Dr. Neil Manimala Is Running For Hillsborough County Commissioner

Dr. Neil Manimala, his wife Rachel and baby Mariam. (Photos provided by Dr. Neil Manimala)

Over the past few months, we’ve introduced you to a couple of candidates who hope to replace District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera in 2027. 

There is an important mid-term election coming up later this year, however, so when Luis introduced me to local urologist Dr. Neil Manimala at a recent event in New Tampa and told me that Neil was running for the countywide District 5 Hillsborough County Commission seat currently occupied by Republican incumbent Donna Cameron Cepeda, I knew I wanted to talk to Neil about what made a successful doctor decide that he wanted to serve the public in a completely different way. 

A lot of politicians will say that they’re running “for the right reasons,” but if you spent 90 minutes with Neil, the way I did a couple of weeks ago, you’d believe the way I do that his heart is 100% in the right place and that he genuinely plans to serve all constituents on both sides of the aisle in Hillsborough County. 

First, A Little Background 

Now 35 years old, Neil was raised in Valrico, even though his parents were both from Kerala in southern India and emigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s. His parents raised Neil and his younger brother Nevin Catholic and he graduated from the King High International Baccalaureate program before attending USF. 

He met his wife Rachel, a traveling registered nurse, online when she had just moved back to the area from Orlando. Rachel’s parents live in Easton Park in New Tampa, so Neil has spent a lot of time in our area and knows it well. The Manimalas recently welcomed their first child, their daughter Mariam, into the world. 

Neil says that when he first went to USF, he was thinking about becoming an engineer. “I have a lot of respect for the computationally gifted folks, like my brother, who lives for statistics,” he told me, “but I realized that just wasn’t for me.” 

He also thought about going into research. “I did a bunch of work at Moffitt and my mentor at the time was an M.D./Ph.D.,” Neil said, “but when I shadowed him seeing patients, the first patient we saw, about 20 years ago, was a guy who had lung cancer and, unfortunately, it was terminal. He had been under treatment by my mentor for about two years and it was during that visit that my mentor told him there was nothing more they could do, that they had exhausted all of the treatment options available at that time. The patient and his wife were in tears, but you could tell during that encounter that, despite the terrible news, they were glad that it was my mentor who delivered it — that even though the chance of a cure was shot, there was still dignity to be had. That’s when I realized that I wasn’t meant to be doing research behind a bench. I wanted to have that human-to-human interaction.” 

He said he realized pretty early on that, “Even though you’re seeing some people during some of the darkest days of their lives — whether being told they have cancer or that their child had passed away — you also get to see people having some of the brightest days of their lives, hearing that their cancer is cured or that they can have kids again. That’s a huge gift.” 

Neil says that his first taste of “politics” was in student government while in medical school in USF. “I was in one of the last cohorts in med school at the main Tampa campus before we moved to Water St. downtown, and my student government group was very instrumental, from the student perspective, in shaping that campus.” 

Neil also did his residency with USF, but he was still in med school when he met Dr. Steven Specter (who isn’t an M.D., but has a Ph.D. in virology), who became another one of Neil’s mentors. 

“I remember student government was advocating for more student parking spots at the med school and I said, ‘Dr. Specter, I’m just sick and tired of politics.’ And, he told me ‘Neil, as long as you have two or three people sitting in a room, you’re going to have politics. You have to find a way to navigate the politics to help the people who matter most to you.” And, for me, that’s the people of Hillsborough County.” 

Hillsborough Health Care Plan 
Neil with District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera 

Neil also told me that one of the things that he plans to continue fighting for, that he first learned about while in residency, is the Hillsborough County Health Care Plan (HCHCP) through USF, which was originally funded by a half-cent ad valorem property tax but is now primarily funded by a sales tax. 

But, with state lawmakers discussing rolling back property taxes this year, there is growing concern about the long-term stability of HCHCP, even though it isn’t still funded by property taxes. 

“There are people ‘on the margins’ in this county who would never have access to top-of-the-line specialty physician care without that plan,” Neil said. “I currently serve on the Board overseeing that plan, which is how I first got into working with the county government. But, [HCHCP] has won awards nationwide for how it’s been taking care of people, and conservative estimates say that, for every dollar put into it, [the plan] brings back a return of $1.50 for all taxpayers. So, one of my priorities, if elected, will be to ensure it continues to be funded.” 

Neil also is a supporter of improving public transportation. He told me that, “HART is the most underfunded public transportation agency in any major city. That’s an embarrassment. I hope to be able to work to build it out, rather than cut more routes, so that we are able to have some sort of regional bus rapid transit system.” He added that he remembers when then-Gov. Rick Scott turned down $2.4 billion in Federal funds for a high-speed rail connection between Tampa and Orlando. 

“But, we need that kind of connection now, Neil said. “Just adding lanes to roadways creates what’s called ‘induced demand’ to build more homes and fill those lanes. Lane expansion should just be one tool in the toolbox, not the only tool.” 

He also believes that if the goal is to get vehicles off our roadways, “Why don’t we use our waterways? There was a plan that would have created a ferry to connect East County with MacDill Air Force Base, which would take 2,000 cars off the road every day. But, it got axed because some people on the County Commission disagreed ideologically with the people who proposed the plan.” 

He also said that, despite the partisan wave dominating state government, he hopes to, “build something sustainable where every citizen of this county sees that there’s something worth paying attention to on a local level. Let’s take care of all of our people and leave the partisan politics to Washington and Tallahassee.” 

Before deciding to run for elected office himself, Neil helped a couple of candidates with their campaigns, including New Tampa resident and 2024 County Commission candidate Patricia Alonzo, who lost her bid to unseat long-time District 2 incumbent Ken Hagan.“Patricia is a good person, but she was running against a local powerhouse and got into the race late,” Neil said. “I have a lot of respect for Ken and, when he first ran, he had a one-year-old at home, so there are some parallels between us.” 

He added, however, “While there are downsides to being in power for two decades, there’s also something to be said about having institutional knowledge about your job.” 

Neil also said that even though the County Commission is currently five Republicans to two Democrats, “there are current Republican commissioners, including Hagan, that I know I can work with to find common ground on important issues.” 

He also said that as a countywide candidate, he knows he has to appeal and answer to all 1.6 million people in the county, and he’s off to a great start — he doesn’t have a primary opponent and he’s secured endorsements from people like Dist. 14 U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Viera. 

He’s also dominating the fund-raising side of his race, having raised more than $121,000 so far, compared with just $6,000 raised by Cepeda’s campaign. But, when Cepeda beat Mariella Smith for the Dist. 5 seat in 2022, Smith also out-raised Cepeda by a wide margin. 

“I know money isn’t enough to win,” he said. “I also am getting out there to talk to people. I’m running to serve all of you.” 

To find out more about Neil Manimala or donate to his campaign, visit NeilManimala.com. 

The Club Pilates Locations In The Shops at Wiregrass & Tampa Palms Offer The Power Of Pilates Classes For Everyone!

By Iris Vitelli & Gary Nager

(Photos by Charmaine George) 

Although Wesley Chapel residents Nathan and Ayesha Philyaw also own locations in New Tampa and Carrollwood, there’s no doubt that their Club Pilates franchise in The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel is their largest and most popular.

“This is what we call a double studio,” Nathan says. “Our Wiregrass location has two separate studios, each with twelve Pilates reformer machines, plus a separate studio with two more machines for private and semi-private lessons. During peak times in the mornings and after-work hours, we usually have both studios going with often-full classes.”

The reformer is the foundation of the Club Pilates experience. It uses your own body weight, combined with adjustable spring tension, to create resistance through controlled movements, which help build strength and stability without pounding the joints or spine. 

The equipment traces its roots back to Joseph Pilates, who developed his method during World War I while living in England, where he used bed springs to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. After emigrating to New York City in the 1920s, Pilates refined his apparatus further and opened his first studio, laying the groundwork for the reformer-based practice that is still used by Pilates studios around the world today. The springs provide resistance for both upper and lower body work while allowing movements to stay controlled and joint-friendly.

The Wiregrass club also has a larger lobby area, with a larger retail shop and more room for hosting members-only events than the other two locations the Philyaws own. “We bring in vendors from time to time, like a smoothie shop,” Ayesha says. “We love being part of the community and one of the benefits of boutique fitness locations like this is that you’re not just working out here, you’re part of a family where our members feel at home.” 

All three Club Pilates studios owned by the Philyaws also offer free Pilates “mat” classes at various locations throughout the Tampa Bay community, such as at “cancer walks at Raymond James Stadium, to help everybody warm up before the walk,” Nathan says, “as well as at Armature Works and other locations. We basically offer free mat classes someplace around the area almost every weekend.” 

Part of why Pilates works for so many people, including those with injuries, is not just the reformer machines but also the additional equipment used throughout the class. There also is a springboard wall that includes a ballet bar which, for beginner classes, is used for stretching, which is great for between sequences.

For more challenging elements, tools like the Bosu ball and hand weights are incorporated. Bosu balls looks like inflatable rubber domes on flat platforms. They can be added to exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks, increasing difficulty without adding impact. There also are TRX (Total Resistance eXercise) suspension straps, developed by U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, which use your body weight to build strength, balance and flexibility. 

Club Pilates trainers go through a 500- hour certification — and the company has its own certification program — although you can work for Club Pilates if you’ve been certified by another qualified Pilates training facility. But, Club Pilates trainers also offer thoughtful modifications, injury-awareness guidance and individualized support. Classes are not scripted, so no two are exactly the same, which allows each instructor to adapt to the needs of the people in the room. 

“And, even if an instructor comes to us already certified someplace else,” Ayesha says, “we put them through something called ‘bridge’ training, just to make sure they’re in line with our Club Pilates standards.”

Classes are offered at progressive levels from Level 1 through 2.5, allowing participants to build strength, confidence and technique gradually. For those who need or prefer more individualized attention, private and semi-private sessions also are available.

For gentle, rehabilitative movement, there are classes like Center + Balance and Reformer Flow 1. As members progress, classes such as Reformer Flow 1.5 and Reformer 2 introduce more complex sequences. Specialty formats like Control, Suspend and Cardio Sculpt incorporate balance challenges, functional strength and cardiovascular elements.

Melissa Boetjer, the regional manager for the three Club Pilates studios owned by Nathan and Ayesha, says that Club Pilates is rooted in the original principles of Joseph Pilates. “We believe,” says Melissa, “that Pilates should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical limitations.” 

(Above) Neighborhood News correspondent Iris Vitelli (front) was proud to complete a 50-minute workout without pain at the New Tampa Club Pilates in Tampa Palms. The Wesley Chapel Club Pilates location is in The Shops at Wiregrass.

Neighborhood News correspondent Iris Vitelli had this to say about her experience when she took a class at the New Tampa ocation in Tampa Palms:

I stood outside the New Tampa Club Pilates location in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms with a familiar mixture of hope and hesitation. Years ago, a car accident left me with a fragile back, and every time I have tried to exercise beyond walking or swimming, pain would chase me. Over time, I stopped trying. 

So, when I was given the opportunity to take a class at Club Pilates and write about my experience, I accepted the challenge. I wanted to push myself and work hard, but I was afraid of paying for it later with pain, especially in muscles I had neglected for so long. 

Walking inside, I noticed the rows of Pilates reformer machines lined up neatly across the room. I had done some research prior to visiting Club Pilates, so I knew that the reformers have a bench-like frame, sliding platforms and adjustable springs. I looked at these machines and it felt as if they were looking back at me, quietly saying, “I’m waiting for you and I will twist your body into a pretzel.” 

My instructor, Mackenzie, introduced me to the equipment by explaining how the springs worked and walked me through what the class would include. When I shared my concerns about my back, she told me about her own experience after having an accident and the back issues that followed. “Pilates,” she explained, “was the only thing I could do and what was recommended for my rehabilitation.”

The class began with lights turned low, and the only thing I heard was the smooth sound of Mackenzie’s voice guiding us from one movement to the next.

I spent the entire 50-minute class moving slowly and deliberately, completing light stretches and resistance work, when something remarkable happened. I felt safe. I felt supported. My muscles were engaged, not strained. To my surprise, I actually felt good.

I’ll admit that 50 minutes sounded like a long time to me. But, once the class began, I lost track of time entirely. And, when it ended, I felt proud of myself.

Before class, MacKenzie had asked me to let her know if I experienced any pain during the session. It never got to that point. At one moment, when I was lying flat on the reformer, my back felt some discomfort, but not pain. That distinction alone felt significant to me.

She explained that the precise, slow movements of Pilates help create muscle around affected areas, while strengthening the core, which in turn supports the back. Not only did it help with her post-accident pain, she also fell in love with it enough to become an instructor.

A Little History + Membership Info

The first Club Pilates opened in 2007 in San Diego, CA, and the brand started franchising in 2012. Nathan and Ayesha opened their Carrollwood and Wesley Chapel franchises in 2017 (although it was in a different location at the mall at that time, having moved to its current Paseo Dr. location in May of 2025) and they opened their New Tampa Club Pilates in 2019.

“People in this community have known us for nearly a decade,” Nathan says. “Our members are very loyal to us and our amazing staff. We know there are other Pilates studios popping up around the area, but with our 4.8-star (out of 5) Google rating on more than 150 reviews, we know people love this location.”

Ayesha adds, “Club Pilates is true Pilates. All of our classes follow basic Pilates structures and foundations, so I think that’s one thing that makes Club Pilates studios stand out. And, as far as our studios are concerned, what really makes us stand out is our amazing staff.” “A lot of our instructors have been with us five years, six year, nine years,” Nathan says. “Our instructors keep our members happy.”

In fact, in a very recent 5-star Google review, member Sebnem T. says, “The Club Pilates studio at Wiregrass is the best club I have ever attended. The staff are always helpful and happy to help anytime — their positive energy carries out to the rest of the facility. I love so many instructors there, I have hard time scheduling my classes. I typically take 6-8 classes per week and enjoy every single class. I have completed 460 classes and see the changes throughout my body. I feel blessed to be part of Club Pilates!”

Ayesha also noted that because Club Pilates Wiregrass members have nearby access to the mall’s only parking garage, “where they can always find parking, even during the holiday season. And, our members don’t mind parking there and getting a few steps in as a warmup.”  

The Philyaws, who have two children, are both retired pharmacists who say they were drawn to Club Pilates because of its focus on health, wellness and helping people improve their quality of life. 

Their franchises are among more than 1,200 Club Pilates studios throughout the U.S. today, including about 115 in Florida. 

The company offers a Club Pilates Passport, which allows members to use all of the studios in the U.S. This is great for “snowbirds” who live in another city but come to Florida for a few months every year. You can purchase single classes at Club Pilates, as well as monthly and yearly memberships, which will provide significant savings when you pay in full. With an annual membership, members can take unlimited classes at all three locations. You can pay for the whole year or monthly, but must commit to a full year for unlimited classes.

The Club Pilates app gives you access to a points system. Join for free and earn points by taking classes, which can unlock free classes and other rewards. Take four classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 400 bonus points. Take eight classes in your first four weeks of enrolling and unlock 800 bonus points. Members can redeem these points for retail discounts and special rewards like a 90-day booking window. Celebrate your birthday with a complimentary class. And yes, your first class is free of charge, with no obligation to continue.

Club Pilates Wiregrass is located at 28330 Paseo Dr. It is open Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sat. & 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun. For info, call (813) 607-6655. Club Pilates New Tampa is at 15341 Amberly Dr. For info, call (813) 461-6010. To schedule a free class at either location, visit ClubPilates.com/location/newtampa.com, or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Looking For Local Entertainment This Weekend?


Saturday, January 17, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. – New Tampa Jazz Nights: Chuck Redd with La Lucha. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Catch world-renowned vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd, joined by “Best of the Bay” jazz trio La Lucha. Redd emerged on the jazz scene at 21 as the drummer for guitarist and bossa nova pioneer Charlie Byrd, and recorded and toured with notable artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme, and more. Tickets cost $10-$35 depending upon seat selection. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit TampaJazzClub.com. 


Sunday, January 18, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. – “New Tampa Unplugged: Alexis Carra.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tampa native and musical theatre maven Alexis Carra returns to the “New Tampa Unplugged” stage after earning glowing praise for her heartfelt hometown performance last season. Her entertainment career has spanned from the Broadway stage (“Wicked,” “Sweet Charity” & more) to Hollywood (“Mixology,” “Two & A Half Men”). Tickets $17.50-$25 depending on seat selection. Select tickets are available for $10 through NTPAC’s Affordable Art commitment. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/new-tampa-unplugged-alexis-carra. 

2025 Dining Survey & Contest — Your #1-#10 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa! 

1. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 

17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Shoppes at The Pointe, Tampa Palms 

(813) 978-0388 • StonewoodGrill.com 

What else can you say about the restaurant that has been our readers; favorite for ten years in a row and close to 20 times in its 20+ year history? 

Stonewood is an elegant, upscale restaurant with a happening bar crowd and some of the best steaks and fresh seafood in our area. 

The top photo is of the new grouper Giovanni, which is a limited time special that is served with a tomato cream sauce and butternut squash ravioli. Yum! 

To the right is the delicious new baked brie with a raspberry glaze, fresh fruit and nuts served with crispy toasted bread. And of course, Stonewood serves some of the best prime rib (above, right) among its #1-rated steaks.. 

And, although Stonewood is a mini-chain, now with seven locations, we are fortunate that the chain’s executive chef Danny Manzur, who creates many of Stonewood’s seasonal dishes, is based at the Tampa Palms location. Congrats! 

2. Via Italia 

8644 Hunters Village Rd., The Village at Hunter’s Lake 

(813) 475-4857 • EatViaItalia.com 

Our readers have placed Via Italia in their top-3 in New Tampa every year since it opened, so clearly the restaurant being sold by original owner Roberto Maganuco to Sanjay Patel in early 2024 hasn’t affected what our readers think of New Tampa’s largest selection of fresh pasta dishes, like the spaghetti con zucchine e gamberetti (shrimp) shown above. 

Via Italia also serves outstanding woodfired pizzas, salami and cheese platters, appetizers like four different kinds of bruschetta, two different capreses, polpetta della nonna (grandma’s meatballs), chicken wings and the suppli’ al telefono (Arborio rice croquettes with premium shredded mozzarella, hand-milled pomodoro sauce and cut basil) shown here. 

3. Kobe Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse 

17641 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., North Palms Village 

(813) 680-5800 • KobeSteakhouse.com 

Our readers were happy to see Kobe reopen in its new New Tampa location in Sept. 2023, as it was ranked #10 in our 2024 Reader Survey and shot up seven places to #3 for 2025. Serving some of the highest quality Japanese hibachi fare in our area, Kobe finished ahead of Liang’s Bistro (see below) overall with our readers for the first time, but somehow only finished 4th for “Favorite Asian Restaurant.” Go figure. 

4. Fat Rabbit Pub 

16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., City Plaza at Tampa Palms 

(813) 252-3004 • FatRabbitPub.com 

After coming in at #5 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa each of the last two years, Fat Rabbit moved up to #4 this year and also finished second for both Favorite Burger and Favorite Chicken in NT & WC and as the #1 Favorite Bar in NT & WC. 

Our readers definitely seem to love Fat Rabbit’s food — like the Buffalo chicken sandwich shown here — and craft cocktails. Many readers rave about its wings, sliders and loaded fries and tater tots, too. 

There also is now a popular second location on Main St. in downtown Sarasota. 

5. Cali at Tampa Palms 

17004 Palm Pointe Dr., Shoppes at The Pointe 

(813) 975-1222 • EatCali.com 

Moving up three spots with our readers this year, Cali continues to be a consistent performer in our annual Reader Survey, thanks to its high-quality fare, like the Hot & Crunchy bowl shown here (with seared ahi tuna). Cali also features hand-tossed pizzas, small plates like garlic & lime edamame and turmeric hummus, plus “chill” salads and more. 

6. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine 

17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. 

(813) 978-1225 • LiangsBistroTampa.com 

Moving down a couple of spots with our readers this year, (perhaps due to a brief closure shortly before our voting began for health department violations), Liang’s is still the go-to Chinese and Asian fusion restaurant in New Tampa, for its outstanding appetizers like egg rolls, NY-style BBQ spareribs and the Thai coconut shrimp shown here, as well as wok-fired classics in a variety of styles — from Korean BBQ to Mongolian to Sichuan & Thai. Although we didn’t have a “Chinese” category this year, Liang’s ran away with the 2025 “Favorite Asian Restaurant” title. 

7. Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten und Brauhaus 

14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Oak Ramble Plaza 

(813) 977-4104 • DunderbaksBeer.wordpress.com 


Mr. Dunderbak’s has only missed being in our readers’ Top-10 Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa only a couple of times since moving from University Mall to the Oak Ramble Plaza more than 20 years ago. Its limited menu of deli sandwiches and a few German favorites, like the Jägerschnitzel shown here, continues to attract plenty of votes and its unquestionably huge beer selection and cool vibe keeps Mr. D’s high on the “Favorite Bar” list, too, despite not having full liquor. 

8. The Grill at Morris Bridge 

10920 Cross Creek Blvd., Cross Creek Commons 

(813) 388-5353 • TheGrillatMorrisBridge.com

I find it hard to believe that The Grill, which peaked at #2 Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa three years ago, has fallen as far as #8 this year. Owner Frank Gouveia and chef Mike Touranjoe continue to offer some of our area’s best steaks, fresh fish and other unique American & Italian specialties — like the pork Milanese shown here — and our readers from New England also always mention their love for its authentic “South Shore bar pizza.” The Grill also has New Tampa’s largest wine list, a happening bar scene and great craft cocktails. 

9. Box of Cubans 

17512 Doña Michelle Dr. 

(813) 632-9021 • BoxofCubans.com 

It came as no surprise to yours truly that Box of Cubans was this year’s highest-rated newcomer in New Tampa. So many people have told me how much they love the authentic Cuban sandwiches and dishes like the tasty red bean chicken bowl shown here. It’s also a great place for huge Cuban breakfast sandwiches and specialties, plus some of the best café con leché in our area. If you’re one of the few locals who haven’t yet tried it, definitely go check it out & please tell them I sent you! 

10. Acropolis Greek Taverna 

14947 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Oak Ramble Plaza 

(813) 971-1787 • AcropolisTaverna.com 

After barely making the Top-25 Favorites in New Tampa list in last year’s Reader Survey (it was 23rd), Acropolis jumped 13 spots to return to its usual spot among the Top-10 Favorites in New Tampa with our readers for 2025. I guess it took a year or so for the new ownership — which has beautifully redesigned and opened up the restaurant’s interior and improved on many of the traditional Acropolis favorites (like the always-yummy Athenian fish shown here) — to recapture some of the restaurant’s former customers and attract new ones. 

Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath — So Much More Than Just A Flooring Store!


Owner Giovanni Gocaj or Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath invites you to visit his showroom. in the SuperTarget-anchored Northwoods Plaza on BBD Blvd. (Photo by Charmaine George)

Whether you’re looking to replace your old carpeting with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile, or you want to completely remodel your kitchen or bathrooms, Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath, located in the SuperTarget-anchored Northwoods shopping center on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of County Line Rd., is a great place to start. Owner and licensed contractor Giovanni Gocaj transformed a former flooring-only store in the same location and opened the doors to the second full-service remodeling destination for his company last year. 

With roots dating back to 2004, when his father Luk opened his location in Trinity, the business officially passed to Giovanni in 2011. 

“My father came from Albania 20 years ago and opened the business,” says Giovanni, adding that his father is still very much involved in the day-to-day work and continues to collaborate on all projects at both the Trinity and Wesley Chapel locations. “It’s a family thing,” says Giovanni. “Most of my crew also are family members.” 

Remodeling ‘Bundles’ 

Giovanni’s customers often benefit from bundled pricing when opting for a full-home remodel. “A complete remodel will get a discount depending on the house size,” he says. This all-in-one pricing model simplifies the process for homeowners by bundling design, labor and materials into a single package. 

The company operates without subcontractors, something Giovanni proudly emphasizes. 

“Each person we employ specializes in something — flooring, kitchens, or baths — and that’s what they do every day. You’ll never get someone who was randomly hired the day before and doesn’t know what they’re doing.” This hands-on, family-led structure ensures quality control and accountability from start to finish. 

The Wesley Chapel location has already attracted many loyal clients, and local awareness continues to grow. Of Giovanni’s 20 Google reviews so far, every one of them is 5 stars out of 5. 

For example, in his 5-star review, customer David Paloscio wrote: 

“I recently had my bathroom remodeled from Giovanni’s Flooring Kitchen & Bath and they did a wonderful job replacing the whole shower, vanity and toilet. The tiles in the shower look beautiful. The shower, toilet and sink work great and they also adjusted the flooring to fit the vanity, which also was excellent. I highly recommend this company for anyone who wants remodeling done in their home.” 

The showroom reflects everything that’s trending in home design. 

“Right now, it’s all about the light wood-grain colors and European oak finishes,” Giovanni explains. “We’re also seeing a move away from traditional garden tubs to sleek, free-standing bathtubs (before-&-after photos above and left).” He adds that where people used to use a lot of different colors, monochrome has become the go-to: “Now, it’s all about tone-on-tone and different shades of the same color family.” 

When asked to describe the customer experience at Giovanni’s, the owner says his clientele appreciates the smooth, no-hassle process, where customers can choose all of their finishes in the showroom. Design and pricing are finalized as quickly as possible. Installation begins on schedule and the same dedicated crew works on your home until your project is completed — with no interruptions and no bouncing between jobs. 

“We commit to timelines,” Giovanni says. “If we say 10 days, it will be done in 10 days.” 

The company’s commitment to quality and professionalism is what sets it apart. 

“You can buy the most expensive tile or cabinets out there, but if the person doing the job doesn’t know what they’re doing, you’re not going to be happy,” Giovanni says. “We don’t take those chances. We know our crew and their specialties.” 

Quality Products 

Giovanni’ also is proud of the quality of the products he offers. 

“We carry high-end brands like engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank and top-quality tile and fixtures,” he says. “We do not carry mirrors or lights, but we help customers pick the ones they want online, and we’ll install them, too.” Both the Wesley Chapel and Trinity showrooms feature extensive sample displays, giving customers plenty of inspiration and variety. 

When it comes to materials, Giovanni is selective and focused on products that last. From exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry and Santos mahogany to eco-friendly vinyl plank options, everything the location carries is backed by warranties and is designed to last. 

Speaking of eco-friendly, Giovanni is particularly proud of his vinyl plank flooring options, which include: 

• Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, which release minimal harmful chemicals into the air. 

• Phthalate-free products, avoiding synthetic chemical additives that are linked to health risks. 

• California Air Resources Board (CARB)- Certified selections, which meet strict indoor air quality standards. 

These choices and others highlight the company’s commitment to both health and sustainability without sacrificing performance or style. 

“When you purchase the higher-end products, you may spend a little more,” Giovanni says. “For example, on a 100-square-foot bathroom, the difference between what you can buy at a big-name store and ours is about $50 to $100. But with ours, you’ll get a lifetime warranty on the materials and installation. It’s worth that few extra dollars.” 

From bathrooms (before & after photos in the middle of the page) to kitchens (above), Giovanni’s can remodel your home to your exact specifications. (Photos provided by Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath) 

Customer Robert Wilson agrees. In his 5-star Google review, Wilson wrote: 

“My wife and I had a leak [at our home] while we were out of town. Our floors and kitchen cabinets were ruined. We stopped in to Giovanni’s just to look around. The attention and knowledge we received from Andy was very attentive and comforting at the same time. The entire process was very easy. I also want to commend their installers. They were informative and meticulous in their work. I would highly recommend this company and look forward to doing business with them in the future with our bathroom remodels.” 

Meanwhile, Giovanni says he hopes to expand to four or five locations across the state. 

“But, we want to grow in a way that doesn’t sacrifice quality,” he says. “Our eyes are on areas like Riverview and possibly Naples.” 

He also notes that he is a licensed general contractor in the state of Florida, “while many others are only licensed and insured in the county. We can help our customers anywhere in Florida — from their design needs, to choosing the right products and completing the job. We are a one-stop shop.” 

Giovanni’s Flooring, Kitchen & Bath (1285 BBD Blvd.) has Facebook and Instagram pages with many more before-&-after photos and reviews. Visit Facebook.com/giovanniflooring or Instagram.com/giovanniflooringstore. For more info, visit FlooringforFlorida.com, email info@flooringforflorida.com or call (813) 461-8686.