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Volume 18 Issue 3

Inside: Valentine’s Day Is Still All About Her! See Magazine Section!

January 30, 2010

The Direct-Mail Newspaper Serving New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Since 1993! THIS INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IS DIRECTLY MAILED TO: 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 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

Bruce B. Downs Widening Begins A New Chapter In New Tampa An editorial by Gary Nager When I attended this month’s public hearing hosted by Hillsborough County public works officials at Paul R. Wharton High about the impending widening of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. between Palm Springs Dr. in Tampa Palms and Pebble Creek Dr., my first thought was, “Wow! Another major New Tampa road project beginning construction in my lifetime!” My second thought, however, was “Uh-oh.” The $40-$42 million widening project now beginning is just the first three years of what is shaping up as at least five years of reduced speeds and even greater tie-ups somewhere on BBD. In other words, it’s definitely going to get and stay worse along New Tampa’s main drag long before it gets better, especially considering that the other two phases of the BBD widening in Hillsborough (from Bearss Ave. to Palm Springs Dr. and from Pebble Creek Dr. to the Pasco County line) are

not yet fully funded and at least one segment may not begin building until after the first segment is completed, even if funding for it becomes available (more on this below). Of course, that means the current bottlenecks on BBD will just be moved to the northern and southern ends of the first phase of the BBD widening project when it is completed in 2013. Just for clarity’s sake, a few years back, Hillsborough broke BBD into five segments: •Segment A - From Bearss Ave. to Palm Springs Blvd. in Tampa Palms •Segment B - Palm Springs Blvd. to Richmond Place Dr. (across from the BBD entrance to Flatwoods Park) •Segment C - Richmond Place Dr. to Pebble Crek Dr. •Segment D - Pebble Creek Dr. to the Pasco County Line Rd. •Segment E - County Line Rd. to S.R. 54 (all in Pasco County) The widening project now under way in Hillsborough includes Segments B and C, a 3.5-mile section. The coun-

The current left turn from northbound Bruce B. Downs Blvd. onto Pointe of Tampa Way will no longer be available when the BBD widening project is completed. ty previously planned to then do the 1.5-mile Segment D before the 3.6mile Segment A, but moved Segment A up on the priority list a couple of years ago and already has full funding for that longest segment, which is scheduled to begin being widened in 2011. But, while Segment D already is designed, former county engineer Scott Passmore, who is now working for the construction engineering firm for the project (KCI Technologies, Inc., of

Tampa), says that while Segment D currently is not funded, some new federal stimulus funds may make funding of that segment a reality soon, too. In addition, although there was no mention of it at the Hillsborough public hearing on January 6, Pasco County already has begun the process of widening its three-mile section of BBD from its current one or two lanes in each

were both armed with handguns, told the victim to throw the money he had won while gambling at the casino on the ground. Edgardo As one of the suspects bent down to pick up Rivera the money, he dropped his pistol, which went off. The victim was not harmed, but the two suspects fled, and the victim immediateChristopher ly contacted police, Neff and was able to provide them with a partial tag number from the suspects’ vehicle. Then, on January 17, two of the

same suspects allegedly robbed another casino customer, a 67-year-old man, as he got out of his vehicle at his home in Clearwater. Police say the suspects attacked the victim in his garage, one striking him as the other shot him in the face and shoulder with a stun gun. After committing that robbery, the suspects returned to Hillsborough, however, and shortly afterwards, their vehicle was spotted by an officer with the Seminole (Tribe) Police Department near one of the entrances to the casino. The Seminole

See “BBD Widening” on page 6.

Police Arrest Two Men Who Targeted Hard Rock Casino Customers

City Of Tampa Studies Impacts From Planned Bridge Project, Focus On The USF Dermatology Clinic, A Wharton Vs. Freedom Weekend & More!

See pages 3-36!

NEIGHBORHOOD MAGAZINE! A Few Suggestions To Help Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day, Our Exclusive February Entertainment Calendar & Much More!

See pages 37-56!

See “News Briefs” on page 4.

ECRWSS

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS, SPORTS & EDUCATION

Postal Customer

Also Inside This Issue!

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 2801

A pair of Orlando men were arrested earlier this month after police say they robbed two Tampa Bay area men, one of whom is a New Tampa resident, who had won money at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. According to a report issued by the Tampa Police Department (TPD),

Christopher R. Neff, 27, and Edgardo Rivera, 31, along with a third man who is still unidentified, followed a New Tampa resident from the casino to his condo in the Vista Grand at Tampa Palms complex early on the morning of January 9 and robbed him at gunpoint as he exited his vehicle. One of the suspects waited inside their car while the other two, who

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Remembering My Friend Elaine Genna (1939-2009) 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 wasn’t able to get out to that area often enough to do dining reviews in the 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 away after a year-plus-long battle with cancer. Her passing wasn’t sudden or unexpected, other than the fact that she

New Tampa Neighborhood News

An editorial by Gary Nager 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 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. We know that our readers will

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Table of Contents

Publisher & Editor Gary Nager Managing Editor Michael Smith Correspondents

LOCAL NEWS, BUSINESS & SPORTS UPDATES...............................................Pages 1-28 New Tampa News Briefs (cont. from page 1).......4 Woman Arrested For Theft From Foster Care Agency Man Jailed For DUI After Son Calls 911 City Studies Impacts Of Its I-75 Bridge Project............8 New Tampa Community Calendar..................10-11 On Helping Haiti & Other Fund Raisers...................14

Advertising E-mail: NewTampaNN@aol.com Editorial E-mail: NTNNEdit@yahoo.com

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 New Tampa Neighborhood News may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by New Tampa Neighborhood News writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The deadline for outside editorial submissions and advertisements for Volume 18, Issue 3, of New Tampa Neighborhood News is Monday, January 4, 2010. New Tampa Neighborhood News will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. New Tampa Neighborhood News will not return unsolicited editorial materials. New Tampa Neighborhood News reserves the right to edit &/or reject any advertising. New Tampa Neighborhood News is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. © 2009 JM2 Communications, Inc.

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 thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers. 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.”

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

New Tampa Business News.....................16-21

New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce News..........16 City Plaza Publix Is Demolished................................18 Paws & Claws Pet Salon & Spa..................................19 USF Dermatology......................................................20

New Tampa Education News..................25-26

Saluting New Tampa’s Teachers Of The Year.............25 Local Students Plant Trees On Arbor Day..................26

New Tampa Sports Updates....................31-33 Wharton Wins 2010 ‘Neighborhood Challenge’.......31 Local Cheerleaders Advance To State Meet................32 Benito Jaguars Score An Undefeated Season.............33

Neighborhood Magazine

Valentine’s Day Special Section ....................37-44 The Most Romantic Hotel—The Don CeSar..........37, 44 The Best Place To Shop For Her—T’s Boutique.....40 Other Valentine’s Day Gift ‘Hints’ For Her...........41 ‘Have Your Photo Taken With Gracie’ Contest.......45 Check Out The New Panda Buffet!...............................48 Neighborhood Nibbles.................................................49 February Entertainment Calendar.................................52 WC Resident Is A Model Citizen...........................53

NEW TAMPA COLOR CLASSFIEDS..............54

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“News Briefs”

Continued from page 1 officer contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, who then called in the TPD detectives who were working on the Tampa robbery case. After interviewing the suspects, the TPD detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspects’ vehicle, and found a stun gun and a .357-caliber revolver inside, along with property belonging to the Clearwater victim. They then placed the two suspects under arrest, at which point Rivera allegedly confessed to committing the robberies in Tampa and Clearwater, as well as another in Polk County. He also implicated Neff in the Tampa and Clearwater robberies, but said that he had committed the Polk County robbery by himself. Neff, meanwhile, denied involvement in any of the robberies, but was charged after the Tampa victim identified him from a photo line-up. At our press time, Rivera was being held without bond in the Orient Road jail. He is charged with five counts of robbery and one count of battery upon a victim older than 65; Neff, meanwhile, is being held under a bond of $247,500, and he is charged with two counts of robbery, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of battery on a victim older than

65 and one count of attempting to destroy evidence. The investigation is still ongoing, and TPD detectives are still looking for the third suspect in the case.

Local Woman Charged In Theft From Foster Agency

A 23-year-old New Tampa woman was arrested January 14 after police say she used gift cards that were supposed to be given to foster families to purchase items for herself. According to an arrest affidavit, Kristie Feliz Smith, of 8611 Tessara Lane, was employed as an administrative assistant at Hillsborough Kids, Inc., the agency that oversees the foster care system in Hillsborough County, where one of her assignments was Kristie F. to mail out 13 $50 WalSmith Mart gift cards to local foster families. However, police say that Smith removed at least six, and possibly eight, of the gift cards from the envelopes and never delivered them to the intended recipients. Police began investigating the case after the agency started receiving complaints from families about receiving empty gift envelopes. They recovered surveillance video from the Wal-Mart

SuperCenter on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in New Tampa, which showed Smith using the cards to make a $288.13 purchase on October 3. Upon questioning, Smith admitted to making the purchase, but said that she had thought she was using gift cards that her mother had given her. She also denied using two other cards that were cashed in at other local WalMart stores. The remaining five gift cards were deactivated before they could be used, a Tampa Police Department spokesperson said. Although she did reimburse Hillsborough Kids, Inc., for $400, and was subsequently fired from the agency, Smith was charged with one count of grand theft and was released from jail after posting a $2,000 bond.

the 13-year-old got out of the car and called 911. When police arrived, they reported that Greer had trouble standing and appeared to be intoxicated. He refused to take a sobriety test, but allegedly Gary Joe told deputies, “I’m Greer drunk,” and asked them to take him to jail. Greer, who has a lengthy arrest record, was charged with one count of driving under the influence, one count of driving while his license was suspended or revoked, and two counts of child abuse. He was released from custody after posting $6,250 bond.

Father Arrested For DUI After Son Calls 911

A 33-year-old Hillsborough County man was arrested January 18 and charged with DUI after his 13year-old son called 911 to report him. According to reports, Gary Joe Greer, of Dover, was arrested shortly after midnight at 10960 Cross Creek Blvd. after police say he began arguing with an adult passenger in his vehicle near the intersection of Cross Creek Blvd. and Morris Bridge Rd. At the time, Greer’s children, ages 2 and 13, also were in the car, and at some point,

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“BBD Widening”

Continued from page 1 direction to three lanes in each direction (with additional turn lanes), a project that is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In other words, when that construction is concluded, those three lanes in Pasco will have to be funneled down to two lanes crossing the county line and then down to the construction site less than two miles later — for at least two years! Passmore also notes that although there will be plenty of lane closures making an already difficult drive along BBD even more stressful, the county doesn’t anticipate any actual road closures during construction of any of the phases. He adds that although there might be some issues with some of the segments of the bike path along BBD during the construction, the bike path itself “has to remain open throughout the construction.”

Other Issues To Deal With

If you’ve ever been on a major roadway when it’s been under construction (and who hasn’t?), you’ve probably seen those blue signs that sometimes include the names of the businesses on the other side of the construction. Other times, the signs simply say “Business Entrance,” which is all

the construction contractor Kamminga & Roodvoets, Inc., is required to provide in the case of this first phase of BBD widening. But, District 7 Tampa City Council member (and Tampa Palms resident) Joseph Caetano has pledged that the city will provide signs that say the actual business names on them. “Even though Bruce B. Downs is a county road and the widening is a county project,” Caetano said at the january 6 public hearing, “all of those businesses (not including those in front of Pebble Creek and Live Oak Preserve) are in the city, so I will get the City Council to provide better signage, because doing business during road construction is hard enough. People definitely still need to be able to find those businesses.” Caetano already has played a role in one improvement now included in the plan — a traffic signal and the ability to turn left out of the Publixanchored New Tampa Center plaza (in front of the McDonald’s and Mobil gas station) at S. Regents Park Dr. Currently, the median on BBD in front of the plaza is closed off, so drivers can only make a right out of that plaza exit. “It’s hard enough to get out of that shopping center now, without the construction slowing things down even more,” Caetano told interested residents at the public hearing. “A signal

and a way to turn left there is definitely the right thing to do.” Caetano also is trying to help out the Frost family, which owns the McDonald’s franchises at both the New Tampa Center and next to Red Lobster in Tampa Palms. The Frosts and the owners of the 7-11 gas station, as well as several other business owners in The Shoppes at The Pointe in Tampa Palms aren’t happy with the fact that the current left turn from BBD northbound into the plaza at the McDonald’s and 7-11 will no longer exist when the construction is completed. “If you’ve ever tried to make the left turn onto Tampa Palms Blvd. in front of Red Lobster during rush hour, you know how hard it can be to get through that turn signal,” John Frost said during the hearing. “And, we’re not the only ones upset about that turn going away.” He notes that he is in discussion with Marriott International, which is in the process of building the SpringHill Suites hotel off Commerce Park Blvd. (near USAA Insurance). “The Marriott people told us they didn’t know the turn wasn’t going to be there anymore,” Frost said. “It’s hard enough to get back there behind our plaza now, with the turn in place.” Caetano said he didn’t know if there was anything that could be done about the turn going away, but promised to continue to work on the issue.

Another Idea Bites The Dust

A certain newspaper editor who attended the meeting had another idea to help out the already difficult traffic situation on the other side of the same intersection — Commerce Palms Blvd., between Lowe’s and CVS. I told Passmore that one of the worst current BBD bottlenecks during rush hour happens when people are trying to make a right turn onto BBD from in front of CVS. Considering how much worse the traffic will get when the construction begins in earnest, I wondered whether it was possible to allow at least a temporary (if not permanent) right turn out of the Market Square at Tampa Palms plaza (anchored by BJ’s Wholesale Club and Staples) in order to allow some of those trying to get on BBD northbound to have a fighting chance to get home. “I really don’t think so,” Passmore told me shortly after I posted my comments about the possible right-out addition at that location on the county’s project website — HillsboroughCounty.org/pwprojects. “That right-in turn is very close to the entrance to I-75 and the federal government is much more concerned about the traffic on I-75 than they are

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about local roads being able to access the interstate. I agree that a right-out could help that bottleneck somewhat, but I think the developer of that part of Tampa Palms (Warren Kinsler of New Tampa Inc.) even tried to sue to get a right-out as well as a right-in at that spot.”

Green Vs. Green?

Considering the crazy fluctuations in the cost of gasoline, more people than ever are talking about — and pushing for — additional mass transit opportunities, both Tampa Bay area-wide and in the New Tampa area. Even so, even those who are strong proponents of bringing a light commuter rail system to BBD have to be wondering if this whole BBD widening wouldn’t be a lot easier if the designers of the project didn’t have to include the 20-foot-wide light rail “envelope” along the entire length of BBD. We were originally told that the only way the light rail would work would be if it went down the center of BBD, so instead of landscaped medians, we’d have commuter trains in the middle of the roadway. Now, however, the BBD widening has been designed to include the rail envelope on the east side of BBD — the same side as the existing 10foot-wide BBD bike path. Although light rail may never happen along BBD and even the most realistic estimates say it won’t happen until somewhere between 2025-2050, Passmore did admit at the public hearing that, in some locations along BBD, there may not be enough room for both a rail envelope and the BBD bike path. He didn’t elaborate on where the bike path might have to at least be reduced in size, but how much fun will it be to have to ride your bike alongside speeding trains? I’ve never felt that the light rail system, as proposed, was a good idea for New Tampa, but even the

strongest proponents of it would have to agree that pitting one form of green transportation against another would not be ideal for our community. In other words, if it were up to me, I’d rather save the bike path than worry about trains that may never come. Of course, like most things these days, that’s not my call.

They Really Do Care!

Speaking of gripes, if you particularly love or hate any part of the BBD widening project, or you just have a question about it I strongly suggest visiting the aforementioned project website (HillsboroughCounty.org/ pwprojects) and posting your comments. Passmore got back to me the same day I posted mine about the right-out at Staples and he said it wasn’t because I’m a newspaper guy. “We’re really trying to address as many resident concerns as we can,” Passmore said. “We know it’s going to be difficult during the construction, but knowing what you’re up against has to help.” He added that all of the comments posted on the website, as well as all of the hand-written and videotaped comments made during the public hearing (or mailed in after the hearing) will be available to the public, but he didn’t know when. Patrick Murray, the county staffer who hosted the public hearing, said very few attendees chose to be videotaped, “even though a lot of them had very strong opinions about the project that we would have loved to have had on tape. We really would like to be able to address your concerns, so please let us know, even though the ‘official’ public comment period for the hearing has ended.”

Familiar Faces & Struggles

It just so happens that I was about 20 minutes late for the start of the meeting, in part because the traffic on BBD was particularly gridlocked that evening.

More lanes and more turn lanes (bottom illustration) will help alleviate the bottlenecks on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. by Spring 2013. It’s only five or six miles from my whenever I go back. Many of the people who attended this most recent office to Wharton High, which norpublic hearing are folks who have mally takes 15-20 minutes, even during rush hour. That night, however, it been involved in New Tampa’s transportation woes as long (or at least took more than 35 minutes for me to almost as long) as I have, from Joe make that same trip, but while it was frustrating, I felt it also was fitting. No and Debby Amon of Pebble Creek to Bill Schneider of Tampa Palms and one who made their way from any from Lutfi Jadallah of Meadow Pointe part of New Tampa could possibly to Councilman Caetano himself. think BBD doesn’t need to be Like I said earlier, it’s nice that widened, even though some in attenanother New Tampa road project is dance I spoke with wished it were being built in my lifetime — and I’ve only being widened to six lanes total, been waiting for this one for a instead of eight. I also always like it looooong time.. But now, here comes when public officials, most of whom the really hard part for us — trying to (whether elected or staff members) live — and make a living — in this don’t find their way “up here” from downtown very often, get a first-hand area while this project is being built. I taste of our traffic issues. know it’ll end up being worth it when I’ve been attending meetings like it’s all said an done, but until then, this since 1994 and I have to say it’s let’s try to keep our spirits up and our road rage down. always like old home week for me

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City Examines Issues Related To The I-75 Bridge Project By Michael Smith While the widening of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. is now under way, the City of Tampa has agreed to delay the start of construction on its planned bridge over I-75 between Tampa Palms and West Meadows. The decision to do so was an effort to placate residents of the two subdivisions who will be most affected by the bridge—residents who expressed fears that if the bridge was built before the widening of BBD began, their neighborhoods would become a bypass route for drivers looking to avoid the dust and delays caused by the widening. However, city officials continue to work towards moving forward with the project, and recently revealed the results of a traffic safety study that the city had commissioned to look at issues related to the bridge project as it would affect the two neighborhoods — West Meadows and Tampa Palms Areas 4 & 8 (nearest to Commerce Park Blvd.). The city hired consulting firm Vanus, Inc., to conduct the study, and according to a presentation given by Vanus representatives and city officials to the members of the Board of Directors of the Tampa Palms Community Development District (CDD) earlier this month, the purpose of the study was fourfold: 1) to identify the citizens’ concerns; 2) to collect current data; 3) to perform necessary traffic analyses; and 4) to make recommendations for potential improvements. The Vanus study concluded that the top areas of concern for residents of the two subdivisions were the potential for cut-through traffic, especially on Tampa Palms Blvd. and on New Tampa Blvd., the effects that traffic would have on the safety of pedestrians, bikers and other drivers, the delays that traffic would cause within the two neighborhoods and other issues related to the decline in quality of life that the traffic problems would be expected to cause. Vanus’ study looked at both the

major roadways and side streets that would most likely be impacted by the bridge project, and included speed and volume counts on all of the roadways and at specific intersections within the project area, turning movements at the intersections and an analysis of the accidents that already occur in those areas. The main roadways examined in the study were New Tampa Blvd. (specifically the segment between Meadow Pine Dr. and BBD), Commerce Park Blvd. (between W. Tampa Palms Blvd. and the Freedom High/ Liberty Middle School campus), the entire length of Tampa Palms Blvd., both east and west of BBD, and Amberly Dr. The study also specifically looked at issues related to access to the Liberty/Freedom campus, access to the New Tampa Center plaza at BBD and New Tampa Blvd., school bus stops on New Tampa Blvd. and access to the West Meadows Community Center. After looking at all those things, the consulting firm made a list of 36 separate recommendations to improve traffic conditions within the study area, both now and when the bridge is built. Most of the recommendations, 14, target New Tampa Blvd., and especially the access to the New Tampa Center. The study noted the hazardous conditions that currently exist at the entrance to the plaza from New Tampa Blvd., where through traffic has to compete with vehicles trying to get into and out of the plaza and the lines of cars that queue up at the BBD New Tampa Blvd. intersection. The study notes that as part of the BBD widening project, dual left turn lanes will be installed from eastbound New Tampa Blvd. to northbound BBD, and an additional eastbound lane will be added for vehicles going across BBD to Cross Creek Blvd. Therefore, they did not recommend that a traffic signal be installed at that entrance, but they did call for one at the plaza entrance at BBD and Regents Park Dr.

S. (which was not originally included in the BBD widening plans, but which has now been added, see the BBD widening story which begins on page 1). Vanus also suggested revising the timing of the existing traffic signal at BBD and New Tampa Blvd., restriping the roadway to reduce some of the confusion for drivers, and changing the landscaping in the median of New Tampa Blvd. to give drivers clearer lines of sight in all directions. Meanwhile, on the Tampa Palms side, many of the study recommendations dealt with access to the school campus on Commerce Park Blvd. Vanus noted that the area becomes a traffic nightmare, especially on school days, when buses mix with both student drivers and vehicles driven by parents trying to pick up their children. “No kids who attend Liberty Middle live on the other side of I-75, so all the cars (driven by parents picking up their children from Liberty) go down there and turn around,” says Maggie Wilson, a consultant for the Tampa Palms CDD. “So when the bridge opens, it going to become an even bigger mess down there.” Among the recommendations that Vanus made to alleviate the situation at the school campus are additional turn

lanes at the school’s northernmost driveway, as well as a part-time traffic signal at that driveway and additional speed limit signs along that stretch of Commerce Park Blvd. Wilson says the CDD Board was told that the city is working with officials from the Hillsborough County School District to make those recommended changes. Other recommendations targeted the intersections of W. Tampa Palms Blvd. and Amberly Dr. and at W. Tampa Palms Blvd. and the Shoppes at The Pointe Plaza, which are both noted as places where accidents frequently occur, and at the intersection of New Tampa Blvd. and Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., where Vanus noted that a traffic signal may be warranted in the future. Although we were unable to reach city transportation officials for comment, Wilson says the city officials she’s talked to have said they are committed to either make the recommended changes themselves, or to work with other entities, such as the Hillsborough County School District, the CDD and the Tampa Palms Homeowners Association, to get them done. A complete copy of the traffic study results can be found at the website for the West Meadows community, West-Meadows.org.

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N EW T AMPA

Community Calendar

Household Items Needed

A couple of months ago, we told you about Starting Right, Now, a new New Tampa-based program that assists homeless families and students with finding new homes, jobs and other resources. Now, program founder Vicki Sokolik says that need has been so great, the organization desperately needs all kinds of household items, such as linens, towels, pots and pans, utensils, etc. Monetary donations also are very welcome. For info about how you can help, visit StartingRightNow.org.

Health & Wellness Fair

Monday, February 1-Thursday, February 4 - The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute’s Integrative Medicine Department will host a free health & wellness fair, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. each day, at the Moffitt Clinic Building at 12902 Magnolia Dr., on the University of South Florida campus. The fair will include free chair massages, yoga and tai chi demonstrations, wellness consultations, live music and more. For more information, call Sarah Rausch at 745-2194.

New Tampa Noon Rotary Wednesday, February 3 – The

New Tampa Noon Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon at Circles New Tampa Bistro (19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in the Pebble Creek Collection shopping plaza). On February 10, New Tampa Neighborhood News editor Gary Nager will be the featured speaker. Gary will provide a full update on the widening of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. and the plans for the New Tampa Gateway Bridge over I-75 linking West Meadows to Tampa Palms. Seating will be limited. If you’d like to attend the Feb. 10 meeting, please call 973-7703 or 910-2575 by Friday, February 5.

New Tampa Kiwanis Club

Wednesday, February 3 – The Kiwanis Club of New Tampa meets every Wednesday at 11:45 am at the Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd). For more info, please send an email to info@newtampakiwanis.org or visit www.newtampakiwanis.org.

Business Networking Int’l

Wednesday, February 3 – Business Networking International (BNI), a group of business professionals dedicated to helping their businesses grow

All 3 Local Rotary Clubs To Team Up For 2010 Pig Roast

Although New Tampa’s original Rotary Club, which meets Fridays, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, started the annual Pig Roast tradition, the older club invited the New Tampa Noon Rotary Club (which meets Wednesdayys at noon at Circles New Tampa Bistro) to join in the Pig Roast fun the last two years. This year, the fledgling New Tampa Evening Rotary Club (which meets Thursday evening, 6:15 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club) will also help with the event, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 21, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Cross Creek Blvd. You can expect even more teams roasting pigs, with lots of prizes, music and as always, a fun family atmosphere. To sponsor or volunteer at this year’s Pig Roast, visit any of the area’s three Rotary Clubs. — GN ership and character-building activities, including flight training. For additional info, visit Wesley ChapelCAP. com or call Cheryl Spence at 973-7270.

through qualified referrals, meets every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at Heritage Isles Clubhouse (18630 Plantation Bay Dr., off Cross Creek Blvd.). For more information, call Jal Irani at 451-8229.

North East Tampa Women In Business

Civil Air Patrol

Thursday, February 4 – The North East Tampa Women in Business (NETWIB) group will hold its first meeting for the New Year at 6 p.m. at Hunter’s Green County Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). Guests are welcome, but registration is requested. To register, or for more information, call president Kay Dunn at 841-5932 or visit NETWIB.org.

Wednesday, February 3 – 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., off S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel). Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the volunteer civilian auxiliary arm of the U.S. Air Force, and membership 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 lead-

New Tampa Evening Rotary Club

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Tampa Evening Rotary Club meets every Thursday, 6:15 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club (18101 Longwater Run Dr.). For more information, call Sherri Ferguson at 892-9782.

Computer Workshops

Thursday, February 4 – Every Thursday, the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.) offers computer workshops for adults. Upcoming topics include: mouse skills, internet search engines and working with menus, toolbars and graphic objects in Microsoft Office. Registration is required in person, no earlier than one hour before the beginning of the workshop. Call 273-3652 for more info.

New Tampa Rotary Club

Friday, February 5 – The New Tampa Rotary Club meets every Friday, 7 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (TPG&CC, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). On February 5, the group’s guest speaker will be Dr. Zhaoying Han of The Confucius Center at the University of South Florida. All club members and their guests are invited to attend. For more information, visit NewTampaRotary.org or contact Karen Frashier at 375-2663.

Women-N-Charge

Friday, February 5 – Women-NCharge, a group that offers education and support for business women, meets the first Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at Pebble Creek Golf Club (10550 Regents Park Dr.). For more information, visit Women-n-Charge.com or call Sue Davis at 435-5128.

Temple Ohev Shalom

Saturday, February 6 – Temple Ohev Shalom (6460 Tampa Palms Blvd.) will host a variety of events throughout the month of February, including Shabbat services at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, and at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, February 12; a Community Bagel Brunch and Open House for the Temple’s religious school on Sunday, February 21, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively; and a Purim Carnival that will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 28. For more info about these and other events, call 632-9900 or visit TempleOhevShalom.org.

Liberty Middle School Chorus Garage Sale

Saturday, February 6 – In order to raise money for a trip to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City later this spring, the advanced chorus students from Liberty Middle School will hold a Garage Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, at the

ATTENTION: In order 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 First Baptist Church of New Tampa (28125 County Line Rd., off BBD, in Meadow Pointe).

Red Hat Society

Thursday, February 11 – A new chapter of the Red Hat Society for ladies over 50 meets on the second Thursday of each month. For more information, send an e-mail to livingood326@verizon.net.

New Tampa Job Networking Group

Wednesday, February 17 – The New Tampa Job Networking Group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (5338 Primrose Lake Circle). For more information, call 9073057 or visit SaintAndy.com.

Free Jazz Concert

Monday, February 22 – In celebration of Black History Month, the New Tampa Regional Library (10001 Cross Creek Blvd.) will host a free performance by accomplished jazz singer

Rose Bilal, who has sung with the likes of Gladys Knight & The Pips and The O’Jays and recently packed houses in Europe with her unique style. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. For more info, call 903-2284.

Free Memory Screenings

Monday, February 22-Friday, February 26 – If you’re concerned with changes in your memory or the memory of someone close to you, the University of South Florida Alzheimer’s Center will offer free memory screenings at the Johnnie B. Byrd Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute (4001 E. Fletcher Ave.). The screenings take approximately 30 minutes, and appointments are required. For more info, or to make an appointment, call 974-4355. Are You Raising Money For Any Not-For-Profit Cause?

Let us help you promote your group’s efforts! Send info, with pictures to NTNNedit@yahoo.com and see page 14 for this issue’s fund-raising recap.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Haiti Earthquake Relief Taking Center Fund-Raising Stage By Gary Nager The earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti obviously have left most Americans feeling like we want to do something to help the millions of people affected by this horrific natural disaster. Already one of the poorest countries in the world, the earthquake which decimated the capital of Port-au-Prince has rightfully made Haiti the epicenter of attention for those wanting to help their fellow man, woman and child. With quick links on the internet and text message donations helping to quickly raise hundreds of millions of dollars in the U.S. for legitimate causes like the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, OXFAM-America (which benefited from the multi-megastar “HOPE for Haiti Now” telethon on January 22) and others within the first two weeks after the quake, it became obvious to me that, despite our reputation for apathy and a still-shaky economy, most Americans of any means whatsoever felt compelled to do something after seeing just a few images of the death and destruction a few hundred miles south of us. Of course, just as there were in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina’s devastation in New Orleans and the Missis-

sippi Gulf Coast, there already are warnings of scam organizations using names similar to legitimate charities trying to bilk you out of your $10 (or more) donation, so please continue to give, but be careful of to whom you’re giving your hard-earned money. I also remember when Katrina hit that the Red Cross in particular was warning those making donations that the money collected would benefit the Red Cross as a whole and there were no guarantees the money raised at that time would go to directly benefit the hurricane victims. It seems now that all of the major charities involved (there are links to nearly two dozen organizations) on Yahoo.com alone) in the relief efforts in Haiti are allowing donors to earmark their funds for “Haiti Earthquake.” The hope here is that the money will actually used to help those devastated neighbors of ours and that, most important of all, it can help the Haitian people recover from this terrible ordeal and rebuild their country. Of course, the people of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel have always tried to help those in need, so even though most of the following notes are regarding efforts not related to the disaster in Haiti, to us, the people involved in these and any other efforts to help

others are still worth highlighting in these pages, whether the efforts rase $1 or $1 million, To that end, I hope you will continue to send us information about anything you or your organization are doing to help those in need. Please send information and pictures (in any digital photo format) to NTNNedit@yahoo.com.

Deacon Blues For Haiti

Although I’m no longer a member of the group (thankfully for everyone involved), I hope you will attend the free “Blues for Haiti” concert by the Deacon Blues band on Saturday, February 6, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., at The Palms Lounge at Peabody’s (15333 Amberly Dr., in the Shoppes at Amberly plaza). The concert is free, but cash and other donations will be accepted at the door and, considering that several members of the Deacon Blues are emergency room doctors, they can guarantee that 100 percent of the proceeds will be given directly to those in need in Haiti. Reservations are not required, but for more info, call 972-1725.

Easter Seals Photo Contest

All kids are special and can make a difference. It’s as simple as a smile. Bob and Kim Thompson, owners

(L. to r) Michael Martz, Bernie Desrosiers, Dr. Kelly O’Keefe and the rest of the Deacon Blues Band will play a benefit concert for Haiti at The Palms Lounge on Feb. 6. of Thompson Studios on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, joined the Easter Seals Florida Tampa Bay Region Board of Directors a year ago and have committed themselves to continuously raise money to help the children of Easter Seals. This commitment comes not only from their hearts, but also from the Thompsons’ experience with their son, Eric, who was born with Down syndrome and a host of other life-threatening health issues. With the support and love from professionals in the special needs community, however, today Eric is a happy

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

and healthy 16-year-old freshman at New Tampa’s Wharton High. “I don’t know what we would have done then or how well our son would be doing now without the early intervention therapies, counseling and friendship of the professionals in the special needs community,” says Kim. One of those professionals was a young woman named (at that time) Aleisha Wilber, who babysat for Eric from when he was 3 until he was 5 years old, while she attended the speech language pathology program at the University of South Florida. The Thompsons lost track of Aleisha when she completed college and started her own career, but 10 years later, Aleisha (whose last name is now Linck) walked into Thompson Studios. Not only did she become a professional speech pathologist, she also got married, had two children and became the administrative director of Independent Living Pediatrics speech pathology clinic, which recently opened its second outpatient therapy clinic in the Summergate Professional Center in Seven Oaks. With open hearts and an excitement for creating a fun and worthwhile project that will bring smiles to many young faces, Aleisha, Kim and Bob together created “Portraits in the Park,” a photo contest where ten kids will be chosen to participate in a professional photo shoot — and the selected

images will permanently hang in Independent Living Pediatrics’ clinic in Seven Oaks. To enter, send $20 and a photo of your child’s smiling face to the Portraits in the Park photo contest (see below), which is open to children ages 1-10, from all walks of life, with and without special needs,. One in five households has a child with a special health care need, yet with early intervention, half of them will go to school without needing special services. Each $20 entry fee goes directly to Easter Seals of Tampa Bay to help these children hope, dream and succeed. The ten winners of the contest will be announced in early February and will get to participate in a professional portrait shoot by New Tampa’s awardwinning Thompson Studios. The winning portraits also will be displayed in a futureNeighborhood News, announced through the Thompson Studios’ e-newsletter, on the studio’ s blog and on Independent Living’s web site. The final art pieces will be showcased in a one-night gallery opening at Thompson Studios honoring all contest participants, before permanently hanging in the park-like lobby of Independent Living Pediatrics, which specializes in physical, occupational and speech therapy to bring out the best in every child. Winners will receive an eightimage portfolio of the photo shoot.

To enter, send a 3’ x 5’ color photograph, a parent’s e-mail address, telephone number, home address and include the $20 entry fee payable to “Easter Seals Tampa Bay” and mail it to Thompson Studios, 10329H Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647. Photos will not be returned. Entry fees are tax deductible. Make your check payable to “Easter Seals Tampa Bay.” The deadline for entries (L. to r.) Bob & Bonnie Bishop, WineStyles is February 28, 2010. It all starts owner Troy Melquist, Dave & Sue Andreywith a smile. When children smile, chuk helped raise about $1,000 to benefit the everyone wins. Suncoast Chapter of the Leukemia & LymAndreychuks Help phoma Society.

Leukemia Society Event

In December, New Tampa resident Bonnie Bishop was happy to be able to enlist the help of fellow New Tampa resident and former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk and his wife Sue for an event Bonnie hosted at WineStyles (in front of the SuperTarget-anchored Northwood shopping center on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. at County Line Rd. The event, which featured outstanding food 100-percent donated by Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms, live entertainment, free chair massages and silent auctions, as well as wine tastings by WineStyles owner Troy Melquist, brought together about 30 of Bishop’s friends to raise

about $1,000 to benefit the Suncoast Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Team in Training” of which Bonnie is a member. Bishop said she wasn’t really concerned about how much money she raised, “because every little bit really does help.” Andreychuk, who autographed bottles of wine for attendees (as well as a hockey stick that was auctioned off), said, “It’s a great cause and the Bishops are good friends of ours,. Sue and I were happy to help.” If you’d like to help (or find out more about) the Suncoast Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit Leukemia Lymphoma.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

New Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

2008-09 NTCC Board of Directors President-Scott D. Estes

Board Members:

15310 Amberly Dr., Suite 250 Tampa, FL 33647 Information: (813) 293-2464 Fax: (813) 973-8259

Matt Palmer, Treas. Rachel Haviland, Secy. Connie Bladon Seema Jain Jerry Miller

Website: NewTampa.Org “under construction”

Rodney Koschman Kristen Kipp Regina Ramalheira Mary Ann Yaney Matt Urbanovsky

Administrative Assistant: Karen Frashier

Happy New Year & Get Ready For The 2010 Taste Of New Tampa! If you ‘ve ever attended the Taste of New Tampa® & Business & Health Expo in the past, then you know what it’s like. The Taste is the place where you can spend an entire afternoon savoring nibbles from all of the major restaurants in and around New Tampa, listen to great live music and have a wonderful time with your family, friends and neighbors. On Sunday, April 18, the New Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host the 17th annual Taste at Freedom High in Tampa Palms, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. This year, the Taste also will feature an area for artists and unique craft artisans along with all the food and family-oriented fun. The Taste of New Tampa® also is an awesome opportunity to highlight your business to literally thousands of potential customers. We hope you will want to become an event sponsor again this year, or at least pay to set up a business booth at the event. This will be the first year that the Taste will officially be hosted buy New tampa’s own Chamber of Commerce, as the previous 16 Tastes were hosted by the New Tampa Community Todd J. Wiener, DMD, PA General Dentistry 14201 Professional Plaza • 14201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd

Council, which no longer exists. And, just as the “old” NTCC did, the Chamber will again rely upon volunteers to help run New Tampa’s bestattended single-day annual event. If your organization is looking for ways to volunteer your time, this is a great opportunity. Please contact us at info @newtampachamber.org for more information about how your business or organization can become a part of the Taste of New Tampa.

Ambassadors Wanted!

The New Tampa Chamber also is seeking ambassadors who will assist with ribbon cuttings and welcoming new Chamber members. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are among the most visible ways most chambers of commerce get involved with the local business community and the New Tampa Chamber Board would like to see that tradition take hold here as well. If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a Chamber ambassador or about having a Chamber ribbon-cutting, please contact Kristen Kipp-Palinsky at KKPalinsky@intellispacesolutions.co m or call 514-2888 for details.

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You Can Get Involved With The New Tampa Chamber Of Commerce At These Monthly Events! Chamber Luncheons - The 2nd Monday of each month at Pebble Creek Golf Club. Registration opens at 11:30; lunch is served at noon.

Chamber Breakfasts - The 3rd Tuesday of each month at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club. Registration at 7:30 a.m., breakfast is served at noon. Networking Happy Hours - The last Thursday of the month at Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Tampa Palms at 5:30 p.m. Please call the NTCC Hotline at 293-2464 for exact start times.

Membership Drive Kicking Into High Gear!

Our membership drive kicks off in February, and our luncheon on Monday, February 8, will feature John Walkinshaw, the executive director of the Hillsborough River Watershed Alliance. He will explain “What businesses and citizens can do to protect our watershed.” The Cypress Creek Preserve, which has been in the news quite a bit because of the stillunbuilt Cypress Creek Town Center mall and planned development, is an important part of the Hillsborough watershed. The Watershed Alliance is a not-for-profit environmental organization that has provided education, research, and community forums since 1992. We therefore hope you will join us on Feb. 8, noon to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Golf Club (on N. Regents Park Dr., opposite the WalMart Supercenter). As of this writing, the New Tampa Chamber has nearly 180

members and our goal is to grow to 500 members within five years! Look for more details about the benefits of a New Tampa Chamber membership at our upcoming breakfast meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 8 a.m.-9 a.m., at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club (5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.). We’re looking forward to all the new friends and connections we will make this year. We hope to see you all at our next event. Scott Estes President New Tampa Chamber

NewTampa.org Website Still Being Developed Please be advised that the Chamber’s website — NewTampa.org — is still in the process of being completely overhauled and upgraded. There currently is some basic info about the Chamber on the site, but it will soon have much more info, links to our members’ websites and more.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

City Plaza Publix In Tampa Palms Comes Crashing Down By Michael Smith After 20-plus years as the place to shop for groceries in Tampa Palms, the Publix supermarket at the City Plaza shopping center is no more. The store closed its doors for the last time on January 2, and workmen spent the next couple of weeks removing refrigerators, freezers and other equipment from the empty shell of the building before cranes and bulldozers moved in last week to tear it down. According to project manager

Randy Boyette of Hawkins Construction, the old store will have to be completely removed, all the way down to the foundation, to allow for new utilities to be placed for the new, larger and more modern store that will be built in its place. Boyette said that the demolition of the former store, which opened in 1988, was expected to be completed by the time you receive this issue of the New Tampa Neighborhood News, and work on the new Publix would begin shortly after that. Construction of the new store,

It’s the end of an era as bulldozers tear down the Publix grocery store in City Plaza at Tampa Palms.

Despite his close proximity to the construction, Steve Rothfarb of Frame By Frame Gallery (who took these photos for us), says his business will stay open.

which will measure 54,340 sq. ft., about 5,000 sq. ft. larger than the old one, is expected to take approximately nine months. During that time, the facade of the plaza itself will also be renovated, and the parking lot will be resurfaced. While the new store will

take some of the space formerly occupied by the Bostonian Hair Studio & Spa, Java Joe’s coffeehouse and Oliver’s Bike Shop, all of which are now closed, the rest of the businesses in the plaza will remain open during the construction of the new Publix.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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.

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 just fine.” 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-off their first grooming visit.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

USF Dermatology Offers Comprehensive Care For Your Skin By Melissa O’Brien One of the many great quality-oflife features about New Tampa is its close proximity to the University of South Florida (USF). In addition to offering our community great sports and arts events, we auspiciously benefit from being neighbors to a teaching hospital with its many medical advancements and the expert care it provides patients. These benefits include the great team of physicians at the USF Health Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. “One of the most important things we want New Tampa residents to know is that we are here to serve the community,” says professor Neil Fenske, M.D., Chair of Dermatology at USF Health, who was recently named among four dermatologists in the Southeast and 17 nationwide as America’s Top Doctors for Women in Women’s Health magazine. “A lot of patients think they need a referral to see us, but they can come here of their own volition to see our doctors.” “When you come in to see us, you have the added benefit of having

a resident with a physician,” he adds. “It increases the quality of care to have two sets of eyes looking at you and every patient has a team working for them. Dermatology is one of the most competitive and difficult medical specialties. Because it is so competitive, we have the best and the brightest residents.” The physicians at the USF Health Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of both common and rare skin disorders in patients of all ages. From psoriasis and eczema to aging skin and Mohs skin cancer removal (a form of surgery that removes the least amount of tissue), USF Dermatology offers a wide range of services for patients. It is staffed by a team of physicians certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Physicians in the practice in addition to Dr. Fenske include Philip Shenefelt, M.D., Basil Cherpelis, M.D., George Cohen, M.D., and Mary Lien, M.D. Physicians Jane Messina, M.D., and L. Frank Glass, M.D., are dermatopathologists with the team but do not see patients. Patients can often receive same-day

Dr. Neil Fenske, M.D., heads up the USF Dermatology Dept. appointments because of the office’s physician extenders – Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP) and Physician’s Assistants (PA) who also can see patients. Dr. Fenske started the department 33 years ago. “It is the only job I have ever had,” he says. Fenske, who lives in South Tampa and is a member of the Ye Mystic Crewe of Gasparilla and the USF Boosters, adds “I have trained many residents who now work throughout the Tampa Bay area and throughout the country.” Dr. Fenske also adds that there has been an evolution in the practice

of dermatology over the years. “There has been a dermatological metamorphosis,” he says. “It is not just acne and warts. Twenty-five years ago, a small part of the practice was skin cancer and melanoma. Across the country now, there is more skin cancer in an aging population. For many years the popular thing to do was to go to the beach. There is a whole wave of older patients who didn’t use sunscreens when they were young. In more recent years, because of people’s interest in remaining youthful, dermatology also transformed into a surgical specialty which is now a major part of our training program.” Dr. Fenske says the beauty of USF’s program is that they offer comprehensive dermatological care. “We have a complete menu of services,” says Dr. Fenske. “We need to be comprehensive providers of services because to be accredited, we need to offer comprehensive training opportunities for our residents.” Some of the other services USF Dermatology offers include cosmetic and general dermatology, treatment for acne, rosacea, sun-tanned skin, laser vein therapy, pediatric dermatol-

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

USF Dermatology staff regularly go out into the community to perform community outreach. They offer “Melanoma Monday” cancer screenings and have performed free cancer screenings at sporting events and at community functions around the Tampa Bay area. Sandra Koch of Carrollwood says she likes the USF Dermatology practice because the doctors are knowledgeable about the latest procedures and have perfected their techniques. “There are doctors who perform cosmetic procedures out of their office, but it is not their first specialty,” she says. “Dr. Fenske has perfected his techniques and for him, it is almost like an art. He takes all the necessary precautions and does it with finesse, so I think the results you get are better.” Koch says she first visited the office for a discoloration on her face

but since then has had other cosmetic procedures done as well. “The office staff is, by far, the most professional I have ever been to,” she says. “They make you feel right at home and answer every question you have. I think the community does not take advantage as much as we should of the USF Hospital. They are up on every latest procedure because they are a teaching hospital. Dr. Fenske is always on the cutting edge of knowing what is new.” USF Health Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery has two offices — 12901 Bruce B. Down Blvd. on the USF Campus and 17 Davis Blvd., Ste. 402, on Davis Islands. Both offices are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call the USF office at 974-4744 or the Davis Islands office at 259-8694 or visit www.usfdermatology.com.

Dr. Fenske and two members of his team, residents Sarah Bair, M.D., and Brooke Baldwin, M.D., examine a patient for signs of cancer. ogy, Botox, skin cancer screenings and treatment for skin of color, for which there is a growing need in the community but which few physicians offer. The group even offers hypnosis to

reduce anxiety, needle phobia and pain during cutaneous surgery, as well as reducing postoperative discomfort. In addition to the work they perform in the office, the members of the

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

We Salute Our Local Teacher/Employee Of The Year Nominees By Michael Smith We all know that teachers and other school employees are some of the hardest working, and yet most underpaid and under-appreciated people around, so we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the candidates from our area who were nominated for the various 2010-11 Hillsborough County School District employee of the year awards. One teacher from every public school in the county is nominated by his or her peers for the coveted Teacher of the Year (ToY) award, but there also are awards for the best Instructional Support Employee (ISE) of the Year, which is given to employees other than teachers who do the most to support students and education at their schools; and for the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year (IBDE), which is named after former educator Ida S. Baker, the first African-American to be appointed Deputy Superintendent in the Florida Department of Education, and is awarded to the person who goes above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of the District’s diverse student population.

Five finalists have been selected from each category, and the winners of each award were scheduled to be named at a special ceremony held by the Hillsborough Education Foundation last week. We have two finalists in our area (in bold), and if either of them wins in their respective categories, we will have a follow up in our next issue. The nominees for each award from our area are: • Bartels Middle: ToY – Angela Blakley; ISE – Ann Krawczyk; IBDE – Megan Leahy.

• Heritage Elementary: ToY – Lora Torres; ISE – Clinton Allen; IBDE – Charles Stanback. • Hunter’s Green Elementary: ToY – Nancy Elliott; ISE – Nydia DeHoyos; IBDE – Joni Cagle. • Liberty Middle : ToY – Dena Pisaneschi; ISE – Debra Tetlow; IBDE – Phillip Lana. • Pride Elementary: ToY – Lindsay

Green; ISE – Omayra SinclairFontanez; IBDE – Hannah Bowman. • Tampa Palms Elementary: ToY – Brent Paschal; ISE – Awilda Valentin; IBDE – Mary Carroll.

• Turner Elementary: ToY – Melissa Russo; ISE – Carlos Sierra; IBDE – Susan Hopper. • Wharton High: ToY – Barbara Woolley; ISE – Iris Noriega; IBDE – Kedric Harris.

• Benito Middle: ToY – Mary Baker; ISE – Joni McCraryl IBDE – Patricia Brown. • Chiles Elementary: ToY – Melanie Mucitelli; ISE – Suzie Morse - Finalist; IBDE – Zunia Hill. • Clark Elementary: ToY – Dawna Marsee; ISE - Kimberly Yodzis; IBDE – Kelly Wisneski. • Freedom High: ToY – Crystal Dukes – Finalist; ISE – Jamal Guiler; IBDE – Hugh Herndon.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

N EW T AMPA

Education Updates

Elementary School ‘Foresters’ Plant Pine Trees For Arbor Day By Michael Smith On January 15, which was Arbor Day here in Florida, fourth and fifth grade students here in New Tampa and around the county rolled up their sleeves and contributed to the “greening” of the Earth by planting pine tree seedlings at their schools. The project was part of a countywide effort spearheaded by Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful, Inc. (KHCB), with the support of Republic Waste Services and the Fourth Grade Foresters USA program, who donated nearly 1,000 pine tree seedlings to be planted at 12 county schools, including Heritage Elementary in the Cross Creek area and Lawton Chiles Elementary in Tampa Palms. At Heritage Elementary, the school’s chorus opened the ceremony with a few songs about trees and their importance to the environment, and then, cheered on by KHCB mascot

“Pete the Pelican Pirate,” the school’s fourth graders planted 96 young pine trees in a line along the school’s back fence boundary, burying haiku poems that they had written in the holes along with the seedlings. “This project was made possible because community businesses like Republic Waste Services helped cover the cost of each of the individually packaged evergreen trees, so that there was no cost to the students, the teachers, the school or the taxpayers,” said KHCB education and outreach coordinator Pat DePlasco. Heritage Elementary principal Shirley Porebski said that as part of the Fourth Grade Forester program, the students will continue to care for the trees as they grow. She said they will also have to try and protect them from the deer that occasionally wander onto the school’s campus, and turned the school’s vegetable garden into a smorgasbord last year.

Heritage Elementary fourth graders carefully plant their trees.

Heritage Elementary Kindergarten Round-Up Is Feb. 18

Heritage Elementary (18201 East Meadows Rd., off Cross Creek Blvd.) will host a Kindergarten Round-Up for prospective students and their families, beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 18. At the event, parents can tour the school, meet the teachers and get information about the kindergarten program. For more information, call the school office at 740-4580.

whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, baton twirling, ventriloquism, or whatever, then you’re invited to register for the the 27th annual “Spotlight on Talent” competition, sponsored by the Heritage Arts Center Association (HACA) of Pasco County. The competition, which includes different age categories for both solo and group acts, is open to students up to the 12th grade. Trophies are awarded for the top three finishers in each category, along with more than $2,000 in cash prizes. The deadline for entries is Thursday, February 11. Entry forms and other information can be found on the HACA website, heritagearts.org.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Wharton Dominates All Three Games Against Freedom!

The weekend of January 22-24 was a great weekend to be a Wildcat, as the Wharton high boys and girls basketball teams and the school’s ice hockey team all dominated New Tampa rival Freedom High. It’s been a couple of years since I attended a Wharton vs. Freedom boys or girls basketball game, but I was onhand, giving away some free prizes as the 22-1 ‘Cats boys knocked off the 9-9 Pats 66-46 and the 18-4 Wildcats girls topped the 16-5 Lady Patriots 65-42 in front of a packed crowd at Freedom that left disappointed. The bad news continued the following evening, as a group of white-hot ‘Cats moved into a tie for first place in the local high school club team league playing at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum by knocking off the fifth-place ‘Pats 4-1. On the hardwood, the game between the two girls teams was expected to be closer than the final score, but Wharton’s power inside of freshman sensations Shayla Cooper (19 points) and Tesha Hanson (18) was too much for the Pats, who were led by guards (and co-captains) Shaunice Hobbs (16) and Kaitlynn Pacholke (15). Wharton’s boys, ranked in the top25 in the state, were every bit as dominant as the girls, bringing the trophy for

this year’s “Neighborhood Hoops Classic” back home. (Note-Visit The BlueCrew.net for more WHS hoops info). The game was close until the last minute or so of the first quarter, but Wharton pulled away and never looked back. The ‘Cats were led in scoring by juniors A.J. Astroth and Xavier Owens, who had 20 and 17 points, (Above) Freedom girls basketball coach Lauren respectively. Pacholke tries to keep her team in the game. High-flying senior guard Damian Dixon was and the high-speed checking the big sparkplug all night, as his exploof Jake Nager and John sive first step and play above the rim at Collins and inspired netmindonly 6’-1” tall electrified the crowd. ing by J.P. d’Ambrosio, who Owens had two monster dunks that outdueled rival Chris Burt drove the Wharton faithful into a frenzy. between the pipes. Shaun Coach Tommy Tonelli, who never won Dickinson had the only goal a State title despite several outstanding for the ‘Pats. years on the bench at Wharton, has a At our press time, Wharsurefire contender this year. ton was set to play Newsome And, on the ice, the Wildcats (14Blue, the other team tied for 3) avenged an earlier loss to Freedom first place, while Freedom fell (10-6) with its best effort of the year at 2-1/2 games between fourth both ends of the ice. Four different place Jesuit (12-3-2). ‘Cats scored goals, led by freshman wing Look for more Wharton Mikey Lozicki (1 goal, 1 assist) and cap- and Freedom winter sports tain Matt Cazes (two assists) on offense updates next issue. — GN

(Top) Wharton’s Damian Dixon was a blur all night. (Above) Jake Nager keeps the puck away from three Patriots. If you want to see significantly better hockey pics than mine, visit Frozen-Photos.com.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Local Squads Advance To State Cheer Championships Congratulations to the competitive cheerleading squads at Wharton and Freedom high schools, both of which competed in the Western Conference championship at Freedom High on January 19.

Bloomingdale High won the conference meet, but both Freedom and Wharton did well enough to advance to the state championships, which will be held at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee on February 5-6.

Photos courtesy of Amazing Sports Photos (AmazingPictures.com).

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Benito Jaguars Score An Undefeated Season

The Benito Middle School boys basketball team completed a 5-0 2009 season. “Benito pride is hard to hide!” … as the Benito boys basketball team completed an undefeated Fall 2009 season. Through the outstanding talents of Coach Kevin Howard, Coach Rodney Sharpe and Coach Linden James, the Benito boys were 5-0 this year. It was the team’s first undefeated season in more than five years, as the Jaguars achieved victories over Van Buren, Buchanan, Bartels, Greco and Liberty Middle Schools. “You can always win with athletic talent, especially in basketball,” Coach

Howard stated. “But it’s wonderful to see our entire Benito team step up and continue to exhibit teamwork, class and leadership both on and off the court. As a coach and teacher, that is the true measure of success and I am so very proud of these boys this year!” These dynamic 8th graders led the pack with ongoing full-court pressure and terrific shot making. And it goes without saying that the victories would not have occurred without the powerful support of the talented Benito 6th and 7th grade players.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Experience The Magic Of Valentine’s Day Any Day At The Don CeSar! By Gary Nager The next few pages of this issue are devoted to giving you some romantic ideas for St. Valentine’s day — Sunday, February 14. I may not have all the answers, but since Valentine’s Day is still mainly about her, I’ve come up with a quick guide to some of the best places to bring that special someone to stay, dine and/or shop for her not only for this most romantic of holidays, but every day.

The Most Romantic Hotel — The DonCeSar ! If you’ve lived in the Tampa Bay area for any period of time, you’ve probably heard of the DonCeSar, A Loews Hotel, aka “The Pink Palace.” Originally built by Thomas Rowe to be a replica of the Royal Waikiki Hotel, the Don became a military hospital in 1942,when Rowe’s estranged wife allowed it to fall into disrepair. Some say the hotel is actually haunted by a woman named Lucinda, the great love of Rowe’s life, although I’ve seen no evidence of ghosts any of the times I’ve stayed there. Now restored to even greater glory, the Don, one of the Bay area’s most famous destinations, still sits alongside the crystal blue waters and white sands of St. Pete Beach. It’s also easily, in one man’s opinion, the most romantic hotel you can bring that special someone to this Valentine’s Day — or any day, for that matter.

(Above left) There’s no more romantic place you can stay than at the Don CeSar, a Loews Hotel, aka “The Pink Palace.”(Above right) Even the lobby at the Don is the perfect combination of soothing and exciting. (Below) One of the Don’s elegant guest rooms. As visually stunning as the Don is from the outside (and many couples have gotten married in the hotel’s spectacular courtyard), it’s even more breathtaking inside. The elegant lobby is home to the Maritana Grille, an outstanding culinary experience (see below), as well as the impressive Lobby Lounge. Every desk clerk, bellman and bartender makes you feel like someone special. The guest rooms provide even more luxury. No appointment has been left without proper attention to every detail, from the thirstiest towels to the most comfortable beds to the best skin and hair care sundries. All of the TVs are high-definition flat screen models and even the furnishings themselves are an invitation to romance. The Don also features an elegant European-style spa, magnificent shops, a spectacular outdoor pool and spa and multiple lounges inside and out. In

other words, whether you want to enjoy the fun and funky nightlife of St. Pete Beach or never come out of the room except to eat, you won’t be disappointed at “The Pink Palace.”

Spectacular Dining At The Maritana Grille

The elegant Maritana Grille is the dining centerpiece of your stay at the Don. With a four-diamond rating from AAA the past 14 years, the Maritana Grille features New American cuisine with Floribbean accents. The food and its presentation even more spectacular than the huge aquariums, one of which is “protected” by CeSar, the resident moray eel. During my most recent visit to “The Pink Palace,” Executive Sous See “Don CeSar” on page 44.

CeSar, the moray eel, enjoys watching you eat dinner at the Maritana Grille.

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The Best Place To Shop For Her? T’s Boutique In The Grove! I have to admit that the main reason I keep coming back to T’s Boutique in the separate plaza in front of The Grove shopping center on Wesley Grove Blvd. (off S.R. 54) in Wesley Chapel isn’t the great selection of gifts “for her.” No, it’s because owner Theresa Loftin is a great, fun person to talk to who really knows the kind of gifts women want. Anytime I’m stuck when looking for a gift, I visit Theresa and she comes up with anything from a cool dress in University of Florida (or other schools’) colors to a great T-shirt for the upcoming Gasparilla parade to scented Tyler candles to beautiful, unique handbags and costume jewelry. T’s Boutique has everything from an extensive line of Vera Bradley handbags to hand-painted glassware for any occasion and so much more that it’s useless for me to try to describe everything in the store. All I can tell you is that if you’re looking for a unique gift for any woman of any age or size, with Theresa’s help, you can find the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or any day. But, speaking of Sunday, Febr uar y 14, Theresa is having a couple of special events prior to V-Day that will not only be fun get-togethers, they’ll also be great shopping opportunities. “Men are often at a loss when it

comes to buying something appropriate for Valentine’s Day,” Theresa says. “That’s why I figured that if I gave them a free keg to kill, I’d probably interest a lot of guys in coming here to shop for their special someones.” In fact, Theresa is offering two exclusive shopping days. The first, on Tuesday, Febr uar y 9, will be for women only and will feature free margaritas. Then, on Thursday, Febr uar y 11 (can you say “last minute?”), Theresa is a having an exclsuive “men only” shopping experience and yes, she is serious about that keg. “You’ll get as much free beer as you want and a chance to find the perfect gifts for all of your special someones,” she says. “How bad could that be?” T’s Boutique is located at 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 101. The store is open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more info about T’s upcoming exclusive pre-Valentine’s shopping days At T’s Boutique in The Grove in Wesley Chapel, you’ll find great gift ideas for her for Valentine’s Day, for men and women, call 973-4405. — GN from hand-painted glasses (top) to unique handbags & jewelry (bottom right), Gasparilla shirts and more!

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Here’s Some More Of Gary’s Favorite Valentine’s Day Options! Whether you’re shopping for your spouse, girlfriend or even your mom this Valentine’s Day, here’s a few of my favorites: • The most romantic restaurant — Charley’s Steak House? To me, a restaurant can’t really be all that romantic if the food isn’t great, so few things are more enticing to me than enjoying a full order of (in my opinion) the best tuna sashimi in the Tampa Bay area (and that’s saying a lot!) and the best New York strip steak (photo) in one outstanding meal at a very fair price. Plus, although I usually eat at the bar at Charley’s for the Manhattanlike ambience and people-watching, the restaurant does have some private dining areas for those seeking a more romantic backdrop for that great Valentine’s meal. Charley’s Steak House is located at 4444 W. Cypress St., of f the Lois Ave. exit of I-275. Call 3539706 to fi fin nd out more about Charley’s special Valentine’s Day menu Febr uar y 8-14.

• The most romantic European-style spa — Spa Moritz! We have lots of great salons and spas advertising with us, but there’s no doubt in my mind that if you want to get her a gift of a day of beauty, there is no more beautful, pampering locale than Spa Moritz, located on Commerce Park Blvd., opposite Freedom High in Tampa Palms. Spa Moritz is elegant and classylooking, has well-trained hair stylists, nail technicians and massage therapists and some of the best spa treatments you’ll find anywhere. That’s why I believe a gift card from Dyan and Dennis Piller’s Spa Moritz (photo) is one of the best gifts you can give to someone you really want to see smile. Spa Moritz is located at 17401 Commerce Park Blvd., in the Or thoTechnology building. Call 971-4772 or visit SpaMoritz.com for more information.

• The best place to buy that per fect rose bouquet — A Special Rose Florist! For me, the whole dozen red roses thing has been done to death, so I long ago decided that if I was giving a dozen roses, they’d have to be in assorted colors, just to be different. My friend Rose O’Berry at A Special Rose florist, located in the Shell gas station on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. just south of Tampa Palms, knows that I love giving roses of as many different colors as possible, so

she always has a great selection for me. At any rate, if you have to give roses this Valentine’s Day, I know you won’t find better quality flowers of any kind than you will at A Special Rose. And, order by Wed., Feb. 10, to get 10-percent off your order! Call A Special Rose Florist (14546 BBD Blvd.) at 979-9453 or visit ASpecialRose.com. — GN

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

“Don Cesar”

Continued from page 37

Chef Scott Lazlo created what he called an “amuse bouche,” but I called the most delicious crab cake ever. He said the cake, which was topped with a giant slab of Alaskan king crabmeat, was actually held together by chopped scallops instead of bread crumbs and topped with caviar. Yum! The rib lamb chops and pan-fried salmon were equally spectacular and the service was second-to-none. I also thought the Sunday brunch served in the Sea Porch Café was a deal at $19.95 per person, as the omelet station had every ingredient imaginable and the French press coffee and fresh baked goods rocked my world. In other words, if you’ve never been to the Don CeSar or haven’t visited recently, you owe it to yourself and your special someone to check it out. For more info about the DonCeSar, a Loews Hotel, call (727) 3601881 or visit LoewsHotels.com.

You can enjoy outstanding lamb chops (top) and crab cakes (left) at the Maritana Grille or have Thomas (above) make you the omelet of your dreams in the Sea Porch Café at the Don.

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For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.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 (see page 19), my 10year-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 NTNeighborhood 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 or a

Little Gracie Leigh really loves the Neighborhood News! 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, February 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 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Panda Buffet Is A GREAT Chinese Buffet! There, I Said It! By Gary Nager I will freely admit that I’ve never beemn a big fan of buffet-style Chinese restaurants. A buddy of mine back when I lived a few miles outside of New York City in Westchester Couny, NY, once summed it up this way: “I want my Chinese food to be so fresh that it sings to me. You can’t get that from heat lamps.” You can therefore imagine how skeptical I was when the new Panda Buffet restaurant opened last month in the Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms. Well, in this case, I was wrong. Owner Lixin Shi and his family have created a clean, comfortable, casual place with really good Chinese food at prices you can’t beat. Shi, who also owns the Golden China takeout place in Highwoods Preserve (behind Boston Market), has gone to great lengths to use delicious ingredients for dishes both commonplace and unique and best of all, the crowds of visitors have been big enough that the food never seems to sit so long as to get to the point where it seems or tastes like it’s been sitting out too long. The sushi bar at Panda Buffet provides standards like California roll and

unique items like seaweed salad roll, and all of the items I’ve sampled have looked and tasted fresh. I really like the appetizers, like the egg rolls, teriyaki chicken on a stick and pan-fried dumplings. I also have enjoyed the Brazilian beef with broccoli so fresh and crisp it might actually sing to you, the chicken with broccoli in garlic sauce and the ropast pork with mixed Chinese vegetables. The 100-item (I’m guessing) buffet bar, which allows you to enjoy all-you-can-eat of everything from fresh salads to fresh fruit, from pizza pies (seriously) to hot apple pies and from candied yams to you-peel-’em shrimp, all for the ridiculously low price of $6.99 for lunch, $9.99 for dinner on weekdays and $10.99 for dinner on Saturday and Sunday (when Panda Buffet adds fresh oysters on the half shell to your choices). And, crab lovers (like my son Jake) can simply add $4 to any lunch or dinner order and enjoy all the fresh snow crab legs you can eat. In addition, with the ad in this issue, you can get 10-percent off your bill Jan. 30-Feb. 6. Panda Buffet does also offer a complete a la carte dine-in and takeout menus, but trust me, you’re going to

want to try the buffet first, if only to see which dishes you like the best and to sample one of the best values in Chinese food anywhere in New Tampa — where seniors (60+) get a 10-percent discount, kids under 3 eat for free and kids 3-9 cost just $3.99 for lunch and $6.99 for dinner. Panda Buf fet (17012 Palm Pointe Dr. is open ever y day for lunch and dinner. Call 978-8938 or stop in and please tell any member of the Shi family we sent you!

At Panda Buffet, you can enjoy all you care to eat of great (clockwise from lower left): chicken with broccoli, you-peel-’em shrimp, fresh sushi, egg rolls and pan fried dumplings.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Neighborhood Nibbles—Checking Out World Of Beer & More! When last we checked in (in these pages) with Tampa Palms World of Beer (WoB) franchise owners Philippe Theodore and Jason Rappaport, they and their staff were at an event for Reeves Porsche-Audi serving a few of the hundreds of beers now being enjoyed every day at the new WoB in The Shoppes at The Pointe plaza in Tampa Palms, behind Olive Garden and next to Stonewood Grill & Tavern. The Tampa Palms location of WoB features a classy-looking bar area downstairs, a private upstairs party room and literally hundreds of beers from around the world — including dozens of the popular German and Belgian offerings, as well as most of my favorite beers from places like Japan, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Philippines. If you haven’t visited the Tampa Palms WoB yet, the weekend of this year’s biggest football game is a great time to try it. On Saturday, Febr uar y 6, WoB will have its Grand Opening party, featuring live music, complimentary food and other giveaways, as well as samples of many of WoB’s great selection of draft beers. If you can’t make it Saturday, you should definitely visit WoB for an awesome “Big Game” party on Sunday, Febr uar y 7. You’ll find lots of great

TVs and taps abound at the new World of Beer in Tampa Palms. flat-screen TVs, great beers, fine wines and a selection of finger foods you definitely should try. And, with the ad in this issue, you can get half off your first draft beer (through March 31). World of Beer is located at 17004 Palm Pointe Dr. For more information, call 632-0020 or visit WoBTampaPalms.com.

pork and beef brisket, plus macaroni and cheese and collared greens coming soon to The Shoppes at The Pointe. Bradley says Cole’s BBQ could open sometime in March. He also says his awesome semi-sweet homemade BBQ sauce is actually his Dad’s recipe. But, no matter who gets credit for creating it, the stuff is gooood! For more information about Cole’s BBQ, call 484-2013.

Celebrate Two Big Events At Café Ole! My friends at Café Olé in the

Cross Creek Center plaza on Cross Creek Blvd. hope you will try “A True Taste of Spain” at either of two upcoming events. First of all, call for details about Café Olé’s “Big Game” party on Sunday, Febr uar y 7. The following weekend, celebrate Valentine’s Weekend on Saturday, Febr uar y 13, with a fixed-price threecourse dinner, a Flamenco dance show and much more! Call Café Olé at 907-5242 for details about both events! — GN

Cole’s BBQ On The Way

The plaza that is now home to Panda Buffet (see previous page) and World of Beer will soon also be home to Cole’s BBQ. It just so happens that I met owners (and New Tampa residents Bradley and Tracey Cole on a recent visit to WoB and I was one of several people who got to sample some of the great BBQ chicken, ribs, sausage, sliced

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

Kumquats & Concerts Star On Our Entertainment Calendar 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 follow Westshore Blvd. into downtown Tampa.

The annual Dade City Kumquat Festival features plenty of old-fashioned family-friendly fun.

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.

Florida State Fair

Thursday, February 4-Monday, February 15 - According to organizers, this year’s Florida State Fair is going to be a “Super Fair,” with a whole host of new attractions, events and activities joining those you already know and love. For example, at this year’s fair, you can enjoy helicopter rides in the real “Batcopter” from the 1960s “Batman” TV show, an all-new Florida arts & crafts showcase and a World Village and International Talent Stage, featuring entertainment from around the globe. That’s in addition to the features that are making a return from last year’s line-up, such as the “Country Gold Tour” concert, FCW wrestling, “Fiesta Gigante Day,” sponsored by Univision TV, the finals of the Elvis Extravaganza Impersonators competition and four nights of breathtaking fireworks displays. In addition to regular fair admission tickets, which get you into the fair and the free events, there also are a number of package deals, discount ride days and other special offers for admission and special events. For complete information, visit www.floridastatefair.com.

John Mayer & The Black Eyed Peas

Friday, February 5 & Wednesday, February 10 - The first big con-

The pirates will be back to capture the city of Tampa during the 2010 Gasparilla Invasion. certs 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 Feeling,” “My Humps”) will bring their “The E.N.D. World Tour” to the

John Mayer will rock out at the St. Pete Times Forum on February 5. 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 3012500 for more information.

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

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com

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 RECEPTIONIST - Healthcare management company in Tampa Palms has a position open for a courteous, seasoned receptionist w/ multi-line phone system and experience and a willingness to help. Computer skills required - Please send resume to: Tamiami.resume@yahoo.com.

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.

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Animals’ Best Friend says, “Pets Deserve Good Love & Care, Even Times When You’re Not

These are the Color Classifieds Your Neighbors R E A D! Call Dave @ 910-2575 to order your ad today! 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. 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. 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.

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CLASSIFIED RATES 1 issue...........................$35 2 issues..........................$50 6 issues........................$120 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.

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).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Start your own Business. in 2010 partnering with the doctors who created Proactiv Solution. No parties, no inventory, no paperwork, no experience necessary, part-time, full time, free training, minimal start-up and huge earning potential. Call: Diane at 813-541-1114.

T A I C H I L E S S O N S Tai Chi Classes open to the public at Club Tampa Palms. New Beg. 6/week course. Tuesdays 7-8 pm starts Feb. 16th, Cost-$60. Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Focus. On going classes Tues. 2:30-3:30 pm, Wed. 8-9 pm. Cost-$10/class. Also personal instruction in Tai Chi, Kempo, Fitness training and more. With more then 28 years of teaching and training exp. Call Peter today to find out more #787-7560.

OWN A CATTLE FARM IN COSTA RICA 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.

For Advertising Information Call 813-910-2575 • Volume 18, Issue 3 • Januar y 30, 2010 • www.NTNeighborhoodNews.com