Einstein Bros. Bagels Coming Soon To BBD 

Wesley Chapel residents are apparently already excited about the sign that went up in the plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (just south of S.R. 56) that also is home to Nutrition Smart that Einstein Bros. Bagels is opening in the plaza. 

As soon as I was alerted to the sign by readers Marisa and Theo Panopoulos, I had a nice chat with Kurt, a Wesley Chapel resident who is the general manager of the closest currently open Einstein Bros. location (on E. Fowler Ave., near USF). 

Kurt told me that although the Einstein Bros. corporate entity (both of these locations are corporate-owned, not franchises) was hoping to have the Wesley Chapel location open by the end of May, “It looks like sometime in late July or early August is more likely.” Kurt also said he believes he will end up moving to become the GM at the new store. 

In the meantime, Wesley Chapel still has a Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. on S.R. 54 west of I-75, at the front of The Grove, as well as Zio’s NY Bagels & Deli Co. in the Pebble Creek Collection on BBD, about 2.5 miles south of the planned Einstein Bros. Also, check out the reopened Bagels Plus on E. Fletcher Ave. — GN 

Tampa City Ballet Brings Beautiful, New Life To ‘Don Quixote’ At NTPAC 

Jannah and I were sad that we weren’t able to attend either performance of the classical ballet “Don Quixote,” as performed by the Tampa City Ballet, at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) the weekend of March 21-23. 

The good news is that our photographer Charmaine George was able to attend and take the beautiful photos on this page. Charmaine says that Tampa City Ballet artistic director and choreographer Paula Nuñez, Ballet Master Osmany Montano, who also portrayed Sancho Panza, the servant of protagonist Don Quixote de La Mancha (portrayed by Wilson de los Santos), Kali Bartasavich (who played Don Quixote’s “Beloved Fantasy” Dulcinea and the entire cast of “Don Quixote” all did an amazing job of bringing renowned Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century novel to life. 

Charmaine also particularly raved about the costumes and sets (which also are hallmarks of all Tampa City Ballet performances) and was hopeful that her pictures could do justice to this amazing spectacle! 

For more info about the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Tampa City Ballet (TampaCityBallet.org) or the ballet company’s incredible school, the Tampa City Dance Center (15365 Amberly Dr.) — which trains dancers of all skill levels in many different dance genres — call (813) 558-0800, visit TCDanceCenter.com For more info about Tampa City Ballet’s upcoming fund-raising gala “La Septima Society,” see the ad above. — GN 

Grilltopia Brings South American Cuisine To The KRATEs! 

Photos by Charmaine George

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homes For Our Troops Introduces Community To Future Wesley Chapel Residents 

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

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

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

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

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

The Lawrence family is about to arrive at Pinecrest Academy. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Charmaine George

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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