,” she explains, “that independent pharmacies are more expensive than the retail chain stores, when, in reality, careful sourcing and private-label options allow us to keep our prices affordable without sacrificing quality.”

That same approach extends throughout the store, which features a rotating selection of gifts, supplements, and specialty items that Dr. Choudhry says are hand-picked based on current trends and feedback from the local community. Palms Pharmacy carries a variety of different items, from natural soaps and essential oils to unique candies and even pet products.

Several products in the store are Floridasourced, like A Bee’s Place honey based in St. Petersburg and Florida Salt Scrubs founded in the Florida Keys — reinforcing Dr. Choudhry’s commitment to supporting small businesses and keeping money circulating close to home.

That sense of connection extends beyond the physical store itself. Palms Pharmacy has an active presence on social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where Dr. Choudhry and her team share updates, highlight products and engage with customers between visits. The accounts also offer lighthearted glimpses of daily life at the pharmacy. They show the behind-the-scenes moments, playful team antics and everyday routines, giving followers a candid look at the people behind the counter and reinforcing the approachable atmosphere customers experience in person.

inated by large chains, we continue to focus on clinical excellence, personalized service and making healthcare feel accessible.”

The pharmacy currently holds a 4.9-star overall rating on more than 560 Google reviews.

In her 5-star review, customer Joanne N., wrote, “With all the impersonal service we now seem to get in every area, it is a pleasure to go to an excellent pharmacy that still gives you that ‘Mom and Pop’ attention and service. If you’re looking for a personalized and profes-

Choudhry says. “So when someone chooses to walk through our doors, we want them to feel welcomed, supported, and confident they’re getting the best care possible.”

Palms Pharmacy is located at 17008 Palm Pointe Dr. and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. You can call the store at (813) 252-9063 or text the secure text-only prescription line at (727) 513-3210. For more info, visit ThePalmsPharmacy.com, check out the store’s social media pages or see the ad below.

In addition to all of the great products and services available at Palms Pharmacy, Dr. Choudhry invites the community to participate in a clinical study to help improve the early detection of colon cancer.

“Colon cancer is definitely more treatable when it is caught early,” she says. “And, not only are clinical studies like these important to help providers detect colon cancer earlier, you can earn $325-$475 in compensation for your time and effort if you participate in this study. It could save your life!”

If you’re interested, you should scan the QR code below and take a brief survey (it took me about five minutes to complete) to determine if you’re eligible to participate in the clinical study.

For more info, see the ad below or call Palms Pharmacy at (813) 252-9063.

Welter Law Expands In Wesley Chapel To Help With Estate Planning & Probate

By Celeste McLaughlin Neighborhood News Correspondent

It wasn’t too long ago that the Welter Law Office was bursting at the seams in its small location in Wesley Chapel, as the reputation of estate planning and probate lawyer Denise A. Welter, Esq., continued to grow.

“I wanted to serve my clients better than I could in such a small space with just one assistant,” says Denise, who first opened her firm in the area four years ago.

So last June, Denise moved to a larger office in the Cypress Ridge Professional Park, just east of I-75 and north of S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel.

She also expanded her staff, which now includes probate paralegal Katie Zupkosky, client care coordinator Esthenye Quero, and virtual assistant Tara Ellis.

“Everyone loves coming to work now,” Denise says, “and now we have the capacity to take care of more people.”

But, helping more clients doesn’t mean that Denise’s attention is divided. In fact, she is intentional to keep the firm’s focus very narrow.

“I only focus in probate and estate planning,” she explains. “I find that concentrating just on those areas makes for a better experience for my clients, and ultimately a better estate plan.”

That plan may include wills, trusts, trust administration, advanced health care directives and durable powers of attorney. She also handles probate, the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts and distributing assets.

“You wouldn’t go to a dentist for a heart

She is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys, The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, The Real Property Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, Lawyers of Distinction and Lead Council Verified.

surgery,” she says. “So, why would you go to a criminal attorney to have your will done?”

Before Denise opened her Welter Law Office, she was a partner at another firm, since moving from South Florida to New Tampa when her husband retired about 10 years ago. Before passing the bar on her first try in 2002, she had been a legal secretary for 17 years.

At that time, she had been let go from her position, a turning point she describes as the “best worst thing that ever happened to me.”

As a busy mom of two young boys, she then made the decision to pursue a law degree.

Over the next five years, she obtained both her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, majoring in Legal Studies, and her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, both from Nova Southeastern University, which is based in Ft. Lauderdale.

After assisting in another firm’s real estate department, she found her calling in estate planning and probate. “I found my niche, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” she says.

Denise takes her role as counselor seriously, helping people determine what will happen to them and their assets as they age and may not be able to make decisions for themselves anymore, or when they pass away.

“When people don’t make an estate plan,” she says, “by default they have chosen the State of Florida’s plan.”

She explains that Florida statues are clear on what happens when someone dies, and if you don’t have an estate plan, then Florida’s state laws determine what happens to your assets.

“You might be okay with that,” she says, “but most people aren’t.”

For example, she explains, the statutes say that if you’re not married, everything goes to your children. But sadly, more and more families these days have estranged children, so some people may not want everything going to a child they haven’t seen in decades.

“Blended families have unique planning techniques, too,” Denise adds. “When you marry someone, they automatically get rights, unless you’ve otherwise planned for it.”

But, more important than asset distribution, Denise emphasizes, are your health care directives.

“Your health is more important than your stuff,” she says. “It’s important to say who is

Denise says these decisions are never onesize-fits-all. While some documents are similar, how they are used by each client is unique.

“I meet with clients and give a complimentary consultation first,” she says. “I get to know them, they get to know me, and I can narrow down their special issues based on their family and their goals. Then, I can give them a recommendation of what the best planning technique would be for them.”

She says some clients may just need a will-based package, while others want to avoid probate and make things as easy as possible on their children, so they may want a trust. Denise spends time talking with each client about how these things work.

She also sends digital follow-ups annually to inform her clients of any law changes that could

affect them and encourages them to review their estate plans every five years, or anytime there are important life changes.

Jan Potter recently moved to Esplanade in Wesley Chapel from Palm Beach County.

She is retired after running an asphalt contracting business for 35 years.

Due to changes in her family, she wanted to update her will and trust. After seeing an ad in Neighborhood News, she reached out to Welter Law Office.

“The whole experience from beginning to end was well done,” Jan says. “Denise was very patient and spent a lot of time with me. She gave me some great suggestions I hadn’t considered.”

Jan was then impressed by the turnaround time, and how “beautiful” the final product was returned to her.

“Her presentation was amazing,” Jan says. “She gave me a binder with everything in it compartmentalized with tabs, and gave me suggestions for things I may want to hand write and add to the binder. It was back to me in a week, which doesn’t usually happen in legal offices.”

Jan added that after decades in business, she’s dealt with many attorneys, and she calls Denise “the best of the bunch.”

In fact, Jan says, when she received her binder, it didn’t feel like just another completed transaction.

“I felt like family,” Jan says. “I felt like I had made some true friends in the area.”

For more information about the Welter Law Office, located at 2312 Cypress Cove, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel, call (813) 7369080, visit WelterLawOffice.com, or see the ad on pg. 19.

It Doesn’t Have To Be Cinco De Mayo To Enjoy Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurants

By Gary Nager

Like the Mexican restaurant equivalent of St. Patrick’s Day, when everyone is Irish, people just love heading to their favorite Mexican restaurant to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, which is not (contrary to popular belief) Mexico’s Independence Day, but an annual holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s unexpected victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla way back in 1862.

Mexico’s version of the 4th of July, celebrated on Sept. 16, commemorates the start of the country’s 11-year war for its independence from Spain (1810-1821). I have no idea how Cinco de Mayo became the holiday everyone celebrates with tacos, margaritas and sombreros.

What I do know is that it doesn’t have to be Cinco de Mayo to enjoy a great Mexican meal at either of the authentic Don Julio’s Mexican Restaurants in our area — the one in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave, a little west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., and the other in the City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center.

Owner Julio Rodriguez and his family and staff are happy to welcome you to either location, both of which have delicious food, full liquor bars with nice varieties of upscale tequilas and excellent service.

Jannah, Charmaine and I got to the Bearss Ave. location right before the line for tables start ed on Cinco, as dozens of hungry locals arrived for DJ Mo$ Money to blast a nice mix of dance music. Instead of bulky sombreros, the Dos Equis girls gave out bandanas and free bottles of Dos Equis lager and everyone enjoyed the festive at mosphere and, of course, the food. According to Julio, Don Julio’s is where “family tradition meets authentic Mexican flavor.”

So, What Did You Have?

No matter what you have for your main dish, any group visiting Don Julio’s should al ways start their meal with a Don Julio’s Sampler (top left photo). It includes crisp taquitos (we had them filled with chicken), a tamale (corn dough stuffed with pork, wrapped in a corn husk and steamed), a sope (handmade thick corn tortilla topped with refried beans, lettuce, onions, cheese and sour cream; we added ground beef to it), a tostada (similar to a sope, but flatter; we added carne asada steak to it), nachos (we added marinated pork pastor and ground beef) and our new favorite, the perfectly cheesy quesadillas (to which we added shredded chicken).

shrimp were nice sized, done to perfection and the light garlic sauce they were cooked in had a savory flavor that nicely complemented the Mexican rice, pico de gallo and refried beans.

Jannah has recently gone crazy for birria tacos and the Quesabirria Tacos & Consomé at Don Julio’s (below far right) are definitely among her current favorites. The tender, slow-cooked beef and melted Oaxaca cheese are perfect for dipping in the beef’s own broth. So good!

Lunch, Brunch & More

Both Don Julio’s locations also offer great lunch specials (from $11.99 for two tacos with

riety of great brunch items, including a Breakfast Burrito, Huevos Rancheros (two eggs any style with a signature red sauce) and more.

I always try a different dish every time I re-visit a Mexican place I’ve been to before, so even though I’ve enjoyed Don Julio’s steak fajitas and Bistec Ranchero (which is still my favorite steak dish at the restaurant, with its sauce of tomatoes, onions and serrano peppers) before, I got the Chimichurri Steak (above left), which came out sizzling on a fajita plate and was served with rice, pico de gallo and my choice of beans (I picked the delicious black beans, instead of the usual refried beans). The steak was tender and nicely seasoned and I didn’t even need the soft corn (or flour) tortillas served with it.

Charmaine tried the Camarones (shrimp) Ajillo (right), which (of course) I couldn’t sample because of my shellfish allergy, but she said the

And of course, you always have to leave room for dessert, whether you want churros, flan, fried ice cream (Helado Mexicano) or the decadent Choco Banana (far right). It’s a fried pastry stuffed with chunks of banana and small chocolate kisses, and topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and a cherry.

Don Julio’s has won many “Best of the Best” awards

Mexican Restaurant, #1 Taco, #1 Margarita Bar, #1 Happy Hour and #2 Brunch.

So, even though Cinco de Mayo is over, please go check out either Don Julio’s location and tell Julio and his staff I sent you!

For more info, visit DonJuliosMexican. com, find them on Facebook or Instagram or see the ad on pg. 45 for “Taco Tuesday” and “Happy Hour” specials. For reservations (not required but suggested, especially on the weekends), call (813) 898-2860 (Bearss Ave.) or (813) 644-7899 (Tampa Palms).

Coffee Uniting People (aka CUP) Now Open Inside BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital!

By Gary Nager

I don’t know about anyone else, but my first thought when I heard the name “Coffee Uniting People” was, “Of course it does.”

It brings Jannah and me closer together every morning when we share that first delicious cup of our own coffee.

I see it bring friends and family members together at every coffee shop and breakfast place.

I know that coffee has that kind of power. What I didn’t know was that Coffee Uniting People, also known as “CUP,” is more than just an idea. It’s a working, thriving nonprofit business founded by Greg and Laura Jones (photo left) that celebrated the Grand Opening and North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting of its sixth location (and the third inside a BayCare hospital), on May 20, inside BayCare Wesley Chapel (WC) Hospital.

work together in an inclusive workplace. Today, CUP now has six locations in the Tampa Bay area with more still to come.

And, even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you should go check it out. Not only for the delicious beverages (they have tea, hot chocolate and other drinks, too), pastries and snacks, but for the feeling you’ll walk out with afterward.

You see, CUP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that hires people with and without disabilities to

As Greg said at the Grand Opening, “CUP is about inclusion, acceptance and opportunity for people of all abilities. We filter our coffee, not our people. And I say that we have the best baristas you’ll find anywhere!”

He also thanked BayCare WC director of operations Bill Sedey and hospital president Nanette Wilcox for “embracing CUP like I’ve never seen before.”

page) blessed the event and told the story of the first miracle of Jesus Christ, which was at a wedding, “a community event that meant so much to that community. And Greg and Laura Jones have the same compassionate love for their community...our community. The fascinating aspect of Coffee Uniting People is that it was birthed from two hearts that were involved in everyday life. Two hearts that were obviously primed to care for and love others.”

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, BayCare WC chaplain Reid Isenhart (top left photo on next

He added, “CUP is a nonprofit coffee shop, staffed by people with and without disabilities, all working together, that warms your heart. It’s a coffee shop that not only provides much-needed

June 20th and 21st, from 11:30am-2:30pm

employment opportunities, but also eases social isolation to build community...and show the world that inclusion is for everyone. If you ask me, that sounds close to a modern day miracle.”

The Joneses started CUP in 2021, after previously starting Challenger Baseball for kids with disabilities in Tampa who weren’t being included in Little League in 2010. Now, those kids have grown up, and there are few job opportunities for adults with disabilities who age out of most programs at age 22.

CUP’s flagship location is on S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in South Tampa. Other locations are on E. Whiting St. in downtown Tampa, inside Tampa General Hospital, and inside BayCare’s St. Joseph’s North Hospital in Lutz and St. Joseph’s South in Riverview.

For more info about CUP at BayCare WC, visit CoffeeUnited People.org or just stop in!

Gouveia, The Grill at Morris Bridge Executive Chef Daniel Friley. selected bottles starting at $25 from around the world, full-liquor bar

French Toast

Gronk & His Mom Work The Drive-Thru Window At The New Greenlane Salads & Wraps!

When you hear the name “Rob Gronkowski,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Future Hall of Fame football player and Tom Brady’s favorite clutch target on both the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Bucs?

A pretty good studio analyst on Fox Sports’ “Fox NFL Sunday?” A guy who’s not afraid to poke fun at himself in national TV ads for USAA Insurance and Pizza Hut?

How about “drive-thru window attendant?”

A lot of people online expressed regret that they weren’t among the 160 vehicles and hundreds of people who got to see “Gronk” work the drive-thru window on May 6 at the new Greenlane Salads & Wraps, located at 24801 S.R. 54 in Lutz, less than a mile west of the Tampa Premium Outlets.

The Neighborhood News was the only local news medium on hand to see Gronk — who is a co-founder and co-owner of the new Tampa Bay area-based fresh salad and wrap sandwich chain — take and deliver every order and credit card, plus chat and pose for selfies with, and sign autographs for every car that came through Greenlane during his two-hour shift, when he didn’t take even a single break to make sure everyone who waited in the line got to have their 3-5 minutes with him.

Dozens of other people who didn’t pre-order decided to not wait in the constantly-moving line and just parked at one of the neighboring businesses to see and wave hello to the still-super-popular former star, who also brought his mom Diane (bottom photo) along with him for the event, which was held four days before Mother’s Day.

“You think if I go bankrupt and need some work and people are hiring to work a drive-thru,

ers Chris Kern and Erica Spector Wishnow have now had the former tight end on hand to work the window at each of their five locations a cou ple of months after each has opened — and more Greenlane locations are on the way.

They purposely didn’t allow the day and time Gronk would be on hand at the new location to be released to the public until after 8 in the morning the same day, because they knew, from past experience, that Gronk would keep the car line packed for as long as he was working the window, “And two hours is definitely my limit,” Gronk said. “I’m spent...I’m delirious from doing five things at once, but that’s what it’s all about, baby. I do it all!”

He wasn’t kidding. I told him I have newfound respect for him after watching him work the window for that long without a single break.

If you haven’t tried Greenlane yet, Jannah, Charmaine and I all definitely recommend it. If you don’t like everything on one of the chain’s “named” salads and wraps — including “The Gronk” (with roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, green onions, cheddar jack cheese

pictured above). For more info, visit GoGreenlane.com.— all photos by Charmaine George

K-Crunch Fried Chicken Opens At The KRATEs

The Korean fried chicken craze is not only sweeping the country, but also Wesley Chapel.

It started slowly here, almost two years ago, with Sweet Krunch, located in the Shoppes at New Tampa of Wesley Chapel plaza on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. south of S.R. 56.

Then, just a few weeks ago, we first told you about the opening of Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken at The Hub at Lexington.

Of course, both of those are local links in growing regional (Sweet Krunch) or international (Bonchon) chains. But now, the former location of multiple Indian restaurants — and Chicken Boss and TJ’s Hot Dogs before them — at 5888 Grand Oro Ln., in the KRATE at the Grove container park (it most recently was Curry Club), is now K-Crunch Fried Chicken, Bowls & Fries, an independently owned Korean fried chicken place that, based on my first visit, has super-crunchy fried chicken and tasty seasoned fries (top photo).

Of course, it remains to be seen if K-Crunch can succeed where those other places have failed, but you should definitely go check it out for its “Bold Flavors & Good Vibes!”

For more info about K-Crunch, call (813) 550-8243. — GN; photos by Charmaine George

Middle East Market Opens In Freedom Plaza

If you’ve been a fan of the Secret Lounge — the Halal burger, hot dog and gyro place located at 30120 C.R. 54/ Wesley Chapel Blvd. in the Freedom Plaza — fear not.

Even though the sign outside the store now says “Middle East Market,” the Secret Lounge is still operating inside the small grocery store that features a wide variety of packaged goods, from olives and olive oils to canned products like baba gh anouj and chickpeas, plus nuts (including pistachios), pickles, imported chocolates and more. It also receives regular deliveries of fresh Middle Eastern breads.

But, the Secret Lounge also has expanded its hot foods menu (photo below) to also include breakfast items like pancakes and egg and cheese sandwiches and more — all at outstanding prices. We haven’t sampled any of the new menu items yet but will let you know when we do.

Udo Ulo Tea Lounge Opens At The KRATEs

Although we still hadn’t seen any updates about the opening of the Brazilian restaurant called Triamo, we were excited to find a new Nigerian-style tea house called Udo Ulo Tea Lounge that was getting ready to open at the KRATE at The Grove container park as we went to press with this issue.

I spoke with owner Denisha Allen, who said that Udo Ulo should be open by the time this issue reaches your mailbox or very soon thereafter.

So, what’s the concept, Denisha?

“Udo Ulo means ‘House of Peace’ and is perfect for people who work from home who are tired of, when they want to get out of the house, having to sit in uncomfortable chairs at the local coffee shop,” Denisha says. “This is a super-comfortable, relaxing environment, where it’s like working from your couch or your bed, but without the distractions of the TV or having to clean your house.”

And, perhaps best of all, Udo Ulo offers unlimited tea with admission and memberships are available. It sure looks comfy to this reporter!

For more info about Udo Ulo, visit UduUlo.com. — GN

Guac & Roll Now Open At Food Truck Spot On 54

We saw a post online recently that said a new Mexican-Cuban fusion restaurant called Guac & Roll was getting ready to open at 29602 Wesley Chapel Blvd./C.R. 54.

When photographer Charmaine George and I checked it out, however, our new friend Keilin Fernandez (photo) told us that although she and her husband Hector Ramirez had just opened & Roll, the restaurant is a food truck at a popular location that also includes Migas Oven’s Romero Venezuelan and Charminar Express Indian food trucks — and does have outdoor seating (see below).

Keilin did say that the trio of food trucks

or delivery on

cuisine from any of the trucks that day, we will return to try all three and report back to you. For more info about Guac & Roll, visit GuacRoll.toast.site or call (786) 3659156. For Migas Oven’s Romero, call (862)

Cali Tampa Palms Celebrates Redesign With A Chamber Ribbon-Cutting Event

I believe the first time I met Cali Tampa Palms managing partner Chris Kowalik was at the well-attended North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) ribbon-cutting event celebrating the redecorating and Grand Reopening of Cali on May 7.After, “Hey, it’s nice to meet you,” the first words he said to me were “How come we keep dropping in your ‘Gary’s Favorites’ every year?”

So, of course, I had to look up where I placed Cali on my list each of the last three years. I had the tasty bowl-&-pizza place as my 14th Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa in 2023, 16th in 2024, but actually up to 12th in 2025. Of course, Cali had usually always been in my top-10 when it used to also serve a variety of delicious pastas, instead of just rice and noodle bowls, as well as its tasty sour dough pizzas. And, just for the record, our readers have consistently placed the restaurant even higher than I have — 4th Favorite in 2023, down to 8th in 2024 but back up to 5th in New Tampa last year.

In other words, even with its somewhat limited menu, the food has always been pretty great at Cali.

It was fun visiting Chris, brand president David Cudnik and head chef José Granados and their super-friendly staff at Cali on May 7 for both lunch — following its NTBC ribbon-cutting, with fresh-cut flowers to take home in a cardboard Cali “vase,” Cali-labeled air fresheners and even a throw blanket from Seventh Ave. Apothecary in Ybor City), plus live music and even “aura readings” — as well as its VIP dinner event that same night.

And yes, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I all found some new favorite dishes that day, including the Bee Sting pizza (top far right photo), with pomodoro sauce, mozzarella cheese, legit pepperoni, fresh basil and a generous, but not overdone, blanket of hot honey, all with an herb, garlic & oil crust. The pizza was so good we had it both times we visited that day so Charmaine could have a few slices to take home with her.

Jannah’s new favorite was the California Club Wrap (middle right), with romaine, pico de gallo, bacon, guacamole, lime Caesar dressing for dipping and char chicken on a locally sourced flour tortilla.

My fave was the Thai Bowl (bottom right), with mango, scallions, carrots, jicama, peanuts, a peanut aioli, a not-overly-spicy Thai marinade and fresh herbs, to which I added seared ahi tuna and chose perfectly done udon noodles as my base.

During our two visits, we also enjoyed the Mexican Bowl, the Fajita Bowl, the Spicy Rio Burrito, the Lime Caesar Salad, as well as the Cali Guac and Hand-Cut Herb Fries “Share Plates.” We

Treats” menu) were packed with flavor, too. And, best of all, the revamped décor inside & out looks great and the new inside booths were a lot more comfy. Great beer and wine options, too. So, yes, Chris — you can expect to move up in next year’s “Gary’s Favorites.” Great job! Cali (17004 Palm Pointe Dr.) is open every day for lunch/brunch & dinner. For info, visit EatatCali.com or call (813) 975-1222. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George

Pasta Flame Is Open In Former Mpanitas Spot

You long-time readers know how much I love finding — and telling you about — new restaurants that open (or will open) in our area, especially when they’re hidden Mom-&-Pop gems that I think deserve to build a following.

Although I liked Mpanitas, the Venezuelan empanada & arepa spot previously located in the building behind the Mobil gas station at 10865 Cross Creek Blvd., the new Pasta Flame restau rant that has been open in Mpanitas’ old spot for only a few weeks definitely has my attention.

The halal pasta place, which looks from the outside like it could be a chain (but is just the first link of a possible future chain), owned by my new friend Saif (pronounced “Safe”), offers truly delicious-looking burgers and other sandwiches, but the stars of this show are Chef Muhammad (who previously cooked at Marriott and Hilton hotels) and his excellent al denté pastas, like the creamy tomato rosé pasta shown here (right), which has fresh tomatoes, onions and yellow peppers. I added grilled chicken to it and made it

e pepe at a fancy Italian place, with chicken, sautéed mushrooms and rich truffle cream sauce.

The place itself isn’t fancy, but the food is delicious, so please visit Pasta Flame ASAP! For more info, visit PastaFlame.com or call (813) 599-3310 & tell Saif I sent you! — GN

Slap Burger Is Coming To Oak Ramble Plaza

As I was doing my New Tampa “rounds” in May, I couldn’t help but notice that a new restaurant is getting ready to open at 14915 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Oak Ramble Plaza (next to Papa John’’s Pizza).

Slap Burger is a family-run burger shop founded in Paterson, NJ, in 2023, that, according to SlapBurgersNJ.com, is “dedicated to serving juicy smash burgers, hot chicken sandwiches, loaded platters, creamy milkshakes and refreshing lemonades.

“Founded by two brothers with a shared vision, Slap Burger was built on the idea of creating something lasting, exciting and full of flavor. That vision quickly became a reality with the opening of our first location in Paterson, followed a year later by our second location in Clifton, NJ, designed to offer more space and seating for our growing customer base.

“With two thriving locations already serving our community in New Jersey, and four additional branches set to open in New York (with the Oak Ramble loca tion the young chain’s first of its ‘bold ex pansion plan’ outside of those two states), Slap Burger is growing into a destination where bold flavors meet great times.”

The place inside looks a lot like a Five Guys store to me, but, whether or not the burgers are as good or better than Five Guys remains to be seen.

Based on what the contractor told me, the new Slap Burger should open within a couple of weeks after the time this issue reached your mailbox. — GN

N ew T ampa & w esley C hapel

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__ TRANSPORTATION _

ELITE RIDES. Private rides in a sanitized 2026 Tesla, plus concierge services. Airport, medical appointments, etc. Courteous, reliable, professional. New Tampa to Tampa Int’l Airport - $50. Cory Lake Isles resident. For more info, call or text 813.765.2037.

___TREE SERVICES ___ FITZPATRICK’s TREE SERVICE, INC. 27 yrs of Prof. Svc. Licensed & Insured. Free Estimates. Tree Trimming & Tree Removal. Dead-Wood Removal. Tractor Work. Affordable Rates. 24-Hour Emergency Storm Service. Free Mulch. Call 813-495-9541 or 813-788-TREE.

Classifieds

MISCELLANEOUS

JUNEY 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!

NEED HELP FILING YOUR TAXES? Accurate, stress-free virtual tax filing for professionals & business owners. Secure portal, transparent pricing & expert support. Visit www.ckttaxpros.com

HEALTHIER CHOICES: “Deliciously Simple!” ‘Seed-ate’ your senses w/nutritionally dense treats made w/back-to-basic ingredients. Satisfying goodness in every bite, perfect for clean-eating snack lovers. Gluten, wheat & oat free. Naturally sweetened w/dates, packed w/wholesome seeds & no added sugar. Call Seed8me New Tampa @ 813-293-9209.

GREAT WATER ISN’T A LUXURY, IT’S A DAILY ESSENTIAL. From the water you drink to the water you shower in, quality matters. Our purification systems help protect your family’s health, improve your skin and hair, and extend the life of your appliances. Discover what pure water really feels like. Call (813) 692-6057 or VISIT naturaltapwater.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.

___CLEANING SERVICES

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.

DUARTE CLEANING SERVICES, LLC has 10+ years of exp. in Tampa Bay! We specialize in move-in/out, deep/regular svcs, post-construction, home, apt & comm’l cleaning. Our prof’l team delivers reliable, spotless results every time! First-time clients get 10% off 1st svc. Call (813) 836-3974 or visit DuarteCleaningServices.com for free estimate

COMPUTER SERVICES ____

Prof’l Tech support in your home or small business. A+ Certified Computer Tech with 30 years experience. Maintenance and Repairs. Upgrades and Tutoring. More Affordable than large chains. Friendly, personal service. Technical Jargon explained in simple terms. Remote Assistance and references available. 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.

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ESTATE & OFFICE___ __ MOVE IN W/ EQUITY! Priced Below Apps’d Value! This stunning custom Suarez-built 4BR/3BA pool home in coveted Tampa Palms delivers luxury at every turn. Gourmet kitchen, gas frpl, spa-like master suite & resort-style heated saltwater pool w/lighting. New roof (2025), updated AC & impact windows. AnneMarie Cooper, Realtor, 631-258-8100.

OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE! Pebble Creek Collection plaza space for lease, approx. 500 sq.ft. Perfect for someone in Health/ Wellness/Cosmetology. Contact Deborah at SunMed - Your CBD Store of New Tampa (19651 Bruce B Downs) @ 813-994-0599. 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.

Here Are Our Classified Ad Rates: (All Classified ads run in both New Tampa & 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

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. Please note that we will no longer accept Classified ads over the phone.

IF WE’VE REMOVED YOUR CLASSIFIED AD, IT MEANS IT’S TIME TO RENEW! ALL CLASSIFIED ADS RUN IN BOTH OUR NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS EDITIONS, WHICH REACH NEARLY 200,000 PEOPLE! To order or renew your ad, visit NeighborhoodNewsOnlinbe.net or email us at ads@ntneighborhoodnews.com!