The last time New Tampa had its own bagel place, it was called The Ultimate Bagel, which closed its location in Tampa Palms about 20 years ago.
In other words, the people in the community just south of Wesley Chapel have been waiting quite a while for a true New York-stye bagel place to open in zip code 33647.
Well, the wait it over, as Jeff Cofini (left in photo) and his nephew Nick Cignarella have opened Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli in the Pebble Creek Collection (at 19651 BBD Blvd.) and yes, the bagels are legit!
My fried egg, bacon and cheese (photo left) on a sesame bagel was outstanding and Zio’s has not only your favorite bagel varieties, but also everything cheddar, cheddar bacon (with real strips of bacon baked in) and more.
Breakfast, including freshly-made omelets, is available all day, but don’t forget the Boar’s Head meat-and-cheese sandwiches, like The Melvin (below, left) with pastrami,, corned beef, melted Swiss & cole slaw.
For info, call (813) 388-9498 or visit “Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli” on Facebook. — GN, photos by Charmaine George & GN
Attorney & Wesley Chapel resident Cela Webster’s Chapel Legal in Tampa Palms can help with all of your estate planning & family law needs. (Photo by Charmaine George).
When Cela Webster opened Chapel Legal just eight months ago, it was both a homecoming and the culmination of a career that has prepared her to help clients in the areas of family law and estate planning.
Chapel Legal is located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off of Commerce Palms Blvd., near the Bruce B. Downs exit of I-75. While Cela is available for in-person consultations at her office location, she says many clients prefer to talk on the phone or meet virtually via a videoconferencing app.
Most often, she helps families who need custody arrangements for children, or need to modify arrangements that have already been made. She can help with divorce, adoption, and other family matters, as well.
Chapel Legal also helps people create a will, designate a healthcare surrogate, set up power of attorney or guardianship, and other important areas of estate planning.
And, Cela also has developed a specialty in church law, where she helps churches with all types of legal questions — from employee matters to Covid compliance. “A couple of them (churches) have me on speed dial,” she says. “I just never know what they’re going to ask.”
But, Cela says, she’s always prepared no matter what they ask her, thanks to a long and varied career that has exposed her to many courtrooms and legal opinions in both Florida and New York.
Cela left her hometown of Temple Terrace after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida. She says the plan was to go to New York for law school and then return home to practice.
She started off on that path, earning her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Syracuse University College of Law in Syracuse, NY, in 2000.
She then took an extended stay of almost two decades before she came back.
“I tell people I was there ‘on accident’ for 19 years,” she laughs.
During those years, Cela started off in family law, worked for legal aid and served as an attorney in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. She also served as Chief of Staff for a judge within that district, learning the ins and outs behind the scenes and writing legal opinions.
When it was finally time to come back to Florida in 2015, she and her husband, J. Matt Webster, Ph.D., moved their family — including three children — to Wesley Chapel. As we reported last issue, their son Jack recently graduated from Wiregrass Ranch High and will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, this fall. Their daughter Eliana is now 16 and their son Nathan is 12.
Upon her return to the Tampa Bay area, Cela went to work for Bay Area Legal Services. Looking for a change of pace, she then served as general counsel for Hernando County for three years.
With her wide variety of experience, she says, “I’ve worked on every kind of case on the planet.”
That’s when she decided to take the leap into her own private practice. Cela says this gives her the opportunity to serve clients exactly the way she wants to, which starts with being a good listener and explaining to her clients that — although they may not get everything they want — they will be heard, have good representation, and an attorney who truly cares about them.
“Family law isn’t like the ads you see on TV where lawyers promise to win your case for you,” she says. “It’s got its own rules and standards. Everyone compromises a little bit so that the settlement is fair. It’s not black and white like prosecution and defense.”
In addition to family law, Cela is an expert in estate planning who can help make sure you have the necessary documents in place to protect your loved ones.
A Very Personal Example…
She shares her own personal story so that people understand how important estate planning can be. Even as an attorney who specializes in this area, she unexpectedly found herself in a situation where her mom became temporarily incapacitated, but Cela couldn’t make decisions on her behalf in the hospital because she didn’t have all of the required paperwork beforehand to do so.
Thankfully, her mom recovered quickly and they immediately signed the necessary paperwork so that would never happen again. While Cela certainly didn’t expect to find herself in that situation, she uses her story to help people understand that the time to execute documents such as a Power of Attorney and Healthcare Surrogate is long before you think they will be needed.
Cela is licensed to practice in both New York and Florida, but she is fully focused on serving families in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.
A local business owner named Ann recently hired Chapel Law to help with an amendment to her will.
“Cela was wonderful to work with,” Ann says. “She’s professional, supportive and clearly knows her stuff.”
Ann says the process was educational for her and her husband, as Cela coached them through nuances and loopholes. “Cela helped us through some tough decisions and was a very good coach,” Ann says. “She is an excellent attorney all around.”
Cela says she considers it a privilege to serve her neighbors and work as a small operation, answering her own phone calls and making it a priority to be available to her clients, including quickly and personally answering all of their emails.
“I’m just a regular person who loves what I do,” she says.
While many attorneys don’t offer a free consultation, Cela says it’s important to her that people have an opportunity to ask questions before they determine whether or not to hire her.
“In fact, if people have a question about whether or not their issue is even an issue, I’m happy to discuss it. Will a judge consider making the change you’re asking? Let’s talk about it,” she says.
And, she’s happy to talk about it in Spanish or English.
As someone who is Cuban and Salvadorian — and a native Spanish speaker — Cela has no problem working with those who only speak Spanish or who prefer to communicate about the sometimes complicated issues of family law in their native language.
Chapel Legal is located at 17425 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite 202. If you need help with a family law or estate planning matter, Chapel Legal attorney Cela Webster offers a free phone consultation. For more information, visit ChapelLegal.com, call (813) 524-6393.
Dr. Hasan Suleiman of Your DPC in the Pebble Creek Professional Park wants to help you save money while still receiving quality primary care medical services. (Photo by Charmaine George)
Seeing a primary care medical provider is very important – but it isn’t cheap — especially (usually) for those without health insurance. However, Dr. Hasan Suleiman, the physician and founder behind Your DPC, a newly opened doctor’s office in the Pebble Creek Professional Park that offers a more personalized approach to primary care without breaking the bank, is trying to change that.
DPC stands for “Direct Primary Care,” a healthcare model that allows physicians to offer primary care services without traditional insurance billing. Instead of paying copays or deductibles, Your DPC charges a fixed monthly “membership” rate for primary care appointments — just $59/month for children from birth to 17 years old and $99/month for adults ages 18 and older.
Members have access to unlimited visits with Dr. Suleiman with no copays or hidden fees. Appointments can be same day or next day and are never rushed, to allow for comprehensive exams and thorough doctor-patient discussions. If you are unable to see the doctor in person, you also can reach him by phone, text, e-mail or virtually.
After appointments, if members need to get lab tests or imaging performed outside of the office, or medications from the pharmacy, Dr. Suleiman negotiates directly with clinical labs, radiology offices and pharmacies to offer discounted rates to Your DPC’s patients.
Dr. Suleiman is experienced in treating high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, weight management and urgent care needs. “Primary care — annual physicals, check-ups, follow-ups, urgent care, preventative care, and thorough patient education — is my bread and butter,” he says.
Dr. Suleiman is a Board-certified family medicine doctor with more than 10 years of experience. He received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from the University of Illinois Chicago and his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados. After graduation, he completed three years of family medicine residency training with Wayne State University School of Medicine at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital (formerly Crittenton Hospital) in Rochester, MI.
He has been married for seven years to his wife Lisa and together, they have four children — two daughters and two sons. Moving from Chicago to Wesley Chapel in 2021, the Suleiman family enjoys outdoors time of all kinds, from the beach to amusement parks to walking on nature trails.
“We’re very happy to have moved here — with no regrets,” says Dr. Suleiman. “This is a family-friendly area with lots of parks and things to do.”
Can you picture that traditional family doctor dashing over with his briefcase to make house calls? Dr. Suleiman has that vision for himself and his patients, too.
“I was deliberate in picking my home and office locations,” shares Dr. Suleiman. “I wanted to work close to home and live close to my patients so that I can see them during odd hours and respond to urgent calls. I am always available in times of need for my patients.”
Will I Still Need Insurance?
As with the 1,600+ other DPC offices across the country, Your DPC does not accept insurance — intentionally — in order to bypass the complicated paperwork, higher charges, and time spent back and forth when billing insurance companies for routine healthcare services.
Dr. Suleiman explains this powerfully with a common example.
“Take a patient who tears the rotator cuff in his shoulder,” says Dr. Suleiman. “Normally, if he goes through his insurance, he would get a physical exam first, then an x-ray. An exam and x-ray might not be enough to show internal injuries, but usually insurance companies do not allow you to order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) right away. The patient may need to take medication and receive physical therapy for 3-6 months first before his insurance will cover an MRI. But, this recommended order of events may delay surgery and worsen the injury.”
He adds, however, “If I can see the patient without insurance, I could order an MRI if warranted right away for typically 80-90% less than with insurance,” Dr. Suleiman says. “An MRI with insurance may cost $2,000-$6,000, but I can charge $200- $300. This can confirm whether surgery is needed quickly, without delay.
But, the doctor stresses that — yes — you still should carry insurance with Your DPC because specialty medical services and hospital care do not fall under Your DPC’s primary care services.
“Your DPC increases accessibility, convenience and affordability for primary care,” Dr. Suleiman explains. “Our goal is to optimize your health and minimize specialist visits and hospitalizations, but you should still not pay out of pocket for emergency room visits, specialist appointments, and hospitalizations, if they are needed.”
Your DPC has a referral system in place to coordinate care with specialists and hospital physicians. “I have met with many specialists and hospital staff in the area to build relationships for situations that require referral or hospital admission,” says Dr. Suleiman. “For example, I have talked with the AdventHealth hospitals and we have an agreement that if any of my patients receive hospital care with them, I would be able to access my patients’ electronic medical records. This helps me stay informed of any treatment or medication changes, so I can continue them after discharge and monitor my patients’ progress.”
Truly, the sweet spot for someone with employer-based insurance to combine their insurance with the DPC model is to obtain a high deductible health plan (HDHP). This type of insurance has lower monthly payroll deductions but higher deductibles than the preferred provider organization (PPO) health plans. This means less money from your salary goes towards your healthcare, but if you do need outpatient healthcare services, you will have to pay a much higher deductible first, before your insurance kicks in, and your copays will be higher too. Thankfully, Your DPC bypasses insurance, so HDHP patients won’t have to pay that deductible, just the monthly membership rate.
This may all sound complicated and perhaps too good to be true, but the best way to understand how it works is to meet with the doctor to see if Your DPC can work for you. That’s exactly what David Schoonover of New Tampa says about his experience with Your DPC.
David has had HDHP insurance through his job for years. He learned about DPC through a friend and after doing his own research, and decided to get a Your DPC membership about three months ago, as it is one of the only DPC offices in the area.
Since then, he has already seen Dr. Suleiman four times. “The first appointment was an introductory visit, but I went back because I needed to change medications,” says David. “After that, Dr. Suleiman scheduled a follow-up appointment to check on my progress and I’ve continued to see him as needed since.”
He adds, “It is really nice to be able to see the same doctor each time and appointments are not stacked right on top of each other, so he has always enough time for me. Previously, I got my primary care at a clinic and I could never get same-day or even next-day appointments. Also, I usually did not see the same doctor each time. It is really nice to build a relationship with just one doctor.”
Dr. Suleiman says that for the average patient, navigating getting the right amount of insurance to supplement a Your DPC membership can be tricky. But thankfully, Your DPC partners with insurance specialists who can build custom insurance plans to avoid redundancies between insurance coverage and Your DPC membership services.
In fact, one specialty of Your DPC is to help self-employed people and small business owners create self-funded insurance plans through Your DPC to provide health insurance to themselves and their employees.
“We’ve been able to save families nearly $1,000 a month and many businesses up to 50% while providing a higher level of care,” says Dr. Suleiman proudly.
Can Medicare patients join Your DPC? The answer is not now, but soon.
“At this time, Medicare recipients are able to join our waiting list,” says Dr. Suleiman. “Our office has to opt out of Medicare and that process takes some time. Medicare does not cover DPC so Medicare patients will need to sign a one-time waiver to declare that Medicare should not be billed for our primary care services. But, Medicare will still cover any laboratory testing, imaging, medications or hospitalizations prescribed by our office.”
He adds that, similar to people with HDHP insurance, people with Medicare, “can save money by switching to Plan A and Plan D coverage only and put the money saved by not paying for Part B towards a Your DPC membership.”
Call or e-mail Your DPC to schedule a free initial visit or get more information about tailored insurance plans. Right now, Dr. Suleiman is waiving the $100 enrollment fee during the grand opening of his new office, which ends July 1st. But, if you mention the Neighborhood News at your first appointment, Dr. Suleiman will extend that offer to you until August 1.
Your DPC is located at 8907 Regents Park Dr., Suite 370. The office is open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, call (813) 563-9542, visit YourDPC.net, e-mail info@yourdpc.net
Whether the new look you seek includes beautiful drapes (above left) or sun-blocking shades (below left), Chris and Megan Taylor (below right, with their children Penelope, George & Jackson) of Gotcha Covered of North Tampa literally have “gotcha covered!” (All photos supplied by Chris Taylor)
Windows bring light and air into our homes, stores, offices, and indoor facilities. In most cases, our windows need some type of window treatment — options to cover them after dark and for privacy. Whether you need something simple versus something statement-making, or you need motorization, insulation, or darkening, Gotcha Covered of North Tampa has “gotcha covered.”
Available window treatments include hard options, such as blinds and shutters, and soft options, such as shades, draperies and curtains.
Gotcha Covered of North Tampa owners Chris and Megan Taylor pride themselves on offering an extensive selection of window treatments. The company has more than a dozen different types of blinds, including traditional aluminum and vertical blinds, but also stylish honeycomb and S-curve blinds as well as newer cordless and insulating blinds. There also are 11 types of shades, including exterior patio shades, banded or zebra shades, woven bamboo shades and sunscreens (or roller shades).
Also available are four different types of shutters, from wood and wood composite to Polycore (a PVC plastic polymer base with aluminum core) and vinyl, and a variety of drapery and curtain options and all window treatments are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
For each different type of window treatment, you can add motorization and “smart home” options that will allow you to open and close them with a remote or an app for your smart phone, or even set a schedule based on a timer or sun sensor.
Want to go cordless or add insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency? Gotcha Covered can handle all of that for you, too.
Meet Chris & Megan
With so many options, where do you start? Whether you’re ready to bring your own ideas to life — or you just want help from the get-go — just contact Chris, your design consultant. It’s easy to make an appointment by phone or with only a few quick clicks on the company’s website.
At Gotcha Covered of North Tampa, you will work with Chris every step of the way. Although virtual appointments are available, Chris suggests that your first meeting with him should be in your own home.
“You can’t really design window treatments for your home (or office) online,” Chris says. “You need to see them against your walls. I always say that we should come to you. Our customers never have to leave the comfort of their couches. We can take measurements, show samples and give other recommendations based on seeing the design and décor of your home.”
Chris has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and commercial and residential building materials. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, OH, in 2002 and has worked for CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain, which make interior and exterior building and construction materials for North American and global markets. Chris’ wife and business partner, Megan, brings her background in pharmaceutical sales to the business.
Originally from the Midwest, Chris and Megan have lived in Wesley Chapel since 2020. They have three children, five-year-old Jackson, George (age 3), and 10-month-old Penelope, and they have a fourth little one on the way. The Taylors love exploring the amusement parks and beaches across Florida with their kids.
Family is important to Chris and Megan, so when they decided to go into business together, their shared vision was to be able to provide personalized service. Chris says that Gotcha Covered offered the right mix of having a wide selection and cutting-edge, quality materials with a boutique selling experience.
“Since we have locations across the country, we’ve developed great relationships with our vendors and have strong buying power,” Chris says. “We also have a tech-forward platform that creates a seamless buying experience.”
He adds, “At the same time, we make it easy to work with us. We believe in making clients for life and will help you with expert recommendations and planning within your budget.”
Chris notes that Gotcha Covered of North Tampa’s top sellers include roller shades, cellular or honeycomb shades and blinds, and motorized shades and blinds.
Reginald Summers recently worked with Chris to install motorized blinds throughout his home. “After (some) planning and placing orders, everything is finally together and I am very pleased with the final products,” Reginald says. “Good quality and (everything) looks very good in my home. I have gotten many compliments about the work.”
Another recent customer, Nicole Levy, purchased honeycomb shades for her home, and she highly recommends working with Chris and Gotcha Covered of North Tampa. “Chris came out to provide a quote and suggestions and was super helpful throughout the process,” she says. “[There was] a wide selection of blinds to choose from and we could not be more happy with the final product! From choosing the product to installation, Chris made the entire process quick and easy!”
Chris adds that another specialty of his business is providing treatment options for oversized windows.
“As homes get larger, windows get bigger, and not everyone offers single window treatments for these big windows,” he says. “When you have to do two roller shades instead of one on a large window, it changes the aesthetic. Most people love to have that clean look of just one roller shade.”
Gotcha Covered has 158 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with 27 locations in Florida. The company offers commercial and residential window treatments for interior and exterior windows. The North Tampa location is based in Wesley Chapel, but also serves the surrounding areas of New Tampa, Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills and San Antonio.
To schedule a free design consultation at your home or office, or virtually, with Gotcha Covered of North Tampa, call (813) 576-2740 visit GotchaCovered.com/north-tampa.
Co-owner John Nguyen is usually at the front desk when you visit Noire Nail Bar, across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets. (Photos by Charmaine George)
As soon as you walk into Noire Nail Bar of Wesley Chapel, your stresses will begin to melt away. Looking at the massive nail polish wall and the opulent, yet cozy, seating areas for manicures and separated pedicure “pods” just puts your mind at ease.
Noire Nail Bar first opened its doors in 2018 on the north side of S.R. 56, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets, next to Mellow Mushroom. Owned by John and Vanessa Nguyen, the salon now has 18 employees to perform manicures, pedicures and a number of spa treatments.
Entire families can enjoy their pedicures together separated from other Noire customers.
The salon offers several packages beyond the basic manicure and spa pedicure, including sports spa, citrus, milk & honey and organic spa treatments. There is even a luxury six-step collagen pedicure to rejuvenate and moisture your feet. Hot stone and hot candle wax massages can be added to any pedicure as well. Need some waxing done as well? The salon offers waxing of eyebrows, upper lip, legs, arms, Brazilian and just about everywhere else. And recently, Noire also added eyelash extensions.
All guests are given a complimentary glass of water, soda, or wine to enjoy. Technicians follow rigorous sanitization protocols, using buffers, files and paraffin wax only once before discarding them, to ensure a safe and clean experience.
Many men visit Noire Nail Bar for manicures and pedicures.Pedicures also include relaxing foot massages.
Noire Nail Bar is very family- and group-friendly. The salon offers special manicures, pedicures, nail polishing and nail designs for children under age 10. And yes, men are always welcome, too.
Also, the layout of the salon with the manicure and pedicure areas separated and the pedicure chairs in small groups that face each other adds privacy from other customers and makes it easy to enjoy with family and friends.
John, who first learned about this industry from his sister, who operated a different nail salon 10 years ago, has first-hand experience with doing nails and spa treatments, but now has stepped back to focus on running the salon.
Even so, he is very hands-on and will often answer the phone or greet customers walking into the salon himself.
“I used to do nails for customers myself, but now I am busy as a manager and running the business,” John says. “But, my experience helps me understand all the salon operations from beginning to end.”
John knows the business well, but is still hard-pressed to give you an answer when you ask him what the best and/or most popular services are at Noire.
“Everything we do is good,” he says. “When it comes to nails, we do all types — acrylic, gel, dip powder, ombré and nail designs. If you show us a picture of something you want, we can do it for you — weddings, proms, daily wear, or for any occasion.”
You can get this birthday cake nail design, or literally just about any design you can think of, at Noire.
Looking at pictures on the salon’s website and Instagram, it’s hard not to agree with him. You can find dozens of designs by Amy, Rachael, Helen, and the other salon technicians, including holiday- themed, dipping and chrome powder and even rhinestone-enhanced designs.
Customers share John’s sentiment that Noire’s technicians deliver picture-perfect work. “TL is wonderful!,” shares customer Cindy Baldwin. “She does a very nice, clean pedicure with a nice massage. Besides being very precise with your nail choice, if you want any art work, she is your girl! Any picture I have shown her she has duplicated to perfection! Another one of my choices in this salon is Vee — best pedicures ever!”
Kim Willis says she had a great first visit at Noire. “First visit for a fill at Noire with Amy,” she says. “Everything was perfect from start to finish! Amy not only did a beautiful job but did it quickly, so I didn’t have to spend half my Saturday morning at the nail salon. So happy I decided to come here! I will be back and I will be recommending Noire and Amy to everyone.”
Noire Nail Bar recommends appointments to ensure a leisurely experience, but walk-ins are always welcome. Readers of the Neighborhood News can receive 10% off all services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays by bringing the ad on page 36 of this issue with them to the salon, or by mentioning the ad when they check in.
Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd in Lutz, and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
To make an appointment, call (813) 536-0161. Be sure to visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel.com or follow @noirenailbar_wesleychapel on Instagram to see a wide array of possible nail designs.
