Checking In With Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s Tampa Palms Office! 

Elected in November, U.S. Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-Dist. 15) already has been actively sponsoring bills. Rep. Lee has a constituent office now open in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. (Photo provided by Rep. Lee’s communications director Grace Bartlinski).

Unbeknownst to many, including yours truly — at least until a couple of months ago — U.S. Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-Brandon), who was elected to serve in the newly redistricted District 15 in the U.S. House of Representatives in November, quietly opened a local office in the Tampa Palms Professional Center.

So, when District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera told me about her new office, I knew I wanted to at least try to speak with the former Florida Secretary of State (who resigned to run for Congress) about a number of important issues. My first question, however, was “How did Rep. Lee decide to open an office in Tampa Palms?” 

And, while I didn’t speak directly with the Congresswoman, her communications director Grace Bartlinski was able to send me answers to most of my questions, including to the one above:

“This location is right along 75, allowing constituents from all over the district to have access (to it).” 

As to what constituent services are available at the Tampa Palms office, Bartlinski said, “Constituents can call our District Office or visit in person to receive help with any issues they might have. Our office can help those who need help with a federal agency, have questions about VA (Veterans Administration) benefits, getting a passport, or who have questions about open casework. Constituents also can call in to voice their concerns, so the Congresswoman can best represent Florida’s 15th District.”  

I also wanted to know how often Rep. Lee would be at the local office and whether or not she would host/attend any meetings in our area.

“When the House is out of session,” Bartlinski said, “the Congresswoman is in the District taking meetings with constituents, local businesses and community leaders throughout the District. (She) is planning (to host) community meetings and more telephone town halls in the future. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter (see info at the end of this story) and follow her on social media to stay up to date on when the next events will be announced.”  

As to what bills Rep. Lee has so far authored or co-authored, Bartlinski said:

“The Congresswoman is very busy with committee work and voting on legislation when in D.C. She has introduced several bills and looks forward to them being brought to the House Floor to be voted on.”

She added that, last week, the Congresswoman had the following two bills pass out of committee and they now head to the House Floor for final passage:

‱ H.R. 4470, the “Protecting & Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act of 2023.” This bill will extend the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) authority to ensure that regulatory standards dictating the practices of chemical facilities are reauthorized.

‱ H.R. 4563, the “American Confidence in Elections (ACE) Act of 2023.” This legislation will equip states with election integrity tools to ensure all Americans’ First Amendment rights are safe. Additionally, this legislation will prevent non-citizen voting, ensure that the men and women serving our country have their ballots counted, and (will provide) direct federal resources to increase election security measures.

Additionally, Bartlinski said that Rep. Lee has co-sponsored the following bills that have already passed the House: 

‱ H.R. 662, the “Block Grant Assistance Act of 2023.” This bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide as block grants to states and territories certain funding available to assist agricultural producers with losses due to droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos (wind storms), excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freezes, smoke exposure, and excessive moisture occurring in calendar year 2022.

‱ H.R. 277, the “REINS Act.” This bill revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking.

‱ H.R. 5, the “Parents Bill of Rights.” This bill establishes various rights of parents and guardians regarding the public elementary or secondary school education (including secondary career and technical education) of their children. Local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools must comply with the requirements of the bill in order to receive federal education funds.

‱ H.J. Res. 27, which provides for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army’s Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States.’”

‱ H.J. Res. 44, which provides for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives relating to “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached ‘Stabilizing Braces.’”

In addition, Bartlinski said, the following are bills the Congresswoman has introduced or cosponsored, and letters:

‱ “National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act” (bipartisan and introduced with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor). This legislation would require entities that contract with the National Human Trafficking Hotline to cooperate with state and local law enforcement when receiving tips through the Hotline. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and 35 other state attorneys general recently contacted House and Senate Leadership to express outrage that the Hotline is not reporting human trafficking tips to law enforcement unless the victim self-reports. This disrupts the federal-state partnership to end human trafficking.

‱ “OPIOIDS Act” (bipartisan and she introduced). This legislation will increase training for state and local law enforcement officers, update systems used for drug tracing and provide federal grants for training and resources to stop secondary drug exposure to first responders. 

‱ “Saving Our Invaluable Land (SOIL) Act” (bipartisan). This bill would prohibit China, Iran, Russia and North Korea from owning or renting land within 10 miles of a sensitive site (military bases, important research facilities, and other locations containing sensitive/top-secret information or resources).  

‱ Rep. Lee is a member of the Everglades Caucus (bipartisan) and signed a letter to President Biden requesting he include $725 million for Everglades Restoration in his Presidential Budget. This bipartisan caucus advocates for restoration projects in the Everglades and works closely with our state partners to ensure this land is protected.  

‱ The Congresswoman voted in support of an Amendment that would prevent offshore drilling off the coast of Florida. 

‱ She cosponsored H.R. 314, the “Force Act.” This bill would prohibit the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism until Cuba’s communist regime stops terrorizing its citizens. 

‱ She also signed appropriations letters for Israel’s defense. 

‱ Rep. Lee also was the original cosponsor of H.R. 4162, the “Land Grant Research Prioritization Act.”

The Congresswoman serves on the House Administration, Judiciary, and Homeland Security Committees. Bartlinski said that Rep. Lee looks forward to the National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act (introduced with Rep. Kathy Castor, D-FL 14) and the OPIOIDS Act (she introduced both) being brought to the House Floor to be considered. Additionally, her bills, H.R. 4470 and H.R. 4563,  passed out of committee and now head to the House Floor for final passage. 

Priorities & Positions

Bartlinski also said that one of  Rep. Lee’s top priorities is securing our southern border and ensuring community safety. In May, the House passed the most comprehensive border security bill to date, H.R. 2, aka the “Secure the Border Act.” Additionally, the Congresswoman is working to stop government overreach and restore Congress’ role to check the regulatory actions of federal agencies. She cosponsored the REINS Act, which will rein in government overreach and ensure government accountability. 

“The Congresswoman also is committed to making goods and services more affordable,” Bartlinski said. “Inflation is hurting Americans’ pocketbooks — we have seen prices at the gas pump and grocery stores skyrocket.” Rep. Lee co-sponsored the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which would keep taxes low for small businesses and all Americans: “When we keep taxes low and curb wasteful spending (in) Washington, we put more money back into Americans’ pockets.”

In addition, as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, Bartlinski said, “The Congresswoman is working to secure the southern border. (She) believes securing our border, enforcing our laws and taking steps to ensure we stop unchecked illegal immigration is the humanitarian thing to do. The border is not secure and when we fail to enforce our laws, we empower criminals. The House recently passed the most comprehensive border security bill to date (H.R. 2, the “Secure the Border Act,” for which Rep. Lee voted ‘yes’). A few weeks ago, the Homeland Security Committee launched an investigation into Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ dereliction of duty. Through this investigation, the Committee will get answers for the American people.” 

In addition, said Bartlinski, “The Congresswoman also believes that the U.S. has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. We cannot keep spending our grandchildren’s money — to get our budget under control, Congress has to cut spending. Rep. Lee looks forward to working to get our fiscal house back in order and put money back into Americans’ pockets.” 

Bartlinski also noted that, as a former judge, the Congresswoman respects the law and Constitution and is deeply committed to upholding the law and will support those rights granted to American citizens.

In April, Rep. Lee also became the first Florida member of the U.S. Congress to endorse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for President in 2024.  

For more information about Rep. Lee’s position on various issues and policies, please visit https://laurellee.house.gov/services or follow her on social media. For a complete list of bills she has introduced, co-sponsored and voted on and more info about each bill’s text, visit https://www.congress.gov/member/laurel-lee/L000597?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22laurel+lee%22%5D%7D&s=2&r=1.

It’s All On The Avenue We’re Taking You To (Or Near?) — 42nd St.!

Drone photo of Cypress Cay Blvd. (road at far right). In front are the Lantana apartments. The bluer buildings behind them are the Sage apartments & the orange roofs near the top are the Cottages at Cypress Cay. To the south, Cypress Cay Blvd. attaches to where 42nd St. meets Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (Photos by Charmaine George)

For years, whenever anyone headed southwest from Tampa Palms on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. towards the Lake Forest subdivision, there really wasn’t much between the two on the west side of BBD other than a gas station, a flower shop (A Special Rose Florist, now located in Tampa Palms), a do-it-yourself car wash, an Ob/Gyn office and the North Oaks condominiums.


(Top) For about 50 years, the for-lease Palma Verde apartments at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. & 42nd St. were the only buildings on 42nd St. But, eight years ago, the Angels Senior Living Assisted Living & Memory Care residence (middle and bottom photos) opened, and the beautiful lobby area has been welcoming residents to its 102 studio, 1- and 2-bedroom and 24 memory care apartments ever since.

Just north of North Oaks, a street labeled as 42nd St. already was home to the Palma Verde apartments, a small rental apartment development built in 1965 made up of ten one-bedroom units in five buildings.

Then, roughly eight years ago, Angels Senior Living at New Tampa Assisted Living & Memory Care, which has a sign at the corner of 42nd and BBD, near the Palma Verde apartments (which are managed by Martino Chillura Management), became the second establishment to open on 42nd St., and both Angels and Palma Verde have Tampa addresses in zip code 33613.

The 42nd St. location, which offers 102 beds and 89 total units (including 24 secured memory care apartments), is one of eleven senior living facilities the Angels Senior Living parent company operates throughout the Tampa Bay area. Photographer Charmaine George and I toured Angels and I will say that it is quaint, super-clean and provides its seniors with home health care, therapy, pharmaceutical services, adult day care, respite care and a lovely place to live.

What prompted me to write this story, however, was the fact that until more of the property on BBD began being cleared a couple of years ago, to add more than 750 total additional rental units (see below), I honestly didn’t even know Angels was there. Yes, we had published stories about the new apartment units that had begun construction at that time, but now, as you head north on 42nd St. from Angels, you realize that not only are there sparkling, new apartments for rent, but also that the street seems to change names to what is now called Cypress Cay Blvd. 

This mile-or-so-long stretch of Cypress Cay Blvd. actually does have a separate curb cut on BBD just north of 42nd St. In addition, even though Palma Verde and Angels are located in zip code 33613, the new apartment communities — the separate Lantana and Sage at Cypress Cay rental communities located north of Angels — actually have Lutz addresses in zip code 33559. 

Cypress Cay Blvd. continues past the 252-unit Lantana (which just welcomed its first residents a couple of weeks ago and is not yet 100% completed) and 304-unit Sage (which has been open for about a year) communities and winds its way towards a new multi-family development known as the Cottages at Cypress Cay, which will include 198 total additional rental units in 71 buildings.

Although we don’t yet have much information about the Cottages at Cypress Cay, based on the photo of its sign (below), it appears that, like Lantana and Sage, it also will be seeking to reach upscale apartment renters. Lantana and Sage feature 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,800 to more than $3,000 per month. And, while they are located near USF, these are not your usual student apartments, with their beautiful lobby areas, upscale amenities and gated security.

Both Lantana and Sage are being developed by RangeWater Real Estate, which has developed dozens of apartment communities  in 11 states, including Ascend Grove West and Beacon Epperson in Wesley Chapel. We were told that Sage, which is nearing its capacity, is now under contract to be sold.

Meanwhile, The Cottages are being developed by Capstone Communities, which also has developed thousands of units in over half the U.S. (including 8 projects in Florida), but is making its debut in the Tampa Bay area.

And, just northeast of where Cypress Cay Blvd. meets BBD (see map on next page), there is an undeveloped commercial lot. We don’t yet know what is planned for that site, but will update that for you in a future issue.

Two Local Elementary School Students Win National Invention Honors 

(Left, l.-r.) Wesley Chapel residents Brittany Long and her daughter Lillian, with New Tampa residents Reha, Mahi and Rudra Patel and Nicole Tuminella, the Tampa Bay Invention Convention Worldwide affiliate for Hillsborough County Public Schools. 
(Photos provided by Brittany Long and Reha Patel).

Our sincere congratulations go out to New Tampa resident Mahi Patel and Wesley Chapel resident Lillian Long. These two young inventors recently won some impressive honors at the seventh annual Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW)- Youth National Invention Convention June 5-8, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI. 

Representatives from the U.S. Patent Office enjoy checking out Lillian’s unique, award-winning slime. 

Lillian is a 4th grader at Clark Elementary who invented a “derm-friendly” slime that is suitable for people who have eczema and other skin sensitivities. Meanwhile, Mahi, a 5th grader from Chiles Elementary, created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program through coding to help better — and more quickly — recognize lung cancer in body scans. 

First, the girls entered their projects in the Hillsborough Regional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Fair back in March, after each won first place at their respective school STEM Fairs. Both were entered in the Invention categories in their respective grade levels. Out of more than 1,500 projects at the District-level elementary fair, the girls were then chosen to represent Tampa Bay at the ICW-Youth National Invention Convention. 

Mahi with her “Top Show Board” prize winner. 

Going for the experience and to share their passion for their respective inventions, both girls ended up walking away from the National Competition with two outstanding awards each. Mahi won 1st place overall in the country for 5th grade entries and the Top Show Board award for the entire event, while Lillian won 2nd place overall in the country for 4th grade entries. She also won the top Medal/Health award of all projects K-12 in the entire event. These were surely some huge accomplishments, considering that there were 366 students who were selected to attend the 7th Annual ICW nationwide event. 

Both students have personal connections to their inventions and sought out solutions to help others. 

Lillian hopes to create a product line that can be used for many purposes in dermatology offices, child psychology offices, and occupational therapy offices as well. She says her primary goal is to create an inclusive product that is safe for everyone. 

Mahi hopes that her product, which uses a different algorithm, can help identify a variety of cancers at a much faster rate, allowing more people to have quicker care and less chances for misdiagnosis. Mahi’s brother Rudra, who is going into his junior year at Middleton High, also has competed in (and won) science fairs in the past. 

Both girls also have been selected to represent the U.S. and have their inventions at the worldwide virtual competition, which will be held at the end of this month, with the awards to be announced on Aug. 11! Good luck, young ladies! 

Check Out ‘Grease” At The NTPAC!

If you love songs like “You’re the One That I Want,” “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” “Grease (Is The Word)” and “Beauty School Dropout” from the Broadway musical and subsequent movie (starring John Travolta and the late, great Olivia Newton-John) “Grease,” I can personally guarantee, in all sincerity, that you will not be disappointed if you check out the New Tampa Players (NTP) production of the 1972 Tony Award winner later this month. 

The performances will be presented at the all-new New Tampa Performing Arts Center (PAC) off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. the weekends of July 21-23 and July 28-30 and tickets are already selling very well.

“We had less than 100 tickets left (of the 350 available for each performance) for the two Sunday matinee shows (on July 23 & 30),” said NTP producing artistic director Nora Paine shortly before we went to press with this issue. “We definitely expect to sell out all six shows.”

The hard-working cast (photo above), under the direction of G. Frank Meekins with choreography by Sarah Walston, features the tremendous talents of Dylan Fidler as Danny, Olivia Carr as Sandy, Kyle Fisher as Kenicke and Alyson Gannon as Rizzo. But honestly, as someone excited to be playing a minor character (Vince Fontaine) in this show, the entire ensemble is amazing.

For tickets & more information, see the ad below or visit NewTampaPlayers.org. — GN

Nibbles & Bites: Gorkhali Kitchen Wins Michelin’s Bib Gourmand Award!

Although I admit to having missed it when three Tampa restaurants were awarded Michelin Stars last month, I wanted to congratulate the owners of Gorkhali Kitchen, the Tampa Bay area’s only Nepalese-Himalayan restaurant, located in the Cross Creek Center plaza at 10044 Cross Creek Blvd., which was one of only two Tampa eateries to win the Michelin Bib Gourmand award (the other was Psomi, a Greek concept in South Tampa).

Michelin Stars are offered to the best of the most upscale eateries, while the Bib Gourmand awards are given to restaurants with “consistently good quality, good value cooking,” but both awards are presented only after multiple Michelin Guide inspectors make multiple visits and all agree on the restaurant’s quality.

Gorkhali’s Nepalese (and Indian) fare includes the country’s signature Momo dumplings, sizzling Tandoori lamb chops and chicken wings, tender goat dishes and the Nepalese fried rice (with chicken) shown here.

Gorkhali Kitchen co-owners Rajesh Pathak, Reena Widdoes, Poonam Gurung and Menora Panthi have rightfully been inundated with new customers since the announcement.

Gorkhali Kitchen is open every day for lunch and dinner. For more information, call (813) 388-6404 or visit GorkhaliKitchenTampa.com.

Grand Hampton: The Movie Series Makes It To Orlando Film Fest!
Photo provided by Antony Capers.

Speaking of congratulations, I also have to give big props to filmmaker Antony Capers and his talented cast and crew of “Grand Hampton the Movie Series – Super Vita,” which has been invited to the nonprofit Orlando International Film Festival (OIFF) the weekend of July 13-16. 

Capers says, “Being a part of the OIFF is huge, and a great accomplishment. We have no celebrity actors or figures in our movie, we had no production budget, nor any high-end specials effects, but yet myself, and Annette (Simmons-Brown)wrote a movie that had a strong enough story to make an impact.”

Capers & crew, who got to present (photo) and even film a portion of the series at the historic Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa earlier this year, says that although “Grand Hampton” will be one of about 200 short and feature-length films presented at the OIFF, “I think being in this film festival will help expose our ‘Grand Hampton the Movie’ brand to a wider audience… Hopefully being in the festival, we can get enough eyes on it and possibly get a movie or production deal from Netflix, HULU or a service like that because our story is very unique and different.”

To see all episodes of “Grand Hampton,” visit “Grand Hampton the Movie Series” on Youtube.

Sportsman’s Warehouse To Replace Best Buy In August

Those who enjoy outdoor activities — including hunting, shooting, fishing, camping, boating, outdoor cooking, etc. — will be thrilled to know that Sportsman’s Warehouse is expected to open in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve (in the former location of Best Buy) on (or around) Thursday, August 17. 

For more info, including how to register to win a GMC AT4 truck and outdoor gear package, visit Sportsmans.com.

Azteca D’Oro Is Open At The Shops At Wiregrass!

Although it wasn’t yet open when we went to press with this issue, the opening of the new Azteca d’Oro Mexican restaurant at the Shops at Wiregrass (across from The Living Room; left photo) took place last week, with a Grand Opening event the weekend of June 24-25.

We were planning to visit and take both pictures and video last week, so look for updates on NeighborhoodNewsOnline.net as soon as you receive this issue in your mailbox.

I met with co-owner Victor Ramos and the rest of the Azteca team the day this issue went to press, where I got the only picture I could (right photo) of a fully completed area inside this beautiful new, upscale Mexican dining experience. 

Azteca d’Oro (2000 Piazza Ave., Unit 170) is open every day for lunch and dinner, with Azteca’s “Buy One, Get One” Happy Hour available all day on Sunday and Monday-Saturday, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.). For more information, visit Aztecadoro.com.

Checking Out The Third Annual Rum & Seafood Festival! 

Our congratulations go out to Florida Penguin Productions for putting on a successful third-annual Rum & Seafood Festival at the Tampa Premium Outlets on June 3, despite the constant threat of bad weather that could have caused the event’s cancellation.

A steady stream of adult visitors paid $15 per person to get into the Festival, which featured live music, dozens of vendors — including Siesta Key and Sailor Jerry rums, FishHawk Spirits and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey — and great seafood food trucks like Charm City Eats, Super Grouper, Got Lobstah? and From the Soul to the Sea. Among this year’s highlights were the Crab Races (that I unfortunately missed) and the “rooftop” bar. 

The  North Tampa Bay Chamber received a portion of the event’s proceeds.