Previewing The District 4 Pasco Board Of County Commissioners Election

Incumbent Lisa Yeager Faces Jonathon Deckard, But Only Republicans Will Get To Vote In The Primary 

The 2026 Midterm Primary Election is quickly approaching — it will be held on Tuesday, August 18 — and while most eyes in Florida will be focused on the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections, the Neighborhood News will be focused on the local races impacting us right here in Wesley Chapel — including the race for the District 4 seat on the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOC). 

Please note that even though part of Wesley Chapel is located in District 1 and the other part in District 2, those seats are not up for grabs on Aug. 18 (although the Dist. 2 election between incumbent Republican Seth Weightman and Democratic challenger Stephanie Vazquez will be held on Nov. 3). However, all Pasco BOC and School Board seats are elected countywide. 

In the Aug. Primary Election, only registered Republican voters in Pasco will be eligible to vote for one of the two declared Republican candidates in Dist. 4 — incumbent Commissioner Lisa Yeager and businessman and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jonathon Deckard, thanks to the last-day-to-qualify entry of write-in candidate Louie Rodriguez, who will not be able to receive votes on Aug. 18, but his addition to the race makes the Republican contest a “Closed Primary,” meaning no one other than registered Republicans will be able to vote in Aug. in Dist. 4. 

The winner of Yeager vs. Deckard will face off against Rodriguez — whose name will not even appear on the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. 

Rodriguez’s late entry as a write-in for the second time in four years has generated some controversy. Had Rodriguez not filed, all registered Pasco voters would have been eligible to vote in Aug. for Yeager or Deckard in Dist. 4. 

Rodriguez, a registered Republican, doesn’t live in Dist. 4 — just as he didn’t live in Dist. 2 in 2022, when he ran for that seat as a write-in. Dist. 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman won that closed Republican primary and Rodriguez dropped out shortly after the primary, which allowed Weightman to be elected without having to run in the General Election, since neither the Democrats nor any other third party ran a candidate. Rodriguez did not respond by our deadline to our request for an interview, so none of his information is included with this story. 

Republican Executive Committee of Pasco chair Troy Stevenson would not speak on the record about the ongoing tactic of his party turning what should be Open Primaries, where all registered voters get to decide who should be elected to any seat, into Closed Primaries with candidates whose names do not even appear on the ballot, who have no chance of winning and will likely again drop out after this Primary. 

Notes – 1) We asked both Republican candidates almost all of the same questions, so their separate answers will both be listed following our questions. 2) The fund-raising numbers listed in this story for both candidates are from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website — PascoVotes.gov — and were accurate as of June 28. 

About Candidate Jonathon Deckard

Deckard (right) is a Marine Corps veteran and small business owner. He has worked in the automotive service industry for more than a decade and ran his own mobile auto repair company before selling the business. A first-time candidate seeking to defeat an incumbent, Deckard has raised just under $12,800 for his campaign. 

About Commissioner Lisa Yeager

Yeager (left), who was first appointed to the Dist. 4 seat by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2024, following the passing of Commissioner Gary Bradford, is running for her first full term as County Commissioner. With her incumbent advantage. Yeager has raised $56,350 for her campaign, making her the favorite to retain the seat. Prior to her appointment to the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, she was the director for a decade of the Teen Parent Program at Pasco County Schools. 

Yeager’s husband, Brad Yeager, is the State Rep. for Florida House Dist. 56. 

Questions For Both Candidates:

1) Neighborhood News (NN): Tell our readers about your background and why you’ve decided to run for Dist 4 County Commissioner. 

Jonathon Deckard (JD): I am a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, father of three, husband, business owner and native Floridian. I was born in Dunedin and raised in Palm Harbor, and seven years ago, I made New Port Richey my home. Since then, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of rapid over-development, overcrowded roads and decisions that don’t prioritize the people who live here. My service in the Marine Corps instilled in me the values of integrity, accountability and the courage to stand up and fight for what’s right. 

Lisa Yeager (LY): I ran for County Commission because I believe our residents deserve a leader who not only serves them, but fights for them. As a small business owner and someone who spent years working with at-risk youth, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges families face as they struggle to make ends meet, recover from hardship, and create opportunity for the next generation. County government should help people succeed — not stand in their way. 

That means lowering taxes, protecting our quality of life from unchecked growth, strengthening our community against flooding and storms and creating opportunities for our children and families to thrive. These principles have guided every decision I have made during my first two years on the Commission, and they will continue to guide me as I seek the privilege of serving a full term. 

2a) NN (for JD only): Should you be elected, what would be an idea or policy that you would like to get passed your first year in office? 

2a) JD: I would like to prioritize infrastructure. I will work to put a temporary moratorium on new residential developments that are more than a few units to allow us to focus on an infrastructure-first plan. Primarily, road development and water supply issues, since we are so far behind. 

2b) NN (for LY only): As the incumbent in this race, you’ve been at the forefront of a variety of issues impacting Pasco County. What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far and what are you hoping to accomplish should you retain the seat? 

2b) LY: I am most proud that during my first two years on the County Commission, we didn’t just talk about problems — we tackled them. Whether it was responding to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, helping establish senior food programs, launching Pasco’s first low-barrier homeless shelter, revitalizing Moon Lake, or cutting through red tape for small businesses, I have focused on delivering results that improve people’s everyday lives. 

I believe government works best when it is efficient, accountable and action-oriented. That’s why I fought to roll back the tax rate, partnered with the School District to expand parks and athletic facilities while saving taxpayers money and championed economic development projects that are creating jobs and strengthening our local economy. From neighborhood cleanups that removed hundreds of tons of debris to major investments like Moffitt’s Speros campus and new manufacturing opportunities in Pasco, I have worked every day to be the kind of commissioner who rolls up her sleeves, gets things done and never forgets who she works for. 

3) NN: A common complaint we hear from our readers is that Pasco County is being overdeveloped or developed too quickly, often causing infrastructure and public safety to lag behind. Do you agree with that assessment and what do you think needs to be the future of Pasco County as it pertains to development? 

3) JD: Yes, I 100-percent agree. I think we need to prioritize slowing residential development in the future, after a temporary moratorium is completed, for new residential development. We need to require larger lot sizes per house to maintain green space throughout the county and be more strict on tree removal and replenishment. 

3) LY: Development is happening fast, too fast in many cases. The growth we have experienced puts pressure on our infrastructure, our ability to plan smartly and to keep Pasco County affordable for our residents. Growth should be smart, thoughtful, consider future needs and be truly in the best interests of Pasco residents. 

4) NN: Some readers have raised concerns about write-in candidate Louie Rodriguez’s entry into the race, thus closing off the GOP Primary to independents and Democratic voters who believe they aren’t getting a voice in the race. Other readers agree that the Republican candidate should be selected only by Republican voters. Where do you fall on this issue? 

4) JD: I believe every registered voter deserves a voice in choosing their elected officials. 

When a race has only Republican candidates, Florida’s Closed Primary law normally allows all voters to participate if the winner will effectively take office. However, when a write-in candidate qualifies for the General Election, the Primary is closed to non-Republican voters, even if the write-in campaign is minimal. 

Four years ago, Louie Rodriguez qualified as a write-in candidate, raised no campaign funds, and later withdrew after the Primary. If he is willing to publicly campaign, participate in debates and demonstrate that he is genuinely seeking to serve the people, then I have no issue with him appearing on the General Election ballot. 

But until then, I believe this is simply a tactic that closes the Primary and prevents many Pasco County residents from having a voice. 

A large portion of our county is made up of independent voters who lean conservative and regularly support Republican candidates. Because of this situation, they are denied the opportunity to vote in what is effectively the election that decides their county commissioner. 

Whether you’re Republican, Democrat, independent, or belong to another party, I believe every American deserves the opportunity to vote when an elected office is being decided. That’s not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue; it’s a fairness issue. 

4) LY: I don’t have comments on the other candidates in this race. I stand on my own merit and welcome the opportunity to make my case to Republicans countywide that I am in the best position to protect our conservative values and help make Pasco County the best place in Florida to raise a family, start a business, or retire. 

5) NN: Pasco County, like many other counties across Florida, is considering a data center moratorium. What are your thoughts on data centers and what should be done to address concerns residents have about them? 

5) JD: I oppose bringing large AI data centers to Pasco County and will work to prevent them from being built here. 

Virginia’s rapid expansion of AI data centers has shown the enormous strain these facilities can place on local communities. They require tremendous amounts of electricity, consume significant water resources, and in some proposals, have been paired with large on-site natural gas power plants to meet their energy demands. Researchers have found that these power plants can increase air pollution and negatively impact public health. 

Florida is not the right place for this type of development. Our priority should be protecting our aquifer, preserving our natural environment and ensuring our infrastructure serves our residents first, not accommodating energy-intensive projects that place additional demands on our land, water and electrical systems. 

Other parts of the country are better suited for large-scale AI data centers. Pasco County should focus on attracting businesses that create quality jobs while protecting the health, natural resources, and quality of life of the people who already call this community home. 

5) LY: I support the moratorium on data centers. There are too many unanswered questions and uncertainty [about] data centers for Pasco residents. We need to ensure that the health and safety of our residents are protected. 

Previewing Wesley Chapel’s District 1 Pasco County School Board Election

Superintendent John Legg Endorses Dr. Gino Collura, But There Are Three Other Candidates, Too 

Into by Gary Nager 

Story by S.P. Gordy & GN 

There are actually three seats on the Pasco County School Board that will either be filled (or at least narrowed down to two candidates) at the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 18. 

The District 1 race, which has four candidates — none of whom has served on the School Board before (incumbent Al Hernandez is not seeking reelection) — is the only one that includes Wesley Chapel residents. Dist. 2, which isn’t being contested this year, is Wesley Chapel’s other district, but like all County Commission races (see page 4), all School Board members are elected countywide and the races are all Nonpartisan, which means that if you are registered to vote and live anywhere in Pasco County, you are eligible to cast a ballot to help fill all three of these seats on Aug. 18. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time, manpower, nor even the space in this issue to interview all eleven candidates for the three available seats on the Board for this issue. 

We hope to be able to preview the Dist. 3 and Dist. 5 races in our August 4 issue. 

Dist. 1 Candidates (in alphabetical order) 
Dr. Gino Collura 

Local businessman and former teacher Dr. Gino Collura, 40 (left), lives in San Antonio. This will be his first time running for public office, but he has a long history in Pasco and deep ties across the state. Dr. Collura’s campaign has managed to garner some high-profile endorsements, including outgoing Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and, perhaps most notably, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Legg — who has, somewhat surprisingly, made endorsements in all three of these School Board races. Collura’s campaign also had raised $20,750 at our press time, the most of the four Dist. 1 candidates. 

Collura earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph. D. degrees from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He specialized in a subfield of Applied Anthropology called Neuroanthropology, which is a fusion of psychology and cultural anthropology. Collura taught 7th and 8th grade reading and social studies at Pasco Middle School in Dade City in 2008 and then taught 10th and 11th grade English and reading at Sunlake High in Land O’Lakes in 2009. He currently sits on the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees, a position he was appointed to by Governor Ron DeSantis. He also sits on several advisory and community boards, including at both Saint Leo University and USF. 

Collura says, “Pasco County has appointed me so many opportunities, my experiences have helped me understand the difference between school administrations and parents. I’ve been exposed to how things work in Tallahassee, at the state level. Having a doctoral degree, I know what it takes to achieve excellence. There are so many changes happening, I want to help the county grow with those changes, in a safe environment, and nurture parents and educators.” 

On the topic of school safety, Collura says he spent some time working in Latin America in high-stakes security, specializing in threat assessment. “I want to focus on proactive security measures, not reactive — like conducting behavioral threat assessments and open-source intelligence gathering. I want to find out how dialed-in we are on things being posted in public internet spaces. I want to find more ways to paint a full picture of what’s happening at home and take more preventive measures for school safety.” 

Collura admits he hadn’t heard that there is a medical magnet school coming soon to Wesley Chapel, but says, “We need to do anything and everything we can to give students options to learn before they start paying tuition in college. You have to go and try things, you have to make sure it’s speaking to you.” Considering the upcoming medical magnet school is also expected to help alleviate some overcrowding in Wesley Chapel, Collura mentioned he is a supporter of school choice, and touched on enrollment issues. 

“Home schooling and charter schools have boomed; parents reserve the right to choose,” he says. “We have to think smart and strategic to maximize the resources we have. We may have to shut some schools down because of changes happening in the area. I’m wide-open to possibilities, as long as all students are getting the same opportunities,.” 

Although he didn’t specifically mention Dr. Legg’s endorsement, he did generally address the high-profile endorsements he has received. Collura says, “It’s a compliment and says a lot about trust. They know I honor my commitments, and endorsements create that additional line of trust. At the end of the day, it’s about the work, you put yourself out there, and it’s a sacrifice of time. Look, you don’t run for School Board because you want to advance your career, it’s because you want to serve. And, if it’s your true calling, you’ll show-up and be honored to serve. It’s the people’s voice that matters, the will of the people. I respect it 100%.” — SG 

Dr. Kimberly Coward 

Dr. Kimberly D. Coward, 47 (left), lives and was born and raised in Dade City, where she attended Pasco High, back when it was called Pasco Comprehensive High. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology, and Master’s in Education degrees from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Her campaign has thus far raised $16,510, second among the four Dist. 1 candidates. 

Dr. Coward served in the U.S. Air Force for more than a decade, including 9-1/2 years as a JAG (Judge Advocate General) at Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base, which she calls “One of the most influential times in my life. [Being] a JAG Officer in the Air Force gave me the opportunity to learn leadership and discipline. It was a unique opportunity that consisted of hands-on work, running the legal office at my base. It really stepped-up my leadership skills a notch.” 

Dr. Coward recently completed her Ph.D. degree in Education Management at Hampton University, in Virginia, after which she worked as a Guidance Counselor at Land O’ Lakes High for one semester, and at Wesley Chapel High for a year. 

She says she has always wanted to help make changes in the lives of children, but she realized that she could better serve them by impacting policy. “When I decided I wanted to serve on a School Board, I wanted to go back home to Pasco County to do that. I have been preparing myself for this run. I believe in student success and student achievement. Pasco County is not just where I’m from, it’s where I’m called to serve.” 

On the subject of Wesley Chapel schools, Coward says, “I can see why they are attractive for people. They are diverse across the spectrum, politically and socio-economically. That culture will continue to evolve. People are moving to Wesley Chapel from all over the place.” 

She also admits to not knowing too much about the medical magnet school coming to Wesley Chapel, but says,“I am curious. I think it will be beneficial to growth, and provide access and opportunity. It could also help with overcrowding.” 

Coward is a supporter of school choice, but is concerned about enrollment at lower performing schools. “I want to identify issues about declining enrollment and school closures, and mergers. I want families to have more access and opportunity. I want to see what the budget looks like and be a good steward of the finances. If it helps students to do well, I support school choice, I support parent choice. If there is a ‘D’ school and an ‘A’ school, can I really be upset at a parent for choosing the ‘A’ school? We need to provide high-quality education, so parents don’t have to make those tough choices. All of the schools, including in Wesley Chapel, should be at a level where students are receiving a high-level education. We have to make sure our teachers are paid better, [so] maybe choice wouldn’t be such a hot topic.” 

On the issue of political endorsements in a school board race, Coward says, “It’s nothing new; honestly, they are becoming more common. Although this is a nonpartisan race, political endorsements become the ‘tell.’ It concerns me. When I think of why I’m in this race, I think of what fault people would have with my views. Teachers, families, vulnerable populations, but we can all agree on protecting our children. The politicization of that threatens the goal and the purpose. It threatens the nonpartisan nature of the position. That nonpartisan nature is supposed to maintain a student focus. 

“I don’t think those political endorsements will affect me at all, if I’m elected. I learned in my dissertation research that trust is the most influential. It is important to work on those relationships, but I’m here for the children. You can trust that I will always make the best decision for the students.” — SG 

Christopher King

Christopher King, 44, also is a candidate for the District 1 seat. 

King (left) served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including four combat deployments. He is the founder and CEO of The Gentlemen’s Course — an organization that has taken him inside schools, working directly with students. The Gentlemen’s Course serves 1,700 students across five Florida counties. The students learn about leadership development, workforce readiness, etiquette, human rights education and human trafficking prevention. He has been running The Gentlemen’s Course for the last 11 years. 

King also sits on several boards and committees, including GTE Financial, the Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce, and he is Vice President of the Pasco County NAACP. King also serves as the State President at United for Human Rights Florida. He has also received awards for his service, including the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Medal for four consecutive years, and the Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award, in 2001. 

King, whose campaign has so far raised $3,870 (or about $300 more than fellow candidate Brian Perras), explains how his history of service ties into his ambition to run for the Pasco County School Board. 

“For me, this isn’t a career move, it’s a continuation of the work I’m already doing,” King says. “For more than a decade, I’ve been walking the halls of schools, speaking to students, partnering with principals, supporting teachers, and working alongside families. I’ve seen firsthand what’s working, and I’ve also seen where we can do better. I’m not running because I suddenly became interested in education. I’m running because education has already been my life’s work. I believe every student deserves to graduate with more than a diploma. They should graduate with confidence, character, leadership skills, career opportunities and hope for their future. As a School Board member, I want to strengthen academics, support our teachers, improve communication with families, expand career pathways and make sure our schools continue preparing students for the real world.” 

King also shared his thoughts about Wesley Chapel’s schools, saying that many of the students he has been working with through The Gentlemen’s Course were from Wesley Chapel. 

“One thing I’ve learned is that Wesley Chapel families are deeply invested in their schools,” he says. “Parents expect excellence, and our educators work incredibly hard to provide it. At the same time, the community continues to grow at an incredible pace. That growth creates challenges with enrollment, transportation, staffing and classroom capacity. I don’t view those as problems, I view them as opportunities to plan better. The decisions we make today will shape what education looks like 10 years from now.” 

King says he is aware of the medical magnet school coming to Wesley Chapel. “I think it’s the kind of forward-thinking investment we need,” he says. “Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in our region. Giving students the opportunity to begin preparing for medical careers while they’re still in high school creates tremendous opportunities. What excites me most isn’t just the building; it’s the partnerships. I want to see our schools working alongside hospitals, healthcare providers, colleges, universities and local businesses so students graduate with certifications, internships, college credit and real career opportunities. Education should connect directly to opportunity.” 

King also talks about overcrowding in Dist. 1, saying that it can’t be solved after it’s already happened. “You solve it through planning,” he says. “As someone who spends time inside schools, I’ve seen how growth affects classrooms, teachers, transportation and students. I support using growth projections to stay ahead of development, building schools before capacity becomes a crisis, reviewing attendance boundaries transparently, expanding specialty programs and continuing to recruit and retain outstanding teachers. Most importantly, parents deserve a seat at the table before decisions are made, not after.” 

As for Superintendent Legg’s endorsement of Dr. Gino Collura for Dist. 1. King says, “I respect anyone’s right to endorse the candidate they believe in. School Board elections are different. This race isn’t about political parties. It’s about children. I hope voters spend less time looking at who endorses us and more time looking at what we’ve actually done. I have spent the last eleven years serving students inside schools, not during campaign season, but year after year. I believe that record speaks louder than any endorsement ever could. If I win, I don’t think I will be impacted by those endorsements. I’ll work with anyone who wants what’s best for the children, regardless of who they supported during the campaign. Leadership requires listening, building relationships, and bringing people together. That’s exactly how I’ve led throughout my career, and that’s how I’ll serve on the School Board.” — SG 

Brian Perras 

Brian Perras, 48, is no stranger to the political scene. His first attempt at winning an election was in 2004, when he ran unsuccessfully for a seat on Pasco’s Mosquito Control Board. He moved to California, where he worked as a model and actor, before running for Congress in California’s 29th Congressional Dist. in 2020. After that election, he returned to Pasco County in 2021, where he was born and raised. He ran in 2022 as a Republican candidate against incumbent Gus Bilirakis for the then-Dist. 15 seat, but did not appear on the ballot. He also considered a run for the Superintendent of Schools seat ultimately won by Dr. John Legg in 2024. 

Perras served in the U.S. Navy from 1997- 99, but was honorably discharged following an injury suffered on the U.S.S. Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. 

Although School Board elections are Nonpartisan, Perras is an unapologetic conservative Republican. He served as a substitute teacher in Pasco for several years, but was banned by the District for participating in a protest against having to wear masks on campus during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. 

“But, what I found when I taught,” he says, “is that many of the students weren’t learning anything of value — no basic life skills, no financial fundamentals, nothing that would help them in the next stage of their lives.” 

Perras feels that students in Pasco’s public schools are being “indoctrinated. I just want kids to learn the right way, get back to common sense and critical thinking. School should be about reading, writing, arithmetic and basic life skills.” 

He adds, “I also think it would be great for them to learn how to grow their own food. I have local farmers ready to teach these kids how to grow food — plant fruit trees and gardens at all the different schools, so kids and teachers have access to good, healthy food.” 

Perras also says that he is very concerned, “about the safety aspect. There are a lot of bullies in our schools, and no real discipline. I think we need to implement a system where kids are told that they either straighten up or ship out. If it were up to me, they wouldn’t be bullying or causing violence against students or teachers, or cursing them out and being disrespectful. You want to do that, you can’t be part of the school system. You’re going to have to learn from home.” 

On the subject of Superintendent Dr. John Legg’s endorsement of candidates in all three School Board races, Perras says, “I honestly wasn’t surprised about it. It seems that all of the [political] establishment in Pasco is trying to get behind certain candidates in all of these races, for whatever reasons. Lobbyists are funding them and I believe it’s because they want to be able to control the School Board and dictate and tell them what to do. But, you can’t control certain people.” 

He adds, “I actually think it might hurt the people who are endorsed, who wanted that endorsement. I just don’t think other politicians should be jumping into everybody else’s races. They should ‘stay in their own lanes,’ race-wise, focus on what they do. But, I know it’s all a big, ‘good old boy’ system that they want to continue to cycle through. They just select the next person to take over so they can continue that power grab. Grab that money, which is the root of all evil, so they can stay in power.” 

Perras says his only endorsement thus far is from “Stand for Health Freedom,” a 501(c)(4) nonprofit health freedom advocacy group, which also endorsed him in his 2022 campaign. 

“I haven’t chased any endorsements, though,” he says, “I just want to be endorsed by the people of Pasco County.” 

As for what he knows about Wesley Chapel’s schools, Perras said that, “a lot of those schools are overcrowded and the transportation/ bus situation is terrible over there.” 

As for the plan to build a medical magnet high school in Wesley Chapel, Perras says, “I’m a big trades guy. I believe we need to implement way more trade schools for sure — teach things like welding, plumbing, electrical work, auto and aircraft repairs and things like that, which can lead to high-paying jobs right out of high school.” 

In fact, he adds, “There was an airline repair pilot program at Hudson High. I’d like to bring that back to Zephyrhills, because they have an airport over there. 

“So, whatever trade and technical programs schools are up for — whether it’s nursing, medical or whatever — I think we need to focus on that, because not everybody is meant to go to college. 

“Instead of a useless piece of paper, you can graduate high school and get a good job or even start your own company. These are the kinds of things that can help preserve our future.” 

And finally, Perras says schools should get back to basics, teach “the Constitution and what it means to be an American citizen. This country isn’t perfect, but it’s still the best in the world.” 

Welcome To New Grill At Morris Bridge Executive Chef Zach Thorpe

Photos by Charmaine George

You have to hand it to Frank Gouveia, the owner of The Grill at Morris Bridge, which has been one of my two favorite restaurants in New Tampa since it first opened back in late 2021. 

The restaurant has gone through several chef changes — including losing the most recent chef Mike Touranjoe, who left to become a top chef at a cruise line — but Frank seems to have no problem finding outstanding new talent to lead the restaurant’s culinary team. 

The latest case in point is new Executive Chef Zach Thorpe (at right in top right photo, with Frank), who moved to the Tampa Bay area from Phoenix, AZ, five years ago. Zach was most recently a sous chef at Caretta on The Gulf at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater and he says he is excited for his first opportunity to be an Executive Chef. 

“What appeals to me most at The Grill is the chance to use my creativity,” Zach says. “I feel like menu changes are necessary. I look forward to putting my mark on this restaurant in a good way and hope everyone will love my food and the atmosphere we try to create here at The Grill.” He adds that his favorite cuisine types are both Southern and Southwestern American. 

“Currently, my favorite items to make off the menu are the shrimp scampi and the ribeye steak,” he says, but he also is already using his creativity on a constantly-changing “Chef’s Features” menu. 

On our most recent visit, Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I were able to sample three of those Chef’s Features — and we’re hoping that all three will stay on the menu. 

We started our meal with Chef Zach’s refreshing and tasty Watermelon Salad (top left), which combined slices of seedless fresh watermelon, spring mix, pickled Fresno chiles, a slightly sweet blueberry compote, feta cheese, pepita (pumpkin) seeds and a delicate white balsamic vinaigrette. 

We all also loved the blackened chicken linguine (above right), which had roasted tomatoes, peas, bacon and a light Alfredo sauce that was creamy the Italian way, without being loaded with heavy cream. The blackened chicken had just the right amount of spice, too. 

My favorite of the specials was the braised lamb shank (left) which was topped with a rich, savory and slightly sweet port wine reduction and the tastiest, crispiest yucca frites I’ve sampled and fresh broccoli. The lamb was so tender you barely needed a knife to cut it. 

I’m also hoping that the crispy pork belly with sweet potato purée, bourbon caramel sauce and candied pecans and the lump blue crab cake (with charred lemon aji Amarillo aioli, jicama, Kohirabi slaw and scallions) will either both be added to the regular menu or at least stick around long enough for us to try them. 

But, speaking of seafood (and the regular menu), Charmaine also was able to sample the seafood risotto (below left), which included large shrimp, scallops and a lobster claw, in a lobster cream sauce and micros greens. Charmaine said the seafood was “perfect” and she loved the overall flavor of the risotto. 

And, even though we all already loved several of The Grill’s famous “Southshore Bar Pizzas,” we tried one we hadn’t had before — the spicy “New Bedford” pizza (above right), which was topped with hot chicken, onions, scallions and spicy peri-peri sauce. If you’re a beer lover, this super-crisp-crusted New England-style beauty is a perfect complement to a Sam Adams seasonal draft or any of The Grill’s other draft, bottled or canned beers. 

Speaking of great bar-friendly food, if you want to watch a World Cup soccer match, The Grill’s bar (right) is a great place to talk “futbol” with other local fans and enjoy an order of crispy grouper bites, mushroom arancini (rice balls) or one of the menu’s many great “Handhelds,” from a ground brisket, short rib and chuck smash burger to a fried, blackened or Nashville hot chicken sandwich to an excellent shaved ribeye sandwich (below left), which is topped with caramelized onions and Swiss cheese on an amoroso roll and served with au jus for dipping. 

And, The Grill also has more upscale regular menu items, like the seared Florida grouper (bottom left), served on a bed of goat cheese and pea risotto, with a confit of baby vegetables. The Grill’s fresh fish and the filet mignon and NY strip steaks have always been among mine and Jannah’s favorites in the area and the prime rib (available Fri.-Sun. only) also is extremely tender and seasoned just right. 

Other favorite menu items of ours at The Grill include the meatballs and the spinach & artichoke dip “Shareables,” the New England clam chowder, the grilled Caesar salad and the braised beef short ribs in cabernet demi-glace. 

If you’re craving dessert, we’re still partial to the Chef’s cheesecake, but we tried the bourbon-glazed chocolate chip bread pudding (below right) and even though I’ve never been the biggest bread pudding fan, it was delightfully dense, not overly sweet and topped with house-made bourbon glaze, a streusel swirl and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Truly delish! 

Jannah absolutely loves The Grill’s sparkling French (with Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, LaMarca prosecco and pineapple juice) and strawberry basil martinis and, of course, not only does The Grill have my Jameson, but on this most recent visit, I tried a super-smooth Dunbrody Irish whiskey and will almost definitely be enjoying it on my next visit to the Grill, too. 

We don’t usually drink wine when we visit The Grill, but I firmly believe Frank, who was previously in the wine distribution business, has assembled the largest and best wine list in the area, with more Italian reds (Barolos, a Brunello, etc.), California pinot noirs and chardonnays and sparkling options than you’ll find anywhere in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. 

And, The Grill’s wine dinners are legendary and always sell out, so keep your eyes peeled or call to reserve your spot at the next one! Or, to elevate your next event, call Frank about The Grill’s catering. 

The Grill at Morris Bridge (10920 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open every day for dinner, and for brunch/lunch and dinner on Sat. and Sun. For more info, call (813) 388-5353, visit TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com, or email Frank at info@thegrillatmorrisbridge.com. 

No Takers Yet? The Most Expensive House In The Tampa Bay Area Is Just Next Door!

Property Owner Who Sold A $50-Million Miami Mansion To Superstar The Weeknd Is Making Waves Locally 

All photos/renderings of The Oaks Estate in Thonotosassa are from One Sotheby’s International Realty.

Nestled along a perfectly tree-lined road, amid gently rolling pastureland, stands something truly unique at 12321 Fort King Hwy. in Thonotosassa (just a few miles south and east of Cross Creek Blvd.) — the highest-priced home ever listed for sale in the entire Tampa Bay area. 

The garages alone are larger than many mansions in the Tampa Bay area, and the premium lakefront property is roughly the acreage of a small community. There really isn’t much this estate doesn’t have. 

The main house is an absolute masterpiece of French Normandy architecture. 

The 43,000-square-foot (total) château features 9 bedrooms and 26 bathrooms, and it looks more like something that belongs in the European countryside than where it’s actually positioned — just outside of both Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, on the edge of sleepy Lake Thonotosassa. 

And for those wondering why anyone needs 26 bathrooms, only 12 are full baths. The remaining 14 are half baths spread throughout the estate’s many gathering spaces. The primary suite alone features separate his-and-hers bathrooms. 

The 87-acre property includes impeccably manicured grounds, multiple equestrian facilities, a go-kart race track, a car museum complete with an executive boardroom, a dual-lane bowling alley, movie theater, private spa with sauna, adjacent fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a private dock featuring a covered boat lift and party deck. 

There is simply nothing else like it anywhere in the greater Tampa Bay region, and brokers at One Sotheby’s International Realty are counting on that fact as they attempt to make this the highest-priced single-family residential sale in Tampa Bay history. 

The asking price: $115 million. 

If the property ultimately sells anywhere near that figure, it could represent a dramatic shift in how luxury real estate is valued throughout the region. Especially considering the estate last sold in April 2021 for $16.7 million, when it “only” included approximately 36 acres. 

Property records also show that roughly 51 additional acres, much of it greenbelt land, sold separately that same year for approximately $3.65 million. Combined, the transactions totaled roughly $20.35 million. 

So how does a property purchased for approximately $20 million in 2021 arrive at a $115-million asking price just five years later, with relatively few major additions or changes to the estate itself? 

How Did We Get Here? 

The property was originally owned by Donald and Erika Wallace, who acquired the sprawling and largely undeveloped land in 2007, around the same time Donald Wallace retired. 

Wallace was the founder and chairman of Lazydays RV Supercenter, which grew into the largest RV dealership operation in the world. 

Almost immediately after purchasing the property, the existing home was demolished and construction began on what would become known as The Oaks Estate. 

The main residence and its extensive amenities would take nearly five years to complete, with few expenses spared in the process. 

What makes the estate particularly unusual is its location. It’s not tucked behind the gates of an exclusive master-planned community or hidden within one of Florida’s traditional luxury enclaves. 

Instead, it sits in a part of eastern Hillsborough County where old orange grove homes still stand, where a historic Methodist church remains a local landmark, and where a small post office and library continue to serve the surrounding community. And yet, Lake Thonotosassa has quietly attracted a number of impressive homes over the years. 

The 947-acre lake is the largest in Hillsborough County and one of the region’s premier recreational lakes. Its size even makes fly-in, fly-out access possible for seaplane owners. For those who prefer helicopters, the estate’s expansive grounds provide plenty of room for a landing. 

An Exercise in Marketing? 

The property is currently owned by former oil executive and investor Steven Lempera, who made headlines last year after selling a Miami Beach mansion to music superstar The Weeknd for a reported $50 million. 

That sale came after Lempera acquired the property at auction in 2019 for $25.5 million. 

That history naturally raises an interesting question: Is the $115 million asking price for The Oaks Estate purely a reflection of its actual value, or is it also part of a carefully crafted marketing strategy? 

In the world of ultra-luxury real estate, asking prices often serve a purpose beyond establishing market value. A record-breaking price tag can transform a home into a conversation piece, generating headlines in real estate publications, business journals and local news outlets across the country. The listing itself becomes the story. And in many cases, that publicity is free. 

Whether the strategy originated with the owner, the brokerage, or a combination of both remains unclear. Representatives involved with the listing declined to discuss how the asking price was determined. But one thing is certain: very few homes generate this level of attention without first attaching a number large enough to make people stop scrolling. 

When we spoke with listing broker associate Eddy Martinez, he said the property had already secured two private showings on the same day shortly after officially hitting the market in late April. 

Even seeing the estate requires extensive vetting. Prospective buyers must demonstrate the financial capacity to complete a purchase before they are granted access. According to Martinez, those restrictions extend beyond buyers and even apply to members of the media and other real estate agents. 

That level of exclusivity may itself be part of the appeal. For ultra-high-net-worth buyers, scarcity often carries value of its own. There are luxury homes, and then there are trophy properties — properties so unique that traditional comparisons become almost impossible. 

At that level, the question is no longer whether one home is worth more than another, but whether there is anything remotely comparable available at all. 

Of course, publicity alone does not guarantee a sale. Even some of the country’s most heavily marketed luxury listings have struggled to find buyers. 

Celebrity Broker Ryan Serhant famously lost one of New York City’s highest-profile listings after the property failed to sell despite extensive media attention and marketing efforts. 

Still, timing may be working in The Oaks Estate’s favor. Recent luxury housing data has shown Tampa Bay’s high-end market among the strongest-performing luxury markets in the nation, with premium home values continuing to rise. 

Whether The Oaks Estate ultimately sells for anywhere near its $115 million asking price remains to be seen. But, regardless of the final number, the property has already accomplished one thing: Everyone is talking about it. 

And perhaps that was always the plan. 

The Bigger Picture 

The next highest-priced residential listing in the area is currently asking approximately $20 million. Coincidentally, it is located just down the road from The Oaks Estate. 

While that property offers fewer amenities and significantly less acreage, it does feature one amenity the $115 million estate cannot claim: a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. 

Even so, the gap between a $20 million listing and a $115 million listing illustrates just how ambitious The Oaks Estate’s pricing strategy truly is. Whether it ultimately sells for $115 million, $80 million, or something significantly less, the estate has already secured its place in local real estate history. 

Get Ready To Vote In The Primary Election, Wesley Chapel!

In Addition To Rep. & Dem. Primaries, All Wesley Chapel Registered Voters Can Help Fill 3 School Board Seats Aug. 18! 

 Roughly six weeks after this issue lands in your mailbox, Primary Elections will be held throughout the State of Florida — on Tuesday, August 18. 

Ho-hum, right? 

Sure, it’s ho-hum if you only want Pasco County’s Board of County Commissioners to maintain the status quo, if you’re not interested in helping our county decide who should be elected to Pasco’s School Board and/or if you have no interest in helping determine who will run our state government. 

But, for those of you who complain in every local social media group about rampant over-development, about all of the problems in our schools and about how the decisions being made at the state level affect your quality of life, Aug. 18 is your chance to start attempting to make a difference. 

But, hurry! The deadline to register to vote in the Primary Election is Monday, July 20. The Early Voting Period for the Primary Election is from Saturday, August 8-Saturday, August 15. 

Here are the Primary Election races that are up for grabs for Wesley Chapel’s voters: 

U.S. Senate — Incumbent Republican Ashley Moody faces three Republican challengers (Neelam Taneja Perry, Ernest “Ernie” Rivera & Chris Gleason). Democrats will choose an opponent from Angie Nixon and Alex Vindman. No-party candidate Neil J. Gillespie will not be eligible for votes until the Nov. 3 General Election. 

U.S. Representative — With Florida having now redrawn its Congressional boundaries, some Wesley Chapel voters are now in House District 12 (where Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis is the incumbent), while other Wesley Chapel residents are still in House District 15, where Republican Laurel Lee is the incumbent. Neither Bilirakis nor Lee has a Primary opponent, but registered Democrats will choose an opponent for Bilirakis from Kimberly Overman and Darren McAuley, with no-party candidate Brandon Scrivener joining the fray in Nov. 

Meanwhile, while Rep. Lee’s Dem. opponent will either be Christopher Irizarry or Robert People. Write-in candidate Angie Boone (whose name will not appear on the ballot) joins in Nov. 

Governor & Lt. Governor — With current Gov. Ron DeSantis reaching his two-term limit, Republicans will choose their nominee on Aug. 18 to replace DeSantis from among eleven candidates, including front-running Congressman Byron Donalds (who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump), current Lieutenant Gov. Jay Collins and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner. There also will be a Democratic primary, where former Congressman David Jolly is the front-runner among six candidates. Jolly also is the only candidate from either party who has his running mate’s name — Gwen Graham, the daughter of former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham — on the ballot with his name. The two major party nominees will be joined on the Nov. ballot by six no-party candidates, five write-in candidates and Libertarian Party of Florida nominee Scott Eckhard Jewett. 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) — Incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia’s Republican Primary opponent is Frank William Collige. Democrats will choose the Rep. winner’s opponent from Earle Ford and Annette Taddeo. 

Commissioner of Agriculture — Incumbent Wilton Simpson’s Republican Primary opponent is Matt “The Welder” Taylor. In Nov., the winner of that Primary will face write-in candidate Kyle “KC” Gibson and the winner of the Democratic Primary between Joey Mendoza Atkins and Donald A. “Don” Prichard. 

Florida House District 54 — In the Republican Primary on Aug. 18, incumbent Randy Maggard faces local community activist and long-time firefighter Michael Pultorak, who is running for political office for the first time. With no Democratic or third-party opponent in Nov., the “Closed Primary” winner will face only write-in candidate Paul Bybee in the General Election, whose name will not appear on the ballot. 

Circuit Court Judges — There also are two District 6 Circuit Court Judge seats being contested on Aug. 18 and both are Nonpartisan races, meaning all registered voters in Wesley Chapel are eligible to cast ballots for them: Group 39, between Elizabeth “Liz” Constantine and Stefen Diskey; and Group 44, between Oxalis Garcia and Elizabeth “Liz” Jack. 

Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOC) — Although one of Wesley Chapel’s two County Commission districts — Dist. 2, where incumbent Republican Seth Weightman faces Democratic challenger Stephanie Vazquez — won’t be contested until Nov. 3, registered Republicans in Wesley Chapel can cast ballots on Aug. 18 in BOC Dist. 4 (see story on pg. 4), where incumbent Lisa Yeager faces first-time candidate Jonathan Deckard. 

The winner of the seat won’t be officially decided, however, until Nov., because there will be a space on the ballot for write-in candidate Louie Rodriguez, even though his name won’t actually appear on the ballot, and I’m guessing the “trading” site Kalshi will offer odds on whether Rodriguez drops out of the race after the primary (as he did in 2022, when he was the write-in candidate for Dist. 2). If so, the winner of the Republican Primary will then be on the Nov. ballot unopposed, as Weightman was in 2022. 

Pasco County School Board — Three seats are up for grabs, as two incumbents — Al Hernandez in Wesley Chapel’s Dist. 1 and long-time Dist. 3 incumbent Cynthia Armstrong — have opted to not seek reelection, while Dist. 5 incumbent Megan Harding will be opposed by first-time candidate Michelle Mandarin. Here are the other School Board candidates on the Aug. 18 ballot: 

Dist. 1 — We also will preview the District 4 Pasco County Commission & District 1 Pasco School Board races over the next couple of days.

Dist. 3 — In the crowded field for Dist. 3, candidate Matt Geiger lost his bid to unseat Armstrong four years ago. None of the other candidates — Sean O’Flannery, who has previously run for the Pinellas County School Board; Dr. Kirk Phillips, who ran for the Republican nomination against incumbent Brad Yeager for the Florida House Dist. 56 seat in 2024; Erin Stroupe and Mollyana Ward — has run for the Pasco School Board before. In fact, neither Stroupe nor Ward has run for any political office previously, but Pasco Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Legg has endorsed Ward in Dist. 3. 

I’m aware that Pasco’s voter turnout is historically pretty low for these Primary Elections — 24.88% in 2022 and 15.88% in 2024 — but please exercise your right to vote this year!