Sushi Masa in Tampa Palms has a huge variety of Japanese cuisine, including a sashimi variety display (bottom photo), chicken & Steak teriyaki, fried rice & Udon or Soba noodles (above), tempura cheesecake (below left), assorted sushi rolls & gyoza (below left). All Items on this page, except the sashimi display, are included on the all-you-can eat dinner for $36.95 or lunch for $23.95.
Congratulations to owner Ryan Chen and his team (photo below) for finally opening the beautiful new Sushi Masa Premium in the former Red Lobster location (at 17021 Palm Pointe Dr.) in Tampa Palms. Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and her friend Austin and I got to sample pretty much everything on Sushi Masa’s all-you-can-eat (AYCE) menu (for $36.95 for dinner, $23.95 for lunch) the day before it opened and we agreed that the sushi rolls (maki), sashimi (no rice) and nigiri (sashimi on rice) were all fresh and delicious — especially the tuna and yellowtail options. The appetizers, like the assorted tempura (not shown) and gyoza dumplings (below) were excellent and the Udon and Soba noodles (we all preferred the latter), the fried rice and chicken and steak teriyaki were all pretty tasty, too. And, save room for dessert (also included) — the tempura cheesecake, fried Oreos and green tea ice cream were all delish.
The only items not included on the AYCE menu are the hibachi/teppanyaki entrées — veggie, chicken, salmon, steak & shrimp, plus combos — and the alcoholic beverages at the spacious bar, but Ryan, who also owns the Lakeland location (there are now ten total) is off to a great start! Love the fast service, too! For more info, call (813) 252-9302 or visit SushiMasaUS.com. — GN
(L.-r.) Sushi Masa assistant manager Trinity Carmenaty, kitchen manager Camila Cortes, owner Ryan Chen, & general manager Juliet Ebanks
General dentist José Matos, D.D.S., of BBD Dental Care, which is located at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and E. Bearss Ave. (in the Oakmont Professional Park), is making a lasting impact, not just through his dental expertise, but with his ability to connect with a diverse and growing community. As one of the few Spanish-speaking dentists in the area, Dr. Matos offers more than just dental care, he provides comfort, understanding and a sense of belonging to patients who might otherwise feel overlooked.
Born and raised in Venezuela, Dr. Matos’ journey to becoming a respected dentist in the U.S. is a story of resilience and determination. The dental degree process in his native country is a bit different from the U.S. Dr. Matos attended the University of Carabobo College of Dentistry in Valencia, Venezuela, for five years and obtained his degree in 2004 as “Dentist” (which is equivalent to a D.D.S., or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree here). He then attended the same school for an additional two years to obtain his specialization in Endodontics in 2010. For four years after graduating, he dedicated his practice to doing root canals in Venezuela.
Dr. Matos says that transitioning to dentistry in the U.S. wasn’t easy. “Florida requires internationally trained dentists to complete [at least] a rigorous two-year residency program to receive their D.D.S. degree,” says Dr. Matos. “It was a challenge that I embraced head-on.”
He secured a spot at the Orange Blossom Health Center in Orlando, which is run by Larkin Community Hospital, a highly competitive program with its main office in Miami that trains dentists in comprehensive general dentistry. After years of specializing in endodontics, he described the experience as “like riding a bike” — the general dentist skills came back naturally. After completing his residency, Dr. Matos worked in Winter Haven for three years while living in Tampa, but says the long commute took a toll on his family. His wife Rebeca encouraged him to open his own practice closer to home.
“Bruce B. Downs holds a very special place for us because it always seemed that wherever we lived or the kids went to school, it was always near Bruce B. Downs,” Dr. Matos shares. It was only fitting that Rebeca, a Realtor®, found a location right off this familiar road, inspiring the name BBD Dental Care. And, in Dec. 2024, the practice officially opened its doors.
Great Tech & Greater Compassion
Dr. Matos also uses dental microscopes to get an even closer look inside his patients’ mouths. (Photo provided by BBD Dental Care)
Dr. Matos takes pride in offering advanced technology to enhance patient care. BBD Dental Care features the DEXIS CBCT imaging machine, which provides high-resolution 3D images. This cutting-edge equipment offers both conventional X-rays and detailed scans, all with reduced radiation exposure. The high-resolution X-rays and scans are seamlessly transferred into a computer system, which Dr. Matos says helps him make accurate diagnoses.
“I also use dental microscopes,” he says, “which I used in my specialty of endodontics in Venezuela.” In the past, these microscopes were reserved primarily for doing root canals to help endodontists enhance precision. Dr. Matos positions the microscope right above the patient’s mouth area (photo on next page). “This technology,” he explains, “allows me to see the smallest of things so I can perform minimally invasive treatments, reducing the need for exploratory procedures and ensuring a faster, more comfortable recovery for my patients.”
Dr. Matos is a general practitioner but has years of experience doing root canals and can perform them if a patient needs it. In the state of Florida, a general dentist can only advertise as a general dentist but can perform other procedures if he/she is trained to do them. A dentist who is a “specialist” (endodontist, orthodontist, etc.) can only advertise that specialty and only perform that specialty. So, even though he is not an endodontist, Dr. Matos can perform root canals as a general dentist.
While the technology he uses is impressive, what truly sets Dr. Matos apart is his ability to connect with his patients. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he ensures that language is never a barrier to quality care.
“For many patients, it’s not just about comfort, it’s about trust,” Dr. Matos explains. “Being able to speak their language makes them feel more understood and cared for.”
He says his Spanish-speaking patients often express relief and gratitude when they realize they can communicate openly about their dental health in their native tongue.
“At many practices, you have ‘someone’ who speaks Spanish, who will translate,” he says. “But, I can speak directly to my (Latin) patients.”
Happy Patients With Happy Smiles
At BBD Dental Care, your entire family is welcome. Dr. Matos is happy to see children as well as adults. Although his practice has only been open since Dec. 2024, BBD Dental has an overall Google rating of 5 stars out of 5 on nearly 40 reviews. In her 5-star review, patient Maria Jose Espinosa wrote: “Amazing experience! The staff is super friendly, very professional and make you feel super comfortable. They also provide assistance in Spanish. Thank you.”
(L.-r.) Dental assistant Josemig Chavez, Dr. José Matos and front desk attendant Zoila Gonzalez are the happy faces you’ll meet when you visit the aptly-named BBD Dental Care in the Oakmont Professional Park at the corner of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. & E. Bearss Ave. in Tampa.
Family is a cornerstone of Dr. Matos’ life. He and Rebeca have been married for nearly 20 years and have three children — Francisco,
17, Diego, 15, and Julieta, 9, as well as the family’s beloved Goldendoodle, Coco. Weekends are often spent enjoying Florida’s natural beauty, whether boating near Tarpon Springs or camping at Hillsborough River State Park.
Dr. Matos and Rebeca met at a gym in their hometown of Valencia when they were young. Rebeca’s family had already settled in Tampa, and she moved to the U.S. to finish her last year of high school while Dr. Matos was on his way to dental school, so they ended up breaking up. A year later, she decided to return to Venezuela, since she had been accepted to law school. They met up and rekindled their relationship, which led to them getting married. Frequent visits to Tampa to visit Rebeca’s family made it clear they wanted to build their future together here.
Today, their family is deeply rooted in the New Tampa community. They are parishioners at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and Rebeca and Dr. Matos actively participate as facilitators for matrimony preparation for Spanish-speaking couples, and also coordinate the Hispanic “Liturgy of the Word” Ministry. Their children attend local schools, and Diego has even expressed interest in becoming a dentist, like his father.
For Dr. Matos, New Tampa isn’t just where he works, it’s his home. His wife’s family has lived in the area for more than 25 years, and his brother also resides nearby. Opening his practice on BBD, the main artery of the community, felt like a natural extension of his family’s life here. It’s more than just a convenient location; it’s a statement of commitment to the people and the place they love.
As he looks to the future, Dr. Matos remains dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care. Although he is trained in many areas, he also collaborates with a network of dental specialists he can recommend if needed.
“I believe in educating my patients,” he says. “Dental care should be a partnership, where patients feel informed and empowered to make decisions about their own oral health.”
Speaking of education, in her 5-star review, patient Isabela Hernandez says: “Excellent. They educate you in everything, they are patient and Dr. Jose Matos is very good. 100% recommended.”
Dr. Matos’ advice to aspiring dentists, especially those from international backgrounds, is rooted in his own journey:
“Take it one day at a time,” he says. “There will be obstacles, and some doors may close. But, if you stay focused and consistent, new doors will open. The key is to never give up.”
Dr. Matos knows first-hand how challenging the road to success can be. From navigating a new country and a new language to enduring the rigorous process of re-establishing his career.
“I hope my story inspires others to pursue their dreams,” he says, “no matter how daunting the path may seem.”
You can follow Dr. Matos of BBD Dental Care on Instagram @bbddentalcare. To schedule an appointment, call the office at (813) 515-5995 or email info@bbddentalcare.com. BBD Dental is located at 3232 Cove Bend Dr., Tampa,. The office is open Mon.-Thur., 8 a.m.- 6 p.m., as well as two Saturdays each month.
Hangliter Residential is a true family-run business that includes (l.-r.) owner Ken Hangliter, his daughter & office manager Stephanie and his son & VP Jordan. Mascot Mishi is always smiling. (Photo by Charmaine George)
The Hangliter family has been in the remodeling business for four generations.
When Ken Hangliter came to Florida from the Washington, D.C./Maryland area to help his dad with a construction job at Macdill Air Force Base eight years ago, he decided he wanted to stay.
So, Ken bought a home in Wesley Chapel and officially opened Hangliter Residential, LLC, in the Tampa Bay area.
Ken’s not the only Hangliter who came for a visit and decided not to go back to the cold Maryland winters. His son, Jordan, came down four years ago and decided to leave his business back home to join his dad here in the Sunshine State.
“I’ve been working with my dad since I was 12 years old,” Jordan says. “As a family-owned business, we promise better quality, better customer service, and a better overall experience.”
Jordan says when you call Hangliter for a remodeling job or to repair or restore something in your home, either he or his dad will come out to your house to provide a free estimate. Then, if you choose to hire Hangliter, they’ll return together to complete the work.
If you want to modernize your bathroom, too, call the Hangliters! (Photos provided by Hangliter Residential)
“We know it’s a nightmare for people to let strangers into their house,” Jordan says. “So we are careful to treat you like we would treat our grandmother if we went to her house. We’re at a client’s home every day, all day, so we get to know each other. It’s a personal experience.”
The Hangliters are Florida-licensed contractors specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, but they do all types of residential work. They have decades of experience in home remodeling, repairs and restoration.
They have experience with “just about everything, A to Z,” says Jordan.
“With the exception of projects that require heavy new electrical or plumbing installation, we can usually do it all,” he explains. “No need to work with five different contractors, like electricians or plumbers. We do everything ourselves, and we don’t sub out our work out to anyone else.”
Beyond kitchen and bathroom work, the Hangliters can install custom windows, doors and flooring, repair lighting, HVACs and plumbing — and much more.
Jordan emphasizes that regardless of the size of the project, it never hurts to contact Hangliter Residential. You might just hear of options — and pricing estimates — that competitors won’t offer.
“We’ve definitely heard from customers with projects in which the big companies offer expensive estimates or flat out just say no,” Jordan says. “But we are comfortable with undertaking non-conventional solutions that other companies won’t even consider.”
Jordan says that among the most popular jobs they have been busy doing are bathroom makeovers, including updating bathrooms in older homes, converting tubs and Jacuzzis into walk-in showers, and installing custom bathroom tile from floor to ceiling.
Customers Are Raving!
Tim and Lynn are Land O’Lakes residents who recently hired Hangliter Residential to update an older bathroom in their home. “It was a great overall experience,” says Tim. “You can’t go wrong with these guys. They were so personable and a pleasure to be around, and most important is that the work was fantastic.”
Tim found the Hangliters after asking for a recommendation in an online neighborhood forum and that Ken was recommended by several people. He couldn’t have been more happy with his decision to hire the Hangliters.
“They are a super father-and-son duo,” Tim says. “They were knowledgeable and professional. They were very punctual and always did exactly what they said they were going to do. What more could you ask for?”
David and Debbie are another couple who hired Hangliter Residential when they needed an extensive door and window repair in their home.
“Hangliter Residential LLC saved us over $15,000,” says David. “Ken did an amazing job on the remodel and restoration of our 50+-year-old Colonial-style home! We had an estimate from another company to replace eight windows and three exterior doors for over $34,000, due to rotten wood damage from to the wet Florida weather. Ken looked at all of the windows and assured me that he could REPAIR them all, and that a complete replacement would be a huge waste of money!”
He adds, “Ken told us that his repair would preserve the original, classic look of our home. Our final cost came to less than half of our original estimate plus, he did three extra windows! Ken did an absolutely incredible job and the results have far exceeded my high expectations.”
Hangliter Residential LLC is offering 10 percent off any full kitchen or bath remodel to readers of Neighborhood News who mention this story or the ad below. To schedule a free estimate, call (813) 460-4548 today.
Wesley Chapel resident Shawn Thompson (2nd from left) and his team at Compass Claim Solutions will work hard to make sure you receive the insurance settlement you deserve when your home or business suffers damage, whether from a storm, fire, flood or any other cause. (Photo provided by Shawn Thompson)
When disaster strikes, dealing with an insurance company can be one of the most stressful and frustrating parts of your recovery. For many homeowners and business owners in Florida, navigating the complexities of insurance policies and securing a fair settlement can feel overwhelming. That’s where Compass Claim Solutions steps in — offering expertise, advocacy and a guiding hand through the often-confusing world of property insurance claims.
Founded by Shawn Thompson in Wesley Chapel, Compass Claim Solutions is a public adjusting firm dedicated to representing policyholders during — and even after — the insurance claims process. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Shawn has built a reputation for helping clients secure the compensation they deserve after damage from storms, fires, floods and other disasters.
From Retail To Advocacy
Shawn’s journey to becoming a public adjuster is an inspiring story of career transformation. A Florida native, Shawn graduated from St. Leo University near Dade City in 2003 with a degree in Business Management. He spent 10 years climbing the corporate ladder in a “Fortune 5” retail company, honing his skills in management, negotiation and customer service. However, in 2012, a family connection introduced him to the world of public adjusting, which is when he says he found his true calling.
“When I learned about public adjusting from my brother-in-law, I saw how much of a difference an advocate could make for homeowners,” Shawn says. “I knew I wanted to be part of that process — helping people when they need it most.”
After completing a year-long apprenticeship, Shawn obtained his public adjuster’s license and has since helped thousands of clients navigate their insurance claims. Today, Compass Claim Solutions serves homeowners and businesses across Florida, often traveling to communities hit hardest by hurricanes and severe storms.
What Does A Public Adjuster Do?
Insurance policies can be complex documents, full of jargon and fine print that many policyholders struggle to understand. When property damage occurs, the insurance company sends out its own adjuster to assess the damage and estimate the payout — but that adjuster works for the insurance company, not the policyholder.
A public adjuster like Shawn, however, works exclusively on behalf of the policyholder. His job is to thoroughly evaluate the damage, prepare detailed estimates and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that the client receives a fair settlement.
“Our goal is to level the playing field,” Shawn explains. “Insurance companies have experts working for them — policyholders should have [an expert] on their side, too.”
Compass Claim Solutions handles a wide range of claims, including those related to hurricanes, floods, lightning, wind, fire, mold, theft and plumbing issues. The company offers free consultations, guiding clients from the initial claim filing through the final settlement.
The ‘Umpire Process’
One of the unique aspects of Compass Claim Solutions’ services is Shawn’s involvement in the insurance appraisal and what is known as the “umpire process” — a little-known but critical step when claims are disputed.
If an insurance company and a policyholder cannot agree on the amount of damage or the cost of repairs, both parties may choose to enter into the appraisal process. Each side hires an independent appraiser to assess the damage. If the two appraisers cannot reach an agreement, they select a neutral third party — known as an “umpire” — who reviews the estimates and makes a final, binding decision.
As a certified insurance umpire, Shawn is often called upon to serve as that neutral third party in these disputes, bringing his extensive knowledge and fair judgment to the process.
“The umpire process helps ensure that both sides get a fair shake,” Shawn says. “It’s about finding common ground and making sure the policyholder gets what they’re owed.
Going The Extra Mile
Clients of Compass Claim Solutions consistently praise Shawn’s professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail. The company’s 4.9 stars out of 5 on Google (on 50+ reviews) attest to his prompt communication and proactive approach.
“Shawn is amazing,” client Brian S. wrote in his 5-star review on Google. “He was prompt on returning calls, very thorough in his evaluation of the damage, and extremely proactive in dealing with the insurance company. He turned a stressful situation into a positive outcome.”
Client Carol G.’s 5-star review says, “I was denied by my insurance company for not taking pictures after my front doors blew open during Hurricane Ian. Shawn worked wonders for me and got me enough money to fix the important issues in my home. He was very kind and easy to work with. I highly recommend using Compass Claim if you ever need a public adjuster. I’d give him 20 stars if I could.”
It’s this commitment to going above and beyond that has earned Compass Claim Solutions a stellar reputation in the community.
Beyond his work in public adjusting, Shawn is an active member of the Wesley Chapel business community. He serves on the Membership Committee of BNI Alliance, a local chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) of West Central Florida, where he collaborates with other professionals to foster business growth and networking opportunities. “I believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” Shawn says. “Whether it’s helping homeowners through the claims process or participating in local events, we want to make a positive impact.”
Navigating an insurance claim can feel like an uphill battle, especially in the wake of a disaster. With Compass Claim Solutions, clients gain more than just an advocate — they gain a partner dedicated to serving their best interests.
From the initial consultation to the final settlement, Shawn Thompson and his team provide the knowledge, persistence and compassion needed to help clients rebuild and move forward. With Compass Claim Solutions on your side, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone — you have a trusted partner and guide every step of the way.
Shawn Thompson’s Compass Claim Solutions offers free consultations. For more info, visit CompassClaimSolutions.com or call (352) 502-5928.
By the time you read this, the Freedom High Class of 2025 will already have had its graduation ceremony, which was held on May 23 at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.
Every graduate has a story that has led them to this exciting milestone in their lives. Listed below are highlights of some of the extraordinary students from this class.
Outstanding seniors were recognized in the school’s annual Red, White, and Blue Awards Ceremony, held his year on Apr. 24.
Congratulations to Freedom High School’s top 10 students, according to their weighted grade point averages (GPAs).
1. Roham Farhardi Valedictorian
GPA: 11.04
College plans:
University of Florida,
Biomedical Engineering
Note – Roham Farhardi’s 11.04 GPA is the highest ever at Freedom, and is also the highest in all of Hillsborough County this year. GPAs above 4.0 are attained by taking college-level classes, including dual enrollment, advanced placement (AP) and AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education, a program offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education). Roham began taking dual enrollment high school classes in sixth grade and completed a total of 47 courses, while only 25-28 is typical. He is leaving high school with 96 college credits already earned, scored a 1580 out of 1600 on the SAT, and was named a National Merit Finalist, ranking among the top 15,000 students nationally of the 1.3 million who took the PSAT as a qualifying exam.
2. Rose Khosh
Salutatorian
GPA: 9.36
College plans:
University of Florida, Biology (Pre-Dental track)
3. Elena Le
GPA: 8.96
College plans:
University of Florida, Health Science
4. Zachary Harmon
GPA: 7.96
College plans:
University of Florida, Environmental Science
5. Joseph Afiat
GPA: 7.629
College plans:
University of Florida, Astrophysics
6. Gregory Murashkin
GPA: 7.44
College plans:
U.S. Naval Academy, Mechanical Eng. or
Quantitative Economics
7. Sunjay Bale
GPA: 7.359
College plans: University of Florida, Engineering
8. Anthony Murashkin
GPA: 7.345
College plans:
U.S. Air Force Academy, Mechanical Eng. or military & strategic studies
9. Emma Schroeder
GPA: 7.219
College plans:
University of Florida,
Sports & Business Mgmt.
10. Jorge Gonzalez
GPA: 7.023
College plans:
Hillsborough CC, then
University of Florida,
Criminology
In addition to naming its top-10 students, six scholarships were presented at the school’s Red, White and Blue Awards Ceremony. Given by the Freedom Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), each honoree below earned a $500 award:
Joseph Afiat is a leader in chorus, honor societies and campus initiatives. He will attend the University of Florida and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in STEM, hoping to work with innovative companies to use science to solve global problems.
Sarah McAveety is a campus leader who participates in clubs, sports and rigorous academics. She plans to attend the University of Central Florida and hopes to have a career in aerospace engineering, space exploration, or serving her country as a fighter-jet pilot.
Andrew Switzer is involved in student government, honor societies and created an e-sports program at Freedom. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at USF.
Nico Baisley was the manager for the softball team, participated in theatre, Best Buddies and other organizations. Nico plans to attend Hillsborough Community College and hopes to become a special education teacher.
The Radiance Orthodontics Community Service Award was presented to Emma Schroeder, recognizing her commitment to serving others. Emma served more than 400 hours during her high school career as a volunteer with RAISE, tutoring students in reading, writing and spelling, and participated in other organizations such as Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta. She will attend the University of Florida.
The PTSA also offered the anonymously funded Bridge Forward Scholarship, honoring a graduating senior who has demonstrated personal growth, resilience, and commitment to building a brighter future despite challenges. This scholarship was awarded to Jonathan Assefa, who plans to attend USF and pursue a career in cybersecurity. As a student with autism, Jonathan joined chorus to build social confidence and remained open to new experiences,. He hopes to inspire others with autism to break barriers, too.
Congratulations to the entire Freedom High School class of 2025!
Editor’s Note – Although photographer Charmaine George was able to take photos at the awards ceremony for Wharton High, neither myself nor Charmaine was available to attend the awards event at Freedom, so the top-10 photos, which were borrowed from Freedom’s Instagram page, and the information on this page were all we were able to provide for the school.
We apologize for not being able to do more to honor the graduating students at both of New Tampa’s high schools. — GN
