When you visit Bagels of WC, say hi to (l.-r.) Cheyanne, Liani, David, Sierra, Linda & Wayne.
You may have heard that Linda Henry (you may remember her last name as Carr, however) is back at her former location in the Freedom Plaza at 30032 S.R. 54, which is now called Bagels of Wesley Chapel (WC).
The former owner of Bagelicious & More in the same location is happy to bring a renewed energy, revitalized interior and especially, house-made bagels that are now boiled before they are baked.
“Do you see how big and fluffy the bagels are now?,” Linda asked as I enjoyed my over-easy eggs, crispy bacon and equally crispy homefries (above left) with a toasted poppy seed bagel (that actually came with the breakfast and was indeed bigger and fluffier than I remembered), all for just $8.95!
Charmaine also raved about her chicken salad melt with provolone cheese and fresh tomato on a hashbrown bagel (bottom), served with a side of pasta salad (or fries, potato salad or, for $1 more, a bag of chips).
This was actually my second visit to the new Bagels of WC, where Linda now has pretty much her entire family working (top photo). On my first visit, I had an equally tasty bacon, egg & cheese on a toasted, scooped-out sesame bagel (for just $6.49!).
Bagels of WC, which features more than a dozen varieties of fresh bagels (for only $14.99 for a Baker’s Dozen of 13; or $21.99 with two 8-oz. tubs of spreads) also serves omelettes, a selection of deli sandwiches and lots of smiles.
Bagels of WC is open every day, 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For info, call (813) 575-8300 (DoorDash delivery is available) & tell Linda we sent you.”—GN
Ziggi’s Coffee Drive-Thru has updated its permit application, which previously announced that the growing coffee chain was going to open on Mansfield Blvd.
But, new plans now show that Ziggi’s will instead open on Hueland Pond Blvd., just south of S.R. 56 and the 76 gas station and Daybreak Market (see map, left).
The new permit application announcing this different location was just submitted last month. Preliminary site engineering plans have been submitted for Pasco County’s review, which say:
“The project proposes the development of a new 1,800+/- sq. ft. coffee shop with a drive through, associated parking and drainage improvements.”
Ziggi’s Coffee currently has about 100 locations in 18 U.S. states, but only one other location — in St. Augustine — currently open in Florida . The company is in a rapid growth phase, however, with more than 200 additional Ziggi’s Coffee locations now in development. For more info, visit ZiggisCoffee.com. — Joel Provenzano & GN
Our friends at BayCare Wesley Chapel (WC) Hospital (4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.) continue to engage the community so that as many people as possible can get to know the nearly three-year-old, 86-bed hospital.
On Oct. 6, BayCare WC Chaplain Reid Isenhart (at left in top photo) hosted a Pet Blessing event, in honor of the Feast Day for the Catholic Patron Saint of the animals, St. Francis of Assisi. “We always strive to set high standards for compassionate care for people, Chaplin Reid said, “but we also like to recognize the gift of our animals, including the therapy animals who come to the hospital.”
With nearly two dozen animals in attendance — including two young piglets, a chicken and a bunny brought by “Connected City” resident Michael Pultorak (left) — Chaplain Reid said, “Research shows that pet owners consider their pets to be full family members. Today, we also have animals who assist us not just emotionally, but also with sight and sound and to recognize seizures and even cancer, so we bless them all.”
Then on Oct. 15, BayCare WC hosted a North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social (photo, right), where the hospital’s director of operations Bill Sedey gave attendees more info about the hospital: “This hospital features a 20-bed emergency room, a 12-bed intensive care unit, helipad for transporting critical patients, all private rooms and a great partnership with the under-construction YMCA next door.” Other hospital staffers also made presentations about BayCare WC’s imaging center, staffing and more.
Rendering of the resort-style pool at the under-construction Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch apartments. (Rendering from ThirdLakeDevelopment.com)
It seems that there’s never a shortage of news coming out of Wiregrass Ranch these days, so we always try to check in with developer JD Porter and his development right hand man, Scott Sheridan, the chief operating officer of Locust Branch, LLC, to get the latest news.
After all, the 5,000-acre Wiregrass Ranch already has The Shops at Wiregrass mall, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hospital, the Porter Campus of Pasco Hernando State College, more than 3,000 single-family homes (and townhomes) and 1,400 rental apartment units.
Wiregrass Ranch also is home to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, The Beach House assisted living community, Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS), Moffitt Cancer Center and North Tampa Behavioral Health, and coming soon are the Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital, two Orlando Health-owned medical office buildings totalling 150,000 sq. ft., a PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital and two additional medical office buildings that Wiregrass Ranch will develop in partnership with Flagship Healthcare Properties, and what Porter says will one day be Wesley Chapel’s true downtown — The Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch.
Publix could soon begin building its new location east of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. earlier this year. Map locations: 1-Chili’s, 2-Chase Bank, 3-Bank of Amer., 4-Advance Auto Parts, 5-Sweet Nail Spa, Mathnasium, Pizza Hut & Starbucks (Map from Publix plans submitted to Pasco County, modified by NN).
One of the big things people keep asking me (and online) is about the new Publix planned for the east side of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., just north and east of Walmart (see map above left) on a 9.5-acre site appraised at $3.97 million.
Of that 48,848-sq.-ft. Publix (with a 2,100-sq.-ft. liquor store), which is being built in front of the newest apartment community — Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch — the main thing most people want to know is whether or not the opening of that new Publix will cause the existing store in the Hollybrook Plaza (less than a half-mile away) to close. Neither Sheridan nor Porter would address that question directly, but Sheridan says, “Final permitting [of the new Publix] is under way now, and I expect them to break ground by early next year. We have no direct knowledge of [Publix’s] intent to close the old store when they build the new one.” The site plan for the new Publix shows its main entrance lining up directly opposite the northern entrance to Walmart.
Although most people appear to agree that it seems a little crazy to have two Publixes located so close to each other, we have heard some online chatter that says the Hollybrook Publix will definitely close, while others say that it definitely won’t close. Without confirmation either way from Publix or the Wiregrass Ranch team, it seems ludicrous to me to speculate either way.
But, speaking of Publix, Porter did mention the possibility of another link in the Lakeland-based supermarket chain coming to the area near the new FCS building on S.R. 56, but Sheridan cautioned that although he had seen a post on Facebook that a preapplication meeting had been scheduled, “there has been nothing from us directly on this.”
Also important to note is that if another Publix is coming to S.R. 56 in Wiregrass Ranch, that possible location is not the Publix planned for the front of the Two Rivers development five miles or so further to the east on 56.
In the meantime, the Arcadia at Wiregrass Ranch apartments have not yet gone vertical, but the 15-acre parcel (valued at $7.04 million) has been cleared to build the 320-unit luxury rental community and its resort-style pool, EV charging stations and more, which will be the seventh Arcadia project (and the third in Florida) for Tampa-based Third Lake Development.
As for the planned medical offices near the Orlando Health hospital, Sheridan says that the first 46,000-sq.-ft. Wiregrass Ranch Medical Pavilion (rendering above), in partnership with Flagship Healthcare Properties, is getting ready to break ground before the end of this year.
“The second phase will move forward once the initial building is completed and fully leased,” Sheridan says.
As for the two Florida Medical Clinic/ Orlando Health medical office buildings (MOBs), Sheridan says, “The hospital is expected to open by April of 2026. We expect the MOBs would be under construction soon but can’t say for sure. They are just now completing all of the site work for both of those.”
Sheridan also said that Wiregrass Ranch is, “coordinating with Mast Capital on their requirement to build the Bypass Loop road within Wiregrass Ranch from S.R. 54 to Wiregrass Ranch Blvd.” as part of Mast’s redevelopment of Saddlebrook Resort (see pg. 44). “But we are not engaged or aware of their developments within the resort.”
New Restaurants? Although the rumor mill has said that The Tilted Kilt, a Winghouse/ Hooters-style sports pub could be the still-unnamed restaurant planned for next to Cooper’s Hawk, Porter told me that although they have had discussions with The Tilted Kilt, it definitely will not be the restaurant built next to Cooper’s Hawk.
Meanwhile, Sheridan says, “We are working on several upscale restaurants along the S.R. 56 corridor including next to Cooper’s Hawk, which, we are told, is consistently the #1 or #2 restaurant in that chain.”
But of course, perhaps the most anticipated development in Wiregrass Ranch is The Legacy, which Porter keeps saying will be the only “true” downtown development in Wesley Chapel, and which will tie together everything already built and still planned for the Porter family’s sprawling cattle ranch. So, is there any Legacy news?
“We are exploring that now with potential partners but have not committed any timing yet,” Sheridan says.
The duo of Jane West & Viktor Nikolov will perform a “four-hands piano” program at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 29. (Photo: Nikolov West Studio Facebook page)
Wednesday, October 29, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – Community Health Talk – What to Expect Before, During & After Surgery. At Blue Heron Senior Living (5085 Eagleston Blvd.). Hugar McNamee, DO, General Surgeon from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel will share helpful information about surgery. A light lunch will be provided while supplies last. Tours of Blue Heron available after the presentation. Free to attend, but you need to RSVP. For more info or to RSVP, visit AHWesleyChapel.com/Events or call (813) 929-5432.
Wednesday, October 29, 10 a.m.-11 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Grand Re-Opening. At Sonny’s BBQ (5324 Bruce B Downs Blvd). New local operator, same legendary BBQ, specials all week. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Wednesday, October 29, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. – Steinway Signature Series: Nikolov-West Duo: Under Four Hands. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). This special concert by the Nikolov-West Duo (photo), featuring Viktor Nikolov and Jane West, brings a fresh perspective on the piano duo experience. This dynamic piano four-hands program will weave together beloved traditional masterpieces with bold, rarely heard gems. Whether or not you’re already a classical piano lover, this is one performance you should not miss. Tickets $17.50-$25 depending upon seat selection. For info, see the ad above, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/under-four-hands.
Friday, October 31, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber’s “Final Friday.” At the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). Join Chamber members as they engage and network in a relaxed environment. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Friday, October 31, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. – Halloween Party on the Rooftop. At Skybox Rooftop Bar at the Marriott Residence Inn at Wiregrass Ranch (2867 Lajuana Blvd, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus). There will be live music, games, costume contests and more. Register for the Grand Prize, a free 2-night hotel stay. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 591-2915.
Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – 36th Annual India Festival. At Florida State Fair Grounds (4800 US 301, Tampa). Come experience dances that dazzle, food that delights and shopping that excites. For more info, visit IndiaFestivalTampaBay.com.
Saturday, November 1, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. – Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries Author Event: Mary Roach. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Join the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries for a very special event as they welcome New York Times best-selling author Mary Roach to discuss her latest book, Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law. The first 150 people in attendance will receive a free copy of her book. An opportunity to meet the author and have your book signed will follow the talk. Free to attend but seating is limited so please reserve your tickets in advance. For info, call (813) 829- 2760. Or, to reserve your seat, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/mary-roach.
Sunday November 2, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Pavlo Presents: Angelo Tsarouchas – The Funny Greek Live. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Angelo Tsarouchas is a standup comedian, podcaster and actor. You’ve seen him in cult classics like Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle and Fred and Vinnie. His extremely funny and adaptive show has kept him in high demand worldwide. Tickets $50. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/funny-greek-live.
Tuesday, November 4, 9 a.m.-10 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee & Conversations with AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. At Fairfield by Marriott Tampa Wesley Chapel (2650 Lajuana Blvd). Get an inside look at the exciting new addition to the hospital and what it means for our growing community. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Wednesday, November 5, 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. – Creative Arts Theatre Presents: Sylvia South & the Word Catcher (TYA). At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). There are stories that you find when you open a book, and there are others that wait to find you. Sylvia South is quietly reading a book in her local library when she looks up and sees something outrageous. Before she knows it, she is off on an adventure, navigating streets on a borrowed bicycle to catch a strange man with an armful of other people’s books. Free to attend,but please register for tickets in advance. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to register for tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/sylvai-south-tya.
Wednesday, November 5, 12:45 p.m.-1:45 p.m. – BayCare Doctor Talk. At New Tampa YMCA (16221 Compton Dr.). Join Dr. Carlos Matute Mandujano of BayCare Medical Group for a physician-led seminar focused on practical strategies to improve adult health. Learn how small changes in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management can lead to lasting wellness. Free to attend but please register. For more info or to register, visit BayCareEvents.org.
Thursday, November 6, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. – Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa-Wesley Chapel, Grand Re-Opening. At Hampton Inn & Suites (2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd.). Join the fun as they unveil their exciting new look. There will be free appetizers, drink specials and giveaways. Free to attend, but please RSVP by October 27. For more info or to RSVP, email Lisa.Moore2@Hilton.com or call (813) 591-6907.
Thursday, November 6, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Ribbon Cutting for Fierce Flamingo. At North Tampa Bay Chamber Office (28329 Paseo Dr., Ste 195). Celebrate the ribbon cutting for Fierce Flamingo Boudoir Photography Studio. There will be light refreshments, product displays and a session raffle. Free to attend. For info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Friday, November 7, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. – Tampa Bay Symphony: Fife and Drum: A Veteran’s Salute. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The Tampa Bay Symphony consists of more than 80 musicians and has been described as “one of Tampa Bay’s hidden jewels.” Come and experience the excitement of live classical music! Tickets $25. For more info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/tbs-fife-and-drum.
Saturday, November 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Flu Shots and Health Screening with BayCare. At New River Library (34043 S.R. 54). Free flu shots (age 9+), health screenings (age 18+) for blood pressure, lipids, BMI and diabetes, and information and prevention education with BayCare. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/14214907 or call (813) 788-6375.
Saturday & Sunday, November 8-9, 2 p.m. – Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents: War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast. At Starkey Ranch Theater Library Cultural Center (12118 Lake Blanche Dr. Odessa). Step back in time to 1938, when a radio drama shook the nation. “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast” reimagines the legendary Orson Welles broadcast that famously convinced Americans that a full-scale alien invasion was underway. With live sound effects, vintage microphones and lots of drama, this production captures the excitement and the chaos of that fateful night. Tickets $22.13-$31.59. For more info or to purchase tickets or visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.
Tuesday, November 11, 5 p.m. – Wounded Warrior Project Carry Forward 5K. At Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC) Fitness Center (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). Help raise funds to provide vital life-changing programming for America’s wounded warriors. The official 5K race will begin and end at the TPGCC Fitness Center. For more info or to register, email Kimberly.Howey@InvitedClubs.com.
Wednesday, November 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Grand Opening Party for Conviva Wiregrass. At Conviva Wiregrass (located inside Walmart, 28516 S.R. 54). Learn more about senior-focused care tour the new center and meet the team. There will be music, food, bingo and more. For more info, call (813) 592-4856, visit HelloConviva.com.
Thursday, November 13, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting. At Welter Law Office (2312 Cypress Cove, Ste. 101). Celebrate the grand opening of the attorney Denise Welter’s new office. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Friday & Saturday, November 14 & 15, 7 p.m.-8:45 p.m. & Sunday, November 16, 4 p.m.-5:45 p.m. – Tampa City Ballet Presents: “Cinderella.” At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Tampa City Ballet reimagines the classic fairytale of “Cinderella” in a dazzling spectacle that will captivate your entire family. Tickets cost $45-$90. For tickets to “Cinderella,” or for more info about TCB (15367 Amberly Dr., Tampa Palms), visit TampaCityBallet.org or call (813) 558-0800.
Saturday, November 15, 7 p.m. & Sunday, November 16, 2 p.m. – Wesley Chapel Theater Group Presents: War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast. At Zephyrhills Lions Club (5827 Dean Dairy Rd.). Same show as Nov. 8-9, in different location. Tickets $22.13-$27.38. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit WesleyChapelTheaterGroup.org.
Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – 25th Annual Mason Dixon Christmas Wish Car Show. At The Shops at Wiregrass (Paseo Dr.). Join host Mason Dixon and enjoy a day full of stunning cars, community spirit and fun. There will be a collection box for unwrapped gifts for the Mason Dixon Christmas Wish Fund charity. Free to attend. For more info, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/event/30745-25th-annual-mason-dixon-christmas-wish-car-show.
Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – Gulfside Healthcare Services – Paulie Palooza. At Main Street Zephyrhills (5th Ave.) This family fun event will feature local bands throughout the day, vendors market, food trucks, and so much more! This is a charity event helping raise money for Gulfside Hospice patients and families. There will be a silent auction, live auction, and many 50/50’s throughout the day. Free to attend. For more info, visit PauliePalooza.org.
Wednesday, November 19, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. – North Tampa Bay Chamber Coffee Social. At Keystone Title (4865 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.). A relaxed morning meet-up designed for casual networking and meaningful connections. Join fellow Chamber members for coffee, light refreshments, and great conversation — no agenda, no speeches, just community. Free to attend. For more info, call (813) 994-8534 or visit Business.NorthTampaBayChamber.com.events.
Thursday, November 20, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Kuumba Dancers and Drummers (TYA). At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Through exotic, mesmerizing rhythms and joyous movements, the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers take kids on a journey to the beautiful continent on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Tickets $10. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/Kuumba-tya.
Friday, November 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Friends of New River Library Book Sale. At New River Library (34043 S.R. 54). The Big Book Sale brought to you by the Friends of New River Library. All proceeds support library programs. Free to attend. For more info, visit PascoLibraries.libnet.info/event/14796762 or call (813) 788-6375.
Friday, November 21, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. – Classic Rock Legacy: Abbey Road. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). The stellar musicians of Classic Rock Legacy return to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. Experience a note-for-note recreation of the classic Beatles album, Abbey Road, along with an encore of the Beatles’ greatest hits. Tickets $17.50-$25 depending on seat selection. For info, call (813) 829-2760 or to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/classic-rock-legacy-abbey-road.
Sunday, November 23, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. – New Tampa Unplugged: MJR Latin Project. At New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.). Experience the vibrant sounds of the MJR Latin Project, Tampa Bay’s premier Latin jazz ensemble led by Cuban bassist and composer Mauricio J. Rodríguez. Featuring top regional talent, including Grammy-winning saxophonist Zach Bornheimer, pianist Pablo Arencibia, drummer Andy Fornet and Cuban percussionist Carlos Javier Navarro, the group delivers an electrifying fusion of Cuban music and Latin jazz. Tickets $17.50-$25. For info, call (813) 829-2760. Or, to purchase tickets, visit NewTampaArtsCenter.org/events/new-tampa-unplugged-mjr-latin-project.
