Ashington Estates At Tampa Palms Neighborhood Watch Program Off To A Good Start 

Tampa City Council member Luis Viera (2nd from left) was among those who attended the organizational meeting for the Ashington Estates at Tampa Palms Neighborhood Watch program. (Photos by Charmaine George)

When Tampa Police Dept. (TPD) Chief Lee Bercaw and District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera co-hosted the New Tampa Public Safety Town Hall meeting on July 1, Chief Bercaw told those in attendance that if they want to be an even greater asset to their local law enforcement officials, they should join their community’s Neighborhood Watch program — or start a new one if their neighborhood didn’t already have one. 

Ashington Estates at Tampa Palms resident Kevin Kelly took that advice to heart, as he immediately began to organize a new Neighborhood Watch group for his subdivision of about 100 homes. On July 5 — the Friday afternoon of the 4th of July holiday weekend and less than two weeks following the TPD Town Hall — there were ten TPD officers, Viera and several of Kelly’s fellow residents meeting inside the gates of Ashington Estates, only a few weeks after the series of violent crimes that touched New Tampa. 

And, although the TPD officers outnumbered the number of Ashington residents who stopped by the organizational meeting while yours truly and photographer Charmaine George were on hand, Kelly said he was encouraged by the turnout and support that day. 

“We had about 14-15 residents in attendance overall, including drive-bys,” Kelly said after the meeting. “We currently have 21 in our neighborhood watch group and two of those signed up for our Facebook group since the roll call.” 

As his community’s new Neighborhood Watch coordinator, Kelly also said he was, “very pleased with our police turnout. It shows their interest in Neighborhood Watch groups and the synergy those groups bring to the Police Department. I honestly only expected about 10 neighbors for this first roll call, so we surpassed that by a little.” 

Those who did attend basically heard the TPD officers recap what happened during New Tampa’s week of three violent events that left four people dead and two others injured, with only one arrest having been made. The officers explained that the incident that occurred on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. on June 17 was being investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), but that TPD always works closely with HCSO and was being updated on that case. 

Meanwhile, the Ashington Estates neighbors talked about things like people from other neighborhoods fishing in their pond, as there had never been any actual crime reported in their community, but TPD Major Brett Owen explained that hosting regular Neighborhood Watch meetings and occasional events will help keep the police — and the community — informed about anything that does happen inside those gates. 

As to how Kelly hopes to increase participation in the program, he said, “I’m trying to get some work parties together for small jobs in the neighborhood’s common areas (trimming, painting, etc.), which I’ve already suggested to our Homeowners Association’s president.” 

Kelly also said that he hopes to see, “more social media interaction within our group. It’s been a bit slow up to this point, so regular interactions should generate interest. Our information mechanisms of choice currently are Facebook and WhatsApp.” 

Kelly also said that the Neighborhood Watch’s next meeting has not yet been planned, but that there were now “tentative plans” to do something for National Night Out (Tuesday, August 6), but that nothing specific had yet been planned at our press time. 

City Councilman Luis Viera Provides Updates On Crime, Fire Response Times & More 

Dist. 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera (left) and Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw at the Public Safety Town Hall meeting in Tampa Palms on July 1. (Photo by Charmaine George)

I wanted to update the New Tampa community about what is happening at City Hall. 

Homicides in New Tampa 

As everyone knows, the New Tampa community has been rocked by a number of recent homicides. Public safety is always issue number one with me. I have always proudly stood with our police and fire departments even in tough political times, with hits from both left and right. 

On July 1, 2024, I put together a town hall in New Tampa where Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw briefed the community. The turnout showed that New Tampa is united against crime and that we are ready to respond. Our cops in New Tampa know we support them. I will continue to support our cops and push for a Public Safety Master Plan. 

We will be having a follow up town hall on Tuesday, July 30, 6 p.m., at Compton Park in Tampa Palms. I hope to see you there. 

New Tampa Fire Response Times 

Next is the Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) Department. Since I took office, we have built two new fire stations for North and New Tampa — with a third coming for North Tampa. The problem for New Tampa is not call volume, but response times — especially for K-Bar Ranch. 

I have been working with TFR for a plan for New Tampa. I favor a modular station for K-Bar Ranch — something the Administration opposes. So, if I can not get a home run, I will fight for a double. That means another vehicle for Station 22 for response times. And (as reported a couple of issues ago), working on a potential “cut through” on Morris Bridge Rd. to provide easier access to K-Bar Ranch from TFR Station No. 22 on Cross Creek Blvd. 

I tell people: whether it is a new station, a cut through, another vehicle or 10 Our Fathers and 10 Hail Marys, I will work for any solution that addresses this problem. 

K-Bar Ranch Park 

In this year’s budget, I asked for design funding for a multi-acre city park in K-Bar Ranch. This will set up this project for construction funding in the coming years. 

I hope this will create a pathway for a cricket field presence in New Tampa, something the Indian-Americans in our area have long lobbied for. If we secure the design money, then the public engagement process begins, and I will push hard for a cricket presence in this space. If this passes, it will likely be built after I leave office — but I want to make sure that this moves forward now for K-Bar Ranch. 

We need to make sure City Hall knows that New Tampa – the Alaska of Tampa – exists and has needs. 

About The 2024 Elections 

We’ve all got a big election coming up. People have their opinions — God knows I have mine — but I tell everyone this: Do not empower the idea that we are one another’s enemies because of our mainstream differences. 

As an elected official, I work with anyone who will help me improve the lives of my constituent — Republican or Democrat. 

Let’s see the best in one another as Americans. In this acute time, there is no greater American challenge than to build bridges with one another — and build back normalcy. Ever wonder how extreme movements like “Defund the Police” or “Stop the Steal” on January 6th get so much oxygen? They happen when we let politics become our identity. So, stop yelling at MSNBC or Fox and instead go to church, go for a walk or chat with your neigh bor about baseball or something. 

Tampa City Council Pay Raises 

Lastly, I have received many calls and seen many comments about the recent Tampa City Council pay raise, where my fellow Council members voted 4-3 to give us all a 40% pay raise. I wanted to explain my “No” vote. 

Here is my view: a pay raise makes sense. But, it’s the timing that kills me. The 27th Amendment of our Constitution mandates that Congress first vote on a pay raise, then have an election, then get the benefit of it. If this formula is good enough for Congress, then it should be good enough for City Council, too. 

A higher salary will allow more people from different backgrounds to run for Council — a good result. But, why have us benefit before voters have their say on who gets this amount? Makes sense to me and, I bet, to many of you, too. 

Conclusion 

Know what a pleasure it has been to represent you. I have been in office almost eight years with political ups and downs, but with my constituents it has always been a pleasure. 

Also know that I always remain available at luis.viera@tampagov.net. 

Budget Blinds — The Company That Brings A Full Design Showroom To Your Home! 

If you’ve been thinking about enhancing the beauty of your home, call Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes for an in-home design consultation. (All photos provided by Adriane Wonderlin) 

As Florida summers seem to get hotter (and start sooner) every year, keeping cool inside becomes a growing priority for local homeowners. You can crank up the air conditioning, but what you may not realize is that a more efficient and stylish solution to the heat is getting new window treatments. These not only help regulate temperature but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, both inside and out. 

Mike & Adriane Wonderlin are the owners of Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes. 

When it comes to finding a company that meets all of your window treatment needs, Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes stands out. Owned by Wesley Chapel residents Adriane and Mike Wonderlin, the local franchise on W. Fletcher Ave. (near I-275) in Tampa offers personalized consultation services. Whether you visit their showroom or invite a Budget Blinds consultant into your home, you can choose from the company’s huge variety to find the perfect window treatments that align with your budget and style preferences. 

Adriane says, “Many people think blinds are expensive, but we offer a wide selection that can fit any budget.” Mike, with more than 30 years of experience in the business, and Adriane have expanded their service area from San Antonio to Palmetto and now Lakeland. Their showroom is a hub for exploring various styles, although in-home consultations remain a key part of Budget Blinds’ services. 

“Our consultant will come to your home and help you pick out just the right style and material,” says Adriane. 

Employing a team of about 40 people, the Wonderlins are looking to expand further by hiring additional administrative staff and installers in Tampa. Adriane encourages anyone reading this story to contact her (see contact information at the end of the story) if interested or looking for more information. 

Budget Blinds can show you how easy and affordable it is to add hybrid pleated shades with drapes to your home. 

The Wonderlins just came back from the Budget Blinds Expo called “Shaping Our Future Together” in Grapevine, TX, and shared that the most recent trends in the industry have not changed. 

“Motorization is still one of the most popular features with customers,” Adriane says. “One older trend that is making a comeback, are draperies. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, the trend was draperies, but for many years since then, it’s been blinds or shades. However, over the last couple of years, draperies have made a comeback. The difference is that now, shades and blinds are accompanied by draperies — all of which are motorized.” 

The landscape of the window treatment industry has seen some notable changes, especially with the rising popularity of motorized blinds. For example, “In Canada,” Adriane notes, “a law mandates motorized blinds for safety, prohibiting the sale of homes with corded blinds.” While the U.S. has not adopted this regulation, Budget Blinds educates customers on the benefits of motorized blinds, anticipating potential future legislation. For those who don’t want the expense of motorized blinds, but are still concerned about safety, Budget Blinds does also offer a variety of manual pull-down cordless blinds. 

Adriane and her outstanding sales team are always happy to run down the variety of blinds available, including vinyl, wood, fabric, faux wood and aluminum. Adding draperies for accent can enhance the look with a pop of color. Budget Blinds’ drapery specialist Cheryl Visalli, who has a degree in interior design, assists customers in choosing the perfect drapes to complement their blinds or shades. 

Budget Blinds of North Tampa & Land O’Lakes offers every major trend in the window treatment industry, from (above) hybrid pleated shades with drapes to (below) motorized shades and so many more. 

Among those who appreciate not only Budget Blinds’ selection, but the service she has received, is customer Tina Marie, who says in one of the hundreds of 5-Star Google reviews the franchise has received, “We had our beautiful blinds installed today after about 6 weeks of initial contact with this company. We could not have been more happy! Luis was our installer and made it extremely easy from beginning to end! He was very professional, (we were) impressed with how quiet he was with the installation of all rooms and cleaned up like he wasn’t even here. Also very quick on installing the entire house, our home having 13 windows. I’m very impressed and excited and I will definitely recommend this company as they are the BEST!” 

The Wonderlins actively market their services through advertisements (including in the Neighborhood News), highlighting the benefits of upgrading from builder-grade window treatments. The company offers a buy-one-get-half-off-deal, appealing to those looking to enhance efficiency and aesthetics, as well as 12-month interest-free financing. 

For those who prefer shades, the many options include roller, pleated, Roman, woven wood, bamboo, sheer, solar, or graphic varieties, along with an assortment of panels, valances and drapes. 

Also available are shutters, made from wood or composite materials, which remain a popular choice in Florida due to their durability and innovative designs like the invisible tilt feature, which offers an unobstructed view. 

Even the motorization trend has new advancements that make these systems more affordable and quieter. “Smart Homes,” says Adriane, “benefit greatly from improved motorization features.” This technology is particularly useful for Florida homes with large or high windows, allowing homeowners to easily manage light and heat. 

Businesses also benefit from motorized window treatments, which can be set on timers or controlled via smartphone, remote, wall switch, or voice command. About 70 percent of Budget Blinds’ orders now feature motorized options. 

Budget Blinds, founded in 1992 in Orange County, CA, has grown to more than 1,000 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. The Wonderlins’ North Tampa franchise, purchased in 2018, earned Budget Blinds’ national Franchise of the Year award in 2020, marking the location’s third such honor since 2016. 

Beyond business, Adriane and Mike are committed to community involvement. They partner with Homes for Our Troops, providing window treatments for homes built for permanently disabled military personnel. 

To schedule a complimentary in-home Budget Blinds consultation, call (813) 968-5050. For more information, follow “BudgetBlindsofGreaterTampa” on Facebook and Instagram or visit BudgetBlinds.com/NorthTampa.

Saffron Closes; Bamboo Sushi Bowls To Open 

After nearly two decades in New Tampa, with one name change and a move to a new location, Saffron Indian Cuisine, located inside the convenience store at the Mobil gas station at 10865 Cross Creek Blvd., has permanently closed. 

The restaurant, which was first opened in our area by the husband-and-wife team of Nimesh and Sunita Chheda in the Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St. (that location is now occupied by the Nepalese restaurant Gorkhali Kitchen) more than 17 years ago, enjoyed some success, despite being located inside a gas station convenience store, but Nimesh had told me several months ago that he and Sunita were planning to retire, he just didn’t say when that would happen. Unfortunately, I was unable to reach either of them for comment for this story. 

In the good news department, however, I spotted a new sign in the Pebble Creek Collection (at 19651 BBD Blvd.) that a new restaurant called Bamboo Sushi Bowls was moving into the space (Suite D1) previously occupied by 35 Below ice cream, which closed several months ago. 

Although a Google search of the name said that the restaurant was already open, the website BambooSushiBowls.com still correctly says that the restaurant is “Coming Soon” and is “Now Hiring.” 

I will say that the pictures of the food shown on the website (and in the photo, above), and the menu itself, look quite promising. 

Calling Bamboo “Your new go-to spot for delicious deconstructed (and customizable) sushi bowls that blend traditional flavors with a modern twist,” the restaurant’s menu has tempura-style sushi rolls, miso soup, fried chicken dumplings, edamame, summer rolls, create-your-own and named (like the “Twister,” with tuna, salmon, squid salad, icrab stick, cucumber, carrots, edamame, takun, bamboo sauce, mango and mandarin ginger dressing sushi bowls and more. We do not yet know Bamboo’s opening date, but we’ll keep you posted. Visit the website to get on their email list. — GN 

Potbelly Update — Still No Time Soon! 

Updating the story that we last updated in our May 28 New Tampa issue, despite some other recent published reports that said that Potbelly Sandwich Works was getting ready to announce an opening date in the former Oronzo Honest Italian space in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza on BBD, I can assure you that the earliest the popular sandwich shop with more than 425 locations across the U.S. is still at least several months away from being able to open here. 

Yes, Ron Asmar, the president of RTA Restaurant Group, LLC, has added four additional Potbelly locations to his commitment, with the New Tampa shop expected to open in “late spring/ summer” of this year, but based on what I’ve seen inside (right photo above, taken July 11), and what the person working inside said, there is little chance the new Potbelly will be open before the fourth quarter of 2024, and could even take until the start of 2025. 

That is bad news for the multiple people I’ve seen since our last story ran two months ago, who told me they love Potbelly’s “Hot Sandwiches (and soups) and Chill Vibes,” as well as for anyone in our area (like me) who is always on the lookout for new places, even if they are national chains. 

As I also said in May, feel free to visit the location at 4738 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. (near Raymond James Stadium) or the one at 2520 S. Falkenburg Rd. (near Brandon) for the Chicago-based chain’s “famous toasty sandwiches, soups, salads, fresh-baked cookies and hand-spun milkshakes.” — GN