The Wexford Irish Pub Moving Into Former Forty Thieves Location!

For those who were sad to see Forty Thieves Irish Pub, located at 2741 E. County Line Rd. (at Livingston Blvd.) in Lutz, suddenly close, the good news is that another familiar name — The Wexford Irish Pub & Grille — is preparing to move into that former Forty Thieves location. Mark Birkin, the owner of the new Remington’s Steak & Seafood in the Palms Connection plaza at 2836 E. Bearss Ave., says that he and his crew are working hard to re-open The Wexford, which is the Irish Pub that the new Remington’s replaced, at the former Forty Thieves location. Birkin, who also owns the upscale Birkin’s Steak & Sushi at 16411 N. Florida Ave. in Lutz, says that he doesn’t know at present when The Wexford will open in its new location, but we’ll provide updates for you as soon as we have them.

Jimmy John’s Hosts A North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon-Cutting 

Although this second Wesley Chapel location (at 5478 Post Oak Blvd., off Wesley Chapel Blvd.) has been open for more than six months, Jimmy John’s hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on May 20 to introduce Chamber members to this location, the sandwich chain’s “Freaky Fast” service and, of course, new “Freaky Fresh” toasted sandwich items like the chicken bacon ranch, Ultimate Italian and roast beef & cheddar subs. 

Jimmy John’s franchise owner Eric Edmonds said he was “excited to engage with the local community” at his location and he told the Chamber members in attendance that he is planning to open some additional Jimmy John’s locations, including one at nearby St. Leo University. 

Of course, Eric’s Jimmy John’s is one of more than 2,600 nationwide (including 140+ in Florida). The Jimmy John’s parent company was purchased in 2019 by Atlanta-based Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby’s, Sonic and Buffalo Wild Wings. 

For more info, call (813) 991-7700 or visit JimmyJohns.com. — GN 

Hangliter Residential — The Family Business For Your Remodeling Project 

Hangliter Residential is a true family-run business that includes (l.-r.) owner Ken Hangliter, his daughter & office manager Stephanie and his son & VP Jordan. Mascot Mishi is always smiling. (Photo by Charmaine George) 

The Hangliter family has been in the remodeling business for four generations. 

When Ken Hangliter came to Florida from the Washington, D.C./Maryland area to help his dad with a construction job at Macdill Air Force Base eight years ago, he decided he wanted to stay. 

So, Ken bought a home in Wesley Chapel and officially opened Hangliter Residential, LLC, in the Tampa Bay area. 

Ken’s not the only Hangliter who came for a visit and decided not to go back to the cold Maryland winters. His son, Jordan, came down four years ago and decided to leave his business back home to join his dad here in the Sunshine State. 

“I’ve been working with my dad since I was 12 years old,” Jordan says. “As a family-owned business, we promise better quality, better customer service, and a better overall experience.” 

Jordan says when you call Hangliter for a remodeling job or to repair or restore something in your home, either he or his dad will come out to your house to provide a free estimate. Then, if you choose to hire Hangliter, they’ll return together to complete the work. 

If you want to modernize your bathroom, too, call the Hangliters! (Photos provided by Hangliter Residential) 

“We know it’s a nightmare for people to let strangers into their house,” Jordan says. “So we are careful to treat you like we would treat our grandmother if we went to her house. We’re at a client’s home every day, all day, so we get to know each other. It’s a personal experience.” 

The Hangliters are Florida-licensed contractors specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but they do all types of residential work. They have decades of experience in home remodeling, repairs and restoration. 

They have experience with “just about everything, A to Z,” says Jordan. 

“With the exception of projects that require heavy new electrical or plumbing installation, we can usually do it all,” he explains. “No need to work with five different contractors, like electricians or plumbers. We do everything ourselves, and we don’t sub out our work out to anyone else.” 

Beyond kitchen and bathroom work, the Hangliters can install custom windows, doors and flooring, repair lighting, HVACs and plumbing — and much more. 

Jordan emphasizes that regardless of the size of the project, it never hurts to contact Hangliter Residential. You might just hear of options — and pricing estimates — that competitors won’t offer. 

“We’ve definitely heard from customers with projects in which the big companies offer expensive estimates or flat out just say no,” Jordan says. “But we are comfortable with undertaking non-conventional solutions that other companies won’t even consider.” 

Jordan says that among the most popular jobs they have been busy doing are bathroom makeovers, including updating bathrooms in older homes, converting tubs and Jacuzzis into walk-in showers, and installing custom bathroom tile from floor to ceiling. 

Customers Are Raving! 

Tim and Lynn are Land O’Lakes residents who recently hired Hangliter Residential to update an older bathroom in their home. “It was a great overall experience,” says Tim. “You can’t go wrong with these guys. They were so personable and a pleasure to be around, and most important is that the work was fantastic.” 

Tim found the Hangliters after asking for a recommendation in an online neighborhood forum and that Ken was recommended by several people. He couldn’t have been more happy with his decision to hire the Hangliters. 

“They are a super father-and-son duo,” Tim says. “They were knowledgeable and professional. They were very punctual and always did exactly what they said they were going to do. What more could you ask for?” 

David and Debbie are another couple who hired Hangliter Residential when they needed an extensive door and window repair in their home. 

“Hangliter Residential LLC saved us over $15,000,” says David. “Ken did an amazing job on the remodel and restoration of our 50+-year-old Colonial-style home! We had an estimate from another company to replace eight windows and three exterior doors for over $34,000, due to rotten wood damage from to the wet Florida weather. Ken looked at all of the windows and assured me that he could REPAIR them all, and that a complete replacement would be a huge waste of money!” 

He adds, “Ken told us that his repair would preserve the original, classic look of our home. Our final cost came to less than half of our original estimate plus, he did three extra windows! Ken did an absolutely incredible job and the results have far exceeded my high expectations.” 

Hangliter Residential LLC is offering 10 percent off any full kitchen or bath remodel to readers of Neighborhood News who mention this story or the ad below. To schedule a free estimate, call (813) 460-4548 today. 

Pasco County Breaks Ground On Fire Rescue Station No. 2 On S.R. 54 

Although the Wesley Chapel area already has three Pasco Fire Rescue (PFR) stations in operation — Station No. 13 on Old Pasco Rd. in the Quail Hollow area, No. 26 on Aronwood Blvd. in Meadow Pointe and Station No. 38 on Overpass Rd. in Watergrass — there’s no doubt that the explosive growth of Wesley Chapel has created a desperate need for additional stations in and around zip codes 33543, 33544 and 33545. 

Pasco County has had a sign announcing that PFR Station No. 2 is planned on a piece of property on S.R. 54 less than a mile east of the new AdventHealth Meadow Pointe Emergency Room (as we reported about last issue) for several years, but now, construction has begun on Station No. 2, and the official groundbreaking for the new, state-of-the art fire station was held at the site at 32134 S.R. 54 on May 13. 

Pasco Fire Chief Ryan Guynn, who only got the job as chief six months ago but has had a 25-year career with PFR, was clearly thrilled to be able to talk about the official beginning of construction on the new station (which actually had been under construction for several weeks before the actual groundbreaking event). 

“This is something monumental, something that’s been a long time coming for the people in this area,” Guynn said before introducing Tim Sewell, the regional director for Florida of Ajax Building Company, which is doing the actual construction of the new fire station. 

Ajax is excited to be part of this fire station and this is the second of the package that we have coming out that we’re constructing (for PFR Station No. 19 in New Port Richey), so having our people tied into the community here and really working to build this facility for the county is extra special.” 

Chief Guynn also thanked Fleischman Garcia Maslowski, the architectural firm that designed the new station (as well as the new Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA in Wesley Chapel), and PFR’s own facilities team “for all of your hard work putting this together.” 

Next up was District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, since the new station is located in his district. 

Weightman said, “The hard work for this station was done back in 2019, and the credit really goes to the voters who passed the GO (general obligation) bonds back then to help fund these stations. So, it’s a tremendous honor to be on the board and see one of the last remaining GO bond projects come out of the ground. 

He added, “Station 2 has been desperately needed and longed for by the residents of Wesley Chapel for many years and I’m just excited and happy to be in office as this is coming to life.” 

Comm. Weightman (above right) also introduced Dist. 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano, who told a little bit about the evolution of PFR during his 21-year tenure on the Board. 

“When I first started,” Mariano said, “there were a bunch of things that needed to get improved on and I think from my inception of getting on the Board, every board has supported the fire and EMS (emergency medical services) team that we have in this county and we appreciate the team getting these things coming out of the ground. And, the word out there on the street, is that Pasco County safest and best place to work [for fire and EMS personnel].” 

Chief Guynn (above left) admitted that he can’t take too much credit for the new station, “because a lot of the work done on this was way before my time. A lot of the deputy chiefs here had a lot more input into this station than I did, so thank you. I have to give you credit as well. The health and safety of our men and women has always been at the forefront. And your commitment to that [safety] and our commissioners commitment to bring that to fruition is always evident and we’re never going to forget that.” 

Truly State-Of-The Art! 

Following the ceremony, Chief Guynn gave more information about the new Fire Station No. 2 (the site plan for it is shown below) itself. 

Site plan source: Pasco County

“We have what we call our Hot, Warm and Cold zones, which are isolated areas inside the building, where you need to help separate some of the carcinogens from our living quarters, which helps keep our employees healthier and cancer free. That’s not a new concept and we certainly didn’t invent it, but we’re taking it to the next level, and our commissioners have gotten behind us. We take our employees’ health and wellness very serious, so just being able to provide them with a living quarters and a fire station workout of that design, keep them healthy, is a big deal.” 

Chief Guynn also noted that the new Station No. 2 will have, “our typical fire truck and ambulance package, but we’re looking at moving in some aerial apparatus as well. We have some specialized equipment that we like to keep close to the interstate. But, you know, a lot of those decisions will be made in the near future because, you know, by the time this station is built, we’ll have operational needs that are going to change as well.” 

The 13,840-sq.-ft. Station 2, which is expected to be open by the winter of 2026, also will be a three-bay station, which Chief Guynn called “medium-sized, but it will give us plenty of room to grow. We’ll be able to add additional units inside of here and we’ll, be able to house dozens of employees, especially during hurricanes and natural disasters.” 

And, those additional units — and additional fire stations in the area between Morris Bridge Rd. and Meadow Pointe Blvd. (Station No. 31), and just south of the Harley Davidson dealership on Wesley Chapel Blvd. in Land O’Lakes (No. 5) — are already needed and will continue to be even more needed as more homes are built in our area and traffic continues to increase. Even so, Chief Guynn said that response times in the Wesley Chapel area, “are currently within the acceptable range,” but added that the new station will definitely improve those times, especially for the Avalon Park/New River community and Meadow Pointe Areas III & IV. 


Editor’s Note – Unfortunately, the groundbreaking for this new fire station in Wesley Chapel was held the week after we went to press with our May 13 issue, so this news is almost a month old as this issue is reaching you, but I felt it was still too important to not include it in this issue. I apologize for any inconvenience that the delay in getting this info to you may have caused. — GN 

Presenting The Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA! 

The Name Of Wesley Chapel’s $35-Million, 49,319-Sq.-Ft. YMCA Was Unveiled At A Groundbreaking Ceremony On May 28! 

Seemingly the entire Sierra family participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA next to BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital. (Photos by Charmaine George)

 â€œThis is much more than just the beginning of a construction project,” said Tampa Metropolitan YMCA president & CEO Matt Mitchell. “This is a beginning of a new chapter for the YMCA, and it’s the beginning of a new commitment on behalf of our YMCA to this Wesley Chapel community, because we’re here to break ground on what soon will become an impactful community resource and a vibrant hub for health and wellness.” 

Tampa Metro YMCA president & CEO Matt Mitchell hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the new YMCA on May 28. 

Mitchell was speaking to a group of about 100 people gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new Mary W. Sierra YMCA (more on the name below) on land provided by BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital located just south of the 86-bed hospital itself. 

“This will be a place for day camps and new sports and drowning prevention programs for our children,” Mitchell continued. “There will be programs for our families that come together, and connect programs for cancer survivors, both adults and children. Programs that help prevent chronic disease. And programs for our seniors not just to exercise, but to have a place to come and socialize and be a part of an engaging community that helps them thrive. Programs like that, and much, much more, will be right here beneath our feet in the summer of 2026, and it’s gonna be something special.” 

Mitchell then acknowledged that, “Wesley Chapel is already a very special community, but this YMCA will be a new place where families and neighbors come to connect and build valuable friendships, all supporting this venue where every individual who lives in this community can come and live their healthiest and most fulfilled life in Pasco County and beyond.”

As to how the Tampa YMCA came to be able to build this $35-million, 49,319-sq.-ft. YMCA on BayCare’s property, Mitchell said, “We’ve got a lot of good partners, sponsors, funders and friends. And just to name a few — BayCare made this land very available and affordable to the YMCA long term, plain and simple. Without BayCare, there is no YMCA here. Thank you so much for the partnership.” 

 Mitchell also thanked Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architects and the firm’s co-founder Sol Fleischman, who was on-hand at the event. “Thank you so much for the inspiration and the great design of the great spaces for kids and families that thrive in our buildings,” Mitchell said. “We appreciate you so much for being part of this project.” 

Next, Mitchell thanked Joshua Bornstein, the president and CEO of Creative Contractors, LLC, for “building this project. Josh has built [several] buildings for us and they’ve all have been tremendous, quality projects. There’s a lot of comfort knowing that Josh and his team are on this project as well.” 

He also thanked project engineer Dan Bergin, and the Seven Oaks Property Owners Association. “When we do a project like this, we like to engage with our local neighbors sooner than later and just see how they’re feeling and talking to them about our project. And, the Seven Oaks POA now made our immediate neighbors very accessible to us. So, thank you for the conversation, and for engaging us. We are going to do our best to be good neighbors.” 

Mitchell also thanked a few of the key donors, since, “This is a $35-million project, and a project like this does not come out of the ground unless you have some great lead donors,” including the Sierra family — “Bob and Mary, Hi and Lisa and Michael — who have all been such great friends of the YMCA,” including securing the naming rights to the Bob Sierra YMCA in Northdale. 

In addition, Mitchell thanked Joanne Spurlino of the Spurlino Foundation, who won, with her late husband Cy, the Tampa YMCA’s Red Triangle Award in 2021 as the organization’s top volunteers the year before Cy passed away. Mitchell said, “You’ve shown up for us in so many different ways throughout the years on so many different projects. During Covid, Joanne, Cy and I were sitting in my truck in the middle of this field, just imagining the possibilities. And we’re here, Joanne. Thank you so much for everything. You’ve been such a great friend.” 

Mitchell also gave thanks to Congresswoman Laurel Lee, “who couldn’t be here today to speak with us because she got bucked off a horse yesterday, so she’s a little sore this morning. She’ll be here for the ribbon-cutting. But, if you see her, thank her, because she really advocated for this community, for this YMCA, and secured some great funding through the federal government to help build this YMCA.” 

Mitchell also thanked lead donors David and Liz Kenney and the YMCA’s new bank, Valley Bank, which is providing the funding for the project. 

He then turned the mic over to Larry Bevis (left) the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Tampa Metro YMCA. Bevis said, “Today is really beginning of something truly transformational. This new YMCA represents a shared vision that provides opportunities for a healthier and more connected community here in Wesley Chapel. And this project is the result of years of careful planning, true collaboration and the incredible generosity of so many of our neighbors — BayCare Hospital, our elected officials, civic leaders and, of course, our friends from the surrounding communities, many of whom are with us here today. Your belief in this mission and your unwavering support have made this possible. From the bottom of our hearts., we thank you.” 

A rendering of the future Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA outdoor aquatics center (all renderings provided by the Tampa Metro YMCA) 

Bevis added, “We’re obviously very excited about this new YMCA. The two, story building will encompass, nearly 50,000 sq. ft., with an additional 36,000-sq.-ft. outdoor aquatic center.” (Note-That aquatic center will be home to three pools — a covered 25-yard, 8-lane, 4,465-sq.-ft. competition pool, a 1,229 -sq.-ft. therapy pool, and a 2,625-sq.-ft. main pool with interactive water features and slide structure, pool equipment area and pool deck with shade coverings.) 

“Just imagine the laughter and energy of children playing on multiple acres of sports fields,” Bevis said. It will be an epicenter for families to connect and have fun. But, it’s certainly not just about square footage. It’s about the lives it will touch.” 

A rendering of the basketball gym

He also mentioned that 27,000 people, “live within a twelve minute drive from here. This YMCA will become a hub for those young people — a place to learn, grow and build lifelong friendships. And, it’s not just for the young. Nearly 20,000 seniors also live in this area. And this Y will be a gathering place for them, offering programs and a supportive community.” 

Bevis closed with, “As we turn the soil today, we’re not just starting construction. We’re turning towards the future, a future where this YMCA stands as cornerstone of strength and belonging, an opportunity for generations to come. A future where the Wesley Chapel community grows stronger together. Personally, what inspires me most about the Y is our unwavering commitment to serving all. Everyone is welcome. No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. That means families, children and seniors, regardless of their financial situation, will always have access to life-changing programs and support right here at this new YMCA. And, like all YMCAs, this is more than just a building. It’s a promise to our community. And together we’re making that promise a reality.” 

Another Personal Connection 

Next up was District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman (right), who shared his own personal connection to the Y. 

“The YMCA has played an incredible role in my life, and in a whole lot of people’s lives around this county. I spent summers in my youth working through college at the East Pasco YMCA and down to the Tampa Y. And it had a tremendous impact on my life. It’s where I started to understand, at an early age, about service to others and to our youth, our community and to seniors. And, just being a part of something bigger than yourself.” 

He added, “We’ve all been watching this beautiful piece of land here in Wesley Chapel for a while, wondering what might go on it. I think it was the best-kept non-secret around town. And I’ve got to say, this is truly worth the wait, because today we’re breaking ground on something that’s gonna make a real difference in our families, our kids, our entire community with this brand new YMCA. Here in Seven Oaks is a place where kids can play their first team sport and seniors can stay active and socialize.”

Comm. Weightman also gave, “a huge shout-out to BayCare. You know, without BayCare, making this possible with such a generous land lease or I don’t think this would ever have happened. And the opportunity that BayCare has provided to the Y shows real vision for the health and care of Pasco County. This project is a win-win for us, for wellness, and for our economic development, too. Over 300 new jobs will be created here at this facility. Many of our local teams will have their very first taste of working right here at this YMCA. And, I can tell you that if you’re going to go into the workforce, there is no better job than working at the YMCA.” 

Weightman then read a couple of letters he received from the parents of kids when he was a camp counselor at the East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills. 

“I guess I kept them because of the feelings I got from these at the time. It just showed the special relationships that you build and the impact and what it means to the people, to parents, especially as they’re going to work, and they’re dropping their kids off at summer camp, and here they are entrusting you with their kids.” 

One of the notes from a parent said, “Mr. Seth, I just wanted to let you know that you’ve made an impact on my son Brandon this summer. He often talks about the things you tell him, and also that you have taken the extra minute when he needed you. Brandon looks up to you, and it’s been a positive experience for him all summer long. Thanks for making a difference in my child’s life.” 

Weightman closed with, “I’m very passionate about this organization and just incredibly excited that they’re building right here in Pasco County and Wesley Chapel. So, thank you all. I’m excited to see what the future has in store.” 

The final speaker was BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital president Nanette Wilcox (right), who said, “This project has truly been a community effort. I’d especially like to recognize YMCA President Matt Mitchell for his leadership and our BayCare Wesley Chapel Board members for their continued work during this journey. BayCare and the YMCA have had a long-standing collaboration. Both organizations share a common goal of improving the health and wellness of those we serve and providing high-quality care. With a Y, that means care for the community by providing a safe wellness space for families, care that is accessible and focused on the needs of the residents. For BayCare, it’s providing safe health care options in our community and excellent services.” 

Speaking of those services, Wilcox added, “We recently opened our BayCare Medical Group offices in this hospital, where patients can get imaging and lab services, primary and specialty care, such as orthopedics [in one place]. With the opening of the new YMCA next door, the patients will have a new space to continue their wellness journey. This extends to our hospital team members as well, many of whom have been looking forward to taking advantage of the amenities and services offered by the new YMCA that they’ve been hearing about.” 

She added, “As we all know, the Wesley Chapel area is rapidly expanding, with our population expected to grow by 40% over the next 20 years. This gives us a tremendous opportunity to reach so many people and strengthen our community through our commitment to health and wellness. I can’t think of a more reliable partner to join us in meeting the community’s needs than the YMCA.” 

A Very Special Dedication 
A rendering of the future Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA

Before turning the dirt for the groundbreaking ceremony, Mitchell said, “As you know, we take immense pride in our work to help strengthen our communities and really enable everybody to be the best version of themselves. But, but there’s been people along the way that have enabled us and propelled us into being the impactful organization that we are today. 

“Back in 1985, we had the pleasure of opening up the Bob Sierra Family YMCA. And, that Y, for the past 40 years, has really served as a pillar for potential and promise as people pursue their health and wellness together. Over the last four decades, there’ve been hundreds of thousands of people who’ve gone in and out of the doors of that YMCA. Kids, families, seniors, all engaging with their neighbors to really pursue health and well being. Today, our Bob Sierra Family YMCA has nearly 12,000 members, and that’s not including all the kids who come there for day camp and new sports and things of that nature. Each and every year, that Y sees almost 400,000 individual visits. That YMCA has been such a gem in that Carrollwood/Lake Magdalene/Northdale area. It’s just truly amazing. We thank Bob for his great vision back then to provide that resource to so many families. 

A Rendering of The indoor fitness facility 

“Bob and Mary really wanted to make sure that this Wesley Chapel YMCA was a reality for this community. So, Bob and Mary have agreed to fund the naming rights for this YMCA. 

“So I’m really happy to share that this Wesley Chapel YMCA will be known as the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA.” 

For more information about the Wesley Chapel/Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA, visit TampaYMCA.org.