Vol. 10, Issue 7, July 2017
Your community. Your magazine.
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The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In East Lake & Surrounding Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Anchorage, Bay Arbor, Boot Ranch, Brookers Landing, Crescent Oaks, Cypress Cove, Cypress Lakes Estates, Cypress Run, Cypress Trails, Deer Hollow, Grey Oak, Eagle Cove, Eagle’s Cove at Lake Tarpon, Eagle Ridge, Eagle Trace, Eagle Watch, East Lake Oaks, East Lake Woodlands, Hunters Wood, Keystone Bluffs, Keystone Palms, Keystone Ranchettes, Lansbrook, Lansbrook Village, Meadow Ridge, Nature’s Watch, Oak Hill Acres, Pine Ridge, Regina Estates, Ridgemoor, Tarpon Woods, Wentworth, Whispering Lakes, Woodfield
Albert Family Orthodontics, Where Beautiful Smiles are Always in Style!
By Kim Thomas To find the best window covering, one must take into consideration many variables: whether or not privacy is a concern, what type of natural lighting is desired, what style is desired, and what budget do you have to work with? Roxana Rotaru, owner of the local franchise of Budget Blinds, and her team are experts at helping her clients find what they are looking for and if there is one thing she wants you to know about Budget Blinds, it’s that “budget” comes into the name, not because Budget Blinds offers only inexpensive choices; rather, there are so many choices with this company that there is style and service to fit your budget from inexpensive to high-end elegance. From the average homeowner looking for great quality and superior service to the homeowner needing window treatments for a multimillion-dollar home, Budget Blinds has a solution for every window and literally thousands of choices. The local Budget Blinds serves all of North Pinellas County and is located on S. Pinellas Avenue in Tarpon Springs, but customers rarely have to visit because they bring the store directly to their customers. Serving East Lake, Palm Harbor, Keystone, See “Budget Blinds” on page 22.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Aloha from the Editors............3 Calendar & News Briefs.......4-5 Pinnacle Travel - Alaska........6-7 Vetture’s Restaurant.............8-9 Keeping Dogs Cool in Heat...10 Luxury Auto Spa..............12-13 Tarpon Tampa Bay...........14-15 Tech Talk..............................16 Evan Longoria................................18 Bright Futures/ACT/SAT............20 Done Rite Roofing...........24-25 Grout Tech......................28-29
ECRWSS
Budget Blinds – Style and Service for Every Budget!
Postal Customer
See “Dr. Albert” on page 26.
Dr. Jeremy Albert and his team at Albert Family Orthodontics always welcome new patients with a smile and a great visit!
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
When your child’s permanent teeth start coming in and they aren’t lining up as they should, don’t cross your fingers and hope for the best when looking for an orthodontist. Garnering fantastic reviews from his patients, Jeremy Albert, DMD, MS is a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, and has been in private practice since 2003. With offices on Tampa Road in Palm Harbor and at Trinity Professional Place (at the corner of Trinity and Duck Slough
Boulevards in Trinity), Albert Family Orthodontics is convenient to East Lake, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Trinity, New Port Richey and Odessa. If your child needs orthodontic care, or if you’ve reached adulthood and want to give yourself the gift of a beautiful straight smile, then you need to meet Dr. Jeremy Albert and the team at Albert Family Orthodontics. Accepting patients of all ages and providing the most effective and current orthodontic treatments, Albert Family Orthodontics provides patients and
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Kim Thomas
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Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
From The Editor Kim Thomas
Aloha & Aloha as We Say Goodbye and Hello! I love the word Aloha because it means both hello and goodbye. It’s an appropriate word this month for us here at Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles because as I say Aloha on my way out to experience new adventures, editor Carla Dubis says Aloha as she comes in to take over editing the publications that I’ve cared so much about throughout my years working for Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles of East Lake, of Odessa/Lutz/Land O’ Lakes, and of Trinity. Carla has a passion for graphic arts and designing layouts, as well as writing, and I’ve caught myself looking over her shoulder to see what magic she’s working while laying out the New Tampa and South Tampa editions of Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles. I know readers will enjoy Carla’s fresh ideas, and can look forward to receiving the same quality, community-oriented publication. It has been an honor to write and edit for this publication and to meet so many of the business owners who
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have advertised throughout the years, many of whom have consistently been with Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles from the start of each of seven publications. I am so grateful to publishers Tim and Doreen Selby for trusting in me to edit East Lake Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles, which first delivered to mailboxes in May 2008. Not long after, they asked me to edit their Trinity Area publication, and then in 2010, when they expanded to the Odessa/Lutz/Land O’ Lakes Area, I was eager to be on board. I am proud to have been a part of this publication, which has hit some milestones requiring some changes. The name change for one – Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is reflective of the major growth it’s had, now with seven publications reaching approximately 130,000 homes and businesses in the Tampa Bay Area. I’ve loved my job! It feels great to help local businesses gain recognition and to have a platform to help bring attention to important local issues.
While I’ve been busy writing about businesses in N. Pinellas and W. Pasco, my husband Jack has been building our family business in Dade City. Along with Jack’s brother Steve Thomas (the major shareholder), we are part owners of Surecrete Design Products, a manufacturer of decorative concrete supplies. Our son Sawyer and daughter-in-law Madi also work at Surecrete and our youngest, Axel, recently started his own decorative concrete company, AT Decorative Concrete. Our oldest, Katie, is now a real estate agent and will continue to writing for this publication as she’s done for 11 years. My focus turns to helping my children in their business endeavors, and while Jack says he doesn’t need me at his office (he must be scared!), I look forward to accompanying him on some of his business trips, which have taken him to places like China, Africa, Trinidad and Canada. The last trip I took with him was to Hawaii! I’ll say Aloha now, and thank you!
East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to nearly 15,000 households in zip code 34685, 34688 & 34677 220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (727) 943-2946; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: editorial@nnlflorida.com © 2017 East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by Ads 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Correspondents Tim Selby Julie Kanehl General Manager Katie Thomas Marcy Sanford Jim O’Reilly Art Director Editor Dat X. Do Kim Thomas Graphic Artists Advertising Sales Dat X. Do Matt Selby Tony Sica Tim Selby Accounting Manager Jim O’Reilly Doreen Selby Nothing that appears in the East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. East LakeArea Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. East Lake Area Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by Ads 2 Publications, Inc.
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E AST L AKE A REA
Calendar & News Briefs East Lake High School’s 2017 Softball Skills Camp Beginner / Intermediate – Ages 6-12 Night Session: July 24-27, Mon. – Thurs., 5:30 – 8:30 PM Instructors: Head Coach Kristie Delk; East Lake Coaching Staff (Coach Estes & Coach Patterson); Former EL Players (Current College Players) Registration: $100; make check payable to Kristie Delk Mail check and registration form to: East Lake High School Softball c/o Kristie Delk, 1300 Silver Eagle Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 Skills Camp Highlights: Camp T-shirt; Individual Instruction, Games, Fundamental/Skills; High School style workouts; pitching Reminders: Campers should wear softball pants or shorts and Tshirt. Campers should wear cleats but bring tennis shoes. Space is limited, so register early! Forms and more information: email coach Delk at ktussey1@gmail.com
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Clearwater Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars Meetings 1st Tues. monthly, 11:30 AM––The Clearwater Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars meets for lunch at the Belleair Country Club, One Country Club Lane, Belleair. Social hour starts at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and a short program. Military Officers that are retired, active duty or former officers and their spouses or widows are invited. The Clearwater Chapter of MOWW also welcomes new members. To make reservations or to inquire about becoming a member, call LTC George Smith at (727)786-5578. Tarpon Arts Debuts Tony AwardWinning Musical Kiss Me, Kate WHEN: July 14 @ 7:30 PM; July 15 @ 7:30 PM; July 16 @ 2 PM; July 21 @ 7:30 PM; July 22 @ 7:30 PM; July 23 @ 2 PM Tarpon Arts debuts Cole Porter’s Tony Award-winning musical, Kiss Me, Kate. This play-within-a-play tells
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the story of the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew (coming in August), and each cast member’s onstage life is complicated by what is happening offstage. A conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show’s director, producer, and star, and his leading lady and ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi, becomes entangled with a secondary romance concerning Lois Lane, the actress playing Bianca, and her gambler boyfriend who runs afoul of some gangsters. Popular musical hits include Brush Up on Your Shakespeare, Why Can’t You Behave, Wunderbar, and many more. WHERE: Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center | 324 Pine Street (inside City Hall) TICKETS: General: $25.00 | Group (10+): $24.00 | Member: $22.00 | Student: $22.00 PURCHASE TICKETS: www.tarponarts.org or Ticket Office: 727.942.5605 Do the Cha-Cha with Tarpon Arts WHEN: Tuesdays, July 11 & 18, August 1 & 8 | 7-8 PM Put on your dancing shoes and join Tarpon Arts for enjoyable and ed-
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ucational cha-cha dance classes taught by award-winning instructor, Jairo Garcia of Garcia Groove Studios. This internationally-popular dance craze was developed in Cuba in the 1950s and is still keeping people moving all these decades later. Jairo will explore cha-cha basics with classes of all ages, skills, and fitness levels. Classes will be adjusted to fit the levels of participants. Class sizes are limited so sign up early to reserve your spot. Join us for just one class or sign up for all 4 for additional savings. WHERE: Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum | 100 Beekman Lane (Craig Park) COST: $10 per lesson | $35 for 4 lessons REGISTER: Each class is limited to 30 participants. Call 727.942.5605 to register. Tarpon Arts presents stimulating, engaging, and educational performances, workshops, festivals, concerts, and visual arts that celebrate the unique heritage and culture of Tarpon Springs and the State of Florida, while bringing nationally acclaimed performing artists to the community establishing Tarpon Springs as a dynamic cultural destination.
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East Lake Community Library July Events Tues., Jul. 18, 6:30-7:45 PM–– ELCL Author Showcase: J.M. Chamberlain––As a young actor and writer in Hollywood, J. Michael Chamberlain performed in over thirty motion pictures and countless television productions, working alongside screen giants Tom Hanks and Sally Fields in the hilarious motion picture Punchline, Diane Keaton and Sam Shephard in the heartwarming, Baby Boom and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the science fiction thriller, The Running Man. His book is a compilation of autobiographical essays entitled, I’m OK, You’re a Pain in the Ass... a Love Story. His website is www.Peopleneedtolaugh.com and everyone who comes to his talk will find themselves laughing. Wed., Jul. 19, 10 Am–12 PM–– FTRI-Amplified Phones Free for Hearing Impaired Florida Residents––(FTRI) Florida Telecommunication Relay, Inc., provides free amplified telephones to Florida residents who have mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss or who are speech impaired. Fri., Jul. 21, 9:30-11 AM–– Baby
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/Toddler Sensory Time––Babies, toddlers and their caregivers can explore the world around them with our age appropriate toys and games. No registration. Fri., Jul. 21, 2–3 PM––Nature Crafts for Kids––Kids create beautiful projects with materials from nature! Wed., Jul. 26, 6–7:30 PM––Kick Start the College Admissions Process––What will the college admissions process look like for you? There’s no getting around it. Whether your child will start his freshman year in August or his high school years are coming to an end, all roads eventually point to applying to college. This is the most innovative and uncomplicated way to kick start an action plan and it’s FREE! Christine Peterman, owner of Prep For Admissions, will share the latest admissions insights, answer your questions, share insider expertise, and suggest ways to avoid last minute planning. Thurs., Jul. 27, 11 AM–12 PM–– Hose Down––ELCL’s annual Hose Down will be held at East Lake Fire Rescue this year due to the library’s impending construction! Bring your towel and wear some good running shoes.
Fri., Jul. 28, 6:30–8:30 PM––SRP Finale Event: Par-Tee - Indoor Golf!––Come celebrate the end of summer reading by playing a round on our indoor golf course. Readers have earned their admission. Tickets will be available for the public to purchase. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 6 and up, and children 5 and under are free. Snacks by Menchies! Games and fun for the whole family. East Lake Community Library has ongoing events each month. Check out eastlakelibrary.org or call 727-773-2665.
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Pinnacle Travel’s Destination Highlight: Alaska
Alaska as a travel destination offers natural and cultural history that is rich and diverse, making it a premier travel destination. Pinnacle Travel in Palm Harbor is proud to say that Alaska sells out every year as more and more people are discovering this beautiful state. Now is the time to start looking at travel to Alaska in 2018, to ensure the best pricing, cabin location, resort reservations and flight options.
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Alaska offers something for everyone: Inuit culture, nature, fishing, ziplining, historic train ride, rafting, helicopter up on to a glacier and so much more. Alaska boasts having eight amazing National Parks, which one can experience by land and sea. A cruise along Alaska’s coastline offers views of emerald forests, snow-capped peaks and dramatic glaciers. People often ask, when is the best
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time to travel to Alaska? Each month offers different benefits and different views. Alaska’s visitor season is from mid-May to mid-September and due to this limited travel period, reserving early is key to ensure the experience you are seeking. Did you know doing only a cruise to Alaska allows you to see a mere 1% of this amazing state? Pinnacle Travel recommends a cruise plus a trip to Alaska’s interior as the best way to see
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all the state has to offer and they are ready to help you with your itinerary. Navigating the variety of choices based on your individual travel style, budget and destination wish list is what they do best at Pinnacle Travel. Your trip planning starts with your travel consultant at Pinnacle Travel – experienced, certified Alaska travel planners who have experienced Alaska firsthand. Allow them to help create a truly memorable and seamless journey
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for you to Alaska helping you navigate the plethora of choices you have for how to travel – cruises, cruise tours (land and sea journeys), and land tours extending into the interior of Alaska. Alaska is a great family, kidfriendly, couple, multi-generational and group travel destination. Knowing what kind of trip you should choose to meet your expectations and needs is why you need a travel consultant to help you. Not only do you need to decide whether you want to do a cruise, land, or combination vacation, but you need to decide whether you want to go northbound from Vancouver, southbound from Whittier, or roundtrip from Seattle. Then if you decide to include land, you need to decide which parts of Alaska you want to visit. And, finally, you need to decide which excursions and activities to do while you are there. The choices definitely can be overwhelming and understanding the
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pros and cons of each choice is important to make the best vacation decision. Pinnacle Travel will ask this: “If you were only going to go to Alaska one time in your life, what is it you wish to do and see while there?” Pinnacle Travel’s consultants can help you navigate the myriad of choices and make recommendations based on your wishes! If traveling to Alaska is on your wish list, bucket list, or visit-all50-states list, then start with a call or visit to your friendly travel consultants at Pinnacle Travel. Let your Alaskan adventure begin today! Pinnacle Travel is located at 800 Tarpon Woods Blvd., Ste C-1 in Palm Harbor. Hours: M–F, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sat. (or by appointment). Call 727-330-2092 or log on to mypinnacletravel.com. Walk-ins are welcome!
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Vetture’s Restaurant and Pizzeria Celebrates 17 Years! Eat, Enjoy and Join the Vetture’s Family! By Katie Thomas Vetture’s Restaurant and Pizzeria is a local favorite and has been since opening its doors seventeen years ago! Located on East Lake Road in the Brooker Creek Shopping Plaza, Vetture’s is famous for their delicious pizzas, mouth-watering classic Italian cuisine, fantastic prices and family atmosphere. Here, you are more than a customer; you are part of the Vetture’s family. Dedicated to bringing community together, serving patrons with respect and providing a gathering locale for the area, Vetture’s is a slice of home! Made with love – this is what you get at Vetture’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. Picture yourself walking into a place where the staff knows your name and your family, greeting you with a warm welcome and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread, zesty marinara, traditional Italian dishes and pizzas topped with the best of cheeses.
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Owners Rick and Dianne Maida have taken their values for quality family time, good food and hospitality, and turned small restaurant beginnings into a true community favorite. The Maida family feels blessed to be part of such a great community here in East Lake – one that has allowed them to turn a restaurant into a family. When Rick and Dianne moved to Woodfield in 1991, they both knew they had found home and a place to raise their four kids, Ricky, Jodi, Corey and Kelli. Both Rick and Dianne are originally from New York. Rick’s mom and dad are both from Italy and many of the recipes served at Vetture’s have been in the family for generations. The authentic Italian cuisine and delectable pizza at Vetture’s has brought patrons back again and again for 17 years. Since Vetture’s beginning, families have gathered to celebrate and enjoy great food in a friendly atmosphere. Vetture’s is still going strong, holding to their family values, sup-
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Mussels and Clams Madiciar is full of flavor, boasting garlic, lemon and perfectly steamed shellfish porting the community and welcoming new members into the community. Recently, Rick and Dianne welcomed a sweet granddaughter, Mia Grace, into their lives. A proud father
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and grandfather, Rick was practically bursting with happiness talking about his daughter Kelli’s wonderful mothering and her sweet baby girl who has stolen his heart. As such a longstand-
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ing part of the community, the Maida family has had the opportunity to welcome new generations of families into their restaurant and hearts. Rick says, “I’ve been able to see kids I’ve coached come in with their families over the years, watch them grow up and start families of their own. Kids I coached from years ago still stop in to see us and it always warms our hearts to see them with their kids and keeping the Vetture’s tradition alive.” Dianne, Rick and Chef Paulie work together to keep Vetture’s a local favorite that honors Italian tradition and cuisine. Chef Paul Pennacchini is originally from Rhode Island and has more than 30 years of accumulated restaurant experience under his belt. Paul has been working with Rick for many years; his passion and love for food is evident in every dish he creates at Vetture’s. Rick says, “Paul is passionate for his work and he seems to enjoy every bit of it.” Truly a place that has options for everyone, Vetture’s strives to please and that they do! Frequent visitor David says, “I am a regular here, in fact I’m basically like always here. The service here is great; the servers, bussers, hostess, and managerial staff
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treat you like family. And the food, the food is delicious! I can’t think of a dish here created by Chef Pauli that I don’t thoroughly enjoy. Some of my favorites: Meat Lasagna, Fettuccini Alfredo, Chicken Mama Rosa, Eggplant Corey just to name a few! Definitely give this place a try if you’re in the area, you won’t go wrong!” One customer states, “This pizzeria always delivers what we want: good quality, great prices and prompt service with a smile. Their standard cheese pizza is great, better than just about every other one we’ve tried in the area. But their gourmet pizzas really shine! The “Grandma” pizza has a very crispy thin crust with cheese and a special basil topping, plus tomato sauce. It also has a little bit of spice for kick, which I really enjoy. The “Crispino” pizza is also a thin crust pizza with a light marinara sauce topped with fresh mozzarella (made in-house), fresh tomato slices, fresh basil, fresh garlic and olive oil and a touch of balsamic drizzled on top. Yum! We enjoy both so much that it’s hard to choose!” From the quality, fair priced food to the warm and welcoming staff, it is no wonder that Vetture’s is still going
strong in East Lake. The atmosphere is perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking for a family friendly place to bring the kids or you’d like a great bottle of wine to share with your significant other; Vetture’s has the art of hospitality down to a science and you Tender and delicious Veal Rollatini paired with a light will feel ready to mushroom, Marsala sauce dine, drink and great meal and family.” relax at this favorite neighborhood loWhether you dine in, carry out cale over and over again! or have your meals delivered, Vetture’s Rick reminds patrons: “Be sure to makes it easy. You can even order join our Vetture’s Family Club –enter online! your mobile number to join our family Vetture’s Restaurant and Pizzeclub and get some of our delicious ria is located at 36137 East Lake Zeppoli’s just for being part of our Rd. in Palm Harbor (at Brooker family. Then we’ll send you mouthCreek Shopping Center). Vetture’s watering specials and promotions to hours: Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. – your mobile phone or email address 9:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. from 11 monthly and you’ll really feel part of a.m. – 10:30 p.m; and 12 – 9:30 our family on your birthday or anp.m. on Sun. For more informaniversary, and now you can enjoy tion, please visit www.vettures.com wireless internet while you enjoy a or call (727) 787-4858.
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Don’t let Spot Get too Hot!
How to keep your four legged friend cool this summer.
By Billy Alice Florida is known for many things, not least of which is the HEAT! While most of the country assumes it’s always Summer here, us Floridians know the hot honest truth. Summer can get brutal and for our fur wearing friends it can be even more unbearable. So if you have a canine companion here are a few tips to keep them cool and how to spot if they’ve gotten too hot! First things first, always make sure to have a lot of fresh water available for your dog (year round) but especially in the summer months. This will keep them hydrated and help cool them from the inside out. One of the best ways to avoid overheating, is to plan outdoor activity in the early mornings and later evenings when the temperature is lower. When going on walks keep your pup on grass or light concrete as much as possible. On a 95° day the concrete can reach a temperature of 120° at peak sun hours and the grass can still reach 105°. If the ground is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for your pup! In the hot months try going on shorter walks more frequently instead of long walks that can lead to exhaustion or overheating. It’s also never a good idea to let your pup sit in a parked car even if the windows are cracked or open. Cars can quickly exceed the ambient temperature of the air even in shade, so if they can’t come inside where you are going, leave them at home in the air conditioning.
To help expel some of your dog’s energy but still stay cool, consider playing in the hose or sprinkler with your pet. It is a great way to keep you both refreshed and have some fun! If you have access to a pool or body of water taking your dog for a swim will help them get in activity but stay cool in the process. When using water to cool your pup you should avoid using any water that is ice cold however, as that can constrict blood vessels and make it harder for your dog to release excess heat. Wetting their ears with water or rubbing alcohol will actively help them cool off if you notice any signs of heat exhaustion. Be sure to keep a close eye on them and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs, especially when doing outdoor activities. Signs include, excessive panting, rapid heartbeat, disorientation, collapse, brick red gums or tongue, vomiting and respiratory distress. If you notice any of these contact your vet immediately and start actively cooling them down. A normal temperature for a dog is between 98° and 102°, a dog’s temperature should never go above 103°. The best way to keep your dog safe and happy is just to be aware of them and their surroundings. Summer doesn’t have to mean indoors only for your best friend if you keep these tricks in mind.
Different frozen treats are a fantastic way to help your pup beat the heat, my St. Bernard loves plain ice and now comes running at the sound of our ice machine. Also freezing different stuffable toys with vet approved fillers can work wonders for a hot dog. Both my dogs love frozen watermelon or apples, and blended banana and peanut butter is always a crowd pleaser! Just be sure to check with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
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Get Your Shine On at Luxury Auto Spa! By Matt Selby It’s January in Florida and we are finally enjoying days and sometimes even weeks without rain, but if your car or truck is like mine, it’s in need of some love after the rainy season! I know, I know, it’s been months since the rainy season, don’t judge me. I’m sure many of you have been putting off a true inside and outside detail of your vehicle as well but don’t wait another minute! I found some guys that will keep your car looking amazing for a truly affordable price, especially with the current 20% off deal they are running! The hands-on detailing provided by Luxury Auto Spa located on Tampa Road provides bumper-tobumper, carpet-to-headliner, sidewall-to-sidewall cleaning. Luxury Auto Spa’s family and friend operated business has quickly made a name for itself in Tampa Bay for being the premier auto detailer in the area! “We like to say treat it as if it was
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your mother’s car,” owner Brian Lopez says. Treating not only the customers’ cars as if they belonged to a special family member, but the customers themselves like family – this is the culture of Luxury Auto Spa!
Keeping Customers Satisfied Lopez identified four key areas the company emphasizes when conducting business: Quality, service, cleanliness, and friendliness. Basically, they make it so that they are easy to do business with. Abiding by these high standards has earned the detailing company recognition by many of our readers over the past few months, and Luxury Auto Spa receives 5 star reviews on every rating platform online! There’s also praise from locals
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like Mark B., a long time Luxury Auto Spa customer whose entire family of drivers also use Luxury Auto Spa as their go-to detailer! “We have been taking our cars there for a full detail every two months for the past three years,” says Mark, who lives in Waterchase. “The service is excellent and they treat the cars with respect. Brian and his staff are absolutely excellent!” Mike from Westchase said, “My 2004 Hyundai looks like a new car
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minus normal wear. Under the hood looks like it just came off the assembly line. Even made the front lights turn from a cloudy light bright to brand new clear. Their detail includes wash and wax, vacuuming, under hood engine cleaning and visual restoration of headlights. From the front to the back of your vehicle, Luxury Auto Spa provides a truly superb detail! Once you see these results you won't go anywhere else. Excellent customer service, which is rare these days.” Most customers drop their cars
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off at the facility but mobile detailing is also available and much more affordable than you would think! If your car or truck is in need of a little TLC, do yourself a favor and have the guys at Luxury Auto Spa Take care of you! Call today and book your appointment to take advantage of Luxury Auto Spa’s 20% off special! Luxury Auto Spa is located at 3166 Tampa Rd., Ste 9, in Oldsmar and can be reached at 727-560-3069.
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Target Tarpon in Tampa Bay By Captain Matt Selby The Tarpon bite is on fire in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas from now until the end of July. Local guides and recreational fishermen alike chomp at the bit for this time of year, and for good reason; Tarpon fishing is addicting, plain and simple. All it takes is a large fish, maybe a 100 pounder or so, to grab your bait and start it’s unrivaled arial show as she attempts to throw the hook for even the most seasoned angler to be “hooked” on tarpon for life. When Tarpon feel the sharp steel of the hook, this fish has a propensity for skyrocketing from the water and ejecting both bait and hook high into the air. Even when an angler was lucky enough to survive this first burst of acrobatics and succeed in finding a place for the hook to imbed in the Tarpons hard mouth, only then did the angler truly understand the awesome strength of the mighty Silver King! If the hook sticks, an angler can prepare for a back-breaking 30 minute or longer fight! “There’s no feeling like it! Adrenaline pumps through my veins
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so hard sometimes my body starts shaking when a Tarpon finally takes the bait,” says John Swan of Tarpon Springs. Tarpon weren’t always a sought after game fish in our area, in fact, my grandfather would rather net up some mullet to throw on the smoker than break his back for a fish that offered no food value. He also never had the opportunity to battle a Tarpon on rod and reel as a younger man or I have a feeling his thoughts on targeting Tarpon would be different. In fact, I even shared his same views on Tarpon fishing until I hooked into my first large fish floating a live grunt in the Florida Keys about 15 years ago. In 1885 William H. Wood and his massive Silver fish made international headlines after being landed on rod and reel for the first time on record in an area now called “Tarpon Bay” of southwest Florida. This was the start of a brand new big-game fishing frontier in the state but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that Tampa Bay anglers learned that the silver sided giants could be found in plentiful numbers right here at
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home. Boca Grande, about an hour and a half south of Tampa is world renowned for the very best Tarpon fishing on the planet! Ask any serious Tarpon fisherman where their favorite place to target Tarpon is and Boca Grande usually comes out of their mouth with a big smile. Schools of well over 10,000 migratory fish show up in the Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor starting in April and by this time of year the pass
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can look like a parking lot on the weekends with well over 100 boats at peak fishing hours sharing the same space. Tensions can be high and “road rage” type scenes are common if a boater runs over the line of a fisherman’s hooked up fish. Boca Grande, especially the pass is no place for newbies and an experienced charter captain is almost a necessity. My friend Captain Mike Manning of Action Fishing Adventures has over 20 years of experience in the waters off Boca Grande. When I want to catch big Tarpon in Boca Grande, I charter Mike. Yes, you heard that right, Mike’s so good, other fishing guides, such as myself, charter him when they want to catch big Boca Grande Tarpon! Fishing for Tarpon near the Skyway bridge in Tampa can also be a little crowded at times but weekdays are perfect! This time of year, very much like in Boca, Tarpon are feeding on blue crabs being swept out of the flats and out into the deeper passes. Tarpon by the thousands set up shop in these locations looking for an easy meal. Presentation is of the utmost importance when Tarpon fishing. This means understanding how the fish feed and how to set up your drift
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
so that your bait looks like every other little crab being flushed out with the tide. Screw this up, and you’ll be one frustrated fisherman. Tarpon are happy to bite if everything looks right, get it wrong (and that’s easy to do) and you may not see a bite all season. Like all fishing, trial and error plays a big role in the success an angler will experience. Some people use Bobbers but I prefer a balloon because I can easily adjust the depth of my bait onthe-fl y. In my opinion, live bait is king but a well presented swim bait like a 7 or 9 inch Hogy lure or a hard bait such as Pauls unfair Mullet 120 by Unfair Lures are some of my favorite choices. Tarpon numbers are bouncing back to record highs now that catch and release has become common practice for the magnificent Silver
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
King of Game Fish. It’s beyond frowned upon to take these beautiful fish and kill them just for a picture or to have them stuffed and mounted. A quick boat side picture is more than sufficient to keep the memory and if you really want to commemorate the fight, have a replica fish mount created. They can be created by a simple picture and/or measurements. If you would like to go fishing with me in Tampa Bay or search for Tarpon along the beaches you can contact me at matt@nnlflorida.com or if you want to go fishing in Boca Grande with Captain Mike Manning of Action Fishing Adventures you can call him directly at 727-2438918. Find me on Facebook @ EpicSportsFishingTampa
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TECH TALK
with Bob the Computer Guy
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By Bob Dalles Greetings Friends… My name is Bob Dalles, better known as Bob The Computer Guy. My goal is to help my readers better understand computer systems, wired and wireless networks, information technology (IT) devices like phones and pads; and most importantly, keeping you as safe as possible when you interact with the internet and other networks. A little bit about me. I want you to know that you are dealing with an individual who draws on decades of experience and sincerely wants to share this knowledge with you. When I say decades I am not talking about only twenty-some years, as much as I hate to admit it, were looking more closely at forty years. My computer experience goes back to the latter half of the 1970’s before the surge of the personal computers industry. Remember computer punch cards? If you don’t, then good for you my friends, you are “soooo” lucky. Compared to today’s methods of interacting with computers you would probably not be a big fan of punch cards. Even if you enjoy the novelty of playing around with older technology, you would quickly get tired of the
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tedium of using computer punch cards on a daily basis. In addition to my approximately forty-some years of technology experience, I have owned and operated computer consulting corporations since 1995. Plus, I have been an IT Instructor for a well-known technical college for the last eight years. I continue to teach as well as run my computer corporation on a daily basis. I want this column to not only be my column but our column. On a regular basis, I will provide you with topics I hope you will find interesting. However, most importantly, I would love for you to submit questions on IT topics that interest you. Thank you for taking the time to read this and getting to know me better. Got a tech question? Email me at TechTalk-TBNL@BobTheComputerGuy.NET. Questions will be selected by the popularity of a topic and answered in this column. If you have a more urgent need or have a unique situation you may schedule an appointment with one of my Professionally Certified Technicians by calling 727-534-4000. Until next time, stay safe and secure when using the Internet.
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
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JULY 2017
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Longoria Looking to Finish what Boggs Started
By Jake Berry
If you look out over the left center field fence at Tropicana Field you will see a familiar sight. Just over section 147 and beside Ducky’s Sports Bar in the 162 Landing is the iconic number 42 plastered on the wall. Jackie Robinson’s retired number is a fixture in all 30 major league ballparks and while the Rays have just a 20-year history, Robinson’s number isn’t the only one enshrined in the Trop. Just below it is the number 12 and it belongs to a man that helped put the expansion franchise on the map during its 1998 inaugural season. That number 12 belongs to Hall of Famer, Wade Boggs. Boggs is an AL East icon. He dons the Boston Red Sox cap in his Cooperstown plaque and his lone World Series ring comes from his time with the New York Yankees. While the list of accomplishments in the Chicken Man’s career goes on and on, there is one more feat, one more accomplishment that adds to the 12 time all-star’s legacy. The Tampa native signed a two year deal with his hometown Tampa Bay Devil Rays before the franchise’s inaugural season. Entering his age 40 seasons, Boggs had nothing left to prove. He was almost guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame, he had his World Series ring, he had won five batting titles, and he played for two of the most historic franchises in the game. Still, Boggs took the opportunity in front of him, an opportunity many players dream of, and he took on the challenge of helping establish a new major league ball club in his own backyard. As a member of the then Devil Rays, Boggs eclipsed many milestones, including his 3000th hit. However, nothing was more important than the impact he had on the fan base and the community as major league baseball was finally brought to Tampa/St. Pete. Boggs laid the foundation for 18 years of ballplayers to come after him, and while the Chicken Man held down third base for 152 games during his Devil Rays career, there is a player manning the hot corner now that is looking to finish what Boggs started. Evan Longoria is the face of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise. When debating which players go on the Mount Rushmore of Tampa Bay baseball, Longoria is a unanimous choice amongst the fan base. The Rays made Longoria the third overall pick in the 2006 draft and he made his debut with the team just a year and a half later in April of 2008. After posting a .272 average with 27 home runs, the 22 year old won the American League Rookie of the Year award and also made his first of
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three all-star teams. While the individual accolades were great, Longoria’s rookie year legacy really comes from him leading the squad to not only their winning season in franchise history, but also their first pennant and ultimately their only World Series appearance. Also a third baseman, Longoria plays a much different game at the plate than Boggs. While Boggs was known for his uncanny ability to slap the ball around the ballpark and find holes in the defense, Rays fans know Longoria for hitting the ball out of the ballpark. He is the only player in Rays history with more than 200 homers and will more than likely end his career over the 300 mark. That isn’t the only category Longoria leads. He is also the team’s all-time leader in doubles, runs batted in, at bats, games played, and there are several other records that he will likely break before his career is over. There are two iconic time periods in Rays history, the first couple of years when major league baseball was new to the area in the late 90’s and a decade later when the team went from worst to first and made their World Series run in 2008. Both of those periods were headed by two of the most iconic players in Rays history. Boggs was a Hall of Fame bound third baseman that was dangerous at the plate with a solid legacy in place. Longoria fits all of those characteristics, except his story remains unfinished. Wade Boggs helped to put the Tampa Bay Rays on the baseball map and Evan Longoria is looking to finish what he started by bringing a World Series title to Boggs’ hometown.
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Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
HERITAGE SPRINGS
3/2/2 1908 htd squ ft. This 3 bedroom home offers formal living & dining rooms, kitchen w/wood cabinets, granite counters, newer stainless steel appliances over look the family. This home also offer new 18" tile flooring in all the main areas for easy care, master bedroom w/two closets, master bath w/dual sinks & walk in shower. Large lanai w/a park like setting. This home offers extended garage w/golf cart entrance and a new roof. $270,000
2/2/2 plus office. This kitchen has glass tile backsplash w/granite counters. Combination living & dining rooms that has plenty of room for all your pieces and laminate flooring. Double doors leads you into the office or den and the master bedroom has two walk in closets, master bath w/dual sinks & walk in shower. Extended lanai w/tile flooring and a swim spa for exercising or just to relax. $224,900
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BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIPS SAT/ACT SCORES By Dr. Wayne Adams Governor Scott approved the state budget in June 2nd which included increasing the Florida Academic Scholars award to over $6,000 a year plus pay for some additional college expenses. It was around $3,000 a year. The difficulty in most students qualifying for this award that I see most often is their not being able to score 1290 or above on the SAT, or a 29 and above on the ACT. Most of my students do not have great difficulty qualifying wth GPA, volunteer service hours, and other general requirements. My experience is that many students in IB, Cambridge, honors, and other levels in public, and private high schools can have very high GPAs (4.0 and higher), but just not score well on either of these standardized exams. This syndrome common at all levels of academic accomplishment, but most prevalent in the higher ranges. Helping potentially high-scoring students requires a little different type of tutoring from students in the 25 ACT Composite - 1100 SAT Superscore range, or from students in the 20 ACT Composite - 1000 SAT Superscore range. While the techniques, fundamentals, and in many cases the mental approaches are similar, their application in my classes varies. For example, recently I had a high-scoring student who could not get his ACT score in Science above 25. All other scores were around 30, so his composite was still too low for the top level Bright Futures award despite a 5.2 GPA. When we finished with my “up to the ceiling” tutoring, he scored a 32 on the Science. In fact, Science is one of the easiest sections
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on the ACT exam to “kick through the roof”. (The second highest potential section is Grammar.) With a highscoring student, often I use several different Reference Books to find the most difficult test questions for practice. Another successful technique is preparing for “curve balls”. A curve ball is a seldom encountered, difficult question and can come in any test section … althought these are most prevalent in the Math section. As a baseline, any question that a student does not know how to do is hard … and most students do not know how to handle these curve balls. So I have students scour different Reference Books specifically looking for curve balls, and we work on as many as we can. One key area for improvement at all levels is avoiding what we call “silly mistakes” (SM’s), which include falling into traps that the test designers set up, misreads, and misunderstandings. It is not unusual for students to make five to ten SM’s in our baseline testing because, at that point, they do not understand how a test “thinks” and students are either pressing to go too fast, or going too slowly … in other words, out of their best “speed and concentration zone” to get their best score. Does it surprise you that a test “thinks”? It does because people who think design the tests, determine what is correct and incorrect, and set up tricks and traps in questions. The more my students understand how this works, the better they will be able to spot traps coming, avoid them with special techniques they are not taught in school, and have a higher “guessing percentage” when they can narrow options to two possible answers.
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The difference between a 32 and a 36 on the ACT Math can be getting four more questions correct. The difference between a 32 and a 29 is missing four more questions. So there is not much room for error when shooting for top scores. The same basic rule applies to SAT tests also. Most parents and students do not know that Bright Futures will (as of this writing) “cherry pick” scores to give students the highest possible average for qualifying. This means they will take the highest scores in each test section, ACT and SAT, and average them. For college applications, usually colleges will allow this only with the SAT, although some do it for the ACT as well. If You Would Like To Talk More About How I Can Help Your Student, please contact me at 727-253-0639 or at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200 – 350 points on the Writing, Reading, Writing and Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to eight
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of the top ten universities in the country, seventeen of the top twenty-five, and many schools in Florida. These schools include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Stanford, U Chicago, Duke, U Penn, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, UNC (Chapel Hill), NYU, Northeastern (Boston), Boston College, Georgia Tech, Air Force and Merchant Marine Service Academies, Penn State, LSU, Auburn, UF, U Miami, FSU, USF, UCF, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Julliard – Manhattan - New England - and Berkley Conservatories of Music. Many have received academic, athletic, or music scholarships. This year, he also tutored three juniors who scored at the national merit finalist/semi-finalist levels on the most recent PSAT. He is a former Dean of a Graduate School of Business and Full Professor, and began college teaching at the University of Maryland in 1968. He has degrees and advanced studies at Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt, Columbia International, and Luther Rice.
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
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JULY 2017
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“Budget Blinds” Continued from page 1 Oldsmar, Tarpon Springs, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, and Countryside since 2012, and expanding into Clearwater in 2015, Budget Blinds has worked with many satisfied homeowners and business owners in our area. Some of the businesses Budget Blinds has worked with to find the right window coverings include are Whole Foods, Burger King, FedEx and Safelite. Budget Blinds of Tarpon Springs and Dunedin provides a flawless job, from the design stage to the final installation. Kathy answers the phone at Budget Blinds and sets appointments for Roxana and Billy, who help customers narrow down options to find a perfect solution for their windows. Installers Tom and Bob have decades of experience, and customers rave about how professional and efficient the installations are. “We offer free, in-home consultations where we bring the product samples to you,” says Roxana. “I normally start the appointment with questions to find out what the customer is looking to achieve in covering a particular
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window. They may want a solution that provides privacy but still lets in natural light, or they may need to cut the heat yet keep the view.” Safety is a main concern for many homeowners. “More and more of our customers are choosing to move to cordless blinds and shades for safety reasons.” Plus it’s nice to sit on your couch and use a remote to let the light in and enjoy the view or close out the outside world for complete privacy. The largest franchise retailer of window treatments and blinds, Budget Blinds has an unmatched
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selection of blinds, verticals, shutters, shades, draperies, window film and much more (they even carry rugs and bedding!). Budget Blinds carries a great number of top name brands. Roxana explains, “For one slider, there is a great variety of products, brands and options. People are surprised at how many different products we have to offer. We have good quality products with the best warranty people can find on the market, and at the best price. Budget Blinds is in the window covering business globally, giving
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them major buying power. We get the best pricing and are then able to pass the savings on to our customers.” With so many choices available, Budget Blinds is able to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. “We have products for mobile homes and products that are very stylish and very high-end. This is what makes us special – we have this possibility that not many other companies have.” Another great thing for those who have a limited budget is the financing option that Budget Blinds offers to qualifying
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Budget Blinds of Tarpon Springs and Dunedin helped Safelite find a great solution for blocking heat and glare without blocking the view of incoming customers customers. Window treatments can be everything. We measure and we install expensive, but as Roxana points out, the blinds or window treatments, “You buy them for life if you buy a which are custom made for each good shutter.” home.” Once the decision is made on the type window treatments – and Roxana 5-Star Rating on Houzz.com is a great help with narrowing down Budget Blinds of Tarpon Springs choices to find exactly what a client and Dunedin has a five-star rating on desires – there is nothing left to do the popular decorating website but watch Roxana and her amazing houzz.com. Houzz reviewers Kathy team rock their job! “We take care of and Tom Stablein of Safety Harbor
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shared, “Roxana Rotaru is the BEST and we would highly recommend Budget Blinds to anyone looking for a professional in this field. The people we bought our house from came to see the Plantation Shutters Roxana helped us pick out and they called her immediately and had the same shutters put in their new house. Roxana is patient, kind and does not try to over-sell you. We moved here from Arizona and I was totally overwhelmed with the move, trying to get settled and she was there for us and made this transition so easy. We put shutters in almost every room in our house and absolutely LOVE them. The installers were so great, measured everything perfectly and the installation was perfect. This is a first class operation!” Kent Stickler, posted about Budget Blinds of Tarpon Springs and Dunedin on houzz.com, “We installed Budget Blinds throughout our residence. Their work I describe as perfect and you cannot do better than perfect. There was one minor adjustment that needed to be made later... the Budget Blinds representative returned and took care of the matter.”
Houzz also has this post from Lisa Fox, “Roxana and her team were just fantastic! And our new plantation shutters are gorgeous – exactly what we were hoping for!” Budget Blinds of Tarpon Springs and Dunedin can dress any window! If you have a window, door or slider that you think is difficult, call Budget Blinds. Need window treatments for arched windows and transoms? No problem. Want shutters for your French Doors? You can have them! Need help with a wall of windows in a Florida room? Want motorized shades or motorized wood blinds? Budget Blinds can help! Get the best service, quality and price at Budget Blinds of Tarpon Springs and Dunedin. Budget Blinds of Tarpon Springs and Dunedin is located at 1825 S. Pinellas Ave. in Tarpon Springs. View the gallery at www.budgetblinds/TarponSprings/gallery to see photos of local jobs and “Like” Budget Blinds of Tarpon and Dunedin on Facebook and see decorating ideas. Set an appointment for a free in-home consultation! Just call Budget Blinds at 727-943-8521.
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Serving our Community Since 1998, Done Rite Roofing is an Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor By Katie Thomas For nearly two decades, Done Rite Roofing has been a leading roofing company, serving homeowners and business owners in our area with excellent service, innovation in roofing products, and dedication to quality workmanship. Done Rite Roofing’s customers have brought them many referrals through the years and have praised the company’s hard work and integrity, helping Done Rite Roofing to gain recognition and the respect of the community they serve. Jason and Christina Loiacano are the owners of Done Rite Roofing and they have worked diligently to build a reputation that is as solid and strong as the roofs they build and guarantee. They never use subcontractors; with Done Rite, you are always working with an owner. Serving both residential and commercial customers, Done Rite Roofing specializes in new construc-
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tion and reroofing of all types of roofs including shingled, flat, metal, and tile. The company also installs roof vents and installs and repairs skylights. Done Rite Roofing’s showroom is located in Palm Harbor, but they are happy to bring samples to the homes of their customers. They strive to make things as easy for their customers
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as possible. Jason and Christina expect a lot from their employees, and the mutual respect between employer and employee at Done Rite Roofing has resulted in a crew that is talented and dedicated. “Most of our employees have been with us for over eighteen years,” says Jason. Christina adds,
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“Their loyalty is like no other.” This loyalty to the team translates into dedication to customers and making sure each job is a “Done Rite” job! Owens Corning – Superior Roofing Products & Attic Insulation In February 2016 Done Rite Roofing was nominated, and is now
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on the Owens Corning Platinum Contractor Advisory Board. This is something that the Loiacano family is very proud of, and Jason shared, “There are only 250 Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractors across the U.S., of which only 14 are nominated for a seat on the contractor advisory board. It is an honor that only one-percent of companies achieve. We get a chance to play an active role in the decisions and development of Owens Corning’s line of products and services.” Jason adds, “This is a benefit to our customers because we will be the first to know about and the first to be able to install new products in roofing and insulation. For instance, we recently began offering clients upgrades to their attic insulation, which can reduce energy costs up to 30%.” Customers can choose to upgrade their attic insulation at the same time as their roof replacement, or it is also offered as a stand-alone service with no roof services. Done Rite Roofing uses Owens Corning’s AttiCat® blown-in attic insulation; millions of tiny air pockets give the material its insulating power and because fiberglass insulation will not settle, it
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maintains the same energy-saving level over time, keeping the home comfortable for years to come. Owens Corning also has provided Done Rite Roofing a platform to help our country’s military servicemen and servicewomen through the Owens Corning Deployment Project. Done Rite Roofing was among select roofing contractors that were handpicked by Owens Corning to help with this worthwhile project. Jason says all of the employees at Done Rite Roofing are looking forward to helping military families. Rave Reviews for Done Rite! Verna Blackwell says, “Done Rite Roofing is an excellent and professional company. They accomplished my complex roofing problems efficiently and quickly. The team was speedy and was able to get a new roof entirely installed in 3 days. Overall we’re pleased with the quality of the work and service, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend friends that are having roof issues.” Mike T. says, “From start to finish, Done Rite Roofing provided a fair estimate, met their deadline, had outstanding workmanship, and took the
time to answer any questions I may have regardless of how insignificant they may seem. I would highly recommend Done Rite Roofing!” Brian says, “I’ve never experienced such professionalism and dedication as I seen with Steve and Greg. These men let me know what was wrong with the roof as well as work diligently throughout the day. The work they performed and the professionalism they showed I was extremely pleased. Steve and Greg thank you for such a great job.” Susan says, “You can’t beat the service that is provided by Done Rite Roofing. The company stuck to their original quote, to the penny. They also did not try to up-sale me. They under promised, and over delivered.” Throughout the entire roofing project, Done Rite Roofing wants to make sure that their clients are completely satisfied. Jason and Christina’s son actively checks every project to ensure all employees are following safety standards, and Owens Corning inspects the installation once it is complete; just two more ways that Done Rite Roofing makes sure everything is done right for their clients. If you need a roof inspection or
FHA inspection, Done Rite is on the job! And, if you are concerned that your roof may be reaching the end of its life and want to make sure that your shelter will stand up to the weather, Done Rite offers free roof evaluations. Done Rite Roofing services Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. They offer 100% interest free financing as well as senior discounts. They are even there for you during emergencies, with 24-hour emergency repairs and a guaranteed rapid response. Done Rite Roofing is constantly updating promotions and specials on their website, Facebook page (facebook.com/DoneRiteInsulation and facebook.com/DoneRiteRoofing) and twitter account. Make sure you check them out! Done Rite Roofing is open Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Log on to www.DoneRiteRoofinginc.com or doneriteinsulation.com for more information about roofing and insulation services. Or, call Done Rite Roofing at 813-9268747.
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“Dr. Albert” Continued from page 1 their families with a wonderful experience every visit. The offices are friendly and inviting with a caring staff that gives personalized attention to patients, focusing on putting them at ease and making sure the environment is positive and happy. Both locations of Albert Family Orthodontics provide a snack bar, coffee, games and iPads for patients and their families to enjoy. But what patients love most about going to Albert Family Orthodontics is Dr. Albert himself. He is sincerely nice, with an upbeat personality, and he provides exceptional care to patients of all ages. While it’s never too late to get the smile you want, it’s best to start early with children. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of orthodontic problems or by age 7. At this early age, Dr. Albert may not recommend orthodontic treatment, but he can inform parents of the most advantageous time to begin treatment if necessary.
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Trays With No Impressions, YES! Remember those uncomfortable impression trays with the yucky goo? In most cases, they are no longer necessary. One of the most recent advancements in orthodontic treatments is the use of the iTero intraoral scanner. Dr. Albert uses the iTero wand to scan a patient’s mouth instead of using trays to create impressions, which makes for a far more comfortable experience. “It is possible to go through the whole treatment without needing impressions,” says Dr. Albert. “We can digitally send the scans to the to lab instead of sending impressions through the mail, which makes the process quicker. The scans can also be used to create 3D printed Guardian retainers, which provides four total retainers for the patients.” Patients love the option to save money by buying extra retainers retainers up front, since most pre-teens and teens end up needing extra retainers due to losing them. Dr. Albert says it ends up costing less to purchase the 4 digital retainers than purchasing one regulat replacement retainer later– and you don’t have to come back to the office for extra appointments to get them made!
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Getting to Know Dr. Albert A lifelong local, Dr. Albert graduated from East Lake High School and earned his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from The University of Florida. He’s been honored with numerous awards and is a member of several dental associations, and not only does he strive to be a positive force within the dental community, he sets a great example for his young patients by volunteering his dental services through mission trips with his church, Cypress Meadows Community Church (CMCC) of Safety Harbor under the direction of Pastor Douglas Poole. The children and adults that he is able to help on dental mission trips live in remote areas that would not have dental services provided without the help of dentists volunteering their time. Dr. Albert served on mission trips with CMCC to Haiti in 2014 and 2015, taking a break in 2016, and this year, just returned from a mission trip to Nakuru, Kenya where he and others provided dental and humanitarian services to the children at Springs of Hope Orphanage. Along with a pediatric dentist and another orthodontist, the team set out to treat as many den-
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Dr. Albert took his family to visit American Orthodontics, where his patients' braces are manufactured tal issues as possible during their trip in June. Hearing of his upcoming trip, many of Dr. Albert’s patients
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wanted to help and donated children’s clothing, while many dentists in the area donated toothbrushes and toothpaste. It was truly a community effort that made a difference in another continent. While it’s important to Dr. Albert to make a difference globally through dental mission trips when he’s able, his patients take priority and he finds ways to make orthodontics fun for them. When you visit Albert Family Orthodontics’ Facebook page, you’ll find “Braces Off” celebration photos with patients and you’ll find that he holds fun contests for patients. Since orthodontic treatment is a long-term commitment for preteens and teenagers, the contests keep patients engaged during the process. Each year, Albert Family Orthodontics’ patients get excited about the Summer of Music and Smiles Summer Concert Series. This year, patients can enter to win tickets to some awesome concerts including Shawn Mendes’ Illuminate World Tour, as well as oldschool favorites Paula Abdul, Boys II Men, and New Kids on the Block – one patient will win four tickets for each concert. Concert tickets aren’t the only things featured in contests.
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Multiple winners receive iTunes gift cards every month. There are movie gift card contests, and every year Albert Family Orthodontics invites all patients to their yearly AstroSkate party. Dr. Albert is dedicated to the community where serves and lives, and provides opportunities for his patient base to improve the lives of others through charities such as Toys for Tots. He also provides an annual babysitting certification program through Red Cross free of charge for patients. Completion of the program includes certification in CPR and first aide, and this knowledge can help patients create their own positive impact in the community. Dr. Albert gets his young patients to think communally as well and offers them a chance to help their schools earn money by encouraging friends and family to vote for their school in his yearly “Making a Change & Helping Local Schools” campaign. The top three voted schools are put in a drawing for a first place $1,000 donation, and a second and third place donation of $250. New Patients: What to Expect New patient evaluations are al-
ways FREE of charge. The free 45minute new patient evaluation visit is important and includes a thorough examination (including complimentary panoramic x-rays) and a discussion of potential treatment options. Treatment Dr. Albert recently led a dental team to Kenya to time depends on provide treatment at the Springs of Hope orphanage each patient’s specific orthodontic contact one of Albert Family Orthoproblem, but in general, lasts from 6 dontics’ offices for a free orthodontic to 30 months. The average timeframe consultation. a person is in braces or Invisalign is approximately 18-24 months. Albert Family Orthodontics’ Albert Family Orthodontics does Trinity office is at Trinity Profesaccept insurance plans that cover orsional Place, 1806 Short Branch thodontics and there are several finanDr, Suite #102, (at the corner of cial options available. Along with a Duck Slough Blvd. and Trinity low initial down payment, Albert Blvd.). The Palm Harbor office is Family Orthodontics offers no-interat 2445 Tampa Road, Suite A. est, in-house financing. For more information, please call Personalized care in a friendly (727) 376-2770 (Trinity) and environment, advanced technology, (727) 781-7475 (Palm Harbor). and Dr. Albert’s stellar credentials Office hours: Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – allow patients to feel secure in choos5 p.m. ing Albert Family Orthodontics for For more information, log on themselves or for their children. If to albertfamilyortho.com . you’d like to improve your smile,
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Grout Tech - Your Tile and Grout Specialist! By Katie Thomas Grout Tech is a family owned business serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Grout Tech specializes in cleaning and sealing tile and grout, re-coloring grout, re-caulking showers and tubs, and repairing grout and broken tiles. Throughout the years, Grout Tech has grown through its many referrals from happy customers. People really appreciate that Grout Tech saves them time and money, but it is the excellent service provided that has really helped this business grow. You may think you need an entire new floor due to broken tiles or just overall dinginess, but Grout Tech asks you to consider saving money and time by using their cleaning and repair services. Grout Tech can renew existing grout and tile to its original beauty by cleaning and maintaining the tile and grout lines. John Cole and his wife were ready to re-tile their entire bathroom before calling BJ at Grout Tech. John shared, “Our bathroom tile was over 40 years old it was looking grungy and very dull. We called
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With the help of Grout Tech, even the dirtiest and oldest of floors can be restored and renewed to their original beauty and splendor. Grout Tech and we are extremely pleased with our results! We saved so much money by having the grout in our shower resurfaced and the tile cleaned and it looks brand new.” Before you spend thousands of dollars remodeling and re-tiling your bathroom or kitchen be sure to call Grout Tech for a FREE estimate on cleaning or repairing old dingy tile and grout. Grout Tech can breathe new life into your existing tile work, making everything shine like new at a
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fraction of the cost. The floors in our homes, especially in heavy foot traffic areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms, take a daily beating. After a few years, they just aren’t as beautiful as they once were. To renew the dull back to beautiful, Grout Tech works with you to find out what fits your budget and which services will get you the most bang for your buck. Because grout is a porous material, trying to remove stains is
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seemingly impossible. Grout Tech owner BJ explains, “Color sealing grout lines is one of the many services we offer and it is definitely the most effective way to create a perfect, new look.” Using a step-by-step process, Grout Tech begins by using a cleansing product to remove all bacteria and surface dirt with special machinery. They will then apply a color seal (of your choice). Once the sealer is applied the grout lines will be permanently
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
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Before protected from any stains. The color seal also guarantees against cracking, chipping and peeling. Additionally, they will also cosmetically fix or replace chipped or cracked tiles, making your bathroom or kitchen tile like new again. BJ from Grout Tech is happy to set your appointment, come out and give you a free estimate. She stresses, “It is important for me to be respectful of our customers’ time so I will always arrive at the time we set.” In addition to always arriving in a timely manner, BJ says that they can keep their prices low because they are a family owned business and not a franchise. She explains, “What many
people don’t understand is that franchises are often forced to charge more for their services because they have to maintain their franchise fees, but not with Grout Tech.” Not only does Grout Tech keep its rates competitive, but the company will also honor any other quote as long as it is in writing. Carla Bartow, a satisfied customer, shares her experience, “When BJ came out to give us a quote, she looked at the job and I could tell immediately that she knew what she was talking about. We had our family room, kitchen and dining room re-grouted. They also regrouted the tub, shower and base of
our toilet in our bathroom. They were fantastic! Not only were they professional and reliable but they also completed the job much faster than we had anticipated.” Repeat customer John C. says, “I had Grout Tech come out to my place three years ago. The service was excellent and the price was great too. I recently rehired Grout Tech to come out to complete my other two bathrooms, which they’ll begin working on in June. I chose Grout Tech once again because their professionalism and skill is unbeatable.” Another satisfied client, John F. says, “My wife and I had a bad experience with a grout service
company we hired off Craigslist. The work was terrible and they lacked professionalism. My wife found Grout Tech and we were so happy the connection was made. Grout Tech worked miracles on our floors and solved all our grout and tile problems. They performed work for us back in 2014. We loved that they were great with our pets and felt really comfortable having them in our home working. We hired them again in 2016 due to their excellent service and we were again completely satisfied with the service they provided. I wouldn’t consider using any company other than Grout Tech.” If you need assistance in cleaning and sealing tile and grout, re-coloring grout, re-caulking showers and tubs, and repairing grout and broken tiles Grout Tech is at your service! If you are tired of scrubbing until your hands are sore trying to clean stained, old grout, call Grout Tech today! It is amazing just how much better your bathroom and kitchen areas look with crisp, clean grout lines! To find out more about Grout Tech’s services or for a free estimate call BJ at 727-768-6828.
TRINITY DENTAL CARE (727) 372-2001 ING EPT
ACC IENTS NOW W PAT NE
Toll Free: 1-888-tooth AK www.trinitydentalcare.com
We perform the following procedures: - Preventive Dentistry Dr. S. Shayes - Dr. A. Eskandari - Crowns, Bridges - Dentures, Partials, Repairs - Tooth Colored Fillings - Gum Treatment #DN15492 #DN15013 - Nitrous Gas (Happy Gas)
- Root Canals - Teeth Whitening - Dentistry for Children and Adolescence - etc.
Saturday Appointments Available TWO Locations! • 1843 Health Care Drive, Building #1 Trinity, FL 34655 (at the corner of Mitchell Blv & Little Rd, behind Walgreens)
• 20729 Center Oak Drive, Tampa,FL 33647
HEALTHY GUM CLEANING
$69.99
(D1110)
EXP. 8/30/2017. Monday-Friday. New patients only. Cannot be used with insurance or any other offer. Present coupon at time of service.
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL Exam (D0140) and X-Ray (D0272 or D0220)
$39.99 EXP. 8/30/2017. WEEKDAYS ONLY. New patients only. Cannot be used with insurance. Coupon needs to be presented at time of service.
The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment for another service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee, service, examination or treatment.
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Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles