New Tampa Archives — Page 79 of 130

New Tampa’s ‘No-Name’ Storm Opens Hurricane Season With A Bang!

When the 2023 hurricane season officially kicked off in Florida on June 1, the residents of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel had no idea how long it would be before — or even if — a major named storm would roll through our area.

But, on June 4, although the storm had no name and was essentially localized in our area and just to the east of our communities, residents in Hunter’s Green, Cross Creek and Heritage Isles all reported major damage from 60+ mph winds, heavy rain and even hail that blew through our area.

After Tampa City Councilman and Hunter’s Green resident Luis Viera (Photo, left) posted a video of the damage the storm caused in his community, a number of New Tampa residents responded to our request on our Facebook page for photos of the storm damage.

So, if you think just because we’ve gotten lucky in years past that our area will never be evacuated and will always escape major damage this hurricane season check out the incredible reader-provided pictures.

Uprooted trees, 60 mph winds, accumulations of hail, relatively brief, but heavy rains, named storms and possible tornadic activity isn’t unusual anywhere in Florida once hurricane season begins on June 1 each year, but on June 4 of this year, the New Tampa area got pounded by such a storm that was too brief and didn’t originate over water to be given an A-Z moniker.

Even so, the no-name storm that was pretty much localized to New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O’Lakes, San Antonio and Zephyrhills that day did lots of damage and definitely made folks in our area recognize that hurricane season had indeed begun.

*Photo above provided by Luis Viera on Facebook*

During the storm, which took place as District 7 Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera was returning to his home in Hunter’s Green, dozens of tree limbs were knocked down in not only Viera’s home community, but also in Cross Creek, Heritage Isles and Cory Lake Isles. Viera, seeing just a small portion of the devastation, took to his Facebook page to tell people to keep an eye out for downed power lines, trees that had actually hit homes and any other major damage that would result in the need for fire rescue officials to visit and lend their usual helping hand.

“I’ve never seen anything like that here,” Viera said afterward. “It was just so quick and powerful and I feel very fortunate that, as far as I know, no one was hurt or killed.”

Viera also said that he did see some people working together to try to lift a downed tree and firefighters from Tampa Fire Rescue Station Nos. 21, 23 and 24 were definitely called out or at least on alert throughout the storm.

Once I saw Viera’s plea online, I made one of my own, asking our Facebook followers to share photos of the damage they saw and several of them responded with the impressive photos on these pages.

Some asked that we not use their names in the story that I said I would write for this issue. Others didn’t mind either way, so only those photographers will be identified. I do, however, want to thank everyone who contributed.

Hopefully, more of us will take this year’s hurricane season a little more seriously. Get your preparedness kit together now and please evacuate in the unlikely event you are told to do so.

Need Window Treatments? Chris & Megan Taylor Have Gotcha Covered!

Windows bring light and air into our homes, stores, offices, and indoor facilities. In most cases, our windows need some type of window treatment — options to cover them after dark and for privacy. Whether you need something simple versus something statement-making, or you need motorization, insulation, or darkening, Gotcha Covered of North Tampa has “gotcha covered.”

Available window treatments include hard options, such as blinds and shutters, and soft options, such as shades, draperies and curtains.

Gotcha Covered of North Tampa owners Chris and Megan Taylor pride themselves on offering an extensive selection of window treatments. The company has more than a dozen different types of blinds, including traditional aluminum and vertical blinds, but also stylish honeycomb and S-curve blinds as well as newer cordless and insulating blinds. There also are 11 types of shades, including exterior patio shades, banded or zebra shades, woven bamboo shades and sunscreens (or roller shades).

Also available are four different types of shutters, from wood and wood composite to Polycore (a PVC plastic polymer base with aluminum core) and vinyl, and a variety of drapery and curtain options and all window treatments are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.

For each different type of window treatment, you can add motorization and “smart home” options that will allow you to open and close them with a remote or an app for your smart phone, or even set a schedule based on a timer or sun sensor.

Want to go cordless or add insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency? Gotcha Covered can handle all of that for you, too.

Meet Chris & Megan

With so many options, where do you start? Whether you’re ready to bring your own ideas to life — or you just want help from the get-go — just contact Chris, your design consultant. It’s easy to make an appointment by phone or with only a few quick clicks on the company’s website.

At Gotcha Covered of North Tampa, you will work with Chris every step of the way. Although virtual appointments are available, Chris suggests that your first meeting with him should be in your own home.

“You can’t really design window treatments for your home (or office) online,” Chris says. “You need to see them against your walls. I always say that we should come to you. Our customers never have to leave the comfort of their couches. We can take measurements, show samples and give other recommendations based on seeing the design and décor of your home.”

Chris has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and commercial and residential building materials. He earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marketing from Miami University in Oxford, OH, in 2002 and has worked for CertainTeed and Saint-Gobain, which make interior and exterior building and construction materials for North American and global markets. Chris’ wife and business partner, Megan, brings her background in pharmaceutical sales to the business.

Originally from the Midwest, Chris and Megan have lived in Wesley Chapel since 2020. They have three children, five-year-old Jackson, George (age 3), and 10-month-old Penelope, and they have a fourth little one on the way. The Taylors love exploring the amusement parks and beaches across Florida with their kids.

Family is important to Chris and Megan, so when they decided to go into business together, their shared vision was to be able to provide personalized service. Chris says that Gotcha Covered offered the right mix of having a wide selection and cutting-edge, quality materials with a boutique selling experience.

“Since we have locations across the country, we’ve developed great relationships with our vendors and have strong buying power,” Chris says. “We also have a tech-forward platform that creates a seamless buying experience.”

He adds, “At the same time, we make it easy to work with us. We believe in making clients for life and will help you with expert recommendations and planning within your budget.”

Chris notes that Gotcha Covered of North Tampa’s top sellers include roller shades, cellular or honeycomb shades and blinds, and motorized shades and blinds.

Reginald Summers recently worked with Chris to install motorized blinds throughout his home. “After (some) planning and placing orders, everything is finally together and I am very pleased with the final products,” Reginald says. “Good quality and (everything) looks very good in my home. I have gotten many compliments about the work.”

Another recent customer, Nicole Levy, purchased honeycomb shades for her home, and she highly recommends working with Chris and Gotcha Covered of North Tampa. “Chris came out to provide a quote and suggestions and was super helpful throughout the process,” she says. “[There was] a wide selection of blinds to choose from and we could not be more happy with the final product! From choosing the product to installation, Chris made the entire process quick and easy!”

Chris adds that another specialty of his business is providing treatment options for oversized windows.

“As homes get larger, windows get bigger, and not everyone offers single window treatments for these big windows,” he says. “When you have to do two roller shades instead of one on a large window, it changes the aesthetic. Most people love to have that clean look of just one roller shade.”

Gotcha Covered has 158 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with 27 locations in Florida. The company offers commercial and residential window treatments for interior and exterior windows. The North Tampa location is based in Wesley Chapel, but also serves the surrounding areas of New Tampa, Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills and San Antonio.

To schedule a free design consultation at your home or office, or virtually, with Gotcha Covered of North Tampa, call (813) 576-2740 visit GotchaCovered.com/north-tampa.

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Noire Nail Bar, Your Peaceful Nail Oasis, Has Added Eyelash Extensions

As soon as you walk into Noire Nail Bar of Wesley Chapel, your stresses will begin to melt away. Looking at the massive nail polish wall and the opulent, yet cozy, seating areas for manicures and separated pedicure “pods” just puts your mind at ease.

Noire Nail Bar first opened its doors in 2018 on the north side of S.R. 56, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets, next to Mellow Mushroom. Owned by John and Vanessa Nguyen, the salon now has 18 employees to perform manicures, pedicures and a number of spa treatments.

*Entire families can enjoy their pedicures together separated from other Noire customers.*

The salon offers several packages beyond the basic manicure and spa pedicure, including sports spa, citrus, milk & honey and organic spa treatments. There is even a luxury six-step collagen pedicure to rejuvenate and moisture your feet. Hot stone and hot candle wax massages can be added to any pedicure as well. Need some waxing done as well? The salon offers waxing of eyebrows, upper lip, legs, arms, Brazilian and just about everywhere else. And recently, Noire also added eyelash extensions.

All guests are given a complimentary glass of water, soda, or wine to enjoy. Technicians follow rigorous sanitization protocols, using buffers, files and paraffin wax only once before discarding them, to ensure a safe and clean experience.

*Many men visit Noire Nail Bar for manicures and pedicures.* *Pedicures also include relaxing foot massages.*

Noire Nail Bar is very family- and group-friendly. The salon offers special manicures, pedicures, nail polishing and nail designs for children under age 10. And yes, men are always welcome, too.

Also, the layout of the salon with the manicure and pedicure areas separated and the pedicure chairs in small groups that face each other adds privacy from other customers and makes it easy to enjoy with family and friends.

John, who first learned about this industry from his sister, who operated a different nail salon 10 years ago, has first-hand experience with doing nails and spa treatments, but now has stepped back to focus on running the salon.

Even so, he is very hands-on and will often answer the phone or greet customers walking into the salon himself.

“I used to do nails for customers myself, but now I am busy as a manager and running the business,” John says. “But, my experience helps me understand all the salon operations from beginning to end.”

John knows the business well, but is still hard-pressed to give you an answer when you ask him what the best and/or most popular services are at Noire.

“Everything we do is good,” he says. “When it comes to nails, we do all types — acrylic, gel, dip powder, ombré and nail designs. If you show us a picture of something you want, we can do it for you — weddings, proms, daily wear, or for any occasion.”

*You can get this birthday cake nail design, or literally just about any design you can think of, at Noire.*

Looking at pictures on the salon’s website and Instagram, it’s hard not to agree with him. You can find dozens of designs by Amy, Rachael, Helen, and the other salon technicians, including holiday- themed, dipping and chrome powder and even rhinestone-enhanced designs.

Customers share John’s sentiment that Noire’s technicians deliver picture-perfect work. “TL is wonderful!,” shares customer Cindy Baldwin. “She does a very nice, clean pedicure with a nice massage. Besides being very precise with your nail choice, if you want any art work, she is your girl! Any picture I have shown her she has duplicated to perfection! Another one of my choices in this salon is Vee — best pedicures ever!”

Kim Willis says she had a great first visit at Noire. “First visit for a fill at Noire with Amy,” she says. “Everything was perfect from start to finish! Amy not only did a beautiful job but did it quickly, so I didn’t have to spend half my Saturday morning at the nail salon. So happy I decided to come here! I will be back and I will be recommending Noire and Amy to everyone.”

Noire Nail Bar recommends appointments to ensure a leisurely experience, but walk-ins are always welcome. Readers of the Neighborhood News can receive 10% off all services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays by bringing the ad on page 36 of this issue with them to the salon, or by mentioning the ad when they check in.

Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd in Lutz, and is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

To make an appointment, call (813) 536-0161. Be sure to visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel.com or follow @noirenailbar_wesleychapel on Instagram to see a wide array of possible nail designs.

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Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli Co.To Open Wednesday!

Zio’s owners Jeff Cofini (left) & Nick Cignarella.

Mark your calendars now because on Wednesday morning, June 21, Jeff Cofini & Nick Cignarella are excited to welcome you to Zio’s New York Bagel & Deli Co. in the Pebble Creek Collection at 19651 BBD Blvd. Pick up a dozen bagels or try the authentic fried egg, bacon & cheese bagel sandwiches! Great Gavina gourmet coffee, plus freshly sliced Boar’s Head meats & cheeses & more, too!

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Minerva Is Still Our Area’s Favorite Indian Restaurant!

Since it first opened in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center shopping plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (only a mile or so south of the Pasco County line) in 2016, Minerva Indian Restaurant has been among our readers’ favorites every year. In fact, even though our 2022 Reader Dining Survey was the first year we gave “Indian Restaurants” their own category, not only did Minerva dominate the voting this year, it also has received the most votes for “Favorite Restaurant in New Tampa” of any Indian restaurant in New Tampa between 2017 and 2022.

And, for good reason. Not only do Minerva owners Venkat Reddy and his wife Amrutha offer a huge menu (with more than 200 different food items), including North India, South India and Indo-Chinese favorites, they also feature one of the largest Indian lunch buffets in the Tampa Bay area, with about three dozen total items.

So, What Are Our Favorites?

Long-time readers of the Neighborhood News know that Indian food has never been at the top of my list of favorite cuisine types, although I have expanded my horizons enough to have multiple favorites at Minerva. And, the good news is that photographer Charmaine George enjoys Indian food more than I do, so we were able to sample quite a few options during our recent visits.

*Among our editor’s favorites from Minerva’s buffet are the Tandoori chicken, the Hakka veg chowmein and the vegetable spring rolls and samosas.*

Of course, the Minerva lunch buffet is a an affordable place to start for those who aren’t sure what Indian appetizers and entrées they’ll like best and it includes everything from naan breads to vegetable samosas (deep-fried veggie “pies” stuffed with potatoes and veggies) and veggie spring rolls (very much like Chinese or even Thai-style), plus entrées like butter chicken, Tandoori chicken (one of Minerva’s variety of meats cooked in a clay Tandoor oven), chicken tikka masala, goat curry and multiple biryani (rice) dishes, as well as desserts. I couldn’t possibly name and didn’t sample all 35+ items (40+ on weekends) on the buffet, but all I can say is that it’s super-popular and available seven days a week between 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Also available on the buffet are some of Minerva’s Indo-Chinese dishes, including the Hakka veg chowmein (with lo mein-style soft noodles) and veggie fried rice, although I also really liked the full order of chicken Indo-Chinese fried rice I got on another visit.

*This garlic naan is one of ten Naan breads on Minerva’s extensive menu.*

One of mine and Charmaine’s absolute favorites was the garlic naan bread, one of about ten different naans — from butter to onion to spicy chilli — and 20 or so total bread options at Minerva.

Charmaine and I also sampled three different long-grain biryani rice dishes — goat, chicken and veggie. We agreed that the biryanis themselves aren’t as spicy as we’ve had at some other Indian restaurants, but when goat or chicken is added, the biryani does take on a spicier flavor.

Among the other dishes we tried were the tandoori lamb chops, always one of my favorite dishes at any Indian restaurant. Also available are Tandoori goat chops, lamb shish kababs, chicken shish kabobs, and chicken on the bone or boneless, as well as a mixed grill of lamb and chicken kababs. These dishes are all served fajita-style on a sizzling plate, with peppers and onions.

Charmaine and I also wanted to try a South Indian specialty, so Amrutha suggested we try the Upma, which is a traditional breakfast dish made with semolina, vegetables, peanuts, onion, chillis and ginger. It has a delicate flavor and a consistency that most reminds me of corned beef hash, but without meat.

And, although there are probably still 200+ items on Minerva’s menu we haven’t yet sampled, Charmaine and I both look forward to trying the soups (e.g., the Minerva Special chicken soup and hot-&-sour soup), the North Indian paneer paratha (wheat bread stuffed with cheese), and perhaps one of Minerva’s shrimp or fish dishes, including ginger fish or shrimp, vindaloo (curried with potatoes) or tikka masala (in a creamy sauce).

And yes, we both also enjoyed the gulab jamoon dessert, which is basically Indian-style donuts served in a sugar syrup.

Minerva also offers a great variety of traditional Indian drinks (mango lassi, coconut water and more), as well as the best selection of Indian beers you’ll find anywhere. These Indian beers, like Taj Majal, King Fisher and Hunter, as well as red and white house wines (although there is a nice variety of other wines, too) are all just $1 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Speaking of specials, there are a lot of them, including BOGO buffet and entrée deals, and Minerva’s Biryani Special. On Thursdays and Sundays (only), all biryani dishes (usually $12.95-$16.95) are only $10 each all day. There also are a number of Value Meals, enough to serve 2-3 people, for $19.95-$27.95, on the last page of Minerva’s menu. Minerva Indian Restaurant (19050 BBD) is open every day for lunch & dinner. For more info, call (813) 978-8586 or visit MinervaTampa.com.

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