Why I’m The ‘Logical’ Choice To Be The Next ‘Jeopardy!’ Host!

Alex Trebek (photo: @Jeopardy)

Those of us who have appreciated really hard trivia for the last 37 years are likely still mourning the Nov 8 passing of long-time “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek.

Trebek somehow lived two full years following his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, something of a feat in itself (although I’m no doctor, I have known several people who only lived a few months after receiving their diagnoses, depending upon the stage), but he was still taping his 37th season of “Jeopardy!” episodes up until a few weeks before he passed.

Trebek is a role model for not only every game show host, but also for a certain news magazine editor who auditioned to be on the greatest game show of all time (but didn’t make it) — twice — and who had what I’m hoping is a unique exchange of words with the late “Jeopardy!” host.

But First: A Little Background..

Gary Nager, Jeopardy host?

I don’t remember what age I was when I first was flipping through my seven original TV channels (CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and the New York independent stations — Channels 5, 9 and 11) and saw the late, also great Art Fleming hosting the original “Jeopardy!,” which also featured the dulcet tones of announcer Don Pardo.

All I knew was that, as a youngster, I had finally found a place to unleash my truly “encyclopedic” knowledge of…well, as close to everything as I could get (which wasn’t very close, but still) — almost all of which was gleaned not so much from school, but from reading every individual letter edition and every year’s Year Book (beginning around 1963) from our World Book Encyclopedia set. Imagine me as a little smarter version of Joey on “Friends” who loved that my parents purchased more than just the letter “V” for us.

Most of my close friends were smarter and did better in school than I did, but I knew I was pretty good at writing and great at “Jeopardy!” I also knew that someday, I would get on the show, win some money and impress the producers enough to have them grooming me to replace Fleming — who couldn’t last forever, could he?

And, even though Fleming’s first run with the show ended when producer Merv Griffin’s original “Jeopardy!” was shut down in Jan. 1975, Fleming was brought back for a couple of other revivals of the show, which again ended in 1979. In 1984, Trebek’s first year as the host of the new syndicated version of “Jeopardy!,” I flew out to Los Angeles to audition for the show I knew I could win. “All I have to do is study up on some British royalty and classical music and I’ll dominate,” I kept telling myself.

Well, that trip from NYC to Hollywood didn’t have a Hollywood ending for me. At the 20-question test the producers give you during their regular L.A. “talent searches,” I felt pretty good about myself. All of the questions would have been $800 or $1,000 questions at that time (those were the highest amounts during “Double Jeopardy” back then), and I was happy to get 15 of 20 correct. 

I totally had no idea about a European history question that had to do with Prussia or another about a Pope from the Middle Ages, and I only got one wrong I really thought I had correct…in the (gulp) Sports category (my best back then) about a baseball pitcher from the Old Negro Leagues who wasn’t named Satchel Paige (I think I said Don Newcombe). My 15 out of 20 correct missed by one to qualify me to get to play a mock version of the game. I think they selected 18 of about 120 people to do that. 

Two or three years later, “Jeopardy” brought its talent search to Manhattan’s renowned Radio City Music Hall, where 400 or so people came to audition and they were going to limit the selection to only 50 or so people to advance to that mock game round.

This time, I got 16 of 20 questions correct but felt that the questions had something of a gender bias. Of the four $800 & $1,000 questions I missed, one was in the “Female Poets” category (of course, it couldn’t be Emily Dickinson), one was “Women in History” (and not Cleopatra, Helen of Troy, Amelia Earhardt or Golda Meir) and one was about tapestry making. Oh, and one that I got right was “Female Olympians” (Wilma Rudolph).

I knew, as soon as they said it took 17 correct answers to be called on stage that I hadn’t made it — and I was pissed. I called out to that super smooth, somewhat smug guy announcing those who had advanced “Yo, Alex.” To my surprise, he looked right at me and said, “Yes?” 

“Ummm, do you notice anything similar about most of the people (more than 3/4 of which were women 40 & older, an apparently desired demo for the show) on stage? While other people yelled “Sour grapes,” all Trebek said was, “Better luck next time.” I don’t think I said, “I’ll have your job someday,” but I know I thought it.

So, even though I was never a contestant, much less a champ (like current interim host Ken Jennings) — really, who deserves the gig more?

I’m just kidding. I admired Alex Trebek a lot and wish that I could have done what he did, but no one will ever be able to truly replace him.  

New Tampa Aldi Is Under Way

The likelihood of a transformation at the old Sweetbay isn’t the only new thing coming to New Tampa.

In fact, The Walk at Highwoods Preserve area located right across the street Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from the former Sweetbay may be a busy corner in the coming new year.

The busy area already has added three new restaurants — Oronzo Honest Italian (see story on pages 26-27), Michi Ramen and Gu Wei — and an F45 Fitness center this year. It also has seen big box electronics giant Best Buy and home furnishings chain Pier 1 Imports close up shop, potentially giving way to future new tenants.

And, additional Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. businesses — the former Starbucks and Jimmy John’s sub shop — are being prepped for new tenants.

And yes, construction has finally begun on the new Aldi grocery store on the southwest corner of Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. and BBD.

On Nov. 23, crews began tearing down the old Ruby Tuesday restaurant. By Thanksgiving, the 2.36-acre lot, purchased by Leon Capital Group in 2018 for $2.82 million, was mainly home to a mangled mess of metal and concrete.

The Aldi was approved back in January. It will be 19,160 square feet — almost four times the size of Ruby Tuesday — with 106 parking spaces.

Developers of the popular German discount chain also are adding a sidewalk for pedestrians and those who use the bus stop at the same corner. 

There is still no word about when, or if, the once-planned $5-million renovation of the AMC Theater at Highwoods Preserve is happening. 

Unfortunately, the movie industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. In October, AMC warned investors that it could run out of cash by the end of the year. Around the same time, Regal Cinemas shut down all its theaters.

FOR WHOM THE (TACO)BELL TOLLS: Well, it’s official — according to City of Tampa permitting records, the Circle K at the corner of  Doña Michelle Dr. and BBD is expanding, and that expansion will eliminate the Taco Bell and Shell-branded gas station currently attached to it.

Circle K Stores, Inc., which had a pre-application consultation in August looking to redevelop the existing Shell gas station to become a larger Circle K gas station, is going ahead with those plans.

A site plan submitted Nov. 24 shows the current convenience store expanding to a 5,187-sq.-ft. store.

The Taco Bell is being replaced in by five parking spots and a sitting area, as well as a second proposed entrance/ exit behind the convenience store. The canopy over the gas pumps also will bear the Circle K logo.

The AMC Theater, which had to postpone a major renovation project after being been hit hard by Covid-19, and the former Ruby Tuesday restaurant, which will be replaced by Aldi, also are on the east side on BBD.

New Tampa Basketball Preview

Wharton Boys Shooting For 20 Once Again

The Wharton boys basketball program has churned out 20-win seasons for 15 straight seasons under coach Tommy Tonelli, and once again he has a roster strong enough to reach that total in 2020-21.

Just as long as Covid doesn’t get in the way.

Elijah Barnes (left) moves over to PG this season, while Trevor Dyson is the Wildcats’ top rebounder. (Photos: Charmaine George)

The fall sports seasons at Wharton and Freedom survived the pandemic’s effects due mostly to the fact that they were mostly outside events. The winter season, however, means indoor sports like basketball. Even before the season was a week old, the Wildcats had gotten into a preseason classic and a regular season tournament (going 1-1 to start the season) due to teams bowing out due to Covid.

With a total of only 23 games scheduled this season (not including an extra tournament game or two, as well as the Class 7A, District 7 tournament, there will be little margin for error when it comes to Wharton again reaching 20 wins.

Last year, the Wildcats finished 25-4 and a captured a third straight district title.

“It’s going to be interesting,” Tonelli says. “Literally, you can only take it day-to-day and can’t look too far ahead, or you’re potentially setting yourself up for disappointment. You can get shut down in the blink of an eye.”

If the season is unmarred by Covid, Tonelli thinks he has another strong team, led by returning starters Elijah Barnes and Trevor Dyson.

Barnes averaged seven points a game and was a top defender last year playing primarily off guard, but as a senior this season will take over the point guard duties. Dyson, a junior forward who averaged 11 points and led the team in rebounding, is coming off a standout season, his first as a starter.

“They will be two guys we rely on this year,” Tonelli says. “They are both very skilled, can do a lot of different things on the court and are team leaders.”

Sophomore guard Chandler Davis is hoping to carry over a strong 2019-20 campaign — where he emerged as a starter towards the end of the season — into a prominent role as a full-time starter. And, Tonelli is expecting big things from junior forward Carlos Nesbitt.

“I think he (Carlos) is really ready to have a breakout year,” Tonelli says. “He’s really starting to blossom and find his confidence. “

Junior guard Jordan Brown, who is coming off a knee injury, and Kay Julius, who is currently in the starting lineup, were both on varsity last season although neither received a lot of game experience. And, sophomore forward Reginald “RJ” Bell was a junior varsity standout. The three, along with a promising group of sophomores, help give the ‘Cats a deep rotation.

Freedom Boys Trying To Unlock The Hoop

Ken Angel took over Freedom High’s boys basketball program in 2018-19 and promptly went 25-4 in his first season with a senior-laden team. But, Angel quickly learned that whatever high school basketball giveth, it can taketh away, following graduation. Last season (2019-20), the Patriots dropped to 6-19.

“It was a tough season,” says Angel.

And, one he says the Patriots have no intention of repeating.

Angel has begun the rebuilding process at Freedom, and will do so around senior guard Jack Stone (pictured above) and junior guard Josh Germain.

Stone, the team’s leading returning scorer from last year at 10 points per contest, saw playing time on that 25-4 team, and knows what it takes it win. He is the team’s best shooter, and scored 26 and 20 points in a pair of preseason classics.

Germain is a slasher who Angel thinks will be one of the team’s top scorers. Senior forward Javil Hamlet will be Freedom’s top player in the post.

A focus on scoring points has been a point of emphasis for Angel during the offseason. Last year, the Patriots scored 50 or more points in their first three games, and managed to equal that number only four more times the rest of the season. 

The defense, however, was pretty stout. The problem was that the Pats actually lost games in which they allowed only 25 and 33 points.

“Defensively, we were good,” Angel says. “I wish I knew the answer to the question (on how to score more).”

Even so, Angel says he expects marked improvement this season. 

“We have quite a few seniors this year,” Angel says, “it’s just a matter of who is going to step up. Last year, we had seniors, but they just didn’t get a lot of playing time the previous season. But, we’ve been in the gym, played as many fall league games as we could, and have gotten better and stronger. It’s going to be a hard road for us, but passion and heart can go a long way and these guys are hungry and aggressive.”

Wharton Girls Ready To Break Out

With Freedom unable to field a girls basketball team this season, Wharton will be the only show in town for the 2020-21 season.

And for coach Terry Thompson, it should be his best team yet, as it assumes center stage. After back-to-back 8-win seasons, the Wildcats return every player but one from last year’s team.

“Our biggest goal is to play physical and play disciplined basketball,” Thompson says. “If we do those two things, we’ll be okay. And, we hope to be competing for a District championship. We think we have the depth to be more competitive (with last year’s champion Plant, which ended Wharton’s 2019-20 season with a 72-4 massacre).”

Marinique Redding

Marinique Redding, an All-County selection last year, is the top returner. The senior forward scored 16 points in a season-opening 51-25 win over Spoto. Junior forward Leah Jessup added eight rebounds, and senior point guard Candice Green had six steals. The play of these three veterans will determine how far the Wildcats can go this season.

Wharton also does have depth. Senior captain Jenna Onderko is “the glue” that keeps the team together, and Thompson is hoping for a breakout season from junior Nilaja Bythewood. Her sister Nielle, as well as Candice Green’s freshman sister Nina, also are expected to produce this season.

“Our defense is our strength,” Thompson says. “But offensively, for the first time, we have multiple people that can score the ball. This year, our offense is a whole lot better, and so is the team.”

Sweet! New Tenant Looking At Old Sweetbay

We’re happy to tell you that the one-time Sweetbay Supermarket in New Tampa, closed and abandoned for nearly eight years, is finally on the brink of a much-needed transformation.

Located right across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from the AMC movie theater and next to Home Depot, the property the building sits on is currently under contract and, if things proceed as planned, a new tenant will begin the process of moving in by early 2021.

Who that new tenant will be, and what kind of business might be headed for the long-empty building, however, was still a mystery at our press time.

“I can tell you it has been under contract, but I can’t tell you who,” says John Neukamm, the attorney for KNK Tampa, Ltd., the California-based owners of the building. “Hopefully, within the next few months, you will see some changes up there.”

Neukamm wouldn’t give any hints about what kind of business might be filling the vacant building, which has more than 30,000 square feet of space.

It won’t be a bowling alley, which he confirmed after we jokingly took a wild guess, and Neukamm says it is unlikely to be another grocery-type store, considering that Sprouts just opened a little north of the location and an Aldi has begun construction directly across the street. 

“I think the neighborhood will be happy,” he says. 

Neukamm also says he is confident the buyer will be putting some “major renovations” into the project.

It will definitely need it.

The Sweetbay building closed in 2013 and since then, has been unoccupied while its parking lot has gone through various stages of disrepair, overflowing at times with tractor-trailers and parked storage trucks while also serving as a dumping ground for people getting rid of old furniture and appliances.

Tampa District 7 City Council member Luis Viera and his predecessor Lisa Montelione sicked code enforcement on the property’s lease-holder multiple times over the years.

“It has been a long road for New Tampa with this property,” Viera says.  “Its inactive status has caused many challenges for New Tampa and I am happy that it is under contract and look forward to seeing what comes in here. The fact that this is under contract by itself is a good step for our New Tampa community, as this has been a problem site.”

The property currently is worth $1.5 million, according to Hillsborough County property records. KNK Tampa, Ltd. bought it in 2001 and leased it to Kash n’ Karry for a 20-year term beginning in November of that year.

Kash n’ Karry operated under the lease until June 14, 2006, when its Belgian parent company Delhaize America, Inc., converted it into a Sweetbay.  

But, despite its rebranding, Sweetbay could not compete with nearby Publix or Walmart. When Delhaize announced it would be closing 22 stores in the Tampa Bay area, its New Tampa location was part of that group.

In October of 2013, Jacksonville-based Bi-Lo Holdings, the parent company of Winn-Dixie, paid $265 million for 72 Sweetbay stores, plus the leases to 10 other underperforming Sweetbay supermarkets that had already been closed. One of those leases belonged to the New Tampa location, which had six years remaining on it, but Bi-Lo Holdings declined to do anything with the property other than pay the rent.

Finally, it’s time for something new.

“Probably, by early next year, it will all be coming out; it will be obvious what is going on,” Neukamm says. “It is going to be an asset for the neighborhood.”

We asked our readers on our Neighborhood News Facebook page what they would like to see in the space currently occupied by the old Sweetbay, and they responded.

Some responded jokingly (we assume), by suggesting New Tampa could really use a giant Starbucks (hardy har har, Brandon Maldonado) or a combination pizza, burger, and self-storage facility (also real funny, Richard W. King).

Others were emphatic, with ALL CAPS!!!! (We get it, Chris King, you want a Trader Joe’s and as you said) “NOTHING ELSE IS ACCEPTABLE!!”

King, however, spoke for the most of those who responded. In fact, our readers really, really, really want a Trader Joe’s, even with Publix, Sprouts and soon-to-be Aldi all within walking distance. And, how much do people love their trendy grocery stores? Lucky’s Market, Fresh Market and Whole Foods also all received some votes.

Those other markets didn’t receive as much love, however, as Total Wine & More, which wasn’t too far behind Trader Joe’s when it came to our readers.

You want food and drink, clearly — although a good many folks also want something to do — and we concur! A bowling alley, roller skating rink and indoor go-kart place all received votes, although we were disappointed to see no one suggest a Dave & Busters (JCC) or a live music venue (GN).

Kevin Waters: I would love a Wright’s Deli somewhere in New Tampa/WC. Driving to S. Tampa is too far.

Pam Smith: Go carts, Fresh Market, Armature Works-like venue, Indoor small business venue

Diane Kelly Payne: Quaker Steak & Lube, outdoor music stage, car shows, etc…a fun place to go

Tara Fritsch Schmidt: Luekens Liquors or Trader Joe’s.

Donna Billie: A regular skating rink…not ice.

Lucy Meyer: Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market or Total Wine!

Dannieal Cooper: Indoor go-carts and arcade. Well kept with food and beverages

Kim Channels: A bowling alley or Spaghetti Warehouse

Geraldine Gomez: Kohl’s, Total Wine, PF Chang’s or Trader Joe’s!!! No more storage units!

Armando Rivera: Is a Medieval Brothel a possibility…asking for a friend.

Christie Frederick: A really good seafood restaurant. (There are) none around New Tampa

Doug Smith: A micro brewery!

Nagesh Nayak: Raquetball Court.

Barry Doupnik: Anything!! It’s a dump and an eyesore.

Tim N Catia Notarpietro: Planet Fitness! We need one up here!

Gina Arkell Tim Stokes: Just not another gym.

Richard Spencer: Bowling & arcade. Or trampoline park.

Nicolette Marie: Lucky’s Market!

Ivant Liberty: Cabela’s

Here are some of the other suggestions we received: 

American Wood Flooring Offers New Looks For Old Floors

American Wood Flooring owner/CEO Andy Dunning says he has been even busier than usual this year, as many local residents have been turning to his store (located on BBD, just north of the county line) for remodeling during the pandemic. (Photos: Mike Camunas)

There’s a little tidbit about Andy Dunning that will leave you floored.

“Oh, I’ve probably worked on the floors of nearly every house right in this area,” says the owner and CEO of American Wood Flooring, a fixture on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Wesley Chapel (just north of the county line) for more than a dozen years. 

Dunning says he has added a few more homes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With more people home, either just in general because of Covid or because they’re working from home for the foreseeable future, lots of them are spending money they would use on, say, a vacation they can’t go on,” says Dunning. “They are re-doing the floors in their homes that they might have been putting off.”

It sounds like this may be a good time for an upgrade, and something many homeowners have picked up on. And, that is the silver lining of the pandemic for American Wood Flooring. “Despite all that’s happened this year,” Dunning says, “it’s been a record year for us.”

While styles change from year to year, Dunning says LVP, or Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, has been the most popular choice in 2020: “The resiliency and different looks of LVPs have just taken over everything.”

One big reason — in a state where it rains nearly all year, this type of flooring is 100-percent waterproof.

“Kind of a necessity around here, don’t you think?,” Dunning asks.

In addition to keeping things dry, LVP is durable, in that it’s pet-proof and even also dent-proof. That’s because LVP floors may look like wood, but they aren’t. Dunning says that LVP floor panels are made from a PVC-type material and their tight lock-and-fold system is what keeps the moisture out, even from the attached padding underneath that is made from an anti-microbial melamine material.

The LVP also is made with a stone-composite material, which is what Dunning says makes it 100-percent dent-proof, adding that is a change from when LVPs first arrived on the scene and were made from a wood composite material. That material, however, was susceptible to dents, especially from heavier appliances like refrigerators or washing machines.

“They’re always coming out with newer, more innovative ways to keep the product getting better and better,” Dunning says. “The SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) is way better than the WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and that was the knock on laminates when they first came out.”

American Wood Flooring doesn’t just sell and install LVPs, even though Dunning says that’s his best seller. They will still put down wood floors, as well as carpet, tile and laminate. In fact, Dunning says tile is making a comeback of sorts, while noting that many customers don’t know that American Wood Flooring also can install backsplashes.

“These things go in cycles, if you ask me,” Dunning says. 

Satisfied Customers!

And, whenever the cycle changes, American Wood Flooring isn’t without its repeat customers.

“We’ve probably used them 6-7 times over the years,” Wesley Chapel resident Patrick Murphy says. “They did our home and then another home that was a rental, and it had to be totally redone once (the tenant) moved out. (Andy) replaced probably 2,500 square feet of floor.”

New Tampa resident Janet Noblett agrees. She had American Wood Flooring rip out the carpet in her master bedroom and the work was so good, well, she decided to do the three other bedrooms.

“About a year after we did that, I looked at my husband and said, ‘You know this has to happen now,’ so we went right back to Andy,” Noblett says. “I was really pleased, and I’m the type of person that I usually don’t just choose one company. I had four companies come out and show me different types and pricing and procedures, and grilled them to death. I just felt he really knew his stuff and was the most professional and on time! A lot of times, people don’t show up or are late — you want to give them your money, but they don’t show up. He showed right up. I would absolutely recommend (AWF) to anyone in my neighborhood or community because I know they will do the best job.”

A full recommendation also comes from Murphy, who says he appreciates Dunning’s fair and honest approach.

“(Andy)’s just straightforward with cost and the (installers) have been respectful and helpful and solid,’’ Murphy says. “The few times we had a problem with the outcome, they fixed it quickly, so they stand by the work…I have recommended Andy several times, even to my parents.”

Dunning notes that his installers are all AWF employees and not outside contractors, “So, we make sure your job is done right!”

Despite some restrictions still put in place on stores, Dunning says that his storefront  — in the SuperTarget-anchored Northwood Plaza at the corner of BBD and County Line Rd. — continues to be busy.

“Probably even busier now, to be honest,” he says.

That’s because when it comes to purchasing flooring, customers still want to see and touch samples, not just look at them online.

“They want to see the colors and the material with their eyes and hands,” Dunning says. “This isn’t like buying a shirt that’s $20 and if you don’t like it, oh well. This is a little bit more expensive, a little bit more permanent.”

Kind of like American Wood Flooring in the Wesley Chapel community. Certainly that’s what Dunning has planned.

“We’ll be here — we’re not going anywhere and, honestly, we’re busy,” he says. “Every month this year has been a record month, so I’m sure we’ll be doing plenty more homes even next year.”

American Wood Flooring offers free in-home estimates and offers a lifetime warranty on any install. Dunning makes sure to use emerging technologies in the industry and offers first-rate service at premium pricing, while still offering a full range of traditional flooring options. 

The company also offers Bloomin’ Brands gift cards (good at Outback, Bonefish and Carrabba’s) to clients who refer friends and family.

American Wood Flooring’s Wesley Chapel showroom is located at 1285 BBD Blvd. and is open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sat., and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun. For more info, visit FlooringforFlorida.com or call (813) 991-7999.