As a native New Yawka, although I have nothing against other kinds of pizza — and there are lots of good options for those other types in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel — pizza to me has a thin crust, a certain kind of mozzarella (only) cheese and a certain tomato sauce taste. Some places have it but most simply don’t.
However, all of the places on the list below come pretty close to the pizza I loved most in my home state, with NY NY coming closest of all.
(L.-r.) Amber, Steve and Tammy DeRolf of Absolute Air Systems, Inc., with the company’s mascot, Hurricane. (Photos by Charmaine George)
When Steve DeRolf started Absolute Air in 2001, he was working in the industry and saw customers regularly being sold things they didn’t need at prices that were extremely inflated.
“They were getting $300 for a run cap back then,” he says, explaining that a run cap is an electrical part necessary to run an air conditioning unit. “Today – 22 years later – I only charge $250.”
He says other companies overcharging customers still happens today. And, while he can’t keep other companies from taking advantage of customers, Steve promises that Absolute Air offers honest and reasonable prices to give people an alternative.
He has lots of stories to prove his point — like the woman in a mobile home who was told she needed a new unit with a price tag of $18,000 for the system, plus $6,000 to replace her ductwork.
“We told her the entire job would be $7,000 with us,” Steve says. And, he also told her she could keep using the system until it no longer worked, while the other company was pressuring her to replace the entire system immediately.
Then, there was the man who called because he thought his mom was being taken advantage of by another company.
“They told her that her heater was bad and it would be $1,500 to replace,” says Steve. “But, it was just a burnt wire, so for $200, we had it running again.”
Nate Clements provides outstanding air conditioning and heating system services at the company’s always fair prices.
He says another common problem is that some companies won’t tell the customer that a part is still under warranty. Instead of dealing with the warranty to replace the part, they try to sell a whole new system.
“It’s more work to do it right,” Steve says, “so they make it easier on themselves, rather than doing what’s best for the customer.”
Steve’s wife, Tammy, has served as Absolute Air’s office manager since the company’s early years and now his daughter, Amber, is the assistant office manager.
The DeRolf family loves being part of the community they serve.
“I grew up in Zephyrhills when Wesley Chapel wasn’t even here,” Steve says. “All three of my kids went to schools in Zephyrhills.”
Steve met Tammy when she was in the Air Force and he had just gotten out of the Army. They married 29 years ago.
In addition to Amber, they have a son who is a Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy and a daughter who lives in Palm Bay.
“Our family’s goal is to always treat the customer right,” Steve says, “and to run our business with honesty, integrity and loyalty.”
He says regular maintenance is essential, “like changing the oil in your car,” but you should be wary of companies who say they’ll do your maintenance for $29.99.
Since it costs more than that — between labor and vehicle costs — for them to send a technician to your house to do the maintenance,” Steve says. “They will likely try to get more money from you by selling you something you may not need, or by charging too much for it.
“Some of them are getting $2,500 for an ultraviolet light,” he adds, “but we put them in for $600.”
Amber says those UV lights are important, though.
“It’s something everyone should have,” Amber says. “It improves the life of your coils by keeping mildew out of them, and keeps your air cleaner.”
She explains that Absolute Air also offers maintenance “memberships” for people who want peace of mind regarding keeping their air conditioning and heating units running properly.
“If you join the membership program,” she says, “it’s $5 less for the maintenance and then you’ll get 10 percent off any service calls you might need for the whole year you’re on the program.”
Amber says that Absolute Air’s phones are answered in the evenings and on weekends, because they understand that emergencies happen. They can even send someone out right away, although the cost is slightly higher for after-hours service calls.
And, Amber says that Absolute Air promises that if the company can fix your system and keep it running, they will.
“I have my word and my integrity,” Steve says. “We don’t scare our customers into buying something they don’t need.”
In addition to the DeRolf family, Absolute Air includes vice president Mike Thornton, who co-founded the company with Steve and now handles commercial accounts and new construction installation, and long-time technician Greg Weatherspoon, who used to be a neighbor and whose dad once worked for the company.
Long-time Absolute Air Systems technician Greg Weatherspoon.
“Our customers love Greg,” Amber says. “He’s honest, reliable, trustworthy and will even talk customers through things to help people over the phone, whenever possible.”
One customer who agrees with that assessment of Greg is Mary Mosiello. When Mary and her husband, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gerard Mosiello, moved into their home 10 years ago, they needed to replace an air conditioning unit. They asked around and one of their neighbors recommended Absolute Air Systems.
They were so pleased, they also had Absolute Air take care of the units at their business in Tampa Palms, as well.
“They are very dependable and responsive,” Mary says. “I appreciate that they’re so helpful and that they educate us as to the best ways to keep this very expensive product running.”
Over the past 10 years, Absolute Air has built a relationship that Mary says is built on her confidence that the company and its technicians are trustworthy and reliable.
“It’s not an easy decision to have to replace something,” Mary says, “but it helps if you trust the people you’re dealing with. They know your home and business and what you need, and I like that for sure.”
And, while she says she’s happy to recommend Absolute Air to others, “I just don’t want them to get too busy where they can’t come see me,” she laughs.
Absolute Air Systems provides heating and air conditioning service for both residential and commercial systems. The company offers full system installs, service calls, preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, UV light installation, thermostat upgrades and any other heating and cooling needs.
“At least get your units serviced once a year,” says Steve. “Since we’re family owned and live in this community, after we come to your house, you’ll probably see us out in the community. Whether it’s at Walmart or Applebee’s or church, we’re out in the com- munity we serve and love.”
And, he says, he never has to worry when he sees his customers out and about. He has no qualms, knowing that he and everyone in his company has treated them with honesty and integrity.
To schedule an appointment for maintenance or service, call (813) 779- 0101. For more information about Absolute Air Systems, visit GetColdAir.com.
The still unnamed new apartment community under construction on BBD Blvd.
An unnamed, under-construction 248-unit apartment complex on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (south of the northern terminus of Eagleston Blvd. and the Wells Fargo Bank) in Seven Oaks also includes some future traffic pattern changes on BBD.
The complex, which is owned and being developed by Mast Capital — which also is redeveloping the nearby Saddlebrook Resort and its surrounding community — is being required to make some significant changes in anticipation of the additional BBD traffic the complex will generate.
As the apartment community nears completion, construction of these roadway improvements has begun and motorists on BBD will soon notice even more significant mainline roadway work over the coming weeks.
The map of the new apartments and the changes planned for BBD in the area.
All of the roadwork on and near BBD is being paid for and completed by the developer of the apartments (currently known only as “5101 Bruce B. Downs Apts.”) — other than a new traffic signal to be located south of the community’s entrance (and the existing Frontier Communications building). That signal, which had no timeline as we went to press, will be paid for by the developers of Wiregrass Ranch, which is located across BBD from the new apartment community.
Here’s a breakdown of the coming traffic changes on BBD:
1) The primary entrance (see photo below) to the 16.24-acre complex will be a gated right-in/right-out only. This means traffic intending to enter the development coming from the south on BBD will be required to use a long northbound U-turn lane that the developer will be constructing, which will feed into a new, long southbound right turn entrance to the apartments. The right turn lane is being made extra long so a bus stop pad can be placed north of the area for U-turning traffic to enter the turn lane. The pad will be connected by a sidewalk that will enter directly into the apartments for ease of access.
2) In order to accommodate this nonstandard median opening for the U-turn, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is requiring that the existing adjacent median opening on BBD serving Wells Fargo (entrance is in gray on map) will be closed.
3) In addition, the existing northbound left turn lane serving that opening will just be connected to the existing one for the traffic signal, making for an extra long turn lane going southbound.
Moreover, because of the size of the apartments, an emergency access driveway is required by the county at the north end of the property, just south of the bank, that won’t be open to other traffic.
With all of these changes in the works, vehicles both exiting Wells Fargo and the new apartments that intend to go north will have to go down to another new southbound U-turn lane that will be attached to the existing median opening in front of the Frontier Communications Hub building located south of the apartments.
The U-turn lane is being made long and wide enough for it to be converted in the future to southbound dual lefts, as this median opening will serve as the future location for a traffic signal at BBD and the “Wiregrass Bypass Rd.” that will connect BBD to Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. (south of Walmart) and eventually swing up to connect with SR 54 near Saddlebrook.
At our press time, we had no word from Wiregrass Ranch developer JD Porter regarding the anticipated date as to when construction of the new Bypass Rd. or the traffic signal at BBD and the Bypass Rd. will begin.
But, as always, we will keep you posted as more info becomes available.
Shown here is the only entrance to the 5101 BBD Apts. The entrance will be gated and vehicles exiting the complex will have to make a right turn out and U-turn at a future median opening on BBD a little to the south of the entrance.
(L.-r.) RN Sara Wallace, Esthetician Alexys Goff, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jessica Rosado & CEO Gabriel Vargas of IV Harmony Clinic, located in the new Publix shopping center at Livingston Ave. & County Line Rd. in Lutz. (Photos on these pages by Charmaine George)
Led by the husband-and-wife team of Gabriel Vargas and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) Jessica Rosado, IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers preventive and primary care, diagnostics, wellness programs and holistic therapies — all conveniently located under one roof on County Line Rd. (in the new Publix plaza at Livingston Ave.) in Lutz. This inclusive approach to wellness distinguishes IV Harmony Clinic from traditional medical offices that focus primarily on treating illnesses.
Twenty-three years ago, Vargas, the company’s president and CEO, transitioned from what he admits was an unhealthy lifestyle to advocating for a proactive focus on wellness. “I’m living proof prevention is the best way to go.”
Prevention is what became the catalyst for creating a medical clinic dedicated to helping others choose the same type of path.
IV Harmony Clinic’s Medical Director Dr. Victor Feliz.
Rosado, IV Harmony’s chief operating officer, completed her nursing degree at Antillean University in Puerto Rico and earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and FNP-C certification from AGM University in Florida. She also has Gerontology Nursing (Gero-BC) and FMCSA (DOT) certifications. Rosado draws from 16 years of experience in cardiac emergencies and seven years at the Moffitt Cancer Center working with cancer patients. Motivated by the stories of her patients, Rosado pursued her MSN to help her patients shift their focus from trying to cure illnesses to promoting overall health. Registered Nurses José Del Valle and Sara Wallace and Licensed Esthetician Alexys Goff also assist Rosado.
“As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I can care for children to seniors,” Rosado says. “We have treated children from 7 years old — with the consent of their parents — up to 100 years old. We give you the tools your body needs to feel better.”
She adds, “I have spent the last 24 years in a healthcare setting — and the last three years in the role of FNP-C. We started IV Harmony in 2022 as a mobile service and opened our doors to the public in our first (brick & mortar) clinic in May 2023.”
In 2022, IV Harmony’s Medical Director Dr. Victor Feliz, a cardiologist who is a Fellow of both the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (FSCAI) with 22 years of experience, joined the team. Dr. Feliz finished his Internal Medicine residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan, NY. He later had a Cardiology fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, following a Geriatric Medicine fellowship.
Weight-Loss Programs
IV Harmony Clinic employs a comprehensive approach to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. The Clinic’s physician-supervised programs include semaglutide (like the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy), tirzepatide (like the brand Mounjaro), peptides for weight loss, as well as a protocol that combines a low dose of Naltrexone, plus Sermorelin, Lipo-Trim SL, and low-calorie intake to achieve optimum weight-loss results.
IV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients weigh in each week on the clinic’s InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer.
Rosado says that lately, “Semaglutide is the most requested weight-loss medication” at IV Harmony Clinic. “And we only use high-quality semaglutide from the best labs. This treatment isn’t for everyone, so we also offer several other medical weight-loss options. But, our patients who qualify for semaglutide treatment do very well with it.”
Rosado will identify your underlying health issues impacting weight loss through a detailed medical evaluation, including history, an examination and potential tests. IV Harmony Clinic weight-loss patients also weigh in each week on the clinic’s high-tech InBody 570 Body Composition Analyzer, which measures not just your weight, but also your body fat, muscle and water levels.
“Our weight-loss programs are personalized plans tailored to each patient’s age, gender, medical conditions, activity level and objectives,” Rosado says, adding that some patients are referred to Registered Dietitians and nutritionists. “The patients who get the best results combine calorie control with increased physical activity, and behavior modification. We provide ongoing monitoring, medication, supplements and, if needed, referrals for psychological support.”
She also explains that, “When I know the patient’s background, I can give them options and guide them. Then, we work together to get each patient to their goal.”
Esthetic Services, Too!
Rosado and Vargas did their due diligence when looking for the right esthetic services for their clients. They chose SkinPen microneedling from Crown Aesthetic for IV Harmony because they knew the safety and research behind the product. SkinPen employs sterile needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting skin rejuvenation. Patients also can experience revitalization with Botox® and Dysport treatments. The Clinic also offers peptide hormone therapy, which targets muscle restoration and stimulates human growth hormone (HGH) production.
“When you look in the mirror, and you look younger and better, it helps you feel better,” says Vargas.
Rosado adds, “At this time of year, we definitely see a lot more patients looking for Botox® and filler treatments. Everyone wants to look better for the new year.”
PEMF, PRP & More
IV Harmony patients also can explore the benefits of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), a non-invasive approach that utilizes electromagnetic fields to enhance cellular health and promote healing processes.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the blood’s platelets and injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the body. Rosado says PRP therapies can help patients with everything from injuries and musculoskeletal pain to cosmetic procedures. It also can be used in conjunction with microneedling.
Hydrodermabrasion combines water and exfoliation to effortlessly exfoliate and reveal healthier, more radiant skin texture.
HRT & Low Testosterone
Tailored to each individual’s needs and addressing hormonal imbalances in women, IV Harmony Clinic’s Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) tackles symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, low libido, memory and sleep issues and mood swings.
And, for men with low testosterone, the clinic’s Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) provides effective solutions. Vargas explains that IV Harmony has many success stories, especially referencing a patient with “Low-T” complaining of all-over body pain.
“For a man, a good number is around 600, and insurance doesn’t want to cover you if you are at 200, which is extremely low. We started treating this patient with testosterone, which increased his levels, and the pain in his body disappeared.”
Available IV Nutritional Therapies
IV Harmony Clinic also offers a wide variety of intravenous (IV) nutritional therapies, which rapidly and efficiently deliver essential vitamins and nutrients to the body through the patient’s veins. These therapies — which provide your choice of a variety of B vitamins, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc, are designed to contribute to the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Rosado says IV therapy delivers essential nutrients directly to the system, making it beneficial for deficiencies, immune support and for providing energy boosts. Bypassing the digestive system enhances absorption of these nutrients, aiding individuals with digestive issues. The therapy supports detoxification, boosts immune function, improves athletic performance, aids hangover relief and promotes skin health through nutrient and antioxidant support for collagen production.
Monthly Memberships
IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness offers a convenient membership program for monthly infusions. Members receive discounts on any service at the Clinic and also are allowed to share their IV treatment services with their family members. While IV Harmony does not accept health insurance, it does accept HSA and FSA and patients also can use their Care Credits. IV Harmony also offers a rewards program for referrals.
When not at their clinic, Vargas and Rosado are cycling fans who assemble at church on the weekend. They have a 12-year-old daughter and a pet guinea pig.
IV Harmony Clinic & Medical Wellness is located at 2749 E. County Line Rd. in Lutz. The office is open Mon.- Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday,. For more information, visit IVHarmonyClinic.com, call (813) 325- 3870.
Excel Music piano & guitar teacher Regnarene Brown (left) will teach the Royal Conservatory of Music program at Excel, which is located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd. (Photos by Charmaine George)
Located in the Cory Lake Professional Center on Cross Creek Blvd., Excel Music has been teaching children and adults private lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums, strings, clarinet, recorder, flute, saxophone, and other musical instruments for 17 years.
Serving the communities of Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Excel Music co-founders John and Sheri Thrasher cannot contain their delight when they talk about two exciting new programs — one that is available immediately and the other beginning next month (January 2024).
Royal Conservatory-trained and certified teacher Regnarene Brown has joined the faculty of 14 music teachers to instruct Royal Conservatory Piano.
“This is a method intended for more serious students,” Regnarene says. “There’s an adjudication process. They prepare and perform pieces for judges before they can move on to the next level. It’s for a student who might be interested in a career or pursuing music at a more serious level.”
John adds, “Typically, we start kids in piano at 5, but an adult can start Royal Conservatory if they want to.”
As excited as he is about the Royal Conservatory, John is equally thrilled about Excel’s other new program.
“We are officially starting a Keyboard Band Piano Jam class in January,” he says. “This class is for 7-10 year olds, typically beginners, but intermediate students would also enjoy it. From Day One, they’re learning pop songs, and each child gets their own part to play. There are four levels. It’s like gamified learning, like a karate class where once they master a level, they move up to the next level.”
The Keyboard Band students will learn the same skills taught in private lessons, but instead, will work with 4-5 other students in a small group setting. They will work on music reading, as well as chords, melodies and improvisation.
“Playing with other people, you feel inspired to try a little harder,” John says. “Even if your part is simple, it’s important. It matters. Quite often, kids worry that playing the piano will be too hard, and that at-home practice will feel more like homework, not something they’ll enjoy. This program is designed to eliminate that concern by establishing some quick wins for the students, so much so that after just a few lessons, each student will have the basic skills needed to play their favorite song. Every three to four months, they will perform at a concert — not a recital, but a concert— and/or they’ll do a professional YouTube music video. I have never been as excited for a class.”
John hopes to schedule the first Keyboard Band concert and video in Apr. 2024.
Post-Pandemic Changes
During the pandemic, Excel Music brought lessons online only, but since reopening to in-person lessons, has continued to offer students the convenience of virtual classes.
“We still have a fairly large number of students participating virtually,” he says. “It’s been a great fit. We’ve had students who have moved out of the state or even the country continue their private lessons with us. Many families return to their native countries during the summertime, and the students can continue their music lessons while away. That’s been a real benefit to kids during the three-month ‘summer slump,’ when many kids tend to slip backward (at school). Learning music is no different, so this has really helped.”
He adds, “Our focus is on education first. Many places that give lessons, particularly on multiple instruments and voice, are often retail facilities that also offer lessons. We’ve turned that model around. We do have some retail, but only in support of the individual lessons. These are accessories that students need to succeed and do well in their music lessons.”
Dreva Pauley (left) will work with kids in Excel Music’s new Keyboard Band Piano Jam program, which begins next month.
With each class or curriculum designed for that particular student, regardless of the student’s skill level or style of music they like, everything can be accommodated in a private lesson, whether in person or online.
At Excel Music, all teachers are either university-trained (many with Master of Music degrees) or have a decade of study and performing experience. The Thrashers take pride in hiring not only the most qualified teachers but also some of the nicest.
“I want people who are there because they love to teach and have a real passion,” ays John. “People who get a thrill when they see the student’s eyes light up with understanding when they cross that threshold, and the look on their face says, ‘Oh, I got it. It’s an incredibly exciting moment — the thrill of sharing a student’s ‘a-ha’ moment.”
Student Sam Z says, “I like that my teacher encourages me to learn more and more music, and he gets me music that I want to learn.”
Upcoming to Excel Music is the ability to text the music school, do online enrollment, and have 24/7 access to information about lessons and answers to questions parents raise.
“Over the years, we’ve improved at providing not only a quality music education but also a fantastic experience for our students,” John says. “We’ve developed many systems that have streamlined and made the way we teach music more effective, as well as how we’ve used technology to improve our service and continue to use newer technologies.”
When not running their music school, John and Sheri, who live in Wesley Chapel, are lovers of the performing arts, traveling and pampering their two pet cats.
Excel Music is located at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite I. It is open Mon.- Thur., 2 p.m.-9 p.m., 2 p.m.-7 p.m. on Fri., and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sat. It is closed on Sunday. For more info, call (813) 991-1177, or visit newtampamusicschool.com.
