Don’t Miss Nutrition Smart’s Customer Appreciation Day — Saturday, October 24!

Vendor demonstrations (below right) and special deals (above left) are both part of Customer Appreciation Days at Nutrition Smart on BBD. 

Even with Whole Foods now under construction less than a half-mile further south on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., I will continue to shop at Nutrition Smart — which opened in Wesley Chapel in 2008. All of the produce is organic and not really higher priced than Publix — and definitely less expensive than Whole Foods. 


The store has great selections of healthy eggs (below left) and grass-fed beef (right), as well as bulk products like healthy pumpkin seeds & popcorn, plus coffee & much more.

i heart bees raw honey (below right), Sami’s Bakery breads (below left) & Ice Cream for Bears (Below) are just some of the healthier products at Nutrition Smart.  

There’s bulk coffee and healthy nuts, seeds, popcorn and more. There’s raw milk, grass-fed beef, top-quality eggs and a huge variety of the most popular brands of healthy dark chocolate (and thankfully for me, quality milk chocolate, too, even though I know it has none of the health benefits of dark chocolate). There’s even Ice Cream for Bears, which is made only with honey (get it?) instead of sugar. 

Sami’s Bakery breads

Throughout the store, one of only two in Florida (the other is in Pembroke Pines near Hollywood), there are items marked as “Flocal,” as in “Florida Local,” meaning the products are grown or made right here in the Sunshine State. 

Among those Flocal options is Sami’s Bakery bread, which is made in Temple Terrace and has gluten-free, high-fiber and low-carb breads that actually are delicious. There’s also i heart bees raw, unfiltered Florida honey that is grown across the state and is packaged in BPA-free pouches. 

And, store manager Fausto Soriano and health & beauty care and wellness manager Joe Geier, who took photographer Charmaine George and me on another tour of the store, are proud that Nutrition Smart has “the largest selection of vitamins and supplements in this area,” according to Joe. Both are well aware of every health trend, including the fact that so many people are taking GLP-1 medications to help with weight loss these days that they are turning to supplements like creatine to help build back muscle mass that also is lost when GLP-1s like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are taken, especially long-term. 

Also extremely popular right now are collagen peptides (like the Florida-based Healthy Living Proteins brand shown right), which help improve skin hydration, reduce wrinkles, provide joint and bone density support and also can help with muscle mass when combined with resistance training. 

“And, best of all,” Fausto says, “the people we have on the floor are all extremely knowledgeable about what we sell. If there’s something you need, they’ll ask the right questions to help you choose the best option for you.” 

Divine Leaf Vegan is A Hit! 

The popular Divine Leaf Vegan cafĂ© inside Nutrition Smart make a The Beyond Patty Melt that is truly…divine.

“We used to run the juice bar in the back of the store ourselves,” Fausto says. “But, not only was our tenant the Divine Leaf Vegan CafĂ© the first vegan restaurant in Wesley Chapel, serving delicious sandwiches (like the Beyond Patty Melt on the next page), it also makes amazing healthy smoothies.” This month’s special is the Harvest Moon Smoothie, which is made with apples, mangoes, cashews, dates, blue agave nectar, house-made caramel sauce, cinnamon and Garden of Life turmeric booster. It literally tastes like a caramel apple. 

Customer Appreciation Day-Oct. 24! 

One of the best days of the year to give Nutrition Smart a try is its annual Customer Appreciation Day, which takes place this year on Saturday, October 24. It’s a full day of fun, education and savings that includes FREE goodie bags, starting at 8 a.m. — while supplies last — and FREE samples and vendor demos throughout the entire day. There also are free raffles — and you don’t have to be present to win. Raffle prize winners will be contacted via text the following Monday. There also will be a live DJ on-site from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and much more. 

“A lot of people do find us on Customer Appreciation Days,” Fausto says. “Once we get them in the store, they usually always come back.” 

And, although I first found Nutrition Smart before it opened as Wesley Chapel’s first — and for now, still the only — “green” grocery store, I also keep coming back for its excellent produce, Jannah’s favorite spearmint tea and Sami’s Bakery bread, plus two of my favorite healthy cookies (I’m partial right now to the chewy Alyssa’s Healthy Oatmeal Bites) and more. 

For more info about Nutrition Smart (1821 BBD), call (813) 341-4444 or visit NutritionSmart.com. See the ad below for a coupon that gives you 20% off purchases of $75 or more & 10% off purchases of less than $75. 

All of Nutrition Smart’s produce is organic.

Here’s Another Chance To Win Up To $200 In FREE Dining!

Our 2026 Reader Dining Survey & Contest continues in this issue, with FIVE more chances to win up to $200 in FREE dining at the restaurant of your choice anywhere in the Tampa Bay area! 

All we’re asking you to do in this issue to win FREE dining is the following: 

1) Tell us your FIVE (5) Favorite Restaurants located in Wesley Chapel (WC) — in zip codes 33543, 33544 & 33545, plus locations on Wesley Chapel Blvd. & S.R. 54 in Lutz between WC Blvd. & Oak Grove Blvd. Please do NOT include ANY restaurants located in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code on the WC entry form HERE. 

2) For another chance to win, tell us your FIVE (5) Favorite Restaurants located in New Tampa (NT) — in zip code 33647, plus locations on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and E. Bearss Ave. from BBD west to Livingston Ave. in zip code 33613. Please do NOT include ANY restaurants located in Wesley Chapel’s three zip codes on the NT entry form HERE. 

3) For yet another chance to win, tell us your Favorite Pizza Place AND your Favorite Latin (but NOT Mexican) Restaurant in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel on the entry form HERE. 

4) And for still one more chance to win, tell us your Favorite Thai restaurant AND your Favorite Indian Restaurant in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel on the entry form HERE. 

5) And finally, tell us your Favorite Burger & Favorite Mexican Restaurant on the entry form HERE. 

You’ll receive one entry into our random drawings to win up to $200 in FREE dining at the restaurant of your choice located anywhere in the Tampa Bay area for each correctly-filled-out entry form you complete! 

HERE ARE OUR OTHER RULES! 

1) DO NOT write the name of your one favorite place in WC or NT in more than one Top-5 space on their respective entry forms. Even its first-place vote will NOT count. 

2) In order for your votes to count and help your favorite restaurants, you must include your real first AND last name, the community you live in (Cross Creek, Lake Forest, etc.), your daytime phone number where I can reach you (which I will only call if your name is selected to win a prize) and your valid email address. 

3) This year’s FREE dining prizes include the Grand Prize of $200, as well as prizes of $100, $75, $50 & $25. — GN 

Laughter Takes Center Stage With WCTG’s ‘The Odd Couple’ (Female Version)

Special to the Neighborhood News 

The cast of the Wesley Chapel Theater Group’s “The Odd Couple (Female Version) includes (seated, l.-r.) Jacob Guardado, Samantha Grahn, Allison Duque, Mackenzie Elliott, Jay Davis (standing, l.-r.) Janine Quarles Adkins, Leanne Green & Kelsey Mars. (Photos provided by Wesley Chapel Theater Group)

The familiar story of mismatched roommates gets a fresh perspective the weekend of October 17-18 when the Wesley Chapel Theater Group presents Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” (Female Version), directed by David Sparano. 

The female version of Simon’s comedy follows Florence Unger and Olive Madison, two women whose personalities and approaches to everyday life could hardly be more different. When Florence, recently separated from her husband, moves in with Olive, the contrast between the meticulous Florence and the carefree Olive quickly leads to a series of hilarious situations. 

The directors of “The Odd Couple” include assistant director Aline Huttie (left), director David Sparano (right) & stage manager Angelica Chirino (not pictured).

As their friendship is tested by the realities of sharing a home, audiences are treated to Simon’s trademark combination of sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and everyday situations that can turn into anything but ordinary. 

The local production features Samantha Grahn as Olive Madison and Allison Duque as Florence Unger, with Janine Quarles Adkins as Mickey, Kelsey Mars as Sylvie, Mackenzie Elliott as Renee, and Leanne Green as Vera. Rounding out the cast are Jacob Guardado as Manolo Costazuela and Jay Davis as Manolo’s brother Jesus Costazuela. 

While “The Odd Couple” (Female Version) is filled with laughs, the story also explores the importance of friendship and the unexpected ways people can become part of one another’s lives. The result is a comedy that remains relatable decades after Simon first introduced audiences to the world of “The Odd Couple.” 

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a local nonprofit community theater troupe, continues its mission of bringing live performing arts to the community through productions featuring local performers and volunteers. Each production is made possible through the combined efforts of actors, directors, backstage crews and community supporters. 

The production of “The Odd Couple” (Female Version) will take the stage at the Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd., Zephyrhills 33541). Performances are scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 18, at 2 p.m. 

Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors and are available online at WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org. For additional information, scan the QR code in the ad below or visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.

Ybor City Street Renamed In Honor Of New Tampa’s Morris Lopez’s Grandfather

TPD Officer Morris Lopez 

Longtime New Tampa resident Morris Lopez III has spent 40 years building a career in public service, currently as a Division Chief with the Hillsborough County Fire Department. 

While that service alone is noteworthy and admirable, the legacy of Morris’ grandfather Morris — who “walked the beat” as a Tampa Police Officer in Ybor City in the 1940s after serving in the Navy in World War II — is part of why Morris III chose to serve as well. 

Unfortunately, Morris I’s service with TPD lasted only about two years, as he was shot and killed shielding and saving the life of a newspaper boy in 1949 during a drive-by shooting at 7th Ave. and 16th St. Eyewitnesses said that Ofc. Lopez was already falling to the ground when he pushed the paperboy out of the path of the gunfire. Long before the days of DNA evidence, the case remains unsolved and no suspects were ever identified, as the car sped away following the shooting. 

(L.-r.) Cherish, Rodney, Stephanie, Stevie, Robbie & Morris Lopez 

On Sept. 28, 77 years after that tragedy, Morris III and most of his family — including his wife Yvette, their daughter Courtney, Morris’ brothers Robbie and Rodney and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins — were all on hand at a ceremony honoring Morris I with a sign renaming the corner of Centennial Park (along 19th St. and E. 8th Ave.) in Ybor City after the fallen hero: “Office Morris Lopez Av.” 

Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman & New Tampa resident Luis Viera, who pushed the city to honor Ofc. Lopez, said that Morris I was deserving of such an honor “and should be remembered as one of Tampa’s great heroes.” 

Viera then introduced Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who had a long career as a TPD Officer, including serving as TPD’s Chief. Mayor Castor said, “All of us, as first responders, take an oath to protect and serve…and law enforcement officers and firefighters across the country sacrifice their lives in the line of duty every single day. 

Mayor Jane Castor 

“And, as a community…we can never forget the impact those first responders, including Officer Lopez, had on their communities and on their families and friends.” 

She also thanked Viera for making sure that there is “a permanent reminder of Ofc. Lopez’s sacrifice, so that people who drive by that sign can ask, ‘Who was Officer Morris Lopez and what did he do?’ And we should all be able to answer that question with pride.” 

Viera’s fellow City Councilman Guido Maniscalco said, “Today, we know that the name Morris Lopez will not be forgotten. I’m so glad we were able to do this small token of appreciation for the [Lopez] family, so that his name will live on.” 

Next up was Cindy Roberts, whose husband, TPD Cpl. Mike Roberts, gave his all for the city back in 2009. Viera said, “Cindy does a lot of good work with an organization called ‘Concerns of Police Survivors,’ that advocates for surviving family members of officers that gave all in the line of duty.” 

Cindy Roberts

“I have the solemn honor of walking with the families of all of our lost officers as they go through their grief journey,” Roberts said. “But today, as we reveal this road dedication for Officer Morris Lopez, we assure that his sacrifice is met with an unending remembrance and community support.” 

Then, Chief Morris Lopez III said that although he never met his grandfather, “I heard the stories about him and the pride his name carried, and that made me want to [serve]…and I have served this community for 40 years. 

“A street sign can not repay [our] loss. Nothing can. But, a city can say that a life of service mattered. He gave his life for this city and today, the city gives something back. For our family, seeing his name here in Ybor City, it connects our children and our grandchildren to the man whose life helped shape theirs. It tells them that courage, duty and service can travel across generations. 

“I hope that everyone who passes this street remembers more than a name. Remember the men and women who put on a uniform and accept responsibility for people they may never know. And remember the families they leave behind.” — GN; all photos provided by Morris Lopez & Luis Viera 

Recapping The New Tampa Performing Arts Center’s 2nd Annual ‘Season SoirĂ©e’

One of my favorite things about the now-annual “Season SoirĂ©e at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) is that it gives me the opportunity to zero in on the events in the NTPAC’s upcoming season that I definitely want to attend. I wish NTPAC executive director Keith Arsenault (right) could open up the SoirĂ©e to the general public so everyone could have the same opportunity I do to pick their upcoming favorites — even if Keith had to extend the soirĂ©e to multiple nights, instead of just the Thursday before the center’s annual “Arts Fest”. 

And let me tell you, there are a LOT of amazing events coming up in the NTPAC’s 2026- 27 season. Many of the shows and events I plan to attend this season are shown on these pages — from the New Tampa Players’ production of the musical “Come From Away” (below), which was nominated for seven 2017 Tony Awards on Broadway, winning Best Direction of a Musical for director Christopher Ashley — to the Tampa City Ballet (photo on next page)’s eight performances of “The Nutcracker” in December. “Come From Away” will be performed seven times over the next two weekends (Oct. 16-18 & Oct. 23-25). 

I’m also excited for this season’s appearance by the amazing coloratura soprano Daniella Mass (left), who created what is known as “Liri-Pop,” has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” (she really does!) and also sings during many Tampa City Ballet performances. 

Daniella will be appearing as part of NTPAC’s “New Tampa Unplugged” series on Sunday, November 22. 

There also are so many amazing piano performances coming up this season, including the Nikolov-West Duo (Top photo), featuring concert pianists Jane West (left in top photo) and Viktor Nikolov, performing with the Simon Lasky Trio in “Both Sides of (Dave) Brubeck” in a classical-meets-jazz NTPAC “Steinway Signature Series” performance on Saturday, May 1, 2027. 

Also part of the “New Tampa Unplugged” series is Grammy- and Latin Grammy-winning Latin jazz pianist Lannie Battistini (right) on Sunday, May 23. 

Other upcoming performances I don’t want to miss (but don’t have pictures from the Season SoirĂ©e of) include : 

‱ The St. Pete Collective Band performing the Music of James Taylor on Friday, October 30 

‱ Sir Paul — The Paul McCartney Tribute on Saturday, March 20 

‱ Local Chicago tribute band Pieces of Eight’s return to the NTPAC on Saturday, June 5 

‱ Peace of Woodstock in concert on Saturday, June 26 

‱ And, of course NTP’s production of “Newsies” in July 

But honestly, there’s just so much more coming to NTPAC this season, from classical to jazz to musical theatre to “Puppy Pals Live” to the Black Honkeys, Taiko Drums of Japan and much more! 

For more info about NTPAC’s 2026-27 season visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George