Wesley Chapel Estate Planning Attorney Celebrates 100 5-Star Reviews & 2nd Location

Special to the Neighborhood News 

Now with two locations — one off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel and the other on Gunn Hwy. in the Carrollwood area, attorney Paul J. Monsanto of the Law Office of Paul James Monsanto specializes in wills, trusts & all aspects of estate planning. (Photo provided by Paul J. Monsanto) 

Life changes — sometimes in wonderful ways, sometimes without warning. A new child, an unexpected illness and other major transitions can shift everything. While we adapt to life’s changes every day, many people avoid planning for one certainty we all share: What happens when we’re no longer here? 

Who will protect our families? 

What happens to our assets? 

Will our wishes actually be carried out? 

Estate planning isn’t an easy topic — but failing to plan can leave families overwhelmed, stressed and navigating legal complications during the most difficult moments of their lives. 

That’s exactly what attorney Paul J. Monsanto seeks to help families avoid. 

At The Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, P.A., Paul and his team emphasize clarity, protection and peace of mind. The firm focuses on wills, trusts, probate and comprehensive family planning and also assists with long-term care planning, special needs planning, asset protection and trust administration. 

Avoiding an overcomplicated, one-size-fits-all approach, Paul believes that estate planning should be straightforward and built for real life. He believes this practical, common-sense approach to solving complex issues has fueled his firm’s reputation and growth. 

Since opening its doors in 2021, Paul’s law office has reached 100 five-star reviews on Google, a milestone that, he says, reflects consistent client satisfaction, trust and results. 

“Thanks to everyone who took the time to give us their feedback,” Paul says. “Positive word of mouth has been a crucial part of our success. I’m so happy and honored that my past clients have had such positive experiences.” 

Accompanying the reviews, clients comment that Paul thoroughly explains complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable way. Reviewers highlight the friendly, empathetic and responsive demeanor of Paul and his staff, noting that clients felt valued and understood. They also mention that documentation and processes are organized and high-quality. Paul’s clients appreciate his law office for its transparency about pricing and reasonable costs for excellent service. They add that Paul tailors estate plans to their specific needs rather than recommending unnecessary services. 

“Many people assume they need a complicated plan because of something they read online or heard from a friend or a neighbor,” Paul explains. “For most families, that simply isn’t the case. Simplicity, when done correctly, is powerful. I believe providing simplicity and value is what is driving the growth of our law practice.” 

Now With Two Locations 

Part of that growth now includes a second location. With proud roots in North Tampa Bay — the law office will mark the five-year anniversary of its Wesley Chapel location this summer — the Law Office of Paul J. Monsanto has added a second location in Carrollwood to better serve that community. 

“It’s a natural next step,” he says. “Like Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood is home to families, retirees and professionals seeking convenient access to quality estate planning services. We are going to fill that need.” 

Paul’s expertise has grown as well. He now brings more than 16 years of legal experience to every client relationship. He is licensed to practice law in both Florida and New York, holds a Finance degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and earned his Juris Doctor (J.D., or law) degree from the Duke University School of Law in Durham, NC. He practiced as a litigation attorney for major banks and insurance companies in New York City before returning home to Tampa to serve individuals and families. 

Paul’s diverse experience has shaped his understanding that no two families are alike. 

“I’ve helped single individuals, large families, blended families, same-sex couples, unmarried domestic partners, people without children, people who are on their first marriage, second marriage, third marriage — you name it!,” Paul says. “Every situation is different and every plan should reflect that.” 

The personal aspect of estate planning is what drew Paul to the practice area and why he plans to continue to practice estate law for years to come. “After practicing commercial litigation for big banks and corporations, it’s been so refreshing to help everyday people,” he says. “Speaking to my clients and hearing about their lives and their families is my favorite part of the job.” 

He adds, “The legal services industry has become so impersonal and disconnected, but dealing with a death, major illness or catastrophe is very personal. My staff is like family, and we bring that same personal touch to our clients. I hope that comes across.” 

To schedule a consultation with attorney Paul J. Monsanto, call (813) 997-5290 or visit PJMAttorneys.com. The Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, P.A., is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102, Wesley Chapel. The new Carrollwood office is located at 3808 Gunn Hwy., Tampa. 

The North Tampa Bay Chamber Has Had A Busy March 2026!

Broadcaster, Author & Professor Mike Nabors Tells The NTBC: ‘Don’t Quit, Pivot!’ 

As a fellow University of Florida College of Journalism grad, I’ll freely admit that Florida Southern College (in Lakeland) professor Mike Nabors (above), who earned his Master’s degree from USF, has had a pretty unique career. 

After more than 30 years in the broadcasting business, where he has been on-air for the New Orleans Saints (his first book, called The Brees Way, is about the career of retired Saints QB Drew Brees), the Tampa Bay Lightning, ESPN and several TV stations, Mike told nearly 100 members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) on Mar. 4 about his new book — Don’t Quit, Pivot. It tells how he was able d to pivot his own career at age 50 to become a college professor. 

“I loved being a broadcaster,” Nabors said. “But I found out that I really love teaching. I never thought I’d be on Spring Break at my age, but I can’t wait to get back to the classroom and to my students.” 

In order to become a college professor, he had to go back to school to get a Master’s degree and he admitted that he felt like Rodney Dangerfield in the movie “Back to School” — “a reference that none of my students had even heard of” — and that writing a thesis was harder than writing a book. 

“I’ve found that there are three types of working people — people who are passionate about their jobs, people who tolerate what they do and people who genuinely dislike their jobs but continue to do them for the paycheck. If you’re not passionate about your career, you shouldn’t be afraid to change it up. And, my book can show you how.” 

Nabors also started his own TV production company, the Nabors Media Group, which has produced sports documentaries, as well as videos for a number of nonprofit companies, including the Moffitt Cancer Center and Humane Society of Tampa Bay. 

For more information about Mike Nabors, visit MikeNabors.com. For the NTBC, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com or call (813) 994-8534. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George 

NTBC Ribbon-Cuttings — Woodie’s Wash Shack, Comprehensive Foot & Ankle & Dr. Rosh 

The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) continues to help local businesses announce they have arrived in our area with well-attended ribbon-cutting events. Among those in the last 45 days include the new Woodie’s Wash Shack — The Grove (next to the new Target at 5618 Oakley Blvd.) on Feb. 20; and, on Mar. 5, both Dr. Bryan Raymond’s Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Specialists (at 2816 Windguard Cir., Ste. 102, Wesley Chapel) and the new location of Dr. Roshni Ranjit-Reeves’ Doctor Rosh Oculofacial Specialist at 18311 U.S. Hwy. 41, Lutz. 

Woodie’s, which is now up to 17 Tampa Bay-area locations, hosted a great, crowded event with free car washes all day, plus free Chick-fil-A boxes, lots of free merch and more. For more information, visit WoodiesWash.com. 

Podiatrist Dr. Bryan Raymond, DPM, who moved from a smaller office on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, provides custom orthotic shoe inserts, digital X-rays, sports and regenerative medicine, non-invasive vascular testing, Softwave technology to reduce inflammation, minimally invasive surgeries performed in-office and more. 

For appointments & more info, visit CFASDoc.com, call (813) 344-1932. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Rosh — whose original office location was on S.R. 54 in Lutz (next to Brunchies), has been in her much more spacious new location for nearly two months. 

Dr. Rosh specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstruction of the eyes and their surrounding structures, including the eyelids, eyelashes, orbit, eye socket and lacrimal system. 

“We also are now able to offer in-house IV anesthesia and our surgeries in our new location,” Dr. Rosh says. “But, this place really feels more like a spa than a medical office.” For more info, call (813) 303-0123 or visit DoctorRosh.com. — GN 

More NTBC Events — Optimum Health & Wellness, Ginger Health & AdventHealth WC 

It’s been such a busy few weeks for the NTBC that we have another whole page of events to show you that were held on Mar. 12 & Mar. 18. 

Ginger Health 

On Mar. 12, Ginger Health, the office of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Ginger Le (at right in near photo), located at 27553 Cashford Cir., Suite 102, in the Summergate Professional Park in Wesley Chapel, held a very cool NTBC Open House event, with demonstrations of an Emsella Chair (below left; sitting in it is like doing thousands of kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor of both men and women), a Sensory Chair (not pictured) to help regulate your nervous system), Shockwave Therapy (below right; a non-invasive device using high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing), massage and traditional PT exercises to an appreciative crowd of attendees. 

We gave bonus points to Dr. Le for serving delicious pasta and sandwiches (bottom left) from Pasta di Guy (4839 BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel), plus large shrimp, cold cuts and more. 

For more info about Ginger Health, which also has a Temple Terrace location, call (813) 631-9700 or visit GingerHealth.com. 

Optimum Health & Wellness 

Later that same day, Optimum Health & Wellness (23031 Tabak Ln.), the office of psychiatric nurse practitioner Heather Hughes, MSN, ARNP (in pale blue in both upper far right photos), held its NTBC ribbon-cutting event to introduce her spacious new office located less than a mile from of the intersection of Collier Pkwy. and S.R. 54 in Land O’Lakes. 

“At Optimum Health & Wellness,” Heather said, “we believe true healing means caring for the whole self, not just treating isolated symptoms. Your journey may include nutrition, lifestyle support and integrative practices that bring mind and body back into alignment.” 

Optimum Health & Wellness also offers “Insight through Testing,” because, as Heather said, “We know that ental health is deeply connected to what is happening within the body. Functional lab testing helps uncover nutrient, hormone and inflammation imbalances that may be influencing how you feel.” 

For more info, call (813) 856-1515 or visit OptimumHealthandWellness.org. 

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Coffee Social 

Then, on Mar. 18, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) hosted the NTBC’s monthly Coffee Social, which moves around to different member venues every month. 

The coffee event was supposed to be held outside, in the hospital’s beautiful healing garden (below), but was moved indoors because of cold weather that morning. 

The Social was instead moved into a packed employee lounge and conference room inside the hospital, but none of the 60-70 people in attendance really seemed to mind avoiding the cold. 

The hospital’s chief operating officer Zachary Crane (above, front) thanked everyone for coming and the rest of the time was spent mingling, networking and enjoying the free coffee, mini-quiches and pastries. 

The NTBC’s Coffee Socials are networking opportunities only, with no set agenda or program and you don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. 

For more information about Advent- Health Wesley Chapel, visit AdventHealth. com. For more info about the North Tampa Bay Chamber and its events, call (813) 994- 8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.org. — GN

You’re Entitled To Your Opinion, But I Think NY NY Pizza Is Wesley Chapel’s Best!

The first time I ever had New York New York (aka NY NY) Pizza, my friend Suzi had just finished her set at an Open Mic night at The Improv in Ybor City in 2007 and all of the comics went to NY NY’s take-out window on 7th Ave. for a slice. 

As a native New Yawka who had moved to Wesley Chapel 14 years earlier, I was impressed enough with the crust, sauce, cheese and overall flavor of that first slice that when I was told, in 2012, that NY NY was opening a location in Wesley Chapel, I was excited to meet the owner, Freddy Mamudi, and tell him how much I enjoyed that first slice (with pepperoni and Italian sausage) and just how much I was looking forward to his 2013 opening on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. 

NY NY has been in my top two or three favorite pizza places in Wesley Chapel (or New Tampa) ever since, at one point just behind the former La Prima Pizza (which originally opened as the second location of Pizza Suprema) in the Target shopping center, and neck-and-neck with Amici Pizza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. 

When La Prima closed in 2019, NY NY became #1 in my book, especially once I sampled NY NY’s “Grandma’s pizza” (left), which most NY-style pizza places now serve but which wasn’t even a thing yet when I left the Big Apple in 1993. 

In my opinion, NY NY’s crisp, thin crust is the closest to true NYC pizza locally and the sauce and mozzarella cheese are spot-on. But, the garlicky sauce and fresh basil on NY NY’s Grandma’s pizza has made it competition for my favorite, along with the restaurant’s pepperoni and sausage pizza. 

These days, the Wesley Chapel location is one of nine that Freddy at least co-owns. He keeps his hand in every location because he insists that all of his partners — like his cousin Disi Musa (at right in the top photo, with Freddy) — have worked at another of his locations for years before giving them the opportunity to partner in their own locations. Disi worked for Freddy since 2008 in Ybor and was a partner in the Carrollwood location since 2014. 

“It’s all about quality control,” Freddy told me on my most recent visit with photographer Charmaine George. “If everyone puts their own spin on our recipes, it’s no longer the NY NY pizza our customers have come to expect.” 

When you visit NY NY Pizza for the first time, instead of a pie, I suggest trying four or five different slices — since most or all of these are available every day in the display case next to the cash register. Get one Grandma’s; one regular cheese; one pepperoni, sausage or meat lovers slice; one of whatever your favorite specialty slice may be and one square Sicilian slice (definitely the most authentic crust and flavor of any Sicilian that I’ve sampled in the Tampa Bay area; more on this below). I’ve never been a big fan of “white” pizza or veggie pizza, but if these or other “Gourmet” slices are your go-tos, definitely give them a try here, too. 

Speaking of Sicilian, as I was preparing to write this story, I happened to be in downtown Tampa and decided to check out Tampa’s most storied (and busiest) pizza place — Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza on E. Twiggs St. Although I honestly thought Eddie & Sam’s (which I hadn’t visited in years) was good, neither its Grandma’s nor its Sicilian slices could touch NY NY. I’m fine if you disagree, but I say try both places for yourself and tell me which you really like better. 

Other Stuff, Too 

Although it’s hard for me to venture away from NY NY’s pizza, I do enjoy a lot of the place’s other menu items. 

The chef’s salad, with rolled ham, turkey and cheese and lots of fresh veggies, is good, as is the big portion of lasagna. I told Freddy and Disi that I’d prefer to see a little thicker sauce on the lasagna, but the amount and flavor of the ground beef and ricotta cheese stuffing were both spot-on. I also enjoyed the penne alla vodka, to which I added grilled chicken. Both the lasagna and the penne were served with tasty toasted garlic bread on my most recent visit, because the usual yummy garlic knots on the menu weren’t made yet that day (Charmaine and I were there fairly early). 

We also were genuinely impressed with both NY NY’s baked crispy and zesty mild Buffalo wings (which also are available in hot, hot garlic, teriyaki, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, BBQ & hot BBQ, lemon pepper and mango habanero). The wings are available as extras in NY NY’s “Family Meal” deals (see below and the ad below for details). And, even the extra-crispy French fries are really excellent. 

But, while I’ve never had a calzone or stromboli at NY NY (I really don’t love those anywhere), I have enjoyed NY NY’s properly oven-baked meatball and chicken parmigiana subs. What I didn’t expect, to be honest, was how much I’d appreciate NY NY’s Philly cheesesteak, although I definitely won’t claim that it’s authentic Philly-style — and that’s what I like about it! I’ve had both Pat’s and Gino’‘s and a couple of others in Philadelphia and I prefer NY NY’s oven-crisp sub rolls to the traditional, soft Amoroso rolls in Philly and you can give me the real mozzarella over that city’s usual cheese sauce every time. NY NY’s grilled onions and peppers were properly sautĂ©ed to tender and the overall flavor was outstanding. 

Meal Deals & Specials 

In the previously mentioned ad below, you’ll find a number of “meal deals” and specials that will please your wallet nearly as much as they please your appetite. The Family Meal Deal includes one extra-large one-topping pizza, 10 wings and six garlic knots for just $39.99, or upgrade it to two XL pizzas for just $59.99. 

The Pasta Special includes two baked pastas and six garlic knots for just $25.99, while the Pizza Special is one medium one-topping pizza and one hot appetizer for $19.99. There also is a Sandwich Special (2 hot or cold subs, with fries, for $25.99) and Every Day Slice Specials with a drink ($8 for two cheese slices, $10 for pepperoni and $12 for two Gourmet slices). 

And, if you mention the Neighborhood News when you call or pick up, you’ll save 10%. 

Try NY NY for great pizza and great people! 

NY NY Pizza (3757 BBD Blvd.) is open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For more info, call (813) 528-8771 or visit NYNYPizzeria.com. Online ordering and delivery are available.

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents Musical Parody ‘ICON: Auditions’

Special to the Neighborhood News 

Do you love singing competitions like “American Idol,” “The Voice” and “Star Search?” Then don’t miss the Wesley Chapel Theater Group’s upcoming production of “ICON: Auditions,” a laugh-out-loud musical parody show that brings the drama, talent and chaos of televised competitions to the local stage — Saturday & Sunday, March 28-29, at the Zephyrhills Lions Club. 

Inspired by the golden age of reality singing competitions, “ICON: Auditions” playfully captures everything we secretly love: unforgettable auditions, emotional back stories, shocking talent (and lack thereof ), a twist ending and, of course, the over-the-top drama. 

At the center are three distinct judges (above): a fame-seeking Soundcloud rapper, a former child star chasing love and a brutally honest critic who isn’t afraid to shatter anyone’s dream. Facing them are twelve colorful contestants, each vying to become the next big pop icon. From shy crooners to bold divas, and from comeback hopefuls to hilariously questionable auditioners, the stage is filled with big personalities and even bigger performances. 

And, here’s the twist: this isn’t just a show you watch — it’s a show you control. 

As the competition narrows, the audience votes live to decide which three finalists advance and ultimately earn ICON status. Each performance becomes a one-of-a-kind experience shaped by the crowd, making every show uniquely unpredictable. 

The musical features recognizable radio hits spanning genres and generations, making it a crowd-pleaser for teens, adults and families alike. Whether you enjoy powerhouse ballads, pop anthems, or feel-good classics, there’s something in “ICON: Auditions” that will have you tapping your feet, dancing and maybe even singing along. 

The Wesley Chapel Theater Group continues its tradition of showcasing incredible local talent while creating unforgettable community experiences, and “ICON: Auditions” may be its boldest concept yet. From performers and directors to stage crew and volunteers, the show represents months of dedication and collaboration. It’s a testament to the thriving arts scene right here in Wesley Chapel. 

Performances will be at the Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd.), on Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, 2:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org. 

For more info, scan the QR code on the ad below or visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org. 

Homes For Our Troops Celebrates Two More Homes Under Construction In Our Area

(Above, l.-r.) Gen. Tom Landwermeyer & Cpls. Eddie Ward and Roberto Cruz-Arocho. 

Even though their homes are being built in San Antonio (near St. Leo University), the Neighborhood News was proud to again be on hand for the introduction ceremony for the next two recipients of mortgage-free homes provided by Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) — retired Army Cpls. Eddie Ward and Roberto Cruz-Arocho, both of whom were seriously combat-wounded (Ward in Afghanistan and Cruz-Arocho in Iraq). 

Cpl. Ward and his father Elijah Petty. (seated) 

On hand for HFOT — a top-rated military nonprofit organization that has provided more than 420 of these specially-adapted homes for U.S. military vets injured since 9/11 — was the organization’s president & CEO, retired Army Brigadier General Tom Landwermeyer, who again reiterated that HFOT receives no government funding and that nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised by the nonprofit directly benefits the wounded veterans. 

The custom-designed homes — which will each include as many as 40 special adaptations for these two wounded vets — are being built by Elizabeth Evans Custom Homes, which previously also provided two HFOT homes in Wesley Chapel. 

Cpl. Ward and Cpl. Cruz-Arocho both expressed their appreciation for HFOT and for the 100 or so local people in attendance. For more info about HFOT, visit HFOTUSA.org. — GN 


Elizabeth Evans (holding dog) of Elizabeth Evans Custom Homes.

(l.-r.) Cpl. Cruz-Arocho & his daughters Layza & Adriana & the retired corporal’s mom.Â