Spotlight On: Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions 

Chris Assefa (photo), the owner and insurance broker for Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, says that although she is licensed by the State of Florida (as well as Georgia and New York) to sell health and life insurance and variable annuities, she believes her primary function is education. 

“Health insurance, especially when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, is incredibly complicated for most people,” Chris says. “At Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, we always say that asking questions is free, so ask away! We want to make sure you understand what your options are and which plan or policy will work best for you and your family.” 

Bleu Sky’s is an independent insurance agency, so Chris and her team of professionals have access to a wide variety of companies and policies and they can help you figure out how best to take care of your needs. 

Chris is a specialist when it comes to Medicare — the lower-cost health insurance for those ages 65 and older and for those with disabilities. The former Wesley Chapel resident says that even though the Open Enrollment period to choose a Medicare plan for 2025 ended in December and the policies became effective in January, “there are still things you can do now that you might not know about.” 

For example, if you decide after Jan. 1 that you’re not happy with your Medicare Advantage plan, there is a special Open Enrollment Period — that just closed for this year (on March 31) — for Medicare Advantage plan holders only. 

“Obviously, the average person is either unsure or not even aware about a lot of this,” Chris says. “That’s why you need an expert in the field, like my company, to help guide you.” 

She also says there are some new laws on the books for 2025 that Bleu Sky’s insurance professionals can help you understand. 

“For 2025, an individual’s out-of-pocket expense for prescription drugs on their Medicare carrier’s formulary is capped at $2,000,” Chris says. “In addition, people who are dual-eligible (for both Medicare and Medicaid; the latter is the joint federal and state program which helps cover medical expenses for people with limited income and resources) are dealing with some changes as to how they can change their plans.” 

She adds that there are different levels of dual eligibility, and that those different levels are affected by this year’s new rules. 

“I know this can be confusing,” Chris says. “I really hope that if you have any questions about Medicare, Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as the Affordable Care Act or ‘Obamacare’), we’ll be the company you’ll think to call.” 

To reach Chris Assefa of Bleu Sky’s Insurance Solutions, call (813) 360-1884, visit BleuSkysInsurance.com or see the ad below. — GN 

HOPE Services Hosts Another Successful ‘Dance Your Dream’ Event 

“This is a dream come true,” says Cindy Bray, executive director and founder of Hope Services, Life Skills & Vocational Training Center, reflecting on the success of this year’s annual “Dance Your Dream” event. 

Dance Your Dream was designed to offer a free prom-type experience for individuals ages 14 and older who live with disabilities, starting four years ago with just 80 attendees, Dance Your Dream has become an annual tradition that now brings together the community in celebration of hope and support. This year, the event saw 300 attendees at Wesley Chapel District Park on Apr. 26, where the gym was filled with music, laughter, and dreams coming to life. 

Chick-fil-A provided delicious meals (and the Chick-fil-A cows) that added warmth to the night, and the event featured music, games and a 360-photo booth. 

A highlight of the evening was the surprise guest, Raiqwon O’Neal, the offensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneer (#75), whose presence brought joy and excitement, lifting the spirits of everyone in attendance. “His message and meet-and-greet were the perfect way to start the night,” Bray said. 

“The smiles and laughter in the room were priceless,” says Cindy Bray. “My heart is full of all the joy we shared that night.” 

With 22 years of experience, Cindy founded Hope Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization contracted with the Department of Education/ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Serving 10 counties within a 50-mile radius from their location at 5426 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Hope Services offers life skills and vocational training to individuals living with disabilities. To support Hope Services, visit HopeGetsJobs.com.

Congratulations To The Top Seniors At Every Wesley Chapel High School! 


Congratulations to the graduating classes of 2025! For those in our community graduating from college, high school, or even kindergarten or preschool, it’s an exciting time to look forward and chase your dreams. At Wesley Chapel’s four public high schools, hundreds of students are anticipating tossing their caps and moving on to the next phase of life, whether it’s further education or starting their careers. This includes the first-ever graduating class at the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, which opened for the 2022-23 school year with just freshman and sophomores. We salute these top students at each of our Wesley Chapel public high schools and say congratulations to you and all of the graduates! 


Cypress Creek High 

1. Anastasia Herzek 

GPA: 4.7143 

Clubs/Activities: National Honor Society (NHS), American Sign Language Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Clemson Summer Scholars, Game Master at Arcanum Escape Room 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Chemistry 

Best thing about high school: Making connections with friends and staff at Cypress Creek. 

2. Daniel Garcia 

GPA: 4.7000 

Clubs/Activities: Science National Honor Society, NHS, Custodial Service with Robotics team, Volunteer at pharmacy, Work at Kohls & Publix 

College planning to attend: University of Central Florida 

Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering 

Best thing about high school: Being able to see my friends! 

3. Nico Gust 

GPA: 4.6780 

Clubs/Activities: NHS, McDonald’s, Raising Cane’s, Martial Arts (black belt), Model UN, Crochet Club, National Merit Scholarship Finalist 

College planning to attend: University of North Florida 

Planned major or future career: Marine Biology 

Best thing about high school: Being done! 

4. Keira Lefebvre 

GPA: 4.6885 

Clubs/Activities: Track, Cross Country, NHS, Science National Honor Society, Volunteer at AdventHealth, Insurance Marketing Associate, Crochet Club, Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Chemistry 

Best thing about high school: Hanging out with my friends. 

5. Marisa Morales 

GPA: 4.6275 

Clubs/Activities: Volunteered at Pasco County Animal shelter, Volunteer at Pasco Schools, Clemson summer scholar, NHS, NSHS, HOSA 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biochemistry 

Best thing about high school: My friends 

6. Cristina Dima 

GPA: 4.6146 

Clubs/Activities: Author & illustrator of a children’s book, Elem. school volunteer at library, Bioengineering research program (Clemson Summer Scholars), NHS, HOSA, Hillsborough State Park Halloween Event Volunteer 

College planning to Attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biological Sci. 

Best thing about high school: My friends 

7. Hannah Hershey 

GPA: 4.6019 

Clubs/Activities: Student Government, Treasurer of Spirit Club, Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy, National Honor Society, Volleyball, Job at Chicken Salad Chick & Pack Leader 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Central Florida 

Planned major or future career: Accounting 

Best thing about high school: Meeting new people and making connections. 

8. Diana Le 

GPA: 4.5673 

Clubs/Activities: Lady Coyote Engineering, Vietnamese language tutor, part-time retail job 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Accounting 

Best thing about high school: The community. 

9. Camryn Paradise 

GPA: 4.5600 

Clubs/Activities: NHS, National English Honor Society, spirit club, Science NHS, Spanish NHS, Club volleyball, Volleyball 

College planning to attend: Clemson University 

Planned major or future career: Business; minor in Biology 

Best thing about high school: Being involved with clubs and organizations and putting events together especially (my favorite) pep rallies! 

10. Jacob Sheldon 

GPA: 4.5510 

Clubs/Activities: National English Honor Society, Book Club, Art Club, Reading/Writing, Poetry, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Weightlifting 

College planning to attend: University of Central Florida 

Planned major or future career: Neuroscience 

Best thing about high school: The unique personalities and people that I got to know over the years. My friends mean so much to me. 

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation

1. Diana Bisekeeva 

GPA: 4.59 

Clubs/Activities: GPS Robotics (VEX & FIRST Team), Founder & Pres. of ResuPrep, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, GPS Connect Outreach Founder & Pres., R:ED Robotics Education Software Engineer Intern, Mediacube UI/UX Designer Intern, The TCK Times Founder & Editor-in-Chief, NHS President, Science NHS, Women of Tomorrow, Math Peer Tutor, Varsity Tennis 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Industrial & Systems Engineering 

Best thing about high school: The connections you build with your peers. 

2. Sarah Streeter 

GPA: 4.34 

Clubs/Activities: Editor-in-Chief of yearbook, Officer of FFA, SGA representative, Dual Enrollment Student 

College planning to attend: Georgia State University 

Planned major or future career: Neurology (pre-med) 

Best thing about high school: The opportunity to connect with your peers and enjoy your youth together in one place. 

3. Nolan Correa 

GPA: 4.46 

Clubs/Activities: Volunteer at Star Academy 

College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State College 

Planned major or future career: Radiology 

Best thing about high school: The overall freedom that you have. 

4. Rudra Patel 

GPA: 4.40 

Clubs/Activities: Chess Club, math tutor, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation News 

College planning to attend: Florida Polytechnic University 

Planned major or future career: Computer or Cybersecurity Engineering 

Best thing about high school: The people you meet. 

5. Giovanni Ventilato

GPA: 4.40 

Clubs/Activities: Health & Fitness Club, Church activities 

College planning to attend: University of South Florida 

Planned major or future career: Aerospace engineering 

Best thing about high school: Having a good amount of freedom. 

6. Donovan Arteaga 

GPA: 4.55 

Clubs/Activities: National Honor Society member, Flower power club member 

College planning to attend: University of South Florida 

Planned major or future career: Chemical engineering 

Best thing about high school: The friends you make and the people you meet. 

7. Alexi Sanchez 

GPA: 4.49 

Clubs/Activities: NHS, Volunteer at Marine Corps League & Special Olympics, initiated a program to promote oral health to underprivileged children, participated in World Stride Educational Travel-STEM & Cultural Immersion program, dual enrollment student at Pasco Hernando State College, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biology (pre-med) 

Best thing about high school: Hanging out with friends. 

8. Jansen Warren 

GPA: 4.34 

Clubs/Activities: Volunteering at Kirkland Ranch K-8 

College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State College 

Planned major or future career: Computer Science 

Best thing about high school: Spending time with friends. 

9. Camden Chase 

GPA: 4.42 

Clubs/Activities: Soccer, Student Government Vice President, NHS Officer, Health and Fitness Club Member, Dual Enrollment Student 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Finance 

Best thing about high school: Figuring out what you want to do in the future. 

10. Emersyn Mullis 

GPA: 4.46 

Clubs/Activities: Dual Enrollment student, Employed student 

College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State College 

Planned major or future career: Business 

Best thing about high school: The ability to branch off and learn more about yourself. 

11. Dalyn Brown 

GPA: 4.54 

Clubs/Activities: Dual Enrollment Student at Pasco Hernando State College, earned Associate of Arts, Track & Field Athlete, Volunteer: AdventHealth, Employed Student, National Future Medical Leaders Conference, National Society of High Scholars 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Pre-Med/ Biomedical Sciences 

Best thing about high school: The friendships and company you keep, along with the memories you make, define your journey through these four years. 

12. Alessa Gonzalez 

GPA: 4.42 

Clubs/Activities: Dual Enrollment Student, Tennis, Soccer, Johns Hopkins Summer Program Participant, Pepin Family USF Summer Nursing Pathway Program, HERricane Summer Camp Participant, NHS Member, Navigating Our Community, Employed Student 

College planning to attend: University of South Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biomedical science/neuroscience Pre-Health USF 

Best thing about high school: All the friends I made and the labs I participated in at KRAI’s Biomedical Science program.

13. Tessa Mast 

GPA: 3.92 (unweighted) 

Clubs/Activities: Bowling 

College planning to attend: University of Central Florida 

Planned major or future career: Business (pre-accounting) 

Best thing about high school: Getting real-world experiences and skills through the programs at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.  


Wesley Chapel High School 
Wesley Chapel High’s Top-10 Graduating Seniors are (l.-r.) Caique Santos-Silva, Sean Donahue, Luiza Guryeva, Maya Almodovar, Pierre-Etienne Boisvert, Erin McDermott, Filipp Ramsey, Nikki Watson and Ming Yang. Not pictured here: Luanna Mineiro De Souza. (Group photo provided by Wesley Chapel High) 

1. Sean Donahue, Valedictorian 

GPA: 4.7213 

Clubs/Activities: Eagle Scout, Debate Club Co-founder, IPPF Policy Debate, Lacrosse, SAT & Elementary Tutor, NHS Vice President, AP Capstone Diploma 

College planning to attend: Yale University 

Planned major or future career: Computer Sci. 

Best thing about high school: Away games with the lacrosse team 

2. Pierre-Etienne Boisvert, Salutatorian 

GPA: 4.71 

Clubs/Activities: Taught myself how to program and make video games, AP Capstone Diploma 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Physics 

Best thing about high school: How much I was able to test my own skills and limits, pushing myself further and further every day to accomplish goals. 

3. Luanna Mineiro De Souza 

GPA: 4.68 

Clubs/Activities: Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment 

College planning to attend: Pasco Hernando State College’s Nursing Program 

Planned major/future career: Nurse Anesthetist 

Best thing about high school: Going to volleyball and football games with my friends and enjoying the school spirit! 

4. Filipp Ramsey 

GPA: 4.67 

Clubs/Activities: Programming/Game development, AP Capstone Diploma 

College planning to attend: USF 

Planned major or future career: Computer sci. 

Best thing about high school: Opportunity to learn alongside some of the smartest and hardest-working students I have met. 

5. Caique Santos-Silva 

GPA: 4.65 

Clubs/Activities: VP of WCHS Business & Finance Club, Secretary of NHS, Secretary of Science NHS, FCA Member, Varsity Lacrosse, AP Capstone Diploma, Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment 

College planning to attend: University of Florida Honors 

Planned major or future career: Business Administration or Accounting 

Best thing about high school: Meeting all my friends and the staff. I continuously grew as a person, and so did those around me. I found people who pushed me to improve and held me accountable in all the things I do. I doubt that I would be who I am now without all those who kept me laughing, smiling and working hard. 

6. Maya Almodovar 

GPA: 4.63 

Clubs/Activities: Dance teacher, tutor, receptionist, barista, Rho Kappa (president), NEHS (vice president) & NEHS (member), Earned my Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Civil Rights Lawyer 

Best thing about high school: Having the opportunity to attend USF my senior year. 

7. Nikki Watson 

GPA: 4.62 

Clubs/Activities: Golf (First Tee team and players club), Band, including marching band as drum major and playing flute, wind ensemble playing flute and piccolo, and concert band playing trumpet, NHS, Associate of Arts degree at PHSC through Dual Enrollment 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Biology with a specialization in Biotechnology 

Best thing about high school: Finding a ‘family’ in the band and also finding who I really am through all of my experiences. Making it as drum major in my senior year, and making friends with everyone. Everyone is growing in life just like you, so you can always find people that you connect with. 

8. Ming Yang 

GPA: 4.62 

Clubs/Activities: Clean Earth Club, National Honors Society, Tennis AP Capstone Diploma 

College planning to attend: University of Pennsylvania or Brown University 

Planned major or future career: Physics 

Best Thing About High School: The amazing people I met, both peers and teachers, that made school enjoyable. 

9. Erin McDermott 

GPA: 4.608 

Clubs/Activities: Club Gymnastics, NHS, Wesley Chapel Dance Program, AP Capstone Diploma, Anne Frank Humanitarian Award 

College planning to attend: United States Air Force Academy 

Planned major or future career: Biology/Pre- Health Professions. I plan to become a Flight Surgeon. 

Best thing about high school: Meeting all of my best friends. 

10. Luiza Guryeva 

GPA: UW: 3.98/ W: 4.56 

Clubs/Activities: ResuPrep Startup Founder & CEO, Florida Founder & Executive of Active Hearts Association, GPS Robotics Business Lead for FIRST Competition, author of Comparative Case Study on Immigrant Entrepreneurship, Market Research Website & Analysis Report Creator, Founder and President of Business & Finance Club, Team Leader & Strategy Coordinator for Wharton Global Investment Competition, Calaton Systems Business Development Manager Trainee, Varsity Tennis, AP Capstone Diploma 

College planning to attend: Georgetown University 

Planned major or future career: Finance 

Best thing about high school: Hospital visits with the Active Hearts Association club. 


Wiregrass Ranch High School 
Wiregrass Ranch High’s High’s Top-16 Graduating Seniors are (l.-r.) L to R: Vedanti Patel, Sydney Ficks, Nicholas Kovacs, Vishnu Araveeti, Daniel Cheng, Rohit Naras, Tristan Pasquale, Ian Kim, Austin McCallister, Jack Flanary, Aubrey McKeon, Nicollette Watson, Brenden Brewer, Vera Zheng, Darren Lin & Hunter Paladio. (Group photo provided by Wiregrass Ranch 

1. Austin McCallister, Valedictorian 

GPA: 4.75 

Clubs/Activities: Science Olympiad 

College planning to attend: Georgia Institute of Technology 

Planned major or future career: Computer Engineering 

Best thing about high school: Mr. Cuviello’s and Mr. Cordero’s science labs. 

2. Nicholas Kovacs, Salutatorian 

GPA: 4.7302 

Clubs/Activities: Studying, focusing on academics 

College planning to attend: USF 

Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering 

Best thing about high school: Meeting people. If I hadn’t attended high school, I wouldn’t have met all these other bright students. I am hoping we can all stay in contact. 

3. Ian Kim 

GPA: 4.69 

Clubs/Activities: Science Fair, Science Olympiad, Orchestra, Mu Alpha Theta, FBLA, Tri-M, Science National Honor Society 

College planning to attend: California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 

Planned major or future career: Electrical Engineering 

Best thing about high school: Hanging out with friends and Mr. Cordero in AP Physics every day. 

4. Daniel Cheng 

GPA: 4.6897 

Clubs/Activities: Future Business Leaders of America, Cybersecurity Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Piano, Volunteer at MD Oriental Market 

College Planning to Attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Computer Science or Computer Engineering 

Best Thing about High School: Collecting memories, not just homework. 

5. Vishnu Araveeti 

GPA: 4.6639 

Clubs/Activities: FBLA, Science Olympiad; I also ran a commerce business. 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Data science/ Computer Science 

Best thing about high school: Having great teachers to learn from and creating many friends. 

6. Aubrey McKeon 

GPA: 4.6591 

Clubs/Activities: Tutored for math & science honors societies, leadership in music honors society, 9 years of choir, FMEA’s All-State Chorus, member of the Science Olympiad team 

College planning to attend: University of Central Florida 

Planned major or future career: Aerospace Engineering 

Best thing about high school: Friends and relationships you create along the way. 

7. Rohit Naras 

GPA: 4.6604 

Clubs/Activities: FBLA, Science Olympiad, Varsity Tennis, Research 

College planning to attend: Georgia Institute of Technology 

Planned major or future career: Computer engineering, hopes to start my own tech company 

Best thing about high school: Having genuine fun with my friends inside & outside of the classroom. 

8. Darren Lin 

GPA: 4.6346 

Clubs/Activities: Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, FBLA, Asian Association &Allies, Amnesty Int’l. 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Mechanical Engineering 

Best thing about high school: It’s a great place to meet good people who share your values 

9. Vera Zheng 

GPA: 4.6296 

Clubs/Activities: Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, FBLA, Asian Association & Allies, Amnesty Int’l. 

College planning to attend: Univ. of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Computer Science 

Best thing about high school: Getting to find new friends and hanging out with them. 

10. Krish Patel 

GPA: 4.6207 

Clubs/Activities: SHNS tutoring, FBLA, HOSA & Key Club, Passion project to showcase the benefits of vegetarianism for the body & the environment, helped coordinate the first-ever fire ritual for youths to honor the largest Hindu temple outside of India. 

College planning to attend: University of Florida 

Planned major or future career: Microbiology and Cell Science (Medical Career) 

Best thing about high school: All the friends and memories that you can make before heading to college. 


Editor’s Note – We appreciate that all four local high schools provided us with the photos and information you see on these pages. We have no idea why some schools provided more than their top-10 graduating seniors, why some of the students’ photos were not provided nor why the students’ GPAs at Kirkland Ranch appear to be out of order. All we’ve done is provide an outlet for each school to provide their photos & information. 

CafĂ© Zorba’s New Management Celebrates Its Grand Reopening With A Lamb Roast! 

Frank Geivelis (far left), Sabani Ferhatovic & Sabani’s wife Ferzeta Omerovic & Sabani and Ferzeta’s grandsons Beno & Anthony Ferhatovic of CafĂ© Zorba. 

The day I drove up to and found out that the Tutti Frutti Café in the KRATE at The Grove container park had closed, a gentleman sitting in front of the nearby Café Zorba (5804 Grand Oro Ln. #102) told me that he and his friend sitting with him were now the new management team at Café Zorba, which previously was only a Greek/Mediterranean restaurant but now also is serving traditional Bosnian/Balkan food, in addition to the usual gyros, Greek salads, stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) and souvlakis (below left). 

The two men — Fotios (he goes by Frank) Geivelis and Sabani Ferhatovic — invited me to attend the Grand Reopening of CafĂ© Zorba, which was held on May 3 and was going to feature an almost-40-lb. lamb roasted outside on a rotating spit grill. 

Well, as a true lamb lover who had never sampled Bosnian food before, I brought along photographer Charmaine George to sample and take pictures of some of CafĂ© Zorba’s new traditional Bosnian/Balkan cuisine. 

We started with an order of cevapi — small sausages made of lamb and beef served with ajvar (red pepper sauce) inside a tasty flatbread. Cevapi is a popular Balkan street food that tasted a little like lamb-infused, well-grilled breakfast sausages. 

We also saw Sabani’s wife Ferzeta Omerovic take the foil wrap off a pot of the most beautiful-looking stuffed peppers (called punjene paprike; far right photo), so we asked her for a sample. Now, I honestly have never even liked stuffed peppers, but the mild red bell peppers were cooked to soft perfection and stuffed with ground beef, rice, tomato sauce and a variety of spices so tasty that Charmaine and I were both hooked. 

We also got a sample of Ferzeta’s Bosnian stuffed “sour” cabbage rolls known as sarma, which are fermented (pickled in some kind of vinegar base) cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat (I forgot to ask if it was veal, lamb or beef), minced onion, beef stock and paprika. Sour is correct. Charmaine actually preferred the sarma to the punjene paprike. 

I then returned alone four hours later to check out the roast lamb, which Sabani was busy getting properly spiced when Charmaine and I first arrived. He definitely loved cooking the lamb, as he was handing out freshly carved samples of the most tender, garlicky delicious sliced lamb I had ever tasted — better than the lamb chops at most high-level restaurants! And, Ferzeta’s creamy tomato and cucumber salad served with it also was outstanding! 

But, if you missed out on the Grand Reopening lamb, don’t be sad — Frank promise me that they will be roasting a whole lamb “at least once or maybe twice a month. Follow us on Instagram to find out when we’ll have it next!” For more info, call (813) 388-5987 or order online from DoorDash or Uber Eats.— GN

Remington’s Steak & Seafood ‘Returns’ To The Palms Connection On Bearss 

I have known Mark Birkin, the owner of Birkin’s Steak & Sushi restaurant on N. Florida Ave. in Lutz, for about 14 years — since he first opened PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave. back in 2011. 

Since then, Mark has changed the PJ Dolan’s name to The Wexford, but retained the Irish pub menu and feel. Before Mark bought it, PJ Dolan’s previously also was Remington’s Steakhouse, Cody’s Roadhouse and the Bullseye Saloon. 

And, although Mark had some success with both PJ Dolan’s and The Wexford, neither matched the drawing power of the original Remington’s or even Cody’s. 

But, Mark has had great success with Birkin’s, his upscale steak & sushi concept, and felt he could bring a more casual, popularly priced new steakhouse to just outside of New Tampa. 

He did his research and found that the only active use of the Remington name — in honor of the renowned “Old West” artist Frederic Remington — were two Remington’s Grills in North Carolina, so he got permission from the owner of those “fast casual BBQ & burgers” concept locations to use the original name that so many New Tampa residents loved and renamed it “Remington’s Steak & Seafood.” The unveiling of the new name and menu could happen by the time this issue reaches your mailbox but will more likely take until at least the Mother’s Day weekend — May 10-11 — before the sign goes up and the new eatery becomes a reality. 

At our press time, some of the renovations were still being finalized, as Mark decided he was going to keep The Wexford open until the official switchover takes place. 

“I’m excited about Remington’s Steak & Seafood,” Mark says. “This will be a locally owned, reasonably priced steakhouse that definitely should be able to compete with the popularly priced chain steak places in our area.” 

Mark also says that, in addition to its renovated main dining areas (both inside and on the spacious patio) the new Remington’s will have two private dining rooms suitable for parties and an all-new fun “feel,” but that still leaves the one burning question… 

What About The New Menu? 

Mark literally let me know that he had received approval to go with the Remington’s name two days before Our Apr. 29 New Tampa issue went to press. It had been several months since Jannah and I had eaten at The Wexford and our photographer Charmaine George had never eaten there with us, so we had to move quickly. 

I first asked Mark if any of The Wexford’s menu items were staying and, even though he said that all of the coming-forward items are going to be given upgrades, we sampled the potato skins, Shepherd’s pie quesadillas, fish & chips and the bacon cheeseburger & fries — and the latter two items appear above and below. 

Mark didn’t want us to use a Birkin’s steak picture for this story, so I found the generic top sirloin with baked potato picture shown on this page to give you a feel for the style of cuisine at Remington’s because, as Mark says, “The steaks will be the stars of this new show.” And, as you can see from the extensive sampling from the menu in the ad on the next page, there will be a wide variety of what he calls “Choice +” steaks, all at a few dollars less than the local chains. 

So, whether you’re craving a ribeye, NY strip, filet mignon, T-bone, top sirloin or even lollipop lamb chops, Remington’s will satisfy you. The only steaks I see missing are a bone-in ribeye/ tomahawk and prime rib, but those could be added down the road. In the meantime, the most expensive steak on the menu is the 23-oz. T-bone with two sides for $34.95. The 14-oz. NY strip is just $24.95 with two sides! 

As for the seafood side of the menu, there will be escargots and shrimp cocktail appetizers, grilled salmon, fried and grilled shrimp dinners and the aforementioned fish & chips. 

Remington’s other entrĂ©es will include country fried steak or chicken fried chicken, grilled chicken breast, a boneless BBQ pork chop, Shepherd’s pie, mac n’ cheese and a limited supply each night of a half or whole rotisserie chicken. There also will be a daily Happy Hour menu (served 3 p.m.-5 p.m.), with some of the items mentioned above, plus two sides, for just $14.95! 

Speaking of sides, Remington’s will offer everything from mixed veggies, green beans and kernel corn to sautĂ©ed mushrooms, baked or mashed potatoes, hand-cut fries and sautĂ©ed onions. And yes, the restaurant also will offer bone-in and boneless wings, clam chowder, French onion and a Soup of the Day, burgers, sandwiches, salads and an $8.95 kids menu (for ages 12 & under), plus decadent desserts. 

In other words, once it opens and people get to sample the new Remington’s, Mark believes it will be here to stay! 

Remington’s Steak & Seafood is located at 2836 E. Bearss Ave. The hours have not been officially set, nor does it have a phone number or online presence yet, but check our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page for updated info!