More New Tampa Dining Openings, Closing & Rumors! 

As we get ready for the 2024 Reader Dining Survey & Contest, the New Tampa dining scene continues to evolve, with more closings, openings and rumors than ever. 

First, for the bad news: In the Palms Connection plaza on Bearss Ave. just west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Bearss Tavern & Tap and Mint Cocktail Club, both owned by Cody Jay, are now both permanently closed. We also heard, although have not yet been able to confirm, that the delicious Woodfired Pizza & Wine Bar in the same plaza was likely closing at the end of June. That would be a tremendous loss for the local Neapolitan-style-pizza-loving community. 

As for new openings, although it isn’t a restaurant at all, Bull Liquors & Cigar recently re-opened in its new space in the Acropolis Greek Taverna-anchored Oak Ramble Plaza on BBD, south of Tampa Palms. The original Bull Liquors was located in the same plaza, in a much smaller space near Papa John’s Pizza and Jersey Mike’s Subs, but the new location — which took close to a year to get open — is in the plaza’s other end cap, where the last business in there was a check-cashing place, but which also has been home to four restaurants — the first being the Louis Pappas Market Café and the last being Takara Sushi & Sake. 

The new Bull Liquors (at 14913 BBD) is a much larger, nicer location with a good selection of fine wines and spirits, as well as a walk-in cigar humidor. For more info, call (813) 513-8941. 

Our next stop is the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza on BBD, just north of New Tampa/Cross Creek Blvd, where a new sign recently went up announcing that Everbowl is planning to open in the plaza’s space just north of Publix. 

Everbowl, a California-based chain of healthy bowl eateries (think Grain & Berry) with about 90 locations in 24 states, has only one other Florida location, near the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, but its Everbowl.com website promises a wide variety of bowls featuring Açai, granola, fresh fruit, peanut butter, chia pudding, blue majik (naturally blue-colored spirulina), Coco Love coconut water, Cacao Wow and other healthy, all-natural flavors. 

I was surprised to not find a “Coming Soon” on the website for the location, but a spokesperson for the UCF Everbowl said that the franchisee for that location didn’t know about or ask for a Tampa location, “so it may be a different franchise owner.” We’ll keep you posted. 

Speaking of healthier eating, two different health-conscious concepts that recently closed in the Winn-Dixie and LA Fitness-anchored The Cypress plaza tucked in off BBD at the corner of County Line Rd. are both in the process of being replaced. 

The one we know for sure is happening is that Coffee Latitudes, which currently has a popular kiosk at the Shops at Wiregrass mall, is planning to open the Coffee Latitudes Coffee & Wine Bar in the former location of Juice Factory (at 6431 E. County Line Rd., Suite 110, next to Max’s Pets). 

But, all we can tell you about the other vacant space, that previously was home to Island Fin Poké Co., is that the replacement could be a popular healthy eatery at the KRATE at The Grove Container Park. Again, we’ll keep you posted. 

Smallcakes in New Tampa is Closed!

We told you in our last issue that Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery (in the Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms) was getting ready to close, but until a week or so before our press time, the cupcake chain’s local link was still open, with no formal announcement from owners Marissa and Justin Dewdney as to when it would close. 

Well, that fateful day (for those of us who loved those moist cupcakes and unmatched icing) did finally come and we already know that the Palms Pharmacy, located next to Smallcakes at 17008 Palm Pointe Dr., was planning to take over the bakery’s space. 

“It’s going to take a while,” Palms Pharmacy owner and Doctor of Pharmacy Shahida Choudhry told the Neighborhood News. “We’re looking at several months to build the space out and get it stocked.” Of course, the independent Palms Pharmacy is still open next door during the build-out, with its chain-matching (or beating) prices and unmatched customer service. 

Shahida, never one to take it easy, also recently opened The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel — with an outstanding team of three nurse practitioners, led by Scarlette Owens, APRN, FNP-C (formerly of Florida Medical Clinic in Tampa Palms) — at 2935 Pearson James Pl. (off Wesley Chapel Blvd. in the new Cypress Bend Professional Park in Lutz (photo), next to Wesley Chapel Harley Davidson). 

For more information about Palms Pharmacy, visit ThePalmsPharmacy.com or call (813) 252-9063. For The Primary Care of Wesley Chapel, visit PrimaryCareWesleyChapel.com or call (813) 991-4243.

Congratulations To New Tampa’s Top Of The Class Of 2024! 

It’s that time of year where parents and students count down to all kinds of graduations, from pre-kindergarten to college. At local high schools, hundreds of graduates are moving on to a new phase of life, whether it’s starting a career, joining the military, going to a faraway university, attending a local college, or taking some time to find themselves. The students on these pages are the top-10 graduating seniors of the Class of 2024 at both of New Tampa’s public high schools by grade point average (GPA). Congratulations to everyone listed on these pages for their extraordinary achievement – and to all of their peers and classmates who are graduating alongside them. Note – We apologize that we have significantly more information about one school’s top-10 students than the other, but we can only show here what we were provided. Please also note that while it seems that the last two Wharton GPAs are out of order, a Wharton official told us that the class ranks were frozen prior to the final GPAs shown here. 

Freedom High 

1. Ishitha Panguluri, Valedictorian 

GPA: 8.6591 

College planning to attend: University of Chicago or Univ. of Florida 

Planned Major or Future Career: Neuroscience 

2. Kayla Le, Salutatorian 

GPA: 7.9495 

College planning to attend: University of Florida or University of South Florida 

Planned Major or Future Career: Business 

3. Jaclyn Rachel Alejandro 

GPA: 7.4377 

College planning to attend: University of South Florida Honors 

Planned major or future career: Biomedical Sciences, pre-med 

4. Yadiel Narvaez Hernandez 

GPA: 7.2153 

College planning to attend: Georgia Tech 

Planned major or future career: Industrial Engineering 

5. Mrinalini Bose 

GPA: 7.2113 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned Major or future career: Applied Math 

6. Mallory Marsland Pettit 

GPA: 7.1104 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Psychology 

7. Sanduni Karalliyadde 

GPA: 6.9993 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Political Science, Pre-Law 

8. Sharianne Sampson 

GPA: 6.9438 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biology, pre-med 

9. Pouria Yazdankhah Kenary 

GPA: 6.829 

College planning to attend: University of South Florida 

Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering 

10. Mohammed Alfatlawi 

GPA: 6.76 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Computer Engineering 

Wharton High 

1. Heer Patel, Valedictorian 

GPA: 9.9639 

Clubs/Activities: President BETA club, President/founder Wistem (Women in STEM club), member of NHS (National Honor Society), SNHS (Science National Honor Society), NEHS (National English Honor Society), Spanish National Honor Society, Tri M music honor society, Key Club, FBLA, Orchestra, dancer, volunteer at Moffitt Cancer Center and Metropolitan Ministries

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Business & Biology 

Best thing about high school: High school taught me what it means to have real friends. These past few years, I’ve developed some of the closest bonds, which I know will carry forward as I move on to the next chapter of my life. High school taught me how to grow and nurture friendships, and how to value people for who they truly are. 

2. Sarah Gangaram, Salutatorian 

GPA: 8.08 

Clubs/Activities: Team Captain Speech and Debate, Vice President NEHS, Co-founder Book Club, Vice President BETA, Social Media Manager, Newspaper: Education Editor, Member of SNHS, NHS 

College planning to attend: University of South Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biology on a pre-med path, neurosurgeon 

Best thing about High School: Definitely the people. I enjoyed coming to school every day and socializing with my friends and peers, as well as my teachers. Overall, they really made my high school experience incredible. For example, when I’d go to football games and other school events, the spirit we all have is incredible, and just being in that environment was amazing – it’s something I will never forget. 

3. Mahdi Aziz 

GPA: 7.4787 

Clubs/Activities: Treasury secretary NEHS, member of SNHS, NHS, volunteer at AdventHealth, working for my dad at Bagels Plus, tennis 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Anthropology and history, international lawyer 

Best thing about High School: All the great teachers and friends that I met all through my four years, and the times I spent with them. 

4. Cooper Priest

GPA: 7.28 

Clubs/Activities: Chess Club, NHS, SNHS, swim team 

College planning to attend: Michigan State University 

Planned major or future career: Chemical engineering 

Best thing about High School: Making friends 

5. Athira Umshankar 

GPA: 7.24 

Clubs/Activities: NHS, NEHS, SNHS, art club, film club 

College planning to attend: University of South Florida Honors 

Planned major or future career: Psychology 

Best thing about High School: People and friends I met. 

6. Reese Prieto 

GPA: 7.22 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biology 

Best thing about High School: Meeting new people and making new friends 

7. Emily Toso 

GPA: 7.12 

Clubs/Activities: Newspaper Editor-in-chief, President SNHS, NEHS, speech and debate, dancer (Tampa Gymnastics and Dance) for 14 years 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Environmental engineering 

Best thing about High School: Being able to explore different interests and really find what you’re good at and enjoy. 

8. Avi Amin 

GPA: 7.08 

Clubs/Activities: Scuba diving, soccer, SCC 

College planning to attend: New York University 

Planned major or future career: Finance 

Best thing about High School: Getting to meet new people and make new friends 

9. Eva Lebas 

GPA: 7.0 

Clubs/Activities: All-County and All-State Honors Orchestras, play viola, swim team 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biomedical Engineering 

Best thing about High School: Definitely prom and the senior events 

10. Jariel Garriga 

GPA: 7.06 

Clubs/Activities: Wharton Baseball Captain, Beta Club Vice President, SCC Unity Officer 

College planning to attend: Florida State University 

Planned major or future career: Biochemistry, orthopedic surgeon 

Best thing about High School: Playing baseball with my friends 

How Do You Spell ‘Champion?’ B-R-U-H-A-T!

(Photos from the Scripps National Spelling Bee and Associated Press Websites)

We first told you about Bruhat Soma — the New Tampa resident who won this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 30 — two years ago, when he was a 10-year-old fifth grader who missed attending the finals that year because he came down with Covid-19.

Bruhat, who then finished 74th at the 2023 Scripps Bee, not only won the title this year, he did so with what has to be considered the most amazing performance in the 96-year history of the Bee — even more incredible than it was controversial.

For only the second time ever (the only other time was in 2022), the final two contestants had to compete in a lightning-round tiebreaker known as a “spell-off,” where each contestant is given 90 seconds to correctly spell as many words as they can. Bruhat’s final round opponent — Faizan Zaki, a 12-year-old 6th grader from Allen, Texas — successfully spelled an impressive 20 words in 90 seconds, but Bruhat set a new spell-off record by spelling an other-worldly 29 words correctly in the same amount of time.

Although Bruhat told the Associated Press (AP) he was nervous about the spell-off, he calmly zipped through every word, from “abseil” (actually his last word of the spell-off) to “wenzel” by miming himself typing each word as he spelled it. If you haven’t yet watched his spell-off performance, you really should. AP’s article said he sounded more like an auctioneer than a speller.

As the champion, Bruhat receives a trophy and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.

According to the AP, Bruhat said he “rehearsed the spell-off every day for six months. I was pretty confident that I had a chance at winning because I’ve been working so hard…and I really wanted to win. That’s why I practiced the spell-off so much.”

The AP story also said although there was no doubt Bruhat was a worthy champion, “the conclusion left many observers disappointed and confused.

“The finals began with eight spellers, the fewest since 2010,” the AP report said, “and it was clear that Scripps was trying to fill the 2-hour broadcast window on Ion, a network owned by the Cincinnati-based media company. Frequent, lengthy commercial breaks allowed spellers to mill about at the side of the stage, chatting with their coaches, relatives and supporters.

“And then, Bee officials announced it was time for the tiebreaker before Bruhat and Faizan were even given a chance to compete in a conventional round. The competition rules state that a spell-off is used in the interest of time, but Scripps still squeezed in another commercial break between the tiebreaker and the announcement of Bruhat’s victory.

“In the tiebreaker — which was used once before, when Harini Logan of Texas correctly spelled 21 words in 90 seconds in 2022 — “the winning word is the one that gives a speller one more correct word than their competitor.” Although it was actually his 29th correct word, not his 21st, Scripps said, “Bruhat’s winning word was ‘abseil,’ defined as “descent in mountaineering by means of a rope looped over a projection above.”

After the competition ended, and a clearly sad Faizan graciously shook his hand, Bruhat told the AP, “I always want to win. And this was, like, my main goal. I’m just really happy that I won this.”

Bruhat is the second straight champion from the Tampa Bay area, and his victory means 29 of the last 35 spelling champs have been Indian American.

He also is the second New Tampa resident to claim the title — former Benito Middle School eighth grader Nupur Lala was the first, after winning in 1999. Nupur’s journey to the crown inspired a new generation of spellers, after her triumph was featured in the documentary “Spellbound.” Now a neuro-oncologist, Nupur returned to the Bee this year for the first time in a decade.

Turner Bartels principal LaMarr Buggs said that Bruhat’s performance was “Unbelievable. I honestly was nervous about the spell-off because the other kid (Faizan) seemed faster during the regular rounds, but wow. Just wow! Everyone at the school is so proud that he is one of ours.”

Buggs also said that after Bruhat, who lives “within walking distance of the school in Live Oak Preserve,” is finished with a whirlwind media tour, including an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmell Live!” and other national talk shows, a “welcoming committee” from Turner Bartels plans to greet Bruhat and his family at Tampa International Airport upon their return.

Upcoming Events — ‘Final Friday,’ Two Elected Officials Host Town Halls & More! 

Although the graduation events for both Freedom and Wharton high schools will already have been held by the time this issue reaches your mailbox, we wish all of our graduating seniors success in their future endeavors at the Summer of 2024 officially begins. In the meantime, there are some fun and some informative events on the upcoming docket. 

Thursday, May 30, 5:30 p.m. — New Tampa Community Meeting with Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera. At the New Tampa Recreation Center (17302 Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa Palms). Join Councilman Viera and learn about the latest developments at City Hall, get some information about the city’s Parks & Recreation Dept. and ask the Councilman your questions. 

Friday, May 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.. — The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) presents “Final Friday.” This free networking event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com. 

Friday, May 31, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — R&B Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park. See story below. 

Tuesday, June 4, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — NTBC Business Breakfast with Florida Senator Danny Burgess. At the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch of Pasco Hernando State College (2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel). $25 for NTBC members, $30 for non-members. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com 

Friday, June 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — NTBC Leading Ladies Network with author & motivational speaker Kiera Yore. At Florida Avenue Brewing Co.’s Private Event Room (2029 Arrowgrass Dr., Wesley Chapel). $15 per person. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com. 

Friday, June 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m. — The Market Elaine. At the Village at The Grove, with 150+ vendors, free admission & free parking. For info, visit TheMarketElaine.com. 

Monday, June 10, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. — Town Hall Meeting with Dist. 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunter’s Village Rd.). Join Commissioner Hagan for an informative evening of information and an opportunity to ask the Commissioner your questions. 

Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — Coffee Social at the Sara Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis & Wellness Center (6585 Simons Rd., Zephyrhills), hosted by SVB’s Che Sara restaurant. Free coffee, networking & light bites. 

Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Jazz Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park.