Wharton cornerback Fred Jolly has been one of the top players this season on the Wildcats’ fearsome defense. (Photo: Alyssa Cason).
Prior to Wharton High’s game against Plant on Oct. 23, first-year head coach Mike Williams was about the only person around the Wildcats’ football program who could remember the last time Wharton beat the Panthers.
But that’s only because he played in that game, for Plant, which suffered a 15-14 loss on that night — way back in 2000.
Well, it doesn’t take such a long memory to remember such things anymore, because Wharton beat Williams’ alma mater 10-0 — even more impressive considering that Plant had scored 40 or more points in the last five games between the teams.
The win improved Wharton’s record to 6-0 on the season, its best start since going 7-0 in 2006. It can match that start tonight with a win over Durant at Wharton.
“We expected to have a good season, but maybe not to this extent,” says Williams, a former college All-American wide receiver at Southern Cal and first-round NFL draft pick of Detroit. “I knew we had some good players, and some good size, but we also had a bunch of young players competing for the first time.”
Another thing Williams knew — his defense was going to be nasty. And it has been.
The Wildcats have only allowed 23 points in six games. Only one team — Alonso — has scored a touchdown against Wharton, getting two while losing 44-17 to the Wildcats. Wharton has shut out Freedom 50-0, King 14-0, and Plant.
While the offense is still rounding into shape, the ‘Cats have been truly dominant on the other side of the ball.
Junior linebacker Henry Griffith leads the team with 56 tackles, including nine for a loss of yards, and Booker Pickett Jr. has 50 tackles. Only a freshman, Pickett Jr. is already 6’-4”, 200 pounds — “He’s a monster,” Williams says — and shares the same on-field ferocity as his father, a former University of Miami linebacker.
Junior linebacker Daveon Crouch, arguably the team’s best overall player and a Division I prospect, has a team-high nine sacks and regularly delivers a wallop, forcing six fumbles.
And, if you can bypass the linebackers, the Wildcats’ defensive backfield will be waiting for you.
“We have elite cover guys,” Williams says. “In my book, we have the best secondary in the county that nobody is talking about.”
Junior cornerback Jairon Dorsey leads the team with four interceptions, and has returned two of them for touchdowns. Junior Fred Jolly has eight passes defended and returned a punt blocked by Pickett Jr. for a TD with five minutes left to beat Palm Harbor University 7-3.
Williams says Junior Jason Cornwell, who returned his only interception this season 70 yards for a score, and senior Markell Dominique are primetime players as well.
Wharton, which had its Oct. 30 game against Steinbrenner canceled due to Covid-19 issues related to the Warriors, will wrap up the regular season tonight, then will host Riverview in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs on Nov. 13.
Williams hopes his offense, directed by quarterback Emery Floyd, and the 1-2 punch of running backs Keith Morris and Johnny Cason, is clicking by then. Along with the defense, he thinks something special might be brewing off Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
“Even though the program may have been up and down, Coach Mitchell really had a group that wasn’t afraid to work hard, wasn’t afraid to be in the weight room,” Williams says. “He had good things going. We’re going to keep it going.”
North Tampa Law Group’s attorney Brian Arrighi and title manager Taylor Oliveri provide legal assistance for estate planning, probate and real estate transactions in their office in the Cypress Glen Professional Park off S.R. 56 near I-75 in Wesley Chapel.
Attorney Brian Arrighi, the owner and managing partner of North Tampa Law Group, says his firm has the knowledge and experience to be your go-to expert if you need legal assistance for a real estate transaction, estate planning or probate.
North Tampa Law Group is conveniently located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park, about a mile east of the I-75 exit off S.R. 56 (behind MINI of Wesley Chapel). The firm relocated there several years ago, after Brian originally opened it in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in 2014.
Brian Arrighi
Brian has been practicing law for more than 14 years, since earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, and a B.S. degree in Mass Communications from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He’s a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar.
He says the busiest part of his practice might be real estate transactions, as the housing market in this area remains very active.
“It has been and still remains more of a seller’s market,” says Brian. “If the home is priced fairly, we frequently see homes go under contract quickly, with multiple offers. In a seller’s market, we also see an increase in calls regarding ‘For Sale By Owner’ transactions.”
He explains that North Tampa Law Group offers the same title services as a title agency, but a title agency has to refer a buyer or seller to legal counsel if any legal issues arise. With a real estate attorney already involved, Brian and his team simply go to work addressing those issues, and act as your title agency.
“It’s a convenience,” he explains. “We cover all the bases, whereas a title agency can’t address anything that requires legal advice or legal documents.”
He adds that hiring North Tampa Law Group to handle a real estate closing doesn’t necessarily increase the cost of a transaction without an attorney. “Our fees are very competitive compared to a standard title agent,” Brian says.
Covid Choices
Brian says that because of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Tampa Law Group has changed the way it handles closings, giving clients a variety of choices to allow them to close in the manner that is most comfortable for that client.
“We can send a mobile notary to the client, or we’re even offering curbside signings, where the client pulls up in their car, calls us, and we send the notary out to them,” Brian explains. “Clients also can choose to sign in the office, but we space it out and clean the conference room in between groups.”
In most transactions, the seller is the party who chooses the title agency, and sellers often use whoever their Realtor recommends. But, people are free to choose, so they can let their Realtor know they would like North Tampa Law Group to handle their closing and title insurance.
Taylor Oliveri
Taylor Oliveri, the firm’s title manager, works with clients from start to finish on real estate transactions to ensure that those transactions close without a problem.
“Taylor is extremely responsive and very helpful,” says Brian. “Buyers and sellers are calling, they’re anxious and nervous and worried, and she’s great at bringing everybody back down to earth…calming them down.”
Taylor says North Tampa Law Group will go the extra mile to make sure your closing goes smoothly.
“As a smaller law firm, we have more of a boutique feel, rather than a large corporation,” she says. “We establish a good rapport with our clients and with Realtors, as well.”
Many of the clients Taylor works with are those who are selling their homes without a real estate agent. “People want to save money by not hiring a Realtor,” she says, “and they still get top-notch service with us.”
Seven Oaks resident Sandy Villeneuve agrees. When she was ready to sell a townhome that she owned as an investment property in The Bay at Cypress Creek (near I-75 off S.R. 56), she says she didn’t want to use a real estate agent.
“Nobody knew the property better than I did, so I refused to pay a Realtor thousands of dollars to sell it for me,” she says. “But, I couldn’t do the legal side of it, so I needed an attorney.”
Sandy says she and her husband sat down for a consultation with North Tampa Law Group and were pleasantly surprised at the low cost of hiring the firm. From the first meeting, Sandy says it was a great experience every step of the way. “Brian was absolutely wonderful,” she says. “He and Taylor were so responsive and easy to work with. They made it a very easy transaction.”
People looking to sell their property “by owner” can schedule a free phone or in-person consultation with North Tampa Law Group. At that point, Brian and his team go over the steps to the transaction and provide of the all necessary documents, such as a real estate contract, seller disclosure form and homeowners association documents.
To access some of the documents, or to find out what your title costs would be, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com.
Estate Planning & Probate
North Tampa Law Group also helps people ensure that they don’t unintentionally leave behind problems for any heirs they may have, which can require a lot of time and expense to resolve. Estate planning is preparing for the management of your assets and determining how to efficiently distribute the assets to your loved ones when you pass away.
People are often most familiar with a Last Will & Testament document, which directs the distribution of assets, but does not avoid the potentially lengthy and expensive court process known as “probate.” North Tampa Law Group also can discuss a “living will” and other options to avoid probate.
At a consultation with North Tampa Law Group, all estate planning options are discussed to avoid or minimize any court involvement. While probate might not be the best option for everyone, Brian says there are times when it can be beneficial.
In addition to asset distribution, Brian adds that real-life factors — such as long-term health care, guardianship and insurance coverage — also are part of estate planning.
“There is really a lot we can help you with,” he explains. “Many clients are relieved to find out it was not as expensive or as difficult as they thought.”
Brian says that communicating effectively with clients is an important part of the firm’s success. “I think we do a great job of explaining things in simple terms and allowing the client to proceed at their own pace,” he says, adding that many people don’t like to think about estate planning. “Addressing the issues is more difficult for some people and it can take a few discussions before they determine how they want to handle their affairs, and that is perfectly fine.”
For those who have recently lost someone and find themselves needing assistance in the probate process, Brian is experienced in that area as well.
North Tampa Law Group is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102. For more information, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com or make an appointment for a free initial consultation by calling (813) 518-7411.
If you haven’t yet stopped by the new Florida Avenue Brewing Co. (Florida Ave.), located at 2029 Arrowgrass Dr., in the former Sports + Field location on S.R. 56, you’ve been missing a treat — and, from the crowds seen there to date, you may be one of the few locals who hasn’t already given it a try.
This nearly 30,000-sq.-ft., two-story building — which was purchased by the Derby family last year, after being vacated back in 2015 — has been completely renovated and re-opened as an outstanding sports bar-style restaurant with somewhat more upscale food. And, although co-owner Anthony Derby says the S.R. 56 location will one day be home to the largest craft brewery in Florida, the beers, ales, hard ciders and seltzers being sold at Wesley Chapel’s Florida Ave. are currently being brewed at the Derbys’ smaller Seminole Heights location and shipped here.
And, even though yours truly isn’t much of a beer drinker and isn’t interested in playing corn hole, here are our five favorite things so far about Florida Ave.
5) Seminole Heights’ Cool Makes Its Way To “The Chap” — For everyone who’s tired of eating at chain restaurants along S.R. 56, there truly is nothing quite like Florida Ave. There certainly is nothing else here that has this newcomer’s “vibe.”
4) The Covered Outdoor Seating Area — Although there are lots of local eateries that have outdoor seating, very few have any covered areas at all, but Florida Ave.’s is covered, has a few TVs outside and access to an open courtyard area with corn hole games.
3) Private, Indoor Areas For Parties & Events — Florida Ave.’s 20,000-sq.-ft. first floor not only has a sizable indoor bar and dining area, it also has arcade games (above) and some separate indoor “tasting rooms” where you can host your own private parties.
2) The Variety Of Brews, Plus Premium Liquor — The top left photo left is a “flight” of six of Florida Ave.’s variety of brews and although anyone who knows me knows that I’m a whiskey drinker, I actually loved two of the brews shown here (yes, they were only the simple Florida Ave. Lager & Brown Ale, shown 2nd & 3rd from the right, but still) and I also enjoyed a hard cider and seltzer, but don’t tell anyone. Jannah even liked the Raspberry Berliner Weisse.
1) THE FOOD! — I haven’t yet sampled the entire menu, but I’ve already loved the spicy, Korean-style bibimbap bowl topped with a fried egg (above), the cheeseburger, the Burrata flatbread, the crab cake appetizer, the crispy cheesesteak egg rolls (nice pieces of steak with onions, and cheese) and the classic Caesar with grilled chicken.
My favorite so far, however, was the Chinese sticky ribs appetizer.
The dish offers four fall-off-the-bone black bean and miso pork ribs with a hoisin BBQ glaze over kimchi slaw with sesame seeds and scallions. I also can’t wait to try the hanger steak and several other appetizers, flatbreads, handhelds and entrées.
For more info, call (813) 452-6333 or visit FloridaAveBrewing.com & please tell the Derbys I sent you! — GN
Dr. Jonathan Yousef (left) and Ryan DeWeese of Cozy Research will conduct a clinical trial out of Dr. Yousef’s Wesley Chapel office in the battle against Covid-19. (Photo: Courtesy of Ryan DeWeese)
Wesley Chapel will be helping with the fight against Covid-19, and you can help, too.
Bio-pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, with $486 million from the U.S government to accelerate its Covid-19 antibody therapy, known as AZD7442, will begin Phase-III clinical trials in various cities worldwide.
Cozy Research, LLC, a research company founded in 2016 by Wesley Chapel resident Ryan DeWeese, has been contracted by AstraZeneca to help conduct one of its clinical studies of roughly 5,000 volunteers worldwide, including 100-200 people in the Wesley Chapel area.
“We’ve placed most of our other studies on hold just due to the importance of Covid treatment,” DeWeese says. “We’re dumping all our resources into this upcoming study.”
Cozy Research has three offices in Pasco County — one for cardiology in Zephyrhills with Dr. Binu Jacob, one for gastroenterology in Wesley Chapel with Dr. Saeed Ahmed and the Lifetime Family & Urgent Care office in Wesley Chapel of Dr. Jonathan Yousef.
Dr. Yousef’s office, located at 5801 Argerian Dr., off of S.R. 54, will be home to the AZD7442 clinical study.
“This is the biggest study we’ve done,” DeWeese says. “We haven’t seen anything like this (Covid) in 100 years, so it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach. This is groundbreaking stuff, and something that we’re ecstatic to be able to provide.”
Phase III trials are usually the last phase before seeking FDA approval.
If the trial is successful, AstraZeneca, which is based in Cambridge, UK, will supply 100,000 doses of the antibody therapy to the United States by the end of the year.
AZD7442 is a clone of antibodies, which are made by your immune system in response to infections. They stick to viruses and prevent them from infecting healthy cells. The antibodies used for engineering AZD7442 are derived from patients after they have recovered from being infected by the novel coronavirus, and mimic natural antibodies.
DeWeese said Cozy Research is looking for roughly 200 adults ages 18 and older to take part in the study.
They need to find people who have never been infected with Covid-19 but are at high risk of exposure. The hope is that the antibodies can protect those at high risk of getting the disease due to their jobs — like teachers, healthcare workers, service industry workers and first responders — as well as those who are over the age of 60 who may not be able to tolerate a vaccine due to other medical conditions.
Participants will receive a one-time injection of the monoclonal antibodies, which should be effective for six months to a year, and will have to check back five times over the next year to see if the antibodies are still present.
“The hope of the study is that 90 percent of the people will never end up getting Covid,” DeWeese says.
Those taking part in the antibody study will not necessarily be protected from the virus. The injection of antibodies does not replace hand washing and mask wearing, DeWeese says. “You still need to exercise caution; this is just another layer of protection.”
Cozy Research will be pre-screening patients over the phone and will give priority based on medical need or risk factors. Appointments will be Tuesday-Friday, with some Saturday openings available.
Volunteers may receive compensation for their time and travel
The study was expected to begin in early November. For more info or to see if you qualify, email Ryan@cozyresearch.com or call (813) 922-2115.
