Westchase - Vol. 2, Issue 5, May 2013

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WESTCHASE AREA

Vol. 2, Issue 5, May 2013

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

®

The Business & Dining Magazine Directly Mailed To 16,000 Homes In Westchase & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops • Twin Branch Acres Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place

Positano’s Ristorante Italiano – Authentic Italian Cuisine

Submitted by Simply Elegant Opening its doors a little less than a year ago, Simply Elegant Unique Gift Boutique of Westchase is the perfect place to find a gift for any lady, including yourself! Everything about Simply Elegant is cute and fun. They showcase brands such as Brighton, Vera Bradley, Lindsay Phillip’s 'Switch Flops', Tyler Candles, Kameleon Jewelry, John Medeiros Jewelry, Mud Pie, and much more. The friendly, helpful staff is al-

ways there to steer you in the right direction. As Mike, one of Simply Elegant's owners, puts it, "We are here to build relationships," and they do. Many of the customers visit regularly, giving the intimate boutique a bit of a 'Cheers' ambiance. "We like to keep everyone on a first name See “Simply Elegant” on page 22.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: From The Editor...................3 Community Calendar.........4-5 Premier Choice Properties....8-9 All State-Bill Grodman.....10-11 Westchase Hair Studio & 3 Wishes Aesthetics........14-15 Clean “N” Clear & Ultimate Pool Service....16-17 Jaime Central A/C & Heating Specialist..........18-19

ECRWSS

It's Being Called The Best Kept Secret In Westchase, But I Don't Think It's Much Of A Secret Anymore!

One happy customer writes, “Positano’s has become my go-to restaurant when I want a great Italian meal. The food is consistently excellent. See “Positano’s” on page 26.

Postal Customer

so many people in our community enjoy. We have recently added seasonal specials made with local produce. These have been a big hit with many of our customers.”

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185

Since my family and I first moved to Westchase, I’ve quite often found myself more apt to head west when leaving the area. We’ve found some great restaurants, parks, and of course beaches in that direction. And, now we’ve got a great new restaurant to add to our list of favorites – Positano’s Ristorante Italiano. Located at the corner of Tampa Road and Lake St. George in

the Shoppes at Cloverplace, Positano’s serves delicious, classic Italian food that is sure to delight all of your senses. Owners Harry and Jiske Ong had spent most of their lives in the restaurant business before opening Positano’s, and their attention to customers and love of food is evident from the moment you walk through their doors. “We prepare our food with the finest and freshest ingredients,” says Harry. “We are happy to have a restaurant that

Dated Material Please Rush!

By Marcy Sanford


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Westchase Area Neighborhood News


From The Editor Alexis Selby

Expansion into Carrollwood At the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles we write about a lot of family owned and operated businesses and it is always exciting when one of our local businesses expands. This month we are very excited to announce that Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is expanding into Carrollwood! Since the first Neighborhood News hit mailboxes in New Tampa back in 1993, the publication has continued to grow. In 2008, our publisher Tim Selby, who happens to be my father-in-law, sold the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel publications to his 50/50 business partner, and focused on the Trinity and East Lake area publications. The Selby family now has five Neighborhood News & Lifestyles newsmagazines, reaching over 80,000 mailboxes in Trinity, East Lake, Odessa/ Lutz / Land O’ Lakes, Westchase and now the Carrollwood area! For the past 20 years, Neighborhood News & Lifestyles has been keeping the community informed and helping local businesses grow and ex-

pand with our “hyper-local” publication, by offering unprecedented color and glossy ads and providing in-depth, personable articles about the fabulous businesses that serve you and the neighborhood events that keep your community strong and connected. Like the other Neighborhood News & Lifestyles newsmagazines, the new Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is delivered in mailboxes each month, and will reach approximately 13,000 homes and businesses in the Carrollwood area. The first issue hit mailboxes on April 5. Like many family owned and operated businesses, Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is built on a family’s good name and reputation and strives for excellence in every aspect – from exceptional print quality and interesting community news to superior customer support for advertisers. We go aboveand-beyond to maintain a quality publication that people look forward to receiving and reading. My husband Matt Selby, following his father Tim’s lead, started the Car-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

rollwood publication, and I am extremely excited to continue my journey, as editor of the new Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles. Matt and I look forward to expanding as a team and hope we will have the same warm and welcoming embrace that we have experienced this past year in Westchase. “We are excited to bring this magazine to a new area because we know what we can do as a team to highlight the very best things that the community has to offer and to help out our local businesses by getting people excited about “buying local and shopping small business,” says Matt. If you are looking to grow your business and want a cost-effective way to reach new customers in your local community and surrounding communities, Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is the way to go. We do everything we can to help local businesses reach their target market and thrive! Find out more at NeighborhoodNewsFL.com where you can also submit stories and community calendars items, or email Alexis@NeighborhoodNewsFl.com.

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 16,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@neighborhoodnewsfl.com Editorial E-mail: editorialdept@neighborhoodnewsfl.com © 2013 Westchase Neighborhood News is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Hannah Dalegowski Jim O’Reilly Ken Burke Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach

Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas

Marcy Sanford Lenay Ruhl Dara Tucker Erin Aldrich Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do

Nothing that appears in Westchase Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Neighborhood News is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase Neighborhood News 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. Westchase Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.

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Community Calendar Live Music at Aki Sushi in Oldsmar If you love sushi and are looking for a fun way to spend your Wednesday nights, than join Aki Sushi in Oldsmar, as they feature live entertainment by talented local artist and USF student Joshua Paul. Playing Wednesday nights from 7:30 p.m. until close, Joshua perfectly sets the mood with his folk-type music and enchanting voice, making Aki Sushi the ideal spot for a romantic date or a relaxing dinner with family and friends. A local gem, widely known in the area for their unique rolls and fresh cuisine, Aki Sushi is conveniently located at 3970 Tampa Rd in Oldsmar in the Washington Square Plaza, and showcases some of the most delicious sushi in Tampa Bay. Their exquisite menu features everything from tuna/salmon nachos to hand-crafted specialty rolls. At Aki Sushi, they believe that a great meal is not just about great food or great service – it’s the whole experience. The food, the service, the atmosphere and something you can’t

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Owner Bei Mei’s daughter, Sophie, and Joshua. quite put your finger on, but you know it made you feel good. “We know most of our customers so well,” states owner Bei Mei. “We know their names, their favorite table and what they like to eat and drink!”

If you come a little earlier you’ll make it just in time for Happy Hour, which starts at 4 p.m. every day and runs until 7 p.m. Their Happy Hour includes $3 beers and appetizers, along with Classic rolls for $4.50 and Specialty rolls for only $8. So come join Aki Sushi in Oldsmar on Wednesday nights and enjoy some great food while relaxing to beautiful music by talented local artist Joshua. Aki Sushi is located at 3970 Tampa Rd in Oldsmar in the Washington Square Plaza. Their hours are Tues. – Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Fri – Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. They are closed Sun. and Mon. For more information please call (813) 855-2624 or visit their website at www.AkiSushiOldsmar.com or their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/AkiSushiOldsmar. Like Aki Sushi on Facebook and get great deals, which are only available for Facebook fans.

Westchase Spring Garage Sale Join the Westchase Community as they host their spring garage sale – you never know what treasures you will find! The garage sale will be held on May 4th, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and

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will include all Westchase neighborhoods along Linebaugh Avenue, from Sheldon Road to Countryway, including those Westchase neighborhoods along Countryway Blvd. The Westchase Community is located at 9500 West Linebaugh Ave. in Westchase. For more information please call (813) 926-6404 or visit www.Westchasewca.com.

25th Annual Golfing For Kids Classic The Golfing for Kids Classic, a joint fundraiser organized by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Tampa and the Epilepsy Services Foundation, is an annual event that for the past 25 years has helped families in the Tampa Bay Area deal with the ongoing struggles of living with epilepsy. This year’s Golfing For Kids Classic will be held on Friday, May 17 at the Westchase Golf Club, located at 11602 Westchase Golf Drive in Tampa. The four person scramble features a shotgun start, and as part of the Classic, golfers are treated to breakfast and lunch. Pre-classic and several holes-inone contests, awards and raffle prizes make for a fun day and event. Proceeds from this event will ben-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


efit the Epilepsy Services Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises awareness and educates persons with epilepsy. Through the support of the Sponsors and Players in this year's event, the Foundation will send up to 20 kids with a seizure disorder to Camp Boggy Creek in the summer of 2013 and five families to a fall retreat. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., with the shotgun start beginning at 8:30 a.m. Special packages and sponsorships are also available. The 25th Annual Golfing For Kids Classic will be held on Friday, May 17 at the Westchase Golf Club, located at 11602 Westchase Golf Drive in Tampa. The cost for this event is $90 per person. To register, download the form at www.epilepsysf.org/golf-for-kids.htm. You can also mail your registration form to: Golfing for Kids Classic – P.O. Box 26492, Tampa, FL. 33623-6492.

About The Epilepsy Services Foundation (ESF) The ESF is a private, non-profit organization that raises awareness and educates persons with epilepsy, families and caregivers, community organizations, businesses and school personnel

about epilepsy and its impact on individuals with this medical condition. ESF raises funds to provide three kinds of scholarships – camp scholarships to attend Camp Boggy Creek for kids with epilepsy, family weekend retreat scholarships for families of kids with epilepsy to attend the retreat at Camp Boggy Creek and a program for medical and college/technical school scholarships for persons affected by epilepsy. ESF also provides funding for medical support services and funds seminars that promote new initiatives and partnerships in the field of epilepsy.

The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team Invites You to Enjoy the Show! The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team is back on the water! Each Sat-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

urday evening at 6 p.m., this awardwinning team brings the same exciting acts that earned them the Southern Region Show Ski Championship title for more than ten years in a row! This is one of the oldest show ski teams in the nation and many skiers have performed for audiences around the world. Shows include barefooters, jumpers, ballet lines, trios, pyramids and more. Each weekly show has a different theme. Upcoming themes for April and May include The 70’s, Oldies, Cinco De Mayo, Wild West and a special show honoring Memorial Day on Saturday, May 25th. Seating and concessions are available. If you prefer, bring out a blanket or lawn chairs and pick your spot along the grassy area. All shows are always free, providing great family entertainment right here in your own

backyard! Come out to enjoy a Saturday evening and watch one of Florida’s favorite sports. The site is located at 130 Burbank Road in Oldsmar. For directions or team information, visit the website at www.tampawaterski.com or call 813-917-8354 or 727-4809365. See “Calendar” on page 28.

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News


Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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Premier Choice Properties – John & Donna Bonneau By Alexis Selby Daffodils aren’t the only things that start to grow in the spring – so do home sales! If you start to notice the “For Sale” signs popping up, and an increase in moving vans in the neighborhood, you know it must be spring. About 40 percent of home sales will be taking place from now until June, when the spring season gets people motivated to find a house, giving them the chance to move and settle in before fall. You’ve probably heard the news – home affordability indices are up and mortgage interest rates are at record lows. “This year remains a good year to buy,” say John and Donna Bonneau, Brokers and owners of Premier Choice Properties. “The market has come a long way over the last five years.” In any case, here is the overall outlook for Spring – experts say the numbers suggest buyers might be seeing fewer homes on the market and that might mean higher prices. “As an

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Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) I understand buyers’ specific needs and local market conditions, as well as how to navigate real estate transactions successfully,” says John. “Let us help you find a house that will be your home.” John and Donna

Bonneau have been serving home sellers and buyers in Westchase and surrounding areas since 2001, with hundreds of homes sold and a growing list of satisfied clients. Their office is easily accessible and conveniently located in the Hampton Lakes Town Center, located at 12551 Bassbrook Lane in Tampa, in the Westchase area. “We loved working with John and Donna,” state Kathryn and Mike Novak, residents at The Eagles Golf and Country Club. “John and Donna were very professional and friendly to work with and very knowledgeable of the local market conditions. They made the process very easy; I feel like

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we barely had to do a thing! We were especially impressed with the high-end marketing materials they developed to promote our home. The way they photographed and described our house really captured the best of it for everyone to see. We felt like we were working with the best available in the business. It's no wonder it sold so fast!”

You know what you are looking for in a home, now here is what to look for in a Realtor® There are over a million Realtors® working today. To find that one-in-a-million Realtor® who will be a trusted partner in helping you buy or sell a home it is imperative that you look for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation. Working with a CRS Designated Realtor® means you are working with the best in the business; someone with the proven experience and necessary skills to help make your home buying or selling experience much smoother and much more lucrative. With an advanced education in fi-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


nance, technology, and marketing, John has earned designations as an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Internet Technology Expert (e-Pro). He has also received a Green Designation (GREEN), and is a

Graduate of the Realtor® Institute (GRI). In addition, John is a certified Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource (SFR). Donna has earned designations as an Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) and an Accredited Home Staging Specialist (AHS). John

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

and Donna’s professional experience, coupled with their strong work ethic and enthusiastic attitude, make them two of the most productive and respected Realtors® in the Westchase real estate marketplace. Donna and John take great pride in their community and really enjoy helping others. When they are not busy helping buyers or sellers, they are volunteering their time with Meals on Wheels in Tampa; delivering hot meals to help individuals live independently and remain in their homes. They are members of Saint Timothy’s Catholic Church in Lutz. John is an avid golfer and spends his free time competing in Local, Major and National golf tournaments, as a member of the Tampa/Orlando Golf Channel Amateur Tour. Donna enjoys cruising, fitness, travel, and dance. The proof that any business is doing a great job can be found in what clients have to say. And John and Donna Bonneau have many satisfied, happy clients – both home sellers and buyers who they have helped through a potentially stressful time. Mike McClain, West Park Village resident, says “When my wife, Cheryl, and I were finally ready to buy a home in Westchase, we were looking for a

Realtor® who would meet our demanding needs. That included experienced, locally owned real estate experts and sales leaders in the Westchase area. We found that team with John and Donna Bonneau and Premier Choice Properties Inc. John and Donna listened to our needs and after visiting numerous properties, we found our perfect home. Their negotiating skills allowed us to find the right home for the right price. At the same time, our daughter and son-in-law were also looking for a first home in the area. While the market was difficult in their price range, John and Donna found them their perfect home. The time, effort, and personal involvement of John and Donna to find our family new homes was over and above what we expected from a Realtor®. If you are looking for a real estate broker in the Westchase area, you must call John and Donna!” Premier Choice Properties is located at 12551 Bassbrook Lane in Tampa, in the Hampton Lakes Town Center. For more information please call John or Donna at (813) 855-8000 extension 2, or direct at (813) 767-9937, or visit their website at www.PremierChoiceProperties.com.

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Allstate’s Bill Grodman – Your Neighborhood Insurance Agent – Where Everyone Knows Your Name By Marcy Sanford When is the last time you heard from your insurance agent? If you can’t remember chances are you are not insured with The Bill Grodman Allstate Agency. “We make getting to know our customers a priority” says Bill Grodman, longtime Westchase resident and owner of the Allstate agency located in The Avenue at Westchase, right above Anytime Fitness. “Our customers are not just a policy number to us, they are the reason we are in business. Our relationship does not end once we sell the policy, to us, that is just the beginning. We stay in touch with our customers and offer them a full coverage review annually. By doing this, we are able to keep up with the many changes in their busy lives and recommend adjustments to their coverage’s to fit their current needs. Whether they are getting married, having children, changing jobs or getting ready for retirement, we have the products and

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protection that will fit their needs.” The contact is appreciated by his customers and it shows. Bill’s customer satisfaction scores are among the highest in his market. Bill says, “We pride ourselves on not only knowing our customers but getting to know their extended families as well. We are proud to have built our business on referrals from our customers. We use referrals as a benchmark of the service we provide since we know that referrals indicate to us that we are doing a good job and our customers trust us to help with their family and friends. We appreciate their trust and never take it for granted.” Let’s face it, insurance is one of the necessities in life that you don’t always want to think about, but when a loss occurs you want to know you have adequate insurance to protect yourself, your family, your home, and your possessions. Since so much is at stake, it makes sense to talk to someone with years of knowledge and experience; someone who can help you

navigate the sometimes confusing world of insurance. Thankfully for you, Bill and his professional Allstate team are right here in Westchase. With over 50 years of combined insurance experience you can count on their expertise.

Individualized Attention from People You Can Trust “We provide insurance solutions for individuals and families throughout Florida,” says Bill. “We are a customer-focused full service agency offering all lines of insurance, including Auto, Home, Motorcycle, Boat, Life, Renters, RV, and a full range of Life Insurance and retirement products. If you need to insure it we can find a policy that is right for you.” One of his specialties is Home Owners insurance – Bill is able to provide multiple options for you to consider. “Some people feel that when it comes to Homeowner’s insurance in Florida there are limited options – that

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is not the case. We offer Homeowner options with a variety of highly rated carriers. Since your Homeowner and Auto premiums represent one of the largest expenses you incur each year, it pays to shop; we have been able to save customers hundreds, and at times over a thousand dollars a year when it comes to their insurance. We love to save our customers money!” Beyond just saving money it is very important for Bill’s customers to understand what coverage’s they are purchasing. In this economy Bill understands it is all about giving his cus-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


Bill Grodman tomers options to fit their insurance needs and their budgets. When designing an individualized plan just for you, Bill and his staff take the time to cover the policy in detail and explain the coverage options available so there are no surprises should a loss occur. One happy customer writes, “I had never filed a claim before, but during my recent claims process Bill and his staff made it easy to understand what was happening. They were very helpful and had all of the answers I needed. By doing so they put my mind at ease.”

Financially Speaking – as an added bonus, Bill employs a full-time financial specialist, John Schneone, who works in his office. He specializes in helping you plan for retirement and Life Insurance. These services are offered free of charge to all of Bill’s clients and potential clients. “It’s just our way of providing a full range of services for our clients,” says Bill. Bill and the rest of the staff do all they can to go above and beyond for their clients in order to ensure they are happy and protected, and have even been known to make house calls if a client has difficulty leaving their home.

When was the last time your insurance agent saved you money? “There are many cases where we will find savings for our clients during our annual review,” says Bill. “This year we were able to reduce home insurance premiums for many of our home owners because they had new roofs installed or security systems added. They are so happy when they realize the investment they placed in their home is paying off in reduced premiums. When it comes to auto we are often able to save customers money by adding some additional dis-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

Bill Grodman’s office is conveniently located in The Avenues at Westchase on the second floor above Anytime Fitness. counts or modifying their current coverages. We have been especially successful in the Westchase area. With so many of our neighbors having young drivers and multiple cars in the household, our auto rates have been able to save some customers over a thousand dollars a year, that makes all of us feel great.”

Westchase Originals Bill and his wife Valerie moved to the Westchase area in 1988 when all the roads leading in were 2-lane roads; Publix wasn’t there and going out to eat meant a long drive or going to a neighbor’s house. They have three children who all went to the local public schools. Bill says, “We have loved raising our children in such a great neighborhood and so appreciate all the changes that have happened to the area over the years.” Bill and Valerie are believers in giving back and partner with the local schools and other charitable organizations to make sure they are giving back to this community. They love this area and love the fact that so many of their clients live in Westchase. “We are happy that so many of our friends and neighbors have trusted us to help protect their

families,” says Bill. “We are very pleased with all the services provided from our Allstate Agency,” says one of Bill’s clients. “We feel very lucky that we have an agent that is always willing to work with us to obtain the best price and service possible. Due to the awful economy, it is fortunate that our agent understands and wants the best premiums that will work within our budget while still obtaining the best coverage.” While Bill has been with Allstate for many years, he moved his agency from Lutz to Westchase in August. It is located in The Avenues at Westchase at 9622 West Linebaugh Avenue (on the second floor above Anytime Fitness). You are always welcome to walk in with questions, to get help with your insurance needs, get a free quote or to just say hello anytime Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment please call (813) 336-4904 or visit his website at www.AllStateAgencies.com/BillGrodman or his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BGrodman. For additional questions you can email Bill at BillGrodman@allstate.com.

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News


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Define Your Personal Style at Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics By Alexis Selby Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics are celebrating their one-year anniversary and would like to thank the Westchase community for their loyalty and support. “We look forward to many more years in Westchase,” says Tracy Eller, stylist and co-owner of Westchase Hair Studio. If you want beautiful hair and radiant skin, the talented professionals at Westchase Hair Studio will help you achieve your dream look. Owners and stylists Evelyn Irvin and Tracy Eller are committed to listening to their clients and helping them get the look they want. Co-located within Westchase Hair Studio is 3 Wishes Aesthetics, where owner Jelly Molloy, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and National Trainer, is an expert in Botox®, Dysport®, Restylane®, Juvederm®, and anti-aging care for the face and hands. Located in the Westchase Professional Center at 11059 Countryway Blvd. in Studio

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B, Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics provide a cozy and inviting place where you can boost your spirits with a new look, get expert advice to maintain your current one, and relax and fill wrinkles. “We embrace the fact that we are a small business,” says Jenny. “This gives us the flexibility to be more creative. We are all about quality customer service, which is why we work so well together.”

Westchase Hair Studio Evelyn and Tracy have been working together for many years and as talented stylists have developed quite a loyal following. Last year they knew it was time to establish their own studio and thus created Westchase Hair Studio. “We truly enjoy and appreciate our clients, many of whom have been with us for years,” says Evelyn. “We are very happy!” Evelyn and Tracy are passionate about creating beautiful styles for their clients. Receptionists Jessica Leon and Nancy Joel

also share this passion for style, and are currently attending cosmetology school. Evelyn began her career in Berlin, Germany, and is ranked among the top stylists in the industry. She is the proud recipient on the Dillards and Saks Top Twenty Awards and the Master Artisan Gold Award. Tracy began her career in Southern California and has worked in South Tampa and Westchase for many years. Both Evelyn and Tracy are committed to learning the latest techniques and most current trends in hair design, and

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will once again attend the 2012 Premier Hair Show in Orlando. While there, they will participate in workshops, receive training from industry experts, and learn all about the latest trends and techniques. Just last month, I visited Westchase Hair Studio for a haircut – which by the way was long overdue – and Tracy did an amazing job cutting my layers and trimming my hair, helping to add volume to my look. She was very friendly and personable and I had a wonderful experience and would recommend her expertise to anyone looking to update their style. Westchase Hair Studio carries top-of-the-line products, such as Lanza, Pureology, and Aquage. And their hair color lines are Wella and Redken. Redken Chromatics is a revolutionary hair color that fortifies every strand of hair, producing shinier, healthier looking hair and chromatics is an ammonia-free formula designed to produce vibrant color after just one treatment. From all the years of color-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


ing my hair, I have done quite a lot of damage and have been having an issue with dried-out hair. On my previous visit, Tracy recommended a leave-in conditioner to help reverse some of the damage. She suggested I use Trauma Treatment from Lanza and after my first use I couldn’t be happier. This product gave my hair the muchneeded moisture it lacked, and after the first week I had already started to notice a big difference - thanks Tracy! Evelyn and Tracy are also experts in keratin treatments and use formaldehyde-free products from Simply Smooth and Chi to condition and transform your hair. These all-natural products work on the outside of your hair structure, as well as deep within the cuticle – providing smoother, softer, shinier hair through a gentle and natural healing process.

3 Wishes Aesthetics Jenny Molloy, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and owner of 3 Wishes Aesthetics, is an expert in creating a relaxed look with FDA-approved Botox® or Dysport® and her comfortable treatments with FDA-approved Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Perlane® soften and enhance facial features in a natural way that will leave your friends guessing – how does she

look so young? Jenny is a National Trainer and clinical consultant to physicians and other Nurse Practitioners; training them to perform minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures with Dysport, Perlane and Restylane. Jenny has been providing her artistic talents to many happy Tampa Bay clients for over 10 years. Jenny also offers mildly exfoliating facial treatments designed to improve skin tone, minimize pores, and improve skin texture and color. What is new in 2013? Jenny has added two new treatments, specially designed to tighten skin around your eyes and erase spots on the backs of your hands! Whether you are looking for a beautiful new look, or want to update your favorite style, Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics has just the solution you are looking for. So come visit today, and spend some time with Evelyn, Tracy, Jessica, Nancy and Jenny, and they will help you create that magical look and give you a stunning style that will have you turn-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

(Clockwise from top left) Tracy, Jenny, Jessica and Evelyn ing heads! This May, celebrate their one-year anniversary by enjoying two great specials, including 20% off all retail products and a free haircut or min-keratin treatment with the purchase of any color service for first-time clients. Westchase Hair Studio and 3 Wishes Aesthetics are located at 11059 Countryway Blvd., Studio

B, in Tampa. Hours are Tues. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (813) 852-1200. You can also find out additional information, including monthly specials, at www.WestchaseHairStudio.com and www.3WishesAesthetics.com.

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Clean “N” Clear & Ultimate Pool Service– Your Pool Care Experts! By Lenay Ruhl Two Tampa Bay area pool services are now working together to better offer clients their combined talent and unique services, in hopes of greatly improving the pool service industry. Clean “N” Clear and Ultimate Pool Service provide residential and commercial pool services, including repairs, solar heaters and installation, as well as, pool decks, pool resurfacing, screen enclosure repairs, tree trimming, landscaping, irrigation, and stump grinding. They also offer a full range of products, including pool equipment and inflatables, which are all available on their online store. Although they are combining companies, they are each keeping their own names. Christian Ramirez, owner of Clean “N” Clear, and Jimmy Testino, owner of Ultimate Pool Service, are very knowledgeable and together have over 33 years of combined experience.

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“When you go outside, we want to give you a service where you don’t have to worry about it,” says Ramirez. “When you get home from work you should be able to enjoy your backyard, like an oasis.” This same concept was the inspiration when founding their companies. Ramirez acknowledges that Tampa is becoming a busy city, and he and Testino want to provide convenience to Bay area residents. Ramirez and Testino are very adamant about buying local and have hopes of purchasing a majority, if not all, of their products from companies within the Tampa Bay Area. “We want to reach out to people and let them know that we are local guys, trying to boost the economy; especially in the Tampa Bay area,” says Ramirez. Clean “N” Clear and Ultimate Pool Service offer all of their products at their online pool stores at www.CleanNClearsvc.com and www.UltimatePool.org. Their web-

Clean “N” Clear and Ultimate Pool Service offer their expertise and service to homeowners throughout the Tampa Bay Area. sites will also feature a blog where customers can review the items and read about their performance. “If you don’t like it, you’re going to be able to say it,” says Ramirez. Their inventory of products will include chemicals, toys, inflatable items, high efficiency pumps, heaters, automation systems, salt systems, Hayward Pentair control panels, Marathon pumps, sand filters, and much more. Ramirez and Testino have a lot of

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pool cleaning experience. Ramirez got into pool cleaning after his family moved to Florida from Chicago and bought a house with a pool. He smiles remembering his dad making him maintain the pool. As Ramirez got older he was offered a management position with a tree trimming company, and that’s how it all came together to combine the two. Today, his brother Mytch Ramirez manages the tree trimming

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


The beautifully maintained pool at The Pointe at USF is a testament to the quality work of Clean “N” Clear and Ultimate Pool Service. side of the business. The brothers decided to combine tree trimming with the pool service because they noticed that people have nice pools but sometimes their landscape is not coordinated. Ultimate Pool Service and Clean “N” Clear service the areas of Westchase, Keystone, Citrus Park, The Eagles Community, Sweetwater, Bayport, Van Dyke Farms, Avila, Odessa and Northdale. Between the two companies they have more than 200 clients, and although Clean “N” Clear started out doing commercial pools, a

majority of their pools now are residential. Growing as a company, they have the equipment to maintain a large amount of quality commercial pools and they currently service the Citrus Community Pool and The Pointe at South Florida – USF Tampa housing. The Pointe has brought them a lot of references, and Ramirez is excited to see their commercial pool opportunity grow into the servicing of hotels and other similar avenues. Throughout the years Ramirez has noticed some common mistakes that people make with their pool

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

maintenance. The first mistake – they think that if they have a pool service system that they don’t need a navigator because they have a pool guy. Second – they don’t realize that although they purchased a navigation and pool service, they still need to monitor their filter. “There is more to caring for a pool than just dumping in chlorine,” says Ramirez. “Different levels of chemicals are required and the wrong amounts can corrode your pipes and throw off your balances.” The number one mistake people make with their pools; “During the winter, they get rid of us,” says Ramirez; which is why their busiest season is April through September. This is a big mistake, and to sustain an optimally-functioning pool it is important to maintain it year-round. Clean “N” Clear and Ultimate Pool Service determine prices based on the volume of the pool and how much chemicals they will have to use. They also offer spa maintenance, and Ramirez stresses that this service requires a lot more care. No hard fabrics can be used on spas, and they require delicate attention. “They’re a little harder, to be honest, “he admits. “You have to really know your readings.”

Because of the importance of knowing your readings and balancing chemicals, all of their employees are Certified Pool Operators (CPOs). “Everybody that touches the pools have to be CPOs,” says Ramirez. Ramirez and Testino are very adamant about staying up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques, which is why all of their employees are continually receiving pool-service education and updating their knowledge in pool maintenance. Ramirez believes his business stands out above the competition because of “the service and constant communication we have with every single individual customer.” “I can fix anything to do with your pool and the area surrounding your pool,” says Testino. “We try to understand the unique needs of customers,” says Ramirez. “We are quality.” To schedule an appointment please contact Christian Ramirez at (813) 369-1756, or Jimmy Testino at (813) 469-1500. For more information visit their websites at www.CleanNClearsvc.com and www.UltimatePool.org or Christian’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CleanNClearsvc.

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Jaime Air Conditioning And Heating Specialists By Marcy Sanford When Westchase resident Manny Parad met Jaime Central Air Conditioning & Heating Specialist Jaime Guerrera, he knew he had found a business partner who shared the same high standards for honesty and customer service, and after 47 years of working in the air conditioning and heating industry, Manny knows that being honest with your customers and performing high quality work is what keeps a company in business. “Much of our business is in the Westchase area and many of our new customers come from referrals,” says Manny. “I live in Westchase and am proud that I can go places in the community without fear of running into an unhappy client. We stand behind our work and are proud of the loyalty our customers have to us. We want to make sure that we always treat our clients with utmost respect and that when we’ve finished the job, we’ve earned their trust and loyalty.” Jaime Central Air Conditioning and Heating is a bi-lingual company and has employees who speak both English and Spanish to better serve clients. Customers of Jaime Air definitely have great things to say about Manny, Jaime, and the professional workers that have come to their rescue. “Jaime Air did a great installation,” says one happy Westchase family. My wife was very happy with how clean they kept our home during the tricky renovation. The new system cools fast and it's very quiet due to the new ductwork they installed. Now all our rooms are the same temperature. We got a new Trane system for less than the price the other company quoted us.” Whether you need your AC repaired or replaced, or would like to

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Whether you need your AC repaired or replaced, or would like to find out how to cool a room better or lower your energy costs, Jaime Air can help you. They offer free estimates and second opinions and guarantee to have the lowest prices with the highest quality work. find out how to cool a room better or lower your energy costs, Jaime Air can help you. They offer free estimates and second opinions and guarantee to have the lowest prices with the highest quality work.

thing is done correctly and in a timely manner. And, since Jaime Air’s service techs aren’t paid on commission, you can rest assured that they won’t try to up-sell you on unnecessary parts or services.

Air Conditioning Repairs

Air Purification and Duct Sanitation

Air Conditioning Units definitely take a beating in the hot Florida weather, where they are rarely given a break. Should you have an issue, Jaime Air is able to repair all major brands of air conditioners. And, when you call, you’ll talk to a live person on the phone. In fact, Manny says many times he can help the customer resolve the issue over the phone. However, if your unit does need repairs, Jaime is personally involved to make sure every-

There are several signs that could indicate you have mold growing in your ductwork, such as staining or water damage around ductwork, condensation inside, or a musty smell. If left untreated, mold can make you and your family sick. If you are concerned about mold growth, Jaime Air can install UV-C lights to prevent mold growth in your system. They can also install electronic air cleaners to help re-

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move pollen and dust. However, in some cases you might want to have your ductwork replaced and the professionals at Jaime Air are experts at doing this in a timely, cost effective, and unobtrusive way. In fact, dirty ductwork that is over 12 years old in Florida can be replaced for about the same cost as having it cleaned. As an extra bonus, you might find that the airflow throughout your house improves with new ductwork. “There is no reason for one room to be hotter than others in your house,” says Manny. “But some times the ductwork that was originally installed is too small for the room to get sufficient air or the purpose of the room has changed over the years and

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


therefore new ductwork is needed to get more air into the room. We can fix your ductwork so that every room in your house will be as cool as you want it to be.”

New Air Conditioner Installation “Jaime Air did a great job in our home in Westchase,” writes a happy customer. “We had 5 bids for the same Trane system. Manny Parad came to our home and explained which system was the best one for us to buy. He

measured our home and the installers were able to finish the job the same day. They did a great job and left our house clean. We saved $1000 on the same system quoted by others.” The average life span of an air conditioning unit in Florida is 7 to 10 years, although some higher end models can last as many as 17. If you find yourself in need of a new air conditioning unit, Jaime Air will help you find a system to fit your home and budget. They install many different brands of air conditioning units and are licensed dealers for three of the top brands – Trane, Carrier, and Bryant. Another happy customer writes, “Jaime Air installed a new Bryant system for me. I got proposals from a few of my local dealers and Home Depot. The sales person Jaime Air sent did not try to up-sell me. He explained the brands available for my home, as well as the size and the model. He was the only one who measured my home to be sure I had the right size unit. All of this took less then an hour and he exposed a bunch of myths the other dealers had told me. The system I chose was a Bryant two-stage model that is now keeping every room in my home at the same temperature. The install took 7 hours and they double sealed all of the ducts and put a plas-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

ter-like seal on it. I needed a new duct box, plywood stand, and electrical breaker and Jaime Air did not charge me extra for it.”

Energy Savings for your Home

what the problem is and give you solutions to fix it.” When they aren’t helping people beat the heat, both Manny and Jaime are active in local charities including the USO, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Oldsmar Cares.

Manny was a State of Florida Energy Rater for many years so he knows how to help you save money on your cooling and heating costs. He says, “There is no charge for me to come look at a house-wide problem; whether it is high energy bills, too much humidity in the house, or a room or area that isn’t as cool as you would like it to be, I can determine

Jaime Central Air Conditioning & Heating makes service calls Monday through Saturday. You can call them any day of the week, whenever you have a problem, at (813) 6010764 or En Espanol at (813) 6013147. You can also visit their website for more information at www.JaimeAir.com.

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News


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“Simply Elegant” Continued from page 1 basis; we consider our customers to be some of our best friends," explained Lori, Mike's partner. From high-end to quirky and cute, Simply Elegant is wall-to-wall eye candy. As Elaine, one of the helpful staff puts it, "I work here, and I still feel like I see new things everyday!" This might be the best place on earth to find a gift for that hardto-shop-for person. As Simply Elegant nears their first anniversary, they are excited, not only about the success of the past year, but even more for their future plans. They have been working hard to boost their social media footprint – they even give away a little gift to those who 'like' them on Facebook. The 'Girlfriends,' as they're so fondly referred to, receive exclusive offers via email and invitations to amazing events highlighting their various brands and offering a chance for their customers to get out to see them... and even enjoy a little wine and cheese! This is not only Simple

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(L) Simply Elegant sells designer products such as Vera Bradley. (R) Lori, Mike, Elaine, and Kim. and Elegant – it completely takes the stress out of shopping. You almost feel like you’re just hanging out at a friend's house with the advantage of getting your shopping done simultaneously. This certainly is not your cookiecutter retail chain. Whether your style is sophisticated, or cute and

quirky (or perhaps a little of both), this place has it covered, girls! It is going to be a HOT summer at Simply Elegant! Stop by and say hello to Lori, Mike, and their friendly staff!! Simply Elegant is located in your own back yard in the Villages of Westchase at 12219 W.

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Linebaugh Avenue in Westchase. For more information please call (813) 854-2274 or visit their website at SimplyElegant-UniqueGiftBoutique.com. Visit Simply Elegant on Facebook for exclusive offers and special events at www.Facebook.com/SimplyElegantGiftBoutique.

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


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Westchase Area Neighborhood News


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“Positano’s” Continued from page 1 The Caesar salad has homemade dressing and the bread is warm and crusty. My favorite dish is the Penne Alla Vodka. The sauce is so yummy. The house wines are great and reasonably priced. Owner Jiske Ong greets you at the door and she's very warm and welcoming. Try Positano’s once and you'll keep going back.” The dinner menu features amazing appetizers like Clams Marechiara – baby clams sautéed in garlic, fresh basil and white wine, with a touch of marinara – and lightly fried Calamari tossed in a sweet and spicy cherry pepper sauce. They also have Antipasti plates, Bruschetta, and Fiocchi – pasta purses filled with a blend of four cheeses and pears, topped with a prosciutto and basil, served in a rosemary butter sauce. The house and Caesar salads at Positano’s are also a wonderful way to start off your meal. The house salad has homemade balsamic vinaigrette tossed with a fresh spring mix, toasted almond slivers, dried cranberries, and a sprinkling of feta. The Caesar has just the right combination of romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, and shaved Parmesan with a rich Caesar dressing. As for your meal, you have a hard decision ahead of you – do you go with one of the authentic Neapolitan style wood fired pizzas or one of their meat specialties, such as their veal, chicken or seafood; or do you choose one of the fabulous pasta dishes, with their delectable made-from-scratch sauces? Harry and Jiske remodeled Positano’s with the goal of creating mouthwatering pizzas, and Harry is usually the one manning the 800 degree wood-fired oven, so you know your pizza will be great. Whether you want to go with a classic Margherita, a sa-

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vory Puttanesca, or one of their hearty meat or fresh vegetarian pizzas, you’re taste buds are sure to be tickled. But then again, their veal dishes are also a top seller at Positano’s, so maybe one of those would appease your appetite. Harry says the Piccata and Saltimbocca are customer favorites. On our last visit we tried the Veal Positano – veal sautéed and baked with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella in a white wine prosciutto sauce with an added touch of marinara. The flavors in this entrée were a divine combination. Positano’s features an extensive menu complete with plenty of seafood dishes to tempt you, such as the Shrimp Sophia – jumbo shrimp sautéed in garlic and white wine with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, and then topped with crumbled feta. All the flavors combined together perfectly, and while I didn’t think I’d be able to finish it, it was so yummy I couldn’t leave even one bite behind. Harry also says the pork chop with sausage stuffing and a sauce of garlic, mushrooms, and sherry is a big favorite among Positano’s regulars, as are the many traditional pasta dishes they serve, like Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne Alla Vodka, Gnocchi Bolognese and Eggplant Parmigiana. If after your delicious meal, you still have room for dessert, Positano’s has

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Westchase Area Neighborhood News


ers, soups, or salads.

Catering – At Your Place or Theirs If you want to make an event truly special, Positano’s can help. They offer catering for events of any size and will work with you to develop a menu that is sure to delight your guests. They have a private dining room that can be reserved for parties of up to 46 people. Or, if you are having an event elsewhere, they will bring their scrumptious dishes to you. “Positano’s has the best lasagna I have ever eaten,” writes diner Tom. “The

made-from-scratch pasta was over the top and the ingredients came together like nothing I have ever tasted. I would recommend this dish to anyone that enjoys food! I cant wait to go back!” Positano’s is located at 3309 Tampa Road in Palm Harbor. They are open for lunch Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner Mon. – Thurs. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Reservations for dinner are suggested. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (727) 784-9100 or visit their web site at www.PositanoPH.com.

Shrimp Sophia plenty of freshly made delicacies to choose from, like their crème brulee, tiramisu, and flourless chocolate cake. They also, in the Italian tradition, have a cappuccino and espresso machine to help you end your evening on an up note. Positano’s has a full bar and extensive wine list. Happy hour is 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and they also have an early dining menu from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., both of which are 7 days a week. Every Friday and Saturday night they also have live entertainment in the bar area; so come

celebrate the weekend at Positano’s with their wonderful entertainment and delicious food. Positano’s serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. One of their specialties, which is available only at lunchtime, is their grilled Panini made on their fresh homemade Focaccia bread. They also feature smaller portions of many of their dinner entrees and all of their wood fired pizzas. Or, if you wish, you can have one of their delicious appetiz-

Westchase Area Neighborhood News

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“Calendar” Continued from page 5 Carter’s Gallery Presents The Westchase Artists Society – Eclectic Boutique Opens Door To Community Art Group For the months of May and June, Carter’s Gallery will collaborate with volunteer-based Westchase Artists Society for a two-month art show featuring 15 local artists and their body of original paintings, photography, sculpture and paper art airplanes. An official opening reception is planned for Saturday, May 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Carter’s Gallery which is free and open to the public. Located at 11959 Sheldon Road in Tampa, the gallery can be found just south of Citrus Park Drive on Sheldon Road (across from Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant in the Grille 54/Mellow Mushroom Plaza). Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served and there will be opportunities to meet the exhibiting artists and discuss their work. Michelle Carter is owner of Carter’s Gallery which opened in August of 2012. The boutique carries a selection of art, fine gifts, collectibles and one-of-a-kind specialties that you

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won’t find anywhere else in Florida. Carter mentioned that it was important for her to support items that are made here in the USA and to also help our own local economy. She says, “We are interested in exposing artists and helping them make their dreams into a reality. Carter’s gallery gives people a chance to appreciate things made by hand (a true rarity nowadays) and we reached out to the Westchase Artists Society to help provide another outlet for artists within our own community.” “Our group members are really looking forward to sharing some of their new artwork with the local community in this their first group show in almost two years,” commented Teresa Trubilla, President of the Westchase Artists Society. “During that time, our members have focused on activities that help bring the joy of art to younger members of our community, including leading children’s art projects at First Friday events, the Westchase Community Association’s Fall Festival and the Westchase 20th Anniversary Party. This exhibit will give our artists a chance to showcase their personal artistic growth during that time.” Established in 2006, the Westchase Artists Society is comprised

of visual artists interested in furthering the art community in the Westchase area and all of Tampa Bay. Their goal is to nurture both the artist and art lover by hosting art exhibits, providing art education, promoting art activities, and creating an opportunity for area artists to come together and share with each other and the community. Info on each member and images of their art can be found on the web at www.WestchaseArtists.com and on Facebook (Westchase Artists Society). For further information about the May 4 reception or the Westchase Artists Society and their future events, please contact Teresa Trubilla at (813) 841-6563. For more info on Carter’s Gallery, please contact Michelle Carter at (813) 336-4902.

Fresh Market at Westchase Town Center – Connecting Local to You Held the second Saturday of every month, from October through May, the Fresh Market at Westchase Town Center features fresh food, live music and hand-crafted treasures from local Tampa Bay vendors. The Westchase market boasts a variety of local, organic, hydroponic and conventional produce, including Florida-

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grown plants, herbs and flowers, as well as organic garden food/supplies, and locally-made take-home foods such as jams, jellies, salsa, dips, seasonings, sauces and oils. These markets are also a great way for local artists to showcase their creative efforts and vendors to sell eco-friendly products to the community. April’s Fresh Market, held on April 13 boasted a great turnout as residents from all over the Tampa Bay Area showed their support in buying local. The Fresh Market in Westchase is held on the front lawn of the Westchase Town Center, 9622 West Linebaugh Ave., from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Featured Event: Bangin’ Bungee The latest in interactive sports products designed for amusement parks, zoos, aquariums, entertainment centers, and the fitness industry. The Bangin’ Bungee Jump is based on the common bounce pad trampoline, with the adaptation of a patented bungee elastic system invented and made popular by Frank Bare II (World Record Holder in acrobatics, 3-time Olympic gold medal coach). It allows extraordinarily high jumps with stability and safety. This spectacular sport can be

Westchase Area Neighborhood News


April’s Fresh Market, held on April 13 boasted a great turnout as residents from all over the Tampa Bay Area showed their support in buying local. The Fresh Market in Westchase is held on the front lawn of the Westchase Town Center, 9622 West Linebaugh Ave., from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. enjoyed by all ages, allowing all skill levels to test acrobatic and gymnastic motions that build confidence and expertise. For more information on Bangin’ Bungee please visit www.BanginBungee.net.

Featured Musician: Ray Gurka Solo Music Performer-GuitaristVocals-Harmonica –Music has always been a part of Ray’s life, growing up with siblings who influenced Ray’s taste of music in rock, blues, dance, jazz, and pop. Ray’s passion for music is reflected both in his original songs and through cover songs of other artists. Original writings are deeply personal songs that include messages of living, loving, and reflecting on everyday life. Ray’s original songs “Brown Eyes” and “Where You Want To Go” have received radio airplay. The genres style of covers includes rock, reggae, singer/songwriter, and pop music.

Featured Vendor: Olive Girl Cuisine Olive Girl, is locally owned in

Tampa, Florida and produces a traditional Sicilian style Italian olive salad in three flavors- green/zesty, black/mild & robust and a spicy version for those that like a little kick in their food. Our olive salad is handcrafted and made fresh weekly to insure the great taste sensation of this product. Once you try a “shot” of fresh Italian olive salad brimming with olives, fresh vegetables, garlic and spices, you’ll know why Olive Girl has fans up and down the Gulf Coast of Florida. We love introducing customers to this amazing product and letting them know how to use it…..right out of the jar, on top of sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta, chicken, fish and so much more! Olive Girl is passionate about discovering new food products and has always loved educating people on how to cook, eat and savor healthy and delicious food! For more information on Olive Girl Cuisine please visit www.OliveGirlCuisine.com.

nity to: Support a locally-based food system that improves public health and well-being by increasing dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables by all residents of the Tampa Bay area, specifically limited resource families, to enhance the capacity for sustainable food production, processing, and distribution by addressing the educational needs of producers. Support tourism and economic

development in the region by providing a profitable retail outlet for local agriculture producers, artisans, crafters, food vendors and their goods. Strengthen the social fabric of the local community by increasing awareness and support of local agriculture and the arts. The Westchase Town Center is located at 9622 West Linebaugh Ave. in Tampa. For more information please call (813) 481-8805 or visit www.TampaBayMarkets.com.

The Mission of Fresh Markets The mission of these Tampa Bay markets is to encourage the commu-

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