Wesley Chapel’s Sienna Romano Takes Her Platform To National American Miss Finals

Sienna (left) receives her NAM Miss Florida crown from the 2024 winner, Linsay Anderson. (Photos provided by Sienna Romano) 

Wesley Chapel resident Sienna Romano is proud to have won the title of Miss Florida in the state National American Miss (NAM) pageant on July 27, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando hotel. 

Winning the state crown means that Sienna advances to the NAM National Finals, which will be held the weekend of Thanksgiving, at the same Orlando hotel. The NAM winner will receive her crown on Nov. 30. Sienna says she is hoping to win, not as much for the money (a $5,000 scholarship), the “swag” she’ll win or even the glory, but to continue to be able to help others, which has always been her focus. 

“So, unlike Miss America or Miss USA, National American Miss focuses on more than just beauty or talent,” she says. “It’s got a community- service focus and I’ve been doing community service and volunteering my whole life. I believe that makes me a good role model for other girls to get into community service, too.” 

In fact, 20-year-old Sienna says, “I have my own initiative called Hope on Hand, where I create and sell suicide awareness bracelets, and I’m trying to take my initiative across the state currently, and hopefully, eventually, across the nation.” 

Why suicide awareness? “My best friend, Melissa, committed suicide as a teenager and I had no idea what she was going through,” Sienna says. “That’s what I’m trying to educate others about. The people who are hurting the most on the inside are often the ones who look the happiest on the outside. And, this is a huge problem across the country with teenagers, and it’s only gotten worse with [the growth of] social media.” 

Sienna also says she started her community service efforts at a young age. 

“When I was really young, me and my mom used to do care packages for the homeless, and we used to hand those out around the city,” she says. “And then, I also volunteered for Sole Hope. You collect donated jeans and you cut out templates for the upper portions of shoes that are donated to children in need,” to provide them with much-needed protection against parasitic foot diseases. “I believe I was in second grade when I volunteered for that charity.” She also volunteered for Cat Haven Rescue, which finds loving homes for unwanted, abandoned and abused cats and kittens. 

Sienna says that it took her “about three years” after Melissa committed suicide for her to create Hope on Hand, which is when she started entering pageants last year. “I connect with people and share my best friend’s story and I sell my bracelets and learn other people’s stories,” she says. “I also will be volunteering at a suicide prevention run later this month.” 

She was born in North Carolina, but moved to Wesley Chapel with her family in 2016. “I say I was raised in both North Carolina and Wesley Chapel,” she says. She attended John Long Middle School and graduated high school from Wiregrass Ranch High. 

Her mom and dad, Linda and Damian, and her sisters Olivia, Ava and Liah, are all “so proud of me. They all cheered so loud when I won!” 

Sienna says she will attend the University of South Florida in St. Pete and plans to major in criminology. “I want to be a criminal psychologist,” she says, “because I know a lot of criminals have mental health issues, so I really want to learn about that kind of stuff.” 

She’s also hopeful to win the NAM National title, “and travel around the country, spreading the word and educating other people about suicide prevention and awareness.” 

And, although the National Finals are also in Orlando, Sienna says that only her ticket to the event is paid for, so she is seeking sponsorships to pay for the other expenses associated with her trip. 

If you’re interested in helping out, send Sienna a message on her pageant Instagram: @TheNAMFLMiss. 

About The National American Miss (NAM) Pageant 

First held in 2003, the National American Miss Pageant is not related to the older Miss America or Miss USA pageants. According to its website, “Our goal is to Grow Confidence and teach Real World Skills.” Check out some of these amazing things about the National American Miss (NAM) Pageant! 

‱ NAM is a program based on the foundational principle of fostering positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within. 

‱ National American Miss is a program designed for today’s girl and woman. We celebrate America’s greatness and the individuality of each contestant. 

‱ It is a program centered around helping girls and women grow and expand their ideas about who they are and what they want to achieve. We want every contestant to realize that she truly can take hold of her dreams and make them real! 

‱ National American Miss has friendly staff members who will guide you throughout your pageant experience. Each and every team member is committed to opening doors of opportunity for girls that aren’t available anywhere else. 

‱ Our concert-level sound and lighting is unsurpassed! You will be proud to invite your family and friends to rally around and support you on pageant weekend. 

‱ We are a program that teaches valuable skills that will give you a competitive edge to succeed in whatever fields you may choose. 

‱ Age Group Divisions: NAM Princess (ages 4-6), NAM Jr. Pre-Teen (7-9), NAM Pre- Teen (10-12), NAM Jr. Teen (13-15), NAM (16-18), NAM (19-24), NAM Elite (25-39) 

RealtorsŸ Jessica & Joel Provenzano Want To Help You Buy Or Sell Your Home 

Jessica and Joel Provenzano are licensed RealtorsÂź who work together as a team out of the Florida Executive Realty (FER) office in Tampa Palms. While they are still relatively new to real estate — Joel with only two years of experience and Jessica with a bit more — they bring a passionate, detail-oriented approach that they believe sets them apart. 

“We may be new at this,” says Joel, “but we are hungry and that makes us work harder.” 

Married for 20 years, the Provenzanos are high school sweethearts who moved to this area from Estero, FL. They have lived in the Meadow Pointe community with their daughters Kayla and Lily since 2009. Jessica and Joel have a natural, complementary partnership, not only as a couple but also as business partners. 

“Joel and I work every transaction together,” Jessica says. “We support each other and play to our strength.” She handles communications and contracts, while Joel, with his background in engineering and research, focuses on inspections, technical issues and behind-the-scenes details. “His research background is a huge asset for our clients,” she adds. 

Before real estate, Joel worked in transportation and land development engineering for both the Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) and as a private consultant. That experience now provides a unique advantage for his clients. 

“I can provide insight into what future construction, schools, or stores are planned nearby,” he explains. “It’s not just about the home itself. It’s about where you’re going to live, what the area will look like in a few years, and how that impacts your investment.” 

Jessica adds that location is still one of the biggest decision factors. “Many new buyers want to know what their lifestyle will look like in an area,” she says. “That’s where Joel shines. He knows the surrounding developments, the infrastructure plans and what’s coming next.” 

The Provenzanos help sellers, buyers and even renters. “Sometimes, the recommendation is to rent and not to buy, depending upon the circumstance,” Joel says. “We review everything with the client because it may not be the right time to purchase. Renting may fit their monthly budget or needs better.” Unlike many agents who stick to either sales or rentals, Jessica and Joel handle both. “It keeps us in tune with the totality of the market,” he says. “The rental market affects the selling market in a large way.” 

They also assist homeowners who want to rent out their properties. “We treat rental listings the same way we treat ‘For Sale’ listings,” Joel says. “We market them to what renters are looking for because we know that side of the market.” 

When it comes to helping families move to New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, Jessica and Joel pride themselves on doing their research. Whether a client is concerned with nearby schools, walkability or community amenities, the Provenzanos provide answers. 

“For example,” Jessica says, ““Charter schools are important in areas where there aren’t any established public schools yet. We also help clients weigh the pros and cons of new construction versus established neighborhoods. If schools matter, that might mean leaning toward a pre-owned home near a well-established, highly rated school. If not, new construction could be a great fit.” 

The couple also will share lessons from their own home-buying journey. “We bought a fairly large house, and we’ve grown into it,” Joel says. “Sometimes it’s better to buy a little more than you need, as long as it still fits in your budget, so you don’t have to move again in a few years.” 

One trend they’ve noticed is the growing demand for communities that cater to ages 55+. 

“Wesley Chapel now has some amazing options for active older adults,” says Jessica. “Valencia Ridge, Anand Vihar, Esplanade and Amberlin are each offering something different. Amberlin, for instance, is a rental-only 55+ community with rents ranging from $1,600 to $3,500 per month.” 

They recently helped a couple living in a single-family home transition from their home into a rental at Amberlin. “It had everything they were looking for,” Jessica says. “Age-targeted communities now offer floor plans and amenities geared toward that demographic. It’s not like the past, where the only options were manufactured homes. These are beautifully thought-out and designed homes and apartments.” 

GL Homes’ Valencia Ridge is one new for-sale 55+ community that has impressed them. “They have single-story homes, golf cart-friendly streets, a restaurant and even a list of designers used in their models for buyers who want that professional touch,” Joel says. “It’s about building a lifestyle.” 

Their insider knowledge also comes from showing up. “Facebook is a wealth of information for us,” says Jessica. “But more important is that we go to every event, talk to builder reps and learn what each community really offers. Sometimes, we get insights that the average buyer won’t hear. That’s why it’s important to always take your Realtor with you, even on your first visit to a builder. Most builders will still pay the commission.” 

Joel and Jessica agree that the market has changed. “Prices skyrocketed during Covid when demand outpaced supply and people flooded into Florida,” Joel says. “But now, there’s more new construction, and the prices have stabilized. Sellers still have equity, but they’re having to be a bit more realistic when coming up with a price. We can help with setting a market price that will get noticed.” 

New construction has become more competitive, too, sometimes offering better deals than resale homes. “Some builders offer incentives, upgrades, or closing costs that pre-owned sellers can’t match,” Jessica says. “That’s why it’s crucial to use a knowledgeable agent who knows what each community is offering.” 

With rising single-family home prices, townhomes have become more attractive, too. “Some townhomes are just as big as single-family homes, but without as much maintenance,” Joel says. “They’re a great option for many buyers.” 

Jessica and Joel Provenzano are more than just Realtors — they’re a team with a deep understanding of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, a tireless work ethic and a genuine desire to help people make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent, they bring a personal touch and the knowledge to match. 

You can reach Realtors Jessica & Joel Provenzano of Florida Executive Realty (15802 Amberly Dr.) by calling or texting (813) 956-4093. Or, for a free consultation, visit JProvenzano.FloridaExecutiveRealty.com.

Papichy’s Is Now Open On WC Blvd.

I’ll admit that the first time I ever bought anything from the Pastelitos Papichy’s food truck — which has been located in the same plaza as LA Fitness and Five Guys Burgers & Fries south of County Line Rd. and west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in New Tampa for about two years — was a few months ago, when I first heard that owners Ruben Caridad and his son, Ruben, Jr., were opening their first brick-&-mortar location in the Grand Oaks Plaza at 26242 Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Lutz (photo below). 

But now, I’m definitely a fan. And, considering that one of my daughters-in-law is from Venezuela, as are the Caridads, I probably should have tried Papichy’s sooner. The entire menu is a variety of fried Venezuelan items, from savory to more dessert-oriented. Open for a few weeks at our press time, the new location is the seventh Papichy’s for the Caridads, who also have their food trucks off Waters Ave. in Tampa and in Odessa (FL) and Orlando. 

Since “Pastelitos” is part of the place’s full name, I first tried a guava and cheese pastelito, which was crispy and delicious, but be warned that the guava jelly is molten-hot, but worth it! A box of 25 assorted (there also are chicken, pizza, potato-&-cheese, ground and shredded beef varieties) mini-pastelitos is shown at the top of the page. 

Since then, I also have sampled the mini-empanadas (available in many of the same savory varieties, as well as filled with ham & cheese, fish, black beans, bacon, seafood & more), as well as tequeños (cheese sticks) and my surprise favorite — the mandocas (cornmeal doughnuts shaped like teardrops). They’re all just so good. 

I was so impressed that I brought 100 assorted Papichy’s treats to the Volunteer Day at the future home of Sgt. Quincy Lopez in Wesley Chapel and they were all quickly gobbled up. You definitely should try Papichy’s if you haven’t already! 

‘Homes For Our Troops’ Also Hosts Its Volunteer Day For Sgt. Quincy Lopez! 

(Above, l.-r.) Skye, Sgt. Quincy Lopez & his son Warren take a moment for a photo in front of their Kent Custom Homes/HFOT home. (All photos by Charmaine George)

Two weeks after Homes for our Troops (HFOT) held its Volunteer Day for former Marine Sgt. Christopher Lawrence (as we told you last issue), as many as 150 volunteers showed up to help lay sod and plant dozens more plants at the future home of former Army Sgt. Quincy Lopez in a different part of Wesley Chapel. 

Sgt. Lopez also lost his right leg to an improvised explosive device (IED) blast while on patrol in Iraq in 2006. And, like Sgt. Lawrence, Sgt. Lopez, who is a native New Yorker, chose to live in Wesley Chapel because of the weather and the area’s proximity to the Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. 

You think Skye is excited about her new yard?

Sgt. Lopez, his son Warren and their dog Skye (photos on this page) are excited to move into their specially-designed home by Kent Custom Homes on Country Club Rd., which will happen on Saturday, September 6, 9 a.m., in a joint “Key Ceremony” that will begin at Sgt. Lawrence’s home on Steeplechase Rd. Although both injured home recipients already raised an HFOT flag at their homes, those will be joined by an American flag-raising ceremony on Sept. 6. 

After being introduced by HFOT community engagement coordinator Krystina Goroshko, Retired Army Brigadier General Tom Landwermeyer, the president & CEO of HFOT, first talked about HFOT’s mission to help severely injured veterans rebuild their lives with custom-designed homes — which will approach 500 in 46 states by next year — and thanked all of the volunteers for coming out to help before turning over the mic to Sgt. Lopez. 

“This gives me a lot of independence back,” Sgt. Lopez said. “Having a home that’s adaptable allows me to cook and clean, move around and take a shower without assistance. It helps me to be a better father, a better community member and I’m so excited to be a part of this community. A lot of people say their communities are the best, but as welcoming as Wesley Chapel has been, I think you guys outrank a lot. You’ve accepted a lot of us [injured vets] into your community and you’re the reason why we sacrificed. I’m just extremely honored and thankful to all of you. I really appreciate you guys.” 

Nathan Pratt, the same partner from Kent Custom Homes who spoke at Sgt. Lawrence’s Volunteer Day two weeks earlier, also gave the instructions to the volunteers doing the landscaping at this home and also thanked Sgt. Lopez for his service. To make a donation or for more info about HFOT, visit hfotusa.org or call (866) 787-6877. — GNÂ