‘Serve For Strength’ Pickleball Event At Saddlebrook Is Just The Beginning

Valerie Simon returns a shot during the Serve for Strength tournament at Saddlebrook on Apr. 19. 

Anyone who was ever an athlete whose career — whether you had any chance of turning pro or going to the Olympics — was cut short by injury can certainly relate to the story of Wesley Chapel resident Valerie Simon. 

Once the top-rated girls tennis player in Florida, who was training at the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy at Saddlebrook Resort, and one of the top handful in the entire country, Valerie, who is now 18, tripped on a tennis ball in 2023 and the injury she suffered, according to her mother Daniella, “was misdiagnosed as not being a fracture.” 

As the pain of the injury continued to get worse, rather than improve, Valerie ended up at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City, where titanium rods were surgically implanted to repair her broken navicular bone. 

Following the recommended healing time, Valerie entered and won the Dasani Georgia Mayor’s Cup Junior “Super Championship,” but after receiving the trophy, Valerie insisted “My other foot is broken.” Because she had put so much pressure on her non-surgical foot during the tournament, Daniella says, “she now had a broken navicular bone in her other foot. Her career was over at barely 16 years old. She tried many time to go back to tennis,” but couldn’t because of the “loading” you have to do to hit those power shots. 

Making Lemonade 
(l.-r.) Victoria, Valerie, Vanessa, Daniella, Jonathan and Zachary Simon.

After seeing how expensive her medical bills were, Daniella says, “She made lemonade from lemons and turned pain into purpose,” by starting “Serve for Strength,” a 501(c)(3) nonprofit “supporting individuals and families facing life-changing health challenges…Through community-driven events, we raise funds for organizations that provide care and relief to those in need. 

Because of the amazing surgeries she received at HSS, Daniella says the new organizations first three fund raisers were held in New York to benefit the Foot & Ankle Dept. at HSS. 

“I felt very alone after my injuries,” Valerie says. “I didn’t want anyone else to feel alone.” 

Valerie signed with the Professional Pickleball Association in Jan., so Daniella decided to host Serve for Strength’s most recent fund raiser on Apr. 19, on the new eight-court pickleball complex at Saddlebrook, where the entire family — twin sisters Vanessa and Victoria, 16, her father Jonathan and 13-year-old brother Zachary, as well as Daniella, all played or helped run the event. 

“We had about 170 people enter the tournament, where we had multiple men’s and women’s divisions — a total of 12 age brackets. We brought together people of all ages, from teens to people in their 80s. Some had only four teams, others had as many as twelve. Several of the players had taken clinics with our girls and were playing competitively for the first time ever. We even had a ‘Meet a Partner, Make a Friend’ event after the tournament ended because we had to shut down the entries.” 

So, how did the tournament do? 

“We ended up raising about $3,500 to help fund the Foundation’s future events,” Daniella says, because everything we want to do costs money.” 

Thanking The Sponsors 

Daniella says that without the help of the major sponsors, especially Saddlebrook, “We could never have put on an event like this. They were wonderful. [Saddlebrook general manager] Jeff Mayers donated the courts and hospitality tents, plus waters for all players, ice, orange juice and fresh fruit. They also provided T-shirts for every player. Serve for Strength split the cost of the shirts.” Other sponsors included Century 21 Molly Nye, José Pomoles from State Farm, and Farina Orthodontics. “Yes! Apples is a year-round sponsor, too,” Daniella says. 

Up next for Serve for Strength is an entire weekend at Saddlebrook — Saturday & Sunday, June 6-7. 

“Saturday will be another pickleball event and Sunday will be a ‘Swing for Strength’ golf tournament,” she says. “We’re just really trying to get the word out that we are here to help.” 

For more information about Serve for Strength or to enter either event in June, visit ServeforStrength.org. 

New Discovery Academy Of Science Charter School Is Coming To Wesley Chapel

An update on the DAS Pasco construction. (All photos on this page are from DAS) 

A new charter school is coming to Wesley Chapel to provide students with a quality educational opportunity in a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, including AI. Discovery Academy of Science (DAS) Pasco, located on the south side of S.R. 56 at Two Ridges Rd. (aka Wyndfields Blvd.), is a tuition-free public charter school with a STEM+R (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Reading) focus that will open its doors to students for the 2027-28 school year, with construction currently under way. 

The school will welcome students in grades K-6 in its first year and then expand to grades K-8 as the school grows. The curriculum is meant to be rigorous, in order to prepare students for the 21st century by focusing heavily on STEM subjects and literacy, which the school leaders believe is foundational to the future success of the students.. 

“Parents can expect a rigorous, standards-aligned academic program with a strong emphasis on STEM, reading, critical thinking and real-world applications,” says Alex Register (right), director of communications & facilities for DAS. “In addition to core academics, DAS Pasco plans to offer enrichment opportunities such as robotics, coding, Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, VEX Robotics, First LEGO League, SeaPerch, art, music, physical education, Spanish and computer science. These activities help students learn teamwork, persistence, creativity, leadership and problem-solving — the same skills they will need in college and for career pathways.” 

Beginning at the elementary level, the DAS program will emphasize phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing and text-based discussion for its literacy instruction. In mathematics, students will learn problem-solving, reasoning, procedural fluency and real-world application skills. For science, students will participate in inquiry-based learning, labs, experiments, engineering challenges and STEM projects. 

An update on the DAS Pasco construction. 

Progressing to the middle school level, DAS Pasco students will continue to build upon their skills gained at the elementary level in the STEM fields, along with sharpening their research, writing, collaboration and presentation capabilities. The goal of the program is to prepare students for high school success, including readiness for advanced coursework. 

Approved by the Pasco County School Board, DAS Pasco’s footprint will encompass roughly 60,000 square feet of classroom and learning space for STEM and arts/music, along with a dedicated library and media area. The plans also include administrative offices, a cafeteria, outdoor recreational areas and parking for staff and visitors. 

DAS Pasco will be the third DAS campus in the Tampa Bay area, joining the existing Clearwater campus and the Dunedin campus that is on track to open for the 2026-27 school year. DAS Clearwater has served families in Pinellas County since 2013, earning an excellent reputation for its academic performance in STEM, including “A” ratings from the Florida Department of Education (FDoE), and its strong student and parent support system. It also has been recognized as a “Florida School of Excellence” and has held “High Performing Charter School” status, both from FDoE. 

The rendering of the exterior of the now-under-construction Discovery Academy of Science (DAS) Pasco campus on S.R. 56 at Two Ridges Rd. (see map, top left) in Wesley Chapel.

“One of the reasons DAS has been successful is that it combines academic rigor with a very structured, family-oriented school culture,” says Register. “We focus heavily [not only] on STEM, [but also on] character, student safety, data-driven instruction and regular communication with families. The goal is not simply to teach content but to help students become confident learners who know how to think, collaborate, communicate and solve problems.” 

DAS Pasco is expected to welcome approximately 480 students when it opens its doors in Aug. 2027 and to reach 860 students within five years. The school will employ roughly 40-45 staff members in its first year, including teachers, ESE teachers, guidance and support staff, administrative staff, full-time substitute support and more. At full capacity, the school expects to employ 65-70 staff members. 

School officials already have selected the inaugural principal for the Pasco campus — Suzanne Mizzi, who currently serves as the K2 Administrator for Curriculum and Instruction at the DAS Clearwater campus. She brings more than 22 years of experience in classroom teaching and school administrative leadership, including having served as an assistant principal at BridgePrep Academy of South Tampa. 

Mizzi (left) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from Hunter College in New York City, NY, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University in St. Leo, FL. Register says her experience and understanding of early literacy, strong parent-school relationships, student support and building a great culture were the main drivers in her selection. 

Register also says that DAS wanted to bring its model of success from Pinellas to a rapidly growing Pasco County community seeking additional educational opportunities. 

“Many families are looking for additional high-quality K-8 options, and we have also seen interest from Pasco families who are familiar with the DAS model in Pinellas County,” she says. “The Pasco campus gives us an opportunity to bring a proven STEM-focused public charter model to a fast-growing community that values education, innovation and school choice. We believe DAS Pasco can help meet that demand while becoming a long-term partner for families, students and the broader community.” 

Discovery Academy of Science Pasco is currently accepting applications for its inaugural school year (2027-28). Parents can visit the school’s website at DiscoveryAcademy.info to learn more about the school, key enrollment dates and additional background about the curriculum. 

New Signal Underway at Cypress Creek Rd. & County Line Rd.; Design Approved for Meadow Pointe Blvd.

By Joel Provenzano

Two key intersections are moving forward in Pasco County’s short-range efforts to improve traffic flow and safety, with one signal now under construction and another entering its design phase. 

Cypress Creek Rd. & County Line Rd. (photo above): Signal Construction Begins

As previously reported in March, in connection with the Mater Academy signal project in front of Grand Hampton, Pasco County had placed the long-anticipated signal at the dangerous intersection of Cypress Creek Rd. and County Line Rd. in its 2026 work plan. Construction officially began in April. 

The start of work followed completion of a key roadway improvement: the southbound approach on Cypress Creek Rd. was widened to include a dedicated right-turn lane onto County Line Rd. Before formal improvements began, that approach had become an informal, dirt-and-pothole right turn path created by steady driver use. 

This intersection serves as an important connector between County Line Rd. and S.R. 54 (just west of where it becomes S.R. 56), supporting traffic from Oak Grove, Carpenter’s Run and the Lantower at Cypress Creek apartments. 

It is especially congested during peak hours, with drivers often struggling to find safe gaps in both directions of traffic before entering. 

According to the latest plans, the new signal will feature a single diagonal span wire mounted between two steel poles, and pedestrian crosswalks across both roadways. 

Once complete, it is expected to significantly improve both safety and traffic flow at this heavily used junction. 

The project is anticipated to be finished and operational by this summer. 

Meadow Pointe Blvd. & Country Point Blvd.: Signal Moves Into Design Phase 

More than two decades after the Country Walk community first started taking shape, a traffic signal is finally moving forward at Meadow Pointe Blvd. and Country Point Blvd. (rendering, right). 

Pasco County officially approved the signal’s design funding during the March 24 Board of County Commissioners (BOC) meeting. 

This intersection serves as the only entrance and exit for the Country Walk community. 

Although the roadway currently includes dedicated left- and right-turn exit lanes, residents have long experienced challenging conditions, particularly during morning peak hours when outbound traffic competes with commuters heading toward S.R. 54 and nearby schools. 

The project was first formally shared with residents at the Country Walk CDD meeting in June 2025, where it was noted that the county also would make modifications to the median nose to accommodate an updated crosswalk location. 

At this time, construction is shown to take place sometime in the county’s 2027 adopted work plan. 

Both projects reflect continued efforts by Pasco County to address long-standing congestion points in the rapidly growing communities of Wesley Chapel and Lutz, although residents in Meadow Pointe and Country Walk will need to wait longer for relief compared with the soon-to-be-finished Cypress Creek improvements. 

HOPE Services Hosts Another Successful ‘Dance Your Dream’ Event

Congratulations to Cindy Bray (front right in left photo), the founder & CEO of Hope Services, for the success of the nonprofit’s fifth annual “Dance Your Dream” event held Apr. 16, at the Wesley Chapel District Park’s Recreation Complex. 

Dance Your Dream is an inclusive, high-energy evening designed for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older. This year’s theme was “A Night at the Circus” and included dancing, food, games, entertainment, a raffle area, and a newly added Community Resource Room, offering access to representatives from local organizations that provide valuable assistance and support. 

Happy to make an appearance at this year’s event was published author Chris Angilella (right), who hasn’t let Asperger’s Syndrome stop him from self-publishing (and co-illustrating at least six books, including Oakley’s Sanctuary Friends and Speckle Delivery, which he was signing copies of at this year’s Dance Your Dream. 

Angilella’s books feature characters with special needs, which made him a great addition to this year’s event, which also included appearances by Elsa from “Frozen,” stilt walkers and multiple Chick-fil-A cows, since Chick-fil-A was again a major sponsor of the event.. 

All proceeds from Dance Your Dream benefit Hope Services’ Life Skills & Vocational Training Center, which provides hands-on, nationally recognized certification programs, including Culinary Arts, Construction, Customer Service, and more. To support Hope Services, visit HopeGetsJobs.com. — All photos by Charmaine George 

Hub At Lexington Update — Lex Nails, Cinnaholic & Bonchon To Open In May

If you still think The Hub at Lexington will be just like every other development in Wesley Chapel, you haven’t been paying enough attention to what’s already happening at this 40,000-sq.- ft., six-building center that is being developed by Courtney Bissett-Hayes and her brother Paul Bissett of Center Connect Development. 

With several of the first businesses now open at The Hub at Lexington and more opening this month (and others soon), you and your family will soon be able to “Sip, Savor and Socialize” at more than a dozen restaurants and retail shops. There will be a number of events — including a Grand Opening sometime in September of this year — some with live music, centered around The Hub at Lexington’s shade-providing artificial trees. 

So, what’s open now and what’s coming soon to The Hub? Here’s a quick rundown: 

Now Open! 

Headlines Barber Shop — The first tenant to actually open its doors (at 27053 Halter Loop) at The Hub was Headlines Barber Shop, a local chain which has about a dozen Tampa Bay-area locations (and 7,000+ 5-star reviews). 

Favian, the barber in the right photo on this page, is clearly a popular guy, as our Facebook post about the attractive-looking barbershop back on Mar. 19 had received more than 11,500 views by our press time. Fellow barbers Luis, Max and Martha also are available for bookings at Headlines’ Hub at Lexington location. For more info, call (813) 428-5034 or visit HeadlinesBarbersTampaBay.com! 

La Creacion Bistro — The first restaurant to open at The Hub.

The Clubhouse Golf Simulator — Only open for a couple of weeks at our press time, The Clubhouse (above) is owned by Wesley Chapel High grads (and brothers) Mark and Tyler Ward. Tyler says that he and Mark have been thrilled with the response to their new business so far, as more than 200 people had already come in to give it a try and several of those have already signed up for memberships. 

The Clubhouse, which allows you to “play” everything from Augusta National (home of The Masters) to local courses like Heritage Isles Country Club (the course in the photo), also will have local PGA teaching pros available to provide lessons. “Plus, it’s better than playing four hours in this Florida heat,” Mark says. 

In addition, although The Clubhouse doesn’t yet have its beer and wine license, Tyler says it is “coming very soon” and there also are snacks and soft drinks available for purchase, “and you can bring your own beer and even food in the meantime.” For more info, call (813) 904-2867 or visit Clubhouse.golf. 

Pet Wants — Pet Wants, which just opened at our press time, promises “Nutrition You Can Trust,” with fresh dog and cat food and treats, bones and natural chews, pet health and wellness products (like Nootie ear and dental wipes), toys and Pet Wants-created “Natural Spaw” products and more. The Hub Pet Wants franchise owner Nickole Davis, who previously owned All Good Things Gifts in the KRATEs, says that the chain is around 20 years old and today has about 100 locations, including either four or five in Florida. 

“It’s a really cool, fun place to shop for and with your pets,” Nickole says. “Come check us out!” For more info, call (813) 586-1440 or visit PetWantsWesleyChapel.com. 

Opening In May! 

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken — (below) 

Cinnaholic Gourmet Cinnamon Rolls — This gourmet cinnamon bun chain (photo, left), which was founded in Berkeley, CA, in 2010, today has 85 locations in 26 U.S. states (four in Florida, including a location on S. Howard Ave. in Tampa) and could open around the same time as Bonchon. With 20 frosting flavors and lots of unique toppings, you can design your own Cinnaholic creation or choose from one of the chain’s bes-sellers, like “Cookie Monster” and “Campfire S’Mores.” For more info, visit Cinnaholic.com. 

Lexington Nail Lab — Although it had the first sign up (right) at The Hub several months ago, this upscale nail salon is finally getting ready to open (at 27105 Halter Lp., next to Bonchon) this month. According to its website, Lexington Nail Lab will offer “beautiful, long-lasting nails and a relaxing salon experience,” plus a personalized attention, professional service, a modern setting, cleanliness and hygiene. For more info, visit LexingtonNailLab.com or call (352) 691-6073. 

Still To Come! 

Saigon Pho Restaurant — Although the sign (left) only saying “Vietnamese Restaurant,” we spoke with the owners of the successful (and tasty!) Banh Mi restaurant at The Hub at Bexley, who confirmed both the name and that they also own the upcoming Saigon Pho, which they hope will open by sometime in July. 

And…Urban Crunch Creamery Café, Brew Bar Self Pour, Island Grill, Farmer’s Milk Gourmet Bakery, The Monks Desi-Chinese Indian Fusion Cuisine & Suncoast Charging. 

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken To Open May 20!

Whether you already love crunchy Korean fried chicken or you’ve never tried it before, you have to try Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken when it opens at The Hub on Wednesday, May 20. 

I stopped in at the Bonchon location on E. Fletcher Ave., where owner and general manager Sam Takla was interviewing prospective employees for both stores and Sam was so excited that we were giving him some publicity that he not only refunded what I had already paid for two items but also brought out several other dishes, so photographer Charmaine George and I “would know just how delicious our food is.” 

He’s right. Even though I always order any kind of fried chicken without sauce on it (above), there are six different sauces (from Korean BBQ to spicy Yangnyeom) to choose from and our six-piece combo (four wings and two jumbo drumsticks) came with our choice of side. We chose cole slaw, but there’s also pickled radish. 

The chicken was crispy and juicy, the pork gyoza dumplings were excellent, too, and the Bulgogi beef bowl (left), sautéed with mushrooms, scallions, onions and sesame seeds, had just the right hint of sweetness. Sam also turned us onto the Japchae (glass noodles, red bell pepper, onions, spinach, mushrooms and bulgogi stir fried with soy garlic sauce), which Charmaine said was her favorite dish, plus a unique Mopo “corn dog,” which is actually mozzarella cheese wrapped in crispy breading, potato cubes and soy garlic on a stick, but no hot dog. We both loved the two-piece Korean donuts and their sweet cream dipping sauce. There are many more items on the menu I can’t wait to try, too! 

For more info, visit Bonchon.com. — GN