The beginning of the 2026-27 school year in Hillsborough County (unfortunately for our schedule) began on Aug. 10, or the day after we went to press with this issue.
And, while we did not get to interview new Freedom High principal Deanna McCahan (right) before school started, we did chat with (and photographer Charmaine George got a few pictures of) new Chiles Elementary principal Kelly Wackes.
In her Principal’s Message on Freedom’s web page on the HillsboroughSchools.org website, McCahan (who spent the last five years as principal at Shields Middle School in Ruskin, said, “As your principal, I am thrilled to welcome you to another exciting school year. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing a supportive and challenging environment where every student can thrive. We believe in fostering a community of respect, responsibility, and excellence. Whether you are a returning student or new to our school, we are here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this year memorable and full of achievements.”
McCahan succeeds Kevin Stephenson, who is the new principal this year of Sgt. Smith Middle School in the Citrus Park area.
Welcome, Kelly!
Kelly Wackes is already a familiar face to many New Tampa residents, as she served as the assistant principal at Clark Elementary in West Meadows for the past five years and has been part of Hillsborough County Public Schools for the last 11 years — first as a math coach and then as a teacher.
“This week, getting to know the staff has been amazing,” Wackes told me just before the 2026-27 school year began. “Everyone has been so welcoming.”
She said she is proud to be the new principal at Chiles, as this is the school’s 25th year of existence, “and it’s never been anything other than an ‘A’-rated school,” she said. “And, all of us — the teachers, staff, parents and students — are committed to continuing that tradition of excellence. Our motto this year is, ‘Honoring the Past, Soaring into the Future.’”
Wackes, who holds a Master of Education (MEd) degree from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, said her oldest child is entering the 4th grade and is still at Clark, “but my youngest is starting Kindergarten with me at Chiles. I’m so excited for this year!”
She added that the 25th anniversary celebration for Chiles has been temporarily set by the District for March 5, 2027. — GN
The 2026 Midterm Primary Elections are quickly approaching and one of the most interesting local races will be for the Hillsborough County Commission District 5 seat.
The incumbent in the race is Republican Donna Cameron Cepeda, whose Primary Election opponent on Aug. 18 is current District 2 School Board member Stacy Hahn, so both candidates are already known to voters. The winner of the primary will face Democrat and local urologist Dr. Neil Manimala, and was profiled in these pages back in February. Manimala’s campaign currently has a huge fund-raising lead over both of his Republican opponents, as he has raised more than $165,000, compared with $81,000+ for Hahn and only $24,700 for Cepeda. (Note-These fund-raising numbers are from the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website and were accurate as of July 9.)
Dr. Donna Cameron Cepeda
Commissioner Cepeda (left) is a U.S. Army veteran and author, while previously working in finance and as an associate professor at Life Christian University (LCU). She earned a Bachelor’s degree from USC, along with Master’s and Doctoral Degrees from LCU. Unfortunately, Comm. Cepeda did not respond to interview requests from the Neighborhood News.
Dr. Stacy Hahn
Hahn has served in Dist. 2 on the Hillsborough School Board since 2018. In addition to her time on that Board, she helped found Literacy is Key, a nonprofit to help improve early childhood literacy rates by expanding access to books. She is a longtime educator, serving as a public school teacher and professor at the University of South Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood & Special Education from the University of Florida.
Below is a brief question-&-answer session with Dist. 5 Republican candidate Stacy Hahn:
Neighborhood News (NN): Tell our readers why you decided to run for County Commissioner.
Stacy Hahn (SH): For the past eight years, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of Hillsborough County on the School Board, overseeing one of the largest school districts in the nation and helping manage a multi-billion-dollar budget. I have spent my career focused on education, accountability and serving our community.
I’m running for County Commission because Hillsborough County needs experienced, principled leadership focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety and responsible growth. Families deserve a commissioner who will protect taxpayer dollars, improve infrastructure, support law enforcement and ensure government lives within its means. My record demonstrates that I ask tough questions, make difficult decisions and always put the interests of the taxpayers first.
NN: What would you say have been your top achievements during your time on the School Board?
SH: I’m proud of many accomplishments, but the one that will have the greatest long-term impact is strengthening the District’s financial stability while improving student outcomes.
I championed the District’s first formal fund balance policy, increasing our reserves to 10 percent, so taxpayers are better protected during economic downturns and emergencies. At the same time, we made difficult decisions to close underutilized schools, prioritize maintenance and new schools in areas of high growth, as well as focus academic resources where they directly benefit students.
This year, Hillsborough County Schools earned its first “A” District grade (from the Florida Department of Education) in more than a decade. That success reflects years of improving accountability, supporting teachers, investing strategically and maintaining strong fiscal stewardship.
NN: What is your top priority should you win election to the County Commission?
SH: My top priority is making sure our infrastructure finally catches up with our growth. Residents spend too much time sitting in traffic, and too many communities have experienced rapid development without the roads, intersections and public safety infrastructure necessary to support it. We need to prioritize transportation improvements, synchronize road projects with new development and ensure growth pays for growth. At the same time, I will continue to prioritize public safety, protect taxpayers and make county government more efficient before asking residents to pay more.
NN: Many readers have expressed a variety of opinions on the proposed constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027, followed by an increase to $250,000 in 2028. Some believe that it will diminish essential services for county residents. Others believe it’s a needed action to address concerns. Where do you land on the proposal and do you think the county will need to make cuts to maintain public safety and other essential county services?
SH: Florida families continue to face rising housing costs, insurance premiums and everyday expenses. Providing meaningful property tax relief deserves serious consideration, and I support efforts that allow homeowners to keep more of their own money. That said, public safety remains government’s first responsibility. I will never support cutting funding for the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue/EMS, or emergency management. If revenues are reduced, the county should first identify operational efficiencies, modernize technology, eliminate duplication and prioritize core services before considering reductions that impact residents. Responsible economic growth also expands the tax base over time, helping generate additional revenue without raising tax rates.
We should always look to make government work smarter before asking taxpayers to do more.
People have been asking us for years — and posting questions online — about whether anything was ever coming to the former Wendy’s location at 19430 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Until now, we didn’t have any answers.
The replacement for Wendy’s is a local link in a small but growing chain of 35 halal Indian/South Asian restaurants called House of Biryanis & Kebabs (HBK) — and, three days after the restaurant’s ribbon-cutting event with Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera on July 6 (above right), photographer Charmaine George and I were treated to a number of delicious dishes by the restaurant’s five local franchise owners, led by Satya Meka (left in photo) and Karthik Achanta (right in same photo). And yes, we thoroughly enjoyed everything we sampled.
The three appetizers we indulged in were the most uniquely garlicky Murgh Malai Kebabs (top photo),which were chunks of chicken served fajita-style on a sizzling dish, followed by a spicy Mongadu Gobi (cauliflower, bottom left). Next was an order of Onion Samosas (bottom right), which were different than most Indian samosas I’ve had before, as the tasty onions and potatoes were wrapped in a crisp, spanakopita-style, almost-cellophane-like crust and were not spicy at all.
“We can vary the spice on any of our dishes,” Satya told us. “But, these authentic recipes use the same quality ingredients and taste the same at every HBK location (most of which are along the East Coast and in the Midwestern U.S., with one location in Manchester, England).”
Of course, we had to try one of the restaurant’s signature biryanis — the HBK Special Chicken Biryani (right photo), which combines spicy, long-grain rice, a hard-cooked egg and a side of zesty, slightly sweet red curry chicken.
Our friend Prahlad Madabushi, who introduced us to the owners and is a vegetarian himself, also had us sample a mild mixed-veggie curry that also was excellent.
Our final sample (left photo) was HBK’s traditional, thick, creamy butter chicken, which we savored with three different varieties of naan flatbreads — butter, garlic and the spicy (but not too) “Bullet Naan” shown bottom right of the page. The naans were all pillowy soft, with a slightly crispy edge perfect for indulging in the butter chicken. I also loved the true Masala Chai tea and Charmaine and I both gave thumbs-up to the Thums Up soda (the Indian version of Coca-Cola now owned by Coke) and the house-made, creamy Mango Lassi.
In other words, even with its supposedly limited “soft opening” menu, HBK has a lot to offer those looking for authentic (mostly South) Indian cuisine. There’s also lamb, goat, paneer (cheese) and other dishes we will definitely return to try sometime soon.
For more information about House of Biryanis & Kebabs, visit HBKTampa.com or call (813) 388-6777.
Many New Tampa residents are aware that District 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan (photo below) used to live in Cross Creek. Fewer people probably know, however, that Hagan grew up in Carrollwood — and he says both experiences helped him decide to fight for an indoor/ outdoor recreation facility in New Tampa — all of which is located in his district.
“When I was in college,” Hagan says, “I spent my summers working in the same county park in Carrollwood I grew up playing in. Then, when I was raising my family in Cross Creek, I realized that we didn’t have any county park facilities. So, when I first became the County Commissioner for the New Tampa area (way back in 2002), I decided to try to get a large county park built here.”
Hagan says the county had purchased land in K-Bar Ranch, “and my original plan was to partner with the City of Tampa on a big park there, but the city killed that. (Note- K-Bar is now getting a city park of its own.) So, I was able to take that money and use half of it to redo Branchton Park (on Morris Bridge Rd. south of Cross Creek Blvd.) and the other half to build this facility here.”
Hagan and other county officials cut the ribbon on the $8.6-million Cross Creek Recreation Center at 19019 Bassett Creek Dr. (next to Pride Elementary) on June 29.
In addition to completely revamping the 15-acre park’s outdoor playground and adding shade shelters, new basketball courts, a walking trail and benches, the project’s crown jewel is the 16,000-sq.-ft. rec center, which has a full-sized basketball gym, fitness (not yet stocked) and multipurpose rooms, classrooms and a public meeting space — and recreation supervisor Kim Gilchrist and assistant rec supervisor Alex Spacone (photo, left) say the summer camp program was full for this summer, but there will be programming for children and adults throughout the year for those with a “Wellness Access Pass-Cross Creek.”
“There are a lot more programs still to come,” Hagan says. “I wish we had something like this when my kids were growing up here.” Me, too, Ken!
For more info about the Cross Creek Rec Center, call (813) 744-5978 or visit FLHillsboroughweb.myvscloud.com. — GN; all photos by Charmaine George
Local Dignitaries Fete WWII Vet & Buffalo Soldier Roy Caldwood At New Tampa’s Own Independence Day Celebration
District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera (below left) organized a unique event to celebrate both the 250th birthday of the United States and the 104th birthday of New Tampa resident, World War II veteran and Buffalo Soldier Roy Caldwood (center in photo above) on June 30. Among the many dignitaries on hand for the event held at the New Tampa Recreation Center in Tampa Palms were Tampa Police Department Major Whitney McCormick (to Roy’s left) and Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp.
District 7 Tampa City Council member (and New Tampa resident) Luis Viera (photo below) has had a lot of great ideas during his nearly ten years on City Council, but few have ever warmed the hearts of so many people at once as the event he organized on June 30.
In order to honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Viera turned New Tampa’s 4th of July celebration into a joint event also honoring the 104th birthday of a true American hero — World War II combat veteran, Buffalo Soldier and New Tampa resident Roy Caldwood.
Roy, his daughter Diane Royer and their family were on hand for the festivities, which included a sizable roster of dignitaries not only speaking glowingly about Roy but also, in many cases, offering him presents in celebration of his birthday.
In other words, if you weren’t in the crowd of more than 150 people at the New Tampa Recreation Center in Tampa Palms that evening, you truly missed out on something special!
Viera opened the festivities with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence before saying, “We’re here to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday and the 104th birthday of a decorated World War II veteran, a gentleman who won the Bronze Star in Italy, who was a member of the 92nd U.S. Army Regiment and a Buffalo Soldier, Roy Caldwood.”
The packed house at the New Tampa Rec Center.
He then introduced the dignitaries on hand, including Maj. Whitney McCormick of the Tampa Police Dept., Chief Barbara Tripp of Tampa Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller (and New Tampa resident) Victor Crist, regional director Luis Laracuente of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s office, U.S. Army Brigadier General (Ret.) and New Tampa resident Remo Butler and Col. Jim Fletcher and Col. DJ Reyes of the Tampa chapters of two veterans’ organizations. He also thanked the City of Tampa’s Parks & Recreation Dept. for hosting the event inside the New Tampa Rec Center.
Viera also introduced Roy’s daughter Diane Royer, his grandson Chris Royer and his cousins Frankie and Dorothy Newton and Patsy Milner.
“As a country, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what God you worship or what your political affiliation you have, this is our country’s 250th birthday and we have to celebrate it,” Viera said. “And to me, there’s no greater symbol of something that brings us together as a country like Mr. Roy Caldwood.
“He’s a gentleman who grew up in Harlem. He was born in 1922, at a time when people who were liberated as slaves were 60-70 years old.
“He lived during the time of the Great Migration, when 6 million African Americans split the south to head up north.
“He grew up during the Harlem Renaissance, when World War I veterans — including the Harlem Hell Fighters — had just returned home from combat and were in their 20s and 30s.
Roy, his daughter Diane Royer and TFR Chief Barbara Tripp.
“This man has lived through our nation’s history and nobody is more worth of celebration than our friend Roy.”
Viera then introduced Chief Tripp, who said, “I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done…for your bravery, resilience and being part of the Buffalo Soldiers. You took a lot and that’s why we’re all here today. You took care of people. I can’t thank you enough for being a hero to your family and to our country.”
Among other gifts, Chief Tripp presented Roy with a plaque that said, “In recognition of U.S. Army PFC Roy Caldwood for his dedicated service as a combat medic in the U.S. Army 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ during World War II. Your resilience & dedication to your country & community are a testament to your character & an inspiration to everyone. God bless.”
Next up was Maj. McCormick, who said, “I looked up what the record age is and it’s 122, and I expect you to make that. Thank you for your service from the Tampa Police Dept. Dist. 2.”
Hillsborough Clerk of the Court & New Tampa resident Victor Crist.
Next came Crist, who is not only the current Clerk of the Court, but who also served 18 years in the State Legislature, both House and Senate, as well as two terms on the County Commission and who founded the University Area Community Development Corp.
Crist said, “Today’s a very special day and I’m honored to be here. Growing up in a military family, I truly appreciate the men and women who have sacrificed their lives on behalf of our country and our lifestyle, so we can be free. So often, people take for granted what we have here and don’t truly understand or appreciate the sacrifices that you and others like you have made. I want to sincerely thank you for all that you have done for us in this country, in this world and this community. I’m so proud to have you as a neighbor and a friend. And I look forward to another hundred-plus years.”
Viera then took the time to introduce several people in the audience who are running for political offices, including County Commission candidate Aileen Rodriguez, Louie Aguila and Sara Peacock (who are running against each other for Circuit Court Judge) and New Tampa residents Morris Lopez and Alan Cohn, who will vie for Viera’s soon-to-be-vacated seat on City Council. Also speaking at the event was Dist. 5 City Council member Naya Young, who, like Chief Tripp and Crist before her, also mentioned that she’s seen videos of how impressive Roy’s dance skills are and how much she appreciated Viera’s invitation to attend.
Then, Laracuente mentioned Roy’s penchant for doing pushups before reading a letter from his boss, Sen. Scott:
“Dear Mr. Caldwood: Congratulations on your 104th birthday. You’re among a special segment of our population known as centenarians. That is a tremendous accomplishment. As Floridians, we feel a deep sense of appreciation for your leadership of our elder population. As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am proud to represent Florida’s centenarian community. As a Navy veteran myself and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans, military members and their families make to defend our freedom. Veterans of our Armed Forces truly represent the best of what it means to be an American and a Floridian. None of the opportunities and freedoms we have as Americans would be possible without the dedicated service of our brave heroes. Again, congratulations on your 104th birthday and thank you for your service & sacrifice on behalf of this great nation. You served honorably and bravely. And, after receiving the Bronze Star and being a Buffalo Soldier, you truly represent the best of what it means to be an American & a Floridian. May this be a special time of celebration and recalling family and friends and looking forward to many years. — Sincerely, Rick Scott, U.S. Senator”
(l.-r.) Mylitta Butler, Gen Remo Butler, Roy & Diane.
Next, Viera introduced Gen. Butler, who was commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1974, towards the end of the Vietnam era.
“Gen. Butler served almost 30 years in the Army,” Viera said, “and became the first Black Special Forces officer to earn the rank of Brigadier General in American history. He served in Special Forces and Special Operations Command.”
“It’s an honor to be here to celebrate Roy’s birthday,” Gen. Butler said. “I’m a history nut.
Without Roy, there would not have been a Remo Butler. I stand on his shoulders. People don’t realize the impact of the Black soldier. The first person killed in the Revolutionary War was Crispus Attucks, a Black man. Many Black slaves fought in the Revolutionary War. They fought for their freedom, but after the war was over, they [were told], ‘You need to go back.’
“In the Civil War, they wouldn’t take Blacks in. Why? ‘Aww, they won’t fight. They can’t think fast. But they fought. I can’t tell you how many Medals of Honor were won by Black soldiers during the Civil War, but there were quite a few.
“I wrote a paper [that looked into] the Army War College (AWC), one of the most prestigious schools the military has. [The AWC] did a 1930 study on Blacks in the military. You know what they said? The same thing — ‘Blacks won’t fight.’ This came from educated officers.
“But let me tell you something. World War II came and things started getting dicey, so they said, ‘Let’s bring them in. And, the Harlem Hell Fighters have the longest continuous time fighting in any unit.
“Roy and I sit around and chit-chat and he tells me stories from World War II and you know what’s changed? Not a lot. You still have people out there to this day who have preconceived notions of what Black people can and can’t do.
“Like the late, great James Brown said, ‘Open the door and I’ll get it myself.’ Well, Roy, I want to thank you for opening the door for me.
“It’s great to see all these people here to celebrate this veteran, 104 years old and he walks better than I do. He can do more pushups than I can, and I respect him for that. So Roy, happy birthday. I got your present. It’s liquid and I’ll bring it over to your house.”
The next speaker was retired U.S. Army Col. Jim Fletcher, the former president of Tampa’s Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 787, who served almost 30 years in the Army, including in Vietnam, the Gulf War and numerous other conflicts. He also is a senior mentor of Hillsborough’s Veterans Treatment Court.
“I am also honored to be here,” Col. Fletcher said. “And I’m most proud of all the veterans who are here. It speaks of what we mean to each other and what [you mean to us], Roy. And I love you for all that you are and all that you did. I was most impressed when I went through your bio and saw how, when you were in Italy, you reached out to the community [there].
“In Special Forces, we understand how important that is and what it means to be with those people and for them to realize that you were there on their behalf.”
Col. Fletcher then took over the introduction of his fellow retired Army Col. DJ Reyes, who was appointed by Gov. DeSantis to be the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs. “Col. Reyes is a Korean War veteran who served 33 years in the Army. He is the leader of the Florida Mentor Program in the 13th Judicial Circuit, the Veterans Treatment Court, a proud father of special needs children, a Lightning Community Hero and an inductee in the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame.”
The Tampa Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club salutes Roy.
Col. Reyes said to Roy, “Luis told me about your birthday celebration and I listened intently to the General’s remarks and one of the things that stood out. And, that is, there are a lot of people who have stood on your shoulders to get to where they are today. On behalf of the 1.4 million veterans who stand on your shoulders, I’d like to present you with a special coin from the Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs.”
A group from the Tampa Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club then told Roy they were very proud to even be able to be called Buffalo Soldiers and that, “because of you, we are proud to wear our colors in representation of you.” The group then gave Roy the club’s cross-armed salute that ended with, “It’s all good!,” and joined Col. Fletcher and Col. Reyes in each giving Roy their own commemorative coin.
Thoughts About Roy & Our Country
Before introducing Roy’s daughter Diane, Luis gave the following thoughts from his heart:
“When I think about our country being founded 250 years ago, we don’t think about the words of a 33-year-old attorney who wrote, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,’ but at that time, it was all white men with property who were created equal. Generation by generation, more and more Americans will be included under that branch of equality, freedom, liberty and justice. That’s the American journey that started 250 years ago, that started with the aspirations of that Declaration.
“Roy Caldwood’s life is a real reflection of that journey and where we are today as Americans, having been born about 100 years after Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day.
“In 1943, Roy signed up for the U.S. Army. One day, he was reading Stars & Stripes about the 92nd Regiment and said ‘I want to be a Buffalo Soldier. I want to go into combat.’
“He would go to Italy, where he would earn the Bronze Star serving as an Army medic. He came under enemy fire numerous times and suffered injuries. He would give Last Rites to soldiers who were dying on the battlefield.
“Then, in 1946, Roy would put down his arms and come home and get married for 77 years. He also became an assistant warden at Riker’s Island prison.
“He had stood up for the values of his fellow Americans overseas against the Nazis and then, here at home against injustice and racism. A truly great American. Mr. Roy Caldwood.”
His daughter Diane said, “This is all quite overwhelming and a moving outpouring of love for my Dad, whom I affectionately call ‘Poppi.’ He has a lot of other names, too — deal-breaker, rabble rouser, Harlem Cotton Club dancer — you name it, I think he’s done it.
“I want to thank Councilman Viera. You are absolutely amazing. And, General Butler and his wife for coming out. From the time we first met you — thanks to Luis — we’ve bonded, like you’ve known Roy your whole life. Thank you so much for your friendship and who you are.
“A little about my Dad. My husband and I moved him down here, kicking and screaming, from New York about five-and-a-half years ago. He was a die-hard New Yorker who said, ‘I’m not moving to Florida,’ but we finally convinced him.
“His time here has created a whole new chapter of life for him and put a spotlight on his service because, prior to coming down here, I knew nothing of his life as a Buffalo Soldier. He kept it very quiet. It was only with moving and actually going through boxes of his things that I discovered a lot of pictures and memorabilia.
And then…Tampa, you guys just opened your hearts and arms to him. You put him in the Gasparilla parade. You name it, he’s been in it.
“But, one of the things I wanted to share is one of his axioms and sort of what he lives by. He says, ‘Whenever you see someone…anyone… you make sure you figure out how to reach out and help them, whether it’s something small or something big. Never turn your head or walk away.’ And, I have to say, that’s how he’s lived his life. He’s gotten into a lot of trouble doing it, but he’s always wants to help somebody. And I think that’s what gives him that momentum to keep him going forward.
“It’s God that continues to bless him and when he does those things, God blesses him a hundred-fold. So, I just want to thank you all so much for coming out.”
