Tag: New Tampa

Retired Gen. Remo Butler Celebrates The Army’s 250th Birthday!

The Cory Lake Isles Resident’s Storied Career Includes Being The First Black General Of The U.S. Special Forces!

*Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Brigadier General & Cory Lake Isles resident Remo Butler (right) and his wife Mylitta celebrated the Army’s 250th Birthday on June 14. (Photos by Charmaine George)*

I had the honor and privilege of interviewing the first-ever Black General of the U.S. Special Forces — Brigadier (1-star) General Remo Butler — the same day the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th birthday — June 14, 2025.

Gen. Butler, who commanded honorably and admirably at every level for 29 years in the Army, was first commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1974, after graduating from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, as the Vietnam War was winding down. He and his wife Mylitta are long-time Cory Lake Isles residents who invited photographer Charmaine George, Jannah and yours truly into their beautiful home shortly before they had to get ready to attend Tampa’s celebration of the Army’s sestercennial anniversary in downtown Tampa.

“The Army is more than a year older than our country (the U.S. won’t celebrate its 250th birthday until July 4, 2026),” Gen. Butler says, “and it was an honor for me to serve. When people ask me if I miss being in the Army (he retired in 2004 as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in South Tampa), I always say that my body, especially my knees, don’t miss it at all. But, I do miss the great people I got to serve with. It wasn’t really my first choice of a career, but I don’t regret a minute of it. I took pride in everything I did.”

Dealing With Racism

Although Gen. Butler, now age 73, was always able to move up the ranks in the Army, he says he still encountered racism along the way.

“I know I’m a role model for Black men and women in the military because many people have told me that in the years since I retired,” he says.

In fact, according to an article published in 2010 on the website ResearchGate.net, “Over the past two decades, U.S. War College students have written several papers touching on the experiences of black officers as they relate to representation, promotions, influence, and culture. Interestingly, only Gen. Remo Butler’s paper (1997), which was one of the first to be written, has received any widespread attention. Butler found that, ‘Black officers are falling behind their white counterparts in promotions at and above the rank of lieutenant colonel at a disconcerting rate.’ Specifically, Butler suggested that Black officers were failing in two areas: (1) promotion to the ranks of lieutenant colonel and higher, and (2) selection for battalion and brigade command.’”

Gen. Butler says he is particularly proud of that nearly-30-year-old essay. “Where a lot of the other War College graduates were writing about the future of the military on Mars or in the Andromeda Galaxy, I wanted to help future Black officers to understand that to succeed, you have to bring pride and integrity to everything you do.”

Getting Started

“Two years into college, I’m looking at some of my friends who had graduated,” Gen. Butler recalls. “Some had Master’s degrees, some just had regular degrees, and they weren’t doing well because there was a recession going on. So, these guys were having a hard time finding jobs.

I went to Sears one day, and there was my high school chemistry teacher selling shoes and I’m like, “Wow, that is not what I wanna do.”

So, one day, he runs into someone who was in ROTC, “And this guy said, ‘You know, by doing ROTC, you’re gonna have a job. You’ll be an officer in the Army.’ My father was in the Army, so I decided to look into it. But, I really wasn’t excited about it, because during those days I wanted to have the big Afro and kind of do what I wanted.”

He adds, “But, common sense took over and I said to myself, ‘Hey, do you wanna eat?’ So, I joined ROTC. And, some of the instructors didn’t like me and I didn’t like them either. When it was time to go to summer camp, the PMS (Professor of Military Science) calls me in because he really didn’t like me and he said, ‘Listen, we’re gonna send you to summer camp, against my better judgment. But, if you don’t maintain at least a ‘B’ average, you’re out of here.” So, summer camp ends and I came back with a straight-’A’ average, so he was stuck.”

Butler started looking down the road and thought, “I might wanna do this for a while. I’ll go in [to the military] for two or three years, put it on my resume, get a little experience, and then go do something else. And, when I went in, I did a couple of years, went to a few places I’d never been, went to Korea and Panama, and, I said, ‘OK, this is not so bad. So I stayed a while, got promoted, came back to the advanced course in Fort Benning, (Georgia) and ran into some really good people. One of them, who turned out to be a lifelong mentor for me, was Sidney Shachnow, a retired Major (2-star) General who passed away (in 2018 at age 83). He was a Holocaust survivor who had spent two years in a concentration camp, but he made it out, came to the U.S. and joined the Army. He was a great man who was the first real mentor I ever had. And I had enjoyed Special Forces.”

He adds, “So one day — at that time he was Colonel Shachnow — he tells me, ‘Your command is going to be here at Fort Benning, but I’m going back to Fort Bragg (in North Carolina). I have some issues here, but if you can take care of this one issue here for me, I’ll get you to Fort Bragg with me.’ I said, ‘Done deal. I took care of his issue and about a year and a half later, I got orders to go to Fort Bragg and I was back in Special Forces.”

(Note-Gen. Butler explained that every military branch has its own Special Force. The Navy has the Seals. The Air Force has its Special Operations Command, the Army has Special Forces and Army Rangers, Marines have Marine Raiders and Force Reconnaissance units, and the Coast Guard has Deployable Specialized Forces.)

Moving Up The Ladder

“But anyway, I was already getting promoted. And the best thing, though, was that I met a lot of great people and just enjoyed working with them. When I got in, it was still Vietnam, which was ending, so they weren’t sending many of us there by ‘74…and I kept sticking around.”

He completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1977 and was assigned as a detachment commander in Company C, and later as executive officer of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Panama. In 1980, he attended the Infantry Officer Advanced course and later commanded Company C, Infantry Training Group, in Fort Benning. He returned to Fort Bragg and Special Forces in February 1984 and served as company executive officer and Battalion S-3 before assuming command of Company C, 2/7th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

Then, after completing the Armed Forces Staff College, Butler was assigned in 1988 to Special Operations Command South, Panama, as director J3 and as a special operations plans officer. He was also a participant in “Operation Just Cause,” to liberate Panama from the never-elected dictator General Manuel Noriega.

Gen. Butler left Panama in July 1991 to become an instructor at the Armed Forces Staff College until December 1992. He then returned to Fort Bragg to command the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) from 1993-95. He then was assigned as deputy chief of staff to U.S. Army Special Forces Command until his departure to the United States Army War College in Pennsylvania.

After completing the War College, he was assigned as chief, Special Operations Coordination Element, XVIII Airborne Corps. Gen. Butler commanded the 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne), U.S. Army Special Warfare Center & School, from 1997 through 1999. He was reassigned as the deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, at Fort Bragg 1999-2000. His most recent assignment was as the commanding general, Special Operations Command South, from June 2000 to July 2003.

“So, one day I in 2001, I was in Fort Bragg, and I was working out with a friend of mine who was a Brigadier General, and he said, ‘I’m going someplace else and you’re going to be taking my place here.’ And I’m like, ‘No, you obviously got something wrong. You got it confused.’ But, a few days later, it turned out that I was going to be taking his place. And, at that time, you gotta figure that after 29 years of carrying heavy ruck sacks and jumping out of airplanes, my body was revolting,. We used to do a monthly run, and it was only about a three- or four-mile run. But, at the end of that run for the next two or three days, I had to ice down my knees and try to rest.”

He added, “But, to me, a leader leads from the front and I was still leading from the front, but it was getting harder and harder. So, I retired in 2004 and went to work for some great companies, and I’ve never looked back.”

Sometimes Unspoken Racism

As for the racial difficulties he encountered, Gen. Butler says, “When I was a Second Lieutenant, I got stationed in Korea and there were a lot of racial problems going on in the military, and the first unit I was assigned to had just had an Inspector General (IG) inspection.

“And, even though I had just gotten there and the inspection was before I got there, the company XO (Executive Officer) kept pointing out things in the report, saying, ‘Lieutenant Butler, you messed up real bad on this. This [problem] here is yours,’ but I was clueless as to what he was talking about. I decided to educate myself on physical block security, which was a big thing, because we were going to be reinspected. And by educating myself, I became the battalion’s de facto expert in these fields.”

He added, “In any unit, there’s a hierarchy and everybody knows who’s at the top and who’s at the bottom. And, among the Lieutenants, this Lieutenant named Mark, who was a great guy, and I became good friends because we were Lieutenants #1 and #2, depending on what day it was. But, it was a very friendly rivalry with no animosity between us. We used to hang out together and drink together, even though he graduated from West Point and I didn’t.

“So, in those days, you got a 60-day OER (Officer Evaluation Report) and I knew what I had done, and everybody knew what I had done. We all knew what everybody had done because we were a small unit. So, we all got our 60-day OERs back in the mail at about the same time. Mark opened his first and he got what he deserved. Another guy opened his and he was in the middle of the group and then this other guy opened his and it wasn’t a real good report, but it was what he deserved and we all knew that. And then, I opened mine and I only got one point above what this lowest guy got.

“So, Mark says, “Hey, something’s wrong here. You need to go talk to the old man ([he XO, our Captain]. So, I knock on the door and he says, ‘Hey, Lieutenant, how you doing? What can I do for you?’

“I said, ‘I want to talk to you about the OERs. I took a lot of time working on that OER for you but sir, you only gave me one point higher than so-and-so and 10 or 15 points less than so-and-so.’

“He said, ‘How do you know that?’ and I said, ‘Because we all went around and looked at all our results.’ He looked at me and said, “Lieutenant, those scores are a private, personal thing. You don’t share them with anyone. You need to understand that. But, you should know that I did not give you that score because you’re Black.”

“And, even though bells and alarms went off in my head, I just said, ‘OK,’ and I walked out.

“I was still new there. I didn’t know jack. But I was concerned about the conversation and I didn’t know what to do.

“And, because of all the racial issues back then, there was an office called Equal Opportunity, where you could make a complaint. But I didn’t know how to do it. So, I talked to another Lieutenant who said, ‘Go talk to this guy. He’s a Black Captain. And, this Captain said, ‘I was waiting for you come see me. I knew what was gonna happen to you because I know him.’

“He said, ‘If I was evaluating you, this is what I would have given you.’ But, he couldn’t give me a lot of help, because, you know, he didn’t want to get himself in trouble. So, this other Special Forces Captain, who was a battalion commander, he calls me and says, ‘Let me tell you what you need to do.’ He laid it out step by step and one of my commander’s friends saw me and said, ‘Look, you know, I’m not in this, but I’m just telling you that so-and-so stuck it to you. So, what are you doing about it?’ And I said, ‘I’m writing to the XO.’”

But, as it turned out, Butler says, “The IG inspection was good for me because everything that we flunked really badly [before] that he gave to me was re-inspected and I had only two minor deficiencies out of everything, which was good. Plus, I became the battalion’s resident expert in certain things, so the units would call me and say, ‘Hey, can you come help us do this?’”

After that, Gen. Butler says he went to see his commander, a Colonel, “who wanted to talk to me about what was going on. I tell him and he says, ‘Well, I’ve talked to some people here and most everyone has a high opinion of you. So, I’m going to get you out of here because I need to protect you.’

“I said, ‘Number One, I’m not running. I don’t run from anybody and I’m not gonna start now. I appreciate you wanting to protect me, but I don’t need protection. I’ll take care of it myself.’”

But, the Colonel knew that the XO was going to, “look for some way to ambush me. Some of the other Captains there who knew this guy came to me on the side and said, ‘Listen, be careful, because he’s gonna try to get you’ and these were that XO’s friends telling me this.”

“So, one day [the XO] calls me in about my next OER. It was ten times better than the first one but it still wasn’t what I thought I deserved. And, the XO says, “I just wanna make sure you’re happy. Lieutenant.’ And, I’m looking at this piece of crap and I said, ‘OK.’ But, when my appeal came back, the XO lied and said, ‘I just made a mistake.’ So, even though it didn’t hurt me, as you can tell, it did sour me a lot on the Army. But, one of the reasons I was in Special Forces, was because of those two captains who helped me. Both of them were great Special Forces guys who walked me through how to do things.”

He says that when he went to Special Forces school, “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. But, I graduated and, at that time, there were very few Black officers in the Army and almost none in Special Forces, although there were some Black enlisted men. Then, when I went to Panama, there were two black officers, and later, there were three.

“And, back then, some folks would throw the ‘N’ word around, which was the quickest way to get my fist in your mouth. But, because it was a different time, even a guy and his wife who ended up being my youngest daughter’s godparents once said to me and my wife, ‘Black people should marry Black people and White people should marry White people.’ But, we became an inseparable group anyway.. Those are the kinds of relationships you establish in Special Forces.”

Another time, when Gen. Butler was a Colonel who was commanding a training group, he says, “My secretary came in, and had this crazy look on her face, and went back out. I didn’t know what was going on. Anyway, this guy comes in and looks around, and I heard her say to the guy, ‘No, sir, he’s in there. I told you that’s Colonel Butler,’ but the guy, I guess, wasn’t expecting someone Black to be a Colonel.”

He added, “I tell folks all the time, people have expectations of what you should be. I push my own son and tell him ‘You have to look the part and talk the part. If you can’t speak [proper] English, people are going to downplay you.”

Another time, Gen. Butler says he went for a job interview in West Virginia.

“I went up there and it was a big table, and they had about 20 people sitting around this table, with one Black guy at the table. One of the guys said, “I want you to tell me why we should put you in this position.’ I looked at him and I said, ‘Well, I’ve been sitting here [telling you] for over two hours, so if you can’t figure it out, I don’t need to work for you.’”

The guy responded, “Oh, wait a minute. That’s not what I meant.’ Then, the guy who recommended me [for the job] was taking me back to the airport. And he said ‘You know, General. I just never knew you were that articulate.’

“I said, “I feels like I knows what you guys talks about.’ And, he understood what I was saying. But, a lot of people look at you and they expect certain things and I try never to give you what you expect.”

“So, the guy says, ‘I’m sorry, sir. But, I’ve talked to a lot of people about you, and nobody ever told me you were Black.’ But at some point, people will stop looking at you as the Black officer, and just look at you as the officer.”

When I asked about the Army’s 250th birthday, Gen. Butler said, “It signifies to me that 250 years ago, our military was formed, and has been serving the United States and the government for 250 years.”

He noted, however, that even during the Revolutionary War against England, “There were many Blacks who fought on both sides. The first man who was killed during the War, Crispus Attucks, was Black. Some of the slave owners told their slaves , “If you fight for us against the British, I will set you free. The British did the same thing by sending their people out to talk slaves into fighting for them to earn their freedom.”

Gen. Butler also knows that there were no Black officers in the U.S. military until after the Civil War, when Henry Ossian Flipper graduated from West Point in 1877.

“I tell my son, hat if people do not know and understand their history, they will not last long. So, I always wanted to know our history. And I want him to know our history.”

He is proud to have studied our history and he and Mylitta also are proud to be New Tampa residents. “After I came back from working for Halliburton in Iraq after I retired, we were looking for a house [in the Tampa Bay area]. We were riding around, and came across [Cory Lake Isles]. And, back in those days, there were still a lot of trees everywhere and you could drive to Wesley Chapel and look at farms and cows. And I said, ‘You know, this looks like a nice area. And, this house just happened to be the San Remo model, and I was like, whoa, I like this! And we’ve been very happy here ever since.”

About ‘Why Black Officers Fail’

Despite his many other accomplishments, Gen. Butler says that his article “Why Black Officers Fail” is one of his greatest achievements.

“I didn’t want to write about esoteric things, like war in outer space in the year 5250,” he says. “I wanted to write something real. And, I still get emails and texts from people saying, ‘Thank you for writing that article. You helped save my career.’

He adds, “In War College, when I was still a Colonel, we had active-duty faculty members who would help with each class. But, after three or four of them told me they couldn’t help me,I went to see Dr. Nagami, a Japanese American, who said, ‘Are you sure this is what you want to write about?’ I said, ‘Yes,” and she said, ‘I’m going to tell you a story. Two years ago, a Black MP (Military Police) officer wrote something similar and after he got out of War College, the military was downsizing and he was one of the ones to go.’

“But I said, my record speaks for itself, so I don’t think they could do that to me.’ So, Dr. Nagami helped me and we wrote it and it was a very good paper. Everybody who was Black in the War College loved it. A big percentage of the white guys loved it. I had a lot of guys ready to lead a brigade ask me, ‘How do you suggest I bring the Black guys into the fold? How do you recommend I make my Black officers to feel a part of it?’ These were serious questions, which was good.

But, even so, he says, there was still a spectre of racism hanging over the essay.

“The day of our graduation ceremony from War College, they were giving out writing awards and everybody Black just knew I was going to get a writing award. Dr. Nagami just knew I was getting a writing award. But, at the end of the day, I didn’t get an award. Nor was I expecting on because [the article] was controversial. So, Dr. Nagami went and asked why I didn’t get an award and one of the guys said, ‘Well, you know, it wasn’t that well written.’ She said, ‘Wait a minute. I was in the meeting and you guys were all talking about how well written it was.’ I told her, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ But the thing for me is that almost 30 years later, people are still reading it, but I guarantee they’re not reading the papers about wars on Mars. I’ll always be proud of that.”

As if to prove his point, the ResearchGate. com article from 2010 I found online said, “This paper is an extension of Butler’s paper in that it seeks to determine what, if anything, has changed in the years since Butler published his paper, using Butler’s original research methods. The author’s working hypothesis for the paper is that little has changed and that African Americans are ‘still’ failing in today’s Army. The findings overall suggest that Black officers are getting promoted to the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel at higher levels than in 1996. Furthermore, Blacks are being selected for both battalion and brigade levels command at higher rates than 1996. However, Blacks are stilling failing to rise to the strategic decision-making levels of the Army. In trying to come to grips with this, the author has found that there are some limitations to this paper. The first is that this study does not employ a rigorous methodological approach to understanding senior officer perceptions. Instead it relies on anecdotal evidence, like Butler’s thesis, to support the contentions herein. Also, like Butler’s paper, this paper takes a myopic black-white approach to understanding why black officers [still] fail.”

Thank you so much for your service, General Butler, and for sharing a few minutes of the Army’s big 250th birthday with me.

Viera On The Passing Of Gwen Henderson & The Repaving Of New Tampa Blvd.

*Gwendolyn Henderson* ***(Photo source: Tampa.gov)***

On The Passing Of Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson

My City Council colleague Gwendolyn Henderson (above) has passed on (only five days after attending the kickoff event for Viera’s campaign to be the next Dist. 67 State Representative; see story below). Gwen was many things — a fighter who was hilarious, independent and stubborn and a woman with a beautiful heart.

Councilwoman Henderson was raised in Carver City — a Tampa community created for returning black veterans in the 1950s. Her Dad, Asbury Henderson, was a Korean War veteran. Her mother, Gladys Henderson, was a caring woman of faith. Gladys was descended from Sam Hightower — an enslaved man who was emancipated in Georgia in 1865 and would die in 1932.

Gwen owned the Tampa Heights Black English bookstore. If you want to see the heart of Councilwoman Henderson, go to Black English bookstore. It is a love letter to Black History and people like Sam Hightower and Asbury and Gladys Henderson.

She was proud to be a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (a sisterhood comprised primarily of Black, college-educated women with more than 1,050 chartered chapters worldwide), and a Carver City woman. She was proud to be a Dragon from Jefferson High School. She was proud of her Christian faith. She was proud to be a mom. And, she was proud to be a public servant representing the community where Gladys and Asbury Henderson raised a family.

She was also hilarious. I sat next to her [at City Council meetings] and laughed a lot. But, she was a tough lady, too. She endured some mean political attacks and never flinched. Public service can be a pleasure — but there are those who take the cheapest of all shots from the cheapest of all seats. Councilwoman Henderson punched back against those cheap shots.

I last saw her at an event she put on for young people attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). I told her: “Look at all of these young people, you are doing what you were meant to do.”

She brought a passion to the plight of everyday families like the one raised by Gladys and Asbury Henderson. She had a beautiful heart and will be missed.

On The Repaving Of New Tampa Blvd.

New Tampa Blvd. — home to God knows how many potholes and broken tires — is finally in line to be repaved.

This $2.5-million mobility project will repave 1.8 miles of the main road through the West Meadows community — from Meadow Pine Dr. to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. The project will include pedestrian accessibility features with safety and ADA improvements.

This work will begin in Quarter 2 of 2026 and is set to be finished by the end of 2026.

I am glad we are finally getting here. Had the 2018 penny sales tax not been struck down in court, New Tampa Blvd. would have been repaved long ago. As it stands, I had to fight hard to get it in the budget — and I thank Mayor Castor and my fellow Council members for the support.

I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to my long-time friend, Brad van Rooyen of West Meadows, who has been pushing for this project for years. If Brad is Captain Ahab, then West Meadows is his Moby Dick.

Not long ago, we got portions of Tampa Palms Blvd. repaved. We will finish the rest of Tampa Palms Blvd., too. Remember folks, like the Johnny Cash song goes: “One piece at a time.” Until we get better funding sources for mobility, it’ll have to be just one piece at a time.

On The Fourth Of July

The Fourth of July is coming up and I look forward to marching in some Independence Day parades. I love the Fourth of July for many reasons — for sentimental reasons and because I was raised in the 1980s.

And, I love how it is a good time to celebrate our country. A former President once said: “What is right with America can help heal what is wrong with America.” This Fourth of July, think about what is right with our country and how that good can help overcome what is wrong with our country. It has in the past and it will again.

Know what a real pleasure it is to represent you all in public office.

Viera Kicks Off Campaign To Succeed Rep. Driskell

As we told you back in April, District 7 Tampa City Councilman and New Tampa resident Luis Viera has announced that instead of running for Mayor of Tampa, a citywide Council seat or a spot on the Hillsborough County Commission, he is instead seeking the position currently held by his long-time friend and Dist. 67 Florida Rep. (and State House minority leader) Fentrice Driskell.

Viera officially kicked off his campaign for the seat at a fund-raising event held at the Columbia Centennial Museum in Ybor City on June 5 that was attended by more than 200 people, including Richard Gonzmart (at microphone, left), the chairman of the 1905 Family of Restaurants (including the original Columbia Restaurant adjacent to the museum), who introduced Viera to the crowd, as well as fellow City Council members Gwendolyn Henderson (who passed away suddenly a few days after the event) and Charlie Miranda and Dist. 1 Hillsborough Commissioner Harry Cohen.

Unable to attend the campaign event was Leader Driskell herself, who was (and is) still in Tallahassee with the rest of the State Legislature trying to get a Fiscal Year 2026 budget passed.

Viera, who was actually the second Democrat to enter the race for Driskell’s seat, no longer faces a primary election, as retired U.S. Air Force Colonel William “Will” Atkins, the first candidate to file for the seat, pulled out of the race after reading my profile of Viera (photo, right) — at least, that’s what Will told me when I saw him at the YMCA groundbreaking in Wesley Chapel last month.

“I come from the heart,” Viera told the crowd at the event. “I always tell people I’m the same guy on Saturday night that I am on Sunday morning. That means that I’m the same guy I was before I got elected, and [I’ll be] the same guy when I go to Tallahassee that I am now. And by the way, I’m gonna be the same guy in the primary that I am in the general election, because you don’t put your finger in the wind on your values. Your values count when they are rock-solid. They come with you, and they don’t change based upon what’s happening. I always believe in dignity for all, which is the idea that you’re entitled to dignity and respect — the idea that we all do better when we all do better.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit VieraforFlorida.com. — GN

Black English bookstore campaign Charlie Miranda Fentrice Driskell Gwendolyn Henderson Harry Cohen Luis Viera New Tampa New Tampa Blvd Richard Gonzmart

Sushi Masa Premium Is Open In Former Red Lobster Location In Tampa Palms!

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*

New Tampa Ryan Chen Sushi Masa Sushi Masa Premium tampa palms

Dr. José Matos’ BBD Dental Care — Bridging Cultures & Creating Happy Smiles

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.

BBD Dental Care Dental dentist Dr. José Matos New Tampa

Hangliter Residential — The Family Business For Your Remodeling Project

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.

Bathroom Remodel Contractor Hangliter Residential Jordan Hangliter Ken Hangliter Kitchen Remodel New Tampa Stephanie Hangliter Wesley Chapel