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SOUTH 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.
First of all, I want to start by introducing myself. My name is Carla Dubis, I am the Creative Director and new editor of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. You may have seen my name here and there throughout the last 4 issues of our publication. I am 31 years old and I am originally from Venezuela, even though my mother is Italian and my Father, who unexpectedly passed away 2 months ago, was from Poland. What can I say? I am a mutt! I moved from Venezuela to Tampa when I was 16 years old to attend UT. I have a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Tampa and a Masters in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology and Web Design from USF.
I have called Tampa my home since 2003, and even though at first I thought to myself “As soon as I graduate I am out of here!” I fell in love with this city and I have no intentions of ever leaving. I have lived in Harbour Island for the past 10 years and I have seen this city grow exponentially in the past decade. I have seen so many of spots close its doors throughout the years, but so many other businesses and restaurants have opened, making this medium sized city, feel like a big metropolis. I never get bored, there’s always something to do. From an art festival to a margarita festival, from broadway plays to fantastic concerts... Tampa has it all! I am a big foodie, a craft beer lover, a caffeine addict and a big lightning fan! I spend most of my weekends eating all over Tampa Bay, hanging out with my family (who moved to Tampa 5 years ago after I bragged about it so much!), rooting for our local sports teams, or catching the newest flick at cinebistro in Hyde Park Village. Whenever I get the opportunity to travel, which is one of my biggest passions, I find myself missing Tampa a lot (something I never really thought I would experience!) because it’s home, and because I got spoiled with all the things this city has to offer... Here we have it all! We have beautiful beaches, amazing weather (most of the time, that humidity though!), luxury boutiques, fantastic shopping malls, and some of the best restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of trying. The best part? Most of it is minutes away from South Tampa, the place I am so proud to call home. Living in Harbour Island, I get to walk to lightning games and other events at the Amalie Arena, I get to watch the most unbelievable sunsets from Sail Pavlion while enjoying a cold beer. I get to hop on the Trolley and get to Ybor City to enjoy a craft beer or two at local dive bars and finish my night eating some delicious New York Style Pizza...I absolutely love South Tampa,
and there’s no other place I would want to live. Especially now, with Mr. Jeffrey Vinik’s future plans for downtown Tampa. Make sure to read “Mr. Vinik’s Plans for Downtown Tampa” on page 18. I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who believed in me and trusted me with the positions I currently have, the Selby Family. Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles has been owned and operated by the Selby Family for over 25 years, and I am lucky to be the newest addition to the family. I could not be happier God put me in the path of this family, they are seriously the most amazing, loving, hard-working and honest individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Working with them is as rewarding as it is fun. So what can I offer the magazine? Exceptional graphic design skills and my personal insight about all things South Tampa. I will be keeping you up to date with the latest news and fun events happening in the area, I will tell you about the best restaurants and hot spots to visit... after all, I have been living here for over a decade, so I know a thing or two about South Tampa ;) If you ever want to reach out to me because you want us to share a local event in South Tampa, or if you have an amazing story you want published in our magazine, please email me directly at carla@nnlflorida.com Last but not least, I want to thank our “Dad and I - Tampa Bay Rays Contest” winners; Jaime Lynn Gomez, Amanda Plumley, Matt Gaska, Tommy Pearson and Enrique Izaguirre. They participated for a chance to win press level tickets to see the Tampa Bay Rays at the Tropicana Field and won BIG! We hope you enjoy the game, and take lots of pictures because we will be reposting them on our social media pages! The Rays Giveaway Contest is still going! So if you want to win press level tickets and complimentary parking passes so you can enjoy a fun-filled day at the ball park with your loved ones, please follow us on instagram @ TampaBayNews and like our facebook page “TampaBayNewsAndLifestyles.” Make sure you like a lot of our posts and comment on as many as you can so you can get noticed. Extra points will be given to those supporting readers who give us a 5 star review on our Facebook Page :)... Good luck!
Little Donut House Little Donuts, BIG TASTE, Grand Opening!
By Carla Dubis Attention South Tampa residents, please help me welcome to the neighborhood “Little Donut House”! The newest choice for mouth-watering mini donuts and delicious coffee.
Conveniently located at 4048 W Kennedy Blvd Tampa, FL 33609, the Little Donut House offers a not so little variety of signature mini donuts, including my personal favorite; maple bacon! Magic happens when you put bacon in any meal, and when you add it to a warm mini donut, the result is a mini piece of heaven in your mouth. Other specialty flavors like cookies & cream, samoas, nutella, salted caramel, pineapple upside down, s’mores,
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butterfinger and even sriracha to name a few, are also available. You also can choose from the more traditional flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, cinammon sugar and glaze. Owned and operated by young entrepreneur Stephen Schab and his wife, the couple developed a true passion for minis last year. “My wife and I fell in love with the mini donut concept last summer 2016. I was notorious for bringing donuts to the office and cutting them up into small pieces so I could have a little of everything.” said Stephen. “Mini donuts solved a ‘variety need’ we felt people would appreciate, but we felt we could do
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more.” And that is exactly what they did, with a business model inspired by companies like Jimmy Johns, Panera and Starbucks, Stephen wants to bring convenience to the donut industry. “We have already rolled out online ordering. Delivery will be rolled out in July and our App in September,” says Stephen.
Want donuts, but don’t want to even think about it? You can join the Little Donut House “Donut Club,” where you can select what mini donuts you would want to try and how often. The donuts will be delivered right to you on a regular basis, automatically. “This is all icing on the donut,” says Stephen. “Because our donuts are the best there is. Crispy outside, fluffy inside, and toppings for days. It just doesn’t get any better.”
Come see for yourself and help the Little Donut House celebrate their GRAND OPENING July 29th with mega raffles (including free donuts for a year!!!), bounce house, face painting, and more.
The Little Donut House is located at 4048 W Kennedy Blvd Tampa, FL 33609. For more information log on to www. littledonuthouse.com or email info@littledonuthouse.com
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JULY 2017 5
Family Fun at Sea, Disney Style!
©Disney/Pixar
This summer, set your sights on relaxation and adventure.
For a limited time the Disney Dream will be sailing 5-Night Bahamian Cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida with two unforgettable days to play at Disney Castaway Cay, a tropical island paradise created just for Disney Cruise Line Guests. Here your ship will dock right at the island to let you come and go as you please throughout the day. Castaway Cay invites cruisers to enjoy tropical weather and world-class recreation, together with signature Disney hospitality. Everyone in your family will find fun and relaxation just for them. There are secluded beaches just for adults, as well as beaches for the entire family. Even kids have their own fun water spaces with twisting slides, water cannons and more. On board the Disney Dream you’ll discover
different kinds of magic for kids, tweens, teens, adults and families. Special, separate spaces have been created for cruisers of every age to let everyone enjoy their favorite things. And to let families come together as never before to create long-lasting memories. Attend dazzling, original Disney live shows in the lavish Walt Disney Theatre or catch firstrun movies—some in Disney Digital 3-D—in the Buena Vista Theatre. And be a part of the magic during open-air, music-and-dance deck parties that are heavy on fun—and fireworks! Compete in a karaoke showdown, test your Disney knowledge during a nighttime game show, round up the kids for family line dancing or simply splash it up at the family pool—or catch a nighttime movie on the pool deck. Savor whimsical theming and interactive storytelling while you dine—including gourmet meals, buffets and casual dining. Enjoy Disney’s
Rotational Dining, where your family “rotates” through 3 upscale restaurants featuring savory adult and children menus—plus dedicated servers who accompany you from venue to venue that know your food preferences. While the kids play in the amazing kids’ clubs, adults can relax in the luxurious spa, splash into the adult-only pool or let loose in the uniquely themed lounges and clubs. Oh, and let’s not forget that every voyage includes legendary Disney service, spacious family staterooms and a lifetime of vacation memories. Call, Click or Stop By to book your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation.
813-254-SHIP (7447) 2307 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Ste G www.cruiseshipcenters.com/SouthTampa southtampa@cruiseshipcenters.com
As to Disney artwork/properties: ©Disney Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas
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JULY 2017 7
On Swan n
is available on long communal tables or small rounds with marble tops. The hardwood floors set a classy and upscale atmosphere which is accentuated by the minimalistic decorations and natural light. Some dishes are meticulously served on wide planks of wood, setting a rustic yet modern tone. On Swann features a mix of American dishes with an exotic twist inspired by the Latin and European cuisine. The open kitchen prepares a menu designed for sharing lighter offerings or having your own coursed meal. There’s a variety of fresh salads, including a Kale salad with black quinoa, brussel sprouts, bacon bits, corn, tart cherries, pecans and ricotta that will have you coming back for more. There’s also a wide selection of “nibbles,” starters, and share boards that will excite your palate. Pictured below, we have the Saffron Arancini, with chorizo and manchego cheese, a “nibble” option that our server strongly recommended, and it was incredibly delicious.
Fresh to the South Tampa scene and exciting to the foodie in us all, is On Swann, a new venture crafted by the masterminds of true restaurant professionals. Cafe Ponte’s Chris Ponte and his wife Michelle joined forces with former Outback Steakhouse senior vice president Trudy Cooper and former Bonefish Grill president John cooper to bring to life this American inspired restaurant on a prime corner of real estate in Hyde Park Village. Ponte describes their creation as a “community kitchen and bar.” The 4000 square foot restaurant features about 150 seats, an outdoor patio and an open kitchen. On Swann’s decor is delightfully attractive and stylish. Seating
If you like red meats, we suggest the Steak Tartare, which is made with tart apples, truffles, capers, grainy mustad and served with pretzel crostini and a fried quail egg, As a main course, the Beef Ribeye seems to be a local favorite, the meat is blackened, cooked to perfection and drizzled with cajun butter. It comes served with
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crushed potatoes, mushrooms and bourbon onions, you will not be disappointed. For dessert, because there’s always room for it, try to the white chocolate bread pudding, made with four roses bourbon and served with vanilla gelato. Looking for a new hot Brunch spot? Look no further.
On Swann offers the most exotic and delicious brunch items in all South Tampa. The “Moroccan Egg,” consists of two eggs served with lamb sausage, roasted peppers, moroccan spicy tomato sauce, lemon yogurt sauce, fresh cilantro and sourdough toast. A more traiditional option is On Swann’s version of French Toast, which is served with bananas, nutella, pecans and drizzled with a bourbon maple sauce and a side of thick-cut applewood bacon. Roots run deep and with this philosophy held close to heart it is important to On Swann owners to keep their restaurant locally sourced. When grown locally, the crops are picked at their peak of ripeness. Many times within 24 hours of harvest it is on your table, ensuring you will be getting the freshest ingredients each time you come in. The money that is spent with our local farmers and growers all stay close to home and is reinvested with businesses and services within our community. On Swann is located in the heart of Hyde Park Village on 1501 Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33602. To contact them call 813-251-0110. They are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, and don’t forget to come in for brunch on Sundays.
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JULY 2017 9
Make Sure Your Garage is Hurricane Ready with The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay By Marcy Sanford
homeowners can increase the value of their home. “A new garage door can make a dramatic difference.” The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay offers a huge line of faux wood doors to choose from as well as custom doors that can have any look you desire thanks to advanced 3-D printing.
Hurricane season is here and while you may have stocked your pantry with water, canned goods, and batteries, have you thought about your garage door? “If your garage door was installed before 2010, it probably does not meet current wind codes,” said Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay Sales Manager Robert Pallone. “It is important to have you garage door inspected annually to make sure it is structurally sound and can handle hurricane force winds.” The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay has been serving the Tampa Bay Area since 1951. The familyowned business is a Red Ribbon distributor of Overhead Door products and provides a full-line of residential garage doors, commercial overhead doors, roll up doors, and industrial doors. Additionally, The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay can install access controls, gates, hurricane shutters and panels, and garage door screens. They can also service all makes and models of garage doors.
Residential Garage Doors:
The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay always provides free estimates and information about garage door repair or replacement. Robert says installing a new garage door is one of the number one ways
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There are great new extra features offered with garage doors now that you’ll love. With a battery backup you’ll be able to open your garage even if the electricity is out. Wi-Fi connections allow you to open or close your garage from your phone and advances in insulation can help keep your garage cool during the hot summer months. The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay can even show you how your new garage door will look on your home thanks to an interactive computer program. “The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay was very professional and expedient,” said customer Bud H., “from the customer service call to the great service that Roderick provided.” In addition to rave reviews from Tampa Bay residents, The Overhead Door Company has a long list of corporate and government customers who rely on them to keep their garage doors opening and closing smoothly – The City of Tampa Fire Department, Raymond James stadium, Amalie Arena, Tampa International Airport, and many restaurants around town. They offer 24-hour emergency service for residential and commercial customers so if your garage door gets stuck at midnight, they’ll be there to help. Commercial Garage Doors: As Tampa’s oldest garage door company, The Overhead Door Company of
Tampa Bay is a well-trusted name in the community. In addition to making sure the city’s firefighters can make a smooth exit to help them get to calls when it’s time, they have helped many restaurants add a wow-factor to their design with custom doors. World of Beer and Brass Tap are just a few examples of restaurants that have turned to The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay for custom glass garage doors that open up and instantly expand the restaurants’ seating areas. In addition to beautiful glass doors, with new 3-D printing technology, The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay can put almost any design on a door.
Garage Door Repairs:
No matter the make or model of your garage door, The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay can repair it. “If it has anything to do with a garage door or opener, we can help,” said Robert. And with 24-hour emergency service, they will be there to help you any time of the day or night. They also offer planned maintenance programs. “With annual service you can dramatically head off any problem
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and overall look with a new garage door or if your old one needs repairs, you can turn to the oldest and largest, most trusted name in Tampa – The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay. The Overhead Door Company of Tampa Bay is located at 7701 Ann Ballard Rd. For more information, visit www.overheadtampa.com. To schedule a service call or a free estimate, call (813)-885-3667.
before it happens,” said Robert. Owner Bob Briesacher and The Overhead Door Company employees believe in giving back to the community. They are very actively involved with Metropolitan Ministries, the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
If you would like to improve your home’s safety, efficiency,
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JULY 2017 11
HEARTWOOD PRESERVE: By Kim Thomas
CHOOSE A FINAL RESTING PLACE TO NOURISH AND PROTECT NATURAL FLORIDA
Walking along the pathways of Heartwood Preserve, you’ll find a completely natural landscape. It’s far enough from major roadways that if you are quiet and still – you hear nothing but the sounds of nature. Open to the public, Heartwood Preserve offers hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities and tranquility. Much more than that, Heartwood Preserve contains one of only two conservation cemeteries in Florida. For many, the idea of a completely green burial is appealing. There is no embalming and the caskets or shrouds are simple and perishable. Everything is completely organic and returns to the earth naturally. Choosing a green burial at Heartwood Preserve enables one to nourish nature rather than occupy space in a conventional cemetery.
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Located in Trinity, just on Starkey Boulevard, Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery opened early November 2016 and is managed by Laura Starkey, who is carrying on a family legacy. Laura’s paternal grandfather, Jay B. Starkey pioneered the family’s conservation efforts and donated a portion of the family’s land to what is now the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve, an 18,000acre conservation park that lies on border of Heartwood Preserve. The whole of Heartwood Preserve is 41 acres, with the Conservation Cemetery taking up a small section. “Conservation comes into the name because this is a nature preserve and the property will remain in its natural state. So when you are buried here, you are participating in the preservation of this land in its natural state and contributing to the preservation of plant communities,” explained Laura
Starkey. Keeping these woodlands pristine is personal for Laura, who grew up exploring the lay of her family’s land. For the past decade, Laura, as Director of Conservation Land Management, has taken care of the Starkey family’s conservation land areas.
Florida (including some by Laura’s friend Carlton Ward, author, conservationist photographer and eighth generation Floridian).
“I learned about natural burial at a land conservation conference and it just appealed to me,” said Laura. “It’s a way to hold on to the natural areas and also to share in the conservation with other people.” Heartwood Preserve, along with Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, protects Florida’s majestic longleaf pines. Laura is extremely knowledgeable about Florida’s ecology and the efforts others in the state are making to save ecosystems such as the ones supported by longleaf pines. In the office at Heartwood Preserve, one can find a number of books on natural
Laura Starkey
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gravesite. A simple mound surrounded with
Supporting diverse ecosystems and home to nearly 600 plant and animal species (including threatened and endangered species), longleaf pine forests once encompassed more than 90 million acres across the Southeast. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (nrcs. usda.gov), the Southeast’s precious corridor of longleaf pines is now broken, reduced by almost 97 percent over the last 200 years. A major concern to naturalists, the plight of the longleaf pines finally gained government support in 2010, when the NRCS launched the Longleaf Pine Initiative (LLPI) in an effort to support conservation. Through the efforts of the LLPI, along with other conservation efforts such as Heartwood Preserve and Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, the longleaf forests are slowly gaining ground. From 2010 to 2014, the amount of healthy longleaf forests grew from 3 million acres to more than 4 million acres (nrcs.usda. gov).
Remembrance Under Longleaf Pines
The meandering paths at Heartwood Preserve invite guests to take a nature walk, providing a deeply satisfying way to remember a loved one. Laura led me on a walking tour through Heartwood Preserve and we came upon a
pinecones that friends and family gathered, the grave eventually will sink to seamlessly blend with the rest of the woods, becoming home to wildflowers, bushes and trees that help wildlife to thrive. No tombstones are allowed; rather a small metal plaque marks the spot at ground level. Laura said the Preserve is looking into allowing the planting of a Florida-native tree to commemorate loved ones who are buried on the Preserve. Services are very personable. The gravesites are prepared prior to the family arriving, but family and friends are given the option to shovel dirt to fill the grave. This appeals to many grieving friends and family members on an innate level. After all, death is part of life as is grieving; the option to actively help lay one’s loved one to rest is cathartic for many.
plans prior to one’s death is a very loving gift to those still living. Many times, when someone dies unexpectedly, the family has no clue about the personal wishes of their loved one. “In this industry, we meet couples married 50 to 60 years that haven’t discussed their wishes for burial,” shared Heartwood Preserve Manager Diana Sayegh, who works closely with families making final arrangements as well as pre-planning. “We have casual, intimate meetings with families to discuss what a green burial means for the full body or cremains. For instance, we don’t scatter ashes; they are put into the earth. There is no embalming so that it is a completely natural burial.” If a green burial under the Florida sky in a protected stand of longleaf pines seems like a good final resting place, stop by Heartwood Preserve’s office and talk to Diana. It’s a beautiful place to take a nature hike, and often, guided tours are available. Diana recalled a recent silent meditation walk led by a local yoga instructor. “Every now and then, she’d remind us to stop and breathe and take it all in. I really enjoyed it.” Talk & Tour events at Heartwood Preserve are held twice monthly on the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. and the third or fourth Thursday monthly at 5:30 p.m. The Tuesday morning tours (led by Diana) focus on answering common questions about the green burial process. The Thursday early evening tours (led by Laura) are meant to educate the public about the conservation efforts of the Preserve and you can still catch the June Talk & Tour with Laura Starkey at Heartwood Preserve on June 22 at 5:30 p.m.
Personally, prior to visiting Heartwood Preserve, I thought I preferred cremation to burial, simply because I don’t like the idea of my body preserved with chemicals and entombed. A final resting place under Florida’s longleaf pines, where the body truly returns to the earth sounds much better. Cremation is an option at Heartwood Preserve, and, just as with a body, the ashes must be in a biodegradable container. While tombstones aren’t allowed, there are other ways that people have chosen to mark the graves of loved ones. One young man’s friends and family marked his simple wooden casket with handprints and drawings. Things found on the preserve land also are allowed to decorate gravesites, such as the pinecones circling the gravesite I visited with Laura.
Responsible and Loving Pre-Planning
While Heartwood Preserve is one of two conservation cemeteries in Florida, it is the only one licensed to offer pre-planning. It’s not something we like to think about, but making
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Heartwood Preserve is located at 4100 Starkey Boulevard in Trinity, FL. Welcome Center hours: Mon. – Fri., 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and by appointment on weekends and holidays. Nature Preserve hours: Mon. – Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Sun. Find more information about Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery, Talk & Tour events and guided walks at: www.heartwoodpreserve.com. To schedule a pre-planning appointment with Diana, please call 727-376-5111.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
SOUTH TAMPA Busch Gardens SUMMER NIGHTS Party louder and play later at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay during the reimagined Summer Nights event, featuring park-wide party zones, summer cuisine, thrill rides in the dark and an all-new summer ice show at the Moroccan Palace, Turn It Up! The event kicks off June 16 through August 6 and is open until 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM Location: 10165 N McKinley Dr Tampa, FL 33612
First Ever Lightning Girls Summer Camp
Giant LEGO Exhibit - FREE ADMISSION Tampa Bay area LEGO lovers can get a treat of epic proportions courtesy of the Vinik Family Foundation. Featuring 100 works of art made out of LEGOs by Nathan Sawaya, the exhibit is considered “the world’s largest and most elaborate display of LEGO brick art,” according to the foundation. The colorful collection of works crafted by Sawaya includes not only original sculptures, but also “re-imagined versions of iconic art masterpieces, made entirely from LEGO bricks.” Some of the works include Sawaya’s own spin on such famed pieces as Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” In addition to Sawaya’s solo works, The Art of the Brick also includes photos taken by Dean West “infused” with LEGO bricks, according to a media release from the foundation. Works on display will include Sawaya’s famous “Yellow,” which is a life-size LEGO sculpture of a man ripping his chest open to reveal a cascade of yellow bricks. A 20-foot-long T-rex skeleton will also be on display along with dozens of other pieces. More Information Date(s): June 23, 2017 - September 3, 2017 Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: 802 E. Whiting Street Tampa, FL 33602
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The Tampa Bay Lightning Girls are excited to announce the first-ever Lightning Girls Summer Camp! The camp will be five days of summer fun at AMALIE Arena in downtown Tampa, led by our very own Lightning Girls team members. During this fitness- and wellness-based, weeklong program, campers will have the opportunity to participate in dance instruction, arts & crafts, yoga, performance opportunities, Lightning Girls autographs, photo sessions, guest appearances and much more. Dates: July 17, 2017- July 21, 2017 Ages: 6-12 - Campers will be separated into age groups Camp Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m. and pick-up ends at 2:30 p.m. All participants will receive a Lightning Girls Summer Camp T-shirt, signed team autograph card, pom poms and a boxed lunch. Pre-registration: $225 per child After June 1st registration: $250 per child Please note, cost includes lunch, and no refunds will be issued. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing full details for the camp, which include daily activities, lunch information, pick-up and drop-off procedure, and a wavier that must be signed and returned prior to, or the morning of, July 17th, 2017.
More Information Date(s): July 17, 2017 Hours: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602 https://www.nhl.com/lightning/fans/lightning-girls/ summer-camp
Cardboard Space Adventures Ready to explore the galaxy? Quick, jump into MOSI’s cardboard spaceship! Construction has begun on an enormous, oneof-a-kind summer experience, Cardboard Space Adventures, at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. Guests will help create a huge outpost in outer space, full of hands-on creativity, engineering, and art—all constructed entirely from cardboard. The exploration and fun will run daily through Aug. 13, 2017. You’ll start your exciting quest with one small step through a human airlock or an alien portal, traveling to either a space station or a far-off planet. Then, your family will work together to: • Explore a towering human space station and massive alien city • Construct your own imaginative cardboard parts to add to a life-size spaceship • Play a giant cardboard video game • Discover tunnels beneath the alien city while exploring a giant maze Date(s): July 1, 2017 - August 13, 2017 Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: 4801 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33617 https://www.mosi.org/
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Lady Antebellum with Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young
Repticon Tampa Reptile & Exotic Animal Show
Date(s): July 28, 2017 Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: 4802 US Hwy 301 N Tampa, FL 33610
Repticon Tampa is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and frequent free raffles for coveted prizes. Exciting, educational, family-oriented fun for everyone! Admission: Adults - $10, Children (5-12) - $5, Under 5 - Free
International Photography Competition 2017 Photographers from around the world are able to submit as many images of their choice. Winners will be showcased in the community gallery. The images are juried into 7 different categories: People and Portraits, Places and Landscape, and Drone Photography, Nature, Science, and Animals, Documentary/ Social and Political Photojournalism, Still Life, Abstract Photography, Conceptual Photography.
Date(s): July 22, 2017 - July 22, 2017 Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: 4800 N US Highway 301 Tampa, FL 33610 http://repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Nickelback & Daughtry in Tampa
Members: FREE | $10 Adults/Individual | $8 Student/ Senior/Military Hours of Operation: Mon-Th 11-6 Friday 11-7 Sat-Sun 12-5 More Information Date(s): June 23, 2017 - August 18, 2017 Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: 400 N Ashley Drive Cube 200 Tampa, FL 33620 http://mulabula.com/splash/fmopa.html
Shawn Mendes - Illuminate World Tour The album Illuminate features Shawn’s hit lead single “Treat You Better,” which has entered the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Hot 100 and Radio Songs charts. This is Shawn’s second Top 10 single on the Hot 100 after “Stitches” reached #4 last year.
Since forming in Alberta, Canada in 1995, Nickelback has sold more than 50 million units, making them the “eleventh best-selling music act” and second best-selling foreign act in the U.S. of the 21st century, behind only The Beatles. They’ve also been named Billboard’s “Top Rock Group of the Decade” and received nine Grammy Award nominations, three American Music Awards, a World Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, 12 JUNO Awards, seven MuchMusic Video Awards, and have been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame (2007). Date(s): August 1, 2017 Hours: 6:00 PM Location: 4802 US Hwy 301 North Tampa, FL 33610
Date(s): July 25, 2017 Hours: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602 http://www.amaliearena.com/events/
Next Generation Ballet’s Summer Intensive Showcase This performance features over 150 students from all across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Hong Kong who are enrolled in the Next Generation Ballet Summer Intensive (3 week and 5 week option). Students will showcase what they learned in classical ballet, contemporary dance and musical theater in this professionally produced performance in the elegant Ferguson Hall. Date(s): July 21, 2017 Hours: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Admission: $14 Location: 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place Ferguson Hall Tampa, FL 33602
Comic Con Tampa Bay Comic Con is a comic book convention located in Tampa, Florida. Featured are exhibitors that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests including comic books, magazines, toys, games, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, manga, cosplay, artwork, sketches and apparel. In addition, a roster of comic industry professionals, and comicdom-related celebrities are in attendance for attendees to meet and greet. Date(s): July 28, 2017 - July 30, 2017 Hours: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM Location: 333 S Franklin St Tampa, FL 33602 https://tampabaycomiccon.com/
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Bolts Brew Fest FAVORITE CL and your favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, are teaming up to bring you the beer drinking event of the summer, Bolts Brew Fest presented by Creative Loafing. Here you can sample your way around more than 100 craft beer varieties from more than 50 local and national breweries! Stay tuned for the full lineup of participating breweries. Location: 401 Channelside Drive Tampa, FL 33602
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Epilepsy Services Foundation
Creating a Better Future and Environment For Persons Affected By Epilepsy
By Carla Dubis
There are two main types of seizures. Generalized seizures affect the whole brain. Focal, or partial seizures, affect just one part of the brain. A mild seizure may be difficult to recognize. It can last only a few seconds during which you lack full awareness. Stronger seizures can cause spams and uncontrollable muscle twitches, and can last a few seconds to several minutes. During a stronger seizure, some people become confused and may even lose consciousness. Epilepsy is a chronic Afterward some may not even disorder that causes have memory of it happening. unprovoked, recurrent seizures. A seizure is a sudden rush of Epilepsy is a fairly common neurological disorder that electrical activity in the brain. The Epilepsy Services Foundation has been selflessly serving the Tampa Bay community for 44 years by offering programs and services designed to increase the understanding of epilepsy, promoting dialogue between persons with epilepsy, families and others dealing with the impact of this medical condition and by raising funds to provide scholarships for kids and teens affected by this chronic medical condition.
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affects 65 million people around the world. In the United States, it affects about 3 million people. Anyone can develop epilepsy, but it's more common in young children and older adults. It occurs slightly more in males than in females. Even though there's no cure for epilepsy, the disorder can be managed with medications and other strategies.
Tampa Yankees Mascot “Blue” With Participants at the 2016 “Let’s Walk Together” For Epilepsy Awarenness event at the USF Track & Field Stadium
ESF's vision is to have all those affected by epilepsy and other seizure disorders living in West Central Florida can live a healthy, productive feel empowered to achieve and satisfying life within a their full potential, so they supportive community.
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of June, and had over 125 members in attendance from all over Florida. The Epilepsy Week at Camp Boggy Creek is designated for children and teens with epilepsy, ages 7-16.
2017 ESF College & Medical Scholarship Awards Recipients
USF Mascot “Rocky The Bull” With Participants at the 2016 “Let’s Walk Together” For Epilepsy Awarenness event at the USF Track & Field Stadium
ESF also offers accurate and up-to-date information about epilepsy, as well as support, encouragement and hope to people who find themselves struggling with the day-to-day challenges and fears associated with this condition.
Albritton currently works for the United States Attorney's Office in Tampa. He previously worked for Judge Anthony Porcelli, Federal Magistrate Judge and for Wiand Guerra King, LLC. "Cal" has served on the board since 2014. Board's Vice President Kim Radcliffe has a son with epilepsy and works for CITIBANK. Alysia Peddy, the Board's secretary, is the mother of two children with epilepsy and works at Peddy Lumber. Other board members have either been diagnosed with epilepsy or are closely related to someone who is. So the Board of Directors and other members know very well all the struggles of this chronic medical condition and its repercussions.
The Epilepsy Services Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of persons directly affected by epilepsy and / or who reflect the diversity of the communities in which the The Epilepsy Services Foundation is a proud partner foundation serves. with Camp Boggy Creek, President Callan "Cal" which took place at the end
Foundation also raises funds for college scholarships in order to assist students affected by epilepsy to be able to pursue a college degree. ESF gives special medical scholarships to those future college students At Camp Boggy Creek who decide to pursue a medical participants are guaranteed a degree in the field of neurology. safe, life-enriching, fun-filled ESF also provides funding for time and are able to meet other medical support services. campus who have the same medical condition. To learn Another fun and upcoming more about Camp Boggy Creek event that ESF is sponsoring and to register your child or is the "ESF SeptemBEERfest" teen for next year's camp get which will take place online and visit their website: September 23 at 5:00pm. This is www.boggycreek.org. a fundraising event to showcase local brew clubs in around the One great thing the Epilepsy Tampa Bay area. Tickets are Services Foundation does is $25, and guests will be able to help raise funds to provide taste 25 local craft beers, vote scholarships for kids diagnosed for their favorite ones and have with epilepsy to attend Camp the opportunity to win some Boggy Creek, Epilepsy Family amazing raffle prizes. The fun Retreat weekends, Rotary's continues with complimentary Camp Florida and Deliver the food and beverages, face Dream Camp. painting for kids and a silent auction. The next Epilepsy Family Retreat Weekend is August 18- Southern Brewing and 20, 2017 so make sure to mark Winemaking hosts this annual your calendar! The retreat is event. The location is 4500 hosted by the Epilepsy Services North Nebraska Avenue, Foundation and takes place at Tampa, FL 33603. For more Deliver the Dream Center in information about this beer Haines City, FL. Deliver the festival and other upcoming dream is a non-barrier facility fundraising events please and serves persons with special contact ESF at 813.374.8907 or needs. The Retreat Weekend is email Tom at dedicated to epilepsy families. torth@epilepsysf.org. It enables families to "regain strength, mend spirits and just The Epilepsy Services be families again." To apply go Foundation is a volunteer-driven to: organization. If you would like www.deliverthedream.org. to become a volunteer or if you For more information you can wish to donate to this wonderful contact Tom Orth at non-profit organization and 813.374.8907 or by emailing its incredible cause and him at torth@epilepsysf.org. services please log on to http://epilepsysf.org/ The Epilepsy Services
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Mr. Vinik’s Vision for Downtown Tampa By Michelle Naktin
Born on March 22, 1959, everyone knew Jeffrey Vinik was going to be special, but I doubt they really knew just how incredible this New Jersey native would turn out to be. Mr. Vinik took the financial industry by storm by becoming the most prominent mutual fund manager when he led Fidelity Magellan in the 1990s. He made millions of dollars by taking chances on depreciated assets and after turning 50, he decided he wanted to make a change. Jeffrey told his wife Penny he had made the decision to buy a hockey team. Although shocked, Lightning Owner, Jeffrey Vinik Penny supported her husband’s decision, then Mr. Vinik did what made him a wealthy man: He did research. He read books on sports management, spoke to team owners around the country, met with N.H.L. Commissioner Mr. Bettman and even used Google to search “How to buy a hockey team.” When Jeff was ready in March 2010, he turned off the lights in his Boston office and became the owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that had won a Stanley Cup but sadly also had a parade of owners. This time was going to be different. Shortly after Mr. Vinik’s purchase of the Lightning, he began acquiring property surrounding Amalie Arena, where his hockey team plays. The area, once industrial, is now mostly parking lots and downtown waterfront property, and Mr. Vinik has big plans for the 30acre block. Channelside Bay Plaza, which Mr. Vinik owns, is a place where lots of lightning fans come together to get drinks and food before the games, but sadly the plaza has struggled financially for years. Many businesses on the plaza have closed their doors in the past 5 years, but restaurants such as Hooters, Thai Tani, Hablo Taco and Coldstone Creamery are still surviving. Vinik’s plans call for Channelside Bay Plaza to be demolished, with a park, office, retail and residential units to go in its place. Vinik’s proposal has more shops, restaurants, and businesses to be constructed across from Amalie Arena, where Ferg’s Live Bar and parking lots are located.
Discussions are still in the early stages, say officials and executives with Strategic Property Partners, the Tampa real estate company set up by Vinik and Cascade, a private capital fund launched by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates. The development plan has quickly grown from $1 billion to $3 billion in just a short amount of time. “Our vision embraces the Channelside waterfront. We want to create a mixed-use destination, designed to better connect the surrounding neighborhoods and create view corridors to the channel,” commented James Nozar, CEO of Strategic Property Partners. “It provides for a vibrant, yet functional waterfront, respecting the unique needs of the port that will maximize value for both the port and the community.” About $34 million dollars worth of work is currently under way and Strategic Property Partners has assembled a world-class design team for the project. Tampa-based Alfonso Architects, Inc. and David Conner + Associates will be leading the master-planning and vision for this exciting project. SPP originally envisioned a project with an ambitious 3 million square feet of development and now those numbers are looking closer to a 9 million square feet of expansion over the next decade with plans including: • 3,500 apartments and condos. (To give you an idea of comparison, downtown Tampa now has about 5,800 residences total.) • 2.4 million square feet of offices • 1 million plus square feet of retail Strategic Property Partners also plans to demolish and rebuild the 230,000-square-foot Channelside Bay Plaza and plans are in the works to build two new hotels plus renovate the 700-room Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. The proposal is planned for implementation over four phases, allowing Port Tampa Bay to continue ongoing operations and maintain required security along the working wharf. In Phase 1, SPP will partially transition the Garrison surface parking lot into a waterfront park with an adjacent events pavilion and beer garden. The Tampa Riverwalk extension would be constructed connecting with the park. Phase 1 would deliver in late 2018 pending approval of the proposed project by the Port Tampa Bay Board of Commissioners in early 2017. In Phase 2, two additional buildings would be constructed. Each would be one to three stories. The design envisions the ground floor will be lined with active retail and restaurants with outdoor dining oriented towards the waterfront. The wharf is also planned to be open to the public when not in use by the port. In the proposed timeline, Phase 2 is planned for delivery to market between Spring 2019 and Spring 2020. In Phases 3 and 4, residential buildings would be constructed along Channelside Drive, which will preserve view corridors and create a more comfortable pedestrian-oriented scale along the waterfront. The city of Tampa and Hillsborough County have already committed a total of $100 million in downtown property tax revenues for realigning streets, putting in new water and sewer systems as well as making other public improvements on the land surrounding Amalie Arena. “This is another exciting step toward bringing the waterfront back to the people, the time is right to take this area to the next level and
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create a new destination for generations to come.” Says Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The vision for the Tampa Bay Area and property is to transform the land within the Channelside area – currently industrial waterfront and make it into a dynamic, community centerpiece where people will come to live, work and play all in the same neighborhood for years to come. This is a much needed renovation and development that will boost our local economy and attract new residents from all over the state and even the country. With thousands of UT students, young adults, retirees and entrepreneurs looking for affordable downtown housing options, we can only hope that Mr. Vinik’s vision will be a dream come true for many current and potential South Tampa residents.
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