(L.-r.) Current Clark Elementary AP Kelly Wackes, former AP Nicole Libby, former principal Gaye Holt , former principal Paulette English , current principal Dr. Delilah Rabeiro, charter principal Valerie Orihuela, former AP Mary Frances Ledo and former principal Brenda Griffin were all on hand for the 25th anniversary celebration for the third public elementary school to open in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code. (Photos by Charmaine George)
Congratulations to Clark Elementary, the third elementary school (preceded by Tampa Palms and Hunter’s Green elementaries) and fifth public school overall (also already open were both Wharton High and Benito Middle School) to celebrate a quarter of a century of learning in New Tampa’s 33647 zip code.
Harold H. Clark, former HCPS Deputy Superintendent Cathy Valdez and Clark Elementary charter principal Valerie Orihuela.
Current and past members of the Clark family were on hand for the event on Apr. 5, as were members of the family of Harold H. Clark, the former Assistant Superintendent of Supportive Services of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for whom the school was named. In attendance from Mr. Clark’s family were his two daughters — Harollyn Johnson and Karin Childs — and his granddaughters Rondalyn Morgan & Ashlyn Johnson.
But, the big surprise of the festivities was the fact that Mr. Clark himself, who will turn 95 in June, was on hand — and thrilled — to join his family in attendance at the event.
The celebration also was attended by current School Board chair Karen Perez and vice chair Jessica Vaughn. Representing HCPS superintendent Van Ayres’ cabinet were chief of innovation & strategic planning Marcos Murillo, Regional Superintendent for Area 3 Schools Catherine “Missy” Lennard and Regional Superintendent for Area 1 Schools Kristin Tonelli.
The event honored many of the original charter faculty and staff members from 1998, as well as, of course, Mr. Clark.
“We are honored to have Mr. Clark here and proud to celebrate all of the accomplishments of Clark Elementary,” said current Clark principal Dr. Delilah Rabeiro. “The evening before this event, we were named a School of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education, so this is excellent timing.”
The Freedom High marching band was among the musical groups that performed during the celebration.
The food was provided by Wharton High’s culinary students, led by culinary instructor John Rosko. Also taking part in the celebration were the Freedom High marching band, led by band director Travis Ando; the Freedom High Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), led by Lt. Commander Pettis Sims; the Liberty Middle School Jazz Band, led by Dustin Huston; the Liberty Digital Team led by Daisy Questell. Clark’s chorus and the “Mighty Mighty Clarktones” also performed. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Clark’s NEHS President Vihaan Tyagi; the National Anthem was sung by music teachers Jennifer and Sean Moats and their son, Clark student, Bennett Moats. The Masters of Ceremonies were our Media Specialist Erik Fassel and first grade teacher Tracy Wood.Â
The Clark Cougar and current Clark principal Dr. Delilah Rabeiro.Â
Four former Clark students spoke — John Pease (Class of 2010), Amiya Gupta (Class of 2013), Vaidehi Tyagi (Class of 2019) and Madison Bahs (Class of 2021). It was special to hear from former students share their experiences and of what it meant to them to have been a Cougar.
Charter principal Valerie Orihuela, who opened Clark in 1999, dedicated her career to HCPS for 38 years and created the school’s iconic slogan: “We’re Making Our Mark at Clark.”
Mr. Clark, who retired at age 80, was a true trailblazer who worked to provide equal access to quality education for all children. He was a principal at Just Jr. High and at Blake High, an Area Director and Assistant Superintendent. He also helped with the formation of the Hillsborough Education Foundation in 1987-88.Â
Many charter Clark Elementary students returned for the event!Â
Both Azteca D’Oro in the Shops at Wiregrass (see ad below) and the two Don Julio’s locations (see ad below) will host huge celebrations — with mariachis, food & drink specials and more — for Cinco de Mayo on Saturday the 4th, and the celebrations also will continue on Sunday, the 5th, at both Don Julio’s locations.
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Dr. Shahida Choudhry (front & center) and her knowledgeable, friendly, professional staff at Palms Pharmacy in The Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms invite you to experience the difference between a true neighorhood pharmacy and the big chain stores. (Photo by Charmaine George)Â
When Shahida Choudhry, Pharm.D., founded her Palms Pharmacy in 2016 in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, she already had a decade of Publix pharmacy experience under her belt and knew exactly what she did and didn’t want her independent pharmacy to be.
What Dr. Choudhry didn’t want was to just fill prescriptions; her goal was to bring back the welcoming vibe of the old-school neighborhood pharmacy. At Palms Pharmacy, it’s not just about getting your meds — it’s about being part of a community where the employees know your name and the prescriptions you need because you’re a familiar face, not just another line item. Since Palms Pharmacy first opened eight years ago, Dr. Choudhry’s team has grown to a total of 16 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
“My vision was to give back to the community and help our patients,” Dr. Choudhry explains. “We’re focused on your overall wellness and helping you get off medications that you might be able to replace with natural supplements.”
She adds, however, that she will never tell you to stop taking a medication your doctor has prescribed for you. Instead, she will make suggestions to bring back to your doctor if she thinks that there is a better way to achieve the same goal. “This is a passion project of mine that’s evolved over the years,” she says.
A proud alumnus of Long Island University (LIU) in Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Choudhry earned both her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees from LIU.
Her Palms Pharmacy offers personalized, on-site compounding services, creating primary care provider-prescribed creams, topicals, mouthwashes, etc., while outsourcing items like semaglutide for weight loss to trusted, high-quality sterile pharmacies.
“We make sure that your compounded medications are affordable,” she says. “Compounding is important, and we want to ensure that you have access to the meds you need.”
In addition to those meds are Palms Pharmacy’s private-label supplements (photo on next page), available both in-store and online at Shop.ThePalmsPharmacy.com. Among the many supplements are a variety created to help kids with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).Â
“We have a lot of parents who have told us the ADHD supplements have really helped their children,” Dr. Choudhry says. “It’s important to know that helpful supplements like these are available.”Â
Independent, But Not Alone
Dr. Choudhry is proud of her relationships with other independent pharmacy owners, not just here in the Tampa Bay area, but across the country, as a brand ambassador for independent Health Mart pharmacies.
Speaking of independent pharmacies, Palms Pharmacy has been nominated for the 2024 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year. There are more than 5,000 independent and locally owned neighborhood pharmacies allied together under the Health Mart banner. In order to win the award — which will be announced at the McKesson ideaShare convention in New Orleans, LA, in June, a Health Mart pharmacy has to be judged to have best-in-class clinical practices, be an outstanding Health Mart brand ambassador, be a community leader and independent pharmacy advocate and exhibit excellent financial performance.
The Health Mart franchise is owned by Health Mart Systems, Inc., which is part of McKesson Corporation.
Additionally, Dr. Choudhry was named number six among the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy by the Pharmacy Podcast Network, as voted on by her peers.
“It’s a North American recognition,” she says. “It’s my third year in a row of being in the top 10. It’s an honor, and I think it’s pretty crazy that my peers have voted for me.”
Dr. Choudhry, who also is often a presenter or featured speaker at many pharmacy conventions, was recently in Washington, D.C., fighting for pharmacy benefit reform, to help pharmacists become recognized as health care providers and help get new Medicare reform laws passed.
“We’re just trying to make some kind of positive changes,” she says.
Wellness Now! Telehealth Care
In an expansion of her commitment to her patients, Palms Pharmacy is now partnering with Wellness Now! to provide telehealth care appointments to help patients with a variety of needs. However, Dr. Choudhry says Wellness Now! is starting by offering patients interested in weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) that their primary care physicians won’t prescribe (usually due to insurance restrictions), to be able to have telehealth appointments with licensed nurse practitioners who are able to prescribe these medications. Then, Palms Pharmacy is happy to fill those prescriptions for you.
Dr. Choudhry says that when the coupons for affordable Wegovy and Mounjaro were pulled two years ago, many patients were left unable to afford their prescriptions. She decided to find other ways to get these meds.
“We’re giving patients another option and it’s very important that the prescriptions are affordable,” she says. “We found options for them starting at $100 per month. Wellness Now! is a great option for patients.”
The licensed nurse practitioners evaluate each patient’s medical history and future goals to determine the best course of treatment for their personalized health care plans. If deemed appropriate, patients will receive a prescription to help facilitate weight loss — compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide options.
Also coming soon to Wellness Now! are Men’s Health appointments, with the intention of increasing testosterone naturally. “This is a different approach than just throwing testosterone at patients,” she says. “We have to find the root cause of why the testosterone is dropping. We’re also going to offer erectile dysfunction (ED) compounded medications that are more natural, not just the blue pill.”
In addition, Wellness Now! also will offer dermatological telehealth appointments and Dr. Choudhry says she will soon be making an exciting announcement about them.
Locally-Sourced Retail &Â Outstanding ReviewsÂ
In addition to over-the-counter medications and a huge selection of natural supplements that she is happy to describe for Palms Pharmacy customers, Dr. Choudhry also hand-curates a selection of unique gift items. These include whimsical cotton candy and marshmallow candies and other sweets and snacks, as well as locally-made soaps, candles and natural local honey. She regularly attends natural product expos to source new products and collaborates with local independent creators. And, her prices are always competitive with, if not less expensive than, what you’ll find in a large chain store.
“People think a small, independent pharmacy is more expensive, but it’s really not,” she says. “We really want to be competitive. We’re like a hidden gem.”
Her customers and patients agree. In one of more than 400 5-star Google reviews, customer Kimber B. highlights some unique findings in her Google review:
“Excellent service. The pharmacist is very knowledgeable and helpful. The staff is polite and attentive. The retail items are great quality and yes, I’m a sucker for the cotton candy.”
Another customer, Deborah B., expresses her appreciation for the exceptional service she has received in her 5-star review: “They are efficient, friendly, and so helpful. Our pediatrician recommended them to us, and we drive across town because of the quality customer service and efficiency of this pharmacy.”
Anniversary Celebration April 19
On Friday, April 19, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Palms Pharmacy is throwing an 8th anniversary bash with a food truck providing free food. Attendees can snag tons of freebies and great giveaways. “I just love what I do,” gushes Dr. Choudhry. “Do you have days when you don’t want to go to work? That’s not me. I absolutely love my job!”
When not at the pharmacy, this dynamic Wesley Chapel resident, her husband Irfan, her son Eisa and her daughter Sarina love to travel.
Palms Pharmacy (17008 Palm Pointe Dr.) is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (813) 252-9063 or text the secure text-only line: (727) 513-3210. For more information, see the Wellness Now! or visit ThePalmsPharmacy.com.Â
Get ready for an exhilarating blend of southern charm, high-stakes excitement and philanthropic fervor as the Tampa Derby Day + Casino Night Fundraiser returns for its third annual edition.Â
Hosted this year at The Venetian Event Center on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, this Kentucky Derby-themed extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience, seamlessly blending the glamour of the races with the thrill of casino-style gambling.
Before the sun sets on May 4, guests will step into an atmosphere buzzing with excitement. This highly anticipated event has sold out each year, becoming a staple on Tampa’s social calendar. This enchanted evening kicks off at 3 p.m., offering a unique fusion of sophistication and entertainment until 8 p.m.
The Venetian Event Center at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church will set the stage for a night of elegance and celebration. A haven for bow ties and big hats, the venue echoes the grandeur of the Kentucky Derby itself. This will be the first year that this event is held in New Tampa.
Event Highlights:
• Premium Entertainment: Saxophonist Manzell Bledsoe headlines the event.
• Gaming Excitement: Casino-style gaming will elevate the stakes.
• Culinary Delights: From 3 p.m.- 5 p.m., guests will indulge in complimentary premium food and non-alcoholic beverages, setting the stage for an evening of refined enjoyment.
• Race Day Thrills: Experience the heart-pounding moments of the “most exciting two minutes in sports” with real-time viewings of the Kentucky Derby.
• Philanthropic Impact: All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering local youth through a variety of programs, including the Kappa Leadership & Development League for young males ages 12-18, scholarship, education and outreach programs.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: The Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation invites businesses to align their brand with this noble cause.
This is an affair of style and sophistication. Attendees are urged to leave casual attire at home. The event dress code requires a step-up from jeans and tees, embracing a more refined elegance.
So, don your best Derby hats and attire, fasten those fascinators, and be part of an event that transcends entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
For sponsorship details and ticket info, visit TampaDerbyDay.com or see the ad above.Â
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.
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.
With sadness we announce the upcoming closure of our Island Fin Poke location in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel on Tuesday April 30.
Our leased space is up for renewal, pushing us to a decision point. After careful consideration, we are choosing to finally slow down a bit, travel and enjoy our grandchildren.
We will miss our amazing team of young people, the opportunities to meet so many wonderful people in this great community, and offering delicious and healthy food on a daily basis.
Thank you for your support and we hope you will come by for a poke bowl or Dole Whip so we can personally thank you. — Jeff and Brenda Sproat, Owners
Also, although Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery (in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, off BBD, next to Cali Tampa Palms) owners Marissa and Justin Dewdney had not yet made any formal announcement as to when their business would close, they did confirm to the Neighborhood News that it was closing. Marissa said that although they had decided to close the cupcakery, “We are still open and ready to serve our community fresh baked cupcakes like we have been for the past six years.”
I, for one, will be sad when Smallcakes does close its doors for good. The icing on those super-moist cupcakes is the best I’ve had in the area.Â
And finally, although we told you way back in our Sept. 19, 2023, New Tampa issue that Potbelly Sandwich Works was taking over the former Oronzo space in The Walk at Highwoods Preserve plaza on BBD, we had no idea at that time how long it would take for Potbelly 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 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 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 opening in that space.
In the meantime, feel free to visit the Potbelly Sandwich Works at 4738 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. (near Raymond James Stadium) or the 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
