Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles. Odessa/Lutz/LoL Vol. 13, Issue 10, October 2022

The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To

Homes In Odessa, Lutz

Land

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

Same Day Teeth®: The New Way to Bring Back Your Beautiful, Natural Smile

By Dr. Michael A. Pikos

“I love Dr. Pikos and Dr. Hedger, I’m over the moon with my new teeth,” recalls Ellen Konof. Ellen was missing multiple teeth, and because of that, she avoided going out in public, including getting together with her family. She came to Coastal Jaw Surgery looking for help with both her smile and her selfconfidence.

For nearly 40 years, the doctors at Coastal Jaw Surgery have been caring for patients in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. Dr. Michael A. Pikos opened the

See “Coastal Jaw” on page 18

BergHOFF International Inc. – Culinary Quality Close to Home!

By Joy Bergman and Candace Powers

Remember the time you dragged your spouse through that large department store in search of that “perfect” grill from T.V.? Or how about that time you cried in your kitchen over your “non-stick” pan actually sticking to…well, everything? And of course, who could ever forget the feeling you had when you only needed a chef’s knife, but were stuck having to buy the whole set?

ron Knives - “Good Design Award,” features a titanium coating.

If this has been you, and you’ve been disappointed time and time again by products that don’t live up to your standards, and options that just aren’t customizable to suit your needs, then you are not alone. But thanks to BergHOFF International Inc.

See “BergHOFF” on page 20

TAMPA BAY - MAKING PINK STRIDES

One of the most significant tools we have today is the power of human connection. Awareness months, weeks, and days are so important: They rally us together to spread a message and show support for much-needed causes. They help us create a comforting feel ing that no matter what you’re going through, you don’t have to do it alone.

The support of your loved ones and the community you live in can make a huge difference in anyone’s life. I love being part of the supportive commu nity of Tampa Bay!

This month of October happens to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, LGBT History Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Emotional Wellness Month, and Italian-American Heritage Month, just to name a few. Whichever movement you choose to support, make it count!

As someone whose childhood friend just got diagnosed with stage three breast cancer and it’s undergoing weekly chemo sessions, I want to say Brenda I love you, stay strong! Have faith, and don’t stop fighting!

For everyone reading, I also want to say that early detection can make all the difference. I can’t really stress enough the importance of preventive care and regular checkups.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Movement will host several fundraising events and non-competitive walks/runs in Tampa Bay during the month of October.

“Since 1993, the American Can cer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® (MSABC) campaign has united communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. Over the past two decades, the 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer move

ment providing a supportive com munity for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast can cer thrivers, including caregivers and families alike. This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates its 30th anniversary and will take place in more than 150 communities nation wide. We invite you to join the Making Strides movement to help save lives and end breast cancer as we know it.” (cancer.org)

For more information and to par ticipate in upcoming awareness events taking place throughout the month of October in Tampa, please visit https:// www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/ making-strides-against-breast-cancer. html.For resourceful information on breast screening exams and mam mograms for low-income households, please check: https://www.freemammo grams.org/city/fl-tampa

During October, numerous small businesses will offer amazing promo tions and perhaps even hold their own fundraising events, so make sure to check out your Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles magazine or visit tbnews andlifestyles.com to stay up to date with what your community businesses and non-for-profits are doing and offer ing every month!

With Halloween festivities fast ap proaching, the City of Tampa wants to keep families participating in trick-ortreating events safe from COVID. For a detailed list of Halloween safety tips and an incredible list of family-friendly Halloween events, please visit: https:// www.tampa.gov/news/city-tampashares-covid-19-safety-tips-trick-ortreating-and-other-halloween-festivities

Until next time, stay safe!

Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi

Terrifying Tales of Scammers!by Bob the Computer Guy

By Bob Dalles & Nikki Dalles

Hello Friend! In case you didn’t know, October is Cybersecurity Aware ness Month, so I’d like to start by telling you a story about a phone call my wife received. Over Labor Day weekend we received a phone call from “Officer Johnson” in the warrants and citations department of the county sheriff’s office. He used her full name and left a phone number for her to call back. Naturally, we were very suspi cious of this message. We went to the sheriff’s office website, found the nonemergency phone number, and spoke with an officer there. When we ex plained the message we received, he advised my wife that this is a common phone call scam going around lately and that it was best to just ignore the phone call.

This incident got me thinking about how these scammers scare and intimidate their victims. It’s all psycho logical. These cybercriminals are prey ing on your fear. Whether they send you an email that your credit card was used to make an expensive purchase, a pop-up message on your screen telling you that your computer had a security breach, or “Officer Johnson” calling to discuss the warrant out for your arrest, they are hoping you’ll spring into action to resolve the issue quickly, and with as few questions, as possible.

The only way to combat this psychological attack on your sensitive information is by changing your behav ior. That’s why my cybersecurity team and I have produced an informational guide for you to reference if one of these scammers tries to take advan tage of your fears. In this guide we

include information on the four types of scams that we get the most phone calls about. Our goal is to help you identify these different types of scams, so you don’t fall victim to them. And if you do get scammed, we give you the next steps to take to get you safe and secure.

There are four types of scams that we identify within the guide. The first scam we discuss is the email and text message scam. Email scams are incredibly common, but I’ve been get ting more calls about text scams lately. When presented with these scams we always recommend reaching out to your trusted IT professional to check them out, but within our guide we give you a comprehensive check list to de termine whether they are real or not.

The second type of scam we dis cuss is the phone call scam. Much like the email and text scam this is one of the most common scams that people experience. We recommend that you don’t answer any calls from phone numbers you don’t know. Unfortunate ly, many people do not know to ignore the call and get sucked in. If you do answer, or they leave a voicemail, our guide can help you figure out how to resolve any issues the caller might have mentioned.

The third scam we discuss is a bit scarier than the former two and is the one that folks tend to fall for the most: the pop-up scam. This type of scam truly plays on your fears and can happen to anyone while online with a simple click of your mouse. These types of scams tend to mimic true security warnings that your computer might show but, in our guide, we show what this type of scam might look like and provide a list of characteristics this

scam might have.

The final scam we discuss is less common than the rest but is the most detrimental to its victims: the sim card swap scam. A sim card is the device in your mobile phone that provides your cellular connection with your carrier. If scammers get enough of your per sonal information, they can imperson ate you and get your phone number changed to another carrier, therefore stealing your phone number and any other information tied to that phone number. In our guide we give you the warning signs to watch for and what to do if this does happen to you, as well as how to help protect yourself from becoming a victim in the first place.

If you would like to get your hands on one of these FREE guides all you have to do is give us a call at 727534-4000 and we’ll get one sent to you. The next time you get a phone call, email, or pop-up message you can grab this guide to help keep you from becoming yet another cybercrime statistic.

Are you certain your computer is safe? You don’t have to do this alone my friend. My team and I are here to keep your computer safer and keep it running. My team repairs comput ers and secures them, on our bench, on-site in your home or office, and even remotely. We have the best solu tions 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!

“Medicare is as Simple as A, B, C, D.” Just Ask Laurie Champion

By T.J. Bostock

On July 30, 1965, Presi dent Johnson signed the Medicare and Medicaid Act into law. It was a part of the Social Security Act Amend ments and established Medicare; health insurance for seniors at least 65 years of age, as well as younger recipients with certain disabilities while simulta neously creating a similar program for low-income Americans, Medicaid. To day, experienced, licensed insurance agents train to be able to assist seniors in en rolling them in the program and understanding their assorted options under Medicare.

There is an easier way to learn about Medicare. When was the last time you performed your own brain surgery? Now, that is silly, isn’t it? You would consult a surgeon in the field in question to ensure a more favorable outcome, wouldn’t you? The same thing should apply to your understanding of the nu ances of Medicare.

Why don’t you take the uncertainty and any lack of understanding out of the equation by getting to know Laurie Champion? She is your experienced local insurance agent for a major Medicare healthcare insurance provider. Laurie said she learned to under stand the confusion associ ated with Medicare when

her father had a stroke. He did not know where to get the specialized care he needed from his regular Medicare provider. With Laurie’s help, he was able to get the proper treatment to put him on the road to recovery. This incident and her husband’s later sug gestion encouraged her to enter the Medicare field.

Laurie said, “I have been a licensed insurance agent for 15 years and have specialized in the intrica cies of Medicare for the last 10 years.” Her husband, a financial advisor, had many older clients who were aging into Medicare. He needed someone to help his clients with their Medi care needs. It was a perfect fit for her, as, years later, her many grateful, satisfied Medicare clients today can attest to.

When I asked Laurie about the different sec tions of Medicare and what coverage they provide, she said that each portion represented a specific area of Medicare coverage

As I understand it, Part A refers to the coverage for hospital stays and includes 80% of the costs incurred. Part B is similar but covers expenses for services out side of hospital stays, not including drugs. Again, the same 80% limit applies.

Part C relates to Medi care plans. Major healthcare companies offer a variety of individual programs that

include the benefits of all parts of Medicare, and additional coverage that might include dental, vision, and gym memberships, to name just a few of the many possible additional benefits offered by the individual plans.

Part D refers to cover age for prescription drugs and medicines. Many of these programs include mail options from their online pharmacies. It is a tiered system and drug costs rise as various medications are found on a higher tier

This is just a brief lay man’s view of what I under

stand about Medicare and its options. If you have any questions, you should be talking to Laurie Champion, your local Medicare ad viser. She is the expert and can explain the Medicare process in terms that every one can understand. She periodically conducts group presentations in easy-tounderstand language. She represents one of the largest Medicare health care insurance providers in the country with some of the most comprehensive Medicare Advantage, and supplement programs, and benefits available anywhere.

Do not worry if you are not available to attend one of her group meetings that explain Medicare. Laurie also offers one-on-one, in-home consultations if you contact her in advance at 727 741 2481. Visit her website at www. MyUHCagent.com/laurie.champion for more information.

In addition to the group presentations, and one-onone meetings, Laurie also offers virtual meetings to ac commodate any less mobile clients’ needs. “My clients,” she said, “are extremely important to me. I treat them the way I want to be treated.” This confirms her willingness to go the extra mile for her clients.

Laurie stresses Medicare education with all her clients. That way, she keeps them up to date about any current changes to the program. Clients can feel confident when they choose one of her Medicare plans that best meets their individual healthcare needs.

There are many Medicare agents available around the country, but Laurie is your local, knowledgeable, and pro fessional one. She is conveniently located to anyone in the Tampa Bay area and professionally serves all her clients. If you miss the initial Medicare enrollment period, contact Laurie. She might be able to help. There is nothing to lose but a phone call and a minute of your time. Call 727 741 2481 today for your peace of mind tomorrow.

GROUT TECH - YOUR TILE AND GROUT SPECIALIST!

Before you spend thousands of dollars remodeling and re-tiling your bathroom or kitchen be sure to call Grout Tech for a FREE estimate on cleaning or repairing old dingy tile and grout. Grout Tech can breathe new life into your existing tile work, making everything shine like new at a fraction of the cost.

Grout Tech is a family owned business serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties.

With over 17 years of experience in the industry, Grout Tech specializes in cleaning and sealing tile and grout, re-coloring grout, recaulking showers and tubs, and repairing grout and broken tiles.

Grout Tech will renew existing grout and tile to its original beauty by cleaning and maintaining the tile and grout lines. Jeremy G. and his wife were ready to re-tile their entire bathroom before calling BJ at Grout Tech. “Our bathroom tile was over 40 years old it was looking grungy and very dull. We

called Grout Tech and we are extremely pleased with our results! We saved so much money by having the grout in our shower resurfaced and the tile cleaned and it looks brand new.”

BJ is happy to set your appointment, come out and give you a free estimate. She stresses, “It is important for me to be respectful of our customers’ time so I will always arrive at the time we set.” In addition to always arriving in a timely manner, BJ says that they can keep their prices low because they are a family owned business and not a franchise. She explains, “What many people don’t understand is that franchises are often forced to charge more for their services because they have to maintain their franchise fees, but not with Grout Tech.” Not only does Grout Tech keep its rates competitive, but the company will also honor any other quote as long as it is in writing.

Because grout is a porous material, trying to remove stains is seemingly impossible.

Before After

BJ explains, “Color sealing grout lines is one of the many services we offer and it is definitely the most effective way to create a perfect, new look.”

Using a step-by-step process, Grout Tech begins by using a cleansing product to remove all bacteria and surface dirt with special

machinery. They will then apply a color seal (of your choice).

Once the sealer is applied the grout lines will be permanently protected from any stains.

The color seal also guarantees against cracking, chipping and peeling. Additionally, they will also

cosmetically fix or replace chipped or cracked tiles, making your bathroom or kitchen tile like new again.

Kathy G., a satisfied customer, shares her experience, “When BJ came out to give us a quote, she looked at the job and I could tell immediately that she knew what she was talking about. We had our family room, kitchen and dining room re-grouted. They also re-grouted the tub, shower and base of our toilet in our bathroom. They were fantastic! Not only were they professional and reliable but they also completed the job much faster than we had anticipated.”

Excellent Service Leads to Referrals

Throughout the years, Grout Tech has grown through its many referrals from happy customers. People really appreciate that Grout Tech saves them time and money, but it is the excellent service provided that has really helped this business grow.

Grout Tech’s success stories say that before calling Grout Tech, their bathrooms,

guest bathroom showers and floor grout, had deteriorated over time and the tiles were dull and stained. “The tile was in good condition but it was stained so we had Grout Tech come out and clean them and they turned out very well.” They were so pleased that they have already referred Grout Tech to neighbors in their community.

Grout Tech can also remove and re-caulk around sinks, baseboards, tubs and showers serving to clean up old moldy areas and keep your dry wall free from water damage. From old to new in just one day!

To find out more about Grout Tech’s services or for a free estimate call BJ at 727-768-6828.

Palm Harbor office in 1983 with the goal to treat patients like family, while ensuring their oral health needs are cared for.

As the practice grew, we expanded to six locations across Tampa Bay, including Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Trinity, and Tampa. Our dynamic, surgicalbased, multispecialty team consists of Dr. Michael A. Pikos, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon; Dr. Kenneth L. Anderson III, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon; Dr. Nicole Hernandez, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and MD; Dr. Austin L. Lyman, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon; Dr. Lindsey Pikos Rosati, Periodontist; Dr. Anthony M. Pikos, Periodontist; and Dr. Philip J. Hedger, Prosthodontist.

We are all committed to the practice’s mission to provide exceptional dental care, under one roof, while creating a safe, welcoming environment to make all patients feel like family. The practice offers a wide range of services including Same Day Teeth®, traditional dental implants, Zygomatic implants, oral surgery, and periodontal

services.

Same Day Teeth® is an innovative surgical procedure that bypasses the traditional dental implant’s time-consuming process and allows for the placement of implants and new teeth to occur on the very same day. Same Day Teeth® protocol begins with a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, which will provide us with 3D images of your bone, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and teeth. This allows us to determine the optimal placement of your implants, using the best digital assessment software and related stateof-the-art technology, to ensure your treatment is

truly customized.

Most service providers, especially corporate-based providers, treat everyone the same way - with a one-size-fits-all mentality. But not at Coastal Jaw Surgery! You are as unique as your fingerprint and as a result, we draw from a variety of digital-based, precision solutions to give you a customized, beautiful, and natural smile which restores your ability to eat and chew the foods you love. Our unique approach not only includes a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient, but also a thorough and detailed explanation.

“The best around, not only in Florida, but I

am convinced the best in the nation”, states Nicholas Louis. Nicholas received traditional dental implants for his Same Day Teeth® procedure. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in your jaw to support replacement teeth. These replacement teeth are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth, restore the aesthetic appearance of your smile, provide optimal functionality, and reduce your risk of developing other oral health issues.

Coastal Jaw Surgery offers several dental implant options to ensure your smile is natural and custom to you.

Same Day Teeth®

“Coastal Jaw” story continued from page 1

offers patients a beautiful, natural smile completed on the same day with the use of dental implants,

zygomatic implants, or subperiosteal implants.

Patients who are missing teeth in their upper jaw, or

whose teeth have broken down due to advanced periodontal disease, may be good candidates for zygomatic dental implants. These implants are longer and anchored in the upper jawbone near the zygoma bone. Patients who are experiencing significant bone loss in the lower jaw may be good candidates for subperiosteal implants. This type of implant must be custom-made to fit the contours of a patient’s bone.

Plus, Coastal Jaw Surgery is recognized as the first ZAGA Center in North America. This is a prestigious distinction, as there are only 60 centers throughout the world, each of which is recognized as a Zygomatic Implant

Specialty practice.

If you have been told you are not a candidate for dental implants due to bone loss, Coastal Jaw Surgery is the answer for you! Our doctors have the opportunity to help you with your missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures with Same Day Teeth®’s solutions to traditional dental implants. We encourage second opinions. We make sure the best treatment possible is presented to you, so the end-result gives you back your smile and self-confidence.

Our Coastal Jaw Surgery team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontist have 65 years of combined experience within the realm of implant dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics. There is no better place to go for your comprehensive dental care.

Are you ready to Transform your smile and Change your life with Same Day Teeth®?

Contact Coastal Jaw Surgery!

Call 800-NEW-LOOK or visit www.CoastalJaw. com to book your appointment today!

“BergHOFF” story continued from page 1

in Odessa, the brand’s only buy-direct store in all of North America, your cooking worries are now “finite!”

At BergHOFF, conveniently located off of State Road 54, you’ll find high quality cookware, cutlery, and cook accessories with impeccable design at affordable prices. If you are unfamiliar with this high-end brand, BergHOFF is a designer, producer, and distributor of Cookware, knives, Portable Induction Cooktops, Bakeware, Porcelain, Flatware, Kamado Grills, BBQ Accessories, and Cook’s Tools. Chances are, you may have driven by BergHOFF’s large industrial building before, unaware of the treasures lying inside. But take it from Dan, a happy customer, – it’s worth making the U-Turn! “I’m visiting family in the Odessa, Florida area, and drove past the [BergHOFF] building, did a U-turn, and went in,” Dan writes. “I’m a Chef and I love this store…

Great and huge selection of items and prices that can’t be beat…..Staff was super friendly and helpful.”

And this is true. Whether you are a chef like Dan, or simply a foodie who loves cooking, there is something for everyone at

BergHOFF. Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen’s current collection or maybe you’re after a gift for the chef in your life. Either way, BergHOFF, is the prime place to shop and save on over 3,000 products. In fact, the Belgium-based company has been designing elegant and practical utensils since 1964, and now touts international acclaim and numerous design awards, including almost 100 of the most prestigious design awards. Odessa locals Raymond and Deborah Van Den Langenbergh, who are also the owners of BergHOFF’s North American distribution, first built their showroom off of State Road 54 in November of 2006 for wholesale buyers. However, it wasn’t long before members of the community began knocking on their door, interested in buying the brand’s products directly. Soon after, the couple opened the BergHOFF showroom to the public, making residents of Tampa Bay the only customers on the continent that can buy-direct products from the company in-person! “We celebrate 16 years this November, and several thousand customers have enjoyed the opportunity to purchase the best culinary

products,” Showroom Manager Candace Powers shares.

Needless to say, many locals are impressed, such as Local Guide Brian F., who recently stopped in for his first visit. He writes, “We selected the Ouro Gold Stainless Steel set, a set of stainless-steel utensils to use… An induction cook top and a non-stick coated

I info@nnlflorida.com or visit

griddle for pancakes…and a knife set…I am impressed at how well these heat up evenly, are easy to clean, and the handles stay cool enough, even for the pasta pot that was on the stove for a half hour,” he says. “As a bonus, they feel good in the hand, and look great…Overall the products are great…” At BergHOFF, you won’t just

Kamado Grill - Cook your food to perfection!

Perfect Slice – a Non-Stick Bakeware & Custom Slicing System in One

10 Piece Hammered Stainless Steel Cookware Set: 18/10

Stainless Steel, Induction Ready

and passionate staff who understand the intricacies of cooking in a kitchen. With incredible employees like Candace Powers and Culinary Connoisseur Sylke Frischknecht, you’re sure to feel welcomed. But don’t let your culinary trip just stop there – check out the newest addition to the BergHOFF shopping experience at the building’s second entrance…the Liquidation Center!

Although the Liquidation Center has only been opened since 2021, the showroom has endured much success. With help from Liquidation Showroom

in the discounted center.

From various products such as grills and BBQ tools to vacuum cleaners, and even exercise machines, including state-of-the-art machines popular at physiotherapy locations, there are many promotions to take advantage of in both showrooms.

which is a program dedicated to inspiring young students about the wonders of cooking and hospitality at Tarpon Springs High School. Overall, due to BergHOFF’s quality, design, and pricing, it’s no wonder why the brand is so close to both home and heart for many locals. But as you set off on your own culinary journey, it’s important to keep this piece of advice in mind from chef Dan Boulud: “Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly important – fun, food, and life.” Happy cooking!

Ez2vibe - As seen in your local gym or physio therapy location.

find quality products at the best prices possible, but you’ll also find friendly

Manager Ron Martin, you’re sure to find something special to take home with you. The associates insist that you “stop in and look twice,” so as to never miss out on incredible deals

In fact, store regular Jon G. insists that after stopping by the showroom for kitchen supplies, you won’t want to go anywhere else. “Look no further for absolutely the finest cookware you will ever see,” he says. “Almost too nice to cook in…” Although BergHOFF no doubt has amazing cooking products, the staff understands that true hospitality doesn’t just stop at the kitchen. That being said, BergHOFF has been known to give back to the community, as seen by their recent raffle for a Kamado Grill and a BBQ Set, which earned several hundred dollars for a local fire department. The store is also a proud sponsor of JCAA, the Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy,

BergHOFF International Inc. is located at 11063 SR 54 (between Little Road & Gunn Hwy in Odessa) just minutes from East Lake. We are open to the public Tuesday thru Saturdays 10am to 5pm, closed Sundays and Mondays and Holidays. For more information email us at store@berghoffusa.com or contact us for the store at 727-853-3373. To reach our Liquidation Center, please email us at liquidation@berghoffusa. com. If you are not able to visit our Store & Liquidation Center, please visit us online shopberghoff.com. Don’t forget to love us on Yelp!

We look forward to meeting you soon!