4 MARCH 2018
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NEW TAMPA TAMPA BAY NEWS & LIFESTYLES Publisher / Assistant Editor Matt Selby Email: matt@nnlflorida.com
Creative Director Carla Dubis Email: carla@nnlflorida.com
Editor Carla Dubis
General Manager Jim O'Reilly
Graphic Design Tony Sica
Advertising Sales Matt Selby Jim O'Reilly Julie Rinaldi Mike Bird
Billing Managers Doreen Selby Tina O'Reilly
Photography by Eric Bunch - NTP2 Photography Mike Bird
Office Mascots Marley, Ziggy, Zeus, Mr.Penelope (c) 2017 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles. All Rights Reserved. New Tampa Lifestyles is published monthly and distributed by the U.S. Postal Service to over 22,000 Homes in New Tampa. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Nothing that appears in this publication may be reproduced in any way without consent of the publisher.
March is one of my favorite Months of the year for many reasons! One being that we get to celebrate St. Patrick’s day on March 17, and immediately after, us Christians / Catholics, get to observe Easter. While the dates for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween are fixed, Easter can fall any time between March 22 and April 25. When is Easter 2018 and how is the date decided? This year’s Easter takes place from Good Friday on March 30 until Easter Monday on April 2 - making Easter Sunday on April 1, which is also… April Fool’s Day! Funny coincidence isn’t it? I can just imagine the jokes and pranks this year. So how is the Easter date decided? The death of Jesus occurred around the Jewish Passover, which is traditionally held on first full moon following the vernal equinox. As the full moon varies in each time zone, the Church said that they would use the 14th day of the lunar month instead - The Paschal Full Moon - and decided to host Easter Day on the following Sunday. So once that date is fully determined, then Easter Day and the Easter Holidays can be determined. Us Christians celebrate Easter on a Sunday as it was the day Jesus Christ, our savior, rose from the dead, following his crucifixion on a Friday two days before. Many, many centuries ago in 325, it was determined by a council of Christian Bishops that Easter Day should always be on a Sunday to commemorate the happy occasion. So what is the meaning behind it and why do we celebrate with chocolate easter eggs and bunnies? Seems a little odd doesn’t it? Let me elaborate a little… During this time of the year we see many stores being decorated with Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and baby chicks. But Why? While many will be at least vaguely familiar with the story of Easter, its relation to eating mountains of chocolate eggs is less clear. Like I mentioned earlier, Easter celebrates the resurrection of our Lord. Even before the birth of Christianity, the egg was seen as a symbol of Spring, a celebration of rebirth and reinvigoration after the harshness of winter. That’s why the Mesopotamians - an ancient Christian community living in an area roughly covered today by Iraq, Syria and Kuwait - used to stain eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ. Eggs would then be cracked against one another, leaving just the empty shells - a symbol of the empty tomb Jesus left behind. Interesting huh? The tradition survives today in the
shape of egg rolling, representing the rolling away of the rock from Jesus’ tomb. Over time, Easter eggs became more and more elaborately decorated, perhaps most famously by Russian jeweler Peter Carl Faberge, creator of the priceless Faberge eggs as Easter gifts for Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. The introduction of chocolate eggs is a relatively new phenomenon, which originated in France and Germany in the 19th century. And as everyone loves chocolate, the chocolate production of Easter eggs exploded and became more popular all over the world, making Easter another “marketable” Holiday. Nowadays Easter is a big deal commercially - retailers and manufacturers love to get in on the Holiday and persuade us to buy easter baskets, easter eggs, cards, and anything depicting bunnies. So we now understand the eggs, but why Bunnies? We can thank the Germans for the Easter Bunny! Originally an ‘Easter hare,’ a buck-toothed bringer of chocolate to the kids that behaved well was first mentioned in German literature in 1682. The tradition stuck, and left to the Easter bunnies you see on the shelves today as well as the exception for a delivery of Easter eggs on the day. I hope this little Easter editorial helped shed some light on the chocolate eggs and Easter Bunny mystery. I personally love creating easter baskets with all kinds of goodies and giving them away to my little nephews, nieces and cousins. I also enjoy painting and decorating Easter eggs. This is an awesome activity to do with the little ones and something adults can also have fun doing. By the way, painting eggs with food coloring can be fun, but this year, you may want to try something new. I suggest using watercolors, as your little Easter eggs will definitely look like true works of art. (Some watercolors and dyes may contain lead, so please do not eat them, just enjoy their beauty and then discard them.) Whether you are Christian or not, celebrating Easter is a wonderful family tradition. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful one! As always, thank you for your support and readership.
Carla
Join the Festivities at Epperson’s Lagoon Grand Opening Event Saturday, April 28 By: Marcy Sanford In January on one of the coldest days of the year, Metro Development Group celebrated the completion of their 7-acre Crystal Lagoon in Wesley Chapel’s Epperson neighborhood and people have been stopping to admire it every since. “In most communities you can not see
6 MARCH 2018
the amenities residents have,” said Greg Singleton, President of Metro Development Group. “But in Epperson the east – west connector road, Overpass Road, is open to the public. You can see the lagoon from the road. We have a scenic overlook there and people will park and admire the lagoon and take pictures of it.” If you’ve been admiring
the Crystal Lagoon from afar, you’ll have your chance to see it up-close at a Grand Opening event Saturday, April 28, featuring Olympic Champion swimmer Michael Phelps. The all day event will be open to the public and feature plenty of fun family activities. While there are numerous Crystal Lagoons around the world in places like Chile,
Panama, Paraguay, Mexico Saudi Arabia, and other countries, this is the first Crystal Lagoon to be built in the U.S. Metro Places has plans to build 5 lagoons in West Central Florida – another in Pasco County, one in Southern Hillsborough County, one in Lee County (North Ft. Myers) and another in Polk County. The massive lagoon is the
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same size as 6 football fields connected to each other and it is a ¾ of a mile walk around its perimeter. Sandy white beaches surround the lagoon and there are different areas for families and friends of all ages to hang out and play. Residents will be able to enjoy a variety of aquatic recreational activities, such as swimming, kayaking, standup paddle boarding and even using small (non-motorized) sailboats. The lagoon at Epperson will also have exciting features, including a waterslide, private cabanas, in-water obstacle platform, swim-up bar, tidal pool, restaurant, family beach, yoga lawn, an entertainment plaza, an area for special events and much more. “We have something fro everyone,” said Greg. “This amenity touches every generation. Kids see fun, teenagers see a great hangout place, parents and grandparents see a place to exercise and spend time with kids and grandkids.” According to Metro Places, the developer of Epperson, Crystal Lagoons are eco-friendly once filled. They use sustainable technology that helps limit water and chemical usage. Upon completion, each lagoon uses 50 times less water compared to a park of the same size and 30 times less water than an 18hole golf course. The lagoon is maintained by Crystal Lagoons’ ultra-sonic technology that uses sensors to monitor the quality of the crystal-clear water. This sustainable technology also uses 100 times less chemicals than a traditional swimming pool and uses up to 50 times less energy than conventional pool filtration systems. The Crystal Lagoon isn’t the only amenity you’ll find at Epperson. The neighborhood is also part of the first ever Connected City, which has been designated the first “Smart Gigabit Community” in the country to be built from the ground
up. Metro Places exclusive technology, ULTRAFi, provides the fastest internet and WiFi speeds in the nation throughout the homes, the community and the lagoon. Greg says that when they planned the community, they tried to consider future needs of residents. “We wanted to create a connected city, an autonomous city. When we planned this community, we thought about self-driving vehicles. We envision a day when you could order a driverless, electric car to come to your house to take you to the lagoon or parks in the neighborhood.” A Tampa-based company founded in 2003, Metro Development Group is committed to brining some of the most innovative technologies and amenities to homebuilders and homebuyers. With the introduction of Metro Places, Connected City, ULTRAFI and Metro Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons, Metro Development Group continues to be the gold standard in the development of master planned communities. For more information visit MetroDevelopmentGroup.com. Epperson is located at 7851 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit epperson.metroplaces.com or come to the Crystal Lagoon Grand Opening Saturday, April 28.
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MARCH 2018 7
8 MARCH 2018
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MARCH 2018 9
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
NEW TAMPA All concerts are included with any
Hours: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Annual Pass, Fun Card or daily
Location: USF Marshall Student Center
admission to the park. Food and
4202 E Fowler Ave. MSC 4100
beverage is not included with park
Tampa, FL 33620
admission and is available for an extra
http://www.mhftampa.com
fee. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Check back as we announce headlining artists along with our newest cuisine! More Information Date(s): March 3, 2018 - April 29, 2018 Hours: 10:00 AM Tampa, FL 33612
St.Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt (Adult & Kids Edition)
https://buschgardens.com/tampa/
Join our 2nd annual St.Patrick’s Day
events/food-and-wine-festival/
Scavenger Hunt, part of the 2018
Events
Mayor’s River O’Green Fest in Tampa’s
Location: 10165 N McKinley Dr
Downtown at Curtis Hixon Waterfront
18th Annual Men’s Health Forum
Park. This year, the Scavenger Hunt
Each year, Moffitt Cancer Center and
friendly Kids Edition.
will feature an Adult as well as a family
its community partners team up to host the annual Men’s Health Forum.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.
For many reasons, including the
eventbrite.com/e/stpatricks-day-
lack of insurance, awareness, access
scavenger-hunt-adult-kids-edition-
to doctors, etc., there is a growing
tickets-43299059653?aff=VTBpatscav
number of men in Tampa Bay without access to regular health care services.
11am - 3pm: Kids Edition “Hidden
The yearly Men’s Health Forum is
Leprechaun”
a shared effort by area hospitals, health care organizations, churches,
4pm - 9pm: Adult Edition “Legless
community organizations, and
Leprechaun”
businesses to provide help to men, 18 years and older, who are uninsured,
PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT OUR
underinsured, or do not have a regular
CHARITY PARTNERS:
health care provider.
SALVATION ARMY
The Men’s Health Forum is free and
MEALS ON WHEELS
will boast 50 exhibitors. The annual event provides access to free health
More Information
screenings, such as blood pressure,
Date(s): March 17, 2018
cholesterol, HIV/AIDS/STI, skin cancer
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
dishes along with exciting new cuisine
and more assessments, to medically
Location: 600 N. Ashely Dr.
as well as a large selection of wines,
underserved and uninsured men in
Tampa, FL 33602
Weekends March 3 - April 29, a world
craft brews and cocktails. Eighteen of
Tampa Bay.
of taste awaits at the fourth annual
the biggest names in entertainment
Food & Wine Festival.
will take the stage every weekend on
More Information
The HALO 5k is a 5k race to support
The festival brings back signature
Gwazi Field
Date(s): March 17, 2018
Angels Unaware, Inc.
10 MARCH 2018
The HALO 5k
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Angels Unaware, Inc. is a non-
https://www.pmdalliance.org/learn-
Tampa, FL 33602
profit, charitable organization that
live-connect-tampa/
http://synapsefl.com/
is dedicated to providing quality
innovationsummit2018/
and services for the severe and
4th Annual Children’s Services Community Fair
profound Developmentally Disabled
Join us for the Department of
of Tampa. Angels Unaware has
Children’s Services annual Community
been serving the Developmentally
Fair. Learn about Children’s Services
professional residential care facilities
Disabled in Tampa since 1973 and currently operates eight group homes and supported living services. Their mission is to provide opportunities for our residents to achieve their full potential, exercise their independence and enjoy an enhanced quality of life to the fullest. More Information Date(s): March 17, 2018 Hours: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM Location: 4810 N Himes Ave. Tampa, FL 33614 https://www.thehalo5k.com/
Spring Expo Senior Fun Fest Senior Fun Fest open to the publicSponsored by TECO, Aetna, & MOR... Hosted by News Connections USA More Information Date(s): March 20, 2018 Hours: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM Location: 4121 N 50th St Tampa, FL 33605 https://lifestylesafter50.com/events
2nd Annual Golf Madness, presented by Cale GOLF MADNESS was created for men and women who enjoy sports, professional networking, and supporting a noble cause. Last year, this event raised almost $50,000 to benefit the Children’s Cancer Center, a non-profit that offers 24 support programs to local families with children battling cancer or chronic blood disorders. This year’s 2nd Annual GOLF MADNESS, presented by Cale, features a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy the combination of Topgolf competitions and the excitement of watching the March Madness Sweet 16 games. Featuring a best-in-class sports venue, GOLF
and what we do to build our community and strengthen families in Hillsborough County. This a free, family event with food, music, games and support services agencies. Exhibitors Opportunities We are looking for non-profit agencies, community partners, and neighborhood businesses to
Demi Lovato & DJ Khaled Tour
participate as exhibitors in our Fourth
March 31, 2018
Annual Community Fair.
Hours: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: 401 Channelside Dr
More Information Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Florida Water Festival
Location: 3120 Clay Mangum Lane
The free to attend event at Water
Tampa, FL 33618
Works Park is designed to educate
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/
the public at large of the importance
en/residents/social-services/children/
of protecting Florida’s precious water
childrens-services-community-fair
resources. Family fun all day including: WALK FOR WATER I Live music I Food
MADNESS attendees will be entered
trucks I Student design competition
as teams to compete against one
I Raffle prizes I Water animal face
another for the chance to win some
painting & caricature artist I Water
great prizes. In addition, the Madness
quality sampling/testing/systems
Locker will be up for grabs and one
demonstrations I plus informational
lucky winner will walk away with the
exhibits from water industries all over
ultimate sports package (valued at
Tampa Bay!
almost $12,000) filled with a variety of prizes, including gift cards and
More Information
foursomes to different golf courses in
Date(s): April 1, 2017 - April 1, 2018
Florida. More Information Date(s): March 23, 2018 Hours: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Disney On Ice - Reach For The Stars Your favorite Disney characters and stories brought to life with the artistry of ice skating to create an unforgettable family experience. More Information Date(s): March 22, 2018 Hours: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Admission: Tickets start at $18! Location: 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602 https://www.disneyonice.com/ticketinfo/Reach-for-the-Stars/111021
Location: 10690 Palm River Rd Tampa, FL 33619 https://www.813area.com/florida/ brandon/events/280023/2nd-annualgolf-madness%2C-presented-by-cale. htm
Learn. Live. Connect. Parkinson’s Conference This is a free, educational conference featuring presentations by 3 noted neurologists and movement disorder specialists. More Information Date(s): March 23, 2018 Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Location: 555 N Westshore Blvd Tampa, FL 33609
Tampa, FL 33602
Date(s): March 24, 2018
Hours: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Location: 1710 N Highland Ave
Synapse Innovation Summit 2018
Tampa, FL 33602
The 2018 Synapse Innovation Summit
coast.php
http://fwea.org/water_festival_west_
brings the best people, organizations, ideas and technologies together for two days of learning, exploring and celebrating the possibilities in technology and innovation. The Synapse Innovation Summit brings together innovators from all industries and stages of development to connect technology, regionallybased innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout Florida. Get connected, explore opportunities and be inspired. More Information Date(s): March 28, 2018 - March 29, 2018. Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location:401 Channelside Dr
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MARCH 2018 11
“Christina was amazing and set up our trip to Hawaii. I wasn’t even thinking of going, but when I saw the deal she posted in her Facebook travel page (Christina’s Travel Deals and Promos) and the savings... I was hook, line and sinker and off to the Islands we went. It was absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to book my next trip with Christina.” L. Michelle Pentifallo First in Real Estate Services, Inc. Owner/Broker
12 MARCH 2018
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MARCH 2018 13
Prepare to be Wowed by Tampa’s Premier Show Ski Team By: Marcy Sanford Looking for something fun and different to do with friends and family? Check out the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team. Every Saturday from March 17 through the end of October they’ll be delighting audiences with their impressive ski shows reminiscent of ones you would have seen at Cypress Gardens. The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team (TBWSST) has some of the best show skiers in the world on the team, with members having won awards at the Regional and National levels. They have even set world records, including the sevenman front flip over a regulation 14-foot wide jump and the World’s Largest Human Pyramid. In fact many of their skiers have gone on to ski professionally at places like Cypress Gardens,
14 MARCH 2018
Sea World, LegoLand and the Wisconsin Dells. “We are a competitive show ski team,” said TBWSST member Lisa Stephens. “We compete in the Southern Regional Show Ski Championships and at one time, won the top title for 13 years in a row.” Having placed second for the past two years, the team is back on the water this season with some pretty amazing acts they hope will put them back in first place when they compete in June. Each week this talented group of skiers presents a new themed show for audiences to enjoy which also serves as a chance for them to show off their skills and hone their performances for championship time. In addition to incredible skiing, the team is decked out in costumes and make-up and performs to music to suit the theme. Kids and adults of
all ages will be wowed by the weekly performances. It takes more than 100 volunteers to pull off the professional shows each week and Lisa says this is one of the reasons that so many families become involved with the group and continue to come back year after year. “It is a great family activity. There is something for everyone to do whether you ski or not. We have volunteers who run concessions, make costumes, work the sound board and help in all different ways.” Lisa says there are young adults who started with the team when they were elementary age as well as families with members from several different generations. Several support members who were once skiers in the show now have duties off the water that help things run smoothly. Lisa offers another example of how skiing is truly a
family affair, “Twelve-year-old CJ Welch learned to barefoot last season. Younger brother, Gavin, is a member as well. Their mom, Shannon, grew up on the team and she and her husband, Ryan, were both skiers at Cypress Gardens. Ryan’s parents skied with Cypress Gardens as well and Shannon’s parents are both active support members of our Tampa team.” Amazingly all shows are free to the public. TBWSST is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the sport of show skiing and they do accept donations – all of which go towards costumes, boat maintenance and gas and other items necessary to put on the weekly performances. The atmosphere at the family friendly shows is festive and yet laid-back. There are bleachers to sit on or you can bring your own chair or blanket. Concessions are for sell but you are welcome to
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bring a picnic basket or cooler. If you are interested in learning how to ski or improving your skills, TBWSST offers clinics by appointment for beginners to advanced skiers. Lisa also encourages anyone who already knows how to ski and is interested in competitive show skiing to think about joining the team. “It has been a wonderful experience for my family,” she said. “Our kids have worked on a team with people of all ages from preschoolers to seniors. They have learned leadership responsibilities and the importance of preparations behind the scenes. It has taught them sportsmanship and it is something the whole family can participate in. There are lots of opportunities off the water as well as on.” The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team performs at Tower Lake in Oldsmar at 130 Burbank Road. Shows are every Saturday at 6 p.m. (weather permitting) with a pre-show featuring beginner skiers
starting at 5:30. Shows are free and open to the public. The first show of the 2018 season will be a St. Patrick Day Show on March 17. Be sure to wear your green. For more information on shows or becoming a member of the team, visit www.tampawaterski.com or call Vickie at 813-917-8354 or Lisa at 727-480-9365.
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MARCH 2018 15
Wild Birds Unlimited - Discover The Wonderful Joy and Health Benefits of Birding
Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the enchanting song of a bird from outside your window? Couldn’t help but stare at the beautiful colors of a Blue Jay? With hundreds of bird species native to the state, Florida is a bird lover’s paradise, even if you live in a heavily urbanized area. Birding refers to the observation of birds in their natural habitats as a hobby, and is less difficult than you may think. These outdoor pets can be very enjoyable without the extra costs of veterinary care and the housing and maintenance that more traditional pets require. You just need the proper supplies and the right information. Luckily, Wild Birds Unlimited, located in the Village Center of Carrollwood, has exactly what you would need and more to start birding! Long time bird enthusiast, Lucy Polak, has been a happy loyal customer since Wild Birds Unlimited first opened their doors in 1997. When the original owners decided it was time to retire, Lucy jumped on the exciting opportunity to take over. After working years in corporate America she found herself in between jobs. You don’t always understand why things happen but in this case, it was clear to Lucy, that this was destiny. Lucy purchased Wild Birds Unlimited two and a half years ago, and this past May celebrated their 20th anniversary! Luc is as passionate about birds as she is helpful. She will happily assist you with all your birding needs and guide you through the process. In addition to a wide variety of beautiful bird feeders, houses, nesting boxes, Wild Birds Unlimited carries field guides to help you identify the birds you will see, nature lotions, yard décor, and children’s books. Birding can be as mellow and relaxing as sitting in your favorite chair while watching them in your back yard or as exciting as spotting them in a national park. After a long day, you may find yourself watching the
16 MARCH 2018
sun go down over a community lake and spot a family of Sandhill Cranes making their way toward the tree line, or if you’re the adventurous type, you could go camping with your family and realize you’re falling asleep to the soothing hoot of an Owl. These types of things take us beyond ordinary experiences. After some time you’ll learn how to identify your own favorite species, sparking an interest on how to recognize them and even keep them coming back. Lucy believes that birding inspires a harmonious union with nature, and recognizes that it provides major health benefits.
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Keeping our minds active and healthy is essential for our overall sense of wellbeing. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests that if we want to keep our brains healthy we need to keep learning new things. What better way to do that than by learning about birds? Bird watchers have to be ready to seize the moment after long stretches of inactivity. A bird can appear out of anywhere and a bird watcher needs to ready the camera or binoculars to capture the majestic creature in flight. A bird can be here and gone in the blink of an eye. Bird watchers need their brains to operate on many different levels to make sure they can pick up on any clues that a bird might be near by, and to snap a picture before a once-in-a-life opportunity is eclipsed. Studies have shown that these kinds of mental exercises can help fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and Parkinson’s. Not only is it important to keep our mind active, it’s just as important to keep our body moving! Following birds in their natural habitat is a sure way to keep us going and out of our everyday routines. Bird watchers sometimes walk many miles in search of a certain species of bird. Certain species live high-up on cliffs and mountainsides, and you need to hike to get to see them.
Lucy encourages people of all ages to give birding a try; she will guide you and provide you with everything you need to get started. It’s an easy and rewarding hobby anyone can enjoy. The amazing passion everyone who works at Wild Birds Unlimited share for our feathered friends cannot be denied, and it comes from deep within. Shortly after retiring, the previous owner decided to come back to what he knew best and what he loved, so now you can find him working alongside Lucy. Both love assisting their customers with all of their needs and they enjoy making their store yard a beautiful bird haven. Additional Birding Benefits Although it takes some time and dedication to feed these birds, the benefits of bird feeding go far beyond enjoying the moment with these beautiful feathered friends. Did you know birds eat much more than seed and nectar? Feeding birds in your yard invites them to munch on the insects, worms, and spiders that are eating your landscape. This can provide organic pest control with little need for toxic insecticides or harmful chemicals. Not only do birds eat insects, they assist with flower pollination. This can result in fuller flowerbeds and beautiful bird-friendly landscaping with less gardening effort. Ready to get started? Wild Birds Unlimited is your one stop shop to turn your backyard into the relaxing oasis you have always wished for. Many people, who have come into the store curious about what is inside, have later become very passionate about attracting birds. The staff at Wild Birds Unlimited is very knowledgeable and able to help you connect with nature whether you’re a beginner or expert. They carry the best bird food available in Tampa Bay. Most of the products are made in the U.S.A. and many of the houses and feeders are made from recycled materials. Some bird foods from other places include fillers that the birds won’t really eat. Every ingredient in the bird food at Wild Birds Unlimited is a seed or grain that birds love to eat. They make sure that all the food is suited for this area and that it will attract the birds you want to see. The food is always fresh and it comes from farms that do not use insecticides. The goal at Wild Birds Unlimited is to help you enjoy the benefits of birding by bringing people and nature together. The knowledgeable staff and owners are excited and ready to help engage you and the next generation of birding enthusiasts. Stop by today and unleash the beauty of color and song that birds will bring to your home. Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 13140 Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. Log on to https://tampa.wbu.com/ for more information and store hours.
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MARCH 2018 17
Garage Guru
What’s going on with my car?
Brought to you by Christian Brothers Automotive, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel
My Engine Cooling System, what maintenance do I need to do? Dear Garage Guru, “The weather is starting to get warmer and my friend’s car recently had white smoke coming from under the hood. She had to have her radiator replaced. I have never had anything done to my radiator. What maintenance does the radiator require? Should I be doing something before the really hot weather comes?” The answer is emphatically “Yes!” Your car’s radiator and cooling system needs to be maintained. And now, before it gets really hot is a good time to get it checked. The white smoke your friend saw was probably steam escaping from a cracked radiator or burst radiator hose. NOW, THIS IS SO IMPORTANT! IF YOU ARE DRIVING AND YOU EVER SEE STEAM, OR IF YOUR TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTS TO GO ABOVE NORMAL, OR IF YOUR ENGINE MAKES BANGING NOISES AND DOESN’T RUN RIGHT OR DIES, PULL TO A SAFE SPOT AS QUICK AS YOU CAN AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT IS TIME TO GET A TOW TRUCK. AND, ALSO SO, SO IMPORTANT, NEVER, EVER, NOT AT ANY TIME SHOULD YOU TRY TO TAKE THE RADIATOR CAP OFF WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. YOU WILL CREATE A DRAMATIC LOOKING GEYSER AND LIKELY BURN YOURSELF BADLY. I HOPE YOU HEARD THESE WARNINGS. I WROTE THEM AS LOUD AS I COULD. ONE MORE - If you press your luck and try to drive just a little further because you are so close to home, you risk destroying your engine. Modern engines do not like to overheat. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, the only safe time to check your coolant level is when the engine is cold. Find the capture tank. It will be a clear or white translucent plastic tank. Most times you
18 MARCH 2018
can see the coolant level through the plastic. Or you can unscrew or snap open the plastic cap. If it is low, you can add to the “Full” line which leaves room for expansion; not to the top of the tank. Your engine cooling system only gives you a few safe warning signs that there is a problem. If you are lucky you might see coolant (also known as antifreeze) on the ground under the front of your car. The color can be green, orange, red, or pink. It feels a little oily but definitely more watery than engine oil. Or, your car’s temperature gauge may start to go above where it normally sits but not all the way to hot. Or, your air conditioning may just turn off because the engine temperature is rising. These can be early warning signs that it is time to have your cooling system checked as soon as possible. To help prevent these problems and warning signs, oil changes are good times to have inspections and preventive maintenance done to help avoid an emergency. Coolant, or antifreeze, should be changed about every 30,000 miles. Rubber coolant hoses should be inspected for cracking, softness, or bulging like a balloon. Radiator caps should be replaced around 100,000 miles. And, the plastic sides of the radiator should be checked for cracking, small leaks, or corrosion from tiny leaks. So, now you’re a Cooling System expert. Don’t press your luck. Expect to pay for maintenance to prevent a cooling system disaster. This time of year, before it gets blistering hot, is a good time to ask your trusted garage to give you a report on the condition of your cooling system. We are eager to hear about your car concerns. Is your car acting up or have you wondered about how some part of your car works? Drop us a note at Marty.labarbera@cbauto.net, and we will offer our honest opinion. Christian Brothers Automotive, where we care for your family by caring for your family car.
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