Johnny C’s Italian Eatery — Where New Tampa Gets Treated Like Family! 

Erik Ravenna (left) & Pat Ciaccio are the owners of Johnny C’s Italian Eatery on Cross Creek Blvd. (Photos by Charmaine George)

Even though there are other pretty great options for Italian food in New Tampa, if you like feeling like family as you enjoy traditional comfort food “Italiano,” you need to visit my friends Pat Ciaccio and Erik Ravenna at Johnny C’s Italian Eatery, located in the small plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Morris Bridge Rd. 

Jannah and I — and photographer Charmaine George — have visited Johnny C’s often since it opened in May of this year and there’s no doubt that the restaurant named for Pat’s father Johnny (a long-time restaurateur himself) is more of a sit-down restaurant than Precinct Pizza, the previous eatery in the same space. 

Pat and Erik, who also worked together at Saddlebrook Resort, are long-time friends who both were looking for a new challenge — at least, that’s how Pat tells it. 

“Actually, the only reason I’m here doing this is because of Pat,” Erik counters. “I wasn’t really looking to run a kitchen, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying myself.” 

Fried calamari

Former Saddlebrook owner Tom Dempsey and Erik’s brother Seth also helped open Johnny C’s, which has a large selection of seafood options, in addition to the usual calamari, linguine with clams, wings, NY-style pizzas, lasagna and other baked pastas, favorites like fettuccine Alfredo, chicken piccata and marsala and starters like bruschetta and fried mozzarella wedges. 

“I saw that New Tampa didn’t have places with a lot of seafood pasta options,” Ravenna says. “We have a mussels posillipo appetizer, plus Frutti di Mare (which translates to “fruits of the seas”) pasta, shrimp scampi, fra diavalo, parmigiana and marinara.” 

Ya gotta try the “Yea Babe!” pizza.

Erik also dusts Johnny C’s pizza crusts with garlic and named one of his favorites — the “Yea, Babe!” — after his father-in-law, Grandpa Bill’s favorite saying. The Yea Babe! features pink vodka sauce (instead of traditional red pizza sauce), Italian sausage and mozzarella. The other specialty pizzas on the menu are all named for the five boroughs of New York City, as well as SoHo, but you can get any of the 18 pizza toppings on the menu — from anchovies to sundried tomatoes — on any of the three sizes of pizza and in the calzones. You can even get your pizza made with a gluten-free cauliflower crust. 

“We have an open kitchen, and a dining room that might be a little louder than what you’re used to,” Erik says, “because we want you to enjoy our food the way Italian families do.” 


You can’t go wrong with a Johnny C’s Italian grinder.

Momma’s lasagne 

We already have quite a few favorites. The Momma’s lasagna is spot-on, the hand-breaded, fresh mozzarella wedges are delicious (“We weren’t going to do frozen string cheese sticks like a lot of places do,” Erik says), the calamari is made with Mike’s hot honey and parmigiana cheese in the batter and served with banana peppers, the tasty Johnny C’s Italian grinder features capicola, salami, ham, provolone, tomato, onion, banana peppers and roasted red peppers, plus creamy Italian dressing (“The way my dad would make it at home,” Pat says) and there also are hot grinders like meatball and chicken parm. I also love Erik’s linguine vongolĂ© (with fresh clams). You also can’t go wrong with the penne vodka, chicken or eggplant parmigiana, baked penne or spaghettini & meatballs. 

We honestly have only ever tried the house and Caesar salads (both very good), but there’s also a blue cheese wedge, antipasto and caprese salads and you can add chicken or shrimp to the salads for $4 more. 

Finish off your meal with delicious cannolis.

Save room for dessert, too. From delicious cannolis to the tartufo gelato bomb with hot fudge and whipped cream, there’s no better way to top off a great meal, and Johnny C’s recently added beer and wine, too. And yes, there’s also a kids menu, with all items just $6.95. 

And, Johnny C’s has daily specials, like “Manic Monday” (free mozzarella wedges with purchase of a large pizza); “Take-Out Tuesday” (15% off all take-out orders); also on Tuesday, one kid 10 & under eats free with each adult entrĂ©e purchased); “Wednesday is a Pastability,” when you get a second pasta entrĂ©e 1/2-off with the purchase of a pasta entrĂ©e, and “Thursday Night Out,” when you can buy one entrĂ©e and get the second 1/2-off. 

Johnny C’s Italian Eatery (10970 Cross Creek Blvd.) is open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. every day. For info, call (813) 278-8020, visit JohnnyCsItalianEatery.com. Catering also is a specialty and your Booster Club can hold its Spirit Days at the restaurant. Call during business hours for details. 


Mozzarella wedges

Johnny C’s linguine vongolĂ© 

If you like mussels, try the mussels posillipo appetizer. 

New Tampa Projects In The City Of Tampa’s Fiscal ‘24 Budget 

The City of Tampa’s Fiscal 2024 budget includes $75,000 in funding for the New Tampa Players’ Penguin Project, whose production of “Beauty & the Beast” was the first performance at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. (Photo credit: Angie Schneider)

The City of Tampa’s Fiscal 2024 budget passed unanimously on October 3 and, according to District 7 City Council member Luis Viera (whose district includes all of New Tampa), a number of New Tampa projects were included in the budget allocations. 

1. K-Bar Ranch City Park — “I was able to put the plans for the city park in K-Bar Ranch in the Community Investment Tax (CIT) for future consideration,” Viera says. “This puts us in the dugout so to speak, and ready to bat when the time comes. That’s a big change and major movement forward for us there. This is the K-Bar Ranch Park I have been talking about with my constituents for a really long time. My idea was to move it into potential projects with plans ready to go in concrete.” 

2. Penguin Project Funding — “I was able to get $75,000 for the New Tampa Players (NTP) theatre troupe, for their Penguin Project, for an adult version arts program for people with intellectual disabilities,” Viera says. “Presently, when persons with intellectual disabilities in the Penguin Project (an effort by NTP to give persons with ID a first-class theatre opportunity — like ‘Aladdin,’ ‘Beauty & the Beast (photo), etc. — “age out” (at age 18), they are done with the program. This funding will allow NTP to create another program for adults. It’s wonderful. This project is spearheaded by NTP president Nora Paine, who is an amazing disability advocate who also is a Heritage Isles resident.” 

3. Street Repaving — “We were able to get about $7 million in new funding for repaving,” Viera says. “This will create opportunities for streets like New Tampa Blvd. in West Meadows, which desperately needs to be resurfaced, and 30th St. (Bruce B. Downs Blvd. south of Fowler Ave.). Nothing is set in stone yet regarding which planned repaving projects will get what, but it moves us faster forward for New Tampa Blvd. for consideration. I believe the Tampa Palms Blvd. repaving is just about done.” 

4. Fire Station & Public Safety Funding — “I also was able to secure $1.5 million in design funding for Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) Station No. 25, which will be on Fowler Ave,” Viera says. “This will allow for better response times for the areas around Fowler Ave., but it also will allow Station No. 20 on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (serving the Tampa Palms area) to better serve areas north of Fowler, especially zip code 33647. The design of the new station will take about a year, and then, we will get construction funding. I have a motion coming in a month or so to look at government bonds for our new fire stations. So, while this budget item is not directly funding for New Tampa, it will allow areas in North Tampa south of Tampa Palms to be taken care of by this new forthcoming station, so that Station No. 20 can better focus on the areas to the north of Tampa Palms. So, it is a piece of the puzzle.” 

He adds, however, “As for direct fire station funding for New Tampa, we got money for a new rescue vehicle for TFR Station No. 22 on Cross Creek Blvd. (a little west of Morris Bridge Rd.) to help with response times for the K-Bar Ranch area. This is big news for that area.” 

And finally, Viera says, “The budget also allocated $50,000 to fund the city’s Public Safety Master Plan I have been pushing for three years. This means that we will have a citywide assessment of emergency response times and needs for both fire and police — which, of course, acutely affects New Tampa when it comes to fire safety.” 

‘Grand Hampton’ To Debut ‘Anthology’ At The Tampa Theatre 

Photos courtesy of Antony Capers

Congratulations to local artist and filmmaker Antony Capers (photo, below) for the debut of the newest episodes of his supernatural YouTube serial “Grand Hampton The Movie Series.” 

What started as a pandemic project with his family and neighbors in their New Tampa neighborhood has grown into a multi-year endeavor with a loyal cult following. The series takes place in Capers’ upscale Grand Hampton neighborhood that — the viewer soon discovers — was built by “The CONNECTED” solely for the purpose of housing citizens within the government’s witness protection program. The community has been experiencing some very odd occurrences, and — even more alarming — extraterrestrial beings have been seen roaming the quiet neighborhood’s streets. 

Beginning with Season 3, the series began branching out to discover the dark stories of so many of Grand Hampton’s residents. And, on Wednesday, October 18, or only a day or so after this issue reached your mailbox, the historic Tampa Theatre (located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa) will host the premiere of an “ANTHOLOGY” of new chapters that bring three of these stories to life. Attendees will find out what happens in the world’s craziest house in “ABBY.” Then, witness the bond being broken between two brothers as they become part of an experiment in “PLACEBO.” And finally, we get to play a game of “SPIN THE BARREL,” where the winner actually loses. 

After the screening, Capers, the “Grand Hampton” creator, and members of his cast will discuss the project and answer audience questions. 

The doors of the Tampa Bay area’s oldest movie theater will open at 6 p.m. and there will be a social hour prior to the screening of the new trilogy, which is part of the Tampa Theatre’s annual “A Nightmare on Franklin Street” film series. 

“Grand Hampton The Movie Series,” which was invited to participate in the Orlando International Film Festival (OIFF) in July, has been at the Tampa Theatre before, as Capers and his crew of talented actors not only got to present his “Super Vita” episode but also film a portion of it there. 

Among those who have provided cameos in the series to date include New Tampa’s District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera and former Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman and local radio/podcast host Ian Beckles. 

“I also definitely want to thank my sponsors for the premiere,” Capers says, “including EmployEZ, UES-United Employment Solutions, Done Deal Promotions and ‘Aliens of the Metaverse.’ Without all of them, this event would not be happening.” 

Tickets to the premiere of “ANTHOLOGY” at the Tampa Theatre on Oct. 18 cost just $10. To order, call the box office at (813) 274-8286 or visit TampaTheatre.org/movie/grand-hampton-the-movie-anthology. All “Grand Hampton The Movie Series” episodes are available on YouTube. 

Trust ‘Dr. Mac’ Of McNamara Health & Wellness With Your Back! 

Dr. Edward McNamara of McNamara Health & Wellness in the Summergate Professional Center (behind Sam’s Club) says , “Dr. Mac, Mac, Mac’s got your back, back, back!” (Photo by Charmaine George) 

If you’re struggling with a newfound pain that is not going away or are still suffering from years of pain, despite trying medical or surgical treatments in the past, it never hurts to have a consultation with Edward McNamara, D.C., of McNamara Health & Wellness in the Summergate Professional Center (behind Sam’s Club). 

Dr. Edward McNamara, or “Dr. Mac” (as many clients refer to him), has been a practicing Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) for more than 23 years. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Dr. McNamara earned his D.C. degree from Life University in Marietta, GA, in 1999. He first worked in the Destin and Orlando areas of Florida before coming to practice in Wesley Chapel in 2015. 

Dr. Mac specializes in a variety of active release and massage therapies, as well as full spinal adjustments and exercise rehabilitation. He believes strongly in minimizing the use of drugs and surgeries. 

“Human beings were not born with too many parts and not enough pills,” says Dr. Mac. “Surgery and medications can help for a while, but then the body can become reliant on them. It’s better to help the body heal itself.” 

Although most people visit a chiropractor for back or neck pain, some other common conditions that Dr. Mac can help with include headaches and migraines, musculoskeletal pain, sinus pain, jaw (such as temporomandibular joint, or TMJ) pain, whiplash from car accidents, work-related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and sport injuries. 

“Trust is a big part of my job,” he says. “(Chiropractic medicine) is a touchy-feely business, so if you’re not comfortable with me, you’re not going to be receptive to my care. If you want to keep things quick, I can, but I am hands-on and I listen well. Generally, I spend time to get to know all about my patients, and they hear everything about me as well.” 

Spend just five minutes talking to Dr. Mac and you’ll hear some great stories. How he originally hailed from Buffalo, NY, to his ten years of service in the U.S. Air Force to working in the ceremonial honor guard at the White House during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, he’ll put you at ease while he’s taking care of you. 

“I believe in being personable, effective, affordable and family-oriented,” says Dr. Mac. To that end, he is always happy to accommodate patients with evening, weekend, holiday, emergency, and same-day appointments, in addition to his regular office hours. 

Caring For Patients Of All Ages 

Dr. Mac says he first got interested in chiropractic therapy in his youth after getting hurt while playing rugby. He now assists athletes, weightlifters, gymnasts, cheerleaders, dancers and more heal from their injuries faster and helping them increase their athletic performance. Chiropractic care can improve range of motion, flexibility, balance, coordination, reaction times, and speed. 

Patient Peggy D’Alessandro recalls a positive experience when bringing her daughter to the office. “So thankful for Dr. McNamara! My daughter hurt her back while cheerleading. After a few days, I began to worry because she was still in pain, so I brought her in to see him. Her pain was relieved in minutes and completely gone by the next day! It was her first time seeing a chiropractor so she was a little bit nervous, but he was so nice, made her laugh and really put her at ease. We both couldn’t have been happier!” 

In addition to adults and athletes, Dr. Mac has patients of all ages — from 6 months to 80 years old. 

Dr. Edward & Sebastian McNamara (Photo provided by Dr. Edward McNamara)

“Being born can be pretty traumatic for babies. I help infants with reflux, colic and infant adjustments, which are very different than the adjustments that I perform on adults,” he says. “School-aged children need help with pain from heavy backpacks, “cell phone neck,” minor sports injuries, scoliosis, and allergies (sinuses). Pregnant women often suffer aches and pains and chiropractic care before delivery can help reduce labor time. Seniors come to get relief from basic arthritic conditions.” 

Dr. Mac works alone, so you will always talk to and receive care from him directly. But, on some days, especially Saturdays, you may see his “part-time receptionist,” aka his six-year-old son, Sebastian (photo). Often dressed up as Spiderman, Sebastian greets patients and works hard as the “face of the practice” to get his $1/hour paycheck that he’ll cash with his dad later at the bank. 

Dr. Mac loves to get involved in the community as well. “My son plays hockey, so I am always supporting sport fund raisers for kids. I also am enthusiastic about helping those who are struggling with addiction,” shares Dr. Mac. If you visit the office’s Facebook page, you will see that Dr. Mac loves to help out, from promoting various donation efforts to offering assistance to local families needing extra help during the holidays. 

No matter how you interact with Dr. Mac, he’ll always try to help you. 

“The one thing that was a constant in my life was chronic back pain for 20+ years. Dr. McNamara is the FIRST to really help me instead of just saying “surgery or prescription” and for that I am very grateful,” says patient Jay Forsythe in an online Google review. 

Finally, patient Jorge Soto also posted on Google, “Dr. Mac is Wesley Chapel’s most recommended chiropractor and for good reason. He is experienced, knowledgeable, skilled, gentle, effective and affordable. If you are still living in pain not knowing what to do or who to see, come to Dr. Mac. You won’t regret it.” 

McNamara Health & Wellness is located at 27453 Cashford Cir., Suite #101, in Wesley Chapel. The office is open Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m., and 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., and Sat. by appointment. Call (813) 343-1680 or visit LutzChiro.com to schedule an appointment today. You also may visit “McNamara Health & Wellness” on Facebook for the office’s latest updates and special offers. 

Check Out The Revamped Skybox Rooftop Bar Menu At The Residence Inn! 

The outstanding housekeeping staff at the Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel was celebrated by the hotel’s managers at a special luncheon at the hotel on Sept. 15. (Photo above by Charmaine George) 

If a night out at a rooftop bar sounds like a fun way to spend an evening or the perfect venue to host a party, there’s no need to head to downtown Tampa. 

Stay right here in Wesley Chapel instead, where the Skybox Rooftop Bar is perched atop the Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel, located next to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, just off S.R. 56 near the Shops at Wiregrass. Skybox is a unique and fun spot for gatherings with gorgeous sunset views, small plate food options, and tasty drinks. 

Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel is a Marriott-branded hotel designed and managed by Mainsail Lodging & Development. Mainsail was founded in Tampa by Joe Collier in 1998, and now has eleven hotel properties in Florida, Georgia, and the Caribbean, including signature properties such as the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin and the Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa. 

The Skybox Rooftop Bar at the Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel recently expanded its menu and offers not only Wesley Chapel’s only lounge with a view but also a beautiful place to stay if you enjoy one drink too many. (Photos provided by Residence Inn)

Not only is Skybox the only rooftop bar in Wesley Chapel, it’s also the first-ever at a Residence Inn. It’s available to both hotel guests and those who want to enjoy craft cocktails and tasty small plates, even if they’re not hotel guests. Many of the Skybox’s online reviews refer to it as a “hidden gem” in Wesley Chapel. 

“It’s a sports bar atmosphere with TVs and a beautiful sunset view,” says Becky Hayes, the Residence Inn’s general manager and director of sales. 

Becky says that makes it the perfect place to watch football, with specials on wings on Sundays and beer buckets on Thursdays. There also are sangria specials on Tuesday, and Wednesday is Hospitality Night with specials for anyone working in the hospitality industry. 

Any night, you can try a Skybox whiskey flight or a “bubbles and wine” flight offering a variety of wines and champagnes. 

There’s also a large selection of premium alcohol craft cocktails, fine wines, craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages. 

The Skybox Rooftop Bar’s food menu was revamped as of early September. While there are only a few small plate options, Becky says there’s enough variety to find something for everyone, from wings to flatbreads to the soon-to-be-famous Skybox Cuban. 

Becky says Skybox is an absolutely perfect to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or any type of party. This time of year, the hotel is getting a lot of inquiries for holiday parties. Parties at Skybox can be semi-private, where an area of the bar is reserved for your group, and private parties also can be booked. 

For more information or to book a party, go to SkyboxRooftopBar.com or contact sales manager Erica Davis via email at EDavis2@mainsailhotels.com. 

If you want to visit Skybox, be sure to look for the Residence Inn sign on S.R. 56, as there is no separate sign for the rooftop bar. 

Staying At Residence Inn 

Although Skybox is worth the trip without staying in the hotel, some locals find that the Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel is great for a weekend getaway, as well. 

Theresa Pandales is a New Tampa resident who says she recently visited the hotel for a quick “staycation,” spending a weekend away from her busy life with kids and grandkids. 

She was pleasantly surprised at how perfect the entire weekend turned out to be. 

“I like that it feels like home away from home,” Theresa says. “It’s so inviting. The lobby even smells amazing.” 

Theresa says she enjoyed lounging by the pool, relaxing and visiting the Skybox for drinks. 

Becky says the hotel also is great for those who need long-term accommodations, as it is fully equipped to be a home away from home. 

“Because we’re extended stay, we offer full amenities, including full kitchens with refrigerators, dishwashers, stove tops — although not all units have ovens — pots and pans, dishware, silverware, living and sleeping areas,” Becky says. “All rooms have a living area and a sleeping area, while some are open and some have one or two bedrooms.” 

She says the hotel also is a great choice for guests coming to visit family in the area. Also, a lot of people stay at the hotel while they are purchasing a home, waiting for a closing or the completion of their home’s construction. 

The hotel offers 128 rooms, including 65 studio king suites, 24 studio kings with conservation views, 19 studios with two queen beds, 8 one-bedroom king studios, 8 one-bedroom studios with two queen beds and 4 two-bedroom suites with one king and one queen bed. 

Other on-site amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, market and an on-site laundry with washers and dryers. Some other fun and unique perks include bicycle rentals with the first hour free, and outdoor grills by the pool for guests. “We are perfect for families,” Becky says. 

And, while larger parties are hosted at the rooftop venue, the hotel also has a cozy meeting space inside, too, accommodating up to 25 people in its indoor meeting room. 

The Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel recently won a Marriott award, called the Silver Circle Award, for meeting stringent Marriott standards and placing in the top 20% of all 856 Residence Inns in the U.S. and Canada, based on how guests rated the hotel in customer service, cleanliness and their intent to recommend the hotel to others. 

Becky says the award is thanks in no small part to the housekeeping staff. She says the housekeepers are the hardest working group in the hotel. The Residence Inn management recently celebrated the team during “Housekeeping Week,” providing meals, gift and activities to thank them for their efforts to keep the hotel clean and up to the guests’ high expectations. 

Based on her stay, Theresa feels the award is well deserved. “Everyone was so nice, the food was delicious and the service was unbelievable,” Theresa says. “My sixtieth birthday is coming up, and that’s where I’m going,” she says. “I won’t go anywhere else.” 

The Skybox Rooftop Bar and the Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel are located at 2867 Lajuana Blvd. For more info about hosting a party at Skybox or booking a stay, call (833) 214-9098, visit Marriott.com or SkyboxRooftopBar.com. The Skybox is closed on Monday, open Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., and 5 p.m.-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.Â