THE PREMIER COMMUNITY NEWS AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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NEIGHBORHOOD LIFESTYLES
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Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy By Matt Selby Our main focus at the Neighborhood News and Lifestyles is to bring the community something useful and informative while getting people excited about "buying local and shopping small!" When you shop small business you’re not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table. A “mom and pop” business understands their customers are their shareholders and it's those customers they strive to make happy. In today’s rough economy, small local businesses are closing their doors on a daily basis, while many big corporate businesses still have the investors and financial backing to pull through. There is nothing wrong with national companies by any means, but by spending our money in locally owned businesses we can help our local
economy flourish instead of decline. When we spend money locally, we contribute to the wellbeing of the entire community. Local businesses build strong vibrant towns, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships. Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made by people who live in the community and thus, will feel the impact of each decision they make directly. Many local businesses recycle excess revenue by giving back to the community in which they live; which enriches the area and creates an even better place to live and love. Locally owned and operated businesses also create jobs and sometimes pay even better than
the “big guys.” Competition is not a bad thing. A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and above all, low prices. For example, there are hundreds of restaurants within any given city, some of which operate right next to each other. This is necessary in a thriving economy. Can you imagine if there was only one type of each
business in each town? It would be a monopoly and the price of a monopolized product would be astronomical! Entrepreneurship is what fuels America’s economic innovation and prosperity and serves as a key means for families to move out of a low paying job and into the middle and upper class. By spending money locally, we are putting money directly back into the community, therefore supporting your family, your neighbors and your friends.
CORRECTION FROM LAST ISSUE The South Tampa YMCA does NOT currently offer after school programs or racquetball.
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Jail and Bail Fundraiser Huge Success with $53,000 Raised WWE events, and Martín Gramática, former NFL experiencing the Kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, excitement of the races and Morgan and Morgan Attorney at the St Pete Grand Adam Brum were among the local Prix. celebrities serving time for a great Several kids that cause at the 5th Annual Wheelchairs Wheelchairs 4 Kids has 4 Kids Jail and Bail fundraiser held helped were able to April 29th at Charley’s Steak House attend this year’s Jail and in Tampa. Some of Tampa Bay’s Bail event, including sixprominent citizens, charged with year-old Aiden, who was humorous offenses, were handcuffed provided with a and taken to “jail” where bail was set specialized bicycle that by Jail and Bail Judges Julie and Steve This year’s Annual Wheelchairs 4 Kids Jail and Bail can help in his physical Weintraub, the owners of Gold & Fundraiser broke its record for total funds raised and therapy. Diamond Source in Clearwater. The WWE wrestler Titus Weintraub’s approached each case with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kicker Martín a great sense of humor and kept the Gramática broke the individual record, raising more O’Neil made a special appearance by event lively and entertaining. than $8,000! celebrating his birthday “Court-ordered” to pay for their anticipate over $50,000. It just shows with the kids during the Jail and Bail at crimes, faux felons contacted friends Charley’s. Titus held Aiden up to help and family to raise bail. Participants did how hard our ‘felons’ worked and how committed they are to helping our him blow out the candles on the cake their jobs well, raising $53,000 to kids. We are so lucky to have such a while everyone sang happy birthday to benefit Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a local supportive community.” the superstar. 501(C) 3 non-profit organization In addition to providing walkers, Martín Gramática, found guilty of dedicated to providing equipment for wheelchairs and other mobility items to “excessive celebration” by Jail and Bail children with mobility challenges. children in need, Wheelchairs 4 Kids Judges Steve and Julie, set a new Wheelchairs 4 Kids’ Executive also plans special field trips for them. individual record raising over $8,000. Director Madeline Robinson was Some favorite past trips have included Gramática commented, “Wheelchairs 4 touched that the fundraiser had record visiting Winter the dolphin at Kids is unbelievable. There’s no way success, stating, “I can’t believe we Clearwater Marine Aquarium, going to you can’t help out. I would love to do broke another record! I did not
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this every year if I could.” The Jail and Bail judges struck the gavel on Morgan and Morgan Attorney Adam Brum for “reckless operation of a motorcycle.” Attorney Brum, who has participated for several years in Wheelchairs 4 Kids’ Jail and Bail fundraisers, remarked, “At our firm, Tim Morgan, who is John Morgan’s brother, is actually in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs 4 Kids contacted him, and he asked me to get involved. This is a great organization and I really appreciate helping them.” For more information about Wheelchairs 4 Kids, log on to www.wheelchairs4kids.org, or call the office at 727-946-0963.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids sends out a big THANK YOU to Steve and Julie Weintraub of Gold & Diamond Source, Charley’s Steak House, Hands Across the Bay, Mid Florida Armored, WWE superstar Titus O’Neil, and the many volunteers, felons and donors who helped make the 2016 Jail and Bail fundraiser a success!
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Community Calendar & News Briefs Tampa Red White & Blue Fest
Channelside Bay Plaza 4th of July Celebration
Sun. July 3rd from 5:00PM10:00PM at Cotanchobee Park Join hundreds of family in Channelside on Sunday, July 3rd for the Tampa Red White & Blue Fest, celebrating America, the beautiful. The event is FREE and open to the public and will be held across from the Amalie Arena at the Cotanchobee Park on the Tampa Riverwalk. Fun elements to expect include prizes for most patriotic outdot, igloo drag race competition, LED Sports Kite Demo station at night, Free Face Painting of the American Flag for the Kids, DIY Canvas Painting in the Park for the Adults, All-American Food Court, Art Exhibitions, Live Jazz, Country, & Blues Entertainment (All-American), Miss. National Patriot 2016, Ann Poonkansem for meet and greets as a special guest. The Sunstate Greyhounds will also be joining us too on their patriotic colors! Lots of craft, food, and refreshments on sale! Transportation and from the park also available via Pirate Water Taxis up and down the Riverwalk. You don't want to miss this amazing evening of fun for the family!
Mon July 4th from 6:00PM10:00PM at 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 The Fireworks in Channelside are a FREE public event. The waterfront opens at 6:00P.M. Fireworks start at 9:00P.M. What NOT to bring to Channelside Bay Plaza Fourth of July Fireworks Do NOT bring personal fireworks, backpacks, pets, seats, coolers, or outside food or beverages if you plan on being inside the Channelside District for the fireworks! 300 free WATERFRONT wristbands will be available to the public on a first come first serve basis beginning at 6:00P.M. If you want a free waterfront wristband you must pick it up in person. VIP options for the fireworks this year You can guarantee a wristband on the waterfront by purchasing a VIP View ticket for $25.00 There are 100 available, you can also choose a Pre-sale
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VIP Lounge ticket; they are available for $60 and give you access to the Light Up Tampa Bay Refresh Lounge! In the Lounge you are in air conditioning, have private entertainment, restrooms, complimentary draft beer and a VIP view of the fireworks from the waterfront, you must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Lounge. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite. Other Options for viewing and attending Take The TECO Line Streetcar to the July 4th fireworks! The Streetcar will operate until 1:30 am. The Yacht Starship will be sailing and there are tickets available, they even have a Friday night event. The Florida Aquarium will be open late for the fireworks celebration starting at 3 p.m. The Tampa History Center admission is $5 on July 4th where costumed re-enactors will share handson displays, crafts and music representing the Civil-War, Seminole War, Spanish American War, and WWII-era soldiers, sailors and citizens. Cotanchobee Park is always a great
place to view the fourth of July fireworks in Tampa as is the Riverwalk so grab friends and head downtown this weekend for what is always a huge Fourth of July Fireworks Tampa display and celebration!
Author Event: TimDorsey Tue. July 12th from 6:30PM8:30PM at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library Meet author Tim Dorsey, former Tampa Tribune journalist turned novelist, who will discuss his 19 zany, Florida-based mystery novels that highlight what is wild and wonderful about the state. Dorsey will also answer questions and sign copies of his books after the program. For more information visit http://hcplc.evanced.info/signup/Eve ntDetails.aspx?EventId=126266&lib=9
The ABCs of Anxiety and Stress Management for Adults Wed. July 13th from 7:00PM8:00PM at the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library
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Discover strategies to manage anxiety and stress with Dr. Karan Lamb, licensed psychologist. Learn about the types of anxiety, the impact of anxiety on the quality of life, and treatment options. For more information visit http://hcplc.evanced.info/signup /EventDetails.aspx?EventId=120885&l ib=9
Ribbon Cutting-Grand Opening of fab’rik Fri. July 15th from 12:00PM1:30PM at 1902 – A South Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 Join the South Tampa Chamber for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the Grand Opening of fab'rik! It was one part vision and two parts passion that brought founder and CEO, Dana Spinola, to leave corporate America to pursue her dream of owning a clothing boutique. Her vision was a boutique where everyone could afford to feel beautiful which meant high style with heart, no attitude or sticker shock. Her concept of fashion under $100 without sacrificing quality and ensuring priceless, first class customer service has paved the way for fab’rik’ssuccess. For Dana, giving back is just as important as leading this company. She
founded free fab’rik, a nonprofit organization that provides free shopping sprees for girls who need it most. Weekly, her team and volunteers visit safe houses to minister to the girls and host a fashion show. The mission is much more about the conversations had and confidence built during those sprees, as Dana truly believes clothing can changes lives! While she sits at the head of both the franchise and nonprofit, her most challenging yet rewarding job is being mom to her four children – three boys and a beautiful daughter she and her family adopted in 2014. Somehow, she does it all…with integrity and passion. It is with that integrity and passion that Dana began franchising fab’rik in 2006, with the hope of allowing others the opportunity to live out their dream of having their own boutique. Now, in just 14 years since it all began there are over 40 locations nationwide, making fab’rik a leading fashion franchise.
Join the South Tampa Chamber for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the Grand Opening of Hazel + Dot! hazel + dot is the creation of granddaughter of dot, great-niece of hazel, and lifelong shopping addict allison foley. with a knack for fashion- both personal and of the home decor variety- allison was constantly being asked by her friends and family where she was finding all her fun, unique accessories and the perfect little treasures for her home. With a lifetime of learning from the incredibly talented shoppers in her family and nearly 15 years in the fashion
retail industry, allison decided it was time for her next big adventure. inspired by the loving and witty advice of our namesakes, the always fun + fabulous dill sisters, she’s curated a unique assortment of accessories and home decor to help you and your home live a charmed life. one of those hazel + dot lessons is behind our company mission (and the mantra of sweet southern girls everywhere): never show up to a party without one amazing accessory, a sensational hostess gift, and the perfect shade of lipstick!
Ribbon Cutting-Grand Opening of Hazel + Dot Tue. July 19th from 9:00AM10:30AM at 3714 Henderson Blvd. Tampa, FL 33629
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Kids and Canines - An Assistance Dog Training Program Believing in kids and empowering them to take control of their lives, one dog at a time, Kids and Canines unites at-risk students and dogs in their unique program that is truly making a difference in Tampa Bay community. Located on the Dorothy Thomas campus in Tampa, Kids and Canines was originally founded in 1998 with a grant from the Justice Department. The sole purpose of this program initially was to help truancy students, founded upon the belief that giving these kids the responsibility of training and caring for a dog would help to keep them in school - and it worked! When the grant was not renewed, the program was continued as a part of the school program at Dorothy Thomas, and the success rates have been through the roof! “The program has grown significantly since its inception,” says Jo Deck, Chairman of the Board for Kids and Canines. “We are now a 501(c)(3) organization, which we felt was necessary in order to be able to significantly grow the program.” Kids and Canines is an elective that students at Dorothy Thomas School can apply for. Jo says, “This is a class and our textbook is the dog. There is an academic side, but the most important things that we teach include how to not only show love
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towards a dog, but how to love yourself. Through this, the students learn how to properly deal with anger management and self esteem issues. The kids that we see have very serious behavioral issues; many have dropped out of school and have some sort of social problems or personality disorder. Most are referred to Dorothy Thomas by either the school counselor or their own personal child counselor.” Once a student gets accepted into the program, they sign a contract, which holds them accountable for taking care of the dogs. They are taught how to train the dogs, as well as how to groom, feed, and properly care for them. This encourages the kids to come to school, and gives them a reason to show up, because they know their dog needs them, and if they don’t come, their dog won’t get the necessary attention it deserves. In addition to the obvious benefits, this program gives these children so much more! It teaches them unconditional love and gives them self worth, helping them to build their self esteem and give them purpose in life. It teaches them the importance and power of education. These dogs need the kids just as much as the kids need the dogs. “The program has been a huge success, and the bond between the children and the
dogs has proven to be enough to keep these at-risk kids in school,” says Jo. Student Esme, is just one of their many success stories. Jo says, “When she first came to us, Esme had such bad self esteem that she didn’t come to school for over a year. Working with the dogs and the bond she formed helped her learn unconditional love. She also learned acceptance without judgement; the dogs relied on her on a daily basis; they needed her. Esme is now an ace groomer and teaches grooming to other students in the program. She has been in program for over three years and is going to Gaither High School next year. Her goal is to one day be a Vet assistant. And actually, she was recently adopted and both of her parents are teachers at the Dorothy Thomas School. This has given Esme stability, love and acceptance in ways she has never had before. Esme has done an amazing job of turning her life around!” Kids and Canines is helping to change the lives of these students; and it doesn’t end there! Not only has their program helped the students by giving them accountability, companionship and purpose, but the dogs that they train go on to become service and therapy dogs for those in need. “It is a win-win situation,” says Jo. “This program not only benefits the
kids, but it also benefits the person who gets the dog. The kids train the dogs with the hopes that their dog will go on and do even greater things in the community. Our dogs are trained to be service and therapy dogs and are placed Jo Deck, Chairman with many of the Board for Kids different types and Canines of people, such as those suffering from Parkinson’s, MS, or younger children with Autism.” Since its inception, Kids and Canines has placed 86 dogs throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding communities! Volunteers Wanted! Due to their rapid growth over the past few years, Kids and Canines is constantly looking for volunteers. Their biggest need is for puppy sitters. Jo says, “Being a puppy sitter is such a wonderful experience. As a puppy sitter you would temporarily look after a dog when a puppy raiser has to go
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out of town. We are also looking for puppy raisers. A puppy raiser is someone who agrees to house the dog full time for 18-24 months as they are being trained. Everything is paid for food, vet bills, leashes etc. - and all you have to do is be able to drop them off every morning before school and pick them up after. Essentially it’s just like dropping your dog at day-care.” Donations and Sponsorships Needed Kids and Canines is doing so many great things for the community, but in order for them to continue doing what they are doing, they rely on generous donations and
sponsorships from caring individuals who want to help make a difference. There are many different ways in which you can help. The first is simply making a donation. That can be done on-line or by sending a donation directly to the program. There are different levels of giving that are outlined in their Sustainer Program, including a $5000 donation to sponsor and name a dog! You are able to follow the dog through its training and will receive reports as to the how your sponsored dog is doing, as well as progress pictures. With this, you have the ability to come visit the dog at any time. All donations made go to helping the at-risk children improve
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their lives. Jo says, “The current Board of Directors is a very active board and committed to the success of the Kids and Canines Program. They are focused on raising more funds and helping more at-risk students change their lives!” Kids and Canines is currently in desperate need of a van. Even having done a very successful fundraiser to raise funds for a new van, they have had difficulty finding the right van for the right price. Ideally, they need an 89 passenger van - preferably a Ford T150, or a van with specifications similar. If you can help or know someone who can help in this area, please call (813) 558-5406. Kids and Canines Summer Camp Program June 21st, 27th, July 11, and July 18th Every summer Kids and Canines hosts a summer camp, providing them the opportunity to offer their services and training programs to the community. This program is completely open to the public and is for anyone, ages 10-16, who wants to learn how to properly care for a dog, including grooming, basic training skills, and arts and crafts activities that are dog related. The camp is held weekly, Mon. - Thurs. 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and is $225 per week; due to limited availability and high demand,
campers can choose to enroll in a maximum of 2 of the 4 weeks. Week two is full; but all other weeks still have openings. For more information or to enroll, please call the office at (813) 558-5406. “Our primary focus is to change the lives of at-risk children,” says Jo. “We turn around lives every day. Our mission is: Believing In Kids * Empowering Lives * One Dog At A Time!” For more information about Kids and Canines please call (813) 558-5406, visit KidsandCanines.org or find them on Facebook.
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Action Air - Call Today! Cool Today! We Guarantee It! A true family business that genuinely cares about its customers, Action Air Conditioning, Inc. has been a staple in the Tampa community for the past 28 years and has continued to provide the best products and services available, while maintaining a very fair price! Built upon the simple operating philosophy of honesty, integrity, and reliability, Action Air is proud to hold true to the same philosophy each and every day. Offering a wide range of heating and cooling solutions, whether you need repair, installation or annual maintenance, their expert technicians will deliver quality you can count on and their level of professionalism always ensures greater results. Action Air founder David Russell stresses the significance of having a large brick and mortar building and encourages all potential and existing customers to stop in and say hi. He says, “I would like to personally invite you to our showroom, where you can find all of the latest high-tech thermostats, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and HVAC systems that are on the market today. Our showroom is what really distinguishes us from other AC competitors. You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it first, so why buy an air conditioning system without seeing it run? When you come in here you can see and test real operating units for yourself, giving you the comfort of knowing the system you’re getting before you buy it. You’ll learn a lot and probably have fun too!” And if you ever do take time to visit their 25,000 Square foot building, located on the corner of Busch Blvd and Armenia at 8926 N Armenia Ave, I’m sure you will be as pleasantly surprised as I was to notice the numerous family and team
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photos that line the walls of this wellmaintained showroom. First impressions are everything, and this really says something about the values that this company upholds. With one of the largest parts departments and inventory selections in town, if you need a part or system, chances are Action Air will have it. Action Air is a Daikin Comfort Pro and Lennox Premier dealer. They offers the best in heating and cooling for all different budgets and needs. They also offer some of the best replacement warranties in the industry, including certain systems that come with a 12 year worry-free warranty. That means that if the unit breaks at any time during that 12year period, Action Air will replace or fix that unit at no charge to you. Action Air also offers 100% financing, with low payments and no interest options available. Striving for excellence in all areas of business, Action Air has won numerous awards over the past 28 years. Just take a look at their showroom, where the awards hang
with pride. David says, “We are proud to say that over 50% of our employees have been a part of our company for over 18 + years, and that’s only because many of the others have since retired. We treat our workers like family, and we believe that translates into customer satisfaction. We don’t find good technicians. We create them.”
Action Air Service
Action Air founder David Russell with his son Chris, who is the VP of Marketing & Sales
Agreements Protect yourself against unexpected repair bills with energy savings agreements for your AC. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, saving you money on utility bills. Potential
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Action Air is proud of their 25,000 square foot showroom located on the corner of Busch Blvd and Armenia at 8926 N Armenia Ave problems can be prevented or corrected early. Proper servicing extends the life of your heating and air conditioning system. Plus, regular maintenance keeps your manufacture’s warranty in force. Other benefits include fewer repairs and improved capacity from your system. Service agreements are transferrable. Action Air offers many different service agreements to meet your needs and budget: Bronze - $117 - Tune up - 20% discount on repairs - Priority service Silver - $165/ $132 to renew - Tune up - 20% discount on repairs - Priority service - Never an overtime charge - Drain service warranty Gold - $274/ $191 to renew - Tune up - 20% discount on repairs - Priority service - Never an overtime charge - Drain service warranty - 2 FREE co-pays on warranty and insurance claims - No parts handling fee from manufacturers As successful as Action Air has been over the past 28 years, the company believes in giving back to the
community that has supported them. Action Air is currently partnered with the Humane Society, and sponsors other community organizations as well, including little league baseball, and local churches and schools. If you are looking for the ultimate in home comfort, reliability, and worry-free operation, Action Air Conditioning is sure to meet and exceed your expectations! Give them a call today and experience the difference of dedicated attention, prompt response, quality products and experienced technicians. “We handle jobs big and small with unfailing commitment to excellence, and are always ready to face new challenges and add new clients to our long list of satisfied customers,” says David. “If you are in the market for a new system stop by and visit our showroom, you’ll be glad you did! Call Today! Cool Today! We Guarantee It!” Look for their ad in this issue to receive $30 off any service (no minimum purchase necessary). Action Air Conditioning, Inc. is located on the corner of Busch Blvd and Armenia at 8926 N Armenia Ave in Tampa. They are open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. with 24-hour same day emergency service available. For more information please call (813) 935-6644 or visit www.ActionAirConditioning.com.
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RE/MAX Realtor Lori Crawford Sponsored Wine Pavilion at St. Pete’s Festivals of Speed
Realtor Lori Crawford Mulit-Million Dollar Producer and member of the RE/MAX 100% Club, Realtor Lori Crawford loves finding her clients the perfect solutions in Real Estate, whether they are selling or buying, and she likes to make things happen fast. Lori also loves fast cars, stating, “My son and I both have a huge passion for fast cars!” So when the opportunity arose to be a part of the 2016 Festivals of Speed held in early April in beautiful St. Petersburg, Lori made a fast decision and sponsored the Wine Pavilion.
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Lori and her husband Jeff have been to several of the Festivals of Speed events over the years and were happy to be a part of this year’s excitement in St. Pete. Some of the cars featured at this year’s event were valued at over 1.5 million dollars! Lori’s husband Jeff and her son David helped her during the event, along with Ashley Lynch and Mike and Rachel Kloepfer. Lori invited some clients to participate and bring their cars, and had on display a Rossion and Ultima GTR. “It was one of those perfect days
when it all came together,” says Lori. “I had a great team of people that worked with me that day. David and I loved the cars, so of course we had to take an hour to walk around and see them.”
Lori Crawford has 18 years of experience in Real Estate and holds a license in Florida and Georgia. Last year as a single agent, Lori sold $10 million in Real Estate and was awarded the Re/Max 100% Club. Find more information about Realtor Lori Crawford at www.TrinityEastLakeReal Estate.com, call her at 727-234-8002, or email LTCrawford01@aol.com.
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