Vol. 14, Issue 2, February 2021
Your community. Your magazine.™
®
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 18,000 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
Rizzotto Wealth Management
Nic Ranocchia, Managing Partner and Ed Rizzotto, Founder and Managing Partner
As the 2020 tax return deadline approaches, it is a perfect time for those ages 60 or older to take advantage of a $99 fee to have their income taxes prepared with a company that is trusted for going the extra mile for its clients. Rizzotto Wealth Management extends their $99 flat-rate fee for federal returns (state returns are included if applicable) to Active & Retired Military, First Responders, Government
Experimax Offers Apple, Dell, and Mobile Device Repair and Certified-Preowned Sales
Employees and Educators of any age. All tax returns are prepared by one of the firm’s Senior Tax Preparers or IRS Enrolled Agents. If you don’t fit into one of the mentioned categories, give them a call to inquire about their special pricing. Through changing tax environments, it is crucial to work with a firm that is up to See “Rizzotto Tax” on page 20
INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor.............................5
By Deborah Bostock-Kelley Though Experimax has been a global franchise since 2012, owner Richard Kemball is proud to own the first franchise location opened in Palm Harbor in November 2018. “I wanted to work where I live. I felt the clientele attracted to my business would be the same clientele that lives in the area. It’s a very nice location, and,” he quipped. “It was right next store to a Starbucks.” After decades in the healthcare administration
See “Experimax” on page 8
2021 East Lake Woodlands Drive for a Cure............................12
Your CBD Store–Oldsmar........16-17
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February is Full of History! I want to start by saying Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their incredible and historic 2021 NFC Championship win. Since Tom Brady signed with the Bucs this offseason, not one but three professional Tampa Bay teams have made it to their respective championship matchups. My beloved Tampa Bay bolts ended the 2020 season as the Stanley Cup champions after beating the Dallas Stars. The Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series in October but fell to the L. A Dodgers, and now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a chance to win the Super Bowl this February. Go Bucs! Besides football, February is full of romance and food. Many of the days celebrated in national monthly events during February are food-oriented; I see you “Valentine’s Day” and “Chocolate Lover’s Month.” If you’ve read any of my previous articles and editorials, you know how big of a foodie I am, but this is not my focus. February also happens to host “American Heart Month” and “Black history month,” a couple of important causes that I wanted to bring awareness into. Focusing on your heart health has never been more important. Heart disease is the No.1 killer of Americans. People with poor cardiovascular health are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The good news is that heart disease is preventable in most cases with healthy choices, which include: • Not smoking. • Maintaining a healthy weight. • Controlling blood sugar and cholesterol. • Treating high blood pressure. • Getting at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity physical activity a week. • Getting regular checkups. Research shows that we’re more successful at meeting personal health goals when we make them “public,” which gives us a sense of accountability. So if you’re
on social media, that means sharing your personal goals on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social platforms. Share your health goals with your relatives, friends, and acquaintances using hashtag #AmericanHeartMonth and #OurHearts, and see what others all over the country are doing to reach their goals. Bring awareness to the importance of having a self-care routine and inspire yourself and others to have a healthy heart! Since 1976, every American President has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2021 theme, “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” explores the dispersion and diversity of Black families across the United States. February is an opportunity to honor Black Americans’ too-often neglected accomplishments in every area of endeavor throughout history. Some ways to celebrate Black History Month include but are not limited to; Supporting an African American business. Visiting a Black History or Civil Rights Museum in your local area. Donating to a Black charity or non-profit organization. Signing up to mentor an African American child in your community. Calling out racism and prejudice in your community. Reading books and articles on Black leaders, authors, and other historical figures, amongst others. I hope you’re all still finding ways to stay positive, strong, and healthy throughout these unprecedented pandemic times. I know we were all hoping and expecting COVID19 to stay in 2020 and be over by now, but it’s still in full force. Please continue to do your part, and continue to make smart and healthy choices for yourself and your loved ones. Until next time,
Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi
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“Experimax”-
continued from page 1
business, when Richard had the opportunity to become an entrepreneur, he came across Experimax. This company focuses on fixing and selling certified-preowned Apple products and accessories and Dell computer products. “I was intrigued about an Apple-centric business. I’ve always respected visionariesleaders. Apple changed how people behave. Clearly, they were successful. Apple set the bar for innovation, starting with Steve Jobs with personal computers, smartphones, and tablets. He basically changed the world. It was the forwardthinking of the franchise that I was attracted to,” he explained. “The business model
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is really interesting as it provides a model that there is no other competition. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I’ve always had that dream, so I grabbed it when I had the opportunity. The ability to grow, to have created something, were my main internal drivers – fulfillment part, if you will.” While new technology product businesses have saturated the market, not many options for pre-owned products exist. In addition to offering quality pre-owned computer and cell phones and accessories, Experimax also offers trade-ins and upgrades, buy used devices, and provides software and system updates. “We can save our customers on average 40% to 50% off a computer. They are buying
essentially the same thing as new because it is only a year or two old. A lightly used device offers huge savings. To give our customers peace of mind, we offer a one year warranty with the option of a two-year extended warranty. It’s like buying a preowned car with a great warranty, saving
40-50%, why wouldn’t you?” Richard said that when his customers discover his business, they are so happy not to have to deal directly with Apple. He emphasized, “We are known for being Apple experts. We offer convenience, reduction of the hassle, and
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saving money. When people realize that Apple devices don’t change all that much, that they change gradually, that they can save money with a preowned device that is just as good, if not better, than some of the new devices on the market, they feel relieved. Apple holds its value longer and has slower depreciation rates than Windows devices. I think the type of person who will be attracted to our business likes innovation and likes to think about the future, so it’s not a matter of affluence.” Experimax offers its own internal and external independent Apple certification program, and both techs at the location are also A+ certified in Windows. They have
the ability to deal with the software side of Windows and install, repair, upgrade computers, tablets, laptops, and cell phones of all types. A certified technician is onsite at all times. Richard believes that his best customers like to be on the leading edge that enjoys value. Customers enjoy the benefit of trading in a device and upgrading with a fair trade-in value. “It depends on the quality of the device and the type of the device, but each one has a secondary market. Accepting trade-ins is something people who know us value because they don’t have to just throw it in a drawer or throw it away.”
While customers get can an idea of the products available by browsing online, Richard encourages people to visit the store’s experts. “We like to get to know our customers, find out what their needs are, and right-side their need to the device. We try to do the right thing for each customer, as opposed to trying to make the most profit.” During the pandemic, to ensure customer and staff safety, Experimax follows rigid CDC guidelines, including mandatory face coverings, social distancing, and sanitizing after every customer. “With my healthcare background, my staff and I are 100% proactive. I’m not flexible about that. We wipe down the credit card machine
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and the door. We want to ensure we aren’t the source of anyone’s concerns. We keep sanitizing wipes and spray in the store at all times.” Since opening a little over two years ago, the company is thriving, receiving positive 5-star ratings across Google for its integrity and value. Most of Experimax’s customers come from repeat and referral business. “I believe about half of our business is repeat business,” Richard said. “We continue to grow as people discover us and realize just how much they can save.” To learn more, visit www. experimax.com/locations/ east-lake-fl/. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm, 12 pm to 6 pm Saturday. Walkins welcome.
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2021 East Lake Woodlands Drive for a Cure The need is greater than ever for breast cancer patients as golfers, sponsors and donors gear up for the 2021 Drive for a Cure. We will be ready, and we hope you are ready too! The Four Person Team Scramble will take place on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club. Arrival, checkin and pre-round snacks begin at 10:00 AM with an 11:30 AM shotgun start. There will be flights for women, men and mixed foursomes. You may form your own foursome, or be paired by the Pro Shop and Tournament Committee. The cost is $100.00 (if paid before February 19, 2021; or $115.00 if paid after February 19, 2021) and it covers golf, cart, range, a variety of snacks and food available during the day. All costs include a contribution to our charities. Different times dictate different precautions. In an effort to make this an enjoyable experience as well as a safe one for you, we have different guidelines for this event. All registration will be completed online at www. elwdriveforacure.com. We will practice social distancing including a divider in the carts. For your own safety as well as for 12 FEBRUARY 2021
others, please wear a mask when in the clubhouse. And, finally, this year’s auctions will be accessible online. Last year, in the U.S., there were an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 48,530 new cases of in situ breast cancer among women resulting in 42,170 breast cancer deaths (1:8). Although breast cancer in men is rare, it does happen. In 2020, there were an estimated 2620 new cases among men in the U.S. resulting in 500 deaths (1:883). East Lake Woodlands Drive for a Cure supports local efforts to spread awareness about breast health, assist with breast cancer screening,
provide diagnostic services and treatment, and provide short-term financial assistance to patients undergoing cancer treatment. The event supports Love Thy Neighbor (L.Y.N.) Fund, which provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients in active treatment and recovery in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Our event supports the Morton Plant Mease Mammography Voucher Program (MVP) which provides screening, diagnostic and treatment for uninsured or underinsured patients in Pinellas County. Since 2007 the Drive has raised over $380,000. This year we have set our sights on the $450,000 mark for the organizations we
support. Participation and sponsorship is very important to this effort, and there are many opportunities available to help us meet our goals. Come play with us on our beautiful, top-quality golf courses; you’ll have a wonderful time and you will be instrumental in supporting this very worthwhile cause. For more complete information about the event, registration, sponsorship and donations, please visit our web site at: www. elwdriveforacure. comwww.facebook.com/ elwdriveforacure.com We’ll see you on February 26th!
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Always There For You - Your CBD Store–Oldsmar, Florida By Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi By now, you’ve probably heard about products containing cannabidiol, also known as CBD. It’s in everything from drinks, ointments, tinctures, and gummies to pet treats and more! There’s no doubt that CBD is the buzzy wellness product of the moment. Although it may seem like a wellness “fad,” the benefits of CBD are vast. But many still don’t really know what CBD is. Is it marijuana? Is it legal? Does it actually work? Is it safe? The answers to those questions aren’t necessarily straightforward. There’s definitely a lot of misinformation out there, and it can all become very overwhelming without proper education on the matter. Luckily for us, local store owner Dori Daniel, who will be celebrating her 2nd anniversary in business in March 2021, is happy to answer any of your concerns regarding her wide selection of high-quality and affordable SunMed CBD products available at her own Your CBD Store Oldsmar. They recently had a price drop to stay competitive in the market. I encourage everyone in the Tampa Bay area to stop by Your CBD Store Oldsmar on Sunday, March 21st, 2021, for
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their 2nd Year “Where Good Health Hits Home” Anniversary Brunch from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. What better way to learn about CBD than with refreshments, door prizes, vendors, storewide discounts, and a Mimosa CBD Bar!!! Much like you can walk the streets of New York and get a knockoff watch from a peddler, you can also fall prey to fake or low-quality CBD products. The ramifications of buying this sort of knockoff far exceed those of a “Rolex” watch. That is why education is essential in the CBD movement. Recent 5-star google reviewer Sam McKeown says, “Dori is a true educator in all things CBD and Essential Oils. Very relaxing atmosphere, no pressure sales and very friendly! Find the truth about CBD from Dori!” At Your CBD Store Oldsmar, Dori’s priority is to provide a safe and high-quality CBD product that uses natural plant synergies, all while creating an informed consumer who will demand transparency and the highest quality hempderived CBD products. “We’re here to educate the consumer, to answer any questions, and to provide samples of our products,” says Dori. “Since the industry wasn’t regulated, I wanted to
make sure to use high-quality products from approved growers only,” she added. Her store only carries SunMed branded products. Using approved growers in Colorado and Oregon, with the products processed locally in St. Petersburg, Florida, she has found the perfect, proven CBD source for her customers. Stressing the industry’s lack of regulations when it comes to CBD, Dori warned,” it was important for me to find a quality product to provide all my customers, new and repeat. There are now 600+ Your CBD Stores worldwide,” she said, confirming she made the right choice for her many satisfied customers. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant, which has many
medical benefits. It’s a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, which can cause harmful side effects. Unlike its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s not psychoactive, so it will not make you “high,” as many people mistakenly assume. In 2018, the Farm Bill made it legal to sell hemp and hemp products in the United States if they contain only 0.3% THC or less. THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid in cannabis responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. Dori points to her Hemp Food license obtained from the State of FLORIDA Department of Agriculture. This provides more transparency and clearer labeling for the consumer. She is also especially proud to announce they are
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one of the nation’s first brands to obtain a USDA Certified Organic certification. Providing safe products from soil to oil. Dori also mentioned the incredible awards that her company obtained from the USA CBD Expo 2019, including Best Topical Cream, Best Tincture Flavor (orange), Best Cosmetic Skincare, and Best Pet Products, a litany of pure excellence. Every individual has different needs, and this determines which type of CBD is bestsuited for them. What works for one person may not work as well for you, so it is important to consider your health conditions, environmental factors, the preferred method of consumption, and desired outcomes.
As someone who suffers from several autoimmune conditions, including chronic Lyme disease, Graves disease, and Fibromyalgia, I can personally attest to the wonders and efficacy of CBD. I have to admit I was one of those “skeptics” who didn’t want to try CBD initially, maybe out of fear or, frankly, pure ignorance. But I couldn’t be happier I met Dori Daniel and tried some of her products. The SunMed Topical Cream is the only thing that helped me with some of my physical symptoms. I look forward to revisiting Dori and trying other products to better deal with my conditions. And with the vast selection and array of products Dori offers, there’s definitely something for everyone! Dori carries various CBD, including their newest addition, the whole plant, and a Full Spectrum and a Broad Spectrum, which has 0% THC. Oils, water solubles, edibles, kosher, vegan, and organic gummies, as well as their newest Full Spectrum 2500 mg gummies, flavored powders (to put in your drinks), Collagen
Cream, Hand Sanitizer, and honey sticks, are all part of her Your CBD Store Oldsmar selections. “We recently started offering CBG products, which provide a good morning energizing effect. So you’d take them when you need a pick-me-up,” says Dori. Dori is excited to announce their CBN gummies for the night time, which provide relaxation and calmness. “We pair these with valerian and lavender essential oils to give you better effects,” she added. Your CBD Store Oldsmar also just started offering organic and all-natural peanut butter dog biscuits and other treats for pets! In recent years, CBD oil has become the keystone therapy for dogs. CBD lends a plethora of benefits for your furry friend and greatly improves holistic wellness and overall quality of life. So come in with your pup at your earliest convenience and try some samples; the store is dog friendly! Of course, the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic impacted Dori’s business like many of her competitors. Still, thanks to her certifications and licenses, Dori was able to stay open as an “essential business,” which we’re all thankful for! Your CBD Store Oldsmar is currently offering Contactless Curbside Pickup, Free Delivery
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in their local markets, and Free Shipping to accommodate out-of-area customer needs. Dori stresses that there are always discounts available for all customers, and of course, many free samples when you stop by or they can mail you a sample pack. Just give them a call at 813-818-8138, and they will be happy to send you one if you cannot make it into the shop. A pillar of the Oldsmar community, Dori Daniel took an active part with her neighbors. Happily, she received the 2020’s “Entrepreneur of The Year Award” from the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce to recognize her efforts. As a willing ambassador for them, she chairs two separate meetings and serves as the Vice President on the Bay Area Young Professionals board. Your CBD Store Oldsmar is conveniently located in Oldsmar at 4022 Tampa Road #8. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are even Sunday hours, noon to 5 pm. Call 813-818-8138 or visit Facebook or Instagram for more information. *Mention this ad for 20% off your first order of $100 or more. It cannot be combined with other offers. This location only.
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“Rizzotto Tax”-
continued from page 1
date on policy and can help you navigate through the stressful tax season ahead. At Rizzotto Wealth Management you will find a team of Investment, Insurance, Tax & Legal Experts. They have recently opened their doors in a more spacious and upgraded office and are ready to serve all of your financial needs at their new location. They specialize in educating their clients on subjects such as: how to preserve your assets, how to diversify your portfolio for growth and safety, and how to create more income for retirement while reducing your taxes. Rizzotto Wealth Management is committed
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to assisting their clients every step of the way when it comes to Investing, Retirement, Income Planning, and Taxes. The firm is dedicated to providing exemplary service while displaying the highest standards of ethics and professional knowledge. They are approved members of the National Ethics Association and the National Association of Tax Professionals. Rizzotto Wealth Management’s main objectives are to help you Plan, Invest, and Protect. They work with clients to develop an overall plan that encompasses your entire financial picture, taking the time to establish a deep understanding of your financial needs in order to find the best investment
strategy for you. Amidst the vast sea of negatives, they want to make sure you are properly positioned for the significant opportunities ahead. Meet the Rizzotto Team Ed Rizzotto, Founder and Managing Partner, moved to Florida 48 years ago from New York and has been a Trinity resident since 2000. A graduate of Clearwater Central Catholic High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from National-Louis University in Evanston, IL. Ed also served both active and reserve duty for 13 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. He started his Insurance and Financial career over 20 years ago. In 1999, he joined a local retirement planning firm,
where he helped hundreds of people with tax and retirement planning for over six years. Ed Rizzotto enjoyed the opportunity to benefit the community, and was determined to create a complete local business where he could help clients (both pre-retirees and current retirees) save money on their taxes, better manage their portfolios, plan for the future and focus more on enjoying their retirement years – and The Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group was established in 2006. In 2019 Rizzotto Tax Advisory Group officially rebranded as Rizzotto Wealth Management to reflect the services they’ve always been passionate about, investments and retirement planning. Ed holds a state-regulated
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Life & Health license and specializes in finding the appropriate insurance vehicles for clients as well as retirement planning and tax reduction strategies. Nic Ranocchia, Managing Partner, is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Nic is a financial advisor who takes pride in digging into clients’ portfolios and making suggestions that make sense based on data and trends. He also brings a modern approach to the table using the latest technologies available to ensure all information is considered before a decision is made. With these techniques, Nic has been able to help many clients reach their financial goals. Together, Ed and Nic work efficiently as a team to serve their client’s financial needs as a whole. He is securities licensed and registered with FINRA as an Investment Advisory Representative and specializes in managed brokerage accounts. Lorrie Rizzotto, Director of Operations, joined the firm in 2009. Before joining Ed in running their family business, Lorrie specialized in corporate incentive and meeting planning. Married for 30 years, Lorrie and Ed have two children. Jennifer Alt, Administrative Assistant, gives everyone a warm reception and oversees the day to day
office operations. Jennifer brings over 20 years of human resources and customer service experience to her role as Administrative Assistant and is a graduate of Florida State University. Lauren Schafer, Marketing Coordinator, oversees their marketing functions. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship and has been with the team for over 2 years. Their team of IRS enrolled agents and senior tax preparers have an average of over 20 years of experience in tax preparation and tax law and are ready to assist you with all of your tax preparation needs. They also have a long-standing relationship with a trusted elder law attorney who specializes in wills, trusts and estate planning.
phases of life, the Rizzotto Wealth Management team can help you establish the appropriate portfolio to help you pursue your financial goals. Rizzotto Wealth Management is committed to assisting their clients every step of the way, whether you’re looking for something with higher growth potential or safety they’ve got you
covered! To schedule a tax consult or complimentary financial review, please call 727.683.9119. Fee-based financial planning and investment advisory services are offered through Truvestments Capital, LLC an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
They go beyond just taxes Many members of the community have grown to know and trust the firm as a tax service, but their services stretch far beyond just taxes. They handle investments, insurance, brokerage accounts, portfolio management, retirement income planning and more. Rizzotto Wealth Management is guided by your goals and objectives and is not obligated to any single product or company. They look at your complete financial picture to serve as the single source for all of your financial needs. Through all
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