LAND O’ LAKES . LUTZ . ODESSA
Vol. 5, Issue 4, April 2014
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
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The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 20,000 Homes In Odessa, Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Ashley Lakes, Ballantrae, Belle Meade, Calusa Trace, Canterbury, Cheval, Citrus Greens, Concord Station, Devonwood, Dolce Vita on Lake Keystone, Echo Lake, Farmington Village, Fern Glenn, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo, Heritage Harbor, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Groves, Keystone Manors, Keystone Reserve, Keystone Shores, Lake Charles, Lake Church, Lake Parker Estates, Lakeside Grove Estates, Northlake Village, Northbridge at Lake Pretty, Northton Groves, Oakstead, Orange Blossom Creek, Reflections, Steeple Chase, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, The Eagles, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes
“Because Every Heart Matters” By Kim Thomas Steady and strong! That is how your heartbeat should be. Where do you turn, though, when something is wrong? Chances are, your family physician already knows the best place to send you. Joyce Gruver, of Floral City, Florida, is certainly happy that her doctors knew the best place for her heart. Joyce had been feeling exhausted, was short of breath and had a cough; she knew something was wrong but never felt like it was her heart. “I just thought I was getting old,” she said, but wisely went to her family physician who sent her to Citrus Memorial Hospital for an EKG.
The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!
Celebrate the Authentic Taste of Mexico at Vallarta’s!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
of the week from 2 – 7 p.m. and enjoy a hand crafted cocktail at the bar, high-top table, spacious booth or outside in the beautiful weather on Vallarta’s spacious patio! The menu is filled with Mexican favorites all made from top-quality ingredients. Vallarta’s has all of your favorite See “Vallarta’s” on page 32
ECRWSS
Vallarta’s Carnitas Dinner
Postal Customer
Bright, roomy and decorated with traditional Mexican flair, Vallarta’s festive atmosphere is a local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine. Located on State Road 54 near the Suncoast Parkway in Northpointe Village, Vallarta’s is locally owned and operated by a group of restaurateurs, who have been providing fresh, flavorful food to customers since the ‘90s. People love Vallarta’s! The bar features specials, drafts, and always serves great drinks – how about a Vallarta’s-style margarita! Home of the world famous margarita, Vallarta’s has fantastic frozen or on the rocks choices for you’re their delicious strawberry or lime margaritas! Bring a group of friends in for happy hour any day
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
By Katie Thomas
YMCA..................................3 Calendar.............................4-5 Tampa Rejuvenation..........10-11 Allpro Tree & Landscaping..14-15 USF’s USFPRG................16-17 Wollinka, Wollinka and Doddridge...................18-19 Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing......................20-21 Princess Boutique...........22-23 Hanover Floors....................28 Dated Material Please Rush!
Photo By K. Zaki, MD
After viewing her results, the cardiologist referred her to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson, which is well-known by physicians throughout Florida and beyond for its stellar programs including the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute and the Arrhythmia Center of Florida. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point was recognized in US News and World Report as one of the “Top 50 Hospitals in the Nation” for heart and heart surgery. I met Joyce and her husband Jim, a Veteran, at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, where they had come for a followup visit to the Arrhythmia Center of Florida. It was here that See “Arrhythmia” on page 30.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Summer Camp Programs
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For example, there may be swimming in the morning, arts and crafts after lunch, and sports or outside time in the afternoon. There may also be other activities such as horseback riding, gymnastics, creative writing and more. The new experiences of diverse summer camp programs are especially well suited to younger children who are exploring and developing their interests. Many of the summer camp programs at YMCA of the Suncoast offer variety. For example, Camp Muskogee in Clearwater is located on 53 acres of reserved land with a private lake. Camp programs like underwater robotics, drum making and paintball headline this camp. Consider Day or Sleep-Away: One of the biggest questions you may face is whether your child is ready for a sleep-away camp. Older elementary, middle-school and teen campers could enjoy a camp experience away from mom and dad. If you decide sleepaway camp is right for your child, make sure you find out how the camp handles issues such as homesickness, medications, illness and injury. It's also a good idea to talk with your children
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It's a dreaded sound in summer: "Mom, I'm bored." And one of the main reasons you start looking for summer camps before spring has even sprung. But finding the right summer camp program for your children requires time and research. After all, you want your children to reap the potential benefits of summer camps—building self-reliance and new skills, making new friends, and of course, having fun. Here are a few tips from YMCA of the Suncoast to help you choose the best summer camp program for your kids. Explore Interests: Summer camp programs are a great way for children to explore areas of interest. Many summer camps focus on particular themes such as arts, sports, technology or popular culture. There are also academically focused and religious camps to choose from. At YMCA of the Suncoast, we offer summer camps dedicated to teen adventures, sports and music. We also offer a unique farm/ranch camp for children with special needs as well as a camp for children with autism. Target Variety: Some camps offer children a taste of everything.
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about what homesickness is. Make sure they know that it's normal and that it will generally pass in a short time. Look into Financial Assistance: If finances are keeping you from signing your child up for camp, contact the camp directly and ask about financial assistance. Many camps provide scholarships to families in need. At YMCA of the Suncoast, we want to make sure all children can enjoy the summer, so we offer financial assistance to those who qualify. At YMCA of the Suncoast, we're ready to help your children explore a World of Adventure this summer. Contact us today to learn about our summer camp programs at ymcasuncoast.org.
Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Jim O’Reilly Editor Kim Thomas Advertising Sales Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Linda Veiga Alexis Selby
Correspondents Julie Kanehl Lenay Ruhl Marcy Sanford Katie Thomas
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Art Director Dat X. Do Graphic Artists Dat X. Do Tony Sica Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Nothing that appears in Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and adver-
tisement deadlines. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Community Calendar
Record Store Day At Sound Exchange Sat., Apr. 19––All three Tampa Bay area Sound Exchange stores will be participating in Record Store Day. Doors open at 10 a.m. New releases, special offers and promotions all day. For additional information, please visit online at www.soundexchangetampabay.com Tampa, call (813) 978-9316 or visit 14246 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 Brandon, call (813) 651-9316 or visit 805 W Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL Pinellas, call (727) 545-0042 or visit 7688 49th St N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
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9th Annual Fiesta By The Bay for Autism Fri., Apr. 25, 5:30–9 PM––The 9th Annual Fiesta by the Bay for Autism will be held at the Ybor Museum Garden; 1818 E. 9th Ave. in Tampa. Tickets can be purchased online ($10 students and $20 adults) at www.usf.edu/ua/RSVP/CARD, or at the door for $25. Sponsorships are available. Honorary Chair, co-anchor News Channel 8 Today’s Gayle Guyardo will MC the event which promises great company, cool music and delicious food at the Ybor City Museum Garden. Featuring the included taco bar and music and dancing with the fabulous DJ. This year’s silent auction promises to be the best ever, so make plans now to join us for the family friendly 9th Annual Fiesta by the Bay fundraiser benefiting the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF. Like us on our Fiesta by the Bay Facebook page to get the Salsa Scoop on Fiesta Fridays, silent auction items, special guests and activities for the kids.
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF (CARDUSF) is supported through the USF Foundation's Autism Services Fund, a 501[c] [3] tax-exempt charity organization. CARD-USF, located within the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South Florida, serves over 6,500 families and professionals across 14 counties in southwest Florida. It is one of 7 statewide CARD sites offering services and trainings at no charge. Additional support from the community allows CARD to expand projects and provide special events to families and professionals right here in Tampa Bay. CARD-USF provides communities, organizations, businesses and families with the knowledge and skills to support children and adults with autism and related disabilities. We also work with early intervention, schools, employers, businesses and universities. For more information on autism, as well as our Center, please visit http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/ or contact Christine Rover by phone at 813-974-9264 and by email crover@usf.edu.
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FLC Walk MS at Lowry Park Zoo Sat., Apr. 26––The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is sponsoring a MS Walk at the Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa. Site opens at 5 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m. Approximately 1,500-2,000 individuals are expected to participate in the one-mile or the two-mile course through Lowry Park Zoo. Fun planned activities for the whole family. If you would like to register for the FLC Walk MS, visit www.walkflc.nationalmssociety.org. Multiple Sclerosis attacks the central nervous system and is a progressive disease that affects all members in a family because of the spillover effect. Currently there are disease-modifying treatments available, but no cure. However, there are more promising therapies in development right now than at any other time in history. The Walk MS fundraiser supports research that will result in the next generation of treatments. The NMSS has one of the lowest administrative cost programs in the country - millions of dollars go to research into this disease as well as support too individual needs. The mid-Florida Chapter of the NMSS encompasses Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas plus 20 more counties.
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Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office 2014 Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride Sat., May 3, 7:30 AM––Participate in a 25 or 50 mile bike ride to support our fallen heroes. The 2014 Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride will start from McDonald Elementary School, 501 Pruett Road in Seffner. Entry fees are $50 in advance or $60 on the day of the ride. Register online, www.marketplace.hcsocharities.com (no processing fee). Or, if you’d like to donate without participating, you may mail your donation to: HCSO Community Outreach Division, 2008 E. 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605. Cash, check or money order, made payable to HCSO Charities, Inc. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Lutz, Land O'Lakes, & Sunlake Sat., May 17 & Sun. May 18––The Relay for Life of Lutz/ Land O’ Lakes/ Sunlake will be held at Steinbrenner High School. Opening ceremonies will begin at 2 p.m. with all cancer survivors and their caregivers taking the first two laps. Immediately following the opening ceremonies, the survivors and caregivers will be treated to a luncheon in their honor. During the 9 p.m. luminaria ceremony the
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track will be lined with hundreds of luminaria bags each honoring or remembering loved ones who are battling cancer or those who have lost the battle. Closing ceremonies will be Sunday morning at 8 a.m. when we celebrate the many accomplishments of the teams and relayers. The theme this year is “Fighting Towards a Magical Ending.” Campsites will be decorated and teams will sell food, drinks and theme and or Relay-related items as part of their onsite fundraising efforts. Teams must keep one member walking on the track at all times during the 18-hour event. The event is open to the community to enjoy the games, food, themed laps, bands, choral performances, take a chance at raffle baskets and bid on the silent auction items. For more information on the event, how to form a team, register as a cancer survivor or caregiver, purchase luminarias, sponsorship opportunities or volunteer to help, go to www.relayforlife.org/lutzfl or contact ACS Staff Partner Melody Bancroft at 813-949-0291 Ext. 5608 (melody.bancroft@cancer.org) or Event Co-Chair, Barbara Hancock at 813-230-2487.
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Feel Better. Look Better. Live Better. By Alexis Selby A necessity to our body, hormones play a vital role in regulating our everyday lives and functions, from our mood to our appetite to our energy. As a result, when a hormonal imbalance occurs, it can have drastic negative effects. Many people over the age of 35 start to experience symptoms related to hormonal deficiency such as fatigue, weight gain, decreased sex drive, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and irritability. Often, these symptoms are overlooked and contribute to aging. Many seek treatment with their Primary Care Providers and are given prescriptions for the symptoms they are experiencing such as antianxiety medications, sleeping pills,
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anti-depressants or even Viagra. Most often, when hormone imbalances are addressed, these symptoms can be alleviated without the use of synthetic prescription medications. It is important to note, that these same medications that are so often prescribed, actually down regulate our hormone production making us even more deficient in the very hormones our bodies need. Every organ in the body has a hormone receptor – the brain, bone, muscle, heart, so we should no longer just utilize hormone therapy for menopause, but rather anyone after the age of 30-35 to restore normal function of the body. “After the age of 40, we are no longer relying on the reproductive organs to produce hormones, but rather the adrenal
glands,” says Nurse Practitioner Gina Pastore. “This gives us even more reason to decrease stress levels, obtain proper nutrition, and engage in a regular exercise regimen.” Specializing in Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Medical Weight Loss, Tampa Rejuvenation’s experienced team of professionals help people of all ages to regulate their hormones and get back on track to a healthy lifestyle. Gina says, “In regards to weight loss, there can be several factors im-
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peding one's success. Not only do lifestyle factors play a key role in weight gain, so does hereditary predisposition. The incidence of thyroid disease not only increases with age, it is more prevalent in women than men and it can run in families. Too often, patients are not tested for thyroid abnormalities like they should be. They are given a basic TSH test and if it's in the "normal range," they are told they are "fine" and to "eat less and exercise more." The thyroid is a very important hormone impacting our weight, our adrenal function and the
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goals. We do not offer a "one size fits all" hormone therapy program. Every patient has different needs and different symptoms they experience related to hormonal declines as they age.”
Hormone Pellet Therapy
(Clockwise from Left) Anna Stokes, Mike McKavanagh, Brittany Gomez and Gina Pastore specialize in Bio-identical Hormone Therapy, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Medical Weight Loss. production of our sex hormones. So it is very important to get a thorough evaluation of the thyroid when engaging in any weight loss program to be successful.” “I have played sports my whole life,” says patient Steve. “In my midthirties I began noticing a decrease in my performance at work and in recreational sports. My libido drastically reduced and I started gaining weight. One of my colleagues referred me to Tampa Rejuvenation, and I owe him my life. I have lost 15 pounds since on Testosterone Therapy and my increased libido has saved my marriage.” Gina Pastore, ARNP-C, MSN, ABAAHP, Diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, heads the Westchase location, and with over 22 years of experience and numerous certifications in all aspects of medicine, brings a unique perspective to the Tampa Rejuvenation team. Dedicating her practice to helping others achieve hormone imbalance and weight loss through her
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Mike demonstrates just what five pounds of fat looks like! WOW!
own struggles with thyroid issues and weight gain, Gina has extensive knowledge in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. She has a plethora of knowledge in pharmaceutical grade supplements, detox, and skincare. Her beliefs and philosophy on achieving health and wellness incorporate balancing hormone levels, integrating proper nutrition and daily exercise. When helping clients with weight and hormonal issues, she and her staff go beyond the superficial characteristics of their symptoms and look at the underlying causes, getting an in-depth understanding of what is going on internally. Gina says, “I look back at when I first started practicing and saw what menopausal women were going through. I became more sympathetic.” Gina made it her mission to help these women and other individuals suffering from hormonal imbalances by addressing the root of the problem, and using her expertise in the field is able to truly help her
patients from the inside out. “The most satisfying part about what I do is seeing the patient from the time they first come to the office and how they feel to how they feel once their program has begun to take effect,” adds Gina. “We don’t lose hormones overnight, so we can’t replace them overnight. The body must slowly adapt. But the best part is seeing the patient transition over time. We are helping people improve their lives!” Looking at the endocrine system as a whole and taking into account the bigger picture, she was able to relate weight loss to hormones, offering her patients an unprecedented, in-depth knowledge as to how hormones affect your weight. “One of the things I like most about the hormone therapy is that it can be quite complicated; I enjoy the challenge,” adds Gina. After initial assessment, review of the medical history, physical exam and review of lab work, each patient is treated on an individualized basis; they receive a customized treatment plan to treat the hormonal imbalance they are experiencing, as not every patient experiences the same symptoms with hormonal declines, and their prescriptions are customized based on their needs and compounded by a specialty pharmacy. Gina says, “At Tampa Rejuvenation, our programs are individualized and tailored to the patients needs and
Unique to this location, Westchase Area Tampa Rejuvenation, is a primary provider of Hormone Pellet Therapy, a new cutting edge approach that delivers a steady release of bioidentical hormones through the means of a pellet the size of a grain of rice that is surgically implanted underneath the skin. Highly regarded as the most effective deliverance of hormone replacement, Hormone Pellet Therapy gives patients steady delivery for the longest period of time, with the pellets often lasting an average of 4-5 months. Don’t let hormonal imbalance hold you back from living life to the fullest! Visit Tampa Rejuvenation today and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul!
Specialty Programs offered at Tampa Rejuvenation: • Bio-identical Hormone Therapy • Testosterone Replacement Therapy • Bio-identical Hormone Pellet Therapy • Bio-identical Thyroid Treatment • Medical Weight Loss Programs • HCG Programs • Detoxification and Cleanse Programs • Pharmaceutical Grade Supplementation Westchase Area Tampa Rejuvenation is located at 13648 West Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa and can be reached at (813) 749-7550. Hours for this location are Mon., 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Wed. Other locations offer varying days and hours. For more information and other locations please call (888) 865-8370, visit www.TampaRejuvenation.com or their Facebook page.
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Allpro Tree and Landscaping Certified Arborist and Landscaping Professional By Katie Thomas Serving the Tampa Bay area with quality tree and landscaping services, Allpro Tree and Landscaping works to keep your commercial and residential sites looking fresh, trimmed and healthy. Whether you are in need of professional landscape design and installation, or safe tree service, Allpro has the skill, knowledge and experience to exceed your expectations and get your foliage looking fabulous! Allpro Tree and Landscaping services include landscape design and installation, tree-trimming and removal, rock beds and mulch, stump grinding, sod installation and removal and tractor work. Allpro uses a CAD program that actually shows you “after” pictures of your future landscape project. Pete Spiridis, owner and operator of Allpro Tree and Landscaping is a certified arborist. Pete believes that quality performance comes with working safe and smart, while utilizing the right tools for each individual job. In
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order to keep up with today’s industry standards, Pete sends all team members at Allpro to regular safety and technique courses at the International Society of Arboriculture. Pete’s expectations for himself and his team are set with high standards and he strives for excellence in his work. “I started my business as a young kid right out of high school in 1997. I took over my dad’s lawn service and ran that for a number of years,” says Pete. “I thought I would like to go in a different direction, so I gave massage therapy a shot, but as I would watch maintenance crews at work outside my air-conditioned unit, I realized that I was kidding myself and my true passion was in outside, hands-on work. I shut down my massage business and purchased equipment the next day. I started mowing lawns again but also added trees and landscaping to my service and was very successful, maintaining over 400 weekly clients.” As Pete’s business grew, he recognized early on that he wanted to do
more for himself and his clients. “I wasn’t happy because I stand for something and I wasn’t reaching my full potential. My quality of life wasn’t what it should be and I let my stress take over, which in turn affected my personal life as a husband and my faith,” says Pete. “I knew that change was in order because God had bigger plans for me. In 2007, I opened up Allpro Tree and Landscaping to provide better, quality assured services. My wife and I came up with this name, Allpro, because to us it means that at we are who we say we are – All professionals, no more day laborers. You must know your area of expertise. We only focus on trees and landscaping, which sets us apart from others. I hold myself accountable to give true and honest meaning behind the name Allpro.” Pete adds, “I believe that in order to be the best, you need to gain as much knowledge in your field as possible. So in 2011, I earned the title Certified Arborist and with that title I maintain CEUs and also take the advantage of sending my team members
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to classes so they can be the best at what they do. I am only as good as my team, so I make sure they are the best.” Team members at Allpro Tree and Landscaping are always in recognizable uniforms, so you can know exactly who is working on the job! Fully licensed and insured, Allpro Tree and Landscaping is dedicated to providing clients with the best service possible in a way that doesn’t harm you, your yard or the trees they are working with. Pete takes every step to ensure that he and his team are the professionals who do it all and do it the best when it comes to tree and landscaping services. When hiring a tree and landscaping service, working with a certified arborist is the smart way to go. Improperly pruned trees are at risk for disease, which can lead to them having to be removed. Trees and a beautifully landscaped yard add value to your home and business. We are all so lucky to live in tropical Florida, where we can enjoy plants and lush trees year round. From tropical palms and
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Before citrus trees to the glorious southern live oak and towering pine trees, Certified Arborist Pete Spiridis of Allpro has the knowledge to keep your Florida landscape looking its best. Allpro was chosen as the Super Service Award Winner for Angie’s List customers in 2013. This award is highly prestigious and is only given to the top five percent of companies chosen by Angie’s List as earning the Super Service title. Ken H. of Tarpon Springs says, “Pete is very professional. We called several tree services and Allpro’s pricing was the best. Pete was also the most professional. He got all the permits needed for the work we needed done. Pete was on the job site the entire time, working right alongside his
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team. His equipment is adequate to get any job done, small or large. The team cleaned up all debris and left our yard looking great!” Another satisfied client, Armand says, “Allpro owner Pete and his crew removed one large oak using a crane, removed three smaller trees and included stump grinding as part of their services. One of the oaks was overhanging over the garage roof and was raised and trimmed by the crew to open up space. My backyard oak was also trimmed. Pete prepped the yard for new sod and installed new St. Augustine sod after removing piles of block, brick and small trees. The sod provided was the best I have seen after two re-sodding projects. All the work was completed in two days and
cleaned up, including a freshly pressure washed driveway. Overall the work was excellent and professional. I will be using Allpro again!” The Allpro team can help you before and after big storms by helping you in finding dangerous limbs that may harm your home or even coming by after a storm to help you clean up. Pete is all about safety and works to protect you and your family from instances that could possibly be harmful. He takes precautionary measures and with Hurricane season right around the corner, it’s best to be preventative rather than reactive! Allpro is rated as a top professional tree and landscaping service throughout the Tampa Bay area. Christine says, “The crew shows up on time, working
quickly and efficiently to finish a job. I am very pleased with Allpro’s professionalism and service!” Whether you are in need of a specialized arborist’s opinion, landscaping design, clean-up services or tree/debris removal – Allpro’s pro attitude and services are the best you can get! Pete says, “When you have a tree to be trimmed, make sure the tree service you are hiring loves that tree as much as you do! Hire a certified arborist, not some doorknocker claiming to give you a deal. You will get the best with Allpro!” To contact Allpro Tree and Landscaping for an estimate, please call Pete at (813) 244-9234 or (727) 409-3315. Visit online at www.myallpro.com for pictures and reviews from Angie’s List!
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University Of South Florida Initiates Urban Sustainable Food Policy Research Group By Katie Thomas An interdisciplinary team composed of USF faculty, students and an urban planning specialist have joined forces to research and bring to light the effect public policies on urban agriculture have on communities in the local bay area. The group’s intentions, long range plans and potential beneficial outcomes were recently discussed at a presentation on February 21 at USF’s Botanical Gardens in order to give the public an idea of what their research focuses on. The question of how public policies in urban agriculture affect community is being explored through several interdisciplinary fields, including environmental science, public policy, urban planning, religious studies and ethics. In order to research the full spectrum of how policy placement affects communities, the Urban Sustainable Food Policy Research Group (USFPRG) explores policies set in place throughout Hillsborough, Man-
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atee, Pinellas and Pasco counties with a goal to benefit urban community gardens, facilitate faster collaboration between local government with community, reduce environmentally harmful exposure, designate specific land use for urban agriculture and join community in the spiritual aspect of participating in local sustainable growth. I became interested in sustainable urban agriculture about six months ago when I began working at an organic produce stand on the weekends. The feeling of being surrounded by fresh vegetables and personally knowing your local grower, where your food comes from and what environmental aspects go into producing your food brings peace of mind. I started looking into building my own garden and realized that there is a lot more to it than throwing seeds into the dirt. I quickly became involved with a volunteer group in St. Petersburg that focuses on sustainable permaculture within the urban city landscape. Meet-
ing with a group of people dedicated to producing delicious vegetables within a community garden has greatly expanded my knowledge on gardening and given me a place to just breathe, work the earth with my hands and collaborate with my community. On my journey to sustainable growth, I have come across many stories of successes and failures that people have faced within USF students Damon Dossett & Kyle Byrne urban agriculture. With a goal to with USFRPG members William understand as much about the Schanbacher, Tammy Vrana, source of my food, policies set in Connie Mizak, and Dell DeChant place by local government and how to better bond with my commu- policy placement and promotion of civic culture. Dell deChant has made nity I always keep my eyes open for significant contributions to foodoggroups working to bring Florida and raphy within the Bay Area and offers our cities up to speed with urban expertise in the religious/spiritual asagriculture advancements. pect of community food growth. I had a chance to meet with the Connie Mizak works within the USFPRG team leaders, which inSchool of Geosciences at USF and clude Dell deChant, Connie Mizak, Will Schanbacher and Tammy Vrana. places her focus within USFPRG into how public policy benefits commuEach member has a passion for comnity and environment. Mizak joined munity development, food safety,
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the group in order to help herself and students better understand local policies on food production. Will Schanbacher’s background is in Religious Studies and Ethics, his contribution to the group includes research with a focus on economics, community, race, gender and power issues. Schanbacher looks at socioeconomic impacts that urban food policies have on neighborhoods and community of diverse economic wealth. Tammy Vrana is head of Vrana Consulting, Inc., an urban planning firm. Her knowledge in public land space, building and urban planning assists USFPRG’s mission in finding opportunities for community garden locations. Vrana’s goal is to help reintroduce urban agriculture into our cities and show where they can be located for the best outcome. Each member in USFPRG works with students and local government to explore outlets in which we can bring the Bay Area up to speed with other cities throughout the U.S. The importance of understanding and working together to set new policies within the area is pertinent in identifying the best practices to use, evaluate cultural impacts, develop case studies and build our communities
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sustainable agriculture society. Each head member of USFPRG has diverse passion for what they are researching. Dell deChant made an interesting point in getting the collaboration of church and community to join in on gardening together. I live in a neighborhood with the religious group Friends of Quakers and they have a wonderful garden, in which they share their food and knowledge with our tight knit community. deChant’s interest in involving churches with gardening really sparked an idea in my brain...if churches throughout the area set aside plots for member and community gardening, just think of all the fresh goods we could produce for our cities! From researching the theology of urban agriculture, to land development, ethics and local government involvement, the Urban Sustainable Food Policy Research Group is dedicating much time, effort and mind power into bringing the Tampa Bay Area up to speed with sustainable cities throughout the country. Contact Dell deChant through email at dechant@usf.edu for more information and future plans of USFPRG.
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Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge Legal Guidance Built on the Tradition of Integrity By Marcy Sanford If you are looking for an attorney you can trust, you can talk to, and who can help you understand the intricacies and importance of estate planning, elder law, real estate law, corporate matters, asset protection, and tax reduction strategies, then you can look to the law firm of Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge. With offices conveniently located in Trinity, Spring Hill, Palm Harbor, and Tampa, clients enjoy the friendly professionalism of attorneys David Wollinka and Ryan Doddridge and the rest of the knowledgeable staff of Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge, who make you feel welcome the moment you walk in their doors. “Once you become part of our family, you are welcome to call us with questions or concerns at anytime,” says David Wollinka. “We pride ourselves on being very accessible to our clients and getting back to them as quickly as possible with the answers to their questions.”
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“We have been extremely pleased with the law firm of Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge,” says Innisbrook’s OnSite Broker Debbie Nobile. “Ryan Doddridge and everyone at the firm is always extremely responsive and helpful with any questions we have. They are very attentive and help us with all our needs. We really enjoy working with them.” Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge has been helping families, real estate professionals, small business owners, and individuals since 1971. Since that time, they have grown and expanded with four office locations and plans for a new, spacious office located on Trinity Boulevard in Trinity set to open this Fall. Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts: “Many people think that estate planning is only for very wealthy people,” says David. “But that simply isn’t true. Everyone can benefit from estate planning. Many problems can arise if a person does not have an estate plan in place. A few simple documents can
Cyndie Campbell, Barbara Hansen, Laura Adams, Ryan Doddridge, David Wollinka, Barbie Allen, Jamie Durso & Laura Sullivan save a lot of heartbreak and pain in the long run. Plus, estate planning can save your heirs’ money by minimizing estate and gift taxes.” Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge realize each client has different needs and considerations and they develop a
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strategic plan for each client on a case-by-case basis. Elder Law: Unfortunately accidents can happen at anytime and people can become incapacitated overnight. The attorneys at Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge understand
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the hurdles the elderly must overcome. They will work with you to help provide peace of mind to you, your family, and your friends. Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge provide services in guardianships, Medicaid, incapacity planning, and special needs trusts. Real Estate: Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge represents clients in all types of real estate matters. The firm will prepare purchase contracts and leases, and has represented buyers and sellers of both residential and commercial properties. The firm has also represented banks and other financial organizations with respect to commercial real estate loans. The attorneys of Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge analyze title insurance and provide representation at closings. The firm also represents clients in quiet title actions, landlord-tenant disputes, and the prosecution and defense of foreclosure suits. Corporate Matters and Asset Protection: “We have seen instances
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where individuals have lost most of their assets due to accidents caused by someone in their family,” says David. “With proper asset protection that could have been prevented.” Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge will devise a strategic plan to protect you or your businesses assets. If you are starting a new business, Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge can be a valuable partner. They can help you set up your new business and navigate all the decisions you have to make. They can also prepare and file annual reports, maintain corporate books and records, and prepare annual and special minutes as needed. Tax Reduction Strategies: There are many different ways to reduce tax exposure, such as gifting programs and certain specialized trusts. The attorneys at Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge consider the individualized needs of each of their clients when strategizing to reduce tax exposure. They understand that every case is different and spend the time needed to find out what each client’s needs are in order to tailor a plan to help them reach their goals. David Wollinka has been with Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge since 1986. Happily married and father to five children, David is a Tarpon Springs native. He is a proud University of Florida graduate and is very involved with the East Lake, Tarpon Springs, and Trinity communities. Ryan Doddridge has been with Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge since 2011. A St. Petersburg native, Ryan now lives in Tarpon Springs with his wife and two sons. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and Southern Methodist University. Ryan is active with many legal and local associations including the West Pasco and Clearwater Bar Associa-
tions, West Pasco Estate Planning Attorneys Association, West Pasco Real Estate Council, North Suncoast Estate Planning Council and the Suncoast Guardian Association. If you are looking for attorneys you can trust to help you make decisions and plan for your and your family’s future, turn to Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge. Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge has four convenient locations. Pasco County Office in Trinity at Trinity Professional
Center, 1835 Health Care Drive; phone: 727-937-4177. Pinellas County Office in Palm Harbor at 3204 Alternate 19 North; phone: 727-781-5444. Hernando County Office in Spring Hill at 13575 Linden Drive; phone: 352-5565271. Hillsborough County Office in Tampa at 13801 N. Dale Mabry Highway; phone: 727-937-4177. Find more information at Wollinka.com. Call Wollinka, Wollinka & Doddridge today for an appointment so you can rest easier tonight.
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Call Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing for a Clean Outlook!
By Marcy Sanford For more than 25 years, Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing has been helping families and businesses protect and preserve their homes, office buildings, motor homes, and boats. This family owned business provides clients with high quality work at affordable prices. “We have pressure washed just about everything,” says Otis. “We pride ourselves on always being honest with our clients. We’ve had people think
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they needed to get their house painted, when really all they needed was to have it pressure washed, which saved them money. We want to make sure our clients trust us and are happy with the work we do. We know that is the best way to keep them coming back to us and giving us referrals.” Residential: You want to keep your home and possessions looking their best and right now after the rainy winter we have had, it is the perfect time to have them professionally pressure washed. When you include pres-
sure washing as part of your home’s regular maintenance, you can preserve and protect it for years to come. If your house is starting to look dull and dingy and your deck looks dirty or in need of re-staining, Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing can make them look brand new. Pressure washing also removes dangerous and destructive mold that can make you sick. With more than 25 years of experience, Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing has cleaned it all. Whatever you have that needs to be
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APRIL 2014
cleaned, they can help you. They are experts at making your home, deck, driveway, sidewalk, dock, pool enclosure, and roof look brand new. They’ve even pressure washed motor homes and boats. You don’t want to risk major damage being caused to your most precious possessions and biggest investments due to buildup of mold and mildew. Call Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing today for a free estimate. Commercial: Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing also has
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many commercial clients who trust them to keep their businesses looking their best. Strip malls, shopping centers, parking lots, banks, convenience stores, office buildings, restaurants – you name it, Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing can clean it. They’ve even done work for Rooms 2 Go and Best Buy. Amusement & Industrial: For five years, Busch Gardens has trusted Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing to keep their park looking spic and span for all their visitors. Otis Hyde can handle any large client from amusement parks to plants, rigs to foundries. Painting: Inside or outside, you can count on Otis Hyde Painting &
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Pressure Washing to do a superior painting job. If you need help deciding on a color, they can help you pick out the best one. They can even get paint for you for less then you would pay and they never place an up-charge on any materials. If you’re ready for some springcleaning for your home or business, give Otis Hyde Painting & Pressure Washing a call or email today to schedule an appointment for a free estimate. Call 813-416-8185 or email otishydepainting@gmail.com. You can also find more info online at hydespressurewashing.com or on their facebook page www.facebook.com/hydespressurewashing.
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Princess Boutique – You are Made to Feel Like Royalty! By Pam Sica Can you believe this magnificent women’s apparel and accessory store has been in our neighborhood for over seven years? Located in the Van Dyke Commons Shopping Center on the northeast corner of Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke Road, you will find many trendy, LA-styled fashions in sizes ranging from 2-16, that will set your wardrobe apart from the standard fare offered in a chain store. Debi Fitzgerald, the boutique’s proprietor and fashion buyer, came to this area from Los Angeles with the specific intent to offer unique clothing and accessories at affordable prices, as well as superior customer service for her clients. Needless to say, she has catered to many a celebrity in California and thankfully, capitalizes on her experience in LA right here in Lutz, Florida. Open six days a week from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., you are sure to find that unique and perfect outfit that you are seeking. When you need assistance, there is always a fashion con-
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sultant there ready and able to help you select a stunning and appropriate ensemble for just about any occasion. Customer service is a main focus for the staff, so take advantage of this marvelous offering. When you step into the stylish boutique, you enter a whole new world of fashion possibilities. Glance on over to the left and you’ll see what has been put on sale that week at unbelievable savings. Then be sure to come back again soon, because the inventory changes on a weekly basis! There is gorgeous apparel throughout, and as you well know, no outfit is complete without the right accessories, so feast your eyes on the vast array of sandals, earrings, necklaces and belts that are smartly displayed throughout the store. Have you ever seen sandals with interchangeable charms to perfectly match your ensemble? Princess Boutique has them available for you, along with purses, turbans and headbands to complement the outfit of your choice! If you’re looking for fashions that can carry you from day to night,
Owner Debi Fitzgerald is happy to offer unique clothing and accessories at affordable prices! work to party – you’ll discover those versatile ensembles here at reasonable prices. Debi deals with many different designers from LA, whose designs rival those from traditional mall stores. Thinking about a special event coming up on your calendar? You’ll be sure to find some strikingly
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different apparel that is appropriate for the occasion that will be a perfect reflection of your personal style. Consider joining the Princess Boutique VIP mailing list and you’ll receive preferred invitations to cocktail parties that début new collections and kick-off sales events. You’ll see what
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Princess Boutique is the perfect place to celebrate your unique style and shopping here is completely pleasurable is coming to the boutique before it shows up on the sales floor in a relaxed and casual setting. How great is that? Interestingly, while interviewing Debi, I couldn’t help but notice a rolling rack full of clothing and accessories off to the side that was destined to leave the store. When I inquired about it, it became evident that this was something else that sets Princess Boutique apart from most mall stores – they give back to their community in a big way by sponsoring charity fashion shows to benefit non-profits
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like Joshua House, as well as other local organizations. I’m told those rolling racks are a constant sight in this lively place! There is something very special about shopping local and knowing that you’re helping your own community all the while. Another fantastic customer perk at Princess Boutique is their free design consultation given by any one of the eight fashion consultants on staff. Even private, after hour consultations (by appointment) are available to cater to your specific needs. You don’t find that kind of service just
anywhere, but here, it is the extra mile to which Debi and her staff will go to make you feel truly unique and well-pampered! It is much like having your own personal shopper, with folks who know the trends helping you to look and feel your best. I can tell you that Debi had already sized me up while we were chatting and was quick to point out several flattering new designs for me in my color palette. I was impressed. This is certainly going to become my “go to” place to find that special ensemble for the upcoming events on my calendar,
without a doubt! To ensure that your individual style is maximized, you will want to stop into the Hair Salon and Spa a few doors down. Debi Fitzgerald is the proprietor of that fine establishment as well, and her expertly-trained staff will add that superb finalizing touch that makes you feel perfectly put together. To be sure, it all starts with the unique LA-inspired clothing and accessories found at the Princess Boutique. Once you have shopped there, you will know that you are making a fashion-forward statement when you leave! Enjoy this one-of-akind shopping experience soon. I hope to see you there! Princess Boutique Unique Ladies Apparel and Accessories is located in the Van Dyke Commons Shopping Center on the northeast corner of Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke Road, at 17671 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Lutz. The boutique is open Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. with after hour appointments available with their fashion stylists. For more information, call (813) 961-1100 or visit www.PrincessBoutiqueShop.com.
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Hanover Floors – Building For America’s Bravest A huge 20 x 40 foot American flag was moved as the crowd shouted, “Move that flag!!!” The big reveal was for the home built near Mc Dill Air Force Base for Sgt. Michael Nicholson, a Marine veteran who served in Afghanistan. The home was built under the Building for America’s Bravest, a program of The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in proud sponsorship with the Gary Sinise Foundation. The program was developed to build smart homes for catastrophically injured service members. The home was presented to Sgt. Nicholson on January 9th, 2014. Hanover Floors owners Jim and Beth Nesbitt and partner, flooring manufacture Mohawk, provided the flooring and expert installation in this first home built in Tampa for Building for America’s Bravest. “It was an honor to be here and be a part of this home for one of America’s Bravest, Sgt. Nicholson. This is an inspiring organization that is making a difference and Hanover Floors Carpet One is proud to be part of it,” said Jim Nesbitt from Hanover. The Smart Homes built by Build-
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ing for America’s Bravest are custom designed to fit the needs of each individual. The goal of each home is to help severely injured heroes live better, more independent lives. Smart Homes host a myriad of features, such as automated doors and lighting, wider doors, and special showers to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as cabinets and counters that can be raised and lowered, and central heating and air conditioning systems that can be controlled by iPads. “We’re so happy to have Carpet One and Mohawk on board with all our builds,” said Frank Siller, from Tunnels to Towers Foundation, at the Tampa ribbon cutting. The Tunnel to Towers foundation was founded to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller, who laid down his life to save others on 9/11. The legacy began when Siller was on his way to meet his three brothers to play golf. When he heard on his scanner what had happened at the World Trade Center, brave Stephen strapped on 60 lbs. of firefighter gear, rushed on foot through gridlocked traffic and ran from the
Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center site. Stephen was last seen with his fellow firefighters of Squad 1; all of who died saving others. Stephen’s loved ones organized the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The organization helped to establish the Tunnel to Towers Run, a living, breathing tribute to all that died on 9/11 and to those who serve in the line of duty to protect our country. Participants of the run retrace the final footsteps of heroic Stephen Siller from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center site. “We are excited to help this organization in any way we can,” said
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Bill Gaddis, VP of National Accounts for Mohawk. “Providing flooring that will make these heroes’ lives a little easier is just the beginning.” “In addition to providing flooring for these homes, Carpet One an Mohawk will also be helping the organization through fundraising efforts and spreading the word,” said Beth Nesbitt from Hanover Floors Carpet One in Tampa.
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“Arrhythmia” Continued from page 1 Joyce recently underwent a fairly new treatment option called the Convergent Procedure, which is used to treat patients with difficult-to-treat, persistent atrial fibrillation. Registered Nurse and Patient Navigator Tres Millsap – who works to smoothly navigate patients like Joyce through their entire treatment process and recovery – walked me to the cafeteria where the Gruvers were enjoying lunch. We took a brisk walk back to a quiet office to talk and it was clear to see that Joyce was no longer having a problem with shortness of breath. “I feel fantastic now and I’m not just bragging!” said Joyce. It turns out that age wasn’t holding Joyce back from fully enjoying life – her ticker not ticking right was the problem! Arrhythmia Diagnosis & Treatment A cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heartbeat—whether the rhythm is too slow, too fast, or irregular. It can be nothing to worry about; or an arrhythmia could turn life threatening. Arrhythmias can be caused by any change or complication that forms in the electrical pathway
that runs from the upper chambers of the heart to the lower chambers. Sometimes this results in a heart beating under 60 beats per minute, or a heart beating over 100 times in a minute. Some irregular heartbeats will vary chaotically between the two extremes without a discernible pattern. Arrhythmia patients will often notice a racing heartbeat or a peculiar fluttering sensation in their chest or neck. They also may note that their hearts seem to be literally “skipping a beat.” Other symptoms of an arrhythmia include dizziness or fainting, fatigue, weakness, difficulty breathing or chest pain. Sometimes patients don’t notice that their heartbeat is abnormal at all. Physicians participating in the Atrial Fibrillation Program at Arrhythmia Center of Florida include Electrophysiologists Luis R. Annoni, MD, Rajiva Goyal, MD, Raul Jimenez, MD, Huang-Ta Lin, MD, Darshan V. Patel, MD, and Kenneth H. Yamamura, MD, and Cardiothoracic Surgeons including Marshall DeSantis, MD, N.S. Rattehalli, MD and Michael Wahl, MD. The doctors work in concert to combine their unique skills, offering treatment options to patients with even the most difficult-to-treat and persistent atrial fibrillation. The Arrhythmia Center of Florida
has the latest state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and effectively treat cardiac patients, including an advanced 3D Mapping system and CT imaging. Cutting edge techniques such as Cardiac Cryoablation is available; in this treatment the ablation is completed with cold rather than heat and only the tip of the catheter is affected by the freezing temperature, leaving very little chance of damaging the vein it runs through. Depending on the state of your arrhythmia, there are a variety of treatment options. Some are simple, such as lifestyle change, or blood thinners and medications that can help control the symptoms of an arrhythmia or lower risk factors for other serious conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Other treatment options are: Pacemaker, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), Atrioventricular Nodal (AVN) Ablation, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST) Ablation, Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) Ablation, Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Ablation and Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation. These may be used alone or in tandem with other treatments. The doctors at the Arrhythmia Center of Florida care-
Joyce and Jim Gruver Doctors at the Arrhythmia Center of Florida were able to help Joyce enjoy an active life again! fully review each patient’s test results and health history to decide upon the most effective course of treatment. The Convergent Procedure The latest procedure available to patients at Arrhythmia Center of Florida is the Convergent Procedure that Mrs. Gruver had; performed by Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Wahl
and Electrophysiologist Dr. Yamamura. The Convergent Procedure, though considered minimally invasive compared with other heart surgeries, is a serious procedure. But for patients like Joyce Gruver, this is a procedure that offers hope. “She is a completely changed woman now,” said Dr. Yamamura. “When she came in, she was desperate. She was very symptomatic. Her heart rate was very fast and difficult to control.” Dr. Yamamura explained that Mrs. Gruver was a candidate for the Convergent Procedure because she had already failed drug therapy and an unsuccessful Car-
dioversion procedure. He said, “Her left atrium was so enlarged already. I felt like the only shot she had was the Convergent Procedure. It is more invasive but the success rate is much higher for patients like Mrs. Gruver, who have failed other options and continue to have persistent atrial fibrillation.” Dr. Wahl pointed out, “The treatment of atrial fibrillation is very complex. We carefully evaluate patients to make sure there are no underlying structural problems that need to be repaired. If a patient does well with medicine or non-invasive procedures, then we leave them alone.” As for those patients with difficult-to-treat atrial fibrillation, Dr. Wahl said, “We don’t want those patients to give up. We are pushing for them and we have an alternative.” Dr. Goyal explained that what the Electrophysiologist is looking for is electrical activity. “We look an how well the ablation
worked – it should be electrically silent – if there are any gaps we find them and close them off.” Joyce Gruver will tell you that undergoing the Convergent Procedure was no walk in the park. She was in surgery for seven hours, spent three days in intensive care, and now she has a thin, 2-inch scar on her abdomen. But she is very happy with the results and is thankful that she went to the doctors at the Arrhythmia Center of Florida. “At first, I couldn’t believe it couldn’t be managed with medication,” said Joyce. She now enjoys a steady rhythm after her Convergent Procedure, though and happily declared, “One week ago, I had an electrocardiogram and it came back perfect!” The Convergent Procedure begins with a Cardiothoracic Surgeon navigating a special catheter, a trochar, through a small incision in the abdomen, allowing access to the posterior of the atrium under direct visualization. Then using radiofrequency (focused heat), the surgeon produces complete linear lesions
(scar tissue) on the outside of the heart to block abnormal electrical signals. The Electrophysiologist then threads an ablation catheter through the groin area to reach inside the upper left chamber of the heart to ensure the lesions are complete and connected, utilizing EP diagnostics to confirm that abnormal electrical signals have been interrupted. The Electrophysiologist also treats the afib from the inside of the left atrium during their portion of the procedure. The Arrhythmia Center of Florida works toward promoting awareness and education about arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiac complications. You will find information about the advanced technology used, patient education, and even how to prepare for a procedure on the Arrhythmia Center of Florida’s website, yourheartbeat.com. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is located at 14000 Fivay Road in Hudson, FL. For more information on Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com; or visit on Facebook.
“Vallarta’s” Continued from page 1 traditional Mexican dishes. From fresh made chips and salsa with house-made guacamole to sizzling fajitas with warm flour tortillas - once you try Vallarta’s you will be craving the delicious authentic taste of Mexico all the time! Vallarta’s is the kind of restaurant where you can bring a large party and everyone will find something they love on the menu, whether you opt for a traditional favorite such as tamales, tostados, tacos, quesadillas, burritos and enchiladas or you decide to try a Vallarta’s specialty - everything is delicious! You can choose the type of filling you would like for select entrées, and have your favorite Mexican dish made vegetarian or try it with slow roasted pork, tender steak, grilled chicken or fresh seafood. Vallarta’s has more than 60 dinner options to choose from and everything is priced fairly, so you can bring the whole family! Specials Every Day! Every day at Vallarta’s, cus-
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tomers enjoy the first basket of chips and salsa for free! If one big basket of chips isn’t enough, you can order another for just $1! Mondays and Tuesdays, dine in at Vallarta’s and you can enjoy $1 tacos (*not valid with other offers or coupons). Wednesdays and Thursdays feature $3 burritos. Fridays feature the “La Lancha” for $10 with a chicken breast, six shrimp covered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, rice, salad and guacamole; and Saturday’s special is “Carne Asada” for $10. And, on Sunday, pick two combination platters for only $15. Lunch combos are served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and are all under $10. Vallarta’s can even help you feed the whole office or group of hungry friends with catering and take-out orders! One of my favorite meals at Vallarta’s is the Parrillada, which is a fantastic combination of seared beef, chicken, pork, chorizo and shrimp cooked fajitas-style with tomatoes, peppers and onions. Served with Spanish rice, fried beans, lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo and flour
The Vallarta’s team works hard to please diners with excellent food & service tortillas - this dish is big enough for two! If you are a gluten-free eater, try corn tortillas instead of flour with your dinner or lunch choice! I am a huge fan of chimichangas and Vallarta’s does them to perfection. This fantastic cheese-topped specialty is perfect paired with a nice cold Corona! One of Vallarta’s customer
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favorites is the Molcajete. This dish, served steaming hot, is a delicious combination of steak, chicken and shrimp cooked with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and squash, layered with Vallarta’s famous white cheese and ranchero sauce! La Lancha is another delicious house special that Vallarta’s is proud to call its own. Composed of La Lancha cream and cheese sauce over
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Vallarta’s La Lancha features grilled chicken and shrimp topped with a delicious creamy cheese sauce chicken and topped with fresh grilled shrimp - this is a rich, delicious and filling dinner! Vallarta’s always has fantastic food and drink specials. The atmosphere is always fun and they even have live music on Friday nights. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Vallarta’s on Monday, May 5th! Don’t forget to mark your calendar now for Vallarta’s Cinco de Mayo party because it is time for a fiesta! Vallarta’s will have all of your favorite
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Molcajete is a house favorite at Vallarta’s and is topped with the restaurant’s famous cheese sauce
authentic Mexican foods, plus drink specials. You can toast the day with celebratory tequila, beer or other favorite libation from the full bar. There will be live music, a DJ, dancing and traditional Mexican-style games! You won’t want to miss out on the most authentic Cinco de Mayo party in the area! Whether you are looking for a quick bite for lunch, an affordable and tasty place to take the family for dinner, have drinks with friends, or a fun place for a date – Vallarta’s is al-
Everything you try will be delicious - from the freshly made salsa to the Mexican specialties
ways fun, casual, tasty and affordable! Don’t miss out on the taste of Mexico, right here in Lutz! Look for coupons online and in Vallarta’s ad in Neighborhood News & Lifestyles. Right now, the ad features coupons good from now until May 15 (see ad on page 12). It is the perfect time to try Vallarta’s with these great deals: $5 off coupon on a total bill of $25 or more; $1 hard tacos on Monday – Thursday all day, dine-in or *to-go (*there is a 25 cent charge on to-go tacos); and order one lunch
and receive $2.99 off of a second lunch entrée. Vallarta’s is located at Northpointe Village at 16540 Point Village Drive in Lutz. The restaurant is open from 12 – 9 p.m. on Sun., from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Monday – Thursday, and from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. Find more information online at www.vallartassuncoast.com. No reservations are required. Takeout is available. Call (813) 920-8833 to place your to-go order.
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2014
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For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2014
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2014
35
36
For Ad Info Call (813) 928-6124 • www.NeighborhoodNewsFL.com
APRIL 2014
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles