Einstein Bros. Bagels Coming Soon To BBD 

Wesley Chapel residents are apparently already excited about the sign that went up in the plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (just south of S.R. 56) that also is home to Nutrition Smart that Einstein Bros. Bagels is opening in the plaza. 

As soon as I was alerted to the sign by readers Marisa and Theo Panopoulos, I had a nice chat with Kurt, a Wesley Chapel resident who is the general manager of the closest currently open Einstein Bros. location (on E. Fowler Ave., near USF). 

Kurt told me that although the Einstein Bros. corporate entity (both of these locations are corporate-owned, not franchises) was hoping to have the Wesley Chapel location open by the end of May, “It looks like sometime in late July or early August is more likely.” Kurt also said he believes he will end up moving to become the GM at the new store. 

In the meantime, Wesley Chapel still has a Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. on S.R. 54 west of I-75, at the front of The Grove, as well as Zio’s NY Bagels & Deli Co. in the Pebble Creek Collection on BBD, about 2.5 miles south of the planned Einstein Bros. Also, check out the reopened Bagels Plus on E. Fletcher Ave. — GN 

Tampa City Ballet Brings Beautiful, New Life To ‘Don Quixote’ At NTPAC 

Jannah and I were sad that we weren’t able to attend either performance of the classical ballet “Don Quixote,” as performed by the Tampa City Ballet, at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) the weekend of March 21-23. 

The good news is that our photographer Charmaine George was able to attend and take the beautiful photos on this page. Charmaine says that Tampa City Ballet artistic director and choreographer Paula Nuñez, Ballet Master Osmany Montano, who also portrayed Sancho Panza, the servant of protagonist Don Quixote de La Mancha (portrayed by Wilson de los Santos), Kali Bartasavich (who played Don Quixote’s “Beloved Fantasy” Dulcinea and the entire cast of “Don Quixote” all did an amazing job of bringing renowned Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century novel to life. 

Charmaine also particularly raved about the costumes and sets (which also are hallmarks of all Tampa City Ballet performances) and was hopeful that her pictures could do justice to this amazing spectacle! 

For more info about the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Tampa City Ballet (TampaCityBallet.org) or the ballet company’s incredible school, the Tampa City Dance Center (15365 Amberly Dr.) — which trains dancers of all skill levels in many different dance genres — call (813) 558-0800, visit TCDanceCenter.com For more info about Tampa City Ballet’s upcoming fund-raising gala “La Septima Society,” see the ad above. — GN 

Fields Insurance — The Independent Agency That’s Serious About Protecting You! 

Michael (holding Maxwell) and Nancy Fields (holding Charley) can provide a wide range of insurance products from a large number of different carriers to protect your home, vehicle, property and even your life at their Fields Insurance Agency on the north side of S.R. 56. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Located in the Medallion Corporate Park on the north side of S.R. 56 (just east of I-75) in Wesley Chapel, the Fields Insurance Agency can help you with all of your insurance needs. 

Owners Michael and Nancy Fields have their roots deeply embedded in Tennessee but have added new roots in Florida since moving here in 2021. With agencies across multiple states — including Tennessee, Georgia and Florida — they are committed to broadening their reach by adding additional counties in Florida. The Wesley Chapel office of the Fields Insurance Agency now serves as Michael and Nancy’s home base and they say they are committed to serving the local community. 

The agency offers a broad spectrum of insurance services, including personal and commercial property and casualty insurance, which encompasses auto, home, renters, boat, and motorcycle insurance. Select life insurance policies also are available. 

The Fields Insurance Agency’s motto is: “Simple – Affordable – Comprehensive Insurance,” which encapsulates Michael and Nancy’s mission to provide each of their clients with the best possible coverage within their respective budgets. Numerous top-rated insurance carriers are represented by Fields Insurance, including Allstate, Citizens, Progressive and many more, some of which you may not even recognize. 

“There are too many to list,” Michael says, “and we are continually adding more companies so we can better serve our clients.” A comprehensive list of the insurance providers the firm is happy to offer is available at FieldsInsuranceAgency.com. “The goal is to give customers the best possible coverage they can afford,” he adds. 

The Journey 

Michael recalls when a friend who worked in insurance mentioned he should go work with him, and told Michael he thought it would be a good fit for him. 

“I was told I would probably like it and my answer to that was, ‘I doubt it’ but I decided to try it out,” he says, adding that his journey started with filing and office tasks, which he viewed as a temporary role. He learned about the business and, in no time at all, his friends were encouraging him to take the insurance exams — and an insurance agent was born. 

Michael eventually took over the agency, but before doing so, he had to participate in a three-year program called “Replacement Agency Executive,” which required that he meet certain goals and criteria before he could take over. He successfully completed this process in 2014. 

Nancy and Michael’s daughter Bethany, who went to school at the University of Mississippi in Oxford (aka “Ole Miss”), promptly secured a job in Tampa after graduating in 2019, and Michael and Nancy decided to follow their daughter. In 2021, Michael acquired a Brandon-based insurance agency. 

“I had a place in Pinellas Park and went back and forth between Florida and Tennessee until 2023,” he says, adding that he and Nancy decided to make Florida their permanent home after Nancy retired from a long career as a teacher. “As we started looking for our perfect home, everything that we wanted was here in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. We decided on a home in Grand Hampton, and we love it here.” 

Integrity stands at the forefront of the company’s business philosophy. Michael and Nancy prioritize their clients’ best interests, offering free quotes and the ability to provide estimates swiftly, a significant advantage over clients seeking quotes on their own. 

“I will make sure they are covered correctly,” Michael says, “so if a claim arises, we know their policy will cover them properly.” 

The agency is proud to have many 5-star Google reviews, with an overall Google rating of 4.8 on more than 70 reviews. Client Dawn Morris highlighted the agency’s commitment to excellent customer service when she wrote this in her 5-star Google review: “They call you back in a timely manner and help with your questions or changes in policy quickly. Not a lot of wait time.” 

“People are focused on price, and I understand it,” explains Michael. “But, this can sometimes lead to sacrificing essential coverage.” He emphasizes the importance of understanding what clients want covered and what they expect in the event of a claim. Based on this understanding, he provides coverage options that offer them peace of mind. For clients with budget constraints, especially younger individuals, Michael and Nancy take the time to educate them, explaining the best options within their means and outlining additional coverage to consider as their financial situation improves. 

“I don’t want to ever get a call from a client saying, ‘Why did you not tell me I was not covered?,’” Michael says. “I never want to get that phone call, so we believe in educating our clients.” 

‘Ramsey Trusted Pros’ 

Being a “Ramsey Trusted Pro” is a recognition Michael and Nancy are very proud to have. Dave Ramsey, a renowned author and radio host based in Nashville, TN, offers financial advice and recommends companies that meet his stringent standards. 

“Earning a spot on this list,” Michael says, “is a testament to our hard work and ethical business practices.” 

Many satisfied clients attest to the efficiency and dedication of the Fields Insurance Agency. In her 5-star review on Google, client Anna Lollar shared, “Within the same day of using Dave Ramsey’s ELP (Endorsed Local Provider) program, I was contacted. After providing basic information, I was provided a quote that exceeded my expectations. I was very pleased with the communication and support.” 

Michael and Nancy are pleased to report that, despite the negativity recently in local and national news media, insurance prices have remained relatively stable, with only slight increases. They attribute this stability to their diligent efforts to find the right insurance solutions for every one of their clients. 

Client Janice Carson recently shared her positive experience in another 5-star Google review, saying, “Michael and Nancy provided both automobile and homeowners insurance quotes in a very timely manner and saved us over $1,500 annually! They were quick to respond with updates to any changes we made and the entire process of switching both policies went very smoothly! Thank you!” 

Michael and Nancy Fields exemplify an unusual dedication to their clients, community and the principles of integrity and education in the insurance industry. They are committed to ensuring that their clients always receive comprehensive coverage tailored to their individual needs. 

The Fields Insurance Agency is located at 2600 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite C1, in Wesley Chapel. For more information or for a quote on your home, auto, business or other property needs, call (813) 651-0094, or visit FieldsInsuranceAgency.com. 

Grilltopia Brings South American Cuisine To The KRATEs! 

Photos by Charmaine George

Although the KRATE at The Grove container park already has a wide variety of Latin cuisines — including Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Mexican and Venezuelan, the new Grilltopia offers a unique mix of South American cuisines. 

Whether you like Brazilian, Colombian, Venezuelan, Argentinian or even Uruguayan food, Grilltopia — which has been open for less than two months in the space previously occupied by Yummy Tablas in the KRATEs — has something for you to try. Grilltopia’s exterior sign says that owners Patricia (whose parents are from Uruguay) and Miguel (who is from Venezuela) want to “Meat You Here.” 

Start with pinchos (top photo), which are kabobs that are popular all over the South American continent and are available in perfectly grilled beef or chicken (or a combo of each) with crisp, delicious fries. 

Speaking of grilled meats, the parrillas (left photo) are grilled meat combos that can include skirt steak, pork chops, sausages, chicken, picanha (a Brazilian sirloin or rump cap), tenderloin, short ribs, blood sausage or pork belly, in a variety of combinations. Parrillas are served with a variety of dipping sauces and two or three side dishes, from yuca bites, to rice & beans, potato salad and our new-found favorite, a thick slab of fried white cheese (bottom right photo). 

Also available is a variety of pepito sandwiches (right), a Venezuelan delight with beef, chicken, or “mixto” (mixed) and many of the same meats, as well as bacon, are available on these sandwiches, which also offer lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, string potatoes and different sauces. 

The different meats also are available on bowls with quinoa, fried or cauliflower rice, and there are fresh juice drinks, smoothies and South American beers and sodas, too. 

Grilltopia is not an inexpensive dining experience, but the portions are large and the flavors are unique, so give it a shot and please tell Patricia and Miguel that I sent you! 

Grilltopia is open every day at noon and closes at 9 p.m. on Mon.-Thur., at 10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. & at 7 p.m. on Sun. For more info, call (813) 909-6354 or visit “Grilltopia Krate” on Facebook. — GN

Homes For Our Troops Introduces Community To Future Wesley Chapel Residents 

The speakers at the Apr. 5 introduction of Marine Sgt. Christopher Lawrence and his family to the Wesley Chapel community by the military nonprofit Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) included (l.-r.) Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, Jerry Custin of Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ staff, Jocelyn Phipps of HFOT, Sgt. Lawrence, his wife Chelley, their daughters Cristiana & DeliaMarie Lawrence, HFOT Exec. Dir. Bill Ivey & previous HFOT home recipient Sgt. Russell Carter. (Photos by Charmaine George)

On September 11, 2001, Christopher Lawrence was only in the ninth grade in Wisconsin, but he decided shortly after the tragedy that day that he wanted to serve in the U.S. military. 

By 2005, Christopher was a U.S. Marine. Only two years into his stint, in August of 2007, he was Sgt. Christopher Lawrence, a fire team leader with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, when both of his legs were severely damaged in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion as the battalion was crossing a bridge in Al Anbar, Iraq. He also suffered damage to his left arm, had internal injuries, tinnitus and a traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma for a week, after being evacuated first to Al Asad Air Base and then to Landstuhl, Germany. After being returned to the U.S., he underwent numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation to save his legs and arm. 

But, while military doctors were able to save his left leg, his right leg was amputated at the knee in March of 2008 and the toes on his left foot were amputated in August of the following year. 

Way too many of our military service men and women have stories like Christopher’s and many of their stories don’t end well. 

The Lawrence family is about to arrive at Pinecrest Academy. 

But, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a 501(c)(3) military nonprofit, is doing its part to help these brave former soldiers, Marines and other injured military veterans by building specially adapted homes to help them be able to perform everyday activities those of us who haven’t suffered these types of injuries take for granted — like going to the bathroom, taking a shower or bath, cooking for themselves, etc. 

According to its executive director Bill Ivey, since its inception in 2004, HFOT has completed 407 such homes in 45 states, including as many as five here in Pasco County, with at least two others already completed in Wesley Chapel. 

“The Tampa Bay area has been a popular choice for the vets we build homes for,” said Ivey during the special recognition “kickoff” ceremony on Apr. 5 held at the Pinecrest Academy of Wesley Chapel on S.R. 54 for Sgt. Lawrence, his wife Michelle (Chelly) and their young daughters DeliaMarie and Cristiana. Within the next six months to a year (depending upon weather and other factors), they will all move into their new Wesley Chapel home. 

The family has been living in Southern California, where Sgt. Lawrence has continued to serve as a member of the San Diego Police Department. Christopher, who grew up in a foster family, said he chose Wesley Chapel for his HFOT home by Kent Custom Homes because he has a brother who lives “not too far away” in Jacksonville and, especially, for the climate and proximity to the renowned James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. 

The event at Pinecrest Academy itself was spectacular, as an escort of Pasco fire trucks (photo above), Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol vehicles and a motorcycle motorcade led the Lawrence family to the entrance to the school, where they were greeted by a cheering, adoring crowd of local residents all waving American flags. Once inside, HFOT’s Jocelyn Phipps first asked anyone in attendance who had served in the U.S. military to stand to be recognized. Phipps then introduced the Wiregrass Ranch High color guard and Autumn Rae Estes, who sang a stirring rendition of our national anthem, followed by Sgt. Lawrence’s daughter DeliaMarie leading the 100+ attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Jerry Custin give Sgt. Lawrence a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.

Then, Phipps introduced the program’s speakers. The first was Jerry Custin of U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ staff, who gave Sgt. Lawrence and his family a properly folded American flag and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition (top photo). Next up was Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman, who mentioned that he and Sgt. Lawrence were only a year apart in school on 9/11 and how they went on diverging paths after that terrorist attack on our country. Weightman was followed by Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera, who thanked Sgt. Lawrence for standing up for his country and “for facing significant challenges for all of us.” 

Also speaking were long-time HFOT supporter and Vietnam veteran Leo Eineker, previous HFOT home recipient Sgt. Russell Carter (his HFOT home is in Lithia), Chelley Lawrence, Ivey and a clearly moved and appreciative Sgt. Lawrence himself. Also on hand was another HFOT home recipient, Army Master Sgt. Christopher Blauvelt, whose wife Bernadette owns B Creative Painting Studio in The Grove. Their HFOT home also is in Wesley Chapel. 

After the shedding of many tears and the shared camaraderie of everyone on-hand, Jeff and Crista Dean of Bubba’s 33 served delicious sandwiches and salad. It was a wonderful event. 

On a personal note, I know there are a lot of charities out there you can support with your hard-earned money, but as Ivey said so poignantly during his remarks, “Homes For Our Troops isn’t a charity. We are a military nonprofit, but we believe that what we’re doing by building these homes is doing the best we can to pay back these veterans who risked everything and sacrificed so much for all of us. And, nearly 90 cents of every dollar we raise goes directly back to support the veterans, which not too many nonprofits can say.” 

He also noted that HFOT does not receive any governmental assistance and that 65 cents of every dollar the organization raises comes from private donors, with the other 35 cents coming from corporate sponsors. “We don’t spend big money on TV commercials,” Ivey added. “Our mission is to provide these deserving injured veterans with a home where they can raise a family (the average size of an HFOT home is about 2,800-sq.- ft.) and live as independently as possible.” 

To make a donation or for more information about Homes For Our Troops, visit HFOTUSA.org.Â