Whether or not you think you’re craving Caribbean-American cuisine, you should definitely visit the new Tallo (pronounced “Tie-yo”) Restaurant, located in Downtown Avalon Park at 4424 Friendly Way, Ste 105 (next to the also-new Rudraksh Indian Cuisine). Owners Ramon and Kelvin and Chef Juan Soto invite you to enjoy a unique (especially for Wesley Chapel!) dining experience that blends the rich, flavorful traditions of Caribbean cooking and American cuisine, plus great craft cocktails, all in a beautiful, elegant setting.
Tallo’s public Grand Opening is this afternoon at 6 p.m., but the Neighborhood News team already has sampled quite a few delicious items from the restaurant’s “soft opening” menu, including the Asian “pig wings” (bone-in, glazed pork riblets), short rib dumplings, chicken skewers, the “Cuatro Carnes” (four meats) flatbread, the pistachio pesto bucatini pasta, pan-seared salmon and perhaps the best lemon “airline” chicken (a boneless breast with the wing bone attached), with garlic broccolini, I’ve ever tasted.
The public ribbon-cutting and Grand Opening are at 6 p.m. today. But, whether you make it to that event or not, you owe it to yourself to give the delicious new Tallo a try!
For reservations (which are definitely suggested) and more info, call (813) 355-3603, visit TalloRestaurant.com or “@Tallo_Resturant” on Instagram. Also, look for a more complete update about Tallo in the May 27 New Tampa and June 10 Wesley Chapel editions of Neighborhood News!
(Above) BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel held its official ribbon-cutting on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Feb. 2023, while (below) Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital broke ground on Wesley Chapel’s largest hospital earlier this year.
1. Hospitals In The News —
Although its actual ten-year anniversary was in 2022, a number of things caused AdventHealth Wesley Chapel to postpone its 10-year celebration until Feb. 2023, which would, on its own, be pretty big news for Wesley Chapel.
However, Feb. 2023 also saw the opening of Wesley Chapel’s second hospital — the 86-bed BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, less than two miles north of AdventHealth, which also brought the community out in force to check out the new hospital’s advanced technology.
But wait, that’s not all! Later in 2023, Orlando Health broke ground on its own Wesley Chapel location on S.R. 56 at Wiregrass Ranch Bvd. With its 300 beds, the multi-story Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital will be Wesley Chapel’s largest.
At our press time, the site work for the new hospital was well under way, although vertical construction had not yet begun. We also did not yet have an estimated opening date, but it’s unlikely the new hospital will be completed and opened before 2025.
And finally, John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital announced its plans to build a 356,000-sq.-ft. pediatric hospital at the Wildcat-Bailes site on Overpass Rd. (at McKendree Rd.) near I-75 in the “Connected City” project, although an exact number of beds had not yet been announced, nor was the deal finalized at our press time.
2. Overpass Rd. Exit Off I-75 Opens —
In the entire 30+ years the Neighborhood News has been in business, Wesley Chapel originally only had one exit off of I-75 — Exit #279 at S.R. 54 — and received its second exit, Exit #275, at the new S.R. 56 about a decade ago.
The new Exit 282 off of I-75 at Overpass Rd. opened in Jan 2023.
Since then, there has been no exit off I-75 between S.R. 54’s Exit 279 and Exit 285 at S.R. 54 in the San Antonio/Dade City area.
That remained true until Jan. of this year, when the new Exit 282 off I-75 opened at the new Overpass Rd. extension (see photo right), which finally connected Overpass from Old Pasco Rd. all the way to Epperson, Curley Rd. and even beyond, through the Watergrass community. Overpass Rd. will one day connect to Handcart Rd. in Zephyrhills.
The new exit has done a pretty good job of helping to reduce rush-hour traffic at the S.R. 54 exit and is definitely stimulating new growth in and around the area — growth that not all local residents are thrilled about.
Among the new development swirling around the new exit is the previously mentioned Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, as well as a possible multi-family or mixed-use development at the corner of Overpass, I-75 and Old Pasco Rd.
We’ll keep you posted.
3. Saddlebrook Redevelopment Plan Approved —
Saddlebrook Resort and the community that sprouted up around it became the first large-scale development in Wesley Chapel when owner and former Pendant Publishing founder Tom Dempsey developed it in the early 1980s.
More than 40 years later, Dempsey’s resort and the surrounding community had lost a lot of their lustre and the resort, in particular, had fallen into disarray.
A rendering of Mast Capital’s redevelopment plan for Saddlebrook Resort, which was approved by Pasco County in July of this year.
After multiple previous attempts to purchase and improve the 480-acre resort and surrounding community fell through, Mast Capital finally succeeded in not only purchasing the resort, but getting its $15-million redevelopment/rezoning plans approved by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, after making a number of concessions in order to come to an agreement with many existing Saddlebrook residents.
One of the big sticking points was that Mast planned to convert the two 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf courses into 27 holes of golf.
Another important aspect of Mast’s plan was a significant amount of new development, including multi-family units, along S.R. 54 both east and west of the community’s main entrance on Saddlebrook Way at 54.
The redevelopment of Saddlebrook should begin in earnest in 2024.
4. Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. Opens —
Normally, interior roadways primarily serving only one community would probably not qualify as one of the biggest news stories of the year, especially in an area still growing as quickly as is Wesley Chapel.
Wiregrass Ranch. Blvd. has been open from S.R. 56 all the way to S.R. 54 since August of 2023.
However, in the case of Wiregrass Ranch. Blvd., because the roadway itself had been paved for what seemed like more than a year and had people who were living in the Estancia and other Wiregrass Ranch subdivisions using the roadway illegally to go from S.R. 56 and Chancey Rd. to the Walmart on S.R. 54. for many months — moving and then replacing the barricades located next to Walmart — the official opening of the entire nearly four-mile length of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. in Aug. 2023 certainly was big news.
Next up in Wiregrass Ranch is the eastward extension of Chancey Rd. (which runs east-west through the center of Wiregrass Ranch) all the way to Meadow Pointe Blvd.
5a. Downtown Avalon Park Begins Leasing —
The site plan for the new Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
More than just another commercial or multi-family development, the long-awaited Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is the first in our area to combine both. Only a few of the retail tenants on the ground floor of the first “neotraditional” building in the downtown area have been announced since the Aug. 17 Open House that unveiled the construction of that new building — including Prime Barbershop, Rita’s Italian Ice, Rudraksh Indian Cuisine and ISI Elite Training. All of these businesses are expected to begin opening sometime in the first quarter of 2024.
5b. Wesley Chapel’s Contract Postal Unit Closes & Opens In New Location —
A lot of locals (us included) were sad when long-time Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit (CPU) contractor Kelly Rossi retired and closed her location on Boyette Rd. at the end of Jan.
The NTBC ribbon cutting for the relocated Wesley Chapel Contract Postal Unit.
Then, we were even sadder to see how long it took new contractors Jevon and Cindy Williams to reopen the Wesley Chapel CPU in its new location in the Freedom Plaza on S.R. 54 in September.
Hopefully, Jevon and Cindy are now recuperating from the CPU’s holiday rush.
We also considered for the top-5…The opening of Cooper’s Hawk, the takeover by Pasco County of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus from RADDSports and the one-year anniversary of the KRATE Container Park. — GN
What started out as New River Township more than 20 years ago is finally getting ready to come to full fruition.
That original community from developer Beat Kahli (of Avalon Park Group) does still exist today — with about 400 single-family (SF) homes in four subdivisions — but the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) formerly known as New River Township has changed names twice since those first homes (and the adjacent New River Elementary) were built.
The new sections, with a separate entrance off S.R. 54, were at first known as “Avalon Park West,” as Kahli’s original Avalon Park development exploded on the southeast side of Orlando. Today, the local 1,800-acre DRI is being touted as “Avalon Park Wesley Chapel,” which is planned for 4,800 single- and multi-family units, part of which will be a walkable downtown area.
Stephanie Lerrett (left) of Avalon Park Group gives VIP tour attendees some information (Photos by Charmaine George)
On Aug. 17, the Neighborhood News was included in a hardhat and virtual-reality VIP tour of the Downtown Avalon Park area, which has a single building under construction and a few retail tenants already signed to fill the twelve total available spaces on the ground floor of a multi-floor “neotraditional” building that also will feature rental apartments on its upper floors.
But honestly, as exciting as the first building in the downtown area may be, it really is only the tip of an iceberg as Avalon Park Wesley Chapel begins to add thousands of additional units, just as the widening of S.R. 54 — the primary east-west thoroughfare serving Avalon Park Wesley Chapel — nears its completion.
VIP attendees also got to check out a Virtual Reality tour of the downtown area.
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which previously had been known as both New River Township and Avalon Park West, is stepping up the development of its downtown, and the Neighborhood News participated in the Aug. 17 VIP tour of the first “neotraditional” building under construction to the east of the existing single-family home development in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
Developer Beat Kahli of Avalon Park Group/Sitex Development has modeled his Wesley Chapel development after Avalon Park Orlando, his company’s successful 1,860-acre development neighborhood located in southeast Orange County that will have 3,400 single-family and 1,431 multi-family units at buildout. Meanwhile, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel encompasses about 1,800 acres with about 2,900 single-family and 1,900 multi-family units planned.
Despite a steady rain, the VIP tour helped introduce local business leaders to Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which has its first three-story, 73,067-sq.-ft. mixed-use building well under construction. This building will include 40 multi-family apartments and 23,720 sq. ft. of commercial/retail space on the ground floor.Â
The VIP tour of the first downtown building.
“This phase of construction really helps us move even closer to that vision of building a place where families can build memories and traditions together in a town they can call their own,” Kahli said in a recent news release. “And, while this may not be the most cost-effective time to begin construction, we feel like it is important to continue on to the next step in developing our vision for Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.”
The downtown area also will be home to a two-acre, dog-friendly community park with an amphitheater that currently is in permitting and will begin construction later this summer. The park will host community events such as the popular “Avalon Aglow” and annual Fourth of July celebrations, as well as community partners like Jazz Under the Starz and the Wesley Chapel Theater Group, who are already hosting events and activities in the community. Construction of both the park and the first mixed-use building are scheduled for completion by January of 2024.
“We have been working with Pasco County over the past several years to develop a program that will be a win-win for the entire Wesley Chapel community,” Kahli said. “Community partnerships are vital to our mission to change the way the world lives, learns, works and plays, by creating a place where everyone can feel like they belong.”
Upon completion, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include approximately 400,000 total sq. ft. of retail and 100,000 sq. ft. of office space in its downtown. The initial construction in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began in 2018 with the addition of the Pinecrest Academy K-9 Charter School. Pinecrest is also now under construction of its second phase, which will ad approximately 600 middle school student stations in a separate building.Â
Before & after pictures of the first building under construction in the downtown area. Â
Among the first tenants on the first floor of the 12-suite building include the previously announced Prime Barbershop, an unnamed Indian restaurant and an also-unnamed gym. The only other tenant announced at our press time is Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard.
We got to meet Rita’s franchise owners Antoine and Idalice Stokes, who also own the Valrico location, and they definitely seemed to be super-excited to be opening in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.
With the first building in the downtown area expected to be completed only four months or so from now, we wanted to provide you with some updates on the development of Avalon park Wesley Chapel:
• A new traffic signal will be installed by the developer at Avalon Park Blvd. & S.R. 54.
• Avalon Park Blvd. will be extended diagonally through the downtown area from SR 54 to River Glen Blvd.
• The Zephyrhills Bypass right-of-way will be given to the county, but that road will not be constructed by the Avalon Park developer. When built, the Zephyrhills Bypass will eventually connect to the existing roundabout in Chapel Crossings to the west and to Eiland Blvd. to the east.
• The Avalon Park Blvd. extension and residential unit development (just north of Pinecrest Academy) are currently in for county review (as of last month).
• The majority of the single- and multi-family homes going in the northern section of Avalon Park have already been approved and platted.
• New River Township was originally 1,800 total acres, but now includes about 400 homes in the existing subdivisions along River Glen Blvd., but the MPUD approved for Avalon Park in 2017 shows a maximum of 4,800 residential units total, which is still believed to be accurate and close to the actual number that eventually will be built.
• On August 3, updated plans were submitted to show how Avalon Park Blvd. will hook around to meet up with River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL (July 11, 2023) – Avalon Park Group/sitEX is excited to announce that the renowned grooming establishment, Prime Barbershop, is opening its newest location at 4424 Friendly Way, Ste. F, in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. The anticipated opening date for the new barbershop is January 2024. Owned by Edward and Melinda Velasquez, along with Omar and Kristi Lugo, Prime Barbershop aims to bring exceptional grooming services to the community.
Prime Barbershop is committed to providing top-notch grooming experiences in a welcoming and comfortable environment for all clients. With a focus on delivering high-quality haircuts, shaves, and grooming services, Prime Barbershop’s skilled barbers are passionate about their craft and strive to exceed customer expectations. The barbershop aims to leave clients feeling confident, refreshed, and satisfied with their appearance, while also building lasting relationships within the community.
“We envision a barbershop that not only offers impeccable grooming services but also serves as a hub for community engagement, where people can come together, share stories, and build connections,” said Velasquez. “Our goal is to create an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates individuality and empowers our clients to express their unique style confidently. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel aligns with our brand image and values.”
Prime Barbershop distinguishes itself from other grooming establishments through its expertise, exceptional customer service, and modern ambiance. By offering a unique and premium grooming experience, the barbershop aims to carve out a niche in the market and attract a loyal customer base.
“Our vision for Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is to create a dynamic and diverse community where residents and visitors can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle,” said Beat Kahli, President and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “We are excited to welcome Prime Barbershop as the first tenant, as they embody the high standards and commitment to excellence that aligns with our vision. Their presence will undoubtedly enhance the community experience, and we look forward to their contributions in creating a thriving Downtown Avalon Park.”
This new location in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will mark the third Prime Barbershop branch, demonstrating the brand’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional grooming services. The owners and staff are excited to extend their services to the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel community and beyond, building on the success and reputation they have established in their existing locations.
For more information about Prime Barbershop, visit https://www.primebarberswc.com/ or on social media with the handle @primebarbershop20. For more information about Avalon Park Wesley Chapel visit https://avalonparkwesleychapel.com/ or on social media with the handle @AvalonParkWesleyChapel.
