How Do You Spell ‘Champion?’ B-R-U-H-A-T!

(Photos from the Scripps National Spelling Bee and Associated Press Websites)

We first told you about Bruhat Soma — the New Tampa resident who won this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee on May 30 — two years ago, when he was a 10-year-old fifth grader who missed attending the finals that year because he came down with Covid-19.

Bruhat, who then finished 74th at the 2023 Scripps Bee, not only won the title this year, he did so with what has to be considered the most amazing performance in the 96-year history of the Bee — even more incredible than it was controversial.

For only the second time ever (the only other time was in 2022), the final two contestants had to compete in a lightning-round tiebreaker known as a “spell-off,” where each contestant is given 90 seconds to correctly spell as many words as they can. Bruhat’s final round opponent — Faizan Zaki, a 12-year-old 6th grader from Allen, Texas — successfully spelled an impressive 20 words in 90 seconds, but Bruhat set a new spell-off record by spelling an other-worldly 29 words correctly in the same amount of time.

Although Bruhat told the Associated Press (AP) he was nervous about the spell-off, he calmly zipped through every word, from “abseil” (actually his last word of the spell-off) to “wenzel” by miming himself typing each word as he spelled it. If you haven’t yet watched his spell-off performance, you really should. AP’s article said he sounded more like an auctioneer than a speller.

As the champion, Bruhat receives a trophy and more than $50,000 in cash and prizes.

According to the AP, Bruhat said he “rehearsed the spell-off every day for six months. I was pretty confident that I had a chance at winning because I’ve been working so hard…and I really wanted to win. That’s why I practiced the spell-off so much.”

The AP story also said although there was no doubt Bruhat was a worthy champion, “the conclusion left many observers disappointed and confused.

“The finals began with eight spellers, the fewest since 2010,” the AP report said, “and it was clear that Scripps was trying to fill the 2-hour broadcast window on Ion, a network owned by the Cincinnati-based media company. Frequent, lengthy commercial breaks allowed spellers to mill about at the side of the stage, chatting with their coaches, relatives and supporters.

“And then, Bee officials announced it was time for the tiebreaker before Bruhat and Faizan were even given a chance to compete in a conventional round. The competition rules state that a spell-off is used in the interest of time, but Scripps still squeezed in another commercial break between the tiebreaker and the announcement of Bruhat’s victory.

“In the tiebreaker — which was used once before, when Harini Logan of Texas correctly spelled 21 words in 90 seconds in 2022 — “the winning word is the one that gives a speller one more correct word than their competitor.” Although it was actually his 29th correct word, not his 21st, Scripps said, “Bruhat’s winning word was ‘abseil,’ defined as “descent in mountaineering by means of a rope looped over a projection above.”

After the competition ended, and a clearly sad Faizan graciously shook his hand, Bruhat told the AP, “I always want to win. And this was, like, my main goal. I’m just really happy that I won this.”

Bruhat is the second straight champion from the Tampa Bay area, and his victory means 29 of the last 35 spelling champs have been Indian American.

He also is the second New Tampa resident to claim the title — former Benito Middle School eighth grader Nupur Lala was the first, after winning in 1999. Nupur’s journey to the crown inspired a new generation of spellers, after her triumph was featured in the documentary “Spellbound.” Now a neuro-oncologist, Nupur returned to the Bee this year for the first time in a decade.

Turner Bartels principal LaMarr Buggs said that Bruhat’s performance was “Unbelievable. I honestly was nervous about the spell-off because the other kid (Faizan) seemed faster during the regular rounds, but wow. Just wow! Everyone at the school is so proud that he is one of ours.”

Buggs also said that after Bruhat, who lives “within walking distance of the school in Live Oak Preserve,” is finished with a whirlwind media tour, including an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmell Live!” and other national talk shows, a “welcoming committee” from Turner Bartels plans to greet Bruhat and his family at Tampa International Airport upon their return.

Team Sack & Great Western Home Loans — Great Realtors® & Lower Rates! 

(Above, l.-r.) Carter, Ryan, Leeann and Rylee Sack. The Team Sack real estate team of Future Home Realty is most definitely a family business. The Sacks want to help you & your family buy or sell a home. (Photo by Charmaine George) 

Buying or selling a home is generally one of the biggest and most expensive projects most people will undertake. The journey is almost always filled with a lot of both emotions and important decisions. 

How can you have peace of mind when faced with such a daunting task? Aligning yourself with the right people who have experience and can walk you through the entire process is an important first step. 

Long-time local Realtors® Leeann and Ryan Sack with Future Home Realty, Inc., are the married team calling themselves Team Sack. They have an ongoing business relationship with mortgage broker Patrick Monteau of Great Western Home Loans, which makes the combination a one-stop shop for home buyers. 

Leeann has been a Realtor for 19 years. Prior to joining Future Home Realty, she worked for a home builder selling newly built homes and still has contacts in the new home construction industry. 

Although it wasn’t yet called Team Sack at that time, Ryan got his real estate license 15 years ago, “and we joined forces right away,” says Leeann, who brings her vast array of insider knowledge of the business to the table for every potential home buyer, whether you’re looking for new construction, a resale or aren’t sure which type of home is right for you. 

Leeann says that wherever you go in and around Wesley Chapel these days, you will find new construction. An important Team Sack strategy is always having information about what each of the new home builders are offering, so they know how to market a seller trying to resell an older home in order to be able to compete with all of that new home construction. 

As for Team Sack’s philosophy when working with clients seeking to buy a home, Leeann says, “Competition is always a factor when purchasing a home, especially when inventory is low. Speed is of the essence in order to be able to secure the home of your dreams, and prompt action can make all the difference.” 

Ryan adds, “Whether buying or selling, you need to be educated and Team Sack believes in educating our clients. Potential buyers and sellers want to feel comfortable with the information you provide. Every client will have questions and we are always going to answer the phone and get you through the process.” 

The Right Lender, Too! 

Leeann and Ryan met Patrick about 10 years ago and they have been working together ever since. Patrick started his career working in foreclosures in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. He worked for Bank of America underwriting and processing mortgages in their operations department. Then, about 15 years ago, Patrick decided to start his career as a loan originator. 

Today, Patrick is the branch manager with Great Western Home Loans, a company with 40 years in the business that is headquartered in Texas. His office is located off of W. Kennedy Blvd. Although he is open from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Patrick offers flexible meeting times and provides his mobile number to all of his clients. 

He says that although he is willing to meet with his clients, most of the work in his business these days is done online. He is very proud to say that his is the only Great Western branch in Florida. 

‘Certified Divorce Specialists’ 

Ryan and Leeann call Team Sack, “Certified Divorce Specialists,” because they often help couples going through a divorce who have decided to sell their home. Team Sack is able to work together to help both parties. 

“Each of us will represent one of the people going through the divorce as their Realtor,” says Leeann, “and we also will work with the attorneys. This makes it a seamless process for everyone.” 

Leeann and Ryan say their favorite part of working in real estate is helping their clients achieve one of their goals — whether buying or selling. 

What About This Market? 
(l.-r.) Millie, Patrick, Stacy and Mollie Monteau. Patrick, the branch manager at Great Western Home Loans, works with Team Sack to get you the lowest possible interest rate. (Photo provided by Patrick Monteau) 

Leeann, Ryan and Patrick all agree that whether buying or selling, “You shouldn’t be scared of the current market,” Leeann says. 

Based on the fact that throughout the history of the real estate business, home values always will trend upwards long-term, even though there may be short-term corrections. In other words, “It’s always a good time to purchase a home,” Ryan says, “and when you are ready, please give us a call!” 

He adds, “The local market has stayed strong, but the inventory is still low.” “There is still high demand for homes here.” 

Leeann says Florida has many things to offer and our area “checks a lot of those boxes.” With about 1,200 people relocating to Florida each day, the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area offers small city feel with big city amenities, plus miles of beaches not very far away on one side and Orlando on the other. 

She also notes that one of the big advantages of working with a Realtor who so often partners up with a great mortgage broker (like Patrick) is that, “We can often get you a lower interest rate,” even though rates are definitely higher now than they were even a year ago. 

In fact, the Team Sack/Great Western ad below says that not only can you get a lower interest rate, Ryan and Leeann are currently offering a $500 credit (at closing) towards a buyer’s home inspection fee and Patrick is offering an additional $500 credit towards the buyer’s appraisal fee (also at closing). 

And, $till More Help! 

To help home buyers have an additional edge, Patrick says he will often use what is known in the mortgage business as a “2-1 Buydown.” 

“A 2-1 Buydown lowers the interest rate for the first two years before it rises to the regular and permanent rate,” he says. “The rate is usually 2 percentage points lower the first year and one percentage point lower the second year. This is a great deal for homebuyers, as long as they know they can afford the regular interest rate starting with the third year. 

He adds that this 2-1 Buydown is available when the seller offers money towards the mortgage. “For example,” Patrick says, “you may see an ad where a home price was reduced by $10,000. Instead of reducing the initial price, the seller will contribute $10,000 towards the mortgage and the buyer will receive the lower rate for the first two years. This is a win-win for both the buyer and the seller.” 

He also says, “Programs like this will help get that house sold that may have been sitting on the market for a while. It may also get the buyer to say yes when the hesitation was the interest rate.” 

Patrick also offers additional financial solutions and options to help clients save money in the long run — including Federal Housing Administration (FHA),Veterans Administration (VA), U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), jumbo and Non-Qualified (Non- QM) mortgages. He says it’s this commitment to financial wellness that sets him apart. 

Leeann, Ryan and Patrick not only work together they also vacation together and are good friends. Patrick and his wife Stacy have two little girls — 2-1/2-year-old Millie and Mollie, who is seven months old (photo above). Leeann and Ryan’s son Carter is 12 and attends Cypress Creek Middle School and their daughter Rylee is 9 and attends Quail Hollow Elementary. 

For more information about Team Sack, call Leeann at (813) 351-9599 or Ryan at (813) 351-9598 or email them at info@SellandBuyFL.com. For Patrick Monteau, call (813) 927-7806 or email him at pmonteau@gwloans.com. 

Upcoming Events — ‘Final Friday,’ Two Elected Officials Host Town Halls & More! 

Although the graduation events for both Freedom and Wharton high schools will already have been held by the time this issue reaches your mailbox, we wish all of our graduating seniors success in their future endeavors at the Summer of 2024 officially begins. In the meantime, there are some fun and some informative events on the upcoming docket. 

Thursday, May 30, 5:30 p.m. — New Tampa Community Meeting with Dist. 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera. At the New Tampa Recreation Center (17302 Commerce Park Blvd., Tampa Palms). Join Councilman Viera and learn about the latest developments at City Hall, get some information about the city’s Parks & Recreation Dept. and ask the Councilman your questions. 

Friday, May 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.. — The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) presents “Final Friday.” This free networking event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel (26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.). For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com. 

Friday, May 31, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — R&B Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park. See story below. 

Tuesday, June 4, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — NTBC Business Breakfast with Florida Senator Danny Burgess. At the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch of Pasco Hernando State College (2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel). $25 for NTBC members, $30 for non-members. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com 

Friday, June 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — NTBC Leading Ladies Network with author & motivational speaker Kiera Yore. At Florida Avenue Brewing Co.’s Private Event Room (2029 Arrowgrass Dr., Wesley Chapel). $15 per person. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com. 

Friday, June 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m. — The Market Elaine. At the Village at The Grove, with 150+ vendors, free admission & free parking. For info, visit TheMarketElaine.com. 

Monday, June 10, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. — Town Hall Meeting with Dist. 2 Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan. At the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunter’s Village Rd.). Join Commissioner Hagan for an informative evening of information and an opportunity to ask the Commissioner your questions. 

Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. — Coffee Social at the Sara Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis & Wellness Center (6585 Simons Rd., Zephyrhills), hosted by SVB’s Che Sara restaurant. Free coffee, networking & light bites. 

Saturday, June 29, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. — Jazz Night at The KRATE at The Grove Container Park.

New Tampa’s Red Lobster Closes Prior To Bankruptcy Announcement!

I’ve said it from Day One, but when you’re supposed to be a “fresh” seafood restaurant and the food item people say they love the most at your place are your cheesy fried biscuits, that’s kind of a problem.

Well, the bad news for you Cheddar Bay biscuit lovers is that dozens of Red Lobster restaurants across the U.S., including the location at 17021 Palm Pointe Dr. at The Pointe at Tampa Palms, closed abruptly on May 14, weeks after the announcement that the company was pursuing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the 700+-unit worldwide chain. The local Red Lobster was one of three Tampa Bay-area locations and 20 in Florida that all closed the same day. And, following the closures, published reports say that Red Lobster did formally announce that it had indeed declared bankruptcy on Monday of this week (after we went to press with the May 28 New Tampa issue) —” punctuating a five-year chapter marked by traffic declines, inconsistent sales and dwindling cash. The restructure will result in a leaner company, smaller menu and better capital structure, per a plan laid out in a court filing by CEO Jonathan Tibus.”

Although the restaurant’s popular “Endless Shrimp” promotion was reported as a major reason for the bankruptcy, it’s clear the company had a lot more problems than just too many customers consuming too many free crustaceans.

The good news is that you can still buy the mix to make your favorite biscuits from scratch. They’re also available frozen and ready to bake in most local grocery stores. 

Meanwhile, TJF USA LLC, the parent company of Central Florida-based Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex restaurants, has been acquired by a new ownership group (Flatheads, LLC), but the company concurrently announced that it has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which has resulted in the closing of 11 of its 26 franchise locations (there also are 65 company-owned Tijuana Flats), including the one in New Tampa at 17501 Preserve Walk Ln. in the Highwoods Preserve area, which is already closed (photo). 

The Wesley Chapel Tijuana Flats, located at 27709 S.R. 56, is one of the locations that is remaining open. All of the Tijuana Flats restaurants are located in Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Alabama. 

Also, although we told you way back in our Sept. 19, 2023, New Tampa issue that Potbelly Sandwich Works was taking over the former Oronzo Honest Italian space in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza on BBD, we had no idea at that time how long it would take for Potbelly’s to open in the plaza. 

Well, we now know that the answer is “No time soon.” 

Yours truly was able to stop in at the under-construction location a couple of weeks ago and what I saw was a still-completely-gutted space with a dirt floor. In other words, no remnant of what once was Oronzo remains and even the construction workers at the site (who said they didn’t know and certainly couldn’t speak officially about any projected opening date) said that it would be “months” before Potbelly could possibly be ready to open. I didn’t take any pictures inside, but based on what I saw, it could be until the end of the year before we see the new Potbelly’s opening in that space. 

In the meantime, 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

North Tampa Law Group For Estate Planning & Real Estate Law 

Attorney Brian Arrighi of North Tampa Law Group can help you with real estate transactions, estate planning, probate and more at his North Tampa Law Group office off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel. (Photos by Charmaine George)

Attorney Brian Arrighi helps people with estate planning, probate and real estate transactions at his North Tampa Law Group office, located in the Cypress Glen Professional Park off S.R. 56 (east of I-75) in Wesley Chapel. 

The Tampa Palms resident has served his neighbors in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel for 19 years, helping those who find themselves in need of an attorney for real estate transactions, estate planning and probate issues. 

Brian, the owner of North Tampa Law Group, relocated his firm to its Wesley Chapel location nearly 10 years ago, after originally opening it in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in 2014. 

Brian earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, where he graduated cum laude, and his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mass Communications from the University of Florida in Gainesville. He’s a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar. 

“Our practice involves three areas,” Brian explains, “real estate, estate planning and probate (law).” 

Real estate law includes title closings, title insurance and organizing and overseeing real estate transactions. This includes handling “For Sale by Owner” home sales from contract to closing. 

As an experienced probate attorney, dealing with distribution of property after someone’s death, Brian also understands the complicated issues that might arise related to real estate titles. 

That’s why he says many of his clients are referred to him by local real estate agents, who suggest they hire North Tampa Law Group instead of a title agency for their closings. He says those agents tell him they recommend his firm because it is quick and efficient in dealing with issues found during title searches. 

Brian says, “If something pops up on the title search, we’re able to get on the legal side of it right away, whereas a title agency will send you to hire a lawyer to figure it out. We can usually get the legal work done and still close on time, because we get such a good head start on it.” 

He adds that hiring North Tampa Law Group to handle a real estate closing doesn’t necessarily increase the cost of a transaction without an attorney. 

“Our fees are very competitive compared to a standard title agent,” Brian says. 

In most transactions, the seller is the party who chooses the title agency, and sellers often use whoever their Realtor recommends. But, people are free to choose, so they can let their Realtor know they would like North Tampa Law Group to handle their closing and title insurance. 

“For someone selling their home by owner,” Brian says, “once they obtain the buyer, we provide the contract and forms and take it from there. We handle everything and oversee it all the way to closing.” 

James is a local resident who had a great experience using North Tampa Law Group for a real estate closing — selling a townhouse in Zephyrhills. 

“The process couldn’t have been made simpler for us and we are thrilled with their service,” James says, explaining that the communication with North Tampa Law Group throughout the process also was outstanding. 

“Based on our experience,” he adds, “I would definitely use them again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others.” 

Estate Planning & Probate 

In addition to handling real estate closings, North Tampa Law Group also helps clients with estate planning, such as wills, trusts and the transfer of wealth and assets to loved ones after a death. Brian says he has something of a specialty helping people set up their estates so they can protect their minor children from outside influences and adults from making poor decisions. He works with individuals to set up trusts for health care, living expenses and smaller disbursements, rather than lump-sum payouts, if that’s what the client wants. 

One thing Brian emphasizes is that each client’s individual circumstances are unique, so he helps to arrange documents in whatever way is best for each person’s particular situation. 

Even for those who don’t know where to start with an estate plan, North Tampa Law Group can help. 

“If people aren’t sure what they want,” Brian says, “we can sit down, do a consultation and listen to their objectives — how they want their estate distributed, and what it will consist of. Then, we go over their options and give recommendations for what type of trust or plan will be specific to that individual’s needs.” 

He says that many clients are relieved to find out the estate planning process was not as expensive or as difficult as they thought it would be. 

Most services are offered at a flat rate. At the initial consultation, Brian will go over your options and fee structures. Then, you will have the choice of whether or not to move forward with the services. 

And, while proper estate planning prepares for the management of your assets and determines how to efficiently distribute those assets to your loved ones when you pass away, a lack of estate planning could cause confusion that leads to a potentially lengthy and expensive court process known as “probate.” 

When probate is necessary — for example, for those who have recently lost someone and find themselves needing the court to sort through any issues — Brian is experienced in that process. 

Consultations for real estate, estate planning and probate can all be done in person at North Tampa Law Group’s office, although Brian also offers phone consultations for those who prefer them. 

“Some things are easier to understand in person,” he says, “and it’s really important for people to know all the differences between everything I’m explaining. But, if a client prefers a phone call, I’m still happy to do that.” 

North Tampa Law Group is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102. For more information, visit NorthTampaLawGroup.com, or make an appointment for a free initial consultation by calling (813) 518-7411.