WESTCHASE AREA
Vol. 1, Issue 7, September 2012
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles
®
The Business & Dining Magazine Directly Mailed To Over 13,000 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 • Tree Tops • Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place
Eugene Fuhrmann and Doug Bebell. Mystic Fish gains its outstanding reputation by offering exceptionally fresh ingredients that come from local providers at a price that is
Alvarez Audiology and Hearing – Take Control of Your Hearing Health!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Editorial................................3 Community News Briefs........4 Dogism..............................6-7 More Space Place................8-9 Arry’s Metal Roofing......10-11 NNL Local Businesses.........14 Bayside Pool Service.......16-17
been able to hear buzzers on appliances, alert buzzers in my car and other things that I could not hear before. See “Dr. Alvarez” on page 22.
ECRWSS
Directly affecting your personal relationships, quality of life, and even your ability to go about a normal day, hearing is an important part of life and is something people often take for granted – that is, until they experience hearing loss. At Alvarez Audiology and Hearing in Citrus Park they know how important it is to not only address hearing loss, but to be proactive about the health of your hearing in order to help prevent hearing loss, and their dedicated team of trained professionals go above and beyond to help you take full control of your hearing health! “At Al-
varez Audiology we help people live better lives,” says Indira Alvarez, Au.D., CCC-A, owner of Alvarez Audiology. James C. from Odessa writes, “I believe that my purchase of Hearing Aids from Alvarez Audiology has improved my quality of life tremendously. I am an investigator for the State. Hearing the little details can make or break a case. My new Hearing Aids have been a miracle. In addition to voice, I have
See “Mystic Fish” on page 24.
Postal Customer
By Alexis Selby
a great value. Doug is the Executive Chef at Mystic Fish and is accompanied in the kitchen by his Sous Chef Justin Johns. Richard Fuhrmann manages the restaurant and, along
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Satiating your palate in a hip, stylish atmosphere can be achieved close to home at Mystic Fish Seafood Grill and Bar in Palm Harbor. A hidden gem, located on Tampa Road, Mystic Fish offers locals an exquisite and affordable dining experience. Understanding the
essence of the perfect relaxing evening, Mystic Fish captivates diners with a menu that is refreshingly affordable within a beautifully-lit, upscale atmosphere. Mystic Fish was chosen as a Diner’s Choice Winner 2012 by OpenTable.com and has been rated among Tampa Bay’s Top 30 Restaurants since its opening in 2001 by restaurant entrepreneurs
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Katie Thomas
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
From The Editor Alexis Selby By Alexis Selby Known as the boating and family destination of the Florida Keys, Marathon truly is the perfect place to vacation; conveniently located in the middle of the Keys island chain and situated within close proximity to world-class fishing
spots, spectacular reefs and many other exciting aquatic activities. This past month, the Neighborhood News Family was fortunate enough to experience first-hand the beauty that Marathon had to offer, on our week vacation to the Florida Keys. Almost as important as the destination itself are the accommodations, which can easily make or break a vacation – let’s
This 40 pound, 54 inch Wahoo put up a good fight!
just say the house we stayed at was all we could ask for and more; the perfect combination of Keys charm and comfortable luxury living. Nestled on nearly three acres of beautifully landscaped property on the Florida Gulf, complete with a tidal pool full of wildlife and boasting breathtaking views of the open Gulf waters and the most magnificent sunsets one could possibly imagine, the house was an absolute dream. Not to mention, it was located on the gulf side, right near the Vaca cut, so we had the best of both worlds – the serenity and peacefulness of the gulf waters and instant access to the ocean for fishing and snorkeling on the coral reef. Found abundantly throughout the Florida Keys and the southern tip of the state, the Florida Spiny Lobster is a seafood delicacy and just one of the many reasons we decided to vacation to the Keys. Almost as exciting to catch as they are to eat, Florida Spiny Lobsters provide a thrilling adrenaline rush, from the moment you see their antennae sticking out of the lobster holes to the time you have them safe and secure in your net. Waking up bright and early to the smell of fresh salt-water air and the relaxing sound of rolling waves, each morning my husband and I went out for an early morning dive and the chance to catch
See “Florida Keys” on page 18.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to over 13,000 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 © 2012 Westchase NeighborhoodNews is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Editor Alexis Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Ken Burke Accounting Manager Doreen Selby Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Correspondents Kim Thomas Julie Kanehl Amy Paterson Katie Thomas Jeff Berlinicke
Marcy Sanford Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artists Dat X. Do Tony Sica
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 News Briefs Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team Honors Local Heroes with Free Water Ski Show The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team will once again honor local fire, police and service personnel by performing a special Patriot Day show at their home site on Saturday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m. This annual event has grown to become a fan favorite. As Southern Regional Water Ski Show Champions for the tenth year in a row, the team will perform many of the same great acts which earned them the title for so many years. Barefooters, jumpers, ballet lines and pyramids are among the many acts that continue to bring world class entertainment to local audiences. For the Patriot Day Show special event, several community leaders will be on hand to pay tribute to our local he-
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roes. If you can’t make it to the Patriot Day show, be sure and mark your calendar for another Saturday night as shows are held weekly at 6:00 p.m. through mid October. Special night shows will be held on October 20 and 27 at 7:00 p.m. All shows are always free! Shaded seating is available and concessions are available for purchase. Guests are also invited to bring lawn chairs to select a prime seat along the grassy areas surrounding the lake. The site is located at 130 Burbank Road in Oldsmar. For directions or team information, visit www.TampaWaterSki.com or call (813) 917-8354 or (727) 480-9365.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Dogism – Your Dog, Your Style, Your Dogism! By Marcy Sanford Six years ago, Renee Russell and her dog Luey started training at a dog training facility in Tampa. They both enjoyed it so much and Renee was so impressed with the benefits Luey received from the training that she wanted to help others get the same results with their dog. Today, Renee has taken her love for dogs and her ability to train and created Dogism – an online retailer of unique, high-quality items for you and your dog and personalized training to help you get the best behavior from your pet. Visit www.Dogism.com, where you will find an amazing array of dogrelated items for both you and your pooch.
Dog Accessories With hundreds of unique items to choose from, you are sure to find the right collar, leash or harness to fit your dog’s personality and lifestyle at Dogism. They offer plenty of styles, colors and pattern designs and even sell fashionable flowers that can attach to col-
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At Dogism you can find a variety of stylish sandal designs that perfectly match your dog’ leash and collar. lars. Many of the leashes are not only pretty, but multi-functional as well and can be adjusted to different lengths, wrapped around your body or doubled up to walk two dogs. Customer satisfaction is of utmost importance at Dogism and everything on the site is of the highest quality and is extremely durable. When you want to leave your house with your dog in tow, a bag to
hold everything – such as your keys, your phone and your pup’s stuff like do-do bags and treats – is essential; otherwise, you run the risk of dropping it all on the sidewalk. At Dogism they have many different styles and sizes of bags that are specially designed with convenience in mind. They even have bags that you can clip onto your leash and fold-abowls to help your dog stay hydrated
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on longer walks or trips. Dogs aren’t the only ones who have goodies at Dogism. You can also find beautiful hand-made totes, jewelry and sandals that perfectly match your dog’s leash and are great for all dogloving humans.
Dog Toys Dogs are happiest when they are playing, and Dogism has a wide selec-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
tion of Frisbees and rubber toys that are durable enough to withstand even the most playful pup. Renee’s dog, Bailey, loves to play fetch and tug. Her favorite toy at Dogism is the Pocket Disc. These multi-colored discs are made of 100% cotton – this means no plastic for your dog to break so you don’t have to worry about their mouths being hurt by sharp edges. In fact, these toys are veterinarian-approved and highly recommended as the crochet weave acts as dental floss on your dog's teeth. They are tough, durable, washable and easy to stuff into a pocket or tote bag and the bright colors and striking design are truly
for each and every dog. She realizes that no two dogs are alike when it comes to personalities and understands that the training approach that works for one dog may not be successful for another; which is why she meets with each of her clients for a free Dogism has a wide selection of dog toys, consultation to talk to them including the Pocket Disc, as featured about their dog, his/her current above. These multi-colored discs are made behavior and the type of behavior of 100% cotton and are as tough and the dog owner is hoping for. She durable as they are trendy. Order yours also gets information about the today from www.Dogism.com. dog’s day-to-day activities and the home environment. unique. Using this information, Renee taiAll dogs, regardless of age or lors a dog training plan geared specifibreed, need mental stimulation and cally for your dog. Penny Noriega says, outlets for their energy throughout the “Renee Russell of Dogism Training day. At Dogism they have dog toys for helped me with a problem I was having just that. Toys like the pooch ball and with a foster poodle. She observed him treat house provide mental stimulation and his behavior and recommended for your dog when it is stuck inside some actions I could take to distract without anything to do. him or reduce his excitement. We Quality and satisfaction is always worked with him until he could calmly guaranteed, as Renee hand picks all of meet other dogs. I will definitely use the items that that can be found at Doher again when other foster poodles gism and can help you find accessories have behavior issues.” and products that are specific to your Renee offers a full range of traindog, its personality and its needs. ing options for pooches of all ages, from puppies to full-grown dogs, who Dog Training are in need of obedience or potty trainWhen it comes to training, Renee ing. She can also help to redirect an aguses the same individualized approach
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
gressive or reactive dog. In addition to behavior training, Renee helps individuals train their dogs for shows or competitions. When Linda Fontan was having agility and behavior issues with her dog Blossom she turned to Renee for help. “Renee provided me with one-on-one tips on what was causing these problems and gave me advice on how to resolve them,” states Linda. “This is not the only time Renee has assisted me with agility and behavior issues. I can always count on her.” If your dog’s behavior isn’t where you want it to be, Renee’s private training will help set your dog up to succeed. Some dogs only have a few behavior issues they need help with and some have more, which is why Renee tailors her training specifically to meet the needs of each individual and dog and does not have a minimum or maximum number of training sessions. She will work with you and your dog until the situation is resolved. Whether it is dog training or accessories, Dogism can help you find exactly what you need. For more information on Dogism please call (813) 335-4533, email contact@yourdogism.com or visit www.Dogism.com.
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borough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
Custom Closets
Space Saving Solutions for Every Room By: Marcy Sanford Do you have enough space? I didn’t think I did, but after one talk with the design professionals at More Space Place, I am now convinced that with their help the space I do have can be made more organized and beautiful. It was then that I realized, maybe I do have enough space; maybe I am just not using it efficiently. As America’s foremost wall bed, customized closet, garage organization, and entertainment center retailer, More Space Place has hundreds of options for you to choose from and can help redesign your house and turn any room into a
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magnificent, multipurpose masterpiece that fully utilizes all of the space in your home or office. Starting off as a single retail location in the early 1980s, More Space Place has consistently expanded throughout the years due to their high level of quality customer service, and extensive selection of state-of-the-art products. Even today, the company continues to grow and has nearly 40 stores that are locally owned and operated by members of the communities in which they serve. This particular franchise of More Space Place has two convenient locations – Palm Harbor and Pinellas Park – and services Hills-
A closet redesigned by More Space Place is truly wonderful. Imagine having room for all of your clothes, shoes and accessories and just think of the time you could save if you were able to find the one piece you were looking for quickly. The closet systems from More Space Place are designed specifically for you by their experienced custom closet designers and are available with tons of popular features and hard-tofind accessories. They offer both wall hung systems and floor-based systems in composite, all wood or a combination of materials and you can easily adjust all of the shelves and hanging rods in your custom closet, so when your needs change, you can adapt easily. Custom Closets aren’t just for clothes either – think about how much
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smoother your life would be with a well-organized pantry, craft closet or laundry area.
Home Offices Looking at samples of the More Space Place home offices, I can imagine myself easily finding the file I need and working much more efficiently. Their modular components can be customized to meet individual needs to create a home office that works around you. They can even help you get dual functionality out of a room,
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
so if you need your home office to also double as a spare bedroom, they can help you create space utilizing storage components and special features like wall beds.
Wall Beds If like me, your home office is also a spare bedroom, you probably have the same problem I do – the bed takes up most of the room. After my visit to More Space Place, I realized that my home office/guest room can have ample room for me to work when guests aren’t in town and can look like it should be in a designer magazine with the simple addition of a
wall bed. More Space Place is America’s #1 Murphy Bed retailer and for good reason – they offer the most comfortable wall beds you can find, available in such a wide variety of options that you are sure to find one that will fit perfectly with your home and lifestyle. Whether you want to offer out-oftown guests a relaxing, charming place to stay or need extra space in a child’s room, More Space Place can help you find the wall bed to fit your needs. The lovely cabinetry that hides your wall bed can also include bookshelves and cabinets for storing linens and other items. You can see samples and videos of More Space Place’s wall beds and how easily they blend in and work at www.MoreSpacePlace.com.
Garage Systems With a little help and redesign from the professionals at More Space Place, your garage can become an area
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
you’ll be proud to show off and one where you’ll be able to find the tools, decorations or outdoor gear you’re looking for quickly, instead of spending precious free time searching through boxes and stacks of household items. More Space Place offers an extensive selection of customized garage organization systems, including garage storage racks and specialized hanging garage wall cabinets. The floor-mounted systems are available in many standard depths and heights and the wall-hung systems can be adjusted to fit any height. More Space Place uses top-of-theline materials that will not warp or sag so your garage will stay organized and attractive for many years to come.
Kitchen Organization and Remodeling If the main chore in your kitchen isn’t cooking food, but instead searching for all the ingredients you need, More Space Place has a solution. Using their expertise in design and organization, the professionals at More Space Place can help you to create a gorgeous, organized kitchen that will make cooking and entertaining a breeze. In addition, if your kitchen opens up to your family room, they can update the kitchen cabinets to blend seamlessly with the furniture in your family room and can even save you money on kitchen remodeling by resurfacing your cabinets instead of replacing them. As with all of their cabinets and storage solutions, More Space Place has an amazing variety of materials and finishes to choose from, including their newest design - a beautiful contemporary Italian-style
kitchen. Whether you have one room or multiple areas in your house where clutter is driving you crazy, More Space Place can help you get a beautiful, organized, functional home. With hundreds of options to choose from and custom staining available, their talented designers can create a design for you that will enhance your home. More Space Place is based in the Tampa area and all the cabinetry and shelving is made here at their manufacturing and national support center so you know it is top quality. The professionals at More Space Place will help to custom design the space-saving project of your dreams and will work with your budget to help you turn your wasted space into a stunning multipurpose masterpiece that the whole family can enjoy. The Palm Harbor Design Show Room is located at 33136 U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor and can be reached by phone at (727) 773-9888. The Pinellas Park Outlet Center, located at 3900 78th Ave N. in St. Petersburg can be reached at (727) 5079799. Hours for both locations are Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with additional hours available by appointment. They are closed on Sun. For more information or to see pictures and videos visit their web site www.MoreSpacePlace.com.
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Arry’s Roofing Services, Inc. and the Advantages of Owning a Metal Roof By: Katie Thomas James "Arry" Housh has been actively involved in the roofing industry for thirty years. Alongside his wife Becky Housh and with the help of their two sons Stephen and Matthew, he runs the reputable Arry's Roofing, a company dedicated to providing quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. The Housh family's dedication has enabled Arry's Roofing to expand their small, honorable and trustworthy family-run business into the well-known and trusted company it is today; servicing residential, commercial and industrial projects with
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value and integrity. I recently spoke to Matt regarding metal roofing and the benefits it provides homeowners. Arry’s Roofing fully supports the advantages of metal roofing. The crew at Arry’s Roofing are specialists in metal roofing, and Arry’s in-house custom sheet metal shop allows metal roofing specialists to customize your roof to be an exact fit for your house and your designs. Matt says, “Metal roofing is more of a craftsmanship and an art, similar to tile. In the early 2000s we saw the advantages of metal roofing and started our metal roofing shop, trained our guys specifically in metal roofing
and began to create a reputation of being metal roofing specialists.”
Metal Advantages Metal roofing is known to be initially more expensive than other roofing types at first glance, but in the long run metal roofing can save homeowners money due to its durability, energy efficiency and ability to increase the resale value of your home. Matt explains that the average lifespan of a non-metal roof is seventeen years; whereas metal roofing is proven to last 2-3 times longer with fewer repairs than other types of roofing materials. When installed by the right metal roof specialists, metal roofing can last for longer than 50 years with little maintenance. Having a metal roof is extremely beneficial, especially in
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Florida, because there is no other roof composite that is as strong and as durable as a metal roof, which if installed properly can effectively withstand the harsh Florida winds and storms. If you are a homeowner and are seeking out a way to reduce the price of your energy bill and would like to build a roof with energy-saving material, Arry’s Roofing recommends you look into getting a metal roof. Metal roofing is economically sustainable and better for the environment than many traditional types of materials, such as petroleum-based shingles.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Arry's Roofing is proactive and innovative; keeping up to date by furthering their education regularly. Matt says, “We use new products that are safe. By keeping on top of what is offered, we are able to bring our customers cleaner, better, and safer products." Arry’s wants to let it be known that they are specialists in metal roofing and fully support the product they use because of the many advantages it offers homeowners. The installation of reflective metal roofing can save you up to 40 percent in cooling costs. Arry’s Roofing has all the knowledge necessary to help you
find the right metal roof that will not only look beautiful on your home, but will also be an asset in saving you money and cutting energy costs. Arry’s Roofing has answers to any questions regarding the advantages of metal roofing and is prepared to help you make the best decisions regarding your home’s roof. Arry's Roofing Services, Inc. is located at 770 North Grosse Ave. in Tarpon Springs. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call (727) 938-9565 or visit www.ArrysRoofing.com.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Neighborhood&News Lifestyles
®
Helping the Local Community Become Stronger & More Prosperous! By Matthew Selby The Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is the exclusive local business and community event source for the West Central Florida Area. Our free publication is delivered locally to Trinity, East Lake, Lutz/Odessa/Land O’ Lakes and the Westchase Area every single month with one goal in mind – to help our local economy thrive in these tough economic times by getting the community excited to spend money in their own backyard. We really take pride in helping small businesses “brand” themselves in our communities and we have a special place in our hearts for all of them. We, ourselves, are a small business. We are not corporate media by any means. In fact, even though The Neighborhood News & Lifestyles prints and mails nearly 70,000 copies monthly, our entire company is comprised of our family members and a few close friends, many of which have been working with us for over a decade! We are a close-knit group that works together with one significant mission in mind – to help local communities become stronger and more prosperous. We are proud to say that there is absolutely no other form of advertis-
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ing that helps these small businesses reach their target markets like we do and The Neighborhood News & Lifestyles understands that most businesses just don’t have the financial means for a huge advertising budget, so we do everything in our power to get each business in front of the most eyes as possible. Not only do we have our print magazine, but now we even have an online magazine that helps businesses connect to people all over the country. Some of our more specialized advertisers have even received business from customers who live out of state due to our online presence! Just think of how many people nationally, Google different types of businesses every day. Our stories show up on those Google searches, thanks to our highly skilled staff working diligently on search engine(such as Google, Yahoo, Bing and more) optimization. The Goal of the Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is to keep you, our readers, up-to-date on what is happening close to where you live and give you an in-depth, personal look into the businesses who call your community home. We are proud to be a part of your community and look forward to serving this beautiful area for many years to come.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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Bayside Pool Service Has Kept Area Pools Pristine for 20 Years! By Dara Tucker For many homeowners, the pool is the largest investment you’ll make in your house. In the Tampa Bay area, it’s also where you’re likely to spend a lot of your free time. Of course you’ll want to carefully choose who you hire to maintain and protect your investment. Bayside Pool Services is professional, reliable and has been providing quality care to pools in our area’s homes and businesses for more than 20 years. Bayside Pool Service is a licensed and insured company offering complete swimming pool services including cleaning, maintenance, repair, remodeling and emergency service. Bayside Pool Services’ professional team starts with owner Frank Mast, who earned his Bachelors Degree in Engineering and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), in New York. Frank, originally from New York, owned businesses and began raising his son in Virginia before settling in Florida.
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He would bring his son, Frankie, an avid motocross biker, to Florida for competitions. Because of our great weather, motocross can be a yearround sport in Florida. It didn’t take long for the Florida lifestyle to grow on Frank, and that’s when he found a solid business that he could continue to grow, Bayside Pool Service. Frank’s attention to technical detail compliments operations manager Marty Hutfilz’s 40 years of experience in the pool service industry. Bayside Pool Service provides
weekly pool and spa care by experienced, uniformed professionals. They service Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties – 26 zip codes in all. When one of their fleet of eight professional trucks arrives at your pool it’s obvious they are a company committed to quality service. Their technicians alone have over 100 years combined experience in the industry! They are educated in using the correct chemicals for your pool’s needs, and if a problem comes up with the
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work they’ve done, they’ll come out and make it right without charging an extra call-out fee. Bayside Pool Service stands behind its work. Within 48 hours of your call someone will be at your home or business to care for your pool, and if there’s an emergency Bayside Pool Service will respond within 24 hours, even on weekends (weekend emergency calls may incur an extra charge). Because each customer and pool is different they strive
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
to have the same technician cleaning and servicing the same pools each week on the same day and time. This allows the technician to become accustomed to the customer and their pool. Commercial and community swimming pools have their own needs and requirements, so Bayside Pool Service tailors swimming pool cleaning and maintenance programs to meet the health and safety regulations, budget, and service scheduling of each pool. Frank explains other ways Bayside Pool Service goes above-and-beyond for their customers, “With no contracts or long-term obligations our prices are easy and affordable. Our prices include all pool and spa chemicals. We don’t try to up-sell our customers. Instead, we provide them what they need, giving them the best for their value. We also don’t bill you before, but at the end of the month, after our service has been provided so we can ensure our customers’ satisfaction. These are some of the reasons we’ve been rated an A company from our customers for the past four years on Angie’s List.” There are three different options
available when you choose Bayside Pool Service to keep your pool looking its best. A premium weekly testing and cleaning service includes checking and adjusting chemicals, skimming pool and spa surfaces, vacuuming pool, emptying pool and pump baskets, checking water levels, brushing wall and cleaning tiles (if necessary), cleaning or backwashing cartridge filter as needed and checking equipment for proper operation. You could also choose the option of a weekly testing of pool and spa with a cleaning every two weeks, or a weekly chemical and skim service which does not include pool or spa vacuuming or cleaning service. If you’ve purchased a home with an existing pool that’s been neglected, Bayside Pool Service can get it back to working order. Frank says, “We take pools with tadpoles, fish, completely green with algae, and make them crystal clear again.” Customer Dawn Frier says, “We have been with Bayside Pool Service for seven years, ever since we moved to Florida. Besides providing the ordinary pool services, Marty has been able to respond to emergencies, including fixing our pool pump, drain-
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
ing the pool, cleaning mold from the sides of the pool, cleaning out sand from our pool after sanding pavers in time for our party, and general trouble shooting. In addition, he had a contactor who quickly helped us to fix the structure holding pavers up that were caving. He is responsive and reliable. We appreciate this service that is so hard to come by these days.” In addition to Frank Mast & his son Frankie providing a quality service for 20 years, Bayside Pool Service also gives back Visit Bayside Pool Service’s at to the communities it serves. Most www.BaysidePoolService.com, or recently, the company sponsored Wacontact Frank or Marty at (727) terchase’s Movie Night at the Pool 408-5242 or you can email featuring Dolphin Tale and the info@baysidepoolservice.com to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. request an inspection and cusFrank and his team have a sintomized plan to maintain your cere commitment to make their cushome or community swimming tomers happy, even beyond happy. “That’s what we do,” explains Frank. pool and spa.
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“Florida Keys” Continued from page 1 some lobsters – we had great success, and found some of the biggest lobsters we had ever seen! Another reason we chose the Florida Keys was for the deep-sea fishing, as the Keys offer some of the most diverse and plentiful sport fishing in the world. Our fish of choice was the Dorado (better known as Mahi Mahi) – in my opinion one of the most exciting fish to catch and certainly one of the best tasting – and within two days of fishing we had enough Mahi Mahi to feed the entire family, all 14
of us, and were even left with a plentiful amount to take home. Wahoo, one of the fastest fish in the ocean – reaching record speeds of nearly 50 mph – was another fish we had the pleasure of coming across, and with expert skill and fishing technique my husband was able to catch this 40 pound, 54 inch beauty. The Florida Keys are widely recognized for their abundant aquatic wildlife and exquisite coral reefs and if you visit Marathon, Sombrero Reef is a must-see adventure. Sombrero Reef Marine Sanctuary and Lighthouse, a traditional favorite of Marathon, is just one of the many beautiful reefs that the Florida Keys has to
offer, and features 30 acres of coral reef ranging from 2 – 30 feet deep and thousands of tropical fish. Ideal for kids, beginners and swimmers of all ages, Sombrero Reef is great for the entire family. As a group of 14, ranging in age from five to older adult, it is not always easy to please everyone, but this house and destination managed to do just that and more, and the experiences we shared made for a wonderful vacation full of memories we will cherish forever. The ocean truly is a magnificent habitat, home to millions of species of fish and wildlife, some hidden just beneath the surface of the water, while others living in the deep depths near the ocean floor. The
Keys showcase some of the most beautiful, exotic wildlife that the ocean has to offer and one thing is for sure, whether snorkeling or scuba diving the coral reefs, fishing the flats or the open ocean, kayaking the back-country, or sailing from island to island, Marathon is the perfect setting for any dream vacation! If you are interested in renting a house in Marathon or would like to get more information regarding the house we rented please contact Cairn Boucher at American Paradise Vacation Rentals toll free at (888) 564-5800, visit www.American-Paradise.com or view their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/AmericanParadiseKeys.
(Far Left) This beautiful Marathon home has provided us with so many wonderful memories we will cherish forever. (Middle) My cousin Hannah and me showing off one of the biggest lobsters of the trip. (Far Right) My other cousin Hayden holding up a couple of the Mahi Mahi we caught that morning.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
(Above) My cousin Haylee holding up one of the many beautiful Mahi Mahi. (Above Right) The Florida Keys boasts a great abundance of Florida Spiny Lobster, a delicious delicacy.
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
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“Dr. Alvarez” Continued from page 1 Last week I was at an awards ceremony and was sitting at a table in the back of a meeting room and actually heard my name called. Before Alvarez Audiology, I would not have heard my name. The only thing greater than the product I purchased is the quality of service that I receive from all the staff at Alvarez Hearing.” Dr. Alvarez is a leader in the field, graduating with honors from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a clinical Doctorate in Audiology. During her training, Dr. Alvarez completed residencies with the Department of Veteran's Affairs, All Children's Hospital, and several private practice clinics. Dr. Alvarez is a board certified Audiologist, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Alvarez specializes in geriatric aural rehabilitation and provides services to children as young as five to adults a hundred years and older. As a highly trained audiologist she is able to expertly identify, diagnose and treat
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many different forms of hearing loss and focuses not only on hearing loss and prevention, but on how hearing loss affects you. Dr. Alvarez is accompanied by office manager Blair, and together they provide the Westchase Area with a welcoming experience for all. Dr. Alvarez spends quality time with each patient and goes to great lengths to ensure that every patient leaves 100% satisfied. Dr. Alvarez says, “I place a strong importance on followup and keep an open line of communication with my patients. I see my established patients about every three months for routine evaluations and ear check-ups and conduct follow-up tests at least once a year.” To Dr. Alvarez, listening to her patients is just as important as the tests she conducts and alongside Blair, goes above and beyond to establish long-lasting relationships with all of the patients at Alvarez Audiology. When it comes to hearing aids there is no such thing as “one hearing aid fits all,” which is why Dr. Alvarez works with each individual patient with attentiveness and genuine care. She believes that fitting you successfully with a hearing aid is more than just fitting your hearing loss – it is listening to you
and your personal needs and taking the time to get to know you and what is best for you! “Dr. Alvarez is not an ordinary hearing professional,” states happy patient Mercedes. “She goes above and beyond the call of duty in providing exceptional hearing health care. She has always been there for my hearing aids. I have called and she has provided help on the same day. She is very attentive of my needs and does an outstanding job. My daughter is very pleased with how well I am now hearing and I owe it all to Dr. Alvarez!” People experience hearing loss for many different reasons, and regardless of the cause, loss of hearing – whether it be minor or substantial – should never be ignored. Presbycusis, the most comDr. Alvarez goes above and beyond for her mon cause of hearing loss, is the patients and works with each individual pagradual loss of hearing that occurs tient with attentiveness and genuine care. as people get older and many people believe that this is a normal rebecome more prevalent as people age.” sult of aging – this is not at all true! Noise Exposure is the second most “Hearing loss is never normal,” exprevalent cause of hearing loss, and is plains Dr. Alvarez. “It just happens to something that can be easily avoided,
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Westchase Area Neighborhood News
Alvarez Audiology openly welcomes new customers and provides a bright, welcoming atmosphere to all patients and guests. which is why Dr. Alvarez stresses the importance of taking special precautions to help prevent hearing loss and preserve healthy hearing – such as the use of customized noise-protection ear plugs for those who are constantly exposed to loud noise and custom audio monitors, which carefully control levels of sound heard while maintaining pris-
tine sound quality. From basic behavioral tests to sophisticated computerized otoneurological evaluations, Alvarez Audiology is well-equipped to fully test all aspects of your hearing and using advanced technologies and procedures is able to properly administer the hearing aid that is perfect for you and your lifestyle.
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
“Choosing the right hearing aid makes a huge difference,” says Dr. Alvarez. “Not all hearing aids are the same.” Before hearing aids are implemented Dr. Alvarez administers a thorough history check – including medical history, details regarding your lifestyle and any medications you are taking – and conducts a variety of hearing tests to gage the exact level of your hearing loss. These comprehensive hearing exams allow the doctor to determine the cause and extent of your hearing loss and enable her to isolate the problem and provide a solution. “The use of a hearing aid is the most effective treatment for hearing loss,” says Dr. Alvarez. “When you put on a hearing aid the only side effect is hearing better and the best part is if you don’t like it you can take it off.” Alvarez Audiology administers free hearing screenings for everyone, so if you suspect to have hearing loss or are over the age of 50 you should consider stopping in to get a complimentary evaluation. Dr. Alvarez is extremely passionate about her work and takes pride in delivering exceptional service and quality patient care. “I really enjoy helping people,” says Dr. Alvarez. As a patient
at Alvarez Audiology you can expect one-on-one personalized service by a professional audiologist who truly understands the limitations and capabilities of hearing aids. Whether you are experiencing hearing loss and need a diagnosis, or just want to get a routine hearing evaluation, you can trust the caring professionals at Alvarez Audiology. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back – come in to Alvarez Audiology and Hearing today! "In my 28 years of wearing hearing aids I've had several audiologists in several states,” writes patient B.K. “Dr. Alvarez is the best I've ever had. As I live out the rest of my life I'll feel peace in knowing she will be there to help me hear what's going on in the world." Alvarez Audiology is located at 6615 Gunn Hwy. in Tampa, in the Gunn Executive Center. Office hours are Mon. and Thurs. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tues. and Wed. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Fri. 9:00 – 12 p.m. For more information or to schedule a consultation please call (813) 2652255, email info@alvarezaudiology.com or visit www.AlvarezAudiology.com.
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“Mystic Fish” Continued from page 1 with Chef Doug, leads by example in the important practices of maintaining successful customer service and serving fresh, local faire. Richard says, “We won’t serve anything unless we can get it fresh. If grouper is out of season, we won‘t serve it because we know that no frozen piece of fish can compare to a fresh filet, straight from our local waters.” Begin Your Evening in Style at Mystic Fish Walk into Mystic Fish and your eyes will feast first on the brilliant, iridescent Mexican abalone shell molding, three saltwater aquariums, sculptures made from motion picture film and hand blown wall scones. Stained glass windows and unique light fixtures allow for softer light around the whole dining area and bar. Italian fossil lined booths are a perfect spot for a cozy date or a night with friends. Mystic Fish has great music, ambiance, food and drinks; the perfect start to a night out on the town and a great place for a relaxing nightcap.
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Since Mystic Fish is in such a centrally located area, you won’t have to worry about a far drive after enjoying your evening out. The full liquor bar at Mystic Fish offers high top table service and impeccable mixed drinks, all-American craft beers and a stellar wine menu that won’t break your bank. The bar and high top tables offer drink and small plate specials all night long. Happy hour is daily from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with $2.50 well drinks and house wine, plus $5 martini specials and $5 small plates (choice of three, for hightop tables and bar only). With small plates as low as $9 and wines by the bottle priced near $20, Mystic Fish is an affordable and relaxing place to enjoy yourself! It’s a great destination for a date or to meet new people at the upscale bar. Mystic Fish accommodates parties of all types, including networking groups. Sherrie Harder works for Emeritus which is part of a networking group that recently held its semi-annual “Wet Your Whistle Wednesday” at Mystic Fish. Sherrie explains the group’s venue choice, saying, “It’s a hip place to go. Mystic Fish is a destination that professionals appreciate be-
Mystic Fish on Tampa Road, has everything you want in fine dining efficient & freindly staff, great ambiance, premier bar, fantastic food! cause of the fantastic service, excellent food, and great location!” The splendid atmosphere at Mystic Fish is award-winning, but the menu items are what make Mystic Fish such an amazing place to dine. Signature dishes at Mystic Fish are prepared with top-quality ingredients and are likely to have your mouth watering before your first bite. Whether you are in the mood for the freshest seafood
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around or organically processed steaks, Mystic Fish promises to deliver you the best-of-the-best. Try the Mystic Paella, which consists of chicken, shrimp, mussels, chorizo, saffron and orzo in the traditional Spanish-style (dish can also be prepared without chicken and chorizo). Mystic Fish has wonderful choice rib eye steak that is distributed from Halperns, which is a leader in
Westchase Area Neighborhood News
(far left)“Wet Your Whistle Wednesday” networking function at Mystic Fish: Michael Payne (Emeritus), Attorney Walter Shurden, and Rob Sparks (Keystone Healthcare). Food: Crab Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms & Togorashi Seared Blue Fin Tuna, House Salad, Lobster Bisque & rolls - delicious!
sustainable agricultural practices. For those who want something on the wild side, The Colorado Bison Tenderloin has developed a following with wild game lovers in the area. The Seared Sea Scallops are a delicacy! Sweet, tender sea scallops are lightly coated with semolina flour and seared to enhance the flavors; the kick from curry and chorizo matchsticks
make for a delicious combination of flavor and texture upon the palette. And, the Petite Filet is an absolute wonder – the tender, four-oz. filet combines with fresh melted gorgonzola, lobster meat, and garlic butter into a flawless dish. A full menu, seasonal features, and Chef Doug’s daily specials, including Early Eventide Dinners (available
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4:30 to 5:30 p.m.), can be found online at the Mystic Fish website, www.3BestChefs.com. Click on the “Contest” tab and fill in your information for a chance to be a winner in upcoming contests that Mystic Fish has throughout the year. And after your dining experience, you can fill out a comment form (online under the “Comments” tab) and receive 10% off your next visit. “My husband and I enjoyed a date night mid-week at Mystic Fish and it was an exquisite escape,” says Kim Thomas. “The entrées featured for the evening all sounded so delicious that it was hard to decide, but I settled on the Panko Crusted Hogfish served on a soy beurre blanc with wakami salad. It was devine!” Other specials of that particular night were: Grilled Swordfish “Skordalia” baked with a toasted almond aioli and served with olive oil arugula; Pan Roasted Pork Chop finished in a Marsala wine sauce with cremini mushrooms, Pan Roasted Snapper with charred Costa
Rican golden pineapple, artichokes and lime-ginger sauce; Porcini Dusted Black Grouper served on a lobsterdemi sauce; and Seared Shrimp & Scallops “Puttanesca” on a bed of capellini with a vibrant sauce of roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, onions, herbs and capers. Please call ahead for reservations or if you will be arriving close to closing time and the Mystic Fish crew will gladly accommodate you. Or, call and order your selections to-go and dine at home. Private luncheon hours can be arranged from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Treat yourself to a casual, fine dining experience at Mystic Fish. Mystic Fish is located at 3253 Tampa Road in Palm Harbor. It opens at 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week; late dining is available on Mon. – Sat., with a 9 p.m. closing time on Sun. Visit www.3BestChefs.com or call (727) 771-1800 for more information. Follow Mystic Fish on Facebook and Pinterest for news and specials.
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