Tampa Bay News And Lifestyles, Odessa/Lutz/Land O' Lakes Vol. 13, Issue 4, April 2022 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 13, Issue 4, April 2022

Your community. Your magazine.

The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 20,000 Homes In Odessa, Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Areas This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To:

Ashley Lakes, Ballantrae, Belle Meade, Calusa Trace, Canterbury, Cheval, Citrus Greens, Concord Station, Devonwood, Dolce Vita on Lake Keystone, Echo Lake, Farmington Village, Fern Glenn, Grey Hawk at Lake Polo, Heritage Harbor, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Groves, Keystone Manors, Keystone Reserve, Keystone Shores, Lake Charles, Lake Church, Lake Parker Estates, Lakeside Grove Estates, Northlake Village, Northbridge at Lake Pretty, Northton Groves, Oakstead, Orange Blossom Creek, Reflections, Steeple Chase, Starkey Ranch, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes

The Hungry Greek Brings Fresh, Healthy, and Plentiful Ya-Ya Favorites to the Community By Deborah Bostock-Kelley Imagine a blend of beef and lamb, rotating on a spit, succulent juices flowing down the side of meat, shaved off for each order. The most popular Gyro with meat nestled in a fluffy grilled pita with onions, tomato, and fresh Tzatziki sauce can be complemented by a fresh Greek salad with crispy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, pepperoncini, olives, beets, Feta cheese, slightly

Super Cleaning Celebrates 10 “Super” Years in Business!

See “Super Cleaning” on page 20

By Joy Bergman Can you imagine what it would be like if you could press a button and your family members would come racing to clean the house? Your son would leave his video game to mop the floors, your daughter would scramble to pull out the vacuum, and your spouse would drive home to take out the trash? No matter where they were or what they were doing, you could count on them to be there for you and clean? If this sounds too good to be true, then think again. While there may not

Americanized with a hearty dollop of Greek potato salad in the center. The chargrilled Chicken Souvlaki skewers perched atop a plate of rice shares the stage with a side Greek salad or a delicious cup of Avegolemono Soup filled with chicken, lemon, and rice and, of course, the warm homemade pita bread. The bowls offer a choice of Veggie, Greek, Tabouli, and Fajita, all with a base of brown rice and

See “Hungry Greek” on page 18

INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Editor........................5 Tech Talk......................................8 SAT/ACT..................................10 Charles Schwab...................16-17 Jacobson Culinary Arts............22

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Autism Awareness Month Recent CDC statistics revealed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 4.3 times more prevalent in boys than in girls. According to the Child Mind Institute, girls “often go undiagnosed because they don’t fit autism stereotypes and mask symptoms better than boys do.” April 2 celebrates World Autism Awareness Day. Autism prevalence is now one in every 59 children in America. There is no better way to support this day than by becoming aware of the characteristics of people with this condition and how we can do better to increase our understanding and promote kindness.

“Help Us. Help You” Tampa has expanded an innovative program that aims to enhance communication between first responders and individuals with special needs such as autism or any disability that affects their communication. This is a dual effort between Tampa Police Department and Tampa Fire Rescue to ensure citizens are safe when interacting with first responders. The first step is to voluntarily collect addresses and primary contact information for individuals with special needs. First responders will be able to access this vital information in an emergency or call for service. Registered residents will be mailed stickers to place in the windows or doors of their home or vehicle. Please visit tampa.gov to fill out a City of Tampa Voluntary Special

For or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com For Advertising Advertising Info Info 727-943-0551 727-943-0551 II info@nnlflorida.com info@nnl-

Needs Registry Form.

Additional Resources: Please go online and visit autismspeaks.org for valuable information and pledge to help create a safer world where all people with autism can reach their full potential by increasing understanding and acceptance.

Puzzle Ribbon - Show your

support for people and children with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon - as a pin on your shirt, car magnet, or social media picture.

Until next time,

Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi. CORRECTION FROM LAST ISSUE In the March issue of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles, Odessa/ Lutz/Land O’ Lakes, Vol. 13, Issue 3, we inadvertently misspelled Dr. Christopher Tumolo’s name in the headline, for which, we deeply apologize. If you would like more information about his practice, Beyond 20/20 Vision Specialists, visit their website at www. Beyond2020VS.com, or call today 813-926-5993

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Tech Talk with Bob: “I Think I’ve Been Scammed!”

Cybercriminals are using effective techniques in their scheme to separate you from your money. I regularly receive calls from folks saying, “I think I’ve been scammed! What do I do now?” My friend Kate fell victim to a scammer recently. While surfing the web, a message popped up on her screen. This “official looking” pop-up message instructed her to call a specific phone number because she had “a malware infection that needed immediate attention.” If that wasn’t bad enough, she also found herself locked out of her computer. It was frozen. No mouse. No keyboard. She felt her only option was to call the phone number on the screen, which she did. By the time those scammers finished with her they had not only taken control of her computer, but also convinced her that they could restore it to working order once she paid them $499.00. She did. These scammers called it a service charge. I call it extortion. Now mind you, Kate is a bright, intelligent woman who would typically never

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get taken for a ride. But these cybercrooks are extremely proficient at what they do. They constantly hone their skills conning trusting people who think they’re in trouble. Why do they do it? Scamming people in this fashion has proven to be exceptionally profitable. Most are offshore. Few get caught. Your best defense? Internet safety awareness and developing safer online habits to make it more problematic for these crooks to “have their way” with your computer and take control of your digital life. So, what do you do if you get a pop-up on your screen telling you to call a phone number or click on a link? First, take a picture of your screen with your cell phone. Be sure any phone number or website address is readable. Second, do not click on any links. Do not call any phone numbers. Third, immediately disconnect your computer from the internet and TURN IT OFF. And finally, CALL ME IMMEDIATELY at 727-5344000 for instructions on what to do next. What do you do if you receive a phone call from a stranger telling you that you have a malware infection or something else is wrong with your computer? Immediately hang up. Do not engage them in conversation. If they call back, hang up

again or don’t even answer. But what do you do if you have already downloaded their software to give them control of your computer? Immediately disconnect your computer from the internet and TURN IT OFF. Then, CALL ME IMMEDIATELY at 727534-4000 for instructions on what to do next. If you leave it on, they can monitor your activity, steal your data, and even ransom it. Leave your computer off until I have an opportunity to assess the safety of your system. What if you have given them your credit card number? Immediately call your card issuer and have your card and the transaction cancelled. Don’t wait to get your credit card statement. Call your bank and deal with this immediately. Some banks may require you to file a police report. This story does have a happy ending. I was able to purge the malware from Kate’s computer and give it a clean bill of health. She called her bank. They flagged the transaction for their fraud division; cancelled Kate’s credit card; and had a new card in the mail to her the very next day. If Kate had done nothing, she would have been scammed out of nearly 500-bucks. But even worse, those crooks would still have control of her computer. They could

spy on her or ransom her computer whenever they felt like it. Kate changed from being a passive victim to a vigilant internet user by recognizing and taking immediate control of her situation. These crooks can be intimidating. They’re relentless. They prey on a person’s fear of, and inexperience with, technology. Every time I speak with a victim of this scam, they always say the same thing. “I can’t believe I fell for it.” Sometimes their embarrassment of being scammed prohibits them from reaching out for help. Kate felt so much better when SHE took control of the situation. Be safer not sorrier. You do not have to be a casualty of these high-tech outlaws. Are you certain your computer is safe? You don’t have to do this alone my Friend. My staff and I are here to keep your computer safer and keep it running. My team repairs computers and secures them, on our bench, on-site in your home or office, and even remotely. We have the best solutions already in place and we’re only a phone call away. Call us anytime at 727-534-4000. We’ve been helping folks restore their peace of mind, and sanity, with their technology for decades. We Keep You Safer In Your Digital World!

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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: EXPANDING BRIGHT FUTURES By Dr. Wayne Adams Upcoming Exam Dates: SAT on May 12th, June 4th, and August 27th; … ACT on April 2nd June 11th, and July 16th. The Florida Legislature is considering several bills that would expand the qualifications for Bright Futures to include paid paid work hours as well as volunteer hours. This is meant to help students who need or want to work. The lower academic award (around $18,000 over 4 years), called Florida Medallion Scholars Award, currently requires that a student complete 75 hours of volunteer work, along with certain academic requirements. That would include a weighted 3.0 GPA, an ACT score of at least 25, or SAT 1210. For the higher award (around $25,000 over 4 years), called Florida Academic Scholars Award, requires 100 hour of volunteer work, plus a weighted 3.5 GPA, and an ACT score of at least 29 or 1330 for the SAT. For more information about this possibility, go to https://floridaphoenix. com/2022/02/18/big-changes. To help my parents and students in quickly comparing colleges and universities, I have now developed a quick and easy way to get the most current and detailed information available on the Internet. You can quickly find out such information as national ranking, type, ranges of SAT and ACT scores for acceptance, campus life,

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overall and net costs, starting salaries, mid-career earning levels, and much more. This is particularly helpful when combined with my guide “Negotiating with Colleges” that has helped save my students $1,000 to $10,000/ year in college costs. This is part of the first halfhour of each prep class where I almost always meet with the parent(s) and student(s) so we can get to know each other, they can hear the philisophies underlying the classes that have proven so successful for my students, and see how I aim for each student and family to have their best possible futures … including doing their best on SAT and/or ACT Exams. As we all move into spring, many SENIORS are working on bringing up their exam scores up to qualify for the 75% or the 100% Bright Futures Scholarship (about $25,000). We have until the last SAT Exam on Saturday, June 4th, to qualify with the SAT, and until the last ACT Exam on Saturday, June 11th, to qualify with the ACT. At this point, it is not unusual to do a “Skill Strengthening” class to improve either the Writing and Language / Reading combined score or the Math score on the SAT, or either the English and Reading combined score or the Math and Science combined score on the ACT. These focused classes are about half the hours of a full prep class. Sometimes, when we are aiming for more improvement, we do the full prep classes. My JUNIORS and some SOPHOMORES are usually

focused on getting ahead with preparing for the SAT and/or ACT and either work over the spring, or get set to prepare starting right after school finishes for the ACT in mid-July and/or the SAT the last Saturday in August. For students wanting to do a combination class of ACT and SAT, we can finish either the week just before school resumes in August (with a complementary, additional review class the week before the SAT), or the week before the actual SAT Exam. During the summer, we easily schedule around family vacations, summer jobs, athletic commitments, and “surprises” as they may arise. If You Would Like To Talk More About Your Student … Please contact me at 727-2530639 or send me an email at wwa0811@mykolab.com. Dr. Wayne Adams is one of the leading SAT and ACT tutors in the country. His students normally improve 200+ points on the Writing, Reading, Writing and Essay, and Math, and 4 – 7 points on the ACT composite. They have been admitted to 8 of

the top 10 universities in the country, 18 of the top 25, 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, Naval - Air Force - 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.

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How investment fees impact your return Presented by Cody Kimble As a financial professional, I’m encouraging people to get gutsy and ask themselves and their financial professional a question they probably haven’t asked before: How much am I paying in fees? It’s a question that you might expect would have a simple answer,

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but if you dig into it, you might find yourself doing a bit of head scratching. In the world of financial services, there are different kinds of fees—trade commissions, fund fees, and advisory or management fees to name a few. While cost is only one factor when it comes to dissecting the value of an investment or your relationship with a financial professional, it’s important for investors to understand what they’re

Cody Kimble - Financial Consultant Charles Schwab

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paying, why and how these costs impact their returns. According to Schwab’s 2021 Modern Wealth Survey, only about half of investors (56 percent) are aware of the fees and costs of their investments. But the fact is a seemingly small difference in fees can make a potentially big difference in your return, especially over time. It’s important to understand, however, that not all investing fees are bad. It’s really a matter of

understanding the value you are getting from what you pay. You might be willing to pay a slightly higher fee for different kinds of services that add value, such as more personalized financial planning or a highertouch relationship. Maybe you’re a small business owner with a specialized set of financial needs that require more help and attention from a financial professional. A couple ways to be more aware of the fees you’re paying are

to regularly review your statement and ask your financial advisor directly about the different fees you are paying, why you’re paying them and how they are impacting your financial goals. Starting with these questions will help you become more knowledgeable and confident about your finances and the value you’re receiving. But don’t stop there! Keep asking questions and stay engaged, because these can be your most

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valuable assets when it comes to achieving longterm financial success. Cody Kimble is a Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab with over four years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab. (0422-258R)

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“Hungry Greek” story continued from page 1 beans, and guests can add grilled chicken, Gyro, Falafel, grilled shrimp, or salmon to their order. Eighteen years ago, George Constantinou’s father and uncle had a vision for this “Mom and Pop-style” Greek restaurant using recipes handed down from their parents. They would use only quality, freshly-made, healthy ingredients served quickly. This would be an entirely new take on what was considered fast food. Still, the pair was busy already running busy restaurants, so the concept was given to another restauranteur who did not successfully implement their vision. At the time, George was in college

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at USF, getting ready to graduate with his Management Marketing degree. Fresh from graduating, George decided he wanted to try his hand at re-establishing his father and uncle’s concept under his leadership. The first family-owned and operation location opened in 2006, with the father and son team, Dino and George, at its helm. They boasted only the freshest scratch-made Greek food served fast at their brainchild, Hungry Greek. “I’ll never forget it. We opened the doors up in Westchase, and the amount of support we received from the community was amazing. In 2008, we opened in Wesley Chapel and the same thing. We opened when Bruce B

Downs was cows, and two lanes, and I thought if we can make it with the cows around us, we can make it anywhere.” And make it anywhere they did. “I was born and raised in the restaurant business, and I always wanted to be able to offer a fresh meal, quality, and a nice quantity for a very fair price. When the community is feeling pain, we feel it with them, but we make sure we do everything we can to help them out. Everything has gone up with inflation, but our prices have not.” With a wide variety of meal options that appeal to carnivores, vegans, vegetarians, and those following a gluten-free diet, George is confident that

customers won’t leave hungry after enjoying a meal at Hungry Greek. “The worst part is going someplace and leaving still hungry,” he said. “When you come to our restaurant, you’re averaging $10 a meal and leaving with a (takeout) box.” Nothing comes from a boxed mix at Hungry Greek. The stuffed grape leaves don’t come from a can. They are filled by hand, Ya-Ya (grandma) style and baked, hummus blended to perfection, chicken marinade, and all sauces and dressings are made from scratch daily. If you still have room after a meal, the restaurant partners with a local Tarpon Springs bakery to provide baklava, cannolis, rice pudding, and

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other sweets. “There’s no chicken that’s cooked in the microwave. Everything is cooked to order and made from scratch. You can taste the difference. I believe our product speaks for itself,” he said. “Even during the pandemic, we ensured everyone could still enjoy an affordable meal safely. Our main thing is our fresh ingredients, the quality of our food, and the cleanliness that we spend a lot of time on,

and growing in the community supporting local businesses.” George takes pride in giving back to the community, supporting the local schools, fairs, food drives, and first responders. “We’re very involved in the community, and we like to give back as we can.” Now 15 years later and with ten franchise locations in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, with plans to add more, George says that

customers have never lacked quality and taste despite the quick speed of service. “We won’t lose our focus on the quality of food. We won’t play the numbers game like let’s cut our cost by using a low-quality spice or lowquality chicken or meat. We believe in not cutting down the cost, keeping the quality, keeping the customer satisfied, and the customers notice. Yes, we have to make bills, but we are known for being a good quality, fresh-ingredients place. You can’t take shortcuts. All of us – myself, my father, our franchisees –are owneroperators. We are there. I’m still behind the grill. I’m still cooking.” The Odessa location on Starkey Road opened in February 2021 and has been popular among locals and visitors alike who value flavor and value. “I enjoy waking up in the

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morning and going to work and doing this and serving people, too. I enjoy seeing our customers sit down and eat our food and nod their heads, like ‘it’s good.’ To me, it’s still a great experience satisfying someone’s hunger.” Hungry Greek Odessa is located at 12319 FL-54. To check on the menu or see their other locations, visit https://thehungrygreek. com.

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Super Cleaning- story continued from page 1 be a special button to

their own, which we greatly

make this happen with

appreciate.” And they’re not

your family, you can still

the only ones who feel this

have stellar service from

way. Since Super Cleaning

another hardworking family

is a small team consisting

with a successful ten-year

of Jorge, Cristina, and their

reputation in the cleaning

employee Andrea, the trio

business. If you’re in need

is able to establish family-

of cleaning help, then it’s

like connections with their

time to call Super Cleaning,

clients. “We’re family...

Tampa Bay’s “super”

not ‘company,” Jorge

cleaning service!

emphasizes. “We do our job

Husband and wife

as family.”

Jorge and Cristina Moreas

According to

first entered the cleaning

handymantips.org, a sign

industry over ten years ago,

that you’re hiring quality

when they purchased a

cleaning franchise. However, it wasn’t long before the

says,“We are from Brazil; we

in the processes. As a

One satisfied client named

I love being able to support

has got this mastered.

friendly, and hard working.

Michelle Higgins of Odessa

the family business of such

time. Not to mention, Super

personalized and efficient

Cleaning is highly trusted

way. And now, after ten

with a decade-long track

successful years in business,

record, so you don’t have

Super Cleaning’s miraculous

to worry about anything

reputation just continues

suddenly “disappearing”

to grow! “Cristina and

in your home. In fact, their

Jorge have been providing

reputation as a family-owned

exceptional housekeeping

company is so strong, that

services for us, now in our

some people even entrust

7th year,” Lutz clients Linda

the cleaners with their keys.

can say without equivocation

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They are always on time,

a fantastic job every time.

knowing each cleaner, every

for their clients in a more

services, Super Cleaning

org notes. And unlike some

special touch of personally

that could “save the day”

home as they would treat

for over a year now. They do

have been cleaning my house

small, you have the extra

Super Cleaning, a service

trustworthy. They treat our

customer,” handymantips.

that they value you as a

Because the crew is

Cristina decided to start

thorough, and above all,

wrote, “Cristina and Jorge

love to talk!”

result, in 2012, Jorge and

that they are conscientious,

“Friendly and with a good

sense of humor.” As Jorge

couple began to spot flaws

and Michael praised. “We

cleaners is that they are

means “that they care, and

Not only do you need a team you can trust, but you also

need a crew that will show up! Another sign that you

are hiring quality cleaners is punctuality. Being on time

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a great family. I highly recommend them.”

While the team is

punctual, trustworthy,

and caring, they are also unbelievably efficient. In

fact, these three “cleaning heroes” are so sharp that they can pinpoint your

precise needs, such as which areas your family spends

the most time in, and which

sections of the house require the most attention. If you

can’t stand another minute in your messy home, then

dial (813)574-7708 now to

schedule a free consultation. The crew will then assess your space and help you

decide what services and

frequency of cleaning will

communities of Citrus Park,

general cleans to deep

and Odessa.

best suit your needs. From cleans, and from weekly to

Land O’ Lakes, Tampa, Lutz, Over the last ten years,

monthly/bi-monthly services,

Super Cleaning has built an

from Super Cleaning. But the

hard work, trustworthiness,

you can expect the best

“super clean” power doesn’t just work on homes; it works on commercial spaces as

well! That’s right – the team

can also glisten up your office space or business to make

it look brand new. Whether residential or commercial, each specific clean and

price point is completely tailored to you and your

needs. Though they might be small, the mighty crew

proudly services the growing

awe-inspiring reputation of

personality, and consistency. But perhaps the best part

about the team is that you no longer have to rely on your own busy family to clean!

We at Tampa Bay

News & Lifestyles would

like to congratulate Super Cleaning on 10 years in business! Instead of a

magic button, dial Super

Cleaning at (813)574-7708

today for “super” cleaning

service. Email Jorge Moreas at jlmoraes@msn.com for more information.

Now you can have top-notch service from professionals

who feel like family members, but without the complaints. So, next time you need the bathroom scrubbed or the

kitchen wiped down, you’ll know who to call: the oneand-only Super Cleaning!

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Creamy Spring Carrot Soup Courtesy of Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy at Tarpon Springs High School melt butter and sauté on• 1 cup onion finely ion until soft and tender. chopped • 2 tablespoons butter or Add carrots, potatoes, and vegetable broth. butter-oil • 4 1/2 cups diced spring Cover and cook on medium heat 30 minutes carrots or until veggies are very • 1 large potato, peeled, tender. cubed Using a blender or im• 2 cans vegetable broth mersion blender to puree or 1 cup vegetable broth the soup right in the pot. powder • 3 cups heavy whipping Return to heat and add heavy whipping creme, creme • 3 teaspoons fresh pars- parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat until ley heated through. • 1/2 teaspoon salt, to Serve the soup gartaste nished with fresh parsley, • 1/8 teaspoon black chives, croutons, or a pepper, to taste dollop of crème fresh. Enjoy! In a large stockpot,

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Tampa Bay News And Lifestyles, Odessa/Lutz/Land O' Lakes Vol. 13, Issue 4, April 2022

Articles inside

SAT/ACT

Charles Schwab

From the Editor

Tech Talk