The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Beauty and diversity

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(Courtesy of Joel Jackson)

When Joel Jackson sets out on his explorations, he never knows exactly what he’ll encounter. One day, as he was capturing an image of a swamp hibiscus, a butterfly flew in and landed on the bloom — right on cue. This Giant Swallow butterfly is perched on a Swamp Hibiscus. The Swamp Hibiscus grows 5 feet to 8 feet tall and 2 feet to 4 feet wide. It is a long-lived perennial with showy flowers that come in various colors. It is known for its interesting foliage, too. It attracts hummingbirds and is the larval host plant of several butterfly species. (See more photos in the full story above.)

Healthy snacks to enjoy on the road

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Taking a break from daily routines doesn’t mean you have to abandon your healthy eating habits.

It just takes a bit more planning to pull it off.

I recently went on an eight-day trip to New York, splitting the week between the city and upstate.

During that time, my body could definitely tell that I was eating foods outside of my routine.

Chickpeas have protein and fiber, along with mostly healthy fat from canola oil, making hummus a filling snack that’s easy to eat on the go. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

As someone who is accustomed to cooking at home most days each month — and who hasn’t gone on an extended vacation in almost two years — it was hard initially to become accustomed to all the restaurant food (though I admit, I did enjoy it).

I indulged at an Italian bakery while in Manhattan — it was part of the New York experience, right? But then I remembered to choose some healthier options later.

It’s all part of keeping a good balance.

In New York City, it’s easy to get anything at any time, so a fresh banana or orange was practically available at every intersection.

My stay in upstate was with family who had a fridge full of healthy options.

But not all vacation destinations are as “healthy-friendly,” and extra planning may be required.

For example, when traveling on a road trip in the car or an RV, you can avoid taking snack breaks at a gas station or rest stop’s vending machine by having healthy snacks that are prepared and packed in the vehicle.

Besides avoiding weight gains, healthy snacks are easier on your vacation budget, too.

So, what can we pack for our travels that will be healthy and convenient?

To stave off hunger in between long bouts of driving, focus on foods with protein.

Protein takes longer to move through the stomach, so you feel fuller for longer.

Fat provides 9 calories per gram of food, while protein and carbohydrates provide 4.

Adding a healthy fat will make the snack more filling because of the extra calories.

But, be mindful if you’ve been snacking on other high-calorie foods. If you have,  go easy on the fat to avoid excessive calories.

Here are some ideas to try.

Some require some meal prep in advance, others you simply throw in the bag.

Also, remember the cooler and ice — and be sure to bring a thermometer, too, so you can check that the cooler has stayed below 40 degrees.

Here are some healthy snack options:

  • Popcorn trail mix: mix in popcorn with pretzels, peanuts, cereal, raisins and so on
  • Hummus to serve with celery sticks, carrots, bell peppers and other vegetables
  • Dried fruits
  • Mixed nuts
  • Peanut butter or other nut butter, to enjoy with whole-wheat crackers or vegetables. (Many peanut butter brands come in easy to-go snack-sized packaging.)
  • Jerky (beef, turkey or salmon with seasoning). There’s also plant-based jerky, such as mushroom jerky.
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Yogurt, mixed with fresh fruit
  • Granola bars (Be sure to choose one with the least amount of sugar)
  • Canned tuna on whole-wheat crackers (Get the pull-tab cans so you don’t need a can opener).

Grapes, which can be pre-washed and placed in a container, make a good snack to take along while traveling.

But avoid fruits that can easily bruise, and use care when eating fruit or drinking juice because the fruit can become a sticky mess, and juice can leave stains on your car.

Also, be sure to bring along hand sanitizer, wet wipes, napkins, utensils, cups (if needed) and a bag for trash.

Enjoy your vacation — and yes, enjoy the special and unusual foods you’ll encounter.

But remember, just because you’re away from your kitchen, doesn’t mean all healthy eating has to go out the window.

You put the right type of fuel in your car so it drives well, so use that same mindfulness when fueling your body.

After all, that will help keep you in tip-top shape, for many road trips to come.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipe
Hummus
(Hummus offers a healthy choice for on-the-road snacking. Remember: Keep it in a cooler until you’re ready to eat it.)

Ingredients
1 clove garlic
1 large lemon
1 (15½-ounce) can garbanzo beans
½ cup warm water
2 Tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt
2 Tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional ingredients:
1 fresh red pepper, or 3 roasted red peppers from a jar
Pinch of ground cumin, ground cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Peel and chop garlic. If using fresh red pepper, rinse, remove core and seeds, and mince now. Or, mince jarred roasted peppers.
  2. Rinse lemon and cut in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice. Discard seeds.
  3. In a colander, drain and rinse beans.
  4. Add garlic, lemon juice, beans and remaining ingredients to blender. If using optional spices, add now. Blend until creamy and well-mixed.
  5. If using, top hummus with minced red pepper.

Published July 28, 2021

Protect yourself from red tide effects

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As efforts continue to remove dead fish from regional waterways, officials from Hillsborough County have compiled some pointers from the Florida Department of Health, to help reduce the risks posed by red tide.

(www.freepik.com)

Here are those pointers, shared in a news release from Hillsborough County:

  • When possible, stay away from water bodies and beaches where red tide or fish killed by the toxic algae is present.
  • Don’t touch or swim near dead fish.
  • Wear shoes to prevent injuries from stepping on fish carcasses.
  • Keep pets away from water, sea spray, and dead fish affected by red tide.
  • Don’t harvest or eat shellfish from an affected area.
  • People with chronic respiratory problems should avoid a red tide area.
  • If breathing difficulties do not subside after leaving a red tide area or going indoors, contact your health care provider.

For more information on the status of red tide in Hillsborough County and how to report fish kills, visit HCFLGov.net/RedTide.

Published July 28, 2021

Input sought on Sunset/U.S. 41 improvements

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Hillsborough County wants to hear the public’s thoughts on a proposed improvement at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Sunset Lane, in Lutz.

The county is conducting a two-week public comment period, through a virtual engagement process, according to a county news release.

The feedback runs until Aug. 2.

The proposed improvements at U.S. 41 and Sunset Lane would add a turn lane and updated traffic signals.

The $1.6 million project is expected to begin in the summer of 2022 and be complete in the summer of 2023.

The project also calls for pedestrian and bicycle safety enhancements, including sidewalks that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, otherwise known as ADA.

Residents and commercial property owners can review the proposed changes and are invited to give feedback.

To learn more and share your thoughts, visit HCFLGov.net/HCEngage at any time through Aug. 2.

Published July 28, 2021

Meet Dr. Guerra of Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery

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It’s been quite the journey for Dr. Andres Guerra-Andrade, an oral surgeon in Lutz who began his lifetime passion of helping people as a 14-year-boy in his native Venezuela. It was then that he began going on medical mission trips with his Catholic school that provided dental and medical care to people in need.

“I did anything the medical and dental staff asked, even assisting with tooth extractions,” said Dr. Guerra. “I was so amazed at what they did, that I set a goal of becoming an oral surgeon myself one day.”

Before that could happen, Dr. Guerra first needed to become a dentist, which he accomplished when he graduated from dental school in La Universidad Central de Venezuela at Caracas in 2001. He spent the next two years volunteering at a public hospital assisting oral surgeons, while also working by day as a general dentist. This experience led to his acceptance to the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program in 2004 at the University of Puerto Rico, and his graduation six years later with a Degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Master’s in Dental Sciences.

Dr. Andres Guerra-Andrade

Following graduation, he spent two years as an assistant professor at the University of Puerto Rico, where he met his future wife, Denisse, who was studying to be a pediatric dentist. The couple married in 2008, and soon afterward Dr. Guerra was accepted to a fellowship in Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery  at the University of Tennessee Medical School in Knoxville.

“It was, of course, very difficult to be apart from my wife so soon after we married, but Denisse was still completing dental school in Puerto Rico, and this was an amazing fellowship that I could not pass up,” explains Dr. Guerra.

The ability to help people and relieve their pain was something Dr. Guerra always wanted to do. And now that he was an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Guerra was able to help even more people.

“Oral surgery is such a rich specialty and profession. It is so much more than just being a dentist. It gave me the surgical skills needed to remove cancerous tumors and save a person’s life, and that is so humbling,” said Dr. Guerra.  “I am very passionate about my profession, and have tremendous knowledge from 15 years of education that I want to share.”

In 2011, after Dr. Guerra completed his fellowship, and his wife graduated from the pediatric dentistry residency program, the couple had an opportunity to move to Tampa. Dr. Guerra was hired at James A. Haley VA Hospital as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and Denisse began work as a pediatric dentist.

“I loved working with veterans. They give their all for our country and the world, and their military service often leads to a myriad of health problems. Working at the VA helped me appreciate all the things veterans do for us and the world,” said Dr. Guerra.

Dr. Guerra worked for the VA for three and a half years, and then joined a private oral surgery practice in Trinity, Palm Harbor and Spring Hill. In 2017, the Guerras decided to build a dental specialty office in Lutz on Van Dyke Road, and opened practices next to each other. The location was less than 5 minutes from their home and their children’s school, something that was very important to the couple.

Their new office opened in 2018, and the additional space has allowed Dr. Guerra-Andrade  to expand his surgical offerings.

“We now have the ability to perform all patient surgeries ( adults and children) right here in our office,” Dr. Guerra-Andrade said. “Patients love this because they don’t need to go to the hospital, and they receive top-notch care from the same staff, from beginning to end.”

Most of Dr. Guerra’s 10 employees have worked with him for many years. “We are blessed to have such a caring and competent staff, who have truly become part of our family,” he said. “We’re nothing without our staff.”

Back row, from left: Dr. Guerra, Sasha, Cathy, Annie, Mabel, Antuanet and Alisha. Front row, from left: Yesenia, Jeilyn, Elizabeht, Paola and Dayana.

Tersa Means Smooth
Dr. Guerra recently changed the name of his practice to Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery, to make his business name encompass the two main components of his practice, oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial cosmetic surgery, and to have a unique name.

“In Spanish, Tersa means smooth, beautiful skin, and that’s how we view our practice — making our patients beautiful in a setting that is smooth and efficient,” said Dr. Guerra-Andrade.

Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery has two primary facets to its practice — dental oral surgery and facial cosmetic surgery.

Dental surgery encompasses tooth extractions, implants, bone grafts, exposure of impacted teeth, sinus elevations, biopsies, soft tissue grafts and gingival surgery. Dr. Guerra-Andrade also performs All-on-4 Teeth protocol in one session, a procedure that replaces traditional dentures for implant-supported dentures.

In the facial cosmetic sector, he performs multiple surgical procedures such as facelifts, otoplasties, eyelid and brow lifts. Nonsurgical procedures, such as Botox, fillers, and skin tightening, are offered at Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery. Tersa also has its own skin care line.

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Guerra provides patients with safe, effective outpatient anesthesia, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia.

“My specialty is the only one in medicine that allows the doctor to anesthetize patients outside of a hospital. This requires extensive education and certification, and for patients, it is a tremendous convenience and cost savings,” said Dr. Guerra.

It’s this high level of skill and specialty that make maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Guerra-Andrade the best choice for facial cosmetic surgery.

“If you are considering plastic surgery on your face, such as a face, brow or eyelid lift, you will get the best results when you go to a surgeon who only specializes in the face, and does not also do tummy tucks, vascular surgery and other procedures beyond the face,” said Dr. Guerra-Andrade.

“There are multiple bones in the face, and no one is better trained on how to work on the face than a maxillofacial surgeon. My specialized and extensive training makes me exceptionally qualified and a trusted professional for facial cosmetic surgery.”

Gateway Wellness & Rehab Accepting New Medicare Patients For Primary Care

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There’s good news for seniors in the Land O’ Lakes area looking for a primary care practitioner who accepts new patients with Medicare coverage.

Erica Williams, a nurse practitioner who is board certified in primary care, has joined the medical team at Gateway Wellness & Rehab, at its Wisteria Plaza office on U.S. 41, just south of the Wilderness Lakes subdivision.

Erica Williams

Williams is providing family medical services for people of all ages, and is specifically treating patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, minor cuts and falls, colds, allergies, and medication review and assessment.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Erica’s expertise and caliber join our practice, especially with her extensive ER experience and family practice credentials,” said Robert Malhoit, D.C., owner of Gateway Wellness & Rehab. “The best family medical practitioners have a strong background in emergency care, and Erica has worked extensively in this field.”

Nurse Practitioners are licensed to manage people’s health conditions through treatment and education, and can prescribe medications.

“All Medicare patients are required to have a licensed family practitioner, and we are one of few medical practices in the area that is accepting new Medicare patients — both permanent Florida residents, as well as seasonal residents,” said Dr. Malhoit. “If you are looking for an experienced, compassionate family practitioner, call to make an appointment with Erica Williams.”

Williams is excited to be joining Malhoit’s practice.

“I have a passion for people to be healed holistically in all areas of their lives and I’m looking forward to being the conduit for this purpose at Gateway Wellness,” said Williams.

Gateway Wellness & Rehab takes a team approach with patient care. After a patient is assessed by their primary care provider, the rest of Gateway’s medical team reviews the patient’s need for chiropractic services, pain management, physical therapy and/or massage therapy.

“All members of our medical team are committed to listening to our patients, and never rush through patient assessments and appointments,” said Dr. Malhoit. “We understand that people want to be heard and don’t want to be a number. Our motivation is to help every patient see a positive medical outcome.”

New Medical Director
Another new provider at Gateway Wellness & Rehab is Medical Director Christopher Gleis, M.D., an anesthesiologist who also is board certified in pain management and Regenerative Medicine. He employs a multimodal approach to pain management, treating patients’ symptoms through interventional pain procedures, non-habit-forming medications and without the use of narcotics.

Dr. Gleis earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his internship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He also is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Gateway Wellness & Rehab offers a wide range of comprehensive services to meet the needs of its patients. In addition to Family Practice and Pain Management services provided by Dr. Gleis and Nurse Practitioner Williams, the Gateway team includes three chiropractors — one who specializes in pediatric and obstetric care, a doctor of physical therapy and a licensed massage therapist.

“Our staff of five integrated, multi-faceted medical specialties sets us apart from other medical practices in the Land O’ Lakes area,” said Dr. Malhoit. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for our patients in one convenient facility close to home with experienced and compassionate health care providers.”

Dr. Malhoit, who is known as Dr. Rob to his patients, established Gateway Wellness & Rehab in 2006. His practice in north Land O’ Lakes has grown with the community, and today is located in the center of the booming U.S. 41 residential area, which includes Wilderness Lakes, The Grove, Connerton, Lakeshore Ranch, Terra del Sol, Asbel Creek, Cypress Preserve and Talavera.

In addition to accepting Medicare, Gateway Wellness & Rehab accepts private insurance including auto and Blue Cross BlueShield. Contracts are pending for United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna and Humana. To make an appointment, call 813-929-8885.

The Gateway Team

Dr. Robert Malhoit, D.C.
Director of Chiropractic Medicine
2004 Graduate of Texas Chiropractic College
Advanced training in pain management and manipulation under anesthesia from the American Academy of Physical Medicine.

Christopher Gleis, M.D.
Medical Director
Ross University School of Medicine
Member of American Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians

Erica Williams, ARNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
RN, LPN and CPN
2017 NP graduate of South University, Montgomery, AL
26 years of nursing experience

Dr. Phillip Coleman, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Licensed since 2003
Graduate of Life University
Previous owner of Coleman Family Chiropractic in Morristown, TN

Dr. Carrie Coleman, D.C., F.I.C.P.A.
Chiropractic Physician
Certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
Provides specialized care for children and pregnant women
Former Enlisted/SrA for the Air Force ; former natural fitness champion

Betty Armengol McCurdy PT, DPT, PCSs
Director of Physical Therapy
APTA Board Certified specialist in pediatrics
Credentialed Clinical Instructor with 20 years of experience

Tammy Fisher, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist/MA
Licensed Massage Therapist for 19 years
Physical Therapy Rehab Technician for 16 years
Experience in both hospitality and medical settings, the past 3 years at Gateway

Gateway Wellness & Rehab
813-929-8885
6761 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Wisteria Plaza, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34638
Gateway4Wellness.com

Say ‘aah’

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(File)

Volunteer Deanna Okun, left, administers a medical exam inside the Medical Detainment room, to student Jyles Morales, during a living history simulation at McKitrick Elementary. The children were learning about Ellis Island. Christine Holtzman was awarded a second place in the feature story category and a second place for this particular photo from the series that accompanied a Laker/Lutz News story, at the Florida Press Association Weekly Newspaper Contest on July 16.

Avalon Applauds The Stano Foundation

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Congratulations to The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The Stano Foundation is an organization dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans. It was founded by Paula Stano in 2015, two years after her son, Jordan Viches, joined the Marines at age 17.

“It was through my son that I learned that not everybody is supported in the military, not everybody has family,” says Stano.

While she initially only sent care packages to Viches when he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Stano began putting on drives to be able to send Viches’ friends — and eventually other troops — basic necessities.

Before Stano knew it, the foundation had a group of dedicated volunteers who would meet up once a quarter at the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills, where they filled the packages — which roughly consists of 48 items.

“We truly put the ‘care’ into care packages,” says Stano.

When someone applies or nominates someone else to receive a package, they are asked on the foundation’s website for the top five things from home they miss. Stano and her team try to incorporate those requested items into the care package.

Stano says she’s incredibly grateful for the impressive growth the nonprofit is having. In its first year, The Stano Foundation sent out 64 packages. Now, the total packages sent to date is 5,339.

“This is kind of my way to not only give back, but feel connected to my son even though he wasn’t here at the time,” says Stano.

There’s multiple ways you can support The Stano Foundation.

Monetary donations can be mailed to The Stano Foundation, P.O. Box 7811, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. They also have an Amazon wish list for highly requested items, (https://tinyurl.com/59374kye), that will be sent to the nonprofit.

For people who can’t make a monetary donation, but still wish to support the foundation, Stano says she always needs handwritten thank you cards to include in the active duty members’ care packages. All she asks is that you don’t have glitter in the letter, and address the letter with “Dear Troop” or “Dear Hero.”

If you’d like to volunteer, head on over to the nonprofit’s Facebook page, The Stano Foundation, as all volunteer opportunities are listed there.

New retail popping up along busy highway corridor

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Total Wine & More kicked off its grand opening at Cypress Creek Town Center in celebratory fashion — with giveaways, a live band and a festive atmosphere.

The wine and beer emporium is the newest retail at the expanding town center, off the Interstate 75 interchange at the State Road 54/State 56 corridor.

The commercially vibrant corridor is a magnet for economic development in the heart of Wesley Chapel and Land O’Lakes, stretching over through Odessa to Trinity.

Retail and restaurants are chasing the booming rooftop construction — with residential growth in Pasco County breaking records.

Total Wine & More is now operating out of a space formerly occupied by Earth Fare. The atmosphere was festive during the store’s grand opening. (Kathy Steele)

As the pandemic recedes, established residents and newcomers alike are eager to be out and about.

And, they’re finding plenty to do.

Plus, more options are on the way.

County permits, signs planted on the roadside and company websites provide a snapshot of what’s under construction and what’s on the future horizon.

An ale house, a fitness studio; fast-food and dine-in restaurants; a Krispy Kreme; and two specialty car washes are among the new and coming attractions.

Established shopping meccas such as the Tampa Premium Outlets, The Shops at Wiregrass, and Cypress Creek Town Center are expanding their store directories, as new tenants take up residence.

Total Wine & More slipped into a spot at Cypress Creek Town Center that was once occupied by the specialty grocer Earth Fare.

Troy Rice, chief operating officer for Total Wine & More, said the former grocery store space was a good fit for his company.

The plumbing and electrical work had been done, and Total Wine knew it had a gap in its coverage area, Rice said.

An appreciative crowd of wine and beer aficionados packed the store’s grand-opening festivities.

Other new developments coming to Cypress Creek Town Center include Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and new apartments that will be built near the Hyatt Place hotel.

A Harley-Davidson dealership is coming to the area, too. It will be on Wesley Chapel Boulevard, across from the town center’s entrance at Pondside Drive.

Meanwhile, there’s new activity at the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Miller’s Ale House is coming to an outparcel along the Wesley Chapel Boulevard entrance into the mall. And Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings, and Chicken Salad Chick will settle into parcels bordered by Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Sun Vista Drive.

Fazoli’s Italian Restaurant is among the shops that will be settling in, at the Shoppes at Cypress Creek, on State Road 54, west of Cypress Creek Town Center.

The Shops at Wiregrass, near the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, has recent new tenants that include Sephora, Optimal Wellness, Perfume Palace and Gold Mine jewelers.

The mall’s coming-soon list includes JABZ, a boxing gym; Sky Jewels; Spirit, a Halloween costume store; and Fresh Produce Market, a produce stand in the parking lot of Dillard’s.

A shopping center next to Florida Avenue Brewing — at State Road 56 and Arrowgrass Drive — has attracted Green Market Café; Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center; and Lufka, an environmentally friendly health and beauty shop.

New development is coming to Land O’ Lakes, too.

Grand openings aren’t planned yet for the Shoppes at Cypress Creek, but construction is underway on State Road 54 next to the Circle K convenience store, west of the town center and outlet mall.

Signs tout Fazoli’s Italian Restaurant and Woodie’s Wash Shack at 24749 State Road 54. Additional tenants are anticipated.

Woodie’s car wash promises a “fun and funkie” experience, according to a marketing video. The beach-themed car wash acquired 11 sites in the Tampa Bay area, with expectations of turning on all its washing spigots by the end of 2021.

Beach vibes, coconut smells and a light show inside the car wash add up to family fun, with a final touch of vacuuming and sweeping out car trash at “Muscle Beach.”

Heading west along State Road 54, Krispy Kreme has planted a sign in a vacant parcel, just west of Camp Indianhead Crossings shopping center. So far, though, no permits have been filed.

The Shoppes at Ballantrae — west of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 — is expanding its commercial offerings, with a Valvoline shop on Aprile Drive, and another Woodie’s Wash Shack at 17322 State Road 54.

Santander Consumer USA and Rasmussen University are locating in the space previously occupied by the Super Target store, at Suncoast Crossings, off State Road 54.

On a vacant parcel opposite from the Shoppes at Ballantrae, there’s an Aldi sign staked in the ground.

Matt Thon, Haines City division vice president for Aldi, didn’t provide details on the chain’s plans in Land O’ Lakes.

However, in a written statement, he reported that Aldi has “secured property in Pasco County with hopes to service more customers in the area.”

First Watch, Starbucks and AutoZone are settling in, near the intersection of State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard.

Starkey Ranch Business Park, which opened last year with fare such as The Wicked Pour, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and Encore Nail Salon, is adding Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Butcher’s Mark Fresh Meat & Marinades, at State Road 54 and Heart Pine Avenue.

The sandwich chain’s website currently shows no restaurants in Florida.

The Preserve Marketplace at South Branch and State Road 54 will add Chipotle Mexican Grill and Lin China restaurant. The shopping center is anchored by Publix GreenWise, and last year opened with tenants that included CVS Pharmacy and Panera Bread.

Suncoast Crossings, which lost an anchor store when the Super Target closed more than four years ago, is undergoing a revival.

First Watch and Starbucks have new locations, near the intersection of State Road 54 and Sunlake Boulevard.

The approximately 115,000-square-foot building is being remodeled for two tenants – Santander Consumer USA and Rasmussen University.

Santander anticipates adding about 875 jobs. Rasmussen will bring in hundreds of students.

Shoppes at Crossings Boulevard is a new strip mall built on outparcels of Suncoast Crossings shopping complex.

Tenants will include Touch Nail Spa; Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists; PT Solutions, a physical therapy clinic; Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop; Smoothie King; and Hot Worx, an infrared/sauna fitness studio.

Hot Worx, set to open July 15, is a new venture for Debbie Upright, a former pharmaceutical representative and her husband, Scott, a retired dentist.

The infrared-heated fitness studio will be open 24/7. Memberships and walk-ins are welcome for a variety of isometric workouts, yoga, Pilates and spinning.

Upright said she and her husband considered various sites, but said the area’s robust activity was a key consideration, in selecting where to set up shop.

“This is a prime location,” she said.

By Kathy Steele

Published July 21, 2021

Code complaints can no longer be anonymous

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Pasco County Code Enforcement can no longer investigate anonymous code violation complaints, including anonymous non-emergency animal complaints, because of a new Florida law that took effect on July 1.

Those wishing to make complaints can do so, but must now provide their name and address, under the new law, according to a Pasco County news release.

To report a complaint, go to the MyPasco app. There, you can upload photos and indicate problem areas on a locator map, the news release says.

Or, you can contact Pasco County Customer Service at 727-847-2411 or online at bit.ly/PC-CustomerService to report issues such as:

  • Yards being used as a storage area for junk or debris
  • Inoperative/unlicensed vehicles
  • Illegal dumping
  • Noise violation

Code Enforcement handles most complaints within 7 to 10 business days and often is able to resolve issues, without issuing a citation, the release says.

Answers to the most frequently asked code compliance questions can be found at bit.ly/Code-FAQs.

For more information about Pasco County Code Enforcement, visit bit.ly/PascoCode.

Published July 21, 2021