Vol. 6, Issue 6, June 2017
Your community. Your magazine.™
®
The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To Over 15,000 Homes In Citrus Park, Westchase & Surrounding Areas
This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To: Arlington Park • Aston Villas • Bay Arbor • Berkeley Square • Calf Path Estates • Enclave At Citrus Park • Fawn Ridge Fawn Lake • Forest Lakes • Hampton Lakes • Highland Park • Lake Chase • Mandolin • The Eagles • Tree Tops Twin Branch Acres • Waterchase • West Hampton • Westchase • Westchester • Westwood Lakes • Windsor Place
Barkdoll Massage Therapy Brings Therapeutic Massage to You at Home and Corporate Chair Massage to Your Office
Mid May is smack dab in the middle of the Tarpon migration. The Tarpon bite is on fire in Tampa Bay and surrounding areas from now until the end of June. Local guides and recreational fishermen alike chomp at the bit for this time of year, and for good reason; Tarpon fishing is addicting, plain and simple. All it takes is a large fish, maybe a 100 pounder or so, to grab your bait and start it’s unrivaled arial show as she attempts to throw the hook for even the most seasoned angler to be “hooked” on tarpon for life. When Tarpon feel the sharp steel of the hook, this fish has a propensity for skyrocketing from the water and
ejecting both bait and hook high into the air. Even when an angler was lucky enough to survive this first burst of acrobatics and succeed in finding a place for the hook to imbed in the Tarpons hard mouth, only then did the angler truly understand the awesome strength of the mighty Silver King! If the hook sticks, an angler can prepare for a back-breaking 30 minute or longer fight! “There’s no feeling like it! Adrenaline pumps through my veins so hard sometimes my body starts shaking when a Tarpon finally takes the bait,” says John Swan of Tarpon Springs. Tarpon weren’t always a sought after game fish in our area, in fact, my See “Tarpon” on page 16.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Win RAYS Tickets!.................5 Wildfire Preparedness.............6 Early Childhood Reading and Writing...........................8 Faces of Courage..................11 Wade Boggs: Hometown Hero....12 SAT & ACT Improvement.....18
ECRWSS
By Captain Matt Selby
The Community Dining & Business Guide that your neighbors READ!
Postal Customer
Target Tarpon in Tampa Bay
Karla Barkdoll, LMT and owner of Barkdoll Massage Therapy
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185
Massage is globally recognized as a beneficial therapeutic treatment that offers stress relief and aids in relaxation by helping to reduce anxiety, but more than that, therapeutic massage helps in healing. Massage is clinically proven to improve circulation, range of motion and flexibility, while helping to relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and shorten healing time after an injury. Because of these many benefits, more and more physicians are prescribing massage as a way to help patients to return to their jobs after work-related injuries, and the great news for local patients is that Barkdoll Massage Therapy recently
began accepting Federal Worker’s Comp patients in the Tampa Bay Area. Another great service that many employers are utilizing as a way to show their appreciation to employees is Barkdoll Massage Therapy’s Corporate Seated Massage! Whatever your reason for wanting a massage, Barkdoll Massage Therapy makes it easy, affordable, and best of all, Barkdoll comes to you. Karla Barkdoll has been a licensed professional massage therapist since 2001, and her unique mobile massage business takes all of the stress out of your massage experience by bringing therapeutic massage services right to you – in your own comfortable space. Karla trained at the See “Massage” on page 14.
Dated Material Please Rush!
By Katie Thomas
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
3
4
JUNE 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Our Partnership With The Rays = Tickets For Our Readers! We have BIG NEWS!!! For the 4th year in a row, we have entered into an promotional partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays and they offered us six press level season ticket seats! This incredible package includes hundreds of tickets for amazing games during the entire season! And although we are a family owned and operated business with plenty of relatives and great friends here in the Tampa Bay area, who are huge Rays fans, there is no possible way we can make it to every single game. But we are always rooting for our Rays no matter where we are. After all, we are all about being loyal to local, especially when it comes to our sports teams! Obviously we don’t want these prime, press level tickets going to waste, and who better to share them with than you, our loyal local readers.
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
So we came up with a contest to give you a chance to WIN BIG with tickets to go see the Rays. Each month, starting in May and ending in September, we will give away multiple press level (sec.204) Rays’ tickets to 5 lucky winners. One Grand Prize winner per month will receive 6 tickets and 2 parking passes. Two 1st Runner Up winners will get 4 tickets and 1 parking pass, and the last two 2nd Runner Up winners will have fun at the ball park with 2 tickets and a parking pass. This contest will be a lot of fun and we are really happy to give back to our community, for always supporting us. You make what we do possible, plain and simple. We wish we could make every entry a winner. Good luck!
Here’s How to Enter! First thing you need to do is get on your computer or smart phone and show us some online love! Like and Share Our Social Media Pages! Like our Facebook page: TampaBayNewsandLifestyle s and follow us on instagram @TampaBayNews and share it with your friends. The more you like our posts and interact with us on social media the more opportunities you have of winning! Extra points will be awarded to those who give us an awesome and genuine review on Facebook. 5 stars go a long way! Good Luck and GO RAYS!
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33626 & 34677 220 S. Safford Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: editorial@nnlflorida.com © 2017 Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc. Publisher Tim Selby General Manager Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jim O’Reilly Mike Bird Paul Tamboe Creative Director Carla Dubis Accounting Manager Doreen Selby
Billing Assistant Tina O’Reilly
Editor Kim Thomas Correspondents Julie Kanehl Katie Thomas
Marcy Sanford Dara Tucker Michelle Naktin
Art Director Tony Sica Graphic Artist Dat X. Do
Nothing that appears in Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Westchase 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. Westchase Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles is published by ADS 2 Publications, Inc.
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
5
Wildfire Preparedness Wildfires are a natural part of our beautiful landscape, so preparing our homes and families for wildfire is essential. Florida is currently experiencing elevated fire conditions. East Lake Fire District Firefighters would like to remind all residents, especially those in the wildland/urban interface, that creating and maintaining defensible space around their homes is critical. Firefighters urge property owners to not delay in preparing
6
JUNE 2017
their family and home for wildfire. Take the following actions now: • CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches, and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home. • REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. • REMOVE flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks)
within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch. • Wildfire can spread to tree tops. PRUNE trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground. • KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. • Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. DISPOSE of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire. If a wildfire should start, always
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
contact the Fire District, even if you have put the fire out. Firefighters would like to ensure the fire is completely extinguished and will not reignite later in the day or overnight. We are always here to help! For more information about the wildland/urban interface and protecting your home from wildfires, visit the Florida Forest Service website and review the Firewise Communities information at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/ Divisions-Offices/Florida-ForestService/For-Communities/FirewiseCommunities .
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
7
The Significance of Early Childhood Reading and Writing As a VPK teacher, and I want to express the importance of early childhood reading and writing. I gained interest in these subjects when my son was four years old and I asked myself, “What can I do to ensure that my son has a successful education?” Being a VPK teacher has taught me that both parents and teachers need to instruct the child early and help them improve their skills in reading and writing. It is important to teach children how to hold a book correctly, recognize letter sounds, know which letters are capitalized and lowercased. Also, to hear and identify sounds in spoken words. Strong reading skills are important for young children, In order to identify those who struggle with reading as early as possible and to help them develop early literacy and learning skills. Through my experience in working with young children, phonological awareness is essential. It is the ability to hear and identify sounds, practice rhymes, and syllables. Introducing new vocabulary words to young children, like reading stories to them, can strengthen their skills
8
JUNE 2017
in reading and writing. My favorite books to read to children, in order to help them learn sounds and rhyming, are Dr. Seuss and Clifford “The Big Red Dog.” Through listening comprehension and understanding the meaning of words they frequently hear, gives young children motivation to read. Strong writing skills are important in pre-K for communication. The children are able to draw and describe their drawings with others. To begin, children learn to write their names from left to right, top to bottom. Writing takes a lot of practice and I try to give them a lot of opportunities for children to improve their writing. During my experience, I observed as the children enjoyed learning letters and sounds in the classroom. By the end of the year, the children are able to recall information from books and gain knowledge on reading and writing. Teaching these skills to each child is important, in order to help them for their future. Evis Petromilo VPK Teacher
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
9
10
JUNE 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
By Carla Dubis
Faces of Courage is a small non-profit organization located in Tampa Bay, that offers free camps and events for women, men and children with cancer and blood illnesses. But do not let the word “small” throw you off. They have served over 7,500 cancer patients with day outing and weekend camps since they started back in 2004. Even though Faces of Courage is located in Florida, women, men and children from all over the country attend some of the camps. Faces of Courage is the first organization in the nation to tailor a women’s weekend camp for minority cancer survivors and is considered a leader in minority outreach and education. Peggie Sherry, a cancer survivor herself, founded the camp. “I took my inheritance and I started Faces of Courage, and since 2004 we’ve had over 7,000 campers through the program, and all of the programs are free,” Peggie said.
on - your survival rate is pretty high.” Since the programs and camps are provided at no cost (FREE) to the participants, Faces of Courage relies heavily on the support of the community to sponsor the campers. It costs about $250 to host a camper for the weekend, so contributions are always needed and welcomed. Some of the camps they will be hosting this year include; “The Women’s Cancer Retreats (two camps for women diagnosed with any type of cancer), Young Adults (ages 13 and up) and Kids (ages 2-12 years of age). With the Young Adults and Kids they also include the well siblings at the programs. Allowing the young adults and children to bring a sibling helps them feel more at ease and comfortable during the experience.
2017 Faces Of Courage Camp Dates!
Peggie managed to create a safe and fun environment, where people with any type of cancer or blood illnesses, can get away from the routine, and enjoy typical camp activities such as fishing and archery, but also massage and acupuncture.
Young Adults Camp – June 2-4 Women’s Camp – September 8-10 Santa’s Workshop Weekend- Kids Camp – December 1-3
While members naturally support one another, Faces of Courage is a camp, not a support group. Advice and help is readily available, but the organization primarily focuses on creating a fun, relaxed environment for women, men and children with cancer and other blood illnesses. Each camp and / or program aims to create an environment free of judgment for campers to take a break from the everyday stresses of overcoming their illnesses.
Faces of Courage is always thrilled to get the word out to cancer patients, potential volunteers and supporters. Tampa Bay News and Lifestyles is always happy to assist organizations such as this one, so spread the word, after all, we are all about supporting our local community anyway we can.
Peggie said, “you see the transformation of someone who walks in scared to death of the c-word. When they leave, they can actively talk about their cancer. If you really just face it head Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
If you would like to donate to this incredible organization, volunteer or enroll in a program or camp please visit their website: facesofcourage.wordpress.com or follow them on social media through their Facebook page at facebook.com/ cancercamp
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
11
Wade Boggs: Hometown Boy To Devil Rays Legend By Jon Harder season at Tropicana Field against the Detroit Tigers. Tampa Bay was down 11-0 in the bottom of the sixth, thanks to scoring outbursts by Detroit in the second, third, and fifth innings. Justin Thompson was lights out through five. Then, #12 stepped up to the plate. With a 2-2 count and Quentin McCracken on first, Boggs, in crouched stance, drove a line drive off the lefty Thompson to right field. Off the barrel of the bat, Boggs’ natural power helped take the ball into the sixth row, making him the first man to hit a home run in the incredibly short life of the Tampa Bay franchise. Boggs’ home run on March 31, 1998 also signified his 110th of his career, as well as his 2,801 hit all-time. When Wade Boggs signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on December 9, 1997, it was an instant boost of credibility, as a perennial All Star and established veteran in the world of Major League Baseball signed on with one of the two new expansion teams coming into the league.
Although the Devil Rays’ comeback fell just short 11-6, the Wade Boggs round tripper was a feel-good for all fans of the fledging franchise. However, that fell in comparison to August 7, 1999 for both the franchise and the veteran third baseman.
However, there was more to the story than just a baseball signing. Boggs graduated from Plant High School in Tampa in 1986 and his primary residence was in the Tampa Palms region of Tampa. He even owned and operated a fish farm, starting in 1986, called Finway, just south of Hawthorne, FL with his father.
It was 494 days and 198 hits later, and Boggs found himself at the plate against left handed pitcher Chris Haney in the bottom of the sixth. The Devil Rays were in the middle of a figurative shootout with the Cleveland Indians, down 117. With a 2-2 count and Terrell Lowery on first, Boggs took a Haney fastball to right field. Off the barrel of the bat, Boggs’ natural power helped take the fly ball 10 rows deep into the ecstatic Tropicana Field stands, not only cutting the Indians lead to 11-9, but making a boatload of history in the process.
Tampa was in Boggs’ blood, and he was fixing to end his career with the upstart Devil Rays franchise. Who knew he would have two seminal moments in franchise history? On March 31, 1998, the Devil Rays started their inaugural
12
JUNE 2017
Wade Boggs became the first man to hit a home run for his 3000th hit. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez both did it a
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
decade later with the Yankees. More importantly, it was big for the Devil Rays franchise. The fan base had its first true hero and really took in what the hometown boy gave to them in the first two seasons of its existence. August 7, 1999 was the date of Boggs’ last home run in Major League history and 10 hits later, Boggs went down with a debilitating knee injury that ended his season. At 41, he decided to call it a career at the end of the 1999 campaign. Wade Boggs ended his professional playing days with a career .328 batting average, totaling up 3010 hits, 118 home runs, 1014 RBIs, and 1513 runs scored. However, his two monumental home runs in Devil Rays history live on. In both spots where Boggs’ home runs landed in right field, two yellow chairs stand out in a sea of blue, both marked with a metal plate documenting the accomplishments. Also, on April 7, 2000, the Devil Rays retired #12, forever etching Boggs’ short, but memorable tenure in Tampa Bay into immortality. In a time of uncertainty for Tampa Bay baseball, reliving the glory days of the beginning of the Devil Rays is a positive thing for the fan base. Wade Boggs’ two big home runs in Tampa Bay’s first two seasons is the perfect example of a hometown boy done good. Plus, it was a tremendous way for Boggs to retire from baseball: by giving moments back to a community that helped develop him into a superstar athlete. Florida deserves the Devil Rays and Wade Boggs’ memories need to be preserved forever. Log on to: www.LegendsonDeck.com – Read About the Stars of Today and Legends on Tomorrow
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
13
“Massage” Continued from page 1 Baltimore School of Massage and is licensed in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Florida. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and is Nationally Board Certified. “Your Health Is Your Wealth” Barkdoll Massage Therapy’s philosophy “Your Health is Your Wealth” showcases Karla’s belief in the art of massage as a tool to increase the quality of your life, which is your greatest asset. Karla and her licensed massage therapists take the time to learn about their clients and any physical discomfort or problems they are having, so they can create a therapeutic massage protocol that will be most beneficial to each client. Their goal is to make sure that massage makes a difference in your life. Barkdoll Massage Therapy offers a range of affordable massage therapy modalities. Swedish Massage is designed to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and reduce stress,
14
JUNE 2017
and many find that this massage is a great start to begin therapeutic treatment. Warm Stone Therapy, which is the art of using heated stones in combination with a Swedish massage, is a great method used to dissolve muscle tension and induce deep relaxation. Deep Tissue Massage is best for targeting specific areas to help with pain and inflammation, and this method is often used to help control chronic pain. This massage technique is perfect for those muscles that tense up while typing, driving or doing repetitive work. Karla says, “During deep tissue massages I use trigger points to specifically find the places where the work needs to be done.” Sports and Injury Rehab Massage combines the benefits of deep tissue massage with stretching, and can actually increase range of motion in joints. This type of massage is beneficial to those recovering from all kinds of injuries, whether sportsrelated, work-related or from a car accident. Many times, Karla will use a combination of massage modalities for optimal results. Barkdoll Massage Therapy also
offers Pregnancy Massage and momsto-be love the relaxing massage that utilizes special pillows that allow the future mom to rest comfortably, while safely supported. Safe for baby and serene for mommy, the pregnancy massage is a win for everyone! Treat Your Employees to Corporate Seated Massage! Barkdoll Massage Therapy brings therapeutic massage services to you at work with Corporate Seated Massage – a fantastic way to improve morale and show your employees that they are appreciated. Corporate Seated Massage is a fully clothed, seated massage that can be done right at the office. This style of massage focuses on the back, neck, shoulders, scalp, arms and hands. Andy Wilson, CEO of Quiet Professionals, says, “We started out using Barkdoll Massage for our corporate staff in-house seated massage treatment twice monthly for 2 hours at a time. I found that the treatments created such a positive work environment it needed to occur more frequently. Karla now comes in for 4 hours one day every week and
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
the staff loves it! It has had such a positive impact that my wife adopted Barkdoll Massage for her staff at State Farm as well.” Lori Meister shares, “During our first annual Wellness Fair at Vology we were thrilled to offer chair massages to all of our employees. It is such a great way to reward our employees and give them some much needed stress relief! Many of us forget how much time we spend sitting at our desks hunched over the computer, and don’t realize how much tension we carry. Just 10 minutes in the chair massage chair and you can feel the tension getting released from your neck and back. The team from Barkdoll Massage Therapy was wonderful and we will be using their services again.” Been Injured at Work? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 over 3 million private industry and government workers sustained on the job injuries. Barkdoll Massage Therapy noticed this trend and has shifted their focus to assist injured employees in their recovery, and now proudly
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Corporate Seated Massage is a wonderful way to make everyone at the office feel appreciated, relaxed and happy! accepts Federal Worker’s Comp patients. They also accept State Workers’ Comp patients as long as the insurance carrier for the Workers’ Comp claim approves the therapy. This is great news for those who have been prescribed massage therapy for a work-related injury. If you are a Federal employee that has sustained an on the job injury and get benefits under FECA (Federal Employees Compensation Act), and have an approved claim with OWCP (Office of Workers’ Compensation
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Programs), Barkdoll Massage Therapy can get your therapy approved at no cost to you as long as you have a prescription from your treating physician and the massage therapy is medically necessary. They are able to do this because they have an OWCP expert on staff that has been working with Federal employees for over a decade. He is also able to answer any questions you might have regarding the claims process and can assist in representing you if that is what you need.
Karla says, “Some people might wonder, ‘Why would I get massage therapy for an injury because massage is just a way to pamper yourself?’ Not only does therapeutic massage improve circulation, and increase range of motion and muscle flexibility, it also has been proven to shorten recovery time and even heal injuries. Massage also is excellent for pain management, can help to eliminate headaches, and can even help prevent future injuries by helping the body strengthen.” Karla’s client Victor says, “Since starting my therapy with Karla of Barkdoll Massage Therapy, I have noticed a considerable decrease in the pain that I feel on a daily basis. Having chronic pain is not fun to deal with but I can now look forward to Karla
coming twice a week since she and her staff got my therapy approved through OWCP (Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs). I did not realize the benefits that massage would have as I always thought massage was basically just a luxury to help you relax. Karla is great to work with because she keeps me informed about my progress that she notices from doing the massage.” Another client, Melissa, says, “Once Karla’s staff got my massage approved through OWCP she has been coming to my house twice a week. It is nice to not have to worry about going to her due to the chronic pain I suffer from. She is excellent at working with you to see you on your schedule and always lets me know if she is running behind due to other appointments. She even has an OWCP expert on staff that can help with questions regarding OWCP and my claim. I highly recommend her as she is very experienced, always makes sure the technique she is using is not causing any pain and always asks how I am feeling and where I need the most work done for that session. Overall, an excellent experience using her as my therapist.” Whether you want a massage just to relax and relieve stress or need it to recover from an injury, Barkdoll Massage Therapy and their team of therapists have you covered and will put your heath first. Remember, “Your Health is Your Wealth.” Barkdoll Massage Therapy is an entirely mobile massage therapy business that comes to you. Karla Barkdoll (License # MA47546) is available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. To schedule an appointment or to request more information about massage packages, corporate events or gift certificates, call (727) 372- 6389 or email Karla at barkdollmassagetherapy@yahoo.com
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
15
“Tarpon” Continued from page 1 grandfather would rather net up some mullet to throw on the smoker than break his back for a fish that offered no food value. He also never had the opportunity to battle a Tarpon on rod and reel as a younger man or I have a feeling his thoughts on targeting Tarpon would be different. In fact, I even shared his same views on Tarpon fishing until I hooked into my first large fish floating a live grunt in the Florida Keys about 15 years ago. In 1885 William H. Wood and his massive Silver fish made international headlines after being landed on rod and reel for the first time on record in an area now called “Tarpon Bay” of southwest Florida. This was the start of a brand new big-game fishing frontier in the state but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that Tampa Bay anglers learned that the silver sided giants could be found in plentiful numbers right here at home. Boca Grande, about an hour and
16
JUNE 2017
a half south of Tampa is world renowned for the very best Tarpon fishing on the planet! Ask any serious Tarpon fisherman where their favorite place to target Tarpon is and Boca Grande usually comes out of their mouth with a big smile. Schools of well over 10,000 migratory fish show up in the Boca Grande Pass and Charlotte Harbor starting in April and by this time of year the pass can look like a parking lot on the weekends with well over 100 boats at peak fishing hours sharing the same space. Tensions can be high and “road rage” type scenes are common if a boater runs over the line of a fisherman’s hooked up fish. Boca Grande, especially the pass is no place for newbies and an experienced charter captain is almost a necessity. My friend Captain Mike Manning of Action Fishing Adventures has over 20 years of experience in the waters off Boca Grande. When I want to catch big Tarpon in Boca Grande, I charter Mike. Yes, you heard that right, Mike’s so good, other fishing guides, such as myself, charter him when they want to catch big Boca Grande Tarpon!
Fishing for Tarpon near the Skyway bridge in Tampa can also be a little crowded at times but weekdays are perfect! This time of year, very much like in Boca, Tarpon are feeding on blue crabs being swept out of the flats and out into the deeper passes. Tarpon by the thousands set up shop in these locations looking for an easy meal. Presentation is of the utmost importance when Tarpon fishing. This means understanding how the fish feed and how to set up your drift so that your bait looks like every other little crab being flushed out
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
with the tide. Screw this up, and you’ll be one frustrated fisherman. Tarpon are happy to bite if everything looks right, get it wrong (and that’s easy to do) and you may not see a bite all season. Like all fishing, trial and error plays a big role in the success an angler will experience. Some people use Bobbers but I prefer a balloon because I can easily adjust the depth of my bait onthe-fl y. In my opinion, live bait is king but a well presented swim bait like a 7 or 9 inch Hogy lure or a hard bait such as Pauls unfair Mullet 120 by Unfair Lures are some of my
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
favorite choices. Tarpon numbers are bouncing back to record highs now that catch and release has become common practice for the magnificent Silver King of Game Fish. It’s beyond frowned upon to take these beautiful fish and kill them just for a picture or to have them stuffed and mounted. A quick boat side picture is more than sufficient to keep the memory and if you really want to commemorate the fight, have a replica fish mount created. They can be created by a simple picture and/or measurements. If you would like to go fishing with me in Tampa Bay or search for Tarpon along the beaches you can contact me at matt@nnlflorida.com or if you want to go fishing in Boca Grande with Captain Mike Manning of Action Fishing Adventures you can call him directly at 727-2438918. Find me on Facebook @ EpicSportsFishingTampa
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
17
SAT AND ACT IMPROVEMENT: NEW SAT EXAM ON AUGUST 26TH, 2017 This means exam results will be back in time for UF admissions the first of November and applications for early admission to other colleges and universities, which has been a major problem with the SAT in prior years. The first ACT Exam of the fall is scheduled for Saturday, September 10th. As mentioned in my last article, many students and parents prefer to prepare for the SAT and the ACT over the summer so I have many options. My prep classes can be taken individually, or the SAT and ACT can be combined which saves 15 class hours from taking them separately because of their overlapping material. Rising seniors like having the time to really focus and study with results known early in the fall. If strong, then no further prep or tests are needed; if not quite what desired, there is time to take it again. Rising juniors like to see how well they can do, plus this is a perfect time to prep for the PSAT in Octo-
18
JUNE 2017
ber and have the best shot at a national merit scholarship. Rising sophomores like the preparation, especially those aiming for “Top 25” or “Top 10” colleges and universities and possibly major scholarships. My classes can start in early June after the last ACT exam on June 10th, or in July or early August, depending upon whether a student wants to take one or two classes a week, and how we need to schedule around family vacations, jobs, or other time requirements. Make sure and check when your high school begins classes in early August because they keep starting earlier and earlier each year. Classes can be private or semiprivate, and my maximum class is three students. Often, students have friends or “study buddies” they would like to prepare with. I do like to schedule our Dress Rehearsal Exam and follow-up Review shortly before the actual exam. If you would like to talk with me further about your student and
my classes, please contact me at 727-253-0639 or at wwa0811@mykolab.com. 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, 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 twentyfive, 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 Coast, FIU, New College of Florida, Stetson, and Jul-
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
liard – 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.
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
JUNE 2017
19
20
JUNE 2017
For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com
Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles