FOCUS South Tampa 02-02 by Floyd Publications

Press Release

TGH Foundation to Host Annual Moments in Time Gala May 7th 2011 Gala Committee Chairs: Event Co-Chairs: Dr. Harry and Mrs. Jeffrie van Loveren Auction Chair: Barbara Hurst, Decorations Chair: Catherine Christie, Entertainment Chair: Kari Goetz, Food Chair: McIver Berner, Logistics Chair: Jennifer Faliero

2011 Gala Committee:

Rosemary Anderson, JoEllen Archerd, Heather Boone, Mary Jane Campbell, Mandelyn Cloninger, Trish Dean, Hannah Dewar, Bryan Durkin, Ellen Fiss, Mary Frankle, Andrea Gramling, Juli Greenwald, Jennifer Holtz, Jan Kelley, Linda Miller, Tracy Padhya, Grace Posada, Lisa Simington, Shelley Stallworth, Holly Tomlin, Colette Tsavoussis, Brian Yarborough, and Carin Zwiebel. Robin DeLaVergne serves as the Executive Director of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation. For more information, please call Lynn Fluharty, Special Events Manager for the TGH Foundation at (813) 844-7273.

The Tampa General Hospital Foundation will host its 14th Annual Moments in Time Gala on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Tampa, with Skanska serving as the presenting sponsor. Guests are invited to join the Foundation for Some Enchanted Evening, an unforgettable event that will celebrate the timeless romance of the South Pacific. With the guidance of this year’s co-chairs, Dr. Harry and Mrs. Jeffrie van Loveren, the Gala will benefit Tampa General Hospital’s Fund for the Future, helping TGH achieve its vision of being the leading medical center in West Central Florida. The mission begins promptly at 7:30pm, when guests will be whisked away to a distant land where love bloomed and cultures collided. Amidst the backdrop of World War II, guests can indulge in the local cuisine and partake in a silent auction with amazing prizes. The popular chance drawing returns with just 500 chance drawing tickets available at $100 each, offering the opportunity to win the evening’s grand prize of $10,000. Sponsorships range from $500 to $15,000. All sponsors at the $1,500 or above are invited to the exclusive Patrons’ Party preceding the Gala at 6:30pm. Opera Tampa is the Gala’s entertainment sponsor. As part of the Moments in Time tradition, guests are encouraged to let the movie “South Pacific” inspire their attire or they can come dressed for cocktails in the islands.

This is a paid advertisement

Sinkhole?

Homeowners - Do you have cracks on your floors, doors, roof or walls? Are your doors and windows hard to open or close?

Signs that your home may be affected by a sinkhole *Cracks in foundation *Cracks around door or window frames *Windows or doors that don’t open or close properly *Cracks in pool decks, sidewalks or garage floors *Plants, trees or grassy areas that have died and won’t grow back *Other sinkholes in your area

Austin & Laurato, PA (813)258-0624 (813)688-4300 *

Free Consultation Se habla espanol No fees or costs if no recovery The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

TABLe oF ConTenTs

aPRil 2011 volume 2 issue 2 PUBLISHER Jim Duke

FAMILY OF COMMUNITY MAGAZINES

EDITOR IN CHIEF Christina Musial ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Harrison Tropp SALES Sophia Hyde Holly Far mer Harrison Tropp PRODUCTION Anthony Sassano Tony Cartagena PHOTOGRAPHERS Ben Drummond STAFF WRITERS Christina Musial Harrison Tropp Jodi Lokay

ONTHECOVER FOCUS

Plant City Lakeland Brandon Winter Haven Lake County South Tampa

FOCUSTV

MYFOCUSTV.COM Local Community Stories New Episode Every Wednesday

Licensed territories are available. If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine call Mike Floyd at 813-707-8783 ext. 26

April 2011 myfocustv.com

LOCaL

hiDDen hiStORY

SpOtLight

OWN YOUR OWN FOCUS MAGAZINE

Photo by haRRison tRoPP

CONTRIBUTORS Al Ruechel Kim Francis Emery Jones Teal McKenzie

Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo brings professional athletes and trainers to the Tampa Convention Center to teach kids and families life skills as well as athletic skills. Kids will learn from the best athletes around. Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay utilize cutting edge therapy for children with Autism. LampLighters releases information in regard to their upcoming Fashion show and Tampa General Hospital announces their Moments in Time Gala.

geRald diveRs

Tampa native Fermin Montes de Oca shares his memories of Tampa in the “olden days”. With almost 108 years of life and experience, he knows history because he lived it.

Bank of Tampa President Gerald Divers spent a few minutes with us sharing his entrance into the banking industry, what Bank of Tampa is to the community and how it became so successful.

FeatURe

Kids Charity of Tampa Bay steps in to aid exploited and abused children by giving them a home to lighten the burden associated with the transfer into a Foster Home. Read this article to understand their involvement in helping thousands of children in the Tampa Bay community through education, fostering, provision and support.

Dining pROFiLe

Looking for Gourmet food to go? Doormét Café is the place! With a wide variety, weekly menu specials and a dynamic sibling duo, the Koch brothers show South Tampa how gourmet is done. Enjoy lunch and dinner in their relaxed restaurant or order it for delivery. You’re sure to love it…it’s Gourmet!

STANDARDS OF ACCURACY The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail focus@ dukepublications.com. The staff will ﬁ x the error in a timely manner. Readers who wish to respond to an article – not correct facts – can do so by writing a letter to the editor. If you need any other type of assistance, then please view the directory for the appropriate department. The staff at FOCUS Magazine is committed to serving their consumers and customers to the fullest of abilities. You’re paying attention to our words. Let us pay attention to yours.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and many local venues. Letters, questions and comments can be sent to us at focus@dukepublications.com. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. FOCUS Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to FOCUS Magazine become the sole property of Duke Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from DukePublications, Inc.

letter from the Publisher

on’t blink. That’s the title of a song on my iPOD. While driving back from South Florida it played. It’s not a recent release, but it must have been the first time I really listened to the lyrics. The lyrics are very indicative of what’s happening right now in my life. My guess is that the same can be said for you. Don’t blink because life is going to speed right by and in retrospect it will seem we missed a bunch as it was happening. My hope is that we feel this way because we are very busy and in the hustle, we feel like we are missing things. The song begins telling the story of a man being interviewed on the evening news, it is the man’s 102nd birthday. When asked about his secret to life, his reply is “don’t blink”. All the usual event suspects are included in the lyrics: growing older, growing wiser, missing your children growing up, and my favorite, recognizing that you better take care of first things...first. We normally remember all the key things, but what about all the middle stuff. We remember births and the most recent birthdays, but what about all that stuff in the middle? We remember school and know where we are in our careers right now, but what about all that stuff in the middle? How about this one, we remember our wedding and then realize we are headed to a big anniversary, so, what about all those years in the middle? Don’t blink. Don’t blink, but it’s April. The event calendar has been full and so many events have happened, I know I missed something. A much anticipated family trip happened so fast that it now seems like a distant memory. Our Little League regular season is almost half over. In other parts of the country, they have just started. Not enough can be said for having great weather! With rising temps, oak pollen and everything blooming, it feels like spring and I can’t remember winter. I must have blinked. One man that didn’t blink when it came to his vision and passion for a premier local bank was Gerald Divers. Don’t miss our Spotlight feature on Mr. Divers. If you bank with the Bank of Tampa you know they operate with a culture of great customer service. Find out why. If you are reading this before Sunday, April 17th, make sure that you get over to the Taste of South Tampa at Hyde Park Village. Good food and good times for all!

727-776-7719

Don’t blink,

www.lyonscarters.com

Lyons Charters offers the equipment and expertise to make your day on the water memorable. Charter ﬁshing in the Gulf of Mexico provides the chance to catch the ﬁsh of a lifetimewhile spending quality time with friends and family. Contact us today to reserve your trip!!

info@lyonscharters.com

Jim Duke Publisher FOCUS Magazine south tampa April 2011

Local » Focus

Kids Can Learn from the Pros at First Annual Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo Professional Athletes, Trainers and Photo by The Skills Center

n Saturday, April 23, 2011, kids of all ages with big league dreams will have the opportunity to learn from the pros at the first annual Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo presented by The Skills Center. Held at the Tampa Convention Center, this oneday event will gather professional athletes, trainers and sports experts to offer an

April 2011 myfocustv.com

interactive experience where kids and their families can learn new skills both on and off the field. “We wanted to create an event that would demonstrate the importance of positive youth sports in the Tampa Bay area and provide a day of sports-focused educational workshops, trainings and resources that the

Sports Experts to Offer Interactive Experience Written By: Kim Francis

community really needs,” said Ken Roberts, Vice President of Business Development for The Skills Center and Chair of the Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo committee. “This is a great opportunity for kids, parents, coaches and athletic program administrators to learn from the best.” The Expo will feature Interactive Skills Zones where professional sports teams, like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will put on a series of scheduled sport clinics and demonstrations for girls and boys ages 6 to 18. In addition to football, other Zones will feature top trainers and professional athletes in baseball, tennis, basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheer, dance and more. While the kids participate in the Interactive Skills Zones, parents, coaches, and youth program administrators have the opportunity to attend a series of educational workshops. Presented by local and national youth sports organizations and leading sport experts, the workshops will address topics including: positive coaching techniques, sports injury prevention, sports nutrition, childhood obesity, leadership development and much more. While there, families can browse the Expo’s Exhibit Zone, which will showcase the best the region has to offer in sports camps, amateur teams and leagues, local specialty sport retailers and youth sport organizations. Current and retired professional athletes and coaches from local professional sport

teams such as the Rays, Bucs, Lightning, and Rowdies will also be on hand to meet and greet fans in the Expo’s Autograph Zone. “This event is really about giving families the opportunity to experience youth sports in a fun, interactive learning environment,” said Roberts. “Sports can benefit our kids and our communities in so many ways, teaching them life and leadership skills that will serve them well on the playing field, in the classroom and throughout their lives. We hope that this event gives families a glimpse of what positive youth sports can do and encourages them to get involved in sports year round.” The Expo is being presented by The Skills Center. Formed in 2007, The Skills Center’s mission is to strategically utilize athletics, not merely as recreation, but as the mechanism to accelerate academic achievement and create a personal bank of life skills for young people. The organization helps youth develop leadership attributes such as character, responsibility, respect, integrity, teamwork and sportsmanship. Proceeds from the Expo will allow The Skills Center to provide quality out of school, afterschool and summer programs free of charge to Tampa Bay’s underprivileged youth. Tickets to the Tamp Bay Sports Youth Expo are just $5-$10 and sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more about the Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo, visit www.TBYSE.com or call 813-7031324.

Local » Focus Photos by Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay

BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS HELP CHILDREN WORK THROUGH MYSTERY OF AUTISM Early Diagnosis and Intervention Key to Achieving Best Results A Story by: Julie Capobianco

utism is the fastest growing developmental disability and its presence is almost a daily occurrence in today’s headlines. Over the last year, parents have seen official case statistics rise from one in 150 children receiving a diagnosis, to one in 110 children, with one in four of those being boys. Most recently, controversy surrounded a now-retracted report linking standard childhood vaccines to autism-type symptoms and diagnoses. Kelley Prince operates Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay and has helped hundreds of Bay-area families by utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. “Based on each child’s individual needs, our therapists customize and implement ABA programs while emphasizing verbal behavior,” says Prince. “Our skill acquisition

programs focus on teaching language and communication, self-help skills, compliance behavior and appropriate peer and social skills.”

ABA therapy has shown great improvements for individuals of all ages exhibiting a language deficit, problem behaviors, feeding issues or other similar behaviors on the autism spectrum. Early intervention, which leads to the most effective outcomes, occurs when ABA and other intensive therapies are implemented with a child between the ages of 18 months and three years of age. In fact, Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay recently compared the rate of development in 18 clients diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who received treatment at one of their facilities. All children were between two and seven years of age at the onset of services and began their intensive

instruction averaging 10 hours a week for five months. On average, the group more than doubled their original skill set. Therefore, based on these findings, Prince is confident all children, regardless of skill deficits, diagnosis, or behavior, can learn skills and develop behaviors never before thought possible if a quality behavior analysis program is implemented. “ABA therapy is the only therapy with more than 30 years of statistics proving its effectiveness with children with autism,” Prince explains. “Many families hope certain symptoms or behaviors will go away, but early intervention is critical to effectively improve language skills, behavior and other symptoms associated with autism.” Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay has been named ‘Most Valuable Resource’ by international advocacy foundation Autism

Speaks and received the Autism Impact Award on behalf of the International Center for Autism Research and Education for their contributions to the autism community. Prince has also been a finalist in both the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes Awards and Businesswoman of the Year Awards. She opened her first Hillsborough County office in 2005 and moved to the present location in Westchase in 2008 and in 2009, demand for services lead to the opening of an office in Wesley Chapel. For information on services provided by Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay, or to schedule a free consultation and tour one or both of their facilities, contact them at 813-265-0210 or visit their website at www. bcotb.com.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa April 2011

press release Âť Focus

Troop 22 - in your Community

April 2011 myfocustv.com

Press Release Âť Focus

Dennis Myers Race for Public Office

FOCUS Magazine south tampa April 2011

press release » Focus

Lights, Fashion, Hope T AMPA – The LAMPLighters annual spring fashion event, Lights, Fashion, Hope will benefit homeless and at-risk children in our community. The event will take place on Thursday, April 28, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue in Tampa, Florida. This year’s theme is “Shine Like Silver” in celebration of the 25th anniversary of LAMPLighters mission to support organizations serving homeless children. The store-wide party will start with a champagne greeting and photo-ops and continue with food tastings from a dozen of Tampa Bay’s top restaurants and caterers. This exciting

event will showcase the beautiful spring fashions of Miami’s top couture designer, Craig Signer. The evening will also include Chinese-style auction of 25 fabulous silverinspired gifts courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue. Honorary Chairwoman, Dottie Berger MacKinnon says, “Lights, Fashion, Hope will be the most exciting fashion event in Tampa this spring. Come meet these wonderful designers and help the LAMPLighters continue to light the way for the many homeless children in our community.”

Event co-chairs, Kim Rogers, Kelly Breeding

LAMPLighters spring event will “Shine Like Silver” to support homeless children

and Sally Mabry expect over 300 members, guests, and patrons to enjoy the third annual Lights, Fashion, Hope event. Tickets are priced at $75.00 each or $125.00 for a couple. Patron tickets are $250.00 or $500 for a patron couple. Underwriting sponsorships are available from $1,000.00 to $10,000.00. For ticket and underwriting information contact Kim Reeves Rogers at 813.245.0318 or kimrogers@drivereeves.com. LAMPLighters, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization, has been involved with homeless children in the Tampa Bay community for 25 years. The all volunteer

organization has far exceeded the $1 million milestone in giving to Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House to assist with programs to assist homeless and atrisk children with shelter, food, clothing, education, before and after school care, summer camp, and tutoring. NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information or to arrange interviews with President E.J. Gibson or event CoChairs Kim Rogers, Kelly Breeding and Sally Mabry contact Public Relations Director Shelley Sharp at 813.928.5378 or lamplighterspr@gmail.com.

It’s not NEWS, It’s LIFE.

It’s about you. Have a Story to tell? We are always looking for a good story on people or organizations making a positive difference in the community - email us at: focus@dukepublications.com

April 2011 myfocustv.com

Hidden History » Focus

Photo by Christina Musial

ALocalCentury of Experience Tampa man recounts Tampa’s “Olden Days” Written By: Christina Musial

t is rare that you find someone with a vast knowledge of the history of your city with a valid connection to its past. I had the opportunity of meeting Fermin Montes de Oca, a true Tampa native like myself, born and raised in Tampa. De Oca entertained my few questions from his apartment in Sun City Center where he is spending his retirement. De Oca was born in Tampa on December 14, 1903 to Cuban parents. He lived the majority of his life on Chestnut Street. When asked what Tampa looked like in “his” day, he said “I remember when the streets were not paved, the sidewalks were made of wood, and there were no automobiles in the streets, only mules, horses and cows.” It’s hard for any current resident of Tampa to imagine a time void of rush hour traffic on Kennedy Boulevard. or Dale Mabry

Highway. Instead of rush hour, de Oca says he remembers seeing his first automobile. “I saw the first auto built by Henry Ford.” Items we see as every day necessities, such as the refrigerator were new inventions when de Oca was growing up. He says he’s always been quite fond of the refrigerator. De Oca made his living in Tampa in the cigar factories of Ybor. “I was the son of a cigar maker, I was a cigar maker. I hated it because I never smoked a cigar or a cigarette in my life,” he says. Working at the Berriman Cigar Factory in Tampa, de Oca was a shipping clerk who packaged and shipped Habana Coronas to Winston Churchill in England. As most everything else, schools were different when de Oca was a kid. He went to a Spanish school in Tampa as Spanish was his first language. He gradually learned English, but graduated with the majority of

his education instructed in Spanish. As a teenager, the de Oca family moved back to Cuba for a short while. De Oca says he loved the beautiful country overflowing with tobacco farms. In Cuba, de Oca played baseball for the Havana Cubans in the International League. Although his days of playing on the field are in the past, baseball is still one of de Oca’s favorite pastimes and he often catches the games on television, not preferring a particular team, he just loving the sport. In the 1920’s de Oca and his wife moved to New York City where he got a job as a barber in the Waldorf Astoria barbershop. His patrons included Gary Cooper (a personal favorite of his) and Douglas Fairbanks. He was a barber to the celebrities of his time. De Oca lived through the most modern wars the US has partaken in. He was too young

to fight in World War I, and too old to fight in World War II, but he lived through them just the same. “During the second World War I was a machinist and worked for Tampa Ship Building Company,” he says. De Oca was a drill press operator for the Tampa organization. Currently, de Oca lives at Sun Towers in Sun City Center where he is a fixture to the residents and staff. De Oca, known as Mr. “D” in his community, sings at every event. Last week he sang “What a Wonderful Life” at a resident party. Having grown up around Sun Towers, I remember seeing Mr. “D” in the Country Store selling snacks and sodas. With almost 108 years of life and experience behind him, de Oca still enjoys the simple things in life, like daily visits from his oldest son and the music of Frank Sinatra.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa April 2011

The Premier Showplace for Talent in Florida Make Your Reservations Today For One Of Our Fabulous Shows!

MARCH 19 & 25 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J.Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

APRIL 8, 16, 23 & 30 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

MAY 6 BOBBY PALERMO

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

APRIL 9 & 22 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J.Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

APRIL 24 EASTER SUNDAY BUFFET

APRIL 29 RICHIE MERRITT

Richie Merritt, formally of the Marcels, will be performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

A tribute to two of music’s historical cutting age acts Buddy Holly & The Beatles. BeatleBeat previously performed at Disney’s Epcot and was a big crowd pleaser. If you loved Holly and the Beatles, this is an act not to miss! Plus, Holly’s Cadillac, which also took the Beatles to Shea Stadium in the 60s, will be here to see!

APRIL 2 BOB RYMAN

“THE FIDDLER”

Bob Ryman “The Fiddler” was a legend in the area for many years when The Red Rose was Lani Purcell’s Holiday Inn and was also a favorite at The Florida Strawberry Festival®. Because of his fans’ requests, The Red Rose Inn is bringing “The Fiddler” back. P.J.Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds will open & close the show in the Red Rose Ballroom.

MAY 7, 13, 20 & 28 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

A grand buffet fit for Anybunny! Freshly prepared salads, seafood, beef, ham, vegetables and desserts (including chocolate fountains) and much more! Serving times: 12 Noon, 2:30 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. For your musical entertainment, Destiny performs. Call to reserve your table in the Ballroom.

MARCH 26 BUDDY HOLLY & THE BEATLES TRIBUTE SHOW

Bobby Palermo brings you a night full of humor, impersonations and high energy audience interaction. Bobby has received numerous National Awards and has been selected Tampa Bay’s Entertainer of the Year – 2 years in row! Destiny will open and close the show.

MAY 6 & 7 LOST IN THE 50S WITH BILL HALEY’S COMETS

A 2-day event that will “Rock Around the Clock” & “Shake, Rattle & Roll” in the Red Rose Ballroom with Bill Haley’s Comets. They were regulars on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, their music was featured in the film “American Graffiti” and the TV hit “Happy Days.” PJ Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds will also perform before and after the show.

MAY 14 & 27 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

MAY 21 LOLA &

THE SAINTS

Doo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday. “Forever in Love,” “Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.” Plus, PJ Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds.

SHOW RESERVATIONS Please call for ticket prices. Shows in the Red Rose Ballroom are in a supper club atmosphere with a four course meal (seats also available for the show only – for a lower price!) NO COVER CHARGE for shows in the 5-Star Red Rose Dining Room with the purchase of dinner. Show Guests - inquire about our special room rates when staying overnight after a show!

TEL: 813.752.3141

I-4 Exit 21 • 2011 N. Wheeler St.• Plant City, FL 33563

WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM

Mrs. Evelyn Madonia - Owner

banking for Personal relationships Bank of Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gerald divers shares his passion for personal relationships in banking story & Photos by harrison tropp

April 2011 myfocustv.com

spotlight » Gerald Divers

here exist few men in this community who possess a combined sense of internal integrity and personal success quite like Gerald Divers. In fact, for the President of the Tampa Banking Company, it all seems quite surreal. Particularly dressed and surprisingly un-intimidating, Divers sits in his office on beautiful Bayshore Boulevard, peering into the calm waters of Tampa Bay. In our discussion Divers shared history, life lessons, and most importantly, his desire to perpetuate one feeling: community. Combine a business mind, a relentless desire to succeed, and perhaps a small portion of luck, and Gerald Divers is the humble outcome of that equation.

While the Exchange Bank certainly did not compare to his current responsibilities, Divers not only learned the banking process, but developed relationships with his customers. Divers worked his way through the Exchange Bank and eventually met his wife who was from Tampa. The Exchange Bank underwent drastic changes in his 15 year tenure. Through the establishment of holding companies, to blatant mismanagement, it all seemed unattractive. According to Divers, “along the way, the Exchange Bank went from this warm fuzzy, cozy atmosphere to outsiders who didn’t know Tampa at all and it ruined the hometown culture and didn’t replace it with anything, so I left.”

Born and raised in Clearwater, Divers never foresaw his current position with the Bank of Tampa, let alone the close proximity to his hometown. “50 years ago if I had told anybody in Clearwater I was going to live in Tampa, they would have said ‘why would you live there?’” says Divers. In fact, his mother may have been the most objective to his living in Tampa. According to Divers, his mother promptly noted, “Tampa smells bad, they don’t speak English and they litter our beaches on the weekend.” While all this may be true, especially the latter, the idea of Tampa had infiltrated Divers’ mind at an early age and he was simply unwilling to disregard the yearning desire.

Divers made a timely transition to First National Bank, and even though frustrated with his previous experience, he felt compelled to remain active in banking. Divers was doing what he loved, working in a large bank with a hometown feel and after a four year term, received an unexpected call from the President of The Flagship Company. “He called me and said they were casting around for a Tampa banker to be President of their Tampa bank so I intervened and took the job. That was a wonderful experience and as if God was moving me around to give me the training I needed” says Divers.

While attending the University of Florida in Gainesville, Divers made perhaps one of his most important decisions when it came time to choose a major. As expected banking was the unequivocal choice and Divers excelled. At the same time, he had a call to military service and upon graduation came to his first real crossroad. “Do I want to go work in a bank in a small town in Florida or do I want to see the world? So I went to Officer Candidacy School from UF and was in the Navy for almost four years” says Divers.

Despite buyouts being made by larger banks, Divers did foresee a future niche in Tampa banking. He argued aggressively to establish a bank in Tampa which focused on professionals and business owners, seeking fuel for their business endeavors. And when these business grown, Divers had that covered as well. “We, have a financial services arm to give business financial advice if they want it and we’ll be a hometown bank that knows people. We were going to start a bank and call it ‘The Bank of Tampa’” states Divers.

Right before his discharge from the Navy, Divers’ father passed away. Despite aspirations to work abroad, Divers found it his personal responsibility to stay in the bay area. While he applied to various banks in the Tampa vicinity, Divers had an immediate draw to the Exchange Bank. “I said no branches, no holding company; it was run by the family who owned it. That was just the way banking was” notes Divers.

Divers’ vision of a hometown bank solidified when he discovered a bank for sale with no potential buyers. Carting eight investors Divers’ thought was simple, yet revolutionary. “I said that instead of staring a bank, we can buy this little bank. It was called the Independent Bank of Florida, we bought it and immediately changed the name to The Bank of Tampa, because we wanted to be Tampa’s hometown bank” mentions Divers.

After opening their first office downtown, Divers has maintained a constant focus on business professionals. According to Divers, The Bank of Tampa banks 38% of the law firms, 50% of the independent accounting firms, and 20% of the physicians, all within Hillsborough County. Why the obvious attraction? Divers’ explanation is simple. “The people who bank with us want a personal relationship with their banker” and that goal is certainly fulfilled at The Bank of Tampa. While assets certainly form the financial backbone of the bank, its staff is the entity which creates value. “We didn’t want turnover because if the first rule of banking is to know your customer, then we want our people to know our customers and call them by name. 50% of the people who worked here 15 years ago are still here today. This year, 85% of our staff will have been with the bank 5 years or more” states Divers. One of the more pressing items on Divers’ agenda was the implementation of a stock ownership plan. Although not widely understood by bank employees, Divers once again simplified the process. “I don’t think they really understood what it was. If you’ve worked here very long, you’ve got a very nice nest egg. We wanted to treat our employees fairly and with respect and also have a long-term pay off ” says Divers. With assets popping over a billion dollars three times last year, Divers will continue to mesh his hometown motto and corporate mind. Although Divers has set his role in Tampa’s elite business community, his aspirations stretch well beyond the world of banking. When asked what he would like to do for a future cause, Divers promptly stated “improvement in education is what we need.” According to Divers, children need to be sustained with quality education that is not only available, but accessible. If there is any indication of the power of education, it is undoubtedly represented in Gerald Divers. While driving down Bayshore Boulevard or down streets which host any of their other eight banking locations, Divers vision is certainly evident in every brick, idea, and employee. The Bank of Tampa is, and will forever remain, a beacon of local banking which never strays from their most important asset, people.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa April 2011

featuReÂť Kids chaRity tamPa bay

April 2011 myfocustv.com

featuRe» Kids chaRity tamPa bay

reACHinG ouTKidsinchaRityCoMPAssion, FoCusinG tamPa bay- PRoviding loving caRe foR fosteR childRen on CHiLdren “T Written by harrison tropp Photos courtesy of Kids charity of tampa bay

o improve the quality of life for foster children by providing advocacy, opportunities, support and resources.” That is the simplistic message of Kids Charity Tampa Bay. While many youth centered charities highlight child sponsorship in the Tampa Bay community, no one has perfected the task quite like this organization and their Executive Director Wayne Witczak. While the Tampa community offers an abundance of charitable youth groups, child development has been the fundamental goal, mission, and platform of this foundation. Kids Charity of Tampa Bay is a non-profit organization whose roots encompass a variety of local community and business leaders who shared a single concern: children. These leaders desired action and easily disqualified the bureaucracy and constraints of public funding, yet still expected the same support structure. While it is simple to understand the confusion and disorder associated with the shift children incur from home care to foster care. Kids Charity Tampa Bay alleviates the distress incurred by children and provides a stable, transitioning environment. Through private monetary contributions, children are being directly and positively influenced. According

to Witczak, “Kids Charity Tampa Bay was founded by concerned citizens who wanted to improve the lives of foster children.” While this explanation is quite simple, many initiates have been developed to expand their mission. Realizing the need to develop their operation, A Kid’s Place was founded as an extension, providing residential care in Hillsborough County. Encompassing local and state organizations a task force was formed to provide stability in the lives of children through a home-like care facility. “We found it to be a requirement to offer a residential facility known as ‘A Kids Place’” says Witczak. A Kids Place offers a complete living environment for newborn children to adolescents, with tenure expiring at eighteen years old. The facility is able to house 60 children at any given time. “We wanted to give children a loving homelike environment while The Department of Children and Family Services is able to decide on an outcome” mentioned Witczak. Kids Charity Tampa Bay also finds it productive to keeps siblings together to avoid trauma. Even though A Kids Place has reached max capacity, Wayne notes that such increase is conversely positive. According to Witczak , “We believe abuse has not risen,

but rather reporting.” As a response to such increases, Kids Charity Tampa Bay offers medical and behavioral assessments, as well as a full time school. If child advocacy is the primary focus of this organization, education is the primary vehicle used to propel their mission. “We believe that education gives children the chance to succeed and we partner with the community to have an annual school supply drive” notes Witczak. The school supply drive not only promotes education among children, but also gives those children the tools necessary to facilitate learning. In 2009, 450 children were helped. That number sky rocket in 2010 to 1,980 children who were provided back packs filled with necessary school supplied. This year, their goal is set at 5,000. Their annual holiday gift drive is also essential and slightly different than other charities. While Kids Charity Tampa Bay understands the need to provide support during the holiday season, they have also made it their goal to identify what children need to be successful and ask kids what they specifically would like. Witczak gives a particular example in which a child asked for a bicycle so he could simply commute to and from work. With 5,000 specific gifts given

this past holiday season, Witczak mentions they have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. Community involvement is a quintessential theme is Tampa’s philanthropic arena. While monetary support is certainly necessary and appreciated, it is often direct human interactions which generate the most rewarding experience. In writing this article, I had the privilege to view first hand facilities encompassing A Kids Place and the victimized children living there. During my brief visit and in seeing the faces of the children living there, I found sincere warmth and gratitude and I felt obliged to include my reaction in this article Where the blatant disregard of children exists, Kids Charity Tampa Bay is there to rescue the abused and neglected. It is their mission to provide a loving family environment inclusive of everyday items used to assist child development. It is organizations like this which not only make our community great, but also illustrate a constant need, often overlooked.

FOCUS Magazine SOUth taMpa April 2011

entertainment » event calendar

Dan Doyle, Carson Kressley and Chad Harrod at the Bright House Networks Fashion Funds the Cure event. Photo by Harrison Tropp

8th Annual Bright House Networks Fashion Funds the Cure, presented by Mercedes-Benz O Written By Jodi Lokay

ver 600 people attended the eighth Annual Bright House Networks Fashion Funds the Cure, presented by Mercedes-Benz on Thursday, March 10, 2011. Attendees flocked to Neiman Marcus in International Plaza, to watch the fashion show, enjoy food and wine but most importantly to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

12 amazing young ladies, ages 5 to 13, all of which are currently battling cancer, strutted the runway with style and grace, and overall courage. Additionally, the Fashion Funds the Cure event brought back 29 ‘alumni’ models who have been involved at some point within the last 7 years and have won the battle against cancer. The Fashion Funds the Cure event benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and the Tampa Show is the largest contributing event they run. The Pediatric Cancer Foundation otherwise known as PCF, is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding

April 2011 myfocustv.com

research to eliminate childhood cancer. They focus to fund research to find less toxic and more targeted therapies, which we all hope to eliminate pediatric cancer worldwide.

PCF gives approximately 85% of their funds back solely for the purpose of research. “Research. It’s what we fund. It’s all we do. It’s the only way to find a cure,” is the PCF’s motto and their vision. By keeping expenses low and spending money wisely, PCF is able to contribute to what matters- the cure for the kids. PCF’s national headquarters lie in Tampa and have been benefitting research opportunities for the past 19 years. During the first 15 years, PCF contributed the same as most organizations, which is funding one hospital at a time, or a few sporadic trials. Over the past four years, they realized their research was spread too thin and decided they needed a change, innovation, and focused direction. Now they are focusing on reorganizing

entertainment » event calendar collaborated efforts by working with more hospitals. The initiative started to encourage doctors to work together towards a common goal and share weekly updates, compare statistics while following the same protocol. This gives a greater pool of talent inspired by teamwork and a focused direction and ambition. The Fashion for a Cure officially announced the launch of the newest clinical trial, relapsed acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or “ALL” and is scheduled to kick ff at the end of the month. The trial will focus on treating 18 children who are battling the most common pediatric cancer, Lukemia. Currently there are six hospitals participating in the trial and Moffit is quarterbacking the way. As you can imagine, thousands of dedicated physicians oversee this trial, however, parents and guests had the chance to meet the two trial leads at the event, Dr. John Goldberg from University of Miami’s School of Medicine and Dr. Sullivan from Moffit Cancer Center. The ALL clinical trial could cost up to 1.5 million over the course of the 2-3 year journey. One could say it was a success story to hear that this year’s Fashion Funds the Cure raised the most funds of any year. The event raised approximately $560,000. With the hard work of the event chair and amazing range of sponsors, they were able to keep the cost of the event under $60,000. Thus, the event was able to contribute a net worth of $500,000 to support the Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s research.

In years past, the money was raised by sponsors prior to the event. This was the first year the Fashion for the Cure actually raised a substantial amount of money by doing an “Ask”. The goal was to raise enough funds to fund five children in this clinical trial a total cost of $65,000. The auctioneer, Blake Kennedy, started requesting donations at $13,000, the amount to fund one child during the trial and worked his way down to $100. Three generous donors gave the full amount of the full $13,000 and many more gave other large contributions totaling in approximately $150,000 that night! Not only was the monetary turnout a success this year, but the entire event. There were more sponsorship, attendees, celebrities and athletes walking down the catwalk with the girls. Including Carson Kressley, fashion expert of ‘Queer Eye’ and host of ‘How to Look Good Naked’ whom has been hosting the show for the past 3 years. “We hand select the stars and athletes based on their interaction with the girls. It’s the girl’s night not the players, as long as they understand that they can to stay,” stated Chad Harrod, Co-Chair of the event. “Mark Dominik, [Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM], has been great. He has participated with us they past few years and really makes the girls feel like queens.” The event wouldn’t be made possible without the dedication and hard work from the Co-Chairs, Chad Harrod, Dan Doyle, Alex Sullivan and numerous sponsors such as: Brighthouse Networks, Dex Imaging, Harrod Properties, Neiman Marcus and Mercedes Benz. Chad Harrod, the original chairperson came to the event the first year and truly felt inspired. “I am not even that dedicated to fashion, but just seeing the smile on the girl’s faces, I knew it was worth it,” Harrod commented. Harrod, himself battled a brain tumor, as a child and knows what these couragous kids are battling. He decided to take the project and become a cochair helping the PCF. Chad’s competitive attitude inspires the event to grow each year. With all this dedication, the event is the largest event, even surpassing those in Orlando and Atlanta. We look forward to seeing the success of the event and all the other events and contributions the Fashion Funds the Cure event and the PCF brings to the community. Thank you.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa April 2011

enteRtainment » event calendaR

souTH TAMPA

calendaR of events

if you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to: focus@dukepublications.com Corn, Southern Style Foods and more. Hand

APriL 1sT, FridAy

Crafts, like Local Art, Handcrafted Jewelry,

» Tampa Bay Storm VS. Jacksonville Jaguars

Park Village Fresh Market will also feature Live

Come watch the Tampa Bay Storm take on the

Jacksonville Jaguars at the St. Pete Times Forum at 7:45 P.M. For more information visit, www.stpetetimesforum.com .

APriL 2nd, sATurdAy » “Ales for Tails” at Yard of Ale previously “Cork”

The first Saturday of Every Month: 5pm -7pm. Bring your four legged friends and enjoy drink

specials and raﬄe prizes with a $5.00 donation for the animals at our shelter. Join us the first

Saturday of every month at Yard of Ale! 406 S. Howard Ave in Hyde Park

98 Rockfest: 3 Doors Down

98Rock, Tampa Bay’s Rock Station, unveiled a line-up for 98Rockfest what will rock Tampa Bay on Saturday, April 2nd at St. Pete Times Forum. Doors open at 6:15 P.M. For more

information please visit www.stpetetimesforum. com or log on to www.98ROCKFEST.com

APriL 3rd, sundAy » Hyde Park Fresh Market

Hyde Park Village, in partnership with Tampa

Bay Markets, Inc., hosts the Hyde Park Village Fresh Market at the Fountain the first Sunday of every month, year round, rain or shine,

from 11 AM to 3 PM. With space for over 70

vendors, shoppers will enjoy a variety of locally produced products including… Agriculturalrelated products like Organic, Hydroponic

Accessories and more...Each month the Hyde

Music, Cooking Demos and Outdoor Seating and a local Massage Therapist.

APriL 7TH, THursdAy » Bright House Networks Cut for a Cure

Tampa Bay business leaders, media personalities, and professional athletes, including Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning, are

shaving their heads to help in the fight against pediatric cancer. All money raised will benefit

the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and the Vinny Lecavalier Foundation. Event will be held

at the Pepin Hospitality Centre. For more information, visit

http://pcfusa.org/events/CutForACure.htm

APriL 8TH, FridAy » Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

Come out to the St. Pete Times forum to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Florida

Panthers for one of the last regular season games. Game starts at 7:30 P.M.

APriL 9TH, sATurdAy » Circle of Friends Dinner

Evening of cocktails and dinner to benefit the

Friends of Joshua Foundation. Location: TBA

Event starts at 7:00pm. Contact: 813-263-3469

and Conventional Produce, Plants, Herbs and

» American Invitational

Fresh Bread, Pasta, Honey and Spices. Ready-

Horse Sports. Event will be held at Raymond

New Orleans Style Craw Fish Pies, Kettle

For more information, including purchasing

Flowers, Gourmet Take Home Foods such as

Don’t miss the biggest night in Grand Prix

to-Eat Foods, such as Brooklyn Style Knish’s,

James Stadium, showtime starts at 7:30 P.M.

April 2011 myfocustv.com

tickets please visit,

http://www.stadiumjumping.com/ .

APriL 9TH And 10TH, sATurdAy And sundAy » 22nd Annual Hyde Park Village Art Fair

» Take Back the Night

Hyde Park Village hosts an event that creates

awareness, empowers survivors, and educates the community about sexual violence. Event begins at 6:30 P.M and last until 9:00 P.M.

If you’re planning a trip to Tampa, or nearby St.

APriL 17TH, sundAy

to do. Tampa’s trendy downtown area of Hyde

» Taste of South Tampa

and tree-lined streets, is the perfect backdrop for