New Tampa Neighborhood News by Neighborhood News

Volume 22 Issue 01

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Gary’s 2013 Local Dining Favorites!

January 1, 2014

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The Direct-Mail News Magazines Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: NEW TAMPA: Arbor Greene • Cory Lake Isles • Cross Creek • Easton Park • Grand Hampton • Heritage Isles • Hunter’s Green • Hunter’s Key • K-Bar Ranch • Lake Forest • Live Oak Preserve • Pebble Creek • Richmond Place • Tampa Palms • The Hammocks • West Meadows WESLEY CHAPEL: Aberdeen • Belle Chase • Bridgewater • Brookside • Chapel Pines • Country Walk • Lexington Oaks • Meadow Pointe • New River • Northwood • Pinewalk • Pine Ridge Saddlebrook • Saddleridge Estates • Saddlewood • Seven Oaks • The Lakes at Northwood • The Villages of Wesley Chapel • Watergrass • Wesley Pointe • Westbrook Estates • Williamsburg

New Tampa YMCA Pool To Close Until February For Renovations Fans of the iconic, Olympic-sized (50meter) pool at the New Tampa Family YMCA (located on Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms) are getting ready for a dry month, as the New Tampa Y pool is set to close for some much-needed renovations. According to a press release from the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, the New Tampa location will close its morethan-500,000-gallon, 17-lane, heated pool on Monday, January 13, which is scheduled to reopen on Monday, February 3. “Our goal at the New Tampa Family YMCA has always been to create the best environment for our swim team program,” says director of competitive swimming Stu Wilson. “We are excited to modernize and expand our pool facility to better serve our swimmers. We appreciate the community’s patience during the temporary closure.” Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA communications director Lalita Llerena explains that the plan to renovate the pool has been in the works for months.

“There are some issues that needed to get fixed,” Llerena says. “There were a few leaks in the pool and some cracks in the pool deck. There also was some slanting in the deck, which was causing issues for the water aerobics teams.” The renovations are estimated to cost approximately $60,000 and will be paid for with funds already available in the New Tampa Y’s budget. Sarasota-based Myrtha Pools will take on the project. Once completed, the pool will boast three additional swimming lanes, bringing the total up to 20 lanes, each about eight feet wide — without changing its 50 meters x 25 meters dimensions. The available area is just being reworked to include more swimming lanes. “Of all the Tampa area YMCAs, New Tampa is known for its pool and competitive swimming program,” Llerena explains. “(The pool) is definitely a benefit to the community. We hope that these renovations will help the pool better serve our members, as well as bring in more.” The pool and the New Tampa Y itself both opened in 2001. It is 7’-6” deep at its

deepest point and a little more than three feet deep at its shallowest. The pool is open year-round and is kept at a temperature of around 80º F. The last time the pool was empty was not for renovations or cleaning. In fact, a little more than two years ago, pranksters drained more than 400,000 gallons from the popular pool overnight into a nearby retention pond. For members of the New Tampa Y’s compet- The 50-meter, Olympic-sized pool at the New Tampa Family YMCA, loitive swimming programs cated on Compton Dr. in Tampa Palms, will be closed for renovations from Monday, January 13 - Monday, February 3. — such as the Tampa YMCA Stingrays, don’t worry, in-water The New Tampa synchronized swim team practices will be held at both the East Pasco will have its practices at both the Plant City Family YMCA on Chapel Hill Loop in Family YMCA and also at the Bob Sierra Zephyrhills and at Bob Sierra Family YMCA’s Youth & Family Center. For detailed schedules, please visit YMCA’s Youth & Family Center on Northdale Blvd. in the Carrollwood area. TampaYMCA.org.

It’s BAAAAACK…The Rotary Club of New Tampa and five other local Rotary Clubs (see below) will host the 10th annual Rotary PigFest on Saturday, February 22, noon-8 p.m. These local Rotary Clubs will be raising funds through fellowship and tasty food for local charities. The PigFest has morphed over the years from a small event exclusively for members of the New Tampa Rotary Club (which meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club) to a larger, more inclusive community event held at different venues in New Tampa. The 2014 PigFest will be held at Prim-

rose Park, the same venue as the 2013 Taste of New Tampa. The park is located across from Liberty Middle School on Commerce Pkwy., behind the Primrose School of Tampa Palms. The New Tampa (Breakfast) Rotary Club is the event’s primary host, although president Peter Gambacorta says he is still finalizing this year’s involvement with th New Tampa Noon, New Tampa Evening, Wesley Chapel, Tampa North and Temple Terrace Rotary Clubs, as well as local Boy Scout troops. The PigFest will have tents, lighting and heaters if needed, to keep everyone comfortable.

The event will again feature pulled pork, roasted chicken and two sides for each attendee and there will be hot dogs, chicken nuggets, French fries and pizza by the slice for the kids. Coca-Cola products will be served and adults can enjoy fine and beer. The suggested donation for an adult admission ticket is still only $25 and children under 12 are admitted for $10. The PigFest on Saturday afternoon and evening also will have great local name entertainment: the Bob Thompson Trio, Crabgrass Cowboys and, back by popular demand, the Freedom High Jazz Band. The Rotary Club of New Tampa also will bring back its popular “reverse raffle” for thousands of dollars in cash prizes. The odds are 11 to 1 that you will win something back. All profits go to local charities and nonprofits in our area. The PigFest also will feature family fun, such as Pig Races, musical entertainment and great BBQ and a special appearance by Bobo the potbellied miniature pig and his equally porky friends. And, as we announced in our last issue,

By Matt Wiley

Get Ready For The 10th Annual Rotary PigFest February 21-22!

Also Inside This Issue!

NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION UPDATES

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE

Liberty Middle School & GrillSmith Donate To Schenecker Fund, Widening Of Bottleneck Area Of BBD To Commence, Lots Of Local Business Features & Much More!

Exclusive Clientele Salon Treats You Like Family, Our Editor’s 2013 Local Dining Favorites, Vallarta’s Now Open In Tampa Palms, Plus Lots Of Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes!

Pages 1-44

Pages 45-64

on Friday, February 21, 6:30 p.m., Gambacorta, who also is the owner of Private Chef of Tampa, will host a unique Wild Game Dinner at the same site. Among the wild game delicacies to be sampled at this special meal are Montana elk, wild boar, venison, and (for the less adventurous) roasted 1/2 chicken, fish fry, all the sides and salads, plus apple cobbler for dessert. Seating will be limited to the first 100 ticket purchasers only and the price will be just $50 each. Door prizes and auctions items will be offered, and there also will be entertainment. All proceeds from the Wild Game Dinner will go to the Rotary Club of New Tampa Foundation, Inc. a 501(3) c corporation which spends all its proceeds each June to local non for profits.For more info, email peter@privatecheftampa.com, call 380-4014 or visit RotaryPigFest.com.

The Strom Family Honors Patrick’s Memory With ‘Trick’s Kicks’ I can’t say I really knew the Strom family — Dick, Kathy and their sons Michael and Patrick — before I heard of Patrick’s tragic passing in a single-vehicle accident in June 2012 in the Hunter’s Green neighborhood the family has lived in since 1998. But since that day, I realized that I do have a bond with the Stroms (that I’m sure many of you feel as well), and not just because Dick and I used to coach against each other in the rec basketball league that used to be held every year in the gym at Benito Middle School (as a program of the City of Tampa’s Benito Rec Center adjacent to the school). The Stroms had two sons, I have two sons. All four of those boys attended Hunter’s Green Elementary, Benito Middle School and Wharton High. And, although Patrick and my younger son Jake (who is now 21 and a year older than Patrick would be today) weren’t close friends themselves, they did have a lot of mutual friends — especially the Stroms’ close friends and neighbors, the Aronson family. Michael Aronson was Patrick’s best friend and David Aronson has been one of my older son Jared’s best friends since childhood. But, even if I had never met or even had heard of the Strom family before (as I’m sure many of you reading this may not have), so many of us in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel live here to raise our families, to give our children as healthy, happy and prosperous a life as possible and see them grow into adults who might one day give us grandchildren. Whether you call it trying to live the “American Dream” or

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Publisher & Editor Gary Nager General Manager Nikki Bennett Assistant Editor / Photographer Matt Wiley Correspondents Benjamin Carter • John Majeski • Bonnie Mason • Lauren Saslow Senior Graphic Designer Porsha Lemos Sales & Marketing Assistant Antwon Gildon

‘Cookie Exchange,’ held Nov. 17 at the Arbor Greene clubhouse, and have raised a total of more than $4,000, including some corporate donations.” The largest corporate donors so far are the offices of Wesley Chapel-based general/cosmetic dentist Dr. Joan Lynch and local pediatrician Dr. Teena Hughes, who each donated $500. Upcoming fund-raising events for “Trick’s Kicks” are a 5K (3.1-mile) walk/ run in May 2014 and a golf tournament in October. I wish the Strom family, “Trick’s Kicks” and The memory of your family — a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. Patrick Strom inspired the To make a donation to “Trick’s Kicks,” visit GoFundMe.com/4uid6o or mail checks to Trick’s creation of “Trick’s Kicks Inc., PO Box 48011, Tampa, FL 33646. Kicks.” To find out more, visit TricksKicks.com.

Table of Contents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, EDUCATION & SPORTS UPDATES..............................Pages 1-44

Liberty Middle School & GrillSmith Donate To Schenecker Fund.....4 Medical Examiner: USF Rapist Bates Had Bath Salts In His System...6 New Tampa News Briefs...................................................................8 BBD Widening To End Bottleneck Commences Donna Sheppard’s Death Ruled Suicide Increased Water Restrictions In Effect TPD Warns Of Smash & Grabs’ Wesley Chapel Man Arrested In Stabbing Death Porter Campus To Open As Pasco Hernando State College!............10 Pasco BOCC Votes To Continue Studying Elevated S.R. 54/56.....12 New Tampa Community Calendar...................................14

Nothing that appears in New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 22, Issue 2, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, January 20, 2014. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, nor for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2013, 2014 JM2 Communications, Inc.

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An editorial by Gary Nager simply trying to do “the right thing” for our loved ones, no parent ever plans to outlive their children. But, those plans don’t always work out. A little more than a year after Patrick’s tragic passing, Dick and Kathy still have no idea how they lost their son — other than he was driving faster than he should have been in the neighborhood (how many of us or our kids haven’t done the same?) and lost control of his car. “The ironic thing,” Dick says. “Is that our other son Michael is a Tampa Police officer, so we are always at least somewhat prepared for a phone call about him. We just never thought we had to worry as much about Patrick.” What Dick told me he does know, however, is that no matter how difficult the holiday season is for his family right now, for those of us still blessed to be on this planet, life goes on, even after having to endure such a terrible loss. He and Kathy also knew they both needed to do something to honor the former lacrosse player (for both the New Tampa Raiders and Wharton High teams) who rooted for his hometown (the Stroms moved to Tampa when Patrick was 5) Syracuse University Orange lacrosse and basketball teams. And, since Patrick loved to be the first in line at stores for the release of the latest sneakers (aka “kicks”), they decided to create “Trick’s Kicks,” a future 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing as many new pairs of high-level sneakers to children who might otherwise never even have a new pair of shoes, much less the latest Jordans or LeBrons or whatever “kicks” are hot these days. And, while the Stroms and their supporters are still working out the details of how to identify the kids to help and how to get them their “kicks,” they already have started raising money to fund the organization and its mission. “We raised about $1,650 at our

Local Business Updates.................................16-39

KONA Multisport Has Everything A Triathlete Needs...........16 New Tampa Plastic Surgery Can Help You Look Your Best....20 STAT Auto: Surgically Trained Automotive Technicians.........24 Green House Mortgage Helps You Find The Right Loan.......28 Essentials Massage & Facials Of New Tampa...........................32 D & E Couriers Gets Your Package Across Town Quickly.......36

Local Education Updates...................................40

New Tampa High Schools Get Good Grades

Neighborhood Magazine

Exclusive Clientele Salon Treats You Like Family............. 45, 47 Freedom Student, Friends Write Song For Jordan Harris........46 Wesley Chapel WingHouse Girls Always ‘Dress To Impress’...49 Vallarta’s Brings A Familiar Taste To Tampa Palms..................52 Our Editor’s Favorite Local Restaurants For 2013............56 ‘Neighborhood Nibbles & Biz Bytes’...............................60

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSIFIEDS....................62

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Liberty Middle School & GrillSmith Donate Thousands To Schenecker Fund! By Matt Wiley For the third consecutive year, the Liberty Middle School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) clubs have made substantial contributions to the Calyx & Beau Schenecker Memorial Fund through a fund-raising campaign held in conjunction with the school. This year, students at Liberty were able to raise $5,000 for the memorial fund established in memory of Calyx and Beau Schenecker, who were tragically killed in 2011. The fund was set up by the late children’s father, U.S. Army Col. Parker Schenecker to provide scholarship opportunities to those in need in the Tampa Bay community. A check presentation ceremony was held at Liberty in the media center on December 16, during which an oversized check was presented to Col. Schenecker and Calyx and Beau’s grandmother Nancy. Liberty students sold more than 3,000 pounds of cookie dough during the fund-raising process, which took place during the past several months. “I’m always amazed when you give students a task that they truly believe in,” said Liberty principal James Ammarati during the ceremony. “When the students believe in it, the sky is the limit for their cause. I commend all of the students here

dent Billy Grimm and corporate chef Joe Guli presented a check for $8,644.54 at the Nov. 23 USF football game to Col. Schenecker for funds raised during the annual scholarship drive held at local GrillSmith restaurants, including the location in the Shops at Wiregrass mall, for the Left: Liberty Middle FBLA and NJHS members unwrap a $5,000 check to present to Col. Parker Schenecker Calyx & Beau Schenecker on Dec. 16. Right: GrillSmith president Billy Grimm (left) and corporate chef Joe Guli (center) presented a check Memorial Fund. Since the fund for $8,644.54 at the Nov. 23 USF football game to Col. Schenecker (right) began, through the genand in FBLA and NJHS. The skills you path for funding another opportunity. erosity of Tampa Bay residents, $120,000 are learning now you will take with you But, Liberty students weren’t the has been raised for the memorial fund. for the rest of your lives.” only ones recently raising money for the Thanks to the Tampa Bay commuA crowd of faculty, parents, staff and memorial fund. nity for your continued support of the even District 3 Hillsborough County Tampa-Area Grillsmiths Calyx and Beau Schenecker Memorial School Board member Cindy Stuart Raise More Than $8,600 Fund and thanks to Parker Schenecker for watched as FBLA and NJHS members According to a press release from continuing to make a difference in our helped Col. Schenecker unwrap the GrillSmith, the restaurant chain’s presicommunity. check. “This is the best gift I’ll unwrap this holiday season,” Col. Schenecker said in a speech, following the unwrapping. “This is about doing something bigger than yourselves. What you all have done, once again is just incredible.” So far, Col. Schenecker said that fund-raising efforts have helped provide one full scholarship to Hillsborough Community College that will be awarded next year and set the fund on the right

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Medical Examiner: USF Rapist Suspect Had ‘Bath Salts’ In System By Matt Wiley The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner (HCME) office has confirmed that the man responsible for a rash of local home invasions and sexual batteries in September was, in fact, under the influence of drugs that could have contributed to his violent behavior. According to the HCME autopsy and toxicology report, Charles Christopher (“Chris”) Bates, 24, had the chemical methylone in his system when he began his violent crime spree Charles Christopher during the late (‘Chris’) Bates evening hours of September 5 that ultimately led to his death the following day, after a manhunt in Tampa Palms and a fatal shootout with authorities in Temple Terrace. The autopsy report reveals that Bates was shot 27 times during the shootout with multiple law enforcement agencies (see below). According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), methylone is one of the active ingredients in the recently popular drug known as “bath salts,” or synthetic stimulants, which people ingest for their euphoric effects. The DEA reports that the effects sought are those similar to those felt after ingesting cocaine, LSD, MDMA (the primary drug in Ecstasy and “Molly”)

and methamphetamine. However, the DEA reports that additional effects can sometimes include impaired perception, extreme paranoia and violent episodes. As previously reported in the New Tampa Neighborhood News, on September 5, Bates entered an apartment inside the Cambridge Woods USF student rental apartment complex, located on N. 42nd St., armed with a gun. He bound four men with duct tape before sexually battering four women and fleeing on foot. Two of the women went to Florida Hospital Tampa on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., where hospital staffers alerted HCSO about the incident. Bates then entered another nearby residence in the Eagles Point at Tampa Palms apartment complex, located on N. 46th St., but left without harming the woman inside. After leaving that apartment, Bates then went to The Oaks apartment complex, also located on N. 42nd St., and entered a residence where another party was going on that involved about 25 people. Using his firearm, Bates forced everyone into a bedroom before fleeing again on foot. Bates also shot at a man in the parking lot, although that man was unharmed. Deputies searched through the night and into the morning for Bates using helicopters, dogs and a heavy law enforcement presence throughout the morning, with authorities positioned at several intersections, under the bridge at Cypress Creek on BBD (south of Amberly Dr. in Tampa Palms) and at nearby apartment complexes. However,

Bates was able to get into the apartment of another woman, someone Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee said that Bates might have known at one time, inside the Pointe at South Florida apartment complex (located on E. 138th Ave.), where the fugitive shaved his head and left in the woman’s car. Authorities were alerted that he had taken the vehicle and were able to locate Bates at around 1 p.m. on E. Fowler Ave. at Gillette Ave. in Temple Terrace. HCSO deputies, Tampa Police officers, Florida Highway Patrol troopers and U.S. Marshalls chased Bates through Temple Terrace to Temple Terrace Hwy. and onto U.S.

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301. Bates’ vehicle reached speeds up to 100 mph at some points, as he fired gunshots at his pursuers through the rear windshield of his vehicle and out the driver’s side window. Shortly before 1 p.m., authorities caused Bates to lose control of his car just south of Sligh Ave., where he came to a stop on the westbound shoulder of U.S. 301, in front of a Waffle House restaurant. He continued to fire at authorities and was struck several times, before being taken into custody. Bates died at 1:21 p.m. on Sept. 6. Although more than 100 total shots were fired, no law enforcement officials were hurt in the shootout.

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News Briefs

ily’s pool at their Lutz home on October 29. The autopsy report states that Mrs. Sheppard was found at the bottom of the sixfoot pool with a weight-belt holding a 25-pound Crews from Prince Contracting begin work on the widening of Bruce B. dumbbell Downs Blvd. between Doña Michelle Dr. and Tampa Palms Blvd., which is strapped to her expected to be completed by July. waist. Sheppard BBD Widening Under I-75 was found deceased just four days after her Finally Commencing husband David stepped down as principal Dirt is moving once again along the of Freedom High (located off Commerce median of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms), citing health New Tampa, as crews prepare to begin reasons. On September 11, Tracey Seenath, widening the section under and around I40, of The Hammocks community in New 75, which isn’t expected to be completed Tampa, was arrested on charges of aggrauntil July 2014. vated stalking, a Hillsborough County Since the recent completion of the Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) report states. widened I-75 overpasses above BBD, the One month after Sheppard became temporary Acrow bridge has been removed principal at Freedom in 2011, he ended an and dismantled by Prince Contracting. The affair with Seenath that had gone on dursupports for that bridge were the last thing ing their time working together at Paul R. holding up the finishing touches on the Wharton High, located on BBD. portion of “Segment B” of the BBD After ending the relationship, Seenath widening project, which stretches from continued to harass Sheppard and his famPebble Creek Dr. south to Palm Springs ily, leaving notes on the family’s mailbox Blvd. in Tampa Palms. and vehicles and packages at their front “Once the temporary bridge center door. She reportedly also sent thousands of (supports) have been removed, (Prince) emails to Sheppard, many threatening to will be able to use the median area for the expose their affair, and also made hundreds various traffic shifts that will be needed to of phone calls and text messages to the construct permanent drainage and pavecouple’s cell phones. ment,” FDOT spokesman John McShafSeenath, who has since been released, frey explains. was arraigned on December 10 and the McShaffrey adds that Prince crews case is scheduled for a disposition hearing have been working on the portions of the on January 23. needed drainage outside of traffic for the Hillsborough County Public Schools past several weeks and were expected to (HCPS) spokesperson Tanya Arja says that begin working in full force on the widening David Sheppard has been reassigned to of BBD under I-75 on January 1, which Gaither High, located on N. Dale Mabry was after we went to press with this issue. Hwy., where he will teach science, which The widening of this approximately 1-mile was his background before becoming an stretch of BBD is expected to cost about administrator. $4.7 million and is part of the overall Arja says that due to the nature of the widening of I-75. situation that unfolded, the HCPS human Currently, BBD funnels from the resources department made the decision newly widened four lanes in either directhat Sheppard will no longer be in a position back down to two lanes from Comtion to evaluate employees. merce Palms/Tampa Palms Blvd. north to Seenath remains suspended without Doña Michelle Dr. Although the other pay, Arja explains, and her future with bottle neck will still exist from Pebble HCPS will be determined by the outcome Creek Dr. north to the Pasco County line, of her court case. when Segment B has been completed, New No additional information was availTampa drivers will have four lanes in either able at our press time. direction all the way from Pebble Creek Dr. Tighter Water Restrictions south to Palm Springs Blvd.

Donna Sheppard’s Death Ruled A Suicide

Just more than a month after her mysterious death, it has been determined that Donna Sheppard, the wife of former Freedom High principal David Sheppard, committed suicide. According to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s office, Donna Sheppard, 44, drowned herself in the fam-

In Effect

As the New Tampa area gets into the heart of the dry season, increased water restrictions now are in effect from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, or “Swiftmud.” According to a December 17 Swiftmud announcement, Phase II Water Shortage Restrictions were set to go into effect on December 26, which was just a few days after our press time. Under the tighter re-

strictions, lawn watering is reduced to once-per-week until March 1, 2014. Both the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County are following suit with Swiftmud’s new restrictions. “As we move into our dry season, river levels are declining, our rainfall has been below average, and Tampa's supplemental water provider, Tampa Bay Water, has its regional reservoir offline for repairs,” said Tampa Water Department director Brad Baird in a December 17 press release. "Moving to a once-a-week irrigation schedule and voluntarily reducing other water uses where possible is the smart thing to do." For residences in both Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa, the increased restrictions allow watering between 6 p.m.-8 a.m. and watering days are determined by address. Home addresses ending in 0 or 1 water on Mondays; addresses ending in 2 or 3 water on Tuesday; addresses ending in 4 or 5 water on Wednesday; addresses ending in 6 or 7 water on Thursday and addresses ending in 8 or 9. as well as areas without addresses (such as common areas in communities) water on Fridays. As usual during water shortages, homeowners associations and other entities must suspend any requirement to replace lawns or engage in other activity that increases water use.

TPD Warns Of ‘Smash & Grabs’ In Our Area

The Tampa Police Department (TPD) is urging New Tampa residents to be cautious and on the lookout for suspicious behavior in parking lots, following a series of car burglaries. According to TPD, between 4:50 p.m. on December 10 and 6 a.m. on December 11, three vehicle burglaries were reported in New Tampa and Tampa Palms, all with similar patterns, commonly referred to as “Smash & Grabs.” The first occurred on December 10 in the parking lot of the New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT) on Cross Creek Blvd. TPD reports that an unknown suspect broke the passenger side window of a parked vehicle and stole a large, “counterfeit” Michael Kors purse. Inside the purse was a wallet containing one debit card. NTDT director Dyane Elkins IronWing said that no one witnessed any suspicious behavior and that the dance school is looking into installing additional security measures in the parking lot. A few hours later, in the parking lot of Peabody’s Billiards & Games — located in the Shoppes of Amberly in Tampa Palms next to our office — unknown suspect(s) smashed the windows of two vehicles that were parked while the victims were jogging in the area. The suspect(s) took the victims’ purses, which contained IDs and credit cards. The victims told TPD that their cell phones also were taken. Peabody’s chief financial officer Jeff Bennett says that he has advised his security personnel — who are on-hand every night until 4 a.m., even though the bar closes at

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3 a.m. — to pay additional attention to the parking lot while patrons are still present. TPD urges residents to use caution when leaving valuables in their vehicles. If something of value must be left in a vehicle, make sure that it is stowed away and out of sight. Also, when you go out at night, try to park in well-lit areas. If you see any suspicious behavior, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 or the nonemergency line at 931-6500.

Wesley Chapel Man Arrested In Stabbing Death

A Zephyrhills High student has died, following a stabbing in Wesley Chapel. According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), following an argument around 3:30 p.m. on December 13, 16year-old Tuvarrion Sirmons was stabbed multiple times by Cleave Shavon Gittens, 18, of New Port Richey, at the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse. PCSO reports that Gittens stabbed Sirmons two times and then fled the scene, throwing the knife into a nearby wooded area. Gittens was apprehended at his home Cleave Shavon at 7:30 p.m. and admitted Gittens after his arrest that he had gone to the clubhouse to provoke Sirmons. PCSO spokesman Doug Tobin says that the stabbing followed a verbal dispute that had occurred at a residence about two blocks from the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse that had de-escalated. A witness told deputies that Gittens came into the Meadow Pointe II clubhouse and challenged Sirmons to a fight, saying that he would “kill him.” The arrest report states that Gittens was throwing rocks at Sirmons. The two faced each other, during which time Gittens grabbed the unarmed Sirmons arms and began to stab him with a knife, the report states. Sirmons was taken to an undisclosed Tampa hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Gittens remains in custody in lieu of a $100,000 bond. Tobin says that Gittens has been “well known” to PCSO since he moved to the area about two years ago and had several juvenile charges for drugs and criminal mischief. — MW

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PHCC Porter Campus To Open As Pasco Hernando State College! By Gary Nager Even though, at our press time, the new Pasco Hernando Community College (PHCC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch (located on Mansfield Blvd. at S.R. 56), still looked a little more like a construction site than a college campus, PHCC Porter Campus Provost Stanley M. Giannet, Ph.D., says that school officials were happy to receive the “substantial completion” OK they needed to start getting the buildings housing the newest of Florida’s 29 two-year college campuses ready for occupancy on Dec. 10. The Certificate of Occupancy was expected by Dec. 26, the buildings are scheduled to open to staff on Thursday, January 2, and classes for the Spring 2014 semester will begin — on time — on Monday, January 13. Dr. Giannet gave a complete update on PHCC — which actually will be renamed Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC) when the five-campus community college receives its expected final accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges (which was expected in late Dec. and will transform the current four-campus PHCC into a fully-accredited, four-year state college the day it opens) — at the Dec. 4 meeting of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club (which meets every Wednesday at noon at

Ciao! Italian Bistro in the Shops at Wiregrass mall). The high-energy Provost of the (for now) PHCC Porter Campus explained that the new campus is playing an integral role in PHCC’s transition to a four-year state college because it will be the home of the new PHSC’s first two Bachelor’s degree programs — a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management & Supervision. And, many of the two-year Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree programs to be ofDr. Stanley Giannet, Ph.D. (left), is the new Provost of the Pasco Hernando Community College fered at PHSC’s Porter Campus will be in Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch (on Mansfield Blvd. and S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel), which will allied health fields, including pharmacy open for classes on January 13 as the Porter Campus of the new Pasco Hernando State College! tech and surgical technologist programs. “Two full floors of the Porter Campus at the planned Raymond James Financial for the hospital’s hosting of a three-evening will be devoted to nursing and allied health office nearby on S.R. 56 and the other large information session about the school, atcourses and degrees,” said Dr. Giannet. companies that may soon be coming to the tended by, “about 180 people.” And, speaking of people, although Dr. “And, we already have an affiliation in place growing S.R. 56/Wiregrass Ranch area. And, Dr. Giannet told the Rotarians, Giannet said the total 2014 enrollment at with Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC) and are still finalizing opportuni- at seven stories tall, the beautiful main PHSC is expected to be about 2,500, with ties for our students at the new North building at the 60-acre Porter Campus will many of those already coming from New Tampa Behavioral Health (NTBH) facility, be the tallest building in Pasco County Tampa, Wesley Chapel and the entire I-75 both just a couple of miles from the school. when it opens, “but the real story is every- corridor, “we may have to up our enrollThis campus is really going to be fully tied thing that will be going on inside those ment estimate because we’ve only been acbuildings...and the people who will be cepting registrations for six weeks (at press in with this community.” time) and already have 1,400 students regIn fact, the Provost also was hopeful staffing them.” The Provost called those who already istered for the spring semester. We’re very that the other two-year degree programs at PHSC’s Porter Campus, which will include have filled the first 47 of 50 available posi- excited about opening.” For more info about PHCC’s paralegal, financial services, heavy work- tions at the Porter Campus, “a superstar force business programs and information team of faculty, professionals and staff,” Porter Campus (2727 Mansfield Blvd.), technology, will help PHSC grads get jobs and thanked FHWC CEO Brian Adams call 527-6615 or visit PHCC.edu.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Pasco BOCC Votes To Continue To Study S.R. 54/56 Elevated Road Possibility By Matt Wiley After receiving unanimous approval from the Pasco Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on Dec. 3, Pasco will continue to study whether or not an elevated toll road that would connect eastern and western Pasco can help solve one of the county’s biggest traffic issues. The BOCC voted unanimously to approve a resolution to continue to consider the possibility of an elevated toll road that would connect New Port Richey at U.S. 19 to Wesley Chapel at Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. by expanding the S.R. 54/S.R. 56 corridor. The vote came at the request of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which wanted the BOCC’s continued support for the project, which was proposed as a private-sector-only project because FDOT had received an unsolicited bid in June from International Infrastructure Partners (IIP), LLC (a group of investors and infrastructure construction companies), to lease right-of-way along the corridor in order to design, fund, build, operate and maintain an elevated toll-lane system that would span more than 33 miles across the county. That group has since withdrawn its bid, citing an unfavorable political climate and the possible need for bus lanes, which hadn’t been factored into the original bid.

“Given these reasons and the anticipated additional cost to build (the project), IIP and its partners need more time and clarity from all parties affected, as well as those parties that will benefit from our proposal,” wrote IIP partner Wayne A. Middleton, CPA. IIP requested an extension for the proposal period, which was extended to Dec. 9, but that date was after we went to press with this issue. “(FDOT) received (the IIP proposal) as an unsolicited bid,” said FDOT spokesperson Kris Carson. “Before moving forward with the project, especially given the discussion following the Urban Land Institute (ULI) report (see below) and knowing the county had previously supported this concept, it is crucial to know whether our transportation partner, Pasco County, still supports (the construction of) an elevated toll road.” Pasco County’s website says that the ULI report was a study done by a group of panelists composed of economic development, land use, real estate development and public and private experts from around the world, who volunteer their time to help communities solve difficult development or related public policy problems. The group spent a week studying the county and advised against the elevated road project in its initial report. The final ULI report is not yet available.

An artist’s rendering of what the future Gandy Connector might look like was shown at the Dec. 3 Pasco BOCC meeting to give commissioners an idea of what the S.R. 54/56 corridor could look like with elevated lanes, which the county is considering to combat traffic issues along the overloaded east-west thoroughfare. Photo: Hillsborough County MPO Commissioners debated before movexact solution, but it’s worth looking at.” ing for a vote. District 3 commissioner In addition to continuing to study elKathryn Starkey expressed concern about evated lanes as a traffic solution, Comm. the economic ramifications of not getting Starkey expressed interest in visiting simitraffic moving along the corridor. lar elevated toll road projects around the “We have to move our traffic,” state (such as the Lee Roy Selmon Starkey said, “or businesses are not going Crosstown Expressway, which connects to want to come here.” Brandon to downtown Tampa, Macdill District 5 commissioner and Board AFB and Pinellas County) to get a better chair Jack Mariano stated that although he idea of what an elevated lane project of was not initially a supporter of the elethat magnitude could look like in Pasco. vated road plan, he thinks the county “You see the pretty pictures, but should continue to consider it as a possiwould you want to live near (the strucble solution to the corridor’s traffic woes. ture)?,” District 1 Comm. Ted Schrader “(The elevated lanes) look better asked the Board prior to the Dec. 3 vote. than 8-10 lanes across (S.R. 54),” MariA vote in favor didn’t necessarily mean ano said at the Dec. 3 BOCC meeting. that the BOCC supports the project being “(Pasco County is) the solution. It’s not built, only that the commissioners support down south. Maybe this (plan) isn’t the continuing to study it.

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January 2014

MOMS Club Of New Tampa - The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of New Tampa is currently open to new members in the New Tampa area. The MOMS Club offers a variety of daytime activities for mothers and their children, opportunities for Moms’ Nights Out and many more benefits. For more information, or to join the club, email MomsClubNewTampa@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 4

Zen Meditation Group - Enjoy meditation? Looking for a new way to relax? Check out the FREE Zen Meditation Group that meets Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Arbor Greene Community Center (18000 Arbor Greene Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.) Aerobics Room. People of all faiths are welcome. You only need an interest in meditation and a more peaceful and relaxed mind and life. For more info, call Jeremy at 528-6285.

Monday, January 5

tion, please send an email to Shawn@TPACorp.com.

Community Acupuncture - A Monday night community acupuncture and discussion group is forming at Ion Medi-Spa (8903 Regents Park Dr., Suite 130), 6:30 p.m. Topics include needle-free acupuncture, facial rejuvenation and stop smoking and customized weightloss programs. For more info, call 960-8833 or visit IonMediSpa.com.

English As A Second Language (ESL)(ESL) This group meets Thursdays at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church (19911 BBD Blvd.), 9 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Classes are taught by a native English speaker using several ESL and Bible study resources. The cost is $20 each quarter, for the workbook & class materials. For info/registration, call Heather at 753-8567.

New Tampa Players ‘The Miracle Worker” Auditions - Auditions for the New Tampa Players’ upcoming production “The Miracle Worker” are being held at CrossPointe Community Church (919 Debuel Rd. in Lutz), 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., and on Tuesday, January 6, 7 p.m.10 p.m. For more info, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

Northeast Tampa Women In Business Meeting - The Northeast Tampa Women in Business group meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Visit NETWIB.org or call 843-2354.

Tuesday, January 6

New Tampa Tri Club - The New Tampa Tri Club is open to runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes across the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. The club hosts group bike rides/runs at Flatwoods Wilderness Park (13330 Morris Bridge Rd.) every Tues., Thur.y and Sat. at 7:30 a.m. For more info, join the Facebook group or e-mail NewTampaTriClub@gmail.com. GriefShare - This video-seminar-support group is for anyone who is grieving the death of a loved one. The cost is $20 for a workbook and 13 sessions, begin any week to find healing and hope. The group meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church (2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Room 310). For information/registration, call 963-1555. NAMI Support Group Meetings - The Pasco County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a support group for friends & family of those with mental illness the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at North Tampa Behavioral Health (29910 S.R. 56). For more info, call (727) 992-9653.

Wednesday, January 7

BNI Millionaire Makers - The BNI Millionaire Makers chapter meets every Wednesday at Pebble Creek Golf Club at 7:15 a.m. (10550 Regents Park Dr., off BBD Blvd.). The $13 meeting fee includes a hot breakfast. Contact Lisa Jordan at 621-6015 for more details. Business Networking International (BNI) - BNI, a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their respective businesses grow through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Cory Lake Isles Beach Club clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Morris Bridge Rd.). For more info, call Ed Gleason at 299-4475. New Tampa Noon Rotary Club- The New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday for lunch at noon at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are always welcome. New Tampa Evening Rotary Club - The New Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. at Hunter’s Green Country Club. New members are always welcome. For info, call Liz DeAmbrose at 956-6487 or email homenet@gte.net. Tampa Toastmasters - Great speeches & great topics. Come hone your public speaking skills. Tampa Toastmasters meets every Wednesday 7 p.m. at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.) New guests are always welcome. For more information, call 428-6356.

Food Addicts In Recovery Anonymous (FA) - Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is a support group without any dues, fees or weigh-ins and is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. FA meets at Florida Hospital Tampa at (on BBD) in the Camelot A room at 7 p.m. For additional information, visit FoodAddicts.org or call Roz at 355-4197.

Friday, January 9

New Tampa Rotary Club - The original New Tampa Rotary Club meets for breakfast at 7 a.m. at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPGCC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). The guest speaker will be Dr. Jonathan Phillips, MD, speaking about concussions. For more information, call Eric Longphee at 202-1105.

Saturday, January 10

New Tampa Dog Pack - Do you have a dog? Enjoy scenic nature walks? Join the New Tampa Dog Pack on Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m at Flatwoods Wilderness Park (at the 18205 BBD entrance) and on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Compton Park (16101 Compton Dr., Tampa Palms). For more info, please visit MeetUp.com/New-Tampa-Dog-Pack. ‘We Work’ At Lifepoint Church - “We Work,” meets at Lifepoint Church (8702 Hunter’s Lake Dr.) at 8:45 a.m. and is designed to help you search for jobs, improve interview skills, write a resume, negotiate a job offer, improve your attitude, develop networking skills and discover your gifts. For info, visit LifepointChurch.tv/WeWork or call 907-9818 ext. 14.

Thursday, January 8

CBC Networking - Come together with like-minded professionals at the Christian Business Connections (CBC) Networking group, which meets every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (located at 5338 Primrose Lake Cir., off Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms) for a “meet & greet,” followed by a meeting of the group. For more informa-

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KONA Multi Sport Has Everything Every Triathlete Will Ever Need! By John Majeski If you’re looking for running gear, you go to a running store. If you want cycling gear, you’ll likely visit a bike shop. But, where do triathletes and other multisport enthusiasts go for a truly one-stop experience? A good number of local triathletes already go to KONA Multisport on County Line Rd., located next to L.A. Fitness just south of Wesley Chapel in northern New Tampa. The shop’s employees are all triathlon veterans who bill themselves as “swim-bike-run experts” who truly know the high-end products they sell. “We can handle everyone from the novice triathlete all the way to the pros,” says general manager Bruce McCarthy. The 4,000-sq.-ft. store carries everything required for you to cross that finish line. KONA carries a broad mix of apparel, running shoes, bikes, other gear and even protein supplements to stay energized during training or a race. Bicycling is a particularly serious business in the triathlon world and McCarthy says the bikes KONA sells cost anywhere from $800-$12,000, but the majority of offerings are in the $2,500 range. How can two wheels cost so much? McCarthy says triathlon bikes are not your neighborhood cruisers, but are instead sleek racers

that feature space-age carbon fiber frames and aircraft aluminum components. McCarthy also says that a high-end bike should feel just right. Therefore, shop employees properly fit riders by using 3-D motion-capture technology, customizing rides for individuals right in the store. Brands include Bianchi, Scott and QR, but the newest brand that KONA stocks is Felt, an international bicycle manufacturing company that produces some of the most technologically advanced triathlon bikes on the market. “We’re very excited about (carrying Felt) for 2014,” McCarthy explains. “We’re planning to showcase (Felt) and have the brand be a big part of our focus.” Broke a gear? Need a tweak? KONA can fully service your bike(s), too. When it comes to swimming, the shop carries various wetsuits, goggles, fins, and other accessories for both training and races. One training tool that caught this reporter’s eye was the Finish Swimsense performance monitor. It’s worn like a watch, but can capture and analyze performance with “pace times, distance (in yards or even laps), stroke count, stroke rate, distance-per-stroke and calories burned across all four major strokes,” according to the online description. Finally, brands such as Saucony, Newton, Mizuno, K-Swiss and Pearl Izumi

round out the selection for those needing shoes for the running component of a triathlon. Of course, you don’t have to be a triathlete to shop at KONA. “We’re set up so if you’re a runner, you’re welcome,” McCarthy notes. “If you’re a swimmer, you’re welcome and if you’re a cyclist, you’re welcome.” Bruce McCarthy, the general manager of KONA Multisport next to LA Fitness off County Line Rd. in New Tampa, promises that the A Business & store has everything you need to train for/compete in triathlons.

A Lifestyle

The name KONA apparently is a nod to the world championship Ironman Triathlon held each year in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and the shop prides itself on knowing the multisport world. The KONA website states: “If you have questions like, ‘Which wheel set should I use on the Bee Line Hwy.?’ or ‘What is Kona really like?, call us! We have the answers.” KONA Multisport employees, on behalf of the shop, sponsor a series of races each year in Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg: one duathlon and three triathlons.

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“It’s pretty much a year-round thing,” McCarthy says of the events, which he adds draw about 1,000 participants each. “That’s the beauty of living in Florida.” In addition to connecting triathletes with quality products, KONA also connects triathlon enthusiasts with other enthusiasts. McCarthy, who has been a triathlete for about 20 years, says, “We meet over at Flatwoods Park (in New Tampa) on Saturdays to bike, and Sundays at Sand Key Park (in Clearwater) for swimming and running. We encourage

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ing sports in the country. According to a 2012 report from USA Triathlon, the official governing body of triathlons in this country, the number of registered members has roughly quadrupled in the past decade. Although Texas has the highest number of USA Triathlon members in the U.S. (with more than 16,700), Florida isn’t far behind with nearly 13,400, the second highest number of KONA Multisport has as many bikes to choose from as many members in the country. bike-only shops, as well as everything you need for the swimKONA Multisport is in ming and running legs of any triathlon. sync with the sport’s upward our customers to come and hang out.” trajectory – and with its customers, too. McCarthy notes that KONA MultiThe shop’s service has been lauded on the sport is owned by New Tampa residents internet. James Tedesco and Gary May, both of “Thanks Bruce (again) for setting me whom have other jobs, but enjoy the mul- up on a sweet QR Kilo bike. I took 3rd in tisport lifestyle. my (age group) at the FIT triathlon (my “The two owners were looking for first!) and it was my bike that put me triathlon gear,” McCarthy says, explaining there!” — Ash Ryczek Price wrote on KONA’s origins. “They were into the KONA’s Facebook.com page. sport. There were many bike shops and And, Barbara Benedict raved, “Great running stores around, but nothing specif- shop and great team sponsor.” ically that catered to triathletes. They KONA Multisport is located at wanted a central place.” 6417 E. County Line Rd., Ste. 104. And so, because of the need, McFor more info, visit SwimBikeRun.com Carthy says, KONA opened five years ago. or call 751-1255. The shop is open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 10 A Race To Popularity a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and noon-5 Triathlon is one of the fastest-growp.m. on Sunday.

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New Tampa Plastic Surgery — Expertise & Artistry To Help You Look Your Best By Bonnie Mason New Tampa Plastic Surgery, a premier cosmetic surgery “boutique,” has been helping Wesley Chapel and New Tampa residents look and feel their best since 2011. Specializing in the aesthetic plastic surgery of the face, breasts and body, Board-certified plastic surgeon Peter Fakhre, M.D., rejuvenates and enhances the natural beauty of his patients with the latest cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical procedures. Located in the Windfair Professional Park off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (FHWC), New Tampa Plastic Surgery sees patients from all across Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Dr. Fakhre and his staff help everyone who walks through their doors feel welcome; their primary goal being to make the patient feel comfortable while exploring his or her best options for plastic or reconstructive surgery (and non-surgical alternatives, in some cases) in a highly professional and confidential environment. You can see the results of Dr. Fakhre’s work when you visit NewTampaPlasticSurgery.com. Although his work definitely speaks for itself, he also is highly recommended by his patients. In a physician review written on Vitals.com (a med-

ical review forum for consumers) Dr. Fakhre’s patient Jane Gibbons says, “Plastic Surgery? More accurately— Surgical Artistry! Dr. Fakhre is a master of his craft. He not only is an accomplished surgeon, (he also) is a man of integrity who listens, counsels and guides his patients toward the goals they are seeking. (He) then satisfies those goals with skill and precision! “Dr. Fakhre works with his patients to determine the best surgical and nonsurgical options that will achieve the desired outcome. As a bonus, his office staff is compassionate, efficient and share his philosophy that everyone deserves to look their best. Unquestionably, Dr. Fakhre is the best that Tampa Bay has to offer!” Dr. Fakhre, who is one of the few plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area to be double-Board-certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and by the American Board of Surgery, explains, “There are many things that are important in achieving successful outcomes in plastic surgery: an understanding of the patient's desires, their physical examination, realistic goals, sound surgical technique, attention to detail and outstanding postoperative care, all of which contribute to success in cosmetic plastic surgery.” He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Florida in Tampa, graduating summa cum

laude. He then elected to attend the University of Florida College of Medicine. It was at UF that Dr. Fakhre’s surgical talent, aesthetic eye and love for plastic surgery were realized. Dr. Fakhre then completed a general surgery residency at the world renowned Mayo Clinic, where he scored in the 98th percentile in the American Board of Surgery in Training Dr. Peter Fakhre of New Tampa Plastic Surgery in Wesley Exam, the highest Chapel (just north of S.R. 56) has the education, experience and among all residents in skills necessary to help you look and feel your best. his program. He was involved with numerous where he again excelled, scoring the highpublications and research projects, which est in-service exam score among all plastic have been presented at numerous sciensurgery residents in his program and servtific meetings, including the distinguished ing as Chief Resident in his final year of American Society of Plastic Surgeons. plastic surgery training. During his surgical training, Dr. Fakhre “I had the wonderful opportunity to was awarded the Excellence in Teaching train with members of the original group Award by the Mayo Clinic Medical School of plastic surgeons that invented the breast and served as Chief Resident in Surgery in implant, as well as facial and body plastic his final year of surgical training. surgeons whose surgeries have been feaDr. Fakhre was then privileged to tured on The Discovery Channel,” Dr. match at his first choice of Plastic Surgery Fakhre says. “Working in such an environfellowship programs at the prestigious ment provided great exposure to a large Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX, volume of primary as well as revision cos-

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metic surgery cases. This experience was priceless and I’m happy to bring this type of training to the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area." This training and his own expertise helped Dr. Fakhre earn the highest score possible, in the 99th percentile among Plastic Surgeons, in Plastic Surgery of the Breast, on the American Board of Plastic Surgery Written Examination. In addition to refining his surgical skill and technique during his plastic surgery training, Dr. Fakhre also volunteered his time with Operation San José and traveled to Guatemala on a cleft lip and palate surgical mission. There he helped deliver plastic surgical care to many cleft lip and palate patients who may have otherwise never received treatment. Dr. Fakhre says that he was happy to return to the Tampa Bay area after his training and currently lives in Seven Oaks with his wife of 10 years and their 14month old son, who keeps them busy and entertained.

So Many Surgical Options

So many of us have things we would like to change about our bodies. Time, age and weight changes take a toll on the body and these factors can affect your appearance and self-image. Cosmetic plastic surgery is a way to help you look and feel better. “When we are happy with our appearance, we feel more confident,” says Dr. Fakhre. New Tampa Plastic Surgery offers a plethora of cosmetic surgery procedures for women and men, including breast enhancement (augmentations, lifts and reductions), tummy tucks, face and neck lifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction and more. Known for his technical skill, eye for beauty and superior aesthetic practice, Dr. Fakhre will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve your desired outcomes and to make the “new you” a reality. “Cosmetic plastic surgery allows the surgeon to combine artistry with sound surgical techniques to produce superior results,” says Dr. Fakhre. Breasts, for instance, are often at the

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core of a woman's femininity and self-confidence. Dr. Fakhre explains that breast surgery is one of the most personal decisions a woman can make. “Breast augmentation surgery can increase your self-confidence and satisfaction with your body,” says Dr. Fakhre. “By increasing or restoring breast volume, we can help patients achieve a better-proportioned body.” Dr. Fakhre’s breast augmentation patients are educated about implant size and types so they can make informed decisions about which would be the best to satisfy their personal goals. The two main implant types available are still silicone and saline. The implant selected depends on a variety of factors. Currently, the most common implants that Dr. Fakhre uses are silicone implants, which look and feel more natural than their saline counterparts. Breast lift surgery removes excess tissue and repositions the breast and/or nipple to a more youthful position. This procedure is often chosen by women desiring to restore form to their breasts or reclaim their "before-baby" appearance. And, although breasts are intertwined with the feminine profile, women are not the only ones who have breast surgery. In fact, Dr. Fakhre says that he has helped many men feel better about their appearance with male breast reduction surgery (also known as Gynecomastia). Another popular cosmetic surgical procedure is liposuction, which can improve the body’s contour by removing fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction restores proportionality and minimizes problem areas. Dr. Fakhre says that if you find yourself shopping for clothes that hold your tummy in or slim your thighs, liposuction may be your answer. He adds that liposuction offers significant results with minimal downtime. “In fact, many (liposuction) patients recover over a weekend and return to work on Monday,” he says. A full “Mommy Makeover” also is a popular procedure sought by women who want to get back to the body they had before they had children. Dr. Fakhre says that the most common “Mommy

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is a true cosmetic boutique, offering skin and other non-surgical cosmetic procedures, in addition to plastic surgery. Many of these non-surgical cosmetic procedures — such as Botox and dermal fillers, Latisse eyelash lengthening and thickening, fat injections, chemical peels that rejuvenate and energize the skin to beautify your natural state — often provide the results a patient is looking for, and are less “invasive” than surgical options. Board certified nurse practitioner Christina Ahrens has seven years of experience in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery and performs all of the non-surgical procedures at New Tampa Plastic Surgery. “We are fortunate to have Liposuction at New Tampa Plastic Surgery can Christina as part of our team,” says help transform your body, too. Dr. Fakhre. “she does an outstanding job in the treatment of our patients.” Makeover” combines a breast lift (with or For your free cosmetic surgery conwithout breast augmentation for reshapsultation, call to make an appointment ing), a tummy tuck to tighten the midsecwith Dr. Peter Fakhre at New Tampa tion that was stretched during pregnancy Plastic Surgery at (813) PLASTIC and liposuction to remove unwanted fat (752-7842). The office is located at deposits. 2541 Windguard Cir., Wesley Chapel. Dr. Fakhre, who has surgical priviFor a full menu of services, visit leges at Florida Hospital Tampa and NewTampaPlasticSurgery.com. And, be Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, says that sure to hit the ‘Like’ button on New he performs most of his surgeries at the Tampa Plastic Surgery’s Facebook.com New Tampa Surgery Center, located page so that you can be notified of the nearby (off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel), aloffice’s monthly promotions on various though he says he does perform minor services. procedures in his office as well. Wherever he performs his artistry, however, his satisfied patients are a testament to his experience and training. “From the moment I walked through the door in his office I was always greeted by first-name basis, which made me feel like I wasn't just another patient to get in and out,” Christina Vargas wrote in her patient testimonial about her experience with New Tampa Plastic Surgery. “The whole process — from scheduling my appointments to the day of the procedure, even my recovery — went so smoothly. I highly recommend Dr. Fakhre. I give him 10 stars!"

Non-Surgical Options, Too

But, New Tampa Plastic Surgery also

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STAT Auto Repair: Bringing The Values Of A Doctor’s Office To Auto Repair By Matt Wiley When considering an auto repair shop for your vehicle, a doctor’s office isn’t usually the visual that first comes to mind. In fact, it’s usually quite the opposite. A clean environment doesn’t sound much like an auto repair shop, but that’s not the case with STAT Auto Repair. Owner, CEO and former New Tampa resident Jon Delucia prides himself on the cleanliness of his auto repair shop, which is located on N. Nebraska Ave., between Bearss Ave. and Fletcher Ave., a few minutes southwest of New Tampa. In fact, Delucia says the entire idea behind STAT Auto was inspired by the medical industry, from the workspace, to the uniforms and even to the name itself. Delucia, who currently lives in Brandon, used to own a car part manufacturer, also in Brandon, specializing in automobile air conditioners for street rods and Jeeps. “I broke my leg,” Delucia explains. “In order for it to heal, I had to give up my company. So, I decided to start an auto repair shop.” Delucia says that the owner of the plaza in which STAT currently is located called him up early in March 2013 and said that he had space, which is when STAT Auto Repair was born. Having undergone recent medical treatment for his

leg, Delucia decided to go with a medical theme for the shop. “The acronym worked out to be ‘Surgically Trained Automotive Technicians,’” Delucia explains. “Our goal here is to have the cleanest shop with the motif being that (STAT) will resemble more of a doctor’s office than a car shop. We don’t want dirt, we don’t pictures of cars on the wall. We just want it to be professional.” And, just like a doctor’s office, when you walk into the shop at STAT, customers are greeted by mechanics wearing hospital scrubs and an absence of clutter and any evidence of dirt or grease. Instead, there are clean, painted floors and walls with tools and equipment stored neatly, either on shelves or in the storage area behind the shop. “We offer general automotive repair,” Delucia explains. “Shocks, brakes, tuneups, but we don’t do the big jobs. We don’t change out engines or transmissions. We specialize in preventive maintenance and we know a lot about air conditioners.” Delucia says that STAT Auto performs a lot of oil changes, brake repairs, C/V (or constant velocity) axles and fixes “other common things that wear out.” Delucia also prides himself on STAT’s pricing for parts and repairs. “Our pricing is always reasonable,” he explains. “We don’t fluctuate on pricing

and try to keep everything lowpriced for our customers. We also don’t mess with people.” Delucia says that he and his fellow technicians will recommend repairs for customers and tell them what they need. However, if a customer seems unsure about STAT’s recommendation, the technicians also will recommend STAT Auto owner/CEO Jon Delucia (center) with surgically trained that they go get a auto technicians José Ramirez (left) and president Brent Pitt (right). second opinion from another shop. “We utilize email alerts for cus“You won’t find high-pressure sales tomers, which will give them updates on tactics here,” Delucia says. “No one here their vehicle’s progress while we’re workis working on commission.” ing on it,” Delucia says. “Customers also In addition to cleanliness, Delucia get an email every 3,000 miles with says that integrating high-end technology coupons and special offers at the shop.” into a customer’s visit also is the mission In keeping with the medical motif, at STAT Auto, beginning with incorporat- Delucia says he plans to implement a feaing online programs for vehicular diagture on the STAT Auto website to keep nostics, which often helps to narrow customers updated on the status of their down a vehicle’s problem. vehicle’s repairs in real time, similar to a Delucia also incorporates vehicle uprecovery room in a hospital. He says that dates for customers using his website. it will let customers know where their ve-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Need another reason to check out STAT Auto besides free coffee and WiFi in the waiting room? How about free 69 point inspections with every oil change and free “check engine light” diagnoses? Lutz resident Elise Bengston can attest to the cusTechnician Brent Pitt changes the oil on a vehicle inside the spotless STAT Auto tomer service at Repair shop, located south of New Tampa on nearby N. Nebraska Ave. STAT Auto. hicle is in line, whether the shop is waiting “I had an issue with my drive axle and on parts and when it has been moved starter,” she explains. “I was on the way to onto one of the shop’s lifts. STAT, but the employees had left to at“(The website feature) is going to tend a continuing education class. My car make it much easier for customers to broke down on the way there. They actucheck the status of their vehicle,” he says. ally skipped their class to accommodate “It sure beats having to call a shop numer- my vehicle. They are extremely conscienous times per day when a vehicle is getting tious and there is no sales pressure, which worked on to check for an update.” I greatly appreciate.” Currently, customers can type in the So, if your vehicle is giving you make, model and mileage of their vehicle trouble, or you just need an oil change to see if it is due for a tune-up. Signing up or tune-up, give STAT Auto (13787 N. on the site also makes customers eligible Nebraska Ave.) a call at 374-8894, or for exclusive coupons, to see their vehicle’s visit StatAutoRepair.com. The shop is service history, as well as receive service open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. 5 p.m., and recall notices. and 8 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturday.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Green House Mortgage Will Help You Find The Right Loan For Your Home By Matt Wiley Since 2009, the word mortgage has carried with it an almost negative connotation, especially considering the fact that defaults on home loans were among the leading causes of the recent recession — from which the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area, as well as the rest of the country, continues to try to bounce back. However, with local companies such as Green House Mortgage, getting a home loan doesn’t have to be a long, tortuous process. New Tampa resident Scott Tellinghuisen, 38, says he started Green House in 2005, following his departure from another mortgage company in Clearwater that ended up closing in 2008. Tellinghuisen left to begin his own streamlined mortgage company, which he named Green House Mortgage. “I used to joke around and tell people (that Green House’s mission was) to help them realize their dreams, and then say, ‘Just kidding, we help people with mortgages,’” Tellinghuisen explains. “We try to help people get into a new home, whether it’s their dream home, or just their next step in life. It’s a big purchase and we understand that.” Tellinghuisen explains that he

wanted to create a mortgage company not just to make a living, but also to provide a top-notch service to the local community. “You can get a mortgage pretty much anywhere,” he says. “In this industry, (mortgage brokers) really are a dimea-dozen. But, we’re a local company. We’re not a call center located ‘somewhere.’ Everything is processed here. Plus, we’re almost always available, even on weekends.” So, whether you’re looking for a conventional home loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, a government loan (e.g., FHA, or Federal Housing Administration loan; a VA, or Veterans Administration loan; or a USDA, or U.S. Department of Agriculture loan) or a reverse mortgage (for seniors aged 62 and older to be able to access the equity in their homes), Green House can help you find a loan that will work best for you and your family. In addition, Green House also provides both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate mortgages. Green House also provides services for refinancing your home with the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) 2.0, which allows homeowners with private mortgage insurance to seek out private lenders, other than those

their bank can provide. However, Tellinghuisen says that refinancing rates have begun to trickle back up from their low rate in 2012, which made refinancing a popular idea. “Anything that has to do with residential finance, we do,” Tellinghuisen says. “Getting a Scott Tellinghuisen (right) of Green House Mortgage watches as mortgage is a hecAnna Dutko and her daughter Priya close on a South Tampa home. tic process,” a mortgage. “(Getting a mortgage) is a Tellinghuisen explains. “Most people stressful process,” Tellinghuisen says. work all day and come home to their “Especially when a customer has to refamilies at night. We know that you submit pay stubs eight different times don’t want to deal with the mortgage because a company can’t keep his or her process after work. We try to approach file organized. Sometimes, it’s like the customers with the understanding of left hand doesn’t know what the right how busy life is. We want people to hand is doing. Don’t let the ‘mortgage know that it doesn’t have to be such a monkeys’ wreak havoc on your loan.” painful process.” Keeping customers updated on the What can often make the mortgage process more painful, Tellinghuisen says, progress of their loan is a key factor to making the process smoother, he says. are what he calls the “mortgage mon“(Getting the right mortgage) can keys,” which are the miscommunication issues that sometimes accompany getting be a very simple 1-2-3 process, although

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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on what each scenario provides. From one person to the next, they may need or have different financial goals for refinancing a home that they already own.” Tellinghuisen says that if by looking at a customer’s Scott Tellinghuisen (left)poses with members of the Brandon Chamber of financial informaCommerce after giving a seminar about home loans to Chamber mem- tion it’s determined bers and their guests. that now isn’t the best time to purusually it’s not. But, the reasons are often chase a home, he will provide tips on very fixable,” Tellinghuisen says. how to strengthen that customer’s finanOne of the most important reasons to consider Green House is that even if a cial situation. “At Green House, we will not put deal can’t be reached right away, cusyou in a loan, because we need a paytomers are not cast away. “Loans are like snowflakes,” he says. check,” he explains. “We want to find you the right loan.” “No one’s situation is exactly alike. Still on the fence about considering However, even if we aren’t going to be Green House for your next home loan or able to work out a loan right away, we try to counsel customers about what they refinance? Don’t just take Tellinghuisen’s word for how good Green House Mortcan do to be able to purchase a home. We still want them to feel like they have a gage for its customers. “Scott Tellinghuisen with Green plan of attack, and that’s what really sets House Mortgage made the process of reus apart.” financing my home effortless,” says NaTellinghuisen says that interest rates talia M. from Oldsmar. “Scott got me an on home loans are still very good. awesome rate, answered all of my ques“It is still a good time to buy,” he tions and kept me in the loop the entire explains. “Refinancing depends greatly

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time. I couldn’t have asked for a better loan consultant!” David A., of Tampa, sings similar praises. “Thank you so much for helping us with the refinance of our home. It was a very painless process compared to some of the stories I have heard about refinancing an ‘underwater’ home with HARP.” Bill H. from Lakeland also had a good experience with refinancing. “I am happy to say that Green House Mortgage was able to assist me with my HARP refinance,” Bill explains. “I had some pretty unique terms that my previous bank could not help me with. I

was in need of a lower rate and different terms, based on my scenario. Now that I have what I need in a solid mortgage, I can concentrate with confidence on other areas of my day-to-day routine.” Tellinghuisen says that he plans to begin giving seminars in the New Tampa area during 2014 to help educate people about homes. Stay tuned to the Green House website (see below) for details as they become available. Considering a new home and/or looking to refinance your existing home and need a loan? Give Scott Tellinghuisen a call at 732-3155 or visit GreenHouseMortgage.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Essentials Massage & Facials Of New Tampa Can Relieve Your Holiday Stress! By Bonnie Mason Winter holidays are wonderful, but let's face it — they can be extremely stressful, too. With the hours we spend shopping for the perfect gifts, preparing a delicious holiday feast, baking Santa's favorite cookies and even traveling across the country to visit with family and friends, the holiday stress can leave you with knots in your shoulder muscles and kinks in your neck. Essentials Massage & Facials of New Tampa may be just what you need to de-stress and start the New Year out right! Conveniently located in the Seven Oaks Professional Park off S.R. 56 (next to the Sam’s Club in Seven Oaks), Essentials has been rejuvenating and invigorating Wesley Chapel and New Tampa residents for nearly three years. Tom Stavro purchased this Essentials location (one of 16 in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota counties) from its previous owners last year and is excited to offer an extensive menu of unique services to pamper everyone who visits in a luxurious fashion — all at truly unbeatable prices. Yes, even with all of those holiday bills, a luxurious and affordable spa day at Essentials is still within your reach. The 2,500-sq.-ft. oasis of stress relief boasts 11 private treatment rooms, all with the same

calming and tranquil environment. Plus, Essentials has a “party room,” which can be used for birthday celebrations, bridal parties, or Ladies Night Out gatherings. “Our goal is for our clients to leave Essentials completely relaxed and feeling fabulous,” Stavro says. “Whether the service they receive is a massage, facial, body wax, body wrap, eyelash extension, manicure or a spa pedicure, our mission is always the same.” The spa’s well-trained concierge staff is happy to assist you to determine the best service or services to fit your needs and budget. “If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, the front staff is well-versed in the available treatments and is ready to recommend the best fit for each client’s needs,” explains Stavro. “They can answer questions like which massage will be the best choice -— hot stone, deep tissue, or our popular hour-long relaxation massage. Or, if you’re not sure if an anti-aging facial, a microdermabrasion treatment or a chemical peel is best for your skin, (our staff’s) experience and product service knowledge is key to keeping you satisfied and wanting to come back to us.” Stavro adds that there are three main components to the spa — skin care, massage therapy and nail services. Essentials has four licensed aestheticians on staff who are ready to help cus-

tomers achieve the soft, smooth skin they desire and all of them are available to provide skin analyses for free. Essentials offers basic facials, as well as customized facials based on each client’s individual needs. Among the treatments available include a clinical, one-hour European facial, anti-aging and acne facials, as well as microdermabrasion. The facials are all performed using Atzen, Glo TheraEvelyn Hoyt, one of four licensed aestheticians at Essentials Massage & peutics or the Academy Facials of New Tampa (located near Sam’s Club in Wesley Chapel), Award-winning GM applies one of the spa’s signature exfoliants to a customer’s face. Collin products. Among the GM natural-occurring pineapple fruit enzyme Collin skin treatments are the Algomask, Bromelain, which aids in the natural exfoPurAcne Oxygen Treatment, Hydroliftliation of the skin,” Stavro says. “Unlike ing Treatment, Sea C Spa (all 60-minmany products on the market, Pineapple utes) and a 90-minute Collagen 90-II Essentials™ exfoliates without dehydrating Treatment. the skin.” Stavro says that a high-quality, affordThe products developed by Circadia, able skincare product line also is “essenalso available at Essentials of New Tampa, tial” to achieve glowing, healthy skin. are designed to work in harmony with the Pineapple Essentials™ exfoliant is Essenbody’s natural systems to defend the skin tials’ signature product and is combined from environmental insult during the day, with a hot towel treatment, which is com- and repair during the night. plimentary with all services at the spa. Stavro says that Essentials clients have “This amazing formula contains the told him that both Pineapple Essentials™

and Circadia are quite effective and affordable to purchase for home use..

Eyelash Extensions & More!

“In addition to providing facials, we also offer body wraps, waxing, microdermabrasion and peels, and one of our aestheticians even specializes in eyelash extensions,” Stavros says. “Women who desire fuller eyelashes don't need to look any further. An Essentials consultant works with you to determine which lash is the best fit for your desired look, synthetic or mink. Eyelash extensions come in a variety of lengths and are adhered to the eyelid to get a fuller effect. Lash extensions last approximately 3-5 weeks and fall out with original eyelashes during the specific eyelash cycle, which varies with each individual.” Massage therapy is one of the most important component of Essentials’ services and all fourteen licensed massage therapists (LMTs) serving the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel location are very experienced, and offer flexibility in scheduling, as well as a wide spectrum of therapies to choose from, including therapeutic, neuromuscular, reflexology, hot stone, deep tissue, relaxation and prenatal. And, the signature hot towel treatment with the Pineapple Essentials exfoliant mentioned earlier also is included in any massage. Stavro explains that the hot towel treatment applied before the therapy helps clients relax and allows the

muscles to loosen quicker during the massage. And, aromatherapy can be added to any service to further enhance and complete your total relaxation. Manicures and pedicures are the final component that Stavro explains is key to making sure customers leave relaxed. Regular, Shellac, or gel manicures and basic or spa pedicures are available. Again, clients can expect the soothing hot towel and Pineapple Essentials™ treatment! Generally, luxury comes at a high price, but the spa services at Essentials are affordable and easy on the wallet. “No one can beat their prices,” says Wesley Chapel resident and Essentials client Megan. “I’m paying a fraction of what I used to pay!” For $30, customers can get a onehour facial or massage any day of the week. And, on Tuesdays, clients pay only $25 for either a one-hour massage, a European facial, or a mani/pedi! “But, the best package we offer is our Spa Day package, which includes all three of our spa components,” Stavro says. Essentials’ Spa Day package consists of a one-hour massage, one-hour facial, basic manicure and pedicure — all for only $95! If you don’t have that much time, or you’re looking to spend less, $65 will get you a “Mini Spa Day” that includes a onehour massage and a one-hour facial. Both spa day packages include a complimentary glass of wine and a light lunch. Brides can create memories of a life-

Essentials Massage & Facials of New Tampa customers Lindsay & Megan enjoy a glass of wine in Essentials’ party room, while taking a look at the spa’s extensive menu of services.

time at Essentials and rival any five-star resort spa. Stavro says bridal parties and Ladies Night Out events are extremely popular at the spa. Parties can be booked with a minimum of four people and include a one-hour massage, one-hour facial in a private setting with wine, cheese and crackers, plus all gratuities, for only $95 per person. On Thursday, February 13, Essentials of New Tampa will host Tampa Bay's celebrity skincare guru Anthony Loren in a “Love Your Skin” event, featuring his signature skincare product line. Guests will experience skin care demonstrations and wine and cheese will be served from 6

p.m.-9 p.m. Please call the phone number below to reserve your space at this exciting event and take advantage of all of the evening’s specials! Call Essentials Massage & facials of New Tampa (License ##MM30617) today to schedule your luxurious spa massage, facial or mani/pedi at 5276979! Essentials of New Tampa is located at 2230 Ashley Oaks Cir. in the Seven Oaks Professional Park and is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Mon., Tues. – Sat., 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sun. Gift certificates are available. For a complete list of services and fees, visit EssentialsWesleyChapel.com.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

D&E Couriers Will Get Your Packages Across Town In No Time! By Matt Wiley During this busy season of holiday shopping, when so many gifts are being purchased online, it can be tough to decide which shipping method actually will get your purchases where they need to go in the time period left before the big giftgiving holiday. Sometimes, things get lost in the mail or delayed, forcing them to arrive later than expected. However, this is not the case with New Tampa-based D & E Couriers, a local delivery service that truly ensures same-day delivery to locations all across the Tampa Bay area. D & E specializes in delivering packages, sensitive documents or anything else that individuals and businesses need delivered in a timely manner, without having to go through a major delivery service at the risk of that delivery showing up late. Whether it’s document deliveries, pharmaceutical transfers, court deliveries, inter-office deliveries, bank deposits or payroll deliveries, D & E Couriers is your safe, dependable and efficient solution. “We are always on time,” says D & E owner David Gross. “We are very conscious about (our delivery time).” David and his wife Ellen (together, the “D & E” in the company’s name)

have lived in New Tampa’s Heritage Isles community off Cross Creek Blvd. since they relocated to Florida twelve years ago from West Orange, NJ, where David ran a limousine service. Although he says he doesn’t like to drop names, he admits that transporting top-billed actors and directors around the Big Apple (New York City) was a pretty common task. David sold that business before the couple moved to New Tampa, where he worked in retail sales and even got his real estate license. He also worked as an independent courier, delivering documents for law firms, prescriptions for doctors and pharmacies, as well as other deliveries for local companies before deciding to start his own delivery service. “I knew I wanted to start a courier service, but I didn’t want to do limousine service anymore,” David explains. Now, David has a fleet of independent couriers that work for him at D & E. Ellen handles the calls from businesses looking for a courier and dispatches drivers to handle the different deliveries. “(Ellen’s) job is pretty tough,” David explains. “In addition to knowing the area well, she also has to know which driver is located within that surrounding area so that packages will get delivered in the most prompt manner.”

Despite owning the company, David still also does deliveries on a regular basis himself. On any given day, drivers may travel back and forth between Tampa and St. Petersburg multiple times before heading as far north as Brooksville and then taking something back to South Tampa, David Gross of D & E Couriers will get whatever you need delivered to its destination in no time at all, whether in town or across the state. David says. “We have you need something taken to Miami, or access to as many drivers as a company even Jacksonville, we’ll get it there, may need,” David explains. “All of which quickly. It just won’t be in an hour.” are insured and have been personally inD & E offers four levels of service: terviewed by me.” Express, Standard, Economy and Priority Drivers have their own vehicles and Out-of-Town. Customers are charged for look to D & E for assignments. Although each service based upon the mileage reD & E is mostly a local service, the couriquired for each delivery and the time in ers can make deliveries all over the state. which the package (whatever it may be) “We pride ourselves on same-day deneeds to be delivered. Whatever the perliveries, locally,” David says. “However, mile rate is determined to be for Econwe can make deliveries across the state. If omy Service, the price for Standard and

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Express service will be slightly higher. Express Service promises pick-up and delivery with 90 minutes of the package being ready. Standard Service promises pick-up and delivery within three hours of being ready. Economy Service ensures that all deliveries that are ready for pick-up by 11 a.m. will be delivered by the end of the business day at 5 p.m. “What a lot of people don’t realize is that courier services are usually cheaper and, in many cases, more reliable than the big-name overnight delivery services,” David explains. “A lot of people don’t even realize that they can use courier services for their deliveries.” West Meadows resident and local at-

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torney Dennis Kapustin knows the benefits of using D & E well. “We use D & E for all of our courier services,” Kapustin says. “D & E has always been good to me. I can’t give them a better rating. No matter what it is, (D & E) always is prompt and efficient.” Kapustin explains that he uses D & E to send legal documents around town to clients and other attorneys, including wills, trusts and real estate deeds. “I highly recommend D & E,” Kapustin says. Need something delivered around town the same day? Give D & E Couriers a try. For more info, please visit DECouriersInc.com or call 994-5909.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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New Tampa High School Grades High, Students Prepped For College By Matt Wiley It looks as if New Tampa’s high schools have once again received good report cards from the Florida Department of Education (DOE). According to the annual school grades report for Florida high schools released on December 18, more than half of Hillsborough County’s high schools (14 of 27) received an “A” grade, including Paul R. Wharton High, located on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. Although elementary and middle school grades were released in August, the DOE waits until December each year to release the previous school year’s high school grades, so that additional factors (such as graduation rates) can be included when determining a high school’s grade. This year marks the first year that Wharton has received an ‘A’ grade since 2010. “(Receiving an ‘A’) is fantastic,” says Wharton principal Bradley Woods. “It’s a confirmation of how great a school we have here, from our faculty and staff to our students and parents.” Woods notes that the school was able to raise the graduation rate of Wharton’s “at-risk” students, or those at risk of dropping out, a factor that kept the school at a “B” grade last year. Meanwhile, Freedom High, located on Commerce Park Blvd. in Tampa Palms,

once again received a “B,” which it has maintained since 2010. Neither high school has fallen below a “B” since 2009. Freedom and Wharton both improved their graduation rates from 75-percent for both schools in 2012 to 77 percent and 79 percent, respectively, for 2013. Other factors included in determining high school grades are FCAT 2.0 scores, postsecondary readiness in math and reading, the graduation rate of the school’s “at-risk” students and the improvement of the lowest performing 25-percent of students at each school.

New Tampa Students Better Prepared For College?

Many high school students in New Tampa are more prepared for college than students across the State of Florida, according to data recently released by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). In a December 3 press release, Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) announced that results from Florida’s entry-level college placement tests — including the College Placement Test, SAT and ACT — show that schools in Hillsborough are performing higher than other districts in mathematics, reading and writing, including Freedom High and Paul R. Wharton High right here in New Tampa. In fact, the overall results for Freedom and Wharton are above both the

State and District average scores, too. “This is great news in a district that is focused on college and career readiness,’’ said Hillsborough School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia in the press release. “For a high school diploma to be meaningful, you should be able to get into college and be ready to do college-level work. More and more of our students are achieving that goal.” The results in the report are based upon how many students at each school who took college placement tests scored above the “cut-off score.” Students who test below that score on their respective tests must take remedial classes in either math, reading or writing when they do enter college. During the 2012-13 school year at Freedom, 273 degree-seeking students took one of the three placement tests. In math, 84.9 percent of those tested scored at or above the cut-off score. In reading, 88.2 percent scored at or above the cut off, while 90.8 scored at or above the cutoff in writing. Of those students tested, 80.4 percent scored above the cut-off in all three subjects. “We were excited (to see the report),” says Freedom assistant principal Rosemary Owens. “It’s truly a distinction and a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers.” At nearby Wharton High, of the 264

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

degree-seeking students, 78.4 percent scored above the cut-off in math, 82.2 percent above the reading cut-off and 83.7 percent of students tested scored above the cut-off in writing. Of those, 73.1 percent scored above the cut-off in all three subjects. Compare those numbers with the 7,751 students tested across HCPS, where 77.3 scored at or above the cut-off in math, 87 percent were at or above the cut-off in reading, 87.9 percent were at or above in writing and 72.5 percent were at or above in all three subjects. Across the state, of the 82,576 degree-seeking students, 70.8 percent scored at or above in math, 86.3 percent were at or above in reading, 86.1 percent were at or above in writing, but only 66.4-percent scored at or above the cutoff score in all three. However, not included in these results are students who did not go to college or who went to private and out-of-state institutions after graduating from a Florida public high school. The results reflect only those students who graduated from a public Florida high school and attended an in-state, public college or university in the year following high school graduation. For more information about school test results and what they mean, visit FLDOE.org or SDHC.k12.fl.us.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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Exclusive Clientele Salon — Where Every Client Is Treated Like Family! By Gary Nager Even though it’s usually the maledominated barber shops that are famous for their unique banter between clients and haircutters on everything from presidential politics to sports to popular music, if you’ve been looking for a great, new place to get your hair cut, a place where every client is made to feel like family, you have to visit the incredible ladies at the new Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Cross Creek Plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. Of course, neither owner and Master Stylist Christy Johnson nor her equallywell-trained, ultra-talented crew of Master Stylists — Nica Kennedy, Tiffany Ivy and Crystal Garcia — are men, but they all can have fun speaking to any subject and always make their clients feel comfortable. “When I first moved to Tampa from Maryland, I found that a lot of the hair salons weren’t very welcoming,” says Christy, who has now owned three salons and has 30 years of experience in the industry. And, she is licensed to cut hair in four states (Florida, Maryland, California and Pennsylvania). She adds, “So, when I opened my first Exclusive Clientele Salon in the Pebble Creek area a few years ago, my goal was that everyone who wanted a great hair style or color job — men and women of every color and ethnicity — should be able to feel that they were more than just customers to not only me, but also to everyone who works with me, and that we were able to provide professional styles and color for every hair type. I even chose

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the name ‘Exclusive Clientele’ because we want to make all of our clients feel like they’re special to us.” Speaking of special, Christy says her husband Thomas Johnson, the “Michael Jordan of taxes, who has done Michael Jordan’s taxes” believes in her ability and her goal of having the most popular salon in Tampa. It was Christy’s “we are family” attitude that first (L. to r.) Nica Kennedy, owner Christy Johnson, Tiffany Ivy and Crystal Garcia invite you be part of the famattracted Nica, Tiffany and ily at Exclusive Clientele Salon, located in the Cross Creek Center Plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. at Kinnan St. Crystal to work with her “We all have similar training and stay up ing great BBQ for customers of the Halfand, like the owner herself, all of the styltime Sports Lounge in the New Tampa on the latest trends by going to trade ists at Exclusive Clientele Salon also have Center plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) shows and taking classes every year.” had amazing training and experience. Blvd.. “But, they all want me for their For example, Nica has had 20 years major styling and coloring and especially, Are You Kidding Me? of experience, as she, “went right from for my weaving. I see all 30 clients in one As someone who gets his hair cut high school to hair school” in Delaware week each month and fly back to Tampa.” only once every 6-8 weeks, depending and moved to Tampa in 1995. She met Master Colorist, Stylist and Educator upon how good the haircut turned out to Christy less than three years ago and Crystal Garcia has been working in the be, I was stunned to learn that some worked with her at the original Exclusive beauty industry for 28 years. Her profeswomen get their hair cut or styled every Clientele Salon. sional background has allowed her to week, sometimes even twice a week! “I actually scouted out a few salons work in many areas of beauty and design In fact, Tiffany (who has 24 years of with a local product distributor when I world. Although she wasn’t available to be hair styling experience) says that for some asked for recommendations about salons interviewed for this article, Exclusive women, having the same person cut their in Tampa, says Nica, who is licensed in Clientele Salon’s website says that Crystal hair is so important to them that 30 of Florida and Georgia.“Christy was the only prides herself in her ability to work with them are willing to actually pay for her to one I met that I wanted to work with.” any texture of hair and is always educating fly back to her native St. Louis (she is liclients and peers alike on the most up-toNica, who has been married for four censed in Florida and Missouri) to cut date products, techniques and styles. years to her husband Frederick, adds that their hair once every month. “We’re looking for one more stylist her specialty is creating precision, custom, “They’ll have local people do their to join this family,” Christy says. “All of us “trendy” cuts for natural hair, as well as weekly touch-ups,” says Tiffany, whose husband Jerry Ivy recently started providhair transitioning from relaxer to natural. See “Exclusive” on page 47.

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Freedom Student, Friends Write Song For Fallen Classmate To Help Family By Matt Wiley If you were to search “Harris” or even “Taylor Emery” in the iTunes Store on a computer, numerous results for both song names and artists would appear. However, one result would be a song actually named “Harris,” written and produced right here in New Tampa, to honor Freedom High graduate Jordan Harris, who passed away after a long battle with brain cancer in October at the age of 18. To help offset the cost of medical and funeral bills, two of Jordan’s friends got together with a local music producer and produced a song that recently went up on the popular online music store, the proceeds from which will go directly to the Harris family. “This song means a lot to me,” says 16-year-old Taylor Emery, the Freedom High girls basketball star who wrote it. “It's the way I released all of my built up emotions I was feeling from his death. I listen Jordan Harris Photo: to it whenever Mojo Studios I need moti-

vation because (Jordan) taught us to never give up, regardless of the situation at hand.” Emery met Harris when the two entered Freedom together as freshmen. Together with her friend and Countryside High student Kellie Gaston, 16, who provided backing vocals, and Bloomingdale High student Kyle Snelgrove, 17, who produced the song, the three collaborated to produce a four-minute hip-hop song about Harris and the battle that ultimately took his life. “The challenge was writing it,” Emery says. “It took about seven days from start to finish.” Emery says that she didn’t want to actually include the word “cancer” in the song, so she took another route, by including a more subliminal message. “Intruded by this enemy / and I don’t know why,” Emery says in one line of the song (see complete lyrics, right). Emery says that her message is that cancer is horrible and that a cure needs to be found to prevent more tragedies like the loss of her friend. Snelgrove says that he was able to put “Harris” together using sound mixers and a computer program in his bedroom. “Putting together the song was hard,” Snelgrove says. “Especially since I don't know the feeling of losing a loved

‘Harris,’ By Taylor Emery Chorus: Why, why'd you have to leave? So early you see. I was hoping we would make it through together. Fight through any weather. Wind, rain, sun, whatever. I can't let you go Verse 1: Too early to say goodbye. Intruded by this enemy and I don't know why. Unable to grasp this unbelievable news. Not quite being able to refuse. 18 years old, he shouldn't have died. Just a kid living stride after stride. Attacked by this invisible enemy that has no morals, a never ending war. Soldiers stayed loyal. But it wasn't enough and now our hearts are cuffed. Individualized by our minds, but united by our sorrow. We expect to see him tomorrow. Sodomized by our brain's vision of what could be. Not accepting the truth, idealizing a falsehood of what should be. Jordan may be gone, but I'll never forget. I'll never forget how he inspired me. Verse 2: We flock together to mourn his death. Crying over his last breath. Crying over his friendliness. Refusing to accept his nonexistent presence. Reacting at his struggles and not responding ideal. Not keeping our emotions concealed. We wear it on our sleeve because we miss him. We thought his will to win was stronger than the enemy, but the enemy prevailed and continued to sail. While we stood here confused and kept asking why, needing to cry. The good die young and I don't understand, undermining the ability to be grand. Killing off our future, not prepared to halt. We think on what could've been, putting ourselves at fault. Feeling a heavy burden day in and day out 'cause of Jordan. No doubt. Verse 3: We look back on the past and think of that kid. What he said and what he did to lift our happiness above our scale. He was the light in our eyes leading to his happiness spread. The goal of striding across that stage, succeeded and celebrated. Main goal checked off the never ending list of life. An angel left us today. A being refuting our tears and exemplifying our faith. He left us and went to heaven. Floating up with no regrets and despair in our hearts. He wants no pain or struggle from us, just happiness and memories. Loving the past and blinded by our future, a future he never knew. He's watching over us now, what a great thing to bear. Rest in peace, JHarr. — Taylor Emery

one. But, I could tell that Taylor and Kellie were so deep with the song as I was recording them.” Snelgrove hopes the song will help the mourning process of those who knew Harris. Emery says that they won’t know

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how much money the song has raised until January. “Jordan may be gone / but I’ll never forget how he inspired me,” Emery says in the song. “He’s watching over us now, what a great thing to bear.”

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“Exclusive”

Continued from page 45 have had our work featured in beauty industry magazines, but we know there are still plenty of other talented stylists and colorists out there and we would love at least one more to handle the number of people we see in this salon.” If you’re interested in joining the Exclusive team, look for the info at the end of this story.

The Master Stylists at Exclusive Clientele Salon can provide precision cuts for men and women of every ethnicity.

Start With Healthy Hair!

clusive Clientele Salon, where our goal is to leave all of our clients happy and smiling.” To that end, Christy recently added eyebrow threading with a woman of Indian descent to Exclusive Clientele Salon’s already impressive list of hair styling, coloring and weaving services. Call or visit the salon for details. Also, check out the Exclusive ad on page 22 of this issue, where you’ll find a coupon worth $10 off any hair service for new clients only. If you want you and your hair to be treated like family, please visit Christy and her crew and tell them that the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you! Exclusive Clientele Salon is located at 10026 Cross Creek Blvd., near Café Olé. For appointments and more information, call 994-2393 or visit ExclusiveClienteleSalon.com.

One of the things Christy and her crew all stress is that any hair type can be “good” hair, as long as it’s healthy. “Although we all have no problem with styling kinky or over curly hair,” Christy says, “a lot of people think curly hair is bad hair. It’s not. You just have to know what you’re doing...and we do. Not only can we give you the proper cut for your hair type, we can recommend and provide the best products (from Redken to nairobi and many more) to keep your hair as healthy as possible.” And, perhaps best of all, Christy and her style team all offer free consultations. “Anyone who wants to come talk to us about their hair is welcome,” says Christy proudly. “Whether you’re black, white, Asian, Hispanic, blonde, brunette, redhead, or want to know more about extensions, we hope you’ll think of Ex-

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The Wesley Chapel WingHouse — Minutes From New Tampa On S.R. 54! By Gary Nager Just a few minutes north of New Tampa, Ker’s WingHouse has opened on S.R. 54 (just west of the corner of Old Pasco Rd.). Of course, the Wesley Chapel location is just one of more than 20 WingHouse restaurants in Florida, and the company itself has a 20-year history in the Tampa Bay area. Founded by former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos offensive lineman Crawford Ker, the first WingHouse opened in Largo in 1994 and there are plans to open locations throughout the Southeast. All WingHouse restaurants are open for lunch and dinner and feature full-service bars with a wide selection of liquor cocktails and major domestic, imported, and specialty beers. Signature items include Ker’s famous “Naked” Chicken Wings — skinless drum-

Bartender Alex is one of two Wesley Chapel WingHouse girls selected to be featured in the 2014 WingHouse calendar.

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mettes that are marinated, baked, and tossed in one of Ker’s award-winning wing sauces — and the Dallas Burger: two juicy 8 oz BBQ burgers topped with bacon. All WingHouse locations also feature state-of-the-art TV packages for all of the big games and Pay-Per-View boxing matches and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fights. But, of course, the main attraction at every WingHouse are the “World-Famous WingHouse Girls.” The girls are the foundation of Ker’s concept. These “ultimate girls next door” wait tables, tend bar, work as hostesses, participate in brand promotions and are the company’s cheerleaders — and also are the primary reason the Wesley Chapel and other locations are all so popular. Wesley Chapel general manager Tony Santos promises that his WingHouse girls are always attractive, polite and provide great service, positive attitudes and pretty smiles — all to encourage guests to make frequent visits and become loyal customers. Every month or so, each WingHouse has certain days called “Dress to Impress,” where the girls wear special outfits or costumes. The most recent “Impress” events were the Halloween, Military and “Santa’s Little Helpers” days in Oct., Nov. and Dec., respectively. The next “Dress to Impress” day wasn’t yet scheduled at our press time, but Tony promises that although the outfits can be a little more risqué at other Wing-

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Houses, “We usually have the girls tone it down a little for this location, because we get so many families here.” And, with so many beautiful young women working at all of the WingHouse locations, the company puts out an awesome yearly calendar (buy yours at the Wesley Chapel location), which for 2014 features two of your Wesley Chapel WingHouse girls — Alex (photo left) and Skyla. But of course, this is still mainly a dining review and I’m definitely a fan of not only WingHouse’s aforementioned “naked” wings (I prefer the medium Buffalo-style, blackened and Asian versions), but also of the huge “Grouper’s Teammate” and mahi-mahi sandwiches, which I prefer grilled or blackened with a side of WingHouse’s perfectly spicy red cocktail sauce. I also have enjoyed some of the WingHouse’s great daily lunch (served 11 a.m.-4 p.m.) specials, including Monday’s meatball sub, the hot ham & cheese sandwich on Thursday and fried fish & chips on Friday. I’m also partial to the regular WingHouse burger, although there are some options that I’ve heard people rave about, including the mushroom Swiss burger. I also have had no problem devouring any of the four wrap sandwiches on WingHouse’s menu, although my favorite is the big Philly cheesesteak wrap. I’ve never sampled WingHouse’s Texas chili or chicken and sausage gumbo, but I do enjoy the zesty chicken tor-

Among our editor’s favorites at the Wesley Chapel Ker’s WingHouse, located on S.R. 54 west of Old Pasco Rd., are the naked, blackened wings (top) and the “Grouper’s Teammate” sandwich (above). tilla soup. And, WingHouse’s salads are fresh, huge and share-able. There’s even a great kids menu and desserts like New Yorkstyle cheesecake, Key lime pie and ice cream. For more info about the Wesley Chapel Ker’s WingHouse (5510 Post Oak Blvd.), call 428-7157 or visit WingHouse.com. And, please tell Tony and the girls we sent you!

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Vallarta’s Opens The Newest Link In A Family Chain In Tampa Palms! the space most recently occupied by For those of us who have lived and/or Ciccio’s Lodge, alworked in and around Tampa the last 10-20 though this prime years, the name “Vallarta’s Restaurante Mex- location next to icana” is synonymous with delicious Mexican Publix also has been cuisine at very fair prices. The family-owned The Lime, Winners “chain” of Tampa-area restaurants started Grill and the with its first location, on N. 56th St. in Tem- Boston Cooker. ple Terrace, in 1989 and today has successful In other restaurants under the Vallarta’s “umbrella” words, it may seem in Carrollwood, Town & Country, Land like a great location, (Clockwise from top left) The chips and O’Lakes and in the Wesley Chapel Village but some of the pureed salsa at Vallarta’s are addictive, but Market off S.R. 54 at Bruce B. Downs Blvd. others may have so are the combo Fajitas Vallarta and the But, the newest link in the Vallarta’s not been able to steak a la Mexicana, plus all of the sides. chain is probably the most ambitious for my maintain their rebuddy Fabian, who also owns the Wesley spective successes in (and addictive) puréed Chapel location. A little more than a month the space because they couldn’t offer what salsa and homemade ago, my friend Fabian opened his newest Vallarta’s has been able to do to not only tortilla chips. I also can Vallarta’s in City Plaza at Tampa Palms, in survive, but to thrive at all of its locations — recommend the offer the best possible value for your lighter-than-most money. That means you shouldn’t cheese dip, the spicy bet against this popular Mexican Mexican chicken soup, restaurant ending up a long-term huge nachos supreme winner in Tampa Palms, too. and fresh pico de . The newest Vallarta’s may also Lunch combos are be the prettiest of the group, with a hugely popular at Valrevamped tile bar with flat-screen larta’s, and cost only TVs, full liquor, including frozen $5-$8, with only the margaritas in a variety of flavors, steak or chicken fajitas lunch costing that premium tequilas and rums, ice cold much. Whether you like tacos, enchiladas, Dos Equis, Modelo, Pacifico and chalupas, chile rellenos, burritos, quesadillas other favorite import and domestic or even huevos Rancheros (ranch-style beers on draft and more. eggs), you can enjoy jany combination of This veggie quesadilla is overstuffed with fresh And of course, most folks start those items for as little as a fast food lunch their meal with Vallarta’s signature Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. veggies and cheese.

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But, even at lunch (and certainly for dinner), I still prefer Vallarta’s more upscale steak, chicken and pork dishes. The carnitas (pork tips) are delicious and tender and you can even add red or green sauce. The fajitas always come out sizzling and I usually enjoy a combination of beef (sliced flank steak) and chicken, although

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The interior of the new Vallarta’s in Tampa Palms is spacious and casually elegant. new sales and marketing assistant Antwon Gildon also raved about his fajitas Vallarta, which adds sizzling shrimp to the combo. And, if I could eat the shrimp, I would definitely try the ultimate fajita combo at Vallarta’s (certainly big enough for two), the Parrillada, which combines beef, chicken, pork, chorizo sausage and shrimp fajitas, with pico de gallo and all the sides. But, I also love Vallarta’s ribeye steak choices, including the nicely spicy steak a la Mexicana, which is grilled with fresh jalapeños, tomatoes and onions and is my new favorite entrée at Vallarta’s, the batterdipped steak Milanesas (although I don’t need the nacho cheese dipping sauce that comes with it), and the Vallarta’s special, which is like the steak Mexicana, without the jalapeños. Vegetarians also have to be impressed

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with Valllarta’s vegetarian menu, which includes veggie fajitas, potato and bean burritos and a unique vegetarian combo — a burrito with squash, tomatoes, onions and jalapeños, plus one cheese enchilada, served with rice and beans. And yes, Vallarta’s has an outstanding kids menu, with everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to tacos and enchiladas and all costing just $4.50, including a drink, for kids 12 and under. There’s even churros (like the ones sold at fairs, only better), fried ice cream and flan for dessert. Vallarta’s (16023 Tampa Palms Blvd.) is open every day for lunch and dinner. Happy hour is every day, 2 p.m.7 p.m. For more info, call 978-3761, visit VallartasTampa.com or see the ad on page 61 for great coupon specials. For Wesley Chapel, call 907-5161.

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Once again, here is my list of favorite eateries in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel for 2013 and again, my list looks very different from the list compiled through the votes of our readers. Of course, one reason for the differences between my “survey” and yours each year is that I get virtually all of that calendar year to look back on, while we start asking you to submit your favorites in September or October, and there are always newcomers that catch my eye that either weren’t open long enough to register with you or didn’t open until after your votes were already submitted. Three of my absolute new favorites this year that didn’t open until December, for example, are City Grill and D’Alessio’s Ristorante in Wesley Chapel and Sushi Raw in Tampa Palms. The restaurants in bold on the first two lists include my five favorites each in new Tampa & Wesley Chapel, as well as the restaurants which opened in 2013 that made my list. I also once again want to remind you that although only the top 25 of my favorites in each area are listed, I actually genuinely like closer to 40-50 restaurants in each of our distribution areas, so finishing 25th is still far from finishing “last.”— GN

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa

plus all the traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes (gyros, souvlakis, hummus, etc.) and evening entertainment. 3. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill - Moving up three spots this year, the best value in fresh sushi, hibachi grill entrées and more in New Tampa continues to improve and is one of the most popular lunch locales in our area.

4. Ciccio's Cali (See page 61 & photo)

1. Café Olé - The combination of the closing of several of my other favorite restaurants in New Tampa and the continued amazing mastery of sauces, especially for pork and fresh fish entrées (like the paella above), has moved Café Olé up to my #1 favorite in New Tampa for the first time. Owner Frank Aliaga is getting ready to open his third dining room (in the former Pizza Kitchen location) in February, which means Café Olé is now also an even better place for even larger parties than it was before. 2. Acropolis Greek Taverna - Also moving up a notch this year, Acropolis still has delicious fresh fish and great lamb chops,

14. Petra Mediterranean 15. Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) 16. La Cubanita Café 17. Casa Ramos 18. Toast Fine Wine & Café 19. Taste of NY Pizza 20. Las Palmas Spanish Café 21. Sushi Ko 22. Fushia Asian Bistro 23. Peabody's 24. Full Circle Pizza 25. Mulligan’s Irish Pub

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Restaurants In Wesley Chapel

1. Dempsey's Steak House — Until someone in Wesley Chapel comes up with a better bone-in cowboy ribeye steak, a better gourmet salad bar or a better atmosphere, Dempsey’s will continue to be #1 in Wesley Chapel for me. 2. City Grill — Owner Gerry Malynowsky and Chef Kasia have created a true winner (no pun intended) in Wesley Chapel. The hangar steak and fresh grouper (photo below) are top-notch and we love City Grill’s small plates, too. 3. D'Alessio Ristorante Italiano — Last year, Wesley Chapel had no restaurants serving homemade pasta. Today, there are

5. Sukhothai 6. Thai Ruby 7. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 8. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine 9. Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge 10. Sushi Raw (see page 60!) 11. The Little Greek 12. Sushi Cafe 13. Oakley's Grille

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two and both scored high on my scorecard. D’Alessio has some of the best penne a la vodka (photo, above), authentic pizza and veal parmigiana in the entire Tampa Bay area 4. Ciao! Italian Bistro — With new chef/owner Justin serving different variations of his homemade pasta every week at my Wesley Chapel Rotary Club meetings, Ciao! jumped up ten slots from last year.

5. Bonefish Grill 6. The Hungry Greek 7. La Prima Pizza 8. Cantina Laredo 9. Hibachi Express 10. Wolf's Den 11. Best NY Pizza 12. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse 13. GrillSmith 14. Taste of Boston 15. NY NY Pizza 16. Vallarta's (Village Market) 17. Fine Thai Express 18. 900º Woodfired Pizza 19. Café Fresco 20. Amici Pizza 21. PizzaMania 22. Outback Steak House 23. Quail Hollow Country Club 24. Bonsai Sushi 25. Ker's WingHouse

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Gary’s 2013 Favorite NEW Restaurants In NT/WC

We had such a great crop of new restaurants this year that pretty much every place on the list below will continue to draw me in, as long as the quality of the food continues. If you still haven’t tried any of these, you’ve really been missing out. 1. City Grill 2. D’Alessio’s Ristorante Italiano 3. Ciccio’s Cali 4. Sushi Raw 5. The Little Greek 6. Petra Mediterranean 7. Hibachi Express 8. Best NY Pizza 9. Casa Ramos 10. (tie) NY NY Pizza & Lanna Thai

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Chinese Food In NT/WC

A tough category because we have a lot of decent Chinese takeout restaurants, but not many great sit-down ones. Liang’s consistently has my favorite egg rolls and sautéed green beans in our area, Sushi Ko has the best spare ribs and great sushi, to boot, and Fushia has my favorite combination fried rice and spicy beef with Chinese broccoli. 1. Liang's Bistro 2. Sushi Ko 3. Fushia Asian Bistro 4. China Taste 5. Ho Wok

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Sushi/ Japanese In NT/WC

This may be the toughest category for me this year because we just have so much great sushi. Newcomer Sushi Raw may eventually overtake Takara, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the places on this list. 1. Takara Sushi & Sake Lounge (photo) 2. Sushi Raw 3. Sushi Café 4. Sukhothai 5. Soho Sushi 6. Sushi Ko 7. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill 8. Hibachi Express 9. Bonsai Sushi 10. (tie) Yamato & Kobe

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Thai Restaurants In NT/WC

Sukhothai beats out Thai Ruby by a hair every year because I can enjoy delicious sushi as a prelude to outstanding Thai entrées, but Thai Ruby has the best duck with ginger sauce and equally delicious fried rice and Fine Thai Express in Wesley Chapel is owned by the same people, while Saffron (our only Indian Neighborhood News

restaurant) has the best sizzling lamb chops in our area. 1. Sukhothai 2. Thai Ruby 3. Fine Thai Express 4. Saffron Indian Cuisine 5. Lanna Thai

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Pizza Places In NT/WC

Another toughie. La Prima’s cheese pizza most reminds me of the pizza I loved in New York City, but NY NY has got a non-traditional “Grandma’s pizza” with dollops of a garlicky tomato sauce, 900º Woodfired has both excellent NYand delicious woodfired Neapolitan style. Best NY (photo above) may be just a cut below the top three pizza-wise, but is such a great sit-down restaurant that it finished above NY NY in my list of overall Wesley Chapel favorites. And, I obviously still prefer NY-style places to any Chicago-style pizzerias. 1. La Prima Pizza 2. NY NY Pizza 3. 900º Woodfired Pizza (Wiregrass) 4. Best NY Pizza (photo) 5. Taste of NY Pizza 6. Amici Pizza 7. Woodfired Pizza (Bearss Ave.) 8. Full Circle Pizza 9. Biagio’s II 10. (tie) PizzaMania & Cappy’s Pizza

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Steak Restaurants In NT/WC

No one can touch Dempsey’s, but the hangar steak from City Grill is a scrumptious newcomer at a great price. Stonewood is a little pricey compared with everyone except Dempsey’s, or it might have finished higher on the list. 1. Dempsey`s Steakhouse 2. City Grill 3. Texas Roadhouse 4. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 5.. Outback Steakhouse 6. Café Olé 7. GrillSmith 8. Quail Hollow CC 9. Bonefish Grill 10. Koizi Endless Hibachi Grill

4. Petra Mediterranean Grill

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Bars/ Taverns In NT/WC

1. Oakley’s Grille (photo) 2. Five Guys Burgers & Fries 3. Burger 21 4. Peabody’s 5. Hunter’s Green Country Club 6. City Grill 7. Wolf’s Den 8. Red Robin 9. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 10. Mulligan’s Irish Pub

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Latin/Mexican Food In NT/WC

It’s still hard to group “Latin” (or Cuban/Spanish food with the Mexican cuisine, because they’re all so different, but since we have limited number of each, I have to group them together. Obviously, Café Olé (my #1 overall in New Tampa) is my favorite in this category, but all of the Mexican and Cuban places on the list have good food, too. 1. Café Olé 2. La Cubanita Cafe 3. Cantina Laredo 4. Vallarta's 5. Casa Ramos 6. Las Palmas Spanish Café 7. La Fuente (photo) 8. Latin Twist Café

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Greek/ Mediterranean Food In NT/WC

Acropolis continues to be the clear winner for me, but the other three on this list all have their outstanding attributes, including Little Greek’s steak kabobs, Hungry Greek’s gyros and Petra’s beef shawarma. 1. Acropolis Greek Taverna 2. The Little Greek 3. The Hungry Greek

For eye candy rivaled only by the new WingHouse in Wesley Chapel and convenience to my office, plus the fact you can no longer smoke inside keeps Peabody’s at my number one spot. Beyond the scenic locales, my favorites all offer high-end, premium alcohol in a more upscale setting. Beer-only bars and smoking bars all finish lower on my list. 1. Peabody’s 2. Dempsey's Too Lounge 3. Acropolis Greek Taverna 4. Cafe Ole 5. Ker's WingHouse 6. Casa Ramos 7. PJ Dolan's Irish Pub 8. Stonewood Grill & Tavern 9. Bonefish Grill 10. Toast Fine Wine & Cafe 11. Mulligan's Irish Bar 12. Cantina Laredo 13. Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club 14. PrimeBar 15. Back 9 Cafe 16. City Grill 17. Hunter's Green Country Club 18. GrillSmith 19. Skinny's Sports Bar 20. (tie) The Brass Tap & Linkster's Tap Room

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Ice Cream In NT/WC

With all of the frozen yogurt places now open in our area, I find it too hard to rank them because, in my opinion, they’re all too similar in taste, so it’s more a matter of which toppings they offer for me. But, I still prefer ice cream to frozen yogurt and I can (and do) enjoy an occasional cone or hot fudge sundae from all of these. 1. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 2. Cold Stone Creamery 3. Baskin-Robbins 4. DQ 5. Twistee Treat 6. Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Coffee In NT/WC

1. Caffé Nove 2. You Do The Dishes 3. Toast Fine Wine & Café 4. Season’s Fresh Café 5. Café 365 6. Barnie’s Coffee Company 7. Dolce Gelato & Crepes (see page 61)

Gary’s 2013 Favorite Hamburgers In NT/WC

Oakley’s continues to hold the top spot and I have to give Five Guys its due, too, especially for the money. You really can’t go wrong with Burger 21 (great selection), Peabody’s or Hunter’s Green Country Club either.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

The Latest & Greatest News About Dining, Shopping, Retail & More In New Tampa & Wesley Chapel! every weekday, check out some of my new favorites I’ve sampled there so far — including the spicy ahi tuna poki appetizer, seared mahi-mahi sashimi and Korean-style BBQ beef, among others — and please tell Fong and the crew that we sent you. For more info, call Sushi Raw at 9773838, or see the ad on page 56 for a great $2 off any sushi roll coupon.

Sushi Raw Now Open In Tampa Palms!

Those of us whose offices are located in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza in Tampa Palms have been missing the original sushi restaurant in our area, Sushi Tsu, since it closed and became the new Casa Ramos Mexican Restaurant earlier this year. So, we were thrilled to hear that a new sushi place was coming to the other end of our plaza. And, I know I wasn’t the only one who was even more excited to find out that Fong, everyone’s favorite sushi chef from Sushi Tsu, was the one opening the new Sushi Raw (15311 Amberly Dr.). And, I was even more psyched to know that original Sushi Tsu owner Jay (and several other former Sushi Tsu employees) were all helping Fong so he can do what he does best — make the freshest and most creative sushi in our area. Jay, who is now a sous chef at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the Westshore area of Tampa, has been focusing on creating unique hot appetizers and entrées for Sushi Raw, including the amazing Crispy Lobster pictured above (photo by Matt Wiley). Think Bonefish Grill’s Bang-Bang shrimp, only better — and with lobster. When you visit Sushi Raw, which is open for dinner every day and for lunch

Wolf’s Den...Again!

Although we told you in a recent issue that Wolf’s Den — Wesley Chapel’s Neighborhood Diner — was adding dinner hours and a full selection of BBQ favorites to its already impressive menu, Wolf’s Den (27606 S.R. 56) owner Roger Wolf has since decided to, “go back to doing what we do best — serving the best breakfast, brunch and lunch in Wesley Chapel at the best possible prices.” And, if you’re like me (and obviously, a lot of you are, as Wolf’s Den was our readers’ second-favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel, and second favorite pizza and fourth favorite burger place in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel), you’re probably hoping that Roger will continue to serve some of his delicious dinner entrées (my favorite is his bestin-Wesley Chapel fried chicken) for lunch and takeout. And, he’s doing just that. But now, Wolf’s Den is only open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. “We’re still packed every day for breakfast and lunch,” Roger says, noting that he currently has pumpkin and eggnog pancakes available for the holidays. For info, call 907-9124 or see the ad on page 53.

Florida RV SuperShow At The Fairgrounds Jan. 15-19! If you’ve ever even thought about tak-

ing a cross-country trip or taking a year off to travel, you should definitely visit the 2014 Florida RV SuperShow, the signature annual event of the Florida RV (Recreational Vehicle) Trade Association which has been helping RV dealers throughout Florida since 1979. The SuperShow — the largest RV show in the U.S. — will be held Wednesday-Sunday, January 15-19, at the Florida State Fairgrounds off I-4 at U.S. 301 in Sampling kumquats at the 2013 Kumquat Festival in Tampa, minutes from New Tampa. Dade City. The 2014 Festival will be held Jan. 25. There will be 1,100 RVs on disindustry” — the kumquat — with kumquat play (including all new 2014 models) and pies and products, arts & crafts, a great car more than 350 booths to explore and adshow, a health & wellness section, children’s mission is just $10 for a two-day pass (kids activities, a farmers market and much more. under 16 get in free) and seniors receive a For more information, call the Dade $1 off discount on Wed. of the event. City Chamber at (352) 567-3769, visit For more info, visit FRVTA.org or DadeCityChamber.org or see page 17. see the ad on page 26!

Kumquat Festival® Jan. 25!

The Dade City Chamber of Commerce is proud to once again present the unique, quaint and family fun of "old Florida" during the Chamber’s 17th annual Kumquat Festival® on Saturday, January 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in historic downtown Dade City — it's truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has established a flagship event that celebrates everything that makes the Dade City area unique, while encouraging visitors to participate in the fun! Since the nearby town of St. Joseph was already known as the “Kumquat Capital of the World,” the Dade City Chamber decided that this little fruit with a funny name could be the focus of an annual festival. Come enjoy live music, delicious food, family fun and the “little gem of the citrus

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Dolce Gelato & Crepes Café Opens In Meadow Pointe!

Even though it’s located “deep” inside the Meadow Pointe community (at 30004 County Line Rd.), I definitely think it’s worth a short drive (three easy miles from the Shops at Wiregrass mall and only two miles from Bruce B. Downs {BBD} Blvd.) to visit my friend Tarek at the decadent new Dolce Gelato & Crepes Café for midmorning breakfast, lunch or after any meal. Dolce, which opens every day at 9 a.m. and is open after dinner, too, has excellent desserts, including authentic Italian gelato, French crepes and Belgian waffles, plus bacon or ham, egg and cheese crepes for breakfast, a variety of Boar’s head freshpressed panini sandwiches for lunch, delicious coffee, tea and smoothies and more.

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I’ve already sampled a pressed roast beef panini, Dolce’s “Carabanella” (caramel, banana and Nutella spread) crepe and the Butterfinger gelato-topped waffle (with chocolate topping) pictured here (right). Please tell Tarek that the New Tampa Neighborhood News sent you. For more info, call 991-0350.

Here & There, This & That

To update an item that appeared in our last issue, the new Ciccio’s Cali (17004 Palm Pointe Blvd.; 975-1222) has opened in the former World of Beer location in the Shopees at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms (behind Olive Garden). Our office sampled a few delicious items at the new Ciccio’s since it opened in December and I have to say that although there are some menu items I miss at the new Ciccio’s, the brick-oven pizzas are crisper and better, the Cali bowls and stir-fry entrées (photo below) and grilled wrap sandwiches are still awesome.

Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel (3223441) has opened, although right now, the new dealership (which is owned by the same group that owns the Wesley Chapel Hyundai and Mazda dealerships next door) is operating out of a trailer. Sales consultant Bobby Page says that Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel’s building will open in about a year.

Neighborhood News

The Wesley Chapel Village Market (S.R. 54 at BBD) will soon be home to Stonemill Artisan Bakery & Desserts. The shop, which should be open next to Vallarta’s and Woody’s Pizza & Wings within a couple of weeks as you receive this issue, is where you can expect to find gelato, ice cream, frozen yogurt, French pastries, authentic artisan breads, great coffee and more. We’ll keep you posted. A&A Boutique, which was owned by young sisters Amber & Allie Malott in the same plaza as The Hungry Greek and the new D’Alessio’s Ristorante on BBD in Wesley Chapel (across from the new Florida Hospital WC), has closed. The Malott twins are now only selling their original fashion designs online at TwinCollections.com. And finally, congratulations to my fellow Wesley Chapel Rotary Club member Ben Alexander, whose company, Balloon Distractions, will appear on the smash hit ABC-TV show “Shark Tank” on Friday, January 17, 8 p.m. Ben can’t talk about how it all turned out until after the show airs, but we’ll have the complete story in an upcoming issue and on our website, NTNeighborhoodNews.com. For info about Balloon Distractions, visit BalloonDistractions.com or call (800) 645-2114. — GN

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

HELP WANTED – Full Circle Pizza & Grill is looking for an EXPERIENCED pizza maker/line cook. NO phone calls. Walk-ins with resumes ONLY. 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite B2, Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. Ask for Ron. HELP WANTED - -Looking for hairstylists with established clientele. -Relaxing contemporary environment. -Busy shopping center in new tampa -Booth rental available $175/week -Newly furnished private suite w/ shampoo bowl for $225/week -First week free !! Contact Ms.Johnson @ 8139942393 or johnson.christy08@yahoo.com HELP WANTED - Attractive, Personable Sales Person sought by new restaurant located on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel. Experienced or we can train. The position calls for the person to contact large local businesses about their catering needs. Apply in person, with resume, at CityGrill (5429 Village Market, S.R. 54 between I-75 & BBD) between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & ask for Gerry. HELP WANTED - Busy real estate agent looking for dependable, honest, self starter for clerical position. Must have working knowledge of all Windows Office software, reliable phone with unlimited text /email service, and dependable automobile. Part time to full time available with some weekend hours. Please send resumes to davjudjos@aol.com no later than December 20, 2013. Qualified individuals will be notified, for an interview, by phone HELP WANTED - Multiple position need to be filled at KW mega agent office. Team Bohannon is expending we need additional experienced Buyer’s Agents, and listing Agents. Skilled, highly organized, and experienced Transaction Coordinator…Just list and sell and we do the rest for you. We will provide you with lots and lots of quality leads. Contact Annette Bohannon Team Bohannon Keller Williams Tampa Properties. today at (813) 431-2840. HELP WANTED - Plastic surgery practice in New Tampa is seeking a motivated, friendly medical assistant to work full time in both front office and back office capacities starting in January. Candidate must be professional, reliable, and familiar with computer software (Excel, Microsoft Word). Please send your resume and a cover letter with your qualifications for the position to TampaPS@gmail.com HELP WANTED - Award winning Real Estate Team with an overflow of serious prospects. Seeking professional full tvime real estate agents who want to expand their horizons, make more money, and have a fulfilling life. Great training available, Keller Williams Tampa Properties, Annette Bohannon 813-431-2840

Classifıeds

W A N T E D H E L P

PHYSICAL THERAPIST – An established New Tampa outpatient clinic is hiring a part-time PT to provide customized, oneon-one care. Fax resume to (813) 9943080

COMPUTER SERVICES FITNESS & WELLBEING

W A N T E D

HELP WANTED - LEGAL ASSISTANT (WESLEY CHAPEL) Fast paced/expanding personal injury law firm seeking talented legal assistant assist in all phases through trial. Must be a team player and be very organized. Prior legal experience required and background in medical/insurance claims is a plus. Compensation commensurate with experience, plus 401K with match after 12 months. Email cover letter with resume to vportfolio@spinnerlawfirm.com.

DO YOU HATE YOUR COMPUTER?!? WE CAN HELP YOU! Troubleshooting, installation, networking & virus removal. WE COME TO YOU! Servicing residential & businesses, w/ over 25 years experience. Contact Jeffrey Blank (813) 973-4507 today! www.WSICA.COM; Wsica@wsica.com

C A R H O M E

NEED HOME MAINTENANCE – Almost any job, large or small, ext/int, fencing , screening, sm. concrete, sprinklers, painting, repairs, int. doors, locks, sheet rock, windows, paint, caulk, grout, trim, shelving, garages organized. Installations, removals, pressure washing, wood restoration & more. Call Dale’s Home Maintenance @ 973-0194 or 727-2582. GREG’S PAPERHANGING – For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate. RAYMOND PAINTING – Interior & Exterior pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, clean & seal pavers, roofing leaks, etc. Licensed & Bonded. References available. Free Estimates. Your Neighborhoond Arbor Greene Resident. We work 7 days. Call 994-5124. DAVID BRIDGES PRESSURE CLEANING - Complete exterior cleaning of your home or business with a professional and personal touch. - Pool decks and screen enclosures - All fencing/ driveways and walkways/roofs - Gutter and downspouts. Find your happiness in a fresh, bright clean home. Your neighbors will love you for it! All work guaranteed. Licensed and insured. (813) 215-1177 D & D PRESSURE WASHING - licensed and insured. We clean driveways, sidewalks, homes, pool decks, screen enclosures, fences and other items. Free estimates. Call Dina or Doug 813-949-5131 www.ddpressurewash.com

TAMPA CAT LADY- Professional Cat-Sitting Service. Cats are happiest in their own home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, & smells. When you are away, we feed, cuddle, & play with your kitties & clean & dispose of litter. Insured, bonded, & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 813-994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com DOG WALKING; PET CARE - 24-hour emergency visits for existing clientele; Pet Taxi and MORE. Paws in the Palms provides pet care services that fit your lifestyle. We recognize that no two pets are alike and will accommodate his or her unique needs (medication requirements, exercise, food instructions, etc.). Familiarity and consistency are key to a happy, healthy pet and a happy, reassured YOU! Let Paws in the Palms makes traveling paws-ible! (813) 252-5577 PawsinthePalms@gmail.com

LICENSED MOBILE MASSAGE THERAPIST Available seven days a week, 9am -9pm. $55 for 1 hour! Types of massage available: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Aroma Therapy, Hot Stone, Corporate Seated, Pregnancy, Sports & Injury Rehab. References available.www.barkdollmassagetherapy.com CALL (727) 372-6389 Lic #MA47546.

S E R V I C E S

CAR SERVICES – Don’t Have a Ride? Don’t Want to Leave Your Car? Shouldn’t Drive? We Drive You and Your Car Home! Night Clubs, Corporate Events, Sporting Events, Concerts, Appointments, Airport or Stranded..Call Jay at (813) 966-1530.

I M P R O V E M E N T

DRY WALL SPECIALIST - Not a handyman. Affordable Quality Work repairing water damage, ceilings and walls, retexturing, popcorn removal, room additions, cracks, holes, plaster and stucco repair. 26 Years Experience. Wesley Chapel resident. State Certified. Call Ron for a free estimate (813) 784-5999

TAI CHI CLASSES - open to the public at the Club Tampa Palms. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus and reduced stress. New Beginner 6 week courses starting every few months. Adults Course: Thursday evening’s 7-8 pm. Seniors Course: Tuesday afternoons 12-1 pm. Space is limited! Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo Karate, Boot Camp Fitness training and more. With more than 30 years of training and teaching experience. Please contact me for more details or go to: chuan-fa.org. Peter #787-7560 or e-mail peter@chuan-fa.org

PROFESSIONAL TECH SUPPORT – in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 20 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains! Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. Remote assistance available. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

EDUCATION

BABYSITTING

L.I.F.E Academy for Learning, LLC- A licensed inhome daycare located in New River Township. The daycare is managed by Nora Dudley, who is an experienced elementary Florida certified teacher and is also First Aid/CPR licensed. She is a loving mother of two and is passionate about helping children. Call today to enroll your child and mention this ad to waive your registration fee! Tutoring sessions for grades K-3 are also available upon appointment. Contact Nora Dudley at (813) 395-8487 or for more information visit www.lifeacademyforlearning.com

P O O L

INDIVIDUAL & COUPLES COUNSELING - Over 90 years of personable & experienced therapy & testing services. Better Business Bureau Accredited. With 6 clinicians, we’ll find the best therapist for you. Call (813) 418-7188 or DrP@phonepremier.com Website: www.Tampa-Therapy.com

M U S I C

PIANO LESSONS - Develop your unique gift of music at Expressions Piano Studio, through the expert instruction of Aline Giampietro, an accomplished pianist and instructor in New Tampa. Consider the many benefits of quality musical training for your child or pursue your own dreams of playing the piano! Call 509.995.4234 or Visit www.expressionspianostudio.net to find out more! Flexible hours and first lesson free!

S E R V I C E S

MUSIC LESSONS - Private, Classical Music Lessons- Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar and Voice. Traditional, European training with engaging, modern approach. Auditioning for Winter Term now. Wendelken Studio of Musical Arts at Grace Episcopal Church. Recitals, Festivals, Competitions and Royal Conservatory of Music Credit opportunities, or simply study for the love of it. For further information about our internationally-recognized music school and to schedule an interview, please call Mary Wendelken, Director, at (813) 978-1771 and visit our website at www.TampaPiano.com

TRANQUILITY POOL SERVICE - New Tampa owned & operated. Gareat Pricing with outstanding customer service! LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED. See why we are New Tampa and Wesley Chapel’s #1 Choice!! New customer’s ONE MONTH FREE! Call Chris Today @ (813) 857-5400 or visit www.TranquilityPoolService.com AQUATEC POOL SERVICE - keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. WE DO POOLS RIGHT! Commercial & Residential. CPO #33303052 Licensed & Insured. Service guarantee. Call (813) 312-5694 TODAY and get 1 MONTH OF QUALITY SERVICE FOR FREE. www.aquatecpool.com

FOR RENT - Tampa Palms Villa. Mint condition/Great location! 3 bed 2 bath, wood floors. Modern new kitchen with state of the art appliances and quartz countertops. Open floor plan, cathedral ceilings, new W&D, double pane windows, screened lanai; master bath offers frameless enclosure. Close to shopping, parks, USF, hospitals, I-75. $1200/month. One month deposit plus application fees. Call (813) 309-6399 Chelin Lauer.

BASEBALL TRAINING - Ages 6-18, for private, group, team or league instructional development. Get started...FREE PLAYER EVALUATION! New travelball academy starting soon, register online with your interest and train at our new 5 acre baseball ranch.www.rockstar-baseball.com or email ryan@rockstar-baseball.com. Current Varsity Pitching and Hitting Coach at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic HS & Former Wiregrass Ranch HS Varsity Coach ( 2013 state semi-finalist).Former British National Coach, College player, youth coach and 8u travel ball manager. You practice... WE TRAIN! 813 992 1030

JASMINE’S LANDSCAPING - Complete lawn maintenance, Tree, palm and hedge trimming, Planting, mulching, stones, Sod replacement, Pressure washing, Gutter cleaning and more. Cited by your HOA for violations? Need to comply for: Pressure washing, Trimming, Mulching, Sod replacement, Sprinkler repair or Mailbox repair or replacements? Ask about our HOA SPECIAL! FREE ESTIMATE! (813) 420-4465

CLEANING

SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 22, Issue 01 • January 1, 2014 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

L E S S O N S

SERVICES

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE - We have our own supplies & more than 300 clients in New Tampa! For more information, Call 758-9710.

M I S C E L L A N E O U S TURN YOUR CLUTTER INTO CASH ! Garage & estate sales, inventory liquidation,& appraisal services. We'll sell it for you online! We evaluate & appraise your products then get you top dollar. We do the work you get the cash. Ask me how, contact Mary at 813-428-5793

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