Vol. 9, Issue 5, May 2018
Your community. Your magazine.
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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, Stillwater, Stonegate, Suncoast Crossings, Suncoast Meadows, Swan Cove, Van Dyke Estates, Van Dyke Farms, Villa Rosa, Wyndham Lakes
New Era Real Estate Professionals! Angela Thomas & Dee Strom with Florida Executive Realty
Wild Birds Unlimited Invites You To 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 See “Wild Birds” on page 28.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Happy Mother's Day from TBNL..5 Shells Seafood Restaurant......6-7 Brent Hulling of Morgan Stanley............................10-11 Bleakley Bavol & Denman....12-13 Tech Talk with Bob..............14 SAT & ACT Improvement...18-19 ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping........................22-23
ECRWSS
See “Florida Executive Realty” on page 26.
Postal Customer
Real estate is highly personal. Often times, the purchase or selling
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of a home represents some of the largest monetary transactions for our clients. Combine that with the allconsuming, often highly emotional pulls of moving and relocating children, schools, neighborhood friends and community ties and you have one intense time on your hand! We understand what a move entails for our clients and we strive to make the transition as easy and stress free as possible. We love
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“Dedication to the job puts perfection in the work.” That’s what Aristotle said over 2,300 years ago. And though these words are from another time, their message holds fast today. Dee Strom and Angela Thomas are new era real estate professionals who take their jobs seriously and their customer’s satisfaction even more.
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Happy Mother's Day from TBNL "All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." — George Washington As we celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, May 13th, we honor the women who brought us into the world, who shaped us, nurtured us, taught us and showed us what unconditional love is truly all about. Our moms are definitely one of the most important people in our lives, she is simultaneously our biggest fan and our harshest critic. Her demands can sometimes be unattainable but they are meant to make us a better person. Moms are that little voice inside our heads that remind us to be polite to others, to bring an umbrella, to eat breakfast and to iron your t-shirts because you never know who you'll meet that day. Moms are the ones we all run to when we are sick (or at least the majority of us do) even if we're adults and have kids of our own. There's nothing like the comforting arms and soothing words of a mother. Her love and care make us automatically feel better, no matter what. Nobody will ever spoil us, love us and take better care of us than our mothers. It remains a lifelong commitment. Even
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after a child is grown, graduated and employed, mom is still mom, and moms will always worry. And when the world is harsh, when life pokes us in the eye and laughs at us, it is often our first instinct to seek comfort in a mother's love. Oh, and don't even get me started with our mom's cooking skills…they always cook the best meals! I don't know how they do it! You've heard it before, or you've probably said it yourself; "Nobody cooks better than my mom," or "My mom makes/does it better," or "I have the best mom in the world." I personally know, I HAVE THE BEST MOM IN THE WORLD AND SHE COOKS THE BEST FOOD EVER (I SWEAR!). She drives me crazy at times, but she's always there when I need her… always. I remember back in 2010, I got kidney stones and a bad kidney infection, and I called my mom to leer her know… boy, I had no idea that she was going to run to the airport and immediately get on a plane to come see me (she lived in Venezuela back then) and she spend every single day by my side. Most recently, my husband and I bought our first home together, and my mom to this day asks me "What do you need?" and even though my answer is always "Nothing, mom, don't worry," she
always shows up to our home with things I really needed, but didn't even think about it. A clean set of sheets, bottled water, laundry detergent, plastic silverware to use while we unpack everything from all the boxes we have laying around the new place… I couldn't imagine where I would be without her. And, in the same words of George Washington; everything I am, everything I have accomplished, all my experiences, all my success, all my happiness… I owe to my amazing mother (and dad, up there in heaven, I love you and miss you dearly.) I love you Mom! From the bottom of my heart, thank you, for all you have done and continue to do for all of our family. So for Mother's Day, the entire team of Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles has a few special wishes for all the moms out there — any age, any stage of life, and with any prefix or modifier in front of the word mother. We hope you are surrounded by loved ones today. If they can't make it home, we hope they at least call. Flowers would be lovely. If they decide to take you out to eat, go ahead and let them pay, even if that goes against your maternal instinct. Happy Mother's Day!
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Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Mike Bird Nothing that appears in Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertise-
ment deadlines. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. 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. Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
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Shells Seafood RestaurantA Tampa Tradition Reopens In Their Original Carrollwood Location By Carla Selby After going through a major nationwide expansion, Shells Seafood, which has enjoyed a 30 year following in Tampa, closed down all of their corporate locations in 2008, except for their family owned location in South Tampa. “It feels good to be family owned and operated again,” said John Christen, owner of Shell’s Seafood Restaurant, son of original Shells founder, whose name is also John. Today, John and his family own and operate 5 locations with the addition of the Carrollwood location at 14380 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. You may experience a sense of nostalgia when you visit, considering it’s the exact same location in which Shells provided their delicious seafood to the Carrollwood community years ago. “We have no intention of taking Shells public again. When a restaurant becomes a ‘chain,’ quality is often sacrificed. Our main idea is to get back to basics: fresh ingredients and food made from scratch right when your order it,” John said. “Shells is all about good food at good prices in a casual environment.” Shells Seafood Restaurant offers a relaxed, “coastal”
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atmosphere and the greatest selection of fresh, delectable and affordable seafood dishes in the area. It is as family-friendly as it is upbeat for a fantastic happy hour, and yet romantic enough for a perfect date night. “The history of Shells began in 1985,” John said. “My father, a Swiss Gourmet Chef, saw the need for a seafood restaurant that focused primarily on quality, service, and value instead of a fancy atmosphere and high prices.” That attention to quality, attentive service, and competitive pricing led to the restaurant being voted runner up for the 1989 Small Business of the Year Award and winning the vote for the #1 Seafood Restaurant in Tampa Bay 15 years in a row!
There is Something For Everyone at Shells Shells extensive menu features numerous of fresh fish dishes, shellfish, pastas and deep fried options, as well as oysters on the half shell, salads, sandwiches and the best clam chowder you’ll ever eat! Chockfull of clams, potatoes, bacon and spices. Gourmet Magazine has been asking them for the recipe since 88’! Make sure to start your experience with a cup of this flavorful staple for only $3.99!
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To help me narrow down my choice, I asked John what his favorite dishes were, but his answer just made me want to visit Shells more often so I can try all of them! “The shrimp pasta is definitely a customer favorite, but so is the Jambalaya, the Salmon Felix is must try and the Mezzo Mezzo is also a big hit!” said John. The Salmon Felix, Oscar’s former roommate, consists of fresh salmon topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and roasted red peppers in a lobster cream sauce. It is served over seasoned rice and asparagus. The Shrimp Mezzo Mezzo (which means half and half) was a fun and innovative staff creation, which quickly became a favorite and it was then permanently added to the menu. It consists of marinated shrimp, sliced mushrooms and penne pasta in a zesty blend of tomato sauce and garlic cream sauce. Without trying to sound unoriginal, my own personal
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favorite dish is definitely the shrimp pasta. Having lived in South Tampa for 14 years, I was able to visit their original location on several occasions, and I always ended up ordering the same dish. The Shrimp Pasta is the dish that made Shells famous! A generous portion of perfectly cooked, marinated shrimp is served over a creamy linguini and tossed with fresh garlic, olive oil, and accompanied with a toasty, buttery, garlicky piece of bread. Yum! What I love the most is bringing home leftovers… and eating them almost as soon as I arrive!
More Than Just Seafood If you thought Shells only served seafood… think again! Even though seafood is their specialty and what they are truly known for, they also offer many other mouthwatering choices, including several chicken dishes and even a 12 oz. hand-cut New York Strip served with parsley potatoes and asparagus.
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Shells offers a special menu for children 12 and under. All items are served with apple sauce, teddy grahams and a soft drink. Your little ones will be able to enjoy smaller versions Shell’s favorites, including the famous shrimp pasta, or they can choose from other more traditional options, like mac and cheese or chicken fingers with fries. They also have a fun kid's drink called “shark attack,” which is basically Sprite but the kicker is they supply a plastic shark filled with cherry grenadine and you get to pour it in the Sprite so it looks like a, you guessed it, SHARK ATTACK!
Salmon Felix
Leave Room For Dessert
Bucket of Oysters
Clam Chowder So, whether you’re into steamed clams, crab cakes, fried shrimp, grouper sandwiches, live Maine lobster, creamy seafood pasta or if you’re more in the mood for a juicy bacon cheddar burger, come to Shells, it definitely offers something for everyone. Their portions are extremely generous, especially considering the affordable prices. So you’ll never leave with an empty stomach or an empty wallet. “Food was great, Service Even Better!” says Jason T., a happy
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recent customer, on his 5 star review of Shells. “Our server checked on us frequently. Our glasses were never more thrown half empty. The platters had lots of food, everything was delicious and we all left full! I really enjoyed their coleslaw, the seafood batter is perfect and not too heavy. Their cocktail sauce is homemade and packed with horseradish, yum!” “Awesome clams, oysters and grouper!” says Stephanie in her recent Shells review. “We started with steamed clams, which are
steamed in garlic, white wine and spices and served in the shell. Having missed all the clambakes we used to have up North, these were HEAVEN. Husband and I both had a grouper special (blackened) with coleslaw… both were awesome. I was too full to try the oysters, but another customer told me he stops at Shells a lot just for the oysters. So I will be definitely coming back for those! I would recommend sitting at the bar and enjoying the bartender, Elvis. I will definitely be coming back again.”
Key Lime Pie is a Florida tradition. At Shells, their “Island Style” Key Lime Pie recipe is made with real key lime juice and a homemade graham cracker crust. It comes served with whipped cream and several spoons to share (but you may not want to!). They also offer a towering chocolate cake and a salted caramel cheesecake that is truly delicious. Whether you have visited Shells in the past, or you will be visiting for the first time, rest assure that you will be dining at the best place for seafood in the neighborhood. Shells Seafood Restaurant Carrollwood is located at 14380 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. They are open Monday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 10:00pm. Friday and Saturday from 4:00pm to 11:00pm and Sunday from 12:00pm to 10:00pm. Visit shellsseafood.com for more information and to view their full menu.
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“Experience, Intellectual Capital and Dedicated Personal Service to Help You Meet Your Life Goals.” By: Katie Cammardella
Investments, asset protection and finding financial freedom through direct planning and market analysis gives you a leg up and increased comfort when it comes to money matters. Working directly with a financial advisor who focuses on analyzing the market, diversifying assets and helping you make smart worthwhile investments, not only helps you invest your money, but also helps to build your financial portfolio with professional intellect and backing. Brent Hulling serves as Vice President, Financial Advisor and Financial Planning Specialist for Morgan Stanley (100 N Tampa St., Suite 3000, Tampa, FL 33602)- a long trusted financial services company. Working with Brent helps you to meet your life
goals - from investments, 401k rollovers, life insurance and retirement planning to asset management and assistance with your trust accounts - Brent has the knowledge, market know-how and professionalism it takes to help you feel safe when it comes to your money and future. Brent Hulling is a resident of Land O’Lakes, where he takes pride in his community and family. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Brent has found success in building strong relationships with his clients through market knowledge, education, strategic advice and services that help put complex financial jargon into layman’s terms. As a Morgan Stanley financial advisor, Brent upholds the company values that were first put into place when opening in
1935 - a commitment to community - as well as his own values to help his clients make the best decisions to meet their financial goals. Brent says, “Growing up my father was always trying to instill a sales mentality in me, I never wanted to go into sales so I resisted. But the thing that I did embrace was that entrepreneurship mindset and how clients value service. When I got my first job at T. Rowe Price working with their High Net Worth clients I grew to really enjoy helping clients with their financial plans. I love what I do and never really thought of it as sales, it’s really more about helping clients reach their financial goals and making great decisions that enhance their quality of life for the long haul.” Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2010, Brent owned and operated a flood insurance agency
where he gained experience in customer relations with many small business owners. “From my experience with this company, I gained valuable insight into the financial concerns and challenges of small business owners, as well as the substantial effort involved in building wealth” says Brent. “Owning and operating my own small business for flood insurance helped me gain knowledge as a business owner and also take into consideration what it takes to grow your money and find success.” Brent received his B.A. in Communications from the University of South Florida. He has attained the Financial Planning Specialist (FPS) designation and holds Series 7, 63, 66 and Life, Health and Variable Annuity Insurance licenses. Brent believes in continuing his education to stay ahead of the industry and to be at
Brent Hulling, Vice President Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor
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the forefront of the financial market. He says, “I attend numerous conferences to meet with and learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry.” Although, not currently practicing, Brent holds his Property and Casualty Insurance license and Florida Real Estate License. Brent focuses on financial planning, insurance and retirement income planning. His understanding of the financial world paired with his ability to help everyday people understand the market is helpful to all walks of life. Helping clients expand and build portfolios , Brent's services are praised with great reviews from all his clients. Whether you’re a large investor, big business, small business or family wanting to grow your assets - Brent treats you with the same respect. No matter how big or small your portfolio may be, rest easy knowing Brent has your best interest in mind and works diligently to update you on what is happening in the financial industry and how it may effect your money. As a long term Tampa resident, Brent feels strongly about giving back to his community. Brent says,“I believe in the value and necessity of our community’s great institutions.” Brent can often be found engaging in his kids events and activities, enjoying watching local Tampa sports, playing golf and working to better our community. He often donates to local charitable organizations and takes part in supporting The Humane Society, Feeding America, Lowry Park Zoo, his church, The Dream Center of Tampa and to Morgan Stanley’s
foundation that supports charities. Brent’s knowledge and experience combined with his excitement in helping small businesses and fellow entrepreneurial spirits is palpable upon speaking to him. He has a true passion for helping people find their success and keeping that success. From Investing, Family Financial Strategies, Retirement Planning and Business Planning and more - Brent Hulling is your guide to understanding the financial industry, setting goals and seeking success with your money. Contact Brent Hulling direct at (813) 227-2170 and begin the journey of smart financial planning! Brent Hulling is a Financial Advisor with the Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Tampa, FL. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates.
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Bleakley Bavol & Denman – New Name; Same Exceptional Legal Service
Carrollwood and surrounding area residents do not have to travel far to get excellent legal representation; Bleakley Bavol & Denman is your local full service “AV” rated law firm (highest possible rating on Martindale Hubbell’s lawyer rating system) and is ready to help you, your family, and/or your business, no matter what your situation may be. Bleakley Bavol & Denman, formerly known as The Bleakley Bavol Law Firm, recently revealed its new name, reflecting J. Ronald Denman as a named partner of the firm. Ron joined the firm in 2014 bringing a statewide practice representing contractors, manufacturers, carriers, individuals and families in commercial matters, construction disputes, employment, product, trucking, and premises liability matters. It did not take long for main partners Robert Bleakley and Chuck Bavol to take notice. “Chuck and I knew back in 2014 when Ron joined our
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firm that we had just gained a very talented litigator,” says Robert. “Ron’s dedication and the incredible effort and enthusiasm he brings to the table for the firm’s clients has far exceeded our expectations. This name change recognizes Ron’s significant contributions to the firm and the outstanding results he has achieved for our clients. Ron is a talented attorney whose national litigation experience allows him to handle the most complex legal issues.” Since joining the firm, Ron accepted the challenge of litigating some of the firm’s most complex commercial cases for many of its larger business clients. However, many of the most challenging (and rewarding) matters involve litigating to help elder citizens and their family members, who have suffered from fraud and exploitation in guardianship, trust, and probate matters. In July 2017, Ron, along with partners Chuck Bavol and Grant Kindrick,
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J. Ronald Denman obtained a record $16.4M verdict after a two-week federal jury trial in a guardianship matter, leading to an increasingly national reputation as a champion for the rights of the victim of the system. The newly renamed Bleakley Bavol & Denman will continue offering the same trusted legal solutions, built over the past 18 years, in the areas of commercial, professional, employer, construction, and tort litigation, business and corporate transactions, estate and succession planning, and guardianship and probate matters. The firm, established in 2000, is known for
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applying its “big firm” legal experience while offering the personalized benefits of a boutique law firm, and is home to more than 15 attorneys well-equipped to meet your legal needs. Bleakley Bavol & Denman is located at 15170 North Florida Avenue in Tampa. The firm is open from 8:30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with appointment times available outside normal office hours. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call (813) 221-3759 or visit www.bleakleybavol.com.
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Tech Talk with Bob: Wi-Fi: Part 4 By Bob Dalles
Greetings! We have been talking, in depth, about Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) utilizing the 802.11 standard different radio signals designated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Let’s begin with the current fastest of the remaining two standards we need to cover. The current fastest standard is 802.11ac which transmits at a
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speed of 1300 Megabits Per Second (Mbps); with a range of 1300 feet; and uses the 5 Gigahertz (GHz) frequency. The next slower standard is 802.11n which transmits at a speed of 600 Mbps; with a range of 1200 feet; and uses the 2.4 GHz frequency and the 5 GHz radio frequency. The good news is that currently the 802.11ac, 802.11n and the 802.11g are the main
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formats you’ll will find on the market today (with the ac standard being the most popular and the most expensive). Here is a chart (above) that hopefully simply summarizes the 802.11 standards. *Please note that the �Up To Speed� and �Up To Distance� are theoretical maximums that will vary on environmental and other atmospheric conditions. Have a tech question?
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Email it to TechTalkTBNL@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 727-5344000. Until next time, stay safe on the internet!
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SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: SUMMER PREP CLASSES By Dr. Wayne Adams More and more students are preferring to prepare for the SAT and the ACT exams over the summer when schedules are not so demanding. The summer ACT Exam is on July 14th, and the summer SAT Exam is on August 25th. Rising seniors can take an exam and see if the score is what they need, or take another one in the fall before submitting college applications. Rising juniors often prepare for the PSAT given in midOctober, which is the only qualifying exam for National Merit Scholars. On occasion I help rising sophomores, such as two current seniors who both are National Merit Finalists (top 1% in nation based on PSAT score) with substantial scholarships. The phone is ringing about the new “Top 25” Program. If you are interested in seeing if this is an option for your student(s), give me a call. From my last article, you know that a freshman entering Princeton (the #1 ranked US College) in 2017 would pay over $3,000 less than a freshman entering the University of Florida (#42), and actually less than any residential college in Florida. The cost
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of attending most of the Top 25 is very close to UF for most Florida students. Again, the key is to be admitted, which is not easy since most of these schools admit less than 10% of applicants, but can be done. The core of my prep classes is the same for all students. Each comes to me with an academic foundation, a certain level of test-taking skills, a specific learning style, a personality type, goals, and motivations. Usually within the first fifteen minutes of our first class, when normally the student(s) and parent(s) sit down and we talk about the philosophies underlying the course and get to know each other, I get a good reading on each of these key student characteristics. This is built on over seven years of working with students and parents in this highly specialized field, plus many years of teaching at many levels up to graduate school. From this point, the course is adapted to each student. For example, all students need a combination of test taking techniques and strategies, baseline tests, focused skill building, and practice. Students in each “potential scoring range” need different specifics
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within this core. For example, a student starting at an SAT superscore of 1,000 or an ACT composite of 20 will need more focus on learning key strategies and mid-range skill building. A student starting at an SAT superscore of 1380 - 1400 or an ACT composite of 28 – 30 will need more focus on avoiding what we call “SM’s” (silly mistakes), spotting subtle traps in questions, and handling “curve balls”, those types of questions that do not occur often and may not even be covered in most prep books. And I have seen students coming with an SAT score of 450 or an ACT score of 17 in a subject make dramatic jumps
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to 650 or more on the SAT and 26 – 28 on the ACT because they are willing to work hard outside of class … the results show! During our first fifteen minutes, I always ask the student(s), “How well do you want to do?” Answers vary, with the one I like best being, “Really well.” Then I say, “Excellent. Now there is another question that always comes with the first one. How hard are you willing to work?” The two key attitudes for doing their best do not vary in our classes. The first is underlying motivation, which comes from seeing clear improvement which grows into a
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determination to do their best. The second is test-confidence. We start with a range from “Not sure I can do this,” to “I think I can.” By the end of the course, almost all of my students are thinking, “I can do this well. Just let me show you how well I can do!” Would love to talk with you further. Just contact me at 727-253-0639 or send me an e mail at wwa0811@mykolab.com to talk further about your student. 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 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
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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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Caring for your Trees for the 2018 Hurricane Season - ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping Inc By: Tom Bostock Hurricanes are some of the most destructive forces on earth, as many Florida homeowners can attest to. Wind damage to homes and property can run into the millions of dollars. The 2018 hurricane season, according to tbo.com, will be another active year. The CSU Department of Atmospheric Science Tropical Meteorology Project’s forecast was just released Thursday. The report should serve as “a call to action” to all Florida homeowners; “70 days during which a named storm will be present, 30 hurricane days and seven major hurricane days. Median seasons see about 60 named storm days, 21 hurricane days and four major hurricane days. University of Colorado predicts “14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes, packing winds of at least 111 mph!” The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane wind scale paints an informative picture of potential damage to your trees from
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a hurricane, particularly improperly pruned trees. Using a rating system of 1 – 5, it warns that, at 74 to 95 mph, a category 1 hurricane can cause damage. “Large branches of trees will snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled,” possibly causing “extensive damage to power lines” creating outages that can last “a few to several days.” Downed trees can block roads, delaying the response time for emergency crews. Snapped branches can become lethal projectiles. The time to prepare is now. When you take the steps that you need to make your home secure, don’t forget one important element that is often overlooked and can cause damage to your home, your trees. The solution is not the removal of trees but taking proper preventative care of them. According to certified arborist and owner of ALLPRO Tree and Landscape Inc, Pete Spiridis, a lot was learned from the damage that was caused to and by neighborhood trees, during the
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2017 hurricane season. He said that “more of the trees that failed were improperly pruned trees.” Proper pruning not only improves your trees’ overall health, it ensures that your family will be able to enjoy the shade of their favorite trees for many years to come. Pete encourages you to call him at either (727-409-3315 or 813-2449234) or visit the website at www.myallpro.com to make your appointment for a free, no obligation inspection of your trees. Arboreal
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diseases, detected early, can be controlled and cured. Unpruned or improperly pruned trees are more susceptible to disease than properly maintained ones. ALLPRO not only diagnoses and crafts unique landscaping solutions for your grounds and trees, but also uncovers any underlying causes that may be contributing to your tree/landscape issues. A full-service tree and landscaping service, ALLPRO provides tree trimming, tree removal, tree stump grinding, landscape design
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and installation as well as yard clean up and all landscaping services. As Pete explains on his website, “Trees in urban areas of Tampa Bay endure especially brutal stimuli. Some trees do not have the genetic predisposition to deal with these forces.” At ALLPRO, the arborists “custom-tailor solutions that promote the health of your unique trees”
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If you are wondering if ALLPRO lives up to its reputation of providing “the elite service that you deserve,” as their website pledges, why don’t we just ask the experts? National online home service guru, Angie’s List, was impressed enough to present ALLPRO with their “Super Service Award.” The Better Business Bureau, who analyzes and rates companies, according to both
the quality of the service they provide, and the complaints received about them, awarded ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping Inc. its highest rating, an A+!!! So many of their satisfied customers are also happy to confirm the excellence of the service that they received from ALLPRO. If word of mouth advertising is the best form of
advertising, David K. is one of their best advertisers. According to David, “the service from ALLPRO was phenomenal. They were very responsive to the initial inquiry, highly competitive for the work that needed to be completed and they were extremely professional when completing the work. We are extremely pleased with ALLPRO.” Roger M. agreed as well, noting that he had used ALLPRO to remove several trees for a pool. “Job well done and will use them again.“ Susan Y. said “I would highly recommend ALLPRO Tree and Landscaping.” Julie K. was also in agreement when she said that she “can’t say enough good things about them.” Visit their website at www.myallpro.com to read more of these positive testimonials. With hurricane season just around the corner, while you are preparing your home, don’t forget your trees. Dead branches and overhanging limbs represent potential hazards. The folks at ALLPRO are ready to help. Just call (727-4093315 or 813-244-9234) and don’t forget your free, no obligation inspection.
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“Florida Executive Realty”
WE’RE LOCAL, WE’RE GLOBAL. The world is becoming a smaller place at a rapid pace. Through our partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, we can help anyone, anywhere in the world. We are an invitation only network of the leading independent agencies & have been doing business for over 60 years in 65 countries, in 6 continents. Leading RE is the most trusted real estate leader in the market and sells more than any other network in the US. When you list your home with us, it is not only seen locally, your home is seen globally.
Continued from page 1 getting to know our clients, their lives, their goals and what matters most to them and work hard to help them successfully achieve their dreams in a stress free way. Our track record speaks for itself with the majority of our business coming from returning clients or referrals from them. For us, it’s about the long term. Our goal is not to be your realtor for one transaction, we want to be your realtors for life!
“…professionalism, communication, knowledge of the local real estate market, and transactional leadership is second-to-none...” WE WILL SELL YOUR HOME! We provide the full service real estate experience by helping you prepare your home for the market in order to optimize your profit. Preparing your home for the market is very important, and pricing your home correctly is critical! We use our market knowledge, combined with the most current market metrics to base our data from, the latest technology, and eye-catching marketing to help you achieve you’re home’s maximum potential. We partner with you by connecting you with trusted vendors and industry professionals for any work needing to be done. It’s not enough to just put up a “For Sale” sign, we craft a tailored marketing plan specific to your family’s needs and will launch your home onto the market. Need to find a new home? We have you covered with the highest form of representation, whether buying or selling in Florida.
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“...helped put us at ease by explaining every part of the process, answering questions, and being quick to respond and keep us updated…”
“The service provided by Angela was impeccable. This was the 5th house we’ve sold and was by far the easiest…though I knew she had other clients, she always made us feel that we were her only client”
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"I strongly recommend Dee to anyone looking for an agent. Dee exhibits the highest level of professionalism, knowledge, integrity, and expertise. She went over and beyond to sell our home in a timely manner and at a competitive price. Dee helped make the experience as stress free as possible.” MAY 2018
WE ARE MARKET EXPERTS. We understand that our clients do something else for a living, that’s why we keep a very focused eye on the market for them. Whether it’s through our national watch, our Tampa Bay area reports, or our local area specific market reports, we make it our business to stay on the leading edge in market metrics. Our full time job is helping our clients successfully navigate the real estate market. That includes not only being on top of the market cycle, but also being contract experts, negotiation experts and proactive managers of the real estate process from start to finish. Getting your home under contract is only the beginning - you need a trusted professional who has a competent understanding of the process and mastery level understanding of the contract to ensure you make it successfully to closing.
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“…will definitely be our go to realtor for any future real estate needs and will be referred by us to all our family and acquaintances…” Q&A Is it good time to sell? A: It’s a great time to sell! Leading indicators in the market point to a strong seller’s market. Inventory is low, which means there are more buyers in today’s marketplace than available homes. What’s the most important thing I should look for when searching for a real estate professional? A: You need someone who will take a hands on approach to selling your home, someone who will be present every step of the way, and who responds in a timely manner to your needs.
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What’s your favorite part of your job? A: We love being the source of all things real estate to our clients. It makes our day when our clients call for help, or even just to say hello :) How can we get in touch with you for questions? A: Angela can be reached directly at 813-468-3724 & angela@floridaexecutiverealty.com. Dee can be reached at 813-5257851 & dee@floridaexecutiverealty.com. Our office address is Florida Executive Realty, 15802 Amberly Drive, Tampa, FL 33647.
“…we truly believe we found a fantastic realtor, great person, and new friend.”
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“Wild Birds” Continued from page 1 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 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
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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. 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
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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
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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
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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.
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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 birdfriendly 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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TRINITY DENTAL CARE (727) 372-2001 ING EPT
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