District 67 State Representative and State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell is already up in Tallahassee, awaiting tomorrow’s start of the Regular 2025 Session of the Florida Legislature.
But, on Feb. 26, Rep. Driskell was at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, in front of 50-60 New Tampa residents (there may have been a few people from outside of our area, too), discussing that upcoming session.
Rep. Driskell said that serving in the State House, “has been the greatest honor of my life, but as you know, we are living in some heavy political times and there is a lot going on.”
She noted that Florida’s state government is somewhat mimicking the federal government, in that all four legislative houses have a Republican majority (a super majority here in Florida), and both chief executives — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and U.S. President Donald Trump — also are Republicans.
“It’s going to be challenging,” Rep. Driskell said of the upcoming legislative session, “especially when it’s already obvious that the State Legislature is in a posture to support the agenda of President Trump.”
Rep. Driskell said the state legislature already has held three special sessions on immigration. “We learned a lot from that,” she said. “There were two immigration bills that passed and I believe both are unconstitutional on their face, which I why I voted against both of them. But, I do urge the U.S. Congress to pass some meaningful legislation on immigration in its upcoming session.” She also noted that the bipartisan immigration bill that was on the table last year, “was effectively killed by then-candidate Donald Trump and I believe we need to get back to that (bill).”
As for the bills she plans to sponsor in this year’s regular session, Rep. Driskell said, “I’ll be carrying two bills with respect to the challenges we’re facing with governmental interference in health care, particularly with abortion. The first bill would kill the 6-week abortion ban and take us back to a time when patients and their doctors and families made those decisions. That would take politicians out of the exam rooms.”
She added that the second bill she’s bringing to session says that, “If we’re continuing to have this (six-week) ban, we need doctors to understand what the limitations are. We have heard stories about women getting to the point where they have sepsis because doctors are afraid to treat them because they don’t want to face criminal liability. This bill will provide clarity so health care professional can treat women. We don’t want women dying because doctors are afraid to treat them.”
Rep. Driskell also is carrying a bill about water quality, both with regards to drinking water and with red tide. “It’s shocking how much lead is in our drinking water,” she says. “We know there is lead in the water fountains at our schools.” She also mentioned that there was a red tide task force that worked on that issue two years ago, “but the recommendations have just sat there and have not been implemented. We are pushing to adopt those recommendations to protect our water.”
The State House Minority Leader also plans to work on tweaking the cemetery legislation she previously passed to help honor those buried in abandoned cemeteries, another to have a court reporter present during child custody hearings, “which can often get contentious,” to preserve the record of what is said during those proceedings, and more.
Rep. Driskell says she knows that nothing will come easy for her minority party this year, “But I have never been afraid to call out my fellow legislators or the governor when I feel they are moving in the wrong direction, focusing on the wrong things and not prioritizing you.”
We plan to receive additional updates from Leader Driskell after this year’s session ends, which is scheduled to be on May 2.
Newly elected Hillsborough Clerk of the Court & Comptroller (and Tampa Palms resident) Victor Crist was the officiant at the “Tie The Knot” wedding ceremony of 37 couples on a gorgeous Valentine’s Day at the Joe Chillura Courthouse Square in downtown Tampa.
This is the 17th year the Hillsborough Clerk of the Court has presided over the mass ceremony, which has had a total of 325 previous couples get married.
Owner Brennan Vargas of Heat Wave Pressure Washing can make the exterior of your home or business look like new. (Photo By Charmaine George)
Whether you’re looking to bring the freshness back to the exterior of your home or business, Heat Wave Pressure Washing has got you covered! Based in Wesley Chapel, Heat Wave provides residential and commercial pressure washing services to customers located in Pasco, Polk, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Owner Brennan Vargas, a Wesley Chapel High graduate, is dedicated to both his work and the company’s legacy. Brennan started in the pressure washing business as a summer job when he was 20 years old. Although it initially wasn’t something that he was particularly passionate about, Brennan says the inspirational influence and mentorship of the business’ previous owner, Christopher Brenner, showed him that he and the business could grow.
Unsure of what he wanted to do at the time, Brennan asked his father Chris if he knew of anyone looking for help. When his father mentioned Brenner, who was in Chris’ networking group as a potential resource. At that time, Brennan says he couldn’t predict that the connection, and the summer job that came from it, would fuel his entrepreneurial growth and future.
“Originally, when I first started working there, I was just looking for something to do over the summer,” Brennan recalls, “since I wasn’t planning on going to college.”
Halfway into that first summer position, Brennan could see that Brenner really wanted to grow Heat Wave Pressure Washing. So, Brennan decided to stick around and help his boss with that endeavor. The positive work environment, and his appreciation for Brenner, led Brennan to continue with the company. He credits that relationship for teaching him to be the conscientious businessman that he is today.
“[Brenner] taught me to be extremely meticulous, find a solution, do the research, don’t speak out of pocket, and come to the client with what you can do for them,” Brennan says. “And then, when you can’t do [something] for them, you help them figure that out.”
That service-oriented, mindful approach shaped Brennan’s attention to detail and his desire to always provide stellar work during his seven years with the company.
But then, when Brennan purchased Heat Wave in April of 2024, he kept the name to honor the legacy of Brenner, who passed away in 2023. The insights and lessons Brennan gained over the years, under Brenner’s tutelage, still guide his work ethic today. Those lessons also are obvious in the way Heat Wave Pressure Washing approaches every job.
“Whether it’s paver sealing or pressure washing your house, it’s about preserving your investment,” Brennan explains, “and making sure that whoever is working on your property knows what they are doing, is using the right stuff, isn’t going to kill a bunch of plants, or alter the color of your paint. When we’re cleaning a roof, for example, we’re covering everything [below it] that is delicate. We put bags on the bottom gutters for collection. We always go the extra mile.”
Those are just some of the precautions that Brennan and his team of technicians take at Heat Wave Pressure Washing. They also do everything they can to protect any wildlife at the site, by choosing cleaning products carefully, as well as checking for nests and animal burrows. Looking out for the property’s landscaping and fauna is part of that preparation, too.
(Before & After photos, provided by Brennan)
While Heat Wave incorporates these and other mindful practices, Brennan shares that he’s heard too many horror stories from too many of his customers who have had bad experiences with other companies. “I’ve met guys who’ve killed every single plant on a property,” he says, “and that can end up being like $8,000 to $10,000 to replace, over the cost of an $800 pressure washing job!”
Protecting your investment from these mishaps is exactly why Heat Wave Pressure Washing exercises due diligence and takes precautionary measures ahead of time. Brennan says that using mainly soft washing, at low pressure, and using the proper solutions also are key. Since many of the solutions that take care of algae and mildew are chlorine bleach-based, they unfortunately also can kill plants. To avoid this potential outcome, the Heat Wave techs apply a neutralizer on nearby plants to protect them from chemical exposure. They also use a very diluted bleach-based solution that has a surfactant (surface-active agent) that helps it stick to surfaces. This keeps the solution from dripping all over and enables the team to use less solution in order to get surfaces clean. Covering less hearty plants with tarps is another especially important step the techs take when washing roofs.Â
Brennan knows that attention to detail, and incorporating ongoing advances in the industry, will continue to add to the stellar services Heat Wave Pressure Washing already provides.
“I’m a bit of a nerd sometimes,” he admits. “I really like the idea of innovation. Since I’ve taken over, I’ve purchased systems that allow me to control things more delicately, so that way I don’t need to use as much solution.”
With an eye to the future, Brennan also says that he sees himself continuing to learn everything he can about how to make the work safer and more efficient. “Expanding the business, and improving how things are done, are my two big goals for the future,” he says. He adds that he is hoping to add more like-minded people to his team and would like to eventually franchise the business.
Brennan stresses that pressure washing isn’t just something to consider for curb appeal before selling your home, or for when the homeowners association comes knocking at your door. He recommends that people consider his company’s services as part of their regular property maintenance routine. “Addressing issues immediately is one of the best things owners can do, especially when it comes to emergency clean-ups,” he says.
Left unattended, potential issues can easily compound. Brennan describes an instance where a call from an elderly widow turned into a much bigger project than initially anticipated.
“She hadn’t had anything taken care of in quite a few years,” he explains. “It was supposed to be just a simple pool cage and deck cleaning, but when we got back there, she had weeds as tall as her pool cage. It was genuinely like a jungle.”
Brennan was undeterred by the challenge and went above and beyond. He rallied a couple of buddies — a landscaper and a pool cleaner — and together they tackled it all. They cleared the overgrowth, cleaned the pool and pool cage, and repainted the deck. True to the lessons he learned from Brenner, he gathered the necessary resources to address the client’s needs, which shows in the company’s online reviews.
“I’m incredibly impressed with the fantastic job done by Heat Wave Pressure Washing! They transformed the exterior of my property, removing grime and dirt with their thorough and effective cleaning. The team’s attention to detail and dedication to delivering top-notch results truly stood out. I’m beyond satisfied with their service and would highly recommend Heat Wave to anyone in need of professional pressure washing.” – JaRhonda M. (on Yelp)
That commitment and follow-through is what makes Heat Wave stand out. Whether for a residential property or a commercial business, Brennan Vargas and his team are ready to help.
For more info about Heat Wave Pressure Washing, or to request an estimate, call (813) 693-5522, visit TampaWash.com or see the ad below. While most estimates can be done over the phone, Brennan says more complex jobs may require scheduling a visit to the site.Â
Instructor Allison Martin leads a Reformer class at Euro Pilates, which is located just south of County Line Rd. off Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa. (All photos by Charmaine George)Â
The new year is here, and if your resolution is to prioritize your health and start 2025 on a strong note, Euro Pilates has the expertise and community support you need to improve your flexibility, strength and overall well-being.
Euro Pilates, established in a different location in 2007 and now located behind Walgreens at the southeast corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and County Line Rd. in New Tampa, is a studio specializing in Pilates and flexibility training. Owner Maria Ivanova brings a wealth of experience to her role, having a background as a professional gymnast, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sports Education & Movement from Moscow University in Moscow, Russia. Maria also has served as a USA Gymnastics National Team coach and national judge, working with elite athletes both in the U.S. and internationally.
Maria is an advanced Stott Pilates (see below for more information about Stott Pilates)certified Master Instructor, a TRX trainer and was the first Total Barre-certified instructor in Florida. Stott Pilates, which was created in 1988 by actor/entrepreneur Lindsay and former dancer Moira Merrithew (Stott was Moira’s maiden name), is designed to restore the spine’s natural curves, rebalance muscles, and improve core stabilization. TRX (which stands for “Total Resistance Exercise”) training, developed in 2001 by former U.S. Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick, utilizes suspension equipment to build strength and flexibility. And, Total Barre combines ballet barre exercises with Pilates principles, strength training and yoga for a full-body workout.Â
Maria takes pride in the unique combination of training disciplines she offers at Euro Pilates.
“My clients get more personalized training than at some of the other Pilates studios out there,” she says. “I believe that helped us survive Covid.”
During the pandemic, Maria and her daughter Ania, who also worked at the studio at the time, pivoted to offering Zoom classes. Although Ania now lives in Denver, she remains actively involved in the business by teaching online classes.
Maria’s journey to Pilates is deeply personal. “I was born in Russia with severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine),” she says, “I became involved in gymnastics at an early age, which helped with that condition. I moved to Australia with my family at age 15.”
Euro Pilates owner Maria Ivanova also provides private Pilates lessons at her studio.
Maria began her Pilates studies in 2001, after moving from Australia to Tampa. She says she was looking to improve the performance of the athletes she was working with through specific strength and conditioning exercises when she found Pilates.
“I wasn’t as involved in doing gymnastics myself at that point,” she says, “so when I decided to try Pilates, I immediately felt its benefits. Two sessions later, I was hooked. I wanted to do more, so I became certified.”
Euro Pilates offers both individual and group Pilates classes utilizing a variety of equipment. Unlike many Pilates studios, Maria’s group classes are capped at five participants, allowing her and her fellow instructors to provide nearly individualized attention. She doesn’t categorize her classes by levels but instead works with each client based on their abilities, even in her small group settings.
For beginners, the studio offers a special package of three one-on-one sessions for $135. To ensure a solid foundation, new clients are required to complete at least two private sessions before joining the studio’s semi-private or group classes. Please visit Euro-Pilates.com to see availability and to secure your spot.Â
“Euro Pilates doesn’t sell memberships,” Maria says, “which is one of the things that makes us unique.” Instead, clients can purchase individual sessions or packages of multiple sessions, which come with a discount. Maria’s goal is to make Pilates safe, fun and accessible for all.
She explains that she has three types of clients. “Most of our clients are either athletes who have had an injury and need rehabilitation, or someone who has had surgery and needs rehabilitation, although we also have clients who participate in Pilates to strengthen their bodies, so they can prevent injuries in the future. Regardless of how they get here, I give them 100%. I try to help them, and in most cases, if they do the work and stick with it, the results are amazing.”
Speaking of amazing, here is what two of Maria’s clients are saying:
“I have been going to Euro Pilates for seven years and have gone from constant back pain to almost no pain. I credit Maria with this transformation. Everyone who trains there is welcoming and the classes are genuinely fun.” — Kathleen C
“The Reformer, chair, barre, yoga and combination mat classes offered at Maria Ivanova’s Euro Pilates studio in New Tampa are my favorite antidote to aging. Since I began Pilates exercises, my posture is improved, my core is strengthened and my muscle tone is coming back. Combined with the mental focus required to maintain balance and correct form, Pilates has become my most reliable weapon to combat fatigue and stress. Maria is Stott Pilates trained and you’ll be in good hands with her and her professional, dedicated and expert staff. My husband was so motivated by my positive experience that he has also started Pilates in search of relief from years of back pain. We tell everyone we know that they will love their time and effort at Euro Pilates.” — Lisa D
What is Stott Pilates?
Lindsay and Moira Merrithew and their team of sports medicine, fitness experts and physical therapists, created Stott Pilates to be a more modern version of traditional Pilates, which was first developed and brought to the U.S. by German-born Joseph Pilates in the late 1920s; he patented 26 different apparatuses to use during Pilates training.
While it follows the principles of regular Pilates such as breathing, concentration, and movement, Stott Pilates focuses more on the alignment of the posture. Regular Pilates training will have you work with a flat back, but Stott Pilates uses the natural curvature of your back and several specialized pieces of equipment are integral to the Stott Pilates practice.
The “Reformer,” for example, features springs, ropes and pulleys to provide a versatile full-body workout. Adding a “Jumpboard” to the Reformer offers an enhanced aerobic experience. The “Barrel,” another common tool, is a curved, padded structure designed to strengthen the core and improve spinal alignment. Among the variations, the “Ladder Barrel” and “Stability Barrel” cater to different levels of challenge.
(l.-r.) Allison, Maria & fellow Euro Pilates trainer Cecilia Little are all certified to teach on all of the Pilates equipment at the studio.
Another noteworthy apparatus at Euro Pilates is the “Cadillac,” a piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates himself. Named after the luxury car brand, the Cadillac comes in two forms — a full version and a more compact wall unit. Both support a wide range of movements and exercises. In addition, the “Chair” is perfect for those who prefer or require seated positions but also is adaptable for advanced, high-intensity workouts. And finally, “Mat” Pilates can be done while using only a mat and various other gym equipment such as fitness balls, weights, resistance bands, etc. This is typically used when someone doesn’t have Stott equipment at home and is taking an online class.
The staff at Euro Pilates also is highly trained and certified. For example, Cecilia Little, who was diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis in 2013 and was advised to try Pilates as part of her treatment, says she quickly fell in love with the method and pursued Mat and Reformer courses. After moving to the U.S. in 2016, Cecilia furthered her education by completing additional courses on Pilates equipment such as the Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. She is now a fully certified instructor with eight years of teaching experience.
Fellow Euro Pilates instructor Allison Martin first joined the studio as a client. She became an instructor through Maria’s encouragement.
“Allison has a background in dance, track and cross country, as well as powerlifting,” Maria explains. “I saw her love for Pilates and approached her to become one of our trainers.”
Allison holds an American Council of Exercise (ACE) personal training certification and became a certified Stott Pilates instructor in 2021. She says Pilates has taken her body and her fitness to a new level.
Among the different individualized classes provided at Euro Pilates are “Silver Group Classes” which include Stretch and Reformer Express, focusing on control and precision. The “Gold Group Classes,” such as Reformer and Combo, are ideal for clients familiar with Pilates principles and equipment. All classes are 50 minutes, except for Reformer Express, which is 25 minutes. More information about each of these options, along with scheduling and pricing, can be found on the studio’s website.
Euro Pilates is located at 20743 Center Oak Dr. in New Tampa. For more information, visit Euro-Pilates.com, call (813) 756-4000 or see the ad below.
District 7 Tampa City Council member and New Tampa resident Luis Viera says he hasn’t made a decision yet, but he is looking at either a State House of Representatives or Hillsborough County Commission run in 2026, before his current City Council term expires in March of 2027.
While introducing Viera, who was the guest speaker at North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’ (NTBC)’s monthly Business Breakfast on Feb. 4, NTBC president & CEO Hope Kennedy mentioned that she had heard Viera might be considering a run for Mayor of Tampa, but Viera said he was more interested in a run for the District 67 State House seat currently occupied by House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, who will reach her term limit with the Nov. 2026 election.
Since that Feb. 4 meeting, Viera says he has been approached by multiple media outlets about his plans going forward. He says he is mulling over the possibility of running not only for Driskell’s Dist. 67 State House seat, but also for one of the County Commission seats up for election in 2026. “I haven’t made a decision yet,” Viera says. “But, once I announce which of those offices I will choose to run for, I will have to give up my City Council seat before my term ends.”
Even though he is a registered Democrat (City of Tampa elections are all nonpartisan), the 47-year-old Viera also discussed his ability to work with other political office holders — including reaching across the political aisle — in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, as well as with Rep. Driskell, Dist. 20 State Senator Danny Burgess and with Dist. 15 U.S. Congresswoman Laurel Lee. He also talked about New Tampa’s status as the “Alaska” of the City of Tampa, was well as zip code 33647’s cultural diversity, as well as what he has accomplished in the nine years since first winning election — by 65 votes in the two-candidate Special Election runoff in Nov. 2016 — in his first election over fellow New Tampa resident Dr. Jim Davison.
Look for a full recap of Councilman Viera’s Chamber breakfast chat, and more information about his political plans, in the March 4 New Tampa Neighborhood News Issue #5-25.
