Areas like these, which have been patched over multiple times, are a common sight on Brookron Dr. in New Tampa, and there are many parts of the road that still need patching. (Photo: John C. Cotey)
Is Brookron Dr. falling apart?
The one-mile circular local road — which is located off Cross Creek Blvd. (across from the entrance to Cory Lake Isles) and winds itself past the Pinehurst, Magnolia Trace, Meadow Creek and Creekwood neighborhoods of Cross Creek to Kinnan St. — looks in certain parts as if it is being held together by patches of black asphalt.
Lots of patches.
In fact, more than 50 patches, and dozens of other cracks and dips in the 18-year-old road, which is used by most of the Cross Creek II community’s 1,236 households, as well as by residents of the Addison Park and Andover Place apartment communities.
With the county willing to put up $250,000 to connect Kinnan St. to Mansfield Blvd., at least one local resident wants to know why repaving what is a heavily-trafficked stretch of road isn’t also on the list of county road projects that need to be done.
“It is appalling that Hillsborough County Commissioners would approve $250,000 to build the Kinnan-Mansfield connector, while Brookron Drive in New Tampa, a connector from Kinnan to Cross Creek, is worse than many a third-world road,’’ wrote Pinehurst resident Sasenarine Persaud to county commissioners last month.
Persaud went on to describe the road as, “a motley (collection) of patches, ridges and depressions, with a new pothole opening every week” in his email.
“It has not been resurfaced in eighteen years — yes, 18 years! There is no justification for the county allocating $250,000 to build a road that would primarily benefit residents in another county, while neglecting roads in its own county.”
District 5 County Commissioner Ken Hagan does not disagree that the road, which he has traveled often as a former resident of Creekwood, is in some disrepair. “We’re aware of it,’’ Hagan says. “It has been patched far too many times. I’ve seen it for myself. It certainly has deficiencies.”
Mike Williams, the county’s director of transportation planning and development, says, simply, “It’s a money issue.”
Williams acknowledges that the county has fallen behind on road maintenance due to lack of funding, but notes that they are slowly catching up on repairs, after the commissioners agreed in 2016 to set aside $600 million over 10 years for projects that focus on safety improvements, road widening and resurfacing and sidewalk maintenance.
Brookron Dr., however, is not on that list. But, Hagan says he is going to look into getting it included. “We’re trying to have that road reclassified from local to collector, to help accelerate the resurfacing of (Brookron),” Hagan says.
The estimated cost of resurfacing Brookron Dr. is $500,000, according to the county’s public works department.
Gary Mosby, who works in the county’s customer resolution unit, confirmed that Persaud’s complaints about the condition of Brookron Dr. are shared by others. He said there have been several complaints about the road, and that an engineer has been dispatched to do a full inspection of it.
He said that since the beginning of the year, the county has received at least eight emails requesting potholes be repaired.
He also says that most of the emails come from Jo-Ann Pilawski, the head of property management for the Cross Creek II community,
“I keep calling them every time we go over a pothole,’’ Pilawski says. “Every time I’m talking to one of residents, they will mention how bad it is and ask if they are doing any kind of repaving. When I email the county, they just keep coming out and filling the potholes. Everybody is definitely not happy about it.”
After nearly 20 years of emergency services from nearby Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) Station No. 21 on Cross Creek Blvd., residents in Pebble Creek, Live Oak Preserve, Cross Creek and the other communities located in unincorporated Hillsborough County may soon be looking across county lines for service.
While representatives from Hillsborough County would prefer that county residents in New Tampa continue receiving City of Tampa services, county officials are unwilling to pay the $1.1-million annual price tag Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is seeking.
“The Mayor is looking at where he can pull in new revenue, and that’s fine, but he needs to be fair about it,’’ says District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist. “The deal isn’t fair.”
Comm. Crist says the county is looking into other options, namely cutting a deal with Pasco County Fire Rescue and its Station No. 26 in the nearby Meadow Pointe Community of Wesley Chapel.
“The county is looking at all the options we have available, and what they will cost,” Crist says. “That’s not the only fire station up there that can serve us. We can cut a deal with the Pasco County Fire Department to provide the same services in the same frame of time.”
Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 26 is located close enough to unincorporated New Tampa to provide service, says Crist, adding that the county has already looked into the logistics of being serviced by Station 26, and have found them to be satisfactory.
The station is 1.6 miles from the entrance to Live Oak Preserve, 1.9 miles to the Pebble Creek Golf Club, 2.5 miles to the intersection of Cross Creek Blvd. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., and roughly 5.5 miles from the Kinnan St. area.
Victor Crist
To reach those easternmost areas of unincorporated New Tampa, rescue units would have to cut through Live Oak or travel south on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. before turning east on Cross Creek Blvd., as there are few options to get there faster.
“It’s relatively the same,” Crist says. “The quality of the equipment, the quality of the service, the response time will all be relatively the same. (Residents) will see no difference.”
Hillsborough County has been paying the city $218,000 a year, but since negotiations began in January, the county has paid an additional $300,000 in adjustments related to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
So, instead of Buckhorn’s initial request to raise the price to $1.46 million, the total sought by the city is now $1.1 million.
That’s still more than twice what Crist says a deal Pasco County would cost.
“I’m not really sure how they got (that price),” Crist says. “I think they just pulled numbers out of the air. I have asked them to show me the rationale behind those numbers, but I (haven’t gotten) anything.”
Sonya Little, Tampa’s Chief Financial Officer, says the city’s numbers were derived from a simple Pro Rata share, based on proportion. According to Little, Fire Station No. 21 provided 7,309 hours of service in 2016, and 2,926 of those hours, or 40 percent, were provided to the Pebble Creek, Live Oak and Cross Creek communities.
Since the operating cost of Station No. 21 was $3,652,432, Buckhorn said originally the county should pay 40 percent, or $1,460,973 dollars.
The City of Tampa is facing more than $50-million in debt, due to a pair of bonds stemming from deals made in the mid-1990s that are coming due, with payments of roughly $14 million beginning in 2019.
On Sept. 28, the Tampa City Council reduced the tax increase Buckhorn was asking for, further reducing future revenues.
“The City is facing a lot of debt that’s coming on quickly,” Comm. Crist says. “The City Council did not vote to give him his tax increases. So now, he’s holding the county hostage for it, and it isn’t the right and fair thing to do.”
Crist says a deal with Pasco County could cost the county 25-50 percent of what the City of Tampa is asking for. Whether that gets the county and city back to the negotiating table remains to be seen.
“As of right now, there’s no more conversation,’’ says Ashley Bauman, the director of marketing and communications for the City of Tampa. “But that’s not to say there won’t be.”
Otherwise, Crist says a deal with Pasco County could be forthcoming.
“We’ll put a deal together with Pasco County, and tell the city this is what Pasco is willing to do it for, take it or leave it,’’ he says. “The bottom line is, were not going to significantly overpay for the service.”
The staff of Riverchase Dermatology, located in the Palm Lake at Tampa Palms office building off of Amberly Dr., includes Board-certified physician assistant Kim Siders (front left) and Baord-certified dermatologist Dr. Salma Pothiawala (front right).
Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, a regional practice with 27 offices throughout Florida, acquired Tampa Palms Dermatology in March of this year. Along with Board-certified physician assistant Kimberly Siders, PA-C, who has been there since 2014, Riverchase Dermatology has added two practitioners — Milan Lombardi, M.D., and Salma Pothiawala, M.D.
Located in the Palm Lake at Tampa Palms office building off of Amberly Dr., Riverchase Dermatology promises to offer the same quality dermatology services patients have come to know and trust from Tampa Palms Dermatology, which was founded 30 years ago by Ruth Hanno, M.D.
“Dr. Hanno built an incredible practice and, along with Kimberly Siders, they have established an excellent reputation in the community,” says Andrew T. Jaffe, MD, FAAD, who is the founder, CEO and Chief Medical Officer of Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Riverchase was founded in 2000 in Naples, getting its name from the street where that first office was located.
In Tampa Palms, Dr. Hanno has retired from private practice and has shifted her focus exclusively to dermatopathology, while Siders has joined the Riverchase team and will continue to see her established patients and welcome new ones.
Siders has more than 10 years of experience. She started her medical career at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where she received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Nutritional Sciences in 2003. In 2006, she earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Health Sciences/Physician Assistant Studies at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, and began specializing in dermatology.
For Dr. Hanno’s former patients, the transition has been seamless. “My wife and I were previously patients of Dr. Hanno but (we) have been seeing Kim Siders for about a year and a half,” says Bob Dolan. “We both find Kim extremely thorough. She follows through very carefully if there are any issues during an exam.”
Bob also appreciates how quickly he gets in for his appointments, which are every few months. “I never have to wait more than 10 minutes from the time I get there until the time she sees me,” he says. “I’m out of there in a matter of 15 or 20 minutes.”
Elaine Stewart also is a former patient of Dr. Hanno’s who is now happily seeing Dr. Pothiawala. “You know how difficult it can be to change doctors, but I was so pleased,” she says. “She put me at ease right away. I’ve already recommended her to a couple of my friends.”
New & Expanded Services
The addition of Dr. Lombardi and Dr. Pothiwala to the office expands the offerings available to patients.
“Now, we have more services,” says Siders. “With Dr. Lombardi, we have a surgeon, so we don’t have to send patients offsite for Mohs surgery (Note-see below for an explanation of Mohs surgery and information about cosmetic procedures available at Riverchase Dermatology.)
And, Dr. Pothiawala does cosmetic procedures, so we can offer a lot more than we used to.”
Since Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery acquired the former Tampa Palms Dermatology in March, the practice now offers cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and dermal fillers.
Dr. Lombardi specializes in Mohs surgery for skin cancer. He joined Riverchase Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in 2016, after graduating in 2008 with his M.D. degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York City. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Physics from Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, which he earned in 2004. His postgraduate medical training included Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. He also worked as a research fellow at Cornell University Medical College, studying the immune system of the skin.Dr. Lombardi then completed his residency in Dermatology at the Washington University School of Medicine-Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, and also received extensive training in both cutaneous surgery and laser surgery.
“Mohs surgery is a method for certain skin cancers to be removed based on the type of cancer, how aggressive it is, or the location of it,” explains Dr. Lombardi. “The purpose is to make sure you get the entire cancer out with a high degree of accuracy, while taking the smallest amount of (healthy) tissue.”
He also explains that the procedure starts with him removing what is visible to the naked eye, then the patient waits while he checks that tissue under a microscope. He then takes additional tissue, if needed, and checks again. He says it takes a couple of hours — up to half a day — but patients leave knowing the entire lesion has been removed.
“It’s a very efficient way of clearing skin cancer,” Dr. Lombardi explains, saying that it is performed “anywhere the conservation of tissue is important,” especially on the patient’s face.
Claudia Candella recently saw Dr. Lombardi for this type of procedure. “He was very personable with a great bedside manner,” she says. “He was very concerned about getting it right.”
Dr. Pothiawala joined Riverchase in 2017. She completed the combined B.S./M.D. program at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she earned a B.S. degree in Biomedical Sciences as well as her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2009. She then moved to Boston to study at the Harvard School of Public Health and received a Master of Public Health degree in 2010. Dr. Pothiawala then spent four years at USF, completing an internship in Internal Medicine and a residency in Dermatology, which she completed in 2014. She then moved to New York City, where she practiced for two years, before returning home to the Tampa Palms area.
“I was in a practice in Manhattan that was very focused on providing cosmetic services,” Dr. Pothiawala explains. “That was the majority of my work for those two years. The practice had cutting-edge technology and used the latest techniques. Some of that is now available at Riverchase, and some of that we’re going to add going forward.”
She says that some of those cosmetic procedures that are now available at Riverchase Dermatology, include Botox, injectable fillers and microneedling (a type of skin rejuvenation procedure that increases collagen and plumps and smooths the skin). “We are expanding our services,” she says, “so our office is a good place to come to take care of all of your dermatologic needs.”
Dr. Pothiawala says she also sees patients for their general dermatology needs, and expects that will continue to be most of her practice. However, she wants to be sure to get the word out that cosmetic procedures are now available at Riverchase.
“I think it’s really important to know that if you come to us for cosmetic procedures, you’re getting it done by a Board-certified dermatologist, who has been trained for years in this type of practice,” she says. “You’re going to someone who’s had formal medical training, as opposed to someone who’s just done weekend courses.”
Riverchase Dermatology in Tampa Palms is located at 15310 Amberly Dr., Suite 150. For more information, see the ad on page 41 or visit RiverchaseDermatology.com. To make an appointment, call the office at (813) 978-8888.
Hillsborough County completed a land purchase that could lead to new development in New Tampa. (Map: Blake Beatty)
The long-proposed New Tampa Cultural Center (NTCC), which will be built across the street from Hunter’s Green on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., could receive a financial boost from the state under a new idea that could see it transition into being built to serve not only as a home for the arts, but as a hurricane shelter for special needs evacuees, too.
“We made the decision, we’re going to a hardened hurricane shelter for special needs evacuees,’’ said District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist, who has spearheaded the project for years. “There is a regional need for that kind of facility.”
According to Comm. Crist, the shelter would serve as an evacuation spot for Tampa General Hospital and other hospitals in Pasco and Manatee counties as well. He cited hospital evacuation issues in Manatee County when Hurricane Irma came through in September
“It’s on high ground, it’s close to a medical hub and it’s on a major roadway,’’ Crist says. “It will be built at a very high wind standard.”
Crist says the county is contributing $5.8 million to the building of what is expected to be a 30,000-sq.-ft. NTCC, and the developers of the adjacent public-private (P3) Hunter’s Lake project are contributing $2.5 million.
The county will ask the state for matching funds of $7.5 million, getting the NTCC to the $15-million figure Crist has said would be required to build a state-of-the-art facility that can serve the entire Tampa Bay arts community from the beginning.
“The state has made it clear they will be focusing on hurricane and natural disaster preparedness,” Comm. Crist says.
Developers of the site are proceeding with permitting, so the pad on which everything will be built can be finished, although it has recently asked for a 90-day extension as it waits for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval.
“They still plan to deliver the pad by October of 2018,” says Josh Bellotti, the county’s real estate & facilities services director. Ground would be broken on the NTCC project shortly after that.
Branchton Park Project Another P3 Possibility?
Hillsborough County also cleared the way for another possible P3 project down the road, completing the acquisition of 10 acres of land in the Branchton Park area off Morris Bridge Rd. and Cross Creek Blvd.
The county paid Jimmy Gardner $1,175,000 to acquire the four parcels, totalling 10 acres. The land was appraised at $800,000, and Gardner was asking for $2 million. The closing on the purchase helps the county complete a long-sought-after deal to complete its holdings in the Branchton Park area.
The county had purchased three parcels of land totaling 13.18 acres for roughly $3.1 million in 2005 to expand Branchton Park. Attempts then to acquire the 10 acres owned by Gardner were unsuccessful. The property, which fronts Morris Bridge Rd. and is surrounded on three sides by the park, became available again and the county re-engaged and was able to close the deal.
“It completes the assemblage with the adjacent property and looking ahead, we are now able to do some kind of P3 (public-private partnership),” Bellotti said.
Bellotti said the county has no specific plans for the property, but will play a role in how it is developed. Hillsborough will send out a request for proposal (RFP) to see if there are any interested developers.
Bellotti said the project could be something similar to Hunter’s Lake which, in addition to the NTCC, is also adding apartments, a green grocer, a restaurant, a shopping plaza and a dog park.
District 5 County Commissioner Ken Hagan said that in addition to Branchton Park, the county also is working on a park project in K-Bar Ranch.
“We’re excited about both,’’ he said. “We’ve made significant strides in bringing both in for a landing.”
The 55-or-so acre K-Bar park project has been in the system for years, but a deal is getting closer for what would be the first-ever co-located county-city park, Hagan says.
The specific amenities haven’t been determined, but Hagan says he is confident the partnership between the city and the county will finally yield positive results, soon.
“There’s a little more work we need to do there,” Comm. Hagan says.
Hagan and Dist. 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera will host a New Tampa Town Hall on Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at The Venetian on the grounds of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church at 9724 Cross Creek Blvd.
When the Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care (located on S.R. 56, a half-mile east of Mansfield Blvd.) opens in January, it will include 100 residences and will be Wesley Chapel’s first full-service assisted living and memory care facility.
“We’re bringing resort-style senior living to (Wesley Chapel),” says executive director Linda Mena. “It’s a very comfortable environment.”
She says it’s called Beach House because it is intended to remind people of fond memories of summers past.
“We are also building memories,” she says, “and want to help our residents make new memories.”
The residences vary from “alcove” apartments to two-bedroom, two-bathroom units. Right now, Beach House is accepting deposits to hold a spot in the new facility, and Mena says it is already about 30-percent occupied.
Of the 100 residences, 33 are specifically designated for memory care.
“We have an amazing memory care program called Heartfelt Connections,” she says, “celebrating what’s left and not focusing on what’s been lost.”
Amenities in the 93,000-sq.-ft. Beach House include restaurant-style fine dining, a movie theater, full-service beauty salon and barber shop, arts & crafts studio, shuffleboard, and a putting green.
“We have many beautiful outside courtyards, covered porches, and a lot of common area space for residents,” Mena adds, saying that the activities at the Beach House are chosen by the residents, as well.
“We don’t do cookie cutter activities,” she says. “We don’t just do BINGO. We have a preliminary schedule, but it changes along with the audience it serves. If no one wants to play BINGO, we’ll do something else.”
Mena adds that every aspect of care is designed to meet the needs of each individual person who chooses to call Beach House his or her home.
“We offer resident-centered, focused care,” Mena says. “From our dining menu to meeting (our residents’) clinical needs to socialization, we personalize every aspect for each resident.”
Mena invites people looking for assisted living for themselves or a loved one to visit the Beach House offsite sales office at 2754 Windguard Circle, Suite 101(located across Bruce B. Downs Blvd. from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel) to see the current pre-construction promotions. For more information, call (813) 358-0554 or visit BeachHouseWiregrass.com.
Persaud went on to describe the road as, “a motley (collection) of patches, ridges and depressions, with a new pothole opening every week” in his email.
