2010 Census Household: Ruben Bazarte and Mitchell Petit of Harbor Links
November’s WOW told the story of the 2010 Census. This month WOW continues to tell the stories of the families who appeared on November’s cover. Ruben Bazarte, CEO of Information Solutions, and Mitchell Petit, an optometric physician with LASIK Plus, are exactly where they want to be – surrounded by a great group of friends, successful in their careers and happily settled in Harbor Links.
Ruben, a native of Tampa, remembers Westchase before it was Westchase, in a time when cattle ranches and dairy farms dotted Linebaugh Avenue. Then the land where our homes now sit was fertile hunting ground for game such as wild boar and turkey. As a young professional, Ruben watched Westchase grow from the ground up and vowed to one day call it home. Thirteen years ago, Ruben realized his goal when he purchased a home in The Greens just as that neighborhood was being completed. But it was Harbor Links to which he truly aspired. That dream would be realized just four years later, when he purchased his current home.
Mitchell grew up in a slightly more land-locked setting: Nebraska. Early in his career as an optometrist, Mitchell was responsible for opening new area offices for an optical retailer, a position that would take him from Nebraska to Illinois to Hawaii and finally to Virginia. When he was transferred from Virginia Beach to Richmond, VA, he decided he was ready for warmer climes. Mitchell put in a request for an office in Florida. When a spot in St. Petersburg opened up, he seized it, taking up residence in South Tampa.
Ruben and Mitchell met through a mutual acquaintance – Ruben’s best friend, whom Mitchell just happened to be dating at the time. Ruben and Mitchell ran in the same social circle for several years, but as careers and life’s demands got in the way, the friends eventually lost touch. That is until Mitchell ran into Ruben again by chance. At the time, both men were single and upon realizing this, Mitchell grabbed onto Ruben and vowed to never let him go again. Mitchell kept his word and after dating for quite some time, he moved into Ruben's Harbor Links home. That was nearly four years ago and since then, there has been no looking back. The pair is quite content here in Westchase.
At one point, Ruben brought up the idea of moving to South Tampa, thinking that might be what Mitchell wanted. The answer he received was a resounding, “No!” While both admit the nightlife in Westchase leaves much to be desired, the trade offs are tremendous. Westchase offers a tranquility and sense of community Ruben and Mitchell are not willing to give up. As Ruben points out, “For the one or two times a month you are going to go out, it is not worth giving up all that Westchase has to offer.” He continues, “My family jokingly refers to Westchase as ‘Pleasantville’ because you drive in and everything is so green and lush; the neighbors are all smiling and waving. It is like Disney World – it is hard to be unhappy here!”
When the inevitable question of children comes up, there is an air of uncertainty. For now they are happy to dote on Ruben’s nephew, Mitchell’s four nieces and their dog, Gia, a giant schnauzer whom they adore.
What is more, they admit it is hard to look to the future when they are so content with the present. Mitchell, a veteran Ironman competitor who braved the daunting Ironman Hawaii, is looking to find time to resume his training. Ruben and Mitchell also enjoy scuba diving and more recently discovered a passion for international travel. Their travels have thus far taken them to Russia, England and Holland. Talks for their next adventure are leaning toward Spain.
When not traveling, the couple enjoys having family and friends over and their elegantly appointed home is certainly well-suited for entertaining. A baby grand piano takes center stage. Once used by Ruben’s grandmother in her career as a songwriter, the piano has now been converted to a player piano, providing background music for their gatherings. Beyond the piano, wall-to-wall glass doors open up to the couple’s pool, where a set of stone lions stand sentry, providing the ideal backdrop for any occasion.
We thank you for inviting us into your lovely home, Ruben and Mitchell, and wish you much continued happiness in your life together!
By Karen Ring