Murtha & Flischel CPAs Helps Businesses & Individuals Be Ready For Tax Time 

(L.-r.) Kyle Flischel and Tom & Patrick Murtha are the partners who have helped make Murtha & Flischel CPAs in the Seven Oaks Professional Park one of the most respected Certified Public Accounting firms in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. (Photo provided by Murtha & Flischel) 

For more than 14 years, Murtha & Flischel Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), have been a trusted name in the Wesley Chapel community. Known for dedication to personalized service and in-depth knowledge of accounting and tax laws, the firm has built a strong reputation as reliable partners for individuals and businesses alike. 

The story of Murtha & Flischel began back in 1997, when Thomas Murtha and Raymond Flischel founded the firm as Flischel, Murtha & Associates in Englewood, FL. Ray Flischel worked for more than 40 years before retiring. Tom Murtha is a seasoned CPA with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Management from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Tom has nearly 40 years of experience in taxes, valuations, mergers and acquisitions, and has been a trusted advisor to many. He also taught accounting courses at Hillsborough Community College and for the American Institute of Banking for more than 15 years, helping shape the next generation of accountants. 

In 2009, Tom’s son Patrick helped Tom and Ray sell their Englewood firm and open a new office — Murtha & Murtha, LLC, in Tampa. In 2015, the firm moved to the Seven Oaks Professional Park (off Ancient Oaks Blvd., north of S.R. 56) in Wesley Chapel, where it continued to grow and thrive. Today, the firm has changed its name to Murtha & Flischel and has three partners, including Tom, Patrick and Ray’s son Kyle Flischel. 

Patrick and Kyle are both alumni of the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, where Patrick earned B.S. degrees in Finance and Accounting, in 2009 and 2015, respectively, while Kyle earned a B.S. degree in Accounting in 2011 and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in  Accounting with a focus on taxes, in 2017. 

Murtha & Flischel offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its clients. From preparing taxes to advising businesses on complex tax issues, the firm helps clients stay compliant and make the most of their financial opportunities. During tax season, Murtha & Flischel’s dedicated senior accountants — including Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little — work hard to assist clients. Both Kaitlyns started as interns and are now pursuing their CPA certifications. Junior accountants Jackie Moore and Tamara Daley also are valuable team members. 

“We’re excited to expand our team,” Patrick says, “and we plan to add two more junior accountants soon.” 

Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything the professionals at Murtha & Flischel do. The team’s personalized approach has earned the firm glowing reviews from its clients, as Murtha & Flischel has an overall 4.9 star (out of 5) rating on Google, with more than 115 reviews. Client Christina Helm shared in her 5-star rating: “It’s time we ALL quit slogging through TurboTax and never look back. From initial contact to my phone appointment with Kaitlyn Little to signing our return was about a month, with quick, accurate and professional communication, via phone, [by] email and on their app!” 

In addition to tax preparation, the firm offers bookkeeping and accounting services that help businesses keep their financial records accurate and organized. This allows Murtha & Flischel’s clients to make informed decisions and plan for growth. The firm also specializes in business valuations, tax planning and helping buyers and sellers navigate the process of mergers and acquisitions. 

“We started with mergers and acquisitions before expanding to other services,” Patrick says. 

A High-Flying Firm 
(L.-r.) Senior accountants Kaitlyn Kociba and Kaitlyn Little, partners Kyle Flischel and Patrick Murtha, office manager Lourdes (“Lou”) Alers, front office manager Sam Yates and staff accountant Tamara Daley can all be found at Murtha & Flischel’s Wesley Chapel office. (Photo by Charmaine George) 

Patrick and Kyle have both recently earned their pilot’s licenses. In 2023, Patrick received his license and in December of last year, he completed instrument reading. 

“Although we did it as a hobby, it has quickly become an essential part of our business,” Patrick says. “We had a client on the other side of the state, and where it would have taken us a few hours to get there, we were able to arrive in just under an hour and fly back home the same day. Flying saves us so much time and it makes it easier to provide hands-on support for our clients.” 

Another standout offering is Murtha & Flischel’s CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Retainer Package. This service provides businesses with ongoing financial oversight, including monthly accounting, budgeting and tax planning. It also includes advice about health insurance and retirement plans. Acting as an outsourced CFO — at a fraction of the cost of an in-house CFO — the firm helps businesses stay financially secure while preparing for long-term success. 

On TampaTaxFirm.com, the firm shares helpful articles under the “News and Articles” section. “We try to post relevant information that clients might find useful,” Patrick explains. Recent topics include the changes to federal and state tax laws for 2025 and guidance on the on-again, off-again BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) and FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) compliance. While Murtha & Flischel doesn’t complete BOI filings for its clients, the firm does provide clear instructions on how to complete that filing yourself. 

“We want our clients to avoid fines and stay informed,” Patrick says, adding that although the requirement for businesses to file BOI was put on hold, it is possible it will become a requirement again at some point. 

“The process is quite simple,” Patrick adds. “It takes only a few minutes to file electronically.” He recommends business owners either go ahead and complete it just in case or make sure they keep an eye on updates through FinCEN.gov. 

This unwavering commitment to personalized service is what makes Murtha & Flischel stand out. “Our goal is to provide year-round support and timely responses to all client questions,” Patrick says. This dedication has earned the firm a loyal client base and a strong reputation in the local community. 

The firm also supports local initiatives and participates in community events. This dedication not only enhances the staff’s connection with clients but also underscores the role of a community-centric firm. 

Patrick and his wife Jennifer have three children — 10-year-old Thomas, Jack (age 9) and Audrey, 4. The family lives in Wesley Chapel and is very active in the local community, including the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the North Tampa Bay Chamber. Meanwhile, Kyle (who has been the president of a local Business Networking International chapter) and his wife Stephanie enjoy brewing beer as a hobby. 

The firm of Murtha & Flischel CPAs is located at 2236 Ashley Oaks Cir., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. The Zephyrhills office is located at 5315 8th St. 

For a free consultation or tips on tax filing, call (813) 991-1120, or visit TampaTaxFirm.com or any of Murtha & Flischel’s social media sites — Instagram.com/murthacpas, Facebook.com/TampaTaxFirm, or Linkedin.com/ company/murtha-and-flischel-certified-public-accountants.

The Latest On Rock & Brews and Portillo’s

Just before we went to press with our March 18 Wesley Chapel issue, we received the following statement from the management at Rock & Brews:

There has been a lot of confusion regarding the future of Rock & Brews on S.R. 56 and the likelihood of Portillo’s replacing it in front of the Tampa Premium Outlets.

To clarify the situation, Rock & Brews President of Operations Kris Maronpot recently provided us with this accurate information.

What’s Happening?

The Rock & Brews on S.R. 56 will be closing on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Rock & Brews encourages their rock star fans to dine with them by or before their final day of service on Sunday, March 23. 

“It has been a great honor and experience to serve the Wesley Chapel and Tampa community,” Maronpot says. “We are thankful for everyone’s continued support. We look forward to serving those who rock in the future at our other Florida locations — Orlando, Oviedo, and Kissimmee — soon.”

Visit Facebook.com/RockandBrewsWesleyChapel or RockandBrews.com, or call (813) 800-7625 for updates on events & promotions. 

Meet & Greet Held For Ryan Quattlebaum’s Return To AdventHealth Wesley Chapel! 

(Below Left) AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) Chaplain Danny Sierra welcomes new president & CEO Ryan Quattlebaum and his family — (l.-r.) his wife Cristina and daughters Emily and Sophia — back to AHWC during a packed (bottom left) meet & greet event at the hospital on Jan. 29. Quattlebaum has replaced former AHWC president & CEO Erik Wangsness, who left to take the same job at AdventHealth Tampa. (All photos by Charmaine George) 

When Chaplain Danny Sierra — who has been with AdventHealth Wesley Chapel since it opened on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. as “Florida Hospital” — introduced the hospital’s new president & chief executive officer (CEO) Ryan Quattlebaum at a meet & greet event on Jan. 29, he was trying to figure out how best to re-introduce more than 100 guests to the hospital’s former chief financial officer (CFO). 

“I thought about the Bible story of the prodigal son, but then I thought, ‘Maybe not, because he wished his father not well and there are kids here.’” 

Instead, Chaplain Danny went with Philippians Chapter 4, Verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I say, rejoice.” 

To which he added, “And, we rejoice that Ryan is back with us. And let us pray more. Lord, thank you for this special homecoming of your son, his wife and his children. You knew them before they were conceived. You numbered the hairs on each one of their heads, and you brought them back to us. And, as a campus with all our friends, we rejoice of this man.” 

Quattlebaum, who served as the CFO at AHWC from 2020-22, left to become the president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs, but returned to AHWC when Erik Wangsness left to take the same position at AdventHealth Tampa. He thanked Chaplain Danny and said he was thrilled to be “back home.” 

First, Quattlebaum thanked the elected officials who attended the event, including Dist. 20 State Senator Danny Burgess and Pasco County commissioners Ron Oakley and Jack Mariano. He also thanked the AHWC Foundation and hospital Board members, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff members in attendance. 

“I’m beyond blessed to be able to be here with each one of you,” Quattlebaum said. “And to be welcomed back. My youngest daughter Emily was born here at this hospital, so I am blessed to be back. My first job in a hospital was in the dish room when I was in high school. So, my roots in Advent Hospitals go way back and this is where my heart is.” 

Quattlebaum also said that he, “ultimately wants to make sure that everyone’s family member gets treated like how our families are treated and I firmly believe that we do this together. So, there’s a whole team of people here as well that’s made that work happen. So I want to acknowledge and say thank you to all of them for this important work.” 

And finally, Quattlebaum said, “What I really care about is people. And Christ’s Healing Ministry was really about people, and this is representative of what our community truly looks like.” He then gave everyone in attendance his cell phone number. 

For more information about AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (2600 BBD Blvd.), call (813) 929-5000, visit AdventHealth.com. — GN 

University Boba Tea House Is Open In The Palms Connection! 

If you’re looking for a great new place for boba tea that also offers a variety of different-each-day, fun activities, look no further than the new University Boba Tea House, located at 2828 E. Bearss Ave., in the Palms Connection plaza, just west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. 

Although the place wasn’t quite open at our press time — so I can’t show you any pictures of the food or beverages on these pages, University Boba Tea House co-owners (and emergency room physicians) Dr. Michael LoGuidice (aka “Dr. Mike”) and Dr. Steve Tersheshee told us that by the time this issue reaches your mailbox (on or before Tuesday, March 4), the new location will definitely be open. 

If the name sounds familiar to you, Dr. Steve’s International Boba Tea House (which changed names to “University” when he partnered with Dr. Mike) was open for 15 years off E. Fowler Ave., in a plaza next to University Mall. The new location will make the place more accessible to New Tampa residents, but will have many of the same features as the previous location — especially a huge variety of different and unique boba tea flavors, with both bursting (or popping) and jelly-style bobas. 

When I say unique, I mean it! While you can get boba tea flavors like mango, peach, strawberry, etc., almost anywhere, University Boba Tea House also boasts flavors like “Tiramisu” (taro, mocha & cappuccino), “Pikachu” (mango, peach, pineapple & banana), “Purple Rain” (lavender, blueberry, almond and taro) and more than three dozen more. 

Also available are 16 varieties of Latte Tea (iced, fresh-brewed black tea with non-dairy creamer and sweetener), from favorites like Chai Tea Latte to Lavender and Lychee Latte. There’s also fresh-brewed loose leaf black, Thai and jasmine green tea. 

Dr. Mike also promises to have a variety of fresh muffins — including cinnamon crunch, double chocolate and more — and other pastries, plus ramen noodles. There’s also a conversation-starting “Pucker Powder Candy Art” vending machine (right photo) which dispenses tubes of powdered candy in a variety of flavors that are supposedly lower in sugar than many other candy items. 

But, the place also features a USF student art gallery and a nice-sized stage for live bands, Open Mic and Karaoke nights. In fact, it is open noon-midnight seven days a week and there are different events scheduled for every night of the week except Sunday. All of these weekly events are shown in the ad at the bottom of this page. 

“We’ve got something for everyone,” Dr. Mike says, “from an internet café for students to relaxed, private booths and fun events for older adults.” 

For more info, call (813) 304-0021, visit UniversityBobaTeaHouse.com, find it on social media or see the ad below — and please tell them I sent you! — GN

Paris Baguette To Open Tomorrow In New Tampa!

Photos by Charmaine George

Paris Baguette, the upscale, French-inspired, Korean-owned bakery chain, will open tomorrow – Saturday, March 8 – at 6 a.m., at 17515 Preserve Walk Ln. (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., next to Coldstone Creamery) in the Highwoods Preserve area of New Tampa.

If you love authentic French pastries, both sweet and savory, this is the place for you!

Paris Baguette is elegant but casual & all of the items we sampled were delicately baked & delicious. And, we haven’t even sampled the gorgeous cakes yet! Also serving top-quality Lavazza Italian coffee & coffee drinks, plus a large variety of hot & iced teas, too!

For the full story about Paris Baguette, see the March 18 Wesley Chapel & April 1 New Tampa editions of Neighborhood News! Or visit ParisBaguette.com.