Grilltopia Brings South American Cuisine To The KRATEs! 

Photos by Charmaine George

Although the KRATE at The Grove container park already has a wide variety of Latin cuisines — including Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Mexican and Venezuelan, the new Grilltopia offers a unique mix of South American cuisines. 

Whether you like Brazilian, Colombian, Venezuelan, Argentinian or even Uruguayan food, Grilltopia — which has been open for less than two months in the space previously occupied by Yummy Tablas in the KRATEs — has something for you to try. Grilltopia’s exterior sign says that owners Patricia (whose parents are from Uruguay) and Miguel (who is from Venezuela) want to “Meat You Here.” 

Start with pinchos (top photo), which are kabobs that are popular all over the South American continent and are available in perfectly grilled beef or chicken (or a combo of each) with crisp, delicious fries. 

Speaking of grilled meats, the parrillas (left photo) are grilled meat combos that can include skirt steak, pork chops, sausages, chicken, picanha (a Brazilian sirloin or rump cap), tenderloin, short ribs, blood sausage or pork belly, in a variety of combinations. Parrillas are served with a variety of dipping sauces and two or three side dishes, from yuca bites, to rice & beans, potato salad and our new-found favorite, a thick slab of fried white cheese (bottom right photo). 

Also available is a variety of pepito sandwiches (right), a Venezuelan delight with beef, chicken, or “mixto” (mixed) and many of the same meats, as well as bacon, are available on these sandwiches, which also offer lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, string potatoes and different sauces. 

The different meats also are available on bowls with quinoa, fried or cauliflower rice, and there are fresh juice drinks, smoothies and South American beers and sodas, too. 

Grilltopia is not an inexpensive dining experience, but the portions are large and the flavors are unique, so give it a shot and please tell Patricia and Miguel that I sent you! 

Grilltopia is open every day at noon and closes at 9 p.m. on Mon.-Thur., at 10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & at 7 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call (813) 909-6354 or visit “Grilltopia Krate” on Facebook. — GN

Homes For Our Troops Introduces Community To Future Wesley Chapel Residents 

The speakers at the Apr. 5 introduction of Marine Sgt. Christopher Lawrence and his family to the Wesley Chapel community by the military nonprofit Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) included (l.-r.) Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, Jerry Custin of Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ staff, Jocelyn Phipps of HFOT, Sgt. Lawrence, his wife Chelley, their daughters Cristiana & DeliaMarie Lawrence, HFOT Exec. Dir. Bill Ivey & previous HFOT home recipient Sgt. Russell Carter. (Photos by Charmaine George)

On September 11, 2001, Christopher Lawrence was only in the ninth grade in Wisconsin, but he decided shortly after the tragedy that day that he wanted to serve in the U.S. military. 

By 2005, Christopher was a U.S. Marine. Only two years into his stint, in August of 2007, he was Sgt. Christopher Lawrence, a fire team leader with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, when both of his legs were severely damaged in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion as the battalion was crossing a bridge in Al Anbar, Iraq. He also suffered damage to his left arm, had internal injuries, tinnitus and a traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma for a week, after being evacuated first to Al Asad Air Base and then to Landstuhl, Germany. After being returned to the U.S., he underwent numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to save his legs and arm. 

But, while military doctors were able to save his left leg, his right leg was amputated at the knee in March of 2008 and the toes on his left foot were amputated in August of the following year. 

Way too many of our military service men and women have stories like Christopher’s and many of their stories don’t end well. 

The Lawrence family is about to arrive at Pinecrest Academy. 

But, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a 501(c)(3) military nonprofit, is doing its part to help these brave former soldiers, Marines and other injured military veterans by building specially adapted homes to help them be able to perform everyday activities those of us who haven’t suffered these types of injuries take for granted — like going to the bathroom, taking a shower or bath, cooking for themselves, etc. 

According to its executive director Bill Ivey, since its inception in 2004, HFOT has completed 407 such homes in 45 states, including as many as five here in Pasco County, with at least two others already completed in Wesley Chapel. 

“The Tampa Bay area has been a popular choice for the vets we build homes for,” said Ivey during the special recognition “kickoff” ceremony on Apr. 5 held at the Pinecrest Academy of Wesley Chapel on S.R. 54 for Sgt. Lawrence, his wife Michelle (Chelly) and their young daughters DeliaMarie and Cristiana. Within the next six months to a year (depending upon weather and other factors), they will all move into their new Wesley Chapel home. 

The family has been living in Southern California, where Sgt. Lawrence has continued to serve as a member of the San Diego Police Department. Christopher, who grew up in a foster family, said he chose Wesley Chapel for his HFOT home by Kent Custom Homes because he has a brother who lives “not too far away” in Jacksonville and, especially, for the climate and proximity to the renowned James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. 

The event at Pinecrest Academy itself was spectacular, as an escort of Pasco fire trucks (photo above), Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol vehicles and a motorcycle motorcade led the Lawrence family to the entrance to the school, where they were greeted by a cheering, adoring crowd of local residents all waving American flags. Once inside, HFOT’s Jocelyn Phipps first asked anyone in attendance who had served in the U.S. military to stand to be recognized. Phipps then introduced the Wiregrass Ranch High color guard and Autumn Rae Estes, who sang a stirring rendition of our national anthem, followed by Sgt. Lawrence’s daughter DeliaMarie leading the 100+ attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Jerry Custin give Sgt. Lawrence a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.

Then, Phipps introduced the program’s speakers. The first was Jerry Custin of U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ staff, who gave Sgt. Lawrence and his family a properly folded American flag and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition (top photo). Next up was Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, who mentioned that he and Sgt. Lawrence were only a year apart in school on 9/11 and how they went on diverging paths after that terrorist attack on our country. Weightman was followed by Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, who thanked Sgt. Lawrence for standing up for his country and “for facing significant challenges for all of us.” 

Also speaking were long-time HFOT supporter and Vietnam veteran Leo Eineker, previous HFOT home recipient Sgt. Russell Carter (his HFOT home is in Lithia), Chelley Lawrence, Ivey and a clearly moved and appreciative Sgt. Lawrence himself. Also on hand was another HFOT home recipient, Army Master Sgt. Christopher Blauvelt, whose wife Bernadette owns B Creative Painting Studio in The Grove. Their HFOT home also is in Wesley Chapel. 

After the shedding of many tears and the shared camaraderie of everyone on-hand, Jeff and Crista Dean of Bubba’s 33 served delicious sandwiches and salad. It was a wonderful event. 

On a personal note, I know there are a lot of charities out there you can support with your hard-earned money, but as Ivey said so poignantly during his remarks, “Homes For Our Troops isn’t a charity. We are a military nonprofit, but we believe that what we’re doing by building these homes is doing the best we can to pay back these veterans who risked everything and sacrificed so much for all of us. And, nearly 90 cents of every dollar we raise goes directly back to support the veterans, which not too many nonprofits can say.” 

He also noted that HFOT does not receive any governmental assistance and that 65 cents of every dollar the organization raises comes from private donors, with the other 35 cents coming from corporate sponsors. “We don’t spend big money on TV commercials,” Ivey added. “Our mission is to provide these deserving injured veterans with a home where they can raise a family (the average size of an HFOT home is about 2,800-sq.- ft.) and live as independently as possible.” 

To make a donation or for more information about Homes For Our Troops, visit HFOTUSA.org. 

Bloomin’ Blinds Brings Custom Window Treatments — & Repairs — To You! 

Mariana and Michael Imses, the owners of the local Bloomin’ Blinds franchise serving New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and other areas, are happy to bring their mobile showroom to your home. (Photo by Charmaine George) 

If you’re in the market for new window treatments — anything from plantation shutters and blinds to shades or drapes — local franchise owner Michael Imses says you should consider Bloomin’ Blinds, which offers a lifetime guarantee on its products, and also provides repairs. 

“Our warranty is great,” Michael says. “With us, customers don’t have to worry about if anything breaks because we always repair or replace our products for free.” 

Michael and his wife Mariana own the Bloomin’ Blinds franchise that serves homeowners in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and surrounding areas such as Lutz, Land O’Lakes, Tampa and South Tampa. 

Bloomin’ Blinds is a 25-year-old company that started in Dallas, TX, and began franchising within the last decade. There are now about 75 locations across the nation, including nine in the Sunshine State. 

About six years ago, Michael and Mariana, who are both accountants, decided that they wanted to own their own business. They searched for a franchise that would be a good fit for them and found Bloomin’ Blinds. Michael says they purchased the franchise at about the same time their only daughter was born. 

Michael and Mariana like that the company offers high-quality products, backed by a guarantee, so customers can have peace of mind about the investment they make in their homes. 

For window coverings such as roller shades, cellular shades, plantation shutters or blinds, Bloomin’ Blinds provides custom treatments direct from the factory, so the quality is much better than what you would buy off the shelf at a big box or home improvement store. 

Michael says Bloomin’ Blinds sells Norman shutters, Graber window treatments, and Alta window fashions, among other brands and yes, motorized, smartphone-operated shades also are available. 

“The automated systems are becoming more popular, because you can operate them from anywhere in the world,” Michael says. “And the prices for them have started to come down.” 

Kerry Estevez says she found Bloomin’ Blinds on an online community group when she built a new house in the Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch. 

After the builder completed her home, she brought in a line of contractors to finish everything from customizing closets to crown molding and, of course, window coverings. 

“Bloomin’ Blinds was the only one where nothing went wrong,” Kerry says. 

She also says the best thing about hiring Bloomin’ Blinds was the professionalism and quality of customer service that came with working directly with the local franchise owner. 

“Dealing with the owner of the company directly and having him in the house, the communication was flawless,” Kerry says, adding that she appreciated that when Michael came to her home for a free consultation, he took his time and she never felt rushed. She considers herself to be particular, but says Michael was even more so. 

“He noticed things I didn’t even notice,” Kerry says. “I would recommend him to anyone for his attention to detail.” 

In fact, she says, he was accommodating in working on timelines of other contractors and that, when it came to installation, he personally completed the job, along with one of his employees. 

While some other companies she called would have taken months to even come out for a consultation, Bloomin’ Blinds was able to complete the consultation, order custom plantation shutters for every window in her home and have them manufactured and installed before she moved in. 

Kerry says the prices she paid at Bloomin’ Blinds were great, too. “I highly recommend Michael,” Kerry says. “I tell my neighbors if they’re getting estimates to definitely call him. I think once they get an estimate from Michael, I don’t know how people can’t hire him.” 

In fact, she adds, she’s hiring Bloomin’ Blinds again, to come back and add drapes in her home, too. 

Michael says Kerry’s not the only customer who has told him that they appreciate how accessible he is. 

“We’re not a big corporation where people have to call and call and wait on the line for a long time to be transferred to someone who can help you,” Michael says. “We’re a small, family-owned local business and people love that we’re easy to communicate with.” 

He says they also love the parent company’s warranty and that they don’t have to worry if anything breaks. While Bloomin’ Blinds will replace anything that needs to be replaced, Michael and his crew can often make repairs on the spot, or come back soon if a part needs to be ordered. 

In fact, if you have another company’s window treatments you already love in your home, and something breaks, such as a slat or a tilter, Bloomin’ Blinds will come out to provide a free estimate for the repair. 

How To Get Started 

The first step is to schedule an appointment for a free estimate in your home. This allows Michael to show you the available products in your own environment, so that colors and styles can be best matched to your existing dĂ©cor, and you can see exactly what it all will look like in your space. 

Michael says he can help you, even if you have absolutely no idea what you want. New products are often available, and he’s happy to spend time going over all the options you may not even know about. “We bring all the samples and colors to our customers, help them pick out what would work best, and share all that we’ve learned from our experience.” 

Another advantage of Bloomin’ Blinds always coming to you is that the business doesn’t have a lot of overhead expenses so, Michael says, “We can give our customers a better price.” 

While in your home, he will measure every window to ensure that any product you buy is custom fit to each of those exact specifications. 

“We don’t have anything stored [in a warehouse or their home] or any standard sizes,” he explains. “That way, if your windows are slightly different sizes — even off by a portion of an inch — you won’t have gaps on the sides, especially with a shade or blinds.” 

He says plantation shutters currently are the most popular choice, although many clients also have been choosing roller shades. 

“Roller shades are a more modern product,” he says, “and they are much improved now, including using a smooth, easy-to-use cordless system.” 

Because these cordless systems are becoming more popular — now that regulatory bodies in the window treatment industry require that anything sold in the U.S. has to either be cordless or have inaccessible cords, because of the safety hazards they pose to children, the systems are continually being improved and also are becoming more affordable. 

Michael says he usually can install your new window coverings just three to four weeks after you order them, although shutters may take just a little longer. 

Bloomin’ Blinds comes to you & offers a free in-home estimate. You can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 444-5536, or get more information by visiting BloominBlinds.com. 

Luis Viera Updates Provides Updates On The Plans For The K-Bar Ranch Park 

New Tampa has long felt that, for a growing area, with such a large tax base, we do not get our fair share of parks. So, when I was elected, I worked to build on past successes for more park equity in New Tampa. 

The first step was a nearly $3-million expansion of our New Tampa Recreation Center in Tampa Palms. That same year, I got into the city budget design funding for the New Tampa All Abilities Park – the first of its kind in Tampa funded entirely by city dollars. 

Not long thereafter, we got funding for that All Abilities Park — a fully accessible park for people with sensory and physical challenges. We would then work with the Hillsborough County School District for a seven-figure expansion of (and improvements to) the basketball court at Liberty Middle School. 

But, there was one promise I made to a group of New Tampa residents that I would be hard-pressed to forget about. 

At one of my earliest town halls, New Tampa residents asked about the roughly 65 acres of land at K-Bar Ranch saved for a community park. Among those residents were my friends Nagesh Nayak and Prahlad Madabhushi, who asked about space for cricket — a sport which is very popular in India and with a large number of local residents. 

I promised these constituents that, by the time I left office, I would get the ball rolling permanently on this project. 

I like to think that I am a man of my word. In last year’s budget, I was able to secure $750,000 in the city budget for the K-Bar Ranch park design. This gets us to first base on creating this much-desired park and cricket pitch. 

So, what is next for this park? 

We will have a number of public meetings on park design. I already had one on August 6 of last year for initial public input. In attendance was park booster, State House Minority Leader and Dist. 67 State Rep. Fentrice Driskell — and there will be more such meetings. 

It is anticipated that by Spring of this year, vendor submittals for design will begin and this will last into this summer and be completed with the execution of a contract to design the park. Once this contract is in place, the consultant will conduct the public meetings. It is during this part of the process that design elements with community input and interest will be done. 

In other words, now is the time for you to think about your proposals for this park, with regard to density and lighting. Think about amenities for this park and what accommodations the community will need and will want to see included in this park, which is being funded by the Community Investment Tax (CIT). 

We are now therefore in the design stage. This park is likely include a playground, trails, fields and a conservation area. Residents should begin to think of what they want in this park. The design is anticipated to include an all-purpose athletic field that is adaptable for cricket. For many of our Indian-American friends, I know this is a remarkable passion –it is a passion I share and will fight for. A cricket space would not only be a real win for our area, but it would be an impressive symbol of New Tampa’s rich cultural diversity. 

Much of the K-Bar Ranch leadership has spoken out in favor of the cricket field — a symbol of the solidarity residents have with one another and how we are all Americans. K-Bar Ranch Homeowners Association president Patrick Leduc always speaks proudly of the cultural diversity of this community. 

Every development — including parks — goes through analysis from various city departments, including Fire, Police, Mobility, Stormwater, etc. If you have concerns about any of these areas, please let us know. 

If you have ideas for this park, please email me at luis.viera@tampagov.net. 

And, please know that, no matter your politics, where you come from or who you are, what a real pleasure it is to be able to represent you in office. 

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Wesley Chapel Breaks Ground! 

Photos by Charmaine George

I can honestly say I’ve never attended a groundbreaking ceremony quite like the Mar. 27 groundbreaking for the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (JHACH) now beginning construction on the northwest corner of Overpass Rd. and McKendree Rd. in the “Connected City” in Wesley Chapel. 

With maybe 200 people in attendance (photo left), hospital president K. Alicia Schulhof introduced many of the principals involved in the Johns Hopkins Health System and All Children’s Hospital, a few of whom (including Schulhof herself) brought along young people who had previously been treated at JHACH. It turned the groundbreaking from something that might have been “just another” ceremony into something that not only tugged at your heartstrings but also clearly demonstrated how wonderful and important having a world-class pediatric hospital in Wesley Chapel will be. 

Adding to the joy you couldn’t help but feel that day was the fact that the brown dirt pile usually dug into at these events was replaced with seven piles of brightly colored sand (top photo on this page) to match the seven colors in the JHACH logo, with not only the hospital principals turning shovels full of the sand but also the kids themselves. It was electric! 

Schulhof opened the event, accompanied by former JHACH patient Xavier and his younger brother Zander (photo below). 

“Today, we are not just breaking ground for a new facility,” Schulhof said, “we are laying a foundation for a healthier future for our community, our patients and generations to come.” 

Before she introduced Zander (with microphone), Schulhof said, “These brothers are quite familiar with our hospital and services, so we look to them and our other kids and families in our care so we can hear directly about their experiences and their children’s hospital.” 

Young Zander spoke on behalf of his older brother. “I think it’s nice and great,” Zander said of JHACH. “I think [the new hospital] will help other children feel better…so they can go out and look into the actual future and…be able to love each other.” He added that, to him, the best thing about JHACH was, “How the nurses help kids feel better.” 

Schulhof then thanked all of the dignitaries in attendance (including Dist. 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman), as well as the members of the Wiregrass Ranch High orchestra, who provided the music for the event. 

She also noted that Pasco County is among the fastest growing regions in the Tampa Bay area (as well as in the state and the nation) , with pediatric growth of 12% expected between 2023 and 2032, and that 93% of patients living in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties have to travel outside of their market for pediatric specialty care. 

“That’s why we purchased this beautiful 112 acres we’re all sitting on, to build a 56-bed hospital with 16 rooms for emergency services and room to grow,” Schulhof said. “The complex will begin with four imaging rooms and four operating rooms and support services. The Wesley Chapel hospital will not only enhance our ability to deliver cutting-edge medicine and treatments, but also foster an environment where patients feel supported, cared for and respected.” 

She then turned the mic over to Kevin Sowers, the president of the Johns Hopkins Health System and his special guest, Aubrey (photo below). In addition to Aubrey, Sowers brought with him, “Greetings from our 45,000 employees across the states of Maryland and Florida, and from Washington, D.C., and our colleagues ‘across the pond,’ too, where we also have relationships.” 

Sowers also mentioned that the clinical care at JHACH is, “the intersection of where we bring education for the next generation of providers and the research that creates the foundation of what Johns Hopkins has been for more than 125 years that is about to come to your community.” (Note-JHACH was ranked as the #1 pediatric hospital in Florida by a 2024-25 U.S. News & World Report survey.) 

He then introduced Aubrey, whom Schulhof said has been a JHACH patient since she was two years old. “I’m glad you’re going to become a nurse, but Aubrey also serves on our Teen Advisory Council, which has been actively engaged in the development of this facility.” He then asked Aubrey about the role she has played in that development. 

“I’ve gotten to view some of the mock-ups of the rooms and make changes to some of the interiors and exteriors. For example, when you’re in the hospital, it can feel very isolating, so the Teen Council wanted places for the patients to be able to go outside, with a garden, flowers and things to do. We also got to add color-changing LED lights to all of the patient rooms….There also will be a sensory room, in one of the rooms downstairs.” 

Sowers also noted that All Children’s joined Johns Hopkins in 2011 and the name was changed to JHACH in 2016. “And, during the 100th anniversary of Johns Hopkins in 2027, we will open the doors to your hospital in your community.” 

Congratulations! We can’t wait ‘til you open! 

For more information about Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Wesley Chapel, visit HopkinsMedicine.org.Â