South Tampa - Vol. 1, Issue 3, August 2015 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

THE PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWS AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Your Neighborhood - Your Magazine By Alexis Selby I, along with publishers Matthew Selby and Jared Nager, would like to take a second to thank you, our wonderful readers, for your continued support of our South Tampa Area community magazine. We have been pleasantly caught off guard by the overwhelming amount of positive feedback that has been given to us, not only in the form of call ins and emails, but from many of you that we

have seen out in the community at various events. We have received many constructive ideas about what people want to see in “their South Tampa Magazine” too. We have been told at least a hundred times now about how much they love the positive, warm, “no-hard news feel” of the magazine. However, over the last couple of months we have had a re-occurring complaint that I thought I would never hear – multiple readers have said they would like to see more businesses

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advertising with us, as well as more offers and coupons. The offers I can understand, but more ads? In the 20 years my husband’s family has been publishing community magazines, we have never heard this type of complaint. Recently, my husband asked a reader to go into detail about why she would like to see more ads and she wrote, “Your magazine is all about the place where I grew up and love. It’s about what is going on in our community and this area. It is mostly family, or at least locally owned businesses that help keep the South Tampa economy moving. I would love to see every business take advantage of your platform you have provided because I think it can really help them reach all of us, their customers. We all frequent the local businesses here, and South Tampa has everything you could hope for in the sense of variety of marketplace. I personally, and I am not alone, would like to see more coupons and offers enticing customers to come in and shop. Your magazine is something many of us get excited and anxious to read every month. Keep up the great work.” Gale S.

We really appreciate feedback like this and this example illustrates exactly what we want to accomplish for the community. We could definitely use all of your help growing our magazine. If you would like to see your favorite local places in this magazine, please, bring a copy with you the next time you go out, and show the owner. Tell them how you feel about our publication and ask them to contact us. In regards to advertising, my husband says, “I am pretty much the ‘anti sales guy’ or at least against the ‘old school’ version of a salesman – dressed up in a suit and tie knocking on doors and harassing people into advertising. That’s just not me; I like to let my product speak for itself and let my current advertisers and readers do the talking. This isn’t to say I won’t personally walk into a business and show them what I have to offer – I will – I’m just not into the high-pressure aspect of sales.” Once again, thanks for all of your continued support. We look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood!

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Community Calendar & News Briefs Ribbon Cutting At Signarama South Tampa Thurs., Aug 27th at 4:30pm – 6:30 p.m., 310 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite 130 in Tampa. Join the South Tampa Chamber to celebrate one of South Tampa’s newest businesses – Signarama – with a ribbon cutting! The event will begin at 4:30pm, with the ribbon to be cut promptly at 5:00pm; refreshments to follow. Chamber members and guests are invited to attend this FREE event! Signarama is your full service sign center. We use the latest technology and highest quality products to produce custom signs for your business. We can make the perfect signs to advertise your products or to inform your customers, while keeping the image of your company in mind. Beautiful Worries Art Exhibition benefiting Make-A-Wish® Sat. August 29, from 7:00pm – 9pm, 802 E Whiting St, Tampa, FL 33602 Join Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, P.A. to celebrate life’s “Beautiful Worries” at their art exhibition benefiting Make-A-Wish® on Saturday, August 29 at District 3 in downtown Tampa. The exhibition will showcase local Tampa Bay artists while celebrating life’s “Beautiful Worries.” The design intent is to embody the many tiny worries that we all have in our lives, like “Do I drink too much caffeine?” or “Did I remember to close the garage door this morning?” while recognizing that if these are our biggest worries, then perhaps it’s not that bad. Proceeds from artwork sales will go to Make-AWish® Central and Northern Florida. A small area of the exhibit will be dedicated to artwork crafted by children impacted by Make-A-Wish, and available for purchase. One hundred percent of the proceeds from Wish Kid art will be donated to Make-AWish Central and Northern Florida. For more info or to RSVP visit www.tinyurl.com/beautifulworriesRSVP. First Fridays Tampa The first Friday of the month, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Channelside Bay Plaza With its first kick-off party on July 3rd, First Fridays Tampa is a monthly block party featuring live music, enter-

tainment, local vendors, food and fun. Upcoming entertainments includes Wild Ginger on September 4, and All the Answers on October 2. For more information please find them on Facebook by searching First Fridays Tampa at Channelside Bay Plaza. 2015 Tampa Bay Community Golf Tournament Friday, September 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bay Palms Golf Course, MacDill Air Force Base Join the MacDill Air Force Base in remembering September 11, 2001 and saluting all those who serve today at their annual Tampa Bay Community Golf Tournament. Proceeds raised will support MacDill AFB Morale, Welfare & Recreation. Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by a 9/11 Remembrance at 9 a.m. The four-person scramble will begin with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Cost is $500 for a foursome, or $150 for individual players. Corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information or to register please visit www.tampabaydefensealliance.org. Tampa Bay Defense Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 non profit organization Shattering Barriers Annual Dinner Celebration Wed. September 16 from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Join the Macdonald Center for an evening of fun to support adults with disabilities in your community! All proceeds to benefit the MacDonald Training Center. The event will feature a 6 p.m. Cocktail Hour and a 7 p.m. dinner, as well as craft beer tasting by Cigar City Brewing, games, live musical performances, and silent and live auctions. At MacDonald Training Center (MTC) their goal is to “empower people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose.” They do this by shattering barriers to independence that have traditionally kept people with disabilities from being valued and contributing members of our communities. Their innovative life and job skills training curriculum, community based residential supports, and competitive employment placement services are designed

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to enhance independence by reducing reliance on government funding for the individuals they are privileged to serve, as well as their organization. All business services provided to the community are held to the highest quality standards. Please help support MacDonald Training Center by signing up to smile.amazon.com and selecting MacDonald Training Center from their list of participating charities and non profits. Every time you purchase through Amazon Smile, 0.5% will be donated to MTC in support of their mission “To empower people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose.” For more information or for directions to the event please visit www.macdonaldcenter.org or call 813-402-0383. St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer Sat. September 26, 7 a.m., Amalie Arena, located at 401 Channelside Dr. in Tampa. This September, people in 58 cities nationwide will lace up their sneakers and take to the streets in support of kids and families battling childhood cancer by participating in the inaugural St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer. In Tampa, the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer will take place September 26. The route will begin at the Amalie Arena and pass along Bayshore Blvd. Registration for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer is $10 for adults and children ages six and up. Participants are encouraged to form teams and raise funds to help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, with incentives beginning at the $100 and $250 fundraising levels. About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude has the world’s best survival rates for some of the most aggressive childhood cancers, and treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since they opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent in the next decade. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs they make, and every

child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org or following St. Jude on facebook.com/stjudeflorida and twitter.com/stjude. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m., with the run starting at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starting at 8:45 a.m. For additional information or to register please visit www.StJude.org/walkrun or contact Kelly Gratz at Kelly.gratz@stjude.org by calling (813) 293-2451. NEWS BRIEFS Registration now open for Patel Conservatory 2015 fall classes Registration is now open for 2015 fall classes in dance, theater and music at the fully accredited Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Classes begin Aug. 25. More than 100 classes are offered in age-specific categories, ranging from pre-K to adult. Sequential curriculum is designed to accommodate students of all skill levels, from novice to professional. The Patel Conservatory goes beyond classroom training, offering master classes with performers, field trips to professional performances and celebrity question and answer sessions, among other activities, to enhance students’ educational experiences. A full listing of classes, descriptions and schedules is available at www.patelconservatory.org. Registration is available online, by calling (813) 222-1002 and in person at the Patel Conservatory. The fall catalogue may be viewed online or mailed upon request. Tours of the Patel Conservatory are held by appointment Thursdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Events, days, dates, times and prices are subject to change without notice. The fully accredited Patel Conservatory offers classes in dance, music and theater for students of all ages and experience levels. Each year, the Patel Conservatory and the Straz Center’s arts education programs enrich the lives of more than 70,000 students in our classrooms, on our stages and through the community. VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

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Ellay Boutique and Et-Cet-Era Unique Gifts & Home Décor By Alexis Selby Bring forth your inner diva and shop your heart out at Ellay Boutique in Tampa. With unique fashions for women of all ages, styles and budgets, this boutique has it all! Or possibly you are on the lookout for that perfect accent item to really add pizzazz and flair to your home or office – their partner store Et-Cet-Era Unique Gifts & Home Decor, located in the back of the boutique, is sure to have something to spark your interest! In their fabulous storefront located at 11005 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa, two wonderful concepts come together for the perfect combination and whether you are looking to dress your house or yourself, Ellay Boutique and Et-Cet-Era offer just what you need to dazzle the competition! Starting with a vision and a passion for unique designs, owner Rosemary (Rose) Vidonic began her journey with a small 180 square foot space in the back of Salon Montage. She was an instant hit! Rose originally named her store Vertigo, after a recommendation from her friend and ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, and later changed her name to Ellay Boutique, as a tribute to her oldest daughter Layla. “I opened my store because I realized that there wasn’t enough variety in Tampa,” says Rose “so I thought – I’ve done this for 20 years for other people – I think I can do this myself. And through the grace of God he allowed me to do that. He directed me and told me exactly what to do!” Over the years her success continued to grow, thus did her need for space, and Rose eventually incorporated another aspect to her business – the home décor side. As the original owner of Et-Cet-Era Unique Gifts & Home Décor, Rose has brought her passion for fashion to a whole new level! “I love shopping at Ellay,” says Barbara Iavarone. “The store is beautiful and the clothes and luxe accessories are stylish and fun. The staff is

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always helpful and fashion knowledgeable.” In addition to her two stores, the storefront also boasts a hair salon – Styles by Chris – located within the Boutique; the owner ironically is the same woman who used to own the salon before selling to Salon Montage, where Rose first started her boutique.

Ellay Boutique Whether you looking for something cute and flirty for a night out on the town or a trendy and sophisticated outfit for work, you are sure to find the perfect match as you browse through the wonderful selection of apparel, accessories and shoes at Ellay Boutique in Tampa. “People come to me because they want something unique; something that they won’t be able to find anywhere else,” says Rose. “I hear that all day long!” Like a kid in the candy store, if you love Brighton Jewelry and accessories, your eyes will surely light up when you visit Ellay Boutique. Rose says, “I was the first Boutique in Tampa to carry Brighton and still offer one of the biggest selections in the area. As one of their “Heart” stores I offer the same promotions as the Brighton store and their gift cards are also good here as well. We offer a huge selection of accessories, including luggage, hand bags, jewelry and belts and their price points are great!” Walking into Ellay Boutique you will notice a bar off to the side stocked full with, wine, beer and water, as well as a flat screen TV that gets the full sports network package; so guys, whether you have come to accompany your loved one or are looking for that special gift to get her, you will have a place to relax as the wonderful ladies at Ellay boutique help you find exactly what you are looking for! Shopper Kathy Littlefield says,“I have shopped at Ellay Boutique for 10 years. Rose and her staff (Michael,Angie and Jean) are amazing. They always have plenty of time to provide individualized service. I

Owner Rosemary Vidonic (R) has an eye for unique fashions and her boutique showcases a fabulous selection of one-of-a-kind items! can always find a stylish outfit or a perfect gift for a special friend at Ellay Boutique!” During the holidays, to accommodate shoppers, Rose also offers a full spread of food and drinks so you can sit back and relax as you wait to have your gift wrapped. She also does custom-made Christmas trees – a great way to wow you guests and add uniqueness to your holiday celebrations! Since opening Ellay Boutique, Rose has gotten quite a bit of recognition both locally and nationally. “I was featured in In-Style Magazine for my belt selection,” says Rose. “My store was also showcased in two separate make-over stories. One in which my boutique was featured on the Discovery channel, where two people from Tampa came in and I was in charge of dressing them for their new look. The other was an ambush makeover show that ran on both Fox and the Discovery channel.” Rose adds, “I don’t own this store because I know black goes with white, I’m here because God wants me here!”

Et-Cet-Era Unique Gifts & Home Decor Packed full of exceptional, oneof-a-kind items that that you won’t be able to find anywhere else, EtCet-Era is your Mecca for unique home designs and accessories. The store is truly a testament to Rose’s eye for design and with the help of decorative artist Sue Solitaire, this beautifully designed space is a work of art in itself! Et-Cet-Era offers a little bit of everything, from small accessories to tie a room together, to enough décor to decorate an entire house, including, paintings, silk arrangements, and chairs. “People tell me that they like my taste; that they like what I like; purchasing just the right piece,” says Rose. Need a little help deciding on which piece will look best in your home? No worries! Rose will happily

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offer her expert advice and will help you select the perfect accent items to accomplish the look you are going for. Rose says, “I have a lot of design experience, and can help recommend the perfect pieces to tie together your ideas. When somebody comes to me and wants to pull a room together my vision of what you’re trying to achieve is usually spot-on; what you’re looking for I can accomplish.” The perfect “Girls Night Out” idea, once a month Ellay Boutique and Et-Cet-Era host Thirst-day. Serving Martinis from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., both stores offer discounts when you shop in between that time. For more information on upcoming dates follow them on Facebook or call (813) 269-4738. So whether you are looking to spruce up your wardrobe or add some glamour to your home or office, you are sure to find just what you are looking for at Ellay Boutique and Et-Cet-Era Unique Gifts & Home Decor. “Your search is over, because I already did the search for

you,” says Rose. If you’re looking for that perfect dress I have it; that special gift that you can’t find anywhere else, I have that too. If you want it easy, you’ll find that here all in one building.”

25th Anniversary Celebration! This September Rose is proudly celebrating 25 years in the Tampa community! To show her appreciation for all the continued support she has received, and to welcome new customers to check out her store, Rose will be hosting an open house, complete with gift giveaways, mimosas and munchies. The open house celebration will be held the 24th, 25th and 26th of September! Hope to see you there!! Ellay Boutique and Et-Cet-Era Unique Gifts & Home Décor are located at 11005 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa. Hours are Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more info please give them a call at (813) 269-4738 or follow them on Facebook at Ellay Ellays Ellay Boutique La.

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This School Year Decide to Share Your America With an Exchange Student The school year is a great time to consider sharing your America with an exchange student from another country. “Hosting an exchange student not only is an opportunity to share what you most love about the U.S., it helps you to see the U.S. through fresh eyes,” says Tampa resident, Ms. Lee. She invites local families open their heart and home by hosting an exchange student sponsored by PAX – Program of Academic Exchange (PAX). PAX students, from 70 European, South American, Asian, or African countries, are eager to experience American activities—backyard barbecues, birthday celebrations, and holidays—and to share their country and culture with their host families. They arrive to the U.S. for the upcoming school year in August. They are 15-18 years old, have studied English for three years, and are motivated to learn more about the U.S.

by attending high school and living with a host family. They are covered by comprehensive medical insurance and have their own spending money. Volunteer host families provide PAX students with a warm and supportive home environment, a seat at the family dinner table, a bed, a quiet place to study, and encouragement to engage in everyday American life. All types of families—single parents, young couples, retirees, and parents with kids of any age, especially with teenagers—are welcome to host. “I've been working for PAXProgram of Academic Exchange for 5 1/2 yrs now,” says Ms. Lee. “During that time, I have placed 31 students from 13 different countries with awesome host families throughout the Tampa Bay area. It is the most inspiring work I've ever done. Connecting these inspiring students with awesome host families is so exciting. When the students get to host

Hosting an exchange student not only is an opportunity to share what you most love about the U.S., it also helps you to see the U.S. through fresh eyes! Students are eager to experience American activities and to share their country and culture with their host families.

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their host family in their country, that is the best of the exchange program in action! I have a host family visiting their Chinese Daughter in China right now; so sweet, especially since their adopted daughter is from China! I'm excited to go to Thailand

some day soon & other countries to see my exchange kids, too!â&#x20AC;? Founded in 1990, PAX is a notfor-profit educational organization and one of a select few U.S. Department of State designated Exchange Visitor Programs chosen to partici-

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pate in its prestigious U.S. government-sponsored FLEX and YES programs. Each year, more than 1,100 teenagers visit the U.S. as PAX exchange students to be Ambassadors of their country and help us to create peace in the world through under-

standing. For more information on how to host an exchange student please call Karen Lee at (727) 3298060.

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Duality, a noun; and if you’ve had the opportunity to visit Hyde Out, South Tampa’s new restaurantlounge hot spot, you understand how the term applies. Design, Cuisine, Culture; Hyde Out presents all of its elements within an embodiment of two. Often the details are harder to spot, like the reoccurring owl prints, sometimes illustrated as wise and inquisitive and other times with an edge of mystery and insidiousness. More obvious cues come from their menu, offering both Asian Cuisine and American Fusion, or the way the space transforms from a hip, casual dining experience into a vibe infused evening lounge. From the fixtures to the food, every aspect of Hyde Out is tailored to deliver a unique and unforgettable experience. During the day, business professionals line the walls

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at one of their many conveniently located USB ports, while enjoying free WiFi and their lighter fare lunch menu options like the Spring Love Salad- complete with fresh salmon, shaved asparagus, quinoa, grapes, edamame, pecorino and a drizzle of their preserved lemon vinaigrette. As the name implies, Hyde Out also caters to the social night owls looking to embrace their darker side; and their carefully crafted cocktail menu is the perfect tipping off point for any social go-er. Just a quick look at their menu will have any selfrespecting, cocktail drinker’s mouth watering. From their classic spin on the Old Fashioned- The Big Wig, or their ever so popular, Pharmacist’s Daughter, made with Hendrick’s Gin, Cucumber, Basil and Prosecco, guests can partake in any one of their many signature libations while

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Banker, their house DJ and vibe manager, creates sounds, transformative atmospheres and visual cues perfect for Hyde Out’s packed-house of social affairs. Not to be over-looked are the unique, hand-made décor elements that permeate throughout the entire space. From their cleverly hidden bathroom walls and stenciled concrete flooring, to their painted Make Drinks Not War slogan and refurbished metal arrows jutting down upon entry, Hyde Out is not only a place of social dining and entertainment, but a place of discovery. So, whether your occasion calls for a gathering amongst friends or simply trying something new, Hyde Out is a place for everyone because, no matter your taste, variety is on the menu.

$3 Tecate Beers Ladies Night: Every Wednesday, ½ OFF Wine All Day & $5 Sushi Rolls 4PM to Close; Live Jazz Band Industry Night- Tuesdays & Sundays- 25% OFF Food & Drink All Day; Live Music Live Music: Nightly – Check out their Facebook page for their full The Hyde Out is located at 1809 West Platt Street in Tampa. They are open Sun. – Thurs. 12 p.m. – 1 a.m. and Fri. and Sat. 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. For more information please call (813) 498-2334 or visit www.TheHydeOut.com.

Weekly specials include: Lunch: Daily; Noon – 4 p.m. Brunch: Saturday & Sunday; Noon – 4 p.m. Happy Hour: Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. 25% OFF Food & Drink Taco Tuesday: $10 All You Can Eat Taco Bar; $4 Tequila Shots &

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Toast of Tampa Prepares for Las Vegas This Fall and Annual Show at USF

Toast of Tampa Show Chorus and chapter quartets Windsor and Monarch are competing on the International stage in Las Vegas this October 6-10. The 140-member championship chorus, which brought home 3rd place International medals in 2013, has been working all summer to polish new songs to present to worldwide audiences in Vegas. Visitors are always welcome to chorus rehearsals, held Tuesday nights at JPepin’s Hospitality Centre on 50th St, north of Tampa. With two dozen new singers of all ages and two fabulous new costumes, Toast cannot wait to present exciting new music to the home community it loves at the chorus’ annual Standing Room Only show on November 14. Toast of Tampa invites you to buy tickets early for two entertaining shows for the whole family at USF’s Music Concert Hall. Visit toastoftampa.org for details, or contact: epeck@tampabay.rr.com for 3pm & 7 pm show tickets, priced $25 and $40 now. Please also contact Rosa Maulini at rmaulini@gmail.com for sponsorships and program ads to

show your support of Tampa Bay arts. Deadline for VIP tickets and show program book ads is Oct 23. In other great news, Toast of Tampa’s Master Director Tony DeRosa’s highly entertaining quartet Main Street placed third in the men’s division at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s international convention on July 4. Beth Bosserman Curts, the chorus’ marketing & media liaison and representative to the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce, was named 2015 Sweet Adeline of the Year. For additional information please contact Marketing and Media Liason Beth Curts at (813) 391-4407 or tampabee@gmail.com or visit www.ToastofTampa.org.

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