Ciara Cotey is a Wesley Chapel native and University of South Florida graduate and the daughter of Neighborhood News managing editor John C. Cotey. She has lived and worked in Seoul, South Korea, since 2012, and has been living through the coronavirus outbreak since January.
South Korea sends out detailed emergency messages when someone is identified as having COVID-19, and includes a list of all the places they had been while infected.
I first heard about COVID-19 (which Koreans just call โcoronaโ) around the end of January, when it was becoming more widespread in China. It was the weekend of the Lunar New Year, so lots of people were traveling abroad and gathering with their families.ย
I wasnโt too worried about it, and it didnโt stop any of my Korean friends or coworkers from taking a weekend trip to Hong Kong or Shanghai over the vacation. I took a short trip to Daegu, which would become the epicenter of the spread in Korea, and we casually chatted about how we hoped the coronavirus would stay in China.
I teach English to some of the board members of the Central Bank of Korea, and one day when I arrived, they had a thermal camera set up outside the elevators. They informed me that I couldnโt get into the building without wearing a mask. Luckily, I had a few at home to deal with the fine dust, but when I went to buy some later, I learned that masks were sold out everywhere โ both in stores and online.
No one here was taking it too seriously until the last week of February, when infections quadrupled in a matter of days, due to one patient who refused a test and attended several โchurchโ events while she was sick. This led to the entire city of Daegu shutting down, and the rapid spread of the virus north into the South Korean capital of Seoul caused people to take it more seriously.
Soon, masks and hand sanitizers were quickly bought up, and the government started the warning system.
The Korean government sends out detailed national warning messages every time a new patient is discovered, and you can see the list of all the places they had been while infected.
If anyone receiving the messages had been near any of those places, there is a hotline phone number and the health department will tell you to self-quarantine. And, if you show symptoms, they will come to your house to test you.
Korea did a really good job of containing the virus when it was only China that had most of the cases. Daegu got pretty much shut down. After that, cases started popping up all over Seoul, but most of the cases still remain related to this โchurch.โ
All of the registered members were tested and, after that, coronavirus testing became mandatory for people who might have come in contact with infected people.
Iโm not really scared of catching the virus, because Iโm healthy and the healthcare system in Korea is excellent, so I know I would recover. The testing and treatment of covid-19 is paid for by the government, so I also didnโt have any fear of going broke if I caught it. However, I would be worried about spreading it to other people, like my adult students and their families, or my boyfriend and his parents.
Lots of working moms have had to take unpaid leave to take care of their children, as the school year continues to be postponed, currently until mid-April.
Itโs surprising to me that Americans are treating this as a vacation when the health system and response to the virus has been so abysmal. On Facebook, I see my friends back home going to the beach, going to concerts and taking advantage of the cheap flights to take a trip, and I canโt imagine that happening here.
Social distancing is so important when thereโs no way to even follow the trail of infections. Americans here are all glad we stayed because if we had gone home out of fear, we wouldnโt have had the same access to the health care and testing we have here.
As for the whole toilet paper thing, Koreans are literally laughing at Americans because they donโt understand why toilet paper is sold out.
The only shortages I have seen have been hand sanitizer, thermometers and face masks, which are rationed by National Health Insurance. You can get 2 masks on the designated days. On Thursdays, for example, if your birth year ends with 5 or 9, you can stand in line at the pharmacy to get your masks. Luckily, my boyfriend had the foresight to order 200 masks in January, just in case.
If anything, this pandemic has created a huge demand for ordering groceries online, and people arenโt stocking up or going to the grocery store because they can get whatever they want delivered whenever they want.
In general, people are still pretty worried, but some people are still living their lives the way they did before. My friends still go out and drink with their friends on the weekends, I still see restaurants packed with people.
But, everyone wears a mask in the subway and if you cough, all heads turn towards you. At the start of the issue, several foreigners here just up and left on the soonest flight to get away from the virus, I guess not knowing that it would eventually spread to their home countries as well. My close friends in Daegu are all confined to their homes because the situation in Daegu is much more stressful than it is here in Seoul.
โMy whole family communicates by calling and video chatting now,โ my friend Eunyoung Kim tells me. โNone of the restaurants in the neighborhood are open except for delivery, and they just leave it outside your door after you pay electronically so thereโs no physical contact. Itโs hard not being able to share a meal with your family members for fear of getting sick.โ
In a family-oriented culture like Korea, people are feeling very isolated compared to before.
At the moment, Korea is only showing about 75 or so new cases per day, with recovery rates surpassing the new cases, so it looks like itโs slowing down so far. People coming in from Europe are now forced into quarantine, so if this method works, Korea should have it fully contained within the next few months.
Stay safe, everyone. Hopefully, the U.S. response to the pandemic will continue to get better over time.
Tampa City Councilmember Luis Viera, who represents District 7 which includes New Tampa, wrote the following for the Neighborhood News and their New Tampa readers.
The effects of Covid-19 present a catastrophic challenge.ย In mere days, Americans went from relative affluence to fear and insecurity.
For our families, this crisis is acute and traumatic. The good news is that Tampa residents are not alone.
For small businesses, there exists a growing number of initiatives that can help.
These initiatives include:
1. There is the Tampa Recovery Hotline (1-800-TPA-INFO) for social service and business relief information. Updates on business resources can be received by texting TAMPABIZ to 888-777.
2. Florida has the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program (FloridaDisasterLoan.org). This interest-free loan is intended to โbridge the gapโ for a catastrophe for up to $50,000.00 per eligible small business (with applications accepted through May 8, 2020, contingent upon availability). ย
The loan is short term: 0% interest the first year, 12% after that.
For an updated list of resources, visit Tampagov.net/emergency-management/covid-19. The City of Tampa is establishing a task force for Social Services and an Economic Development Task Force to find other ways to help.
Know that as your Tampa City Councilman, I will continue to work to make resources available for constituents and make calls to local businesses and residents.
And federal, state and local resources will continue to grow.
So many of the stories I have heard are crushing: I spoke to a recent immigrant who came here with nothing, found success, began a restaurant and now has had to close shop; a small business owner digging into his savings to allow his employees to have something to live on; and workers feeling abandoned with no savings or health insurance after their last day on the job.
Houses of worship are doing much more with a lot less. And anxiety, depression and emotional challenges are brutally compounded.
I ask that you do your patriotic duty. Engage in best practices as recommended by medical professionals. Practice acts of compassion for the vulnerable. If you are a member of a religious congregation, support your congregationโs purpose.
People are hurting and suffering But, have no doubt, we will rebound as a people.
Americans are, at heart, fighters. Many of us come from families that, as immigrants and refugees, fought against crushing odds just to get here and be called Americans.
We, as Americans, have, in just the last 100 years, overcome a Great Depression, defeated the Nazis, saw many of our fellow Americans beaten and sometimes murdered in fighting Jim Crow, won the Cold War and sustained the September 11th terror attacks.
We will overcome this crisis and will do so together as Americans. We have different faiths and traditions, but are all Americans who are our brother and sisterโs keeper.
And, please know that you can always count on my help and friendship along the way.
Stonewood Grill and Tavern once again tops publisher Gary Nager’s Top 25 list of restaurants in New Tampa.
Every year, after we report the results of our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, I always feel compelled to give you my dining favorites, including all of the restaurants that opened in (or very near) New Tampa and Wesley Chapel the previous year. Some of you love my opinions; others…not so much.
Even so, most people I meet out in our neck of the woods tell me they agree with my choices more than they do those of the readers year after year.
But, having waited until after the coronavirus outbreak hit home here in Florida to give you my list of favorites for 2019 surely didnโt help matters any, as several of the eateries listed on pages 32-37 of this issue were closing, at least temporarily, rather than be open for takeout and delivery only, per Florida Gov. Ron De Santisโ order on Mar. 20.
Sadly, thereโs no doubt that some on this list may not be able to weather this storm and may close permanently. Until that happens, however, please support as many of the still-open eateries on my list as you can. I know Jannah and I will.
Iโm glad I got to sit down to a perfectly seared ahi tuna appetizer, a tender medium-rare filet, and a flavorful grouper piccata at my (and our readersโ) favorite restaurant in New Tampa โ Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms โ shortly before DeSantis gave his order.
As for the rest of my New Tampa top-25, please read on! โ GN
1 — STONEWOOD 17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Tampa Palms | (813) 978-0388 Even though it hasnโt always been my #1 favorite restaurant in New Tampa, thereโs no doubt that Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms has been near the top of my list since the day it opened nearly two decades ago.
Stonewood continues to serve the best (and best variety of) steaks (like the 9-oz. filet mignon pictured below) in New Tampa and it also offers a daily โmarket catchโ (like the fresh grouper piccata, with sauce on the side and perfectly sautรฉed spinach, right) and other specials (like lollipop rib lamb chops…mmm) that have kept it near the top of my list every year.
New GM Matt Passardi โ who previously ran the Grillsmith in the Shops at Wiregrass โ and his staff usually also keep their guests happy at New Tampaโs most-happening bar scene, but of course, covid-19 has shut down the bar and Stonewoodโs elegant dine-in experience, at least for now. My suggestion? Get it to go while you can!
2 — THE FAT RABBIT 16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. | (813) 252-3004 The day The Fat Rabbit opened a few very short years ago, I was impressed with the look and feel of the place as a bar hangout, but I was thrilled when I sampled the food the first several times. Even though Iโm not so much a wing aficionado as I am a foodie, many in our area agree that The Fat Rabbit has the best wings anywhere ยญโ blackened with a side of the Fat Rabbit cilantro sauce are my faves โ as well as great burgers, โtatersโ (try the garlic sweet potato) and grown up grilled cheese. But, adding a Catch of the Week (blackened mahi-mahi above) moved the Rabbit way up on my list.
CICCIO CALI Shoppes at The Pointe 17004 Palm Pointe Dr. | (813) 975-1222 The Ciccio Restaurant Group has created one of the most successful slates of local eateries in the entire Tampa Bay area, with concepts like Green Lemon, Daily Eats, Ciccio Water and Better Byrd (look them all up), but Ciccio Cali has been the only one in our area since Lodge closed in the former Ciccio & Tonyโs location in City Plaza. But, I have always credited Ciccio Cali as the first to bring โbowl cultureโ to New Tampa. The menu has been simplified, with multiple โbowl styleโ options (the โLean & Cleanโ with tuna is my fave), plus crisp-crust pizza and famous wrap sandwiches (the Cali Club is my fave). ย
4 — ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERNA Oak Ramble Plaza 14947 Bruce B Downs Blvd. | (813) 971-1787 Although I spend a lot less time these days south of Tampa Palms on BBD, it never takes much to convince Jannah to go to (or take out from) Acropolis. Part of another successful Bay-area mini-chain, Acropolis features authentic saganaki cheese flambรฉ and artichoke and spinach dip appetizers, a tender shish (filet) and chicken kabob duo, savory loin lamb chops and our favorite entrรฉe โ the thin, crisp, lightly fried Athenian fish pictured above. And, even though Acropolis doesnโt have a true Greek dressing, the Greek salad also is outstanding with its creamy Acropolis Greek dressing.
5 — LAS PALMAS LATIN GRILLย 6431 E. County Line Rd. | (813) 803-3903 Speaking of amazing fish, owner/chef Ramses Garcia serves our areaโs flakiest, tastiest merluza (like snapper) a la Rusa, as well as award-winning Cuban sandwiches and traditional specialties like ropa vieja (shredded beef), picadillo (ground beef) and arroz con pollo (chicken & yellow rice), and I really love the steaksย โ palomillo (in sour mojo sauce, with onions), churrasco (skirt steak with chimichurri sauce) and sautรฉed vaca frita (crispy beef). But, the lechon asado (tender roasted pork), masitas (pork chunks) and special pork chops (above) are my faves. You canโt go wrong with Ramsesโ wife Anaโs award-winning tres leches dessert, either!
6 — BAYSCAPE BISTRO at Heritage Isles Golf Club 10630 Plantation Bay Dr. | (813) 994-3445 Former Wharton High culinary teachers Eddie and Lourdes Bujarski have created an impressive restaurant inside the Heritage Isles GC clubhouse. With a more extensive menu, Bayscape would finish even higher on my list, because itโs hard to beat for breakfast, lunch and dinner,. There are great wings, burgers, salads and sandwiches, but my faves are the dinner โsignaturesโ like country fried chicken and slow-roasted, top round roast beef with brown gravy pictured above. Itโs been a while since Jannah and I stopped in for dinner and Friday night karaoke, but the last time we were there during the week, the chef-made pasta bar was incredible.
7 — FUSHIA ASIAN BISTRO Shoppes at Amberly, Tampa Palms 15317 Amberly Dr. | (813) 903-6705 If you still havenโt tried Fushia, youโve been missing one of New Tampaโs best-kept secrets. Fushia may not serve traditional New York-style Chinese food, but it features many dishes I love you wonโt find anywhere else in our distribution areas. Iโm partial to the pan-fried pork dumplings, but Fushia has a large menu of dim sum (served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. only) appetizers, plus all-you-can-eat Chinese hot pot and Korean BBQ, but my faves are the yang chow fried rice, the spicy yan jian pork, dry pot chicken and the beef with Chinese broccoli shown above.
8 — THAI RUBY Shoppes at Amberly, Tampa Palms 15319 Amberly Dr. | (813) 558-0570 As Thai restaurants go, Thai Ruby is the most beautiful Thai place in New Tampa and also has the best food, especially since Sukhothai closed a couple of months ago. The spring rolls, ginger chicken, the spicy Thai combination fried rice (with chicken, beef and pork), the Siam chicken, filet of grouper and soft shell crab are all top-notch and Thai Ruby may have the largest selection of veggie dishes youโll find anywhere (I love the steamed broccoli with carrots, green beans and snow peas), but this is the place I go when I have a craving for crispy duck, whether its the tender roast duckling shown above or the โfancyโ duck with sweet & sour sauce.ย ย
9 — KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Pebble Creek Collection 19601 Bruce B Downs Blvd. | (813) 994-6600 For those who crave the teppanyaki (hibachi) table experience in our area, you wonโt find a better choice than Kobe. And, even though Jannah and I usually sit at the bar rather than share a table with families with young children, you get the same great meal, just without the show. Kobe definitely has the best-quality filet mignon, sirloin steak and chicken of any Japanese restaurant in our area, and you can even get pepper-crusted tuna tataki hibachi, as well as beautiful-looking surf-&-turf combos with lobster, shrimp and scallops that Iย (sadly) am not able to enjoy. The sushi is really good, too.
10 — LIANG’S BISTRO ASIAN CUSINE 17515 Bruce B Downs Blvd. | (813) 978-1225 Even though I prefer many of the entrรฉes at Fushia a little more than the main dishes at Liangโs, thereโs no doubt that this is a very nice, upscale Chinese (with other Asian options) restaurant with very good food. My favorite entrรฉes are the steamed (with mixed veggies) or Liangโs crispy fish, the sizzling Shanghai steak and Sichuan chicken, but I love Liangโs for its New York-style BBQ spareribs, the teriyaki wontons and especially, the crispy egg rolls shown above. The item Jannah and I take out most often, though, are Liangโs awesome sautรฉed string beans, but I order them in a spicy chili sauce, rather than the usual oyster sauce. So good.
11 — FULL CIRCLE PIZZA Pebble Creek Collection 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. | (813) 994-3700 Donโt get me wrong…even though I find the deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza shown above very tasty, Iโll never say I like it as much as the New York-style pizza I grew up with. And, even though I know that deep-dish and thin-crust Chicago pizza is a big reason why many locals love Full Circle, Iโm actually a much bigger fan of the other delicious menu items owner/chef Freddy Nova and his wife Julia have added since taking over the place in 2017. My favorites are the chicken and broccoli in garlic and oil and the meatball and chicken parmigiana subs.
12 — SUSHI CAFE The Walk at Highwoods Preserve 18015 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. | (813) 977-7800 For anyone whoโs asking, for my money, Sushi Cafรฉ has the best sushi in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. With a huge assortment of sushi rolls, including some truly unique options like a Pacific fusion roll with spicy tuna, crunch, cucumber and avocado on top, plus a wide variety of sashimi, Sushi Cafรฉ also has one of the best spicy tuna tataki appetizers in our area (photo). I also really enjoy the โhibachi from kitchenโ entrรฉes, like the filet mignon and chicken options, even though (especially because?) there are no teppanyaki tables. I also recommend the crispy chicken katsu and chicken and veggie tempura.
13 — GINZA 6417 E County Line Rd. | (813) 907-1688 When youโre looking for the best value for your money in our area, I believe that Ginza has to be in that conversation, especially for lunch Monday-Friday, which costs only $12.95 for adults ($6.95-$8.95 for kids 4-14) for all of the sushi, appetizers and entrรฉes you care to eat. Even at $21.95 for adults and $8.95-$12.95 for kids for dinner, itโs a great value, especially when you consider the quality of the unlimited egg and spring rolls, pan-fried pork dumplings and dishes like the spicy Mongolian chicken shown above (the Mongolian beef also is top-notch). And, while Ginzaโs sushi may not be quite as good as Sushi Cafรฉโs, I do enjoy Ginzaโs white meat fish sashimi, California roll and others.
14 — KOIZI ENDLESS HIBACHI & SUSHIย Shoppes at The Pointe 17012 Palm Pointe Dr. | (813) 971-1919 Anytime you get into a discussion with a local about which endless hibachi and sushi restaurant they prefer โ Koizi or Ginza โ things can get a little heated. Koizi is $1 less for adults for lunch ($11.95) and dinner ($18.95)and it actually does have teppanyaki tables (above), I just have long felt that the quality of most items, especially the appetizers, is better at Ginza. Even so, the hibachi filet mignon, New York strip steak and chicken are all pretty good and there is a great variety of sushi and sashimi available. The teriyaki and black pepper chicken are also pretty good options .
15 — WOODFIRED PIZZA Palms Connection 2822 E. Bearss Ave. | (813) 341-2900 The first woodfired pizza place to open in (or near) either of our distribution areas is known for its high-quality pizza ingredients, as well as owner Peter Taylorโs unique pizza names โ like my favorite Pizza Raquel, which features house-made fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, grana padano cheese and olive oil, to which I usually add either pepperoni, fire-roasted sausage or Italian-style meatballs (Peterโs โcarnivoreโ pizza has all three) and fresh spinach. The wood-fired meatball appetizer and wings also are delicious, and Iโve yet to sample the wood oven petite (4-oz.) filet mignon, but the classic Caesar, Greek and iceberg wedge salads are excellent, too.
16 — LITTLE GREEK New Tampa Center 19022 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. | (813) 972-0707 Although itโs a completely different kind of eatery than Acropolis, Little Greek also has really good Greek food, as evidenced by the crowds that usually are in line (but always moving; great service!) during lunchtime. In addition to the only true gyro sandwiches (photo) and platters in New Tampa, this still-growing small chain (with around 30 locations in Florida and 50 total in six states), also features excellent steak, chicken, salmon and even lamb skewers, spanakopita, falafel, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and hummus and the only true Greek salad dressing in zip code 33647.
17 — SAKE HOUSE Shoppes at Amberly, Tampa Palms 15311 Amberly Dr. | (813) 977-3838 This unassuming little sushi bar and Japanese restaurant has previously been called Fongโs Sushi and Sushi Raw, but one thing has remained consistent through all of its incarnations โ really good sushi (photo) and specialties like gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) filled with your choice of pork, chicken or shrimp, tempura (shrimp, chicken, beef, scallops, salmon, veggie or even tofu), and beef and chicken teriyaki. The seared tuna tataki appetizer is outstanding, and among my favorite rolls are the tuna trio (spicy tuna inside, red and white tuna on top) and the OZ roll, with fried grouper and spicy crabmeat.
18 — OAKLEY’S GRILLE 17631 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. | (813) 523-5075 Even though the restaurant hasnโt been owned by anyone with the last name Oakley in a few years, current owner Luca Ammirati is a native Italian who has added a number of specialties from his homeland, starting with authentic fried meatballs served with the tomato sauce on the side. The last time I was in Oakleyโs, Ammirati had not yet added penne carbonara, lasagna or penne al ragu (meat sauce), but all three are now listed on his website, so I definitely need to stop in to try them. And of course, Oakleyโs still has my favorite bacon cheeseburger and crisp fries in New Tampa.
19 — ISLAND FIN POKE CO. 6417 E. County Line Rd.ย | (813) 575-8002 This newcomer, which was opened by former New Tampa residents Brenda and Jeff Sproat in late 2019, has established itself as the first Hawaiian-style create-your-own poke bowl place in New Tampa. I love the regular and spicy ahi tuna options as my protein (I usually do two scoops of spicy and one scoop of regular), and there are unique options like spam, octopus, shrimp and tofu, plus veggie options (like regular and spicy pickled veggies, edamame and corn), but as the Sproats say, the thing that sets Island Fin apart are the sauces. I really only need the OG and Island Fire marinating sauces…and an occasional Dole whip dessert.
20 — THAI LANNA & SUSHI Cross Creek Centerย 10022 Cross Creek Blvd. | (813) 991-0108 For those of you who donโt live off of Cross Creek Blvd., Thai Lanna is another excellent (and pretty) Thai place that also really good appetizers like the Thai spring rolls, pan-fried dumplings (bottom right in the photo) fried calamari and even fried eggplant. There are three kinds of crispy duck, with the volcano duck (with mixed veggies and sweet chili sauce) being my favorite. Try the and crab fried rice! Thai Lanna also has really fresh sushi (cooked shrimp sushi and California roll are shown above), too.
21 — MR. DUNDERBAKโS Oak Ramble Plaza 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. | (813) 977-4104 When the original Mr. Dunderbakโs was in the University Mall, I thought it was a cool place for German food, even though I really only had roast bee and pastrami sandwiches there. The location on BBD (which has been around the last 15-20 of its 45 years in business) has a much more diverse menu, and I really enjoy German dishes like the crispy jagerschnitzel (available in veal or pork, both are great) shown above, and the kassler rippchen (pork chops). Iโm not a big beer drinker, but Mr. Dโs biergarten has a huge selection and is always packed. Great European chocolate selection, too.
22 — PETRA MEDITERRANEAN 17503 Preserve Walk Ln. | (813) 898-8991 If youโve ever had a hankerinโ (as I sometimes do) for authentic beef shawarma hand-sliced off a rotating spit (photo), Petra is the place for you. The authentic Mediterranean/Middle Eastern menu includes a great sampler platter, which includes fried kibbe, falafel, hummus, babaganoush and grape leaves, served with a side of tahini sauce. I also really enjoy the nabulsi fried cheese appetizer, the tabouli, fattoush and Greek salads, as well as the chicken shawarma and chicken and shish (cubed lamb) kebab sandwiches and the Petra mixed grill with shish, kufta (ground lamb) and chicken kebabs.
23 — GLORY DAYS GRILL 17508 Doรฑa Michelle Dr. | (813) 513-7550 When this, our distribution areaโs first Glory Days Grill, opened a few years ago, replacing the popular Lee Roy Selmonโs, I will say I wasnโt a big fan. However, when Jannah and I first tried the new Glory Days on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, we recognized that the menu had been greatly upgraded and we have visited both locations quite a bit since then. We love the zucchini fries appetizer shown above, as well as the steak rice bowl, the grilled and comeback chicken entrรฉes, Boston chowda and the 1/2-lb. proprietary blend burgers. Glory Days also has two sizes (7-oz. & 10-oz.) of its tasty โ1988โ sirloin steak and a great sports bar atmosphere.
24 — THE BRUNCHERY 17507 Preserve Walk Ln. | (813) 533-7271 For those of us who had been begging for a great breakfast place in New Tampa, owner Stanley Athanโs The Brunchery filled that void. And, even though I prefer fried eggs over easy with crispy bacon to the scrambled egg breakfast shown above, this was such a pretty picture we decided to use it instead. The Brunchery also serves a selection of โBenedictโ (poached egg) breakfasts, avocado toast, a lox (smoked salmon) platter, ultimate omelets and an incredible variety of French toast options. Iโm embarrassed to say Jannah and I havenโt sampled it for lunch yet, but it offers burgers, sandwiches (including tuna and grilled chicken melts) and salads.
25 — TAMPA PALMS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd. | (813) 972-1991 There was a time, like when I first purchased the Neighborhood News 26 years ago, when this beautiful club, Boston Cooker and Hunterโs Green Country Club were the only โrealโ restaurants open for dinner in New Tampa. But of course, you usually had to be a member to dine at TPGCC, so I really only got to eat there when I attended New Tampa Rotary Club breakfast meetings on Friday mornings โ and that club still meets there every week! However, I will say that the times when Iโve gotten to have dinner at TPGCC, the food has always been pretty good, like the filet shown above.
GARYโS NEXT 25 FAVES (in alphabetical order) All of these restaurants are very good, just not good enough (in my opinion) to make my Top-25 in New Tampa. Iโm even admitting to liking some โfast foodโ places.-GN
Al-Sham Palace Aroy Thai Bearss Tavern & Tap Burger 21 Cantina Mexican Grillย Cappyโs Pizza Deanoโs Pizza & Pasta Don Julioโs Authentic Mexican Five Guys Burgers & Fries Ho King Hummingbird Jerk House Hunterโs Green Country Club Jersey Mikeโs Subs Juice Factory Minerva Indian Restaurant Mulligans Irish Pub (at PCGC) Olive Garden Palm Thai PJ Dolanโs Irish Pub Saffron Indian Cuisine Snowrolls Steak nโ Shake Sushi Avenue Taste of NY Pizza Westshore Pizza
*- Notes – Mahana Fresh & Lima both didnโt open until 2020, or they would have made this list.
** – Sukhothai, Vallartaโs (Tampa Palms), and Regina Margherita (previously called Chefs of Napoli) were all on this list before they all closed (with Regina Margherita closing the week we went to press with this issue) and El Pescador, which previously occupied Limaโs location in the New Tampa Center plaza, made my top-50 before it closed.
Editor’s note: Since this story was written and sent to the printer on March 20, many things have changed. On the same day that Hillsborough County had its first coronavirus-related death on March 26, county leaders unanimously voted for a safer-at-home measure that goes into effect tonight at 10 p.m, a day after City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor issued a stay-at-home order against the wishes of county administrator Mike Merrill.
All sides came together for Thursday’s decision, which urges residents not to go to work unless they are performing an essential service, not to visit friends and family unless its an emergency as well as maintaining a six-foot distance from others if you go out.
Trips to grocery stores, pharmacies and doctor appointments are allowed, as are outdoor activities like biking, jogging and walking your dog as long as social distancing is fulfilled.
Also, since this story was written, the number of cases of coronavirus in Florida has increased from more than 500 to nearly 2,500, and the number of deaths has nearly tripled from 10 to 29.
In Hillsborough County, there are 151 cases of coronavirus, and only 21 in Pasco County.
Be safe. — JCC
The shelves containing toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other necessities at area stores like Publix get emptied quicker than they are re-stocked, as fears grow about the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The novel coronavirus death toll has reached double figures in Florida, and the number of positive cases has surpassed 500.
That was on March 20, when we went to press with this issue.
What are those numbers today, as we land in your mailboxes?
Doubled? Tripled? Quadrupled?
Or worse?
Efforts to flatten the curve and prevent the spread are creating new dilemmas.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered schools to be closed, maybe for the rest of the academic year. Small businesses and restaurants are closed, some possibly forever. Many jobs are gone, and may not return.
โIt is all happening so fast,โ says Hunterโs Green resident Denise Maguire. โEvery day we learn more.โ
An ABC News/Ipsos poll released March 20 revealed that 72 percent, or nearly three out of every four Americans, now say their lives have been upended in some way by Covid-19.
The previous week, that number was only 26 percent.
And, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases for the National Institutes of Health, continues to say things are going to get worse before they get better.
Because testing has lagged, the full extent of the virus remains unclear. In New Tampa, BayCare Urgent Care on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. opened a drive-through site (above) for coronavirus testing on March 18 (other sites by other providers also are open in the Tampa Bay area).
Tents are set up behind the building, although only those who meet the strict criteria โ fever and cough for at least a week, recently traveled internationally, or contact with someone infected โ established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) & Prevention and the Florida Department of Health are being tested.
Roughly 1,500 were tested at all seven drive-through sites set up by BayCare on the first day, and just under half of those who showed up were tested while the others did not meet the criteria and were turned away.
Social distancing is currently the best defense against coronavirus, according to the experts โ which is why pictures of crowded Pinellas County beaches that have now been closed horrified many โ and locally, people have been taking heed.
They also seem to preparing for the long haul — toilet paper, milk, eggs and hand sanitizer are among the items that have flown off the shelves at Publix, Winn-Dixie, Wal-Mart and others, as local stores hustle to keep the shelves stocked.
To combat hoarders, Publix and the Publix Pharmacy went as far as to set aside times (Tuesday and Wednesdays, 7 a.m.-8 a.m.) where only seniors (age 65 and over) could purchase needed items, since they are the most at-risk for the virus.
โSpring Breakโ Extended
Schools have taken drastic steps as well, closing until April 15, and it seems most likely they will not reopen by then, and that the 2019-20 school year will either have to be extended or completed online.
โThe district is working very hard to come up with a plan providing as much support as they can,โ says Hunterโs Green Elementary kindergarten teacher Roxi Coriell. โItโs been amazing to see the response from teachers across the nation. Iโm in all these Facebook groups and everyone is sharing all these resources. Weโre trying to wrap our brains around what resources are available and how to put them to use.โ
In an email to parents on March 19, new Hillsborough Superintendent of Schools Addison Davis announced that for the 2019-20 school year, all state-administered assessments are canceled, school grades will not calculated and all school districts will be required to launch and successfully implement an eLearning Continuity Plan.
Davis also said the Florida Department of Education (DoE) is working with the CDC to determine graduation plans. Wharton and Freedom seniors have been scheduled to graduate May 26 and 28, respectively.
The Wawa on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel remains open but prohibits customers from gathering outside.
As the illness spread nationwide, Floridians were at first encouraged to keep the size of any groups or gatherings at 1,000, then 100, then 50 and finally 10, numbers that seemingly changed every day.
People have been encouraged โ but not yet forced, in all cases โ to work from home, creating a whole new set of circumstances to deal with and forcing many businesses and parents to adjust.
Restaurants have suffered the brunt of social distancing locally, and while a few remained open last week as we went to deadline, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced as we were finishing this issue that restaurants can only be open for take-out and delivery.
Restaurants in New Tampa (& across Florida), like Las Palmas Latin Grill, had to quickly convert to takeout & delivery only to comply with Gov. Ron DeSantis order on Mar. 20. (Photo: John C. Cotey)
At Glory Days Grill in New Tampa, managing partner Jorge Hernandez says he and others have been blindsided.
โItโs pretty insane how everything happened so quickly,โ he said, adding that sales had been up at his location before heading into March.
According to Hernandez, in the span of a few weeks, his restaurant had lost 60-80 percent of its business. On a typical night, he would have 10-12 servers working the floor. Before DeSantis shut down dine-in service, he was down to two, and he thinks that may be one too many now.
He had to let 70 percent of his staff go, although he hopes to rehire all of them when business returns to normal.
โWe are keeping everyone on benefits, donating food to employees, trying to do these things to keep our (work) family together,โ Hernandez said. โBut, itโs so difficult to see my staffโs faces. It hurts.โ
Hernandez said that one day last week, nine of the 10 people in his restaurant were friends, neighbors or family there to support him and/or his staff.
โIt made me want to cry to see their support,โ he said.
Like many restaurants in New Tampa, Glory Days is hoping curbside pick-up helps blunt the blows, but Hernandez knows it wonโt be enough.
A little ways up the road, The Brunchery, which had only opened a few months ago, closed its doors for what management hoped would only be for two weeks.
โBut, I think it will be longer than that,โ owner Stanley Athan said.
Athan says that business had been slowly declining as the coronavirus news worsened, but on March 18, it dropped off the cliff, as fewer than a dozen tables were seated and he quickly made the decision to close.
As he drives around Tampa, he sees restaurant closures everywhere. And, those that aren’t already closed are only delaying the inevitable, he fears.
Athan also closed a restaurant he owns in Seattle, WA, which has been one of the coronavirus hotspots, last week.
โThis is unprecedented,โ he said.
If he has to stay closed for six months, heโs not sure he will be able to re-open.
The New Tampa Regional Library (above) has closed, and larger businesses that draw crowds, like the recently opened Urban Air Adventure Park, also have suspended their operations โ at least temporarily.
The entire Tampa Premium Outlets on S.R. 56 was already shut down, and many stores at the Shops of Wiregrass also followed suit.
TJX, the parent company of HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls, announced it was temporarily closing all its stores.
In accordance with social distancing, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church suspended masses, while St. James United Methodist Church livestreamed services Sunday on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, with plans to continue to do so.
Family of Christ Christian School on BBD may be closed due to the governorโs orders, but its child development center was still open to provide important daycare to children of parents who continue to work.
โUnless someone says I have to, thereโs just no way I could close,โ said Jill Hammon, the schoolโs director for the past 13 years just before we went to press. โWhat Iโm surprised about, though, is how many people had to pull out because theyโre not getting paidโฆWeโre just trying to keep it running the best we can, because if we shut down too much, it will be hard to be able to open again.โ
Meanwhile, the New Tampa YMCA closed on March 17, but continued its spring break camps, which were already in progress. At press time, the Y planned to stay closed until March 29, then re-evaluate when or whether to resume operations. And, on March 23, the New Tampa Y started offering all-day school-age relief care for essential workers.
On social media, dozens and dozens of people are offering their support, as well as their supplies and services. Maguire posted on NextDoor.com that she was willing to help with any grocery or supply deliveries, and was thrilled to see she wasnโt the only one offering.
โThe last time I went out, I noticed there were very few people on the road and nothing in grocery store,โ she said. โIt was one of the reasons I put that note out there to help. Thereโs plenty of people who canโt afford food, who arenโt working right now. Since I did that, Iโve seen a lot of other people put the same message out. Itโs been wonderful to see the community coming together.โ
But, it will take more, she says: Listening to the experts, washing your hands and yes, social distancing.
โItโs so important that we do these things,โ she said. โItโs definitely going to be a challenge.โ
It may not have been as awe-inspiring as the groundbreaking of the Crystal Lagoonยฎ amenity in Epperson, but the latest addition to the Connected City project in Wesley Chapel may be even more important.
Innovation Preparatory Academy, or InPrep, a charter school located on Curley Rd. just north of the Epperson community and promising to focus on the latest in technology and innovation, broke ground on Feb. 19, is expected to open in the fall.
The school is a public-private partnership between Epperson/Connected City developer Metro Development, Charter Schools USA (which will operate the school), Red Apple Development (which will develop and construct the facility) and the Pasco County School District.
InPrep will initially be a K-6 school, but will expand over the next two years to K-8, enrolling up to 765 students, says Metro Development Group president Greg Singleton.
It will be the second charter school developed for a Metro property in Wesley Chapel; the first is Union Park Academy in Metroโs Union Park development off Meadow Pointe Blvd.
โThis one is going to be like that one, but on steroids,โ Singleton said. โThe goal is to make (InPrep) one of the best educational facilities in this particular region. Weโre super excited about that.โ
According to its website, InPrepโs curriculum will be based on the โWISHโ model โ Wellness, Innovation, Science and Health. The school also intends to offer the Cambridge Program (designed by Englandโs University of Cambridge) for its gifted and higher-achieving students.
Technology will be a major driver at the school. Metroโs ULTRAFI technology, which offers 1-Gigabit speed internet, is central to the Connected Cityโs Smart Gigabit Community concept, and Singleton said hat will help InPrep instantly become one of the most advanced schools in the area.
Pasco School Board member Alan Altman praised the partnership, saying it yields more choices for area parents that werenโt available when he joined the school board 13 years ago.
He mentioned the recent naming of the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation high school โ also on Curley Rd., just north of the InPrep site โ that will open in 2022, as well as the Pinecrest Academy charter school in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (see pg. 6) opening in the fall.
โNeighborhoods can send kids to any kind of school they want to with any kind of curriculum, and that is rare,โ Altman said. โThe families and the citizens of this community will benefit for years to come.โ
