Thanking Our 2016 Advertiser Of The Year — Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel!

EDITORIAL

Considering that my birthday is in January, I always find the New Year to be a time of reflection, even more so for me than it is about resolutions for the year to come.

We have an awful lot to be thankful for here at the Neighborhood News. We continue to thrive in a market saturated with other publications, we helped launch WCNT-tv and we have provided our 100,000+ readers in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel with more news and information about their communities than any other single media source. I’m not making that up — virtually every day, someone seeks me out to tell me that and thank me for what we do.

It’s been a while since I gave one business our “Advertiser of the Year” award, but there’s no doubt in my mind that one local business has not only spent the most money with us in 2016, it also is at the epicenter of life in our area — Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC). FHWC’s marketing director Tracy Clouser has not only purchased ads in both editions of the Neighborhood News for the hospital, she also stepped up to be the Studio Sponsor for at least the first 16 episodes of WCNT-tv. That sponsorship has allowed my partner — Craig Miller of Full Throttle Intermedia — and I to create 14 episodes of that show to date and not have to worry about losing our shirts while trying to reach a new audience with something so fresh and innovative.

Tracy Clouser

But, FHWC is about so much more than just advertising. The hospital’s presence and visibility on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., a little more than a mile north of the Hillsborough-Pasco county line, has been a major reason why the Porter family has been so successful in developing the Wiregrass Ranch Development of Regional Impact (DRI).

Yes, we’re also happy that the Shops at Wiregrass mall (which opened a couple of years before the hospital), Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, North Tampa Behavioral Health, Raymond James Financial and The Beach Assisted Living — and some of the most beautiful, new neighborhoods in Wesley Chapel (Estancia and The Ridge at Wiregrass Ranch, etc.) — have all found their way to the Porter Family Trust’s 5,000+ acres, but I honestly believe that FHWC is literally the heartbeat of our area.

The hospital’s CEO Denyse Bales-Chubb also has been visible and approachable and FHWC itself is as technologically advanced as any hospital in the country. Perhaps best of all, the upwards expansion of FHWC already has getting ready to open and will be completed soon, probably before the end of January. I will admit that I did not know much about the Seventh Day Adventists before this jewel of a hospital opened on BBD, but I appreciate and even admire the kind of investment they have made in both of our distribution areas.

Don’t forget that in addition to FHWC, the Adventist Health System also took over what used to be called University Community Hospital on BBD and Fletcher Ave. The renamed Florida Hospital Tampa (FHT) also has been a prominent advertiser in these pages (predominantly in our New Tampa issues), so it’s hard for me to not sing the praises of both local hospitals, especially knowing how many improvements also have been made at FHT — and are still to come in the future.

And, A WCNT-tv Feature Report!

Craig and I have been waiting for the go-ahead from Tracy (who also just completed her year as the Board Chair of our exclusive WCNT-tv webcast partner, the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce) to produce a complete segment about the hospital’s expansion, but it is currently available for viewing now in WCNT-tv’s Episode 14, debuting on YouTube on Jan. 6.

We’re excited to take you on an exclusive video tour of everything FHWC is adding (including some amazing drone video footage from Brad Hall Studios) to make life in our area even better.

The Frost Family Opens Its 5th Local McDonald’s!

If you’re a fan of McDonald’s, you’re probably a fan of the Frost family. Patriarch Jack Frost (third from left in photo) got tired of the frost nipping at his nose in his home state of Wisconsin (where he opened his first McDonald’s), and relocated his family to our area more than 30 years ago, opening the first of five local Mickey D’s in 1985 on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Today, Frost and his sons John (left in photo) and Chris (far right) and daughter Jen own eight McDonald’s restaurants, including all five of the locations in our distribution areas (two in New Tampa and now three in the Wesley Chapel area). The most recent opening happened just before we went to press with our latest issue, as the 6,300-sq.-ft. (about as large as the location on 54, which is the second largest in Florida) McDonald’s on S.R. 56, between the new Longhorn Steakhouse and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets) has opened.

Equipped with a large “play place” for the kids and with more sit-down space than most McD’s, Chris Frost says that the new location focuses on customer service, and after watching the pre-opening training of the location’s employees, I can assure you that you will be greeted by lots of smiles and  “let me get that for you right away” attitudes.

And, if you check out the ad on page 44 of our current Wesley Chapel issue, you’ll see a Grand Opening special of 20 McNuggets for only $5 (through Feb. 19). For more info, stop in 24-7 (or for the official Grand Opening on Sat., Jan. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.) at McDonald’s (2609 Creek Grass Way, Lutz) or visit McDonalds.com.

Enjoy UFC, The NFL & More At Peabody’s Billiards & Games!

Don’t think for even one second that just because I moved our Neighborhood News office to Wesley Chapel three years ago that I have ever forgotten about my former neighbor in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms — Peabody’s Billiards & Games.

Peabody’s is one of the few things I miss about the old office. New Tampa’s entertainment complex tradition since 1998 (which has been non-smoking inside for several years now; there are tables outside for smokers) is still owned by Bryan Peabody and is one of the best and most underrated restaurants in our distribution areas.

First of all, I know you can get wings and burgers at pretty much any sports bar, but how many of them also serve true, NY-style pizza, by the whole pie and the slice? And, you can even get toppings on half a pizza at Peabody’s, so your cheese slice fans and pepperoni, sausage, etc., fans can both get what they crave.

But, while we’re talking burgers and wings, Peabody’s burgers (and sandwiches) are served with your choice of three kinds of fries — curly, crinkle- and my favorite, the skin-on, straight house-cut. Order ‘em extra crispy, like I do, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Peabody’s super-popular house-cut fries are usually tossed in Kosher salt and parmesan cheese, but they’re a little messy that way for my taste, so I order them plain.

The burgers themselves are thick and juicy and I see a lot of the younger patrons going with the breakfast burger, which is topped with cheese, applewood-smoked bacon and a fried egg. It’s yummy that way, but I usually just get the Peabody’s classic, although there’s also cowboy (BBQ sauce and bacon) and black bean vegetarian options.

Even though I’m not the biggest wing lover, I’ve always thought that Peabody’s has the biggest, crispiest naked (unbreaded) wings in town. I order them extra crispy (of course), with a sauce (like the Daytona, sweet chili or hot garlic, among so many others) on the side (that I honestly only use sparingly because the wings honestly don’t need it).

Peabody’s also has great appetizers like a really popular spinach and artichoke dip, Spanish nachos (with homemade chili), loaded potato skins and brew-battered onion rings. The house, Caesar and blackened chicken salads are all great and I really like the agave balsamic and raspberry vinaigrette (and Caesar) dressings.

The place also is famous for its wraps and sandwiches. Editorial assistant Celeste McLaughlin and I both really enjoyed the new ribeye Philly cheesesteak sandwich and graphic designer Blake Beatty (a long-time Peabody’s fan himself) loves the New Tampa Cuban. There’s also great grilled cheese, grilled or blackened chicken sandwiches, an authentic cold Italian sub and Buffalo and West Coast turkey wraps, all of which have gotten high marks in our office.

And So Entertaining, Too!

If you’re like most everyone who lives in the Tampa Bay area, you’re probably aware that the NFL playoffs are about to begin and I assure that there is no better place to watch every NFL Sunday Ticket game — or all the big UFC fights.

And of course, Peabody’s has beautiful pool tables, dart boards and other games, plus great food and beverage specials every day, from $1 Taco Tuesdays to $1.25 pizza slices on Wednesday and many others, including great lunch specials for $10 or less. And, Peabody’s Palms Lounge has great DJ dance music every Wed.-Sat. night.

And, Peabody’s food can now be delivered by Uber Eats! In other words, you just can’t beat it!

Peabody’s Billiards & Games (15333 Amberly Dr. ) is open every day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For more info, call 972-1725 or visit PeabodysTampa.com. And, don’t forget to tell them that the Neighborhood News sent you!

‘Light Up The Night’ Event Starts With 5K Run Tomorrow

Saturday, January 14, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. — we hope you’ll check out the “Light Up the Night” event to raise awareness of and combat human trafficking which is being co-sponsored by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and the Shops at Wiregrass mall.

The event starts with the “Radiant 5K” road race, which will kick off from Pasco Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch at 4 p.m. An awards ceremony will be held immediately following the race at the mall, which also will host the Light Up the Night “Main Event,” starting at 6 p.m., with music, lots of great educational information and a great Kids Zone.

Proceeds from the 5K race will benefit four nonprofit organizations fighting human trafficking, including Bridging Freedom (logo above), the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, The Porch Light and Redefining Refuge.

For registration and more info, visit Active.com and search “Radiant 5K” or LightUptheNightTampaBay.com.

Palms Pharmacy — Customer Service & Yes, Prices That Beat The National Chains!

Doctor of Pharmacy Shahida Choudhry (left) and pharmacy technician Naivis Valdes promise great prices and customer service at the Palms Pharmacy in the Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms.

Until I interviewed her for this story, I had never met Shahida Choudhry, Pharm.D., the primary pharmacist at the new Palms Pharmacy, which has been open for a few months in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms (between Ciccio Cali and Stonewood Grill & Tavern).

But, meeting this genuinely sweet, high-energy fellow New Yawka (she’s originally from Brooklyn) at her place of business for the first time felt more like reconnecting with an old friend than it did a story interview.

The New Tampa resident says that she and her family relocated to Florida a few years after she graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Long Island University in Brooklyn.

“And, what I saw was that the big chain pharmacies dominated the market here, even though their prices aren’t really that great and they can’t offer the level of service that a small, neighborhood pharmacy like ours can,” Shahida says. “Unlike those big chains, we are community-based and focus on each of our patients’ specific needs and requirements. We want to partner with you to help assist you in providing the best care and attention you deserve.”

The Palms Pharmacy, which also includes pharmacy technician Naivis Valdes, helps you feel at home with its warm, earthy decor and truly competitive pricing that those big chains should be able to match on your over-the-counter (OTC) medications and prescriptions, but they choose not to do so.

So, how does a small, neighborhood pharmacy compete on price? Shahida says that she has found a great wholesaler who makes sure that her prices beat or are at least on a par with what you can find at the large superstores, without the long lines and colorful clientele you’ll find at those impersonal department store-type locations.

And, although the Palms Pharmacy is still adding new items all the time — especially those that their customers demand — Shahida delivers on her price promise, at least based on my experience so far.

I selected four over-the-counter items available at Palms Pharmacy that I buy fairly regularly and compared the store’s prices to those at one of the national chains located just up the street. As it turns out, not only was the pricing better at Palms Pharmacy, I believe that it would be worth paying the same or a little more in order to get the caring, personalized service with a smile that every customer at Palms Pharmacy receives.

I started with 100 caplets of Extra Strength Tylenol. The local chain’s price was $9.99 for Tylenol and $7.99 for the chain’s own generic equivalent. The Tylenol was a little more expensive at the Palms Pharmacy, but the generic equivalent cost only $3.59, or less than half of the generic cost at the chain.

The next item I selected was the Mucinex 1200 mg (of guaifenesin), which was on sale at the chain store for $13.99 (reduced from the $17.29 regular price) for 14 tablets. The same item’s regular price at the Palms Pharmacy was just $13.09, a 90-cent savings over the chain store’s sale price.

All of the items I selected cost less at Palms Pharmacy than they did at the chain and Shahida says she has no plans to add foodstuffs, greeting cards and other items that you don’t need to buy at  a “drug store.”

“The only items we’re adding are those OTC medications and natural probiotic-type products that our customers request,” she says. As an example, I told her that although the store had a nice selection of liquid tears, I didn’t see the brands of contact lens rewetting drops I like and she said she would be happy to add them.

“We’ve purposely left some space on our shelves for customer requests,” Shahida says. “We want you to know that this truly is your neighborhood pharmacy.”

More Than Just OTC Meds

In addition to OTC medications and health care items, the Palms Pharmacy also has a very competitively priced selection of not just vitamins, but also probiotics and other nutritional supplements (top photo on next page), many of which are free of gluten and other allergens, for adults and children. There’s also flavored medications available for children and pets and yes, the Palms Pharmacy also compounds medications in the store. 

Speaking of those healthy options, if I were you, I’d ask Shahida and Naivis for a sample of the all-natural ZumBar soaps (right), which claim that if they were, “Any more natural, you’d be naked.”

And, if you’re into aromatherapy, the Palms Pharmacy carries the complete Now Essential Oils line. You’ll also find infertility supplements and diabetic supplies. Palms Pharmacy also offers local delivery of your medications and other purchases and accepts major insurance plans. Shahida even promises easy prescription transfers for those who would prefer to relax and enjoy a free cup of coffee if there is a wait, rather than wait in line with the masses.

For info about the Palms Pharmacy (17008 Palm Pointe Dr), which is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., call 252-9063, visit ThePalmsPharmacy.com or see the ad on page 14 of this issue. The store is a member business of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and held a WCCC ribbon cutting a few months ago.