NEW TAMPA TAMPA BAY NEWS & LIFESTYLES Publisher / Assistant Editor Matt Selby Email: matt@nnlflorida.com
Creative Director Carla Dubis Email: carla@nnlflorida.com
Editor Carla Dubis
General Manager Jim O'Reilly
Graphic Design Tony Sica Carla Dubis
Advertising Sales Matt Selby Jim O'Reilly
Billing Managers Doreen Selby Tina O'Reilly
Quality Control Carol Selby
Office Mascots Marley, Ziggy, Zeus, Mr.Penelope (c) 2017 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles. All Rights Reserved. New Tampa Lifestyles is published monthly and distributed by the U.S. Postal Service to over 22,000 Homes in New Tampa. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Nothing that appears in this publication may be reproduced in any way without consent of the publisher.
The End of Summer is Near The end of summer means going back to school, or starting school for the first time, for many children. For me, it means we’re closer to the holidays, which gets me excited. I am not gonna lie, I went to Michaels the other day, and they already had halloween decor. For parents, the end of summer means adding the extra expenses of “Back-ToSchool” shopping, and boy do those add up quick! I must admit, I was never fully aware of how expensive school supplies, apparel and electronics were back in my school days. I grew up in a third world country, I did not owe a computer until my senior year of high-school, I would use a typewriter for my important projects and essays, and I did not get a cellphone until my freshman year in college. I would try my best not to bother my parents with unnecessary expenses, but… I did fall in love with every Disney Princess backpack to ever reach the stores of Venezuela, and lucky for me, sometimes my parents would get them for me. If you are a parent, you’ve probably had to tell your kids “No” in different occasions, especially at grocery or local stores which gives them access to multiple isles full of eye-catching items. I cannot imagine how hard it would be to say “No, put that back” while your adored little Michael looks at you with those big, sad eyes and and says “Mommy, Daddy, can I have this? pleaaase?” while holding that overly priced Spiderman backpack. That is why I decided to write an article on “Back-To-School” deals you will not want to miss. This way, whenever your sweet 5-year-old chases you around with that Frozen lunchbox or that Batman notebook set you can actually say “Ok!”. So make sure to check it out on page 8, you will find really great deals from local stores and big chains, that will definitely help you stay on budget when doing your personal back-to-school shopping. This issue is also jammed-packed with other incredible stories that I am sure you
will really enjoy. As the Editor, I get to read every single story that goes inside every one of our 7 publications, and it always makes me feel so proud of living in Tampa Bay. I get to learn so much about our city and about all the wonderful local business owners, who are in many cases our own neighbors. I encourage you to read every story, as you will also enjoy getting to know more in-depth about these incredible local businesses, what they have to offer and about the wonderful hard-working people who run them. Last, but not least, I want to congratulate our “Tampa Bay Rays” contest winners of the month; Doug Rutkowski, Kristy Starcevic, Caroline Cerveny, Dana Squires, Brian Simmons and Jason Bashline. They participated and won press level tickets to see the Rays at the Tropicana Field in St. Pete. *** F.Y.I. *** There’s still time to participate and win!!! We are still giving away press level seats and parking passes to those who like us and follow us in our social media sites and simply show us some love. The more you like, share and comment, the quicker we will notice you. If you have not done so yet, please follow us on instagram @tampabaynews and like us on Facebook @ TampaBayNewsandLifestyles and start liking, commenting and sharing! We will announce the winners at the end of the month. Again, thank you all for the continuous support, if there are any local stories you want to share with us, or if you would like to read about a particular topic, please send me an email to carla@ nnlflorida.com. We really want to make sure to publish content that is relevant for you, our reader. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I did.
Minerva Indian Restaurant - Exciting, Exotic and Authentic Indian Cuisine
By Matt Selby
Minerva’s goal is to provide the New Tampa area with the exciting, exotic and authentic taste of the many regions of India, combined with style, flair, and impeccable presentation. Minerva specializes in South Indian, North Indian and Indo Chinese cuisine. Conveniently Located in the Publix shopping center on the corner of Bruce B. Downs and New Tampa Blvd, Minerva offers the residents of New Tampa and beyond a truly unique dinning experience with nothing but the best Indian Cuisine you can find in the area. After speaking with owner Venkat Reddy Venumula, it was clear to me that the top-notch quality of the food was a result of using the freshest ingredients in a way that would provide consistency and an exotic rich flavor bite after bite. Quality and consistency are definitely the keys Minerva’s ongoing success. “I love when people tell us they had a great experience. That’s why I do what I do and it’s the most rewarding part of owning my own restaurant,” says a very proud and happy looking Venkat, who was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. “I live in New Tampa myself. These are my neighbors. I want to make them happy! That’s why we use our own family recipes from India, as well as imported spices straight from India.” Minerva serves up a delicious and affordable lunch buffet 7 days a week from 11:00am – 3:00pm and provides its guests with the freshest and most mouth-watering dishes in the neighborhood. If it isn’t consumed that day,
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you won’t see it out again the next, which is a very comforting feeling. It’s something I always wonder about when I eat a buffet anywhere. On my first experience (definitely not my last) my fiancé and I really enjoyed the lunch buffet. She is an even bigger foodie than me, and after we were done she said, “We have to come back for more!” Minerva offers a plethora of delectable options beyond the buffet of course, but I’ll just focus on my lunch experience for this article. The variety of quality entrees was quite impressive and I was able to sample the Butter Chicken, Chicken Masala, Tandoor Chicken and a very flavorful Goat dish for the impressive big steal at just $9.95. There are a number of vegetarian dishes as well and while I have nothing against them, I’m just a stereotypical guy who filled up on protein and nothing else. My fiancé on the other hand, went back for seconds (and thirds) of a couple of the vegetarian options, including the noodles and the fried rice. I did devour all the complimentary warm Naan they serve with the buffet like it was running away from me. I think I might be addicted to Naan…. who isn’t? The food isn’t just great tasting, but it’s also very good for you. Curried dishes around the world wouldn’t be as delicious without turmeric. Turmeric has been studied extensively and is renowned for it’s healthy properties. The orangecolored spice native to India and Indonesia, revered for its culinary and therapeutic benefits. Turmeric gives the curry its bright yellow or orange color and contributes to its peppery, warm, and mildly bitter taste. It also provides a tangy and ginger-like fragrance.
As I was leaving, I held open the door for a woman named Beth and in passing, asked her how her lunch was. “It was excellent as usual! I live in Carrollwood and work in New Tampa so I make sure to stop by for lunch at least a couple times a month. You can’t beat this place for authentic Indian or the price in New Tampa.” If you haven’t been to Minerva yet, I highly recommend it! They will customize your meal to fit your level of spice tolerance so don’t be shy or have any reservations when thinking about giving it a try. Many of the buffet entrees of course have spice but it’s a mild to medium level everyone can enjoy! Don’t forget the coupon from their ad either! The prices are already very reasonable but who doesn’t love a deal? Minerva Indian Restaurant is located at 19050 BBD Blvd. and is open daily, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m.-10 p.m. for dinner. For more information, visit MinervaTampa.com or call 813978-8586.
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AUGUST 2017 5
Late Summer Snook Fishing
By Capt. Matt Selby
It’s August and the fishing can be as hot as the weather on some days, and completely turn off on others. It can be a very frustrating time of year for many anglers in search of one of the most iconic gamefish in our waters; the Snook! I’ve been fishing my entire life and just like many of you, some days I catch fish until I’m tired of it, and somedays fishing is so slow I honestly get tired of fishing. I don’t care who you are or how vast your knowledge is, sometimes getting the fish to bite is a challenge. During the summer months, some fishing days are full of double digit catches and some days it’s next to impossible to even find the bait.
But why?
Well, many factors come into play but one of the most obvious, and sometimes overlooked factor is simply the heat. The water temps can reach over 90 degrees by noon and often times the fish will just shut off. They still have to eat, but most of the time, they choose the times of day that are a little more comfortable for them. In August, early morning or night fishing is going to be your best bet.
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Snook love an abundance of baitfish, moving current and warm water temperatures. They are opportunistic feeders who exert energy when needed but are completely happy stacking up in one place for hours. They stack up in areas where, you guessed it, a strong moving current will flush baitfish right in their face, producing an easy meal. They are also very structureoriented, and even when you see them cruising the beach, they are usually just moving to their next spot near a drop off, mangrove bed, dock or other underwater habitat. High Tide Snook fishing differs from Low Tide Snook fishing as well. Think about it, how many times have you caught a fish and go back to that spot over and over. My guess is, you catch fish there again but not every time, and that can be frustrating Why aren’t they always there? The short answer is, they are, just not always when you’re there. With a high tide, Snook enjoy deeper water near the mangroves and shorelines so they tend to hide out under the cover of the groves, ambushing pray as it swims by in the current. You can also find Snook under docks at this time. During a low tide, less water is near the shoreline so the Snook won’t be there. They tend to be in deeper channels and on drop off edges during the lower tides. This isn’t to say you can’t find an abundance of Snook in deeper channels or under bridges during high tide, it’s just more likely on a low.
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Even with all this information, if you don’t have the local knowledge of where the fish tend to be, you're going to spend a lot of time scouring miles of the dense mangrove shorelines of Florida. This is where hiring an experienced fishing guide can make your day on the water a lot more successful. I’ll be honest though, there’s days where we find the fish, all the conditions are right on paper, but they won’t eat. It happens, and anyone who says otherwise is just down right lying to you. If fishing was easy, it wouldn’t be so rewarding. The thrill of the hunt, the days that shut us out, and especially the days that a plan comes together and the fish are happy to cooperate, are what keep us addicted and coming back for more. Tight Lines! If you want to go Snook fishing with me, call me at 727-253-5893, follow me on Instagram @captmattselby or on Facebook under Epic Sport Fishing.
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AUGUST 2017 7
Back-To-School Sales You Do Not Want To Miss! By Carla Dubis
For a generation of students, the phrase "summer is over" is the most dreaded one ever. But it's true: The fall 2017 semester is imminent!
$430.00 per family on back-to-school shopping, according to a recent survey from offers.com. All I could think about was, "ouch," especially if you have a couple of kids, that's a lot of dough.
The beginning of August marks the official back-to-school season and it's accompanied by a flood of incredible back-toschool sales on everything from school supplies to apparel and electronics.
I don't have kids (yet!) but I know a lot of our readers do, so I decided to come up with a short list of the best back-to-school sales of 2017 to help you outfit your youngsters for a successful back-to-school season.
I am in my early 30s now and I remember the back-to-school days in my home country, Venezuela. I always wanted the latest "Disney Movie" backpack, and all the supplies that came with it; the Princess Belle lunch bag, the Beast pencils, and of course all the notebooks with images of the beauty and the beast. I always looked forward to back-to-school shopping with my parents every year. Lucky for them, computers and other electronics were not big back then or even a necessity for homework, I would just use my typewriter for my important assignments.
Amazon Sales: Do not miss out on this! To celebrate the back-to-school season Amazon is taking up to 80% off school essentials. This includes basic school supplies, kid's apparel, electronics and more. Visit amazon.com today to take advantage of this incredible deal.
If you are a parent in this digital era, I feel for your pockets, and If your kids are going back to school this fall then you already know what's coming‌ the inevitable "Mom, Dad, can I have this overly priced Spiderman backpack pleeeaaase?" or "Mom, I really need this laptop for school work, not for social media or anything else, for homework, I swear!" Sound familiar? Recently I came across an online article that claimed the average American spends over $210.00 per child and about
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Target Sales: According to target's website School supplies starting at $0.99 Character backpacks with a lunch bag and a pencil pouch starting at $14.00 Save $5 when you spend $50 on school supplies and use Order Pickup. Kids Clothing Deals Free $5 gift card when you spend $25.00 Free $10 gift card when you spend $40.00 Free shipping for online purchases of over $35.00 BOGO 50% off select kids' shoes.
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Check out target.com for more offers and deals Kmart: This year, Kmart is holding a back-to-school sale on apparel, electronics and school supplies. Remarkable deals include: Character Princesses Girls' 5-piece backpack set on sale for $16.00. Disney Frozen Character 5-Piece Backpack set on sale for $16.00 Crayola Classic Colors 8-19 ct. markers for $1.00 Select 1 subject 70 page notebooks for $0.25 Old Navy Sales: Looking for good quality and affordable apparel? Look no further. Old Navy is hosting a "Back To Cool" sale on apparel for kids, teens and adults alike. Highlights from the sale include: Up to 50% off kids' and baby apparel. Up to 50% off adult tops, jeans, shirts and shorts. Jeans starting at $10.00 T-shirts from $4. Dresses for $8.00
Microsoft Sales: They refuse to be outdone by Apple, so Microsoft is also drawing a lot of shoppers with their own set of back-to-school sales. Some of the main offers include: 10 percent off Surface devices for eligible students, faculty and staff at universities and colleges. One free year of Office 365 Personal with any Surface Laptop purchase. Best Buy Sales: Best Buy is offering an impressive series of back-to-school deals. To access student-only offers, you must create a Best Buy account. Some of the great deals include: $100 off select MacBook and iMac models. $125 off select computers. 10% off select Surface devices.
Apple Sales: Apple is currently running some great back-to-school promotions, and it rewards qualifying shoppers with freebies on select purchases. This year if you buy a Mac or iPad Pro, Apple will supply the beats. Get Beats wireless headphones when you buy an eligible Mac or iPad for college. You can also save up to $300 on any eligible Mac computer. If you trade in your current Mac you can get up to $1500 in credit.
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AUGUST 2017 9
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
NEW TAMPA ZUMBA in the Park
In partnership with the Downtown YMCA, instructor Meagan Simmons leads all ages of attendees in Zumba, a Latin-inspired dance and cardio workout.
More Information
Date(s): August 8, 2017 - May 1, 2018 Hours: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: 600 N Ashley Dr Tampa, FL 33602 https://www.tampasdowntown.com/events/
Kendrick Lamar: The Damm Tour
Kendrick Lamar has reigned supreme in the first half of 2017, and he’s set to use the Damn Tour to continue his dominance later this year. And there’s even more good news if you weren’t able to get tickets yet, because the tour was officially extended on Monday with the announcement of an additional 15 shows. Damn is the fastest-selling album of 2017, and an expansion of the tour before it starts shows just how big of an appetite there is for more Kendrick Lamar. When you go platinum in less than in a month, the rest takes care of itself. More Information Date(s): September 1, 2017 Hours: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602
Celebrate Labor Day at the Rum Festival! Shaggy, the Boombastic reggae-pop star from the late ‘90s and early 2000s, is coming to Tampa to headline this year’s Summer of Rum Festival on Sept. 2 during Labor Day weekend.
Ed Sheeran
Edward Christopher “Ed” Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter. The single “The A Team” earned him the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. In 2012, Sheeran won the Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. Sheeran’s popularity abroad began in 2012. In the US, he made a guest appearance on Taylor Swift’s fourth studio album, Red. “The A Team” was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2013 Grammy Awards, where he performed the song with Elton John. He spent much of 2013 opening for Swift’s The Red Tour in North America dates. In late 2013, he performed three sold-out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden as a headline act. Ed is quite talented and an incredible live singer, do not miss his show.
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Date(s): August 29, 2017 Hours: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602
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Summer of Rum Festival
TAMPA SALSA BACHATA FESTIVAL 2017
September 1st - September 4th, at the beautiful Hilton Downtown Tampa. The Tampa Salsa Bachata Festival promises to be a must attend event. Price Increase Schedule: April 1st, June 1st, August 1st, and September 1st. With the top dance artists in the world in both Salsa & Bachata performing and teaching, you will not want to miss this event. It’s all about the MUSIC. Only DJs who play the best of both worlds are invited, and they will ensure you enjoy an entire weekend of non-stop dancing.
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Date(s): September 1, 2017 Hours: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Location: 211 N Tampa St Tampa, FL 33602
This year’s event will feature more than a dozen “rum shacks” serving some 40 rum drinks, including a tasting party with more than 40 different rums from around the world available for tasting. Last year’s event was canceled due to weather, but organizers are expecting a crowd of more than 7,500 this year. Shaggy, whose hits inclue Angel and It Wasn’t Me, will be a big reason why. Pre-sale tickets start at $15, with VIP tickets starting at $80.
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Date(s): September 2, 2017 Hours: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Location: 600 N Ashley Dr Tampa, FL 33602
Green Day - Revolution Radio Tour
Green Day’s new album, Revolution Radio, is a collection of songs about the chaotic state of America in 2016. It’s not strictly a political concept
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album like American Idiot – there are also more-personal songs like “Ordinary World,” a sweet ballad that ends the album. But most songs touch on pressing social issues: “Still Breathing” is a scorcher that, according to Armstrong, “goes from the life of a junkie to the life of a gambler to the life of a single mother and a soldier and how we’re all kinda intertwined.” The most incendiary song is lead single “Bang Bang,” written from the perspective of a mass shooter.
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Date(s): September 5, 2017 Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: 4802 US Highway 301 North Tampa, FL 33610 https://www.livenation.com/
America’s Best Dinosaur Show Jurassic Quest is coming to TAMPA, FL We will be at The Florida State Fairgrounds this September 8th, 9th, & 10th!!! Jurassic Quest is the largest dinosaur event in North America! Our exhibit features: 80 animatronic life-size dinosaurs and walks you through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
Walking dinosaur rides and animatronic dinosaur rides. Fossil digs, paleontology, and fossil stations. Science stations. Cinema, dinosaur bounce houses, and bungee pulls. Crafts, face painting, green screen photo, and dinosaur Jeopardy and MUCH MORE! You’ll meet our interactive baby dinosaurs not found anywhere else. Mark your calendars! You do not want to miss out on all of the dinosaur fun!! Online purchase will guarantee access to this event. Friday and the last 3 or 4 hours of Saturday and Sunday are non-peak times with shorter wait times. Don’t forget the kids’ socks, which are required for inflatables.
More Information
Hours: 3:00 PM Location: 4800 US Hwy 301 N Tampa, FL 33610 http://jurassicquest.com/tampa
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AUGUST 2017 11
Get Offline, Book Human Again.
Plan All Your Travels with Christina Lawson; the only worldwide travel agent you’ll ever need. By Carla Dubis
Old-style travel agents are still going strong, despite the numerous predictions of their demise, and travel agent Christina Lawson is living proof of that. With so many online travel sites, it became common to hear how offline travel agents would disappear like the dinosaurs. But let me tell you something, offline travel agents are alive and kicking, and they are still selling cruises, special tours and packages, car rentals and amazing hotel stays. So how come they are still around? The answer is a no brainer. It’s because they are human beings, they are face to face, and offer a more personable and reliable approach to travel than any of those complicated travel websites out there. Christina Lawson is a 3rd generation Tampa native, a loving wife and mother of two amazing kids, and the only worldwide travel agent you’ll ever need. Christina is able to assist you and your loved ones with any of your travel needs; cruises, all-inclusive resorts, tours of Europe, Asia, South America, etc. “I never thought I would be a travel agent, and in fact, I wish I would have paid more attention in Geography class in high school,” says Christina. She has a background in the Federal Financial Aid industry, where she worked for about 11 years prior to her big and drastic career change. “A couple of years ago, the networker in me asked the agency owner, how she got involved in this industry and to tell me more about it. After chatting several times she was looking to expand her agency and I ended up being the first associate brought into the agency, besides the owners,” says Christina. “In Financial aid, I got to help people get their higher education and take care of their families with a great career using their degree’s…however being a travel agent- I make dreams come true, bucket lists get checked off, help families make memories that last lifetimes! It is an AMAZING feeling!” Online travel sites are quick and convenient, but the biggest issue with them is that when there’s a problem, no computer software is there to assist you. Offline travel agents like Christina Lawson are there for you when none of the online booking systems can be. Every client get’s her personal cell phone number. Does an online customer service agent do that for you? When you missed your flight and are stuck in travel limbo, when you need emergency medical care and need to know what to do with the travel insurance, or when you decide last minute you should have rented that car to go exploring. Would you rather go to a website and try to figure out who to contact about your issues, not knowing if you should reach out to the website’s customer service, the airline itself or the airport, and then spend hours on the phone listening to a machine recording give you a large amount of options that just confuse you; You need to press 2 for reservations, 3 for re-scheduling, 4 for payment, 5 for hotels, and then you cannot even get a human being to answer your questions? Or would you prefer to just get on your phone, call Christina, explain what happened and have her help you figure everything out? Sounds amazing right? So what’s the catch? There isn’t one! Christina will be available for you and assist you the best way she possibly can. One of the major benefits to using offline travel agents like Christina, is experience. Young adults are very used to doing all the booking online,
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many have never gone to a travel agency or even thought about going to one. But let me tell you something, when you are spending so much of your hard earned money and you are taking time off work, having a human being with a lot of experience, and who has your back no matter what happens, will definitely give you more peace of mind in case anything goes south. When something goes wrong and you booked online, you may be directed to a call center in another country where people have absolutely no idea of who you are or what your travel plans were. They just want to find the fastest solution to get you off the phone quicker and attend other customers. What sets Christina apart from other agents and those online traveling sites, besides the human relationship and the personalized experience, is her extensive training. “The world is constantly changing, so I attend at least 2 live in person trainings/seminars monthly with my different vendors to stay up to date on what they have available to offer my clients, in addition to webinars, what promotions they are running, and building the relationships with the brand managers in case I ever need them for my clients,” says Christina. “I attend annual conferences with the top travel vendors in the world. Being an American Express travel partner, we have relationships with wholesale vendors that other agent’s do not have access to.” Happy client, Milagro Porter, owner of Porter Companion Care, LLC says; “Christina put together a very last minute trip with family coming in from Louisiana for my dad’s birthday. She was super patient with all the changes in number of rooms and Disney tickets we needed. She was on the phone at all hours with me as we had a couple of issues along the way (totally not her fault but she helped us fix them!). I don’t want to vacation without her planning it ever again. She takes the stress out of travel!!”
Booking With Christina is Completely FREE
Some people may think they need to pay a travel agent a lot of money so they just rather do all the planning themselves. “It is completely FREE to use my travel agency,” says Christina. “I get paid by the vendor’s without any out of pocket costs to my clients. For instance when you go online to a hotel/ cruise/etc and book a room, they have a certain percentage of that cost that they are willing to pay travel agents. When you book direct that money just goes back to the large corporation. When you use a travel agent, you are supporting a small local business. It is ok to go online to look around and browse and even choose where you want to go, then I come in and find it for you at the lowest cost, and without the headaches.” Satisfied customer, Angela Reimer, had this to say about her experience booking with Christina; “Booking our cruise with Christina was a streamline
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Christina Lawson and family process. She knew everything about the cruise and answered my questions without hesitation. She also made good recommendations about purchasing the insurance which has put me at ease that all will go well. I will definitely use her for all my travel needs.”
Let Christina Help You Make Your Dreams Come True
Christina specializes in what is called “Romance Travel” and she is happy to help you and your loved ones have the time of your life. “I get to make dreams come true, bucket lists get checked off, rekindle the romance with your loved one, and make family memories which will last lifetimes. Romance travel can be soo many different things for different people. Even when you take your kids with you on your vacation it can be romantic, because most resorts and cruises will have a kids club where you can drop them off and sneak away to have some much needed alone time,” Cristina says. “I also love to see pictures of my clients on their trips; it is as if I am experiencing their trips with them. I love hearing how affordable I was able to make the trip they never thought they could go on.”
So how does the process usually go?
Booking with Christina is as easy and fun as sitting down to chat with your closest friends. “When speaking with a new client, we chat about what type of vacation they see themselves having. I like to know what places they have already been to so we can rule those out. It is also important to know what kind of budget they would like to stick to, so I can eliminate different accommodation options based on their budget. I also need to know if they want to sit back and relax or if they want more of an adventure,” says Christina. “It is all about creating a relationship with my clients and to find them a dream trip with memories that will last lifetimes!”
Planning a honeymoon?
All-inclusive resorts have a special place in Christina’s heart, so if you’ve never been to one, and are looking to relax and be pampered on your honeymoon, let Christina assist you in planning a trip to a wonderful all-inclusive place where you don’t have to worry about anything except having fun. “All-inclusive resorts are a great option to sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of everything for you. Cruises are another great option, as you are in a different country each day without the stress of getting there on your own. It is your honeymoon no matter what there will be romance,” says Christina.
“Christina was amazing and set up our trip to Hawaii. I wasn’t even thinking of going, but when I saw the deal she posted in her Facebook travel page (Christina’s Travel Deals and Promos) and the savings... I was hook, line and sinker and off to the Islands we went. It was absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to book my next trip with Christina.” L. Michelle Pentifallo First in Real Estate Services, Inc. Owner/Broker
Specials
Christina told me that there are specials and amazing packages going on all the time. “Sometimes we have multiple different specials at the same time, which is why it is great to use an agent that is able to find the special that saves you the most money,” says Christina. “I post these specials on my travel page on Facebook @ Christina’s Travel Deals and Promos” it is open to the public to join, there are already over 4,400 people in the group. If you are ready to get offline and book human again, give the experienced and caring Christina Lawson a call at 813-294-1823. You can also email her at christina.lawson@cruiseplanners.com associate of Cruise Planners - CruzBabe Travel Pros. Don’t have all of the money to book your dream trip today? You can book with a small deposit ranging for cruises from $50 per person promos (sometimes they even run promos for $1 deposits!), and all inclusive resorts from $200 per person with airfare, escorted tours from $250 per person. And think of the payments like a lay away plan, you can make monthly payments with 0% interest with the final payments ranging usually from 75-45 days before departure. The final payment varies based on the type of trip you book.
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AUGUST 2017 13
Radiance Orthodontics - Let Your Smile Shine with Excellence! By Carla Dubis
Our smiles are how we greet the world, they open doors, set others at ease, and make lasting first impressions. It’s important to have smiles that are healthy and beautiful, so we can confidently let them shine! Dr. O. Jureyda — Dr. J, or Dr. Sam as he’s known — and the team members of Radiance Orthodontics understand the role smiles play in our lives. Let them become your partners as you transform your life with a new, radiant smile. “Being an Orthodontist is a dynamic expression of my dedication and commitment to help my fellow human beings reach their full potential,” said Dr. J. “The center of my world is not the teeth, but the person behind the smile.” Dr. J is a loving family man and enjoys spending time with his wife and children. “I am blessed with a loving family. My wife of more than 22 years, Marah, and I have three children: D.J. is in elementary school, Z.J. is in high school, and O.J. who has just celebrated his graduation from USF. We had moved to Tampa in late 2005 to be close to family and friends, and love the Tampa Bay area and all it offers!” said Dr. J. When Dr. Jureyda is not wearing his Orthodontist hat, he can be found at home helping around the house. “Recently, I found
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myself gravitating to the backyard where I get a great deal of pleasure in gardening. I love the outdoors and can frequently be found hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, or just meditating lakeside,” said Dr. J. For Dr. Jureyda, gardening is a lot like Orthodontics: “I care for plants that start small and then grow and bloom, much as I care for smiles and nurture them as they blossom with radiant confidence and happiness. Indeed, a sincere, gorgeous smile reflecting the joy of the soul, and the confidence of the mind, will exude optimism and engage others”. Radiance Orthodontics strongly believes that you deserve the highest quality of clinical and personal care as you change your life with a new smile. At Radiance, everyone is open-minded , open-hearted, and respects each patient as an individual who has her or his own desires and needs. When you’re a patient at Radiance Orthodontics, you will always be cared for with compassion, and dedication. After more than 20 years in Orthodontics, including teaching at the Graduate level, Dr. Jureyda still believes that it is only with constant learning that he’s been able to stay at the cutting edge of clinical practice. “Orthodontics
is a dynamic specialty, with new technologies and materials requiring a constant updating of clinical skills and practice protocols,” said Dr. Jureyda. Dr. Jureyda is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, and maintains membership in state and local organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontist and the Florida Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Jureyda and the team at Radiance Orthodontics are committed to providing patients with current proven materials and techniques that will get them the best results with the most comfort. They also pride themselves with keeping you informed throughout your treatment: “Our goal is for you to finish with a smile you love and the knowledge to keep it healthy for years to come.”
EVERY SMILE STARTS WITH AN INITIAL CONSULTATION! Starting with your complimentary consultation, the Radiance Orthodontics team will truly listen to your wishes and concerns. Following your exam, Dr. J. will create
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partnerships with each patient: educating, supporting, and encouraging them,” Dr. J said. “You are important to us as a person... we look forward to your visits as time spent with a friend. We hope you will feel the same.”
PREFERRED INVISALIGN PROVIDER
your unique treatment approach; one that incorporates your clinical needs and personal goals. Your care plan will be efficient, practical, and affordable, and will soon have you smiling with joy! During your initial consultation, please expect the following: • Review your dental and medical history forms. • Perform a complete oral exam, with X-rays, to determine your exact needs. • Help you create a customized treatment plan. • Customize flexible financial options. Throughout treatment, Dr. J and his team will be by your side. “We believe in building
In addition to a variety of “Braces”, Dr J. offers Invisalign. Invisalign treatment uses a series of virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that allow you to smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign clear aligners are made with 3D computer imaging technology and have been proven effective. Consider Invisalign treatment to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted — without braces. Your complimentary consultation with Dr. J can help determine if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you. Radiance Orthodontics offers a convenient location in the heart of New Tampa, flexible
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
scheduling, and accepts a wide array of insurance plans. Everyone will find customized financial options tailored to their needs, making it easy to achieve a beautiful new smile. Dr. Jureyda is our choice here at Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles for Orthodontics in the New Tampa area, and we are confident that after meeting Dr. Sam, you will not only be in the best hands for the job but you will make a lifelong friend. He is one of the few orthodontists who have gone through the “Invisalign Master program for Orthodontists” doing complex cases, as well as being a member of the iPro Invisalign study group, which basically provides options for what used to be only treated with “traditional braces”. He truly treats everyone like family and I personally feel honored to call him my friend. Also, if you’re a first responder, Dr. Sam has a very special deal for you to say thank you for everything you do for us as a community! Just make sure you mention it when you book your consultation. TRUST YOUR SMILE TO THIS SEASONED ORTHODONTIST! SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TODAY AND LET YOUR SMILE SHINE! Call Dr. J today 813-972-1100 Radiance Orthodontics is located at 17427 Bridge Hill Court. Suite A. Tampa, FL 33647 Visit www.myradiancebraces.com for more information
AUGUST 2017 15
Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical: Cornerstone Pros Has It All Covered!
By Katie Thomas
With over 50 years of industry experience, Cornerstone Pros meets the needs of their customers throughout the Tampa Bay Area for air conditioning, plumbing and electrical work. Along with skilled professionalism and quality work, Cornerstone Pros takes pride in providing service with a smile and the team does their best to continually exceed the expectations of their customers. Setting a standard for trustworthiness, customer satisfaction and affordability, the Cornerstone Pros are experts in HVAC, plumbing and electrical services. Cornerstone Pros has consistently received the Angie’s List Super Service Award, which is due to their upstanding service to the thousands of homeowners they have worked with throughout the years. Finding a contractor that you can trust and rely on for home services isn’t always an easy task, so when you find one who does all their work with skill and integrity you hold onto them for future calls. Cornerstone Pros has become that trusted company for many in the area and because they are experts in three home services, people love them! It’s like a one-stop-shop business that comes to you for your home’s needs! “Cornerstone Air, Plumbing & Electrical can help homeowners with all their residential plumbing, HVAC, and electrical needs,” says owner Dana Spears. “We’ve had really great response to our electrical service. If needed we can send two technicians to a home which is very convenient for homeowners.” Cornerstone Pros’ technicians work have all received professional training, have undergone background checks and receive drug testing because this company is dedicated to helping you feel safe and secure in your decision to work with them. The technicians all drive fully loaded trucks with all the equipment they need, so when they visit your home or business they can get the job done the first time around! One of the best parts of working with Cornerstone is that they can service your home with plumbing, electricity and HVAC repairs, installation and maintenance. Cornerstone Pros provides maintenance plans for clients to choose from that are designed to fit your needs and your budget. Dana says, “Studies show that regular maintenance not only protects the lifespan of your system, but also helps you recover lost efficiency. When you invest in an annual maintenance plan, your HVAC unit will retain up to 95 percent of its efficiency for years to come. As a bonus, your small maintenance investment will be quickly recovered with monthly electric savings and reduced repair costs!” Joseph Greene says, “I’ve had a maintenance contract with Cornerstone for a couple of years now. I’ve had a different technician each time I’ve had an inspection, which is 4-5 times. Every one of these technicians is top-notch. The tech for my inspection today was named Chris L. Where do you get these people? They are GREAT!”
Save Money with a Maintenance Plan!
Maintenance plans include Silver, Gold and Platinum memberships.
The Silver Plan includes: •77-Point Precision Air Conditioning Tune-Up & Professional Cleaning Semi-Annually •24-Hour Priority Installation of a New System •24-Hour Service Guarantee •5% Repair Discounts •Proper Refrigerant Monitoring -l lb. Free Freon •Discounted Service Fees of $49.00 for Air Conditioning •2-Year Air Conditioning & Heating Extended Parts & Labor Warranty •100% of Cornerstone Savings Club Payments Credited to a New System Up to $129 The Gold Plan includes: •77-Point Precision Air Conditioning Tune-Up & Professional Cleaning Semi-Annually •43-Point Whole Home Plumbing Inspection & Water Heater Flush Annually •71-Point Electrical & Lifespan Inspection Annually •24-Hour Priority Installation of a New System •24-Hour Service Guarantee •10% Repair Discounts
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•Proper Refrigerant Monitoring -l lb. Free Freon •Discounted Service Fees of $29.00 for Plumbing, $49.00 for Air Conditioning and$69.00 for Electrical •2-Year Air Conditioning & Heating Extended Parts & Labor Warranty •100% of Cornerstone Savings Club Payments Credited to a New System Up to $189 The Platinum Plan includes: •77-Point Precision Air Conditioning Tune-Up & Professional Cleaning Semi-Annually •43-Point Whole Home Plumbing Inspection & Water Heater Flush Annually •71-Point Electrical & Lifespan Inspection Annually •24-Hour Priority Installation of a New System •24-Hour Service Guarantee •15% Repair Discounts •Proper Refrigerant Monitoring -l lb. Free Freon •No Service Fees Apply as Long as Repair Work Performed* •2-Year Air Conditioning & Heating Extended Parts & Labor Warranty •100% of Cornerstone Savings Club Payments Credited to a New System Up to $289 In addition to maintenance plans that help to keep your entire home running smoothly, Cornerstone Pros can service your home with about any fix or repair you need for HVAC, Plumbing or Electric. Their list of services is endless - this team truly has you covered in any situation! Rebecca W. says, “I have been using Cornerstone for a couple of years now. I started off on my primary house with plumber Kiel installing an iron/water filtration for iron in my well. I then had an electrician install additional outlets at my home and a HVAC agent service my a/c system. I was talked into buying the service plan by Kiel and I’m so happy I did. I am getting quality work at a discount. Today I have my dad’s rental property getting flipped, because well it needs to and he can’t do it anymore due to dementia. I hired some contractors to fix up the property (redo floors, tile work, and even install cabinets). One contractor even claimed to be a prior plumber and assured me he could conquer the job with quality. Well…thank goodness Jerry, a Cornerstone plumber, came to my rescue because my so-called plumber had no clue what he is doing. Jerry is taking the time to make sure the plumbing is done right and to county code! Going above and beyond the call of duty. Every time I have called cornerstone for electric, plumbing, or HVAC it has always been top-notch service. Thank you!” With Cornerstone you always receive professionalism, quality work and quality products. Cornerstone Pros is great for so many reasons: customer satisfaction, quality and affordability, peace of mind, and NO high-pressure sales tactics. If you believe that your home deserves the best, then Cornerstone Pros is the company for you! For honesty, reliability, and expertise, give Cornerstone Pros a call today at (813) 949-4445. You can also get more information about the specials and services they provide at the website: www.Cornerstone Pros.com.
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
AUGUST 2017 17
Garage Guru What’s going on with my car?
Brought to you by Christian Brothers Automotive, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel
Don’t Ignore the Tire Pressure Warning Light! That light can help you avoid getting stranded with a flat and prevent ruining a perfectly good tire. Let me share the frantic call we got from a friend in the middle of her family road trip when the Tire Pressure light suddenly came on. Hello, this is Christian Brothers Automotive. How can we help you?
“Hi, oh great you’re there? This is Michelle. I’m so glad I got you. We’re in Mississippi now with another 800 miles to go and I’ve got three kids and a dog in the car and I’m so nervous. My tire pressure light suddenly came on and I pulled over on the side of the highway. All the tires looked normal so I drove to the next rest stop to call you. I know TPMS means something about my tire pressure but none of my tires look flat. Is my car safe? What should I do?” Three kids and a dog on a family road trip should be all the stress you need. I admire Michelle’s gumption. Now add a Tire Pressure light (TPMS) glaring at you from the dashboard and…well…enough is enough. So, here’s the rest of the story: I could hear how nervous she was and I wanted her to know that she did the right thing by pulling over to check her tires as soon as she felt safe when the TPMS light popped on. Since her tires looked normal and it was not far to the rest stop, it was good thinking to get to that safe place rather than staying on the side of the highway with the kids, the dog, and trucks whooshing by. Her next step was to call her road service. But, even though she had brought her car in to us for a road trip Inspection and only minor maintenance was needed, she hadn’t joined a road service program. If she had, road service would have come out to check her tires for pressure
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and punctures and change a flat if needed. A tire pressure gauge would check the pressure to see if one was low. If a tire is 5 pounds or more less than the other three, then it is a good bet there is a puncture --- but not always. Also, the proper tire pressure is listed on a sticker the manufacturer puts on the inside of the driver door sill or the inside edge of the driver door. She didn’t have a gauge but she said all the tires looked the same and she did not see any nails in her tires. Since the tires looked normal, she saw no nails, and the next town was less than 10 miles away, I advised her to drive there cautiously. But if the car started to feel “wobbly”, stop and check the tires again. Her luck held out and she made it to the next town where she called from a garage. The Technician found a screw in one tire and the pressure was a little low which set off her TPMS light, but not low enough yet to see an obvious difference. The puncture was fixed (about $25.00) and she was safely back on the road – three kids, a dog, and a tire safely holding air, all because Mom had been thoughtful, safe and courageous. “ TPMS” stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. TPMS sensors are about the size of your ignition key and are inside the tires, you can’t see them. They are attached to the valve stem which is where you put air into the tire, and are connected wirelessly to your car’s computer to monitor tire pressure. When tire pressure varies more than a few pounds, the computer sets the TPMS light on your dash. The light is usually the initials “TPMS” or can be a picture of a tire, or both. Not all cars have these systems but most modern cars do. Does anyone remember Service Stations? Flash back to the 50’s and 60’s. Service Station Attendants checked tires, oil and coolant, and washed our windows, all while pumping gas for us. If our tires were low, they alerted us. Too bad those days are gone. Today TPMS Sensors can provide
that early warning, helping us to avoid getting a flat and to be able to repair a punctured tire before ruining it by running on it with low pressure. A puncture is only one reason a TPMS light might come on. The warning light can come on when air in the tire heats up on long drives increasing tire pressure, or can change with the weather like decreasing on cold days. Also, TPMS sensors are powered by small batteries built into the sensor. Five to seven years is a common battery life. When the battery dies, the TPMS light often times will flash instead of shine steady. Our best advice is to pay attention to your Tire Pressure light. If it comes on, find a safe place to stop and look your tires to see if one seems low. Or check the pressure if you have a gauge. If one looks low or the gauge reading finds one tire 5 pounds less than the others, do not drive on it. Call your road service or your trusted garage to come change your tire. Or, find the lug wrench and get ready to be sweaty because you will need to replace your flat tire with your spare. We are eager to hear about your car concerns. Is your car acting up or have you wondered about how some part of your car works? Drop us a note at Marty.labarbera@cbauto.net, and we will offer our honest opinion.
Christian Brothers Automotive, where we care for your family by caring for your family car.
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
For Advertising Info 813-928-6124 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit nnlflorida.com
AUGUST 2017 19