Driskell’s ‘Hindu-American Month’ Bill Passed By The Legislature! 

(L.-r.) Puja Patel, State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Rasesh Patel were all in Tallahassee to celebrate the May 1 passage of Rep. Driskell’s resolution to declare Oct. 2025 at “Hindu American Heritage Month” in Florida. (Photo provided by Rashesh Patel)

Although the Florida Legislature was still in an extended (until June 6) regular session — trying to pass a State Budget and some related items — while I was finalizing this issue, State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) led a tribute on the House floor on May 1 recognizing the vital contributions of Hindu-Americans across the state of Florida. 

Joined by several of her colleagues, Leader Driskell (who serves in State House District 67, which includes New Tampa) celebrated the adoption of her resolution — House Resolution 8053, which designates October 2025 as “Hindu-American Heritage Month.” The resolution was officially adopted by publication in the House Journal on April 17. 

To mark the occasion, Rep. Driskell welcomed a group of Hindu-American leaders to the House Chamber — including New Tampa-based pharmacist Rasesh Patel and his daughter Puja, where these Hindu-American leaders were honored and presented with a framed copy of the resolution (photo). 

“As a representative of a vibrant and diverse district with a significant Hindu-American population, I’m proud to introduce HR 8053,” said Leader Driskell. “This resolution acknowledges the profound contributions of Hindu-Americans to Florida’s cultural richness, educational excellence, economic vitality and philanthropic spirit. It was a joy to celebrate this moment with constituents and Hindu-American leaders from across the state.” 

Rasesh Patel, who is the Consultant Pharmacist and Community Relations Lead with BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan), located on E. Fowler Ave. in Thonotosassa. It is a Hindu religious organization and a denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya Swaminarayan Mandir. His daughter Puja, who was the youngest attendee of the event celebrating the adoption of the resolution, is a proud USF graduate in Data Analytics. 

“House Resolution 8053 is more than a symbolic gesture,” Patel says. “It is a meaningful acknowledgment of the values, contributions and cultural heritage that the Hindu-American community brings to Florida. This resolution serves as a bridge — fostering mutual understanding, respect, and celebrating the diversity that strengthens our democracy.” 

He adds, “For Hindu-Americans, especially our youth, this recognition sends a powerful message: your story matters, your culture is honored, and you belong. I am sincerely grateful to Representative Fentrice Driskell for championing this initiative. Her leadership paves the way for future generations to embrace both their American and Hindu identities with pride. Florida’s recognition of Hindu-American Heritage Month is a vital step toward building a more inclusive narrative — one that reflects the rich tapestry of communities that make up the American fabric.” 

With Rep. Driskell’s resolution in place, Rasesh says, “Approximately ten prominent Indian organizations — each with a statewide presence in Florida and representing religious, professional, cultural, and social communities — will come together to celebrate Diwali (on Oct. 20) at the Capitol in Tallahassee. This marks yet another meaningful milestone in honoring the growing contributions of the Hindu-American community across the state.” 

Patel also notes that Rep. Driskell, who has attended and actively participated in major festivals hosted by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandi, including Diwali, one of the most significant celebrations in the Hindu faith, not only signals solidarity with, but also demonstrates genuine interest in understanding and honoring Hindu traditions and values.” 

He also says that Leader Driskell’s collaboration with BAPS Charities has further deepened this bond. In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, she personally joined volunteers in the University area to help distribute over 1,200 sandwiches and critical daily supplies to affected families — a moment of service that reflected both compassion and leadership. 

“Rep. Driskell’s support also extended to BAPS Charities’ annual Walkathon, which raises funds for local charities and civic causes,” he adds. “By endorsing and participating in these initiatives, she continues to uplift efforts that benefit communities across faiths and backgrounds.” 

With her history of meeting with Hindu leaders, attending cultural events, and championing inclusivity through legislative action, Patel says. “Rep. Driskell stands out as a public servant who doesn’t just represent — she connects, participates, and uplifts. Her relationship with Florida’s Hindu community is not performative; it is personal, purposeful and profoundly appreciated.” — Special to the Neighborhood News 

Kay’s Kitchen Authentic Chicago-Style Fried Chicken Is Now Open! 

Photos by Charmaine George

So, you think you’ve sampled enough fried chicken in our area to last you a lifetime? 

Kay Lee (left photo), the owner of the brand new Kay’s Kitchen Authentic Chicago Style Fried Chicken, located (as we told you last issue) at 2808 E. Bearss Ave. in the Palms Connection plaza, says you haven’t tried the area’s best fried chicken if you haven’t sampled her full-wing fried wings with her signature, authentic Chicago-style mild sauce (top photo). 

And honestly, it’s hard to argue with her. Kay’s batter fries up extra-crispy and although the lemon pepper seasoning salt she adds to the chicken is a little salty, she says she (and her long-time cook, who goes by “DJ Cotton”; he’s an actual R&B DJ for hire, with a DJ booth Kay set up for him upstairs) are always happy to alter the amount of the seasoning to suit your taste. 

All I can tell you is that the chicken is so yummy, it doesn’t need the sauce, but Kay hopes you transplanted Midwesterners will appreciate its authentic flavor. 

Photographer Charmaine George and I also loved the fried grouper (right; this photo was provided by Kay because, she said, the flaky, truly delicious grouper we were served wasn’t “pretty-looking enough”), extra-crisp fries (which were still crispy somehow when I took home my leftovers an hour later), the extra-cheesy mac-&-cheese (below left) and the decadent, homemade Key lime cake (bottom right). 

Kay, who has operated two super-successful Kay’s Kitchen food trucks in the Riverview area, says she has been looking for a brick-&-mortar location for a while now and she is so happy that “God brought me here” to introduce her outstanding, no-frills food — including fried chicken gizzards and livers, shrimp, pizza “puffs,” basa fish, hush puppies, okra and more — to a whole new community. For more info or to place an order, call (813) 893-0415 or visit KaysChickenKitchen.com. — GN 

These North Tampa Bay Chamber Members Recently Cut Ribbons! 

Photos by Charmaine George

We continue to shine our spotlight on the local businesses who host North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) ribbon-cutting events — as a no-cost add-on to their Chamber memberships — and this issue is no different. We really hope you’ll tell these businesses that you first read about them in the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News! 

Pinellas Vascular’s Tampa Office 

On April 16, Board-certified vascular surgeon Avianne Bunnell, MD (at right in photo below, with NTBC president/CEO Hope Kennedy), and her staff at their new location (at 3450 E. Fletcher Ave., Ste. 330, Tampa) of Pinellas Vascular, hosted a great party for their Grand Opening, with food, a wine tasting and tours of the new office. 

According to its website, Pinellas Vascular, “provides the most advanced, low-risk treatments available anywhere to help improve your quality of life.” At the ribbon cutting, Dr. Bunnell said, “We are now serving patients with vascular and arterial diseases, diabetic patients…and we also have a wonderful nurse practitioner (Chelsea Hermez, APRN) providing aesthetic services (including cosmetic injections, weight management strategies and vein ablations and sclerotherapy).” 

For more info about Pinellas Vascular, visit PinellasVascular.com or call (813) 771-8346.-GN 

“Just Pull It” At 54 & Collier Pkwy. 

On April 30, periodontist Jeffrey Hameroff, D.D.S. (right), the founder of “Just Pull It,” a unique dental office that specializes in low-cost, same-day tooth extractions, welcomed NTBC members to the ribbon-cutting event celebrating the third anniversary of the Just Pull It location at 1942 Collier Pkwy. in Lutz (across Collier Pkwy. from Pizza Suprema). 

Dr. Hameroff opened the first Just Pull It in Spring Hill in 2018 and today has four Tampa Bay-area locations, including one off U.S. Hwy. 301 in Zephyrhills, with two more offices opening soon. 

“It’s simple,” Dr. Hameroff told the NTBC members in attendance. “No other dental office does what we do — especially for only $250!” 

For more info about the Lutz location, call (813) 738-9490 or visit JustPullIt.dental. 

Clean Freak Car Wash-Overpass Rd. 

And finally, on May 1, regional director of operations Chris Laurella (left) welcomed NTBC members to the new Clean Freak Car Wash at 32359 Overpass Rd., just east of Curley Rd., behind the coming-soon Chick-fil-A. The ribbon-cutting event also included free tasty coffee beverages from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck. 

Laurella described the differences between Clean Freak — which has 30 locations, mainly in Arizona (Wesley Chapel is the company’s first in Florida) — and other “tunnel” car wash chains. 

“There’s not a lot of water in Arizona,” Laurella told the NTBC members who followed him on a tour of the new Clean Freak (the tunnel wash system was turned off for the tour), “so we do everything we can to reduce our environmental footprint, like our water recycling system and using eco-friendly chemicals. Our tunnels also feature the latest car wash technology.” He even showed the tunnel’s unique soft brushes (below) “that won’t damage your vehicle’s paint job.” 

Clean Freak’s parent company, True Blue Car Wash, LLC, was acquired by the parent company of Circle K. So, your $19.99 monthly membership also earns you discounts on fuel at participating Circle K locations. 

For more info, call (813) 702-0390 or visit CleanFreakCarWash.com. — GN

Spotlight On: Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions 

Chris Assefa (photo), the owner and insurance broker for Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, says that although she is licensed by the State of Florida (as well as Georgia and New York) to sell health and life insurance and variable annuities, she believes her primary function is education. 

“Health insurance, especially when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, is incredibly complicated for most people,” Chris says. “At Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, we always say that asking questions is free, so ask away! We want to make sure you understand what your options are and which plan or policy will work best for you and your family.” 

Bleu Sky’s is an independent insurance agency, so Chris and her team of professionals have access to a wide variety of companies and policies and they can help you figure out how best to take care of your needs. 

Chris is a specialist when it comes to Medicare — the lower-cost health insurance for those ages 65 and older and for those with disabilities. The former Wesley Chapel resident says that even though the Open Enrollment period to choose a Medicare plan for 2025 ended in December and the policies became effective in January, “there are still things you can do now that you might not know about.” 

For example, if you decide after Jan. 1 that you’re not happy with your Medicare Advantage plan, there is a special Open Enrollment Period — that just closed for this year (on March 31) — for Medicare Advantage plan holders only. 

“Obviously, the average person is either unsure or not even aware about a lot of this,” Chris says. “That’s why you need an expert in the field, like my company, to help guide you.” 

She also says there are some new laws on the books for 2025 that Bleu Sky’s insurance professionals can help you understand. 

“For 2025, an individual’s out-of-pocket expense for prescription drugs on their Medicare carrier’s formulary is capped at $2,000,” Chris says. “In addition, people who are dual-eligible (for both Medicare and Medicaid; the latter is the joint federal and state program which helps cover medical expenses for people with limited income and resources) are dealing with some changes as to how they can change their plans.” 

She adds that there are different levels of dual eligibility, and that those different levels are affected by this year’s new rules. 

“I know this can be confusing,” Chris says. “I really hope that if you have any questions about Medicare, Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as the Affordable Care Act or ‘Obamacare’), we’ll be the company you’ll think to call.” 

To reach Chris Assefa of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, call (813) 360-1884, visit BleuSkysInsurance.com or see the ad below. — GN 

HOPE Services Hosts Another Successful ‘Dance Your Dream’ Event 

“This is a dream come true,” says Cindy Bray, executive director and founder of Hope Services, Life Skills & Vocational Training Center, reflecting on the success of this year’s annual “Dance Your Dream” event. 

Dance Your Dream was designed to offer a free prom-type experience for individuals ages 14 and older who live with disabilities, starting four years ago with just 80 attendees, Dance Your Dream has become an annual tradition that now brings together the community in celebration of hope and support. This year, the event saw 300 attendees at Wesley Chapel District Park on Apr. 26, where the gym was filled with music, laughter, and dreams coming to life. 

Chick-fil-A provided delicious meals (and the Chick-fil-A cows) that added warmth to the night, and the event featured music, games and a 360-photo booth. 

A highlight of the evening was the surprise guest, Raiqwon O’Neal, the offensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneer (#75), whose presence brought joy and excitement, lifting the spirits of everyone in attendance. “His message and meet-and-greet were the perfect way to start the night,” Bray said. 

“The smiles and laughter in the room were priceless,” says Cindy Bray. “My heart is full of all the joy we shared that night.” 

With 22 years of experience, Cindy founded Hope Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization contracted with the Department of Education/ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Serving 10 counties within a 50-mile radius from their location at 5426 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Hope Services offers life skills and vocational training to individuals living with disabilities. To support Hope Services, visit HopeGetsJobs.com.