Jolie R. Gonzalez
Publisher / Editor In Chief Misha Wong Creative Director Victor Padilla Operations Manager Carmen L Rodriguez Editor & Operations Director nikko gonzalez Publishing assistant Sergio Sodre Hispanic/Latino Market Liaison Al Piña Staff Writer - Al’s Desk Ask The Professionals Dr. Brian Caez Staff Writer – Ask El Chiro Man Rafael E. Fuentes, M.S., P.A. Staff Writer – Ask El Counselor Pedro G. Velez, Jr. Staff Writer – Ask El Abogado Marketing & Advertising Consultants Julio Aviles Orange & Osceola Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Conchita Burpee Central Florida - Business Development Specialist “Intermixx Marketing” Itamar Martinez Orange, Osceola, Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Zanibel Melo Orange, Osceola, Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Maritza Ruiz Hillsborough & Pinellas Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Carmen Santiago Orange & Osceola Counties Business Development Specialist/Special Reporter Other Florida Counties: (813) 901-5292 Office or BusinessDevelopment@Latin-Times.com Photography / Video Juan Ruiz of Ziur Photography Special Events Reporter/Photographer Al Frederick, Business Photography Zanibel Melo of Higher Dreams Productions. 4th Quarter 2010 Cover: Designed by Misha Wong
Proud Members of the following Organizations: • Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce • Hispanic Professional Women’s Association • Pasco / Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida • Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce • United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce
Main Office: 813.901-5292 Websites: www.Latin-Times.com | NEW: www.MyCityOfHope.Org No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced without the expressed written consent from Latin Times, LLC., 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. For a one (1) year subscription (4 issues), please send a check or money order in the amount of $15.00 to: P.O. Box 262574, Tampa, FL 33685-2574
Special ThanX to God. Thank you to GOD for the many blessings you have placed in my life! Thank you to Carmen Santiago for being a great mom, Orlando Rodriguez for being a great dad, Carmen Lourdes & Minerva for being great sisters –let’s get close again! To my big brother –I love you, all! Nikko Gonzalez for being the best son in the world. Thank you to my “victor”, you are my hero! Thank you to Zion and Victoria you are the sweetest and most beautiful little girls in the world! To all my wonderful friends, who always seem to be there when I need them the most!
Cómo Están Mi Gente!? Por ahí vienen las Navidades!! It’s an exciting time of year in Florida! The end of summer, back to school, followed by Hispanic Heritage Month!
This is the stuff dreams are made of!
Hispanic Heritage month officially begins September 15th and ends on October 15th, but in reality we “Latinos” will manage to stretch that month out to a 2-3 month period and typically roll it into “Las Navidades”, in other words, it’s going to be a very busy next few months filled with lots of celebrations! Be sure and check out our Action Avenue calendar of events!
The Primaries are coming and I want to urge you all to get educated on the candidates!
I am so ready to celebrate 10 YEARS in publishing!
I would however like to draw special attention to an issue that affects not only all Hispanics/Latinos living in Florida, but all minorities. Many of you may have heard of the “Arizona Immigration” law. Along with its many unconstitutional flaws, it is also a legal form of illegal discrimination and racial profiling. Many large minority organizations have already banned together in protest of it, and have even taken steps toward boycotting the state of Arizona.
Alright, its official, we will be 10 years old with our next issue! I remember those early years in publishing and the challenges that went along with them, looking back –I think it’s amazing how God brought me through all of that, to be here today, STILL dealing with life’s challenges, but so much more evolved than I was 10 years ago. A lot has changed in those 10 years! We have gone through two name changes, one size change, and 3 makeovers, including the one we are presenting to you with this issue! Yes, we have had big changes along the way, and as of this issue, we have grown by 8 new pages, and will grow an additional 8 in January 2011. Big changes and BIG ideas! Not only have we grown, but we are very excited to announce that we are now on the verge of going statewide with our distribution, which will take place in January 2011.
Every election is important, but these upcoming elections are crucial! Who is running? Please see our “Meet the Candidates” section of Latin Times Magazine, where you can find out!
There are politicians in Florida that would like to bring this same law to Florida! Florida has a very rich Hispanic heritage and history, dating back to the early 1500’s. Puerto Rico Explorer and Governor “Ponce de Leon” claimed the area in 1513 for the Spanish Crown, now families that have been here for generations are going to be subjected to this type of treatment!? Children of undocumented immigrants are being called “anchor” babies!? And laws are being proposed to strip children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants, of their citizenship! How did this all start? I suggest we read on what’s been happening in Arizona. The Governor of Arizona, Gov. Jan Brewer claimed that one of the main reasons this law was drafted in the first place is because of the violence going on there. She claimed that the “illegal’s” were
beheading people and leaving them in the desserts. Caught in this lie, the Gov. is now backtracking and claiming she made a mistake! When is enough –enough? Our country needs to stand together, and not allow itself to be divided by special interest or “patriot” groups with an agenda of “purifying” their nation. This law is an insult for ALL immigrants AND ALL Hispanics; Puerto Rican, South American’s, Central American’s, Mexican’s, Haitians all of us, who can now be harassed for looking Hispanic –or rather, for looking “reasonably suspicious”. All AMERICANS should be insulted! We need to stand together, against this threat, and we must let our voice be heard thru our voting power! In closing, I want to thank you all, my querido amigos, my familia and especially GOD. Thanks so much for the many years of support that you have given us. I hope that we will have many, many more years of sharing with you!
May God Bless You ALL!
Jolie Gonzalez Check out our NEWLY redesigned website: LatinTimes.com where you can view our fully interactive e-Magazine, our previous issues, expanded articles and interviews! Also proposed for 2011 is our growth into the Washington DC Metro Area with Latin Times Magazine AND the 1st Friday Networking Socials!
Step up to the plate and dare to be the Elite Latino!
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As hard as it is to imagine, The Arizona Law SB1070 or a closely related version of the law could be headed to Florida. If our voice ever needed to be heard-it needs to be heard now! This is not only a LATINO issue ---this is a minority issue, and affects us all, Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, Middle Eastern, everyone!
USE YOUR VOTE WISELY! I have always felt that we should vote for the right person…. not the right party, therefore Latin Times is a non-partisan media entity that wants only to educate you as to some of the candidates out there. After meeting with several of the candidates that are in the general election, we decided to post their answers here on the print edition of Latin Times Magazine as well as in the newly redesigned website: Latin-Times.com! This is a pivotal year for all of us!
Visit us online for more coverage: Latin-Times.com The all new Latin-Times. com features more up to date candidate coverage, where we will share our top picks based on one on one interviews with the different candidates and highlighting the candidates we felt were genuinely good honest people, that truly cared about our community and were committed to working for a better tomorrow. As we are non-partisan, candidates are chosen in an unbiased format regardless of which political party they represent!
Democratic Candidate for Florida House of Representatives, District 56
Democratic Candidate for Florida House of Representatives, District 58
Our government and private industry have failed the general population through mismanagement, and our economy has suffered. Those in power created the economic collapse and have now targeted the undocumented Hispanic workers as their scapegoats, as they are the least economically and politically empowered individuals in today‘s American society.
The Arizona immigration law and its counterpart in Florida are misguided and poorly planned. They both are caused by an emotional reaction to a very real problem in some states. Legislators need to discuss the proposed immigration law at length during our next session. Immigration is a federal issue and should not be a patchwork of state laws. My constituents can be assured that I will be opposed to this law as it is currently written.
It is not based on facts, but zeroes in on xenophobia, causing racial and cultural hatred and violence. The solution: cut of the demand and you will cut off the supply. We don’t need new Draconian laws we need to enforce our existing laws by punishing employers who violate the law.
Democratic Candidate for Senator of Florida We need common sense immigration reform. The kind of measure signed into law in Arizona is neither fair nor practical. It encourages police to question people who have done nothing wrong, and it does a disservice to people in this country who are employed, paying their taxes and are good citizens of their communities. That is not fair. As a former Trooper in the Florida Highway Patrol, I know laws like these will also hamper law enforcement efforts and make it harder to find people who will speak out as witnesses to crimes. This law is impractical and will not make anyone safer. While new immigration laws should be tough, they should be enforceable and not driven by a philosophical agenda.” As you can infer from the statement, Kendrick does not support the law coming to Florida. Kendrick Meek Website: KendrickMeek.com
Republican Candidate for U.S. Congress, District 11 I support Arizona’s right to pass laws aimed at protecting its citizens. If our state’s officials and our citizens in Florida deem it necessary to pass a similar law to protect our citizens, I would support it. One of the underlying problems with illegal immigration is the reality that some people’s perceptions of US citizens from Puerto Rico are illegal aliens based solely on the language they speak. Until we eliminate the problem of “illegal” in our immigration policy that perception will never change. Our Hispanic culture is as much a part of our rich American cultural heritage as any other ethnic group. Mike Prendergast website: www.pickprendergast.com
Independent Candidate for Senator of Florida
Democratic Candidate for Governor of Florida
Republican Candidate for Senator of Florida
Charlie Crist supports immigration reform that provides an earned path to citizenship. Today there are as many as 14 million illegal immigrants in America as part of an underground economy. Congress needs to provide an earned path to citizenship to those seeking to stay in the country. By doing so, they would be required to seek citizenship and all that implies with the result being an end to the underground system which exists today and is actually a form of fraud which costs everyone. Just imagine if these 14 million illegal immigrants became law abiding, taxpaying citizens and paid into the social security system how much better off America would be.
“States are passing tougher immigration laws because the Federal government has failed to secure our borders and crack down on illegal immigration. While it is the responsibility of our Federal Government to enforce immigration laws, it is clear that Washington has dropped the ball for decades. And in recent years, many states, like Arizona, have taken matters into their own hands to address a serious and growing problem. One thing, however, is clear: illegal immigrants that break our state’s laws should be held accountable both by the state of Florida and by the federal government for being in this country illegally by being deported.”
“States certainly have the right to enact policies to protect their citizens, but Arizona’s policy shows the difficulty and limitations of states trying to act piecemeal to solve what is a serious federal problem. From what I have read in news reports, I do have concerns about this legislation. While I don’t believe Arizona’s policy was based on anything other than trying to get a handle on our broken borders, I think aspects of the law, especially that dealing with ‘reasonable suspicion,’ are going to put our law enforcement officers in an incredibly difficult position. It could also unreasonably single out people who are here legally, including many American citizens. Throughout American history and throughout this administration we have seen that when government is given an inch it takes a mile.”
“My plan for Florida is to ensure that illegal immigrants don’t take jobs away from Floridians or get a free ride off the state welfare system when they don’t pay taxes and don’t play by the same rules as everybody else.”
I will not support immigration law that doesn’t punish American employers severely for hiring undocumented workers, doesn’t have a process to bring legal workers in when needed and doesn’t have a way to assimilate undocumented workers that are already here, paying taxes that have been good citizens. Latin Times: What inspired you to run for State Representative? Joe Redner: The mess in Tallahassee. With all the corruption, backstabbing, lies, compromises, etc. It’s a wonder they get anything done.
Joe Redner,
Independent Candidate for Florida House of Representatives, District 58
Latin Times: What is the most important issue in your campaign? Joe Redner: There is no one important issue. Education, jobs, the environment, balancing the budget and transportation. In order for our state to operate efficiently the problems with all must be solved.
Latin Times: As a State Representative what are your goals and what changes do you want to make? Joe Redner: I want to make education available to everyone. Protect the environment from sprawl. We have enough permitted land for development for the next 20 years. We don’t need any more sprawl. To balance the budget we must tax out of state Internet sales. People who would buy products from local businesses take that 7% sales tax into consideration and sometimes don’t buy locally because of it. So not taxing Internet sales hurts in two ways. One we lose revenue because we don’t get the tax money from those sales, and the businesses aren’t getting the business. We need to review our sales tax exemptions. We could raise $1 billion by eliminating 15% of what’s exempt from the tax. I would get more money from the Indians for their exclusive gambling rights. It’s worth more. And of course, we must stop wasteful spending and stop gambling with pension money.
LEADER IN AMERICAN RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH CHOSEN AS MOSI’S 2010 NATIONAL HISPANIC SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR
Duque & Associates Paralegal Services Duque & Associates has been providing Paralegal service to Tampa Bay’s community since 1992. Frank Duque specializes in providing professional and affordable Paralegal services in Tampa, Florida. His expertise includes the areas of Divorce, child support, Paternity, Legal Research, Document Preparation and Family Law Mediation. For info contact Frank at: Duqueinc@juno.com
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Marking the 10th anniversary of its National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, along with presenting sponsor Bright House Networks, has chosen their 2010 honoree, Dr. Dan Arvizu, a scientist at the cutting edge of America’s research and development of renewable energy sources. Arvizu currently serves as the Chief Executive and Director of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colo., the nation’s primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency. As Director, Arvizu oversees the DOE’s progress in wind power, solar power, biofuels and numerous other renewable energy technologies. MOSI will present this year’s National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award to Dr. Arvizu during a gala award ceremony on Saturday, October 16, 2010. To read more about Dr. Arvizu or MOSI, please visit our website at Latin-Times.com
“Don’t be afraid of bankruptcy” This is a quote used by many people that have experienced this alternative to gain tranquility in their lives. “This word Bankruptcy is often associated with embarrassment or shame, when in fact it should be seen as a business decision or a business transaction, and should handle by an expert in the field,” states Fernanda Rodriguez, a legal assistant with the law offices of Freire and Gonzalez. Fernanda recently moved from South West Florida to assist clients in need of this type of assistance. Bankruptcy is often misunderstood. Many people think that it ruins your credit forever however you would be surprised on how quickly you are able to get back on your financial feet. Creditors are in the business of loaning money and will advance you credit before you know it. We have had many clients thank us and tell us that bankruptcy was just what they needed. They are now well on their way to financial stability. They are finally able to sleep peacefully at night. They can pick up the telephone without worrying a creditor is on
the line. You should think of bankruptcy as the permanent cure to your current financial ailments. As each case is unique, our free consultation will help you in determining whether or not bankruptcy is the right decision for you.
We strive to be a hands-on law firm. As a result of that hands-on philosophy and our experience, you can be confident that we will guide you through your legal or financial difficulties and unlike other law firms the attorneys at Freire & Gonzalez are involved with each client from beginning to end. Your attorney will handle your phone calls personally, and will meet with you as needed. Fernanda invites you to contact her to schedule your free consultation. Assistance is available in English and Spanish. BancarrotaSinVerguenza. com or BankruptcyWithOutShame.com Tampa office: (813) 251-1100
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Noche Latina & Tampa Latin Chamber Annual Business Awards @ The Centre Club Saturday, October 16th, 2010
A wonderful evening celebrating Latin culture in Tampa will take place on Saturday, October 16th. Enjoy a fun evening in an upscale environment, with plenty of dancing while honoring the legacy of musical geniuses, Celia Cruz and Tito Puente. The Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce will honor business
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“Liquid Gold” ….Available at Rapid Refill It’s not rocket science. The printer manufacturers often market their printers at a loss, but more than make up for it when the ink or toner cartridges need to be replaced. An alternative to these costly cartridges is to use refurbished and refilled
45th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act “When President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, he called it a ‘triumph of freedom.’ Although the necessity of this law was born out of the dark legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws, the Act opened the door to a brighter future for all Americans by guaranteeing – more clearly than ever before – that American citizens, regardless of race, had the fundamental right to choose their leaders and to make their voices heard in the halls of government. In the 45 years since the Voting Rights Act became law, America
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has become a more equal nation. Through the enforcement of this law and others that protect the rights of Americans and through the striking down of laws that prevented many Americans from fully exercising their rights, we have empowered Americans of all backgrounds to more fully realize the promise of our nation. While our country and our government are now more diverse than ever before, we must continue to defend and protect Americans against discrimination. We must continue to vigorously protect the rights of voters to cast their ballots. And we must continue to work toward greater freedom and equality in America.
members with an award ceremony. Live music by Orquesta Guarare! Free Latin Dance Instruction Hosted by the Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce Tickets start at just $15.00 for the evening, dinner and awards tickets are also available. Centre Club Tampa 123 S. Westshore Blvd, 8th Floor in Tampa, FL
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ask the professionals
Pregnancy & Lower Back Pain
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ou’re pregnant! Congratulations! Your body’s changing—wondrously, marvelously. One unexpected and unwelcome change may be lower back pain. Recent studies suggest that two-thirds of pregnant women experience lower back pain.
These statistics seem reasonable. The weight of the growing baby plus the weight of the placenta and amniotic fluid, create an unbalanced load in front of the lower back. The result is irritation of spinal ligaments, muscles, and tendons, causing pain, muscle spasm, and loss of mobility. Of course, some cases of pregnancy-related back pain have specific medical causes. Uncommon conditions such as pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, septic arthritis, and inflammatory arthritis may need to be considered. That said, the vast majority of cases of back pain in pregnancy are mechanical in origin. This past month, my wife gave birth to a healthy 8-lb baby boy. She experienced minimal discomfort throughout her pregnancy while undergoing regular Chiropractic care. Additionally, she was able to quickly recover and return to her regular activities. Adjusting women throughout pregnancy is one of the most rewarding parts of our work, because a healthier pregnancy means an easier labor and delivery, and a better transition for the baby into this life. Your chiropractic doctor will perform a complete examination and determine the correct course of treatment, if appropriate. Once you’re feeling better, you can begin stretching and doing safe, gentle exercises that will help prevent recurrences of lower back pain. The goal is to strengthen your lower back and minimize the mechanical effects of pregnancy. The best method of preventing back pain in the first place is being fit. This includes healthy nutrition, gaining a moderate amount of weight, and regular exercise. Your obstetrician will likely recommend vitamin and iron supplements and will monitor your weight. The average healthy woman gains between 25 and 35 lbs during the course of her pregnancy. Let’s fast forward a few years. Your newborn is now a toddler. Parents know that if you have kids, stuff happens. You bend over to place a bulky car seat in your car. Then you place your child in it. And then, you bend over to remove the car seat from your car. If you’ve gone to the mall, kids want Daddy or Mommy to carry them. Pick them up, cart them around put them down again. What’s a parent to do? It’s not like you can avoid any of these activities. Your kids are kids - it’s up to you to do stuff for them. The answer lies in regular exercise. “But how will I find time to exercise, when it’s hard enough to find the time to do the things I need to do?” That’s a tough question, but if you recognize the benefits, you’ll make the effort to make the time. Forty-five minutes or an hour per workout, three or four times a week, will be plenty. And, once you’re in the habit of exercising, you’ll notice it’s easier to lift your kids, easier to bend over, easier to carry them. It’s easier because you’re fitter, stronger and healthier. And, surprisingly, you’re having more fun! In Good Health,
Dr. Brian Caez *For more information on how to reduce stress and live well through Chiropractic. Please contact Dr. Brian Caez: 813.872.4455 or AskElChiroMan@Latin-Times.com | Or visit www.drcaez.com and sign up for Award Winning Newsletter!
ARRESTING ILLEGAL ALIENS / WHO’S TO BLAME? f all of the clients I have represented in my practice, the most heart breaking cases are the clients that are arrested for driving offenses and O they are illegal Aliens. The Arizona immigration law has brought to light the
dilemma that our Latino people who are in this country illegally face. For the most part they are hard working, respectful and God-fearing people who are just trying to make a living for their families. Usually, their intentions are to work in this country for a certain amount of time and return to their country. While they are here, many of them start driving without a license or they obtain a valid Driver’s License from another state. The latter group who originally obtain a valid Driver’s License cannot renew them because they do not have the proper documentation to establish that they are legally in this country. The former do not even try to obtain a license at all. There is no question that their actions of driving without a valid Driver’s license are illegal. However, the penalties they face are extremely harsh. What occurs to many of these people is that once they are detained for a simple driving infraction the arresting agency contacts the Immigration department which holds them indefinitely until they are deported. I have been able to help many of these people stay out of jail with the help of compassionate State Attorneys and Judges. But the fact of the matter is the majority of these people who are arrested will be deported. At that time, they are separated from their wives and children and the dream of sending money back home to their families is over. It is important that we as Latinos unite to force Washington, state and local agencies to reform these immigration laws. I saw a great movie that was released in 2004 called “A day without a Mexican”. This movie alarmed me as well as educated me. The economic impact that illegal aliens have in this country is astounding. Vocations such as agriculture, construction, restaurants, domestic servants and other assorted industries could not efficiently run without these people. We owe illegal aliens a great debt. For the most part they have contributed greatly to our society. If you know any illegal aliens that have gotten into trouble with the law please call me. These people deserve excellent legal representation despite the fact that they are here illegally. I was born in Cuba and I am a refugee to this country. I know what chasing the “American Dream” means. I have been very fortunate. This country has given me and my family a lot and for that I am grateful. However, those people who have come to this country seeking the same “American Dream” that I was granted, deserve that our government reform its immigration laws. Contact me. I can help you with your criminal and personal injuries problems regardless of your immigration status in this country. Attorney Pedro G. Velez, Jr. Law Office of Pedro G. Velez, JR. 314 E. Harrison Street. Tampa, Florida 33602 Phone: (813) 209-9800 Preguntas: AskElAbogado@Latin-Times.com
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¿Depresión . . . qué es? ¡Hola a todos mis lectores! Es un placer el poder hablarles esta vez de un problema que es bastante común en nuestras vidas: La Depresión. La palabra depresión se ha puesto muy de moda en nuestra última década y lamentablemente algunas veces la usamos en el término incorrecto. La depresión ha existido por muchos años, inclusive antes de Cristo. Hace muchos años atrás a la depresión se le llamaba melancolía. Desde el pasado milenio la Asociación Americana de Psiquiatría ha podido estudiar más a fondo la depresión y educarnos al respecto detalladamente. Los síntomas de la depresión son: insomnio, despertar muy temprano, o dormir demasiado, sentimientos persistentes de tristeza, ansiedad, o vacío, sentimientos de desesperanza y/o pesimismo, sentimientos de culpa, inutilidad, y/o impotencia, irritabilidad, inquietud, pérdida de interés en las actividades o pasatiempos que antes disfrutaba, incluso las relaciones sexuales, fatiga y/o falta de energía, dificultad para concentrarse, recordar detalles, y para tomar decisiones, comer excesivamente o perder el apetito, pensamientos suicidas o intentos de suicidio, dolores y malestares persistentes, dolores de cabeza, cólicos, o problemas digestivos que no se alivian incluso con tratamiento. Una persona que tiene depresión no tiene que necesariamente tener todos estos síntomas. La persona con depresión lleva experimentando constantemente los síntomas por varios meses; el tiempo de duración varía según el diagnóstico. Los tipos de depresión son tales como el trastorno depresivo grave, el trastorno distímico, depresión psicótica, depresión posparto, el trastorno afectivo estacional y el trastorno bipolar. No todos sufren la misma magnitud. Algunos son situacionales, otros temporeros, pero otros son permanentes ya que son más severos. Existe el problema que algunas veces hay personas, especialmente en los hombres, que trabajan largas horas de trabajo, como algunas setenta a noventa horas a la semana. Este tipo de personas tratan de evadir el problema y les cuesta mucho aceptarlo. Hay personas que se lo tratan por medio del alcohol, drogas, obsesión al juego, largas horas en el internet (más de seis u ocho horas), entre otras. Alguna de las maneras que se puede manejar la depresión es haciendo actividades que a usted le agrade, tales como actividades físicas (correr, levantamiento de pesas, aeróbicos, caminar, etc.), yoga, meditar, hablar con un confidente, escribir todos los días ¿cómo se siente? (diario) y leer libros de auto-ayuda (self-help books). Si el problema no mejora en unas semanas es importante buscar ayuda profesional. Tenga mucho cuidado con el interpretar estos síntomas, ya que soy muy similar al estrés, ansiedad y el problema de la tiroides. Por ende es muy importante el poder buscar asistencia médica y/o profesional que trabaje en el área de la salud mental para que le ayuden y tal vez tratarle su problema a tiempo. Nunca es tarde y todos hemos experimentado la depresión una que otra vez. El dolor es universal y nadie está exento a ello. Lamentablemente la salud mental es la enfermedad número uno a nivel mundial. Es de sabios reconocer nuestros errores o problemas . . . ¡Qué Papa Dios me los bendiga! Un fuerte abrazo, Rafael E. Fuentes, M.S., P.A. Rafael E. Fuentes, M.S., P.A. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern I.M.C. #5865 8019 North Himes Ave, Suite 311, Tampa, FL 33614 Phone: (813)732-6876 www.rafaelthecounselor.com Preguntas: AskElCounselor@Latin-Times.com
O
ur community faces a defining moment. Reeling from an economic downturn unprecedented in our time, we have within our grasp an historic opportunity to invest in our community by funding and developing a state-of-the art transit system in Hillsborough County – a system connecting our citizens to friends, family, jobs, education, healthcare, cultural resources, retail, restaurants, and entertainment not only in Hillsborough County but throughout the region. We can no longer afford the cost of doing nothing.- Gary Sasso, Chair Moving Hillsborough Forward Taking on this initiative will not be a cure-all. But it will be a step in the right direction: A step that tells our young people they do not need to relocate to more progressive communities to find work and build a future; a step that tells businesses that we are building infrastructure to connect people and places and that we are going to fight to keep and multiply jobs in our community; a step that tells the rest of the state and the world that we aim to lead our way out of these economic doldrums, rather than wait for others to do the work for us. We can no longer afford the cost of doing nothing. Forbes magazine recently ranked the Tampa Bay the nation’s worst city for commuters among the top 60 major metro areas. Our region is losing out economically to competitor regions such as Charlotte, Dallas, and Phoenix, which have invested in their transportation systems and are now not only combating sprawl but boosting economic development. Responding to these concerns, a grassroots coalition of Hillsborough County residents, neighborhoods, businesses, civic groups, and community leaders has come together to form Moving Hillsborough Forward, http:// www.MovingHillsboroughForward.com, which will support the passage this November of a referendum that will help Hillsborough County build a worldclass transportation system. The countywide transportation improvements plan benefits all residents in Hillsborough County. The one percent transportation sales surtax will have 75% dedicated to transit, including an expanded bus system (consisting of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), express, local and neighborhood service) and a new light rail system, and 25% dedicated to improving roads, intersections, and pedestrian walkways. All funds will be deposited into a trust fund and all spending reviewed by an independent oversight committee of citizens and experts. Most importantly, join us! Together, we can accomplish great things. On behalf of Moving Hillsborough Forward, I look forward to working with you. Thank you in advance for all of your much appreciated efforts. Moving Hillsborough Forward is a countywide coalition of community, business, civic and political groups and leaders who are working together to support the transportation referendum on the November 2010 Ballot.
Pastor Mike Salas
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atin Times/Victor Padilla: Tell us about the passion and calling on your life and in this ministry? Pastor Mike Salas: The passion and the drive here is that we do not want to be just another Hispanic/Latino church. One of the things that our Pastors taught us in the last ten years is that we have to think outside of the box. We do not want to be a religious Latino church full of traditions. Our passion is to connect the Latino People with a relationship, not with a religion, a relationship with God and to where they can experience a one on one relationship with Jesus Christ, and be able to build their own spiritual life through that relationship. Latin Times/Victor Padilla: Tell us about your family and your church family and the kind of relationship you have with them? Pastor Mike Salas: Wow, we have four children, four beautiful children. We have one daughter and three boys. My daughter is 26, my oldest boy is 23 then we have a 19 year old and the youngest who is 16. It’s interesting because we have our two youngest at home and I am so proud to say that they are very involved in the ministry they actually run the media here in the church for the Spanish ministry. One of them (the oldest) is the director and the other one is a camera person. As far as the church family, what can I say, it is the best family that you can have, a spiritual family. We are truly loved by the congregation, one of things that I have noticed about the Latin connections group is that they feed us, it’s reciprocal, I as their pastor, I preach the word, lead them, but their love and their support actually gives us the stamina and gives us the desire to move on and to continue to grow of the Latin Connections where it would be the largest Latino Church in Tampa. Latin Times/Victor Padilla: Who is your greatest hero and what kind of an impression did they leave in your life? Pastor Mike Salas: My greatest hero was my father. My father was a tremendous man of God, one of the pioneers in New York as far as Spanish churches, and he left to
be with the lord over eight years ago, even to this day my father has an impression on my life to where I understand that I am called. My dad gave me such solid advice, I remember him telling me
“Mike always be real and always be transparent with the people.
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And of course one of my greatest hero’s is Pastor Paula White, as she is my personal mentor, and my example. Paula is impacting millions and millions of people throughout the world, and that is our desire to impact all of Latin America, all the Spanish speaking countries, not just in Tampa, FL or the US, our vision is to impact the Latin world as a whole. There are no limits to what you can do when you believe in God. To view the complete interview, please visit our website today at: Latin-Times.com Or to view the LIVE video of this interview, please visit our YOUTube channel: Latin Times TV Please join Pastor Mike for services on Sundays at 3:00 PM @ Without Walls International Church @ at Without Walls International Church, located at: 2511 N. Grady Avenue in Tampa, FL.
Unfailing Trust By: Victor Padilla
The other day I was at the beach with my familia and I found myself going through memories of my father who was a pastor and evangelist most of my life, until God called him home in 2006. My father would often take us to the beach when we were kids, and I remember that after we played in the water, my father would grab one of the inner tubes, lay back in it, and just let the waves carry him off into the deep waters until you could hardly see him in the horizon. I remember, I would watch him with tremendous concern thinking to myself ”What if the sharks get him, what if he drowns, what if something terrible happens and he never comes back?” Finally, after my worries began to mount for him, he would suddenly re-appear and there he was paddling back, doing the backstroke in the intertube as if he had gone for a stroll in the park, and he always had a huge smile on his face. My father would get to shore and look at me, and say, “What’s wrong Papa?” and I would just keep my worries to myself. Finally after many of these care-free trips, I was so upset that I said...” Papi why do you go so far out in the water, don’t you know that you could die out there, get eaten by sharks, killed or something?” My father bent down, grabbed my face looking into my eyes, and said the words that seared into my heart and gave me more respect for him as a man of God than ever. He said...” Son, sometimes to get close to God we have to meet Him in the places that are very scary and dangerous but, we have to trust Him completely with our lives and for me that is in the deep waters, so He has control and not me.” That was the most profound thing my father ever said to me, I knew then, that when we are going through the storms, trials, suffering, and pain in our lives, through it all, God is there, He alone is in control. It is up to us whether to trust him or not. I want to encourage you to trust in God no matter what trial or tribulation you are going through or what circumstance is happening in your life right now, just close your eyes, relax, and say…” God I am here in the deep waters of my life, meet me and draw me into your peace, give me your strength to endure and the faith to withstand, knowing that I will make it through this and that victory is coming!” Jesus spent the last moments of His life on earth knowing everything that He would have to go through, yet He held on to the faith and the promise of His Father, how much more will God hold on to you. May God bless you and give you His unfailing peace. –Brother Victor Padilla
Pastor Joel Osteen
Senior Pastor, Lakewood Church – Houston Texas Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: As Florida is affected by the rise in Job losses, business losses, home losses and families breaking up. What can you say to that person that is feeling so devastated about all their losses, about hanging on? Pastor Joel Osteen: I would just encourage them to know that God is with us in the tough times that he is in control, and that if we can just make up our minds that we will not get bitter and that we are not going start to looking at what’s wrong, but if we can get up every day and say, “God I thank you for the gift of this day.” I believe when you stay in faith that’s what allows God to turn negative situations around. My main thought to them is just to know that God has them in the palm of his hand, it is not a surprise where they are right now, so know that we’re praying for them and many other people are as well. I love the fact that God promises that he will not only bring us out, but he will bring us out better off than before. Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: Seeing all the disasters that have taken place in the earth lately, a lot of people believe that the year 2012 is the end. How do feel about that? Pastor Joel Osteen: You know, I don’t know. I don’t get really worried or caught up in it, I just know that I believe that nothing will snatch us out of God’s hands like he said, so if we keep being our best each day than we won’t go till it’s our time. Some of that I don’t know that I understand it all, but I know that every day we are supposed to be our best right where we are, Let’s try to be a blessing to somebody each day, and when we do that God will take care of us and always see us through. Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: What advice would you to give people that are interested in starting their own Ministry and that feel the calling of God? Pastor Joel Osteen: I would encourage them to just take a step of faith, and let God open those doors. To just be faithful where you are, don’t wait to have a big church to preach in before you start ministering. Go down to a senior citizens home or to a young people’s group, if you’ll use your gifts where you are that’s how you will develop them and get better and better and I believe God rewards that faithfulness. Latin Times/Jolie Gonzalez: I want to tell you about our new website, which is
“MyCityofHope.Org” this is a website that will –we hope, instill HOPE in people that are so desperately in need of it. We want to develop the site so that people will read about spiritual people like you all the time, and stream in your videos as well. We feel that you are such a huge part of that inspiration to us! I want to invite you to be a part of that with us? Pastor Joel Osteen: Thank you it will be my pleasure and my honor and I appreciate what you all are doing. We do love the Hispanic/Latino community, we have so many of them back at home, and a big Spanish service with Marcus Witt and we just appreciate your heart to help other people.
Know that we are behind you and we are going to keep praying for you. To view the complete interview, please visit our website today at: Latin-Times.com Or to view the LIVE video of this interview, please visit our YOUTube channel: Latin Times TV
My Full Surrender….
How to conquer fear and stress…. By: Jolie R. Gonzalez
During times of war, the word surrender means that you have been conquered and that you “give-up”. It means that you are conceding to being the loser of the war. However in relation to GOD the word surrender means something completely different. In both instances, you are letting go and admitting “defeat” but while in the one instance you have been conquered, in the other, you have been saved. Surrendering our lives and will into the loving hands of God is not an easy thing to do for some people, because many of us have issues with control and surrendering means that you are no longer in control and yet it’s this “surrendering” of our lives to God by which we truly win! Surrendering your life to God means that you are giving up being in control. It means you are letting go of everything in your life to HIM, letting go of the worry, letting go of the fear, and letting go of the stress in your life, it means that you are placing everything in God’s loving hands, and that you trust him to bring you through it, regardless of how bad things look! I have gone through very difficult times in my life by keeping unshakable faith in God, but letting go of my control –and surrendering to him. These were days that were so dark, and so scary –so seemingly without hope that without my surrender to God, I would not have survived, I certainly could not have thrived, and yet since I remained strong in my resolution through the power of prayer, I not only survived my trial (s), but in fact I came out of them all the better. And, here I am thriving, better than I was ----when in fact, everyone, and everything said it would be impossible! Now, when something bad happens in my life as it will sometimes do, I thank God for being with me through the trail, and thank HIM, in advance for bringing me through it. As when we were children and were cared for by a parent or guardian is as it is with our heavenly father as adults, when we surrender to him, GOD will provide a way. IF you trust in him, and keep your FAITH, then ALL things are possible. Jesus said “if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” [Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:6]. Jesus promises “it will move” [Matthew 17:20]; “it will be done” [Matthew 21:21]; it “shall come to pass” [Mark 11:23]; and it will “obey you” [Luke 17:6]. God Bless YOU!
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The Healing Hand of Faith… By: Victor Padilla
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esus was walking with a crowd who surrounded him when there was a woman who had an issue of blood (Hemorrhaging) for twelve years, this woman knew that all she had to do was touch the very edge of his cloak, and she would be healed. The woman had to struggle through the crowd to reach Jesus, finally when she was close enough; she reached out and touched his cloak, instantly she was healed. Jesus stopped right then turned around and looked through the crowd and asked, “Who touched me?” Someone
My
touched me! Jesus had felt the supernatural power of healing leave his body. The woman knowing what she did came and fell at Jesus feet and confessed what she had done, Jesus then looked at her and said, “Daughter your faith has healed you, go in peace, and be freed from your suffering”. When we are suffering through things in our lives, whether they be physical, financial, or through our family, just praying without faith is not enough and faith without works is dead! We have to sift through the crowd of obstacles and get through to Jesus, once you reach him through earnest prayer, getting on your knees and putting your faith into action, the possibilities are countless. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. If you have faith, determination, motivation, and action, nothing can stop you from accomplishing the miraculous! Hebrews 11:1, Mark 5: 24-33
Guardian Angel By: Maritza Ruiz “hey I’m not going to let you fall down”, that voice of encouragement that makes you STAY there and encourages you to get up, all the while reminding you “I’m here for you!”
I’m a true believer that people are placed in your life for a reason. Some people come into your life for a short period of time, while others come and stay for a life time. Some people bring you peace, love and happiness, and others bring nothing but pain and disappointment. Some people come into your life and help you emotionally, physically or even financially while others come into your life and drain you emotionally, physically or financially. I have always thought of myself as a very strong person, not only emotionally, but physically and financially as well, but with so many life changing situations chipping away at you throughout the years, “life” sometimes wears you down. I have always been proud to be in a position to be able to help the people in my life, and I never thought I would be in a situation where I would be the one in need! It is at those times, when you are at a point of feeling beatenup that we need someone to say
It was during my “difficult time” in life, that I believe God sent me my GUARDIAN ANGEL and her name is Mrs. Noelene Dobson. I met Noelene as a potential QuickBooks client over a year ago to train and assist her with her needs, however throughout this past year we have become close friends as well. Noelene has lived a difficult life but throughout it all she did not allow this to change her into a bitter and hateful person, instead her difficult times only served as lessons instead. Noelene has taught me so much it’s hard to verbalize. She has been there for me when no one else wanted to, or could be there for me. She provided me with her wisdom and love. She is a true friend, and a blessing not only in my life, but in the lives of all people that she comes in contact with. To Mrs. Noelene Dobson, THANK YOU for being there for me and my family! I wanted the world to know that despite all the bad stuff going on in the world today, we still have true, beautiful, loving and caring people in this world. Noelene Dobson you truly are my Guardian Angel!! Thank you!!
Inspiraciones En Cristo “Osvaldo Figueruelo es un autor nacido en Cuba en 1969. Desde temprana edad, destacó su capacidad para escribir poemas e historias. Su fe en Cristo fué inculcada en un principio por sus padres y familia en su niñez, pero esta fe ,tomó fuerza y vida propia en los últimos años al llegar un mayor entendimiento en su interior y al verse expuesto a todo tipo de denominaciones cristianas, diferentes ministerios, así como otras experiencias que lo marcaron como la película The Passion Of The Christ,
en su búsqueda espiritual . Todo esto llevó a Osvaldo a desarrollar finalmente una relación personal con su salvador Jesucristo mas allá de doctrinas o tendencias religiosas.Esta colección de trabajos lleva como título Inspiraciones en Cristo porque eso es precisamente lo que es. En cada página Osvaldo trasmite pasión ,respeto y un amor desbordado hacia Jesucristo, y espera contagiar al lector con un mensaje positivo y de esperanza, así como de confianza en Aquel que es La luz del mundo.” Info: YouTube.com, search Osvaldo Figueruelo.
Immigration Reform-Arizona Law I am an American…But what flows in my blood is thousands upon thousands of years old and it is a heritage that I will not abandon because Mexican am I. By: Al Piña
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oday a battle wages on that will divide our country. That will impact all Latinos and Americans alike.
It is a battle that is deeply rooted in race regardless of those who say it is about laws. But this battle will ultimately unite Latinos into one body as I witnessed in California when Proposition 187 was introduced in 1994. The Arizona Immigration Law is the fuel for this battle that will ultimately rear its ugly head in Florida. Fear is the fuel for hatred and we have witnessed this throughout the ages. Fear has destroyed both countries and families. One only need look at history to see this. The decline of the great Roman Empire was due to the undermining of dignity and sanctity of family as the basis of human society. Yet today, there are those who seek to wage a battle, against those who seek to bring a better life to their families. They seek to undermine the families of the undocumented worker. Yet they do not see that these actions will have a direct affect upon our country and its economics. Their anger, their hatred, and their fear will take us down a path that even the Roman Empire could not bring itself back from. The decline and eventual destruction of the greatest democracy the world has ever seen was not due to what language was spoken, not because of what political party prevailed, not because of immigration problems or because each roman citizen did not love their country enough. One of the reasons for its decline was the undermining of inhabitants, regardless of race, that destroyed the 500 year old Roman Empire and its ability to sustain itself economically.
All news is old news happening to new people, History repeats itself... As in many times in history there are those who reign in the majority that will build portraits of fear for the masses to feed from. They wish to bond into a collective thought of fear. It [fear] is a parasite which we must not allow to take root.
Today it is the undocumented Mexican and other Latino immigrants that they use as the basis for fear. But at the core of this, it is really about the decline of the Anglo-American male domination. If we fully embrace the true values of our tenets as a country, which is that all men and women are created equal, regardless of race, creed or color, how can we create unconstitutional laws which will destroy not only the foundation of these families, but the foundation of our beliefs as a country? We must create laws that will unite these families. We must create laws that will bond the ever growing face of Americans. We must create laws that will embrace the true principals of the original undocumented immigrants-the founding fathers of the United States of America. We must create laws that will allow their families to become our families. As with my father and dozens of my cousins and uncles, I served my country through service in the military. Many of my cousins and uncles have died to defend our great county. We have served our country with distinction, love and determination, because we believe in the premise and foundation of this great country, that all men and women have the right to pursue and seek happiness, even the undocumented workers in our country. America is a country of immigrants and we are ALL immigrants here because somewhere down the line our ancestors were ALL immigrants at one time or another. As we see in the premise of the Arizona Immigration Law, today we have those who wish to use fear of undocumented immigrants as a mechanism to herd us into one collective mind as if we were sheep. They use “American or Patriot” as their core
principal. They use “English” as a core value. And those who do not follow in line with this collective thought are nothing short of being Un-American.
My message to them is short and was born of values, pride and community: Your attacks upon those who wish nothing more than to provide for their families through hard work will not be tolerated by Latinos across our nation. An attack upon their children is nothing short than an attack upon us, for their blood is our blood. You attack those who wish to pursue a better life. You attack those who wish to feed their families. You attack those who contribute to the economic well being of our country. You use words such as illegal to dehumanize and separate them into a common herd of beings that wish to tear apart the fabric of our society. Your attacks upon these Latino’s shall unite all Latino’s in our nation. And more importantly, we shall not forget those who attacked our children, families and communities. We shall take this memory of attacks into the voting polls. This you can take to the bank. God Bless you and all families in this time of strife. Al Pina, Chair of FMCRC
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When I think of strong Latin women, I cannot help but think of Gloria Estefan! I can still clearly remember Gloria back in the 80’s when I was growing up her talent was only overshadowed by her incredible strength and courage when she had her horrible bus accident. With a career that spans decades, Gloria has not only paved roads for young aspiring Latino singers and song writers, but has also overcome tremendous challenges in life. Her roots are 90 miles away from where she lives. But she also holds them very close to her: in her heart. Gloria Estefan, a pop music superstar both in English and in Spanish, has never forgotten the island she came from. Gloria Estefan was born Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García on September 1, 1957 in Havana, Cuba. Her maternal grandfather, Leonardo Garcia, immigrated to Cuba from Pola de Siero, Asturias, Spain, where he married Gloria’s maternal grandmother, originally from Logroño, Spain. Prior to the Cuban Revolution, Gloria’s father was a Cuban soldier and a bodyguard to Cuban dictator, Fulgencio Batista. The Fajardo family fled to Lafayette, Indiana as a result of the Cuban Revolution, eventually settling down in Miami, Florida. At the age 18, this music lover was invited to sing at a wedding with a local band called Miami Latin Boys. The gathering, in which she would meet the group’s young leader, Emilio Estefan, would mark the beginning of a radical change in her life. Today, Gloria is a very successful singer, songwriter and actress, and is in the top 100 best selling music artists with over 90 million albums sold worldwide. With a career that spans decades, Gloria has won seven Grammy Awards and is considered the most successful crossover performer in Latin music to date. An icon for Latinos the world over, Gloria has stayed true to her Latina roots. To read more, please visit us online at: Latin-Times.com
Name/Nombre: Gloria Marie Estefan What is your profession: Singer/ Songwriter What is your Pais? Cuban American Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What was the determining factor in choosing your career? Gloria Estefan: I like to think that I didn’t choose my career … but rather it chose me. Growing up, I would never have imagined myself on stage performing to massive audiences. I was painfully shy and cringed even at the thought of performing for my family and friends in our living room, never mind on a world stage. My grandmother always believed that I had a gift that I would share with the world. I always loved to sing, but never considered that it would be a career. It took my meeting Emilio to take a “hobby” of mine (singing) and turn it into what it has now become. Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: What was the biggest challenge you have encountered in your life –and how have you overcome it? Gloria Estefan: I’ve experienced many challenges throughout my life but I believe that I’ve learned and grown as a woman by each of those experiences. As a child, I left Cuba with my mother when I was two. We came to America and started a new life having left my father and our family behind. Many years later, when my father returned from Vietnam, and was sick, it was a daily challenge to care for him, until the end when the disease took his life.
Of course, one of the biggest challenges in my life that most people are familiar with was the paralyzing bus accident in 1990. I had to learn, all over again, basic functions in life that we take for granted. Something as simple as putting on your underwear was something that I could no longer do for myself. Prayer and positive energy that I received from my family, my friends and my fans from around the world is truly what inspired me to overcome the greatest challenge of my life. Which was to simply put one foot in front of the other and walk again. Not only did I walk again... but one year and three months to the date of that paralyzing accident after a lot of hard work and dedication I performed on stage. It was a euphoric moment that will forever be engrained in my mind. Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: How do you get past the tough days that life occasionally hands us all? Gloria Estefan: “fame” or being a “celebrity” doesn’t shield you from life’s everyday challenges. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, or how “famous” one might be... we all face challenging aspects in life. I wake up each morning and am thankful for the fortune of good health that I and my family experience. That’s the ‘cake’ ...the rest as they say is ‘icing.’ After the bus accident, I learned not to sweat the small stuff. Be thankful for what life has given you and make the best of it. That’s my mantra! Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Please tell us about your family
Gloria Estefan: How much time do I have? My family is my rock. We stand by each other in “good times” and “the not so good times.” My mother is definitely the matriarch of our family. .. she is an inspiration to everyone who meets her. She is a living testament when we talk about someone who has overcome obstacles in life. . . . . My husband Emilio has been in my life for over 33 years. My life partner who has shared my dreams, my fears, my successes and my failures. My two incredible “only” children, Nayib and Emily are the sole purpose of my being. They inspire me each and every day. Jolie Gonzalez/Latin Times: Who (here or departed) do you consider to be a Latino/ Hispanic role model for you, and why? Gloria Estefan: I had many women in my life as I was growing up that I consider role models. My mother’s mother (my abuela) was such a strong woman, she supported me in every way. . .and was a great inspiration. My mother of course, as I’ve mentioned, is, and always will be one the greatest role models I know.
I had the great fortune in my life to meet and work with Celia Cruz. Her music and her spirit continue to inspire me. I am proud to have called her ‘my friend.’
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cover storycontinuación A Road Paver and a leader, a woman with so much class and distinction, this Latina makes you believe in dreams, and dares’ you to believe in making them come true. Challenges? Obstables? Sure –they will always come, normally when you least expect them, but nothing is impossible if you believe, and Irma Elder is the perfect example of that philosophy! I remember the first time I met this beautiful and classy woman, Mrs. Irma Elder. It was some 5 or 6 years ago, and she had given a speech at a luncheon I attended sharing the story of her life I remember the entire room was enthralled with her words, and I remember that I cried. As I left the event, I was in awe by her strength, her perseverance, and her intelligence but more so by her complete honesty, and how it encouraged me to know that with faith, this amazing woman had proven that there was nothing that could not be accomplished.
friend, and they had a good marriage. They were married for 20 wonderful years and had 3 wonderful children together. James Elder died in 1983. Devastated at losing her best friend, Irma suddenly found herself alone, with a family to support, and a Ford car dealership to run, the grieving widow found herself with a decision to make, sell the struggling business and start over fresh, or take over the reigns’ of the then-Troy Ford dealership. At the time of the tragedy, her children were in their teens. Gathering her courage, Irma decided to take over the dealership, becoming the first woman to own a Ford dealership in the Detroit area. Putting her best foot forward, Irma went on to make several key decisions and changes that would pave the road to the success she is today, starting with the simple renaming of her dealership to Elder Ford, followed by buying additional automobile dealerships.
Afterward the luncheon, I ran into her outside while waiting for my car, and introduced myself to her. It would be years before I would speak with Irma again, now I am proud to call Irma Elder a very good amiga.
With the Dec. 21, 2007, acquisition of Jaguar of Novi, Elder Automotive now has 11 dealerships selling the Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Jeep and Saab brands in Michigan and Florida.
Irma was born in tiny Xicotencalt, Mexico, and raised in Ciudad Victoria. Irma moved to Florida with her family as a teenager speaking little English. Recalling the journey to the United States, Irma remembers coming across the border, and waiting for their train to pass so they could cross to the other side. In Miami, she attended a St. Joseph’s Catholic High School.
It was difficult making the transition from housewife to business owner, but Elder said she simply “did what had to be done,” and she drew from her experience as a personal assistant to a Miami auto dealer. “Also, I contend that you cannot be married to a man for 20 years and not know anything about his business,” she said.
Irma would later marry James Elder. Irma confessed he was her best
It’s a decision that ensured the economic future of her growing family and the community. Today the
Troy resident’s business, Elder Automotive Group, employs 400 people across the U.S.A. the face of one of the area’s largest networks of automobile dealerships Irma Elder’s life story and business acumen have become legendary. “I love a challenge,” Irma confesses. “It’s fascinating. In the automobile business, there isn’t one day that’s like the other one. And that’s very interesting in and of itself. I love taking care of the customers, and I love working with our people.” These days, Elder divides her time between Oakland County, and a winter home in Miami, Florida. Sons Tony and Robert mostly run the family business, yet Elder says she enjoys working too much to stop.
“When the time comes for me to retire, I want to be sure that (my sons) are able to run things,” she said. “So I’ve been kind of stepping back and letting them run things. But I’m not going to retire. And I don’t think they want me to retire.” Today, Elder Automotive Group is a $700 million dollar company.
What is your full name? Irma Elder What is your Pais? Mexico What is your profession? CEO – Elder Automotive Group Latin Times: What was the biggest challenge you have encountered in your life –and how have you overcome it? Irma Elder: I was very happily married to my husband of 20 years. It was a fairy tale life. I would have to say it was the death of my husband and best friend, and also the death of my parents. Those were both very difficult times for me. When I lost my husband, I had to be strong for the children, for the business and for me, my life changed forever after that. Latin Times: How do you get past the tough days that life occasionally hands us all? Irma Elder: By taking it one day at a time, and having faith in God. Latin Times: Please tell us about your family Irma Elder: They are very loving. I have three wonderful children, 2 boys, and a daughter, plus 5 beautiful grandchildren, and I have 3 sisters -4 girls all together, and all of us are different, and I have an older brother. (I had 2 more brothers that died) Most of my family lives in the area of South Florida. Latin Times: Who (here or departed) do you consider to be a Latino/Hispanic role model for you, and why? Irma Elder: My mother, she was a very strong woman, and she taught me to have good strong moral values, that I still carry with me today. She also taught me determination and self discipline, and to be a good person. Latin Times: What is your favorite Latino dish? Irma Elder: I love Mole! Latin Times: What are some of your immediate goals? Irma Elder: To live my life as a good person, and to enjoy as much of it as I can. As we wrapped up on our interview, Irma and I took a moment to pray together thanking God for the opportunity to share her story with you.
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While enjoying a cigar from his own collection, Carlos recounted the story of how his family started in the Cigar industry. In the early 1800’s, there were many cigar companies that prospered in the tobacco industry, Mederos Cigars was one of those companies. Unfortunately, due to the Cuban revolution a lot of documentation was not available for research but the family grew & sold tobacco. In 1907, Jose Raul Mederos, the grandfather of Carlos Mederos was born in a province known as Matanzas, Cuba. Matanzas, known as the Venice of Cuba for its picturesque bridges, is located on the northern shore of Cuba. In 1932, at the age of 25, Raul Mederos along with his three brothers, Luis, Gustavo, and Andres Merderos took over the family business and started working in the tobacco fields. All four of the Mederos brothers were college graduates, and although they were very well educated men, they returned home to the province of Matanzas to pursue their passion. In 1939, Robert Mederos was born. (Father of Carlos Mederso) At a very early age, Robert started working in the fields and in the factory mastering
What is your full name? Carlos Mederos What is your Pais? Cuba What is your profession? Cigar Industry Victor Padilla/Latin Times: Tell us about your Family history and legacy? Carlos Mederos: Well that is a long history; my family comes from Cuba, a town called Matanzas. My great grandfather started making cigars since the 1800’s and those times were hard. Hardships were always there but so was passion, and he kept on. He had five sons, my grandfather, and my grandfather’s brothers, Louis, Gustavo; the other two brothers worked in the factory as well. They developed a unique way to make cigars in town and they got popular there. After that as everybody knows Cuba got into that situation with Fidel. Everything was turned around and was confiscated, but they kept on making cigars. After that I left Cuba and in 2006 I went to Nicaragua, which is a great spot, where many Cuban seeds have been grown and now we are seeing the fruits of it coming up. It is hard but it takes a lot passion and tenacity. Victor Padilla/Latin Times: Tell us who is Carlos Mederos and Mederos Cigars? Carlos Mederos: I am the latest generation of
the tobacco family tradition. His heart was in the right place, but his father wanted him to have a different life so he went off to college and graduated as a chemistry teacher in 1957. Unfortunately soon thereafter the Cuban revolution took over and the Medero’s family along with many other families ended up working for Fidel Castro’s Cuba. Castro put a big burden on these families but nothing was able to be done. In 1962, Carlos Mederos was born and as a young child he would work alongside of his father and grandfather in the cigar factory. As an educated young man, he is a musician at heart and was also being raised and educated in an art school becoming a guitar teacher. Carlos Mederos learned as much as he could from his grandfather and his family. In 1983, The Medero’s family made it out of Cuba to the United Stated to start a new life and over the years, Carlos Mederos never forgot his family’s tradition and passion. Knowing that returning to Matanzas Cuba was out of the question he decided to go to the next best place, Esteli Nicaragua. In 2006, Carlos Mederos purchased his own tobacco fields in Estil Nicaragua and started growing tobacco and folding cigars. At last he was living and passion.
Mederos, and since I am in the right environment to keep up with the legacy of the family, that is what I am doing. At this point, I decided to take this to the next level, and to push it forward, into the public’s eye, while sharing of our knowledge of rich culture and tradition of our cigars to make Mederos famous in Florida, and in the United States. Victor Padilla/Latin Times: Can you tell us about some of your earliest memories of the families cigar factory? Carlos Mederos: Actually, I was talking to one of my family’s oldest relatives, she passed away recently, she mentioned things I didn’t know about, “You were born in the Factory”, she said, and of course, I didn’t know that!
The Factory was at my Grandfather’s house. When my mom got married she went to live there. It was the first place I lived. So I remember helping out at the age of seven. My mother would take me to the big factory. I would look for my grandfather among the ocean of people making cigars. I would get lost in there. It was so full of life, and everyone was yelling, “Raul your grandson’s here!” Then I would find him and he would talk to me while he was rolling cigars. Watching him roll it was amazing, and those are some of my greatest memories of my childhood.
cover storyfinal Victor Padilla/Latin Times: Please tell us about the Oliva Tobacco Company Family History and how it was started? John Oliva Sr: Oliva Tobacco Company was formed by my father Angel Oliva in 1934. He came to the US in 1925 and worked with Johnson Tobacco. Then, in 1934 he started the Oliva Tobacco Company together with my uncles he brought over from Cuba, Marcelino, his older brother, and Martin his younger brother who is now 76 years old. Victor Padilla/Latin Times: Please tell the people of your Hometown and about your passion for the Hispanic/Latino heritage and history of Tampa? John Oliva Sr: I was born about 3 blocks from here. The house has been in the family for a long time. My Dad bought the house across the Columbus Drive Bridge on the river. Then my aunt and uncle bought the house and my aunt still lives there. This is West Tampa we’re a block away from Lou Panella baseball Park. This building we’re in was the Garcia y Vega building which we bought from General Cigar. The other cigar factory my dad owned was a Ball factory and today it belongs to the Scientologists. The heritage for me here, in this city is rich both in West Tampa and YBOR City even though the original offices were in Ybor City. We moved here about 10 or15 years ago. We still own the building in Ybor city, on as a matter of fact, Angel Oliva Sr. Street. To honor my dad, they changed the name of 18th street, from highway 60 all the way to the interstate to Angel Oliva Sr. Street. We are very, very proud of our heritage. The building we have in Ybor City was built in 1890. I’m told it is the Oldest Wooden Cigar factory in the United States. It has the Cigar museum behind it, casita’s historic museum next to it and we have been trying to get the city or state, federal government, whatever, to buy the Building and make that whole block a historical area. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. It is not occupied. This building we have a very sentimental attachment to. It belonged to Garcia y Vega, which was one of our biggest customers and one of best
friends which was Frank Arnessa who recently died after his 90th birthday and with him was Tino Gonzalez who walked here every single day from his house. Tino’s whole life was spent in that house, his daughter lived behind him, and his grandson is Tino Martinez the ball player. Everything here we are very proud of, our heritage is here in Tampa. Victor Padilla/Latin Times: What are your future plans for the Oliva tobacco company and what is in your heart for the future? John Oliva Sr: I have my son and my nephew, my brother is with me, he is older than I am. Our future is my son and my nephew it’s really up to them, my plan is for them to take this thing over if they want it, if not, I really don’t know, I have no desire to retire all the way but I can tell you right now, I don’t work anymore the way my dad and I worked when he was around. It’s up to them. The future of the Oliva Tobacco Company doesn’t lie with me it’s up to the other individuals here. By surrounding themselves with people who are capable, like Gustavo Curra, not only has he
worked with us for years, but his father worked for us, his whole family worked with us from Cuba. We want people who will sustain the business, and that includes them. They have to work. We don’t have any plans to close down. We’re not going to let the government close us down. We’re going to fight for the right to be able to do what we have been doing for 75 years, as long as we can take a breath. Victor Padilla/Latin Times: Who in your lifetime has been a great example to you dead or alive? John Oliva Sr: My father.
That’s a no brainer. Sometimes I realized it and sometimes I didn’t. But I still think of him every day. I can tell you this, he died and for about 4 or 5 months I kept walking into his office to ask him an opinion. You don’t realize the influence people have on you until they are not around.
Latin Times Magazine invites you to 1st. Fridays @ the Doubletree Hotel Tampa Westshore Airport @ 4500 West Cypress Street | Tampa, FL 33607 (LOTS of FREE PARKING! ) Meet lots of great people, and enjoy many networking opportunities @ 1st Fridays: “1st Friday Latin ConneXions” business networking social is just around the corner and it will be a HUGE event! This networking social is among the biggest, most exciting “after-work” business events in Tampa Bay! The event starts at 5:30 PM until 8:30 PM. Like every 1st Friday event, this event is FREE for general admission, and offers a complimentary buffet. Music: Latin Jazz y Disco. Parking is FREE and there will be many great giveaways. 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials are the product of “Latin Times Magazine, Tampa Bay’s Publication for the Elite Latino.” This event was created in order to offer Tampa Bay’s business community the opportunity to meet and network with other area business professionals in an upscale social environment. Latin ConneXions events attract both Latinos and non-Latinos alike and typically draws over 250 business professionals.
TRY ONE OF OUR DELICIOUS SANGRIA’s PLUS enjoy the delicious complimentary TAPAS buffet compliments of the Double Tree & the Tango Tapas Restaurant! Entertainment by Delite Entertainment and exciting special Performances! Other 1st Friday events include: 6th Annual Latin X-Pressions – A Cultural Art Exhibit! – Hispanic Heritage Event 6th Annual Food Drive – Friday, November 5th, 2010 6th Annual Christmas Party and Toy Drive (La Parranda) Friday, December 3rd, 2010 For more great events, please visit our NEWLY Designed Website: Latin-Times.com
U-Store – U-Lock
Damaris Rivera with Hector “Macho” Camacho for Volvo of Tampa
Christian Business Network! Diversity Business Group! Christian Business professionals please join us for our “Christian Business Connections”, on Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 @ Location: TBA. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. The meeting is FREE to attend. Your dinner is on you! Choose from an impressive menu or buffet and enjoy a delicious AND economical meal. Event Hours: 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM –introductions, lead generation discussion and exchange, speaker, ending with prayer. The idea: By embracing Christian beliefs and faith, CBN will offer spiritual support during difficult times. The goal is to establish and develop a group of Christian professional that can help you get an edge, by uniting a team of local professionals that can exchange leads with each other and market each other services.
AmeriGroup
Macy’s
Bug Eyes
Ed Tamayo Keiser University
Lunch with Leads and Diversity! Diversity Business Group! Business professionals please join us for our “Lunch with leads and Diversity”. Thursday, November 4th @ The Copa Restaurant & Lounge @ at 4235 Waters Ave in Tampa, FL. Held on the first Thursday of the month, the meeting is FREE to attend. Your lunch is on you! Choose from an impressive lunch menu and enjoy a delicious AND economical lunch. Event Hours: 11:40 AM (informal networking) 12 Noon, lunch –introductions, lead generation discussion and exchange. 1:00 PM, we wrap up lunch meeting. The idea: Times are tough, we can help you get an edge, by uniting a team of local professionals that can exchange leads with each other and market each other services.
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Ladies Tea & Spa Party! Sunday, January 23rd, 2011, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM Theme: Preparing for a NEW YEAR and a NEW YOU, Creating a Story board of your perfect LIFE. – SPOILING YOU! Event Location: Empress Tea Room @ 6810 E. Fowler, Temple Terrace, FL Presented by Latin Times: Join us at this charming Victorian Room, where you will be awed by the formal setting and beauty of the room. Feel spoiled, as you are served with Crystal, Linens and Bone China. Talk and get to know other elite local business women in an atmosphere designed to make you unwind and relax. Develop new friendships or business relationships, afterward, stroll through the connecting gate into the Secret Garden, enjoy wine tasting, and Champaign toasts and a Chocolate fountain with delicious fresh fruits. Relax and unwind in the Garden Spa we create, while enjoying the firm hands of our massage therapists, or getting a pedicure, a manicure, facial, skin care consult, beauty consult and more from one of our exhibitors!
Entertainers
Speakers: Industry Speaker and Motivational Speaker & Entertainment: Empowering and fun This invite is for the elite, of the elite and is limited to just 50 ladies, by invitation only. Each guest is allowed to invite up to 4 “amigas” by completing the request form included below. Individual Tickets: $50.00 available only in advance. Sets of 2 are available for $90.00 and 4 for $180.00. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
What an incredible performance by Simona B who performed at 1st Friday “Latin ConneXions” at the Double Tree.
Delite Entertainment will strive to make your event a truly memorable experience with our dedication to professionalism, excellence and quality of service. Our personal touch, attention to detail and desire to exceed your expectations makes our
entertainment services the finest in the industry since 1990. Our goal is to make your event worry free and most importantly, a day that you and your guests will always remember!” You deserve the best -- so why not hire the best?! Call us today and let the party planning begin: 813-971-5900
In 1994, Simona B hit the Dallas music scene with her fresh outlook on Tejano music! Born and raised in North Dallas. Simona grew up in a religious family with strong Latin values. From a very young age she often sang and performed in church and at family gatherings. It was not long before she realized her girl was meant for more than just family entertainment and she decided to pursue a career in music. Read more about Simona B at Latin-Times. com
she’s organized Telemundo Tampa’s biggest annual event, La Feria de la Familia. In 2008 this event brought in over 8,000 attendees, in 2009 over 12,000 and this year expects over 16,000 attendees.
B
orn in Bogota, Colombia, Ivonne Helena Prado joined the Marketing and Public Relations department at the Hispanic television station, WRMD Telemundo Tampa, in 2007. She graduated from the University of Tampa in 2008 with a double Bachelors in Communications and Graphic Design. She also attended London’s University of Westminster in 2006, where she studied Media, Art & Design. Since 2007, Prado has been in charge of the Marketing and Public Relations Department at WRMD Telemundo Tampa, where she specializes in planning and executing successful events and promotional campaigns. Since 2008
Today, Prado also does Marketing and Public Relations for Tampa’s Hispanic local web portal, www. holaciudad.com and Tampa’s only all sports radio station in Spanish, ESPN Deportes 1550 AM radio. There, she created the successful “Chicas ESPN Deportes,” campaign with a group of local models that represent the ESPN Deportes station during special sporting events and whom launch their ESPN calendar every year. Prado enjoys working with college students and often recruits interns to assist her at work. Like the “Chicas ESPN” made up of Stefany Santander and Kayla Rodriguez, most of the youth that works along with Prado, have a deep interest in communications media, and Prado enjoys teaching them and connecting them for their future.
Nickelodeon Suites Resort The perfect Family Vacation is not that far away! Located in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district, Nickelodeon Suites Resort, otherwise known as the Nick Hotel, is much more than a place for guests to lay their heads at night. From two over-the-top pool complexes with slides and flumes, to live entertainment and Character Breakfast featuring Nickelodeon’s beloved characters, to a multimillion dollar 4-D Theater, to the colorfully themed KidSuites and gallons upon gallons of slime, Nick Hotel offers nonstop activity from dawn to dusk for the entire family any time of the year. For more information about the Nick Hotel, visit www. nickhotel.com or call (877) NICK-KID. To read about the Latin Times vacation getaway at the Nick Hotel, please visit our website at: Latin-Times.com
VISIT TAMPA’S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD CIGAR SHOP
Gaspar’s Cigar Shoppe VOTED BEST CIGAR SHOP 2008 & 2009!
Welcome to Gaspar’s! Everyone loves a great story. Our story is about an unique cigar shop that was voted “Best Cigar Shop” in 2008 & 2009 and offers Tampa’s only all-hours smoking den with a wide selection of premium cigars and a coffee bar. We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our atmosphere has been designed exclusively to accommodate the cigar aficionado Gaspar’s Cigar Shoppe is located at 3675 S. Westshore Blvd in Tampa, FL . For info call (813) 831-0100 or visit them online at GasparsCigars.com
Welcome to the world Joaquin Lazaro Caez Congratulations to Dr. Brain & Thais Caez and the birth of their beautiful son Joaquin Lazaro Caez, who was born on 7/25/2010 at 2:32 pm. Joaquin weighed in at 8-lbs 20 inches and is reported as being a ball of energy. Proud father, Dr. Brian Caez of Caez Chiropractic said “it was the greatest experience ever in my life.” May God Bless The Caez Family….
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TEA Sanna Lettuce Tea Vitamin Drink Sana, Sana colita de Rana, si no se sana hoy, se sana mañana!
As children, most of us remember this song that used to make us feel better after a fall or scrape occurred. Sana, Sana colita de Rana , si no se sana hoy, se sana mañana! This delicious Tea-Sanna, whos name was actually inspired by the old cultural song, promotes both energy and wellness!
and Cabbage tea is an excellent source of Vitamin C, and contains significant amounts of Glutamine which is good for inflammation. A source of I3C good for respiratory problems, related to disease growing in the airway that can lead to death, I3C is also good for disease of the neck and head caused by papillomavirus types 6 and 11.
The tea is rich in Lettuce water based nutrients, which according to the American Institute for Cancer Research Lettuce is included in its list of foods that actually fight Cancer.
In the West Indies as well as in the European folk medicine, Lettuce tea can reduce stomach pain discomfort. The tea has been shown to promote rapid healing of peptic Ulcers.
According to Wikipedia, Lettuce
For more info, visit their site at: Complexbeverage.com
don’t consider myself a daredevil, just someone who likes to play and have fun. Always been in sports, always getting into things, just trying to find out how things were.
by Alexandra argandona
Age: 23 HOMETOWN: Tampa, FL CULTURAL BACKGROUND: Puerto Rican
ACHIEVEMENTS:
- One of 8 featured Athletes in MTV’s Ultimate Parkour Challenge - Achieved YouTube fame as the inventor of “The Cast Bomb,” a very highrisk move
KNOWN FOR:
His very serious approach to Parkour. He practices every day, rain or shine, and commits himself to following the Parkour philosophy lifestyle. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: Where were you born and where did you grow up? Daniel Arroyo: I grew up in Florida, but I was born in Fort Reilly, Kansas my father was in the military, I am a military brat. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: What is your profession? Daniel Arroyo: Get that question a lot, they classify me as like a free runner, stunt man but stunt men practice falling, we practice landing. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: Tell us about how you grew up? Daniel Arroyo: I guess as a kid I have always been active and known as a daredevil, I really
Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: So you were like a monkey kid? Daniel Arroyo: I guess you can say that, I like to climb trees and do things like that, so yeah you can say I am a monkey kid. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: How did you end up on MTV? Daniel Arroyo: I made videos of my skills and things that I did and put it on You Tube and through You Tube my management eventually found me and signed me. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: How many bones have you broken? Daniel Arroyo: I actually haven’t broken any bones, I have only had some sprains, sprained ankles, sprained wrists, and sprained my neck, but nothing broken. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: Latino or Hispanic and why? Daniel Arroyo: I definitely have to say Latino, when people ask what I am I’d say Latino, I don’t know if I’d say Hispanic or I’d say Latino or Puerto Rican. Definitely Latino because it symbolizes the Island type Spanish. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: What religion are you? Daniel Arroyo: Christian. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: Please tell us about your family Daniel Arroyo: Where would I begin with my family, my mother is the one who pretty much raised me, my father was always there when I grew up and then just this year recently my
father, my grandma and my grandfather all died. My father of cancer, my grandma had a heart attack, my grandma died of an aneurysm, but that has just pushed me to be a better person and display my emotions through movement rather than through depression. Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: Who (here or departed) do you consider to be a Latino/Hispanic role model for you, and why? Daniel Arroyo: My mother because my mother always taught me to be the role model and I can look up to people for certain attributes, but don’t look at them for everything because everybody has flaws so if you look at somebody for everything of who they are, you’re going to look out for their flaws, so my mother, for teaching me to be a role model rather than looking up to somebody else’s footsteps.
Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: Do you have a girlfriend? Daniel Arroyo: “Laugh” NO! Alexandra Argandona/ Latin Times: What are some of your immediate and/or long-term goals? Daniel Arroyo: There are so many, always to be a better person, to excel in everything I do.
Definitely to go back to school, I was going to school for engineering but I’m going to switch that to psychology. That’s pretty much it for now and I take everything as it comes, so I really don’t plan things because plans barely go as planned. To view OR read the complete interview, please visit our website today at: Latin-Times.com Or to view the LIVE video of this interview, please visit our YOUTube channel: Latin Times TV
dishes! But the proof is in the flavors right?!?
Tapa Lovers now there’s TANGO TAPAS! Latin Times would like to send a special THANK YOU to Tango Tapas and the Double Tree Hotel! If you are a lover of Tapas (and who isn’t?) then Tango Tapas is the place for you! Tango Tapas offers authentic Spanish Tapas at reasonable rates! Tango Tapas is located within the Double Tree Hotel, which is also the host for the infamous 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Business Networking Socials, which take place on the 1st Friday of every
month between 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. We hope you can stop by and enjoy the authentic Spanish Tapas from renowned Chef Tino Mestizo and the experience of Tango Tapas Restaurant, which is located at 4500 W Cypress St. in Tampa, FL. For info: (813) 998-2265.
La Copa Restaurant
For this I commend the Copa Restaurant, the food was very well presented, in a timely manner, and it was absolutely delicious!
4235 W Waters Ave in Tampa, FL 33614
The Latin Times team recently had the pleasure of visiting The Copa Restaurant & Lounge to review their service, food and ambiance. Here’s what we found!
Enjoyed: Churrasco Mofongo Paella Pollo A la Plancha
Specializing in Dominican Cuisine, the Copa Restaurant offers a charming atmosphere that is perfect for family dinners or celebrations, romantic dates, or even just a nice time out with friends.
If you enjoy Dominican Food –which I DO, then I highly recommend you visit The Copa Restaurant soon! For those of you that are also looking for a nice night spot to do some dancing after dinner, the Copa Restaurant also offers a Latin night schedule! For Info: (813) 249-2672.
Fine dining, at an affordable price, the Copa’s Menu boasts of many delicious cultural
The Service: Mainly Good The Ambiance: AWESOME! The Food: AWESOME!
Joy Padilla-Anderson aka “La Sucia” How Roller Derby made this Tampa Latina into a very strong and confident woman! By: Victor Padilla
R
eal Fighting Championships, Inc. was formed by Joe Valdez & Jason Freyre in October of 2004. RFC’s first event, on February 18th, 2005 was the beginning of a new Tampa Bay tradition. RFC is committed to bringing top ranked professional fights to the bay area and other cities in Florida. Joe Valdez is a native of Tampa, and has been around the fight game for many years. His knowledge will show in his ability to bring you exceptional fights as a veteran in matchmaking. Jason Freyre grew up in New York City and has been a resident of Florida for over 30 years. Jason is also the President of Jason’s Hauling, Inc. and has been in business for the past 15 years. His dedication in business shows he too is devoted to bringing top ranked fights for all fight fans to enjoy. RFC solely promotes Mixed Martial Arts, No Holds Barred fights. MMA demonstrates fighting styles such as kick boxing, grappling, ju-jitsu, judo and many more. No Holds Barred (NHB) definition is very limited rules. Everything goes except, eye gouging, kicking to the head, and biting.
For more info, please visit: RFCMMA.com!
Joy began to Roller Derby in Tampa Bay in the summer of 2006, with The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins. Starting in the Newbie Pool, which is an intensive training course for Roller Derby. Joy had to learn how to skate all over again, how to fall, pick herself up, she also learned how to stop, how to hit, and the rules & regulations of Roller Derby. After about 4 months Joy was placed on her first team ,” The Switch Blade Sisters” , where she remained for about 3 months and was in her first (1) Intra-league Bout. In August of 2007, Joy moved away from her native Tampa to Memphis, TN, not missing a beat, she jumped right into Roller Derby by joining the Memphis Roller Derby league; she became addicted to the sport! Joy had to once again become a newbie and Pass the test to be placed on a team. The Memphis Roller Derby League was VERY serious about their players. After passing the test, Joy was placed on the team “PrizsKilla Prezleys “in the winter of 2007. Let the Bouts begin! Practicing 2 nights a week and Bouting (Bouting is what the matches are called instead of games) about once a month and doing 8 hours of service for the community for the league, Roller Derby had become about 80% of her life. In the winter of 2008 Joy tried out for the Roller Derby Travel Team, The Memphis Hustlin’ Rollers , this team was comprised of all the all-stars from the
RF C 2 2 REDEMPTION When: Friday, November 05, 2010 Doors open at 7:00pm, Fights start at 8:00pm Where: A LA CARTE PAVILLION 4050 Dana Shores dr. Tampa, Fl 33614 Call ticket master or RFC @ (813) 964-9818
Fast forward to the summer of 2010 and Joy is still in Love with Derby & has even inspired her husband Josh Anderson, who is an Archeologist by trade and currently a partner with his Father Mike Anderson @ A&L Bearings, into Coaching one of her teams while training the other. “It’s awesome!” Joy’s parting words to us as she headed toward her next Bout!
Yosmany “The Spartan” Cabezos
Title Bout
Danny “Bad Boy” Babcock
VS
Check out the great RFC Championship Fights!
Six years ago, after having her daughter, Ysabella, Joy Padilla-Anderson found herself unsatisfied with her weight and feeling burnt out with the gym. Feeling like she needed something to challenge her, Joy heard about Roller Derby. Joy grew up skating at, United Skates of America, off Armenia in Tampa, FL. After a lot of “talking and thinking about Roller Derby “, she finally went and checked it out.
three Memphis teams, and SHE MADE it!!! On to more Serious Derby, Joy has had the honor to play teams from; Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma, St Louis, Florida, Arkansas, and Kentucky, helping the team make it to the Regional’s in Atlanta in the summer of 2009. When we asked Joy how she feels about Roller Derby? “I love this sport! It is very challenging and empowering for me. I can’t imagine my life without Roller derby, it’s a great outlet, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet such great strong women such as business owners, artists, teachers, lawyers, etc.” Being a Roller Derby star carries a big responsibility along with it including, but not limited to the PR work which keeps her very involved with her fans as well as the local community. Joy has had the privilege of being featured in a music video, “The Runner”, by local Memphis artist, “Organ Thief”, which competed in a Video Showcase and was runner up. Joy has also done Burlesque Shows, Fashion shows, (something she would have NEVER done before Roller Derby), and Joy has also helped to raise funds for local charities and has been on several web casts. Currently Joy is the Business Operations Manager for The renowned restaurant and club “The Cove” in Memphis “FUN! FUN! FUN!”-
Team Animal, Freestyle Home Town: Port St. Lucy, FL Record: 6 - 2 Weight: 185 lbs. TITLE FIGHT: RFC MIDDLE WEIGHT CHAMP
Spartan Gym, Spartan Jujitsu Home Town: Tampa, FL Record: 8 - 2 Weight: 185 lbs. TITLE FIGHT: FLORIDA MIDDLE WEIGHT CHAMP For more info visit: RFCMMA.com
September 15th Thru October 15th, 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce – Monthly Luncheon 11:30 AM -1:30 PM @ The Double Tree Hotel, 4500 W Cypress in Tampa. The cost to attend is $25 for Chamber members or $30 for non-members and guests paying at the door. RSVP by E-mail:reservations@tampalatinchamber. com Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 Shakira LIVE @ the Amway Arena in Orlando, FL 08:00 PM. Info: Ticketmaster.com Thursday, September 30th, 2010 Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family @ USF Sun Dome 7:30 PM. Info: Ticketmasters.com Thursday, September 30, 2010 The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council Annual Dinner @ Hilton Hotel Westshore, 2225 N. Lois Ave. Tampa, FL 33607 6:00 PM. Tickets: $40 per person. Tickets and info: 813.361.3166, tampashac@ gmail.com Friday, October 1st, 2010 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Presents 6th Annual Latin X-Pressions A Cultural Art Exhibit @ The Double Tree Hotel “Tango Tapas Restaurant” @ 4500 W. Cypress (Tampa) 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Cultural Art Exhibitors, Live Entertainment, Complimentary Buffet, great networking. Info: 1stFriday@Latin-Times.com Sunday, October 3rd, 2010 Tito Nieves LIVE @ Feria de la Familia by Telemundo Tampa @ The Convention Center –downtown Tampa. Friday, October 8th, 2010 Vicente Fernandez con Edith Marquez @ Amway Center in Orlando, FL 8:00 PM. Info: Ticketmaster.com
Sunday, October 10th, 2010 La Maxima Hispanic Heritage Concert @ Coachman Park in Clearwater, FL Info: 925Maxima.com Friday, October 15th, 2010 Machete Music Tour Feat, Angel y Khriz, Ivy Queen and Jowell y Randy @ Amway Center in Orlando, FL 8:00 PM. Info: Ticketmaster.com Saturday, October 16th, 2010 Noche Latina @ The Centre Club Tampa @ 123 S. Westshore Blvd -8th Floor., in Tampa. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a tribute to Tito Puente and Celia Cruz! 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Live Music by Orquesta Guarare. Tampa Latin Chamber will be presenting its 2010 Annual Business awards. Cost: $15 in advance $20 at door. Reservations: 813286-4040 or813-991-6981. Light Food and Cash bar. Email: rong@jadestonecapital. com. Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 Christian Business Network (Tampa, FL) @ Location TBA. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM By embracing Christian beliefs and faith, CBN will offer spiritual support during difficult times. The goal is to establish and develop a group of Christian professional that can help you get an edge, by uniting a team of local professionals that can exchange leads with each other and market each other services. Info: CBN@ Latin-Times.com
music while you mix and mingle with other Tampa Bay professional singles. Info: Love@Latin-Times.com Thursday, November 4th, 2010 Lunch with Leads and Diversity @ The Copa Restaurant @ 4235 W. Waters Ave in Tampa, FL Held on the first Thursday of the month, the meeting is FREE to attend. Your lunch is on you! Choose from an impressive lunch menu and enjoy a delicious AND economical lunch. Event Hours: 11:40 AM (informal networking) 12 Noon, lunch –introductions, lead generation discussion and exchange. 1:00 PM, we wrap up lunch meeting. Info: LunchWLeads@ Latin-Times.com Thursday, November 4th, 2010 Benise – Spanish Guitarist @ Ruth Eckerd Hall in
Clearwater, FL 08:00 PM. Info: Ticketmaster.com
Friday, November 5th, 2010 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Presents 6th Annual Food Drive @ The Double Tree Hotel “Tango Tapas Restaurant” @ 4500 W. Cypress (Tampa) 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Live Entertainment, Complimentary Buffet, great networking. Info: 1stFriday@Latin-Times.com
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce – Monthly Luncheon 11:30 AM -1:30 PM @ The Double Tree Hotel, 4500 W Cypress in Tampa. The cost to attend is $25 for Chamber members or $30 for non-members and guests paying at the door. RSVP by E-mail:reservations@tampalatinchamber. com
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010 Christian Business Network (Tampa, FL) @ Location TBA. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM By embracing Christian beliefs and faith, CBN will offer spiritual support during difficult times. The goal is to establish and develop a group of Christian professional that can help you get an edge, by uniting a team of local professionals that can exchange leads with each other and market each other services. Info: CBN@ Latin-Times.com
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 Latino LOVE Connections @ Location: TBA. Event Hours: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Complimentary Buffet until: 8:00 PM. $5.00 at the door. Enjoy one of our great drink specials, and complimentary buffet. Enjoy great Latin
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 Tampa Latin Chamber of Commerce – Monthly Luncheon 11:30 AM -1:30 PM @ The Double Tree Hotel, 4500 W Cypress in Tampa. The cost to attend is $25 for Chamber members or $30 for non-members and guests paying at the door. RSVP by E-mail:reservations@tampalatinchamber. com
Thursday, December 3rd, 2010 Lunch with Leads and Diversity @ The Copa Restaurant @ 4235 W. Waters Ave in Tampa, FL Held on the first Thursday of the month, the meeting is FREE to attend. Your lunch is on you! Choose from an impressive lunch menu and enjoy a delicious AND economical lunch. Event Hours: 11:40 AM (informal networking) 12 Noon, lunch –introductions, lead generation discussion and exchange. 1:00 PM, we wrap up lunch meeting. Info: LunchWLeads@ Latin-Times.com Friday, December 3rd, 2010 1st Friday, Latin ConneXions Presents 6th Annual Latin Christmas Party (La Parranda) And Children’s Toy Drive @ The Double Tree Hotel “Tango Tapas Restaurant” @ 4500 W. Cypress (Tampa) 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Featuring Christmas village and shopping market, Live Entertainment, Complimentary Buffet, great networking. Info: 1stFriday@LatinTimes.com Wednesday, December 15th, 2010 Christian Business Network (Tampa, FL) @ Location TBA. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM By embracing Christian beliefs and faith, CBN will offer spiritual support during difficult times. The goal is to establish and develop a group of Christian professional that can help you get an edge, by uniting a team of local professionals that can exchange leads with each other and market each other services. Info: CBN@ Latin-Times.com Sunday, January 23rd, 2010 Ladies Tea & Spa Party @ The Empress Tea Party @ 6810 E. Fowler, Temple Terrace, FL Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Join us at this charming Victorian Room, where you will be awed by the formal setting and beauty of the room. Feel spoiled, as you are served with Crystal, Linens and Bone China. Talk and get to know other elite local business women in an atmosphere designed to make you unwind and relax. Develop new friendships or business relationships, afterward, stroll through the connecting gate into the Secret Garden, enjoy wine tasting, and Champaign toasts and a Chocolate fountain with delicious fresh fruits. Relax and unwind in the Garden Spa we create, while enjoying the firm hands of our massage therapists, or getting a pedicure, a manicure, facial, skin care consult, beauty consult and more from one of our exhibitors! Info: LadiesTea@ Latin-Times.com For more great events, visit us at: Latin-Times.com or sign up to receive our e-Latino Weekly Newsletter which features more great event and local news!
813-998-3601 www.wveatv.com Television Advertising
Accounting and Beyond LLC Jackie Rojas-Quinones 5225 Ehrlich Dr Ste F Tampa, Fl 33624 813-998-9800 CPA, Accounting, Tax Preperation Advance Cable Connection Richard Schemitsch P.O Box 8097, Tampa, FL 33674 813-978-0101 www.accicable.com Voice and Data Cabling Installation
Michael D. Valdes 14119 Wake Robin Dr Brooksville,Fl 34604 (813) 223-5333 Campaign of Janet Cruz Janet Cruz 813-758-4545 Carpet System Inc DBA Carpet Store Peter Beale 5015 W Hillsborought Av Tampa, FL 33634 813-249-2088
Ana G Mendez University System Yvonne Cadiz 3655 Waters Avenue Tampa, Fl 33614 813-230-0872
Centro Tampa Carlos Espinel 202 S Parker St Tampa, FL 33606 813-259-8133
Anderson Thornton Consultants Roger Silvera 15438 N FL Ave Suite 104 Tampa, Fl 33613 813-546-1876
Clear Channel Outdoor Alexis Sotolongo 5555 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater, FL 33760 813-2985220
BankAtlantic Diego Malagon/Kathie Miley 9300 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617 813-985-6700 www.bankatlantic.com Banking
CORTES HODZ FAMILY LAW AND MEDIATION, P.A. Vivian Cortes Hodz 505 E Jackson Suite 203 Tampa,FL 33602 813-5140909
Bayview Radiology Cesar Seminario 10010 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 813-964-8439 www.BayviewRadiology.com Medical Diagnostic Imaging Center Bay Sports Orthopedic Specialist Jeffrey L Tedder 5015 4th St N St. Pete Fl 33703 727-520-0855 Bijou Brigitte Inc Joeng Hwa Park 7941 Citrus Park Dr Tampa, FL 33625 813-926-4752 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Oscar Rojas 5404 Cypress Center Dr Suite 130 Tampa, FL 33609
813-288-9500 Breeze of The Bay A/C
Customized Financial Solutions LLC Itamar J Martinez P.O.Box 27121 Tampa Fl, 33623 Demolition Comics, INC Willian Insignares 4049 S Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Fl 813-885-5171 www.demolitioncomics.com Comics and Collectibles Don Pancho Villa Restaurant DoubleTree Hotel Tampa Westshore Christian Salazar 4500 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 813-998-2210 www.hilton.com Hotel Entravision / Univision / Telefutura Lily González 2610 W Hillborough Ave, Tampa, FL
En Casa Con Martin YCaza Martin YCaza 2366 East Mall Drive 312 Fort Myers, FL 239-247-4909 ESPN Deportes 1550 Am Gabriela Guerrero 4107 W Spruce St Suite 250, Tampa, FL 813-500-0381 Fast Claim Consultants John Mercedes 4102 W Linebaugh Ave Ste 200, Tampa, FL 813-443-4862 Fiol & Gomez, P.A Alejandro Fiol 1515 North Marion St 1st Fl., Tampa, FL Freire and Gonzalez P.A Fernanda Rodriguez 2124 W Kennedy Blvd Ste C. Tampa, Fl 813-251-1100 Florida State Fair Authority Denise Shreaves 4800 US Hwy 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610 813-627-4314 www.FloridaStateFair.com Market & Public Relations, Event Facility Frederick Communications & Consulting, LLC Al Frederick 3837 Northdate Blvd # 112, Tampa, FL 813-758-9149 www.Frederickcommunicationsconsulting. com Marketing and Public Relations Hart Deborah Tamargo 1201 E 7th Ave Tampa, FL 33605 813-449-4760 www.gohart.org Transportation Services Irene M Rodriguez PA 3918 N Highland Ave Tampa, Fl 33603 813-221-4111 Heineken USA Emeline Fines 12279 Armenia Gables Circle, Tampa FL 813-850-1637 www.heineken.com Beer Distributor
813-298-4617 www.humana.com Insurance Services
Auto Muri LLC/Quality Care Automotive Gustavo Giovannetti 1915 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes FL 813-909-4030 www.qualitycareautocenter.com Auto Mechanics Accounting Management Services Minerva Ramos 2344 Crestover Lane Building 7, Wesley Chapel FL 813-907-5656 www.accountingworkshop.com Accounting & Financial Management Big-Frog Custom T-Shirts of Wesley Chapel Patricia Cardona 24830 SR 54 Lutz FL 33559 813-909-9235 www.bigfrog.com Promotional T-Shirts & Products American National and International Mediators LLC Carolyn Dragseth 2405 Creel Lane Wesley Chapel FL 33544 813-377-3837 www.AmericanniMediator.org Mediation Frederick Communications & Consulting LLC Al Frederick 3837 Northdale Blvd #112 Tampa FL 33624 813-758-9149 Consulting, Marketing & Promotion, PR FarmWorkers Self-Help Margarita Romo 37240 Calle de Milagros. Dade City FL 352-206-7763 www.fshflorida.org Support to Farmers Genesis 680 AM Evelyn Chaparro 2005 Pam Am Circle Suite 250, Tampa FL 813-637-8000 www.genesis680.com Spanish Speaking Christian Radio Good Faith Insurance Services Rocio Paulsen 3848 Flatiron Loop Suite 102, Wesley Chapel FL 33544 813-909-6965 www.gf-is.com Multi line Insurance Agency
Jarrett Ford Lincon Mercury Darryl Collins 38300 Dick Jarrett Way Dade City FL 33525 352-567-6711 www.Jarrettford.com Car Dealership Oasis Pregnancy Center Peter Castellani 3632 Land O’ Lakes Suite 108 Land O’ Lakes, FL 813-406-4965 www.oasispregnancycenter.org Couseling, Family Counseling Premier Community Health Care Group Sue Hutson 37944 Pasco Ave Ste A Dade City FL 33525 352-518-2000 www.hcnetwork.org Affordable Health Care Proactive Business Solutions Martha Martinez 405 S. Dale Mabry Hwy # 231 Tampa FL 813-235-4399 www.proactivesolutionsllc.com Professional Consulting Service Rosie’s Boutique Edgard Valdez 14012 7th St Unit 15 Dade City FL 33525 813-770-8711 Rental: Formal Wear Mary Kay Cosmetics Scarlet Torres 8253 Galgano Ln Spring Hill FL 34606 347-671-2575 www.MaryKay.com Beauty Products Soto Construction Corp Ralph Soto 23110 State Rd 54 # 319 Lutz 813-436-7094 www.sotoconstructioncorp.com Construction & Remodeling Tampa Latin Chamber Jackie Quinones 5525 Ehrlich Rd Suite F Tampa FL 33624 813-998-9800 www.tampalatinchamber.com Chamber of Commerce Humana Montserratt Urena 5401 W. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 161 Tampa FL 33609
Crespostour 22 Inc Carlos Magno Crespo 9162 Lakechase Island Way Tampa FL 33626 978-609-6911 Youth Sports & Recreation Latin Dance Moves & Fitness Marcelino Velez 19651 B.B Downs Blvd D3 Tampa FL 813-417-7381 Fitness Studio Gaceta Latina Maria Barros 27524 Cashford Loop Suite 102 Wesley Chapel FL 813-936-4024 www.gacetalatinanews.com Spanish Speaking Newspaper Prudential Tropical Realtor Marisaida Mendez 20537 Amberfield Dr Land O’ Lakes FL 813-528-3017 Realtor Texas Road House Corina Evans 26409 Silver Maple Pkwy,Wesley Chapel FL 321-506-2265 www.texasroadhouse.com Restaurant Latin-Times, LLC Jolie Gonzalez 13510 Greenleaf Drive. Tampa, FL 813-407-6866 www.Latin-Times.com Magazine, Websites, Events, Marketing & Advertising Services
Higher Standard Public Adjusters, Inc. Peneloppe Serrano 2520 Minnehana St. Tampa, FL 33614 813-774-9111
Milan Construction and Remodeling Devy Silverthorne 13014 St Filagree Dr., Tampa, FL 813-663-9500
J & L GREEN LIGHT INS Mirelia Arenas 5001 N Nebraska Ave Ste D Tampa, FL 813-514-0888 Insurance
Nelson L. Rodriguez 171 E. Bloomingdale Avenue, Brandon, FL 813-3828203
Latin-Times LLC Jolie Gonzalez 13510 Greenleaf Drive. Tampa, FL 813-407-6866 www.Latin-Times.com Magazine, Websites, Events and Marketing and Advertising Services Lilibeth Cain, PA PO BOX 850 Riverview, FL 33568 813-391-2204 Attorney at Law Major League Financial Gustavo Bustamante 100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL 33594 813-523-5120 www.MajorLeagueFinancial.com Tax Preparation, Financial Planning, Bookeeping and Payroll Manana Marketing Devin Ventures Inc Ileana Devin 8325 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33615 813-885-4005 www.mananamarketing.com Marketing and Advertising Services Maribel Martinez, Esq. Maribel Martinez 8212 W. Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33615 813-871-1529 Personal Injury Law Mary Kay Cosmetics Deborah Belcher 4028 Audubon Dr Largo, FL 33771 727-480-6781 www.marykay.com/dbelcher3 Beauty and Cosmetics Services Mike Suarez 1304 W Plymouth St Tampa, FL 33603 813-282-1020 www.wachovia.com Banking
Shop Best.com Frances Lee 1451 Obear Ct. Wesley Chapel FL 33543 813-600-9098 Free Shopping Servce Hispanic Scholarship Civic & Cultural Foundation Dennis Cotto 2180 Malaga Ave Brooksville FL 34609 813-841-7700 www.hsccf.org Scholoarship
Norma C Reno 813-390-5709 International Law Nuskin Enterprises Anti-Aging/Wellness Angela Maria Yates 1198 Lazy Lake Rd Dunedin,FL 34698 813-369-1994 www.nuskingels.nsedreams.com Galvanic Spa II, Ageloc, LifePak Nano, Anti Aging Pilar Ortiz Enterprises Pilar Ortiz 727-557-5656 www.PilarOrtiz.com Public Speaking Royal Trust Properties Sissy Echevarria 89 Martinique Dr Tampa, FL 33606 813-494-0913 Sonrise Seafood LLC Barry Hughes 4503 E 7th Ave Tampa,FL 33605 813-241-9300 www.sonriseseafood.com Seafood Distributor Superior Foundation Solutions John Quinones / John Lang 5225 Ehrlich Dr Ste F Tampa, FL 33624 813-601-5888 Sinkhole Repair Sunshine Geriatric Services Delma Sweazey PO BOX 4871 Seminole, FL 33775 727-748-5072 St. Pete Times Grace Posada Tampa International Airport Website Trudy Carson Tampa International Airport, Tampa, FL 813-870-8794 www.tampaairport.com Air Service to and from the Tampa Bay Area
Tampa Port Authority Jim Pyburn 2002 Guy N Verger Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33605 813-905-5122 www.tampaport.com Cruise and cargo services. Inport and exports worldwide service. TELEMUNDO Francisco J Moll 4107 W. Spruce St # 250, Tampa, FL 813-319-4949 www.zgsgroup.com Television Advertising Top Line Broadcasting LLC Erika Espitia 1915 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607 813-871-1819 www.toplinebroadcasting.com Broadcasting Services TBA Medical Center 3707 W Hamilton Ave Ste 102 Tampa, FL The Spot Marketing Ileana Iturriaga Giordano 1300 E 8th Avenue F300 Tampa, FL 33605 813-712-8706 Volvo of Tampa Daniel D Omalley 6008 N dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, Fl 33614 813-885-2717 WMORTV32/ESTRELLA TV Ken Lucas 7201 East Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 813-6263232 www.hearst.com Television Advertising WTOG-TV Sophia A Lopez 365 105th Terrace St. Petersburg, FL 727-570-4228 www.wtogtv.com Television Advertising WTTA Station Arlene Rivera 7622 Bald Cypress Place Tampa, FL 813-880-8137
Lucas, Green and Magazine Tracy Ramirez 8606 Government Dr. New Port Richey FL 727-845-7949 www.pascolawgroup.com Law Firm
HPH Hospice Robin Kocher 12107 Majestic Blvd. Hudson FL 34667 727-863-7971 www.hph-hospice.org Hospice Services
Uniwax New Tampa Armando Acosta 6417 County Line Rd Tampa FL 33647 813-477-2573 www.uniwax.com Hair Removal
Tampa Bay Gulf and Country Club Rich Unger 10641 Old Tampa Bay Dr. San Antonio FL 352-588-0059 Country Club/Events
Kuima Net Manuel Stagg 2413 Silvermoss Dr. Wesley Chapel FL 813-679-8577 www.kuaima.net Internet Media Developer
AMWAY Global Liz Villafañe 1920 Vandervort Rd Lutz, FL 33549 813-416-4284 www.amway.com/lizvillafane Sales On Line
BBT Bank Sharon Mercer 26644 Silver Maple Prkwy Wesley Chapel FL 813-907-2010 www.bbandt.com Banking/Small Business Loan
Gulf Ridge Council, BSA Stephen Kubasek 13228 N. Central Ave Tampa FL 33612 813-872-2691 www.boyscouting.com Youth Service
Sunset Memory Gardens Givanni Caballero 11005 N. US Hwy 301 Tampa, FL 33592 813-986-2402 www.dignitymemorial.com Cementry and Funeral Services
REAP Financial Group LLC Alton Scott 9602 Nathaniel Ln Land O’ Lakes FL 407-361-1029 www.reapfq.com Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pregnancy Center
Edward Jones Investments Jimmy Tovar 2748 Windguard CircleSuite 101 Wesley Chapel FL 813-991-7034 www.edwardjones.com Financial Planning
Florida Bank Welselly Desena 3001 Cove Bend Dr Tampa FL 33613 813-463-4200 www.flbank.com Banking Services
Ana Hidalgo-Cooks
Americhoice Judy Powers 601 Brooker Creek Blvd Oldsmar FL 34677 727-433-0379 www.evercarehealthplans.com Managed Health Care
Martinez Chiropractic and Wellness Center Robert Martinez 10520 SpringHill Dr. Brooksville FL 34608 352-686-1686 www.martinezchiro.com Chiropractic and Wellness
1528 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Suite 102. Lutz FL
813-948-7734 www.lutzpregnancy.org Family Counseling Services
Guardian Protection Services Julio Hurtado P.O. Box 6192 Port Richey FL 34674 727-505-2858 www.guardianprotection.com Alarm Security Services Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco Stephanie Black 15000 Citrus Country Drive Suite 420 Dade City 352-567-1444 www.habitatpasco.org Non-profit Housing Ministry
Best Buy Mary Mac 5947 Wesley Grove Blvd Wesley Chapel 813-482-8277 Retail Electronic Store
State Farm/Adi Khonsandian Erica Cantu 20752 Center Oak Dr Tampa FL 33647 813-991-4111 www.StateFarm.com Insurance Agency
Repair Zone Sandra Acosta 24724 State Rd 54 Lutz FL 33559 813-406-4835 Computer and Cell Repair
Henry C’s Felix Galvis 37752 Meridian Ave. Dade City FL 33752 352-521-7793 Deli and Ice Cream Store
Republican Party of Pasco Louie Rodriguez 15041 Princewood Ln Land O’ Lakes FL 813-333-3871 www.club-politico.org Republican Political Party
Suntrust Bonny Matles 12501 Drayton Dr. Spring Hill FL 34609 352-442-8680 www.SunTrust.com Bank
Helicon Antonio Kaik 4217 N. Sandalwood Ln Tampa FL 33682 813-900-5757 www.heliconfoundationrepair.com Sinkhole Repair
Serafin de Cuba Cigars Arnold Serafin 25 Dodecanese Blvd Tarpon Springs FL 786-262-4887 www.serafincigars.com Cigar Shop
ESPN Deportes Jayme Ribeiro Neto 4107 W. Spruce St Suite 250 Tampa FL 813-319-4949 Sports Radio
The Drapery Company Anna Diaz 2415 Sunset Lane Lutz FL 33549 813-949-3100 Window Decorating
Elena Mccullough P.O. Box 7634 Wesley Chapel. FL 33545 813-784-6153 www.elenamccullough.com Candidate for House of Representatives Dist. 61
SkyBlue Carpet Care Inc Miguel Rozo 6801 Aramon Ct Wesley Chapel FL 33545 813-406-0668 www.skybluecarpetcare.com Carpet and Upholstery Cleanning
Girl Scout of West Central Florida Karla Jagannathan 27912 Summer Place Dr Wesley Chapel FL 813-262-1761 www.gswcf.org Youth Education
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union Jill Evans 37925 Church Ave Dade City FL 33525 352-521-5606 www.sacfcu.org Non-profit Financial Institution