Los Chapos Tacos Opens In The Same Plaza On S.R. 54 As Fazoli’s

Los Chapos Tacos, a small local chain of authentic fast-casual Mexican restaurants that began as a food truck business, has opened its new fourth location at 24799 W. S.R. 54 in Land O’Lakes, in the same small strip retail center as Fazoli’s. 

Unfortunately, I can’t tell you much about the food at the new Los Chapos Tacos because the restaurant cooks all of its food on the same grills and there are a few shrimp options on the menu. 

This kind of bummed me out because there are several unique options on the menu, including Guacamole de Chicharron — slow-braised pork belly finished on the grill with Asian BBQ sauce, served over hand-smashed guacamole with queso fresco, cilantro and chips. I’d also be interested in sampling the elotes appetizer, or Mexican street corn on the cob, with cotija cheese, chipotle aioli, lime and tajin. 

There also are house specialties like the Torta Ahogada or “drowned sandwich,” which is a version of the signature sandwich of Guadalajara, with crunchy-outside sourdough bread filled with shredded “Birria” beef and melted cheese, with a spicy dipping sauce on the side. The same birria beef is available on tacos, and there also are “Surf ‘N’ Turf” tacos with grilled steak and shrimp, corn salsa, avocado and chipotle cream on a grilled flour tortilla. 

Jannah and I just couldn’t leave without at least letting her sample something and she ended up having that birria beef on a tasty grilled quesadilla with melted cheese (top photo). She said it was delicious, but I (heavy sigh) simply had to take her word for it. 

She also tried and enjoyed the lavender sangria (photo right), and Los Chapos Tacos would probably be a place we would frequent fairly often if I could eat the food. My Victoria Mexican beer was ice cold and unlike most fast-casual establishments, the restaurant does have a limited (and cute) full-liquor bar with several different tequilas available (above left photo) to make your favorite margaritas. 

Considering that it has two grills in the kitchen, if they could keep one grill dedicated to non-shrimp orders, people like me could still enjoy it. 

But, as one manager-in-training told me, “Even if we could do that, we’d still need both grills when we get busy.” Truly sad for me. 

Los Chapos Tacos opens for lunch & dinner every day at 11 a.m., except Sun. (when it’s closed). For more info, call (813) 868-3056 or visit LosChaposTacos.com. — GN 

Little Caesars Pizza Opens Next To Jimmy John’s Off Wesley Chapel Blvd. 

As a true New Yawka and lover of real New York pizza, I’ll be honest that I’ve never been a fan of Little Caesars Pizza, which recently opened its second Wesley Chapel location at 5482 Post Oak Blvd.,off Wesley Chapel Blvd., in the same retail strip plaza (photo above) as Jimmy John’s. 

To me, Little Caesars is more about convenience and competitive pricing than it is about deliciousness, but I’ll admit that I enjoyed the new (at least to me) pepperoni “Crazy Puffs¼” (bottom photos) on the menu and I definitely also will try the Cookie Dough Brownie made with M&Ms¼ minis, which the location was out of the day we visited. 

But, Little Caesars does offer specialty pizzas like the “3 Meat Treat¼” (shown above) for just $12.99 (it’s also available in a larger “Detroit-style deep dish” rectangular version for just $15.99). 

The “Hot-N-Ready¼” options are even less expensive, with the “Classic Cheese” and “Classic Pepperoni” both starting at just $7.29, and the “Extramostbestest¼” cheese or pepperoni pizzas starting at just $8.29 each. And, “Stuffed Crazy Crust” pizzas start at just $$13.99. Also available are pretzel crust pizzas (starting at $6.99), breadsticks, Italian cheese bread and more. 

And, with Little Caesars’ new “The Pizza Portal” (right photo), picking up your to-go order is as easy as grabbing an Amazon package at an apartment complex. And yes, DoorDash delivery is available, too. For more info, call (813) 923-0715 or visit LittleCaesars.com. — GN

BayCare Medical Group Opens Office Inside BayCare Hospital WC 

By Joel Provenzano & Gary Nager 

Dr. Ronika N. Newbold (left) and BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital president Nanette Wilcox shared the scissors while cutting the ribbon at the new BayCare Medical Group offices inside the hospital. (All photos on this page by Joel Provenzano) 

Congratulations to the new BayCare Medical Group (BMG), which celebrated its Grand Opening on the second floor of BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital (4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 205) with a North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cutting event on May 8. 

(l.-r.) Dr. Newbold, BayCare Medical Group director of operations for specialty care Jennifer Jusino, Dr. Vaswani and North Tampa Bay Chamber president & CEO Hope Kennedy. 

The new BMG office currently features three medical specialties — General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Family Medicine. According to site manager Rjaye Lowe, who led us on a tour of the 8,600 sq. ft. of new offices, the BayCare Medical Group may expand to an additional floor and specialties in the future. Considering that the entire BayCare system has more than 1,100 providers in 54 specialties, that seems like a pretty safe bet. 

“We have the space to continue to grow and expand beyond the current specialties and we are anticipating adding cardiology in the near future,” Lowe said. 

The X-ray room at BayCare Medical Group’s offices located inside the hospital.

He added, “Over 30 rooms are dedicated to the BayCare Medical Group General & Orthopedic Surgery and Primary Care,” Lowe said. “The benefit to it being in the hospital is that everything is in one location, in just one building. Having the physicians in-house means that patients can get their lab work and imaging services done all in one location.” 

Three physicians were introduced during the ribbon-cutting event, with each of them heading up one of the three BMG specialties now available inside the hospital. 

(l.-r.) General surgeon Dr. Sahand Bamarni, BayCare Medical Group primary care site manager Alexa Jordan, Dr. Newbold, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ravi Vaswani and BayCare Medical Group site manager Rjaye Lowe at the Grand Opening of the BayCare Medical Group office. 

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ravi Vaswani can treat patients as young as 12 years old, while general surgeon Dr. Sahand Bamarni and Family Medicine Dr. Ronika N. Newbold see patients ages 18 and older. All three physicians expressed their excitement about being part of the opening of the new BMG offices inside the 86-bed hospital (which also has room to grow). 

The new medical offices are designed to provide integrated, patient-centered care, offering residents greater access to primary and specialty services within the BayCare network. 

BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital president Nanette Wilcox said, “We’re very excited to officially open our new BMG offices. As we continue to grow our footprint here in Wesley Chapel, we’re committed to providing seamless access to high-quality care for the community, and this is a big step in that direction.” 

Of course, there already is a BMG office on S.R. 54, in the same plaza as Glory Days Grill, but according to BayCare spokesperson Cherie Miller, “The doctors at the S.R. 54 office will be unaffected. The only change is that their patients will now have the added benefit of being able to utilize the new outpatient imaging and lab services at the hospital.” 

For more info about BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital and BMG, visit BayCare.org. 

Compass Claim Solutions Can Help You Receive The Insurance Claim You Deserve! 

Wesley Chapel resident Shawn Thompson (2nd from left) and his team at Compass Claim Solutions will work hard to make sure you receive the insurance settlement you deserve when your home or business suffers damage, whether from a storm, fire, flood or any other cause. (Photo provided by Shawn Thompson) 

When disaster strikes, dealing with an insurance company can be one of the most stressful and frustrating parts of your recovery. For many homeowners and business owners in Florida, navigating the complexities of insurance policies and securing a fair settlement can feel overwhelming. That’s where Compass Claim Solutions steps in — offering expertise, advocacy and a guiding hand through the often-confusing world of property insurance claims. 

Founded by Shawn Thompson in Wesley Chapel, Compass Claim Solutions is a public adjusting firm dedicated to representing policyholders during — and even after — the insurance claims process. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Shawn has built a reputation for helping clients secure the compensation they deserve after damage from storms, fires, floods and other disasters. 

From Retail To Advocacy 

Shawn’s journey to becoming a public adjuster is an inspiring story of career transformation. A Florida native, Shawn graduated from St. Leo University near Dade City in 2003 with a degree in Business Management. He spent 10 years climbing the corporate ladder in a “Fortune 5” retail company, honing his skills in management, negotiation and customer service. However, in 2012, a family connection introduced him to the world of public adjusting, which is when he says he found his true calling. 

“When I learned about public adjusting from my brother-in-law, I saw how much of a difference an advocate could make for homeowners,” Shawn says. “I knew I wanted to be part of that process — helping people when they need it most.” 

After completing a year-long apprenticeship, Shawn obtained his public adjuster’s license and has since helped thousands of clients navigate their insurance claims. Today, Compass Claim Solutions serves homeowners and businesses across Florida, often traveling to communities hit hardest by hurricanes and severe storms. 

What Does A Public Adjuster Do? 

Insurance policies can be complex documents, full of jargon and fine print that many policyholders struggle to understand. When property damage occurs, the insurance company sends out its own adjuster to assess the damage and estimate the payout — but that adjuster works for the insurance company, not the policyholder. 

A public adjuster like Shawn, however, works exclusively on behalf of the policyholder. His job is to thoroughly evaluate the damage, prepare detailed estimates and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that the client receives a fair settlement. 

“Our goal is to level the playing field,” Shawn explains. “Insurance companies have experts working for them — policyholders should have [an expert] on their side, too.” 

Compass Claim Solutions handles a wide range of claims, including those related to hurricanes, floods, lightning, wind, fire, mold, theft and plumbing issues. The company offers free consultations, guiding clients from the initial claim filing through the final settlement. 

The ‘Umpire Process’ 

One of the unique aspects of Compass Claim Solutions’ services is Shawn’s involvement in the insurance appraisal and what is known as the “umpire process” — a little-known but critical step when claims are disputed. 

If an insurance company and a policyholder cannot agree on the amount of damage or the cost of repairs, both parties may choose to enter into the appraisal process. Each side hires an independent appraiser to assess the damage. If the two appraisers cannot reach an agreement, they select a neutral third party — known as an “umpire” — who reviews the estimates and makes a final, binding decision. 

As a certified insurance umpire, Shawn is often called upon to serve as that neutral third party in these disputes, bringing his extensive knowledge and fair judgment to the process. 

“The umpire process helps ensure that both sides get a fair shake,” Shawn says. “It’s about finding common ground and making sure the policyholder gets what they’re owed. 

Going The Extra Mile 

Clients of Compass Claim Solutions consistently praise Shawn’s professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail. The company’s 4.9 stars out of 5 on Google (on 50+ reviews) attest to his prompt communication and proactive approach. 

“Shawn is amazing,” client Brian S. wrote in his 5-star review on Google. “He was prompt on returning calls, very thorough in his evaluation of the damage, and extremely proactive in dealing with the insurance company. He turned a stressful situation into a positive outcome.” 

Client Carol G.’s 5-star review says, “I was denied by my insurance company for not taking pictures after my front doors blew open during Hurricane Ian. Shawn worked wonders for me and got me enough money to fix the important issues in my home. He was very kind and easy to work with. I highly recommend using Compass Claim if you ever need a public adjuster. I’d give him 20 stars if I could.” 

It’s this commitment to going above and beyond that has earned Compass Claim Solutions a stellar reputation in the community. 

Beyond his work in public adjusting, Shawn is an active member of the Wesley Chapel business community. He serves on the Membership Committee of BNI Alliance, a local chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) of West Central Florida, where he collaborates with other professionals to foster business growth and networking opportunities. “I believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” Shawn says. “Whether it’s helping homeowners through the claims process or participating in local events, we want to make a positive impact.” 

Navigating an insurance claim can feel like an uphill battle, especially in the wake of a disaster. With Compass Claim Solutions, clients gain more than just an advocate — they gain a partner dedicated to serving their best interests. 

From the initial consultation to the final settlement, Shawn Thompson and his team provide the knowledge, persistence and compassion needed to help clients rebuild and move forward. With Compass Claim Solutions on your side, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone — you have a trusted partner and guide every step of the way. 

Shawn Thompson’s Compass Claim Solutions offers free consultations. For more info, visit CompassClaimSolutions.com or call (352) 502-5928. 

Florida Cancer Specialists Opens New Building! 

NTBC Ribbon Cutting Opened The State-Of-The-Art, 45,000-Sq.-Ft. Cancer Center In Wiregrass Ranch On May 15! 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new 45,000-sq.-ft. Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) building off S.R. 56 in Wiregrass Ranch on May 15 was more than just another Grand Opening event. It expands Wesley Chapel’s reputation as a health-care hub, now with two major cancer treatment centers. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

 Although the Angeline community in Land O’Lakes is getting what will be the largest cancer treatment and research center in Florida — the sprawling, 775-acre “Speros FL” Moffitt Cancer Center campus with 16 million square feet of lab, office, manufacturing and clinical space, the new Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) building on the south side of S.R. 56 in Wiregrass Ranch gives the Wesley Chapel area two major cancer centers (the other is the 28,000 sq. ft. being occupied by the Moffitt Cancer Center at Wesley Chapel in the 100,000-sq.-ft. Healing Plaza building adjacent to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel). 

But, the 45,000-sq.-ft. FCS building, located only 3.5 miles from the AdventHealth/ Moffitt center, is now the largest cancer treatment facility in Wesley Chapel. 

Samantha (Sam) Watkins 

FCS cut the ribbon (in conjunction with the North Tampa Bay Chamber, or NTBC) to officially open the new state-of-the-art treatment center on May 15, as the location’s VP of operations Samantha (Sam) Watkins introduced director of patient advocacy (and Board-certified oncologist and hematologist) Richard McDonough, M.D. (holding scissors in the photo on this page), who introduced several of his colleagues, including medical oncologist Dr. Ayman Barakat, radiation oncologist Dr. Bradford Perez and GYN (gynecologic) oncologist Dr. Jessica Stine to the crowd of more than 100 people, many of whom were FCS doctors, staff members and administrators. 

Watkins mentioned that the new FCS clinic will include five medical oncologists and hematologists, two radiation oncologists, six advance practice nursing providers and a “dedicated group of clinicians and support staff.” 

Watkins also provided a lot of the basic information about FCS in general, including that in 2024, FCS celebrated its 40th anniversary of cancer care in the Sunshine State, when FCS treated more than 102,000 new patients and provided more than 4.2 million clinic visits. 

The new FCS facility in Wiregrass Ranch has 62 infusion chairs. 

“One statistic that I find incredible,” Watkins said, “is that 67 percent of all Floridians live within 20 miles of an FCS center, which serves our mission of being in the community.” 

And, although Moffitt is still the highest-rated cancer treatment center overall in Florida, FCS also ranks among the top-performing oncology practices and offers more clinical trials than any other private oncology practice in Florida. And, according to Dr. Barakat (see more from him below), the new Wiregrass Ranch location should soon be hosting clinical trials of its own. 

Dr. Richard McDonough 

Watkins noted, “More than 150 clinical trials are [being conducted] at our 29 locations across the state…. With our expanded capabilities to provide state-of-the-art genetic testing, our physicians are able to design treatment plans with the utmost precision and provide truly personalized medicine, which translates into better outcomes for our patients.” 

Meanwhile, Dr. McDonough said, “My colleagues and I share a passion and dedication to a singular goal to provide our patients with the most advanced treatments possible that are personalized to the unique needs of what they have. We try to minimize the disruption [to their lives] by making sure we are closer to where they live and that the patient can get the care with the support people and community around them, and really to be a big part of driving the best outcomes for our patients.” 

Dr. Ayman Barakat 

Dr. Barakat provided some additional statistics about the new FCS facility, and the difference between the new building and the original Wesley Chapel location that opened in 2019. “We only had four exam rooms and seven infusion chairs,” he said. “But now, we have 32 exam rooms, 62 infusion chairs, and offer expert treatment for all forms of cancer and blood disorders. We have an on-site lab, our own oncology pharmacy care coordinator, services with patient assistance through our generous foundation, and, of course, access to the most advanced and promising treatment through clinical trials, which hopefully we should be planning to start in this building very shortly.” 

Dr. Bradford Perez 

Dr. Perez, a lifelong Tampa native, talked about the team approach to patient care at FCS. 

“One of the things about FCS is that it does give us the opportunity to work together as part of a multidisciplinary oncology team and as a radiation oncologist you know I’m really glad to have an opportunity to work with the medical oncologists here at FCS. This location has state-of-the-art equipment, like the Varian TrueBeamTM machine, which does precise, stereotactic radiation treatments.” 

Dr. Perez also noted that, “Wesley Chapel is a big growth area, so it’s great to be able to provide great care for patients, with the most advanced technology, where people are moving and living.” 

Dr. Jessica Stine 

Next, Dr. Stine said that when she joined FCS four years ago, “My goal was to bring GYN oncology, which is a unique specialty that doesn’t have a lot of growth outside of city centers, to areas where patients really needed to have access to high-quality care. I felt that it was really kind of a shame that patients [in suburban areas] had to essentially go to the ‘ivory tower’ to get their surgeries and the care they needed.” 

She added, “We are also very excited to announce that we will be expanding the GYN oncology program within FCS with Dr. Heather Miller, who is actually joining us locally from her very thriving practice in the Brandon and Tampa Bay market. She will be caring for our patients here in Wesley Chapel and in North Tampa as well.” 

Hope Kennedy 

The final speaker before the ribbon cutting was NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy, who said, “It is an honor to be here with you today. We broke ground in 2019, right before the pandemic, on a cold, windy day. We saw the renderings of what this [facility] was going to be. We could not be more honored to be here by your side. The community is here to support you. We thank you for your investment, not only in this beautiful building, but also for the service you provide to our community.” 

FCS (2895 Hueland Pond Blvd.) is open every weekday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info, call (813) 279-7107 or visit FLCancer.com. 

The Varian TrueBeamTM machine actually rotates around the patient to provide precise radiation treatments.Â