Congratulations To The Wharton High Graduating Class of 2025! 

The Wharton High Class of 2025 will walk across the stage at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall on Thursday, May 29, where they will toss their caps and officially leave high school behind. 

Before they go, however, the future graduates are participating in many traditions and lots of “lasts,” such as the last exam, the last day of school and one last ceremony to recognize the most outstanding among a sea of successful students. 

Wharton’s Senior Awards Ceremony was held on May 7, where the top students in academics were honored and dozens of students were recognized by individual departments for being the outstanding student in a variety of subjects – everything from math to physical education to art. 

The ceremony included recognition of the school’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, along with the other eight students who round out the school’s top 10 by weighted grade point average (GPA). They are: 

1. Shruti Mishra, Valedictorian (right in top left photo), with a GPA of 8.3082. Shruti will attend the University of Florida to study Computer Science. 

2. Ananda Ravinder, Salutatorian (left in top left photo), with a GPA of 7.6767. Ananda will attend the University of South Florida (USF) to study Data Science. 

3. Ayush Patel 

4. Samantha Leyva Suarez 

5. Radhika Dhanpat 

6. Sean Kwon 

7. Jesus Contreras* 

8. Aaron Wonderley 

9. Gavin Raitt* 

10. Nishtha Hirapara 

Twelve students will leave Wharton High with perfect unweighted GPAs of 4.0. Of those 12, only two are among the school’s top-10 students listed above — Jesus Contreras and Gavin Raitt. The other 4.0 unweighted GPA graduates are Gina Cocchiola, Shriya Patnaik, Marisol Peak, Isabella Pena, Danielle Pliego, Brady Quinn, Andria Santhosh, Dylan Stamper, Kayla Strocchio and Abigail Welsh earned nothing less than an “A” in all of their high school classes. 

Margaret Alma (at right in photo right) was recognized as a National Merit Commended Student. Of the 1.3 million students who took the PSAT screening exam, only about 34,000 students nationally (2.6%) were recognized with this honor. 

Several scholarships were awarded by the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). Each of the scholarships required an application, essay and letter of recommendation. A volunteer committee reviewed the submitted applications with all personal information redacted and scholarships were awarded to the highest-scoring students. 

Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera presented two of the scholarships, including a new one introduced this year called the PTSA CTE (Career & Technical Education) Award, specifically to honor students pursuing a vocational career after graduation. 

“The CTE scholarship was something I introduced this year because I am passionate about the trades,” said Shannon Briones, PTSA president. “Our winner completely embodied the concept behind the scholarship, as someone who was taking one of the great trade classes offered at Wharton, finding that passion, and then going on to pursue that trade at the next level at a local school in our community.” 

Christian Perna (with Viera in photo above ) earned a $1,000 award towards his upcoming enrollment at Erwin Technical College, where he will continue studying culinary arts, as he did at Wharton. Christian was recognized as a consistent leader in both the kitchen and the classroom, graduating with a GPA of 4.6 and having won a local baking competition. 

“It’s great to celebrate the 4.0 students and the valedictorian,” said Briones, “and also great to celebrate those who are the service professionals you hire for your home and car, and who work in the restaurants and shops. That’s what makes the community.” She said she is excited that the PTSA will continue to offer the CTE scholarship next year. 

Viera also presented the Radiance Orthodontics Community Service Award to Abigail Alt (at right in photo with Viera). This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the community, regardless of GPA, but Abigail achieved both with a weighted GPA of 6.6 and more than 120 hours logged serving others through local organizations such as Tampa Parks & Recreation, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Bay Chapel Food Pantry, Relay for Life and others. She will attend the University of South Florida and pursue a career in pediatric nursing. 

Four additional PTSA scholarships were presented by HCPS School Board Chair Jessica Vaughn to outstanding students. 

Samantha Leyva Suarez (right in left photo with Vaughn), who earned a weighted GPA of 7.60 and was honored through the National Hispanic Recognition Program, will attend USF to pursue a degree in medicine. 

Lucas Sauer, who demonstrated a commitment to academics, community service and athletics as captain of the Wharton baseball team, will attend Greensboro College to pursue a degree in sports management. Samantha and Lucas each earned $500. 

Michael Jensen (at right in right photo with Vaughn), who excelled in academics and was captain of the golf team will attend Mississippi State University in Starkville in the school’s PGA Golf Management program. 

Adrianna Castillo, who is graduating with a GPA of 6.41 and served as senior class president, will attend Florida State University in Tallahassee to pursue a degree in health sciences. Michael and Adrianna each received $250. 

Wharton principal Taryn Anello presented her “Turnaround Award” to Adolfo Castillo (below left) and “Golden Wildcat” awards to Cyron Gray (bottom center photo) and Gabriella Hawkins (bottom right). 

Congratulations to these outstanding students and the entire Wharton class of 2025!

Driskell’s ‘Hindu-American Month’ Bill Passed By The Legislature! 

(L.-r.) Puja Patel, State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell and Rasesh Patel were all in Tallahassee to celebrate the May 1 passage of Rep. Driskell’s resolution to declare Oct. 2025 at “Hindu American Heritage Month” in Florida. (Photo provided by Rashesh Patel)

Although the Florida Legislature was still in an extended (until June 6) regular session — trying to pass a State Budget and some related items — while I was finalizing this issue, State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) led a tribute on the House floor on May 1 recognizing the vital contributions of Hindu-Americans across the state of Florida. 

Joined by several of her colleagues, Leader Driskell (who serves in State House District 67, which includes New Tampa) celebrated the adoption of her resolution — House Resolution 8053, which designates October 2025 as “Hindu-American Heritage Month.” The resolution was officially adopted by publication in the House Journal on April 17. 

To mark the occasion, Rep. Driskell welcomed a group of Hindu-American leaders to the House Chamber — including New Tampa-based pharmacist Rasesh Patel and his daughter Puja, where these Hindu-American leaders were honored and presented with a framed copy of the resolution (photo). 

“As a representative of a vibrant and diverse district with a significant Hindu-American population, I’m proud to introduce HR 8053,” said Leader Driskell. “This resolution acknowledges the profound contributions of Hindu-Americans to Florida’s cultural richness, educational excellence, economic vitality and philanthropic spirit. It was a joy to celebrate this moment with constituents and Hindu-American leaders from across the state.” 

Rasesh Patel, who is the Consultant Pharmacist and Community Relations Lead with BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan), located on E. Fowler Ave. in Thonotosassa. It is a Hindu religious organization and a denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya Swaminarayan Mandir. His daughter Puja, who was the youngest attendee of the event celebrating the adoption of the resolution, is a proud USF graduate in Data Analytics. 

“House Resolution 8053 is more than a symbolic gesture,” Patel says. “It is a meaningful acknowledgment of the values, contributions and cultural heritage that the Hindu-American community brings to Florida. This resolution serves as a bridge — fostering mutual understanding, respect, and celebrating the diversity that strengthens our democracy.” 

He adds, “For Hindu-Americans, especially our youth, this recognition sends a powerful message: your story matters, your culture is honored, and you belong. I am sincerely grateful to Representative Fentrice Driskell for championing this initiative. Her leadership paves the way for future generations to embrace both their American and Hindu identities with pride. Florida’s recognition of Hindu-American Heritage Month is a vital step toward building a more inclusive narrative — one that reflects the rich tapestry of communities that make up the American fabric.” 

With Rep. Driskell’s resolution in place, Rasesh says, “Approximately ten prominent Indian organizations — each with a statewide presence in Florida and representing religious, professional, cultural, and social communities — will come together to celebrate Diwali (on Oct. 20) at the Capitol in Tallahassee. This marks yet another meaningful milestone in honoring the growing contributions of the Hindu-American community across the state.” 

Patel also notes that Rep. Driskell, who has attended and actively participated in major festivals hosted by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandi, including Diwali, one of the most significant celebrations in the Hindu faith, not only signals solidarity with, but also demonstrates genuine interest in understanding and honoring Hindu traditions and values.” 

He also says that Leader Driskell’s collaboration with BAPS Charities has further deepened this bond. In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, she personally joined volunteers in the University area to help distribute over 1,200 sandwiches and critical daily supplies to affected families — a moment of service that reflected both compassion and leadership. 

“Rep. Driskell’s support also extended to BAPS Charities’ annual Walkathon, which raises funds for local charities and civic causes,” he adds. “By endorsing and participating in these initiatives, she continues to uplift efforts that benefit communities across faiths and backgrounds.” 

With her history of meeting with Hindu leaders, attending cultural events, and championing inclusivity through legislative action, Patel says. “Rep. Driskell stands out as a public servant who doesn’t just represent — she connects, participates, and uplifts. Her relationship with Florida’s Hindu community is not performative; it is personal, purposeful and profoundly appreciated.” — Special to the Neighborhood News 

Kay’s Kitchen Authentic Chicago-Style Fried Chicken Is Now Open! 

Photos by Charmaine George

So, you think you’ve sampled enough fried chicken in our area to last you a lifetime? 

Kay Lee (left photo), the owner of the brand new Kay’s Kitchen Authentic Chicago Style Fried Chicken, located (as we told you last issue) at 2808 E. Bearss Ave. in the Palms Connection plaza, says you haven’t tried the area’s best fried chicken if you haven’t sampled her full-wing fried wings with her signature, authentic Chicago-style mild sauce (top photo). 

And honestly, it’s hard to argue with her. Kay’s batter fries up extra-crispy and although the lemon pepper seasoning salt she adds to the chicken is a little salty, she says she (and her long-time cook, who goes by “DJ Cotton”; he’s an actual R&B DJ for hire, with a DJ booth Kay set up for him upstairs) are always happy to alter the amount of the seasoning to suit your taste. 

All I can tell you is that the chicken is so yummy, it doesn’t need the sauce, but Kay hopes you transplanted Midwesterners will appreciate its authentic flavor. 

Photographer Charmaine George and I also loved the fried grouper (right; this photo was provided by Kay because, she said, the flaky, truly delicious grouper we were served wasn’t “pretty-looking enough”), extra-crisp fries (which were still crispy somehow when I took home my leftovers an hour later), the extra-cheesy mac-&-cheese (below left) and the decadent, homemade Key lime cake (bottom right). 

Kay, who has operated two super-successful Kay’s Kitchen food trucks in the Riverview area, says she has been looking for a brick-&-mortar location for a while now and she is so happy that “God brought me here” to introduce her outstanding, no-frills food — including fried chicken gizzards and livers, shrimp, pizza “puffs,” basa fish, hush puppies, okra and more — to a whole new community. For more info or to place an order, call (813) 893-0415 or visit KaysChickenKitchen.com. — GN 

These North Tampa Bay Chamber Members Recently Cut Ribbons! 

Photos by Charmaine George

We continue to shine our spotlight on the local businesses who host North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) ribbon-cutting events — as a no-cost add-on to their Chamber memberships — and this issue is no different. We really hope you’ll tell these businesses that you first read about them in the Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News! 

Pinellas Vascular’s Tampa Office 

On April 16, Board-certified vascular surgeon Avianne Bunnell, MD (at right in photo below, with NTBC president/CEO Hope Kennedy), and her staff at their new location (at 3450 E. Fletcher Ave., Ste. 330, Tampa) of Pinellas Vascular, hosted a great party for their Grand Opening, with food, a wine tasting and tours of the new office. 

According to its website, Pinellas Vascular, “provides the most advanced, low-risk treatments available anywhere to help improve your quality of life.” At the ribbon cutting, Dr. Bunnell said, “We are now serving patients with vascular and arterial diseases, diabetic patients…and we also have a wonderful nurse practitioner (Chelsea Hermez, APRN) providing aesthetic services (including cosmetic injections, weight management strategies and vein ablations and sclerotherapy).” 

For more info about Pinellas Vascular, visit PinellasVascular.com or call (813) 771-8346.-GN 

“Just Pull It” At 54 & Collier Pkwy. 

On April 30, periodontist Jeffrey Hameroff, D.D.S. (right), the founder of “Just Pull It,” a unique dental office that specializes in low-cost, same-day tooth extractions, welcomed NTBC members to the ribbon-cutting event celebrating the third anniversary of the Just Pull It location at 1942 Collier Pkwy. in Lutz (across Collier Pkwy. from Pizza Suprema). 

Dr. Hameroff opened the first Just Pull It in Spring Hill in 2018 and today has four Tampa Bay-area locations, including one off U.S. Hwy. 301 in Zephyrhills, with two more offices opening soon. 

“It’s simple,” Dr. Hameroff told the NTBC members in attendance. “No other dental office does what we do — especially for only $250!” 

For more info about the Lutz location, call (813) 738-9490 or visit JustPullIt.dental. 

Clean Freak Car Wash-Overpass Rd. 

And finally, on May 1, regional director of operations Chris Laurella (left) welcomed NTBC members to the new Clean Freak Car Wash at 32359 Overpass Rd., just east of Curley Rd., behind the coming-soon Chick-fil-A. The ribbon-cutting event also included free tasty coffee beverages from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck. 

Laurella described the differences between Clean Freak — which has 30 locations, mainly in Arizona (Wesley Chapel is the company’s first in Florida) — and other “tunnel” car wash chains. 

“There’s not a lot of water in Arizona,” Laurella told the NTBC members who followed him on a tour of the new Clean Freak (the tunnel wash system was turned off for the tour), “so we do everything we can to reduce our environmental footprint, like our water recycling system and using eco-friendly chemicals. Our tunnels also feature the latest car wash technology.” He even showed the tunnel’s unique soft brushes (below) “that won’t damage your vehicle’s paint job.” 

Clean Freak’s parent company, True Blue Car Wash, LLC, was acquired by the parent company of Circle K. So, your $19.99 monthly membership also earns you discounts on fuel at participating Circle K locations. 

For more info, call (813) 702-0390 or visit CleanFreakCarWash.com. — GN

Remington’s Steak & Seafood ‘Returns’ To The Palms Connection On Bearss 

I have known Mark Birkin, the owner of Birkin’s Steak & Sushi restaurant on N. Florida Ave. in Lutz, for about 14 years — since he first opened PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub in the Palms Connection plaza on E. Bearss Ave. back in 2011. 

Since then, Mark has changed the PJ Dolan’s name to The Wexford, but retained the Irish pub menu and feel. Before Mark bought it, PJ Dolan’s previously also was Remington’s Steakhouse, Cody’s Roadhouse and the Bullseye Saloon. 

And, although Mark had some success with both PJ Dolan’s and The Wexford, neither matched the drawing power of the original Remington’s or even Cody’s. 

But, Mark has had great success with Birkin’s, his upscale steak & sushi concept, and felt he could bring a more casual, popularly priced new steakhouse to just outside of New Tampa. 

He did his research and found that the only active use of the Remington name — in honor of the renowned “Old West” artist Frederic Remington — were two Remington’s Grills in North Carolina, so he got permission from the owner of those “fast casual BBQ & burgers” concept locations to use the original name that so many New Tampa residents loved and renamed it “Remington’s Steak & Seafood.” The unveiling of the new name and menu could happen by the time this issue reaches your mailbox but will more likely take until at least the Mother’s Day weekend — May 10-11 — before the sign goes up and the new eatery becomes a reality. 

At our press time, some of the renovations were still being finalized, as Mark decided he was going to keep The Wexford open until the official switchover takes place. 

“I’m excited about Remington’s Steak & Seafood,” Mark says. “This will be a locally owned, reasonably priced steakhouse that definitely should be able to compete with the popularly priced chain steak places in our area.” 

Mark also says that, in addition to its renovated main dining areas (both inside and on the spacious patio) the new Remington’s will have two private dining rooms suitable for parties and an all-new fun “feel,” but that still leaves the one burning question… 

What About The New Menu? 

Mark literally let me know that he had received approval to go with the Remington’s name two days before Our Apr. 29 New Tampa issue went to press. It had been several months since Jannah and I had eaten at The Wexford and our photographer Charmaine George had never eaten there with us, so we had to move quickly. 

I first asked Mark if any of The Wexford’s menu items were staying and, even though he said that all of the coming-forward items are going to be given upgrades, we sampled the potato skins, Shepherd’s pie quesadillas, fish & chips and the bacon cheeseburger & fries — and the latter two items appear above and below. 

Mark didn’t want us to use a Birkin’s steak picture for this story, so I found the generic top sirloin with baked potato picture shown on this page to give you a feel for the style of cuisine at Remington’s because, as Mark says, “The steaks will be the stars of this new show.” And, as you can see from the extensive sampling from the menu in the ad on the next page, there will be a wide variety of what he calls “Choice +” steaks, all at a few dollars less than the local chains. 

So, whether you’re craving a ribeye, NY strip, filet mignon, T-bone, top sirloin or even lollipop lamb chops, Remington’s will satisfy you. The only steaks I see missing are a bone-in ribeye/ tomahawk and prime rib, but those could be added down the road. In the meantime, the most expensive steak on the menu is the 23-oz. T-bone with two sides for $34.95. The 14-oz. NY strip is just $24.95 with two sides! 

As for the seafood side of the menu, there will be escargots and shrimp cocktail appetizers, grilled salmon, fried and grilled shrimp dinners and the aforementioned fish & chips. 

Remington’s other entrĂ©es will include country fried steak or chicken fried chicken, grilled chicken breast, a boneless BBQ pork chop, Shepherd’s pie, mac n’ cheese and a limited supply each night of a half or whole rotisserie chicken. There also will be a daily Happy Hour menu (served 3 p.m.-5 p.m.), with some of the items mentioned above, plus two sides, for just $14.95! 

Speaking of sides, Remington’s will offer everything from mixed veggies, green beans and kernel corn to sautĂ©ed mushrooms, baked or mashed potatoes, hand-cut fries and sautĂ©ed onions. And yes, the restaurant also will offer bone-in and boneless wings, clam chowder, French onion and a Soup of the Day, burgers, sandwiches, salads and an $8.95 kids menu (for ages 12 & under), plus decadent desserts. 

In other words, once it opens and people get to sample the new Remington’s, Mark believes it will be here to stay! 

Remington’s Steak & Seafood is located at 2836 E. Bearss Ave. The hours have not been officially set, nor does it have a phone number or online presence yet, but check our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page for updated info!