Wesley Chapel Issue 02-10

Volume 18 Issue 2

WESLEY CHAPEL Inside:

Dempsey’s Is Still Gary’s Favorite!

NEWS

See page 26!

January 16, 2010

The Direct-Mail Newspaper Serving Wesley Chapel & New Tampa Since 1993!

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

2010 Presents A New Set Of Challenges For Our Area Economic Uncertainty Will Continue, But Road Building & Other Projects Will Pave The Way To The Future

By Michael Smith Well, 2009 was a tough year, but thankfully, most of us have made it through, reasonably intact (or so I hope). Either way, here’s looking forward to a better 2010.

Wesley Chapel was one of the communities that fared the best during what will henceforward be known as the great real estate boom of the early 2000s — among the fastest-growing areas in the country at one point — so it follows that we would also be among the hardest hit after the real estate bubble burst nationwide.

Looking around, we definitely have seen some of the effects of that collapse and subsequent economic meltdown, with home after home standing empty and threatened by or already in foreclosure; many of our local businesses (and a few national companies, too) having gone out of business

forever and untold numbers of our friends and neighbors searching for work...many unable to find it.

Pasco County as a whole, of course, also is feeling the crunch, with county officials scrambling to find ways to replace or do without lost tax revenue. Thanks to a huge drop in real estate values values countywide, combined with the ongoing effects of the passage of Amendment 1 to the state constitution (which raised the homeowner’s exemption and reduced property tax revenues statewide), the county’s General Fund revenues dropped by more than $8.3 billion from fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year 2009. Other fund sources and revenue streams also have suffered similar losses or reductions.

But, even though most forecasters are predicting that we likely will not see a full economic recovery this year, most of the pundits agree that things will eventually turn around again, and hav-

The widening of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. between S.R. 54 & County Line Rd. should be completed by the end of 2010. ing faced this crisis will hopefully make it easier for more of us to once again prosper when they do.

That is one of the major objectives for the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), according to chairwoman Pat Mulieri, who also happens to be the representative for the BOCC’s District 2, which includes the Wesley Chapel area.

“This isn’t going to be the easiest year,” Mulieri says, “but Pasco County

is positioning itself for the future.”

Mulieri, who recently underwent knee replacement surgery, also is facing re-election later this year.

The commissioner points to the continued success of the Shops at Wiregrass mall and the opening of the S.R. 56 extension to Mansfield Blvd. as probably the biggest two positive things that took place in Wesley Chapel over the past year. She also touts the ‘09 See “2010” on page 8.

Chamber Of Commerce Seeking A New Executive Director

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE!

Man Charged In 40-Year-Old Molestation Case, Cypress Creek Town Center News Teacher Of The Year Nominees From Wesley Chapel Schools & More!

Our Exclusive January Entertainment Calendar, Ways To Get Fit In The New Year, A Review Of Our Editor’s Local Dining Favorites & More!

See pages 3-19!

See pages 21-36!

See “News Briefs” on page 4.

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES

tion and time management skills.

The last may be the most critical, however, based upon the growing number of community events that the Chamber either holds or participates in, which in recent months have included a Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting ceremony at the Shops at Wiregrass mall in December, a Family Health & Wellness Fair, and the Chamber’s well-attended Craft Show, which was held at The Grove shopping plaza in October. The Chamber also hosts a variety of other

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

Board of Directors, had received about a dozen resumes from people who are interested in the position.

“Actually, though, we are seeking more (applicants) than Sheri Goldberg that, because we really don’t want to make a selection based on that small number of resumes,” Fleming says.

According to the official call for applicants that the Chamber has issued, candidates for the position of executive director should have proven leadership skills, management and sales experience, proficient fiscal and budgeting skills, strong interpersonal skills, communica-

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The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) is now on the hunt for a new executive director.

Sheri Goldberg, who had led the Chamber since 2008, when she took over for former executive director Jason Wilson, left in December.

Chamber president Cindy Fleming, who is overseeing the search for Goldberg’s replacement, wouldn’t comment on the reason for Goldberg’s departure, and we were unable to reach Goldberg herself for a comment. Fleming did say, however, that as of last week, the threeperson selection committee, which is made up of members of the Chamber’s

Dated Material Please Rush!

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Remembering My Friend Elaine Genna (1939-2009) An editorial by Gary Nager The first time I met Elaine Genna, she took one look at me, assumed I was Italian and took me to see the pictures she and her husband Dan took with the Pope on a recent trip to Italy.

I almost didn’t have the heart to tell her I was Jewish and not much into looking at pictures of the Pontiff.

Elaine was our former billing manager Doreen Selby’s mom, but several years ago, when Doreen’s husband Tim and I expanded with a new publication into the Trinity area of New Port Richey, Elaine became the only person other than yours truly I trusted to handle writing the reviews of restaurants in the Trinity area. Between trying to split time between our two offices and covering the news of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, I didn’t think I would be able to get out to that area often enough to do a dining review in every Trinity issue myself.

Elaine was the perfect candidate to take over those duties — she’s a great cook (her homemade Italian spaghetti sauce was among the best I had ever tasted) who loved great food and meeting new people. She also already was a published author of a children’s book (called The Little Red Sailboat) who was interested in learning a new way to use her ability with words.

Around three years later, at the too-young age of 70, Elaine passed Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa, FL 33647 Phone: (813) 910-2575 Fax: 910-2483 Website: WCNeighborhoodNews.com Advertising E-mail: NewTampaNN@aol.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

Kate Kramer • Melissa O’Brien

Advertising Customer Service Manager David Zacharia Art Director Billing Manager Tony Sica Ashley Knoblach Office & Marketing Assistants Jacob Glenn • Karen Glenn

Nothing that appears in Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion.

The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 18, Issue 4, of Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is Monday, January 25, 2010.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials.

Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertisingspace itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2010 JM2 Communications, Inc.

away after a year-plus-long battle with cancer. Her passing wasn’t sudden or unexpected, other than the fact that she remained so positive and upbeat throughout her ordeal that you would swear she wasn’t sick at all.

Elaine and I would sit and go over my edits to her “Dining with Elaine” reviews at her home in Tarpon Springs and I loved debating with her about her overuse of adjectives like “stretchy” cheese. She took all of my edits to heart and truly loved her little freelance job — including all of the attention she got whenever she dined out in the Trinity area, even though her picture rarely appeared in any of her reviews. People would see her taking pictures of her food while dining with Dan, her husband of more than 50 years (they were together since their mid-teens), and tell her how much they appreciated her reviews of local dining hot spots.

Even though Tim and I are no longer partners, I know how loved Elaine was by her entire family. She was a sweet, giving person who, as one of her longtime friends said at her memorial service, “made friends out of enemies and family out of friends.”

Elaine is survived not only by her husband Dan, Doreen and Tim, but also by her son, Danny Jr., Danny’s wife Kristy and three grandchildren: Morgan, Matthew and Nicholas.

As editor Kim Thomas wrote on the Trinity Area Neighborhood News website, “Those who had the opportunity to meet Elaine can tell you that she was joyous and passionate every day of her life and she will be missed by so many, especially her family. We know that our readers will also miss Elaine’s descriptive voice that tempted so many

of us to try new restaurants. Elaine bravely worked through chemotherapy and sickness, still writing beautifully for us and for you. We will all miss Elaine's exuberant personality and joy for life.

“The Selby and Genna families would like to thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers you have sent their way. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to The Suncoast Hospice. More information about how you can donate or volunteer for this wonderful organization can be found at TheHospice.org.”

I miss you, too, Elaine.

Former Trinity Area Neighborhood News dining reviewer Elaine Genna lost her battle with cancer in December.

Table of Contents NEWS UPDATES.....................................Pages 1-9 News Briefs (cont. from Page 1)........................................4 Brandon Man Killed In BBD Accident, Wesley Chapel Resident Charged In Molestation Case, Local Opportunities Available For Pollworkers & Census Takers Wesley Chapel Community Calendar...........................6 2010 In Review (cont. from Page 1).............................8-9 BUSINESS UPDATES...................................12-17 Business Consultant Jerry Hurley....................................12 Fernandez Florida Law .............................................16-17 EDUCATION UPDATES....................................19 We Salute Our Wesley Chapel Teacher Of The Year Nominees

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE

Local Entertainment Calendar.................................21,26 Local Yoga Teacher Offers Advice For The New Year......22 Euro Pilates Owner Says ‘Think Healthier, Not Just Thinner, In 2010’....................................................24-25 Local Resident Is Living A Model Life............................27 Our Editor’s Wesley Chapel Dining Faves.................28-30 What’s New On The Neighborhood News Website?......31 Visit Paws & Claws Pet Salon..........................................32 Enter Our ‘Have Your Photo Taken With Gracie’ Contest!..................................................................33 WESLEY CHAPEL COLOR CLASSIFIEDS...34

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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“News Briefs”

Continued from page 1 events and activities every month.

Fleming says that the selection committee hopes to go through the resumes, interview potential candidates and name a new Executive Director by early February. So, interested applicants are asked to submit a resume with references and cover letter, asap, via email to wcchamber1@aol.com. For more information, call 994-8534.

Brandon Man Killed In Head-On Accident On BBD

A 67-year-old Brandon man was killed January 7, after his vehicle collided head-on with another on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., near the intersection of S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel.

According to a report issued by the Florida Highway Patrol, Raul John Beltran, Jr., was driving south on BBD at around 8:30 p.m. when for some unknown reason his 2010 Cadillac SUV suddenly veered into the northbound lane, where it collided with a 2004 Honda driven by Nadine Maldonado, 20, of Tampa.

Beltran, who was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the report, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Maldonado and her passenger, 25-year-old Simon Dominguez III of Wesley Chapel, both of whom were wearing seatbelts, suffered serious

4

injuries and were transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Wesley Chapel Man Arrested For Alleged Molestation

A 62-year-old Wesley Chapel man was arrested Jan. 4 and charged with attempting to molest a child in 1969.

Investigators with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and members of the U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Douglas Clyde Horst, of 3050 Tina Marie Dr., as he was driving near the intersection of S.R. 54 and Ashton Oaks Dr. in Wesley Chapel.

According to HCSO spokesman Larry McKinnon, someone called the HCSO in July 2008 and claimed that they had been sexually molested by Horst in 1969. The alleged victim was a pre-teenager at the time, McKinnon said, and had suppressed the information through the years before finally coming forward last year. McKinnon wouldn’t comment on what had prompted the victim to come forward, or any other details of the case, except to say that HCSO detectives conducted an extensive investigation into the victim’s claim and that the evidence was reviewed by the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, which then issued the arrest warrant. He also noted, however, that the investigation is

ongoing and that detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who may have knowledge regarding either this case or “any other inappropriate activity of Mr. Horst.” Anyone with such info is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at (800) 873-TIPS. Meanwhile, at our press time, Horst had been transferred to the Hillsborough County Jail. He is charged with one count of sexual battery on a victim less than 12 and one count of rape and forcible carnal knowledge, and is being held without bond.

Opportunities Available For Pollworkers, Census Takers

If you’re interested in the political process, like working with people, and want to serve your community, the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office is looking for you to help out at the polls on upcoming election days. In addition, the U.S. Census Bureau also is recruiting temporary, part-time local census takers for the once-a-decade count, which is set to begin in March.

There are a variety of different polling place positions available, including: precinct supervisor (who is in charge of all activity at polling places); voting system specialist (responsible for the voting equipment at the polling place); attendant (responsible for assisting voters and the voting system specialist during the opening and closing

of the polling place;) EViD specialist (who opens and closes the Electronic Voter Identification, or EVid, systems and assists voters); EVid operator (who assists the EVid specialist and during opening and closing procedures and the check-in of voters); ballot distributor (who collects voting passes and issues paper ballots to voters); and poll deputy (who maintains law and order all day outside the polling place). No previous experience is necessary, but there are some basic requirements and training is required. Compensation is offered, however, for both the training and the hours worked on Election Day. For more information about the positions available and the requirements for each, call the Supervisor of Elections office at (800) 851-8754 or visit PascoVotes.com.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2010 census, which will begin when official census forms are mailed to every residence in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in March.

Hundreds of thousands of census workers are needed to follow up at all of the residences that did not return completed forms. Basic language skills, a driver’s license and access to transportation are all you need for most of the positions and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. For more information, call (866) 861-2010 or visit 2010.Census.gov.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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W ESLEY C HAPEL

Community Calendar

Long Run At The Ranch

Saturday, January 16 – Dr. John Long Middle School (2025 Mansfield Blvd., in the Meadow Pointe subdivision) will be the host site of the 4th Annual “Long Run at the Ranch” 5K & Family 1-mile Fun Run/Walk.

The 5k will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at 9:15 a.m. You can register at the event, and entry forms are also available at eteamz.com/longrunattheranch.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters

Monday, January 18 – The new Wesley Chapel Toastmasters Club meets every Monday, 6 p.m., at the American Consulting Engineers Building (2818 Cypress Ridge Rd., off S.R. 56). Club meetings are open to anyone interested.

For additional information, visit Toastmastersd84.org or call (352) 567-1508.

Networking On The 9s

Tuesday, January 19 – The Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly golf networking group, Networking on the Nines, 3 p.m., at Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.). The cost is $15 per person, which includes 9 holes of golf, cart and greens fees.

For more information, call Rob Kellog at 817-5655.

Wesley Chapel Rotary Club

Wednesday, January 20 – The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Las Vallartas Mexican Restaurant (in the Village Market shopping center at S.R. 54 & Bruce B. Downs Blvd.).

For more information, call 263-7188 or 383-6683.

Civil Air Patrol

Wednesday, January 20 – A new Civil Air Patrol squadron now meets every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., at Tampa North Aero Park (4241 Birdsong Blvd.).

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the volun-

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teer civilian auxiliary arm of the U.S. Air Force, is open to youths ages 12-18 and their parents. Adult members perform search-and-rescue, disaster relief and other emergency services, while teen members, or cadets, learn through leadership and character-building activities, including flight training.

For more information, visit WesleyChapelCAP.com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

WC Wind Ensemble

Thursday, January 21 – The Wesley Chapel Wind Ensemble, a community group of brass and woodwind players, meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd./S.R. 54). New members are encouraged to join.

For more information, contact Glenn at 746-4821 or by e-mail at trombonegww@juno.com.

Sunrise Rotary

Friday, January 22 – The Wesley Chapel Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Friday at 7:15 a.m. at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (26140 Lexington Oaks Blvd.).

For more information, call Lynne Wilson at 695-6466.

Pasco County Legislative Delegation

Nutrition S’Mart Grand Opening Celebration January 16!

The new Wesley Chapel Nutrition S’Mart store, located at 1821 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. (1 block south of S.R. 56), will hold its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, January 16, with a variety of giveaways, events and activities (including 5-minute chair massages, a free raw foods class, “Ask the Acupuncturist,” health screenings, fitness evaluations and tastings throughout the day.

If you haven’t yet visited Nutrition S’Mart, but you’ve already resolved to try to live healthier this year, check out all of the fresh organic produce, the heathiest AND most delicious snacks for you, plus vitamins and supplements, natural skin and hair care products and so much more — and please ask for Maruchi and tell her Gary from Neighborhood News sent you.

Nutrition S’Mart also will host many healthy lifestyle events throughout the year, including Garden of Life founder/CEO Jordan Rubin’s discussion “New Year. New You!” on Tuesday, January 26, 7 p.m. RSVP to attend this free program in the store or call 341-4444 for more info. — GN The meeting will include a presentation by Pasco County School District counselor Saybra Chapman entitled “You Did What? (Understanding Teen Behavior).” The discussion will include strategies for communicating with teens, dealing with parental stress, and helping teens deal with their own stress.

The PTSA also will hold a special K-12 Science Information session for all students and their parents. Both events are free and open to the public.

For more information, call the

WRH school office at 346-6000.

PACA

Thursday, February 11 – The Pasco Alliance of Community Associations (PACA) will meet at 7 p.m. at the Land O’Lakes Community Center (5401 Land O’Lakes Blvd./U.S. 41).

PACA meetings are always free and open to the public.

For more information, visit MyPACA.org, or call president Bill Parsons at 991-6003.

ATTENTION: To make sure that our Community Calendar is current, we are asking all club and group representatives to please update their meeting and contact info for the New Year. To do so, please send an e-mail to ntnnedit@yahoo. com. You may also submit info by fax at 910-2483 or by regular mail to: New Tampa Neighborhood News, 15345 Amberly Dr., Tampa FL 33647, Attn: Community Calendar. Call 910-2575 if you have any questions. Thank you. — MS

Tuesday, January 26 – The Pasco County Legislative Delegation will hold its annual meeting at 1 p.m. in the gymnasium at Wiregrass Ranch High (2909 Mansfield Blvd.). The group will discuss two bills submitted by local members and other business. All meetings of the Legislative Delegation are open to the public.

For more information, call Ralph Lair at 558-5115.

Parent Info Night

Thursday, January 28 – The PTSA at Wiregrass Ranch High will hold its general meeting, beginning at 4:45 p.m., in the school’s HHS Learning Community (Building 3).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

7

“2010”

Continued from page 1 announcement by T. Rowe Price that they plan to locate here as one of the biggest boons to the county as a whole in 2009. Now, she says that she and her fellow commissioners have a plan to further stimulate the local economy by focusing on support for more local businesses. That, she says, will help set the course for the future of the county.

“It’s always nice to see new businesses (like T. Rowe Price) coming in, but now we also want to support our local, if smaller, companies, too” Mulieri says. “By focusing on economic development, we can put aside the idea that we’re just a bedroom community.”

Mulieri adds that the BOCC and the Pasco Economic Development Commission (EDC) are planning a workshop in the coming months to meet with local business owners to discuss exactly what they need to “help them get to the next level.” She believes that these meetings ultimately will benefit everyone by providing both more jobs and additional revenue for the county’s coffers.

She says the EDC has already identified 45-50 companies that are already up and running in the county that they hope to work with, and that more details about the business program will be announced as they are established.

Road Projects Still Coming

Meanwhile, what else is in store for Wesley Chapel in 2010? A simple drive around the community will give you the most obvious answer — road construction, and plenty of it. With the roadways as perpetually crowded as they are in Wesley Chapel, that can’t help but to be the biggest topic on the minds of many residents, especially as they sit in their cars creeping along in traffic on every trip to the supermarket or anywhere else they may want to go.

That’s also what we are asked about the

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most by our readers, and, as in 2009, we hope to continue to provide you with all of the latest news as it develops.

Right now, the bad news is, Pat Mulieri like the econoPhoto by Jeff Miller my, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. While progress is being made, such as in the case of the aforementioned S.R. 56, the biggest parts of the most-needed projects lay ahead. Speaking of S.R. 56, though, the further eastward extension of the roadway from Mansfield Blvd. to Meadow Pointe Blvd. is 90 percent complete, and the latest official word is that it is scheduled to open to traffic in February. That, as you probably know, will provide commuters a way to avoid the widening work that is scheduled to begin on S.R./C.R. 54, between I-75 and Curley Rd., later this year.

County officials say they have finally completed the task of acquiring all of the needed right-of-way that will be needed for the S.R. 54 project, which will widen the two-lane undivided highway to two lanes in each direction, divided by a landscaped median and with multi-use paths on both sides. It took the better part of 2009 for the county to obtain the 116 parcels of land along the roadway that are needed to accommodate the widening, because the process was slowed considerably by the fact that the majority of the parcels had to be acquired through the process of eminent domain.

Now that they have all the land they need, however, county officials can take the next step in the project, which is to select a winning bid for the construction of the job from among the eight they have received. They hope to do that within the next month or so, and then, once construction begins, it is expected to take about two years, although the actual length of the contract is one of the factors in the cost of

the bids that have been submitted.

The good news, however, is that all of the bids are well below what county officials had estimated the job to cost, which is common these days, as the economy is leading more companies to compete for contracts.

Bruce B. Downs Update

Although S.R. 56 will take drivers who are heading west around the work on S.R. 54, once they get to Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., or C.R. 581, as it is also known, they will have to contend with the construction work that will be taking place both at the S.R. 56/BBD intersection and on BBD itself, as that roadway also is in the process of being widened, both north and south of the Pasco/Hillsborough county line. Crews started construction on the Pasco County section of the project last summer, moving southward from S.R. 54, laying the groundwork for two additional lanes of travel along the western edge of the existing roadway. Once they get closer to S.R. 56, they are supposed to jump over and start working from the Hillsborough County line northward, and the improvements that will be needed to connect the two parts of the project at the S.R. 56/BBD intersection will make it one of the largest in the country.

The price tag for the widening of BBD in Pasco County is about $13

C.R. 54’s intersection with I-75 should be completed this year. million, and it is being paid for by Crown Communities, the developer of Seven Oaks, as part of Crown’s development agreement with the county, and, according to company officials, the work is expected to be completed by November. Work on the Hillsborough side, however, has not even started yet, and when it does, it will begin with a section of the roadway farther to the south, and Hillsborough officials are still trying to come up with a way to pay for the entire project, which is at present only partially funded.

For a complete update on the plans for the Hillsborough side of BBD, see the home page of our website, WCNeighborhoodNews.com.

Elsewhere, some drivers have already been affected by road closures on S.R. 54 in the vicinity of the I-75 interchange, which is in the process of

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being reconfigured by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to allow for the widening of S.R. 54 and the eventual widening of the interstate itself. The road was completely closed for a couple of nights last week, and you can expect additional closures in the future, but you can see a complete list of scheduled closures, along with other information about the project, by logging on to the FDOT website at MyTBI.com.

FDOT also is in the midst of another project that should help to make one aspect of traveling in the area a little safer. Last fall, the state began clearing land in preparation for building new offramps at the I-75/S.R. 56 interchange that will allow drivers heading north on the interstate to exit the freeway directly onto S.R. 56. Currently, those drivers have to fight through traffic coming north on I-275, which merges with I-75 just south of S.R. 56, to get to the exit on the eastern side of the highway. That $30 million project is expected to be completed in 2012.

CC Town Center To Resume?

In other news, 2010 may also be the year when we finally see construction resume once more at the site of the Cypress Creek Town Center (CCTC), which lies just west of the S.R. 56/I-75 interchange. Work has been stopped at the site of the planned

1.3-million-sq.-ft. retail center for going on two years now — since February 2008, when the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) suspended the permit it had issued for the project while it investigated the causes of several unpermitted discharges from the construction site into the Cypress Creek watershed area located adjacent to the site.

The watershed feeds into the Hillsborough River, from which the city of Tampa gets its drinking water, and environmentalists have contended since the project was proposed that it has the potential to cause irreparable harm to the river and the surrounding ecosystem. The Corps reinstated its permit last September, after charging the mall's developer, the Richard E. Jacobs Group, a fine of almost $300,000 for the discharges. Although the Corps determined that the discharges were caused by human errors rather than an issue with the design of the measures that were put into place to protect the creek, the Jacobs Group was not allowed to move forward, after U.S. Rep . Kathy Castor, a former Hillsborough County commissioner, called for an additional review of the project by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA wrapped up its review in December, however, and agreed with the Corps’ findings, according to a letter from acting EPA regional administrator A. Stanley

Meiburg to Castor dated December 18.

“In summary, the EPA does not consider the project impacts sufficient to require restrictions...and that the requirements of the (Corps’) permit and the storm water permits are protective of Cypress Creek and the adjacent wetlands at this time,” the letter says.

In response, a spokeswoman for the Jacobs Group announced that the company plans to begin a search for a contractor to extend C.R. 54, which is what the section of S.R. 54 that passes through Wesley Chapel to S.R 56 in designated, southward from where it currently ends at what will be the main entrance to the CCTC. The county's long-range transportation plan calls for C.R. 54 to eventually be extended all the way south to County Line Rd., south of the CCTC site, and the Jacobs Group is responsible for the portion that traverses its property.

Before the work on C.R 54 or CCTC itself can resume, however, there is still the matter of the federal lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club against the ACoE, seeking to have the Corps' permit permanently rescinded, or at least until further changes are made to the design of the CCTC project to further protect the environment. That lawsuit had been on hold while the ACoE and EPA reviews were taking place, but local Sierra Club spokesperson Dee Layne says that it has now been re-filed,

Will the Cypress Creek Town Center mall project finally get under way? with a new request for a summary judgement, which asks the federal judge to make a ruling on the merits of the case without having to go through the full trial process. Layne says that the judge in the case has agreed to an expedited schedule for motions, which means that lawyers from both sides now have only two weeks to file motions or answers to motions, rather than the 30 days that they had before. Although there is no way to tell for sure, Layne says she is hoping for a final judgement in the case within the next 2-3 months.

Jacobs Group spokesperson Deanne Roberts did not comment on the case, except to say that the developer remains committed to the CCTC project.

Despite the rough ‘09 economic climate, the Wesley Chapel area still saw plenty of new business openings, so look for even more of the same as the economy recovers in 2010 — and for us to keep you posted about it all!

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Jerry Hurley Of Business Sense Solutions Wants To Help You, Too!

By Gary Nager When I first met Gerald P. (“Jerry”) Hurley of Business Sense Solutions a few short months ago, I had no idea who he was or what he did for a living. But, as one of the first few residents to move into Hunter’s Green almost 20 years ago, he said he already felt like he knew me because he has been a faithful reader of this publication from Day One. Even more important to me than the fact he’s been a loyal Neighborhood News reader, however, is that, as a consultant hired by many companies doing business in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area (and others), Hurley has made advertising in our publications a focal point of his clients’ strategies to grow their respective businesses.

“If I have a client who owns a bakery, they already know how to bake a cake or a cookie,” Hurley says. “But, what I can teach them is how to run the bakery; how to make it more profitable, even in a down economy.”

He adds, “I tell them if you want to succeed in a business that serves New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, you HAVE to advertise in the Neighborhood News, because it’s the only local publication that most people who live and work in this community actually read.”

Over the course of the past year or so, Hurley has had a very diverse range of his clients who do business in and around (and some even outside of) our distribution areas buying up ads in our glossy, all-direct-mail news magazine.

Two of those clients — Nicki Fernandez Asmer of Fernandez Florida Law in South Tampa (see page 16) and Maria Ivanova of the Euro Pilates studio in Live Oak (see page 24) — also are featured in profiles in this issue — and that’s no accident.

In addition to Euro Pilates and Fernandez Law, Hurley has had his clients Top Notch Pest Control, CPAs Coulter, Aviles & Jackson, AAP Fitness, Jessica Dana Studios, Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay, E&R Quality Painting and Swiss Spirit Massage also buying space in our publications — and he says with good reason.

“The ads themselves work because I know people read and discuss the paper all the time,” says Hurley. “But, the important thing for my clients are the business profiles. There’s no doubt in my mind that having your business profiled in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News is the single best way to get your business’ message across to the most possible consumers in this area, bar none. I tell them, from the moment they begin advertising, to ask for a profile to be written and then

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to be patient because there are a lot of businesses advertising in the paper who want stories written.”

More Than A Consultant

Hurley certainly has had an impressive resume of his own. After two years in the Army during the Vietnam War era (although his unit never fought in Vietnam), Hurley graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration/Industrial Management from Northeastern University in Boston and immediately got involved in the high-tech explosion of the 1970s, as a business planner.

Then, 30 years ago, Raytheon, one of the world’s largest defense technology contractors, moved him to Brooksville to open a new facility as “director of production and inventory control.” He was promoted to senior VP of operations for a $2 billion division of Raytheon in Dallas, where he was responsible for overseeing and running a 3,000-person workforce building tomahawk missiles, rockets for the space shuttle and other defense technologies.

Even so, he admits he was never a tech guy himself, despite the fact he had security clearance and met with two U.S. presidents in his capacity.

At age 40, he came back to Tampa, where he was involved in a leveraged buyout of a factory and took the company public, after which he became something of a hired gun to run and grow companies in our area. It was around that time that he first started Business Sense Solutions, although he says he didn’t do it full-time until about five years ago, after he became a partner in a rent-to-own business and figured out how to successfully add computer rentals to the company’s mix.

“We created a ‘help desk’ that was available 24-7, the first of its kind in the rent-to-own industry and the business really took off.”

is a sign of weakness, but too many of them are in business denial,” he says.

“They may offer a great product or service, but if they don’t have a proper plan for making that business work, they won’t achieve their goals.”

He says it’s particularly important for start-up businesses to have a plan and he will conduct a business feasibility study that could ultimately determine if the risk is worth taking.

“The first thing I get start-up business owners to do is to ask themselves is, ‘Is this business viable?,’ and try to figure out whether or not it is,” he says.

“Only when my client is satisfied do I consider my job to be truly done.”

Maria Ivanova of Euro Pilates, who enjoyed a great 2009 despite the fact she’s in a business some people think of as a luxury, says, “Jerry is tough, but he’s the best. He doesn’t let you get away with just hoping everything will work out. He examines every aspect of your business and figures out the best possible course of action.”

Somewhere during the first chat I had with him, Hurley already had figured out a number of things we could do here to improve the Neighborhood News. So, even though I never formally hired him, I have to admit that it was obvious he had a firm grasp on what

Business consultant Gerald P. (“Jerry”) Hurley of Business Sense Solutions wants to be your CEO, too. my short-term action plan should be and how to implement it. I told him I owed him this write-up just for helping me make some key changes to our business—and they’re already working.

Hurley, who has been married to his wife Julie for eight years, also wanted to give a shout out to his son, Doctor of Chiropractic Jason P. Hurley.

Jason also brings fellowship credentials in Medical Acupuncture to the established practice of Bain Family Chiropractic on Cross Creek Blvd.

Business Sense Solutions is located at 144521 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Arbor Ridge Prof. Park, at the corner of BBD and Bearss Ave. For more info, call 220-1981 or visit BusinessSenseSolutions.com.

Why You Should Hire Him

Hurley says that the reason so many local businesses have recently turned to him is because his clients know right away that he is “not about giving advice, but about results. I hold my clients accountable and act as their company’s CEO. You pay me, but you report to me. If you hire me, I’m ‘all in’ with you in your business and I’m available any time you need to talk.”

He says that, especially in this economy, having short- and long-term business action plans are key. Although most people who open their own business never seem to have a true business plan, if you hire Business Sense Solutions, it will be a must.

“Too many business owners think that asking for help with your business

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Facing Foreclosure Or Creditor Issues? Call Fernandez Florida Law!

By Melissa O’Brien Imagine you are a married mother of two, living a picture-perfect, suburban middle class lifestyle. Then, one day, you arrive home to see packed boxes in your living room. Your husband of 16 years then announces that he is leaving you and that there are several months of unpaid bills. Just 13 days later, you are served with a foreclosure notice.

This was the earth-shattering news that Pinellas County resident Grace Murphy received last year.

“I was devastated,” says Murphy.

“I didn’t know how I was going to explain to my children that we might have to live in a homeless shelter. I was earning $9.50 an hour as a teacher’s assistant and I had no idea we were even behind on the mortgage.”

Fortunately, Murphy says, she heard about attorney Niurka (Nicki) Fernandez Asmer from a friend.

“Nicki knew right away that I had a deep sense of urgency,” Murphy says.

“She changed a previously scheduled meeting to meet with me on the same day I called her. She gave me hope that I could postpone the foreclosure long enough to buy me some time to figure

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things out. She consistently had my best interests at heart.”

Asmer is the owner of Fernandez Florida Law, a firm that specializes in foreclosure defense, loan modifications, bankruptcy, real estate and consumer rights.

“People need to know that there are options out there,” says Asmer, who has offices in both Tampa and Clearwater. “Knowledge is power. My goal is to help people as they navigate through the complexities of the legal procedures of the State and Federal courts systems.”

Asmer says that people who are in financial distress often do not understand that they do have rights.

“I’m an advocate for consumers,” she says. “In today’s economy, there are good people — hard working, educated people — who have saved for retirement but have now lost their jobs and are tying to pay all their bills.

Eventually, what can happen is that they end up wiping out their entire retirement fund and fall behind on their mortgage. What they need to know is that, if you file for bankruptcy, your retirement funds are protected.

People should see me to make sure they know what they legally can do to

get caught up. It is not something to be ashamed of because a lot of people are in the same boat.”

Often times, Asmer says, people facing financial difficulties Attorney Niurka don’t know how (Nicki) Fernandez to ask lenders the right questions or Asmer of Fernandez Florida Law. to apply for loan modifications the correct way. “Banks don’t want to own your house,” she says. “They are in the business of making and collecting money. If you just call a bank and verbally ask for a modification or if you don’t fill out the forms correctly, you most likely will not get it.”

Asmer adds that, for many people facing financial challenges, timing is everything. “If we can simply and legally buy people time, eventually this economy will get better and people will find themselves new jobs or in a better position financially,” she says.

“You do NOT have to lose your home in the process.”

Asmer, who is bilingual in Span-

ish, was born in Tampa to CubanAmerican parents and raised in Ft. Lauderdale. She attended the University of Central Florida in Orlando and then simultaneously finished her law degree and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She moved to New York City in 2000, where she was the director of legal affairs for Media Serv Corp.

“My office was very close to ‘ground-zero’ and many of our clients were in the area surrounding the World Trade Center towers,” she says.

“After 9-11, our business closed its doors and I moved back to Florida.”

In South Florida, she began her career as a civil litigator, focusing on insurance defense, personal injury, construction law and commercial litigation. Returning to the Tampa Bay area in 2006, she made South Tampa her home with her husband, Mark Asmer.

As a result of the economic downturn, Asmer began practicing bankruptcy law in federal court to help her clients save their homes from foreclosure and get rid of debt. She opened Fernandez Florida Law in 2007 and dedicated her practice to helping consumers and small business owners.

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For Grace Murphy, Asmer’s expertise allowed her to stay in her home while she was working toward her degree in nursing.

“After our first meeting, Nicki asked for the summary judgment [against me] to be postponed,” Murphy says. “She continued to be on the case, contacted banks for me, set up meetings with them and basically took care of everything. It ended up that the mortgage company had actually lost my original loan documents (information that Asmer uncovered) and the case was thrown out. I know they may find the documents, but I at least have time now to get my life in order, have a plan and not be pushed into a homeless shelter.”

Asmer notes that, although attorneys are not allowed to do anything illegal to stall the legal process, Murphy’s case is an example of what happens when you do your homework and identify and implement the rights of a homeowner, in order to lead to a better outcome.

“By exercising her legal rights as a homeowner, we created a situation that is better for her,” says Asmer. “She knows that she cannot afford the house she is in but she now has time to work out her situation without being forced to make decisions.”

For Wallace Sasser, who lives in Hudson, working with Asmer made the process of going through bankruptcy easier. “I spoke to other attorneys first and got the impression that I was somehow working for them,” says Sasser. “But, Nicki actually listened to me and was genuinely concerned. I felt totally comfortable with her and she answered all of my questions. I would recommend her to everyone I know because of the genuine concern she showed for me.”

Asmer says the best compliment she can receive is when someone whose situation has made them very high-strung arrives at her office and she is able to make them feel better by the time they leave.

“I really do care about my clients and I do everything I can to educate them and work out the best possible scenario for their situation,” she says.

Fernandez Florida Law offers free consultations and can work out payment plans to suit each client’s needs. The firm’s offices are located at 4805 S. Himes Ave., Tampa, and in the Hodusa Towers, National Properties Trust, Inc., at 28870 U.S. Highway 19 N, Suite 300, in Clearwater. For additional information call, (813) 412-5605 or visit FernandezFloridaLaw.com.

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We Salute All Of Our Local Teacher Of The Year Nominees

By Michael Smith We all know that teachers and other school employees are some of the hardest working, most underpaid and under-appreciated people around these days, so we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the candidates who were nominated for the 2010-11 Pasco County School District employee of the year awards from our area.

Individuals from each public school in Pasco were nominated by their peers for awards for the Teacher of the Year (ToY) and School-Related Personnel Employee of the Year (SRP), and there are also awards for Noninstructional, Nonbargaining Employee of the Year and Administrator of the Year (although not all schools make nominations for the last two awards).

Three finalists have been selected in each category, and the winners will be announced and all of the nominees will be honored during the Pasco Education Foundation’s “Education Celebration,” which will be held at the Center for the Performing Arts at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey on January 30.

The nominees in each category

from the schools in our area include: • Double Branch Elementary: ToY Linda Dlugozima; SRP – Melinda Moser.

• Dr. John Long Middle: ToY – Diana Lister; SRP – Vittoria Rice.

• New River Elementary: ToY – Monica Dinwiddie; SRP – Heather Coleman.

• Quail Hollow Elementary: ToY – Tiffany Rieke; SRP – Sharon Hinds.

• Sand Pine Elementary: ToY – Freda Malphurs; SRP – Connie Key. • Seven Oaks Elementary: ToY –

Virginia Lanpher; SRP – Maria Pita.

• Veterans Elementary: ToY – Tiffany Gocsik; SRP – Leigh Wilcox.

• Watergrass Elementary: Brandon Maldonado; SRP – Jennifer Brown.

• Thomas E. Weightman Middle: ToY – Gregory Clapp; SRP – Robin Souto.

• Wesley Chapel Elementary: ToY – Amanda Novotny; SRP – Kay Spitler.

• Wesley Chapel High: ToY- Sean Gaudet (FINALIST!); SRP – Bridget Guthrie.

• Wiregrass Ranch High: ToY –

Teresa Morales; SRP – Diana Niles.

In addition, Jodi Nipper of Weightman Middle and Pamela Zundel of Wiregrass Ranch High were nominated for the Noninstructional Nonbargaining Employee of the Year award, and Zundel has been named as a finalist, but there were no nominees for the Administrator of the Year award from our area.

We congratulate each of the nominees for their hard work and dedication, and we will follow up in our next issue if either of the finalists from our area wins their respective awards.

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Local Entertainment Can Help You Shake The Post-Holiday Blues

By Michael Smith Now that the holidays are officially over, many people tend to get a little depressed, especially since the first of the holiday credit card bills are also starting to come in. However, there are plenty of fun and exciting events taking place around the Tampa Bay area in the next few weeks that ought to help lift your spirits. Here’s a preview of some of the highlights.

The Florida Orchestra Gets The ‘Led’ Out!

Saturday, January 16 – After the success of The Florida Orchestra’s symphonic salute to the music of Pink Floyd this past season, conductor and arranger Brent Havens, along with guest vocalist Randy Jackson, will present their take on “The Music of Led Zeppelin,” beginning at 8 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall (1111 McMullen-Booth Rd. in Clearwater).

Tickets for The Florida Orchestra’s tribute to “The Music of Led Zeppelin” cost $57-$97 and are available through the Ruth Eckerd Hall ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets or by visiting RuthEckerdHall.com.

For more information, call (727) 791-7400.

The ‘World Famous’ Lipizzaner Stallions

Sunday, January 17 – Since 1970,

audiences around the globe have been astounded by the beauty and grace of the “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions and their incredible performances.

Now, the 40th anniversary edition of the show, which comes to the St. Pete Times Forum (401 Channelside Dr., in downtown Tampa) for a special one-day- It’ll be man vs. wild bull when the Professional Bull Riders only engagement, fea- Tampa Invitational visits the St. Pete Times Forum Jan 30. tures all- new music, choreography and routines that are sure Children’s Gasparilla to delight all ages.

Extravaganza The show also includes a new segSaturday, January 23 - Once ment focusing on the history of this again, this year’s annual Gasparilla noble breed of horses, which were orig- Pirate Festival in downtown Tampa is inally bred for battle but later became being split into two separate weekends, the mounts for kings and other memwith the first entirely devoted to familybers of the aristocracy, and whose intrioriented fun and what organizers are cate maneuvers are now revered as a calling the Children’s Gasparilla Extravuniquely entertaining and majestic aganza. The day-long slate of events equestrian art form. begins at 11 a.m. and will include plenThe “World Famous” Lipizzaner ty of games and other kid-friendly activStallions show will be presented at 2 ities, a bicycle safety rodeo, a air invap.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets cost $22.50sion parachute jump, a pre-schooler’s $29.50 and are available through the St. stroll and much more.

Pete Times Forum ticket office, all area The highlights of the day, howevTicketmaster outlets (287-8844) and at er, are the children’s Gasparilla Parade, SPTimesForum .com. which begins at 3:30 p.m. at the interCall 301-2500 for more info. section of Bay To Bay and Westshore

Blvds., and the “Piratetechnic Extravaganza” fireworks display that will begin at 7 p.m. Admission to the Extravaganza is free, but the cost is $16 per person for reserved seats for the parade.

For additional information, including a full schedule of activities, parking information and more, visit GasparillaPirateFest.com.

Professional Bull Riders Tampa Invitational

Saturday-Sunday, January 30-31 – Think you’re tough? Well, have you ever thought about strapping yourself onto a ton of angry beef on the hoof and trying to hang on for eight seconds? That’s the daunting task the top 40 professional bull riders in the world will be doing when they take part in the 2010 Built Ford Tough Series Tour, competing for trophies, bragging rights and the $1 million top prize.

And, in addition to all the bull-riding action, the show also is jam-packed with lots of other exciting fun, including thrills and spills, pyrotechnics and rock and roll music. Don’t miss it.

The Pro Bull Riders Tampa Invitational will take place at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the St. Pete Times Forum (401 Channelside Dr.). Tickets cost $10-$100 and are available through the Forum ticket office, Ticketmaster (287-8844) and at SPTimesForum.com. Call 301-2500 for additional information.

See “Entertainment” on page 26.

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Local Yoga Teacher Says, ‘Let Jane Fonda Go!’

By Karen Cionci, RYT Do you remember the days of exercising with a Jane Fonda videotape in the early 1980s, perhaps wearing leg warmers and a head band while “working out?” I do, I’ll admit it. We’d hear phrases like “Feeling the burn,” “No pain, no gain,” and “Keep going, you can do more,” but as time went on, those phrases became part of our thought patterns.

Enter the ’90s, when people wanted something gentler, with less pounding and pushing. The body-and-mind connection was becoming important.

Yoga (and Pilates) started to become more mainstream, but the thought patterns remained the same.

I have been practicing and teaching yoga for more than 10 years. It has done amazing things for my body and my mind. My belief in body/mind fitness is in “the art of slowing down.”

In other words, if you can “Let go of Jane,” you can let go of pain. You don’t have to overdo it to be healthy and fit. Working out doesn’t have to be boot camp or torture, unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing.

When you let go of Jane, something happens physically, neurologically and psychologically. Breathe, feel and

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listen to your body in this moment.

When you slow down, you can reduce your blood pressure and create greater internal awareness. You may be able to go further with greater ease when you relax and breathe. Don’t push or force a movement or pose, use a pain-free range of motion. That’s why practicing yoga in this way can be both safe and effective.

Yoga is being used today as medicine for healing and overall health. It can be very therapeutic, as it augments recovery for a variety of ailments, including back pain and tension, and can even help battle depression. It elevates energy levels and keeps the body and mind young. Yoga helps strengthen your body’s “core” center (which includes the glutes , back muscles and abdominals). For your lower back to be healthy, you need a strong core center.

Practicing yoga also may used as a spinal health management system. It helps the spine becomes more balanced from the neck to the tailbone. When we practice different poses or movements, the spine can move in flexion, extension, rotation and inversion. A healthy spine can increase our longevity.

I call it my “fountain of youth!” When people ask me why I look so young, my answer is always “yoga.”

You can start with improving your overall posture by standing tall, pulling your belly in, activating the glutes, and planting your feet firmly balancing on all four corners of the feet (which we call “mountain pose” in yoga). Yes, you can burn calories, lose weight and tone your body by doing yoga! If you practice and let go, whether for 5 minutes or 50, you will experience someRegistered Yoga Teacher Karen Cionci can help thing amazing. You are in get you in shape and in proper alignment, too. for quite a surprise. I wonder if Jane Fonda still has YogaFit is fitness-style yoga which those lovely leg warmers? focuses on anatomy and alignment. It is “When you listen to your body safe yoga for everybody and every body. when it whispers, you don’t have to Karen currently teaches a group hear it scream.” — UNKNOWN YogaFit class on Thursday mornings at Karen Cionci is a Registered Yoga Sports + Field on S.R. 56 and a Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance who Basics class on Wednesday mornings at has been teaching yoga in Tampa for Club Tampa Palms. She also offers perover more than eight years. She has sonal yoga training and yoga therapy at been in the fitness industry for more a reasonable price. than 25 years but yoga is her passion.

Fulfill your New Year’s resolution: She has taught at Tree Frog Yoga and Buy one personal yoga training session most recently, Stillpoint Yoga Studio. and get one FREE! Buy one Yoga Today, Karen is an individual partBasics Class at Club Tampa Palms and ner with YogaFit. YogaFit Training Sys- get the second class FREE! tems Worldwide, based in California, is Contact Karen for a free consuthe largest yoga school in the country. lation or more info at 390-0270.

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Euro Pilates Owner—Think ‘Healthier’ Instead Of Just ‘Thinner’

By Gary Nager Statistics show that most people in this country make “losing weight” one of their primary New Year’s resolutions. The same statistics also say that most people quickly give up on those resolutions.

Well, Maria Ivanova, the owner of the Euro Pilates studio on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. in front of Live Oak Preserve, says that this year, instead of pledging to lose weight, a better resolution might be to simply try to get healthier — and Ivanova, the Moscow, Russia, native and former rhythmic gymnast, says her studio can help you not only lose weight, but also help you get rid of pain and live a healthier life.

Despite the sagging economy and the fact that some people might think that regularly visiting a Pilates studio is a “luxury” they can’t afford, many of Ivanova’s clients say that they can’t imagine NOT having ongoing individual and/or group training sessions at Euro Pilates in their lives.

“It’s very gratifying to be able to help people in such a unique way,” Ivanova says. “The greatest compli-

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ment someone can give me is that my staff and I have been able to help them look and feel better.”

I had the opportunity to sit in on training sessions and chat with two of Ivanova’s clients recently, including Vivian, who says that she was training with Ivanova for 2-1/2 years before Euro Pilates opened.

“I was in a lot of pain after back surgery,” says Vivian. “But, not only has Maria helped me with my pain, I’ve gone from a size 6/8 down to a size 0/2. I really can’t imagine ever giving this up.”

Ivanova says that when people focus on living healthier and make the decision to start training at Euro Pilates, they are so much more in tune with their bodies that they generally start eating less...and healthier.

Her client named Kathleen, who served 23 years in the U.S. military herself and whose husband Chris is still in the Army, says that she suffered major back problems after parachute and rappelling training.

“I weighed more than 200 pounds when I first started with Maria back in May of this year,” Kathleen says. “But, not only have I lost 47

Euro Pilates owner Maria Ivanova has helped Vivian lose weight and get in the best shape of her life following back surgery. her clients to get in better touch with pounds since then, I actually started their bodies and to understand when eating healthier after just one session they are out of alignment or under here. I still have some weight to lose, tremendous stress. but I feel better than I have in years.”

As I mentioned in a previous artiMaria says that Pilates helps her cle, I did two training sessions at Euro clients because it is so different from Pilates myself and the most amazing any other training or weight-loss prothing was how Maria instantly recoggram. She says Pilates training allows

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

nized where I was feeling pain or pressure and why. There’s no doubt that the training is hard work. It’s also obvious, from watching and chatting with her clients, that those who can train at Euro Pilates on an ongoing basis all rave about it.

“As career military people, my husband and I aren’t rich,” says Kathleen. “But, both the group and individual training sessions at Euro Pilates have done so much for me that we agreed I need to keep going as often as I can. Chris says it’s a great workout for him, too, but he’s going less so I can afford to go more.”

Maria says more and more men also are finding out that Pilates is more than just for women.

Ivanova is always happy to demonstrate “It’s a great workout for everythe proper way to do each exercise. one and we tailor the training to fit “It’s really about total wellness,” your needs,” she says. “It’s perfect for active seniors who realize they need to says Ivanova. “My clients work hard, do something to keep their minds and but they always feel better when they leave here. I hope you’ll make us your bodies as strong as possible. It’s great for relieving neck and back pain, sciat- New Year’s resolution this year.”

Euro Pilates is located at ica, rehabilitating from auto accidents 20401 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., just and even arthritis.” south of the Pasco county line, on And now, in addition to Pilates the 2nd floor of the Credit Union classes and private training sessions, Service Center in front of Live Oak Euro Pilates also is offering belly Preserve. For more info, call 756dancing classes and even on-site 4000 or visit Euro-Pilates.com. licensed therapeutic massage therapy.

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“Entertainment”

Continued from page 21 Dade City Kumquat Festival

Saturday, January 30 - The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host the 2010 Kumquat Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in downtown Dade City. The event, which celebrates the annual kumquat harvest, includes a full day of old-fashioned, family-friendly fun, including live music, wagon rides, a classic car and truck show, a farmer’s market, arts and crafts show, games and other activities, and, of course, plenty of kumquat-flavored delicacies.

For more info, call (352) 5673769 or visit Kumquat Festival.org.

Gasparilla Pirate Invasion

Saturday, January 30 - Downtown Tampa will once again face the onslaught of hundreds of pirate vessels and their “krewes” during the annual Gasparilla Pirate Invasion. The massive boat parade will enter Hillsborough Bay at 11:30 a.m., landing at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 p.m., where Mayor Pam Iorio will surrender the key to the city. That will be followed by the Invasion Parade, which will kick off at the intersection of Bay to Bay and Westshore boulevards at 2 p.m., and

The annual Dade City Kumquat Festival features plenty of old-fashioned family-friendly fun. follow Westshore Blvd. into downtown Tampa.

Meanwhile, the Gasparilla Street Festival also begins at 10 a.m. along Ashley Dr., and will feature plenty of activities for all ages, including midway rides, games and amusements, and, once the sun goes down, plenty of live music from bands including Collective Soul and others.

Admission to the Street Festival is free, but there is a charge for reserved seating for the Invasion Parade.

For complete information, visit GasparillaPirateFest.com.

The pirates will be back to capture the city of Tampa during the 2010 Gasparilla Invasion.

John Mayer & The Black Eyed Peas

Friday, February 5 & Wednesday, February 10 - The first big concerts of the new year will bring pop rocker John Mayer and dance supergroup the Black Eyed Peas to the St. Pete Times Forum in early February.

First, Tampa will be the second stop for Mayer (“Your Body is a Wonderland”) on his North American “Battle Studies” tour, named for his fourth studio album, which was released in December. Opening the show will be the eclectic Michael Franti & Spearhead. The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m., and tickets cost $37-$68.25.

Next, the musical juggernaut that is the Black Eyed Peas (“I Gottta Feel-

John Mayer will rock out at the St. Pete Times Forum on February 5. ing,” “My Humps”) will bring their “The E.N.D. World Tour” to the Forum on February 10, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Like Mayer, the Peas’ tour is named for their latest album, “The E.N.D.,” (which stands for ‘The Energy Never Dies’), which includes the No. 1 hits “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling” and has sold more than nine million copies worldwide since its release last summer. The show will kick off with a performance by special guest LMFAO. Tickets for the Black Eyed Peas cost $47-$79.50. Tickets for both John Mayer and the Black Eyed Peas are available at the Forum ticket office, through Ticketmaster (287-8844) and online at sptimes.forum.com. Call 301-2500 for more information.

The Black Eyed Peas will surely have everyone at the St. Pete Times Forum on their feet and dancing February 10.

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This Wesley Chapel Resident Is Living A Model Life

By Michael Smith It’s said that many famous people, such as movie stars, politicians and power brokers from other walks of life, have a “certain something” that makes them stand out in a crowd.

You could also say that is certainly the case with Wesley Chapel resident Justin Zabinsky, who is quickly making a name for himself in the world of fashion modeling. Zabinsky, who is known in the modeling industry simply as “Justin Z.,” has garnered plenty of exposure and positive word of mouth since he started his career just three years ago, when he was “discovered” by a photographer at a Pinellas County shopping mall.

In that short time, Zabinsky’s piercing blue eyes, long blond hair and chiseled physique have appeared in several major publications and national advertising campaigns, and at this point, the sky seems to be the limit for the personable 20 year old.

“At first, I thought it was a joke,” Zabinsky says of the day when he was approached by a photographer at the Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg.

But, the Pinellas Park High grad agreed

to pose for some test photos at a local beach, and those shots landed him a management deal with the ReQuest Model Management agency in New York City. “Then, it just blew up from there,” he says.

Although fashion modeling is a crowded and very competitive field, Zabinsky’s natural good looks have helped him score some major gigs. One of his earliest assignments was for designer Ralph Lauren’s Rugby line of clothing and accessories, and he’s also appeared in the pages of the German edition of GQ magazine. He also recently renewed an ongoing contract as the face of the Hang Ten surf clothing line for Kohl’s department stores nationwide, which means that he is featured not only in the store’s newspaper advertising circulars, but also in displays in many of the stores themselves. He’s also done local shoots and commercials for clothing, fitness equipment and various modeling websites.

Ultimately, Zabinsky says he would like to make the jump to acting, and, if you look closely, you’ll see him (in a non-speaking role) in pop singer Taylor Dayne’s 2008 video for her song “Beautiful.” He’s also had a few small

parts in productions for MTV, and he says he’s been offered parts on a couple of reality shows, but so far, he’s turned them all down.

“I’m hoping for something more serious,” he says.

But, since his modeling career has been taking off, he’s been spending a lot of time in L.A. and New York, where he’s been making contacts and meeting plenty of other famous folks, too, including former Tampa Bay Buccaneer-turned-broadcaster Warren Sapp, with whom he says he’s become good friends, and actor Brad Pitt, among others.

Despite his success, however, Justin still is the same friendly and down-toearth guy he’s always been, according to his father, Leo, who is an avid Civil War buff and re-enactor and model train collector. Leo also played in a band and did some modeling of his own, he says, and he says that he always encouraged Justin and his older brother Leo, Jr., to follow in his footsteps, but he never expected that Justin would reach this level of success.

“I always used to tease Justin [because I’d done those things],” Leo says. “But, he’s just passed me by.”

Wesley Chapel resident Justin Zabinsky is a rising star in the world of high fashion modeling.

Meanwhile, if the acting doesn’t pan out, Justin says that he will probably take some of the money he’s earned (he won’t say how much he makes, only that modeling is definitely a lucrative pursuit) and go to college.

Otherwise, on the increasingly rare occasions when he’s back home, he says he just likes to relax and unwind from his hectic modeling schedule, and his favorite things to do are to hang out at the beach or go fishing with his dad and his brother.

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My Dining Favorites Look Very Different From Yours...Again open while it’s being expanded. The pizza is another true taste of New York and the make-your-own pasta is a must try, especially if you have it my way — penne with fresh spinach and broccoli, garlic and oil.

Serving beer and wine, too. 994-7778.

By Gary Nager Even though (as I mentioned last issue) we completely changed the format of this year’s Dining Survey and Contest, the difference between where the average Neighborhood News reader — at least those who submit surveys — eats hasn’t changed much.

The good news, for Circles New Tampa Bistro in Pebble Creek, is that it still occupies the top spot among your favorites and mine in New Tampa. On the other hand, while your top-25 list, in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, and mine do include many of the same names, the orders are vastly different and you put some places I outright refuse to visit so high on your list it makes me wonder if you’ve ever even tried the places on mine.

For example, can you honestly believe you can get better fish at Red Lobster than you can at Ciccio’s/The Lodge, better lasagne, chicken or eggplant parmigiana at Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill than you can at Polo’s Italian Grill or Circles? I’m not saying you can’t have a good meal at any of those places, but when you talk consistent food quality and value for your money, I don’t think there’s even a comparison. Oh well, “To each his/her own,” as they say.

At any rate, I couldn’t stop at just a top 10, so here’s a rundown of my 25 favorite restaurants in Wesley Chapel (and a little write-up of each) and the list of my 25 favorites in New Tampa, both with some Honorable Mentions that follow). And, please realize that whether a place is first or 25th on this list, these are all eateries I frequent as often as possible because I truly think they’re better than the other national/ regional chain restaurants in our area that didn’t make my roster.

My Favorites In Wesley Chapel 1. Dempsey’s Steak House at Saddlebrook Resort — Still one of my top two or three favorite steakhouses in the

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entire Tampa Bay area, Dempsey’s bone-in cowboy ribeye steak (photo) is the only thing that can keep me from my usual NY strip. The tableside Casear salad and salad table are both great options and the live Maine lobster, seared sesame tuna, gulf grouper and Chilean sea bass make Dempsey’s the one great “big night out” in Wesley Chapel. 973-1111.

2. Bonefish Grill — The best sesame tuna appetizer in Wesley Chapel, plus the amazing fresh fish and better-than-Outback steaks, plus the ultra-premium bar (and bar crowd) make Bonefish my favorite Outback concept. 907-8202.

3. GrillSmith — Great steaks, fresh seafood, unique limited-time chef-created entrées that and a superior atmosphere make GrillSmith this year’s top newcomer in Wesley Chapel. 907-1900.

4. Cantina Laredo — More than just an upscale Mexican restaurant, Cantina makes your guacamole tableside and has everything from the best fajitas in our area to fresh fish, Certified Angus steaks and an ultra-premium bar. 907-3068.

5. La Prima Pizza — My buddy Willie Lopez still makes the pizza we both remember from our days living in New York. The square Sicilian-style pizza is a must-try and the Italian specialties (great chicken and meatball parm) are always spot-on, too. 973-4328.

6. The Tropics Restaurant & Lounge at Saddlebrook Resort — The restaurant closes for dinner periodically, but the delicious menu remains at the revamped lounge, where fresh fish and Dempsey’s filet are joined by flat iron pork steak, margherita flatbread pizzas and great entertainment. 973-1111.

7. Santo’s Pizza & Pasta — Another outstanding newcomer which is still

8. Cosi Café — I’m flat-out addicted to the coffee and decadent desserts, as well as the salads and flatbread pizzas (right) and sandwiches. 973-8255.

9. Remington’s Steakhouse — The best value for your money anywhere, featuring thick NY strip steaks, ribs, chicken, live entertainment and of course, free peanuts. 973-1208.

10. Outback Steak House — Consistent-quality steaks, shrimp on the barbie and other seafood keeps Outback on my list year after year. 973-7717.

11. The Hungry Greek — Owner George Constantinou serves the best Greek salads and New York-style gyros and souvlaki sandwiches in our area. There’s also lots of other authentic Greek specialties, including delicious baked goods and Greek beers and wines. 345-8526.

12. Texas Roadhouse — The youpick-your own steaks are usually great, but sometimes inconsistent; however, the bar is always lively, the peanuts are free and the service is pretty reliable at the Roadhouse.

907-8188.

13. Yamato Japanese Steakhouse — The hibachi steak and seafood are excellent, the sushi is very good and the price is right at this Shops at Wiregrass favorite.

907-8701.

14. PizzaMania — Although the pizza is still more Philly-style than NY-style to me, the Italian specialties are always outstanding and the move to a larger anchor space in the same plaza definitely helped. 907-0005.

15. Prime Bar — So new I’ve only eaten there a couple of times so far, but this great-looking ale bar offers premium liquor, great appetizers, steaks, fresh seafood and more. 751-0374.

16. Sonny’s BBQ — My friends and former neighbors in Hunter’s Green Jim and Christina Hoff have the second best

salad bar (to Dempsey’s) in Wesley Chapel and hope to add a bar serving beer and wine in the future. 994-8989.

17. Woody’s Pizza & Wings — Another great NY-style pizza place, which also features top-notch wings (I like the blackened ones a lot), Philly cheesesteak subs and more. 991-1118.

18. Los Valllartas — The place for authentic Mexican food in Wesley Chapel rivals the older Vallartas restaurants in Temple Terrace and Carrollwood, with very good fajitas, enchiladas and margartitas. 907-5161.

19. Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub — With two locations, owners Gary and Michelle have great cheeseburgers, fries and of course, wings for everyone in Wesley Chapel. 994-1511 & 929-7744.

20. Amici Pizza — Although it’s technically located in Lutz, just west of zip codes 33543-44, I do enjoy the pizza and meatball parmigiana subs at Amici, so it makes my list. 973-9734.

21. Bagelicious & More — The only place for NY-style bagels and real Nova Scotia salmon sandwiches, Bagelicious also features great coffee and baked goods and other sandwiches for lunch, too. 406-4403.

22. Winners Grill — One of the “early” Wesley Chapel eateries that’s still around and attracting new customers, Winners has very good ribeye steaks, Shepherd’s pie, fajitas and a big beer selection.

973-7474.

23. China Taste — The best Chinese takeout place in Wesley Chapel has consistently high-quality BBQ spare ribs, egg rolls, Szechuan and garlic sauce entrees. 991-1500.

24. 365 Caffé Italiano — The

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gourmet panini sandwiches are my favorite menu items, but the dessert crepes and big Italian gelato selection are still the big draws at Caffé 365. 728-2166.

25. Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Company — This Shops at Wiregrass newcomer has long been a favorite of mine for hot coffee, but the yummy baked goods at the new location are off the charts! 991-9585.

WC Honorable Mention (alphabetical): • Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar • Boardwalk Frozen Custard • Bonsai Sushi • Café Fresco • Café Fresh at Juice Zone • Cracker Barrel • First Watch • Ho Wok • New Shanghai Chinbese Buffet • Silver Ring Café • Starbucks • The Teriyaki Experiece • Tijuana Flats • Wolf’s Den • Your Weigh Yogurt

My Favorites In New Tampa

1. Circles New Tampa Bistro — The revamped Ciccio’s/The Lodge menu has closed an already tiny gap, but Donna and Chef Louie Sinudom still have the most eclectic variety, including my favorite sesame-crusted tuna (above right), hot & spicy mahi-mahi, Hunan chicken, grilled lamb chops, eggplant and chicken parm in our area and the variety I get to sample every Wednesday for lunch at my New Tampa Noon Rotary meetings keeps it #1

in my book...and yours, too. 973-7703.

2. Ciccio’s/The Lodge — OK, so I’m equally addicted to the menu additions from The Lodge, another South Tampa favorite operated by Robert Garofano and his partners at New Tampa’s power lunch locale. The sesame-crusted tuna rivals Circles and I crave Ciccio’s/The Lodge’s new “American Sushi,” especially the cooked grouper Tampa Roll and the “Big Philly” (cheesesteak) Roll. And of course, Ciccio’s/The Lodge still has the best wrap sandwiches, stir fry bowls and the pasta dishes and crisp brick-oven pizzas rock, too. If you like the turkey burgers at Ruby Tuesday, try Ciccio’s version. 975-1222.

3. Sushi Tsu — Owner/chef Jay Choe still delivers on his promise of the freshest sushi and the best hibachi steak and seafood in town. My son Jake can’t get enough of the hibachi scallops and if you’ve never had the hibachi sesame chicken, try it in a combo on your next visit.

Sushi Tsu also has a premium, full-liquor bar, but I’m still partial to my Asahi Super Dry beer & and the green tea. 910-9404.

4. Fushia Asian Bistro — Located in the same plaza as Sushi Tsu, owners

Sharon and Charlie Wang are on the cutting edge of Chinese and Asian cuisine.

You can’t get real New York-style Chinese food like Fushia’s Yang Jian pork or beef with Chinese broccoli anywhere else. And, for those looking for healthier options, Fushia now has a variety of meat-free dishes made with soybean substitutes for beef, chicken, pork, fish, shrimp and even tofu (which already is soy-based), so I can now order my favorite Young Chow fried rice WITH the shrimp (substitute, since I’m allergic to real shrimp. 903-6705.

5. Sukhothai — With the winning combination of sushi that rivals Sushi Tsu’s (including my favorite seared tilapia tataki) AND great teriyaki steak, crispy roast duck with ginger or tamarind sauce, combination fried rice and awesome spring rolls, plus the great beers of Thailand (Singha and Chang), I have to visit Sukhothai frequently to get my fix. 615-2345.

6. Liang’s Bistro Asian Cuisine — I start with the best egg rolls and homemade sweet & spicy plum sauce in town and my second favorite BBQ spare ribs and usually do either the sizzling steak or pork with garlic sauce and my absolute favorite sautéed green beans (I get em spicy without the optional ground pork) at Liang’s, which also offers top-quality Thai, Korean and other Asian dishes, all in a great-looking restaurant with a nice selection of beer and wine. 978-1225.

7. Sushi Ko — The addition of excellent Chinese cuisine to the already great sushi and Japanese fare has made owner Tim Chan’s Sushi Ko a fixture

among my favorites that includes the best BBQ spare ribs in our area, great egg rolls and pan fried dumplings, the best teppanyaki-style steak, chicken and pork dishes not actually cooked on a hibachi table and the biggest selection of Asian beers and hot and cold sakes in the area. 978-8586.

8. Acropolis — You can’t beat the portion sizes or the quality of the food for your money. And the atmosphere is second to none, with late night belly dancing, plate-breaking, napkin-throwing and an ultra-premium bar filled with folks enjoying great hummus, grilled lamb chops, steak (above), chicken and pork shish kabobs and pan-fried grouper. 971-1787.

9. Thai Ruby — The Thai cuisine, especially the crispy duck, combo fried rice and spring rolls, are every bit as good as Sukhothai’s. Only the lack of sushi keeps it even this far down on my list. 558-0570.

10. Polo’s Italian Grill — Fresh off a recent menu upgrade, owner/chef Paul Proscia has recaptured the magic at the former Baci location. With great Italian favorites like lasagne, chicken/veal parmigiana and Paul’s incredible baked penne rustica, plus great fresh fish and seafood,

See “Gary’s Favorites” on page 30.

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“Gary’s Favorites” Continued from page 29 make Polo’s a must-try. 615-0087.

11. Café Olé — Owner Frank Aliaga and GM Aldo Mosquera have transformed a former breakfast/lunch place into a “True Taste of Spain,” with tasty tapas like fresh clams in garlic and butter (and bread for dipping) and entrées like perfect authentic paella and sliced steak NY strip steak. Café Olé also has live entertainment and an ultra-premium bar. 907-5242.

12. Stonewood Grill & Tavern — Your second favorite restaurant in New Tampa doesn’t make it quite as high on my list because of a somewhat limited menu, but there’s no doubt that the sesame tuna and bruschetta appetizers, great steaks, fresh fish and one of our area’s top bar crowds definitely keep Stonewood on my list, too. 978-0388.

13. Wood Fired Pizza & Wine Bar — Owner Peter Taylor has recently added some new appetizers and pizza choices and his home-made 850-degree (F) wood-fired pizza oven offers the highest-quality pizza ingredients you’ll find anywhere, plus excellent beer and wine. 341-2900.

14. Las Palmas — The formula at Todd and Bonnie Rudge’s Spanish café has been the same since it first opened years ago — great Latin/Cuban cuisine (including my favorite mojo pork and merluza a la Russe), combined with outstanding prices and service. 907-1333.

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15. Lee Roy Selmon’s — Although the steaks, BBQ ribs and Caesar salad are as good as you’ll find anywhere, for me, the menu at Selmon’s is too limited to be a regular lunch or dinner option. The bar is a great place to hang and watch football games, however. 977-EATS (3287).

16. Louis Pappas Market Café — The sandwiches and Greek salads rock and try any grouper entrée with the killer sautéed green beans. The market cafés opened by the children of Tarpon Springs’ original Louie Pappas are always great for lunch and I also love the fresh baked goods and coffee. 910-9000.

17. Avocado Latin Café & Bakery — Owner Kathiana Rodriguez is from Venezuela and she offers specialties from her native land (like great arepas sandwiches), as well as great mojo pork, ropa vieja and pressed Cuban sandwiches. The baked goods are uniquely decadent and go great with a hot café con leché. 631-9703.

18. Coffee Beanery Café — The sandwiches are sizable (especially the bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich) and the baked goods leave Starbucks in the dust at my favorite coffee shop in New Tampa. 977-7400.

19. Toast Fine Wine & Cigar Bar — What started out as a fine wine and cigar store on Fowler Ave. is now an entertainment destination in the Oak Ramble Plaza and a great afternoon/ evening café with artisan flatbread sand-

Although I do enjoy the great selection of beers and the huge selection of sandwiches and schnitzel entrées and other German pub fare are dead-on, Mr. Dunderbak’s would finish higher on my roster if it had a bigger wine list, a full liquor bar and better service. 977-4104. wiches (above) and pizzas, as well as great “deconstructed” salads, cheese and fruit platters and more. 632-3105.

20. Urban Culinary Cuisine — This unassuming little place on Cross Creek Blvd. serves traditional southern cuisine with a distinctive urban flair for dine-in or takeout. Serving great sirloin steaks, grilled, fried or jerk chicken, great burgers, low-cak make-your-entrees with homestyle sides, fresh veggies and events like smooth jazz on weekends and chef John Saxton’s lecture series. 994-3800.

21. Caruso’s Pizza & Latin Café — In my opinion, the best of the true New York-style pizza places on Cross Creek Blvd. Caruso’s recently added a Puerto Rican/Latin menu I’m looking forward to sampling with different featured dishes every day. 986-8400.

22. Peabody’s — The menu isn’t extensive, but Peabody’s still serves authentic New York-style pizza, tasty burgers and some of the best chicken wings and French fries you’ll find anywhere.

And, of course, there’s also pool tables, video games, darts, late-night dancing and hot bartenders and servers. 972-1725.

23. Mr. Dunderbak’s Biergarten —

24. Kennedy’s Bar & Grill — The great BBQ ribs and chicken and grilled ribeye steaks remain, but Kennedy’s (located in Heritage Isles Country Club, but definitely open to the public) has added more lunch and dinner items and also has weekend entertainment. 406-4941.

25. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream — Still my favorite of the ice cream chains, to me, Bruster’s is like Baskin & Robbins (in that there is a large selection of ice cream flavors) taken to an ultra-premium level.

Try the ice cream pies. YUM! 907-7458.

NT Honorable Mention (alphabetical): • Anmol Indian & Pakistani Cuisine • Biagio’s Pizza & Pasta • Boston Market • Cold Stone Creamery • Hawkeyes NYS Pizza • Jersey Mike’s Subs • Joy-O-Wok • Maggie’s Tea Room • Olive Garden • Panera Bread • Ploy Thai • Romano’s Café • Saffron Indian Cuisine • Season’s Market & Café • Shane’s Rib Shack • Steak n’ Shake • YogoMisu

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

What’s New On Our Website?

By Gary Nager We’re still adding new features to our website, WCNeighborhood News.com, so we hope you’ll start looking for the latest news and information, plus archives of our recent issues and much more, the next time you’re on-line.

As you’re receiving this issue, we’ve added a complete update on what’s happening with the widening of Bruce B. Downs Blvd./C.R. 581, south of the Pasco County line. Hillsborough County officials hosted an informational public hearing on BBD, where as many as 200 local residents attended to find out the latest information about the design, the cost, timing and other issues with the roadway and after attending the meeting, I found at least half a dozen “side” stories about the effects of the widening on local residents.

Don’t think it pertains to you, because you live north of the county line and Pasco’s widening of BBD/ 581 already has begun and will be completed soon? Guess again. When Pasco completes its portion of BBD sometime later this year, it will be sixlaned all the way from S.R. 54 to County Line Rd., but it will meet up

with an unwidened, four-lane BBD going soutbound, a portion of the roadway that still is unfunded.

Many who attended the Hillsborough County meeting at Wharton High wondered why the plan for the Pasco portion of BBD wasn’t at least mentioned. Of course, we’ll continue to keep you updated on the progress on both sides of the county line.

Dining & Advertising

In addition to all of the information about my favorite Wesley Chapel and New Tampa restaurants listed here, our website also will show you the lists of both my favorite restaurants and yours in the entire Tampa Bay area.

Our readers trust us to have the most current and best-read diniing information and we want our website to become your one-stop shopping and dining guide. We’re even offering special rates for restaurants and retail stores that don’t have a lot of money for advertising to get a low-cost way to have info about their establishment on our website, with a link to their own website.

For on-line and other advertising info, visit WCNeighborhood News.com or call 910-2575.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Paws & Claws Pet Salon & Spa Can Make Your Pet Look Great, Too

By Gary Nager For most of us, bathing and/or grooming our dogs or cats isn’t something we look forward to or really enjoy, so I recommend bringing your dog or cat to visit my friend Kristen Myers of Paws & Claws Pet Salon & Spa, located inside the Texlea Feed building on S.R. 54, less than a halfmile west of Curley Rd. Kristen is a registered member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc. (NDGAA), which means that she has had all the training she needs to groom your dog or cat properly, even if you like exotic cuts for your poodle or Persian cat.

At first glance, you might not think Kristen is a big enough person to pick up a 100-lb. dog, like my golden retriever Goldie (who’s actually down to a svelte 88 lbs. these days), much less handle a rambunctious rottweiler or German shepherd, but you’d be wrong. Kristen easily picks up and places most any size breed of dog into her tub and onto her grooming table and she has a great way with the animals that makes them feel at ease — not an easy task with some.

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In addition, Kristen has the skills, training and years of experience to make your dog or cat look his or her best — and you won’t have to break the bank or get soaked, literally or financially, in the process.

Although she had already worked in the grooming business for a couple of years, Kristen took that experience one step further when she graduated from the Tampa Bay Area Pet Grooming Academy (TBAPGA) on Gandy Blvd. in South Tampa.

“It’s a great program which teaches you all of the different cuts and clips for dogs and cats,” she says.

“In addition, you learn how to keep the shop sanitary, so your pet goes home as happy and healthy as when you brought him [or her] in here.”

According to the TBAPGA’s website, “A diploma from Tampa Bay Area Grooming Academy lets the employers [and customers] know that you have received the highest quality training and have been evaluated throughout the program. Therefore, we are able to provide future employers with recommendations that they can count on.”

All I know is that self-employed

Thanks to National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.-certified groomer Kristen Myers of Paws & Claws Pet Salon, Goldie never looked better!

Kristen can get the job done. Even though Goldie is the type of dog who loves to be touched, she isn’t particularly cooperative when you’re trying to bathe her. I asked Kristen if she needed my help holding or handling Goldie, but she just giggled and said, “This sweet baby is no problem.”

It’s obvious that Kristen loves animals and really enjoys her work.

She also recently groomed sales rep David Zacharia’s long-haired

dachsund Buddy, who was dirty and matted going on, but sweet-smelling and silky-smooth when he went home. “Buddy’s a sweet dog,” she said afterward. “No problem at all.”

For grooming appointments and more information about Paws & Claws Pet Salon (30209 S.R. 54), call 479-7676. New customers who bring in or mention the ad in this issue will receive 10-percent of f their fi firrst grooming visit.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

Enter Our ‘Get Your Photo Taken With Gracie’ Contest!

If you’ve visited our office in Tampa Palms recently, you might have seen a little golden retriever puppy looking out the window from her playpen or walking outside in our Shoppes at Amberly plaza.

Although I also still help take care of Goldie, my 10-year-old golden retriever, 14-week-old Gracie Leigh is the new puppy in my life and she’s such a sweet, fun-loving pup who really loves people (especially young children) that everyone here at the Neighborhood News agreed that we should include her in a little contest idea we had.

If you visit WCNeighborhood News.com, you can enter the “Get Your Photo Taken With Gracie” contest by telling us, in 50 words or less, why you or your child should get to have his or her picture taken with 15lb. (at least as of this writing) Gracie, who’s even sweeter in person than she looks in this pic.

Feel free to get creative. Despite her innocent little face and loving demeanor, Gracie is an extremely energetic little pup who loves to climb (photo) and prance like a rabbit

Little Gracie Leigh really loves the Neighborhood News! or a kangaroo through the bushes outside our office. She’s always getting into trouble, like the average character in the average Disney film.

Submit your entries by Friday, Febr uar y 26, and we’ll pick up to 10 winners, who will each win a prize worth at least $20. Those winners also will be invited to come to our office to have their photo taken with Gracie. We will then display all of the winners in an upcoming issue and on our website.

Like I said — have some fun with it and try to get a little creative! Gracie Leigh is waiting! — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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Classifıeds

These are the Color Classifieds Your

CLEANING SERVICES

Neighbors R E A D! Call Dave @

NEW TAMPA & WESLEY CHAPEL H E L P

W A N T E D

Join OrthoTechnology’s Winning Team!

Ortho Technology, an international orthodontic supply distributor located in New Tampa, is seeking talented energetic candidates for the following full-time positions: Distribution Associate: High energy individual needed to receive, restock, pull & pack customer orders. Fast paced environment. Basic math & computer skills, ability to stand/walk for entire shift & lift up to 50 pounds required.

QC Inspector: Entry level position responsible for accuracy of outgoing orders. 1-2 yrs exp w/QC responsibilities. Ability to stand/walk for entire shift, close vision, basic color differentiation and basic math req’d.

Small parts/med device experience a plus.

We provide a great work environment, excellent benefits package and growth potential. Submit resumes to careers@orthotechnology.com.

P/T Massage therapist. Please send résumé to PO Box 47254 Tampa, FL 33647 or fax to 994-3080.

P/T Medical Asst. for doctor’s office in New Tampa. With experience. Good salary & benefits.

Fax resume to 632-7114 or call 632-7111.

HR Manager Tampa, FL based Dental Office Plan, direct & coordinate HR activities to maximize the strategic use of human resources & related personnel policies & regulatory compliance. Apply in duplicate. BK PARASHER DDS. P. A 11017, N. Dale Mabry, St # A, Tampa, FL 33618.

Home Health Worker. New Tampa-Wesley ChapelZephyrhills. Reliable People W/Experience. Needed for Various Hours. Call Mary M-F 9am to 4pm only. 813.788.1717. Lic HHA 299992388 RN’s in Pasco for HHA - PT/Per Diem, Medicare - Assessment Experience a Plus - Call: 727.259.2337

COMPUTER SERVICES Professional Tech Support in your home or small business. A+ certified computer tech with 15 years of exp. Maintenance & repairs, upgrades & tutoring. More affordable than the large chains!

Friendly, personalized svc. Technical jargon explained in plain English. References available upon request. Call 957-8342 for free estimate.

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

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.

Quality Handyman, specializing in Home Improvements, repairs & installations of all types from A to Z, including telephone & computer cabling. 18 years of exp. No job too small. E-mail eddieperdomo@yahoo.com or call 451-6541 for questions or Free Estimates.

RAYMOND PAINTING. Interior & exterior, pressure washing, paper hanging, plaster, stucco, tiles, concrete, clean & seal pavers. Licensed & Bonded.

References available. Free estimates. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ARBOR GREENE RESIDENT. We Work 7 Days. Call 994-5124.

Greg’s Paperhanging. For all of your wallpapering needs. Licensed & insured, clean, quick & reasonable. Call 973-2767 for free estimate.

Dan Turner Decorating Wallcovering Installation. The most important thing about the wallcovering you select is...the installer. Don’t sacrifice the beauty of wallcovering, turn to the experts. Call today for a free consultation. Licensed & insured.

Call 928-2160.

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HERE I COME! I specialize in all types of cleaning: houses, apartments, townhouses, garages, etc.

Best prices in the Bay area. References available.

Call for a free estimate. Call 735-7979.

WINDOW WASHING most windows $6.00 incl. inside, outside & sills. “Make Your Whole House Shine” 10+ yrs. experience. Convenient appointments. A POINT OF VIEW WINDOW WASHING. Wesley Chapel. 813-973-1451.

D-ULTRA CLEANING SERVICE. We have our own supplies & more than 200 clients in New Tampa! For more information, call 758-9710.

Isn’t life busy enough? Save time. We can help.

Your satisfaction is our first priority. Guaranteed, affordable, reliable, quality domestic svcs. Free estimate: Chelsea Maid Company @ 994-6662.

A+ Cleaning Service. FSU grad, honest & dependable. Moving very successful business to Tampa Palms area to be near first grandchild. My Tallahassee clients included FSU coaches & professors. For FREE estimate & references call Randi at (cell) 850-509-6615. Yes, I do Gators, too!

Angel Cleaning, Pet Sitting & Shuttle Service.

We clean your home while we care for your pets.

Once a month or more, we are detail oriented, family owned and operated for 28 yeras. Call anytime 813-451-9215 ask for Donna. Lots of good references and reasonably priced!

Sparkling Clean! Commercial, residential & rentals. Professional service @ affordable prices!

Please call 1-630-561-3173

L A N D S C A P I N G Everyday Gardener’s Club. Full-service property maintenance available for residential & commercial. One-stop shopping with licensed, insured professionals. Specializing in landscape design with conceptional drawings & renderings available. Let your imagination & our professionals come together to create dreams that will last a lifetime. Call 933-1120 or visit www.EverydayGardnersClub.com

910-2575 to order your ad today!

P E T

S I T T I N G

Tampa Cat Lady Professional Cat-Sitting Service. You say goodbye - we say hello. Cats are happiest when 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. We help deter crime by bringing newspaper/mail & rotating lights/blinds, giving your home that lived-in look. Licensed, bonded & Red-Cross certified in pet first aid/CPR. Call 994-9449 or visit www.TampaCatLady.com.

Animals’ Best Friend says, “Pets Deserve Good Love & Care, Even Times When You’re Not There!” In-your-home pet-sitting svcs, including dog walks, multiple & overnight visits, administering meds, plus love & attention. Licensed, bonded & insured. Call 765-5515 for a free consultation. Or, visit www.animalsbestfriend.net.

New Tampa Pet Sitting Service. Lots of love & care for your pets. Great experience & references.

Recommended by Angie’s List. Licensed, Insured & Red Cross Certified. Call Marina @ 416-5301.

S E R V I C E S AVA I L A B L E THE GAS DOCTOR. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE. Residential * Commercial * Industrial. * New Construction & Remodels * Natural & LP Gas Piping Systems. Gas Appliance Installation, Service & Repair. Providing connections for: Gas Lights, Ranges, Dryers, Fireplaces, Furnaces, Generators, Grills, Space Heaters, Water Heaters, Pool Heaters, Firepits & Tankless Water Heaters.

TECO Rebates on Natural Gas Appliances. 5162927 or thegasdoctor.com. License # MG 24668

LAWN MAINTENANCE

Clean-outs—abandoned homes, garage cleaning.

Pressure washing; odd jobs—painting, tile work, etc. Contact Sure Window Cleaning 926-9943.

Enjoy your time & let A.T.B. Landscaping & Lawn Service do the work for you. We provide landscaping, lawn maintenance, clean-ups, tree & hedge trimming, sodding, sprinkler repair & fertilization. Other services also available. 907-LAWN

Trash removal. Trash clean-up, garage clean-outs.

Will haul furniture, appliances, yard debris, lowest rates guaranteed; starting at $40. Call 285-4674.

NTLC Property Maintenance. Residential & Commercial lawn maintenance for New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. Sprinkler repair, tree trimming, mulching, landscaping & clean-ups also available.

Licensed & Insured. Call Bill @ 973-3825.

Lawn Maintenance *Commercial*Residential *Rentals*HOA Cleanups*Investment Properties *Complete Lawn Care at Prices you can AFFORD! Service that you can depend on Ken 334-3460.

P O O L

S E R V I C E S

Tranquility Pool Service. New Tampa Owned & Operated! Great pricing w/outstanding customer service. Relax & enjoy while we keep your pool in pristine swimming condition!

Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Call Chris today for a free quote @ 857-5400 or visit us at www.tranquilitypoolservice.com to see why we are New Tampa’s #1 choice! Mention this ad & receive one month FREE!

Custom Painting! *Artist* “20 yrs. Exp.” Faux, Murals & designer finishes at bargin prices. Call 630-561-3173.

SKFinancial is a full service CPA firm located in Seven Oaks. Contact us for free QuickBooks training. Tel 813-322-3936 or www.skfinancial.com.

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R

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Town Home for rent in Meadow Pointe, gated 1 car garage, 3br, 2.5 bath—Maint. Free. $1150/mo. Please call 541-3158.

R E A L

E S T A T E

OWN A CATTLE FARM IN COSTA RICA

CLASSIFIED RATES 1 issue...........................$25 2 issues..........................$50 6 issues........................$120 for just $600,000. One hour from San Jose City.

Ten acres with 2 homes, one for owner w/cable TV and phone, and one for foreman. 30 heads of Brahman Cattle, 3 pure breed "paso fino" horses with new stables. For information and pictures contact Gerardo Acosta at acosta.gerardo@hotmail.com or ph.813-504-3240.

O F F I C E

S P A C E

2 office + Reception and Cabinet Area. Location: 33647 zip in Commerce Park Professional Center.

Estimated Cost $900/1000 per Month 3yr/1yr.

10X15 =150 11x11 =121 14x16 =224...Estimate Sq ft: 550 Sq Ft. Also Include 1 closet and Unisex Bathroom. Available Jan 1 2010. Address: 5307 Technology Dr Tampa, Fl. 33647. Contact: Bob Lamb 813.340.3000.

M U S I C

L E S S O N S

FREE GUITAR WITH LESSONS! Don't worry about spending money on an instrument if you or your child doesn’t stick with it. Get a new guitar free when you sign up for 3 months of lessons. Offer good while supplies last. For more information visit Bigel Music, 20435 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 813-907-6363.

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C

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Home day care in a loving home. 10 years experience. We encourage social development activities, games, play times & more. Infant & up. CPR & first aid. Reg. R23PA0154. Call Hilda @ 388-9148.

B U Y I N G

G O L D

NEED EXTRA MONEY…We can turn your unwanted, old or broken gold jewelry into CASH! Take advantage of high gold prices which may not last long. Don’t sell to the fly by night companies.

Take it to Tampa Palms Hometown Jeweler. Jeweler on staff w/ 35 yrs. exp. Charles Jewelers, 9724653 (next to Stein Mart on Bruce B. Downs).

T A I C H I L E S S O N S Tai Chi Classes open to the public at Club Tampa Palms. Strength, flexibility, balance, awareness & focus are some of the benefits of Tai Chi. Classes geared for all ages & skill levels. The instructor has over 28 years of Martial Arts training & teaching.

Wednesdays 8-9 pm and Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 pm. $10/per class. Call Peter @ 787-7560.

Aquatec Pool Service has been keeping pools clear & swim safe since 1994. We offer quality WEEKLY full service at an affordable price & follow strict National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) standards. Licensed & insured. Call 7808616 or visit our website www.aquatecpool.com to see why you should choose us! Mention this ad and get one month FREE!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 2 • Januar y 16, 2010 • www.WCNeighborhoodNews.com