Democracy In Action At Bilirakis’ New Office; Plus, Congrats, Bartell Family!

So, I saw democracy in action about three weeks ago and it made me smile. Unfortunately, the people who saw me smiling thought I was laughing at them, but I wasn’t, even though some of what was happening did make quite a few people who were on hand to see it laugh, even if a little uncomfortably, and others, maybe a little afraid.

I was just doing my job — covering the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ new office at the Chamber office in The Grove plaza in Wesley Chapel on May 9 — when an obviously organized protest with about 25 people holding signs basically blocked the Chamber’s front door.

Thankfully, it was a peaceful protest…those holding the signs and chanting certainly did not keep anyone who was there to celebrate the ribbon cutting from going in. On the other hand, several attendees mentioned that they were happy a deputy from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) was on hand to ensure that peace was maintained.

It seemed, from the signs and the chanting going on, that most of the protesters weren’t happy that Rep. Bilirakis voted for what the Congressman called the ‘first phase’ of the bill to repeal and replace Obamacare. I understood why some people were upset with that. What surprised me were the sign-holders who claimed that Bilirakis didn’t support veterans health care.

That really surprised me because, as long as I’ve known Gus (who is the senior Republican on House Committee for Veterans Affairs) veterans’ issues have always been at the top of his agenda, even though Rep. Bilirakis’ last challenger for his District 12 Congressional seat,  Democrat Robert Tager, consistently tried, unsuccessfully, to show that Bilirakis wasn’t the supporter of U.S. vets that he claims to be.

But, what shocked me the most that afternoon was that Rep. Bilirakis didn’t in any way try to insulate himself from the obviously angry crowd. To the contrary, as soon as his ribbon cutting (which was held inside the Chamber office) was over, the Congressman first stepped outside to address those who were unhappy with him. He answered several questions, with people chanting in his face, and invited the protestors inside, 5 or 6 at a time, so he could address their criticisms and concerns as individually and completely as time — and his protesting constituents themselves — would allow.

As a long-time non-politico in a too-political world whose job it has been to cover more politicians and elections than I ever thought possible, there’s no doubt I was smiling as I witnessed democracy in action months removed from any election. Whether you were on the side of those laying on the concrete, chanting and holding signs, or the U.S. Congressman who gave every one of those antagonists the opportunity to be heard by an elected official they supposedly hated, if that tableau didn’t make you proud to be an American, then you’re very different than I am.

“Rep. Bilirakis, I have disagreed with every vote you’ve made since you took office.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Were you in favor of or against the federal budget this year?”

“Against, why?’

“Because I voted against it, too. Maybe we don’t always disagree on every issue?”

“Then yes, maybe that is true.”

Ahhh, democracy. Ya gotta love it!

Congrats To The Bartells

Congratulations go out to my friend Paul Bartell, his wife Jamie and their son James, as the Sean Bartell Foundation held its second annual spaghetti dinner, held a WCCC ribbon cutting and gave away its 10th $1,000 to Wesley Chapel High grad ((and future WCNT-tv contributor) Chase Oknefski from the proceeds from the Foundation’s previous events. The dinner, donated by Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering (see ad on page 40) at the Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel Fellowship Hall on S.R. 54, attracted more than 100 people, served as the official launch of the Foundation, which is why a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.

I’ve seen the effort the Bartell family has put into the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for many years. Now that Paul is focusing more of his “free time” on the nonprofit named for James’ brother Sean (who lost his battle with a rare skin condition in 2014), watch out!

The Cake Girl Can Deliver Decadent, Fresh Baked Goods Directly To You!

If you’re like me, you probably have trouble trusting anyone who doesn’t love dessert. (Just kidding….sorta.)

OK, I know…fat, calories, gluten, sugar, etc. But, while I could still stand to lose a few pounds, I know that eating a delicious dessert releases endorphins that make me feel good and I’ve never been subject to sugar crashes.

In other words, although I didn’t know Kristina Lavallee when she first became The Cake Girl in 2010, I am thrilled that she now has her The Cake Girl LLC mobile bakery trailer that you may have seen parked at Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI), serving a delicious variety of freshly-baked cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies and even real ice cream.

Kristina credits her husband Kirby for finding and customizing her mobile unit last year so she could expand her budding bakery/dessert business and provide samples of her wares at festivals (like the recent Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel at FHCI) and other special events like birthday parties and even weddings.

“I can literally bake and transport thousands of mini cupcakes in this mobile unit,” Kristina told me during our interview for this story. “The kitchen inside the unit is always immaculate and everywhere I bring the trailer, people get excited, especially kids.”

So, What About Those Baked Goods?         

But, no matter how colorful or attractive her mobile unit may be, Kristina wouldn’t be a success today if her baked goods weren’t delicious.

Although I’ve never had one of her custom birthday cakes (at least not yet), Kristina can create virtually any kind of cake your heart desires, from traditional round cakes to a cake shaped like a baseball bat or even a famous Disney character.

I will say that I have really enjoyed her mini-cupcakes, which also are available in a wide variety of flavors. My favorites (not surprisingly) are all chocolate and/or peanut butter-based, but she definitely has a way of keeping the cupcakes moist and the icing creamy and delicious, no matter what flavor you choose.

And, when displayed so beautifully in the window of her mobile unit, it’s even harder to decide on a cupcake variety.

In addition, although I’m not usually the biggest carrot cake fan, I will say that Kristina’s is again, noticeably moister than most and her sour cream icing is pretty much second to none.

When I interviewed her for this story, Kristina smartly remembered to bring me a big sample of my favorite item she makes so far. 

Kristina, who attended the University of Central Florida College of Hospitality Management in Orlando, offers a nice variety of brownies, blondies and “brookies” (brownie-cookies), although my favorites are her chewy, double-fudge brownies. I went crazy for them during the Taste and continue to bug her for additional samples on an ongoing basis.

And yes, she does also make gluten-free cupcakes and cakes, although I can’t personally vouch for them because I usually order mine with extra gluten.

Ice Cream, Too?         

Of course, it’s even harder for me to resist a delicious brownie topped with real ice cream, and Kristina doesn’t disappoint those of us who love a decadent brownie sundae. I’ve only sampled the cookie dough and vanilla flavors to date, but both were creamy and not overly sweet.

“The ice cream is made here in Florida and there are a lot of great flavors and toppings available,” she says. “We can even make you delicious banana splits.”

So, whether you want to host a great kids’ birthday party, or you simply want to order a magnificent custom cake for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, a birthday, wedding or any other special occasion, you owe it to yourself to give The Cake Girl a try. And, best of all, Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News readers get 10-percent-off Kristina’s already-low prices on any order if they mention this story or the ad on page 50 of this issue.

To place an order or for more info about The Cake Girl LLC, call (813) 360-0909, or search “The Cake Gril, LLC” on Facebook or “TheCakeGirlLLC” on Twitter or Instagram. And yes, pickup and delivery are available.

‘Extra’ Star Mario Lopez Attracts A Crowd Of 1,100 To Wesley Chapel Nissan!

Although I was already 30 when TV star Mario Lopez began his five-year run as AC Slater in the “Saved By the Bell” TV series, I remember that not only was I a fan of the show, but so were my sons, neither of whom had yet reached double digits when the original “Saved By the Bell” series ended in 1994.

Today, Lopez is starting his tenth year as the co-host of the Emmy Award-winning daily syndicated “Extra” TV series. So, what was this Hollywood star doing in Wesley Chapel on April 22?

Lopez spent the day with Wesley Chapel Nissan owner Jay Rosario, including a four-hour appearance at the dealership, which was named the first Motor Trend magazine-certified auto dealership in Florida, meaning that the dealership’s pre-owned side only sells pre-owned vehicles that have been certified (inspected, upgraded and guaranteed) by Motor Trend.

“It’s a big honor,” Wesley Chapel Nissan  public relations manager and Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber Ambassador Troy Stevenson. “We wanted to reach as many people as possible with the news about Motor Trend and Mario Lopez sure delivered.”

In fact, a crowd estimated at 1,100 people by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office — which was on-hand in force for the event and of which Rosario, executive GM Joey Falcon and their staff have been major supporters — came to see Mario, who threw Wesley Chapel Nissan T-shirts, posed for pictures and signed autographs for dozens of excited guests the last couple of hours of the event, which included giving away more than 900 hot dogs. Some of those attendees also got to enjoy gourmet cuisine like filet mignon sliders provided by Vesh Catering in the VIP area inside the dealership.

Rosario, an Orange County Sheriff’s Office reservist who lives in Orlando (where he owns Celebrity Nissan), was one of the first people allowed inside the Pulse Night Club following the mass shooting tragedy there in June of last year. I hope to be able to discuss both the aftermath of that horrible event with him and his support of Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco in a future episode of WCNT-tv and in these pages. — Gary Nager

Editorial: Musings About Jameis Winston, The Rotary’s Duck Derby & WCNT-tv!

Jameis Winston

As I reported in a new commentary segment on WCNT-tv that you can watch now on YouTube and Facebook, I was fortunate to be invited by the University Area Community Development Center (CDC) on N. 22nd St. in the University of South Florida area of Tampa to see Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (photo, right), who literally spent the better part of an entire afternoon hanging out with the families who live near the CDC.

About a month before the NFL draft, Jameis was asked by his barber, who owns the Who’s Nexxt Barber Shop on E. Fletcher Ave., to make an appearance at a family barbecue event at the Center and not only did he attend — along with his mom — he spent the better part of a warm, humid April afternoon posing for pictures and signing one autograph for literally every one of the 200-300 people who attended. In fact, he didn’t sit down to eat a burger until everyone in the crowd had 2-3 minutes of his complete attention.

And, Jameis didn’t just sign and pose, he interacted with as many of the kids and their families as possible — even when more than one attendee asked him to sign a Dallas Cowboys jersey. For example, when the Bucs’ talented young QB signed a pair of cleats, he’d tell the kid wearing the cleats that they, “better get results from these. I want touchdowns or pancake blocks with these. I don’t just put my name on anything and not expect results.” His genuine smile and warmth made everyone who attended the event feel like they were his good friend.

In other words, even though I (and my older son Jared) graduated from Florida and Jameis (and my younger son Jake) graduated from FSU, I am a bigger Jameis Winston fan today than I was when the Bucs took him with the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

And, with the addition of former Philadelphia and Washington WR DeSean Jackson before the draft, and top picks O.J. Howard and Justin Evans in the 2017 NFL Draft (which was still ongoing at our press time), it appears that the Bucs are serious about improving the talent around their leader and I don’t blame them.

Jameis is one superstar athlete who shines, even when the camera isn’t on him. I expect bigger things from him and the Bucs this season and even if that somehow doesn’t happen (which I doubt), I know it won’t be because of a lack of effort on the part of this future superstar QB.

And, Speaking Of WCNT-tv…

The big news is that not only we have modified the format for WCNT-tv — which now has had a reach of more than 600,000 people and all 21 episodes released to date have been viewed more than 200,000 times on Facebook and 100,000 times on YouTube — the show is now 100-percent owned by yours truly, which means there is even more we can do to promote your business — in these pages, on our WCNeighborhoodNews.com website and on our WCNT-tv YouTube and Facebook pages.

Because we found that most of the viewers weren’t watching the full episodes when they were released as much as they were the individual segments from each episode, we decided to no longer air full episodes. Instead, our News, Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) Featured Business, Neighborhood Dining News and Entertainment Calendar segments will each be released individually. For our Episode 21, the News and Entertainment segments were released on April 21, while the Dining (about Little Italy’s Family Restaurant & Catering, see ad on pg. 50) and WCCC Featured Business (about the Palms Pharmacy in Tampa Palms) were released on April 28.

With yours truly now setting the prices for WCNT-tv, it’s more affordable than ever for you to advertise in these pages, on our website and for your business to be a WCCC Featured Business on WCNT-tv!

In other words, email ads@wcnt-tv.com or call 910-2575 today to get more info about our new bundle and to get your WCNT-tv segment scheduled!

That’s Just Ducky…

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, which will host its second annual Duck Derby on Sunday, May 21, beginning at 1 p.m. This year’s family-friendly Derby will kick off from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Hall at 4220 Land O’Lakes Blvd. (U.S. Hwy. 41) and will again feature food, fun and those cute rubber duckies racing to win prizes for attendees and raise money to benefit Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco’s K-9 Association.

For more info about the Duck Derby, see the ad on pg. 17, visit the Club any Wed. at noon at Quail Hollow Country Club or visit WCRotary.org/Duck-Derby.

Feel At Home At Kiran Indian Grocery Store On Cross Creek Blvd.

With more than 8,000 items in a store of only 1,200 sq. ft., you might be surprised at the variety of products available at Kiran Indian Grocery. You’ll find everything from beauty products to Masala spice mixes and delicious chocolate, juices and cookies.

EVEN IF you’re not originally from the sub-continent of India, even if you’ve never really loved Indian food, I know you’ll find something you like or want or need if you visit the Kiran Indian Grocery, located on Cross Creek Blvd. in the Cross Creek Center plaza, next to Saffron Indian Cuisine.

The one thing I know for sure is that you won’t find better people than the owners, Kiran and Sudeer (photo on this page; I won’t even try to spell their last name correctly).

Although Kiran is the one who is almost always at the store, she gives credit to Sudeer, a software engineer who handles the books for the popular, albeit tiny (1,200-sq.-ft.) grocery for being “my support system, my partner.”

Theirs is a story of true love so unique that Sudeer wrote a novel (his first) about their life together called No Big Deal. If you think the Indian people are boring because they’re usually so polite and proper, read this book. Sudeer approaches their often difficult life together with the same genuine sweetness and sense of humor he and his wife always show in person. 

What About The Store?

Kiran opened her first store in the Pebble Creek Collection in 2003. She moved it to E. Fowler Ave. in 2010, but found a new location where more of her original New Tampa customers could more easily visit on Cross Creek Blvd. in 2014.

“Really, all of my customers who still live here have followed me wherever I have opened,” says Kiran. “I love my customers and always remember the products they purchase, even if it’s been years since I’ve seen them.”

In other words, if you previously were a customer at either of Kiran’s previous two locations, don’t be surprised if she remembers you by what you bought at her store. She is an absolute expert at knowing what products to stock for her customers, which is no small feat, as the people in every state in India don’t just have different cuisines, they actually speak entirely different languages from each other. That means that Kiran has to learn enough of these other languages to stock as many of the products as possible that people from every part of the world’s second most populous country (as well as from Pakistan and Middle eastern countries, too; she even has an assortment of Halal meats) will purchase.

“I feel a little like a doctor,” Kiran says. “I have had to learn enough of these other languages to know how to stock many of the same items made by different companies because my customers won’t buy the same products from different parts of India than the ones they grew up with.”

In other words, if you’re looking for Masala spice mixes, teas and even rice, Kiran crams about 8,000 items into her little store, including multiple brand names and options from virtually every part of India to satisfy her customers.

I’m not knowledgeable enough about India or the different cuisines favored by each area to know anything about what to buy at Kiran Indian Grocery. The good news is that Kiran does. Every time I visited the store to research this story, she gave me different items to sample, from fresh cilantro, Indian radishes and cucumbers to some of the most delicious chocolate and cookies you’ll find anywhere (more on all of that sweet stuff below).

I consider myself to be relatively adventurous when it comes to trying different foods, but I’ve never been partial to any kind of curry or chutney, which of course, are among the staples of many Indian cuisines. To date, I have enjoyed the frozen veggie and chicken-and-veggie samosas Kiran has given me to sample, and her fresh fruits and vegetables (some of which are organic) are always outstanding.

I have brought back coconut milk, mango juices and items like the peanut chikki bars (sort of like peanut brittle), spicy cashews, pickles and surprisingly salty dried banana chips for everyone in the office to sample and I have enjoyed the unique lower-glycemic-index basmati rice Kiran suggested for those who have or are trying to avoid getting diabetes.

But, there’s no doubt that my favorite items at Kiran Indian Grocery are the Indian and British versions of such standards as Kit-Kat and Cadbury bars, which definitely taste better than their American counterparts, as well as chocolate wafer cookies and sandwich cookies known as “bourbon cremes,” which look like rectangular Oreos but taste a hundred times better. Yes, if you have a sophisticated sweet tooth, Kiran Indian Grocery is the place for you.

Kiran also stocks a variety of beauty products that Indian people use at the front of the store.

Speaking Of Sweet Things…

Before I ever stepped into her current store, I already had started getting to know Kiran because she is a member of the same Rotary Club of New Tampa Noon that I belong to as well.

But, while I try to help our Rotary Club by promoting its events, Kiran actually lives the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self” every day.

Kiran’s high school teacher is a member of a Rotary Club in India that has been trying to help children from her area of India who have a particular skin condition they get from often unsanitary conditions at their school. Kiran has gotten our Rotary Club to buy plates, tablecloths, napkins and glasses for the school as an international service project and is using her own money build benches for the children, so they don’t have to sit on the floor at school.

“I tell my customers that they helped pay for those benches,” Kiran says with her always-sweet-smile. “I couldn’t do it without them spending money here.”

She also provides ongoing financial support for the Humane Society of Tampa, to make sure the animals kept at the shelter are properly bathed and have their shots. “I tell them to just charge my credit card when they need something,” she says. “I just love animals.”

Kiran Indian Grocery (10042 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. every day (until 9 p.m. on Fri.-Sat.). For info, call (813) 994-6202 or see the ad on pg. 42.